Chapter 17 – A High Risk Occupation

Chapter 17<—this is the chapter link, click on this to read it

Hey readers!

Just a quick note on a little something you might notice in my translation.  In Chinese danmei novels there’s a character type called “总攻” zong gong? It refers to a character who’s always the dominant, active one in a relationship, no matter how many partners they have. This is a character who consistently “tops” or takes the lead in sexual encounters, often with a more assertive personality overall.

Since “zong gong” isn’t a term everyone’s familiar with, I’ve decided to use “top” instead. I figure it’s a more universally understood way to convey the same meaning and keep things smooth for everyone reading!

I hope that’s okay, Happy reading!

~Reika

Chapter 17 – A High Risk Occupation Read More »

Chapter 21.2 – Shizun, My Script is Wrong

Chapter 21.2 <— the second part of the chapter is here, click on this link to read it

Hi everyone,

This chapter is a big one – about three to four times the size of a regular chapter – so I’ve broken it into parts.

The next part will be coming soon! Thanks for your continued support.

Understanding Demons

Demons (妖), sometimes called Yao or Monsters, are beings that come into existence when an animal, plant, or even an object absorbs spiritual energy over a long time. This process allows them to gain spiritual awareness. Sometimes they can transform into a human or part-human form.

These entities aren’t inherently evil, but they often have unfriendly relationships with humans.

If you’re interested, here is a longer essay explaining it – https://immortalmountain.wordpress.com/2016/11/23/yao-and-mo-demons-and-devils/

Thanks for reading and have a nice day!

~Reika

Chapter 21.2 – Shizun, My Script is Wrong Read More »

Chapter 16 – A High Risk Occupation

Chapter 16 <—- click here to read it

Shou and gong

For those who are new to Chinese novels, let me explain a little bit.

These terms are similar to the Japanese “uke” and “seme.”

A “gong” literally translates to “attack” or “attacker.” This character is typically the more dominant, assertive, and protective partner in the relationship. They are often portrayed as the “top” in a physical sense, but the role encompasses more than just sexual position. Gongs usually (but not always) take the lead in the relationship, making decisions and initiating affection.

A “shou” literally translates to “receive” or “receiver.” This character is the “bottom” in a physical sense. However, like the gong, the shou’s role extends beyond physical intimacy to encompass their overall personality and dynamic within the relationship.

Those are the stereotypical roles, but many novels subvert or play with the usual tropes.

Thanks for reading this post and I hope you have a great day!

~Reika

Chapter 16 – A High Risk Occupation Read More »

Chapter 21.1 – Shizun, My Script is Wrong

Chapter 21.1 <— click on this link here to read it

Hello, everyone!

We don’t normally split chapters, but this one is three times the length of a regular chapter. The next part will be published on Monday, and we will strive to publish even more after that.

Thank you for your understanding!

Explanation of “tribulation” in the story

In Chinese web novels, cultivators are “going against the grain” of mortality and therefore, going against the heavens. The universe, or “the Will of Heaven,” responds by sending down these tribulations.

Common forms include Heavenly Lightning, where cultivators endure powerful bolts, and Inner Demon Tribulations, which are mental battles against fears and temptations. Other elemental calamities or unique challenges also occur.

The previous chapter ended with an upcoming tribulation which continues in this chapter.

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!

~Reika

Chapter 21.1 – Shizun, My Script is Wrong Read More »

Chapter 15 – A High Risk Occupation

Chapter 15 has been published, click here to read it

Thoughts on translated slang words

One of the MC’s favorite expressions is 坑爹 (kēngdiē).

Literally, “kengdie” translates to “to cheat your dad.” However, its modern meaning has nothing to do with fathers. It’s an expression of frustration when a character feels ripped off, let down, or that a situation is incredibly unfair.

Think of it as the character shouting, “This sucks!” “What a rip-off!” or “You’ve got to be kidding me!”

For example, a character might use it if a product they bought is terrible, or if a video game is unfairly difficult. They are not literally talking about their dad; they are just expressing that they feel cheated by the situation.

Thanks for reading

~Reika

Chapter 15 – A High Risk Occupation Read More »

Chapter 20 – Shizun, My Script is Wrong

Chapter 20 is here click on this link to read it now

Some thoughts about translation

One of the more difficult and untranslatable words in Chinese are those that concern measurements. For example, “li.”

You might encounter it when reading old stories, historical texts, or even descriptions of ancient places in China. Over time, the exact length of a li has changed. In different periods of Chinese history, its value varied. Generally, a li is understood to be about 500 meters or roughly a third of a mile. So, if you hear that a city wall was “ten li long,” it means it stretched for about five kilometers.

The li was often defined in terms of smaller units like the “chi” (Chinese foot) and “bu” (pace). However, the length of the chi itself changed over different dynasties. Plus, the number of chi in a bu, and the number of bu in a li, could also be altered.

Under the Qin Dynasty, a li was set at 360 paces (bu). However, the definition of a “bu” changed, making the Qin li around 576 meters. The Han Dynasty standardized the li to about 415.8 meters. During the Tang Dynasty, the li was approximately 323 meters. In the late Qing Dynasty, the number of chi per li was increased, resulting in a li of about 644.6 meters.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

This is why translation is hard!

Thanks for reading and have nice day!

~Reika

Chapter 20 – Shizun, My Script is Wrong Read More »

Chapter 14 – A High Risk Occupation

Chapter 14 <— the next chapter is here, click on this link to read it~

When you read the chapter, you will see some unusual punctuation and slang. This was in the original text, which is comedic. Things like using ~~ (duh) blabla, etc. were not added by the translator. Translating humor is incredibly tough, especially when so much context is lost between languages. Slang and cultural nuances rarely have direct equivalents, making it a real challenge to make the translation as funny as the original. A phrase that’s hilarious in its native tongue might fall completely flat, or even make no sense, when translated literally. That’s why we use footnotes.

I hope you like it. Thanks for reading!

~Reika

Chapter 14 – A High Risk Occupation Read More »

Chapter 19 – Shizun, My Script is Wrong

Chapter 19 <— this is the link to read it

No news today, just getting the work done. I try to get a chapter out every day. It’s tough, you know? Sometimes stuff just comes up and gets in the way. So, I can’t promise it always happens. But I’ll keep publishing more, for sure.

The translator is working hard on the next chapter, and without giving too much away, I can tell you it’s got some really exciting developments! I hope you continue to like reading it as much as I enjoy bringing it to you. What are you most looking forward to in the upcoming parts of the story?
~Reika

Chapter 19 – Shizun, My Script is Wrong Read More »

Chapter 13 – A High Risk Occupation

Chapter 13 <— click here to read

By the way, something I noticed is that the author refers to the main character as “pig’s foot.” Apparently, the two words sound similar in Chinese/Mandarin!

主角 (zhǔ jué) – “lead role” “protagonist” or “main character”
猪脚 (zhūjiǎo) – “pig’s trotters” or “pig feet”

But he is a cat, so it should be cat’s paw, except “cat’s paw” is an idiom meaning “the or unwitting tool of another.” I guess MC is still the best term to use.

Thanks for reading, and have a great day!

~Reika

Chapter 13 – A High Risk Occupation Read More »

Chapter 18 – Shizun, My Script is Wrong

Chapter 18 <— click here to read it

Now that we are on chapter 18 of 163 chapters, we are 11% of the way into the project. We’ve got a long way to go!

Here is a comment from a reader about the story:

Honestly, I really, really like the Master’s personality and character design, or perhaps it’s more accurate to say I really like the aloof type of Master. The novels I read are basically all focused on characters with similar designs, hahahaha – aloof with a touch of awkwardness. An isolated, arrogant, and proper ice beauty who isn’t afraid of the mundane world. Everyone would guess that she’d live her life alone, never falling in love with anyone, her heart devoted solely to the Dao, as if nothing could ever hold her back.

Yet, it’s precisely this kind of person who would let down all her guards beneath her disciple. She’d pretend not to care when her disciple flirts with her, then secretly blush. When kissed and caressed, she’d quietly clench her teeth and endure. Although often the passive one, once she takes the initiative, she’s like a blazing fire that instantly consumes you. You can’t escape, nor do you want to; you’re willing to fall into depravity with her. Who wouldn’t want to see what kind of charm this aloof person would reveal when pressed beneath someone?

Ugh, it’s so incredibly captivating, do you understand?! Though sometimes, in terms of relationships, this type of personality can indeed mess things up big time (rubbing hands together).

Thanks for reading and have a great day!

~Reika

Chapter 18 – Shizun, My Script is Wrong Read More »