Desire (Nong Jian Xiaohao)

“The S-level Alpha Is Pregnant!” A black-bellied, soft-spoken, deceptive beauty who pretends to be weak (gong) VS a flirtatious playboy who firmly believes himself to be the top (shou). Sheng Shaoyou encountered his ideal type—a delicate and alluring little white orchid named Hua Yong—at his arch-enemy’s place. He wanted to pluck this fragile flower, place it in a vase, and keep it hidden at home. But little did he know, this seemingly “delicate white orchid” was no ordinary flower—it was a rare and noble Ghost Orchid, dark and enigmatic. At a banquet, Sheng Shaoyou, an esteemed S-level Alpha, was drugged and assaulted as though he were an Omega. His gland was bitten and injured. Seizing the opportunity, Sheng Shaoqing, an illegitimate son who had long coveted Sheng Shaoyou’s position, struck against him. The seemingly delicate “white orchid” silently withdrew his soft smile. The radiant and charming beauty suddenly turned sharp and sinister. “I’ve been polite to you all this time because you’re my brother-in-law. But you dared to aim for Mr. Sheng’s life and even ruptured my gland. Though it will heal soon, it hurts a lot—” “—So, Shaoqing, you’re in big trouble now.” ⚠️ Warning from the Translator: Make sure to read the TAGs before proceeding to read the novel.

Original Publisher

jjwxc

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on Desire (Nong Jian Xiaohao) "Desire" is definitely a web novel that sparks strong opinions, and after diving in, I can understand why. This ABO romance throws you headfirst into a world of manipulative enigmas, oblivious alphas, and relationships built on a foundation of secrets. It's a wild ride, to say the least, and not one for the faint of heart. ### First Impressions Right off the bat, it's clear this isn't your typical sweet romance. The premise itself, with an Enigma gong pretending to be an Omega to ensnare his Alpha love interest, Sheng Shaoyou, screams "drama." I appreciated that the novel doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of this dynamic. The initial chapters definitely hooked me with their intrigue. ### What Works Well The manipulative nature of Hua Yong, the ML, is a key draw for many, myself included. He's not just a little bit scheming; he's meticulously crafting a persona to perfectly match Sheng Shaoyou's desires. Some might find that off-putting, but I found it fascinating, especially as his layers started to peel back. The dynamic between the leads is undeniably captivating. Sheng Shaoyou's slow realization that he's caught in a web of lies creates a compelling tension. I also found the translation to be well-done, which is essential for navigating the complexities of the plot and characters. ### Areas of Concern ⚠️ **Spoiler Warning:** This section contains spoilers about the plot. ⚠️ However, I also understand the criticisms leveled against the novel. The non-consensual scene is a major red flag, and it's not something to be taken lightly. Some readers found it unforgivable, and I can see why. Additionally, the plot holes in the second couple's storyline were a bit of a distraction. The sudden appearance of Shen Wenlang's parent felt jarring and unresolved. Finally, Sheng Shaoyou's quick forgiveness of Hua Yong after everything felt a bit rushed and underdeveloped. A more substantial redemption arc for Hua Yong would have been welcome. ### Final Verdict "Desire" is a flawed but ultimately engaging read. It's not a perfect novel, and it certainly won't appeal to everyone. But if you're a fan of dark themes, manipulative characters, and omegaverse dynamics, it's worth checking out. Just be sure to read the tags and be prepared for some potentially triggering content. I'd give it a solid 3 out of 5 stars.