Callea was trying to get the feels of their visitor while cooking at the kitchen. They were with Deive at the living room. According to Deive, he has been friends with those men since they were kids. They were also Deive's business partners. They didn't say much but she knew that they don't like her for Deive. Even when she changed her church dress to one the nice dresses that Deive bought for her, the tension was still there. They were still uncomfortable with her.

She was not the Callea they were expecting. She was not the normal beautiful woman that her grandfather was selling.

"I think that is done, señorita," Marina said then tapped her arm. She was cooking chicken adobo with coconut milk. (Adobo is a popular Filipino dish where fish, pork, beef, chicken or vegetable would be cooked with soy sauce and vinegar and other spices. Callea's recipe was special because it has coconut milk in it.)

 She was zoning out. She didn't notice that Marina was back in the kitchen after she fixed the table at the dining area for dinner. She didn't want Marina to see the guests a while ago. She was protective of her because of her past experiences with strangers. But Deive insisted that Marina must meet his friends, too.

"They are kind and handsome, too." Marina was grinning from ear-to-ear. "Sir Averill even asked me if I am that hunchback in the story that you created. The one where people thought that she was a jinx but became the hero in the end." It was a particular favorite of Callea because she showed that not all beautiful creatures are kind and some who were considered ugly could have a good heart and even save a lot of people.

"Averill know about that? He reads my novels?" she asked in awe. Averill was a businessman. She never thought he had it in him to read graphic novels. And how did he know about her identity as an artist? Her works were popular, sure. But aside from her publisher, nobody knew the real identity of the artist behind her works. She hated attending book signings and meet and greet because she valued her privacy so much.

"Yes. Even the grumpy one is a fan of yours." Marina stopped for a bit to think. "Ah! That's Sir Lucian. Señorito Deive is so proud of you. He boasted you to his friends. You are not just a great artist but you are good in history as well. Now they are interested to visit the underground cemetery with you as their guide."

"Hmmm… Deive is now the ambassador of tourism."

"I also want to thank you."

"Why?" Callea asked and took the Pyrex container where she would put the adobo.

"Because some people looked at me differently now. I used to be treated as a jinx like I couldn't do anything good in this world. "This is the first time that some strangers treated me like a heroine because of the story you created. That I am not some devil's minion or a person with a communicable disease."

She put the Pyrex down and held her hand. "Marina, you are a good person. In God's eyes, we are all the same. We are all beautiful. It is only humans who put a standard on things. Even those who are beautiful experience human's cruelty." And she felt sad when she remembered who had to pay for her beauty.

"Go to the visitors now. I will put the food on the table," said Marina and shooed her away.

Callea removed her apron and left the kitchen. At the living room, Keiran was playing the piano. Deive and his friends were laughing with Sydney's antics about her graphic novel that he read. It was a piece of happy jazz music and was fit for jovial mood.

They stopped talking when Lucian saw her. "Your bride is here," he said to Deive.

Sydney stopped talking and moving entirely and his jaw was slack. He looked like he was afraid to move. He was still afraid of her. He apologized for screaming a while ago when she took off her veil. She couldn't laugh much afterward because he looked like he was about to have a heart attack. Deive had to give him his water canister and made her drink water to calm him down. She promised not to scare him anymore. Well, not that much.

She forced a smile. "Dinner will be ready in a bit."

"I could smell the ginataang adobo. It makes me hungrier," said Lucian and stood up.

While Averill walked towards her. She noticed that he was holding a copy of her graphic novel and a pentel pen. "Could you please sign an autograph for me?"

She stepped back and shook her head. "I don't sign autographs. I mean, not in person." She didn't even want to face her fans. It was weird that someone asked her to personally sign her book.

Lucian crossed his arms over his chest. Drat! The man looked intimidating when his attention was focused on her. "As Deive's future, you can't refuse us. In return, we will guard Deive so he won't stray to other women."

"Don't be like that, man," Deive complained. "I am a good boy. I am faithful." Then Deive smiled at her. "Please sign it for my friends."

He couldn't say no to Deive at that point. His friends would find it more it weirder if she would refuse them furthermore. She took the pentel pen from Averill. She was a bit shaking as she signed her book that had just been released at the market last month. She smiled when she got a hang of it. It also felt great to sign her own book. "Just make sure that my identity will be anonymous to others. I just gave in because you would make sure that Deive won't go back to his womanizing ways."

Deive scratched his own head. "I am a good boy," he insisted.

"Can I make a request?" asked Sydney and raise his hand. "Deive said you like cosplaying the characters you created. Can you cosplay the red vampire Zapira for me? I got a crush on her."

"What?!" exclaimed Deive and hooked his arm on Sidney's neck and tried to choke him.

The rest of them laughed. It was crazy. They were so adorable. And she realized that she hadn't laughed for a long time in the company of strangers. Before it comes easily. That was the old her. She never thought she would experience it again. It was liberating. Deive made him laugh again. With that laugh, Deive also opened the door to her heart. And she would let him inside her heart even if he won't ask for it.

An arranged marriage to a perfect bride.

To keep him in line, playboy Deive Hontiveros needs to marry Callea Lopez so he could start his own business. He thought he got lucky when he sees how beautiful and caring Callea is.

She lives in a haunted mansion though and he got plagued by a mysterious ghost of a woman and her cat from hell.

He must protect his bride at all cost. 

But what if Callea is one with the darkness?

Xin Mei stayed at the hospital for one day only. Once doctors were satisfied that all drugs were removed from her body, they discharged her.
After getting discharged, Xin Mei decided to visit Bai Yue. It had been a long time that she had visited her. Besides, she was already planning to visit her after getting free from the filming of revenge.
"Grandma," Xin Mei squealed and rushed toward Bai Yue.
"Xin Mei," Bai Yue spread her arms wide and hugged Xin Mei. "How are you, my daughter?"
"I am all good. What about you?" Xin Mei asked and took her seat on the spare bench of the garden. Su Yuchen also took his seat beside her.
"I am all good and active. I am all ready to look after your and Chen's baby. So, when are you conceiving a baby?"
Xin Mei flushed when she heard Bai Yue. She thought Bai Yue had forgotten about her great-grandchild but, how could she?
"Grandma, stop forcing Xin Mei to conceive a baby. We do not want a baby for now. We are still young."
Bai Yue pouted when she heard Su Yuchen. "But, I want to do something useful! I get bored at home. Especially when your grandpa goes to meet his friends. I feel suffocated when I am not able to do anything. I feel lonely. If you both have the baby then I will not feel bored and lovely."
"Grandma, if you feel so lonely and bored, then why don't you visit my orphanage? There, you can spend some time with the kids." Xin Mei suggested and looked at Su Yuchen.
"That's a good idea. You can visit the orphanage and can teach painting to the kids. I still remember that you are very good in painting."
Bai Yue smiled when she heard them. Their suggestion was not very bad. By spending her time in an orphanage, she would get to do some good deeds.
"I am all ready for it." She gave her thumbs up.
"Ok, I will appoint some permanent guards and driver for you. They will take you to the orphanage daily, ok?"
Bai Yue wanted to protest when she heard guards but she knew no one would let her step out from the Su residence without any guard or personal driver. So, she readily agreed to Su Yuchen.
**
Xin Mei and Su Yuchen spend their day in the company of Bai Yue. Su Lingtian returned home by the evening to spend some time with Su Yuchen and Bai Yue.
They had their dinner in Su residence itself where Bai Yue forced them to spend their night in Su residence only.
"What do you mean by 'I want to return home?' Isn't this your home too?" Bai Yue scolded Xin Mei. "I don't know anything. Tonight, you are going to stay at Su residence only and that's final."
Both dropped their weapons in front of Bai Yue and decided to spend their night in Su residence only. The four of them played carom for late at night before Xin Mei and Su Yuchen made their way toward the old room of Su Yuchen.
"So, this is your old room." Xin Mei looked at his room with appreciation. His room was of the black and white theme. There was a four-poster bed in the middle, a study table in the right corner which was filled with a lot of books.
A big framed photo above the bed, a painting on the left wall. There was also a shelf that was full of many trophies and awards. In no way, it looked as if this room used to belong to a teenager.
"You were boring as a teenager also. Your room doesn't have any poster or something which is expected from teens."
Su Yuchen chuckled when he heard her. "Mei, I was never a big fan of having a poster of some female star in my room. I was always Mian and Mian." He smiled and wrapped his arms around Xin Mei.
"But still…. You could have at least a poster of some superhero in your room, or video games or something like that. It looks as if this room belonged to an adult not a teen."
Su Yuchen again chuckled when he heard her.
"What to do? I matured before the right age. Your husband had not suffered any less and he did not have much time to think about superhero and video games. I always knew I had to handle Su corporation and that was my only motto."
Xin Mei nodded her head. She then walked toward his study table and pulled out some novels. Most of them were about big personalities or business strategies. There was no fictional novel.
On the whole, his childhood was very boring and she felt a little bad about it.
"Stop thinking bad about me." Su Yuchen gently slapped her head. "You should be glad that I was mature, unlike Su Zixin who still doesn't know how it arrange his wardrobe. You can check it, you will find all his clothes thrown randomly here and there."
Xin Mei chuckled when she heard him. She shook her head, imaging how the room of Su Zixin would look like.
**
The next day, when Su Yuchen and Xin Mei were getting ready Su Zixin barged into their room.
"Ah, now I can breathe in relief after seeing that you are all good." Su Zixin sighed and wrapped Xin Mei in his arms and lightly hugged her. "I got so worriedly for you. At first, I thought that you were surprising brother and I had accidentally walked on you. But then Huang Chu informed...…"
Voice of Su Zixin broke down. He had become very afraid when he was informed that Xin Mei was seriously unconscious and was not responding to Su Yuchen. He had thought something bad had happened to her.
"From when did you become so weepy?" Xin Mei chuckled and pushed him away. "I never thought you will feel worried about me. Gosh! I think I have died and have reached the heaven. That's why I am imagining an unbelievable thing."
"Stop being overdramatic Xiao Mei." Su Zixin scoffed. "You know I like you very much as a sister and probably, after brother, I will be the one to cry the most if something bad has to happen to you."
He glared and pocked her arm. Xin Mei chuckled when she saw raw anger on his face.
"I know, I know, I know you love me. I was only teasing you."
Su Zixin shook his head and again enveloped Xin Mei in his hug while looking at Su Yuchen from the corner of his eyes.
'Sigh, brother is not jealous that I am hugging Xiao Mei.'


"These are my conditions. You have to agree upon them before we can get married."

"Accepted. Each one of them is accepted. Any more conditions, soon to be wife?"

"Yes, I want your help to destroy my jerk of an ex-boyfriend."

A sly smile appeared on the lips of the men sitting opposite her. 

"With pleasure." How could he let his competitor stay unharmed? He would be having his own fun in destroying the man who had made him taste vinegar a lots of times.

"Something as?"

Before she could even shake her head, he stood up from his seat and held her hand. "Let's go."

"Where are we going?"

"Civil affairs bureau. Any time later and it will be closed."

Xin Mei looked at the man with wide eyes, and before she could comprehend, she was sitting in civil affairs bureau with a marriage license in her hand.

****

Xin Mei woke up from coma after 3 weeks of long sleep. She faced a brutal reality like every other female lead; her boyfriend was cheating on her with her best friend. Feeling vengeful, she decided to have her revenge.

It's payback time.

"She snatched my boyfriend; I will snatch her career from her." 

"He rejected me. No problem. I will find a more handsome man than him."

"His father made my father beg; now I will make him beg."

And who will help her? Su Yuchen!

Su Yuchen believed that a person can fall in love only once and he had already fallen in it. His belief was broken badly when he met Xin Mei. After tasting a lot of vinegar, he could not wait for another second to make her his wife. He could not lose his second inning in love.

******

Story Discord Link: https://discord.gg/4bKHKmS

Note: This is an original story by me.
The cover is edited by me but I don't own the picture. Credit to the owner.

Update schedule: 2 chapters daily
                             14 Chapters in a week

Current editor and proofreader: Harry_7, StormAthena5, TannyChan

Lena was not mad at Kris. She guessed that this was karma for her highly intense sexual desires. Luckily though, in the end, she didn't spend a lot of time horse riding. The men did their own races, everyone losing to Kris, obviously, while the woman just drank some tea and watched the men ride around.

"I had a dream." Grandma Shen spoke first. "In my dream, we were fishing. My young self with my husband. And in that dream, we caught a big fish. But we let it go. But the fish didn't go when we release it, instead, it stayed and swam around our boat in circles."

Lena continued to drink her tea but then she realized that her grandmother and mother was looking at her. She quietly placed down her cup of tea and looked at them.

"What?" She asked.

"Fish dreams usually mean that you're pregnant or someone close to you is."

"I am not pregnant!" Lena claimed.

She looked down on her stomach and touched it. She couldn't be... she just had her first intercourse a little over a week ago. And she's still on her birth controls... she couldn't be..., right? How early does one know if they are pregnant or not?

"Mother must have had a dream about me." Aunt Ma spoke.

Everyone's eye widened and looked at her.

"I am 5 weeks pregnant. We weren't going to tell everyone yet until we find out the gender."

"Aiya! Is that why you were not drinking yesterday. Sister, congratulations!" Shen Milli smiled.

"That's great news! I hope it is a girl." Grandma Shen replied.

"When are you going to find out about the gender?" Lena asked.

"Well, it has been a busy week and with the family gathering too, we didn't find the right time yet. We were going to visit the hospital after we go back home."

"That's good!" Grandma Shen was happy.

Shen Milli was also happy. She was not able to have a big family, but she was glad that Shen Yue (Aunt Ma) was able to have a big family. She was still young to have one or two more children.

"Don't tell Shen Ma yet, he wanted it to be a surprise for everyone." Aunt Ma smiled.

"The kids will be very happy to have a younger sibling." Lena added.

"I hope the triplets will be better behaved knowing that they will be older brothers."

Everyone laughed.

"Lena... when are you going to get married and start your own family. I married your uncle when I was around your age and only got lucky with two pregnancies. The triplets just made it a big number."

"I... maybe when I find what I want to do first."

"You're stepping down from LUX after the partnership release, are you not?"

"Yes. I was only helping my mother manage it for a while. There are better candidates to be president of the company."

"You're marrying Kris Li, anyways. You can follow your dreams instead of following your man's dream this time." Aunt Ma said, referring to how Lena chased Andy to business school instead of following her passion.

"Yeah."

The women talked more about clothes and fashion before it was time for dinner.

Lena had considered following her passion after leaving LUX. The original Lena had just really dreamed of being an amazing wife and stay at home mother. However, Lena... Shen Qian, pursued her major in graphic designs and arts.

Shen Qian was stuck doing web and project designs because it was a good-paying job. Well, at least before Erik fired her.... But her young self really wanted to pursue a career in graphic novels.

After dinner, everyone went to the springs. The area not only has a large natural grass field for the horses but a good part of the area had natural springs. The men went to their own area while the women stayed separated from them.

Although Lena and Kris did not spend much time together, they both enjoyed the nice little vacation. Kris had a good time with the Shen family. Of course, grandpa made sure to remember his name correctly this time and never stopped to remind Kris when the wedding date will be.

Shen Mao was saying he wanted a small wedding but Shen Ma suggested a big wedding. Shen Mo, on the other hand, was mostly silent.

Kris felt that he got along well with almost everyone... but there was just something about Shen Mo.

Everyone had left the water early. Kris left too but he came back after seeing that Shen Mo was still there.

"I thought you would be gone already. We've had stole you for the whole day, you must be missing Lena." Shen Mo spoke as Kris got back into the water.

"I miss her every second I am away from her, but it's not every day that I get to spend time with the other people she cherishes."

"Hmmm..." Shen Mo nodded. A good reply indeed.

There was a long silence as both of them sat in the water.

"I feel that you don't like me." Kris bluntly asked.

Shen Mo opened his eyes and looked at Kris. He smiled. "I don't like your family."

"I don't too."

"Good. It should stay that way."

"Why do you not like my family?"

"Some things are best if you just don't know. Like everyone else here... they can look at you and be happy with you. Every time I look at you... I see your father and your grandfather. But I don't know you. Are you your father? or your grandfather? I should not let a parent's sin be their child's."

Shen Mo got up from the water. "So I am not exactly disliking you but I am just not as accepting as the others. But don't worry, if Lena truly loves you, then there is no need for me to worry. I only hope you truly love her back."

Shen Mo started walking out but he stopped. He looked back at Kris. "There is one thing though..."

Kris looked at him.

"Be wary of the Zhao family. A Li can never trust a Zhao." And with that, Shen Mo left Kris alone in the water.

'Zhao...?' Kris try to process the words that Shen Mo spoke. There had always been tension between the Zhao and Li family... each family had always been wary of each other. 

'Hugh....' Kris looked up to the night sky. But, He can always trust Hugh.

Shen Mo said that it was better for Kris not to know... but Kris felt like he needed to know. What is his parent's sin? His family had done many horrible things... he included.... does any of them have to do with the Shen family?

Kris got up from the water and walked out. He put on his robe and walked to his room. Everyone mostly had separated room. When he opened his door, he immediately spot Lena lying on his bed, texting on her phone.

"Oh, you're finally back."

"How did you get in?" Kris asked as he closed and locked the door.

"Through the window."

"...." This was the fifth floor. And there is no balcony.... did Lena really come through the window?

"Naw... I picked the lock on the door."

"You've been watching too many movies." Kris took off his robe and put on his sleeping clothes. He crawled into bed with Lena. "You're not sleeping here right?"

"No... my mom will probably come to check on me later." Lena smiled and gave Kris a kiss. "I just wanted to see you before I sleep tonight."

Why didn't you choose the second male lead instead?! He treats you better?!

They are called the second male leads because they don't get the main female lead. 

But wait... I just got transmigrated as the villainess?! I am bullying the female lead... and everyone hates me?! 

Well, screw you female lead and male lead.. I don't need both of you!

*Looks around* Where is my second male lead? Is it you, you or you? AHH.. just choose the cutest one! 

This is a story about a Lena who has transmigrated to a new body and a parallel like world. 

Her fate is bounded to be the villainess of the story. How can she make herself loveable and find her second male lead when every move she makes, she is fated to cause trouble? 

The world is a different place when everything is not made to go correctly. Will she defy her fate or follow it? Will there be love awaiting her in the end? 

----------------
 

Sneak Peek but edited to hide the guy's name for no spoiling.

She hiccuped. "It's f**ken ugly!" He stared down her head. Lena raised her arm and put her hand in front of it. "Can I touch?"

Without even approving, Lena touched it. First, she poked on it like it was some exotic species, then she gently placed her entire hand on it. He could feel her warm hand on his cold body. It sent a warm tingle throughout his body. 

"Does it hurt?" Lena asked.

"No. Pain is just an emotion in the brain. I might feel it at first, but I already learned how to avoid the pain, hiding it away."

Lena stood up, standing in front of him. "Sorry I was rude. You can see mine too."

"What? I don't want --" 

Lena lifted her shirt up a bit but he grabbed her hands to stop and pulled the shirt back down. "I don't need to see it."

"But, mine's pretty. You need to see it!"

"I really don't want to see it."

"Are you calling it ugly too?! No it's pretty, I promise!"

——————

The picture is from Pinterest... something I just grabbed for covers.

7 Months Later

Being a baby is awesome and frustrating at the same time. Awesome because you basically have a group of adults to wait upon you. You need food? You cry and 'Walla Walla Washington', food appears magically and stuffed in your mouth. You don't even have to lift the spoon. You feel like peeing? Or pooping? You cry and 'Hocus Pocus - Sister awokus' Even if it's the middle of the night, you have people helping you pee and poop. 
Some people would say I'm a disgusting, sickening and loathsome guy with not an ounce of self respect. Guess you're right, but I would take those insults anytime, anywhere because being waited hand and foot is definitely worth it.
Now the frustrating part is that I can;t understand shit about what's going on here. Nobody speaks English and let me tell you it's easier to pick up a language and gain fluency from a blank slate than knowing a language beforehand and trying to learn a new language. It's easier for the former because you think and speak in that very language from the get go. All your thoughts and imaginations are in that language. 
While for the latter, You first think in your original tongue, translate it and then speak in the new language. All your thought and imaginations are in your original language instinctively, which leads to less practice than the former. The only thing that is going for me is that I obviously have higher intellect than other babies as well as the amount of practice I am doing consciously. I am now good enough at speaking the local language that I can at least ask for things in two word sentences. And the lack of knowledge of the local language leads to the sheer lack of information.

I know the country I am in. I know the organization that is trying to indoctrinate me is the church of this world. Now you may say that I'm being prejudiced against them without any proof but you must understand that 90% of the churches in isekai novels are always corrupt and secret evil. 
Of course Sister Violetta can never be evil, she was probably deceived into joining the church or maybe forced to get involved. But rest assured people! When I grow up I am definitely saving her and taking her away from this place. 

And who says that I don't have proof?  You see abnormal things have been happening to me. The first thing is that I am just a teeny tiny bit too strong for a baby. I weigh about 10 kilograms. How do I know it? While on our bi-monthly outing of the orphanage to the doctor to get medical checkup and shots I secretly wiggled out of the room to explore the surrounding cause I only get to go out about once every two months and that is definitely not enough to quell my adventurous spirit. As a proud delivery truck driver that has driven on the roads of 42 states and 5 countries, staying cooped up in the same building for an year may as well be called torture. 
So here I am just outside the room and what do I see? A weighing machine! Right now anything that is new to my eyes is good enough for me to be excited about, even if it's just a weighing machine. And I did what any curious baby would do. I crawled towards it as fast as I could and got on top of it. And Viola! I weigh a solid eleven kilograms. But I didn't know whether it was normal, underweight or overweight. 
Why can't these guys paste a baby weight chart on the walls. Is that too much to do? Are they looking down on us babies? Are we not important enough? But unfortunately while I was monologuing, a Nurse spotted and swooped me away from the glorious self discovery adventure I was having. Curse you evil minions of the hospitals! And with that I was put down on the sofa among the other children which resolutely ended my adventure in the hospital.
Now  you must be thinking "Hey what relation does this pointless story have with the weird things happening around you?" Now just be calm and see how the fates have woven this thread of coincidences around me.
So you see, the church has a separate room with books about religion and other subjects. I regularly 'infiltrate' that room to gain information on the organization. Who am I kidding? I just wanted to read some picture books cause I was fucking bored. So one day while I was advancing on my stealth mission I miraculously found some books in English lying on the lowest shelf in the book room. I was so happy that I nearly cried again, which would have failed the mission right there, But I controlled myself like all excellent agents do and did not let my emotions hinder me in the way of my duty.
 I took out those books and started to read them and advance my knowledge about the organization. Apparently they were stories about how saints of this religious order were tortured some eighteen hundred years ago. Some of them had their teeth violently pulled or shattered in their mouth. Some of them roasted on grills. Some of them skinned alive, Devoured by beasts, sunk in the ocean etc etc. 

Can someone please tell me what the hell is this book? And why was it in lowest shelf where children can easily pick it up and read it? And why on earth is all the text followed by graphic pictures showcasing these people undergoing torture? Is this some kind of ploy to permanently damage the kids? 
Or maybe I finally found the reason behind this organization's objective! They want revenge for them and want to destroy the world! Or maybe rule the world with their organization as the supremo of this world and kill or enslave the rest. Hmmm, this would need some more careful investigation in their origins and history. I picked up the other books in English and started reading them. they were mostly anecdotes of the previous members of their society. the last one was just a phone directory in English. But just as I was open it I heard footsteps coming towards this direction. I grew flustered and quickly tried to put the book back in the shelf. 
Nothing abnormal right? I wish I could say the same. 
I picked up those books and ran towards the lower shelf, and that's when I realized what was wrong. I was holding a stack of books weighing about two kilograms and running with it. My mind was screaming to put them down right there cause it was very abnormal, but my body said 'cool down mate, It's easy peasy'. And followed my body cause it sounded much more friendly and ran towards a cupboard to hide behind it. Just then I heard the footsteps entering the room.
"Periklis!"
I heard sister Violetta shouting my name. But no matter how sweet she is, I stopped myself from responding reflexively and giving out my hiding place. I couldn't let them know that I had already gained some fundamental knowledge about them and had started plotting against them.
After hearing those disappearing footsteps, I came out and ran towards my room. After all I had a lot to think about. I probably have above average or extraordinary strength. It's a bit too soon to call it super powered as I have yet to punch a hole through the wall. Now the question is how did I gain it? Is the organization conducting secret experiments in us? Have I been drinking diluted super soldier serum in the form of milk? Or they have been bombarding me with Vita rays when I'm sleeping? But I haven't seen the rest of the kids doing anything beyond ordinary.
 Or were my original parents some super powered people and their one for all powers passed on to me? Maybe I'm a mutant? Or maybe this is a reincarnation bonus by some lazy god who thought it was too much trouble to meet me? So many questions and yet no one to answer. But the most important question among all of them is how to proceed with this information and what measures to take? 
I would be bluffing myself if I said that I would just live normally and peacefully from now on. I have read enough web-novels, fan-fictions and stories to know the most important principle is that 'Supernatural attracts Supernatural'. To say anything else would be a lie. Now the question is what type of role is my destiny plunging me into?

A regular human dies and is reborn in another world. Common? The world has Legendary swords, Heroes, Angels, Devils and Gods? Still common? He knows the future of the world too! It's still not uncommon? he is probably going to be super-powerful. if it's still a common story then I can't help it. an Si who is not an edgelord. Harem? Who knows?

If you didn't know, the first volume of this series is published on Amazon and Kindle with all art scenes done by Jourd4n. 

currently, volume 2 is coming closer and closer to being completed but from now on I'm doing all the art scenes myself for all my other novels.

[ Sadako The Demon Of Neodeka ] still has a long way to go but when this story is completely done I'm planning to publish it as a full blown hardback book. Definitely going to put a little more pazzaz into the final product for this one. 

BUT THE BIGGEST NEWS OF ALL 

As a Halloween special I'm posting the first chapter of Welcome To The Afterlife (graphic novel version) on Instagram in full color. Look for it on Thursday @lyranichi

The difference between life and death is a fine line. 

  Evan Shadows; A 19 year old boy who finds his way into another world after dying in a tragic accident.
      
  In the world of Neodeka there are horrifying monsters, dragons, and ofcourse pretty girls. 

  Though, after getting scratched by a terrifying creature, it seems he must set out on a quest with his new friends to find something called a 'Life Crystal' before he starts to turn into one of those monsters!


---------------------------------------------------------



Continuing In Volume 2




Evan Shadows and his friends finally defeated the evil dragon Atsuko the world of Neodeka broke apart. Everyone was separated in the fall, ending up in yet another strange world.

The world of Jigoku. A kingdom preparing for war under their king Goliath A.K.A Sadako's father. Evan, Sadako and Basa are alone on their journey thus getting to know one another and becoming trusted allies. 

Avery Volk has been on a rampage in the world of the living for 2 years, torn up over the loss of his beloved Blair. Until one fateful day an old friend shows up with news for hope, a way to save Blair, revive her from the Phantom realm. Unfortunately, Avery will have to face Goliath himself in order to get Blair back. Though, Goliath seems to know Avery even though they never met before, or so Avery thought...

Lyran Ichihara comes into contact with a handsome boy with wings. Though they get along just fine, he doesn't want to tell Lyran his real name for some reason. Instead, he goes under the alias 'Angel'. They travel the wasteland in search of the rest of Lyran's party into the town of Selina which is cut off from the overbearing rule of the demon king Goliath. Until news comes one day that shakes Lyran to her core, Angel helps her on her mission to infiltrate the king's castle.

Read to find out what happens as some relationships form and some tear away. Also, a new life is created.

------------

[ Sadako The Demon Of Neodeka ]

The tale of the life of the daughter of the king. She was cast out of the castle at a young age and forced to work as a slave. 

This poor lonely girl would one day become the powerful demon known as Sadako Gravestone.

Check out my other book: King of Film 
Synopsis:
 Jiang Cheng a screenwriter is reincarnated to 2001, into the seventeen-year-old body of another Jiang Cheng.
Clutching onto the dreams of his previous life he attempts to succeed where he previously failed.
He starts from scratch, as a small-time screenwriter writing television shows and movie scripts.
Filled with dreams of becoming a generational entertainment legend and establishing an entertainment empire he takes the road to become the King of Film.
....
First Volume of the book:
Amazon- https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07FDK6N1P
Google Play- https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=6KtjDwAAQBAJ
....
Second Volume of the book:
Amazon- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FZCSXY5
Google Play- https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=87tmDwAAQBAJ
....
Wanna take this chance to thank Yuumei who very kindly gave me permission to use her illustration it as my book cover. She has some breathtaking pieces on her site, honestly they look so realistic, check them out : https://www.yuumeiart.com
You can also check out her graphic novels: https://www.yuumeiart.com/graphic-novels/


Zhang Xiaohua was a washed-up artist who tragically passed away in a car accident after heroically saving a child’s life. After his death, Zhang Xiaohua’s soul was transmigrated into a parallel universe where the entertainment industry has become sluggish. 

With a group of small musicians, memories and just his wits about him, he is forced to create something for himself in his new environment, working hard to sustain himself and his mother, while also trying to regain control of his father's company.

Follow his journey as he attempts to become a world-class entertainment mogul and conquer the entertainment world by storm.

_____________________________________________

*Get the first volume of the book:
Google Play-https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=6KtjDwAAQBAJ
Amazon - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07FDK6N1P 

*Get Volume 2 of the book:
Amazon- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FZCSXY5
Google Play-https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=87tmDwAAQBAJ

Discord: https://discord.gg/TeTKhzp

Get Some Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/huaxiang-entertainment
_____________________________________________

Book Cover is by Yuumei Art who very kindly gave me permission to use it as my cover. She also has loads of other amazing pieces if you wanna check them out at: https://www.yuumeiart.com

Why not try my new books: Angel of Death, King of Sports and King of Film

6

Talin hesitated outside his bedroom door, his gaze on the breakfast tray he'd made.  He'd burned the toast a bit, but it was edible.  Pushing the door open, he entered the bedroom to find Dimitri sitting up.  Ignoring his heart's little skip, Talin took the tray to Dimitri's side of the bed.
"I brought coffee," he said banging the tray slightly on the bedside table.
Dimitri helped him steady the tray.  Once it was safe, Dimitri took his left hand.
"I hope you're not leaving me to disappear downstairs," Dimitri said.
Talin laughed.
"No, I called Lori; she'll handle opening the club."
"Good," Dimitri tugged on his hand until he sat on the side of the bed.
"You took my rose," Talin said, shifting until he sat legs crossed on the bed facing Dimitri.
Reaching for the tray, he placed it on the space between them.  He took Dimitri's cup of coffee and held it out.
Dimitri took the cup with a small shrug.
"You don't need black roses, Talin.  I'll get you vibrant red ones if that's what you want."
"But, the black one was unique.  I don't even know where it came from."
Dimitri pressed a finger on his lips.
"Don't worry about a dead rose, my dear.  I'll get you a whole plant."
"And where will I put a rose plant?" Talin asked putting jam on Dimitri's toast.  "I don't have a garden out there."
Dimitri nodded to the windows and the little balcony built in there.
"We'll put a flower pot there."
"What about when it snows?"
"We'll wrap it up." Dimitri grinned.
Talin shook his head.
"You have a solution for everything."
Dimitri nodded.
"That's right."
Talin scoffed.
"It gives you a big ego."
Dimitri bit into the toast with a small happy sigh.
"I want to eat breakfast with you everyday."
"I doubt that," Talin said applying marmalade on his toast.  "You have Kat cooking for you."
"I'm a third-wheel in that house."  Dimitri grinned.  "She and Lukas have eyes for each other in the morning."
Talin laughed at that picture.  He doubted Dimitri would ever be a third-wheel in any situation.  His personality brought him up front and center.
"You don't believe me," Dimitri said.
"I think they both love you too much to make you feel like a third-wheel.  You're whining," Talin said.
"Jeez, there's no joking with you."  Dimitri sipped his coffee.  "Still, I prefer having toast with you to any fancy breakfast."
Talin felt warmth burst inside him and he took a bite of toast to hide it.  They ate in silence for a few minutes.
Talin reached out to wipe away toast crumbs caught on the corner of Dimitri's mouth.  Dimitri took his hand and pressed a kiss on his fingers.
"What are you doing today?" Talin asked.
Dimitri sighed.
"I have to go to the marina.  Lukas needs help with one of our charter boats.  Something's wrong with the engine."
"You like working with engines.  The day I went to your place, I found you working on a pump engine.  Is that what you do all day?"
"I do a lot of things in a day," Dimitri answered.
"Things like what?" Talin asked, wanting to know all he could about Dimitri.
So far, all he knew was that the man had insomnia, and liked to sleep in Talin's bed.
Dimitri put his coffee cup on the bedside table.
"Lukas and I own the marina together, but he does the administrative work and dealing with customers.  Kat helps but she has her restaurant to deal with.  I work behind the scenes.  I check the charter boats, do maintenance and if anyone needs help with their boat, I handle that.  We offer warehouse space, so I make sure shipments are in order.  My job gives me a flexible schedule and I get to work with my hands."
"And your men, those guys you hang with, what do they do?" Talin asked.
"Sean and Tomas help me," Dimitri said.  "They handle all the warehouse problems which can be trying."
Talin met amused blue eyes.
"Satisfied?" Dimitri asked.
"Nope," Talin shook his head.  "Where did you go last night?  I saw your car in the parking lot before I fell asleep.  You weren't in the club, I called Lori to ask."
"A friend picked me up," Dimitri said with a slight shrug.
"What friend?"
"Business friend," Dimitri said.  "He had an emergency to do with a shipment and needed my help."
"Is that why you didn't sleep?" Talin asked with a frown.  "Dimitri, you have to take better care of yourself.  I know how it is to overwork."
"Don't worry about me," Dimitri said.  "I don't sleep that much anyway.  Besides, I slept the whole day yesterday."
"Still," Talin moved the tray to the bedside table.
Dimitri pushed the sheets away and moved closer, reminding Talin that he was still in his boxer shorts.  They hadn't done anything beyond a few kisses and holding each other.  Dimitri sunk his fingers into Talin's hair, tilting Talin's head back so that they could kiss.
All thoughts of what Dimitri did or didn't do disappeared.  Dimitri tasted like coffee, strawberry jam and toast.  Dimitri's tongue stroked his, Talin pressed closer, his arms moving up Dimitri's strong upper arms to his shoulders.  He could kiss Dimitri all day.  Their kisses were drugging, heated...he sighed when Dimitri broke away to trail kisses along his jaw to his neck.
His fingers sunk into Dimitri's mink black hair, and a moan escaped when Dimitri bit at the curve of his neck and shoulder.
"I've dreamt of holding you like this," Dimitri said sucking on the sensitive spot.  "I can't believe it's finally happening."
"Why do you keep saying that?  Am I really so unapproachable?" Talin asked leaning back to meet Dimitri's gaze.
"I—," Dimitri pressed a kiss on his jaw and let him go.  "It seemed better to look at you from a far."
Talin sighed and got off the bed.  "Well, seems you're still looking from afar."
"Why do you say that?" Dimitri asked in surprise.
"Nothing," Talin said, picking a knitted sweater he'd thrown over an armchair beside his bed.  "I have no clue what we're doing, so—, it doesn't matter what I say."
Talin wore the grey sweater and tugged it over his t-shirt.
"Talin."
Talin tried…he tried…to fight that sexy voice, alas he was mortal and weak.  Dimitri's low voice was tempting; it felt like expensive silk stroking his cock, arousal slammed him hard.  He wanted…meeting pale blue eyes, he sighed, berating his body for wanting a man with secrets like Dimitri.
"What?" he asked.
Their gazes locked.
"I want in," Dimitri said, "all the way."
Talin forced himself to look away from Dimitri.
"Ah…well, if it was sex you wanted, you could have asked that first day," Talin said, trying to joke through the intensity of Dimitri's words.
He had no idea what to say.  He didn't know if he could handle someone getting to know him.
Isn't that what Dimitri was implying here?
It had to be…he frowned.
"Sex is easy, I want more than that.  I need it, Talin," Dimitri stated.
Dimitri got off the bed in a fluid motion and closed the distance between them with a few steps.
Talin couldn't help the gasp when Dimitri held his shoulders, turning him, so they faced each other.  Unable to resist, Talin touched Dimitri's stomach, his fingers tracing soft hair dusting down to the waistband of black boxer shorts.
Dimitri ran his fingers through Talin's hair, stroking the long messy strands.  Talin leaned into the touch.  It was so new, yet so familiar: comforting, he let out a shaky breath and looked up to meet Dimitri's gaze.
"Can we take it slow?" Talin asked
His chest felt tight, fear creeping in at the thought of allowing someone in…again.
Dimitri's smile was slow, roguish…sexy…jeez, everything the man did linked back to sex.
Talin's cock hardened, pressing against his jeans.
"Whatever you want, Talin," Dimitri said leaning to touch his lips to Talin's, "as long as you let me have breakfast with you."
Talin chuckled.
"And have my bed for sleeping?" he asked.
"Yep," Dimitri said his fingers bunching in Talin's hair gently.  Using the hold on his hair, Dimitri tilted Talin's head back, "for sleeping…and other pleasurable activities, hopefully soon."
Talin closed his eyes when Dimitri finally kissed him, this time leaving no doubt what type of pleasurable activities Dimitri wanted.
***
The trash pick-up truck showed up at around one o'clock.  They were two days late.  Talin stood at the back door watching them clear the trash area.  He'd been worried the health officers would show up and find the trash area messy.  Health officers were a pain…not to mention the fines…he sighed and stepped back into the building.  He needed to call the removal company and straighten the schedule.
Instead of going to the main club floor where Lori was dealing with late deliveries, Talin went to his office.  He'd spent the past thirty minutes compiling a list of potential waiters for hire.  Settling behind his desk, his gaze fell on the card Detective James left him.  He'd brought it down here by mistake.
Picking it up, he touched the number with a frown.  Dimitri thought it was a good idea for him to keep the card.  When he'd asked why, Dimitri had smiled and told him to let the detective know if Ken Luther showed up at the club.
Dimitri.
Now there was a man with secrets.
Talin opened the top drawer of his desk and dropped the card inside, his thoughts firmly on Dimitri as they had been through the week.  They'd only spoken for four days, and it felt like he'd always known Dimitri.
It had to be the epic kisses, Talin thought with a smile, though the secrets intrigued him too.
Like last night, he'd glanced out the living room windows to see Dimitri's car in the parking lot.  Talin wondered why Dimitri would leave his car in the parking lot when he'd need it to get to the marina.  Then there was the Caleb Barnes saga, and the two men who followed Dimitri around.  Then there was this morning…why had Dimitri looked so stressed when he'd shown up?
The questions were many, but then the kisses filled his thoughts and the questions rather took a backseat.
He was in lust with Dimitri's kisses.
Talin touched his lips and couldn't help smiling at the memory of Dimitri pressing him against the front door before he left two hours ago.  He hadn't wanted that kiss to end.  He'd instead wanted them to go back to his bed.
Dimitri, however, had broken the kiss, patiently held him until they both could breath easier, and then he'd left with a devastating smile.
Damn Dimitri, he frowned, the man had insane self-control.
"Talin," an amused deep voice broke into his thoughts.
He glanced up to find a tall thin black man smiling at him.
"Carl," Talin said, pleasantly surprised.
Getting up, Talin walked around the desk to meet Carl and give him a tight hug.  He laughed when Carl patted his back and tugged on his ponytail.  Carl Brown was his oldest friend.
"I knocked twice, but you seem preoccupied," Carl said stepping back to study him.  "I see smiles, visiting the land of the living again, Talin?"
Talin chuckled and playfully punched Carl's arm.
"It's great to see you, Carl.  Did Terry kick you out of the house today?  I haven't seen you in a while."
Carl laughed and moved to take a seat on the armchairs set before Talin's desk.  Talin joined him, moving his chair so that it faced Carl.
"She's driving me crazy," Carl said, his voice soft, dripping with fondness.
Terry was Carl's wife.  Talin had been Carl's best man at their wedding six years ago.  They had one two-year-old boy they both doted on.  Carl was madly in love with his little family.  Happiness radiated from deep within.  It brightened Carl's dark brown eyes as nothing else could.
Talin was jealous.
"You haven't come to visit the Turnip," Carl said studying him.  "We worried.  Terry asked me to come here and drag you out to lunch."
Talin smiled at the mention of Carl and Terry's eclectic bookshop.  He missed that place; the couple had a knack of stocking the bookshop with the best of books.  They'd let Talin name bookshop when they first opened it.  Talin still couldn't believe Terry had agreed to call the bookstore the Turnip.
"That woman," Talin smiled.  "She's so bossy."
"She worries about you," Carl said leaning forward, elbows on his knees.  "Although, I have to say, you're not as depressing as you usually are.  What's changed?"
Talin scoffed.  "What are you talking about?"
"Secret smiles, happy eyes, hmm…" Carl grinned.  "Anyone I know?"
Talin shrugged.
"Not really," he said not ready to mention Dimitri's name.
Carl gave him a knowing look and stood.
"Guess you're not ready to share.  Come on then, I'm not taking no for an answer.  We're going to the steakhouse down the street.  We need to get some meat on them bones."
Talin gave the list of names on his desk a wistful glance.
Carl took his arm before he could launch any protest and led him out of his office.  Talin barely grabbed his jacket on the way out before Carl closed the door.
It was wonderful to walk down the street with Carl.  He listened to Carl talk about his son, and watching him grow.  Carl talked about Terry, love in his every word.  He'd forgotten what this was like, just listening…Carl could talk for hours…somehow it had always seemed like the best thing about Carl.  He'd never needed to talk, Carl did it all…Talin just listened.
"How's your store, Carl?" Talin asked as they settled in their seats at the Steakhouse.
Carl picked up his napkin giving him a surprised look.
"Doing great, Terry ordered new graphic novels, you could come over and check them out."
"That sounds like a plan," Talin said studying the menu.
"Really?" Carl asked sitting back.  "She's kept stuff for you for months."
"I'll drive to the bookshop later."  Talin looked up to find Carl staring at him.  "What?"
Carl took the menu away from him.
"Okay, what have you done with the real Talin?"
Talin laughed.
"I'm the same old Talin."
"No you're not," Carl shook his head.  "You're definitely not the same Talin I've seen the past four years."
Talin held Carl's gaze for a moment, before he looked away.
The past filled the silence between them…too close…too hard…yet now; Talin took in a deep breath and let it out slow.
"I'm sorry," Carl said his tone regretful, "I've ruined it."
"No," Talin shook his head.  "There's nothing to be sorry about.  I-I checked out…"
Carl studied him, and then reached out to squeeze his hand.
"Don't think about it.  I'm insanely happy to see the icicles melting.  Please, let's go to the bookshop after this.  It will be like old times."
Talin watched Carl pick up the menu, a small grin on his lips.  He wondered why he'd never seen how much his self-imposed exile worried Carl.
"I feel like having barbecue short ribs," Carl said grinning at him.  "What do you say?"
Talin laughed.
"Sure, definitely feel like getting sauce all over my face.  Why not?"
Carl nodded and called their waiter.
****
Hours later, Talin drove back to the Talon from Carl and Terry's bookshop feeling happy.  He'd strapped in a box full of new copies of fantasy graphic novels on the passenger seat.  Terry knew his tastes well, and she'd kept the best titles for him.  Glancing at the box, memories came back, happy memories.  He'd always loved graphic art, the more conceptual the better.  Carl and Terry had helped fuel that love through the years, encouraged him when he'd created it too.  Thinking about his art skills brought back memories.
Memories…the vault in his head clicked open.
Gabriel.
Talin remembered afternoons in the sun, seated under a huge oak tree, the grass so green…gorgeous green, but not as gorgeous as Gabriel's green eyes.  He remembered sketching those eyes, trying to put them on paper, and capture the light just right…but never quite getting it.  Kisses under that tree, giggles of delight…followed by…emptiness.
On coming headlights blinded him, and Talin jerked his car to the side of the road, his foot heavy on the brakes.  He came to a stop with a jerk as the driver behind him honked his irritation.
Glancing at the box on the passenger seat, Talin wondered when the past would stop hurting.
His cell phone buzzed.  Glancing at the caller ID, he let out a soft sigh when he saw Dimitri's number.
"Where are you?" Dimitri asked when he answered.
"On the way back to the club," Talin said adjusting his seatbelt.  "I went to see old friends.  Are you at the Talon?"
"I stopped by to drop something off, you weren't there," Dimitri said.  "Are you alright?"
Talin glanced at the box of graphic novels.
"Yeah, I'm fine.  Are you coming over tonight?"
"Later," Dimitri said, his voice filled with promise.
Talin smiled.  "I'll wait."
"Drive safe," Dimitri said then.
Ending the call, Talin placed the phone on its holder on the dash.  Holding the steering wheel with both hands, he let out a steadying breath and eased back into traffic.
"Steady, steady…," he whispered.
***
Back at the club, Talin helped Lori clear tables for the night.  It was almost three o'clock in the morning, Dimitri still hadn't shown up.  Picking up the last stool, he overturned it on the table and stretched his arms above his head.  His shoulder muscles complained and he dropped his arms.
"Did you have fun with Carl?" Lori asked as she filled out the daily forms.  "I saw him drag you out of here earlier."
"Yeah," Talin said taking the rag he held to the counter.  "I didn't realize I was neglecting them until I saw him today.  Their son is walking and everything.  It was surreal, I remember a small tiny baby who had to be carried with care."
Lori chuckled.
"Boss, you haven't noticed much these last few months.  Working, working," she shook her head.  "I guess you've turned on a switch in there.  I can't wait for the new employees you're hiring.  It will mean day offs."
Talin frowned.  "You get day offs."
Lori scoffed.
"From where?" she asked looking around the empty club.  "I'm pretty sure the bulk of the work has been between you and me."
Talin picked up the dirty rags and went around the counter to dump them in the washing machine.  He put in the right amount of soap and started it.
"Dimitri came over earlier," Lori said as she put away the daily forms.
She went back to his office and brought back a package wrapped with delicate green netting.  She placed the package before him with a wide smile.
"Unwrap it, I've been dying to see what's inside all night."
Talin undid the green string holding it all together, and the netting fell away.  He grinned when he saw the small potted plant, the thorns unmistakable.
"A plant?" Lori asked.
She touched the earthenware pot with intricate designs on its surface.
"The pot is expensive.  I don't get it."
Talin touched the leaves carefully.
"It's a rose plant."
"A rose plant?" Lori frowned.
Talin ignored her confusion and instead reached for the card tucked into the plant.  He opened it and found Dimitri had written a note.
>>>For your balcony, water it everyday. D
Talin placed the card on the counter and went to the sink.  He picked up a beer mug and filled it with cold water.  Lori gave him an amused look when he returned to water the plant carefully.
Twenty minutes later, he carried the box of graphic novels, with the rose plant carefully balanced on top, upstairs.  Stopping at his door, he got his keys and unlocked the door.  Ignoring the lights, Talin went into the living room to place the box on the coffee table.
He went back to close the door and turn on the lights.  That's when he saw the white envelope on front door rug.  Frowning, he picked it up, as he locked the door.  Opening the envelope, he pulled out a picture with a note on the back.
'Dimitri Sedlackov is dangerous.  He's not what he seems.'
"Well, that's ominous," he said under his breath turning the picture.
There was Dimitri holding a bundle of…money?
Talin frowned.
***

#BLNovel #boymeetsboyworld
Talin focuses on work, barely giving anything else attention. One encounter in his club's parking lot drags him out of his dull life. 
Dimitri has watched Talin for so long, when Talin storms into his workshop, Dimitri decides he won't stay in the sidelines any longer. Dimitri decides he wants Talin for life.

This is GhostyZ. The author of many fanfics and some originals on this site. I am using this account to enter into the Fantasy contest for Thrones and Kingdoms. Since my other account already has some other novels saved and I couldn't post this novel. 

>>There will be some graphic content. Just to let everyone know<<

This story will have a system but I won't overdo it with the stats. There will mostly be action and drama as well as other themes. There will also be classes,ranks, and tiers  which I will later list. 

This story is in its project stage. But I hope I can make it good each day. I will try my best to edit each chapter and add more content each day. 

Prologue will be uploaded today. All info chapters will be posted in the Aux section.

If you have any questions ask away. I will try my best to answer each question about this story.

Also I will show some pics of how the MC looks like.

A college student is reborn in a fantasy world that is fused with Magic and Cultivation. Myths, Legends, and Mythical Creatures all exist in the world of Zareth. Clans and Kingdoms filled with Harem Lords roam these lands which are inhabited by the most radiant Maidens and Goddesses of all races. But this world is a brutal and unforgiving one, in which only the strong thrive. Dragons, Spirit Beasts, and an ancient darkness lurk in the shadows. 

Will he rise up the ranks and become a Harem God? Conquer the Divine Lust. 


Support: https://www.patreon.com/ghostybones

[Tags]: Overpowered MC, System, Anti-Hero,Harem,Monster Girls ,Reincarnation, Netori, Action, Kingdom Building, R-18, Extreme Gore, Harem, BSDM, NSFW, Dual Cultivation, Summoner, Mature, Sex, Dungeon ,Thrones

>WARNING!<  Incest, Mind-Control, Hardcore, Hidden Tags


Novel also being posted on Royal Road and Scribblehub.

The village was roused into action once the team of trackers returned, bearing the news of the imminent arrival of their Spirit Healer, Tok Batin Silihan. As night was approaching, more and more torches were lit around the village, as if there was a festival going on. The women got into action and started to busy themselves with prepping and cooking while the men began cleaning up the village with a sense of urgency. Tens of fireplaces started to burn, and the smell of food permeated the surroundings. The air was filled with a sense of tension and worry, interlaced with intense discussions about the 'Exalted Elder' of the Bateq community. Many aged old legends and stories were retold to the younger generations by their elders while their hands were busy with beautifying the village.

Rob was currently sitting crossed-legged together with Tanahan at the back of an open space structure made of bamboo that resembled a gathering platform known as 'haya' (1). At the very front, six old men convened in a circle while discussing passionately in Bateq. Their eyes were bright and were filled with a kind of crazed fervor, while intermittently relaying instructions to a few messengers at their sides. 

"What are the Elders discussing, Tanahan?" Rob inquired quietly with confusion. Even he could detect the sudden shift in the mood of all the villagers. After they returned, suddenly, everyone turned into this out of the blue, which had made him extremely perplexed. He could pick up a few words but still couldn't comprehend the reason for the sudden commotion.

"I've let them know that Tok Batin Silihan is coming," Tanahan explained with a low voice.

"..." Rob was speechless. All this commotion for one old man? Seriously?!

"So? What's all the fuss about?" Rob made an incredulous look. 

"Every time he returned, he will usually hold a meeting with all the younger generation of the tribe. I heard that he was looking for a successor, but he had never picked even one after so long. After the event, he would fume and throw a terrible tantrum for a few days. One wrong move and the unlucky person could be hanged upside down from a huge tree for days without food and water. I've seen it a few times. The most terrible of all was to watch when the person had to defecate upside down. Imagine where all the urine and stool will then flow." As Tanahan explained more, he rubbed off the goosebumps appearing on his arms. His actions were seen clearly by Rob as he had a dreadful premonition about his client's well being. Tanahan's fear was genuine and wasn't made up since even the color of his dark bronze face paled a little while he was retelling his tale.  

Tanahan continued in a whisper, "As such, the whole tribe will work together to appease the Exalted Elder by arranging everything nicely so as not to incur his wrath. He hadn't returned to the village for more than ten years this time. It is believed that as long as the Exalted Elder found the apprentice he longed for, everyone will be saved. It became a significant event every time our Spirit Healer returned. Additionally, this was the only time that we can seek his spiritual guidance and help, though it really depended on his mood, whether he will entertain the person in question or not."

Rob was appalled by the unruly old man! And he left his injured client to that old man to be tended to?! Rob could only light a candle for Mr. Arash deep in his heart and hoped that he won't be killed by the old fellow. Although Mr. Arash was a nice guy generally, he was a little sluggish by nature. Maybe he had so many things in his mind all the time until he responded a tad bit slower than the rest when he was asked a question. In the beginning, Rob and Mat were quite annoyed by their client's 'slowness', but soon realized it was unintentional and adapted to him. Additionally, he's a little clumsy too and easily loses his footing multiple times in a row. To someone who's impatient like the capricious old man, Mr. Arash's flaw could easily stoke his rage. 

"I need to save my friend." Rob suddenly stood up with a determined look, startling everyone present.

Tanahan smiled apologetically at everyone and pulled Rob down. "Sit back. You've disturbed the gathering."

Rob unwillingly sat back as he struggled to contain his impulse. "What if that elder of yours killed my friend?!" He whispered in worry.

"Don't worry. He already promised. He will preserve your friend's life at the very least. Just pray that your friend won't make him pissed off without reason. Sometimes, dead is better than living."

Rob. "..." O________O

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From afar, a fully-clothed Arash limped slowly while chitchatting with Tok Silihan by his side as they walked at a slow pace towards the village. The village was not too far off anymore, as multiple trails of smoke could be seen wafting off from every corner, and series of lights from torches were twinkling as if the village was having a festival. Someone who was lost would surely be able to find their way as the village was shining like a light tower amidst a turbulent darkened ocean. 

True to Tok Silihan's promise, the gravely injured Arash could already move on his own after three hours of care. If a modern medical practitioner had seen Arash's previous condition and his current one, they will be so baffled and took both Arash and Tok Silihan to a top-secret research institution to be experimented on. However, Arash himself was unperturbed, an effect of reading too much manga and manhua, fanfiction, and Xianxia-based c-novels. He felt that it was normal for him to get better when being tended by a reclusive expert. He hadn't even realized how lucky he was to be favored by Tok Silihan to this degree.

Tok Silihan was making a bored look while he 'harumphed' once a while noncommittally in response to Arash's random trivia and endless questions. However, the lack of interest shown by the old man didn't seem to dampen Arash's mood as he kept on chattering all the way during their long walks. As someone who didn't talk too much, Arash's current disposition only happened because he had switched on his fan-mode and viewed Tok Silihan as an idol in his heart. Every man dreams of meeting their idols. Contrary to the West, where Marvel heroes were revered, Arash was more exposed to the manga culture of the East, and later on, heroic light novels originated from China, Japan, and Korea. Obviously, in his heart, Son Goku was the strongest superhero in the universe as he could squeeze Captain Marvel to death with his two fingers.

Although Tok Silihan was making an exasperated bored look, if one observed well, one would notice that the old man had reduced his pace to match Arash's movement. Additionally, he even helped carry Arash's heavy backpack for him while letting him chatter incessantly without doing anything to him. 

"Look here, look here, Tok Silihan. This is my beautiful wife and daughters." Arash forced Tok Silihan to a halt by barring his path and pushed his smartphone rudely to Tok Silihan's face. 

Tok Silihan sighed deeply and gave the smartphone a good look. "Too flabby. Too fair. Not to my liking." Seeing that Arash's face had changed slightly, he quickly added, "However, the kids are quite cute."

Arash held his face while feeling self-conscious as he blinked his eyes a few times. In fact, he was fairer than Hana by a few notches. If Tok Silihan said his beautiful tanned wife did not conform to his beauty standards, it meant that he must be extremely ugly in Tok Silihan's eyes. He knew the last sentence was just to appease him, since both of his kids were as fair as him since they got his skin tone.

"There must be something wrong with Tok Silihan's eye. Ya lah, you're so old like a dried twig already. My wife is the most beautiful woman on earth, okay." Arash mumbled unhappily under his breath. To him, only his beloved Hana could catch his eyes since they first knew each other, way back in school, until now. His wife had aged gracefully, like aged wine, becoming more alluring the older she got. He was very crossed with Tok Silihan's careless remark but could only suppress it in due to respect to the older generation.

"What did you say?!"

Tok Silihan finally couldn't stand Arash's stinky mouth as he made a sophisticated backflip, landed on Arash's head, and use both of his knuckles to grind Arash temples.

"Ouch-ouch, ouch! Sorry, sorry!! Tok Silihan's eyes got 2.0 vision! Sorry!"

"I can't hear you!" This time, Tok Silihan wrestled with Arash and clamped his neck with his arms while forcing Arash to smell his armpits.

"Aiyoooo, help me! I'm a patient! Pity this patient! Tok Silihan, your armpit smells like fermented anchovies!!! I could die any second now!" Both of them were play-fighting while laughing.

Arash came to a halt all of a sudden.

"Why did you stop? Did you get hurt for real somewhere?" Tok Silihan had reduced his strength to the lowest and purposely pushed Arash's face to his armpit to discipline his stinking mouth a little. Did he inadvertently hurt Arash's neck? 

Arash coughed while blushing. "Er, Tok Silihan, your people are in front of us."

They had just emerged from a faint trail to reach the periphery of the village. The hidden bent immediately opened up to the sight of a large village.

Tok Silihan moved his gaze to the front only to be confronted with hundreds of villagers, with their jaws touching the ground. No one was making a sound. Obviously, everyone heard their cute banter very loud and clear. Half of them were holding fire torches and was lining up, as if they were in a greeting formation, while all six of the elders were in front with a large weaved wildflower garland, similarly with a blank look.

Tok Silihan cleared his throat slightly and placed his hands behind his back, acting like nothing ever happened. He had noticed these villagers ahead of time but couldn't fathom why the big reaction from them. He walked forward with a regal look as everyone else pretended not to see or heard anything. His actions made Arash tried hard to suppress his laughter. The old man was too cute! Against all the odds, he found Tok Silihan to be endearing in a weird way.

"Pfttt.." Arash inadvertently lost his composure and let loose a little suppressed laughter.

Tok Silihan immediately used his walking staff to beat his butt and let him roll on the forest floor while walking forward like nothing ever happen. He greeted the six elders in Bateq.

"Why are you guys here? Nothing to do? If you have so much time, why didn't you clean up the village ground properly? I can see a few trash here and there while I was walking here!" The moving hand holding the flower garland froze midair as it nearly reached Tok Silihan's face. Pak Jaya's mouth twitched a few times. The treatment they got compared to the missing outsider was like the heavens and earth!

Rob and Tanahan quickly came forward with worry to help Arash and found that he was still suppressing his laughter. Arash was totally unhurt! Rob and Tanahan looked at each other with eyes full of wonder.

In their hearts, both of them were wondering how could this happen?! How could they be so chummy in just a few hours together?! What's Arash's secret to conquering the capricious elder's heart?!

A mystery!

A vibration was felt on Arash's right hand, which was grasping his smartphone, followed by a "Ting" notification. It was followed by a string of "Tings," implying that many notification messages were received. Arash's eyes lit up in delight!

"Tok Silihan! Your village got mobile reception!" <3 Arash squealed with delight uncontrollably while waving his right hand which was holding the smartphone. 

Tok Silihan nearly slipped but righted his position begrudgingly. He ignored Arash and quietly relayed some instructions to place Arash in a haya nearest to his abode immediately to let him rest. He also asked the elder to call the resident doctor to visit Arash as soon as possible to give him a thorough check-up. All six elders who heard the instruction were speechless and couldn't help but gave Arash a few extra glances since the exalted Spirit Healer showed so much concern over the outsider.

Was he a secret long-lost descendent of Tok Batin Silihan?!

...
Authors' Note:
1) Haya = it is the name of bamboo huts made by the Bateq tribe. It is not in Malaysian language, as it is truly referred in the Bateq language.

Mrs Mooncat:
To old people, once you've managed to touch their hearts, you will be permanently placed in good grace. To the young ones who read our works, never forget to show respect, care, and love to the elders around you whether they're related to you or not. Always show a high level of tolerance to them. You will be rewarded in some form in the future. It's building good karma (wink)

Meet Hana, a not-so young clumsy housewife, who got lost in a different world when she stepped out for a short grocery shopping session. How can this aunty survive without skills or even a 'golden finger'? What actually can a housewife do besides cooking and cleaning? There's nobody around at all, so she can't even scheme. Is she destined to die in a foreign place full of trees as a side character? Or will she step up and find her own 'edge' in order to survive? Follow her colorful journey and her struggles to carve up a humble abode (sojourn) which she could call her own while awaiting for the beloved of her life to rescue her from her nightmarish predicament.

Will her beloved even be able to rescue her?

Will she obtain benefits and unimaginable wonders as she struggles day to day to survive?

Will she one day obtain super powers as a transmigrator should?

Let us wait and see while rooting for this bumbling yet lovable housewife

Note: golden finger refers to special powers/systems provided as a rule of thumb to all transcenders to other worlds in webnovels

ASTHW map:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/asthw-asthw-map-23601459

ASTHW cover by Rolandthe4th

Release rate: 1 chapter/week. Monday 0900 GMT +8
===================
Hi! Mr and Mrs MoonCat here :) We would like to introduce a new world for you guys to explore. This story is based on Malaysian style, a small country in southeast Asia, of course, since its our hometown. It has a lot of local slangs, but won't affect the main story as a whole. It'll be lighthearted, funny and simple, with a splash of reality mixed with fantasy. Come and enjoy the ride with us! Give a try for at least 10 chapters before you judge :)

There are three routes to increase the number of chapters;

Route 1 - 1 free chapter the following week when achieving top 100

Route 2 - sponsored chapters. 10 cumulative cups for each additional chapter

Route 3 - become our patrons
Cumulative goals:
10 patrons - +1 permanent increase in 1 month
30 patrons - +2 permanent increase in 1 month
50 patrons - +4 or 5 permanent increase in 1 month

Route 4 (one time only) - rate and write review until a formal rating is established for ASTHW. We will post extra 1 chapter the following week.

Anyway, Mrs Mooncat could only write around 1-3 chapters in a week depending on how our kids behave. Mr Mooncat was so busy, he could only proofread and edit/suggest a certain chapter 1-2 times in the middle of the night in a week. Hence, we're actually quite low on the stockpile. So, there you have it..our reality :) Please bear with us *kowtows*

Please vote ASTHW if you like the novel so that it can reach more audience (and made both of us happy) (^_^)~ It will really motivate us to continue writing.

Do reach out to us through our email to send fanarts, questions, suggestions, requests etcs. We will come back to as soon as we can (wink!) 

Mr n Mrs Mooncat
Instagram: mrs.mooncat
mrandmrsmooncat@gmail.com
#mrandmrsmooncat

Support us on Patreon to show your love!
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MrandMrsMooncat
Treat us to some coffee for more chapters and side stories:
https://ko-fi.com/mrandmrsmooncat

========================
ANNOUNCEMENT (31 MAY 2020):

Something is wrong with webnovel. Mrs Mooncat can't paste the chapter. If it is not resolved, just go to scrib blehub to read. Type ASTHW and you'd see the update (Chapter 125). Am getting quite frustrated with this inkstone platform hmmm..

Once the issue is resolved, we'd place the proper chapter within

Take care.

Mr and Mrs Mooncat.

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