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腹黑和腹黑的终极对决 [Black-Bellied vs. Black-Bellied: Ultimate Showdown]
In order to help his father investigate the true situation at the group’s clothing company, Qi Yu was almost involved in an economic case. Fortunately, he was able to get away because of “an old hand” who had selflessly been providing him with help.
But as his interactions with this old hand grew, Qi Yu gradually began to discover that all this was far less simple than it seemed. He began to have his doubts about the other’s true identity and his purpose for appearing at his side…
“There is only one true heroism in the world: to see the world as it is, and to love it.”
——Romain Rowland
But as his interactions with this old hand grew, Qi Yu gradually began to discover that all this was far less simple than it seemed. He began to have his doubts about the other’s true identity and his purpose for appearing at his side…
“There is only one true heroism in the world: to see the world as it is, and to love it.”
——Romain Rowland
- GenresContemporaryModern
Web Novel
Published January 1, 2020
8 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Xi He Qing Ling
31 books18 followersAssociated Names:
* Xi He Qing Ling
* 羲和清零
* ซีเหอชิงหลิง (Thai)
* Xi He Qing Ling
* 羲和清零
* ซีเหอชิงหลิง (Thai)
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 11, 2022
★★★★☆ [4/5 stars]
I enjoyed reading this novel a lot! The plot is quite heavy in business-related aspect and it sometimes makes my brain unable to function because of too much information. But despite that, the business aspect of the story is also interesting to follow. It's gratifying that I actually learned a bit because of it.
But putting that part of the plot aside, the romance in this novel is actually so good! The relationship of the MC and ML gave a perfect amount of sweetness, bitterness, sexual desire, maturity, understanding, sincerity, longing and devotion. It also sprinkled some angst in the middle of the story, not too much, but it added flavor to their relationship. Reading how their relationship developed, how they experienced ups and downs individually and together, and how they compromised to achieve a happy ever after, it just brought me so much satisfaction and happiness.
This novel might not be perfect, but I'm telling you this is worth it! I'd loved to recommend this to everyone!
I enjoyed reading this novel a lot! The plot is quite heavy in business-related aspect and it sometimes makes my brain unable to function because of too much information. But despite that, the business aspect of the story is also interesting to follow. It's gratifying that I actually learned a bit because of it.
But putting that part of the plot aside, the romance in this novel is actually so good! The relationship of the MC and ML gave a perfect amount of sweetness, bitterness, sexual desire, maturity, understanding, sincerity, longing and devotion. It also sprinkled some angst in the middle of the story, not too much, but it added flavor to their relationship. Reading how their relationship developed, how they experienced ups and downs individually and together, and how they compromised to achieve a happy ever after, it just brought me so much satisfaction and happiness.
This novel might not be perfect, but I'm telling you this is worth it! I'd loved to recommend this to everyone!
November 7, 2025
4.5⭐️ Scheming, Intelligent Older Gong × Rich Second-Gen Shou
This story is deeply rooted in the business world, with much of the plot revolving around corporate life, power plays, and moral dilemmas — yet the romance still shines through. While the Shou is still in college (adding a bit of school life), the main focus stays on work and the intricate, tension-filled dynamics between the leads.
Overall, it’s well written, with layered characters and a strong plot centered on corporate corruption and ethics. It might not appeal to readers who prefer romance-driven stories, since it leans heavily into business themes and moral conflict — but the romance remains an important and satisfying undercurrent.
I found it surprisingly engaging and genuinely enjoyable. Highly recommended!
This story is deeply rooted in the business world, with much of the plot revolving around corporate life, power plays, and moral dilemmas — yet the romance still shines through. While the Shou is still in college (adding a bit of school life), the main focus stays on work and the intricate, tension-filled dynamics between the leads.
Overall, it’s well written, with layered characters and a strong plot centered on corporate corruption and ethics. It might not appeal to readers who prefer romance-driven stories, since it leans heavily into business themes and moral conflict — but the romance remains an important and satisfying undercurrent.
I found it surprisingly engaging and genuinely enjoyable. Highly recommended!
February 1, 2026
This was so good that I haven't felt like starting a new book since I finished this a week ago. Qi Yu has become one of my top favorite characters, the character development in this one was very nicely written.
Also, I need a Fu Yansheng QAQ
Also, I need a Fu Yansheng QAQ
January 4, 2025
viva el danmei!!
September 19, 2022
Read this because Qi Yu is so funny at the The Daily Life of Being the Campus Idol’s Fake Boyfriend. There are a lot of business terms that might be hard to understand for others. The flow and the pace of the story was just right. It was quite fun to read the prideful couple bicker with one another. And I love the author’s humor!
PS. I can’t people Qi Yu is a shou. 😮 I didn’t read the summary so was very shocked by this.
PS. I can’t people Qi Yu is a shou. 😮 I didn’t read the summary so was very shocked by this.
October 22, 2024
Very entertaining. Two thirds through it I felt it dragged a little but then at the end it left me wanting more.
Might be worth a reread, although, like assistant architect, it does drag a bit too long.
Might be worth a reread, although, like assistant architect, it does drag a bit too long.
July 24, 2023
Business intrigue plot involving family generations with plenty of discussions regarding morality, justice, principles, and ethics. It's a white collar crime drama/suspense, with 187 chapters.
The translation by Sleepy Little Mushrooms was excellent and the author footnotes at the end of every chapter were entertaining and added a lot of fun to the story! Aside from being plot-heavy on the business alliances drama aspect (which imo was explained well), the character growth in this was great. You really get to see QY grow from a green student into someone who learnt how to stick by his principles and navigate the realities of the human/business world & friendships, both good and bad; on the other hand you also get to see FYS grow into understanding another side of patience and sacrifice different from just his dedication to work. The side characters were also so fun to read and added a lot of depth, making this story a really well-rounded read because it wasn't just about two people :)
What bumped this up to a 5-star read for me was the fact that the characters are all flawed in their own ways and that there isn't a concrete black and white 'good guy vs bad guy' plot. You end up reflecting on the 'bad guys' decisions and realising that there really isn't just one way of thinking in the world, and that everyone has their reasons for doing things, and that the choices people pick in the end is what makes a person. From getting angry at a character to eventually understanding why they did they things they chose to do, I felt like that author did such a good job in this regard. For example, The 'good guys' also have their own weaknesses and limitations that you can empathise with.
I'd recommend this book for anyone looking for an entertaining, long-ish, and intelligent business intrigue drama plot involving back-and-forth between families and business alliances, with very engaging main & side characters, and a satisfying happy ending.
The translation by Sleepy Little Mushrooms was excellent and the author footnotes at the end of every chapter were entertaining and added a lot of fun to the story! Aside from being plot-heavy on the business alliances drama aspect (which imo was explained well), the character growth in this was great. You really get to see QY grow from a green student into someone who learnt how to stick by his principles and navigate the realities of the human/business world & friendships, both good and bad; on the other hand you also get to see FYS grow into understanding another side of patience and sacrifice different from just his dedication to work. The side characters were also so fun to read and added a lot of depth, making this story a really well-rounded read because it wasn't just about two people :)
What bumped this up to a 5-star read for me was the fact that the characters are all flawed in their own ways and that there isn't a concrete black and white 'good guy vs bad guy' plot. You end up reflecting on the 'bad guys' decisions and realising that there really isn't just one way of thinking in the world, and that everyone has their reasons for doing things, and that the choices people pick in the end is what makes a person. From getting angry at a character to eventually understanding why they did they things they chose to do, I felt like that author did such a good job in this regard. For example, The 'good guys' also have their own weaknesses and limitations that you can empathise with.
I'd recommend this book for anyone looking for an entertaining, long-ish, and intelligent business intrigue drama plot involving back-and-forth between families and business alliances, with very engaging main & side characters, and a satisfying happy ending.
September 10, 2022
This is a wonderful story and even though the other 2 stories in this universe sound completely different, this novel makes me very eager to read them.
I absolutely love how the author carefully lays out her ideals, and what she thinks business owners should use as their moral compass. People should be smart enough to analyze their situation with a clear mind, but they shouldn't be afraid of choosing the suboptimal decision if it means upholding their values. So many companies now, especially if they are listed, are purely driven by the pursuit of profits that they forget to pursue the long game - a safe, honest, and fair environment for them to operate in and for their family to live in. Sometimes, an entity that just has an interest in upholding the law and the good of the general public really does need to step in to ensure corruption and quick illicit money doesn't become an accepted norm. It makes me think of the usefulness of regulations (environmental , worker rights, welfare services, economic) and the rising interest in esg investing. In my mind, these are all good things. Anyone who complains about them, or the taxes that are needed to fund them, just need to think about the conterfactual. Think about the environmental damages when industries could pollute at will, the deaths before worker safety was a concern, the economic crashes due to reckless financial investments. We have it good, but we have it good because there are people that were willing to force others to act selflessly. Similarly, businesses in esg funds are sometimes not actually as pure as they seem, but the fact that there's interest in companies that try to look out for the environmental or societal good is a good sign.
I also loved reading the analysis of people's interests in this story. To make the main moral point, the author pulled out all the stops in creating business and personal intrigue. This made for exciting reading and an engaging plot.
Finally, I thought the main relationship was very wholesome. It started out with each person acting and thinking selfishly, like most relationships, but then slowly evolved into both people being able to think of what's best for the other. The ml helps teach the Mc, but the Mc gives the ml someone who can also eventually challenge him.
My only gripe is that I wish more of the side couples worked out. I kept shipping them and getting disappointed. Why is there only the main couple! This story is teaming with possibilities!
I absolutely love how the author carefully lays out her ideals, and what she thinks business owners should use as their moral compass. People should be smart enough to analyze their situation with a clear mind, but they shouldn't be afraid of choosing the suboptimal decision if it means upholding their values. So many companies now, especially if they are listed, are purely driven by the pursuit of profits that they forget to pursue the long game - a safe, honest, and fair environment for them to operate in and for their family to live in. Sometimes, an entity that just has an interest in upholding the law and the good of the general public really does need to step in to ensure corruption and quick illicit money doesn't become an accepted norm. It makes me think of the usefulness of regulations (environmental , worker rights, welfare services, economic) and the rising interest in esg investing. In my mind, these are all good things. Anyone who complains about them, or the taxes that are needed to fund them, just need to think about the conterfactual. Think about the environmental damages when industries could pollute at will, the deaths before worker safety was a concern, the economic crashes due to reckless financial investments. We have it good, but we have it good because there are people that were willing to force others to act selflessly. Similarly, businesses in esg funds are sometimes not actually as pure as they seem, but the fact that there's interest in companies that try to look out for the environmental or societal good is a good sign.
I also loved reading the analysis of people's interests in this story. To make the main moral point, the author pulled out all the stops in creating business and personal intrigue. This made for exciting reading and an engaging plot.
Finally, I thought the main relationship was very wholesome. It started out with each person acting and thinking selfishly, like most relationships, but then slowly evolved into both people being able to think of what's best for the other. The ml helps teach the Mc, but the Mc gives the ml someone who can also eventually challenge him.
My only gripe is that I wish more of the side couples worked out. I kept shipping them and getting disappointed. Why is there only the main couple! This story is teaming with possibilities!
September 16, 2025
This story completely took me by surprise. It’s rare to find something that strikes the perfect balance between sharp intelligence and deep, emotional storytelling—but Black-Bellied vs. Black-Bellied nails it. Every chapter is layered with heartache, warmth, growth, and love that feels so raw and equal, it lingers long after you’ve finished reading.
Xi He Qing Ling absolutely outdid themselves. The way they wove together romance, plot, character development, humor, and intelligence? 10/10. Nothing ever felt rushed or forced—it all unfolded naturally and with such care.
What truly pulled me in were the leads: Qi Yu and Fu Yansheng. Watching Qi Yu grow from a headstrong, privileged kid into a capable, thoughtful business leader was beautiful. And Fu Yansheng, with his calm, composed exterior slowly cracking to reveal his real emotions? Just chef’s kiss. They didn’t just fall in love—they lifted each other up. Every step of the way.
Honestly, I’m still thinking about them. I’d give anything for a few more extras, just to see a glimpse of their lives after everything. The writing is that good.
Xi He Qing Ling is definitely an author to watch. This story isn’t just well written—it’s full of soul.
Xi He Qing Ling absolutely outdid themselves. The way they wove together romance, plot, character development, humor, and intelligence? 10/10. Nothing ever felt rushed or forced—it all unfolded naturally and with such care.
What truly pulled me in were the leads: Qi Yu and Fu Yansheng. Watching Qi Yu grow from a headstrong, privileged kid into a capable, thoughtful business leader was beautiful. And Fu Yansheng, with his calm, composed exterior slowly cracking to reveal his real emotions? Just chef’s kiss. They didn’t just fall in love—they lifted each other up. Every step of the way.
Honestly, I’m still thinking about them. I’d give anything for a few more extras, just to see a glimpse of their lives after everything. The writing is that good.
Xi He Qing Ling is definitely an author to watch. This story isn’t just well written—it’s full of soul.
March 13, 2023
[5 / 2.7] I picked this novel up on a whim and didn't have much expectation for it. I didn't read the other book that shares the same universe with this one either, so I really set off blindly on this 187-chapter-long journey.
I enjoyed the storytelling. there wasn't a part where I felt like the story was standing in one place.
the plot was a little predictable but otherwise fun to follow. I was content with seeing where the story was heading, given that it could've gone into total drama land with crazy plot twists and the like.
Qi Yu was a great main character! the more the story progressed, the more fond and empathetic I've become toward him. seeing him turning "black-bellied" was my greatest joy, but I also liked how people started to respect and count on him.
I was totally on board with the main relationship, especially because of how messy and affair-like it was. Fu Yansheng and Qi Yu carried the entire story. Their love truly shined through in the later parts of the novel (where I was completely won over). Not to mention a sort of bittersweet taste I felt over and over again with their long-distance relationship, Fu Yansheng's super secret job, or the helplessness the two of them often found themselves restrained by – just to name a few examples.
To mention a few shortcomings, though... so many characters were left behind, and so many plot threads were left hanging.
I was displeased about the timing of the ending as well. Why there? Why like that?
I heard there's an additional novel to this one(?) that hasn't been picked up by anyone, so for the time being, I can only hope that maybe one day I will be able to feed my curiosity.
Rich people and capitalism are still the roots of all evil and every problem.
I enjoyed the storytelling. there wasn't a part where I felt like the story was standing in one place.
the plot was a little predictable but otherwise fun to follow. I was content with seeing where the story was heading, given that it could've gone into total drama land with crazy plot twists and the like.
Qi Yu was a great main character! the more the story progressed, the more fond and empathetic I've become toward him. seeing him turning "black-bellied" was my greatest joy, but I also liked how people started to respect and count on him.
I was totally on board with the main relationship, especially because of how messy and affair-like it was. Fu Yansheng and Qi Yu carried the entire story. Their love truly shined through in the later parts of the novel (where I was completely won over). Not to mention a sort of bittersweet taste I felt over and over again with their long-distance relationship, Fu Yansheng's super secret job, or the helplessness the two of them often found themselves restrained by – just to name a few examples.
To mention a few shortcomings, though... so many characters were left behind, and so many plot threads were left hanging.
I was displeased about the timing of the ending as well. Why there? Why like that?
I heard there's an additional novel to this one(?) that hasn't been picked up by anyone, so for the time being, I can only hope that maybe one day I will be able to feed my curiosity.
Rich people and capitalism are still the roots of all evil and every problem.
November 22, 2024
Um pouco longa demais para uma novel de business war, mas tudo bem.
Gostei do casal principal, embora... bem, a censura me derrubou.
5 estrelas pela qualidade de escrita, mas achei que faltou pelo menos alguns extras deles sendo felizes.
Gostei do casal principal, embora... bem, a censura me derrubou.
5 estrelas pela qualidade de escrita, mas achei que faltou pelo menos alguns extras deles sendo felizes.
February 28, 2023
Actually 4.5, but I put 5 because the character development and interactions are very good. Is it a little idealistic at times? perhaps, but that's what I read novels for :)
March 9, 2023
I still don’t understand business
November 5, 2022
dnf @ 51%
just not my type of a book, if it wasn't so long i would've probably finished it but i'm not gonna waste so much time on it 😭
just not my type of a book, if it wasn't so long i would've probably finished it but i'm not gonna waste so much time on it 😭
January 26, 2025
I'm going to love this, on the first chapter already laughing out loud :D
December 26, 2023
I never wrote my thoughts on this but that's okay because I'm doing a re-read! Yay!
***
OMG YES! I remember now... I loved this book! character development and plot are 10/10 (To me who knows nothing about runing a company and stock market, to more knowledgeable ppl this might be dumb idk)
anyway, now I remember why this a 4star and not the five I really want to give. The middle part drags a little bit and the Xu Jing drama is a little annoying.
Like,dear author, you openly refer to Lin Huan as a tool man xD he has no fuckin lines! and that's very intentionally made by the author so, what the fuck is Xu Jing? He's a tool man with lines. No wonder he ends up on Lin Huan side.... they're the both sides of the tool man profile.
Anyway, I love Qi Yu (thanks god) I still hate Qi Feng and Ling Ke, I usually love when novels are connected and we get to see cameos but not here. I dnf'd Qi Feng's book because of how annoying and childish he is and his boyfriend is no better! Having to read about them being so childish here, with Qi Yu as a comparision was painful. Actually, when I read this the first time it was a fluke. I hated the "prequel" to this book so much that I didn't want to read about "Qi Feng's brother". I can0t remember why I started this book in the end, I think I left it cooking for so long that I forgot the context and ended up reading it and thanks god! because this is nothing like its predecessor.
About the characters I would say, Qi Yu was the weakest point and he's amazing. So not much critique on this front.
I call him the weak point because his deveolpment is a little clunky and inconsistent. Sometimes he's ridiculously dumb, which he aknowledges in restrospective but by then is already late! The mistakes have been made, you are a bussinessman my dear, you need to think deeply before acting! anyway, I won't be harsh on him he's in his early twenties so he's already doing amazing.
Fu Yansheng is goals xD peak boyfriend material... sometimes lol the way he stalked Qi Yu is a little creepy, but everything turned out for the best so I will forgive him his dark romance vibes lol
Qi Yuancheng is a deus-ex-machina. Whenever a plot point is hard or long to explain/develop, she would send Qi Yu back to the States and left all the mess to his father to fix behind the curtain and I approve of this move. Any more bussiness/stock explanation and I would've fallen as sleep. She found a good balance and we have Qi Yuancheng to thank for this.
The rest of the cast... I really like them. I really like Xu Jing too. Even as a tool man he had his highlights.
Ye Qinru is a precious little darling and we must protect him xD same as Su Jing. I loved this man from the first moment he step foot on that restaurant and called Ye Qinru on his bs xD Such a fresh air of sass lol
Anyway, the important thing about this book is that is a romance book and as such it stands. The strangers to "friends" to lovers is done wonderfully (if not a little creepily considering our darling Fu Yansheng started out as a stalker... kinda lol).
He was really patient and understanding of Qi Yu's times and need even though he was a first timer too lol
Is a sweet romance and as the title says, they both are black bellied lol always wanting to be top dog.
The mini theathers after each chapter were a good highlight too. Really funny to read :)
Re read value: top stars. I will read this again sometime in the future.
***
OMG YES! I remember now... I loved this book! character development and plot are 10/10 (To me who knows nothing about runing a company and stock market, to more knowledgeable ppl this might be dumb idk)
anyway, now I remember why this a 4star and not the five I really want to give. The middle part drags a little bit and the Xu Jing drama is a little annoying.
Like,dear author, you openly refer to Lin Huan as a tool man xD he has no fuckin lines! and that's very intentionally made by the author so, what the fuck is Xu Jing? He's a tool man with lines. No wonder he ends up on Lin Huan side.... they're the both sides of the tool man profile.
Anyway, I love Qi Yu (thanks god) I still hate Qi Feng and Ling Ke, I usually love when novels are connected and we get to see cameos but not here. I dnf'd Qi Feng's book because of how annoying and childish he is and his boyfriend is no better! Having to read about them being so childish here, with Qi Yu as a comparision was painful. Actually, when I read this the first time it was a fluke. I hated the "prequel" to this book so much that I didn't want to read about "Qi Feng's brother". I can0t remember why I started this book in the end, I think I left it cooking for so long that I forgot the context and ended up reading it and thanks god! because this is nothing like its predecessor.
About the characters I would say, Qi Yu was the weakest point and he's amazing. So not much critique on this front.
I call him the weak point because his deveolpment is a little clunky and inconsistent. Sometimes he's ridiculously dumb, which he aknowledges in restrospective but by then is already late! The mistakes have been made, you are a bussinessman my dear, you need to think deeply before acting! anyway, I won't be harsh on him he's in his early twenties so he's already doing amazing.
Fu Yansheng is goals xD peak boyfriend material... sometimes lol the way he stalked Qi Yu is a little creepy, but everything turned out for the best so I will forgive him his dark romance vibes lol
Qi Yuancheng is a deus-ex-machina. Whenever a plot point is hard or long to explain/develop, she would send Qi Yu back to the States and left all the mess to his father to fix behind the curtain and I approve of this move. Any more bussiness/stock explanation and I would've fallen as sleep. She found a good balance and we have Qi Yuancheng to thank for this.
The rest of the cast... I really like them. I really like Xu Jing too. Even as a tool man he had his highlights.
Ye Qinru is a precious little darling and we must protect him xD same as Su Jing. I loved this man from the first moment he step foot on that restaurant and called Ye Qinru on his bs xD Such a fresh air of sass lol
Anyway, the important thing about this book is that is a romance book and as such it stands. The strangers to "friends" to lovers is done wonderfully (if not a little creepily considering our darling Fu Yansheng started out as a stalker... kinda lol).
He was really patient and understanding of Qi Yu's times and need even though he was a first timer too lol
Is a sweet romance and as the title says, they both are black bellied lol always wanting to be top dog.
The mini theathers after each chapter were a good highlight too. Really funny to read :)
Re read value: top stars. I will read this again sometime in the future.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews