[SHORT REVIEWS] #10

Or completed / on-hold / dropped / skimmed through ahaha Let's call it A PILE. Not making this sad, it's not. After all there are novels that make you pause and wonder, if you want to continue or not. The idea is if you're not really into it at some point then it's already not in the "great" category. Also those are not dropped or put on-hold because I find these novels horrible or something, we just might not click, you know how you have preference and reading about things or people you don't like is not your thing. Well, that's me. Especially lately for quite some time I try not to read anything depressing, not a simple tear-jerker, no, but something that makes you brood and feel really down and depressed.

病美人揣崽后不跑了［娱乐圈］ by 岁几更

(mtl: The sick beauty did not run away after getting pregnant with the cub)

[BL] Completed. Wasn't particularly a big fan of MC's character and his "misunderstanding", which lasted for quite some time. Also he has another trait I'm not a big fan in characters it's being oblivious to emotions and misinterpreting things. Summary: Xu Xishuang enters the novel where he is a cannon fodder. A sick beauty of entertainment who got pregnant after a wild night with movie emperor Yan Yushan. Being scared the cannon fodder escaped, but only before dying confessed who is the child's father. Yan Yushan had a strong pursuit after the novel's protagonist shou. Xu Xishuang decided to act opposite, not escape and face it. But his characteristics are not my favorite, he was too sure that protag gong belongs to protag shou and he might die. He really couldn't see Yan Yushan's care for him and really although it made him have a positive attitude towards him, but he was blind to this care which was obvious liking. At least Yan Yushan was truly responsible. And I don't like novels beng built on stupid misunderstandings. And it existed only for the sake of justifying the moment when Xu Xishuang is "cured", basically this has something to do with original owner who was quite depressed and denied his own existence, so many things might be just psychological. Such justification. I may say I dropped it, but basically I skimmed through this book and even if I was positive about these characters, it'd still be quite low-key and okay book, the one I wouldn't be particularly sad about if I didn't read and after reading I'd say - well, fine, whatever. As you may guess first part of the book is misunderstanding continues, MC films, Yan Yushang takes care of him, since MC is sickly. Then they come to another show, should be relaxing. Then the feelings develop, but MC denies it. After hearing that original protag shou loves someone else the shackles break and they come together, another show and love development. Not much tbh.

被偷走金手指的炮灰攻重生了 by 八爷党

(mtl: Cannon fodder, whose golden finger was stolen, is reborn)

[BL] On-going. Summary: Gu Jiuque's life was completely ruined, but he had no idea that the last emotional line with this world was fake. After the horrible fire that broke out, he suffered disfigurement and was disabled, during the time in hospital being unconscious his parents died in an accident, grandma couldn't handle it and passed away with heart attack and the last relative, his grandfather, was plotted against and his reputation as antique professional was ruined. Gu Jiuque spent his life helping the only person he was close with, but at the last moment of his life realized that things aren't that simple. And after his death he was reborn on the fateful day when Bai Yuesheng asked for Gu family relic. I didn't liek this novel right off the bat. Although I can't blame MC for being blind in the last life, after all it was Bai yuesheng who stole relic and also he was the one who was sticking to Jiuque which led others to hate him. But honestly if you read how author portrayed Bai Yuesheng... it's impossible for everyone to believe this green tea. Not to mention that the way he talks is pretty hateful. The way he insists on their relationship and the other person likes him etc. like making excusing for every phrase the other party has. I mean, in the past life it was understandable that he was hit, but I don't know why he never doubted this Bai Yuesheng, after all his means are not smart enough. But nope, it is described that many actually buy his acting and feel the need to protect him, like wtf, I don't want this braindead route. His insinuation are really low-level and people buy it heh. He's just a low-level character that knows some things in the future and importance of the Gu family relics, but it made people fascinated. Another thing that I didn't understand, why the Gu family still had doubts about Bai Yuesheng, because of the past love, but the next second the Bai family started muddying the water and switch black and white, I don't know, if it was my family I would completely cut off any relationships with such a bunch of scrouges. Another point, the plan against his grandpa, his grandfather could simply refuse to go and stay at home and miss on this "big conspiracy". but do you think MC will allow it? His logic is that he should face it or they will develop another plan he might not know about and attack from another side. Fair, but also lacks in logic. You want to just go and confront. Well-well, I want to see the counter-measures. No, wait. I actually don't want to. because I'm dropping it.

协议婚姻使我实现财务自由 by 渊爻

(mtl: Marriage by agreement made  me realize financial freedom)

[BG] Completed. Summary: Zhong Zhiyan was an infinie player who finally got enough points to retire and her requirement were simple - money. But when she landed she realized she's been had by the mastermind, because the one with money isn't her, but her to-be husband by agreement. But who cares, she will abide by agreement, swipe the card and will b eleft with everything she got during this period, perfect. From another side Wei Hanyun always knew that he was a person of the book, he was powerful, especially lucky, but some things were happening outside of his will and only when Zhong Zhiyan arrived he realized, she's like him, knows what's going on.

The summary itself isn't bad and was exciting, but I don't know, I probably got tired a bit of it by the middle. Initially it's a lot of spending and fantastic portrayal of rich life out of author's head who never lived the rich life. Anyway, it's a lot of spending you could say. When I tried to re-read I knew which novel it was, but funnily when re-reading I tried to get kinda tired and not wanting to continue almost at the same point. And you could say that ML now had some feelings for FL, but she was quite oblivious, although she knew he was good to her, but it wasn't to the point of like. I don't know how a person of infinite game is oblivious to other person's emotions, s it got stuck with me. Companies, flats, walk-in closets of clothes, unlimited spending, purchasing online almost every day. Later Zhiyan at least showed characteristics - gold. So when she met immediate relatives of Wei family she got it. Others considered her like their little dragon. Grand wedding and honeymoon is also packaged in spending and exactly honeymoon around the world is the part I skipped. Now /~SPOILERS~/ because I read the ending and I was surprised. Her entire team was resurrected in this world, including Wei Hanyun as her vice-captain. Well, it's a happy thing and she often mentioned her team, but it didn't feel like foreshadowing them appearing. And they happen to be most people closest to her. Initially the heroine of the book acted differently, she knew about her luck and strived for better life, in the book she'd marry Wei Hanyun and live a prosperous life with her dealings in fashion industry. But when meeting with Zhong Zhiyan her luck left her. FL just invested in her and the girl skipped the man part and went towards success. But in the end she was one of people who got resurrected. And by that it's like original person of the book mergin with other person. Honestly, it was enough for me finishing the ending like this. Others can read it, I don't have feelings to continue.

女配在婆媳综艺爆红了 by 将月去

(mtl: Female supporting role in a mother-in-law variety show)

[BG] Completed. Summary: Jiang Lan crosses as a supporting role, her role is a hero's first love, who left him for money before the male protag could find a fitting female protag for himself. But the scene Jiang Lan expected where male protag's mother Yu Wanqiu offers her money to leave her son did not happen, instead Yu Wanqiu told her to join a variety show where mother-in-laws get along with their daughter-in-laws, she wanted to get acquainted to know if the two people who are from different worlds can fit together. Jiang lan didn't care, she cared about remuneration after the show, but knowing Yu Wanqiu she still had a lot of respect for her.

I can say outright, I do like and respect Yu Wanqiu as a character, she's open-minded about her son's relationship, she tried to get along in her own way. She is an actress on a level of a national goddess, she still acts even if she's in her fourties, I respect people who keep healthy, they can diet and they try not to regress. This actually requires a strong will before it becomes a habit.

On the contrary Jiang Lan is.. a bit ordinary? She can play an instrument btw, but she acts like an average college student. Some sleep, some practice, eating takeout, playing mobile games, a lot. I don't know why, but I find it strange how every person plays the same game ( King of Glory?), like there are no other genres, I really applaude when I see characters playing games outside of the standard, unfortunately Jiang Lan is not the case. Although a lot of people can relate to such a person, but only her face and easy-going character make her a bit better. But from the beginning they are pretty contrasting.

I didn't read much of it, I already felt like Jiang Lan does nothing, it's her summer vacation, but she feels like there's nothing to do and it's okay. It's good she doesn't act on tenterhooks in front of Yu Wanqiu, but I don't know, it's like "nothing remarkable here". Two sides don't clash, but they start to corrode each other, in a positive way. Yu Wanqiu as a strong woman drags Jiang Lan along to eat healthier, to cook, to do yoga, to travel etc. Many would like such a proactive person when they need a motivator around them, because she manages to bring the best of you and I think she manages to bring better things out of Jiang Lan. She may have opinions, but they are not big, I think she opened up pretty quickly, she also won't allow outsiders to bully her son's gf at the moment, so she is remarkable. On the other side Jiang Lan brings more dust to the situation, people's fireworks. Like playing games with Yu Wanqiu or sharing the food that is considered unhealthy. The best part to me at the beginning was her reaction to Yu Wanqiu's movie and her idea to get flowers. I wondered at first if they're on the same page, after all Yu Wanqiu is really great, it's when you hope the character you like will get feedback.

This novel is in no way a bad one, it's one I put on-hold for quite some time. You can read it for Yu Wanqiu at least, I truly find her a great character so far. But I've been not in the right mood for it for a long time. I'm pretty sure when I catch the vibe I'll either finish it or leave it alone ahaha. But again, it's in no way bad from what I've read so far.

八零之人在香江 by 小胖柑

(mtl: Ex-wife of the ganster in Xiangjiang [80s])

[BG] Completed. This has high overall ranking, though rates and number of people who rated isn't much. Summary: Fan Qi was fascinated by a novel boss, before she crossed as his murdered wife. That's basically the gist of it. Fan Qi becomes infamous, because she's an actress, but she played several roles that were on the verge of being an AV. But she had a husband and wanted a glamorous life and thought that movies will bring it, but it brought nothing but shame. In reality this wife was ruined (her body) and she was mentally not in the right place before she was found dead. Someone thought it was what her husband did to her, because she obstructed her life. Spoilers or not he was not the one, but someone who considered him a talent, but they thought his wife spoils the picture.

Right off the bat, I dislike novels that start like this, when a female partner type of character has a dark past like this, they're either blackened by entire network and have scandals all over the place, anyway they have a head start. But the thing is it's hard to wash it off. Especially a situation like this. They might bury this past, but they won't be able to do it and it will exist, even if she didn't do those shameful things. I just feel sorry for original owners because they're created like this just for nothing or to make things dramatic and for those transmigrating, because they have to bear it. And there is no point in setting such a character at all.

Anyway, since Fan Qi is in trading, she basically switched from filming right away and started going for things she knows - stock market. Basically, she changed the fate of original owner and changed their lives. Although they lived as a husband and wife, but they weren't intimate (If I remember correctly has a lot to do with original owner). So getting rid off the past things you could say it's their common road to success? I don't remember exactly why I put it down, but judging that I put it on-hold at ch50 I have a guess, I usually get tired around this much and knowing that there's long way to go is discouraging lol If the novel does not fascinate me I can really let it sit till I'm in the mood. There is a bunch of other characters I don't remember, I just remember the same things that were in the summary and those I mentioned.

这万人嫌我不当了 by 风华如故

(mtl: Thousand of people blame me for being inappropriate)

[BL] On-going. Summary: At the moment of life and death Su Xingyao realized why he lived such a marginal life of being disliked by his biological parents and why the adopted son of their family was so beloved, simply because the adopted son is the heartthrob and he is destined to be disliked for anything he does.

This novel to me is a bit heavy because it has a lot of depressing and sad stuff to be discussed when it comes to Xingyao, he is a lovely filial boy, he wants to show the best to his parents, but for some reason they always misunderstand him, everything started from adopting the son (I think he's a relative of someone or smth like that). He was misunderstood many times, before he was pushed down the cliff by a man who believed he seduced his boyfriend. Xingyao has been blackened by entire network but no one asked who did it, it wasn't simply because the adopted son was ultimate heartthrob, but because he hired navy to black Xingyao on entire network, no proof, but who needs it (sometimes I dislike how public acts so stupid or is described as such). On the verge of death Xingyao is saved by Lu Jiuxu, villain in the book, but gave him nothing but the feeling of home.

Xingyao indeed almost died, he fell of teh cliff and his side was pierced, he tried to call for help, but the only number he managed to click was his mother who started to preach and didn't even ask if anything is wrong, he thought he was done, but then a passing person helped him out, it was Lu Jiuxu. It is evident that they had some sort of past between the two but Xingyao doesn't remember. He lives and recuperates at home, before he decides to join the singing show because he loves music, but he asks for a special care that he will perform in a full body suit because otherwise people will oppose him. He became popular with the show, but his persona of who he actually is was kept for the longest of time. During the show he also met one of his former "friends" let's call it, it's a person he was friends with, but was misundertood by him. XIngyao actually saved his life and received burns on his back, but the adopted son claimed that it was he who saved the man, while Xingyao was even left in that country for some time before recuperating and being sent back, no one asked what it was. But it actually involves someone who acted like a middle man - the nanny in the house. She often said a word or two against Xingyao for the longest of times. But the friend suddenly has a wak-up call and slowly people around Xingyao, his former friends, start to realize that they've been missing the vital piece of information and it felt like their eyes were fogged on purpose, now things start to be clear. But who would care? Xingyao's heart has long been cold and he was so disappointed that neither closest relatives nor friends believed him. He truly deserves to be happy with someone who loves him and never forgive those who hurt him, even if those are his closest relatives.

This novel is on-hold for obvious reasons, it is on-going. At first I thought I read it, I did, then I read it the second time and went as far as ch 81, but author is again on hiatus and it is connected to their on-going health issues. I'm putting it here because I want to save some points from this novel as memory triggers, because I might forget what it was about by the time it is fully released, but reading such notes it will help me pull it out from the memory.

反派穿成小人鱼 by 狩心x

(mtl: Villain dressed as a little mermaid)

[BL] Summary: Lin Xi was a villain in the book who crossed to a future world, but instead became a mermaid with a marked price. For the sake of not to be sold he used his fangs and claws, but it lasted only before a man appeared and tld him - If you bit, I'll pull out your teeth.

If I remember correctly ML bought mermaid just as passing, but went as far as doing many things to accomodate. he didn't act like others and didn't treat MC as a plaything. Mainly their story is short and is concentrated on their relationship, feelings growing and MC's decision to stay after wanting to escape for so long.

As I said nothing bad, I just feel like it's not hooking me up, so I put it away for a long time. Even if it's truly short, mere 50+ chapters.

钓系beta是貌美反派 by 暴走雾霾

(mtl: Fishing beta is a beautiful villain)

[BL] Completed. Summary: Xu Yanci, now a beta, had a problem with differentiation. He found out that he was a villain in a book after living a bizarre life. He was also thrown into the void by the gong of the story.

Reality seems to be different.

Tbh this is short, I haven't even bothered to read much of it, because there is much to be desired about it, the style is yet to mature to more satisfactory level and not just a simple fantasy that could be called a pit, in a true sense. The ratings on JJ are also devastating, though I agree with them.

I've dropped it after reading beginning and ending. Author took upon themselves some crazy ideas, but the execution suffered.

嫁给邪神之后我马甲掉了 by 南辿星

(mtl: After marrying an evil god my vest fell off)

[BL] Completed. Summary: Qi Yuan is a western dragon who landed in a novel with supernatural elements, by the stroke of fate he becomes a husband to the evil god, Pei Xuan, although the other party doesn't know his true self as a dragon. They start living in this contractual marriage before Pei Xuan finds out that his husband is not as fragile as he looks.

Mostly should be light-hearted and a funny story, although I kind of couldn't get hooked on it, maybe it's the style and the dynamics of the story. You know how sometimes you read, you feel it's endless while it was only few pages, that's it for me.

The story itself has interesting setting. Qi Yuan somehow landed in the novel. His character did not live through several chapters, while it can't be Qi Yuan's turn, since he's a dragon. He lived an ordinary life before Pei Xuan offers a contractual marriage, because two families had a baby kiss for them. Qi Yuan who needs and likes money agrees. After all he needs money to buy his most beloved gems. 

Both of them are new to relationships and how to be a human partner too, so they often feel awkward. Qi Yuan despite his pride in being a dragon is pretty adaptable when it comes to money.

There is another storyline, considering metaphysical world. Qi Yuan may see the ghosts and such, but they are no threat to him, because dragons are inerently evil on a whole different level. Qi Yuan meets Ye Du, one of the novel's protags, he's a master, while his other profession is an actor. They met few times and from the first got aqcainted. because Qi Yuan managed to get himself into several cases of ghost raising. So it seems the forum and ghost raising are connected to original Pei family who worshipped an evil god for generations. Pei Xuan is not one of them originally, he overtook the body of the oldest son, who had no way to become an evil priest in their words. But Pei Xuan is one to deal with this evil god in the Pei family. So both of them have their own agenda and walk around trying to pretend to be normal while they're not.

Because of how of felt when reading it, I'm doubting I want to continue.

和邪神共享身体后 by 橘子珩

(mtl: After sharing the body with the evil god)

[BL] Completed. Summary: After the car accident that took both of his parents, Jian Xie started seeing entities, those were monsters. In a tragic event of the monster attack, Jian Xie is met with workers from Supernatural Bureau and finds out that he was not mental all this time, but he was inspired to see monsters. Soon-to-be collegues were perplexed to know how Jian Xie, who is just a young student, survived several monster attacks and stay sane, while others would have long since lost themselves to madness.

This has pretty interesting settings, because monsters are not ones like in metaphysics. And also Jian Xie, he's pretty collected and a very intelligent young man, but he hasn't figured out what exactly managed to completely drain him of any emotion after the accident, while he freely could percieve emotions of others. And what is this entity that shares the body with him.

I will definitely continue reading this one, I liked the style and the story.

太子殿下他盛世美颜（重生） by 终欢

(mtl: His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is so beautiful and prosperous)

[BL] Completed. Summary: Jing You has been born Omega and a Crown Prince of the Empire, which since long been in confrontation with Federation. Since childhood he's been promised to Mu Ran, the son of Marshal and a national hero, but who knew that a defeat will make Mu Ran stay as Federation's prisoner for ten years before his return. Yet who knew that after ten years there was someone else in his heart.

His previous life was a striking defeat of the Empire, because of Mu Ran and his love. He did not care for anything and betrayed the place of his birth, his father and his mother, all for the sake of the one he loved. Jing You died in hatred, although the other party hated him no less. He took every conviction that his position as the Prince's fiance allowed, grew his power, yet hated Jing You for taking the place that should belong to the one he loved.

Being reborn at the important time of negotiations, Jing You changed his mind and instead of the Omega Mu Ran tried so hard to save, he allowed Federation to send their most prominent warrior, Huai Pei. This actually sparkled a passion and love that faced advercities of intrigues.

This is a pretty neat story, though it might not be as good, but it is still fairly entertaning. There are a lot of intrigues in the plot, so you can enjoy those. The main thing is that many things are happening in the Empire, although Jing You is an Omega, but he took part in battles himself and proved that he can lead Empire, he doesn't look like an average Omega. He is very strong-willed and more like a cheetah. On the other hand Huai Pei is an interesting fellow, he might come across as a silly goose under the guise of a stoic face. He taught himself such actions that became part of his baggage. He and Jing You are actually a natural pair, this is why their attraction was so swift and Huai Pei was ready to be where Jing You is. On the other Federation although it sounds not as criptic as Empire, but is no different and is led by few aristocratic families who take most important positions. Huai Pei who comes from commoners was a chance or even a point that those in power could use later, as Jing You remembered because his services were not needed he was indeed accused in previous life, but escaped into unknown.

The Omega Mu Ran was so fond of actually was not a simpleton, he took care of several pretty important Alphas and some of them even bedded. It was obvious it was his agenda to keep in contact with people of power, including Alphas from Empire. This Jing You found after investigation. He tried to use many means to lure out all those who were of undecided mind and obliterate them all. Including this seemingly harmless fellow, who actually caused the downfall of the Empire in the previous life.

Jing You's character is really charming. So it's a joy to read for those who like storylines and such games.