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Hope You’ve Been Well
Gu Zhuoyan and Zhuang Fanxin met in their teenage years and became each other’s first love, passing the happiest days of their lives together, but eventually broke up.
Losing contact for ten years, the two grew up apart from each other. Unexpectedly, they find each other again in a restaurant on a blind date. But time changes people– on a blind date, you meet the one that got away, only to discover that they have changed greatly…
This is a story of reconciliation and slice of life romance, divided between the younger years and the adult years. After all these twists and turns, will the two be able to go back to where they started from?
Losing contact for ten years, the two grew up apart from each other. Unexpectedly, they find each other again in a restaurant on a blind date. But time changes people– on a blind date, you meet the one that got away, only to discover that they have changed greatly…
This is a story of reconciliation and slice of life romance, divided between the younger years and the adult years. After all these twists and turns, will the two be able to go back to where they started from?
Webnovel
First published February 11, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 27, 2022
*cute, sweet and ongoing 💖
August 17, 2023
Aquí estoy yo, leyendo otra novela de separación, sabiendo muy bien que tengo traumas de abandono. ¿Que si lloré? Claro que lloré. Siempre lloro con este tipo de historias.
Hope You've Been Well se divide en dos partes. La primera de ellas nos presenta a los personajes de adolescentes, cuando empezaban su romance y no sabían lo que iban a sufrir —y yo tampoco lo sabía—, y la segunda, nos los enseña diez años después, cuando se vuelven a encontrar por una pequeña equivocación.
Su relación al inicio se me hacía muy dulce. Tenía ese tinte de inocencia y prisa típica de la secundaria. Leerlos de adultos fue refrescante, sobre todo con un Zhuang Fanxin más atrevido —ay, cómo me mataba ese hombre cuando se ponía en modo seductor—. Esto último me hizo querer leer más romance adulto. ¡Vamos, esta ya es la tercera novela con romance adolescente que leo en el año! Acepto recomendaciones, jeje.
Quiero mucho a Gu Zhuoyan. Te lloré, papi. A Fanxin también le tengo aprecio. Mi bebé no merecía. 🥺
Oh, debo mencionar que un detalle que amé de la novela fue el círculo de Gu Zhuoyan. Sus amigos eran, como dice cierto reggaetonero cuyo nombre no debe ser mencionado, unos reales hasta la muerte y se me hizo bonito ver cómo sus padres lo aceptaron. Su red de apoyo es todo lo que está bien. ♡
No quiero hacer la reseña más larga, así que voy a finalizar diciendo que sí la recomiendo... DIOS, AHORA QUE ME ACUERDO: Gu Zhuoyan y Zhuang Fanxin me tenían escuchando LA CANCIÓN en repeat. Es su canción, no hay que negarlo... Volviendo al tema: sí, léanla si les gusta este trope. 4/5. 🎨
Hope You've Been Well se divide en dos partes. La primera de ellas nos presenta a los personajes de adolescentes, cuando empezaban su romance y no sabían lo que iban a sufrir —y yo tampoco lo sabía—, y la segunda, nos los enseña diez años después, cuando se vuelven a encontrar por una pequeña equivocación.
Su relación al inicio se me hacía muy dulce. Tenía ese tinte de inocencia y prisa típica de la secundaria. Leerlos de adultos fue refrescante, sobre todo con un Zhuang Fanxin más atrevido —ay, cómo me mataba ese hombre cuando se ponía en modo seductor—. Esto último me hizo querer leer más romance adulto. ¡Vamos, esta ya es la tercera novela con romance adolescente que leo en el año! Acepto recomendaciones, jeje.
Quiero mucho a Gu Zhuoyan. Te lloré, papi. A Fanxin también le tengo aprecio. Mi bebé no merecía. 🥺
Oh, debo mencionar que un detalle que amé de la novela fue el círculo de Gu Zhuoyan. Sus amigos eran, como dice cierto reggaetonero cuyo nombre no debe ser mencionado, unos reales hasta la muerte y se me hizo bonito ver cómo sus padres lo aceptaron. Su red de apoyo es todo lo que está bien. ♡
No quiero hacer la reseña más larga, así que voy a finalizar diciendo que sí la recomiendo... DIOS, AHORA QUE ME ACUERDO: Gu Zhuoyan y Zhuang Fanxin me tenían escuchando LA CANCIÓN en repeat. Es su canción, no hay que negarlo... Volviendo al tema: sí, léanla si les gusta este trope. 4/5. 🎨
August 4, 2022
[ ongoing ]
** btw, this is just a review of the manhua, not the webnovel! (*＾▽＾)／⊹˚. ♡
when i say this story CONSUMED ME?? 🫠
truly, i don’t know why, but i could not put it down?? i would open my eyes first thing in the morning and roll over to binge a few more chapters before i needed to get ready for the day? lmaooo.
i had no idea billibilli was producing manhuas of this caliber.
i was literally squealing at parts?!??? (ma’am, calming down is free. 🤨)
there were so many perfect romance-y lines in this. like, maybe cliché, but they were hitting perfectly. my favorite must’ve been when zhouyan said he wished he could take fanxin with him back to his hometown. 💘💘
the plot:
honestly, it’s a very straightforward “my new neighbor is the same age as me and we fall in love” type of story so far. they’re teenagers, so, you know: riding bikes to school, eating together, doing homework, walking around the neighborhood, quickly popping over to one another’s houses.
very, very cute! 🥰
BUT this story is ultimately about a teenage couple that grows apart then rekindles as adults, so eventually we’ll get to see them living their adult lives, too.
the characters:
zhuang fanxin - sweet sugarplum gumdrop honeypie artist and picky eater!
fanxin with his paintbrushes and cute little pink phone case and the heart tattoo on his collarbone, ahhhhh. >.< the way he thinks he’s nancy drew LOL. he is so so so SO cute.
i love that he’s running around thinking he’s just being a Bro by openly flirting with zhuoyan??? he’s like, “i have to pretend to be zhuoyan’s bf otherwise he might get sad about his imaginary ex-gf!!”
he’s a lil dumb; that’s very endearing. 🫶🏼
gu zhuoyan - moody, top-of-his-class-smart, guitar-playing, openly gay dog dad!
oooooh, we almost had to fight. lmao i almost had to fight zhuoyan at the beginning of this manhua. his initial reason for flirting with fanxin is just to make his dad angry, but OF COURSE he develops real feelings. play stupid games win stupid prizes! he fr fell victim to his own scheme.
he’s so smooooooth. when he just casually dropped hundreds of dollars on fancy nike sneakers?? PLEASE. (ㄒoㄒ)
hey, google? play sneakers by itzy so i can at least smile through the pain of not being rich nor spoiled with fancy gifts.
the romance:
the number of moments they had together 🥺—
the biking in the rain scene 😳,
when zhuoyan had to be the model at fanxin’s art studio and they were both flustered,
zhuoyan beating up the dudes who beat up fanxin,
when fanxin literally RAN into zhuoyan’s arms at the airport!!!,
both their confessions,
the hotel scene when zhuoyan said they don’t need to rush..
(oT-T)尸
like, i give up. they’re SO precious.
i also really enjoy that there’s no “villain.” (so far, anyway.) i mean, zhuoyan’s dad is homophobic, but so far no one is scheming to break them up, no other potential love interests. hoping it stays that way!
obviously, just from the synopsis, at some point they ARE going to drift apart, but right now their love story is so beautiful. 💖
i find that i really enjoy reading high school age romances sometimes. there’s something so lovely and pure about the way authors and artists paint that hazy, sunshiny point of youth. ✨
the art:
GORGEOUS. FLAWLESS.
webcomics are the reason why I’m so ruined and picky when it comes to art in graphic novels or traditionally-published mangas. 😭
the art is so pretty and dreamy. i love the character designs! their outfits are also so good!!
and the chibis are super cute, too! (there was even a panel with a chibi version of bond. 😭🫶🏼)
the seaside sunrise scene??? i’m at a loss for words. good art is so healing.
oh, and, presumably because this is published by billibilli, the kisses are censored! i know that manhua are typically smut-free (due to china being strict on that kind of thing), but this is my first time reading a webcomic where the kisses are censored lol. i think they’ve been drawn in creative ways so far though!
if i have any “complaint,” it’s that the chapters started getting so short! 😩
HOWEVER, i never like to complain about chapter length because what if it’s in order to make it easier on the artist(s), you know? (i can’t even imagine the amount of work that goes into a full color webtoon, even with assistants.)
but the chapters were initially longer, so it was a little disappointing is all. 😭 it’s just because i love the story so much!
i hate that i’m caught up! i need to consume the entirety of the story all at once like a whale shark eating his breakfast—immediately in one big gulp. ᵕ_ᵕ̩̩
what am i even supposed to do with my free time from now on.. _(._.)_
(me saying this as if my tbr list isn’t never-ending)
if i ever get around to reading the webnovel translations, i’ll update this review with those thoughts, too! 🥰
but so far this manhua has been really cute and fun and beautifully-drawn, and i can’t wait to get into the eventual split and their adult years and the reconciliation. it’s already over 50 chapters, so i feel like it’ll DEFINITELY be in the 100s before it’s even close to being finished.
i can’t wait for the journey, tbh. 😭😭
** btw, this is just a review of the manhua, not the webnovel! (*＾▽＾)／⊹˚. ♡
when i say this story CONSUMED ME?? 🫠
truly, i don’t know why, but i could not put it down?? i would open my eyes first thing in the morning and roll over to binge a few more chapters before i needed to get ready for the day? lmaooo.
i had no idea billibilli was producing manhuas of this caliber.
i was literally squealing at parts?!??? (ma’am, calming down is free. 🤨)
there were so many perfect romance-y lines in this. like, maybe cliché, but they were hitting perfectly. my favorite must’ve been when zhouyan said he wished he could take fanxin with him back to his hometown. 💘💘
the plot:
honestly, it’s a very straightforward “my new neighbor is the same age as me and we fall in love” type of story so far. they’re teenagers, so, you know: riding bikes to school, eating together, doing homework, walking around the neighborhood, quickly popping over to one another’s houses.
very, very cute! 🥰
BUT this story is ultimately about a teenage couple that grows apart then rekindles as adults, so eventually we’ll get to see them living their adult lives, too.
the characters:
zhuang fanxin - sweet sugarplum gumdrop honeypie artist and picky eater!
fanxin with his paintbrushes and cute little pink phone case and the heart tattoo on his collarbone, ahhhhh. >.< the way he thinks he’s nancy drew LOL. he is so so so SO cute.
i love that he’s running around thinking he’s just being a Bro by openly flirting with zhuoyan??? he’s like, “i have to pretend to be zhuoyan’s bf otherwise he might get sad about his imaginary ex-gf!!”
he’s a lil dumb; that’s very endearing. 🫶🏼
gu zhuoyan - moody, top-of-his-class-smart, guitar-playing, openly gay dog dad!
oooooh, we almost had to fight. lmao i almost had to fight zhuoyan at the beginning of this manhua. his initial reason for flirting with fanxin is just to make his dad angry, but OF COURSE he develops real feelings. play stupid games win stupid prizes! he fr fell victim to his own scheme.
he’s so smooooooth. when he just casually dropped hundreds of dollars on fancy nike sneakers?? PLEASE. (ㄒoㄒ)
hey, google? play sneakers by itzy so i can at least smile through the pain of not being rich nor spoiled with fancy gifts.
the romance:
the number of moments they had together 🥺—
the biking in the rain scene 😳,
when zhuoyan had to be the model at fanxin’s art studio and they were both flustered,
zhuoyan beating up the dudes who beat up fanxin,
when fanxin literally RAN into zhuoyan’s arms at the airport!!!,
both their confessions,
the hotel scene when zhuoyan said they don’t need to rush..
(oT-T)尸
like, i give up. they’re SO precious.
i also really enjoy that there’s no “villain.” (so far, anyway.) i mean, zhuoyan’s dad is homophobic, but so far no one is scheming to break them up, no other potential love interests. hoping it stays that way!
obviously, just from the synopsis, at some point they ARE going to drift apart, but right now their love story is so beautiful. 💖
i find that i really enjoy reading high school age romances sometimes. there’s something so lovely and pure about the way authors and artists paint that hazy, sunshiny point of youth. ✨
the art:
GORGEOUS. FLAWLESS.
webcomics are the reason why I’m so ruined and picky when it comes to art in graphic novels or traditionally-published mangas. 😭
the art is so pretty and dreamy. i love the character designs! their outfits are also so good!!
and the chibis are super cute, too! (there was even a panel with a chibi version of bond. 😭🫶🏼)
the seaside sunrise scene??? i’m at a loss for words. good art is so healing.
oh, and, presumably because this is published by billibilli, the kisses are censored! i know that manhua are typically smut-free (due to china being strict on that kind of thing), but this is my first time reading a webcomic where the kisses are censored lol. i think they’ve been drawn in creative ways so far though!
if i have any “complaint,” it’s that the chapters started getting so short! 😩
HOWEVER, i never like to complain about chapter length because what if it’s in order to make it easier on the artist(s), you know? (i can’t even imagine the amount of work that goes into a full color webtoon, even with assistants.)
but the chapters were initially longer, so it was a little disappointing is all. 😭 it’s just because i love the story so much!
i hate that i’m caught up! i need to consume the entirety of the story all at once like a whale shark eating his breakfast—immediately in one big gulp. ᵕ_ᵕ̩̩
what am i even supposed to do with my free time from now on.. _(._.)_
(me saying this as if my tbr list isn’t never-ending)
if i ever get around to reading the webnovel translations, i’ll update this review with those thoughts, too! 🥰
but so far this manhua has been really cute and fun and beautifully-drawn, and i can’t wait to get into the eventual split and their adult years and the reconciliation. it’s already over 50 chapters, so i feel like it’ll DEFINITELY be in the 100s before it’s even close to being finished.
i can’t wait for the journey, tbh. 😭😭
December 25, 2021
I'm a little frustrated with this book. All the parts for a great story are there but the pieces never quite come together. Overall, it is written well enough but never exactly blow me away.
I like the characters but they're very archetypal. If you've read enough danmei and are familiar with the popular tropes, none of the character developments will surprise you. I'm also annoyed by how much the author sticks to the typical shou/gong dynamic. Not only is it not my cup of tea, it also severely limits how complex and interesting their relationship can possibly be. Which leads to my next problem: the romance is bland. I just don't find their dynamic compelling. It works platonically but lacks the spark required for a romance. The reasons why they fall for each other are pretty insipid. I can buy their relationship as a high school fling but not as a once-in-a-lifetime romance. I'm not convinced as to why these characters have to end up with one another, other than the author says they have to.
For me, the main draw of the book was the time skip. It's not bad but leaves much to be desired. Although the past and present timelines are set 10 years apart, I could barely tell the difference between the two. They are both generic modern time periods with few defining traits. Not a dealbreaker, but makes it hard to immerse in the story properly. Another thing that irks me is that the initial reconciliation goes a little too smoothly. There is a lot of hurt between these two characters but it's not addressed or resolved in a satisfying way until much later on.
The review is pretty negative so far, so why on earth did I finish the book? Despite its flaws, I do find it funny and engaging enough to keep reading. It has lots of small moments that are just absolutely hilarious. That said, the story gets weirdly melodramatic towards the end in a way that feels tonally off with the rest of the book. Up until then, it has been quiet and introspective. But the last couple of chapters explodes into a small arc that doesn't make a lot of sense for either the story or the characters. The antagonists are so cartoonishly evil that it's just silly. It's set up so that the leads look good by comparison, but I don't think it's at all necessary? It honestly feels like the author doesn't know how to end the story and tackles it on at the end.
Would I recommend this book? It depends. If you're okay with putting up with typical danmei tropes or lowering your expectations a little, I'd say go for it.
I like the characters but they're very archetypal. If you've read enough danmei and are familiar with the popular tropes, none of the character developments will surprise you. I'm also annoyed by how much the author sticks to the typical shou/gong dynamic. Not only is it not my cup of tea, it also severely limits how complex and interesting their relationship can possibly be. Which leads to my next problem: the romance is bland. I just don't find their dynamic compelling. It works platonically but lacks the spark required for a romance. The reasons why they fall for each other are pretty insipid. I can buy their relationship as a high school fling but not as a once-in-a-lifetime romance. I'm not convinced as to why these characters have to end up with one another, other than the author says they have to.
For me, the main draw of the book was the time skip. It's not bad but leaves much to be desired. Although the past and present timelines are set 10 years apart, I could barely tell the difference between the two. They are both generic modern time periods with few defining traits. Not a dealbreaker, but makes it hard to immerse in the story properly. Another thing that irks me is that the initial reconciliation goes a little too smoothly. There is a lot of hurt between these two characters but it's not addressed or resolved in a satisfying way until much later on.
The review is pretty negative so far, so why on earth did I finish the book? Despite its flaws, I do find it funny and engaging enough to keep reading. It has lots of small moments that are just absolutely hilarious. That said, the story gets weirdly melodramatic towards the end in a way that feels tonally off with the rest of the book. Up until then, it has been quiet and introspective. But the last couple of chapters explodes into a small arc that doesn't make a lot of sense for either the story or the characters. The antagonists are so cartoonishly evil that it's just silly. It's set up so that the leads look good by comparison, but I don't think it's at all necessary? It honestly feels like the author doesn't know how to end the story and tackles it on at the end.
Would I recommend this book? It depends. If you're okay with putting up with typical danmei tropes or lowering your expectations a little, I'd say go for it.
July 2, 2023
3.75 ⭐️
oh wow, what a journey! for such a short novel (under 100 chapters), this felt as long as the ten years separation the main characters went through. watching zhuang fanxin and gu zhouyan grow, change, hurt, love, and eventually find their ways back together was so beautiful. it was draggy at points but i was so invested in the characters that i was okay with sticking through.
the ending was satisfying and lovely but i wanted more extras! i wanted to see my zhuang fanxin and gu zhouyan living their happiest lives post-canon. either way, i’m happy with what we did get and loved the arduous journey these two (and their friends + families) went through!
oh wow, what a journey! for such a short novel (under 100 chapters), this felt as long as the ten years separation the main characters went through. watching zhuang fanxin and gu zhouyan grow, change, hurt, love, and eventually find their ways back together was so beautiful. it was draggy at points but i was so invested in the characters that i was okay with sticking through.
the ending was satisfying and lovely but i wanted more extras! i wanted to see my zhuang fanxin and gu zhouyan living their happiest lives post-canon. either way, i’m happy with what we did get and loved the arduous journey these two (and their friends + families) went through!
December 21, 2023
3.5 ⭐
Está novela se sintió como ver los gráficos de la bolsa de valores de una empresa, la miras subir lentamente hasta alcanzar el auge de mejor momento y de forma inevitable miras como cae sin poder hacer nada para revertir la situación. El sentimiento que me deja es de impotencia y tristeza, y solo me quedan los recuerdos de los buenos momentos. Me gustó mucho la trama de esta novela, pienso que tuvo un excelente ritmo hasta más de la mitad de la historia y el climax de la inevitable separación de los protagonistas me dejo muy angustiada. Sin embargo, después de cierto momento de la trama, ese ritmo que me había gustado tanto desapareció y solo ví como se alargaba la situación. Particularmente, mi mayor frustración cuando leo una novela es ver como el ritmo de la narración se rompe, dejándome a la deriva sin mucho ánimo para proseguir. El romance entre los protagonistas fue muy lindo, pude sentir todas sus emociones y preocupaciones a medida que leía y simpatice mucho con su situación. Zhuang Fanxin y Gu Zhuoyan son una pareja muy dulce que solo quieres proteger y no dejar que nada malo les pase, y es justamente por eso que todas las circunstancias que se dan en su historia, duelen tanto. Porque sabes que se aman, pero a veces las circunstancias son demasiado pesadas. Amé esta novela, pero es justamente porque la amo, es que me causa tanta frustración el desenlace de la narración. Creo que si no se hubiera alargado tanto esa situación y se hubiera dado un cierre más rápido y no haberlo dejado para los últimos 9 capítulos, tan solo si... Ah, dejémoslo así.
Está novela se sintió como ver los gráficos de la bolsa de valores de una empresa, la miras subir lentamente hasta alcanzar el auge de mejor momento y de forma inevitable miras como cae sin poder hacer nada para revertir la situación. El sentimiento que me deja es de impotencia y tristeza, y solo me quedan los recuerdos de los buenos momentos. Me gustó mucho la trama de esta novela, pienso que tuvo un excelente ritmo hasta más de la mitad de la historia y el climax de la inevitable separación de los protagonistas me dejo muy angustiada. Sin embargo, después de cierto momento de la trama, ese ritmo que me había gustado tanto desapareció y solo ví como se alargaba la situación. Particularmente, mi mayor frustración cuando leo una novela es ver como el ritmo de la narración se rompe, dejándome a la deriva sin mucho ánimo para proseguir. El romance entre los protagonistas fue muy lindo, pude sentir todas sus emociones y preocupaciones a medida que leía y simpatice mucho con su situación. Zhuang Fanxin y Gu Zhuoyan son una pareja muy dulce que solo quieres proteger y no dejar que nada malo les pase, y es justamente por eso que todas las circunstancias que se dan en su historia, duelen tanto. Porque sabes que se aman, pero a veces las circunstancias son demasiado pesadas. Amé esta novela, pero es justamente porque la amo, es que me causa tanta frustración el desenlace de la narración. Creo que si no se hubiera alargado tanto esa situación y se hubiera dado un cierre más rápido y no haberlo dejado para los últimos 9 capítulos, tan solo si... Ah, dejémoslo así.
October 29, 2022
I love this. Since the story started when they were still young, a lot would seem childish during the first half of the novel. The initial slow burn was a tad bit slow for me but it definitely was fluffy and cute, slowly built up the excitement for the coming chapters.
The adult spectrum, or the reunion, made me miss their youth. A lot has changed, yet at the same time, it may seem like nothing has changed at all. The mystery of the truth surrounding the adult spectrum felt like the author playing carrot and stick with the readers. It kept me on a hook, unable to move my eyes away. Yes, I had an all-nighter to finish this. Haha.
To summarize the novel, the author gave the readers a bag of sweets, then forcibly plunge them underwater, lifting their heads to let them breathe, giving them another batch of sweetness after, only to plunge them underwater once again. I even doubted whether this was BE, because it felt like one, yet the sweetness encompasses the angst.
PS. Okay, the author’s notes include spoilers. Don’t be silly and read it as I did.
The adult spectrum, or the reunion, made me miss their youth. A lot has changed, yet at the same time, it may seem like nothing has changed at all. The mystery of the truth surrounding the adult spectrum felt like the author playing carrot and stick with the readers. It kept me on a hook, unable to move my eyes away. Yes, I had an all-nighter to finish this. Haha.
To summarize the novel, the author gave the readers a bag of sweets, then forcibly plunge them underwater, lifting their heads to let them breathe, giving them another batch of sweetness after, only to plunge them underwater once again. I even doubted whether this was BE, because it felt like one, yet the sweetness encompasses the angst.
PS. Okay, the author’s notes include spoilers. Don’t be silly and read it as I did.
September 2, 2024
el llanto no faltó, les aseguro
July 17, 2022
A sweet teenage romance, a lot of pain, and an exciting reunion with some more pain later, I get to have the most enormous smile I've had in a while after completing a book.
The protagonists are two extremely lovable characters who couldn't be more real with both their joys and sorrows. The story, as tagged, is a slice of life for most of its part, but there is drama, and there is quite a bit of it that I don't mind, but others might. I absolutely enjoyed reading every word of this book and couldn't ask for anything better for a monsoon read.
The protagonists are two extremely lovable characters who couldn't be more real with both their joys and sorrows. The story, as tagged, is a slice of life for most of its part, but there is drama, and there is quite a bit of it that I don't mind, but others might. I absolutely enjoyed reading every word of this book and couldn't ask for anything better for a monsoon read.
April 5, 2023
This review is for the novel and not the manhua.
I was in the mood for a cute school romance and came across Hope You've Been Well, so I decided to give it a shot. It's actually only half a school romance as the characters break up halfway through the story and there's a 10 year jump before they meet again.
I read this on Wattpad, and I think it was an edited MTL (or that's what it felt like), so a lot of the English was quite awkward. Would've been nice to read this when the actual translations were still available...
**Warning: Spoilers Ahead**
The first half of the story was exactly what I was looking for. It was cute and follows Zhang Fanxin and Gu Zhuoyan from their first meeting through all of their interactions until they finally confess to each other. There were some really sweet moments there, like ZFX trying to console GZY at the grocery story by acting cutesy and GZY beating up the basketball players. The misunderstandings during this part of the story had me chuckling as well; GZY was so sure he had the confession in the bag and even boasted to his friends, only to realize he had completely misunderstood the situation after confessing XP
The breakup was painful to read, but I'm glad the author didn't make the impetus of the breakup either of their parents. Even though there was legitimate reason to the breakup, it was still hard to read about ZFX trashing the birthday present he so painstakingly made for GZY and sobbing the whole way to the airport. At least GZY showed up at the last minute and they were able to have one final kiss before they separated.
When they meet again by chance 10 years later, I was thrown off by ZFX's overly aggressive OOC chasing of GZY and didn't like how he was practically throwing himself at GZY after a couple meetings. It's not till later when the whole truth comes out of what happened to ZFX that I understood the desperation behind his actions. The last 10-15 chapters of the story are actually quite heavy and depressing as the past is slowly revealed, and with each chapter I couldn't help but empathize with ZFX. He's been through so much and survived, and I was so happy for him when he and GZY got back together, since he finally has someone to live for.
The timing in the last 10-15 chapters felt a bit rushed, and the face slapping when ZFX and GZY fight back wasn't satisfying enough. I wanted Jiang Hui subjected to more punishment for how he completely ruined ZFX's big event and spoiled his reputation and health, and 3 years in prison for everything he did over the past 10 years doesn't feel like it's enough.
I was in the mood for a cute school romance and came across Hope You've Been Well, so I decided to give it a shot. It's actually only half a school romance as the characters break up halfway through the story and there's a 10 year jump before they meet again.
I read this on Wattpad, and I think it was an edited MTL (or that's what it felt like), so a lot of the English was quite awkward. Would've been nice to read this when the actual translations were still available...
**Warning: Spoilers Ahead**
The first half of the story was exactly what I was looking for. It was cute and follows Zhang Fanxin and Gu Zhuoyan from their first meeting through all of their interactions until they finally confess to each other. There were some really sweet moments there, like ZFX trying to console GZY at the grocery story by acting cutesy and GZY beating up the basketball players. The misunderstandings during this part of the story had me chuckling as well; GZY was so sure he had the confession in the bag and even boasted to his friends, only to realize he had completely misunderstood the situation after confessing XP
The breakup was painful to read, but I'm glad the author didn't make the impetus of the breakup either of their parents. Even though there was legitimate reason to the breakup, it was still hard to read about ZFX trashing the birthday present he so painstakingly made for GZY and sobbing the whole way to the airport. At least GZY showed up at the last minute and they were able to have one final kiss before they separated.
When they meet again by chance 10 years later, I was thrown off by ZFX's overly aggressive OOC chasing of GZY and didn't like how he was practically throwing himself at GZY after a couple meetings. It's not till later when the whole truth comes out of what happened to ZFX that I understood the desperation behind his actions. The last 10-15 chapters of the story are actually quite heavy and depressing as the past is slowly revealed, and with each chapter I couldn't help but empathize with ZFX. He's been through so much and survived, and I was so happy for him when he and GZY got back together, since he finally has someone to live for.
The timing in the last 10-15 chapters felt a bit rushed, and the face slapping when ZFX and GZY fight back wasn't satisfying enough. I wanted Jiang Hui subjected to more punishment for how he completely ruined ZFX's big event and spoiled his reputation and health, and 3 years in prison for everything he did over the past 10 years doesn't feel like it's enough.
June 8, 2023
I really enjoyed this, it was so sweet and heartwarming. The love between Zhuang Fanxin (MC) and Gu Zhuoyan (ML) is pure and everlasting and they never stopped loving each other, despite all the difficulties and hardships they had to experience. I think as characters, they were written well but there wasn't as much character development for GZY as ZFX. Nevertheless, I think that because GZY was unfailingly *him* that he was able to act as ZFX's anchor and support.
I liked the pacing too and the use of the time skip at the halfway point of the novel. The supporting characters were great too and I especially liked ZFX's friendship with Pei Zhi, because PZ's also one constant in his life, someone who can advise ZFX and support him in all his endeavours. GZY's friends provided a lot of humour to the story too even though they didn't appear much. I also appreciate how there wasn't any uneccesary drama and that although GZY's parents were initially against the couple, they didn't actively do anything to seperate them. Instead, their separation was caused by just life happening, and eventually both families came together as one anyway so the happy ending was good too.
I liked the pacing too and the use of the time skip at the halfway point of the novel. The supporting characters were great too and I especially liked ZFX's friendship with Pei Zhi, because PZ's also one constant in his life, someone who can advise ZFX and support him in all his endeavours. GZY's friends provided a lot of humour to the story too even though they didn't appear much. I also appreciate how there wasn't any uneccesary drama and that although GZY's parents were initially against the couple, they didn't actively do anything to seperate them. Instead, their separation was caused by just life happening, and eventually both families came together as one anyway so the happy ending was good too.
March 11, 2024
3.5
I did enjoy reading it, but to me, it falls short when compared with other works that have similar story structures (Mou Mou, Guomen). The first part set when they are teens is cute and all, but their personalities are so generic to standard BL teen romance that I couldn't help but feel a little bored. It took me one week to read half the novel and two days to read the rest, so... lol
The adult section was much more interesting to me because of Zhuang Fanxin's character development. I was truly moved by his story and his strength. However, the emotional beats were not enough to make me look past the insane amount of coincidences and conveniences deployed to make the plot progress. Even if I enjoyed it, it was poor storytelling.
I have to commend the translation, though. Suberb work, beautiful and poetic.
TL/DR: an entertaining but flawed novel
I did enjoy reading it, but to me, it falls short when compared with other works that have similar story structures (Mou Mou, Guomen). The first part set when they are teens is cute and all, but their personalities are so generic to standard BL teen romance that I couldn't help but feel a little bored. It took me one week to read half the novel and two days to read the rest, so... lol
The adult section was much more interesting to me because of Zhuang Fanxin's character development. I was truly moved by his story and his strength. However, the emotional beats were not enough to make me look past the insane amount of coincidences and conveniences deployed to make the plot progress. Even if I enjoyed it, it was poor storytelling.
I have to commend the translation, though. Suberb work, beautiful and poetic.
TL/DR: an entertaining but flawed novel
October 13, 2025
Bueno… le doy 4.5, pero muy tirando a 5, porque de verdad me gustó muchísimo. Cada vez que leo un danmei me enamoro más de cómo escriben las autoras chinas y de la forma tan cuidada en que construyen a sus personajes.
Con respecto a la historia, si tuviera que pedirle a alguien que escribiera mi historia de amor, sería a Bei Nan. Todo lo que escribió fue simplemente hermoso.
Además, me encantó el trope del reencuentro. Fue precioso cómo lo manejó, con tanta sensibilidad y emoción que se sintió muy real.
Solo no le doy el 5 completo porque hacia el final sentí que el ritmo bajó un poco, pero, fuera de eso, la historia fue coherente, dulce y muy significativa.
Sin duda, se convirtió en una de mis favoritas.
Con respecto a la historia, si tuviera que pedirle a alguien que escribiera mi historia de amor, sería a Bei Nan. Todo lo que escribió fue simplemente hermoso.
Además, me encantó el trope del reencuentro. Fue precioso cómo lo manejó, con tanta sensibilidad y emoción que se sintió muy real.
Solo no le doy el 5 completo porque hacia el final sentí que el ritmo bajó un poco, pero, fuera de eso, la historia fue coherente, dulce y muy significativa.
Sin duda, se convirtió en una de mis favoritas.
August 5, 2023
Took me a while to finish this but anways. The story kinda took a change in its direction well of course because they aged up. The story was interesting enough to keep me up reading but it wasn’t really that memorable? The conflict was resolved in the end, and i mean, it was resolved soooo quickly. Everything went so smoothly and like… I wanted them to talk about his past more. It kinda hit me tho, all the texts he posted :/. Im happy that they are happy now and that it was a happy ending!
September 21, 2023
I read this one on BiliBili and let me tell you I cried so much while I read this and I still haven't finished it yet but OMG this is SUCH a cute BL(Boy Love/Gay) I read 1-2 chapters/episodes every day!!! I highly recommend this if you are a BL fan and you love a cute romance with misunderstandings that put the two together at the end!!! Love this and I hope everyone else who reads this will love it too!!!
August 13, 2022
i had first read this back in december.
i had a spoiler before i even started but there are so many elements in the story it did not ruin a thing.
all the characters had depth in them. you got to watch baoyan grow up, fanxin and zhouyan mature, suffer, find forgiveness.
i loved all of them.
i had a spoiler before i even started but there are so many elements in the story it did not ruin a thing.
all the characters had depth in them. you got to watch baoyan grow up, fanxin and zhouyan mature, suffer, find forgiveness.
i loved all of them.
August 22, 2022
4.5 | do what you most wish to do, the thing you like the best, the way you did when you were sixteen, seventeen. don’t be afraid. maybe the dream you were forced to abandon ten years ago was waiting for you all along.
December 30, 2024
A first love story between two teenager, who end up in wrong time and moment and had to let go, years later they found their way back, at first I wonder what happen, even suspecting other people intervene their rls
I'm glad that they end up finding their way back home, they deserve the best only
I'm glad that they end up finding their way back home, they deserve the best only
November 23, 2025
4.5 ✨
"Nos conocimos, nos separamos, pero nuestro cariño permanece intacto"
Mis niños tuvieron que sufrir tanto para estar juntos, y a pesar de todos los obstáculos terminaron casados y felices ^^
"Nos conocimos, nos separamos, pero nuestro cariño permanece intacto"
Mis niños tuvieron que sufrir tanto para estar juntos, y a pesar de todos los obstáculos terminaron casados y felices ^^
March 9, 2022
I enjoyed that so much. The last couple of chapters were too good, and I loved the way it ended 😭😭
July 6, 2022
did I judge a book by it's cover? yes. am I ashamed? yes. so so so good!!
August 3, 2022
una perdedera de tiempo sin igual q paso con los danmeis con gente q si cae bien hemos perdido los valores tradicionales
March 30, 2023
4.5 stars
June 13, 2024
2.5 found it mediocre and skipped 50% of it
August 28, 2024
im fine. i love them. babys.
January 13, 2025
北南不愧是我喜欢的作家啊！写得真好！！心疼我的庄儿🥲。好在最终有情人终成眷属啦！
March 6, 2025
cried, crew, and crode 😭😭😭
May 3, 2025
I just loved this. So much.
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