Hello, dear readers~. I have an update regarding the book and three sneak-peek chapters of the final arcs after my little bit of rant, hehe.
So, first, I want to say there is a possibility Taming Tyrants will enter a contract signing. A representative just contacted me after overseeing Taming Tyrants and offered me a contract. However, if I sign it, it means I must delete Taming Tyrants here in Wattpad, just like what I did to two of my novels, The Ageless Dream and Badass Celestial Emperor that had entered a contract. It forbids me to post it on other platforms aside from them. The Ageless Dream and Badass Celestial Emperor are now in Dreame, you can find it easier by searching it in Google or my profile name NeeLee 893 in Dreame app.
But, I am not a selfish author. I still love writing to receive feedback from my readers and make their day so I will create another book that will replace Taming Tyrants after it gets signed. Hopefully, dear readers will check it out soon.
I've been a reader since I was five years old. I love books and I know the feeling of a reader that wasn't satisfied with a book discontinued. I've been there before which is what inspired me to write stories for fun and for entertaining other people. Books, stories, imagination, it amuses us, readers and authors, right?
So, I decided to first post Taming Tyrants' final volume (unknown if half or full version) here in Wattpad before I sign a contract. However, the third volume will only be open for a limited time because once the contract was presented and I signed, I will delete it here or my editor will sue me if I don't. It saddens me I have to pull it out but I need financial assistance for my studies and help my parents as well. Who doesn't need money?
Even though I'm a mere fifteen-year-old girl, I know my passion, my dreams, the problem my family has been keeping from me and my siblings. So, as their child, I have to make sacrifices too and this is part of it. I hope no readers will find me selfish or greedy. I'm just paving my way for my future even if it was bleak. Still, I will continue to write and update Taming Tyrants in its new reading platform soon. It was fun meeting those readers active in voting, placing Taming Tyrants on their favorite reading list (some even have hearts which melts my heart too). Mostly, the readers who read and gave comments. Some are blunt which hits me a sore spot but I learned from, most of those that made me laugh because my readers can be a better joker than me. Shout out to you all!
Again, thank you for being part of my year, being my readers, silent or not. Thank you for supporting Taming Tyrants, the fourth story I ever wrote, the one I learned to love after seeing my readers appreciate it more than I do, thank you.
Stage 1: Royal Deceit [The Beginning]
After that little fight, Hong Cha tends to ignore Gu Zixing. She knew what he will say again. Gu Zixing will just reprimand her to keep a distance when it comes to Alexander. She will gladly do so if it was caused by jealousy but he is not green-eyed. Rather, it was all for Gu Jiaoyue. Speaking of which, she last saw her Prince Brother when she was thirteen, it was four years ago. He is stoic and maybe because he is part of the royal family, he guarded himself by suppressing his emotions. Thus, he acts very strangely for her. He doesn't know how to show his concern for her or how to express his emotions, except for anger. He rarely smiles. She just doesn't know why the woman around them will find his indifference very compelling.
For her, Gu Zixing is still better. He smiles in a comforting way, cheerful and often ongoing. She prefers him. But, it has been four years, she had almost forgotten how her Prince Brother looks like. She though remembered he is an indifferent handsome man. However, Gu Zixing will never get overshadowed in her heart. He will always be second to none.
"What's making you think so deep?" Alexander asked upon noticing her unmoving on her spot. They are overseeing the dried herbs outside and Hong Cha seems to be more preoccupied than usual.
"Sir Alex, did you ever like a girl? And that she likes you too?" Hong Cha can't help but question him. Alexander stopped and nodded.
"Why do you ask?" He gestured for her to stay under the shade of a tree. He followed after her as Hong Cha squatted down the ground and plucked dewy grasses.
"How did she make you like her back?" She mumbled her next question and it made Alexander laugh.
"What are they talking about?" Gu Zixing was keenly spying on them from the window of his room. He had recovered a bit but he doesn't know how to approach Hong Cha again. Moreover, after witnessing their interaction a couple of times, Gu Zixing concluded she may be in love with Alexander. He wants to strangle someone...
"Why is it you ask?" Alexander recovered from his laughter. No wonder she can't focus well, Gu Zixing has been in her head.
"Well... I'm not Sir Gu's lover. He's only looking after me because he was tasked to. But I like him, I know he's not a bad person. So, I, I like him. Though I do, he doesn't seem to feel the same way to me. He had mentioned a lot of times that I'm like a sister to him. I don't want to stay as his sister." Hong Cha lowered her head further. "Just how can a girl make the boy they like to feel the same too? How did she do it to you?"
"It happens if it's meant." He sat down to be on the same height as her. Alexander gently ruffled her untied hair and gave her an enlightenment, "You can't force someone to like you back. It only happens if they wanted to. Do you know what love is?"
"Isn't it attraction? Because, whenever I look at Sir Gu, I can't keep my eyes off him. I'm ashamed I'm becoming a pervert." Her words made Alexander chuckle. He lowered his hand and looked at her intently.
"Attraction is not love. Love happens when one deceives themselves for attention. You are seeking his attention because maybe, by the time you met him, you were vulnerable and no one is there for you aside from him. Thus, you came to rely on him and slowly believed you like him. Then, you fall in love you can't go back." Alexander said which confused her a bit. He smiled faintly and leaned on the tree. "You see, I only came to understand this when I met this girl I love. I had no one with me. My father just died, my mother is away from our town, so there was only her to help me realize my dream. Soon enough, I found out I only want most of her attention on me."
"I still don't get it." Hong Cha shook her head.
"An example, the romance books. Have you read one?" Seeing her nod, Alexander continued. "All the main characters in the book have a vulnerable side, especially women. When they are down, the male main character comes to the rescue. With them being so lonely, they need care and attention. The more they interact, the further they depend on each other. And soon, they get confused but in the end, they started believing they like one another. You may not understand now but when you get a little older, you will surely know."
"No, I get it." Hong Cha looked away, her head propped on her folder arms above her knees. "I deceived myself first. Then the other one gets affected if they also think the same."
"Don't get too down. Love is not always a bad thing." He stood up to proceed with their work. Hong Cha raised her head and a question popped in her head again.
"Sir Alex, where's your lover then?"
"... Sadly, she passed away years ago due to a plague. Still, I hadn't moved on from her. I can never turn back." Alexander answered without facing her.
Hong Cha thought for a moment and asked once more, "Did you regret it?"
"Regret always comes in the end. However, right now, I haven't regretted loving her, or missing her dearly."
"Sir Alex, you're still young. You can surely find someone." Hong Cha took a stand and smiled playfully. "But for me, Sir Gu is incomparable. Uhm, is there no way to make him love me quick? Are there no medicines for it?"
"You little girl. Don't be impatient, ah." Alexander laughed at her silly questions.
"This can't go on. I must do something." Gu Zixing thought while eyeing the two. But...
Does Hong Cha like Alexander because of his looks?
Hair like silk threads of gold, and eyes as pale as the sky blue horizon. Alexander is a foreign man with unique ravishing looks.
Gu Zixing suddenly felt downcast. He's no foreigner, and his brown eyes are common, his dark hair not too attractive like Alexander's.
"Why am I getting conscious with my looks? I'm a prince, I'm House Gu's heir! I'm definitely better than Alexander." He unhappily got back on the bed and frowned to himself. "Since when did I want her attention...?"
Stage 2: Idol's Secret Lover [Midst of Obsession]
Pa!
Se Hong slapped Hong Cha in front of the set. The other girl almost fell from the impact but her co-actors helped her up. Hong Cha touched her stinging cheek and coldly looked at the crying Se Hong. She stood up on her own as her fellow actors asked her if she is fine. She nodded and smiled lightly.
"Are you all blind!?" Se Hong shouted her question. She pointed at Hong Cha with tears streaming from her delicate face. "She's not the goddess idol everyone knew! She's a vixen! She-"
Pa!
This time, Hong Cha pulled Se Hong and slapped her. It was not enough and Hong Cha gave another to Se Hong's left cheek. The young girl was pushed away but no one helped her. Instead, the whole set sees her as a nuisance.
"So what if I slept with Chief Director Gu? So what if I am dating Vice-Chairman Gu? Why does it concern you? Oh, right. You're Chief Gu Zixing's number one fan! Aw, you want to sleep with him too?" Hong Cha ridiculed and knelt to be on the same height as Se Hong. She threw a handkerchief to the girl and smiled evilly. "Miss Se Hong, I treated you so well. I gave you the best tutors, I paid for your studies, I let you have the female lead role in this drama which was supposed to be mine. Yet, you're here, shouting I am lewd? Bitch."
Se Hong whimpered. She stood up and left the set in haste. Hong Cha crossed her arms and scoffed. The director went close to her.
"Camellia Hong, you don't have to speak with that girl in such a way. Our crew has been working with you for years. We are all friends here and whatever Se Hong said, we find it hard to believe. It's not true though, right?" He asked.
"I'm just taunting her. Chief is only my sponsor in the past. It's not true I slept with him. Moreover, the news has been spreading false rumors I was dating Vice-Chairman Gu. She must be delusional." Hong Cha scoffed though she knew herself that what Se Hong accused her was true. "Director, we should get going with the scenes."
The director nodded and had everyone restart the act they are taping. Hong Cha did her best for her role and when the break came, she rested in her dressing room. It stunned her that her phone rang. She looked at the message she received from Gu Zixing. He wants to see her in his villa tonight...
"I knew it, he can't stay angry at me for so long." Hong Cha smiled like a fool and hugged the pillow tightly. After the argument they had, he did avoid her for so many days. That Se Hong, she doesn't know her place at all. She's the reason Hong Cha became territorial and Gu Zixing blamed her even.
That night, Hong Cha drove to Gu Zixing's Scandinavian villa near the beach. She remembered the times they spent here.
Hong Cha rang the doorbell. Nanny Zen immediately went out and was shocked to see Hong Cha.
"Hi, Nanny Zen. Is Gu Zixing inside?" Hong Cha greeted the elderly lady who looked at her in reluctance.
"Oh, Miss Camellia, I'm sorry but the First Young Master isn't here yet. Please go back." Nanny Zen said with a nervous tone. Hong Cha frowned but she spotted a tall figure at the doorway.
"Nanny Zen, who's out there?" Gu Zixing's calm voice resounded. Hong Cha's heart fluttered as she entered.
"Gu Zixing, I missed you!" She jumped into his arms and embraced him tightly. However, he didn't hold her back. She looked up to see if he smiled but he doesn't. He only gazed at her with his emotionless eyes.
"Get inside. Nanny Zen, can you fetch Wu Yi at the vet? I want the cat back tonight." Gu Zixing implied privacy. He harshly pulled Hong Cha into the villa and closed the door.
"Sigh, why is Miss Camellia so persistent with that young man." Nanny Zen helplessly sighed. She felt sorry for Hong Cha.
"Hey!" Hong Cha fell on the chair after he pushed her roughly. She received a glare as Gu Zixing leaned close, his hands on the armrests. "Aren't you supposed to say sorry?"
"Sorry? Sorry for what? Camellia, you just ruined my life!" Gu Zixing raised his voice, losing his temper around Hong Cha the second time in a row. He had never lost his cool when facing other people except for his younger brother whom he wants to punch so much. But Hong Cha, she completely crossed his limit!
"Ruined what? I didn't do anything!" Hong Cha argued back. Gu Zixing raised his hand which scared her but he stopped himself on time and stood up. He pinched his nose in anger. "Y-you want to hit me? At least tell me why you got angry again. I, I promise I won't repeat it. Just don't be mad, let's get back together..."
"F*ck this, Camellia. You humiliated Se Hong in front of everyone, for the second time! Why don't you admit it? Didn't you sleep with me? Aren't you dating my brother too? You're a hooker, that's you! Se Hong just said the truth!" He furiously threw a vase to the floor, the shards almost scraping Hong Cha. She was startled but all he said scarred her heart.
"I'm a hooker?" She slowly strode to his position and asked a painful question. Hong Cha let out a laugh but her tears strolled down. "All this time, you only see me as a prostitute? A whore? When all these years, I saw you as my home, my savior? What the hell, Gu Zixing."
"I told you before, I am serious with Se Hong, you can't do anything about it." Gu Zixing held her wrist with force but she obviously ignored the pain of his grip. "Get away from Se Hong, don't ever ruin this for me, or I will do everything to bring you down. After all, your wealth and fame came from my investment in you. I can take it back anytime I want."
Hong Cha pulled her wrist and held back her tears. She had loved this man after the great heartbreak she experienced from her first love. He gave her everything she didn't ask for, but she have to strive so hard just to get a sliver of his attention. Yet, Se Hong, a mere fan of his, easily earned his affection without even trying hard. Hong Cha was with him for years! She did as he asked, she followed his orders, she gave herself to him! Wasn't it enough? Why is it not always enough?
"I hate you." Hong Cha threw her purse to him and vented her frustration by hitting him but he easily restrained her. "I hate you, I hate you!"
"You hate me? Good, then hate me! Never ever love me, Camellia Hong. Your love is just a curse, you're selfish!"
Stage 3: Eternal Existing Star [The Finale]
The gala in Strauss Manor is very sophisticated. Every kind of wealthy merchants and powerful officials are invited. Hong Cha looked up to Gu Jiaoyue who spoke with his comrades while she stood next to him. She gently tugged his sleeve which made him stop.
"Gu Jiaoyue, can I walk outside? I feel bored here." She quietly said. Gu Jiaoyue hesitated and nodded.
"Don't go too far. If a Strauss gets close to you, come back to me. You can push the button on your brooch so I can find you easily." Gu Jiaoyue whispered to make sure no one heard them. Hong Cha gave an assured yet and lightly touched the camellia brooch on her dress strapped above the collar on her neck.
Hong Cha headed out of the ballroom. She still can't believe Strauss Family is planning a rebellion against Gu Jiaoyue. She heaved a deep sigh after reaching the garden. Hong Cha looked around for a while and came to see a figure heading to the garden too. She got confused why Gu Jiaoyue went out of the ballroom. However, just as she revealed herself from the pillar's shadow, she took a pause after meeting his gaze. It was a pair of familiar serene grey irises. Hong Cha stepped back but he already saw her.
"Wait, Miss Hong? You're also here?" Gu Zixing's eyes brightened to see her. He didn't expect she will be in this gathering. All he knew is that she is an employee of the transmigration department. All employees there are single, girls with partners are not allowed. This means he has a chance. But isn't she supposed to be with her escort?
"I, I have somewhere else to go." She hurriedly made an excuse and went past him. Hong Cha froze on her track upon seeing Red going in their direction. She remembered Gu Jiaoyue's warning. So, Hong Cha changed the way and hurried further from the open hall.
"Miss Hong, wait!" Gu Zixing insisted to follow her until Hong Cha stopped behind the blue crystalline statue of the Strauss Family's first headmaster. It hid their figure from anyone coming out of the building. Gu Zixing quickly grabbed her arm to make her stop. "Miss Hong, are you avoiding me? I thought we're good?"
"Director Gu, why are you following me then?" She steeled her heart and acted as if she isn't glad he is alone with her. Hong Cha has been staying on the side while Se Hong got closer to him. It was for the better but she can't resist being selfish around Gu Zixing.
"Miss Hong, if this is about that kiss, well, I... I'll be honest. I can't stop thinking of you even if that was an accident." Gu Zixing lowered his grasp and held her hand. His gaze to her can't be any more sincere and the gentleness she never saw for years, had finally appeared. Hong Cha's eyes reddened and her hand secretly clasped to a fist. She looked away and shut her eyes close.
"Director, that was just an accidental kiss. What more is there? It can't be you like me because of that?" Hong Cha tried to ridicule but her tone was soft. She doesn't want to hurt his feelings again after what she learned from their past. She owed him a lot of heartbreak when he was ever so candid to her.
"I know, it's unbelievable, right? But believe me. Love at first sight is true, and I was just using that kiss as an excuse." Gu Zixing rubbed his nape in embarrassment. He lost his memories and he can't tell if he had confessed to a lady once. This is his first time experience to confide with a woman. "Miss Hong, I really like you. When I first saw you on Earth 1, I got captivated. I can't stop wondering who you were, I want to know everything about you and then I was so happy to know you're part of a company I own. Miss Hong, it may sound impossible or foolish, I fell for you in one look."
Hong Cha pursed her lips. Her tears fell unknowingly and Gu Zixing got confused why she suddenly cried. He never knew she has been waiting for him to tell her he loves her, one more time. She had wasted his effort just for vengeance and he will never forgive her if his memories returned. He will also blame her if he were to know she erased his memories too.
"Miss Hong? Did I say something wrong? Ah, I'm not a stalker! Don't be scared!" He became frantic just by thinking she thought of him as a stalker. Gu Zixing did overlook her files in the transmigration department but her data was incomplete and he can't find her easily even if he asked Se Hong to look for her.
"No, it's not that..." Hong Cha wiped her tears. She has the urge to embrace him and tell him she loves him too, but her guilt kept her chained. He's no longer hers, after all, that she caused him.
"Hong Cha?" They both heard a voice across them. Hong Cha quickly moved away from Gu Zixing and they turned to see Gu Jiaoyue. His face was grim after seeing her with Gu Zixing.
"Brother, you know her?" Gu Zixing frowned. As a man, he knew Gu Jiaoyue was displeased. If that's the case, then Hong Cha is...
"Of course. She's my consort in this gala, Brother." Gu Jiaoyue emphasized the last word and pulled Hong Cha to him. "Oh, you don't know her well yet, right? I forgot to mention, she's my fiance."
"Your fiance...?" His heart thumped and his gaze turned helpless. He turned to Hong Cha who gave him an apologetic look. "I, I don't get it. Transmigrators should be unattached. Why...how come?"
"Hate to break it but she has been my fiance after she left Earth 1 so she can stay with me in Andromeda. Brother, it can't be you fancy her?" He asked with a ridiculing tone.
"Gu Jiaoyue, enough!" Hong Cha spoke up. She can't stand seeing Gu Zixing heartbroken.
"I didn't know she's your fiance." Gu Zixing became calm again. He faked a pleasant smile and clasped his hands behind his back, regaining the gentlemanly posture he always had. "Miss Hong, forget I said anything. Goodbye."
"No, Gu-" Hong Cha wanted to stop him from leaving but Gu Jiaoyue tugged her in a sudden and made her face him.
"Try chasing him again, you still owe me a lot, Hong Cha." He reminded her of their past and how she had deprived him. Hong Cha became silent and she lowered her head. Gu Jiaoyue scoffed, he should have known she still love his brother.