My Little Poplar is one of my favorite works by Shui Qian Cheng. This novel is light hearted and filled with comical struggles of BXY's experiences in the army's boot camp in sharp contrast to the angst and deception that characterizes many of SQC's popular novel. This novel is a spin-off of In Love with an Idiot and it follows the story of Jian Suiying's cousin, Bai Xinyu. Even though they're cousins, they're different in every way and they take totally opposite routes.

In My Little Poplar, BXY, starts off as a spoiled crybaby, but he is able to go through amazing character growth and slowly makes his way up from the bottom of his class during his time in the army. In contrast to the honest soldiers who accompanies BXY and the positivity energy of the army, JSY from In Love with an Idiot is surrounded by schemers and hostility as his peers are all eyeing JSY's CEO status. In fact, BXY was involved in one of these schemes that contributed to JSY's downfall (You'll have to read the other novel for details. This novel focuses on BXY's self reflection and it's one of the key factors that motivated him to improve himself and make up to JSY.)

The reunion scene between BXY and JSY is one of the most fascinating scenes in which BXY is at his best and JSY is at his worst. The interesting part is that this scene is depicted in both novels and we get to see the thoughts of their respective MCs as they take in the changes of the other person. Regarding BXY's rapid character growth, it's not that BXY suddenly developed an OP finger. Rather, it's that BXY never had the motivation and it's not until he started using his brain and putting effort into his goals that he realizes he can achieve anything he wants. There's a segment in the novel that tests the limits of BXY's mental and physical capacity to overcome the despair one might feel in a losing battle. (Idk if these military tests are legitimate in China since they're so extreme)

One of the most fascinating military test that he goes through is:

I didn't enjoy the ride, only the first chapters were funny.

I only read abuse, and abuse and abuse. And abuse.

It's not funny for me.

Maybe if I read less novels, I couldn't compare and I would appreciate it more.

Reading only to chapter 15 I won't rate it (it would be unfair even if I read 10% of the novel with the extras).

But I can't recommand it. If someone is hesitating, maybe wait until there are more chapters translated ?

The character growth is really really good. MC's character was spoiled since a child, so the character is bad. The author admit this, he/she made a thorough spoiled rich second generation personality for MC. It's quite annoying actually, but you can't help but want to read further. Want to watch MC's growth step by step. It took quite long for MC to change, reasonable since he's really a spoiled brat. But despite all these weaknesses, the author didn't forget to give MC his own strength.

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The story also tells about MC's identity crisis. What he wants to do? How's his future? The MC tried to figure this out, it's not rare for him to choose the wrong choices. It was really realistic, like some of us who sometimes don't know what to do for living, then makes some wrong choices.

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About ML and MC's relationship, at first I don't like it. ML likes to harass MC, sometimes I think it's too far. I also think that ML still looks down MC, sometimes. ML was one of the main factor in MC's character growth, MC wants to catch up with ML. ML was MC's goal, though he will never admit it.

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The story is really good, I haven't finished it yet but I assure that you won't regret reading it.

Edit after finishing the story :

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So I've just finished the story awhile ago. It's... an exhausting journey. It stirs your emotions, makes you feels sad then happy, angry. The ML was a bast*rd in the mid, a real bastard! But thankfully he redemp it later by chasing MC shamelessly.

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What I want to point : Good plot. Amazing action. Good dog blood. Enough smexy moments! (Cut later though). Good character building. <<less

Wow. I don't know the other got through this but it was already hard getting past chapter 5. It's fine if MC suffered because of his own attitude but the fact that ML harrassed him multiple times... and for what? Discipline? Maybe it's because I don't know military affairs but the way ML treated MC at the beginning was just horrible and to me, no amount of redemption through love or character development can ever repair that.

It's my first time writing a review and tbh I don't like the ML. He should know the consequences of his every action and I also don't think the ML deserve to be with the MC.

And it's quite annoying how he pester the MC after their break up and I don't think he deserve to be with MC, yeah MC can forgive him as he made a rational decision in the 2nd mission but from emotional perspective he already abandoned MC that night and it was over! He has to... more>> bear the consequences of his own actions but instead he doesn't let go. From my point of view if he hadn't pester MC after the break up MC would've gotten over him sooner or later.

ML already lost the trust which should be in a relationship and I don't like the fact that he's now trying to redemp it but not everything can be fixed with a single sorry or guilt or regret. He should understand that there's no medicine for regret.

Anyway I don't like the ML <<less

This one right here is a gem. I seriously don't get the low ratings!

This book made me feel all kinds of emotion. When I first started reading it, I thought it would just be a book describing MC's strugglings to adapt but boy was I wrong! The transformation of both characters is ah-mazing especially our MC Bai Xinyue. I felt like a mother hen watching her baby grow up into a responsible young man. Our ML was quite problematic at first tho. But as I said before they grew up,... more>> both of them, mended their ways, understood the mistakes they made and tried their best to correct them. MC also didn't take any sh*t from ML. He punished him the hardest way possible and those parts made cry buckets. Yeah I cried reading this. At first I thought it was gonna be all fluffy and cute but oh well!:) Tbh another reason why I loved this story so much is maybe because how much I relate to our MC. I too am a lazy bum who doesn't have any kind of achievements in life, wasting away my youth reading novels in bed all day lol. But seeing BXY finding his dream, becoming successful gave me endless satisfaction. So I would recommend this novel to everyone without any second thoughts! <<less

Very realistically written and some great character growth on part of both the MC and ML.

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The novel is split into two parts/situations: The first half is MC going to the army and experiencing most of his growth as well as meeting all his friends/comrades, until he breaks it off with the ML and leaves, which starts the second portion where it's basically the ML groveling and chasing back the MC. Honestly I thought the first was more interesting with the action and whatnot, but the later half focused more on the romance. Beware though, they only get back together in the last few chapters. (Thankfully there were extras)

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The author did a fantastic job in writing this, definitely had a lot more thought put behind this plot than other novels. The only issue (which wasn't too bad for me) was the translation quality, because sometimes the words were the EXACT opposite of what the meaning actually was.
For example, there was a sentence along the lines of: "He was shaken, and he replied calmly..", which doesn't make sense until you flip the first part into 'he wasn't shaken'.

There were also some pretty bad problems with the raw translation itself, since they messed up some of the meanings behind the original text, which means some parts are completely incomprehensible.
For example, during one of the MC and ML's sweeter moments, MC suddenly replied with a "I don't care about you", which seemed totally out of place, and looking at the conversation again I can tell (as someone fluent in chinese) that the original meaning was "I don't control you".

Anyways, not trying to flame the translator here, they did a great job with so much text to translate. Just a fair warning though to those who aren't as familiar with chinese.

Other than these minor issues, it really shouldn't stop you from reading it. There was actual good content here, so do try reading. <<less

Overall, a pleasant read. This author, 水千丞, maintains high quality throughout her novels.

To give some background, this novel, Xiao Baiyang, is part of her 188 series (188团） (188 is the height of the gong in all of the novels in the series). The 188 series follows a cookie-cutter structure in terms of plot and development:

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1. MC and ML meet each other, go through some hiccups, but eventually start dating. The ML doesn't really treat MC as well as he should be.

2. ** Happens, and MC is upset at ML.

3. Even bigger ** happens, and MC wants to get away from ML.

4. ML grovels for forgiveness.

5. Happy ending!

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Our MC is the paradigm of what character development is (and so is our ML, though not as apparent at first). Great supporting cast. Hilarious moments, sweet bits, and lots of epiphanies. If I had to name one thing that I liked best about this novel, it would be the main character's (Bai Xinyu's) revelations as he journeys through life in the military and realizes how toxic his past vices were.

Some info about the ML Yu Fengcheng:

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Strong-willed dude, super thick skin, loves to pick on our MC. Kinda has daddy issues but we don't talk about that

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The pacing varies quite a bit at times which threw me off. The first part of the story which takes place in the military is definitely a lot more well-structured, and because it is supposed to lay the foundations for the romantic affections that sprout between the main couple, I found it to be more enjoyable than the second half that takes place in regular society.

My verdict: pretty good read, especially if you enjoy the refreshing feeling of having the main character take revenge on the ML for all the wrong he's done to him in the beginning. <<less

This is my second most favorite novel by this author (next to Beloved Enemy). The MC's character growth is the best part and is very smooth. I love how, throughout his growth, he retains his coquettish and a bit of childish nature with which he wins over people even when he was an annoying crybaby. The ML is not as bad as the other ML's in the series, although he is a big time sexual predator towards the MC and practically forces him into a relationship. However, he is also... more>> a big factor and influence and inspiration in the MC's growth.

I also want to point out the hypocrisy of Jian Sui Ying who plays a big role in this novel. He strongly opposes the protagonists' relationship, emphasizing that the MC is not a natural (born) gay and that the ML is too young and may change in a few years (the age difference is 3 years). However, in his own novel, he aggresively pursued Li Yu who was barely of age (JSY was in his mid 20s at the time) and was 2 years younger than BXY and a year older than YFC. Also, he never once pondered what LY's sexual orientation might be while he was pursuing him.

Anyway, this is a very well-written novel. I MTL'ed it, but everything is quite easy to understand. The action scenes are good and the characters are very well-written too. <<less

Now reading MC's progress from with no moral and maxed shamlessness to the one with integrity was fun! And I love how ML being a real bully and sometimes showing his care, it squeezed my heart~ I am full eating dog foods. You all should taste it too. Dog food. Lol.

Well I have mixed feelings about this story. First of all; I did enjoyed it. It was a good read. I like the author have read many of her stories. If you're familiar with the author's work, well this one is the same. An ass ML, did something that breaks the MC's heart, and then he will come wanting to get the MC back. MC will play hard to get but will eventually forgive him. What I didn't like about the story is the fact that, MC was taken out... more>> of the army after being injured and it was clear that's where his heart lies, but because his parent and cousin didn't want him to stay, he had to leave. I don't know the mentally of Chinese people (no offense) but I think they should have allowed him to choose wholeheartedly whether he wanted to leave or not. And the way his cousin treated his opinions didn't sit well with me.

Later when the MC decided to start a security company, his cousin was down right against it, despite knowing how the MC so badly wanted to.

The MC is a grown man and should have the right to decide what he wanted to do with himself and his life.

*Sighs* anyway this is the longest review I've ever written. Don't let it discourage you, go ahead and give this story a try. But I must warn you, the translation isn't top notch, some sentence didn't make sense, you'll have to use your brain to guess what they're talking about. Happy reading. <<less

Disappointed! I tried to endure the reading to hope to see the MC be stronger and change his attitude to the ML's harassment. I also tried to endure to see the ML change and stop being so annoying. But NO!
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He becomes worse, he ends up sexually abusing the MC with the excuse that "previously it was me who provoked you more pleasure... now it's your time". The MC told him in a thousand ways that he didn't want to, but he didn't care, he did it anyway... anyway after a few kisses the MC will forgive him. BAD READING, DISAPPOINTING! You can like this kind of content, but to justify the abuse? That's what's wrong! <<less

The ML is making me feel uncomfortable.

Edit: I guess what makes this story special is that the MC and ML aren't perfect, I still don't like the ML much this story is really well written and I just feel for the MC so much! I'm gonna miss Princess Bai!

I also really love how when the MC and ML broke up, MC was like, I can definitely let you go. I won't stoop low for a man. Lol.

I've finished the novel today. I am feeling a lot of things, satisfaction overpowers them all. At first I didn't like this novel. I only stayed for the MC (Bai Xinyu) and his progress in the military. I also completely adored some side characters. I hated the ML and wished that the MC doesn't have a love interest. But the MC can't be who he is without the help of the ML, Yu Fengcheng was a big part in the MC's character transformation. Also, on their proposal my heart just... more>> swells, I even teared up. I'm happy for them.

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I like that their marriage proposal isn't very grand. Its simple and emotional. One of my favorite parts.

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also Feng Dongyuan and Wei Yima doesn't have a book?!!!!!! They're super freaking cute~~

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I really love the MC. I think he's one of my favorites.

I like that the ending of the novel completely wraps it up into a perfect pie. I think I won't be able to move on from this novel so soon. I feel like I've lived a life and now that I've finished I don't know what to do. Could I ever find another novel similar to this?

(I took time off from reading and did things beneficial for me♡) <<less

5/5* - RECOMMEND

Wow, this novel was such pleasant surprise! Really a little gem.

Don't let the cover or the military world deter you to read this novel. I avoided this novel because it didn't sounded appealing at all. I was sooo wrong! I totally binged it.

... more>> Why you should read?

1. Great writing style!! Scenes totally came alive. You can tell this is an experienced author and a mature one. Not the wooden or staccato kind of writing style. Characters were so real!! Emotions were sooo good. Loved the angst too.

2. SUPERB character development. Especially MC but also ML.

MC was a total waste of a rich 2nd generation, but becomes an elite soldier. He is such a loveable character!! Funny, whiny, yet strong, kind and generous. His character was so well written and so real.

ML came across as a total jerk and mol*ster (there is a reason why he bullied MC from the start, they also knew eachother from before but MC forgot). I almost dropped the novel because of agressive ML, but man... I totally LOVED him in the end!!!! He is soooo persistent, strong, passionate and sexual as a person, and also when he had decided on MC as his one and only love. He is sooooo thick skinned, goal oriented, shameless. The way he was written, totally rebellious as a kid, his strengt, including his appearance... made me drooling! ML's family is super rich and powerful. They are the best!

3. SUPERB side characters!!!! Each of them are great! And there were many side characters. Author doesn't need to rely on face slapping or dogblood. This is a real, fleshed out, mature novel.

4. All the action scenes and trainings were very well written and exciting! Author knows how to make scenes alive. I could clearly imagine it my head. I was totally immersed, whilst I thought I would just skim these chapters. But it was like watching an action movie, so good.

5. SMUT is really good! Both ML and MC were so well written and attractive. Two super strong men... The s*x scenes, especially in the end when they were back together, were very very HOT!!! Because you feel their love and they are sooo horny for eachother. They are so much in love with eachother. Their passion, their love and energy is just off the charts! This couple makes you totally envious.

This author's writing is just very good! I've become a big fan :). <<less

Uggh~ I read this mainly cause of the promised scum abuse, wife chasing and groveling but it wasn't really an easy ride for me. I almost ended up grinding my teeth to oblivion from all my frustration/disgust caused by this sexual predator ML...🙂💢 Almost all their earlier sexual encounters fall into the dub-con/non-con territory. He's got ZERO respect for the MC, his situation or his feelings. (งಠಗಠ) ง

BXY (MC) on the other hand is amazing and realistic. I adore the character growth he go through. Watching him go from a... more>> whiny spoilt and naive kid with zero willpower and backbone to a determined young soldier with goals and aspirations made me so happy! It's so well written that I felt like I'm watching my own prodigal son grow up. And probably because of that attachment, I really couldn't stand that disrespectful punk ML who kept buzzing around him.🙂💢

Ngl tho, the groveling and wife-chasing was fun to read. ML seems to have maxed out on the [Shamelessness] skill during their period of separation. The emotions and thoughts of the MC and how it changed was quite well written... and cause of that I didn't really hate it as much as I thought I would when they got back together.

I really liked the ML's family a lot too.. quite quirky all of em~ 😂 <<less

Regardless of which novel came first, this looks just like the prototype and toned down version of Professional Body Double, except that it's in the army.

My only comfort in reading this is the development of the MC. He grow up a lot from being an annoying sissy to a capable man despite having mediocre skills. I think it's really refreshing since it's rare to encounter an average MCs in danmei.

Okay to read but probably not the best. Chapters 83 onwards became boring I skimmed through it. The smut is whole lotta great though.

3/5

When I read the comments before reading this novel, I thought it would be so bad, but oh boy, it certainly wasn't. I am shocked at how good it was. I never expected I would enjoy this novel to this extent. I too believe that there were some problems with the ML especially in the first chapters like he was such an as*hole but since this is a novel it was certainly enough for me to see that he regretted the things he has done/said and at the end showed... more>> great growth. I actually quite liked the MC. The way he changed, the way he grew up from that irresponsible boy to a respectable man I felt like I was watching my son growing up. It really felt good. The drama, the military life, their camaraderie, the other soldiers like I loved it all so much. I can't forget how much I cried reading how ML felt trying to choose between his loved ones. It is such a complex situation that I can't blame any of them. So glad they got together at the end. Some may say that the way MC became a qualified soldier in a year is impossible or this is Chinese propaganda or that the military is not that "soft" and it could all be true but I don't really care. Yes, I am an emotional person but it really felt like I was the one in face of that dilemma and felt helpless. It really is a great novel, maybe not 5 stars but it is full of emotions and in short, I really liked it <<less

Before I start, I honestly doubt i’d like to read this kind of story written by this author. Her work consists of good MC with a jerk ML. Read many negative review about her story. But then I read Body Double, and I completely changed my mind, more over after I read this one. Like many people wrote, this certainly one of her best work.

This author’s story is not everyone’s cup of tea. Most of it about strong MC learn about love, but the ML usually younger man, hot blooded,... more>> selfish, and in the end did a grave unforgivable mistake. In each story she wrote, ML’s mistake usually really hard to overlook, make me cry. We all will cheer the MC to leave and trample on ML due to his mistake.

But, in every story she wrote, there’s always 1v1, ML never look at someone else, neither the MC. And it was so refreshing to see the ML fight his best to pursue MC back. My little poplar surely give me that satisfaction, ML is so shameless and his parents is funny.

Most of all, the army and fighting scene is good, I can imagine how cool it was if this made into movie. And in all of her story, since the love is burning hot and strong, the smut is also the same. Love her, definitely I become author’s biggest fans.

About translation, i’m a big fans of blackbox translation. Nottegram’s unfortunately looks like MTL version. But I still read it through the end. <<less

What a gem! I was truly immersed while reading this story. Also probably has one of the best character development I had ever read.

At first I can't bear the second hand embarrassment of MC. He was such an annoying brat. But he's the best part of this story. This story is about motivation and finding your own goal (just... uhm... ignore the teasing of ML at first).

I know most people won't continue to read this after a few chapters of how ML harasses MC, but I'll let you know for... more>> those who missed the later part. It was worth it! What comes around, goes around.

I will not tell the in depth because I don't want to spoil but both ML and MC will change later of the story and it was satisfying, so please don't give up!

I also want to commend the author for creating such an interesting story, I mean it's because it's about military. So I totally recommend this. <<less