This novel is so beautiful. I have no words, from the characters to the story, this was a masterpiece. When I was reading this novel, I feel like I'm also accompanying the characters with their journey.

Wonderful character development so far, and particularly good dialogue and interactions.

I really appreciate how real a lot of the dialogue feels, particularly the casual cursing and banter -- thinking about reading the raws later to see the OG version. Not just cliché romance lines or "cold silent possessive ML"s; these characters really do fit the setting they've been given, and sound like teenage/YA guys just f*cking around or giving each other shit. There are a lot of other novels where I wonder if the teen boys are actually supposed to... more>> be teen boys based on how they always speak, and although those novels usually have characters with better living environments and family backgrounds, it still feels moderately unreal. That's certainly not the case here.

I saw it mentioned that Jiang Cheng's cursing sounds a lot more aggro/not banter-like in the EN TL compared to the raws, but I don't think it's really the case. I haven't read the raws, but a lot of the TL still gives me the "hey bro, f*ck you, you s*upid bastard lmao" feeling. Very casual and familiar.

A little bittersweet from the very beginning.

Each character, including the side characters, has their own background that you can slowly start seeing bits and pieces about. Even while the story is centered around the MCs, the world around them is still there for the taking. There might be a lot of studying s*umbags, but there aren't so many pointless idiots there for a grand faceslap. They don't win everything, and there are limits to success, even when they put in some effort and try, but sometimes the journey is more important than a first place medallion.

Edit: Listened to some audiobook recs of the original CN raws (past the EN TLs of up to 117), and they're pretty damn good. Also some of the radio show, which is genuinely great. <<less

i love everything about this novel with my entire being. Saye is not only a wonderful romance, but also a very well-constructed psychological sol. It can get from adorable, heart-warming & wholesome to heart-wrenching & even hilarious - it can shift between all modes in the most natural way.

its character are fantastically-written, gorgeously fleshed out & developed. They're multi-layered with their lives, struggles & relationships feeling real & sincere. You can tell the author wrote everyone with great care.

saye often deals with sensitive issues such as mental illness, strained relationships... more>> & even death & it does so in a very delicate manner. It may get very emotional at times, but never gets *too* heavy.

it presents youth & first love in an extremely realistic manner, one I haven't often stumbled upon in fiction. The relationship between GF & JC is not only ridiculously sweet, but also incredibly balanced & healthy. The romance in saye is not just about two people being cute together & doing lovey-dovey stuff, but mostly about two people who stand by, support, fulfill & help each other constantly evolve & become a better version of themselves.

i adore the dialogue in this novel, whether it's silly everyday talk between the characters or serious, heart-to-heart conversations, its beautifully-written, keeps the reader invested & gives more & more insight into the characters & their relationships as the story goes.

i have no idea how this story will proceed & end, it's as unpredictable & surprising as life itself, yet I have faith it won't disappoint. Eagerly waiting for more chapters to be translated. (Gotta add a mandatory huge thanks to the translators at this point. Thanks for bringing this story to us, you're doing a gorgeous job <3) <<less

Sa ye is poignant story about two boys that will tug on your heartstrings. It is a coming of age story of the MC and ML trapped by circumstance and the ways in which they go about dealing with life. Even though the plot is not super exciting or dramatic, it is one that makes you feel for the characters and want to root for them. Both the MC and ML are strong characters who feel stuck in the small town that the story is set in. As the plot... more>> progresses, the experiences that the characters have will make you fall for them. Even during the happy moments, there is a touch of sadness and heartache that never really goes away until both the MC and ML successfully overcomes their psychological barriers. <<less

I have read many, many novels, and most of them never hit quite like this one did. Wu Zhe's writing style is very heart-warming, humorous, and light, yet deep and emotional at the same time. I must thank the translators for giving us a clean, very understandable translation because I never would've been able to read this without them.

First off, the characters are written very well. Their emotions, conflicts, and feelings are very relatable. While reading, there were several times I found that I had experienced emotions similar to Jiang... more>> Cheng's. Their interactions are very realistic, so much that I could believe these characters were actual people telling their story.

The setting is also very fun to read about, since it's something nearly everyone can relate to in some fashion. Everyone has been through school at some point in their lives, and it's refreshing to read about the exciting things like getting a first crush and all the chaotic moments with friends.

Now, I must include how this novel is not all happy moments and fun. Seldom do I cry when reading a novel, but this novel has made me cry at least a couple times. Still, all of the sad moments and conflicts are part of why the novel is able to establish such a deep connection with you as you are reading through it.

In conclusion, this is a phenomenal novel. It is and will forever be one of my all-time favorites, even beyond a few of MXTX and Priest's works, though they are both very skilled authors as well who I would definitely recommend if you haven't already binged their works, but this one will hold a special place in my heart. <<less

Bad with words but I have to say few words about SaYe. 5/5

The ordinary came to my mind when I started to read the first chapter. Wait don't jump to the conclusion yet. To me, ordinary & simple words are the most powerful in my dictionary. Everything flows naturally in the novel. MC is a child 17 years old and yet he had to face the reality and he is a very crude stubborn boy. What should he do knowing that he is not meant to be there (his adoptive... more>> family) so he chose to leave but still can not let go what is the right word for it? Frustration? Sadness? Disappointment? Loneliness. MC is strong. He is trying and learning. People can relate to it.

ML is not like how people think he is. He is so sensible, mature, handsome hardworking, (need to learn more adjectives) argh I like it.

At first, MC & ML fought like kids, awkward. Later, it became the sweet romance I've ever read. One thing I forgot to say I love JC's phantom acting. LOL And GF caught him red-handed doing it. That was so hilarious.

Spoiler

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MC tried so hard for the ML's sister. She is so sweet. He went through so many struggles just for the sake of GF's sister. NOt because she is GF's sister but also MC loved that girl. She was the key to the freedom of their relationship. Because of her GF had to left JC. I cried at that part. GF doesn't want to drag MC down.

If anyone tells me why like it? I could only answer because I get the same vibe as "Are you addicted?" And ordinary. I melted the rest of the chapters, sentence by sentence by google translation. So I know the ending. Now I can say I loved it not just because of the vibe but because I fell in love with the author's writing style. Only He (Wu She) can give you something like this.

People who are living in fantasy will not get it. They would say it's toxic or unhealthy etc. But If one knows the beauty of the mundane world they would never say it.

I love the song~~~ Chathersis is my favorite now. I'm listening to it for 2 months already every day still I can't get out of the "Saye" world. <<less

How good is this novel? Let me tell you. This made me bawl my eyes out even when I read the MTL-not-proofread-version. That's how well-written it was, and it even carries a strong impression of nostalgia.

The characters are well developed. They felt real, they have flaws, they have differences but the main pairing fills out the gap of the other which makes them, not a perfect pair as there's no such thing, but a pair who complements each other.

The chapters are quite long but it's full of substance. There's no... more>> boring parts. Misunderstanding s/problems aren't dragged out because the characters COMMUNICATE. There are some quite valuable lessons as well; such as non blood-related can act more of a family than blood-related ones. This is definitely one of the best coming of age theme I've read so far. (Aside from the novel 'Through the Strait Gates' which is pretty good read too).

Spoiler

I just don't know whether the author accurately portrayed the psychological condition of the ML's sister. The child wasn't autistic, but it seems she just had a delayed cognitive/development. I read the MTL so I'm not sure if her condition was specified; all I know was it is different from autism. But whether this was accurate or not, I'd like to say, the way the author wrote this both as the main catalyst/hurdle between the ML and MC's romance, they did a splendid job.

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Overall, this was a ROLLER COASTER RIDE of emotions. A 5/5 for characters, plot and satisfying ending. <<less

I wanna give thanks to the translator who really gave their efforts to translate this novel. ❤ This novel is REALLY REALLY REALLY GOOD and the fact that it's not your typical BL novels where its so cliche and the story doesn't even have any flavor.

This novel makes me laugh, angry, frustrated. It's a rollercoaster ride of emotions. The MC and ML are really ❤❤. Makes we wish that when I have problems that I won't be able to tell anyone that certain person would be there and give me a... more>> feeling on what HOME is like.

The author is really good ❤ This novel really deserve more attention. <<less

Beautiful. I wish I could describe how much feels this novel gave me but it's really the most heartwarming, pure, and absolutely beautiful novel I've read in awhile. I don't usually lean towards slice of life danmei, and only few could capture my attention like Saye did.

Best novel I’ve ever read. This was the first Wu Zhe novel I read, so glad I read it. The writing and the characters, their dynamics everything is written well. While reading, I felt so many emotions about the town, the gloomy weather and the characters. No novel I’ve read made me feel like this.

MC Jiang Cheng x ML Gu Fei - The author's ability to write excellent dialogue, wonderful descriptions and satisfying slice of life stories is superb. The MC's story of salvation, abandonment to a found family is up lifting. The ML's story of protector, growth and embracing hope is also inspiring. Together they learn from each other and build a life together with mutual respect

I came here after reading Antidote another phenomenal work by Wu Zhe, but honestly I can say this is the most down to earth heartwarming and heartbreaking danmei I have read. With realistic characters and troubles, such intricate personalities and amazing banter and chemistry! I am ashamed it took me this long to discover! Please support the official release we need more Wu Zhe novels to be translated! There are so many life lessons to learn and so much self-reflection and the main part of the couple’s conflict is so... more>> well done I have no complaints about the resolution because they just add so much character growth you feel so proud in the end :’)... also the song SAYE is everything. <<less

Not very familiar with writing reviews but reading every single review here giving it 5 stars I was fine whatever I'll read it and omg

Omg

This is what a good romance should be. It is everythingggg. The characterization is so well done, thier issues are all fully fleshed out, and thier actions make complete sense to me. The BANTER or even just any conversation in there, serious or otherwise is so natural. The author portrayed youth perfectly to the point I someone who didn't give a sh*t about her highschool days... more>> ended up feeling nostalgia for those times.

I love them two. This is a novel written like there's only them in the whole world but all the side characters have thier own personalities and motivations and I like many of them. I despise many of them as well. But the story overall, I love.

While reading Chinese danmei, the only other novel I felt this much of a connection to was " wait for me after school".

This took a while to finish, almost a whole week. I had to take emotional breaks many times because there is angst in here.

And some TW : DV, violence, mild bullying, violence, su*cide.

I think if I were going over reviews these tws would have made me not want to read it because it sounds too dark and heavy with these subjects, but these are just passing things that take place, you will not be plagued with them for most of the story. It's mostly funny jokes and fluff. Very FLUFFY fluff. Each of thier dates hangouts walks is different even though there are so many of them. The jokes are so good I was reading this at breakfast and trying to hold in my laughter to seem normal infront of my mom, but I couldn't and ended up having to tell her what's so funny.

Anyway just amazing. I wish I was as good at something as this writer is at writing about being in young love in this hell of a world. <<less

This is a really well written novel. The heartache you feel for these boys especially for the ML who has so much responsibility since he was young. I’m glad they were able to get through it all and achieve their goals and the sister was able to get better as well. All the side characters were well written, you can really feel all the characters come to life. Don’t hesitate to read this.

This is truly the best slow burn romance novel I have ever read. Yet, I cannot finish it because there are no more chapters in English (or Spanish) available : (

It's difficult to find an story this beautiful, really heartwarming. The plot. The characters. The narration. Their (love) language.

If someone knows where can I find a proper translation please REACH OUT. I need to finish this, but there are only RAWs with poor English...

started 7/19, 8/5 caught up.

literally changed my brain chemistry. I love both gu fei and jiang cheng and how much they love each other and id do anything for them to get to be happy. I hope to read about their happy ending with gu miao someday. The translation is great. The story is great. It's very character driven. Had me ijboling screaming crying throwing up. I made a twt thread and now I probably have 100+ screenshots that I don't want to dlt bc I'm attached. The last few... more>> new chapters are literally breaking my heart. It's perfect tho.

anyways yeah jc and gf r both so funny, loving, talented, and honestly perfect in a very imperfect human way. They deserve the best I really enjoyed reading this and I would recommend it if I had anyone to recommend it to. <<less

Slice of life that doesn't get boring and episodic. Full of life and spirit.

It's not exactly my cup of tea - as I felt like there were too many parts that were dragged on for too long to help build up the angst and feels - but it's definitely top tier writing, not to mention the translation was very good as well.

The characterization is amazing. Each character mentioned, even the side characters, are so distinct and full of their own personalities and life. Everyone interacted with each other as if... more>> they were truly alive and breathing and it's very easy to get carried away into the story. The dialogues, glances, gestures, any big and small movements... the characters jumped out of the story as if they were living and breathing right in front of us.

Plot-wise, there are several arcs going on, but the threads were weaved together so beautifully that nothing felt jarring or abrupt. The author never launches into a plot event or change in character outright. There's always some subtle foreshadowing going on, and you won't notice them if you don't immerse yourself into the story (which is very easy to do because, again, great characterization).

Most importantly, there are no excessive virtue signalling segments here nor are there chunks of text discussing philosophy, psychology, etc etc as other novel writers often do to explain the behavior of the characters.

The author created these incredibly real characters and simply let them do the living. It's up to the readers to discover what gems they may find between the words. <<less

i have to say I love them both so much, , their love is so genuine & pure ~

s/n I tend to not give five stars till the series is completed but I love this so much that I created an account here to hopefully get updates when the next chapter is out heheh

fell in love with this novel. Not an enthusiast when it comes to web novels, but this one stole my heart. It captured my attention like no other. Main characters are wonderfully written, they're not perfect yet they're lovable. Both make up for what the other is lacking, and at the same time, are just as strong individually as they are when together. I cried, I squealed, I screamed all in one sitting. Haha I binged but regardless. This novel is currently at the very top of my list, and... more>> I know i'll be suffering from post-novel depression once the translations are complete. <<less

WOW! I have read a lot of BL (all translated) and this is really an incredible story, plus the translation is outstanding. I was going to try and take this one slow since it's still in translation but I haven't been able to put it down. Will edit later with more detail, but this is one that will stick with you.