On the night of Xiao Ke’s thirtieth birthday, he shared a table while drinking. The person he shared the table with was a cool man who fit all of his aesthetic desires. It was practically love at first sight.
He was thirty; he had reached that age where he was no longer the awkward twenty-something youth. He would pursue the one he liked without hesitation, no questions asked.
“I want you to give me a tattoo. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”
Tình yêu giữa hai thằng đàn ông hơn ba mươi vẫn đầy diệu kỳ. Diệu kỳ bằng cách yêu thật giản đơn và mộc mạc. Tôi thích anh, nghiêm túc theo đuổi anh, anh cũng thích tôi, dần mở lòng với tôi. Vậy thì cứ về chung một nhà, quá khứ thương tổn của anh cũng là của tôi, tôi sẽ ôm nó vào lòng, hóa giải nó cho anh. Vì nhau mà sống. • Mà sống vì nhau thì cần gì bày vẽ, cần gì thề thốt sống chết, là đàn ông cả, cứ mạnh dạn mà yêu thôi. Chân tình đã trao trọn, không cần tính toán thiệt hơn. Mọi dập vùi ngoài kia chỉ là thử thách. Cứ nắm chặt tay nhau, sẽ sống cùng nhau tới già. • Rất ấm áp, rất tròn.
This has such a heartwarming, mature romance between 2 men in their 30s. This has a darker tone but the overall message is more healing than traumatic. Both carrying scars from the past, though MC chose to move forward while ML enclosed himself behind the walls he built. Both of them have experiences when it comes to relationship and know what they want but while MC is proactive when it comes to pursuing his love, the ML who has a much darker and painful past is more hesitant than the MC.
I loved that there's no toxicity in their relationship, no unnecessary misunderstanding. They both acted their age and you can see how different a mature person handle things. No obsessive love that harms both of them, just pure and genuine love and care. Their relationship in not perfect, in fact it is quite flawed but the fact that both MC and ML tried their hardest to make it work is what makes you want to root for them.
I also loved how slowly but surely the passion burned between them. The author did a good job in building up their relationship and the chemistry between them is so palpable. They have a manly gay couple dynamic, both of them being the top in their previous relationships but also both of them are willing to be the bottom for the other person. It was actually so hot reading about their interaction, especially when I saw that they looked like from the official art. This is only a short read, with 52 chapters, so it's not dragging but it's still mostly fleshed out in terms of character and relationship.
the plot's simple, without any subplots or plot twists whatsoever. still, the depiction of two mature and emotionally intelligent people in love was done nicely and the characterization was never lacking. the pacing was done just right and there was no unnecessary dramatic twists. a simple, straightforward love story between two older people who know what they want and are working together to achieve it. + lu xiaobei you will always be a star
Just a simple story about courtship, about the joy of chasing after a hard target who you know you’ve got to get, whatever it takes. I normally don’t enjoy these low-angst, minimal-plot, everyday-life stories, but somehow I do this time. It’s fun to follow an MC who openly pursued an older man, and see his attempts fail, and renewed, repeatedly. It’s not until half the book when the other man gave in, but then, past issues caught up, and they had to work to protect their new, fragile romance.
Another thing I like about this book is the subject of its title - Tattoo. Since the older MC is a tattoo artist, we’ve got to learn a lot about tattoos, what they signify, what connection people form with tattoos, through the eyes of the customers, and the artists. I’ve read a couple of books about tattoo artists before, but I’ve haven’t seen the subject discussed at length as in this book.
I think I’ve found myself a new danmei author to keep. I’ll definitely look forward to reading their other novels.
Xiao Ke is a university professor. Zhou Zui is a tattoo artist. They met at a bar on Xiao Ke’s birthday, and we get to follow Xiao Ke in his pursuit of Zhou Zui.
The main characters are mature and sensible, but it's not working for me. I need to feel something to continue reading, but my emotions are dead while reading this, so I’m dropping this 17% in.
I loved this so much! I really like reading stories that feature more mature characters and this one was really sweet and funny. Xiao Ke (MC) and Zhou Zui (ML) were well-matched and I liked both of them as individuals and as a couple.
I really admired Xiao Ke because he was truly an amazing individual. He was the type to move on from a breakup easily and not linger in the past, and he wholeheartedly pursued Zhou Zui. And Zhou Zui was just a total sweetheart who could finally open up his heart to someone who completely loved him.
The process of them getting together was fun to read but my favourite parts were after they had gotten together and their relationship deepened despite the challenges they had to face. Since they were more mature characters, they didn't have any communication problems but of course, every relationship had its ups and downs and the way they handled it was great. It made me slightly envious because I want what they have.
A standout side character was Lu Xiaobei because he was just so funny and entertaining. His energy was also younger so he provided some youthfulness to the story, if that makes sense. Zhou Zui's friends were also really funny when they were clowning Zhou Zui. The pacing was also perfect, even though I would've liked some more extra chapters from the author because I didn't want this novel to end.
había terminado de leer este libro hace un tiempo pero no sabía que escribir de reseña aún creo que no sé qué escribir pero bueno.
una trama ligera y fácil de leer, era justo el tipo de libro que estaba buscando con personajes adultos que saben lo que quieren no le ponen mucho drama y sobre todo una relación tan buena. sin duda alguna el punto fuerte del libro son sus personajes, los dos protagonistas son tan diferentes pero se complementan tan bien cuando están juntos, saben lo que quieren, saben darle el espacio al otro, respetan su pasado su presente y si hay algún mal entendido lo hablan, me gusto que el mc influyera tanto en esa parte al ml para que expresara lo que sentía o lo que le molestaba. los amo a todos los personajes, la segunda pareja me pareció muy linda aaaa amo al que trabajado con el ml jahsjs, lo volvería a leer.
posdata: siempre olvido los nombres de los personajes una disculpa
Aunque no es lo que comúnmente leo aka misterio, sangriento, acción, no me arrepiento para nada😗✌️
La forma en la que está escrita es sencilla; sin embargo, la autora lo compensa con los personajes que hacen que esta novela sea hermosa.
AMÉ AMÉ AMÉ a XK. I mean, sus principios claros, moral, perseverancia, paciencia, valentía y amor puro son😭👌 Cómo hizo todo para ganarse el corazón de la persona que le gustaba es, para mí, admirable. Tanto así que mi perspectiva de los romances cambió:))) Uno de los mejores personajes que he leído sin duda.
En conclusión: esta novela es bella, chill, con un increíble slow burn de romance y un maravilloso personaje: XK❤️
Nguyện cho cuộc đời mỗi người đều có thể gặp được tình yêu khiến chúng ta đủ dũng cảm vứt bỏ nguyên tắc, vì nó mà cố gắng, có thể trở nên tốt hơn và được chữa lành như tình yêu giữa Chu Tội và Tiêu Khắc ❤️
That was a very cute and fluffy read! My goodness, I didn't expect anything while randomly reading this book but I got tons of dog food instead. I really like how Zhou Zui and Xiao Ke relationship progress, the side characters are all delightful too, especially Xiaobei. I'm really happy that Xiaobei also finds his other half 😍
ჯერჯერობით რაც ჩინური ვებნოველები წავიკითხე მაგათში ძალიან კარგია. მაგრამ მე დრამების ხასიათზე ვიყავი და აქ მინიმუმი დრამაა და არც რამე გრანდიოზული კონფლიქტი იყო:დ ისე პერსონაჟები და ისტორია მშვენიერი.
不問三九 is now definitely one of my fave authors. Looking forward to reading more of his works. I fell in love with this story. It was so beautiful and so sweet. I like the character development so much. The characters are quite in contrast in public and in private also which was truly interesting.
3.5 Stars Zhou Zui and Xiao Ke were both careful with their hearts, having experienced difficulties in their past relationships. When they were faced with the budding attraction and feelings for each other, both were able to overcome and take the leap loving once again requires. A well-deserved Hea.
I was a little bit hesitant between giving this somewhere around 4 or straight up 5 stars.
There is enough reasons why this isn't my directly-starred 5 stars to me.
First, Insta-Love is really not my thing. When Xiao Ke instantly pursuing Zhou Zui for only meeting two times, it felt comical to me. I just didn't think it felt realistic. After all he just broke up with a person he loved so much like a year ago. It kinda felt awkward and rushy.
But of course, when he first pursuing him, it wasn't of too much of a feeling, more like he tested the water and just accidentally drowned inside, so if i want try to reason with that way ot logic it's actually kinda make sense. Besides, they're adult in their 30s. To try to making it any senses with my train of thoughts wouldn't have any proper for I was a 19 year old girl who is definitely in a-spectrum.
Second, there are a lot of things that I found myself *kinda* cringed about in this book. Again, I never cared about romantic relationship, and this book (embarassingly enough) had me questioning about love so many times. I didn't know in which part were it actually made me rethink of what a romantic relationship and love actually are, but in my journey on reading this, I do contemplate about this a lot. It's making me a little bit uncomfortable to be honest. But again, this is just a ME problem, so never mind.
Third, I just kinda felt that the dark past, trauma, and issue kinda get oversimplified in some parts. But this was just because the matter of trying to maintain its original genre as a light read, so I do understand. Anyway the last part when Xiao Ke trying to help Zhou Zui to face his trauma and actually showing its difficulties making this mistake up, so I no longer have any problem to this.
Thus, because I actually managed to checked all of those problems, I decided to give this 5 stars anyway. They both are so mature (duh), and I really love the way this book could still be heartwrenching even without any miscommunication (because fuck miscommunication trope). I love their relationship, of how they respect each other, not daring to cross their boundaries, and oh do i mention how cute and lovable they both are? Zhou Zui's childish attitude AND his honest nature IS a plus point added to this book. Honestly, probably Xiao Ke and Zhou Zui breathing next to each other alone would make me instantly give this 5 stars.
Also, the side characters are all lovely. Even Xiao Lin, he did make mistake but i do think he's okay (at least he didn't do anything mean and actually respect Zhou Zui). Maybe the only exception is the Tang twins. Literally. Eeew.
But anyway what I'm trying to say is although i have a lot of things that are a bit off for me liking, this book IS VERY VERY VERY WORTH A READ. Even with conflict, it still managed to give me comfort. I found myself unable to drop this book for even a second. It truly is THAT page turning.
Listen, tattoo artist character isn't really my thing, but now I started to grow interest in this field HAHAHA.
Also, LIN CHENG ADDED 27372727 STARS TO THIS BOOK. He carried this book in his back (because I said so.)
Anyway, that's all what I want to say. TL;DR- this book is really worth a read.
Please read it. Have fun.
[ PAY ATTENTION TO THE TRIGGER WARNINGS WHILE READING PLEASE ]
“Hình xăm chỉ là biểu tượng, thứ in dấu trong lòng mới là vĩnh viễn.”
Tuổi 30, Tiêu Khắc gặp Chu Tội. Chỉ một cái chụp vội tay trong cô đơn, một vài câu xã giao khách sáo, đổi lấy cả một đời.
Người mang trong mình vẻ bình thản sau cuộc tình năm năm kết thúc, đau lòng, đơn độc đều cất hết vào tim. Chỉ trưng ra nụ cười cong cong cuốn hút nơi khóe mắt.
Tiêu Khắc. .
Kẻ khoác trên người vẻ lạnh lùng, trầm lặng. Quá khứ khổ đau, từng chút đều là thương tổn, ôm cả phần thiệt về mình cũng không oán thán trách trời hay đất. Thậm chí còn gánh cả phần tội của kẻ khác vào tận sâu giấc ngủ.
Chu Tội.
“Bình thường rất phóng khoáng, rất hào sảng, chuyện gì cũng có thể nghĩ thoáng, không so đo, không kiểu cách đối với bất cứ chuyện gì. Nhưng không phải cứ như vậy thì sẽ không đau lòng, thì cả đời sẽ không bị tổn thương.”
Có lẽ chính vì như vậy mới gặp được nhau, kẻ không bước ra khỏi lãnh thổ, người nhiệt tình gõ cửa tiến vào.
Ngày ngày tặng hoa liền trở thành “hoa thần” của riêng ai đó. Ngày ngày cười nói đều để lại trong tim ai đó một dấu ấn khó quên. Để rồi không nỡ chối bỏ, cũng không nỡ khướt từ.
Người đó cho hắn sự ấm áp của dư vị tồn tại, cho hắn thêm dũng khí để hi vọng vào cái được gọi là tương lai.
Hắn nói tên hắn là Chu Tội, tội trong tội ác. Tiêu Khắc lại cười gọi hắn là Chu Lễ Vật.
Hắn bảo hắn là kẻ xấu xa. Tiêu Khắc lại tặng hắn tấm thẻ người tốt.
“Nếu hôm nay em không tới, một tuần nữa anh sẽ tới tìm em, anh định cho em thời gian một tháng, lâu hơn anh không chịu đựng được, anh không đợi nổi.
Anh cũng muốn giống như em, không quay đầu nhìn lại.”
Hắn làm sao có thể không động lòng. Là người đó kéo hắn về phía sớm mai, sẽ không còn tăm tối nữa. Hắn cũng thật lòng mình, dâng lên cả trái tim. . Tiêu Khắc làm sao quên được cảm giác được người ta nâng niu trong lòng, đặt ở trong tim. Y nói với Chu Tội “Năm 35 tuổi anh gặp được em, em hi vọng…quãng đời còn lại của anh đều có em.”
Tiêu Khắc muốn Chu Tội xăm cho mình một hình xăm, như hắn đã từng làm cho hắn vì Tiêu Khắc. Nhưng Chu Tội lại từ chối bởi vì hắn chỉ hi vọng “thầy Tiêu mãi mãi vui vẻ, dẫu lựa chọn thế nào cũng đều có thể tiêu sái.”
Cuối cùng, qua được đêm đen dài dằng dặc lòng người ấy, Chu Tội nói với Tiêu Khắc
“Anh sinh ra đã mang trong mình tội nghiệt, em là thiện, anh là ác. Nhưng kể từ hôm nay, mỗi một ngày sau này, em đều không thể không cùng anh san sẻ tội nghiệt với anh, cùng gánh chịu cuộc đời và số mệnh của anh. Qua hôm nay anh ba mươi bảy tuổi rồi, anh hi vọng có thể bên em năm mươi, sáu mươi năm nữa, giống như lời em từng nói, quãng đời còn lại của anh đều có em.”
Rồi Chu Tội xăm tên mình lên chân Tiêu Khắc.
Cả đời này anh sẽ trói buộc em. Mà em cũng nguyện ý mãi không rời đi.
Lo siento, soy fácil de complacer y no me duele ni nada darle 5 estrellas a una historia si logra hacerme sentir algo, y realmente Ci Qing lo logró. No sé cómo podría hacer una reseña, no lo hice antes y me es difícil empezar ahora, normalmente solo pongo lo que pasa por mi cabeza sin estructurar nada. Ci Qing, ¿Cómo puedo describirlo?, creo que "cálido" es una buena manera de hacerlo. Me hizo sentir mucho, me gusta sentir de manera REAL las historias. Amé a los personajes, mi objetivo siempre es poder encontrarme con personajes reales que tengan situaciones que puedan pasar en la vida real, ¿Que te pongas melancólico por recordar el pasado y salgas a tomar un trago solo?, puede pasar. Xiao Ke solo fue a tomar un trago y conoció a Zhou Liwu de casualidad, alguien que le dijo que solo estaba buscando tomar un trago y nada más termino siendo su noviecito precioso. La historia de ambos se desarrolló de manera armoniosa, las cosas del otro hacen que uno entienda cómo se pudieron enamorar, amé ese desarrollo en su relación, la manera madura de Xiao Ke de resolver los conflictos y él fue el real "donde pongo el ojo, pongo la bala", le bastó ver a Liwu una sola vez para saber que le gustaba, solo tuvo que interactuar un poco para saber que él era la persona con la que quería pasar el resto de su vida. Sobre Zhou Liwu (Zhou Zui), su pasado me pareció increíblemente injusto, desde su nombre, considerarse culpable de la muerte de sus seres queridos y para rematar, la trágica y traumática forma en la que Yaning (su ex) decidió irse de este mundo, no lo culpo por ser reacio a interactuar con las personas y haber sido tan frío y distante con Ke al principio, comprendo completamente su miedo a iniciar una relación; no quería arrastrar a alguien tan puro a su infierno, entiendo su miedo a dormir junto a Ke o a tener a alguien cerca cuando cierra los ojos. Me alegra que después de todo haya podido superar parte de su trauma, haya recibido un nuevo nombre por manos del profesor Xiao y que ese nombre le haya quitado la etiqueta de "pecador" que él tuvo que llevar por tantos años. Amé en demasía la historia, me hizo sentir cosas realmente, solo le puedo agradecer a la o el autor y a una muti de tw que la recomendó. No me queda más que recomendarla también! Leanla! Les aseguro que no se van a arrepentir y como una mayor estimulación deben saber que no tiene muchos capitulos! Solo 48 + 1 extra!!
I’m not one to throw around the word “refreshing” lightly, but Wildfire has truly earned it. If you’re tired of the same old tropes of clingy teens and over-the-top drama, this story will feel like a breath of fresh air. The author offers something more grounded, real, and, honestly, deeply relatable. It’s a love story about two adults, both with scars from past relationships, learning to communicate, trust, and find healing in each other. No forced misunderstandings, no toxic back-and-forth—just real, heartfelt moments.
The characters are the kind of people you feel you could sit down with and have a coffee. Tang Suoyan, for instance, has lived through a 13-year relationship that ultimately failed. You can feel the weight of that history in how he approaches love—guarded, cautious, but still searching for something more. Then there’s Xiaodong, who, with quiet patience, helps Tang Suoyan lower his walls, bit by bit. The pacing is slow, yes, but it’s the kind of slow that makes you feel the growth in real-time. They’re not rushing to “fall in love”; they’re taking their time, learning each other’s needs and boundaries, and it's so rewarding to witness.
What stands out to me is how realistic and mature the relationship feels. This isn't a story of instant chemistry or whirlwind romance. It’s two people navigating life’s complexities, dealing with baggage, and ultimately finding solace in one another’s company. It's the kind of relationship that feels like something you’d actually want in your own life—one built on mutual respect, understanding, and, yes, a fair bit of humor too. The humor in this story is gentle, warm, and full of those little moments that make you smile, rather than laugh out loud. It’s the perfect balance to the deeper, more emotional themes.
If you’re like me and prefer mature, nuanced stories over the usual BL clichés, you’ll find Wildfire to be a gem. I’m already a huge fan of the author’s work, and having read Tattoo as well, I can honestly say that this author has a way of capturing love in its most authentic, sometimes difficult form. No sugarcoating, no dramatic plot twists—just two people finding their way to each other, despite the odds.
In a world of overwhelming melodrama and toxic tropes, this is a refreshing and beautiful read. It’s something I’ll come back to again and again—and I think you will too.
This story is a slow burn and a slice of life. The MC was the one who pursued the ascetic ML, but he also did that in a not-clingy way. The pace is relaxed, and both parties were pretty mature, as in they didn’t make fuss and there was no stupid misunderstanding or dog blood, etc. The side characters were usually the ones who worried and fussed while they cheered and supported this relationship (in a cute & fun way). You can also see both the MC & ML slowly changing and falling deeper in love.
A bonus point is the glimpse into the world of tattoo artists, which is very interesting. We are shown the intricacies of the process, from designing to tattooing, and all the fascinating facts and dynamics.
That said, there are certain things I like less. How the MC reacted to a major revelation of the ML’s part could totally be better. The author did logically explain afterwards the reason behind his behavior, but still, I wish he’d handled it differently.
There’s also a part where a gang was involved, but they appeared once and never surfaced again, which made me totally confused about how that matter was solved.
Another thing that might turn off some readers are how the mental health issue is dealt with. I don’t have a major problem with it, because it was super sweet, and I know this is fiction where “love can solve all things.” But if you prefer that stories deal with these things correctly, then this could be an issue.
I hesitated between a 3 or 4 stars, but all things considered, I followed my usual habit in rating based on how the story moved me and how invested I was in the characters, so I ended up with a 4⭐️.
i don't know what i was expecting but i was pleasantly surprised by xiao ke and zhou zui's relationship. they are so cute together - zhou zui is the typical kind that acts cold on the outside but is a secret marshmallow on the inside. xiao ke, on the other hand, is persistent in pursuing zhou zui but is also so tender with him T^T
the side characters are also very interesting, lu xiaobei especially! minor ones such as old cao are also hilarious.
the difference with this couple is that they are older and more mature - none of the miscommunication/angst tropes common in this genre. i love that they are open with each other, and in regards to zhou zui's past, he plans to come clean before proceeding to start a relationship with xiao ke.
I really loved this unpretencious novel. It aims to be nothing more than a love story, and delivers it with flying colours. Two men in their thirties falling in love slowly, dealing with their own personal issues and outgrowing them, taking conscious decisions and risks, and finding midground between them despite their differences. The protagonists complement each other beautifully, they are both accepting and accepted, even if one is far more closed and the other is ready to open himself wide. It's a beautiful, simple story that put a smile on my face and had me sharing the little episodes of their lives and how these entwined with their growing love affair. I also enjoyed the dive into the world of tattoos and the meaning these tend to have to those who carry them on their skins. It was particularly meaningful where it came to both the MCs tattoos - very well done. If you're looking for fast-paced, drama and conflict filled danmei, this one is not for you. If you want to read a plain, sentimental, beautiful love story, please dive in. Not even the less than perfect translation marred the beauty of this tale, for me.
If you are looking for a more mature representation of an adult gay relationship ....then look no further. A Tattoo artist and Lecturer make for an unlikely pair who find healing and a second chance at love with each other. It is not the usual first love story but more about the road to locking in your possible last love. It gives you insight on what a love story in your 30's looks like with the right amount of fluff, growth, drama and real life(This is a BL so there are a few unrealistic leaps that should be taken with a grain of salt). A wholesome gem! It made me take a second look at modern and slice of life genres. I really wanted more!!
I really liked reading this one. It’s short, so I finished in one night/dawn. I was looking for some fluff and I’m glad I found this novel. The characters are so real, it’s impossible not to relate to them and also to fall in love with them. Xiao Ke in special; I loved the way he’s portrayed and also how the author took extra care to make we, as readers, understand his morals and ambition – such a carefree and passionate character. I really loved the relationship between the main characters too. They’re mature and very clear with what they want and expect from each other, it’s really hard to find this type of environment in novels.