Picking Up Stars

Qin Fang was one of the most handsome guys in C National University. His visuals were impeccable, but, the problem was, he was a great troublemaker, and knew how to fight. Xing Yan was a stellar student in the Chemistry Institute, but his temperament was cold and introverted, and he communicated little with others. The first time he met Qin Fang, the two forcefully rammed their shoulders into each other. When their four eyes met, both knew that the other was not any good person. Qin Fang jokingly flirted with Xing Yan, saying, “I’m Qin Fang, sophomore in Global Commerce. You can come find me any time, your Fang Ge will wait for you.” Later, on a quiet evening, Xing Yan was smoking on the balcony. Qin Fang used his legs as a pillow, his expression containing a little embarrassed smile as he pointed to the evening sky and said, “Actually, Qin Fang was a name I changed myself, my original name was… Jian Xingxing*.” From then on, I was not afraid of even the darkest nights, since I could just raise my head to see stars. *T/n: The novel name, in chinese pinyin, is Jian Xing Xing (捡星星) while the mentioned original name of the character is Jian Xingxing (简星星). However, the “捡(jian)” in the title means to pick up, while this 简 (jian) is a surname. The same two characters that follow are xing (星), meaning star.

Original Publisher

jjwxc

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on Picking Up Stars "Picking Up Stars" has been quite the ride, and I'm eager to share my thoughts. This romance, slice-of-life, and yaoi blend offers a compelling look at young love and self-discovery, even if it stumbles a bit along the way. ### First Impressions Initially, I was drawn in by the promise of character growth and the slow-burn romance. The premise of two individuals, Qin Fang and Xing Yan, navigating their feelings amidst school life and personal struggles felt refreshing. The story starts off with a realistic pace, establishing the main characters and their surroundings effectively. ### What Works Well The character development is a definite highlight. Qin Fang's journey, in particular, from a seemingly straight individual to understanding his feelings for Xing Yan, felt believable and well-paced. I also appreciated the realistic portrayal of their relationship, complete with its sweetness and moments of angst. The side characters are also well-developed, with their own traumas and motivations that add depth to the narrative. Their friendships are supportive and add another layer of complexity. The author did a great job of presenting how past traumas and insecurities can manifest in relationships, even leading to hurt despite good intentions. The family dynamics, especially Qin Fang's relationship with his step-mother and half-brother, added a layer of maturity to the story. ### Areas of Concern While I enjoyed the novel overall, I did find some aspects less appealing. The plot can feel a bit slow at times, and some might find it boring, especially if they prefer more dramatic narratives. I also felt the central conflict towards the end was somewhat cliché. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Some readers have pointed out plot points that could be considered spoilers. It seems the angst stems from a "reversal" where the character who initially seemed more forward reveals a degree of cowardice rooted in past trauma. This leads to a period of separation and emotional turmoil before an eventual reconciliation. ### Final Verdict Despite some minor drawbacks, "Picking Up Stars" is a worthwhile read. The focus on character growth, realistic relationship dynamics, and supportive friendships creates a heartwarming and engaging story. While it may not be the most groundbreaking novel, it offers a satisfying slice-of-life romance with a touch of angst. I'd recommend it to those who enjoy slow-burn romances with complex characters and a healthy dose of realism.