The story is about Li Yi, an engineer from 21st century. He was killed by a fire in a library and reincarnated into the body of a poor but handsome scholar in ancient times. And luckily he seems to carry along all the books in that burned library in his head.... more>>

With such knowledge this life if he doesn't become a duke or marquis then he will be a high rank official he believes.

Li Yi faces the rising sun with high hope and bravely takes his first step in this world.

“Stop there.”

Above the horse, a stunningly beautiful woman in an ancient looking outfit approached him. After carefully looking at his face, she said: “Tie him up.”

The bandits behind him rushed up.

The wedding night, looking at the beautiful girl show up from behind the door…. Li Yi ambition have changed a little.

First rank official? Who cares. Titles, Ranks? Not interested. I want to be the man of this bandit queen. <<less

Five years ago, the Chen parents packaged Chen Luoru’s elder sister, Chen Yang, into a glamorous socialite and tried to sell her off to the Meng family’s heir, Meng Jianchen, who was studying in the U.S. at the time.... more>>

On the eve of the wedding, Chen Yang was found to be pregnant—but the child wasn’t his. To avoid a massive scandal, the Chen parents bombarded Chen Luoru with desperate calls, forcing her to return to China and take her sister’s place.

Chen Luoru: “I still have to go to college! Why would I get married?”

Chen Parents: “Meng Jianchen has already agreed to this marriage.”

Chen Luoru: “Is he a devil or something?”

—

1. After four years of marriage, Chen Luoru and Meng Jianchen are practically strangers, barely seeing each other.

One night, she walks out of a glitzy London bar with a male friend—only to spot a tall, elegant man standing by a Rolls-Royce Phantom.

Meng Jianchen holds a long umbrella, a wedding ring glinting on the ring finger of his left hand. Raindrops slide off the umbrella’s edge as he presses his lips together, eyes unreadable and deep.

Chen Luoru hears him speak slowly: “Had enough fun, Mrs. Meng?”

—

2. For the Nth time, Chen Luoru asks Meng Jianchen for a divorce—but this damned man is like fireproof steel: can’t be steamed, boiled, hammered, or fried.

Fuming, she storms into a luxury boutique and goes on a wild shopping spree—using his credit card.

Uncharacteristically, Meng Jianchen follows her in: “Stop making a scene. Come home.”

Chen Luoru coos: “Can’t you even sweet-talk me a little?”

Meng Jianchen wraps his arm around her waist and softly says: “Be good. Don’t be mad. Come home with me, hmm?”

Chen Luoru flips faster than a page in a book: “Brother-in-law, don’t be like this—my sister is still waiting for you at home!”

All eyes in the store instantly snap toward Meng Jianchen. <<less

“When I tell you to do A, you can’t ignore it and do B,” the Prince said.... more>>

“Sure,” she replied. She’ll just do C, then! No biggie.

“If I tell you to go east, you can’t ignore me and go west,” the Prince added.

“Yes,” she nodded. If she can’t go west, north or south works fine too.

“You are NOT allowed to have an affair with other men!” the Prince emphasized.

“Naturally,” she said. Why would she have an affair with others when they could just have it with her?

Qu Tan’er has transmigrated into the body of a noble young lady and forced to marry the ice-cold 8th prince. Her only care in this world is finding a way to get back to her original world, and dealing with all the politics and intrigue surrounding the marriage is just a distraction.

Your Highness, let's not bother ourselves with this marriage, just hand me the divorce document! <<less

Nisha, born from a wrongful relationship, lived her entire life in contempt and criticism. For her, who wasn’t even allowed to die by her own hand, the war-winning barbarian king demanded a royal marriage.... more>>

“All you need to do is love me and my country, and bear my child. Then, you’ll live without any want.”

A man known as the monster of the desert, without blood or tears. His treatment was excessively generous, just as he promised. One seemingly peaceful day, Nisha accidentally discovered the truth about the royal marriage.

“When do you plan to conduct the sacrificial ritual, Kagan?”

“After she finishes her current task and bears my child.”

That day, Nisha felt an urge to kiss the man for the first time. To the savior who would grant her the death she longed for. <<less

Shen Qingxuan happens to save a girl attempting su*cide in a park. The very next day, the girl’s grandparents come looking for him—only to find the two of them sleeping on the same bed.... more>>

A few days later, an inexplicable flash marriage takes place.

What was supposed to be a fake marriage at first…

…slowly begins to change.

Jiang Yubing: “Don’t tell me you actually want me to call you ‘husband’.”

“I’m his wife. From now on, please keep your distance from my husband.” <<less

An unexpected marriage decree has come from the ageing queen.... more>>

"I command the union of the Duke of Cavendish of Devonshire and the Earl of Stewart of Galloway."

Where is the Duke of Cavendish? He is from the greatest house in England, superior in both reputation and wealth to the queen.

And the Earl of Stewart? He is a poor Scot, with only a hollow title and a desolate estate in Galloway.

What about the groom, Deimos Cavendish? He is a cruel and debauched wastrel.

And what of the bride, Psyche Stewart? She is known as the resident ghost of the gloomy Galloway castle.

From the very start, this marriage seems troubled. To ensure its smooth completion, the Duke's illegitimate son, the half-blood Cavendish—who captivates the hearts of the ladies of the court with his golden arrows—Euros Cavendish sets off for Scotland.

Carrying the memories of blue cornflowers and yellow butterflies. <<less

I became the spoil of the man who trampled and burned everything I had—the conqueror who killed the only sibling I ever loved in this world.... more>>

“You'll still have to accept me, Isabel.”

Life was hell, but I had to endure. I had to survive until the end.

Just as my sister prophesied, I was destined to be captured by the First Emperor, Kailhart, and bear the child who would save the world.

It was a time when we were cruel to each other, wounding one another whenever we touched, yet we were destined to become hopelessly entangled nonetheless.

✿──────────✿

“Is it true? That you never wanted our child from the beginning?”

The flower’s roots had been cut away and its thorns carefully removed. It was perfectly arranged, so that no one would prick their finger while admiring it. I'd always taken this sight for granted, but suddenly it felt different.

“Isabel.”

Everything irritated me. I tore at my collar, gasping for breath. At that moment, Kailhart's shadow fell, crushing the flower beneath his feet.

“I knew... I always knew we were destined to hurt each other. But still... I never imagined it would come to this...”

A bitter laugh escaped me as everything around us began to fade into a pale blur, drained of colour.

“No, Isabel!”

This is the future I chose. Watch closely.

For my family. For my child. <<less

She sacrificed herself to the enemy to save her country.... more>>

“This is why my heart is restless. Let’s try a little harder, empress.”

Ysaris, the princess of a small country.
She was forced to marry the Emperor who killed her fiancé.

She could not refuse. The fate of her homeland was at stake.

“Do you still not understand your place? You are nothing more than a spoil of war. My trophy.”

A bed shared with an enemy. Unnatural obsession and distrust. Arrogant and oppressive demeanor. Blatant disregard and cold treatment.

Enduring all of this, she lived on with difficulty…

“Rather than seeing an heir from that woman, it might be better to kill her right now.”

Ysaris overheard these terrible words from her husband.

Now, there was only one choice left for her.

‘I have to run away.’

Even if just for the sake of her unborn child. <<less

Why don’t you take a good look at yourself when you get turned from a demon dragon into a blood princess maid by a Hero?... more>>

You got hit by a truck and transported to another world—how about blaming yourself for that?

You reincarnated as a villainous dragon that everyone wants dead—blame yourself for that too, okay?

You got turned into a purple-haired girl by the Hero, who then used all sorts of props to… ahem, “torture” you—can we talk about how maybe that’s also your own fault?

Why is it that the Hero is always picking on you?

Why are you the only one who got turned into a girl?

Why are you the one working all day only to go home and warm the Hero’s bed and fetch him hot water?

Maybe it’s all your fault, huh?

How am I supposed to beat a max-level Hero? I just reincarnated, haven’t even learned a single skill yet, and the guy shows up at my door in full god-tier gear—what am I supposed to do?

And then all my subordinates surrendered!

When they saw me getting beat up, they went nuts, laughing like maniacs, going, “Ahahaha!”

Then the Hero started showing off his magic combo like, “I’m gonna kill you!”

And all I could do was fall to my knees and beg, “It hurts! It hurts so bad!”

Played to death, schemed to death, and then you still ask me,

“Hey, why don’t you reflect on yourself a bit more?”

You’re so cute!

The craziest part?

When the Hero found out the truth, he actually said,

“Hey, we’ve lived together so long already—why don’t you just marry me?” (shocked face)

What the h*ll?!

He knows I’m a guy, and he still wants me to marry him?

I’ve already been turned into a woman, and you’re still talking about marriage? No way!

I’m a man inside! There’s no way I’d marry anyone!

Just then, a big hand lands on the purple-haired girl’s head.

“What? Marrying me is that upsetting?”

“No! I was just kidding… hubby~!” <<less

Before the Gaokao, Shi Sui was forced to move in with her father's friend and met his son, Yan Tingli.... more>>

At that moment, the young man, dressed in a black turtleneck sweater, stood on the staircase, his demeanor cold and distant, looking at her as if she were insignificant.

He seemed not to recognize her, yet Shi Sui knew Yan Tingli well. He was a clean-cut, distinguished student, famous throughout the school, and admired by countless girls.

She never imagined that behind closed doors, the good student could shed his facade and become ruthlessly devouring.

"I want to kiss you."

"I don't want to."

"Be good, now open the door."

Yan Tingli was sick.

Thus, during college, Shi Sui quietly applied for an overseas exchange program to get far away.

She was afraid.

Years later, Shi Sui returned to her country. During a dinner with both families, she saw Yan Tingli again.

As expected, he was outstanding, thriving as the head of a public company, treating her like a stranger as if the past had faded like clouds.

Asked by former classmates about their relationship, Yan Tingli simply said, "Not very familiar."

Little did she know, it was just a ride home with a male colleague.

That night turned into a complete debacle.

Unable to hold back her tears, she heard his whisper in her ear, his voice trembling with pleasure:

"Suisui, you've made me search hard for you over the years."

"I've finally caught you." <<less

At her best friend’s wedding, An Ruoxi, who was the bridesmaid, was coerced into becoming the bride.... more>>

That night, her frail strength was no match for his ferocity, and she was tormented the whole night.

“Demon, let me go,” she struggled desperately.

“sl*t, don’t you enjoy my love?” he slapped her fair face.

“I am not… I didn’t… ah…”

“Qingqing, do you love me enough like this?” Taking her as a substitute, he thrust deep into the core, causing her to scream and faint directly.

Five years later, she returned with her son and daughter, entering Leng Corporation only to discover that her boss was actually their daddy.

From then on, the entanglement and grievances with the demon enveloped her like a web. <<less

“I command King of Nieta to give the kingdom’s princess. I will return to the empire with the princess.”... more>>

The memory of my previous life came to my mind the moment I became a hostage to the empire, this is the world inside the imperial childcare novel, and I was the heroine’s mother.

The mother who died giving birth to the heroine according to the cliché law of childcare novel.

I didn’t want to die, so I tried to run away, but I was caught as soon as I left the stables.

“My hostage was trying to run away.”

That too, the emperor of the empire, the person responsible for it.

There was nothing I could do until I was dragged along and became an empress.

Then I tried to become an empress who went unnoticed and abandoned.

“Let’s always sleep in the same bed. You and me.”

But, why the hell is the emperor in my palace?! Does he have nothing to do?

The empress dowager only says that when she sees me, I remind her of when she was young and cries.

The emperor insists on not visiting the empress dowager.

The mother and the son seemed to have a bad relationship, so I reconciled them….

“If Your Majesty is being mean, tell me secretly. Then I’ll help you somehow.”

Even the empress dowager, who had regained her son’s love.

“I have never been attached to anyone. But I kept my eyes on you.”

Why does this handsome emperor suddenly look at me with his twinkling eyes….

I really want to run away.

If I had a baby with this man, everyone would be happy except me.

But why can’t I leave the man who whispers that he’s lonely? <<less

【Military Marriage + Transmigration + Space + Revenge + Slow-Burn Romance + A Physically Gifted Officer Husband vs. A Stunning Capitalist Heiress】... more>>

Jiang Si was born with fair skin and striking beauty, radiant and captivating. But one day, she woke up to find herself transmigrated into the world of a period novel, becoming the infamous capitalist heiress of Shanghai.

In the original story, she despised her taciturn and unromantic officer fiancé and dreaded the harsh, resource-scarce life on a remote island, so she stubbornly refused to honor their marriage arrangement.

Little did she know, when the storm of political upheaval arrived, her scheming father and stepmother would first manipulate her into being sent to the countryside, then flee to Hong Kong with the family’s century-old fortune in tow.

Left to suffer alone in the rural backwaters, her health deteriorated within two short years.

But Jiang Si, armed with knowledge of the plot, had no intention of enduring such misery.

They wanted to exile her to the countryside? Fine! She turned the tables, packing off the entire pack of ungrateful relatives to the remote southwest instead.

A mountain of family assets with nowhere to stash them? No problem! After a drop of blood awakened her ancestral space, she swept up all the gold, silver, property deeds, antiques, and paintings—leaving not even a chicken feather behind for them!

No place for a capitalist heiress in the new society? Think again! Jiang Si sent a telegram straight to the military island. Though she braced herself for a life of hardship, she soon discovered that island life wasn’t nearly as tough as she’d imagined.

Her officer husband was not only a man of action but also a master in the kitchen, and his family doted on her beyond measure.

Life with him? Sweeter than honey! <<less

[Sweet pet + daily parents are short + entrepreneurship + eldest sister + little husband] ... more>>

Lin Chuxia died in a car accident, and then opened her eyes and returned to the year when she was twenty years old, and she was reborn with her eldest sister Lin Jiayi.

The first thing the eldest sister did when she was reborn was to rob her relatives, and she insisted on marrying her husband who was rich in her previous life, not only that, but she also had to give her the man who couldn't return home twice a year in the Qin family.

Lin Chuxia smiled, just what she wanted, and hoped that her good eldest sister would not regret it.

She wants to see if her unsympathetic husband can become the sought-after Mr. Li without her.

As for herself, her skills are full marks, the space is in hand, it doesn't matter if her father doesn't love her mother or not, her in-laws come to pet, open a store, build a factory, and the days are getting more and more prosperous.

You say the workaholic husband who can't go home twice a year?

It doesn't matter, as long as she doesn't delay making money, she can be the invisible woman behind his back.

…………

Qin Yang went home to marry a little daughter-in-law because of his mother's heartwarming words.

The man who works first and has the last family in his bones feels that he has fulfilled his husband's obligation by leaving a ticket for his daughter-in-law, but it turns out that his daughter-in-law has more tickets than him, her face is bigger than him, her road is wider than his, everyone loves her, flowers bloom, and she is in a daze when she sees it......

Qin Yang gritted his teeth: If the ticket is not good, just keep the child!! <<less

Luo Lin transmigrates to an alternate world and becomes the new King of the Kingdom of Qian. At this critical juncture, Luo Lin binds himself to the "Foolish Monarch System." According to the system, as long as he ruins his kingdom's fortunes, he can become the Lord of Earth itself, sharing its fate, ruling over life and death, and living for billions of years!... more>>

Thus, Luo Lin begins his reign of chaos.

- Allowing the harem to interfere in state affairs? "Fine! Empress, come, sit beside me and help review these memorials!"

- Ministers resigning? "Approved! Now, summon back those exiled officials and promote them!"

But gradually… things take an unexpected turn.

“His Majesty the King of Qian is wise! Today marks the day our great Qian unites the six nations!”

The court officials and generals cheer as one... <<less

For Ron, a 21st-century otaku, being the male lead of a transmigration novel takes too much effort.... more>>

Is there a role that doesn't require effort but still leads to endless sweet rewards?

Yes, brother, there is! A live-in son-in-law!

Thanks to a blood contract, the utterly talentless loser Ron—with zero magical aptitude—becomes the live-in son-in-law of the mighty and proud lady Feng Aotian!

The bad news: Feng Aotian already has someone she loves.

On their wedding night, Ron catches the two of them in bed!

The good news: Ron doesn’t care about them at all!

She can live her life however she wants, be with as many guys as she pleases—what’s it got to do with him?

Ron just needs to slack off, take it easy, and remember to eat when he’s hungry so he doesn’t starve to death.

As long as he sticks to this plan, Ron—who now owns assets worth trillions—can enjoy the life of a carefree playboy!

Visiting catgirl cafés, disciplining disobedient half-dragon maids...

Thanks to Ron’s outrageous lifestyle, his manor becomes an infamous den of debauchery!

However, what Ron doesn’t know is…

Many of the girls he randomly took in at the Red Palace are not who they seem—

One is a dragon princess who took human form after falling from grace.

Another is a scheming demon princess who ran away from home.

And one of them is even a yandere, amnesiac witch who once destroyed a kingdom!

When the truth is finally revealed—

Those once-obedient maids reappear around him with entirely different faces.

“Damn you, Ron—do you remember how you humiliated me back then?”

“Lord Ron, I remember you loved seeing me in white stockings...”

“Ron, didn’t you say you’d stay by my side forever?” <<less

"Be my sword."... more>>

Sasha, the sixth imperial princess, is preparing a coup against her tyrannical father.

She encounters Regen, the prince of an enemy nation—and her first love—who has been taken captive. She offers him an undeniable contract:

In exchange for restoring his power, he must pledge loyalty as her knight.

And together, they must survive the brutal Imperial Succession Contest—a deadly game orchestrated by a mad emperor who seeks to kill his own daughters.

---

"You saved my life, Sasha. How should I repay you?"

"No repayment is necessary."

"Why not?"

Just live. Stay by my side. That alone is enough of a battle.

But she couldn’t reveal her still-burning love.

So instead, she told a lie—hiding behind the memory of one of the sixty-seven brothers who had perished.

"Because... you resemble my dead brother."

---

"Shall I undress you?"

Come to think of it, this made sense.

If I am to take responsibility, I should do this with my own hands.

"…Ha, Sasha."

Regen let out a long breath—whether a sigh or a groan, she couldn't tell.

He watched her in silence before suddenly lifting her crystal glass from the table and pressing it to his lips.

A murmur laced with curiosity brushed against her ears.

"It really is non-alcoholic."

#ThroneUsurpation #ImperialPrincessFL #KnightML #Revenge #DarkRomance #FirstLove #MutualPining <<less

Seven marriages. Five bereavements, one divorce.... more>>

Thanks to the arranged marriages orchestrated by her uncle, the beautiful Cecilia became wealthier with each marriage.

She believed all the wealth and power she acquired were hers.

But it was all a delusion.

She realized this only at the moment of her execution, falsely accused of poisoning her seventh husband.

She was foolish. She trusted her uncle too much.

Not once had she decided her own future.

Waking up with intense regret, Cecilia found herself back shortly after her third marriage.

Her third husband was Rusell Cardros, the lord of the cursed land of Lagos.

He never laid a finger on her and agreed to a divorce after two years without any qualms.

'What did this man gain from our marriage?'

'Why did I return to the time right after my marriage to this man?' <<less

I could no longer stand on my own two legs.... more>>

My heartless family had sold me off to a nobleman.

And even the violence from the man I called my husband could no longer make me shed tears.

At the time when I was just waiting to be beaten to death,

A miracle happened.

I had been returned to the time before I was sold off in this marriage arrangement.

*

I had perfectly functioning legs.

If I can do this now…, can I change the future?

I’ve decided.

To escape from this hell.

Into the arms of a ‘devil’ who could protect me.

“I know how to break your curse.”

Duke Fernan Kealad.

Surrounded by rumors of being cursed by the devil, with his crimson eyes,

He had become an object of fear that no one could approach.

But he was the only one who could save me.

“What do you want?”

“Please propose to me.”

The man laughed as if amused by my absurd proposal.

I came here to survive, but I couldn’t help but be afraid of the devil.

Would I be able to endure here?

But then…

“Milady! I told you not to overexert yourself! I’m worried you might hurt your precious body!”

The servants would fuss over me every time they saw me,

“An angel, an angel has come!”

The villagers would embarrassingly exclaim whenever they saw me.

And moreover,

“How could I possibly defy you? Do whatever you want, my wife.”

Why is this man so affectionate?

Didn’t they say he was a devil?

This is a contract marriage, but it seems I’m being loved too much! <<less

"I'm planning to file a paternity lawsuit."... more>>

The client who appeared before family law attorney Mael, Yves Valois.

An arrogant and rude billionaire, exuding the typical ennui of the wealthy.

"Why did you specifically request me?"

"Because I thought you'd be suitable. Professionally and personally."

A man who proposes a fake relationship, dangling rewards like the whispers of a devil.

His cold eyes held nothing within.

Mael didn’t want to get entangled with this man in any way.

However.

"Brother, I... I think I killed... Philippe."

To protect her younger sister, Mael takes Yves’ hand.

A fall always happens in an instant.

"What do I need to do? Be the lover you mentioned before?"

"That chance has passed. Now, you’ll have to become my family."

Marriage.

A pile of lies built on a foundation completely devoid of affection.

"The term is until the paternity lawsuit is over and I get acknowledged. Two years."

The result of all of that was this marriage.

Whether it was fortune or misfortune, no one could know.

"Ennui" is a French word adopted into English, meaning a feeling of listlessness, boredom, or dissatisfaction that comes from a lack of excitement or purpose. It's often associated with a sense of weary indifference, especially among those who are wealthy or privileged and lack meaningful challenges in life. <<less

Qiao Xi grew up in the countryside. After her father's death, her mother remarried. As an adult, her unscrupulous mother brought her back to the... more>> city to marry in place of her stepsister. Forced to wed the supposedly infertile, disabled second son of the Huo family, Qiao Xi's life took an unexpected turn. On their second day of marriage, her aloof, arrogant husband casually said, "Divorce or live as a widow. Your choice." Without hesitation, Qiao Xi stripped off his suit pants and ran her hand along his firm, sexy thigh. "I choose option three!" Soon, her miraculous acupuncture skills began healing people and saving lives! It turned out her "crippled" husband was a secret multi-billionaire. After she healed him, she even found herself pregnant! The elite flocked to her for medical advice. Those who had bullied her now begged for forgiveness. Even wealthy socialites showed up at her door in tears, claiming long-lost family ties! It became clear that Qiao Xi was destined for a life of luxury, but someone had stolen her rightful place. Her opportunistic husband gloated, "A wife like her is a true treasure. Only the man who marries her knows her worth!" Qiao Xi winced as she massaged her aching lower back. "Who was it that claimed to have no desires back then? You're nothing but a seductive demon in disguise!" <<less

Xiao Junwang of Marquis Annan Mansion was forced to get married.... more>>

Ancient ABO

Mu Peixuan (Tianqian) x Duan Linzhou (Zhongyong)

Ten years older, weak and sick Shou

Marry first, fall in love later

*My private setup is not sophisticated, you are right to argue with me*

*This is not a brainless sweet story; the romance is sweet, but the plot has its share of drama and pain* <<less

It seems Lady Rose Crawford, wife of Minister Ray Crawford, is still struggling to adjust to life in Orthuran. ... more>>

A foreigner from Bolton, a country with a culture vastly different from ours, she recently sparked controversy once again with an inappropriate comment regarding a labor strike. (See Issue No. 1905-280 of this publication for details.)

Lady Rose has long been unable to hide her excessive pride in her homeland, Bolton.

Even war could not slow Minister Crawford’s rise in approval ratings, but Lady Rose Crawford has managed to do so.

A recent survey conducted among loyal readers of the Daily Oakley Review shows that the minister’s favorability rating has dropped by more than 10 percent since the last poll.

Considering the previous survey was conducted before his marriage, the reason for this decline is clear.

A member of the Conservative Party has expressed serious concern over the situation.

They said that it is becoming increasingly difficult to present Minister Crawford as the face of the party, given the public’s disapproval of his marriage and the frequent scandals that have followed.

Whether Ray Crawford, once one of the nation’s most beloved politicians, can avoid the disgrace of being remembered as a man who made the wrong marriage out of infatuation remains to be seen.

– John Donald, Daily Oakley Review <<less

Before I knew it, I became Leo, the character who gets chomped up by aliens at the start of the ultra-hardcore epic RPG ‘Rakshasa Galaxy’.... more>>

And, just my luck, right at the moment before getting eaten.

So, I thought I’d go out in style with an epic speech, but for some reason… I ended up becoming a hero instead!?

This is the story of a guy whose every move turns into a joke, featuring muscles, battles, and an ever-growing dark history. <<less

When Ji Xuan broke up with her ex, Song Zhaoli appeared as if he’d predicted it all.... more>>

Snow swirled in the air as he leaned against his car, a cigarette dangling from his lips with that infuriating smirk. "So… single now?"

Ji Xuan lifted her chin, gaze icy. "Even if I am, it doesn’t mean it’s your turn."

Later, when they married, the world assumed she was the gold-digger—climbing into the arms of an untouchable heir.

Only Song Zhaoli knew the truth: He was the one who’d fought tooth and nail, clawing his way from second lead… to finally claim the spotlight. <<less