Bad news: Xu Yanmiao traveled back to ancient times, but he himself is lazy and uninterested in anything but internet cybersecurity, which is useless in ancient times.... more>>

Good news: He's bound to a system.

Bad news: The system is called the Gossip System, not the fortune-telling kind, but the kind that contains other people's private information and scandals. Utterly useless.

More bad news: This system is also glitchy, and the extent of the bugs is unknown.

Even more bad news: This body is that of a minor official who can attend court meetings, while Xu, the time traveler... doesn't understand the classics, can't write with a brush, and is at risk of being exposed for cheating in the imperial exams.

Xu Yanmiao: "..."

Forget it, just lie low, wait to die, maybe dying quickly could lead to another time travel.

...

In the court, the emperor was furious about state affairs, and the courtiers trembled in fear.

Xu Yanmiao pretended to listen attentively but was actually focused on browsing the Gossip System.

[Wow, the emperor just took in a 16-year-old noblewoman yesterday! A beautiful addition! He's getting stronger with age! And he was tossing and turning in bed all night but still has such a powerful voice now! Amazing!]

[This noblewoman used to be the crown prince's concubine! And the crown prince even knows how to write passionate love letters!]

[Wow wow wow! The crown prince sneaked into the grandpa's harem... hiss—got intimate while the old emperor was attending court! Do it quickly! Why isn't there any video...]

[Huh? Why is there no sound?]

Xu Yanmiao cautiously raised his head and glanced around.

[What happened? Why is everyone kneeling? Where's the emperor?]

—The emperor went to catch adultery in the harem.

*

The "imperial exam cheating" bomb finally exploded.

Xu Yanmiao couldn't explain why his handwriting on the exam paper didn't match his usual handwriting, nor could he answer why he didn't understand the classics.

The evidence prepared by the ousted crown prince of the emperor hit the nail on the head, and his personal bodyguard was ready to drag Xu Yanmiao away to the prison, awaiting execution in the autumn.

Xu Yanmiao held onto the gossip that proved his innocence but was in a quandary:

How do I explain the source of my information...

[Say that I secretly met with the Chief Examiner, the Minister of Rites, three nights before the exam? Impossible, that night, the Minister of Rites was dressed as a woman, spent the night at the General's Mansion, with the general...]

The general's body shook, and he interjected: "Your Majesty!!!!"

"Although the evidence of exam cheating is solid, I believe there's still something fishy about this. It should be re-investigated! Especially Xu... Xu... Xu Yanmiao's attire is neat and tidy! Someone who cares so much about their appearance, how could they tarnish their reputation!"

The crown prince, who couldn't hear his thoughts: ??

[Also, what's with saying that the examiner faking yawning and tiredness was intentionally leaving me a gap for cheating? He spent the night before the exam in the pigsty without sleeping, how could he not be tired the next day? But, surprisingly, the Imperial Academy lecturer actually believed in pig's milk...]

The Imperial Academy lecturer's face went pale, and he burst out: "Your Majesty!!!!"

"I... I agree with the General's words! How could Xu Lang cheat in the exam! He... he... he deliberately drank a glass of pure water before the exam, believing that only good-hearted people can use pure things, such a kind-hearted person, how could he cheat in the exam!"

Thinking he had everything under control, the crown prince: ??

Xu Yanmiao was deeply moved.

[They're all good people, even if their brains don't work well, they're trying their best to find reasons and excuses for me.]

[But I really have no way to turn the tables, alas, it's a pity that I haven't finished watching the TV series I've been following. The old emperor angered the empress last night and got kicked out of the bedchamber, and now I'm going to die before seeing the ending. He seems to be planning to paint his face with ink and pretend to be a cat to cheer up the empress...]

"Bang—"

The old emperor slammed the table, forcibly interrupting the continuous stream of thoughts: "I believe Xu Yanmiao did not cheat in the exam! Release him, innocent!"

The civil and military officials couldn't wait to echo, fearing that if they were too slow, Xu Yanmiao might spill more gossip.

"Yes yes yes! Release him innocent!"

"Long live Your Majesty!"

"Your Majesty, please end the court session! Let Xu Lang go home and rest! You've tired him out by making him stand for so long!"

The crown prince: ??

Did Xu Yanmiao drug them with hallucinogens or something? <<less

After the end of the apocalypse, Yan Cai, a life-ability user and hero, was tortured in a laboratory for several years before self-destructing. Upon opening his eyes, he found himself in ancient times of an unknown dynasty, and then accidentally took an aphrodisiac and ended up spending a passionate night with someone.... more>>

Two months later, he discovers he's pregnant. Meanwhile, his opportunistic uncle is planning to marry him off to Jiang Manyue, the abandoned son of the Jiang family. Jiang Manyue, however, has a cruel and vicious personality due to his crippled legs.

On their wedding night, Yan Cai, who was worried day and night that he and his child would be mistreated, glared at Jiang Manyue, the legitimate young master of the Jiang family.

I always feel that this person looks very familiar. Who is he?

Soon, everyone waiting to see Yan Cai's miserable life was stunned.

The poor little cabbage who was expected to be ab*sed,

The crippled young man who was known to be brutal and vicious,

Why is it different from what we imagined?

Who is that handsome man who is charming and doting on his wife? ? <<less

From now on, do your own video editing, item restocking, and quest management~☆... more>>

"You can’t do anything on your own."

Despite being tired of hearing those words from his so-called partner, Mia Naruse, Shibuki Hamura still continued to support her.

Having lost his right arm to a monster in the past and possessing no special abilities, he convinced himself that Mia was the only one willing to hire him. He kept enduring all the power harassment from Mia, believing he had no other choice but to live like that.

However, the reality was different.

While it was true that Shibuki was one-armed and lacked special abilities, his support skills were top-tier. Not to mention, the real reason viewers watched Mia’s dungeon streams wasn’t her—it was because of Shibuki’s flawless support. With abilities as exceptional as his, it was only natural that others would take notice. Before long, he was approached by Abisu Yuiga, an S-rank Seeker far superior to Mia, with an offer to join her guild.

"I'm here to invite you to join my guild."

"Ah, in that case, we should include Mia-"

"Huh? Mia Naruse-chan? I don't really need her though?"

"Hm? You're not here to invite Mia to your guild?"

"Well, if you insist, I guess I don't mind taking her in, but if I may be honest, I don't see much value in her. The only one I want is you."

Someone who respected him and treated him with sincerity, versus someone who belittled and mistreated him—of course it'd be s*upid to compare both. Without any hesitation, Shibuki chose Yuiga and cut ties with Mia.

At his new guild, Shibuki finally began receiving the recognition he deserved. Meanwhile, Mia, having lost him, saw her video views plummet. Eventually, she blamed her downfall on Shibuki, spreading lies about him within her guild and painting him as the villain. Then, rallying her guildmates, she set her sights on revenge…

Thus begins a labyrinth rise-to-power fantasy story, where a man once branded as incompetent finds his true worth by changing his environment. <<less

A series about a hyper-realistic fantasy game!... more>>

“Sergeant First Class Ha, you crazy bastard. You shot another full round of bullseye?”

The sharpshooter Ha LeeHa simply wanted to be a part of the army forever. However, due to an unfortunate accident, he became paraplegic and was tossed back into society.

The revolutionary VR game [Middle Earth] presented a new life to him. Money obtained in [Middle Earth] has real-world value! Yet, he ruined his chance by selecting the lowest-tier character!

“I’m not like the others. This is all I have.”

Black gunpowder, iron balls, and ramrods… I’ll show all of you what a real ‘musketeer’ is! <<less

Luo Xing secretly liked Huo Xingzhou for ten years. To get closer to him, he did whatever it took to become his classmate.... more>>

Every time they met, Luo Xing could only proudly hide his feelings.

Later, Huo Xingzhou stopped him at the staircase, kissed him without warning, and asked angrily, "Is this fun for you? Do I have to give you my life before you’ll finally tell the truth?"

Luo Xing stared at him, stunned.

Huo Xingzhou took a deep breath and lightly l**ked the corner of Luo Xing’s lips. "Or… do you behave only after I kiss you?"

The whole world is confessing my love for you, yet in front of you, I can only pretend not to care.

Luo Xing remembered Huo Xingzhou for ten years because of a piece of candy from their childhood. Later, he transferred to No. 2 High School through a support program just to become Huo Xingzhou’s classmate. <<less

Omega Lu Zhao, known as the “Eagle of the Emperor” in military circles, married Bai Li, a retired Alpha who lost a leg.... more>>

Overnight, the Imperial Forum erupted in controversy. Countless omega cried for their idol marrying the wasteful son, and numerous Alphas gnashed their teeth in jealousy over Bai Li marrying a formidable military figure.

This marriage was no longer a bouquet of flowers in a cow dung fields, but flowers stuck on concrete – lacking not only aesthetics but also the nourishment provided by cow dung. On the wedding day, Bai Li received the title of “Empire’s Concrete.”

Fortunately, Bai Li must be the most handsome piece of concrete.

Many years later, Bai Li attended Lu Zhao’s celebration party as a family member.

Reporter: “Mr. Bai, what do you think of others saying that you’re living off your partner?”

Bai Li: “Living off someone is really delicious.”

Reporter: “Mr. Bai, how do you respond to criticism that you allow your Omega partner to work outside and even participate in mecha battles?”

Bai Li: “Living off someone is really delicious.”

Reporter: “… Mr. Bai, do you have any dignity as an Alpha?”

Bai Li: “You people, you’re just upset because you can’t enjoy living off someone like me.”

Reporter: “Mr. Lu, what do you think of others saying that you are too strong and not docile?”

Lu Zhao: “I can fight, can’t help it.”

Reporter: “Mr. Lu, how do you respond to recent accusations from the outside world about you being too prominent?”

Lu Zhao: “i can fight, can’t help it.”

Reporter: “You can do this too?”

Lu Zhao: “Well, he didn’t want to eat, but I insisted he eat.”

The carefree and smooth-talking alpha (Bai Li) x the capable and composed omega (Lu Zhao) who can fight and be assertive

Married before falling in love. Warm daily life. <<less

When the world became a game map, and one after another, humans began to transform into dolls.... more>>

In the beginning, Bai Youwei thought it was a prank by the aliens. Until the moment where she was s**ked into a vortex of light, and a clear robotic voice sounded in her ears—

Ding! Welcome to The Dolls’ Game! The rules of the game are as follows:

If you refuse the game, you will become a doll!

If you lose the game, you will become a doll!

If you clear the game, you will be rewarded!

Bai Youwei trembled while jumping into Shen Mo’s arms. “I’m scared! I’m just a weak girl who cannot tie a chicken (has no abs in hand)…”

Shen Mo pulled her little hand and placed it on his abs. “Now you have some.”

Game System: “Warning! Warning! Please respect the game, and clear challenges seriously, don’t focus on dating here!” <<less

The rich second generation Song JingWei transmigrated to the ancient times when there were more men but fewer women. The scum sister designed him to lose his c*astity, become pregnant, and be reviled by others.... more>>

Song JingWei calmly married to the countryside and his life changed drastically. The other party was the son of a peasant family who was not only a farmer but also a scholar and was from the family which had everything to do with both the studying and farming for generations.

The only son of the Shen family, Shen JunXi, was poor and dumb, and still single at the age of twenty-four. An accident caused him to marry the young master of the richest family in LiHua Town, and it caused a sensation in the whole village.

Shen JunXi knew that he was not good enough to keep Song JingWei. But in the days together, he still tried his best to love him, pamper him, and respect him. <<less

Han Seung-Moon thought he was the luckiest man alive when he unexpectedly won his election and took his oath as an Assemblyman. But his first... more>> day in office becomes a nightmare when monstrous creatures crash through the National Assembly roof, marking the start of an invasion through mysterious gates. Now, alongside a fierce group of survivors—some of whom begin to exhibit strange new powers—Seung-Moon must navigate both deadly monsters and political intrigue in a brutal new world where survival demands every ounce of wit and courage he has. <<less

“I really feel like having one of those special macarons from the cafeteria today. You think you could get me one?”... more>>

I sit diagonally behind the heroine in class. I’m basically her errand girl.

“We are [friends] , after all.”

…And I’m happy to do it. <<less

[Sweet and refreshing, the group’s favorite, ab*ser of scumbags]
When Si Fuqing opened her eyes, not only was she robbed of her luck, but everyone also told her to get out of the entertainment industry.... more>>

To live her new life, she just wants to lie down like a salted fish. Who knows there are always people who want to fight her without any real skills. Can it go on like this?

Si Fuqing squeezed her wrist and moved.

Later, the internet is crazily cursing her for overestimating her capabilities and sticking to Yu Yao, starting a rumor about her inappropriate private life, and—

International Diva: I can stand here today, thanks to Qingqing

Top No.1 male streamer: Stay away from my sister @Yu Yao

Even the officials of the International Games: Congratulations to Si Fuqing for winning the 13th individual gold medal, waiting for your retirement.

Yu Yao initially disdained Si Fuqing, but when he learned the truth later, he repented and knelt down to beg her to take another look. He could only post a clarification on Weibo: @Si Fuqing, Hello ninth aunt.

On that day, the whole network was down.

According to history books, Emperor Yin became famous at a young age. He was perfect, powerful, and loved the world. However, he died of illness at the age of 27, and his life was short. He had no wife, no concubines, no children, and no grandchildren. He was the hero of many people.

No one knew, he opened his eyes again, and came 1500 years later. This time, he saw the prosperous Daxia that he had imagined.

Not long after Emperor Yin’s identity was exposed, Si Fuqing learned that her idol was by her side, she admired him so much, and only wanted to—

Si Fuqing: Work hard!

Emperor Yin: Give your heart to me.

Si Fuqing: ???

I’m determined to work hard and you want me?

Almighty Goddess of Beauty × Resolute Noble Emperor

From being cursed by anti-fans on the internet to a top celebrity, easily 1v1 with the male lead. <<less

Rong Rong was dead.... more>>

In order to make money to see a doctor for himself, he painted the exterior wall on the construction site. One day, the safety rope fell off and he fell to his death from the high building.

Only after his death, he realized that he was a fake young master in a BL Novel.

In the book, he stalked the male lead, Zhou Lu, in order to get close to him.

The real young master was found and he was swept out of the house.

He woke up again.

Rong Rong returned to his twenty years old self, back to his elder brother Rong Zheng’s birthday.

It was also at his brother’s birthday banquet, because a friend of his elder brother insulted Zhou Lu, he had made a big fuss at his brother’s birthday banquet.

Rebirth?

Then social death?

—

Who was Rong Zheng?

The president of the Rong Group, a workaholic who was not close to women, a figure that even Zhou Di would be in awe of in the future, and the most powerful male supporting actor in the book.

Rong Rong: I can still rescue this situation!

Rong Zheng's eyes were cold. "What, you still want me to apologize to Zhou Di?"

Rong Rong held a glass of red wine and smiled softly. "Ge, you're joking. You're the crown prince of the Rong group. Is Zhou Di worthy?"

Zhou Di: "!!!"

Guests: "???" <<less

I don't need companions.... more>>

I don't do party play.

But... the game forces party play? <<less

An edict bestowed marriage.... more>>

A noble daughter with three strikes: no talent, no looks, no virtue.

A tr*sh wangye – disfigured, disabled, seriously ill.

Everyone says: Perfect match!

Bridal veil down–she wore a shallow smile. Leisurely and calm. Having experienced life and death, she only wanted to lead a quiet life.

Going up to the wedding hall–he had a slight smile on his face; a heart as cold as ice. He suffered all kinds of humiliation, but there will be a day when he will stand above all beneath the heavens.

–He is my husband. To bully him is to bully me. To insult him is to insult me. To hurt him is to hurt me. If someone were to hurt me, I would have to get to rid of them!

–Benwang doesn’t believe in supernatural beings and doesn’t seek heaven. If she were to die, benwang would turn this entire world into purgatory and sacrifice this whole country to her! <<less

One day, a gallery appeared before my eyes.... more>>

...And then I was able to see who wrote in the gallery.

All the heroines are 'virg*ns'. <<less

After being exploited to the limit, ‘Jung Suhyun’ was labeled as a useless guide.... more>>

He lost all meaning in life and made an extreme decision, but for some reason, he reincarnates into a novel and begins a new life.

This time, he’s a supporting character named ‘Eddie Royson,’ shackled by family obligations, just like in his past life.

“I believe you’ll do well.”

Tasked with assassinating ‘Louis,’ the abandoned illegitimate child of the emperor and a vessel of a curse, Eddie is sent to the North. Vowing never to live a life of sacrifice for others again.

“I don’t need you, so leave.”

However, seeing Louis being treated worse than livestock, Eddie decides to help him live like a human being before he meets the main shou of the original story.

“What are you? Why are you doing this to me?”

“As I mentioned earlier, I am Eddie Royson, and from this moment, I am Your Highness’s servant.” <<less

“I need money.”... more>>

Her family went bankrupt and was completely ruined.

She went to the residence of the blind Duke, the male protagonist in the novel, desperate for money.

“How is life at the Duke’s castle?”

“I am living very comfortably, thanks to the great consideration of His Excellency the Duke.”

“You think it’s nice living here? Then, let’s get engaged.”

Now, what does liking living in the Duke’s residence have to do with getting engaged??

“Congratulations. Now you’ll be able to continue living in a place you like.”

“Could I possibly have the right to refuse, by any chance?”

Marin asked cautiously, with trembling eyes.

I hope I do. Please. <<less

Cheng Jiaoniang's mental illness was cured, but she felt both like and unlike herself, as if her mind now held some strange memories. As the... more>> abandoned daughter of the Cheng family, she had to return to them. However, she was coming back to reclaim her memories, not to endure their disdain and mistreatment. <<less

Reconciliation/Older woman-younger man romance/Living together. Lyricist x Coffee shop owner.... more>>

"Liking you was like encountering strange weather — sunny one moment, rainy the next, unpredictable."

*Secret crush coming true/School life to urban romance/Happy ending

—

After two years of not seeing Shu He, Jing Yi sat expressionless in his wheelchair. Before he could pretend to be cold and say anything, the woman had already walked past him with a calm expression.

No pity, no hatred, no disappointment — just looking through him as if he were a stranger.

—

Today, the person who brought Shu He home was an unfamiliar face — not the elegant elite man, nor that pretentious doctor.

The young man was tall and fresh-faced, wearing a clean white shirt, with that familiar handsome curly hair, and the silver-rimmed glasses she loved most.

At night, Jing Yi's eyes grew moist: "Shu He, are you looking for a new boyfriend?"

She used to love stroking his curly hair and kissing his eyes.

Now she just looked at his hands gripping the wheelchair tightly, without comforting him like before: "In what capacity are you asking me? As an ex-boyfriend?"

But what right does an ex-boyfriend have to inquire about such things?

—

*The male lead is very green tea (manipulative), very pretentious, very dramatic, gloomy and twisted — not a normal person. And he truly, truly, truly will cry. Those who can't handle a humble, crying male lead should stay away!

*Gloomy, broken puppy x Clear-minded, independent older sister, 2-year age gap.

—

Content tags: Devoted love, Reconciliation, Heaven's pride, Older woman-younger man romance, Redemption

Characters: Shu He, Jing Yi

One-sentence summary: Tears are a man's best dowry

Theme: Love yourself before loving others <<less

A sudden accident leaves Shangguan Yu paralyzed, confined to a wheelchair, and dependent on others for his daily needs. Determined to live as normally as possible, he decides to hire a nanny.... more>>

Shangguan Yu has just one peculiar requirement for the job: the caregiver must be taller, younger, and stronger than him.

Drawn by the generous pay, Shangguan Yu soon finds the perfect match—a financially struggling university student named Zuo Zhou.

But Zuo Zhou’s dedication to the job turns out to be… a little too thorough.

Whether it’s feeding him every bite, passing him water in the bathroom, or staying by his side as he bathes—Zuo Zhou takes his role very seriously.

Then, one fateful night, Zuo Zhou doesn’t just stop at tucking Shangguan Yu into bed but slides in beside him.

Panicking, Shangguan Yu pushes against Zuo Zhou’s chest, stammering, “Y-you… what are you trying to do?!”

With a mischievous smile, Zuo Zhou holds Shangguan Yu’s fragile ankle, kisses the smooth skin of his instep, and whispers, “I’m taking care of you… in every way, inside and out.” <<less

Qiao Xi grew up in the countryside. After her father's death, her mother remarried. As an adult, her unscrupulous mother brought her back to the... more>> city to marry in place of her stepsister. Forced to wed the supposedly infertile, disabled second son of the Huo family, Qiao Xi's life took an unexpected turn. On their second day of marriage, her aloof, arrogant husband casually said, "Divorce or live as a widow. Your choice." Without hesitation, Qiao Xi stripped off his suit pants and ran her hand along his firm, sexy thigh. "I choose option three!" Soon, her miraculous acupuncture skills began healing people and saving lives! It turned out her "crippled" husband was a secret multi-billionaire. After she healed him, she even found herself pregnant! The elite flocked to her for medical advice. Those who had bullied her now begged for forgiveness. Even wealthy socialites showed up at her door in tears, claiming long-lost family ties! It became clear that Qiao Xi was destined for a life of luxury, but someone had stolen her rightful place. Her opportunistic husband gloated, "A wife like her is a true treasure. Only the man who marries her knows her worth!" Qiao Xi winced as she massaged her aching lower back. "Who was it that claimed to have no desires back then? You're nothing but a seductive demon in disguise!" <<less

The embodiment of the predecessor Reias…... more>>

He is revered in Aguilea.

The only woman he has been living with for many years, Enya.
She was not even treated like a living person in Aguilea.

Yet he…

“Don’t have any other men’s things here besides mine, and I’ll do the same. Enya, I don’t need any other woman but you.”

He longed and longed.
An unusual obsession…

…A night of lust where men and women entangled in love.
…A day to indulge and covet only pleasure in Aguilea, where it is celebrated as a festival.

From their hearts that only clung to each other — Buds of anxiety began to sprout.

The only salvation in a crazy world. <<less

As a high-risk individual, Ye Sangsang received an invitation to the beta test of the holographic game "Criminal Files."... more>>

As a game known for its high degree of freedom, high adaptability, and extremely realistic simulations based on real criminal cases, its beta release garnered significant attention.

As a condition of the beta test, she was required to livestream her gameplay.

Delicate, beautiful, and silent—these were the words often associated with Ye Sangsang.

As a game that had captured the nation's high expectations, many were baffled when they saw Ye Sangsang.

This was quickly followed by ridicule.

"Someone like her playing from the criminal's perspective? The victim would probably turn the tables on her."

"Is she going in as an investigator? A beautiful but useless burden?"

"The victim escaping alive? Don't make me laugh."

But as the cases progressed, Ye Sangsang gradually left the audience in awe.

"The criminal!!! Oh no, lock her up, I'm terrified of how she kills!"

"Investigation? Come on, can you guys keep up with Sangsang's pace?"

"The victim! Ahhh, what a bloody battlefield!"

The livestream chat, once filled with skepticism, eventually overflowed with admiration.

Some even began to suspect that she might actually be a high-intelligence criminal herself.

It wasn't until later that Ye Sangsang's holographic crime scene simulations helped solve one real-life case after another.

Audience: ???!!!

Ye Sangsang, facing the camera: Please note, I only perform once.

[Reading Tips:]

1. This story is set in a futuristic, fictional world with holographic crime simulation games. Everything is virtual, so please do not draw parallels to reality.

2. Some parts of the story may reference real-life cases. <<less

Mr. Jin agreed to take care of his hometown friend's son, never expecting that the friend would die unexpectedly. The boy became an orphan and was renamed Jin Chao.... more>>

Three years later, Mr. Jin's wife, Mrs. Jiang, became pregnant and gave birth to a daughter named Jin Mu. The overwhelming pressure of life caused increasing tension between the couple.

When Jin Mu was nine years old, her parents agreed to divorce. She went to live with her mother in the south, while Mr. Jin took Jin Chao to a small city in the north. From then on, they were separated by thousands of miles, never to cross paths again.

It wasn't until Jin Mu turned 18, when Mrs. Jiang, along with her second husband, was preparing to immigrate, that Jin Mu was temporarily sent to live with her father and was reunited with Jin Chao, whom she hadn't seen in nine years.

Chao is the sun, Mu is the moon. Together, they shine brightly, day and night, in perfect harmony—morning after morning, night after night. <<less

Introduction... more>>

In the palace selection, the crippled Prince Hui, exuding an aura of lifelessness, was avoided by the maidens like the plague.

Only Yao Huang couldn't help but sneak glances at him several times, thinking: He's already in a wheelchair; he probably won't cause much trouble after marriage, right?

Not long after, Prince Hui told his newlywed princess:

"My stipend is five thousand taels; you can spend it as you please."

"On the 5th and 10th of every month, I will accompany you. Otherwise, we’ll sleep in separate rooms."

Yao Huang was overjoyed: Little trouble and lots of money? Perfect!

• Post-marriage romance, daily life vibes.

• Lighthearted tone, with the male lead recovering later on. <<less