Category: Recommendation

Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance, Supernatural, Yaoi

Summary [from NU]

Bai Yue Sheng is a Transmigration System clerk, each of his tasks he completes to the 100%, for each one he has gotten the best scores, after he finally passed seven, eight, nine… okay, an unknown number of worlds, Lord God gave him an opportunity to be promoted; the requirement was only to live on an ordinary way for 20 years at his original world.

The requirement was easy, Bai Yue Sheng accepted the task, but he could have never imagined that, just after he settled on planet Earth, his “exes” would actually break through time and space to chase him down!

Bai Yue Sheng: As a 10/10 slag, how do I break away from the siege of this bunch of mental people… while also living 20 years of an ordinary life?

Author: hehe…

Personal Thoughts [spoiler free]

There are several mentions of the MC, Bai Yue Sheng, being a slag in the story (and in the summary), but due to his unique circumstances as a world hopper, I would argue that he is not a slag. Although he has several lovers in total, in each world that he goes to, he is dedicated and loyal to only one person. The story puts a magnifying glass on this topic and argues it from both perspectives, so I won’t go too in depth, but that is my opinion on the ‘slag’ issue, in case that’s a turn off for any reader, which I have to admit, originally it had put me off reading this story for a long time, so I wanted to clear the air a bit, because I think this is a story worth reading. I also binge read it in like three sittings once I got started.

This story is well paced, spacing out romance with mystery and a little bit of action. I never felt like the story got bogged down or boring. It kept me on the edge of my seat, giving me just enough romantic drama before dropping another piece of the puzzle to the overarching mystery of all the hijinks going on in the MC’s hectic life. 10/10 would recommend. At 64 total chapters it is neither too long nor too short.

 

Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Mecha, Romance, Sci-Fi, Yaoi

Summary [from NU]

A top hacker was chosen by the Lord God to be reborn into countless worlds, always as an expendable villain.

With no free will, every world became a dead end. Every one of his lives ended tragically.

Finally, after wresting control of the Villain System, this ace hacker decided to enact revenge. Even if his very bones were rotten, he’d choose to occupy the very heights of morality, if only on the surface.

Thus, he would change his fate as an abused slag.

 

Note: The main story of Quickly Wear the Face of the Devil has 16 arcs. It also has 4 bonus stories (or extras), as titled below. Click on the titles to read the translations.

1. 薛子轩 (Xue Zi Xuan) – 15 chapters
2. 魔教教主與聖僧 (Diabolist Leader and Holy Priest) – 26 chapters
3. 妖狐與攝政王 (The Fox and the Regent) – 23 chapters
4. 獸人星球蜜月 (Honeymoon on Beastman Planet) – 20 chapters

Personal Thoughts [spoiler free]

A monolith in the quick transmigration (or fast transmigration) genre, this story was the first quick transmigration story that introduced me to the entire concept of quick transmigration. It’s not the first quick transmigration story ever written, as It’s Actually Not Easy Wanting to be a Supporting Male Lead (another running favorite of mine) seems to date back even earlier than this story, but Quickly Wear the Face of the Devil (a.k.a. FOD) was the first one of its ilk that I found, hence it will always have a special place in my heart.

The wonderful Keztranslations did the translations for the main story of FOD. I’m not sure why the chapter links are not showing up on novelupdates at the moment, but you can go directly here for the full table of contents.

The first arc is not the most stand out, but I quite like the second arc, in which our main character, Zhou Yun Sheng, plays the part of an autistic teenager. I think arc nine is a popular fan favorite, and it’s one of my favorites too. Zhou Yun Sheng is super OP, and arc nine is where he hits a hiccup, so this is where we see his natural intelligence really shine. (But even his normal brain is too OP. Apparently his brain has the processing power of several computers… TAT… Ay, leave something for us mere mortals…) Arc ten was a weird one in my opinion. I mostly just remember the MC hypnotizing himself in the mirror. Arc fourteen is where we get the (in)famous Xue Zi Xuan, whose character became so popular that the author even wrote a complete AU (alternative universe) spin-off story for him. (Side note, I’m currently co-translating said spin-off story.) Arc fifteen was a fun one. It’s titled “Cuckold Emperor” and the MC is the emperor. Lol.

I find the male lead of FOD to be quite overbearing. Compared to all the other MLs from other BL stories that I’ve read, he ranks somewhere in the middle of my personal list. His loyalty and devotion to his shou is a huge plus, but his attitude is a minus. He’s mean even to people who are nice and helpful to the MC, simply because he is that possessive (and yandere). I got annoyed with his attitude in arc nine. Out of jealousy, the ML kept hitting the MC’s protector, Zhao Ling Feng, and plotting ways to get rid of him. And Zhao Ling Feng was such a loyal sweetie too. (Also, kudos to the protagonist shou of this world, who learned self-awareness, backed off, and even wished the MC and ML well.) I liked the ML in arc eight. Due to the setting and restrictions of his role, his character was more restraint and thus his interactions with the MC gave me more moe feels, and also more giggles.

I guess the important thing is that the MC really likes the ML. He gets exasperated with the ML’s actions sometimes, but he’s not really bothered by it. The MC is strong, both mentally and emotionally. He stands toe to toe with the ML, and in some arcs the MC is the one pursuing the ML, so it’s not a case of the ML dragging the MC around and the poor MC having to go along with the ML’s whims. I also detect hints of yandere-ness from the MC towards the ML, but he doesn’t get to show that side often, because the ML’s yandere tendencies overshadow the MC’s. All in all, they’re a good match for each other.

Genre: Historical, Mature, Romance, Slice of Life, Yaoi

Summary [from NU]

This is the story about the rebirth of a xiao gōng with a sweet steamed bun-like xiao shòu.
In the past life, xiao shòu, in order to help xiao gōng block a poisonous blade, ended up dying due to blood loss.
After the rebirth of xiao gōng, xiao shòu was loved till overflowing.
This is a cliche story which is warm, sweet, no abuse.

Personal Thoughts [no spoilers]

With only four translated chapters at the moment I can’t say that I am strongly recommending this story to others yet, but I’m putting it on my radar for the fluffy sweetness that it is promising. Sometimes, I just want to read a sweet, drama-free story set in historical times. Also, the translator (YHA Translations) did a wonderful job with the first four chapters. Historical, wuxia, xuanhuan, and xianxia are some of the hardest Chinese genres to translate imo, so major props to YHA Translations for making this story flow so well in English. (Sadly, they’re dropping the project due to RL circumstances, but I’m glad they introduced me to this story nonetheless.)

The premise of this story is similar to The Wife is First. A scum gong mistreats and/or neglects the virtuous shou in his first lifetime and then tries his utmost to make amends in his second lifetime. They’re also both set in ancient times.

Problematic Elements

A reviewer bought up some troubling points about this story based on the first 4 chapters. They bashed the gong for r*ping the shou and then “falling in love” with the shou after the show’s heroic sacrifice and subsequent death. I am in total agreement, but due to a similar conversation I had with another reader over a different story, I would just like to present a different perspective. Yes, the gong did r*pe the shou in the first lifetime. As a modern person, I am not excusing him for that. But in the setting of ancient China, especially within the palace, all the women (and gers) in the palace belong to the emperor, whether they’re a maid or a concubine. So technically the emperor is “entitled” to have anyone he wants in the palace. I don’t like it, but that is the dissonance in our values. To the people of that setting, it’s okay because those are the standards and morals that they’re raised on. As for the whole “falling in love” part, I’ll address that next.

Thoughts on the Romance

The gong was complete scum at the beginning. He took the shou out of lust and then just forgot about him, leaving him to suffer. But I think the gong’s current love for the shou is very realistic, in that it’s not a pure love, but more of an idealized love. Because the shou died for the gong, the shou will always remain noble and beautiful in the gong’s memory. On top of that, none of the women in the gong’s life is truly devoted to him, so when that’s the basis for comparison, the gong will elevate the shou in his mind even more. And then, before the gong’s rebirth, he had years to lament over the shou’s sacrifice and beautify him in memory, leading to an idealized version of love.

But I think this will work out even when they reunite in person, because the shou is genuinely a good person, and even if the shou doesn’t love the gong, he still holds the gong in high esteem simply because the gong taught him a few Chinese characters. Consequently, the shou will treat the gong with respect and kindness. So even if the shou is not perfect, as long as he never does anything bad, the gong will always see him through rose-tinted lenses, and either turn a blind eye to his faults or find them cute. Under those circumstances, over time, I think it’s possible for a truer form of love to grow. At the very least, they will be devoted to each other in the second lifetime. Whether or not it will be a healthy relationship remains to be seen, but at the very least, several reviewers who read the entire story promised a fluffy romance, so I’m looking forward to that.

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Romance, Smut, Yaoi

Summary [from NU]

The wife is first, the country is second, and the husband is of lesser importance.

All of his life was spent riding a war horse and accomplishing meritorious military services. But what was the result? In the end, he was cast aside once he had served his purpose.

Out of selfishness, he had favored his consort and neglected his wife. Ultimately, the one who stood by his side was the wife that he had neglected for 10 years…

After being reborn, Jing Shao decided to repent and turn over a new leaf…

Standing outside the door while holding a pillow, Jing Shao gazed at the sky. He must first mend his relationship with his wife. Jing Shao formed a fist and knocked on the door, “Jun Qing, I know my wrongs, let me in!”

Personal Thoughts [spoiler free]

It’s still fairly early in the novel for any deep thoughts (there are 15 chapters translated at the time of writing this), but I really like how fluffy it is thus far. This is a rare BL story with a seme protagonist, and I love reading about how he tries to make up for his past actions to his wife by being super sweet (and perverted). There’s also open communication between the two main characters. I hope this is a sign that there won’t be any misunderstanding drama later down the line. Sometimes those are fun, but because so many stories rely on misunderstandings to play up the drama, it can get kind of tedious to read.

I like both the gong and shou in this pairing. The shou is not a meek little thing. Even in the first round of life, when he was living in absolutely awful circumstances, he maintained a strong mentality and integrity. And in the second round of life, readers get to see him flexing his intelligence. The gong is so shameless and cute when he’s with his shou. It makes me melt into a puddle of sweetness.

Genre: Adventure, Martial Arts, Romance, Shounen Ai, Xianxia

Summary [from NU]

Yin BiYue has made the worst purchase ever. After transmigrating countless times into the bodies of canon fodder villains, he buys a ‘Fiend Halo’ from the Rebirth Company, supposedly the best aid for an up and coming final BOSS! He’s ecstatic to finally get a villainous role where he won’t die after just a few lines, if any at all, and is raring to become the best opponent a protagonist will have…… However, why was everyone looking at him with pitying eyes? Why was the protagonist rushing over to help him get out of his crimes? Most importantly, why was his ‘Fiend Halo’ just making things worse?! Meanwhile, the intern salesperson at the Rebirth Company discovers that he might have accidentally sold a prototype White Lotus Halo to a certain villain……

First Impression

Seven chapters in and I’m already in love~ This story runs on misunderstandings, but it’s the type that’s frustrating for the MC and amusing to the readers. It’s still fairly early in the story for me to give a more in depth review, but I’m enjoying it so far and the translation quality by Sakhyu is good.

 

Title: Grabbing Your Hand, Dragging You Away

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Historical, Josei, Romance

Status: Chapter 19 out of 89

Rating: Undecided

Summary [from NU]

I am a princess, moreover, I am a fool of a princess.

Born in the imperial palace, my appearance is as average as that of the white radish and cabbages in the fields. Throughout the four seasons of the year, my face is always displaying a dull expression, eyes forever shrouded in haze.

But in reality, I know of the secrets within this palace.

Including hers, his, and theirs.

Just leisurely living my days comfortably in the palace like this, I firmly believe I can continue to play dumb to the end.

Taking your hand, dragging you away. Not leaving you say? Very well, close the doors and release the hounds. (Expressionless face)

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Yaoi

Summary [from NU]

In this period where countless supporting lead actors always attempt to counterattack, turn over a new leaf or simply refuse to take up the role, his purpose of existing is to fill the role of a good supporting male lead and uphold his duty to the best of his ability. To add the needed lustre to storylines and this world. Only, it’s a pity that someone who is not afraid of god-like enemies will be afraid of pig-like teammates.

Bitterly, he realizes that for some unfathomable reason, he is being bothered time and again by a bastard who refuses to follow the script… In order to walk the path of a good supporting male lead, he engages in a battle of wits and courage with that person. Loving each other and killing each other, one ultimately cannot escape fate’s teasing– why is it so difficult wanting to be a responsible and diligent supporting male lead?! QAQ

Personal Thoughts [spoiler free]

I wasn’t too sold on the MC and ML’s romance at the beginning, but as the arcs went by, it slowly grew on me. What I enjoy the most about this story is the protagonists of the worlds they travel to. These people actually deserve to be called protagonist. In other quick transmigration novels where the MC plays a supporting character role, the “protagonist” of the world is always a real nasty piece of work. I know this is meant to justify the MC’s counterattack and face-slapping of them, but those characters don’t feel like actual protagonists of a novel at all. Those so-called “protagonists” are the ones that truly feel like cannon fodders. Which is why I find this story so refreshing in its treatment of the protagonists characters. Another big plus of this story is the abundance of varied female characters, both good and bad. Yes, that’s right, those elusive creatures called women that you never seem to find in BL stories (unless they’re some 2D cardboard villainess).

Another BL quick transmigration story with good female characters is The Perfect Destiny.

Title: There Will Always Be Protagonists With Delusions of Starting a Harem

Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance, Yaoi

Status: Chapter 30 out of 170

Rating: Undecided

Summary [from NU]

Suddenly, the unmarried twenty-year-old Ye Zhizhou had many more relatives, yet it was too late for him to clearly understand the circumstances as he nearly died in a car accident. After that, he somehow managed to survive and was even forcibly bound to a Salvation System.

How is it salvation?

Harems destroy worlds! Preventing a harem will save them!

. . . .

Ok, prevent harems. After seeing the entire system introduction, the corners of Ye Zhizhou’s mouth twitched. In order to return home safely, he decisively began his risky journey—he’d just treat it as if he was playing a large-scale strategy game.

Since then, the people the protagonist would rescue, he rescued first.The businesses the protagonist would make, he made first. The little brother the protagonist would take in, he took in first. The cliff the protagonist would jump off of, he jumped off of first. The gay sex the protagonist would have, he’d have. . . . Wait wait, can’t do this one, change it, let me change it.

???: No, you can do this one.

Ye Zhizhou (alarmed): Who’s speaking?

???: Your husband.

Ye Zhizhou: . . . .

#every world has a man who insists on dragging me to go have gay sex, what do I do, waiting online for an answer, urgent #

#[scared] it’s the same guy in every world, how do i get away, waiting online for an answer, hurry hurry hurry! #

Title: Strongly Pampered Male Wife

Genre: Romance, Shounen Ai

Status: Chapter 24 out of 64

Rating: Undecided

Summary [from NU]

How long would a marriage be able to sustain itself when it had nothing to do with love? Then how would a marriage based merely on power and a monetary transaction be able to last?

The person in Shang Yushang’s embrace was his male wife. A temporary wife that was bought to get rid of bad luck. But ever since the moment he had this person in his arms, he decided not to let go of him.

He Changning obeyed his so-called family’s decision and married himself off. Thinking that, when this transaction was over, he can live his own life happily ever after. But, little did he know that he had just stepped into a big net filled with warmth that was specially woven for him, and that he would never have a chance to get out of it.

Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Romance, Sci-Fi, Shounen Ai, Supernatural

Summary [from NU]

What does it feel like to be a cannon fodder in your novel?
After ruining countless of his novels with sh*t endings,
Gu Yan who finally received his retribution understood.
Heaven spared no one.
In order to protect his small life, Gu Yan has been sent to diligently clean up his own mess.
However, never did he expect that his ‘clean up’ would be too thorough.
Seeing that the man who was suppose to have killed him kneel down on one knee and taking out a ring say to him, “Marry me.”
Gu Yan: “…”