Don’t Be a Kept Man

Description

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In this world, there is always one type of man who does not want to improve themselves. They care only for themselves, by whatever means possible. They make their life goal to be kept as a lover, and they will use their lovers up until they have no more use.

Self-Reliant System: Our goal is to rise up! Our goal is to persevere! We must be self-sufficient and self-reliant!

When the system has bound numerous souls to enter into the bodies of those who only rely on their lovers, what could this lead to?

In other words, this is the main character transmigrating into a scummy human being, and creating his own destiny kind of story.

Associated Names
One entry per line
Don't be a soft rice man (manhua)
ระบบพึ่งพาตนเอง #ผู้ชายไม่กินข้าวนิ่ม
不做软饭男
Related Series
On the Thousand Postures Reconstructed by the Scumbags (Shared Universe)
The Rescue Of The Tragic Villain Is In Progress (Shared Universe)
I Come from Afar Within the Zerg (Same Franchise)
Recommendations
Beloved Husband (5)
Good Man Operation Guide (2)
On the Thousand Postures Reconstructed by the Scumbags (2)
Don’t Pick Up Boyfriends From the T*ash Bin (2)
Rebirth of a Movie Star (1)
Holding Onto My Man (1)
Recommendation Lists
  1. here for the plot (actually)
  2. Multiple protagonists
  3. My favourite QT novels
  4. TBR (GL/BL) 5
  5. Masterpieces

Latest Release

Date Group Release
09/11/20 Winteree Translations c12
09/10/20 Winteree Translations c11
09/09/20 Winteree Translations c10
09/08/20 Winteree Translations c9
09/07/20 Winteree Translations c8
09/04/20 Winteree Translations c7
09/03/20 Winteree Translations c6
09/02/20 Winteree Translations c5
09/01/20 Winteree Translations c4
08/31/20 Winteree Translations c3
08/28/20 Winteree Translations v1c2
08/28/20 Winteree Translations v1c1
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58 Reviews sorted by


agathe
agathe rated it
November 28, 2021
Status: c88
first of all, the translation is exceptional, and so are the numerous excellent footnotes, providing lots of insight and an occasional picture, it's a true delight to read -many thanks for that awesome work !!

I love the concept : be self reliant + - the + being for a number of moral qualities, this was a super nice idea, but it feels like a let down

the multiple characters thing is different and not all bad - I guess once redeemed, there's little reason to be tested again

nonetheless, it's still very... more>> short of good stories, the selfish characters are super obnoxious, and you hardly can like them - the actor part is simply empty of any content as the directing principles are let down from start

all in all it seem like a collection of short romance stories with one mean protagonist in each of them and very little character depth :/

i also dislike very much the « dominant « /« top » fantasy, but that's another story <<less
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ahjiu
ahjiu rated it
October 14, 2021
Status: c120
I'm normally not the type to leave reviews but this story is too good for me not to. At first, I assumed it was your typical short stories full of dog blood and unnecessary drama but I was so wrong. Not only are the characters all unique and have their own personalities, the plots are also never repetitive and are always different. Whenever I was reading, I always felt like the characters were all real people with real feelings. The author does such a good job at making their characters... more>> 3D and not so stiff. I even found myself getting attached to each MC. Please give this novel a try. <<less
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AnuBis28
AnuBis28 rated it
September 26, 2021
Status: c125
HIGHLY RECOMMEND

It's like a collection of many short stories, each unique in their own ways and interesting than the other..

The system here must be the best system one can come across.. Other than appearing once in a while and warning the host, it's almost nonexistent, so much so that it can even be forgotten..

Most of the hosts of the system a.k.a. The Gongs are undoubtedly the scummiest scums.. And they also didn't miraculously change right after the second chance in life, and still tried to enact their tr*shy nature... more>> once again.. Only after being electrocuted and threatened by the system did they change little by little..

Since every individual story is quite short, there's no time to get bored.. Instead some the ending felt rushed..
Spoiler

Near the end of the first story there's nothing about the Gong's sister or the Shou's brother, or how did the Shou's parents react on his relationship..

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You gotta be kidding me
You gotta be kidding me rated it
June 8, 2021
Status: v4c89
I got hooked because of the first couple wu wu wu wu. There's a LOOOT of people who already hated the MC because he --truly-- is a hundred percent scum--no more like ninety nine point nine percent--- but the character development *chefs kiss -- it was too much of my taste!!!. He didn't deviate from his original personality, still headstrong, scummy sometimes, rude ---suck at fighting--but good in [cough] bed-- however now he wasn't with the bottom because of money and truly did fell inlove with him wu wu wu... more>> --- WHEN A PERSON WHO HAVE THIN POCKETS TELLS YOU YOU COULD KEEP ALL HIS MONEY THEN THAT PERSON IS THE "ONE" ---

About the second couple---hmmmm--- it's interesting I guess? It also got nice substance and I actually like it too. But I dropped it since I found it too boring later in [sigh]. Not really fond of historicals that much.

The third couple--- I GOT NOTHING ELSE TO SAY ASIDE FROM----- I LOVE YOU CHEN YIIIIII!!!!!---- Probably my next fav arc from this three. First fav was the first cp, then the third cp, and the second cp----barely--- I have yet to read the 4th cause the translation's still not done. Dont wanna read the MTL, I'm afraid it will be degraded wu wu. <<less
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Mihami
Mihami rated it
August 28, 2024
Status: c191
I loved this arc novel.

When we talk about tr*sh ML we finally see some. Not like in some other novel where we can easily forgive and actually forget them (fifth arc MC is definitely the big one here but not the only one).

The arcs are actually really different (be it the the MC redemption or bystander retransmigrated, even the system though I believe more in the MC past redemption or the temporality or even the social position) so the reader can actually get in the stories. You'll never get bored... more>> !

It's also one of the rare story I will actually re-read. Some arcs more than others.

At the end of the story and the extras I totally recommend this novel for you (well written, complex charactersand answers at your questions). Be ready to laugh, cry and get angry or just smile. <<less
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HA_RU_KA
HA_RU_KA rated it
May 10, 2024
Status: --
I feel like people have to complete till last volume before completely judging this novel every negative review without completely reading till last arc or completing the novel is just nonsense....

MC of the arcs are kept man or they have the tendency to be one. They get bound by a system who want them to have a self reliant And self sufficient mindset. And it's not entirely about relationship with MC which people seem to have misunderstood the system is not making/force them to fall in love with ML it... more>> is there for MC's improvement. You can take the example of
Spoiler

OPERA SINGER ML X DOCTOR MC ARC where ML almost left the MC

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As the chapters proceed in each arc you will find many indications that MCs do infact slowly realize the importance of MLs' Or find that they loved them which is mutual there's no outside intervention in this realization

Spoiler

one thing which I see might have rubbed off readers wrong is the rules when everytime system zaps MCs making them not able to accept any gifts at all from MLs but we can see in extra chapter the systems are emotionless and very strictly follow rules by how they have killed their hosts by taking their life points but our system is actually exception even going against that rule so I think we can't blame it after all it was a cute ball without human emotions and just like it can't understand us we also won't be able to understand it.

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Anyway the novel is perfectly written and any flaw if there is, is excused by me lol because I love this novel the love, hate, pettiness, possessiveness and every other emotion comes out so raw and hits you one by one and take you on a roller coaster ride. You can feel every emotion the author want to express in their scene, All in all I love every ML and MC relationship, yes I love them all they are like two blocks that fit each other perfectly so hopelessly in love with each other as we reach the ending of every arc that I dont want to part with them, if they are happy with each other who am I to criticize them. <<less
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lamentine
lamentine
April 9, 2024
Status: v8c173
The translation carries this novel, the translator definitely deserves all their flowers for how they curated this together over the past 3 years. I think the 8 arcs are each wonderful in their own different ways.

I'm usually not a fan of quick transmigration novels but this novel changed how I viewed the genre, there are a variety of couples, each with their own nuances, struggles and differences. Volume 2 & 3 were my absolute faves, because I really loved how the author could take the characters through these journeys and... more>> have them develop their own humanity in how they started to view themselves and others. It gave the characters a sense of depth and realism, that allows them to be so relatable and hilarious. I also really love the system, the final volume that culminates their own individual journey, can't wait to read the ending. <<less
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maims
maims rated it
February 16, 2023
Status: v5c109
I have nearly completed this novel, and I'm writing this while my impressions are still fresh.

This novel is a complete 5 Star for me for many reasons:

It doesn't get old and repetitive. Too many QT novels, by their very conceit, fail to be fresh and unique for each arc. In this, every arc was a novella in themselves, something that stretches on just as much as it should, and yet leaves its readers thirsting for more.

More than just plot, what this novel truly excels in is its characters. Each MC,... more>> ML, and even most of their barely on-screen sidekicks, are all vivid, defined characters in their own rights, drawn with a careful, loving hand. Everyone is extremely human, with little human flaws and quirks. Everyone's relationship is very natural, a little up, a little down. The two sisters that have appeared yet - their relationships with their brother, their sibling squabbles amid their sibling love...

And of course, best defined are the MC and ML. The ML are all different, each a unique character in their own right. The MC is, naturally, a scum, but he is never an exaggerated s*um of the fairytale villain type (although it sometimes appears to be that in the beginning of the arc). Instead, you can just see the personality quirks and the circumstances that combined to form a man that would do truly, utterly scummy things - which means that, when the system's helpful 'reminders' stop him from such behavior, you see that that same personality quirk can also lead him to do better things too. It truly showcases the truth that people are never only black or white.

One of the flaws of the whole Scum-Redeeming genre is that too often I find I can't root for the s*um to be redeemed at all. This never happened to me in this novel, because of the above reasons, and because in too many of the stories, you can see that there was a genuine regard and reason behind the scumminess. Further, the novel never tries to make it seem like good intentions or bad circumstances are excuses for the scummy behaviour - only reasons. The novel doesn't try to trivialize the problems, and in fact goes out of its way a couple of time to acknowledge that something done with (generally) good (ish) intent does not make it an acceptable thing to do.

This is one of those well written stories where YMMV really applies, and every reader might draw a different conclusion from the same scene. It is eminently worth a read, and I strongly suggest anyone uncertain to at least give it an honest try before giving up.

Best of all, the s*x is all extremely consensual with nothing that left a bad taste in my mouth. Which, considering that I can be very sensitive in that regard, is a big plus from me. <<less
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Fisukisuki
Fisukisuki rated it
November 17, 2021
Status: Completed
The Author really did AMAZING JOB writing different arc each with different MC, Life, and different Settings.

So far had read all 5 arcs, All Stories is Absolutely Best Story so far. How the System help all the Slag Gong aka the MC who had or would be a Kept Man walk to the right part. Well, except on the 3rd arc. Because even the System can make an Error and accidentally bonded to Non-Slag Gong 🤭. But the 4th arc.... I LITERALLY Cried so Many Times! But there's actually Great... more>> moments near the end of the arc because the System. Great System!

The System in this Novel doesn't make much appearance. Give Warning when MC going to make Mistake, Give Missions for MC's sake, Would help if IT can Help, but wouldn't make any appearance when MC's life was going in Non-Wrong directions. The World Hopping tag is for the System who changing Host when it finish it's Job. But like I said, the System rarely make appearance. The System Is NOT the MC!

Anyway, you won't regret this! This is novel about an Actual Slag Men who given chances to be Good Man! But they're not Evil. Seriously try it!!!

Finished at 28 October 2024:

Took me almost 3 years to finally able to read this novel in completed translated novel. But I'm well Satisfied!

Each story has its own charm, but I'm happy how all the s*um Gongs is Redeemable.

There's a correction in the above review:
Spoiler

Apparently the System end up became one of the MC Gong. Yes, he's GONG!!!

But he's not a s*um one though. Just happen to be send into a Former s*um man. And his story is to learn to be Human. And end up chose a Human life.

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The System did Great till the end ❤️

Everything ended great, but still my most favorite is the end of the 5th arc. The 5th MC was so Grateful having the System. He was the only one who voicing his Heartfelt feelings, and the System is happy with it ❤️

Anyway this novel really going to have special place in my heart. I'm Absolutely LOVING IT!!! <<less
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Nyaa.23
Nyaa.23 rated it
July 3, 2021
Status: Completed
Pros :

Multiple protagonists novel. It's the first time I read this kind of story.

The system rarely comes out. The story of the system is also fun to read.

Some arcs are okay while skme are just boring. The first, third and the zombie apocalypse arc is my fav. The MC is arc three is my spirit animal. MC's poisonous tongue is everything.

Cons :

The MCs are s*um like to the core. Some might not find them a nice character to read. The story sometimes feels too drag out but still enjoyed it.
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Accellia
Accellia rated it
March 27, 2021
Status: v2
it's not QT with one big plot behind. It's more like a compilation? Of (scum?) seme protagonist bound to anti-kept-man system. It's unique since every arc can be read alone. It's fresh since it's seme protagonists with powerful uke :3
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bingpupschewtoy
bingpupschewtoy rated it
March 18, 2021
Status: c153
edit edit: ONE OF MY FAVOURITE STORIES EVER. Every single arc has a different and fresh romance. It always develops in a way that's interesting and exciting to read. If you're worried about the MC just getting to breeze through horrific stuff the original body has done (like in other transmigration stories), don't be. The original body never does anything overboard (at the time of transmigration), so the MC can still redeem himself. This is one of the few webnovels that I don't get bored reading. Its length is 100%... more>> justified. edit: just finished the second arc and wanted to add that the writing is really good. Character development is very natural and descriptions are vivid. The author really made me feel. Highly recommend this webnovel.

I'm only around a quarter of the way through but so far I'm really enjoying this webnovel. The main character is a mouthy, quick witted character, whose dialogue is often very interesting to read. The MC and ML have lots of funny banter, and the author does a good job showing the MC falling in love.

I would also like the commend the translator for really good work. The original text often references old literature, slang, etc. And the translator always provides extremely detailed explanations of everything, which I really appreciate. <<less
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Blubber_faults
Blubber_faults rated it
March 4, 2021
Status: c87
I was tryna give it a 4.5 but that's ok lol anyways... NOTHING but love for this novel. I was VERY hesitant when it came to reading it only because I'm to into the protagonist being a shou (uke) and this being in the pov of a gong (seme) I didn't think it'll be that interesting. Majority of the gong's that I've come across in CN's all have the personality of a rich arrogant CEO male, I genuinely thought this would be the same. But it isn't and I love... more>> it and it's great!! The shou babies are finally depicted as strong males especially in the first 2 arcs, both shou's can fight, they're straightforward and outspoken, possessive as well but most of all... they're the ones out here protecting their males. It was really refreshing to see the gong's not knowing how to fight but still trying to help their men with whatever resources they have. I just love the "me' who was finally able to pick up her balls and give it a shot because if I bypassed this story... It would've been a huge shame. So if you are hesitant to try it out, Don't. It's awesome.

ALSO!!! sorry, I need to quickly give a great "well done!!" To the translation team. There are a few minor errors but they are quick to fix it annnd whatever errors are left behind, do not worry. It doesn't tarnish the flow of the story. Awesome work guys, thank you so much and please keep translating ☺️ I appreciate you. <<less
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Northdusk21
Northdusk21 rated it
February 18, 2021
Status: --
Well done, diverse characters and this novel gives you a different dynamic in regards to bl relationships. Comedy on point, character growth a 👌ok. This is definitely one of those novel filled with schadenfreude. Can someone say bad to the bone
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thebadgirl05
thebadgirl05 rated it
February 15, 2021
Status: c79
I really really like this novel mainly because of it's refreshing plot, brilliant translation and interesting characters. The fact that the MC's had pitiful pasts but refreshing views in life was quite new to me--- given all the other novels I've read and I like that they don't delve too much into the self-pity party which I see a lot.

'The world doesn't owe you anything type of understanding, ' I saw that mostly in the second arc which made me give a big like. A lot of sentiments and thoughts... more>> are brutally honest and I love it.

Also, I have been used to OP MC's or ML's having golden fingers that I expected something miraculous to happen at certain scenes if you know which one I'm referring to but I couldn't be more glad that things progressed as they did.

All in all, this novel gave me the novel experience of reading through characters that were closest to being human with all their thought processes and flaws if you know what I mean. It's kinda hard to explain. But yeah, take all that I said as just my babbling and gushing for the novel if you will. <<less
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Maiasia
Maiasia rated it
January 31, 2021
Status: Completed
I rarely read novels with a gong protagonist but I usually end up enjoying them, and this one is no different. I really enjoyed how much stronger the shous are in comparison to the gongs and that the drama isn't long and over drawn. It's a refreshing world hopping novel in where the only constant in all 8 arcs was the system and the 8th arc... Love it.
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Yoonseo
Yoonseo rated it
December 20, 2020
Status: c38
im rating it 5 stars for the first arc. There are not a lot of ups and downs, and I normally don't read seme protagonist story lines. Not because I hate it, but because there are not a lot of them, so this is a new perspective for me. The story is stable and the growth of the protagonist certainly moved me. All in all the writing and character growth on both ends was like resting in a hot bath. Absolutely soothing. The interactions were realistic and funny and the... more>> relationship was very balanced. Maybe in the next arcs, ill change the rating, but for now. It is a worthwhile read, and I enjoy it immensely. <<less
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animestar411
animestar411
December 11, 2020
Status: c38
Loved arc 1, 3, 7, and 8. I mtl them and they were just lovely. I havent read the rest yet cause mtling historical or cultivation are horriblr so ill wait. I so far, based on the spoilers, dont like arc 5 for now. 7 is the sadest arc cause, not sure if its correct due to mtl but the main couples ... more>>
Spoiler

dont survive and they confessed to each other when they were dying

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it made me cry but 8 cheered me up. It's also really rare to see the shou/uke chasing or is possessive over the gong/seme. It breaks the stereotype of uke waiting to be seduce although most of the gongs are kinda jerks. The system barely has any presence at all. I keep on forgetting it until the last arc. Translations are good too. <<less
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PrettyBoGummy
PrettyBoGummy rated it
September 25, 2020
Status: c21
I can’t express how much I like this novel. Usually (I take that back ALWAYS) I only read bl novels with a shou protagonist but this novel is just so cute and amazing I am GLAD the gong is the protagonist.
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ElleFaux
ElleFaux rated it
October 18, 2024
Status: Completed
I like it, if it wasn’t for the fact that some arcs feel so short and isn't as deep as others, it's a 5 star. But I think this might just be because novels with different MC and ML isn't my fave, you get various characters that you may or may not like.

My fav arc got to be 8th, about the system that has been with us since the start and became human. He's the only one who's truly not a kept man from the start. I like his personality,... more>> I also like Shen You but the thing is the more I like the story, the more I want to see more of it.

Spoiler

I am a bit disappointed that the last extras were only extras, I think it was a cute premise! Love the high school setting haha

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For the least liked story, I think its between the 5th (Wen Chou? X Bai Yang) and 6th (Xiao Feng Wu x Qin Ming Yue). I don't have the best opinion of both MCs in the stories cuz I think their a bit too much of a s*um that doesn't deserve their MLs. But that's not to say they didn't have character development (tho I think we didn't see much of Xiao Feng Wu's), they did esp. Since 5th is a reincarnation one. I just feel sad whenever I remember their story that why I don't like them much.

This novels requires patience in most start of the arc, tho its the most interesting part its also the most annoying for most stories to get past the hate for MCs. <<less
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