Alright, alright, alright, this novel is fantastic! It gets a full 10/10 from me; I might have accidentally given a 4/5 earlier, but it's definitely deserving of a 5-star rating. Normally, I don't delve into stories heavily based on reality, but this one has captured my interest. I absolutely adore the main characters, Xie Yu and He Zhao - they're top-notch. Even the supporting characters are lovable and well-developed. The plot may be simple, but it's engaging and enjoyable. I would've loved for it to be longer and explore their lives more in-depth, but I had fun searching for additional content (I think I found it). The novel is fantastic!
The story revolves around the two mischievous slackers, Xie Yu and He Zhao, who both have intriguing pasts (no spoilers here). Their reasons for concealing their extraordinary intelligence are well-handled and relatable, especially considering their personalities. They can be domineering at times, but it's not their usual demeanor. It's delightful to see how their classmates come to appreciate them. I appreciate the dynamics between all the characters - everything is top-notch, with minimal complaints.
The storytelling is excellent; the concept of two geniuses pretending to be clueless for half the book is brilliant, and the characters execute it hilariously. When He Zhao helps Xie Yu with their studies, it's genuinely amusing how they can fool everyone. Despite their smarts, they maintain a believable level of obliviousness. The story is light-hearted, and while there are emotional moments, they're handled tastefully and don't overshadow the plot. The school setting keeps things fresh, and while there are occasional inconsistencies in time, it doesn't detract too much.
The side characters are memorable, even if they don't have extensive roles. They add humor and contribute to the story. I would've liked to see more development with certain aspects, like the study group and a particular spoiler, but overall, they're well-written. Xie Yu and He Zhao's chemistry is adorable, and their personalities complement each other perfectly.
Now, let's talk about the romance. Xie Yu and He Zhao's friendship blossoms quickly into something deeper. Their interactions, even when they're dating, remain genuine and grounded in a realistic high school relationship. They're supportive of each other without being overly clingy, which is refreshing. They even remain committed in the long run, which is a sweet touch. The way their love for each other is portrayed is lovely, and it's clear why they care for each other without needing much explanation.
In conclusion, I love this novel despite not being my top choice for unrealistic genres. The focus on two geniuses playing fools for a significant portion of the story is a delight. I wholeheartedly recommend it - it's a gem. 10/10, truly a beautiful piece of work.