This story got me hooked from the very first chapter. It has everything I look for in a romance book: consent, communication, slow burn, and couple growth. It shouldn't be hard to find a book with all those characteristics, but sadly it is.
The plot was interesting with some unusual details to spice it out. Side characters with actual personalities that contribute to the story, likable main characters, and believable interactions with family and friends. There is nothing to complain about. This was a very good read for me. I'm happy I picked it up.
The book was really good. Any other time, it would have been a 5 star rate. My only problem (and it’s something personal, not the book in itself) is the dynamics of the main couple. It’s not bad and I even laughed a lot, but I don’t usually enjoy a gong been bullied by his shou. So, yeah, it’s a me problem
3.5 stars rounded up to 4. Seems like I'm rounding up a lot of ratings nowadays, but also, that's just usual since I'm a mood reader.
This novel deceptively looks like it's only a few chapters filled with an earnest, funny and light hearted romance. But in actuality, it's someone who loves someone else so much they're willing to dedicate a lot of their years to go back and help them fix their grades. If you ask me, I'm never gonna re-live highschool again for anyone, but then again, I'm not Ye Cheng.
Ye Cheng is not perfect. He's pretty much perfect though. The difference between that is his humanity. The arrogance of that man is well earned. The most amazing part of this novel is him being manipulative and controlling. His actions are thoroughly amazing, and yet what's even more amazing is it's truly only out of earnest affection for Lu Xiao. He's a perfect protagonist in my eyes. And so is Lu Xiao. He's not careless, reckless and uncaring as he seems to be. His actions are frighteningly well-reasoned. He seems to be a school bully and a failure at a glance, but he really isn't. It's mesmerizing to see Ye Cheng coaxing him bit by bit so that Lu Xiao will become a great student (and also stop smoking, drinking, fighting et cetra.)
I know I'm discussing this novel as if it has a heavy or intricate plot but it really doesn't. The rebirth is just a plot hook and the other stuff are pretty straight forward coming of age themed plots. I'm really miffed by the fact that
a cute and refreshing read with some angsty moments that get resolved quickly. I enjoyed reading how LX started taking steps towards a better future with YC’s help. With YC’s guidance they’re able to create a more united relationship, get rid of their past mistakes, and made a better future for themselves + everyone around them.
The main character love is very beautiful, sweet and possessive. They go from teens (LX) to adulthood, and we see how their relationships develops. Their interactions with family and friends are sweet and sometimes tragic.
I loved reading how ML (LX’s mom) got better and better to the point where she was out there partying. I loved her development and how her future was able to change for the better.
There were a few things I disliked, like how it ended. There is a happy ending, but I just wish everything had been explained a little more. (Tbh I didn’t even notice the main story was ending, I actually thought it was going to be a breakup and a quick back together lol. Even tho it’s completely out of character? but it was the vibes the sentences were giving off lolol) All we know is that YC suddenly woke up in his 16 yr old body, but there’s no explanation on why it happens. Bc there’s no sort of accident either, he just wakes up and goes on like nothing? Just trying to fix up past mistakes here and there. While it’s not a big dislike, it just felt confusion bc the author would bring up the past (future?) quite a bit, only for it to not be explained at all later on. And even though they talk about it a little in the extras, it didn’t feel like enough? Especially the way this point was written in made me feel like there would be more it to?g. But yea, that’s about it lol
Ahhh it endedddd!! 😭 i wish the story would go full circle. That Lu Xiao knows that Ye Cheng came from the future/AU/wherever to grant him his wish. That both of them have their memories from both lifetimes. It’s too lonely for YC 😭😭😭
Nonetheless. I like it. Will i re-read if this got re-translated? Yes. So sweet nice and calm. Ahhh ♥️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.