The male teachers in this novel are so bland so far. The invigilator and the northern grain boss are just… there. I’m hoping the story introduces some memorable male leads or side characters soon, because right now the female characters are carrying everything.
The sister dynamic between the princess and the emperor is fascinating. She apparently told him not to be so violent three years ago and they've been estranged since. But he still dropped everything to come save her when he found out she was in danger. That unresolved tension and implied care beneath the surface is good stuff. I want to see their relationship develop.
Lin Hui is a mystery. He’s a rich CEO but he’s not overbearing. He asked if she wanted to go the auction, said it’s okay if she doesn’t. He didn’t push. At dinner, he only spoke to Lin Qingchuan about the auction. He doesn’t seem to interact much with his nephew. That’s sad. The original synopsis said Lin Hui didn’t know how to raise a child, and it shows. I hope Yu Jingmo will mediate between them. She might become a better parental figure than either of the men.
The other parents at the distribution center are a nice touch. They're worried about test levels, about their children's future, about passing or failing. It grounds the story in relatable concerns despite the sci-fi setting. The mother who was "one level away" from getting into the Star Alliance is clearly invested in her child's success. The father whose daughter is on her third and last chance is desperate. These small characters make the world feel real. Su Ninglong's calmness in contrast to all this anxiety highlights how different she is from normal children.