Ji Qingzhou crossed into a book of dogblood scum and abuse. There were two choices in front of him.
A: Choose the genuine slag Gong in the original book, and start a sadistic and abusive romance with Fang Yaoxuan filled with domestic abuse, a dead mom, and leaving the entertainment circle.
B: Choose the cannon fodder Villain, Chu Cheng, and be free of the slag Gong forever.
Ji Qingzhou wordlessly chose B without a second thought.
Chu Cheng was of distinguished birth and became the head of a popular company at a comparatively young age. He had seen many beauties in the entertainment circle, but just happened to be fond of Ji Qingzhou.
A friend asked him, “Do you like this little star?”
Chu Cheng shook his head. “No, just playing with him.”
Outside the door, Ji Qingzhou nodded. Yes, that was what the book said.
A few months later, Ji Qingzhou was walking away while answering the phone, when he overheard someone saying, “Ji Qingzhou? Oh, Chu Cheng is just playing with him. Once he’s played enough, they’ll split.”
Ji Qingzhou was just about to nod, but then he heard Chu Cheng’s furious reply: “Nonsense! Which bastard told you that! Doesn’t he know that those who disturb a marriage will be kicked by a horse!”
Ji Qingzhou: ??? Wait, no, this is not what the book said!
This is another showbiz/entertainment danmei, but this novel focused more on the romance/relationship side of the story than the actual showbiz itself. Unlike any other showbiz danmei I've read before, the process of filming the movie or TV shows here wasn't as detailed, except for the variety shows where the MC, ML and other characters are acting as themselves. This made it more character driven because of that.
This has a contractual relationship as a trope. The MC agreed to be the ML's kept lover as a payment for his debt but despite that, they have a very fluffy and sweet relationship. Even though it's part of the contract for them to be sexually involve with each other, the ML never forced the MC in any way. It even ended up with ML not daring to go beyond kissing and hugging because he cared about the MC's future relationship after their contract expired.
The MC realized his feelings first but since he's aware that he can't fall in love with the ML, he wasn't really expecting his feelings to be reciprocated. He only took advantage of their contract of being intimate with each other to convey his feelings but didn't dare to confess. He even try to offer himself to the ML, which is originally part of their contract, to indirectly show his feelings but the ML refused to take his first time. In MC's perspective, that refusal served as the ML's rejection.
ML, on the other hand, is slow with his feelings. He knew that the MC was getting more special for him the more they spend their time together but he never associated it with love. He strictly stuck with their one year agreement and thought that even if they part ways, they could still maintain their friendship. He never thought that even though they parted ways peacefully, both of them could feel the emptiness in their heart.
There's a short, slight angst in the story but this is mostly fluffy, funny and lighthearted. So much dogfood in this novel, which is very satisfying. There are also a few side couples and a lot of very likeable side characters. Also, the title might include 'reborn', but it's more of a transmigration so don't be misled. Very recommended!
DNF around chapter 70. I wasn't feeling the ML at all, who was annoying me with his wishy washy-ness. I didn't find their relationship very realistic at all either. Who does the MC think he's trying to fool by calling the ML his boyfriend?
Plus their relationship didn't develop much after reading 1/3 of the story, and much of their interactions are over text or calls as they're physically separated due to work, so I don't think it's worth my effort to continue.
Não vou fingir que não gostei, porque gostei. É uma obra prima? Não. Tem o enredo mais interessante do mundo? Não. Mas me diverti pacas lendo, me prendeu demais. Achei muito pouco o conflito e bem raso os do casal, também não senti que os vilões tiveram um final bem feito. A autora deu alguns pontos sem nó e nunca mais falou sobre que eu fiquei????¿¿¿. Porém, gostei, gostei do protagonista, gostei do ML e principalmente me diverti lendo. Uma boa leitura para passar o tempo, recomendo.