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Rose and Renaissance #2
Rose and Renaissance#2
Please do not order before the publication date to avoid getting the wrong version of the book. Kids make choices, Adults make love. --Rose and Renaissance
Cool and alpha to his core, playboy Xia Xiqing has everyone fooled with that angelic face of his, but he just had to give the game away in front of his idol and reveal his true colors-and so Xia Xiqing's first encounter with his idol backfired on him and ruined his chances. Xia I like you a lot. Zhou stay-away-from-me.jpg However, Xia Xiqing beautiful face appearing for just three seconds in the audience of a press conference leads to his debut as Zhou Ziheng's foremost fan, and he, together with his idol, gets on the trending list, gets on a reality show, and gets on... That's right, it's exactly as you think. But it's not quite what Xia Xiqing thinks it to be. At first, he think he's hooked up with the unrivaled alpha of the entertainment industry, but it's only after he strips away the latter's public persona that he finds out that Zhou Ziheng is a naive and innocent tsundere. He thought he has gotten an "I bedded my idol" script, but in the end, it turns out to be a script of "my idol bedded me." How... stimulating. *lights up cigarette* Xia I thought you didn't like me at all. What's with all this hugging and clinging? Zhou Well, I take it back.
Xia Xiqing goes idol-chasing at a public event just once, and it results both in him going viral and also in everything immediately backfiring on him as his true colors get revealed to his idol, thus belying his angelic appearance. After his overnight explosion of fame, Xia Xiqing and his idol, Zhou Ziheng, end up on an escape room reality show together, going head-to-head in an intense game of wits and accepting each other's true selves as they go through this game within a game. Behind the push and pull of flirting and refusing to be seduced are the myriad warnings of changed minds and reluctant enjoyment. This story is set in the entertainment industry, and a big highlight of the narrative is the brain-melting script of the reality program, full of problem-solving and suspenseful challenges. Both protagonists hide behind many masks, wearing public personas that contradict their true selves, which results in satisfyingly tense interactions between the two of them. Family backgrounds and dependent personalities are explored in this novel, as well as the emotional relationship between the savior and the one who is saved. The narrative is immersed common knowledge from both academic STEM disciplines and fine arts disciplines, using ascetic physics principles to express emotions and displaying in full the unique romance that arises from the confluence of science and art.
Cool and alpha to his core, playboy Xia Xiqing has everyone fooled with that angelic face of his, but he just had to give the game away in front of his idol and reveal his true colors-and so Xia Xiqing's first encounter with his idol backfired on him and ruined his chances. Xia I like you a lot. Zhou stay-away-from-me.jpg However, Xia Xiqing beautiful face appearing for just three seconds in the audience of a press conference leads to his debut as Zhou Ziheng's foremost fan, and he, together with his idol, gets on the trending list, gets on a reality show, and gets on... That's right, it's exactly as you think. But it's not quite what Xia Xiqing thinks it to be. At first, he think he's hooked up with the unrivaled alpha of the entertainment industry, but it's only after he strips away the latter's public persona that he finds out that Zhou Ziheng is a naive and innocent tsundere. He thought he has gotten an "I bedded my idol" script, but in the end, it turns out to be a script of "my idol bedded me." How... stimulating. *lights up cigarette* Xia I thought you didn't like me at all. What's with all this hugging and clinging? Zhou Well, I take it back.
Xia Xiqing goes idol-chasing at a public event just once, and it results both in him going viral and also in everything immediately backfiring on him as his true colors get revealed to his idol, thus belying his angelic appearance. After his overnight explosion of fame, Xia Xiqing and his idol, Zhou Ziheng, end up on an escape room reality show together, going head-to-head in an intense game of wits and accepting each other's true selves as they go through this game within a game. Behind the push and pull of flirting and refusing to be seduced are the myriad warnings of changed minds and reluctant enjoyment. This story is set in the entertainment industry, and a big highlight of the narrative is the brain-melting script of the reality program, full of problem-solving and suspenseful challenges. Both protagonists hide behind many masks, wearing public personas that contradict their true selves, which results in satisfyingly tense interactions between the two of them. Family backgrounds and dependent personalities are explored in this novel, as well as the emotional relationship between the savior and the one who is saved. The narrative is immersed common knowledge from both academic STEM disciplines and fine arts disciplines, using ascetic physics principles to express emotions and displaying in full the unique romance that arises from the confluence of science and art.
370 pages, Paperback
Published July 15, 2023
5 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 14, 2025
This second volume gives us much more yearning and soft moments between our main couple. And Zhou Ziheng showing his alpha's side—I love it!
"Xia Xiqing, I’ve said this before, and I'll say it again. I will kill you if you mess around with other people." (...) "You only have me. Do you get it? No matter if you want to see me or not, you only have me.".
With the change in their relationship, we're treated to hot smut and tender cuddles. But the angst is still there, and both sides feel there's an expiry date to this relationship state.
Each touch feels like he’s dancing with fire. He’s standing between heaven and hell. Just jump. We can die in each other’s arms.
Xia Xiqing still believing he deserves no happiness is heartbreaking. But Zhou Ziheng doesn't plan to let him go, he's not afraid of seeing the dark and ugly side of him.
“I want to see all of your emotions, the good ones and the bad ones, no matter how complicated and no matter how sharp. Don't let them grind away at each other. Just let them all out. (...) I can handle everything you give me.”
"Xia Xiqing, I’ve said this before, and I'll say it again. I will kill you if you mess around with other people." (...) "You only have me. Do you get it? No matter if you want to see me or not, you only have me.".
With the change in their relationship, we're treated to hot smut and tender cuddles. But the angst is still there, and both sides feel there's an expiry date to this relationship state.
Each touch feels like he’s dancing with fire. He’s standing between heaven and hell. Just jump. We can die in each other’s arms.
Xia Xiqing still believing he deserves no happiness is heartbreaking. But Zhou Ziheng doesn't plan to let him go, he's not afraid of seeing the dark and ugly side of him.
“I want to see all of your emotions, the good ones and the bad ones, no matter how complicated and no matter how sharp. Don't let them grind away at each other. Just let them all out. (...) I can handle everything you give me.”
April 17, 2025
4.7 I've really enjoyed this volume! I've cried, and laughed. I'm really loving the dynamic of the couple and I really need a confession scene! Who will confess first!?
October 31, 2025
“I want to see all your emotions, the good ones and the bad ones, no matter how complicated and no matter how sharp. Don’t let them grind away at each other. Just let them all out.”
So, I think this review is coming out a little different than I originally intended. Lately, I’ve been contributing to a danmei blog site, which means I’ve been writing more in-depth reviews than usual. Compared to the short three-paragraph format I usually stick to here, my blog reviews are more detailed and give me time to sit with the story. And I think that extra space to reflect has started to affect how I process and write about each volume. With Rose and Renaissance, Vol. 2, the extra time made me appreciate just how tightly the story evolves from its setup in Volume 1 into something more emotionally involved and psychologically layered.
This volume hits harder and lands more confidently than the first. What started as subtle tension between Zhou Ziheng and Xia Xiqing now deepens into something far more intimate and emotionally complicated. Their relationship shifts from reactive to intentional—vulnerability is no longer one-sided, and the power dynamic begins to blur. Xia Xiqing’s recklessness gains context through glimpses of his past, while Zhou Ziheng starts to strip away the polished veneer he’s always maintained. Their emotional growth doesn’t just push their relationship forward—it redefines it. Every gesture, every choice, feels heavier and more deliberate.
The supporting cast steps into sharper focus this time, each with their own motives and emotional pull. Instead of orbiting the leads, they start to influence the flow of events in ways that add tension and unpredictability. The entertainment industry backdrop also becomes more active—it’s not just a setting, but a pressure point that exposes how much of each character’s identity is wrapped up in performance. Whether they’re reading scripts or navigating press events, the story leans into the blurred line between who they are and who they’re expected to be. The intimacy scenes are more present in this volume, too—not just physically but emotionally. They’re intense, well-written, and tied to character development, not just desire.
The only part that didn’t fully work for me was how the “show within a show” was handled. Instead of keeping the characters grounded in their own perspectives as actors working through emotion, the narrative shifted completely into the fictional world of the show they were performing. I would’ve preferred to see them internalizing those roles as themselves, not as detached characters in a different universe. It’s not a major flaw, just something that pulled me out of the story a bit. Still, this volume managed to build on the emotional groundwork beautifully, and I’m glad I had time to sit with it before writing this down.
Date Read: 2025.08.01
So, I think this review is coming out a little different than I originally intended. Lately, I’ve been contributing to a danmei blog site, which means I’ve been writing more in-depth reviews than usual. Compared to the short three-paragraph format I usually stick to here, my blog reviews are more detailed and give me time to sit with the story. And I think that extra space to reflect has started to affect how I process and write about each volume. With Rose and Renaissance, Vol. 2, the extra time made me appreciate just how tightly the story evolves from its setup in Volume 1 into something more emotionally involved and psychologically layered.
This volume hits harder and lands more confidently than the first. What started as subtle tension between Zhou Ziheng and Xia Xiqing now deepens into something far more intimate and emotionally complicated. Their relationship shifts from reactive to intentional—vulnerability is no longer one-sided, and the power dynamic begins to blur. Xia Xiqing’s recklessness gains context through glimpses of his past, while Zhou Ziheng starts to strip away the polished veneer he’s always maintained. Their emotional growth doesn’t just push their relationship forward—it redefines it. Every gesture, every choice, feels heavier and more deliberate.
The supporting cast steps into sharper focus this time, each with their own motives and emotional pull. Instead of orbiting the leads, they start to influence the flow of events in ways that add tension and unpredictability. The entertainment industry backdrop also becomes more active—it’s not just a setting, but a pressure point that exposes how much of each character’s identity is wrapped up in performance. Whether they’re reading scripts or navigating press events, the story leans into the blurred line between who they are and who they’re expected to be. The intimacy scenes are more present in this volume, too—not just physically but emotionally. They’re intense, well-written, and tied to character development, not just desire.
The only part that didn’t fully work for me was how the “show within a show” was handled. Instead of keeping the characters grounded in their own perspectives as actors working through emotion, the narrative shifted completely into the fictional world of the show they were performing. I would’ve preferred to see them internalizing those roles as themselves, not as detached characters in a different universe. It’s not a major flaw, just something that pulled me out of the story a bit. Still, this volume managed to build on the emotional groundwork beautifully, and I’m glad I had time to sit with it before writing this down.
Date Read: 2025.08.01
August 3, 2025
Can't believe I finished this within 2 days 💀 When I say I want to read a romance book, this is what I mean.
This volume was much more enjoyable than the first one. It had everything:
The character development,
"He's always said said that the greatest misstep people make in romance is that mistaking momentary pleasure for love..."
The angst,
"Nobody came. Nobody has ever come to rescue him."
But most importantly, the snuggles 💞
"Zhou Ziheng places their foreheads together, rubbing the tips of their noses. His voice is soft, like it's enveloped in ocean mist."
Plenty of snuggles and cuddles which I adored very much 🥰 The change in Xiqing was very nice to read, especially with the contrast in characters. Ziheng has plenty of love to give yet Xiqing wants to shield himself from that love. Ziheng is so full of love that I even felt all soft and mushy, I could feel it radiating off the page.
However I do wish there was more angst. For example with Xiqing’s backstory give me more. Tell me more about his family, let me feel the same anger and hatred, let me cry more for Xiqing yk? x_x
Excited to read the 3rd volume, now all that's left is for them to communicate and properly address their feelings and issues 🤩
This volume was much more enjoyable than the first one. It had everything:
The character development,
"He's always said said that the greatest misstep people make in romance is that mistaking momentary pleasure for love..."
The angst,
"Nobody came. Nobody has ever come to rescue him."
But most importantly, the snuggles 💞
"Zhou Ziheng places their foreheads together, rubbing the tips of their noses. His voice is soft, like it's enveloped in ocean mist."
Plenty of snuggles and cuddles which I adored very much 🥰 The change in Xiqing was very nice to read, especially with the contrast in characters. Ziheng has plenty of love to give yet Xiqing wants to shield himself from that love. Ziheng is so full of love that I even felt all soft and mushy, I could feel it radiating off the page.
However I do wish there was more angst. For example with Xiqing’s backstory give me more. Tell me more about his family, let me feel the same anger and hatred, let me cry more for Xiqing yk? x_x
Excited to read the 3rd volume, now all that's left is for them to communicate and properly address their feelings and issues 🤩
August 28, 2025
Modern danmei with a fan aggressively pursuing an actor. I’m running out of steam with this story, it’s not bad but I’m not in the mood for it. Xia Xinqung has grown on me and I like Zhou Ziheng being unreasonably possessive haha. I just wish the plot had more action
January 7, 2024
I did not want to put this book down! This is the second book (of four) and the story just got so much deeper. I love the complexity of the relationship between Xia Xiqing and Zhou Ziheng. We learn a lot more about XX's backstory which made me love and appreciate his character even more.
The slow burn is over but there is still some angst!
The slow burn is over but there is still some angst!
March 11, 2025
Buddy read with Bunny, Jasmine & thewhelmedlife!
As much as I liked the escape room from the first book, I enjoyed that this second volume felt a lot more character focused. The romance aspect is becoming more tangible as the main characters start to admit their feelings to themselves, if not to each other - it adds a nice extra layer to the back and forth between them, they definitely have great banter and chemistry.
We also get to see more of Xia Xiqing as a character in general - we may not get a full picture yet but we start to understand more why he is the way he is. I confess that I generally find Zhou Ziheng a borderline boring character but he becomes increasingly more interesting through this interactions with Xia Xiqing and we get to see several new sides to him too.
A bit of a pleasant surprise for me was Zhou Ziheng's fried Zhao Ke becoming a bit more prominent and I enjoyed the bit of side romance that came with it. I actually feel like a lot happened in this volume, both good and bad. There have been several reveals but there's still a lot that needs to be unpacked so I am looking forward to seeing what volume three brings.
May 4, 2024
I know a lot of people disliked the first book according to reviews, but I'm having so much fun with this series. Both the first and second books have been a delight - Xia Xiqing is such a refreshing protagonist, and learning more and more about his past - thereby piecing his troubling behavior together - has been so interesting.
And Zhou Ziheng just loves him so much 🥺💗 Me too, buddy. Me too.
If you're on the fence about this series, I beg you to give it a chance. Don't trust word of mouth on this one - you should really give it a shot for yourself to determine whether or not it's your thing. It's definitely a romance and character-driven story first and foremost, so people who are more into plot-driven books might find it slow, but it's exactly my speed.
And Zhou Ziheng just loves him so much 🥺💗 Me too, buddy. Me too.
If you're on the fence about this series, I beg you to give it a chance. Don't trust word of mouth on this one - you should really give it a shot for yourself to determine whether or not it's your thing. It's definitely a romance and character-driven story first and foremost, so people who are more into plot-driven books might find it slow, but it's exactly my speed.
July 12, 2024
Review: 4.75 ⭐️
The tension is soo good. One falls first and hope the other falls. Honestly, the banter and the push-pull gets better and better. Really savouring the read so far…
The tension is soo good. One falls first and hope the other falls. Honestly, the banter and the push-pull gets better and better. Really savouring the read so far…
January 18, 2025
The stuff I mentioned in vol1 are still stuff that I notice: pov switching make things harder to understand (I feel like some of the lines in the sex scene were said by the wrong person or that was me understanding it wrong because formatting). And there's a tendency to tell instead of show, but I forgive you, Zhi Chu, because you have some pretty metal lines in there.
The little quotes on the cover kind of felt overdone to me (I'm an aromantic uncle in their late 30s tho so don't trust me), but within the context of the story/scene actually feels natural and does get the emotions going.
- I took this book to read at a cafe and cried in public when I got to Xia Xiqing's audition. A lonely uncle crying over their cafe mocha and pastry. It was such a sad scene though.
- Xia Xiqing's fear about his art, about having nothing because he took inspiration from the dark parts of himself and the pain, is so relatable but also sad.
His stubbornness about himself and not wanting to change because his persona is built carefully to protect himself from more pain 🥲 Sorry Xia Xiqing, I want you to bottom forever so you can be pampered and loved.
- Which is not to say there are 0 fun moments. Zhao Ke getting annoyed with Xia Xiqing's unhelpful responses while also rejoicing as a SelfStudy shipper is a mood. The bits with Zhao Ke and Ruan Xiao help ease the tension after the nasty bit with Wei Min (and the bit with Wei Min is pretty nasty, what a shitty dude).
There are stylistic choices that I honestly would be harder on if I wasn't so charmed 😂 I won't be able to sleep well until I finish this. I wake up and I'm happy because that means I can continue reading.
The little quotes on the cover kind of felt overdone to me (I'm an aromantic uncle in their late 30s tho so don't trust me), but within the context of the story/scene actually feels natural and does get the emotions going.
- I took this book to read at a cafe and cried in public when I got to Xia Xiqing's audition. A lonely uncle crying over their cafe mocha and pastry. It was such a sad scene though.
- Xia Xiqing's fear about his art, about having nothing because he took inspiration from the dark parts of himself and the pain, is so relatable but also sad.
His stubbornness about himself and not wanting to change because his persona is built carefully to protect himself from more pain 🥲 Sorry Xia Xiqing, I want you to bottom forever so you can be pampered and loved.
- Which is not to say there are 0 fun moments. Zhao Ke getting annoyed with Xia Xiqing's unhelpful responses while also rejoicing as a SelfStudy shipper is a mood. The bits with Zhao Ke and Ruan Xiao help ease the tension after the nasty bit with Wei Min (and the bit with Wei Min is pretty nasty, what a shitty dude).
There are stylistic choices that I honestly would be harder on if I wasn't so charmed 😂 I won't be able to sleep well until I finish this. I wake up and I'm happy because that means I can continue reading.
June 27, 2025
Something I really love about this series is how organic it makes acting feel to those who have no idea about the field - like all the depth to it. It also dives into social media trends (such as how they work for businesses and celebrities) and how crazy fandoms can get. It still makes me think lightly of some things I read regarding the cast of the Untamed, but even setting that aside I still think it's all written well. Still recommend.
April 18, 2025
I liked this one better than the first and would give them together 4.25 or 4.5 stars rn. Let’s see how the story develops from here.
November 30, 2025
4.5/5! This volume moved a lot faster than the first and I really liked how both Xia Xiqing and Zhou Ziheng's relationship and feelings developed further.
They're both so in love at this point and while ZZ has fully accepted doom, XX is still trying to cling to this being something just to "pass the time" although his heart was stolen a long time ago. The way ZZ cares so naturally for XX and XX not believing he deserves it but being unable to refuse it? Chef's kiss, love it. I am curious to delve more into XX's childhood and how bad it actually was. I also want to see more of his relationship with his little brother.
Overall, this was a very romantic volume. I really enjoyed the movie filming sequences and I look forward to reading more about the whole process and the places XX will have to confront during it and ZZ being there for him as he confronts his past.
They're both so in love at this point and while ZZ has fully accepted doom, XX is still trying to cling to this being something just to "pass the time" although his heart was stolen a long time ago. The way ZZ cares so naturally for XX and XX not believing he deserves it but being unable to refuse it? Chef's kiss, love it. I am curious to delve more into XX's childhood and how bad it actually was. I also want to see more of his relationship with his little brother.
Overall, this was a very romantic volume. I really enjoyed the movie filming sequences and I look forward to reading more about the whole process and the places XX will have to confront during it and ZZ being there for him as he confronts his past.
February 17, 2025
Filming for the escape room reality show continues, and as they spend more and more time together, Zhou Ziheng and Xia Xiqing can no longer deny their growing feelings for one another. But the former holds back for fear of his prey taking flight while the latter keeps hiding for fear of getting hurt. Xia Xiqing's heart has a will of its own though, as proven when he later receives an opportunity to star in a film with Zhou Ziheng and is sorely tempted simply to spend more time with the young actor. He hesitates though, as the role hits incredibly close to home (and for good reason), forcing the tortured artist to decide whether to keep running away or face his past and begin to heal -- and possibly find happiness. Just when he's on the verge of falling back into old habits however, Xia Xiqing finds himself in danger, and it's up to Zhou Ziheng and their friends to save hi.
Well. That escalated quickly.
I expected the author to tease her readers for longer, but I was very wrong. While Xia Xiqing and Zhou Ziheng's relationship took a large step forward sooner than I thought it would, it didn't feel rushed since the author already established the emotional buildup. The catalyst for their progression wasn't sweet or gradual but, rather, harsh and abrupt, and I thought that was fitting for these two characters; it forced them to confront their feelings and pushed them out of their state of hesitation. Although they feel uncertain once they reach this new stage, the dynamic is cute and sets the stage for deeper development. I really enjoyed this sequel and look forward to reading what happens next.
Well. That escalated quickly.
I expected the author to tease her readers for longer, but I was very wrong. While Xia Xiqing and Zhou Ziheng's relationship took a large step forward sooner than I thought it would, it didn't feel rushed since the author already established the emotional buildup. The catalyst for their progression wasn't sweet or gradual but, rather, harsh and abrupt, and I thought that was fitting for these two characters; it forced them to confront their feelings and pushed them out of their state of hesitation. Although they feel uncertain once they reach this new stage, the dynamic is cute and sets the stage for deeper development. I really enjoyed this sequel and look forward to reading what happens next.
October 17, 2024
4/5☆
“I want to see all of your emotions, the good ones and the bad ones, no matter how complicated and no matter how sharp. Don't let them grind away at each other. Just let them all out. I can handle everything you give me.”
“I want to see all of your emotions, the good ones and the bad ones, no matter how complicated and no matter how sharp. Don't let them grind away at each other. Just let them all out. I can handle everything you give me.”
March 31, 2025
4.25 ✨
June 8, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
November 15, 2024
I know if I ever get stuck in one of these author's escape room, I'd never make it out. Why is the mechanics so complex? Dumb people like me could never 🤣 Author really is just flexing her big brain at this point LOL. I loved it. I love when both the MC and ML is smart; Its so exciting to read. Theres something about intelligent men that i find so undeniable sexy. On top of being sexy, i love how the ML is so open to expressing his love towards the MC. He's so protective. ugh add obsessive and possesive to the list. everything I love in a romance is here. 🥰 I just know Im gonna be re-reading this again, its just sooo good! Also need to mention how the Author has such a beautiful way with words, the chemistry she creates between these characters is truly something else.
"The moment I met you was the big bang. Every particle left me and flew towards you. After that smallest instant, the universe was truly born".
"You can only be mine. You understand?, No matter if you want to see me or not, you only have me"
"The moment I met you was the big bang. Every particle left me and flew towards you. After that smallest instant, the universe was truly born".
"You can only be mine. You understand?, No matter if you want to see me or not, you only have me"
November 3, 2024
"My ship is about to have their wedding night!"
This volume convinced me that I need to read more works by Zhichu like right now. The way they portray the emotions between Xia Xiqing and Zhou Ziheng is astoundingly good; I became invested in their relationship and character growth so quickly. While we still don't get the full extent of Xia Xiqing's past and his subsequent trauma in this volume, a lot still goes on between our main characters and they take a few steps towards furthering their relationship.
Of course, they're still not completely honest with each other. Rather than miscommunication, I would describe them as rather similar to someone using the wrong formula to solve a problem and yet still arriving to the correct answer. The way they go about pursuing each other is still silly - especially the circumstances of Xia Xiqing accepting the acting role - but they end up doing the "right" action that moves the plot forward anyway.
(Spoilers incoming.)
Speaking of the acting role, it's definitely heavily fictionalized. Only in fiction would you see a character acting out his past in order to heal from it rather than, you know, hiring a therapist. I feel like Xia Xiqing has enough money for it, no? But I suppose he's the type of character who won't willingly seek out therapy anyway. He has to make it extremely hard for himself.
This series is easily becoming one of my danmei favorites. It's not perfect, but I feel so much for Xia Xiqing and only want to see him get his well-deserved happiness. The side characters are also charming - especially Zhao Ke and Ruan Xiao in this volume - and the splash of online fandom culture with all the netizen reactions is still a nice touch.
This volume convinced me that I need to read more works by Zhichu like right now. The way they portray the emotions between Xia Xiqing and Zhou Ziheng is astoundingly good; I became invested in their relationship and character growth so quickly. While we still don't get the full extent of Xia Xiqing's past and his subsequent trauma in this volume, a lot still goes on between our main characters and they take a few steps towards furthering their relationship.
Of course, they're still not completely honest with each other. Rather than miscommunication, I would describe them as rather similar to someone using the wrong formula to solve a problem and yet still arriving to the correct answer. The way they go about pursuing each other is still silly - especially the circumstances of Xia Xiqing accepting the acting role - but they end up doing the "right" action that moves the plot forward anyway.
(Spoilers incoming.)
Speaking of the acting role, it's definitely heavily fictionalized. Only in fiction would you see a character acting out his past in order to heal from it rather than, you know, hiring a therapist. I feel like Xia Xiqing has enough money for it, no? But I suppose he's the type of character who won't willingly seek out therapy anyway. He has to make it extremely hard for himself.
This series is easily becoming one of my danmei favorites. It's not perfect, but I feel so much for Xia Xiqing and only want to see him get his well-deserved happiness. The side characters are also charming - especially Zhao Ke and Ruan Xiao in this volume - and the splash of online fandom culture with all the netizen reactions is still a nice touch.
April 2, 2024
Just as brilliant as the last while, keeping secrets whilst allowing us a further insight into the mind of the MC. It’s a LOT steamier than the first volume with 2 full sex scenes and more kisses then all of MXTX’s works COMBINED. A few translation errors like in the first volume, but it’s small and usually you know what they are saying
September 3, 2025
Roses and Renaissance is a modern entertainment industry looking into the lives of Artist Playboy MC Xia Xiqing and Movie star/idol ML Zhou Ziheng. The story looks into the relationship between the two that develops after Xia Xiqing attends a press conference for an upcoming film starring Zhou Ziheng. This one off interaction quickly evolves as Xia Xiqing is invited to be a part of the same variety show set in an escape room with Zhou Ziheng as his fellow survivor. With perceptions of each other already made from their first meeting, and in a highly negative way, it dives into how Xia Xiqing can rebuild his image in the eyes of Zhou Ziheng and maybe even defrost his own frozen heart.
This one was such a conflicting volume for me. While I know for the most part I enjoyed this story, comparing it to the first book that I devoured in 2 days, it took me more to get into this one. The escape room was interesting and I loved the return of Shang Sirui but the layout and interactions felt less meaningful and complex till the very end. I enjoyed watching the relationship between Zhou Ziheng and Xia Xiqing develop more as they began to share more about themselves with each other. However the way they got together, made me a bit upset and spoilt some of the vibe for me. That as an initiation trope is honestly one that I really dislike, and would normally see this dropping further in rating. The way Zhou Ziheng handled the situation after this was its redemption and the cute window scene with the rose helped calm my soul enough to move past this loss in joy from this trope. Finally I enjoyed seeing a bit more into the traumatic background of Xia Xiqing, starting to see his healing journey through expressing it as well as letting Zhou Ziheng in was an interesting approach and one that I appreciated. Trauma should never be healed by just the power of love, so seeing him actually working through his experience was good, but man get that boy a therapist!
Overall I give this one a 4/5. I will read this again to continue their story but I would not be skipping the first to get to it. While I enjoyed the escape room elements again I found it a little samesy, I found some of the tropes they brought in unnecessary and a little frustrating and I was not such a fan of the way the intimate relationship was handled. However watching Zhou Ziheng become the sweet, protective partner he was meant to be could overcome most of that! If you are not a fan of drugging (not by MC or ML), attempted assault, gun use or parental trauma, this one is probably needing a miss. However if you enjoy Playboy Shou and overprotective but sweet gong, murder mystery puzzles, enemies to lover vibes, fake personalities and only their lover knowing the real them, then I highly recommend this one for you!
This one was such a conflicting volume for me. While I know for the most part I enjoyed this story, comparing it to the first book that I devoured in 2 days, it took me more to get into this one. The escape room was interesting and I loved the return of Shang Sirui but the layout and interactions felt less meaningful and complex till the very end. I enjoyed watching the relationship between Zhou Ziheng and Xia Xiqing develop more as they began to share more about themselves with each other. However the way they got together, made me a bit upset and spoilt some of the vibe for me. That as an initiation trope is honestly one that I really dislike, and would normally see this dropping further in rating. The way Zhou Ziheng handled the situation after this was its redemption and the cute window scene with the rose helped calm my soul enough to move past this loss in joy from this trope. Finally I enjoyed seeing a bit more into the traumatic background of Xia Xiqing, starting to see his healing journey through expressing it as well as letting Zhou Ziheng in was an interesting approach and one that I appreciated. Trauma should never be healed by just the power of love, so seeing him actually working through his experience was good, but man get that boy a therapist!
Overall I give this one a 4/5. I will read this again to continue their story but I would not be skipping the first to get to it. While I enjoyed the escape room elements again I found it a little samesy, I found some of the tropes they brought in unnecessary and a little frustrating and I was not such a fan of the way the intimate relationship was handled. However watching Zhou Ziheng become the sweet, protective partner he was meant to be could overcome most of that! If you are not a fan of drugging (not by MC or ML), attempted assault, gun use or parental trauma, this one is probably needing a miss. However if you enjoy Playboy Shou and overprotective but sweet gong, murder mystery puzzles, enemies to lover vibes, fake personalities and only their lover knowing the real them, then I highly recommend this one for you!
June 18, 2025
Zhao Ke and Ruan Xiao were definitely the standout characters for me in this volume. In Vol. 1, I wasn't sure if Zhao Ke could be trusted, since he ran that side blog where he post about Zhou Ziheng. I was worried that he might turn out to be a snake, stabbing Zhou Ziheng in the back. Good thing he has proven to be a good friend who has every right to stand by his bestie's side.
Vol 1 didn't give us much about Ruan Xiao, and at the beginning of Vol 2 she seemed quite standoffish - but I suppose that's coz of the game. She's pretty funny tbh. However, them helping save Xia Xiqing from the POS human that is Wei Min and freaking out over the fact that their SelfStudy ship is sailing put the right into my good books. I wonder if we'll get to see snippets of their relationship.
Xia Xiqing and Zhou Ziheng also made some important steps forward in this installment. I love that Xiping chose to star in that movie. It's hard to see him relive and remember those horrible parts of his childhood thanks to his parents, but I'm glad he's facing them. Hopefully, the movie will help him heal some of those wounds.
I love how Ziheng continues to stand by him. He knows that Xiping is a prickly rose, but he chooses to hold him and be there for him, despite how much it hurts. I love how he sees Xiping as a skittish cat coz let's be honest, our beloved shou is a skittish cat that will scratch whenever it feels uncomfortable or threatened.
Now for the spicy bits, lemme tell you... I was not expecting that👀. I mean, I probably should have, since Vol 1 gave us a rather good BJ scene, but I've been reading fade to black scenes in danmei for so long that I largely expected that Vol 1 was a one-off thing. Thank God that didn't happen coz 👀🔥🔥.
Sure, their 1st encounter had dubcon elements, thanks to the drugging waste of human space that is Wei Min, but Xiping did it with someone he trusts and loves (even though he hasn't admitted that latter part to himself just yet). It was so good to see Zhiheng be dominant. He's so controlled IRL and pretty submissive towards Xiping, but when they're doing it, he turns into a whole other possessive-demanding animal. It's incredible. And so hot
I'll go touch grass now
Vol 1 didn't give us much about Ruan Xiao, and at the beginning of Vol 2 she seemed quite standoffish - but I suppose that's coz of the game. She's pretty funny tbh. However, them helping save Xia Xiqing from the POS human that is Wei Min and freaking out over the fact that their SelfStudy ship is sailing put the right into my good books. I wonder if we'll get to see snippets of their relationship.
Xia Xiqing and Zhou Ziheng also made some important steps forward in this installment. I love that Xiping chose to star in that movie. It's hard to see him relive and remember those horrible parts of his childhood thanks to his parents, but I'm glad he's facing them. Hopefully, the movie will help him heal some of those wounds.
I love how Ziheng continues to stand by him. He knows that Xiping is a prickly rose, but he chooses to hold him and be there for him, despite how much it hurts. I love how he sees Xiping as a skittish cat coz let's be honest, our beloved shou is a skittish cat that will scratch whenever it feels uncomfortable or threatened.
Now for the spicy bits, lemme tell you... I was not expecting that👀. I mean, I probably should have, since Vol 1 gave us a rather good BJ scene, but I've been reading fade to black scenes in danmei for so long that I largely expected that Vol 1 was a one-off thing. Thank God that didn't happen coz 👀🔥🔥.
Sure, their 1st encounter had dubcon elements, thanks to the drugging waste of human space that is Wei Min, but Xiping did it with someone he trusts and loves (even though he hasn't admitted that latter part to himself just yet). It was so good to see Zhiheng be dominant. He's so controlled IRL and pretty submissive towards Xiping, but when they're doing it, he turns into a whole other possessive-demanding animal. It's incredible. And so hot
I'll go touch grass now
September 10, 2024
เล่มสอง ช่วงแรกโจวจื้อเหิงกับเซี่ยสีชิงไปถ่ายรายการเรียลลิตี้โชว์ห้องลับอีกรอบ
หลังถ่ายเสร็จมีช่วงที่เพื่อนๆ ร่วมรายการไ��ดื่มกัน แล้วเซี่ยสีชิงเมา
เลยเผลอหลุดอดีตตอนเด็กออกมาหน่อย โจวจื้อเหิงซึ่งเริ่มเอนเอียงมาหน่อยๆ แล้ว
เลยยิ่งใจอ่อนกับเซี่ยสีชิงเพิ่มขึ้น (จากตอนแรก "ผมไม่ชอบผู้ชาย" ไม่นานเท่าไหร่
ไปซะแล้ว 😆 แต่นักเขียนบรรยายภาพเซี่ยสีชิงแบบหน้าสวยมากกก รูปร่างก็ดี
ผมยาวสไตล์อาร์ติสต์ ถ้าเจอตัวเป็นๆ คงยากที่ใครจะไม่หลงเสน่ห์)
ช่วงหลังของเล่มคือ โจวจื้อเหิงกำลังจะรับถ่ายหนังเรื่องใหม่ ซึ่งเกี่ยวกับโรคเอดส์
แต่ผู้กำกับยังหาพระรองที่ถูกใจไม่ได้ โจวจื้อเหิงกับเพื่อนเซี่ยสีชิงมาชวนเซี่ยสีชิงไปแคสต์
(เพื่อนเซี่ยสีชิงเป็นนักเขียนบท จริงๆ แอบเขียนบทนี้โดยใช้อดีตส่วนนึงของเซี่ยสีชิง
เป็นภูมิหลังด้วย) ตอนแรกเซี่ยสีชิงไม่อยากแคสต์ แต่อยากหาวิธีอื่นไปอยู่ใกล้โจวจื้อเหิง
เพราะโจวจื้อเหิงบอกว่าถ้าไปถ่ายก็คงนานประมาณ 4 เดือน เซี่ยสีชิงกลัวงานเต๊าะจะไม่ต่อเนื่อง 🤣🤣
(ความจริงคือไม่อยากแยกจากเค้านั่นแหละ) เลยพยายามหาวิธีจะเข้ากองถ่ายด้วย
ขำมาก ตอนแรกถามประมาณต้องการช่างศิลป์มั้ย ต้องการคนลงทุนมั้ย 😂
สุดท้ายก็ลองไปแคสต์บท แล้วได้รับเลือก
ท้ายเล่ม เซี่ยสีชิงไปร่วมงานกาล่าด้านศิลปะ แล้วโดนวางยา เกือบไปแล้ว
โชคดีที่รอดมาได้แบบหวุดหวิด และการรอดนี้ทำให้ตัวเอกสองคนของเรา
ไปถึงขั้นน้านนน 😊 ซึ่ง... Super Spoilerrrrrr มีการสลับโพจากที่คิด
คือนักเขียนเปิดเรื่องมาว่าเซี่ยสีชิงเป็นรุก ถึงหน้าจะสวยมาก แต่ยังไงก็ไม่ยอมรับ
มาถึงตอนนี้ยอมแล้ว แต่ก็น่าจะเป็นแบบนี้แหละ นึกภาพโจวจื้อเหิงซึ่งสูง 192
มาเป็นรับก็นึกไม่ออก
สรุป เล่มสองมีพัฒนาการต่อจากเล่มแรก แต่ความสัมพันธ์ก็ยังครึ่งๆ กลางๆ
ความรู้สึกของทั้งสองฝ่ายเพิ่มขึ้นก็จริง แต่โจวจื้อเหิงเต็มไปด้วยความไม่มั่นใจ
และกลัวว่ามันคงดำเนินไปดีๆ ไม่ได้เพราะเซี่ยสีชิงไม่เคยรักใครจริง
ส่วนเซี่ยสีชิงก็ยังไม่เข้าใจความรู้สึกของตัวเอง และลึกๆ ก็ด้อยค่าตัวเองอยู่แล้ว
ทำให้เค้าไม่คิดว่าเค้าเหมาะสมกับผู้ชายดีๆ อย่างโจวจื้อเหิง แต่เทียบกับเล่ม 1
เล่มนี้สนุกขึ้นมาอีกหน่อย ให้ 4 ดาวค่ะ
หลังถ่ายเสร็จมีช่วงที่เพื่อนๆ ร่วมรายการไ��ดื่มกัน แล้วเซี่ยสีชิงเมา
เลยเผลอหลุดอดีตตอนเด็กออกมาหน่อย โจวจื้อเหิงซึ่งเริ่มเอนเอียงมาหน่อยๆ แล้ว
เลยยิ่งใจอ่อนกับเซี่ยสีชิงเพิ่มขึ้น (จากตอนแรก "ผมไม่ชอบผู้ชาย" ไม่นานเท่าไหร่
ไปซะแล้ว 😆 แต่นักเขียนบรรยายภาพเซี่ยสีชิงแบบหน้าสวยมากกก รูปร่างก็ดี
ผมยาวสไตล์อาร์ติสต์ ถ้าเจอตัวเป็นๆ คงยากที่ใครจะไม่หลงเสน่ห์)
ช่วงหลังของเล่มคือ โจวจื้อเหิงกำลังจะรับถ่ายหนังเรื่องใหม่ ซึ่งเกี่ยวกับโรคเอดส์
แต่ผู้กำกับยังหาพระรองที่ถูกใจไม่ได้ โจวจื้อเหิงกับเพื่อนเซี่ยสีชิงมาชวนเซี่ยสีชิงไปแคสต์
(เพื่อนเซี่ยสีชิงเป็นนักเขียนบท จริงๆ แอบเขียนบทนี้โดยใช้อดีตส่วนนึงของเซี่ยสีชิง
เป็นภูมิหลังด้วย) ตอนแรกเซี่ยสีชิงไม่อยากแคสต์ แต่อยากหาวิธีอื่นไปอยู่ใกล้โจวจื้อเหิง
เพราะโจวจื้อเหิงบอกว่าถ้าไปถ่ายก็คงนานประมาณ 4 เดือน เซี่ยสีชิงกลัวงานเต๊าะจะไม่ต่อเนื่อง 🤣🤣
(ความจริงคือไม่อยากแยกจากเค้านั่นแหละ) เลยพยายามหาวิธีจะเข้ากองถ่ายด้วย
ขำมาก ตอนแรกถามประมาณต้องการช่างศิลป์มั้ย ต้องการคนลงทุนมั้ย 😂
สุดท้ายก็ลองไปแคสต์บท แล้วได้รับเลือก
ท้ายเล่ม เซี่ยสีชิงไปร่วมงานกาล่าด้านศิลปะ แล้วโดนวางยา เกือบไปแล้ว
โชคดีที่รอดมาได้แบบหวุดหวิด และการรอดนี้ทำให้ตัวเอกสองคนของเรา
ไปถึงขั้นน้านนน 😊 ซึ่ง... Super Spoilerrrrrr มีการสลับโพจากที่คิด
คือนักเขียนเปิดเรื่องมาว่าเซี่ยสีชิงเป็นรุก ถึงหน้าจะสวยมาก แต่ยังไงก็ไม่ยอมรับ
มาถึงตอนนี้ยอมแล้ว แต่ก็น่าจะเป็นแบบนี้แหละ นึกภาพโจวจื้อเหิงซึ่งสูง 192
มาเป็นรับก็นึกไม่ออก
สรุป เล่มสองมีพัฒนาการต่อจากเล่มแรก แต่ความสัมพันธ์ก็ยังครึ่งๆ กลางๆ
ความรู้สึกของทั้งสองฝ่ายเพิ่มขึ้นก็จริง แต่โจวจื้อเหิงเต็มไปด้วยความไม่มั่นใจ
และกลัวว่ามันคงดำเนินไปดีๆ ไม่ได้เพราะเซี่ยสีชิงไม่เคยรักใครจริง
ส่วนเซี่ยสีชิงก็ยังไม่เข้าใจความรู้สึกของตัวเอง และลึกๆ ก็ด้อยค่าตัวเองอยู่แล้ว
ทำให้เค้าไม่คิดว่าเค้าเหมาะสมกับผู้ชายดีๆ อย่างโจวจื้อเหิง แต่เทียบกับเล่ม 1
เล่มนี้สนุกขึ้นมาอีกหน่อย ให้ 4 ดาวค่ะ
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2025
‘He’s just too beautiful. The creator must have been very careful when crafting you, giving all the colors in the world to draw you with, not to mention the talent with which to use them.
You’re the child most favored by God’
This may be one of the best romances I’ve ever read, and I’m only on volume two. THIS is what true romance is to me. I’ve had a blast reading it and It’s taking everything in me not to zoom through the last two books, but I want to savor them.
Watching them fall deeper in love with each other is so sweet, I can’t describe the joy it’s brought me. Yet, we have no confession as of yet. However, they’ve both almost slipped up a time or two.
We’re getting more of Xia Xiqings childhood and we’re slowly seeing why his trauma runs so deep. Xia Xiqing has low self worth. He thinks that Zhou Ziheng is too good for him, but I think they’re a perfect match.
Zhou Ziheng has this possessiveness about Xia Xiqing which took me by surprise but I welcomed it happily seeing how their dynamic has changed in such a great way. When he took revenge on Wei Min for Xia Xiqing I about jumped out of bed in happiness. I couldn’t stop giggling. He’s such a protector and I think Xia Xiqing really needs that. With a pride as big as his own he’d never admit it, but deep down I know he’s happy about it.
This story is also hilarious as times. I laughed so hard at some of the interactions between the characters. The side characters are just as great and they don’t take away from the main characters.
I’m super excited to read the next one but I need to slow down so I can savor it haha.
You’re the child most favored by God’
This may be one of the best romances I’ve ever read, and I’m only on volume two. THIS is what true romance is to me. I’ve had a blast reading it and It’s taking everything in me not to zoom through the last two books, but I want to savor them.
Watching them fall deeper in love with each other is so sweet, I can’t describe the joy it’s brought me. Yet, we have no confession as of yet. However, they’ve both almost slipped up a time or two.
We’re getting more of Xia Xiqings childhood and we’re slowly seeing why his trauma runs so deep. Xia Xiqing has low self worth. He thinks that Zhou Ziheng is too good for him, but I think they’re a perfect match.
Zhou Ziheng has this possessiveness about Xia Xiqing which took me by surprise but I welcomed it happily seeing how their dynamic has changed in such a great way. When he took revenge on Wei Min for Xia Xiqing I about jumped out of bed in happiness. I couldn’t stop giggling. He’s such a protector and I think Xia Xiqing really needs that. With a pride as big as his own he’d never admit it, but deep down I know he’s happy about it.
This story is also hilarious as times. I laughed so hard at some of the interactions between the characters. The side characters are just as great and they don’t take away from the main characters.
I’m super excited to read the next one but I need to slow down so I can savor it haha.
February 6, 2025
หวานมากกกกก เล่ม 2 หวานมากกกก หวานแบบไม่มีอะไรมาขวางกั้น 🙌🏻💫😭💕โจวจื้อเหิงคือพระอาทิตย์ดวงน้อยๆ ของพี่สีชิงเลย สดใส สว่างเจิดจ้าจนแสบตา มันดีอ่ะ ดีมากๆๆๆๆๆ เลยทูกกกคน
โจวจื้อเหิงกู๊ดบอย บ็อกๆ 🐶 เป็นเด็กดีๆ ของพี่สีชิง ค่ตน่ารักๆๆๆๆ ให้ตายเถอะ (*ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)ꕤ*.ﾟ แพ้ แพ้มากๆ 💖
ฉากจูบกันก็ดี ฉากนอนคุยกันก็ดี โจวจื้อเหิงยอมจูบพี่สีชิงก่อนแล้วอ่ะ (ฟิน) จูบได้ จูบดี จูบไม่หยุด อ๊ากกกกกก (⁄ ⁄•⁄ω⁄•⁄ ⁄) ขอจูบคุณหน่อยนะ อ๊ากกกกก
ร้อนมากตอนนี้ ตอนพี่สีชิงกับโจวจื้อเหิงนัวๆกัน มันร้อนกว่าแดดปะเทดไทแลนตอนนี้อีกฮะ 🥵🔥 โป๊มาก 10 คะแนนเต็ม ไม่หัก
ได้จูบเขาแล้วจูบใหญ่เลย มีเด็กเสพติดจูบกับพี่สีชิงคนหนึ่งฮะ!!!! กรี๊ดๆๆๆๆๆๆ อ่อยคนพี่แรงมากนะ ติดทักษะการอ่อยจากพี่สีชิงมาเรอะ! 55555
เล่มนี้ได้รู้ปมวัยเด็กของพี่สีชิงด้วย ใจเจ็บไปหมด (*ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈) ดีจริงๆ ที่พี่สีชิงได้เจอกับโจวจื้อเหิง เป็นแสงสว่างและความอบอุ่นในชีวิตพี่สีชิงเลย☀️🌷
โคตรชอบตอนพี่สีชิงบุกไปหาพ่อ โคตรชอบ! โคตรเท่! โคตรจะเซี่ยสีชิง! ไหนใครมันรังแกโจวจื้อเหิง! 💢 ชอบมากอ่ะ กริ๊ดๆๆๆๆๆๆ
🩷โจวจื้อเหิงดีมากกกก ดีมากจริงๆ ใช้ความอบอุ่น อ่อนโยนทั้งชีวิตของตัวเองมาปกป้อง ดูแล และกะเทาะกำแพงหัวใจพี่สีชิงได้อ่ะ ˘͈ᵕ˘͈🩷
คนใจร้ายไร้หัวใจมันต้องเจอหมาเด็กแสนดีอย่างนี้เนี้ยแหละ ขนาดพี่สีชิงยังแพ้ แล้วหนุจะไม่แพ้ได้ยังไง 🙌🏻😭💕 แกก็ดีเกิ๊นนนนน
โจวจื้อเหิงกู๊ดบอย บ็อกๆ 🐶 เป็นเด็กดีๆ ของพี่สีชิง ค่ตน่ารักๆๆๆๆ ให้ตายเถอะ (*ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)ꕤ*.ﾟ แพ้ แพ้มากๆ 💖
ฉากจูบกันก็ดี ฉากนอนคุยกันก็ดี โจวจื้อเหิงยอมจูบพี่สีชิงก่อนแล้วอ่ะ (ฟิน) จูบได้ จูบดี จูบไม่หยุด อ๊ากกกกกก (⁄ ⁄•⁄ω⁄•⁄ ⁄) ขอจูบคุณหน่อยนะ อ๊ากกกกก
ร้อนมากตอนนี้ ตอนพี่สีชิงกับโจวจื้อเหิงนัวๆกัน มันร้อนกว่าแดดปะเทดไทแลนตอนนี้อีกฮะ 🥵🔥 โป๊มาก 10 คะแนนเต็ม ไม่หัก
ได้จูบเขาแล้วจูบใหญ่เลย มีเด็กเสพติดจูบกับพี่สีชิงคนหนึ่งฮะ!!!! กรี๊ดๆๆๆๆๆๆ อ่อยคนพี่แรงมากนะ ติดทักษะการอ่อยจากพี่สีชิงมาเรอะ! 55555
เล่มนี้ได้รู้ปมวัยเด็กของพี่สีชิงด้วย ใจเจ็บไปหมด (*ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈) ดีจริงๆ ที่พี่สีชิงได้เจอกับโจวจื้อเหิง เป็นแสงสว่างและความอบอุ่นในชีวิตพี่สีชิงเลย☀️🌷
โคตรชอบตอนพี่สีชิงบุกไปหาพ่อ โคตรชอบ! โคตรเท่! โคตรจะเซี่ยสีชิง! ไหนใครมันรังแกโจวจื้อเหิง! 💢 ชอบมากอ่ะ กริ๊ดๆๆๆๆๆๆ
🩷โจวจื้อเหิงดีมากกกก ดีมากจริงๆ ใช้ความอบอุ่น อ่อนโยนทั้งชีวิตของตัวเองมาปกป้อง ดูแล และกะเทาะกำแพงหัวใจพี่สีชิงได้อ่ะ ˘͈ᵕ˘͈🩷
คนใจร้ายไร้หัวใจมันต้องเจอหมาเด็กแสนดีอย่างนี้เนี้ยแหละ ขนาดพี่สีชิงยังแพ้ แล้วหนุจะไม่แพ้ได้ยังไง 🙌🏻😭💕 แกก็ดีเกิ๊นนนนน
June 19, 2025
Hmm, well. This series took a turn. I don't know if it's just extending the slow burn, of it Zhichu has legit abandoned all the realism and psychological complexity of the first volume... but this is just straight soap opera. I don't mind it, I mean, the sheer romantic indulgence of BL is one of the things I primarily crave in the genre, but... I don't know. The first volume surprised me, this one is so full of stereotypes and tropes and cliches with VERY little that's new or innovative, and a lot more that shuffles up close to the worst the genre offers. (I am split on the incident that leads to Zixi getting physical. On the one hand, )
Sigh. We'll see. This was still a fun, easy read, the leads have lovely chemistry, and with two books left I'm holding out hope this story will make good on its earlier promise. Even if this volume is more three-and-a-half stars.
Sigh. We'll see. This was still a fun, easy read, the leads have lovely chemistry, and with two books left I'm holding out hope this story will make good on its earlier promise. Even if this volume is more three-and-a-half stars.
June 25, 2023
Typos still killing me.. xxq is a bit better in this volume. At least I don't want to strangle him anymore...
July 29, 2024
DNF@76%
August 27, 2024
Im so obsessed. They r so cute and fluffy together ugh
December 26, 2024
The chemistry was palpable!!! The tension, the care, the comfort!
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