How To Say I Love You

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There are some people you hate at first but end up liking more and more the more you interact with them.
There are some people you love at first, but the more you come to understand that person, the more helpless you feel.

The Great Film Emperor, Ji Mian thinks that Young Master Xiao Jiashu is an arrogant, poison-mouthed, spoilt, rich snob who exploits his strong background to ruin people’s lives on a whim. But when he somehow obtains the ability to read minds, Ji Mian comes to realise that Xiao Jiashu is probably the most adorable person in the world.

This is a story about the rise of the acting-fanatic, Xiao Jiashu, as he silences his haters and wows the world with his magnificence.

Associated Names
One entry per line
HTSILY
Yêu em nói thế nào
ài nǐ zěn me shuō
คุณชายซูเปอร์สตาร์แห่งวงการบันเทิง
愛你怎麼說
爱你怎么说
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
Quickly Wear the Face of the Devil (5)
Superstar Aspirations (4)
Rebirth of a Supermodel (4)
I Ship My Adversary X Me (4)
I Just Want to Be in a Relationship (3)
The Big Landlord (3)
Recommendation Lists
  1. BL & Baihe To-Read List - Translations Complete Pt...
  2. Best Bl I've read so far(the best according to me)
  3. 10/10 Danmei/BL
  4. favs + good reads
  5. bl novels i finished in 2023

Latest Release

Date Group Release
10/17/22 MLMC0R3 extra
10/10/22 MLMC0R3 c136
10/10/22 MLMC0R3 c135
10/03/22 MLMC0R3 c134
10/03/22 MLMC0R3 c133
09/26/22 MLMC0R3 c132
09/19/22 MLMC0R3 c131
09/19/22 MLMC0R3 c130
09/19/22 MLMC0R3 c129
08/29/22 MLMC0R3 c128
08/22/22 MLMC0R3 c127
08/22/22 MLMC0R3 c126
08/22/22 MLMC0R3 c125
08/15/22 MLMC0R3 c124
08/15/22 MLMC0R3 c123
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glitteryjoon
glitteryjoon rated it
October 16, 2022
Status: c1
After reading some of the reviews and getting to chapter 111 I’ve come to understand a little of some reviewers pov.

First and foremost, the biggest problem with this is how they turned good, bad and bad good. The ML’s initial bf only real problem was his greed and the way he took took took from the ML while never giving in return. He was selfish and basically only stayed with ML as a form of thanks for all the ML had done for him. He didn’t really love him romantically,... more>> but figured that he could force himself to as time went on because he didn’t want to lose that backing.

If they had left that as the reason for the break up as well as just his overall character setting it would have been fine. Instead, the author also had to make him inferior to the Rich and Talented MC and make him ultimately become spiteful and hateful. It really sucks because had the ML not even been able to read minds, he’d not even know the bf didn’t love him or was gay.

On that same page, what pisses me off the most is that the ML goes from not liking the MC not understanding him and not even wanting to be near him, to doting on him without any real acknowledgment that he judged him based off of his assistants words and what he thought he knew of second gen rich kids.

It annoyed me because they painted the MLs ex as a bad guy who’s jealous when both the ML and the ex came from similar pasts while raising up the rich and talented and making him seem like an angel.

I’ll admit I found the MC cute and lovely because of his thought process but I really was grossed out by how the ML took all the thought he could hear from the kid and pushed him away, pulled him back and then finally got with him. I get he was worried about others being scared of him knowing their thoughts, but that’s an invasion of privacy. The very least he could have made it all known and gave the MC the opportunity to decline after knowing about it.

Craziest thing is that’s not what has me questioning whether I should drop this. What has me questioning whether I should drop this or not is how annoying it became after they got together. It seems like the level of novel drops as soon as the cp gets together. I could still handle it even though it bothered me because I did like the MC enough.

However, I hate how they can’t go one paragraph without making eyes, making out, or even touching each other. Like, they’re in the middle of filming and every five seconds they have to make out and swap spit before finally getting on with it. It’s agitating. It’s like their IQ dropped to -5 and they can only think with their dick.

I’m not sure why this happens in every novel that starts out fairly good.

3.5 <<less
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Aqua555
Aqua555 rated it
June 19, 2022
Status: c50
FIRST time reviewing... umm wanted to give 2.5 stars but mistakenly gave one.

This is my personal opinion, but I couldn't find myself to like the ML. Also his manager doesn't look competent with his prejudice and makes me doubt his experience for being MLs manager for so many years. At the beginning of the story when I knew that he was in a relationship, I was like okay.... then waited but till chapter 50 they didn't break up. I was like "what the" it's already more than 1/3rd to... more>> the story. I seriously got fed up with this because I don't like meddlesome people in a relationship and they made the character of MLs lover into someone who would meddle later. As for the ML, maybe I had too much expectations after reading many perfect ML... but he was kind of disappointing to me. If not for the mind reading ability he got he would be like any other person who would misunderstand the MC and help those double-faced people. OKAY if that is excusable then I don't understand his choice of his lover LLY cuz if LLY was also slightly succesful and older maybe I would understand. But I found their relationship quite wierd since the lover only got into the relationship to repay the ML. As for the ML wow I have no words as it is said that he found the lover's situation similar to his... I felt like the ML got with him due to pity cuz I don't see any great qualities in LLY, he only used what ML gave but felt that he need to be self dependent. They got into a relationship after getting to know each other for 2 months where the other has nothing while the ML is a top succesful person in the industry, I seriously couldn't understand the ML for this. In other novels although the successful ML helps the weak MC to grow, the weak MC also tries to fight for himself and they don't get together so easily just cuz they like each other fast. AND here the ML is like doing charity everywhere even in his relationship. ML and LLY have no communication and after years of relationship, they don't show their true faces specially LLY since he only tries to show what ML likes. What's hateful is that while their relationship got frigid the ML slowly got attracted to the innocent MC like a salvation to his inner gloominess which I HATE!!!! Why is he still maintaining that relationship that got no future that is being proved again and again with his disappointment towards LLY. If the relationship is not good then just breakup WHY is he trying so hard to maintain his relationship and in this period beginning to like the MC... Hateful!! I seriously feel he doesn't deserve the MC who is so lovable cuz for me the most favourite character is MC in this story.

Also I sticked with this story to find out how the mother and son (MC) got the justice they deserve. After leaving at chapter 50 I was curious and jumped to the last chapters via MTL which left me truly disappointed.

Spoiler

The father is a total scumbag so no more words, as for the elder brother he is a good guy cuz even if he misunderstood the mother and son from his point of view they are sorry for him but still the only family member who cares for them is he... As for the grandfather I feel like slapping him seriously, even if the mother and son are misunderstood the MC is still his grandson the best he can do is ignore him but no he was targetting him, belittling him, scorning him which made the other members and servants see that MC has no position similar to an illegitimate son. At the end after the misunderstanding was cleared and MCs mother didn't took the shares that MCs father gave after his regret... The grandfather was like he approves the MCs mother for caring about their xiao family and not letting the shares going to outsiders since after divorce she was an outsider now... Like WHAT are you an emperor who is bestowing your approval of them as if the whole world is yours. Nasty old man who don't even give them a simple apology for his behavior as an elder and only asks his grandson to care and help the mother and son as if he is giving them a favour. As an elder he is a bad role model and can be seen from the behaviours of other relatives and his sons, the only redeeming thing is that the brothers (MC and his elder brother) turned out good.

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Hades97
Hades97
June 26, 2021
Status: c61
Hi I tried really hard to like this and even though I made it all the way to chapter 61, It's so......

Let me explain why

I can't get over the fact that the ML's BF "the villain" performed badly due to nerves and kept NG'ing infront of the ML who he looks up to and everyone else and our supposed MC, the... good guy, finds this extremely amusing and whips out his phone to record the ML's BF's misery. To watch again later. For fun. This isn't a cat falling from... more>> a table video! This is a video of someone struggling ashamed and embarassed at work!

Later on the BF becomes increasingly insecure or always was but is revealed by the new mind reading ability. He is led astray by bad advice from what he thinks is a loyal friend. All those bad decisions and dissapointing (apparently) thoughts make the ML look at the "says what he thinks" MC

I get what they're going at but you don't need to put the cannon fodder ex BF in that position. He's too relatable. We all have moments when we act like the EX BF, his work disaster? I was him once! And if someone laughed and taped that, I would explode. <<less
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erialolita
erialolita rated it
April 21, 2022
Status: --
Read this before via MTL and found it had been translated to chapter 99 so read again. I can understand how this story isn't for everyone but I enjoyed it. It is a very cliche storyline, but sometimes cliche is good and I think this author makes it work.
    • MC is a total Gary Sue
    • ML is a twist on the traditional cold CEO
    • Doting mother and bro con brother
    • Small angsty miscommunication before they get together
    • Both ML and MC have troubled pasts
I didn't like the ML's ex bf like so many in the reviews do. I don't hate him or see him as a villian but I find his character type too tiring.

MLs mind reading was a fun twist and was there so that he would truly see the people around him. I do wish more was done with it, the ML could have utilized it more or something.

I remember reading all the entertainment script parts in depth the first time, but I skipped most of them this time. Not as bad as some other entertainment novels but it does get tiring when 3 to 4 chapters are all about a fictional movie.

All in all I recommend if OP, niave, cute MCs are your thing and you want a fluffy read. If angst and indepth plots are your thing, don't bother.

Spoiler

rating is based up to chapter 111, because everything after that is pointless and s*upid. I remember reading it the first time think WTF the author did so well until this forced drama, especially the mom not approving seemed wat too forced.

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kerokero
kerokero rated it
February 8, 2022
Status: --
Pre sure I read this before. I stumbled upon it to realize ive already read this. Then when I saw ML's ex bf and it confirms it.

The ML is such an annoyance. Like a disgrace to society. ML's ex >>>. The plot makes ML's ex look bad. Although, ML was the one who was first invading on their thoughts, never addressed and communicated it and expected his ex to just open up with vague lines. His ex was an insecure jealous person, but its normal. They make it so exaggerated... more>> when ofcourse?? Like no sht the ex would feel insecure when you always bring them to fancy restos and like the gap being so big???? Stop being so dumb

MC is too naive and soft, they make him look so innocent despite having survived such harsh environment and like he is an independent adult, like???? Its too 2D and doesn't feel real.

In conclusion, its way too overrated, there are better romance novels out there believe me. <<less
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shreyshrey
shreyshrey
July 13, 2021
Status: c64
okay, so this novel is actually quite cute ??

I see there are mixed opinions about the 'antagonist'- the ex boyfriend, the love rival??I guess different people percieve characters differently.I do not hate him and I do to an extent understand why others feel complicated when it comes to him. LL isn't introduced like one of those green tea b*tches that scheme the downfall of the MC while the MC and ML are being all lovey-dovey and drinking pink milk from the f*cking same glass. No, she fleshed his character really... more>> well. He was very humane, had his insecurities, anxieties.

Spoiler

The novel began introducing Lin Linyuang as a sweet, eager to please guy -he didn't voice a lot of opinions -the ML finds this endearing at first but he also feels helpless because he wants his partner to voice his opinions because communication is important in a relationship. This is nothing out of the usual - when people fancy someone, they pretend to like the same things as they do but later we see this manifest into something big. This Lingyuang simply doesn't communicate ! Throughout the chapters we see the ML trying to coax the LL while LL just smiles outwardly and holds several greivances in his heart. Look at this from the ML's point of view, the guy he's dating just gets all peevish but never elaborates, how frustrating it must be to have any conversation with such a person??

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Now, y'all say the guy has his anxieties, his environment shaped him up this way. Which I agree is a feasible reason as to why LL has turned out to be like this. When you are out there with no shelter on your head, no idea how you'l get your next meal -you'd be insecure and you'd want to stubboronly hold onto the things you have. But that doesn't excuse the way he acted to the ML. He is a fully grown adult -he should be considered responsible for his actions.

Spoiler

Also, concerning his attachment to pen xianqiu and his sister. Listen buddy, it wasn't even a mistake on their part but blatant disregard, ignorance accompanied by a delusional sense of superiority. Pen xianqiu was nosy, greedy person who tried to scheme but had no brains to do so, ended up screwing things upand his sister she literally stalked ?groped? The MC. LL is responsible for the things the brother sister did. He took them on going against everyone. If you recommend someone for a job, you are taking some of the responsibilty for their actions. There weren't even covert about it, LL knew what all they got up to. If he was ignorant he could be exonerated from ther responsibilty, if he was naive and had not continously been adviced by the ML, he could have been forgiven. It would have been fine if it was once, but they blundered all the time and LL would just close his eyes . Let me reiterate, this guy is a fully grown man. He should know how to sort out his social dealings and just be able distinsction between the good and the bad.

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There's a principle once bitten, twice shy. LL clearly doesn't follow that.

Also, for people claiming they dislike the ML for being disloyal to LL, I think he acted aptly
Spoiler

showered his bf with praises, affection and even sorted out his career. Maybe they were attracted to each other but neither had any designs, neither acted inappropriately. He just discovered that this cold face guy was actually quite soft hearted and took a liking to his simple mindedness. He did pay attention to ML but his affections were that of a caring senior to a budding artist. As for the MC, it was admiration for the other man's acting skills.

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For those who claimed that the ML did not pay attention to ML - C'mon guys, would you rather he ignore his boyfriend at the time ??I am sorry, if he did pamper the MC while ditching LL, then I would say he's not worthy of the MC, or LL or any man, woman, non-binary person. Noone needs such a scummy man.

Spoiler

Last of all, the ML/LL relationship would have been unfair to LL as well, he's clearly not able to open up to ML, deems most of his feelings to have originated from gratitude and has unresolved feelings about his sexuality.

Also, although LL did have some feelings about being a man and dating another man, I think the author was trying to emphisize how he viewed ML as his saviour and associated him with feelings of security - a feeling of security that he had not found all those years on the street.

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It's not wrong for him to long for security, we are all humans but perhpas LL wanted a godfather to watch over him and he mistook those feelings for love.I don't hate the LL and I do hope he can sort this out. <<less
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tofumofu
tofumofu rated it
July 9, 2021
Status: --
a decent novel. I quite liked it.

the main character is quite cute. Cant help but want to cheer him on.

i saw a lot of other reviews criticizing the novel bc of the antagonist (?)

... more>> i feel like these people seem to forget that this is a novel? If everyone was perfect it wouldnt make for a good story 😂😂 plus his flaws were established early on in the novel, like within the first few chapters and it progressively deepens.

and like yes, everyone has anxiety (myself too- got GAD). And I understand relating with the antagonist regarding this but you cant expect everyone to be understanding and accommodating you all the time bc of yr anxiety.

the ML didnt dump the guy bc of his anxiety or insecurity. He did it bc the exbf kept making shitty choices with bAd consequences despite being advised by the ml.

Spoiler

plus its literally said early on that the antagonist is straight. And he uses s*x as a means of coaxing the ML so..

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idk im just annoyed at some of the reviews that seem to omit certain things and highlight other things just to make the ML and the novel look bad.

the novel isnt perfect but its definitely undeserving of some of these awful reviews

at this point I realise I seem to be reviewing the reviews instead lmao 😂 <<less
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King of No Killing
King of No Killing rated it
January 10, 2021
Status: Completed
I cried. I literally cried after reading this, while reading this, and even when I was just remembering this. I really want to say a lot of things about this novel but I don't think I can find the right words to describe how happy and emotional I am. I've been reading several danmei, bl novels and this is my first time being so desperate and impatient to continue reading an ongoing novel. It's my first time using google translate (GT) just to read the remaining 51-137 chapters. And I... more>> have never been so grateful to the creators of google translate than I am now. I didn't use the MTL version since I think GT is better and understandable.
Ok now going to the novel. I won't discuss here one by one why this novel deserves high recognition. The beginning was a bit dull well since the author had just been building the characters. But let me tell you this. I have never been, EVER, been full from eating a lot of dog food than I am now. I think I have diabetes just by reading this awe-fckng-mazing story. The character developments are all very solid. The stories of every film are so real! I really thought I was watching an award winning movie along with it's behind-the-scenes interactions. I love all the 4 films they did - The Apostles, Zerge III, Running All the Way, and The Queen. I was quite emotional reading their scenes from The Queen. Sigh.
I really love their interactions. How can someone be so in love? And I had a thought of being ok not having a love life if only I can read their love story without end. And I also thought of how good would it be to fall in love and love someone unconditionally like they did. The only disappointment I had was the missing 1500 words😭 I tried buying raw chapters but my mastercard is not in the option list for payment. But oh well! Everything was so bloody good!
And let me share to you this. It's my first time, after graduating from uni, being so irresponsible of staying up all night till 6am during a working day because I can't stop myself from clicking next to read the following chapters. For straight 3 days I only slept for less than 10 hours. Now I can finally lie down and sleep. Again thank you. Thank you, Author, for bringing such love stories into life. I will forever remember this. All the love!

Updated: I still can't get over this.😭 I've been trying to look for another novel so I can finally move on from this novel but I just can't! All the highly recommended ones even those with showbiz tags just cant compare to this! I've already dropped 8 novels! They're good but not as bloody good as this one. Sighhhh. Help please.

Edited (06/05/21) : Anddddd it's already been 5 months and damn it! I still can't get over this. Still looking for a novel which is on par with HTSILY.

Edited (11/03/22) : I just wanna say that it has already been more than a year now since I finished reading this. And here I am, rereading it. I'm already at chapter 60 and I still can't believe that the ML and his soon to be ex-lover haven't broken up yet. How did I even manage to go through this phase of the story last time? <<less
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hy-d-ra
hy-d-ra rated it
September 13, 2020
Status: Completed
It's good enough. There are several things that could be improved imo to get it even better. First I'd fix the summary, because basically the beginning is mostly like this: the oppressed by his family, stigmatized and not allowed to enter family business, despite trying to be helpful and never coveting position of an heir, Xiao Shu lives an empty and bored life not knowing what to do after returning from abroad. To tug him out from this state his mother decides to use her connections and put him in... more>> a movie crew to wake his childhood joy from acting again. He comes with a carefree, not caring mind, but when he is brought into play by Ji Mian his long lost interest is bursting again.

RATE: 4 / 5. I have some things to add :) but before that, let's start from the good parts I found interesting.

Interesting parts (all imo of course) :

  • The whole idea that ML starts with a different partner, Lin Yeyang. It actually puts both Xiao Shu and this third wheel into contrasting positions. Xiao Shu is outwardly not as outgoing and not a crowd pleaser, but actually an honest and cute person inside, on the contrary the ex goes into entertainment with a goal and holds some calculations in his mind (you can see this obvious nature when ML catches his thoughts of calculatingly thinking of allowing ML to sleep with him and thus "fix" their conflict). Lin Yeyang maybe comes from good feelings, but they're not love, it's gratitude, but he takes a lot of good things done by ML for granted and contradictingly wants to keep his "dignity", yet not really giving things in return. Xiao Shu in this aspect is very different, his character feets ML more due to open appreciation, he doesn't look at what ML does for him as something that will belittle his character, with his family situation he long wanted this kind of pampering love and care.
  • The slow burn fits well, it's practically more than 70+ chapters when MC and ML get together. First is a slow foundation of a failed relationship and lack of understanding of ML and Lin Yeyang, but later is the change to a right person, which ML was careful to choose, but in the end never regretted.
  • The character of Lin Yeyang isn't simply some vendictive white lotus, he is indeed jealous and does several bad things, but it's nothing compared to severe maliciousness, he's basically blackens more in the process. His uncertainty shows his lack of trust in Ji Mian and his feelings. Also he's nto treated unfairly after their break-up, ML never suppressed him or retaliated.
  • The fact that MC didn't get al the roles, although he's considered good, I found this detail of him not getting roles or having to leave one crew due to internal problems quite refreshing. It showed his growth as well as his warm and honest nature. It was interesting to watch how he generously said - I don't fit.
  • Some movie plots were also refreshing or some scenes were really touching, they were tailored well to fit the progress of people later acceptance of them being together.
Things I'd fix (imo as well of course :) ) :

  • The way ML got his ability. I'd just go with a burst of white light instead of a tip of sci-fi.
  • The ending was crumbled. It's actually because the first part was so laid out in details and many events that last ten chapters feel rushed, I'd incorporated the foes of last chapters way earlier to make it more natural and I'd give them different setting, because Mr. Liu had setting similar with LYL (entire jealous, feeling threatened etc. It honestly fet rushed), because the idea behind it is quite OK, but the execution is not well-thought through.
  • More development on the family side, it felt a bit lacking.
  • More development on the prejudice against gay people, so it can justify Xiao Shu's mother actions more in depth and LYL fear. It doesn't require much, just comparison to some real consequences of a live example, not guesses. The rest is just minor details.
All in all it's a good novel to spend time on (MTL is quite easy). It has some settings that I haven't met in other novels, so it felt new and refreshing to explore. It definitely had some flaws and loopholes, which marred the image a bit, but still I think it's good. <<less
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alamerysl
alamerysl rated it
November 21, 2018
Status: Completed
I read this mainly through mtl (my first time mtling a novel!) and it was pretty understandable.

MC is pretty adorable and sweet and straightforward, while ML is strong and possessive and loving.

There were quite a few arcs in the evolution of this relationship, with a lot of family drama and internet online escapades remniscent of some of the modern setting arcs in "Quickly Wear the Face of the Devil". The face-slapping antics were rather satisfying to read.

Overall, the relationship between MC & ML was very sweet and gentle and loving.

... more>>
Spoiler

Actually, they didn't even get together until around chapter 90 which drove me a bit insane. I kept reading and reading into the wee hours of the night and only went to sleep at 5am when they finally got together.

Also, in one of the final arcs (the second to last I think?), MC's mom finds out that MC & ML are together and reacts how a high strung asian parent who deeply loves their child but pushes them a lot would. She's pretty resistant to the relationship for a long while, even separating them and taking away MC's phone. It was a bit too uncomfortably realistic. She finally relents and is even happy to know that MC & ML are already married because at least this means they're serious about each other and that the relationship isn't a whim on either of their parts. If you don't want unexpected and realistic h*mophobia in your escapism literature, then just watch out for that bit.

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picasso
picasso rated it
April 26, 2023
Status: --
I feel like the author made the ex a villain just because he was not the MC. Feeling insecure, miscommunication and jealousy are common in every relationship. Here the ex might have done wrong by not properly communicating his needs to the ML but he was not a bad person. And in the end didn't his guess become true? He was jealous that his own bf was paying more attention to someone else and might be falling for him and in the end didn't end up being true? In a... more>> relationship if there is miscommunication or other problems then both the partners are equally responsible for it. I feel like if it was in some other novel then the ML will the scum who will eventually cheat on his BF or leave his BF because he fell out of love or fell in love with someone else. And the ex will the main character who has low self esteem and has been betrayed or abandoned by his lover and will get revenge in the future. And the MC will the white lotus bit*h who will always act naïve. <<less
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Kyaaaaaaaaa
Kyaaaaaaaaa rated it
November 6, 2022
Status: Completed
I know this novel was supposed to be a light hearted read. But I don't care. I was expecting a light hearted read, but with the way the novel was set up in the beginning, it made me hope for more, leading to my current critics. Feel free to disagree, I'm just putting my thoughts in.

This novel had so much missed potential. I don't think you all understand how good it could've been.

It first starts out with MC (a brat on the outside but somewhat naive on the inside)... more>> and ML (already taken, trying to be a saint figure, etc.). ML has a very bad impression of MC at first, but soon realized to not judge others by their appearance once he gets his mind-reading ability.

However, the ML's mind reading abilities is also a curse. The human mind has hundreds of varying thoughts (some completely horrendous) in just a minute. With the ML's special ability, he becomes somewhat of judge of the people he encounters and bases his actions on that (like Light from DN but a milder version). It's honestly such an intriguing notion. With this type of ability, the distaste toward human nature is inevitable right? Even our MC doesn't escape this in the beginning of the novel.

Mild Spoiler Important for Plot Analysis

Spoiler

For example, when ML's boyfriend (who is hardworking but incredibly insecure, too focused on being indebted to others, and slightly manipulative in his actions) kept messing up on his acting scenes, MC recorded his face thinking it was highly amusing (MC for the time of two chapters when he first got into acting was very confident in his acting). ML could read his thoughts and got mad, deciding then to exert his pressure in a scene with the MC and embarrass him, which ended up actually triggering some of the MC's trauma (here, ML is acting as a partial judge). ML's boyfriend gloats in his head and wishes ML to punish MC more.

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I love this scene, because it shows how complex the human mind is. No one is truly good, despite the ML's boyfriend being a "ball of sunshine" or the MC being "innocent/naive and hardworking" or the ML being "respected and kind." ML's ability has him acting as a (unwarranted) judge, and it also shows him the undesired parts of the human mind.

Mind you, these scenes were in the beginning of the novel. The characters were all complex, and I could relate and disagree with each one of them.

But then, after the MC awakened his love for acting (same scene the ML tried to embarrass him on), everything changes. MC does a 180, going into passionate and hardworking and more innocent and Mary Sue as the novel progresses. ML's boyfriend (an originally relatable character) becomes more villainous at the hands of the author.

And ML is just bland... He continuously limits his lower line for his boyfriend (despite getting further glimpses of his BF's mindset) while taking care of the MC in the name of acting (and slowing finding comfort in MC's simple minded (?) nature, which I would like to add is contradictory to MC's setup in the beginning). After a while, ML's boyfriend gets thrown to the curb for his actions. MC and ML get together eventually and then it really sucks ass after that.

It was still good before they got together (there were so many moments that balanced out the missing elements, such as the acting scenes and cute interactions between ML and MC), but after they did, it was horrible dog food. Not the good kind that has you squealing, but the kind that makes you go "please please dear god let this be over." And sure I skimmed after that, but I'm still left with questions: "How did ML get that power?"; "Shouldn't he go insane with all the minds he hears?" ;"MC is human, it can't be that all his thoughts are I LOVE ML HES PERFECT right???"; "Was the trauma of ML and MC explained properly??".

I'm not sure if I'm explaining this well, but this novel just missed so much. Our characters could've been complex. We also could've had more MC brother time with his estranged cold but doting older brother (damn I would die for their cute moments together). Acting scenes MC faces no major challenges on after finding his love for acting (also wish we elaborated more on how MC would literally sacrifice himself to learn acting) . ML could've been the most fascinating character here with his ability.. but he came out as bland.

And finally, MC's nature should not have been introduced as "socially unapt, hardworking, but also has some devious human qualities (cocky at times in the beginning, and enjoy ppl's embarrassment) if he was going to turn into some passionate and hardworking justice-driven kid whose flaws get all fixed through his passion of acting. And ML falls in love with that unrealistic self.

Overall, it is just meh... Because there were so many good points that were just skimmed over and could've made this novel stellar. Anyways, that's my two cents. I'm sure I didn't explained everything as well as I should've. I'm also sure I'm over analyzing this and should've enjoyed the novel for what it was. But as someone who enjoys novels that make a big impact, and seeing a novel that could've done the same, it irks me a bit. Overall this novel isn't bad at all. It's suitable for a light binge read. But why be a light binge read when you can be stunning? <<less
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justsomebread
justsomebread
March 3, 2022
Status: c56.1
Hmm Mixed feelings about this one. I did enjoy reading it until about chapter 56. I'll try to explain.

First, The ML is genuinely gay and is already dating someone before getting with the MC. I like this bc it tr*shes the "I'm not gay, I'm just into you" trope. Like that in itself isn't bad, but it's so over used and it kinda feels like way to write something gay without writing gay characters? Also I also see in BL, both protags are almost always gay virg*ns. Even should they... more>> identify as gay they either have never slept with a man besides the other protag. ML is 30 year old gay man who likes men and enjoys s*x. He is in a committed relationship with a man already. There's none of that "You're the only man I ever slept with or loved" that BL is FILLED with. AND like I get it, I'm not dunking on it. It's just nice to see something outside of that box.

BUT.... The ML's boyfriend is a straight man who only started dated him out of gratitude and admiration and has no s*xual attraction to the ML. This is not inherently bad. I don't think the BF is a bad person, and I will get to my thoughts on him. But lying to your partner and pretending like you enjoy or want s*x with them... is well terrible. That's incredibly damaging. What if you were dating someone for a while and it was pretty serious and you found out everytime you had s*x, they hated it and just endured it to make you happy? I would be destroyed. Writing a gay man as unknowingly having s*x with his partner who dislikes it and only endures to make them happy... is really f*cked up. Also the "straight" partner also secretly feels like there is an uneven power dynamic.

Also the mind-reading element seems unnecessary. It's kind of like a weak plot device. It's shown as the only way the ML can have any real understanding of the people around him and that's kind of sad. Also when they brought in aliens to give the ML mind-reading abilities I nearly lost my mind. Aliens or anything supernatural besides the mind-reading, is never brought up in the main plot. This was was just weird if anything.

The ML's BF I liked because he was flawed and relatable. The story has been trying to make him seem more and more unlikable so the ML has a reason to dump him. The BF is a very insecure person, and seems very troubled. His relationship with the ML is f*cked up any many ways and they don't communicate well. BF feels very inferior to ML and alotta of his struggles and darker thoughts are understandable. Also we all think f*cked and mean things. That's different that saying or acting on them. The more pure and innocent the MC is and all his thoughts are as a foil to the BF, the more likable the BF is.

The MC.... sigh he seems emotionally immature and he is 20, so it's understandable. He grew up rich and ultimately sheltered. But the mature 30-something ML, he's mentally and physically in another point of his life. The MC is cute and likable, but it doesn't make me want to read romance between ML and MC. Also the MC is super talented at acting naturally and is actually super hardworking and insanely smart and really nice and well it's alot. BF is often very jealous of MC and well, he has every reason to be. MC grew up rich and despite the bad blood between him and his Dad/Grandpa, he is doted on by his mom who has amazing connections and is actually still really famous with tons and tons of fans. His cold, super powerful older brother even backs him up. And ML the best actor ever also backed him up. And well BF isn't as talented as him or good looking or well connected and has to rely on his BF from all backing who seems to be unable to understand human emotion or BF at all.

The villains are all super evil and you should hate them and they suck and blah blah blah.

The part with where the MC had to pretend to be homeless was what did it in for me. It touches on how f*ckin hard and terrible it is to be considered society's lowest. The MC to better his acting pretends to be homeless and slums it with the poors for 3 days. And then he went back to being rich and was like "being homeless is tough! let's donate some money!" and then everyone praised him for actually living like someone with no money, no home for 3 days. He ate from garbage cans and was beat up by people!! How sad for him!! He's not a spoiled rich boy at all!!! What the f*ck. He pretended to be poor and beg for money and rely on other REAL homeless people EVEN A CHILD to prefect his acting. And then is was used to show how kind and hardworking and humble he was. THERE LITERALLY WAS A HOMELESS CHILD WHO HELPED HIM PRETEND TO BE POOR WHILE HIS BODYGUARDS WATCHED AND PITIED HIM. This made me lose all sympathy for the MC. WHat kind of out of touch rich person garbage is that? what if a famous actor released footage of them dressed in rags and begging for food for a few days and it was so they could play a role better? And it was released to show how hardworking and humble they are whatever. HE DIDNT EVEN DO IT FOR AWARENESS OR GET DONATIONS FOR THE POOR AND HOMELESS NO IT WAS FOR ACTING EXPERIENCE. UGh im so pissed im gonna stop there <<less
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Rubyspecs
Rubyspecs rated it
February 27, 2022
Status: c106
The novel was very nice and interesting to read, like from the part when ML gains mind reading abilities and reads the thoughts of MC. The chemistry was also awesome and entertaining.

But personally ML was a two faced hypocrite..... he liked everything to be under his control and he put all the blame on his ex for their tumultuous snd titirng relationship. It was obvious that they just didn't matched together, like they were not fated. If he wouldn't had got mind rearing abilities he would have continued in... more>> that sugar coated romance with his ex on surface and wouldn't be able to appreciate and fall for MC.

He thought himself of some kind of judge or lord, comparing and judging people around him by reading their inner thoughts, not realizing that he was being the most shameless one by invading other's privacy. With what face he dared to judge others.

Spoiler

And the ex was actually a normal guy. I found him the most innocent person. Like he was being blamed for his inferiority and jealousy. These are normal human emotions okay. And was it his fault to feel insecure when his boyfriend would smile tenderly towards MC and act with courtesy towards him. He had his own struggle, he couldn't be carefree and act only acting sake, he had to earn money, gain fame and be constantly under pressure as he had no connections or resources and was not naturally talented as MC. He indeed had negative thoughts or got influenced or swept away by his douchebag of an agent, but was it his fault that he hadn't got mind reading abilities like that of jerk Ml. He was new to the circle and was being compared with MC every now and then. He was a pitiful guy I guess.

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Kthp
Kthp rated it
March 31, 2021
Status: Completed
10/10 this story is so romantic and wholesome. I wish I could reread like it was the first time and get those butterflies in my stomach. You get to see the ML truly fall in love with MC (and vice versa, but honestly ML's feelings are gold). MC (my bby Sapling 🌳) is super lovable. The tropes that often frustrate me have reasonable, good resolutions and honestly nothing can stand in the way of these boys' love. It was an easy enough story to MTL, I'm happy it was picked... more>> up- the translations are really good.

So if you want fluff with character growth all around (even MC's family!) then this is for you. <<less
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Qifengxx
Qifengxx rated it
August 2, 2020
Status: c10
Just a few chapters was enough for me drop this novel; MC is lazy, weak, and spends months playing computer games and not eating because he was being bullied by his family. He claims to understand everyone and their actions but becomes the most insensible character in the whole novel. Blegh!
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Beccablue
Beccablue rated it
May 3, 2020
Status: c36
The translation quality is pretty good and it's an easy read.

I find the way Ji Mian is written interesting. Hearing people's thoughts while not reacting and also having things you thought be revealed in a new light is something that I haven't seen in many novels. I adore the MC and his mum.

I think this is worth a read. If it's not you taste, you aren't worse off. Unlike some stories I have read that I disliked so much that I was angry after for wasting my time. ? I will... more>> be reading when it gets updated. So, that's how much I am enjoying it so far. I will continue to read it. This story so far has made me want to see where it goes and what happens next.

Thanks to the translators and editors that have been working on this project. <<less
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Alexa Esme
Alexa Esme rated it
February 14, 2020
Status: Completed
I. LOVE. THIS. STORY. PERIOD.

This is one of the best books I've ever read n is so perfect. I've already MTLed this n I don't regret it. It's absolutely amazing n funny n heart warming n romantic n just makes u smile till ur cheeks hurt n squeal to the point ur mom or anyone throws their shoe at u. The MC is the DEFINITION of adorable n I just wish I had him in my pocket so I could treasure him forever. He's extremely talented, kind, genuinely earth-shatteringly innocent,... more>> simple minded n hard working. His thought process is also endearing n hilarious. N the way he tries to help everyone n forgive n forgets easily is so refreshing to me since I've already read so many vengeful face-slapping MCs.

The way acting n everything is described is absolutely perfect n I can easily envision it. On top of that usually in acting novels, the author fails to convince me why the MC is different n what's so special about them n if they truly deserve the attention n I've excessive love they receive. But I never needed any convincing from this novel from the very beginning. Bcuz Jiashu (MC) was so damn hard working to the point I wanted to honestly cry n give him everything. His kindness, dedication to his goals n his thoughts to certain things would make u feel so unworthy to be part of the same species as him if u were to ever stand next to him.

Spoiler

When he took a pic with the famous actors n they were waiting for him to post it but he didn't cuz those pics were just for him to be kept as precious memories. To him, he strongly believes hard work represents everything.

N the most heart wrenching scene, when in his acting class, he was assigned to play a tramp n while the other students recorded themselves in their given roles (they only played those roles for half a day) n posted it online to get laughs n more attention from fans, he quietly did his assignment as a legit beggar for 3 straight days. Even sleeping on the streets n when others even bullied n threw things at him on the street, he just covered himself with his arms but didn't stop them cuz he was playing a weak tramp, n he didn't want to break out of character until the deadline was up. After that when the deadline was up, he changed n called his mom to thank her for giving him a good life, food n house n how he wanted to create a general shelter for these beggars in the area he had been acting in.

N when his manager asked why he wasn't posting it, after some grueling from her, he finally said that (I cried at this reason) his mom would eventually see the video n he knew she would feel hurt n sad at seeing her son like that n then said that he'd rather face hate n insults (netizens were saying he wasn't working hard n assumed he didn't do his assignment cuz he didn't post anything like the others) than see his mother sad???

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As for the romance, it's so AMAZING. The both of them love each other more than the air. They're perfect for each other to the point I feel like they were originally meant to be one perfect human n were just separated at birth. The ML takes time to fall in love cuz he has a lover but later on he falls so hard to the point that even his fans n crew members notice that if there's no MC, the ML doesn't even bother putting up his gentle n kind facade n just becomes colder than the arctic n moodier than a woman in pregnancy.

Overall, it's a billion star rated story n is just perfect. Its a light hearted read n can just make ur day. I just wish it was translated more often n faster. <<less
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rhianirory
rhianirory rated it
March 9, 2019
Status: Completed
i liked this better than There's a Beauty by the same author but I had my issues with it. The MC is the naive, dependent type who is fine on his own but once he's with his love interest his whole world and all his future revolve around that person. Since I'm not much of a sub myself I don't really understand such a submissive attitude and I don't connect well with this type of MC. His so-called poison tongue doesn't last very long and falls out of the story... more>> fairly quickly, which was disappointing (there was a lot of potential here for humor by contrasting what he thinks with what comes out of his mouth but the author didn't follow through on that aspect). I do like how serious the MC becomes once he decides he really wants to act and he even starts taking notes about everything on the set. Of course, that's before he falls in love and loses the ability to think on his own.

there were several times I wanted to wack the ML, mostly in the first 100 chapters or so, then once they got together I wanted to wack the MC for losing most of his brain power and reverting to a ten year old who needs to be taken care of (he has a masters for f**ks sake, but all his brains dribbled out his ears as soon as he fell in love). There's a lot of sweet moments once they finally get together and the ending is satisfying.

Spoiler

there were two things I didn't like. First was the MC's Mom's freak out. She's been so strong and forward thinking that the sudden backpedaling into "proper" conservative values is a little jarring, especially coming from someone who spent time in the entertainment circle. She does, however, come around pretty quickly and the family stuff is nicely settled in the end.

number 2: I don't like the long amount of time and focus placed on the ML's first boyfriend. I really wish that they had broken up before/at the start of the story because he's got the personality and qualities I like least in people; I don't care about his motivations or his insecurities nor do I feel anything for him other than annoyed. I don't mind slow romance and I would have been fine if the two still didn't get together until 100 chapters later, but was done with that guy showing up after about three chapters; so much page space was dedicated to his POV and his whining, jealousy and self-pity got to me in the end. He made me start skipping sections so I wouldn't have to read it anymore. This story actually lost a star because of him.

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Lucy666
Lucy666 rated it
August 12, 2023
Status: Completed
Well written, well translated, and the author actually knows how to write romantic fluff without making it greasy!

First of all, I'd like to say, I absolutely LOVE the way the author wrote the characters. It's not just the main characters, but everyone. Every character, even ... more>>
Spoiler

the ML's ex, has a certain depth. The characters feel real, they feel alive. They act like real human beings who have their likes and dislikes, who stay within the boundaries of humanity, who act like people in a civilized world. Not all characters are good or loveable, but all of them have depth.

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The fluff, the progression of romance, the love and respect the main characters have for each other, the familial bonds—everything is in place. The villains are not over the top. Everything they do has a motive, even if that motive is emotions. Characters are emotional, they make mistakes and sometimes they also suffer from the consequences of those mistakes.

Ik there are a lot of people coming out to say "the ML is so hypocritical, he broke up with his boyfriend who'd been with him for so many years just because he could hear his thoughts and didn't like it." The ML did not break up with his ex because he could suddenly read minds.
Spoiler

They broke up because the ML realised that his ex wasn't gay in the first place and was forcing himself just because he felt grateful. His ex had worked himself into a victim mentality, he just thought he had to pay back the ML for his generosity in some way, and thus decided to accept him as a romantic partner.

The ML realised his ex had never been happy with him. He tried to make up for it by treating his ex better, he turned their relationship platonic because he could see his ex wasn't comfortable with physical relationships with him. He gave him everything he could and tried hard to take responsibility for a mistake he hadn't made knowingly. Otherwise, why do you think this story has 130+ chapters? It's because half the time ML is in a committed relationship with somebody else!

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ML and his ex weren't compatible at all. ML had a strong desire to control, and his ex was the same, and while the ML could and did take responsibility for things he took under his wings, the ex always ran to the ML because he had never been capable enough. ML tried hard to keep his relationship with his ex, but some things must be let go. (The ex doesn't get a bad ending. He learns to live for himself, he learns to stand on his own feet. He doesn't have to force himself to be in a relationship with a man as a straight man. He's got so much character development.)

The MC, on the other hand, needs somebody to take care of him because he's very innocent and naive. However, he's not an airhead. He can take care of himself, he's self sufficient. But just because somebody can do something doesn't mean they want to do it. He doesn't need somebody to protect him, but he does want somebody to protect him. You could say the ML and MC have very complimentary personalities. So it makes sense that they get together and their relationship progresses so well.

Love and relationships and emotions are not something you can quantify. "They seem to be progressing so fast!" They already had a tacit understanding. ML can mindread. MC is naive, innocent and trusting and all he wants is to act well and live a happy life with his loved ones. If he was alone, he would've learnt to survive and scheme and defend himself, but he clearly doesn't need to.

Spoiler

There's also a small crematorium plot before they get together, and I must say, this is probably my favourite kind of crematorium. They didn't hurt each other. They didn't make mistakes. The ex created a misunderstanding and that misunderstanding was solved easily. Some say that the MC overreacted, that he should've asked the ML, but why? And how? They weren't lovers, they were friends at that time. He wasn't equipped to ask the ML such a sensitive question that had so many landmines. In what capacity could he ask the ML whether he was gay and in a relationship with his ex? He didn't want to lose the friendship of the ML, and the best way was to not let the ML know that he liked him in the first place. I don't see anything wrong with how MC reacted.

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The translation of this story has gone through many hands, but I'm so, so grateful towards all the translators who worked on this project, because this story is a gem. It's fluffy, has a good plot, isn't repetitive, doesn't have dog blood, and it feels very refreshing to read it. <<less
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