#Discounted cash flow

[truedatafinancialpvtltd]

[bizzview]

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[newstech24]

Lundin Gold: Glorious Money Stream, However Inventory No Longer Discounted In contrast To Friends

Lundin Gold: Glorious Money Stream, However Inventory No Longer Discounted In contrast To Friends

[vander-12]

How to Ensure Accurate Private Equity Valuations

By Rett Crocker May 24, 2023Article Private equity (PE) firms continue to attract investors looking to maximize returns and minimize risks. In fact, private equity fundraising has seen a substantial rise. According to Bain & Company, global funds raised across the full private capital spectrum hit $1.2 trillion in 2021 – a 14% increase from the prior year.  Market trends show plenty of dry…

[artisticdivasworld]

How FRC's Automated Collections Application Speeds Up Cash Recognition

NEW BLOG ALERT!! Don't forget to subscribe and comment. Thanks!

RENEE WILLIAMS, PRESIDENTFreightRevCon, a Freight Revenue Consultants, LLC. company How FRC’s Automated Collections Application Speeds Up Cash Recognition FRC’s automated collections application is designed to streamline the payment collection process, ensuring truck owners receive their payments more quickly and accurately. Here’s how it works: 1. Integration with Broker AP Databases The…

[ma7moudgaza2]

Are banks operational in Gaza? And how do we deal with cash flow?

The targeting of the occupation against the banking and financial systems in the Gaza Strip, the destruction of dozens of exchange offices and ATMs, the prohibition of financial transfers to Gazans, and the absence of regulatory oversight from the relevant authorities have led to chaos and the dominance of banks and exchange offices, resulting in an increase in the financial discount as commissions on the amounts that Palestinians there seek to obtain in cash.

So as not to get away from the main topic of this post, let's focus on answering these two questions directly.

Yes and no.

How is that, Mahmoud? Explain.

Yes, all banks in Gaza have shut down their headquarters since the war broke out, and it's not possible to contact their employees to complete certain transactions.

But banks operate digitally through some official apps, mainly Bank of Palestine since its headquarters is in Ramallah and not Gaza, so it operates normally.

So you're saying the banks are closed does that mean ATMs are, too? How do you withdraw your money?

Through traders in Gaza.

How does that work?

Let's say Mahmoud needs to withdraw 100 dollars in cash. He goes to one of the known traders in Gaza and says "I need 100 dollars in cash, how much is commission?"

How much is commission?

Commission differs from one trader to another. It comes down to their personal desire. For example on the day of writing this post, dated 4/12/2024, commission for cash withdrawal has reached 30% of the amount withdrawn.

In other words, if I had 100 dollars in my bank account, I need to pay 30 dollars to the trader, and receive 70 dollars in cash. So, the price of converting bank credit to cash is 30% of that amount.

Meaning if I had 1000 dollars, I receive 700 dollars instead. Imagine that level of injustice, despair, and despotism.

When you receive money from outside of Palestine, the trader also keeps 30%.

But there's nothing we can do. We have no choice but to accept these terms, just to be able to eat and drink and go on with our daily needs.

On the other hand, prices of goods are astronomical. I am not exaggerating when I say that if a person in Gaza has unlimited money it still wouldn't be enough.

The smallest of families need 100 dollars a day just to get by with the bare minimum.

Help us to provide food for today and feed our children in the midst of this famine.

Only $350 left to reach the short-term goal of $22,000

@appsa @tsaricides @schoolhater @buttercuparry @feluka

@el-shab-hussein @wherethatoldtraingoes2 @nabulsi @sayruq @sar-soor

@tiredguyswag @gothhabiba @slydiddledeedee @kingskrazzyart @a-shade-of-blue

[swordsandholly]

Cherry Bomb - tattoo parlor anthology

MDNI | poly 141 x fem fat reader | masterlist

cw: menstruation (not graphic), afab anatomy

Part 4: “Girl Problems”

You shift in the office chair, stomach lurching uncomfortably. It’s been bothering you today - groaning and moaning nonstop. So far you blamed it on the suspicious chicken salad you got from the discount grocery store. You took every stomach soother you could, all the way down to chugging tea on the hottest day of spring so far.

With a rather pathetic groan you stand to meander your way to the bathroom. Surely sitting on the pot will help - at least as a placebo. Just as you do, though, a very distinct wet feeling makes itself known. You freeze, briefly, as if it will go away if you stand still enough.

“Ah, fuck!” You gasp, grabbing your purse and jogging down the hall to the single bath stall and popping the lock shut.

As soon as you sit, you let out a small sigh of relief. At least you caught it before you turned your underwear into a total crime scene. You’d rather not have to explain to John why you need to go home and change. You dig through your bag to your usual pocket of various supplies. From lotion to a sewing kit. It never hurts to be prepared.

Except, as you rifle around, you’re not finding your usual stash. There should be at least three in here… when did-?

The very loud, distinct memory of a girl at a bar stopping you while canvassing for some sanitary products hits you like a train.

“Whatever you’ve got I’ll take.” She practically begged. So, you handed them all over because got forbid someone get stranded during the most hellish week of the month. Like you are now.

You make a deep, frustrated noise in your throat and bury your face in your hands. You’ve been meaning to put a basket of backup wipes, pads, and tampons in the little bathroom cabinet - not just for you but for customers, too. It just kept getting pushed off when you got busy with other things.

Shit. What are you gonna do? If you put your pants back on you’ll just bleed through them in ten minutes. Cursed with a heavy flow (or blessed with a strong connection to the moon, as your former hippie roommate insisted.) Less time than that, probably, based on the vicious cramp that travels from your lower back to pelvis. You won’t be able to get to the corner store with out leaving a war crime in your path.

John’s the only person in the studio right now. He doesn’t have a client for another hour or so but you’d rather die than tell your hot boss you’re bleeding everywhere. For a few, quiet moments, you violently bounce your knee and go through every possibility. Maybe you’ll suddenly turn into the flash and you can get home before anyone even notices. You don’t really have much of a choice, do you?

With another groan you pull your phone from your pocket, thumb hovering over his contact for just a few beats too long while you work up the courage.

>> ok so this is terrible

>> im so sorry

>> but im having girl problems and am stuck in the bathroom

>> im so sorry this is so unprofessional

Girl problems? What are you? In fucking middle school? Before you can send yet another in a long string of planned apologies, John answers.

J >> How can I help?

>> i dont have any products on me

>> meant to stock the bathroom

>> sorry

J >> Stop apologizing

J >> What kind do you use? I’ll go to the corner store up the street

You breathe out a sigh of relief, still nervously gnawing at your lip as you send him what you need with an example picture (just in case) and profusely insist you’ll pay him back. John refuses. You’ll just have to sneak the cash in his tips or something.

It isn’t long before you hear the front doorbell ring, heavy footsteps, then a gentle tap on the bathroom door. “Y’alright, love?”

You perk up. “John, I’m so sorry-“

“Didn’t ask if you were sorry. Asked if you were alright.”

You snort. “Yeah…”

“I’m goin’ to unlock the door to slide these in. No lookin’ I swear.” John says. As if you were worried about that. You trust John. More than maybe any other man you’ve known (not that the bar is very high.) It’s nice of him to say, though. The door barely cracks open, just enough for him to toss the box to you across the floor and shut it immediately. You barely even see his arm. “That all you need?”

“Yeah. Thanks.” You murmur, bending awkwardly and snatching up the box. “I’m really sorry. I know it’s not really… appropriate.”

“Love, it’s normal. It happens. Just get y’self situated.” John taps the door once before you hear his footsteps drift down the hall toward the front.

You feel a bit skittish the rest of the day. You know it’s stupid. John’s a grown man and it’s a natural thing that happens and it’s fine. He said it’s fine. If it wasn’t fine you probably wouldn’t still look up to him the way that you do - the way that you have since you came here. The way everyone else seems to. Even so, you step around him a little wider than usual on your way out - keeping your head hung low and both hands tightly gripping your purse.

You chew your lip, shifting in place as he locks the front door. “Look, John, I-“

“If you apologize again I’m gonna fire you.” John mutters, pulling on the door to make sure it’s properly secured. There’s humor in it, though, the corners of his lips quirked up slightly.

You scoff, still not quite able to meet his eye.

“Sweetheart, look at me.” When you don’t move fast enough, apparently, he tilts your head up with a light touch. His eyes are so warm despite their icy blue shade. Sparkly in the setting sun. “Any man worth his breath wouldn’t give a shite. I’m sorry if that hasn’t been your experience, but really, it’s fine. I’ll help you out a thousand times over if y’need.”

“Okay…” You murmur, suddenly very distracted by the feeling of his fingers touching your chin, light as is it. You pull away and clear your throat, hoping he doesn’t notice the growing heat in your cheeks. “Well, uh, see you tomorrow, then.”

John nods, still smiling. “Sleep well, dove.”

When you come in the next day, you expect to get teased. A snide comment or a sideways look. You would have at any other job you’d worked - especially one with all men. All giggling and poking at you like a bear they know can’t bite back. No one says a thing outside of their usual greetings when you make your way to the front desk, though. Johnny pinches your hip like normal, Simon greets you with his new pun of the day, Kyle gives you a distracted wave over the hum of his practice gun. John doesn’t bat an eye when he says hello and checks in about the plan for the day.

You open the bottom drawer that you usually tuck your purse into, pausing before you set it inside. At the bottom, neatly tied together with a piece of twine, sits a king size chocolate bar and a pack of Midol.

If John notices the way you become extra smiley after that discovery, he doesn’t comment.

A/N: This was very self-indulgent but I’m having a bad time over here and need to be saved.

[omagpies]

I have some extra expenses coming up and could really use an extra bit of cash flow, namely about €420 (eyy) 💗 so if you’ve been considering commissioning me, here is your chance to do so at a 10% discount, starting today and ending on June 6th!

here is my KO-FI page for you to peruse

here is the 10% discount code FEATHER10 that can be applied to any comm listing (or FEATHER for shop listings!)

for time constraints reasons, it might take me longer to deliver the result than my usual 1-2 weeks, but I never disappear without warning and always check in with progress :) so unless you order something at like June 6th evening you will absolutely get progress pics before I have to be away 7th-14th

if you prefer to donate instead, thank you very much! you can tip via ko-fi page or DM me for PayPal. for donations/tips of €15+ I will be happy to draw stuff for you as a thank you, so please feel free to include a character/beast/reference in notes or shoot me a DM 💗 (but also bear in mind that I have a sketch comm listing/fursona assignment for 10 too!)

thank you! please spread the word if you can, I will love you forever 💗

[valuentumbrian]

How Does 37% Sound?

Image: The Schwab U.S. Large Cap Growth ETF (SCHG) is up more than 37% so far in 2024.

By Brian Nelson, CFA

How does 37% sound? That was the price-only performance of the Schwab U.S. Large Cap Growth ETF (SCHG) thus far in 2024. Over the preceding 5-year period, the SCHG is up over 140%.

For years, I have pounded the table on the theory that there are not value or growth stocks, but rather undervalued, fairly valued, or overvalued stocks. It’s why many growth stocks can be undervalued. It’s the Theory of Universal Valuation found in Value Trap that ties myriad areas of finance to the well-known discounted cash-flow [DCF] model. Growth is a component of value. Hook, line, and sinker.

For years, I have been pounding the table on large cap growth as my favorite area for idea generation (given its Valuentum stock tendencies), and I have put my money where my mouth is, too, with a meaningful portion of my net worth in SCHG. You’ll find that a lot of the top holdings in SCHG are top considerations in the Best Ideas Newsletter portfolio, too, so there’s some good overlap between what I consider Valuentum stocks and where I’m putting my money.

But why don’t I actually own all the stocks I like? It’s the question I have been asked for more than a decade. Here’s what I wrote back in September 2023. I’m an old school analyst that cut my teeth in this business following the Global Analyst Settlement, meaning I believe that writers should generally not be taking stakes in the individual stocks they write about. Writers with positions in the stocks they write about can lead to biased research, or worse, terrible outcomes.

So what’s the playbook for 2025? You can probably guess that I think large cap growth and big cap tech will continue to lead the markets to new heights. 2024 was a boring year, if a 37% return can be considered boring for large cap growth. Frankly, with the market focusing on macro data and the Fed during 2024, there wasn’t much material to write about. We all already know the story: Inflation is under control, the job market remains healthy, the Fed is cutting, and artificial intelligence will be the name of the game this decade.

I think it’s worth clarifying some of our offerings every now and then, as each one focuses on a unique vertical. For those seeking capital appreciation, the Best Ideas Newsletter portfolio may be of interest. For those seeking dividend growth, the Dividend Growth Newsletter portfolio includes our favorite ideas, while for those seeking high yield, the High Yield Dividend Newsletter may be your cup of tea. Dividend growth focuses on dividend growth potential; high yield focuses on current high yield, and so on and so forth.

The Exclusive publication is one of my favorite publications, where we highlight an income idea, a capital appreciation idea and a short idea consideration each month. You can read more about the Exclusive publication here. As of the date of the release of the December edition of the Exclusive publication, success rates for Capital Appreciation Ideas were 90.1%, while success rates for Short Idea Considerations were 88.1%. If you haven’t yet tried out the Exclusive, please do so.

Okay – so what about dividends? Unfortunately, I think we’re in for another difficult year for dividend growth investing. The SPDR S&P Dividend ETF (SDY) is only up 6% year-to-date, trailing both the equal-weight and market-cap weighted S&P 500 indices by sizable margins. With the 10-year Treasury yield at 4.6% and certificate-of-deposit rates still elevated, dividend-only-focused investors will likely continue to trail the broader markets. Remember: dividends are capital appreciation that otherwise would have been achieved, so don’t let the dividend tail wag the total return dog.

What about Bitcoin? I really don’t know. It’s definitely a greater fool asset like gold, but I have totally underestimated the number of fools there are these days. Haha. Just kidding, but seriously, with the regulatory environment easing with respect to crypto and with President-elect Donald Trump supporting crypto assets, who really knows how high Bitcoin can get or just how volatile the asset may become as institutional money ebbs and flows.

So what about small cap value? Well, year-to-date, the iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF (IWN) is up a meager 6%, and it is up just 28% over the past 5 years, trailing large cap growth considerably. With a near 30% weighting in financials and 10% weighting in real estate in the IWN, for me, it’s a no-brainer to avoid. The only way I believe the gap between large cap growth and small cap value narrows is if large cap growth falls on difficult times, which can never be ruled out. But that said, there’s no reason to believe in the IWN, no matter what the statisticians say about quantitative value. I tackle the issue of the pitfalls of falling in love with historical data in Value Trap, too.

All things considered, 2024 was an absolutely amazing year for our core research exposure (i.e. large cap growth). Do I think the SCHG will repeat its dazzling performance in 2025? Probably not to the same extent, but it’s hard to bet against some of the strongest net-cash-rich, free-cash-flow generating powerhouses on the market today. Give me Apple (AAPL), Nvidia (NVDA), Microsoft (MSFT), Amazon (AMZN), Alphabet (GOOG) any day of the week, especially over any financials-heavy index. Enjoy the rest of 2024 folks!

Leave a comment >>

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The High Yield Dividend Newsletter, Best Ideas Newsletter, Dividend Growth Newsletter, Valuentum Exclusive publication, ESG Newsletter, and any reports, data and content found on this website are for information purposes only and should not be considered a solicitation to buy or sell any security. Valuentum is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for results obtained from the use of its newsletters, reports, commentary, data or publications and accepts no liability for how readers may choose to utilize the content. Valuentum is not a money manager, is not a registered investment advisor, and does not offer brokerage or investment banking services. The sources of the data used on this website and reports are believed by Valuentum to be reliable, but the data’s accuracy, completeness or interpretation cannot be guaranteed. Valuentum, its employees, and independent contractors may have long, short or derivative positions in the securities mentioned on this website. The High Yield Dividend Newsletter portfolio, ESG Newsletter portfolio, Best Ideas Newsletter portfolio and Dividend Growth Newsletter portfolio are not real money portfolios. Performance, including that in the Valuentum Exclusive publication and additional options commentary feature, is hypothetical and does not represent actual trading. Actual results may differ from simulated information, results, or performance being presented. For more information about Valuentum and the products and services it offers, please contact us at info@valuentum.com.

[birbleh]

7 ways to write Reigen in-character/Reigen-centric

1. Make him ugly

Yes, he is extremely sexy man and he is extremely sexy ugly man. You wanna write he has delicate porcelain wrists and his waist is snatched?? Sure, but he also picks his nose in private.

2. Encourage him to be a repeat offender

Don’t limit him to con artistry, any petty thing that helps him save a little cash is even better. Taking 30+ napkins from the front of the food franchise store???? He’s running a small business, officer.

3. Reigen is always trying to strike a deal. Even with your readers

And you can get an additional discount if you continue reading, sign these terms and purchase the following bulk items… Don’t resist. Let the luminous allure of capitalism flow through you.

4. Reigen is also trying to cheat your readers

Reigen admitting he has no powers?? Pffffffff what series did you read/watch?? Mop Sycho???? (At this point it’s fine cuz everyone knows he’s obviously lying (aka obvious unreliable narration)). And yes, when it matters he’s honest about it.

5. Add a sprinkle of self-loathing

Does Reigen hate himself?? :DDDDDD Of course he does! But make it subtle. Can’t have any employees feeling guilty cuz they turned down his dinner offer (and he instead spent that night downing lemon sours and not enjoying it).

6. Remember Reigen’s love for Mob is boundless

Of course shishou would reschedule all his appointments, drive into uncharted forest and hold back a stranger in a chokehold so Mob can have free milk or a frog sticker.

7. Make Reigen struggle to be emotionally vulnerable

My man’s a feminist alas the societal norms of emotional suppression grip him still. If you’re writing him pre or during canon he’s not gonna cry so easily. Post-canon tho???? Yassssssssss let those snotty tears drown his eyes and airwayss we love that. And if sharing smth personal means his nuggets of wisdom will sound a little more meaningful to the people he cares about, then he will.

Obviously there are many ways to write this stinky lingerie-wearing man, but assume you followed these steps…

The result?? I wrote a reigen-centric fic here :)) Let me know what you think

[covid-safer-hotties]

For anyone who’s confused: an example of Societal Eugenics is people going “I’m going to judge & harass you in public for wearing a mask” & when you complain to your more-abled ‘friends’ about it, they say “I just don’t want to mask anymore, it’s uncomfortable & it makes people judge me in public, & you telling me that attitude puts you in danger is Harming Me,” which makes them avoid or exclude you. And then they discount our experiences entirely to “return to normal.” This makes it hard for US to, say, go grocery shopping or get desperately-needed medical care. Or, to the original point, be in public at all for either necessity or leisure, *For 5 Or More Years,* bc this attitude was prevalent before the covid pandemic. It’s people legislating public mask bans for “public safety” despite the fact that it would kill & totally isolate disabled people. It’s a form of Ugly Laws, which a lot of people would *love* to bring back.

Simply put: societal eugenics is broader society deciding that it is better for disabled (or “invaluable”) people to die or become completely isolated than for abled people (and their business! their cash flow!) to be inconvenienced. Our existence is inconvenient for y’all, so you take actions to ensure that we all end up dead, either from disease or—wow, imagine this!—because we kill ourselves from isolation and/or because we understand the above, & there’s no evidence that it will ever get better *for the rest of our lives.*

Every vulnerable person—which here includes addicts, people with severe mental illness or neurological disabilities, prisoners, homeless people, elderly people, Black & native people IN PARTICULAR, & children, people you *rarely think about*—has found their lives worsen in the EXACT WAYS WE PREDICTED WITHIN WEEKS OF LOCKDOWNS STARTING. We already KNEW it wasn’t going to be “a few weeks” bc society doesn’t see these people AS people, but possessions at best & animals to be put down at worst. The average person rarely considers it hateful to just “live their lives” when that lifestyle hurts people.

(And this is something that people get mad about, bc surely no! I don’t hurt or kill anyone! But all you gotta do is look at how chocolate suppliers have legally justified child slavery, then consider how freely available it is, & whether you’d give it up. Could you stop buying chocolate or eating chocolate & advocate for everyone else to stop too, even if it meant your friends started hating you for it? This pattern repeats itself over & over again in most aspects of your life. This is Also a form of societal eugenics.)

Your friends killed themselves because they lost their social supports during the initial lockdown. Thank you for advocating for them. We know the feeling bc we’re still there. We wish you’d get angry for every vulnerable person who’s in their same position But Worse. Returning To Normal would not have saved them—a concentrated public effort to mask in public & at work & at events so that they, & more of us, could participate in society WOULD HAVE. Making ALL spaces safer for vulnerable people to participate might have saved them. We want more people to LIVE. By only centering your “abled” friends who died during the initial lockdown, by trying to justify why you refuse to mask or clean the air or advocate for us BECAUSE people isolate you when you do so, your actions & advocacy run contrary to that goal.

People too busy derailing those whose lives have been destroyed by consumerism to have a thought about their role in ableism (which is just eugenics in action).

[starsfic]

Halloween Night at Pigsy's

Summary:

The city, after the mayor's vacation in America, decides to throw Halloween, including trick or treating. The Traffic Light Trio is just focused on all the kids dressed up like them.

AO3/Ko-Fi

The announcement came three days after October 31st.

The mayor- the actual mayor, Long Xiaojiao had checked- had apparently been on vacation in the United States. She had been there in time to watch the American holiday of Halloween in full display, including trick or treating. It was usually overshadowed by the Mid-Autumn Festival and the Double Ninth Festival, until this year. She had gotten the idea to do mainly the trick or treating through the city’s main businesses- with candy provided by the city- to stimulate cash flow and, more importantly, as a way to bond over the past year or two of city and country-wide trauma.

"Hey, stop that sad look," Xiaojiao said, nudging Qi Xiaotian away from studying the announcement. "Not all of it is your fault. Isn't that what you're talking about with your therapist?"

"I mean, I guess." Xiaotian huffed, turning off his phone. "So, are you going to dress up?"

"Obviously!" Xiaojiao said, typing on her phone. "What about you guys?"

“Pf,” Pigsy snorted, bagging up some noodles. “If you’ll catch me dressing up on that day. It’ll be a fire hazard.” He paused, glancing over at Tang munching down on his third bowl of noodles of the morning, and then groaned. “But I will be offering a discount on noodles to those who dress up.”

Tang looked up with a gasp.

“DON’T LOOK AT ME LIKE THAT-”

“I wonder if I can get Wukong over to help pass out candy?” Xiaotian wondered as Tang started to gush at the idea. “He loves kids, and I think a lot of kids would be excited!” Even if they weren’t big fans like he was as a kid, it was still the Monkey King.

He was suddenly excited for this.

Things worked quickly in the city.

Almost by magic, every shop in the city was decorated with orange and black, green and purple, pumpkins and bats a few hours after the mayor’s announcement. Xiaotian couldn’t help but soak it in as he made his deliveries, enjoying the “spooky music” that shops began to play and the deals that were announced mirroring Pigsy’s own decision.

At least capitalism knew when to jump onto something.

Finally, the day arrived.

As he hoped, Sun Wukong agreed to come. He even ordered a truckload of candy to be delivered to the noodle shop, only adding to the sheer amount that Pigsy’s Noodles were willing to give.

An hour before trick or treating started, Xiaotian hurried down the stairs. Xiaojiao had offered to take him costume shopping, but he had refused. He had a perfectly great Monkey King cosplay! Sure, the real one would be there, but he was over the embarrassment of owning several pieces of merch.

Hopefully.

The noodle shop was all decked out, excluding Tang in his usual seat. Sandy was hurrying around, adding more cobwebs and purple glitter here and there, dressed up in a witch dress that complimented his biceps. Xiaojiao, dressed up as She-Ra, snickered from her spot as she snapped a picture of Mo in his little witch hat.

“Huh,” Pigsy said, looking around as he chopped bok choy. “I thought that six-eared weirdo would be here.”

“Bai He texted me,” Xiaotian admitted. “She’s under the cut-off, so she decided to invite Macaque trick or treating with her family.” He had even been willing to transform as a bat to compliment Bai He’s Count Dracula costume and that picture was going in the blackmail folder.

“Woah, bud! Looking good!”

Xiaotian looked up and nearly felt his heart stop at his own reflection. For a second, he was convinced that he had summoned a clone, then a flick caught his eye. Sticking out of his trademark red pants was a familiar golden monkey tail. Now that he looked closer, he could also see the blue eyeshadow and eyeliner.

“Monkey King!” Xiaojiao called, unaware of her best friend gaping. “It’s no fun if you use shapeshifting!”

“Aw…well, you got a point.” In a flash of gold, there was Sun Wukong, still wearing his clothes. “How do I look, bud? I don’t pull off orange as well as you do, but-” He paused, staring at him like he was deeply concerned…which he probably was. “You okay there, bud?”

Xiaotian sniffled. “I’mgreat.”

Wukong smiled and patted his shoulder as he walked past before calling to ask Pigsy how he could help.

The hour flew by once Xiaotian calmed down. He had to stop Wukong from making a bowl of candy with his hair, but that was fine. Soon enough, the clock struck six and a small yellow bundle rang the little bell that Sandy had rigged up.

“Trick or treat!” the kid called.

Xiaotian grabbed a bowl of candy. “Well, happy-” He looked down and nearly burst into tears again, cutting off his response.

The jacket. The bandana. The hair flap.

This little girl was dressed up as him.

“She really loves you,” one of the adults, her dad he was guessing, said with a smile. “The minute she heard about you, she insisted on getting a costume of you.”

“That…that’s cool!” No, he wasn’t crying. Pigsy was just cutting onions for the noodles. “You look really great!” He grabbed a handful of candy and threw it in her bag and grabbed a second handful. His mentor dressing up as him was one thing, this small child looking up to him was another. “I’m sorry, I’m trying to resist the urge to dump the whole thing in.”

“That’s fine!” Mini Him chirped and then she tugged under her arm and pulled out a cardboard tube. “Look, I even have my own staff!”

“Oh, that’s perfect!” It looked a little wonky, but what did it matter? This kid loved him and loved him enough to make a version of his staff!

And then she asked the question.

“Can I hold your staff?”

Xiatian froze. Both because more kids were running up, calling his name- was that a replica dragon sword- and also…no. Just, no. That would lead to a squished kid and his guilt would not be able to handle that. “I don’t think…” he said, trying to think of the best way to word this refusal as he passed out handfuls to the kids running up. “I don’t…”

“Yeah!”

“Xiaojiao?!” he sputtered at his best friend’s sudden interruption.

“We can make it work!” Xiaojiao said, plucking the candy bowl out of his hands and passing it to Wukong, who beamed and grabbed some candy. “Okay? I have some ideas…”

-_-

“Okay!” Xiaotian called, angling his body to be out of the shot of Xiaojiao and Mini Him’s mom. “Everyone say, here comes Monkie Kid!”

“HERE COMES MONKIE KID!”

The cry repeated several times once kids noticed what was happening. Thankfully, nobody threw a fit at not being able to actually hold the staff. Every time, Xiaojiao asked the parents if she could post the picture on her social media, and almost every parent agreed, claiming that they were also going to post the picture on social media.

Across China and even further out for that night and the next few weeks, several demons tuned into social media and nearly had a mass heart attack.

"Just how many rocks does that damn simian have up on his mountain?" 

"Dear god, it's spreading."

“Nope. Nope. Nope nope nope-”

Nezha snickered at the image on the phone Wukong insisted he get and liked it before sending the link to his father’s phone. He felt a grin form at his father’s horrified scream from across Heaven.

Back to the now, there was a loud cry of “THANKS!” as the kids rushed away.

“You having fun?” Xiaotian asked, looking around and feeling his heart lift at so many cheerful children’s faces.

“Duh,” Xiaojiao said, raising her hand. A boy dressed like her, carrying the third replica dragon sword he had seen tonight, wasted no time in slapping it before rushing up to another mini Xiaotian to grab his hand. “Look at Wukong’s face, he’s so happy.” Xiaotian glanced over and chuckled at the sight of his mentor, throwing handfuls of candy at the kids. His eyes gleamed in a way he had never seen before.

“Of course he is,” a familiar voice said. “My uncle has always had a weakness for the smiles of children.”

“Red Son!” Xiaotian cried, whirling around. Red looked awkward, standing in the middle of the street, but he was also dressed up. It was hard to figure out who he was, but the hair horns were a good giveaway. “I didn’t think you would show up!”

“Ugh, the Dragon Girl threatened me,” the fire demon sighed. “She has way too much-”

“Excuse me?”

They all turned to see a little boy, staring at them like they were the answer to life. He held a basket full of candy and something in the crook of his arm, but his outfit was styled in a familiar way with a red coat and purple pants. He even had his hair arranged to look like flames, much like Red Son’s ponytail.

“Yes?”

“Are you Red Son?” the little boy asked, starting to bounce on his feet. If all the mini hims and little Xiaojiaos hadn’t melted his heart already, Xiaotian was pretty sure his heart was a massive puddle.

“Yes?” the fire demon said, sounding baffled.

“Oh! I dressed up like you!” The boy spun, his coat even doing the dramatic flip like Red Son’s coat did sometimes. “You’re super cool!”

“Of course!” Red said, a grin forming. “Who wouldn't wanna be like me, the great villainous Red So-”

“You’re my favorite hero!”

Red froze. 

Xiaojiao snapped a picture of his frozen expression, chuckling to herself. Xiaotian leaned over. “Can you-?”

“Already sending.”

The fire demon finally unstiffened, staring at the lil him as though he talked in Pig Latin. Xiaotian was honestly prepared for him to burst into flames in rage, like every time he and Xiaojiao claimed he was a hero, but nothing happened. Instead, there was a baffled “Excuse me?”

“You’re my favorite hero!” the child repeated, pulling the thing out of the crook of his arm. “You helped save everyone when your dad was possessed!” Aw, he even had a little bull plush that was dressed up like DBK.

“Yes, uh, but that was my father, I conquered the city before-”

“And you helped save everyone from the Spider Queen!”

“That- my father-”

The kid continued talking, and Red kept stammering, caught off guard by the child’s insistence. It didn’t help that other kids, including ones dressed like him and Xiaojiao, were running up. Wukong walked up and pressed a bowl of candy in Red’s hands, sniggering quietly, and the fire demon began to pass handouts of candy while staring into the void that was this child’s insistence that he was a hero.

“What is going on here?”

At least, until a familiar voice boomed out.

“Father!” Red Son yelped, whirling around and, thankfully, not dropping the bowl of candy. Around them, several parents and adults had stopped. Xiaotian felt his stomach sink at the sight of looks of concern and fear. Fuck, he had no idea why DBK had come- his money was on Wukong inviting him for some reason or him looking for his son- but he couldn’t let him-

A scream splintered the silence. Xiaotian jumped at the noise and held his staff close, looking around as the noise dragged on. It took him a second to realize that there was something off about the scream as several children pushed past him. 

It wasn’t a scream of fear or pain.

It was a scream of absolute delight.

Several little Reds and even hims and Xiaojiaos were hopping around DBK, all looking overjoyed at the sight of the giant bull. Xiaotian felt his eyes go wide as DBK’s face visibly softened, leaning down so he could talk to the children.

“Are you adorable?” he said to the first lil Red, who grinned like all his wishes had come true. “Are you dressed up like my son?”

“Yeah!” The question was only aimed at one child, but ten more voices responded. “He’s my favorite hero!” Lil Red said with a huge beam.

“I’M NOT A HERO!”

Unlike what Xiaotian would think of how DBK would react at the idea of his son being called a hero, the bull demon actually grinned. “Yes, he is. Encourage him, children.”

“FATHER!”

Xiaotian felt a grin form as he sighed in relief, turning to grab another bowl of candy to help pass it out.

The street was getting crowded in a way that felt like a mini-block party. DBK and Red Son were being wonderful to the kids despite the latter's repeated insistence that he wasn't a hero. Xiaotian occasionally had to dip into the shop to help Pigsy with the noodle orders, dodging Pigsy's annoyed yelling as Tang kept swapping his costume out to cash in on half price noodles.

It wasn't until Wukong and Red came in for refills on the candy bowls that a problem presented itself.

"I could've sworn we had more," Xiaotian said, staring at where the candy was. Or, where the candy had been. "Pigsy bought an extra five big bags alongside the candy the mayor provided. We can't have run out that quickly."

"Hey!" Xiaotian poked his head out to see the boar guy from across the street rush over with a frantic look. "Do you guys have an extra candy? I could have sworn I had more, but it's all gone!"

"We're all out too," Xiaotian said, pushing himself out the doorway to look around. "Mabe Mr. Xi has some?" Nope. Five minutes ago, the candy store window had been full of candy, thanks to the elderly man stocking up in mass. Now, he was staring at the store and its empty displays like it was the end of time.

"Excuse me?" A few parents had hurried up. "Did any of our kids accidentally drop some candy here? Their bags are empty," the mom in charge said. "But I've seen you and them pass out candy."

"Plus," a dad spoke up. "They got a lot before we entered this street, so their bags shouldn't be empty like that."

Xiaotian looked out at the entire street. A wave of shock and confusion was rolling through the crowd as more kids looked in their bags and realized that they were suddenly and mysteriously tempting, prompting other kids to check their bags. Angry grumbles and tears were sparking to life, ready to become a blaze of emotion.

"We haven't," Wukong was saying when Xiaotian turned back to the conversation. "We just checked, and all of our candy has disappeared too."

"And I know I grabbed enough for leftovers," Pigsy said, looking both concerned and very annoyed. He glanced at Red Son, who puffed up his chest in annoyance.

"My father and I have better things to do than steal candy from-"

"IT WAS US!"

...of fucking course.

Yin and Jin stood at the end of the street, both dressed like American greasers (at least, if greasers looked like huge nerds). Behind them was a giant canvas bag, easily taller than every building here.

"Monkie Kid! It's your greatest rivals..."

"Yin-"

"ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!" Xiaotian had to interrupt. "This is the rudest thing you guys have ever done!"

"Who cares?!" Jin called. "We have all the candy! We're the winners!"

Fuck, this was ridiculous. And crossed a line. Qi Xiaotian pulled out his staff. “Give that-”

“GIVE THAT BACK!”

The little girl, his first mini-him, glared at Yin and Jin. There was a frightening look in her eyes, and Xiaotian realized, with a bolt of unease, that it was spreading as every kid on the street turned and stared down the demon twins.

Either Yin was incredibly brave or incredibly stupid (Xiaotian was willing to bet the latter), because he leaned forward. “Oh, yeah, lil Monkie Kid? What are you gonna do? Huh? What are you-”

An ax went flying from the crowd, beaning him right in the face and sending Yin stumbling back.

That was enough.

“GET THEM!” Mini Him yelled, hoisting up her staff.

A stampede of children went running at Yin and Jin. Not all of them were dressed like him, Xiaojiao, or Red. It didn’t matter. The sugar-hungry children launched themselves in a wave at the demon twins. Jin froze, gripping a bloody-nosed Yin, and whimpered, “Mommy.”

The twins disappeared under the wave, several staffs and swords and other fake weapons being used for their intended purpose.

Xiaotian stepped forward but froze at a particularly loud scream.

Yeah, he didn’t want to get in the middle of that.

“GO! GO! GO BABY DRAGONS!” Apparently, Xiaojiao didn’t either. Instead, she hovered at the edge of the mosh pit, her phone up and recording. Red cackled next to her, his hair shooting off sparks.

The crowd briefly parted to reveal Jin, covered in bruises and sobbing his eyes out. “Help me!” he called, reaching out for Xiaotian. Before he could consider it, Jin was yanked back into the crowd.

A few children eventually broke away from the crowd to attack the giant bag of candy. Xiaotian did approach at that, helping the kids pull open the bag to reveal the honestly huge amount. “Who wants candy!” he called.

“I do.”

He blinked at the sight of the demon accountant, dressed up in a pink silk jacket. “Uh…�� he said, glancing at Yin and Jin, still being whacked with a bunch of plastic and cardboard weapons.

“Don’t even ask,” she said, holding up a bag. “Just please give me some chan pui mui and brown sugar candy. I’m leaving those idiots to their fate.”

Fair enough. Xiaotian dumped a bunch of candy in her bag without question.

The rest of the children eventually got bored of beating up Yin and Jin and wandered over to collect their candy. If their weapons were dented and they had slight traces of blood on them, Xiaotian didn’t say a thing. He simply handed out candy and ignored the sobbing demon twins.

The kids finally left when the clock struck midnight. Mini Him insisted on one last hug from both him and Wukong. Xiaotian accepted it. “You did really good tonight, helping your friends get their candy back,” he said, unsure of what exactly to say. “Keep being brave?” Was that a good thing to say? Yeah.

“Maybe one day you’ll be a hero like Xiaotian!” Wukong said as he hugged her before a yelp came out, loud enough that Xiaotian flinched. Mini Him giggled and pulled back, revealing that a large chunk of golden fur was clenched in her hand. “What was that for?” Monkey King whined, rubbing his tail.

“Shrine!” she chirped before turning and skipping away. Her parents sent apologetic looks before trailing after her.

Xiaotian refused to say a thing, except…

“I think you got tricked back for trying to replace the candy.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Wukong sighed, standing up. “Now, who wants to eat all of the leftover candy and watch horror movies?”

“WE DO!”

[lyssafreyguy]

okay. okay. things i either want or straight up need now that i've got some sort of cash flow again in no intended order:

that butch4butch yuri anthology i've been keeping tabs on should be getting an update in July according to the project leader. that's gonna be $15 minimum and then i'm gonna have a bit of time to save up for shipping.

a little shelving unit to go next to my TV stand that'll replace the plant stand i haven't really been properly using that's gonna be for my art books and other things

a new desk chair? mayhaps a mesh one with some sort of lumbar support? this one's gotta go either way. she's nearing her time.

either those new ISaT standees or finally getting around to ordering those pins that've been out for a while or. perhaps both? depending? most likely one thing at a time tho.

would really love to be able to renew my premium membership with the bookstore so i can get free shipping and extra discounts again especially for preorders. even if it's just for one year.

mayyyyyybe i can treat myself with a week's pay to get the new KHII Riku figure coming out in 2 months? my sweet baby boy? or the new Popup Parade of the hanami vers of Sakura Miku releasing later this year? my beautiful baby girl?

A NEW HEADBOARD. I REALLY REALLY WANT A BOOKCASE STYLE HEADBOARD FOR MY NEW BEDFRAME. I'D WANT A COUPLE WEEK'S WORTH OF PAY SAVED UP FIRST THO SO THAT'S LOW PRIORITY. BUT I DO WANT ONE.

A NEW DRESSER ALSO. FROM THE SAME BRAND THAT MY NIGHTSTAND IS FROM TO MATCH. THAT'S ALSO LOW PRIORITY CAUSE THAT'S GONNA BE EXPENSIVE. MAYBE EVEN FOR WHEN I FINALLY GET PROPERLY EMPLOYED.

[cosmicroseflower]

All attachments to doubts, fears, traumas, limiting beliefs, and negative energy are released. I let go of all bad memories and things that were said or done, and what remains is only the knowledge I gained from these experiences. Everything bad that has ever happened to me has completely vanished from my subconscious mind. My subconscious and my inner child are now fully healed. In my subconscious, there's only room for happy and positive memories. I only focus on love. Not old, outdated ways of condemning myself and others. I'm not interested in lower vibrational people. I only attract higher vibrational people in my reality. I only manifest heaven on earth. I only align with loving realties. I am in an eternal relationship with Source. I am anchoring in an abundance of love, joy, wealth, peace, bliss, freedom and ecstasy. What I focus on I instantly see mirrored back to me in my reality. I am electric.

Every cell in my body vibrates at the highest and most elevated frequencies. I live in the present moment with absolute certainty that my every want, wish, and desire is unfolding rapidly, without any effort required. I have faith and confidence in myself. I have all it takes to create my ideal life. I navigate life with ease and unwavering confidence. I am at peace with where I am and fully prepared for all the blessings to come. My future is bright. I have succeeded in every area of my life. All my manifestations have fully materialized. Everything is happening now for me.

I acknowledge the power within me. I have everything I've always wanted, wished, desired, or prayed for. My life is now surrounded by bliss and excitement. - Life is a game, and I play to win. I always win in every situation. Winning is undeniable and inevitable for me. I know exactly how to win at life. I always come out on top in everything. My brain works at a superhuman capacity. I am highly intelligent. I always make the smartest choices and decisions.

My subconscious guarantees that I always succeed, and it is wired for the best and most desired outcomes only. I shift realities with just my thoughts, and with zero effort. - I live in my ideal reality. I have everything I idealize. I have everything I visualize for myself. Everything aligns in my favor. Everything works out for me. Everything goes my way. Everything I desire is already mine. I am so lucky. I am the luckiest person on the planet. I am always at the right place at the right time. Every desired scenario is now my reality. Life is constantly bending to my liking. What I once considered impossible is now possible for me. I am a powerful manifester. I breathe and manifest instantly.

I thrive in every aspect of my life. Everyday my blessings multiply beyond measure. I am bold and invincible. Love flows effortlessly into my life. Money continuously pours into my life. I effortlessly create wealth in infinite amounts. I am highly confident in every interaction. I am surrounded by a stream of miracles. I naturally draw the right people's attention to me. Every second I'm showered with miracles. My dreams are my reality now. My presence is irresistible to all. I am always loved and cherished. Billions of dollars of cash is flowing to me from every direction. I am worthy of receiving millions, billions, and even trillions of cash. I have a billionaire aura now. I only need to be in my feminine energy to receive.

Billions of dollars and generational wealth is my permanent reality. I am a financial genius, mastering investing and saving money with unmatched wisdom and confidence. People are constantly giving me money for no reason at all. I always find exactly what I want at incredibly low prices. I receive unlimited amounts of coupons and discounts. I am so powerful, wise, and intuitive that winning the lottery feels like the easiest thing in the world. I receive massive sums of money through tips and donations that exceed all expectations. I have zero insistence.

Over-the-top money opportunities are constantly drawn to me. Every business I touch transforms into a limitless money-making machine. I breathe and create money. I generate endless wealth, even while I sleep. I can afford absolutely anything and so much more. Financial freedom is my permanent reality. My relationship with money is the healthiest and most abundant it could ever be. - I am the luckiest person alive. Luck follows me relentlessly wherever I go. Luck is irresistibly drawn to me. Lucky opportunities appear to me instantly and inevitably. Lucky encounters happen effortlessly, without fail, every single day. I am an unstoppable magnet for luck. - My intuition is so powerful it guarantees my success every time. Every cell in my body vibrates health, abundance, prosperity, and success. I have unparalleled and unshakable health, both physically and mentally.

My entire being is fully and completely healed, from head to toe, and from the inside out. My mind is crystal-clear, razor-sharp, and focused. - I have everything I desire, including MY ideal career, home, car, wardrobe, and more. The Universe adores me and always conspires in my favor. I am the best and always have been. I am living life on easy mode I am effortlessly making massive amounts of money doing what I love. I am always receiving luxury gifts, free upgrades, and unexpected money. I am constantly finding the best deals, luxury experiences, and exclusive perks. I am always at the right place at the right time to receive what I desire. I am effortlessly attracting luxury, success, and endless opportunities.

I am always surrounded by wealth, abundance, and ease in every area of my life. I am irresistibly magnetic. I am adored, worshiped, and deeply cherished. I am always treated with kindness, loyalty, and deep admiration. I am constantly meeting people who are aligned with my dream love life. I am effortlessly attracting soul-deep love, passion, and devotion. I am receiving the exact type of love and commitment I desire. Money flows to me in ways beyond my imagination. Wealth flows into my life endlessly. I receive abundance from expected and unexpected sources. Money appears for me with ease. Wealth flourishes in my life. I am surrounded by infinite prosperity. I am immersed in limitless wealth.

I attract money from every direction. Abundance finds me in miraculous ways. Prosperity flows to me from seen and unseen channels. Everywhere I go, money finds its way to me. I am a powerful magnet for financial blessings. My income multiplies from endless sources. I am destined for a life of unlimited riches. Every source of income in my life expands exponentially. I always receive more wealth than I expect. I am surrounded by people who genuinely care, support, and uplift me. I am always prioritized, respected, and valued in all my relationships. I am effortlessly excelling in everything I do. I am always attracting dream job offers, collaborations, and success. I am constantly receiving praise, and extraordinary opportunities.

[just-4-thought]

11am Yesterday, my husband passed a test and got a certificate he needed for work. Riding that high, we planned to celebrate.

12pm: "It's been real, guys," one of his coworkers posted in the work chat. A few moments later he left the chat. My husband went to track him down, but his account had been terminated.

"He was just let go" someone else in the chat clarified.

Confusion settled over the group. "What, why?"

1pm: My husband's friend called him, "they are having me terminate accounts today. I am told I will terminate 10% of the company. They are giving me one name at a time. So, I dont know who is on the list."

"Thanks for the heads up," my husband said and went to report the news to me.

"Shit...L just sent me a message 'can you talk?'"He said and pulled out his phone referencing a coworker with whom we have a friendship. "I hope she wasn't let go."

I sat anxiously awaiting what L could possibly be saying....knowing it wasn't good news.

We knew the company hadn't been doing well. "Not to get political," his boss had said a couple months ago, "but [redacted] and [redacted] are pretty spooked by the current administration's behavior. The tariffs especially. They are pulling out of contracts." Both companies are large, top 5 companies in their industry 1 an automobile manufacturer and the other a petroleum distributor. An exec stepped down, several managers and an owner were demoted. All of their services were discounted, but continued complaints about companies pulling out of contracts, refusing to commit to projects they had begun ... There were signs.

My husband got off the phone with L. "There's a meeting with HR at 4pm titled '[Company Name] Confidential'" my husband shared. "Most of my team was invited, but I was not."

1:30pm. He's in a client meeting until 2. If this HR meeting was where they announced the layoffs to the rest of the company, his exclusion was a bad sign...there really wasn't a good way to spin him being left off the meeting invite.

2pm comes. I go to ask him if he has any new meeting invites from his boss. None.

2:30.... more "goodbyes" in the chats followed by more deactivated accounts. My husband notices 2 members of his team, both very knowledgeable, high performers, with 20 years of tenure each are no longer active. He goes to check.

They are ghosts now.

3pm. "They wouldn't lay me off after that sale I made last week. It covers my whole salary in 4 months. I passed the exam. And who would lay off someone who is going to have a newborn in 2 weeks" he tries to justify his denial.

"With this stress, I may go into labor now." I sort of joke, but it isn't really a joke. I begin researching how to get on a new healthcare as quickly as possible to avoid getting hit with 40k of hospital bills should he get laid off with no severance.

3:30pm... another "see you in the next life" from a terminated account. "He was a really good one." My husband said confused. "They arent taking the bottom performers" i know they don't have much time to inform my husband if he is going to be told before this confidential meeting. But there are still no meeting invites.

3:45pm. He sends a message to his boss "give it to me straight. Do I still have a job"

"No easy way to say it." His boss starts. "It's been a shit day, but you are in the clear."

I cried, relieved.

4pm: The meeting my husband wasn't invited to was with "the future of [company]" according to the ceo. They expected to lay off 2 extra people who made it through the day. No one knows who those 2 are.

Today 12:30pm: my husband's boss tells him in a roundabout way that he is not safe. The company is struggling with sales/cash flow and the layoffs were a bandaid to get them through June.

Boss tries to explain his decision for the people on my husband's team that were let go "set in their ways." "Not likely to learn new skills to help out as needed." But they were not given any warning or opportunity to address these concerns after 2 decades with the company. Maybe my husband didn't get let go because he passed the exam, secured the sale, and has a newborn on the way.... but what about next time? How does he even know what he needs to be doing?

I guess it doesn't matter, does it. Many of my husband's connections across the industry are getting laid off for the same reason... we just got to hope that [company] can ride out this storm and bring him with them.