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Dawning #2
Dawning II
Vol#2: Thank you, for giving me light.
Mr. Li, I officially invite you - to shine on me for my whole life.
The rose is mine. The sunlight is mine too.
But I will always be yours.
Mr. Li, I officially invite you - to shine on me for my whole life.
The rose is mine. The sunlight is mine too.
But I will always be yours.
- GenresContemporary
370 pages, Paperback
Published May 15, 2023
1 person is currently reading
173 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 30, 2025
“What you think can’t hold me back. What I wanted was never a ring or some other material gift- it was only your entire self for the rest of your life.”
Thoughts on Dawning II…. The drama in this volume is off the charts, and I am so here for it! So much happens—secrets spill, and heartfelt confessions are made. I couldn’t put it down!
Li Luo is totally on fire this time. Every time he catches Duan Mingyang trying to deflect or hide his feelings, he’s like a bloodhound on the scent of his love! Discovering that Duan Mingyang is basically the ultimate simp had my heart breaking in the best way.
The misunderstandings hit their peak in this volume, and just when I thought things couldn't get crazier, they do! The external drama with Duan Mingyang’s half-brother really ramps up the tension. Seriously, it feels like I’m watching a soap opera at times! There are dramatic rain-soaked apologies and over-the-top plans to take down the bad guys. I’m living for it!
I have to admit, I was sick while reading this (ugh!), but I pushed through because it was just too good! Li Luo's character development is awesome—he’s realizing his mistakes and owning up to how he’s treated Duan Mingyang. It’s so satisfying to see their misunderstandings finally getting cleared up!
And that cliffhanger ending? I need to dive into volume three ASAP! I really hope we get a happy ending because these two deserve it after all this drama. If you loved the first volume, you’ll definitely want to grab this one!
Date Read: 2024.10.05
Thoughts on Dawning II…. The drama in this volume is off the charts, and I am so here for it! So much happens—secrets spill, and heartfelt confessions are made. I couldn’t put it down!
Li Luo is totally on fire this time. Every time he catches Duan Mingyang trying to deflect or hide his feelings, he’s like a bloodhound on the scent of his love! Discovering that Duan Mingyang is basically the ultimate simp had my heart breaking in the best way.
The misunderstandings hit their peak in this volume, and just when I thought things couldn't get crazier, they do! The external drama with Duan Mingyang’s half-brother really ramps up the tension. Seriously, it feels like I’m watching a soap opera at times! There are dramatic rain-soaked apologies and over-the-top plans to take down the bad guys. I’m living for it!
I have to admit, I was sick while reading this (ugh!), but I pushed through because it was just too good! Li Luo's character development is awesome—he’s realizing his mistakes and owning up to how he’s treated Duan Mingyang. It’s so satisfying to see their misunderstandings finally getting cleared up!
And that cliffhanger ending? I need to dive into volume three ASAP! I really hope we get a happy ending because these two deserve it after all this drama. If you loved the first volume, you’ll definitely want to grab this one!
Date Read: 2024.10.05
March 23, 2024
Two porcupines who absolutely love each other but constantly miscommunicate and misunderstand everything with a really good plot.
Tears were shed and it ends on a cliffhanger so make sure you have volume 3 (the final book) before reading! I am enjoying this series a lot more than I thought I would!
Brief summary of the story is in my review of Dawning 1. This is book 2 of 3
Tears were shed and it ends on a cliffhanger so make sure you have volume 3 (the final book) before reading! I am enjoying this series a lot more than I thought I would!
Brief summary of the story is in my review of Dawning 1. This is book 2 of 3
August 19, 2025
Second books usually make me nervous (too much filler, not enough payoff), but this one? Totally delivered. I don’t usually go for modern danmei without sci-fi or fantasy sprinkled in—CEO/superstar tropes are normally my cue to roll my eyes—but somehow I inhaled this in two days flat. My poor wallet is crying, because danmei books are basically luxury goods at this point.
The best part? The misunderstandings actually get cleared up. Revolutionary! Characters who communicate—what a concept. The cliffhanger is still evil enough to make me want to fling the book across the room, but in the best way possible. I need answers, and I need them yesterday.
And Mingyang… oh you hopeless romantic. Weibo posts? Sir, that’s both heartbreakingly sweet and disgustingly adorable. Ultra cute, 10/10, would reread just for that.
Overall, this sequel kept me hooked, made me laugh, and reminded me why I keep throwing money at danmei novels even though I swear I won’t.
The best part? The misunderstandings actually get cleared up. Revolutionary! Characters who communicate—what a concept. The cliffhanger is still evil enough to make me want to fling the book across the room, but in the best way possible. I need answers, and I need them yesterday.
And Mingyang… oh you hopeless romantic. Weibo posts? Sir, that’s both heartbreakingly sweet and disgustingly adorable. Ultra cute, 10/10, would reread just for that.
Overall, this sequel kept me hooked, made me laugh, and reminded me why I keep throwing money at danmei novels even though I swear I won’t.
June 7, 2024
【We're gonna have to be compatible, even if we’re not, understand?】
I love this line and I am living for the drama. So much happened in this volume. So many secrets and heartfelt admissions. Spoilery reactions below.
I love this line and I am living for the drama. So much happened in this volume. So many secrets and heartfelt admissions. Spoilery reactions below.
February 17, 2025
Wtf wtf wtf??? The drama! Li luo and duan are so so so cute and romantic but fuck xingye, that parasite is annoying ast. We stan su zhi here 🙏🙏
June 20, 2025
What is this??
At this point, I’m just exhausted. Why is this even three volumes? Volume 2 feels like pure filler there’s no real conflict, just Mr. Stone (who’s misunderstood) and Mr. Prince Charming trying to seduce him. Honestly, get up and leave already.
Can we please normalize actual communication? What is wrong with everyone!
I won’t lie I started skim-reading around 47% and jumped to the end. Maybe that’s unfair to the book, and maybe I’m projecting a little, but this is how it made me feel and I’m not suppressing it.
At this point, I’m just exhausted. Why is this even three volumes? Volume 2 feels like pure filler there’s no real conflict, just Mr. Stone (who’s misunderstood) and Mr. Prince Charming trying to seduce him. Honestly, get up and leave already.
Can we please normalize actual communication? What is wrong with everyone!
I won’t lie I started skim-reading around 47% and jumped to the end. Maybe that’s unfair to the book, and maybe I’m projecting a little, but this is how it made me feel and I’m not suppressing it.
September 10, 2025
I thought the first book in this trilogy was emotional, but Dawning Vol. 2 completely shattered me. I read it in less than 24 hours, and by the time I reached the final chapter, I knew it wasn’t just a 4.5 — this was a solid ★★★★★ (5/5). Ice took everything from the first volume and amplified it: the heartbreak, the tenderness, the misunderstandings, and the passion.
My emotional downfall began in Chapter 18, when Li Luo and Duan Mingyan broke up for the second time. Li Luo begged to be released with:
“If you have nothing to say, can you let me go?”
and Mingyan’s devastating reply:
“If you go, I won’t look for you again.”
That single exchange was the trigger for the rollercoaster that followed. Chapter 19 twisted the knife even further: Li Luo cut his hair — the very same hair he’d once told Mingyan he never cut because his lover cared for it. Cutting it became his attempt to bury Mingyan in the past, but of course it failed, just as it had failed five years earlier.
Then came the jewelry shop scene in Britain, at Dawning. Symbolically sharing the name of the novel itself, the shop unveiled one of the most heartbreaking truths: the ring Li Luo had chosen was called “Lonely Love” — described as “the more you love, the lonelier you are.” That name alone was brutal, but what destroyed me was the clerk’s revelation. Years earlier, a poor student had bought the matching pair, worrying that his boyfriend might think something so cheap was too shabby, and so he had scraped together everything to afford the most expensive ring. That student was Duan Mingyan. That boyfriend was Li Luo. And Li Luo never knew.
For Li Luo to realize this — that Mingyan had been quietly building his entire life around him, even after heartbreak — was the emotional climax of the book for me. Chapter 19 became my favorite, while Chapter 20 finally broke through their endless cycle of miscommunication. The infamous blackmail video misunderstanding was at last cleared. Mingyan demanded that Li Luo only apologize if he trusted him, and for the first time, Li Luo did. Mingyan, in turn, admitted his failings:
“We were people of two different worlds in the first place. In your world, you can live freely and comfortably, but I’ll have to be cautious every day, scared that with a single wrong step everything would fall apart and I’d never be able to see you again. If this is the case, then there’s no need to force things.”
It was heartbreaking maturity — especially when Mingyan confessed he wasn’t indestructible:
“You’ve told me to break up with you two times already. I don’t know if the third time would come, and when it would come. I’m not indestructible. I won’t be able to endure a third time, Li Luo.”
That line made me cry, as did his decision to hand Li Luo the ring he had once intended for their future together.
What made me love Mingyan more than ever in this volume was precisely this emotional honesty. While Li Luo remains my fabulous, prideful diva, Mingyan’s maturity and vulnerability gave him incredible depth. His every decision — even starting an entertainment agency — was done with Li Luo in mind. He is flawed, but utterly devoted.
The last chapter (27) sealed this book as a masterpiece. It gave me everything I wanted: passionate, deliciously written smut (yes, it made me feel butterflies), tender love, emotional growth, and cathartic revenge. It left me stunned, satisfied, and immediately reaching for Vol. 3.
Side characters also continued to shine: Jiang Liushen remains my sassy favorite, Assistant Jin Ren with his shiny glasses is rising fast, while the remaining Duan family duo (father and son) infuriated me beyond words. Poor Mingyan deserved so much better than them.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Dawning Vol. 2 is everything I wanted and more — heartbreaking, passionate, and unforgettable. It broke me, healed me, and left me desperate for the finale.
My emotional downfall began in Chapter 18, when Li Luo and Duan Mingyan broke up for the second time. Li Luo begged to be released with:
“If you have nothing to say, can you let me go?”
and Mingyan’s devastating reply:
“If you go, I won’t look for you again.”
That single exchange was the trigger for the rollercoaster that followed. Chapter 19 twisted the knife even further: Li Luo cut his hair — the very same hair he’d once told Mingyan he never cut because his lover cared for it. Cutting it became his attempt to bury Mingyan in the past, but of course it failed, just as it had failed five years earlier.
Then came the jewelry shop scene in Britain, at Dawning. Symbolically sharing the name of the novel itself, the shop unveiled one of the most heartbreaking truths: the ring Li Luo had chosen was called “Lonely Love” — described as “the more you love, the lonelier you are.” That name alone was brutal, but what destroyed me was the clerk’s revelation. Years earlier, a poor student had bought the matching pair, worrying that his boyfriend might think something so cheap was too shabby, and so he had scraped together everything to afford the most expensive ring. That student was Duan Mingyan. That boyfriend was Li Luo. And Li Luo never knew.
For Li Luo to realize this — that Mingyan had been quietly building his entire life around him, even after heartbreak — was the emotional climax of the book for me. Chapter 19 became my favorite, while Chapter 20 finally broke through their endless cycle of miscommunication. The infamous blackmail video misunderstanding was at last cleared. Mingyan demanded that Li Luo only apologize if he trusted him, and for the first time, Li Luo did. Mingyan, in turn, admitted his failings:
“We were people of two different worlds in the first place. In your world, you can live freely and comfortably, but I’ll have to be cautious every day, scared that with a single wrong step everything would fall apart and I’d never be able to see you again. If this is the case, then there’s no need to force things.”
It was heartbreaking maturity — especially when Mingyan confessed he wasn’t indestructible:
“You’ve told me to break up with you two times already. I don’t know if the third time would come, and when it would come. I’m not indestructible. I won’t be able to endure a third time, Li Luo.”
That line made me cry, as did his decision to hand Li Luo the ring he had once intended for their future together.
What made me love Mingyan more than ever in this volume was precisely this emotional honesty. While Li Luo remains my fabulous, prideful diva, Mingyan’s maturity and vulnerability gave him incredible depth. His every decision — even starting an entertainment agency — was done with Li Luo in mind. He is flawed, but utterly devoted.
The last chapter (27) sealed this book as a masterpiece. It gave me everything I wanted: passionate, deliciously written smut (yes, it made me feel butterflies), tender love, emotional growth, and cathartic revenge. It left me stunned, satisfied, and immediately reaching for Vol. 3.
Side characters also continued to shine: Jiang Liushen remains my sassy favorite, Assistant Jin Ren with his shiny glasses is rising fast, while the remaining Duan family duo (father and son) infuriated me beyond words. Poor Mingyan deserved so much better than them.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Dawning Vol. 2 is everything I wanted and more — heartbreaking, passionate, and unforgettable. It broke me, healed me, and left me desperate for the finale.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2024
"I miss you, I miss you, I miss you."
I got sick as I was about to finish reading this volume, which delayed my progress quite a bit. It was a shame because this volume was great, plot-wise, and the action in the last few chapters of the volume made me both want to tear my hair out in rage even though I knew I had to put the book down to make sure I didn't make my fever worse.
In this volume, the misunderstandings between our two main characters peak and, ultimately, get resolved to a certain extent; additionally, the external plot involving Duan Xingye and Duan Tianyou gets kicked into high gear. This is in contrast to the first volume, which largely just sets the stage for the antagonistic (but not really?) relationship between Li Luo and Duan Mingyang through the flashbacks and their first few encounters after their reunion.
Yes, it's still as melodramatic and soap-opera-if-it-were-a-novel as the first volume is. Not just with the way Li Luo and Duan Mingyang's conflicts play out, but also with how our main characters as well as the ones around them end up planning the downfall of Duan Mingyang's half-brother and father. Trust me, this volume involves the following: encountering a sales attendant who not only magically stays at the same store for five years, but also has the memory of an elephant; dramatically waiting in the rain in order to ask for forgiveness; creating diversions and distractions and disguises and what-have-you in order to protect the one you love. And that's not all of it.
Was it entertaining? Of course it was! Aside from the times when I wanted to knock some sense into Li Luo (though I will bring up his rich boy upbringing for his lack of common sense and intelligence sometimes), I gobbled it all right up. I'm referencing the wrong East Asian country, but it's like watching a makjang drama. Half of it is pure investment (on the romance part of things), and half of it is simply waiting to see how ridiculous things can get and how epic the downfall will be (on the Duan Xingye and Duan Tianyou part of things).
But also it's just really good to read about Li Luo's character development. I did say in my review of the first volume that the asshole behaviors of our main characters come from a deep place of hurt, but once the misunderstandings get cleared up, I don't think Li Luo ever justifies the terrible things he did and said to Duan Mingyang over the course of the first volume and parts of the second volume. While he's still quite a spoiled young master, he is capable of self-reflection and recognizes the multiple times he has hurt the one he loves. At the same time, a lot of the things I initially thought to be products of bitterness ended up being actions that stemmed from love.
As I'm writing this review, I'm already a few chapters into the third - and final - volume. Given what I've read in that volume so far, I can say that volume two definitely is the climax of the series. Whenever you feel any sort of frustration while going through this volume, just know that it ends as soon as the volume itself ends.
Please excuse me while I now continue to read about Li Luo and Duan Mingyang's lovey-dovey life!
I got sick as I was about to finish reading this volume, which delayed my progress quite a bit. It was a shame because this volume was great, plot-wise, and the action in the last few chapters of the volume made me both want to tear my hair out in rage even though I knew I had to put the book down to make sure I didn't make my fever worse.
In this volume, the misunderstandings between our two main characters peak and, ultimately, get resolved to a certain extent; additionally, the external plot involving Duan Xingye and Duan Tianyou gets kicked into high gear. This is in contrast to the first volume, which largely just sets the stage for the antagonistic (but not really?) relationship between Li Luo and Duan Mingyang through the flashbacks and their first few encounters after their reunion.
Yes, it's still as melodramatic and soap-opera-if-it-were-a-novel as the first volume is. Not just with the way Li Luo and Duan Mingyang's conflicts play out, but also with how our main characters as well as the ones around them end up planning the downfall of Duan Mingyang's half-brother and father. Trust me, this volume involves the following: encountering a sales attendant who not only magically stays at the same store for five years, but also has the memory of an elephant; dramatically waiting in the rain in order to ask for forgiveness; creating diversions and distractions and disguises and what-have-you in order to protect the one you love. And that's not all of it.
Was it entertaining? Of course it was! Aside from the times when I wanted to knock some sense into Li Luo (though I will bring up his rich boy upbringing for his lack of common sense and intelligence sometimes), I gobbled it all right up. I'm referencing the wrong East Asian country, but it's like watching a makjang drama. Half of it is pure investment (on the romance part of things), and half of it is simply waiting to see how ridiculous things can get and how epic the downfall will be (on the Duan Xingye and Duan Tianyou part of things).
But also it's just really good to read about Li Luo's character development. I did say in my review of the first volume that the asshole behaviors of our main characters come from a deep place of hurt, but once the misunderstandings get cleared up, I don't think Li Luo ever justifies the terrible things he did and said to Duan Mingyang over the course of the first volume and parts of the second volume. While he's still quite a spoiled young master, he is capable of self-reflection and recognizes the multiple times he has hurt the one he loves. At the same time, a lot of the things I initially thought to be products of bitterness ended up being actions that stemmed from love.
As I'm writing this review, I'm already a few chapters into the third - and final - volume. Given what I've read in that volume so far, I can say that volume two definitely is the climax of the series. Whenever you feel any sort of frustration while going through this volume, just know that it ends as soon as the volume itself ends.
Please excuse me while I now continue to read about Li Luo and Duan Mingyang's lovey-dovey life!
December 4, 2024
I struggled with the majority of this book. It took the main characters years to clear up the misunderstandings. the constant push and pull with little to no progress at the start was frustrating. Every small step forward seemed to result in ten steps backand then we finally get to the communication and confession part and instead of it being satisfying and them getting back together its a load of "I understand everything now, Let's end it here. We're incompatible." 🙎🤦🙆 Really sir? After 5 years of pining, you're really gonna let go of the MC just like that? 🙄🙄🙄
The MC has the patience of a saint to put up with this, because I could never. It's always him chasing the ML and trying to prove his love, both in the flashbacks and in the present timeline. If not for the MCs persistence then they wouldve been a lost cause. smh. I prefer my male leads to be consistent—none of this devoted and pining one minute, then cold and dismissive the next. Please ✋
The MC has the patience of a saint to put up with this, because I could never. It's always him chasing the ML and trying to prove his love, both in the flashbacks and in the present timeline. If not for the MCs persistence then they wouldve been a lost cause. smh. I prefer my male leads to be consistent—none of this devoted and pining one minute, then cold and dismissive the next. Please ✋
March 15, 2025
The first half of the book was so frustrating because yes, the banter was good, I was feeling all the feels but I was ready by that point to see them kiss and make up.
Then the author decided to torture us some more????? Let them be haaaaappy already, these idiots waited for too long.
As for the smut - I forgot to mention in the last book but it's top tier, it's delicious, so thank you for that. I find that smut in danmei is usually lacking in terms of quality so this is a point I have to appreciate when I see it.
Then the author decided to torture us some more????? Let them be haaaaappy already, these idiots waited for too long.
As for the smut - I forgot to mention in the last book but it's top tier, it's delicious, so thank you for that. I find that smut in danmei is usually lacking in terms of quality so this is a point I have to appreciate when I see it.
May 9, 2025
turn the miscommunication dial up!
didnt expect much from this series, since i was just reading to pass time as i wait for the next volume of another series to be released. but the story did have me invested at certain points and a little emotional
didnt expect much from this series, since i was just reading to pass time as i wait for the next volume of another series to be released. but the story did have me invested at certain points and a little emotional
February 7, 2024
Read it
July 24, 2024
Loving all the drama! Half of their problems could be resolved it MC and ML just sit and sincerely talk to each other, but of course it’s not the case lol
July 24, 2024
Actual Rating: 2.5
November 12, 2024
Duan Mingyan HAD a good reason
April 4, 2025
okayyy the plot thickened in this one. its over-the-top dramatic but fun.
April 27, 2025
mmm i love a cold top
May 10, 2024
And finally the misunderstandings all get cleared up between the MC and ML.
Really glad I read this back to back after vol 1 as the story picks up right where we left off.
This volume has a cliffhanger ending so will be heading into vol 3 straight away. I really hope we get a happy ending.
Really glad I read this back to back after vol 1 as the story picks up right where we left off.
This volume has a cliffhanger ending so will be heading into vol 3 straight away. I really hope we get a happy ending.
October 12, 2024
The MC was acting way too pathetic in this volume, and they cleared up their misunderstandings... so I lost the will to read a little (but still continued to vol. 3).
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews