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Restricted Area [禁区]
Jiang Chijing had always used surveilling prisoners’ every move to satiate his voyeuristic appetite.
Until one day, an extremely dangerous convict entered the prison—and Jiang Chijing was caught spying on him.
The watcher became the watched, the hunter became the hunted. Facing Zheng Mingyi, who closed in tighter with every step, Jiang Chijing was forced to brace his arms against the other’s chest, warning him:
“This is my restricted area. Please get out.”
–
High IQ white-collar prisoner • gong x Prison librarian • shou
No basis behind the plot setting, don’t project it into reality.
The stance in this novel is that voyeurism is bad and has never endorsed it.
Fundamentally sweet, no angst.
Until one day, an extremely dangerous convict entered the prison—and Jiang Chijing was caught spying on him.
The watcher became the watched, the hunter became the hunted. Facing Zheng Mingyi, who closed in tighter with every step, Jiang Chijing was forced to brace his arms against the other’s chest, warning him:
“This is my restricted area. Please get out.”
–
High IQ white-collar prisoner • gong x Prison librarian • shou
No basis behind the plot setting, don’t project it into reality.
The stance in this novel is that voyeurism is bad and has never endorsed it.
Fundamentally sweet, no angst.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
January 18, 2024
You know, I was living a happy and fulfilling (reading)life minding my own business and then Meli went and recommended me a Danmei novel and here I am, one week, 2 books in and 1500 pages later (don’t worry, THIS ONE HERE IS ONLY, LIKE 400 PAGES ) absolutely obsessed.
I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this book. It was hard at first getting used to the unusual writing (translation actually) because of the speech differences but once you get over the somewhat stiff and formal dialogues the books are amazing. This one here is so unique and captivating.. And 🥵 in a slow burn no sex on page way (because China) .
Restricted Area is about two neighbors.Well, not exactly but that’s how it all starts 😁 JC is a voyeur who works as a prison librarian/officer. He mostly likes to spy on his hot (albeit boring)corporate worker neighbor ZM (he uses a monocular and everything). Things happen and one day his hot neighbor arrives at the prison as an inmate accused of a white collar crime (he’s a stockbroker). And thus a thug of war starts in which ZM reveals his secrets bit by bit and gives us quite a few surprises,twists and turns while at the same time seducing and keeping JC totally on his toes . And let’s not forget, trying to survive the many dangers of a prison. The UST is awesome, the jealousy and teasing and banter, the “leave me alone come closer” is so entertaining. And I confess, I didn’t like JC (the librarian) at first, he was lazy, self centered,judgmental and a snob yet by the end of the book I adored him. He’s such a badass . I LOVED IT!!! I can’t say I understood the stocks and market and companies and brokers bits though, they flew over my head 🥴🫣 but the book has a lot of depth and it’s quite light . Not the dark prison kind.
The last chapters are a bit OTT but I didn’t mind .
Also I have to mention that , since it’s a prison ,some details (not many) are a bit triggering, the worse being the rape of a side character (a villain ) off page. I didn’t like it that the author chose to add that bit to be honest, I found it distasteful.
Anyway, if you like enemies to lovers (sort of), hot UST, protective badass MCs, subtle romantic gestures and good dialogues this is your book. 😍
I leave the link with the book from the amazing translator’s page. I hope it’s alright.
https://ninetysevenkoi.wordpress.com/ra/
I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this book. It was hard at first getting used to the unusual writing (translation actually) because of the speech differences but once you get over the somewhat stiff and formal dialogues the books are amazing. This one here is so unique and captivating.. And 🥵 in a slow burn no sex on page way (because China) .
Restricted Area is about two neighbors.Well, not exactly but that’s how it all starts 😁 JC is a voyeur who works as a prison librarian/officer. He mostly likes to spy on his hot (albeit boring)corporate worker neighbor ZM (he uses a monocular and everything). Things happen and one day his hot neighbor arrives at the prison as an inmate accused of a white collar crime (he’s a stockbroker). And thus a thug of war starts in which ZM reveals his secrets bit by bit and gives us quite a few surprises,twists and turns while at the same time seducing and keeping JC totally on his toes . And let’s not forget, trying to survive the many dangers of a prison. The UST is awesome, the jealousy and teasing and banter, the “leave me alone come closer” is so entertaining. And I confess, I didn’t like JC (the librarian) at first, he was lazy, self centered,judgmental and a snob yet by the end of the book I adored him. He’s such a badass . I LOVED IT!!! I can’t say I understood the stocks and market and companies and brokers bits though, they flew over my head 🥴🫣 but the book has a lot of depth and it’s quite light . Not the dark prison kind.
The last chapters are a bit OTT but I didn’t mind .
Also I have to mention that , since it’s a prison ,some details (not many) are a bit triggering, the worse being the rape of a side character (a villain ) off page. I didn’t like it that the author chose to add that bit to be honest, I found it distasteful.
Anyway, if you like enemies to lovers (sort of), hot UST, protective badass MCs, subtle romantic gestures and good dialogues this is your book. 😍
I leave the link with the book from the amazing translator’s page. I hope it’s alright.
https://ninetysevenkoi.wordpress.com/ra/
February 14, 2025
loved it, such a great read! ❤️❤️
July 28, 2024
RTC... too many thoughts!!!
All I can say is Zheng Mingyi and Jiang Chijing are absolute geniuses which makes the flirty banter so much more fun to read urghhh 😩❤️
and the side couples are absolutely adorable... I wish we had more Luo Hai and Yu Guang scenes tho
Highly recommend this to anyone who wants to switch to a story in a modern setting, equal amounts of lessons on stocks and romance with so much tension (It was literally suffocating 😭😂)
All I can say is Zheng Mingyi and Jiang Chijing are absolute geniuses which makes the flirty banter so much more fun to read urghhh 😩❤️
and the side couples are absolutely adorable... I wish we had more Luo Hai and Yu Guang scenes tho
Highly recommend this to anyone who wants to switch to a story in a modern setting, equal amounts of lessons on stocks and romance with so much tension (It was literally suffocating 😭😂)
April 12, 2022
★★★★★ [5/5 stars]
I was trying to get out of my reading slump caused by a particular novel and came across this novel while looking for something to entertain me. I was not convinced at first and thought that since this novel is quite short, even if I ended up not liking this, it wouldn't take too much time. I was totally not expecting to pick up a gem!
Honestly, the only downside of this is that it was too short for me!! Though plot-wise, this has a perfect length, not too condensed and not too dragging either. But because I loved this so much and I want to read more of the MC and ML, 66 chapters are definitely not enough.
What I loved the most about this is the relationship between Jiang Chijing (MC) and Zheng Mingyi (ML). Among the countless BL couples that I've read, they're definitely included on the top of the list that has a great chemistry. The sexual tension between them is almost tangible, it was making me sweat. Their bickering and flirting really made my mouth ached from grinning so much. They're also both have wild and filthy mind, so imagine their sex life. They're so enjoyable to read that I didn't even realized I already reached the end of the novel. That's why I thought it was too short for me!!
I also loved Zheng Mingyi's sexy brain!! Jiang Jiang is definitely not stupid but when he's having a verbal sparring with his man, his brain was turning into paste and according to him, he really needed to spend too much brain cells. It's so funny when they're having two different conversations at the same time. Reading their antics brought me so much happiness and satisfaction!!
Seriously, please read this one. It has mature topics but this is not particularly dark theme. Be ready for their palpable chemistry that you will definitely love. I highly recommend this amazing novel to everyone!
I was trying to get out of my reading slump caused by a particular novel and came across this novel while looking for something to entertain me. I was not convinced at first and thought that since this novel is quite short, even if I ended up not liking this, it wouldn't take too much time. I was totally not expecting to pick up a gem!
Honestly, the only downside of this is that it was too short for me!! Though plot-wise, this has a perfect length, not too condensed and not too dragging either. But because I loved this so much and I want to read more of the MC and ML, 66 chapters are definitely not enough.
What I loved the most about this is the relationship between Jiang Chijing (MC) and Zheng Mingyi (ML). Among the countless BL couples that I've read, they're definitely included on the top of the list that has a great chemistry. The sexual tension between them is almost tangible, it was making me sweat. Their bickering and flirting really made my mouth ached from grinning so much. They're also both have wild and filthy mind, so imagine their sex life. They're so enjoyable to read that I didn't even realized I already reached the end of the novel. That's why I thought it was too short for me!!
I also loved Zheng Mingyi's sexy brain!! Jiang Jiang is definitely not stupid but when he's having a verbal sparring with his man, his brain was turning into paste and according to him, he really needed to spend too much brain cells. It's so funny when they're having two different conversations at the same time. Reading their antics brought me so much happiness and satisfaction!!
Seriously, please read this one. It has mature topics but this is not particularly dark theme. Be ready for their palpable chemistry that you will definitely love. I highly recommend this amazing novel to everyone!
May 15, 2023
4.4 ⭐
Ahhhh I loved it! The chemistry of this couple was amazing. Their mental conversations, the subliminal messages in every word they said, the banter, the sexual tension, and their dirty fantasies made me laugh out loud.
On the other hand, I wasn't expecting the story to be so sweet. They were perfect for each other. Feeding dog food to everyone in the prison and making me feel single 🙈.
Surprisingly, the power balance of those two was remarkable. They are a pure green flag, although a slightly dirty one 😂.
Ahhhh I loved it! The chemistry of this couple was amazing. Their mental conversations, the subliminal messages in every word they said, the banter, the sexual tension, and their dirty fantasies made me laugh out loud.
On the other hand, I wasn't expecting the story to be so sweet. They were perfect for each other. Feeding dog food to everyone in the prison and making me feel single 🙈.
Surprisingly, the power balance of those two was remarkable. They are a pure green flag, although a slightly dirty one 😂.
January 2, 2024
4.5 stars
This was so much fun! I didn't like one of ways payback was handled in the prison.
The rest though was awesome. The scheming, the flirting, and relationship progression were great.
This was so much fun! I didn't like one of ways payback was handled in the prison.
The rest though was awesome. The scheming, the flirting, and relationship progression were great.
January 22, 2024
4.5 — SO FUN!!!!!!!!!!
July 5, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
this book taught me about stocks & gave me three (oddly) sweet and steamy couples & it kept me heavily invested even though i was lost plot wise. not bad but i wanted some more development between the MC & ML. but considering the fact that it’s only 66 chapters + extras, restricted area delivered on what it promised
this book taught me about stocks & gave me three (oddly) sweet and steamy couples & it kept me heavily invested even though i was lost plot wise. not bad but i wanted some more development between the MC & ML. but considering the fact that it’s only 66 chapters + extras, restricted area delivered on what it promised
April 1, 2022
If a story has a power couple, I'M IN!!!
Pervy (Voyeur) Prison Librarian meets High IQ Sexy Inmate who happens to be his neighbor he secretly spies (and who also happens to be quite pervy too, lol). The chemistry, the banter, the sexual tension. SO GOOOOOOD!!
A really, really fun read!!!!
Pervy (Voyeur) Prison Librarian meets High IQ Sexy Inmate who happens to be his neighbor he secretly spies (and who also happens to be quite pervy too, lol). The chemistry, the banter, the sexual tension. SO GOOOOOOD!!
A really, really fun read!!!!
June 7, 2024
اول جهت اطلاع بگم این ناول بی اله و دوجلده(ترجمه).
جلد اولش یک ماه پیش خوندم و اولاش برام جذاب نبود کشش نداشت ولی نیمه دوم داستان تازه کم کم جالب شد و کارکترا افتاده بودند به جون هم دیگه.
داستان کلا توی زندان اتفاق می افته و خیلی کم بیرون از زندانه و شما شاهد یک مشت دیونه روانی هستید که بعضی هاشون یکم جذابیت هم دارند و نمیتونید خودتون کنترل کنید در برابر این همه زیبایی..
کتاب دوم دو روز پیش به دستم رسید و من تو یک روز نیم خوندم و تمومش کردم و عاشقش شدم مخصوصا جلد دوم کارکتر تاپ(مینگی)یه شخصیتی داره که آدم دلش میخواد بگیره بزنتش چرا؟چون فکر کنید هم باهوش و هم قشنگ لاس میزنه و همچنین یه آدم زیرک و باهوشیه که تو کار سهام و توش مهارت خیلی زیادی داره.
حالا با خودتون میگید چرا همچین آدمی به زندان افتاده؟من که نمیگم شاید این آدم دوتا شخصیت داره یکی آروم باهوش و اون یکی دیونه روانی کی میدونه دقیقا یا حتی میشه گفت براش پاپوش درست کردن که همچین آدم باهوشی چرا باید گیر همچین پاپوش مسخره ای بی افته...شما بعد از خوندنش متوجه می شید^^
داستان ما از این قراره که جیانگ جیجینگ که یه زندانبان(مسئول کتابخونه)یه مشکل و بیماری داره که یه رازه و هیچکس از این رازش خبر نداره،اون دوست داره همسایه ی روبرویش زیر نظر بگیره ببینه چیکار میکنه و زمانی که لخته اون تماشا میکنه و یجورایی جاسوسی میکنه ولی جاسوسی معمولی نیست...
ترجمه ناول خوب بود از نامابوکس گرفتم من و اینکه صحنه داشت ولی خیلی واضح نبود ولی درکل کتاب جلو دست کسی نزارید^^
جلد اولش یک ماه پیش خوندم و اولاش برام جذاب نبود کشش نداشت ولی نیمه دوم داستان تازه کم کم جالب شد و کارکترا افتاده بودند به جون هم دیگه.
داستان کلا توی زندان اتفاق می افته و خیلی کم بیرون از زندانه و شما شاهد یک مشت دیونه روانی هستید که بعضی هاشون یکم جذابیت هم دارند و نمیتونید خودتون کنترل کنید در برابر این همه زیبایی..
کتاب دوم دو روز پیش به دستم رسید و من تو یک روز نیم خوندم و تمومش کردم و عاشقش شدم مخصوصا جلد دوم کارکتر تاپ(مینگی)یه شخصیتی داره که آدم دلش میخواد بگیره بزنتش چرا؟چون فکر کنید هم باهوش و هم قشنگ لاس میزنه و همچنین یه آدم زیرک و باهوشیه که تو کار سهام و توش مهارت خیلی زیادی داره.
حالا با خودتون میگید چرا همچین آدمی به زندان افتاده؟من که نمیگم شاید این آدم دوتا شخصیت داره یکی آروم باهوش و اون یکی دیونه روانی کی میدونه دقیقا یا حتی میشه گفت براش پاپوش درست کردن که همچین آدم باهوشی چرا باید گیر همچین پاپوش مسخره ای بی افته...شما بعد از خوندنش متوجه می شید^^
داستان ما از این قراره که جیانگ جیجینگ که یه زندانبان(مسئول کتابخونه)یه مشکل و بیماری داره که یه رازه و هیچکس از این رازش خبر نداره،اون دوست داره همسایه ی روبرویش زیر نظر بگیره ببینه چیکار میکنه و زمانی که لخته اون تماشا میکنه و یجورایی جاسوسی میکنه ولی جاسوسی معمولی نیست...
ترجمه ناول خوب بود از نامابوکس گرفتم من و اینکه صحنه داشت ولی خیلی واضح نبود ولی درکل کتاب جلو دست کسی نزارید^^
January 12, 2022
This novel is amazing. I love the mutual kinks and slow acceptance of each other. The busting of preconceptions they had about each other. The action near the end. This is like Pride and Prejudice bent together with Administration by Manna Francis and had a sassy baby.
I love the dynamic between all the couples, but especially the main one. They support each other and each brings a different skill to the relationship. They've each saved the other - there's mutual pampering, but you never get the impression they give up and rely on the pampering to get by.
That said, the authors is great about acknowledging how each relationship is different. There's one that seems toxic to outsiders, but seems to be based on strong mutual love and understanding. There's another where there is immense pampering. In the end, like the MC proposes, everyone has their good and their bad, and similarly, every relationship has an inside story.
I love the dynamic between all the couples, but especially the main one. They support each other and each brings a different skill to the relationship. They've each saved the other - there's mutual pampering, but you never get the impression they give up and rely on the pampering to get by.
That said, the authors is great about acknowledging how each relationship is different. There's one that seems toxic to outsiders, but seems to be based on strong mutual love and understanding. There's another where there is immense pampering. In the end, like the MC proposes, everyone has their good and their bad, and similarly, every relationship has an inside story.
October 28, 2023
please imagine just inhuman screech. this novel was that good.
very swift and interesting plot, smart couple, nicely written side couples. my most fave danmei novel of this year for sure.
also - while reading it all i wanted to do is to eat strawberry jam. and i did! for breakfast, i even got one jar of jam to work so i could make little snacks with it there. crazy. im just sad i cant do my own strawberry jam.
very swift and interesting plot, smart couple, nicely written side couples. my most fave danmei novel of this year for sure.
also - while reading it all i wanted to do is to eat strawberry jam. and i did! for breakfast, i even got one jar of jam to work so i could make little snacks with it there. crazy. im just sad i cant do my own strawberry jam.
February 7, 2024
It was a light and entertaining read, but it did not really capture me. I enjoyed the prison setting and the financial market background, and I also enjoyed the "forbidden relationship" atmosphere. But there were a few things that bothered me a little. I felt the author was often overexplaining the subtexts in the characters' lines, even when they were cristal clear. I also felt that many plot developments were quite predictable. I missed some surprise. It is not between my favorite danmei, but it is not bad.
April 22, 2022
ahhh, this was really good. in comparison to the stuff i usually read, this was quite unique and different.
oh yeah, it has lots of sexual tension. like, so much.
oh yeah, it has lots of sexual tension. like, so much.
June 29, 2023
i know absolutely nothing about stocks so that all went over my head but i was there for a good time not an educational one. for my personal preference i would have loved it if it was a little longer but i do think that the length that it is was the perfect amount for what this story wanted to tell. i just love long books.
the main couple were perfect for each other and was set up for my to love them for some reason i didn't super love them together?? i still liked them together but i wasnt obsessed and thats why it isnt rated higher. also would have loved to learn more about yu guang and luo hai.
the main couple were perfect for each other and was set up for my to love them for some reason i didn't super love them together?? i still liked them together but i wasnt obsessed and thats why it isnt rated higher. also would have loved to learn more about yu guang and luo hai.
November 24, 2025
After a few first chapters, I wanted to give up on this, thinking it's not for me. However, after I started to feel this story, it went smoothly! People weren't lying when they said the main couple had incredible chemistry. I enjoyed their bickering and flirting. Zheng Mingyi totally matched Jiang Chijing's freak and vice versa.
But was it perfect? Definitely not. In fact, everything went too smoothly. The story focuses more on characters and their stay in prison, yet it's still a nice read on your day off.
But was it perfect? Definitely not. In fact, everything went too smoothly. The story focuses more on characters and their stay in prison, yet it's still a nice read on your day off.
October 28, 2022
the sexual tension que manejan estos dos INCREÍBLE nd más para decir
February 2, 2024
4.5/5
Review here: https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews...
Review here: https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews...
October 14, 2023
Both of them are perverted and dirty-minded with high working brains. This story focused on MC starting from crush to being friend before suddenly being ML lover. The timeline is okay, the plot and speed of plot development are also ok, all characters are all cute!!! I love how frank MC and ML are!!! 4.7/5⭐️
Read
December 10, 2023Funny, fluffy, and a bit cute:)
I liked their interactions and the way they complement each other.
I liked their interactions and the way they complement each other.
April 28, 2022
Short and sweet novel that still managed to have fully fleshed out characters and an interesting plot. I finished it within a day of starting!
Warning: Spoilers Ahead
I loved the interactions between the two main characters. Every time Jiang Chijing thinks he has upper hand, he finds out the ML Zheng Mingyi is way ahead of him. ZMY truly deserves his username of God of Go. This quote from the book describes their relationship pretty well:
Previously, Jiang Chijing had a hunch that he hadn’t managed to hide what he wanted to hide, that Zheng Mingyi had stripped him down to his underwear.
But now, this feeling changed. He had a vague premonition that he was possibly stripped so far down that he wasn’t even left with his underwear anymore.
And this too:
“You said that you didn’t have clues with you.” Jiang Chijing gradually eased up, taking a deep inhale to calm his shock.
“They weren’t with me,” Zheng Mingyi shrugged. “They’ve always been with you.”
And they were literally ‘on hand’ for Jiang Chijing.
Jiang Chijing had nothing to say. He only felt that the longest road he’d ever walked in this lifetime was the circuitous road of Zheng Mingyi’s myriad schemes.
I love intelligent characters, so it was such a pleasure to watch ZMY's scheming come to fruition. His plans always manage to achieve multiple goals, and I knew exactly how JCJ felt each time he fully thought through the implications of ZMY's plans and was in awe of his foresight.
For example, he talked the Princess out of murdering Old Nine at JCJ's request, but his plan had the additional benefit of removing Old Nine, the most dangerous convict left, from the prison, ensuring JCJ would have an easier time after he got out. ZMY's whole orchestration of his former boss's downfall and his amazing sense of timing on when to progress with his plan had me clapping my hands in admiration. What can this man not do?!
The chemistry between ZMY and JCJ was amazing as well. There was so much sexual tension build up and back and forth flirting going on, and I loved every moment of it! At least ZMY got out of prison after only 2 months or so, so they were able to start their domestic life of living together pretty quickly.
I'd recommend this novel to any danmei fans looking for a short and sweet read.
Warning: Spoilers Ahead
I loved the interactions between the two main characters. Every time Jiang Chijing thinks he has upper hand, he finds out the ML Zheng Mingyi is way ahead of him. ZMY truly deserves his username of God of Go. This quote from the book describes their relationship pretty well:
Previously, Jiang Chijing had a hunch that he hadn’t managed to hide what he wanted to hide, that Zheng Mingyi had stripped him down to his underwear.
But now, this feeling changed. He had a vague premonition that he was possibly stripped so far down that he wasn’t even left with his underwear anymore.
And this too:
“You said that you didn’t have clues with you.” Jiang Chijing gradually eased up, taking a deep inhale to calm his shock.
“They weren’t with me,” Zheng Mingyi shrugged. “They’ve always been with you.”
And they were literally ‘on hand’ for Jiang Chijing.
Jiang Chijing had nothing to say. He only felt that the longest road he’d ever walked in this lifetime was the circuitous road of Zheng Mingyi’s myriad schemes.
I love intelligent characters, so it was such a pleasure to watch ZMY's scheming come to fruition. His plans always manage to achieve multiple goals, and I knew exactly how JCJ felt each time he fully thought through the implications of ZMY's plans and was in awe of his foresight.
For example, he talked the Princess out of murdering Old Nine at JCJ's request, but his plan had the additional benefit of removing Old Nine, the most dangerous convict left, from the prison, ensuring JCJ would have an easier time after he got out. ZMY's whole orchestration of his former boss's downfall and his amazing sense of timing on when to progress with his plan had me clapping my hands in admiration. What can this man not do?!
The chemistry between ZMY and JCJ was amazing as well. There was so much sexual tension build up and back and forth flirting going on, and I loved every moment of it! At least ZMY got out of prison after only 2 months or so, so they were able to start their domestic life of living together pretty quickly.
I'd recommend this novel to any danmei fans looking for a short and sweet read.
April 18, 2022
Disfruté bastante la novela, fue divertida y entretenida. Lo que más me gustó fue la dinámica entre Jiang Chijing y Zheng Mingyi, cómo se provocaban y molestaban, coqueteaban, se entendían, su gran química y tensión sexual. Todo esto mientras se desenvolvía la trama que, pese a que no conozco tan bien el tema de las acciones y la bolsa de valores, se explica muy bien y se logra entender a buen ritmo.
Por otro lado, lo que no me gustó fue que, terminando el libro, JC se volvió OP en cierta parte. También que la autora desestimó lo que Princess le hizo a Old Nine por lo que realmente fue y creó demasiado perfecto a ZM.
Además, la manera que acabó el capítulo final me pareció apresurada, pues, aunque no hubo ningún cabo suelto, me hubiera gustado ver un poco más de interacción entre JC y ZM. Tal vez una charla sentimental y profunda, conocerse más, algo que me hiciera simpatizar con el hecho de que ya los dos querían vivir juntos y ser pareja hasta el fin de los tiempos cuando apenas se conocen desde hace dos meses.
Por otro lado, lo que no me gustó fue que, terminando el libro, JC se volvió OP en cierta parte. También que la autora desestimó lo que Princess le hizo a Old Nine por lo que realmente fue y creó demasiado perfecto a ZM.
Además, la manera que acabó el capítulo final me pareció apresurada, pues, aunque no hubo ningún cabo suelto, me hubiera gustado ver un poco más de interacción entre JC y ZM. Tal vez una charla sentimental y profunda, conocerse más, algo que me hiciera simpatizar con el hecho de que ya los dos querían vivir juntos y ser pareja hasta el fin de los tiempos cuando apenas se conocen desde hace dos meses.
October 19, 2022
3.5/5 Overall, I liked the setting and the characters (including side ones). However, the progression of events seemed a bit silly and odd to me; not to mention ML and MC's OP characters; they're almost always out of harm's way in every hurdle.
Still, the characters were unique (ie weird) masquerading as "normal," which I thought was interesting as it questioned conformity and where we draw the line at what's ethical and socially acceptable and what's not - I still feel like it could've been explored more! (the revenge on Old Nine was hard to read and cruel)
Quote I liked:
"After having been single for a long time, Jiang Chijing discovered a new truth of life. The kitchen was a reflection of one's quality of life.
If one didn't usually have time to cook, likely, the stress from work was heavier, eating away one's mood to enjoy such leisures. But if one often made their own meals, even learning new recipes, likely, their lives were more carefree, and they were filled with anticipation for the future."
Still, the characters were unique (ie weird) masquerading as "normal," which I thought was interesting as it questioned conformity and where we draw the line at what's ethical and socially acceptable and what's not - I still feel like it could've been explored more! (the revenge on Old Nine was hard to read and cruel)
Quote I liked:
"After having been single for a long time, Jiang Chijing discovered a new truth of life. The kitchen was a reflection of one's quality of life.
If one didn't usually have time to cook, likely, the stress from work was heavier, eating away one's mood to enjoy such leisures. But if one often made their own meals, even learning new recipes, likely, their lives were more carefree, and they were filled with anticipation for the future."
August 27, 2025
3,5-4/5⭐️
I picked this novel up because I saw a lot of people praising it online. This was way better than I expected! At first, the spying on the neighbor thing was a bit off-putting, but once it shifted into the prison officer/inmate dynamic I was hooked.
The TENSION between them was insane, honestly some of the best I’ve ever read. I loved how slow-burn it was, the first kiss doesn’t even come until more than halfway through the novel, which made everything feel that much more charged and exciting.
Funny enough, despite all that buildup, the smut itself was more subtle and not super detailed but I actually didn’t mind at all. Their interactions and the romance itself were more than enough to keep me hooked, and I found it adorable.
Didn’t love one of the payback scenes in prison (it involved a broom) and the ML having a hand in it didn’t feel alright. Definitely didn’t feel necessary and pulled me out of the story.
But aside from that, the scheming, the banter, the flirting, and the relationship build-up were all so, so good. I get why people love this one.
I picked this novel up because I saw a lot of people praising it online. This was way better than I expected! At first, the spying on the neighbor thing was a bit off-putting, but once it shifted into the prison officer/inmate dynamic I was hooked.
The TENSION between them was insane, honestly some of the best I’ve ever read. I loved how slow-burn it was, the first kiss doesn’t even come until more than halfway through the novel, which made everything feel that much more charged and exciting.
Funny enough, despite all that buildup, the smut itself was more subtle and not super detailed but I actually didn’t mind at all. Their interactions and the romance itself were more than enough to keep me hooked, and I found it adorable.
Didn’t love one of the payback scenes in prison (it involved a broom) and the ML having a hand in it didn’t feel alright. Definitely didn’t feel necessary and pulled me out of the story.
But aside from that, the scheming, the banter, the flirting, and the relationship build-up were all so, so good. I get why people love this one.
July 31, 2023
So much fun! Great translation by LuckyKoi. Wrongfully imprisoned intelligent financial analyst schemes to get his way around prison, make alliances, and also plots revenge against the person who put him there - along the way befriends a righteous prison guard who helps save his life several times… and also bakes him a strawberry pie. The side characters for the prison guards (mostly Luo Hai) were so supportive, and the other inmates gave so much character to the story. It was a very fun read, zero angst, hilarious banter and pussyfooting between ZMY and JJ regarding the hidden secret of voyeurism and spying on each other, and the business/stock manipulation plot was interesting enough. The Extras chapters were great and touching.
May 25, 2025
This book is what I call matching each other’s freaks 😗
Jiang Chijing is a voyeur who can’t help himself and he’s been watching and fantasising about his neighbour. Everyday he observes his routine and watches him from sunrise to sunset.
A twist of fate and his neighbour whom he’s been fantasising about enters as an inmate in the prison he’s working as.
Thus, that’s how the game of cat and mouse begins.
The summary of the book might sound intimidating but don’t let it fool you, it is actually so much wholesome. I really liked how both of them are so smart and playing this game of pretend but they already know they’ve been spying on each other. Jiang Chijing realises a bit later but Zheng Mingyi is playing from the start. The chemistry between them is amazing and the playful flirtation is perfect 👌
Also, you will learn about stocks, investing and finance stuffs along the way.
It’s a great book with good main and side characters, intriguing plot and engaging moments.
Jiang Chijing is a voyeur who can’t help himself and he’s been watching and fantasising about his neighbour. Everyday he observes his routine and watches him from sunrise to sunset.
A twist of fate and his neighbour whom he’s been fantasising about enters as an inmate in the prison he’s working as.
Thus, that’s how the game of cat and mouse begins.
The summary of the book might sound intimidating but don’t let it fool you, it is actually so much wholesome. I really liked how both of them are so smart and playing this game of pretend but they already know they’ve been spying on each other. Jiang Chijing realises a bit later but Zheng Mingyi is playing from the start. The chemistry between them is amazing and the playful flirtation is perfect 👌
Also, you will learn about stocks, investing and finance stuffs along the way.
It’s a great book with good main and side characters, intriguing plot and engaging moments.
January 19, 2023
What a great novel!
I've always wanted to read a danmei but the translations always put me off and I could never finish any of the big name ones as they're too long but Restricted Area was perfect. The translations were spot on and so easy to understand the book was funny as hell, I laughed in every chapter and the book was only 66 chapters. The sexual tension between Jiang Chijing and Zheng Meng Yi was so palpable and they had a truly beautiful relationship. I'm only disappointed about the sex scenes, but it's unsurprisingly since it's the usual censorship that you come to expect with Chinese entertainment.
Overall, really enjoyable book and I highly recommend.
I've always wanted to read a danmei but the translations always put me off and I could never finish any of the big name ones as they're too long but Restricted Area was perfect. The translations were spot on and so easy to understand the book was funny as hell, I laughed in every chapter and the book was only 66 chapters. The sexual tension between Jiang Chijing and Zheng Meng Yi was so palpable and they had a truly beautiful relationship. I'm only disappointed about the sex scenes, but it's unsurprisingly since it's the usual censorship that you come to expect with Chinese entertainment.
Overall, really enjoyable book and I highly recommend.
May 30, 2023
This is as good as other reviewers say.. the flirting and chemistry 100% While the setting is prison, it is not too violent... since most of the scenes happen in the library or outside, more from Jiang Chijing's perspective. I love that both leads are smart (in reality, no one is as smart as Zheng Mingyi), both are a bit kinky (not only JCJ was a stalker, ehhh) and both know how to fight and protect the other. From a bit of mistrust to fully trusting each other <3 I love it. And even without all the smutty parts, just spending time together, sitting next to each other, is 🔥🔥🔥
September 23, 2023
Jiang me desesperó un rato, porque se me hacía un poco inverosímil que en realidad no entendiera lo obvio que era el comportamiento de Zheng, pero después se me pasó.
That's just the way that is
Amé a los personajes secundarios y cómo todas las relaciones van formándose.
De nuevo declaro la guerra a la censura y su escena de avena y leche waaa, me dejaron medio hambriada, pero bueno, se compensa con el fluff y la dinámica llena de comedia y sensualidad ajsdkjfajk los amo.
que vivan los nobiooossss
That's just the way that is
Amé a los personajes secundarios y cómo todas las relaciones van formándose.
De nuevo declaro la guerra a la censura y su escena de avena y leche waaa, me dejaron medio hambriada, pero bueno, se compensa con el fluff y la dinámica llena de comedia y sensualidad ajsdkjfajk los amo.
que vivan los nobiooossss
July 6, 2024
It was a quick read and the couple is really interesting, they are very unique. The dynamic is fun and the tension is just perfect, however the story itself was a plain and and romance was also rather rushed or at least it was more concentrated on lust rather than romance. But it never really got spice but was at the same time the spiciest non explicit thing I’ve read so far. So congrats to the author for accomplishing this(*'▽'*)
Nevertheless I enjoyed it and it’s a short story so why not give it a try:p
Nevertheless I enjoyed it and it’s a short story so why not give it a try:p
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