However, Li Zhun, honorary president of China Literature and Art Critics Association, has a more optimistic view.

Speaking from the point of view that the teen protagonists, who have conflicting ideas to their parents, finally gain their blessing to be allowed to pursue their dreams, Li says it reflects a "China that has changed a lot".

"A lot of high school graduates, especially those in big cities, no longer take the gaokao as the only way to secure a promising future," says Li.

For example, Li adds, many youngsters are now choosing to seek advanced education overseas, while those who cannot afford that might just study in an available college, enter the workforce to gain experience after graduation, and later grab other chances to embark on further studies.