When the Film Empress Jing Xiu’s wedding was in progress, Weibo was swept away by a local bombarding news — “The New Film Empress Ji Youyan Passed Away From Alcoholism”. Soon after, another headline broke out——the wedding was cancelled for some reason. Ji Youyan woke up from her sleep and was shocked to realize that she had returned three years before those events. She returned in the second year after she broke up with Jing Xiu. This time, she swore to never lose her. In those times when we missed each other, we still loved each other. The stars shine brightly on the clear sky. If I’m not by your side, time would be wasted in vain.
Words genuinely can't describe how much I adore this novel. It is absolutely devastating at times and extremely sweet at others, treats its characters seriously and even faces some real social issues. Any romance stands or falls with the main couple and god does this main couple propel the story forward, their chemistry is out of this world, at literally any point in the novel, no matter if they are at odds or super lovey-dovey, there is never any doubt about how unstoppably these two are drawn to each other. And despite the reincarnation premise, the issues they face are surprisingly realistic (at least until the end) and require genuine character growth.
I love this novel, I adore this novel. I read it for the second time already and I still got immediately addicted to it, not able to put it down and blazing through all 140 odd chapters and extras. It is a genuine treat to read and with a new translation that, whilst certainly not perfect (the characters suddenly switch pronouns in 2 or 3 chapters for example) is infinitely more readable than the one I used in my first read and I would wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone remotely interested in character-driven, slow burn lesbian romance.
“With her three souls damaged, coldness seeped into her bones, causing her to suffer from amplified pain during the times when the world's yin energy was at its peak. Only when Ji Youyan's body touched hers, their souls connecting, would Jing Xiu's three souls be complete. Unless her three souls could heal themselves over a long period, in every lifetime, if she couldn't have Ji Youyan by her side to mend her broken soul, Jing Xiu would inevitably face an early death.”
“"Lifetime after lifetime, isn't that a beautiful phrase?" Jing Xiu murmured. She had never hoped for an afterlife. Would they still be themselves with different bodies and experiences? Yet, the idea of reuniting in every lifetime was undeniably alluring.”
This was such a beautiful story that it hurts. What they both had to go through was so heartbreaking but it was all done in the name of love. Misunderstandings, miscommunication, insecurity about one’s self and eventually insecurity about the sincerity of their relationship led to the end of it. From then on it gradually became worser, resulting in the death of Youyan. A “second chance” was given yet they both still had to work hard and put in a lot of effort to make their relationship work again. Seeing how they didn’t rush through anything and little by little, they strengthened and nourished their relationship and also each other was heartwarming yet sorrowful. I’m so happy they got the ending they both desired.
I also learned a few Chinese internet slangs, like lemon and dog food so that added a little bit of comedic relief for me amidst the yearning and sadness of the MCs.
One thing I didn’t like about the writing were two implications of colorism which was so uncalled for but considering where the author comes from and the beauty standard there is not surprising — hence minus 0.25.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
9/10 rounded up eloquently painful, yet sweet and tender 🥺 I'll never forget all the emotions I felt while following the delicately intricate story of Ji Youyan and Jing Xiu. making me feel anxious depressions but also loving warmth. the messages about human relationships this gives to the reader are wonderful too. I've never felt so content after finishing a story. I'm not even sad it's over, it ended just perfectly!! it has a slow start, but once the plot starts to move, I couldn't put it down and ruined my sleeping schedule multiple times. I hope for this to release officially in the West 🙏