Faking Straight

Li Zouxing is a gay man. A solid top, a gong, the real deal. Unfortunately for him, he transmigrated into a BG harem novel. The Journey is a popular web novel based on an intergalactic setting. The whole book is filled with the straight romance between one male lead and his harem of beauties. The male lead of the novel is actually over 30 years old, but after consuming a secret medicine his body regressed back to that of a teenager. This male lead is the perfect mix of shy and mature, passionate and innocent – all at the same time. No other person can unify all those conflicting traits well as the male lead can. Needless to say the male lead is exactly Li Zouxing’s type. If only Li Zouxing could, then he would. But the author told Li Zouxing: there’s no way for you to un-transmigrate yourself, this is a harem novel, the world setting doesn’t even have gay in its vocabulary, and on top of that you have to remain in character at all times. And what kind of character is this Li Zouxing from the book? Nicknamed Sunny (Little Sun), known for being sweet but kind of dumb, the male lead’s best buddie, a loyal little underling for the mighty male lead. And worst of all – straight as they come. And so, every time he witnessed the male lead’s domineering aura while wiping out all the bad guys, Li Zouxing would pay his due respects and act along with the rest of the crowd: “You’re so awesome!” But in his head Li Zouxing is definitely thinking: damn this s**tty little thing, everytime he cooks he’s gotta wear that apron and tie it so tight around that tiny waist. A waist that’s small enough for Li Zouxing to wrap his hands around. For a gay guy, Li Zouxing’s always had pretty good luck with the ladies. In a bar: Gu Wencheng watched as the woman with heavy makeup flirted with his best buddy. Gu Wencheng’s face darkened as the violent storm of emotions in his heart threatened to burst forth. For a moment, Gu Wencheng wondered if his controlling and possessive instincts are getting a little out of control. It took a while for Gu Wencheng to realize that he was actually jealous of that woman. But Li Zouxing, the one who turned him so weird in the first place, is actually an idiot that doesn’t understand anything – how could the idiot Li Zouxing know the effect that he has on Gu Wencheng?

Original Publisher

jjwxc

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on Faking Straight "Faking Straight" promises a fun blend of sci-fi, romance, and comedy, and while it definitely delivers on some fronts, it also stumbles in a few key areas. It's a story about an MC navigating a futuristic, alien-filled world, pretending to be straight while shamelessly pursuing the ML. The premise alone is enough to pique interest, and I found myself drawn into the dynamic between the leads. ### First Impressions The initial chapters grabbed me with the MC's playful personality and the ML's slow-burn realization of his feelings. I was definitely intrigued by the "battle academy" setting and the hints of a larger, more complex world. However, I quickly noticed that the translation quality was a point of contention for many readers, and I could see why. ### What Works Well The core relationship between the MC and ML is undeniably a highlight. The MC's open and flirtatious nature, combined with the ML's initial cluelessness and eventual pining, creates a dynamic that's both funny and heartwarming. I also appreciated the brotherhood aspect, with the MC and ML's friend group adding a layer of camaraderie and support to the story. Many readers praised the MC's personality, describing him as easygoing and a natural mood-lifter. It's easy to see why he's so likeable, and his "seduction" skills are definitely a treat to witness. ### Areas of Concern Unfortunately, the translation issues cast a shadow over the entire experience. Several readers voiced concerns about the translator's liberties with names and narration, leading to confusion and a sense of disconnect from the original work. While some appreciated the localization efforts, others found them unnecessary and even detrimental to the story's authenticity. I also noticed that the plot and world-building could have been more fleshed out. While the story is enjoyable as a light read, it lacks depth in certain areas, leaving some questions unanswered. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Some readers mentioned that the extra chapters delve into darker territory, exploring the ML's past relationships and the MC's emotional struggles. While these chapters add depth to the characters, they can also be saddening and potentially triggering for some readers. ### Final Verdict "Faking Straight" is a mixed bag. The engaging characters and fun premise are definitely appealing, but the translation issues and lack of world-building depth hold it back from reaching its full potential. If you're willing to overlook these flaws and enjoy a lighthearted romance with a strong emphasis on character interactions, then it might be worth a read. However, be prepared for a potentially bumpy ride and consider exploring alternative translations if available.