For my fifth read from the author, 空菊, I was torn between starting with "Top Edge" or "Aesthetic Formula." I couldn't decide which novel to dive into first. Eventually, I let my Twitter followers decide through a poll, and "Aesthetic Formula" came out on top, so that's the one I went with first.
Honestly, when I started reading "Aesthetic Formula," I had no idea what to expect. The description had me feeling a bit confused, and I was bracing myself for a complicated plot. Surprisingly though, it turned out to be the complete opposite.
The plot was much simpler than I expected. A typical office romance between the boss and the assistant/secretary that blossomed unexpectedly. The story had a manga plot vibe to it, making it easy to picture the scenes unfolding. It was especially so for the smut! The author had a knack for using metaphors to describe the steamy scenes, and it was a clever approach. As a reader, I found it enjoyable to let my imagination run wild while also being entertained by the wordplay.
Plot and smut aside, the romance developed especially well. It was at the right pace, not too fast and not too slow as well. The development of their relationship didn't feel rushed, and the main characters put in genuine effort to make things work between them. The story covered all the essential aspects of a relationship, addressing themes like jealousy and self-consciousness.
I also had a blast with the extras. They were really entertaining and added a funny twist to the story. It was cool how the author let the readers view things from a different perspective. And the side couples' story was so intriguing! I'd love it if the author decided to write a novel about them in the future; or if there is already one, please let me know!
The novel was concise and perfect for binge-reading, but unfortunately, I didn't have the luxury of doing so. I had to pause after a few chapters due to work and other real-life commitments, which stretched out my reading time over several days. As a result, I must admit that my review might not fully do it justice. I'm certain that if I had the chance to read it in one sitting, my appreciation for it would be even greater than it is now. I mentioned in my previous reviews for the author’s novels that her works are a hit-or-miss; and “Aesthetic Formula” is definitely a hit.
Huo Zhixiao, a boss known for his high aesthetic standards regarding potential partners, keeps his assistant, Ding Yinan, continuously on his toes. Ding Yinan falls just right below Huo Zhixiao’s standards, which is why getting romantically involved with each other has never crossed either of their minds. That is, until one day, things turn around for them. The once “one-night-stand-man” Huo Zhixiao turns into the loyal lover of Ding Yinan — and their respective roles as boss and assistant switch.
Aesthetic Formula is a novel with the plot kept rather simple. It deals with both of Ding Yinan’s and Huo Zhixiao’s struggles regarding their work — especially with the huge conflict between Huo Zhixiao and his dad. Topics such as jealousy are addressed in a healthy way and the relationship of the couple consists of proper communication between the both of them.
As the story drags on and the couple’s relationship finally develops, the pacing of the story changes and the plot overall slows down. This led to me having to force myself to finish the last couple of chapters, as I slowly but surely started losing interest. Overall, Aesthetic Formula is a sweet and simple novel, suitable for a light read.
It’s a boss-assistant relationship. The MC is the assistant—decisive, with a strong character. The ML is the boss, who initially appears to be a spoiled nepo baby but is actually very good to the MC. They complement each other well. The story is simple and relaxing, with no angst or tension.
Would I recommend it? If you’re really craving a workplace story, then yes. Otherwise, there are likely other books that would be more worth your time.
Delicious. This is a story about an assistant and his boss who has a high aesthetic standard. Both basically never saw each other as a potential partner, that is, until that One Day.
I found it refreshingly mature and sexy (at least, until the tl'er ruined some scenes by using the anatomy term of the opposite gender). It's interesting to see the gradual changes and the struggles on both sides--the assistant desperately trying to regain the control of his work, while the boss is thirsting and changing from a one-night-stand master to a one-wife family-man.
It's simple & angst-free, maybe more a 3.5⭐ plot-wise, but it was an enjoyable read.
Despite the genre cliches (rich player gong and working class indifferent shou), I really enjoyed the first half of the story. But from the moment they get together the novel starts to look like a long section of extras. There are no more conflicts, no interesting development and everything becomes predictable. I like fluffy stories, but the sweetness alone is not enough to keep my interest.
Aesthetic Formula Dropped at chapter 51. I found it boring. I thought a story about a boss and assistant would be interesting but as soon as the boss showed interest, he just became a golden retriever with no other personality trait than to chase the MC. The MC was also the type that I don't like. The MC kept denying he liked the ML despite evidence to the contrary and it was just annoying. By the time they got together, I was completely bored.