Mint-Stained Shirt

Description

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When he was young, Xiao Yu’an wore a white shirt and rescued a child from a tree.

The child’s hands were sticky with sugar water from the melted peppermint popsicle he’d been eating, and he left a five-fingered imprint on the front of Xiao Yu’an’s shirt.

“This is a stamp,” the child declared. “It means you’re my gege now.”

When he was young, Ming Shu had to climb up and up and up in a tall tree in order to see the gege in the neighbors’ yard.

He wanted to quickly grow big and tall, so he wouldn’t need to climb any more trees. So he would be able to turn around, at any time, and see the gege from the Xiao family.

“You don’t need to wait for me,” he said. “Let me chase you. Let me make you my guiding light.”

Associated Names
One entry per line
Bò He Chèn Yī
薄荷衬衣
Related Series
Madness of the Heart (Sequel)
Poison of the Heart (Shared Universe)
Recommendations
Lovely Allergen (5)
A Certain Someone (2)
Give Me A Hug (2)
Through The Strait Gates (2)
Do You Remember My Name? (1)
Zi Fei Yu (1)
Recommendation Lists
  1. BL - Modern Times
  2. danmei reads 2021
  3. Books Ive read part 2
  4. Pretty / Feminine / Shou-like Gong Seme
  5. TBR (GL/BL) 12

Latest Release

Date Group Release
04/18/21 78zaoTL c37
04/18/21 78zaoTL c36
04/18/21 78zaoTL c35
04/14/21 78zaoTL c34
04/14/21 78zaoTL c33
04/14/21 78zaoTL c32
04/14/21 78zaoTL c31
04/14/21 78zaoTL c30
04/14/21 78zaoTL c30
04/11/21 78zaoTL c29
04/11/21 78zaoTL c28
04/11/21 78zaoTL c27
04/10/21 78zaoTL c26
04/10/21 78zaoTL c25
04/07/21 78zaoTL c24
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50 Reviews sorted by


Ainslee
Ainslee rated it
December 29, 2021
Status: Completed
This was a very mild story. At times it felt like MC had been through a lot of hardship. However in every step of the way, he had ML by his side.

It was a bearable hardship.
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bunnydesuuu
bunnydesuuu rated it
December 6, 2021
Status: Completed
It starts off a little dry, but the front was a necessary background for the later parts. They would be childhood friends, except that MC is 6 years younger and had high emotional dependence on ML. ML did not ab*se his power over MC and was very caring, but it's undeniable that he was essentially a big brother figure for MC for the longest time, and essentially MC's only safe harbour where he feels safe. Many trigger warnings especially in regards to MC's terrible family (neglect, low key emotional ab*se,... more>> controlling). But ML and ML's family made up for it. The angst was also very very strong in the later half as both MC and ML struggle to come to terms with their slowly changing relationship from that of brothers (they're not blood-related) to that of pre-lovers stage. ML understands that his position as the older brother makes it wrong for him to get in a relationship with MC, and he also worries if MC likes him due to his over-reliance on him as a brother figure rather than real love as lovers do. Therein lies the angst, and I really enjoyed and cried a lot. Overall, a well built and well-developed story and characters. I probably won't read the sequel since I'm not into crime novels, but this novel on its own has been a good read. <<less
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LookingforanotherPIT
LookingforanotherPIT rated it
October 28, 2021
Status: Completed
Overall Rating: 4.7 Personal Rating: 4.3 or 4.4

A coming of age story about two neighbors who after years of protecting and being protected by the other find themselves to have fallen in love, with each other. The beginning chapters that showcase their childhood, made me shed a lot of tears. The MC would have led a disturbing life had it not been for the ML who always remained around as the sun shining on him.

The writer beautifully and realistically written all the inner turmoil and the whole process of him... more>> growing up. Serious, realistic, modern and grounded type of danmei that everyone is asking for, except for me. It's not the style that I like but I am still rating this high because it is a well-written, well-translated novel and really worth reading.

Personal Review: Don't read this if you don't want a rant. This is still a good book either way, just I had to rant someway.

Spoiler

People who is a crybaby like me would definitely shred a lot of tears and distressed a lot to Ming Shu.

Fortunately he able to met such a warm Xiao family, where he met his beloved gege, the ML, Xiao Yu'an. MC's shitty parents inevitably got me spitting and foaming at the mouth with rage and anger.

The angst is balanced by ML's brotherly care but towards the end, when I expected the romance to pick up, I was a little disappointed...

Through nearly the whole novel, it was only MC's unrequited love and single-minded pursuit of ML. On ML's side, nothing except brotherly love. ML's sudden realisation of his s*xual desires came out of nowhere. The author did show ML's POV many times but there was nothing about his feelings for MC being anything but familial. It feels like ML just gave in after being harassed to death by MC lmao...

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Spoiler

This was also a good reawakening to how people in Asian Countries used to depend on the 'Can't interfere in Family Matters'. Not that it's totally bad, but it left me feeling conflicted especially in the emotional parts of the story.

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Nagma
Nagma rated it
October 1, 2021
Status: Completed
This novel is a *chef's kiss*. I loved every bit of it. I loved the author's writing and the translator did an amazing job translating *bows Thank you*

Highly recommended. Go read now
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seracchi
seracchi rated it
September 24, 2021
Status: Completed
This is so heart-wrenching. I didn't know how many times my tears just flowed out, especially in the earliest chapters. You just cannot NOT love Ming Shu. I think almost everyone can relate to his feelings of wanting to be a part of something, have had enough of being alone, but also scared to be the first to reach out. Keep second-guessing everything. Am I really a part of them now or is it just my own wishful thinking?

He is so adorable. And knowing him being obedient just to please... more>> Xiao Yu An, to be accepted? How can your heart not go soft for him? Totally understand why Xiao Yu An is so protective and couldn't bear to get angry.

Then comes Ming Shu's parents.

Spoiler

Even though I understand no matter how close they are, Xiao Yu An is still an outsider, but sometimes I really want to whack Xiao Yu An and Xiao dad. I can't help it, I'm just really sad for Ming Shu.

As I read, I keep hoping Xiao Yu An finds out what Ming Shu went through. That bike accident, clearly Ming Shu was provoked first. If that cannon fodder didn't look at Ming Shu with disgust and tell on him being with Xiao Yu An to his father, how can Ming Shu ever think of hurting anyone?

Our gege, Xiao Yu An, oh, Xiao Yu An. All of Ming Shu's tears are wasted because this gege here keeps thinking he will explain to Ming Shu LATER. Keeps assuming Ming Shu's situation. Like I said, I understand why he thinks he's an outsider and really quiet helpless because yes he is. But after seeing Ming Shu's bad condition, how can he still stay quiet?

It was said he could tell something was wrong with Ming Shu with just one look but what did he do? I didn't mean he has to physically fight Ming Shu's father, I know that would make it worse. But if he can talk about buying a new knife, can't he say a few comforting words? Is buying a new knife is what important here? What Ming Shu's craves for is Xiao Yu An's attention and love.

It's important to note, at that point, Ming Shu is still an elementary school student and they are not romantically involved, but if Xiao Yu An can deny his relationship with the school beauty, why not do the same with that childhood friend? Nevermind, gege just loves being subtle throughout the novel.

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..... sigh. It's good that Xiao Yu An spoils Ming Shu so much before and after that family conflict or else!!

This novel is good. Really, really good. My complain to Xiao Yu An is only because I'm very, very distressed for Ming Shu, not because I hate him or something.

Also, I think Ming Shu deserves an appreciation. We can't deny that Xiao Yu An is the one making the first move, but right from the start Ming Shu has always been strong. Xiao Yu An gives him a chance, a new life, loves him like no one else ever does. So he keeps fighting for it. He never give up on himself, on Xiao Yu An, on their future. He's a fighter and a strong one. That's why we love him, no?

The last chapter leading to Madness of the Heart, it's really long overdue for Xiao Yu An to fight for what they had. Glad, we're all finally on the same page. Wish Yu An-gege and Ming Shu-didi a long-lasting relationship. <<less
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yukicchi
yukicchi rated it
August 27, 2021
Status: Completed
  1. Hear me out, I've never felt so satisfied with a novel until I read this. Their relationship felt so real that I shed tears of joy after reading the whole chapters. I know there have been a lot of good reviews of its sequel too but yknow what, this story alone already make me love both of them. This is not only focused in romance, it has more to share. My first heart break started when Xiao Yuan forgot to give Ming Shu a present after going back from his grandparents' house. From thereon, I was curious how will their character and relationship developed.
    Spoiler

    Xiao Yuan's struggle of accepting Ming Shu as his lover was also well presented. I love the tug and pull everytime he hesitated to be with Ming Shu. It's kind of rare in BL with the same relationship as theirs, it's always the older one who fell in love first. But this time, Ming Shu was always the one who puts all the effort into forming their relationship from those of "brothers" into "lovers". For real, I seriously love when they already got together.

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    If you're looking for a novel which will satisfy your heart, I would definitely recommend this. Take note tho, there'll be child negligence in this story.
PS: One of the great thing I wanted to point out is, how the author didn't include too much of unnecessary scenes in the story. Like for example, given that this is a modern type of novel, I realized how some authors involved those "forums" into the story. Like, if the characters are popular, there will always be those people who talks about them in their school forums and to be honest, it would always left me uninterested. I realized how the story would flow smoothly without those, that's why I really appreciate this more.

PPS: You'll absolutely love all Xiao's family and Ming Shu's grandfather. The minor characters has their own roles to perform which would make the main characters' developed more.
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Cocole
Cocole rated it
July 22, 2021
Status: Completed
I love that the family dynamics, how their relationship changed over the years and how they overcome their own internal conflicts. ❤️ Translation is awesome💐❤️🧨💕
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whalien52
whalien52
July 19, 2021
Status: Completed
THIS IS AMAZING!

So first of all, this novel is written realistically. The emotions were there. This novel reminds me of my childhood, though quite vague but the emotions were strong. I have cried a lot of times because our boy Ming Shu is so miserable. But fortunately Xiao family was there to give him love and affection. And to my boy, Du Hao you are the greatest friend. I wish I can have a friend like you. I hope to see you in the sequel.

I truly appreciate the translator for... more>> doing such a great job. <<less
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Solivagant
Solivagant
July 11, 2021
Status: Completed
God, this is the second bl novel that managed to make me cry!

Ming Shu is such a sweet-precious-poor boy that need all love in this world!
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Cperia1234
Cperia1234
June 28, 2021
Status: --
Actually, I saw the manhua before reading the novel. I think the novel's saquel will look like breaking through the clouds. So before I read the saquel novel, I read this...

Damn, I just touched chapter 10 but my heart already hurts for Ming Shu. He's a sad kid, it reminds me of my neighbor's kid too, he plays alone while the adults at his house never ask him out of the house. He would always be at the door watching another kid playing with his friends and his parents. He... more>> often went to my house, at that time I bought enough dinner for our little family, but he came and we could only persuade him with other food... I feel he must be hurt like ming shu. Now that the child is grown, then what can I do?

ming shu is so pitiful, luckily he has his gege. hiks hiks hiks.. <<less
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chrissy987
chrissy987 rated it
June 4, 2021
Status: Completed
It is so good, I couldn't sleep the whole night. Top notch quality translation too. Loved it so much.
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Never know
Never know rated it
May 29, 2021
Status: Completed
Sweet and full of life. The author manage to capture their thoughts and feeling in each stage of life. Those with sensitive tear duct should be prepared with tissues at all times.
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SoMin
SoMin rated it
April 27, 2021
Status: c44
I started on this story late but it is just so good and so very sad in the beginning.

The only hardship with story is waiting for update. The chapters and full length and flawless
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heartzeal
heartzeal rated it
April 18, 2021
Status: c39
Loving every single bit of this novel. I always eagerly await for the update especially as translator is doing a great job. For me a this novel is definitely more than current 3.8 ratings.
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C2L2SM
C2L2SM rated it
January 9, 2025
Status: Completed
ML Xiao Yu’an x MC Ming Shu - A modern day story about two children growing up together, though there is a slight age gap. The story touches on their personal growth and development into young adults. There are some mental health/trauma issues that impact the MC but are quickly resolved which seems way to easy. A mixed bag as some parts were better than others. Ultimately a HE.
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Francess18
Francess18
November 6, 2024
Status: Completed
I am a fan of crime/ thriller but I take breaks in between crime novels to cool off, so I usually choose a short novel to fill the break. I decided to pick up this book because it's like a prequel to a criminal investigation book (madness of the heart). This book is basically about how the main characters in that sequel hooked up. This kind of book is not usually my cup of tea but I found it very interesting. Their growth from childhood to adulthood was just beautiful... more>> and well written and there were some beautiful comedic moments. It was extremely fun to read. I am off to read the sequel which is crime related. <<less
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divain
divain rated it
August 22, 2024
Status: c50
The autor did a really good job at portraying the characters as real people, and the growth of the MC and ML is chef kiss

Five stars!!! You should absolutely read this!

[Edit]

About the end:

... more>>
Spoiler

i think it lacks romance and altough XY shows his love for MS as a little brother throught the novel, when he recognizes MS feelings for him, he starts acting colder and even after they turn into partners, it isn't shown in the novel that his love for his partner rivals MS's love, so I didn't find it satisfactory sadly : (, but the writing of everything else is REALLY good and realistic so I won't take off the 5 stars

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abhi_2296
abhi_2296 rated it
February 22, 2024
Status: Completed
Ming Shu and Xiao Yu'an [These two have all my heart]

The sea-shell gun😭

Xiao Yu'an was the usual, smart, relatively mature for his age boy from a loving family dealing with a kid heavily lacking love in his life.

... more>> Ming Shu's mother definitely needed psychiatric help. Honestly, I can always sympathise with mental issues but it's hard to care when an innocent child's life is ruined and he is snatched from the only person who means everything to him

Basically I am saying politely that I hate his mother.

"In that moment, all Xiao Yu'an wanted was to hug Ming Shu and tell this poor child who had suffered so much, Don't be scared. Your gege is here." [sobs]

They both need each other. Ming shu might be the more emotionally dependent person in the relationship. But Xiao Yu'an cared deeply and needed Ming Shu too.

What I loved is that Xiao Yu'an is a safe space. Nothing is too embarrassing or shameful to say in front of him. He is the person in front of whom Ming Shu can be completely himself. No pretences. And isn't that what love is. To be around a person in front of whom you can be completely yourself.

Really liked how the author does consider the matter of in terms of g*ooming. I like how much Xiao Yu'an resists because it would be wrong otherwise on so many levels. But at the end of the day they were truly made for each other and as a reader I was convinced and wholeheartedly rooting for them. <<less
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HiddenHermit
HiddenHermit rated it
December 11, 2023
Status: Completed
Sweet and tender story. The novel is slow paced and impactful. I actually teared up at one point.

This is revealed at the beginning of the story so I don't think it is much of a spoiler. Ming Shu was an unloved child. Fortunately, Xiao Yu'an held onto the hand that MS reached out time and time again. This changed the trajectory of MS's life and also XY's.

... more>>
Spoiler

It doesn't say specifically but I'm assuming that XY's inherent nature is to be indifferent towards romance. If MS was not in his life, I doubt that XY would ever enter into a romantic relationship. His career would take priority and he wouldn't eek out the time to develop feelings for another.

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xstal
xstal rated it
August 13, 2023
Status: c1
A very well-written novel.

The initial chapters about the MC's childhood made me sob for real. I was never a fan of blind devotion tropes, but here I could completely follow how that child's mind was moulded. There was this psychological element to it that I kept deciphering with MC's character development and his relationship with the ML, which was interesting. I wouldn't rate it high for the romance part which was not convincing for me.

The translation is excellent.
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