A Deadly Secret, also translated as Requiem of Ling Sing and Secret of the Linked Cities, is a wuxia novel by Jin Yong (Louis Cha).... more>> It was first published in the magazine Southeast Asia Weekly (東南亞周刊) and the Hong Kong newspaper Ming Pao in 1963. Its original Chinese title was Su Xin Jian before Jin Yong changed it to Lian Cheng Jue. The story revolves around the adventures of the protagonist Di Yun, an ordinary young peasant, who is imprisoned after being framed. In his quest for vengeance, he accidentally acquires the Liancheng Swordplay manual (連城劍谱), an ancient artifact not only prized for the skills detailed inside, but also for containing a secret leading to a treasure. <<less

Koushun Takami's notorious high-octane thriller envisions a nightmare scenario: a class of junior high school students is taken to a deserted island where, as part... more>> of a ruthless authoritarian program, they are provided arms and forced to kill until only one survivor is left standing. Criticized as violet exploitation when first published in Japan—where it became a runaway best seller—Battle Royale is a Lord of the Flies for the 21st century, a potent allegory of what it means to be young and (barely) alive in a dog-eat-dog world. <<less

Roselyn Bluebell was once called the Blue Rose of the Empire, but became embroiled in various scandals due to the intrigues of her stepmother and ex-husband.... more>>

Exhausted from enduring the rapidly changing circumstances and countless misunderstandings, she was approached by Prince Aiden, who extended his hand to her. However, she did not know if he was her salvation or not.

“I need a scandal to turn down the marriage proposal. After I’ve achieved my goal, there will be sufficient compensation.”

“You’re trying to make me a target for your arrows.”

“To put it bluntly.”

And the Prince, as arrogant as he was noble, had no qualms about picking on Roselyn's wounds.

“You have to be smart, Roselyn, to get what you desire.”

For Roselyn, who was cornered, the temptation to restore everything she had lost was too sweet, so much so that she deliberately ignored the fact that she might regret it.

Willingly, Roselyn took the Prince’s hand and decided to plunge into the fall.

***

Aiden slowly took her outstretched hand and lowered his head. His lips, which rested on the back of her hand, felt hot as if they would burn her. He whispered, pulling Roselyn’s hand hard as she panicked and tried to withdraw it, “You will have to get used to skinship with me by this time.”

“Why, why…?”

“Because a lover in love should not be startled by holding hands.”

His eyes admonished her, as if asking if he had made a trivial statement. Roselyn exhaled deeply, as if she had made up her mind, and curled her fingers slowly. Aiden smiled brightly as he held her hand in his own large hand.

“Then, please take care of me, my love.” <<less

Douno has been falsely convicted of mol*sting a woman on a train. He serves time in a group cell in prison, surrounded by inmates who... more>> are all suspicious in some way. Just as Douno's distrust of people reaches its peak, he is saved by the innocent kindness of his cellmate, Kitagawa. For Kitagawa, who is imprisoned as a mu*derer, this is the first time in his life that he feels the emotion of love. This complete edition encompasses the main work, "In the Box", as well as "Out of the Cage", which tells their story after their release from prison. <<less

Pei Jin is a black bellied prince. To outsiders he is a kind gentleman and always calm.... more>>

Yan Shi Ning is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. To outsiders she is a gentle bred young lady and always docile.

Pei Jin and Yan Shi Ning are the perfect couple but behind closed doors…

Pei Jin: Wife, you’re an expert liar.

Yan Shi Ning: Husband, it’s because you taught me well. <<less

From a stumbling lion cub to a majestic lion king, he imagines that his life as a lion would peak and end with him owning a vast territory, dominating the grasslands, terrifying all his enemies while having many wives and concubines. ... more>>

Unexpectedly, his life as a lion has just begun.

The Earth's energy has mutated; all kinds of mutated creatures are attacking, and humans have fallen from the top of the food chain, and the African grasslands fall into a crisis.

And he, too, is gradually becoming stronger through evolution and mutation. <<less

Shimada Mio is told that the younger brother who had been missing for twenty four years after being kidnapped as an infant is alive and well living under a new name. When she reunites with him on a rainy winter day, she is surprised to find that he is the spitting image of their deceased father.... more>>

As they try to fill the twenty-four year gap, their budding friendship gives way to something more. Despite knowing their love could never be, they can’ t help but be drawn to the other… <<less

For three years, Yun Xiao had used different methods to instill in Tang Ling how important Lu Mintang’s existence was, and that he was just a stand-in.... more>>

“We are just married, we will divorce when Min Tang comes back.”

He doesn’t even deserve to mention Lu Mintang’s name.

He did his duty and did his best in marriage, he was well-behaved and sensible, and he said nothing. He thought it could change Yun Xiao’s mind, but what he was waiting for was a divorce agreement.

After ending this long unrequited love, Tang Ling disappeared from Yun Xiao’s world.

　

Half a year later, Yun Xiao searched for Tang Ling all over the world.

Tang Ling’s countless extravagant hopes were hidden in a dusty and yellowed diary at home.

“If possible, I would also like you to kiss me once.”

“Lu Mintang, it’s a name that laughs at the mention of it.”

“I learned to say to myself a happy anniversary.”

After three years, Tang Ling brought Xinhuan to the pinnacle of his career, but there was a dog beside him.

Yun Xiao: Barking! Wife, look at me! <<less

Boundless gold sea of sand, snow-white Tian Shan camel. I am clothed in a green silk dress, eyes bright, with a faint smile. The prayers of a thousand mountains and a million water drops are not for company today, but for a reunion in the next life…... more>>

She is the wolf girl’s daughter, Huo Qu Bing’s precious treasure, the green silk dress in the desert, and the Ju Gong Zi of Chang An city.

He is the deep, far-sighted Han Zhao Emperor of the Western Han Dynasty.

He is the clever and mysterious Meng fox.

When each of them unintentionally give away a pearl embroidered shoe in youthful ignorance, what kind of love-hate-passion-vengeance “Song in the Clouds” will be stirred into existence? <<less

Princess Shunde captured a jiaoren demon and wanted to find someone to tame it. The princess has three wishes: that the demon utters human words, that the demon's tail turns into legs, and that his heart will never be rebellious.... more>>

Everyone knows that the East Demon Island, the West Demon Mountain, the South Demon Valley, and the North Demon Terrace are the only four places in the world that permit people with the ability to control demons. And the Demon Valley in the south has the strongest Demon Controlling Master in the world.

She was the most powerful demon master in the Demon Valley, but her heart was enchanted by a demon. <<less

This is the story of the last day of one unfortunate boy’s life.... more>>

Depending on the interpretation, it can be seen as a happy ending. <<less

In ancient times, a time where heroes are born. God, Man, Demon and all things on earth were mixed in between Heaven and Earth. There were three great god tribes: the Central Sheng Nong, the Southeast Gao Xing, the Northwest Xuan Yuan, they occupied three parts of the land, three independent empires.... more>>

The heroes the world paid the most attention was undoubtedly the Sheng Nong Tribe’s War God Chi You and the Gao Xing Tribe’s Prince Shao Hao.

Chi You was the Beast King brought under control by Shen Nong’s Yan Emperor many hundred years ago, cruel and honest, cunning and pure, his powers? He has never lost a battle. He has no rules in his heart, only revenge, his one goal is to use his powers to take over every single thing on earth, in one united empire.

But fate makes fools of men, in his bid to cement his empire, he met the princess of the Xuan Yuan tribe, at first a misunderstanding, but very quickly they fell deeply in love.

Under the Peach Blossom Tree, Chi You made her a promise of love, he will give up everything, and stay by her side for the rest of their lives. <<less

The plot follows two girls and their summer in a rural area.... more>>

Nagisa Yamada is a bored teenager who finds everyday life extremely unappealing - thus she plans on joining a Military School as soon as possible.

A strange new student named Umino Mokuzu, who claims to be a mermaid, transfers into Nagisa's school and, much to our heroine's bewilderment, soon begins to follow her around incessantly.
Initially, an annoyed and discomfited Nagisa strives to avoid any encounters with Mokuzu. But she soon begins to comprehend the pain and sadness concealed beneath this strange girl's cheerful and carefree demeanour. <<less

The owner of the netherworld inn listens to a ghost recount his life up above before all of it can be forgotten.

Born to a house where women were only seen as tools to birth children, I was already in my twenties. I was standing on the crossroads of life.... more>>

At my fingertips were close to fifty photos of different men. They were the marriage partner candidates my father had prepared.

Those who took the initiative and volunteered because they wanted his company, and those that were recommended to strengthen our ties with other companies. There were various reasons, but I was to marry one, and build up a child.

That was my reason for existence in this house.

I don’t think I can love another.

I wonder how everyone believes in something so shapeless as love. It was only a marvel to me.

That I couldn’t do something any standard person could must be because I was a person who was never properly loved.

I put a break on the countless unanswered questions I held since my birth, and stared down at the photos around me.

That I chose him was truly a coincidence. <<less

This is a story about love, friendship, ambition, betrayal and fearsome weapons.

On the outskirts of the Pleasure City of Midas lies the Ceres special autonomous area, commonly known as the slums. Gang leader Riki, looking for an easy pocket to pick in the nightlife districts, gets caught red-handed…by none other than one of the highest-ranking, golden-haired android elites ruling from the capital Tanagura: the “Blondy” Iason Mink!
By all rights, a Blondy standing at the pinnacle of aristocracy and a slummer should have never crossed paths—their chance encounter marks the beginning of a love twisted by obsession, soon spiraling into a karmic chain of events...... more>>

⬇️ //// About the Japanese novel and anime adaptations ////
⬇️ //// About the English translation ////
⬇️ //// Current translation status ////
⬇️ //// Drama CDs, prequel and side stories ////

//// About the Japanese novel and anime adaptations ////

Originally serialized in the bimonthly magazine Shosetsu June (小説ジュネ) spanning six chapters from December 1986 to October 1987, the novel was released with minor revisions into a hardcover edition in 1990.
This first version of the story received a two-episode/OVA anime adaptation in 1992 and 1994.

Between the years 2001 and 2007, the original story was greatly expanded upon and released in six paperback volumes. After a change of Japanese publisher, two more volumes were released between 2009 and 2010, completing the series (the six aforementioned volumes were released as volumes 1-4 in the newest Japanese edition).
This second version of the story was meant to be adapted into a twelve-episode OVA anime—initially planned to release in 2010—but was postponed to 2012, only to be discontinued after the fourth episode’s release.

//// About the English translation ////

The English paperback expanded edition is made up of eight volumes: the six first volumes (Seibido/Crystal edition) + the two later volumes (#7 and #8 in English, but #5 and #6 in the newest Tokuma/Chara edition).
The change in Japanese publisher led to a change in translator for the English edition between vol1 to 6 and vol7 to 8: it is highly recommended to read the fan translations of #7 and #8 as opposed to reading the licensed edition, due to the massive loss in translation (expect a 50% word count difference between the two).

//// Current translation status of the different editions of the novel (as of April 20th, 2024) ////

. Shosetsu June edition, unlicensed: 2/6 chapters, ongoing fan translation.
. 1990 hardcover edition, unlicensed: 2/6 chapters, ongoing fan translation. An older fan translation had 4/6 chapters translated but the project was dropped.
. 2000’s expanded edition, English licensed: fully translated, complete.

//// Drama CDs, prequel and side stories ////

– The Shosetsu June story was adapted into a drama cassette and a drama CD (Dark Erogenous).
– The expanded story was adapted into three drama CDs (Destiny, Nightmare, Resonance)
– A prequel called Midnight Illusion was serialized in Shosetsu June between December 1992 and April 1993, and released as a hardcover in 1996. 3/6 chapters have been fan-translated into English.
– The 5 side stories have all been fan-translated into English (Kizu/Wound, File-0, Cal’s Sighs, Musk, Illusion Night) and are based on the expanded version of the novel.

Look up online “Ai no Kusabi Master List LiveJournal” to find the links to all the material listed above and more.

[This page was updated as per an anon’s request, all credit goes to the AnK community where credit is due.] <<less

Do you ever ponder the existence of myriad parallel universes, each mirroring your own reality? Clearly, it’s the same person. However, while she may be... more>> an unrivaled wealthy heiress in this universe, in another, she could just be a penniless working girl. Theoretically, these realms never cross paths. Yet, one fateful day, the affluent Jiang Xiaoyuan finds herself thrust into a meticulously orchestrated mishap, becoming another version of herself in a different realm. Stripped of her family background, education, looks, and wealth, what remains as the essence of oneself? What truly defines the self? This story plans to take a transformation plan into another dimension. <<less

-I love you.... more>>

-For how long?

-Until you die. <<less

Honoo no Mirage (Mirage of Blaze) is a complexly-plotted novel which incorporates a large number of elements, including romantic melodrama, historical politics and supernatural fantasy. Japanese history predominates the heavily structured story-line, which mainly involves the continued aggression between power-wielding guardians ('possessors'), and the denizens of a 'feudal underworld'- a group of restless souls belonging to long-dead samurai from the warring states period who are attempting to re-ignite those age-old wars in present-day Japan.... more>>

Volume Titles:

1: Honoo no Shinkirou (炎の蜃気楼)
2: Aka no Zanei (緋の残影)
3: Garasu no Komoriuta (硝子の子守歌)
4: Kohaku no Ryūseigun (琥珀の流星群)
5: Mahoroba no Ryūjin (まほろばの龍神)
6: Hasha no Ma Kagami 1 (覇者の魔鏡(前編))
7: Hasha no Ma Kagami 2 (覇者の魔鏡(中編))
8: Hasha no Ma Kagami 3 (覇者の魔鏡(後編))
9: Minagiwa no Hangyakusha (みなぎわの反逆者)
10: Wadatsumi no Yōkihi 1 (わだつみの楊貴妃(前編))
11: Wadatsumi no Yōkihi 2 (わだつみの楊貴妃(中編))
12: Wadatsumi no Yōkihi 3 (わだつみの楊貴妃(後編))
13: Yomi e no Kazaana 1 (黄泉への風穴(前編))
14: Yomi e no Kazaana 2 (黄泉への風穴(後編))
15: Hiwa no Ōkoku 1 (火輪の王国(前編))
16: Hiwa no Ōkoku 2 (火輪の王国(中編))
17: Hiwa no Ōkoku 3 (火輪の王国(後編))
18: Hiwa no Ōkoku Reppū-hen (火輪の王国 烈風編)
19: Hiwa no Ōkoku Retsu Tō-hen (火輪の王国 烈濤編)
20: Jūjika o Daite Nemure (十字架を抱いて眠れ)
21: Retsumyō no Hoshi (裂命の星)
22: Sakigake no Maji (魁の蠱)
23: Onshū no Mon Oumi-hen (怨讐の門 青海編)
24: Onshū no Mon Shakkū-hen (怨讐の門 赤空編)
25: Onshū no Mon Hakurai-hen (怨讐の門 白雷編)
26: Onshū no Mon Kurohi-hen (怨讐の門 黒陽編)
27: Onshū no Mon Kōjō-hen (怨讐の門 黄壌編)
28: Onshū no Mon Hakai-hen (怨讐の門 破壊編)
29: Mugen Jōdo (無間浄土)
30: Akaru hen Mokushiroku I Nachi no Shō (変黙示録 I 那知の章)
31: Akaru hen Mokushiroku II Nuno-to no Shō (耀変黙示録 II 布都の章)
32: Akaru hen Mokushiroku III Yata no Shō (耀変黙示録 III 八咫の章)
33: Akaru hen Mokushiroku IV Jinmu no Shō (耀変黙示録 IV 神武の章)
34: Akaru hen Mokushiroku V Tenma no Shō (耀変黙示録 V 天魔の章)
35: Akaru hen Mokushiroku VI Ranka no Shō (耀変黙示録 VI 乱火の章)
36: Akaru hen Mokushiroku VII Nigoyabu no Shō (耀変黙示録 VII 濁破の章)
37: Kakumei no Kane wa Naru (革命の鐘は鳴る)
38: Ashura no Maegami (阿修羅の前髪)
39: Kaminari no Ikusaba (神鳴りの戦場)
40: Senoku no Yoruwokoete (千億の夜をこえて) <<less

I will sell flowers in this life so my next life will be even more beautiful.... more>>

(To do something good for others so that you may also be happy.)

He thought: My favorite person. 

Forgive me for being so greedy. <<less

Pain, Pain, Go Away is a novel by Sugaru Miaki, also known as Fafoo, author of Starting Over and Three Days of Happiness. Unlike Miaki’s previous two books, Pain, Pain, Go Away is not a rewrite of any story posted to 2ch, but an entirely original one. ... more>>

The plot involves a young man who becomes a killer (by accident) – but his victim has the power of “postponement,” temporarily delaying her death. <<less