Rushing Towards The Flame

Stories like these are just too real and close to reality. As I read through the story, I kept questioning the characters' thoughts. Why didn't they even try to start a conversation when they clearly wanted to stay together and had no one else in their hearts? Then I realized—this is how people are. The difference between each love story truly lies in the courage and actions of those involved. They could have had it all—it's just that they didn't fight hard enough. One was a coward in love, and the other only realized he was in love when he lost it all.

This was such a bittersweet read. As they say, there’s no cure for regret, so it’s always better to speak your mind when you can. Reflecting on it, I do think this is the best ending for Tang Yi. She has already invested too much time in a love that didn’t reciprocate. Now, it’s time for her to find someone who matches her feelings and timing. She deserves to be someone’s first choice.

If "Butterfly and Whale" was a more romantic and idealistic take on tragedy (which I still enjoy, by the way), then this novel offers a more grounded, real-life perspective on bittersweet endings.

It's truly unfortunate, but sometimes you meet someone at the wrong place and time.

I wasn't expecting much from a 10-chapter bittersweet ending tragedy, but it managed to bring a tear to my eye.

I'm still sobbing even after an hour. Sure, you could say it's due to miscommunication, but hey, this kind of thing really does happen. It’s so realistic, and I’m a total sucker for these types of stories. This one is a perfect example of her falling too early and him falling too late.

I enjoyed FL so much that I couldn't stop reading. During my university years, I was deeply in love with someone, but later I realized it wasn't love; it was just my stubbornness to hold on. That's the best ending. Thanks to the author and translator.

He settled down and married her out of convenience, a second choice, and it was too late for him to truly love her.

She had loved him for so long that the harsh reality of their marriage and his unreturned affection crushed her.

This relationship was doomed to fail from the start.

For a relationship to thrive, there needs to be honesty, courage, and equality in feelings and romantic history, but they had none of these, leading to their inevitable failure.

It's beautiful. I cried.

What hurt the most for me was when she asked him to buy her a drink. After he came back and brought her milk, which she was allergic to, her eyes trembled. That was her sign, and that was when she finally let go.

Both had something to blame for their broken marriage. Everything the author said was true. She wasn't honest enough because she loved so deeply. While the guy was just starting to love her and tried to accommodate her in a way that it’s almost like they were just acquaintances.

I actually thought he would be secretly in love with her too. But of course, this novel was true to life. He never knew her feelings from the past. He never knew she was that player he and his team usually played with during his senior year. He just never really knew her at that time because FL hid really hard.

If the female lead (FL) was that Wen Jing, we'd probably be rejoicing now that the male lead (ML) is getting a divorce. Sometimes, reading this kind of story where the characters are probably just passing experiences gives you such profound realizations.

It's a short read, but it gives your heart a few squeezes of pain. I suggest you read it 🤣 it's painful but beautiful at the same time. Welp, that's life.

Also, kudos to the translator! The translation was great! Thank you for doing this!

Edit: OMG, I didn't realize I rated it 1 star!!!!! But this is definitely 5 stars!!!! Good thing it can still be changed!