What do you think?
Rate this book
Secretly, Secretly; But Unable to Hide It
The time she is thirteen years old, Sang Zhi secretly has a crush on a man.? That man looks cold and sluggish, he can be described as someone that is careless and casual. He frequently comes to her house.
One afternoon, he stays at her Ge Ge¡¯s (Older brother, É£ÑÓ) room to play a game.? Once in a while when he sees her come inside the room to bring a plate of fruits and snacks, he will smiles like an evildoer: ¡°Kid, what are you doing? How can you blush so hard every time you see me.¡±?
¡ª¨C?This novel narrates the story of the young Sang Zhi and Duan Jia Xu. Sang Zhi gets to know Duan Jia Xu, who is seven years older than her, through her Ge Ge (Older brother, É£ÑÓ).
During their several interactions, Sang Zhi starts to develop a crush on Duan Jia Xu. It happens from her young age till she is an adult. After the graduation, Duan Jia Xu goes home and works hard. They have cut down their contact.
Sang Zhi and Duan Jia Xu begin to contact each other again after Sang Zhi attends the university in the city he is in. In their day by day intimate and close interaction, Sang Zhi notices the source of Duan Jia Xu¡¯s burdens. With Sang Zhi¡¯s companion, Duan Jia Xu also starts to let it go, he starts to have new relationship with her.
One afternoon, he stays at her Ge Ge¡¯s (Older brother, É£ÑÓ) room to play a game.? Once in a while when he sees her come inside the room to bring a plate of fruits and snacks, he will smiles like an evildoer: ¡°Kid, what are you doing? How can you blush so hard every time you see me.¡±?
¡ª¨C?This novel narrates the story of the young Sang Zhi and Duan Jia Xu. Sang Zhi gets to know Duan Jia Xu, who is seven years older than her, through her Ge Ge (Older brother, É£ÑÓ).
During their several interactions, Sang Zhi starts to develop a crush on Duan Jia Xu. It happens from her young age till she is an adult. After the graduation, Duan Jia Xu goes home and works hard. They have cut down their contact.
Sang Zhi and Duan Jia Xu begin to contact each other again after Sang Zhi attends the university in the city he is in. In their day by day intimate and close interaction, Sang Zhi notices the source of Duan Jia Xu¡¯s burdens. With Sang Zhi¡¯s companion, Duan Jia Xu also starts to let it go, he starts to have new relationship with her.
1310 pages, ebook
Published January 1, 2019
87 people are currently reading
830 people want to read
About the author
Yi Zhu
17?books41?followersYi Zhu was born in Fuzhou, China in 1989. He moved to the US at the age of 11, and though very young at the time, his experience growing up closely resembled that of a first generation immigrant. At the age of 15, he began working various part time jobs while going through school, and never stopped. After being accepted into Duke university in 2007, he started several small private ventures in order to help pay for tuition. Six years later, Yi reflected back on his life post-graduation, and realized his passion for the arts.
Based in North Carolina, he spent the past two years honing his craft in photography and filmmaking.
His first book, "Emperor's Shadow" is a Dystopian Fantasy novel inspired by his life story and dozens of interviews conducted of people who grew up with drastically different backgrounds.
Based in North Carolina, he spent the past two years honing his craft in photography and filmmaking.
His first book, "Emperor's Shadow" is a Dystopian Fantasy novel inspired by his life story and dozens of interviews conducted of people who grew up with drastically different backgrounds.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
September 20, 2023
I read this after becoming completely obsessed with the drama Hidden Love, and I love this novel too! The Duan Jiaxu we get in the drama and the novel is different but he's still the greenest of green flags.
Want to read
July 27, 2024Bro its 930 pages! What is this?!!
November 22, 2022
November 2022
THEY RELEASE AN ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT ITS TV SERIESS!!!! AAAHHHH!!!
Though the actor playing Duan Jia Xu isn¡¯t who I would be choosen (in my imagination Duan Jia Xu is a bit rough and has thick wall because of his dark past) still¡ I¡¯m hypeeeeeEEEeeed.. ??
September 2021
Ah! I really like the plot of this novel.
At the beginning, we got to see thirteen years old Sang Zhi. She has good brother and good parents. One day her brother¡¯s roommate coming over to their house and this teen Sang Zhi started to develop crush on this gege. Sang Zhi and her brother has seven years gap, so when Sang Zhi is thirteen, her brother is already twenty years old and attending university not far from their home.
Sang Zhi¡¯s cute and clever. On the bring of her secret was revealed by her crush, she created lie that she¡¯s in love with ¡®internet boyfried¡¯ guy. And everyone (her parents, her brother, and her crush) believed it! HAHAHAHA! Smart move Zhizhi!
Unfortunately after her crush graduated, he moved back to his hometown and Sang Zhi couldn¡¯t see him anymore. One day, his brother casually mentioned that her crush is dating and the news broke her apart silently. Her one-side puppy love ship is finally sink.
After that, Sang Zhi focused on her study on high school and as result on it, she¡¯s not too worry to choose her dream university. Sang Zhi chose university at her ex-crush hometown¡ªnot because she still wants to pursue him but that university is pretty good university.
As predicted, Sang Zhi and that gege reunited and at some point they begin to confirm their feeling to each other.
I thought this is just another cheesy wishy washy chinese novel that I can spent my time to entertain myself. But what I didn¡¯t expect is the quality of the Duan Jia Xu (Sang Zhi¡¯s crush) background story.
There is no overbearing CEO (eyerolls) on this novel. Everyhing is ordinary but it feels like it sprinkle with unicorn dust. It¡¯s so ordinary yet magical.
I pick up this book randomly and found gems at the end. Thank you author.
4.5/5 stars ??
THEY RELEASE AN ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT ITS TV SERIESS!!!! AAAHHHH!!!
Though the actor playing Duan Jia Xu isn¡¯t who I would be choosen (in my imagination Duan Jia Xu is a bit rough and has thick wall because of his dark past) still¡ I¡¯m hypeeeeeEEEeeed.. ??
September 2021
Ah! I really like the plot of this novel.
At the beginning, we got to see thirteen years old Sang Zhi. She has good brother and good parents. One day her brother¡¯s roommate coming over to their house and this teen Sang Zhi started to develop crush on this gege. Sang Zhi and her brother has seven years gap, so when Sang Zhi is thirteen, her brother is already twenty years old and attending university not far from their home.
Sang Zhi¡¯s cute and clever. On the bring of her secret was revealed by her crush, she created lie that she¡¯s in love with ¡®internet boyfried¡¯ guy. And everyone (her parents, her brother, and her crush) believed it! HAHAHAHA! Smart move Zhizhi!
Unfortunately after her crush graduated, he moved back to his hometown and Sang Zhi couldn¡¯t see him anymore. One day, his brother casually mentioned that her crush is dating and the news broke her apart silently. Her one-side puppy love ship is finally sink.
After that, Sang Zhi focused on her study on high school and as result on it, she¡¯s not too worry to choose her dream university. Sang Zhi chose university at her ex-crush hometown¡ªnot because she still wants to pursue him but that university is pretty good university.
As predicted, Sang Zhi and that gege reunited and at some point they begin to confirm their feeling to each other.
I thought this is just another cheesy wishy washy chinese novel that I can spent my time to entertain myself. But what I didn¡¯t expect is the quality of the Duan Jia Xu (Sang Zhi¡¯s crush) background story.
There is no overbearing CEO (eyerolls) on this novel. Everyhing is ordinary but it feels like it sprinkle with unicorn dust. It¡¯s so ordinary yet magical.
I pick up this book randomly and found gems at the end. Thank you author.
4.5/5 stars ??
August 1, 2022
This is a sweet story. From puppy love, to growing and actually falling in love. A great relationship with communication, respect, and love. Very sweet read. The story was good and the characters engaging enough to make me read it in one go. Highly recommend.
The translation is a bit rough, but not that hard to understand.
The translation is a bit rough, but not that hard to understand.
Read
June 16, 2024LUV this novel so much!!! I love the adaptations too, may it be the manhua or the chinese drama!! Normally, I tend to separate adaptations from the original material, to avoid disappointments, but all three materials, are in their league of their own!!
Safe, Both virgins!
Older brother's best friend
Unrequited Love
HE
Safe, Both virgins!
Older brother's best friend
Unrequited Love
HE
![Profile Image for nandana ???:?.???? [hiatus] .](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1672911798i%2F146037578._UX200_CR0%2C77%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
May 24, 2022
so adorable ???
read this coz i have zero self control and the manhua is still updating
read this coz i have zero self control and the manhua is still updating
September 26, 2022
My first time reading a translated Chinese novel and I loved how sweet it was! Can¡¯t wait for the Cdrama version.
October 26, 2024
While I was originally drawn towards this book after watching the drama which I thoroughly enjoyed, this book had quite a different feeling. The characters were slightly more cold and realistic, but I didn't hate it. In fact, it added a sense of charm that maybe took away the rose colored glasses, but still left me with that end-of-a-fairytale feeling. The book itself was also quite long; I'm honestly surprised I got through all 1000+ pages. That being said, it felt like a nice comfort read I could just pick up whenever wherever. I think I simply stumbled through it, and while I felt its length, I never protested it. It was unlike any book I have read before, but I enjoyed it. For those here after watching the drama, it's not what you're expecting, but I think it's worth the read in all the ways you never knew you needed :)
July 1, 2023
I loved it very much!!! It starts of as an ¡®unrealistic¡¯ one sided crush and blossoms in to such a beautiful respectful loving relationship. I love how they fall in love so naturally and how their love matures over time as they grow together. Recommend reading the manhua (webnovel) which provides illustrations (& watching the currently airing c-drama adaptation :)))) )
July 30, 2022
not rlly a fan of big age gaps but this story is sooo good
March 7, 2023
I love this book so much, I don¡¯t usually re- read but this one i wouldn¡¯t mind.
August 2, 2023
Another novel I picked up because the cdrama is so adorable and overwhelmingly sweet. It¡¯s definitely a nice little read between the heavier stuff I¡¯m read.
July 17, 2023
I'm a couple of episodes into the drama adaptation of this book, called Hidden Love, and it's super cute, so I wanted to try reading the book as well and see if there were any differences.
I'm not that far in the drama, but surprisingly everything that's happened so far follows the book to a T. If that's the case, then I'm excited for the rest of the drama, as their interactions only get cuter later on.
The story follows the romance between Sang Zhi and Duan Jiaxu from when it first starts out as an adolescent crush to later on when they're both older and the feelings become mutual. The MC first meets DJX when she's 13 or so and he's 20, so there's about a 7 year age gap between them. I was a bit put off by this in the drama, since the actress they found for middle school era Sang Zhi was super short and looked like an elementary school student, but I was surprisingly more okay with this in the book.
The first part of the book that covers the early years when Sang Zhi is still in middle and then high school was okay, but because the feelings were all so one-sided, I didn't find it that interesting. I enjoyed their later interactions after she starts college a lot more, simply because she was finally old enough to catch his attention and he eventually starts thinking of her as more than a younger sister.
I liked both of their personalities as well. Even though Sang Zhi has been shielded from a lot by her parents and older brother and can be a bit naive at times, but she has a strong personality and doesn't shy away from standing up for herself. I was cheering her for in the middle school bully incident when she doesn't give into her fear and reports the bullies to her parents and teacher. And this side of her comes out again when Jiang Ying tries to scare her off from dating Duan Jiaxu, and Sang Zhi isn't taking any of it and confronts her back.
Duan Jiaxu's character is very different; it feels like he's always joking around and doesn't take much seriously. Sang Zhi's description of him as a male hu li jing (fox spirit) was hilarious, especially because he doesn't even realize it's about him until another friend points it out to him. His shamelessness is what makes him endearing though, especially after he starts chasing after Sang Zhi and starts spouting a bunch of nonsense that constantly makes her embarrassed. It's a cute dynamic XD
It's a lighthearted romance story that never gets too heavy. There are some obstacles to their relationship after they get together, but they aren't too difficult to resolve. There had been some hints about DJX's past, so I was afraid it was going to be something really serious, but it didn't end up being too bad. I'm just glad he has a good job and is able to live comfortably now after all the difficulties he's been through in the past.
The translation I read for this weren't great though, which impacted my enjoyment of the story. There were a lot of grammatical and spelling errors throughout the story.
I'm not that far in the drama, but surprisingly everything that's happened so far follows the book to a T. If that's the case, then I'm excited for the rest of the drama, as their interactions only get cuter later on.
The story follows the romance between Sang Zhi and Duan Jiaxu from when it first starts out as an adolescent crush to later on when they're both older and the feelings become mutual. The MC first meets DJX when she's 13 or so and he's 20, so there's about a 7 year age gap between them. I was a bit put off by this in the drama, since the actress they found for middle school era Sang Zhi was super short and looked like an elementary school student, but I was surprisingly more okay with this in the book.
The first part of the book that covers the early years when Sang Zhi is still in middle and then high school was okay, but because the feelings were all so one-sided, I didn't find it that interesting. I enjoyed their later interactions after she starts college a lot more, simply because she was finally old enough to catch his attention and he eventually starts thinking of her as more than a younger sister.
I liked both of their personalities as well. Even though Sang Zhi has been shielded from a lot by her parents and older brother and can be a bit naive at times, but she has a strong personality and doesn't shy away from standing up for herself. I was cheering her for in the middle school bully incident when she doesn't give into her fear and reports the bullies to her parents and teacher. And this side of her comes out again when Jiang Ying tries to scare her off from dating Duan Jiaxu, and Sang Zhi isn't taking any of it and confronts her back.
Duan Jiaxu's character is very different; it feels like he's always joking around and doesn't take much seriously. Sang Zhi's description of him as a male hu li jing (fox spirit) was hilarious, especially because he doesn't even realize it's about him until another friend points it out to him. His shamelessness is what makes him endearing though, especially after he starts chasing after Sang Zhi and starts spouting a bunch of nonsense that constantly makes her embarrassed. It's a cute dynamic XD
It's a lighthearted romance story that never gets too heavy. There are some obstacles to their relationship after they get together, but they aren't too difficult to resolve. There had been some hints about DJX's past, so I was afraid it was going to be something really serious, but it didn't end up being too bad. I'm just glad he has a good job and is able to live comfortably now after all the difficulties he's been through in the past.
The translation I read for this weren't great though, which impacted my enjoyment of the story. There were a lot of grammatical and spelling errors throughout the story.
September 26, 2023
The novel delicately unfolds the story of Sang Zhi's formative years, punctuated by her innocent and endearing infatuation with Duan Jia Xu. At just thirteen, she finds herself captivated by a man who, on the surface, exudes an aura of indifference and nonchalance. Their encounters are often unremarkable, with Duan Jia Xu immersed in her brother's room, engrossed in his own world of games. Yet, these simple moments hold profound significance in Sang Zhi's heart.
Duan Jia Xu, seven years her senior, remains an enigmatic figure to Sang Zhi. His playful teasing and casual demeanor mask a deeper complexity that becomes more apparent as the years pass. Their initial interactions are marked by Sang Zhi's endearing blushes, a testament to the stirrings of her first crush. The author masterfully navigates this evolving infatuation, capturing the essence of young love as it matures into something deeper.
As time carries them into adulthood, the two drift apart, each embarking on their own separate journeys. But fate, it seems, has other plans. The narrative takes a poignant turn when Sang Zhi enters the same city where Duan Jia Xu resides for her university education, rekindling their connection. The subsequent rekindling of their friendship is painted with moments of intimacy and closeness. Sang Zhi's keen observations reveal the hidden burdens that weigh on Duan Jia Xu's shoulders, setting the stage for a profound transformation.
In this tale of youth and the enduring bonds it forges, Sang Zhi's steadfast companionship becomes a source of healing and renewal for Duan Jia Xu. Their connection deepens as they navigate the complexities of life, highlighting the power of empathy, understanding, and shared experiences. 'Secretly, Secretly; But Unable to Hide It' is a tender exploration of love's evolution, from the innocence of a crush to the profound connection that can blossom between two people who have weathered the trials of time and circumstance.
Duan Jia Xu, seven years her senior, remains an enigmatic figure to Sang Zhi. His playful teasing and casual demeanor mask a deeper complexity that becomes more apparent as the years pass. Their initial interactions are marked by Sang Zhi's endearing blushes, a testament to the stirrings of her first crush. The author masterfully navigates this evolving infatuation, capturing the essence of young love as it matures into something deeper.
As time carries them into adulthood, the two drift apart, each embarking on their own separate journeys. But fate, it seems, has other plans. The narrative takes a poignant turn when Sang Zhi enters the same city where Duan Jia Xu resides for her university education, rekindling their connection. The subsequent rekindling of their friendship is painted with moments of intimacy and closeness. Sang Zhi's keen observations reveal the hidden burdens that weigh on Duan Jia Xu's shoulders, setting the stage for a profound transformation.
In this tale of youth and the enduring bonds it forges, Sang Zhi's steadfast companionship becomes a source of healing and renewal for Duan Jia Xu. Their connection deepens as they navigate the complexities of life, highlighting the power of empathy, understanding, and shared experiences. 'Secretly, Secretly; But Unable to Hide It' is a tender exploration of love's evolution, from the innocence of a crush to the profound connection that can blossom between two people who have weathered the trials of time and circumstance.
March 14, 2025
If you loved Hidden Love, the novel will make you fall even harder.
Slow-burn romance? Check.
The softest yet most reliable male lead? Check.
The kind of love story that makes you forget reality exists? Absolutely.
Let¡¯s talk about Duan Jia Xu, a.k.a. the greenest flag in all of fiction. Not a single toxic trait in sight. This man is kind, patient, protective but never possessive, and don¡¯t even get me started on how he treats Sang Zhi. The way he gently teases her, remembers the smallest details about her, and supports her without overshadowing her? PERFECTION. Like, sir, do you exist in real life? Asking for¡ me.
Some highlights:
? The way he always calls her ¡®little friend¡¯ in the cutest, most affectionate way?? Swoon.
? When he pretended to be her older brother to help her out of trouble¡ªTHE WAY MY HEART MELTED.
? Him literally getting an apartment near her university just so she has a safe place to stay. Sir, how do I apply for this treatment??
? And when he calmly handled the whole Jiang Ying situation? I was ready to propose.
I thought I could keep my obsession under control after watching the drama, but reading the novel? Yeah, no. I was sneaking in pages at work, reading in bed at ungodly hours, and grinning at my phone like an absolute fool. Just like Sang Zhi¡¯s feelings for Duan Jia Xu, my love for this story was impossible to hide.
10/10, would gladly ruin my sleep schedule for this again.
Slow-burn romance? Check.
The softest yet most reliable male lead? Check.
The kind of love story that makes you forget reality exists? Absolutely.
Let¡¯s talk about Duan Jia Xu, a.k.a. the greenest flag in all of fiction. Not a single toxic trait in sight. This man is kind, patient, protective but never possessive, and don¡¯t even get me started on how he treats Sang Zhi. The way he gently teases her, remembers the smallest details about her, and supports her without overshadowing her? PERFECTION. Like, sir, do you exist in real life? Asking for¡ me.
Some highlights:
? The way he always calls her ¡®little friend¡¯ in the cutest, most affectionate way?? Swoon.
? When he pretended to be her older brother to help her out of trouble¡ªTHE WAY MY HEART MELTED.
? Him literally getting an apartment near her university just so she has a safe place to stay. Sir, how do I apply for this treatment??
? And when he calmly handled the whole Jiang Ying situation? I was ready to propose.
I thought I could keep my obsession under control after watching the drama, but reading the novel? Yeah, no. I was sneaking in pages at work, reading in bed at ungodly hours, and grinning at my phone like an absolute fool. Just like Sang Zhi¡¯s feelings for Duan Jia Xu, my love for this story was impossible to hide.
10/10, would gladly ruin my sleep schedule for this again.
January 14, 2024
This Book is my roman Empire,it's soooo goood sooo fluffy and everything is written sooo well,it made me obsessed with brother's bestfriend trope,Duan jia Xu is the standards and he's the greenest flag EVER,this novel is my top three for all times,the female lead is sooo sweet and funny and even her relationship with her brother is sooo adorable i loved everything about this Book
5? and if i Can i'll give it 6?
5? and if i Can i'll give it 6?
February 19, 2023
Incredibly cute. I feel very similar to the Sang Zhi, and I¡¯m so happy to have read this. It was such a heartwarming story, and I love her character. She¡¯s headstrong but knows when to stop. She¡¯s protective just the right amount. Her interactions with her brother are also so realistic. Can¡¯t wait to go back and reread it.
July 22, 2023
Wow! Crush to Lover to Spouse, an awesome transition to go through. Characters are well built throughout the story. Sang Zhi is not the usual one as portrayed in many Chinese stories, but a strong one to stand beside Duan Jiao Xu.
Brother Sister relationship of Sang siblings triggered a lot of childhood memories which were just Sweet as Heaven.
Brother Sister relationship of Sang siblings triggered a lot of childhood memories which were just Sweet as Heaven.
May 9, 2022
I like it very much. I know the plot is quite simple but succeed to send butterfly to my stomach. It is called light novel for a reason because the plot is not as heavy as the real novel I used to read.
April 2, 2024
This was an amazing, perfect slow burn romance novel. I loved all characters.
I am also shocked that it's been written by a man... I tried reading romances written by men before and found them very unpleasant. This was perfection.
I am also shocked that it's been written by a man... I tried reading romances written by men before and found them very unpleasant. This was perfection.
November 11, 2024
[ 4.75 ]
Absolutely fucking adorable. I love Sang Zhi and Duan Jia Xu with all my heart! The book, the manhua and the drama adaptation were my version of free therapy for 2023, which was a disastrous year.
Absolutely fucking adorable. I love Sang Zhi and Duan Jia Xu with all my heart! The book, the manhua and the drama adaptation were my version of free therapy for 2023, which was a disastrous year.
December 17, 2024
Hi everyone and author. I can¡¯t find your book in English. I wanna read it. I¡¯m from Uzbekistan and loved your book after watching the drama hidden love. If you read my letter please write to me [email protected]
February 17, 2025
M¨¢s de 900 p¨¢ginas, Yi Zhu ?Qu¨¦ pensabas? Sin embargo, ame cada parte de el, un amor no correspondido, o al menos eso creemos. Ella nunca renunci¨® a ¨¦l y eso le ayudo a enamorarlo para que fuera de alguna manera suyo, linda, sutil, lenta un amor cre¨ªble que se construy¨® poco a poco.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2025
More graphic than the show.... A few sex scenes. They weren't crazy explicit or detailed but you definitely know what's going on. But all in all a cute story. I liked it..... It was fun to see the difference between the book and show. I like both but I definitely like the show more ...
June 13, 2022
I read the manhwa (and enjoyed it) but the light novel was really hard to read for some reason
June 30, 2022
finished season 1 of the manhua: june 23.
started the novel: june 24
started the novel: june 24
August 7, 2022
Reading thread:
September 8, 2022
El prota!!!!! ????
March 16, 2023
i'd die if i became duan jia xu's girl
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.