The Flower of Youth Blooms when He Smiles

It wasn’t the first time she had met him. However, at the time, in the corridor of the KTV, he smiled with charm as he hugged the girl in his arms. It had left such a deep impression within her. What happened later on? Later– Her boyfriend, Lu Sibei, luxuriously invited his group of friends. He came late. Someone yelled, “You have to drink for being late.” “Why didn’t you bring your girlfriend along?” That person only smiled lightly, “We broke up.” “Oh, how many months was it this time?” That person lifted his eyes, his voice flat, “That’s enough.” In the private booth, the lights were dimly lit. Meng Shengnan drank her cola with her head down, but the drink in her tongue tasted both cold and bitter. At the time she hadn’t realised yet that later on, she really couldn’t have anyone else but him. _ During her youth, Meng Shengnan had fallen for someone. Yet, she knew that she would never be the type he liked, so she buried her unrequited love deep within her heart. Many years later, she met him again in her hometown. He was no longer the unruly and carefree youth she remembered, instead, he would often pass through the old streets of Jiangcheng in a pair of flip-flops. The first time they met again, he stared at her, unshaven, his eyes full of untold stories. Her heart raced and he chased after her relentlessly. For her, he got his act together, started all from nothing, and wiped away his past humiliations. It was as if he had responded to the words she had written many years ago in the book she had gifted him: “In the days where the flower of youth blooms, I want to help him find his way after losing his path.”

Original Publisher

jjwxc

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on The Flower of Youth Blooms when He Smiles This novel, "The Flower of Youth Blooms when He Smiles," definitely left an impression on me. It's a slow burn, a coming-of-age story that delicately explores the complexities of unrequited love and personal growth from high school through adulthood. If you're looking for a whirlwind romance, this might not be your cup of tea, but if you appreciate a story that unfolds with patience and introspection, you might find yourself captivated. ### First Impressions Initially, I was drawn in by the premise of a quiet, introspective female lead falling for a seemingly unattainable "hooligan" type. The contrast between their personalities immediately sparked my interest. It’s a classic opposites-attract scenario, and I was curious to see how the author would navigate their relationship. I appreciated that the story begins with the FL already enamored with the ML, and the story progresses from there. ### What Works Well The biggest strength of this novel lies in its character development and realistic portrayal of emotions. The female lead is particularly well-written; she's introverted but not timid, and her passion for literature adds depth to her character. Watching her grapple with her feelings for the male lead, while also navigating the challenges of growing up, felt incredibly relatable. I also enjoyed the slow-burn romance. It takes a while for the characters to truly connect, but the gradual development of their relationship felt earned and meaningful. The author does a great job of capturing the longing and heartache of unrequited love, and the eventual payoff is all the more satisfying because of it. The inclusion of specific songs to match the FL's mood was a fantastic touch! ### Areas of Concern While I enjoyed the overall story, I do have a few minor reservations. The male lead, while intriguing, is described as being "crappy" at times, and his motivations aren't always clear. I wish the author had delved deeper into his character and provided more insight into why he finally began to pursue the female lead. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Some readers might find the initial chapters slow, as they primarily focus on the female lead observing the male lead from afar. Also, the ML and FL get together around chapter 40. ### Final Verdict Despite its flaws, "The Flower of Youth Blooms when He Smiles" is a poignant and well-written romance that I would recommend to readers who enjoy slow-burn stories with realistic characters and a focus on personal growth. It's a reminder that love can blossom in unexpected places, and that even the most unlikely of pairings can find happiness together. Just be prepared to be patient and allow the story to unfold at its own pace.