where they kind of nearly fell into this FWB situation but not because ML said he won't do it with MC but he would rather be MC's experiment partner than let MC do it with others. Not sure but the lead up to it just made me feel very uncomfortable emotionally. Especially the part where ML said he will put up the wind chime and let MC take it down but earlier implied that if MC do it, he will be treated like all ML's past flings (RED FLAG). Not sure, just emotionally rubs me off in the wrong way like they were entering into this weird relationship of nearly FWB for selfish reasons on each other's part. I just didn't like that part maybe because part of me thought this book was going to be a bit more smooth sailing. But fret not, this ambiguity last only a moment because bold MC quickly proposes to be a probationary BF for ML (knowing his aversion to love) to get out of that weird situation of FWB but not really. Thank goodness.

Because ML in love is really unexpected and unlike his usual (aloof) self. And MC, likes it. And that, is fluff.

so I went into this novel thinking it was one of those 'older gong guides younger shou through life' type of trope and to my immense surprise it wasnt like that at all. In fact, the complete opposite happened. It was one of those rare novels where the ML goes through more character development than MC (not that its a bad thing).

yan kongshan has plenty of faults in the novel, one being his complete disregard of love. He failed relationships scarred him to the point where hes started to project his own insecurities onto yu mian. The whole 'wont believe in love' and 'youre too young' mindset started with his ex, after all.

i know I sh*t on yan kongshan a lot during my reading but in his defense hes gone through a lot and its not hard to imagine that his trust in people is hard to come by. I get that hes trying to save himself the heartbreak, but at the same time hes cornered himself to the point where he cant enjoy himself - and thats the issue. Yu mian and yan kongshan are almost foils of each other, one being so enamoured by love and giving his all at courtship, and the other jaded to the point that hes determined to never love again despite still in his twenties. Its a good thing yu mian was finally able to bring him out of his shell, because he does seem genuinely much happier with love than without.

the other fault being his staunch stubborness that does more harm than good. Case in point: he treats yan wanqius biological dad with open hostility despite father and daughter wanting to meet each other. It was a minor plot point in the novel but one thats brought up repeatedly - which I think is because the author wanted to bring to light yan kongshan's bad habit of getting caught up on his personal dislikes and assuming the worst in someone.

yu mian on the other hand, he knows what he wants and stops at nothing to get it. Throughout the novel he was forward and proactive, albeit shy and awkward at times, but never did he once give up. I really do appreciate that because coming across a younger MC shou like yu mian is so incredibly rare to see.

i was absolutely in love with green plum island, it provides a beautiful ambient setting for a love story to take place. Its like a picturesque little sactuary, perfect for healing and a summer's romance to bloom. Both yu mian and yan kongshan see the island as 'home' and 'comfort', and I think it really lives up to that description :')

i also appreciate how the extras shows yu mian finally coming back and settling on the island -permanently- after all his studies and work have concluded. Yan kongshan undoubtedly had his own reservations of starting a long distance relationship with a younger and ambitious partner whos career can never settle him in one place, but he gave him his trust nonetheless. And yu mian didnt take it in vain, he returned, as if to say trusting him wasnt a mistake at all. Yu mian promised him that he isnt like his ex, that ah-shan and green plum island will always be his first priority. Actions mean more than words, and im glad the author showed that.