Shanghai Jiamu

Every trace of my entire youth is engraved with the same name. When I see the trees on the street and the clouds on the horizon, I will think of him unconsciously. I remember the bubble tea he ordered for me, and the sparklers he lit up for me. Those memories supported me through difficult days and made me think I was special at one point. When I was young, I often wondered, is it possible? Even if it is one in ten thousand, what if I am the heroine in his story? I have said goodbye to him countless times, on the phone, on WeChat, face to face, every time without pressure, because I know there will be another meeting. But this time is different, Xu Jiamu, this time I really want to say goodbye to you. “Goodbye, Xu Jiamu.”

Original Publisher

jjwxc

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on Shanghai Jiamu ### First Impressions "Shanghai Jiamu" immediately pulled me in with its slice-of-life setup. The story felt very relatable from the get-go, depicting the familiar anxieties of youthful romance and, more specifically, the fear of confessing one's feelings. The female protagonist's secret crush is a common theme, but the setting and her personal struggles promised a unique perspective. ### What Works Well The novel's strength lies in its ability to capture the essence of youthful indecision. I appreciated how the author explored the protagonist's passive approach to love. It's easy to see yourself in her shoes, grappling with insecurities and the what-ifs of unrequited affection. The writing style is concise and efficient, making for a quick and engaging read. It really emphasizes the internal conflict she faces, and that rings very true. ### Areas of Concern While the novel excels at portraying the protagonist's internal struggles, the ending left me with a lingering sense of incompleteness. While the author offers a glimpse of her moving on, the "cowardice" that defined her actions throughout the story felt unresolved. This might be intentional, highlighting the complexities of personal growth, but I would have liked to see a bit more closure or a clearer indication of her evolution. I was left wanting more. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Okay, let's dive into spoiler territory. The ending, or lack thereof, is what sticks with me the most. The fact that the protagonist never truly confronts her feelings, even as the story concludes, is both realistic and frustrating. It definitely makes you wonder if a little more courage would have led to a different outcome. However, her sense of inferiority holds her back, and the reader is left to ponder the consequences of her inaction. ### Final Verdict Overall, "Shanghai Jiamu" is a poignant and relatable exploration of youthful romance and the fear of vulnerability. Despite my desire for a more definitive resolution, the novel's ability to evoke empathy and introspection makes it a worthwhile read. I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys introspective stories about the complexities of love and self-discovery, just be prepared for a bittersweet ending.