The Slacker Stepmother and the Non-Domineering CEO - Chapter 53: The Past of the Xiao Family

Elias “Grim” Kingsley, a nine-year-old orphan with a hardened heart and sharp tongue, dies alone from pneumonia in an overcrowded orphanage. Known for his perpetual scowl and biting remarks, he's labeled a “problem child” by caretakers and “damaged goods” by potential adopters. Years of rejection have built thick armor around his young heart.In death, he encounters the God of Balance who offers him a second chance at life in a different world—this time as Grim Van Ambrose, son of a noble house. Balance explains that every soul deserves to know love and connection, something Elias was cruelly denied in his first life.Promised the family and belonging he never experienced, Grim begins his new life only to suffer an immediate tragedy: his mother dies moments after his birth. This cruel twist of fate reinforces his belief that loss is inevitable, leaving him with a distant father and the mysterious voice of a “Guidance Assistant” in his head.As Grim grows into his new identity, he struggles with his dual nature—the emotional scars of his past life bleeding into his present one. His difficult personality and sharp tongue remain, now paired with noble privilege and expectations. Despite his outward brashness, he carries the deep wounds of his first life and the fresh loss that welcomed him into his second.What begins as one orphan's second chance evolves into an epic journey through a world of ancient beasts, elemental magic, and deadly political intrigue. As Grim uncovers the truth about the Ambrose Clan's fall from grace and the conspiracy that framed them for treason, he faces increasingly dangerous adversaries—both human and monstrous. His quest for revenge against those who destroyed his family's legacy will challenge him to master forbidden techniques, forge unexpected alliances, and ultimately decide whether to rebuild the Ambrose Clan as it was, or transform it into something entirely new.In a realm where power determines survival and ancient secrets lurk beneath noble facades, Grim must learn that sometimes the greatest battles aren't fought with swords, but with the choices that define who we truly are.

After his wife suddenly rose to fame on a variety show and asked for a divorce, Chen Yu left with his daughter with nothing but the clothes on their backs.At the moment he received the divorce certificate,“Congratulations, Host, for unlocking the Divorce Achievement and activating the Perfect Counterattack Life System.”Chen Yu made his way from catering to entertainment, medicine, and the financial industry before venturing into the field of technology.When his ex-wife Fang Yuan came to see their daughter, intending to mock Chen Yu, she was stunned by the scene before her!All those entertainment industry big shots she had tried so hard to cozy up to were now revolving around Chen Yu.Regretful, Fang Yuan wanted to reconcile with Chen Yu, but then she discovered their daughter's teacher Tong Ya...

A suffering MC novel—the main character must be forced to suffer, be oppressed until they’re hovering between life and death, dying and living here and there. They can have a golden finger, but before getting it they must pay the price. They can also have beautiful women, but all are snake and scorpion beauties, able to look at but not eat.

“Curse” is just that type of suffering MC novel. The main character Xi Wei, after being forced to experience numerous sufferings, had, at last, become the most powerful, at the same time linking together with the world’s qi and fate. After he was oppressed too miserably, he committed suicide and buried the entire world with him.

Zeno transmigrated, in the end arriving at “Curse”.

Zeno was adopted by the MC, finally becoming the number one person/wife.

Zeno: Help, I don’t want to be destined to be raised by this perverse person!

All living things (wipe away tears): You must rescue this world, ah.

Xi Wei: Come over here.

- Description from Novelupdates

30 year old Lu Ziwen was born in poverty and after struggling for a lifetime, he is finally able to perform in the Golden Hall symbolizing the highest honor. However, an hour before taking the stage, he was killed by his lover.

With eyes opened once more, he was unexpectedly born again in the body of the fallen star Qi Mu!

Who controls the world with notes?

Who is the king of the classics?

Qi Mu: I’ve conquered you; I am the king of classical music!

Min Chen: … As long as you are happy.

This is a story of a reborn violinist, vengeance, struggling for the top, and dominating the world of classical music!

- Description from Novelupdates