I Became Popular After Participating on a Dating Show with my Ex-Lover

Description

Links are NOT allowed. Format your description nicely so people can easily read them. Please use proper spacing and paragraphs.

Reunited after breaking up, a sweet and satisfying 1v1

In public, he acted like a wolf-like dog, but behind closed doors, he was clingy and like a sweet bean. A wealthy dog top, tough-mouthed but soft-hearted; a poor beauty who was a dog training master, and a bottom.

Ruan Song, a down-and-out screenwriter, had a five-year love marathon with the popular movie star Ren Qinming. When they were together, Ren Qinming was unknown, but when he became famous, they suddenly ended their relationship with a bang.

When Ren Qinming couldn’t find a way to reconcile, he felt melancholy all day long. His aloof persona became even more unstable. After a night of drinking, he finally gave in and went to Ruan Song’s house, where he was discovered by the paparazzi. And then, “boom,” their relationship was made public.

The entertainment industry was shaken, and fans went crazy, refusing to believe it. “Our cold-faced King of Hell, who never paid attention to beautiful women, how could he be in a relationship?! How could anyone in this world be worthy of our brother?!”

In order to prove that Ren Qinming was single, his fans shared his schedule. Out of 365 days in a year, he would spend 330 days on set. How could someone handle having a boyfriend like that?

Ruan Song found it amusing, and yes, he couldn’t handle it either, so they broke up.

Just as Ruan Song was about to clarify things passionately on Weibo, he received an invitation to a top-tier celebrity dating show, inviting him and Ren Qinming to appear and show their love.

Ruan Song scoffed, saying, “Only a crazy person would go after breaking up.”

But in the next second, when he saw the remuneration offered by the variety show, being penniless and unemployed, he said, “I must be crazy to decline, count me in.”

On the variety show, Ruan Song made an appearance.

Fans instantly changed their minds when they saw him. “Wow! He’s beautiful!”

And the cold-faced King of Hell, who claimed to never pay attention to “beauties” was—

Ren Qinming, “Wife, come closer to me, everyone is watching.”

Ren Qinming, “Wife, give me a smile. There’s a camera in this corner too.”

Ren QingMing, “Wife, it seems like I need a kiss.”

Ruan Song, “…”

Then, Ren Qinming added, “Wife… your ears are turning red.”

Ruan Song gritted his teeth and covered his mouth, saying, “I’m… hot!”

Fans wildly waved their flags. “Not hot! Stick! We want beauties to be sticky!”

Ruan Song was completely speechless. “Weren’t you all saying no one was worthy of him before?”

Fans with yellow faces: Teacher Ruan, you’re being too harsh. What does Ren Qinming’s fans’ words have to do with us, the shippers of the double burden CP powder?

Ruan Song: …

Damn it, who could have imagined that going on a celebrity dating show for money, and faking the relationship, would make someone famous!

Associated Names
One entry per line
After appearing on a dating reality show with my ex, I became popular.
和前任上恋爱综艺我红了
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
Just Want to Be His Lover (1)
FOG (1)
First-Class Lawyer (1)
The Entertainment Circle is Mine (1)
A Contractual Marriage with the Best Leading Actor (1)
After Amnesia, Me and My Rival Fell in Love In A Variety Show (1)
Recommendation Lists
  1. Chrysanthemun (Translation Completed) 3
  2. Aurum
  3. Showbiz
  4. Reading 2
  5. TBR 2 (Complete)

Latest Release

Date Group Release
01/10/25 Chrysanthemum Garden c135
01/10/25 Chrysanthemum Garden c134
01/10/25 Chrysanthemum Garden c133
01/10/25 Chrysanthemum Garden c132
01/10/25 Chrysanthemum Garden c131
01/10/25 Chrysanthemum Garden c130
01/10/25 Chrysanthemum Garden c129
01/06/25 Chrysanthemum Garden c128
01/06/25 Chrysanthemum Garden c127
01/06/25 Chrysanthemum Garden c126
12/24/24 Chrysanthemum Garden c125
12/24/24 Chrysanthemum Garden c124
12/24/24 Chrysanthemum Garden c123
12/24/24 Chrysanthemum Garden c122
12/24/24 Chrysanthemum Garden c121
Go to Page...
Go to Page...
Write a Review
13 Reviews sorted by


greypoupon
New greypoupon rated it
June 3, 2025
Status: Completed
Conflicted about this because I thought the writing of the story was good but the plot itself was lacking. I agree with another commenter: conflicts are resolved too easily (which is a shame because they had HUGE potential to be SO good) and the chapters feel like extras.

Based on the summary, I was expecting some introspection and communication between the MC and ML on why their relationship had broke down. With the main tension of the story coming from whether or not they could fix the issues of the past... more>> and repair their relationship. That is NOT what happens:
Spoiler

They get back together in the first few chapters. Making it seem like their break up (which lasted with a year of no contact) wasn't a big deal. Like why break up at all if it was going to be that easy to resolve?

[collapse]

We don't even get the joy of seeing the characters grow/develop in the industry because the story starts with ML already at the top of his game and MC shoots to the top.

Spoiler

And the variety show? Honestly, if I were actually watching it, there's no way a show like that would be popular. People constantly leaving defeats the whole purpose of the show. The finale of the season would probably the most boring episode of show. The house is basically empty for two days and then everyone returns to drink for a couple of hours and that's it.

[collapse]

It's all fluff with no dimension. I would have rated it lower if not for the fact that I enjoyed the banter and interactions between all the characters. If you came into this story perhaps wanting to read some screenwriting scenes or acting scenes, this story does NOT have it. It's pure slice of life.

Spoiler

Not a major plot point, but at a certain point the ML comments on a gut feeling that something's gonna happen to the entertainment industry in the future that will affect his job prospects. They EMPHASIZE on how accurate his gut feelings are. MC speeds up his actions because of ML. So I'm thinking "ooh, something's going to happen". Nope. Nothing.

[collapse]
<<less
0 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
hybridiris
hybridiris
June 3, 2022
Status: Completed
I MTLed this novel. I rate this novel 2.5 stars.

About the plot

MC at the start struggles financially while trying to pay for his mother's medical bills. ML wants to reunite with MC, so his agent helps him by getting MC to agree to a variety show that will solve his financial problems. MC agrees and the novel revolves around how they get along in the variety show for a big portion of the novel. One of the very memorable side characters gets her own story arc in which she exposes... more>> the corruption and horror she has experienced in the entertainment industry to the world.

About the MC

The MC is an introverted character who is eloquent and perceptive. He may be a bit lazy in chores but he's very professional in his work. He addresses his own faults in the relationship and does his best to overcome it, but sometimes he gets mad and well that's very human of him.

About the ML

The ML is reserved when not around the MC. He has his reasons for being cranky and disagreeable at times which you will find out as you read. Around the MC, he's very sweet and tries his best to please. He really respects the MC and is trying to make up their broken relationship in the past. He sometimes tries not to worry the MC by not telling him stuff but ends up making the MC mad about that instead which is understandable.

Why I had problems with this novel

The plot was written a bit slice of life without much of a connective tissue around the story. The story had some good moments when MC pondered about the pain of what lead him and ML to breakup to begin with. However the author shied away delving deep emotionally into conflict and mentioned it in too subtle a way that it ended up trivializing both their separation and reunion. There is a lot of angst and pain underneath that is buried in the story which prioritizes variety show humour over emotional substance. What I wanted to see in this novel was emotional depth and character growth but that was barely described. People jumped over those hurdles with barely any challenge at all negating what could have been a more thoughtful exploration into why their previous relationship didn't work out. The variety plot was sweet and fun but it seemed like the author wanted the novel to do too many things and ended up not giving any element it's due aside from the cute and comedic parts. There was no substance to the pain and growth at all for what the MC and ML had to overcome. This novel fell flat and I was reading and holding on thinking it would get better and it didn't.

Later on the novel introduced a side character that had a very deep story. It was such a shift in tone I feel like that side character could have had their own novel and I would want to read that instead. It seemed to be shoehorned into this book for some reason and even for the last quarter of the novel felt like it was about this side character rather than MC and ML.

Due to how lightly the author handled the emotional parts of the novel, 70% of the novel had me chomping at the bit waiting for it to get deeper, better and it didn't. It remained lighthearted and slice of life with some poignant brief moments in between. Having struggled to read it this far for sunk cost fallacy, I got to the end and realized I could not imagine reading the many more extra chapters that await. I just didn't care enough for any of the characters to do so. It's not that I disliked anyone but it just seemed like very disjointed writing where stuff happens to the MC and ML. People on social media comment and say funny stuff. Everyone laughs and moves on to the next tidbit. It's like a bunch of loose bits that's not even held together by duct tape but maybe more like masking tape.

TL:DR This novel has light moments and a touch of angst for the first 70% of the novel or so. The rest ramps up for a side character's arc and it's painful to read near the end. The story is very loosely connected but there are little cute and comedic bits. If you are looking for a light read and don't mind taking a risk, give this a try. It's not a heavy read, but if you find yourself bored with this novel part way through, it doesn't get better til the end. I haven't read the extras so I don't know if the extras are any good. <<less
28 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
cupsidate
cupsidate rated it
October 7, 2023
Status: c114
I have so many conflicting feelings about this novel.

Let me explain, while trying not to spoil anything. Still, if you're EXTREMELY particular about getting NOTHING spoiled, then skip to the TLDR.

So, we have a world-weary and jaded protagonist who has been in a precarious and unfair situation for the last 6 years while he desperately struggles to get money for his mother's surgery.

Meanwhile, we have a ML who's deeply regretful of their break up and wants to get back with the protagonist even if at this point he doesn't understand... more>> why they broke up in the first place.

Their dynamic is great, and it made the first few chapters extremely fun to read through.

Now here's where we get to the problem: They're in a reality show with "19 days" in the name.

And then MC's problem that has been tormenting him for 6 years gets completely solved by the second day.

That then triggers ML to know about the problem and as such, understand their break up and begin their reconciliation.

And then... That's it! There's no other major point of conflict involving them for literally the rest of the novel, as if the reality show just magically fixed all the unadressed issues in their relationship to the point where their reconciliation has practically no bumps.

So we get a novel that starts feeling like we're reading the extras from chapter 40.

Only after the reality show ends does a point of conflict resurface, but it's actually entirely centered on a side character and it has nothing to do with MC, and the reality show ends around chapter 80. So when way over half of the main novel is over.

I kept reading through my boredom because I'd originally fallen in love with MC's characterization and kept waiting for the novel to get back to him, but it seems the author was determined to dodge character development like it's the matrix.

TLDR: Maybe if you're looking for simple fluff, it'll work for you. But I personally felt like I got promised more than just fluff and then the novel completely failed to deliver on it. Which is all extremely disappointing, since the earlier chapters showed such promise. <<less
11 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
revon
revon rated it
March 22, 2022
Status: c51
Finally! Someone who translated this novel! It's really funny especially where ML acts like a cold and arrogant that everyone gives him a nickname 'Yama' because of his attitude but when he face MC he acts like a sweet milk puppy. Ahh so cute!
6 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
dday0425
dday0425 rated it
December 12, 2022
Status: Completed
Rating: 4.5 ⭐

The story is sweet and lighthearted.

Except for the fact that they broke up on bad terms, there wasn't any drama or misunderstanding in the process of reconciliation (Because the heavy parts were somewhere else). Although the matters were rather serious if they were in real life, the author handled them quickly and didn't delve deeply into them, so there was not much heartache.

... more>> As someone who wanted to find something light to read, I enjoyed reading it a lot.

For the characters, the MC was a proud person. He was realistic and practical. He was the type that wouldn't let himself suffer, so the ML was quite miserable chasing his wife back. It was distressing. Fortunately, the MC has a soft heart and, in fact, still cares a lot. This contrast makes him appear both handsome and cute.

Meanwhile, the ML is a clingy dog. He was extremely dedicated and affectionate, to the point of being faceless. I couldn't find a glimpse of an overbearing big star from him. In fact, he was never a taciturn person. His cold temperament displayed to outsiders was the result of his distrust for his previous managers and management staff, which I can totally understand. The fact that he worked so hard for this relationship made me want to root for him even more. I wish him the best in the world. <<less
4 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Kitix
Kitix rated it
March 6, 2025
Status: Completed
The novel started with some drama and seriousness, Ruan Song who struggled with work, money and mother who is in the hospital in need of surgery getting photographed with his ex. On the other side, lovesick Ren Qinming who really couldn’t hold on anymore after a year without the love of his life after bad breakup and went to meet with him only to be photographed by paparazzi.

Honestly, I was looking forward to such drama and maybe some deep topics considering they went on live streaming show. However, as some... more>> other reviewers mentioned, problem on Ruan Song’s side was solved pretty fast under thirty chapters which later caused some plot problem and that was... nothing much going on. Yes, it was very sweet and fun to read their live streamed life, but it lacked some plot spice. Everything went smoothly from work to life, some problems were brushed under the rug like who was the manager who dared to decline calls of significant other of their actor?! Of course, there was some serious thing going on with another character and that was plot in later chapters, but it was also solved without much problem even though portrayed to be very significant and made us feel some kind of upcoming doom. I also thought that maybe someone would leak how they have attended show for couples while they already broken up as some drama plot (plus enhancing how relationship is so good even tho broken up), but alas some missed opportunity. Over all, I think this novel could cut off 50 chapters from it and still be enjoyable read, really doesn’t add up much to the main couple’s story.

As for the characters, I actually really loved Queen and his Puppy. Many commenters really didn’t like how Ruan Song bosses around Ren Qinming, but think about it, not only Qinming tried his best to make sure Ruan Song agreed to participate in program even though he didn’t want to make up with him, he really was just too happy to do his best to appease the person on his own free will. Other has all the right to do that after being ‘pressured’ by circumstances into program to act lovey dovey with an ex, we might know they love each other and end up together, but they don’t. As for their break up, it was mostly because of their bottled up emotions and unwillingness to say that they are not doing good, stress and maybe some depression from Ruan Song’s part which as prideful person he would never admit. It is relationship between rational and emotional people, as rational Ruan Song really didn’t want to make far fetched promises on a whim, he also didn’t want to be accessory to his famous actor boyfriend without having his own foothold. On the other hand, Ren Qinming really didn’t care about any of that, he just wanted to be with love of his life forever. Thus many condemned MC for his tsundere personality, though I do agree it was getting too much here and there, but over all... Ren Qinming never saw a problem and was just too happy to have him back plus considering their past, he really grateful to Song and his mother for helping him. Don’t judge puppy’s taste xD

“— When we’re together, we’re together. Even when we’re apart, we’re still together. Always together.”

In spoiler below is just personal opinion about how author handled certain story parts (nothing too important, mostly personal preference and why I took 1 star) :

Spoiler

The only thing I found a bit uncomfortable is that they are really too open with s*x life stuff xD But, it is my personal taste, I just don’t like to look too deep in lives of actors/youtubers or any kind of famous people lives too deeply, especially their private stuff so openness of characters in front of camera or friends made me a bit “wow they do share everything huh” xD It is just personal preference and didn’t affect me that much, just... knowing that there are literally livestream cameras outside and viewers who are literally online detectives, kinda freaky not gonna lie, but hey I am reading BL and it really wasn’t that detailed to begin with. However, there is certain episode in later part of the novel I really disliked and actually main reason I took off one star from my rating: when Qiqi barged into their bedroom and literally started live streaming while Ruan Song was in bed naked under covers and he is explaining why (he doesn’t know she live streams)... At this point I don’t understand why author was so fixated on making s*x so open that it even cancelled basic privacy. Was it some kind of kink? Always make sure they publicize their s*x life for all to hear? What they did last night and how many times? Or want to bring back live streaming element of their novel? It was funny at the start, but later it feels like the only way to show off their love to the world? There were many possibilities of showing off without constant need to remind every single person in the world of their s*x life, I feel offended on the behalf of novel characters... even though they didn’t mind... xD

[collapse]

To sum up, very fun read even if plot slows down considerably after they leave the show (main plot part). It was fun to read live stream comments and enjoyed some face slapping. Kinda sad over some drama potential and that couple got back together really fast, maybe I craved some drama... I love slice of life sweet love stories too, but I guess tv show part of story mislead me in believing it would be more dramatic xD Good relaxing read, wish some side characters got more extras about them. <<less
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Crabbbbz
Crabbbbz rated it
September 28, 2024
Status: c52
It drags on and on. This is basically the plot of the novel, some random conflict comes up and gets solved in 2 chapters, then another problem happens and the cycle repeats.

Also the development of the MC and ML romance wise is just so disappointing, it doesn't feel like a relationship that has developed over several years at all. At first it was super fresh and enjoyable but eventually it gets tiring. All the ML does is compromise and even as someone who enjoys the simp, clingy dog dynamic, I... more>> think it was overdone. The MC's characterization was something I really liked in the beginning but god does it become boring and redundant when the conflicts which should further character development, don't.

Up to the point I read to, there was only one major conflict that just happened to magically spur the reconciliation of MC and ML. The other conflict revolves around a side character, literally irrelevant and was so unnecessary to this novel. So yeah, the characters just remain static the whole time..

Read this for fluff and to pass time, there's no actual character development so what you see in the beginning is what you're still gonna have at the end. Story basically ends after the main conflict and the rest is just loosely related chapters that feel more like extras. And also a random irrelevant side plot that should've been in a separate novel. <<less
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
KaelynC
KaelynC rated it
February 19, 2025
Status: Completed
Cute story and generally warm and fluffy-in a sense. The relationship b/w MC & ML may not come off as the traditionally sweet honey hanging off every word way but they have their way of getting along. I find the MC quite realistic in a lot of what he does- actually many of the characters with their flaws. The novel also lightly hits on many harsher themes, but with an optimistic and generally heartwarming light- and I ended up more invested in side characters after the main leads got together... more>> 😅 <<less
0 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
En-Jay99
En-Jay99 rated it
February 10, 2025
Status: Completed
Some of the strongest and most consistent character writing I've seen in a while. At every step I was learning new things about the MC and ML, and yet it all fit perfectly within their established behaviours and the information already given. I won't say the story is perfect because it's not, but I truly enjoyed the characters, both main and supporting, and overall vibes of the novel. This is mostly a feel good story but not a sugary mindless one. The novel has multiple arcs and each one explores... more>> a different problem within the media industry. In the beginning ones, the MC and ML are directly involved while later, because they've reached a higher position, are more like support characters that help other characters trying to find a voice.

The dynamic of MC and ML is not for everybody and where I think the low ratings come from. It's easy to declare that ML does all the work and MC is selfish and it's true but also wrong. The bond between MC and ML started from high school and if MC really was a selfish horrible person, ML would've never loved him. MC and ML give a lot to each other and most importantly, can be completely vulnerable and honest about their deepest selves. ML is overly clingy and emotionally needy. MC has a temper and a sharp tongue. They know this and accept it. Both their best and worst selves are loved.

A good break up story means that there has to be self reflection and not a fight over who did wrong and how much. And this reflection doesn't come with a neat bow tie which can rub the average reader the wrong way. You want them to make up and live happily ever after, but the reality is that they need to actively change their behavior or the previous issues will come up again. Even in the last arc they have a fight because ML started to follow a previous pattern and they needed to nip it in the bud.

Also. They do love each other despite what the naysayers might complain about. They want characters who make shameless grandiose gestures, but not everyone is like that and the differences between MC and ML are what make them interesting.

If someone wrongs MC then ML would simply break their face. If someone wrongs ML then MC would ruin their life. I hope that gives an idea of what kind of people they are.

Also nicknames are a thing. And sometimes insulting nicknames become endearments of love instead. So MC calling the ML a silly dog or something similar is him declaring his affection in his own roundabout way, which is why ML always beams when he does it. Even if outsiders don't understand, he knows that he is loved. <<less
0 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Jujuxxbean5
Jujuxxbean5 rated it
January 18, 2025
Status: Completed
This is 100% a feel good read sure to make you laugh and give you a toothache from the sweetness. If you're looking for major conflicts or character development or a slow burn romance, this is not that. Most of the middling reviews seem to be due to expectation for more than what is was.

Instead, like the variety show, this story on the surface is showcasing a love story, but underneath is calling attention to money, fame, and fortunes missed and grasped. Everything about our main couple centers on their... more>> fame/wealth and fortune, whether their separation, their reconciliation, or their later successes. And that same goes for the second major conflict.

I enjoyed the author's subtle ways of critiquing the entertainment industry by writing an idealized world, where gay marriage is celebrated, celebrities as real, imperfect humans are celebrated, and power players are held accountable both for their own actions and in expecting them to hold other accountable.

Enjoyable at the surface level and thought provoking at a deeper level. While certainly there are likely darker more hard hitting novels that cover this, if you prefer a lighter story that covers heavier topics... this hits the spot. <<less
0 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
secondthots
secondthots rated it
January 18, 2025
Status: Completed
HE COOKS, HE CLEANS, HE APPLIES SUNSCREEN

I really do love Ren Qinming’s character, so yes—I’ll take a silly puppy dog for myself.

Honestly, this novel had all the makings to be a phenomenal showbiz BL with the right amount of angst. Downside is that the author wasn’t able to flesh that plot completely. Overall, I still enjoyed reading this even if it became anti-climatic. If you don’t mind a more lighthearted read between a temperamental yet aloof MC & his loyal dog-like ML, this is for you.

I came into this... more>> expecting a simple read & I got it. The angst wasn’t what I expected but honestly rather than read something that’s dragged out with too many misunderstandings, I’d rather my babies just kiss & makeup. That doesn’t mean that I’m justifying the lack of details, but I’m not saying it was completely terrible. I did wish the author went more in-depth with the main CP’s history early on instead of towards the end; it would’ve caused more tears to be squeezed out imo.

Nevertheless a decent read. If you’re nitpicking, it’s mid. But if you won’t mull over the details, it’s a heartwarming story. <<less
0 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Jiiemm
Jiiemm rated it
April 11, 2024
Status: Completed
One of the most enjoyable light reads 🥹🥹

Really!!! The author created a beautiful and entertaining story!!!

I loved all the elements of this story!!! The original idea was actually very simple, just about a variety show where exes meet. But trust me, this idea gave birth to a fun show...

... more>> No conflict, really! But that doesn't make this story boring... it really comes alive in a very, very fun way!!!

Characters... I love how the writer created our ML characters in a cool and silly way, combined with the stubborn yet very OP MC characters!!! Really, ML loves MC in a very, very touching way. They are so sweet together, so hot and pe*verted! But they're also full of dog's blood 😭😭😭

Read this story... the side characters, the variety show itself, even the fans and viewers in this story are so sweet!!! <<less
0 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
WordEater
WordEater rated it
May 16, 2022
Status: c117
This is quite enjoyable if you love fluffy dynamics, but just a warning: the two got really expressive later on. Don't be turned off by how Ruan Song 'bullies' Ren Qinming, it won't be long before we join the barrages from >////<

Ruan Song — "salty fish" A quite lazy man who oozes charm that can attract everyone who has met him. His personality does not make him submit to challenges but his internal conflicts still drags him down at times. He genuinely care so much for his mom, boyfriend, and... more>> his friends. Very sweet and is not afraid to stuff people around them with dog food before and after he reconciled with Ren Qinming. Skilled in scriptwriting and has a very strong scholarly memory. He does not want to rely on others so he learned to be independent and reluctant to accept help from others (this was ratified after getting used to the show). Quite principled.

Ren Qinming — "clingy puppy" An aloof man who turns very soft towards his boyfriend and Aunt Ruan. Very capable as well as serious in his work but would be willing to bend his previous demands if it would make his boyfriend happy. He's still quite distant and cold to other people but as the variety show goes, he slowly opened up to his companions there. Very proactive and not afraid to show his love towards Ruan Song. Loves to spoil his boyfriend rotten to the point that the latter would not need to lift a finger.

Oh. At the beginning of chapters 90, you'll see a somewhat heavy plot regarding Zhang Qiaoyu. I personally felt so distressed with how it was executed. It was very horrible, so many people are scums. Status: Eng. 17 Chi. 117 <<less
0 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Leave a Review (Guidelines)
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.