One Life, One Incarnation – Beautiful Bones

Description

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

Beautiful bones. Rare in this world.

Those with bone do not have skin. Those with skin do not have bone.

Most people’s eyes are shallow, seeing only the skin-deep appearance and not the ‘bones,’ the appearance of the inside.”

The “bones” and “skin” are metaphorical and taken from an ancient text in which these are actually referring to inner and outer beauty, respectively. Most people are shallow and only see outward beauty and fail to acknowledge inner beauty.

The female lead, Shi Yi, has memories of her past life in which her heart belonged to Zhousheng Chen. That life ended in tragedy for them, and in this life, her only goal and desire is to find him again… and one day, she does. He does not look the same, but she knows that beneath the outer appearance, it is him. He, however, does not remember her.

Associated Names
One entry per line
Forever and Ever (drama) Part 2
One and Only (drama) Part 1
ทุกชาติภพ กระดูกงดงาม
一生一世美人骨
Related Series
Life: A Black and White Film (Shared Universe)
Recommendations
Mulberry Song (2)
Faithful to Buddha, Faithful to You (1)
Mei Gongqing (1)
To Be A Virtuous Wife (1)
Together Forever (1)
Golden Age Legitimate Fei (1)
Recommendation Lists
  1. Favorite B/G Historical Novels
  2. Modern Romance
  3. My next 5 out of 5 !!!
  4. Longer Novellas
  5. Love, Zuliate

Latest Release

Date Group Release
10/21/15 Hui3r weibo random scenes...
10/10/15 Hui3r epilogue 3 +...
10/07/15 Hui3r epilogue 2
10/03/15 Hui3r epilogue 1
09/30/15 Hui3r final chapter
09/26/15 Hui3r c17.3
09/23/15 Hui3r c17.2
09/19/15 Hui3r c17.1
09/16/15 Hui3r c16.3
09/12/15 Hui3r c16.2
09/09/15 Hui3r c16.1
09/05/15 Hui3r c15.3
09/02/15 Hui3r c15.2
08/29/15 Hui3r c15.1
08/26/15 Hui3r c14.3
Go to Page...
Go to Page...
Write a Review
40 Reviews sorted by


Choufleur
Choufleur rated it
March 31, 2022
Status: Completed
Many of the reviews say the story is slow, but I beg to differ.

The pacing of story is very tight and feels like the author is moving a lamp to show glimpses of a large tapestry, and even at the end, you don't yet see the edges of this vast world.

Neither ML nor FL are impulsive ppl without responsibilities, so naturally they don't immediately display big gestures. But the devil's in the details - and so poignant! Translation quality is also top-notch with detailed and relevant footnotes and pictures.

Mild spoiler for ending:

Spoiler

Its a HE but there's tragedy and I definitely cried in parts.

[collapse]
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Riyasharma
Riyasharma rated it
February 10, 2022
Status: Completed
The best thing about this drama should be the blend of historical romance in a modern day setting. And both the male and female characters are very different. Their personalities are so calm that even I feel calm reading their dialogues.
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
EnchantedMe
EnchantedMe rated it
September 19, 2020
Status: Completed
I personally quite enjoy reading this novel, it's full of mystery yet tender and fragile love. Some people might not enjoy it as much due to how independent and accommodating MC is towards her situation. However that is what ML loves about MC the most. That no matter what goes wrong in his life. Whether it be family trouble to over working. That when he is with the MC, she is like his small sunshine that heals his lonely and tired soul without having to worry about anything else. Therefore... more>> I dont really dislike how independent and accommodating MC is because its explained in the story about how they both feel and see each other. MC even says that she loves how passionate and devoted ML is about his work that she does not mind waiting for him. Same goes for ML, this just goes to show how supportive and respectful they are towards each others personal and work life. Yes, he invaded her personal info in the beginning but it's only because he needs to know MC approached him with good intentions only. If anyone grew up in such a family like him they would also do the same just to be safe. It's also mentioned in the story through some type of chinese poetry how they both feel towards each other. Therefore the story is like an ancient china theme novel but in modern times. It's kind of hard to understand the poetry at first but then the poetry she used meant exactly how she feels to reassure ML that no he is not being selfish or unreasonable. He repays her back with some dirty poetry too. Kind of in a way to also reassure her that he really does love her because those dirty poetry hides really deep meanings. It's just that he can't openly show it or else the people around him will know his only weakness and use it against him. They both do go through a lot just to stay together, so it's kind of like a character growth too. She had to be accommodating and understanding towards ML because if shes the type of MC who loves questioning and going around causing havoc then wouldn't he lose more than gain? Therefore, this truly shows how much they worked together to fight and push through this big obstacle. Plus it's not good to know too much as it's dangerous for her, but she clearly understands the danger and basic info of ML background. Therefore staying average doesnt do MC any harm. Rather it helps ML in the long run because then no one would be eyeing to harm her. When the author puts it this way it's more logical than fictional. Not everything in life is going to go smoothly just because they are the MC and ML. Therefore the author clearly portrayed to us readers a more realistic outlook of how authentic traditional chinese culture is like with a twist of idealistic chinese fantasy here and there. Which is a perfect mix of the two.

At the beginning we get to see from MC POV about their past life together and in this life she devoted herself to stay alongside ML to help him because in the last life it was him who protected and loved her. Eventually ML starts falling for her hard from the beginning and no matter how dark his family is he can't bear the thought of separating himself from MC. You have to keep in mind that MC is a peerless beauty while he on the other hand is just a normal looking man. At the beginning he just didnt believe that the MC approached him with good intentions. However our MC openly pursues him and he slowly allowed her into his life and fully accepts her into his black family history because of how accommodating she is towards him. It's a way of showing to the MC that he finally feels safe with one person who does not know anything about how dark his family is but is willingly to blindly trust and accept any unreasonable event going on. She wanted to prove to ML that he can trust and depend on her. Which ML understood and he in returned wanted to protect her but plans fail here and there because his family is truly too cruel. That's just the life of how authentic traditional chinese family is when money, pride and status is involved. Especially if the outsider whose background isnt so well off gets a freebie to enter into their "luxurious" life without giving any benefits to the family. Then of course the person wont be able to live long. Therefore this story is able to show the behind the scene schemes and how or why they do such things. It may just be a story but it's a story with some real truth and facts. This is just my 2 cent of how I understood the story. I am not saying anything against other peoples opinions. I am just saying that I understood the novel this way hence why I quite enjoyed the novel. Even if there is a lot of drama and mystery behind the scene. MC and ML love is truly the highlight of the story. <<less
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
berryberry
berryberry rated it
June 29, 2020
Status: Completed
Hands down, my favourite novel. And that's really saying something given that I have read so many webnovels.

I don't know how words will do justice to just how incredible it is.

It's so thoughtfully and intricately written, and I have experienced many happy moments, and shed many tears, happy and sad (not due to frustration, just due to how touching and emotional the novel is) throughout reading it (which I did, in one day, because it was that good).

Also the translation by hoju was AMAZING, with plenty of context and explanations... more>> of the historical and cultural references. You can really tell that so much care and effort was put into painstakingly translating the novel and keeping it's essence intact. Hoju's

notes and comments were the cherry on top.

Back to the novel itself...

Here are some things this novel, thankfully, does NOT have:

    • NO angst or misunderstandings between MC and ML.
    • NO aphrodisiac-fulled first encounters.
    • NO frustrating white lotuses or green tea b*tches trying to insert themselves into the MC and ML's relationship.
    • NO sudden amnesia mid-way through the novel.
    • NO abusive ML.
    • NO thoughtless MC.
    • NO filler chapters and endless blabbering for thousands of chapters (yes, we all know such novels exist).
Now, for some of the wonderful things this novel does have:

    • Beautifully written characters.
    • An intricate, thought-provoking, engaging plot that was weaved so well.
    • Sweet, slow-burn romance between MC and ML (with plenty few squeal-worthy moments).
    • A unique and well-developed set-up/premise.
    • Undercurrents of mystery which is slowly and satisfyingly revealed as the novel progresses.
    • A very satisfying ending (and epilogues)
    • I could go on...
Admittedly, in the first few chapters (up until chapter 3) I was a bit like, oh... this seems a little underwhelming, but once you get to the part where...

Spoiler

they get engaged, in chapter 3.1, which is segment 8/56 according to how the translator split the chapters...

[collapse]

things really pick up. Looking back, first few chapters were very necessary in terms of creating a solid foundation for the rest of the novel. Just thought I'd mention that in case some people read like 2 chapters and think it's slow then drop it and miss out.

In short, THIS IS A HIDDEN GEM. PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO READ IT. YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT.

(I can definitely see myself reading this over and over again. If there were a hard copy available in English, I would buy multiple copies and hand them out to all my friends and family). <<less
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Crayon
Crayon rated it
May 13, 2020
Status: --
I've finished reading this long time ago. It's a bittersweet romance. I love how persistent the FL towards ML. Just as we feel like there will be misunderstanding the ML will calmly explain to FL. The ancient times memories bring a bitter taste to me so I try to skip the part as much as I can. The only character I like in this novel is FL and ML. I should've hate this kind of novel but I can't stop myself from prying further. This story made a special place... more>> in my heart. <<less
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
zenriu
zenriu rated it
November 1, 2018
Status: Completed
Highly recommended!!! Do not be dejected at other reviews saying it lacks this and that because this is a novel that will surely strike straight to your heart as it has mine. What I love the most about this novel are the phrases and poems which gives a food for thought as I personally loves life quotes, phrases and poems that makes me think of how I should live my life full of happiness and contentment. So I hope to anyone who loves reading like me do take a chance... more>> to read this amazing and heart warming novel by Mo Bao Fei Bao. <<less
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
BillionJellyfish
BillionJellyfish rated it
November 6, 2017
Status: Completed
Slow and steady wins the race! This story is a hidden gem! It is rare to have a MC in the modern era with memory of their past life, so this was a nice reversal. Even though the story is slow, the character development is real steady and the relationship between the MC and ML is gold. I really like the background of the MC and of how it weaves into the future. I will definitely reread this novel again when I get a chance since the translation really brings... more>> out the poignant atmosphere of the characters and story. <<less
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Junki Yard
Junki Yard rated it
October 30, 2017
Status: Completed
Very slow and steady. My type of couple. Prefect storyline and skilled portrayal but you will feel the urge to pick up a new novel with light and funny romance after this.
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
chocolateiscream
chocolateiscream rated it
September 24, 2017
Status: Completed
This is one of the sweetest story I've read. It is a love that transcends a lifetime. As the story progresses, you can see how her one sided love develops to be a mutual one.

The characters are entangled in a complicated relationship. The story does not divulge these complications but shows you how entangled they are to one another. I basically love the main characters. The supporting characters are given their own spotlight, with enough depth that you won't know whether you love them or hate them. I think that's... more>> the beauty of the characters, they don't act as 2d characters, but rather as members of an ancient family.

The story itself contains a good mixture of romance, mystery and drama. While the romance part between the protagonists are solved earlier on, I thought the story will slowly lose its charm. However, the family issues and intrigues had me going. The right amount of mystery had me wanting for more. By the end of the story, I still want more! Like what happened to this character or that character.

Although this can be tagged as an HE, there are still a lot of unanswered questions that suggests this can be an open-ended one. Still, this sort of ambiguity at the end of it all only adds charm to the story. <<less
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
yokoyama_
yokoyama_
January 30, 2023
Status: --
I remember that I watched the drama first before reading this original novel. Both of them are so heartwarming. I was crying a lot especially when it comes to FL and ML's past. Their love story may be slow, but it has developments. It shows a mature love and its sacrifice.
0 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Yahs
Yahs rated it
October 15, 2022
Status: Completed
I think reviews here had said a lot already. let me just say that for me to recognize a truly good book, is not on the beginning or middle, but after I am done reading. Why? Cuz the empty feeling a reader feel as if something is missing... really can only be explained by how deeply touched and immersed one was by a book. Also, although I love this very much, I just wish he was able to remember... cuz I really want to know how he truly felt in... more>> the past, and was tear jerking as it would be, I really wish we could have a insight on the moment he wrote his final note to her. <<less
0 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
chande
chande rated it
March 9, 2022
Status: Completed
Beautiful story, as expected of Mo Bao Fei Bao's work. I'm not a literary person but I always love a story that could integrate with beautiful poems/verses and MBFB successfully did that in this novel.

But somehow, I stil didn't particularly like how MC and ML interacted with each other. That's why I couldn't give this story a full stars.

... more>>
Spoiler

They both had a tragic pas life with only MC's memories remained intact after reincarnation. That's why she couldn't have a normal life in this lifetime because she was overshadowed by her past memories. She always felt detached from reality and acted like she didn't belong to this era. It didn't change much after she met ML.

ML was like her sun. She always circled around him and her life was solely dedicated for him. I know it was because of her past trauma but it still made me feel uncomfortable. I believe couple should still had their own life to get along with each other better. Being too dependent on the loved one sometimes could make the other one felt burdened. Moreover, MC had her own family, friend, and job but all of those were nothing compared to ML.

I also didn't like how ML always kept MC in the dark and made the decision for MC without even consulting her. MC, who helplessly and blindly loved and trusted her, wasn't even angry at him and was even somewhat happy. But ML's action consequencely plunged her into an unknown danger and made her involved with life-threatening matters over and over again without him being able to protect her in the end (MC was still clueless about it of course but somehow, she could guess it in her heart). I know ML refused to tell her anything because he was afraid she would leave him when she knew the truth but he should know better that she could lose her life when she knew nothing at all.

[collapse]
<<less
0 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Astleystar
Astleystar rated it
November 20, 2021
Status: Completed
hi guys, actually this is not gonna be a review but my rumbling tbh
(and there are spoiler, so read at your own risk. I dont know how to use the spoiler tag ok! Sorry.)

I've read this twice and done watch the drama, overall I just gotta say it's so heart wrenching and heart warming at the same time. How the characters intertwined and felt alive is just so perfect for me, there are several stages that were quite boring and annoying but you could overlooked it, promise.... more>> And the way they behave, are just simply humanly possible 'cause from my perspective those are the things we, real human here do unconsciously or not.

And I just really want to say and ask that, why every single time I read or watched about Nanchen Wang I got so teary eyed and sad?! He just had a s*upidly and really pretty bones?!! (This meant in the positive way alright) huhuhu everytime my heart will be like being gripped real hard whenever his name is mentioned. Shi yi got moved on, but I dont! *Spoiler alert* even when I watch the airport scene alone, I just straight up become a cry baby. Bro! They just met, and nothing else. And me just cry a bucket. Why?!?!

anyway, MBFB is always hooked me with her stories. And my conclusion 'feeling' about this story is just friggin the same as MBFB herself, lol. It stays on my heart, tastes bittersweet for me but they got their happy ending and I cant just imagine how their life will be after 'cause the dot, the point, the full stop of the story is strongly felt. I am really really happy for them, for their lovely ending story. But I dont want this story to end but then again what else is there you want to know right but I want them, Shi Yi and Zousheng Chen just to be with me, around me always, you know? They will be still my boo tho, dear to my heart.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND FROM ME!!! <<less
0 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
whitepopo
whitepopo rated it
July 14, 2019
Status: Completed
What a beautiful love story that slowly simmer in one’s heart that will last forever.
0 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
she christine
she christine rated it
April 29, 2019
Status: Completed
Very beautiful and elegant novel!

this novel will give feeling preserve and old fashioned kinda love but essentially sweet.

its interesting how the love stories goes with poem and song. And I found it rather amusing when ML using poem and discuss it when they are doing xxoo.. Hahaha
0 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Shieri
Shieri rated it
September 27, 2018
Status: c0
what I regret the most is... the story didn't give great detail, just mainly focused on the romance, but put a halt on here and there, so it makes me not really satisfied :x

... more>>
Spoiler

For Instance:

  • Du Feng and Hong Xiaoyu's outcome
  • About Zhou Wenchuan's two lover
    [collapse]
The author put this in halt and not give any further explanation, but, the way the author write before stopping it, it's so abrupt, giving me a feeling that the author want to make me anticipating and thinking that the author is going to give explanation about it, but it turn out that there's no explanation at all <<less
0 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Bushra
Bushra rated it
June 5, 2018
Status: Completed
i loved loved this novel.

This novel was always on my to-read list, but I never had the courage to read it.. For two reasons, one, I usually don't like it when the girl pursue the guy (in novels/drama) and my other reason was that I read some comments saying that this novel was dull and slow.

Well to my surprise, my favorite thing about this novels is the fact that the MC was really into the ML and she never hides it. I loved how she expressed herself and how she... more>> always loved him. And regarding my second reason, I really would say that it was not dull at all! It was really heart fluttering and made me keep reading chapter after chapter without stopping.

I also loved the translation, it was very clear and it shows that the person who was translating it, really loved this novel too.

Now I should go and check my "to-read" list again who knows what else I'm missing. <<less
0 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
chrissy987
chrissy987 rated it
March 31, 2018
Status: epilogue
it is a very poignant slice-of-life read, about a girl with the past life memories, finding her love again and cherishing it. A lot of literary and cultural references that are interesting to flash out the past life's influence on the couple
0 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Aster Anemone
Aster Anemone rated it
January 6, 2018
Status: weibo random scenes & radio skit
Very well constructed and very good translation.

Intensity was like a hike up the mountain slow and steady but very meaningful. I like the plot storyline and execution of main events. It is just that I want to read about other characters too.

The character who committed wrong were not exactly bad as people. This was refreshing. Characters had many shades of gray and were not black and white.
0 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
izznis
izznis rated it
July 29, 2017
Status: Completed
This one of my top favorites novel I've read. As expected of MBFB. I also read her other novels and believe me, they will not disappoint.

This may be a turn off to some of you extreme feminists out there cause the FL isn't the type to choose her independence over love.

In this case, she is so head over heels that she kept the love for her 2 lifetimes. She is the type that is willing to sacrifice everything for her man so that he is happy and be hers. She... more>> will chase, pull and never push. Fortunately, the ML reciprocates.

She is the living model of modern virtuous wife. Although she is not the type to fight head on with her fists and wit, she has her own way. Quiet and gentle yet cuts through the heart like an arrow.

The ML is also not a typical ML. You have to read to understand. He is very hard to describe without spoiling. Let's just say that he is like an igloo; cold on the outside, and only warm to the people who got inside.

The plots are nice. I very much like the poems and literacy values that are endowed within this novel. May be due to the fact that the writer is a professional screenwriter. Although quite short, they aren't rushed. Not too detailed either. The ending is also very... humane.

Credits to the translators for being able to bring out some of the novel's beauty into English. Thank you for your hard work! <<less
0 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Leave a Review (Guidelines)
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.