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It might seem weird to say this story is beautiful when the dystopian setting is far from what people would associate with that descriptor, but if you read this all the way through, it will really click. Think of the butterfly effect, and Xiao Yan (mc) is that butterfly. While ML Hein Burton is the catalyst and the compulsory ingredient to Xiao Yan’s growth.
Their relationship is not without its innate perils and obstacles. However they truly belong together. And if passion is what you’re after? This one is simmering with it. (Hein kinda reminds me of Edward Cullen, in the way that the latter had to have self-control while he was with Bella. He also treasures XY’s future very much because he himself has lost his humanity to the x virus; similarly, Edward didn’t want Bella to become a vampire and throw away her future as a human.) But there’s a lot more sexual tension in this one than Twilight.
Moreover, it’s very heartwarming to meet an ML like Hein. Rough start, but hear me out. The more you read, Hein’s thoughts become more transparent to the readers and you’ll understand that he truly understand and deeply loves Xiao Yan. (Spoiler alert) Near ch 80, perhaps ch 79, Hein says this: ‘why are you all so scared and stopping him from going to the place he dreams of, even though he could actually reach it?’ This is what the translation was in what I read. Later on he also revealed that when he saw Xiao Yan almost without breath and heartbeat, he felt like he (himself) will die, and beginning from that day, whenever he could not see XY, Hein will feel fear. He said this in his required psyche session. (End of spoiler)
To anyone who is interested, it’s also based on a book called Thrive in Catastrophe.
Both are good but I have to say that I’m very much liking the manhua version more. My biased opinion is that MC here is very likable, as supposed to in the book, where there were instances I found MC insufferable (although I still decided to like him in the end).
Aside from the characters, the world building is very fascinating and cohesive, although the storytelling at times have choppy transitions (not too many though). I find the science in the fictional dystopian novel acceptable so there no feeling of THIS IS RIDICULOUS - which can be a jarring experience I’m sure.
Very immersive read, on top of beautiful. The translator is adorable and put a lot of effort into it.
Update: however! Fair warning, it’s not all rainbows and sunshines. Hein has this insatiable hunger for MC that may be due to the virus or may be his innate feelings exacerbated by that virus, who knows. But Hein with all his self-control outside of the mental realm, capitalizes on training Xiao Yan on blocking hackers, and unleashes this all-consuming and oppressive desire on MC inside their minds. I have yet to see it in the manga, but in the book it was disturbing for sure - and that was the idea, these feelings that Hein suppresses in the material world are not in the normal level of intensity; the only time he can possess XY as much as he wanted was in the guise of training and only in the mental realm, and ultimately to train MC to learn to defend himself from anyone who wanted to hack his mind - starting with Hein. It was a very shocking reminder that Hein was very much capable of brutality, even though he might have that tolerance and patience and softness towards MC that he doesn’t show anyone else. Throughout the story there are forewarnings about this.
Update: (spoiler alert) Imma cry. The reason ML fell in love with MC, it’s really heartbreaking. In a world riddled by zombies, this battle-worn soldier who remains to be humanity’s greatest fighter, finds solace in the MC’s subconscious, which was filled with natures wonders. For the ML, whose life could end anytime not from the threat of others but from the very source of his strength. The ravaging X virus may disintegrate his life anytime and every kiss with MC may be the last — ml has even more reason to feel this insatiable hunger for mc. Hein’s affection at each precious moment is heavy for a reason… TT^TT