Now this. This is a masterpiece.

Love. Ideals. Growth. Conflict. Companionship.

I can only say I cried a lot. A lot. I am genuinely really s*upid. I should've checked who the author was before reading, I can only bite my ass in sorrow at the unexpected bitter-sweet treat.

... more>> This novel isn't just about Jiang Mo and Shen Zhaowen's conflict, their love and their relationship but also about a tasteful philosophy, a dream and the sunlight we crave to hold.

A story about one who needs way too much security X someone who isn't willing to provide it. The catch is- both know this. And they try to work hard to solve this issue. Which is what makes this work so brilliant.

This is NOT a book for everyone. It's not sweet and it's not even romantic. It's real, raw and filled with pain. I think those who've fallen deep, down and bad in love can understand this.

Why? Because falling deep in love isn't just about feeling jealous, wanting to possess and feeling desire toward someone. Many many many stories simply stop at this portrayal. But love is also about sacrifice, obligations, accommodation, understanding and compromise. Unless one had truly experienced all these, it's hard to really put yourself into either position.

For me, I am very much like Zhaowen while my darling, though not quite like Jiang Mo, is very mystical in that way. It was that one day where when we were discussing about ourselves, the topic of fate popped up- of course not from me. Do I believe in fate? Sadly, no. Does my darling do? Perhaps. It was that day my contact name was changed to "缘份' "We are fated. That's how I'll describe us." What a beautiful coincidence haha. I only thought it was pretty cute. My darlings contact name is still "老婆" haha, I'm pretty basic.. I want to address one review here that said their relationship is toxic and unhealthy and can't last long. That's what I'd call a bias. A narrow-minded view and frankly just obtuse.

You've completely. utterly missed the message the novel was trying to portray. Love can't be explained, many things are unfathomable don't have corporeal form and are simply inexplainable. And so that is life, and that is motive, for what do we look at the sky for and what do we smell our wine for, each of these thoughts come swimming in our bloodstreams, melding into our bones and becoming one with our flesh. Like our Zhaowen said, "Love and death, both happen at an instant." You can't control nor understand this mind within you, it's truly mystical and one day it might grow wings and fly off haha. Either way, when one's heart is willing, flesh can be discarded.

When two individuals truly wish to meld into each other, but also keep their own separate forms, it's a dance that's filled with discovery and depth. One doesn't need compatibility to start a spark in the same way one may look back and gaze into the same eyes that filled their hearts with a little more blood. Isn't it romantic? Love dictates who is to be together, not us not them.

This is a literary masterpiece, a gem that I think you'd be s*upid to miss.

P.S- I'd die to meet the lead singer of Queen and Liszt. <<less

Very nice novel. I was starting to get bored of reading Chinese novel as there was nothing new. This was a breath of fresh air. Love it very much. It's very unique to me as I have not read a Chinese novel with this style of writing before. 💖💖💖💖

Very good story. It's different from anything I've read in months. I just have to disagree with how realistic they say the story is. They both have problems and are very real characters, but it's incredibly difficult to believe that these two end up together in real life "forever." Also not advisable because the relationship is so toxic. It's not just a troubled relationship, it's downright toxic.

One is obsessed and would submit to anything to not be abandoned. The other is an airhead who only thinks about himself, and can... more>> only be in this relationship because he has an escape valve: his escapes. He knows that the other would never abandon him, that's why he always does what he wants. I think one inspires the worst in the other, but since no one will love them with the same intensity and madness they need, they stay together.

I recommend reading it, it's well written and takes you through the ups and downs of this (un) happy relationship. <<less

Interesting take on a normal love shared between two normal individuals. Both with their own share of faults and drawbacks, and yet so full of love for the other person. No written sentences of expressions of love by the author that might seem too sentimental or make the reader think "only possible in fiction".9.5/10. Highly recommend.

A very particular novel in terms of danmei writing, different. A realistic love like few others find and full of life, disputes, experiences, affection.

I don't know how else to describe this novel. In some parts it is monotonous, but if you look closely it is not, everything has small details that delve deeper into the personality of the characters and their story.

I just finished reading the novel so my feelings are full but I have nothing but admiration. If I had to say something about this novel it would be that it is definitely not the best, It doesn't even have the best writing but it has something that catches you and involves you. It's not cheesy or full of fluff but it has those moments that make you think how beautiful her love is. They almost never express their love in words but they do in actions. It is not tragic but it has a certain anguish, sometimes it is discreet so much that it is not felt but I felt overwhelmed in a part for no reason, since clearly the writing was not heavy on sadness but I still couldn't stand it since the protagonist never describes those feelings you just notice it, you feel it.

... more>> At first I thought there was some difference in their feelings, later I realized how much that changed, or how much I began to notice that in fact there wasn't.

It is incredible how the author made me reflect on life, dreams, time, and the stubbornness of a person to remain firm in what they choose. It is certainly a realistic novel, but it has a certain invisible romanticism in the way it is written.

Simply a wonderful novel that may or may not leave you with a strong impression but is ultimately worth reading.

rating: 4.6 but 5 considering not many people read it. <<less

This is a really good story, the characters are decently mature and they understand each other very much. Story is mainly set with the characters in a rough patch of their relationship and how they navigate it, with flashbacks of their past/ how they got together etc. Good writing style, pacing and setting. It's quite light but I wouldn't call it fluff. The flashbacks are done tastefully and not excessive.

This is a well written novel. However, I did not finish reading it. The characters has depth to them but I simply don't like their relationship. I couldn't find it in myself to rate it low because the writing style is really good and I respect that. Maybe coming from a rocky family background who argues incessantly have something to do with me not enjoying this. After all, reading is an escapism to me and this reflects too much reality.

A very engaging and realistic glimpse of lives of two individuals. Amid the seeming chaos of up downs, squabbles, union and separations, emotions, the pace of the novel was surprisingly steady and stable. And it was so simply wrapped up in the end.

It was really amusing and engaging that readers mighnot want to skip or skim over any chapters.

A rare story that could pull me till the end wanting to know what's gonna happen after every line. Conflicts, indeed, are charming. I love how characters are not sappy and chessy all the time and in turn their bickering and disagreement brought readers to reality. I love how they choose to stay together while understanding they couldn't escape from each other. Maniac and manic complete each other. I can't help but wanna complain a little bit about how the director run away everytime, however, it is what make him... more>> an actual person for me. I love it ! <<less

I love it. I've had doubts in the beginning on how they would establish a strong foundation for their relationship but unexpectedly, they're good at finding peace and solemn within each other. I believe their contrasting personality is what's making them fit and adorable as a couple. They knew each other so well and are best suited together.

This novel is just like one of ML’s movies—poignant, touching. Like experiencing the whole thing yourself, as if you are part of their world.

Just a bit of warning: both leads have significant differences, differences that will make you think if their love is worth fighting for. But they do, and the process is intriguing and realistic, at the same time.

Months may have passed since I last read this novel, but it still lingers like wine on my tongue.

I really enjoyed this novel. The characters obviously loved each other but had different love language. It took them time to work out their feelings towards each other.

It's a refreshing take on an otherwise classic plot. Love it and highly recommend!

Extremely toxic and codependent but it feels accurate to both characters. Instead of a wildly unhealthy relationship presented as true love, it is instead a character portrait of two very mentally ill people living for each other; allowing the audience to cast judgment on the quality of the relationship. Still very enjoyable, but the middle had me yelling for them to break up or work on their issues. The ending was sweet and it felt natural. Would recommend, if only because it makes you think.

I really loved it, it's a strong narrative full of emotions all the time creating an intriguing and captivating perspective, with diverse and opposing people. Mainly the two MC and ML, dealing with life and relationships, despite the differences they connect, support and respect their own space and that of others, it is very well constructed, it is admirable. Jiang Mo, he is so expressive artistically, his freedom and his lines, he is the type of artist that we can feel through his presence, the recording process and the fight... more>> for his film "Olive" He left me in reflection with myself and was born in I wish I could watch your creations. <<less

After a months-long reading slump I finally managed to finish a novel, which makes sense because this one fits my tastes to a T. I don't think it will be for everyone but it is truly a one of a kind slice of life romance novel.

And yeah I would consider the novel a romance, even though the main relationship is dysfunctional and unrealistic. The novel does a good job in convincing me to accept the relationship, it's a story of two highly incompatible people who love each other. And they... more>> work somehow, I don't know. Their relationship is like Jiang Mo's desk; there's a certain order in the chaos. Speaking of...

Jiang Mo, the ML though I would say two thirds into the novel the perspective shifts to be about him. What can I say about this guy, by the end he comes off as someone that makes you love and hate him. He's eccentric, a romantic, an idealist. Throughout the story I thought he was a selfish mess, someone who would never make a good partner, then I thought he was cute and I couldn't help admitting that we do share the same fondness for stories where love is riddled with conflict. He's someone who only works in fiction. I like that the novel shows that he can really only do whatever he wants because of his support system.

The MC Shen Zhaowen is also a fascinating character. Initially presented as the "realistic and level-headed" one, you eventually realise that no, he's actually the crazier one. At least when it comes to Jiang Mo. Also I really appreciate

Spoiler

that as the shou he gets to tie up and confine the gong from leaving the house for once.

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He's a power bottom and gets to have most of the upper hand on Jiang Mo and that's refreshing. And yet at the same time his ability to sacrifice, compromise and support Jiang Mo through all of his endeavours is both baffling and moving.

I actually came across the author through their other work, City of Angels, but I like this one way more. Now I wonder if I should try revisiting it, because Jingan Road No.1 does have a unique writing style.

I also highly recommend the audio drama which is a beautiful adaptation. <<less