Years of Intoxication

Description

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

Unrequited love is like a pot of strong wine. You know perfectly well that it will make you dizzy, let you lose yourself, and that it will be painful. Yet like moths to a flame, it is gladly endured.

You take care not to overdo it, but I will not stop until I get thoroughly drunk.

However, for any amount of drunkenness, one day I’ll have to sober up.

Associated Names
One entry per line
Drunk in Love
Intoxication
YOI
รักนี้ที่เมามาย
一醉經年
一醉经年
Related Series
In Love with an Idiot (Shared Universe)
Professional Body Double (Shared Universe)
Beloved Enemy (Shared Universe)
My Little Poplar (Shared Universe)
Winner Takes All (Shared Universe)
Sissy (Shared Universe)
Additional Inheritance (Shared Universe)
Blazing Armour (Shared Universe)
Alpha Predator (Shared Universe)
Grey Uncle and the Mixed-blood Prince (Shared Universe)
Recommendations
The Decade of Deep Love (3)
Sissy (3)
Gaze at the Scenes of Debauchery (2)
Love, Expired (2)
Professional Body Double (1)
15P 7H 6SM (1)
Recommendation Lists
  1. Male Yandere List ^^
  2. BL - Obsessive love
  3. donee
  4. Danmei TBR 3
  5. BL R*Pe/Abuse/Manipulation/ Cheating/Controversial...

Latest Release

Date Group Release
01/10/22 HillarybyHillary c52
01/03/22 HillarybyHillary c51
01/03/22 HillarybyHillary c50
01/03/22 HillarybyHillary c49
01/03/22 HillarybyHillary c48
01/03/22 HillarybyHillary c47
01/03/22 HillarybyHillary c46
01/03/22 HillarybyHillary c45
01/03/22 HillarybyHillary c44
01/03/22 HillarybyHillary c43
01/03/22 HillarybyHillary c42
01/31/22 HillarybyHillary c41
01/31/22 HillarybyHillary c40
01/31/22 HillarybyHillary c39
01/31/22 HillarybyHillary c38
Go to Page...
Go to Page...
Review
34 Reviews


Wolvelyn
Wolvelyn
Sep 18, 2018
Status: Completed
This novel started off with the toxic relationship of He Gu (MC) and Song Ju Han (ML) who is a very famous singer.

He Gu has loved Song Ju Han since 7 years ago. He basically live, sleep, and breathe for him. But, it seems like Song Ju Han only takes him as a f*ck-buddy, as someone who always be there for him no matter what. Thus, he took He Gu for granted.

It doesn't matter whether Song Ju Han fooled around with other people, as long he comes back to He... more>> Gu, He Gu would always wait for him and swallowed his bitterness quietly. (Which is kinda s*upid, but hey, I'm a sucker for stories like this).

Song Ju Han was HORRIBLE to He Gu at the beginning of the story, and it will slowly get worse. He basically abused He Gu physically and mentally.

Eventually, He Gu's love is replace by a sense of helplesness and tiredness. He's basically saying 'f*ck it', then he began to treat Song Ju Han with indifference.

Song Ju Han cannot stand it and gets more aggressive (he's a f*cking bastard, I don't know what He Gu sees in him tbh). It makes their relationship more sour and drives He Gu away.

I think after he got away from Song Ju Han, He Gu becomes more like himself and slowly bloom, which attracts bees and butterflies (other guys). But of course, Song He Jun always be there to ruin it.

The situation is now reversed (OOHH MY FAVORITE PART, THIS IS WHY I READ THIS NOVEL). Song Ju Han realized that he is obssessively in love with He Gu.

But He Gu was like, 'Nah, I don't want your love anymore. I just want you get the f*ck off, so that I can carry my life in peace. b*tch, you have more drama than the Kardashians, and I want none of that.'

Isn't funny that you have to lose something first to understand how important it is to your life. (IM GLARING AT YOU SONG JU HAN)

And isn't funny that you have to go through all the abuse just to realize you worth more than a whiny b*tchy singer. (YES, IM LOOKING AT YOU HE GU)

This story is basically about that.

Spoiler

oh, but unfortunately they end up together.... which is why I reduce 4 stars to 3 stars, BECAUSE I THINK HE GU IS MUCH MORE SUITABLE AND HAPPIER WITH THAT GUY HE f*ckED IN EUROPE (sorry I forgot the name)

[collapse]
<<less
97 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
24vsrv
24vsrv
Aug 12, 2021
Status: Completed
So, Years of Intoxication is part of a shared universe of other melodramatic dog-blood like novels, '188' but it's not very involved with the other novels (Beloved Enemy, Professional Body Double) so it still holds up as a standalone novel. From what I know, it's not very popular in the english speaking community, but it's quite popular in the Chinese fandom? So what I'm saying is, Don't read this novel if you are averse to melodramatic plots and irrational love from the MC's side

The title 'Years of Intoxication'... more>> fits this novel perfectly, because it basically sums up our MC's feelings (He Gu; HG for short) towards the ML (Song Juhan; SJH for short). And that's the whole point of the novel. Even though it's irrational, HG can't help but stay close to SJH because he is 'intoxicated' with him. Despite SJH's negligence and overall a**holery.

A lot of people are frustrated by HG's insistence on staying with SJH even if it hurts keeps hurting himself in the long run (because SJH is an a**hole) but I never felt that. I guess it's because I understood HG's loneliness and the fact that the only thing he had in his life was his work and SJH (no friends and very distant parent) so he could only keep on clinging to SJH. I also think that HG's character is very mature and soothing even though his irrationality keeps chaining him to SJH.

And yes, he did get better eventually as he builds better relationships with people other than SJH, but it sure did take a while. It might be a frustrating journey, but that's what dog blood is for, right? So, overall, I think I like HG's character, as he's actually more amazing than he and the people around him think.

As for our ML, Song Juhan, well.....

I can say that this guy is very dense and in denial about his feelings towards HG. This guy stayed with HG for years and years but still doesn't really understand why, even though it's actually very obvious. And this dense-ness and overall arrogance is what leads him to hurt HG in many ways, intentionally or unintentionally. I think SJH is actually a little bit dumb (maybe more than a little bit) and he acts very immaturely which contradicts our MC's maturity and stability.

I also think that it's important to distinguish that this novel is a work of fiction that is intentionally made to be melodramatic and abusive and to turn away if you hate these kinds of novels. Though I do think this novel has its flaws, that doesn't stop me from enjoying the experience of reading it. In real life, I would absolutely abhor SJH's actions and would advise anyone to stay away from someone the likes of him. But since this is fiction, you can just lay back and enjoy the angst, if you want to.

As for the ending,
Spoiler

they do end up together and I think the 'redemption' of SJH was written well and even though HG can move on and is not so dependent on him now, he still wants to give their relationship a chance but in a healthier way

[collapse]

Overall, I enjoyed reading this novel and hope others will too. <<less
16 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
btsdynamiteAUG21
btsdynamiteA
Sep 20, 2020
Status: Completed
Wow. Just wow. The emotions I had for this story is just unbelievable. Plot, smut, and characters are great. ... more>>
Spoiler

Except the part that ML r*ped MC on the bathroom behalf of anger. It's a sad scene that both of them were hurting but ML chose the wrong way to hide it.

[collapse]

At the first parts of the story, the lonely MC was in "friendswithbenefits" with slag ML. The angst I feel towards ML is so strong I wished MC to be with anyone other than him. I really thought ML was beyond repair, nothing can solve his shamelesness.

What I love about MC was his calm yet calculating temperament. He only yearned ML's love for 7 years and do you know how it hurts how he repeatedly himself everytime ML sleep with anyone that his 7yr worth of feelings is just nothing to ML.??! HG knows that yet he still throws himself willingly into the pit. I was srsly wanting him to wake up from a nightmare and find himself a caring man. I was disappointed with MC in some chapters on how he just let himself be used my slag ML. 😞

What I finally expected happened. ML finally got his karma, ofc I felt satisfied but idk I also pity him from the oncoming chapters. He even became a lowkey yandere LMAO. I know that he himself lowkey loves MC inbetween those 7yrs but didnt know that it was already LOVE... HG said that even if SJH himself is 27 urs old, he stil had that childish and unknowing attitude.

It just hits me so hard how can their love be so full of wrong timings. Miscommumications happened then BOOM.

I really love that their final mutual love were made to avoid miscommunications.. even SJH initiated it. From slag gong to yandere gong to caring gong. 💜✌🏼

Still, thank you for the translation! This was a very awesome novel and damn the emotions in this one, my braincells are flushed.

The story is so great. It shows that life with love is very unpredictable...a rollercoaster. I hoped to see He Gu's friends' (Jie yu, fengzhang, he yi) individual lives after but its okay. I dont know how much tears I just shed for this story... Thank you very much it was a wonderful reading experience. 💜 <<less
14 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
hiryukaede
hiryukaede
Sep 04, 2019
Status: Completed
This story... Sigh...

Excually I want give it 5 start, but, when the MC starting to give his forgiveness to ML... Sigh, I take back the rating...

7 years, the ML treat the MC like a tr*sh bottom, and also, the MC so naive, and still stick around and hope The ML Will falling in love?! Sigh, love really is blind,.. even im the reader feel so sick just look at the ML,...

And then, the MC finnally tired, and want to run away, forget the ML, is then, this novel starting go... more>> to a good story, and the MC also starting go around with other man, its good, really,.. finnaly he move on!!!

....... And then, the ML go crazy yandere mode search the MC, and force him to comeback,.... Sigh, really, if only the MC go with another guy, and move on completely,.. maybe this novel can be a Jewel,.. but, the ending, dissapointed me a lot...

Anyway, the ML was bastard int beginning until the end,.. force someone to stay beside you, r*pe him, the obsession,.. nah, if someone want to read the so masocist feeling, here, the novel for you,... <<less
14 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
FrostyDragon
FrostyDragon
Dec 14, 2021
Status: Completed
UPDATE (after completing the novel) :

5/5 stars - one of the best angst and dogblood novels I've ever read.

Seriously good stuff. The ML is scum and the absolute worst for 3/4 of the book - he deserves every bad thing that happens to him and then some. But the author makes him a believable character. He's a narcissistic man-child A-list celebrity who grew up rich and famous and never experienced that the world didn't 100% evolve around him or that anyone didn't desire him. Don't read this is you can't stomach scum gongs, r*pe, dubcon and abuse - physical and emotional. Recommend that you read after Beloved Enemy, since it contains some spoilers for that novel. The MC in that book is a prominent side character here.

... more>>
Spoiler

His parents are partly to blame, which is acknowledged in the story, but not used as an excuse for his behavior. He's made responsible for his own actions, and when he finally realizes that he's about to lose the one person who matters most to him, his suffering is truly delicious to watch. Yet I still ended up feeling a bit bad for him and being relieved that it was a happy ending. The ML changes and does the work, and while he can never, ever make it up to the MC, the relationship does become healthier in the end.

[collapse]

The MC is such a treat - a well-rounded character who's decade-long love obsession is made very believable. Even if it was frustrating to read about how much he chose to suffer and how he received one blow after another, he was a strong character. He knows that the relationship is unequal and that his lover is a terrible person, but since a young age he has put himself in a situation where he is completely isolated, so he has only had the ML to rely on, and on top of that he's deeply, fatally in love.

Yet the MC also has a sense of self-worth, even though he is insecure, and he has a bottom line that he won't allow even the scummy ML to cross. He's also a somewhat shy, introverted person who struggles with social interactions. The novel is also about his journey to become more self-assured and open his life up to other people - friends and family - and try to find a better balance in his life. He also has some flaws that makes the situation worse, such as his inability to communicate his emotions or seek help when he needs it.

The relationship between the MC and ML isn't a clear case of 'friends with benefits' as they both think in the beginning. The ML is extremely emotionally immature and spoiled (not unrealistic for a young man who's been a big celebrity his entire life, and hasn't been taught about healthy relationships by his family). He throws a tantrum every time the MC doesn't conform to his wishes and treat the MC like his personal plaything. He's extremely dense when it comes to his own feelings. Yet from the beginning it's obvious that he loves the MC, and part of the reason why he sleeps around and acts like a scum is because he doesn't know that the MC loves him. The MC puts up an indifferent attitude and pretends not to care because he thinks this is the only way the ML would tolerate him, but in reality the ML wants him to care, he wants him to be jealous of his other flings. If the MC had openly communicated his feelings and needs and left the ML, the ML would likely have changed sooner and maybe not have become half as toxic (that's a big maybe though!). They're both fools in love.

The story is beautifully written with lots of angst.

Oh, and there's also a manhua with amazing artwork, really recommend it.

-

3 CHAPTERS IN:

Normally wouldn't rate a book after just reading a few chapters, but wanted to counter some of the low ratings and encourage the translator, who's doing an excellent job. Too few of the 188 books have been translated so far, and too many reviewers of NU tr*sh a book simply because they dislike the tropes.

This is my third book in the 188 series, and so far it seems really good.

I'm all for the scummy gong and pitiful shou, and I'm sure the upcoming dog blood is going to be good.

In the first few chapters we learn that the MC is obsessively in love with the ML. He basically allows the ML to treat him like tr*sh, so while the ML is already an a**hole, this one is kind of on the MC for acting like a doormat. Also we already get a hint that the ML obviously likes the MC, but is too much of an egomaniac and dense as*hole to realize his own feelings.

The writing is quite good, don't know if it's the quality of the translation, but so far it's a bit better than the writing style in Professional Body Double and Beloved Enemy (both of which are also good, but a bit more simple).

What to expect from a 188 book:

    • A dense scum gong who can't figure out his feelings in the beginning, but thinks he's just using the MC for s*x - abusive a**hole, but fights for the MC when he finally does realize his love
    • A shou who's a calm, adult person with a relaxed attitude to s*x (so no virg*n flower or silly and weak little boy) and who knows fully well what kind of situation that he has put himself in (even if he's too in love with the ML at first to break it off) - and a person who doesn't immediate forgive the ML when he gets chased by him
    • Unhealthy relationships, but abuse isn't romanticized
    • The gong will eff up big time, get broken up with by the MC, and then relentlessly chase him. The MC will eventually give in because no matter what he still loves the ML.
These are my expectations to this book, and I'm 100% okay with the dog blood, abuse and the ML doing some delicious grovelling to win the MC back. This writer is good at creating interesting relationship dynamics and relatable shous who aren't sweet and blushing little idiots, but actual adults (complete with terrible life choices and everything). Also there's no nonsense about people being clueless virg*ns well into their late 20s or 30s for no good reason except not having met "the one" (I see this trope so often in BL and it gets annoying sometimes). <<less
10 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Aspiringbeamoflight
Aspiringbeam
Oct 15, 2021
Status: c60
Never have I ever read a book that ive wanted to burn so bad. I got through 60 chapters hoping that there would be some progress but no.

The MC with his spineless attitude and his im-strong-ill handle-it-alone attitude really is the cherry on the top. Dont even get me started on the ML that motherf*cker needs to be institutionalized.

I dont know why themes such as this (dog scum?) are so popular in the danmei community, where the MC and the abusive ML always end up together (eg. BLACK LOTUS and... more>> SISSY) how can people even compare that to love. This is one trope ill never get behind. If theres r*pe and assault in a relationship then theres no place for love.

I was rooting for the MC to finally get away from that monster.... but no.

Im just sad I wasted my time reading this novel. Needless to say ill not be completing this novel. Lol someone said this was a happy ending, no its not ending up with a abusive r*pist is not a happy ending; love and obsession arent same. <<less
10 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
cauicii
cauicii
Jun 19, 2021
Status: Completed
Dog-blood novel with scum gong and HE is my fav genre. IMO Shui Qian Cheng is the best author of this. I've read all 10 novels of her 188 boys group in my native language, not once but 2-3 for each one. Now I'm reading them again in English to find new feelings (😅 ?) but sadly most of them are uncompleted.

Song Juhan is a bastard but he still ranks second behind Shao Qun in 188 scum brothers. They'll get whats they deserve. The author is a good writer, not... more>> a teen fic girl. So chill out guys

I just say to let you guys know how much I love this story <<less
10 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
King of No Killing
King of No K
Aug 23, 2020
Status: Completed
I don't know where to start. Hmmm... I started reading this right after reading the Gaze at the Scenes of Debauchery, which I cried a bucket, of course, hoping that I can find the satisfaction of karma that the ML will receive. So yeah. I did find it here - more than what I was hoping for. Finished this in two days. It was a roller coaster ride. I cursed the ML for being such a fckng a-hole and waited when the MC will leave him. I cried. I screamed... more>> and cussed over and over again out of frustration and hatred. Ugh. I thought the miseries were endless. Then when karma came I was like "HA! In your fckng face!" to the ML. But damn. The agony wasn't just one time. Others would think that it was kinda draggy. But MC was very determined of not going back to the ML's side. And the ML was quite insane also ~cough~ which I liked ~ cough~. I can't believe that I pitied the ML. Sigh. I remember in the past I was always hoping to find a very cliche manga stories like this one - f*ckbuddies, uke ran away, seme went mad and chased him down and etc. And after reading YGMCT and this novel.... I still want more. Hahaha

Anyway, despite the lack of proofreading of the translation I still loved it and very grateful to the translator. I would recommend this to those fujoshis and fudanshis who are into possessive and obsessive seme/gong. All the love for this novel.

Edited 04 Oct 2020: And after more than a month I still can't get over this. Must reread. Sigh.

Edited 12 Oct 2020: WHOEVER CHANGED THE COVER PIC I FCKNG LOVE YOU!

Edited 30 Nov 2021: Woah. I can't believe it's already been more than a year since I finished reading it and damn it! Still can't get over this T_T. I've read more than half of SQC's works so far and trying to finish all but YOI still tops them all. Sigh <<less
10 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
mmem
mmem
Sep 27, 2018
Status: c5
Honestly I'm not sure what to think about this story.

The relationship between the MC & ML is... complicated. On the one hand the ML takes him for granted but also seems possessive of him, not to mention they've been in this toxic relationship for 6 or so years, but on the other hand, the MC is a stalker. I mean I don't think it's okay how the ML treats the MC, but the MC kind of lets him, I feel like they're both responsible for how their relationship turned out.... more>> And while this is titled Intoxicated I think Obsessive fits better. MC is obsessed with ML, to the point I'm not even sure I'd call it love. Sure he's older now and tired, and according to the summary he eventually moves on, which seems much healthier than what's going on now, but can someone so obsessed with another person actually truly move on and let that person go?

Guess I have to keep reading to find out. <<less
9 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Ukee
Ukee
Jul 07, 2022
Status: Completed
I can't understand why the rating is law and why everyone is complaining when the toxicity and red flags are already tagged up there for people to check and not read if they re snowflakes to start with.

Author is famous for dog blood novels. It's no surprise seeing another story based of love hate relationships.

Again warning to not read for whoever who cannot stand:

1. As$#ole MLs who does the MC dirty and at the end of the story "easily" redeemed ... more>>
Spoiler

from my PoV, I wouldn't say ML got easy redemption, but the process of realisation of his wrongdoings and tryna make up to MC through blood and tears which was satisfactory to justify the ending

[collapse]

2. R@pe, Confinement and Kidnapping. Plus a tit bit of blackmailing. Ya all, tags there for a reason.

Hence, story is pretty much interesting. Especially the characters are well written leaving no room for questioning abt their actions.

But instead makes room for reader to see how two different personalities can be toxic to each other at the same time how they can live with it

Spoiler

people such as SJH are pretty much common n this world. As well as HG, but it is very rare seeing the companionship of two different personalities. Which is what makes this story interesting. Interesting to follow how they will overcome every coming up problems. For instance:

While HG bore all 7 years of its intoxicated companionship and drove himself into emotional drought, at the end leaving the other party, but other party SJH couldn't even stand the day without the affection of HG, ravaging everything that can make HG s leave reality. The aftertaste of their relationship is bitter and emotionally sweet (?!)

[collapse]

And Writing style is so good that makes reader to sit down and finish the novel in one read.

Again, it is very enjoyable story if one knows what they re getting themselves into. Such as being ready for rollercoaster of emotions. <<less
7 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
White Sky Translations
White Sky Tr
Oct 11, 2021
Status: Completed
I really enjoyed this story. It’s actually not as “dog blood” as some other Chinese novels with similar themes, but at the same time more realistic and kinda more depressing...

As a person that loves angst and reads a lot of dog blood novels, how it normally goes is cheap MC chases after scum ML->gets betrayed->gives up on ML->ML realizes his mistake->chases MC back->HE.

However this one is a bit more realistic. The MC is not super cheap and has a lot of pride. He doesn’t actually chase the ML much... more>> and ML usually contacts him of his own accord. And it’s obvious from the beginning that ML is into MC, but the problem is he really doesn’t know how to treat/treasure someone he loves. MC also has some self esteem issues and never told ML how he feels or what kind of relationship he wants.

And unlike most dog blood novel, there’s no “feel good” sudden clean break where MC all of a sudden wakes up and breaks it off cleanly with ML. Like in reality when you’ve invested too much time and emotion in someone, even if you logically know you should break up, it takes some time and some back and forth.

Both ML and MC realize gradually in stages what they want/need and so this might be a thunder point for those who will get frustrated with MC for not just kicking ML to the curb at the earliest opportunity. But for me I think MC’s actions were quite logical and realistic.

And I actually think author did a too good job fleshing out ML, he really struck me as a guy who really just doesn’t know how to treat someone he loves. It actually made me think many actual celebrities must be like this, so focused on themselves that they can’t think for others. Being their lover might seem like a dream but in reality it’s a nightmare.

But for those that want feel good moments of ML chasing MC to death, that definitely still does happen. But I almost couldn’t believe it after how realistic the earlier parts were, and now the ML suddenly just learnt how to love someone? That part was the only unrealistic part for me. But it was still welcome I suppose after all the bitterness, the author had to give us some sugar.

Anyway a great read. Recommended. <<less
7 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
pimni
pimni
Dec 30, 2020
Status: c78
This is one of the best romance novels I have read. I won't say BL because love is love; the emotion, the pain, the happiness couples feel in a relationship does not and should not be defined by gender.

The ML is a scum no doubt but he does genuinely change for the MC. The MC is one of the most clear-headed ones I have read in a long time, and he does not come back easily. He does not forgive the ML just because he repented, but also gives him... more>> a chance to repent and really grow in a relationship. The book reminded me of the MC from How to deal with a Tsundere Gong; they both make sure that the ML is truly repenting their act before taking them back.

As for the book being a part of a trilogy, the crossover is more with Beloved Enemy and not that much with Professional Body double. But all three are great books; now I need a fan-made chapter where all these three pairs meet. <<less
7 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
fudanshii18
fudanshii18
Aug 30, 2021
Status: Completed
Spoiler

I know that ML's attitude to MC is not good. However, let us take to the account that ML has set a barrier in their relationship in the first place. ML treats MC as his f*ck buddy but that wasn't the same for MC towards ML. He wants more than that of being a F Buddy. He stayed because of YEARS of INTOXICATION towards the ML hoping he can have a good romantic relationship with ML.

I'm actually confused whether the ML is jealous of MC being with Feng Zheng or is he jealous of Feng Zheng being with the MC? You know ML and Feng Zheng used to have a thing. It is the reason why he tried to get close the MC. I have so many question regarding this. I feel really bad for the MC to get caught up between these two.

You know, it's really easy to scold MC in the perspective of an outsider. You don't understand anything at all. I really want to cut ML's cucumber. He even f*ck*d someone after doing his concert. Is he that shameless? Even after the novel ended, this scene where MC heard someone mo*ning and er*tically calling ML's name in the backstage lounge really bothered and disgusted me alot.

Ugh. I don't really know how a person could like someone while having s*x with others behind their back. Truly disgusting. Your love/liking is so cheap, motherf*ck*r!

I commend MC for not being so intoxicated again with ML when they tried to be in a serious relationship. He was like "You wanna stay, okay you stay. You don't wanna stay, please go."

I know this is a shared universe but I was surprised when Yan Mingxiu's name appeared 😂

The first time I actually smiled while reading the novel was when MC went to Europe and met Zhou Heyi. I had hoped they end up together) :

For me, the damage ML did to MC is irreversible. No matter the effort, it doesn't change the fact ML is a filthy scumbag. I'm gonna vomit. The only way to satiate my hatred for him is for him to be castrated and be a bottom for MC. Don't misunderstand me, being a bottom is a very respectable role, because it means that you are willing and really love that person. I know being p*netrated by someone is painful but worth it if it's someone you love.

When MC was kidnapped, ML saved him. He was seriously injured and in life and death situation. My heart wavered a bit for him and thought that a second chance is deserved by ML. Though he was really dirty and did all those sh*ts maybe after all of those downs, they can live happily ever after.

ML has changed 360° so he is not as hateful as other ML scumbags. What he did in the past, will always stay in the past but never forgotten.

[collapse]
5 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Achiless
Achiless
Dec 15, 2020
Status: c53
So this started good. I don't care about the toxicity and the as*hole ML, cause it's an angst novel so that doesn't matter. Instead, the more toxicity and the more of an as*hole the ML is, the more angst we'll be treated with later uwu.

But honestly, unlike what most reviewers say, I don't think that the ML is that hard to bear. If you put such a character in real life, then I'll find it hard to bear. But prob either due to the author's writing or the translation, the... more>> graveness of his behaviour is somehow lessened. You can also sense from the beginning that he actually does love the MC (not that that justifies anything, but its easier to bear for the reader).
[edit: Read further in the story, and the ML finally sadly did become absolutely unbearable. Because he didn't know what he did wrong, and doesn't change his toxic behaviour. The only thing he changed is that he is in love with the MC. Also, the ppl around them keep justifying the ML's behaviour, or giving the ML the chance to be toxic. Smh.]

So the angst was going well, but then it got way too repetitive. Angst is often about going in circles. It's therefore pretty hard, if not impossible, to completely avoid repitition. So if you're going to write a cliché angst novel, you either finish it quickly, or you keep adding new stuff to be angsty about. This way you can avoid boring your reader. The problem with Intoxination is that at the middle part, nothing more was added. At a certain point, the relationship between the two just kept going in circles too much. The ML also had few to none (depends on your standards) character development (yet). As I said before, you could already see his real feelings for the MC at the start, so even after he finally came to terms with them, there's still not really a change for the reader. I'm not saying that his toxic traits should just randomly dissapear since that would be unrealistic. It's that there's just honestly no change and nothing interesting about the ML towards the middle-end.

Nonetheless, the other areas are done well. I don't get why reviewers would complain about the toxicity itself since this is about romance found in pain (aka angst), not some sweettouth romance. The author wrote this toxicity to be dark and depressing. The audience is different, and I think (hope) we all think that the ML is moraly wrong. Nobody is romantisising the ML or his behaviour, but romantisising angst and tragedy (in fiction). There's a huge difference. If you can't get the difference, then geuss what, you're just not into angst and tragedy. And that's oké. You do you. <<less
5 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Eden
Eden
May 16, 2019
Status: c51
I actually gave it 5 stars in the first half.

Spoiler

It looked promising. I thought the ML would rebuild a sane relationship with the MC, but he just changed from a slag to a yandere. And when He Gu finally looked liberated, it turned out it wasn't entirely the case. He never got his dignity back. It was so frustating to read the second half.

[collapse]
5 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
BoriCats
BoriCats
Mar 30, 2023
Status: Completed
No matter how low the ratings of this book is, YOU SHOULD READ THIS!

Years of Intoxication is a book the people shall read not because they wanted to read a book that has a good ending or a redemption. This book is unique on its own. It's not about the plot itself its about the experience. I don't care what happens in the end either they have a happy ending, end up together or had a bad one. This was a book that should be engrossed by reading the process.... more>> I guarantee this is a masterpiece.

I have read the other books in the 188 series prior to this and you can really see the improvement of the author in this book. This book talks a lot of things that you may not experience or thought possible in this life. I specially love the characters, which a lot of people has problems with. If you take it with a mind of criticizing their actions, behavior, and decisions then you will surely fall down because the characters in this book are as flawed as a ruined and stepped on painting. But that was the beauty in it. What I love the most in this book is the well created and very well founded characters. I'm not gonna spoil any of those stuffs as I want you all to read it with understanding.

I almost dropped this book from the early chapters but I am truly happy I didn't, this is a novel experience.

I can understand how people are dissatisfied with the character's decision and the outcome of the whole story but I also thought that the progression were seamless and well established. I never thought the story as a fiction but something that I can truly see and experience like the story is happening in front of me. It's very vivid in my mind and the emotions involved really tugged at my heart. I was drawn and incorporated by the wonderful talents of the author.

If it's not to your liking then it is a matter of preference but I know a work of art when I saw one. I don't even care if they end up together or they were torn apart. I was past the point where the ending matters. Whatever the ending was, I thought that it was the continuous part of an ongoing work of art. Though I have some personal opinion with the ending, seeing that if the opposite happens then I will still feel the same. It made me realize that there is no ultimate happy ending in life, a story should not have a happy ending or sad at all. A book shall have no ending because the story that happens inside whether it's good or bad is what it should be and I love that. <<less
4 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Ariella97
Ariella97
Oct 10, 2021
Status: --
I didn't read the novel, but I listened to the animated manhua, read the manhua, and listened to the audio drama. So far right now, only audio drama has everything inside (manhua is still updating in progress). I wanna say the characters made my blood boil a lot in the first part of the story. One is so toxic, and another one is so 卑微. However, nearing the end of the story, I cried like shit, especially when ... more>>
Spoiler

the ML wrote and sung the song to the MC (audio drama). BTW SQC WROTE THE LYRICS, OMG SHE IS FKING AMAZING!!

[collapse]

I would say this is pretty dogblood, but overall it teaches us something meaningful: don't take advantage of people who treat you well, be nice to them, because if you lost them, you might not be as lucky as Juhan who could get his loved one back. Even though it's dogblood, it's still pretty realistic, because it reminded me of someone who couldn't let go of his loved one no matter how toxic she was. <<less
4 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
totoroteddy
totoroteddy
Oct 22, 2020
Status: Completed
This novel is the best example of a toxic relationship. My conclusion from the novel: ML and MC need urgent therapy. ML is the definition of a selfish psychopath son of bit*h. MC is the definition of moronic and spineless. Readers will get their patience tested throughout the novel. So better skip this and read some good once.
4 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Jay0
Jay0
Jun 04, 2020
Status: Completed
Half of the story was me growing an aneurysm at Song Ju Han's a**holery, getting blue balls waiting for him to get smashed down from his high horse. Each chapter compounded my anger until I even wanted to slap He Gu for his 'this can't be the end' self-deprecating mentality.

... more>>
Spoiler

After 800 years they finally breakup in Ch. 32, but it's only in Ch. 46 that I can get some sweet satisfaction from a suffering a**hole.

[collapse]

The characterisation of SJH is well-done; he's absolutely an arrogant egotistical douchebag, and that doesn't flip 180 when he realises his faults. The arrogance and hot-headedness is still there but you can tell he tries to restrain it, and he grows to realise gradually how his past actions were wrong and what it means to cherish someone. He talks to his mother, and clearly reflects on his actions before making efforts to change his ways. That's pretty beautiful right there.

I liked HG after he decided to cut SJH from his life. He matures and learns to enjoy life and let go. He isn't wishy-washy in forgiving SJH either...

Spoiler

... until they get back together at the end, but I don't mind this time since SJH really changes for the better. (He'll still have to make it up to HG for the rest of his life tho *I got my eyes on you*).

[collapse]

The translation is slightly difficult to understand at times, but I'm grateful for it. <<less
4 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Kim_annie_tae
Kim_annie_ta
Nov 24, 2022
Status: c1
I already knew what I was reading, and ofcourse tags speaks for this book, but DAMN I literally hated both, one for first half and other for second half.

He gu:- What I love about him is he was so SELFISH and STUBBORN. He stood up for HIMSELF that's what I admired about him the most. What I hated about him was, he said loving song was his choice then why would he expect from him ? I hated how he stood by his side for SEVEN damn years!!! He could... more>> have STOOD UP FOR HIMSELF A BIT MORE EARLIER, ALAS!! And the worst part is that he NEVER COMMUNICATED WITH SONG JUHAN! He always had plenty to say to others but not with song, (it's always like" can't show him how I feel, can't tell him or mustn't tell him, blah blah blah. He was always silent kr dishonest about his feelings which always led to misunderstanding. May be his coping mechanism but never worked"), so I think he should have talked and expressed himself to song, but He never did. Actually I really felt that song always wanted some kind of reaction from him but his aloofness made him go batsh*t crazy!

Song juhan :- RAPIST, SHORT TEMPERED, a**hole! He always acts on his own, WTF, who does that !? He never RESPECTED he gu, until he started ignoring him. And then he stalked him, r*ped him, kidnapped him, like what the f*ck!!!!! I wish he had left him alone at first place.

WHAT I LOVED ABOUT HIM IS HE KNEW WHAT HE WANT AND HE WORKED FOR IT (MINUS r*pe AND KIDNAPPING) . I HATED HIM BUT f*ck I CRIED A LOT FOR HIM. WHY DOES THIS AUTHOR HAVE DUMB GONGS !??

I LITERALLY CRIED FOR HIM. HE WAS SO PITIFUL, I WISH HE HAD DIED WHEN HE FOUGHT WITH THOSE THUGS! WHEN HE STOPPED HIS TREATMENT I LITERALLY WANTED TO PROTECT HIM. I HAVE THIS HATE LOVE RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM!!!!

STORY:- OK, BUT TOXIC!!! AND I ASKED FOR IT! I NEVER FELT THEIR LOVE WAS MUTUAL. EVEN AT THE END!! YES, THEY LITERALLY LACKED SOMETHING! I DON'T KNOW I WASN'T EXACTLY HAPPY WHEN THEY GOT TOGETHER!! IT FELT SO MEH! ALTHOUGH IT'S A GOOD READ BUT I AM NOT GONNA READ IT AGain, i'd rather read MY LITTLE POPLAR FOR THOUSAND TIMES. ATLEAST I COULD FEEL THE LOVE!!!! <<less
3 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Leave a Review (Guidelines)
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.