Once Upon a Time In Hollywood - Chapter 438: eavesdropping

Xiang Xiaoyuan transmigrated to a book with a male lead, becoming the male lead’s stepmother.

However, being seventeen and in the middle of his adolescent phase, the male lead virtually ignored his stepmother, and while his father was thirty-nine and a gorgeous man carrying maturity and elegance, he was enigmatic, with no one capable of knowing what he’s thinking.

Xiang Xiaoyuan: The first rule of transmigration, value your life and stay away from the male lead! Being self-conscious, Xiang Xiaoyuan decided to focus on making money, and her business was booming… but before her hopes to get rich were fulfilled, she somehow dealt with her husband and stepson?

The male lead said gingerly, “I won’t think of you as my real mother, but don’t worry—I’ll be a good son and you won’t live out your final years tragically.

Xiang Xiaoyuan: “…Thanks.”

Some other day, her husband stood at the doorway, stopping her and growling, “I heard about something you mentioned outside, that men only care more when they’re older? So? Are you complaining that I’m old now?”

Xiang Xiaoyuan said, “…Wait, listen to me!”

Lu Wanggui was a cold person, which led to her ex-wife divorcing him, and he was not particularly close to his son. Later, to give his son a ‘home’ and to avoid his parent’s ramblings, he married another wife—a docile, dutiful wife.

But unbeknownst to him, that docile, dutiful wife had changed, and she even had the guts to scold him now. Pursing his lips in displeasure, Lu Wanggui was about to remind her of their prenuptial agreement when his son suddenly popped up to defend her!

Lu Wanggui: “???”

What’s going on? Weren’t things cold between these two?

The son: “Ahem. Father, Stepmother… isn’t that bad.”

The Tower of Heaven.An ancient, towering enigma said to grant any wish, unveil any secret, and provide anyone who enters its floors a path to Godhood; it stands as a beacon of both hope and despair.For untold centuries, its immense power has drawn countless seekers, yet none have ever emerged from its depths.This Tower is engraved in the world’s myths as the meeting place of mortals and Gods, a realm where anything was possible. It is a monument to mystery and the pursuit of glory.However, for one man, it represents the last chance for redemption and the key to unraveling his tumultuous past.The Heavenly Emperor, a great ruler from an era long forgotten. was betrayed by those he trusted and died with a heart full of regret and a thirst for vengeance.Only, the end of his life was not the end of his story. Reborn into a new world, he finds himself drawn to the Tower of Heaven, driven by the desire to understand his reincarnation and to reclaim his lost honor.The path ahead is filled with unforeseen twists and hidden depths. Unbeknownst to him, his destiny is interwoven with forces and secrets far beyond his wildest dreams.The advent of the former Heavenly Emperor begins here.And with each step he takes, the Heavens themselves quake in anticipation.

“The simplification of the extreme mountain breathing method… the simplification is successful… the extreme mountain breathing method → ​​breathing!”

Chen Fei took a deep breath.

“Extreme mountain breathing method +1 experience.”

“…”

- Description from novelbuddy

“The masterminds are cooler than heroes,” I mutter as I stare at the chess pieces before me. It is easier to be the one who sits in the shadows and moves the pieces, likewise deciding the flow of the game.Heroes will foolishly sacrifice their lives for the good cause and villains will sacrifice the world for their own gain, but masterminds will use both the heroes and villains to their own benefit.Why, you ask? Well, that's because I've lost my life once while trying to be a hero so, I don't want that anymore. I'd rather be a mastermind who molds the world as per my convenience and live peacefully. Because, why not?***[Defender of Divine Glory says you are the hope of this world.]What?[Goddess of Wisdom believes that you will be the one to save the world.]Wait, what?![Propose the Grand Duke the idea of a fake marriage.]And, why would I do that?![Stop the assassination of Prince Eric.]Why would I save him?![The candidates for the throne are:... Who will you choose?]Ah! I give up...It seems like a curse that anyone who wishes for a slacker life in Isekai will have to go through the most troublesome things.In my past life, I died because of one rookie mistake but after being transmigrated in the world of fantasy I've gotten an opportunity to start afresh, but unlike the protagonists who look for their love and glory, I'd rather make money and live a life of a slacker.I have magic, I have power and I have money, what else do I need?Well, that was the plan but this damn system is getting on my nerves. I mean who in their sane mind would want to mess with the complicated royal family and political affairs? But that's not all though.I've also become the saviour of this world. Things just can't be anymore worse!Besides, the penalty of failing this quest is...[Failure: Destruction of the World.]It seems like if I screw up in selecting the right person then the destruction that is going to befall the world won't be stopped.If I speak of my reward then it's this vague thing.[Reward: Fulfillment of any wish.]“If that's the case then, I'd rather choose the person who would be the best fit for the throne.”And that's how I decided that I would become the Kingmaker.