Smash All Pots and Pans To Go to School砸锅卖铁去上学

I really liked this story though I think the title and synopsis are kind of misleading.

The story isn't really focused on how the MC gets into/manages to stay in school despite her abject poverty or her struggles as a mechanic engineer who accidentally became a mecha soldier. For lack of better words, the bulk of the story is sort of one long tournament arc because most of it describes the events that take place during this really prestigious extreme (capture the flag like) competition that all the military schools compete in. Of course, it's not all that simple because

In my opinion, what makes this story really engaging is its characters, particularly the MC. A lot of Mary Sue like things happen to her but somehow she, herself, never feels like a Mary Sue because of her personality. While she is really gifted, because of her cheeky, shameless, and money-grubbing ways, a lot of people (both teachers and students included) want to beat her up all of the time.

Btw although the MC interacts with a lot of guys, there's only one male lead and the romance is very slow and subtle (the most lovey dovey moments are towards the very end and the extras). The other guys and the MCs are strictly good bros but seriously the friendship between them all is so damn cute and funny as they're all pretty shameless but they care about each other a lot. I LOVED that there was almost no secrets between them because screw unneeded miscommunication and noble idiot tendencies. I hate it when authors force their MCs to shoulder everything alone when they don't have to because of pride or fear that they'll get their loved ones in trouble. Most of time things are just so much better when everyone is open and honest with each other because people can't protect themselves from dangers they're not aware of and generally there is strength in numbers. In this story, the MC and her awesome friends shoulder everything together. Besides the main cast, there are a lot of notable side characters too.

Finally, it's sooo nice to see that there's gender equality in this world because the female soldiers are just as respected as the male soldiers and the MC is never treated any differently because she is a girl.


So called "inherent" gender differences aren't even mentioned. It's refreshing af.

Overall, this was a fun story to read and I'm interested to see what else this author does.

Not a fan of mecha themed novels much cause often times there are terminologies I can't understand. But I was really thirsting for strong female protagonists that are actually strong either physically or mentally through their own talents and hard-work. Without relying on systems or just mary sue and no hard-work at all. (Not that I hate them but it gets tiring) And thankfully the translators brought this here 🎉🥳🎉
Funny and amazing novel. Starts off mild and leisurely due to Wei San's unfortunate and unlucky situation.



But as the story goes, it gets more action packed and step by step deeper into the plot. The story is also very detailed which makes it even more immersive. Also, no noticeable plot holes 😌The romance part is very little and slow (no complains tho I'm already satisfied it's like a sweet dessert)
What makes it all even better are the well-done characters. Each with their own distinct personalities and the author didn't give emphasis on physical beauty (which happens pretty much most novels with female protag I've read), instead author focused on their own charms and charisma.



And ngl, ML is not in my top 5 favourite characters in this novel 👀 Doesn't mean I don't ship it but it's just occupied by Wei San and friends lol. I love their platonic brotherhood camaraderie and hilarious antics.

And cherry on top? 🍒Gender equality.

"You can't be alone with men in your room" "Let us boys handle it" "Women are just naturally weaker than men" "Men are better than women" "Men men men men men"

Those does not exist. Everyone is just human and theres no emphasis on gender.

Only downsides are:
1. The very rushed ending. As if suddenly theres only a few seconds left before the deadline which is very uncharacteristic of the author, who created this detailed novel. Wishing all's well, whatever it is.
2. The utterly underwhelming title. I probably wouldn't have thought of reading this if it weren't for someone's recommendation and my desperation for strong female protag. Thankfully I didn't miss on this.