Sternstunde

When they first met, Qin Yiyu saw Nan Yi holding a liquor bottle from the doorway, and thought he was there to collect debts. But he actually said: “I’m forming a band, to participate in a competition. We’re missing a lead vocalist who can play guitar.” Qin Yiyu: Oh, it would be better if he came to collect debts. He agreed in the end, because he didn’t want to give up such a talented bassist. — Later — Nan Yi: Qin Yiyu is my target. Qin Yiyu: (bulb lighting up) likes me. Nan Yi: We can be friends. Qin Yiyu: Understood, lip service friendship1. I don’t mind kissing you even though I’m a straight man. Nan Yi: (inhale) Qin Yiyu: He really loves me. —-— During the competition, no one had high hopes for this new band. Even the staff was talking about it backstage. “The bassist sure is handsome, but you can’t rely on looks to eat. The drummer is said to have a temper so bad that he’s almost beaten people up. The keyboardist seems to be a bank employee who was fired. Coupled with a popular lead vocalist with a terrible personality who had been kicked out of his previous band, how can this kind of makeshift band win?” Yet the four of them were right behind them. Yan Ji: “Get it right, I wasn’t fired but resigned voluntarily, and it was an investment bank, not a bank.” Chi Zhiyang: “What crap are you spewing! How is my temper bad!” Qin Yiyu: “In such a long sentence, only the first four words are worth hearing. A person as perfect as myself, the only people who can insult me are either my close friends, or the reincarnation of the violin— a worthless thing.” Staff: (embarrassed) (cold sweat) (speechless) Nan Yi said coldly: “Excuse me, the grassroot band is about to go on stage.” Vocalist x Bassist and Vocalist 1 唇友誼 lit. “lip friendship”; it’s used to describe intimate friendships that involve services related to lips, such as communication or kissing.

Original Publisher

jjwxc

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on Sternstunde "Sternstunde" had been on my radar for a while, and diving in, I found myself completely immersed in its world of music, revenge, and complicated relationships. Zhichu's writing shines, creating a vibrant and unforgettable story that kept me hooked from beginning to end. I can definitely see why this novel has garnered so much praise. ### First Impressions The premise immediately grabbed me: a band competition intertwined with a simmering revenge plot. It felt like a daring combination of genres, and I was eager to see how the author would pull it off. The initial chapters introduced a cast of intriguing characters, each with their own secrets and motivations, setting the stage for a complex and compelling narrative. ### What Works Well The novel's strength lies in its rich character development and intricate plotlines. The main characters, Nan Yi and Qin Yiyu, are particularly well-crafted. Their relationship is a tangled mix of attraction, misunderstanding, and undeniable devotion. The band competition scenes are vividly written, making me feel like I was right there in the audience, experiencing the music firsthand. Zhichu's ability to write songs that resonate with the characters' emotions is truly impressive. The balance between the band competition and the revenge plot is handled skillfully, with neither overshadowing the other. The supporting characters are also well-developed, each contributing to the overall tapestry of the story. The romance is intense and beautifully written, filled with both tenderness and passion. The author writes the more intimate scenes with a unique flair. ### Areas of Concern While I thoroughly enjoyed "Sternstunde," the large cast of characters could be a bit overwhelming at times. It required careful attention to keep track of everyone and their relationships. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning (Specific details of plot points or character developments are discussed below. Proceed with caution if you prefer to avoid spoilers.) The dynamic between Nan Yi and Qin Yiyu is fascinating, with their initial misunderstanding about the nature of their relationship adding a layer of humor and tension. The exploration of their individual traumas and how they find solace in each other is deeply moving. ### Final Verdict Overall, "Sternstunde" is a captivating novel that I would highly recommend to fans of drama, romance, and slice-of-life stories. Zhichu's exceptional writing, combined with the intricate plot and well-developed characters, makes for an unforgettable reading experience. I'm already looking forward to rereading it when the complete translation is available.