HUAN XIANG NU PU

Imagine being able to buy your ideal lover with a few simple clicks of a mouse. That curvacious/muscular body, those beautiful (color) eyes, that wonderful hair; everything you look for in your fantasy lover is all there.

Would you be willing to buy one?

The story centers around a guy named Ying Bei. He is an art student, and has a romantic interest in a fellow art student named Yunyun but finds himself cohabiting with another girl he bought off the internet named JiuJiu. JiuJiu, as a product bought off the internet, lives only to satisfy the consumer who bought her, which in this case is Ying Bei.

What drew me to the story was the interaction between Ying Bei and Jiujiu. Jiujiu acts like she is a simple merchandise bought off the internet for the pleasure of the consumer who is Ying Bei, but Ying Bei insists on treating her like a human being. The contrast between how she was expected to be treated, and how she was actually treated made for some really heartwarming moments.

The story picks up the pace and the mood gets darker, especially evident with the coming of Jiujiu's merchandise friend, Zidie. I really like the turn of events; Other than seeing how bad it gets, I want to see how the entire situation gets resolved. I'm really looking forward to seeing what Ying Bei will do if placed in a predicament.

Ying Bei is a gentle, caring and quiet guy who suffers from a bit of low self esteem. He is very polite, and addresses his peers in a respectful manner. He generally keeps to himself, and the way he conducts himself makes him seem a lot more mature than other people his age. His compassionate and mature side is emphasized with the coming of Jiujiu into his life. Despite knowing that he could have taken complete advantage of Jiujiu as long as he was "happy," he treats her like a human being and endeavors for the both of them to mutually benefit from each other rather than making the relationship all about him.

Jiujiu is a girl that Ying Bei bought off the internet to cure his loneliness. She, and all the people like her, are referred to as "angels." So far, angels are commonly marked by hairstyles that gives the illusion of having wings on their heads, and the ability to grow wings on their back. Ying Bei wished for an energetic girl that would love him forever, and so he got Jiujiu; a cute, hyperactive, cheerful, playful, and loving angel who would dedicate her entire being to making Ying Bei happy.

The art makes the manhua look like it was drawn by a shoujo artist. The coloring is very light, especially appropriate in situations where the characters experience happiness and joy, accenting their emotions. I found all of the characters to be drawn beautifully, each of them serving as eye candy which further enhances the manhua's storytelling potential.

It's a good read. So go read it.