It was a cold winter. Snow fell in the north.
Aided by the money and food Jiang Pengji had provided, An Cui's mission of bringing members of the Red Lotus Group over to his side was going very smoothly.
An Cui was a smart man. He didn't let his guard down around even the lower-ranking members of the Red Lotus Group. He didn't pick out anyone whose position was prominent. Instead, he chose only those who would be of use but also be inconspicuous and relatively reliable. Soon, he had swayed hundreds of people.
Meanwhile, Jiang Pengji focused on three tasks for the winter.
Recruiting talent, recruiting troops, and the training of troops.
The first task was left to Feng Jin and Wei Ci. The former was familiar with the situation in Shangyang County, whereas the latter had a structured and organized working style and was cunning enough to succeed.
With those two cooperating, Jiang Pengji was not worried about talent rising to take the bait.
The second task was left to Feng Zhen. Jiang Pengji had just taken over Shangyang County. By doing so, her territory had sudden expanded to twice its size. The 20,000 troops that had once been more than sufficient were now not nearly enough. It was absolutely necessary to recruit more troops and purchase more horses. Feng Zhen was too lazy. He could snuggle under his blankets and sleep until noon in the winter.
Jiang Pengji couldn't stand the sight of it, so she gave him a heavy workload. If he couldn't finish it or slacked off in the middle of doing work...
Heh, then he wouldn't get even one drop of alcohol for the entire next year!
Feng Zhen, who already looked pale, went white as a sheet upon hearing Jiang Pengji's words.
He felt the urge to jump ship every minute while serving such a lord.
Stop a prodigal from drinking?
Was that something a human could do?
However, there was no possibility of persuading Jiang Pengji to spare him, so Feng Zhen could only follow her orders while feeling sorry for himself. He developed dark circles under his eyes after staying up for a few days. He privately complained to Wei Ci. "Zixiao, judging from the current situation, will we still have a seven-day new year holiday?"
Wei Ci placated him gently. "A gentleman always keeps his promise. Our lord doesn't make promises easily, but once he does, he definitely keeps them."
However, Jiang Pengji was a lady, not a gentleman.
Wei Ci quietly kept that last line to himself. He still wore a smile so pretty that it seemed as if lily flowers were blooming from his face. He was a man that came with his own special effects and background music.
Feng Zhen had joined the group halfway into the year and didn't know about the conventions of the past, so he believed Wei Ci, albeit barely.
To be fair, it wasn't that difficult to recruit troops and purchase horses. However, Jiang Pengji was aiming for elite troops.
Other people would just train their recruits for one or two months, or even just a few weeks, before sending them off to war.
She was different.
Her troops were trained for three months in the winter and three months in the summer. They even had to work in the fields during the spring plowing and autumn harvesting seasons. Furthermore, the daily training sessions never stopped.
Based on what Feng Zhen knew, each of the 20,000 troops under Jiang Pengji must go through a tough training period before setting foot on the battlefield.
In Jiang Pengji's words, troops that had not been trained harshly could not be considered troops. Troops that didn't meet her criteria were more suited to going back home to suckle milk from their mother's breasts than to set foot on the battlefield. Troops like that would be cannon fodder if they ever set foot on the battlefield. They would just sacrifice their lives for nothing.
Jiang Pengji had certain standards when it came to recruiting troops, and not everyone could join.
After a few days, Feng Zhen felt like he couldn't even straighten his right hand anymore. He had been holding writing brushes for so long that his fingers had stiffened. "By the way, you still haven't found anyone suitable?"
Even an easygoing prodigal like Feng Zhen couldn't help but want to go on a rampage due to the heavy workload.
He finally understood why Qiguan Rang, who was in charge of managing the household registration department, always looked as grumpy as if everyone owed him 1,000,000 strings of coins.
Wei Ci and Feng Jin sipped their tea leisurely.
"No rush, no rush, we have laid the traps. I have a feeling that the yield this time around will be substantial."
Feng Zhen almost wanted to spit on him. "I'm really dumb for believing you!"
Their job of recruiting talent was actually about organizing various gatherings that involved the discussion of poetry and literature and inviting the scholars of Shangyang County to participate. On the surface, such gatherings only involved the discussion of the arts, not politics. During these events, they were actually getting to know the temperament, capabilities, and talents of the scholars.
If they felt that someone was a good fit, they would talk more with the person in private.
What made Feng Zhen the most jealous was that all the expenses were paid for by Jiang Pengji. Feng Jin and Wei Ci were having a good time at the state's expense.
Thus, Feng Zhen couldn't help but suspect that the two were deliberately slacking off so that they could enjoy the easy life for a longer time!
F*ck!
He thought that these two b*stards were shameless. How could they not bring him along for great opportunities like these?
It was alright that they didn't bring him along, but why was it that he hadn't even seen the slightest trace of recruited talent after half a month?
Not having recruited talent meant that there was no one to help Feng Zhen with his job. "Careful, if you all are slacking off, I will report it to our lord."
Feng Jin couldn't help but let out a laugh. Not only was he not angry, he was in a pleasant mood.
What did Feng Zhen's attitude mean?
It meant that Feng Zhen was already exhausted from the heavy workload and becoming as tired as a dog from all the overtime work.
As for the third task of training the troops, Jiang Pengji left that to a few generals.
As always, the female soldiers were all given to Jiang Nongqin to train.
There were a few female soldiers who had performed well in the past few battles, and they had all been praised and promoted accordingly. They had started to work as trainers for the new female recruits. Due to the special circumstances in Shangyang County, people were prejudiced against female soldiers. As a result, they had only managed to recruit about 1,000 women.
The successful recruitment of more than 1,000 people was due to the fact that many families sent their daughters to the army, albeit not fully believing what the government said about female soldiers. Still, they considered their daughters to be money-losing goods that they couldn't afford to keep.
On the other hand, the recruitment of male soldiers had gone smoothly. The total number of recruited men reached 8,000.
"Nice one there, Zishi, your capabilities are impressive. You recruited that many people so soon?" Jiang Pengji was surprised.
Feng Zhen smiled resignedly. He admitted that he was fairly capable, but he dared not take full credit for the task this time around. "My lord, you are overstating it. Surely the success of the recruitment process is not a result of my capabilities alone. It's clearly because you are too generous and the conditions being offered are too good."
Although Shangyang County had not been conquered by the Tsing Yi Army or the Red Lotus Group, they had been besieged for a long time. Furthermore, there had been a drought that summer and the harvest for the whole year was limited. The people lived in poverty. Some even had to mix pig-feed into their food to curb their hunger.
Why was Jiang Pengji said to be generous?
The recruitment notice she'd given out clearly said that her soldiers were given three meals a day, with each meal consisting of two bowls of rice, a dish of vegetables, a dish of meat, and a bowl of soup.
Worried that the citizens could not comprehend this, the notice even listed how much the two bowls of rice would weigh and the ingredients that would be used to prepare the dishes.
The 200-word notice spent 160 words on the recipes. The requirements to participate in the recruitment drive only took up the remaining 40 words.
It was probably the wackiest recruitment notice that Feng Zhen had ever seen in his life.
Jiang Pengji kept to her goals of recruiting and training troops and did nothing that went against the interests of the nobles of Shangyang County.
However, this made the latter paranoid, afraid that she would stage an unexpected attack on them.
In the end, Jiang Pengji only changed out the officials holding some unimportant positions, and none of their positions were particularly good for embezzlement. Moreover, the newly hired officials were local scholars from poorer families.
Although they felt slightly unhappy about losing their positions, these actions were still within the scope of what the local nobles could accept.
Since the end of the year was near, Jiang Pengji was doing some year-end checks when a messenger reported that the nominal county chief of Shangyang County was here to visit her.
She thought of the date. It wasn't time to pay New Year's calls yet, was it?
"Invite him in," said Jiang Pengji.
The county chief brought her a letter that had already been opened. She unfolded it. On the seal was written, "Rule by the grace of heaven, thus be everlasting and mighty great."
The Imperial Seal?
She was momentarily surprised as she quickly scanned through the contents of the letter.
"They want me to send troops to protect the king?" she asked.


Jiang Pengji got something called the Court Intrigue Stream System.
System: "Your goal is to become the most prestigious woman in the kingdom (the Queen)!" 
Jiang Pengji: "Okay, System. No problem!"
Years later, she met the target by becoming the most prestigious woman (the Empress).
Jiang Pengji: "Well done, no?"
System: "Why the hack did you fight on horseback? I want court intrigue among the King's women!"

#how a future general wins the ancient throne
#Her man watches in silence, the System watches with tears

There was an eerie silence. The entire arena was silent for half a minute. Then, everyone cheered—
"Hahahahaha! Hong Dali is something else, man! He wants to be the number one prodigal of the entire universe! What a dream!"
"He's so cute, I like it. Hahaha! Hong Dali, you're the best!"
Lucifer stared with wide eyes and helplessly said, "As expected. To wash a pig is to waste both water and soap. But I like it! I won't be calling him the Young Master if he didn't say that. Haha!" 
"Only the Young Master dares to say that." Li Yang was all smiles. He had full respect for what Hong Dali said. "Nobody else will say that. Who dares to call himself a prodigal in front of so many people? Hehe, Young Master is no ordinary man!"
"That's why we're always willing to stay by his side." Ling Xiaoyi smiled and said, "The Young Master's always so charismatic!"
Ling Xiaoyi, Li Yang, and the rest expressed their utmost heartfelt compliments towards Hong Dali. However, the host was completely depressed.
How am I supposed to follow up after that slogan you shouted.
"Ah, your goals are amazing!"
What the heck. So many people are watching now. If I praise you for having respectable ambitions after you said you want to become the biggest prodigal, I'll lose my job! 
Luckily, the host was quick on his feet. He coughed a few times, then smiled and said, "Ah, you're so humorous, sir. Hm, let's change the topic. How long did you spend preparing for this competition?"
It was normal to spend a few years to prepare for such a large-scale event, right?
However, Hong Dali was set on making the host miserable today. "Ah, I didn't really prepare for this. I just saw that the competition looked fun and decided to participate. Aiyaya, this competition is indeed not bad…"
What the heck. You're the champion! Champion!
Now you tell me that you only participated because it looked fun. Who are you trying to fool?!
The host could not take it anymore. He had never met someone less cooperative! He then quickly gave the closing remarks. "Thank you, dear guests, for coming. Thank you for your passionate participation in this year's competition. This year's Galaxy Super Mecha Wars Shenluo City competition has ended. Thank you for your support. Thank you!"
Then, he teleported away as soon as he could…
…
The entire Galaxy Super Mecha Wars official forum erupted!
This year's competition was so entertaining! Team Dali's leader, Hong Dali, instantly killed the previous champion hopeful, Team Annihilation's leader, Li Tianxing! One move. Only one move was needed to decide the outcome! 
That was not all. Hong Dali's "I want to become the number one prodigal of the entire universe!" line became the hottest topic of discussion. 
After all, not everyone had the courage to shout that in front of a whole crowd!
"I'll be Hong Dali's number one fan from now on. Don't @ me. Hong Dali is amazing. Dali Creates Miracles!"
"This competition is amazing. Hahaha. Who would have thought the champion would be someone like Hong Dali? Idol!"
Posts like those flooded the entire forum. There were 362,541,879 posts about Hong Dali now. Tens of millions more were being uploaded every hour!
There were probably more posts about this than posts about Li Tianxing's Team Annihilation and all past Galaxy Super Mecha Wars champions combined!
Everyone saw how powerful Li Tianxing's Spirit Emperor was.
Such a strong mecha still could not stand against Hong Dali for even a second. In that case, the previous champions… 
They were not good enough when compared to Hong Dali…
…
Hong Dali was very calm about becoming the topic of discussion for everyone in Shenluo City.
He did not care about that, as he was always the center of attention on Earth. He was calm and indifferent to everything here. It was the composure someone could possess only when they had reached a certain level.
There was a simpler word to describe that state: pretentious! 
That's right. Our prodigal Hong Dali was such a pretentious man.
Star Harbor, inside the Dali Armor Shop.
Violent renovations had begun in the Dali Armor Shop. Everything that could be disposed of was disposed of. Lei Yihui, who was brought in for his specialty in squandering, displayed his full intelligence here. Once Hong Dali entered, eight beautiful elf girls came forward. They politely bowed. "Welcome bosses to inspect our work."
Look at these eight elves. They all had silver-white long hair. Their faces were clean, without the signature wrinkles of the elf race. Their innocent gazes and slender bodies created an undeniable, alluring atmosphere.
"Hm, not bad. Reward them." Everyone felt better when they were lucky. Two hundred million Galaxy Dollars had been transferred to Hong Dali's account from the championship prizes. Hong Dali was not a stingy person now. "Reward everyone ten thousand dollars. Keep working hard."
The eight elves were stunned.
Ten thousand dollars for each person? They would not meet such a generous boss even in a few thousand years, right?
"Where's pops?" Hong Dali brought Tang Muxin and the rest to the sofa. He took a sip from his drink. "Is he still here?"
"Young Master, you're here." Lei Yihui was dressed formally. He ran over the moment he saw Hong Dali. "Mister Gate already left for business. He asked you to inform me of anything you need help with. He'll settle them for you when he comes back."
"Pops left?" Hong Dali heard Mister Gate mention something about leaving for business. Since he was not here, Lei Yihui was indeed the second-in-command. Hong Dali nodded. "Then, did Uncle Mihawk leave too?"
"Uncle Mihawk didn't leave yet. He's currently training Young Master Fang Han," Lei Yihui answered.
"Alright, that's good." Hong Dali nodded. "Let's wait here, then. I'll pass the Azure Root Bones-Forging Grass to him when Uncle Mihawk returns." He took out a small piece of grass from his pocket.
The grass was purple in color. There was a small purple fruit on it, too. It looked tastier than Dali Beans…
Alright, there was too little of this stuff. Otherwise, Hong Dali would not mind eating it as a snack…
Luckily, he did not have to wait long this time. As Hong Dali was dazed and prepared to nap, the door was suddenly opened. Mihawk and Fang Han walked out of the house.
Mihawk said, "You've made some good progress, boy. If that little rascal Hong Dali can get the Azure Root Bones-Forging Grass, I'll be able to teach you the swordsmanship included in my 'Sky Hawk Soaring Stars' scroll…" As he said that, he finally saw the groggy Hong Dali at the side. He instantly smiled and said, "Hey, little rascal, you're back. Did you get the stuff?"
"Oh, you're out Uncle Eagle Eye." Hong Dali rubbed his eyes and climbed up from Li Nianwei's lap. He then took the Azure Root Bones-Forging Grass out from his space watch. He passed it over, smiled and said, "Are you talking about this?"
The characteristics of the Azure Root Bones-Forging Grass were obvious. Uncle Eagle Eye took a brief glance and instantly nodded. "Good job, kid. You actually got it. You must have spent a fortune on it, right?"
Once he heard that it cost a fortune, Fang Han's heart skipped a beat.
He originally wanted to help Hong Dali. However, he ended up costing Dali a lot of money. He did not feel good about that.
Then, Hong Dali's words made both of them stunned. "Ah, not really. I won this stuff. I didn't expect to win the championship too…"
This guy actually won the championship?!
Eagle Eye Mihawk stared with wide eyes, just like those of an eagle. "What you're saying is that you actually won the championship? Champion? Are you sure?!"
"Of course." Hong Dali smiled. He was not shy at all. "It wasn't that hard… I felt it was quite easy. We somehow just won…"
What the heck! Did anyone else just happen to become a champion?!
Fang Han was completely stunned. He stared at Hong Dali with disbelief. "Dali, you did that for me. You went through… so much trouble."
"It's nothing." Hong Dali shook his head. "I have plenty of that stuff. Just use it freely. You're my brother for life, hehe."
"Brother for life!" Fang Han's voice choked. He decided that he would give his life just to master the martial arts! 
After all, not everyone was lucky enough to meet a good brother like Hong Dali.
"Alright. I'll head out and play first since the stuff has been delivered." Hong Dali did not have much else to do there. He decisively prepared to leave. "Uncle Eagle Eye, you should practice with Big Brother Fang Han first. I'll be leaving now!"
"Go, you little rascal." Mihawk chided. "I actually misjudged you this time. Hehe." 
Once Hong Dali left, Mihawk looked at Fang Han and said slowly, "That little rascal Dali treats you so well. You'll be disrespectful if you progress any slower. Hm, the training intensity will increase tenfold from now on. Are you ready?"
"Of course!" Fang Han's response was firm and determined.
Once they left the building in Star Harbor, Tang Muxin smiled and asked, "Dali, what should we do next?"
"Need you to ask?" Hong Dali laughed. "To take a look at our businesses, of course. Hahaha!"


"I have to squander; otherwise, won't it be a waste of my parent's talent at earning money?" Hong Dali answers a reporter's question matter-of-factly. 

Just after the interview ends, Hong Dali opens the Great Prodigal System's interface and looks at the various good stuff displayed in it. Stroking his chin, he mumbles to himself, "I just need to squander 200 billion yuan more to exchange for the blueprint of the core technology, Engine Destruction, found in the strongest humanoid mecha weapon, Neo Granzon. Looks like I'll have to work harder!"

"I want to splurge! I want to squander!"


The test was a display of Ye Jian's capabilities. Even if some students had doubts because of what Ye Ying had said, they could only shut up now.
Ye Ying stared at her own score and bit her lip. She subconsciously looked over to the seat near the classroom entrance - Ye Jian's seat.
She happened to see a classmate leaning over to peek at Ye Jian's test paper. After hearing a low-pitched exclamation, Ye Ying felt as though her heart had been crushed.
Mrs. Zhu wrote only the highest scores on the blackboard. "There are two perfect scores in this class. One is Ye Jian, and the other one is Jiao Hai. Ye Jian's test paper has no traces of correction, and she handed in her paper at thirty-four minutes. Ye Jian is the top of the cohort for this paper." Jiao Hai was now the top male of the cohort.
"I won't be talking about the lowest scores. After a summer vacation, everyone is relaxed and didn't revise much. This test is only a reminder to wake everyone up. School has started. It's time to concentrate!"
Ye Ying looked at her own math scores and bit harder on her lower lip.
She had always been better at languages but not sciences. If it wasn't because of the fact that Mrs. Tong only taught science subjects, she would not have transferred over to a science class.
Now, with just one test, the gap between them had widened. She must work hard and not be stuck at the bottom of the class.
Suddenly, she thought of something and touched her chest. She then glanced at Ye Jian, who was looking at her test paper and sneered.
So what if you have good results? This society runs on connections. Without connections, you are just an ordinary citizen with a bit of an achievement. You can never be someone big!
Ye Jian felt a cold gaze and lifted her head. She knew who was looking at her… Someone delusional.
Mrs. Zhu only explained the solutions for a few key questions, before saying to Ye Jian, "Ye Jian, come up and explain the solution for the last question."
"The center of the circle O and point M is connected by the chord MN…" As Ye Jian explained, her voice was especially soft, and everyone focused their attention on her. It was noisy outside, but there was only the sound of the ceiling fan in the classroom. Every single student was listening to her attentively without making a sound. 
"… only when point N takes a value on the semi-circle that does not contain point M…, our answer would be obvious." While she was explaining, Ye Jian wrote down the solution on the blackboard step by step. The chalk powder fell on her black hair and as she turned, the white powder was blown off.
The math class ended and there were still people copying down the solutions on the blackboard, while others took their papers to Ye Jian to seek clarifications.
The students who asked questions had forgotten that Ye Jian had taken a gap year and jumped grades.
In just a single day, they had a feeling that they had always been in the same class as Ye Jian and had known her for a long time.
As for what Mrs. Tong had said, Ye Jian would never refuse a question, but she was very good at managing other people's expectations. She would not solve everyone's question.
She had her own principles and wanted to tell her classmates that she would not be able to help them every time. In the end, they would still have to rely on themselves.
Class One was a class that was hungry for knowledge, even after class. They would pay attention in class and have a discussion after class. Everyone finally returned to their seats after the bell rang for the language class.


Through years of abuse and death threats, Ye Jian is not so ready to bid adieu to this world just yet! Fortunately, destiny has granted her another shot at life. Only this time, she is determined to become the master of her own fate and retaliate her oppressors from her previous life. It's payback time.
 
Although reborn with beauty and youth, Ye Jian obviously holds higher pursuits. In this life, she is determined to become an extraordinary commando. No, she does not need love, family, or any affection! 
 
He is born in a powerful family; and step-by-step, he becomes the youngest Major General through his own merits. He is drawn to her every move, despite her repeatedly shunning him.
 
"What you need is love, my little fox," he whispers.
"Get lost! I need bullets!" She steps away.
 
Behold. Let this novel take you through the warm, happy, loyal, and passionate story of the aggressive military couple.

A journey to the west Part 3
/*unedited*/
Sitting on the first-class cabin, Shin Jiao, Susan Tang, and Shi Anne Li should be spending time together sharing their precious time together. However, among the three people are two other individuals.
Mary Anderson and Park Jiyong are also sitting along with them while asking tons of questions. Especially to Shin Jiao who already had an incredulous look on his face.
But Shin Jiao's character is not a snub and would almost always accommodate people asking him. Except for those who are scheming towards him, he is polite to others especially those with pure intent.
He can see that Park Jiyong is not interested in anything but the game itself. He was really in awe and wanted to know Shin Jiao's experience in making the game. Although he is a businessman by profession, Park Jiyong is actually an otaku by heart.
With glistening eyes, he asked tons of questions about the world he created. But Shin Jiao didn't give him some deep details about the game because he himself didn't know what Central would give the players.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Mary Anderson is talking to both the ladies about the latest trends and fashion with glistening eyes. She truly loves beautiful and intelligent women and it is rare for her to meet one. But now she is talking to two of them, so her heart flutters with glee.
Suddenly, turbulence from the plane interrupted the five people's conversation.
"Whoa, that was insane." Park Jiyong said.
However, Mary Anderson is looking at the two women beside her with her eyes wide open in disbelief.
Shin Jiao has taught the two girls on how to protect themselves in any dangerous occasion. As intelligent as they were, in those few days of training and practice of their magic, the two were able to put up a basic magic field around their body. This is the most basic form of magic protection which is sufficient enough to block a knife from hitting them.
With Shin Jiao teaching the two, they were able to even activate it unconsciously when in danger. This is because even in their normal days where Shin Jiao would secretly attack the two, they have learned to always be on guard from his sneak attacks.
But this thin magic field cannot be seen by the naked eyes so Park Jiyong is unaware of this and only someone who has dealings with magic can actually see them, someone like Mary Anderson.
Seeing Mary being quiet and is looking at them in amazement, Susan Tang and Shi Anne Li immediately realized that the later has the ability to see the thin layer of the magic field on their body.
"You… you two can…?" Mary Anderson stuttered.
However, she immediately realized something and shoots a glance at Shin Jiao on the side who is also looking at her with a smile.
Then Mary Anderson seems to understand something and drew closer to the two women and whispered.
"Are you two also mages?"
Hearing her words, the two beauties showed a confused look on their faces. Shin Jiao didn't tell them about mages but just taught them how to strengthen their bodies and gaining true power.
Seeing their confusion Mary realized that the two may have learned about magic from somewhere other than her kingdom.
She already knew that outside of the mysterious kingdom of Bail there are also places that train people to hold uncanny powers and abilities. Some of them are the mutants that she became aware of, and the so-called cultivators from the west, and many more.
"How did you learn magic?" she asked again in a low voice.
The two ladies immediately turned their gaze to Shin Jiao who is explaining something to Park Jiyong while the latter is writing down something on his small notebook with a stupid and gleeful expression on his face.
"So Doctor Jiao taught you? Well, that's given with that brain of his and all… Actually, as you already knew I can do magic myself too. I'm already a 1st level high mage. How about the two of you? How long have you been doing magic? I'm guessing with your aptitude and quick response and is already a 1st level novice mage, about 2-3 years right?" Mary confidently said.
Susan Tang smiled and didn't correct her words. In her mind, she is already proud of herself. If she told Mary that she has just learned this skill from Shin Jiao for a few days, she didn't know how Mary would react. Shi Anne Li has the same thinking as Susan Tang in that aspect.
Mary's excitement is now really high and the three talked in a hush about magic. Susan and Shi Anne grab this opportunity to learn more from a senior. So they asked her a lot of questions about magic. On the side, Park Jiyong and Shin Jiao have stopped talking as Park Jiyong is currently showing Shin Jiao a program he made.
It was actually a survival type shooting game just like the famous PUBJ game, but he wanted it to be played with the use of the visor. It means a virtual world shooting game.
Shin Jiao suddenly had a good idea and looks at Park Jiyong.
"Do you want to collaborate?" he suddenly asked.
Upon hearing the suggestion from his idol, Park Jiyong wanted to jump to the skies. He just wanted to learn something from Shin Jiao and wanted his guidance for his game which his father called a waste of time. But how can he give up?
So upon hearing Shin Jiao's words, his heart was in cloud nine and if there are no people in this plane, he would have immediately given Shin Jiao a big kiss.
"Yes… yes… It would really be my pleasure to work with you, idol… Hehe…" Park Jiyong still can't control his happiness which is apparent from this action and his giggles.
Seeing this, Shin Jiao chuckled. He then turns his attention to the three ladies.
"Shi Anne, draft an agreement with Mr. Park about a game collaboration. He will explain to you the details." Shin Jiao said.
However, Shi Anne Li seems to be not paying attention to him as she is currently seriously looking at Mary who is explaining something towards the two. Shi Anne Li and Susan Tang are busy jotting down some notes on their notes.
He then turns to look at Mary who is also explaining something with her hand gesturing to the skies.
Although the five people didn't make that much noise in the place, their presence alone has already gained some attention from the flight attendants who would throw glances at them every now and then.
Unknown to them, on another row seat where the other companions of Park Jiyong are seated, a young man is looking with a feverish glance at the five people. His name is Mathew Lee, a famous playboy and the youngest son of the chairman of one of the biggest conglomerate in Hong Kong, Rawbar Group.
He was famed as the prodigal son of the chairman because he is being spoiled by her mother who was a famous actress.
He has done many countless atrocities but would always escape because of their family's influence. However, he laid low for some time now because he has offended another powerful family. He actually almost raped the daughter of Haiwa Group from Korea. It was the woman's security escort who discovered this act and a commotion happened. However, it ended up with the woman telling her parents and the Lees paid a hefty price for it.
But soon they discovered that it was all a scheme and in rage, Mathew Lee was grounded for a month. And this is his first trip after gaining his freedom.
Being grounded for such a long time, his hand is itching to do something, hence his old habits kick in. But this time he wanted to do everything smartly and covert. He now knew that his target seems to be influential, but who cares. Once he got his hands on her, she would still be a woman who would squirm and moan under him.
But this time he could not face them head-on, so he has decided to do something in the shadows. He has already set his eyes set on Shi Anne Li and no one would be able to stop him.
"I always take what I fancied." He muttered as he smirked.
In his mind, he can't wait to get his hands on the beautiful Shi Anne Li. But his concern is that powerful socialite Mary. He knew how temperament that girl is and it would be a danger for him if she is by their side.
So he began to cook up some devious plan in his mind.
With the discussion and the talks, the flight didn't seem to take long and just like a blink of an eye, they now arrived at the New York JFK airport.
At their arrival, Mary has already talked to them where they would stay and the group agreed. How could they reject such an offer from a princess? She is very convincing and has decided to also follow her newfound friends.
In fact, she is not doing anything nowadays and just spends her time roaming around.
Meanwhile, Park Jiyong also decided to not follow the group of 2nd generations and would just tail behind Shin Jiao. He knew that it would be a more fruitful experience than spending time with some useless banter of rich young brats.
And so five people alighted the plane.
When they walked down many people were attracted to their appearances. Four of them are not normal humans anymore while Park Jiyong has the air and the face of a Korean idol. So this scene made the people turn their gaze at the group. Some even took pictures of them.
Then a tall Caucasian woman walked towards them and with a beautiful and attractive smile greeted the group.
"Hi! I'm Jane Weiss from the institute. Welcome to the US Doctor Jiao, Miss Tang, Miss Li, and… oh my god…"


He was sent to a world where different races and beings wage different types of wars and fight for supremacy. 

With a body of a mere mortal, he learned the way of the immortal craft and a different cultivation technique. Making him able to roam the land searching for a place where he could belong. 

How can he survive in this dog eat dog world he knows not. But combining the ingenious designs of the modern world and immortal energy, otherworldly devastation awaits those who face, the geared immortal.

***Thanks to those who liked the novel. Your rate and comments are of great help.

The dishes were soon served on the table. It was western food of little amount, but it tasted good. 
While Ming Shu was eating, Qi Jingsheng accepted another round of scolding from Qiao Yu. 
Qi Jingsheng knew it was indeed his fault and didn't dare to refute. 
"Little Man, is your appetite bigger recently?" Qiao Yu suddenly asked curiously. "Didn't you say you're afraid of gaining weight?" 
"Recently I found out that delicious food shouldn't be neglected," Ming Shu answered in all apparent seriousness. 
Qiao Yu glanced at her, feeling a little bit odd. "Then you should eat more." 
"Great, you said it." 
"Boss Qi will pay the bill, we don't need to save money for him." Qiao Yu must spend a lot of Qi Jingsheng's money so that he could vent his anger. 
Ming Shu wouldn't waste any opportunity to eat, naturally. 
Qiao Yu was startled by Ming Shu's sudden big appetite. Fortunately, Ming Shu wasn't going too far and she controlled her eating to a scope acceptable to normal people. 
Qiao Yu thought his friend Little Man was probably terrified by the sudden framing and ate a little more than usual as a result. 
The plates were then removed and replaced by drinks.
Qi Jingsheng took out a bag from below and pushed it in front of Ming Shu. "Miss Su, this is a little gift, I hope that you won't be angry anymore." 
"Take it, Little Man." 
Ming Shu saw that Qiao Yu tried to help Qi Jingsheng. Considering that they had treated her with some nice food, Ming Shu took the gift. 
Qi Jingsheng relaxed. "Miss Su, I feel deeply sorry for what happened this time. Before, I told my assistant that we chose you as our spokesperson, but he probably didn't understand my words, so this thing happened."  
"If you like, Miss Su, you'll still be the spokesperson, and I will personally propose a contract for you."
A president needed to handle too many issues, and it was hard for Qi Jingsheng to take care of all details himself. So normally, he would delegate tasks to subordinates, let them deal with some matters, and then receive reports back. 
This time, he was too careless. He didn't give the order very clearly, and he never expected that his people would dare to privately make a decision. 
"That won't be necessary," Ming Shu refused with a smile. "At first I agreed to be your spokesperson because of Qiao Yu, but now that something like this happened, I think I'll just let it be." 
Qiao Yu wouldn't help Qi Jingsheng again. 
Qi Jingsheng had to try to persuade Ming Shu. "Miss Su, your temperament is very consistent with our style of the season, would you please give it more thought? Money won't be a problem." 
Ming Shu blinked her eyes. "But the problem is I have money." 
Qi Jingsheng: "…" I feel I'm losing face now. 
Qi Jingsheng couldn't force Ming Shu, otherwise he would not only offend Ming Shu but also Qiao Yu. 
Then Qi Jingsheng politely changed to another topic. 
"Did you look into that person?" Qiao Yu asked Ming Shu. 
Ming Shu nodded. She happened to bring the materials with her, so she handed them to Qiao Yu. 
"Chut…" Qiao Yu looked beyond expression. "Wait for me to teach her a real lesson. This woman dared to bully you, she might be tired of living." 
Ming Shu didn't intend to get revenge. She kept the materials just in case, fearing that if the enemy came to her she might have to fight. 
But fighting would waste life bar.
If a fight could be avoided, it was better to communicate and bring out the facts and reasoning. 
[…] The Harmony System would like to remind the reader that her words couldn't be all taken for real. If she wanted to have a fight, even nine dragons couldn't stop her. 
But Ming Shu didn't expect to use these materials very soon. 
After Ming Shu finished the dessert, Qi Jingsheng offered to send Ming Shu back, but was rejected by Qiao Yu without any mercy. 
"Little Man, you and Qi Jingsheng go out first, I'll need to use the washroom."
"Okay."
Qi Jingsheng gently let Ming Shu walk in front out of courtesy. 
"Isn't this Su Man?" A familiar woman's voice sounded from ahead, and then two women came in hand-in-hand. "She really has the mood to eat here." 
They didn't cause trouble for Qi Jingsheng, probably because he looked handsome. 
Ming Shu only knew one of the women—Yu Qing, an eighteenth-tier star. 
And she was the manipulator behind the scenes. 
Before, when the Host went to Qi Jingsheng's company, this woman kept causing trouble for her. 
"Seeing you really destroys my mood to eat here." Ming Shu looked at Yu Qing with a bright smile. 
Yu Qing: "…"
"You're very proud of being the other woman, do you suppose you hired some paid posters so you can get away with your behavior?" Yu Qing snorted and turned to Qi Jingsheng. "Mister, you should open your eyes and see clearly, don't be fooled."
Qi Jingsheng's face blackened. "Miss, defaming others has legal consequences."
"I'm telling the truth." Yu Qing raised her voice righteously. "She cuddled and entangled with a man in broad daylight."
Ming Shu looked at her with a funny smile now. "Are you from ancient times? Now even kissing and sleeping together doesn't necessarily make a couple, so what's the problem of cuddling or hugging?"
Yu Qing flushed. "You were seducing someone's husband."
"Oh? Then why didn't the wife come find me? And why are you so invested? What's your relationship with that man?"
Yu Qing's face got paler. "No relationship, I just dislike people like you."
Heh, there are a lot of people who dislike me. 
"You're so broad-minded, Miss Yu, do you always like to get involved in other people's family affairs? Why don't you get a part-time job as the director of your neighborhood committee? All the other women in the world are awaiting your judgment!" 
"You…" Yu Qing pointed at Ming Shu and was angered to speechlessness. 
Ming Shu responded with a smile. 
No one can win over me in being shameless. 
There were originally many people in the restaurant. Now Yu Qing and Ming Shu were blocking the way, which attracted many onlookers.
The customers of this restaurant were mostly peers in the circle who would pay attention to various news, so Ming Shu was soon recognized. 
"Online it says she is the other woman, but she looks beautiful, much more good-looking than the picture…"
"The other woman? Who knows if it's true. But like she said, if she really seduced that man, his wife would have come to find her."
"She has such a beautiful face and is willing to be the other woman? She must be crazy!"
"Isn't this Su…"
"Yu Qing!" Qiao Yu walked over hurriedly. "Great, I didn't even have come to you and you just deliver yourself."
"Who are you!" Yu Qing glared at Qiao Yu with eyes filled with dislike. This man looked like a real sissy. 
Qiao Yu was a rich second-generation son. He opened a clothing studio, which was not a proper job in the eyes of his family and which was now only at the early stage. 
People in his circle openly called him Mister Qiao, but in secret they called him Prodigal Qiao. 
Prodigal Qiao stood akimbo and began to lay out the black history of Yu Qing. "Yu Qing, graduated from the Central Academy of Drama—oh, no, you didn't graduate, you were dismissed because of your pregnancy. You had an affair with the man who got you pregnant, but then you hit on a director…"
Yu Qing's face immediately turned pale and she shouted at Prodigal Qiao, "Shut up!"
Prodigal Qiao grunted arrogantly. "You must make a public apology to Little Man, otherwise I wouldn't mind posting this dirt online." 
Ming Shu also gave her a final blow, smilingly. "When you framed others, didn't you think of your own dirty secrets?" 
"You… you…" Yu Qing didn't manage to finish a complete sentence for half a day. 
Finally, under the threat of Prodigal Qiao, Yu Qing burst into tears and posted a public apology online, causing another round of discussion. 
She gave Ming Shu a fierce glare before leaving. 
Ming Shu chuckled. "This is a typical type that hates others for revealing their misdeeds." 
"She deserves it." Qiao Yu cursed. 
Qi Jingsheng kept silent. 
Ming Shu didn't know what Qiao Yu did later, but she never saw that Yu Qing again.


Imagine having the opportunity to be able to enter different worlds created by numerous novels and stories. Which kind of role would you like to play? 

Do you want to be the illustrious protagonist, either good or evil; or just be a supporting role standing behind the protagonists? 

Our villain boss Ming Shu would, however, choose none of the above. Claiming missions from the Harmony System, and driven by her endless passion for snacks, the world traveler, Ming Shu, embarks on the path to make the mission target hate her as much as possible by gaining Hatred Points. But it turns out she is not alone on her journey… 
 


It was August 6th on the fifteenth Sunday of the semester.
This was a special day: it was the start of a countdown to the second week. That was to say, the high school summer break would start after the final exams ended next week.
In fact, a lot of regular high schools were already on holiday, but cultivation high schools had a different schedule, and usually had their break from August 15th to October 15th. Like regular high schools, however, It was a two-month break.
Wang Ling was a lot more relaxed when it came to the final exams this time, and wasn't as stressed as he had been with the midterm exams. He had been secretly studying the whole time during the summer camp, and had already come up with an extremely thorough revision scope, spotted exam questions, and memorized all the literary poems… In any case, exams for Wang Ling were all about manipulating his scores, which couldn't be any easier for him. 
As long as he revised well, he could easily adjust his grade for the position he wanted.
As for the exact score itself, that had to wait until he entered the exam room. After all, not everyone adored studying the way he did.
Like Super Chen and Dopey Guo, for example, as well as the people reading this novel, most chose to cram in the last two days before the final exams. 
A saying put it well: "he who has bread in hand has no fear in his heart." The difficulty in manipulating exam scores lay in the fact that there were definitely a number of ways in which a problem could be solved. 
It just so happened that Grade One had a summer camp at this time. Since it had taken up time that could have been spent revising, Wang Ling was guessing that a lot of student grades would drop, so it shouldn't matter if he did a little more poorly in the exams this time… 
When Wang Ling left the house, he saw Grandfather Wang watering the plants in the garden.
Wang Ling didn't know if he was mistaken, but he somehow felt that the old man's physique seemed a lot more robust. Grandfather Wang was wearing an apron, a pair of loose exercise pants, and nothing else… 
Thus, Wang Ling saw Grandfather Wang's large and solid pecs.
He knew that the old man had been making preparations all this time for the showdown with the sect leader of Kitchen Knife Sect, Jiang Haifu. But in the week that Wang Ling hadn't been home, what on earth had the old man gone through?
"Ling Ling, you're going out? Just to let you know first, I've invited Jiang Hiafu here on August 16th for the fight," the old man said as he lifted his head to look at Wang Ling and smile.
"Mm." Wang Ling nodded.
Actually, he had already known since yesterday.
That was the first day of the summer break, and he would be at home.
Yesterday, Father Wang had told him that he had to be at home as part of the judging panel, while Jiang Haifu would bring his son Jiang Bai with him.
Wang Ling still had a vague impression of Jiang Bai, who was a student in the ordinary class.
At the sports meet back then, Jiang Bai had demonstrated his exquisite body outline-tracing archery technique… Wang Ling remembered secretly helping Jiang Bai overcome his trauma.
Unfortunately, while Wang Ling might remember Jiang Bai, there were a lot of people who probably had already forgotten who he was.
Blame the author for his slow updates!
... 
Wang Ling was going out today on Grenade-Throwing Senior Immortal's invitation, to help meet with a sect investor.
The first thing Odd Zhuo did after receiving the news that Grenade-Throwing Senior Immortal wanted to set up a new sect was tell Wang Ling. He also hinted that Grenade-Throwing Senior Immortal planned to invite Wang Ling to be an honorary sect leader.
But Wang Ling shook his head as soon as he heard this. Forget honorary leader, even a division leader or whatnot was too eye-catching and out of the question for him.
But Wang Ling's eyes lit up at what Odd Zhuo said next.
Because Grenade-Throwing Senior Immortal planned to open a recreation hall.
And this so-called recreation hall would be a convenience store inside the sect, which would sell… Wang Ling's favorite… he he he.
He had no reason to turn it down.
And so, Wang Ling could only agree to this proposal.
No matter what, he should go take a look.
Grenade-Throwing Senior Immortal had arranged to meet in a place that wasn't unfamiliar to Wang Ling: it was a branch of Midnight Dining Hall, run by Boss Tan's younger brother. After they rescued him from Immortal Mansion back then, he testified as a witness against Cheng Yu, and then ran Midnight Dining Hall with his older brother. Very quickly after that, he opened this branch.
This branch was pretty close to the Wang family's small villa.
Thus, when Father Wang wanted to eat lao tan pickled cabbage beef noodles, he didn't have to go very far for it anymore. Even if he didn't feel like going out, ordering takeout didn't take long, given the distance – fifteen minutes at most!
When Wang Ling reached this Midnight Dining Hall branch and pushed open the door, he found Grenade-Throwing Senior Immortal already sitting inside after being welcomed by Boss Tan's younger brother, Tan Qian.
Tan Qian had been incited by Immortal Mansion at the time to stir up trouble at the Wang family's small villa. Wang Ling hadn't been home, so Jingke had smacked Tan Qian around for a bit. It was only when Boss Tan later delivered a takeout order of beef noodles that he recognized this failure of a brother.
Back then, Tan Qian had cultivated the Panwu Immortal Martial Arts, which led to a dramatic change in his physique and made him larger. But the shortcomings of this martial arts technique was also very clear: while it could upgrade a person's realm in the short term, it drew forcefully from their lifespan. If Wang Ling hadn't intervened back then, Tan Qian would have long turned into an abnormal titan several dozen meters tall.
"Brother Ling, over here!" Grenade-Throwing Senior Immortal waved as he greeted Wang Ling from a distance.
Tan Qian also had a smile on his face as he gazed at Wang Ling with deep reverence. "Sir Benefactor honors me with your presence, and brings light to my humble shop."
Calling Wang Ling his benefactor wasn't wrong at all.
"Sir Benefactor, please sit." Boss Tan gestured in invitation. "Since Sir Benefactor and Senior Immortal are here to discuss business, I've already closed the shop beforehand, and will only reopen after you're done with your discussion. No one will bother you during this time, and all the refreshments in my shop are free of charge for Senior Immortal and Sir Benefactor."
"Mm."
Wang Ling responded lightly as he pulled out the chair next to Grenade-Throwing Senior Immortal and sat down.
Soon after that, Tan Qian presented with a flourish a dessert that Wang Ling would definitely like — a sweet and spicy crispy noodle snack flavored slushie!
Wang Ling's eyes lit up when he saw this slushie piled up as high as a small mountain in the middle of the tray.
From what he could see, this brother had promise… 
To err was human; it wasn't too late for a young man who had taken a wrong turn to step back from the edge of the precipice!
Just as Wang Ling scooped up a spoonful of the slushie, a figure suddenly appeared at the shop entrance.
Wang Ling half-turned his face, his expression extremely solemn all of a sudden.
Because this aura felt very familiar.
More importantly… 
This aura was tinged with the same flavor as Wang Ling's… 


As a cultivation genius who has achieved a new realm every two years since he was a year old, Wang Ling is a near-invincible existence with prowess far beyond his control. But now that he’s sixteen, he faces his greatest battle yet - Senior High School. With one challenge after another popping up, his plans for a low-key high school life seem further and further away...
Wang Ling: I just want to eat my crispy noodle snacks in peace...
Father Wang: If you're careless enough to destroy the country, it’s coming out of your pocket money. 
Wang Ling: It’s not my fault that the backlash from punching me kills you.
Please support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/henyeetranslationsDLIK
If we hit certain milestones, we will release more chapters in a mass release!
Tags: comedy, school, cultivation, tsundere, popular culture, almighty protagonist, action

 

 

* * *

 

 

 

As Mr Holmes talked on and on about Emma Bovary, and how she was an unfaithful, unhappy married woman, Cindy could see that most of the class had their attention more set on Mr Holmes's appearance rather then on what he was actually saying. He was a young teacher, only in his mid thirties probably. His class was rather small though; only about ten people. Mr Holmes picked ten specific people to take his class every year, all female. Most were chosen for their looks, but a few people were chosen for their academic success.

 

"He's so hot when he's talking about immortality!" Rachel whispered excitedly.

 

Summer and Cindy shot a quick glance at each other, a small smile creeping up on each of their faces as they started giggling quietly. Rachel looked their way, looking slightly and offended and confused at the same time.

 

"What's so funny guys?" She whispered, her blue eyes widening. As a few other people around started laughing, Rachel began to look even more lost. "I don't get it…" She mumbled, half to herself.

 

Eve rolled her eyes.

 

"Rachel, it's immorality, as in violating morals!" She snapped. Eve quickly glanced at Mr Holmes for a moment, then her gaze quickly softened. "He does look hot when he teaches though…" she murmured, zoning out. Her mouth even curled up slightly, forming a smile. A rare, but nice, Eve smile.

 

"He makes me almost want to actually read the book!" Megan snorted, just loud enough for Mr. Holmes to hear. He turned his attention towards the girls for a moment, giving them a small warning glance. Not that he would dare punish them. He immediately went back to teaching the class.

 

"So even if the character Emma Bovary did make many mistakes in her life, the author fell in love with her," he explained. "He felt such a deep connection with Emma that he even put some of his own personal flaws into her character!" He added enthusiastically. "One of his most famous quotes is Madame Bovary, c'est moi! Can anyone translate that?" He asked, now turning to the class.

 

Right on cue as the question was posed, Beth Tolson, a nerdy senior, raised her arm high and straight in the air. Mr Holmes nodded at her, telling her to answer.

 

"What is, 'I am Madame Bovary'?" She blurted, speaking as if she was a contestant on Jeopardy.

 

Mr. Holmes chucked. "Absolutely right, Miss Tolson!"

 

"Oh please!" Cindy turned to look at Megan as she spoke. "What is, 'desperate and so out of her league'?" She smirked evilly.

 

Cindy shook her head at her friend, rolling her eyes. "You're terrible," she grumbled.

 

Megan smirked again. "And proud of it." She turned her attention back to Mr. Holmes as he continued to speak.

 

"So even if Emma's character was mainly focussed on sex, affairs and betrayal, we all learned to love her, and root for her throughout the story," he started. "We want Emma to find happiness, and we are all devastated when Emma doesn't."

 

"Well, I'm not!" Beth blurted out. "It was wrong for her to cheat on her husband so many times! Someone like that doesn't even deserve happiness!"

 

"Interesting idea Beth…but don't we all deserve to be happy? Or at least search for something that will make us happy?" Mr. Holmes asked, directing his questions towards the rest of the class, raising an eyebrow.

 

"Not if being happy means that you're hurting someone," Beth stated, matter-of-factly.

 

Gabrielle leaned in closer to Cindy before she spoke.

 

"Those slipper ankle boots that make her feel so happy give me such an eye sore, and those do hurt!" Gabrielle whispered. "Those were so last century!" She snorted. The only things Gabrielle paid attention to in class were fashion trends, and Mr. Holmes, not the actual work part. She barely knew who Emma Bovary even was.

 

Cindy felt guilty, but laughed along with her friend quietly; while Beth was completely oblivious to what was going on. Cindy felt bad, but felt a little better when she noticed Rachel and Megan laughing as well. When Cindy turned to look at Eve, she was not laughing.

 

"I agree," Eve stated, interrupting their laughter. Beth looked shocked, while Summer almost spat out her coffee. "Anyone who doesn't consider how their actions might affect the ones they love are selfish people who definitely don't deserve happiness!" Eve snapped, looking slightly angry. Her face softened a bit as she noticed Cindy looking at her strangely. "Don't you agree, Cindy?" Eve asked semi-sweetly.

 

"Care to weigh in on this one Miss DuClaire?" Mr. Holmes asked as Cindy started to open her mouth.

 

Cindy gulped nervously. Had Eve heard her conversation with Arsen earlier?

 

"A..actually, yes, I would," Cindy responded quietly. She could feel Mr. Holmes's eyes looking at her directly, waiting for her to begin. She gulped as she began to speak.

 

"Emma Bovary is a perfect representation of a human being," Cindy stated. "She made mistakes and paid for them…just like us. That's probably what makes us feel so close to her. She is a real human, and has a bunch of flaws. She is doing her best though, so we have to give her some credit for that," Cindy spoke her words quietly, and sank back down in her seat after she was done.

 

Cindy was surprised with the looks she was receiving from Eve and Beth, and she knew that those words shouldn't have slipped out of her mouth in the first place. But Cindy knew why they did.

 

Arsen.

 

"Cindy is absolutely right!" Mr. Holmes shouted excitedly, thankfully speaking before Eve or Beth could. "Emma's many flaws are what make her accessible to us; but you could argue that her painful death is the price she paid for all of her mistakes.

 

Cindy gulped. It was as if right here Mr. Holmes was summoning her to her own death.

 

"Like karma?" Cindy asked in a whisper.

 

Mr. Holmes nodded in agreement, winking at Cindy in the process.

 

"Exactly like karma!" He told everyone. He then looked at his watch, then turned back to the class. "Sorry folks, I kept you a little late; but we'll finish this discussion after break. Happy Holidays everyone!" Mr. Holmes sat down at his desk and started putting his papers together, dismissing the class.

 

As Mr. Holmes mentioned break, the only thought that came into Cindy's mind was her laptop, and her unfinished document sitting there, waiting for her to complete it. She groaned, maybe a little too loud as she stood up. Her friends immediately noticed her reaction.

 

"Are you okay, Cindy?" Summer asked kindly.

 

"Uh…yeah!" Cindy lied, forcing a smile, avoiding eye contact with Eve. Her mind was still warped about her opinion in the Emma Bovary argument, in an attempt to please Mr. Holmes. She had pleased the teacher, but in the process had probably angered Eve. Everyone at  Fredrick Andrews Academy, even people like Beth Tolson, knew not to piss Eve up. Especially if you were a Chestershire Girl. Eve could easily ruin her vacation with Eric with her presence. Eve could make Cindy's life at Chestershire House miserable. Eve could easily ruin her life in general.

 

"It's just that paper…I've barely started it," She explained to Summer quietly. "I'm might have to stay behind a day or so to finish it," Cindy added in a whisper.

 

Eve, who happened to be right behind Cindy, butted into the conversation.

 

"Just ask for an extension!" Eve scoffed.

 

Cindy turned around startled, and faced Eve.

 

"B…but I don't ask for extensions!" Cindy argued. "It's not in my nature! I get things done on time! And-"

 

"So how is that working out for you now?" Eve asked rhetorically. Cindy paused, opening her mouth before answering, but no words came to mind. "Just do it!" Eve ordered, beating Cindy to words. Eve then led the way out of the class, others following behind her, looking at Cindy nervously. She sighed. Everyone knew that Eve's words were an order, not a question; and that she'd have to ask for the extension.

 

As everyone poured out of the class, Cindy felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to see Summer behind her. They were the only two students left in the class, and Cindy was happy that Summer had stayed behind with her instead of following the crowd.

 

"So how exactly is Eve the president of your dorm if she scares the crap out of everyone in it?" Summer asked.

 

Cindy shrugged. "I guess she just makes things work," she mumbled.

 

"Well, she certainly has a strange way of doing it!" Summer giggled. "I better go though, but have a good time in Vermont though Cindy!" She smiled, giving her friend a short hug.

 

Cindy smiled, hugging her back.

 

"Thanks Summer! Have fun back home in Cali!"

 

Summer, ready to go home and do some surfing smiled her thanks, and waved goodbye.

 

As she was alone in the class with Mr. Holmes, Cindy sighed. One could never truly understand Eve's ways until you lived with her. Summer and Eve had never really gotten along in the first place though; maybe Eve's temperamental personality had a problem dealing with Summer's calm, laid back one. Or maybe it was their age difference, one being a senior and one being a sophomore that caused them to not get along. One would never know.

 

Mr. Holmes looked over at Cindy standing there. He stood up, walking over towards her. Cindy noticed him walking over, and turned around nervously to meet his eyes.

 

"Is there anything I can do for you, Miss DuClaire?" He asked, smiling.

 

Cindy gulped. She wasn't ready for this! She had a whole speech to prepare for this, since it was going to be her first and only time doing this! She sighed as she began to spoke.

 

"A…actually, yes there is Mr. Holmes," She stuttered. "I was wondering if I could get a little extension on that paper…I'm leaving town tomorrow morning with my boyfriend, and-" Cindy cut herself off and shut her mouth. Why, why was she telling her relatively attractive teacher about her boyfriend? Why?

 

Mr. Holmes sighed.

 

"I'm afraid not," he told her apologetically. "Normally, I would, but I have to get the grades into the computer by Friday morning," he explained. "Sorry."

 

Cindy's heart sank as her teacher spoke. "O…okay…thanks anyways," she replied quietly under her breath. With that, Cindy quickly darted out of the classroom without another word.

 

As Cindy entered the hallway, she groaned. Now, she had to finish the paper in a matter of hours, and tell Eve about why she wouldn't be leaving for Vermont with her and Eric the following morning.

 

And facing Eve was the last thing Cindy wanted to do right about now.

After Osef had one successful experience in overcoming his drug cravings, a second and a third soon followed.
A basketball player who could become a famous player in the NBA naturally had strong willpower. Without it, he wouldn't have able to gain a foothold in the NBA. The more he resisted his cravings, the easier it became to do so.
More importantly, Osef could not buy drugs in Los Angeles. The Mexican drug dealers took Dai Li's money and said that they would not sell to Osef. The drug dealers in Los Angeles couldn't risk offending suppliers just so they could sell to one buyer. In addition, Osef was a celebrity. He almost died as a result of an overdose. If Osef really died, the dealer who sold him the drugs would get into trouble.
Osef was forced to detoxify because he couldn't buy drugs. After going through several days of painful withdrawal and all-day training, his physical condition improved.
In the training room, Dai Li walked over to Osef. He saw he was drenched in sweat and said, "You look very good. If you stick to it, you will be able to play on the courts again in a few months."
"I hope so." Osef stopped working out and said, "In fact, I already planned to go overseas. I asked my agent to contact European teams. I don't know if the European league is willing to take me in. If Europe doesn't want me, then I can only go to Asia. Coach Li, if I go to China to play, I will need your recommendation."
"Go to China? Why don't you return to the NBA? That's the place you belong," Dai Li said.
Osef sighed helplessly. "I have a bad record there. I don't think any NBA team would take in someone as useless as me."
"That may not be the case." Dai Li smiled and said, "If you can really get back to your previous condition you'll be fine. No, that's not true. As long as you can get back 70% of your previous condition, you can stay in Los Angeles."
"Do you mean to get me back on the Lakers?" asked Osef subconsciously. He shook his head. "Impossible, the Lakers won't want me anymore."
"The Lakers aren't the only team in Los Angeles. Don't forget the Clippers; their head coach is standing right in front of you," Dai Li replied with a smile.
Osef was stupefied. He suddenly remembered Dai Li's other job. Osef asked, "Coach Li, are you making a joke?"
"No." Dai Li became solemn. "We really need to strengthen our frontline. I can give you this opportunity, but only if you work hard. You have to start over, like a rookie. Perform well to get a contract for yourself. The contract that you get is likely to be an unguaranteed one!"
...
The NBA offseason began and rumors of various trades were flying around. The players were looking for better teams and teams began to strengthen their manpower.
Every reporter began to try to get the latest scope, hoping to get first-hand information on player signings.
Some reporters noticed that Osef was training at Dai Li's center.
In truth, most reporters normally don't pay attention to ex-stars like Osef; however, his socialite wife was high profile. Every so often, she would make the news. Osef was dragged into the news by association. This news wasn't positive. Most of the time they made fun of him going bald.
...
Dai Li attended the Clippers' media meeting in person.
After the reporters asked a few questions about the summer league, a reporter finally asked about Osef.
"Coach Li, I heard that Osef is training at your center. Is he really planning to make a comeback?" A reporter asked.
"Please don't ask questions not related to the team." The M.C. immediately stopped the reporter's question.
Dai Li made a gesture signaling that it was okay, picked up the microphone and replied. "Osef announced his comeback at the end of the last regular season. There were media reports at the time. This shouldn't be considered news, right?"
"Is Osef planning to join the Clippers?" The reporter then asked.
"Why would you think that? Did Osef tell you?" Dai Li asked with a smile. He guessed that Osef had leaked the news.
"I am very sorry Coach Li. This was just my own guess. After all, Osef is training in your center; you are the head coach of the Clippers," the reporter replied.
"The center is my personal business and does not involve my work in the Clippers. It does not affect my ability to carry out my duties as head coach. I have always separated my private and public businesses." After he said this, he deliberately made a thoughtful expression. After thinking for a few seconds, he replied, "But what you said reminded me that the Clippers' frontline really needs to be strengthened. If Osef recovers, I will advise our management to give him a contract."
...
The next day, various headlines appeared on all forms of media.
"The best sixth man will return with the Clippers!"
"The Clippers are interested in signing with Osef!"
"Osef returns: a one-year veteran signing with the Clippers!"
Although Dai Li had only said it was a possibility, it became confirmed when it reached the news media. People were predicting what kind of contract he was going to get.
...
"Coach, this is a perfect move. Deliberately saying that you want to give a contract to Osef. Ronny must be anxious now." Cassel pointed to the headline of a sports magazine.
"You're not thinking that I planted journalists there to ask that question, right?" Dai Li asked.
"Isn't that the case?" Cassel was surprised.
"Of course not!" Dai Li shook his head.
Cassel's eyes widened. "Aren't you using the situation with Osef to put pressure on Ronny so we can be in a better position as we negotiate Ronny's contract renewal?"
Dai Li shook his head again. "You think too much. If Osef really can get back to his previous condition, do we really need Ronny? On the surface, Ronny's scoring average is higher than Osef. However, Ronny is a key player and Osef is the sixth man. Really, in terms of offensive techniques and offensive efficiency, Osef is better than Ronny. Osef has organizational skills. Among the NBA's teams, there aren't a lot of substitutes who can get triple-doubles..."
"Wait," Cassel interrupted Dai Li. "Coach, you aren't thinking of actually offering Osef a contract? That guy only cares about drugs and women. He's useless!"
Dai Li shook his head in disapproval and said confidently, "Don't forget, he is training in my training center. The athletes I train all come out jumping higher, running faster, and being stronger!"
...
Ever since he demanded $125 million for five years for his contract, Ronny had been ignored.
He initially thought that when the Clippers said that they would consider it, it meant that the management was leaning towards agreeing. They would eventually accept the $125 million for five years that he proposed. He did not expect that he wouldn't hear from them again.
Ronny finally got impatient. He asked his agent to ask the Clippers on the progress of their "consideration." The reply from the management was that they were still in consideration.
Gradually, Ronny felt that the Clippers were deliberately stalling, so he began to release that he was willing to consider other teams' offers. No teams had approached him so far. After all, the teams knew that Ronny's asking price was not low and the Clippers were likely to match the offer of the other teams.
Over time, many of the free agents got new contracts. Many of them received high-salary contracts. Each high-salary contract that the teams signed ate up more of the money the teams had for new players. Several teams had already crossed the luxury tax threshold. They could not afford to sign new contracts. The number of teams that could offer a high-salary contract to Ronny became lower and lower.
The Clippers were still in consideration and Ronny's patience was being worn out.
Ronny finally saw the news about Osef.
"What? Osef made a comeback! He is also joining the Clippers!" Ronny looked at the news in total confusion.
As a frontline player who could play in any position, players like Osef were definitely in demand by all teams. If the Clippers really signed him, they would be able to reduce Ronny's playing time. If Osef returned to his previous condition, the Clippers might not even need Ronny anymore.
Ronny called his agent immediately.
"Don't worry. This is just a way for the Clippers to reduce the price. Osef is useless. He almost died from a drug overdose last year. How could he return to the court now? Don't forget that he is still taking drugs. Of all the drug addicts I know, none of them were able to quit. You don't need to worry at all. Don't fall for the Clippers' tricks." The agent tried to comfort him.
"But there are fewer and fewer teams that can give me high salary contracts now, I am worried..."
"Don't worry," the agent interrupted Ronny. "I will talk to the Clippers. Don't forget, they have given you a contract of $100 million for five years. I think this is definitely not their bottom line. We can definitely make the Clippers increase their pay!"
...
At the physical fitness training center, Osef was training like crazy.
"Osef has been training very hard recently. I have some concerns about whether his body can withstand such high-intensity training," Payton reported to Dai Li.
Dai Li nodded in satisfaction. "It seems that he is really the prodigal son."
"I talked to him in between his training session. He really wants to return to the NBA. He said that you promised the Clippers would give him a chance to return, so he does not want to disappoint you." Payton changed his tone and went on to say, "I grew up in a family of gangsters. I have seen a lot of addicts. I have seen many people who died because of drugs. The number of people who have successfully quit is very low. Coach Li, you are perhaps the only person in this world who has the ability to change a person."
"Don't flatter me. I just gave him hope. In the end, it depends on him." Dai Li looked at Osef and sighed. He said, "Osef has experienced so many bad things. His wife is openly demeaning and mocking him. He has become a laughing stock. His pride has been damaged. He needs to regain his dignity as a man. He is now fighting for his dignity!"


How could a poor graduate student without any background or connections become successful? With a coaching system? An upgrade? This is not a computer game, but real life we’re talking about!
 
This will be a fantasy based on reality. Dai Li will fight back against all those who would mock and humiliate him with his astonishing and awe-inspiring training skills. From a nobody he’ll try to become the most illustrious coach in the sports world, so join him in proving to everyone who’s the real master here!

Grace's frown deepened, when he bought him from the hands of Eagie, he revealed his entire wealth and it would definitely attract the eyes of those wolves hiding in the dark. Though he was a noble, his title would only work inside the Imperial Capital, not in this distant Merchant Town.

Dan noticed Grace's thought, but he didn't say anything and maintained his calm smile. His eyes shone in a light which felt like he had everything under control. But this further increased the questions inside Grace's heart, if someone told her that such a young man that looked like a boy-toy had a calculating and manipulative mind, she would find it hard to believe.

The reason was he found Dan's actions of revealing his wealth and origin and because of it, those bastards will definitely come after him.

Wait...

Could it be that...

Grace's expression flickered as she glanced at Dan, the previously naive and simple young man became like a mystery in her eyes. Thinking back about what he said that he would regain back what he paid, Grace formed a premonition in her heart.

After about ten minutes of waiting, a male attendant knocked on the door, saying that someone wanted to meet him downstairs. 

Bringing Grace with him, Dan walked towards the ground floor and there, he found three middle-aged men dressed in a clothing which indicated their heightened status. They noticed Dan's presence but their eyes only glanced at him before landing at Grace who looked elegant due to the clothes that the former bought for her.

It was an aquamarine one-piece dress which emphasized the contour of her body. Her youthful looks paired with her gorgeous body painted a picturesque scene which enthralled the three men.

Three gulping sounds echoed and Dan leaked a slight smile on his face before taking the two available seats for their own.

Sitting before these renowned entrepreneurs, Dan's expression remained indifferent with a hint of aloofness and disdain. His current bearing and posture gave him an air of arrogance which confirmed with his current identity as an arrogant and prodigal young master.

Grace bowed and with her status as a slave, she didn't sit before them. Noticing her actions, Dan frowned and said, "Why don't you take a seat, come here beside me..." 

Grace leaked an awkward smile, "It's fine, I don't dare to invade young master's personal space..." She bowed and since she remained insistent, Dan didn't push the matter any further and crossed his arms together before saying,

"May I know about what the three of you wants from me?" 

The three entrepreneurs trembled for a moment before the most rugged looking one of them went forward and said, "Since we can see her beside you, young master," He glanced at Grace for a moment before continuing, "I suppose that young master knows about Eagie, the Slave Trader, right?"

Dan nodded his head, "Indeed, that fatty was quite a good person to transact with, he really lives up to his words..."

The other two entrepreneurs inwardly sneered when they heard his words. The reason why they came here in the first place was due to that same fatty. 

"Since I bet that young master still has some work to do, I won't sugarcoat my words. We fancy that woman beside you, may I know if the young master is willing to sell her to us? We're going to pay double the amount that you paid for her.."

Dan coldly chuckled, "This is what I like the most. Meeting straightforward people like you three," His gaze swept over them before saying, "I am sorry but this woman is not for sale..."

The other two entrepreneurs frowned, they were the first ones who reserved the young woman from the fatty's hands, but because of the bastard's greed after meeting such a fat piece of meat like Dan, the bastard actually sold the product that they reserved. When they found out what he did, the fatty only told them about the person who purchased the young woman and even tipped them that they could buy her back in a lower price than what they offered.

At first, they were apprehensive about Dan's background, but after realizing that his noble name only existed at the Imperial Palace, they became confident. After all, the Imperial Palace was far away from this place and as long as they cover their tracks, they could easily get away with it.

"Is young master also a businessman?" The first entrepreneur who talked earlier inquired. Dan turned towards him before shaking his head, "No I am not,"

Regaining his confidence, the first entrepreneur said, "Then, the young master must know about how valuable she could be for us, merchants. Since you're not a businessman, I don't think that she could be of use to young master, especially when she's just a mortal."

Dan's expression went frigid and his tone turned cold, "I don't think that there's a need for me to inform you about what I am going to do with her, right? I am the one who bought her so what I will do with her is none of your business..." Standing up, he spat, "What a useless discussion, let's go back, Grace!" 

Grace deeply bowed towards the three entrepreneurs before turning around and leaving with Dan towards their room. But before they could do so, the three of them stood up and blocked his way up the stairs.

Dan said, "What's the meaning of this?"

The man who blocked his way revealed a wry smile, "We didn't want to do this at first, but since the young master is quite persistent about not selling her to us, you can't blame us for taking action, right?"

Dan swept his gaze around the area and found that the other two entrepreneurs had started approaching Grace. Turning towards the distant manager who looked anxious, Dan said, "Don't you know that fighting in his Inn would warrant a fine?" 

The man chuckled, "Of course I know about that, young master, the price was about five thousand gold coins, right?" He took a bag from his Spatial Ring and threw it at the manager. 

The manager caught it in mid-air and his apprehension disappeared. His expression even revealed a hint of anticipation towards the battle that would ensue.

Dan knitted his eyebrows. But he soon chuckled as he said, "I see since you can't do anything in a battle of words, you're resorting to a physical battle and coercion?" 

The man didn't reply. He glanced at his two comrades and after simultaneously nodding. His cultivation base fiercely rotated before sending a palm strike at Dan's chest.

Even with the short distance between the two, Dan managed to evade his enemy's attack, frowning, he glanced at Grace and realized that the two men started taking liberties with her, groping her body under his watch.

"Assassin's Focus," Dan mumbled under his breath and the three entrepreneurs suddenly stopped their movements. They became like frozen statues with their eyes widened in shock and fear. Turning their heads towards Dan's direction, they kneeled on the ground with sweat, riddled on their foreheads.

"Eh?"

The sudden reversal baffled Grace as a queer cry came from her throat. The manager also stared at the scene with astonishment as Dan walked before the three and said, "Offer everything you have before me and you can leave..." He said and the three entrepreneurs hurriedly took their Spatial Storage Device and placed it before Dan's feet.

"P-p-please don't kill us, I have a family to feed..."

"Please, kind sir, please don't do anything to us, I'll do anything as long as you let us go..."

The proud entrepreneurs turned into obedient children which repeatedly begged Dan for forgiveness. The latter turned towards Grace before smiling as if saying, "Didn't I tell you that I would earn more than what I lost?" 

Sweeping his gaze over the three entrepreneurs, he coldly spat, "Scram before my eyes!"

"Yes, sir I will gladly scram!" 

The three men literally rolled away from the area, leaving the shocked and confused spectators behind. 

"Just what did you do to them?" Grace mumbled, but Dan didn't reply. Instead, he took a glance at a window before saying, "Go upstairs on your own for now, I still have some unfinished business..." He walked towards the exit and disappeared into the darkness.

"Ermm, Young mistress, do you mind If I offer you some tea?" The Inn Manager respectfully said from the side, breaking Grace's mind from her astonishment.

Outside the luxurious Inn, inside a dark alleyway, the figure of Eagie could be seen staring at the retreating three men. His expression looked perplexed and when he turned his line of sight back inside the Inn. He mumbled under his breath, "Wait, just where did that young man, go?"

Before he could move and inspect even further, a cold voice followed by a sharp sensation on his back, echoed behind him, "Don't move, if you do, you're dead..." 

The familiar voice sparked the fear hidden within Eagie's mind as his body stiffened, "Ermm, young master, just what is the meaning of this?' His voice sounded awkward and uncertain.

"What's the meaning of this? Aren't you the one who schemed behind my back so I would suffer under the hands of those three bastards?"

"What suffering are you talking about? That's preposterous, why would I dare to offend you, young master?" Eagie shook his head and denied all accusations. But this caused Dan to give a light chuckle before saying, 

"So you're not going to repent until you see your own coffin, I see..." Dan struck a crucial meridian at the fatty's back and in an instant, the nerves in his body crumbled, instantly paralyzing him from the waist down.

The fatty fell on the ground, his expression twisted into horror and fear as he hurriedly pleaded, "Young master! Just what did I do to offend you? I swear on my life that I didn't do anything against you!" 

Stepping on Eagie's back, Dan replied, "If you didn't really maneuver against me from the shadows, then tell me, what the hell are you doing here?" 

"Ermm," Eagie hesitated for a moment before saying, "I came here to eat, of course! Only that Inn has the finest cuisine that deserves to be eaten by me..."

"You're still strong headed about that? How about I just reveal to you all the details about this grand scheme of yours? It would be much better, right?" Dan's lips leaked an amiable smile, but Eagie who noticed it couldn't help but feel a shiver down his spine.

"Your scheme started when you saw me throwing a thousand gold coins as an initial offer for a mortal slave, right? At that time, you must've realized that I didn't have any knowledge about how the slave market works, making me an easy target for fleecing." Dan thought for a moment before continuing, "You probed me by changing the price and after seeing that I remained unperturbed despite your ridiculous offers, you must've thought that I was just a prodigal young master, right?"

Dan easily unfolded all of his thoughts at that time. Hearing his words, Eagie couldn't help but reveal a wry smile upon realizing that he was just dancing atop Dan's palm all this while. Sighing in his heart, he opened his mouth but was interrupted by Dan.

"Since Grace had the smarts and scheming mind which makes her a valuable asset for those merchants, I don't believe that you didn't contact anyone before your arrival in here, but since you just recently arrived, that means that someone reserved Grace from your hands. After that, you just tracked me and told those merchants that Grace was in my hand,"

"If this little plan of yours succeeded, my ten thousand gold coins would've been spent for nothing and you would've earned at least double of that money that I gave you, right?" His eyes flashed in a ray of critical light.

"As proof, did those bastards cancel their reservation or not?"

Dan applied force and Eagie gasped for air before saying, "That's right, young master is perfectly right! They also didn't cancel their reservation so according to the contract, once they acquired the product, they would still have to give me another ten thousand gold coins, doubling my earnings."

Eagie's expression looked pale and his breathing became ragged pants. His eyes dilated in fear and sweat continuously dripped from his forehead to the ground, drenching it with his filth. He didn't understand why, but under Dan's suppression, he couldn't rotate his cultivation base and escape.

Dan heaved a sigh, "If you weren't so greedy, then this outcome may have not arrived. Sadly, you met me on your journey and stumbled down." Dan shook his head, and Eagie who felt a sense of imminent danger started struggling and pleading for his life.

Dan took his foot away from Eagie's body and slashed down with his dagger, ultimately ending his life. Eagie wasn't even able to scream as Dan reaped his life in the most effective way possible.

With the tyrannical absorption powers of the Life Force Devouring Method of the Tetsui Clan combined with the Soul Devouring Method of his clan, Eagie's body turned into dust. Leaving no trace behind.

Walking away from the dark alleyway. Dan returned to the Inn and went inside his room, sleeping his worries away.

In a world fraught with innumerable dangers where living day by day is a struggle, a young man from the modern age transmigrated into such a world, accompanied by a peculiar system made for assassination.

[Move footsteps three inches apart for enhanced stealth.]

[Strike at the indicated acupoint to ensure a quick death!]

[Host has successfully assassinated the designated enemy! Gained one Assassination Point!]

prodigal summer discussion questions

Discussion

The Empress' Livestream

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Reborn at Boot Camp: General, Don't Mess Around!

The Geared Immortal

Coming of the Villain Boss!

The Daily Life of the Immortal King

The Prince & The Slave Girl Book II

Almighty Coach

Assassination System

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