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Mint-Stained Shirt
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Web Novel (CN)
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Rating(4.7 / 5.0, 171 votes)
5    84% (143 votes)
4    10% (17 votes)
3    4% (6 votes)
2    1% (2 votes)
1    2% (3 votes)
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2020
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Status in Country of Origin. One entry per line
Completed (82 chapters)
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Completely Translated
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Release Frequency
Every 44.9 Day(s)
Activity Stats
[Graph]
Weekly Rank: #2157
Monthly Rank: #2211
All Time Rank: #3884
Reading List
[Graph]
On 2552 Reading Lists
Monthly Rank: #3265
All Time Rank: #2992

Description

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

When he was young, Xiao Yu’an wore a white shirt and rescued a child from a tree.

The child’s hands were sticky with sugar water from the melted peppermint popsicle he’d been eating, and he left a five-fingered imprint on the front of Xiao Yu’an’s shirt.

“This is a stamp,” the child declared. “It means you’re my gege now.”

When he was young, Ming Shu had to climb up and up and up in a tall tree in order to see the gege in the neighbors’ yard.

He wanted to quickly grow big and tall, so he wouldn’t need to climb any more trees. So he would be able to turn around, at any time, and see the gege from the Xiao family.

“You don’t need to wait for me,” he said. “Let me chase you. Let me make you my guiding light.”

Associated Names
One entry per line
Bò He Chèn Yī
薄荷衬衣
Related Series
Madness of the Heart (Sequel)
Recommendations
Lovely Allergen (2)
Through The Strait Gates (2)
A Certain Someone (2)
Agreement of Being Gay for 30 Days (1)
Don’t You Like Me (1)
Everyone Thinks that I Like Him (1)
Recommendation Lists
  1. Chicken Soup for the Soul ~ (BL)
  2. Amazing BL stories
  3. Be still my beating heart (GOAT MLs)
  4. read in 2022
  5. 2023 CATCH UP

Latest Release

Date Group Release
05/26/21 78zaoTL c82
05/26/21 78zaoTL c81
05/26/21 78zaoTL c80
05/26/21 78zaoTL c79
05/26/21 78zaoTL c78
05/23/21 78zaoTL c72
05/23/21 78zaoTL c77
05/23/21 78zaoTL c76
05/23/21 78zaoTL c75
05/23/21 78zaoTL c74
05/23/21 78zaoTL c73
05/18/21 78zaoTL c65
05/18/21 78zaoTL c71
05/18/21 78zaoTL c70
05/18/21 78zaoTL c69
123…6
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39 Reviews sorted by


Shotoxoxokawai
New Shotoxoxokawai
March 5, 2023
Status: --
Omgggg I feel so GOD DAMN SAD FOR OUR MC MINGGGG HE'S SOO PITIFUL

I cannot TAT I wish the ML gives him lots of love n affection HE'S TOO PRECIOUS

He's a cinnamon roll.. Jst wanna squeeze her cheeks n tell him tht everything's alryt.. His childhood was very miserable tht u jst can't help but put all the precious gems n things infront of him

I want a adorable brother like him as well >///<
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
en_en
en_en rated it
July 1, 2021
Status: Completed
This is a gem of a novel. So well written and the characters feel real as does their growth. Finally we have a novel there kids actually behave like kids and not mini adults.

My heart constantly broke for Ming Shu, and I legit shed tears while reading this.

I would definitely recommend this, it's a beautiful and realistic story that will pull at all your heartstrings.

The translator has done a wonderful job with the translation as well!
11 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
SirTuna
SirTuna rated it
April 14, 2021
Status: Completed
First of all, Ming Shu is so cute! His childhood progression is both realistic and nostalgic inducing.

... more>>
Spoiler

At first glance Ming Shu was shown to the readers as a weak baby. He and his bad habit of whimpering (the sad reason was to fill the silence of being alone). But don't worry! After the influence of the Xiao family, Ming Shu turned into a little tyrant XD. I felt proud of him for bullying back the bullies.

[collapse]

Ming Shu's family is
Spoiler

really a mess. It's not like they abuse him or anything too dogblooded, but a simple thing like neglection and indiffrence really does take a toll on a how a child's emotional response, impacting them to a great extend.

[collapse]

As for Xiao Yu'an... he is a strong gege (not blood related, just that china has this thing where strangers address each other as family, well Xiao Yu'an and Ming Shu is basically family anyways hoho).

I do like the side characters are so fun to read and how children are described as children. None of the children behaving as if they're 30+ year old adults nonsense. Despite some shortcomings here and there and there are some parts that could be more in-depth, I can overlook them since it doesn't influence the story as a whole.

The translation quality is excellent and I'm really urging people to read this. Give this piece a go. Even though I'm not finished with this, I guarantee you a great story!

Edit: I finished the story... frick I didn't expect it to be so sweet with a tinge of bitterness

Spoiler

"I'll find you, I'll come to you, to be with you, " Xiao Yu'an murmured to himself as he turned. "You've already chased me for so long." -- obviously Xiao Yu'an, Slice of Life ML of the year

[collapse]
<<less
11 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
periperi
periperi rated it
April 19, 2021
Status: Completed
5 stars

A growing up story of childhood friends with an age gap (that plays a part!) of 6 years. It was more emotional than I expected because Ming Shu was such a precious child but his childhood was so sad (I think I teared up), thank goodness for his gege that in many ways was able to help (because of the age gap).

The side characters were good too, especially the Xiao family. But really disliked the Ming family.

Romance wise: ... more>>
Spoiler

Ming Shu falls first! And while cliche, due to the age gap and the whole growing up with brotherly feels thing, I thought it was rather well done. There was lot of tears and angst but nothing happens until Ming Shu's an adult at least. And Yu An really had the best interest for him. Big spoiler but at the very end, the way he shouldered the pot for both of them in front of his father (because he didn't want Ming Shu to have to suffer any more), just dang, now this is a good partner.

[collapse]

Side characters with spoilers:
Spoiler

I especially loved Xiao Jin Cheng because of his antics, Ming Shu's good friend at school for being the most supporting bro and special mention to Yu An's cat loving colleague. I especially love the running gag where the colleague thought that Yu An was keeping a cat at home (he was not). It was never revealed if he found out that he wasn't actually keeping a cat. One gripe I had was that the Xiao family siblings faded in the latter half of the story, understandably because everyone grew up and moved off but I wished there was more interaction with everyone as adults.

[collapse]

Lastly, the story ended a bit fast but then again, I suppose there is a sequel. Overall, this is a really nice childhood progression to lovers story to add to the list. <<less
8 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Michelle-08
Michelle-08 rated it
September 6, 2021
Status: Completed
NSFW!!!!! Wait, wait... not "that" kind of NSFW thingy! It's a snot and tears kinda thing. Well, unless you want people to see your "ugly crying" face + snot bubbles.. then be my guest!🤣

I cried bucket of tears!!!😭😭😭 The "seashell gun" and the "pink and mint pearl gift" while Ming Shu's in the hospital, part killed me (I need someone to bury me... anyone?), I used 3 BOXES of kleenex..3!!!!! There's a lot of parts that you'll shed tears (bawl), poor little Ming Shu, he suffered a lot as a... more>> child. Don't get me wrong there's a lot of funny moments as well. Thank goodness that our ML, Xiao Yu'an was a doting gege and was always there to protect and guide Ming Shu.

Their relationship unfolds beautifully. Others may find it a little weird but from the very start these two loves each other unconditionally, from childhood to adulthood.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!! <<less
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shuulys
shuulys rated it
July 31, 2021
Status: Completed
Really cute and sweet. You just can't hate the MC because he is such a sweetheart.

The only small problem was that they had a such fantastic gege and didi relationship that when it went into a romantic relationship it felt a little weird? But then all in all it wasn't that bad at all so it was worth reading. This novel is focussed more on the past so basically there wasn't a lot of scenes where they were grown ups. But there is a sequel to it called Madness to... more>> the Heart so I'm currently planning on reading it. <<less
4 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
pinkpeonies
pinkpeonies rated it
September 4, 2021
Status: Completed
I absolutely love this novel!! I was worried that it would be cliche or bland because of a lot of common tropes, but it was written extremely well. Every chapter left me wanting to read the next one right away. There are so many emotional scenes. I cried a lot during the heartbreaking parts and also the heartwarming parts. It left such an impact on me.
3 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
dee_ism
dee_ism rated it
June 25, 2021
Status: Completed
IT'S SO BEAUTIFUL! Such a gem.
I thought it would be fluffy but turned out I'm left with puffed eyes due to crying so much.

An coming of age story but we get to know the journey since our precious MC, Ming Shu, only 5 years old.
We watch him grown up from a timid whimpering kid, to a bona fide amazing young man. I'm so proud of him!
The writer beautifully and realistically written all the inner turmoil and the whole process of him growing up.

People who is a crybaby... more>> like me would definitely shred a lot of tears and distressed a lot to Ming Shu.
Fortunately he able to met such a warm Xiao family, where he met his beloved gege, the ML, Xiao Yu'an.

I adore Xiao family so much, everyone of them. And special appreciation to best friend ever, Du Hao.

Also thanks to translator who did all the hard work to translate this gem to us. <<less
3 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Sonofasun
Sonofasun rated it
December 7, 2021
Status: c82
Jesus the difference between the beginning and the end of this novel is too much. I'm not gonna lie, lowkey grooming tier. If this was real life it would be sus af. I can't... : ^) stop reading!!!

Hehe very good very good especially when the ML finally loses control.

4.5/5 from me
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
EUGEO SYNTHESIS
EUGEO SYNTHESIS rated it
December 3, 2021
Status: --
Ming Shu parents are the most accurate definition of the phrase "Unrecyclable garbage..." they can't even realize the mistake they made until the end of the story.

As for Ming Shu's grandfather, I actually had guessed that he was "hard-tempered but soft-hearted" type since the incident where ML was late to pick up the MC at the kindergarten. ... more>>
Spoiler

That time his grandfather only stayed waiting with Ming Shu. Even though he snapped Ming Shu, but still he never violently pushes or hits Ming Shu

[collapse]

For ML himself, he was the type of person who has a calm nature.
Spoiler

Actually, this nature has misled me about their position (Gong or Shou), because I haven't read the first book so I'm really blind to their position.

[collapse]

FYI: This book is a prequel to the Madness Of Heart story. But if we talk about timeline, then this story is the one that happened first, because it tells the story of their youth, and this was the reason why I read this novel first, because I'm not the type of person who likes to read backwards especially if it's a prequel, sequel and etc.

Last, the only thing that confuses me in this story is where did Ming Shu's grandmother go??? I remember at the beginning of the story that Ming Shu's grandfather raised him with his grandmother, his grandmother even appeared in the first few episodes, but somehow his grandmother suddenly disappeared without a trace. <<less
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
ebryetas
ebryetas
June 23, 2021
Status: Completed
5 STARS✨✨✨✨✨

This was so beautiful!!! I don't have time to write a proper review right now but this was absolutely phenomenal. No major angst or drama or whatnot, mixed with such realistic and vivid characters. Can't believe this is a prequel (and the sequel isn't finished being translated yet ;-;)
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Cloudy_hills
Cloudy_hills rated it
June 15, 2021
Status: Completed
A coming of age story about two neighbours who after years of protecting and being protected by the other find themselves to have fallen in love, with each other. The beginning chapters that showcase their childhood, made me shed a lot of tears. The MC would have led a disturbing life had it not been for the ML who always remained around as the sun shining on him. Making sure there is light reaching, always.
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
moon17lover
moon17lover
August 19, 2022
Status: c1
The writing is pretty good, but I disliked ming shu being raised by xiao yuan, soo well behaved and meek to him too dependent while yuan is not dependent on him and even got annoyed by him, his parents are really jerks, I havent completed the book yet, but soo what if both of them are divorced dont they have a sense of responisbilty how can they throw their child for other family to raise and be this selfish and inhuman, and his grand parents dont they want a confident... more>> upright kid to inherit the family how could they raise of him to feel like an outsider in his own family and let him depend on others, ML and MC should be independwnt from each other not like this MC here doesnt have a safe base to retreat to, he regard ML as a commanding parental figure, which should never be mixed up in relationships even if he started it, it should have been curbed and let him drift into his own path <<less
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
DewDropsOnMellons
DewDropsOnMellons rated it
March 6, 2022
Status: --
I absolutely loved this story and I don't usually like this sort of slow coming of age story since they usually feel bitter sweet. This did too but I really liked it and it was so heart warming (particularly their early childhood).

There were bits in the middle that made me cry and I was so invested in their relationship and it was so healthy! Despite having the potential for being unequal, it wasn't and I'm really glad. The chemistry was there and I cared about the characters.

The side characters were... more>> lovable too and I particularly like the Xiao family's youngest child. They don't come up much when the characters grow up since they move and have jobs and all that but they still show up occasionally and once again, I'm glad that the author didn't forget that they exist and handled things in a realistic way.

The story, the relationship and the characters were all great and I would definitely recommend this.

There weren't many issues. Just a few small ones like the tiny bit of colourism that I dislike and tend to be sensitive to. It may pass a lot of people by and not bother them since it didn't come up much and wasn't overt (stuff like mistaking tan skin as dirty, implying the dark skin is ugly, and I'm not sure about this but I think the insult "crow" might have something to do with dark skin too because the MC said his new classmate had tan skin and looked a bit like those crows in his primary school). It wasn't jarring compared to plenty of other stuff and dark skin wasn't shown as a purely negative feature (honestly, the bar is pretty low with Chinese novels) but still a heads up for people who are sensitive about that stuff. <<less
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CaisAngelsPearl
CaisAngelsPearl rated it
March 4, 2022
Status: Completed
Deserves all the accolades, I am such a sucker for children to adults storylines and this was done so so well. From cute, little, clingy Ming Shu to tall, handsome but still oh so clingy Ming Ge! Off to watch Madness of the Heart...I know I am just gonna love it!
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
LH_12
LH_12 rated it
February 15, 2022
Status: c82
Novel tells a story of a young boy and his gege. We see how are they growing up and how their relationship develops. But most important thing is that story is realistic, it's not a tipical bl novel, main accent is on a family relationship, growing up and psychological problems. Story is really heartbreaking sumtimes I really wanted to kill ming shus parents who neglected their child but fortunately his gege was there to help him.
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
LookingforanotherPIT
LookingforanotherPIT rated it
October 28, 2021
Status: Completed
Overall Rating: 4.7 Personal Rating: 4.3 or 4.4

A coming of age story about two neighbors who after years of protecting and being protected by the other find themselves to have fallen in love, with each other. The beginning chapters that showcase their childhood, made me shed a lot of tears. The MC would have led a disturbing life had it not been for the ML who always remained around as the sun shining on him.

The writer beautifully and realistically written all the inner turmoil and the whole process of him... more>> growing up. Serious, realistic, modern and grounded type of danmei that everyone is asking for, except for me. It's not the style that I like but I am still rating this high because it is a well-written, well-translated novel and really worth reading.

Personal Review: Don't read this if you don't want a rant. This is still a good book either way, just I had to rant someway.

Spoiler

People who is a crybaby like me would definitely shred a lot of tears and distressed a lot to Ming Shu.
Fortunately he able to met such a warm Xiao family, where he met his beloved gege, the ML, Xiao Yu'an. MC's shitty parents inevitably got me spitting and foaming at the mouth with rage and anger.

The angst is balanced by ML's brotherly care but towards the end, when I expected the romance to pick up, I was a little disappointed...

Through nearly the whole novel, it was only MC's unrequited love and single-minded pursuit of ML. On ML's side, nothing except brotherly love. ML's sudden realisation of his sexual desires came out of nowhere. The author did show ML's POV many times but there was nothing about his feelings for MC being anything but familial. It feels like ML just gave in after being harassed to death by MC lmao...

[collapse]

Spoiler

This was also a good reawakening to how people in Asian Countries used to depend on the 'Can't interfere in Family Matters'. Not that it's totally bad, but it left me feeling conflicted especially in the emotional parts of the story.

[collapse]
<<less
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Nagma
Nagma rated it
October 1, 2021
Status: Completed
This novel is a *chef's kiss*. I loved every bit of it. I loved the author's writing and the translator did an amazing job translating *bows Thank you*

Highly recommended. Go read now
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
seracchi
seracchi rated it
September 24, 2021
Status: Completed
This is so heart-wrenching. I didn't know how many times my tears just flowed out, especially in the earliest chapters. You just cannot NOT love Ming Shu. I think almost everyone can relate to his feelings of wanting to be a part of something, have had enough of being alone, but also scared to be the first to reach out. Keep second-guessing everything. Am I really a part of them now or is it just my own wishful thinking?

He is so adorable. And knowing him being obedient just to please... more>> Xiao Yu An, to be accepted? How can your heart not go soft for him? Totally understand why Xiao Yu An is so protective and couldn't bear to get angry.

Then comes Ming Shu's parents.

Spoiler

Even though I understand no matter how close they are, Xiao Yu An is still an outsider, but sometimes I really want to whack Xiao Yu An and Xiao dad. I can't help it, I'm just really sad for Ming Shu.

As I read, I keep hoping Xiao Yu An finds out what Ming Shu went through. That bike accident, clearly Ming Shu was provoked first. If that cannon fodder didn't look at Ming Shu with disgust and tell on him being with Xiao Yu An to his father, how can Ming Shu ever think of hurting anyone?

Our gege, Xiao Yu An, oh, Xiao Yu An. All of Ming Shu's tears are wasted because this gege here keeps thinking he will explain to Ming Shu LATER. Keeps assuming Ming Shu's situation. Like I said, I understand why he thinks he's an outsider and really quiet helpless because yes he is. But after seeing Ming Shu's bad condition, how can he still stay quiet?

It was said he could tell something was wrong with Ming Shu with just one look but what did he do? I didn't mean he has to physically fight Ming Shu's father, I know that would make it worse. But if he can talk about buying a new knife, can't he say a few comforting words? Is buying a new knife is what important here? What Ming Shu's craves for is Xiao Yu An's attention and love.

It's important to note, at that point, Ming Shu is still an elementary school student and they are not romantically involved, but if Xiao Yu An can deny his relationship with the school beauty, why not do the same with that childhood friend? Nevermind, gege just loves being subtle throughout the novel.

[collapse]

..... sigh. It's good that Xiao Yu An spoils Ming Shu so much before and after that family conflict or else!!

This novel is good. Really, really good. My complain to Xiao Yu An is only because I'm very, very distressed for Ming Shu, not because I hate him or something.

Also, I think Ming Shu deserves an appreciation. We can't deny that Xiao Yu An is the one making the first move, but right from the start Ming Shu has always been strong. Xiao Yu An gives him a chance, a new life, loves him like no one else ever does. So he keeps fighting for it. He never give up on himself, on Xiao Yu An, on their future. He's a fighter and a strong one. That's why we love him, no?

The last chapter leading to Madness of the Heart, it's really long overdue for Xiao Yu An to fight for what they had. Glad, we're all finally on the same page. Wish Yu An-gege and Ming Shu-didi a long-lasting relationship. <<less
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yukicchi
yukicchi rated it
August 27, 2021
Status: Completed
  1. Hear me out, I've never felt so satisfied with a novel until I read this. Their relationship felt so real that I shed tears of joy after reading the whole chapters. I know there have been a lot of good reviews of its sequel too but yknow what, this story alone already make me love both of them. This is not only focused in romance, it has more to share. My first heart break started when Xiao Yuan forgot to give Ming Shu a present after going back from his grandparents' house. From thereon, I was curious how will their character and relationship developed.
    Spoiler

    Xiao Yuan's struggle of accepting Ming Shu as his lover was also well presented. I love the tug and pull everytime he hesitated to be with Ming Shu. It's kind of rare in BL with the same relationship as theirs, it's always the older one who fell in love first. But this time, Ming Shu was always the one who puts all the effort into forming their relationship from those of "brothers" into "lovers". For real, I seriously love when they already got together.

    [collapse]

    If you're looking for a novel which will satisfy your heart, I would definitely recommend this. Take note tho, there'll be child negligence in this story.
PS: One of the great thing I wanted to point out is, how the author didn't include too much of unnecessary scenes in the story. Like for example, given that this is a modern type of novel, I realized how some authors involved those "forums" into the story. Like, if the characters are popular, there will always be those people who talks about them in their school forums and to be honest, it would always left me uninterested. I realized how the story would flow smoothly without those, that's why I really appreciate this more.

PPS: You'll absolutely love all Xiao's family and Ming Shu's grandfather. The minor characters has their own roles to perform which would make the main characters' developed more.
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izayaYY
izayaYY rated it
July 28, 2021
Status: Completed
Serious, realistic, modern and grounded type of danmei that everyone is asking for, except for me. It's not the style that I like but I am still rating this high because it is a well-written, well-translated novel and really worth reading.

Delving into the mind of a child MC, from a weak 5 year old to a strong adult, there are many heartbreaking moments and angst coming from MC's emotional neglect, depression and loneliness. MC's shitty parents inevitably got me spitting and foaming at the mouth with rage and anger. The... more>> angst is balanced by ML's brotherly care but towards the end, when I expected the romance to pick up, I was a little disappointed... I mean, it is obvious that MC loves ML but it's not obvious that ML loves MC in return. Through nearly the whole novel, it was only MC's unrequited love and single-minded pursuit of ML. On ML's side, nothing except brotherly love. ML's sudden realisation of his sexual desires came out of nowhere. The author did show ML's POV many times but there was nothing about his feelings for MC being anything but familial. It feels like ML just gave in after being harassed to death by MC lmao...

There is a sequel to this, 'Madness of the Heart', which was written before 'Mint-stained shirt'. I have yet to read the sequel. <<less
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