Aesthetic Formula

Description

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The golden ratio is synonymous with architectural aesthetics and the most ideal proportion of the human body.

The people next to Huo Zhixiao every morning must all meet the golden ratio, so Ding Yinan never thought that one day he would wake up beside Huo Zhixiao as well.

0.618 is recognized as the most aesthetic ratio standard, but in my eyes, you are the only aesthetic standard.

Associated Names
One entry per line
美学公式
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
Fighting In The Light, Flaunting In The Dark (3)
Light In The Deep Alley (3)
Assistant Architect (2)
Quickly Wear the Face of the Devil (1)
Singlehood Syndrome (1)
Tattoo (1)
Recommendation Lists
  1. BL GEMS
  2. Tension!!! the best type
  3. to be read
  4. Artist ML/MCs
  5. {read}

Latest Release

Date Group Release
10/07/23 Chrysanthemum Garden c68
10/07/23 Chrysanthemum Garden c67
09/30/23 Chrysanthemum Garden c66
09/29/23 Chrysanthemum Garden c65
09/23/23 Chrysanthemum Garden c64
09/22/23 Chrysanthemum Garden c63
09/16/23 Chrysanthemum Garden c62
09/15/23 Chrysanthemum Garden c61
09/09/23 Chrysanthemum Garden c60
09/08/23 Chrysanthemum Garden c59
09/02/23 Chrysanthemum Garden c58
09/01/23 Chrysanthemum Garden c57
08/26/23 Chrysanthemum Garden c56
08/25/23 Chrysanthemum Garden c55
08/19/23 Chrysanthemum Garden c54
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22 Reviews sorted by


cmitanuts
cmitanuts rated it
March 17, 2023
Status: --
idk why this gem doesn't have any single review like trust me IT'S SOOO GOODDD, I love their interactions, both, MC and ML, have the character I like. I selfishly beg you all to give this novel a chance to encourage the translator and editors maybe this way I can get more chapters bc I had to go to the original publisher to read more and there are only 25 chapters available for free, please have mercy I'm broke and idk what to do bc it left an emptiness in... more>> my heart that is making me feel so anxious I think I'm gonna die <<less
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Hyunsoo96
Hyunsoo96 rated it
November 5, 2023
Status: c20
After reading "The Laws of Love" which a mature love story from two adult characters, I try to search for similar theme and then I found this novel, based on the review this story is also about adult romance, wife chasing, and likeable MC and ML

At first I like that MC is really smart and know how to do his job well, ML have a rich s*x life bcs he have bed partner often, but he's also good at his job

MC and ML have one night stand on impulse, after... more>> that ML started to harras MC on multiple ocassion, hugging, touch his g**ital or kiss MC while MC kept saying NO and LET ME GO.... and nobody talk about this in the review, if I know this novel will have this type of story I will never read this, so I decided to write a review for the first time so others will know that this ML chase his MC with touching without consent, forcing, and annoyed him constantly until he get his "wife"

I'm sorry but this is not a gem, but rather disgusting behaviour fron ML, I read "The Laws of Love" where the ML also chasing his wife but always respect his opinion, his space, never forcing MC to do anything that he doesn't want, getting MC's attention step by step with consent until eventually MC also have the same feeling for him

If you like CONSENT and Not s*xual Harrasment kind of love story, then I suggest you not to read this novel.

(English is not my first language, pardon any typo or gramatical error)

I hate this type of story, but I appreciate the translator so those two stars are for amazing translation not for the story. <<less
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Furrina
Furrina
April 23, 2024
Status: c5
ML is a red flag. Full disclosure, Boss x Employee is my guilty pleasure. The New Employee, Jun and Jun, On and Off, What's wrong with Secretary Kim.... You get idea. Two Weeks Notice (Sandra Bullock/Hugh Grant) is absolutely a gold standard when it comes to romcoms and has the similar plot - Playboy Boss falls for hardworking secretary.

The thing is in all the stories mentioned above, MLs are not red flag garbage. But this one is. He is a mediocre designer who works in his dad's architecture firm and... more>> acts like an entitled nepotism brat to other more qualified employees. He gets pissed when other team wins an award (that His Royal Highness was also nominated for) and then him and his secretary happen to run into his "straight" secretary's gay partner with a woman. And that's it.

Seeing that the wallflower near him is gay but not interested in him hurts his ego and HRH lowers himself to sleeping with poor bastard who is a whole one centimeter lower than his standards (thanks for your generosity, m'lord).

And this is before the secretary has formally even broken up with his boyfriend. And when the boyfriend tries to talk with MC the next day, he interrupts with "we slept". He also keeps crossing boundaries and harassing the MC whom is tryong to be a professional, and that's all I could stomach.

Reading other comments, it seems like he doesn't change until much later. Well, good luck to MC who is willing to tolerate his creepy ass, I'm out. <<less
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apricat
apricat rated it
March 12, 2024
Status: Completed
The first half of this story was a hard read for me.

I felt bad for MC. He finds out his boyfriend is cheating on him and has a one-night stand with his boss (ML). Even before MC can recuperate from his failed relationship and rebuild his sense of self, ML starts sexually harassing him at every turn and over-stepping MC's hard limits. MC can't even take one day off after 3 years because he has to cater to ML's every need in the kitchen, at work and in the bedroom.... more>> I really felt exhausted for the guy.

I can see how on paper MC and ML are supposed to balance each other out, with ML being more adventurous, child-like, carefree and artistic, offsetting MC's rigid, hardworking, responsible and careful lifestyle. But in terms of execution it just felt like ML abusing of his authority as a boss. I usually love an unhealthy dose of red flags but this one really bothered me. There are a lot of moments in this story where MC will say hard "nos" and will physically repel ML as the latter fondles, pinches, grabs him and touches him inappropriately (often times on the clock). Note that in the second half of the story there are some fun power reversals in the bedroom, but it was a bit "too little too late" for me personally.

Overall, I persisted with my read because I love architecture and the smut was pretty good. The relationship does get better in the later half of the story, and the translation is well done. I would recommend this for people who love the boss-subordinate type of couple dynamic. <<less
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damnmei
damnmei rated it
November 15, 2023
Status: Completed
The MC makes this novel so entertaining. He's a power bottom through and through, and his thought process is very go with the flow, but with an undercurrent of annoyance at all times. This is a very lighthearted novel, and despite the potentially problematic nature of the main relationship being between a boss and his secretary, there's no real power play between them as MC is very capable of standing his own ground, and ML is basically just good at his job and otherwise useless. Together they give off big... more>> dog with black cat energy, which is a personal favorite for me.

It's not anything transformational but I did really enjoy myself reading this, and I got through it all in one sitting. The drama is pretty limited, and the ex boyfriend of the MC is basically just a plot device to help move things along for the main couple. MC is one of those people who doesn't feel emotions too strongly, so whenever he encounters a distressing situation he just takes it in a stride, whether it be in his personal or professional life. It does make the novel less emotionally gripping, but the humor is still very much on point.

Overall this reads more like a parody than a serious novel, so don't go into it expecting anything too groundbreaking. The banter between the main couple is highly amusing and is the main driver of the plot. They're both very straightforward and don't pull punches with each other, but it works because neither of them is easily offended or will hold back from giving back as good as they've got. The directness of both their characters is quite refreshing, and I really can't see them ever having an argument they can't resolve together.

The s*x scenes are hilarious but only thing for me was that the word choice was a bit weird. Not sure if that's from source material or just translation, but we do love an uncensored novel! I think the essence of this story would have been lost with censorship just because of how particularly wild the MC is in bed haha.

There's also a random side couple thrown in at the end that I had no real interest in, so I didn't read those side stories. Also fun fact this is the novel the author wrote right before Restricted Area! (Which is hands down one of my favorites of all time) <<less
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Desuma
Desuma rated it
July 8, 2023
Status: c42
I love this story. At times it's downright funny, often tongue in cheek amusing, and altogether sincerely touching. Assistant to the genius Head Architect; Assistant resists relationship-gong chasing shou. Almost complete TL, there are originally 59 chapters plus nine extras. Characters are real, not cardboard cutouts, show imperfections and growth. Both protagonists really evolve in understanding and behavior, and this story reaffirms a belief in falling in love, despite being hurt etc. In the beginning gong is impossibly rigid and autocratic, narcissistic, promiscuous, but he evolves! Shou is whip smart... more>> and practical, work oriented to a fault. The story opens with his heart being broken. Believes in separating work from personal life... but he becomes more flexible, and it's really endearing to see how he permits himself to fall in love again. Gong falling in love is revelatory, I might say that the overall theme of this story is "The Power Of Love". Romance and adult scenes are sweet, sexy, believable. It's a story about and for adults, and not the tired high school first love trope. This is a little gem! <<less
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secondthots
secondthots rated it
April 12, 2024
Status: Completed
YUM

There’s nothing I love more than reading about a reformed rake. I’m usually nonchalant about the whole boss x secretary trope, but this one was pretty fun to read. MC has been ML’s personal assistant for 3 years & he’s mastered the art of catering to the sex-crazed, fussy architect. All was stable, boundaries were drawn, but what happens when the two decide to cross that line.

IT IS STEAMY. My goodness. ML has one of those shameless, almost idiotic, personalities that I unabashedly adore. While MC is his one working... more>> brain cell that keeps him anchored to reality. It’s a fun romance that surprisingly doesn’t have a lot of drama. The main CP doesn’t encounter unnecessary miscommunication & happens to get together pretty fast. It’s a quick read, so don’t mull over the details. I did enjoy the extras & side CP as well <<less
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shuulys
shuulys rated it
November 30, 2023
Status: Completed
Quite a unique read. It was interesting to see them slowly progress from a boss-subordinate relationship to a lovers relationship. To be honest I don't even know when and how it happened but they just gradually got closer and is considered together one day. I think it's pretty realistic when it didn't happen randomly but gradually.

Also, I think that Ding Yinan actually didn't love Han Shuo a lot :") He did have affections and love for him but it probably wasn't that strong. Maybe that's also why MC was able... more>> to cleanly seperate from HS especially since HS cheated. So in a way I can understand his pov and how he can get over HS in a short period of time. Plus, it's not like MC and ML got together immediately after the break up so I don't see what's that wrong with them and the pacing.

One thing that I'm not really fond of is how the ML can be quite pushy at times. Honestly, I felt like there were times when he would cross the boundaries of a boss-subordinate relationship. Like I get that their relationship has gotten more complicated especially after sleeping together but the MC clearly wants to separate work and personal life so it would be nice to see the ML giving the MC more space (especially since he just broke up). But in a way he's also quite good as a lover I guess. When he somewhat had feelings for the MC, he no longer messed around with other people and stayed loyal to the MC. For that, I really thought 'not bad! At least he wouldn't disappoint the MC like what his ex did'.

Also, I love how the MC Ding Yinan is very forward with his wants 🫣 Who doesn't love a power bottom hehe. I actually didn't expect their 18+ scenes to be that passionate! 😳 <<less
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vicky12
vicky12 rated it
June 7, 2023
Status: c32
My rating is 3.7.

As far as I've read, the strong point for me in this story is Ding Yinan, I really like his direct personality, despite his somewhat passive attitude towards Huo Zhixiao's invasive manner, but I believe this is mainly due to his position as a subordinate and boss.

As for Ml, I took off one star precisely for his behaviour. This character is very immature, selfish and has no sense of other people's space. I was quite irritated at some points in the story.

Overall though, this novel deserved my... more>> reading time, MC and ML have good chemistry and the story flows well. This review may be modified after reading is complete.

<<less
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Rube
Rube rated it
May 13, 2023
Status: Completed
Had to read because of the enthusiastic review above and everything they said was accurate. This novel was sooo good actually maybe even more than just good.

The interaction between both MLs was amazing to read. I think my favorite thing about this is there was no ambiguity between the ML and a third person. The entire story was just the MC and ML and I loved that so much. The conflict didn't include h*mophobia and was resolved quickly.

The entire story was just so gay and cute. I mtl'ed the remaining... more>> chapters (I couldn't wait. It was that good) but I'll definitely re-read it once the translations are complete <<less
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FrostyDragon
FrostyDragon rated it
July 7, 2024
Status: Completed
Good story - slice of life with natural romantic progression. I don't know why some readers complain so much about the ML, it was pretty obvious to me that the MC was attracted to him and therefore allowed the ML's advances even when he claimed he only endured it because ML was his boss.

E.g. One scene where he tells himself he can't say no because it's his boss, then the next second takes the initiative to a very intimate session with ML. And he has no problem saying no to... more>> advances coming from anyone but the ML. MC is basically not a reliable narrator.

The ML is cute and their dynamic is fun. MC is very clearly the dominant one in the relationship despite being the shou, so for those who like 'power bottoms', give it a try.

Several smut scenes even though the translator didn't include those tags. <<less
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LH_12
LH_12 rated it
December 4, 2023
Status: Completed
lovely short story. It revolves around two protagonists, their lives, and how they fell in love. It is short and doesn't go into too many details, but it is still believable and cute. MC is an assistant, and ML is an architect and his boss. They have worked together for years but have never known each other's true selves until one faithful night. After that, they gradually began to learn more about each other and fell in love. The novel is well-written. It is humorous and lovely. The interactions between... more>> MC and ML are hilarious. It is light reading. The plot isn't complicated, but the characters are lovable, and there were a few details that made the story more interesting and gripping than typical novels about boss-subordinate relationships. I know that some readers don't like when characters previously had partners and their current relationship isn't first; if this is the case for you, then don't read it. For other readers who don't mind it, it will be interesting if you enjoy light reading without angst, drama, or abusive characters. For those who want to know more about characters and plot, I will write more but will try not to spoil many things.

P.S

If you liked the novel, check out Manhua too; it is pretty good too.

Spoiler

MC is a workaholic who does everything to manage his job perfectly. In ML's eyes, he is just a perfect tool, and MC is kind of content with that; everything is fine unless he can do his job. ML is a cold, pampered prince, at least in MC's eyes; he had many assistants, and everyone left in tears. Apart from that, he has many bed partners. He had never been in a relationship, but MC often finds him in bed with different men. He has one requirement for his partners: a golden ratio; they must be above 1.80 and have ideal proportions. ML doesn't meet those parameters, so ML never paid attention to him. They worked together, but ML didn't even know that MC was gay. They might have kept working like that, but a few unexpected things happened that changed their relationship. MC found out that his boyfriend was cheating on him, and ML lost an important award to his colleague and became a laughing stock in the company. They were both upset and had nowhere to went their resentment, so they bickered, drank, and at last slept together. At that moment, it felt like a good idea, but in the morning, MC felt that they had made a mistake and tried to go back to their old relationship, but it was too late. ML found out that his dull assistant, in reality, was a sharp-tongued, wild, and interesting person. And MC found that ML isn't as arrogant and careless as he seems. He is naive and childish, but at the same time, he can be trustworthy and caring. So that was how they fell in love. It may seem that they fell in love too abruptly, but I think even before they slept together, they were attracted to each other. At least, MC. MC always taught that ML was a genius and was worried about him because his talents were repressed. He also protected him and cared for him. He always indulges him under the pretext that he is the boss, but he treats him too well; no one would treat his boss so nicely, even for a huge wage. It's just an excuse. And he definitely likes his appearance. ML, too, has to have liked him before that night, at least a little bit. First of all, MC is a recordsman; he worked for ML for 3 years and wasn't fired. Secondly, he trusts and depends on MC too much. They spend so much time together. It is impossible to not feel anything. It's just that he belatedly found out how much MC cared for him, but he was also pretty decisive. He finally found someone he likes, so he will prove that he is trustworthy and that he can be a good partner. He won't hesitate and will chase after him. It's just that his way of courting MC is peculiar. Most of the time, ML acts like a huge dog (it is how MC describes him), which MC really enjoys. It is a short summary, but the story itself is more interesting, and the characters have more depth. Because the original summary was too short, I decided to write a little bit more.

[collapse]
<<less
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Iza_3
Iza_3 rated it
December 2, 2023
Status: Completed
This novel is UNDERRATED! It was such a nice read!

I saw some complaints abt ML. But like... I don't get it! He's so loyal to MC! Yeah, you can describe him as annoying at the beginning but he had good character development! And MC is really happy with him😊

Also, it was so easy to read. Not overwhelming at all. It's a light-hearted story

Anyway, this is a 10/10 for sure!
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Jiiemm
Jiiemm
November 6, 2023
Status: Completed
First, thank you to Eili who has translated this story.. I can even wait until this story has been translated to start reading it.. What a very clean and neat translation..

Second for the author, this is your third work that I have read. And I can trust all your writing in the future...

This is a sweet adult novel, a sexy story in a fun way, there are conflicts and problems but it ends without leaving any annoying worries. Honestly, this is a really sweet, sexy story, very mature in a... more>> real way, and a very strong main character.

4.8/5 for me. This is truly a worthy read for everyone. A very classy light story.. <<less
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Tilbar
Tilbar rated it
August 25, 2024
Status: Completed
This is another of those novels where a fair amount of commenters despise the ML. But with any novel, I like to give it time, if possible, to figure out the character’s motivations. The ML has been suppressed by his father his entire career. He has lost his creative edge and has basically given up. And, his behavior, in the beginning of the novel, seems to reflect that. He sees people only at face value and appears to refuse to get involved any deeper. Hence his nightly change of bed... more>> partners.

The magic begins when the ML starts to really ‘see’ his assistant (the MC). And realizes how much he is cared for and how much the assistant knows about him. At that point, its not in a romantic way; just the attention of an assistant who wants to do the best job possible. But the ML realizes he knows almost nothing about the MC. This is all precipitated by the MC
Spoiler

discovering his cheating partner in front of the ML.

[collapse]

Back to the comments – I’m convinced the MC wouldn’t agree to some of the ML’s idiotic demands if he didn’t really want to (the mattress, lol). The MC is quite intelligent and has seen some of the most egregious moves of the ML’s father. They have been hurtful and cruel. These have given some insight into the ML’s personality even if they didn’t lead to romantic feelings (at first).

The second half of the novel is definitely more readable. The author seems to have toned down the MC’s antics and the couple has their first truly honest communication. This is another novel where I didn’t become bored once the couple got together, which is rare.

The ML is truly funny at times when he tries to get the MC to do what he wants. As the MC describes, he is a childish big dog. And that suits him.

The ending chapters are lovely as the difficulties are resolved.

Thanks to Elli at Chrysanthemum Garden for the translation. <<less
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ThisisJust2Good
ThisisJust2Good rated it
February 22, 2024
Status: Completed
I really liked this book and particularly enjoyed what felt like (to me) an authentic progression from a withheld-sigh relationship to an adult love partnership. 4.5
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periperi
periperi rated it
February 16, 2024
Status: Completed
4.5 stars

Thankful for the full translation! This was probably one of the easier to read stories in terms of length because the plot was paced well and did not drag.

I did like the main CP especially towards the end but I think I am of the opinion that ML was just a tad annoying in the beginning.
Spoiler

There were moments where it felt like he wanted to pull away from MC or have some distance then within the span of the same chapter, somehow tries to get with MC again. And of course, his attitude definitely needed some growing up in the beginning. Especially the part where he kept bothering MC when MC was technically on leave.

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But I liked his character development throughout the story and the ending was just perfect.

I was quite surprise to even see a side CP in the story
Spoiler

that was only explored in the extras. Can't say I have much impression of them since both characters appeared very late in the story.

[collapse]

Overall, the story focus was very much on the main CP and very little to do with the side characters. It was a good short read.
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Karamel Makkiato
Karamel Makkiato rated it
January 13, 2024
Status: Completed
I'm a scker for slice of life and this one did not disappoint. It's just going at a nice pace and every character is facing situation in a somewhat mature setting. It's a heartwarming novel that deserves more attention
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shiroykumo
shiroykumo rated it
October 17, 2023
Status: Completed
I have read the author’s other works and tbh I still love Restricted Area the most.

What I truly love from the author’s work in this one

  • MC knows what he wants. I love him being professional, able to separate the works and the private life
  • I love their relationship when both MC and ML are together. It’s a healthy one. They communicate which is so nice that they don’t drag the trouble for too long
  • How funny their interactions after the first time
  • I love ML who’s firm to cut off all the one night stands when he’s pursuing MC. He doesn’t have those ambiguous interactions with others
What I’m not really fond of

  • The sudden side couple that is thrown and not having a resolved ending. It’s like the story in extras is dragging to my liking
  • MC breaking off with his ex so fast. I know that the ex was
    Spoiler

    cheater

    [collapse]
Anyway, love their ending but somehow I feel like I’m missing something, hence the 4 ✨
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Azi Aira
Azi Aira rated it
October 16, 2023
Status: Completed
A breathe of fresh air type of MC, I like it. Someone who knows what he wants (including bedroom activities). I like that they're both SAVAGE. Or maybe, just finished lots of demure MC which I don't mind but this one is preferable by a notch.

Well done. Thanks author and translator.
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