In college, Zhou Jingze and Xu Sui were very different from each other— their paths would never cross.... more>>

One was a free spirit, a moon surrounded by a myriad of stars. The other was a well-behaved and quiet girl, easy to be ignored.

As she finished her assignments one after another in the library, she had no intention to listen to matters regarding him and others. Yet, she had witnessed him changing girlfriends one after another.

At a party, Xu Sui was drunk and summoned up the courage to confess to him.

Zhou Jingze froze for a moment, then raised the corners of his lips and said casually: “I’m sorry, you are too well-behaved and quiet.”

They met again, countless times, whether it was intentionally or unintentionally. Xu Sui should have pushed down her thoughts and kept a distance from him.

Yet, he kept pressing, leaving her nowhere to hide. Finally, Xu Sui was against a wall: “Why me?” Zhou Jingze lowered his head and whispered to her: “There is no why; I used to be blind.” <<less

After bankruptcy, second-generation Zhou Qian suffered a mental breakdown and was admitted to a mental hospital for recuperation.... more>>

“Keep away from Zone X.”

“Do not open the door of Room 1 in Zone X.”

“Do not approach the most dangerous patient, 03X87, in Zone X.”

These were the three prohibitions of the hospital, but Zhou Qian violated all of them. Consequently, he truly opened the door to a new world—a world of monsters.

“If I were a monster, would you still love me?”

The lunatics in the asylum all over the world were swept into a peculiar game.

If they couldn’t escape, they had to fight until the end.

He would walk up to the most terrifying monster in legends, watching him bow down until he was willing to reveal his most genuine form… <<less

Reunited after breaking up, a sweet and satisfying 1v1 ... more>>

In public, he acted like a wolf-like dog, but behind closed doors, he was clingy and like a sweet bean. A wealthy dog top, tough-mouthed but soft-hearted; a poor beauty who was a dog training master, and a bottom.

Ruan Song, a down-and-out screenwriter, had a five-year love marathon with the popular movie star Ren Qinming. When they were together, Ren Qinming was unknown, but when he became famous, they suddenly ended their relationship with a bang.

When Ren Qinming couldn’t find a way to reconcile, he felt melancholy all day long. His aloof persona became even more unstable. After a night of drinking, he finally gave in and went to Ruan Song’s house, where he was discovered by the paparazzi. And then, “boom,” their relationship was made public.

The entertainment industry was shaken, and fans went crazy, refusing to believe it. “Our cold-faced King of Hell, who never paid attention to beautiful women, how could he be in a relationship?! How could anyone in this world be worthy of our brother?!”

In order to prove that Ren Qinming was single, his fans shared his schedule. Out of 365 days in a year, he would spend 330 days on set. How could someone handle having a boyfriend like that?

Ruan Song found it amusing, and yes, he couldn’t handle it either, so they broke up.

Just as Ruan Song was about to clarify things passionately on Weibo, he received an invitation to a top-tier celebrity dating show, inviting him and Ren Qinming to appear and show their love.

Ruan Song scoffed, saying, “Only a crazy person would go after breaking up.”

But in the next second, when he saw the remuneration offered by the variety show, being penniless and unemployed, he said, “I must be crazy to decline, count me in.”

On the variety show, Ruan Song made an appearance.

Fans instantly changed their minds when they saw him. “Wow! He’s beautiful!”

And the cold-faced King of Hell, who claimed to never pay attention to “beauties” was—

Ren Qinming, “Wife, come closer to me, everyone is watching.”

Ren Qinming, “Wife, give me a smile. There’s a camera in this corner too.”

Ren QingMing, “Wife, it seems like I need a kiss.”

Ruan Song, “…”

Then, Ren Qinming added, “Wife… your ears are turning red.”

Ruan Song gritted his teeth and covered his mouth, saying, “I’m… hot!”

Fans wildly waved their flags. “Not hot! Stick! We want beauties to be sticky!”

Ruan Song was completely speechless. “Weren’t you all saying no one was worthy of him before?”

Fans with yellow faces: Teacher Ruan, you’re being too harsh. What does Ren Qinming’s fans’ words have to do with us, the shippers of the double burden CP powder?

Ruan Song: …

Damn it, who could have imagined that going on a celebrity dating show for money, and faking the relationship, would make someone famous! <<less

Lu Zeqing transmigrated into a shuangwen story in the entertainment industry and became the control group of the fake young master protagonist shou—... more>>

The unfavored cannon fodder real young master.

He repeatedly bullied the protagonist, was driven away by the wealthy parents, and finally lost his reputation.

When Lu Zeqing transmigrated: The protagonist shou is the most popular guest in the gay variety show, gathering CP fans from all walks of life.

And Lu Zeqing received many private messages from fans every day: go away! Don’t be in the same frame as my brother.

In the face of overwhelming verbal abuse and warnings, Lu Zeqing, who was too poor to pay the rent, said: A man will only affect the speed at which he makes money.

The guests had a date in the restaurant, and Lu Zeqing explored the food at the next table.

The guests went on a date in the art gallery, and Lu Zeqing worked as a French translator in the art gallery.

The guests visited the garden in Hanfu, Lu Zeqing’s long-sleeves turned and flew, performing a solo dance that surprised everyone.

Netizens: Ahhh! Who is the hypocrite? It’s me (squeals)

The popular actor Jiang Siyu has never participate in any variety shows and always refuses any CP hype, until one day——

Jiang Siyu suddenly appeared in the love variety show and became a guest in it. He walked towards Lu Zeqing.

“Do you want to play as a couple? The pay is five million a week.”

Later—

Fashion magazines, advertising endors**ents, and film and television variety shows have come to the door one after another. Lu Zeqing, who is ready to make more money and run away, will not refuse anyone who comes. But soon, he discovered that the novel didn’t seem right.

Not only was he not a cannon fodder, he also became the favored little young master of the wealthy family.

“Baby likes filming so much, so mom bought a few film and television copyrights, you can pick one to shoot.”

“Qingqing has a lot of trouble going back to the hotel every day. Dad bought a villa nearby, so you can make do with it.”

“Brother supports your movie, and has booked all theaters in City A, inviting fans from all over the city to watch the movie.”

After that—

Jiang Siyu reblogged the Weibo of the bad-mouthed black fan [Day 599th of waiting for the break up] with a text：

[Thank you for your company! On the 599th day, we received the certificate @Lu Zeqing.]
Then, the hot search exploded! <<less

Post-apocalyptic World, Monster Invasion.... more>>

Monsters, strange phenomena, and disasters are constantly looming… Humans struggle in agony on the edge of life and death every day.

—Ye Yunfan woke up in such a world.

Upon opening his eyes, the whole world was dark and gloomy, with towering waves that made it seem as if it was the end of the world.

At that moment, Ye Yunfan realized he had transformed into a small, palm-sized pink octopus.

…Although not human, at least he wouldn’t drown.

However, in the next second, countless terrifying monsters roared and crawled out of the huge waves. They opened their bloody mouths wide like sacrificial bowls, exposing their sharp teeth.

Ye Yunfan: !!!

The little octopus immediately turned its head, and its eight small tent**les turned into propellers.

In this critical moment, someone suddenly descended from the thunderclouds a hundred meters high and, with one stroke of his knife, cut the monster in half.

Cut.in.half!!!

Ye Yunfan: “…..?”

—This guy is the real monster.

Before he could finish complaining to himself, he was lifted up by the guy using the back of the blade. The youth with heterochromatic eyes stared at him for a long time, tilting his head in confusion.

“Pink…jellyfish?”

Ye Yunfan: …It’s an octopus!

It’s a small pink octopus!!!

Yuan Ye is the most powerful, gifted ability user in history, but he suffers from a severe phobia of physical contact. As a result, he wraps himself up tightly all year round, even wearing two layers of gloves.

His therapist suggested that he first find something similar to human touch to adapt to. So Yuan Ye searched for a long time and finally caught a small jellyfish to try it out. Unfortunately——

“The little jellyfish had too few tent**les, only eight.”

Baby octopus Ye Yunfan: “…...”

However, the little jellyfish did have a miraculous effect, and Yuan Ye’s illness was finally cured.

It’s just that the effect of the medicine was a bit too strong, causing him to develop a craving for the touch of tent**les.

Ye Yunfan: “……” I said it’s an octopus!

And Yuan Ye, can you please put me in a normal place!!! <<less

I possess a stepmother who meets a tragic end after abusing the young male lead.... more>>

Is there a law that says stepmothers are always evil? Moreover, she is so beautiful!

There are too many hurdles in trying to be nice to the male lead for a comfortable and happy life.

“Don’t worry, I will never accept Escal as my successor, Lena.”

“What?”

My ignorant husband doesn’t know my intentions and treats his son badly.

“Why don’t we send that kid to boarding school?”

“But Escal is only six years old?!”

Even his biological father wants to kick him out so badly.

“I will listen to what you say, please don’t make him leave.”

Don’t worry, my baby. This mother of yours will protect you. <<less

Chen Ju, a high school student, is a fearless bully. Relying on his family’s wealth, he shamelessly pursued Jiang Zhou, a transfer student. He would wait at the classroom door after class and block him at the school gate after school. Unexpectedly, Jiang Zhou didn’t appreciate it. Chen Ju, feeling embarrassed and angry, used his cunning to find leverage and threatened Jiang Zhou to be in a relationship with him.... more>>

However, one day, a drastic change occurred in Chen Ju’s family. He went from being a young master whom everyone supported to being a burden that everyone despised. A few years later, Chen Ju transformed into an obedient child.

At a class reunion, Chen Ju met Jiang Zhou, who had become a big boss. The disparity in status and relationship made Chen Ju hesitate, and he could only dare secretly like him.

However, Jiang Zhou, who had always ignored him, seemed like a different person. He was very kind to Chen Ju. When Chen Ju was immersed in this happiness, he accidentally learned the truth. It turned out that Jiang Zhou came to him for revenge.

Heartbroken, Chen Ju cut off all contact with Jiang Zhou and left that place. However, a few months later, while he was eating a big watermelon at his grandfather’s house, he looked up and saw Jiang Zhou, dressed in a suit and leather shoes, standing outside the yard.

“Little Orange, I was wrong. Come back with me, okay?” Jiang Zhou’s eyes were affectionate, and his tone was gentle.

Initially cold, terrible, and sharp-tongued, later becomes gentle and dotes on his wife Gong×Initially innocent and adorable, a pampered young master, later becomes timid, naturally stuttering, and pitiful Shou <<less

For the purpose of his live broadcast, Ji Xingchen pretended to be a cute girl to tease his team’s wild king gege in a game.... more>>

In line with his principle that as long as he slipped away fast enough he could not be deemed Aquaman, Ji Xingchen tossed the wild king gege to the back of his mind immediately after the game ended.

Who would have thought, when he returned back from the toilet, that there would be a big boss in his broadcast room fiercely brushing hundreds of thousands of gifts.

Ji Xingchen became dumbfounded: Big boss, you. . .did you get the wrong person?

The big boss: No mistake.

The big boss: I was the Li Bai from last game.

Ji Xingchen: Holy shit.

This was the wild king gege he had just teased!

When asked about his ideal type, peak-popularity Ran Feng always remained silent.

But one day, his fans discovered that their idol had actually admitted his type was someone who could play games well.

The fans: I’m here! Load faster, King of Glory!

At King of Glory’s Professional League finals, Ji Xingchen agreed to meet offline with a big boss from his list.

Ji Xingchen waited a long time for the big boss at their agreed-on location, only to meet not the boss but an old acquaintance.

The man was leaning against the corner of two walls, a cigarette indolently dangling from his lips. His slightly raised peach blossom eyes contained deep emotions.

Ran Feng pressed out the cigarette with his hand, and trapped Ji Xingchen between his arms.

In the lingering smoke, he softly kissed the corner of Ji Xingchen’s lips.

“Don’t you remember who I am? Will you disappear this time, too?”

Extremely beautiful anchor shou X deeply in love and dedicated celebrity gong. <<less

I came to this world after eating the World Tree.... more>>

TL Description: Eat The World Tree is about a strange guy, who happens to be extremely curious and unable to stop himself from acting on his curiosity. The MC makes a slight mistake and travels to another world, and must fulfill specific quest or face varying levels of consequences (normally death). <<less

“Are you awake? Congratulations on turning into a girl, I won’t let you die so easily.”... more>>

“Someone gave a tip, so you have a minimum of ten updates today. If there’s a typo, add an extra thousand words. If you can’t write, figure it out yourself.”

“I’ve been busy lately, I might come over for dinner tonight. Remember to make enough for two.”

“I bought you two new dresses, wear them well. The weather has been getting colder lately, so don’t catch a cold.”

“I’ll be spending the night here tonight, make sure the bed is warm.”

“…”

— Today’s the pet girl is also fighting against Miss Grim Reaper. <<less

Way back, a man came up to Hakyung, who was at the time struggling to pay for his mother’s hospital bills. That man introduced himself as the chairman of Taewon Group and said he was looking for his father’s caretaker. The person he was looking for was a young girl’s grandmother, who resided in Hakyung’s neighborhood when he was young. Although, that family had long passed away. The man proposed to Hakyung to dress up as the young girl and play the role of his father’s caretaker. Hakyung, who was desperate to pay his mother’s hospital bills, took the man up on his offer. Hakyung succeeded to deceive the grandfather under the pretense of being... more>> the caretaker and everything was going smoothly, according to the plan. Until the man’s son came into the picture.

7 years later, a familiar name popped up in one of the customers’ conversations. He brushed it off as a common name thrown around and disregarded it. However, he eventually came face to face with him

Jang Yoonsung.

The person Hakyung had to deceive and leave in the end.

“Do you know me?”

Fortunately, the person who asked him that question, could not recognize him. However, Hakyung’s eyes persistently followed him… <<less

It’s a harsh world for foxes to live in, so they have to become human.... more>>

She was my mother who died after saying that.

I have to become a human as my mother said…

“I have to seduce a man and swallow him.”

Although I tried to seduce most men, they didn’t appeal to me.

“Scholar. Can I borrow a blanket over there?”

A blunt scholar who suddenly met in the middle of the mountain entered Yeon-hee’s heart.

“Be prepared, because today I will send you to paradise.”

The man’s ears turned red at Yeon-hee's bold statement. <<less

Loner Mo Yanqiu transmigrated into the world of Mary Sue. However, he found himself in a girl’s body; a villainous supporting actress who always lost... more>> to the protagonist. She was even looked down by the protagonist’s sister, slammed as the traitor who wanted to kill her own sister to get the admiration of their father. With no ability, and just a system which was also unreliable, how would she survive? Moreover, the opening scene started from the confrontation with the protagonist. <<less

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

"I hesitated before, I turned back to face my shred of hope, yet still no one cared."... more>>

"Later the thick fog arose, you said you loved me so much, but why is your love even fainter than the fog, so faint that I can't even see it clearly." <<less

After his Empress Mother was deposed, she passed away, and his maternal Uncle made one mistake after another.... more>>

Lu Mingyu had always kept a low profile, counting down the days to when he could go to his fiefdom, wishing to stay away from the Capital.

However, his cautious behavior only earned him disrespect and humiliation, even to the point where he was sent to someone else’s bed with a drugged cup of wine.

After that night, when Lu Mingyu met the interested gaze of General Fuyuan, Yan Yunge, many years of sadness and hatred welled up inside his heart.

At that moment, Lu Mingyu finally realized that the consequence of not competing was to become a pawn in others’ hands.

So, he had to fight.

After several years of feigning courtesy and conformity, he was steadfastly determined to take revenge.

Then, the young Princes failed one by one, while the Emperor’s eldest son, whom none of the Ministers had ever taken seriously, finally ascended the throne.

After taking power, Lu Mingyu was determined to remove the General from his position.

After making the General drink a cup of poisoned wine, the Emperor thought back to the few good moments they shared in the past, and regret filled his heart as he realized the consequences of his actions.

However, the Emperor soon heard the news that the General hadn’t died, but had lost his memory instead.

Before Lu Mingyu could decide how to deal with the situation, he felt an unusual movement inside his belly….. <<less

Liang Muqiu seriously doubted if he had read the astrology forecast when he went out today.... more>>

He borrowed a fire in the bar, but borrowed it from his ex-boyfriend.

It is said that old partners would never contact each other. However, they hadn’t seen each other for seven years, yet this bastard was not only not old, but also more handsome than before.

Especially when Cen Nan lit a cigarette for him in the dim light, his eyelashes drooped slightly, like when he kissed him under the blossoming tree seven years ago.

Liang Muqiu: Damn it, why was he still a little excited?

It took a long time for Liang Muqiu to wake up.

From the moment he saw Cen Nan, what he wanted to borrow was not fire, but a kiss of reunion after a long separation.

After seven years of separation, he still loved the same person.

Coincidentally, so did Cen Nan. <<less

A year ago, Shen Yinyue became Xiao Yuluo’s personal maid in order to steal the Xiao Group’s psychic crystal.... more>>

A year later, “It’s time to return what you stole!” Xiao Yuluo said.

“But I already returned it to you a long time ago,” Yinyue said.

“Who wants that piece of junk! You stole my heart and made me lonely for a year. Are you ready to compensate me? My dear Sister Yueyue~”

“Don’t do this, Miss—” <<less

Lin Yiwei was admitted to a top-tier university, spending her weekends immersed in the library all day while working at a convenience store to supplement her living expenses, selling her paintings for pocket money.... more>>

On the afternoon she received the “Outstanding Work Award” at the art exhibition, a handsome senior volunteered to take her out for ice cream. She wore her only white dress, as pure as gardenia flowers.

At the food street, the senior ordered strawberry shaved ice for her, and they chatted about the exhibition and art. He was very gentlemanly and polite. However, Lin Yiwei received a text message from Xie Bao: “The dress looks good on you.”

Lin Yiwei looked up, and a group of racing boys were sitting on the opposite steps. Xie Bao held a cigarette between his fingers. In the white mist, his profile was sharp, his smile rebellious and wild.

That night, Lin Yiwei’s white dress shattered in Xie Bao’s hands.

…

Upon entering university, Lin Yiwei met Xie Bao at a bar. They were both somewhat uncontrollably drawn to each other’s bodies and often met up. Her impression of Xie Bao was that he was a very obedient, well-behaved little puppy, always ready to come and go as needed.

Later, Lin Yiwei was dragged by friends to the racetrack and unexpectedly saw Xie Bao. He turned out to be a top racing driver in his prime, standing under the spotlight next to a top-tier supercar, receiving the enthusiastic cheers of fans.

Later, she heard that the heir of the Xie Group was also named Xie Bao.

Stripping away the “obedient” and “sweet” attributes of the little puppy, she met the real Xie Bao—

Possessive, extremely scheming, and extremely wealthy.

The pretending-to-be-well-behaved and decadent girl versus the pretending-to-be-well-behaved and scheming prince. <<less

Waking up one morning, Xiao Wange found herself in a different time and place, she unexpectedly crossed over! Transported to the backward 1980s, she became a malnourished, emaciated village girl!... more>>

What’s terrifying is that this village girl was sold by her parents as if she were an object. She was sold to an elderly man who had lost his wife to be his bride. Even more frightening, this elderly man had a 3-year-old son, and she was supposed to be his stepmother!

Xiao Wange: “…”

Others who have crossed over usually become princesses or noble ladies, enjoying luxurious lives. Why did she, upon crossing over, end up becoming a bride to an old man? And she has to be a stepmother too? It must be because her posture when crossing-over was wrong!

But later…

When that tall, handsome “old man” stood before her, her eyes brightened, and she immediately rushed over to hug his arm: “Husband~”

Hearing her sweet call of “husband,” the “elderly man” couldn’t help but be speechless: “…”

***

Zhan Zeyan received an urgent call from his neighbor Bai Caixuan, saying that his new wife was abusing his child at home, making the child so ill he needed to come back immediately.

He asked for leave from the army and hurried home.

But as soon as he entered the house, his new bride was frying eggs for his son, who was happily calling her “sister.”

Zhan Zeyan: “…” What about mistreating his son?

And what’s with the “sister” title? Shouldn’t she be called “Mom”?

Later, Zhan Zeyan watched as his little bride became increasingly beautiful. His expression darkened as he pulled his son over and said, “Call her ‘Mom’ and no more calling her ‘sister’ from now on!”

Son: “…Oh.” Turning around, “Sister~”

Zhan Zeyan: “…” He felt like having a heart attack.

Later on, Zhan Zeyan discovered his wife’s little secret.

It turns out that his wife is not human, she is actually… <<less

She was an empress who had been immersed in the inner palace for thirty years, yet she died silently in the cold palace.... more>>

When she opened her eyes again, she had become the well-regarded wife of a prominent household.

Yan Dai stared at her rival in confusion and asked little uncle: "I'm the official wife. As long as I'm still here, she's just a concubine even if she enters the door. How dare she overstep her bounds and make trouble for me? Does she want to die?"

Huo Shaojie, deceased.

Yan Dai looked at her sister-in-law innocently: "Give birth? Since she's a concubine, the children born to a concubine should be raised by me, the official wife. Why would I torture myself by giving birth?"

Sister-in-law, deceased.

Yan Dai looked at Huo Shaoting, holding a small notebook and earnestly asking him: "Husband, how many concubines are you planning to take? Let me make some plans for you..."

Huo Shaoting: "???"

What is taking concubines when you already have a wife? <<less

Zhi Yao is a little fox, soft fur, sweet face, loves to act coquettishly. Everyone in A Country knows that the heart meat of Pei Chi Yao is this little fox.... more>>

But no one knows that this little fox is actually a fox spirit that can transform into a human.

Pei Chi Yao: “After raising you for so long, have you thought about how to repay me?”

Zhi Yao: “I’ve given you kisses, hugs, pets, what more do you want?”

The man leaned over, smiling wickedly, “Of course it’s to… give me some little fox cubs.”

【Bright avoidance of sensitive content】 This is not a story where the female lead is OP. The female lead is soft, easy to push down. Those who like strong female leads please do not enter. If you feel the female lead is too saintly in parts, please exit immediately! Don’t make yourself unhappy! Thanks for understanding! <<less

My older brother, who was my only family member, lost his memory.... more>>

“I have a sibling? Are you kidding me?”

He was a fool who cared for me ever since he brought me from the temple…

“I can’t even take care of myself, so what is this…”

I left the family because I didn’t want to be a burden to my older brother, who had no memory, and was helpless in the tragedy that followed.

So I turned back time.

That too, to the point when my brother lost his memory.

“I don’t have anything in my head, so I don’t know what to do next. What if I have a kid with me?”

We must not repeat the tragedy of the past life. So I grimly said,

“That’s right. I don’t have anything on my brother’s head right now.”

“…What, what?”

I chuckled and took out a document I had prepared. The contents of the document, written in crooked, large letters, were simple.

[I transfer all the property in my name to my younger sister.]

While my gaping older brother was checking the documents, I took out his seal from his drawer and smeared it with ink.

Then I put it in his hand and said with a very sad expression.

“So stamp it. Now.”

I will protect you in this life. <<less

In the book "The Sweet Wife of the Campus Heartthrob", Chu Yang was an extremely capable female supporting character. She came from a poor family and had a weak and delicate appearance. She followed the main couple around pretending to be pitiable while secretly trying to sabotage their relationship so she could take the female lead's place.... more>>

Later her true colors were revealed and she was spurned by everyone. When she fell ill, there was no one to take care of her and she died alone in her shabby little shack. By the time her body was discovered, it had already started to decay.

Chu Yang, a witch who had transmigrated into the book: ...Crash! Why bother with men! Making money is so much better than chasing men.

Much later, Chu Yang secretly felt up the abdominals of the man next to her: Mmmm, sometimes playing with men is pretty nice too.

Chi Yan, who had just woken up, felt his ears turn red: My girlfriend seems to really like my abs, I should work hard to maintain them... <<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