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从万米高空降临 [Descent from an Altitude of 10,000 Meters]
Three years ago, Chen Jiayu piloted Flight 416 during a severe engine incident, maneuvering an Airbus A330 full of passengers to a safe landing on the longest runway at Hong Kong International Airport with harrowing speed.
Known as the most successful crash landing in civil aviation history in a decade, his achievement made him a household name, but it also became a nightmare that haunted him for years. He thought that he had used up all his good luck in Hong Kong three years ago. Then, he met Fang Hao.
Fang Hao, who holds the record for directing the most flights in a single hour at Daxing Airport, handling countless special and risky situations without batting an eye. However, upon encountering Chen Jiayu, he found himself losing control.
Known as the most successful crash landing in civil aviation history in a decade, his achievement made him a household name, but it also became a nightmare that haunted him for years. He thought that he had used up all his good luck in Hong Kong three years ago. Then, he met Fang Hao.
Fang Hao, who holds the record for directing the most flights in a single hour at Daxing Airport, handling countless special and risky situations without batting an eye. However, upon encountering Chen Jiayu, he found himself losing control.
700 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 19, 2025
This was SO GOOD!! easily up there with one of the best modern danmei’s I have read.
Chen Jiayu is an accomplished commercial pilot with some notoriety following an incident 3 years earlier where he successfully landed an Airbus A330 that had experienced twin engine failures. Chen Jiayu perhaps gets a little too complacent with getting some special treatment and ends up butting heads with the highly competent and no-nonsense Air Traffic Controller Fang Hao, who, while managing an in air incident, refuses to give Chen Jiayu preferential treatment in jumping the queue to land, leading to tension between the two.
This was a really lovely slice-of-life romance that felt very true to the challenges of real life. The reader follows alongside Chen Jiayu and Fang Hao becoming friends, and then becoming something more intimate. I enjoyed that although their physical chemistry was off the charts, the story doesn’t take short cuts on the difficult slow build of emotional trust between the two of them. Chen Jiayu and Fang Hao are both complex and interesting characters in their 30’s, who felt flawed and realistic in a way that sometimes felt frustrating, but also felt honest and relatable.
This is easily one of the spiciest Danmei I have read. I was so surprised when the first spicy scene popped up cause Chen Jiayu and Fang Hao get WILD with it (this is a medium boil relationship). If you read a lot of Danmei you know that often things are alluded to….HOWEVER NOT HERE…. Chen Jiayu very enthusiastically bangs the breaks off Fang Hao in pretty explicit detail whenever the chance presents itself lol. So I guess take that as you will and adjust your expectations as necessary hahaha.
I feel like it should be noted as a content warning that throughout this book Chen Jiayu is supporting his mother through late stage cancer and this story does tackle themes of loss and grief and that readers should check in with themselves if they are in the right place for this. There is also pretty extensive discussion about Chen Jaiyu’s PTSD following his emergency landing and various industry related stressors of both of their careers in aviation, so people with anxiety around flying may struggle with this.
I did find that I times the conflict fuelled by the lack of communication was frustrating because IF THEY JUST TALKED ABOUT IT WOULD BE FINE, but I also understood the barriers of pride and insecurity and the motivations and behaviours were very understandable.
I rated this 4.5 stars ✨ (I did find the lack of communication dragged for me a teeny tiny bit) however, I am going to rate up for the enjoyment this has given me while I have been in bed sick AND also because ALL 300Kish WORDS OF THIS is currently still available on Chrysanthemum Garden and the fan translation was of a pretty exceptional quality. However given that it has recently been licensed I wouldn’t expect it to stay up indefinitely…
Chen Jiayu is an accomplished commercial pilot with some notoriety following an incident 3 years earlier where he successfully landed an Airbus A330 that had experienced twin engine failures. Chen Jiayu perhaps gets a little too complacent with getting some special treatment and ends up butting heads with the highly competent and no-nonsense Air Traffic Controller Fang Hao, who, while managing an in air incident, refuses to give Chen Jiayu preferential treatment in jumping the queue to land, leading to tension between the two.
This was a really lovely slice-of-life romance that felt very true to the challenges of real life. The reader follows alongside Chen Jiayu and Fang Hao becoming friends, and then becoming something more intimate. I enjoyed that although their physical chemistry was off the charts, the story doesn’t take short cuts on the difficult slow build of emotional trust between the two of them. Chen Jiayu and Fang Hao are both complex and interesting characters in their 30’s, who felt flawed and realistic in a way that sometimes felt frustrating, but also felt honest and relatable.
This is easily one of the spiciest Danmei I have read. I was so surprised when the first spicy scene popped up cause Chen Jiayu and Fang Hao get WILD with it (this is a medium boil relationship). If you read a lot of Danmei you know that often things are alluded to….HOWEVER NOT HERE…. Chen Jiayu very enthusiastically bangs the breaks off Fang Hao in pretty explicit detail whenever the chance presents itself lol. So I guess take that as you will and adjust your expectations as necessary hahaha.
I feel like it should be noted as a content warning that throughout this book Chen Jiayu is supporting his mother through late stage cancer and this story does tackle themes of loss and grief and that readers should check in with themselves if they are in the right place for this. There is also pretty extensive discussion about Chen Jaiyu’s PTSD following his emergency landing and various industry related stressors of both of their careers in aviation, so people with anxiety around flying may struggle with this.
I did find that I times the conflict fuelled by the lack of communication was frustrating because IF THEY JUST TALKED ABOUT IT WOULD BE FINE, but I also understood the barriers of pride and insecurity and the motivations and behaviours were very understandable.
I rated this 4.5 stars ✨ (I did find the lack of communication dragged for me a teeny tiny bit) however, I am going to rate up for the enjoyment this has given me while I have been in bed sick AND also because ALL 300Kish WORDS OF THIS is currently still available on Chrysanthemum Garden and the fan translation was of a pretty exceptional quality. However given that it has recently been licensed I wouldn’t expect it to stay up indefinitely…
August 11, 2025
The Approach by La Rive Gauche will be published by Hai Tang (4 volumes). It’s 82 chapters with 4 extras and a FTL is currently still available on Chrysanthemum Garden. This novel was so refreshing and perfect if you are looking for the following:
✈️Characters that are lovable but realistic and flawed
✈️Mature romance with a lot of really well done 🌶️
✈️Flying! Pilot x ATC. So many details but it’s not boring at all. You will learn a lot about this field/profession and the pressure and stresses that come along with it.
✈️Dual POV
✈️Cast of characters in their 30s and career focused
✈️Slice of life, slower paced, focused on relationships and communication but some intense moments as expected with aviation
Very good translation, excellent writing!
I need more books like this 🥰
*If anyone has any recs for mature modern realistic novels please send them my way!
✈️Characters that are lovable but realistic and flawed
✈️Mature romance with a lot of really well done 🌶️
✈️Flying! Pilot x ATC. So many details but it’s not boring at all. You will learn a lot about this field/profession and the pressure and stresses that come along with it.
✈️Dual POV
✈️Cast of characters in their 30s and career focused
✈️Slice of life, slower paced, focused on relationships and communication but some intense moments as expected with aviation
Very good translation, excellent writing!
I need more books like this 🥰
*If anyone has any recs for mature modern realistic novels please send them my way!
March 16, 2026
[ We met on VHF radio over Beijing’s skies, ten thousand meters high. And he’s the love of my life. ]
So perfect! This might be one of the most beautiful book I've ever stumbled upon. The narrative builds so well and everything is so remarkable to me. Moreover, Chen Jiayu's and Fang Hao's emotional arc and character development together and individually is so well done. They're inherently different from each other but they're so drawn to each other. So romantic and so heart gripping. This is really so beautiful to me!
What makes this novel so good to me is how deeply it understands the world it portrays. The aviation serves not merely as a backdrop but as a central metaphor. Flight compresses distance, yet emotional journeys remain vast. Having worked with signaling and communications in railway operations myself, I know firsthand how a minor miscommunication can spiral into catastrophe. Lives hang on precision, timing, and trust. This is why the emotional struggles of Chen Jiayu and Fang Hao feel so real. Their need for control, their fear of mistakes, and the psychological burden of responsibility are not romanticized, they are lived experiences. And I can resonate with them on a deeply personal level.
At the same time, the novel balances the gravity of its setting with moments of warmth and delight. Seeing Lang Feng and Zhou Qichen again (I read Tailhook first) feels like getting one of my favorite candies! I missed them a lot!
And at the center of it all is Chen Jiayu and Fang Hao. I love them with an intensity that surprised even me. Usually, in danmei, my heart belongs more to the shou. Yet here, Chen Jiayu completely overturned that pattern. He is, paradoxically, one of the most perfect gongs to me precisely because he is perfectly imperfect. My god, I'm so in love with him! To him, Fang Hao is endlessly fascinating! Being with Fang Hao feels like all his wishes are coming true! Fang Hao is his greatest blessing! Fang Hao is his every day! And he never smoked or anything, his only addiction is Fang Hao!!!
[ That voice was his anchor, his drumbeat in the storm, and his North Star. ] - [ He was Chen Jiayu’s grounding point, his anchor, the steady beat that made everything feel more solid and stable. ]
But every time he hides something or keeps a secret, my hearts sinks so hard. His instinct for self-reliance is so solid and cruel to his own self. And watching him learn to share his burdens becomes one of the novel's most moving parts that I might never forget. Plus, his relationship with his mother really broke me. Cao Hui is a very beautiful person, the first person who loved Chen Jiayu unconditionally. May she rest in peace.
Fang Hao, meanwhile, is devastating in his vulnerability. His tendency to withdraw, blame himself, and see himself as unremarkable makes me cry so hard. His kindness and loyalty are almost painful in their sincerity. When he loves, he gives everything. That kind of love is beautiful, but it is also frightening in its fragility.
[ They had landed alive. But only Chen Jiayu knew—his moment of relief had come much earlier. Back at 6,000 meters, when Fang Hao’s Beijing Approach call came through over the radio, he already knew he had succeeded. The plane was still flying, the glide path not yet captured, but in that moment, his heart had already landed. ]
And they are so good at communicating which is something that makes their eventual emotional breakthroughs profoundly satisfying. When they finally confront their fears and speak honestly, I was crying so hard! Fang Hao is Chen Jiayu's grounding force, while Chen Jiayu gives Fang Hao a sense of security he had once lost. I love this couple so much!
There's so many cute moments here too that you'll sometimes forget that they're in a middle of a fight or something. Like when they talk on the calls during work, when they're talking about cooking, or when Chen Jiayu is calling Fang Hao his boss, and so many other more! I also thought (and lowkey wished) they'd do it on the cockpit, but of course, they will never! I just love the idea.
“The distance from zero to infinity is just as long as from one to infinity—they’re both endless. If I love you for a lifetime, that means forever. Whether in Hong Kong or Beijing, in the sky or on land, in highs or lows, I’ll be with you.”
“Today… tomorrow… one hundred kilometers… the rest of our lives. I’ll always love you.”
Love surely does not erase suffering, but it can reshape its meaning. And in doing so, this novel leaves behind not devastation or exhilaration, but a quiet sense of alignment. Rewriting the meaning of December 11 is just so wonderful! The author is so big brains! And it's also really about learning to let go, not of your job or your principles, but of being afraid to show who you really are. Surviving on your own isn't enough to heal. True love is letting someone see your weaknesses without making you feel smaller. Forever love to my Chen Jiayu and Fang Hao!
So perfect! This might be one of the most beautiful book I've ever stumbled upon. The narrative builds so well and everything is so remarkable to me. Moreover, Chen Jiayu's and Fang Hao's emotional arc and character development together and individually is so well done. They're inherently different from each other but they're so drawn to each other. So romantic and so heart gripping. This is really so beautiful to me!
What makes this novel so good to me is how deeply it understands the world it portrays. The aviation serves not merely as a backdrop but as a central metaphor. Flight compresses distance, yet emotional journeys remain vast. Having worked with signaling and communications in railway operations myself, I know firsthand how a minor miscommunication can spiral into catastrophe. Lives hang on precision, timing, and trust. This is why the emotional struggles of Chen Jiayu and Fang Hao feel so real. Their need for control, their fear of mistakes, and the psychological burden of responsibility are not romanticized, they are lived experiences. And I can resonate with them on a deeply personal level.
At the same time, the novel balances the gravity of its setting with moments of warmth and delight. Seeing Lang Feng and Zhou Qichen again (I read Tailhook first) feels like getting one of my favorite candies! I missed them a lot!
And at the center of it all is Chen Jiayu and Fang Hao. I love them with an intensity that surprised even me. Usually, in danmei, my heart belongs more to the shou. Yet here, Chen Jiayu completely overturned that pattern. He is, paradoxically, one of the most perfect gongs to me precisely because he is perfectly imperfect. My god, I'm so in love with him! To him, Fang Hao is endlessly fascinating! Being with Fang Hao feels like all his wishes are coming true! Fang Hao is his greatest blessing! Fang Hao is his every day! And he never smoked or anything, his only addiction is Fang Hao!!!
[ That voice was his anchor, his drumbeat in the storm, and his North Star. ] - [ He was Chen Jiayu’s grounding point, his anchor, the steady beat that made everything feel more solid and stable. ]
But every time he hides something or keeps a secret, my hearts sinks so hard. His instinct for self-reliance is so solid and cruel to his own self. And watching him learn to share his burdens becomes one of the novel's most moving parts that I might never forget. Plus, his relationship with his mother really broke me. Cao Hui is a very beautiful person, the first person who loved Chen Jiayu unconditionally. May she rest in peace.
Fang Hao, meanwhile, is devastating in his vulnerability. His tendency to withdraw, blame himself, and see himself as unremarkable makes me cry so hard. His kindness and loyalty are almost painful in their sincerity. When he loves, he gives everything. That kind of love is beautiful, but it is also frightening in its fragility.
[ They had landed alive. But only Chen Jiayu knew—his moment of relief had come much earlier. Back at 6,000 meters, when Fang Hao’s Beijing Approach call came through over the radio, he already knew he had succeeded. The plane was still flying, the glide path not yet captured, but in that moment, his heart had already landed. ]
And they are so good at communicating which is something that makes their eventual emotional breakthroughs profoundly satisfying. When they finally confront their fears and speak honestly, I was crying so hard! Fang Hao is Chen Jiayu's grounding force, while Chen Jiayu gives Fang Hao a sense of security he had once lost. I love this couple so much!
There's so many cute moments here too that you'll sometimes forget that they're in a middle of a fight or something. Like when they talk on the calls during work, when they're talking about cooking, or when Chen Jiayu is calling Fang Hao his boss, and so many other more! I also thought (and lowkey wished) they'd do it on the cockpit, but of course, they will never! I just love the idea.
“The distance from zero to infinity is just as long as from one to infinity—they’re both endless. If I love you for a lifetime, that means forever. Whether in Hong Kong or Beijing, in the sky or on land, in highs or lows, I’ll be with you.”
“Today… tomorrow… one hundred kilometers… the rest of our lives. I’ll always love you.”
Love surely does not erase suffering, but it can reshape its meaning. And in doing so, this novel leaves behind not devastation or exhilaration, but a quiet sense of alignment. Rewriting the meaning of December 11 is just so wonderful! The author is so big brains! And it's also really about learning to let go, not of your job or your principles, but of being afraid to show who you really are. Surviving on your own isn't enough to heal. True love is letting someone see your weaknesses without making you feel smaller. Forever love to my Chen Jiayu and Fang Hao!
January 6, 2026
after they got together idk i kinda felt this was not really going anywhere and started losing interest. it should be 40 chaps shorter ngl.
ive also noticed its a free gongzicp novel and so is tailhook. knowing chinese legit saves u monies and time.
ive also noticed its a free gongzicp novel and so is tailhook. knowing chinese legit saves u monies and time.
March 3, 2026
I love the airspace setting, the pilot and air controller stuff. But as my poor GR friends know, my updates were full of complaints, which I will summarise here.
This novel is HEAVY on the miscommunication trope. It is overused to hell. The two leads will go out of their way to act out of character just to cause miscommunication and drama. Sometimes they are upset at each other over something someone third had done! When neither of them were at fault! (Like the landing lights incident, caused by the other pilot and immediately fixed by Chen Jiayu, but somehow Fang Hao still got upset????) And then once the drama is resolved it’s like a switch has been flipped and they communicate way too much. Just constantly talking about their feelings, explaining how they feel or have felt in the past, bursting into tears repeatedly. Two emotional teens in their first bumpy relationship have nothing on these two damn grown men. There is being open about your feelings but then there is… whatever this is, which just gave me the ick. It felt so sappy and fake and just weird, like aliens pretending to act human but never really getting it. The conversations were so unnatural. Everyone had to talk about their feelings so much, even an ex of like three years back had to be brought in so that they could talk about their feelings and I was just screaming in my head, asking for it to stop.
This all got tiring super quickly and made me realise that… this is it. This is the plot. Other than the investigation of the near-crash incident, the plot was just them getting into increasingly more petty arguments and then talking each other’s ears off about their feelings. Stating stuff like “I feel closer to you than ever” out loud. It just made the characters feel more fake, less like real people, since they had to state everything out loud. It’s like the old advice: show, don’t tell! But this time the author has the characters tell the things. To the point that even side characters point out how much the main couple matches one another’s needs… how the fuck do these random people know their needs, when it even took the two guys chapters of miscommunication and making up to figure it out? It was just very shoddily handled. I can only assume that all the talk about the feelings and emotions was supposed to make the characters seem more real but it just made them look flat and fake.
This novel could be half the length. Some of the stupid arguments could be dropped altogether. And Fang Hao and Chen Jiayu being one another’s therapists and dissecting what they are feeling could also be cut down on… I did end up just kind of skimming the last 20% of the book. Not my fast skimming but still much faster than my regular rate of reading, just not really taking in every single detail because, well, there wasn’t much to take in. And I was honestly kinda checked out at that point - already jotting down this review in my notes, which is always a bad sign (me writing the review before I’m even finished shows that I just gotta get some of the negative thoughts out of my head). And I didn’t even read the extras…
I’m kinda unsure about the rating. I thought about giving this 4 stars at first but then I started playing with the idea of DNFing this and then I skimmed the end and skipped the extras altogether. So even 3 stars are generous at this point. An average book. Good bits, bad bits. Enough to get me ranting but also enough to keep me reading. But then the bad bits just killed my enjoyment and I just finished this since I was so close to the end. This could have been a 5 star read, which kinda upsets me. It looked like one at first…
I also wanted to read Tailhook, a sequel by the same author that focuses on one of the side couples, but now I’m unsure. Maybe later.
This novel is HEAVY on the miscommunication trope. It is overused to hell. The two leads will go out of their way to act out of character just to cause miscommunication and drama. Sometimes they are upset at each other over something someone third had done! When neither of them were at fault! (Like the landing lights incident, caused by the other pilot and immediately fixed by Chen Jiayu, but somehow Fang Hao still got upset????) And then once the drama is resolved it’s like a switch has been flipped and they communicate way too much. Just constantly talking about their feelings, explaining how they feel or have felt in the past, bursting into tears repeatedly. Two emotional teens in their first bumpy relationship have nothing on these two damn grown men. There is being open about your feelings but then there is… whatever this is, which just gave me the ick. It felt so sappy and fake and just weird, like aliens pretending to act human but never really getting it. The conversations were so unnatural. Everyone had to talk about their feelings so much, even an ex of like three years back had to be brought in so that they could talk about their feelings and I was just screaming in my head, asking for it to stop.
This all got tiring super quickly and made me realise that… this is it. This is the plot. Other than the investigation of the near-crash incident, the plot was just them getting into increasingly more petty arguments and then talking each other’s ears off about their feelings. Stating stuff like “I feel closer to you than ever” out loud. It just made the characters feel more fake, less like real people, since they had to state everything out loud. It’s like the old advice: show, don’t tell! But this time the author has the characters tell the things. To the point that even side characters point out how much the main couple matches one another’s needs… how the fuck do these random people know their needs, when it even took the two guys chapters of miscommunication and making up to figure it out? It was just very shoddily handled. I can only assume that all the talk about the feelings and emotions was supposed to make the characters seem more real but it just made them look flat and fake.
This novel could be half the length. Some of the stupid arguments could be dropped altogether. And Fang Hao and Chen Jiayu being one another’s therapists and dissecting what they are feeling could also be cut down on… I did end up just kind of skimming the last 20% of the book. Not my fast skimming but still much faster than my regular rate of reading, just not really taking in every single detail because, well, there wasn’t much to take in. And I was honestly kinda checked out at that point - already jotting down this review in my notes, which is always a bad sign (me writing the review before I’m even finished shows that I just gotta get some of the negative thoughts out of my head). And I didn’t even read the extras…
I’m kinda unsure about the rating. I thought about giving this 4 stars at first but then I started playing with the idea of DNFing this and then I skimmed the end and skipped the extras altogether. So even 3 stars are generous at this point. An average book. Good bits, bad bits. Enough to get me ranting but also enough to keep me reading. But then the bad bits just killed my enjoyment and I just finished this since I was so close to the end. This could have been a 5 star read, which kinda upsets me. It looked like one at first…
I also wanted to read Tailhook, a sequel by the same author that focuses on one of the side couples, but now I’m unsure. Maybe later.
September 19, 2025
3.5⭐️
This one has a slow start, with aviation technicalities and a writing style that needs getting used to. I do think the professions—pilot & air traffic controllers—are fascinating, but it could get overwhelming sometimes. I’m also not a fan of the slice-of-life genre, and in this book everything is written in such a non-exciting way that I almost dnf-ed this a couple of times.
What I like is how the relationship progresses between these 2 mature men. They have to pass different hurdles, but they solve it by (finally) communicating properly. It’s also great to see how they both pour a lot of effort and care into this relationship to make it work.
Tldr; I recommend it for those who like slice-of-life, mature relationships, and aren’t afraid to read a lot of details about their professions.
This one has a slow start, with aviation technicalities and a writing style that needs getting used to. I do think the professions—pilot & air traffic controllers—are fascinating, but it could get overwhelming sometimes. I’m also not a fan of the slice-of-life genre, and in this book everything is written in such a non-exciting way that I almost dnf-ed this a couple of times.
What I like is how the relationship progresses between these 2 mature men. They have to pass different hurdles, but they solve it by (finally) communicating properly. It’s also great to see how they both pour a lot of effort and care into this relationship to make it work.
Tldr; I recommend it for those who like slice-of-life, mature relationships, and aren’t afraid to read a lot of details about their professions.
June 11, 2025
Why I Dropped The Approach at 41% ( Chapter 38 )
Maybe it’s a me problem — not the book’s fault. But here’s why I’m stepping away:
• It’s not slow burn; it’s sunlight-on-an-egg slow burn. (Yes, I’m the egg.)
• The pacing is 95% realistic — which I understand is intentional for deep character development — but I found myself zoning out. A few times.
• It’s well-written, just… not what I expected. And that might be on me for setting high expectations.
• I’m still mentally stuck in enemies-to-lovers territory after finishing True Color, so maybe my timing was off too. I yawned more than I wanted to.
That said, don’t let my review sway you — if you’re into a naturalistic romance, this might hit the spot for you. It just wasn’t what I needed right now.
Maybe it’s a me problem — not the book’s fault. But here’s why I’m stepping away:
• It’s not slow burn; it’s sunlight-on-an-egg slow burn. (Yes, I’m the egg.)
• The pacing is 95% realistic — which I understand is intentional for deep character development — but I found myself zoning out. A few times.
• It’s well-written, just… not what I expected. And that might be on me for setting high expectations.
• I’m still mentally stuck in enemies-to-lovers territory after finishing True Color, so maybe my timing was off too. I yawned more than I wanted to.
That said, don’t let my review sway you — if you’re into a naturalistic romance, this might hit the spot for you. It just wasn’t what I needed right now.
June 29, 2026
"we met on VHF radio over beijing's skies, ten thousand meters high. and he's the love of my life."
who would've thought a pilot x air traffic controller romance could be so compelling. both chen jiayu and fang hao really grew on me as characters and as a couple - the novel started off pretty slow but once the romance got going, i was locked in.
i think this novel confirms for me that i really enjoy reading about established relationships (that are well-written obviously). it was so fascinating to see chen jiayu and fang hao navigating the tentative beginnings of a new relationship while carrying emotional baggage from their past, juggling demanding jobs, trying to make time for each other, learning how to deal with conflicts and missteps in their relationship. overall, a very comforting read, even with the miscommunication and arguments, because you just know these two will find a way to make it through the challenges. very much recommend this one (and i have a newfound appreciation for the role of air traffic controllers).
also, just as an aside, i think my favorite translation of the title is a descent from sky high, but the approach is nice too.
who would've thought a pilot x air traffic controller romance could be so compelling. both chen jiayu and fang hao really grew on me as characters and as a couple - the novel started off pretty slow but once the romance got going, i was locked in.
i think this novel confirms for me that i really enjoy reading about established relationships (that are well-written obviously). it was so fascinating to see chen jiayu and fang hao navigating the tentative beginnings of a new relationship while carrying emotional baggage from their past, juggling demanding jobs, trying to make time for each other, learning how to deal with conflicts and missteps in their relationship. overall, a very comforting read, even with the miscommunication and arguments, because you just know these two will find a way to make it through the challenges. very much recommend this one (and i have a newfound appreciation for the role of air traffic controllers).
also, just as an aside, i think my favorite translation of the title is a descent from sky high, but the approach is nice too.
August 25, 2025
I went into this book with no expectations and was thoroughly blown away. First off, the story is incredibly well-researched: it's detailed enough to be believable without getting hung up on minute technicalities. In addition, the author does an amazing job with the characters and the romance. I was especially impressed by how their backstories are woven into the narrative without resorting to flashbacks. Both leads are nuanced and their struggles feel human. On top of that, they have crazy good chemistry. As a result, I was super invested in their relationship and found their character arcs really satisfying. Cannot recommend this enough. I can't believe this is the author's first foray into danmei. Will definitely keep an eye out for whatever they decide to do in the future.
January 12, 2026
── 4.5✦
I started this at 1am, deciding to read maybe one or two chapters before going to bed. At 5am, I finally rested my tired eyes, woke up at noon and then proceeded to do nothing but read this story. Oh, this had me in a chokehold.
A modern danmei that follows Chen Jiayu, a pilot who became popular after landing a plane with double engine failure and Fang Hao, an air traffic controller known for his strictness when directing planes. A burst tire, delayed landings and tense confrontation over radio bring these two together. What started as antagonistic, slowly grew into a friendship and slid perfectly into a romance that had me kicking my feet.
It’s not often that I am impressed with how mature characters are when reading a romance book but Chen Jiayu and Fang Hao are so well-written. They actually act like the adults they are and even though I hate miscommunication, their inability to communicate properly was so well done because it made sense with all the traumatic events that had happened in their lives. Not once was I annoyed at either of them because I completely understood why they were acting the way they were. Bravo author.
I read this over at Chrysanthemum Garden but I know Hai Tang Books has picked it up for english licensing and I will definitely be getting myself a copy.
"You're a pilot. I am an air traffic controller. We each have our job. If you believe you can do it—go do it. Chen Jiayu, I don't care what anyone else says—as long as I'm working Approach, if you fall, I'll catch you. You fall a hundred times? I'll catch you a hundred times. As long as I'm here, you're not going down."
I started this at 1am, deciding to read maybe one or two chapters before going to bed. At 5am, I finally rested my tired eyes, woke up at noon and then proceeded to do nothing but read this story. Oh, this had me in a chokehold.
A modern danmei that follows Chen Jiayu, a pilot who became popular after landing a plane with double engine failure and Fang Hao, an air traffic controller known for his strictness when directing planes. A burst tire, delayed landings and tense confrontation over radio bring these two together. What started as antagonistic, slowly grew into a friendship and slid perfectly into a romance that had me kicking my feet.
It’s not often that I am impressed with how mature characters are when reading a romance book but Chen Jiayu and Fang Hao are so well-written. They actually act like the adults they are and even though I hate miscommunication, their inability to communicate properly was so well done because it made sense with all the traumatic events that had happened in their lives. Not once was I annoyed at either of them because I completely understood why they were acting the way they were. Bravo author.
I read this over at Chrysanthemum Garden but I know Hai Tang Books has picked it up for english licensing and I will definitely be getting myself a copy.
June 11, 2025
I'm usually not one to read slice of life stories, but larivegauche's The Approach (its official English title) is just incredible. It has it all: mature romance, interesting setting, realistic and flawed characters, amazing smut, and of course piloting - obviously a great deal of research went into writing this one, I was absolutely fascinated. Don't let the "slice of life" fool you into thinking it might be boring, as it kept me on edge at all times.
Highly recommend both The Approach and its spinoff Tailhook , which is just as good.
Highly recommend both The Approach and its spinoff Tailhook , which is just as good.
February 26, 2026
I cant comprehend that there is a possibility of two people being so understanding towards each other. The maturity displayed by both the characters while dealing with every aspect of their lives actually inspired me alot.
This books main theme is Aviation. It gave a very interesting insight on how much pressure air traffic controllers and pilots face on a daily basis. 3.75/5
This books main theme is Aviation. It gave a very interesting insight on how much pressure air traffic controllers and pilots face on a daily basis. 3.75/5
October 4, 2025
это одна из лучших китайских новелл, что я читала в плане описания выстраивания отношений и подробностей жизни героев, которые с отношениями не связаны
webnovels
December 14, 2025What is this book?!! It completely blew me over! I love this book so so much!
I have never ever knew anything about pilots or planes/ Aviation actually 😅 but the amount of research that the author put into is just amazing! I loved how everything was explained without feeling like an info dump but rather made feel really included!!! Hell yess! And I definitely checked out more about it!! So💫
I loved how mental health and trauma was handled in this which is a rarity in most of the danmeis. Ughh! The way I literally got gobsmacked because WOW! Literal butterflies in me (hehe😉😚)
I absolutely adored the communication they had how realistic and mature it was it was like a breath of fresh air honestly!
I love to dynamics between them it first so much amazingness, I loved how they are characters for not just tropes but rather had solid emotions, short comings and problems that they worked out together! I loved the relationship they had with their colleagues, friends and family, it gave their character the much needed depth and made them really seem like adult men , and I loved how they had past relationships and how it all worked!
Everything development slowly and they had developed strong emotional connection before they got together!
And also Chen Jiayu is bisexual and this has reversible couple trope!!! One of my fav things!! It had me foaming aghh!!🤤
This is a hidden gem and one the most underrated danmei !!!
I just totally adore this novel, I'll definitely be re reading this because it is my top danmei everrr!!!
I have never ever knew anything about pilots or planes/ Aviation actually 😅 but the amount of research that the author put into is just amazing! I loved how everything was explained without feeling like an info dump but rather made feel really included!!! Hell yess! And I definitely checked out more about it!! So💫
I loved how mental health and trauma was handled in this which is a rarity in most of the danmeis. Ughh! The way I literally got gobsmacked because WOW! Literal butterflies in me (hehe😉😚)
I absolutely adored the communication they had how realistic and mature it was it was like a breath of fresh air honestly!
I love to dynamics between them it first so much amazingness, I loved how they are characters for not just tropes but rather had solid emotions, short comings and problems that they worked out together! I loved the relationship they had with their colleagues, friends and family, it gave their character the much needed depth and made them really seem like adult men , and I loved how they had past relationships and how it all worked!
Everything development slowly and they had developed strong emotional connection before they got together!
And also Chen Jiayu is bisexual and this has reversible couple trope!!! One of my fav things!! It had me foaming aghh!!🤤
This is a hidden gem and one the most underrated danmei !!!
I just totally adore this novel, I'll definitely be re reading this because it is my top danmei everrr!!!
March 20, 2026
Cute reading but I honestly lost interest halfway when they actually got together.
I just couldn’t understand some of their actions and mental processes and the author explained their mentality and feelings like some textbook informations.
Just couldn’t emphasize.
Got interested in all the aircraft things, tho.
I just couldn’t understand some of their actions and mental processes and the author explained their mentality and feelings like some textbook informations.
Just couldn’t emphasize.
Got interested in all the aircraft things, tho.
November 1, 2025
4.5 🌟 (read on chrysanthemum garden)
this was such a good book. i was in the mood to read a slice-of-life and after finding out this was exactly that but mature and with a vers couple, i immediately dived in. ngl, the beginning was a bit confusing cuz the technical jargon is pretty heavy but you get used to it once you keep reading. i loved the dynamic between the two and there was slight miscommunication at some points but it wasn’t too bad. the only thing that disappointed me was that they only switch one time 😭 i was fully prepared to read about a vers couple but was left hanging lmao. not a huge dealbreaker tho cuz the entire storyline makes up for it. the side couple also gets introduced and i’m so excited to read about them next. i also found out that this is the author’s debut novel and i am shocked. it was sooooo good and the smut was amazing.
this was such a good book. i was in the mood to read a slice-of-life and after finding out this was exactly that but mature and with a vers couple, i immediately dived in. ngl, the beginning was a bit confusing cuz the technical jargon is pretty heavy but you get used to it once you keep reading. i loved the dynamic between the two and there was slight miscommunication at some points but it wasn’t too bad. the only thing that disappointed me was that they only switch one time 😭 i was fully prepared to read about a vers couple but was left hanging lmao. not a huge dealbreaker tho cuz the entire storyline makes up for it. the side couple also gets introduced and i’m so excited to read about them next. i also found out that this is the author’s debut novel and i am shocked. it was sooooo good and the smut was amazing.
March 4, 2026
This book was different from the usual danmei I read. It's a love story between two very different people. Chen Jiayu was insecure, a bit avoidant, but very loving. He's thoughtful and attentive, the definition of "Perfect Boyfriend" until you look closer and realize there's lots of trauma behind the facade. While Fang Hao is stubborn, direct, but very caring. He's similar to Jiayu in that you'd look at his "put together" appearance and not notice the fear and doubt he has.
Most of the conflicts in this book were emotional and stemming from their differences. You could see where they're both coming from even if you're frustrated, and cheer for them when they resolve their issues & communicate with each other. They felt very real and consistent, I could understand every decision, emotional or rational, that they made and I loved that.
My only personal issue is that I wanted more of the process of them falling in love with each other. There were moments when you could tell one character was moved by the other's actions and I honestly wanted more of that. Specially from Fang Hao's side.
It was really interesting (and funny) how a lot of characters around them were noticing their chemistry while they themselves were oblivious to it. The knowledge I gained about airports and flying was fun too (though I could do without the crashes, there were some fears unlocked xD)
Another side note is that this book is VERY explicit, honestly caught me off guard a little. But the scenes were really well-written, so this is not a complaint.
Most of the time I found myself thinking "how are these two ever going to be together? they're never on the same page" and next moment I'm thinking "they're perfect for each other."
Overall, I'd definitely recommend this book, and I'd definitely read it again.
Most of the conflicts in this book were emotional and stemming from their differences. You could see where they're both coming from even if you're frustrated, and cheer for them when they resolve their issues & communicate with each other. They felt very real and consistent, I could understand every decision, emotional or rational, that they made and I loved that.
My only personal issue is that I wanted more of the process of them falling in love with each other. There were moments when you could tell one character was moved by the other's actions and I honestly wanted more of that. Specially from Fang Hao's side.
It was really interesting (and funny) how a lot of characters around them were noticing their chemistry while they themselves were oblivious to it. The knowledge I gained about airports and flying was fun too (though I could do without the crashes, there were some fears unlocked xD)
Another side note is that this book is VERY explicit, honestly caught me off guard a little. But the scenes were really well-written, so this is not a complaint.
Most of the time I found myself thinking "how are these two ever going to be together? they're never on the same page" and next moment I'm thinking "they're perfect for each other."
Overall, I'd definitely recommend this book, and I'd definitely read it again.
November 2, 2025
Excellent, mature and nuanced in the way it tackles emotional beats - I tried to savor it but could’t help but breeze through it. It avoids so many typical pitfalls and is so consistent internally, I’m amazed this is the author’s first novel.
February 6, 2026
I have always loved aviation and I watched Air Crash Investigation documentary since I was a child. The premise of this novel caught my attention and instantly got me hooked. It was my first time reading a danmei, I'm not quite sure if it will be the last, but I certainly enjoyed this.
December 6, 2025
This is probably the most unique book I’ve read.
📌 Air Traffic Controller x Pilot
This book opened up another perspective. I honestly didn’t know the scene behind flying. So after reading this I somehow feel comforted that when I am worrying during turbulence or just flying in general there are more people who are more worried and are doing their best to make every flights successful.
I honestly didn’t know that ATCs are working as hard as Pilots. They are the unsung heroes of the skies. It pains me that every successful flights they are not being acknowledged but just a one mistake and they are painted villains and all blame are on them.
📌 Air Traffic Controller x Pilot
This book opened up another perspective. I honestly didn’t know the scene behind flying. So after reading this I somehow feel comforted that when I am worrying during turbulence or just flying in general there are more people who are more worried and are doing their best to make every flights successful.
I honestly didn’t know that ATCs are working as hard as Pilots. They are the unsung heroes of the skies. It pains me that every successful flights they are not being acknowledged but just a one mistake and they are painted villains and all blame are on them.
April 16, 2026
this going to be one of my fave modern danmei that i read. i really love the two main characters, they are real, flawed, but they learn to each other. i love how they grow to be the better version of theirselves, this development is so good.
October 1, 2025
Plot and character development with interesting niche spin first of these BL novels to come close to being a book I actually liked.
August 1, 2025
Cannot express how much I loved this one. Slice of life is always my favorite genre, and The Approach does it so well. It's really character driven, and I love the dual POVs. Chen Jiayu and Fang Hao understand each other so well and complement each other perfectly. They have such a steady relationship, and you can feel it even when they go through their rough patches. The plot isn't anything too crazy, and it's pretty technical! You can tell the author did a lot of research. I found it pretty interesting, and it folds into the plot very nicely. 10/10 obsessed
July 18, 2025
I’ve been reading danmei for some years now and this novel has shot up straight to the top with my favorites. For us, enjoyers of mature modern stories, this is a must read. I’m really happy I got to witness this glimpse of the wonderful life they’re just starting to build together ❤️
(also, I've read very few danmei with so many cars 👀🚗💨 iykyk)
(also, I've read very few danmei with so many cars 👀🚗💨 iykyk)
July 16, 2025
Uwahhh, the fan translation is finally done on C. Garden and I can review it. Note that there is a companion story to this one which is Tailhook which can also be read as a standalone.
I really enjoyed this one but I admit I do like Tailhook just a tad more. I think it comes down to me reading when the translation was not done and thus, some of the magic of the excitement of reading calmed down as it took another 7 more months for the translation to finally be done.
This novel is a mature novel with a slice of life featuring a pilot and an air traffic controller. As the book focuses on aviation, the author added a lot of elements to it and the translator did an amazing job explaining the terms and the incidents associated. The research that went into world building was telling.
This is also a very highly character driven novel, so let’s break down the characters. This story is told in the POV of Fang Hao, an air traffic controller (MC) and Chen Jiayu, the pilot (ML). Because of their highly controlling and assertive personalities, both butt heads when they met as Chen Jiayu attempted to push for a closer landing spot while Fang Hao denied his request (for good reason!). So, they initially disliked each other from the start. However, little by little they got to know each other and slowly developed a more amicable relationship and eventually acted on their attraction to one another. The story also focuses on their past traumas on-goings with Fang Hao struggling with trust issues because his ex cheated on him and Chen Jiayu going through some family issues with his ailing mother and later, an intense airline investigation due to a negligence and vengeful fellow pilot.
There were some intense slow burns in the start as the story slowly builds where they fall in love with each other, peaks at the point where neither could get over their traumas and struggles within the relationship leading to some angsty moments and eventually, ending on a beautiful note where I could seriously weep tears of joy when they finally resolved their issues and begin to open up to one another leading to a development of their relationship. This book focuses on two characters with different ways of communicating leading to miscommunication at times but done so well that it works beautifully for the plot. Given that both characters are highly compatible, they enjoy a high sexual relationship which means a substantial amount of smut scenes.
All in all, this is an amazing read featuring a realistic portrayal of a mature relationship as two people who could not be more different slowly let down their walls and let each other in. THIS IS A MUST READ for sure!
PS: A very big shout out to the translator who did an amazing work translating especially with all those aviation terms thrown in there.
I really enjoyed this one but I admit I do like Tailhook just a tad more. I think it comes down to me reading when the translation was not done and thus, some of the magic of the excitement of reading calmed down as it took another 7 more months for the translation to finally be done.
This novel is a mature novel with a slice of life featuring a pilot and an air traffic controller. As the book focuses on aviation, the author added a lot of elements to it and the translator did an amazing job explaining the terms and the incidents associated. The research that went into world building was telling.
This is also a very highly character driven novel, so let’s break down the characters. This story is told in the POV of Fang Hao, an air traffic controller (MC) and Chen Jiayu, the pilot (ML). Because of their highly controlling and assertive personalities, both butt heads when they met as Chen Jiayu attempted to push for a closer landing spot while Fang Hao denied his request (for good reason!). So, they initially disliked each other from the start. However, little by little they got to know each other and slowly developed a more amicable relationship and eventually acted on their attraction to one another. The story also focuses on their past traumas on-goings with Fang Hao struggling with trust issues because his ex cheated on him and Chen Jiayu going through some family issues with his ailing mother and later, an intense airline investigation due to a negligence and vengeful fellow pilot.
There were some intense slow burns in the start as the story slowly builds where they fall in love with each other, peaks at the point where neither could get over their traumas and struggles within the relationship leading to some angsty moments and eventually, ending on a beautiful note where I could seriously weep tears of joy when they finally resolved their issues and begin to open up to one another leading to a development of their relationship. This book focuses on two characters with different ways of communicating leading to miscommunication at times but done so well that it works beautifully for the plot. Given that both characters are highly compatible, they enjoy a high sexual relationship which means a substantial amount of smut scenes.
All in all, this is an amazing read featuring a realistic portrayal of a mature relationship as two people who could not be more different slowly let down their walls and let each other in. THIS IS A MUST READ for sure!
PS: A very big shout out to the translator who did an amazing work translating especially with all those aviation terms thrown in there.
January 2, 2026
I've read plenty of contemporary, slice-of-life m/m novels written in English, but never one written in Chinese. This is my first danmei read of this genre, and I really enjoyed it!
The basic trope is enemies-to-lovers/workplace lovers. Chen Jiayu is a celebrity pilot, famous for having made an incredible landing in Hong Kong after something goes wrong with his aircraft. Despite his fame, this incident still haunts him years later. Fang Hao is an airplane controller. He's formidable at his job, and that means taking no nonsense from any of the pilots under his control, not even (or least of all) celebrity pilots like Chen Jiayu.
The civilian aviation setting is one I haven't encountered before, and it was fascinating to get a glimpse of this world. After reading this book, I have a lot more respect for the pilots and controllers and will be slightly less impatient when there are delays!
The heart of this book is the growing relationship between Fang Hao and Chen Jiayu, and how this relationship demands that each not only dismantles his prejudices, but also confront the demons from the past. Tying self-confrontation with the formation of a relationship is pretty common in m/m stories, but I thought it was done very well here. The specific conflict that most bedeviled Fang Hao and Chen Jiayu felt insightful and realistic, given their personalities and histories.
I was fascinated by the world depicted here in terms of social etiquettes and norms. Though I've Chinese heritage, I've never lived or worked in China. It was interesting to see how guanxi and face were depicted here and how they play a big role in social interactions. Neither concept is exclusive to Chinese society, obviously, but the characters do seem more cognizant of them, and the upshot is that the people here seem more sensitive and thoughtful than in English m/m novels. There's almost an Austen-ian flare to the ebb and flow of interactions.
Our main characters are supported by a nicely fleshed-out cast of supporting characters. I dislike it when supporting characters seem to exist solely to be a sounding board for the MCs, and that definitely wasn't the case here. There's plenty of spice, once Fang Hao and Chen Jiayu get together. I breezed through these scenes, not because I'm against them in principle, but because they tend to slow the narrative. The mores in the bedroom are also interesting, which I won't get into here. All in all, a mature, sensitive, and heartwarming contemporary danmei romance that I enjoyed very much.
The basic trope is enemies-to-lovers/workplace lovers. Chen Jiayu is a celebrity pilot, famous for having made an incredible landing in Hong Kong after something goes wrong with his aircraft. Despite his fame, this incident still haunts him years later. Fang Hao is an airplane controller. He's formidable at his job, and that means taking no nonsense from any of the pilots under his control, not even (or least of all) celebrity pilots like Chen Jiayu.
The civilian aviation setting is one I haven't encountered before, and it was fascinating to get a glimpse of this world. After reading this book, I have a lot more respect for the pilots and controllers and will be slightly less impatient when there are delays!
The heart of this book is the growing relationship between Fang Hao and Chen Jiayu, and how this relationship demands that each not only dismantles his prejudices, but also confront the demons from the past. Tying self-confrontation with the formation of a relationship is pretty common in m/m stories, but I thought it was done very well here. The specific conflict that most bedeviled Fang Hao and Chen Jiayu felt insightful and realistic, given their personalities and histories.
I was fascinated by the world depicted here in terms of social etiquettes and norms. Though I've Chinese heritage, I've never lived or worked in China. It was interesting to see how guanxi and face were depicted here and how they play a big role in social interactions. Neither concept is exclusive to Chinese society, obviously, but the characters do seem more cognizant of them, and the upshot is that the people here seem more sensitive and thoughtful than in English m/m novels. There's almost an Austen-ian flare to the ebb and flow of interactions.
Our main characters are supported by a nicely fleshed-out cast of supporting characters. I dislike it when supporting characters seem to exist solely to be a sounding board for the MCs, and that definitely wasn't the case here. There's plenty of spice, once Fang Hao and Chen Jiayu get together. I breezed through these scenes, not because I'm against them in principle, but because they tend to slow the narrative. The mores in the bedroom are also interesting, which I won't get into here. All in all, a mature, sensitive, and heartwarming contemporary danmei romance that I enjoyed very much.
October 17, 2025
IT'S SO GOOD. I have a newfound respect for pilots and air traffic controllers. I usually just enjoy booking travels, but never realized how much work is involved in getting a plane to depart and land. I was Googling while reading this, because some of the incidents are based on real life plane crashes. As for the situations, this is a very mature, realistic novel, with characters experiencing relatable adult problems (e.g. getting a crappy evaluation after doing such a great job at work, couple's domestic fights about not doing your share of the chores, etc.). I want to pick up the author's other novel, Tailhook, which is in the same universe, but I'm not sure when Rosmei will release it.
August 23, 2025
The author has really done some in-depth research into the field of aeronautics, it was extremely interesting to read. The romance was realistic, sometimes bitter because of past traumas, but also extremely sweet and full of passion. I'm going to miss Fang Hao and Chen Jiayu a lot, I really enjoyed their characters and their development, my heart is light and full of warmth after such an enjoyable read.
October 11, 2025
Hombres maduros en sus 30’s
Mientras más juntos están, más se enamoran
Conflictos reales, pero con comunicación (aunque al principio les cueste, no dejan que se hagan muy grandes, saben que tienen problemas y que deben hablarlos)
Se apoyan en mutuamente, ambos dan y ambos reciben
Me encantó esta novela, es una lectura corta y sencilla, pero vale totalmente la pena
Plus aprendes varias cosas de aviación
Mientras más juntos están, más se enamoran
Conflictos reales, pero con comunicación (aunque al principio les cueste, no dejan que se hagan muy grandes, saben que tienen problemas y que deben hablarlos)
Se apoyan en mutuamente, ambos dan y ambos reciben
Me encantó esta novela, es una lectura corta y sencilla, pero vale totalmente la pena
Plus aprendes varias cosas de aviación
November 27, 2025
o livro em si não é focado em romance e sim tem o romance misturado junto a história e isso tornou o livro muito bom. o casal foi perfeito, eles crescem juntos e a velocidade de tudo deixa tão real eles. a autora foi perfeita por procurar de verdade sobre aviação antes de escrever e botar os termos certos e com a leitura do livro eu mesmo sem saber nada fui entendendo um pouco sobre aviação. no geral um livro muito bom, casal perfeito e história incrível.
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