Bloom of Youth

Of all the youth novels I’ve read, “Bloom of Youth” (轻狂) by Wu Zhe stands out as a one that genuinely captures the chaotic, hilarious, and heartfelt essence of high school life. It’s not about grand, dramatic tragedies; it’s about the messy, everyday adventures that somehow, when you look back, define your youth.

The story revolves around two boys: Kou Chen and Huo Ran.

Let me introduce you to Kou Chen first. He’s a transfer student, instantly labeled as a “problem student” and a “delinquent” by the school rumor mill. He has a fierce, intimidating aura and a short temper to match. But what makes Kou Chen so endlessly fascinating is that beneath that tough, “don’t mess with me” exterior, he’s incredibly loyal, fiercely protective of those he cares about, and has a hidden, almost childish, silly side. He’s the kind of person who would get into a shouting match one second and then secretly help you the next.

Then there’s Huo Ran. He’s the academic powerhouse, the “model student” on the surface. They actually have a history of being old rivals from junior high, so when they find themselves in the same class again after the high school division into Arts and Sciences, they’re ready to continue their cold war

. Huo Ran is more level-headed, but he’s far from boring. He’s got a strong sense of justice and a hidden mischievous streak that only comes out around Kou Chen.

Their story begins with one of the most memorable meet-cutes I’ve ever read. The author brilliantly sets the tone by showing the less-than-glamorous state of their school, which is chronically short on funds. The walls are crumbling, and the floorboards in the hallway are hollow
. In a moment of pure slapstick comedy, Huo Ran is running in the corridor, has to slam on the brakes, and his foot goes right through the rotten wooden floor, getting him completely stuck . As he panics, he instinctively grabs the arm of the nearest person—who just happens to be Kou Chen—and yanks him to the ground . So there they are, on the first day of school, one stuck in the floor, the other sprawled on the ground, glaring at each other. It’s awkward, hilarious, and the perfect start to their unique relationship

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What truly makes “Bloom of Youth” special is how this initial animosity slowly thaws. They are forced to interact, and through a series of shared misadventures, they begin to see the real person behind the stereotype. A pivotal moment comes when a burly student from the class downstairs storms up, furious that the ceiling dust has fallen all over their desks because of the hole Huo Ran made
. Just as a confrontation is about to begin, Kou Chen steps in front of Huo Ran and, with his signature brashness, takes the blame outright: “I干的,怎么了?” (I did it, so what?) . He doesn’t back down, shielding Huo Ran from the fallout. It’s in this moment that Huo Ran sees Kou Chen’s unspoken loyalty, and he quietly mutters a “Thank you,” which Kou Chen, trying to hide his pleasure, pretends not to hear

. It’s a small, brilliantly written scene that shows how their relationship starts to change.

Their dynamic is the heart and soul of the novel. Their banter is sharp and funny, full of the kind of effortless teasing that only exists between close friends. Kou Chen, the so-called “bad boy,” is often the one being clingy and demanding Huo Ran’s attention, while Huo Ran, the “good student,” finds himself constantly getting dragged into Kou Chen’s schemes, all while pretending to be annoyed. It’s a beautiful, slow-burn progression from enemies to friends to something more, and the author handles it with a delicate touch that feels incredibly genuine.

But “Bloom of Youth” isn’t just their story; it’s about the vibrant ecosystem of their friend group. Kou Chen and Huo Ran eventually form a “brotherhood” with five other classmates
. This group of seven becomes inseparable. They study together, get into trouble together, and have each other’s backs no matter what. The novel masterfully portrays the strength and comfort of finding your people in the confusing landscape of high school. Their shared experiences—from cramming for exams to silly weekend outings—form a tapestry of a youth lived to the fullest, a theme perfectly captured by the novel’s soul: “轻狂一场，无悔青春。” (To be young and reckless once, to have no regrets in youth)

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Wu Zhe has a talent for finding the profound in the ordinary. The writing is warm, witty, and filled with a gentle humor that will have you laughing out loud one moment and feeling a pang of nostalgia the next. The characters don’t feel like fictional constructs; they feel like people you went to school with, with all their flaws, insecurities, and boundless energy.

If you’re looking for a story that is both wildly entertaining and deeply moving, a story that celebrates the impulsive, loyal, and unforgettable nature of youth, then I cannot recommend “Bloom of Youth” enough. It’s a heartfelt and hilarious journey that will leave you believing in the power of friendship and maybe missing your own high school days, just a little.