Surprisingly good! Yesterday I just watched Cheng Er's film adaptation of this short story collection and was amazed by it. I would say it is definitely one of the best Chinese films in 2016. Later I read an interview in which Mr. Cheng says that he believes he is a better writer than a film director. I thought ah this man certainly does not know the virtue of humility. Anyway, out of curiosity I still ordered the book online and quite unexpectedly, finished the read in one sitting. Now I'm more than convinced that Cheng Er really has great talent, both as a director and writer! I'm looking forward to his next film and book!