Illusions, Lies, Truth - Volume 2, Chapter 4: This Bookstore’s… Part 1—Boss

Themes: Black Market Trading, Global Crime Networks, Boundaries of Human Nature and Morality, The Struggle Between Truth and SurvivalStory Background:In a modern metropolis, the surface level of prosperity conceals the darkness and corruption lurking beneath. Ethan, a highly skilled detective, spends his life navigating the shadowy corners of the city, uncovering the hidden secrets buried beneath the mundane facade of everyday life. When he is drawn into what initially seems like a simple suicide case, he becomes entangled in a conspiracy involving the global black market, power struggles, and transnational crime.Main Characters:Ethan (Protagonist): A seasoned, calm, and intuitive detective who excels at finding the truth in complex cases. On the surface, he is a quiet, solitary man who prefers to avoid social interaction, but deep down, he is haunted by unresolved cases from his past. Faced with dark forces, he is both determined and full of doubt.Lila (Female Protagonist/Key Ally): Ethan's investigative partner, an intelligent and resourceful intelligence officer with a mysterious background. Her past is also shrouded in secrecy, and she seems to have an undisclosed connection to the “Black Angels” organization. She provides crucial assistance in Ethan's investigation, but her motives remain unclear, casting suspicion on her true intentions.Victor Saville (Antagonist/Main Adversary): A charismatic yet dangerous businessman, who appears to be a successful entrepreneur but is, in fact, one of the central figures of the global crime syndicate “The Black Angels.” Cold-hearted, clever, and ruthless, he controls a global black market network, overseeing arms trafficking, human trafficking, and drug smuggling. He is not only a key figure in Langley's death but also the biggest obstacle in Ethan's investigation.The Mysterious Woman (Key Character): An elusive woman who repeatedly appears during Ethan's investigation, warning him not to delve deeper into Saville and the “Black Angels” organization. Her identity is unclear, but it is evident that she holds vital secrets about Saville and his network. Her appearances leave Ethan bewildered—whether she is an enemy or his only ally remains uncertain.

I, Daddy, Paladin,

The first under the stars to bring a baby to PK strong!

If you don’t accept it, come to fight!

[The 3000th issue of mysterious arrival is about to open! 】

【This is your only chance to redeem yourself! 】

In the global crisis, Wang Teng opens up his unique talent!

SSS-level talent – unequal exchange!

We are not zero yuan purchase!

But we are not equal exchange!

【The exchange is successful! You exchange half a box of instant noodles for endless extraction of SSS-level talents! 】

【The exchange is successful! You exchange a bottle of Sad Crisp Breeze for Douzhuanxingxiao! 】

…

Since then, Wang Teng has opened a new mode of exchange.

- Description from novelbuddy

A story of time-travel. Sly and cunning, she unexpectedly became a sickly noble lady whose fiancé is merciless and demotes her to a lowly concubine. She sneers and bravely breaks off the engagement. To hell with scumbags, marry heirs to lords, blind the courts with her brilliance.