Webnovel Review: The Omega Can’t Pretend to Be a Beta After Accidentally Witnessing the Major General’s Susceptible Period by 翡唐

Title: The Omega Can’t Pretend to Be a Beta After Accidentally Witnessing the Major General’s Susceptible Period
Author: 翡唐
Chapters: 98 chapters
Publication: 2021
Summary from Novel Updates:

The top alpha, Major General Ji Cheying, disguises himself as a down-on-his-luck beta in order to carry out a secret mission. One day, when he goes out to take out the garbage, while wearing a pair of torn socks, he comes across the poor nephew of his landlord, Xie Quan, a good-looking beta who was staying in the dirty and terrible bas**ent.

The two look at each other, each feeling a little sorry for the other.

No one expected that one of these two miserable people was the prestigious Major General Ji and the other was the most powerful mecha engineer in the Empire. And to Ji Cheying’s further surprise, this beautiful beta confessed his passionate love for him!

He was torn again and again under the prudent choice to refuse the other, after all, this is a mission, not the time to talk about love.

When the mission was over and it was time to talk about love, it was Xie Quan’s turn to become baffled, “Who do you think likes you? Who confessed? I didn’t, I’m not, don’t talk nonsense.”

Ji Cheying: ???!

It was only then that Xie Quan unexpectedly realized that the Imperial Major General seemed to have mistakenly thought that he was in love with him.

A few months later, Major General Ji, who had entered his susceptible period, was violent and fierce, not able to be approached by strangers. However, his eyes were red and he was tugging at Xie Quan, his voice hoarse, “You little liar, cheating on my feelings and not taking responsibility.”

Xie Quan sighed, lifted his hair, and tore off the invisible gland patch, finally revealing the omega gland at the back of his neck, “Bite it. I’ll give you a bite.”

Ji Cheying gritted his teeth, “You’re a f*cking omega?”

True love has nothing to do with identity and gender.

3.5 STARS - I LIKED IT

MY REVIEW: 

Don't let the summary fool you; the actual gender reveal doesn't exactly happen like described. It's definitely more serious than described lol. 

I was also mainly expecting action and comedy based on the summary and tags on Novel Updates, so I was surprised by the amount of suspense and mystery throughout the book. It kept me hooked, that's for sure! However, I felt like the author was too wordy at times trying to drag out the suspense by rehashing scenarios from different people's perspective. 

Xie Quan was a rare cold and intelligent omega love interest. I loved how rational and calm Xie Quan was, even in the face of his pheromones going out of control. He was cold hearted, logical, and smart, which helped him out of many situations that could have gone south quickly. 

On the contrary, Ji Cheying was a rare male lead alpha who also had a super tight control on his emotions and pheromones. Best of all, the man knows consent! Even in the midst of his susceptible period! They really were meant for each other, but man, they had to go through so much to get there. 

Also disappointed there were no extras. I want to see how they spent their future together!

Weekly Haul 167

It's been a long time since I last bought any books, especially because I was holding off on buying anymore before the big move. However, after the last 2nd & Charles run to sell some books, I ended up buying some more poetry books. The good news is that most of them were used and were less than $5 each!

This is for the Women Who Don't Give a Fuck by Janne Robinson

Please Don't GO Before I Get Better by Madisen Kuhn

Starry Night, Blurry Dreams by Henn Kim

Heart Talk by Cleo Wade

Manga Review: Cheeky Brat vol. 23 by Mitsubachi Miyuki

Title: Cheeky Brat vol. 23
Author: Mitsubachi Miyuki
Pages: N/A
Publication: 2022
Summary from Goodreads:

The new semester has begun, and Yuki and Naruse have moved up one grade at a time.

The final volume of the big hit basketball romantic comedy!

4 STARS - I REALLY LIKED IT

MY SPOILER REVIEW: 

It's finally over!

Overall, I enjoyed the series and am glad to have reread it from the start to appreciate catching up with the end of the series. However, I don't think we needed 23 volumes to depict their relationship and growth.

The beginning and near the end were so frustrating at times because Yuki and Naruse seemed to be stuck in their same old problems: Letting problems build up because of temper tantrums and lack of communication. Like, the whole middle of the series was great when they were finally together and working to be better together. It seemed like they made 10 steps forward as a couple but then went 11 steps backwards once new love interests were introduced. It just seemed that some arcs were dragged out because of the same problems.

Btw, I ended up loving Sanohara; she could have had a whole spin-off series on her own with her situation. Also, finally, no cat fights between girls over a boy. I hope she found a boyfriend and is living well with her mom. 

However, I do appreciate how the author depicted their relationship over the years. I think this was one of the few manga I've read where it shows all of the ups and downs of being in a long-term committed relationship that spanned from high school to college, especially where they're both in different grades. Unlike most series wanting to jump to the good part years later, there wasn't just one long time skip or a breakup before doing a time skip.  

I'm glad I could finally finish the series, but I wish there were some extras on the side couples! How are Usami and Suwa doing? What about the captain and the other manager?? What's more, Himiko and Usamin???? I want to read more about their dynamic!!! Also, author never explained why Usami is ashamed/hates her lil bro lol. I just want to knowww

Book Unhaul 35

Here's the last part of books I'm unhauling after bringing them back from my parents' house recently. Now, there's another giant bookshelf of YA fiction to bring back lol.

Love★Com vol. 1-9 by Aya Nakahara

MeruPuri vol. 1-4 by Matsuri Hino

Books I Want to Read This Month

Instead of waiting for the Demon Slayer movies to come out, I should just read the manga, because I'm ready to see Tanjiro beat some ass! That or catch up on some of my other series now that I finally have them at home lol.

1. Yona of the Dawn vol. 1 by Mizuho Kusanagi
2. Yona of the Dawn vol. 2 by Mizuho Kusanagi
3. Yona of the Dawn vol. 3 by Mizuho Kusanagi
4. Demon Slayer vol. 1 by Koyoharu Gotouge
5. Demon Slayer vol. 2 by Koyoharu Gotouge
6. Demon Slayer vol. 3 by Koyoharu Gotouge
7. Wotakoi Love Is Hard for Otaku vol. 1 by Fujita
8. Wotakoi Love Is Hard for Otaku vol. 2 by Fujita
9. Wotakoi Love Is Hard for Otaku vol. 3 by Fujita
10. Wotakoi Love Is Hard for Otaku vol. 4 by Fujita
11. Oksi by Mari Ahokoivu
12. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
13. Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Familia Chronicle Novel vol. 1 by Fujino Omori
14. Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation vol. 1 by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu
15. Scum Villain's Self-Saving System vol. 1 Mo Xiang Tong XiuBailin and Li Yun by Jayessart

August in Retrospect

Whoops, didn't manage to post much last month. However, I did read a lot of MTL novels this month and completely caught up with Demon Slayer! Now, I'm just waiting for the movies to come out! 

I read: 

• Tyrant's Little Ginseng Queen by 吾彩
• The Little Wolf Dog I Picked Up Is An Investment Boss by N/A
• My Boyfriend Has Superpowers!? by 艾斯沐恩
• What to Do If Your Legs are Swollen Due to the Wrong Treatment by 灸尾妖狐
• The Sand Sculpture Cannon Fodder Attack in a Sadistic Novel by 夏從靈
• I'm Really Not a Child of Luck by 祝龔
• The Little Deaf Man Decided to be Spoiled by 严颂颂
• After Rebirth I Found Everyone Is My Fan Brother by 梟鑰
• Arrogant Baby Lu Online by 白云朵

I watched: 

• Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (2019)
• Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Movie: Mugen Train (2020)
• Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc (2021)
• Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Swordsmith Village Arc (2023)
• Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Hashira Training Arc (2024)
• Inception (2010)  [rewatched]

Book Unhaul 34

Here's some more of my old series that I'm no longer interested in keeping~

Pandora Hearts #1-4, 6 by Jun Mochizuki

Gakuen Alice #1-3 by Tachibana Higuchi

Dazzle #1 by Minari Endoh

Mugen Spiral: The Complete Two-Volume Series by Mizuho Kusanagi

Mini Review: After Rejecting the Boss, the End of the World has Come; Cheeky Brat vol. 1; Five Scum Gongs Get Crazy Jealousy For Me

Title: After Rejecting the Boss, the End of the World has Come
Author: 曙歌
Chapters: 77 chapters + 2 extras
Publication: 2018
Summary from jjwxc:

There is a coal boss's father with a net worth of hundreds of millions, and the rich lady Mei Tiantian rejected the courtship of the poor boy Shen Zhan, and sincerely advised him: I know you are very good, but you should find a girl of the right family, so that you can be happy.

Then, the end of the world came... O((⊙﹏⊙))o Modern society collapsed overnight, animals and plants became the masters of the earth, and human lifestyles and diets were forced to undergo earth-shaking changes.

Some animals and plants even have the attribute of time. When a human kills a strange beast, the countdown to life will start for three days.

If you want to survive, you must always be careful not to step on the ants under your feet, and be an ordinary person who does not kill; or keep killing strange beasts to gain precious survival time, and embark on a path of danger and opportunity.

Only humility and death await the weak, while the strong can even live forever. And Shen Zhan, an outstanding graduate of the physical education department with well-developed limbs, a not simple mind and good looks, has become a big boss at the top of the food chain!

Mei Tiantian: (╯‵ ′)╯︵┻━┻

Shen Zhan: Build the strongest base together and be the best boss?

Mei Tiantian: Alright. o(*￣︶￣*)o 

One sentence copywriting : After rejecting the boss, Mei Tiantian became the boss herself.

Small Theater: It is said that Shen Zhan is a loyal dog, but Mei Tiantian doesn't think so. He is obviously a wolf with a big tail, no matter day or night, as long as there is no one, he will hold her in his arms and kiss her!

Mei Tiantian: It's so late, can you calm down for a while, don't bite! Do you think I'm a teething stick, or a scratching board?

Shen-so wronged-Zhan: I didn't bite you, I just wanted...

Mei Tiantian: Shut up!

Shen Zhan: ...

3 STARS - I LIKED IT

MY REVIEW: 

There's a lot of nationalism, especially in the beginning and end. Not terrible, but can be off-putting at first.

Title: Cheeky Brat vol. 1
Author: Mitsubachi Miyuki
Pages: 192
Publication: 2014
Summary from Goodreads:

I, Yuki, became the basketball team manager for one reason—I had a crush on the captain and wanted to be with him, always. But when Kido-senpai suddenly announced he got a girlfriend, where did that leave me? In the clubroom, crying my eyes out…until this cheeky brat of an underclassman showed up. And now that stupid, pretty playboy, Naruse, seems determined to wiggle his way into every corner of my life…

3 STARS - I LIKED IT

MY REVIEW: 

I started this series 5 years ago and really enjoyed it, especially the later volumes that came out at the time. Found out that the series was finally completed last year and wanted to start from the beginning and enjoy it all over again now that it's officially licensed in the US. 

However, I forgot how much of a stereotypically toxic shojo boy Naruse was in his pursuit in the beginning by basically harassing Yuki to tease her... 

The first couple volumes weren't as great as I remembered, but I still enjoyed them. I'm hoping the later volumes will get better as the couple matures through time and experience together.

Title: Five Scum Gongs Get Crazy Jealousy For Me
Author: 木三观
Chapters: 79 chapters
Publication: 2022
Summary from Novel Updates:

System: As long as you complete five scum gong elimination missions, you can retire.

The first is a school bully at the Royal Military Academy. To vent the protagonist Shou’s anger, he will have you disabled.

The second is the “white cut black*” Imperial Academy Taifu. To vent the protagonist Shou’s anger, he will have you drop out of school.

The third is a capitalist who is extremely wealthy and holds the lifeline of the global economy. For the protagonist Shou, he will have your family go bankrupt.

The fourth is a well-known interstellar medical scientist who saves you from water and fire and cures your disabilities. But in fact he accepted you for the protagonist Shou to use as a human experiment.

The fifth is the emperor of the empire, who has the power to overturn the whole world is interested in you and wants to take advantage of you, but after falling in love with the protagonist Shou, he throws you into the cold palace…

Shan Weiyi: Alright, I see, have them come all at once.

System: ?

Shan Weiyi: I want to eliminate five at a time, understand?

System: You may not quite understand the difficulty of the retirement task. In addition to starting as a cannon fodder to eliminate the scum gongs, you also need to deal with the challenge of “the protagonist shou”. They are played by the quick transmigration commissioners holding the script of the protagonist in hand, entering the small world before you, gaining the favorability of the Scum Gong first, and will try their best to prevent you from completing the task. In other words, you not only have to face five scumbag gongs, but also five Mary Sues…

Shan Weiyi: I understand.

System: What do you understand?

Shan Weiyi: I have to fight ten.

* refers to a character who looks innocent and cute on the surface, but is actually a black-bellied boss, decisive and ruthless

3.5 STARS - I LIKED IT

MY REVIEW: 

I really liked the world building in this book. Most interstellar books gloss over a lot of technological advancements other than weapons and body modification that obviously impact the plot. However, I really liked how the author used big data to highlight parts of the plot. 

Also, Shan Weiyi was ruthless, and I was all for it! Especially loved Tongzi's growth as well. What a cutie.

Books I Want to Read This Month

Went down to my parents' house the other weekend and brought back the rest of my manga, so I'm in the mood to reread some series or start up a new series!

1. Yona of the Dawn vol. 1 by Mizuho Kusanagi
2. Yona of the Dawn vol. 2 by Mizuho Kusanagi
3. Yona of the Dawn vol. 3 by Mizuho Kusanagi
4. Demon Slayer vol. 1 by Koyoharu Gotouge
5. Demon Slayer vol. 2 by Koyoharu Gotouge
6. Demon Slayer vol. 3 by Koyoharu Gotouge
7. Wotakoi Love Is Hard for Otaku vol. 1 by Fujita
8. Wotakoi Love Is Hard for Otaku vol. 2 by Fujita
9. Wotakoi Love Is Hard for Otaku vol. 3 by Fujita
10. Wotakoi Love Is Hard for Otaku vol. 4 by Fujita
11. Oksi by Mari Ahokoivu
12. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
13. Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Familia Chronicle Novel vol. 1 by Fujino Omori
14. Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Familia Chronicle Novel vol. 2 by Fujino Omori
15. Home Body by Rupi Kaur

July in Retrospect

July went by way too fast! I can't believe half of the year is already over. I feel like the second half of the year flies by because there's so many events happening each month! There's a family birthday back to back until Thanksgiving and Christmas. Now, we also have our elopement and honeymoon to plan for as well. 

Too much to do, which is probably why I haven't been in the mood to read much lately. That, and my wrists hurt from holding my phone too much. Pretty sure I have carpal tunnel ;_;

I read: 

• The Passerby, He Turned out to Be the World-Ending Boss by Chelal 
• Top Tier Seduction Formula by 松子茶
• “You’re Not Even Going to Try This?” by 马户子君
• Father, I don't Want this Marriage Season One by Hong Heesu, Roal, Yuri
• The Younger Brother Next Door is a School Grass by 奎奎因因

I watched: 

• The New Gate (2024)
• The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen: From Villainess to Savior (2024)
• 7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life Married to Her Worst Enemy! (2024)
• I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince so I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability (2024)
• Godzilla Minus One (2023)

Book Unhaul 33

Haven't done one of these posts in a long time!

Alec and I recently went back to my parents' house, and I brought back a whole bookshelf full of books. After going through the books and reorganizing my bookshelves, I realized that I was no longer interested in keeping a good chunk of these manga series anymore, so I'm planning on selling them to 2nd & Charles sometime soon.

Here's the first chunk of books. More to come!

Overlord, Vol. 1: The Undead King (Overlord Light Novels, #1) by Kugane Maruyama & so-bin

Overlord, Vol. 2: The Dark Warrior (Overlord Light Novels, #2) by Kugane Maruyama & so-bin

No Game No Life (Light Novel) #1-2 by Yuu Kamiya & 榎宮 祐

No Game No Life (Manga) #1 by Yuu Kamiya

My Heavenly Hockey Club #1-6 by Ai Morinaga

Uzumaki #1-3 by Junji Ito

The Whisper of the River by Ferrol Sams

Mini Review: A Non-Aloof President is Not a Good Male Lead; Stepmother Sees The Bullet Screen; I Hope to be Hated By the Protagonist, But I Will Always Be Confessed By the Protagonist

Title: A Non-Aloof President is Not a Good Male Lead
Author: N/A
Chapters: 58 chapters 
Publication: N/A
Summary from Wattpad:

Upon waking up, as the chief secretary of a Fortune 500 company's CEO, Fang Mo miraculously discovered that she could hear her boss's inner thoughts as long as she was within one meter of him.

During a shareholders' meeting,

While the CEO wore a serious expression, attentively listening to the work reports from the subordinates, Fang Mo heard:

[Damn it, who turned the air conditioning so low? Is it necessary for the air vent to blow directly on my back? I'm freezing!]

Fang Mo: "..."

Silently, she adjusted the temperature and changed the airflow direction.

During a charity dinner,

The CEO, clad in an expensive tailored suit, engaged in a conversation with a prominent figure about the investment direction for the next quarter, earning admiration from the surrounding individuals. However, what Fang Mo heard was:

[I really want to eat that strawberry cake I just saw! When will this conversation be over?! This suit is so uncomfortable!]

Fang Mo: "..."

After the dinner ended, the CEO spotted the casual attire prepared by Fang Mo and a strawberry cake that was supposedly mistakenly ordered in the car.

After some time passed, upon hearing her boss's complaints again, Fang Mo silently changed the office's curtains that he found distasteful and tacky. Then she overheard this remark:

[Secretary Fang really understands me. Is this what they call a soulmate in novels? What should I do? Should I start thinking about baby names?]

Fang Mo: "..."

Resignation! Right now!

3.5 STARS - I LIKED IT

MY REVIEW: 

First, I didn't realize that ChatGPT could translate a story so well compared to the usual broken English that Google Translate gives you. 

Second, this was hilarious! I loved Yuan Huaijing and Zhao Yan's friendship where they like to hurt each other in private lmao. 

And Fang Mo's reaction to Yuan Huajing's internal thoughts were also funny. There's nothing like watching your boss's image collapse in front of you day by day until you're used to it and want to start playing around as well lol.

Title: Stepmother Sees The Bullet Screen
Author: N/A
Chapters: 268 chapters 
Publication: N/A
Summary from Wattpad:

Jiang Shulan is the only daughter in three generations of the Jiang family. She was spoiled by her parents and brothers, but because she was too beautiful, she was targeted by a second-rate son.

After being introduced, Shu Lan went on a blind date in the city with a divorced factory director with kids but accidentally saw the bullet screen.

[Why did you go and marry a married old man? Not to mention the premature decline of baldness and kidney deficiency, you have to raise children for others and in the end, wasn't  even allowed to be buried next to him!]

Shu Lan: ?

Only then did she know that she was just a stepmother of a play. Her role was to serve her husband and raise his children. When the child's mother came back, she was swept out of the house by them.

Shu Lan, who woke up, looked at the handsome blind date in front of her, "I heard that older men are prone to baldness and premature deficiency. Don't you have it?"

Zhou Zhongfeng has a high family background and is young and talented. As soon as he returned, he received a telegram from his family. Grandpa was critically ill and hoped that he would get married and have children.

According to the introduction, the educated youth graduated from Yanjing University and is gentle and knowledgeable.

But as soon as they met, he was sprayed with blood.

Zhou Zhongfeng: ?

Ten minutes later, a few lines floated again.

[Date with the wrong person? But he is a little familiar. Isn't he the boss that appeared later?]

[Wait! Does Shu Shu know that the other party is the boss, so she's seducing him in a special way?]

Jiang Shulan: ?

Jiang Shulan accidentally had a blind date with the top boss Zhou Zhongfeng.

Years later:

Shu Lan relied on the bullet screen to marry a boss, gave birth to a genius, won the top scorer in the college entrance examination, and became the winner of life. Others asked her secrets.

She smiled without saying anything.

Barrage (tears): Kneel down and shout 666 for the boss!

4 STARS - I REALLY LIKED IT

MY REVIEW: 

The beginning was pretty draggy because it over-emphasized a lot of redundant information to drag out the eventual face slapping event. However, I'm glad that I powered through because the rest of the book was good! If you like slice of life and a slow burn romance with occasional face slapping and great side characters, you'll like this book.

Title: I Hope to be Hated By the Protagonist, But I Will Always Be Confessed By the Protagonist
Author: Southern Festival
Chapters: 77 chapters 
Publication: N/A
Summary from Wattpad:

"Queen Wendy" is a western magic novel, which tells the bloody storm caused by three best men competing for a woman. The length of the story, the magic of magic, and the bizarre plot are all amazing. 

As for Ling Yun, he was transmigrated into this book. However, he was neither a male supporting role nor a villain. He was just an unlucky cannon fodder, and a cannon fodder with an extremely miserable and hateful end. The system told him that he needs to collect dislike points on the premise of not cheating on the character, and he can leave as long as he collects 1 million dislike points. 

It's hard to be liked, but much easier to be hated, he agreed. 

However, after he got in, he found out that the plot was a bit of a pit... He was arrogant and domineering, causing trouble, bullying men and women, Ling Yun concluded that he would be able to complete the task satisfactorily or even exceed the quota! 

But the result is that no matter what he does, he will be misunderstood as kind and arrogant: "Shocked, Young Master Ling openly defended the common people in front of other nobles, such nobles who are close to the people are rare!" "Shocked, business district Young Master Ling has ordered people to quietly pay for the things that were damaged in the war, and the common people have no loss. Such selfless nobles are rare." "Young Master Ling did not hesitate to offend other nobles in order to rescue the slaves from the bullies. , Such kind-hearted nobles are rare." 

Suddenly, the imperial dandy was well received by the public, and even the emperor praised him. Ling Yun: Emmm, a group of fish-lipped humans, I'd better find the protagonists! However... 

Prince Tsundere: "Since you like me so much, I will reluctantly like you a little, just a little bit."

Genius pharmacist: "Brother Yun, you love me, I love you, we are heart to heart."

The villain major general: "My dear fiance, when are we getting married?"

Ling Yun: "...Please hate me, my hate value has almost cleared!"

2.5 STARS - I LIKED IT ENOUGH

MY REVIEW: 

I was hesitating back and forth on dropping this book around the middle to near end of this book because I felt like it was too draggy. There were certain moments that definitely kept me interested, but the back and forth between the protagonists with Ling Yun got boring after a while. 

Fortunately, the plot picked up eventually, but part of what I was looking forward to was the second part of the summary where the masses misunderstood him as kind and arrogant. However, only one of those instances happened in the book, and it wasn't even mentioned much. 

I felt disappointed realizing that those mentioned misunderstandings weren't actually an important (and probably hilarious) plot point as implied by the summary. So yeah, although I liked the ending and the pairing, I was still a little disappointed with this book.

DNF Review: Beautiful Cannon Fodder Dressed Like Everyone Else & The Villain is Coming Back Strong [Quick Wear]

Title: Beautiful Cannon Fodder Dressed Like Everyone Else
Author: Bright Lights
Chapters: 56 chapters
Publication: 2023
Summary from Wattpad:

Xin Yi wears the book. Transmigrated into the body of a person who is hated by everyone, he was originally a cannon fodder who is hated by everyone, and his appearance is also to reflect how good and kind the person in the book is. On the first day of transmigrating the book, the system informed him that the plot has already started halfway, and you, the vicious supporting actor, have been exposed as a fake young master, kicked out of a wealthy family, and living on the streets. And Xin Yi, who was standing on the street with a confused face, pursed her lips, her beautiful eyes were blank, she didn't know what to do. Until the system friendly prompt: [Host, you have no money now. ] Xin Yi thought for a while, thought of the TV drama, and asked tentatively: "Can I touch porcelain?" So the newly appointed system saw his stupid host, ran to a luxury car and lay down in front of a luxury car, thinking he was very professional . System: ... And the stern man in the luxury car got off because of Xin Yi's unprofessional approach, and then saw a stupid, beautiful idiot hugging his stomach and screaming for pain. Xin Yi said pitifully: I was knocked down by you, and you want to lose money. The man asked: How much. Xin Yi's beautiful face was wrinkled, and she said like in the TV series: If you want to pay me for medical expenses, a hundred yuan is enough, if there is no one hundred yuan, ten yuan is fine. Man: ... Xin Yi took a stack of banknotes when the people around her couldn't explain it. Meizizi's stomach ache no longer, she only took one and returned the rest to the man, and ran away without forgetting to say thank you. It's a pity that the money disappeared within a few days. After a few days, Xin Yi, penniless and dirty, was living on the street, and the man who was touched before also came to the :

MY REVIEW: 

Made it halfway through before deciding to call it quits. At first, it was pretty amusing reading about Xin Yi's antics about begging for money and using a beauty trick to receive money, but then the overall plot started getting boring with the past life mystery and his "brothers" getting involved. It didn't help that some parts of the chapters were missing, and I couldn't find the novel anywhere else to try to fill in the gaps. Overall, not worth the effort to finish reading.

Title: The Villain is Coming Back Strong [Quick Wear]
Author: Shili Qinghuan
Chapters: 211 chapters 
Publication: 2022
Summary from Wattpad:

Yun Lihan is a villain, so he has been disliked and abandoned in all kinds of ways, but he planned everything to make wedding dresses for others. Until one day, he kidnapped a system, turned his head and turned the protagonist. The system shivered in Yun Lihan's hands, "Don't kill me, I can take you across the world." ① The villain tyrant who sought to usurp the throne, he endured all kinds of suffering, and his most trusted subordinate turned his head and followed the protagonist. #On Yijian after the betrayal# ②The only sister who was the only sister who did not want to be a wealthy boy, his family died, and exhausted everything to protect, fell in love with the protagonist. #White-eyed wolf should be kicked out of the house# ③The villain Jianxian who practiced ruthless Taoism, he did not hesitate to mutilate himself, and used his life's spiritual power to save his brother, and disliked his blood-stained hands. #rubbish is not worthy of him to save# [Eating Guide]: #This is a story of a near-full-level boss Tu Xincun# #The male protagonist's fighting power is on the table, cold-hearted and cold-hearted. # #Cool! Very cool! Cool and it's over! # 

MY REVIEW: 

If you like strong revenge plots, this is your cup of tea. I made it through the first three arcs and enjoyed the face slapping and drawn out revenge but felt like it was missing something. While there was the excitement of watching a play, knowing that Yun Lihan is basically OP and has a solution to everything made the reading experience less exciting. 

Also, this was in the Danmei genre, but where was the ML? I didn't even know who it was after reading 68 chapters! If you gave me even a CRUMB, I would have something to look forward to as Yun Lihan conquered the different worlds. Might come back to this later. Not sure yet.

New Anime and Movies This Summer That I'm Excited For!

There's so many interesting anime coming out this summer! But most importantly, THERE'S A SEASON 3 OF KIMI NI TODOKE! I love this series! It's been years since season 2, so you know I'm definitely going to rewatch the entire series and enjoy its wholesomeness from the beginning lol.

In comparison, there's not many movies that I'm excited to watch this summer, but that's not surprising, since I haven't been really interested in watching movies that much this year overall.

Anime: 

• Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian
• The Strongest Magician in the Demon Lord's Army was a Human
• Tower of God Season 2
• Failure Frame: I Became the Strongest and Annihilated Everything With Low-Level Spells
• No Longer Allowed In Another World
• Why Does Nobody Remember Me in This World?
• I Parry Everything
• A Journey Through Another World: Raising Kids While Adventuring
• My Hero Academia the Movie: You're Next
• The Magical Girl and the Evil Lieutenant Used to Be Archenemies
• Dahlia in Bloom: Crafting a Fresh Start with Magical Tools
• The Elusive Samurai
• Kimi ni Todoke: From Me To You Season 3
• A Few Moments of Cheers

Movies: 

• Deadpool & Wolverine (July 26)
• Sing Sing (Aug 2)
• Jessica Frost (Sept 4)
• Wolfs (Sept 20)

Webnovel Review: Please Let Me Come by 百城辞

Title: Please Let Me Come
Author: 顾无痕
Chapters: 124 chapters + 1 extra
Publication: 2021
Summary from jjwxc:

Ye Xing, who has full of healing powers, accidentally traveled from the end of the world to the interstellar world. Here, people with healing abilities are extremely rare and respected by everyone. And protection, its status in the team is even the same as that of command.

However, Ye Xing, who had always wanted to be at the forefront during the end of the world, but was regarded as weak and delicate by everyone, refused to continue living like this at the center of everyone's protection.

She just wanted to be a violent DPS :)

So, after hiding her vest and stepping into the academy, Ye Xing officially became a violent mecha soldier.

Ye Xing: I'm so happy.

However, the happy time will eventually pass. One day, Ye Xing's vest accidentally fell off. She looked at the shocked crowd around her and said in a very sad and desperate tone:

"Listen to my quibbles!"

Later - during the game, sitting on the The judges and the audience were watching the live broadcast when they suddenly stood up and looked shocked as the weak healer who was originally protected in the center of the team suddenly picked up a knife and controlled the mecha and rushed in. There was a killing spree in the crowd.

The attack was rapid, the sword struck violently, and the opponent was beaten to pieces.

"Sister Xing! Dad! Leave the fighting to our individual mecha soldiers! Don't do it again! Please!" A certain super-strong individual soldier hugged Ye Xing tightly with snot in his nose and tears in his eyes. Don't let go of your legs.

Ye Xing desperately pushed his hand away, "Let me go! Let me go!"

Judges & Audience: "...It's really, really fierce."

Is this really the usual weak-looking healer? !

Principal: "..." I'm sorry, I'm guilty. It was my lack of ability that made her become like this.

4 STARS - I REALLY LIKED IT

MY REVIEW: 

I was CACKLING while reading this book! 

Similar to the author's other book I read, The Full-Level Boss is Also Forced to Open Today, the first half of the book was HILARIOUS. I was grinning from ear to ear reading about Ye Xing and her friends' crazy antics as she tried to hide the fact that she's a healer but still try to help people. Then, the plot started getting serious and there were only a few comedic moments interspersed with all of the dark and gloomy plot twists, which started getting a little draggy. 

However, I think Ye Xing's personal growth was pretty reckless and self-harming; she lied and hid a lot from her friends and superiors trying to take everything on her own from the beginning to the end. It makes her more human but is also frustrating at times. 

Also, don't deliberately look for romance. You know who the love interest is, but it's so slow, it's almost non-existent and can only be labelled as ambiguous towards the end because Ye Xing has no EQ. 

Basically, the humor will lure you in, and the action and plot twists will keep you enthralled until the end. 

Books I Want to Read This Month

I've finally finished moving all of my books back from Shelle and Kyle's house! That means more options to read! However, I still have 2.5 bookshelves of books left at my parent's house that I need to eventually bring back... But more future options to choose from lol!

1. Demon Slayer vol. 1 by Koyoharu Gotouge
2. Demon Slayer vol. 2 by Koyoharu Gotouge
3. Demon Slayer vol. 3 by Koyoharu Gotouge
4. Demon Slayer vol. 4 by Koyoharu Gotouge
5. Demon Slayer vol. 5 by Koyoharu Gotouge
6. Wotakoi Love Is Hard for Otaku vol. 1 by Fujita
7. Wotakoi Love Is Hard for Otaku vol. 2 by Fujita
8. Wotakoi Love Is Hard for Otaku vol. 3 by Fujita
9. Wotakoi Love Is Hard for Otaku vol. 4 by Fujita
10. Wotakoi Love Is Hard for Otaku vol. 5 by Fujita
11. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
12. The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
13. Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Familia Chronicle Novel vol. 1 by Fujino Omori
14. Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Familia Chronicle Novel vol. 2 by Fujino Omori
15. Home Body by Rupi Kaur

June in Retrospect

I've been slowing down on reading the last couple of weeks because I was in a funk. However, that didn't stop me from watching a lot of anime lol. I'm finally caught up with My Hero Academia, and I'm not patient to wait every week for a new episode! D:

I read: 

• Online Dating Boyfriend Is Actually An Alien by 稚棠
• The Demon Lord Only Wants to Follow the Script by 即墨遥
• You’re Causing Chaos Again by 失眠电灯
• As a Captain, You Must Be Cold by 芝芝猫猫
• The Guidebook for Villainesses by 자야
• When the Sand Sculpture Protagonist Enters the World of Crematorium [Quick Transmigration] by 戏问

I watched:

• My Hero Academia Season 4 (2019)
• My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising (2019)
• My Hero Academia: World Heroes' Mission (2021)
• My Hero Academia Season 5 (2021)
• Chillin' in Another World with Level 2 Super Cheat Powers (2024)
• My Hero Academia Season 6 (2022)
• As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World (2024)
• Kaiju No. 8 (2024)

Mini Review: The Chronicle Control Group Chooses to be Bad [90s], The Real Daughter Returns with Millions of Subordinates, The Full-Level Boss is Also Forced to Open Today

Title: The Chronicle Control Group Chooses to be Bad [90s]
Author: 禾度
Chapters: 66 chapters + 8 extras
Publication: 2022
Summary from jjwxc:

Wen Zhiwen transmigrated into a chronicle.

The heroine in the book is considerate. After marriage, she gave birth to three sons in a row. They can live in the living room and the kitchen. Not only the children are well-educated, but they also support her husband's career very much. A good model wife.

As for the control group, Wen Zhiwen, who is coquettish and coquettish, was lucky enough to marry Yu Huaiyan, the proud son of heaven in the compound.

Even so, Wen Zhiwen was not satisfied either.

After marriage, because Yu Huaiyan was busy with his career, Wen Zhiwen was suspicious all day long. She thinks He didn't go home because other women were outside.

In the end, Yu Huaiyan couldn't bear it and divorced her, which can be said to be a strong foil to the hero and heroine.

Wen Zhiwen after reading the script: ...I choose to play badly.

*

On the first day of marriage, Yu Huaiyan said to his unfamiliar wife: "I'm very busy at work-"

Before he could finish speaking, Wen Zhiwen interrupted him, who held his hand and said sincerely: "Don't worry, I will never bother you!"

It's a fairy day for a husband who has money and doesn't come home!

Thus, Wen Zhiwen happily started her life of being a mess -

When the heroine got up early in the morning to cook for the whole family, Wen Zhiwen was sleeping beautifully.

When the heroine was so angry with her three sons, Wen Zhiwen was happily shopping in the newly opened shopping mall regardless of the price.

While the hostess was taking care of her drunken husband without complaint, Wen Zhiwen was driving a Santana with her mobile phone in her hand...

Hostess: Fall! Who is the control group?

And Wen Zhiwen looked at her husband who was getting more and more diligent when she came home, and fell into deep thought:

I agreed that I don't like to go home!

Wait, don't come here!

2.5 STARS - I LIKED IT ENOUGH

MY REVIEW: 

I liked Wen Zhiwen's attitude towards accepting her transmigration and her sudden marriage. Instead of following the plot, she played her role as a loving wife while accomplishing her dreams of being a salted fish. 

I loved that she didn't fall in love with her husband instantaneously because she had no plans on falling in love and instead had backup plans for herself. Everything she did was because she just wanted to or to plan for a way out for herself in the future, so it was nice reading about Yu Huaiyan slowly falling for his "lovebrain wife" only to realize that she never loved him and working hard to change her mind. 

However, the ending dragged a bit. Then, it just kind of ended. I wasn't too interested in the extras either, so I skipped them after reading a chapter. 

Title: The Real Daughter Returns with Millions of Subordinates
Author: 帘舒
Chapters: 106 chapters 
Publication: 2022
Summary from jjwxc:

As the real daughter in a fake daughter book, Cheng Qingyin's family went bankrupt by the reborn fake daughter before she graduated from University. At this time, the reborn fake daughter became popular in the entertainment industry with the experience of her previous life, and everyone was envious. 

The rich families in Dongcheng laughed at Cheng Qingyin's parents for being blind. No one knew that Cheng Qingyin, who seemed to be an ordinary girl, is actually a Xuanmen warlock with strong spiritual power. The millions of ghosts who were unemployed in hell are scrambling to make money for her. 

The talented programmers who died early, asked her to open a company, and in just two months, they developed a popular mobile game for her. The top ten famous chefs asked her to open a small restaurant. In less than half a month, the ordinary small restaurant was full of customers, and more than a dozen branches had to be opened one after another, with a daily turnover of hundreds of thousands. There is also a generation of magic doctors who helped Cheng Qingyin prepare whitening liquid, slimming pills and hair lotion every day, which are put in the online store. As soon as they are put on the shelves, they will be sold out in seconds. 

They don't want any pay, they just like the sense of accomplishment brought by work... The rich families in Dongcheng were dumbfounded when they saw Cheng Qingyin topped the Forbes wealth list.

4 STARS - I REALLY LIKED IT

MY REVIEW: 

I think if you liked New Times, New Hell with its different take on Hell and full of humorous ghosts side characters, you'll like this book. If you like a BG face slapping plot, this is also right up your alley. If you're looking for romance... you should look somewhere else lol. But honestly, Cheng Qingyin's so great by herself and so busy helping her family and ghosts, she doesn't need a man! There's only hints of a romance, so it wasn't too abrupt. 

Title: The Full-Level Boss is Also Forced to Open Today
Author: 百城辞
Chapters: 103 chapters + 1 extra
Publication: 2021
Summary from jjwxc:

Originally titled "Please, Let Me Salt Fish" General Yu Chu, who commanded an interstellar army of millions, was reborn and became a freshman in the combat individual department who had just stepped into the academy.

Marshal Yu, who had killed countless enemies in her previous life, led her soldiers to win hundreds of battles, and was proficient in commanding mechs, suddenly figured it out in this life.

After working so hard for so long, her nerves were tense all the time, but now that she was lucky enough to live another life, Yu Chu suddenly became tired.

So she was a salted fish every day, paddling, eating and waiting to die. So everyone thought that Yu Chu was an ordinary soldier in combat, and she even ordered food.

Until a group outing in the college was robbed by a star thief, and the classmates and teachers were extremely panicked, after Yu Chu punched a star thief, she even drove away the star thief's spaceship.

Everyone: Bull, bull batch!

Since then, Yu Chu was forced to play when the class team lacked long-range machine guns, the school's main team lacked mecha architects, and when the federal ranking competitions of various countries had not yet been determined.

"I'm just an ordinary single soldier in combat, what are you doing!! Can you let me be salted fish!!"

Squad leader & principal & officer: "No!"

Yu Chu: "..."

I may not be human, but you are A real dog "What should I do if the full-level boss always likes to pretend to be weak? Wait online, I'm in a hurry."

"I thought she was ordinary, but she just pretended to be a pig and eat a tiger?"

Yu Chu was wronged: I am not, I don't!

#This is a sad (sha) injury (diao) story of a full-level boss who is ready to retire but is forced to open business#

2.5 STARS - I LIKED IT ENOUGH

MY REVIEW: 

I really liked the story up until the first half which mainly involved Chu Yu's school life. Everything was funny and Chu Yu's antics on pissing off all of her teachers was hilarious. Then it got into politics and the past, and everything became a boring jumbled mess with lots of hints but not enough action.

Everything suddenly became passive. There was a lot of telling instead of showing, which made the pace slow down a lot. I was glad to finally understand the mysteries, but the ending wasn't as great or impactful as it could have been. 

Shows I'm Currently Watching: That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Season 3; Kaiju No. 8; My Hero Academia Season 6; As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World

It's been a year since I've last done one of these posts. I've been watching a lot of anime lately, and I have opinions!

CURRENTLY WATCHING:

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Season 3

You already know that I'm a HUGE fan of this slime anime! Alec and I couldn't wait for the entire season to be completed before starting it, so now I'm dying every week waiting to watch the next episode lol. While the first couple of episodes were pretty slow in action, I appreciated all of the world-building and lore. There's a lot of new characters, too, so it gets a bit hard for me to remember all of them as the show is now focusing outside of Rimuru's domain. However, I like watching how everything is slowly interconnecting, because you KNOW that there's going to be an epic battle happening once all the strings tie together!

Kaiju No. 8

Started watching this at first purely because Alec noticed that OneRepublic sang the ending song. It's the first time we've seen an American artist doing an anime OST, so we were curious about what the show was about, especially since Crunchyroll has been hardcore hyping it up with its weekly simulcast schedule. Dang, we were so invested after the first episode. Kafka is a hilarious character, and I love his friendship with Reno. The action is great, the animation is awesome, the music is so good, and the cliffhangers are KILLER. I am hooked like an addict wanting to know what's next every week now that we started this show lol.

My Hero Academia Season 6

It's been over 5 years since I last watched My Hero Academia even though I loved it so much when it first came out lol. Now, I'm finally catching up so that we can watch the new season and I guess die waiting for a new episode every week as well lol. Season 4 and 5 were INTENSE. I can't wait to see how Season 6 pans out!

As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World

I started this on a whim the other day to see if it was another generic reincarnated into a magic aristocracy anime, and it's surprisingly not bad! I like that Ars himself is not OP as soon as he's reborn. Instead, he works to bring OP characters to his side to help him change the future and protect his people and land. He probably relies too much on his retainers instead of growing himself honestly (which would be bad if they ever betrayed him but that would never happen with the power of kindess lol). The main thing about this show that confuses me is that he's supposed to be a reborn adult salaryman from Japan, but he instead still acts like a reckless kid, showing his immature personality all of the time. He's constantly shocked and flustered. I think it's partly for comedic effect, but it also downplays his intelligence and makes him rather boring after a while. Honestly, this anime would have been better without the reincarnated aspect. However, I LOVE his dad. He is probably one of the rare great father figures in anime lol.

Mini Review: Me no Tsukedokoro ga Deep desho, Saving the Tragic Adonis, Give Me a Kiss

Title: Me no Tsukedokoro ga Deep desho
Author: AKIO Chinami
Chapters: 3 volumes
Publication: 2019
Summary from Baka Updates:

Mina is a girl who has a strong hope of finding her destined person. With that goal in mind, she tries her best with different types of guys wishful of finding the right person. Even when her childhood friend, a yankee named Yuito, is already by her side. Will she ever find her destined person? A romantic comedy, coming-of-age tale of love and friendship.

3 STARS - I LIKED IT

MY REVIEW: 

It's hilarious how dense Mina is of Yuito's feelings! If you don't like dense but bubbly heroines, this might not be for you.

Title: Saving the Tragic Adonis
Author: 东方黄瓜
Chapters: 63 chapters + 1 extra
Publication: 2021
Summary from Novel Updates:

Shu Ning read a CEO novel. In it, there was a beautiful and tragic villain. He was clearly the true young master of a wealthy family, but he was switched at birth and became a delinquent. Later, he returned to the wealthy family to go against the fake young master, fought for his fiancée, and finally fell from the top of a building and died.

After his death, the fake young master inherited his money and his fiancée, his career and his love.

Shu Ning resentfully tore up the novel and transmigrated into the book that very night.

The little villain shook his legs, cursed, had horrible grades, dyed his hair yellow, didn’t have a single good point.

Shu Ning’s eyes twitched: Before sending him back to the Wei family, let’s make some changes. Otherwise, he’ll be rejected by the Wei family again.

After being reformed by Shu Ning.

The little villain didn’t shake his legs, stopped swearing, and cut his crazy, scene-style hair. He was as beautiful as a fairy and took first place in the entire grade.

Daddy Shu Ning shed tears of relief: Our baby is so good. He’ll definitely be able to get rid of that fake young master!

But isn’t baby a little too good?

He casually created a piece of software and sold it for hundreds of thousands.

He casually bought some stocks and made millions.

Before his wealthy family had even found him, he had become wealthy all on his own.

Every time he earned some money, he would offer it up to Shu Ning, buying him this and that, even buying him a villa!

Shu Ning (drooling): This damn villa, quickly take it away, don’t tempt me!

Yin Mingzheng thought that he was tr*sh of unknown origin, someone that no one cared about. He thought that he was someone who should have perished long ago.

Until that day, when he met the only light in his life.

So he clung onto the light tightly, refusing to let go.

His light said: You have to improve yourself.

So Yin Mingzheng worked hard to become better and stronger. He wanted to protect his only light. Because his light was the sole meaning of his existence.

4 STARS - I  REALLY LIKED IT

MY REVIEW: 

This was a great novel about helping change someone's fate based on their family experiences. You really feel for Yin Mingzheng, especially in the beginning when he was a prickly hedgehog used to being blamed for everything. His slow growth from an isolated, angry youth to a young adult who learned to accept people's flaws and be more forgiving towards people who care about him was really great to experience. 

I could definitely relate to Shu Ning's experience of a father raising his cub lol. However, I felt like the ending was pretty rushed? We were robbed of a fluffy romance after the couple got together! The one extra chapter wasn't enough! What about their future plans like Shu Ning talked about? And what happened to Zhou Juan and her real son? Did they get a chance to repent? Were they like a pair of dogs biting each other after the fallout? Author, I just wanna know!!!

Title: Give Me a Kiss
Author: Yǐnlù Xīng
Chapters: 52 chapters
Publication: 2018
Summary from Novel Updates:

Xie Wenxing dumped the school grass Guan He in high school. Six years later, he became a game anchor, and Guan He became his big boss.

The Xie Wenxing in Guan He’s memory has always been a heartless devil. He gave all his adolescent tenderness to Xie Wenxing, but the latter scratched his head with a claw, and blood flowed.

When they met again, Guan He found that he could not let go.

Since he can’t let go, he will get married first, and then he will take back the rest of the compensation from Xie Wenxing slowly……

2.5 STARS - IT WAS OKAY

MY REVIEW: 

I really enjoyed one of the author's more famous books, I Like Your Pheromones, so I thought I'd read this book as well since the summary sounded interesting. And it was interesting, but it wasn't as great or funny as I Like Your Pheromones. Since it was tagged as a comedy, I thought it would be more funny, but there wasn't much humor except little instances sprinkled throughout. 

Also, because the misunderstanding dragged on for more than half of the book, it was more dramatic and angsty with not enough humor to lighten up the mood. 

Overall an okay read, but I definitely skimmed through parts.