Now, when I say this, I speak for both the prequel and TDDUP-

I haven't read a book so investing and so incredibly wrecking yet gorgeously woven despite being so short.

The prose invokes in the readers a sense of dread that they cannot escape from but also ironically makes them anticipate what's to come and consume them.

I never delved into Chinese history, its legacy, or its past suffering (ignoring the little information we are fed in school), and though TDDUP is more romance and angst and less politics and history, it... more>> was thought-provoking and educating, making it a worthwhile read. I cannot praise the author enough for how incredible they were at their job, and I am at a loss trying to figure out how the translator managed to give us such a fantastic piece of work with no loss of its original essence (even if there was a loss, this book couldn't have been translated any better IMO).

This book was too hot and racy for a good portion of many chapters, which could have been replaced with some drama or plot instead, but even that was so well written that I cannot complain. But I do, in the back of my mind, wish the story was longer, not because I didn't want the book to end, but because the characters were so well written that they had the potential to have more to their names than just lovers (but that doesn't make this any less of a read).

The author knew how to stab us in the heart and heal it just to stomp on it again. They were a total sad*st but also a savior, and I want to worship them-.....

Ahem... coming back to the point, the story itself is filled with romance and more romance. So if you are here for a more dramatic plot, I still suggest you give this a shot for the experience of it (mainly because the last few chapters are a bit of a thrill when reading). I cannot for the life of me think of any plot holes that I could have possibly come across, but a book cannot exist without its drawbacks, and this one is no exception. There were parts in the story that I wished happened differently or didn't happen at all, for the sake of morality, but the story's writer is their own person and is free to express what they want, and I wouldn't read this book any other way.

The pacing of the book was a bit rough. It was by no means slow but was a bit too speedy at some places. Despite being a HE, it is still quite a tragic read, and the book should come with a 'Will lead to overuse of tissues' warning.

I would say 'it's your loss' if one decides not to give this book a go, but that's also because I am incredibly biased. <<less

My eyes and nose are still hurting. I've just completed the whole 27 chapters within 24 hours.

After reading Living to Suffer, you've will not expect the hidden meaning of how these two books are related.

I will summarize few pointers. As these are the solid points that touched my heart to a point my Sinus allergy is reacting so badly now.

1. Spoiler

   • This book compliments the balance of the previous one. If you've read LTS, the ending itself is the other around for this book's ending. Which I FEEL is the most satisfying thing ever. The most satisfying read I've ever completed. As a Chinese who walks down the path of believing in Buddhism, we always believe reincarnation wheel. Yes, with that we believe every couple who ended up together in this current lifetime was because of the debts that has not been settle from the past lives. Now this book, at the end of it, you will summarize that their debts, were paid off, peacefully.
   • Emotional: Smut (5/5) Fluff (5/5) Of course I love these two genres. The more it has the better for us (readers) to fully understand the MC and ML's point of view and their true feelings. There were chapters without it, it kinda stretch for few chapters. And when I saw the chapters with NSFW tag, I could finally breathe, not cuz of le*dness but because, both of them decided to work things out again. May it be physical or emotional. This is what character developments is about. Now I've also learnt from this book whereby, one should never bottle too much of thoughts. Take these two leads for example, both had alot of unspoken thoughts towards each other, whereby they assumed the other latter will not be comfortable of the thoughts. With all these accumulations prospected, it became negative feed for their hearts. So when shyts actually hits the fan, the negative thoughts wrapped up their decision making result. Which ended up, "I've should have-, I shouldn't have-", but it was never too late for both of them. Thank God.
   • This plot took place in our history books, the timeline itself were harsh realities that happened back then, which is terrifying every time I read'em. But then again, bare in mind, like what I've mentioned from point no.1 it is related as well. The debts that SLS paid back were in alot of forms, from monetary to emotional to consents and etc. Which was why, all the events that happened, made him realized how much in love he was towards CC. It doesn't need to be wealth or networks earned from vanities. All he need is him.
   • At the middle of the plot, when they both were away for sometime, CC said this to himself, whereby he wasnt sure why did the relationship fell out. Maybe because in his past life he gave too much, or in this life he'd forgotten how to love someone properly. Since his parents left him at early age. He never thought of needing it in life. Which was true, again from Living to Suffer's plot, he did. He really did..
   • What hit me the most to caused my choked sobs turn into waterfall, was the years stated in the chapters. It hit me so hard to a point, with all those histories stories coming wave after wave, my two boys had grown gray to white hairs. It was not easy for them. Judging from my current century of living, whereby we have internet and etc. They had none of those. The daily lives of reading newspapers, watching theaters, crosstalk from a small stage, reading books, planting trees, those were the peaceful time to go aby in live. They both had it. I am so happy that the boys went through toughest time. In a flash, it was 1918, gosh... this is why I always treasure antique items and old fashion letter writing and such.

   [collapse]

So I would like to finalized my love for this novel, it was the greatest journey with them. As they ended it how they started, I am grateful to be able to find this masterpiece in my current life.

Will I re-read again? : Yes, maybe in far future, where the current world change it course again. <3

Truly a Masterpiece! Superb storytelling. *Clap* *clap*. The ML and MC's love transcends time. I don't know where to start but this is absolutely beautiful and bittersweet. Story- 10/10, Sensuality- 10/10.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!! Just don't forget to bring a box of kleenex.

It's a HE but still makes you cry, A LOT!

It's such a beautifully written story. The encounter during their youth and then struggling together side by side during war and holding hands till their old days.

It has bittersweet mood in the whole story. And the last few chapters wreck me so bad, but it's really beautiful.

Wuwuwu😭😭

It's midnight and here I am sobbing😭

This story is so realistically heartbreakingly bittersweet

I didn't sign up for this💔

Better than the prequel but also worse?😭💔

All the emotions passed through...

I have to give kudos to the translating team for this

Pls, give this more acknowledgement; it's a gem😭

Oh. My. God.

This danmei is so underrated I can’t even describe how beautiful the story is in proper words. I love the historical aspect that enriched the entire plot, it’s not too much, but enough to move the story forward. What’s captivating me more is how realistic this danmei is. I can imagine it could happen to anyone during that time. The author did a great job showing how deep their loves towards each other, the devotion, the longing, and the smut scenes are perfect too. This novel is a... more>> work of art. Don’t sleep on this danmei. Read it. You won’t regret it. <<less

the work was written in a more heavy-historical aspect, so it's not a light read you can skim through. The translator did an excellent job and carried over the style from the original to english. That being said, it's a beautiful novel that really does feel like you are traversing the timeline of their journey with the two main characters.

no smut for the first 7-9 chapters (i didn't count this is based on intuition) then smut for like 15 or so middle chapters and the last chapters are just good... more>> wholesome relationship depression.

it has an HE but will still make you cry <<less

Thank you so much for translating this story AYSzhang.

I cried, not because it was a bad ending but for what it was, till death to us part.

I have no word but praise to the write of this novel and the translator for bringing this story to life. Only if they can make it into a movie, but knowing the restrictions, it will not be possible.

... more>> Its such a beautiful story....

My eyes are puffy now.... its really a emotional ride for me. Rest in peace LS and CC. I wish someone will write a future/modern stories of this couple. <<less

Damn this novel is soooo beautiful ?? I actually expected to cry as much as I cried when I read the prequel (dang, I sobbed like a baby back then) but no, I only shed a tear or two at the very last chaptee because talk about BITTERSWEET! Ooooh, I'm so happy for our couple too, they finally have their happy ending after all the trials they had been through T___T THEY AND THEIR LOVE FOR EACH OTHER PREVAIL AND I'M JUST SO HAPPY FOR THEM T____T

A few things I... more>> appreciate in this novel are:

• I really see/read our characters grow: literally and figuratively, in all aspects of their being and I am so proud and touched by the novelty of it.
• This is actually the fist BL novel I have read where it showed that the couple remained strong until the very end of their lives and I love it. I mean, most BL I've read so far are about the couples being together at the peak of their lives and only a foreshadow of a promise that they'll be together until they grow old. But this novel, it really showed how the couple grew old and the challenges they have to face and, just dang, I love it.
• After the prequel, it really puts me on ease that yes, THIS IS FINALLY THEIR HAPPY ENDING. AND IT'S BEAUTIFUL.
• THIS NOVEL IS A MASTERPIECE AND NOBODY CAN CHANGE MY MIND.

<<less

Overall: 4.3 of 5

Having read the prequel "Living to Suffer" prior to this one, overall the whole series is good. This story have more worldviews as it's based on actual historical events then the prequel, which is wuxia-based. But, aside from that, the romance is written well. What I'm most surprising, though not really as I've gotten a sense of the author's writing style from the prequel, is that the smut does not disappoint. Which is why I struggle between giving a 4, but decided to give +0.3 due to... more>> the endless smut feast (& the end). If I must say, they never really leave the bedrooms. Lol

The only reason I couldn't give this a rate of 5 is because, although very well written, just to my personal preference, I wasn't able to truly be invested in the MC's and ML's love and devotions emotionally because all we ever read is about them between the sheets. Don't get me wrong I love the smut details, love it, but I feel everything outside it have too little details besides what needs to be written to propel the plot, rush to the next smut scene. Idk, maybe it's just me being unable to resonate with the emotional aspect of the love story to really feel the heartache or roller-coaster of emotions. I mean I love this type of devoted love story, I still understand that the MC and ML both have settled down their differences in love and is devoted to each others by the end, but emotionally by the end I'm still unable to get invested. It might just be due to the writing style. My heart is just unable to be moved. Using the words of the ML from the prequel, my heartbeat still goes badoom badoom, the pace is steady and regular.

Saying all that, I still enjoy the story. The ending did get me to shed a little bit of tears because I'm still a sucker for this type of full devotions love story. <<less

Absolutely beautiful, from beginning to end.

It delivered everything it promised and so much more. In the blink of an eyes I was emotionally attached to the characters and just wanted to see them happy.

The historical aspect is so rich and is no way boring, you learn so much without even noticing.

The prequel was great, but this is the icing of the cake. The absolutely beautiful ending of an absolutely beautiful story.

I love this novel so much. Their love story is beautiful.

Thank you for translating, you’ve done a good job.

I wish it connected a lot more with the sequel and it kinda did, but I wanted more. However, that doesn't stop me from giving it a five star because this story was wonderful and heartwrenching.

I didn’t expect to be so emotionally invested and exhausted by this novel. Thank you to the translator for such an amazing job bringing this gem to us. By the way, it’s really a R-21 level of smut. Ah, I ached so much at the wrenching ending — it’s a HE with soul-deep realism, is all I can say.

LoveD this novel !! Its such a meaningful novel that it made me ponder I've the all sweet novels I have read.

This made me ponder if they truly live well till The end or if fate brought them something unexpected. This novel was a good combination of angst, fluff, and bittersweetness .

Plus the story becomes more meaningful If u have the the prequel before and the ending totally hits u hard. Although Im myself not a big fan of angst and usually run from it but in loved this novel.

... more>> I would reccomend to read the prequel first, then read this as it would make story more meaningful and excite the readers to see how their story folds in this lifetime. <<less

I’m definitely not one to read angsty themed novels. I feel that i’m at the point in time where I can’t withstand such emotional ups and downs and find it counterproductive in terms of entertainment. But I definitely loved this short story and eventually broken down by the end of it even though it was a happy ending. The ‘bittersweet’ ending was very heavy for me and made me lose appetite for weeks before getting back to reading again. I eventually found solace after considering over and over again that... more>> it was a happy ending since they went to afterlife together in the end.

What I love about this story was the truth of love and belief. I believe a person is built of many facets of life. A person is a child a brother a sister a mother a father a colleague a teacher a student a lover. So I really believe that a person can fully satisfy another person’s emotional and spiritual needs. As long as that person is there for another person and vice versa, no matter how the going gets tough how ridiculous the events happen around that person, having a spiritual support makes another person indestructible. Many creatures in the world go through life without meaning, but what makes a person a human is to have a purpose in life. These two, they found their purpose in love with each other early on. A person cannot live of just love, but a person can’t live without it. I think this is personally demonstrated by Master Shen. He already has everything materially that can satisfy him but he struggled knowing disastrously he actually can’t live without his lover. Many times he had denied his feelings which was eventually broken when at a point in time he almost lost him. In retrospect, I found that the Mister Chin was the one who spiritually suffered in the second half of his life. He blamed his patriotic heart and agonized over making his lover suffer. He definitely thought that was his wrong choice his own mistake because Mister Chin knew Master Shen wasn’t patriotic at all. And he went through all this disaster only because Master Shen couldn’t bare to leave his lover. He thought if only they haven’t met and haven’t fallen in love. How a person denied everything when the going gets tough but forgets that life is a journey not a series of right or wrong choices. If mister chin made master shen leave before the war then who would know if he would live longer than he originally did? Or if he would’ve been happy at all? Even Mister Chin couldn’t be certain if he himself would live long enough as he initially planned to move to the area mired in the war.

I respect Master Shen the most rather than Mister Chin. I don’t think one of them love the other less than the other. But for me, Master Shen has always been rational but brave making me feel like Mister Chin was stubborn but a coward. Master Shen was egotistic and even malicious but he never denied that or made him believe he wasn’t. He knew Mister Chin loved him but so what? Mister Chin was an adult and he knew exactly what kind of person Master Shen was. I hated him more than once because of how hypocritical Master Chin was. Why should he get mad when he knew what kind of relationship they had at the start and hoping for a different outcome? He knew he was a kept man but he keeps baring his heart to Master Shen. Master Shen was the crazy one for falling in love with him to be honest given the circumstances. Master Shen was rational and sober to the point that he had an inkling of what would happen decades after he made his decision. He was crazy to accept all the risk for the one he loves. Mister Chin however was just awfully living by the moment. He loved when he loved, hurt when he hurt, felt when he felt, and never thought about how things would turn out year after year. But Master Shen knew how nasty things would get with war but still he stayed and never regretted it til his last breath. He thrived on his love and lived satisfactorily until the end for as long as he had him by his side he was fulled to brim with happy thoughts. He ate substandard food and lived in mediocrity all throughout his 2nd half of his life. He drank boiled water as though it was the finest wine beside his lover. He was never dissatisfied even when he was caught and beaten by the gang of four in his fifties only thinking that he couldn’t live with Mister Chin until his death and felt life was kind of short. When he was brought back, he only though happily that he can live more days with him. I loved Master Shen to bits, he never blamed Mister Chin for all of the sacrifices he made because for him it wasn’t a sacrifice at all. For him it wasn’t ’giving up’ what he had but a transaction he made to get what he wanted most which was his love. How great was that?

Rather than saying I dislike Mister Chin, I just don’t like his personality. We live in a different era where patriotism and altruism is a very strange word. I can’t fathom being a sellout but I also cannot fathom sacrificing everything for my country even at the cost of my love ones. My lover isn’t just my spiritual sustenance, but also my duty and responsibility. I can’t for the life of me watch them go through sufferings while justifyingly say that it’s for my country. Especially if I don’t have the means and the wisdom to do it. If I was Mister Chin, I wouldve gone out of the country with master shen. Because what can a single me do? I couldve done more outside since master shen was wealthy and great in business. We could have supported the war financially outside benefitting so many more through that effort while also not having my lover suffer physically. It might not have made for a good story but realistically and rationally it makes more sense. Making me feel all the more lackluster about all the suffering Master Shen had gone through. This what if scenarion was what made me ache for weeks. Well it’s a story after all.

great read love it. <<less

I'm never the one to write reviews but I just had to write. This story is hounding me.

It's exceptionally well written and it feels like the characters are living and breathing in front of you, so much so that they don't seem fictional at all. As someone said, it's impossible to say these two didn't exist at all. Who knows? Maybe they did. Maybe they didn't.

It's probably the most realistic novel I've ever read. The historic details that has gone into this is probably more than anything I've ever read.... more>> And the they are accurate too. It's really hard to believe they didn't exist.

The story may seem slow in the beginning, but when it does pick up pace, it really does. Every sentence brings a kind of heartache that only a human experiences. The wars, disturbance, the family ties, time, aging, death and decay. Perhaps, the reason I feel so attached is not just because of the main characters but the way the author portrays their lives. It's truly majestic yet at the same time so raw, so real and very much authentic. It's something that can only be experienced by reading.

Highly, recommended to read at least once in a lifetime. The translation is top-notch. Do read the prequel "Living To Suffer" before reading this. <<less

NO-ONE is saying BAD THINGS about this story thats how GOOOOD it is amazing story amazing plot not too heavy if you want to cry this is for you happy ending so dont worry the end is so bittersweet happy ending u cant help yourself to shed tears of happiness I litterly cries for 30min after I finished and reading at the middle of the night didnt help either

Everyone explain the story I dont need to just saying MUST READ !!!!!

I just finished reading this and I want to cry so badly, but I'm in public and people are gonna think I'm weird.

Anyways this book is lovely, and the ending is too perfect, I enjoyed every moment of this book.

It's a very good piece of literature and the translator did a very good job too.

Great, amazing book! Read the prequel before this if you can stand bad endings because it gives you the complete picture. This is a happy ending though. And it is written spectacularly and translated amazingly.. And also the smut is hot lol

Recommended!!!