Rural

Joven, an AI that transmigrated here from the stars became a daughter of a rich family, lost in a rural village but finally returning home for a certain purpose. Everyone thought that she would be unrefined and lack culture given her poor upbringing... until the eldest Lu brother realized that his youngest sister was the one who casually agreed to the contract he just signed. Second Lu Brother: What? My younger sister invested in the movie I was leading? Mama Lu: The unlabeled products my daughter gave me are from a state-of-art research center? Papa Lu: The cheap stuff my daughter gave me is actually worth millions?! Big shots of various industries: Would you like to be an instructor? The type who earns over hundreds of millions? A certain conglomerate: Had enough fun yet? Now get back here and inherit your billion-dollar estate. Scumbags: Weren't we promised a pathetic wimp to bully? *** The day Li Hanzhou learned that Qiao Wen equaled him in net worth, he made inventory and put everything before her. "You can have all of these—plus one husband! Please sign here." Qiao Wen: "You're the one who insisted on no puppy-love. It's important to keep your promises." Mr. Li: #Urgent! How do I go back in time to slap my past self? I'll make it up to you with all the tenderness in the world.

De repente, encontrándose en un entorno rural, Lin Caisang se convirtió en la renombrada "Estrella de la Riqueza y el Honor" de la aldea. Rodeada de parientes únicos, la trataban como si fuera un panda raro—sostenida preciadamente en sus palmas por miedo a que se cayera y cuidadosamente guardada en sus bocas para que no se disolviera. Conoce a los excepcionales parientes: El Poderoso Padre, que declaró: —¿Quieres que Sangsang se case? Tendrás que pasar por encima de mí primero. La Madre Tacaña, preguntando: —¿Para qué necesita un esposo? ¡Puede tener toda la buena comida y una vida sin preocupaciones conmigo! El Abuelo Astuto, sugiriendo: —Las chicas no deberían hacer el trabajo sucio y cansado. Rápido, ¡llama a tu hermano! La Majestuosa Abuela, proclamando ferozmente: —¿Quién se atreve a meterse con Sangsang? ¡Que se enfrenten a una lucha a muerte conmigo! El Hermano Protector, asegurando: —Pequeña hermana, toda la buena comida es para ti. ¡Yo no tengo hambre! Sosteniendo su flácida carne, Lin Caisang lloró sin lágrimas: —¡Déjame ir! ¡Necesito perder peso! Mientras tanto, el increíblemente guapo y helado vecino no solo la protegía y la consentía en secreto, sino que también tenía una identidad nada simple.....

【Su Shuang, pet literature, abuse of scum, pendulum, strong male and female leads!】 Eighteen-year-old Su Xiaoyu went from being a farm girl from Hua Mountain to overnight, miraculously transforming into Mu Qingli, a wealthy heiress envied by everyone in the village. For her initial return to the wealthy family, Mu Qingli concealed her sharp edges, staying low-key in both her conduct and actions. The six younger sisters born after her rebirth stole the identity and status that originally belonged to her. Her greedy and worthless father, in order to save his biological son, actually conspired to have her heart removed! After her rebirth, Mu Qingli took a high-profile approach to life and to her dealings! Meeting Buddha, she would slay Buddha; encountering a god, she would slay the god! She carved out her own empire! A scheming younger sister? Then let her scheme to the absolute fullest! This life, I'll make it so she would rather die than live! When rebirth meets rebirth, it's either your death or your disappearance! A father who steals hearts? This lifetime, I will personally reclaim yours and return the torment a hundredfold! From then on, the underworld saw the rise of Lord Lili! Treading over bloodstained bones, each step she took was elegant. Lord Lili's methods were admired and appalling to others. The feng shui circle gained a great pendulum master! With a pendulum in hand, she subdued everyone at her feet, regardless of their age or gender. The business world saw the arrival of Boss Mu! Investing, starting businesses, she would manipulate the entire business landscape with a mere clap of her hands. The world of traditional Chinese medicine added an unparalleled genius! With her delicate hands, she could revive the dead and mend bones with her touch. In this life, she would live unrestrainedly and arrogantly! I do as I please! Challenge me if you dare! —— He was rumored to be the most noble man in the whole of China, handsome and exceptionally refined, putting contemporary young celebrities streets behind him, and also the fantasy of countless young women. He was richer than some countries, extremely wealthy, but unfortunately— He was gay! Even China's number one beauty couldn't get close to him. No female creature has ever appeared beside him. Until one day. After returning from Hua Mountain, a gender-unknown little milk dog started following him. From then on, he brought the little milk dog with him to eat, sleep, and attend various parties, where the dog gained fame and esteem in both private and public. Everyone sighed that in this world, one might be inferior even to a dog! Just as everyone was speculating what top-tier prestigious breed the little milk dog was... A renowned zoologist spoke after an appraisal, "Chinese Rural Dog!" The crowd: Sweat! This most noble man once declared loudly: I shall never marry! He said, "A man should have the dignity of a man. How could one stoop beneath a woman's skirt?" When a lifelong bachelor meets a woman who vows never to marry— Sparks fly like dry kindling meeting a flame! An explosion was imminent! Consequently, the face-slapping routine began— "Lili, stop being angry, okay? Shall I be your ride? Shall I sing 'Conquest' for you?" "Lili, I can't live without you." 【Proposal Chapter】 A certain man knelt on one knee, offering a ring and flowers, "Lord Lili, marry me!" A certain woman smiled gently, "Sorry, I vow to never marry." The man with a look of earnest devotion, "Then let me marry into your family. With your surname and my given name, allow me to be your subject under your skirt." The crowd: "......" Dead! Lord, your male dignity is on the ground. Could you please pick it up? Recommendation for De Yin's completed work "National Goddess: Rebirth of an Ace Heiress"

The rural youth received the Medical Immortal's inheritance, and from then on, peach blossoms bloomed, and great fortune arrived! In the countryside, he used superb farming techniques to cultivate the land, leading the villagers to wealth and prosperity. In the city, he used peerless medical prescriptions to save the dying and heal the injured, and people regarded him as the reincarnation of a Divine Doctor. With the Perspective Divine Eye and the golden touch of his fingers... when many divine abilities were bestowed upon him, he never failed.

Saquin, a young boy from a rural village, discovers a strange mansion in the nearby forest. Inside, he opens a mysterious box and loses consciousness. When he awakens, he finds his village burning and himself as the apparent culprit, with only fragmented memories of fighting at incomprehensible speeds. Captured and sentenced to execution, he discovers through a mystical panel, the Mythic System, that he’s a half-human, half-vampire. On execution day, a sudden storm disrupts the process, allowing him to escape. Fleeing into the forest, he encounters a witch who explains his status as a Mythic being and warns him to leave, as the Red New Moon Night will soon drive mythic creatures into a frenzy. Despite her advice, Saquin chooses to remain in the forest, planning to use the chaos of the Red New Moon to evade his pursuers. Unknown to him, his decision to stay would change the fate of the world, starting from the small forest to the world main stage. Follow the story of Saquin, a merciless fighter against his enemies, as he battles mythical creatures and powerful humans alike with the help of the Mythic System, driven by his relentless pursuit of the one who destroyed his village.

A single beam of light could annihilate the world, a single blade of grass could sever the stars. Shen Qing transmigrated to a magnificent universe where immortals and mortals coexisted, becoming a lowly hunter. With the help of the Water Ink Panel, Shen Qing could endure the refinement of Qi-Blood and cultivate a hundred techniques. A technique, after a thousand hammerings, could border on art, and an art, after a hundred refinings, could border on Dao. From the common Bow Technique of rural hunting, to the Sky-Patrolling Sun Shooting Bow Technique; From the Nine Skills, which nourished and trained Qi and Blood, to the undying Six Paths of Reincarnation Technique; From the outward release of strength in Wind Defying Finger, to the Qi that suppressed mountains and rivers with the Eight Desolate Annihilation Seal; From enduring the refinement of Qi-Blood, he embarked on a difficult path of seeking Dao; to commanding the skies, with the divine might as if overseeing a prison, having mastered the balance of the six realms. It was only when Shen Qing looked back that he realized he had unwittingly become the supreme ruler above ten thousand Daos, an unparalleled True Monarch!

In the wake of the Great War of 3044, the world of Ethera is fractured, its nations divided by ancient grievances and rising political tension. Kiyoshi, once known as the feared Demon of Calamity, vanished during the war after unleashing untold destruction. Presumed dead, Kiyoshi awakens centuries later, a shadow of his former self. With no memories of his past, he wanders aimlessly, his immense mana causing the very forest around him to warp and thicken with magical energy. He is eventually found by Ceng-tae, a villager from a nearby town, who brings Kiyoshi into a quiet, rural community. There, Kiyoshi tries to piece together fragments of his lost past while forming new bonds with those around him—Celosia, a shy but powerful spirit-user burdened by her father’s plans for an arranged marriage; and Rajieru, a mischievous and unpredictable warrior with a penchant for breaking the rules. However, Kiyoshi’s peaceful life is interrupted by troubling signs from the outside world. The delicate balance between nations is unravelling, strange magical occurrences are on the rise, and whispers of forgotten demons and ancient powers grow louder. Celosia’s arranged marriage is part of the village’s desperate plan to secure their future, but the tension it creates threatens to tear them apart. Kiyoshi and his companions head to Kuoh Academy, a prestigious school of magic where they can hone their powers and uncover the truth about Ethera’s looming conflict. But as Kiyoshi starts to experience disturbing flashes of his past—visions of chaos, war, and a power beyond imagination—he realizes that his return might not bring peace but the resurgence of an ancient, hidden evil. As Kiyoshi and his friends delve deeper into the academy’s mysteries, they begin to unravel a startling truth: history has been rewritten, and the demons—once thought to be the enemies of the world—may not be the true villains after all. With his past slowly catching up to him, Kiyoshi must face the darkness within himself and decide whether he will be the world’s saviour or its doom.

"Swish... Swish..." Sounds of trickling water came from the yard, and Wang Daniu groggily opened his eyes, subconsciously reaching down to his crotch, thinking he had wet the bed. But there was nothing. Wang Daniu tiptoed out of bed and peeled open a sliver of the door, under the moonlight he saw a charming woman, scooping water and pouring it over her shoulders, ladle by ladle. Someone was bathing, it turned out…

It all began from an OH SHIT moment. Retired field agent Era decides to escape her past by running away to an Italian Monastery, basking in the sun and sipping on Gods Blood all day. Until she’s relocated to a backwater covenant in rural Yorkshire, and thrust into a new world. And NOT the one you might expect. This tale drags her through trials, pesky Gods, blood fueds, academies and cults, all begrudgingly i might add, as Era transforms from a reluctant participant interested only in her own survival to the last hope for humanity. This novel is a action packed, fantasy thriller meeting the criminal underworld, all wrapped in a healthy dose of sarcasm.

A rural little farmer, with a dragon inside him! From then on, he defied the heavens to change his fate, and the dragon roamed the world!

A Dragon Pattern Ring allowed the rural Divine Doctor, Yi Xiaofei, to embark on a unique life path unlike any other.

Esta obra es un trabajo libre, No van a seguir una linealidad convencional y solo es algo que sigue un hilo según mi opinión e interés. El primer capitulo sera un resumen de los personajes del libro y sus características En el volumen auxiliar. En las notas de autor al final de cada capítulo añadire en las notas de autor los personajes relevantes del capítulo. ______________________________________________________________________ No hay nada mejor que vivir por tu cuenta en un edificio donde tienes tu propio cuarto, reglas, espacio personal y horarios exclusivos por residentes. Mudarse no es fácil y vivir en la mansión requiere de seguir las normas del propietario por lo que vivir es difícil para quienes no son capaces de mantenerse a si mismos en ese lugar donde todos tienen sus circunstancias. Alan Wesker es un hombre que finalizó la universidad y está haciendo cursos extra después de graduarse y trasladarse a vivir en Bravely Sunrise que es un pueblo rural al paso de las montañas por la frontera en México donde sólo está su investigación para veterinaria y busca pasantia en una clínica local.

You were the most beautiful under the heavens, a peerless beauty that could topple cities and nations, acclaimed as the most beautiful woman of the age. Did you think no man was worthy of you? You were wealthy enough to rival nations, with power that soared to the heavens, second only to none and above tens of thousands, standing at the very pinnacle of the world's order, where no one dared to meet your gaze? My name is Chen Dong. I could save your lives or take them just as easily.

To save his father, Wu Fan is forced to become a live-in son-in-law with his in-laws in the city. However, the city dwellers look down on him, and his in-laws, except for his sister-in-law, constantly mistreat him. His wife, in particular, wounds him deeply by maintaining an ambiguous relationship with another man, disregarding his feelings and dignity. Enraged, Wu Fan decides to return to his rural hometown, determined to rejuvenate the community. He strives to prove his worth to the city folk until his father-in-law's family is on their knees, begging him to return...

When she opened her eyes again, she transmigrated and become a foolish woman in ancient times, Chen Afu. Gazing at the hero who seemed as lofty as a god, Chen Afu touched the drool trickling from her mouth. In this life, don't be too ambitious, don't be unrealistic... Only, in this life, she was foolish yet beautiful, destitute yet incredibly lucky, her good fortune so plentiful that she couldn't use it all up.

Qin Wuye thought his life was over. As a once-powerful Rank 6 Gu Immortal, he fell victim to the ruthless tides of fate. But death is only the beginning. Reborn as a mere child in a rural clan, he must now navigate a world where the weak perish and the strong reign supreme. With his intellect and calculated nature, Qin Wuye rises through the ranks, defying expectations. But this isn’t just about survival—it’s about domination. He wields the unique Space-Time Gu, a powerful tool that grants him unimaginable potential but at a great cost: the constant shadow of bad luck. In a world where only power matters, Qin Wuye will use every resource, every relationship, and every secret to climb to the top. But with enemies closing in and his own ambition burning fiercely, can he overcome his own flaws and rise beyond even the Rank 9 Venerables to achieve eternal life? Betrayal, power struggles, and romance await as Qin Wuye's journey unfolds in a world where nothing is what it seems and everything comes at a price.

In the remote mountains of Appalachia, sixteen-year-old Daniel Cooper has an unusual talent. He's known in his rural community for his uncanny ability to throw stones with incredible speed and precision, even curving them mid-air to hit his target. For Daniel, this skill is simply a part of his life, used to hunt or entertain friends, until a fateful encounter changes everything. When James Larkin, a former professional baseball pitcher known as the “King of the Mound,” crashes his small plane near Daniel’s village, he stumbles upon Daniel displaying his extraordinary throwing abilities. Intrigued and sensing raw, untapped potential, James realizes he’s found a rare talent – one that could be honed for greatness on the baseball field. Driven by his own dreams of reviving a struggling high school team and haunted by memories of his glory days, James offers Daniel a chance to leave behind his quiet, isolated life and pursue a future he never imagined. But the path isn’t easy. As Daniel steps onto the baseball diamond for the first time, he faces challenges far beyond the stones he threw back home. He must learn to navigate the intricacies of the game, master a new kind of throw, and confront a world that’s both exhilarating and unforgiving. Alongside his newfound mentor, Daniel discovers that his greatest battle will be overcoming self-doubt and proving he belongs among those with far more polished skills and experience. Legacy on the Mound follows Daniel’s journey from a small-town underdog with a rural gift to a determined young man chasing an unexpected dream, inspired by a coach with his own story to tell. In this tale of mentorship, grit, and the unbreakable bond forged between coach and player, Daniel learns that with the right guidance, even the most unconventional talent can be a game-changer.

Sofia Paterson, an 18-year-old girl, lives a simple life filled with the love of her family and the quiet beauty of their rural home. Her days are filled with the familiar scent of her father's carpentry, the laughter of her younger brother, Leo, and the comforting warmth of her mother's embrace. But this idyllic existence is shattered when a tragic accident leaves her father critically injured, plunging their family into a desperate struggle for survival. The once-comfortable cottage becomes a symbol of their financial ruin, the weight of hospital bills and mounting debt threatening to consume them. Driven by a desperate need to help her family, Sofia takes a job as a nanny at Blackwood Manor, the opulent estate of the enigmatic Ryan Blackwood. This decision throws her into a world of wealth and privilege, a stark contrast to her humble beginnings. As she navigates the grand halls of Blackwood Manor and the complexities of caring for Lily, Ryan's young daughter, Sofia finds herself drawn into the world of the reclusive Blackwood family, uncovering secrets and facing challenges that will forever change her life.

A single mother in her twenties moves into an isolated rural home with her 3 year old son. she starts receiving late night visits from black eyed children, asking to be let in. As the visits become more frequent, she realizes these children are connected to a dark event from her past.

"Unfinished Story" follows 16-year-old Kenji Tanaka, a spoiled, self-centered teenager who’s never had to struggle. But after a heated argument with his father, Kenji is sent to live alone in his late grandfather’s old house in a rural village. Left to fend for himself, he reluctantly begins exploring the house and finds a dusty novel his grandfather left behind. As he reads, Kenji is drawn into its timeless lessons, and he slowly starts to understand the value of hard work, humility, and family legacy. "Unfinished Story" is a journey of transformation as Kenji learns that his life, like the book he’s reading, is part of a story only he can choose to complete.

When I was suddenly transported to a strange new world filled with swords, magic, and mythical creatures, I thought I had won the ultimate lottery. But instead of being gifted with godly powers or becoming a legendary hero, I received... a grocery store system? Yup, you heard that right. With nothing but a magical interface and a stock of everyday items from Earth—rice, instant noodles, sodas, and snacks—I found myself in the middle of a rural village where people were still trading with coins made of copper and animals. It turns out, modern groceries are much more valuable in a medieval world than I expected. From humble beginnings, I became the owner of the world’s only modern convenience store, selling everything from toothpaste to frozen pizza to enchanted knights and curious wizards. Little did I know, this "simple" shop would bring me fame, fortune, and even danger, as the nobility, royalty, and secret organizations fought over control of my magical wares. As my business grows, I learn more about this mysterious world and its hidden power struggles. Can I survive being just a grocery guy in a world filled with magic and monsters? And will my knowledge of Earthly products help me change the balance of power in this strange new realm?

Follows the story of a business man in rural Italy who stumbles upon a sea creature; a merman to be exact, during his coldest days. What happens when a straight man falls in love with a man who isn't what he thought he was? How do these two make things work? Let's follow their love story to find out. POV: It's 2 stories in one WARNING!!! This is a work of fiction,under development. Keep in mind that none of this is real but some introverted author's imagination. This book is gay as f*ck, meaning it involves men getting nasty with each other. Proceed with caution. Hate comments towards me or my characters are highly unwelcome. If this story isn't your cup of tea,feel free to drop it whenever you want to. Contains mention of cheating suicide,kidnap, domestic violence,child abuse,gay sex, sorcery,self harm and other triggering topics. If you stumble upon any triggers I didn't mention on here, sorry not sorry. We MAY have MPREG. Yeah, that's because this author likes imagining men with the ability to actively bring life in this world. Buckle up;here we go. Don't forget to vote& comment. All rights reserved RaRah 2024

A tale of the journey of a young adult not knowing where he belongs, Beckett Hayes searches for an answer. In the middle of a night, the history of his family begins to unravel as he's drawn in by a force that he cannot explain. That force draws him out of his comfort zone and into the rural deep south. As he begins to uncover truths of the past, the past begins to uncover truths about himself. With each step forward, less and less begins to make sense as if like the roots of a Magnolia tree, there's more meaning to be found.

Here is a collection of 30 witty stories about Habib, an Arab folk hero who has appeared under many names for hundreds of years. Each tale contains a twist, written to make you smile or laugh aloud with delight. A light touch, a flexible mind, and a bit of a perverse sense of humor are your tickets into this exotic, timeless world. It's a world of fun for the moment and giving better than you got, not of heavy psychology and serious moralizing. In this world of marvels and belief in marvels, whether the little guy wins or loses depends on how well he uses his wits. Sometimes cunning, sometimes credulous, Habib has a unique way of thinking that will enable you to see life in a new, wonder-filled way. Many of the stories convey moral lessons, while others offer pure amusement, bringing laughter either at Habib's cleverness or at his lack thereof. Be prepared for an entrancing journey into "one day," an adventure that will transport you far from your everyday life and sensibility, returning you to them with refreshed eyes and a lighter step. #Genius #humor #Adventure #System #Comedy#Fiction #Fantasy #humour #Humorous #funny #funnystoriesunlimited #funnystories #shortstories #wordplay #JokesRiddles #Jokes #Riddles #Punswordplay #Puns #African #Urban #Jokes #Dark #Middleeast #Bestsellers #Bestsellingbooks #Africanliterature #History #Comedy #Lightnovel #Rural #Shortstories #Easytoread

Do you think I am a rural migrant worker in the city, how can become a Taoist temple? Childhood sweetheart, doctor, police flower, school flower, ring fat Yan thin, beauty and beauty...... This female lawyer is a lesbian? What, it's already straightened out. I didn't do anything? Xuanmen have five arts, mountain doctor destiny, see Hadi reveal the real God Xuanmen nine streams! A beautiful arrow, concealing great ingenuity......

Astra Ashford, was once the feared assassin known as Fenix, thought her reign of terror would end when she sacrificed herself to save her younger sister. In death, she sought peace, but fate had other plans. Reborn into the body of a meek and obedient girl, Astra finds herself navigating a new life in a rural high school, where she's tormented by classmates, overlooked by teachers, and belittled by her arrogant fiance.     But Astra is not an ordinary girl. She carries the memories and deadly skills of her former life. No longer willing to remain a victim, she vows to take revenge on those who oppress her. Her transformation catches the attention of Asher Black, a powerful and mysterious man who is drawn to her fierce spirit. As they grow closer, Asher reveals his own dark secrets, and together they forge a path of vengeance and ambition. But the past has a way of catching up, and when Clyde Cross, a man Astra once loved, returns, she’s thrust into a dangerous triangle of desire and deceit. Clyde Cross will stop at nothing to reclaim her, but Aurora has no intention of being controlled again. As old flames ignite and new enemies rise, Astra must decide which man she can trust and how far she’s willing to go for revenge. In a world filled with power plays, steamy encounters, and wuxia-fueled battles, Astra reclaims her destiny, proving that even in rebirth, a Fenix always rises from the ashes.

In a seemingly idyllic rural village, a sinister cult has taken root, using children as vessels for their dark rituals tied to the ancient god of harvest. Lena, a determined young woman, returns to her hometown only to discover that her parents have fallen prey to this malevolent force. As she learns about the cult’s terrifying practices, Lena feels compelled to act, rallying a group of brave villagers to confront the growing darkness. Together, they uncover the cult's secrets and plan to disrupt the annual harvest ritual. As tensions rise, Lena faces the chilling reality of her childhood friends now transformed into zealots, blind to the horror around them. With a fierce determination to save the remaining children and end the cult's grip on the village, Lena confronts her own fears and the haunting legacy of her family's involvement. In a climactic battle in the cornfield under a full moon, Lena and her allies challenge the cult’s power, battling not only the physical threats but also the psychological toll of the past. As they destroy the ancient statue that symbolizes the cult's hold, the children begin to break free from the spell. With the dawn of a new day, Lena emerges as a hero, determined to help her village heal from the trauma. While the scars of the past linger, she finds hope in the community's resilience and the promise of a brighter future. As the cornfields transform from symbols of fear to a sign of renewal, Lena realizes that their fight against darkness may never truly end, but together, they can forge a new path forward.

Jacob was an ordinary man living in a bustling, modern world, where he worked as a sales associate at a modest retail store. One day, as he was hurrying to work, he was tragically killed in a freak accident involving a runaway cow in a small rural town. In a bizarre twist of fate, Jacob found himself reincarnated in a medieval fantasy world, waking up as a young merchant in the city of Isselburg. Initially bewildered, Jacob quickly realized that he had retained all his memories from his past life. With no way of returning home, he decided to make the best of his new reality. His sharp mind and past sales experience gave him an edge in trade negotiations, and soon, Jacob became known as a skilled traveling merchant.

In the spring of 1981, a young writer from rural France arrives in Paris, eager to immerse himself in its vibrant art and culture. Amid the glittering social circles and intellectual salons, he discovers a city of contradictions - Where beauty masks loneliness and authenticity is elusive. As he navigates love, identity, and existential questions, he finds himself caught between the desire for connection and the weight of societal expectations.

Lee is an ordinary boy from an ordinary family living in a rural community. One day, Lee’s aunt comes to take him away, and now, Lee is living in the city! He went from a village boy to a city boy! His transition seamless. But why does Lee keep coming home late? Why does he have duplicate sets of the same clothes? And why does he keep blanking out in the middle of class? "Hey, have you heard..." "It's the fourth case this month..." Recently, there have been rising reports of murders in the city. Why did everything change when the ordinary boy arrived? But surely, Lee's just an ordinary boy, right? ... In the middle of the night, the door creaked as a boy wearing a raincoat entered his apartment. His boots left trails of water in the pathway as he entered his bathroom. "It hurts." Blood fell from his fingertips staining the white marble red. ... What's inside the mind of a lunatic? Who knows. Does Lee knows?