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大哥 #1
大哥 [Dage]
少年魏谦，十三四岁没爹没娘，带着个拖油瓶小妹妹，艰难地生活，还捡到了死皮赖脸缠上了他的流浪儿一个，起了个名叫小远。
魏谦做梦都想出人头地，是个要钱不要命的钱串子，他的前半生都在铜皮铁骨地逆流而行，以功成名就为第一要务，好不容易稍微混出点头来，自以为看到了命运的曙光，谁知道小远突然犯起了神经病。
CP：经典款毒舌女王和屁颠屁颠的忠犬组合
扫雷：女王前期很中二，忠犬每月总有那么几天化为狂犬、有金手指
魏谦做梦都想出人头地，是个要钱不要命的钱串子，他的前半生都在铜皮铁骨地逆流而行，以功成名就为第一要务，好不容易稍微混出点头来，自以为看到了命运的曙光，谁知道小远突然犯起了神经病。
CP：经典款毒舌女王和屁颠屁颠的忠犬组合
扫雷：女王前期很中二，忠犬每月总有那么几天化为狂犬、有金手指
600 pages, Web Novel
Published January 1, 2013
22 people are currently reading
466 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
May 18, 2024
"In this infinite darkness, you are my only light"
I've realized by now that Priest is a genius writer. Her work spans a variety of genres, including science fiction, danmei, romance, and martial arts. Her deep humanistic themes and ability to capture the essence of life's joys and tribulations set her apart from other writers.
We hear the touching tale of two abandoned persons who eventually found happiness and serenity in one another. Before they could fully acknowledge each other's feelings and give themselves permission to be loved and love one another, they had to overcome many obstacles, both internal and external. It wasn't an easy path, but then again, love stories like that shouldn't be. I need to feel as though the characters are aware of their own emotions in order for me to enjoy this kind of romance. that they discussed it, gave it some thought, and that there is no miscommunication. And DAGE succeeded in doing that as well.
I've realized by now that Priest is a genius writer. Her work spans a variety of genres, including science fiction, danmei, romance, and martial arts. Her deep humanistic themes and ability to capture the essence of life's joys and tribulations set her apart from other writers.
We hear the touching tale of two abandoned persons who eventually found happiness and serenity in one another. Before they could fully acknowledge each other's feelings and give themselves permission to be loved and love one another, they had to overcome many obstacles, both internal and external. It wasn't an easy path, but then again, love stories like that shouldn't be. I need to feel as though the characters are aware of their own emotions in order for me to enjoy this kind of romance. that they discussed it, gave it some thought, and that there is no miscommunication. And DAGE succeeded in doing that as well.
March 26, 2024
➺
5/5 🌟
Trigger warnings:
This is Priest and her love for creating pseudo-incest, homosexual 'forbidden love' story. This is the second novel of her with that theme, the first one being Sha Po Lang/Stars of Chaos (which by the way one of my favorite danmei, among Priest's works or even danmei as a whole). Might not be main conflict of the plot but the element is there, hanging overhead, reminding us from time to time.
Actually, I find Wei Zhiyuan/Xiao Yuan, the ML of this book, quite resembling Chang Geng from SPL in various different aspects and I want to list them all. For one, they both fell head over heels with the male figure who adopted and raised them from childhood, the person who pulled them out of the quagmire and helped them escape their childhood traumas. They also both love so deeply and so dangerously. Even the idea of being harmed in some ways would crossed their mind just to see if the person they loved would care and worry about them. They have this strong sense of possessiveness inside of them that they tried to control, repressing their feelings to the point of affecting them emotionally and mentally. They have this menacing aura around them despite being so calm and almost indifferent and behind their composed facade is hiding a wild beast ready to pounce their beloved. Yes, they are crazy in love. They also have this coquettish way of provoking the person they loved after they laid bare of their feelings, and sometimes almost in a shameless way. But also, they have this adorable childness in them even as an adult, that's hard to resist. Both sticky and clingy.
Although Wei Qian and Gu Yun are not alike, they have some similarities as well. That's their natural indulgence and care for Xiao Yuan and Chang Geng. But their way of showing it is quite different. Gu Yun have this mischievous sarcasm, almost laid-back and carefree attitude, and the way he indulged Chang Geng is like coaxing a child. While they both have innate sarcasm in them, Wei Qian has a more poisonous tongue. He's leaning towards tough love. Maybe because of his upbringing, he has a hard time showing positive emotions. He's usually closed off, even within his family, and have this firm facade all the time. Becoming the pillar of the family at the age of 12, he couldn't show his weakness or else, he and his siblings wouldn't survive. He's simply not good with words, but he shows it through actions, albeit sometimes in a rough way. That's why his way of indulging Xiao Yun is by spitting fire.
Both Wei Qian and Xiao Yuan are interesting characters. They have this strong sibling dynamic but the transition from being adopted brothers to a more ambiguous relationship is, in a narrative perspective, done seamlessly. In the characters' perspective though, the changes are slow but steady, and quite angsty. I mentioned that the conflict stemming from the pseudo-incest/homosexuality is not the main conflict because although this is a BL story, the huge part of this story is more of a slice of life, focusing more on the progression of their little family from childhood to adulthood. This is more about overcoming a hard life with little help and hope that things will get better. Even though Xiao Yuan discovered his romantic feelings very early on, it was more one-sided and naturally the development of the romance is practically nonexistent and only until Wei Qian discovered Xiao Yuan's sexuality that the romance part slowly started. That was basically more than halfway through the story.
I devoured this story without wasting any crumbs! Dage hasn't been on my radar for a long time not until I watched some clips of the adaptation ALMOST EVERYWHERE. I was about to watch the series but I learned that it's ongoing so I stopped myself and decided to wait until it's done. That's when I found out that it was an adaptation of Dage and I have this relentless itch inside me, telling me to start the novel, to the point that I was willing to read an MTL. In the end, I found a better translation and I'm so glad that I finally started this novel. I've never been so happy to ignore my initial TBR because this novel did something to my little heart. I am aware that this novel has its own flaws and I acknowledged that, but this just made me feel things. This successfully became one of my favorites. I know it's a torture to start an ongoing series and wait every week for a single episode, but it's also a torture to wait until it's complete. I badly want to start watching!
Trigger warnings:
This is Priest and her love for creating pseudo-incest, homosexual 'forbidden love' story. This is the second novel of her with that theme, the first one being Sha Po Lang/Stars of Chaos (which by the way one of my favorite danmei, among Priest's works or even danmei as a whole). Might not be main conflict of the plot but the element is there, hanging overhead, reminding us from time to time.
Actually, I find Wei Zhiyuan/Xiao Yuan, the ML of this book, quite resembling Chang Geng from SPL in various different aspects and I want to list them all. For one, they both fell head over heels with the male figure who adopted and raised them from childhood, the person who pulled them out of the quagmire and helped them escape their childhood traumas. They also both love so deeply and so dangerously. Even the idea of being harmed in some ways would crossed their mind just to see if the person they loved would care and worry about them. They have this strong sense of possessiveness inside of them that they tried to control, repressing their feelings to the point of affecting them emotionally and mentally. They have this menacing aura around them despite being so calm and almost indifferent and behind their composed facade is hiding a wild beast ready to pounce their beloved. Yes, they are crazy in love. They also have this coquettish way of provoking the person they loved after they laid bare of their feelings, and sometimes almost in a shameless way. But also, they have this adorable childness in them even as an adult, that's hard to resist. Both sticky and clingy.
Although Wei Qian and Gu Yun are not alike, they have some similarities as well. That's their natural indulgence and care for Xiao Yuan and Chang Geng. But their way of showing it is quite different. Gu Yun have this mischievous sarcasm, almost laid-back and carefree attitude, and the way he indulged Chang Geng is like coaxing a child. While they both have innate sarcasm in them, Wei Qian has a more poisonous tongue. He's leaning towards tough love. Maybe because of his upbringing, he has a hard time showing positive emotions. He's usually closed off, even within his family, and have this firm facade all the time. Becoming the pillar of the family at the age of 12, he couldn't show his weakness or else, he and his siblings wouldn't survive. He's simply not good with words, but he shows it through actions, albeit sometimes in a rough way. That's why his way of indulging Xiao Yun is by spitting fire.
Both Wei Qian and Xiao Yuan are interesting characters. They have this strong sibling dynamic but the transition from being adopted brothers to a more ambiguous relationship is, in a narrative perspective, done seamlessly. In the characters' perspective though, the changes are slow but steady, and quite angsty. I mentioned that the conflict stemming from the pseudo-incest/homosexuality is not the main conflict because although this is a BL story, the huge part of this story is more of a slice of life, focusing more on the progression of their little family from childhood to adulthood. This is more about overcoming a hard life with little help and hope that things will get better. Even though Xiao Yuan discovered his romantic feelings very early on, it was more one-sided and naturally the development of the romance is practically nonexistent and only until Wei Qian discovered Xiao Yuan's sexuality that the romance part slowly started. That was basically more than halfway through the story.
I devoured this story without wasting any crumbs! Dage hasn't been on my radar for a long time not until I watched some clips of the adaptation ALMOST EVERYWHERE. I was about to watch the series but I learned that it's ongoing so I stopped myself and decided to wait until it's done. That's when I found out that it was an adaptation of Dage and I have this relentless itch inside me, telling me to start the novel, to the point that I was willing to read an MTL. In the end, I found a better translation and I'm so glad that I finally started this novel. I've never been so happy to ignore my initial TBR because this novel did something to my little heart. I am aware that this novel has its own flaws and I acknowledged that, but this just made me feel things. This successfully became one of my favorites. I know it's a torture to start an ongoing series and wait every week for a single episode, but it's also a torture to wait until it's complete. I badly want to start watching!
August 13, 2022
A very very good book and simplicity at its best honestly. This book is about a small, dysfunctional family of 3: Wei Qian, his younger sister (I forgot her name coz I read this in June I think), and an orphaned/homeless boy whom he takes in as a younger brother, Wei Zhiyuan. This is a 'level-up' story as Wei Qian struggles to bring up the other two when they have no adults to rely on or money.
In typical priest fashion, Wei Zhiyuan is the rather besotted/obsessed/possessive love interest/secondary main character (see Chang Geng) and Wei Qian is a hardy, tough and mature character (a bit like Lin Jingheng from 残次品 Can Ci Pin The Defective ). I enjoyed the emotional intensity of the romance, but honestly the Wei Qian and Wei Zhiyuan feel like a familial relationship.
Priest's writing and the themes both shine here. It's literally a kid trying to bring up two other kids and doing odd jobs and stuff like that, but I couldn't stop reading. Firstly, 'levelling up' and domestic narratives are very satisfying when Wei Qian's efforts pay off, and also when all three start to really function and feel like a family. Secondly, the characterizations of both characters are very strong and you really feel like you went through the years with them. Thirdly, I LOVE family- and relationship-centric narratives (think stuff like Minari, Shoplifters (but less depressing), cdramas like Go Ahead, and books like The Time Never Back. It was so comforting and satisfying to read on all levels!! I was spellbound by this small character/family drama.
So, yeah, really enjoyed this.
In typical priest fashion, Wei Zhiyuan is the rather besotted/obsessed/possessive love interest/secondary main character (see Chang Geng) and Wei Qian is a hardy, tough and mature character (a bit like Lin Jingheng from 残次品 Can Ci Pin The Defective ). I enjoyed the emotional intensity of the romance, but honestly the Wei Qian and Wei Zhiyuan feel like a familial relationship.
Priest's writing and the themes both shine here. It's literally a kid trying to bring up two other kids and doing odd jobs and stuff like that, but I couldn't stop reading. Firstly, 'levelling up' and domestic narratives are very satisfying when Wei Qian's efforts pay off, and also when all three start to really function and feel like a family. Secondly, the characterizations of both characters are very strong and you really feel like you went through the years with them. Thirdly, I LOVE family- and relationship-centric narratives (think stuff like Minari, Shoplifters (but less depressing), cdramas like Go Ahead, and books like The Time Never Back. It was so comforting and satisfying to read on all levels!! I was spellbound by this small character/family drama.
So, yeah, really enjoyed this.
January 29, 2015
ETA 2015.1.28: Changed from 4.5 to 5++++ after re-read (not even finished yet). 真是。。。I worship this author! I frickin' worship her!!! She is my goddess~~~ Arrghhh now she has a WIP out and thinking about it 真是讓我抓心撓肺啊啊啊啊！！ Dang, the humanity, the hardships, the frickin' realness of this contemporary is still powerful as hell on the second read, why the hell didn't I give it 5++++ the first time around? Gah. I just LOVE how this author manages to write out something that isn't angsty, but at the same time you can feelz the pain and hardships the characters go through despite the somewhat detached yet humorous prose. I love this author's prose too.
這小說震撼了我內心的靈魂，讓我久久不能自己。大哥！！！ I love Big Brother so much!!!! I love 魏之遠as well, but man, Big Brother (yes, gotta capitalize). 實在是讓人太心疼了. QAQ
==original Review==
4.5
After around two months (feels like 3) of being unable to find anything that can retain my interests, this was a nice, solid reprise indeed.
As expected from Priest, she always writes stories that are under completely different settings and plots, probably the only author who always writes fade-to-black sex and yet still is able to make me pick up her works no matter what.
While this was more contemporary/biographical than her usual works, I enjoyed the characters and overall plot as usual. Normally I prefer epic plots and don't read biography-like fics, but I can pretty much read anything by this author. Well, maybe it's because romance is always in the background, lol. While the plot was not epic, the story certainly is...quite 向上 and meaningful, should I say, despite the difficulties the main characters had to go through for their happy ending. While I think there were too many flashbacks in the beginning of the story, I still felt for the characters and their hardships/emotions. Yep, finished this fic within two days and lost loads of sleep as a result, but no regrets.
這小說震撼了我內心的靈魂，讓我久久不能自己。大哥！！！ I love Big Brother so much!!!! I love 魏之遠as well, but man, Big Brother (yes, gotta capitalize). 實在是讓人太心疼了. QAQ
==original Review==
4.5
After around two months (feels like 3) of being unable to find anything that can retain my interests, this was a nice, solid reprise indeed.
As expected from Priest, she always writes stories that are under completely different settings and plots, probably the only author who always writes fade-to-black sex and yet still is able to make me pick up her works no matter what.
While this was more contemporary/biographical than her usual works, I enjoyed the characters and overall plot as usual. Normally I prefer epic plots and don't read biography-like fics, but I can pretty much read anything by this author. Well, maybe it's because romance is always in the background, lol. While the plot was not epic, the story certainly is...quite 向上 and meaningful, should I say, despite the difficulties the main characters had to go through for their happy ending. While I think there were too many flashbacks in the beginning of the story, I still felt for the characters and their hardships/emotions. Yep, finished this fic within two days and lost loads of sleep as a result, but no regrets.
August 29, 2024
Priest no decepcionas, la verdad es que no!!
Sufrimiento de personajes y desarrollo de ellos, como siempre de 10🤌🏻
Amistad, familia, sufrimiento, pobreza, drogas, asesinatos, venganza, odio y más en una historia gay!
Me encanto aunque la serie no es 100% al libro, hay mucha esencia de la una a la otra.
Como siempre una historia slow Burn pero en la que desde el principio se nota los sentimientos que tiene el uno más que en el otro, pero que con el tiempo, se equilibra en ambos!🔥🩷
Sufrimiento de personajes y desarrollo de ellos, como siempre de 10🤌🏻
Amistad, familia, sufrimiento, pobreza, drogas, asesinatos, venganza, odio y más en una historia gay!
Me encanto aunque la serie no es 100% al libro, hay mucha esencia de la una a la otra.
Como siempre una historia slow Burn pero en la que desde el principio se nota los sentimientos que tiene el uno más que en el otro, pero que con el tiempo, se equilibra en ambos!🔥🩷
August 31, 2024
”The overwhelming burden of his feelings was pulled back by the fine strands of rationality, and in the end, not a hint was revealed.”
Went looking for a good translation of this book after watching the Taiwanese live adaptation twice. A lot of people mentioned they liked the book even more which lured me in. The translation was rough around the edges, but it doesn’t feel right to nitpick on it since there is not yet an official English release of this book.
This book is long, like really really long. Probably too long for its own good. I think the live adaption did a great job with emphasizing key points while portraying the essence of their love and amplifying it. It also made it seem like the book would contain more romance than it did. It’s definitely more slice of life than romance, which is a minuscule part of the story. The book is extremely plot heavy, to the point where the characters are forgotten most of the time. It felt like I was being thrown through a thirty year timeline in a rush, where the author only paused for brief moments to develop the characters themselves.
I’m usually more drawn to character development, but don’t mind at all if plot takes the main focus if there is substance to it. To be honest, even after finishing over a thousand (?) pages a lot of the events seemed to have no impact on the characters themselves. It was more of just plain retelling of Wei Qians entire life. At the same time fundamental events were glossed over and discarded too quickly. Made as if they were just fleeting moments with no impact on the characters involved. Rather than exploring emotions and events that changed the trajectory of the story they were treated as simple reminders on a post it note. We barely got a grasp of what was happening before yet again traveling through months or years at a time. This also made it confusing because there was no real sense of time and space.
The biggest issue I have is honestly character development which was severely lacking. At several points in the book, characters decide to act in a way that is paid no attention to. The enormity and implication of what happens is treated too lightly. A couple of paragraphs are added to convey the line of reasoning, but in regards to how it alters their personality, there is nothing. Characters change but it all happens off paper. We don’t get to see what made them change or the thought process, it’s just blindly stated out of nowhere. And so all these little things, that separately might seem like nitpicking, add up, and make a story that could have been profound, into what it unfortunately is: an unedited manuscript that needs tons of editing. The Taiwanese live adaption in hindsight, made a great job picking out the relevant pieces and elevating dialogues and events of importance. It managed to convey those complex feelings in a way that the novel failed to do.
All of the above is most noticeable in the relationship between Wei Qian and Xiao Yuan. When Xiao Yuans feelings first started to manifest, it felt more eerie and sinister than cute and adoring. There was something in his behavior and San Pangs observations of him that instilled fear and goosebumps. Even though we follow him from childhood into adulthood, his mentality is still like a teenage boy as we turn the last page. It’s impossible to drop the sense of ”possessiveness” that hangs over his words when he talks about Wei Qian, especially in relation to Qiao Bao. It all makes his love seem like a projection of his insecurities from early childhood that haven’t been worked out and the deeply rooted fear of abandonment. That’s why I would have loved the author to focus more on all these traumas she has brought into the book. What’s the point of all these humans with flaws and traumas, if nothing is being explored?
It’s always easier to nitpick what you don’t like than the opposite, but with that said I still absolutely tore through the story. It’s about family, both those that are tied to you through blood and self-found. About the passage of time, life and hardships. Will have to try out more of Priests official releases.
Went looking for a good translation of this book after watching the Taiwanese live adaptation twice. A lot of people mentioned they liked the book even more which lured me in. The translation was rough around the edges, but it doesn’t feel right to nitpick on it since there is not yet an official English release of this book.
This book is long, like really really long. Probably too long for its own good. I think the live adaption did a great job with emphasizing key points while portraying the essence of their love and amplifying it. It also made it seem like the book would contain more romance than it did. It’s definitely more slice of life than romance, which is a minuscule part of the story. The book is extremely plot heavy, to the point where the characters are forgotten most of the time. It felt like I was being thrown through a thirty year timeline in a rush, where the author only paused for brief moments to develop the characters themselves.
I’m usually more drawn to character development, but don’t mind at all if plot takes the main focus if there is substance to it. To be honest, even after finishing over a thousand (?) pages a lot of the events seemed to have no impact on the characters themselves. It was more of just plain retelling of Wei Qians entire life. At the same time fundamental events were glossed over and discarded too quickly. Made as if they were just fleeting moments with no impact on the characters involved. Rather than exploring emotions and events that changed the trajectory of the story they were treated as simple reminders on a post it note. We barely got a grasp of what was happening before yet again traveling through months or years at a time. This also made it confusing because there was no real sense of time and space.
The biggest issue I have is honestly character development which was severely lacking. At several points in the book, characters decide to act in a way that is paid no attention to. The enormity and implication of what happens is treated too lightly. A couple of paragraphs are added to convey the line of reasoning, but in regards to how it alters their personality, there is nothing. Characters change but it all happens off paper. We don’t get to see what made them change or the thought process, it’s just blindly stated out of nowhere. And so all these little things, that separately might seem like nitpicking, add up, and make a story that could have been profound, into what it unfortunately is: an unedited manuscript that needs tons of editing. The Taiwanese live adaption in hindsight, made a great job picking out the relevant pieces and elevating dialogues and events of importance. It managed to convey those complex feelings in a way that the novel failed to do.
All of the above is most noticeable in the relationship between Wei Qian and Xiao Yuan. When Xiao Yuans feelings first started to manifest, it felt more eerie and sinister than cute and adoring. There was something in his behavior and San Pangs observations of him that instilled fear and goosebumps. Even though we follow him from childhood into adulthood, his mentality is still like a teenage boy as we turn the last page. It’s impossible to drop the sense of ”possessiveness” that hangs over his words when he talks about Wei Qian, especially in relation to Qiao Bao. It all makes his love seem like a projection of his insecurities from early childhood that haven’t been worked out and the deeply rooted fear of abandonment. That’s why I would have loved the author to focus more on all these traumas she has brought into the book. What’s the point of all these humans with flaws and traumas, if nothing is being explored?
It’s always easier to nitpick what you don’t like than the opposite, but with that said I still absolutely tore through the story. It’s about family, both those that are tied to you through blood and self-found. About the passage of time, life and hardships. Will have to try out more of Priests official releases.
September 1, 2024
Book so good, I want to live! I don't know where to start. I am so overwhelmed with so much happiness. I am in tears.
Priest has struck me in awe yet and again. Money, love, and turtles! Absolutely beautiful. The storytelling, with its blend of humor and emotional insight, allowed me to connect deeply with the characters' struggles and triumphs, especially Wei Qian. Reading through it, the book didn't fail to resonate with me, especially that I also came from a not-so-good family background. The story has surely gripped my heart until it's squeezed out dry, and be slowly but surely replenished as the story progresses. The narrative doesn't shy away from depicting the harsh realities of life, but it also celebrates the small, poignant moments that define human experience. Wei Qian, you have done so well, along with everyone else. Moreover, the words and metaphors used to describe their predicaments and feelings are just so good, I am always either crying or squealing my heart out! I am on my knees.
Wei Qian and Wei Zhi Yuan's relationship is a poignant reflection of the novel's exploration of human emotions and connections, revealing how individuals can profoundly affect one another's lives and shape their personal journeys. Aside from that, the portrayal of such unconventional connection is deeply gut-wretching especially on Xiao Yuan's part. Truly, a love so deep can leave you in shambles, and could leave you with insanity or anguish or enlightenment. And Xiao Yuan grasped all of those. I hope they get to live until their hairs turned gray. Wishing them all the best.
Other characters, Xiao Bao, San Pang, Ma Zi, Grandma Song, Old Bear, and many others absolutely didn't feel like cannon fodders for our couple's journey. Everyone had their own tribulations and character development. It was a sight to see. My heart is filled with so much warmth whenever I think of them. They all have come so far.
From now on, there are only farewells, no separations.
Priest has struck me in awe yet and again. Money, love, and turtles! Absolutely beautiful. The storytelling, with its blend of humor and emotional insight, allowed me to connect deeply with the characters' struggles and triumphs, especially Wei Qian. Reading through it, the book didn't fail to resonate with me, especially that I also came from a not-so-good family background. The story has surely gripped my heart until it's squeezed out dry, and be slowly but surely replenished as the story progresses. The narrative doesn't shy away from depicting the harsh realities of life, but it also celebrates the small, poignant moments that define human experience. Wei Qian, you have done so well, along with everyone else. Moreover, the words and metaphors used to describe their predicaments and feelings are just so good, I am always either crying or squealing my heart out! I am on my knees.
Wei Qian and Wei Zhi Yuan's relationship is a poignant reflection of the novel's exploration of human emotions and connections, revealing how individuals can profoundly affect one another's lives and shape their personal journeys. Aside from that, the portrayal of such unconventional connection is deeply gut-wretching especially on Xiao Yuan's part. Truly, a love so deep can leave you in shambles, and could leave you with insanity or anguish or enlightenment. And Xiao Yuan grasped all of those. I hope they get to live until their hairs turned gray. Wishing them all the best.
Other characters, Xiao Bao, San Pang, Ma Zi, Grandma Song, Old Bear, and many others absolutely didn't feel like cannon fodders for our couple's journey. Everyone had their own tribulations and character development. It was a sight to see. My heart is filled with so much warmth whenever I think of them. They all have come so far.
From now on, there are only farewells, no separations.
March 22, 2024
"El sentimiento de preocupación puede cambiar a una persona. La paranoia, la ansiedad, los celos y el resentimiento por no conseguir lo que quieres desaparecerán. De repente me di cuenta de que mientras seas feliz, moriré en paz"
ok me rompí
ok me rompí
March 30, 2024
Ah, one of the masterpieces of the author of Priest. The theme is indeed Slide of Life but the content is not only daily activities but concerns many "cruel" fates.
Small Wei Qian hated her mother and had to live alone with her sister who still baby in the northern slums. Xiao Bao was raised by Qian with great difficulty.
That cruel world also brought little Yuan to meet Wen Qian. The only light Yuan seen during his escape from the kidnappers/children trafficking.
Wen Qian, San Pang and Ma ji have different fates to raise 2 children who they consider younger siblings. The two called them big brother/Da Ge (大哥).
For the sake of his younger siblings, Wen Qian willingly dropped out of school and became an errand boy in the local gengster, met the drug mafia, got lost in Nepal until finally being able to open a business. All for the sake of feeding, tuition and housing to his younger siblings.
The hard life makes Wen Qian's character not like ordinary children. So is Wen ZhiYuan who lives with the fear of being thrown away or abandoned.
Da Ge(大哥) is about family, friendship and people depend on each other. It's about accepting yourself and learning to let it go. Love more powerful than water, deeper than blood even if you have to beat out the world.
"I can continue to love you. If that women loves you more than I do. I can keep silent for a lifetime. Of course it will hurt. But I can turn that pain into a type of cultivation." - Wei ZhiYuan
"What kind of cultivation?" - Wei Qian
"Of course. I'll cultivation for you a life of happiness and peace." - Wei ZhiYuan
Small Wei Qian hated her mother and had to live alone with her sister who still baby in the northern slums. Xiao Bao was raised by Qian with great difficulty.
That cruel world also brought little Yuan to meet Wen Qian. The only light Yuan seen during his escape from the kidnappers/children trafficking.
Wen Qian, San Pang and Ma ji have different fates to raise 2 children who they consider younger siblings. The two called them big brother/Da Ge (大哥).
For the sake of his younger siblings, Wen Qian willingly dropped out of school and became an errand boy in the local gengster, met the drug mafia, got lost in Nepal until finally being able to open a business. All for the sake of feeding, tuition and housing to his younger siblings.
The hard life makes Wen Qian's character not like ordinary children. So is Wen ZhiYuan who lives with the fear of being thrown away or abandoned.
Da Ge(大哥) is about family, friendship and people depend on each other. It's about accepting yourself and learning to let it go. Love more powerful than water, deeper than blood even if you have to beat out the world.
"I can continue to love you. If that women loves you more than I do. I can keep silent for a lifetime. Of course it will hurt. But I can turn that pain into a type of cultivation." - Wei ZhiYuan
"What kind of cultivation?" - Wei Qian
"Of course. I'll cultivation for you a life of happiness and peace." - Wei ZhiYuan
March 30, 2022
So after thinking very hard, I've decided to write a review for this.
First of all, things I liked about this novels are:
1) The description of poverty and struggle in life, to earn money, to support your family. The main character was himself a teenager when he also had to feed two more kids. It was so realistic and depressing to read.
"𝑂𝑛𝑙𝑦 𝑘𝑖𝑑𝑠 𝑠𝑜𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑎 ℎ𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑦 𝑗𝑎𝑟 𝑑𝑜𝑛'𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑤 𝑢𝑝."
When people go through struggle in their early life, they matured much more early. It's saddening to see it because it's a time when people should be carefree and enjoy their life. But, the world is cruel and not everyone is privileged.
2) The relationship between Wei Qian, Song Xiaobao and Wei Zhiyuan, when they were young. I know Wei Qian was mostly harsh on them, but he also had to maintain a parent figure to them. He didn't show his emotions but he loved them dearly.
I like how Song Xiaobao and Wei Zhiyuan used to bicker around when they were kids. They made that house feel like a home.
3) Friendship:- Though it took San Pang a lot of time to accept his friend's sexuality but he never cut off his ties with him. Lao Xiong too.
Even though I already went through all the tags before starting the novel, but there are still a few things that triggered me:
1) There was too much of color shaming in the first half of the novel.
That's it.
Lastly, Wei Zhiyuan, I liked him when he was a kid, but I'm not sure if I can say the same for the grown up one.
I liked Wei Qian and Song Xiaobao throughout the novel.
Ps:- I'm bad at writing reviews. Anyway, these are just my thoughts.
First of all, things I liked about this novels are:
1) The description of poverty and struggle in life, to earn money, to support your family. The main character was himself a teenager when he also had to feed two more kids. It was so realistic and depressing to read.
"𝑂𝑛𝑙𝑦 𝑘𝑖𝑑𝑠 𝑠𝑜𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑎 ℎ𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑦 𝑗𝑎𝑟 𝑑𝑜𝑛'𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑤 𝑢𝑝."
When people go through struggle in their early life, they matured much more early. It's saddening to see it because it's a time when people should be carefree and enjoy their life. But, the world is cruel and not everyone is privileged.
2) The relationship between Wei Qian, Song Xiaobao and Wei Zhiyuan, when they were young. I know Wei Qian was mostly harsh on them, but he also had to maintain a parent figure to them. He didn't show his emotions but he loved them dearly.
I like how Song Xiaobao and Wei Zhiyuan used to bicker around when they were kids. They made that house feel like a home.
3) Friendship:- Though it took San Pang a lot of time to accept his friend's sexuality but he never cut off his ties with him. Lao Xiong too.
Even though I already went through all the tags before starting the novel, but there are still a few things that triggered me:
1) There was too much of color shaming in the first half of the novel.
That's it.
Lastly, Wei Zhiyuan, I liked him when he was a kid, but I'm not sure if I can say the same for the grown up one.
I liked Wei Qian and Song Xiaobao throughout the novel.
Ps:- I'm bad at writing reviews. Anyway, these are just my thoughts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2020
Again, a crap ton of consent issues. Also very blunt turning points. But it’s such a realistic and touching depiction of a young man who’s disadvantaged in almost every way trying to climb up the social ladder.
April 26, 2018
Very very touching and original! Love the flow for the story. Love both leading roles.
December 16, 2024
este año las dos novelas q más me atraparon fueron de priest... estuve tan ocupada que siento que de lo poco que leí fue aun más poco lo que disfruté, pero finalizando el año, otra vez con priest, otro año consecutivo, pienso que tal vez no importó mucho... qué importa si no pude leer casi nada este año, si cuando falta poco para acabarlo me encuentro con da ge, me reencuentro con wei qian y wei zhiyuan, regalandome justo el mensaje que necesitaba.
priest nuevamente supo tocar mis fibras más sensibles. hace meses cuando me ví unknow,
desee tener el tiempo y la energía para leer la novela... hace unos días hice un rw rapido de unknow y resurgieron las ganas, solo que ahora más fuertes y esta vez sí contaba con mucho más del tiempo necesario.
Si no estoy mal, Da Ge es uno, sino el más, de los trabajos tempranos de priest que he leído e intentando encontrar esta característica en la escritura pienso que definitivamente esta ha madurado bastante, como es de esperarse, pero que en esencia sigue siendo lo mismo, pienso que de pronto es que Da Ge ha comparación de los otros pocos que he leído mantiene un tono mucho más ¿optimista? No sabría describirlo, como que en esta novela Priest se enfoca muchisimo más en los personajes que de pronto el world building y demás, lo que no es malo en lo absoluto!! Es solo una observación: en esta novela la trama gira al rededor de las emociones y sentimientos de los protagonistas y por lo tanto, trata del desarrollo de los mismos, más que lograr construir algo exterior, Da Ge es una novela innatamente de la psicología de los personajes. Así que, viniendo de leer novelas de Priest super enfocadas en misterios y tramas similares, me encontré con una Priest desconocida para mí y me gustó mucho!!
de pronto está muy relacionada al momento por el que estoy pasando ahora mi reacción al mensaje que quiere dejar Priest con esta novela, pero lo encuentro tan bonito. Es un mensaje muy descubierto y sensible, es genuinamente esperanzador de que a pesar de las circunstancias y momentos extremadamente desoladores uno puede permitirse soñar, que está bien hacerlo, que está bien momentaneamente hacer lo necesario para vivir, desviarse un poquito de lo deseado para luego retomar dicho sueño con más fuerza. No encuentro el mensaje que deja esta novela ni iluso ni muy optimista, al contrario, pienso que es necesario que existan novelas, obras de ficción, dispuestas a dibujar una realidad donde las asperezas de la vida no sean lo unico que la marquen, donde se pueda, se deba, soñar con un futuro mejor, donde se reconozca y recalque la importancia de la infancia, una buena familia y la educación, donde se critique el abandono que se le da a las poblaciones más vulnerables pero que aun así no solo los deje como simples victimas de su situación sino que tambien se les reconozca su carácter resiliente!! A veces, muchas en realidad, Es Necesario dar un mensaje esperanzador, por más que esto sea un pedazo de ficción, por más que sea un tanto fantasioso, pienso que sigue siendo valioso.
Son personajes muy unicos todos los presentes en esta obra, aprendí y encontré demasiado de que admirar de ellos. Muy agradecida de poder haber disfrutado de la existencia de otro gran trabajo de Priest, pienso que este en especifíco me encontró en el momento indicado, cuando más necesitaba este mensaje. Gracias Priest. 💐💐💐
priest nuevamente supo tocar mis fibras más sensibles. hace meses cuando me ví unknow,
desee tener el tiempo y la energía para leer la novela... hace unos días hice un rw rapido de unknow y resurgieron las ganas, solo que ahora más fuertes y esta vez sí contaba con mucho más del tiempo necesario.
Si no estoy mal, Da Ge es uno, sino el más, de los trabajos tempranos de priest que he leído e intentando encontrar esta característica en la escritura pienso que definitivamente esta ha madurado bastante, como es de esperarse, pero que en esencia sigue siendo lo mismo, pienso que de pronto es que Da Ge ha comparación de los otros pocos que he leído mantiene un tono mucho más ¿optimista? No sabría describirlo, como que en esta novela Priest se enfoca muchisimo más en los personajes que de pronto el world building y demás, lo que no es malo en lo absoluto!! Es solo una observación: en esta novela la trama gira al rededor de las emociones y sentimientos de los protagonistas y por lo tanto, trata del desarrollo de los mismos, más que lograr construir algo exterior, Da Ge es una novela innatamente de la psicología de los personajes. Así que, viniendo de leer novelas de Priest super enfocadas en misterios y tramas similares, me encontré con una Priest desconocida para mí y me gustó mucho!!
de pronto está muy relacionada al momento por el que estoy pasando ahora mi reacción al mensaje que quiere dejar Priest con esta novela, pero lo encuentro tan bonito. Es un mensaje muy descubierto y sensible, es genuinamente esperanzador de que a pesar de las circunstancias y momentos extremadamente desoladores uno puede permitirse soñar, que está bien hacerlo, que está bien momentaneamente hacer lo necesario para vivir, desviarse un poquito de lo deseado para luego retomar dicho sueño con más fuerza. No encuentro el mensaje que deja esta novela ni iluso ni muy optimista, al contrario, pienso que es necesario que existan novelas, obras de ficción, dispuestas a dibujar una realidad donde las asperezas de la vida no sean lo unico que la marquen, donde se pueda, se deba, soñar con un futuro mejor, donde se reconozca y recalque la importancia de la infancia, una buena familia y la educación, donde se critique el abandono que se le da a las poblaciones más vulnerables pero que aun así no solo los deje como simples victimas de su situación sino que tambien se les reconozca su carácter resiliente!! A veces, muchas en realidad, Es Necesario dar un mensaje esperanzador, por más que esto sea un pedazo de ficción, por más que sea un tanto fantasioso, pienso que sigue siendo valioso.
Son personajes muy unicos todos los presentes en esta obra, aprendí y encontré demasiado de que admirar de ellos. Muy agradecida de poder haber disfrutado de la existencia de otro gran trabajo de Priest, pienso que este en especifíco me encontró en el momento indicado, cuando más necesitaba este mensaje. Gracias Priest. 💐💐💐
September 8, 2025
Ich habe gerade eben Dage (Big brother) fertig gelesen, aber irgendwie fühle ich mich total schrecklich. Am liebsten möchte ich losheulen, aber die Tränen wollen einfach nicht kommen. Ich kann mich nicht mehr erinnern, wann ein Buch das letzte Mal solche Emotionen in mir hervorgerufen hat - es ist bereits zu lange her. Das Ende ist sehr schön, aber gleichzeitig fühle ich mich etwas leer, weil ich weiß, dass ich mich jetzt von den Charakteren und ihrer Geschichte verabschieden muss.
Ich habe Wei Qian durch zwanzig Jahre seines Lebens begleitet, zwanzig Jahre voller Trauer, Kummer, Frustration und vielen tragischen Momenten.Aber zum Glück ist Wei Qian nicht alleine. Leute kommen und gehen, und eines Tages ist man gezwungen, seine Liebsten loszulassen. Es gibt zu viele Dinge, die noch nicht getan wurden, und noch mehr Worte, die noch nicht gesagt wurden. Das Leben ist scheinbar ein endloser Kreislauf aus Glück und Reue.
Wei Qian muss endlich nicht mehr die Last alleine tragen - diejenigen, die er damals beschützt hat, werden jetzt ihn beschützen. Der Hass, der ihn ständig begleitet, verblasst allmählich und auch er lernt langsam, andere Menschen zu lieben. Es ist ein seltsames Gefühl und zunächst weiß er nicht, wie er damit umgehen soll. Es ist wie eine Tür, die nicht geöffnet werden darf, denn sobald sie offen ist, gibt es kein Zurück mehr. Verdient er es überhaupt, geliebt zu werden? Er hat ein schlechtes Temperament, kommandiert andere gerne herum und besitzt einen unerschütterlichen Stolz. Lange Zeit hält er sein Herz verschlossen und niemandem erlaubt, einen Blick hineinzuwerfen. Aber dieser kleine Bengel Wei zhiyuan... egal wie sehr er ihn ausschimpft, ignoriert und beiseite schiebt, er kommt immer vorsichtig zurück und ruft zärtlich: "Bruder."
Bruder, bist du wieder so lange aufgeblieben?
Bruder, ich habe dir Obst mitgebracht.
Bruder, ich habe alle Dinge für dich erledigt, du kannst dich jetzt ausruhen.
Wei zhiyuan ist viel zu schnell erwachsen geworden, er ist nicht mehr der kleine Junge von damals, der sich in seinen Armen verkriecht und Angst hat, zurückgelassen zu werden.
"I suddenly felt enlightened. At that moment, I thought, even if I return home after graduation in a few years and see you married to someone else, I won't beg for death anymore. I can continue to love you. If that unknown lady loves you more than I do, I can remain silent for the rest of my cultivation."
"Cultivate what?"
Of course, it's to cultivate a lifetime of joy and peace with you.
...
Sie sind zwei gebrochene Menschen, die zueinander finden und sich gegenseitig die Wunden verbinden. Eine bedingungslose Liebe, die bis zum Tod hinausreicht. So zärtlich wie weiße Flocken, die vom Himmel herabfallen und einen angenehmen Duft mit sich tragen.
Wei Qian und Wei zhiyuans familiäre und romantische Bindung berührt mich wirklich sehr und auch wenn das Buch nicht perfekt ist, wird es etwas Besonderes für mich bleiben. Ich wünsche allen, die diese Review lesen, eine wunderschöne Zeit mit euren liebsten Menschen. Denkt daran, dass ihr nicht alleine seid und dass es auf dieser Welt irgendwo eine Person gibt - egal ob auf Erden oder im Himmel - die euch vermisst.
"From now on, we only have farewells, no more separations."
Ich habe Wei Qian durch zwanzig Jahre seines Lebens begleitet, zwanzig Jahre voller Trauer, Kummer, Frustration und vielen tragischen Momenten.Aber zum Glück ist Wei Qian nicht alleine. Leute kommen und gehen, und eines Tages ist man gezwungen, seine Liebsten loszulassen. Es gibt zu viele Dinge, die noch nicht getan wurden, und noch mehr Worte, die noch nicht gesagt wurden. Das Leben ist scheinbar ein endloser Kreislauf aus Glück und Reue.
Wei Qian muss endlich nicht mehr die Last alleine tragen - diejenigen, die er damals beschützt hat, werden jetzt ihn beschützen. Der Hass, der ihn ständig begleitet, verblasst allmählich und auch er lernt langsam, andere Menschen zu lieben. Es ist ein seltsames Gefühl und zunächst weiß er nicht, wie er damit umgehen soll. Es ist wie eine Tür, die nicht geöffnet werden darf, denn sobald sie offen ist, gibt es kein Zurück mehr. Verdient er es überhaupt, geliebt zu werden? Er hat ein schlechtes Temperament, kommandiert andere gerne herum und besitzt einen unerschütterlichen Stolz. Lange Zeit hält er sein Herz verschlossen und niemandem erlaubt, einen Blick hineinzuwerfen. Aber dieser kleine Bengel Wei zhiyuan... egal wie sehr er ihn ausschimpft, ignoriert und beiseite schiebt, er kommt immer vorsichtig zurück und ruft zärtlich: "Bruder."
Bruder, bist du wieder so lange aufgeblieben?
Bruder, ich habe dir Obst mitgebracht.
Bruder, ich habe alle Dinge für dich erledigt, du kannst dich jetzt ausruhen.
Wei zhiyuan ist viel zu schnell erwachsen geworden, er ist nicht mehr der kleine Junge von damals, der sich in seinen Armen verkriecht und Angst hat, zurückgelassen zu werden.
"I suddenly felt enlightened. At that moment, I thought, even if I return home after graduation in a few years and see you married to someone else, I won't beg for death anymore. I can continue to love you. If that unknown lady loves you more than I do, I can remain silent for the rest of my cultivation."
"Cultivate what?"
Of course, it's to cultivate a lifetime of joy and peace with you.
...
Sie sind zwei gebrochene Menschen, die zueinander finden und sich gegenseitig die Wunden verbinden. Eine bedingungslose Liebe, die bis zum Tod hinausreicht. So zärtlich wie weiße Flocken, die vom Himmel herabfallen und einen angenehmen Duft mit sich tragen.
Wei Qian und Wei zhiyuans familiäre und romantische Bindung berührt mich wirklich sehr und auch wenn das Buch nicht perfekt ist, wird es etwas Besonderes für mich bleiben. Ich wünsche allen, die diese Review lesen, eine wunderschöne Zeit mit euren liebsten Menschen. Denkt daran, dass ihr nicht alleine seid und dass es auf dieser Welt irgendwo eine Person gibt - egal ob auf Erden oder im Himmel - die euch vermisst.
"From now on, we only have farewells, no more separations."
July 29, 2024
For people wondering, no there is no official translation of this story, sadly! I read the fan/amateur translation on Wattpad, which I'm assuming is what most people here have read.
Of course that also means it's pretty hard to rate, because this is not a piece of work that has gone through proper editing (and from what I've read, I'm pretty sure the translator is also not an actual translator). Now why did I read it then? Because I watched the Taiwanese BL drama 'Unknown', which is based on this novel by Priest, and I loved it despite its minor narrative flaws and was curious if the book would fill in some small gaps. I'm here to tell you that it didn't really 😂 It's an adaptation that cut out quite a bit, rewrote some confusing parts and overall made the story more coherent. So if you're at all interesting or intrigued by the premise of this book, but don't understand Chinese, I'd just recommend watching the BL series!
Now that that's out of the way, let me say some quick things about this book. I really enjoyed the characters, the family unit that gets created. It's got a huge found family element and I love that. The story also spans a very long time period, from when they are all still kids (main character is a young teenager at the start) to when they are proper adults, running businesses and having careers. So you really get that slow build-up, the romance element is really quite small in the grand scheme of things. Over the years, we bond, we meet new people/family members, we see them overcoming their circumstances, we lose people... It's a very full story, not a boring moment across all 70 chapters imo.
I do have to say that it's difficult to judge the narrative flow, because while it was quite bad, I can't say whether it's that way in the original text, or if that's just bad translation. It was very haphazard, jumping from one pov to the next without indication, randomly having huge time jumps in the middle of a paragraph etc. What I do know is the translation, it the constant messing up of names and pronouns, making it extremely confusing to keep track of who is present in a scene and who's talking. There are also lots of literal translations of idioms, expressions and references that are not explained, which is just a big no-no in official translations. For all of those reasons (and more that I won't get into), I really hope this story gets the professional treatment someday. Because I'm sure the core story is good, the execution here just made it hard to enjoy.
Very important note though! I'm very grateful this fan translation exists. It is available for free, and the person behind it has just done it out of love for Priest and this story and that is something to be admired. I wouldn't have been able to read it if it weren't for them, so while I may have critiques, I'm still happy I got to read it and therefore won't be rating it as an official translation.
Of course that also means it's pretty hard to rate, because this is not a piece of work that has gone through proper editing (and from what I've read, I'm pretty sure the translator is also not an actual translator). Now why did I read it then? Because I watched the Taiwanese BL drama 'Unknown', which is based on this novel by Priest, and I loved it despite its minor narrative flaws and was curious if the book would fill in some small gaps. I'm here to tell you that it didn't really 😂 It's an adaptation that cut out quite a bit, rewrote some confusing parts and overall made the story more coherent. So if you're at all interesting or intrigued by the premise of this book, but don't understand Chinese, I'd just recommend watching the BL series!
Now that that's out of the way, let me say some quick things about this book. I really enjoyed the characters, the family unit that gets created. It's got a huge found family element and I love that. The story also spans a very long time period, from when they are all still kids (main character is a young teenager at the start) to when they are proper adults, running businesses and having careers. So you really get that slow build-up, the romance element is really quite small in the grand scheme of things. Over the years, we bond, we meet new people/family members, we see them overcoming their circumstances, we lose people... It's a very full story, not a boring moment across all 70 chapters imo.
I do have to say that it's difficult to judge the narrative flow, because while it was quite bad, I can't say whether it's that way in the original text, or if that's just bad translation. It was very haphazard, jumping from one pov to the next without indication, randomly having huge time jumps in the middle of a paragraph etc. What I do know is the translation, it the constant messing up of names and pronouns, making it extremely confusing to keep track of who is present in a scene and who's talking. There are also lots of literal translations of idioms, expressions and references that are not explained, which is just a big no-no in official translations. For all of those reasons (and more that I won't get into), I really hope this story gets the professional treatment someday. Because I'm sure the core story is good, the execution here just made it hard to enjoy.
Very important note though! I'm very grateful this fan translation exists. It is available for free, and the person behind it has just done it out of love for Priest and this story and that is something to be admired. I wouldn't have been able to read it if it weren't for them, so while I may have critiques, I'm still happy I got to read it and therefore won't be rating it as an official translation.
April 29, 2024
I am torn between rating this a 3 or 4 star. I read this after watching the drama adaptation called "UNKNOWN". And I have to say that the drama and novel are really different from each other. Below is my opinion on the novel and the differences that I found after reading the novel and watching the live action.
First of all, the novel would not be considered a romance. It's a slice of life. The romance does not start (for obvious reasons) until chapter 40 or so. I thought that I wouldn't enjoy the first half, however, I was surprised about how much I liked it and wish that they had given more focus on Wei Qian's life in the drama.
Unlike the drama, the novel revolves around Wei Qian and the countless things he had to do to survive his every day after his mother overdosed and he had to take care of his baby sister. At 14 years old, this boy had to break his back in order to bring food to the table and give his sibling the life he wish he had when he was a child. He sacrificed his own dreams in order to see his siblings thrive and that is truly admirable. Although he has a lot of trauma because of his abusive mother, he cares so much for others that he even adopts Wei Zhiyuan, a homeless child from his community and took care of him.
On the other hand, Wei Zhiyuan was so different from the drama that I was taken aback. On the drama, he appears to be a good boy whose only mistake was to fall in love with his adoptive brother. But on the novel, he has way more sides to him. It is constantly mentioned that he lacks empathy. He only shows his good side to his adoptive brother, and to his adoptive sister. But other than that, he does not have friends and is very introverted. I thought he was just maybe a little autistic, but then he committed premeditated murder and caused the death of the pedophile who attacked him when he was young. I was SHOCKED. I wish the drama had given more light to his dark side, that sure would've been interesting. The novel also has characters that did not exist in the drama like their grandmother who at first I hated but I grew to love.
Their romance was slightly different from the drama too, but not so much different. Overall, I feel that the drama decided to just focus on the romantic aspect of the novel and not on the entire work, which is truly a shame.
First of all, the novel would not be considered a romance. It's a slice of life. The romance does not start (for obvious reasons) until chapter 40 or so. I thought that I wouldn't enjoy the first half, however, I was surprised about how much I liked it and wish that they had given more focus on Wei Qian's life in the drama.
Unlike the drama, the novel revolves around Wei Qian and the countless things he had to do to survive his every day after his mother overdosed and he had to take care of his baby sister. At 14 years old, this boy had to break his back in order to bring food to the table and give his sibling the life he wish he had when he was a child. He sacrificed his own dreams in order to see his siblings thrive and that is truly admirable. Although he has a lot of trauma because of his abusive mother, he cares so much for others that he even adopts Wei Zhiyuan, a homeless child from his community and took care of him.
On the other hand, Wei Zhiyuan was so different from the drama that I was taken aback. On the drama, he appears to be a good boy whose only mistake was to fall in love with his adoptive brother. But on the novel, he has way more sides to him. It is constantly mentioned that he lacks empathy. He only shows his good side to his adoptive brother, and to his adoptive sister. But other than that, he does not have friends and is very introverted. I thought he was just maybe a little autistic, but then he committed premeditated murder and caused the death of the pedophile who attacked him when he was young. I was SHOCKED. I wish the drama had given more light to his dark side, that sure would've been interesting. The novel also has characters that did not exist in the drama like their grandmother who at first I hated but I grew to love.
Their romance was slightly different from the drama too, but not so much different. Overall, I feel that the drama decided to just focus on the romantic aspect of the novel and not on the entire work, which is truly a shame.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2024
This book is really good. It's about life, hard life.. Maybe hope, hope that things will get better? It's about one small family that just lives its own little life. We see them as children and then we see them slowly grow up. We see their problems, everything they have done, their fears, dreams. We see their relationship with each other change as they grow and change, but they will always be there for each other. Especially Dage, Wei Qian, even when it was hard to live, even when he had to give up what he dreamed of, he continued to live for his little family that he secretly (or not so secretly) loves so much. That's very beautiful. Another amazing piece by Priest.
September 15, 2025
It was good but nothing special. I’m the biggest fan of priest’s writing and narration, but this one could’ve been a five star book if it’s a family story but not romance. I love step brothers romance stories so I was really excited for this one but the romance part disappointed me. The romance part started at 75-80% of the story, let alone the random time skip although I’m a fan of them. Wei Qian was straight most of the novel and he suddenly felt in love with Wei ZhiYuan toward the end??
I love the characters, the plot, just not the romance side it lacked more emotion from both sides, more affection scenes between the main characters.
I love the characters, the plot, just not the romance side it lacked more emotion from both sides, more affection scenes between the main characters.
June 9, 2023
I've read it three times now, and each time it brings back the same emotions. I like how the author developed the background and the locals; how she described how Wei Qian had previously rebelled against the community but had always put his family first; and how she had described the maturity, intelligence, and lovesickness of Wei Zhi Yuan. Above all, I appreciate most how they never give up in the adversity. It is not only love between the two of them but also love for their families, friends, and passion. I adore this tale so much.
May 6, 2024
I am truly obsessed with this story, I watched the drama and I couldn't get enough of them so I came to the book.
I have to admit that there are a few things that are a bit questionable (that are not related to the main characters stories) and others that could've been dealt with differently. However, I still loved this book and its characters and I enjoyed every minute I spent reading it.
I just wish it had more of Qian and Yuan lovers era but that's just me being greedy.
I have to admit that there are a few things that are a bit questionable (that are not related to the main characters stories) and others that could've been dealt with differently. However, I still loved this book and its characters and I enjoyed every minute I spent reading it.
I just wish it had more of Qian and Yuan lovers era but that's just me being greedy.
March 17, 2024
La estructura del libro está muy bien pensada y con buen desarrollo, personajes definidos con bastante trasfondo psicológico y por ende, originalidad.
Es un buen libro para empatizar, para rabiar por las injusticias, para tomarle cariño a personajes que son inexpresivos, que no aprendieron a amar porque su única prioridad era (sobre) vivir...
Es un buen libro para empatizar, para rabiar por las injusticias, para tomarle cariño a personajes que son inexpresivos, que no aprendieron a amar porque su única prioridad era (sobre) vivir...
August 15, 2024
4.5/5
It’s about how people tough it out through intense struggles, how the little guy fights to stay afloat, and how even a single strand of hair can stretch to its limit under a huge weight. “讲述了人如何去承受巨大的苦难，渺小如浮尘的穷苦小人物如何挣扎生存，一根头发丝如何竭尽全力地坚韧拉伸去承受万斤的重量。”
It’s about how people tough it out through intense struggles, how the little guy fights to stay afloat, and how even a single strand of hair can stretch to its limit under a huge weight. “讲述了人如何去承受巨大的苦难，渺小如浮尘的穷苦小人物如何挣扎生存，一根头发丝如何竭尽全力地坚韧拉伸去承受万斤的重量。”
September 2, 2024
I liked the well structured story that this author wrote, I could get the struggle of each character and also sympathize with them though I would say that there were some small things that were a little hard to digest, but overall it was well written and I loved the book.
September 25, 2025
I couldn't believe I had read another Danmei light novel, as I couldn't find translated Chinese gay novels. The annoying BL tropes aside, Chinese culture drew me in — the relationships within an adopted and extended family.
Currently reading
November 1, 202243 - how much money does it take to feel secure
February 29, 2024
moral of the story: beat the system
March 23, 2024
Un paio di frasi penso mi abbiano segnato da qua all’eternità
April 1, 2024
BL show : Unknown
It's fun watching the show as I know the deeper story through this novel.
It's fun watching the show as I know the deeper story through this novel.
April 16, 2024
This book is so relatable in terms of emotional strength and weakness .. also wei qian is my baby!
April 20, 2024
4.5/5 ⭐
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