Try Again

• Author: Lin Guangxi
• Genres: Đam Mỹ, Đời Thường, Tình Cảm
• Status: Completed
• Chapters: 104
• Rating: ★ 4.2 / 5
• Published: 2026-09-30

A Fateful Kiss and the Flight

The story kicks off with a familiar setup in danmei fiction, yet executes it skillfully: the dynamic between two childhood friends. Jiang Lin and Ji Minglun share years of closeness, but their biggest hurdle stems from internal prejudice.

Deeply rooted in homophobia, Jiang Lin builds a wall to avoid confronting his genuine feelings for his best friend. On the eve of his graduation, which also happens to be his birthday, he receives a confession from Ji Minglun—and chooses to brush it off as a joke.

However, an unexpected kiss shatters that fragile peace, stirring up desire he never dared to face. Overwhelmed by shame and panic, Jiang Lin resorts to the most extreme choice: fleeing to Los Angeles to study abroad and severing all contact.

A Journey of Self-Discovery

After a year away in Los Angeles, longing and regret prompt Jiang Lin to return and make amends. This is where the title "Try Again" truly hits home—it is not just about giving a relationship another shot, but about giving himself a chance to live authentically.

Ironically, by the time he is ready to open his heart, Ji Minglun is no longer the gentle, forgiving companion of the past. He must face the cold gaze of the man he once hurt and watch him grow intimate with someone else.

Jiang Lin's psychological evolution from an arrogant, cold individual into someone actively trying to pursue love is a compelling highlight. The narrative takes its time with this shift, allowing readers to fully grasp his guilt and firm resolve to change.

Ji Minglun's Quiet Resolve

Ji Minglun is written as an ideal romantic interest who never sacrifices his self-respect. He is portrayed as someone honest in his physical reactions yet guarded in his speech, giving him a distinct, magnetic charm.

His cold demeanor upon reuniting stems not from hatred, but as a defense mechanism after being rejected by the one he loved most. The way he tests Jiang Lin's perseverance creates moments of mild angst that are deeply emotional.

Their dynamic goes beyond simple romance, rooted in years of shared history and deep understanding that make every action feel grounded. The interactions between them strike a delicate balance of familiarity and freshness as they rebuild their bond.

Key Highlights

• Consistent character development, particularly Jiang Lin's journey of self-reflection.
• A steady narrative pace without excessive melodrama or drawn-out frustration.
• Relatable slice of life setting that makes it easy to sympathize with the characters' struggles.
• A seamless blend of romance and personal growth.
• A well-proportioned length of 104 main story chapters and 3 extra chapters, offering a complete resolution to all plot points.

Points to Consider

• The trope of running away after feelings emerge might feel a bit cliché to some readers.
• Jiang Lin's initial internal homophobia may be off-putting for sensitive readers.
• The pacing drags slightly in the middle section, requiring some patience as the protagonist pursues his love.

Community Reception

• Novel Updates: 4.2/5.0 (79 ratings, checked on 09/30/2026). Most readers praise the strong character growth and satisfying ending.

Final Verdict

"Try Again" is a subdued and poignant danmei novel that delves into the psychological complexities of facing love. Though rooted in avoidance, the characters' journey back toward redemption offers a meaningful message about courage and sincerity. With its manageable length, it is a great pick for readers seeking a thoughtful romance centered on personal growth.

In short: A gentle melody of redemption and rediscovering true love amid the complexities of adulthood.

Tags: childhood friends, second chance romance, urban