Green Plum Island

Description

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When I was ten, I fell from a tree and hit my head. When I woke up, the world around me had changed. I could see people’s emotions in the form of numbers and colours—pink for love, red for anger, green for awkwardness, blue for sorrow, yellow for desire…

I met Yan Kongshan the summer after college entrance exams on Green Plum Island. Mysterious and handsome, with a tinge of melancholy, he was the ideal man of every woman on the island. And mine.

I wanted him to turn pink for me, but one day, he suddenly turned yellow. Despite that, he seemed ever so nonchalant when facing me.

Love is like lemon soda water. Sour and sweet, filled with energy.

You never know how a person’s heart beats for you, hidden in its cage beneath their flesh.

Associated Names
One entry per line
Qing Mei Yu
Đảo Thanh Mai
青梅屿
青梅嶼
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
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Pastel Colours (7)
Your Distance (4)
Tattoo (4)
Assistant Architect (4)
Cāi Cāi (2)
Recommendation Lists
  1. Life is a Romcom (BL)
  2. Protagonist falls first
  3. TBR (GL/BL) 4
  4. light-hearted/comedy/cute danmei
  5. Leidas !

Latest Release

Date Group Release
09/01/21 Tiny Salt Translations extra
03/08/21 Chrysanthemum Garden c58
03/08/21 Chrysanthemum Garden c57
03/07/21 Chrysanthemum Garden c56
03/07/21 Chrysanthemum Garden c55
03/05/21 Chrysanthemum Garden c54
03/04/21 Chrysanthemum Garden c53
03/03/21 Chrysanthemum Garden c52
03/01/21 Chrysanthemum Garden c51
03/01/21 Chrysanthemum Garden c50
02/28/21 Chrysanthemum Garden c49
02/27/21 Chrysanthemum Garden c48
02/26/21 Chrysanthemum Garden c47
02/25/21 Chrysanthemum Garden c46
02/24/21 Chrysanthemum Garden c45
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153 Reviews sorted by


Sushi rice
Sushi rice rated it
February 20, 2021
Status: Completed
I can't believe I haven't written a review for this yet... Honestly, this novel is just so good. 10 out of 5 stars.

MC is 18/19, ML is 9 years older and has a child. If I had to categorize it, this is a modern summer romance story. The romance is slow and sweet. I've read the MTL of the novel at least 5 times, and then read the (amazing) translation of the chapters again. This is by far my favorite BL modern novel, and I haven't been able to find... more>> another novel better than this one.

Anyways, read the novel! it's great! you won't regret it! <<less
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artemissy
artemissy
December 3, 2022
Status: Completed
The novel makes me happy.

At first, I thought that this was a JP novel. An island hometown, the hot summer, the hum of cicadas, the nostalgia, the wish for a simpler life away from the city, I could already imagine what the opening scenes would look like. The unique and inclusive island culture is at times too good to be true. The pacing is punchy and the characters are very vibrant. We have some cliches here and there (the love-obsessed female best friend to a male gay protag, the adult-like... more>> kid). I think it adds to the feeling of comfort and familiarity of the setting.

I really like the MC a lot. We’d be friends irl, I think (the delusion lol). He has a great sense of humor. His punchlines hit me unawares at times and he has very many quotable quotes. He feels very real and his actions makes sense for where he is in his life. He is the best part of the novel.

Revisiting this novel though makes me think about a few things. Is it okay for someone in their late 20s to be with a barely legal college student? How about when most of the power and initiative in the relationship comes from the teen? Will that said almost-30yo really fall in love with a teenager? I have yet to resolve my questions about the connection between power dynamics, age and maturity—with love.

Regardless, Green Plum Island truly deserves its 5 star rating for the full package. <<less
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vlientae
vlientae rated it
June 7, 2021
Status: Completed
Going into this story I had low expectations. I was worried that the fact that it was in first person pov would make it hard to read, much like amateur works of 1st pov go. I thought that the MC being young (18/19) might bring a perspective full of immaturity and obsession over a older ML. Now there was a bit of idolizing at the beginning, but the relationship really builds from the fact that the ML initially rejects the MC. Gradually they form a stronger connection, and the MC... more>> establishes himself as compelling and worth trying a relationship for the ML.

One comment on the translation site described their relationship really well to paraphrase 'Where one lacks in experience and has youth he is mature in mindset (MC navigates what he wants and gets there through perseverance and establishing himself.), the other has experience and age, but an immature mindset (ML is jaded against love/relationship) '. Their age gap is noticeable, but it never felt like their relationship was heavy on undertones of fetishizing the age difference. They were on the same level as each other as they matured together. Not everything about it gives a sense of realism but there is a tangibility that you get from the main characters reactions.

Overall, it's an enjoyable short story. Full of great romantic moments, and interesting tension. It's a light read, nothing too heavy and it gives you the perfect summer vibes if you want something with a taste of nostalgic vacation coming of age vibes. I rated it a 5 because it exceeded my expectations and it's a nice read, but on the scale of fives I wouldn't say this novel is anything beyond extraordinary! <<less
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PhoenixChameleon
PhoenixChameleon rated it
February 18, 2021
Status: Completed
Exquisite BL about first love, coming of age, definitions of family, best friends/friendship, homosexuality, courage, love rivals, age gaps, and also cross dressing, wind chime dreams, festivals, bookstores, and navigating relationships seriously. I put this with The 10 Years I loved You the Most and Waiting Online as favorites for the feeling they give me while reading. I truly love the combination of the MC & ML. Totally give this 10 stars, not 5!
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Annnoo
Annnoo rated it
June 25, 2024
Status: --
Considering the high rating, I gave this a try but I found myself at loss so I decided to read some of the reviews;

As some readers said, the MC is childish and impulsive at most, he does things on a whim merely because he's in love, I understand becoming thoughtless while in love, especially considering he's young and all, but he was putting himself down for someone he barely knows, and he was deadass serious about him, simply because he was mesmerised by his looks and charisma, yes that's about... more>> it, the MC's characteristics are limited to being young and thirsting over ML. Funnily enough he's no different than his friend that he keeps judging.

The ML, he's much mature than the MC at least giving he's older and all, but again I don't think there's much else to say, he's indifferent most of the time and his relationship with the MC is painfully one sided as well...

The only character that I actually liked was the grandpa, then when it comes to the 5 year old child I can't help but laugh at the review that mentions her unrealistic character considering she acts like a whole adult.

If you're into slice of life with a childish MC who desperately chases after some man he just met, then this is definitely for you. <<less
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Asigmah
Asigmah rated it
February 13, 2023
Status: Completed
Disappointed!

I had high expectations, but it's so boring and doesn't have any exciting events, just a flat line.

Before reading I check the ratings and reviews, and I get shocked sometimes because I really don't understand how so many people rated this high.

I guess it's a matter of opinion and simply not my cup of tea.
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Xiu_er
Xiu_er rated it
January 21, 2022
Status: Completed
This novel is a breath of fresh air. It's a quality slice of life novel that portrays the relationship development between a homos*xual couple with a big age difference really well.

All the characters are well-rounded and have their own unique quirks and personalities just like real people. They also all act their age. Even Qiuqiu... While she does occasionally act beyond her age, she still retains the naive and cheeky quality of a young child. She has just been raised by a single "father" with a lot of care, not... more>> spoiling her too much nor being treated overly strict. In turn, she has grown up to be more sensible and smarter than the average. Genius children who act like adults are usually a pet peeve of mine when it comes to Chinese novels, but here I wasn't bothered because Qiuqiu did not act like an adult but rather a cheeky girl who has experienced a lot.

Another highlight amongst the side characters are the grandfather and granny. Their open-mindedness is a rarity among their age group in China or so I believe. It makes them all the more likeable.

I also liked how the relationship between the CP developed. It is understandable that the more mature ML would have scruples when it comes to getting involved with the much younger MC. And considering the ML's love history that had made him give up on love the reluctance was even more understandable.

The MC in turn was stubborn and relentless which was very much needed when pursuing someone with so much emotional baggage. And in the end, he ended up succeeding in melting the ML's resolve.

The writing and plot is so good; the world building, too. Goodness, it's rare to see a Chinese webnovel have such good world building, managing to create a certain vibe and atmosphere that it makes it easy to picture the Green Plum Island in the reader's head. I really liked the scenery that the novel created in my mind, enough for me to feel yearning to travel and spend a summer there.

Occasionally, you will also find yourself smiling and snorting due to the humor in the novel. At least, I did. The humor does not employ any exaggerated or extreme means to make it funny. But it is subtle and unexpectedly wholesome that it leaves you with a sweet aftertaste just like the novel as a whole.

10/10 would recommend. <<less
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izayaYY
izayaYY rated it
June 26, 2021
Status: Completed
Modern and contemporary, good read for those who want more realism in their danmei, portraying normal characters with normal jobs, aspirations, mindset and temperament.

This is not my fav genre. My tastes run more towards fantasy with over-the-top oddball obsessively-in-love characters. Realistic relationships I find kinda boring cause I see it everyday lol..

The first 40 chapters or so is all about the MC courageously chasing ML. He is a sweet teen, giving his all to wooing his first love, despite being rejected several times. The author does well in conveying the... more>> sweetness of first love in great detail and prose. MC is a likeable character, but ML was quite annoying, even immature in many aspects. He responded to MC's sincerity with half-heartedness, ambiguity, indecisiveness and cynicism. Pitiful MC even asked for a probation period, for ML to try him out... seriously? Being treated as a trial period is not funny or romantic. I don't get why everyone was calling this fluffy. The fluff really started only around chapter 48 or so. ML does improve somewhat after realising his feelings. <<less
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pistachi00
pistachi00 rated it
March 9, 2021
Status: Completed
Short read but it's super good. It's really recommended esp for ppl who just wants slice of life with great side characters with cute romance and fluff (and almost minimal angst).

Really recommended, give it a try y'all (。•̀ᴗ-) ✧
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97jk00k
97jk00k rated it
February 24, 2024
Status: --
Well completed the novel and manhua, it was a long ride probably wouldn't say it's worth it binged in for some charector devolpmentt but none seen from the mc

He was honestly embarassing and childish, thier relationship seems so forced ngl even though it progresses I never felt the ML really loved the MC the same way he did mostly he treated him like a pushover, even though in the last extra they showed some of his affection but in other scene's it just felt like lust not love, with jealousy... more>> but non acceptances of his feelings

I really wished MC saw through and maybe get some charector devolpment but nah he still acted entitled and spoiled. Honestly if his charector hopefully matures as he gets older then he most likely Is gonna leave the ML lol, his love was more childish obsession to me

I like that end better than this <<less
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Shortk
Shortk rated it
January 24, 2022
Status: c35
Personally would rate it a 1. But I give it another for it's solid writing skills. This is essentially a typical questionable YA summer romance contemporary novel but for bl / coming of age novel. That's the level of writing skills in terms of character writing, world building, and romance lawl I guess. It's good writing no matter what I say ok.

This book is not for me. The MC's brain is yes maybe a typical boy going through puberty with his first hot guy crush. So it's good writing that... more>> he's dumb. But I don't want to accept it anymore. I have tortured my forehead with slaps too many times that this point. It's too cringy for me and he's too dumb for me. However, it is understandable because this is a coming of age novel imo so people who don't mind "realistic character writing", will like this book. Very contemporary novel but for bl.

This is where I personally had to draw the line for me is when he asked his bff's boyfriend out of nowhere
Spoiler

to kiss him. Like didn't even ask a. His bff if it was ok to kiss her boyfriend.

b. What was he gonna do after he kissed him if he said yes? Was he gonna go to his bff and say o"yeah I kissed your new bf in the afternoon just test this power I have that I never told you about before because I suspect it goes away when I kiss someone" 10/10 teenage thinking aka none WHICH IS GOOD WRITING BUT f*ck no I'm done I don't wanna deal w an idiot MC anymore

C. Bc why didn't he just ask to kiss his bff instead? She would understand. OF COURSE NOT BC PLOT if he didn't try to be dumb and kiss in the bookstore with his bff's bf (really omg f*ck dumb) then the ML can't just casually overhear and be mad lol smh

[collapse]

he's pretty clingy and also idk but I was kinda mad that he legit eavesdropped on the ml. Like no joke no morals just listened in didn't feel bad. I mean it was a small scene with cannon fodder white lady and technically didn't matter but I was like shit. Dat was lowkey rude. <<less
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Sakura Dream
Sakura Dream rated it
September 12, 2021
Status: Completed
If I have half the courage and persistence of our cute MC Yu Mian, I swear I will not be single till now while binge-reading danmeis and crying like a dead pig at midnight over a mere book. Such a wonderful story! Fully deserves a five-star! I know I will have a hard time forgetting this book, it's such a sweet fluffy heart-warming story that you will remember for a long time😭 This book hits me hard *sobs*
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hejikkk
hejikkk rated it
July 2, 2021
Status: Completed
had to check back a few times for the tragedy tag lololol

but woahh I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. It's very mature and realistic, something I personally felt was a breath of fresh air, but it also means that it probably isn't suitable for everyone.

General impressions

    • Characters (4/5) : The MC is really sweet and endearing. I absolutely loved his inner monologues, and the way that the author describes his happiness is 100% contagious. The ML and other cast members are also pretty well written, with solid characters. However, my favourite character award will have to go out to the one and only child prodigy, Yan Wanqiu B)
    • Plot (4/5) : Decent plot. Nothing too fancy here, mostly about a person who is just chasing after his love while facing rejection/old troubles/family issues etc. Cliches will exist. 4/5 though, because the execution of these events was excellent. The pacing wasn't fast, but it was consistent and progressive.
    • Enjoyment (5/5)
Also a bit off-topic but I got some serious Jane Eyre vibes from reading this...

etc. the age difference (Jane and Yu Mian are both 18 too lol), the chemistry between the couples (young&mature vs older&lost/childish), the ML's habits (even their pasts with ONS's), the isolated setting (mansion vs island), the incredibly smart and adorable young not-a-daughters (Adele and YWQ), the mention of locking people up in attics (???), and just the overall realistic tone that the stories approach the topic of romance is sooo familiar

... which might be a part of the reason why I liked it so much haha. A great read :)
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BillionJellyfish
BillionJellyfish rated it
March 27, 2021
Status: Completed
This is a very good slice of life BL story.

MC: a high school graduate getting ready for college, spending time with his gramps during summer vacation

ML: a single parent and the owner of a bookstore

... more>> There is not much to say about this story. The whole plot is MC's journey to pursue the ML. The interactions between the MC and ML are realistic and bittersweet, but also with many fluffy moments.

Overall:

As an avid reader of slice of life novels, this story did not stand out much to me. It felt like it was missing something, but I don't know what. The ending is satisfactory, but I would not read it again. <<less
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Yoya
Yoya rated it
March 22, 2021
Status: Completed
Aiya I really got called single in 10 different ways. MC is young, and it really shows so prepare yourselves for a healthy dose of secondhand embarrassment. ML is the older more mature type, but
Spoiler

omg the fact that he’s actually the clingy one in the relationship? Chefs kiss 💋

[collapse]

I do wish that there was more of a wrap up with the friend, and the whole brain condition but whatever, I’m distracted by the dog food anyways
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mewuser
mewuser rated it
March 20, 2021
Status: Completed
Super cute and easy read. No unnecessary drama.

I also loved how the author handled ML’s daughter having a prosthetic. Wasn’t inspiration p*rn and wasn’t portrayed as pitiable. Just a smart, happy girl who happened to have a prosthetic.
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I am a nobel person
I am a nobel person rated it
May 10, 2025
Status: --
I finished reading this just for the MC's sake. To describe MC I can only use one sentence 'He is someone you want as a partner but you yourself don't wanna be like him'. He is too smitten, too crazy in love. He does not have any self restraint. To be frank he does not have any self respect too. That's why their relationship was able to sail. He was the one who carried out most of their relationship. Chasing, expressing his feelings first, being rejected then chasing again, the... more>> one to initiate their first kiss, suggesting dating, being happy even if it was probationary at first, after probational period suggesting the real dating, taking initiative to make their relationship more intimate, taking initiative to their first time, their talk about marriage etc.

The ML just shows a little bit clinginess when they start seriously dating and that's it.

Spoiler

He never confesses his feelings even though he does stuff for the MC as a boyfriend. There is no such thing as 'I love you' or even 'I like you ' from him.

[collapse]

Their relationship just worked out because of MC and his effort. The ML gives the vibe of someone who will let the MC go, if the MC wants to. He is not someone to put effort. They are a type of couple who is not meant to be together but the MC makes it meant to be. There is nothing special about the ML. This whole story is about MC. The ML is older but is not mature enough to express his feelings but the MC is younger but he is mature.I think, that's one of the important point of the story that age does not define your maturity. I don't like the ML. There is no ML chasing MC arc. So, don't expect. Before reading bear in mind MC carries their whole relationship. For MC, ML is his whole world. But can't say the same for ML. Cause-

Spoiler

ML was in a relationship in the past. He used to love that person very seriously. Even though it's not directly stated like that but you can tell from reading the story. The things he does for the MC, he did the same for his previous lover. He even himself indicates that he is like that when he gets into relationship. Meaning that's how he is.

[collapse]

Again I don't like ML. For MC it was like if ML can't be the one, then no one can be. For ML, it was like don't want anybody but you can tell if someone else was as persistent and invaded the ML's life like MC did, ML would have dated them. <<less
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BiMyself
BiMyself rated it
March 18, 2025
Status: Completed
I see a lot of people calling this boring, and while I'm not belittling their opinions of this book, but it's unfathomable to me. I picked up this book and could barely drop it; finished it in a day.

The story like a lot of people have said has a lot of fluff with little to no angst and involves the daily lives of islanders. Most of the book focuses on Mianmian (I love him) falling in love for the first time and pursuing this much older man. In my opinion,... more>> there's not much push and pull to render this redundant or boring given the length and the fun side and main characters.

All-in-all, just try it and see if it suits your taste. <<less
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Heaven00
Heaven00 rated it
January 25, 2024
Status: c38
I regret reading this novel, can't continue reading anymore. I tried forcing myself to read since lots of ppl said it was good but nahh not my cup of tea. I'm trying to search the good part of the novel but couldn't, and skipped certain parts of it while reading as it's too boring.

I got tempted by 4.6 stars rating from 600+ voters and good reviews but nahh, all bs. The novel only for brats, the way it delivered the contexts were too childish and innocence. I agreed with certain... more>> reviews, the MC is shameless brat, very forceful and childish. The characters were too dull, the storylines also straight forward, nothing special, I thought the novel was written by 18y/o kid.I don't recommend this novel to those people who love dog blood, angst, or dramatic novel.

The concept is good but the flow/storylines is bad, the MC should have interesting character which could attract reader to love it, but this MC is too disappointing. This is just my opinions, if u wanna read it, just go n read, if you don't want, then don't waste ur times. <<less
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olhaalder
olhaalder rated it
January 18, 2024
Status: extra
This is my favourite work in the whole world of Chinese novels. The threads of this novel are imbued with the fragrance of green plums and the taste of summer love.

One of the best works that conveys an atmosphere of: first love, small island, heart-stopping and heart-warming feelings. This work is full of charm. Each character keeps his character until the end, but does not forget to be increased and developed following the plot. I love this novel and absolutely recommended to everyone who progresses in the search of love.
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