Friends with Benefits

Description

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We used to be friends. Although he’s flirtatious, he f*cked around, I just couldn’t let go of him.

When we could no longer remain friends, it was already too late. What was done could not be undone.

Associated Names
One entry per line
Ji You Nan Dang
基友难当
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
Professional Body Double (2)
Deceive (2)
Kill the Lights (2)
City of Endless Rain (2)
Agreement of Being Gay for 30 Days (1)
Reborn as His Shadow (1)
Recommendation Lists
  1. BL Novels to explore
  2. To read list 2 (completed or ongoing translations)
  3. Luvvv
  4. list pt 3
  5. Daun searching for Enemies to Lovers tropes

Latest Release

Date Group Release
05/15/17 Snowy Codex c7
05/13/17 Snowy Codex c6
05/11/17 Snowy Codex c5
05/09/17 Snowy Codex c4
05/04/17 Snowy Codex c3
05/03/17 Snowy Codex c2
04/30/17 Snowy Codex c1
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29 Reviews sorted by


SummerX
SummerX rated it
September 8, 2017
Status: Completed
Translator here. As I am writing this review, I am almost done translating vol 1. Hooray!

I know this is definitely not the best danmei novel I have ever read, however, when I decided to translate, it took me no time to pick this one as my first project, even though it's not a popular genre, it's not even the writer's most popular book (in fact it's one of her least popular novels), many readers hate the main ship, and the ending is frustrating to many.

One of most fascinating... more>> thing about this novel is that I have read it over ten times, but I still find something new in it each time. Both my understanding on the story and the relationships between the main characters have changed a lot comparing to when I first finished the book, and as I translate it, my views are still changing. The novel is short and fast-paced, which leaves a lot of room for us readers to interpret for ourselves. For me, I generally see most controversies in a novel as a good sign. A lot of times it means that the writers are not forcing us to accept the one and only narrative based on his/her value, that there is more likely some complexity in the characters and the story.

Now, I won't claim that this novel is a perfect example of "novel with complex characters and story" because it still has many flaws, but it successfully creates three characters who have strong personalities, and they push the plots to go forward instead of being pushed along by the plots. The conflicts in the novel lies within them, instead of between the good heroes and the evil forces outside, or the misunderstandings the author creates between the seme and uke. They are mature characters that care not only about love. They are selfish and selfless. They do bad things and good things. They hurt and help people. Just like we normal people do. There are no perfect choices in life, and every action will have its consequence.

I do admit that a big reason I enjoy this novel so much is Lin Ye and his love-hate relationship with Ou.
Spoiler

I enjoy seeing a proud uke fall pathetically like him. It's so satisfying to watch him uncontrollably fall for Ou even though he pretends otherwise, despite knowing Ou is a trap.

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The power struggles between them is my favorite thing to watch. I am always fascinated by relationships that are not purely about love. The lies, the true feelings behind the lies, and the blurred line between them.....

I enjoy reading the discussions (sometimes arguments and flame wars) about who the MC loves, who the MC should be with, who is right and who is wrong, is the ending good or bad, etc. Each point of view is enriching the story.

If you want something more than a fluffy love story, something that you can debate about, and you don't mind main characters you don't like, and ending (s) that's not perfect, I recommend your try this story. If you read it and enjoy it, please read it again. I promise you will see things differently! <<less
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shoujokaguya
shoujokaguya rated it
November 19, 2017
Status: c37
This bl novel is definetly a must read to those who wants an engaging storyline. When you think you can predict the characters emotions, actions, and motivations; suddenly, you were wrong. In that moment, you will get hooked in reading more as you tried to understand these complex characters, especially the main character. Oh how I love the main character!

It is also not your typical deep in love story. Because love relationship is not the main focus but instead it spices up the events in the mc's life and the... more>> main character is cunning and defensive to protect whats important to him. It is a very intriguing bl novel and the translator has smoothly conveyed the otherwise godly difficult chinese novel into english for the readers to understand. I highly recommend those who love reading bl novels to try this ASAP and immerse yourself in this exciting story as I did! <<less
13 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
LadyBlue
LadyBlue rated it
October 12, 2017
Status: Completed
I'm a sucker for this type of stories. The characters are a train wreck, but I can't help but ship them together. What I love most about the MC and ML is how their relationship is based on them wanting to use each other. There is no holier than thou feeling. I like the ML more than the MC because I can relate to his inability to come to terms with his feelings and voice them. He also seems to be a bit of an introvert. (Although it's mostly because... more>> he kinda reminds me of Laurent from Captive Prince lol) The MC is the kind of guy who has worked hard to get where he is now, can make friends with anyone, and is way smarter than he seems.

I came expecting smut but wow I got better than what I was expecting. I'm on the ride for the characters, none of whom are perfect, but I love them anyway <<less
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clxndestinely
clxndestinely rated it
July 13, 2020
Status: Completed
Spoiler

I cried. Also, this was binge-read late at might

This is one of those stories. Since it's literally tagged, therefore isn't a spoiler, I'll say it now. This story is something between a tragedy and a bittersweet ending.

The basis of this story is simple: MC is conflicted between his sworn brother (Chu) who gives him a purpose and a frivolous playboy (Lin) who ignites him. People say the Lin's the ML. Personally, I don't think so. Really, both Chu and Lin have ML potential, but they just... don't make it.

Lets break it down.

Spoiler

Chu is someone MC has known for ages. Despite their opposing ways, they place each other at number one priority. It's heavily implied that Chu and MC love each other, but both he and MC are scared to acknowledge it. Also, Chu loves MC more. That's a fact.

Meanwhile, Lin is a manipulative but powerful guy. Probably a psychopath, he's scared of MC's openness, thus he also hates MC for it. The two engage in debauchery, meanwhile falling in love. However, they're from two different worlds and don't know about the other's feelings (a blend of love and hate) nor trust each other, thus they can only suffer. Meanwhile, MC r*pes Lin a couple of times.

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I feel like the story of Xiong and He could've been worked on, since they played quite a big role, but it also makes sense, since MC wouldn't pry (and the author's a tad lazy). We get the gist of it, though.

The necklace thing at the end also weirded me out. I mean. I get the conclusion, but the necklace thing was unnceccesary.

Overall, this story has greatly 3D characters but quite a messy plot. It still hurt hard though.

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ResidentialPsycho
ResidentialPsycho rated it
September 23, 2017
Status: c31
This is a dark, mature series with plentiful yaoi scenes, but it is still interesting if you skip the s*x scenes and only focus on the drama and relationships. It is dark and focused on the criminal and business worlds.

... more>>
Spoiler

A sleezy character shows up for a while and causes some tumult in the beginning. The MC hooks up with him a few times for fun. Later on, he brings down the mafia and reappears as a serious business owner. I guess you could say they thought they were playing with a kitten, but he actually turned out to be a tiger in disguise. When his brother is imprisoned for his crimes, the MC seduces their arch-enemy in order to save his life and also get some cheap revenge on the bastard. Since he is quite skilled at business, he becomes an irreplaceable member of the staff.

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The thing I like most about this series is the strong friendship between the sworn brothers who will give anything for each other, whether it be their lives or every juan they ever earned. This trust, compassion, and loyalty is the most fulfilling part of this series and what keeps me coming back. <<less
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Rei789
Rei789
March 4, 2018
Status: Completed
I am biased I am a total Chu and Ou shipper so I will tell you for me that ending s**ked like hell. I could not believe what happened so that took like a star away from it for me. But, I definitely liked the characters and how they interacted I especially liked the MC and Chu being so close

... more>>
Spoiler

He took care of him while he was injured

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I felt like the author chose the wrong uke big time but, I loved the realistic ness with it that showed love is not perfect and sometimes you don't have the courage to take that final step I mean.

Spoiler

The MC and Chu never even slept together even though there was obviously s*xual and romantic tension there

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So while I did not agree with the ending the way they got there was awesome for me.

Spoiler

In my opinion Chu was the wife while Lin was the mistress and the MC kind of hesitated on who to decide

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I will forever be a Chu shipper but, this was a great book regardless

Spoiler

I do feel bad about it though and the MC obviosly had chosen Chu a long time ago because, the wife can't compare to the Mistress unfortunately he died

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I did not get very much of a fantasy element from this book though so if you want fluff this is not the place to go it was a slap in the face for people expecting fluff and just petty fight I mean the ending wasn't even very clear. <<less
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Otwentyfirst
Otwentyfirst rated it
February 15, 2018
Status: c52
Ignore the s*upid cover design. The description though was on point. It's an appropriately angst filled story with realistic characters that weren't over the top. Definitely the kind of story to binge read. Character development, pacing, and atmosphere reminds me a little bit of Kill the Lights.
Spoiler

It's not a happily ever after and works better that way. The relationships between the characters, not just the MCs, were believably portrayed.


I really enjoy these kinds of stories. Although they are a tragedy, they are not all just about the ending. It's more so about the characters and the ending just happens to be a byproduct. I really dislike stories with the tragedy tag line that focus on death to pull at the heart strings. Those stories always seem a little shallow to me.

This story on the other hand was very satisfying. The drama and the social interaction we're all well done. If there is one thing I was disappointed in it was that the author chose to complete the final chapter with exposition and a time skip.

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Would put in the reread pile.
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Kittsune
Kittsune rated it
September 6, 2017
Status: c28
This is a dark BL with your non-typical Seme/Gong Protagonist.
Spoiler

The MC had to deal with a harsh childhood to get to where he is today as a businessman while his sworn brother which he goes to no bounds to protect ended up in the Underworld. You can definitely see that the author has shown how in-depth her characters are. I'm fascinated how the MC deeply cares for his sworn brother but at the same time has a desire for this flamboyant player that turned out to be the cause of his sworn brother's harm. Its also interesting to see how the sworn brother and flamboyant hate each other and wish the other didn't exist due to their attachment of the MC.

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I'm hoping to see how this novel fares and am greatly anticipating for the rest.
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earlgreyt
earlgreyt rated it
March 3, 2019
Status: Completed
This is a deep and complex story with a lot of baggage between the main characters. Nobody is good or 'clean'; everyone has their own secrets, motivations, and manipulations.

The relationships are not even close to perfect, which is what makes this story very real and emotional.

Instead of your typical fluffy romance, we have a business/mafia world layered with power conflicts and very jagged relationships that struggle to be more than cost-benefit calculations.

Wonderful read and fantastic translation.

... more>>
Spoiler

My only gripe is that the last four sentences of the ending ruined it.

The author spent an incredible amount of time building such intense character and relationship development only for the MC to regress to his behaviors at the very beginning of the novel?

I'm not looking for a stereotypical happy ending, but seriously any other ending (or even cutting it off and leaving us to wonder) would have made the story a lot more meaningful. Anything that showed some kind of "moving on" would have been better because the author essentially threw all of the main characters back into a purgatory-like stagnancy as if the novel events had never happened. Super unsatisfactory and undermined any of the character development that took place.

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<<less
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Littlegirl78
Littlegirl78 rated it
December 7, 2018
Status: Completed
I liked it. But mostly I was shocked. The ending is definitily different than what you think. The begining and the ending are just like belong to two different novels. But you should read this novel for sure.
Spoiler

They started as sexy buddys then became lovers in the end they were sexy buddys.. Amazing!!

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trippy-chan
trippy-chan rated it
March 19, 2018
Status: c52
The main characters, as one reviewer has already said, are trainwrecks. The story is another kind of trainwreck. I felt like there was a lot of potential that the author ended up dropping in the last 10-ish chapters.

The best: The translation itself! I highly encourage everyone to read the other works the translators have done/are working on. The word choice, sentence structure--it's evocative and smooth, respectively.

The good: the characters, mostly; they are multi-faceted individuals with distinct desires that ultimately lead to their downfalls. The set up of the first 40-some... more>> chapters.

The meh: the execution??? I'm baffled by the ending. I'm baffled by some of the middle. Certain details and plot points seemed all over the place. Like, this is supposed to be a coherent narrative right?? Characterization starts to break down too.
Spoiler

f*cking He Ling and Peter Xiong need a whole arc for us to not only understand them, but what role they play in MC's life/plot ---they get 10 chapters

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Anyway, I think that this was an interesting read, if only to try and wrap your heads around the complicated interpersonal drama that happens within. Just... be warned that 52 chapters is not nearly enough space for what the author wanted to do. <<less
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keighlysays
keighlysays
March 27, 2023
Status: Completed
I won't leaving a rating, because I have mixed feelings about this one. I kept reminding myself the novel is called Friends with Benefits, so I needed to stop comparing and contrasting their behaviors with a normalized relationship. With that said, I can't agree with the translator that the novel has a HE, as ... more>>
Spoiler

having a debauched affair with a manstress while having a wife and daughter at home makes for a BE.

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There are two MLs in this novel, one is a "friend" with benefits (Lin Ye), and another a lifelong friend without benefits (Chu Yuan Jiang). With that said, this novel does a great job delving into what love is, and whether romantic love requires the presence of s*x or not. MC's relationship with the ML is beneficial in nature, sometimes sexual, sometimes stepping on the other to further themselves. MC's relationship with his best friend is the kind of love that transcends principles and rationale, they've learned to compromise and express their "friendship, " leaning on and supporting one another without demanding or wanting anything in return. Their relationship is selfless and unconditional, and it's a kind that's rarer than anything the MC had with the other love interest. However,
Spoiler

I don't know if it's fortunate or unfortunate they both knew, but never took the relationship further.

[collapse]

I had a lot of problems with the irrational choices the characters made in this novel. Some scenes had my eyebrow raised, questioning how the author linked whether MC giving the Cadillac
Spoiler

corresponded to whether LY would help CYJ, by some random association that he would take care of the person whose car he drove. If I were the MC, I wouldn't have given him the Cadillac either. There wasn't a causal reasoning to giving the car with LY saving CYJ

[collapse]

Additionally, MC hiding CYJ's
Spoiler

terminal illness from him is a ethically wrong. Given I can understand that CYJ was depressed and MC didn't want him to to spiral further into depression upon his diagnosis, but keeping it a secret from him until CYJ admitted that he had to get testing done himself to confirm his illness did not sit well with me. CYJ leaving to die, but returning after finding out what Master Xiong and Master He were plotting, and MC condoning CYJ's last wish to die peacefully upon the peak of a mountain was a lot to unload. I'm conflicted with how ethical boundaries were crossed and whether breaking down the intentions behind those behaviors and understanding the reason for those behaviors can excuse them.

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The other would be the ending. Given everything that's happened,
Spoiler

MC raping LY and leaving with He Ling, how in the world did LY end up forgiving him for everything that happened and go back to having a casual s*xual affair with him again? They both need therapy and need to get away from each other, that would have been a happier ending, imo. MC ends up living a life against his principles (what with the beauty pageants), and ML continues having an affair. What an ending.

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applebeans
applebeans rated it
July 9, 2020
Status: Completed
I don't like this very much, but the story is solid. It starts strong and finishes strong. I started reading because of the tragedy tag. I'd also support it if it's adapted into movie or drama. The story dared to go to places most authors find difficult to stick with. Situation wins over man. Great use of characters to aid the plot, while avoiding plot-rules-over-character.

As I am a crybaby of course I cried for this novel. It's not a fluffy novel when you're looking for easy read, it's heavy and... more>> a bit psychological. Author really puts attention when writing the characters. Deeep people.

Confining the story to a simpler world setting without wavering to other possibilities, and one major conflict to string the story along is beneficial. I really do appreciate that it end at 50 chapters, more words can ruin the focus.

I say I don't like it because it breaks my heart and it's a bit heavy, I prefer lighter reads. But as I said, the story deserves 5 stars. <<less
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Vanne Heung
Vanne Heung rated it
February 13, 2020
Status: Completed
This is quite a controversial story. While I personally liked the story and felt that it offered a very unique perspective, it most definitely isn't for everyone. The MC, ML and the MC's best friend aren't the most likable characters so if you want a story with likable characters, this isn't for you.

However, the characters are all complex and intriguing relationships with one another and those character relationships are what pushes the story forward. Each character has their own struggles, their own motivations, and their own values. The main characters... more>> come across as very human.

That is to say, this novel is not flawless. I do believe the novel can be longer as some parts of the plot can be confusing and aren't given enough time to be explored.

If you're willing to be open-minded, I recommend this to you. <<less
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Staringatastar
Staringatastar rated it
February 5, 2019
Status: Completed
Really intense story with complicated characters. The author doesn't tell you everything, so you're left thinking about the motivations, the feelings, and the ending long after the book's over.

I wouldn't call this a happy ending, but I guess it's not really a sad one either. Rather, it's a bit bittersweet, as are most real-life people's stories after a while.

Also, the translation is wonderful - really captures the whimsical mood at the end and isn't a pain to read.
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ikitty03
ikitty03 rated it
February 2, 2018
Status: v2
If you're hoping the story be more a s*x tell; please do not read it. This isn't a hardcore s*x or deep love story. The story about a rich man, his lover, his bestfriend, n business life. You get to see the character personality n how they like each other. I would not said it the top best yaoi novel. If your into Tv Drama than its your cup of tea. There are secret within the story you would think of. The story really tell about relationship with the MC.... more>> The couple never tell each other how they love each other. As for being a couple; you have to guess that out yourself <<less
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Anissia
Anissia rated it
January 30, 2022
Status: Completed
I feel complicated about this story while it isn't bad, it also isn't perfect, but it has a unique storyline and characters. It feels like the complications in the story following the characters decisions, their twistedness, their unpredicatable mindset and actions, their flaws, and their complex relationships and connections, all of it, makes the story feel more 3D, more realistic, even tho not without some flaws the story is still engaging. Even tho you may not agree with the characters, and feel like you understand the characters at some point... more>> and predict their actions, turns out you didn't know enough of them and their mindset, even tho the situation looks somewhat wrong to you, it seems like the characters are determined to play on their own stage, and act out their own story, while relaying their personnality and standpoint independantely, it makes them all the more realistic. The MC and ML seem disagreeable in their actions, better off without each other, but again, this seems not a story to please us and our ideals and thoughts, rather like, it is their (the protagonists') tale, they spin it their way. <<less
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anye11
anye11
September 3, 2020
Status: Completed
I rarely leave reviews but I think I should leave one for this. I never expected that ending. Kudos to the author for making me go back and forth both ships but in the end Chu was my end. Yes they've got a lot of differences but they were each others anchors. This was proven by the ending sentence.

Never really expected the ending tho.

... more>>
Spoiler

I understand what the sapphire necklace meant. It was a leash, a reminder and a confession on Lin's part. That he considered/considers his love for MC as sacred. And it was a reminder that they still haven't ended yet.

I liked the ending in a way that it portrays a realistic approach in life. MC lived a life far from ideal. Took the reigns over Chu' s old job and lived a life of debauchery. It's not always a smooth sail just because 1 mountain was hurdled.

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Overall this one's a fave. All those twist and turns caught me off guard. This isn't a romance story but a story of how their lives got tangled in a mess only to have 1 rope cut short, others untangled while some remain tangled perhaps until the end of their lives. <<less
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kiraluvst
kiraluvst rated it
November 29, 2019
Status: Completed
Holy sh*t.

What the f*ck did I just read?! (ノ・∀・) ヽ So mind blowing.

The story in overall is really unpredictable, so many twists (although I kind of suspected the ending with ML, still 85% of the story was a surprise for me).

I find the author very clever in narration and presenting the views and feelings from each character. There are always 2 sides of a coin, what people is showing does not always represent their inner feelings. The characters are not flawless, very human I would say, but charming in their own ways.

Spoiler

For me, the main couple is right (Ou & Lin Ye).

At first I was like everybody else rooting for Chu Yuan Jiang and patiently waiting for Ou to just hurry up and realize that you're more than just "brothers"! However after Lin Ye's point of view and as the story grows near the end, I feel that Ou & Chu Yuan Jiang could not be other than "brothers". Although their bond, connection, love and loyalty are so deep-rooted, Ou does not see or desire Chu Yuan Jiang romantically and he will never do.

Lin Ye is the one attracting him and making his heart beat faster, even though Ou may refuse to admit that. I think the same goes for Lin Ye. Both of them were in stubborn denial of how strong their attraction towards each other was and refused to let it impacted their life too significantly, until near the end.. Perhaps a defense mechanism?

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The pace is very fast. I finished this in 3 nights so if you're looking for a quick, unusual but still awesome read, this will fit your needs.

I will for sure re-read this in the future :)
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Lara Night
Lara Night rated it
September 19, 2021
Status: Completed
i was speechless, after I read the ending, my brain could not think of anything.

Life, for me is just the continuation of yesterday, no expectation cause we cant ever it plan well. The novel is cool, the emotions left me stupefied, then it ends.
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
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