This was such a sweet and uplifting read. I loved Xiang Cai (MC) and found him really admirable. He had gone through so much suffering in his youth and when he was introduced to Tan Yiming (ML), it was like he had found a guiding light again.
I liked their dynamics - the way XC was first a fan of TYM and later on TYM was XC's first fan. The way they were always chasing each other, loving each other from afar then coming together as one after many tribulations was bittersweet and beautiful.
Since XC had gone through a difficult youth, he was forced to grow up quickly and to mature quickly, because he couldn't afford to be a kid. So even though he had friends his age, the things he and his peers were experiencing were very different and incomparable. So with TYM who's 8 years older (yes, there's an age gap!), at first he found inspiration and comfort then later he slowly fell in love with him, as most fans do with their idols. The difference was that XC and TYM had interactions and although they were behind different personas, they were still as honest as each other as friends were.
I liked how XC blossomed as their friendship deepened and I liked even more how they met in real life all those years later. 5 years had passed but they still recognised each other, instantly and without a doubt. The pining and yearning by XC then TYM, all the missed opportunities before they finally confessed and got together was chef's kiss. So yes, this is definitely a slow burn. And I just loved how accepting, caring, considerate and loving TYM was with XC. He understood XC very well and took care of him and as a result, XC could relax and act his age. XC was no longer alone and they were a family now. They have such a tender relationship with strong bonds built from mutual respect and support. Sure, they have an age gap but honestly, they have a healthy romantic relationship.
Not only did I like the relationship between the MC and ML, I liked the characters themselves. XC was just extraordinary - he was strong-willed and passionate but he also had his insecurities, while TYM was determined and hardworking but there were times where he was anxious too. They were both different but very similar in that they were both incredibly dedicated to their crafts and would always give their best when working. I loved their character development, especially XC's, who stood up again and again, unfurling his wings and finally flying high.
I liked the side characters too, especially all the different dynamics and relationships the characters had so it made me kind of sad when the author didn't give all of them a happy ending. Because I thought that they deserved better. Especially the male characters like Yao Yin, Cen Manchuan and Chen Ziran 😢 But then again, I have to say that the ending of the main story was quite rushed and it left me feeling unfulfilled. Luckily there were the extras though which expanded on XC and TYM's domestic life and their future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Never thought I would read anything related to musical theater or dubbing but here we are. Don't know much in this arena but I didn't surprisingly lose interest. This story centers around Cai Cai who loses his dream of being a ballerina after an accident. In his most vulnerable moment he meets the ML who sparks his desire to take another path and find a new dream. We follow their journey as they both dare to take a chance and chase their dreams as a musical theater actor and a voice artist.
The pacing is slow and requires some patience. It really fleshed out this world and mc's motivations and dreams. The build up is long and you have to wait a while before stories converge to the present when they actually get together. The major theme here is about pursuing your dreams and romance on the side. As sweet as this story of perseverance may be I wasn't invested in the main CP wholeheartedly. They spent most of the novel apart but I don't mind that so much.
What I couldn't get passed was the age gap and whole mentor mentee or fan idol dynamic.It tried to skirt around the fact that they started talking when the Mc was a minor in highschool but nothing happened at the time at least.ML kept reiterating the child thing even when they were older. Whether jokingly or in a teasing manner it created a distance mentally for me. You should not have to parent your partner or look at them like a child and the language didn't help ( ml refers to him as boy, child etc which broke suspense of disbelief) I couldn't make the leap of their relationship crossing over into romance (but that's my own hang up-its not too bad considering the other bls out there) I wish they hadn't met when mc was still a minor as it framed the way I looked at their relationship. It was always at the back of my mind but don't let that stop you as its not as bad as it sounds. A 7 year or more age gap is the norm in bl so it might be my own prejudice. In my mind how could they be truly equal partners but there are always exceptions.
I love that the female characters are not vile and the author really captures the musings of a teenage crush and other stages of love and relationships. It is really cute and warm from the beginning to the end. The bubbling fears and feelings are so relatable. There is no major villain and you can't help rooting for all the characters.
Read this if you have time and patience to digest the whole story and not count on being fed romance or fluff every chapter. Sometimes we should just enjoy the story and the sweetness of it all. There is a pure quality to this.
A very sweet novel about two people that fall in love with each other at different times. Cai Cai five years earlier and Tan Yiming 5 years later. They grow and learn and are able to find each other again.
"He packed each piece of memory about Wang Qingyun into a candy, and then carefully stored it and put it in the deepest corner of his heart." love it 🥹
Honestly I love the first half story and want to give it solid 5 stars. But, I feel like there's nothing really happen in the last part and It get me a little bored