Screen Partner

Xu Zheyi is a 30 year old actor. Abandoned by his friend after co-signing a loan, he was burdened with a massive debt. Without any foreseeable way out, he was reduced to acting in a gay AV in order to make enough money and pay off the debt. Ruka is a twenty-some year old popular AV actor. He lost a bet when he was drunk and had to act in a gay AV. The two men cross paths during filming. Translator Note: If the description puts you off, please look at some reviews 🙂

Original Publisher

木更工作室

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on Screen Partner "Screen Partner" had been sitting on my to-read list for a while, and I finally took the plunge. Going in, I knew it was a short, smutty yaoi, but I wasn't prepared for how much I'd actually enjoy it. It's a quick read, perfect for when you want something light and steamy. ### First Impressions Honestly, the description and cover didn't immediately grab me, but the high rating piqued my interest. I'm glad I didn't judge the book by its cover because from the first chapter, I was hooked. The premise – a straight man doing a gay video to pay off debts and ends up falling for his co-star – felt surprisingly fresh and funny. ### What Works Well The biggest draw for me was the dynamic between the two leads. The author did a great job of portraying their internal struggles and the evolution of their feelings. The MC's initial confusion about his sexuality felt relatable, and the ML's earnestness was endearing. The smut scenes were definitely a highlight – hot and well-written, but also character-driven. It's clear the author put thought into the characters and their development, even within the confines of a shorter, more explicit story. I also appreciated the humor sprinkled throughout; it kept things light even when dealing with heavier themes. Many readers will agree that the translation was also top-notch, making the story flow seamlessly. ### Areas of Concern If I had to nitpick, the ending felt a little rushed. Some plot points, like the ML's relationship with his father and the MC's family life, could have been explored further. And with the little outside of work interactions between the MC and ML, it doesn't seem like the relationship was built realistically or on any concrete reasons, so the story felt more like a p*rn novel with little to no plot to speak of. While the lack of a complex plot didn't bother me too much, I can see how it might leave some readers wanting more depth. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Okay, so there's a point where the ML is essentially forced to film himself, and the MC joins in, and that becomes a bestseller. It felt a little abrupt, and I wondered about the aftermath – what happened to their GV careers? Did they just ditch their families? The MC opens a clothing shop, but what does the ML do? ### Final Verdict Despite some minor pacing issues, "Screen Partner" is a delightful read. It's a perfect blend of sweet and smutty, with well-developed characters and a surprisingly heartwarming romance. If you're looking for a short, entertaining BL with plenty of spice, I highly recommend giving this one a try. I'd happily give it a 4.5 out of 5 stars.