Gardenia's Heart - Chapter 106: A Tale

The definition of a villain according to Kim Sangmin: The person who has to die for the story to end.But his story had just begun when the villain of the book he was reading died in the end, and he woke up to start the story again.As he uncovers the hidden, untold truths behind the cascade of a villain, the more he leans towards becoming a true villain—only in pretend, of course! He has a little brother to take care of, he can't just die and leave him alone. He's also his baby brother's role model, so he has to teach him how to live a long life by becoming a hero instead!And how does he plan to become a hero?Obviously, by stalking the actual main character of the book and overtaking his spotlight at every chance. Step by step, he would overthrow the 'real' hero of the book and change his status to one with praise.Easy, right?

The Great Yan Empire exists in a world where respect can only be earned through strength. Within this Great Yan Empire, the four great clans have always stood above the rest. Among them, a particular incident in the Lin Clan resulted in the banishment of a certain individual who went on to start his own family, in hopes of one day being recognized again by the Lin Clan, and rejoining them…

Enemies always meet on a narrow road and when they meet war breaks out.

They met as kids and fought but Zi Han lost.

They met in the army as recruits and even then Zi Han lost.

He lost again as he remained a sergeant while Yi Chen was promoted to the position of Marshal.

Even when his dark history swallowed him whole and shifted allegiance to become the Universe’s most infamous assassin he still lost to Yi Chen.

Zi Han, “Damn it! Why won’t you let me win.”

Yi Chen, “I can let you win in bed if you like?”

Zi Han, “……”

When did enemies graduate from rolling in the dirt fighting to rolling in the sheets….. fighting? That’s the million-dollar question.

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【Time Travel + Workplace Competition + No Lazing Around + Ambitious Female Lead】Overachiever Shen Wei traveled through time and found herself as the lowest-ranking maid in the grand residence of the Yan Prince.The Yan Prince held a prestigious position, but his consorts were all content to live dull lives. The noble-born princess consort was as tranquil as a chrysanthemum; the concubine sought a life of monogamy; the reincarnated woman was utterly disillusioned with the Yan Prince and had given up on striving for anything; and the other timid concubines dared not make a move…The queen of workplace competition, Shen Wei, declared: Don’t stop me! I’m going to outwork these unambitious slackers!…The Yan Prince had grown accustomed to the stagnant atmosphere in his harem, until a particularly skilled courtesan appeared.This concubine was stunningly beautiful, adept at both literature and dance, hardworking, and always brought him fresh excitement. The Prince couldn’t help but take a second, then a lifetime-long, look at her.Years later, Shen Wei became the all-powerful Imperial Noble Consort, with children and the emperor’s exclusive favor.Meanwhile, the princess consort remained as tranquil as ever; the concubine was aging and had yet to experience a monogamous life; and the reincarnated woman was still eating simple meals in her modest abode…After half a lifetime of striving, Shen Wei finally reached retirement and revealed her true nature, fully embracing a life of leisure. The retired emperor interjected: “You competed for favor just to retire?”Shen Wei snacked on melon seeds: “What else?”Living is all about retirement!The retired emperor was even more surprised to find, in midlife, that other men were vying for his wife’s affections!