Not As Sweet As You

Luo Xing secretly liked Huo Xingzhou for ten years. To get closer to him, he did whatever it took to become his classmate. Every time they met, Luo Xing could only proudly hide his feelings. Later, Huo Xingzhou stopped him at the staircase, kissed him without warning, and asked angrily, “Is this fun for you? Do I have to give you my life before you’ll finally tell the truth?” Luo Xing stared at him, stunned. Huo Xingzhou took a deep breath and lightly l**ked the corner of Luo Xing’s lips. “Or… do you behave only after I kiss you?” The whole world is confessing my love for you, yet in front of you, I can only pretend not to care. Luo Xing remembered Huo Xingzhou for ten years because of a piece of candy from their childhood. Later, he transferred to No. 2 High School through a support program just to become Huo Xingzhou’s classmate.

Original Publisher

jjwxc

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on Not As Sweet As You "Not As Sweet As You" promised a blend of comedy, romance, and slice-of-life elements set against a school backdrop, and I was definitely intrigued. The yaoi tag sealed the deal! Here are my thoughts after diving in. ### First Impressions The premise itself is captivating. An MC grappling with past trauma, a childhood promise hanging in the air, and a dash of disability representation – it all felt like a recipe for a deeply engaging story. Plus, the "slow romance" tag hinted at a character-driven narrative, which is always a win in my book. ### What Works Well One of the strongest aspects is the relationship between the main characters. The slow burn allows for genuine connection and avoids the pitfalls of insta-love. I appreciated how the author built their bond gradually, allowing their personalities to shine and their feelings to develop naturally. This made the romantic payoff all the more satisfying. The handling of the MC's family situation also resonated with me. The story explores the complexities of familial relationships, particularly when past hurts linger. The author avoids easy answers and delves into the gray areas of forgiveness and acceptance. The MC's journey to come to terms with his parents' actions felt authentic and emotionally impactful. The narrative suggests that sometimes, the best resolution isn't about exacting revenge, but about finding a way to move forward and protect one's own peace. ### Areas of Concern While the story excels in character development and emotional depth, the pacing can feel a bit slow at times. The "slice of life" aspect, while charming, occasionally overshadows the main plot, leading to moments where the narrative meanders. While this isn't necessarily a flaw, readers looking for a more fast-paced, plot-driven story might find themselves wanting more. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Okay, let's address the ending with the MC's parents. Some might feel that they got off too easy, that they didn't fully pay for their past mistakes. And I can understand that perspective. However, I think the author's intention was to explore the messy realities of family dynamics. Sometimes, there's no clear-cut justice, and the most realistic outcome is a fragile peace. ### Final Verdict Overall, "Not As Sweet As You" is a heartwarming and thoughtful story that explores themes of trauma, forgiveness, and the power of love. While the pacing might not be for everyone, the well-developed characters, the realistic portrayal of family dynamics, and the sweet romance make it a worthwhile read. I'd give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It's a story that will stay with you long after you finish reading.