Yandai Xie Jie No. 10

My Thoughts on Yandai Xie Jie No. 10

Yandai Xie Jie No. 10 is quite the ride! It's a BL story centered around the unlikely romance between Hang Hang, a gay pet shop owner, and Liang Ze, a seemingly straight writer. This novel explores the complexities of their relationship as Liang Ze grapples with his feelings.

First Impressions

Initially, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. The premise of a "straight guy" novel always makes me a bit wary, but I was intrigued by the promise of a story that delves deeper than the typical instant-love trope. I wanted to see how the author would handle the challenges and nuances of such a relationship.

What Works Well

One of the strongest aspects of this novel is its realistic portrayal of Liang Ze's internal struggle. It's not a magical transformation where he suddenly becomes gay; instead, we see him genuinely wrestling with his feelings and societal expectations. This made the story more relatable and engaging. The characters are quirky and interesting, and the pet shop setting adds a unique and refreshing element to the story. The humor is well-placed, and there's a good balance of fluff and angst to keep things interesting. I also appreciated that the translation included helpful notes about Chinese culture and locations, which added to my understanding and enjoyment. The multiple POVs offer an intricate look at each character and their feelings.

Areas of Concern

While I enjoyed the overall story, I can understand why some readers might find Liang Ze's character frustrating at times. His denseness and indecisiveness can be irritating, and it's easy to sympathize with Hang Hang's patience and understanding. Also, while the ending is happy, some readers might feel it's a bit too rushed or that we don't get to see enough of the couple enjoying their happiness after overcoming so many obstacles. The middle of the story can drag, but the ending makes it worth it.

Final Verdict

Overall, I found Yandai Xie Jie No. 10 to be a worthwhile read. It's a story that explores the complexities of love and acceptance, with a good dose of humor and heartwarming moments. While it has its flaws, the realistic portrayal of the characters and their struggles makes it a unique and engaging BL novel. If you're looking for a story that goes beyond the typical yaoi tropes and delves into the challenges of a relationship between a gay man and a man questioning his sexuality, this might be the novel for you.