If you enjoy slow-burn sapphic stories in historical settings with strong female leads and don't mind a little sci-fi twist, consider reading this web novel.

Please Don't Laugh (PDL) novels are very challenging to review!

First, I want to give the biggest shoutout to the translator, Melts. They have actually changed my life. Their introduction to PDL novels has greatly enhanced my reading enjoyment over the past year. I appreciate all the effort they put into making Rùzhuì not only accessible but also understandable. 

I'm writing this review with absolute admiration, as it is fitting, but also a little disappointed. While I am persistent in my fondness for PDL and believe anyone who has dedicated themselves to a PDL novel agrees that they are one of a kind, I cannot say Rùzhuì was my favorite. 

The novel touches on significant and important familial, social, and political themes. It immerses the reader in the world and lives of the characters to an extent you could never imagine from the beginning. Ultimately, Rùzhuì leaves the reader feeling like they have said goodbye to a friend. 

Rùzhuì ventures into different genres, which I deeply respect. However, the science fiction elements didn't resonate with me; they felt underdeveloped and almost like a tease. I am so glad PDL stuck with the genre-blending in this story (despite some pushback from readers) and is growing into an even stronger writer in the process. Surprisingly, I didn't connect deeply with the characters. While prior PDL novels left me emotionally wrecked, Rùzhuì didn't evoke the same sentiment. There was also notably less angst—an element I would have told you previously is a must for any PDL novel. 

Despite my comments in the paragraph above, the storytelling was still captivating, and I was devoted to this novel. PDL's unbelievable ability to craft intricate characters remained intact. Overall, while Rùzhuì may not have hit the 5.0 mark for me, I still recognize the talent and effort behind it. I will forever admire PDL!