Little Madman’s Guide to Acting Good

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Chen Qizhao was reborn and returned to the age of 18 when he was still the wicked little overlord of the Chen family.

At this time, his brother hadn’t experienced a car accident while his parents were in good health and weren’t seriously ill. The Chen family was still the prosperous Chen family and everyone thought he was a good-for-nothing who was useless and easily taken advantage of.

“He only knows how to quarrel with his older brother every day. He is arrogant and willful!”

“He looks good, but unfortunately, he is an idiot.”

“Isn’t he a useless person? Just serve him well.”

“It is a pity about that child of the Chen family.”

There were the group of scoundrel friends who were full of thoughts, the rats eyeing him covetously and the old, cunning people who were secretly scheming.

Chen Qizhao put on a mask of arrogance again. ‘Do you like acting so much? Why don’t we act together?’

It wasn’t until later that everyone discovered that at the end of the play, they would either go bankrupt or be imprisoned.

Associated Names
One entry per line
小疯子装乖指南[重生]
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
Rebirth: Different Way (3)
Rivals of Rebirth (2)
Reborn as a Good Child (1)
Dear Mr. Lu (1)
Cannon Fodder Fake Master Was Stunned After Being Reborn (1)
His Marriage Partner is Scheming (1)
Recommendation Lists
  1. BL-Reincarnation/transmigration/re-reading
  2. BL novels that transcend to heaven
  3. Its Always ~Scheming~ Time
  4. To Be Read
  5. danmeis I've read!

Latest Release

Date Group Release
01/13/24 Rainbow Mushroom... c136
01/12/24 Rainbow Mushroom... c135
01/10/24 Rainbow Mushroom... c134
01/07/24 Rainbow Mushroom... c133
01/05/24 Rainbow Mushroom... c132
01/03/24 Rainbow Mushroom... c131
12/26/23 Rainbow Mushroom... c130
12/23/23 Rainbow Mushroom... c129
12/21/23 Rainbow Mushroom... c128
12/18/23 Rainbow Mushroom... c127
12/16/23 Rainbow Mushroom... c126
12/14/23 Rainbow Mushroom... c125
12/12/23 Rainbow Mushroom... c124
12/09/23 Rainbow Mushroom... c123
12/07/23 Rainbow Mushroom... c122
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84 Reviews sorted by


bunnibutton23
New bunnibutton23
September 1, 2024
Status: c112
Main Story Complete. I love an unreliable narrator, I love Schemes and Plots and Conspiracies, I love a genuine romance that supports the plot as a whole and feels narratively consistent AND I love when the story truly impacts its characters and their decisions. I really enjoyed this story, especially because it feels as though the author really took their time to think through how each character would engage with the narrative and its tone is pitch perfect throughout.

I also want to compliment Rainbow Mushroom's translation! It read very well... more>> and I could clearly see some of the more subtle implications of the author's writing :)

~Bunni <<less
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BudgetG
New BudgetG rated it
August 31, 2024
Status: c136
Not a synopsis or summary. Just my reaction.

Wow.

Very underrated, and not usually what I choose to read, but it somehow became one of my favorites? The end made me cry which I rarely do. Maybe it was because I was already in a bad mood & feeling sentimental, but still.

I am very attached to the characters in this story and very sad to see it end with just 136ch. Though it took me a long while to read it all. I’m not sure what exactly made me like this so... more>> much.

It might be that the author made the main character feel real. That’s pretty much it. Love to see it. I might reread in the future as well! <<less
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Ecirteab
Ecirteab rated it
June 20, 2022
Status: Completed
I enjoyed this novel very much.

It's more or less a rebirth revenge novel as MC tries to dig out a never ending conspiracy aimed at his family.

MC used to be an arrogant young master who conflicted with his family until the rug was pulled and he spent years getting revenge before traveling back in time to where it started to unravel. While he puts on the same carefree air, it contrasts with his immense paranoia. I do enjoy an MC worn down by life and trying desperately to protect what... more>> he can.

While MC is smart and very scheming, it's not without a price and I liked that this novel shows that. There's so much to do and MC runs himself ragged trying. The future MC lives very much impacts him psychologically and I'm glad this novel addressed that.

The family dynamics were also interesting. MC very much doesn't get along with his family and even post rebirth it doesn't change easily. He has to actively try and they also have to try on their behalf. There's no magical overnight change (well except MC but rebirth so) and both sides have to re-evaluate and reform.

Romance- I did quite like it. ML is a pretty good ML who loves and helps MC a lot. I generally liked their romance except for a bit in the fanwai but otherwise it's fun to watch build up. MC definitely has some hand fixation haha <<less
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rhianirory
rhianirory rated it
June 19, 2022
Status: Completed
4.5

lots of scheming, mystery and drama, but what I found most interesting was the human side of the story; the MC is as flawed as the rest of us and as fallible. His reactions to the past are relatable and he's not some all-knowing OP character face-slapping left and right. He shoulders everything and runs himself ragged trying to make sure the past doesn't happen again. The ML is OK, he bends over backwards for the MC and doesn't call him little bunny or treat him like he's 5.

I also... more>> like how supportive and concerned the ML his immediate family is, instead of the usual infighting and back biting that's often prevalent in these kinds of stories.

Spoiler

I love that this story addresses the treatment of mental illness in a factual and compassionate way without blaming the MC, though I think he has some serious PTSD, rather than a generalized anxiety disorder.

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Katielicious
Katielicious rated it
June 25, 2023
Status: --
This story has a depressing tone like Rebirth: different way & Dear Mr Lu. However, the different & best thing about it is the relationship isn't born out of malice.

The pacing of the whole story feels incredibly slow. My heart was tense throughout as I kept hoping he wouldn't fall for any traps, either from previous life or butterfly effects.

The romance was painfully slower. Only starts around ch 80.

I felt how MC was depressed & apathetic to his own life. He was always getting injured. I felt scared that right... more>> after he saved his family, if he wasn't interested in ml, he wouldn't mind dying. <<less
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Celissiye
Celissiye rated it
November 24, 2022
Status: Completed
Rating: 4.2

Overall a good story, probably one of the best modern setting of 'reborn to avoid tragedy' I've read.

Scenarios are written carefully enough that it doesn't feel like a cheap-face slapping story. The family that the MC wants to protect is actually nice (cool older brother, father, and mother), but they didn't get along in the previous life b/c of MC's attitude and prodigal lifestyle. ML is gentle and clever, a scholarly type, while MC is inwardly irritable, paranoid, but acts dumb and mischievous on the outside for the... more>> majority of the story, hiding his mental issues from others. MC is the most interesting part of the novel. It's very satisfying when he purposefully ruins some of the villain's plans while staying unnoticed; he's clever and good at fighting too, a certified badass at times. He was wholly responsible for saving everyone in this timeline, and it wasn't a case where he clung to the ML who then solved things. Since everyone died in his other life, he has PTSD and anxiety disorder, which this novel, outstandingly, tries and does a pretty good job at addressing. In many other stories where MC is reborn they'll just be like 'oh this is great time to get revenge. I'm totally not bothered by how I and all I loved died in the prior life', so it felt nice that the MC in this story was clearly impacted by the past life.

The relationship between the MC and ML is wholesome/healthy, but never felt like a focal point in the story, and there wasn't any drama between the two before or after they officially start dating. So despite the ML being a good character, it does feel a bit bland considering it's a BL. They mostly just hang out together, hiding their various actions from each other (especially the MC), which means they almost never collaborate in taking down the villains. I think if the ML was more positive and playful, their relationship would have a more interesting dynamic. Because in regards to characters, they almost all have a 'serious' personality type. MC is serious about saving his family, the brother/father duo are always serious about work, the mother is always worried, etc.. The only character with a more silly personality is the MC's best friend.

Additionally, the Villains are rather one-dimensional. Despite how each one had several appearances throughout chapters, they are all generally bad people who at most got a paragraph of explanation as to why they act the way they do. Some of the arcs are interesting, but with long explanation about business/stocks etc. it got boring at times. I never worried that MC or an important side character might actually die (or be serious hurt) (except the one case with the aromatherapy poisoning), so it also was a bit anticlimactic at times.

Spoiler

For my last point of why I feel the story is good but not great-- despite the author's attempt to portray psychological issues, I find it a bit odd how PTSD wasn't mentioned, and also the reactions of the MC's family to the mu*der attempts. It's true that the MC is the only one who knows how horribly his family dies in the other life, but clear attempts of mu*der were made on the brother/father of the MC multiple times, and it was kinda weird how calmly they took it. Look, if someone switched my medicine FROM THE BOTTLE or put a weird drug in my car I'd be paranoid for weeks. But it seemed like the brother/father of the MC were hardly effected. And even given their 'serious and rational' personalities that allow them to keep calm, unlike the MC (who is extremely anxious to the point of sickness), you'd think they might attribute some of his mental breakdowns to PTSD about the mu*der attempts, and not that he has an inherit psychological problem like long-term anxiety or depression. Plus, I'm not sure anxiety medications are the right choice if the real cause is PTSD/disassociation from flashblacks, which makes the last arc of the story quite sad. I mean, it's not like the MC is believed even if the says he's from another time line. There's also the mother, who keeps making the MC take chinese medicine... and TCM is just bad... it has little basis in science and some ingredients are from endangered species.

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In the end, it was definitely a good read, with some dramatic arcs, interesting MC with a psychological issue, and likable supporting cast and ML, but nothing that I found overly riveting. Thank you so much for the translation, I enjoyed the story! <<less
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darkelf01
darkelf01 rated it
March 17, 2023
Status: c107
Is it weird that I ship this little madman MC with the little madman on the final boss' side more than with the average kind joe ML?

The couple's dynamic was admittedly healthy and they're fond of each other but the spark's not there for me. Their relationship's more like.. I look up to you, you're good to me but it's kinda like brotherhood. And since there are also other people around MC who are kind to him in his past and current lives, I don't see ML as a special... more>> case. MC has traumatic dependence on ML and ML originally thought of MC as a little brother of his sister's good friend before their relationship developed. Reading about their romance is like the next-door crush trope. Sooo the problem's more like boredom on my part. I remember that I skipped a lot when they interacted.

The story's very pychologically-motivated. The business wars were kinda over the top but exciting. The family side... I wish they as a family could be more open and affectionate, but nothing much changed since they already formed that kind of dynamic. I'm unsatisfied because
Spoiler

the MC friggin' spent 10 years to avenge them in his past life and ended up dying in front of his brother's tombstone but we rarely get any heartwarming moments betweem them.

[collapse]

The villains got their just desserts and the way MC planned to push them to the hellhole was top notch. Even the little madman on villain's side came to admire his cunning plans. I was hoping for a foe yay, with power couple and love-hate epicness and all, but a nice joe who bends backward is also good, though it's not my preferred ship.

Recommended read, but don't expect much from the romance side. <<less
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Shortk
Shortk rated it
September 18, 2022
Status: Completed
4.5 not rounded up bc why didn't they consider therapy. This has a lot of great qualities in a cliche rebirth revenge genre, such as a calm smart MC, a good gradual romance, an actual sense of emotion you feel towards his past bc of how it even affects him in this life, how supportive & caring his family is, and how seriously depression is taken as an illness by his family. The last two points are what make this novel stand out.

The family so genuinely cares about the MC... more>> that they come off slightly annoying. Not as "annoying characters", but as people who regard the changes in the MC's actions/character as significant markers that they will worry about over exhaustion as real family would that can be naturally "annoying". The fact is the MC is traumatized and the family notices it slowly and gradually addresses it with him. Unfortunately bc his truama happened in his past life, they just worry about his mental illness of anxiety/fear for seemingly no reason. But the fact is they don't brush it off bc they genuinely love him. It really shows with how they will eventually adapt and make amends with the child they remember him to be and the full on reborned 30+ yr old traumatized person capable & "anxious" person he is acting as rn to them.

The second note, unfortunately bc
Spoiler

the family didn't believe in his "dream"/past life he confessed to, they don't fully understand he has real underlying trauma. The ending although some may say is slow, is absolutely necessary for the MC and the readers to understand how important the MC's past is to not only affecting the MC's mentality on his current future but how it shows to the readers that this isn't just a cliche book where we'll act like the past of this character doesn't matter. Bc mental health is a real issue to be concerned about and just bc you got reborned, doesn't mean everything is ok up there in your head after I get revenge. The slow ending showing is recovery is necessary and important. That being said I wish they didn't just put him on meds. Nothing against meds, but the boy is truamatized. He needed therapy y'all. Sadly they don't think he's truamatized again bc they don't know that that sh*t really happened to him. They just think he's chronically anxiety and depressed which they take seriously enough to ask him to take medical treatment but Ahh it just makes you pity him so much bc of we as readers know that the family will never truly get to know his issues. But they are trying and it's truly heartwarming to see a real family who cares.

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My cons are that I don't really like how they always tried to protect the mom by not telling her what was going on... Although it wouldn't change anything either way, I think that's a bit uh old fashioned and chauvinistic but it's well intended so I let it go. The other is that although the slow leading ending is necessary, the end to the last chapter 112 is like lol just a full on lead up to the extras aka didn't feel like a real ending. But it's a fully closed/resolved ending don't worry. I'm just being picky about the writing lol. <<less
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ylial
ylial rated it
June 26, 2022
Status: Completed
Love this story so much and the other works of the author! It mainly involves schemes and conspiracies. Very well written and realistic in approach. The romance is not much; the ML serves as beacon for MC due to his extreme anxiety.

The MC thought he was a broom star that caused all the death of his family. He thought he avenged them in the last life. Fortunately, he returned to his young self (18y/o). He slowly uncovered the past. He schemed to protect his family while acting like a waste... more>> 2nd generation.

Unfortunately, he experienced mental problems, since he really didn't want the past to repeat itself and he shouldered most of problems. He was right, his family really wouldn't believe him and didn't believe him when he said the truth.

Completed the main story and cohabitation extra. The parallel world in past life is still on going until today <<less
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Keshij
Keshij rated it
July 16, 2022
Status: Completed
Well it's a good story with great suspense.

Ive read hundreds of rebirth stories but have never read such an realistic portrayal of a MC who gets a second chance.

MC felt like a normal person than a character of a book.

... more>> plus it kept me going cuz unlike other novels I have read so far, I really could not even guess who the real antagonist was, which was extremely rare for someone who had read too many Chinese BL. I mean I guessed many times, but was always wrong.

So, overall it's a very good story, the plot was good, had many thrilling moments.

ps: I reread the novel as I saw the translation was completely done. Now I regret it. Last time I only read 20 something translated chapters and went straight to MTL so did not realise how bad the translation was. Even MTL is more readable. This translation looks like it had may be edited the grammar but many points are not done right. Sigh. I should have gone and read the MTzl instead. <<less
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kattlans
kattlans rated it
January 13, 2024
Status: Completed
I'm truly surprised. It's been a while since I've read a novel that captivated me so much that I forgot which chapter I was on and just kept clicking the next chapter button. The story is well-structured, the plot isn't boring, but it's also not too complicated to understand. The MC isn't overpowering like in other novels; they show us that everything they went through in their past life has consequences. It's not an instant process for the MC to forget everything after being reborn or thinking they can solve... more>> everything in their new life.

Similarly, with the family dynamics, the MC takes their time to fully understand their family, and likewise, they patiently wait and seek ways for him to open up a bit more. Both sides understand that they weren't the best son, brother, or parents, but they strive to make things right. I really liked this story; it's the second novel I've read with this approach, and I truly don't regret it. I'm genuinely happy to have read a novel like this. <<less
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Hello123
Hello123 rated it
July 16, 2022
Status: Completed
This turned out to be a very good read. You get the satisfaction of watching the MC being in control of the situation without it becoming a random op protag faceslapping others saga. The MC is not a genius or op or anything of the sort. He was originally just an immature short tempered guy who had to step up and bear the burdens and loneliness that followed after his family's deaths. The 10 yrs he spent getting back up on his own has made him pretty damn good at... more>> "scheming" and also extremely careful and a lil paranoid (pretty justified I would say).

One thing about this novel that I found different compared to others is how the mc's relationship with his family is handled. His relationship with his family had always been very strained ever since his high school days. Constant fights, lack of proper communication because the MC and his father n brother are stubborn and prideful as hell etc. This doesnt just magically change after rebirth. He tries to reign in his temper and avoid quarrells but MC spent too long not knowing how to get along with his family. The same goes for his father and bro. So he doesnt turn into the "clingy loving child of the family" that we normally see in rebirth stories. The tragedies of his past life and the problems in his relationship with his family still weighs on him and it takes a lot of time and effort from both the MC and his family for things to slowly get better. (All of them are nice ppl. They care about each other a lot. It just never translated well to the other bcoz well why communicate when u can quarrel 🤷. It gets better though).

ooh and also, the ML does not follow the "coldfaced president who is even more op than the mc" trope. The ML is a researcher so he is initially not directly involved in most of the business war mess. He helps based on his capacity using the connections of his family and friends but its still the MC and his family's fight. <<less
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Rhiech
Rhiech
March 7, 2024
Status: Completed
This book had the most satisfying ending ever!

It felt like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders. The main character went through a lot, both with revenge stuff and dealing with all the trauma he'd been carrying.

Luckily, he wasn't alone in this.

His boyfriend and his family were there for him every step of the way, showing him tons of love and support. It wasn't like some cheesy, overprotective situation, though. The family love in this story felt real and important. They weren't afraid to show how much they cared,... more>> but it wasn't overbearing either.

Sure, the story's about revenge, but it's also about the MC wanting to protect his family so badly. He just had to take down everyone who hurt them. He wasn't thinking about his own pain; all he cared about was his family and his boyfriend's safety.

The revenge wasn't just about anger, you see?

It was about the loneliness he felt and the horrible sadness of watching his family fall apart. The author did an amazing job showing how his trauma and anxiety turned into depression. It was sad, but really well-written. It wasn't melodramatic, and it made it clear that healing wouldn't be easy.

The love interest?

He was super supportive and helpful, without being the typical bossy guy you see in so many books. He was just perfect for the MC.

Like others have said, the translation might not be the best, but it's definitely readable and doesn't ruin the story. <<less
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Bookster
Bookster rated it
January 30, 2024
Status: Completed
MC: Chen Qi Zhao

ML: Shen Yue Huai

This is such a Gem!

... more>> If you are looking for a Yaoi Rebirth with Revenge covering majority of the plot then read this!

This novel is more about MC trying to save his family and company and in process of doing so getting revenge.

One thing that I really liked about this novel is depiction of

MC's mental health. MC's family dies in his first life and he struggles for a long time to repay the debts. He wasn't a genius or a very capable person. He was all alone with no family members. And the impact these things had on his mental health didn't magically disappear after his rebirth but lasted for almost throughout the novel.

RELATIONSHIP WITH PEOPLE:

    • With Family: MC doesn't suddenly become obedient, lovely and well behaved son or brother after rebirth. Rather he still has a little strained relationship (as he didn't remember how he used to get along with them as its been very long) and concern for his family's health and safety.
    • With ML: ML was the only person who was close to MC after MC's family's death in 1st life. So in the 2nd life, MC wanted to be close with ML again. The way Gentle ML and Mentally scarred Reborn MC got together is so... Nice? They have a longer Get-to-know each other and Chasing Phase so Romance is not that prominent part of the plot. I especially love their Flirting phase!
The psychological side of this novel;

MC's mental state after rebirth, how his relationship with his parents and others progress, the pressure to save his family, everything; is what makes this novel special for me.

I repeat it. This is a REBIRTH, REVENGE story with a LITTLE (but sweet) ROMANCE. So even if you want romance you can read it but just remember Romance isn't the author's main priority here. <<less
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moonh
moonh rated it
September 17, 2023
Status: --
damn..... this is so good. I love how realistic the whole family is..... u can love ur family but barely like them like the MC and his family in his first life. the personality clashes and the lack of communication. the way no one yielded or even tried which made it such a tragedy. I love that in qizhao's second life he had the maturity and foresight to try and understand his older brother and dad, which in turn made them try to relate to him. in the end the... more>> whole family does love and care about each other, and the try so hard in their own broken way.

also MC isn't calm he's disassociating through his trauma. the portrayal of his ptsd and his family's acceptance is really nice to read about. I love how much they try and care for each other in their clumsy ways. this story reads anxious and gives a feeling of dread, which matches the mood of the MC really well. definitely a fav. <<less
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WallEyeKnee
WallEyeKnee rated it
January 8, 2023
Status: Completed
Author does a great job when she write about family struggles and business wars. Just that I really hope ML can be less bland and have a personality though

MC is great, alot of emotional turmoils he had to faced when he was reborn, it a was a great struggle to save his family in this new reborn life. But he did everything he needed to do to protect his love ones

I love Mc's family, they really cared about MC, MC just didnt realize and don't know what happened during... more>> his teen years. I wish we had more of his reputation being clean up and gets everybody's respect #which he does in a way but not in a wild area. We know why but I just wish you know that useless son label turn into something epic against everbody

I like the novel it was good read. I love the MC's scheming and I love how the family all tide together and face their enemies. There was like 100 spies in the whole company damn it was a struggle. Thought next time author please add some personality to ML! <<less
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DemonKing49
DemonKing49 rated it
April 25, 2024
Status: Completed
It's so freaking good that I'm crying!!! Like I really love this book. You definitely should read this book if you love:

1. Logical Plot

2. Gradual romance

... more>> 3. Tender love

4. Realistic relationships

5. No cringeyness

6. Things making sense

7. Badass MC and badass ml

8. Cute interactions between cp

9. Smart MC and good revenge

10. Angst (!!!)

11. Foreshadowing

For me it was totally the angst factor because I'm a sucker for hurtful things, but this novel is so well written, everything is so balanced and good.

A little something that is very different from other rebirth revenge books that I loved here:

Spoiler

in most of the rebirth books, the MC after getting the ML or the revenge suddenly gets cured of their mental health issues and/or depression, which is ok. Ok you got your partner and are living a good life so it's not got pressing issues on your mind anymore, but not this book.

After everything was done and villians were defeated, the MC collapsed. He was under so much pressure and had anxiety and stress disorder that before completing his revenge he didn't take a single break, thus as a result when his mind and body recognised that there's no more danger, it gave up and collapsed.

The most Lovely point of his recovery was showing how in reality you need doctors and medicine and your family's support to come over such difficult times.

[collapse]

Another thing I love about the MC and ML and their love: it's so soft and tender. ML and MC don't let misunderstandings linger between them, both of them knows when the other one is lying and doesn't feel much about it because they understand the purpose of lying. And it's honestly cute ok.

Now: the best thing about the title:
Spoiler

" Little Madman's Guide To Acting Good "

The MC learns that the ML likes good behaving and obedient and not loud but not silent, overall good people and boyyy he acts such a calm cute good child in front of ML not knowing ML saw through each act of his from the first lie he told

Spoiler

it was about food in a restaurant, they had to order, MC ordered chicken and for ML it was noodles something, but ML didn't like green onions and MC knew from his past life, so he crossed his chicken and put on ML'S food as his order and asked ML if he wants the same. When ML was paying, he saw the order card and saw MC had initially ordered chicken, and thought it was cute little habits of MC.

[collapse]

So we can say MC acts good child for ml, thus the title is for ML lol.

[collapse]

Next best thing here: Villians
Spoiler

Oh boy the villians here are scary as f. Really. They are good at their job, not idiots only to get trampled by MC. They have got their own personality and character development and smarts. Frankly the last issue which was resolved, scared me really really bad. Like it's scary that this happens in real life.

Again 10/10 for the villians because of well thought plans.

[collapse]

The MC here is really likable character because, he knows what he does and what he did. He knows his limits. Even better, he acknowledges that he's got upper hand only because of his past life. But I'd like to say no.

Yes his knowledge from past life helped him by like a very lot, but that's the thing, things from his past aren't at all like what they seem to be. MC in this rebirth finds that even though he took revenge in his original life after his everyone died, but did he actually know why or how his family died? Yes on surface, but no in reality. It's was the biggest factor in this novel. That nothing was what it seemed on the surface.

It's the first novel that I want to have a live action on. Not a movie but a series. Because this novel deserves it.

Very very very good job dear author!!! Keep it up.

10/10

Full 5 stars. No deduction.

Would recommend it to everyone to read. One of the Must read books. <<less
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hy-d-ra
hy-d-ra rated it
April 15, 2024
Status: Completed
Good story, good portrayal, interesting perspective, but felt long (imo). This is the story that is really heavy on the plot and the romantic relationship between MC and ML is quite subtle.

What is a big shining point? Subjectively, because it's all personal opinion :) Not saying this just because it's different and no other story I've read about rebirth had it, there are some stories which also pick it up, but it feels quite real when we get MC who is confused how to feel about his rebirth, has a... more>> lot going on on his mind and is not beaming with confidence and smartness being very happy that now he can protect his beloved family. This is the part of his portrayal, but also indicates part of the character who he was against. A lot of work was done on his charecterization not only through the eyes of many people around him, but also his own feeling of self-loathing almost. What about his portrayal? And why Qizhao is like that. Many called Qizhao a fool in the story and looked down on him. From the point of view of smartness Qizhao actually is not, but he's not shrewd, his biggest flaw was youth and inability to read people, to guard against conspiracies. This is why he was plotted against so easily. When it comes to his family it could have been a normal family relationship, he could have grown up and realized that his father is not bad, he's just strict, yet also upright, he doesn't really know how to communicate with his children outsde of work, his mother is a kind lady and his brother actually cares about him, but growing up in such environment he also doesn't know how to express it well, but what happened to them did not allow him to walk through the process of normal growth, he did not have adaptation period when the tragedy hit their family, only later through hits and bumps he saw the world and people as they truly are.

And although he is reborn now, but he knows the dangers of such a big conspiracy that was plotted against their family, yet he can't do anything at the moment about it. He may know the future, but does it matter? Can he truly prevent everything just because he knows it? Maybe that's a great appeal of such a rebirth story, that not everything is a matter of convenience. That he doesn't walk around with confidence and defeats enemies left and right in a day or two. And this novel truly has a sense of time. He can only slowly hint and point, probe and investigate to direct his family to pay attention to potential dangers they were not aware of prior. It eventually showed that not everything was uncovered by him in his last life. But he lives under tremendous stress day by day, being afraid that something will happen to his family, because he already lost them once. For others what he talks about is a probability, but for him it was a reality. So the story has a sense of inner tension that Qizhao goes through. He also blames himself a whole lot, because he knows that everything started from that fateful project he was asked to invest. Because he wasn't shrewd enough to see that the one who is helping on the surface is actually the one who ruined their family. Now he can do something just because he knows these things. Though in reality you can't really guard against everyone, that's too paranoid.

What is also interesting is the family relationship, because of his rebirth the family did not convert into some sappy bunch of people who felt love all day long and express it, excluding the mother who is the main comforting link between all members you know these people care about each other, but it's a bit awkward anyway. Although Qizhao is quite overfilled with blame, but some of it is directed at his father and brother too. Not in a negative way. He regards both of them very highly (like he often mentions his brother especially that he should have been a proud son of heaven and that his vision was what helped him to make a comeback), but he also wants them to open their eyes too, he considered them so smart why they put their guard down so much, didn't see the true face of a so-called friend or people who work under them.

And you'd be surprised that his anchor point that allowed him to settle down isn't his family, don't get me wrong, he loves them, but he doesn't know how to connect with them now that he went through so much. But Shen Yuhuai is a different case. With Yuhuai they became friends when the Shen family were the only ones that helped him when he was in trouble or made a comeback and Yuhuai was there when he was at his breaking point. Through several years they had this friendship he depended on and now it is the same. But eventually this feeling evolved into love. I can't say I had the feeling of fateful lovers from them, more like the strong feeling of compatibility they had and were not aware of before. Although I admit comparing to the entire plotline their romantic development is subtle.

I wrote about Qizhao so much because as MC he really occupies a big chunk of this novel. As for the plot you have to see it for yourself, it's all business. Because it occupies the other big chunk of the novel and is a center piece it's not vague like many other novels where you can't even tell what industry MC or ML belong to :'D

As for its' length, to some it may be quite a dynamic novel with many ups and downs. To me it wasn't the case, I had a feeling of mulling at times. In real life things are not done in a day or two, so I applaude that the confrontation had a sense of time, but the feeling of mulling over things might have come from descriptions and repetition of some things. Again, it's all subjective, it's all my own feelings, maybe someone read it in one breathe because they were so excited about it :)

In general it's a good read, if you look for something like this. It's a journey, not only a plot journey, but also psychological journey of the main character with the ability to finally be free and shake off the burden that weighed down on Qizhao for the entire time. <<less
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bblank
bblank rated it
March 10, 2024
Status: Completed
This novel has a good translation AND it's finished, which is always a plus before you start.

I just finished reading it, the ending was very satisfying.

This is those type of complicated setting novels, but don't worry, because it's explained well. Get ready for company drama. Our MC's a secret overlord type, he acts all foolish on the outside but is secretly investigating several things.

Unreliable narrator warning - sometimes his little spies just get info and you gotta accept it. No, you can't predict the story by being smart, sorry. Not... more>> that type of story. What's obvious is obvious and what's not just won't be.

Well, despite not being a fan of all the complicated over-the-top drama, that's not all this story's got going for it. I loved the family dynamic, the realistic portrayal of Paranoia &mental illness, the colourful side character cast (they have.. Get this, actual personalities!) , and I very much loved the ML. He's the calm and steady, trustworthy type. Very good boy.

Well, if you like smart MCs going through complicated loops and gambling with their life, this one's for you. <<less
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Xiao Jing Ya
Xiao Jing Ya rated it
February 21, 2024
Status: Completed
Honestly this novel is kind of a breath of fresh air among many regression revenge story. I love how the author didn't gloss over the details nor the ruthlessness, but also portray a great picture of someone with trauma. It's both very subtle but also really deep.

I love how Qizhao didn't immediately become 'a different person and the people around him loved him because of his change' like other mainstream regression stories, but he actually used his smarts to stay lowkey and acted as usual while controlling everything within his... more>> grasp.

I love how the author subtly portrayed the contradiction of his mental age in details like he wasn't interested in game etc anymore, how the drinking games of his friends were easy compared to business banquets, how he called his elders by name, etc, but he also still liked dressing up youthfully, liked going to school and play with his friends, and still subconsciously being the baby of the family. It wasn't portrayed in a jarring way like 'everyone are babies, only I am an adult and I have to take care of them all' or 'we can't fall in love I'm way older than you!' like many other regression stories. It showed that while Qizhao was mentally in his 30s, his inner time had been frozen at the time his family perished, and he had always been trapped as that traumatized child who hadn't had the chance to grow into a proper adult.

Although his adult self was vastly different than his teenage self, he was still Chen Qizhao, so much so that his family and friends actually didn't notice any major abnormalities until they witnessed his emotional outbursts. They just wondered 'when did he start to act like this?', instead of 'this is so unlike him'. I love these details.

In either timeline, past, present, or the both alternate timelines in the extras, Chen Qizhao had always been the talented, sharp, decisive and ruthless genius, with an inner heart of a well-behaved, kind and lonely child, wanting to be close to his loved ones and be praised for being good. He was just too traumatized and was forced to be a desperado in his previous life. Even then, I love the consistency of his core character. I also love that he actually used the chance of his regression to take a different major and given the chance to do things he hadn't had the chance to in his previous life!

And most importantly, I love how his trauma and mental problems were portrayed. It was very realistic how he behaved, how he dealt with everything, setting up mental defenses, how his health deteriorated over time, etc, to how he struggle to get better. I love how realistic his journey to mental recovery was. It wasn't smooth, it wasn't linear, it wasn't gone just because the source problem was gone, and it took so much energy and determination both from himself and his loved ones. He knew he was sick and he cooperated well with treatment, but at the same time he built up his emotional wall even thicker that it only worried his family further the more he became obedient. He would still relapse, and he found it difficult to shake off his bad habits. Yet he still tried his best to protect and not worry his loved ones. I love how real those were.

Also, I love how his illness and trauma didn't get magically cured just because he fell in love, even years into the relationship later. Because YEAH REAL LIFE WAS LIKE THAT! LOVE ISN'T A MAGIC CURE! 😭 Love won't fix anything, but it COULD be the warmth that accompany you in your journey to get better. I LOVE THAT! 🤧💕 And I also appreciate how awkward his family dynamics was, esp his big bro and dad, and how they didn't actually change themselves, but they just learned to listen to each other! That was beautiful! They were still the same three awkward men at the end of the story, but they all tried their best to show they cared! 🤧 And of course I also loved the romance! I love how easy they were with each other, how in whichever timeline, they just 'slot together' without much fuss and dramas! No exaggerated or hot-blooded romance just because Qizhao went back to be a teenager, but it was a decisive, calm, and mature love story. It felt both easy and passionate. Both lightly cute and full of s*xual tension hahah! 'I love you, you love me, let's date!' just like that!

Kudos author for writing this amazing novel! For a revenge regression novel I'll give this 4.5/5, but I'll put it as 5 just because I think it's such a breath of fresh air among regression revenge stories! 😄 <<less
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Devrai
Devrai rated it
February 3, 2024
Status: c136
The story feels like "lots of running around, data, data, data, beein anxious and no real sweetness.".

After reading and fighting to the end, I feel absolutely tiered out. MC is always running around to solve the future problems.

Later when the biggest event happened, MC had a breakdown and the writer inserted lots of anxiety and depression problems. This kind of annoyed me because in my opinion it is really unneeded.

... more>> The writer always tried to put up more and more tension but had never a real tension relief.

The family dynamics was a big part of this novel and started out interesting but until the end it never became really "solved". I feel that the problems never were really addressed.

The same for MC and ML. Basically they were only showing their best sides to each other and they never had a deep conversation about anything.

Well.... at least the writing itself and the translation were good. But I most likely will never touch this story again. <<less
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EUGEO SYNTHESIS
EUGEO SYNTHESIS rated it
January 22, 2024
Status: --
As many other comments have said, the translation of this story isn't actually that good, but it's also not that bad and still readable.

The plot of this story itself is actually very good, but I really hate how MC always turns s*upid when dealing with ML.

I mean, yes I understand that in your previous life he was always there for you and so on, but that can't be an excuse to make you always fixated and forget everything when you were with him.

... more>>
Spoiler

There are many scenes where MC is in a crisis situation, and he should be focused on the problem at hand... but every time this happens ML will suddenly appear and MC will be busy thinking about his past with ML while acting like a fool.

I mean MC character setting is someone who has a severe anxiety disorder regarding the safety of his family, but somehow that setting is forgotten every time ML appears, and the crisis problem also somehow feels paused.

Luckily this didn't change their character setting too much, or this story would have been completely ruined.

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