After Dawn (Bing Kuai’er)

During a business acquisition party, Li Luo encounters his past lover Duan Mingyang once more. In those five years, Duan Mingyang played with his feelings, jailed his father, and caused the downfall of his family business. Five years later, Duan Mingyang is still merciless towards him. Right away, Duan Mingyang tries to force Li Luo out of the entertainment industry, cutting off his path. Li Luo plays along and takes initiative, approaching Duan Mingyang while suggesting that they temporarily let go of their enmity to take on their common enemy. When Duan Mingyang agrees, the two become partners of cooperation. However, in the process of collecting evidence to overturn his father’s case, Li Luo discovers that Duan Mingyang is not as heartless as Li luo imagined him to be. Duan Mingyang even seems to hold a deep affection for him. Li Luo can’t help but waver; the scale in his heart tilts farther to the side… In the end, the fire within Li Luo ignites once more. Just as he’s about to put the past behind him and reconcile with Duan Mingyang, the truth of what happened then emerges from the depths…

Original Publisher

chang pei (gongzicp)

English Publisher

via lactea

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on After Dawn (Bing Kuai’er) "After Dawn" is a rollercoaster of emotions, a dog-blooded drama that had me hooked despite some reservations. Bing Kuai'er's writing definitely has a way of drawing you in, and this story of rekindled love between exes is no exception. ### First Impressions Initially, I found myself sympathizing heavily with Li Luo. The story is told primarily from his perspective, and seeing the world through his eyes, it's easy to paint Duan Mingyang as the villain. The misunderstandings pile up, and the hurt feels palpable. I went in expecting a sweet romance, but was met with a lot of angst and a male lead I wasn't sure I could root for. ### What Works Well The core of this novel is the complex relationship between Li Luo and Duan Mingyang. Their chemistry is undeniable, even amidst the angst. I appreciated how neither character is perfect; they both have flaws that contribute to their tumultuous relationship. Li Luo's sassiness and underlying vulnerability make him compelling, while Duan Mingyang's stoicism hides a deep well of emotion. The author does a great job of slowly revealing Duan Mingyang's perspective, adding layers to his character and explaining his seemingly cruel actions. The plot is engaging, filled with twists and turns that kept me guessing. Plus, the smut? Let's just say it's definitely there and adds another dimension to their relationship. I also found the side characters surprisingly enjoyable, particularly Su Zhi. ### Areas of Concern I can see why some readers might struggle with Duan Mingyang's initial behavior. He comes across as cold and even callous at times, and it takes patience to understand his motivations. Also, the novel relies heavily on miscommunication, which can be frustrating. The dog-blood elements might not appeal to everyone, and there are some potentially triggering elements like drunken s*x and non-con roleplay, which some readers may want to be aware of. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Okay, let's talk about some spoilers. The biggest turning point is the revelation of the truth behind the video tape and the reasons for Duan Mingyang's actions. Learning that he was actually trying to protect Li Luo and that his family was behind the framing of Li Luo's father completely changed my perspective on his character. It's a testament to the author's skill that they were able to redeem him in my eyes. ### Final Verdict Despite some initial reservations, I ended up really enjoying "After Dawn." It's a story about flawed people learning to trust and love each other despite their past hurts. If you're willing to stick with it through the angst and miscommunication, you'll be rewarded with a passionate and ultimately satisfying romance. I'd give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars. Just be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions!