Predatory Marriage - Chapter 34 - Priceless Gift

Philip never expected his new life to be so… complicated. When a tragic accident in the modern metropolis of Bortinto abruptly ends his struggle for survival, he wakes up as the scandal-ridden heir of a ducal house in a world where magic and science coexist. Any fantasies of an easy, heroic life vanish the moment he realizes that the estate that he is tasked with managing is drowning in debt, and his reputation has been shredded by rumors involving his predecessor’s broken engagement to the socialite Lady Rosetta—the granddaughter of a prince.Even as he scrambles to rebuild his estate’s fortunes—grappling with contaminated land, mounting debts, and shrewed industrialists—he unearths troubling secrets about the original Philip’s heartbreak and suicide. A dark, hidden force seems intent on wiping him out for an unknown reason. As conspiracies emerge linking Lady Rosetta’s departure to these shadowy machinations, Philip struggles to separate ally from adversary, not knowing why this power in high places is so bent on destroying him.Meanwhile, the realm teeters on the brink of monumental change. Technological and social revolutions collide with century-old magical traditions, and war drums thunder on the distant borders. Armed with his modern knowledge of finance—now fused with the kingdom’s burgeoning industrial innovations—Philip attempts to ride the trends and transform his estate into a beacon of prosperity and secure his heirship to the ducal title. Yet each small triumph only attracts more enemies.Tasked by the System with cultivating a supernatural entity while uncovering the real reason behind Lady Rosetta’s canceled engagement and the original Philip’s tragic end, he must also shield those he grows to care about from the looming threats. Will he harness the synergy of magic, technology, and commerce to steer his estate toward greatness, or will malevolent forces quash his second chance at life? Will his second chance at life end the same tragic way as his first?

“Lin Changan, you don’t want to get forced to marry a person, right?” a gorgeous young lady asked as she put a Slave Contract in front of Lin Changan.

Lin Changan was in complete desperation when he received the Emulator System which allowed him to simulate his life.

After each simulation, he could choose to either gain a talent, a realm, battle experience, cultivation, or part of the memory from the simulation.

“You have rejected the Slave Contract and were killed in the Underground City by a love rival.”

“You have chosen the talent, Live a Hard Life.”

“At age 22, your sick junior confessed her love to you and you rejected her. That made her hate you and she poisoned you to death.”

“You have chosen the talent, Complete Poison Immunity.”

“At age 24, you were killed during the monsters’ attack.”

“You have chosen the realm and have gathered the Star Power.”

“At age 24, you fought the monsters’ attack as a general but still died in the end.”

“You have chosen the talent, Restlessness.”

“At age 24, you fought the monsters in the front line but you have exhausted your spirit energy…”

After countless simulations, even the slightest move Lin Changan made could shake the entire world.

“Simulation begins.”

“You are now invincible.”

Qingyun found herself having traveled back in time to ancient days, with a splitting headache. She hadn't activated any ancient survival skills!She couldn't compose poetry or engage in literary exchanges.Sewing and embroidery? No clue.Pleasing men? Even worse.Farming or doing business? Clueless.With no other options, she had to choose a profession that required none of the above skills....Years later, those who once served her, now ministers and generals, listened as Qingyun, who had ascended to the throne as the empress, said: 'You might not believe it, but I never intended to be the empress.'The ministers and generals replied, 'That's right, that's right. Everything you say is correct. It was us who forced you into this position.'