The Shadow is what this story is about and this is a short story covering a serious topic.

Su Xiaomo's and Fang Shanshan's ears pricked up at that question.
An Xiaxia blushed uneasily.
However, Sheng Yize was perfectly at ease.
"I think you know the answer better than I do, don't you?"
Qi Yanxi was dumbfounded. He then recalled something… 
Back when they were best friends as teenagers, he had invited Sheng Yize to watch adult films together with him… 
And what happened afterward that night… was something Qi Yanxi wanted to forget… 
Sheng Yize went back to his room right afterward, while Qi Yanxi enjoyed himself… 
He was so exhausted that Sheng Yize had to put his pants back on for him in the end… 
Qi Yanxi made the decision right away. "We'll skip that! Next question!
"Bride's favorite food?"
"Fried chicken."
"…"
Qi Yanxi then quickly asked a few more questions.
"Bride's favorite celebrity?"
"… It used to be Rong Che. I think it became Tang Yu later."
"When and where did you kiss the bride for the first time?"
Sheng Yize frowned, apparently trying to remember.
Inside, Fang Shanshan couldn't wait to hear the answer. Shaking An Xiaxia by her arm, she asked, "Xiaxia, when did that happen?"
"I think it was when I went to his agency for the first time." It took An Xiaxia a moment to remember.
That wasn't even close to the answer Sheng Yize gave outside.
"Mid-Autumn Festival when I was seven. I kissed her when she was asleep."
Pffft —
An Xiaxia almost choked.
He had had his eye on her as early as that!
Outside, everyone smacked their lips in amazement. "Talk about a daring and resolute personality! Mr. Sheng sure knows that 'he who strikes first gains the advantage'!"
"You guys flatter me." Sheng Yize nodded humbly.
Qi Yanxi only found him annoying. With a grim face, he went on. "Here comes the ultimate question!"
"When did you two first…" He could sense Sheng Yize's murderous look as soon as he opened his mouth.
That was right! Sheng Yize was staring at him!
The others watched with unblinking eyes. Their first time! Wow! That was blatant!
However, Qi Yanxi gave in and asked instead, "When did you two first go on a date?"
"Tch!" The question was received with catcalls, while Sheng Yize smiled. "Every day is like a date when she's around."
The female guests turned green with envy at such a reply.
All ten questions were answered and Qi Yanxi reluctantly moved aside. 
Sheng Yize was certain that victory was now in his grasp, and was ready to open the door, but it was still locked.
He was baffled. What the hell?
"Hahaha! You're not going to marry Xiaxia that easily!" Su Xiaomo rubbed her nose and sent He Jiayu a message. "Ready?"
He Jiayu gestured "ok" with his hand.
In his white suit, He Jiayu walked casually toward Sheng Yize with a harmless smile on his face.
In his hands was a bright red workbook.
The title was printed clearly on the cover.
"Exam papers of college entrance examinations for the past five years and mocks for the past three years."
The crowd looked at He Jiayu in confusion. What was this all about?
He Jiayu smiled. "This is a comprehensive workbook. According to the bridesmaids, you have to solve a math problem, a physics problem, and a chemistry problem in twenty minutes."
"…" A hush fell over the crowd.
Sheng Yize was also speechless and rubbed his forehead.
Fang Shanshan hadn't received any education domestically and asked in confusion, "Why are you asking him to solve those problems?"
"Hahaha! I see you've never had a taste of the college entrance exam before!" Su Xiaomo guffawed. "I'm telling you, those problems were nothing to Sheng Yize when he was a high school student, but it's been so long since he left school – I bet he can't solve them now!"


As an anti-fan of the idol group, Starry Night, An Xiaxia is happy to spend her time online slandering lead singer Sheng Yize. 

But things take an unexpected turn when An Xiaxia starts high school - the Starry Night trio somehow becomes her classmates, and even end up moving into her house. 

Also, the nation’s idol Sheng Yize seems particularly interested in An Xiaxia for some reason...

Sheng Yize: Xiaxia, if I and a chicken wing fall into the water together, which one will you save?

An Xiaxia: Hm… I can't swim, so obviously you're going to save yourself and get my chicken wing out!

Sheng Yize: I thought I was the nation’s idol???

A girl with tangled up gradient red hair had a scythe crawled around her neck, which made her bright orange eyes glisten with fear. 

When the scythe was lightly pressed to her neck, a light streak of crimson blood hurled down, leaving a slanted line on her pale skin. 

The young girl holding the scythe made the blade slowly dig into the girl's neck trembling from terror. Her dull aqua coloured eyes narrowed with a harsh smile, "You know this wouldn't have happened if stayed far away from him. You should have learned to stay unnoticed in your rightful place or else-".

"This inevitable situation would have been preventable." She softly whispered while bending down to speak into the other girl's ear.

The girl that was shaking in terror did not do anything wrong. All she had done was to fulfill her own duties, not knowing that it would attract jealousy from others. A girl who was striving to survive in her ruthless life where only the fittest people was able to live a decent life.  

And this girl who was swallowed up in her journey of survival was- me.

* * *

Mr. Suzuki led me to a bright classroom with around twenty students already sitting in their seats. "This is your math teacher for the next week." Mr. Suzuki announced handed me his authority.

"Hello, my name is Rika Shane but you can call me Rika since we're the same age. I hope we'll have a good time together for the next week and I will also be holding extra help sessions for people who need extra help during lunch break starting from tomorrow." I friendly looked around the classroom.

"Rika, do you have a boyfriend?" A student raised his hand.

"Which school in the first district did you come from?"  Another student asked.

"Rika when are you free?"  Another student asked eagerly.

"Unfortunately, I will not be that free during the duration I will be here." I pretended to pout. 

That was all I was going to answer because I wasn't sure if Luke would allow me to say anymore. 

Since I finished introducing myself, I exited the classroom and went to another classroom where it would be Luke's and my office for the next week. 

I opened the door to see a printer, a bunch of desks, office supplies and more that has been all provided.

Luke was already inside, trying to make lesson plans for his class. However, I was relaxed, knowing that it would only take about one hour to prepare to teach a class for middle school math. 

I started to flip over the math workbook to find that the math here was way easier than I thought: Find X & Y.

X + Y = 10

Sigh. I learned this in kindergarten in this world! I flipped through more pages of the workbook to find that everything was extremely easy. 

After drafting up a lesson plan for an hour, I finally had free time to do whatever I wanted.

What should I do now?

I walked outside the office to find something to do.

"Hey! Rika!"

I turned to find one of my students call out my name.

"What are you doing here" I asked as classes did not seem to be finished yet.

"It's break time for five minutes."

They actually had break time here. How nice~!

"You don't have to look too surprised, I don't know how the school work where you go Rika, but this is common everywhere in the third district."

Maybe I was sent to a lower ranking school in the third district. Since I knew for sure that higher ranking schools would definitely not have breaks.

Since I didn't know my way around anyways I decided to ask, "Can you give me a tour of the school?"

"Sure!" The student's face oddly blushed as he guided me through the school.

When we were finally near something that looked like the cafeteria, I saw something very familiar from the past life.

It was one of the most convenient things ever invented in mankind for pleasure: a vending machine. It was full of chips, jelly, drinks and the list went on. 

"Rika, do you not have this in the first district? Your eyes are oddly sparkling in front of the ordinary vending machine." 

"Nope, there's no such thing in the first district. Plus, there's no breaks in class, and each class lasts for more than three hours." I sulked from the recalling my horrible memories.

The student looked more than just shocked. Maybe it was that unbelievable to him. 

Welcome to my life.

"I don't have any money in the third district." I sadly said my thoughts out aloud.

"It's ok, it'll be my treat since you're new to this school anyways." The student showed me his wallet full of spare change.

"Then I'll just get the strawberry milk carton with cream buns and potato chips!"

"I thought you never used an vending machine before" A wave of confusion and suspicion came onto the student's face. 

"Well I am from the third district after all, but I usually buy these things from the convenient stores." I sheepishly made an excuse. 

I couldn't say that I used the vending machine very often in the past life. 

The student gave me my custard cream bun and strawberry milk carton. When I took a bite, I felt like I was swallowed by happiness. Nothing beats junk food once in a while~.

However, all of the sudden a hand destroyed that precious moment of my savouring the junk food. A hand grabbed onto the back of my shoulder with an ominous vibe attached to it.

A scary pair of ocean blue eyes observed the delicious cream bun that I was eating and the unopened strawberry milk in my hands. Thankfully the student didn't pass me my potato chips yet so it made me look more modest.

"I was a bit hungry, so I decided to eat a snack while looking around the school." I pretended to not spot Luke's clear disapproval.

"Where did you get the money? From what I know, you don't have any money with you from the third district." Luke teemed with suspicion.

"Well-"

"Actually, I bought it for her..." The student tried to cover for me.

Maybe I looked like I was in a lot of trouble (not that I wasn't), I smiled back in thanks for the support.

Luke hostilely smiled back to the student, "I'm sorry I didn't introduce myself. My name is Luke de Roselia and I give my thanks to you for treating my partner well. However, since we will be having lunch soon we will have to give our farewells here."

The student appeared like he was almost pitying me. One cream bun and strawberry milk from a vending machine was all it took to make Luke mad.

It was fine when I ordered the same things from a restaurant with Shelly and Ellen, but not from places like a vending machine. I did understand it was because of the pride he had in the reputation of his family name, but it did go overboard many times including this incident. 

Luke grabbed my hand to escort me to the room that the principle provided to enjoy our lunch. I waved back to the student to signal that there was nothing to be done while being dragged to that room to have my lunch.

As usual, this room looked like it was the fanciest place in the school. It was probably used for the most important occasions with the crystal chandelier and wine glasses filled with juice.

I sat down on the cotton white chair while eyeing the usual gourmet meals that I would be served in the first district. 

After all the dishes were present on the table, the staff left the room to give us some privacy. 

I ate half of my plate heartlessly while thinking about my delicious cream bun and strawberry milk that Luke made me throw away.

"Are you not feeling hungry today?" Luke pretended not to know my loss of appetite. 

'I really wondered why I wasn't feeling that hungry today,' I glared back at him with complaint.

"You should eat because we're not eating dinner until we finish our jobs for today." Luke tried to dismiss my complaint.

Then maybe you shouldn't have taken my food away!
"Then maybe you can return my snack back that you threw away along the way here." I almost dropped my fork.

"You think that I don't know about your hidden stock of junk food in our room." Luke subtly threatened me.

I was shocked that he figured out. I was sure I hid them really well. 

"I'll make a deal with you. I'll buy you the same snacks later once the day is over. So, don't eat them in school when we're here as a guest while representing our school." 

I guessed Luke was being lenient today. But I knew what he really meant was that he would buy me the gourmet version of the same snacks while what I wanted was the familiar taste from my past life. 

However, I knew that this would be the best deal that I'd get. 

"Fine. I agree!" I quickly finished the rest of my plate and rushed out of the room.

I was captured and put onto a stake to be lit on fire as part of the ongoing witch hunt conducted throughout the land. I had to do something. But, this life really sucked. 

This all started when I was accidentally killed by God. 

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to kill you. It was just that I was overworked lately by my superior and I just wanted some time to relax and vent my stress out," he confessed.

"So, while I was snacking, I accidently dropped one potato chip into the human realm where the child tripped over the potato chip onto a den of steep stairs." God guilty admitted.

So I reincarnated into the most adorable girl with the largest orange-speckled eyes that contrasted her pale white skin void of any imperfections.

'How could someone look this pretty?' I thought as I admired my new appearance.

I was nowhere close to this pretty in my previous life. Did God put me into this new vessel as an apology?

But some things were too good to be true.
***
"We can do this the nice way or the hard way," My fiancé’s brother started off.
"The nice way is where you willingly come with us back to the first district and the hard way is where we forcibly take you back, which would be hard for all of us," Lucius gave me a warning.
Why was my life so depressing? He practically meant I didn’t have a choice! 
***
Few months later, I was at a party that I planned to escape from my fiancé’s family.
"I still get to continue with my naps on the weekends?" I tried to confirm with them.
No one answered as I almost cried from giving up my rare nap times from the mess I got involved with. This life was too bothersome!

Both Gavin and Loui report to class but notice that their teacher resembles Jian (mother for loui and stepmother for Gavin). Loui was punished by the language teacher for submitting a blank homework assignment, and so, Gavin tore Loui's homework out of his workbook as revenge for his unique handwriting which Gavin doesn't like. Gavin met up with his friends Liam and Zhac.

Its morning. The water in the boiler is boiling and Loui is still sleeping he a wake when he's phone ring Ian is Calling reminding him the school year starts today and they're both classmates again.
But Gavin is also in the same class with them.

"Hello?"

"Brother, you're still sleeping?"

"School starts today."

"We're both in the same class."

"Come report to class. I promise a big surprise!"

"Okay."

Loui come to school but he was late luckily the class only start by introducing the homeroom adviser when loui open the door and go inside the classroom everyone is in silent for his arrival loui going inside marching like he didn't care for what's happening, he go strait to his seat to sit down and to bow his head the teacher put everyone into her attention again while everyone is paying attention to their teacher Ian tap Loui's desk to tell him the surprise Ian tell Loui to look at their teacher

"Hello Students. I'm your class teacher. Ayu."

"Just now you missed an exceptionally good opportunity."

"What Opportunity?"

"Look."

"Why does she look like my mom."

"If i was you, i would use you being late to apologize."

"First become close and then see."

"This is my cellphone number."

"I didn't share it with my previous students."

"So, This is your privilege."

"She looks like my stepmom"  -Gavin

everyone is introducing themselves in front of the board after introducing everyone the teacher go right through Loui's Desk to copy the seating chart, the teacher leave and Ian look at the teacher while the teacher is walking out from them Loui is now Writing the names but something got his attention Gavin's writing he tried and tried to understand and read it but he can't and then he ask Ian if he can read it but even Ian can't read it. Feng is too curious so he snatch the card name from Ian but even Feng Couldn't read the name, When Feng try to read it He Sneeze in font of Ian but Feng Suggest try to find the number sit of the person and go ask the name.
Ian tap Feng and ask if Feng Linden is his name and teas Feng name Feng got pissed and mock Ian's name also.

"I'm Yuan as in Yuan Chaves"

"Let's clap for him"

"Thank You"

"Okay, Next student."

"My name is Feng Linden, Feng is your name? Whats Wrong with your name?"

"Okay , Next student."

"These are the cards that student hand in."

"Using the desk position, Make me a copy of the seating chart."

"Gavin Ke?"

"Gavin Mu?"

"That isn't anyone's name."

"Hey Ian what does this say?"

"Hmmm?... This..."

"Give me that."

"ahh"

"Hmmm hatchhhhh... His seat has a seat number."

"Why don't you just go ask him directly."

"Your name is Feng Linden?

"Yes. Why?"

"Why did you give yourself such a crappy name?"

"I don't like what you're saying."

Feng look back at Loui's desk and read Ian card name.

"Ian Mensing?"

"Ian? Your name doesn't make sense as mine."

"Hmpp" - Ian

Ian and Feng live alone each other for the mean time meanwhile Loui is heading to Gavin seat Loui grab Gavin workbook to check his name but all the writings in Gavin's workbook he still can't read.

"What are you doing?"

"Seat registration. state your name."

"Gavin Haksel."

"If you're a human, Then write in human words."

Loui throw gavin workbook back to his desk, Gavin is furious but he can't do anything Loui go back to his seat and write Gavin's name.
End of recess the vice president handing out a small paper where the name of student and it seat number are when Gavin have his, he read the small paper and go to loui's desk to ask if he's the one who write in the paper that just give to him even if Gavin Complain to Loui, Loui won't care for his question, when Gavin is asking a question about loui's writing loui push him same for his ruler to fell down, Gavin has an eye target now for loui, loui is going to the bathroom he leave his homework in the top of his desk when Loui got out Gavin Go right through loui's desk and rip his homework but no body sees what he did.

"You wrote these words?"

"Is there a problem?  If you don't have a problem, then stop disturbing me."

" I have a question?"

"Thank you, but you can answer it."

"Pick up my ruler."

"Why are you so unwilling?

"I just told you pick up my ruler. Could you please put some more effort into it?"

Everyone passes their homework after the teacher check all the workbook, the teacher come to his homeroom class she Called Loui with a tone angry the teacher want to talk to him outside of the class, Loui go strait outside the teacher is asking him where is his homework or if he's playing a prank around her but Loui refuse and keep telling her that he did he's homework but the teacher wont believe him.

"Loui  Baijens, Please come out for a minute."

"I don't know if you have any opinion of me, or if you have an opinion with leaving your homework with me."

"Even if you had one, you could have said so."

"You didn't have to play this with me."

"I previously had a very good impression of you, but your methods this time have made me so disappointed!"

"Give me an explanation. What do you mean by this?"

"it's blank."

"Stop faking it. I've taught for so many years, what kind of pranks have i not seen."

"Go home and write a new one and also write a self-reflection."

"No, teacher, I really did write it. i don't know who tore it up."

"You're implying i tore it up?"

"No, that's not what i'm implying."

"Don't go to your next literature class."

"Go outside to self reflect until you've sorted yourself out! "

"Don't think i'm an easy target!"

"who's targeting who?

"When i find that bastard who tore up my homework, I'll definitely rip off his skin."

End of the first day of class, Gavin is with his friend drinking and talking about his stepmother.

"I heard that, that woman also has a son."

"Have you met him."

"it'd be best if i don't ever see him."

"Aren't you afraid of him getting on top of you."

"Does he dare."

"Enough, enough. Stop talking, Its Useless. Quickly drink up."

Ever since he was young, Loui Baijens has been living with his careless but loving father, Han Baijens, and his sick grandmother. When he turned 16 years old, his biological mother Jian Yamato remarried. Her new husband is a high-ranking military official, Wesley Haksel.

Because of his mother's death, Wesley Haksel's son, Gavin Haksel, has been harboring a deep grudge towards his father. By the random hand of fate, the two step-brothers with wildly conflicting emotional backgrounds were placed in the same class at high school University, without knowing each other's background at first. With time, they slowly developed a special feeling toward one another. Their classmates, Feng Linden and Ian Mensing, had been instrumental in the relationship.

Sabrina was happy for them. Jason is married to Hailey and they look perfect with each other. The sparks between them can't be denied. The way they look at each other was like they are looking at something precious. And it only means that both are precious at each other. 
Gabriel put his arms around Sabrina and mutter a very simple words that both has an impact at each other. 
"I love you." 
Sabrina bit her lip and took his other hand as they listen to their vows and soon, everyone stood and clapped their hands for the newly wed. They rode to the carriage and everyone followed the carriages and went to the reception area. Sabrina and Gabriel have Athena with them. They just can't let the little one go because she would start crying if she isn't near them. 
Catriona was led by Enzo while the triplets are on the stroller. They are all quiet a while ago and no one cried to interrupt the ritual. Even Athena was quiet and behaved like a good baby that she just want to cuddle to her dad. 
They have securities around and one was close to them although the people are all families of Lawson and few friends. 
In the reception, the music starts, and Jason pleaded with her to sing just one song. But that was up next. What start was Jason's dancing together with the best men. 
Everyone were screaming because of the girly songs they use. Enzo choreograph and they almost became macho dancers. Females raises their money and throw on them. Just like in a strip club. Hailey can't believe her husband's surprise. She was laughing there. She's happy. It's like they are in a strip club that he even wiggle his ass in front of her. She smack it and he turn to her and kiss her lips passionately. 
"You naughty one." She mutter. 
"I just want to make you smile and laugh. That's all." He winks. Everyone bows and the boys took the money and shower it at themselves and bow again. 
Sabrina look at Gabriel and he remain calm and quiet. Sabrina was thinking of him doing the same in front of her. 
"No." He said. "I am not doing that." It would be more fun if Gabriel would dance like that although it will make his image a little—not his usually powerful one. 
"Come on, for me… in our room." She said. "Hmm!" She snuggle on him making a cute face. Gabriel try not to look at her and her cute face. He exhales and he cover her eyes with one hand and kiss her lips. 
"Stop this nonsense." He said and look at the little one on the stroller. 
Sabrina pouted at him, then she look at the wrist watch and smirked. Just ten more hours and their race will start. She is in a good mood, so she sit back and massage Gabriel's nape gently with her one hand. 
"You look dazzling." He said. She wasn't wearing a gown that has beads of pearls and diamonds. But a simple one. Very simple yet she still look dazzling. People can say that she's still single or haven't given birth. 
"You just found me pretty." She winks and stood. "I'll go sing for the couple. Take care of little Athena." She bent down and he can see her cleavage and she kiss his lips. Gabriel cover his hand on her chest until she stand up. She smile and went to the piano. Enzo came closer to her with a guitar and microphone in front of him. 
He turn back from the microphone and look at her. She only glance at him and took the workbook that she practiced with a while ago for the song. 
"Sis, sorry." Enzo mutter
"For what?" She asked in a calm and monotonous voice.
"For hurting you." 
"Hmm." She just hums. "Let's start in G Major." She said. 
She exhales and Ethan that is in front of the drum counts with his sticks. After the introduction, she start singing the song Lover of Taylor Swift. Jason was dancing with Hailey slowly and very graceful as they look at each other with eyes full of love. 
Can I go where you go?
Can we always be this close, forever and ever?
And ah, take me out, and take me home
You're my, my, my, my lover…
We could let our friends crash in the living room
This is our place, we make the call
 And I'm highly suspicious that everyone who sees you wants you
I've loved you three summers now, honey, but I want 'em all….
As she sang the song and repeat it again, others want to dance with their lovers and Mark came up instead of dancing his partner who has been indicating him, he walk to his fiancée and Allison was puzzled. He went down on one knee in front of her and took her hand. 
"Dance with me." 
"That's not a request." She said. He smile and kisses her hand. He stood and pull her up and dance her with her there. They sway a little and the atmosphere was full of love that even single people can't help but be envious of them. 
*** 
Anastasia was sitting in the sedan as she watch the footage of her own people as they start searching the possible things that Ferdinand, Glenn and Janine would run to. Then on the other monitor is Ivanov's assassin's also searching then on the other side was Sabrina's. 
Their game is on. The first one that would catch them would have the diamond tiara that Ezekiel put as a price of their heads. The diamond is very rare and it cost 10.1 million. As for Anastasia she wasn't into the tiara but to the three's heads. Maybe—one of them would capture Francisco and one of them would capture Janine and one for Glenn. 
She didn't know what to choose now. But it all start with the man who raped her first. The others can wait. 
"Just few more minutes—you are too excited for this." Calvin said as his devil smile flashes. "Sweetheart—do not underestimate elders." Calvin said. Anastasia chuckle. 
"Elder, do not underestimate women." She winks and waited for Sabrina to go on line. Then suddenly Sabrina's back up turn to Anastasia. Then she received a message from Shadow. 
Dear Anastasia, 
EPUAs support will be yours. Enjoy the game. 
Shadow.
"It seems like my daughter wants me to win, Mr. Ivanov." She smirked. The time bomb exploded on their count down timer in the screen. Then it says. LET THE CHASING, BEGIN. 
*** 
"We need to go!" Someone shouts and everyone got up to their feet. Marga turn back from her own parents blaming them and left away on her own. 
As per Francisco, Glenn and Janine, the three of them looked at each other. Grabbed their important things and mostly their guns. Francisco call his resources, but everyone are not responding. 
Whilst, in the lumber warehouse, everyone that is connected to Francisco in the country, big businessmen has been held as hostages while their plan goes on. They are begging but none of them listened. But it's a good thing that they didn't hurt them. Instead they treat them well with food and drinks. 
What they didn't know was everything was in Sabrina's plan. She had already imagined the scenario inside her head. Not that exact scenario but one closed to it. Her plan still works. 
She was in the reception enjoying happy moments while drinking champagne. She had her earpiece on her ear as Shadow was muttering and babbling about what is happening. Surely, he was that talkative. 
***
Francisco was cursing at everyone and even Glenn couldn't help himself but to punch him in the face. Janine stopped him and then Francisco laugh. 
"What are you planning now big guy?" Francisco asked. Glenn can't betray him because Francisco is holding him right into the neck. Francisco has all the records that Glenn kept himself. 
Glenn remain quiet. 
"We have no way to escape from here. EPUA and Ivanov's assassin are after us. We are like rats—they are playing on us." 


BOOK 2 is here! Please follow for my next novel. 

Click the link below or just search for Arranged Marriage: Dangerous Heiress

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Discord @ TheIllusionist#4504

"I'm so sorry, Mr. Lawson, you can marry my daughter Marga but Sabrina is an exception."
"Why? she's your daughter I thought you and my parents had already arranged this marriage. And I choose Sabrina. I won't marry anyone but Sabrina."
"Then why Sabrina?"
"Let's say that Sabrina and I have a special thing back then," Gabriel said with a little smile. Ferdinand frowned and was curious. "Well, she might deny it."

Sabrina Mondragon Alvarez – is a mute rich woman. She's an introvert and hated getting along with rich people who always talk about senseless stuff. She is bullied by socialite but never they knew that behind that innocent-looking woman hides a strong and powerful aura. 
Being muted is making her more dangerous. And that danger would lead all of her enemies to one place but the dungeon where she tormented them all. 
She is muted not until he came and chose her to be his wife. 
Gabriel Lawson - a rich powerful tycoon with a strong background. He fell in love with the woman he had a one night stand with and chose her to be his wife. He would do anything for her. And for those people who hurt her--they must pay a thousand folds.

LUO YAN was diligently answering an 11th grade Chemistry workbook.  His last tutor already left but he was still in the library continuing to study.  It was because a week from now he had to take the admission exam of Guizu Academy.  So instead of playing Arcadia, he decided to just study.
Even if he already studied these things, there were still some knowledge that he had already forgotten.  Especially when it came to Sciences that rely on the students' innate understanding.  Chemistry was particularly hard for him.  Although he's good with numbers, that's not enough to be good at this subject.  One needed to take into account a lot of other things.  Like chemical compositions, chemical formulas, and the likes.
Math had always been his best subject.  So Physics, in turn, had not been particularly hard for him.  He's also quite good with English and History.  Of course he was also fine with Chinese.  His only problem were those few Science subjects.  
According to what his father told him, the admission exam would include all the subjects being taught in high school.  So he needed to seriously review the subjects he's not that confident at.  
He wanted to take a high score so he would be put on the key class.  Having good results would not only make his family proud, he also wouldn't be questioned because he jumped grades.  He didn't want to go to school and have people there start rumors that he paid his way through using his family's money.  That would be so annoying.    
So he decided that starting today, he wouldn't play Arcadia during the afternoon after his last tutor left.  He would only do so after dinner and limit it to two hours.  Then he'd study again for another hour before going to sleep.
There was a slight knock on the direction of the door.  Luo Yan glanced towards it and saw Luo Jin leaning against the open door of the library.
"Yan, you're not going to play today?" Luo Jin asked after seeing his brother immersed in answering whatever workbook in front of him.  
Luo Yan shook his head.  "No.  I'll play a bit later after dinner."
"Then I'll just play later as well."
"No need.  You should go.  Brother Ze is there.  I'm sure he'll teach you a lot if you do task with him," he suggested.
Luo Jin frowned hearing the name of their older cousin.  Since joining Yunyue three days ago, that cousin had been teasing him non-stop.  If not his avatar, it's his game name.  It's seriously annoying.  If he could, he would really beat him up.  But he's his older cousin.  And no matter how annoying he was, he still had to respect him in some way.
"Got it.  Just go straight to headquarters when you log in later.  I'll meet you there." Luo Yan smiled on how naturally Luo Jin said 'headquarters'.  It seemed like despite his initial aversion in joining Yunyue, he already integrated himself in the team without even him noticing.  Maybe even faster than Luo Yan himself.  "Then, I'll go.  Rest if you're tired.  I'll ask the maid to bring you snacks and drinks, so you'll have something to eat while studying."
Luo Yan smiled at his brother's thoughtfulness.  "Okay.  Thank you.  Ah Jin is so kind."
As expected, Luo Jin blushed because of the sudden compliment.  Then he huffed his chest and snorted.  "What nonsense."
Then he hurriedly left.    
Luo Yan shook his head and chuckled.  He went back to answering his workbook.   
While doing that, he suddenly thought of his new team – Yunyue.  After joining three days ago, he searched the forums for information about the team.  He got a lot of interesting results.  But the most common was Yunyue being called 'fallen champions'.
Apparently, Yunyue was the first champion of Arcadia Cup.  It was quite a surprise for Luo Yan.  Now, he knew why the name was so familiar.  It's probably because he read it in passing when he was searching about the other big teams in the game. 
Yunyue was called the 'fallen champions' because after winning the first season, they practically just fell off the radar.  They only had five members at the beginning and then two of them retired, leaving only three.  Because they never participated in the subsequent seasons, the glory and prestige they accumulated by being the first champions slowly disappeared.  Now, a lot of other teams had already taken over them.  Thus, the moniker.
Luo Yan asked Bai Ze why they never recruited any new members in the past years.  He said that they did.  But the first recruitment turned into a big disaster that Shen Ji Yun firmly refused another one.  Because of the lack of members, the team couldn't participate in the Cup.  Which ultimately led to the current situation.
Bai Ze kept complaining about how Shen Ji Yun, being the captain and all, didn't care much about how other players would view their team because of that.  Su Yuqi also didn't mind the situation as long as she could play the game.  He said he's the only one who cared about the team's honor with a tearful expression on his face.
Luo Yan couldn't help but chuckle remembering that.  After all, his cousin had a lion beastkin avatar.  He looked big and fierce.  And then he went and made that expression, which was seriously funny.
But his cousin's grievances aside, with Shen Ji Yun's character, he was definitely not the type to care about those things.  And even if Luo Yan's interaction with Su Yuqi was not that many, he could tell that she was the same type as well.  Poor Bai Ze was the only hot-blooded one in the group.
Luo Yan actually wanted to join the Arcadia Cup.  He saw the video of the finals of this recent season.  He, who was only watching the battle through a video, already felt excited and thrilled.  It was almost like his blood was boiling.  What more if he was there himself?  
He wanted to be on the same stage.  Fight with other strong players.  Formulate strategies and complicated tactics with his teammates.  
Should he talk to Shen Ji Yun and convince him to let their team join the next season of Arcadia Cup?
He was just thinking that when his WeChat notification sounded.  It was a message from Shen Ji Yun.  He opened it and saw a rabbit sticker waving its hand at him.
Luo Yan couldn't help the smile that crossed his lips when he saw that.


As soon as Luo Yan graduated, he immediately got an offer from a prestigious gaming company. He thought all his hard work finally paid off. And he would finally reach the pinnacle of life. But then, on his first day of work, a potted plant fell on his head and he died. 

Surprisingly, when he thought he would cross the Yellow River, he suddenly woke up and found himself in the body of a 17 year old boy. This body had the same name as him but completely different background. Because the original was the second young master of the Luo family - one of the most powerful family in S City. 

Luo Yan almost cried. God probably took pity on him and decided to give him a loving family with a wealthy background. He didn't have to work hard anymore. Studying like his life depended on it and pretending to be a holy father just to cater to people. 

So Luo Yan decided to be a salted fish and just shamelessly sell meng. 


A certain male god who always bought Luo Yan's meng: Yan Yan is so cute! Why is Yan Yan so cute?? 

Cold faced on the outside, a cinammon roll on the inside Gong X Super beautiful, black-belly Shou.


Cover art belongs to the respective owner. :)



Twitter: @tyramisu_wn
Discord: Tyramisu#9858
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Hao Ren knew he had yet another problem. It was as though he had caught Vivian's bad luck, because he found that problem always came looking for him.
"What's the situation? What's the bad news?" Hao Ren tried to remain calm, and decided that he would choose the size of brick to use depending on how smutty the MDT was going to be.
But the MDT was not kidding around this time. "The bad news is, we won't be able to open the World Gate from within. It could cause the space to collapse and even endanger other spatial bubbles. There's a possibility of an implosion.
Hao Ren froze. "Why is that?"
"Because, it's the heart of the collision between the two worlds. The two worlds with different laws tore the space here, leading to a fragile mathematical order—think of dismantling the load-bearing walls from inside a building after an earthquake. That's what it's like."
With this analogy, Hao Ren immediately got the picture. He pulled his brows together as he said, "So, the only way to open the World Gate is from the outside?"
"Now, the worse news," the MDT sounded just as annoying. "The entire bubble zone is actually not suitable for opening a World Gate—the World Gate is unlike Petrachelys' void drive. The void drive is just a propulsion device, capable of sending things from one world to another. However, the process is entirely self-contained and wouldn't cause information interference in the outside world. The World Gate is an entirely different thing; it's a 'structure' that takes root here and it'll have a certain impact to the surrounding environment. The power output of the tiniest World Gate is tens of times more than the drive output of a spacecraft. That doesn't sit well with the dangerous structure of the bubble zone. You can refer to the Incompatible Mathematical Erosion Equation in Unified Information Theory. That's..."
Hao Ren was stunned as he did not expect this situation. Nonetheless, the MDT's explanation was loud and clear—anything he could not understand, he would definitely be able to make sense after that. He blinked and turned to look at Y'zaks as well as Vivian who looked curious. "The MDT came back with one bad news and one worse news. Which news would you like to hear first?"
Lily grinned, revealing her fangs. "Let's hear the worse one first so that the bad one will feel like a silver lining later."
"I think I better tell you the bad news first, or else it'll be logically challenging to deal with the information." Hao Ren spread his hands out with a wry smile on his face. "There's a problem in opening the World Gate."
He then proceeded to explain the complex situation of the spatial bubble zone. Lily immediately indicated that she did not understand—Hao Ren looked at her, and sadly found that he and the husky had a common language. Meanwhile, Vivian's brows were knitted together. "This has turned out to be a bit of a surprise... We never thought about it in the beginning."
"Of course we didn't." Hao Ren twisted his mouth and said, "We thought that we were just coming here to pick up some people. Who would've thought we'd have to haul back a 400-km-long space fortress? My Dimensional Pocket is only good at accommodating things as large as 500 m or less in radius. Maybe we should consider cutting some stuff into smaller pieces for easier transportation if they aren't needed for scientific research. But then, Wang would have to chop his house up."
"Shut up if you have no real ideas." Vivian glared at Hao Ren before she turned to look at Y'zaks. "Biggie, what do you think?"
"The World Gate is going to be opened outside the bubble zone, which means that we have to haul Helcrown and the wreckage through the bubbles." Y'zaks studied the operation plan like a half-baked scientist. "First of all, we will inevitably face fierce attack when Helcrown is out in the open; secondly, how do we tow such a massive spacecraft wreckage? Use the Petrachelys?"
"I'm afraid it's not possible." Hao Ren shook his head. "The world outside has gravity. The anti-gravity field of the Petrachelys can't possibly cover hundreds of kilometers. It's just an official vessel that can make do as a tugboat in space, but not in gravity-filled environment."
"There's another thing; how do we let a 100-km wreckage pass through the gateway?" Lanina probably understood what they were discussing, but she was more concerned with the practical aspects rather than things like the World Gate and the spacecraft wreckage, which she knew nothing about. "The space bubbles are connected by naturally-occuring teleportation portals. The largest of which are only hundreds of meters across. That looks like a pinhole compared to a monster of a few hundred kilometers wide."
Vivian thought for a moment, and said, "Why don't we just teleport the wreckage to the fringe of the bubble zone using the Petrachelys?"
Hao Ren shook his head as he said, "Impossible. I've gotten the MDT to record the data each time it passed through the portal. The connection between each bubble is very confusing. Following the existing routes to leave the bubble zone is the safest way to go. Creating another teleportation gateway is dangerous and unpredictable."
While they were having discussion, a blue light suddenly flashed next to the table. The MDT emerged from it. "Hey, what Lanina mentioned is just a small problem. The Petrachelys can read the connection patterns of the portal, and expand it into a larger one—hundreds of kilometers. That shouldn't be a problem, but for stability's sake, this 'hyperlink extension' must be carried out in the vicinity of a natural portal. And that is after we deal with the hostile interception en route."
Hao Ren was stunned for a moment. "What? There's such a feature in my spacecraft?"
The MDT knocked Hao Ren on the head and said, "So what do you usually read in the textbook?"
Hao Ren grabbed the MDT and knocked it against the table twice to quiet it down. "Well, it seems we've solved the problem of the gateway. What's left is for Raven to open a gateway at the border of the bubble zone, and find a way to tow Helcrown as well as the spacecraft to the border. Wang, don't you have anti-gravity magic? How long does it take to cover the entire wreckage with Anti-Gravitational Array?"
Y'zaks shrugged and said, "Forget it. It's like trying to make an entire mountain range float in the air. We simply don't possess this kind of technology yet. In addition, even if it floats, we have another problem to deal with—do you think the garrison at the portals will let us pass through just like that? Helcrown only has enough firepower for self-defensive and your spaceship's firepower isn't suitable for the job. That leaves the rest of us to deal with the millions of hostile enemies. The best case scenario would be to die a martyr's death."
Hao Ren scratched his chin in thought. He knew exactly what he needed now: a large-scale transport equipment which did not necessarily have to be of advanced technology. But, it had to ensure that the 100-km wreckage could be hauled to the portal. He also needed an escort team to deal with all the troops in this world.
He thought of Kabala and 883, the little green men, and the private armed caravans, who all fit the job, but they all cost money. This was especially true for Fairy Void Consortium, the gang of notoriously vindictive profiteers.
A group of long-eared figure suddenly crossed his mind.
"I've got an idea!" Hao Ren clapped his hands and said, "I have hundreds of millions of male lions..."
Using her hand to touch Hao Ren's forehead, Vivian said, "Are you feeling too much stress? Don't worry, we'll solve the problem together. Don't stretch yourself too hard."
Half laughing, half crying, Hao Ren took Vivian's hand off. "I'm serious—I do have hundreds of millions of male lions. Although the Aerymian elves' technology isn't that advanced, their fleet of spacecrafts is formidable! How many of these worlds could change like Y'zaks?"
A glow suddenly appeared in Y'zaks eyes, but it was followed by a sense of worry. "Would the goddess even allow it? Would it be seen as dragging yourself into a war? If the Aerymian elves and the locals here were to go to war, that would be unimaginably horrible."
Hao Ren took out a workbook from the Dimensinal Pocket with a wry smile on his face. "The wreckage has been classified as a major research sample. The inspector in-charge of the shipment of such a cargo is entitled to an armed escort. It's not a troop, just a group of security guards! Don't forget that the Aerymian elves are under my custody, so I can issue them a private army permit."
Hao Ren then waved to his men. "Prepare for take off. I'm going back and I'll return with my armed escorts!"
Lily looked at Hao Ren dumbfoundedly, and murmured, "Landlord has gone mad... Woof, woof."


As a person who is down-to-earth as well as a good Samaritan, Hao Ren desires to live the rest of his life as a benevolent landlord. Stumbling into a curious yet mysterious lady, he began his journey of “collecting” abnormal and supernatural tenants. 
His life only became more chaotic when he receives a labor contract from “God”. Discover the many races, myths and worlds that lie beyond what humans define as normal! This bizzare fantasy full of fun is sure to bring you on a crazy rollercoaster of emotions!

There was only one reason a bully like Dongsu approached other boys in school.

As he entered high school, he wanted to find himself a new pushover. Strangely enough, Dongsu led a quiet school life from the beginning of the semester to the midterm exam. As long as somebody did not bother him, he did not make any trouble either.

Now, Suhyuk wondered why he, who did not make any trouble until now, suddenly took the trouble of meeting him.

'Despite his wish to turn over a new leaf, he had an intolerable itch to attract a fight?'

Suhyuk could not help but become a little nervous.

Dongsu said, "You must be very smart. Congrats on getting 1st in the class!"

"Thanks," Suhyuk replied quickly.

Dongsu once again showed a smile and sat next to him, and then he threw a book at him. It was a workout book.

"I bought it today. I don't know if I bought a good one. Take a look at if it's okay."

It's a math workbook. Usually workbooks were more of the same, but Suhyuk listened to him because it was not a difficult task.

As he expected, the contents and problems of the workbook were pretty much the same.

"I think it looks okay."

Dongu said, with a satisfied look, "Let me ask you for a favor."

'Favor? Do you want money from me? You won't pay it back later, of course.

"What is it?" asked Suhyuk.

"Give me private lessons," Dongsu said.

Suhyuk made a slightly embarrassed expression. It was something he did not expect at all.

"Why don't you go to a private academy for tutoring?"

Dongsoo laughed bitterly, saying, "I cannot afford it."

His family was not well off. Of course if he wanted, he could get the money. If he ordered his minions to bring money or blackmailed them, he could get the money to pay for the fee at a private academy.

But he cannot do it now, because he decided to come to his mind and turn over a new leaf in life. Of course, nobody knew how long his determination would last. But at least for now, it seemed he had the confidence to keep his resolution without any wavering.

When Suhyuk made an embarrassed expression, Dongsu opened his mouth again.

"If you do me a favor, it will certainly help you too."

"Help?"

"Yes, if you see a guy who harasses you or if you don't like a guy, just tell me. Let me kick their ass like hell."

Suhyuk laughed aghast at him, but he quickly brushed off that expression from his face and agonized over it.

Dongsu said he could not study better because he had no money. It could be heard as an excuse, but Suhyuk fell somewhat for it. There are students who attend private academies for extra lessons and get private tutoring. In contrast, those who only focus on school textbooks can never beat them because the amount and quality of their work is completely different from them.

After silently looking at the workbook Dongsu was holding, Suhyuk cast his gaze at him.

'If I teach Dongsu, certainly nobody in school will annoy or harass me. Even those good-for-nothing hooligans would try to avoid my eyes simply because of my staying with him.'

From his perspective, he would have to sacrifice a bit of his time if he studied with Dongsu. However, on the other hand, he could review his lessons during that process.

The problem was how to manage his time.

He delivered newspapers in the morning and went to a private academy in the evening. Then he went back home to study.

Suhyuk tried to find some time in between, and he soon made a decision.

"Alright," said Suhyuk.

Dongsu nodded his head, as if he expected it.

As a matter of fact, no one has ever rejected his request.

"When will you start?" asked Dongsu.

"Starting tomorrow," said Suhyuk.

Dongsu's eyes opened bigger. He expected Suhyuk would start his tutoring next week. Little did he expect Suhyuk decided to start right away.

Suhyuk opened his mouth again, asking, "What position did you get in class this time?"

"29th."

29th out of 31 students. Fortunately he was not the last in his class, but it did not make any difference. Suhyuk told Dongsoo about which reading room they would meet for his lesson. It was a free reading room run by a foundation.

After lessons at the private academy, Suhyuk was intending to go straight to the reading room instead of going home.

"Thank you," Dongsu showed his cell phone to Suhyuk.

They exchanged their phone numbers like that.

At the end of class, Suhyuk came out to ride his bicycle.

'I must express my gratitude.'

Suhyuk headed for the hospital before going to the private academy. He received not only tuition fees but also an expensive bicycle from that man. He felt he had to express his gratitude. He vaguely felt that the patient with appendicitis was still lying in the emergency room.

If she was there, his son would also appear. It did not matter if he was not there. He heard that the patient who had cognitive impairment visited the emergency room every day with a feigned illness.

It's impossible that the doctors or nurses there could not know her guardian's contact number. Arriving at the emergency room, Suhyuk was forced to make a bitter expression. The doctors and nurses he saw before disappeared and could not be found anywhere as if they were replaced with completely new staff.

He looked for them at other places beside the emergency room, but to no avail.

He could not find their faces there either.

"As you know, some patient came to the the emergency room every day with a feigned illness and she had also a cognitive disorder. Can I get her guardian's contact information?"

The nurses shook their heads, indicating they did not know anything about her.

Suhyuk helplessly had to leave the hospital empty-handed. He really felt sorry about it. If it's meant to be, he could meet her again someday. With some regret left behind, he had to turn back.

Even though it was late in the evening, there were many children playing near the villas. Suhyuk arrived at his house and walked slowly, dragging his bike. He had to be careful because an accident could happen at the slightest slip. Suhyuk went into the villa, and then he turned his head to one side where there was a familiar black car parked there. It was a luxurious and expensive foreign car that one could hardly find in this neighborhood. It was the very car that took him back home from the emergency room.

No doubt about it.

Honk.

The car door was opened with a light honk. And the driver he had seen before walked up to him.

"Do you like your new bike?" he asked.

Suhyuk nodded his head on an impulse, saying, "Thank you. Did you also pay for my tuition?"

The driver nodded his head with a smile, saying, "You're coming back home now. I've been waiting for you for a long time."

'Waiting for me?'

"Why did you wait for me?" asked Suhyuk.

"My boss wants to briefly see you."

The golden hour where one can save a life.

Golden Time.

 -----

Revised Synopsis :

Golden time is a Korean Medical Drama/ Reincarnation Novel. The novel is short and progresses quickly as the main character is sent back in time to his teenage years when he got into a severe accident. Causing him to lose most of his memories and even trapping him in a coma for three months. The main character wakes up 3 months later where the only memory remaining in his head are his medical knowledge and his name.

A story about the life of a young teenage boy growing up as he strives to save as many lives as he can and becoming the greatest doctor in the world.

Golden Time, a moment in which a life can be saved!

**A licensed novel from Munpia**

"On the pretext that they can continue to perform well in their studies, let them date. I have no objections."
When Ding Jiayi said this, both Principal Wei and Principal Meng rolled their eyes at her simultaneously.
Damn, she's sick!
"Nan Nan, both principals are busy people. They have to spend so much time and effort for that small matter of yours. Don't you feel ashamed? Don't you blame yourself? Step forward and bear the consequences since this is your responsibility. Don't drag everyone down to suffer with you. You're Mom's daughter and Mom only has Zijin and you as daughters. No matter what mistakes you have committed, Mom's heart will always be with you and you'll always be my good daughter. It's normal for humans to make mistakes. It's fine as long as you change. Mom is not angry and won't take issue with you. So, if you have anything to say, be good and quickly make yourself clear."
Ding Jiayi half pleaded and threatened Qiao Nan to take responsibility for the entire matter.
Although this would leave a black mark on Qiao Nan's life, it was fine. She would continue to treat Qiao Nan as her daughter and would not disown her because of this.
In regard to this, Qiao Nan did not need to feel burdened at all. She just had to bear the responsibility and there would be no more issue. At the very least, this would not affect their family.
Qiao Dongliang stared coldly at Ding Jiayi. He then grabbed Qiao Nan's hand strongly.
Qiao Nan looked down and saw the green veins on the back of Qiao Dongliang's hands, nearly exploding.
"Both principals, is there a difference in the handwriting?" Qiao Dongliang asked in a deep voice.
"Yes." Principal Meng did not say a word, but Principal Wei did. "There are some differences between the two handwritings. However, it's easy for people who can write well to make their handwriting look uglier. On the other hand, it's hard for people who can't write well to make their handwriting look good." Principal Wei was, of course, helping his own student.
Teacher Liu tugged at his face, which was frozen stiff, and smiled. "Principal Wei, don't need to worry about this. Can you let me make a call?"
"Please do." Principal Meng glanced at Teacher Liu and let the latter used the phone in his office to make the call.
Teacher Liu picked up the phone and dialed a number.
Although Qiao Nan had not dialed this number many times, she had memorized it by heart. She gave a stare and looked at Teacher Liu in disbelief. She then heard Teacher Liu say, "Is this Zhai Sheng? I'm Uncle Liu. This is what happened. You know quite a number of professionals. Can you help us find an expert who can verify handwriting? A student from The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China brought a few letters and insisted that one of our students is dating him, but the girl refused to admit to the relationship. Principal Wei feels that it's easy for someone who can write well to make the handwriting look uglier. Therefore, we need your help. Sure, fine, fine. You… you can lend us a hand, can't you?"
Even if Principal Wei wanted to have his way, Teacher Liu was not afraid of him. He had his 'backing'.
Other people might not have a solution to those rogue words of Principal Wei, but he did.
Zhai Sheng had said before that he should look for him for any troubles or problems pertaining to Qiao Nan.
With a huge backing such as Zhai Sheng, Teacher Liu was very confident of protecting Qiao Nan and not let any harm reach her.
"Zhai Sheng? Is it that Zhai Sheng?" At this moment, it was Principal Wei's turn to change his expression.
"Yes, my family and the Zhai family are a little bit related. Principal Wei, you don't believe the student's explanation. Don't tell me you don't believe in people from the army too?" Teacher Liu lifted his head and chest. He terribly wished that he had a long and big tail on his bottom so that he could sweep toward Principal Wei.
Since he knew who Zhai Sheng was, the matter would be easier to resolve.
Principal Wei pulled a long face. "Sun Lei, come here and see for yourself."
Upon hearing Principal Wei's words, Sun Lei, who had turned as quiet as a quail, went forward. He was full of fear of misgivings. Of course, Sun Lei recognized those letters. He hugged the letters to sleep every day in the past. However, he was extremely unfamiliar with the handwriting on the other workbook. "This is Qiao Nan's handwriting? This can't be. Qiao Zijin clearly told me that she and her sister have similar handwriting. The words on this workbook are obviously printed!"
"Oh, the two sisters' handwritings are similar?" Principal Meng smiled. He looked at Principal Wei.
Didn't this comment of Sun Lei tell it all?
Principal Wei's face turned black. He ground his teeth and asked Sun Lei. "What is wrong? What do you mean that the two sisters' handwritings are similar?" It was not written by the same person. Even the handwritings of twins would be different, not to mention biological sisters.
"I was classmates with Qiao Zijin in my first year of senior high school. So, I know Qiao Zijin. Thereafter, Qiao Zijin introduced her sister, Qiao Nan, to me and we became a couple through letters. I felt odd at that time as to why the handwriting of the two of them was so alike. Qiao Nan's words were, at most, more untidy than that of Qiao Zijin. Qiao Zijin told me she had a close relationship with Qiao Nan. Thus, Qiao Nan liked to imitate her. As such, her handwriting resembled that of hers. However, Qiao Nan's results were good. She placed great importance on her studies and didn't have much spare time. Qiao Nan had to make time to write to him. Therefore, her handwriting was not as tidy as that of Qiao Zijin."
Principal Meng had the answer in his heart. At this juncture, he was completely sure that his student had nothing to do with today's matter at all.
Although Zhu Baoguo was a little impulsive for hitting Sun Lei, Sun Lei deserved it.
"You said before that Qiao Zijin was the one who introduced you to Qiao Nan. You've only seen Qiao Nan's photo and it's the first time that you met Qiao Nan in real life today. Then, the letters that you wrote to Qiao Nan and those that Qiao Nan wrote to you… How did you deliver and receive them?" Principal Meng's voice sounded normal and he spoke in an orderly manner.
"Qiao Zijin became our goose."
Sun Lei's actions made the few teachers present curl the corners of their lips. Goose? What a poetic and artistic description.
Qiao Nan raised her eyebrows and met Qiao Zijin's eyes. "Really? This is odd, though? I've clearly not seen my sister for more than two months."
"We're biological sisters from the same family. Whenever there's a school break, don't we see each other? When did we not see each other for two months?" Qiao Zijin panicked and tears nearly rolled down her eyes. Help her once, just this once. Once. Couldn't you?
Qiao Nan turned away without a word, her stance obvious. No way!
It was precisely because she was a family member of Qiao Zijin that she had suffered so much.
Qiao Zijin plotted against her and framed her again and again. If Qiao Zijin was not her family, she would not have kept defending herself all this while and would have actively attacked and thrashed Qiao Zijin to the point that Qiao Zijin would not be able to lift herself up for her entire life.
It was because she was her family!!!
The reality was so depressing and detestable.
Because of the blood ties, the best that she could do was to endure and not actively harm Qiao Zijin and destroy Qiao Zijin's life. However, as for any other matters… You wished, Qiao Zijin!!


Qiao Nan: Crap! I am your biological daughter, yet I am treated as if I was picked up from the streets. In fact, you treat me worse than that!

Mother Qiao: Qiao Nan, you are not as pretty or smart as your elder sister. You are not as blessed as her. You have no right to study, marry, or to have your happiness!

Qiao Nan: Why am I not allowed to study, marry, or to seek my happiness? I will find a man right now and marry him!

Qiao Nan is dumbstruck upon discovering that the man right beside her is a powerful figure in the quad—the person who has the most promising prospects to be the future Chief.

Qiao Nan stares at the well-built man in front of her. He has firm abs and cold, chilling eyes. She swallows the lump in her throat as she says her greetings, "Good Morning, Chief!"

My Demon [Ch. 53]

 

Friday na ngayon, uuwi na ulit si Mama sa linggo. Wala lang. Sinabi ko lang. Hehehe.


Naglalakad nga pala ako papunta sa library. Oops! Hindi ako nag-iisa. May kasama ako, si Johan. Si Angelo kasi ay busy dahil sa lunes na ang start ng one week school fair. Nagkataon naman na may gagawin din pala si Johan sa library kaya nagsabay nalang kaming magpunta.


"Di ka ba nabibigatan sa bag mo?" tanong ni Johan habang kami ay naglalakad.


"Hindi naman. Bakit?" Pero sa totoo lang medyo nabibigatan ako sa bag ko. Nasa loob kasi nito ang tatlo kong workbook. Makakalimutin kasi akong nilalang kaya para makasiguro na hindi ko maiiwan sa kung saan yung workbook ko, sa bag ko sila lahat nilalagay. Hindi ko binibitbit.


"Wala lang. Concern lang ako."


"Huh?" I looked up to him habang naglalakad pa rin.


"Baka di ka na lumaki dahil dyan." He laughed.


Pabiro ko siyang hinampas sa braso. "Johan naman eh! Para kang si ano . . ." Hindi ko na natapos ang sasabihin ko.


Pisti. Dahil ba sa lagi kaming magkasama, siya na rin lagi ang naiisip ko? Nakakainis talaga siya! Hindi lang ako ginugulo physically, mentally pa.


"Sino?" curious na tanong ni Johan.


"Ah, wala."


"Akin na yan," aniya.


"Yung alin?"


Tumingin siya saglit sa likod ko. "Yang bag mo."


"Bakit?"


Hindi niya pinansin ang tanong ko, huminto siya sa paglalakad.


Huminto din ako.


Pinahawak niya sa'kin yung mga librong dala-dala niya tapos kinuha yung bag ko. Kahit anong sabi ko, hindi siya nakikinig.


"Ako na magdadala nito. Ikaw nalang magdala niyan," he declared smiling.


Nagsimula na uli siyang maglakad kaya naglakad na uli ako. Habang naglalakad, nakatitig ako sa kanya.


Bakit kaya ganun? Siya ang ideal guy ko pero bakit mas lamang ang nararamdaman ko para kay Demon na opposite ng ideal guy ko?


Gusto ko ng lalaking mala-angel-sent from-above at hindi ng lalaking bad boy, pero bakit yung pangalawa ang mas gusto ko? Totoo nga ba talaga ang "The more you hate, the more you love"?

 

Parang hindi rin. Kasi sa version ko, "Hate first, Love later". Tapos meron pang, "The more I denied my feelings, the more it grew deeper".


Hay nako. Kung anu-ano nang quote ang naiimbento ko.

 

Dahil nga sa kakaisip habang nakatitig kay Johan, hindi ko napansin ang lalaking tumatakbo pasalubong sa direksyon ko.


Nabunggo niya ako kaya tumilapon ang mga librong bitbit ko.


Hindi siya huminto sa pagtakbo o kahit na lingunin manlang ako para malaman kung ilan ang nahuli kong palaka, ngunit sumigaw naman siya ng "Sorry!" kahit papaano.


Hindi naman halatang nagmamadali siya sa lagay niyang iyon, ha?


"Hey, tulungan na kita," Johan offered. Nakalahad sa harap ko ang palad niya.


Nginitian ko siya bago tinanggap iyon. Tinulungan niya kong makatayo. Pinagpagan ko muna yung skirt ko bago lumuhod para pulutin ang mga libro ni Johan na nabitawan ko sa sahig. Pati yung mga papel na nakaipit sa libro ay nagkalat.


Lumuhod din si Johan at tinulungan akong magpulot.


At sa kinalawak-lawak ng hallway, sa gitna pa namin gustong dumaan ang hari ng kasigaan. Sino pa ba sa tingin niyo?


"Tumabi nga kayo," pagalit na utos niya.


Halos sabay kaming tumingala ni Johan para tingnan siya. Nakapamulsa siya at seryoso ang mga mata niya. Salubong pa ang makakapal niyang kilay.


Mula saakin, ni-shift niya ang tingin niya kay Johan papunta sa balikat nito kung saan nakasabit ang isang strap ng backpack ko.


Binalingan niya ako ng tingin: isang nanlilisik na tingin. Nai-imagine ko tuloy na red ang mga mata niya, may pulang sungay at buntot.


"Ang sakit niyo sa mata," dagdag pa niya. Tinapunan niya muna kami ni Johan ng tingin bago humakbang sa space sa mismong pagitan namin ni Johan.


Imagine that?! Parang kanina lang sabay kami pumasok at nakikipagbiruan pa siya sa'kin, pero ngayon... ugh! Ano na naman bang problema ng lalaking yun?



8PM na sabi ni wall clock pero hindi pa rin ako pinapansin ni Demon simula kanina. Kakaiba talaga personality ng lalaking yun!


Nakadungaw ako sa bintana dito sa kwarto. Nakabukas lahat ng ilaw sa buong apartment niya kaya sigurado akong nadyan siya at gising pa siya. Pero bakit hindi siya lumabas at sugurin ako dito sa bahay para asarin?


Nakakainis naman eh! Sinanay-sanay niya ko sa pang-bu-bully niya, eto tuloy ako ngayon . . . haaay!


Ah! Alam ko na! Tumakbo ako papunta sa kama tapos kinuha yung phone ko sa ibabaw ng side table.


Nag-try akong mag-compose ng message kay Demon.


Good evening :) Gising ka pa?

Demon, galit ka ba?

Hoy sungit! Bakit di ka nanggulo sa'kin ngayon?

 

Di ko alam kung ano ba ang tamang itetext kay Demon. Magta-type ako, mag-iisip tapos buburahin din naman. Ang complicated naman kasi ng taong yun eh. Baka kapag nagkamali ako ng mai-text sa kanya at hindi niya magustuhan, baka lalo siyang magalit.


Eto na nga lang. Final na talaga 'to.


To: My Demon

Pst!

 

Ang tagal kong nag-isip at nakailang ulit ako ng pag-compose ng message tapos sa tatlong letter plus exclamation point lang pala ang uwi ko.


I pressed my phone against my chest and closed my eyes firmly. Mag-reply ka, Demon. Mag-reply ka, please!


Chineck ko yung phone ko. Five minutes ago na ang text ko sa kanya pero wala pa rin siyang reply.


Tumagilid ako. Nilapag ko muna yung phone sa tabi ko at pinagmasdan ito. Nabuhayan ako ng loob nung sa wakas ay umilaw na ito.


Dali-dali ko yun kinuha. Waah! Nag-reply na siya!


From: My Demon

I'm sleeping...

 

My brow rose. He's sleeping pero nakapag-reply? Lokohin niya sungay at buntot niya!


Ni-reply ko sakanya ang nasa isip ko.


To: My Demon

You're sleeping pero nakapag-reply? Lokohin mo sungay at buntot mo! Bleh :P

 

Ilang minuto na ang lumipas pero wala pa siyang reply. Kaya ang ginawa ko, tinadtad ko siya ng text messages. Nakakainip kayang maghintay ng text!


Hoy!

Demon!

Sungit!

Woy, gising ka pa diba?

Hoy

Hoy

Hoy

Hjy

*Hoy

Demon

Demon

Demon

Sungit

Sungiy

*Sungit

Lalaking nasa menopausal stage, mag-reply ka naman.

Reply ka na. Please?

 

Ang dami ko ng text sa kanya. Na-typo na ko lahat-lahat wala pa rin siyang reply. Grr! Pakelam ko ba kung di niya ko pinapansin simula pa kanina? Maganda nga yun e. Matatahimik ang mundo ko. Hmp!


Eto, last text ko na talaga 'to sa kanya. After this matutulog na ko.


To: My Demon

WAG KA NG MAG-REPLY!!! KALIMUTAN MO NA YUNG SINABI KONG "PLEASE". OR TINEXT. ARGH! WHATEVER!!!!

 

Sinend ko na. Pero parang may kulang sa text ko. Hindi pa ako kuntento sa tinext ko kaya nag-compose ulit ako ng message.

 

To: My Demon

 I HATE YOU TO THE FAREST STAR AND BACK!!!

 

Padabog kong binagsak yung phone ko. Argh! Shit of paper nakakagigil ang kumag na yun! Makikita niya, hindi ko rin papansinin para . . . aaah! Leche plan! Kung anu-ano na naman ang naiisip ko. And so what nga kung di kami nag-asaran at nag-away simula pa kanina, diba?


Umilaw yung phone ko. Tiningnan ko yung screen; nagtext siya.


From: My Demon

Hahahaha! You sounded like a demanding mad girlfriend. So cute =)

 

Nag-reply ako ng: Demanding mad girlfriend? Mad pwede pa. Hindi ako demanding ngayon noh! Bakit ba kasi ini-snob mo ko kanina? Meron ka ba ngayon kaya ang suplado mo sa'kin? kaso binura ko rin naman at piniling wag nalang siyang replyan.


Matutulog na sana ako kaso...


My Demon calling...

 

Sasagutin ko na sana yung tawag kaso may naisip ako. Patatagalin ko muna ng kaunti para hindi halatang inaantay ko ang tawag niya at excited akong makausap siya.


"Problema mo?" bungad ko sa kanya. Sungit-sungitan lang ang peg.


Nakarinig ako ng tawa sa kabilang linya.


"Alam mo istorbo ka! Matutulog na ko eh."


"Talaga? Kaya pala kung tadtarin mo ko ng text messages parang di ka makakatulog hangga't di ako nagreply." I heard him chuckled.


Ang sarap niyang sakalin, swear! Achievement talaga para sa kanya na makita akong naaasar na siya ang may dahilan.


"Ewan ko sa'yo!" I rolled my eyes.


Tumawa na naman siya. Darn. Kahit sa phone call ang ganda sa pandinig ng tawa niya. Nakakatanggal ng bad vibes ko.


"Nagpapa-miss lang ako. Mukhang effective naman."

 

"Di kita na-miss! Wag kang feeling!"


"Whatever you say. Basta alam ko na-miss mo ko."

 

"Oo nalang. Sige na, matulog ka na. Matutulog na rin ako nang lumaki naman ako." Natawa ako sa sinabi ko. Pa'no, sinabi ko ang line niya.


"Sabi mo eh. Good night."

 

Wow. Nag-good night siya ng hindi sapilitan at hindi inuutusan.


"Good night din, Demon."


"Dream of me, beautifully cute."

 

"Sweet dreams, sungit!" Matapos kong sabihin iyon, bigla akong natigilan. Parang ngayon lang dinigest ng utak ko ang huling sinabi ni Demon.


Dream of me, beautifully cute.

 

Huwaaa!! Tinawag niyang kong beautifully cute na first time kong marinig! At eto pa, may sinabi pa siya na talagang nagpapuyat sa'kin.


"I love you."


 

(TAGALOG STORY)


They were annoyed at each other at the very first place. This Childish and this Bad boy is an epitome of the word "MISMATCH".

Would it be possible to make everything upside down? Does miracle could make this "MISMATCH" a "PERFECT MATCH"?

Maybe not. Cause LOVE do MIRACLE.

workbook cover

Shadows Cover

The Heir is Here: Quiet Down, School Prince!

My Bothersome Life

Are You My Heroin?

Arranged Marriage: To Hear Your Voice

The Return of the God Level Assassin [BL]

The Record of Unusual Creatures

Golden Time

Rebirth to a Military Marriage: Good Morning Chief

MY DEMON (When Childish Meets Bad Boy)

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