One Life, One Incarnation – Beautiful Bones

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Beautiful bones. Rare in this world.

Those with bone do not have skin. Those with skin do not have bone.

Most people’s eyes are shallow, seeing only the skin-deep appearance and not the ‘bones,’ the appearance of the inside.”

The “bones” and “skin” are metaphorical and taken from an ancient text in which these are actually referring to inner and outer beauty, respectively. Most people are shallow and only see outward beauty and fail to acknowledge inner beauty.

The female lead, Shi Yi, has memories of her past life in which her heart belonged to Zhousheng Chen. That life ended in tragedy for them, and in this life, her only goal and desire is to find him again… and one day, she does. He does not look the same, but she knows that beneath the outer appearance, it is him. He, however, does not remember her.

Associated Names
One entry per line
Forever and Ever (drama) Part 2
One and Only (drama) Part 1
ทุกชาติภพ กระดูกงดงาม
一生一世美人骨
Related Series
Life: A Black and White Film (Shared Universe)
Recommendations
Mulberry Song (2)
Faithful to Buddha, Faithful to You (1)
Mei Gongqing (1)
To Be A Virtuous Wife (1)
Together Forever (1)
Golden Age Legitimate Fei (1)
Recommendation Lists
  1. Modern Romance
  2. My next 5 out of 5 !!!
  3. Longer Novellas
  4. Love, Zuliate
  5. 4.5+ bxg | shoujo | josei

Latest Release

Date Group Release
10/21/15 Hui3r weibo random scenes...
10/10/15 Hui3r epilogue 3 +...
10/07/15 Hui3r epilogue 2
10/03/15 Hui3r epilogue 1
09/30/15 Hui3r final chapter
09/26/15 Hui3r c17.3
09/23/15 Hui3r c17.2
09/19/15 Hui3r c17.1
09/16/15 Hui3r c16.3
09/12/15 Hui3r c16.2
09/09/15 Hui3r c16.1
09/05/15 Hui3r c15.3
09/02/15 Hui3r c15.2
08/29/15 Hui3r c15.1
08/26/15 Hui3r c14.3
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Demonic Reader lv 451F
Demonic Reader lv 451F rated it
September 1, 2016
Status: Completed
From the Author's rumble

"The idiom, 细水长流, literally meaning "thin streams of water will flow for a long time" is often used to describe this type of love.

Hoju's views on that: It's not a raging waterfall or rapids that overcome and engulf you, like the passionate type of love that is often featured in romance stories and hits us hard, like a waterfall. But love that is demonstrated in small details and over time, grows deeper and deeper. Like a thin stream of water that flows gently over a rock,... more>> slowly, over time, cutting a pathway into it without anyone even noticing. A flash flood may come quickly and bowl you over, but that thin stream of water is slow and steady but never lets up until one day, you see it has cut right into the heart of the stone."

Yes! The story is something like the slow, cool, gentle stream flowing through the peaceful flower valley. If your heart yearn for the fast action, exciting scene, exploding drama.. Don't pick this novel yet. Find good tea, sipping slowly while watching calm sunset. Sleep serenely. Walk leisurely through the park. Find some quiet spot to rest your mind. Then, read. Slowly read.

Read like you're enjoying the exotic wine, not like gulping down gallon of the cheap rice alcohol. Then, all the romances'll be with you. <<less
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Shortk
Shortk rated it
July 14, 2020
Status: c8.2
Here's the deal, if you want an entirely independent woman who leads with her own life she's concerned with and have a romance with this one guy she had a past life with, it's not this book. (It's admirable how she takes most of the initiative however) She's not super clingy at all but she also loves him so much that it's like she has no other feelings as long as she can accommodate to him (he does try for her too tho but not in the same degree when... more>> we tall about his family). It's unrealistic only in the sense that no feelings feel deep. There's more telling than showing. As far as I'm reading, there are no conflicting feelings shown, it gets blown past very easily. Although if she was human or if the writing showed her character more to explain her better she would be more understandable why she almost never shows deep negative emotions towards anything at her or around her.

------------

I'm struggling here. I'm all down for the idea of a "gentle stream" ML/romance. But... Ok I understand all the compromises she makes and understanding she has for the ML, but really, maybe I'm petty but I feel like she's excusing way too much behavior due to her love for him.

Per example (not exact words but basically),

ML:
Spoiler

(before even becoming friends,) I have read and gathered all info for each year of your life. I know everything about your family

[collapse]

Her: oh yeah, but I know don't anything about you. But yeah I get it, it's fine (who cares about my privacy I lub u)

ML:
Spoiler

(before their official engagement, during an emergency) I got you 4 passports, we're already registered as married without me telling you

[collapse]

Her: yeah it's fine, I understand. I trust you completely. I know you're trying to protect me [me: valid but can you get a little angry bc ya know communication, consent etc?]

Her: not angry,
Spoiler

when reminded they have been registered married already without her prior consent, omg he's my husband nowwwwwww ahhhh yayyyy

[collapse]

Me: COOL. I get it. He's "cute" he's considerate while maintaining absolute mystery on anything important BUT ITS FINE BC U LOVE HIM SINCE A PAST LIFE I GET IT, you're very very forgiving yes you said that. Fine.

So honestly, this could all be more understandable why she's so blindly in love with him if there was a section in the beginning narrating some romance or heartbreak or tragic relationship between them in great detail so we can be like "aw yes he's cute, finally you can be with him or something"

Maybe it's just me being petty with some human standards of privacy, communication, and trust because the translator (who did a great job) and commenters are like "wow he's so ideal and romantic"

Me: I can technically understand that but I don't necessarily feel that.

When it comes down to it, I wish the book would be structured better for an overall better emotional feeling and understanding towards the book. <<less
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dysry
dysry rated it
March 13, 2016
Status: --
The MC is a sweet and simple girl who only wishes to see the man she loved in her past life and be near him. While she does chase after him, her rather unambitious request is easily granted and she spends the rest of the story by his side as a supportive and demure wife. The male lead is a mature and efficient man of few words but shows his affections through his actions. Overall it’s a very slow and gentle romance – ideal for people to experience but a... more>> very dull read.

The plot would be more interesting if they had fleshed out either the male lead’s background or their past life earlier in the story (or shortened the story and left both out). The author intentionally distances her characters from the latter to prove the strength of their current relationship, but the female lead constantly refers their past, uses her past skills and makes comparisons... so she may as well write it out. It’s also more compelling than the main story since things actually happen in their past life. The male lead’s background also could’ve been played up more, rather than tacked on at the end like a soap opera.

Constantly wavering between 2/5 and 3/5 for anything written by this author. While there is nothing particularly objectionable, it’s so boring and the characters and story lack personality. It would’ve been better if their interactions either carried more depth, or humour, drama or anything really.

Other Notes:
Spoiler

Having read Really, Really Miss You and Still Not Wanting to Forget by the same author, I found that her stories had similar faults in that the characters are quite rigid in expressing their affections (the author really struggles with conversations), the length of the story is too long for the unambitious plot and the passive acceptance of the female leads appear more like admiration and respect rather than love. The tone and style is also quite similar (equally dull).

[collapse]
<<less
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maiha-sama
maiha-sama rated it
May 27, 2017
Status: Completed
Interspersed with a lot of Chinese Literary poetry and art references, OLOI - Beautiful Bones is worth a read. The premise was very interesting in that she retains memories of a previous life with her and the ML. It didn't seem to follow through down that road though. The MC appears

like she's straight out of a period setting, stuck in the modern world. The only purpose the memories served were to find her old flame and impress him/his family with her literary knowledge. She seems to be

content playing a demure... more>> wife to the ML - slightly different from her past life. Anyhow, this is a mellow romance that takes time to sweeten. There's no third wheel or crafty schemes at play (okay.. Maybe just one). So zero romantic angst.

What I liked were the beautiful lines thrown in from time to time. So meaningful, so poignant. I liked that the ML was not earth shatteringly handsome but a nerd interested only in his research. The author succeeds in creating an atmosphere that feels like time has slowed down. It was interesting to read.

There were parts I didn't enjoy too much. As many have said before, the pace is very slow so not many would have the patience for it. I almost dropped the book somewhere around the middle.
Spoiler

The ML's background is vague and sometimes things go way over the top. The second brother's scheme was WTF - what was that? Poor Wang Man who ended up losing the baby!

I also thought Wen Xing's devotion to Mei Xing was really touching. Mei Xing's love for the MC as well - very subtle but it is a definite repeat of their past life.

[collapse]
It would have been great if the past life had been explored more. For me that one last chapter was more interesting than the rest of the book.

Overall, it was good while it lasted but it wasn't

particularly moving or memorable. For example, I don't think I would remember the characters/story after a few years. <<less
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Tyarena
Tyarena rated it
May 3, 2020
Status: c6
The premise of the story is unique and it’s an interesting concept. However I could not stand the MC because it seem like she has no personality and only exist to please the ML. While I understand that the author probably wanted to show how strong their love but who is that brainless?
... more>>
Spoiler
[collapse]
She found out someone from ML’s family killed one of the ML’s cousin’s wife and didn’t even ask anything. ML suddenly gave her faked passports and changed her nationality, and told her she’s now his wife, MC didn’t even say anything! I get that she loves him deeply but come on!

The pace is so slow that I fell asleep every single time I have tried to read.
If you like a slow paced novel with empty-headed MC then you would probably like this. <<less
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marchmallow
marchmallow rated it
March 25, 2020
Status: c0
Truly a remarkable read. I read it all in one go. Everything is written just right--the characters, the pacing, the plot. I'm personally a fan of slow romances wherein the MCs take time getting to know each other, so I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Fragments of memories of her past life were fleshed out just enough for the reader to understand the characters involved, neither too much nor too little. Everything is just right.
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leedalys
leedalys rated it
January 15, 2016
Status: --
I really loved this novel. And I recommend it to anyone who prefer love story where there is no love rival. The story is slowly build, with a bit of mysteries.
Spoiler

I love the fact that she does not remember everythings and only see segments of her previous life. Also that she is not focused ONLY on her previous life but still live and encounter new things and at the same time, lives her life with detachment..

[collapse]

While reading this novel, it's as if I lived a dull and colorless life. And sometime there are a little bit interraction with someone not that important. But suddenly a light. A bright light, a light that makes me Alive. And then I feel the Need to follow it, to grasp it and makes me feel again. To feel. To love. To be attached to someone else. To see a place for you in his heart. To know you are something more then empty shell waiting for an end.
Spoiler

First love is always hard to forget. What's more if it was not fulfilled and if it was the only love of your previous life.

[collapse]

Anyway just read it, and if you are as empathetic as me and you enjoy love story with no angst but slow development: you'll love it.
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ScotlandForsythe
ScotlandForsythe rated it
April 10, 2017
Status: --
This is an absolutely gorgeous beautiful and fantastical story. I have no words for how well written the characters are (especially the mc's).

I remember when it was still updating. It wasn't until no I realized I never wrote a review for it. Anyway, back then I normally wouldn't read stories like this (romance), but this, this was touching. It pulled my heart strings and I believe I shed a few years.

The drama and heartache are so real. The reincarnation ant the story of their past lives and how it ended... more>> tragically. How the male is logical while she believes in Buddha and has her memories of her past life.

Beautiful.

You might think it's boring, but it takes while to get into the flow. Once you do it's worth it. If it's still not your cup of tea, I don't blame you. I amidst didn't read it. <<less
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makenai89
makenai89 rated it
January 23, 2016
Status: ended
Well, it’s Mo Bao Fei Bao, which is pretty much a guarantee for quality in my dictionary. But it’s also more than just that. IMO, this one is probably one of her best work.

Her movie-like scenes and poetic narrative are prominently displayed in Beautiful Bones; although we actually read a novel sets in modern era with some flashes of the past, but it was like we watch a romantic historical drama with captivating scenes and characters.

Furthermore, for once, Mo Bao Fei Bao didn’t go with cliches here. Shi Yi suffered... more>> an unfortunate love in her past life. She managed to meet again with her loved one in the current world and so decided to not waste time, to stand beside him since early on. Little did she knew that in this life too, they being together will put both his and her life at stake.

Beautiful Bones got plot twist and turns that although sometimes feels a bit awkward, but in the end, everything fell into place. Like Shi Yi and Zhousheng Chen who, despite of the many challenges and gaps between them, are clearly destined for each other. No matter how many times I reread this, it's always awesome. <<less
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minhchau1997
minhchau1997 rated it
August 8, 2017
Status: c0
I think it depends on the person who reads the novel. I feel like the pace of the story was very slow, the love the ML and FL had for each was deep. But they were not the type to show physical attraction to each other which was a bore to me. They kept their feelings silently to themselves, and their love bloomed quite slowly in my opinion. Sometimes I wonder if she would have loved the ML if she did not remember her past--probably not. I forced myself to... more>> finish through this novel, it was interesting but the writing was not my cup of tea. <<less
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Lyn Hitsugaya
Lyn Hitsugaya rated it
October 23, 2021
Status: Completed
Liked it and these are some of the reasons:

  1. The pace might feel slow but it gives a sense of sweetness for the small things which is really lovable.
  2. The ML is sooooooooooooooo good. In the beginning he is a bit like a rock BUT that makes him more humane, realistic and charming on the long run with the way he makes an effort to BE there, know her more and learn to love (it totally makes up [by lots] his ordinary looks and crazy family).
  3. MC is great. She is smart, knowledgeable, aloof and pretty while staying naive and innocent.
  4. MC and ML interaction is Gold. We get sweet, funny, dramatic, sad and deep moments that kind of leave you always wanting more.
  5. The plot might not look like much but the mysterious way it unravels is really enjoyable.
SO... read it, I recommend it (don´t be frightened by the "slow" pace IT is worth it :))
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Yangyangwife
Yangyangwife rated it
October 11, 2021
Status: Completed
A slow burn romance story that I never thought I would like. Mature, intimate (in a good way), full of surprise, I learned something new every chapter, pretty much touched by the way ZSC try to learn more about Shi Yi, try to understand Shi Yi, and slowly let himself fall in love with her.
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Aaaaryah72
Aaaaryah72 rated it
September 2, 2021
Status: Completed
Read this novel, the feel is 'cold.'

Their flash back story is truly tragic. Even though the modern time is also pathetic for Male Lead.

Some character the way they thinking, it really doesn't make sense to me. But sometimes when you think about it, humans often act to make decisions not always using rational thinking calculations.

Read it once and haven't re-read it, but the "cold" taste of this novel is still felt to this day.
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Code G
Code G rated it
June 28, 2021
Status: Completed
The story was good but maybe not my cup of tea. I don't know what I'm feeling while reading this book somehow I don't like girls who follow blindly just simply she love that person. Its understandable she does not have any attachment to the earthly things because of reincarnation but I don't understand why I feel that she does not have any affection towards any characters in the book except for ML. I feel that the FL does not have any emotion at all and she always say it's... more>> fine even though her life was always in danger. She is like a doll living for the sole purpose of loving the ML and everything else is non existence but still recommend this book because of its uniqueness. <<less
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strongandindie
strongandindie rated it
June 6, 2020
Status: Completed
Beautiful and mesmerising story. The mix of modern and ancient times is unique and done so well. The love was very touching, several parts moved me to tears, and their happiness felt so well earned. Very satisfying. High quality translation.
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Arnissan
Arnissan rated it
June 24, 2016
Status: --
It's alright, a bit slow but entertaining enough. I like this better than that other popular work of hers. At least the heroine does something here besides marveling, blushing and being unable to speak.
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Justderpin
Justderpin rated it
June 20, 2016
Status: Completed
A beautiful romance that can't be summarized in words. I can make a detailed review pertaining to how good/bad the book was but, as I've said in my first sentence, the exquisiteness of the story can't be easily simplified in words, especially with my limited vocabulary. I can only say with confidence that if you like novels with reasonable slow-paced romance, and intricate writing that will send your emotions on a thrilling roller coaster ride, then this book will be to your taste. But even if that's not the case,... more>> there's no harm in trying. When it comes to book reading, one shouldn't be swayed by others opinions and earnestly seek what the book is about with your own eyes; only then can you discern whether it is/was worth your time. <<less
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Ritsuru
Ritsuru rated it
January 30, 2016
Status: --
The romance is slow, but it gives you a sense of satisfaction when you pick out the little details on their progress in their relationship. The author also used many beautiful lines throughout the story, which I think is one of the highlights of the novel.

This is one of my favorite romance novels. I hope you’ll love it too.
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coldnovelenthusiasts rated it
January 28, 2024
Status: Completed
This is my nth time reading this novel.... Whenever I crave for a sweet slightly bittersweet story, I reread it.... It has become my comfort novel....

I want to first start with our ml... He is perfection... Even though he did not love her when they got engaged, he fulfilled his promise to take things slow, understand her, treasure her and love her and then gradually came to a realization that he cannot leave without her. Even though he did not say I love u back to fl, his love and... more>> care is shown through minute details.... Some readers will complain that FL is not getting the same love that she is giving, to this I really resonate with the author and translator's view that love is not a give and take policy, love can't be measured and shouldn't be... only the parties involved in a relationship will know if they are being fulfilled and in retrospect can fulfill their partner....

Our FL has gone through the cycle of life and death and she knows that life is a delicate thing... it can break anytime, therefore she chooses to focus only on her love and distances herself from everything less important to her... I really admire FL where she can love a person so wholeheartedly and with all her being, I wish for myself to fall in love with such a person as the ML and to genuinely and wholeheartedly care and love him...

I have really complicated feelings towards ml's sister. I feel pity that in this lifetime too she couldn't absolutely attain the heart of her beloved... I feel anger for the injustice that she did towards our fl.... The ML was right about his family that everybody has their own complicated relationships and things to protect and he can't trust anybody... I just feel bad for our ML that he has invested so much love to his sister but to protect her values she selfishly tried to force the ML into difficult situations where he would have to go away.... Well I understand her point of view but I don't agree with it...

ZC is my favorite ML in all of my reading history... He is a person to be respected by millions of people and he definitely deserves the love that transcends lifetimes for he is such a great character...

Well lastly I want to thank the author and translator for this heartwarming story.... <<less
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SweetLove
SweetLove rated it
October 8, 2023
Status: Completed
This was a beautiful and moving story. Coupled with the translator's notes, you'll definitely look back and delve further into thinking about the mindset and actions of the characters.

The MC and ML have an aura on their own that makes people admire them. I highly recommend this story.

It's not the usual romance story you read but it is one of the best out there.

Kudos to Hui3r for the awesome quality translation!
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