The Villainous Junior Brother Was Actually Secretly in Love with Me

Meng Chen had a gentle nature, but in his past life, he hated Xue Lang with a passion. This newly admitted junior disciple was vicious and perverse, and for some unknown reason, always saw him as a thorn in his side, using various schemes and tricks to harm him. But it wasn’t until he had endured all the humiliation, at the moment of his death, that he realized how terrifying the sect he trusted and relied on truly was — his senior and junior disciples had always been morbidly obsessed with him, and even the master who had raised him only did so to kill him with his own hands, to prove the Ruthless Way. All of Xue Lang’s actions were actually intended to force him to leave this abyss earlier. Alive once more, Meng Chen had only two thoughts: First— Revenge. Second— Be kind to Xue Lang. —— Xue Lang didn’t mind being a villain. As long as he could let that person live freely, he was willing to do anything, even if it meant being hated to the bone. Starting over after failure, he steeled himself and decided not to be soft-hearted this time, determined to play the role of an even more evil and vicious junior disciple. …But something seemed off. Xue Lang: “Surnamed Meng, don’t think I’ll be grateful just because you helped me!!” Meng Chen calmly responded with a hum and brought a sweet date to his lips. “Just picked. Want to try?” Xue Lang: “You useless tr*sh! If it weren’t for your meddling, I would have killed this demon beast long ago!” Meng Chen’s brows furrowed deeply, his fair and slender fingers carefully touching the small wound on his face, softly coaxing, “It’s all my fault. Does it hurt?” Xue Lang: … (covering his nosebleed) No… what’s going on!?

Original Publisher

jjwxc

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on *The Villainous Junior Brother Was Actually Secretly in Love with Me* This novel was quite the ride! I went in expecting a fluffy comedic xianxia, and while it definitely has its sweet moments, I was surprised by the depth of angst and the tragic backstory that fueled the plot. Overall, I found it an engaging and satisfying read, though not without a few hiccups along the way. ### First Impressions Initially, I was hooked by the premise. The dynamic between Meng Chen, the reborn protagonist, and Xue Lang, the "villainous" junior brother, was immediately captivating. Xue Lang's tsundere behavior and secret devotion to Meng Chen were adorable, and I was eager to see their relationship develop. The early chapters were a solid 10/10 for me, setting the stage for what I hoped would be a fantastic story of revenge and redemption. ### What Works Well The strongest aspect of this novel is undoubtedly the central relationship. Xue Lang is a standout male lead. His pure, selfless love for Meng Chen is a breath of fresh air, especially compared to the toxic obsession often found in similar stories. I appreciated that he respected Meng Chen's autonomy, allowing him to make friends and pursue his own happiness. The plot twists kept me engaged, and the fast-paced narrative made it a quick and enjoyable read. The quality of the translation was also top-notch, making it easy to immerse myself in the story. ### Areas of Concern While I enjoyed the majority of the novel, there were a few plot points that didn't quite land for me. The introduction of a "secret mastermind" felt rushed and underdeveloped. Additionally, I found the shift in the power dynamic between Meng Chen and Xue Lang later in the story a bit jarring. Meng Chen became more passive, and the balance in their relationship shifted, which wasn't entirely to my liking. Some also felt the ending was rushed, but I can't say that bothered me too much. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Okay, let's talk about *that* plot twist. Xue Lang's sacrifice and subsequent amnesia were definitely a point of contention for some readers. While I appreciated the angst it added to the story, I can understand why some might dislike the amnesia trope. It significantly alters Xue Lang's character, and the dynamic between him and Meng Chen changes drastically. The section where Meng Chen rejects Xue Lang because he doesn't realize it's him is hard to read. ### Final Verdict Despite a few flaws, *The Villainous Junior Brother Was Actually Secretly in Love with Me* is a worthwhile read. The engaging plot, likeable characters, and satisfying romance make it a standout in the xianxia genre. If you're looking for a story with a mix of angst, sweetness, and plot twists, I highly recommend giving this novel a try. Just be prepared for a few emotional rollercoasters along the way!