I really loved this novel, I think something it does really well is the way it handles relationships between characters, and not just between the main couple. Every relationship is very complex and FTYX does a good job of showing this complexity in the writing.

The story spans a decade and covers a lot of major events from the years 1998-2008 in China, but also some world events. The novel itself does an extremely good job at depicting the late 90s-early 2000s era, it evokes a lot of nostalgia from that... more>> time period and I really enjoyed the slice of life nature of this story.

CHARACTERS: The MC and the ML are second cousins, through the MC's mom, who's first cousins with the ML's dad. Something I quite liked about the characters in this novel is that it's very clear they're ordinary people, there is absolutely no protagonist halo whatsoever. That being so, neither of the main characters are anywhere close to perfect, in fact they're both very flawed. I liked that about this novel because it really fit in the theme of this being a regular day-to-day slice of life account. This story is very realistic when it comes to life, the main characters all make very human mistakes and it's a very honest take on growing up. This also applies to the subject of being gay, which is depicted with the realism of social attitudes back in late 90s-early 2000s China. This is an interesting novel because the MC definitely isn't the most likeable, but I personally really liked him because of how much I was able to relate to and empathize with him. He's definitely not one of those characters that everyone will love, but I didn't feel like it detracted from my reading experience at all. He's just a very real person, like you could definitely see someone like him existing. He's probably the most real protagonist I've seen in a long time, and I found it so easy to empathize even when you know objectively he's being a brat. I actually really like that he's not an extremely likeable person in-story, it's a very refreshing change from MCs that everybody seems to like and is popular wherever they go. It really makes you see him as just a person rather than "the protagonist."

PLOT: The story starts when the ML moves in to live with MC's family after his dad dies. At the beginning of the story MC is 15 and ML is 17. The novel takes you through the next 10 years of their lives as they navigate growing up in a world that's rapidly changing. The MC starts off as a spoiled brat, and his growth is very interesting to read. The ML is someone who grew up in rural China, so his personality is very frank, honest, and candid.

There's quite a lot of heavy themes in this novel, including mental illness and h*mophobia, so if you're not someone who enjoys reading this kind of story it might not be for you. Although there's a happy ending, there aren't a whole lot of happy moments in the middle. Which can be a plus if you're like me and enjoy reading angst, but for those who prefer fluffier stories they might want to skip this one.

The story can be a bit slow, but considering its subject matter (as a slice of life novel) that's kind of to be expected. Some parts got a bit slow but overall it's a very good novel and I still finished it in 2 days so I didn't have any trouble finishing it. I 100% recommend it if you aren't put off by any of the trigger warnings. <<less

I'm surprised that this novel only has one review. I only read this novel to the latest translated chapter, so I'm embarrassed to give a review and afraid my opinion might not be in line with the whole novel content. However! I really, really just want to pour my hearts out even though I only read it until chapter 13, since I like this novel, and I appreciate it.

The author's writing style is somehow classic. It's a style of writing around 2000, and this definitely match the mood of the... more>> novel perfectly, when the timeline of this novel was between 90' era to 2008. And the translator is really able to replicate the classic style into English.

One thing I definitely agree with the reviewer before me is, The MC is absolutely relatable. He's not an omnipotent being, and also not the son of destiny like some other novel protagonist. MC and ML are really relatable. He's a brat, he's selfish, he's easily jealous, he's stubborn, and he's full of pretense. But in fact, you can see many of Asians teenager like him, full of pretense, always trying to act cool, and someone whose teenage life is full of embarrassing memories.

Even then, so what? All of those pretense are the phase of growing up.

And this is what makes this novel is so beautiful.

This novel style of writing is full of melancholy and makes us the readers reminisce about our past days full of s*upidity. Some of of those events makes us embarrassed today, exasperated, smiling in happiness, and sighing in regrets. But, in the end, it's all in the past, and are the parts of what makes us as us today. <<less

I love this book and the writer. Fei Tian has the power to completely engross you in his stories. This book touches the real-life scenarios, which is awesome. The h*mophobia in this book is quite real.I was quite terrified while reading but good thing is that it's a HE. It's a must-read book for the overall experience, Feitian writes everything so well even his economic/busyness ideas gives you an IQ shock. His books are worth reading.

Not sure if this is realistic to others, but for me? It is because I think this was my attitude when I was elementary to high school. I was really immature back then. Even though I know about the concept, (friendship, communication, etc.,) it's really hard to put it in action. So I kind of understand the MC. Anyway it was a good read.

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Spoiler

Edit: Chapter 38, My heart aches so much.

Edit: Chapter 45, can't understand the business because I MTLed this, but I know that they encountered what people encountered in life (ordinary life in business)

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This is one of those stories that grip you all along - so realistic. Realistic doesn't mean it is not entertaining. This one goes into my top favourites list! I just love this novel so much - a testimony to the author's skills in storytelling. I MTLed the rest as I couldn't wait for the translation to complete. At the same time - I am holding out for the translations to be done - I will definitely re-read this many times. The characters live with you a long time after... more>> you finish reading it. <<less

Very realistic story. Very slow burn love. There was lots of chapters that I just had to speed read it because it was so focus on their career business and stock. My favor is the extras LOL that made up for the lack of romance and intimacy in the novel.