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匠心 #下
匠心 下 [The Heart of a Smith]
Lu Shang picked up a dirty teenager while discussing work at a bar. It was merely happenstance, but memories from ten years ago resurfaced when he saw the gunshot scars on the teenager’s back.
Lu Shang asked him, “What is your name?”
“Xiao Li… My surname is Li, so they all called me Xiao Li.”
“You don’t have a name?”
“I don’t remember.”
Lu Shang said, “Then I will call you Li Sui. From now on, you will be with me.”
From that day onward, a young “lover” was always by Lu Shang’s side.
Years later, Dr. Leung teased Lu Shang, “You didn’t get his heart, instead your heart caved in; boss Lu, that doesn’t seem like a bargain.”
Lu Shang asked him, “What is your name?”
“Xiao Li… My surname is Li, so they all called me Xiao Li.”
“You don’t have a name?”
“I don’t remember.”
Lu Shang said, “Then I will call you Li Sui. From now on, you will be with me.”
From that day onward, a young “lover” was always by Lu Shang’s side.
Years later, Dr. Leung teased Lu Shang, “You didn’t get his heart, instead your heart caved in; boss Lu, that doesn’t seem like a bargain.”
778 pages, ebook
First published January 14, 2022
6 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 3, 2025
➺
4/5🌟
This is such a beautiful novel, heartbreaking yet heartwarming at the same time. There's definitely angst coming from a plot about terminal illness but the pure and unconditional love between the couple is so moving that you'll feel bittersweet. I shed a few tears, not gonna lie, and I have to remind myself a couple of times that this is a happy ending to somehow ease the heartache. I loved the dynamic between the MC and ML. With their intertwined tragic past and their uncertain future that may lead to death, other than the kind of dynamic the MC and ML have, most relationship wouldn't be able to pull through to the end. I admire the MC and ML's own personality and their attitude towards their relationship, their growth as an individual and as a couple and the way they're so protective of each other. They're such a perfect fit for each other.
There's also some business aspect happening on the sideline that's adding to the overall tension. That's when I realized how hard ML is trying to be strong mentally, when his lover in on the brink of death but he still has to do everything to keep MC's company from landing on the wrong hands. All of these happening simultaneously and I'm surprise he hadn't collapse right there and then.
The angst is not exactly dog blood. As I said, it was more bittersweet than anything. And for those who's hesitating to read because it's heartbreaking and they're afraid that it's going to end tragically, just try. This is definitely worth all the tears.
This is such a beautiful novel, heartbreaking yet heartwarming at the same time. There's definitely angst coming from a plot about terminal illness but the pure and unconditional love between the couple is so moving that you'll feel bittersweet. I shed a few tears, not gonna lie, and I have to remind myself a couple of times that this is a happy ending to somehow ease the heartache. I loved the dynamic between the MC and ML. With their intertwined tragic past and their uncertain future that may lead to death, other than the kind of dynamic the MC and ML have, most relationship wouldn't be able to pull through to the end. I admire the MC and ML's own personality and their attitude towards their relationship, their growth as an individual and as a couple and the way they're so protective of each other. They're such a perfect fit for each other.
There's also some business aspect happening on the sideline that's adding to the overall tension. That's when I realized how hard ML is trying to be strong mentally, when his lover in on the brink of death but he still has to do everything to keep MC's company from landing on the wrong hands. All of these happening simultaneously and I'm surprise he hadn't collapse right there and then.
The angst is not exactly dog blood. As I said, it was more bittersweet than anything. And for those who's hesitating to read because it's heartbreaking and they're afraid that it's going to end tragically, just try. This is definitely worth all the tears.
June 13, 2024
DNF ch 45 /61
TW: child abuse, human trafficking, chronic illness
I don't think the synopsis really does this story justice imo.
This started off slow. I wasn't really interested in all the 'business' talk. However, I really did like the characters and the confession was just great. They reminded me of Bingqui from SVSSS with all their 'puppy' love.
But after they got together I lost interest and wasn't motivated in carrying on.
So yeah this story is OK I guess.
TW: child abuse, human trafficking, chronic illness
I don't think the synopsis really does this story justice imo.
This started off slow. I wasn't really interested in all the 'business' talk. However, I really did like the characters and the confession was just great. They reminded me of Bingqui from SVSSS with all their 'puppy' love.
But after they got together I lost interest and wasn't motivated in carrying on.
So yeah this story is OK I guess.
did-not-finish
January 11, 2023tentei
December 26, 2020
There was a reasonable amount of angst in this but after it was cleared up, the fluffy scenes in this more than made up for it. Lu Shang and Li Sui were very sweet on each other and they cared and doted on each other so much. Both of them made a perfect match and even the sex scenes in this novel were written better than in other BL novels because the author built up the sexual tension and the characters had clear chemistry.
I also liked the growth experience by Li Sui especially, because he transformed from a weakling into someone strong, powerful and admirable and all the while, he never stopped loving Lu Shang. I'm really glad that they got a happy ending as I was worried that this novel would end in a tragedy.
I also liked the growth experience by Li Sui especially, because he transformed from a weakling into someone strong, powerful and admirable and all the while, he never stopped loving Lu Shang. I'm really glad that they got a happy ending as I was worried that this novel would end in a tragedy.
June 22, 2025
LOVED IT! The character development of Li Sui is just *chef's kiss* and the romance is just so cute, I absolutely loved reading all parts of it. While reading, I kept thinking it has some similar elements as Black Bellied vs Black Bellied and Monster and I love both those novels so this was such a good combination while at the same time having very different characters and story from them.
January 2, 2023
Rating: 5/5- Poignant, realistic, heartwarming and heartbreaking! Such a memorable and wonderfully told story!
This was such a rollercoaster of emotions for me. Both characters are so wonderfully written and the growth from chapter one right until the extras was so fantastically woven, it felt like these people were known to me personally! My heart broke over and over for the leads but it was wonderful to see them overcome their own inner demons and get what they truly deserved. It was also good to see how they grew more honest and better at communication.
I honestly didn’t go into this expecting such a brilliant plot and the company politics and family ties were really well crafted. You always feel like you’re at the edge of your seat because you really aren’t certain of what is going to happen. I especially loved how much dedication the author put into medical terms and the MCs condition. It made the entire reading experience all too real.
Overall I really loved how the story progressed and the flow and logic was quite neatly tied up. The extras are really wonderful and really give the bittersweet tone of the novel a wonderfully saccharine ending to all the anguish you feel when reading. I admire the respect and care the ML showed from start to finish. It’s wonderful to read relationship that are consensual and weak but honest and considerate characters in Yaoi. He was not perfect or all knowing but he worked so hard and his intentions were so pure. Really so rare to have such strong and beautiful characters in Yaoi.
These two are definitely in my top 5 CPs. Li Sui is a really role model like Seme, however Hua Cheng is still the ULTIMATE in my books, followed by Lan Zhan and then Cang Ji. I was gonna mention Mo Ran because he’s part of my number 4 fave CP, but then I recalled This Venerable One is a rather solid moron on many occasions so it wasn’t fitting to add here.
Otherwise I 100% recommend to Heart of a Smith! Your heart is sure to go through many fluctuations but it’s worth the ache
This was such a rollercoaster of emotions for me. Both characters are so wonderfully written and the growth from chapter one right until the extras was so fantastically woven, it felt like these people were known to me personally! My heart broke over and over for the leads but it was wonderful to see them overcome their own inner demons and get what they truly deserved. It was also good to see how they grew more honest and better at communication.
I honestly didn’t go into this expecting such a brilliant plot and the company politics and family ties were really well crafted. You always feel like you’re at the edge of your seat because you really aren’t certain of what is going to happen. I especially loved how much dedication the author put into medical terms and the MCs condition. It made the entire reading experience all too real.
Overall I really loved how the story progressed and the flow and logic was quite neatly tied up. The extras are really wonderful and really give the bittersweet tone of the novel a wonderfully saccharine ending to all the anguish you feel when reading. I admire the respect and care the ML showed from start to finish. It’s wonderful to read relationship that are consensual and weak but honest and considerate characters in Yaoi. He was not perfect or all knowing but he worked so hard and his intentions were so pure. Really so rare to have such strong and beautiful characters in Yaoi.
These two are definitely in my top 5 CPs. Li Sui is a really role model like Seme, however Hua Cheng is still the ULTIMATE in my books, followed by Lan Zhan and then Cang Ji. I was gonna mention Mo Ran because he’s part of my number 4 fave CP, but then I recalled This Venerable One is a rather solid moron on many occasions so it wasn’t fitting to add here.
Otherwise I 100% recommend to Heart of a Smith! Your heart is sure to go through many fluctuations but it’s worth the ache
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2022
One word “beautiful”!!!! I felt so many emotions as I read this! The journey of the MC and ML was just like a rollercoaster, scary, exciting but with a great feeling once the ride is over! I totally loved the support, the care, the unconditional support that they offer one another. It was just amazing! The author did such a wonderful job portraying the complexity of their relationship and the trust that developed between the characters. This is by one of the best novels I have read! It was so concise. That roller coaster with his health during the end had me at the edge of my seat. This was just such a lovely and beautiful story. The ending couldn’t be more fitting! Thank you to the translator and editor who completed such a wonderful novel!
Read
January 27, 2022Hai người họ gặp nhau, quen biết, trở nên thân thiết và rồi trở thành chỗ dựa tinh thần cho nhau. Lục Thương khiến Lê Thúy trở thành một con người cứng rắn, một doanh nhân thành đạt. Lê Thúy là động lực giúp Lục Thương đấu tranh với bệnh tật, là điều tuyệt vời nhất trong cuộc sống của anh. Sự ảnh hưởng của người này lên đối phương như thể muốn nói, “trên đời không hề tồn tại người nào thật sự hoàn hảo vô khuyết, người mạnh mẽ cách mấy vẫn có những lúc mềm yếu và do dự. Quan trọng là, có chăng một người đọc thấu sự yếu đuối của bạn, đứng bên bạn vào lúc bạn buông xuôi, nhẹ nhàng dắt tay bạn, đưa bạn ra khỏi nơi sương mù dày đặc này”.
April 30, 2025
One of my favorites.
If you have never read BL, this is not a good first book! There are many things that may feel ‘problematic’ if you’re coming from a western experience.
It is a beautiful love story with both protagonists having actual careers and jobs and talents! Bottom isn’t a woman-in-man’s body stand-in. The emotions are soooo deep. Ugh.
The angst is heavy but it’s not artificial and manufactured like most other books. And the ending is HEA!
If you have never read BL, this is not a good first book! There are many things that may feel ‘problematic’ if you’re coming from a western experience.
It is a beautiful love story with both protagonists having actual careers and jobs and talents! Bottom isn’t a woman-in-man’s body stand-in. The emotions are soooo deep. Ugh.
The angst is heavy but it’s not artificial and manufactured like most other books. And the ending is HEA!
November 18, 2021
☆ 2.75
A satisfying read
A satisfying read
February 28, 2022
ahhhh li sui and lu shang <333 didnt expect to love them or cry over them this much !!!!
August 28, 2022
Bruh I can't get this book out of my mind. Too beautiful ✨✨✨
August 1, 2024
I picked it randomly without reading the synopsis
I had my doubts in the beginning, but it turned out to be a really heartwarming relationship, i really liked the book and the pacing
I had my doubts in the beginning, but it turned out to be a really heartwarming relationship, i really liked the book and the pacing
March 30, 2025
Không có gì để bàn cãi luôn, cốt truyện hay, thiết lập nhân vật ổn, H cháy.
December 9, 2021
Pura lloradera Dios 😭
November 3, 2019
This was such a cute story. There's a lot of angst, but the characters feel authentic and I found myself sympathizing with them. In the middle of the story, I had to frantically remind myself that this wasn't tagged as a tragedy.
I love the little excerpt that the translator includes in the end from a related book. It really helps bring the book to a satisfyingly, sweet end.
I love the little excerpt that the translator includes in the end from a related book. It really helps bring the book to a satisfyingly, sweet end.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews