I really enjoyed this book quite a lot, the challenges of separating celebrities private life from their career seemed quite realistic. The relationship between cheng ping and li baixi was really cute, I adore how much they care for each other and try to look after/ protect one another. The part where they both thought they would be the top made me laugh. Also actor zhang was actually obsessed with li baixi like there was no reason for him to be constantly thinking about ways to take him down! Like at least li baixis junior’s animosity comes from his jealously and trying to be better than li baixi. The ending was kind of bitter sweet, although it seemed like a realistic conclusion to their relationship. I just wish they didn’t have to worry about public option so much and could express their love for each other!!
I'm actually surprised by how much I enjoyed this story. Listen-- I'm a simple gal. I see a man with long hair, I'm interested. YOU GOT ME, alright.
Actually, I had heard the ED song for the radio drama a couple years ago and had planned to read the book at some point but then the stupid video got deleted and I couldn't find it anymore and also my Chinese wasn't that good at the time either, so I couldn't even remember what it was called anymore BUT a couple days ago I found it again, by some miracle, and had intended to check out the first chapter, just so I could be like "eh, not that good" and then move on with my life without ever having to think about the "mystery danmei with that makeup artist who had long hair." Anyway, I ended up binging the story in a couple days.
The characters were written so well, lots of depth, to the point where they acted like real people. Li Baixi's entire arc about makeup artistry and painting and how all of that turned out was beautifully done. Even watching his relationship develop with Cheng Ping, there was never a moment where I was like "why is this happening." Their interactions were so funny and sweet, I genuinely enjoyed every moment of their story. There's a scene at the end where the two are dancing together and both are fighting over who has to take the woman's role-- it's so ridiculous and silly and I LOVE THEM.
I was also really impressed with the background and how much research the author seemed to have done to write this story. I've read too many stories where the characters are artists and then its clear the author knows nothing about art. This is one of the only stories I've read where the author actually seemed like they knew what they were talking about and weren't a dolt about writing from an artist's POV.
There were some minor things that annoyed me like the placeholder names (xx makeup brand, xx actor etc) and I felt the villain could have been better integrated, but overall, this story is a hidden gem in the world of danmei and I wish it got the love it deserved!
Really surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. I started out reading the manhua before moving on to the book. The premise is fun but the story is also full of heart. The characters are well-developed: the author has a solid grasp of their personalities and motivation. The way their relationship evolves is both exciting and believable. I particularly like how both of the characters are constantly pushing each other to become better versions of themselves. The ending is bittersweet but makes sense with the course the story is taking. Will definitely be checking out more books by 七英俊/七世有幸 in the future.