A Barbaric Proposal - Chapter 42: Prey and Poison

Koi Niles has always been alone. Quiet halls and empty lunchtimes are his familiar companions. Grades matter to him; they’re his way out.Ashley Miller owns the school corridors. Captain of the ice hockey team, confident smile, and a name everyone knows. When a class project pairs them together, Connor sees a chance. But Ashley disappears, leaving Connor to carry the weight.Days later, under the harsh lights of Connor’s part-time job, Ashley returns. This time, it’s different. He stands up for Connor, turns the tide against the bullies. A simple act of kindness that feels new and warm.They share moments—short walks, brief talks, the understanding of two worlds colliding. Friendship grows where none was before.But Ashley holds a secret behind those bright eyes. One evening, worry leads Connor to Ashley’s door. What he discovers there changes everything he thought he knew.

Dumped by his girlfriend for being broke, killed in an accident by a truck, only to get transmigrated into a fantasy world as Lucien Goldveil, noble heir of a rich nobility in the kingdom of Edoria.He should be content since he was now filthy rich, but he couldn't, as this world was a world of magic where money without power was only a curse.What he would face next would only be endless conflict and the hounds looking at his wealth with those hungry gazes.---Ding[Debt Collector System has been successfully bound.][Detected failure to collect debt from target: Alchemist Devan.][Automatically extracting compensation of equivalent value…][Congratulations! You gained: Minor Mana Sensitivity (Passive), +1 Intelligence.]---Fortunately, his system came on time, giving him that glimmer of hope. Now, it all depends on his ability to exchange his vast wealth for power by playing his cards right.With the kingdom teetering on the brink of war and the Godveil family surrounded by hungry wolves, Lucien had no choice but to grow stronger and fast.Not to mention finding those behind the shadows hellbent on killing him, or those trying to kidnap him for his wealth. Wealth without power was a curse, and it was on Lucien to change it into a blessing instead.And those dungeons… Wait a minute—why the heck does this world have so many dungeons?

Susu, a hard-working woman, accidentally finds herself in a novel set in the 1980s, stepping into the shoes of an unlikeable female lead who was resented by everyone in the family compound for causing endless trouble. She became Su Er Ya, the demon sister who threatens her husband to divorce if he dares to adopt the orphan of a comrade-in-arms. With such an unfavorable start, watch how she turns the tide. From selling braised goods to opening a restaurant, her career thrives, and in turn she becomes beloved and known for her magnanimous personality. Lu Xiaoting, a stern public security officer, realizes that the once lazy and gluttonous woman who took advantage of others has changed.Lu Xiaoting, embracing his wife: “Wife, don't be mad, I was wrong!”Susu, looking at the man with broad shoulders and a commanding presence reminiscent of a modern-day celebrity, smiles sweetly. She triumphs by mastering the culinary arts.Witnessing the transformation, their son Xiaoyu leads the three little 'turnip heads', Su's adorable children, who pout and complain about their father taking their mother away yet again.Whining, “Hate it, Daddy took Mommy away again!”“Ugh, Daddy really...!”“Big brother, we want Mommy.”The young boy comforts the three younger siblings gently: “Be good, Dad and Mom will be back soon.”