I became a maid in a book, and the family I served died after three years. Others who possessed people who ran wild were killed one after another by the protagonist and the villain no matter what.... more>>

In order to survive, I became the dog of the villain and longed for the day to escape, but…

“Do you want to run away from me like that? If you cut off your feet, I’ll allow you to crawl out of here.”

Stunned, I looked at him.

No, let’s think positively. It’s a great opportunity to just give two feet to that madman and run away. <<less

The phoenix led tens of thousands of birds as they flew over from the end of the horizon. Behind them, clouds akin to a sea of fire billowed as they swept by Chang’an. A golden winged roc perched on top of Xingqing Palace, its pupils reflecting the common people of the bustling Divine Land. Within the silence, dynasties rise and fall, while tides ebb and flow.... more>>

Li Jinglong slowly dragged his body riddled with wounds, releasing a resplendent light from his hand as he kept approaching Hong Jun.

“The living… are passing travelers…”

His low voice resounded through the world, and within an instant, the black fog that enveloped the earth receded before the light.

“The dead… return home without turning back.”

That light is the blazing sun that illuminates the world, stars that twinkle in the night sky, an eternal heart lamp that pierces through the darkness.

“The world…is a temporary inn. Since time immemorial, countless people have bewailed their short, bitter lives…”

Li Jinglong closed his eyes and pressed one hand against Hong Jun’s forehead. A white light diffused with a whoosh, covering the battlefield littered with mountains of corpses and seas of blood. Within the shadow of that lamp, the debauchery in Pingkang, the parasol trees of the Exorcism Department bathing in the midsummer sun, the sand and swirling snow in the vast expanse beyond the Great Wall, Ah Tai’s clear singing voice, Mo Rigen and Lu Xu picking leaves in the early morning, Qiu Yongsi’s flying brush strokes that transforms into immortal poems in Li Bai’s cup–

A young nobleman of Chang’an strolled through its eastern downtown,

Riding a white horse with a silver saddle as he beamed.

While traversing through Chang’an, flowers kept falling, where on earth is he going?

Smiling, he enters a tavern where a foreign entertainer performs.

(Last four lines are from a poem written by Li Bai used to ridicule hedonistic sons from rich families for their extravagant lifestyles.)

A gong who has bad luck wherever he goes x a shou that can suck away the luck of the people around him <<less

Transfer student, a head honcho in his previous school • Damn badass cool guy, Shou (Zhai Yao)... more>>

Top-notch big shot in his curent school • Reserved, cunning, and upfront, Gong (Shen Heng)

#This is a story of when one school boss meets another school boss…

Zhai Yao transferred from one rubbish school to another rubbish school, and on the very first day, he sent shockwaves through his new class, leaving his classmates utterly bewildered.

With a pale and delicate countenance and a slender figure, Zhai Yao appeared anything but the rumoured fighter who could take on ten opponents at once. Yet, the very next moment after entering the classroom, he confidently strolled to the back row, kicked a desk in the corner, and dropped his backpack on it.

The male student, who had been reading with lowered eyes, lifted his head and looked up with an indifferent expression. “Need something?” Zhai Yao glanced at the name on his book, knocked on his desk twice, and said, “Shen Xing (沈行), right? …Move aside.”

He remained utterly oblivious to the ominous hush around him—

Very well, the new student had just arrived, and on his very first day, he had already clashed with the school’s big shot.

The big shot sneered, rising to his feet. With a casual flick of his hand, he sent Zhai Yao’s backpack sailing into the rubbish bin. He corrected him, “‘Heng (珩)’.”

–

Zhai Yao and Shen Heng became desk mates.

Zhai Yao felt that his new desk mate was both devious and pretentious. Not only was he ruthless in fights, but he also always carried a book in his hands. As fate would have it, their academic standings left them ranked side by side at the bottom-most. To put it bluntly, he was nothing more than an overbearing king of pretence.

It wasn’t until one day, by a twist of fate, Zhai Yao ended up visiting Shen Heng’s home and discovered a wall decorated with certificates and awards.

Shen Heng accompanied his senile elderly grandpa. He patiently and tirelessly answered the old man’s repetitive questions while revealing his strong yet slender arms, preparing a meal consisting of three dishes and a soup.

He cast a cold glance at Zhai Yao. “Come and have dinner.”

Zhai Yao chuckled and approached, narrowing his eyes. “Tsk, you’re quite a homemaker, huh.”

Shen Heng gazed at Zhai Yao’s exposed fair neck, his eyes lingering for a moment before he averted his gaze. His earlobes betrayed a subtle blush.

–

Zhai Yao once thought that Shen Heng was a bit of a pitiful soul, implicated by the hardships of life, from being an all-around academic genius to falling into a delinquent.

To the extent that, when Shen Heng pinned him against the wall in the stairwell and even locked the door behind them, Zhai Yao still maintained a light-hearted demeanour, joking with a mindset of rescuing a wayward youth, “Want to kiss me? Wait until you break into the top 100.”

Shen Heng’s breath hitched ever so slightly, his gaze deepening with a mysterious intensity. “I’ll just get the top rank instead. Would that be enough to bed you?”

–

【Notes from Author to Readers】
【Cover Authorized^3^】
1) This story features mutual first-love (MC & ML are each other’s first love), 1v1; HE.
2) Kissing will be after the age of 18.
3) Smoking is harmful to health; the protagonists will quit smoking later.
4) Mutual redemption. The main characters influence each other, gradually growing mature and strong together. They aren’t perfect characters; they have flaws.
5) The story takes place in a very inferior and lacking-in-standards high school. In the early stages, all teachers and students are deliberately underperforming, but later, they will grow collectively.
6) Realistic, not purely sweet and refreshing. <<less

After transmigrating to the crossover world, Lu Yu became a rich second-generation villain?... more>>

Was he not only obsessed with Bai Qingzhi, the female lead, but also despised the woman from the wealthy family who adored him?

Hehe, a ret*rded cliché plot!

The male lead already had a certain amount of influence and the woman from the wealthy family who adored him had already turned toxic?

Damn it!

At the banquet, looking at the cold woman with a long black dress and smokey makeup pouring white powder into a red wine glass, gazing at a woman in a white dress in the center of the drawing room, Lu Yu couldn't help but think to himself...

Could she still be saved?

[Ding! Villain system is activated...] <<less

After staying up all night and working overtime for five consecutive days, Yang Zanxing, a corporate s*ave, had transmigrated into an ancient, cultivation, feel-good novel aimed at the male demographic that she had read last month. She ended up appearing for 3,000 words as the cannon fodder female supporting character who was blown to bits by the male lead for framing his sweetheart.... more>>

Yang Zanxing: “What’s this about???”

The corporate s*ave who was familiar with the plot let out a deafening cry: “My life is up to me! Not to the heavens!”

However…

Forty years ago, the shark demon had returned for revenge, the relics of the goddess were left in the secret land, the withering snake shaman had reappeared in the world, and the legendary evil sword had resurfaced…

Could the Heavenly Lord afford to lose??

As Zanxing faced the escalating difficulties of the plot, she only had one purpose—to get to the ending.

——Destiny is something that happens no matter what you do. Regardless of how you struggle, the end will not change.

——I must change it.

A story in which I decide my own life, and not follow the original work. A two-faced, c*cky younger Martial Uncle x hard working to get to the ending Martial Niece, the female lead who has a golden finger. <<less

I intended to bind the red thread for the male and female protagonists, but unexpectedly bound the male protagonist and…myself Σ(°Д°;... more>>

Nine-tailed fox Li Shu has been in seclusion for thousands of years, was mistakenly bound by the Matchmaker System and crossed into a world of sadistic novels to complete missions.

System 1314: Our mission is to match the male and female protagonists, ensuring that the lovers become a couple!

After several worlds:

System 1314 knelt to its host who does not follow common sense: Host, stop! Our goal is to match the male protagonist with the female protagonist, not the male protagonist with you!!!

Li Shu’s slender fox eyes narrowed slightly: Isn’t the mission completed?

1314 looked at the male protagonist by the host’s side, whose happiness value had gone up, and several worlds with SS-level completion, and was speechless.

Later, when 1314 received the highest achievement award in the system world, it sighed with a vicissitude: All of this is thanks to the young and ignorant me who bound to the wrong host!

CP: “Fox demon with outstanding appearance and fighting prowess” shou X “Male protagonist in abusive worlds that always want him to blacken” gong. <<less

“We’re of different species, so it’s unfounded for us to go into heat for each other. You’re gentle and kind, so I think it’d be okay to live together. What do you think?”... more>>

The boy nodded shyly. It seemed like a good agreement. For starters, wildcats were skilled hunters. She had also heard they were good at swimming.

‘Now I can eat meat and enjoy as many fish as I want.’

Since Sohwa hadn’t properly learned from her mother, she was clumsy at hunting. She barely remembered the last time she had eaten meat. Having a nimble wildcat friend seemed reassuring.

“I’m fine with anything as long as I’m with you…”

“We should start by changing that title. No more ‘mistress’; call me Sohwa.”

“Sohwa.”

“Yes, that’s much nicer to hear. Then I should call you... hmm.”

She didn’t know where he had come from, nor his age, so how could she know his name?

“What should I call you?”

“Dohwi.”

The boy who claimed to know nothing clearly spoke his name.

“Please call me Dohwi.” <<less

Sirens: a name derived from an ancient creature, used to describe those who could charm, lure, control, and heal others by singing.... more>>

Subjected to live the life of a siren, Aria had experienced, seen, and heard many horrific things. Broken beyond repair, Aria resigned herself to death, when suddenly…

The Grand Duke, Lloyd Cardence Valentine, arrived and whispered, “Should I kill everyone here?”

“If you need me, just call me. Your song will always reach me, wherever you are.”

In the end, Aria called the devil, bringing death to all those present, along with herself.

“Let’s fall down to hell together.”

And with that, Aria breathed her last and died… only to return to her 10-year-old self.

Now that she had a second chance at her life, Aria was determined to change her fate, as well as the cruel fate of her saviour, Grand Duke Valentine.

And so… Aria proposed to him with a marriage contract.

She sold her soul to the devil and vowed to protect him.

[Marry me.] Aria extended her hand and gave him the contract. [Let’s get divorced in 10 years…]

The young duke took the contract from her hand.

“So, where should I stamp the seal?”

* * *

“You said you’d divorce me within 10 years.”

The grown-up villain leaned in, hovering his head before he kissed her tenderly over her crown.

“Now that we’re adults, we should sign another contract.” <<less

This is a story in which a boy learns about duty, and a man learns about love. A s*ave boy plotted the encounter with the greatest general of the Northern Plains. He became the general’s best disciple, learning archery, combat, warfare, literature, and most of all, loyalty. He was his s*ave, his subordinate, his officer, his student, his champion, his adopted son, and his lover.... more>>

However, this is not a fairytale for the faintest of hearts. Here, absolute power is brought through sacrifice, betrayal, and bloodshed, and lingering attachment begins from conspiracy and espionage. Emotions and intent flicker between sincerity and deception, and truth lies between truth and lies.

But love is always true, for there will be no regrets.

“Anywhere you see from your steed, and everywhere the golden rays of the sun can reach, will be my home.”

“You are the legend of the steppes. For I shall also become a legend—one greater and more resounding than yours—When people remember you, they will also remember me!” <<less

It was an exceptionally ordinary day, so unremarkable that Fang Chen couldn’t even recall what he had for breakfast that morning.... more>>

Like any other day, he went through the routine of washing up, having a meal, leaving for work, and returning home in the evening to organize files. However, everything changed when he heard strange noises outside just before going to sleep. He opened the door, and from that moment, everything became different.

A man with a rotting body, peculiar creatures that preyed on humans, a helpless middle-aged couple lying in a pool of blood, and an elite white-collar worker being consumed by their own pet… and that man who seemed to be following him everywhere.

This city wasn’t safe; they had to escape from here.

“I will always stay with you, right by your side.”

“Please, kill me.”

“Don’t be afraid.”

“I can't remember who are you… I… Was I the one who killed you?”

They had committed a sin, and so the punishment began. <<less

Xu Heran stood in a dark warehouse. The woman in front of her – more beautiful than the moonlight, was the female lead of this book.... more>>

In the times to come, she would subject the female lead to humiliation, physical violence, verbal abuse, and a series of malicious cannon fodder acts. All of this would be faithfully displayed to the audience through the live cameras at the entrance, leading to her being boycotted by the entire internet, and enduring a lifetime of condemnation.

The female lead, having just finished practicing, stood in the moonlight, her expression almost enchanting. “Why did you bring me here?” she asked softly.

'Since it’s come to this, I won’t hold back.'

Xu Heran clenched her fist, her expression resolute, and shouted, “Xin Nuo, I love you!”
'I’ve read the original book ten times, and you’re Mommy’s favorite!'
“I’ll protect you!”
'I won’t let any scumbag touch a hair on your head!'

She raised her hand, her determined voice echoing in the warehouse. “In this lifetime, I’ll be crazy for Nuo Nuo, I’ll be wild for Nuo Nuo, and I’ll crash into walls for Nuo Nuo!”

Her resolute voice echoed in the warehouse, leaving the female lead dumbfounded and the director in disbelief. Only the fans in the live chat room sighed, “Wow, this is exciting!”

*

Xin Nuo was reborn.

Thinking back to her previous life, where she struggled and was controlled, she smirked. This time, no one would stop her from achieving her dreams! The first step to realizing her dream was to deal with the person in front of her who dared to humiliate her.

The development of familiar events deviated from her previous life when she heard the confession from Xu Heran. Later on, there was someone who frequently cared for her, someone who shielded her from prying eyes, and someone who snatched the drink and downed it in one go…

“Hic- I grabbed the heroine and ran away, so exciting!” In a hotel room, an intoxicated person chuckled.

“Exciting?” she smiled gently, her palm caressing someone’s cheek, “How about something even more exciting?”

A little puppy who later had turned into an alpha wolf, growing into the pursuing, affectionate, and coquettish Xu Heran x the originally strong and tough female lead Xin Nuo.

[Important Viewing Guide]
*The author doesn’t follow celebrities! Doesn’t mix with the industry! It’s a loose entertainment circle!
*Wherever there are references to variety shows, there’s a reference to real-life variety shows (including a lot of private settings), but all the characters have no prototypes! No prototypes! No prototypes! No prototypes!
*Talent show genre
*Light-hearted Mary Sue sweet cake, focusing on sweet cakes, heart symbol. <<less

My girlfriend is too beautiful.... more>>

And, she treats me so nicely.

I didn’t even confess, I was confessed to.

So…

Why me…? <<less

In the capital, Elvark, there stands the 13-floor hotel built in Hanok style. I am Master Ruby from Midnight Blue Hotel.... more>>

…….. and the innkeeper #1 eliminated by the Villainous Top.

‘That could be me!’

「Crawl. And Swallow My Desire」. This place is the world of a BL webnovel with such a title.

“I can’t die like that. I’ll live until the time I poop on the wall.”

But it’s not easy.

The head of the rebel forces, the Villainous Top, is scheming treason in my hotel.

***

“Please tell me what you want. I shall have it placed into your hands.”

“Anything?”

“Anything. My Master Ruby.”

The head of the rebel forces and the Villainous Top, Eligos. There was something I want from him.

“Eligos. Stop the rebellion. You cannot become the Emperor.”

“In return, there is also something I want.”

Eligos, whose arm was wrapped around me, slowly stooped his head down, and we closely sensed each other’s breath. His firm fingers dazedly rubbed my lower lips. The moment I looked at Eligos with reddened eyes, his arm that had been on my waist tightened. Eligos, who laid me down on the bed in an instant, gave me a beautiful smile.

“Ruby. I wish for you to have me tonight.” <<less

Yu Tianze was s*upid in his life, so he decided to be smarter in this life.... more>>

He spent his life being incredibly filial to his master, handing over all his hard-won treasures. In the end he was betrayed by the one he trusted the most and killed due to the greed of others.

He wakes up in the past, and this time, he's determined to change his fate. After a coincidental meeting, he decides to take the only person who showed him a sliver of kindness in his darkest hour as his disciple, and thus begins this master and disciple's rise to the top. <<less

Life is unpredictable. Her husband loved her stepsister, deposed her as Empress and even forced her son to death. In that Cold Palace, she was forced to drink poisonous wine. So in the next lifetime, she made a promise to never do good deeds and help others, to never step into the palace and to never become the Empress!... more>>

At the Prime Minister’s estate, the mistress’ daughter is reborn into a she-devil.

An evil stepmother? I will make sure you go to Hell!

A two-faced, hypocritical older stepsister? I will rip apart that beautiful façade!

A scheming younger stepsister? I will throw you into the grave!

You guys didn’t let me live peacefully so you should also expect the same!

Initially she wanted to stay away from disaster as far as possible; however, a man’s heart is like a needle in the sea—impossible to search for, impossible to understand.

The man who once swore to abandon her became someone who can’t live without her.

The enemy from the past lifetime suddenly confesses his feelings for her.

Even worse, she is bothered by a handsome man with a thick-skin who doesn’t know how to give up! <<less

I possessed a reliant villain who was in debt and clinging to the heroines.... more>>

“Why did I give all these good things to others?”

From now on, I will solely focus on my own growth.

After stopping these villainous acts,

the heroines’ reactions were strange. <<less

In a twist of fate, a simple glance at a popular CP turned the life of a certain person upside down. Overnight, he was transmigrated back in time, becoming the male protagonist, Nie Qingzhou, of the very same CP ship that his cousin was obsessed with.... more>>

Imagine the shock of this office worker, known for his gentle demeanor and refined nature, when he suddenly found himself trapped in the body of a troublesome sixteen-year-old boy. It was a truly mind-boggling transformation!

As “Nie Qingzhou” observed the other half of the equation, the female lead in the CP—Xia Yi, a gifted musician still navigating the halls of high school, her talents yet to be recognized—a wave of contemplation washed over him. So does this mean that the CP my cousin obsesses over is, in fact, my own destined romantic pairing?

Deep in Xia Yi’s memories lies a vivid scene from a summer evening in high school. When the sun was setting, casting a warm glow, a young boy on a bicycle appeared at the end of the road. With his school uniform billowing in the wind, he seemed to dance amidst the golden-red hues of twilight.

A gust of wind swept up a flier with the message, “When God says ‘Let There Be Light,’” twirling and ascending towards the sky.

In that moment, Nie Qingzhou cried out her name, his heart propelling him towards her as if he were a divine oracle delivering a message.

Countless times before, and countless times in the future, driven by an irresistible force he would always be running towards her like this.

Our male lead is a well-rounded individual, accomplished in all aspects and an exceptional student. Meanwhile, the female lead is a quiet person who exudes beauty, grace, and an unyielding spirit. <<less

In her previous life, Qin Su served the country as a princess, fought in wars, and defended the throne for her imperial brother. In the end, however, she was ambushed and assassinated by the very brother she supported, facing rebellion and estrangement. Only the weak and ailing empress, whom she had never held in high regard, stood in front of her and took the arrows meant for her.... more>>

In her second chance at life, Qin Su didn't want to be the prestigious eldest princess or the war goddess anymore. She just thought that the emperor's dragon throne looked nice. On the side, she decided to protect the fragile empress, or rather, Miss Shen in this lifetime.

From the perspective of this life—

Shen Yi, since childhood, was frail. During a snowstorm, while accompanying her father to the capital, she was ambushed. In a critical moment, a red figure descended from the sky, saving her life but leaving her heart lost.

Shen Yi stumbled along behind that person, and even though she never turned around, she was content.

Later, Qin Su, adorned in dragon robes and crowned, married her empress in front of her ancestors. <<less

When she was 8 years old, Lin Xian met Xiao Yuqing and was blinded by the beauty. A childish speech was laughed at for many years. ... more>>

Auntie, you are beautiful, I want to marry you.

Later, Lin Xian, who thought she had long forgotten, met Xiao Yuqing again. Her heartbeat began to remind her again – I like her very much.

After many years, Xiao Yuqing was eaten and dried to know that the soft white rabbit grew up not as a white rabbit, but as a wolf.

If you say that young love is as uncertain as the wind, then I hope that the rest of my life it will last for a long time. <<less

You are the piercing ache of my devotion.... more>>

–

Translator’s summary:

16-year-old Lin Xigu transfers to a new school where he encounters the enigmatic She Xiao, a silent, vicious and seemingly unapproachable problem student. All Lin Xigu sees is how beautiful he is. <<less

In just three years, Su Ling and Lin Feng went from being deeply in love to growing distant after their marriage.... more>>

When Su Ling received a call from his hometown urging him to return and inherit the ancestral home, he made the decision to pack his belongings and leave his disillusioning marriage and the bustling city behind.

Driven by the desire for self-sustainability, he took up a hoe and ventured into the fields to grow vegetables. Unbeknownst to him, his family’s ten-acre plot of land gradually transformed into a bountiful expanse of crops.

Eh?

Wasn’t this a tad bit too much? Since there were more vegetables than he could possibly eat, let’s live stream and sell them!

Surprisingly, the live stream’s popularity took an unprecedented leap, causing the vegetables to be sold out in no time. To add to the mystery, a fan base appeared out of nowhere?

At first, viewers entered a live stream with low expectations, anticipating nothing more than a mundane display of someone hawking vegetables. Just when they were about to express their criticism, their jaws dropped in utter astonishment the moment they laid eyes upon the streamer’s face…

Holy cow, holy cow, holy cow, holy cow!!!

Where did this stunningly handsome cutie come from?! TT^TT Someone save me! Why is a guy as good-looking as this one live streaming to sell vegetables here???

And so it continued…

Fan 1: The white cabbage from this cutie’s farm is refreshingly crisp and tastes amazing! Hope there’s more for sale next time!

Fan 2: We’re willing to send you gifts, Cutie, so please do more live streams! TT^TT

Fan 3: I’ve never been a fan of cucumbers, but ever since I tried the ones grown by this cutie, I can’t imagine a meal without them! (By the way, I could drool over Cutie’s face for a lifetime!) TT^TT

……

After returning from his business trip abroad, Lin Feng was greeted with a seemingly ransacked house and a slew of items missing. Amidst the mess, the sight of Su Ling’s divorce papers hit him like a ton of bricks, draining all color from his face.

Why did his wife decide he no longer wanted him after he left on a business trip?

In a mad frenzy, he feverishly sought any clues, only to be met with nothing!

One day, the assistant rushed over with a phone in hand, eager to show him a viral live stream featuring a farmer selling his agricultural products. Lin Feng’s astonishment knew no bounds when he realized that the handsome and graceful young man, clad in a white t-shirt and sporting a straw hat while holding a large cabbage, was none other than his missing wife!

Lin Feng raced through the winding roads toward the countryside, determined to bring Su Ling back with him.

With his pants rolled up and a hoe in hand, Su Ling proudly pointed toward the lush green fields and countered defiantly, “After all the sweat and toil I’ve poured into building this, why should I give it up?”

Lin Feng: “…”

Note:

1. A sweet 1v1 romance novel. Top pampers bottom. Please note that there will not be any pregnancy!

2. The story is set in a FICTIONAL world where same-s*x marriage is allowed and the brands mentioned are purely fabricated! <<less

For money, I bet with someone to win over and turned the scion of the wealthiest family gay.... more>>

Later, I pretended to have terminal cancer, and disappeared to avoid burdening him.

Three years later, the scion became a madman.

He smashed every place I had been to.

Just to unearth my body. <<less

This is the story between a young innocent ballet boy and a passionate, determined boxing boy. The two met at the children’s palace, and since... more>> then, they have grown up together supporting each other. May there be hardships, may there be obstacles, yet they never stopped pursuing their dreams. The beauty of the salad days is the sweat from the hard work and the bonding of friendship. Although they have completely different paths set up for them, what never changes is their beautiful friendship… <<less

On the server “Altar,” an upper-class survival game was officially launched. Survival was the only logic in the human game of alliance, betrayal, and human-natured games of deceit and treachery. After the smoke of gunpowder ends, only the survivors can speak.... more>>

As soon as he opened his eyes, the amnesiac An Wujiu saw a person at his side killed. While in confusion, a floating green typeface appeared before him.

Variable Name: An Wujiu

Attributes: Male, 20 years old

Game Rounds: 5

Win Rate: 100/100

Danger Rank: SSS

No wonder they were afraid.

The first time he saw An Wujiu, Shen Ti felt curious. The kindness and fragility in those eyes were not fake, so how could he survive in the Altar? It was until he saw the man had a sudden personality change. He recklessly gambled regardless of the cost, casually estranged people, grew further excited on the verge of death, and even calculated against himself to win. Only then did Shen Ti realize that it was his own cognitive bias.

Fortunately, he wasn’t a normal person either. <<less

Paula, the daughter of a poor peasant.... more>>

By chance, she is hired as the maid of the prestigious Count Bellunita.

But the owner she has to serve can’t see.

She thought it would be so difficult to serve the blind master.

The problem is that his personality is too sassy!

The story of a master who has lost his sight and has a dirty temper, and a maid who went through all sorts of hardships <<less