MTL - After Crossing, I Marked the Empress - Chapter 204 Do not look back

Time flew by. Even though their graduation was a long time ago, after countless nights and passing through fleeting time, their story is still circulated around the quiet campus of University G. This story has many different versions, but there is one thing that everyone knows to be true. Back then, that ordinary girl betrayed the genius of the fine arts faculty and yet, his love for her still remained. For her, he nearly died in a fire. For her, he gave up his chance to study abroad. Years later when they meet again, he is successful with a new girlfriend in his arms and she is indifferent with a light and clear smile. However, unknown to anyone, her longing had begun long ago and even now flooded her thoughts…

- Description from Novelupdates

“Come not between the Dragon and his Wrath.” — William Shakespeare The year was 2140, and Earth was nothing but a distant memory. Humanity now drifted through the galaxies aboard colossal ARKs, massive skyships that served as the last bastions of civilization. Yet, these ARKs were more than just floating cities; they were humanity’s last containers, preserving what remained of their species. A century before Earth’s final collapse, humanity discovered a gateway to a realm known as Eternia — a fantastical world straight out of myth and legend. Reaching this realm required more than just advanced technology; it demanded a complete departure from the physical body and entry into a mysterious process known as the Dream Weave. In the present day, Cloud lived aboard ARK NO. 427, where he had been training from a young age to step into the Dream Weave. He was a standout among his peers, excelling in every tasks that came his way. Everything seemed to be on track for him — until the pivotal day of the Class Selection process.

After switching bodies, Jiang Nan Shu becomes the villainous true daughter in a melodramatic tale and is bound to an all-encompassing revulsion system. If everyone's level of disgust for her reaches 100, she can return to her original world with a prize of ten billion. Being reckless is just one of her many skills. Starting with a disgust level of 89, Jiang Nan Shu sets a modest goal for herself: to live a life collecting easy money within six months. Unbeknownst to her, everyone can hear her inner thoughts!When facing the domineering CEO eldest brother, she says outwardly, “I think this project is excellent and will make a fortune.” Inwardly she thinks, “I hope you don’t go bankrupt! Once you're out, I'll steal your company's secrets.”When dealing with the indifferent medical second brother: outwardly, “The food at your colleagues' gathering looks so appetizing.” Inwardly she thinks, “I'll switch tables when the second brother picks food, to avoid catching any diseases from him.”When facing the sickly research third brother, she says outwardly, “Third brother, you're amazing to conduct such tough experiments, keep going.” Inwardly she thinks, “I’ll gracefully exit before your experiment explodes.”When interacting with the pop star fourth brother: outwardly,“These songs suit you so well, sing them all, and fame is just around the corner.” Inwardly, “Just wait for the news to break about your tax evasion.”When advising the love-struck fifth brother: outwardly, ”She's taking an hour out of her busy schedule to be with you because she loves you.“ Inwardly, ”You’ve been turned into a grassland of green; your goddess has a different companion morning, noon, and night. Bet you didn't see that coming!“As the male protagonist looks at her with increasingly deep eyes, saying, “Let's be together,” Jiang Nan Shu weeps, saying, “Don't let your sister misunderstand, I'm not worthy!” Internally, “Money's hard to earn, crap's hard to swallow, the life of a supporting character matters too!”However... why does she end up as the darling of the whole group in the end?

Bound together by an imperial arranged marriage, Li Yuyan is scorned for her association with the ill and blind crown prince. Publicly, she stands up for the seemingly gentle and perfect prince, and he in turn protects her from criticism. Privately, she contemplates inheriting a fortune if he dies, while he considers eliminating her if she steps out of line. Unknown to all, the beauty and brilliance they keep hidden will unveil. During their wedding night, as she cures his blindness and cold ailment, but not his secret illness, she discovers the deceit. Realizing she's been tricked, she tries to flee, only to find herself trapped by him as he expresses his fascination with her.