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Lip and Sword #1
Lip and Sword: Vol. 1
Strangely, drinking with someone you love never gets you drunk,
but drinking with someone you don't care for makes you hammered immediately.
but drinking with someone you don't care for makes you hammered immediately.
339 pages, ebook
Published April 20, 2022
42 people are currently reading
900 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 13, 2022
Lip and Sword certainly has all of the kinky sex you could ask for in a novel about a news host and his enigmatic and domineering boss. Similar in set up to 50 Shades of Grey but without the actual dumpster fire.
That being said, volume one introduces us to the main lead Xing Ming, the "ice prince" who is cold, aggressive and most of all; broken. After punching a coworker and facing the potential loss of his career, he climbs into the bed of Yu Zhongye, the chairman of Pearl Station.
Despite the occasional poor translation choices (the beginning was ROUGH), if there's one thing Jin Shisi Chai knows how to do, its breaking her characters down in a viscerally effective way.
I had legitimate anxiety when Xing Ming struggled with his self-destructive tendencies and engaged in intense confrontations with Yu Zhongye, while also experiencing relief when the latter calmly and firmly (at times even affectionately) handled him.
Their relationship overall is volatile, passionate and unstable. The power balance is clear and you may find some of the scenes edging into non-consensual. Yu Zhongye has a bit of a dark streak, and not every encounter has the appropriate aftercare. The lack of communication drives much of the core conflict and the results are often times explosive.
It is also clear that volume one is just a portion of a larger piece of work, as the ending is very abrupt and the main mystery included in the plot synopsis has barely been alluded to thus far.
So while Lip and Sword might not be everyone's cup of sexy tea, it's definitely an interesting look at relationships, trauma and growth.
Also, that thing with the step-brother? That was weird. I didn't like that.
That being said, volume one introduces us to the main lead Xing Ming, the "ice prince" who is cold, aggressive and most of all; broken. After punching a coworker and facing the potential loss of his career, he climbs into the bed of Yu Zhongye, the chairman of Pearl Station.
Despite the occasional poor translation choices (the beginning was ROUGH), if there's one thing Jin Shisi Chai knows how to do, its breaking her characters down in a viscerally effective way.
I had legitimate anxiety when Xing Ming struggled with his self-destructive tendencies and engaged in intense confrontations with Yu Zhongye, while also experiencing relief when the latter calmly and firmly (at times even affectionately) handled him.
Their relationship overall is volatile, passionate and unstable. The power balance is clear and you may find some of the scenes edging into non-consensual. Yu Zhongye has a bit of a dark streak, and not every encounter has the appropriate aftercare. The lack of communication drives much of the core conflict and the results are often times explosive.
It is also clear that volume one is just a portion of a larger piece of work, as the ending is very abrupt and the main mystery included in the plot synopsis has barely been alluded to thus far.
So while Lip and Sword might not be everyone's cup of sexy tea, it's definitely an interesting look at relationships, trauma and growth.
Also, that thing with the step-brother? That was weird. I didn't like that.
March 4, 2025
4.75 / 5: i really like this series. it was one of my most surprising reads of the year, and i can see myself becoming obsessed with it.
it is a series that is not for everyone, but i sincerely enjoyed every moment of it. the main character, xing ming, truly was what moved this story for me across mountains. his voice is one that i think would be pretty controversial depending on the reader who meets him, which is ironic as every character he interacts with comes to the same conclusion. however, it’s that controversy that makes him really compelling as this is someone who specializes in broadcast media and has a calculative nature in how he approaches this particular field of Chinese journalism.
this is what draws him into the interesting dynamic that he shares with his boss, who happens to be the chairman of the news organization xing ming worked for. there’s a clear power imbalance in scenes where yu zhongye is testing xing ming with certain favors; and throughout all of that, there’s also such powerful chemistry between them that’s hard to ignore. it’s what partly makes xing ming shine even more because he’s not some victim who’s being manhandled for more power, or at least he refuses to accept it from happening. he has this autonomy over the story that makes him a force to be reckoned with and it’s quite obvious yu zhongye can’t help but be part of that reckoning. he’s tested in ways where there’s this utter hopelessness that sinks inside him at times and it feels like sometimes he’s even leading himself into self-destruction, but xing ming’s so goddamn stubborn that he’s still standing by the end of this first volume. it’s a stubbornness that makes his interactions with yu zhongye sometimes feel light because there’s a wonder in this chairman’s eyes that wishes to see how far this cold part of xing ming takes him.
there’s an intimacy between them that is hard to describe but seeing the clear distinction between when they’re alone and when they’re in front of others; it’s like they’re playing this constant game. which is so funny when you think about my recent dnf—the imperial uncle—which was like a maze where every character unlocked new levels of deception that left you scrambling for answers. to read this story right after and be more invested in it, when it has a similar pattern of deception, it comes to the question of what makes them both so different. and because these are two different authors, that says quite enough because there’s different writing styles and time periods we’re approaching here.
really….i was genuinely charmed with both main characters but i found that xing ming’s voice working in modern-day journalism worked a lot more for me. it added a compulsion that made me want to see how he could try to break past barriers, seeing in how much more connected it was to the present day. an interesting thing to note that even set around today, there’s a lot of references made to ancient china and certain figures & symbols that serve as a metaphor for xing ming’s present circumstances. as someone who has majorly read danmei set in ancient china, up to this point, i found it so neat to have these two periods collide, while also adding more depth to xing ming’s perspective as a whole. he was a medical student and now works in the field of journalism, and yet you would think he’s studied a lot of philosophy. one could also guess that because of working in those fields, in particular, it’s only made him more introspective of the human experience.
also, as someone who has an interest in majoring in media studies—mainly focused in writing—, so much of what i got to learn about the industry and how cutthroat it is through xing ming’s eyes just felt so surreal. the narrative is very dark in the stories xing ming chases for the media and it’s so insightful because you meet a lot of the players from behind the cameras that make you wonder how they fit in it.
to know there’s still more two volumes to get through, i’m very excited for it because there’s a clear ambition the author has while writing this series and i have to simply read it through to the end. i also think that having yu zhongye by xing ming’s side just makes for a very interesting “power” couple that’s not actually a couple?? the whole nature of their relationship is a bit far from love this early into the series, but it feels almost obsessive and intoxicating for the both of them.
i can’t get enough of it, honestly, so im really curious how it’ll develop even further; as well as xing ming’s career as a whole.
content warnings:
explicit sexual content, exploration of kinks, mild descriptions of violence, references to homophobia, conversion therapy, brief mention of past sexual coercion (the mc’s stepbrother), death of a parent, and quite a bit of alcohol content
it is a series that is not for everyone, but i sincerely enjoyed every moment of it. the main character, xing ming, truly was what moved this story for me across mountains. his voice is one that i think would be pretty controversial depending on the reader who meets him, which is ironic as every character he interacts with comes to the same conclusion. however, it’s that controversy that makes him really compelling as this is someone who specializes in broadcast media and has a calculative nature in how he approaches this particular field of Chinese journalism.
this is what draws him into the interesting dynamic that he shares with his boss, who happens to be the chairman of the news organization xing ming worked for. there’s a clear power imbalance in scenes where yu zhongye is testing xing ming with certain favors; and throughout all of that, there’s also such powerful chemistry between them that’s hard to ignore. it’s what partly makes xing ming shine even more because he’s not some victim who’s being manhandled for more power, or at least he refuses to accept it from happening. he has this autonomy over the story that makes him a force to be reckoned with and it’s quite obvious yu zhongye can’t help but be part of that reckoning. he’s tested in ways where there’s this utter hopelessness that sinks inside him at times and it feels like sometimes he’s even leading himself into self-destruction, but xing ming’s so goddamn stubborn that he’s still standing by the end of this first volume. it’s a stubbornness that makes his interactions with yu zhongye sometimes feel light because there’s a wonder in this chairman’s eyes that wishes to see how far this cold part of xing ming takes him.
there’s an intimacy between them that is hard to describe but seeing the clear distinction between when they’re alone and when they’re in front of others; it’s like they’re playing this constant game. which is so funny when you think about my recent dnf—the imperial uncle—which was like a maze where every character unlocked new levels of deception that left you scrambling for answers. to read this story right after and be more invested in it, when it has a similar pattern of deception, it comes to the question of what makes them both so different. and because these are two different authors, that says quite enough because there’s different writing styles and time periods we’re approaching here.
really….i was genuinely charmed with both main characters but i found that xing ming’s voice working in modern-day journalism worked a lot more for me. it added a compulsion that made me want to see how he could try to break past barriers, seeing in how much more connected it was to the present day. an interesting thing to note that even set around today, there’s a lot of references made to ancient china and certain figures & symbols that serve as a metaphor for xing ming’s present circumstances. as someone who has majorly read danmei set in ancient china, up to this point, i found it so neat to have these two periods collide, while also adding more depth to xing ming’s perspective as a whole. he was a medical student and now works in the field of journalism, and yet you would think he’s studied a lot of philosophy. one could also guess that because of working in those fields, in particular, it’s only made him more introspective of the human experience.
also, as someone who has an interest in majoring in media studies—mainly focused in writing—, so much of what i got to learn about the industry and how cutthroat it is through xing ming’s eyes just felt so surreal. the narrative is very dark in the stories xing ming chases for the media and it’s so insightful because you meet a lot of the players from behind the cameras that make you wonder how they fit in it.
to know there’s still more two volumes to get through, i’m very excited for it because there’s a clear ambition the author has while writing this series and i have to simply read it through to the end. i also think that having yu zhongye by xing ming’s side just makes for a very interesting “power” couple that’s not actually a couple?? the whole nature of their relationship is a bit far from love this early into the series, but it feels almost obsessive and intoxicating for the both of them.
i can’t get enough of it, honestly, so im really curious how it’ll develop even further; as well as xing ming’s career as a whole.
content warnings:
explicit sexual content, exploration of kinks, mild descriptions of violence, references to homophobia, conversion therapy, brief mention of past sexual coercion (the mc’s stepbrother), death of a parent, and quite a bit of alcohol content
dnf
March 6, 2025dnf @ 20%
okay maybe i’m not in the mood for toxic age gap danmei rn
i’ll pick this back up when i’m more motivated to actually read it
okay maybe i’m not in the mood for toxic age gap danmei rn
i’ll pick this back up when i’m more motivated to actually read it
Read
November 4, 2023My emotions were all over the place with this book- going back and forth between liking and really disliking both the MC and the ML. I am interested to see where this goes as their relationship is quite complicated. I don’t think this book series will be for everyone so I suggest looking at the trigger warnings before you read it.
November 25, 2022
1.0
This is toxic and not in a fun way. Also, I'm not sure when they're going to get around to the investigation of his father's death. They talked about it in the synopsis, but it never seemed to come up in the actual story.
This is toxic and not in a fun way. Also, I'm not sure when they're going to get around to the investigation of his father's death. They talked about it in the synopsis, but it never seemed to come up in the actual story.
November 3, 2025
“You can be a hero, but you don’t have to be a martyr.”
Lip and Sword: Vol. 1 follows Xing Ming, a med school grad who dives into the news world to clear his father's name. The premise is intriguing, mixing journalism with personal ambition, but my experience was pretty mixed.
Xing Ming’s character development is interesting, especially his complicated dynamic with Yu Zhongye. Their relationship has a lot of tension, but it often feels more like a business deal than a romance. I usually don’t mind age gap stories, but this one felt a bit off, especially because of the way Yu Zhongye treats Xing Ming.
The pacing could use some work. While there’s definitely potential for a gripping mystery, the story sometimes feels scattered and lacks the depth to pull you in. I found myself going back and forth on whether I liked the characters, which made it tough to fully connect with their journeys.
Overall, Lip and Sword: Vol. 1 has potential with its character dynamics and engaging premise, but it stumbles a bit with pacing and depth. It might work for those who love character-driven stories, but readers looking for a solid mystery might be disappointed. I'm curious to see where the series goes, but I’ll be approaching the next volumes with some caution.
Lip and Sword: Vol. 1 follows Xing Ming, a med school grad who dives into the news world to clear his father's name. The premise is intriguing, mixing journalism with personal ambition, but my experience was pretty mixed.
Xing Ming’s character development is interesting, especially his complicated dynamic with Yu Zhongye. Their relationship has a lot of tension, but it often feels more like a business deal than a romance. I usually don’t mind age gap stories, but this one felt a bit off, especially because of the way Yu Zhongye treats Xing Ming.
The pacing could use some work. While there’s definitely potential for a gripping mystery, the story sometimes feels scattered and lacks the depth to pull you in. I found myself going back and forth on whether I liked the characters, which made it tough to fully connect with their journeys.
Overall, Lip and Sword: Vol. 1 has potential with its character dynamics and engaging premise, but it stumbles a bit with pacing and depth. It might work for those who love character-driven stories, but readers looking for a solid mystery might be disappointed. I'm curious to see where the series goes, but I’ll be approaching the next volumes with some caution.
January 28, 2023
Volume 1 of Lip & Sword was amazing! I definitely didn’t expect myself to be so hooked. And the smuts took me by surprise! I have these hidden fantasies emerging from my mind because of these smut scenes. Very kinky and bdsm-ish. And I love the slow angst as well. This is definitely my cup of tea.
There were less typographical errors and just a few sentence run ons but it didn’t affect my reading experience for now. The story was too intense, I don’t have the mind left to focus on the errors. 🙈
The content is not for the faint-hearted. There were mentions of violence, sexual coercion, prostitution and homophobia. Read at your discretion. If you can’t take huge age gaps as well, you might want to skip this.
There were less typographical errors and just a few sentence run ons but it didn’t affect my reading experience for now. The story was too intense, I don’t have the mind left to focus on the errors. 🙈
The content is not for the faint-hearted. There were mentions of violence, sexual coercion, prostitution and homophobia. Read at your discretion. If you can’t take huge age gaps as well, you might want to skip this.
July 4, 2024
Why isn’t anyone talking about this book? Why do I have to stumble upon it by chance? The main characters are just what I’m looking for.
Mature, decisive, cruel / tender and capable ML and the complete opposite MC.
It’s so much fun to read. The MC character development is obviously. I can’t wait to continue reading the rest of the series.
Mature, decisive, cruel / tender and capable ML and the complete opposite MC.
It’s so much fun to read. The MC character development is obviously. I can’t wait to continue reading the rest of the series.
Read
January 16, 2025I feel so stupid for buying all three volumes without knowing if they were any good. Now, I can’t even get through the first one. I really, really tried to like it, but the male lead is awful, and I just couldn’t get into their story. I couldn’t care less about the mystery the MC is trying to solve. Nothing about this is interesting. I’ve tried three times to finish it, but I just can’t anymore 🥹🥲
November 22, 2022
This book was just okay. Not amazing, but not bad either.
There was far less focus on Xing Ming’s father’s wrongful death than I would have expected from the description, but maybe that comes in later volumes. Instead, there is a ton of focus on internal TV station politics and the process of creating a news show.
I liked Xing Ming--he's a jerk who has no self-awareness or EQ and makes lots of terrible decisions, but he's entertaining to read about. Yu Zhongye is most likely a sexual predator but it's hard to figure out the extent of it since the book is from Xing Ming's point of view. The sex scenes between them are very kinky and bordering on nonconsensual.
The proofreading in this was MUCH better than it was for The Missing Piece (the only other Via Lactea title I’ve ever read), though not great.
There was far less focus on Xing Ming’s father’s wrongful death than I would have expected from the description, but maybe that comes in later volumes. Instead, there is a ton of focus on internal TV station politics and the process of creating a news show.
I liked Xing Ming--he's a jerk who has no self-awareness or EQ and makes lots of terrible decisions, but he's entertaining to read about. Yu Zhongye is most likely a sexual predator but it's hard to figure out the extent of it since the book is from Xing Ming's point of view. The sex scenes between them are very kinky and bordering on nonconsensual.
The proofreading in this was MUCH better than it was for The Missing Piece (the only other Via Lactea title I’ve ever read), though not great.
September 6, 2023
2.5 stars
I would say the first 2/3rds of this novel was really hard to get through - taking me months and months to read. It didn't help that I didn't like Xing Ming - I get that he's broken up about his father's death but literally most of his problems could be resolved if he simply didn't resort to physical violence. I also don't buy into the romance (not that you could call their relationship romantic in any sense) and the humiliation made me wince. And I couldn't care less about journalism or the news - though once he got the show started it seemed more interesting. It did pick up towards the end of the first book so to my utter surprise, I am actually a little interested to see how things go.
I would say the first 2/3rds of this novel was really hard to get through - taking me months and months to read. It didn't help that I didn't like Xing Ming - I get that he's broken up about his father's death but literally most of his problems could be resolved if he simply didn't resort to physical violence. I also don't buy into the romance (not that you could call their relationship romantic in any sense) and the humiliation made me wince. And I couldn't care less about journalism or the news - though once he got the show started it seemed more interesting. It did pick up towards the end of the first book so to my utter surprise, I am actually a little interested to see how things go.
January 12, 2025
Hopefully i’ll like the mc and ml more in vol 2&3 bc my god they’re insufferable
May 10, 2025
So violent! Multiple times per chapter, the main guy is getting punched or having his head banged; he'd realistically be brain damaged. There's a lot of straight-up physical abuse then a glimmer of tenderness that's supposed to make up for it. I genuinley like the characters but can't get past all of the physical cruelty.
Glamorous business settings, high-powered career dramas and workplace romances are all things I love, so I really liked the business meetings, convention trip and developments with the TV network. I also really enjoyed the ruthlessness of the TV world, scheduling pressures and networking that was shown.
Aside from that, the chapters dragged quite a bit and I don't think I'll be continuing this series.
Glamorous business settings, high-powered career dramas and workplace romances are all things I love, so I really liked the business meetings, convention trip and developments with the TV network. I also really enjoyed the ruthlessness of the TV world, scheduling pressures and networking that was shown.
Aside from that, the chapters dragged quite a bit and I don't think I'll be continuing this series.
October 2, 2024
Well, this is another work place Chinese novel that is totally for adults. This reminds me of '50 Shades of Gray', with much better writing. It only borders on S&M and it's not quite there. It is about power and domination.
I would not say this is a love story. There isn't any love here. It's a quid pro quo relationship. It might turn into something else, but I don't think it's that sort of story. This also reminds me of 'You've got Mail, the Perils of Pigeon Post' This isn't romantic or soft. This is sort of cruel and very harsh, like cut-throat business.
I do sort of like the characters in some ways and then I don't in others. They are gray characters. Yu Zhongye is very cold and domineering. Xing Ming is arrogant and young. He's climbing the career ladder. Xing Ming has the most to like here.
The writing was great. I couldn't put the book down and I keep wanting to know more. These people work at a TV News Station. Yu Zhongye is the president and Xing Ming is the beautiful news anchor. It's actually also similar to 'Yes, No or Maybe?'.
I do feel like the author missed an opportunity at the end. Xing Ming was investigating a Conversion therapy hospital for a story about LGBT people. I feel like that author was about to make a point with this story and the interview with the father wasn't on page and the broadcast was all off page. We were going to get this big story and it's skipped. Maybe it was censored in China and this is all the author could get away with. It hints at this real issue. It almost got real.
That whole part at the end, Xing Ming was talking with a genius student who freaked out and is in the hospital. It was real. The story was getting very meaty and it's just skipped over. Very disappointing. It would be interesting to see more how China views these things. Censorship sucks.
The relationship the two have is very sexual. It does drive the book, but it's sort of cold too. There are a few sugar moments, but that isn't what this story is about. I do wonder if this is sort of a thing in China. Are some bosses handing out favors for sexual pay? It seems to make for a very stressful environment.
I think the book is very interesting and could really dig into some real issues It's not just a frivolous story. There is some real substance here. I don't know if the author will really tackle it. There are three volumes and I am looking forward to reading the next two The story ended and I was in withdrawals.
I would not say this is a love story. There isn't any love here. It's a quid pro quo relationship. It might turn into something else, but I don't think it's that sort of story. This also reminds me of 'You've got Mail, the Perils of Pigeon Post' This isn't romantic or soft. This is sort of cruel and very harsh, like cut-throat business.
I do sort of like the characters in some ways and then I don't in others. They are gray characters. Yu Zhongye is very cold and domineering. Xing Ming is arrogant and young. He's climbing the career ladder. Xing Ming has the most to like here.
The writing was great. I couldn't put the book down and I keep wanting to know more. These people work at a TV News Station. Yu Zhongye is the president and Xing Ming is the beautiful news anchor. It's actually also similar to 'Yes, No or Maybe?'.
I do feel like the author missed an opportunity at the end. Xing Ming was investigating a Conversion therapy hospital for a story about LGBT people. I feel like that author was about to make a point with this story and the interview with the father wasn't on page and the broadcast was all off page. We were going to get this big story and it's skipped. Maybe it was censored in China and this is all the author could get away with. It hints at this real issue. It almost got real.
That whole part at the end, Xing Ming was talking with a genius student who freaked out and is in the hospital. It was real. The story was getting very meaty and it's just skipped over. Very disappointing. It would be interesting to see more how China views these things. Censorship sucks.
The relationship the two have is very sexual. It does drive the book, but it's sort of cold too. There are a few sugar moments, but that isn't what this story is about. I do wonder if this is sort of a thing in China. Are some bosses handing out favors for sexual pay? It seems to make for a very stressful environment.
I think the book is very interesting and could really dig into some real issues It's not just a frivolous story. There is some real substance here. I don't know if the author will really tackle it. There are three volumes and I am looking forward to reading the next two The story ended and I was in withdrawals.
November 14, 2022
Started with the Manhua, however the novel is way better. Two headstrong main Characters. What starts as 2 characters taking advantage of each other, developes in an interesting relationship: first boss and subordinate, then teacher and student and finally an honest relationship at a similar level. With interesting competition and newsstories and characters growing over time, love it. Read 3 books in 2 days ;)
July 30, 2025
Reading this felt like diving into Fifty Shades of Grey, but set in a BL world with a heavy-handed theme of justice. The storyline? Okayish. The age gap? Manageable, even acceptable.
But the constant normalization of toxic abuse—both mental and physical—was just too much. It was hard to swallow. At times, I honestly felt like I was wading through meaningless soft porn… just with an Asian twist.
There were moments where I genuinely wanted to scream: “Hit me one more time and I’ll make sure you suffer.”
Two stars—for an okay, decently wrapped-up ending. But I won’t lie—getting there was like enduring a slow emotional burn.
But the constant normalization of toxic abuse—both mental and physical—was just too much. It was hard to swallow. At times, I honestly felt like I was wading through meaningless soft porn… just with an Asian twist.
There were moments where I genuinely wanted to scream: “Hit me one more time and I’ll make sure you suffer.”
Two stars—for an okay, decently wrapped-up ending. But I won’t lie—getting there was like enduring a slow emotional burn.
December 14, 2023
Not only power imbalance also age gap all of these would have been fine if not for bdsm with the ml sleeping with everyone and anyone like why would you translate this novel while there are many Jems that deserves this chance
May 23, 2025
Biased with my rating because it’s as if Xing Ming was shaped from the depths of my desires I didn’t even knew existed. This was like 70% smut and 30% plot, but let me tell you, each one packed a lot of depth and heat it made my brain short-circuit.
July 17, 2025
the story is decent,
about the fragile relationship between xing ming and yu zhongye. not much about the mystery of xing ming father's death yet
didnt get me as invested in it as other danmei ive read. i binge read this vol in 2 days, so it kept me curious as to where this story goes
about the fragile relationship between xing ming and yu zhongye. not much about the mystery of xing ming father's death yet
didnt get me as invested in it as other danmei ive read. i binge read this vol in 2 days, so it kept me curious as to where this story goes
April 24, 2024
Their relationship is a bit complicated… the story is quite interesting indeed but I have not yet decided if I like it or not… although is interesting enough that Ill read the next volume
Read
June 29, 2024
July 20, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
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