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Guide on How to Fail at Online Dating #1
Guide on How to Fail at Online Dating Vol. 1
When Jing Huan’s cousin is left heartbroken and cyberbullied out of the MMO game Nine Heroes due to her online romance with top player Yearning For, Jing Huan swears revenge.
He may not be strong enough to directly kill Yearning For in-game, but leave him heartbroken and broke? With the help of a top-notch voice changer and a female Spirit Fox Den character, he should be all set!
Unfortunately, Yearning For is a stoic man who seems impervious to his flirting and cute stickers.
Such an annoying scumbag, not at all like the kind, quiet senior Xiang Huaizhi who saved Jing Huan’s life, even if they seem to share the same voice…
He may not be strong enough to directly kill Yearning For in-game, but leave him heartbroken and broke? With the help of a top-notch voice changer and a female Spirit Fox Den character, he should be all set!
Unfortunately, Yearning For is a stoic man who seems impervious to his flirting and cute stickers.
Such an annoying scumbag, not at all like the kind, quiet senior Xiang Huaizhi who saved Jing Huan’s life, even if they seem to share the same voice…
350 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2025
4 people are currently reading
276 people want to read
About the author
Jiang Zi Bei
45 books76 followersAssociated Names:
* Jiang Zi Bei (English)
* 酱子贝 / 醬子貝 (Chinese)
* เจี้ยงจื่อเป้ย (Thai)
* Jiang Zi Bei (English)
* 酱子贝 / 醬子貝 (Chinese)
* เจี้ยงจื่อเป้ย (Thai)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 13, 2025
Picked this up for the metallic edges and stayed for the drama. As a non-gamer, I had no idea just how reality TV gaming is. Scammers, scumbags, catfishers, cheaters, marriages, divorces, doxxing, guild rivalries and so much jealousy. I'm glad I've never gotten into it because I would probably make it my whole personality and end up single and in debt up to my eyeballs.
This volume didn't get very far relationship-wise, but it was a good set up for what's to come. I lived for the in person run-ins between Jing Huan and Xiang Huaishi. If they end up at the same place on vacation, I might just expire. The abrupt ending wasn't my favorite, but volume 2 is in the mail so it's all good.
This volume didn't get very far relationship-wise, but it was a good set up for what's to come. I lived for the in person run-ins between Jing Huan and Xiang Huaishi. If they end up at the same place on vacation, I might just expire. The abrupt ending wasn't my favorite, but volume 2 is in the mail so it's all good.
November 29, 2025
4.4/5 🌟
Emojis, witty characters, zero angst, and overall the endless flirting, and in game drama with jealous exes! Lmao
This novel is just right after an angsty books that had you flooding the Nile River itself. *cough cough*2HA Vol 9.
I knew this was a gaming novel, and I wasn't expecting the amount of gaming scenes there were. I love the non game scenes and how an absolute gay Xiang Huaizhi is. (˵ •̀ ᴗ - ˵ ) ✧I saw you my friend.
Jing Huan is such a funny character!
A boy buying a scammer's character, pretending to be a girly girl to get revenge for his cousin, yet his WeChat user is Kobe819 something. Scamming an innocent guy because innocent guy bought a scammer's character.
╮ (. ❛ ᴗ ❛.) ╭
Little did Jing Huan the revenge scammer know that the innocent guy he's scamming is a cute guy he ran into at his dorm that saved him. What could ever go wrong?
Can't wait to see how eventually they find out who they are!! Oh man! The drama!
I needed more of them in person!!!!!
Ughhhhhsksmdndn
Emojis, witty characters, zero angst, and overall the endless flirting, and in game drama with jealous exes! Lmao
This novel is just right after an angsty books that had you flooding the Nile River itself. *cough cough*2HA Vol 9.
I knew this was a gaming novel, and I wasn't expecting the amount of gaming scenes there were. I love the non game scenes and how an absolute gay Xiang Huaizhi is. (˵ •̀ ᴗ - ˵ ) ✧I saw you my friend.
Jing Huan is such a funny character!
A boy buying a scammer's character, pretending to be a girly girl to get revenge for his cousin, yet his WeChat user is Kobe819 something. Scamming an innocent guy because innocent guy bought a scammer's character.
╮ (. ❛ ᴗ ❛.) ╭
Little did Jing Huan the revenge scammer know that the innocent guy he's scamming is a cute guy he ran into at his dorm that saved him. What could ever go wrong?
Can't wait to see how eventually they find out who they are!! Oh man! The drama!
I needed more of them in person!!!!!
Ughhhhhsksmdndn
August 23, 2025
4.6/5
🎮Possible spoiler warning🎮
This review is about the story itself, not the translation or the publisher.
This volume has a lot of gaming terminology and many in-game scenes! Fortunately, the glossary explains what all the terms mean.
Jing Huan says goodbye to his cousin after she gets bullied and heartbroken. She fell in love with a complete scumbag of an in-game character, and Jing Huan wants to get revenge for her. He decides to pretend to be a female character, only to find out that the character he bought is a scammer!
While running from other characters trying to "boot him" from the game, he finally runs into the scumbag himself, Yearning For.
The amount of flirting Jing Huan does to get Yearning For's attention is hilarious! I feel like he wants to facepalm from trying to act so girly. He tries so hard, but Yearning For isn't falling for it and isn't acting like the scumbag Jing Huan thought he would be. At some moments, Jing Huan even feels guilty. Still laughing at the ending of volume one! Poor Jing Huan😂😂
This volume was a pretty easy read when you're in the mood for it! It's funny, flirty ans fluffy, but also dramatic and chaotic. Please, if you can, focus on the story and not the translation. These authors need our support more than ever!
Happy reading!🥰
🎮Possible spoiler warning🎮
This review is about the story itself, not the translation or the publisher.
This volume has a lot of gaming terminology and many in-game scenes! Fortunately, the glossary explains what all the terms mean.
Jing Huan says goodbye to his cousin after she gets bullied and heartbroken. She fell in love with a complete scumbag of an in-game character, and Jing Huan wants to get revenge for her. He decides to pretend to be a female character, only to find out that the character he bought is a scammer!
While running from other characters trying to "boot him" from the game, he finally runs into the scumbag himself, Yearning For.
The amount of flirting Jing Huan does to get Yearning For's attention is hilarious! I feel like he wants to facepalm from trying to act so girly. He tries so hard, but Yearning For isn't falling for it and isn't acting like the scumbag Jing Huan thought he would be. At some moments, Jing Huan even feels guilty. Still laughing at the ending of volume one! Poor Jing Huan😂😂
This volume was a pretty easy read when you're in the mood for it! It's funny, flirty ans fluffy, but also dramatic and chaotic. Please, if you can, focus on the story and not the translation. These authors need our support more than ever!
Happy reading!🥰
August 30, 2025
4.25 stars
This is honestly so fun! 🤣
Jing Huan's cousin is bullied out of a game called Nine Heroes for her romance with the top player 'Yearning For'. So, he takes it upon himself to try and get revenge by catfishing Yearning For to make him fall for him and leave him heartbroken, but it turns out not to be the easy task he imagined.
If you like something with endless flirting and witty characters, I'd recommend this one 🤣 the banter is hilarious and just plain silly at times. I can't wait for the next volume!
Huge thank you to haitang books for gifting this beautiful edition!
This is honestly so fun! 🤣
Jing Huan's cousin is bullied out of a game called Nine Heroes for her romance with the top player 'Yearning For'. So, he takes it upon himself to try and get revenge by catfishing Yearning For to make him fall for him and leave him heartbroken, but it turns out not to be the easy task he imagined.
If you like something with endless flirting and witty characters, I'd recommend this one 🤣 the banter is hilarious and just plain silly at times. I can't wait for the next volume!
Huge thank you to haitang books for gifting this beautiful edition!
October 31, 2025
“Dislike me all you want now, but there will come a time when you’ll be crazy in love with me but can’t have me.”
Sweet Little Jing and Yearning For make a pretty charming duo, even if their relationship starts out as a bit of a game. There’s an easy, teasing rhythm between them that makes their scenes shine. It’s not full-blown romance yet, but the flirty tension keeps things interesting. The story leans on the “pretend affection” trope, but there are clear signs it’s heading somewhere deeper. Their dynamic is the best part of the book—light, sweet, and just messy enough to feel real.
The story’s built around online gaming, casual flirting, and a bit of drama on the side. It’s fun, for sure, and never too heavy, but the pacing can be choppy. Some scenes feel tossed in more for amusement than plot, and the transitions between them don’t always land. The tone is breezy, which works for a quick read, but the structure could use more polish. There were moments where I had to stop and reread just to make sure I caught the meaning right—possibly a mix of translation quirks and abrupt scene shifts. It doesn’t derail the story, but it can pull you out of the moment.
The book ends a bit suddenly—less like a closing and more like someone cut the tape mid-episode. It feels more like a slice of a longer serial than a standalone volume. Some of the gaming references are explained through footnotes, which helps, but a few more would’ve been welcome for readers unfamiliar with the genre. Despite those bumps, there’s enough personality and humor to keep it enjoyable. Not quite a knockout, but not a waste of time either. If you’re in the mood for a playful, low-pressure read with a hint of romance, this scratches the itch.
Date Read: 2025.08.21
Sweet Little Jing and Yearning For make a pretty charming duo, even if their relationship starts out as a bit of a game. There’s an easy, teasing rhythm between them that makes their scenes shine. It’s not full-blown romance yet, but the flirty tension keeps things interesting. The story leans on the “pretend affection” trope, but there are clear signs it’s heading somewhere deeper. Their dynamic is the best part of the book—light, sweet, and just messy enough to feel real.
The story’s built around online gaming, casual flirting, and a bit of drama on the side. It’s fun, for sure, and never too heavy, but the pacing can be choppy. Some scenes feel tossed in more for amusement than plot, and the transitions between them don’t always land. The tone is breezy, which works for a quick read, but the structure could use more polish. There were moments where I had to stop and reread just to make sure I caught the meaning right—possibly a mix of translation quirks and abrupt scene shifts. It doesn’t derail the story, but it can pull you out of the moment.
The book ends a bit suddenly—less like a closing and more like someone cut the tape mid-episode. It feels more like a slice of a longer serial than a standalone volume. Some of the gaming references are explained through footnotes, which helps, but a few more would’ve been welcome for readers unfamiliar with the genre. Despite those bumps, there’s enough personality and humor to keep it enjoyable. Not quite a knockout, but not a waste of time either. If you’re in the mood for a playful, low-pressure read with a hint of romance, this scratches the itch.
Date Read: 2025.08.21
August 30, 2025
Volume one did a great job convincing me to actually order volume two, because I already know it will bring me joy.
Jing Huan (Sweet Little Jing) is a man who seems like he could start a war because of spite and revenge alone, but once he has started this specific act of karma, might get a little lost on the way. Xiang Hauizhi (Yearning for) is a bit of a mystery but you slowly get to know him through the novel, and I am growing a soft spot for him.
The whole reason for why this is even happening might not be my fave but I am enjoying the way the plot is developping and I am expecting certain things to happen in the future and I can't wait to watch the chaos unfold.
The side characters aren't flat but rather have a clear place in the main characters lifes, have distinct personalities and create fun!
I do think that one of the future volumes might be filled with lots of angst but until then, I'm going to enjoy the somewhat peaceful way everything is developping. This story isn't sugary sweet and there is no instalove, rather I think this volume created the perfect set up for a bit of a faster pace in future volumes.
I am aware of the recent Haitang Books drama regarding this series but I do want to support smaller publishers in this translation world AND I didn't want to let it ruin this very entertaining series for me, which I'm glad for. As said, I will be ordering book two.
----------------------
OG thought:
does anyone remember the publishing date of volume 2? bc im afraid I'm in dire need of it. RTC
Jing Huan (Sweet Little Jing) is a man who seems like he could start a war because of spite and revenge alone, but once he has started this specific act of karma, might get a little lost on the way. Xiang Hauizhi (Yearning for) is a bit of a mystery but you slowly get to know him through the novel, and I am growing a soft spot for him.
The whole reason for why this is even happening might not be my fave but I am enjoying the way the plot is developping and I am expecting certain things to happen in the future and I can't wait to watch the chaos unfold.
The side characters aren't flat but rather have a clear place in the main characters lifes, have distinct personalities and create fun!
I do think that one of the future volumes might be filled with lots of angst but until then, I'm going to enjoy the somewhat peaceful way everything is developping. This story isn't sugary sweet and there is no instalove, rather I think this volume created the perfect set up for a bit of a faster pace in future volumes.
I am aware of the recent Haitang Books drama regarding this series but I do want to support smaller publishers in this translation world AND I didn't want to let it ruin this very entertaining series for me, which I'm glad for. As said, I will be ordering book two.
----------------------
OG thought:
does anyone remember the publishing date of volume 2? bc im afraid I'm in dire need of it. RTC
January 5, 2026
Gahhhh what did I do before I picked this one up… hell if I remember… I hope I’ll find vol 2 soon because I can’t leave this story hanging now when I’m this invested!
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This was so funny! I haven’t laughed this hard reading a book in ages. Gosh 🫣🤣
-
This was so funny! I haven’t laughed this hard reading a book in ages. Gosh 🫣🤣
November 27, 2025
4.5⭐️
funnier than expected, in-game and rl content have a good balance & good slow burn 🤭 excited for more ✨️
funnier than expected, in-game and rl content have a good balance & good slow burn 🤭 excited for more ✨️
July 26, 2025
The secondhand embarrassment?? Having to walk away in disappointment at yourself because you played the role too hard and looking back wondering if you were possessed?? It’s SO funny and I really enjoyed it. Looking forward to seeing how they will figure out the truth and recover from it. Can’t wait to read the rest!
July 6, 2025
i LOVED this book!! their banter is so silly and this game that they’re playing sounds so interesting that i wish i could play it too :D
September 20, 2025
This was so much fun and reminded me of my active WoW times, just with way less drama for sure!
Can't wait until either of them finds out who's really behind the game character
Can't wait until either of them finds out who's really behind the game character
November 9, 2025
This is so cute and funny. 4.25, they crack me up.
November 1, 2025
omfg this book was so fun!! the premise of it was kinda similar to netkama punch (one of my fav manhwas) in the way that the MC pretends to be a girl to seduce the guy he wants to get revenge on. it was pretty lighthearted throughout the book so dont read it if youre looking for a masterpiece but more so if you wanna have a good time. it was also pretty funny and included many anime references like the "all according to keikaku" meme and a couple anime reaction pics.
this physical book was also full of Easter eggs and included three illustrations inside. there was a progress bar at the top which might be like xiang huaizhi taking damage from sweet little jing's seduction. additionally, there are little chibis at the top that changed depending on their mood each page which I looked forward to seeing every page.
all in all, this was a good time and I highly enjoyed reading it!
this physical book was also full of Easter eggs and included three illustrations inside. there was a progress bar at the top which might be like xiang huaizhi taking damage from sweet little jing's seduction. additionally, there are little chibis at the top that changed depending on their mood each page which I looked forward to seeing every page.
all in all, this was a good time and I highly enjoyed reading it!
September 22, 2025
a fun, light-hearted read! if you're into gaming, this would definitely interest you but even if you have basic knowledge, it's pretty easy to understand.
i can't wait for jing huan's identity to be revealed hehe i'll probably buy the next vol if i see it...? (imagine my surprise finding this at kinokuniya like ?! another publisher besides seven seas on the shelf? :o ngl they got me with the sprayed edges + freebies)
hai tang books is tripping tho because the translation was pretty good? there's always going to be a few errors but overall i think the translator did a good job at conveying the humor & gamer lingo!!
i can't wait for jing huan's identity to be revealed hehe i'll probably buy the next vol if i see it...? (imagine my surprise finding this at kinokuniya like ?! another publisher besides seven seas on the shelf? :o ngl they got me with the sprayed edges + freebies)
hai tang books is tripping tho because the translation was pretty good? there's always going to be a few errors but overall i think the translator did a good job at conveying the humor & gamer lingo!!
January 7, 2026
This book is so silly lol but it was a good read! Jing huan has the right intention but my gosh is he stuck doing the catfishing thing. Also I loved the art within this book and I wished there was more there was only like 3-5 pages :(. I’m not actually a gamer so it took some time getting used to terms and how the game Nine Hero’s actually is. Once I get paid I’ll have to try and find the 2nd volume
December 31, 2025
I need a comedy folder because this is hilarious! One of my fave read his year for sure! 😀 God Xiang is stupidly hot (?) while Jing Huan is so adorb and gives you the right amount of secondhand embarrasment. The interior art is kinda juvenile for college students but it matches the tone of the story. 🫢
July 13, 2025
Actual rating 4.5 ⭐️
There was a fair amount of typos and errors, but not so much that I couldn't overlook them. Especially considering this is Hai Tang books debut. Overall, the story was very cute and light. I look forward to vol 2!
There was a fair amount of typos and errors, but not so much that I couldn't overlook them. Especially considering this is Hai Tang books debut. Overall, the story was very cute and light. I look forward to vol 2!
August 11, 2025
Super fun but I need the shoes to start dropping FAST. I've really been enjoying gaming danmei recently so this was another fun one to jump into! And the shiny blue edges were a fun touch to make this feel a little more special. I was so engaged I finished this in less than a day
November 4, 2025
truly such a fun novel !! re-reading it really reminded me why i fell into the gaming danmei rabbit hole ><
despite the unpleasant situation with the publisher i couldn't help but enjoy it... jzb is truly such a good writer
despite the unpleasant situation with the publisher i couldn't help but enjoy it... jzb is truly such a good writer
November 10, 2025
This was so incredibly mid. The conversations read so unnaturally to me as an MMO player too (as in, they were translated but not made to sound natural to an English speaker).
I want to know how it continues but not enough to jump through hoops to get my hands on Haitang books again.
I want to know how it continues but not enough to jump through hoops to get my hands on Haitang books again.
July 14, 2025
Such a cute read!!
July 17, 2025
this was so fucking entertaining, i need vol 2 rn
January 7, 2026
COMPLETAMENTE OBCECADA POR ESSES DOIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews