tl;dr: cute, heartwarming, short slowburn about two nice young men falling in love

You don't need to have read the prequel, but when I was reading Ferocious Dog of Old, I used to wonder about Xiaozhuo—he was a good friend to Huainan, but he was also very shy and quiet.

In Before His Eyes, we get to understand him better: how he became that way, how he felt about what happened to him (though he never spoke about it), and how his otherwise difficult life was made better by the kindness of... more>> those around him—especially Shi Kai.

In contrast, readers of Ferocious Dog already know Shi Kai: a mischievous but good-natured boy who grew up into a fine young man. Here, we watch how he discovers himself a target of a hidden, earnest love, and eventually decides to catch it with both hands.

Both of them are sensible and mature, but not without hangups and childish sides. Neither are OP in any way, and there's no major drama or tropey deus ex machina. They're just regular people in their twenties navigating university and work while loving and doting on each other.

Good for a sweet pick-me-up if you're feeling low. <<less

5 stars

Very short and sweet. Almost slice of life as nothing big really happens but I enjoyed it. It's closely intertwined with the other stories (more so the younger brother but I didn't read his story) but I don't think one needs to read those to enjoy this. It'll probably add more depth to the characters if you've read them though.

Overall, I enjoyed the slow build to the romance over time and how well it came full circle. There are no villains or OP characters here, just normal people moving... more>> through life. <<less

This author never disappoints. And this set of translators - are one of the best out there!

The story is so sweet and soothing - I didn't realise that I would enjoy this set of protagonists so much - they were not so prominent in the other novel (Ferocious dog of old - which is again one of my all time favourites)

I don't really know what it is about the story, but I keep coming back to it. It feels like a warm bowl of your favourite soup in a slightly chilly evening. The characters are so real so realistically fleshed out that I could almost touch them and feel them. I love everything about it. I love the MC, the ML, their interactions and their dog. This is exactly what love feels like in real life. This was such a joy to read and I am thankful to the author... more>> for writing this. <<less

This was so sweet and quite a bit angsty. As what other reviewers says, the pacing was good. It's not too rush nor too slow. Xiaozhou deserves the world and also Shi Kai's love. Their love story felt so natural that Shi Kai being bent to Xiaozhou didn't feel rushed at all.

I love it when Shi Kai asked Xiazhou out, XZ really made his move by going to Beijing to confess and be together. He may be passive at times but becomes assertive when it comes to showing his love... more>> and sincerity to Shi Kai.

I do hope it was longer but I'm just glad they now have each other. <<less

I really loved the way how this short story progressed. It was not hurried, but not slow either. The phase was just right.. I have to say that these two main characters have one of the most healthy, loving, heartwarming relationship. Though Shi Kai and Pan Xiaozhuo have very different personalities, they are both very loving and caring people. They are made for each other..

Highly recommended!

Short, yet so endlessly sweet and heartwarming. This story truly feels like the warmest hug on a winter's night. Both MC and ML are adorable and oh-so lovable, and their romance developed in such a beautiful yet realistic manner.