The Greatest Showman - Chapter 32: As always

Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.In her previous life, Chen Meilan’s pride had caused her to lose both of these assets, a decision she later deeply regretted.Yan Zhaocai had just returned from the battlefield, decorated with medals for his valor in the war of self-defense.Yet he voluntarily gave up his honors, transferred back to his hometown, and joined the police force. As soon as he arrived, he received divorce papers from his wife.After reporting to the police station, Yan Zhaocai, with his child in tow, was urgently seeking a place to settle down.Chen Meilan, with her rural household registration, couldn’t legally own the courtyard house given by her ex-husband. She too was in a desperate situation.At this moment, someone brought Yan Zhaocai to meet her.Yan Zhaocai was drawn to the fact that she also had a child. He thought that if he could be accommodating, she wouldn’t mistreat his child.Chen Meilan observed this man in his military uniform, tall and well-built, with a stern face. She remembered that in her previous life, it was his uncompromising integrity at work that had landed the nouveau riche and his mistress in jail after a coal mine collapse.Suddenly, she realized this man was quite a catch. Definitely marriage material!And so, their blissful second marriage began…

A Russian economics expert had been making money through long-short strategies during the Russia-Ukraine war. Despite his economic success, he felt deep regret about Russia's historical mistakes. He wrote on his blog that “Russia has been on the wrong path since the 19th century,” critically analyzing Russia's history. Then, remarkably, he traveled back in time to 1891 and found himself in the body of Russian Crown Prince Nicholas II during his visit to Japan.

He was the scion cast aside by a powerful family, and he had hoped to return to a peaceful life in the city, but unexpectedly, trouble arose once more!

Plot Summary: This novel combines the popular “villainess” genre with the contemporary concept of VTubing, where the protagonist, a typical villainess character, becomes a VTuber—an online persona using a digital avatar. As she navigates her dual life, her influence extends beyond the virtual world, leading to increasingly violent and chaotic consequences in reality. The story delves into the psychological impact of living a double life and explores themes of power, manipulation, and the dark side of internet fame.Why Read It: The novel offers a fresh and thrilling take on the villainess trope by incorporating modern digital culture elements. It’s particularly appealing to readers who enjoy stories that explore the darker aspects of fame and influence, with a unique blend of fantasy and real-world issues. The narrative's intense and sometimes graphic nature sets it apart from more conventional stories in the genre, making it a compelling read for those looking for something different.