Back To My Youth

In the humid heat of July, students within the crowded classroom couldn’t breathe properly under the tremendous pressure of the intensive exams. Guo Jingyu’s forehead was damp with sweat. He saw the figure seated in front of him as soon as he glanced up. His back was as straight as it had always been, his white shirt school uniform had a mild soap scent, and his hair was neatly parted. He was accompanied by the steady rustle of a pen. Guo Jingyu laughed, as if he’d been freed of a huge burden, and gently nudged the person in front of him twice with a pen, saying in a hushed whisper, “Li Tongzhou?” The teen in front of him halted and didn’t say anything, but he extended his hand behind him and handed him something. Guo Jingyu was lying motionless on his desk. With his fingers, he poked Li Tongzhou’s palm, which the other gently gripped. In our youth’s fiery love, you’ve always been the only one.

Original Publisher

jjwxc

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on Back To My Youth "Back To My Youth" is a completed yaoi novel that takes you on an emotional rollercoaster, blending the sweetness of first love with the heavy weight of past regrets. It's a story about second chances, and while it has some pacing issues, the core relationship between the main characters is undeniably compelling. ### First Impressions Initially, I was drawn in by the premise: Guo Jingyu, our MC, gets a chance to relive his high school days and prevent the tragic death of Li Tongzhou, the ML. The early chapters are filled with a bittersweet nostalgia as Jingyu navigates his younger self, armed with the knowledge of what's to come. There's a certain charm in watching him try to protect Tongzhou, knowing the pain that awaits if he fails. ### What Works Well The strength of this novel lies in its portrayal of the central relationship. Jingyu and Tongzhou are a truly endearing couple. Jingyu is smart and determined, while Tongzhou is gentle. I found myself rooting for them every step of the way, especially given the obstacles they face. Many readers have pointed out how much they enjoyed seeing Jingyu's unwavering support for Tongzhou, particularly when dealing with his difficult family. The novel also explores themes of acceptance and being "different," which resonated with me. ### Areas of Concern While the first half of the book kept me hooked, I did find the pacing faltered later on. After the two get together it feels like the plot meanders a bit, losing some of its initial focus. The separation between the MC and ML while the MC is at art school was a bit tedious. I also noticed that the reveal of the circumstances surrounding Tongzhou's death, while impactful, felt somewhat rushed and overdramatic. The mystery of Tongzhou's death takes a backseat for too long, which lessened its emotional impact. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Okay, let's talk spoilers. The biggest one is that Tongzhou's death in the original timeline was caused by his parents sending him to a sanitarium to "cure" his homosexuality. The treatments there were essentially torture. This is a major plot point, and knowing it beforehand might lessen the shock, but it also prepares you for some potentially triggering content. ### Final Verdict Despite its flaws, "Back To My Youth" is ultimately a satisfying read. The love story is beautiful, and the themes it explores are important. While the pacing could be better and some plot points feel rushed, the emotional core of the novel shines through. If you're looking for a sweet yet angsty yaoi novel with a second chance at love, this might be just the story for you. I'd recommend going in prepared for some emotional moments, and perhaps skimming through some of the slower parts to get to the more impactful scenes.