A young love leads to a lifetime of entanglements. Zhao Mo Sheng is a university student with a sunny disposition. The bright and cheerful Mo Sheng fell in love at first sight with He Yi Chen, one of the top students from the Law Faculty. However, his poor communication skill, makes her depart sadly for overseas. Seven years later, Zhao Mo Sheng returned home and spotted him immediately in a crowded supermarket, …….
This is a very short and sweet story about two college sweethearts, who separated on a bitter note but fate tosses them together again seven years later.
[Ebook] [Eng Translation] [Bên nhau trọn đời][ 하이생소묵]
[Audiobook] [Radiodrama] [Viet audiobook][Drama][Episode Reviews]
One of my favorite modern novels!! Has anyone tried this yet? It’s short and sweet, but not really fluffy (at least to me). I wish this novel was longer because I think some of the plot points and characters can be more fleshed out and explored, but I love this book still very much. Anybody else read this yet?
I think this is in the top list of a lot of readers and one of my favorites as well. It’s funny and sweet, which is Gu Man’s writing style.
In general, I like stories where the main couple separates and is given a second chance. When they meet again, the love still lingers, but each person has become more mature. It’s the maturity that helps them recognize and accept each other’s strengths and weaknesses, which in turn helps them to resolve the misunderstandings/bitterness. In essense, they’re able to appreciate each other more the second time around.
I have lots of favorite moments in this story, but here are the 2 that immediately came to mind:
– MS shamelessly pursues YC in college. Suddenly there’s a rumor on campus that they’re dating. Afraid that YC might think badly of her, MS runs to him to explain that she’s not the one responsible for the rumor. YC cooly replies that he knows she didn’t do it because he’s the one who did it….lol
– YC regularly appears on a TV show to give legal advice. Before he agrees to do the show, he specifically asks the host if the program is popular and if there are a lot of viewers. The host assures him this is so and is surprised because YC is known for being low-key. Later, MS explains that YC and her had agreed in college that if they ever lose each other, they would try to stand in the brightest spot so it’s easy for them to locate and find the other person. Hence, YC’s decision on going on a popular TV show so that MC could find him and come back to him (sob!).
OK, thinking about my favorite moments makes me miss the book so time for another re-read!
I loved the TV show moment too. It was touching without being overstated, and I thought it was really lovely. I actually really like both second leads He Yi Mei and Ying Hui too. They knew who they loved but they weren’t afraid to step back to give their loved ones a chance at happiness, and they were brave to move on and find new loves. He Yi Mei is probably the least annoying second lead in a novel ever. Although she did tell MS that she liked YC and told her to back off, I would have done the same too. But then she realized how important MS was to both YC and herself, and her quiet support of their relationship is really commendable for me. And Ying Hui is just like a big mug of hot chocolate – such a sweet guy.
Haha, lidge, me too! I love reading novels about lovers that separate after a long time and then get reunited. I actually love watching dramas about that too, hehe. Do you know any other good novels about separated lovers that get back together? I’ve about exhausted the ones I know.
Me thee, me three, haha……I also like this kind of novel. The separation makes everything so angsty & heart tugging. Then the reunion brings hope & sweet moments:) It is always very intense when they meet again which will lead to many swoon worthy moments, haha…
I just started this book. I choose this book as my 1st Gu Man’s book bcos it is lidge’s 2nd fav book:) Saving the best for last. Will read the gamer book later as I am not into online games. I posted this book bcos I know it is a fav of lidge & you so let both of you sing praises of it, heehee…
I just finished chapter 3 of the audio book. Love, love, love it. The pace is just right to hold my interest as I’ve a short attention span. Oh, I like the love confession part also. Haven’t listened to the TV part yet. Initially I am not that fond of Yi Chen as he seems snooty, bland & boring. Then the confession part improves his image to I totally ship him when he hugged Mo Sheng outside her hse after knowing she has gone to a match making dinner. On one hand I can’t wait to read the remainder of this novel yet don’t want to finish this novel as I can’t bear to be separated from it, haha….Never mind, we’ll reunite in Gu Man’s next novel:)
Hey atsu, MIA again:( :P? Have you listened to this one http://www.cxt8.com/static/chapter_885/? Is this similar? Is this good? Also, how about this http://www.520tingshu.com/book/book1415.html? Is ths the same as 爱你，是我做过最好的事? I didn’t listen to this one http://www.cxt8.com/static/chapter_835/ but I think the drama The Girl in Blue is based on this book. I don’t know what is the different b/w the book & the drama. The drama is full of angst & a weepy ending:(
I tried it a couple of months ago, but I gave up halfway into the second episode because I was so bored. I’m a bit harsher on modern novels than historical ones, so I might try it again because you and atsu-chan love it so much.
Hey, I also like it:P Listen to the audiobook so you won’t get too bored just by reading words. The audiobook sound good.
🙂 It’s my very bad habit. All of my friends complain about it, haha. But I’m around, reading all the comments. It’s wonderful and everyone is so nice!!
I haven’t read 致我们终将逝去的青春 or 放弃你是我做过最好的事 but I will check them out! And yup, I think the two titles that you mentioned are the same. Thanks Peanuts! There really isn’t anything you can’t find. Do you know what liege’s favorite book is? I want to read it with you when you read it 🙂 But for now, I’m thinking about picking up Once Promised where I dropped it (it’s probably just me, but it’s a little confusing in the beginning with all the names. I’m thinking about drawing myself a character chart to keep the who’s who straight), and doing the group reads with you guys. I was finishing up 3000 Crows earlier and couldn’t quite catch up to you guys.
I have read 佳期如梦 and loved it. It’s actually my favorite 匪我思存 novel (more than 东宫，千山暮雪，来不及说我爱你，or 如果这一秒) but that’s just a personal thing. I know many people don’t like it, but I loved it. I kind of don’t really like 匪我思存 novels in general because they feel a little overwrought. The ending is brutal but so sweet at the same time. The first time around, I actually refused to read the ending because I couldn’t accept the fact the ending that I knew was coming but I went back to it later.
The drama version is terrible. They totally changed around the story in some parts and it was just *headdesk* the whole way through. But I do think Qiu Ze is a good fit for Ruan Zheng Dong. It’s just You Jia Qi and Chen Qiao En somehow just doesn’t add up in my brain. I don’t know about you guys, but sometimes, I like to cast people as characters when I read modern novels, so it’s almost like a drama except it’s in my head. I kept imagining Chen Kun and Zhou Xun as He Yi Chen and Zhao Mo Sheng even though they don’t exactly fit the character descriptions.
And have I mentioned that I love Zhao Mo Sheng’s name? It’s so incredibly awkward to say, but it’s so romantic. Xu Zhi Mo inspired names are always a plus!
I think for modern novels, it’s a click issue. Some novels just click for you while others fall flat. I know I loved 佳期如梦 while most people hate it so… 🙂 I feel it doesn’t happen as much in ancient, fantasy novels because the story lines are more epic and grand, the stakes are higher, and it feels like love and hate and all that jazz runs with much deeper purpose. At least for me, it’s harder to connect with modern novels.
But I was reading 3000 Crows and I feel that, although I love the premise and like the characters, it just doesn’t pull me in. I don’t have to stay up to figure out what happens. I can just wait until the next day. It’s the first time I felt that way with a non-modern novel so it was interesting…
I agree with atsu-chan it’s a click issue. Not just for modern novels, but all novels. Our reading preferences are shaped in large part by our personal experiences and personality. So if you don’t like this, xia0yuer, then you just don’t like it. But I hope you’ll give this another chance though. There have been books where I’ve dropped several times, but I’d force myself to go back to read them because of the positive reviews. Some of them I don’t like, but some of them end up being my favorites.
I think it is mentioned in the novel by Zhao Mo Sheng that she knows her name is awkward or something to that effect.
Based on the online reviews I’ve read, the writer for 致我们终将逝去的青春 is extremely popular. I think Vicky Zhao is producing a movie based on the book. I’ve been meaning to read this and some of her other books, but her books in general seem kind of heavy so I’m kind of holding them off for now.
I’ve started on 佳期如梦 but haven’t been able to finish b/c I know it’s a sad ending. Fei Wo Si Cun can be a hit or miss with me. Some of her works I enjoy, and some of her works make me scream and run in the other direction.
atsu-chan, sorry if you misunderstand but peanuts wasn’t talking about my favorite book of all time (and I really can’t choose b/c there are too many..haha). I had mentioned that I’m a huge of of Gu Man, and my preference is 杉杉来吃, then this one, then the online game one. So peanuts says she’s saving my #1 choice 杉杉来吃 for later.
atsu-chan, sounds like you’ve read a lot so you’ve probably read the ones I’ve read. I do have a few I like. The problem is I read everything in Viet translations, not Chinese. Most of the time, the Chinese info isn’t given so I have no idea what the title/author are in Chinese.
So far I’ve tried some online dictionaries to look up the books I like to see what the Chinese characters are, but it’s really difficult. I’ve started school this week, and this is my last semester. The workload is really heavy so give me a bit of time. I’ll try my best to find the info for my recommendations in Chinese so I can post for everyone.
You won’t be able to d/l from that site. You’ll need to register and have a chinese # for that. Try ysts8.com and ysx8.net, these both will work. You won’t be able to do batch d/ls though because they all go to 115.com.
I have that problem with Fei Wo Ci Cun too. There was a few I wanted to read, but knowing the sad ending, I want to steer away. I’m a angst loving person, but not sad ending lover. I find that Fei Wo Ci Cun has a special style for her stories that I can’t exactly stomach well.
Of course I’ll recommend finishing Once Promised, where’d you leave off? I’d be more than happy to do more political notes for you, if the existing ones I’ve posted for xiaoyuer isn’t helpful.
I spent my whole morning marathoning this book. Oh, I am out of breath now grasping for air, haha….The plot is moving rather fast & I am half way thru the book & they are married. The way they got married is just so not romantic, haha…The guy does like to shout a lot but when he isn’t shouting I like him more than the girl. What is wrong with this girl? I may be bias but I feel she is at fault more for what happened 7 yrs ago. Ran away too fast, too soon. Should talk more. If I land a guy like him, I’ll stick to him like glue rain or shine, heehee…
When the guy wants to start over with her, why she told him she is married???? She is so hesitant & wishy washy. Ok, I understand her reservation but this is an opportunity not to be missed. I like the guy, he wastes no time & work very fast & efficient, my kind of guy:P She redeems herself a little when she agreed to marry him at the spur of the moment. I like Cinderella story where they live happily ever after:)
Grrrrrgh I am very annoyed with the quality of the audiobook fr cx8t. I feel it got cut here & there plus there is a voice which kept on saying it is illegal to download this copyright audiobook. Bah, spoilt sport. I gonna hunt a nicer version & relisten again next week, muahaha..Welcome back Chancy.
Ill post up the voice drama tomorrow morning for this book.
If you need to go MIA, don’t be away too long & make sure you come back & report any good books to us:) I like all the modern books you recommended. Remember to give me feedback once you read the 2 books I enclosed links. I find it easier to listen to modern books because of my poor Mandarin:(
Are you going to read Chong Zi or Who Gets the World with us? I do like Tong Hua’s ancient books & will read Once Promised, one day:) But this is just too heavy going at the moment for me as I’ve just recovered fr YZG. I had it really bad with that book, took me mths to recover all the tears I shed & my poor battered heart:(
I only read Fei Wo Si Cun’s Eastern Palace & part of xiaoyuer’s translations of TLTSILY. Eastern Palace is good & touching but so so sad towards the end:( TLTSILY is badly written. I feel bad for xiaoyuer as her translation is good but received lukewarm response whereas the response to Jin mi is overwhelming. If the drama doesn’t have Wallace, I won’t touch it with a barge pole:P The girl in Blue is different fr the book? Don’t like that drama as my poor Roy died, sob sob.
Most good novels have nice sounding names for the leading characters. I can’t read Chinese so I am not that into names. As long as they don’t sound bad I can tolerate. When I am reading this novel, I picture Roy & Tang Yan as my leads:)
Thanks. I can listen to the radio drama online but can’t download it:( Don’t know how to use the rayfile website. Will make you install spyware/malware:( Also, don’t know how to download fr tudou:( All the mp3 download sites for radio drama are down:( I hate those annoying pop up horrible ads on all the audiobook download sites:(
Did u download the tudou program? It lets u download from tudou.
Really? I was registered but it wasn’t like that before. Oh well, looking for more batch solutions now 🙂
Not a problem! School is starting for me again too…bleh. Just give a holler when you read something nice, and I’m sure it’ll send us all scampering to check it out!
Peanuts – I don’t know which one to read. Which do you recommend, Peanuts? 重紫 or 且试天下? I want to finish Once Promised too, so I can probably only do one of the group reads. And about ZMS – she is rather childish, but I can see where she came from. I actually don’t think that HYC is that shouty, I think the reader made him really shouty which I didn’t really like. I was frustrated about the quality, but at least the story was good. It’s not over the top romantic which I like very much.
Chancy – thank you so much! I got up to the part when A Heng is trapped on the mountain. The part before with Yun Sang and the bodyguard and the Queen got me really confused with all the names. But it might have been because I was sleepy too. Anyhows, I’ll go back and read through the comments and try sorting it out first. I’ll let you know if I need help. Thank you!! You guys are all so nice 😀
I’m personally liking the 且试天下 better right now. 重紫 has a gloomy feel to it, while 且试天下 is very bright. It might be more dry though because it’s very wuxia like even though it’s written by a woman. The writer put all the political details in the first chapter, so if you want to read that book but got lost in the first chapter I’ve posted a note on that in the page also.
Here is the voice drama for this novel: http://www.dramatimes.com/n656c7.aspx
Haven’t the time to really start this novel properly, kind stuck in ancient time right now. Will wait until I can get back to my time period before starting this novel. I did 2 eps from the audiobook, and I find myself zooming out too often. The voice drama is only 5-6 eps, so I’m also wondering if they chopped out alot. I know they use noises to replace some descriptive sentences, so perhaps that’s how they are able to make it so short.
Peanut have you tried it?
It depends on what genre you like. You like wuxia or xian xia better? I don’t like teacher & student love so I prefer 且试天下. Actually 重紫 is also quite a good book but the girl’s devotion to the shifu & those awesome 2nd leads drive me up the wall:P I think xiaoyuer doesn’t fancy 且试天下 & lidge is quite fond of 重紫. If you watch the MVs for 且试天下, it’ll help you make up your mind:P
Don’t know I need to download tudou program. Such hard work, will probably just listen online:)
I fnished this audiobook in record time, in less than 24 hrs, haha….I listened until abt 4am:( Then I can’t sleep thinking abt Yi Chen & Mo Sheng:( Gu Man’s book is bad for my health so I won’t start another of her book just yet:) I will give this book 8 out of 10 bcos I like it inspite of many potholes. But I prefer Twice Blooming Flower more.
I want to complain that my ending got cut off. The quality of the 24 chapters version I got is really very bad. I’ll give the short radio drama version a try when I want to reread this book. I definitely like this enough to sit thru a reread later when my memory starts to fade:)
This story is very Cinderella feel bcos I doubt any guy will not date anyone & wait for a girl who abandoned him 7 yrs ago. Also, hard to accept the girl did not consider Ying Hui as a good catch when he is so handsome, sweet & successful while she is all lonely in US. The reason for them to get married is very weak. More credible if it is for your relative’s kid or mostly likely reason for sham marriage is to get the green card. Lastly the ending bit abt MS’s dad indirectly caused the death of YC’s dad is too much. Difficult for me to comprehand how he can accept MS without anger & so readily accept all this. Also is it a good idea not to tell MS the truth? What if she found out later?
After all my criticisms & complains as I am a realistic & logical kind of person, I do like this book. The near exclusive focus on the OTP deepens my love for them. Their interactions with each other are littered with many bitter sweet moments. There is no annoying 3rd party in the novel to rattle me. The length of this novel is just right to capture & retain my interest. I like the girl’s determination & courage in chasing after YC. The guy’s devotion & dedication to the girl also melt my heart. I like the part where MS will count the tiles on the pathway while waiting for YC. She always threatens him that she’ll leave once she counted to 1000 but she never get beyond 999, so sweet:)
This is definitely my next read when i finish one of the current book. It has all the elements of an addictive book for me.
There are 2 versions of the audiobook. The non Zhejiang version seems better which I’ve attached as audiobook1. There is also a radio drama.
I completely agree with you, Peanuts! I was hoping that Ying Hui and Yi Mei would play bigger roles and have more fleshed out personalities. I wanted a stronger reason for MS and YH’s fake marriage, I wanted to see more of YH’s vulnerability, I wanted to be torn between YH and YC instead of knowing that YC was the end game from the start. I wanted to see more of YM and MS’s friendship (beside the bit that is in the epilogue), I wanted to see the reasons why YM cared so much for YC. I felt there was a lot more to be explored, but I like how Gu Man didn’t make it larger than the concept it could actually hold. It’s sweet and endearing, but it still leaves more to be desired.
Hey atsu, you listened to the audiobook by Zhejiang broadcasting? I found another audiobook which is better as YC doesn’t shout his lines & no annoying warnings not to download.
Where?
I attached all the download links in my intro.
Really, really?! I’m going to check it out. Many, many thanks!!
Hey Chancy, you are listening to the non-Amy broadcast? How do you like this story? I like it for being sweet & short to hold my interest & tell a nice story. But not as much as Chatters because this story is way to short for character developments and not enough angsts to make my heart goes flip flop. Hehe, I support He Yi Chen here but Mai Xiao Liang in Chatters
Yes Im doing the radiodrama. Im not sure how much is chopped out as it is only 6 parts. A little over 3 hrs. Im only 3/4 in. Ill wait till i finish it to give comment.
Fan-made MVs
Wallace Chung: http://www.tudou.com/programs/view/9k4LtQvdatQ
Hu Ge & Tang Ren: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0xYiRNwbPU
Hu Ge & Liu Shi Shi: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgYEdCXTICg
Hu Ge & Liu Yi Fei: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CSHowVfSPw
The plot was not to flattering but I really like GuMan’s touches. Most of her lines maybe short but very meaningful and far reaching. Ultimately, I couldn’t resist the charm of a high flying lawyer who waited for his first and only love for seven long years.
I was caught off guard when HYC’S dragged ZMC’S off to get married but alas, he’s constantly bugged by the fact that she’s been married and had another man before him. To be honest, I was not too happy about the first marriage too, haha….I like all my female leads to be a ‘one-man-woman’….(I am from the old school of thought….girls must be pure and untouched except by the male lead….heehee). Imagine my relief when I found out the first marriage was in name only. But YingHui was such a good catch too, what a pity…a difficult choice indeed (for me, that is…)!!!
I love that HYC openly complains about ZMC being childish but at the same time secretly enjoys pampering and taking care of her. And awwww….the old picture in his wallet came from her library card. So sentimental….
I especially like the epilogue on HeYiMei’s side of the story becoz it is from here that we really feel the depth and extent of HYC’s love for ZMC.
The one complain I have is the bitter and angtsy part surrounding ZMC’s parents being the indirect cause of HYC’s parents’ death. I never like stories with a dark past esp if it appeared like it’s unresolved at the end.
I wish GuMan would write more books….
Gu Man is a well-known turtle so dun expect any book fr her in the near future:( Did u know this book is number 1 in an online chinese romance novels poll? Also, HYC is voted as the most lovable male in a novel on baidu. Btw, we might translate this book after Shan Shan.
Actually I find this book a bit over-hyped. It is a nice book but not great because HYC is not funny enough, lol. All of Gu Man’s leads are cool & cute but they lack a keen sense of humour:( I also have the same complain as you on HYC’s parents’ death. This being revealed in the last chapter is so anti-climax & forced. I prefer the author not to mention it at all as it is not doing anything to the story. We know HYC loves ZMC to death so we don’t need this to reinforce that.
Surprise, surprise, I’ve started to translate this novel:P This is such a classic internet novel that I am a bit stressed out that my translation will not be able to capture the essence of the novel. Hey Atsu, if you are reading this, pls check for me as you are such a superfan of this book:) Lidge can’t do the job well bcos she is reading fr the Viet translated version which I found some minor disrepancies with the Chinese one.
Breaking news: Gu Man confirmed on her blog that this will be filmed into a drama & movie next year. She is also involved in writing the drama script but the casts have not been confirmed yet. Keep our fingers cross, we dun vomit blood:P
I ended up reading this novel in one night after reading the first chapter translation from your blog, peanuts.
It was a fairly light and angst free story, which I was really glad about. I was worried about the second male and female leads going into this. As I was reading the hospital scene, I was thinking Mo Sheng’s totally going to run into Yi Mei and they are going to duke it out. Definitely turned out different from what I had expected. Same goes with Ying Hui.
While reading this, I thought it was actually similar to Autumn’s Concerto. Don’t know which one came first, or whether this is fairly common in Chinese novels since I’ve only read this and Lost You Forever. But, if you’ve seen the series, did it also remind you of it? I thought the bed scene would be basically the same. Good thing it wasn’t, I like how it got resolved much faster in this.
Can anyone recommend some more books like this? Light with happy ending? 🙂
@peanuts I think you’re doing well on your translations. There were only a few things I would have translated differently, but minor. Really commendable for spending all that time to do it. 🙂
I am glad you like the novel enough to marathon it in 1 night:P I know there are some short-comings in my translation but it is the best I can do for someone who can’t read Chinese. I didn’t really want to translate such a classic but it was voted by the readers and it is also lidge’s fav book. Lidge edits the book using the Viet translated book so there will be something lost in translation.
Many drama and novels have fairly similar plots yet they are special and different in their own ways. Some obvious differences with Autumn Concerto are Mo Sheng is not a single mum, Yi Chen & Mo Sheng’s family backgrounds are different, there are no malicious or annoying 2nd leads, Yi Chen is not very sick & did not lose his memory, Yi Chen’s love for Mo Sheng has more depth etc. FYI, I think Autumn Concerto is adapted from a novel.
If you like the author Gu Man’s style of writing, you can give her other books which have all been posted here a try. They are all happy & light but be warned Blazing Sunlight is incomplete. Many said The Journey from Tonight is White plot is fairly similar to Silent Separation so you may want to give it a try. Li Chuan’s past which has also been filmed into a drama has a fairly similar plot. Both of the books have happy endings but be prepared for some angst in between. Everyone’s taste is different so feel free to browse through all the novels here to find something you like by reading the synopsis. Most of them have happy ending (HE) but if you see (BE), it means bad/sad ending or (OE) means open ending depending on which guy you ship, If in doubt, leave a comment. Happy Reading!
Ahh, I can see Autumn’s Concerto being adapted from a novel. It’s definitely different in many ways. It was really the separation, getting married to her, the forced “bed scene”, etc. that made it seems similar to me. I can also see how there could be tons of novels with similar “scenes.” Am looking forward to seeing how they will adapt this to drama form.
I’ll try The Journey from Tonight is White next I suppose. Mainly going for the HE ones. Sadly, I always manage to be on the wrong ship for OE. Thanks for the recommendation!
I just recently finished this novel and had to write down my thoughts somewhere about it.
In general, it is a rather lighter, fun, love story. You don’t get too worked up because you know that the male lead, He Yichen and female lead, Zhao Mosheng never stopped loving each other. However, my heart twinged achingly for both of them more than a couple times in the first half of the story when they were basically torturing each other and themselves, saying hurtful words to one another but not really meaning it. Ah, my heart!
Upon first finishing this, while it was an easy and enjoyable read, I couldn’t understand why it was such “a classic” and “must read.” Much of the plot actually seems rather contrived — (SPOILERS) ZMS’s father’s corruption indirectly caused HYS’s father’s death and mother’s indirect suicide, ZMS lending money to poor, ambitious Ying Hui who became a successful multi-millionaire, ZMS marrying Ying Hui in name so she could gain custody of the child of her friend who was going to jail for assaulting her abusive husband, etc. While you expect these types of things in romance novels, it seemed so many were used that it almost felt overdone.
However, what the author, Gu Man did really well that sucked me right in and made up for the contrived-ness (I know that’s not a word!) was bring out the inner turmoil of our two leads. Sometimes long descriptions, sometimes simple short sentences, but often so poignant to me.
This novel has a huge 后劲 (i.e. aftershock, aftereffect). I finished it thinking it was good, but no big deal and not living up to the hype, but I could not stop thinking about it. I kept thinking about the 7 years of separation what largely was a misunderstanding. “What if, what if?” kept echoing in my mind. HYC asked if ZMS would not have left if she had known it was a misunderstanding, and she truthfully answered yes because she knew the circumstances would have forced her to leave anyway. However, what if she hadn’t left? Would their relationship be one with less regrets? Would the bubbly, joyful ZMS still be there? My heart sighed with regret for them, over what could have been, over how things just happened at the wrong place, wrong time. I
I ended up reading it a second time immediately again. And then skimming over it a third time again. So, I guess if it draws you in over and over again, it does live up to the hype.
Anyways, if you liked this novel, I would recommend 如若有你一生何求. They are similar in many aspects: 2 people who loved one another at a young age, separated by circumstance for many years with many regrets. The girl believes they cannot go back to what they had once had and not even sure if the boy loves or loved her, but the boy’s heart never changed never accepted another girl all those years and when they meet again, he tries to win her back. The boy is the “perfect man” — handsome, smart, the best at what he does — while the girl is just average and a little bumbling. There’s even plot elements that are similar, like a very unromantic marriage initiated by the guy to make her his. This one does have (quite) a few more bed scenes (LOL), although nothing really explicit and actually sometimes quite funny. It’s sweet and a HE.
Thank you Hoju for your entertaining and indepth review of this book. I truly believe we share similar taste in books lol. Btw are you new to SSB? I feel exactly like you thinking the story is so typical & an over-rated book yet there is something that draw you in again & again until I even attempt to translate the novel into English. I attribute that to the writing poweress of the author. I hope her drama script will be better but I am worry who will be the leads.
Thanks for your recommendation. I heard abt that book b4 bcos I read many complained that it copied a lot from Silent. When I’ve time, I’ll read it & compare them.
I’ve been adding Hoju’s recommendations on SSB on my to read list. Hahaha!
I used to think Silent Separation was over-rated but it’s the only modern c-novel I’ve read twice. Actually, probably the only c-novel I read twice (besides Ten Thousand Miles of Peach Blossom by Tang7) that I wasn’t translating. I think the beauty of the words and thoughts just seep into you, and you feel the urge to re-visit these characters who feel real in their organic way. Not to mention it’s about 10 years old! So while some of its elements might feel cliched, somehow it feels like the big grandmother of all c-novels!
Peanuts, yup, I’m new here — first post was last night. However, I watched SSB’s inception when you guys were discussing over in a thread (I believe it might have been Da Mo Yao discussion??) on SPCNet. (I’ve done some translating over there for wuxia novels and BBJX.) So technically, I am new, but I’ve popped in here silently over the last 1.5 years.
As for my taste in romance novels, most of the ones I read generally fit this: light-hearted writing style with some poignant or touching moments thrown in that hit hard because of the stark contrast; clueless, often bumbling, female lead (though not necessarily not smart — think Jin Fo in HXY), a 深情 male lead who will love and care for the girl unconditionally; and usually a happy ending! If that’s what you like, I have a little list.
Now to get back on topic, while I wouldn’t have it any other way but for ZMS and HYC to be together, I felt for Ying Hui. The last email he sent to ZMS was short and void of emotion but hit home so hard. Going by memory, but something like “Not everyone can withstand the pain of years of loneliness like He Yichen. Sheng, my heart has moved on already.” Gosh, someone give that poor man some happiness!
@ Peanuts, thank you tons for translating into English and it helps a lot esp I am monolingual and sadly to say I can’t pick up Chinese despite attending courses!!!
Can anyone summarise as I stop at chapter 6.2 :)? and how many chapters to go before the ending?
Thank you
@ MissMay. I think nobody dares to give you a summary since I am translating it, lol. Be patient, as we’ve reached the half way mark as there are 12 chapters, excluding the epilogue. Actually nothing much to summarise for the next half of the book except their life/interactions after marriage and the appearance of Mo Sheng’s ex-husband. What make this book such a classic is not the plot but the way it was written.
@Hoju. I don’t think we’ve ever been in spcnet but maybe xiaoyuer’s blog. Huh? You’ve been a silent reader until now so you are not considered new lol. Glad that you’ve decided to share your books with us. Post whatever books you like as different ppl has different taste.
Am I heartless or what but I never feel any sympathy or like Ying Hui? I always feel his love for Mo Sheng cannot compare with Yi Chen and sooner or later he’ll find someone else. Maybe, he didn’t get enough book time to make me like him bcos I feel the most boring part is Mo Sheng’s llfe in US with him, haha…
As for the book you recommended that is similar to Silent, I honestly don’t like how they copied so much from Silent such as the plot, even the book cover is like Silent & the book name as well bcos Silent is also derived from Yi Chen & Mo Sheng’s names. Plot wise you can be similar but differ in writing style but using the lead’s name as part of the title & the book cover feel like the book is blatantly trying to ride on the success of Silent.
@Peanuts,
Ying Hui’s “screentime” is so short with only the occasional description of his inner feelings so it’s not a surprise. I don’t feel much for his past and I don’t like (SPOILER) that, even though he was drunk, he violated Mosheng. It was just that final email that gave me that twinge in my heart. Short, but… *sigh* he deserves happiness too.
As for 如若, I went in reading, not knowing the similarities it had to this one so I had a open mind. Stylistically, they are quite different, with more humor in 如若, making it an easy and fun read. Having not known chronologically which came first when I read the two, I still would have chosen Silent as the better novel because of the author’s ability to use her words to give us those deep emotions. If you do decide to give the other a try, go in with an open mind and don’t compare until the end. If not, no biggie.
Just wanted to add, I felt for Mosheng at the beginning when everyone was giving her such grief over leaving 7 years ago. No one even cared about her side of the story. I remember reading someone’s comment: Yichen chose to not accept anyone’s care, but Mosheng lost everyone’s care.
Just wanted to add my 1cent worth here……yep…I also wondered why everyone sided with yichen..yes he was loyal to wait…but if we look at it from another point….Mosheng also waited….in my opinion she suffered more…..coz she was so misunderstood……no one knew that yi mei told her those nasty stuff and challenged her with yi Chen, also yi Chen asked her to get lost and said he regretted knowing her…so she followed what he said and left…so why didn’t yi Chen think about what he said? Why did he only blame her and not think about his actions?
I felt more for ying hui, coz even if he did kiss mo sheng….he was the one who stood by her, helped her in her need, and even gave her the freedom and. Asked her to go back and see if she can get back her sunshine…if not he will be there waiting for her to come back….
Yi Chen was rather mean to force her to get married then dumped her on the wedding day…..
One was a physical violation of kissing, the other is emotional abuse of being sarcastic and mean…so we’ll…weren’t they both nasty to her……..
Poor mo sheng…. Misunderstood, left alone and bore the brunt of the fault….
@Pm I thought the same way about Mo Sheng, especially when all of Yi Chen’s friends kept accusing her of throwing him away. She hadn’t even brought up what Yi Mei said before he told her to leave! Everyone saw that Yi Chen was pinning for her, so they assumed she was the one who broke it off with him. No one saw her hurt. 🙁 At least Yi Chen finally knew what she had to go through and why she got married. I don’t think he ever found out about what Yi Mei said though, right?
I dun think yi Chen really know what she went thru tho…..she had her father’s issue and her moms indifference….and I dun think he ever knew abt yi mei and her nasty actions….coz yi mei seems to act different in front of yi Chen.
But I’m glad ying hui was gentlemanly enuf to tell yi Chen…..
Yi Cheng dumped MZ on their wedding day?!! Gosh! That is so mean and heartless of him! I started and finished reading ( and waiting.for more ) peanuts ( thanks so much luv! *mwah* thou, i felt the steamy scene is heavily edited *waah* ). I can’t still figure out the male lead…..i felt he is an egoist. Jst bcoz she pursued him in college, he can’t accept she left him? My feel on this novel, is it really love or revenge?
I meant, peanuts translation.
Thanks guys!
Dun know how to describe yi Chen….on one hand he is so unyielding in his wait…but yet…he takes it out on her…..coz in a way he’s still angry and hurt abt the whole thing…..but what I cannot understand is that didn’t he stop to think of why she left and the things he said to her….and oh we’ll…I guess he wouldn’t know what his adopted sister yi mei did to her either….
Actually…I tot ying hui was the better man…..he was there for mo sheng all the way even tho she kinda used him to adopt the kid….he did it…..and he released her to go find her true love…and told her that if she didn’t manage to get it, she can always come back to him again……
What a difference between the two man…..sighz….how to choose……I still feel sad when ying hui was at the podium and when he was posed the question about his wife….he had a wistful sad look I his eye as he said he was married and that he missed his wife very much……aaawwww….I felt so so sad for him….
Just finish the book last nite…and my thoughts are with Hoju. HYC as a male lead is over rated. There are better man (men) out there! Don’t get me wrong, he is worthy of being the male lead here. He is persistent in his wait and is a perfect fit to the bumbling ZMS. Him shouldering the ‘secret’ of her parentage is noble but I feel is totally not realistic? His adopted family knew the truth of his parent death and yet he chose to hide the fact that she is the daughter of the perpetrator. He sees it as protecting her…..but as a family unit, shouldn’t it be 100% acceptance for who she is? There are a few weak link in this book. One of them being the reasons for them getting married. Why she ask him if he is willing to take her back after he was discharged from the hospital? Two, I am bother by her marital status in USA(was it mention she was divorce with ying hui in States?)
This is my first Gu Man book . I read 2 other modern novels before this and I would rate “王涂思瑞，跑”, “兔子压倒墙边草” before this….maybe this novel is too short and many things were not properly explain.
I love this story. Similar to Shan Shan come to eat and Just one smile is very alluring it kinda like a fairy tale story. Compare to the other two, I think this one has a lot more plot hole, but it is still a very good read indeed. The drama adaption and audio drama is very well made, so It is worth your time.
Just finished this book. I’m quite curious how the polls came to its conclusion such that this book & He Yichen ranked so highly in them. The book was pretty good, a quick, comforting read, but I don’t think it deserves to be ranked that high. A quick glance at the other books in the polls reveals some books which I think are better than Silent Separation.
But then again, maybe different people have different tastes and opinion. (don’t kill me pls)
It’s just that this book felt quite lukewarm (?) Some books are too melodramatic, but this book could use a tad more drama. (I mean, if I wanted to read something as bland and realistic as reality, I could just look at my own life… right?? 🙁 …)
There’s virtually no conflict once Mosheng and Yichen make up (which happens quite early on in the book, given that the two of them still love each other & the misunderstanding that led to their separation was pretty easily resolved).
As for characters, even the secondary characters like the 2nd female and male lead seem to have not much of a role to play. Yimei’s character was pretty much ‘oh, I liked Yi Chen, but that’s in the past, now have my blessings!!’ and Yinghui’s character was also the same ‘I like Mosheng too, but Yichen is a better person for her, let me give her my blessings!!’. Yeah, it’s good to have non-annoying second leads, but it pretty much means that there’s no conflict.
Pretty much all the conflict happened in the PAST, which we don’t really get to see except for references here and there as to how Mosheng dumped Yichen, because this book is set in the present. >.< The author also seems to be stuck in the past, with constant references to their old old days. The other secondary characters are even more useless and 打酱油 esque and don't contribute to the story at all. Honestly, I really can't remember the secondary characters. They don't stand out.
Okay, I think I sound quite harsh. Don't get me wrong, the book is not that bad; it's a fun read, but I just don't think it deserves its super high rankings.
Comparing reunion type books, I personally find 路从今夜白 a better/ more gripping read. The characters there are less… perfect? They're not as flawless as He Yichen/ Mosheng. They make stupid decisions and do stupid things even though their intentions are good. But the feels!! And, they just feel more human. IDK, it just feels like a more intense and memorable read. Comparing He Yichen and Gu Yebai, He Yichen waited for Mosheng for many years, while Gu Yebai found a new girlfriend. Yeah, it probably seems like Yichen is the better male lead, but somehow, I think Gu Yebai was a more developed character. After all the anguish that he felt when Youyan left, he tried to pick up his life, tried to fill the gap, yet the moment Youyan returned, it's like all his rationality is lost and he couldn't deceive himself that he had moved on, any longer. That illusion of happiness he tried to build during the time Youyan left… well, look what happened the moment she came back. In contrast, He Yichen is just a more… hmm, IDK, calmer, emotionally? Less passionate.
Guess it really depends on the kind of book you like to read though. If you're looking for something short and sweet and simple, then Silent Separation does a good job of that. If you want something more intense that will make you laugh and cry and love and hate the characters, then 路从今夜白 is probably the better option. Honestly, even though both stories are of the reunion genres, they're really *not* that similar in terms of the 'feel' of the book.
Hello!have this novel in book that I can buy also? Or just read through the internet:(
I have read three books by Gu Man, and I think this is the strongest. Didn’t watch the drama because I saw the photo and as for me the actors do not reach the character of the characters in the book, as with Shan Shan. It’s a shame that such a great plot is spoiled by the acting. The drama failed to convey Hae Yi Chen’s appearance and personality. I can’t say I like Gu Man’s work, but Silent Separation is a clear favorite. Strong emotions, the struggle between desire and pride, make this a book worth reading. The fact that the heroes were able to carry their love through distance, resentment and the intervention of other people makes them worthy of happiness. I love Mo Sheng’s image, but He Yi Chen is definitely an amazing male character.
Someone wrote that he liked Ying Hui. I cannot say this about myself. His gratitude is limited. Caring, questionable. And the fact that he was drunk and took the first night of Mo Sheng in general makes him hate.