Before The First Word - Chapter 21: Ch-: Of Covers and Elders

The Shao and Cheng families have been sworn enemies for generations, though few outsiders know the exact details of their feud.

What is known to all is the Shao family’s three cardinal rules:

The Shao family must not cooperate with the Chengs, must not intermarry with the Chengs, and must never appear with the Chengs at any public event.

One day, an adorable little girl looking like a doll, wearing a puffy pink dress, pink hair clip, and pink backpack, walked into the lobby on the first floor of the Shao Group building.

The receptionist thought she was some child who had wandered away from home. But the little girl solemnly said, “I want to see your Shao Group CEO, Shao Chengze.”

Seeing the girl’s pink outfit, the receptionist knew she must be from a wealthy and noble family to dare to address their CEO by his full name. She couldn’t be the daughter of some high-ranking Shao Group executive?

Smiling warmly, she asked, “Little one, could you tell me your parents’ names?”

The girl tilted her head. “My mommy is Cheng Jinlan.”

Cheng…Jinlan?!

Second Miss Cheng Jinlan of the Cheng family?! She never thought she’d see the day a Cheng would set foot in the Shao Group building. What a miracle!

“As for my dad, I’ve come today to get some of Shao Chengze’s hair for a DNA test. Once I have his hair, I’ll know if he’s my dad or not.”

The girl’s crisp words rippled outwards from the front desk through the bustling first floor lobby. Everyone who heard froze in shock, jaws dropping.

Everyone except Shao Chengze, who had just stepped out of the elevator surrounded by a group.

He looked at the girl in pink through narrowed, fox-like eyes.

Cheng Liqi recognized Shao Chengze and covered her mouth in an “ah-oh”.

She decided that even if Shao Chengze wasn’t her dad, she’d have to help Cheng Jinlan get this man. She liked his eyes.

They were just like hers.

So pretty.

He was a simple man in his past life – a masseuse, not a hero. His hands were trained to heal pain, not cause it. But when fate dragged him into another world, those same hands became the only thing keeping him alive.Unlike the chosen ones who gain holy blessings or unrivaled power, he has nothing but skill, wit, and stubbornness. He doesn’t seek glory, nor does he dream of leaving his name in history.But the world has other plans.A kingdom built on lies. Families fighting for power in the shadows. Betrayals hidden behind smiles. And he? He’s caught in the middle, forced to navigate schemes that could devour him whole.He isn’t the strongest. He isn’t the bravest. But sometimes, the man who doesn’t want the spotlight… is the one who survives it.________I get this alot so I'm going to clarify:This is not a smut novel, there will be romantic scenes but not as pronounced.

He underwent profound transformations after 100 reincarnations. Bahamut, once possibly a more innocent or vulnerable entity, emerges from his experiences as a sadistic dominator, embodying the essence of a beast on literal, figurative, and spiritual levels.His priorities shift drastically, abandoning concerns as he becomes consumed by his love for challenges, blood, horror, and death. Bahamut thrives in this brutal world, embracing his identity as the ultimate BEAST.This journey is marked by his relentless pursuit of darkness and domination, making him a force to be reckoned with.Bahamut travels around the world, the universe, explores various mythologies, gains more power, and for his main purpose…It becomes something he would do when he feels like it.[Additional Tags: No Yuri, No NTR, Harem (50-50: Massive or Small), OP, Intense, Anti-Hero Anti-Villain]

Su Binglan was known to be the most awful woman in Suteng Village. She spent money to buy a beautiful slave and had him marry into her family, but physically and verbally abused him every day.

The new Su Binglan who transmigrated over learned that this slave was a descendant of a family of generals. The courageous warriors in his family had sacrificed themselves, leaving only him alive. Seeing the man covered in wounds, Su Binglan decided to spoil her husband. Blessed with incredible luck, equipped with a spatial spirit spring and possessing divine medical skills, she led the entire village on a journey to gain wealth. She became everyone’s lucky star.

The weather was dry with no sign of rain. The crops were about to die from this drought, but with a snap of her fingers, rain immediately started pouring.

Despite the villagers’ painstaking efforts, their harvest amount was low. She presented them premium seeds and helped everyone achieve great harvest.

Poison? Fractured limbs? Not to worry. She could use her medical skills to cure them all.

Whichever mountain she entered, the treasures inside seemed to call out to her, begging her to take them home.

Their food culture wasn’t as advanced. She casually made a few dishes and started a new food trend.

The man who dotes on her and protects her: Darling, I’ll give you whatever you want.

All the villagers: Binglan, you’re our village’s lucky star. Don’t let anyone take you away.

Her brothers: Our sister is the priority. We will get you whatever you want.

[Group pampering + multiple identities + a kingdom building story with no awful characters + strong female lead + sweet story about pampering her husband]