Rose and Renaissance v.4 Danmei Novel Review
This is a review for Rose and Renaissance vol. 4 (我只喜欢你的人设[娱乐圈]) by Zhìchǔ (稚楚). This volume is available fully licensed in English from Via Lactea, and can be purchased either directly from Via Lactea (shipping costs outside of Canada can be prohibitive though) or from a third-party retailer.
Please note that all reviews aim to be spoiler-free, while analyses often contain spoilers.
The summary of the book is:
Xia Xiqing is an artist whose angelic looks mask the heartless playboy underneath. When he unexpectedly makes the acquaintance of popular idol actor Zhou Ziheng, the two are thrust into the spotlight and are forced to manage their tangled relationship in front of an audience.
Review Summary
This volume is less about big revelations and more about deepening what’s already there. It’s a victory lap—rich in emotional payoff, domestic tenderness, and intimate exploration. With extras 3 through 15, the author takes full advantage of the space to show how Zhou Ziheng and Xia Xiqing function as a couple beyond the public eye. While there’s no major plot arc driving tension, the emotional beats and character consistency make up for it. What stands out most is how the story stays committed to showing love as a living, breathing thing—sometimes messy, sometimes silly, always real. The balance between humor, sensuality, and genuine affection makes this volume satisfying in its own way. It’s not flawless, but it delivers exactly what fans want: closure without dullness, spice without cheapness, and softness without sentimentality.
Romance and Main Characters
Zhou Ziheng and Xia Xiqing are at the peak of emotional and physical intimacy in this volume. Their relationship has shifted from intense attraction to something more domestic, playful, and quietly vulnerable. The core tension of this book isn’t “will they” but how far they’re willing to go for each other—emotionally and even physically. Xia Xiqing bottoming out of care for Zhou Ziheng’s well-being is a major turning point; it’s self-sacrificial, intimate, and deeply revealing. Meanwhile, Zhou Ziheng’s unwavering adoration—from cooking breakfast to playfully begging Xiqing to wear that dress—shows just how much he dotes. The romance here isn’t explosive; it’s consistent, rich, and incredibly satisfying.
Secondary Characters
While they don’t take center stage, the secondary cast plays a meaningful part in grounding the main couple’s lives. Xu Qichen and Xia Zhixu’s presence adds warmth, humor, and contrast to Zhou Ziheng and Xia Xiqing’s intensity. Scenes of shared meals and game nights give insight into friendships, found family, and domestic joy. The dynamics between the characters surrounding the couple—especially how they tease or support—help paint a more complete picture of who our protagonists are when the spotlight is off.
Plot
The narrative in this volume shifts toward the personal. With the main arc resolved, the story explores what it means to build a life after the resolution. The extras vary in tone—some lean comedic, others are packed with emotional weight or physical intensity. These glimpses into everyday intimacy and career pressures help sustain engagement even without a central conflict. The lack of a single unified arc makes the volume feel more like a curated experience than a tightly plotted book. Still, it’s impossible to ignore how emotionally rewarding these stories are.
Worldbuilding
The blend of entertainment industry realism with domestic life continues to shine. Vol. 4 spends more time in personal spaces—kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms—than on sets or red carpets. Yet those quieter spaces are just as vivid. From fan interactions to a raffle-gone-wrong, the mechanics of celebrity life and online culture add texture and low-key tension throughout.
Notably, one of the extras takes a sharp turn into an Omegaverse (A/B/O) alternate universe—a complete shift in setting, norms, and even biology. Despite the short length, this AU is fleshed out enough to stand on its own. The worldbuilding feels deliberate, not gimmicky, and adds surprising depth by exploring how these characters might connect in a fundamentally different society. It’s a bonus world, but it’s built with care.
Writing Style & Translation:
The prose is intimate and emotionally sharp. Scenes are layered with humor, sensuality, and vulnerability. Dialogue feels natural, and the pacing is tight, especially given that these are technically “extras”. The writing does a great job of balancing fluff with emotional payoff. It doesn’t oversell its emotional beats; it trusts the characters and the readers. While some scenes can be indulgent, they’re indulgent in ways that fans of the pairing will absolutely appreciate.
Spice Level
The spice here is bold. There’s on-page intimacy that includes roleplay, power play, and emotional vulnerability. From Xiqing in a dress to breathy, needy moments pinned against glass, this volume doesn’t hold back. The sex scenes are not only physically descriptive but layered with relationship development—it’s not just smut; it’s character growth. The dynamic between them continues to evolve in bed, and the physicality mirrors emotional shifts. Spice here feels earned, meaningful, and intense.
How to Read
This volume is available fully licensed in English from Via Lactea, and can be purchased either directly from Via Lactea (shipping costs outside of Canada can be prohibitive though) or from a third-party retailer.
Check out the Review of Other Volumes!
-
Rose and Renaissance v.3 Danmei Novel Review
This is a review for Rose and Renaissance vol. 3 (我只喜欢你的人设[娱乐圈]) by Zhìchǔ (稚楚). This volume is available fully licensed in…
-
Rose and Renaissance v.2 Danmei Novel Review
This is a review for Rose and Renaissance vol. 2 (我只喜欢你的人设[娱乐圈]) by Zhìchǔ (稚楚). This volume is available fully licensed in…
-
Rose and Renaissance v.1 Danmei Novel Review
This is a review for Rose and Renaissance vol. 1 (我只喜欢你的人设[娱乐圈]) by Zhìchǔ (稚楚). This volume is available fully licensed in…
