While I momentarily feared that they would end up apart in the end, reminiscing about their first gay relationship, I was very happy to see them together in the end. In addition, although some condemn Xiao Bing for obeying her parents, I believe she is worthy of sympathy. Early on, she was shown to be realistic despite liking fictional stories with her responding to MC's independent cinderella with, '"It's not very realistic. In that era, girls who weren't married and had no kids wouldn't even be guaranteed the most basic standard of living. And with what they were taught from a young age, it was hard for them to break through ideological shackles, " Chen Ruobing said and heaved a sigh. "She wouldn't be happy."' (ch 9), and how she reflects that society has not changed its opinion on an "independent cinderella" even now. In my opinion, that was foreshadowing to her own eventual submission to her parents (society). She's sensitive to society's constraints, not everyone can be bullheaded like some anime protagonist MC and ignore all the rules. If anything, her realism creates an interesting juxtaposition with the MC's rebellious stage. In addition, there was even more explanation with her considering how being in a gay relationship would lead to a lifetime of judgement. Although from a fantastical perspective rejecting society and traditionalist parents been idolized, in reality being cut off is often extremely painful, both monetarily and emotionally. By considering these things, it reveals XB's commitment to the MC and seriousness about her relationship, and it establishes a certain depth to the story. In the end, I think her decision was very in character with her, being more of a brains > emotion type.

She's not without flaws, but XB shouldn't be condemned for obeying her parents. She's been indoctrinated by a conformist society (this was even commented on in the first chapter by the MC with uniforms and friendship) and she is so intelligent she understands a little too well the risks of pursuing passion. For me, my main issue with her is how she never reached out once the MC stopped contacting, never taking the initiative. Having been on both sides, it's pretty painful to be one sidedly trying to maintain a relationship, and I completely understand why they fell apart after that.

Overall, this story was a breath of fresh air after reading many wish fulfillment yay happy ending JP novels and short stories. Although it took them ~16 years to get together properly, they both changed so much and ended up with such a happy ending I think it was worth it. Reminding me of three days of happiness, although they may have lost a decade and a half to the tribulations of life, the relationship they have now is even more treasured becuase of it.

Ehe, my favorite part of the story was when XB was like I have a girl I like and the MC immediately understood who she was talking about (͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

It was very refreshing after seeing many misunderstandings in other stories ahaha

She's not without flaws, but FL shouldn't be hated for her thoughts too much. She's been raised by a conformist society and she is so intelligent she understands the risks of that would be taken. My main issue with her is how she never reached out once the MC stopped contacting, never taking the initiative. It's pretty unreasonable for her to expect MC to one sidedly trying to maintain a relationship, and I completely understand why they fell apart after that.

This was one reason I ultamitaly felt very conflicted about the relationship, I ended up completing it and I'm somewhat glad... Although I feel FL's character could use shaping.