This post is part 1 of my response to @dnana-2809-blog’s ask
1. Song Juhan / He Gu
from Years of Intoxication
Listen, these two aren’t first because they have the best relationship. I definitely don’t want what they have for myself. They’re first simply because of how fucking mad they drive me.
Song Juhan is an asshole, but he’s such a fun read. He’s like a child that doesn’t know how to express what he wants and can only throw tantrums. Reading him is like watching a race car speed straight towards a crash while you have your coke and popcorn on the side.
He Gu, on the other hand, is a saint. But the type of saint who’d forgive you from all your sins as long as you have a good face card. Of all the MCs in the 188 series, he’s the only one whose POV is full of purple prose of how handsome the ML/other characters are in the story. He presents himself as being this calm, unfazed type, but really, he’s just a face-con. Time and time again, he lets Song Juhan get away with evil, so seeing him finally snap was utterly satisfying.
I’ve mentioned on this blog before that I don’t really read fanfics nowadays, but HanGu is an exception to this. HanGu makes me feel such whirlwind of emotions that if I’m in the mood for some blood-curdling angst followed by cathartic redemption, they’re my go-to.
2. Gu Xiao / Zhang Siyi
from Assistant Architect
(some translations had ML’s name as Gu Yu, but that’s wrong.)
Now, this is the ship that ranks highly because I actually love the characters’ relationship.
Zhang Siyi is a new college graduate just entering the workforce and learning how to be an independent adult, while Gu Xiao is his boss who’s already established in the industry.
The character development of both characters is great in this one, especially with Zhang Siyi. You can really see him mature as the story progresses. Gu Xiao also learned to stop being so strict with himself and to just follow what his heart wants. Their relationship is so sweet and healthy <3
3. Gong Yixian / Ren Yi
from Blazing Armor
This pair is the epitome of what I love about teammates-to-lovers. Their love is the kind that is cultivated slowly through constant interaction and actually understanding the other as a person and not just as a love interest. Ren Yi may had have a crush on Gong Yixian from the start, but it was only through working with Gong Yixian that you can see him actually fall in love with him.
Meanwhile, Gong Yixian is such a sweet guy. He’s partly the reason why I think the novel should not have been marketed as a dog-blood story. Apart from that one time he said hurtful stuff to Ren Yi because of a misunderstanding, he hasn’t really done anything scummy. He also fell in love with Ren Yi before he even realized it, and it was really cute when he felt envious seeing HanGu together because he wanted what they have for him and Ren Yi. (By HanGu, I mean the ship ranked on number 1. They made a cameo in the novel.)
4. Lin Yun / Tang Ning
from I am a Flower Vase in an Infinite Flow World
Image above is only of Tang Ning. This ship isn’t the canon couple, so there’s no image of them together 😔
This pair is another teammates-to-lovers ship. They started out as ordinary players just temporarily teaming up to increase their chances of survival but then grew closer to the point of being willing to die for the other.
Lin Yun was the guy who’d leave Tang Ning at the drop of a hat the moment things turned dangerous in order to prioritize his own safety, while Tang Ning, from the very start, could never bear to leave Lin Yun behind because he sincerely thinks of him as his friend. Lin Yun once thought Tang Ning was naive for thinking so, but over time, he fell in love with this kind of sincerity. Later in the story, Lin Yun realizes how important Tang Ning has become to him and that life without him is more terrifying than death itself, so he steps up and stops running away.
The natural deepening of these two’s relationship is what I love so much about it. I really, really wish Lin Yun was the male lead. (And I haven’t given up hope yet! I am yet to finish the novel, so who knows, maybe there’s a plot twist)
5. Kamonohashi Ron / Isshiki “Toto” Totomaru
from Ron Kamonohashi: Deranged Detective
I didn’t want to use a static official art because Toto always looks bad in those images. So, here, have screenshots on one of my favorite RonToto moments.
Ron had just been accused of murder, and all evidence points towards him. Even Ron was starting to doubt himself, but Toto adamantly stays by his side. And that trust Toto has on him—that unwavering belief founded on what he knows about Ron as a person—is one of the many things I love so much about this pair.
Ron is also very grateful to have Toto in his life, so it pains him whenever Toto gets into danger because of him.
6. Isagi Yoichi / Bachira Meguru
from Blue Lock
I may be critical of Isagi’s state in the manga right now, but I still very much like this ship. They are, by far, the BEST sports anime ship.
I’ve talked a lot about why I think so on my @fyeahbachisagi sideblog, but this post by @rirururu and my comments under it encapsulates what I love so much about them.
Also, I’ve just been really into this trope of love as being something you have to fight for—where if you aren’t strong enough to defeat the person you love, then you’re stripped of the right to remain by their side. It’s so fucking delicious.
7. Killua / Gon
from Hunter x Hunter
Haven’t engaged with HxH since I finished the anime during the pandemic that I almost forgot to put KilluGon on this list. Shame! How on earth could I forget about them?? These two are everything.
They’re best friends—people who just enjoy spending time with each other and always think about the other first. And their love is built slowly through that. They care for each other, and they feel hurt when the other is in pain. Killua’s character development in the Chimera Ant arc also further showed how far he’s willing to go for Gon.
And by now, it should be clear that the friends/teammates-to-lovers trope is my favorite. I don’t know about you guys, but I think a romantic relationship should be founded on a good platonic relationship. (tho, ironically, the ship on #1 is the odd one out on this list. sorry, I can’t help it. HanGu makes me want to throw them into a blender whenever I think about them)
Special mentions:
VeiFei from Link Click: I may post about them a lot, but compared to my other ships, they’re objectively not that much. They have too little screentime. I’m gonna need to see what they’re like in season 3 before I reevaluate the rankings
VaniNoe from Vanitas no Carte: I haven’t caught up on VnC in a while, but they are so precious
KaiNess from Blue Lock: Where their relationship ended after the NEL arc was so good, and I can’t wait to see how it develops the next time we see them
Cui Bei / Wang Qi from White Cat Legend: They’re just so cute and good vibes only
T2 from Yowamushi Pedal: Their friendship is heartwarming, and their tacit understanding is so good. I just love it when Junta can easily understand what Aoyagi wants that the latter doesn’t even have to say it. Aoyagi is also very supportive of Junta’s ambitions.
Finally, a Danmei Blog for Lesser-Known Danmei, Some of Which Are Not Even Translated Yet
Hello, hello, I’m Miya, a voracious danmei reader that gobbles novels every night like it’s her daily sustenance. I’ve been reading danmei since late 2018, and like most people in English danmei spaces, I was introduced to it through MXTX’s Mo Dao Zu Shi / Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation. Since then, I’ve read many other danmei, like all the other popular ones—Little Mushroom, The Husky and His White Cat Shizun, Devil Venerable Also Wants to Know, etc.
Anyways, I have read almost all of the novels the English fandoms are currently obsessed with. Because of this, I often can’t relate to the excitement you guys still have over them because those novels feel like ages ago to me. I’ve long moved on from them and found other novels I love more. (I also read the bulk of those popular novels during my depression era, and I don’t wanna bring up memories of that)
So yeah, I sometimes feel like an outsider in English danmei spaces because nobody wants to talk about the novels I wanna talk about because nobody even knows about them 😭😭😭
Thus, this blog was born.
Mainly, I will be liveblogging the danmei I’m reading. I used to post them on my main @miyamiwu, but I’ve recently transferred my liveblogs from there to here. Just a fair warning: my liveblogs won’t be spoiler-free. I also don’t use spoiler tags because, well, nobody even knows the novels I’m blogging about so nobody would care if it’s a “spoiler” 😭😭😭
Aside from this, I will also post:
reviews of some of the great novels I come across
recommendation lists (you can also ask me for recs!)
rough English translations of the scenes I’m reacting to (otherwise, I won’t make sense)
general thoughts on danmei genres and tropes
translation ramblings
Basically, anything and everything about danmei.
Some stuff about me:
I run Lizonka Novels and used to post MTLations
I am studying Mandarin, but I’m nowhere near fluent in it. (I’ve also been too busy with college that my studies have been put on-hold.)
I loooove talking about the intricacies of translation and even took a class on translation theory before. You will see this reflected in some of my posts.
My favorite genres/tropes: whodunit, unlimited flow, horror, broken mirror, and 甜宠 (lit. sweet love/pampering, fluffy novels basically).
Current favorite danmei: Fourth Perspective by Mo Chen Huan
I also follow the 188男团 series by Shui Qian Cheng. My favorites in the series are Years of Intoxication and Blazing Armor
Well, that’s pretty much it. If you’re interested in discovering new danmei to read or just learning more about danmei, feel free to follow me~
You can also check out what novels I’ve posted about on my Danmei Directory:
https://danmeiblr.tumblr.com/directory
(If you’re on the mobile app and can’t access the link above, just copy it and paste it directly on your browser.)
A Totally Subjective List of Favorite Danmei Novels I Read in 2023
Joyful Reunion :: 相见欢 by 非天夜翔
Governor's Illness :: 督主有病 by 杨溯
The Return of Cambrian Period :: 寒武再临
The Plays of Lips and Teeth :: 唇齿之戏 by 张佩奇
Blazing Armor :: 火焰戎装 by 水千丞
After the Disabled God of War Became My Concubine :: 残疾战神嫁我为妾后 by 刘狗花
Wilderness Vegetation :: 荒野植被 by 麦香鸡呢
In Name Only :: 有名 by 木更木更
Placid Chang’an :: 太平长安 by 盐盐 Yany
Eternities Still Unsaid Till You Love Me :: 欲言难止 by 麦香鸡呢
Joyful Reunion :: 相见欢 by 非天夜翔
“相见欢，原本是我们的曲子。”
"'Joyful Reunion' originally belonged to my people."
[action, political intrigue, coming of age] -- At its heart, Joyful Reunion is a young man's coming-of-age, as he grows up in a war-torn world and decides on the type of man and leader he wants to become. This novel isn't easy to read with it pacing and length, but its reputation as an iconic historical political danmei is well-deserved. There are no "good people" and "bad people", just humans trying to survive in a harsh world and live their own truths. The main romantic arc is fairly light, while the most controversial (i.e. beloved) "second male lead" in all of danmei is lurking in the background. But I love that Duan Ling finds someone who supports him through his worst days, and they give each other strength and hope to stay true to their best selves.
Governor's Illness :: 督主有病 by 杨溯
“去吧，”沈玦道，“你生，我去找你。你死，我去陪你。”
“Go,” Shen Jue says, “If you live, I’ll come find you. If you die, I’ll go with you.”
[wuxia, secrets and conspiracies, revenge plot] -- The powerful Governor of the Eastern Depot has a massive bounty on the head of an infamous assassin. Who knew it's because they are childhood friends who want to find each other? Despite a tiny bit of palace intrigue, this is mostly a wuxia story, focusing on the complicated bonds between masters and disciples, and far too many blood debts and sect secrets. The first part of the novel is brutal. I love plot-heavy stories but I intentionally ignore parts of this one during re-reads because it is just so heartbreaking (unrelated to the romance arc). But Xiahou Lian never stops seeing the best in Shen Jue and Shen Jue never stops wanting the best for Xiahou Lian. And that strong bond gives them -- and readers like me -- some hope and comfort as secrets and enemies from the ghosts of Xiahou Lian's past continue to launch them into one action-packed challenge after another. (My review here)
The Return of Cambrian Period :: 寒武再临 by 水千丞
这就是末世，个人的悲伤在全世界的悲伤面前，渺小无比。
This is the apocalypse, and the grief of an individual is utterly insignificant compared to all the grief in the world right now.
[apocalypse, action/adventure, superpowers/mutations] -- I don't know how to summarize 1.7 million words briefly so here's a much lengthier review. It's an action-adventure with super-powered humans and mutant "monsters of the week". It's a mystery and heroic epic trying to solve and conquer the cause of the apocalypse. It's a social commentary sketching out what humanity keeps and saves and becomes when modern society crumbles. It's a love story -- many love stories, romantic and familial and platonic and more-- that reminds you what gives humans the courage, purpose, and determination to stand up in face of overwhelming adversity is love for and from the people we keep in our hearts.
The Plays of Lips and Teeth :: 唇齿之戏 by 张佩奇
周辰瑜回到舞台中央，说：“这出《乌龙院》，我和贺辰烽常说，不过这还是我头一回演阎惜娇。”
说着，他转过身，对身旁的晏朝说：“人家第一次都给你了，你要对我负责。”
晏朝：“……”
Zhou Chenyu returns to the center stage, and says, "I have performed 'Wu Long Yuan' many times with He Chenfeng, but this is my first time playing Yan Xijiao."
He turns to Yan Zhao, who is standing beside him, "I'm giving you my first time, you need to take responsibility."
Yan Zhao: "..."
[ celebrities, comedy, traditional arts] -- This is a novel for when you want stories about celebrities, with all the fun of "CP fans" and Weibo drama, but also a break from actors and idols. A TV host and a Xiangsheng actor meet in a reality show that teaches them about each other's careers. While they are expected to provide some fan service to boost ratings, they also develop genuine respect and fondness for each other. With a comedian as a main character, this novel kept me laughing with xiangsheng performances and the main couple's funny antics. There is a bit of angst when the main characters struggle with their careers and their relationships with their respective families, but luckily, they find each other and a path forward together.
Blazing Armor :: 火焰戎装 by 水千丞
可那个"孩子"，他又天真又残忍。
But that "child", he is so innocent and cruel.
[mystery/procedural, romance, firefighters] -- A departure from the norm in the 188 Boys Club, this novel is a plot-heavy slow-burn romance, following the work of fire captain Ren Yi and police officer Gong Yingxian. I got really drawn into the "cases" (fires) that Ren Yi deals with, and learned so much about fire trucks, rescue protocols, and fire risks of various materials. Gong Yingxian is a traumatized genius orphan with a large inheritance, weird hobbies, and no social skills. He repeatedly hurts Ren Yi's feelings and betrays his trust, for reasons ranging from uninformed callousness to intentional manipulation, but technically none of that is about their romantic relationship. I don't want to downplay the seriousness of his actions, but there is something precious about the guy who confesses his feelings with the bones of his dead pet lizard, and gets frustrated because Ren Yi can't decipher the romantic symbolism of the lizard's heart-shaped tail bone.
After the Disabled God of War Became My Concubine :: 残疾战神嫁我为妾后 by 刘狗花
“瞧好了，他，靖王，我是他的妾，他是我夫君。”
"Look carefully! Him, the Prince Jin, I am his secondary concubine, he is my lord husband."
[transmigration, romance, political intrigue] -- History professor Jiang Suizhou fails a student paper for using unofficial records, and ends up transmigrating into the wild events chronicled in the paper. Like any decent protagonist of a transmigration novel, Suizhou saves himself from a gruesome fate, falls in love with the coolest person in their universe, and change the world for the better. Despite the setting, the political plot is kept light and simple. A great treat for when you want sugar-pie feel-good comfort read with a tiny bit of plot.
Wilderness Vegetation :: 荒野植被 by 麦香鸡呢
如果可以，谁不想体体面面的，体面地爱人，体面地被爱。
If given the option, who wouldn't want dignity? To love with dignity, and be loved with dignity.
[scum gong crematorium, reconciliation, mental illness] -- My favorite HE crematorium novel! Xu Yan dumps emotionally abusive boyfriend Shen Zhi whom he has loved and tolerated for years, and starts a new life and career with supportive friends and family. This is finally a sane universe where no one retcons or minimizes or excuses Shen Zhi's actions, even if there were genuine misunderstandings and he genuinely loved Xu Yan. During the crematorium phase, Shen Zhi respects Xu Yan's boundaries and refusals (though he does repeatedly return to ask again). It takes time, but he works hard to grow as a person, to think and behave differently, and eventually lets Xu Yan go out of love and respect. When Xu Yan initiates the reconciliation, it feels like they have a chance this time because they have both changed and grown in meaningful ways.
In Name Only :: 有名 by 木更木更
“当他落在了我这儿，我这儿就是春天。”
"When he lands where I am, where I am becomes spring time. "
[actors/celebrities, fake relationship, mature characters] -- Two award-winning actors fake a relationship to quash a scandalous rumor. They gradually get to know the real person behind the other's accomplished career and polished public persona, and fall in love. The tone of the story veers is mostly sweet and funny, with a splash of angst that they conquer with their own strength and each other's support. It's so comforting and relaxing to read about the love story of "mature men" in their early 30s who know how to communicate productively, take care of the people they like, and really accept and empathize with each other's imperfections. (I wrote about the novel here.)
Placid Chang’an :: 太平长安 by 盐盐 Yany
“你既然选择了大理寺，查找真相、还原真相就是你的事，而我身为摄政亲王，稳定朝局，制衡天下是我的事。你做你该做的，剩下的我来处理。”
“Since you have chosen to join the Court of Judicial Review, investigating and uncovering the truth is now your duty; I am the Prince Regent, so stabilizing the court and governing the nation is my duty. Do your duty, and I will handle the rest.”
[mystery/procedural, court politics] -- The newest Zhuangyuan Su Cen has a sharp mind and keen eye for solving mysterious. As a high-profile rookie official, he is soon swept into the factional rivalries at court -- and the Prince Regent's bed at night. The plot is mainly driven by a series of cases Su Cen investigates for his work and at the behest of people around him, and many mysteries point back to a few old cold cases and a secret organization. The grand finale feels a bit underwhelming compared to the set up, and the side characters are somewhat flat, but the individual cases and the main couple are engaging. The relationship arc is a sweet but measured exploration into the charms and woes of a relationship with large gaps in power and age (40-ish vs early 20s). They are both capable but not overpowered, leaving the story with believable suspense throughout.
Eternities Still Unsaid Till You Love Me :: 欲言难止 by 麦香鸡呢
其实他知道不应该用‘等’来形容。许则像只风筝，没有人握着线，风筝在高空被吹得飘摇不定，但还是竭尽全力地留在原地，不是等谁来牵那根线，只是希望能再看某个人一眼。
Actually, he knows it shouldn't be called "waiting." Xu Ze is like a kite with no one holding the string. The kite wobbles as it flies high in the sky, but it still tries so hard to stay in place, not waiting for anyone to pick up that string, but just hoping to see that certain someone on more time.
[ABO, Alpha/Alpha, (temporarily) unrequited pining, amnesia] -- Scholarship kid Xu Ze has harbored a secret crush on Golden Boy and fellow Alpha Lu Heyang for years. They eventually begin a secret relationship in high school, but it ends after Lu Heyang gets amnesia, and they don't meet again until years later. The pining in this story is absolutely suffocating. Xu Ze has always prepared for his feelings to remain unrequited, and Lu Heyang is far from forthcoming and reassuring about his own feelings and commitment during their high school relationship. After adult Lu Heyang risks everything to recover his memory of their relationship, it's devastating to see Xu Ze break down in Lu Heyang's arms, finally coming to terms with how desparately he has wanted and waited for this reunion, and finally getting his Lu Heyang back. (I wrote more about this novel here)
I have been tagged by @sasdavvero and @lazysublimeengineer in that tag game where you share your 6 fictional crushes. and i’ve been wanting to answer it, but all my crushes are from cnovels, and most of them don’t have any official art 😭😭😭
still, i thought i’d give it try since it seems fun. just listing down their names and where they’re from 🫡
Gu Xiao from Assistant Architect
Sikong He from Forced to Share a System with Long Aotian (被逼和龙傲天共用系统[重生])
Qin Zhou from I Upended Yet Another Campus Urban Legend
Tang Yibu from Happy Doomsday
Gong Yixian from Blazing Armor
hmmm not sure who to put last. guess I’ll just put Vein from Link Click. but it’s less of a crush, and more of me envying his gender :3
I haven’t read all the 188 novels yet–and some, I need to reread coz I was just skimming them the first time–but so far, these two are my favorite couples <3
Song Juhan / He Gu (HanGu) from Years of Intoxication. YOI is my second 188 novel. Song Juhan suffering is just :chefkiss:. I’m translating it as well, so it has a special place in my heart.
Gong Yingxian / Ren Yi (GongRen) from Blazing Armor. Probably the sweetest / most wholesome couple in the entire 188 universe. Gong Yingxian is no scum gong at all. Heck, I wouldn’t even consider Blazing Armor as a dog blood novel. The firefighting aspect was written so well, it made me want to enroll in a firefighting crash course.
Still lowkey pissed off that Blazing Armor, an amazing crime/mystery BL novel with detailed research on chemistry and fire fighting, is being marketed as "just another melodramatic romance novel by this famous melodramatic romance author."
Like, yes, I know it's set in the same universe as Years of Intoxication and Professional Body Double, both of which are extremely melodramatic, but it still pisses me off okay.
