Qing Kai

My Thoughts on Qing Kai

I dove into "Qing Kai" with a healthy dose of curiosity, given the genre mix of josei, romance, school life, and, well, smut. What I found was a surprisingly refreshing take on first love and raging hormones, even if the story is currently incomplete.

First Impressions

Initially, I was drawn in by the promise of a self-aware female lead. So often in these types of stories, the protagonist falls into predictable tropes. However, "Qing Kai" subverted my expectations. The MC is introverted, yes, but she's also remarkably grounded and doesn't build castles in the sky regarding her relationship with Qing Kai.

What Works Well

The biggest strength of "Qing Kai" is the MC's self-awareness. She understands the physical nature of her relationship and manages her expectations beautifully. This isn't a naive girl blindly chasing after a guy; she's enjoying the present while remaining open to the future.

I also appreciated the male lead's emphasis on consent. In a genre where boundaries can sometimes be blurred, Qing Kai consistently asks for permission, which is incredibly refreshing and sets a positive example. It's a testament to the author's skill that they can create steamy scenes without sacrificing respect and communication.

The dynamic between the leads is also compelling. The story hints at Qing Kai's deeper feelings for the MC, even though he struggles to express them. His actions often speak louder than words, and I found myself constantly searching for clues about his true emotions.

Areas of Concern

My main concern, like many others, is the fact that the story is incomplete. It seems the author hasn't updated since 2019, leaving the ending open to interpretation. While some might find this frustrating, I choose to see it as an opportunity to imagine my own happily ever after for these characters. Additionally, some readers mentioned that the plot felt repetitive after a while, with the focus primarily on the physical aspects of the relationship.

Final Verdict

Despite its incomplete status, I thoroughly enjoyed "Qing Kai." The self-aware female lead, the emphasis on consent, and the ambiguous yet captivating dynamic between the main characters make it a standout in the genre. If you're looking for a smut novel with substance and a refreshing perspective on young love, I highly recommend giving "Qing Kai" a try – just be prepared for a potentially open ending.