I read this around the time where there were only 20 or so chapters translated but now that there are a few more piled up I have no motivation to continue reading, this obviously is just my personal opinion on why I dropped this novel.

The MC- I don't like him, my first impression of him is that he's shallow, and I have no problems with that tbh, since it's mostly humorous and makes perfect sense considering he's a teenager, also he's only shallow in context of crushes, he treats everyone... more>> decently, but he's only romantically interested in people he finds attractive, so there is no harm done, the real problem I have with him comes up when he does get a crush on someone, and how he acts towards his crush.

The MC practically fell at first sight, and this starts a one-sided relationship where all the MC does is obsess over a guy who hasn't spoken a full sentence to him, he's got no real friends other than one girl he talks to on occasion, no real hobbies other than staring at the ML and doing this weird thing where he assigns the ML points based on idk how attractive he finds him..??? Or whenever the ML does something he likes, like saying a word to him, it's kinda creepy imagine if someone you did not know was out here rating you like that, and I really don't like how the ML is the center of the MC's life before they ever even had an actual bond. All that because he finds the ML hot, ik he's a teenager but bffr.

All that is annoying but not enough to make me hate him as a character, the worst part of him reveals himself when he sees something in the ML he doesn't like or finds unattractive, it's what really made me lose all respect for him. He saw cigarette burn scars on the ML and I kid you not, this guy sees that and proceeds to subtract points from him?????? Like hello?? That's so gross, why the hell is he treating the ML like a piece of meat to be rated??? Imagine looking at scars on someone's body and judging them like that, I don't think even his age can save him here, because what the f*ck, most of the times cigarette burns are from abuse, child abuse in this case but for some reason the MC assumes they are self-inflicted (iirc) which is just as bad because why the hell would you judge someone for that, later the ML does admit to self-harming by cutting his neck, which sounds very serious and what the hell does the MC do? Subtract points in his head. That's wild. He seems to lack empathy and cares more about the fact that his object of lust is not as convenient/easy to obsess after because he's literally suffering.

I'm convinced the MC has Limerence based on how obsessive he is, but he seems to be much more obsessed with his idea of the ML rather than seeing the ML for who he is, I vaguely remember the time the MC speculated the ML might have a stutter but then began coping against the idea as if having a stutter is some sort of crime, imagine if it was true, now imagine having a speech impediment and some mf you simply sit next to and have barely spoken to starts judging you for it, it's hypocritical too, the MC is gay, he can't change that and it's something completely harmless, yet people in his previous school judged him for it and rightfully he finds that annoying, but does he not see his own hypocrisy for judging someone for potentially having a stutter?

I really feel for the ML since he's very obviously a victim of child abuse and by process of elimination he's the most likeable character, he's understandably very closed off but when he reaches out and actually takes initiative to get close to the MC, sit with him, walk to school with him, listen to him, text him, it’s actually really touching, he’s trying to trust again and he’s so cute in the way he communicates it, it’s really f*cking tragic because I wonder what he would think if he knew how the MC has been thinking about him all this time, I really want him to find a real friend not someone who wouldn't even glance his way if he wasn't good looking.

All that aside the novel has some things that were enjoyable too, there isn't much of a plot since this is a slice of life, but I actually enjoy more character focused stories. The setting is pretty lowkey I like that too. The ML is interesting and it's really sweet when he finally responds to the MC's attempts to get closer, I appreciate when the MC took away the ML cigarettes so he doesn't get in trouble, that was probably the best thing he's done for him.

Now this is just my interpretation of the characters, and since I have dropped this novel it's completely possible that the MC has a great redemption arc where he realizes his flaws and overcomes them and every problem I had with him was purposely set up so it would get fixed later, but I have no interest in finding out since most of the times expecting the problematic elements in these novels to get addressed later on has only disappointed me and wasted my time. <<less

Translator here! This is my first independent translation project and I am so excited to help make this story more accessible to international readers. This is hands-down one of my favourite web novels of all time, so you could probably surmise that I am also a big fan of slowburn, angst and pining, and it just so happens that these are three things Suancai-laoshi does extremely well.

This is a heartfelt coming-of-age story about two kids who fumble their way through falling in love for the first time while struggling with... more>> the sobering reality of familial abuse. There are many light-hearted slice-of-life moments and fun banter from side characters and all the fluff that can be wrung out of a school life setting. (All hail Li Balei, our queen of gossip and snark.) There are also bleak moments that will leave you speechless and have you sobbing on your kitchen floor (throwback to my first read-through, heyo). This story will make you care about the characters and it will make you fall in love with their love, which is honestly the most important quality in a romance.

It's hard to come up with a non-spoilery summary of the novel because not much happens in the novel plot-wise. I almost want to say nothing particularly original happens in this novel either, especially if you are well-read in this genre. But I don't think that's the point. There are only so many ways a pair of high school kids can get together in real life, after all. What makes this story good are its characterizations and the emotional force behind each moment that advances their relationship.

I am a sucker for caring/needs-care pairings who are slightly codependent. If you're looking for a novel starring perfectly healthy relationships, you are not going to find that here. But the characters try the best they can given the circumstances (and the fact that they're literally children), and their flaws and failures make up the story's appeal.

I hope I do the story justice and I hope that you'll give it a chance if you're still on the fence.

The lovely reviewer above me mentioned extras — yes! There is a whole sequel that takes place after the events of this book which I will be tl-ing as soon as I'm done Frostbite. <<less

I read this before the tragedy tag was added on NU ;-; Luckily, it's not truly a tragedy.

I loved this novel, although certain parts were extremely.

I still would say the it has a HE.

... more>>

Spoiler

While yes, the ML is in prison, the MC is able to wait. When he gets out they will be together again.

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I just want them to be happy : (Especially the ML

For side characters, I really loved the girl, I'm not sure of her actual name since it was mtl'd as Li Ballet (lol). She was very supportive and I hope she ends up happy.

I hope the author adds more extras of the MC and ML being happy together :) <<less