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Mint-Stained Shirt
Type
Web Novel (CN)
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Rating(4.6 / 5.0, 247 votes)
5    77% (189 votes)
4    15% (36 votes)
3    5% (12 votes)
2    1% (3 votes)
1    3% (7 votes)
Language
Support Book (#ad)
Author(s)
One entry per line
Artist(s)
One entry per line
N/A
Year
Example: 2012
2020
Status in COO
Status in Country of Origin. One entry per line
82 chapters (Completed)
Licensed
No
Completely Translated
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One entry per line
English Publisher
One entry per line
N/A
Release Frequency
Every 103.1 Day(s)
Activity Stats
[Graph]
Weekly Rank: #9761
Monthly Rank: #12560
All Time Rank: #4205
Reading List
[Graph]
On 4105 Reading Lists
Monthly Rank: #4847
All Time Rank: #2152

Description

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

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
03/22/21 78zaoTL c8
03/22/21 78zaoTL c7
03/22/21 78zaoTL c6
03/22/21 78zaoTL c5
03/22/21 78zaoTL c4
03/15/21 78zaoTL c3
03/15/21 78zaoTL c2
03/14/21 78zaoTL c1
1…456
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50 Reviews sorted by


Shotoxoxokawai
Shotoxoxokawai
March 5, 2023
Status: --
Omgggg I feel so GOD DAMN SAD FOR OUR MC MINGGGG HE'S SOO PITIFUL

I cannot TAT I wish the ML gives him lots of love n affection HE'S TOO PRECIOUS

He's a cinnamon roll.. Jst wanna squeeze her cheeks n tell him tht everything's alryt.. His childhood was sooo miserable tht u jst can't help but feel the Urge to pamper n spoiled him LOTS

I want a adorable brother like him as well >///<
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
moon17lover
moon17lover
August 19, 2022
Status: c1
The writing is pretty good, but I disliked ming shu being raised by xiao yuan, soo well behaved and meek to him too dependent while yuan is not dependent on him and even got annoyed by him, his parents are really jerks, I havent completed the book yet, but soo what if both of them are divorced dont they have a sense of responisbilty how can they throw their child for other family to raise and be this selfish and inhuman, and his grand parents dont they want a confident... more>> upright kid to inherit the family how could they raise of him to feel like an outsider in his own family and let him depend on others, ML and MC should be independwnt from each other not like this MC here doesnt have a safe base to retreat to, he regard ML as a commanding parental figure, which should never be mixed up in relationships even if he started it, it should have been curbed and let him drift into his own path <<less
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DewDropsOnMellons
DewDropsOnMellons rated it
March 6, 2022
Status: --
I absolutely loved this story and I don't usually like this sort of slow coming of age story since they usually feel bitter sweet. This did too but I really liked it and it was so heart warming (particularly their early childhood).

There were bits in the middle that made me cry and I was so invested in their relationship and it was so healthy! Despite having the potential for being unequal, it wasn't and I'm really glad. The chemistry was there and I cared about the characters.

The side characters were... more>> lovable too and I particularly like the Xiao family's youngest child. They don't come up much when the characters grow up since they move and have jobs and all that but they still show up occasionally and once again, I'm glad that the author didn't forget that they exist and handled things in a realistic way.

The story, the relationship and the characters were all great and I would definitely recommend this.

There weren't many issues. Just a few small ones like the tiny bit of colourism that I dislike and tend to be sensitive to. It may pass a lot of people by and not bother them since it didn't come up much and wasn't overt (stuff like mistaking tan skin as dirty, implying the dark skin is ugly, and I'm not sure about this but I think the insult "crow" might have something to do with dark skin too because the MC said his new classmate had tan skin and looked a bit like those crows in his primary school). It wasn't jarring compared to plenty of other stuff and dark skin wasn't shown as a purely negative feature (honestly, the bar is pretty low with Chinese novels) but still a heads up for people who are sensitive about that stuff. <<less
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
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.
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
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...

[collapse]

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
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
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.

[collapse]

..... 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.

    [collapse]

    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💐❤️🧨💕
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
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
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
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!
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
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.
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
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.
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
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
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
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.
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
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.
0 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
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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