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Silent Hearts
Lu Rong said, "I can't afford to want anything, but I still want you. So, sometimes, don't be angry with me because of Meimei, and don't break up with me." "Lin Mu, you have to know, I will love you with all my heart."
566 pages, Paperback
Published December 5, 2022
11 people are currently reading
620 people want to read
About the author
Jing Shui Bian
47 books40 followersAssociated Names:
* Jing Shui Bian (English)
* 靜水邊 (Traditional Chinese)
* 静水边 (Simplified Chinese)
* จิ้งสุ่ยเปียน (Thai)
Other Pen Names:
* Mu Geng Mu Geng (English)
* 木更木更 (Chinese)
* มู่เกิงมู่เกิง (Thai)
* Jing Shui Bian (English)
* 靜水邊 (Traditional Chinese)
* 静水边 (Simplified Chinese)
* จิ้งสุ่ยเปียน (Thai)
Other Pen Names:
* Mu Geng Mu Geng (English)
* 木更木更 (Chinese)
* มู่เกิงมู่เกิง (Thai)
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 25, 2025
4.8/5 🌟
As someone who works with many elderly and disabled people, this story hits home. I've often seen people experiencing caregiver fatigue. I've seen people with special needs be discriminated against and as someone with a disability myself, it's so hard to live being different. The shame and embarrassment it comes with is unbearable sometimes. But with the right people around, life can be so beautiful.
The group of friends and deep connections each characters have build is so precious. The author did an incredible job at not down playing anyone's suffering. Furthermore, she did an incredible job and showing how human kindness goes a long way. It takes incredible patience and love to care for and wait as special needs folk catch up.
Lin Mu is such an incredible kid. I strive to be like him. His twin sister is deaf, but it doesn't stop her from being sassy and so smart. I look forward to see more of her.
Mo Xiaoxiao's arc was incredible! I cried!
Cao Zhan is adorable!
Yilu is so funny shipping the wrong twin!
And the previous bullies now being special need people protectors! Ugh! I love all the side characters! 😭
Lu Rong... Baby! I feel for him. I ache for him because I know he's going through such a hard time taking care of his grandmother. You can sum up his desperation to be liberated from his caregiver life and instead to live the life of a normal teenager in this quote:
"Don't break up with me." Lu Rong's voice was a little loud, and a slight hoarseness could be heard.
Lin Mu was startled, but it was too late to cover Lu Rong's mouth. The people around them looked over curiously, and Lin Mu decided to just cover Lu Rong's face, not allowing them to see him.
Only Lu Rong's eyes were exposed. It was as though within them were the ripples of a lake, tapping at Lin Mu's heart.
He said, "I can't afford to want anything, but I still want you. So, don't be angry with me because of Meimei, and don't break up with me... Lin Mu, you have to know, I will love you with all my heart.
I'm curious what's going to happen and how Li Mu and Lu Rong's relationship is going to flourish and develop more. They're so cute! Kissing the glass and leg hugs from under the desk. STAAAAAAAHP!!!! ♡(˃͈ ˂͈ )
But besides that, the amount of quotes I highlighted that made my heart flutter is unreal, sending me literally like this:
STAPH!!! THEY'RE SO CUTE!!!!
As someone who works with many elderly and disabled people, this story hits home. I've often seen people experiencing caregiver fatigue. I've seen people with special needs be discriminated against and as someone with a disability myself, it's so hard to live being different. The shame and embarrassment it comes with is unbearable sometimes. But with the right people around, life can be so beautiful.
The group of friends and deep connections each characters have build is so precious. The author did an incredible job at not down playing anyone's suffering. Furthermore, she did an incredible job and showing how human kindness goes a long way. It takes incredible patience and love to care for and wait as special needs folk catch up.
Lin Mu is such an incredible kid. I strive to be like him. His twin sister is deaf, but it doesn't stop her from being sassy and so smart. I look forward to see more of her.
Mo Xiaoxiao's arc was incredible! I cried!
Cao Zhan is adorable!
Yilu is so funny shipping the wrong twin!
And the previous bullies now being special need people protectors! Ugh! I love all the side characters! 😭
Lu Rong... Baby! I feel for him. I ache for him because I know he's going through such a hard time taking care of his grandmother. You can sum up his desperation to be liberated from his caregiver life and instead to live the life of a normal teenager in this quote:
"Don't break up with me." Lu Rong's voice was a little loud, and a slight hoarseness could be heard.
Lin Mu was startled, but it was too late to cover Lu Rong's mouth. The people around them looked over curiously, and Lin Mu decided to just cover Lu Rong's face, not allowing them to see him.
Only Lu Rong's eyes were exposed. It was as though within them were the ripples of a lake, tapping at Lin Mu's heart.
He said, "I can't afford to want anything, but I still want you. So, don't be angry with me because of Meimei, and don't break up with me... Lin Mu, you have to know, I will love you with all my heart.
I'm curious what's going to happen and how Li Mu and Lu Rong's relationship is going to flourish and develop more. They're so cute! Kissing the glass and leg hugs from under the desk. STAAAAAAAHP!!!! ♡(˃͈ ˂͈ )
But besides that, the amount of quotes I highlighted that made my heart flutter is unreal, sending me literally like this:
STAPH!!! THEY'RE SO CUTE!!!!
September 3, 2024
4.25 stars ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗
jing shui bian you have done it once again
rtc <3
“I can't afford to want anything, but I still want you. So, don't be angry with me because of Meimei, and don't break up with me."
Lu Rong lowered his lashes. He spoke cautiously, just like a little deer, "Lin Mu, you have to know, I will love you with all my heart."
jing shui bian you have done it once again
rtc <3
February 10, 2024
A very sweet YA danmei novel that had
little to no angst, lots of disability representation with adorably sweet friendships. I just loved every single character and enjoyed having a low stress read.
little to no angst, lots of disability representation with adorably sweet friendships. I just loved every single character and enjoyed having a low stress read.
December 4, 2025
Review: 4.25 (rounding it to 4.5 though)
Buddy reading this with Ope and May…HELLOO, this is so adorable, I cannottt!
Lin Mu was forced to disguise himself as his fraternal twin sister as her Go meets conflict with her disability community sessions. During his time at the community sessions, he meets Lu Rong and his Alzheimer's grandmother and thus, the story begins…
Vol 1 depicts this story in high school. The complexities of relationships are well featured here, including those of friendship, family, and first love. The story also addresses the themes of online slander and bullying, and overcoming these adversities through strength in numbers and friendship. The characters have a fantastic story development arc. Lu Rong, for example, is forced to care for his Alzheimer's-stricken grandmother, and at times, struggles with it. The depiction of his character and daily struggles is portrayed very well, reminding us that human nature is inherently flawed. I also appreciate how disability is addressed here, including the daily struggles they face and how crucial support plays a vital role in addressing these issues.
The pacing of the story is slow, which suits the narrative. The banter and dynamics between the characters are enjoyable to read, and the development of the relationship between Lu Rong and Lu Min is particularly entertaining to watch. Vol 1 ends with both of them confessing to each other and starting a relationship…
Looking forward to seeing what Vol 2 brings.
Buddy reading this with Ope and May…HELLOO, this is so adorable, I cannottt!
Lin Mu was forced to disguise himself as his fraternal twin sister as her Go meets conflict with her disability community sessions. During his time at the community sessions, he meets Lu Rong and his Alzheimer's grandmother and thus, the story begins…
Vol 1 depicts this story in high school. The complexities of relationships are well featured here, including those of friendship, family, and first love. The story also addresses the themes of online slander and bullying, and overcoming these adversities through strength in numbers and friendship. The characters have a fantastic story development arc. Lu Rong, for example, is forced to care for his Alzheimer's-stricken grandmother, and at times, struggles with it. The depiction of his character and daily struggles is portrayed very well, reminding us that human nature is inherently flawed. I also appreciate how disability is addressed here, including the daily struggles they face and how crucial support plays a vital role in addressing these issues.
The pacing of the story is slow, which suits the narrative. The banter and dynamics between the characters are enjoyable to read, and the development of the relationship between Lu Rong and Lu Min is particularly entertaining to watch. Vol 1 ends with both of them confessing to each other and starting a relationship…
Looking forward to seeing what Vol 2 brings.
December 24, 2023
"Don't try to put everything on your shoulders alone, and don't say that you have no future."
If you're familiar with Jing Shui Bian's works at all, then you should already know what to expect from their works. Jing Shui Bian likes to write about a warmer version of our reality, a world that is kinder to children than the world that we currently have. I talked about it a bit when I reviewed Salad Days, and it applies to Silent Hearts as well. Where the former work tackled the economic differences between the two main characters and how a whole village came together to make its children's dreams come true, the latter work focuses on disabilities and largely provides positive representations of them.
The characters are very much just good people at their core. Even side characters who are initially presented in a more negative light are eventually shown to be not bad at all, just that they show their kindess in a different way. (Jiang Tianhe and Zhong He, for example.) As such, there is very little conflict between any of the characters which might seem unrealistic, but is in line with the author's style.
As for the plot, I would say that there really isn't much of it. It's a coming-of-age novel, laying out a different sort of daily life of high schoolers. You get Lin Mu and Lu Rong's romance as the most prominent aspect of the story, but a lot of the story also gets dedicated to themes such as education and overcoming adversity.
I also felt that the story of this book is more focused on an ensemble set of characters. Of course, Lin Mu and Lu Rong - and Meimei, to an extent - remain the main characters of the book. But once in a while we get to follow the stories of side characters like Mo Xiaoxiao and Cao Zhan, and this is something I don't particularly remember happening much in Salad Days. I grew to be invested in their individual stories as well, and rooted for them to overcome the obstacles in their way and grow into their own.
Maybe, in some respects, it might feel a little long-winded to people. This book, after all, sits at a whopping 500+ pages. There isn't much action going for it, and if you're on the older side, the high school antics might feel a bit cringe or juvenile. But ultimately I think it's still a good read - though not much of a page-turner - if you're in the mood to read about a world that is kinder and gentler to those not deemed "normal" and "able" by society's standards.
P.S. The author still keeps her writing quirks in this book. Be prepared to read a lot about how characters are rendered speechless by their peers.
If you're familiar with Jing Shui Bian's works at all, then you should already know what to expect from their works. Jing Shui Bian likes to write about a warmer version of our reality, a world that is kinder to children than the world that we currently have. I talked about it a bit when I reviewed Salad Days, and it applies to Silent Hearts as well. Where the former work tackled the economic differences between the two main characters and how a whole village came together to make its children's dreams come true, the latter work focuses on disabilities and largely provides positive representations of them.
The characters are very much just good people at their core. Even side characters who are initially presented in a more negative light are eventually shown to be not bad at all, just that they show their kindess in a different way. (Jiang Tianhe and Zhong He, for example.) As such, there is very little conflict between any of the characters which might seem unrealistic, but is in line with the author's style.
As for the plot, I would say that there really isn't much of it. It's a coming-of-age novel, laying out a different sort of daily life of high schoolers. You get Lin Mu and Lu Rong's romance as the most prominent aspect of the story, but a lot of the story also gets dedicated to themes such as education and overcoming adversity.
I also felt that the story of this book is more focused on an ensemble set of characters. Of course, Lin Mu and Lu Rong - and Meimei, to an extent - remain the main characters of the book. But once in a while we get to follow the stories of side characters like Mo Xiaoxiao and Cao Zhan, and this is something I don't particularly remember happening much in Salad Days. I grew to be invested in their individual stories as well, and rooted for them to overcome the obstacles in their way and grow into their own.
Maybe, in some respects, it might feel a little long-winded to people. This book, after all, sits at a whopping 500+ pages. There isn't much action going for it, and if you're on the older side, the high school antics might feel a bit cringe or juvenile. But ultimately I think it's still a good read - though not much of a page-turner - if you're in the mood to read about a world that is kinder and gentler to those not deemed "normal" and "able" by society's standards.
P.S. The author still keeps her writing quirks in this book. Be prepared to read a lot about how characters are rendered speechless by their peers.
June 10, 2025
A very sweet story with characters' disabilities presented in a convincing and respectful way. The official translation was a bit wonky and some parts sounded slightly awkward but I still enjoyed reading it :)
February 21, 2025
This book was so sweet! The writing was a bit choppy and the dialogue could sometimes be a bit sappy. However, this might have just been a translation error and it was never choppy enough to impede readability. I loved Lin Mu and Ru Long's relationship. It was just so cute and I loved getting to see them slowly go from strangers, to friends, to something more.
The plot is also quite simple and there isn't really a lot of drama or angst. I figured there would be either hijinks or more angst from the crossdressing debacle, but it is honestly kind of a non-issue. Lin Mu feels guilty for lying to Ru Long and that is pretty much as far as that conflict goes. It isn't really meant to add more drama or laughs or anything, it was just a way to show how much the two like each other.
This novel also has a lot of disability representation. There are times when the representation feels... not the best. For example, referring to a character with a learning disability as "dopey." But said character also has a lot of friends who love and care for him, so this might just be a cultural thing or a translation error. On a whole, I think this book does a great job with the representation, but I'm also not an expert on the topic.
I thought this book was super cute and I can't wait to read part 2!
The plot is also quite simple and there isn't really a lot of drama or angst. I figured there would be either hijinks or more angst from the crossdressing debacle, but it is honestly kind of a non-issue. Lin Mu feels guilty for lying to Ru Long and that is pretty much as far as that conflict goes. It isn't really meant to add more drama or laughs or anything, it was just a way to show how much the two like each other.
This novel also has a lot of disability representation. There are times when the representation feels... not the best. For example, referring to a character with a learning disability as "dopey." But said character also has a lot of friends who love and care for him, so this might just be a cultural thing or a translation error. On a whole, I think this book does a great job with the representation, but I'm also not an expert on the topic.
I thought this book was super cute and I can't wait to read part 2!
February 13, 2025
Very, very sweet. Looking forward to the second volume.
August 15, 2025
Silent hearts is a slice of life high school danmei focused on a group of friends the majority of which are living with a disability, caring for sick family members or are trying to support those with a disability. Lin Mu our MC is an identical twin, who while cross dressing as his hearing impaired sister, begins to form a friendship with a younger classmate Lu Rong. Lu Rong, our ML, is dealing with his own struggles, being completing high school while also being the solo caretaker for his grand mother who is suffering from late stage dementia. This story looked to cover some of the difficulties they face, and how friends can support each other do overcome their challenges.
The first volume of this series, was a fun read with interesting challenges for our MC and ML to overcome. I enjoyed the slow development of their relationship as they got to know each other in the different settings they could interact in. I did find the lying and cross dressing secret to be a little cringe and far from satisfying. However it was easily ignored as even the characters themselves often forgot about it. I also enjoyed the relationships between the side characters, Dopey and MeiMeis friendship was perfection and watching Young Master An Jincheng evolve from a standoffish side character to important member of the group was a joy. I also enjoyed seeing a strong Shou that could meet the Gong in terms of being an overprotective and strong badass, this is not a common trope we see but it was done well and met all of my needs while reading it. I would say that if you are triggered by bully's and bullying, this may not be the story for you. With the nature of many of the characters, this is a common theme and adversity for the characters to work together to overcome. The romance itself in this novel is very slow burn and develops over the first novel. I was thankfully we had some sweet moments that initiated the romance in this novel, and they were carried out by both members of the pairing. Seeing two people who care for each other the same amount is my Roman Empire!
Overall this was a 4/5 read for me. I might consider reading this one again in the future If I am needing a softer novel. Anyone who is looking for a more diverse group of people or disability representation should give this one a look. As someone who has lived with a family member with dementia, I feel like they approached the subject involved tastefully and could relate to Lu Rong well! Again if caring for a family member or bullying of those with disabilities is triggering too you, this may not be the one for you. However if you are looking for a sweet story about the power of friendship helping to support and strength each others ability to overcome difficulties, this is a must read!
The first volume of this series, was a fun read with interesting challenges for our MC and ML to overcome. I enjoyed the slow development of their relationship as they got to know each other in the different settings they could interact in. I did find the lying and cross dressing secret to be a little cringe and far from satisfying. However it was easily ignored as even the characters themselves often forgot about it. I also enjoyed the relationships between the side characters, Dopey and MeiMeis friendship was perfection and watching Young Master An Jincheng evolve from a standoffish side character to important member of the group was a joy. I also enjoyed seeing a strong Shou that could meet the Gong in terms of being an overprotective and strong badass, this is not a common trope we see but it was done well and met all of my needs while reading it. I would say that if you are triggered by bully's and bullying, this may not be the story for you. With the nature of many of the characters, this is a common theme and adversity for the characters to work together to overcome. The romance itself in this novel is very slow burn and develops over the first novel. I was thankfully we had some sweet moments that initiated the romance in this novel, and they were carried out by both members of the pairing. Seeing two people who care for each other the same amount is my Roman Empire!
Overall this was a 4/5 read for me. I might consider reading this one again in the future If I am needing a softer novel. Anyone who is looking for a more diverse group of people or disability representation should give this one a look. As someone who has lived with a family member with dementia, I feel like they approached the subject involved tastefully and could relate to Lu Rong well! Again if caring for a family member or bullying of those with disabilities is triggering too you, this may not be the one for you. However if you are looking for a sweet story about the power of friendship helping to support and strength each others ability to overcome difficulties, this is a must read!
January 9, 2023
ENGLISH
I LOVE this wonderful amazing adorable YA damei ❤���❤️❤️
The summary: W follow 2 twins Lin Mu (M) and Lin Zhao (F) who are identical 🥰 ZL is deaf-mute and has special needs. She follows special classes outside of schools. But with her Go carrer, she has no time to go to those classes that she finds unnecessary. The Twins decided that LM will crossdress has her and take her place during the summer 🤭 There, he will meet Lu Rong who is accompagning his grandma, Meimei, who has Alzheimer...
During school, we will find a lot of friendship, love and warm ❤️
I squeeze and laugh so much while reading it ❤️ a 100% feel good read ! ❤️❤️❤️
FRENCH
Coup de ❤️ pour ce danmei YA magnifique, chaleureux et adorable ❤️❤️❤️
On suit Lin Mu (M) et Lin Zhao (F) qui sont des jumeaux de 17ans qui sont quasi identiques 🥰 LZ est sourde-muette donc elle doit suivre des cours particuliers pour ses besoins en dehors de l'école aussi, mais cela entâche avec ses cours de Go dont elle devient experte. Les Twins décident donc que LM va cross-dresser et prendre sa place pour les cours particuliers en été 🤭 Là, il rencontre Lu Rong 16ans qui y accompagne sa grand-mère, Meimei, souffrante d'Alzheimer...
A la rentrée scolaire, on découvre toutes les amitiés et les romances d'un groupe d'amis soudés ❤️
J'ai tellement couiné et rigolé ❤️❤️❤️ Cette lecture est feel good à 100% 🥰 Roulala... du baume au coeur ❤️
I LOVE this wonderful amazing adorable YA damei ❤���❤️❤️
The summary: W follow 2 twins Lin Mu (M) and Lin Zhao (F) who are identical 🥰 ZL is deaf-mute and has special needs. She follows special classes outside of schools. But with her Go carrer, she has no time to go to those classes that she finds unnecessary. The Twins decided that LM will crossdress has her and take her place during the summer 🤭 There, he will meet Lu Rong who is accompagning his grandma, Meimei, who has Alzheimer...
During school, we will find a lot of friendship, love and warm ❤️
I squeeze and laugh so much while reading it ❤️ a 100% feel good read ! ❤️❤️❤️
FRENCH
Coup de ❤️ pour ce danmei YA magnifique, chaleureux et adorable ❤️❤️❤️
On suit Lin Mu (M) et Lin Zhao (F) qui sont des jumeaux de 17ans qui sont quasi identiques 🥰 LZ est sourde-muette donc elle doit suivre des cours particuliers pour ses besoins en dehors de l'école aussi, mais cela entâche avec ses cours de Go dont elle devient experte. Les Twins décident donc que LM va cross-dresser et prendre sa place pour les cours particuliers en été 🤭 Là, il rencontre Lu Rong 16ans qui y accompagne sa grand-mère, Meimei, souffrante d'Alzheimer...
A la rentrée scolaire, on découvre toutes les amitiés et les romances d'un groupe d'amis soudés ❤️
J'ai tellement couiné et rigolé ❤️❤️❤️ Cette lecture est feel good à 100% 🥰 Roulala... du baume au coeur ❤️
July 29, 2023
What I really enjoyed was the positive disability representation. Much needed I think. They are just characters like any others.
Otherwise it was just so-so. The romance was okay, writing was okay, characters were okay.
However, after reading Salad Days, I was already extremely sick of 'Character X was left speechless' every 2 pages. It's even worse here.
Otherwise it was just so-so. The romance was okay, writing was okay, characters were okay.
However, after reading Salad Days, I was already extremely sick of 'Character X was left speechless' every 2 pages. It's even worse here.
March 3, 2025
methinks i would have enjoyed this more as a graphic novel. the vibrations were so low they were damn near undetectable, and if I'm consuming slice of life, i prefer it to be in cartoon format
it was very overwritten, but this might have been because it was a translation? idk idk.
it was very overwritten, but this might have been because it was a translation? idk idk.
July 21, 2024
son mis hijos
July 2, 2025
Cute with interesting representation, this unfortunately read young for me and was also a bit boring. I think I am just the wrong age group for this one.
December 27, 2025
“To Lin Mu, liking someone is like the sun shining on the beach, a hermit crab finding its shell, and waves washing over it; it was like being in the hottest summer day, a cool rain pattering upon the leaves of a banana tree, the constant sound of a lullaby.”
Silent Hearts Volume 1 is an enchanting dive into a world rich with emotion and complexity. From the very first page, the narrative draws you in with its captivating prose and beautifully crafted characters. I love how Jing Shio Bian wrote the characters and the way they interact. The story unfolds around themes of love, sacrifice, and the haunting silence that often accompanies unspoken feelings.
What truly stands out is the portrayal of childhood bullies who can actually change and even turn out to be our closest friends. This nuance adds depth to the narrative and offers a hopeful perspective on personal growth. Lu Rong, in particular, is beautifully portrayed as someone who cares deeply for his grandmother while also displaying his human imperfections. His character is relatable and reminds us that it's okay to be flawed.
The author masterfully depicts the development of friendships, showing both strengths and weaknesses, and how they fill in for what the others are missing. This dynamic adds layers to the relationships and makes them feel genuine and heartfelt.
The pacing of the story is just right, allowing for both thrilling plot developments and quieter, introspective moments. The emotional resonance is palpable, with heartache and joy delicately portrayed, leaving readers reflecting on their own experiences.
Silent Hearts Volume 1 is an enchanting dive into a world rich with emotion and complexity. From the very first page, the narrative draws you in with its captivating prose and beautifully crafted characters. I love how Jing Shio Bian wrote the characters and the way they interact. The story unfolds around themes of love, sacrifice, and the haunting silence that often accompanies unspoken feelings.
What truly stands out is the portrayal of childhood bullies who can actually change and even turn out to be our closest friends. This nuance adds depth to the narrative and offers a hopeful perspective on personal growth. Lu Rong, in particular, is beautifully portrayed as someone who cares deeply for his grandmother while also displaying his human imperfections. His character is relatable and reminds us that it's okay to be flawed.
The author masterfully depicts the development of friendships, showing both strengths and weaknesses, and how they fill in for what the others are missing. This dynamic adds layers to the relationships and makes them feel genuine and heartfelt.
The pacing of the story is just right, allowing for both thrilling plot developments and quieter, introspective moments. The emotional resonance is palpable, with heartache and joy delicately portrayed, leaving readers reflecting on their own experiences.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews