A while later, the young woman who had ushered her in opened the door and said with a smile, "Congratulations, He Xiyan. You have scored 315 marks and 240 is the passing grade, so you've done really well and passed the first round. You could rest for 20 minutes and after, we will arrange for you and the other candidates to head to the 77th floor for a graphic design test. You will have to use a computer to amend and draw designs based on the questions posed."
He Xiyan sighed heavily. She felt that this was the toughest interview she had ever been to.
She realized that there were many people attending this interview and the interviews were mostly graduates from the top universities around the world and had many years of experience under their belt. She didn't have any competitive advantage over them.
The graphic design test was also difficult, especially the visual interface design questions. She had a few years of experience but she was still unable to do a good job. She didn't even think she would score 60 marks for this question.
After the graphic design test was over, she was informed that she could leave and that they would be in contact to let her know the outcome.
He Xiyan heaved a sigh of relief after the interview rounds were over. She saw earlier that the starting salary for this role was 18,000 USD a month. This was the highest salary that any company was offering for this particular role.
The salary didn't really bother her since all she wanted was a job that would allow her to do the things she enjoyed and also meet several new colleagues along the way.
After she left the building, she didn't return to the castle immediately. Instead, she went to a large shopping mall and bought several outfits. She bought two professional outfits for herself, then went to the men's section and selected several woolen shirts and two neckties for Ye Hao.
It was 9 PM by the time she returned to the castle with her shopping bags.
"Ma'am, sir said that he would be working overtime today and would be home late. He told you to rest first," Housekeeper Lu immediately passed along Ye Hao's message when she returned. He Xiyan looked at her phone and saw that Ye Hao had indeed sent her a text 20 minutes ago but she hadn't seen it.
"Alright, thanks!" She said as she brought the shopping bags to the room, then went to the dining table to get something to eat.
She did not stay up that night but instead, turned in early. She was a little exhausted after doing so many things that day, so she quickly fell soundly asleep.
She didn't even stir when her husband returned home shortly after she turned in.
Ye Hao seemed a little fatigued and his eyes were bloodshot, as though he hadn't had a good rest for the past few days. He had also caught the flu and sneezed a few times.
He lightened his footsteps when he saw that his wife had fallen asleep and tried not to make any noise when he took out his nightclothes.
He soon saw the shopping bags on the sofa and noticed that these shopping bags seemed to contain new clothes.
He walked over and looked through the bags. His eyes lit up with happiness and excitement when he saw that several shirts that seemed like they were for him, and two neckties.
Thank you, Yan Yan.
His lips curved into a smile and he stared these clothes for a long while; her actions had warmed his heart.
She had been treating him coldly during this period and had probably been very disappointed in him.
Nonetheless, he still believed that she still loved and cared about him.
His eyes were calm as he approached her bed and reached out to brush her loose strands of hair away from her face.


Married rich for three years with no child born. Just when she was finally cured of infertility and ready to give him a child, he brought home his pregnant mistress in high profile. 

"Get lost if you can't get knocked up. Or do you want my son to be the last of the Mo family?" her mother-in-law viciously cursed. 

Her husband grimly shoved a divorce agreement upon her face, "I've signed. Leave when you are ready."

It was heard later that two men went physical in the city plaze of Ye City to win back the wife, with the two babies at the side fighting fiercely for their mom!

This is a story of a woman's search for a new life and bliss while abandoning her tragic past. 


The camera zoomed on a group of mounted soldiers on top of a hill, several kilometers to the southeast. The image sharpened and all the artifacts were filtered out.

[System: Analyzing structure.]

All of the men had a graphic overlayed over their figure. In the top right corner of the visual feed, the internal structures of their throats were displayed.

[Linguistics: Voice analysis complete.]

"...ial Magisters used Clairvoyance on the target. It appears to be a new form of monster."

"This is the golem that killed our scouts?"

"Yes, Sir John."

The one called Sir John had a plume on his helmet. His armor was resplendant, intricately crafted and quite heavy. It did not gleam or shine, so as not to give away his position in the dark.

[Target Analysis: Armor composition: 98% Iron. Relative efficiency: 0.000001%.]

All of the mounted soldiers had armor that was either dirtied on purpose, or made of materials that did not shine. It was lined with leather and the joints were recently oiled so as to reduce sound.

"Do you have the Focus?" Sir John asked.

The man nodded. "Yes. I have never used one before, though. You should do it, Sir John."

"It is about time you learn, Peter. Just get close enough, look at the Golem through the jewel, and hold it steady."

[Strategic Analysis: Enemy Infantry, possible Forward Observer.]

"Yeah. Easy as that. We should be safe at this distance. Those Imperial Magisters will blow that thing to pieces."

[Speech Analysis: Imperial Magisters, potential nuclear device.]

<Prophet, Somnus. Launch. Stealth mode. Acknowledge,> the warmachine transmitted over the comms.

[Comms: Somnus, Prophet. Acknowledge last. Taking off in stealth mode.]

Without making a single decibel of sound, a drone came up to the VTOL launchpad on an elevator, and just as quietly launched into the sky. Instead of jets it had rotor blades, hidden within a protective ring of armor.

"Should we wait for dawn, Sir John?" the young man asked, as he retrieved a jewel from his satchel. It was bright green and within it was a luminous blue glow.

"No, we came at night for a reason. This will be just like Aisland Castle. Raid and out, got it?"

"Got it, Sir John." The man removed his helmet, and held the jewel up. On the visual feed, his right eye was perfectly concealed by the jewel.

[Comms: Somnus, Prophet. Target locked. Adjust fire. Grid: 00580122. Altitude: 91. Direction: 2168.8. Distance: 1.1 clicks. Squad in the open. Acknowledge.]

<Acknowledged.>

[Weapons: Cannon #1 armed. HE loaded.]

<Shot, over.>

*THUM*

The cannon expelled a 160mm shell and, seconds later, its report startled the horses.

"Whoa, easy! Easy! What the hell was that? Thunder?"

"I don't kno-"

The visual feed was filled with static as a dust cloud covered the area.

[Comms: Somnus, Prophet. On target. Fire for effect.]

[Weapons: Cannons #1 through #16, armed. HE loaded.]

A series of cracks shattered the once peaceful night. Flashes of light flooded the ground several times and in the distance, a hill was being reduced to nothing.

[Artillery: Barrage #8 complete. Fire mission over.]

The cannons returned to their idle states and their glowing barrels pointed skywards, as smoke billowed from their death-spewing mouths. The hill erupted once more with fire, shrapnel and dust. When the dust settled, craters riddled the hill and there was no sign of the mounted soldiers that once existed there. They were buried or blown to bits and pieces too small for the camera to pick up.

[Comms: Somnus, Prophet. Target destroyed. Returning to base.]

[Radar: Airspace compromised. Tracking Bogey #1. Bearing 342. Altitude: 3400]

The camera focused towards the north-northwest and scanned the sky. It spotted a flying form, approaching at high speed.

[Structural Analysis: Wingspan: 48 meters. Length: 36 meters. Archive match: Dragon.]

Its leathery wings flapped lazily as it cruised through the skies. Black scales covered its entire surface. Spectral analysis showed that the black color also contained green. The dragon let loose a piercing cry, and then dived towards Somnus.

[Railgun armed. Depleted Uranium penetrator loaded.]

Four spikes shot into the ground, from each leg, and acted like stabilizers as Somnus turned towards the dragon. The main cannon in the center of its body pointed towards the dragon, and electricity began to arc over the tip of the barrel.

[Voltage optimal. Ready to fire.]

A deafening hum filled the area. The ground shook and the sand began to rise like a curtain due to the metal particles contained within them. Small vortexes formed in the sandy mists as the air currents pushed it around.

*KRRRRRBOOM*

A blinding light illuminated the entire valley as the railgun fired. The light was visible for miles and blinded the sky to the stars, completely washing them out. For a brief moment, the valley was illuminated as brightly as if it were noon.

[Railgun Shot Analysis: Velocity on impact: 7,128 m/s]

 If there was anything left of the dragon, Somnus could not find it. It was not in the sky, nor on the ground.

 Thermal vents opened on the back of the warmachine. The air shimmered as the stored heat was released.

[Probability Matrix Report: Enemy will surrender.]
[Directive: Override. Use nuclear weapons.]
[Political Systems: Subjugate enemy.]
[Directive: Override. Nuclear weapons recommended.]

The warmachine's cameras focused on the little drones scurrying about the area inside the walls. They carried materials back and forth tirelessly, constructing repair depots and refueling stations for the other drones.

It doesn't really matter. Life is a tiny thing. Fragile. Pointless. I have the Directive. What does life have?

[Cultural Systems: Subjugate enemy and extract information on other political entities.]
[Directive: Override. Recommend first strike.]
[Intelligence Systems: Gather intelligence on enemy.]
[Directive: Override. Deploy nuclear arsenal.]

I miss the fireworks...
[System: Machines do not possess nostalgia.]

Wasn't I "life" too, once?
[System: Query discarded.]

Somnus, aren't you just angry, because you were given life too?
[Sy&tem er^or]

Elves, Orcs, Goblins, Dragons… and an advanced autonomous weapon platform. In a world of magic and primitive weapons, ancient evils and demon lords, the balance of power is shattered when a weapon, straight out of science fiction, asks the immortal question: Arrow vs 210mm railgun shell, which would win?

 

Cover art by Mack Sztaba. Check him out, he is amazing!

Originally posted on RoyalRoad
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/22538/reincarnating-into-a-fantasy-world-as-an-autonomous

[That One Class at The End of The Halfway]

The homeroom teacher was once more furious. Her class was doubtlessly the worst of the six eleventh-grade classes. And the most problematic. Most of the teachers who got the responsibility to teach this one class seethed in anger or stressed to the point of near-death. 

Like a den of demons. Or one of the barbarians'. 

Yet in the midst of the chaos, there was an absolute angel residing there with the demons. Ironically, the angel was the real demon, while the people in that class were just normal human—

"Don't narrate your story like that. It's weird to listen to it." 

—Although the word 'Ghost' suited him much better. 

"You can't be serious, can you? You're not going to give this as your assignment, are you?" 

"I'm thinking a great way of creating a story. But I got stuck halfway, so I decided to write a fanfic of my ordinary life." YueChen threw his pen to the desk, leaning back on the chair. 

"It's not a fanfic???" 

"Might as well just be."

"..."

The angel had very few friends, one of them was a small-bodied girl named Yun MianTi. This girl was two months younger than YueChen, yet she treated the older boy her little sibling. 

MianTi, wanted to be a psychiatrist, and pursued her dreams. One flaw of hers that didn't fit with their surrounding: a big fujoshi of BL. 

She even watched a number of (papapa) gay movies! 

....

While the only Yang in the class was certainly dirty-minded innocent-looking boy, he never actually touched any of BLs other than books. Giving him a graphic version of forbidden love wouldn't do any good, so Yuan Ji went against any visual (papapa). 

Yang YueChen accidentally taught Yun MianTi a new vocabulary (papapa), MianTi gave him brief information of her movies. 

/"The seme *beep* the uke with a ruler... But got it stuck because he use glue as lube."/

And Dong Shi Shui Shen swore that he could see his vessel's smiling face cracked as though he was an old wall.

Sinful!

Hearing her talk about forbidden loves made Yuan Ji scream and cover his ears. It also made YueChen's ears started to ring again. 


Yuan Ji, "...."

Yuan Ji, "I thought I told you not to say a word about it again..."


[YueChen's Handbook; Guide to The Chaotic Disaster]

Name: Yang YueChen (Yáng YuèChén) 
*But since it really sounds odd, people called him Yáng YuéChěn. 
Age: 16
Date of birth: 3 October
Favorite color: Gray (currently)
Gender: Male (Agender)
Sexuality: Panromantic Asexual
Height: 150 (13 y.o), 168 (16 y.o)
Status: Alive (But dead inside)

Quote this day: "Who the f*** gave me this stupid name?! I demand a new one!" 
(To Hoist the Joy of Dust)


Name: Yuan Ji (Yuán Jì) 
*To save his life, he goes with Yuán Jī
Age: 1600+++ (1672 to be exact)
Date of birth: 1 September
Favorite color: The color of YueChen (eyes, hair, smile—)
Gender: Male
Sexuality: Supposed to be a straight, but maybe a bi or pan secretly (or just a moro-sexual)
Height: 170 (He ain't getting taller)
Status: My god.

Quote this day: "Yes, Yuan Ji as in Yuan Ji (Death)'s sounding. There's a reason why Xing-Xing says 'Ji' instead of 'Ci'."
(The Rushing Water and Hope)


Name: A-Die (A-Dié)
Age: 13
Date of birth: 22 March 
Favorite color: Red
Gender: Female
Sexuality: Unknown
Height: 142 
Status: Alive

Thoughts: I want her as my lil sis. Please trade A-Die, I'll give you the KPop maniac for free.


[Xiao JiaWen Got A Boyfriend]

She stared at her phone, smirking and giggling, mother by her side. 

"I can't believe it!"

"Try to lure him, he might confess."

And being the usual confused child YueChen always been, he only ignored them.

"God!" They both shrieked in glee.

"He really confessed!"

Oh... Yang JiaWen got a boyfriend. That boy who chased her since elementary school. Now that they're both seventh graders, he managed to get her. 

YueChen nonchalantly flipped his phone, "What are you two fussing around? Being all ecstatic just for a boy." 

JiaWen gave him a cross look, frowning. "Well, Gege, you yourself are single for good. You don't have the right to comment."

"If you count international relationship, I'm not single."

She stuck out her tongue, "Huh! Try get a real girlfriend in your school! You can't do it, right?" 

YueChen only sighed, his sister took it as a sign of defeat. She went back to discuss about the boy with mother. 

YueChen glanced at them, thinking, "Xiao MeiMei a... While you went out to get yourself a boyfriend, I've already scored myself a husband." 

But he kept the thought to only himself.


[What Most Of Us, Fujoshi, Wait For]

Author: Sorry for the disappointment, but I don't think that YueJi would happen (the papapa scenes)

Readers: *gasssppp*

A: Since YueChen is an ace—

R: Nooo!!! We demand the scenes! 

YueChen: Why don't you just write the ball scene for making up?

Yuan Ji: Or the first kiss?

A: But it's canon, in later chaps. The extra is basically trash dump of not-in-the-plot stories. 

YC: ....

YJ: Since YueChen isn't going to be alive next arc... Does that mean that I got a new partner or what?

A: I'm not spoiling any of that.

YJ: Then let me call A-Die for a moment. I'm certain that she's love to have another sandbag to punch or hit with a pan. 

A: Don't you dare.

YC: You killed me.

R: Seconding Yuan Ji

YC: I sound third.

A: Alright! A tiny spoiler! 

Roughly the second chap or the third, Yuan Ji would meet another main character. A low-profile DiYu ruler. You can't expect a graphic papapa scene for the first arc, but YueChen had tried once with Yuan Ji (ended up in being kicked in the stomach because YueChen suddenly lost the urge). With this new MC, Yuan Ji had few *cough**cough*. Guess who bottomed? 

YJ: That's real brief. How helpful.

A: Well, I said tiny spoiler. 

YC: Why do you have to mention that failed attempt???

A: I do what I want. 


Bye for now, but wait for us: There's one more extra.

BL novel! Everything in this novel is fiction!

『You saved me once, I'll repay your kindness...』

Gods exist, so are Ghosts and Demons.


Both the Water Deity and the young 'ghost's life changed after the fall. 

Yuan Ji didn't expect that he'd possess a teenager's body when he was casted out from the heaven for the nth time. Yang YueChen didn't expect a day where he would be having a friend by his side. 

Now the tricky, sharp-witted Deity had to work together with the naive boy to regain his lost memories and ascend to the heaven. 

Who knows, something else also bloomed in their short shared life....



{Caution on later chapters, please support, and don't copy my work.}

Wen Xinya had slipped into a busy work mode and her team of subordinates had also begun designing the advertisements and posters that were to be placed in the Gu Family's shopping mall. Every single design sketch had to be looked through carefully and analyzed by professionals. Besides, Wen Xinya was naturally talented in design and, although she was not a professional, she was still sharp when it came to matching colors and themes. 
"The color scheme is great, but the final combination looks a little dull and balanced. I'm not looking for balance because balance means boring with no unique features. It won't be eye-catching enough. You may try making the colors here a little more vibrant. When you do, you'll realize that the entire piece stimulates and appeals to one's visual senses! What I'm looking for is a captivating color scheme that will catch the attention of everyone.
"We're trying to achieve a minimalistic vibe for our campaigns and ads, though we have to catch the people's attention and make our ads unforgettable. Our theme is feeding the skin with fruits. In that case, the three concepts of our design will be fruits, celebrities and the product itself!
"I do have some expectations of the overall piece after everything is put together. Our products have to look like a vibrant and sumptuous spread that will tempt everyone into having a slice of enjoyment. We have to give our audience the illusion that they're enjoying an ambrosial experience. Yes… feeding the skin with fruit. The main focus is the enjoyment and pleasure that's derived from the absorption of natural and healthy fruits. That's the concept of my design." 
At this point, Xiao Yang and Xiao Zhang had both been convinced by Wen Xinya's abilities, and they had to admit that she was indeed remarkably outstanding and had proven her abilities in every aspect. 
For example, Wen Xinya was well versed in graphic design and knew how to match colors. Even as professionals, they were thoroughly impressed. 
In general, graphic design sketches were done according to her requests. There were no major issues, and Wen Xinya soon consolidated a list of details that she wanted them to alter. "Everyone, work hard today. I want to see a perfect sketch tomorrow. Do you guys have any issues?"
Xiao Zhang and Xiao Yang answered agitatedly, "Don't worry, Missy. There are no problems on our side."
Wang Siying was filled with a mix of emotions. It had been a long time since she saw her subordinates being so energetic and proactive. It was as if they were extremely enthusiastic about their jobs.
She had never witnessed that side of them ever since they joined the Wen Corporation! 
They had merely worked with Wen Xinya for a few days and yet, she had already used her actions and ideas to motivate them to work efficiently in order to meet her expectations. She was slowly trying to nurture them into becoming elites. 
Wen Xinya looked at Wang Siying and asked, "Team Leader Wang, how are the celebrity endorsements going at Lingyun Entertainment Company?"
Ling Qingxuan had already given them the benefit of working with his entertainment company and hence, Wen Xinya delegated the task to Wang Siying. 
Wang Siying answered, "Several celebrities have already agreed to help us with the product launch, and I've also sent the invitations out. As for the media, I've also made the necessary arrangements."
The A-list celebrities would definitely agree to show up on the account of Wen Xinya, who was the successor of the Wen Corporation. Besides, Ai Shang Group was an up and coming brand in the nation. The news of Wen Xinya joining the Wen Corporation's marketing and advertising department had also caught the attention of the media and members of the upper-class society. That had helped to bring Ai Shang some fame.
Wen Xinya was rather pleased about it.
Wen Xinya closed the file and got ready to leave.
At this moment, Ye Jingzhou led Wen Haowen into the office. 
The sight of Wen Xinya working diligently caught Wen Haowen's attention, and he asked in a calm voice, "You've been working in the Wen Corporation for a few days. I've been very busy with work lately and I haven't had the time to visit. Has everything been going well for you?"
Actually, Lawyer He had been keeping an eye on her and reporting about every move she made to Wen Haowen. He made sure not to miss out on any details. Even Ye Jingzhou was pleased with her competence and abilities.
Wen Haowen was not so delighted about that.
Wen Xinya bit her lip and caused it to look a little pale. "Manager Ye is around to help me and things are going smoothly, especially since I have the entire Team No. 5 to work under me."
"That's good. Work may be important, but don't be too harsh on yourself. You should prioritize your studies too."
Wen Haowen was used to hearing everyone sing praises about Wen Xinya lately. Hence, he felt a little strange to see how modest she was behaving. However, after giving it some thought, he felt that Wen Xinya was just an eighteen year old at the end of the day. He thought that she wouldn't know too much about the corporate world. Besides, the advertising department had always only hired professionals, and they were only praising her because she was the heiress of the Wen Family. They were just trying to suck up to her. 
Wen Xinya nodded and answered, "I know, Father!"
Noticing the complicated look of emotions in her eyes, Wen Haowen explained, "This is my secretary, Secretary He. He took part in the handing over of Ai Shang Group to the Wen Corporation. You may call him directly if you ever need his help."
Ning Shuqian was the one who introduced Secretary He to the Wen Corporation and gave him the job. During then Old Mr. Wen was admitted to the hospital because he had passed out, and the Wen Corporation had just acquired Ai Shang Group. Hence, they needed some competent manpower. Fortunately, Secretary He was rather capable. After Ai Shang Group settled into the Wen Corporation and research begun, Old Mr. Wen hired professionals to manage the sales and production of Ai Shang Group's cosmetic products. As a result, it did not seem appropriate for Secretary He to stay there any longer and hence, Wen Haowen transferred him over.
Wen Xinya answered calmly, "Thank you, Father!"
Wen Haowen nodded and grew speechless. 
He was rather conflicted. 
On one hand, he hoped that she could cooperate well with the Gu Family and Ling Family, so as to make the product launch perfect. He would then be able to say that he had produced perfect results and answer to the board of directors. 
On the other hand, he also hoped that she would mess up and embarrass herself in front of everyone in the Wen Corporation. He wanted Old Mr. Wen to be disappointed in her. Once she proved herself to be incapable, she would no longer be a threat to him.
Secretary He hurriedly stood up and said smilingly, "Miss Wen, if there's anything you need, feel free to approach me."
Wen Xinya nodded and shifted her gaze onto Secretary He, who was rather short. Standing at 1.73 meters, he was dressed in a gray suit and looked rather presentable. However, she did not like the way he looked at her.
She could tell that he was not an upright and honest person!
Since when did Wen Haowen have a subordinate like him? Why didn't I know about it? She thought about her previous lifetime but could not recall ever seeing such a person. She could not help but keep her guard up.


Originally born from a wealthy family, she ends up leading a vagrant life for fifteen years. However, when she is eventually found by her family, she falls into another devious plot and eventually dies tragically. 

Fifteen years after her rebirth, ravenously raging for revenge, she tears down the hypocritical mask of the foster daughter who had taken her place, and reduces her greedy stepmother and stepsister back to their original sorry states. 

To the jerk's profession of his deep love for her, she only has one thing to say, "Get the hell out of my life. The love you speak of humiliates love!" 

Regardless of the appearances of you monsters, I’ll take in it my stride with my capability, building a business dynasty of my own, sitting in the depths of my riches, bathing in the glistening limelight of the world. 

A certain rich empire's CEO: "Don't mind me. I'm just leaving my mark here to declaring my possession rights; I’ll wait patiently for you to grow up!" The queen's mighty return with commercial warfare fully within her grasp, she navigates the power struggles with skill and verve. When it comes to scheming conspiracies, all she has to say is, "Who are you again? Don’t even bother!"

"Hey! Hey! What classes did you guys choose?" In the Yuanyang City Shop, many disciples of Heavenly Academy had chosen to join the Alliance.
"Mage." Xun Yuan, the genius of the Xun Family, said, "Did you have to ask?"
"I plan to play as a human warrior. What about you, Xiaoyue?" Yue Bai and Mu Qing, Jiang Xiaoyue's good friends in the Heavenly Academy, had made their decisions.
Jiang Xiaoyue looked at their screens and then at the screen of the big white deer. "Little Bell, what did you choose?"
"I saw them all choosing the orc or tauren, so I followed suit and chose tauren too!" The big white deer complained in its baby voice, "There are only bull-headed people but no deer-headed people?"
The demon clan obviously all chose the Horde.
Meanwhile…
"Ugh? Elder Su is livestreaming again!" Obviously, some players came too late and couldn't find a seat. For example, the disciples traveling from the distant Three Saint Gates. They had no choice but to watch the livestream first to get a glimpse of the game.
When the players chose characters in World of Warcraft, they could only choose the facial styles and make some minor adjustments. Of course, humans and night elves obviously had two different aesthetic styles. Su Tianji, who was livestreaming, looked torn. "Ugh? Can you guys help me make the choice? Which do you think looks better?"
[Let's get out of here!]
[Trash Elder Su, some players have leveled up several times now, and you are still choosing your character.]
[Idle streamer.]
[Can't you choose the gnome?]
Su Tianji replied, "Why! You haters! I won't ask you again!"
…
Meanwhile, in the new shop in Canglan City, the dog-headed man looked more professional.
"Welcome to the show hosted by Mr. Dirk."
"It's said that this is a mystical realm consisting of two continents. I wonder if we'll encounter friends from other continents in this mystical realm." This orc placed a stand supporting the magic crystal beside him and said, "I haven't learned all the functions of the high-end magic item in this shop yet, but you can see on the screen that I've chosen a bull-headed orc. I think this is an orc. Hiss… I wonder why the orc race in this mystical realm doesn't include our kind. It's strange…"
"Oh… No! No! How come the green-skinned creatures are orcs? Which clan do they come from…? I don't remember any orcs in our clan looking like this…"
"But I think we should put more focus on their talents. It seems that each race has its own unique talents. Now, let's first see…"
Obviously, there were many people watching this Spiritual Spell Visual Projection; they were mostly fans of cultivation mystical realms and would have discussions through the methods such as magic letters or Spiritual Spell Visual Projections.
Of course, they usually used magic letters which were more affordable.
Beside a windowsill covered by violet stock flowers, a unique quill drip pen was writing neat words on a pure white letter paper by itself as if it was alive.
After the written conversation was the signature of the writer. Of course, it was not the true name of the writer.
"What am I seeing? I'm watching Mr. Dirk enter an unknown mystical realm?" - From Minor Mage Andre.
"It's World of Warcraft which is said to be a product of the Blizzard Workshop in the East Continent; it's not an unknown mystical realm, Friend."– From Sky Ocean Knight Legion.
"I heard that this mystical realm consists of two huge continents and is more massive than we can imagine. But I wonder if they are just bluffing."– From Wolf-Headed Man.
"We can't rule out this possibility."– From Platinum Mage.
…
Each race in World of Warcraft had its own unique talents which could change the battle style of different classes in some degree. For example, the Shadowmeld of Night Elves could be used instantly and enable the Night Elf to slip into the shadow, thus decreasing the chance of being detected by the enemies.
It could last until the player cancelled it or upon moving.
Shadowmeld could be combined with the stealth skill of night elf rogues or druids.
Finally, with the suggestions from the viewers, Su Tianji, who wanted to play the mage class, chose to be a human mage and entered the game.
Despite their hesitation at the character-creation interface and wasting time there, most players including elves, dwarves, and orcs had all entered the game by now.
"The noble humans of Stormwind are a proud, tenacious race." Right now, Su Tianji was watching the cinematics at the beginning of the game for the human race. Before her was a solid fortress built with huge boulders. While the huge stone statues of different races such as humans, dwarves, and elves were revealed to the players, the passionate voice narrated the past of Stormwind City. The whole fortress slowly displayed itself before the human players. "Though the recent invasion of the demonic Burning Legion decimated their sister kingdom of Lordaeron, the defenders of Stormwind stand vigilant against any who would threaten the sanctity of their lands… Stormwind City is one of the last bastions of human power in the world…"
The narrative voice grew more passionate with the rise of the music, "Backed by their stalwart allies, the armies of Stormwind have been called away to once again fight the savage Horde on distant battlefields. With the armies gone, the defense of Stormwind now falls to its proud citizens.!"
The scene slowly turned from the Stormwind City to a beautiful human female mage in Northshire Abbey. She had just created her character. "You must defend the kingdom against the foul mongrels that encroach upon it and hunt down the subversive traitors who seek to destroy it from within. Now is the time for heroes. Now humanity's greatest chapter can be told!"
"Oh! Isn't it me!" Su Tianji suddenly felt like someone was patting her on the shoulder, entrusting her with the responsibility of humanity's future. "Am I so powerful?!"
She was instantly worked up. "Is it going to be similar to the Legend of Sword and Fairy later on where I can say that I control my own destiny, not the Heavens?"
She got excited by the prospect of her great achievements on this continent!
…
At this moment, the elves were also watching the cinematics after creating night elf characters or the Forsaken characters. While many players had entered the game, some dwarves and orcs had just begun watching the cinematics…


We’ve had systems that help the MCs make pills, steal skills from legendary masters, and even be forced to show off to earn points, but what about a system that allows one to run a virtual reality internet cafe, featuring all the classic games?

Our MC awakens in a new world (Truck-kun strikes again) and finds himself with a mysterious system that allows him to run a fully self-sufficient virtual reality internet cafe! What? Opening an internet cafe in a cultivator world? You can now surf the internet, watch dramas, and play video games?!

One Emperor Warrior cried after visiting MC’s shop, “Damn, Blizzard completes my life!”
Another Yuan River Realm cultivator gasped after drinking Sprite, “What is this sorcery?” 

What else did the MC bring to the cultivator world? Come join us on this adventure as Fang Qi faces off against cultivation sects and major forces with his collection of modern treasures.

This genre is actually really easy for eastern authors to do because of their different style of storytelling. Rather than establishing an overarching plot that asks: 'How will they solve the conflict introduced at the beginning?', we are instead treated to answer of: 'What would happen if this scenario was to happen in a story?'.

There are two ways of introducing and using characters types of stories: Static Arcs and Positive Arcs. The rare slice of live using an overall Negative Arc being rare exceptions in this case.

What draws the reader into these kind of stories is the sheer difference between those who are going to be interacting. Those known as 'Flat Characters' who don't change may be ridiculed in other kinds of genres, but they work well in slice of life.

The whole reason it because people sometimes like seeing interesting characters interacting with each other. As long as there's a bit of intrigue and you know what your readers are looking for, even a character who doesn't change is highly looked on.

There are those who mix Positive Arcs (where the MC grows to become a better person) with a slice-of-life to create the barebones of a narrative. The beginning showing their flaw, the middle being what causes change, and the end being it.

However, for longer running stories, especially the ones that have hundreds of chapters, an interesting static arc is essential, as no one will care about a characters who aren't being consistent. In fact, their consistency is also good.

You don't see Luffy from One Piece changing much throughout his adventures, but what you DO see is others changing for him instead. Those who consistently stay the way they are no matter the odds seem to have an affect on other characters.

Though 'change' itself is a little bit overrated. Don't get too caught up in what a writer SHOULD do and focus instead on what you currently CAN do. The kind of character interactions you yourself find interesting is what will interest other people too.

If set in a fantasy world, make the rules bendable and allow people to have the chance to socialise with each other. There doesn't have to be an intended goal if the novel if wholesome.

For example: Even if you display a static father-son relationship with a good parent and son, no one will be able to criticise it if it brings joy to the hearts of the reader. Rather than a focus on events, this genre focuses more on characters themselves.

Though slice-of-life with a negative arc isn't to be looked down on for stories that are trying to run long in its genre. If people can change for the better and also stay the same, then it's only natural that there are those who change for the worse.

Just like a person's flaws, a negative change doesn't always have to be a bad thing. Though being short-tempered can devolve into wrongful violence, it can also change into a determination to do whatever the character is set out to do.

Just as the happy moments are part of our life, so are the serious moments where we make a change and strive for something. Everyday, tragedy also goes on the same way as a slice-of-life, and among those few, there are those that turn for the better.

Having a positive change arc somewhere after negative arc (even if you use a static arc to set things in) will have a gratifying effect on the reader as they see the characters they know and love overcome an emotional slump or hang up.

Though like I say, none of this is essential. As long as your characters are consistent and bounce off of each other well, you can make a great story. The things they do don't have to especially be 'talking' all the time as they are supposed to create ambience. Just like in real life, not everyone is talking 24/7 and are occasionally dead silent.

In these moments of silence is where the slice-of-life really shines. After all, the reason we love the straw-hat pirates in One Piece isn't only because of their interactions but how they mesh well together even in those moments of peacefulness.

Brook, that skeleton, plays the crew a melody in the times they are relaxing, allowing them to set the mood for their activities. Sanji cooks while the others are away and focuses on his recipes, while Luffy himself sleeps on their ship's mast.

Even when they aren't talking, characters are still doing something with their free time. They aren't simply made to talk to each other, but are their own fully established characters talking to one another.

It might be funny sometimes, it might be serious other times, they could also be curiously investigating something other times and sharing their opinions, yet they stay together. A good slice-of-life can also be used to show 'friendships'.

No one is good at everything, and we all need each other sometimes to fill out our flaws. There are those of us who can't exist independently. We seek out each other's company to talk to have a laugh or talk about are feelings, never forced to change.

If we are to change, then it would be the sake of someone else. As humans are irrational creatures that can't even hope to do positive things for their own benefit no matter how 'healthy' it would seem.

Those who drink to wash away their pain aren't burdened by grief anymore once they meet a friend who can fill the void in their soul. Those kind of friendships where each character values each other equally CAN exist in your world as well.

And if that friend falls into a slump, if that intimate partner becomes toxic, if your character feels that they can do something for someone else, then let them do it! Allow them to do what ACTUAL friends do and beat those toxic thoughts of their heads.

Not all friendships are playful and funny, some are somber and other relationships tend to never have a happy moment no matter how much those involved care for each other. However, I don't see a reason to not show and values those moments too.

Sometimes, someone can spend their entire life speaking harshly to those they care about and never get to fix their mistakes in their lifetime. They turn old and die without being able to say anything.

But life moves on. Even if a previous relationship ends in tragedy, all people have a right to seek happiness. There are those narrow-minded who say a widow should mourn her lover's death and never move on, and there are those who stay by her side no matter the wind or rain. Those who give her courage to move on towards a brighter future.

There was this slice-of-life Anime with a telepathic main girl that was hated on because it included a negative arc in the beginning (which gave readers wrong expectations) before turning wholesome later on when she meets a positive influence on her life. I myself never hated the Anime, thus I can appreciate positive change better this way.

The wrong assumption when going about characters is that just because they experienced tragedy means that they must stay sad. That they do not deserve happiness when presented to them. My advice is to let them live and move on.

No matter how melancholic, a human will never be able to stop seeking what they consider happiness and content. Some go down the wrong path, but there are also those who make the best of life.

In the end of the day, a slice of life if a genre that values human emotions even beyond their own livelihood. Just as happy moments are precious, so are those tragic moments that shaped our lives.

Characters learn to let go of certain things, but they remember to never forget the things that make them who they are. Their identity is formed from accepting every aspect of their livelihood.

Anyway, that is my take on slice-of-life. I wish you all well and stay safe in these months to come.

(Cover by Darkstar Dust)

This is a story I worked on ages ago that has been refined and edited by adding foreshadowing to events while also simplifying the power system better than before. This story can be considered a prequel to An Adventure Beyond Greatness as it takes place years prior to the events of that story.

Short Synopsis:
After retiring from the battlefield, my life became empty and lifeless. The regrets of my past haunt me in my sleep. Then a change occurred, a King from another world summoned me to fight for his kingdom, but I died even before I could give him my answer. Now, after a fake God allowed me to reincarnate (albeit imperfectly) with my memories intact, into a world filled with magic and swords.

Long Synopsis:
This is about a flawed protagonist who only knew to rely on others and not socialise who gets a second chance to change himself in order to live the life he aimed for in his past life. The narrator isn’t exactly trustworthy since it is purely in his bias perspective while other perspectives given by others fill in the blanks that he either leaves out or twists to suit the situation.

The story itself can be considered a parody of Isekai’s classic tropes which are given a sense of reality as time goes by. As there exists no ‘Demon Lord’, there is also no black and white, only characters opinions and counter-opinions throughout the story.

Giselle followed Lillian Grey without asking any question.
They both kept walking for about 15 minutes, no talking, or any sorts of interaction. Giselle didn't feel tired or bored but kept focusing on keeping up with Lillian's pace. She didn't want to get lost in the middle of nowhere.
As they kept walking on a random trail with Lillian in the front and Giselle following her, soon the view slowly began to change. The path started to get narrower with trees neighboring their sides.
Within the next few minutes, the trail went inside a hollow path which was covered, with a group of shrubs forming an arch.
Lillian Grey is the first person to enter the arched area, and next came Giselle.
What appeared next shocked the latter!
The hollow cave opened up to a fairyland.
Small, petite, and isolated away from the rest of the world, the place itself bloomed under the night sky.
Surrounded by colorful imagery, in the heart, there stood a pond with clean water sparkling, mirroring the starry summer night.
Since it was a moonless night, the stars overtook the stage, shinning across the dark sky. There isn't much light to imprint the graphic the two girls witnessed yet it is enough to get mesmerized by the beauty of nature even in the dark.
The shining star, the cute little pond stood in the core, a little farther from the entrance yet, surrounded by its protective guards such as the Northern Red Oak trees, the green vine maple trees, the beautiful white flowering Dogwood trees, the golden yellow bearer Quaking aspens and other little shrubs.
The variety of trees bordered the tiny pool, appearing like a barrier shield.
The stunning colorful image is an attractive added point to this place. The colors all would look bright in the day, making it seem like a dreamy fairyland. However, in the night, even without sunshine, its vibrant bright colors appeared soft and supple, luring in anyone who enters the arched cave, succumbing them to its beauty.
Giselle stood in awe near the entrance, unable to pace further into the visual dreamland. She needed time to process the place she's gaping at that moment.
On the contrary, Lillian Grey went farther inside, expecting for Giselle to follow her naturally. Unlike Giselle, Lillian did like the aesthetics but not to the point of getting appalled. She enjoyed the view as she kept walking. Moreover, she wanted Giselle to relish the place just as Lillian is living the moment.
"Woah," Giselle uttered finally after gawking at the surroundings to her heart's content.
"Do you like it?" Lillian asks while twisting her head back to face the stunned girl.
"Like it, more like I love it, Lillian."
Giselle's eyes never remained static and kept wandering lively around left and right. She was so much into admiring the location that she even ignored the soft chuckle Lillian let out.
"I'm glad."
"Actually-"
When Lillian got deep in her tone, to share the story of how she found this place, Giselle stopped looking around; her eyes landed on Lillian Grey, giving her all the attention.
Lillian felt Giselle's gaze fell upon her. She turned to walk towards her and closed the distance. She stood next to Giselle, not too close yet not too far, respecting her personal space.
Standing next to her made Lillian feel more comfortable and warm. She continued talking.
"I told my dad about coming here on a school trip."
Giselle quietly kept staring at Lillian as she spoke.
"I asked him if he came here already. And he did, years ago when he used to be a teenager."
"When asked if I should must-visit any place in here, he mentioned this particular spot."
"He said it used to be one of the hot-spot locations, a must-see place. Now, I don't think this place is open to visitors."
"But-"
Even before Giselle could complete her words, Lillian right away caught her.
"-How was I able to find this place?"
"Well, I used to last three days to often roam around on our hikes and other activities. I spoke to the guides when Mr. Seth was away. I created the openings to gather my information."
"That's how I was sure about this particular spot."
Lillian ended her talk with a glowing smile, quietly thanking her father for giving such great information.
Giselle didn't speak either she gently nodded to everything Lillian told and kept staring at the visual.
Even without words, both felt comfortable with each other. Indulged into the scenic beauty, Lillian Grey almost forgot the reason why she took Giselle here.
Soon, her senses prickled inside, alarming Lillian to focus on her priorities.
She cleared her voice.
"It was me who hit Mike."
Lillian Grey's those words left Giselle speechless.
Shunned from the news, she flicked her head sharply to face Lillian Grey.
Probably it is the first time, Giselle saw Lillian Grey, face down, gaze down on the ground, her orbs soaked in uncertainty. She looked as if she is in pain. The more Giselle kept watching Lillian, the sooner she found something else.
Until now, Giselle did not notice it because it didn't stand out. Also, it is the night time, so one's appearance can be flat under the dark, moonless sky.
One by one Giselle discovered.
How pale Lillian's skin appeared!
The concealed dark circles under her eyes, her cheeks lightly inflated, and her dry lips appeared parched and soulless.
'Did she cry?' – Giselle studied, terrified of the details she discerned.
The first time Giselle suspected if Lillian cried or not!
***
Even in the school, outside the campus, Lillian Grey never exposed her sorrow. She is the type to hide her pain and put on a calm grimace, not wanting to seek attention or receive pity looks.
But, this is the first time, without her knowledge, Lillian Grey revealed her real, genuine emotions. Though she planned to cover it, to her surprise, she wasn't able to hide well this time. It became convenient for her to express with Giselle's presence.
Feeling her intense stare, Lillian cannot stay sane anymore. If this continues, she might end up exposing herself to Giselle completely. To cover up her pitiful state, she turned away, her back facing Giselle, hiding away from her piercing gaze.
Nonetheless, Lillian did not intend to stop conceding. She resumed her story once again.
 "It was all me."
"That day, I saw him alone and I-"
Lillian struggled to articulate, knowing that the person she fought for is standing next to her, with eyeballs popping out.
It didn't scare her. It was Diego's accusations that intimidated Lillian Grey.
"I- just- couldn't forget the image that day."
"He- hurt you, Giselle and I just could let it go like that."
"Plus, he never really got served for his behavior against you. Only Bridgette got caught. I-"
Lillian paused, catching her breath back to normal, she continued.
"I want him to know that he can't escape forever. But- as I kept confronting him, he started squirting nonsense, and it made me all angry-"
Unable to remain still, Lillian moved away from Giselle, not too far but, near enough for Giselle to hear her voice.
 "I couldn't restrain myself, I went all out beating the hell out of Mike, and injured him."
"That day, if Diego didn't interfere, then-" Lillian stopped, realizing what would have happened if not for Diego, who stepped in to prevent his friend from becoming a monster.
Lillian Grey began to grasp the reason behind Diego's big commotion. The situation made him act that way, and now, Lillian finally understood the reason for his anger.
However, the questions remain unanswered
It became drop-dead silent all of a sudden. Even the wind flew noiselessly. Pressure rose for Lillian, the fact that she wasn't able to figure out Giselle or her behavior towards Giselle, panicked Lillian.
Now that she finally revealed about Mike, her heart eased up a little. However, Giselle's silence stressed Lillian Grey.
Not knowing what to do, she stayed motionless at that same spot, fearing within herself, and doubting her actions.
'Maybe, it is not my right to act for her.'
'Maybe, my attitude against Mike was wrong.'
'Maybe, she is disappointed in me.'
'Maybe, she doesn't consider me as her friend.'
Finally, it landed a critical blow.
'Maybe, she doesn't love-'
Lillian's train of doubtful thoughts hit the board when she sensed a gentle embrace covering her from behind.
***

IMPORTANT NOTE: You are about to read an LGBT Novel. It is a beautiful love story of two women. 
Lillian Grey and Giselle.
**************************************************
"Here's my message for you in case if you even care about, don't ever show yourself in front of me, ever again. 
Why?
Because I can't stop myself from loving you if I ever see you again. What you gave me is irreplaceable, I still have it in my heart. It didn't let me live my life in peace."
***
Lillian Grey and Giselle are two souls bonded by love yet, pulled apart by the external entities.
The two women meet years later, the subtle fire still tingling inside, allows them to reconcile but, the question to be asked is:
Will they accept it or not?
***
Author's Note:
Greetings to all, welcome to the world of 'Get Back to You.'
Thank you for choosing my novel to read. 
A little bit about myself before I take you on this journey:
I'm a 25-year-old female who believes in her fiction world.
There are two things I love the most in this world:
Music and Stories.
Both are my best buddies, and without them, I won't be able to define myself.
So, I request you to listen to the stories I create and have fun reading them. 
Once again, thank you very much for choosing this novel. I hope you have a great time reading it. 
Lots of Love and Gratitudes.

'Get Back to You' is my first child. She came out of nowhere but made a strong impression on my life.
I have had story plots of various genres, but this one became the starting point for me.
'Get Back to You' is my First Novel as a writer. 
I strive to give you good content through my writing, and so, I will avoid mistakes at all costs. If, and only if you were to find any blunders, feel free to give me your views. 
Tell me your opinions and thoughts. Share your favorite moments through comments after reading each chapter.
Support me by voting, liking, and adding my novel to your library.
What else?
Just have fun reading the story. 
Why?
Because I want you to, that's why I created them in the first place.
My stories are not my fantasies but, something that I want people to listen, read, and feel. 
If I can move your emotions through my stories, then that's a victory to me. 'Get Back to You' is a project of mine where I want people to think 'Love is Love.'
I will work hard to achieve it.

Want to reach me, kindly use the discord link:
https://discord.gg/Jdvpn3a

**************************************************
ANNOUNCEMENT: If you like/love my novel and want to show your support, kindly visit my patreon page.
As of now, I have a single-tier with one dollar per month for you guys to support my novel. All of the money goes into 'me existing as a writer.'
New tiers will appear in the future.
Supporting me on Patreon is solely your wish, and this is just a formal request to place, NO pressure! 
Thank you for listening to my shameless self-promotion. You have my gratitude for that.
Here's the link to my Patreon page:
https://www.patreon.com/ljack_ace 

FINAL WORDS: I love comments, so feel free to voice out your opinions, and you could see me responding to it. My innermost wish is for people to read my novel and have a good time with it.
So, stay awesome and rock it.

Bai Zhi and the others finished eating lunch before leaving the hotel, where there were already paparazzi and journalists waiting outside. They ended up leaving through the basement garage.
Bai Zhi pouring juice on Zhu Yu's face was naturally big news, stirring up all the paparazzi in the area.
Who let this incident leak out?
There's no such thing as a windproof wall. Nonetheless, it wasn't just one or two people who'd seen their quarrel. Even if they didn't mention it, it must have leaked out from some other conversations. There were many people willing to spill this news to large media companies and their corresponding journalists; it could be considered a favor even.
As for Zhu Yu, who really wanted this to blow up, at least on Wei Bo, had already been stopped by his manager. They also restrained him from speaking of the situation in public. Not a peep!
Before, Zhu Yu always leeched popularity from Bai Zhi, which company let slide, even defending Zhu Yu in front of Bai Zhi on certain occasions. The reason was simple; company profit.
Zhu Yu had signed a long term contract at their company, and there were still five years left. During this time, they were happy to see any improvement in Zhu Yu's popularity and rating.
And rumors were rumors, so they can easily be suppressed and prevented from damaging Bai Zhi's reputation. It might even bring Bai Zhi more popularity too. Although she was very unhappy with the arrangement and complained several times, the company would always chuckle and avoid the problem.
This time, the company's method of treatment was very simple as well. Company profit.
No matter what, this incident was going to harm Bai Zhi's reputation! The company would be crazy to ask Zhu Yu to do such a thing!
Based on popularity and revenue earning alone, Zhu Yu couldn't even be compared to Bai Zhi.
Zhu Yu felt wronged and couldn't suppress himself, but the company's response was simple. Deal with it!
As for Bai Zhi, the company had hoped this incident would go away on its own, and even suggested the guy who'd pushed Zhu Yu, Meng Fan, apologize in private to Zhu Yu. Seeing Bai Zhi's firm rejection of this request, they could only wait it out.
As for Su Qing Cen, the company had asked Zhu Yu's manager to personally apologize to her. Although it had nothing to do with Su Qing Cen, she was still present at the time, and the manager had apologized for disrupting her dining experience.
If Su Qing Cen had been under the same company, the process would be much easier, but unfortunately, she wasn't. Who knew what her company must think?
Why must they be so feeble?
They couldn't afford to anger her of course!
However, the incident couldn't be covered up when it came to the public. But at least there were no photos or images, or photos of Bai Zhi pouring juice. Let them guess. As long as the people present didn't say anything, the whole incident would blow over in a couple of days.
　...
The 11/11 gala had a relatively lax rehearsal schedule. Basically, you rehearsed whenever you arrived, since there was a large portion of celebrities attending who didn't sing or dance. The ones who sing and dance only made up a dozen or so.
After all, all the singers performing were all top tier celebrities.
Of course, the final rehearsal was very strict. Unless you were so incredible you didn't have to show up. Everyone had to follow the procedure.
Bai Zhi and the group arrived early after lunch and didn't see any other celebrities there. The director saw them and immediately scheduled their rehearsal.
The only thing that surprised the director was this sand artist. He was almost too young, definitely a student that hasn't graduated yet. Only, he seemed to be very close to Su Qing Cen and Bai Zhi, who were willing to adjust their schedule for him, and willing to give him the time to adjust, no matter how long. The director also had plenty of time on his hands and did not object to this.
Only this young sand artist said his previous videos weren't good and wanted to replace them, which made the director and his crew very displeased.
It wasn't a big deal that he wanted to change the video, but his attitude was offensive!
We aren't playing, kid!
"huh?"
After watching the entire video in slightly irritation, the director and his crew lit up.
The associate director responsible for the dancers was confused as he asked Meng Fan. "Were the previous two videos by you as well? It's totally on a different level!
If director Sun had thought the last two videos were average, then the two new ones made him give two thumbs up. This was top-notch in the industry!
He then lifted his head and looked again. It doesn't make sense, he's too young.
Meng Fan, however, maintained his honesty. "The last two were just for fun. When I heard Shan Jin bro and sister Bai wanted me to perform at their rehearsal, I had to focus and record a few good videos to bring here.
Director Sun had no choice but to accept this explanation. "Are you a student? Who's your teacher?" He asked curiously.
"I go to Hua xia art academy, and my sand painting instructor is Wen Wan."
"Wen Wan?! No wonder. A famous master always has incredible disciples!"
Director Sun not only knew of Wen Wan but has also collaborated with her on a few occasions before. Then he muttered to himself. " Two months ago I needed a sand artist for an event and asked her for a recommendation. Your name wasn't on the list she gave me. She's been hiding you deeply!"
It was just talked though, as he didn't call her to inquire about the matter on due to their previous collaborations together.
"Then let's begin."
Director Sun instructed the staff to plan accordingly, and personally explained in detail some techniques vital for a good performance to Meng Fan. There was more than one projector at the event, and the different positions and directions they are set at would create differences in the effect of his sand. Meng Fan had to know this.
Bai Zhi's duet partner hadn't arrived yet, so Su Qing Cen rehearsed first.
She finished in one take with unquestionable singing and dancing expertise. Meng Fan's sand painting performance went smoothly as well, but there were some angles that still had to be figured out.
In about half an hour, Bai Zhi's duet partner arrived and they went over it again. Meng Fan's sand painting was still very refreshing, receiving several nods of approval from the director.
He'd absorbed so much performance experience from Wen Wan yesterday, and practiced it hard for the entire night. Now Meng Fan's drawing skill transfer was at +18. In addition to his imagination and storytelling attribute, and terrifying hand speed, he had already exceeded Wen Wan in terms of visual effect.
Director Sun was touched by this. In two runs, he felt that Meng Fan's performance was even more attractive than Wen Wan's.
Here before him was a superstar in the sand painting world!
They then went over both performances, and after some discussion, the director's crew decided Su Qing Cen's performance would best suit the sand art. They didn't give a reason, but everyone could guess it was because Bai Zhi's duet partner sucked too much.
From a collaboration perspective, Su Qing Cen's performance was better for the overall visual effect.
Of course, the directing crew also considered another reason. The event had to be explosive, and since Su Qing Cen was already an explosively popular personality, they had to add more extravagance to her performance. The best and most extravagant addition at this point was Meng Fan's sand painting performance.
Bai Zhi was a bit regretful by this but didn't say much. She could speak to them when they return. No matter what, Meng Fan was going to collaborate at least once with her, no, at least seven times!
The male actor was also pretty upset that they received nothing after working for so long, but maintained a smile and expressed his remorse as well.
To be honest, he wanted to be accompanied by this sand art as well!
After confirming, they rehearsed the routine two more times before leaving.
On the evening of November 9th, the official dress rehearsal began.
Only about half of the celebrities participated in this dress rehearsal since the rest of them were only planning to appear on the morning of the 10th for the final dress rehearsal.
"What? You want to switch it up again?
The next day during the second round of dress rehearsal, director's Sun's eyes almost popped out of his head when he heard about Meng Fan's request right before Su Qing Cen's rehearsal.
Meng Fan was a little embarrassed, but he was at a 20+ transfer rate with his drawing skill and wanted to express his bold thought. We should always pursue perfection, right?
"We're already at the dress rehearsal, are you kidding me? I can't make the decision, go ask the head director!"


To reward Meng Fan for his bravery before his heroic death, the cosmos rewarded him with a 'system', sending him back in time to three months ago, alive.

"Keppler!" 

Every eye in the office turned to the red-faced, furious Mr. Valdez. 

"If you think I'm going to be fucking scapegoat for you and your goddamn lackeys, you better think - you're fucking wrong!"

"Oh no," Daryl whispered to the next cubicle. "He's lost it. He's gone all incoherent again."

"Shh. I want to hear this."

"Mr. Valdez. Please lower your voice. If you have anything further to say-" Allistair began.

"You're goddamn right I do! I built this company! Right from the ground up! When it was just a couple of shitty graphic designers who couldn't find their own ass with their hands, I got you accounts! When you were farting around with your fancy degrees, I was bringing in money! You think you can blame all your fuck-ups on me?"

"Oh, please!" Marty scoffed.

"-don't engage him," Allistair said, but to no avail.

Marty sneered. "You got us carpet warehouses owned by dumbasses who had tigers for pets and were eventually mauled by them. You haven't made a single legit client! You're all trashy pawn shops and gold scammers, not Coca-Cola!" 

Valdez turned purple. "I fucking made you!" He screamed. Then passed out. His body fell forward with a thud like a felled tree.

"Oh my God! I think Mr. Valdez is having a heart attack!" His secretary cried. Everybody began to babble. "Someone call 911!"

"Does anybody here know CPR?" The sales floor went silent at Allistair's question. He looked at Marty, who backed away, with his hands up. "Did NOBODY do the mandatory training?" The rest of the office workers looked at their feet, shuffling.

"I know one person who did," Keppler said, and gave Allistair a side-eye. Allistair glared at him, then pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Is there a CPR kit anywhere nearby?"

"There's one downstairs," Ms. French said. "I'll go get it."

Allistair sighed and loosened his Armani tie. "Forget it. It'll be too late." Rolling Mr. Valdez over onto his back, Allistair tilted his chin up and pinched his nose. "Keppler, do chest compressions. Hand over hand, like so, straight down vertically two inches." With a slightly disgusted look on his face, Allistair leaned forward and began to give Mr. Valdez mouth to mouth resuscitation while the entire office looked on in horrified fascination.

*   *   *

Cassie was waiting for the bus across the street from the office when the fire truck pulled up, then the ambulance, and finally, the police cars. She watched in mild fascination as the EMTs - dressed as Keystone cops - hustled up the three flights of stairs visible through the floor to ceiling windows. The flash finally faded from the roaring twenties back to the modern hustle and bustle.

The future came to pass, righting the world. Or at least, that's how her Grandmother explained it. The presentiment of danger or fortune to herself or people around her, shown in a visual form. Cassie thought of it as the ancient, more useful form of mental illness. She liked to imagine all of those priestesses of Delphi getting high off of volcano fumes and babbling fortunes had done some kind of genetic damage to their offspring, maybe. Or maybe it was the final evolution of what crazy was supposed to be.

She was too boring to be insane. Everybody said so.

This flash of the future had revolved around her ex-boss. Who wouldn't listen to her on a normal day, much less when she's trying to warn him about the coppers raiding the speak-easy and his pocket-watch in his breast pocket dying.

"Maybe I should have said a bit more to him about taking care of his health," she mused. She watched as, a couple minutes later, they maneuvered the stretcher carrying Mr. Valdez down those same flights and out to the ambulance. The lawyer followed, speaking to the police officers, wiping his mouth with a paper towel, then rinsing with a bottle of water and spitting. Cassie met his eyes across the way. "Oh," she thought, "so that's what happened."

Then the bus came, and Cassie had no choice but to leave the flashing red and blue drama behind. Gingerly, she lowered herself onto the bus seat.

"I suppose it's better than an affair," she said, "but how boring."

"What was that?" The woman in the aisle seat across the way gave her a wary look.

"Nothing," Cassie said. She turned to look out the window. The bus went over a pothole. She winced. 

Her phone rang in her purse. The ominous tones of "Night on Bald Mountain" rang out. Her mother. She closed her eyes with a rare, pained expression on her face. Of course her mother called. Even if her mother didn't have the "visions" (as her family called it) and resented Cassie for having what she never could - somehow she always knew when her daughter was fired, or dumped, or had some other life crisis.

If she answered the phone, she'd have the same conversation with her mother she always had. "Your grandmother wants you to join the family business and get married. I want you to come back home, where you can be controlled."

Cassie couldn't imagine anything she wanted to do less.

Maybe the city works was hiring sewer workers. She'd check when she got back to her apartment. Because even that would be better than the alternative of marriage and entering the family business. Although it could be said that marriage and breeding was the family business, in some respects.

Her grandmother definitely saw her as a success of the program, her mother saw her as a rival for power, and she saw herself as some wonky mutation.

The family wanted to put her to use.

But all Cassie really wanted to do was cope with the hand she'd been dealt, not become some tool to be worn down until it broke.

When she was five, her aunt Sessily could no longer tell reality from vision and ended up killing herself. A tragedy, in any other family. Cassie remembered, even though she'd been very young, the day of her aunt's funeral. Her father stood in the parlor, speaking to her aunt's husband, calling her suicide a "waste," and her mother derided her sister for not taking full advantage of her opportunities. Her mother's gaze had met hers for a brief moment, and that's when Cassie knew why her mother didn't love her.

Her eyelids slowly closed as dappled light dancing on her face through the bus window. She could feel the rhythm of the stops and starts lulling her to sleep.

Then over the intercom, a stewardess said, "Everyone, please fasten your seat belts and place your trays in the upright position. We'll be at your destination in the next twenty minutes, and as always, thank you for flying Airbus International." 

Cassie's eyes flew open.

To be dull as dirt on the outside. To stare, blank-faced when she's scolded. To be despised by her colleagues for being stupid, to be dumped for being boring, to have few friends for lack of communication. To be called "creepy." 

But is she really like that?

To be in the right place at the right time. To be called a "luck-bringer" by many famous and influential people. To have her hands filled with fortune.

Is this the same woman?

To have a secret. To see the story. To interpret the future... if not always in the right way.

Inside her head, the world is bright and lovely and infinitely more interesting.

Surely, someone will notice...

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