On the outskirts of the Pleasure City of Midas lies the Ceres special autonomous area, commonly known as the slums. Gang leader Riki, looking for an easy pocket to pick in the nightlife districts, gets caught red-handed…by none other than one of the highest-ranking, golden-haired android elites ruling from the capital Tanagura: the “Blondy” Iason Mink!
By all rights, a Blondy standing at the pinnacle of aristocracy and a slummer should have never crossed paths—their chance encounter marks the beginning of a love twisted by obsession, soon spiraling into a karmic chain of events...... more>>

⬇️ //// About the Japanese novel and anime adaptations ////
⬇️ //// About the English translation ////
⬇️ //// Current translation status ////
⬇️ //// Drama CDs, prequel and side stories ////

//// About the Japanese novel and anime adaptations ////

Originally serialized in the bimonthly magazine Shosetsu June (小説ジュネ) spanning six chapters from December 1986 to October 1987, the novel was released with minor revisions into a hardcover edition in 1990.
This first version of the story received a two-episode/OVA anime adaptation in 1992 and 1994.

Between the years 2001 and 2007, the original story was greatly expanded upon and released in six paperback volumes. After a change of Japanese publisher, two more volumes were released between 2009 and 2010, completing the series (the six aforementioned volumes were released as volumes 1-4 in the newest Japanese edition).
This second version of the story was meant to be adapted into a twelve-episode OVA anime—initially planned to release in 2010—but was postponed to 2012, only to be discontinued after the fourth episode’s release.

//// About the English translation ////

The English paperback expanded edition is made up of eight volumes: the six first volumes (Seibido/Crystal edition) + the two later volumes (#7 and #8 in English, but #5 and #6 in the newest Tokuma/Chara edition).
The change in Japanese publisher led to a change in translator for the English edition between vol1 to 6 and vol7 to 8: it is highly recommended to read the fan translations of #7 and #8 as opposed to reading the licensed edition, due to the massive loss in translation (expect a 50% word count difference between the two).

//// Current translation status of the different editions of the novel (as of April 20th, 2024) ////

. Shosetsu June edition, unlicensed: 2/6 chapters, ongoing fan translation.
. 1990 hardcover edition, unlicensed: 2/6 chapters, ongoing fan translation. An older fan translation had 4/6 chapters translated but the project was dropped.
. 2000’s expanded edition, English licensed: fully translated, complete.

//// Drama CDs, prequel and side stories ////

– The Shosetsu June story was adapted into a drama cassette and a drama CD (Dark Erogenous).
– The expanded story was adapted into three drama CDs (Destiny, Nightmare, Resonance)
– A prequel called Midnight Illusion was serialized in Shosetsu June between December 1992 and April 1993, and released as a hardcover in 1996. 3/6 chapters have been fan-translated into English.
– The 5 side stories have all been fan-translated into English (Kizu/Wound, File-0, Cal’s Sighs, Musk, Illusion Night) and are based on the expanded version of the novel.

Look up online “Ai no Kusabi Master List LiveJournal” to find the links to all the material listed above and more.

[This page was updated as per an anon’s request, all credit goes to the AnK community where credit is due.] <<less

The Kitauji high school concert band club had at one time participated in national tournaments and was a champion school, but after the club's adviser... more>> changed, they have not been able to even participate in the qualifying tournament. However, thanks to the newly appointed adviser's strict instruction, the students are steadily improving and build up their strength. As they fight over who plays solos, some students give priority to studying and quit club activities. Finally, the long wished-for day of the contest arrives. <<less

In the darkness stands a girl draped in pure white. Don't let her innocent appearance fool you; her hands grip a glistening scythe. Momo is... more>> the dark messenger of death who, along with her wisecracking cat named Daniel, is tasked with releasing humans from their mortal bonds and delivering their souls to the great beyond. First encounters with Momo always end in farewells. <<less

"Slayers follows the adventures of teenage sorceress Lina Inverse and her companions as they journey through their world. Using powerful magic and swordsmanship they battle overreaching wizards, demons seeking to destroy the world, dark lords, and the occasional hapless gang of bandits."... more>>

-Wikipedia <<less

Book 1:... more>>

The start of another one of Tang Qi Gong Zi’s tale of a past life and present life.

If persistentness in the end will still be in vain, who would use up this life to entirety, only to watch over an untouchable love?

If a persistant attraction of more than two thousand years, is to be put down right now, to be cut off, would there be tears to be poured?

Even if honored with the status of a God, Dong Hua would still perish like features.

Even as the female monarch of Qing Qiu, Feng Jiu would still fade away in time.

Although what is unknown, is that when wind and clouds are gone, when he is still walking through never ending years and ages, and occasionally brushing past her, this once legacy making God, would he still be able to remember, from his former days, that little red fox with a patch of snowy white fur on her forehead that had once rested between his sleeves.

That commanding Queen of Qing Qiu of ancient times from the deity clan, whether she can still remember he plucked a strand of Fuling flowers for her in the bygone era.

Book 2:

Two thousand years of obsessions, but in exchange for many missed opportunities in love.

If ultimately we have no chance to be together, so why let us meet each other in this life, a glance a million years?

In the middle of a foggy dream, one walks through whose shadow, destroys whose yearning, and buries whose current life and past life?

“Emperor (Di) and concubine (Ji) who are floating ups and downs in the dream land, what do you really want?”

“All I seek in this lifetime, is merely that he can see my shadow in his eyes.”

There is a saying that the feeling is deep but the fate is shallow. She is the one with deep feeling but her fate with Dong Hua is shallow.

There is a word called unfortunate. She is unfortunate so she met him. He is also unfortunate so he missed her.

“He is very good. Just that he and I have no fate to be together.”

“So what if the Mandate of Heaven says we are destinated to be together or not destinated to be together? As the King, I have never fear the Mandate of Heaven and also do not need any handout from the Mandate of Heaven.”

How does the Mandate of Heaven determine our predestined relationship? One person’s doubt, everyone get caught in a vortex. <<less

I, Souichiro, picked up this little girl on a certain rainy day. Even though she has pink hair and wears unfamiliar clothing that looks like a cosplay, she still looks like a normal girl. If there is one thing not normal about her, then that would be—the single black wing that is growing out from her back. She who claims to be a Devil says that she has no place to return to, so I couldn’t help but decide to have her stay in my house.... more>>

But the situation doesn’t end there. Then on the next day, a blonde beautiful girl claiming to be an Angel visits my house. And according to this girl, I have a hidden possibility to become either a “Saviour” or a “Super Villain”—!? The ecchi love-comedy of a Delinquent boy×Devil girl×Angel girl brought to you by the super popular creator duo! <<less

Came with the first Blu-ray box set of Ufotable's Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works anime

On the very first day that innocent country boy, Oyamada Kouta, transfers to a city high school, the prettiest girl in school asks him to meet her alone. They meet in the music room, all alone. Her shining hair and entreating eyes! Her flushed cheeks! Her sweet lips! Her... fox tail?!!... more>>

Who is this mysterious and alluring girl and just what does she want with unsuspecting Kouta? <<less

In his young life, Takeyuki has never really known hardship. The youngest son of a wealthy family, he has never had any difficulty getting anything... more>> he desired. Now, though, Takeyuki is enjoying his last month of freedom before he begins working at his father’s import company in Tokyo, and he has decided to spend that time with his brother and his sister-in-law in Cassina, a small country in the Middle East. Little does Takeyuki know that his prideful manner will soon land him in hot water! In Cassina, some dangers are very real and some people are not who they seem. For example, who exactly is the charming, majestic man who won’t stop staring at Takeyuki during their flight to Cassina, and why do his blue eyes make Takeyuki feel like his chest will burst? <<less

Our male and female lead are in the online entertainment circle, he on the dubbing side and she on the music cover side. The circle is one where physical appearance is generally anonymous and you are known by your online handle and your voice. Gu Sheng, a relatively unknown online singer who goes by the handle Sheng Sheng Man and who specializes in cover songs of ancient-style music, is a huge fan of Qiang Qing Ci, a very famous and well-loved CV (character voice) artist (i.e. dubber, voiceover artist). It was like, love at first listen.... more>>

One morning, she was chatting with a friend in her online “room” when his voice suddenly appeared in her headset, describing to her in detail how to prepare a food dish she had been talking about. This began their online chats about food. Gu Sheng can scarcely believe that she is talking to her idol, and he seems to be trying to progress the relationship further. <<less

Stigmata (聖痕): A mark on the body, particularly one with religious significance.... more>>

Sion, who lost his memory after a horrific massacre in his childhood village, lived as a Novice Priest at a temple in a neighboring village, hoping for a peaceful life. However, after saving High Priest Parvellone by chance, he was invited to Zeon, the capital of the Holy Kingdom.

Five years later, Sion is imprisoned in an underground dungeon for possessing "something he shouldn't have." He endures brutal torture by Holy King Siennas and discovers Parvellone's betrayal, leading to his death.

However, in the next instant, Sion wakes up in the body of none other than Siennas, on the day of the Holy King's coronation five years ago... <<less

The series takes place in an indeterminate time in the future, 500 years after an apocalyptic war between all of Earth’s nations destroyed civilization, when humanity has reestablished itself. ... more>>

In this future world, the Roman Catholic Church has become a major military power, whose goals include the protection of humanity against the vampiric Methuselahs, who war upon humankind (or “Terrans,” as they call humans). Their seat of power is the Vatican, an attractive place with traditional European architecture; it is likely the same Vatican city in the real world (albeit perhaps rebuilt following the previous war).

The Methuselahs are themselves another major political and military force. Their capital of Byzantium (presumably built on the site of the real world’s Byzantium, now Istanbul) appears as an elegant metropolis, surrounded by a field of particles which filters out UV radiation, thus protecting the Methuselah population. <<less

One day Shinobu wakes up just to find a naked blonde girl sleeping besides him. He has no memory whatsoever of her. Who is she?... more>> Why is she in his bed? Why is she naked? To make matters worse, his sister comes in and sees them. What will happen now? <<less

Find out Shao Lang’s unexpected encounter in the tram.

Kara no Kyoukai is a series of stories written by Kinoko Nasu with illustrations by Takashi Takeuchi.... more>>

The first five chapters were posted online on Nasu and Takeuchi's dojin website "Takebouki" starting Oct 1998, and the last two chapters being released at Comiket 56 in 1999. In 2001, part of the story was included in "Tsukihime PLUS-DISK," created by TYPE-MOON, the doujin circle Nasu and Takeuchi joined. The story gained huge popularity, and the doujinshi edition of the stories saw release on December 30, 2001 at Comiket 61.

Note; The cover image is from The Garden of Sinners non-novel volume 1 edition published in 2004. <<less

S Vol. 1... more>>

Shiba is a detective in the fifth anti-organized crime division of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police, a.k.a. “Anti-Gang 5” specializing in handgun seizures. Shiba’s secret weapon is “S” (“spy”), an informant who plays a key role in Shiba’s information gathering. Shiba is training an informant who has been officially accepted into Shinjuku’s Matsukura Group within the Budoha crime syndicate. One day, Shiba awakes to an anonymous phone call. “Watch out for your S.” A tale of two men whose lust, pride and loneliness collide!

S Vol. 2: A Love Bite

Detective Masaki Shiiba's informant or "S," Keigo Munechika, has proven himself to be an excellent source of information. But the payment of s*x for every lead given is taking its toll on Shiiba. But with his new assignment as back-up to a fellow undercover detective, Shiiba learns that there are far worse things than having s*x with your male S--falling helplessly in love with him, for example. S volume 2 continues the drama and passion between a detective and his spy set in the highly-charged underground world of Tokyo.

S Vol. 3: Split

For almost a year now, Shiiba has been using Keigo Munechika as his “S,” his spy, to get information on the gun dealings of the Yakuza world. Shiiba uses his body in exchange for Munechika's sensitive information… and only his body as far as Shiiba is concerned. Shiiba vows their relationship will not go beyond that. But when a rowdy young man with a penchant for piercing and an enigmatic Yakuza leader cross paths with the young detective, sins of the past are unearthed once more-sins that just might shatter the fragile bond between the detective and his “S.”

S Vol. 4: Afterglow

At the end of S volume 3, detective Masaki Shiiba was last seen running away from the hospital room of his injured S, Keigo Munechika. Now, Shiiba has turned in his resignation, bought a gun of his own, and is bent on only one mission--to kill Takanari Godou. He vows to get the truth from Godou, even if he has to throw away his morals and life to do it. But can he do it? Can he shoot another person and commit cold-blooded mu*der for revenge? <<less

Meet Haruhi — a cute, determined girl, starting high school in a city where nothing exciting happens and absolutely no one understands her. Meet Kyon — the sarcastic guy who sits in front of Haruhi in homeroom and the only boy Haruhi has ever opened up to. His fate is now tied to hers. Meet the SOS Brigade — an after-school club organized by Haruhi with a mission to seek out the extraordinary. Oh, and their second mission? Keeping Haruhi happy…because even through she doesn’t know it, Haruhi has the power to destroy our universe…... more>>

v1 - The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi / 第一巻: 涼宮ハルヒの憂鬱
v2 - The Sigh of Suzumiya Haruhi / 第二巻: 涼宮ハルヒの溜息
v3 - The Boredom of Suzumiya Haruhi / 第三巻: 涼宮ハルヒの退屈
v4 - The Disappearance of Suzumiya Haruhi / 第四巻: 涼宮ハルヒの消失
v5 - The Rampage of Suzumiya Haruhi / 第五巻: 涼宮ハルヒの暴走
v6 - The Wavering of Suzumiya Haruhi / 第六巻: 涼宮ハルヒの動揺
v7 - The Intrigues of Suzumiya Haruhi / 第七巻: 涼宮ハルヒの陰謀
v8 - The Indignation of Suzumiya Haruhi / 第八巻: 涼宮ハルヒの憤慨
v9 - The Dissociation of Suzumiya Haruhi / 第九巻: 涼宮ハルヒの分裂
v10 - The Surprise of Suzumiya Haruhi (First Part) / 涼宮ハルヒの驚愕 (前)
v11 - The Surprise of Suzumiya Haruhi (Final Part) / 涼宮ハルヒの驚愕 (後) <<less

Matsuoka is hooked on wearing his ex-girlfriend’s clothes and going for nighttime walks into town, feeling the pleasure of being stared at by men wherever he goes. One night, after he is assaulted by a man during a one-off encounter, he is saved by Hirosue, a nondescript senior worker from his company. Drawn to Hirosue’s innocent and pure love, Matsuoka continues to meet with Hirosue, all the while dressed as a woman, until Hirosue finally confesses to him. Narise Konohara’s pinnacle of achievement portrays the pain and beauty of unrequited love and has also been adapted to a theatrical play.... more>>

Contains 2 short stories (published in earlier editions) “Of Tenderness” (Itoshii koto) and “Of Love” (Aisuru koto). <<less

War of the Holy Grail - Pursuing the power of the "Holy Grail" which grants a miracle, this is a contest in which seven magi summon seven Heroic Spirits to compete for it. In that battle whose conclusion was postponed three times, now, the fourth war commenced again. ... more>>

Entrusting their dearest wish of victory, the magi joined the battleground called "Fuyuki", but amongst them, there was a man who was always alone, and could not find out the meaning behind his fights. His name was Kotomine Kirei. Not comprehending the guidance of fate, Kirei was lost, and had kept questioning. Why someone like him was given the Command Seals. However, the fate of his fights crossed Kirei's path with a nemesis by chance. That person is - Emiya Kiritsugu. A man who was sterner than anyone else, more merciless than anyone else, and who sought the miracle of the Holy Grail.

Merely recited in fragments in Fate/Stay Night, this is the Fourth War of the Holy Grail 10 years ago. The truth which unfolded behind the battle between Shirō's foster father, Rin's father, and the younger Kotomine Kirei, is finally revealed...... <<less

Whatever he does, it always backfires, a salaryman who always fails, Saeki Katsuya. Facing restructing, a guy appeared before him when he wanted to give... more>> up. “From the moment you put these on, your life will alter drastically.” The glasses which were handed to him, seemed to be a forbidden item that will change its wearer into a dominant brute... Having obtained the glasses and on the road to being a beast, will Katsuya obtain real love? <<less

A student council while trying to gather votes, announced that they are willing to help with things big and small in the school, and set... more>> up the "Unlost Sheep Enquiry Committee", where students are welcome to share their troubles and get them solved. However, some of these requests are not exactly simple, and are hard to deal with. One of the student council members stumbled upon a girl who shows great dislike towards him, while bearing great wisdom to solve such cases. <<less

"For some people, that person, he's neither a temptation nor a flutter of the heart; he's simply fate. No matter how much you try to evade, even if given ten thousand chances, one would still choose to dance on the edge of the knife and forsake the love on the shore."... more>>

For Shen Li, that person is Lu Changting.

Author's Guide:
Both perspectives of main and supporting roles are included, no breaking, no antagonism, a story about unrequited love, perhaps cliché, but unlikely to be overly tragic, with a Happy Ending.
If there are any similarities to other works, it's probably akin to Andersen's fairy tales.
Open to any feedback on writing style and plot, but not interested in nitpicking. If you dislike character portrayals, please exit at the top right corner.
Life's short, don't make yourself unhappy. <<less

A celestial meteor makes time and memory rewind itself, bringing new life to the races of gods and deities, and thus changing the fate of the world. One hundred years later, Xiao Bang Chui, an orphan from Qingqiu, enrolled in the Young Phoenix Academy to study. There, she befriended students from the academy and together they formed a tight bond. While over time the group went their separate ways, only the sly and clever young Lei Xiu Yuan stayed by her side.... more>>

Five years later, Xiao Bang Chui, now known as Jiang Li Fei, had transformed into a woman of otherworldly beauty. Such an unheard-of beauty made sophisticated eyes begin to trace her background and history. With the life and death of the young couple, as everyone pursued the secrets of the deities, they entered a foggy maze. At the first meeting of the mountain and sea, the group reunited for the first time, and the mirage sent them into the deepest purgatory with the most beautiful dreams. Can a disciplined man control the power of heaven and earth, and can he control the excitement of his heart? <<less

The Story of the Narcissistic Delusional Film Emperor and the Poor Idol.... more>>

The rapidly rising fresh meat, Ye Chen, is a heaven-defying Jack Su character:

With a stunning appearance that is encountered once-in-a-century, he owns a courtyard worth hundreds of millions, with paychecks reaching tens of millions at a time. He carries the bloodline of two ancient gods, becoming the new lord of the divine realm, commanding all the divine beasts to obey… Yet he can’t even afford a pound of ribs, so poor that he has to mooch off the film emperor’s body lotion.

Entertainment Gossip No. 1: Revealed! The overpowered life of the popular traffic actor Ye Chen!

Entertainment Gossip No. 2: Rumor has it! Ye Chen’s courtyard residence is worth over a hundred million!

Entertainment Gossip No. 3: Strange News! The guy selling vegetables in the morning market looks just like the top traffic actor Ye Chen!

Entertainment Gossip No. 4: Shocking! This scavenger guy unexpectedly has a star-like face!

Ye Chen, who pedals a tricycle to sell vegetables and collect bottles, silently lowers his cap:…

The one selling vegetables is me, the scavenger is also me.

【Mini Theatre 1】

Qiongqi Cub: Gege, we haven’t had meat for three days.

Ye Chen: Hold on a little longer. Once I sell this new batch of cabbages, we’ll have money to buy meat…

【Mini Theatre 2】

Ye Chen: Tomatoes aren’t selling, help Chen Chen! Cabbages aren’t selling, help Chen Chen! Eggplants aren’t selling, help Chen Chen!

Shen Mofeng: Is Chen Chen not selling?

Ye Chen: N-No, not not selling.

Shen Mofeng: I’ll take all the vegetables, and send some to Chen Chen.

Ye Chen: …

The film emperor has been acting weird lately!!!

——Switching seamlessly between a heaven-defying Jack Su and a poor farm boy’s life.

Content Tags: Supernatural, Entertainment Circle, Farming, Sweet Story, Light-hearted

Search Keywords: Protagonist: Ye Chen, Shen Mofeng ┃ Supporting Characters: Gu Qiu, All walks of life celebrities and big shots ┃ Others:

One-sentence summary: Not a farmer, but a farm boy…

Theme: Depicting how contemporary youth can rely on their own hard work to cultivate and embark on the path to wealth, with an uplifting tone, showcasing the spirit of the working class. <<less