I turned the real romantic lives of college students I've witnessed into a novel. It's full of flirtation, awkwardness, and regret, and leans toward everyday life. The pace is very slow, with no dramatic highs or lows. I wanted to include lots of details, but this is my first book, and I'm not very good at writing, so it has been slow going.
The story behind the title, The Scorching Sun of Yesterday:
"Yesterday" refers to time, while "scorching sun" refers to temperature. One points to a past chapter that's already closed; the other represents a once-blazing intensity so bright it made you squint.
"Yesterday" and "scorching" sound similar in Chinese. Say them quickly and they blur into the same indistinct sound. It's like the two people in the story: when they get too close, they can't tell whether it's friendship or love; when they grow too far apart, they can't tell whether they missed their chance or were fated to do so.
Yang Yulin hides his sincerity behind jokes. He's used to retreating, to talking about "keeping a safe distance," and to using wisecracks to block every possible flutter of the heart. But behind every step back is an unspoken "I care about you." His stubborn mouth and soft heart are both a flaw and his clumsy way of showing tenderness.
Huang Shamo has her own system for deducting points. She's earnest and slow to realize things, and doesn't know that caring about someone's messages means she's falling for them. She's oblivious, but not foolish; rational, but softhearted. Her charm lies in those moments she doesn't even realize are happening.
The title is a little awkward. If you're willing, take your time and give it a read. Maybe you'll see yourself or your friends in the book. That's the effect I hope to achieve.
