A sweet school romance danmei tinged with much realism. Many situations and characters are quite relatable. There are some inevitable angst coming from dark themes like bullying, h*mophobia and child neglect but the angst are common sense and are never dragged out and never comes from s*upid misunderstandings. The h*mophobia comes from MC's bunch of degenerate classmates from his previous school, not from his parents. His parents are the sweetest ever... no family drama sh*t here. ML has some family drama but they don't matter, since they don't matter to... more>> ML anyways lol. The protags are very sweet and cute and very devoted towards each other. Very well written and translated. <<less

This was a very wholesome yet dramatic and exciting BL novel - a combination that I personally find rare.

Both protagonists are deep characters with detailled background stories who struggle with their own issues but ultimately help each other through hard times and make the other a better person. Their feelings for each other are genuine and their romance developes at a slow but natural and satisfying pace. We also get well-rounded side-characters and no typical over-the-top BL stereotypes.

At times I found the descriptions of just how much they all studied... more>> extremly unrelatable but that could just be me or cultural differences. I am also not the biggest fan of a High School setting but as this was an important theme of the story, I didn't mind it. The story would have also worked at a University, however, and I think that would have made me like it more.

All in all, for me this was a feel-good read and I know I will think back fondly to it for a long time. <<less

Rating: 5/5- Loved this! A solid highschool romance with realistic problems told in a realistic way!

I loved all the characters in this book. I loved their ways of thinking, their internal struggles and how they grew from the various stages of high-school troubles to excelling at life.

No character was perfect or experienced. There was no OPness and instead everyone worked hard to achieve their goals. The concept of bullying and ostracism was handled very well and overall there was a lot of depth and personality written for each of the... more>> characters.

It’s a quick bit meaningful real that is unforgettable and extremely enjoyable! <<less

To early to rate, but so far this is excellent. The characters are all very believable and by chapter 5, I'm already invested in the main character's happiness. The translation is also excellent. One thing I particularly like is that the translator doesn't 'over translate'. Names, titles and some expressions are expressions are left in Pinyin, which I find preferable, as somethings that are entirely natural in Chinese sound very peculiar when literally translated. In those cases, I generally prefer Pinyin or translation for intent rather than verbatim. All in... more>> all, this is a very promising start and I look forward to more.

I was engaged enough to read the whole thing (except for the extras which weren't available), and this is a very good coming of age romance. It's unusually realistic in some ways and has an emotional honesty to it. The main characters are all likable and you will definitely find yourself rooting for their happiness. The most realistic part? These teenage boys eat constantly, and if they aren't eating, they're planning to eat, lol. <<less

A fairly short, sweet-and-sour read. I say ‘sour’ because there is a decent amount of angst:

The circumstances under which Gu Quinan comes to attend No. 7, i.e. being heavily bullied and subsequently stalked by the guy who started the rumours about his homosexuality in the first place;

Zhan Ming’s home situation;

... more>>

Spoiler

And, later on, Zhan Ming’s reticence to accept Gu Quinan’s confession, despite the fact that he very much wants to, which results in a small chunk of angst until they’re finally over the hurdle and begin dating in earnest.

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Honestly, it’s not a stellar or revolutionary story. But I did find it quite charming.

I see some other reviews criticizing Gu Quinan’s low EQ and ‘annoying’ personality—please bear in mind that at the outset he is a 15 year old boy who has just had an agonizing year of being bullied to the extreme. Prior to this he was already socially awkward, as he never really got the chance to connect with his peers growing up and develop much emotional intelligence in the first place. He is clingy and he is pushy and he can be insensitive, and all are behaviours which Zhan Ming accepts, because he is smart enough to know Nannan means nothing bad by it; the neediness he actively enjoys. As for Quinan’s parents being ‘overprotective’ and Quinan ‘pushing’ Zhan Ming to study...

The Gu family has very good reason to be overprotective, and while Quinan is his greatest motivation, studying is ultimately Zhan Ming’s own choice, one which pays off.

Also, this has little bearing on my rating, but the translator did a lovely job. It is MTL but it was very smoothly edited; the scenic descriptions of the city and the boys’ school days in general made me really nostalgic. It was an aspect I immensely enjoyed.

Sweet, sour, and in the end a little dirty, too. It passed the time well. <<less

It could have been a good romance. But there's a big problem : The MC is 15 (and xueba) , but all his thoughts, words and actions are more childish than a 8years old kid... Well it's ok to read but it's not THE student bl novel

Overall a very cute and sweet novel. No heart ache or angst, just a simple school boy friendships and romance. A bit boring but not enough to drop the novel.

I thought this story was wonderfully cute and fairly realistic. It touched on bullying, how two people in a relationship can mutually pull each other up, and the beauty / sorrow of family.

I think the romance is very sweet, though I don't really understand why the ML gave up on his life originally - I think it is a rather realistic portrayal of the heightened angst teenagers go through, where everything feels overwhelming. He's actually being much more mature than others at that age - recognizing what others actually owe... more>> or not owe him clearly (most teenagers assume everyone owes them everything) <<less

this novel deserves 10000000+ stars for its absolutely adorable and meaningful story shdjs I love it so much

originally, I didn't have any high hopes for this novel and was expecting a brainless and fluffy plot but I was wrong!

there are heavy themes discussed pretty realistically especially the ML's family issues and h*mophobia irl.

both MC and ML had tremendous character development in just 66 chapters (even the side characters did haha) and it's great! They weren't perfect, neither of them have exceptional beauty or show stopping talents unlike most danmei in... more>> this genre. They both worked hard to get what they want; the MC is smart because he studies like crazy and the ML is independent and capable of many things because he was forced to adapt due to his hard life and living environment.

love love love how the story was delivered. The author managed to retain the youthful feeling of cramming for exams/anxiety over the future/dealing with personal issues in a pretty realistic but hopeful tone <<less

Adorable. Feel like this is one of the more realistic BL stories I've read recently. Every other one describes the MC and ML as the pinnacle of beauty, but here the MC is just described as cute and handsome but slightly short, and the ML is described as tall and tan and above average-looking. The ML is one of the most mature MLs we've had, especially for his age of just 17/18. He's been through so much and even when falling in love considers so many details for his precious... more>> baby and pampers him throughout his life. Seeking another copy of the ML irl please and thank you. <<less

Both MC and ML has their problems and they tried their best to help each other. ZM is very protective towards GQN and GQN really wants to help ZM. The four friends also have a very good relationship. WY and QRY pair is very cute too.

A cute, somewhat angsty, story that doesn't go in depth about the things it talks about

It felt too short, the ending a bit rushed, and many things were pretty much left in the air

I wish we got to see more of ML's growth

I was expecting to see things getting a proper end in the extras, but that wasn't the case, so I'm a bit disappointed, but overall I enjoyed it

First, the story is so heartwarming and touching. MCs past trauma was so sad to know, unfortunately society is really that harsh, would even do worse things towards you after knowing something that is really alien towards them.

The MC is really smart. I even dropped my jaw when he even thought his scores are low and even strived harder to get high scores despite being the top 1 in the class. (God I wish I have his brain rn). He is also adorable, taking notes for the ML to repay... more>> its kindness awwww (not to mention his small figure omg omg although he's way more bigger than me but ugh)

and the ML, well, the first thing I love about him is he was a doting boyfriend. Its cute seeing him take care of the MC specially bringing him to school with a scooter after waiting for MC to drop off from the train. The other thing is, he's an understanding gentlemen, and really had a loong looong patience to tell and indulge the MC with its questions (since MC has low EQ and really is still new with the things around him, specially to the events he encountered throughout the novel).

And lastly, the two bestfriends/little brothers of the ML who are really so adorable (specially Bing-ge I relate to him we both dum dum). They r funny and cute, and gets along well with MC when they recently just grouped from three person group to four. Their bonding as well is really so adorable, going to the sea, eat together and even play. <<less

Rating 4.8 (I won't go to into detail about the -0.2)

This is such a warm and down-to-earth novel. It has realistic characters each with their own strengths and flaws (and not just typical web novel flaws with very good character development throughout, and realistic situations.

P.S. (The translation is also excellent. One thing I particularly like is that the translator doesn't 'over translate'. Names, titles and some expressions are expressions are left in Pinyin, which I find preferable, as somethings that are entirely natural in Chinese sound very peculiar... more>> when literally translated. In those cases, I generally prefer Pinyin or translation for intent rather than verbatim.)

Many situations and characters are quite relatable. There are some inevitable angst coming from dark themes like bullying, h*mophobia and child neglect but the angst are common sense and are never dragged out and never comes from s*upid misunderstandings.

Because their were controversial things about ML. Ex. How he retaliated against the bullies at No.1 High school. It was both relatable and realistic. These kids are only teenagers so you can't expect them to always act mature even though that is something the ML tries to do in most situations. <<less

Now I get it why other people said it has a wholesome story, the pair's indeed cute. They really care for each other. It wasn't eveyday that we'd get to see an ML who's not OP so I give this more point. That was a good read!

PS: Really love Bin-ge's personality too HAHAHAH

Lovely book, their relationship is sweet and progressed smoothly with only a few bumps do to insecurities from the ml. Only problem I had was with the MC being so childish, it was uncomfortable once you noticed but didn’t take away much from the book.

You know what's so scary about this story? BULLYING is REAL!

School and workplace bullying happens almost everyday. This is just too sad.

What if Zang Min doesn't care about Gu Qinan at all and was tormented even in his new school, the horror! I cannot imagine what might have happened to him, probably it'll cause him permanent damage, both emotionally and physically (ugh Lin Shida, you damn pe*vert!!!!). While ZM himself was bullied at home by his own family, glad that he's still steadfast. Speaking of which, ugh! Just me reading... more>> the nagging of the auntie and the thing that was happening in ZM's house, already gives me a migraine what more if I was there and hearing all that crap! Dang!

I love how they gradually healed and helped each other to achieved their dreams. Also Yuan-ge and Bin-ge are the kind of friends you'd treasure. Both funny and very much supportive. I love the relationship of the "quartet" and their journey to change.

Overall, this is a nice read and hopefully people learn how to stand against the bullies coz not everyone is as lucky as Gu Qinan is real life. <<less

5/5 ☆ Slice of Life. THIS IS JUST SO SWEET I CANNOT?!?!??!?! AN ABSOLUTE GEM THAT I COMPLETELY ADORE FROM START TO END. The MC is a cutesy study god who was bullied in his last school, and the ML is a school tyrant who has his own problems but never forgets to be there for the MC. They are absolutely made for each other, and the development of the romance is *chef's kiss*. I binged this until 6 am in the morning since it's THAT good. This deserves so... more>> much more attention and if you're looking for a sign to read it, this is it <3 (I totally regret not reading this sooner)

The highlights of IHMSBY is definitely the fluff, the realistic setting (the problems they go through) and how 3D & lifelike the characters are. The MC, ML, and even the side characters grow so much, and it really touches my soft spots >.< Especially the ML, he's not the usual 2D cookie cutter gong. Instead, he has problems just like everyone else and strives to be someone that the MC deserves despite such troubles. He's mature, loving and respectful - all the sweet moments with the MC makes me scream so much because its so SWEET. They really are a match made in heaven and their interactions are not forced like other novels, but have loving & very caring actions in everyday tidbits that will make your heart melt. They complement each other so well and help each other to grow from their respective problems/trauma (I really felt for the MC and ML)

It also talks about discrimination in a way that really compels the reader to think deeper and opens our eyes to a very important topic. I love how the author wrote about it, and it makes me even more fired up to cheer for our main CP's happiness.

A healing, heartwarming and wholesome read with so much fluff, give yourself a reward and read this.

(Precious study god Gu Qinan × Loving school tyrant Zhan Ming) <<less

This really warms my heart for real.

Spoiler

I'm just a bit pissed that the Wan and Lin guys didn't have like a more jaily or worse ending. It feels like they just got away with everything

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This story was so wholesome and adorable! The characters were so well written and were very relatable. The pacing of the story was perfect and I literally read it all in one go. I highly recommend reading this if you’re looking for a somewhat short, but beautiful bl slice of life story.