I think the manhua is explaining things pretty okay but the pacing as of right now is a little fast. I agree that it’s good to have pictures since it’s easier to imagine things but if you feel like some things are confusing then reading the novel would be a good choice! Personally I think the novel explains things the most clearly, reading the manhua afterwards makes it easier to understand :D
It actually depends on you. For me, I actually read a bit of the manhwa first before reading the novel to get a gist on how the characters would look like so that I would be able to enjoy imagining the characters when I read the novel.
Honestly, I recommend reading both of 'em cuz both the manhwa and the novel have their own charms. In the manhwa, you can see the beautiful arts and in the novel, it is very detailed that I don't really have any problems imagining the scenes that are happening there.
The novel is very much a yaoi.
As for the manhua, that is if you're looking for those yaoish panels, then nope.. I believe this will stay as shounen ai in that category. I'm still confused as to how China's censorship law works but so far, with the manhuas, they don't show much of the smutty scenes like Korean and Japanese BLs. But still, you can see that there's a tension between the two. The blushing and all is still there just like your wholesome BL. I'm still squealing for those panels maybe because I can see those pictures now no need to visualize (灬º‿º灬)♡
Lol. I mean I did start reading the novel to Under The Oak Tree and it was so hard to imagine certain things so I'm gonna read the manhwa. I'll probably read both then. Maybe start with the manhua and then the novel. Yeah that's a bit complicated with censorship.. eh I like short wholesome stories but.... if its long I like it better when it shows the scenes lol. Like Mr. Beta SFW and NSFW are sooo different. Like wow. It really makes the whole world go round.
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So before I start reading can someone tell me if its yaoi or shounen ai? And if its shounen ai is it still flirtatious enough or whatever to squeal about when I'm alone? Lmk please and thank you! (⌒▽⌒)