Top Dupe
By caramelized winter melon, jiao tang dong gua, 焦糖冬瓜
143 chapters
2022
Description
Before rebirth, Luo Yu was known as the “substitute” or “dupe” of the school idol He Mu. Everyone forgot that He Mu was actually the one who had plastic surgery to look like Luo Yu and even snatched away Luo Yu’s school idol image. Because of He Mu’s guilty conscience, he kept belittling Luo Yu’s existence, and the talent agency’s petty and ungrateful ways also made it difficult for Luo Yu to move forward in his career. It wasn’t until Luo Yu was reborn that he turned the situation on its head. In this new life, Luo Yu decided to live for himself. He observed He Mu’s little tricks with cold eyes and felt only indifference: “When your horizons broaden, you will find that some people are just not worth affecting your life.” Luo Yu overcame all the obstacles in his way. He lived in the eyes and evaluations of others before, but now he lives the way he wants. When Luo Yu stood on the podium at the awards ceremony, the thought everyone had was that “Luo Yu is already a top actor in the industry, while He Mu is still playing up that outdated school idol image”. No longer can others bind Luo Yu within a frame, in this life, only Luo Yu can define himself.
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Publication Information
- Original Publisher
- jjwxc
- Original Language
- chinese
- Type
- Web Novel
Top Dupe Review & Spoilers - Novel Translator
My Thoughts on Top Dupe
"Top Dupe" is a completed web novel that I recently dove into, and it’s been quite the journey. With its blend of drama, fantasy, romance, and a touch of shounen ai, it certainly aims for a broad appeal. After finishing the story, I can say it has some shining moments, but also some aspects that tested my patience.
First Impressions
Initially, I was drawn in by the premise of Lou Yu's rebirth and his chance to reclaim his career after being overshadowed by a manufactured "replacement." The entertainment industry setting, with its inherent drama and potential for cutthroat competition, felt ripe for compelling storytelling. I was eager to see how Lou Yu would navigate this second chance.
What Works Well
One of the strongest aspects of "Top Dupe" is Lou Yu's character development. I particularly appreciated his humility and willingness to learn from his past mistakes. Unlike some reborn protagonists who become cold and ruthless, Lou Yu retains his kindness while growing stronger and more assertive. His relationship with Gu Xiaowei, the male lead, is another highlight. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and watching their connection deepen amidst the chaos of the entertainment world was genuinely enjoyable. I found myself invested in their journey to finding each other again and building a lasting relationship. The author also deserves credit for crafting well-rounded female characters who aren't simply villains interfering with the main romance.
Areas of Concern
However, "Top Dupe" isn't without its flaws. The pacing, at times, feels incredibly slow. The constant back and forth between Lou Yu and Gu Xiaowei became frustrating. While I appreciate the detailed depiction of the filming process, it often felt excessive, dragging out plot points unnecessarily. The tension, instead of being sexy, just became exhausting. The length of the novel impacted my overall enjoyment, and I felt that the story could have benefited from tighter editing. Also, the descriptions of Lou Yu's beauty and charisma, while initially appealing, eventually felt repetitive and overdone.
Final Verdict
Overall, "Top Dupe" is a mixed bag. It has moments of brilliance, particularly in its character development and romantic chemistry, but it's hampered by its slow pacing and repetitive descriptions. Despite its flaws, I found myself ultimately invested in Lou Yu's journey and his relationship with Gu Xiaowei. If you're a fan of slow-burn romances and detailed depictions of the entertainment industry, "Top Dupe" might be worth checking out – just be prepared for a long read. I'd give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.
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