MTL - Who Moved My Ashes - Chapter 8 08

[You Have Been Chosen.]When the apocalypse started, everything fell apart. I lost my job before they pushed me out into the street. Facing the undead, I became desperate and ran like a coward.Until I heard a voice...At first I couldn't believe the voice, thinking I might be insane and finally lost it... But as I was about to die, I saw a strange game-like panel appear in real life![The Throne System has activated.]This strange system let me gain points by killing zombies and the ability to recruit people as subjects who wouldn't betray me like my previous co-workers.My first subject?Mu Qinglan.The ruthless Ice Queen CEO I once called “Boss.”Cold, untouchable... and now infected.As her bloodthirsty jaws closed around my neck, I barely saved her with the system’s makeshift cure.[Recruitment Available.][Subject: Mu Qinglan (S-Tier)][Press to Confirm.]A glowing button floated before me.I hesitated.Then, slowly, I reached out.[Recruitment Complete.]▼ Mu Qinglan's attributes are now visible.+ 100 Experience.+ Leadership: Level 1+ Random Skill from Mu Qinglan[Rank Up!]▼ Rank: Loser → Partner+ Attributes Increased | Subject Cap: 2Every subject I command strengthens me.Every kill feeds my dominion.In this world of death and chaos...I will build an empire of S-Tier Beauties and ascend as the Apocalypse King.

A mysterious wave of black mist swept over the whole planet, resulting in monsters and super power holders.And Jiang Hou awakens a talent under the corruption, becoming a... colossal beast of destruction.

It’s been 11 years since I’ve lived for others and not for me.

The moment I cried out wanting to get away from my exhausting life, I opened my eyes in the body of some Count’s 20-year-old daughter.

Since this happened, I decided to live my life freely as a single woman.

But…

“I need a lady to act as my fake wife for a certain period of time.”

“A contract marriage?”

“The term is one year. When the time is up, I’ll give you divorce with no strings attached.”

The Duke of the Empire whom I had happened to meet at a ball was hitting on me.

Turns out he’s no other than the Emperor’s beloved brother, Duke Scade!

Hold on, it’s just going to end in a clean divorce with no strings attached?

“You should also give me alimony. Give me one of the best lands of the Ducal household with 10 years’ worth of profit.”

“…..What?”

“If you don’t want to do that, then we cannot get married.”

This time I’m going to live a life taking care of the things I need first!

***

“I’ll escort you since it’s late.”

Where to? My bedroom is just around the corner.

“Tonight, I’ll do my best.”

No, I don’t need you to do that.

“Did you just look at that man?”

Excuse me, Duke, you said it’s for a limited time only, so why do you keep obsessing over me?

---Han Yan thought his life couldn’t get any more embarrassing after dying from choking on cheap instant noodles. But when he opened his eyes again, he finds himself trapped in his sister’s favorite BL novel as the Han family’s cannon-fodder husband, fated to die miserably in the mountains.He knows the plot. He knows the ending. And he knows he’s meant to suffer while the Male Lead basks in happiness.The problem? The fragile, tearful husband beside him is far too pitiful, and Han Yan here supposedly a “straight man” can’t stop feeling protective.Armed only with his knowledge of the story, he declares:“Forget the plot. Forget the Male Lead. I’ll survive and keep my delicate husband safe!”But survival isn’t simple when your scheming stepmother has her own plans, greedy relatives circle like vultures, and the story’s protagonist could appear at any moment.Just when Han Yan thinks life in this strange world can’t get any stranger, a mysterious cat suddenly appears, a very massive plot hole that he could only scold the silly author. Its presence pulls Han Yan and Li Xin into events far beyond their control.This story mixes lighthearted humor, warmth, and slow-burn affection with light cultivation, danger, and emotional healing as Han Yan struggles between fate and his growing feelings for Li Xin the husband he was never meant to know.---