Concealed and Blended: Fendai Novel Review
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By qi ying jun, 七英俊
49 chapters
2019
Description
Once upon a time, there was a makeup artist who possessed outstanding skills and top-notch aesthetic judgement. When he did makeup for various stars, he could embellish sharpness onto the smooth vases that lacked edges, and he could make models who exceeded the boundaries of aesthetics to appear delicate and soft, more approachable to people. Male stars loved to request him, for he had a thorough understanding of masculine charm in particular, and the makeup he did was never garishly slathered in oils or powders, instead exuding a natural, dashing air of elegance. Female stars loved to request him, for not only was he excellent in his skills, he was also everyone’s closest confidant; when they chatted, he could easily hold any conversation, and his mouth would be tightly sealed, never allowing anyone’s privacy to slip out. Although this person was quite young, after getting by in the makeup industry the past few years, he was virtually considered as a distinguished personality in his profession, and would be referred to as a ‘master’ wherever he went. But he had a terrifying secret. He needed to carefully tread on thin ice and couldn’t expose even the slightest traces; otherwise, nobody would invite him to work ever again, and nobody would apply to the classes he led anymore. —He was a straight man.
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Publication Information
- Original Publisher
- Original Language
- chinese
- Type
- Web Novel
Concealed and Blended: Fendai Review & Spoilers - Novel Translator
My Thoughts on Concealed and Blended: Fendai
"Concealed and Blended: Fendai" drew me in with its intriguing premise: a makeup artist pretending to be gay and an actor pretending to be straight. The entertainment industry setting felt fresh, and the promise of comedy and romance was definitely appealing. After diving in, I found myself thoroughly entertained by this danmei novel.
First Impressions
The initial hook of the story is fantastic. The dynamic between Li Baixi, the "straight" makeup artist who cross-dresses for work, and Cheng Ping, the closeted gay actor, is immediately captivating. I was eager to see how their relationship would unfold, especially with the added layer of them pretending to be something they're not. The author created a world where image and reality are constantly blurred, which added a unique tension to their interactions.
What Works Well
The characterization is definitely a standout. Both Li Baixi and Cheng Ping feel like real people with flaws, insecurities, and genuine growth. I loved how the author challenged typical stereotypes and allowed the characters to evolve throughout the story. The romance felt organic, with the characters inspiring each other to embrace their true selves. I particularly appreciated how the novel explored Li Baixi's sexuality, moving beyond the common "straight to bent" trope and acknowledging the possibility of bisexuality. The plot also feels purposeful, with each scene contributing to the overall narrative. I also appreciate the HEA.
Areas of Concern
While I enjoyed the story immensely, I do have a couple of minor critiques. I felt the antagonists could have been more developed. While their motivations were understandable, their characters sometimes felt a bit shallow. Also, I would have loved to see more extras about them.
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Final Verdict
Despite these minor shortcomings, "Concealed and Blended: Fendai" is a delightful read. It's a sweet, funny, and surprisingly moving story about self-discovery, acceptance, and love. The characters are compelling, the plot is engaging, and the romance is heartwarming. I highly recommend this novel to anyone looking for a lighthearted yet meaningful danmei experience. If you're looking for a story that subverts expectations and celebrates individuality, "Concealed and Blended: Fendai" is definitely worth checking out.
