「I'll always be by Shou-chan's side──」... more>>

That's what my childhood friend said, as if to comfort me after I lost my parents at a young age and was left with just my little sister.

Afterwards, thanks to the kindness of her mother, Kaname-kaasan──who was close friends with my mother, my sister and I came to live at their house.

Even so, our relationship remained unchanged, and we spent our unchanging days always together, no matter what we did.

However, in the summer of my third year of middle school, I──Chihara Shougo──met with an accident and suffered severe injuries, including full-body contusions and lower body paralysis.

One day, while spending my hospitalized days in despair, a certain incident caused us to be separated.

──A year and a half later, I was to transfer into the prestigious "Kujou Academy".

But at that academy, my childhood friend was there── <<less

At the age of ten, Jiang Qi had black hair, shallow pupils, and a pale, delicate appearance. He often got injured, with blood flowing from his head. He was the son of a 'notorious' mu*derer in Chen Kong Alley, and people cursed him, saying that he had vile blood running in his veins. Except for Zhi Qi, no one paid him any attention.... more>>

Zhi Qi often cried while bandaging his wounds, her voice soft as she asked, "Why do you always get hurt? Does it hurt a lot?"

Jiang Qi smiled, the cold and rebellious boy appearing particularly obedient in front of her: "If you comfort me, it won't hurt anymore."

By the time he reached high school, he had become the most famous madman, cold and ruthless in all Lin Lan. Zhi Qi remembered Jiang Qi once saying that most of his life was lived like a dog. He would rather have everyone fear him than let anyone bully him.

Even though everyone feared him, Zhi Qi was not afraid.

Unfortunate people spend their entire lives healing from childhood, and Zhi Qi wanted to heal Jiang Qi with her own efforts. She would make a promise to him on the rooftop of the school, where he brought her to the top: "Jiang Qi, take care. When I reach the legal age, I can marry you."

The boy's response was a faint smile, his gaze clear and clean like the stars in the sky, filled with rare yearning for the future.

Zhi Qi didn't know that a simple promise saved Jiang Qi's life, pulling him out of hell.

Unfortunately, 'redemption' has an expiration date. When the clock strikes twelve for Cinderella, he remains the sick dog with nothing.

A crazy boy, and all the sweet names in his obscure life are called 'Zhi Qi'. <<less

Can the Defeated Heroine of a Childhood Friend Make a Comeback?... more>>

A single moment at a park during twilight changed everything between me and her.

What should have been just our problem began to involve those around us, unfolding into a story that starts after the breakup. <<less

As the grandmaster of demonic cultivation, Wei Wuxian roamed the world, hated by millions for committing acts of necromancy. Overthrown by the powerful clans he had attempted to subjugate, Wei Wuxian is supposedly killed by his shidi in order to save the cultivation world. ... more>>

Restored to life in the body of Mo Xuanyu, the local cut-sleeve lunatic, in order to exact revenge on his abusive relatives, Wei Wuxian quickly finds himself spiralling back into his old life when he’s taken away by the cold-hearted, stern, and ultimately quite boring Lan Wangji – who might be harbouring warmer feelings than contempt. Perhaps of the…romantic kind?

But despite his new beginning, Wei Wuxian begins to unravel a decade and a half long mystery that is set to undo the very fabric of the cultivation world as they know it.

A mysterious, action-packed thriller of a ride, this is a journey you won’t want to miss! <<less

There are only two destined outcomes for an illegitimate child of the Meng family.... more>>

One is to be useful and then being used to death. The other is to be exploited for being a useless person.

After being reborn, Meng Ting chooses the second option without the slightest hesitation.

As a result, he’s being married off.

“Oh.” =.=

***

This is a story of a beautiful young man who wants to become a degenerate after coming back to life from death, but is rejected by his upstanding husband in various ways.

This is a story of saving others, and being saved by others in return.

You are my beloved, and I am the light of your life.

Meng Ting: “Nonsense…”

Yan Sui: “Everything my wife says is correct.” <<less

Kim Dokja does not consider himself the protagonist of his own life. Befitting the name his parents gave him, he is a solitary person whose sole hobby is reading web novels. For over a decade, he has lived vicariously through Yu Junghyeok, the main character of the web novel Three Ways to Survive the Apocalypse (TWSA). ... more>>

Through Junghyeok, Dokja has experienced secondhand the trials of repeatedly regressing in time, in search of an end to life-threatening “scenarios” that force people to act out narratives for the amusement of god-like “Constellations.”

After reading 3,149 chapters—long after all other readers lost interest—Dokja finally resigns himself to the story ending. However, he receives an enigmatic message from the author, stating that the story will soon be monetized, before his surroundings suddenly go dark.

He swiftly realizes that fiction has become reality and he is now living through TWSA. Although he is the singular omniscient reader of the events yet to come, his success in the scenarios is not guaranteed—but perhaps his advantage will empower him to step into the protagonist role that never suited him before. <<less

When Jiang Cheng was told to return to a family that he never knew or had a relationship with, he had never expected to end... more>> up meeting a young girl, and eventually, her seemingly roguish brother Gu Fei, as a first encounter in the new city. <<less

A genius schemer, creating an emperor!... more>>

“Only when your brother is happy can you be happy.”

She committed all kinds of evil deeds to make him Emperor. However, Artezia’s devotion was repaid with betrayal. It was the Grand Duke Cedric, a righteous enemy, that gave her a hand of salvation at the threshold of death.

“Devise a plan.”
“…”
“I can’t think of anyone but you who can reverse this situation. Marquess Rosan.”
“…”
“Lend me your strength.”

There is no plan that can reverse the already declining power and save the fallen empire. However, there is a method. To turn back time before everything went wrong.

With tears of blood she sacrificed her body to an ancient magic. This time, she will not fall.

Artezia, who returned to the age of 18 before death, resolved to become a villainess for the Grand Duke Cedric.

“Please give me your hand in marriage. I’ll make you emperor.”

In exchange for kneeling to the devil, the devil shall dirty her hands for you. <<less

A woman who doesn't get passionate about love. ... more>>

A man who doesn't get passionate about love.

A man and a woman who don't get passionate, even after long periods of dating, have fatefully met.

~~~~~

"What kind of man?"

"A man who can shine brightly just for one day by my side. Why do you ask? Are you going to introduce someone?"

"If possible. What kind of man exactly are you looking for?"

"A man who shines brightly but isn't clingy."

Da-hee gave a neat smile. The man tilted his head as if asking for more explanation. At the same time, his soft hair gently fell forward. He was truly a dazzling man.

"A man who doesn't believe in love, and even if he did, wouldn't easily succumb to it. Is there anyone like that around?"

"Yes."

At the man's words, Da Hee's eyes narrowed with interest. The man before her perfectly matched the physical criteria she desired. It was then that she thought, if such a man is introducing someone, they must be trustworthy.

"Me."

The man smiled sensually.

~~~~~

Character Backgrounds

Male Lead: Ma Woo Hyun , a financial advisor, cool, prickly, and charming man

Female Lead: Lee Da Hee, a Café owner, skeptical about love and doesn't want it, appears cold but is warm-hearted.

Read this if you like: A quiet, warm story that gently resonates with your heart. <<less

Lu Yiman was recommended a book by an advertisement, and the more he read, the more unsettled he felt.... more>>

The protagonist in the book was ordered by a powerful figure not to meet with anyone else, required to return home on time every day, could only see him, could only have him in his heart, and had to think about him for twenty-five hours a day out of twenty-four.

The protagonist felt tormented and longed to return to his “white moonlight.” So, he ran, the other chased, but escape was impossible.

The entire story was filled with criticism of the powerful figure’s forced love and the hope that the “white moonlight” would save the protagonist from such misery.

Lu Yiman didn’t do anything, but like a chosen one, a prompt suddenly appeared on his screen asking if he was willing to save the protagonist. After hesitating for a moment, he chose “yes,” and thus, he became the protagonist’s “white moonlight.”

A long time later, everyone was concerned about whether the protagonist had escaped from the powerful figure’s grasp.

Lu Yiman: “Thank you all, the powerful figure is now with me.”

*************

Gentle, refined and strategic top × cold, silent, and flawed bottom

One-sentence summary: A match made in heaven.

Theme: The hope in your heart is the lighthouse that lights up your life. <<less

There is a saying that you reap what you sow.... more>>

“This is Team Leader Lee Sihyun, who is in charge of marketing at Hanseong Resort.”

For example, you might run into a subordinate you had to be a bit hard on during your military service due to unavoidable circumstances, and now that subordinate is your client. You know, those kinds of things happen.

“None of this really resonates with me.”

“Haha, but if you look at the planning intent here…”

“Viewers don’t read the planning document while watching ads. They should just feel it, right?”

“You’re absolutely right. Then we’ll prepare something that anyone can just feel right away.”

As much as it sucks, this is the situation where I have to deal with the consequences of my past actions, so I’ll swallow my tears and face it. I understand and accept that.

But.

“Do you want to choke me?”

“Pardon?”

“I think it would feel good.”

“Um, Team Leader… I’m sorry, but I think I misheard you just now. So, what did you ask for?”

“I asked you to choke me. But why are you suddenly speaking so formally? It’s just the two of us, don’t ruin the mood.”

“Uh, Sihyun, aren’t you the one ruining the mood? Asking me to choke you, what does that even mean?”

Why is it that only these kinds of things compound with interest, damn it… <<less

While on a trip, a tragic car accident claims the lives of the protagonist and their lover.... more>>

But when they awaken, they find themselves reborn—as infants.

And not only that—their genders have been switched.

Years later, the two reunite against all odds. Now in high school, they maintain an awkward distance, unsure of how to define their new relationship. <<less

In the previous life, Jiang Xuening was the benchmark of a Mary Su. For the throne of the Empress, she hooked up and messed around with men.... more>>

When she was dating the Emperor, the rebel is her spare tire;

When she was dating the student, the teacher is her spare tire;

When she was dating the boss, the subordinate is her spare tire;

When she was befriending a woman, a man is her spare tire……？

Every day is a Shura Field! (Hiks)

Anyway, no matter who the Emperor is, she wants to be the Empress!

The men all thought that they had walked into the silly and sweet innocent girl’s heart, but they unexpectedly had walked into the fish pond of the s*um girl, and the girl also worked as a part-time King of the Sea.

Then the Palace changed.

She died.

Heaven gave her a chance to start again.

She vowed to earnestly repent and mend her ways.

She absolutely did not expect that, she was just rebirthed at the time she [already] started messing around and it’s too late to change!!!

Jiang Xuening was angry: The crooked Heaven was just playing with a human’s life! Your Great Aunt, me, was born with eight legs! Believe it or not, when my temper comes up [BEEP――]

The Heaven’s heart attack is more severe: What if the ship capsized again?

Jiang Xuening with a cold and indifferent face: Helpless.

All right, it’s all a talk only.

How to break up safely without offending the big guys? <<less

Chu Lai, 25 years old, a corporate s*ave at a major company and a part-time gaming streamer, had been in a stable relationship with his boyfriend of three years—or so he thought.... more>>

One day, on his way home from work, he noticed his boyfriend kissing an unfamiliar man in the background of a video on his friend’s social media.

He immediately went to a small bar to break up with his boyfriend on the spot, only to be turned on and blamed instead.

His ex-boyfriend sneered, “You’re boring and unromantic. That’s why I’m breaking up with you!”

Coincidentally, the couple sitting next to them echoed the same sentiment:

“You don’t love me or care about romance. We’re done!”

Such a coincidence that Chu Lai actually found it amusing and laughed.

After the breakup, Chu Lai headed to a nearby barbecue stand, where he encountered an elite man who had also just been dumped. They shared a table, drank, and had a decent conversation—but there was no spark.

A week later, Chu Lai received a marriage proposal via WeChat from that very same man.

Chu Lai: “?”

Cen Wei, 29 years old, heir to a famous umbrella-making company, had recently been dumped after a three-month relationship. The reason? He was “emotionally cold” and “not romantic.”

Though he expected the breakup, he wasn’t prepared for the news that his grandfather was critically ill and wished for him to marry before he passed away.

On a whim, Cen Wei opened WeChat and messaged the guy he added that day: “Please marry me.”

At 3 a.m. that weekend, he got an instant reply: “Okay.”

Cen Wei: “?”

Chu Lai enjoys a simple life of three meals a day, work, and rest. If he got used to being single, he could probably live well enough. But he has one peculiar habit—he likes strong, comforting hugs.

So, he decided to jump into a new relationship to fill the emotional void.

It turns out, he ended up with a perfect, if unromantic, soulmate.

Ex-boyfriend: “I can’t believe you moved on so fast! And with my boss? Is this your way of getting revenge on me?”

Chu Lai: “Sorry, I didn’t think that much about it.”

Cen Wei: “Are you done talking? Let’s go home for dinner.”

# A daily life story of love after marriage

# Elite, non-dominating, emotionally cold gong x laid-back, also emotionally cold corporate shou

# Their chance meeting healed them both, and the emotional coldness was all an act

# Gong is a virg*n, shou is not <<less

There is a little-known secret in the Ji family of the Imperial Academy: the eldest daughter of the Ji family, unloved by her parents due to an inauspicious birth date, has a twin sister who has been lost and living elsewhere.... more>>

The two sisters, living vastly different lives, have developed contrasting personalities.

The elder sister is weak and easily bullied, simple and unsophisticated; the younger sister is vengeful, ruthless, and kills without blinking.

In the political turmoil of the court, disaster strikes the innocent.

The elder sister is schemed into marrying her father’s archenemy—Huo Xian, the infamous Commandant who recognized a traitor as his father.

Huo Xian is notorious for his ruthless methods and association with eunuchs, despised by many. He is also infatuated with beauty, with a harem filled with countless concubines, each as cunning as the next.

While everyone was mourning for the elder sister’s fate, little did they know that the one sitting in the bridal sedan heading to Huo household was no longer a meek and easily bullied innocent.

–

On the wedding night, facing her notorious husband, Ji Yuluo pretended to be frightened, trembling so much she fainted from fear.

Huo Xian found it boring and didn’t visit the inner courtyard for several days.

One day, by chance, he returned home and saw one of his beloved concubines struggling for help in the water while his timid new bride sat nearby, casually applying nail polish, and said nonchalantly, “What’s the rush? She won’t die.”

The other concubines knelt nearby, trembling as if they had seen a ghost.

Huo Xian watched with interest.

Later, he stared at the sparkling water droplets on the beauty’s neck, his gaze dark and unreadable—

“Tsk. She truly is an ancestor, my ancestor.”

Huo Xian, despised by everyone, walked a path of betrayal and isolation until he met someone who, in the face of extreme danger, handed him a blade to cut through the waves.

– Even if my name is forgotten in history, I will stand by him.

Mad (Loyal) Dog Villain × Scheming Beauty

Reading tips:

The male lead is physically and emotionally clean; the harem mentioned in the synopsis is just a setup. <<less

Xing Bolin died in the living room of his own home.... more>>

His older brother, Xing Baichuan, who was abroad, rushed back. The first person he met was his younger brother’s boyfriend, Li Jiangluo.

In order to confirm the cause of his brother's death, Xing Baichuan stayed at Li Jiangluo's house. Unexpectedly, he found himself gradually drawn to this quiet and reserved man who seemed to be hiding some secrets.

However, falling in love with his younger brother's lover was something Xing Baichuan found difficult to face.

—

Mature and gentle Gong x Quiet and gentle Shou <<less

In her last life, Yu Lingxi fell from a myriad of stars that surrounded the moon into the dust, and was forced to sacrifice herself to the regent, Ning Yin. The regent was born handsome and beautiful, but unfortunately he has a crippled leg. He was a twisted and cruel madman who killed his brothers and father. What Yu Lingxi was most afraid of was that while wiping the fresh blood on his hands, he smiled and said to her: “Lingxi, come here.”... more>>

After only two years of marriage, Yu Lingxi passed away suddenly. After her death, Ning Yin did not set up a mourning hall, did not make funeral arrangements and buried her, and became even more insane, slaughtering the city with blood.

Then she was reborn at fifteen years old, when she was still a high-ranking noble daughter of the general’s mansion, and Ning Yin was not yet the regent who covered the sky with one hand. Unable to swallow this anger, Yu Lingxi took the guards to find Ning Yin, who was living on the street, and intended to beat him anonymously to avenge the resentment in her previous life.

Unexpectedly, when she rushed to the scene in anger, she saw the thin boy curled up and was being pressed to the ground, and his left leg was about to be broken. The muddy water was covered with blood and trickled down, soaking his dark and resentful eyes red…

Only then did she realize what a pitiful past Ning Yin had. Yu Lingxi made a mistake due to a strange combination of circumstances, and instead of going to beat someone, she went to save him. She had no choice but to take in the little poor boy and try her best to teach him to be an upright young man with a healthy body and mind. To her surprise, as she taught and taught, the little poor boy looked at her with more gloomy and strange eyes. <<less

Shen Fubai, the top-tier celebrity in the entertainment industry, is blessed with a stunning appearance but is often labeled as a mere idol with nothing to offer beyond his looks. He has countless haters. When he first ventured into the film industry and collaborated with the film emperor on a drama, he was photographed on the first day of filming ignoring Jiang Heng, the film emperor, and acting arrogantly.... more>>

Jiang Heng, a young actor who won the title of film emperor at the start of his career, is known for his professionalism. When he first saw Shen Fubai on set and noticed the other ignoring him as he walked away, he frowned slightly, seemingly displeased.

From then on, rumors of discord between the two spread, and their fans have been at each other’s throats.

Privately—

Shen Fubai posted on his alt account: "I met my idol today and I’m so excited! Ahhh, I couldn’t even speak!"

Jiang Heng also posted on his alt account: "I finally met my idol today. He’s so handsome, but he didn’t acknowledge me. Crying.jpg"

Later, one day, both forgot to switch accounts.

That day, Weibo crashed. <<less

Yu Fan didn’t like the sight of the new transfer student in his class.... more>>

The other party glanced at him.

Yu Fan: He’s looking for a fight.

The second glance.

Yu Fan: He’s asking if I’m scared.

Third glance.

The transfer student with his usual expressionless, iceberg-like face handed him a letter, “Classmate Yu.”

Yu Fan internally felt that this top student is annoyingly fastidious, even handing out a letter of challenge to request for a fight. He proceeded to roll up his sleeves and stand up.

“Please accept my love letter.”

Classmate Yu immediately sat back down.

>>Green tea top student gong x tsundere school tyrant shou <<less

To enter a photography competition, Liu Ying traveled north, where he accidentally captured Yu Huan’s image.... more>>

This single photograph drew all sorts of people who had once been connected to Yu Huan to this remote border town.

There was He Chen, claiming to be Yu Huan’s younger brother; Zhou Hua, claiming to be his classmate; and Yu Qing, claiming to be his older brother.

Through these individuals, Liu Ying gradually pieced together Yu Huan’s past, understanding why his eyes were always filled with sorrow.

“He craved challenges. Once everything went his way, he found life dull. Yet whenever Yu Huan built a life of his own, he would become consumed by jealous rage, repeating the cycle endlessly.”

“He knew he was mad, so he felt justified in his actions.”

“Driven by a destructive urge, a need for control, and a possessive desire, he was a born madman. Even if he no longer wanted something, he wouldn’t allow anyone else to touch it.” <<less

The first time Jiang Chuyi met Zong Ye, she coincidentally saw him being confessed to.... more>>

In the dimly lit stairwell. Avoiding the surveillance camera, he leaned against the wall, cupping his hands to shelter from the wind, and lowered his head to light a cigarette. The confessing girl was shy and nervous, while he was completely uninterested.

Later she found out he was Zong Ye, the rookie who had skyrocketed to fame as soon as he debuted. Due to their collaboration on a reality show, the production team, in an attempt to boost ratings, had Jiang Chuyi actively interact with Zong Ye, capitalizing on his immense popularity. Many in the industry were keen to get close to Zong Ye. Knowing she was out of his league, she restrained herself and didn’t dare to fantasize about him.

After the show aired, there was an intense fan war online, and reporters deliberately asked about the ambiguity between Zong Ye and her. She immediately clarified on his behalf: “He is very nice, very considerate to everyone, and much of it was just for show.” As soon as the interview came out, Zong Ye trended — He got a “nice guy card”

That night, Jiang Chuyi received two messages on WeChat from him:
[Just for show?]
[You don’t think I’m giving charity right?]

Little Star X Top Celebrity
#willingly letting you ride my popularity, what could it be other than love# <<less

Qi Xiaoyu was a pillar of the Red Moon Troupe during the Republic of China period. He had a unique appearance, figure, and singing style. His ability to adapt to all kinds of people and situations is even more remarkable.... more>>

Meanwhile, Qi Xiaoyu, the starlet in the novel “Sick President Sadistically Loves Me”, is the complete opposite. As a small cannon fodder who had a “warding-off” wedding with the soon-to-be-dying President Xun in order to “wash away” his bad luck and “cure his illness,” this person is s*upid, conceited, arrogant, and proud of his beauty. He gave the president a green hat, coveted the president’s family property, framed the protagonist shou, and was finally sent to an asylum by the sick president, where he was locked up until he turned into an actual lunatic.

When Qi Xiaoyu transmigrated, it was the same night that he was sent to the sick president for the warding-off ceremony……

Qi Xiaoyu judged the situation and was very clear about what he wanted:

Before the protagonist shou appeared, he would obediently clamp his tail tightly between his legs, coax the president into submission, and strive to develop his acting career. After the protagonist shou appeared, he would work hard to match the two of them, retire after success, and divorce the president!

Qi Xiaoyu blinked his big, innocent eyes and smiled, saying, “What the Third Master said is right. Come on, I’ll massage your legs.”

His face is harmless, innocent, and pure.

At the beginning, Third Master Xun casually glanced at Qi Xiaoyu and said, “I have a cleanliness habit. Don’t just push a random person toward me.”

Not long after, Third Master Xun lazily looked at Qi Xiaoyu at his side and said, “This little thing is quite attentive.”

Later, Third Master Xun, whose attitude has completely made a 180-degree turn, couldn’t leave his wife for a day and just wanted to spoil him to heaven. <<less

To love someone deeply is to wish to imprison them with a golden lock.... more>>

When Duan Yelin first saw Xu Hang, he wanted to lock him up and hide his beauty in the golden house—in fact, he did so.

If he seized him by force, he is a robber; if he is being patient and indifferent, he will be meat in someone else's chopsticks.

Xu Hang was unwilling, but he wanted to live. There were still many things he had not done, so he finally entered Xiaotong Guan.

It's a long-standing battle.

Even after four years of entanglement, Xu Hang always seemed like a bowl of freshly brewed medicine, with a faint aroma, but only after drinking it could one know whether it was poison or antidote.

It was a long time later that Duan Yelin realized that what he had locked up was not a cold and arrogant golden sparrow but a cold and sharp golden hairpin. <<less

“Did you approach me on purpose from the beginning?”... more>>

"...... yes."

“Must have been hard pretending to love the enemy’s daughter.”

Annette, of royal blood and the only daughter of a military general.

After two years of passionate love, she married her father's loyal subordinate, Heiner.

The happiness she thought would last forever with her wonderful and loving husband.

Everything was perfect.
Everything seemed perfect.
Until her husband's treachery caused the downfall of her family.

"I'm divorcing you, Heiner.”

"It is not granted."

“Do you still have any use left for me? My parents are dead, the monarchy has fallen. I have nothing. Your revenge is over."

“Madam, where do you intend to go to be happy?"

“...... there is nowhere I can be happy.”

Heiner stretched the corners of his mouth and smiled.

“If that's the case anyway, you'll be unhappy by my side for the rest of your life.”

Annette suddenly realized that his revenge was not over.

And that she had to break off this sickening toxic relationship with her own hands. <<less

Lu Nanyang immediately recognized the gentle and handsome guy with a harmless smile as the one who tried to force himself on him the night before.... more>>

Vain, hypocritical, cold-blooded, a s*umbag… all his flaws were perfectly masked by a charming facade.

Day One: Xie Quan tore up his friend's love letter, and Lu Nanyang punched him.

Day Two: Xie Quan mocked him coldly, and Lu Nanyang fought with him.

Day Three: Lu Nanyang ran into the school’s medical office with a troubled face, asking for treatment:, "Doctor, Can I Still Be Saved?"

Sitting inside was Xie Quan, the top medical student. He calmly pushed up his glasses and replied,

“No. Bury yourself.”

Lu Nanyang: “……”

Once, Xie Quan was like a finely cut diamond, with 58 polished facets reflecting the cold light of exquisite self-interest.

Later, he acted like a madman, disregarding his own life and death, willing to endure heartache just to hold that one hand.

In the dim night, breaths were hot and scorching.

That hand gripped back, fingers tightly interlocking.

"I despise everything in this world, but because you're in it, I’ll protect it."

Law student x Gentleman-like s*um medical student, mutual pursuit.

Atypical FWB-to-lovers, enemies-to-lovers arc. 

White and black vs black and white, a story of struggle and shared ugliness, essentially a melodramatic, bittersweet romance. <<less