A beautiful love story that lasts and strengthens through disasters and wartime, rich in historical and cultural references to real-life places and events. Tangstory's evocative writing breathes life into her characters, and by the end, it really feels like I witnessed a true gay couple's experiences through mid-20th-century China. There are lots of little nods and references to their previous lifetime in "Living to Suffer" that add another layer of heartache on top. Besides the inconsistent pacing (slow to develop their relationship and then quickly speeds through their later years), this is easily a favorite and a must-read for danmei fans.