Pick Me Up! - Chapter 16: Laying the Groundwork (4) Part 2

Easily cowed and bullied, she was the useless, ugly woman with no talent in medical skills. Supported by millions, he was Tianning’s most respected duke with the power to move all under Heaven. On their wedding day the bridal sedan was carried to the front doors, but the Duke of Qin’s gates were shut tight.

The world had changed when the System arrived, alongside the Cataclysm that filled the world with monsters. The technology was gone, replaced by classes and skills that allowed the people to fight back. When Devon ended up as a Blacksmith, a class that didn’t grant Intelligence, he had to face the reality, that his old career that he loved - mathematical sociologist - was over. Instead, he had ended up as yet another discarded member of the production class, overshadowed by the existence of the System Shops to the point of total marginalization. But, what if all he needed was to reapply his scientific thinking to the System...

Leon’s life was one of hardship: orphaned young, drafted into the army at 16-17, and shattered by gambling after returning to civilian life.When all seemed lost, his fate shifted.[SSS-Rank Kingdom-Building System Activated][Status: Basic Functions Active][Potential Unlocked: 0%]Initially, the system provided only minor aid in a medieval world dominated by strength and cunning. But Leon’s ambition fueled its evolution.Armed with military experience, a sharp mind, and a system bridging worlds, Leon sets out to dismantle the existing empire and forge his own, rising from a wanderer to a kingdom builder who reshapes the world.---Tags: Harem / R18 / World Building / Kingdom Building / System / Modern Knowledge / Empire Building / Strategy / Manipulation / Political Intrigue / Power Struggle / Ambition / Adventure

Zhouzhou was born with a lack of fortune, and after eating the Taoist temple into bankruptcy, she was finally driven down the mountain to beg for food. But inadvertently, she found a long-term source of sustenance.After adopting little Zhou Zhou, Madam Qin immediately sent a message to her youngest son, “Look, you have a daughter!”Qin Lie, who was supposed to be delighted at becoming a father, remained expressionless and said, “Send her away.”The young tyrants of the Qin family, who were supposed to be happy about having a little sister, looked disdainful and said, “We don't want her. She only knows how to cry, not fun at all.”Even the Qin family's arch-enemies were eagerly waiting to see Zhouzhou bankrupt the Qin family.However, Qin Lie signed contracts every day until his hands were sore, and the Qin family thrived, securing their position as the wealthiest family. Even the crippled seventh brother of the Qin family became able to run and jump.At a banquet, the young tyrants of the Qin family surrounded Zhouzhou, trying to please her.“Sister, we'll give you all the delicious food!”“Sister, what kind of story do you want to hear today? Brother will tell you!”Qin Lie walked straight over, picked up the little girl, and glanced coldly at his nephews, declaring ownership, “She's my daughter!”