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Kaleidoscope of Death #3
Kaleidoscope of Death Vol. 3
Open the wrong door… and you may never return.
One ordinary day, Lin Qiushi discovers a black door in the corridor outside his flat—a door that shouldn’t exist. When he steps through, he finds himself in a world governed by a deadly set of rules, where cryptic villagers speak in riddles, and the only way out is to take their obscure “tests”. The reward for passing: a key. The penalty for failure: death.
From haunted villages to blood-soaked puzzles, Lin Qiushi must solve increasingly strange and grotesque mysteries just to live another day. But he’s not alone. Enter Ruan Nanzhu—gorgeous, enigmatic, and unexpectedly lethal—who shows up in his room one night and whisks him into a secretive organisation of seasoned door-crossers.
With each door they pass through, the truth behind the world grows darker, and the line between ally and monster begins to blur.
Grim, gripping, and laced with razor-sharp banter, Kaleidoscope of Death is a danmei survival thriller where logic is your only weapon, trust is your greatest gamble—and laughter might be your last defense.
One ordinary day, Lin Qiushi discovers a black door in the corridor outside his flat—a door that shouldn’t exist. When he steps through, he finds himself in a world governed by a deadly set of rules, where cryptic villagers speak in riddles, and the only way out is to take their obscure “tests”. The reward for passing: a key. The penalty for failure: death.
From haunted villages to blood-soaked puzzles, Lin Qiushi must solve increasingly strange and grotesque mysteries just to live another day. But he’s not alone. Enter Ruan Nanzhu—gorgeous, enigmatic, and unexpectedly lethal—who shows up in his room one night and whisks him into a secretive organisation of seasoned door-crossers.
With each door they pass through, the truth behind the world grows darker, and the line between ally and monster begins to blur.
Grim, gripping, and laced with razor-sharp banter, Kaleidoscope of Death is a danmei survival thriller where logic is your only weapon, trust is your greatest gamble—and laughter might be your last defense.
Paperback
Published January 5, 2026
10 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
About the author
Xi Zi Xu
66 books58 followersAssociated Names:
* Xi Zi Xu (English)
* 西子绪 (Simplified Chinese)
* 西子緒 (Traditional Chinese)
* ซีจื่อซวี่ (Thai)
* Xi Zi Xu (English)
* 西子绪 (Simplified Chinese)
* 西子緒 (Traditional Chinese)
* ซีจื่อซวี่ (Thai)
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 17, 2026
This volume significantly surpasses the first two in quality and intensity. It is the one I enjoyed the most so far, truly immersing myself in its story and atmosphere.
The doors featured in this volume exuded a disturbing, creepy vibe, creating an atmosphere that was nothing short of a masterful experience, absolutely a "chef's kiss." I find it fascinating that many of the monsters or places encountered within these doors are inspired by real-life legends and locations, which adds a layer of realism to the overall story.
The story arcs in this volume are filled with horror and gore, much like the previous ones. Since this is a horror-based danmei, it fits perfectly. However, the horror scenes are intensified here because we are getting closer and closer to the final door. With six doors behind us, the difficulty level has risen considerably, and I can't even imagine how much more challenging it will become by the time we reach door 12.
As always, Lin Qiushi remains an incredibly endearing protagonist. There's just something about him that instantly makes me like him. In this volume, he even had to share Ruan Nanzhu's hobby, which turned out to be hilarious and added some lightheartedness.
Ruan Nanzhu has truly shown growth since the last volume. He has developed more of his personality and has become more expressive with his feelings, although he still maintains a rather cold exterior when he's not engrossed in his hobby. I appreciate his calm demeanor, which provides reassurance to Lin Qiushi that everything will be okay despite the dangerous situations they face within the doors.
Their relationship also evolved in this volume. Lin Qiushi is still somewhat oblivious to his own feelings and Ruan Nanzhu's, but he's gradually getting there, slowly but surely, and that's what counts. They share a strong connection, able to communicate silently through their eyes and gestures. They make an excellent team, and I love how both of them are talented actors. They should definitely win a Grammy because, in this volume, Lin Qiushi proved he can be just as dramatic as Ruan Nanzhu.
However, I do have some complaints. The way the author writes female characters still doesn't sit well with me. This isn’t the first danmei I’ve read with poorly developed women, but here it stands out even more because the author keeps highlighting it repeatedly. I understand what the author is trying to do with Ruan Nanzhu’s hobby, but unfortunately, I don't think it's executed effectively.
In conclusion, this is by far the best volume, and I cannot wait to read volume 4, eager to see what happens next.
The doors featured in this volume exuded a disturbing, creepy vibe, creating an atmosphere that was nothing short of a masterful experience, absolutely a "chef's kiss." I find it fascinating that many of the monsters or places encountered within these doors are inspired by real-life legends and locations, which adds a layer of realism to the overall story.
The story arcs in this volume are filled with horror and gore, much like the previous ones. Since this is a horror-based danmei, it fits perfectly. However, the horror scenes are intensified here because we are getting closer and closer to the final door. With six doors behind us, the difficulty level has risen considerably, and I can't even imagine how much more challenging it will become by the time we reach door 12.
As always, Lin Qiushi remains an incredibly endearing protagonist. There's just something about him that instantly makes me like him. In this volume, he even had to share Ruan Nanzhu's hobby, which turned out to be hilarious and added some lightheartedness.
Ruan Nanzhu has truly shown growth since the last volume. He has developed more of his personality and has become more expressive with his feelings, although he still maintains a rather cold exterior when he's not engrossed in his hobby. I appreciate his calm demeanor, which provides reassurance to Lin Qiushi that everything will be okay despite the dangerous situations they face within the doors.
Their relationship also evolved in this volume. Lin Qiushi is still somewhat oblivious to his own feelings and Ruan Nanzhu's, but he's gradually getting there, slowly but surely, and that's what counts. They share a strong connection, able to communicate silently through their eyes and gestures. They make an excellent team, and I love how both of them are talented actors. They should definitely win a Grammy because, in this volume, Lin Qiushi proved he can be just as dramatic as Ruan Nanzhu.
However, I do have some complaints. The way the author writes female characters still doesn't sit well with me. This isn’t the first danmei I’ve read with poorly developed women, but here it stands out even more because the author keeps highlighting it repeatedly. I understand what the author is trying to do with Ruan Nanzhu’s hobby, but unfortunately, I don't think it's executed effectively.
In conclusion, this is by far the best volume, and I cannot wait to read volume 4, eager to see what happens next.
February 2, 2026
4.9/5 🌟
"Is he that important to you?"
"I don't know if he is or not. I only know that if I were in his place, he would have also come for me." Lin Qiushi was just that kind of person.
For a while there, I thought Ruan Nanzhu was simply being a flirt-- simply a leader. And at times I do think that as well because when the two are in the real world, they don't interact the same... Or at least Ruan Nanzhu doesn't. But after this volume, I started seeing how he is very biased towards our little Qiushi. Even in the real world, he started getting more flirty.
However, Qiushi is just so damn clueless and oblivious! Hahahaha. He is simply thinking that Ruan Nanzhu is pretty and can't help he attracted to him lol. He doesn't realize that Ruan Nanzhu has become more special than he thinks, but I wish it talked more about it. (੭ ˊ^ˋ)੭ ♡(˶˃⤙˂˶)
Also, this has to be the funniest volume yet! I need more of them and Cheng Qianli in the real world! (≧ヮ≦)
I look forward to seeing how their relationship will flourish after this volume. This last arc was the ultimate sacrifices and determination to keep the other alive. If that ain't love, such as going back for the one you love in the midst of death, than I don't know what is love; the self sacrifice so the other can live. Oh! My heart! ( ˊo̴̶̷̤ ̫ o̴̶̷̤ˋ)
Like, look how precious and cute they are! Ruan Nanzhu wants him and Lin Qiushi don't even know it. He just thinks Ruan Nanzhu is simply flirting with him in his girl form, only lol.
He cuddled over and kissed the shell of Lin Qiushi's ear. "Time to get up, baby." He kissed Lin Qiushi into shivers. Lin Qiushi's ears were very sensitive-a single touch made his whole body tense up. But Ruan Nanzhu seemed to have discovered this, and just got worse in his teasing. (∩˃ω˂∩)
Qiushi... How could you not see how mad you are for this man?
Can you not see how much he adores you?
Can you not see how special he has become to you?
You feel so safe having him around and even in the final moments to death, do you think of Ruan Nanzhu. T^T
Lin Qiushi was just about to back up, when Ruan Nanzhu caught him by the waist and said, "don't be scared."
And it was like Lin Qiushi really wasn't scared anymore. To be honest, whenever Ruan Nanzhu was beside him, Lin Qiushi felt a sense of security and safety, like everything they did was within control, and nothing would go wrong.
Sighhhh just kiss already!! ლ(ಥ益ಥლ)
I need the back story of these bracelets btw! (˚ ˃̣̣̥⌓˂̣̣̥ )づ♡
Taking a deep breath, Ruan Nanzhu slowly drew a blood red jade bracelet from his pocket, and handed it to Lin Qiushi.
“Put that on.”
Lin Qiushi glanced at him. “What is it?”
Ruan Nanzhu said, “something that can save your life once.” A rare anxiety had appeared in his eyes, and Lin Qiushi could clearly sense that their situation wasn’t good at all.
Lin Qiushi asked, “and what about you?”
"I probably won't die."
He said probably, not definitely. Lin Qiushi stared, and said firmly: "No, I'm not going alone."
At this, Ruan Nanzhu jerked.
"I'm not going alone," Lin Qiushi said. "If we're going we'll go together."
Now... The Sanitorium Arc scared the living daylights out of me! Well... Not really, but still, I really enjoyed how creepy it was. One after another, it just gets more and more creative. I heard Door 12 is the best! Can't wait to get there!
The moment that frame had been taken down, the other funeral portraits had begun to slowly move. First it was only the gazes. And then it was the expressions. And finally—they reached out their hands, raring to crawl out from their frames.
As for the joint portrait in Ruan Nanzhu’s hands, the dean’s smile became eerie, and the nurse’s expression grew to match his...
"We're trapped!"
Before Lin Qiushi could speak, he saw a faint figure appear ahead of them on the stairs. At first he thought there was only the one, but very quickly, he discovered it was a whole mass—all the figures from the portraits had come out from their frames. Stood at the end of the hallway, they smiled at Lin Qiushi and Ruan Nanzhu, mouths ripping into grins. With black gaping eyes and black gaping mouths, they didn’t look human at all, but like faces made of papier-mâché.
BTW I feel like the Mirror arc was missing something. I don't know what it is, but maybe it's more clues, perhaps it needed more descriptions. It seemed more coincidence filled or random. Like the clues were meant with only 1 scenario or 1 in a million chance for someone to be at a specific place during a specific time. Like the whole, "one can gain from loss."
I feel like this was just an arc to propel how much Ruan Nanzhu means to Qiushi.
Ended at the end of the Mirrors Arc.
Read: 01/25/26
"Is he that important to you?"
"I don't know if he is or not. I only know that if I were in his place, he would have also come for me." Lin Qiushi was just that kind of person.
For a while there, I thought Ruan Nanzhu was simply being a flirt-- simply a leader. And at times I do think that as well because when the two are in the real world, they don't interact the same... Or at least Ruan Nanzhu doesn't. But after this volume, I started seeing how he is very biased towards our little Qiushi. Even in the real world, he started getting more flirty.
However, Qiushi is just so damn clueless and oblivious! Hahahaha. He is simply thinking that Ruan Nanzhu is pretty and can't help he attracted to him lol. He doesn't realize that Ruan Nanzhu has become more special than he thinks, but I wish it talked more about it. (੭ ˊ^ˋ)੭ ♡(˶˃⤙˂˶)
Also, this has to be the funniest volume yet! I need more of them and Cheng Qianli in the real world! (≧ヮ≦)
I look forward to seeing how their relationship will flourish after this volume. This last arc was the ultimate sacrifices and determination to keep the other alive. If that ain't love, such as going back for the one you love in the midst of death, than I don't know what is love; the self sacrifice so the other can live. Oh! My heart! ( ˊo̴̶̷̤ ̫ o̴̶̷̤ˋ)
Like, look how precious and cute they are! Ruan Nanzhu wants him and Lin Qiushi don't even know it. He just thinks Ruan Nanzhu is simply flirting with him in his girl form, only lol.
He cuddled over and kissed the shell of Lin Qiushi's ear. "Time to get up, baby." He kissed Lin Qiushi into shivers. Lin Qiushi's ears were very sensitive-a single touch made his whole body tense up. But Ruan Nanzhu seemed to have discovered this, and just got worse in his teasing. (∩˃ω˂∩)
Qiushi... How could you not see how mad you are for this man?
Can you not see how much he adores you?
Can you not see how special he has become to you?
You feel so safe having him around and even in the final moments to death, do you think of Ruan Nanzhu. T^T
Lin Qiushi was just about to back up, when Ruan Nanzhu caught him by the waist and said, "don't be scared."
And it was like Lin Qiushi really wasn't scared anymore. To be honest, whenever Ruan Nanzhu was beside him, Lin Qiushi felt a sense of security and safety, like everything they did was within control, and nothing would go wrong.
Sighhhh just kiss already!! ლ(ಥ益ಥლ)
I need the back story of these bracelets btw! (˚ ˃̣̣̥⌓˂̣̣̥ )づ♡
Taking a deep breath, Ruan Nanzhu slowly drew a blood red jade bracelet from his pocket, and handed it to Lin Qiushi.
“Put that on.”
Lin Qiushi glanced at him. “What is it?”
Ruan Nanzhu said, “something that can save your life once.” A rare anxiety had appeared in his eyes, and Lin Qiushi could clearly sense that their situation wasn’t good at all.
Lin Qiushi asked, “and what about you?”
"I probably won't die."
He said probably, not definitely. Lin Qiushi stared, and said firmly: "No, I'm not going alone."
At this, Ruan Nanzhu jerked.
"I'm not going alone," Lin Qiushi said. "If we're going we'll go together."
Now... The Sanitorium Arc scared the living daylights out of me! Well... Not really, but still, I really enjoyed how creepy it was. One after another, it just gets more and more creative. I heard Door 12 is the best! Can't wait to get there!
The moment that frame had been taken down, the other funeral portraits had begun to slowly move. First it was only the gazes. And then it was the expressions. And finally—they reached out their hands, raring to crawl out from their frames.
As for the joint portrait in Ruan Nanzhu’s hands, the dean’s smile became eerie, and the nurse’s expression grew to match his...
"We're trapped!"
Before Lin Qiushi could speak, he saw a faint figure appear ahead of them on the stairs. At first he thought there was only the one, but very quickly, he discovered it was a whole mass—all the figures from the portraits had come out from their frames. Stood at the end of the hallway, they smiled at Lin Qiushi and Ruan Nanzhu, mouths ripping into grins. With black gaping eyes and black gaping mouths, they didn’t look human at all, but like faces made of papier-mâché.
BTW I feel like the Mirror arc was missing something. I don't know what it is, but maybe it's more clues, perhaps it needed more descriptions. It seemed more coincidence filled or random. Like the clues were meant with only 1 scenario or 1 in a million chance for someone to be at a specific place during a specific time. Like the whole, "one can gain from loss."
I feel like this was just an arc to propel how much Ruan Nanzhu means to Qiushi.
Ended at the end of the Mirrors Arc.
Read: 01/25/26
February 25, 2026
“Watching is one way to gain more experience, isn’t it?”
This volume left me with a lot of mixed feelings. I went in expecting horror, and it absolutely delivers on that. The doors are cruel, the rules are unforgiving, and the body horror doesn’t pull its punches. But I don’t really buy the mystery tag. Yes, there are mysteries inside each trial, but I never felt invited to solve them. I like when a mystery feels like a conversation between the author and the reader, where I can pause and think, try to piece things together, maybe even get it wrong. Here, I felt like I was being told a story straight through. The clues exist, but they’re revealed on the author’s timing, not mine. I was tense and hooked, just not mentally engaged in the way I usually am with mystery.
What really stayed with me was Lin Qiushi’s growth. Watching him get underestimated again and again, forced to endure humiliation while hiding his real ability, made me root for him even harder. He’s patient. He listens. He collects tiny details and holds onto them. When things explode into chaos, he moves fast and thinks clearly, even when he’s injured or trapped in suffocating danger. I also like that his morality isn’t clean. He makes choices that made me pause, and I didn’t hate him for it. Ruan Nanzhu is just as compelling. He’s sharp, controlled, unapologetically possessive, and capable of decisive violence. But when Lin Qiushi is at risk, you can see the cracks. Their dynamic is my favorite part of this series. The trust between them feels absolute. They don’t need long speeches. A glance or a small shift in tone is enough.
The horror feels heavier the deeper they go. It almost seems like the enemy is no longer just the door challenges, but the challengers themselves. People turn on each other. Rescue turns into something darker. The images are brutal and linger in my head. Death comes fast, and there’s barely time to process it before the next trial begins. It can be emotionally draining, but I can’t deny how tightly everything is structured or how the consequences leave lasting scars. I’m still invested in these characters and their bond, and I’m genuinely excited to see where the next book takes them.
Date Read: 2026.02.25
This volume left me with a lot of mixed feelings. I went in expecting horror, and it absolutely delivers on that. The doors are cruel, the rules are unforgiving, and the body horror doesn’t pull its punches. But I don’t really buy the mystery tag. Yes, there are mysteries inside each trial, but I never felt invited to solve them. I like when a mystery feels like a conversation between the author and the reader, where I can pause and think, try to piece things together, maybe even get it wrong. Here, I felt like I was being told a story straight through. The clues exist, but they’re revealed on the author’s timing, not mine. I was tense and hooked, just not mentally engaged in the way I usually am with mystery.
What really stayed with me was Lin Qiushi’s growth. Watching him get underestimated again and again, forced to endure humiliation while hiding his real ability, made me root for him even harder. He’s patient. He listens. He collects tiny details and holds onto them. When things explode into chaos, he moves fast and thinks clearly, even when he’s injured or trapped in suffocating danger. I also like that his morality isn’t clean. He makes choices that made me pause, and I didn’t hate him for it. Ruan Nanzhu is just as compelling. He’s sharp, controlled, unapologetically possessive, and capable of decisive violence. But when Lin Qiushi is at risk, you can see the cracks. Their dynamic is my favorite part of this series. The trust between them feels absolute. They don’t need long speeches. A glance or a small shift in tone is enough.
The horror feels heavier the deeper they go. It almost seems like the enemy is no longer just the door challenges, but the challengers themselves. People turn on each other. Rescue turns into something darker. The images are brutal and linger in my head. Death comes fast, and there’s barely time to process it before the next trial begins. It can be emotionally draining, but I can’t deny how tightly everything is structured or how the consequences leave lasting scars. I’m still invested in these characters and their bond, and I’m genuinely excited to see where the next book takes them.
Date Read: 2026.02.25
February 5, 2026
4.7/5
I can't seem to put these volumes down once I start reading them—they're that good! Even as someone who doesn't usually enjoy horror, I’m loving this. If you're hesitant to pick up this novel, just read it!
Sorry for the lame review, I have a hard time reviewing these volumes after vol 1
SPOILERS FOR FUTURE VOLUMES IN MY COMMENTS = AUTOMATIC BLOCK
I can't seem to put these volumes down once I start reading them—they're that good! Even as someone who doesn't usually enjoy horror, I’m loving this. If you're hesitant to pick up this novel, just read it!
Sorry for the lame review, I have a hard time reviewing these volumes after vol 1
SPOILERS FOR FUTURE VOLUMES IN MY COMMENTS = AUTOMATIC BLOCK
August 18, 2025
door 7: room 502
door 8: mirrors
door 9: oil lamps and river god
door 8: mirrors
door 9: oil lamps and river god
February 14, 2026
The doors they went through weren't that interesting but the characters interactions make up for it.
October 22, 2025
The lamps were so terrifying and when I thought it was all done and dandy the exiting scene????????
December 5, 2025
mommy im scared 🫂
March 14, 2026
5 ⭐️
This part was somehow even better than the first two. The world-building keeps expanding and just sucks you in. The story finds a perfect balance between moments that genuinely made me laugh and cry. I especially loved seeing Lin Qiushi and Ruan Nanzhu grow closer. Their loyalty to each other is so strong and would die for one another. At the same time, it’s both amusing and touching that Lin Qiushi still doesn’t realize how special he is to Ruan Nanzhu. And the twins! Just love them! They add a lot of charm, despite all their bickering, their love for each other is obvious.
And my favorite quote: "Is he that important to you?" "I don't know about important. All I know is if it was me in there, he'd go in after me too." AAAHHH
I really enjoyed seeing the dynamic shift between Ruan Nanzhu and Lin Qiushi during the doors where Lin Qiushi is the one crossdressing. It did something to me🤭. Ruan Nanzhu becoming even more possessive (even though he already is most of the time) was both amusing and exciting to read. I also love how Lin Qiushi just accepts all of Ruan Nanzhu’s shenanigans like it is the most natural thing in the world.
Small spoiler: When Xin Budai started losing himself to the effects of the doors and suddenly bit Lin Qiushi, I literally gasped. The moment Ruan Nanzhu ripped him away and then bit directly over the same spot. Yes, mark what is yours, even if he doesn’t know it jet.😂
Another thing I really loved is how everyone turns to Toast the corgi when they’re stressed. The line: “Dizzy with the rubbing, Toast blinked its black eyes, howling in woo”. As a corgi owner myself, I completely understand!!!
One more thing I really loved is how obsessed Lin Qiushi is with his cat. Whenever he thinks about dying or being alone, his first thought is always his cat
This part was somehow even better than the first two. The world-building keeps expanding and just sucks you in. The story finds a perfect balance between moments that genuinely made me laugh and cry. I especially loved seeing Lin Qiushi and Ruan Nanzhu grow closer. Their loyalty to each other is so strong and would die for one another. At the same time, it’s both amusing and touching that Lin Qiushi still doesn’t realize how special he is to Ruan Nanzhu. And the twins! Just love them! They add a lot of charm, despite all their bickering, their love for each other is obvious.
And my favorite quote: "Is he that important to you?" "I don't know about important. All I know is if it was me in there, he'd go in after me too." AAAHHH
I really enjoyed seeing the dynamic shift between Ruan Nanzhu and Lin Qiushi during the doors where Lin Qiushi is the one crossdressing. It did something to me🤭. Ruan Nanzhu becoming even more possessive (even though he already is most of the time) was both amusing and exciting to read. I also love how Lin Qiushi just accepts all of Ruan Nanzhu’s shenanigans like it is the most natural thing in the world.
Small spoiler: When Xin Budai started losing himself to the effects of the doors and suddenly bit Lin Qiushi, I literally gasped. The moment Ruan Nanzhu ripped him away and then bit directly over the same spot. Yes, mark what is yours, even if he doesn’t know it jet.😂
Another thing I really loved is how everyone turns to Toast the corgi when they’re stressed. The line: “Dizzy with the rubbing, Toast blinked its black eyes, howling in woo”. As a corgi owner myself, I completely understand!!!
One more thing I really loved is how obsessed Lin Qiushi is with his cat. Whenever he thinks about dying or being alone, his first thought is always his cat
March 27, 2026
3.75 stars
Volume 3 is once again a straight continuation from the previous book. Once again we have the 2 main characters facing more doors and the stakes haven't been this high since the first book I would say.
Lin Qiushi and Ruan Nanzhu's relationship continues to develop slowly, so I'm guessing this will be proper slow burn romance for us. Ruan Nanzhu is still very cheeky and is trying at all times for Lin Qiushi to sleep in the same bed, which he often manages. It's also very evident they have started to proper rely on each other and care for the other, especially towards the end of the book where .
I also liked to see more of the other characters, like the twins, since they both (separately) join these two to complete more doors. As well as other characters slowly introduced, some that are payinh Ruan Nanzhu's services or others, actual competition (and who think Ruan Nanzhu is a girl since he keeps cross dressing). BTW Lin Qiushi also cross dresses here and he is starting to get the appeal of it LOL.
We still don't know much why these doors have appeared and who is behind them. By the end of this book Lin Qiushi has completed his 9th door. It's also heavily hinted that the period between doors now is going to get longer, since for example, Ruan Nanzhu has completed the 10th door and he started this process about 5 or 6 years ago I believe. So I'm guessing we might see a bit of a time jump without us really noticing, especially since these two need to recover from this last door for quiiiite some time.
Volume 3 is once again a straight continuation from the previous book. Once again we have the 2 main characters facing more doors and the stakes haven't been this high since the first book I would say.
Lin Qiushi and Ruan Nanzhu's relationship continues to develop slowly, so I'm guessing this will be proper slow burn romance for us. Ruan Nanzhu is still very cheeky and is trying at all times for Lin Qiushi to sleep in the same bed, which he often manages. It's also very evident they have started to proper rely on each other and care for the other, especially towards the end of the book where .
I also liked to see more of the other characters, like the twins, since they both (separately) join these two to complete more doors. As well as other characters slowly introduced, some that are payinh Ruan Nanzhu's services or others, actual competition (and who think Ruan Nanzhu is a girl since he keeps cross dressing). BTW Lin Qiushi also cross dresses here and he is starting to get the appeal of it LOL.
We still don't know much why these doors have appeared and who is behind them. By the end of this book Lin Qiushi has completed his 9th door. It's also heavily hinted that the period between doors now is going to get longer, since for example, Ruan Nanzhu has completed the 10th door and he started this process about 5 or 6 years ago I believe. So I'm guessing we might see a bit of a time jump without us really noticing, especially since these two need to recover from this last door for quiiiite some time.
October 26, 2025
”Cheng Yixie said evenly, "Ruan-ge, you can't protect Qiushi forever."
At this, Lin Qiushi started, and peered over at Cheng Yixie. There seemed to be a second meaning to his words.
Ruan Nanzhu's face was stony: "how do you know I can't?"
Cheng Yixie didn't reply.”
Things are getting a bit monotone by now. The stories within the doors are still really great, but the rest of the world and character building are still too lacking for my taste. There are a lot of characters that I feel like are important which we still know nothing or too little about. The villa is full of people, who we have barely scratched the surface of. The same goes for our two main characters, I don’t really mind the lack of explicit romance, but I want that space to be filled with something else that is far more substantial than what we’re getting. The doors are nearing their end and I’m hoping we’re not going to get an intense crash course in everyone’s past the last two to three hundred pages. I want to get to know them during the journey for a real emotional impact and not be surprised by merely a trauma dump - let’s wait and see what happens next.
At this, Lin Qiushi started, and peered over at Cheng Yixie. There seemed to be a second meaning to his words.
Ruan Nanzhu's face was stony: "how do you know I can't?"
Cheng Yixie didn't reply.”
Things are getting a bit monotone by now. The stories within the doors are still really great, but the rest of the world and character building are still too lacking for my taste. There are a lot of characters that I feel like are important which we still know nothing or too little about. The villa is full of people, who we have barely scratched the surface of. The same goes for our two main characters, I don’t really mind the lack of explicit romance, but I want that space to be filled with something else that is far more substantial than what we’re getting. The doors are nearing their end and I’m hoping we’re not going to get an intense crash course in everyone’s past the last two to three hundred pages. I want to get to know them during the journey for a real emotional impact and not be surprised by merely a trauma dump - let’s wait and see what happens next.
January 23, 2026
Actual Rating: 4.25
February 5, 2026
The doors give me anxiety😅
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