The main characters from the left to the right: He Tian, Jian Yi, Zhan Zheng Xi and Mo Guan Shan
19 Days is a comedic manhua (Chinese webcomic) created and drawn by Old Xian. It is a part of the larger MOSSPACA STUDIO collective.
It is the story of two middle school boys, Jian Yi and Zhan Zheng Xi, and their daily lives together. But on their second day of high school, Jian Yi disappeared without a trace, only to come back to Zheng Xi's apartment three years later. Zheng Xi is in college, while Jian Yi is back in high school.
Around chapter 76 the story featuring the flirty He tian and reluctant Mo Guan Shan began.
It started around November 2014 and is still ongoing. It can be read here.
It is the Spear Counterpart to Their Story.
It should be noted that the first 14 chapters take place after Jian Yi's return. Everything after that is a flashback while the two are in middle school.
19 Days shows examples of the following tropes:
- Act of True Love:We have this when Zheng Xi takes Jian Yi's place in the fight against Guan Shan.
- In chapter 143 with He Tian fighting She Li for Guan Shan's safety.
- More recently in chapter 199 He Tian saves Guan Shan from a group of men and fight them.
- Affectionate Nickname: In chapter 74, Jian Yi tries to give Zheng Xi one. He goes through a few before settling on simply "Xi." The name makes the two blush.
- He Tian calls Mo Guan Shan by "Little Mo", "Little red ball of fluff" and "Don't Close Mountain".
- All Just a Dream: The last comic taking place after Jian Yi's return is him trying to get up in one morning, then falling back asleep. Everything after that is what happened while he was middle school. So... maybe.
- All Love Is Unrequited: Jian Yi for Zheng Xi, or maybe not.
- Anger Born of Worry: When Zheng Xi catches Jian Yi punching a tree until his knuckles are bloodied, and he shouts at him to tell him what happened.
- Zhan Zheng Xi slaps Jian Yi across the face when the guy plays hide-and-seek with him. Considering that Jian Yi had almost been kidnapped before and jokes about the risk of running into a criminal, it was understandable.
- Art Evolution: Just compare the original one shot to the rest of the comic. It's understandable; drawing with that much detail would most likely mean slower updates.
- Artistic Age: The main characters of the comic are in middle school. The art style does not make that obvious.
- Beat: All over the place. This is a comedy manhua after all.
- Big Brother Worship: Zheng Xi's little sister seems to have a bit of this going on. She's under the impression that Jian Yi is weird and/or a pervert and doesn't really want him around her brother.
- Bridal Carry: He Tian ends up carrying an injured passed out Mo Guan Shan in this style when trying to get away from an angry mob.
- Can't Believe I Said That: Jian Yi asks Zheng Xi in chapter 96 if he thinks he's good looking. Zheng Xi keeps it simple and lowkey until he accidentily spills that Jian Yi is actually quite handsome. The next frame is Zheng Xi frozen and sweating profusely before getting the expected exciting yelling of Jian Yi.
- Can't Hold His Liquor: College age Zheng Xi wonders why Jian Yi drinks so much when he knows he can't handle beer that well. In multiple pieces of post-disappearance art, he's surrounded by several beer bottles, and has been carried home by Zheng Xi. In ch 162, Jian Yi accidentally drinks wine and has to be carried home despite his protests.
- Captain Oblivious: In one of the college comics, Jian Yi manages to break Zheng Xi's new video game, drink some of his soda, and accidentally rip a page from one of his favorite manga in the span of a couple of minutes. He didn't understand why Zheng Xi got so angry.
- Cassandra Truth: Jian Yi telling the story of what happened while he disappeared. On the second day of school, two men in suits said that his father wanted to see him. They forced him into a car and he fell asleep; when he woke up, he was on a deserted island. Zheng Xi wouldn't let him go any further.
- Chick Magnet: He Tian is very popular with the ladies.
- Childhood Friends: Jian Yi and Zheng Xi have been best friends since pre-school. But Jian Yi's feelings eventually evolve into...
- Childhood Friend Romance: But it hasn't been made clear as to how Zheng Xi feels about Jian Yi. There are a lot of hints though that Zheng Xi might develop If It's You, It's Okay as he grows protective and accepts romantic advances as long as they aren't in public or too direct.
- Cloudcuckoolander: Jian Yi. When a girl that likes Zheng Xi is coming towards the two of them, he asks Jian Yi to cover him. Cue Jian Yi to attempt to physically cover him with his shirt. When the situation happens again, he grabs Zheng Xi's arm and loudly announces that they should go pee together.
- Cloudcuckoolander's Minder: Zheng Xi for Jian Yi.
- Color Codedfor Your Convenience: Jian Yi is yellow, Zheng Xi is red, He Tian is black, and Mo Guan Shan is red.
- Cry into Chest: In one of the post-return comics, a blood covered Jian Yi rests his head on Zheng Xi's shoulder. Feeling sorry for him, Zheng Xi puts a single arm around him.
- Chapter 250 has Mo Guan Shan's dreaming, crying in He Tian's chest as He Tian says things to calm him down as he gropes his butt
- Cuddle Bug: Jian Yi never passes up an opportunity to share some skinship with Zheng Xi.
- Cue the Sun: A mild example of this is used in Chapter 66. While the two of them are walking home, they are covered in shadows from surrounding trees. When Zheng Xi invites Jian Yi over to his house to play video games, Jian Yi is suddenly showered in sunlight with a smile on his face.
- Defrosting Ice Queen: "Ice King" in this case being Guan Shan and He Tian the defroster.
- Desperately Craves Affection: He Tian. Mo Guan Shan's to be more specific.
- Disappeared Dad and Missing Mom: Jian Yi. His father (who's been implied to work for the mafia) left as a child and his mother left soon after. He was raised by a caretaker afterwards. (It's not discussed as to where either of them went.)
- The Door Slams You: Chapter 40. Zheng Xi's little sister comes into his bedroom just as he and Jian Yi are about to leave, slamming both of them on the head.
- Dreaming of Times Gone By: The first half of chapter 65 is this for Jian Yi. It's a quick flashback of him as a child, crying about how his mother hasn't come back. Zheng Xi was there to reassure him that she'll eventually come back.
- Drowning My Sorrows: Not explicitly said, but implied with Jian Yi once he comes back after his disappearance. He's often seen laying around, drinking heavily around the house.
- Dude, She's Like in a Coma!: Subverted. In the college art, Jian Yi tries to pull this on Zheng Xi. Zheng Zi wakes up right before he could kiss him. He gets up immediately and chases him down.
- Easily Forgiven: Chapter 110. Zheng Xi says that he doesn't think that Guanshan is that bad of a person, even though he was the one who sent him to the hospital. Jian Yi thinks Zheng Xi is a saint.
- Embarrassing Nickname: He Tian tries calling Mo Guanshan by the English transliteration of his name: "do not close mountain". It makes no sense in English and is a rather strange name in Chinese too.
- Exact Words: Chapter 55. During the sleepover, Jian Yi decided to lay in Zheng Xi's bed, ready to go to sleep. Zheng Xi told him to roll over and go sleep in his sleeping bag, which was on the floor next to Zheng Xi. Jian Yi then rolled on top of Zheng Xi, told him good night, and then continued to roll into his sleeping bag. Zheng Xi was slightly freaked out. Jian Yi looked satisfied.
- Facepalm: Zheng Xi, chapter 70. When a bug lands on Jian Yi's privates while peeing in the woods, he calls Zheng Xi for help, too scared to take it off himself. Zhang Xi ends up doing this.
- Foe Romance Subtext: Initially He Tian and Mo Guanshan were kinda like this.
- Forceful Kiss: In Chapter 101, Jian Yi kisses Zhan Zheng Xi which ends with him being punched by Zhang Zheng Xi due to the shock.
- He Tian and Mo Guan Shan in chapter 134.
- Flipping the Bird: All 4 main characters at some point.
- Friendless Background: Jian Yi was the "newcomer" type as a child, revealed in chapter 75.
- Mo Guan Shan is also this.
- Gamer Chick: Zheng Xi's little sister is so good at video games that he doesn't even want her to play against him.
- Go Through Me: Zheng Xi pulls this during the fight between Jian Yi and Guanshan in chapters 86 and 87.
- Good News, Bad News: After the fight, Zheng Xi calls Jian Yi from the hospital, asking what happened while he was knocked out. Bad news: Xheng Xi was suspended. Good news: so was Guanshan.
- Going Commando: Jian Yi, chapter 49. After getting all wet from the river bank incident, he goes back to Zheng Xi's place and takes a shower. He then realizes he has no clean underwear to wear, thus invoking this trope.
- Groin Attack: By accident. Jian Yi fell asleep on Zheng Xi's shoulder. He shoved him off so hard that his head bounced off the wall behind him and he head-butted him in the crotch.
- Another accident in chapter 37. While Jian Yi is as his house, Zheng Xi decides to serve him some hot water to drink. The water is so hot that Jian Yi ended up dropping the hot water all over the other boy.
- Another incident in chapter 109, this time very much on purpose. As a way of revenge against Guanshan from the fight, He Tian and Jian Yi decide to twist Guanshan's balls.
- In chapter 163, Mo Guan Shan and He Tian do this to Jian Yi by slamming Jian Yi's on a tree trunk.
- Hair-Contrast Duo: He Tian and Guan Shan.
- Holding Hands: Chapter 57 has two examples for Jian Yi and Zheng Xi. The first is shown in a flash back with the two of them being in kindergarten. After Jian Yi gives a brief explanation of his home life, Zheng Xi held his hand, saying that it'll give him strength. Once the flashback ends, Jian Yi decides his hold his hand while Zheng Xi sleeps. Chapter 118 also has this, but with Zheng Xi being the one to hold his hand to comfort Jian Yi after his breakdown.
- Hates Being Touched: Zheng Xi, mostly by Jian Yi's. It's part of his tsundere attitude, although he will break his own rule if he's feeling affectionate. Chapter 26 is a good example of this.
- Iconic Outfit: Minor example, but if you pay attention, you'll notice that Jian Yi wears yellow ankle socks more often not. Plus, his stars and stripes boxer briefs are pretty iconic within the fandom.
- For Zheng Xi, it crosses over with his school uniform.
- Mo Guan Shan's orange bracelet is pretty iconic as well.
- Intertwined Fingers: He Tian and Mo Guan Shan in chapter 145.
- "Kick Me" Prank: Mild version of this in chapter 68. He Tian managed to stick a pamphlet into Jian Yi's pants. He didn't even notice it until Xheng Xi pointed it out. Jian Yi then threw it at He Tian.
- Kindhearted Cat Lover: Jian Yi. In the college art, he's occasionally pictured with a black cat. It's implied that it's his, and he's much more kind hearted out of the two of them. The cat's violent attitude reminds him of Zheng Xi, which is probably why he adopted it in the first place.
- Kiss-Kiss-Slap: In the very first chapter, a college age Jian Yi show up at Zheng Xi's door. The first thing Jian Yi does is kiss him. The first thing Zheng Xi does is punch him. Also in ch 101, Jian Yi kisses him for the first time, but gets punched. Angst ensues.
- Leg Focus: Rare Male Example. It's part of the artstyle, but it's especially notable on Jian Ji when he's wearing his maid costume. The thigh-high socks really highlight them.
- Lethal Chef: Not exactly, but in chapter 67, Jian Yi says that he remembers adding a bunch of condiments to his dumplings, saying that it tasted good. He Tian was brave enough to try it and he almost threw up.
- In Chapter 180, it shows He Tian cooking badly.
- Love Letter: Jian Yi offers the girl that likes Zheng Xi to give hers to him in chapter 60, with the condition that she stays away from him for a while. He ended up giving it to him in chapter 62. It gets broadcasted on the school bulletin board, and causes both her and Jian yi a lot of grief. Zheng Xi ends up gently turning her down.
- Moment Killer: Zheng Xi's little sister. In one of the more recent chapters, it seem like Zheng Xi is finally going to talk to Jian Yi about the kiss. It was at that moment when she (intentionally) decided to jump in.
- Mr. Fanservice: He Tian.
- Not-So-Forgotten Birthday: Jian Yi's birthday was played out like this. The day is played out like any other (with no acknowledgement from anyone) until Zheng Xi decides to take him out for a meal after school.
- Not What It Looks Like: Several times throughout the manhua. More often than not, it ends up looking like Jian Yi is trying to make out with Zheng Xi.
- Subverted in chapter 37. When Jian Yi drops hot water all over Zheng Xi, his first reaction is to pull Zheng Xi's pants down. At this moment, Zheng Xi's little sister decides to walk in, showing off her new eye mask. While wearing it.
- Said almost word for word in chapter 91. Jian Yi was forced to go commando and he had his hand down his pants while commenting how roomy his pants were. This is the moment where Zheng Xi's little sister walks in the room. He then explains that it was exactly what it looks like. She runs away, screaming.
- In chapter 160 with He Tian and Mo Guan being caught by Mo Guan Shan's mother in some... very awkward positions.
- The Peeping Tom: Averted in chapter 39. Zheng Xi is changing in the same room as Jian Yi. He could look if he wanted to. And he really does. But he doesn't.
- Perverted Sniffing: Jian Yi to Zheng Xi's bed when he comes over to his house for the first time in chapter 33.
- He Tian to Jian Yi chapter 75. Jian Yi ended up shoving him away.
- Piggyback Cute:
- Chapter 71 had Jian Yi attempt to do this with Xheng Xi after complaining that he was tired of walking. Zheng Xi yelled at him... then carried him for three steps anyways.
- Again in chapter 83. After running into a pole, Jian Yi gets a nosebleed. He also complains about his leg spasming. Zheng Xi then decides to carry him to the school nurse via piggyback. Jian Yi's surprised reaction has a slight implication that he may have been joking/lying.
- Chapter 122 has this with Zheng Xi carrying a drunken Jian Yi back home.
- Perpetual Frowner: Guan Shan.
- Potty Failure: Subverted in Chater 81 and 82. Jian Yi accidentally squirts water onto He Tian's crotch, making it look like this.
- Pinky Swear: Chapter 87. When the two were little, Zheng Xi promised to protect Jian Yi from a bully. Flash forward to the present, Zheng Xi is fighting Guanshan.
- Race for Your Love: When Zheng Xi wanted Jian Yi to visit him in the hospital, he ran all the way there.
- When He Tian tricks Mo Guan Shan into thinking he was hurt by sending a pic of him covered in tomato sauce.
- Red Oni, Blue Oni: Mo Guan Shan and He Tian respectively.
- Red String of Fate: In the new year's Mosspaca official illustration He Tian and Mo Guan Shan are seen chained together.
- Scenery Censor:
- Jian Yi in chapter 88. Bonus points is that it just so happens to be a towel.
- Again in chapter 70. Jian Yi's privates were conveniently blocked by various branches.
- Shirtless Scene: All of them.
- Smoking Is Cool: He Tian, a popular student that smokes.
- Staring Contest: Jian Yi vs. Zheng Xi in chapter 53. The loser had to do whatever the winner wanted him to. Jian Yi, the winner, decided to save it for later.
- Stress Vomit: Mo Guan Shan does this after entering a restaurant that reminded him of a fight that happen there that had to do with his dad.
- Suddenly Shouting: Chapter 85 has Jian Yi doing this when he he discover He Tian ditching clean up duty for basketball.
- Super Drowning Skills: Jian Yi in chapter 86. The two fall into a river bank while trying to retrieve Zheng Xi's phone. The water looks to be only about waist deep yet Zheng Xi had to pull him out.
- Supreme Chef: He Tian says Guan Shan is a great cook.
- Surprise Party: Chapters 69 through 73 had the two boys climb up a mountain, letting Xheng Xi show Jian Yi his favorite spot. By the time they got up there, it was late, letting them look out over the city. They lit sparklers, made wishes together, and Xheng Xi even let Jian Yi tough his hair.
- Running Gag: Early on in the comic, it was common place for Jian Yi and Zheng Xi to get caught doing something weird by a large group of people, their classmates more often than not.
- Skipping School: Due to Zheng Xi's suspension, Jian Yi decided to ditch school, with He Tian's help. When He Tian gets caught helping him, he decides to ditch with him.
- Sleepyhead: Jian Yi. He often falls asleep between classes while Zheng Xi watches over him.
- Something Else Also Rises: Potentially. In one of the college chapters, Jian Yi grabs Zheng Xi's crotch while Zheng Xi is wearing a bunny mascot costume. Not only does he visually tense up, but the flower he's holding stands up too.
- Stalker with a Crush: A girl called Xiao Hui has crush on Zheng Xi. If you pay attention, you can catch her in the background of many scenes. Jian Yi even calls her out on it in chapter 60.
- The Glomp: Chapter 64 had He Tian do this to Jian Yi. He ended up spilling up the papers he was holding.
- Again in chapter 73. After Zheng Xi shows Jian Yi his favorite spot, Jian Yi tackled him with happy tears in his eyes.
- Chapter 66 has Jian Yi do this to Zheng Xi, excited about going to the movies with him... even though they made no such plans.
- Chapter 80. This Time Jian Yi jumped off a bench onto an unsuspecting Zheng Xi. Needless to say, they both fell over.
- Turn the Other Cheek: Jian Yi and Zheng Xi do this to each other. In the original one shot, Jian Yi barges into Zheng Xi's apartment unannouced. After messing with his things, Zheng Xi threatens to kick him out. Jian Yi then decides to give Zheng Xi a limited edition video game he'd been wanting. He then lets him spend the night.
- Umbrellaof Togetherness: He Tian and Guan Shan share an umbrella in chapter 98. Happens again on Chapter 225 but played for Played for Laughs as all 4 of the guys share one umbrella.
- Unresolved Sexual Tension: He Tian and Mo Guan Shan.
- Vulgar Humor: A minor example. While the two were on break at the maid cafe, a little girl told Jian Yi that "she" shouldn't sit with his legs open. He then lifts up his skirt. The girl runs away screaming for her mother and Zheng Xi is understandably horrified.
- Wholesome Crossdresser: Jian Yi, post return. He dresses up in a maid outfit in one of the artworks. Seeing as Zheng Xi is dressed up as a butler with him, it seems to be for work.
- Yaoi Fangirl: In chapter 17, Jian Yi decides to stroke Zheng Xi's thighs with his foot while the two of them do their homework in class. When he looks up to see if anyone saw, all of the girls in class are either staring at them, smiling, or taking pictures.
- You Are Not Alone: How Jian Yi and Zheng Xi became friends. In chapter 35, Jian Yi reminisces about his childhood. One day, after a play, the teachers invite the children to have their pictures taken with their parents. Having no parents, Jian Yi is sitting by himself, looking sad... until Zheng Xi invites him to have his picture taken with his family. This was how they met.
- In chapter 148, He Tian tells Guan Shan that in the future he should try to not shoulder everything on his own. By this He Tian means Guan Shan is not alone and that he is there for him.
- You Must Be Cold: In chapter 148, He Tian notices Guan Shan is cold so in a very caring manner he puts the jacket he was wearing over Guan Shan shoulders.
