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aworldforastage · 7 months

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A second subjective list of favorite danmei’s I read in 2023

ABO

Miraculous Love (aka "Evil Love Appears") :: 邪门的爱情出现了 by 丧心病狂的瓜皮

Why Is It Possible For This Type Of A To Also Have An O? :: 为什么这种A也能有O by 图南鲸

老婆是顶级Alpha，我该怎么办 by 海藻大王

Entertainment Industry

内娱第一花瓶 by 三三娘

Concealed and Blended: Fendai :: 粉黛 by 七世有幸

Flower Vase :: 花瓶 by 困倚危楼

可一可再 by 反舌鸟

Modern (Miscellaneous)

Poison of the Heart :: 心毒初禾

Surrender (Book 1) :: 臣服 I by 墨奈何/墨青城

交易沦陷 by 在下小神j

Historical

Fei Ping Ying Qiang :: 妃嫔媵嫱 by 七月侯

穿成苏培盛了 by 一渡清河

九千岁[重生] by 绣生

ABO Novels

Miraculous Love :: 邪门的爱情出现了 by 丧心病狂的瓜皮

[ABO (A/O), romance, sexual awakening, reconciliation] -- This is one of those novels that leverage the ABO setting to explore topics like relationships, marriage, and sexuality. Late-bloomer Omega Fu Xiaoyu and recent divorcee Alpha Xu Jiale connect and build a relationship based on their intense sexual chemistry and attraction. Sex allows Fu Xiaoyu to feel loved, desirable, and unashamed of his own sexuality for the first time, but this new relationship forces Xu Jiale to confront his own misconceptions about marriage as well as the difficult reality of parenting a young child after divorce. Every Omega in this story has complicated histories and attitudes toward relationships because of society's prejudice against their gender, and every major relationship in this novel involves a divorcee, a cheater, or both. But life still goes on for them, after they learn, grow, make amends, and heal.

Why Is It Possible For This Type Of A To Also Have An O? :: 为什么这种A也能有O by 图南鲸

[ABO (A/O), transmigration, abuse recovery, political activism] -- This novel uses the ABO setting to explore gender-based oppression. A surgeon transmigrates to an ABO universe, into the body of a horribly abusive Alpha, whose partner is terrified but powerless in their oppressive society. They work hard to help each other heal from deep-seated trauma, and join the work of advocates for Omega's rights. This is the most political danmei I have ever read, that shows civil disobedience and structural changes can be good and necessary. The advocates network, organize, protest, and they get threats and pushbacks. Prejudice is systemic, generational, and almost normalized in society, and it takes a massive wave of disruptive protests to finally bring about rudimentary legislative protections for Omega. It comes too late for many and is far from any semblance of equality, but it's hope and a start.

老婆是顶级Alpha，我该怎么办 by 海藻大王

(Title roughly translates to "My Wife is a top-level Alpha, What should I do?")

[ABO (A/A), "rebirth", space/interstellar, mecha, college, political conspiracies] -- Now, for an ABO novel that just wants to have fun as a OP Mary-Sue sci-fi-ish Young-Adult Action-Adventure. The protagonist is a super-soldier reborn to the early days of his military career with skills, knowledge, and an AI assistant from the future. The love interest is a prince who is rich enough to buy entire planets. Together they become the most popular power couple at the military academy, and work together to foil a conspiracy that targets talented Alphas. They get fake-married, and later discover they are each other's secret online crush. It has plenty of humor, a cute "college" romance, and the kind of dramatic "cool" characters my teenage self would could only dream of in a wish-fulfillment fic. Save it for one of those days when you just want to relax and revel in the joy of ridiculously attractive and competent teenagers who are killing assassins, saving the empire, and acing their exams!

Actors and Celebrities

内娱第一花瓶 by 三三娘

(Title roughly tra. nslates to "Top Flower Vase of the Mainland Entertainment Industry")

[entertainment industry, film-making, reconciliation, elite society ]-- Most entertainment industry novels focus on the fun parts of glamour and fame, but this story puts the focus on the creative work, with a main couple that has marvelous chemistry as great artists who inspire each other. Over the 900K words of this novel, they meet, fall in love, bond over film-making, break up, and later reconcile. It's one of those rare stories where the shou has to chase the gong after breaking up, and you can sympathize with the hurt on both sides while understanding that no one is intentionally being scummy. The novel really goes into the details of film-making and the entertainment industry -- the styles and visions of the directors, the practice and preparation of the actors, the logistics and finances of running a crew, and the strategic calculations to manipulate the media narrative and public discourse.

I have a love-hate relationship with this novel because of some of its narrative choices. Some arcs seem to just fawn over the "wisdom" and "classiness" of the ultra-rich, and conflate privilege with virtue. (The gong, whose family of casino owners once helped him pay off hundreds of millions in gambling debt, is the one making an awarding-winning movie about a regular person succumbing to gambling addiction ... ) But to be fair, I'm holding this novel to a higher standard than a typical danmei because of how good it is and how much I like it.

Concealed and Blended: Fendai :: 粉黛 by 七世有幸

[entertainment industry, actor x makeup artist] -- This is also a story about two artists who inspire and help each other develop their crafts, but a much shorter and lighter take. The gong is a makeup artist, who considers himself straight but cross-dresses as a branding gimmick to advance his career. The shou is a retired E-sports player-turned-idol actor, who is secretly gay and has no real passion for performance. The novel starts off with funny interactions between "straight pretending to be queer" vs "gay pretending to be straight." Later, they develop a deep bond after collaborating on a series of projects, and help each other discover their true career aspirations. Despite being celebrities, the main character feel like normal people because we see them learning and practicing their professional skills. Fame is a fickle and cruel game that they must play in their profession, but does not define who they are.

Flower Vase :: 花瓶 by 困倚危楼

[entertainment industry, contract relationship, scum gong crematorium, reconciliation] -- This story is a classic in the scum gong crematorium genre. Wealthy business man gong pays actor shou for a sexual relationship; the shou is secretly in love with the gong, who is pining after a "white moonlight". The shou is smart, resilient, knows what he wants and isn't afraid to go after it. The gong has already started falling for him, but he hasn't moved on from his "White moonlight". Their peaceful breakup mid-story is suffocating, because they both have feelings for each other, and they almost got it to work, but the feelings are just not quite right yet, so this relationship has to end before it festers into something truly unsalvageable. But don't stress too much, the "crematorium" is so friendly it almost feels like an kiddie obstacle course the shou has set up to help them transition into a better relationship -- didn't I mention he is a very smart guy who knows how to get what he wants?

可一可再 by 反舌鸟

(The title is a reference to an Eason Chan song. I can't find an official translation of the song title, but it roughly translates to "Once and Again")

[entertainment industry, rebirth in another body, reconciliation] -- Controversial actor Jiang Yu dies in a traffic accident, and returns in the body of a D-list Idol. It's very fun to follow a POV character like Jiang Yu, whose internal monologue is dripping with pettiness, insecurity, jealousy, and adamant insistence that he is *fine* with his hard-working and well-intention-ed nature always being misunderstood in bad faith. His love interest is his foil in this: an award-winning actor with an impeccable reputation and a unflappable personality. As the story explore their histories, relationships, and grief over Jiang Yu's death, it also deconstructs these initial perceptions. In this second life, Jiang Yu gets a more measured view of his relationships and artistic legacy, while his "perfect" boyfriend faces his own flaws and the critical mistakes he has made in their relationship. With this clarity and honesty, they rekindle their relationship, and Jiang Yu starts a new life and career.

Misc. Modern

Poison of the Heart :: 心毒初禾

[mystery/police procedural, (sort of) social commentary] -- Instead of uncovering some mastermind criminal conspiracy, this police procedural is famous for its down-to-earth cases, so realistic it sounds like it could have been in the news. Most of the cases see normal people gradually lose their best selves after suffering excessively under systemic social issues like poverty, misogyny, and prejudice. Their misfortunes, emotions, and reactions feel very realistic and relatable. However, since the discrete cases do not build up to a coherent arc, they also don't do much to support the development of the main characters -- a detective and a cybersecurity expert; they are fine but I just don't find either of them or their slow-burn romance too interesting. (Their slacker co-worker who becomes more motivated in his career has a more memorable character arc imo.) Personally, I think this novel is a good read for the mysteries, but maybe not so much as a romance or character drama.

Surrender (Book 1) :: 臣服 I by 墨奈何/墨青城

[BDSM, power differences, mob/gang drama] -- Young businessman Xu Ye, who has only dabbled with BDSM, stumbles into one of the most skilled dom's in town, who is also a mob heir. This dom finally gives Xu Ye the experience he wants from BDSM. But as their chemistry in the playroom soars, their personal and professional relationship in the real word grows more complicated. I love that this story shows the communication and work that goes into building a relationship, albeit one within BDSM parameters. The story repeatedly emphasizes that both partners are equals outside of play (but this rule is sometimes broken by the main couple for "drama"). Although Xu Ye is a sub, he has more agency than most shou's I see in danmei. He is experienced with sex, knows what he wants and likes, and is fairly independent from Chu Ye professionally and personally. He feels like a reasonable adult who has chosen a relationship that brings him joy and pleasure.

交易沦陷 by 在下小神j

(Title roughly translates to "fallen in transaction")

[romance, (sort of) prostitution, family relationships, healing and forgiveness] -- This a Haitang story with lots of humour and sex, but also a surprise tear-jerker full of heart. An Li's life has been ruined by a criminal record, taking the fall for his cheating ex-wife so she can look after their ill daughter. While desperate to find work to support his young daughter's medical treatment, he is mistaken for a male escort by young CEO Xu Shaoqing. Xu Shaoqing is angered by An Li's borderline homophobic reaction to the incident, and pressures An Li to sleep with him for money. Xu Shaoqing himself is struggling with the distress his sexuality causes his homophobic and ailing father, who has sent him to conversion therapy and still pressures him to go on dates with women. An Li and Xu Shaoqing eventually form an unlikely connection, as they help each other process the hurt caused by the people they love, and salvage the good from those relationships.

Historical

Fei Ping Ying Qiang :: 妃嫔媵嫱 by 七月侯

[male concubine, imperial harem & court drama, age gap (initially 15 vs 20)] -- As an unfavored shu son, Xiao-Qi is "gifted" by his family to his brother-in-law, a prince who is known to like men. Though he has no choice in the matter, he eventually falls in love with the Prince, who has shown him more kindness than anyone else in his life. The prince (gong) has a "realistic" and gradual shift from accepting period-typical polygamy to wanting to build a life with the one partner who really loves him, but it's a messy situation because he has already married and sired children with multiple women, and his position really requires him to have an heir. However, Xiao-Qi learns a lot and grows up with the gong's help, and together they overcome political and social obstacles for Xiao-qi to be recognized as his partner.

穿成苏培盛了 by 一渡清河

(Title roughly translates to "Transmigrated as Su Peisheng", referring to the name given to Yongzheng Emperor's senior personal eunuch in the popular cdrama "Empresses in the Palace".)

[historical transmigration, Qing Dynasty/Kangxi Era, political intrigue, prince x (real) eunuch] -- Lovers of long, complex, character-driven political novels will probably enjoy this 2-million-words epic. It's not only a battle of wits, but also a examination of personal values and emotional priorities of many well-crafted characters who live in a complex political environment, including the largest and most active female cast I have ever seen in danmei. The protagonist shou is a transmigrator, and it shows mostly through him being very mature during his younger years, and having a sense of self-worth unexpected of slaves of that era. The gong is Fourth Prince Yinzhen (future Emperor Yongzheng), and he is married with children just like in history. The main couple have a bittersweet secret relationship, yet they love each other enough to be able to live with that imperfection. The plot seriously downplayed the darker implications of the shou' role as a eunuch and slave, but their idealized romance is a much-needed relief from the intense and tightly-paced political content, which is inspired by real history.

九千岁[重生] by 绣生

(The novel title literally translates to "Nine Thousand-Years-Old", which is a title occasionally given to excessively powerful eunuchs, comparing them to royals, like emperors who are said to live to "Ten thousand years".)

[ (eventual) "double rebirth", political intrigue, prince x (fake) eunuch] -- In his first life, Crown Prince Yin Chengyu is deposed after falling for political traps, and only returns to court after making a "indecent proposal" with powerful eunuch Xue Shu. Despite working together to help Yin Chengyu win the crown and govern the nation, their relationship remains complicated and contentious until Yin Chengyu's untimely death from illness and overwork. Waking up as his younger self, Yin Chengyu immediately puts a metaphorical leash on Xue Shu's neck while the latter is still young and impressionable. While they work to strengthen Yin Chengyu's political position, the prince also tries to come to terms with his feelings for Xue Shu across the two lifetimes. Xue Shu eventually recovers his memories of the first lifetime, and their second-chance romance gets a happy ending.

As a serious political novel, this story lacks depth and suspense, but as a feel-good "rebirth" novel, the plot feels a bit too slow and heavy. It doesn't stand out in either categories, but it feels unfair to completely ignore it, especially because it kept me company for weeks while I was struggling with a reading slump.

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chentailai · 3 months

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《潭水和你》Khaji da/JaimeReyes

我的高中生活一团糟，它快毁掉我的创作能力了(还有我的幽默感！)，我的文字从未像现在这样无力苍白过。但我以前做的其实蛮好的，这篇短的意识流作品是在两年前左右写的，是我为他们写的第二篇文章。发现关于永生这个话题其实这里就已经表达的很好了，所以再写蓝调时刻其实有点多余，但是写他们的互动还是很开心(但很明显要比以前力不从心很多)

自圣甲虫记事开始，他就是在一片黑暗中

无论是躺在宇宙中的那广阔的黑暗，还是休眠千年闷沉的黑暗，都是无尽的，永不停息的黑暗

他就在这片黑暗中存在，失忆，活动，再失忆，执行程序，失忆，继续。

这片黑暗中发生过很多事情，但是圣甲虫都忘记了。它们就像流过黑暗的一阵无色烟雾

他觉得自己厌倦了，但这种厌倦也随着时间消磨殆尽

似乎是亘古不变的，黑暗，虚无。

直到有一刻，出现了一潭蓝色的水。圣甲虫凝视着那潭水。

很平静，很纯洁的水。

只是普普通通的水而已。

不管怎样，圣甲虫凝视着他，他想看看会发生什么，就像他从前凝视其它事物一样。

水，很亲和，很适应环境。

他马上就适应了黑暗，并习惯于让自己微微发光这样，圣甲虫更无法忽视他了。

他依旧凝视着他，有些时候，水面上会泛有片片波纹，这是他们在交流。

水波很温柔，圣甲虫凝视涟漪时会感到短暂的平静。

水潭会有不同的情绪，在圣甲虫看来，这是不必要的，因为不管怎么样都改变不了他只是水的事实。

水潭发出越来越亮的光芒，而昆虫具有趋光性于是，圣甲虫从黑暗中游出，来到了光芒的庇护之中。

水潭说，他很高兴他们成为【朋友】不管怎样，圣甲虫认可了这样的关系，或许是他实在离开不了光芒。

圣甲虫就在水潭旁边轻轻地待着，听着水潭说话，凝视他，抚摸他，有些时候还会和他一起分享乐趣。

时间长了，水潭里出现了很多的鱼。

各种各样，五颜六色的鱼，在水潭中游动。

圣甲虫凝视着水潭，也凝视着鱼儿们。鱼儿们欢快地在水潭游着，水潭变得更活泼了他时不时发出开心的笑声，洋溢着快乐的波浪

圣甲虫发现，会有鱼儿不动了，他们停下来一会，然后慢慢的沉下去，直到圣甲虫也看不到它。

他想，或许是沉落到最底下了吧，身躯渐渐消散到最深处的地方寻求安宁和永恒。

每当有鱼儿沉下去，水潭四周都会溢出大片的水滴，那些波纹不再喜悦了，他们显得很悲伤，水潭更蓝了。

这个时候，圣甲虫突然意识到了一个被忽视的声音，在水潭上方的黑暗中，一直都在发出“滴答滴答”的声音，圣甲虫很烦躁，他知道，如果自己不毁了这个东西，这讨厌的声音会对他响一辈子。

但这是属于水潭的东西，圣甲虫尝试去观察鱼儿们来转移自己的注意力。

鱼儿，很活跃，很难理解。

有时候，他们会抖出自己身上的颜色，水潭不再只是蓝色的了。

那无法忽视的深蓝色，明明是最初他给他染上的

有些时候，一些鱼儿会被水潭丢出去。有些时候圣甲虫也会把自己觉得很碍眼的鱼，从水潭里小心地捞出去。

鱼儿不停的出现，水潭也在渐渐地变小

圣甲虫绝望的发现，只要那奇怪的声音不停下，水潭的缩小也不会停止，他的光芒也不再像以前那样庇护圣甲虫了，他的光芒开始照耀那些鱼和四周无边的黑暗，这让圣甲虫大为不解和恼怒

一想到水潭会消失，自己又要回到那片无尽，只会让自己失忆和麻木的黑暗中，圣甲虫下定了决心

他把水潭上方的东西毁掉了。

水潭停止消失，仍像往常一样发着光但是鱼儿死亡的越来越快了，他变得更悲伤了

圣甲虫继续凝视着水潭，水潭开始担惊受怕

最后，鱼都消失了

水潭的光芒也因悲伤丧失了不少，

圣甲虫凝视着水潭，他现在几乎像一潭死水

圣甲虫触入了水中，泛起涟漪

水波平静之时，他开始静静地感受水潭。

那蓝色的水和他多么相适，他们是多么的需要彼此，难舍难分。

那一刻，圣甲虫产生了一种想法，他要和水融为一体，和他一起逃离这片黑暗。

在一阵不可抗的力量下，水吸入他，他也进入水中。

当他被完全浸没时，他思考他是会像那些鱼儿沉下去，还是会被吐出到那片黑暗中?

但他只是漂浮在水里，水拥抱着他，他也拥抱着水。

温柔的水裹挟着他，他感觉到前所未有的平静与满足

他感觉自己在溶解，和水完全融为一体，逃离这片虚无的黑暗，飞进无边的星辰之中。

第一次与外界的黑暗彻底隔绝了，水，只剩下了水，他们只能感受到彼此了。

水啊，你是水做的。

最终，他们永远地安眠了。

如果你想和我聊聊他们，交流一下这艘ship，或者你愿意听听我的想法来阻止我的脑袋爆炸，我很乐意(但我估计只有20天不到的时间发消息，没准某天就真的消失了，就和我在意大利的朋友一样)我再也不熬夜了，现在是中国大陆凌晨2:00，晚安世界

💙

#jaime reyes #khaji da #blue beetle #khajai #scarab love #khaime #好好睡觉，好好吃饭，好好照顾自己，爱自己，对自己好一点，好好活着。#好几天没看见YY想她了 #世界是个大舞台，学校是个大监狱 #但……人生是旷野，而非轨道 #我真的困了，作业还没写完

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