#Smart Contract Development Process

[antonyshelton]

Build the Future of Gaming with Crypto Casino Development Solutions

[ultragamerz]

Cardano (ADA): Sell it for Solana? 

New Post has been published on https://www.ultragamerz.com/cardano-ada-sell-it-for-solana/

Cardano (ADA): Sell it for Solana? 

Cardano (ADA): Sell it for Solana?

Cardano (ADA), the brainchild of Ethereum co-founder Charles Hoskinson, has been a hot topic in the crypto space. However, with a recent barrage of bearish news and influencer skepticism, some are questioning whether ADA is all it’s cracked up to be. Let’s delve into the world of Cardano, separating hype from reality.

Influencer FOMO and the Solana Shadow:

Social media is flooded with “Cardano killers” like Solana (SOL) boasting lightning-fast transaction speeds and lower fees. Influencers, often swayed by short-term gains, are hyping SOL to the moon, leaving Cardano seemingly stuck in the dust.

Cardano’s Different Path:

However, Cardano takes a much different approach than the “move fast and break things” mentality of some competitors. Cardano prioritizes meticulous research and a peer-reviewed development process. This methodical approach, while slower, aims to deliver a more secure and scalable blockchain in the long run.

Cardano vs. The Hype Machine:

Recent bearish articles highlight Cardano’s slow development progress and missed deadlines. While these criticisms hold some weight, it’s important to remember Cardano is building a complex ecosystem.

The ADA Price:

Cardano’s Bullish Trajectory: A Technical Analysis Glimpse

Cardano (ADA) has been on a tear lately, and technical analysts are using charting tools to predict its potential price path. Here’s a breakdown of three possible targets based on different timeframes:

Short-Term (1-2 Months): Applying the Fibonacci retracement tool to ADA’s recent price surge suggests a first target of around $2.20. This level represents the 61.8% retracement of the current upswing, a common support zone after a price increase.

Mid-Term (3-6 Months): If the bullish momentum continues, a more ambitious target could be $14. This aligns with the 161.8% Fibonacci extension level, indicating a potential doubling of the current price within the next half year. However, reaching this target zone would require sustained buying pressure and positive news surrounding the Cardano ecosystem.

Long-Term (1+ Years): For the long-term hodlers (holders on for a dear life), some analysts are charting a much more aggressive target – a staggering $55. This aligns with the 261.8% Fibonacci extension, signifying a potential 25x return on investment from current levels. However, reaching this price point would require significant adoption of Cardano’s blockchain technology and widespread recognition of its functionalities.

Remember: This is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Technical analysis is just one tool, and market conditions can change rapidly. Always conduct your own research before making any investment decisions.

Is ADA a Worthy Investment?

While some influencers are quick to dismiss ADA, it’s crucial to conduct your own research and understand Cardano’s unique value proposition. Here are some key aspects to consider:

Scalability: Cardano’s Ouroboros proof-of-stake consensus mechanism aims to achieve high transaction throughput without sacrificing decentralization, a challenge faced by many blockchains.

Smart Contracts: Cardano’s smart contract platform, Plutus, is built with security and formal verification in mind, aiming to minimize bugs and vulnerabilities.

Interoperability: Cardano’s vision includes interoperability with other blockchains, allowing seamless transfer of data and assets across different ecosystems.

Bearish News and Price Performance:

Despite the recent bearish sentiment, it’s worth noting that ADA started the current market cycle at around $0.20 and reached a peak of over $3.00, a significant increase. This demonstrates that long-term investors still see value in Cardano’s long-term vision.

Is ADA Right for You?

The decision to invest in ADA depends on your risk tolerance and investment horizon. If you’re looking for a quick pump based on influencer hype, Cardano might not be the best choice. However, if you believe in Cardano’s long-term vision of a secure and scalable blockchain platform, ADA could be a worthwhile investment for your portfolio.

Remember:

The cryptocurrency market is notoriously volatile and prone to hype cycles. Always conduct thorough research, understand the risks involved, and never invest more than you can afford to lose.

[centrally-unplanned]

I know, I am really on a "mocking Tyler Cowen" kick, I will move on from this soon. I just think the ways he is failing these days is very symptomatic of the zeitgeist faux-intellectualism and the ways thinkers are struggling to slot into an openly anti-intellectual movement.

He starts with "USAID is probably good", but in a very compliment-sandwich way. You taught me what a Straussian read is my dear Cowen, so when your "it is good" section is two lines of link dumps, and the rest of the piece is criticism, I am getting the message. So let us set that part aside and dig into those criticisms:

To be clear, I consider this kind of thing to be scandalous.  And I strongly suspect that some of the other outrage anecdotes are true, though they are hard to confirm, or not

The link is to the think tank The Urban Institute putting out a donation call because 1/3rd of its budget is from the Federal government. Which is scandalous...because...uh, why? It is the Urban Institute. They analyze government policy for hire. Their biggest customer is the government. What the fuck? Their latest research - just chosen randomly, top of the list - is an impact evaluation of a program to help at-risk youths graduate high school. Is that bad now?? Does Tyler Cowen no longer think impact evaluations of policy are good??

Imagine describing consulting firms this way: "Oil Well Advisors has hit significant headwinds now that Exxon Mobile is suspending all outside contractors", is that a scandal? Or just absolutely normal behavior for industries with large institutional clients? What is the alternative here? Does he want - in a post subtly praising the Trump Admin - the government to in-house all impact evaluations? I don't disagree that they should do more but, uh, read the room buddy?

I know I am harping on this point but I really wanna emphasize how much of a bad writing call this is - taking an actually insane position (orgs specializing in government contracts shouldn't exist lmao) and because it is so indefensible you instead just handwave it as obvious so the audience maybe doesn't notice. Very cringe.

Okay, moving on:

It does seem Nina Jankowicz and her work received funding, and that I find hard to justify.  It seems to be evidence for something broken in the process. 

The money went to her work with the Center for Information Resilience, which does investigative reporting on war crimes like in the Ukraine War. Maybe her project sucked, I don't even know, but come on. This is incredibly normal behavior for USAID.

 Or how about funds to the BBC?

You mean the BBC Media Action charity, which trains journalists and helps build out mobile & communication networks in developing countries? Should the US build 100% of its own orgs and never fund effective, international partners from US allies? Is that a coherent foreign policy goal I can just wave my hands about and never explain because it is so obvious?

He then goes into the "reforming USAID" angle:

The Samo piece is excellent.  For one thing he notes: “The agency primarily uses a funding model which pays by hours worked, thus incentivizing long-duration projects.”  And the very smart Samantha Power, appointed by Biden to run AID, “…is in favor of disrupting the contractor ecosystem.”  Samo also discusses all the restrictions that require American contractors to be involved. Here is a study on how to reform AID, I have not yet read it.

Which is totally fine, I agree if I ran USAID I could totally like boost efficiency by 50%. I bet a lot of spending is inefficient. But why are you pretending that the current admin is, in any way, aiming for technocratic reform?

Why bother bringing this thread up? That isn't what they are doing! It isn't relevant.

I love this classic trick:

According to the very smart, non-lunatic Charlie Robertson: "My data suggests US AID flows in 2024 were equivalent to: 93% of Somalia’s government revenues, 61% in Sudan, just over 50% in South Sudan and Yemen" While I do not take cutting off those flows lightly, that seems unsustainable and also wrong to me as a matter of USG policy.  Those do not seem like viable enterprises to me.

You can think whatever you want is wrong, your call. But unsustainable? All of USAID is half a percent of the federal government. Payments to Somalia are a rounding error. This is the definition of sustainable! You could run this forever and never even notice.

But okay, maybe you mean like it is creating a culture of dependency or somesuch, not the same thing but I will humor you. Let's look at the latest USAID impact assessment of their work in Somalia:

Oh whoops, looks like our ability to even evaluate programs has been stripped away by the current admin's mass purging of databases like impact assessment reports! Fortunately I have the Wayback Machine, so I can get around this:

"Culture of dependency" this money went to food and clean water for starving people. You can say whatever you want about priorities and all that shit. That it is "unsustainable". But if someone doesn't do this then some of these people die. I notice "let them die" does not appear in your bloodless discussion of "aid dependency". Maybe we should cut aid because they will be forced to get their state together and be better off in the long run. I understand that logic, I really do, you can make that case.

But fucking say it. Say "let them die" to my face. Man the fuck up.

Alright, last one since this is going on too long:

There are various reports of AID spending billions to help overthrow Assad. I cannot easily assess this matter, either whether the outcomes was good or whether AID mattered, but perhaps (assuming it was effective) such actions should be taken by a different agency or institution?

I love this one because it is a peak "attack of opportunity" moment. At the beginning of this very post he says this:

Here is a Samo analysis...The Samo piece is excellent. 

The linked piece, by the Samo Burja, is this:

The piece, to clarify, explains that USAID is not an aid agency, but fundamentally an extension of US foreign policy and conducts itself to achieve foreign policy goals. That this is its explicit, stated purpose. And Tyler Cowen says it is a great piece.

And then proceeds to say that pursuing those goals in Syria should maybe be at a different agency because that isn't "aid".

Bro you don't give a rat's ass about that! You just wanted to score points, you don't care about this at all. It was just on the list, you didn't even think about it, you just said something that sounded plausible. It is pathetic, you don't have to comment on every headline if you don't have a hot take. Just post a meme instead like a normal person.

But he does have to comment, because this post exists to ingratiate himself to the vibe shift. It as transparent as it is embarrassing - it is so limp-wristed, saying things like "the 'Elonsphere' on Twitter is very much exaggerating the horror anecdotes" when their most viral claims are just naked fabrications. Come on, man. You used to be better than this.

[cocobeanncteez]

The CEO Collision - Part Three

Pairing: CEO!Seonghwa x CEO!reader (f)

Warnings / content for Part Three: alcohol consumption, profanities, seonghwa is involved in a scandal, this part contains smut (mdni / 18+), oral (f and m receiving), penetration / piv, protected sex (pill). Please note that other than Ateez, all other character names used are fictional.

Word Count: 11.2k

Masterlist for The CEO Collision

The next few weeks flew by in a whirlwind of work. Your schedule was packed from morning to night with meetings, strategy sessions, and overseeing new developments at your company. The company was preparing for the launch of its newest diagnostic imaging device, and every detail required your attention. From approving marketing materials to meeting with engineers to ensure production timelines were met, you barely had time to breathe.

Meanwhile, Seonghwa was in Daegu for a business trip, overseeing a major expansion project for his own company. He was working closely with new suppliers and negotiating contracts, ensuring the company’s foothold in the region remained strong. The two of you were only able to meet twice these past few weeks with the presence of your families. But you stayed in touch through texts, though the messages were often brief—updates on your respective schedules, quick remarks about your days, and the occasional playful teasing.

It was a Thursday morning at work, and you knew you were going to have to work over the weekend too as you had to attend Yunho’s father’s retirement party tomorrow night. You dearly missed Seonghwa, and as if on cue, he messaged you.

Seonghwa: How’s the launch prep going? Still sane? You: Barely. If I see another typo in these reports, I might scream Seonghwa: You’re the CEO. Just yell. It’s therapeutic You: Sure, and scare my staff half to death? Seonghwa: Consider it a bonding exercise

You chuckled at his last message before putting your phone aside and getting back to work. Despite the distance, the tension from the last time you saw him didn’t dissipate. If anything, the brief moments of flirtation over text seemed to stoke the flames. You’d catch yourself rereading his messages, biting your lip as you thought about his smirk, his touch, the way he’d kissed you against your car and in his library.

But the busyness of your days left little time for daydreams.

A knock at your door was heard before Nari walked in, an anxious look on her face that immediately made you alert.

“What’s wrong?” you asked, worried. “Please don’t tell me we lost data or something.”

“Oh, Ms. Y/N,” she cried, “Yunho said he wants to introduce me to his parents tomorrow night at his father’s retirement party! What should I do?!”

You blinked, processing Nari’s sudden outburst before letting out a small laugh of relief. “That’s it? Nari, you scared me half to death!”

“I’m sorry!” she wailed, clutching her phone tightly. “But this is serious! His parents! What if they don’t like me? What if I mess up? What if—”

“Nari,” you interrupted, standing up and walking over to her. “Take a deep breath.”

She nodded, inhaling sharply and exhaling slowly as you guided her to sit down. “Okay, I’m breathing. Now tell me what to do. I can’t mess this up!”

“You’re not going to mess this up,” you reassured her, pulling a chair over and sitting across from her. “Yunho adores you, right? He wouldn’t introduce you to his parents if he didn’t think they’d like you too.”

“But—”

“No buts. You’re charming, sweet, and smart. Just be yourself,” you said firmly. “And maybe tone down the worrying, just a little.”

Nari let out a nervous laugh, her cheeks flushing. “You’re right. I’m overthinking this, aren’t I?”

“Just a little,” you teased, offering her a smile. “Now, what are you wearing?”

Her eyes widened, the panic returning. “I have no idea! What’s the dress code? What if I’m overdressed? Or underdressed? Or—”

“Nari,” you said, holding up a hand to stop her spiral. “First of all, it’s a black-tie event. Second, I’ll help you pick something out after work, okay? You’ll be perfect.”

Her shoulders sagged with relief. “Thank you, Ms. Y/N. You’re a lifesaver.”

You laughed softly. “Just come over to my place tomorrow. There’s a whole team coming to doll my family up. I’ll have them bring some gowns for you too.”

“Deal,” she said, standing up. “I owe you.”

“Big time,” you teased as she left your office, a newfound spring in her step.

As the door closed, you leaned back in your chair, smiling to yourself. It was nice to see Nari so excited, even if she was a bundle of nerves. And while you wouldn’t admit it out loud, helping her plan for Yunho’s parents was a welcome distraction from your own thoughts about Seonghwa.

-

The next morning at work, you were really tired, and Nari was working at your desk while you laid down on the sofa in your office, trying to take a power nap.

You groggily opened your eyes, still feeling the effects of a restless night as you tried to adjust to the morning light. A loud gasp from Nari quickly jolted you awake, your senses on high alert.

"Y/N, you need to see this!" Nari’s voice was filled with disbelief, and she was already staring intently at her laptop screen.

You sat up from the couch, wiping sleep from your eyes. "What happened? Did something go wrong with the data?" you asked, already feeling a spike of concern.

Nari didn’t answer right away. Instead, she clicked her mouse, and before you could even get close, she gasped again, her hands shaking slightly as she pointed at the screen. "Look at this, Y/N."

You walked over, her frantic energy infectious, and peered at the screen. Your heart dropped into your stomach when you saw the headline:

“CEO Park Seonghwa Caught in Scandal with Young Actress Lee Yoona: A Relationship Blooming?”

The article included several pictures—one of Seonghwa dining with Lee Yoona, the 22-year-old actress, at a trendy restaurant, another showing the two of them walking out of the venue, looking comfortable with each other, laughing together as they left. But it was the final photo that made your stomach twist—Seonghwa carrying Yoona bridal-style into a hotel.

You stared at the image for a long moment, the weight of it sinking in. Your mind tried to process the details, but your heart was already racing, caught somewhere between confusion and anger.

Nari leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper as she read the article aloud:

“CEO Park Seonghwa has been spotted multiple times in the company of actress Lee Yoona, sparking rumors about a blossoming romance between the two. The latest photos taken at a five-star restaurant in Daegu show the two enjoying a private dinner, followed by Seonghwa carrying Yoona to a hotel in a highly intimate gesture. The 8-year age gap has raised some eyebrows, but sources close to both parties suggest that their relationship is more than just a professional one. Lee Yoona is currently in Daegu, filming for her upcoming show ‘Are we in love?’ set to release later in the year, while the reason for CEO Park Seonghwa’s visit to Daegu is unknown.”

Nari clicked her tongue in disbelief. “This is crazy, Y/N. I don’t believe for a second that Seonghwa would do something like this. You and him…” She paused, turning to look at you, as if trying to gauge your reaction. "You’re sort of engaged, right? I mean, he wouldn’t—”

You couldn’t respond immediately, your brain still foggy from the overwhelming sensation of seeing Seonghwa with someone else so… intimately. “This can’t be real, right? He’s… with her? Just like that?” You let the words hang in the air, feeling the weight of them pull you down.

"Come on, Y/N, don't jump to conclusions." Nari’s voice was firm, trying to ground you in logic. "I’ve known Seonghwa for a while, and I honestly don’t think he’s like that. I think… I think the media just twisted things, like they always do. I mean, look at how they spun the dinner. Who knows? It could’ve been completely innocent. You’ve seen how the press exaggerates everything."

You shook your head, trying to clear the fog in your mind. "I don’t know, Nari. This is different. They were so close... Seonghwa's always been professional. But this—this isn’t professional."

Nari leaned back in her chair, her gaze softening. “I get it, I do. But don’t let this media storm get to you. You haven’t heard his side yet, right? And don’t forget, there’s always the possibility that this is nothing more than an innocent dinner, blown out of proportion.”

You let out a shaky breath, feeling like you were about to fall apart. “I need to hear from him. I need to know what’s going on."

The article lingered in front of you like a bad dream, and all you could think about was how your world had just shifted in an instant.

Nari sighed, offering you a small smile. “I’ll support you no matter what, Y/N. But before jumping to conclusions, talk to Seonghwa. You deserve to know the truth straight from him.”

You nodded, still in disbelief, but the one thing you knew for sure was that you had to confront him. You needed clarity. This wasn’t something you could just ignore, especially with the way your heart was reacting to seeing him with someone else.

You reached for your phone, fingers trembling slightly as you unlocked the screen and stared at Seonghwa’s contact. Should you call him now? Or wait for him to reach out? You hesitated for only a moment before you hit his name and waited for him to pick up.

He didn’t pick up. There were no texts from him either. It was nearly one o’clock in the afternoon. Where was he?

Picking up your phone once again, you scrolled through his contact info and dialed his number, your heart racing as the call connected. The phone rang, and your stomach churned with each passing second.

Then—voicemail.

While you waited for Seonghwa to call you back, you looked up his name online, seeing dozens of articles about the scandal. As you scrolled through the articles, your heart sank with every new headline. The media had taken the story and spun it into something much worse than it probably was.

One article in particular caught your attention. It was a detailed write-up about Seonghwa and Lee Yoona, describing their dinner together at a well-known high-end restaurant in Daegu. According to the piece, Seonghwa had been seen laughing and chatting with her before they left together, with some sources claiming that they had been "inseparable" the entire evening. The most damning part of the article was the photo of Seonghwa lifting Yoona in his arms, carrying her bridal-style toward a hotel entrance late in the night. The paparazzi had captured the moment perfectly, making it look like something straight out of a romance movie—except it was far from romantic to you.

Your hands shook slightly as you read the speculation. According to the article, the two of them had been spending "increasingly intimate time together" and rumors of a relationship had started swirling ever since they were seen together at a gala a few months ago. There were comments from people who claimed to have "witnessed their chemistry" and one particularly nasty line about how Seonghwa had always been "a man of many loves."

You clenched your fists, a mixture of anger and confusion bubbling up inside you. How could he not tell you about this? If it was nothing, why hadn’t he reached out to clear the air? Why hadn't he said something before all of this? You trusted him, but now, everything seemed clouded in doubt.

The worst part was that you couldn't stop imagining the look on his face when he carried Yoona into that hotel. Could he have been with her? The idea gnawed at you, the jealousy and betrayal making your stomach twist.

But then, you remembered something—something important. You hadn't seen the whole story. You didn’t know the truth.

You took in a deep breath, trying to steady your racing thoughts. You had to give him the chance to explain. If Seonghwa was who you thought he was, this wouldn’t be the whole picture. There had to be a reasonable explanation. But then again, could there be?

You set your phone down for a moment, looking out the window, trying to calm yourself before your nerves completely took over. Why wasn’t he calling?

-

You stood near the entrance of the elegantly decorated ballroom, feeling the weight of the night pressing on your chest. The chatter around you was lively, the clinking of glasses and laughter echoing through the room, but you barely registered any of it. You had been at Yunho’s father’s retirement party for over an hour now, and still, there was no word from Seonghwa.

Your parents had been urging you not to jump to conclusions, insisting that you wait until you spoke to him directly. They kept telling you that these things often got blown out of proportion in the media. But despite their reassurances, you couldn’t shake the knot in your stomach, the gnawing feeling that maybe you were wrong to trust him. Why hadn’t he reached out by now?

Yeosang and Yunho had been doing their best to distract you, introducing you to people you barely remembered and trying to keep the conversation light, but your mind was elsewhere. You could feel the tension building, making it harder to breathe. Every time your phone buzzed, you jumped—each time hoping it would be Seonghwa, but it never was.

Just then, Hongjoong appeared beside you, his eyes scanning the crowd before landing on you. He gave you a small smile, though there was concern in his gaze.

“Hey,” he said softly, leaning in slightly so only you could hear. “You okay?”

You gave him a tight smile, though it didn’t reach your eyes. “I’m fine. Just... waiting for Seonghwa to explain himself.”

Hongjoong’s brow furrowed, and he put a reassuring hand on your shoulder. “Look, Y/N, I know you���re upset, but Seonghwa? He’s not the type of guy to do something like that. I’ve known him for years, and I can tell you, he’s not that guy.”

You nodded, but your doubts remained. You had heard people say that before—he’s not that guy. But the articles didn’t lie, did they? He was photographed carrying Lee Yoona into a hotel, and the entire media had already decided what that meant. Could he really have just been helping her?

“But why hasn’t he called me?” you asked, your voice barely above a whisper. “Why hasn't he said anything about it?”

Hongjoong’s expression softened, and he gave you a sympathetic look. “I don’t know. He hasn’t responded to my texts yet either. He’s supposed to be here tonight. But believe me, he would never betray you like this.”

You wanted to believe him. You really did. But the silence between you and Seonghwa was stretching on for too long, and it hurt.

"I just don't get it," you murmured, turning your attention back to the people mingling around you. "He should’ve said something by now.”

Hongjoong’s gaze softened further as he gave you a comforting pat on the back. “I know. But he’s not the kind of guy to hide something like this from you. Don’t forget who he is, Y/N. He values honesty above everything.”

You nodded, though your heart still felt heavy. His words were a small comfort, but you couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. Every minute that ticked by without a word from Seonghwa seemed to make the situation worse.

“Maybe... maybe he’s just scared,” Hongjoong added after a pause, his voice thoughtful. “We both know Seonghwa. He doesn’t do well with conflict, especially when it comes to things that matter.”

You sighed, rubbing your forehead. “I just don’t understand why he hasn’t reached out. It’s not like him.”

“Well, maybe he doesn’t know how to explain himself,” Hongjoong said gently. “But he will. I’m sure of it. Just wait and see.”

You wanted to believe him. But every part of you was screaming for answers, and the longer you waited, the harder it became to stay calm.

Half an hour later, Seonghwa entered Yunho’s family mansion, his presence commanding immediate attention. Wooyoung followed close behind, an uncharacteristic seriousness in his expression. Ignoring the whispers and curious looks from the crowd, Seonghwa scanned the room until his eyes landed on Yunho. He crossed the room in long strides.

“Yunho,” Seonghwa said, his voice low but urgent. “Have you seen Y/N anywhere? I need to talk to her.”

Yunho studied him for a moment, then nodded toward the staircase. “She’s in the study upstairs. She needed to finish a call.”

Seonghwa didn’t waste a second, muttering a quick thanks before heading upstairs. He knocked on the study door before pushing it open. You were standing by the window, your phone still in hand, though it appeared the call had just ended. When you turned and saw him, your expression shifted, a mix of surprise and guarded relief.

“Seonghwa,” you said softly, though the tension in your voice was unmistakable.

“Y/N,” he began, closing the door behind him. “Please, let me explain everything.”

You didn’t move from your spot, but your posture relaxed slightly. “I’m listening.”

He let out a breath, his shoulders slumping as if a weight had been lifted by your willingness to hear him out. “I’m so sorry I couldn’t contact you. My phone—” He held it up, showing the shattered screen. “It’s completely broken. I… I got drunk after dropping Yoona at her hotel, and I must have broken it then. I know it was irresponsible of me, but I didn’t want to leave you in the dark like this. I… Wooyoung doesn’t have your number or Hongjoong’s so I had no way of contacting you. I knew you were coming tonight so I thought of speaking to you here directly.”

Your brows furrowed, concern flickering across your face despite the situation. “What happened, Seonghwa? I want to believe you, but the articles… they’re everywhere.”

He took a deep breath, stepping closer. “Believe me, Y/N, I know this looks really bad, but Yoona is like a younger sister to me, Y/N, and she sees me as an older brother. I would never… I couldn’t even think of her that way. Five years ago, her father—a terrible man—sold her to some man to pay off his gambling debts. She was just out of high school, terrified, and alone. She ran away, and I found her on the side of a road in Busan, badly beaten.”

Your eyes widened slightly, and the tension in your expression softened as you listened.

“I took her to the hospital, reported everything, and made sure those responsible were punished. I offered to support her college education, but she always wanted to pursue acting, so I introduced her to a friend’s agency. I helped her get an apartment here in Seoul. Since then, I’ve checked in on her occasionally to make sure she’s okay.”

You stayed quiet, letting him continue.

“As for the pictures of me carrying her… She had too much to drink and couldn’t walk properly. Wooyoung and another friend were with us the entire time, but the media conveniently left them out. They were passed out in the car from drinking, so I carried her to her room to make sure she was safe and then went back to my own hotel.”

Your gaze dropped to the floor for a moment before meeting his again. “Why didn’t you tell me about her before?”

“I should have,” Seonghwa admitted, guilt etched into his face. He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling deeply. “To be honest with you, no one other than Wooyoung knows about Yoona. Not even my parents—though they’ve certainly expressed their frustration with me now that this has come to light.”

Your expression softened slightly, the tension in your posture easing just a bit.

“I didn’t tell anyone because… well, money has never been an issue for me. I helped save her life because it was the right thing to do, not because I wanted recognition or acknowledgment. It felt private—her story, her struggles. And I thought keeping it that way would protect her.”

He hesitated for a moment, his gaze meeting yours with an intensity that made your chest tighten. “Looking back, I realize I should’ve told you,” he said, moving to stand in front of you, taking your hands in his. “But I never thought it was relevant, not until the media twisted it into something it wasn’t.”

You considered his words, your initial hurt beginning to dissolve into understanding. “I get that you were trying to protect her, Seonghwa, and I respect that. But if we’re… if we’re going to move forward, I need to know that you trust me enough to share these parts of your life with me, even if they seem irrelevant to you.”

His eyes softened, and he nodded. “You’re right. I’ll do better. I promise.”

You hummed in response, your gaze dropping to your hands still intertwined with his. For a moment, the warmth of his touch distracted you, but a flicker of memory broke through—the times he had ignored you after those drunken nights together. The question burned on the tip of your tongue, aching to be asked.

But you were too drained to confront it now. Today had already been an emotional rollercoaster, and this wasn’t the right time or place. It was Yunho’s father’s retirement party, and you still wanted to spend time with your friends and acquaintances, not unravel more layers of this complicated situation.

Seonghwa’s thumb brushed against the back of your hand, drawing you back to the present. His brows furrowed slightly as he studied your face. “There’s something on your mind,” he said gently. “What is it?”

You shook your head quickly. “It’s nothing. I’m just… tired.”

His lips pressed into a thin line, clearly not buying your deflection. “Y/N, please. I can see there’s more to it than that.”

You hesitated, but before you could decide how to respond, he took a deep breath, his grip on your hands tightening slightly as if bracing himself. “Look… there’s something I… I need to say.”

Your heart skipped a beat at the seriousness in his tone.

“I’m in love with you,” he confessed, his voice low but steady, his gaze locked onto yours with an intensity that made it hard to breathe. “I don’t expect an answer from you now. I just… I couldn’t hold it in anymore. Not after everything that’s happened… I just needed you to know that.”

You stared at him, wide-eyed and speechless. His words hung heavily in the air, filling the space between you with a mix of tension, vulnerability, and unspoken possibilities.

Seonghwa took a cautious step closer, his hands still holding yours as if afraid you might pull away. His eyes searched your face, trying to gauge your reaction.

“I know I’ve made mistakes,” he continued softly, his voice laced with regret. “And I know I haven’t always treated you the way you deserve. But I’m serious about this, about us. Even if I have to wait until you’re ready to believe me… I will.”

The sincerity in his words caused a lump to form in your throat. You blinked rapidly, overwhelmed by the sheer weight of the moment.

“Seonghwa…” you started, your voice barely above a whisper. “I… I don’t know what to say.”

He smiled faintly, a bittersweet curve of his lips. “You don’t have to say anything. I just needed you to know.”

The vulnerability in his eyes was disarming, and for a moment, all the hurt and confusion from before seemed to melt away. But before you could process your emotions further, a distant voice from downstairs called your name, pulling you back to reality.

You took a deep breath, gently pulling your hands away. “I should go back to the party,” you said, your tone steady despite the turmoil inside you.

Seonghwa nodded, stepping back to give you space. “Of course. Just… take your time, Y/N. I’ll be here.”

You nodded, turning to leave the room, but paused at the door. Glancing back at him, you saw the faintest hint of a hopeful smile on his face.

As you walked down the staircase and rejoined the bustling party, your mind was anything but calm. His confession replayed in your head like a broken record, making it impossible to focus on the cheerful chatter around you.

Hongjoong approached, offering you a drink. “Everything okay?” he asked, his sharp eyes scanning your face.

You forced a smile, taking the glass from him. “Yeah. Just… a lot on my mind.”

He didn’t push, simply nodding and clinking his glass with yours. As the night went on, you found yourself stealing glances toward the stairs, wondering if Seonghwa was still upstairs, thinking about you the same way you were now unable to stop thinking about him.

-

The next morning, you were working from home. As you sat at your desk trying to focus on work, a notification lit up your phone screen. It was a breaking news alert with the title: "Statement from ATZ Entertainment about Actress Lee Yoona."

Hello, this is ATZ Entertainment.

False articles involving Actress Lee Yoona has been brought to our attention.

While it is true Lee Yoona was with Park Seonghwa, CEO of Byeol Materials Group, the nature of their relationship is strictly platonic and can best be described as that of an older brother and younger sister. On the evening in question in Daegu where Yoona is currently filming, Yoona joined Park Seonghwa and two of their close friends for dinner after a day of filming. During the course of the evening, Yoona unfortunately sprained her ankle, rendering her unable to walk without assistance. Park Seonghwa carried her to her hotel room to ensure her safety and left immediately after ensuring she was settled. The two friends who were present throughout the evening can also confirm these details.

The media’s selective use of images and omission of context has led to baseless and damaging speculations regarding Mr. Park and Ms. Lee. Both individuals have maintained a professional and friendly relationship over the years, with no romantic involvement whatsoever.

We urge the public to be discerning in their consumption of news and to avoid spreading unfounded rumors. ATZ Entertainment, in conjunction with Byeol Materials Group, will take legal action against individuals or entities who perpetuate false or malicious narratives that harm the reputations of either Lee Yoona or Park Seonghwa.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

You could practically feel the weight of the statement as you read it out loud to Nari, who nodded approvingly. “That should definitely put things to rest,” she said confidently.

You hummed in agreement, though a small part of you still felt uneasy. The media had been relentless with its speculations, and you weren’t naive enough to think this would stop all the chatter. But at least now the truth was out there. And more importantly, Seonghwa’s words to you from last night echoed in your mind, solidifying your trust in him. Of course, you knew they would cover up the fact that Lee Yoona was drunk by claiming she sprained her ankle instead.

Nari stood up, a playful grin on her face. “Now that the drama’s clearing up, maybe you can start thinking about how you’re going to answer Seonghwa’s confession.”

You rolled your eyes but couldn’t stop the heat rising to your cheeks. “Let’s focus on work, shall we?”

“Sure, boss,” she teased, stretching her arms above her head. “But don’t think I’m letting you avoid the subject forever.”

-x-x-x-

Dinner was unusually quiet, a rare occurrence in your family. Yeri was also present today. The clinking of utensils against plates filled the space, but the usual chatter was missing. You knew why—they were all waiting for the right moment to bring up the one topic everyone was thinking about.

Your father finally broke the silence, setting his glass down with a soft thud. “Y/N,” he began, his tone gentle but probing, “now that everything about Seonghwa has been cleared up, are you ready to move forward? Are you ready to get engaged to him?”

You paused, your fork hovering over your plate as the question settled in the air. All eyes were on you—your mother’s soft and encouraging gaze, Hongjoong’s more neutral but attentive expression, and Yeri’s subtle look of curiosity mixed with concern.

“I…” You hesitated, unsure of how to express the storm of emotions swirling inside you.

“Sweetheart,” your mother said, her voice calm and soothing, “we’re not trying to pressure you. We just want to understand how you’re feeling.”

Your father nodded. “Seonghwa is a good man. We’ve all seen that. But this decision has to come from you.”

Hongjoong leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed. “He’s been through a lot to prove himself, Y/N. And let’s not forget he confessed to you. That’s not something he’d do lightly.”

Yeri chimed in, her voice softer than usual. “And you’ve always been careful with your heart, Y/N. But you’ve also been happier since Seonghwa’s been in your life. Do you love him?”

The question hit you like a bolt of lightning, and for a moment, you were at a loss for words. “I care about him deeply… and I know I have feelings for him,” you admitted, your voice steady but thoughtful. “But love? That’s… that’s something I’m still trying to understand.”

Your father exchanged a glance with your mother before speaking again. “It’s a big step, Y/N. And it’s okay to take your time. But ask yourself this—what do you see when you think about your future? Do you see him in it?”

The room fell silent again, and you stared down at your plate, your thoughts running wild. Did you see Seonghwa in your future? The moments you’d shared with him flashed through your mind—the quiet conversations, the laughter, the way he looked at you like you were the only person in the world, the way he held you while he kissed you.

Finally, you looked up, meeting their expectant gazes. “I don’t have an answer right now,” you said honestly. “But I know I need to talk to him… there’s something I need to ask him. I need to figure this out first, for myself and for us.”

Your mother smiled softly, reaching out to place her hand over yours. “That’s all we ask. Take your time, and trust your heart.”

Hongjoong gave you a supportive nod. “And if he screws up, I’ll handle it. He is my bestfriend after all.”

That drew a small laugh from you, easing some of the tension in the room.

Later that night, as you lay in bed staring at the ceiling, their words replayed in your mind. The question wasn’t just about Seonghwa—it was about what you wanted, what you were ready for.

And deep down, you knew you needed to see him soon. You knew you had to ask him about the multiple times you slept with him and the way he treated it like as if nothing happened.

-

Seonghwa sat at one of Mingi's high-top tables, his tablet balanced precariously on a stack of coasters as he scrolled through bouquet arrangements. His brow was furrowed like he was negotiating a billion-dollar deal instead of picking flowers.

“Roses feel too cliché,” he muttered to himself, clicking to view another arrangement featuring peonies and eucalyptus.

“You know,” Wooyoung began, sipping his brightly colored cocktail with a ridiculous paper umbrella sticking out of it, “this is taking way too long. Just give her flower-shaped diamonds and call it a day.”

Seonghwa didn’t even look up. “Should I?”

Mingi, who was behind the bar mixing a drink, whipped around so fast he almost dropped his shaker. “What?”

Hongjoong, seated at the other end of the table nursing a glass of whiskey, snorted. “He’s kidding.”

Seonghwa paused, looking up from the tablet, his expression unreadable.

“Oh my god, he’s actually considering it!” Wooyoung cackled, slapping his thigh. “I mean, imagine her reaction. Flower-shaped diamonds, Seonghwa. You’d be the most romantic guy in the history of romance. Ever.”

Seonghwa’s lips twitched like he was seriously considering it. “It would be efficient,” he said thoughtfully. “Flowers and jewelry in one.”

Mingi groaned loudly, slamming his shaker on the bar. “You’re not serious.”

“Don’t tempt him,” Hongjoong muttered, swirling the ice in his glass.

“No, no, let’s lean into this,” Wooyoung said, practically vibrating with excitement. “Add in a gold vase to hold the diamond flowers, and boom! The ultimate gift.”

Hongjoong choked on his drink, coughing violently. “Gold vase? Are you insane? You’re going to bankrupt him for life!”

Wooyoung laughed loudly. “Yooo our company is struggling, you could actually end up bankrupt!”

“Not likely,” Seonghwa replied smoothly, still scrolling through the bouquets.

Mingi leaned on the bar, pointing an accusing finger at Seonghwa. “If you actually show up with diamond flowers, I’m banning you from this bar. Forever.”

“Noted,” Seonghwa said dryly, but his small smirk betrayed him. In the end, as they continued their banter, he bookmarked a bouquet of white tulips, lavender, and garden roses. Simple, elegant, and meaningful—just like the person he had in mind.

Mingi leaned against the counter, casually swirling a drink in his hand as he eyed Seonghwa. “So, Mr. Park, when’s the big engagement happening? Got a date set, or are we still in the ‘waiting for permission’ phase?”

Seonghwa sighed, setting his glass down. “There’s no date yet, Mingi. Y/N hasn’t even said yes to the idea of us being engaged.”

Wooyoung gasped, clutching his chest dramatically. “Are you telling me you, Park Seonghwa, the epitome of everything women dream of, haven’t locked this down yet? What is she waiting for? A meteor shower? A handwritten letter from Cupid?”

“Or maybe she’s just sensible,” Mingi cut in, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Not everyone is swept off their feet by Seonghwa’s brooding CEO charm.”

“I’d argue it’s the lack of charm,” Wooyoung muttered under his breath, earning a glare from Seonghwa.

“She promised to give us a chance and get to know me better,” Seonghwa said evenly, though there was a flicker of vulnerability in his tone. “I want her to feel comfortable with the idea before anything happens. She deserves that.”

Mingi nodded thoughtfully. “Fair enough. But do you think she’ll say yes eventually?”

Seonghwa hesitated, running a hand through his hair. “I don’t know. That’s up to her. I can’t force it. All I can do is show her how serious I am about this… about her.”

Wooyoung snorted. “Serious? Please. You’re practically one step away from carving her name into your desk like some lovesick teenager.”

“Wooyoung,” Seonghwa said warningly, though a faint blush dusted his cheeks.

“Don’t look at me like that,” Wooyoung shot back, grinning. “I’m just saying, if you want her to say yes, you should make a grand gesture. You know, flowers, fireworks, maybe even a plane with a banner that says ‘Marry Me, Y/N.’”

“Do you hear yourself?” Seonghwa asked, exasperated.

“Actually, the flowers idea isn’t bad,” Mingi mused. “Not the plane, though. That’s overkill. But… Isn’t this one of those mutual agreements? Like, you both sit down with your parents and say, ‘Okay, let’s do it on this date with this theme?’”

“That’s how it usually works in families like ours,” Seonghwa admitted. “But…” He trailed off, his fingers idly tapping the edge of his glass.

“But?” Wooyoung pressed, his grin widening.

“I’d rather propose,” Seonghwa said finally, his voice quiet but firm.

The table went silent for a moment before Wooyoung let out a dramatic gasp. “What?! Mr. Tradition himself wants to go rogue?!”

Mingi burst out laughing. “Rogue? He just wants to be romantic, you idiot,” Mingi said, before his tone dropped to a more sincere one. “She deserves to feel special, hyung. If proposing is what feels right to you, then do it. Forget all that business nonsense for a second.”

Hongjoong smirked, raising his glass in a mock toast. “Listen to them for once, Hwa. They’re making sense. For once.”

Seonghwa chuckled, the tension in his shoulders easing just a fraction. “You’re all impossible, you know that?”

“Impossible but wise,” Wooyoung said, tipping his glass toward Seonghwa. “So are we getting involved? Do I get to sprinkle flower petals or something?”

Seonghwa rolled his eyes, but the small, genuine smile playing on his lips said it all. “We’ll see.”

But deep down, as the laughter and teasing continued, Seonghwa was already envisioning the perfect moment. One that would show you just how much he cared—beyond business, beyond expectation, beyond everything.

-x-x-x-

The grandeur of the evening was almost overwhelming, even by your family’s standards. You were at an exclusive charity gala hosted at a sprawling estate, complete with chandeliers, a live orchestra, and servers weaving through the crowd with trays of champagne flutes and hors d'oeuvres.

Dressed in a sleek navy gown, you stood by your parents and Hongjoong, exchanging pleasantries with various guests. Across the room, you spotted Seonghwa with his parents, his sharp black suit highlighting his striking features. He was speaking with an older couple, but his gaze kept flickering in your direction.

“Y/N, Hongjoong, come meet the Baek family,” your father said, steering you both toward an elegantly dressed couple. Beside them stood two men—one looked to be in his late 30s, his wedding ring catching the light as he sipped his drink. The other, however, appeared younger, perhaps in his early 30s. His tailored suit and confident smile screamed wealth and charm.

“This is Mr. and Mrs. Baek,” your father introduced, “and their sons, Baek Hyunwoo and Baek Youngha. They run Baek Pharmaceuticals.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” you said politely, extending your hand.

Baek Youngha’s handshake lingered just a moment too long, his eyes sweeping over you in a way that felt deliberate. “The pleasure is mine, Ms. Kim. I’ve heard a lot about Aurum Medical Technologies. Impressive work for someone so young.”

“Thank you,” you replied with a polite smile, stepping back slightly to create some distance.

As the conversation flowed, Youngha seemed particularly interested in you, asking about your work and future plans. Hongjoong, ever the protective brother, subtly stepped in to steer the conversation whenever it veered too personal.

From across the room, Seonghwa’s jaw tightened. He had noticed the way Baek Youngha’s gaze lingered on you, his expression far too appraising for Seonghwa’s liking.

“Who’s that?” Jongho asked, following Seonghwa’s line of sight.

“Baek Youngha,” Seonghwa muttered. “Youngest son of Baek Pharmaceuticals. And apparently, he doesn’t know how to keep his eyes to himself.”

San smirked, sipping his drink. “Jealous much?”

“Not jealous,” Seonghwa replied, his tone clipped. “Just observant.”

San raised an eyebrow. “Right. Observant. That’s why you’re glaring daggers at the guy.”

Meanwhile, you felt Seonghwa’s eyes on you but tried to focus on the conversation. Youngha leaned in slightly, his tone conspiratorial. “If you ever want to discuss potential collaborations between Aurum and Baek Pharmaceuticals, I’d be happy to arrange a private meeting.”

Before you could respond, Hongjoong interjected smoothly. “I’m sure any discussions like that would need to go through the proper channels. Our teams can coordinate if necessary.”

Youngha chuckled, clearly unbothered. “Of course. I’m just offering my personal insight.”

“Insight is always welcome,” you said politely, though you could feel Seonghwa’s gaze boring into the side of your head.

As the conversation wrapped up, you excused yourself to get a drink, feeling the need to escape the intensity of the interaction. Seonghwa seized the opportunity, making his way across the room to intercept you at the bar.

“You seemed… popular over there,” he remarked, his tone light but his eyes serious.

You raised an eyebrow at him. “Just networking.”

“Networking,” he repeated, his lips pressing into a thin line. “That’s one way to describe it.”

You tilted your head, a teasing smile tugging at your lips. “Why, Mr. Park, are you jealous?”

His eyes darkened slightly, leaning in just enough for only you to hear. “I don’t get jealous. But I do protect what’s mine.”

The heat in his gaze sent a shiver down your spine, and for a moment, the bustling gala seemed to fade into the background. “Am I yours, Seonghwa?” you asked softly, testing the waters.

He straightened, his expression softening but still intense. “I’d like you to be.”

Before you could respond, Hongjoong appeared, his timing impeccable as always. “Y/N, we have another family to meet.”

You glanced back at Seonghwa, his gaze unwavering. “We’ll talk later,” he said, his voice low but filled with promise.

As you walked away, you couldn’t help but feel the pull between you growing stronger, the line between business and personal becoming increasingly blurred.

After speaking to couple more people, you excused yourself from a conversation, making your way over to the bar for another drink. The evening had been exhausting enough, and you needed a moment to yourself. As you reached the bar and picked up a glass of wine, a voice cut through the soft hum of conversations.

“Y/N! Over here!”

You turned to see Youngha waving at you with a grin, standing in a corner with San, Jongho, Seonghwa, and Hyunwoo. His invitation was warm, almost too eager, and you hesitated for a moment before walking over.

As you approached, Youngha pulled out a chair for you from the table right beside them with an exaggerated flourish. “Come join us. We were just discussing how someone like you probably has all the answers to the medical industry’s problems.”

You offered a polite smile as you sat down. “I highly doubt that, but I’m happy to join the conversation.”

Youngha leaned in slightly, his gaze lingering a little too long. “Don’t sell yourself short, Y/N. From what I’ve heard, you’re quite the trailblazer. Smart, accomplished, and strikingly beautiful—a rare combination.”

San and Jongho exchanged a quick glance, their eyes darting toward Seonghwa, whose expression was unreadable but clearly strained. He stood slightly to the side, his arms crossed, watching the exchange with a carefully controlled demeanor.

“Thank you,” you replied, maintaining your composure. “I’m just doing my best, like everyone else.”

“You’re far too modest,” Youngha said with a chuckle, his tone playful but with an undercurrent of something else. “Someone like you deserves recognition. Maybe even someone who can match your ambition and drive.” His hand brushed lightly against the back of your chair, his intent far from subtle.

Seonghwa’s jaw tightened, and he straightened, his presence suddenly commanding. “Recognition is earned through hard work, not flattery,” he said, his voice calm but carrying a sharpness that cut through the air.

Youngha smirked, unfazed. “True, but a little encouragement never hurts, does it?” He glanced at you, his smile widening. “Y/N seems to appreciate it.”

“I’m sure Y/N appreciates sincerity more than hollow compliments,” Seonghwa countered, his eyes narrowing slightly.

San coughed to stifle a laugh, and Jongho took a sip of his drink, hiding his amusement. The tension between the two men crackled in the air, and you could feel it radiating off Seonghwa in waves.

“I assure you, my compliments are anything but hollow,” Youngha said smoothly, raising his glass toward you. “To Y/N, for being an exceptional presence in a room full of ordinary people.”

You tried to redirect the conversation, not wanting things to escalate further. “That’s very kind of you, but I think we’re all extraordinary in our own ways.”

Youngha chuckled, tilting his head toward Seonghwa. “Perhaps some of us have to work a little harder to stand out.”

Seonghwa’s smile was tight, his voice measured. “It’s not about standing out, Youngha. It’s about substance. Something you can’t fake.”

The subtle jab didn’t go unnoticed, and Youngha’s smile faltered for the briefest moment before he recovered. “Substance, of course. But let’s not forget that charm has its own value.”

“Charm fades,” Seonghwa replied coolly, his eyes locked on Youngha’s. “Substance lasts.”

San leaned over to Jongho, whispering, “This is getting spicy. Should we step in?”

Jongho shook his head, a sly grin on his face. “Not a chance. This is better than a drama.”

You cleared your throat, desperate to break the tension. “Well, this has been an interesting discussion, but I think I need some air.”

Youngha stood immediately, offering his hand. “Allow me to escort you—”

“She’ll be fine,” Seonghwa interjected, stepping closer to you, his tone leaving no room for argument. His hand lightly grazed your elbow, guiding you away from the group.

As you walked away, you couldn’t help but notice the heat in Seonghwa’s gaze and the way his touch lingered just a little too long. Youngha watched you both with a knowing smirk, but Seonghwa didn’t look back.

Seonghwa led you toward the balcony, away from the hum of voices and the clinking of glasses. The night air was crisp and cool, a welcome contrast to the tension you’d just escaped, and you were glad there was no one else at this balcony.

“Something bothering you?” you asked innocently, your voice laced with teasing undertones.

He turned to face you with a sharpness in his gaze that made your breath hitch. “What do you think?” he asked, his voice cool, though his eyes burned with something far hotter.

You smirked, tilting your head as you took a step closer, your boldness amplified by the wine you’d been nursing earlier. “I think Baek Youngha got under your skin.”

Seonghwa’s jaw clenched, his lips pressing into a thin line. “He’s irrelevant.”

“Is he?” you pressed, your tone deliberately playful. “Because from where I was seated, he seemed to be having a lot of fun trying to charm me. And you seemed… tense.”

“I wasn’t tense,” he snapped, too quickly, his eyes narrowing at the curve of your lips. “I was just—”

“Jealous?” you finished for him, stepping closer until you were inches apart, your voice dropping into something softer, almost daring. “You didn’t like the way he was looking at me, did you?”

His breath caught for a fraction of a second, his composure slipping just enough for you to notice. “He shouldn’t have been looking at you like that,” he muttered, his voice low, dangerous. “And you shouldn’t have been entertaining it.”

“Entertaining it?” You laughed softly, your fingers brushing the edge of his cuff as you tilted your head up to meet his gaze. “What if I was?”

His eyes darkened, his hand shooting out to catch your wrist, holding it firmly but gently. “Don’t test me, Y/N,” he warned, his voice a husky murmur that sent a shiver down your spine.

You raised a brow, your smirk widening as you leaned closer, your voice a whisper. “Oh, I don’t know about that, Seonghwa. I think I might.”

His grip on your wrist tightened just slightly, his free hand coming up to your waist, hovering there like he wasn’t sure whether to pull you closer. “You’re playing with fire yet again, sweetheart,” he said, his tone rough, a warning, but there was no mistaking the flicker of desire in his eyes.

“Maybe I want to get burned again,” you replied boldly, your heart pounding in your chest.

Before he could respond, a voice interrupted the moment. San appeared in the doorway, his expression unreadable but his timing impeccable as always. “There you are,” he said casually, glancing between the two of you. “Thought I’d find you here. Hongjoong is looking for you.”

You chuckled, grateful for the interruption, though the lingering heat of Seonghwa’s words stayed with you. “Guess we shouldn’t keep him waiting.”

Seonghwa gave you a small smile before stepping back, allowing you to lead the way.

You rejoined the crowd, a polite smile plastered on your face as your thoughts raced. Seonghwa’s intense gaze lingered in your mind, and despite your best efforts, the memory of his voice—low and dangerous—sent a thrill through you.

Hongjoong appeared by your side, handing you a fresh glass of champagne. “You okay? You look a little flushed.”

You laughed lightly, brushing off his concern. “I’m fine. Just a bit warm in here.”

“Uh-huh,” he said skeptically, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. “This wouldn’t have anything to do with Seonghwa and the little disappearing act you two pulled earlier, would it?”

You choked on your drink, glaring at your brother. “What are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about how you and lover boy vanished for a good five minutes and came back looking… well, let’s just say the air around you was heavy,” he teased, a smirk tugging at his lips.

“Hongjoong, please,” you muttered, your cheeks heating. “It was nothing. Nothing happened.”

“Sure,” he drawled, clearly unconvinced. “Well, just a heads-up—Youngha hasn’t stopped staring at you since you walked back in. And Seonghwa hasn’t stopped glaring at him.”

You glanced across the room, spotting Youngha chatting with some older businessmen. True to Hongjoong’s words, his gaze flickered to you more often than not. Seonghwa, on the other hand, was leaning against the bar, his expression unreadable as his eyes followed your every move.

The tension was palpable, and the evening dragged on as you navigated small talk and pleasantries. At one point, Mrs. Baek found you, her warm smile a contrast to the subtle competitiveness in her tone as she spoke about her sons and their achievements.

“Youngha’s been asking about you,” she said, her eyes gleaming. “It’s rare for him to show interest in anyone at these events.”

You smiled politely, feeling the weight of her words. “That’s flattering. But I’m not sure he and I have much in common.”

“Perhaps not,” she mused, “but sometimes opposites attract.”

Before you could respond, Seonghwa appeared at your side, his presence commanding as always. “Mrs. Baek,” he greeted smoothly, his voice polite but cool. “I hope you’re enjoying the evening.”

“Oh, I am,” she replied, her smile faltering slightly under his steady gaze. “Y/N was just telling me how charming my younger son, Youngha, is. I take it you have certainly met my son before?”

Seonghwa’s jaw tightened imperceptibly, but his smile didn’t waver. “Youngha is certainly… persistent,” he said, his tone carrying just the slightest edge.

You bit back a laugh, feeling the tension crackling between them. “Excuse us, Mrs. Baek,” Seonghwa said suddenly, his hand brushing your lower back as he guided you away. “I need to borrow Ms. Kim here for a moment.”

Once you were out of earshot, you raised an eyebrow at him. “Jealous again?”

He stopped, turning to face you with a smirk that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I don’t get jealous.”

“Right,” you drawled, crossing your arms. “So that little comment about Youngha being persistent was just casual observation?”

“Call it what you want,” he replied, his tone light but his gaze sharp. “But I wasn’t about to let Mrs. Baek start matchmaking you with him.”

You rolled your eyes, your lips twitching in amusement. “I can handle myself, you know.”

“I know,” he said, his voice softening. “But I don’t like the way he looks at you.”

Something in his tone made your breath catch, and for a moment, the noise of the gala faded into the background. His hand lingered at your back, his touch warm and grounding.

“Let’s just get through tonight,” you said finally, your voice quieter. “No more drama.”

He nodded, his expression unreadable. “No more drama.”

After the gala successfully concluded and you had dinner, you headed back home with your family, Seonghwa trailing behind as he needed to collect some documents from Hongjoong’s office. The ride had been mostly quiet, everyone tired from the long evening.

Once home, your parents quickly retired to bed, muttering about early meetings the next day. Hongjoong and Seonghwa lingered in the office room, discussing business matters, but even your brother eventually called it a night, leaving Seonghwa alone in the hallway. Meanwhile, you had settled in the living room, still buzzing with energy from the evening. You had just finished a call with Yeri when you saw Seonghwa emerging from the office, car keys in hand.

“Heading out?” you called, standing up and walking over to him.

He turned, surprised to see you still awake. “Yeah, I was just about to.”

“Stay a bit?” you asked, a playful smile tugging at your lips. “If you’re free, that is.”

His expression softened, the faintest smile breaking through his usual composed demeanor. “Are you sure? It’s late.”

“I don’t sleep early anyway,” you replied, leaning casually against the doorframe.

“Come on then. Let’s chill in my room.”

He raised an eyebrow, but there was no mistaking the amusement in his expression. “Your room?”

“What? Too scandalous for you, Mr. Park?” you teased, already heading toward the stairs. “Don’t worry. I’ll behave.”

“I’m more worried about myself,” he muttered under his breath, though he followed you up the staircase.

You opened your bedroom door and stepped inside, gesturing for him to follow. “Make yourself comfortable.”

His gaze swept over the space as he entered. Your room was an eclectic mix of modern chic and cozy charm, a reflection of your personality. He walked toward the small seating area near the window, pausing to look at the neatly arranged books on your shelf.

“Nice setup,” he said, glancing back at you. “Very you.”

“Thanks,” you replied, sitting cross-legged on your bed. “What do you think? Should I add a shrine for all my business awards?”

“That might be overkill,” he deadpanned, though the corners of his mouth twitched.

“You’re no fun.” You reached for the remote on your nightstand, turning on the ambient lights that cast a soft glow across the room. “I’m going to change out of this. Be right back.”

Seonghwa nodded and took a seat on the chair near your window, his gaze lingering on you for a moment before he nodded. “Take your time.”

With a small smile, you walked into your walk-in closet, flipping the light on. You set your bag on the shelf and began unclasping your jewelry, placing each piece carefully in its box. The faint murmur of Seonghwa shifting in the other room was the only sound as you reached behind to unzip your dress.

But the zipper refused to budge.

“Seriously?” you muttered, twisting and turning to no avail. After a minute of struggling, you gave up with an exasperated sigh.

Poking your head out of the closet door, you found Seonghwa leaning back in the chair, one leg crossed over the other. His suit jacket and tie were taken off, and the first two buttons of his shirt were unbuttoned. He glanced up when he noticed you, his brows arching in question.

“Uh… can you help me?” you asked, walking over to him, your tone casual despite the heat rising to your cheeks. “My zipper’s stuck.”

His expression flickered with surprise, then amusement, though he didn’t hesitate to rise from the chair. “Of course.”

Turning your back to him, you felt the warmth of his presence as he stood close behind you. His hands hesitated at first before pushing your hair to one side and then hovering near the zipper.

“Here?” he asked softly, his voice low and careful.

“Yeah.” You nodded, your voice barely audible.

His fingers brushed against your back as he took hold of the zipper, sending a shiver down your spine. Slowly, he tugged it down, the sound of the unzipping loud in the quiet space. The fabric loosened, revealing more of your skin inch by inch. His touch was light, deliberate, but the tension in the air was anything but.

“There,” he murmured when he reached the small of your back, his voice rougher than before.

You turned to face him, clutching the gown to your chest to keep it from slipping. “Thanks,” you said, though the words came out softer than intended.

His eyes met yours, dark and unreadable, and for a moment, neither of you moved. The confined space seemed to shrink as the charged silence stretched. His gaze dropped briefly to your exposed shoulder, then back to your face, and the intensity in his expression made your pulse race.

“You should…” He trailed off, but his voice had a husky edge now. “Finish changing.”

A slow, mischievous smile spread across your lips. “You’re right,” you said, your tone deliberately light, even as you felt the heat rolling off him. “But it’s much more fun to see you like this.”

“Like what?” he asked, his voice lower now, though his composure was clearly slipping.

“Like you’re trying very hard to look anywhere but here.” You gestured to your bare shoulder with a teasing flick of your fingers, stepping closer.

He took a steadying breath, his hands curling into loose fists at his sides. “I’m not trying anything,” he replied, though the slight rasp in his tone betrayed him. He lightly cleared his throat. “Anything else you need?” he asked, his tone laced with challenge.

You stepped closer, tilting your head. “Depends,” you murmured, the gown slipping slightly under your grip, exposing more of your chest that immediately caught his eyes. “Can you handle more than a zipper?”

His jaw clenched, his composure visibly cracking. “Y/N…” The way he said your name was almost a warning, but his hand rose, skimming your bare arm before settling firmly on your waist.

“What?” you teased, your lips curving into a slow, deliberate smile. “Afraid you’ll lose control?”

“I’m not afraid, sweetheart” he shot back, his voice low and gravelly. “But you’re pushing me again.”

“And?” you whispered, closing the distance between you. “What are you going to do about it?”

His hand tightened on your waist, pulling you flush against him. “This,” he growled, before capturing your lips in a kiss that was anything but hesitant.

The dress slipped from your grasp, pooling at your feet, leaving you in your matching navy lingerie, but you couldn’t have cared less. His hands were on you, strong and unrelenting, and the heat between you burned away any pretense of restraint as the kiss deepened into something raw, urgent, and utterly consuming.

Seonghwa’s hands roamed over your back, pulling you impossibly closer, his touch both possessive and reverent. You matched his energy, threading your fingers through his hair, tugging lightly to elicit a low groan from him that vibrated against your lips. It sent a jolt of electricity straight through you, making you press even closer, as though the two of you couldn’t get close enough no matter how hard you tried.

“Do you have any idea what you’re doing to me?” he murmured against your lips, his voice rough and breathless.

You smirked, brushing your lips against his again in a teasing kiss. “I might have an idea.”

He chuckled darkly, the sound sending a shiver down your spine. “You’re driving me fucking insane.”

“And yet, you can’t stay away,” you shot back, your boldness fueled by the fire between you.

“I don’t want to,” he admitted, his tone dropping, heavy with meaning. His lips found the curve of your neck, pressing hot, open-mouthed kisses that made your knees weak. You leaned into him, your hands gripping his shoulders for balance as his mouth continued its maddening path along your skin.

“Seonghwa…” you breathed, your voice a mix of need and warning.

His name on your lips seemed to snap something in him, and he pulled back just enough to meet your gaze, his eyes dark with desire. “Tell me to stop,” he said, his voice barely more than a whisper, yet filled with a tension that left no room for doubt. “If this is too much, tell me now.”

You met his gaze steadily, your hands slipping down to the buttons of his shirt. “I don’t want you to stop,” you said while undoing the buttons and pushing his shirt off him. “I want this. I want you.”

That was all the encouragement he needed. His lips crashed into yours once more, and this time, there was no hesitation, no holding back. He lifted you effortlessly, guiding you back until your legs hit the edge of the bed. You sank onto it, pulling him down with you, your bodies moving in sync as if they’d always known exactly how to fit together.

Every touch, every kiss, every whispered word fueled the fire between you, the room around you fading into oblivion. All that existed was him—his hands, his lips, his presence, consuming you in a way that felt exhilarating.

He pulled away from kissing you to trail kisses from your neck to the valley of your clothed boobs. Your hard nipples were visible beneath the lacy fabric and Seonghwa delicately placed kisses on each one before continuing his journey down your body until he reached the waistband of your thong.

“May I?” he asked for consent, and you nodded in response. “Use your words, sweetheart.”

“Yes… please,” you said, hips slightly bucking up in urgency, making him chuckle.

“So needy for me.” He pulled your underwear down your legs, tossing it aside. He gently spread your legs wide apart before moving to settle in between your legs. He latched onto your clit, his wet tongue darting out to lick the bud. Your hand moved into his hair, gently tugging on his long strands, and your body feels like it’s on fire. He licks a stripe from your hole to your clit, letting out a small moan at your taste. He repeats his actions a couple of times before latching onto your clit again, gently sucking the nub. You squirm, bucking your hips up, and he smirks, moving his arms around your thighs to hold you down in place so you couldn’t move.

“Hwa… god, fuck,” you moan. He hums before lapping at your clit in a faster pace that had you gripping his hair. He let go of one of your thighs to bring his hand to your hole, slipping a finger inside while continuing to lap at your clit, the combination sending you into a moaning spree. It felt so so good, and you chanted his name over and over again while he increased his pace. The knot in your lower abdomen tightened and your hips kept bucking up.

Seonghwa knew you were close, and he continued his actions until you were crying out his name, your orgasm washing over you in waves, your body shaking in response. He licked up all your juices before letting your thighs go, putting his fingers in his mouth to suck them dry. “Delicious,” he commented, and you chuckled breathlessly before you sat up and reached out to his pants. He understood what you wanted and pushed his pants down swiftly along with his briefs, his cock springing out, the tip already a bit leaky.

You moved to wrap your hand around his dick, pumping it a few times. Your thumb brushed along his slit, spreading his pre-cum around. He audibly sucked in a breath through his teeth and you leaned forward to take his cock in your mouth. You bobbed your head up and down his length, trying to take him as much  as you can in your mouth, using your hand to cover his remaining length. His hand moved to hold your hair back while he watched you suck him off. His cock hit the back of your throat, causing you to lightly gag, but you continued your movements on him.

“Y/N… my love… fuck…” he murmured, throwing his head back. You hum, the vibration earning a groan from him. You let his cock slip from your mouth and before you could take him in again, he stopped you. “I’d rather cum in you, sweetheart, if that’s okay?”

“That’s okay,” you said and sit up on your bed, patting the space beside you. Seonghwa sat down and you wasted no time in straddling his lap. “I’m on the pill,” you inform him before aligning his dick with your entrance. You leaned in to take his lips in yours while you sunk down on his cock, moaning at the way he stretched you out.

“So fucking tight, so warm,” he muttered against your lips before kissing you again. You gave yourself a minute to adjust, slowly rolling your hips against his before picking up the pace. His hands were wrapped around your body, holding you in place while you bounced on his dick. The sound of skin slapping, heavy breathing, and your moans filled the air and you were grateful that your room was soundproof.

In one swift step, Seonghwa moved you onto your back so he could take control. He thrusted in and out of you in a comfortable pace, your legs moving around his waist. You pulled him even closer, and you felt him go deeper. “Seonghwa…” you cried out his name when he kept repeatedly hitting your sweet spot.

He wet a finger with his mouth before bringing it to your clit, rubbing the nub in up and down motions. Your back arched while he fucked your pussy, and before you knew it, you reached your climax, legs shaking rigorously.

“I’m almost there, sweetheart, hold on,” he said, leaning down to reconnect your lips while he moved faster. In a few more seconds, he stilled, spilling his cum into you, his cock pulsing. He moved slowly, milking himself dry before pulling out and collapsing next to you. The two of you laid on your bed in silence, trying to calm down your heavy breathing.

Seonghwa reached out to cup your face with one hand, leaning down to place a soft kiss on your forehead. He glanced around your room, looking for something.

“Where are your tissues?” he asked.

“In the bathroom,” you replied, sitting up. Before you could get off the bed, he put his arm around your back and under your knees, lifting you up bridal-style while he carried you to the bathroom. You giggled in response, earning a wide grin from him before he set you down in your bathroom. He washed his hands while you peed and cleaned yourself, and you noticed the way his body glistened with a thin layer of sweat. God, he was so beautiful.

You moved to wrap your arms around him from behind, looking at his reflection in the large mirror of your bathroom. He placed his hands over yours, a happy and relaxing sigh leaving him. “How do you feel?”

“I feel great,” you said with a smile. “How do you feel?”

“Rejuvenated.” You chuckled at that.

“Shower with me?” you asked innocently.

How could he ever say no?

[b0tster]

As a "not contract bound" dev who works on a project that you are (I assume) completely in control of, how do you choose the release date and why'd you choose one before finishing the project? Asked not in a "why'd you do that to yourself" way but in a "I wanna understand what's the logical process behind it, maybe it is smart to do it and I wanna know why".

I thought that it'd be logical to first have a finished thing and then say that it'll be released at "date_name_wgenever", instead of setting a certain date and then crunching yourself to fit it. But maybe it helps you somehow to not overwork yourself on the project thinking that if you have all the time in the world, why not add a thing or two, which results in project taking forever to be marked complete, or maybe you just have a pet birthday at that date and wanna make it symbolical lol, idk.

let me be clear here

i am not crunching on bbkart, or any of my projects for that matter

---

now, with that out of the way, time to talk about time frames and productivity. our labor doesnt operate on a linear scale. spending a decade on a game compared to a year will not mean that that game will be 10 times bigger. humans just dont work like that.

something ive picked up over the years is that productivity is like a gas: it will expand to fit the box its put in.

if u give urself infinite time, the gas will just dissipate. but of course if u squeeze it into a release thats too tight, u get an explosion (crunch).

now, im more of a 'find the fun' kinda developer. i make my tools and mechanics based on a loose concept and then decide what the game will be after once i have everything in front of me. in that initial period i do not set a release date, its impossible to predict how a games dev cycle will play out, so i dont bother and just focus on finding whats fun.

once the final game actually starts to take shape, i am capable of making an informed decision on how much labor is needed to finish, and i set an internal date that i do not make public. once im a few months out from that date, i will make an adjustment if neccesary (both bbpsx and kart had their internal date pushed back by a month) and then announce it. that sets it in stone and I have a runway to release.

mark darrah (bioware) talks about something he calls the 'hockey stick', which is the idea that once u get to a certain point, completion urgency kicks in and u get the drive to make the decisions neccesary to finish the game. cut this, reroute focus to that, crunch on this (dont do that last one, ever, but its important to bring up where crunch manifests. some advice: you either cut or you crunch. choose cut).

darrah talks about how to trigger completion urgency (one example is making a demo, be it publically released or exclusive to an event) and the fact of the matter is that a deadline will do it. of course, if completion urgency kicks in too close to the deadline, you get crunch, but if it kicks in earlier u will get things done in a way that doesnt leave permanent damage on your body and mind.

i know this is a very long winded answer, but i hope i was thorough enough to explain the benefits of setting a deadline and how that doesnt always have to end in crunch, like the question implied.

[sexymemecoin]

The Rise of DeFi: Revolutionizing the Financial Landscape

Decentralized Finance (DeFi) has emerged as one of the most transformative sectors within the cryptocurrency industry. By leveraging blockchain technology, DeFi aims to recreate and improve upon traditional financial systems, offering a more inclusive, transparent, and efficient financial ecosystem. This article explores the fundamental aspects of DeFi, its key components, benefits, challenges, and notable projects, including a brief mention of Sexy Meme Coin.

What is DeFi?

DeFi stands for Decentralized Finance, a movement that utilizes blockchain technology to build an open and permissionless financial system. Unlike traditional financial systems that rely on centralized intermediaries like banks and brokerages, DeFi operates on decentralized networks, allowing users to interact directly with financial services. This decentralization is achieved through smart contracts, which are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code.

Key Components of DeFi

Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs): DEXs allow users to trade cryptocurrencies directly with one another without the need for a central authority. Platforms like Uniswap, SushiSwap, and PancakeSwap have gained popularity for their ability to provide liquidity and facilitate peer-to-peer trading.

Lending and Borrowing Platforms: DeFi lending platforms like Aave, Compound, and MakerDAO enable users to lend their assets to earn interest or borrow assets by providing collateral. These platforms use smart contracts to automate the lending process, ensuring transparency and efficiency.

Stablecoins: Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies pegged to stable assets like fiat currencies to reduce volatility. They are crucial for DeFi as they provide a stable medium of exchange and store of value. Popular stablecoins include Tether (USDT), USD Coin (USDC), and Dai (DAI).

Yield Farming and Liquidity Mining: Yield farming involves providing liquidity to DeFi protocols in exchange for rewards, often in the form of additional tokens. Liquidity mining is a similar concept where users earn rewards for providing liquidity to specific pools. These practices incentivize participation and enhance liquidity within the DeFi ecosystem.

Insurance Protocols: DeFi insurance protocols like Nexus Mutual and Cover Protocol offer coverage against risks such as smart contract failures and hacks. These platforms aim to provide users with security and peace of mind when engaging with DeFi services.

Benefits of DeFi

Financial Inclusion: DeFi opens up access to financial services for individuals who are unbanked or underbanked, particularly in regions with limited access to traditional banking infrastructure. Anyone with an internet connection can participate in DeFi, democratizing access to financial services.

Transparency and Trust: DeFi operates on public blockchains, providing transparency for all transactions. This transparency reduces the need for trust in intermediaries and allows users to verify and audit transactions independently.

Efficiency and Speed: DeFi eliminates the need for intermediaries, reducing costs and increasing the speed of transactions. Smart contracts automate processes that would typically require manual intervention, enhancing efficiency.

Innovation and Flexibility: The open-source nature of DeFi allows developers to innovate and build new financial products and services. This continuous innovation leads to the creation of diverse and flexible financial instruments.

Challenges Facing DeFi

Security Risks: DeFi platforms are susceptible to hacks, bugs, and vulnerabilities in smart contracts. High-profile incidents, such as the DAO hack and the recent exploits on various DeFi platforms, highlight the need for robust security measures.

Regulatory Uncertainty: The regulatory environment for DeFi is still evolving, with governments and regulators grappling with how to address the unique challenges posed by decentralized financial systems. This uncertainty can impact the growth and adoption of DeFi.

Scalability: DeFi platforms often face scalability issues, particularly on congested blockchain networks like Ethereum. High gas fees and slow transaction times can hinder the user experience and limit the scalability of DeFi applications.

Complexity and Usability: DeFi platforms can be complex and challenging for newcomers to navigate. Improving user interfaces and providing educational resources are crucial for broader adoption.

Notable DeFi Projects

Uniswap (UNI): Uniswap is a leading decentralized exchange that allows users to trade ERC-20 tokens directly from their wallets. Its automated market maker (AMM) model has revolutionized the way liquidity is provided and traded in the DeFi space.

Aave (AAVE): Aave is a decentralized lending and borrowing platform that offers unique features such as flash loans and rate switching. It has become one of the largest and most innovative DeFi protocols.

MakerDAO (MKR): MakerDAO is the protocol behind the Dai stablecoin, a decentralized stablecoin pegged to the US dollar. MakerDAO allows users to create Dai by collateralizing their assets, providing stability and liquidity to the DeFi ecosystem.

Compound (COMP): Compound is another leading DeFi lending platform that enables users to earn interest on their cryptocurrencies or borrow assets against collateral. Its governance token, COMP, allows users to participate in protocol governance.

Sexy Meme Coin (SXYM): While primarily known as a meme coin, Sexy Meme Coin has integrated DeFi features, including a decentralized marketplace for buying, selling, and trading memes as NFTs. This unique blend of humor and finance adds a distinct flavor to the DeFi landscape. Learn more about Sexy Meme Coin at Sexy Meme Coin.

The Future of DeFi

The future of DeFi looks promising, with continuous innovation and growing adoption. As blockchain technology advances and scalability solutions are implemented, DeFi has the potential to disrupt traditional financial systems further. Regulatory clarity and improved security measures will be crucial for the sustainable growth of the DeFi ecosystem.

DeFi is likely to continue attracting attention from both retail and institutional investors, driving further development and integration of decentralized financial services. The flexibility and inclusivity offered by DeFi make it a compelling alternative to traditional finance, paving the way for a more open and accessible financial future.

Conclusion

Decentralized Finance (DeFi) represents a significant shift in the financial landscape, leveraging blockchain technology to create a more inclusive, transparent, and efficient financial system. Despite the challenges, the benefits of DeFi and its continuous innovation make it a transformative force in the world of finance. Notable projects like Uniswap, Aave, and MakerDAO, along with unique contributions from meme coins like Sexy Meme Coin, demonstrate the diverse and dynamic nature of the DeFi ecosystem.

For those interested in exploring the playful and innovative side of DeFi, Sexy Meme Coin offers a unique and entertaining platform. Visit Sexy Meme Coin to learn more and join the community.

[erc20tokengenerator]

ERC20 token generator

Ever wanted to create your own cryptocurrency? Thanks to the ERC20 Token Generator, it’s more accessible than ever. Dive into the world of blockchain and see how simple it can be.

What is an ERC20 Token?

ERC20 tokens are digital assets built on the Ethereum blockchain. They follow a specific standard, allowing them to interact seamlessly with platforms and other tokens.

Benefits of ERC20 Tokens:

Interoperability: All ERC20 tokens adhere to the same protocol.

Widespread Acceptance: Many platforms on Ethereum support these tokens.

Developer Support: Extensive documentation and community support.

How Does the ERC20 Token Generator Work?

Creating a token might sound complex, but the ERC20 Token Generator simplifies the process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Define Your Token:

Choose a name and symbol.

Set the total supply.

Access the Generator:

Use online tools designed for token creation.

Input your token details.

Deploy to the Blockchain:

Confirm your details.

Launch your token on the Ethereum network.

Key Features of ERC20 Tokens

These tokens offer various features that make them attractive for both developers and investors:

Standardized Functions: Such as balance checking and transfers.

Smart Contract Integration: Seamlessly integrate with smart contracts.

Security: Built on the robust Ethereum blockchain.

Why Create an ERC20 Token?

Creating your own token can offer several advantages:

Fundraising: Launch your own ICO (Initial Coin Offering).

Community Building: Reward loyal customers or followers.

Innovation: Develop new applications and uses for blockchain.

Potential Challenges

Despite the ease of creation, there are challenges:

Technical Knowledge: Basic understanding of blockchain is required.

Security Risks: Vulnerabilities can lead to exploitation.

Regulatory Issues: Compliance with local laws is crucial.

Best Practices for Creating ERC20 Tokens

To ensure success, follow these guidelines:

Audit Your Code: Ensure there are no security loopholes.

Engage with the Community: Gather feedback and make improvements.

Stay Informed: Keep up with blockchain trends and regulations.

Conclusion

The ERC20 Token Generator opens doors to the exciting world of cryptocurrency creation. Whether you're an entrepreneur, developer, or enthusiast, it offers an innovative way to engage with blockchain technology.

Final Thoughts

Creating an ERC20 token can be a game-changer. It empowers you to participate in the digital economy and experiment with new ideas.

FAQs

1. What is an ERC20 Token Generator?

An ERC20 Token Generator is a tool that simplifies the creation of custom tokens on the Ethereum blockchain.

2. Is technical knowledge necessary to create a token?

Basic blockchain understanding is helpful, but many generators offer user-friendly interfaces.

3. Can I sell my ERC20 tokens?

Yes, you can list them on cryptocurrency exchanges or sell directly to users.

4. Are there costs associated with creating a token?

Yes, deploying tokens on Ethereum requires gas fees, paid in Ether.

5. How do I ensure my token is secure?

Regular code audits and following best practices can enhance security.

Source : https://www.altcoinator.com/

[dazz-linglight]

Miss Independent

(inspired by Ne-yo's song)

(GirlBoss!Reader x Personal Assistant! Hongjoong) (Colleagues to lovers) (fluffy romance) (reader is afraid of storms) (short office romance) (possibly there will be a part 2 with smut)

In the bustling halls of a cutting-edge technology company in a very busy commercial building, you, a remarkable business woman and Vice President of this company, got known for your determination and relentless focus on achieving a successful career, betting all of your efforts on growing this company scratch with your best friend. You learned over time that you needed to be tough to progress, since this area was widely controlled by men and there's always someone trying to discredit women. So you made it a personal mission to get your company to be a safe place and be the best professional you could be.

You're an admirable leader, but your personal life took a backseat. You always worked endless hours and overtime, focusing solely on doing business. The company kept rising well, then came a problem: your assistant decided to resign to go work for your competitor. Now you have to go over interviews to find a new assistant, so you did. You participate actively in the process, since whoever gets hired would work directly with you, so you felt the need to be sure they would be capable enough.

You didn't make it easy for anybody, you made specific questions and a few of the candidates didn't know how to answer or started stuttering, others weren't as qualified and you were getting tired. It lasted four days until you met Hongjoong one morning doing an interview for this job. A young and talented software developer, that didn't show any fear and aswered your questions perfectly well, looking in your eyes without any fear. After 40 minutes you told him to stay and gave him a few tasks to see how he would go. Hongjoong showed himself to be smart, quick witted, committed to work and serious about it. At the end of the day you called him to your office to give the final answer. He entered bringing a cappuccino and placed it in front of you in your desk.

"This is for you, Miss." He said and you tilted your head, letting out a very light smile at the action.

"Thanks, Hongjoong. You can sit down." You offered the seat in front of you and he did as told while you took a sip of the coffee.

"Well, I have to say you impressed me in a good way. None of the other candidates caught my attention like you did today." You started and Hongjoong visibly relaxed at your feedback.

"I did my best, I'm glad to hear that from you, Miss."

"I'm sure you'll be even more glad to hear that you will be hired. You can bring your documents to the HR department tomorrow at 8 in the morning and sign our contract." You got up from your seat and Hongjoong did the same, bowing to you and you raised a hand to greet him, which he took and shook your hand.

"Thank you Miss ______, I will not disappoint you." Hongjoong smiled widely and you let his hand go, switching off your computer and getting your bag to leave, dismissing Hongjoong to go home.

|•••••Time skip•••••|

The first six months of working together were a challenge. You resisted any form of distraction, maintaining a strictly professional relationship with Hongjoong. Everyday he came to your office to report and receive new tasks, he brought your lunch and coffee and as days passed and you worked side by side, he started making a few little efforts to make the barriers give way. One afternoon, you were reviewing an important document in your office when Hongjoong walked in. He noticed the tired look on your face and suggested you take a break. You resisted with a frown at first, but Hongjoong someway succeeded at convincing you to go the snack bar on the first floor of the building.

The snack bar was peaceful at this hour and made a good break from the stressful office atmosphere. You felt at ease with Hongjoong's presence and he offered to buy donuts. You both sat down, ate and talked about trivial things and sharing laughs here and there. You found yourself truly relaxing for the first time in years.

After that day, you and Hongjoong began sharing more and more moments outside of work. Having lunch together became a routine and when you worked overtime he occasionally invited you to dinner together. He opened doors for you, drives you off, treated you like a princess. You both didn't talk clearly about it, but you were beginning to feel something that had long since receded from your mind: the spark of romance. However, you struggled with those feelings. It seemed so wrong, he is your assistant and you're the boss. You felt afraid of mixing love and business, worried about the consequences a relationship could have for the company you had worked so hard to build. But every time you're together, the chemistry between you becomes impossible to ignore. It started making you mad.

One day, you left your office because you needed a document that was with Hongjoong, but as soon as you saw him you noticed something and frowned. Yujin, a beautiful co-worker, was approaching him a little more intimately than usual. They seemed to be having a lively conversation and Yujin didn't hide her interest, touching his arm unnecessarily. You, feeling a pang of jealousy, tried not to act affected, but you couldn't avoid the stress of seeing the scene. Your mind created several unpleasant scenarios. "Is he interested in her? Is he flirting back?"

"Kim Hongjoong." You spoke in a firm and serious tone, catching the attention of the two who were talking.

"Yes, miss? Do you need anything?" Hongjoong stood up and responded, no longer paying attention to Yujin.

"Come to my office and bring the project presentation I asked you this morning. Quickly." You said sharply and looked at Yujin from the corner of your eye, who soon got up and left the place.

"Yes, ma'am." He spoke and you turned around and walked back to your office as Hongjoong saved the presentation file you asked for. You slammed the door angrily and headed towards your table, a minute later Hongjoong entered and came over to you.

"Here's the presentation, Miss ______." He gave you the pendrive and you sighed, connecting it on your computer to open the file. You inspected it and pointed things out for Hongjoong to add since you thought it wasn't enough yet.

"You're staying overtime today, we need this presentation ready for the meeting we'll have with our client tomorrow morning." You told looking back at him and he nodded.

"All right, I'll bring my laptop here." He left the room and came back a minute later with his laptop, sitting down and placing the laptop in front of him and started guiding him specifically on what to add to the presentation. An hour passed and all the employees began leaving since work time was officially over.

It's mid summer and it was very hot during the day, but as the night came many clouds could be seen in the floor-to-ceiling window behind you. Hongjoong finished the details on the presentation and saved it as a sudden storm started. You looked at the window and the lights went out, the fear started creeping out on you but Hongjoong didn't notice yet as he got his phone to activate the flashlight amidst the darkness and the sound of rain outside. Hongjoong placed his phone in a way it illuminated both of you and he finally could see your face again, now noticing your pained expression and your heavy breathing.

"Are you okay, Miss ______?" He questioned with a frown and you shook your head no as a thunder sound out loud and you covered your ears. Hongjoong got worried about you, wanting to keep you safe, so he got up and closed the curtains of your window, coming behind you to cover your shoulders with his blazer.

You've always had a paralyzing fear of thunder, and that night, the storm was fierce, growing stronger and stronger. As he touched your shoulders he felt your whole body shaking with fear and then he crouched to your level and brought up inside his arms in a warm hug, whispering words of comfort. "Don't worry, I'm here with you. You're safe. The storm will pass soon." You looked into his eyes hugging his waist carefully, grateful for his presence.

"I hate storms, they make me so nervous, Hongjoong." Your eyes had tears on the edge of falling down, while you and Hongjoong shared an intense look, full of repressed emotions. This was the first time you were truly showing vulnerability to him and he was astonished, all he ever wanted was to take care of you. He pulled your head to his chest and you could listen to his heart beating fast just like yours.

"I don't know if this is really the right time to say this, but.. but I can't deny how I feel anymore. I'm in love with you, ______." His words echoed in the empty office as he broke the silence and confessed his feelings. You were shocked. You didn't expect that he felt the same way you did all this time. Your heart jumped now, not anymore because of fear but from happiness.

"I'm in love with you too, Hongjoong. I tried not to, but it's stronger than me." You squeezed Hongjoong as tight as you could and he kissed the side of your head softly. You looked up and offered your lips to him, which he understood and closed the little distance, sealing the beginning of a long-awaited romance. The storm outside seemed to symbolize the change in your lives and the relationship from boss and assistant to lovers.

"I want to be with you and take care of you through all the storms, will you let me?"

"Of course, Hongjoong." You smile widely and he cupped your face, caressing your cheeks as he smiled as well. "Will you take me home?"

"As long as you wish, my darling."

|•••••••|

Over the next months, your relationship with Hongjoong blossomed into a great love. You chose to main discretion at work, avoiding any favoritism or conflict of interest and not letting the coworkers know you are together. They only knew Hongjoong is in a relationship but he never told them with who. You realized that by making room for love in your life, you weren't weakening your career, but actually strengthening it. Hongjoong supported you in every aspect, becoming a partner in all areas of your life and you become his.

Together, you faced new challenges and business opportunities while the company prospered even more. You found balance between personal and professional life, discovering that you can be a successful leader and at the same time share a loving relationship, that success in business didn't have to mean sacrificing love and personal happiness.

[talonabraxas]

A Color Diagram (From book, "The Anatomy of the Body of God")

1. Recognize the source, and intuit into the unity of all existence. The idea that we can win at the expense of them is, in the long term, illusory. We're all in this together. Ecology. An expanded sense of identity. Also, this source points to the great mystery of creation, and what lies beyond our knowledge.

2. Celebrate creativity. It's a mythically grounded idea. There's a tradition in many religions to imitate God, however the Divine is imagined: The most useful way to do this in our own time is to recognize the prolific process of creativity–not just through the "Big Bang," but in the present moment, through the imaginations and inspirations–literally, in- spirit- ations – of all sentient beings.

Corollary: Question authority. Accept nothing as the final solution. Dare to re-evaluate, revise, re-negotiate, imagine new possibilities. Obedience, in this view of the meaning of the Kabbalistic Tree of Life, is no longer operative–there's a move from the medieval tone of unquestioning acceptance to the modern and postmodern worldview that supports responsibility, an alert consideration of the needs of the moment in light of continuing developments, discoveries, new technologies, etc.

3. Recognize the Other-ness of people, their differences, of the environment, and of the Divine. On one hand, we may be expressions of the Divine flow, and at some level, as claimed by Yogis and other mystics, "one" with It, yet that doesn't mean that the world is there for the gratification of your ego-narcissistic desires. Respect, reverence, humility, and a valuing of the needs of others and the whole all are implied here.

4. Cultivate Generosity and Purpose. The life force is innately generous, but in states of fear, can contract to mere life-sustenance. In today's complex culture, there are tendencies towards stinginess of spirit, and this must be balanced, in wisdom, by the joy and need for an extra bit of giving of oneself to the world. Seek to clarify your talents and abilities and turn them toward this task, at least to some significant degree, lest you die having lived selfishly, pettily.

5. Realize Limitations. Much of human life is a process of dis-illusionment, which is a process of dissolving childish feelings of omnipotence. This need not be tragic. Much of it is simply adjusting to the realities of physical and social constraints, learning to think and work politically, seeking a more refined and less impetuous mode of action in the world. It's a one-step-down form of humility, more practically applied.

Realize, also, that as shown in the diagram of the Tree, the lessons play off of each other, and especially there is the ongoing play of 2 and 3, 4 and 5, and 7 and 8, while 6 is to some degree, the player, the juggler, the dancer.

6. Exercise Balance, seek to harmonize the many different needs, desires, inspirations, ideals, and other complexes that seek expression through your own mixture of temperament and interests. One of the beauties of our time-bound lives is that we can choose how to diversify, focus, take turns, and thus have some existential responsibility for how we live our lives.

7. Identify your passions, what the comparative mythologist Joseph Campbell called, "following your bliss." What tickles your fancy? Instead of pursuing what is merely fashionable, liking or disliking largely to garner approval or to be included in the "in group"–which is an in-authentic reason–, get in touch with what more genuinely interests or appeals to you. This can take many years, even into late adulthood. Often you'll find it correlates with what you have at least some moderate ability to do. Have the courage to pursue it. (And this can be tremendously varied in the world, different folks liking different strokes.)

8. Recognize and work within the cultural matrix you live in. If not, then either be a smart revolutionary–to change or expand it–or pay the price of changing cultures, emigrating, and becoming acculturated into a different culture. Lots of people do this, too. The point is to deal responsibly with the social context you find yourself in, rather than simply sulking, withdrawing, giving up, mindlessly conforming, or numbing yourself.

9. Cultivate Imagination, in many ways–the arts, drama, mythmaking. Note that much of ordinary education and life neglects, distracts, and sometimes actively suppresses this human potential. Refuse to be tempted by vicarious imaginary experiences offered by the media, in video games, television, movies, etc. Take responsibility to use those elements like small stimuli, like appetizers or dessert, but not your main meal. Become a person who imagines your own life!

10. Manifest your life. Avoid the temptations to become preoccupied with the seductions of spectatorship, or living in "what if" (either in past or future). Deeds, projects, action. The world is no illusion. You have an opportunity for authentic enjoyment, for adding your own creativity to helping the world be a better place. In can be in as small a way as an act of kindness or generosity.

Lest these points seem like mere platitudes, rather obvious, consider that many if not most people do not live these principles out in their lives. Nor are these ten points the only lessons you can gather from studying the tree. They just show what can come to mind–that the principles noted are by no means mere abstractions.

Another way to view the tree is in terms of how it can reassure and remind you: That you are part of a great, unified "becoming" of the cosmos (1); that this is a creative process and your life creativity is an integral part of the great becoming (2); that the cosmos is here, a matrix (related to the Latin word root for mother) for you, a setting, playground, stage, for you (3); that you can choose a direction, many directions, in fact, and your choices add to your story–and indeed, you may be assured that your life is a story (4); part of that story involves the way you've coped with limitations–your body's structure, illnesses, dis-abilities, areas of no-talent, the weakness and deficiencies of your family, region, and historical era, and the many other obstacles that life presents–and indeed, that which makes your story a good piece of drama! (5); the creative way you've balanced your strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and limitations, etc.(6); the many lines of interest and ability, the archetypes, the mythic resonances with the spirit of (whatever dimension you channel)–all set you into stage in which you play many parts in a unique fashion (7); the cultural forms all this enactment takes, and how you are a carrier of certain cultural values, and a challenge to others that you don't agree with–these, too, make your life good theatre and also part of the great unfolding myth of that culture!(8); the richness of your imagination as you assemble these many threads into a meaningful story, embellishing it also with all the other what-if-dramas you can fantasize, thickening your existence (9); and, finally, how you actually play out your unique life, your actual achievements, your deeds. You might be surprised how far many of your actions have reached (10).

The point of this rhapsody is to enjoy the depth of your mythic embeddedness in the Divine Process of Unfolding. This is the way God works, through your individuality (and everyone else's, also, of course)! Envision it as an infinite symphony, improvised, incredibly rich, which, if perceived from enough distance and time, expresses amazing harmonies (in spite of a surprising amount of what in the moment may seem like mere noise, or as Shakespeare called it, "sound and fury." On a micro-scale, it may "signify nothing," but in the big picture, this is how we all grow, evolve as a species, groping, going up blind alleys, turning back, trying another way.

[applythaivisa]

Business Visa in Thailand

1. Legal Framework and Visa Categories

1.1 Statutory Basis

Governed by Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979) and subsequent amendments

Implemented through Ministerial Regulations No. 17 (B.E. 2534)

Distinction between Non-Immigrant B (standard business visa) and SMART Visa (for qualified professionals)

1.2 Visa Subcategories

Visa TypeCodePurposeValiditySingle-EntryNon-BBusiness meetings, exploratory visits3 monthsMultiple-EntryNon-BFrequent business travelers1 yearSMART VisaSMTHigh-skill professionals4 yearsLTR VisaLTRBusiness investors10 years

2. Eligibility Criteria and Documentation

2.1 Standard Requirements

Company Sponsorship:

Thai entity registration documents (list of shareholders, business license)

Letter of invitation on company letterhead (notarized)

Personal Documentation:

Passport with 6+ months validity

2 passport photos (4x6 cm, white background)

Completed TM.86 form (for conversion inside Thailand)

2.2 Financial Requirements

Minimum Capitalization:

THB 2 million for wholly foreign-owned companies

THB 1 million for BOI-promoted companies

Salary Thresholds:

THB 50,000/month minimum for foreign employees

THB 200,000/month for SMART Visa applicants

2.3 Special Cases

BOI-Promoted Companies: Expedited processing (7-10 business days)

Regional Headquarters: Additional privileges under RHQ program

Startups: Alternative path through DEPA digital visa program

3. Application Process and Timelines

3.1 Consular Application (Overseas)

Document Preparation (5-10 business days)

Submission to Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate

Processing Time:

Standard: 3-5 business days

Express: 24 hours (additional fee)

3.2 In-Country Conversion

From Tourist Visa:

Must apply within 15 days of entry

Requires TM.87 form and additional documentation

Processing Timeline:

Bangkok Immigration: 10-15 business days

Provincial Offices: 7-10 business days

4. Work Permit Integration

4.1 Legal Requirements

Section 9 Alien Working Act B.E. 2551 mandates work permit for:

Employment contracts

Board of Directors positions

Certain consulting activities

4.2 Application Process

WP3 Quota Approval (3-5 days)

Work Permit Submission (10-15 days)

Issuance (2-3 days after approval)

4.3 Exemptions

BOI Companies: 7-day fast-track processing

SMART Visa Holders: Automatic work authorization

Board Members: Limited activity allowance without full permit

5. Compliance and Reporting Obligations

5.1 90-Day Reporting

Required for stays exceeding 90 consecutive days

Online reporting available through Immigration website

Penalty: THB 2,000-5,000 for late filings

5.2 Tax Implications

Residency Threshold: 180+ days = Thai tax resident

Withholding Tax: 15% on salary for non-residents

Social Security: Optional for foreign employees

6. Visa Renewal and Extension

6.1 Extension Requirements

Employment Verification: Updated company documents

Financial Proof: Recent bank statements

Tax Compliance: Personal income tax receipts

6.2 Processing Timeline

First extension: 5-7 business days

Subsequent extensions: 3-5 business days

7. Common Pitfalls and Risk Mitigation

7.1 Application Rejections

Top Reasons:

Incomplete company documentation (42% of cases)

Insufficient financial proof (28%)

Suspected illegitimate business purpose (19%)

7.2 Compliance Risks

Work Without Permit: Fine up to THB 100,000

Overstay: THB 500/day penalty (max THB 20,000)

7.3 Mitigation Strategies

Pre-Application Review: Engage corporate legal counsel

Document Authentication: Notarize all foreign documents

Continuous Monitoring: Track visa/work permit expiration

8. Emerging Trends and Future Developments

9.1 Digital Nomad Visa (2025 Pilot)

Proposed requirements:

$80,000 annual income

Health insurance coverage

Minimum 3-year contract

9.2 Blockchain Verification

Pilot program for document authentication

Smart contract integration for visa extensions

9.3 Policy Changes

Stricter enforcement of bona fide business requirements

Increased financial thresholds expected

9. Strategic Recommendations

10.1 For New Market Entrants

BOI Promotion: Seek investment privileges first

Professional Employer Organization: Consider PEO solutions

10.2 For Established Businesses

SMART Visa Conversion: For qualifying employees

LTR Visa Application: For C-suite executives

10.3 Crisis Management

Grace Period Applications: For unexpected termination

Exit Visa Planning: Avoid blacklisting risks

Key Resources:

Ministry of Labor: www.mol.go.th

BOI Visa Portal: visa.boi.go.th

Immigration Bureau: www.immigration.go.th

[theambitiouswoman]

Heyy

Do you have any advice on starting a real estate business as in just buying and renting out property?

Thanks 🤍

Yes!

**For the record, I have personally done a few flips/rehabs. Apart from that, I knew/know most of the realtors in this city and relating companies as I worked with most real estate/mortgage and title companies here when I had an agency.

First you need to be able to learn the market and research comparables. When looking to buy properties there are important factors to consider to make sure you are not paying overprice for a property as well as that the are is on demand, ensuring it will be easier to rent out the property.

The location of the property and its proximity to amenities like schools, shopping centers, grocery stores, transportation etc. Also that the area is safe.

You also want to look for areas that has future development plans, this will raise the value of your property.

If you have worked with investment companies, you will quickly learn that buying a property that is not in the best condition, a rehab property, could be a very smart play. You want to make sure of course to check the comparables and ensure that the property is underpriced compared to the other homes in the area. Once you rehab the property, it could raise or even surpass the value of the other homes in the area.

Any home that you would look into to buy for renting out should have elements that you intend to upgrade on. There are a lot of reasons for this but the most important one is how it raises your price and potential earnings. Redoing a kitchen or a bathroom can immediately raise the value of your home anywhere from 5-50k. A project that will cost you anywhere from 3-10k on average for a standards nice kitchen depending on your area.

Overall you still want to look at the comps to make sure you are getting a fair deal. Calculate the potential annual rent as a percentage of the properties price. This will give you an idea of the return on your investment. Also make sure that the potential rental income exceeds the monthly expenses. If not it does not make sense.

Check the vacancy rates in the area you want to purchase in, if its high there may be a low demand and not a good area to invest in.

Also you want to think about how easy it would be to sell the property if you need to. In demand areas tend to be more liquid.

So important, to understand the landlord/ tenant laws in your state. Including their rights and eviction process etc. Nothing worst than having a horrible tenant and not being legally able to remove them.

There are a lot of rate plans depending on your specific situation and mortgage rates also vary significantly by state. Make sure to get the best deal for you. Some states a first time can give as little as 1-5% down depending if you are a first time/ entrepreneur etc.

Property insurance is another cost factor to consider when working out your numbers as this varies by area.

Managing a few properties on your own is easy, but after a handful, you may want to consider hiring a property management company to handle these things for you.

I would strongly urge you to get a lawyer to draw up renter contracts.

To grow this business what you want to do, and this is a general overview: down payment for house, fix, rent out, refinance, use refinance to purchase another property and have enough to put into upgrades/repairs on the second purchase and repeat.

I can get into taxes on this too if you want.

[cryptoworldindia]

Everything You Need to Know About UPB Token: The Future of Digital Transactions

The world of cryptocurrency is constantly evolving, with new tokens emerging to reshape the financial landscape. One such token making waves in the digital economy is UPB Token. Whether you're an investor, trader, or crypto enthusiast, understanding UPB Token can open up exciting opportunities. In this blog, we'll explore what UPB Token is, its features, use cases, and why it stands out in the competitive crypto market.

What is UPB Token?

UPB Token is a next-generation digital asset designed to facilitate fast, secure, and decentralized transactions. Built on a robust blockchain network, it offers users an efficient way to transfer value globally with low transaction fees and high scalability.

Key Features of UPB Token

✅ Decentralization: UPB Token operates on a decentralized blockchain, ensuring transparency and security without the need for intermediaries. ✅ Fast Transactions: The token is designed to process transactions within seconds, making it ideal for everyday use. ✅ Low Fees: Unlike traditional banking systems, UPB Token provides minimal transaction costs, allowing users to save money on transfers. ✅ Scalability: The network can handle a large number of transactions simultaneously, making it suitable for global adoption. ✅ Smart Contract Support: Developers can create decentralized applications (DApps) using UPB Token, enhancing its utility in the DeFi ecosystem.

Use Cases of UPB Token

1. Digital Payments

UPB Token can be used for online purchases, peer-to-peer transfers, and merchant payments, offering a seamless alternative to traditional payment systems.

2. Decentralized Finance (DeFi)

As part of the growing DeFi ecosystem, UPB Token enables staking, yield farming, and liquidity provision on various DeFi platforms.

3. NFT Marketplace

With the booming NFT industry, UPB Token can be used to buy, sell, and trade digital assets securely on NFT marketplaces.

4. Cross-Border Transactions

UPB Token eliminates the need for costly remittance services by allowing users to send and receive funds instantly across borders.

Why UPB Token Stands Out

Unlike many other tokens in the market, UPB Token is backed by a strong technological foundation, a growing community, and real-world applications. Its commitment to innovation and security makes it a promising digital asset for both investors and users.

Final Thoughts

As the cryptocurrency space continues to expand, UPB Token presents an exciting opportunity for those looking to invest in the future of digital finance. With its unique features, growing adoption, and strong use cases, it has the potential to become a major player in the blockchain ecosystem.

If you're interested in UPB Token, stay updated on its latest developments and explore how it can be integrated into your financial strategy!🚀 Join the UPB Token revolution today! 🚀

[bangkoklawyr]

Thailand SMART Visa

Thailand’s Smart Visa is a specialized visa program designed to attract high-skilled professionals, investors, entrepreneurs, and startup founders to contribute to the country’s growing technology, innovation, and digital economy sectors. Unlike standard work visas, the Smart Visa offers extended stay privileges, streamlined processes, and exemptions from certain bureaucratic hurdles.

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the Thailand Smart Visa, covering its eligibility criteria, benefits, application process, and strategic advantages for foreign talent and businesses.

1. Overview of the Thailand Smart Visa

Launched in 2018 by the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) and the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), the Smart Visa targets individuals in high-value industries, including:

Advanced technology (AI, IoT, robotics, automation)

Digital and tech startups

Research and development (R&D)

Corporate investment in targeted sectors

The visa is structured into four categories:

Smart-T (Talent) – For highly skilled professionals in tech and innovation.

Smart-I (Investor) – For investors in BOI-promoted industries.

Smart-E (Executive) – For senior executives in tech-driven companies.

Smart-S (Startup) – For founders of high-potential startups.

2. Key Benefits of the Smart Visa

The Smart Visa provides significant advantages over traditional Thai work visas:

A. Extended Stay and Multiple Entry

Initial validity of up to 4 years (renewable)

No 90-day reporting requirement (unlike standard visas)

Multiple re-entry permits without additional paperwork

B. Work and Business Flexibility

No work permit required (unlike standard employment visas)

Permission to work for multiple entities (with approval)

Fast-tracked approvals for BOI-backed companies

C. Family and Dependent Privileges

Spouse and children eligible for dependent visas

Spouse permitted to work (subject to approval)

Children allowed to study in Thailand

D. Tax and Investment Incentives

Potential corporate tax exemptions for BOI-approved companies

Personal income tax benefits for qualifying expatriates

3. Eligibility Requirements

Each Smart Visa category has specific qualifications:

A. Smart-T (Talent Visa)

✔ Highly skilled professionals in AI, robotics, biotech, fintech, or digital industries ✔ Minimum salary of 200,000 THB/month (or lower in some cases with BOI approval) ✔ Employed by a Thai company in a BOI-promoted sector

B. Smart-I (Investor Visa)

✔ Minimum investment of 20 million THB in a Thai tech or innovation company ✔ Investment must align with BOI priority sectors

C. Smart-E (Executive Visa)

✔ Senior executives or experts in BOI-promoted companies ✔ Minimum salary of 200,000 THB/month

D. Smart-S (Startup Visa)

✔ Founders of tech startups with funding or accelerator backing ✔ Startup must be registered in Thailand and endorsed by DEPA or BOI

4. Application Process

The Smart Visa application involves multiple steps:

Company or Individual Qualification Check

The employer or investor must ensure eligibility under BOI/DEPA criteria.

Submission to the Smart Visa Unit

Documents include:

Passport copy

Employment contract (for Smart-T/E)

Investment proof (for Smart-I)

Startup business plan (for Smart-S)

Approval and Visa Issuance

Processing time: ~3-4 weeks

Visa issued at a Thai embassy or through an in-country conversion.

5. Strategic Advantages for Foreign Professionals & Businesses

A. Access to Thailand’s Booming Tech Ecosystem

Thailand is rapidly expanding in AI, blockchain, and smart manufacturing, making it a hub for tech talent.

Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) offers infrastructure and tax incentives for tech firms.

B. Easier Compliance Than Standard Work Visas

No work permit renewals or cumbersome paperwork.

Greater mobility for regional business operations.

C. Pathway to Long-Term Residency

Smart Visa holders may qualify for Thailand’s Elite Visa or PR after meeting residency requirements.

6. Challenges and Considerations

Despite its benefits, the Smart Visa has some limitations:

Stringent salary and investment thresholds may exclude mid-level professionals.

BOI/DEPA endorsement required, adding complexity for startups without government backing.

Limited to specific industries, excluding non-tech sectors.

7. Conclusion

The Thailand Smart Visa is a game-changer for high-value expatriates, investors, and entrepreneurs looking to engage with Thailand’s innovation-driven economy. With long-term stay benefits, work flexibility, and tax incentives, it stands out as one of the most attractive visa programs in Southeast Asia.

However, its strict eligibility criteria mean it is best suited for top-tier professionals and well-funded startups. For those who qualify, it provides an unparalleled advantage in Thailand’s competitive tech and business landscape.

For further details, applicants should consult the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) or the Smart Visa official website.

Final Thoughts

Thailand’s Smart Visa reflects the country’s strategic push toward digital transformation and foreign talent acquisition. As the program evolves, we may see expanded categories and relaxed requirements to attract a broader range of skilled professionals.

[quantvest]

"Tokenized Bitcoin Surpasses 172K BTC: The Future of Cross-Chain Utility"

Intro

Tokenized Bitcoin is making waves in the crypto world, and for a good reason. With over 172,000 BTC now in tokenized form, Bitcoin's utility is expanding across multiple blockchains. This trend is worth exploring, especially if you're new to the concepts of Bitcoin and decentralized finance (DeFi).

What it is

Tokenized Bitcoin refers to Bitcoin that exists on a different blockchain than its native one. For example, when Bitcoin is tokenized using the Ethereum network, it's known as Wrapped Bitcoin (wBTC). This allows Bitcoin to be used in decentralized applications that are usually limited to the Ethereum blockchain.

Why it matters

This development is significant for both seasoned investors and beginners. It allows Bitcoin to interact with complex financial systems, like DeFi platforms, without needing direct transactions on the Bitcoin blockchain. The growing use of tokenized Bitcoin means wider access to financial services, like lending and borrowing, without traditional financial gatekeepers.

Examples or breakdown

Wrapped Bitcoin (wBTC): This is the most popular form of tokenized Bitcoin. It lets users participate in Ether-based DeFi projects, increasing Bitcoin's utility.

DeFi Loans: Using tokenized Bitcoin, you can lend your Bitcoin on a DeFi platform and earn interest, just like you would with a traditional savings account.

Token Swaps: You can swap tokenized Bitcoin for other crypto assets on decentralized exchanges, offering more flexibility compared to traditional trading platforms.

Smart Contracts: Tokenized Bitcoin can be used in Ethereum smart contracts, allowing automatic, enforceable agreements without needing middlemen.

Tips or how-to

Educate Yourself: Learn the basics of blockchain, Bitcoin, and Ethereum. Understanding these will make tokenized Bitcoin easier to grasp.

Explore DeFi Platforms: Platforms like Uniswap or Compound offer hands-on ways to see how tokenized Bitcoin can work for you.

Start Small: Consider initially trading small amounts of tokenized Bitcoin. This will help you understand the processes without significant risk.

Summary

Tokenized Bitcoin is a game-changer in the crypto landscape. By bridging Bitcoin with other blockchains, it opens up a new world of possibilities for investors. Whether you're looking to earn interest, engage in smart contracts, or simply diversify your crypto strategy, tokenized Bitcoin presents a promising avenue. As you venture into the world of crypto, consider exploring this growing segment to make the most of your digital assets.

[digitalstackbybinary]

Web3 & Decentralized E-Commerce: What It Means for D2C Brands

The e-commerce landscape is evolving, and Web3 is at the forefront of this transformation. As decentralized technologies redefine how businesses operate, Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) brands must prepare for a future where transactions, ownership, and customer relationships are no longer controlled by centralized platforms. But what does this shift mean for the world of online retail?

Understanding Web3 & Decentralized E-Commerce

Web3 refers to the next phase of the internet—powered by blockchain, smart contracts, and decentralized networks. Unlike traditional e-commerce, which relies on intermediaries like marketplaces and payment processors, decentralized e-commerce eliminates middlemen, giving brands direct control over their operations, data, and revenue streams.

How Web3 is Reshaping D2C Brands

Ownership & Control: Web3 empowers brands to own their customer relationships without depending on platforms like Amazon or Shopify.

Decentralized Payments: Cryptocurrency and blockchain-based transactions reduce dependency on banks and lower payment processing fees.

Smart Contracts for Automation: Agreements between buyers and sellers can be self-executing, reducing fraud and ensuring seamless transactions.

Enhanced Data Privacy: Customers have greater control over their data, fostering trust between brands and consumers.

Tokenized Loyalty Programs: Brands can use NFTs and tokens to create exclusive membership benefits, driving deeper engagement and repeat purchases.

Challenges of Web3 in E-Commerce

Adoption Barriers: Many consumers and businesses are still unfamiliar with blockchain and decentralized systems.

Regulatory Uncertainty: Governments worldwide are still developing frameworks to regulate cryptocurrencies and decentralized transactions.

User Experience: While Web3 offers transparency, its technical complexity may create friction for non-tech-savvy consumers.

The Future of D2C in a Web3 World

Decentralized Marketplaces: Platforms like OpenSea and Rarible are paving the way for decentralized product selling.

Metaverse Shopping: Virtual storefronts could redefine the online shopping experience, allowing customers to interact with products in digital spaces.

Community-Led Growth: Web3 enables brands to build loyal communities through decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), where customers have a say in brand decisions.

Seamless Global Transactions: Cryptocurrency adoption will allow brands to expand globally without currency conversion hassles.

Is Your Brand Ready for Web3?

While Web3 is still in its early stages, D2C brands that adapt now will gain a competitive edge. Whether through tokenized rewards, decentralized payment systems, or blockchain-backed supply chains, the shift toward decentralized e-commerce is inevitable. The question is: Will your brand lead the change or struggle to catch up?

[bryantselectricalltd]

Managing Electrical Projects with Precision: Bryant’s Contractor Services Unpacked

When it comes to handling complex electrical systems and large-scale power needs, experience and precision are key. As a trusted electrical contractor in Red Deer, Bryant’s Electrical Ltd. stands at the forefront of quality and innovation. Whether you’re building a new facility, upgrading an outdated system, or managing ongoing maintenance across multiple properties, Bryant’s Electrical delivers seamless project execution from start to finish.

Understanding the Role of an Electrical Contractor

An electrical contractor is not just someone who wires a building — they are the backbone of any construction or renovation project that involves electricity. From planning and design to installation, inspection, and maintenance, the electrical contractor plays a crucial role in ensuring safety, functionality, and long-term efficiency.

Bryant’s Electrical Ltd. brings a wealth of experience to every project, managing all phases with clarity and care. Their approach includes:

Detailed project scoping and planning

Permitting and regulatory compliance

Material procurement and scheduling

On-site supervision and coordination with other trades

Quality assurance and post-installation support

By integrating best practices with cutting-edge tools and technologies, Bryant’s ensures each project runs on time, within budget, and up to code.

Tailored Electrical Solutions for Every Sector

Bryant’s doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all model. Their project management strategy is adapted to the specific needs of residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.

🏡 Residential Projects: Safe, Reliable, and Smart

For homeowners and developers, Bryant’s Electrical offers complete residential contracting services, including:

Custom wiring for new homes and renovations

Circuit breaker and panel installations

Smart home and automation systems

Lighting design and fixture installations

Generator and backup power systems

Their electricians work closely with builders and homeowners to ensure the final result matches both design goals and safety requirements. Whether it’s a modern home with energy-efficient lighting or a vintage property in need of an upgrade, they deliver reliable, future-ready systems.

🏢 Commercial Projects: Built for Business

Electrical demands in commercial settings can be intense, especially for businesses that rely on consistent, high-performance energy delivery. Bryant’s Electrical helps businesses minimize downtime and maximize productivity with services like:

Retail, office, and warehouse electrical layout

LED retrofits and lighting automation

Security system and data cable wiring

Electrical panel upgrades

EV charging station installations

Bryant’s works efficiently around business schedules, often completing major upgrades during off-hours or in phases, so operations don’t stop. They also offer maintenance contracts to keep systems running smoothly year-round.

🏭 Industrial Projects: Powering Large-Scale Operations

Industrial environments require robust electrical systems capable of supporting heavy equipment, automation processes, and strict safety regulations. Bryant’s is well-equipped to deliver electrical contracting for:

Manufacturing plants

Food processing units

Oil & gas facilities

Agricultural and greenhouse systems

Control panel and motor wiring

Their team collaborates with project engineers, plant managers, and safety inspectors to ensure all systems are designed with precision, resilience, and regulatory compliance in mind.

End-to-End Project Management

What sets Bryant’s Electrical Ltd. apart is their comprehensive project management approach. They handle all aspects of the project lifecycle, including:

1. Initial Consultation & Site Evaluation

They start by understanding your specific needs and evaluating your site’s power demands, layout, and compliance requirements.

2. Design & Engineering

Their in-house experts draft a custom electrical plan that balances performance, safety, and efficiency. They also coordinate with architects, engineers, and general contractors to ensure flawless integration.

3. Permitting & Code Compliance

Bryant’s takes care of all permitting and inspections required by Red Deer authorities, ensuring your project meets local and national electrical codes.

4. Installation & Construction

Their licensed electricians install and test all components with strict attention to detail, whether it’s a residential smart panel or an industrial control system.

5. Testing & Handover

After installation, they conduct thorough testing and walk you through the final setup, ensuring you’re confident in the system’s use and upkeep.

6. Post-Installation Support & Maintenance

Even after project completion, Bryant’s stays available for troubleshooting, scheduled maintenance, or future upgrades.

The Bryant’s Electrical Difference

✅ Licensed, Insured, and Experienced

Every project is handled by trained professionals who carry the necessary certifications and insurance. Their experience spans a wide range of project types and sizes, making them a versatile choice for any job.

✅ On-Time, On-Budget

Bryant’s believes that great service is about more than just technical skills — it’s also about dependability. They stick to project timelines and provide accurate cost estimates with no hidden fees.

✅ Innovative and Energy-Efficient Solutions

From LED conversions to green energy integration and smart home automation, Bryant’s Electrical stays ahead of the curve, offering clients the most efficient and forward-thinking solutions available.

✅ Strong Communication and Transparency

Clients receive consistent updates throughout the project. Whether it’s a simple fixture upgrade or a multi-phase construction site, you’ll never be left in the dark.

Real Project Highlights in Red Deer

🔧 Commercial Office Fit-Out

A real estate office in central Red Deer needed a complete electrical overhaul, including smart lighting, workstation power setups, and HVAC controls. Bryant’s completed the project ahead of schedule while coordinating with HVAC and IT teams to ensure a smooth rollout.

🔧 Industrial Equipment Installation

A food production company hired Bryant’s to manage electrical integration for new packaging machinery. The team designed and installed motor controls, PLC wiring, and emergency shut-off systems, reducing the client’s energy consumption by 18%.

🔧 Residential Energy Upgrade

A growing family needed solar backup, panel upgrades, and child-safe outlets for their home. Bryant’s delivered a solution that balanced modern tech with family-friendly safety features.

Partnering with Builders, Developers & Engineers

Bryant’s Electrical Ltd. regularly works alongside general contractors, real estate developers, and engineering consultants. Whether it’s a single custom home or a multi-unit commercial buildout, they bring deep project coordination experience and proactive communication to every collaboration.

Their ability to forecast project risks, manage timelines, and solve challenges in real time makes them a valuable asset on any job site.

Safety and Compliance: No Compromises

At Bryant’s Electrical, safety is non-negotiable. Their entire crew follows strict safety protocols and undergoes regular training in the latest electrical standards and occupational health guidelines. Their commitment to safety extends to:

Fall protection

Lockout/tagout procedures

Arc flash awareness

Fire prevention systems

CSA and NEC electrical code compliance

Clients can rest assured that their project is being handled not just skillfully, but safely — protecting people, property, and productivity.

Ready to Start Your Project?

Whether you’re looking to build from the ground up, upgrade existing infrastructure, or plan future electrical expansion, Bryant’s Electrical Ltd. is your go-to partner in Red Deer. Their streamlined process, commitment to quality, and wide-ranging experience ensure that no matter the size or scope of your project, it’s in the right hands.

Conclusion: Managing electrical systems requires far more than just basic wiring — it demands foresight, expertise, and coordination. Bryant’s Electrical Ltd. brings all that and more to every project they undertake. If you’re looking for a reliable commercial electrician in Red Deer who can manage your electrical project with precision and professionalism, look no further than Bryant’s Electrical Ltd.