Love Late

Description

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Lee Mo Yan, known as “Lee”, an elite of the legal world who is approaching his forties, had worked hard to pave the way to get to where he was. However, all that he worked for vanished into thin air when a political scandal broke out involving a politician he backed and when his lover dumped him. Finding himself in a worrisome situation, Lee received an unexpected invitation from an upperclassman from his past.

Upon returning to T City to become an office worker after living in Los Angeles, he encountered Ke Luo, the boy who had left him without saying farewell. Pretending it was nothing, he continued to live frivolously. That is, until he fell apart after realizing that he was a substitute for someone else…

Could this sadness be love arriving a little too late?

Associated Names
One entry per line
Late for Love (Official English Title)
迟爱
遲愛
Related Series
A Round Trip To Love (Shared Universe)
Nowhere to be Found (Shared Universe)
Uncontrolled Love (Shared Universe)
Going Against the Wind (Shared Universe)
Pandora’s Box (Shared Universe)
Recommendations
Professional Body Double (3)
Lawless Gangster (2)
You’ve Got Mail: A Cautionary Tale (2)
Flower Vase (2)
Are You Addicted? (1)
Counter Attack (1)
Recommendation Lists
  1. planning to read soon pt1b
  2. Short Yaoi
  3. [BL] Completely Translated Novels | 3 am binge rea...
  4. Short length danmeis around 50 chapters or less (T...
  5. Made me rip my hair out

Latest Release

Date Group Release
09/14/19 Chinese BL Translations extra 1
04/15/18 Chinese BL Translations epilogue
08/13/17 Chinese BL Translations v2c20 part3
05/25/17 Chinese BL Translations v2c20 part2
03/08/17 Chinese BL Translations v2c20 part1
11/24/16 Chinese BL Translations v2c19
06/30/16 Chinese BL Translations v2c18
06/20/15 Chinese BL Translations v2c17
03/18/15 Chinese BL Translations v2c16 part2
12/25/14 Chinese BL Translations v2c16 part1
11/27/14 Chinese BL Translations v2c15 part2
09/25/14 Chinese BL Translations v2c15 part1
07/25/14 Chinese BL Translations v2c14
07/02/14 Chinese BL Translations v2c13 part2
06/11/14 Chinese BL Translations v2c13 part1
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Review
25 Reviews


Lara Night
New Lara Night
Mar 28, 2024
Status: v1c10
When I first started this, I vaguely thought that Ke Luo and Shu Nian sounds very familiar, but I couldnt remember any. And the way Ke Luo acting is like a jerk, I honestly hate him. After few chapters I decided to search then realized that Ke Luo is the small kid from Uncontrolled Love, omgg and that Shu Nian is the kind pitiful man that made me cried so much back then. Halfway through, I'm amazed (and nervous) about how this 2 novels are somehow related, omgg I can't... more>> handle the suspense and I hope Ke Luo will change to his cute little boy like how he used to be. The him right now is obviously an assh-ole to Lee Mo Yan. Mo Yan deserves better. <<less
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Gluttony
Gluttony
Jul 04, 2017
Status: v2c20 part2
It's hard to describe this novel. I know a lot of people may have avoided it due to the relatively low rating--and to be honest it's very justified-- but I feel like it doesn't really capture the novel's essence but the reader's feelings. The MC is weak, cowardly, self destructive and all in all quite unlikeable. And those very qualities are what make him an incredibly relatable human because let's face it we're all a little ugly inside.

This novel is a wild ride about complex relationships, complex feelings and ultimately,... more>> self growth on the MC's behalf (and us readers thank freaking God for it). Because of the ugly reality of the MC's personality this may be unpleasant to read at times, but it will always be engaging and powerful even in those moments. I love the MC because he is human and I feel like others should give this a chance. <<less
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RoseAmethyst remembrance
RoseAmethyst
Jul 10, 2019
Status: epilogue
This novel is part of a multi-novel series. Each novel features a different CP and the stories of these characters in their respective novels reveals a myriad of painful truths and relationship entanglements in the whole series.

The majority of Lan Lin's, the author, novels are set in the same U-verse, starting with A Round Trip to Love (ARTTL) , but only three other novels have a significant connection to this one. (***The spoiler box below list the other novels, CPs, and the relationships).

... more>>
Spoiler

<<A Round Trip to Love >>- Lu Feng and Cheng Yi Chen

<<Uncontrolled Love>> - Shu Nian and Xie Yan

<<Love Late>> - Lee Mo Yan and Ke Luo

<<Nowhere to be Found>> - Lin Jing and Zhou WenYang

  • Lu Feng is Ke Luo's dad.
  • Cheng Yi Chen is Zhou Wen Yang's dad.
  • Shu Nian is Li Mo Yan's younger brother.
  • Li Mo Yan and Lin Jing are ex lovers.
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A minor character from ARTTL, Ke Luo, finds his own love in this novel, but he isn't the MC. It's Li Mo Yan, a 39 yr old man who just got dumped in a long-term relationship. The relationship dynamic of this CP is very similar Junjou Terrorist (older and tsundere bottom. A top with "good boy" vibes and does the cooking)

The ML:

Ke Luo is the most mysterious character out of all of Lan Lin novels. Mostly because we never get to see his POV even though he has significant roles in 3 novels (ARTTL, Uncontrolled Love, Love Late).

When he was first introduced in ARTTL, I noticed that there was a lot of contradictions with his character. The strangest thing about Ke Luo was that he seemed too normal

when his circumstances are so

abnormal.

He has such a deeply entangled relationship with most of the characters, yet he's been kept outside of all their conflicts.

The most disturbing thing about Ke Luo in ARTTL is how oblivious he seemed to the abuse and suffering happening even though he's friends with so many of these troubled individuals.

I'm fact, Ke Luo and the MC is similar in this regard.

However, the events in Uncontrolled Love reveals a darker side of him that was never shown in ARTTL. It is also hinted that Ke Luo is much more aware than he lets on. After reading this novel, I feel inclined to believe that his smile towards Lu Feng may not be as sincere as we initially perceived

Spoiler

In the end, Ke Luo never revealed his true thoughts on the other characters or whether or not he knew about their circumstances.

His birth origins

In ARTTL, Ke Luo was revealed to be Lu Feng's illegitimate child, but Ke Luo always happily calls him "Uncle" which shows that Lu Feng never revealed the truth to him. However, when Ke Luo appears again in UL, we see Ke Luo acting indifferent while he's being mistreated by the Luo (his mother's) family.

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The significance of names and aliases:

In the raws of Love Late and Nowhere to be Found, there are several names that are typed in English and all caps (LEE, PAUL, ADAM, ANDY, ERIC, etc). They're actually aliases. LEE has the same pronunciation as the MC real last name (which is how the translator had ended up mistranslating the MC's name as Lee Mo Yan instead of Li Mo Yan). This discrepancy is important because it reveals a lot about the reality of the MC's relationship with his ex lover.

Spoiler

In the raws for NTBF and LL, Lin Jing always

called the MC by his English alias and never by his Chinese name.

This contrast so much with Ke Luo who learned of his real name in their first meeting.

The MC's aversion to being called by his name and Ke Luo's insistence in calling him by his name is just like Junjou Egoist. The events that incited this conflict over names is very similar too. The unrequited love and a disconnect from other people is similar to Junjou Terrorist

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The seating arrangement in chapter 8

In this chapter, the MC joins the ML in his family gathering and he lists the order of the people seated around a circular table. The author is actually trying to use this seating arrangement to prepare readers for the next and darkest novel, Nowhere to be Found.

(This is the reason why Love Late is ordered right before NTBF even though Love Late chronologically occurs 7 yrs after NTBF.

Once you read NTBF, you will realize that the peace in this gathering is false and it's only a matter of time before the truth of the past will erupt....

Spoiler

..... because all the characters seated at this table was involved with the biggest scandal of the 4 novels.

Lin Jing was r*ped three times. First by Lu Feng, then by Zhou Wen Yang, and finally by Cheng Yi Chen who was drugged and coerced by Lu Feng.

The real scandal here is that Lin Jing, ZWY and Cheng Yi Chen are related by blood. Lin Jing's real father is Cheng Yi Chen's younger brother. As such, ZWY r*ped his cousin. CYC r*ped his nephew.

- - - - -

Ke Luo is the only one who had no direct involvement, but I believe he might be more aware of the truth of this scandal then he lets on.

In ARRTL, it was his friendship with with Zhou Wen Yang that set off a chain of events leading to the tragedy.

Given his friendship with Zhou Wen Yang, I feel that there's no way Ke Luo wouldn't notice the changes happening with his friend's mental state. I'm sure he was vaguely aware of ZWY's relationship with Lin Jing and should recognize the changes in their relationship

Likewise, I'm sure Ke Luo was aware of Lu Feng's abusive treatment towards Cheng Yi Chen. Even someone as naive as Ke Luo would recognize the abnormalities with CYC's prolonged stay in the villa.

Idk if Ke Luo is actually trying to keep silent over crimes of his father.

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Treehorn
Treehorn
Oct 30, 2018
Status: Completed
When I started reading, I knew this wasn't going to be a run of the mill fluffy cute story with a supple, young and flawless MC that looks like a delicate flower. Lee MoYan is an adult. An adult who is flawed and makes s*upid mistakes. But he also has a big heart that he hides beneath a layer of jerk. He tries to act tough during his weakest moments and even if he sometimes fails (ok, a lot of times), I still admire his courage and will to go... more>> on. His relationship with the ML is complicated and I admired Lee when he decided to distance himself and actively attempt to move on when he knew he needed to. The story is technically a serious one but has a lot of funny moments especially when the MC gets awkward and fumbles.

Lee and Ke Luo's sizzling chemistry jumped off the page and kudos to the translators for portraying that perfectly.

Honestly, I don't know why there are even any negative reviews. Maybe they're from those who expected a light fluffy story with perfect characters and perfect relationships. There is a LOT of fluff and an amazing HEA but the journey there was not easy. Definitely one of the best danmeis I've read. <<less
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Version
Version
Apr 09, 2021
Status: v1 prologue
At first, I enjoyed reading the story. It had the same vibe as Professional Substitute, which I like very much. The protagonist – a mature man, with stable career, a gong, who had to give in and become a shou, met a young boy and fell for him. One day he found out that the boy takes him as a substitute for another person, whom he had loved for a long time. But then similarities stop.

Though I can accept the behavior of our MC afterwards (actually, I really like his... more>> optimistic, cheerful, persistent personality), I can’t accept the behavior of ML. Till the very end (though the readers are supposed to guess that he is already in love with the MC) he didn’t say anything, didn’t do anything to pursue the MC. He even doesn’t change the pattern of his everyday life. He neither struggle nor feel unhappy, he lives his life as usual.

And, of course, I am not satisfied with the ending. He (ML) who has rejected and hurt the MC countless times, in the end, was accepted without any hurdles. It was as if the MC was just presented on the plate. ML didn’t even have to prove, to persuade the MC to believe in his feeling. Till the end, I didn’t stop hoping that I will see him showing sincerity towards the MC, see him pouring love to the MC. I wanted to see difficulties which the MC might have accepting and believing the ML. No, I was robbed of it.

The truth be told, almost until the end I liked reading the story (because I still did’t lose the hope to see what I wanted to see). And maybe only the ending was done the way in was done I felt extremely disappointed.

Should be 3, 5 <<less
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Lola2018
Lola2018
Nov 03, 2018
Status: Completed
It was a great story of heartache and love, a bittersweet journey to get a happy ending. Lee isnt your typical MC, he is not afraid to go for the man he wants and knows when to retreat. There were some chapters I couldnt read so much it hurt and some where I just laughed outloud. I enjoyed the book so much and just wanted to know more of the story afterwards. The ML is a jerk throughout the story but he is himself hurt when he first met our... more>> MC so you will understand where he is coming from but still feel like cursing him out.
Spoiler

Anyways, I still wish he could have explained himself more especially towards the later chapters but well I am happy enough that our MC trust that he doesnt need a detailed confession from him and that all that matters is that they are togerher at last.

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<<less
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RAGA
RAGA
Jun 04, 2021
Status: extra 1
I winded up really liking the MC here and my heart goes out for him, but I can't quite give it that extra star bc I'm not satisfied with how the CP get together. It just felt like there was a step missing or that it needed a sequel to make their relationship feel more established.

Plus, you know, I'd love to read another story focused on this MC.
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pHantomRJ
pHantomRJ
Dec 23, 2020
Status: Completed
To be honest I like MC Lee too much. He is something in the whole another level. I can't explain his personality well enough its complicated! Sometimes kind, sometimes forgiving, sometimes cunning, hilarious the way he thinks is amusing to read.

Thank you, Lan Lin!!! I have read the author’s 3 works and it was very satisfying. But I'm disappointed to see the low ratings even though it's good.

The translation was very good. Thank you for your hard work. !!!!. Keep up!
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dee_ism
dee_ism
Mar 23, 2021
Status: --
What I love the most about this story is that I love all the characters (except the antagonist one) ! All of them just so lovable: our MC (Lee) and ML (Ke Luo), and Jin Ling, and Lu Yu, and Shu Nian, and Xie Yan.

I just totally love Lee, he is such a dynamic character. He is smart yet fool, sassy yet also has insecurities, hilarious, petty yet kind, cranky yet soft, mature yet childish, all of them, hha.

It's a series of misunderstanding full of drama, sometimes sweet, sometimes angst.... more>> I tear up several times. Glad that it's a HE.

Spoiler

This one probably the most heart breaking moment for me:

With no choice, I told him honestly, "I don't hate you. I just don't want anyone to get us confused."

"No one would do that sort of thing!"

"Someone would, " I smilingly said. "After having a couple drinks, someone would."

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ezis
ezis
Apr 25, 2020
Status: --
I truly enjoyed reading this. Although, admittedly, the MC is a bit whiny - but only to his own private self. This man is terribly guarded, which is not at all a surprise given his childhood. I guess you could say he is a tsundere type, but not unreasonably so, he has his moments, rare though they are. The ML - actually, I don't have such a string impression of the ML. He is a steady person, but a man of few words, so his actions should speak louder.. In... more>> a way the ML's actions do speak for him as a person of great integrity, with his own sort of dark side (I would not even call it truly dark, though). Anyway, there is some kind of a tension between the MC and ML throughout, and it somehow makes you really care that they get together.

An enjoyable read. <<less
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nekomemeow
nekomemeow
Sep 20, 2019
Status: Completed
im gonna be honest..... I was a little dubious when I saw a lot of reviews saying that the MC is a a realistic character but man.... they're right and I can actually relate to every decision he made 98% (maybe i'll make even more mistake than he did lmao) but really, this novel has put me in such a wild roller coaster ride. most of the time I feel like crying for the MC and next I feel like I want to pull him into a hug and coax... more>> him like a little child HAHAHA MAN....... this is the first time... the first time in my life that ive grown a softest spot for an MC.... come!!! let go round for a group hug!!!!!!!!!!

give this novel a try!! Thank you so much for the translator for the amazing translation!!!! <<less
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Hilyantomi
Hilyantomi
Aug 09, 2019
Status: epilogue
You can say that it is a very good bedtime story, but you can't say that it's a memorable one. Just like every other 5 * reviews have written, the story does indeed really reflect a complex relationship with the human sentiments of the MC which are a big-shot to the readers' feeling of the story.

The plot is generally well written, but the big problem right here is that there is nothing special about it. Still I'd recommend the novel as a very light "sadomasochism" (the term in the Asian... more>> language means more of a psychological " maltreatment" but I don't know the word :/) <<less
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joun
joun
Aug 03, 2019
Status: epilogue
I'am still reading but I was chocked by how well writed this novel is. It's not a sappy sad story (the angsty way, well it's tragedy-free) but you can feel all the emotions, and beyond, of the MC. I was so touched that I already cried a couple of time. The MC is really likeable and pitiful. I am already a fan of the author, this golden pen.

After finishig it, I can say one more thing : this novel is th kind where the author love to torture the MC's... more>> heart. I cried so much that I can hide it !!! <<less
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Mynbns
Mynbns
Jul 09, 2019
Status: --
A good read. A roller coaster ride of emotions while reading.

Spoiler

tho the MC claims to be a top in the beginning, he behaves like a total shou!!! He doesnt have that "aura of a gong" and ML is a total jerk!!


Honestly, I think the author is a sadist!! He always makes it hard for MC. Failing in business, love and almost dying. What a shitty luck. Why do MC always have to suffer and ML only needs to be "heartbroken with SN" and thats it. While our MC is being miserable, ML is just sulking because of his failed love. So unfair!!
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MagBlueRoses
MagBlueRoses
Jan 18, 2022
Status: Completed
(3.5 stars)

I'll keep this short. I gave it the rating that I did because Lee Mo Yan is a frustrating protagonist, but also someone that I could empathize with despite how young I was. Ke Luo is an adorable ML but also very flawed in various ways. The author is great at investing the readers into their work but can strive to be better with depth and pace. The ending was quite rushed, and there were plot holes. But the plot holes can be overlooked, so that isn't... more>> a significant issue.

Overall, I binge-read it. It was funny, annoying, and adorable at the same time, so it's a total hit or a miss. <<less
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Evesneon
Evesneon
Jan 16, 2021
Status: Completed
Wow. This has so many ups and down. A soap drama but on fast forward.

This is the first novel I have read in the universe. But I think this might be the 2nd or 3rd novel in this series.

On one hand, I applaud the way Lee keeps being attracted to Ke Luo. So many years and time in between with Ke Luo still infatuated with Shu Nian, but he still (uncontrollably) loves Ke Luo. On another, I would really want him to dump Ke Luo and just find another love.

I... more>> believe this is what it means by 'you can't control what your heart wants'.

A very unique story that I can't help but continue reading till the end to see what happens to Lee's desire for love. <<less
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siler30
siler30
Oct 28, 2020
Status: Completed
Honestly this was painfully brutal and really good! The loneliness and crippling anxiety /depression could be triggering! I can understand why people would not like this but it's really good! I think you should try it for yourself before reading through
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shad1234go
shad1234go
Jan 23, 2019
Status: Completed
This was actually a great read. It showed the flaws of the characters and how they learn to move with it. Kind of like how all of us are, where we have a bad moment in life or sometimes when we make a wrong decision and regret it. The flawed character were amazingly written for both MC and ml. Definitely recommend it.
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xXLicorneXx
xXLicorneXx
Feb 12, 2024
Status: extra 1
ML chasing crematorium from the POV of our 40 year old shamelessly pe*verted & cradle robbing (ML is 20) MC. It's light, funny, a little sad at times but the MC's personality just fitted my taste. He makes and is the whole story. The plotline in itself is a dime a dozen and the wrap up is unsatisfactory.

Still, no regrets. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and again, loved my more realistic close-to-40-years-old-yet-still-adulting MC. Sentimentality wise.

Oh and the smut scenes are smouldering hot! MC is a originally a top but becomes a... more>> shou for ML, albeit a slightly manly ego bruised one.

Its more of a 3, 5 (thanks plotline) but I'll be kind since I'm more than planning on re-reading again (just the better parts). <<less
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PaperHaniBani
PaperHaniBan
Apr 01, 2023
Status: epilogue
okay, same with some ppl reading this novel, I have mixed feelings with this novel, it's like I have this hurting in my heart, my mood is climaxing when MC leave to city S then kept entangled with ML, then ML started to try mend this relationship but MC dont want anything physical, then yup suddenly problem is solved with just like that (short & rushed). It's like I can't get any free feeling of HE after those long angsty moment LMY with KL, it's too frustrating. Lee is too... more>> masochist, sometimes he's so pitiful, he's too head over heels to KL, I just can't... it's as if he has no pride in front KL, really not a cup of my tea☹️☹️ <<less
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SukaraSorrows999
SukaraSorrow
Sep 29, 2021
Status: Completed
The first HE that I really wished was BE.

Lan Lin yyds, but really, ohmygods

in Shu Nian's novel I never thought about Ke Luo getting a cp before he matured and stuff.... esp when the other party is Lee....
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