I absolutely love this novel, if you are looking for something cute, without drama, this is for you, it makes me feel so nostalgic about my own high school days😿 it's just the perfect representation of what youth is.

I saw some negative reviews, if you wanna read something with a complex plot, you may find this pretty boring, this novel it's a slice of life, if you want a complex plot, why are u reading this?

Nevermind, this is one of my favorite novels, it's my confort novel🫶🏻

I read this entirely in Chinese because a good part of Chinese fandom (as in, China) was in raptures over it and I was curious as to see the fuss.

At the end of reading it, my foremost thought is simply this: I'm old.

(I'm twenty-two, in case any one is actually wondering).

The language is fairly simple. There's a lot of humour. The characters are generally likeable and their interactions with each other are cute, even if I'm sure I've seen each of their tragic backstories lifted wholesale from a Korean... more>> drama before (sigh). The supporting cast (their classmates) are a riot as well. But.

Even though I came into this novel knowing full well it was going to be a high school romance, I guess I wasn't prepared to be reading a high school romance. These characters' main concerns are winning the inter-class sports competition and doing well on the national exam to get into a good university. If I recall correctly there's a Cultural Festival of sorts where the mains' class puts up a dance performance. They're in love and they think it's going to last a lifetime.

Which it may. God knows first loves only last forever when immortalised in the pages of a shoujo manga. Or the C-Novel equivalent with gays, which is this book. But I just look on that youthful optimism with a good deal of eye-rolling and cynicism, unable to suspend disbelief even within these mere 100+ pages of fiction.

I think you would enjoy this if you were fresh out of high school and teeming with hope for the future. Or a little more elderly, as long as you've retained some optimism and remain young at heart. As I am neither, reading this book felt not unlike how I imagine my parents would feel if they were to watch High School Musical at this point in time. Even as I type this I feel the mysterious urge to cluck my tongue and mutter under my breath about young people these days. So natural cynics take note. <<less

I find this story a bit fresh, well because the MC and ML are still in high school LOL. It's time to clear my mind from my usual middle-aged iceberg ML LOL LOL LOL.

One thing I find it funny here is because MC and ML are both acting s*upid, no, they're earnestly competing the spot of the lowest grade in the school. Both of them also don't know that the other's a genius. So, when they got together later in the first half of the story, both of them... more>> worrying over each other bad grades, like : "what should I do, my lover is beyond help, he's so s*upid, I should help him to make his grade better..." BUT! what makes it hillarious is since they stil don't know that the other one is a genius, then their worry just turn out like this to each other : "what should I do.... my lover is acting like a wise smart person, urging me to study, while his own grade is actually even more worrisome than mine...."LOL! <<less

The story is worth the MTL effort. Still looking forward to the great translation the chaleuria team is doing because I probably missed a lot of details.

It's a story of two HS boys who became deskmates and faking their school rankings, trying their best to stay at the bottom of it. They also act as the perfect idiots in school, MC with his cold-face and i-can't-be-bothered attitude and ML with his charming, arrogant im-an-idiot-so-what facade.

... more>>

Spoiler

their acting are so good it came to the point when the two are dating and both of them are worried for the other one's future prospect. MC thought ML is a hopeless student, and vice versa. Like MC made a comprehensive reviewing plan for ML which he sent anonymously via email to ML while ML bought review books for MC which he left anonymously on MC's side of the desk, lmao.

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Each of them has their own reasons. When you're in that age, everything seems like a big deal and tend to do self-sacrificing things so the reasons are believeable.

Also, their classmates and friends and families are supportive and hilarious. There's really no big villains, just people being humans. The side characters are not one-dimensional and hilarious at times.

It's a really good read while I'm waiting for a strong typhoon to pass by. I hope the translator keeps up their good work. <<less

Be aware before you begin this novel: I didn't know the novel was pay-to-read from chapter 29 which is disappointing. (I won't read it because I experienced this thing once before, ambushed and forced to pay if I wanted to keep reading, I did pay, twice noticing the 2nd payment was more than the first... when the third payment demand popped up I was done. The amount demanded was more again, I wasn't even sure how many more times I would be extorted (I was USD$12 in at... more>> this time) and this was for the translation site - nowhere did it say the author would receive some of the purchase money.) Since then I won't pay, just kofi donations. How disappointing, I was really enjoying the gentle, slice of school life this novel offered. <<less

This five star review of mine is not an exaggeration. I have very high standards for BL novels, and I think that my rating had done the novel's quality justice.

The author clearly portrayed the essence of youth and the growth of the characters in the story. Their life changing decisions and how they handle situations. There was no unexpected twist and turns. The problematic side of the educational system had also been tackled as well as the students' complications about studying.

The solidity of their class that was formed through ups... more>> and downs had made the story even more captivating.

The first six chapters establishes the main character's situation in life, the things most important to him and how he usually solves his problems.

Overall, the story has been relaxing and greatly satisfying and has told a student like me that the future contains endless possibilities, have courage go off to even further places.

Happy reading everyone!! <<less

I've dropped this novel so many times and at this point I don't see myself finishing it. It's not for me.

The MC and ML are lovable and the relationship between the two is great, it's a slow, mature, realistic relationship where the two go from strangers to lovers. It's very sweet.

The actual plot line however is slow, almost non-existent. I understand the focus is on school and for the two characters to fail their classes but it was boring to force myself to read through them doing so, or the... more>> reasons why they are the way they are. It wasn't badly written, just felt super tedious to read and care, and despite how much I love slow books I would have preferred this story to end faster.

TLDR; Overall still a good story but ultimately not for me. <<less

Rating: 4.6/5

A must-read coming-of-age story about young love and friendships.

So why should you read Fake Slackers?

A+++ Humor

What I love the most about Fake Slacker is the shenanigans, mostly in courtesy of the rowdy bunch of Class 3! Each of the characters shines in different ways with their own hilarious quirk/love, such as.

• • MC x sleep
  • ML x attention
  • Know-It-All x gossip
  • Gym rep x food
  • Study rep x studying

Best is when these goofs shared a single brain cell and joined forces for ridiculous antics. I couldn't stop laughing at their shenanigans. Seriously, the humor in this book is A+++.

The best Found Family, including:

• • Grandpa/can't-be-bothered MC, who lets his actions (mostly fists) speak louder than words.
  • Shameless ML, who is a total simp for MC.
  • The rowdy bunch of Class 3 - best dudes and dudettes. (Can't get enough of them, seriously!)
  • Supportive and hilarious teachers (overall), the kind I wish everyone have in school.

Fake Slacker is one of the books that I wish there are MORE interactions between the main and supporting characters. Seriously, as much as I love the romance between our CP, I can't get enough of the camaraderie (+ridiculous antics) that happened when everyone got together.

Young love!

Before Fake Slackers, I did not expect to enjoy a high school romance this much (I'm old LOL). It's the kind of sweet slow-burn romance that builds up over time. I totally squealed when they first held hands (LOL). I adore this kind of couple - supportive, sweet, straightforward with a healthy dose of flirting and banter. Well, it's mostly ML teasing MC and either got flustered by MC flirting back, or got pummelled by MC LOL.

Character growth and youth spirit

Fake Slackers is essentially a story of the two troubled youths. It's lovely to watch them break out of their shells, and bond with loved ones. While I adore the relationship between MC and ML, they don't exist in a bubble. Besides each other's support, it's the acceptance and support of their peers that help the main duo break out of their shells.

As a coming-of-age story, the author did a wonderful job of portraying the stage of life that is full of equal hope and uncertainty, and lots of stress from exams LOL. The overall tone of the book is warm and optimistic. Reading Fake Slackers will either leave you with a sense of nostalgia or youthful optimism LOL.

P/S I wish there were more books written, or English fanfic because I love this universe so much.

A cute, sweet, and funny story about two problem students and their school life together. I finished the entire story in Chinese, and it's really one of the best school life slice-of-life stories you can find. Both main characters are likable and endearing with interesting motivations, and the chemistry with each other is really charming and believable. Xie Yu is cold but inwardly soft, and He Zhao is ridiculous but has his serious moments; they work really well playing off each other. Their dynamic is compelling and leaves you wanting... more>> more even after you finish all the extras (which are highly satisfying and give you really interesting indications about their future together). I seriously recommend this web novel! <<less

The MC and ML are both secretive and both are delinquents but why??... You'll find out.I JUST CAN'T STOP READING THIS NOVEL!!!!!? YOU HEAR ME? This is a ride. This is so f*cking good. It is not your typical novel with toppers of class, being deskmate or sharing same room. But everyone will develop and understand their lives better. They will grow with everyone. This novel is so good you won't regret reading. It is also good to reminisce about our school time. The romance is not out of place... more>> at all. People will come to an understanding and not everything stays same. Some things happens for good. Although it is slice of life but trust me the author puts every thing so correctly that it feels so real and can't help cheer for them. The side characters are so good OMG!! I can literally die for them. MC is cold stern face doesn't waste any words and just fights head on. MC REALLY REMINDS ME OF LAN ZHAN. And the ML is just as dramatic devilish handsome... So just go for it. <<less

Dropped...I just, think it's boring? I mean, it's just kind of dull?

I think people who really love slow slice of life will like this, but excuse me I also like slow slice of life?? Hello? I just really want to like this but it's just... Dull. It's trying to go somewhere while feeling not interesting and very much taking it's time doing very little in the meanwhile? Ah...I may be alone here....

Also HELLO THE LINKS DONT WORK STARTING FROM CH19? Anyone? No? um maybe I'm missing something here...

THIS IS A MUST READ!! ONE OF MY FAVOURITE BOOKS EVER!!!

I only found out they were translating this a moment ago, but I read it in Chinese, and bought the audio drama (yes, they have an audio drama (❁´ω`❁))

This is unquestionably, one of the sweetest books I've read. The main characters are Xie Yu and He Zhao. The book follows their daily lives at school (and basically makes you reminisce your highschool days). (*^▽^) /★*☆ Another pro is that the developement of their relationship is realistic, the ML isn't your... more>> typical, overprotective a-hole, the ML and MC have a healthy relationship, the girls in it are well written, characters other than the MC and ML have backstories and are realistic, and the overall feelling of the book is light-hearted and sweet.

If that wasn't enough to convince you, it's packed with fluff, hilarious moments of banter between classmates, and occassionally some tears, this is just the perfect book to read if you're looking for a slice of life novel. ヾ ^_^♪

P.S I love this book soooo much <<less

This is the best novel ever! I've read it more than five times and listened to the audio drama (season 1&2) too, but still can't get enough of them. They're so cute, sweet and funny❤️

Sheesh, wow, woah, I'm- I need grass 🤧

Just finished reading this and let me tell youuu, this. THIS RIGHT HERE, is the best, I still can't believe I read it till the end, I mean I can't just bear to never see the next chapter again while anticipating what'll happen in the next scenario. Man I just love this novel, im gonna cry its just best!! The plotline is great, the characters are great, the layout, wording, and translation itself are all great! T^T) 9 I'll praise this novel to... more>> the heavens if it gets you to read it! Promise it's really worth it [♡°♡]

Spoiler

ps: if u cant find the other chapters just know you can type in [fake slackers noveltrench] (in google chrome ofc) and if u want to read the other chapters aka extras; [fake slackers extra chapters] if you still cant find it you can go to novelhd and search fake slackers there. Goodnight I have exams tmrw hahshs cramming 3-3)

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The novel felt a bit shallow for me maybe it's because I didn't have a good youth myself, I'm not as young as them anymore, so I couldn't relate with them as much as the other readers, but the characters are really lovable and I felt attached to them but not with the story, but this doesn't matter because I still had good time reading this novel

I read this novel only to pass my time, I'm not used to this light genres, but it's a decent one. But the main... more>> reason why I love this novel so much is bc of a certain fanart of Xie Yu and He Zhao, they're really too handsome QAQ. And the extras the ones that touched my heart.

Also, their reasons for being fake slackers are a bit... illogical for me? <<less

What to do when your boyfriend won't study?

A story mixed with the hot-bloodedness of youths and simplicity of life.

Xie Yu (MC) and He Zhao (ML) are fake slackers, hence the name. The story was really refreshing compared to the other danmei, or BL novels. There is no "plot" other than high schoolers living their high school life. Like one reviewer said, the characters are worrying about sports tournaments and exams and not about having to save the world or something similar. A very sweet slice of life mixed with comedy... more>> (Xie Yu's remarks and He Zhao's actions)

Characters:

• Xie Yu:
  Spoiler

  Tsundere would be the closest definition for the MC's personality. He is not rude or anything like that. Just a little cold and doesn't speak much. His mouth would say no but he would still do it. MC is actually very soft-hearted, except that it is hidden under his bitter words.

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• He Zhao:
  Spoiler

  This ML is unlike other MLs. Not cold CEO stereotype, demon king, etc. He is a fun, playful character who tends to hide his pain under a smile. Very playful, very foolish. Personally I prefer him over MC because he has so much depth that the author did not explore.

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• Side Characters:
  Spoiler

  All of them are relevant. They are not one-dimensional, but show growth, show emotions that would often be seen in students their age. There are good and bad teachers just like how there are good and bad students. They too show growth in thoughts and actions.

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Romance: Not a whirlwind romance, but a subtle one built from proximity and comfort.

Spoiler

There is more emotion written when He Zhao falls in love vs Xie Yu's point of view. Both are still very believable. He Zhao is 100% a henpecked lover. He Zhao's love is like a sticky fire, burning down the door to Xie Yu's heart. He constantly reminds you that he loves you[Xie Yu], cares for you, and cherishes you. Xie Yu's love is like a gentle breeze. Comforting and relaxing. A place to feel safe. It's not extravagant/showy, but sometimes it catches you off guard and warms your heart.

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Plot:

Spoiler

I was very impatient with them going from last to first. You will be too. Obviously.

I have some grievances about when they found out the identities of each other. Personally, I feel like they accepted it naturally. They "fought" and that was it. It was never mentioned again.

I liked how the author tried to use "don't judge a book by its cover" and it was executed well with the Black Water Street and grades.

There was not really plot, but I felt the mundane life of a high schooler getting ready for college. The story revolves about year 2 and year 3 felt rushed but that was because year 2 laid out EVERYTHING.

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Overall I really enjoyed this slice of life danmei. I do wish that the author elaborated more on He Zhao and his life other than like a few sentences. His life seems much more interesting than the MC's. Sometimes I felt that He Zhao was the author's baby rather than Xie Yu since the author characterized him so well.

8.5/10 but rounded up to a 5 for the rating. <<less

I agree whole heartily with the comments saying this are very high school romance. if you are looking for the cliche c-novel romance first love plot then this is for you. There nothing wrong with MC and ML but thats what make them so boring and the plot also isnt helping the conflict is just meh. It literally took me almost 9 months to finish reading this because I keep dropping it halfway from how bored I am.

I read the whole thing through and I liked all the different characters. Each of them was filled out and had their own life in the plot but the MC and ML are still my favorite. They are both geniuses but they're failing so much! The MC doesn't know that the ML is failing on purpose and tries to learn from him to be a bad student but it turns out that the ML is faking it too.

Well, well... It is my first time writing a review. It was quite unexpected that it is for a type of slice of life kind'a novel. The reason is the fluff, wholesomeness, and the relatable school life!

Know what, as long as you get pass the wait and arrive at the confession scene.., it will be worth it. Because the one arduous thing about reading this novel is the sensory imagery. The author's literary sense is too great that it makes me lazy most of the time. You will need great... more>> patience, and passion for the characters. (But if you do like sensory imagery then, why are you still reading this?? Go now, GO!)

On the other hand, I think it wouldn't be that difficult for you to get through this. Cause the likability of the characters just want to get past the moon. The supporting characters are just perfect at adding to the colorful life of our main characters-- a cold, solo player and a shameless, handsome devil. You'll enjoy their compatibility and their struggles that involves the help/support of the other and how they grow with their relationship. The healing will heal you too, yes.

I love, love, love them. <<less

***********AN ABSOLUTE UNDERRATED GEM PLEASE READ IT **********

God I love this story. It really captures the humorous moments in everyday school life, and the author is amazing at writing fluid conversations. I'm even taking notes on some of the retorts the students used just because they are simply too genius and hilarious.

A+++ for characters. I especially love Xie Yu's personality. He Zhao makes me laugh almost every time he appears. The rest of the students are simply amazing as well, each with their defining features. Even the teachers are funny... more>> and not simply cannon fodder. Also I love the fact that their personalities and the general way they treat each other doesn't change even after their relationship?? Makes the experience even more enjoyable even after they get together ahhhhh

The plot itself is just awesome as well, and sooo fun to follow. You will literally cry tears of laughter and joy.

READ IT READ IT READ IT READ IT READ IT READ IT READ IT READ IT READ IT READ IT READ IT READ IT READ IT READ IT READ IT READ IT READ IT READ IT READ IT READ IT READ IT READ IT READ IT READ IT READ IT READ IT READ IT READ IT READ IT READ IT <<less

What to say.... arrived to chapter 29 and discovered I had to pay if I wanted to keep reading. It says the novel is fully translated and 30 chapters long on Novel updates but than you discover that there are more than 90 chapters but you can access only 28. That is of course perfectly fine if it is stated at the beginnings but disonest if you discover it like that. I, for once, would not have waisted my time and start reading it if I was told a the... more>> start.

I am so annoied by this kind of trix that even if I had been really enjoying myself I would have refused to go ahead anyway and in this case it was not even that good. It is just the curiosity because you already started reading something.

Ence my rating... <<less