The part about how the knights used to cook the wild birds is both horrifying and hilarious. They just plucked the feathers (barely), left the innards in, and roasted it whole. Of course it smelled bad! The fact that they endured eating smelly, bitter meat for years without thinking to improve the method is peak "men who don't cook" energy. Meru coming in and showing them the proper way is such a satisfying moment.
The story is currently progressing at a rather slow pace, which may leave readers feeling as though they are immersed in a slice-of-life narrative rather than a thrilling adventure. By the time we reach chapter 24, the primary focus seems to revolve around the girl survivor whom the main character (MC) encounters, as well as his strong desire to keep the unique skills he has retained from another world a closely guarded secret. This struggle with secrecy not only serves as a significant plot point but also acts as an emotional anchor for the MC, especially in the context of the girl's deep-seated abandonment anxiety. One can't help but feel a sense of frustration watching the MC grapple with the decision to keep her by his side or to venture out into the perilous world infested with zombies. He certainly has the strength and capability to take her along, smashing through undead foes with ease. However, the ever-present weight of his secretive nature poses a formidable obstacle. Readers are left wondering how long he can continue to keep his abilities hidden and what impact this will have on his relationship with the girl. Despite the pacing, there are moments of introspection that add depth to the characters and provide intriguing insights into their motivations. Yet, the prolonged tension could use some resolution to prevent the narrative from feeling stagnant. As we move forward, it would be interesting to see how the story can balance its slower elements with a more dynamic plot progression, allowing for both character development and thrilling encounters with the zombie hordes that seem to populate their world. Overall, while there is potential for a more engaging storyline, the current trajectory feels bogged down by indecision and secrecy, leaving readers eager for tangible progress and growth in both the plot and character arcs.
The gift exchange had me rolling. "Great-Grandmother, if you can't go on living, you can use this to hang yourself." "A hanging rope that sprouts." And then Cheng Jian Gui just accepts it and immediately uses it to tie her up. "You're quite good at reciprocating favors~". This is a master-student relationship that started on the most chaotic foot possible.
I love that Shen Qing doesn't just accept her new life passively. She uses the transfer information to put Third Master Su at ease and make him grateful. She's actively shaping her environment, not just waiting for things to happen. That's the kind of protagonist I can root for.
I'm a bit wary of the character of the “Young Palace Master” antagonist. He’s a bit of a stereotype right now: the jealous, rich, and petty young master. His motive is simple jealousy, and his plan was merely to get the groom drunk. While this works for a first arc, I hope he gets more development. Maybe he's a real threat, or maybe he's just a beginning boss. For now, he's functional as a source of immediate conflict. His rage at the failure of his scheme is fun, but I’m hoping for more nuance in the future, perhaps a connection to the larger "Demonic Sect" or "Sea Clan" mentioned by the elders.
The description of the "Divine statue" that looked divine but had a "devilishly wild and arrogant gaze" is great world-building. It sets up this mysterious, ancient power that straddles a line no one in the present seems to understand. It makes the world feel bigger and more mysterious than just the Jadeite Sect politics. You can't help but wonder who this figure was and why history forgot him.
The food descriptions in this novel are dangerously good. When Wu Ming makes the fish-fragrant shredded pork rice, I could practically smell it through the screen. “The wok hei mixed with the aromas of vinegar, sauce, and meat wafted to their faces, the faint spiciness tickling their noses”—that line made me so hungry I had to go eat a snack. And the way Su Zhe can’t even speak because his mouth is full, just handing over his plate for more rice? That’s me. That’s the kind of reaction good food writing gets.
So far, "Creepy Online Dating Object" is a fantastic entry into the genre. It's fast, scary, clever, and doesn't waste any time. The mix of global strategy, personal survival, and linguistic puzzles is incredibly addictive. The writing is rough around the edges in a charming web novel way, but the core concept is rock solid. I am fully hooked and need to see what happens next with that bed scene.
The orphanage politics are depressingly realistic. Having to hide your practicing, the fear of being caught, the way success or failure depends on not annoying the wrong person. Anna's threat about not paying tuition is petty and cruel, and Xi En's final retort before leaving - calling her "Square Auntie" and predicting her unemployment - feels so satisfying because we've seen how she treated him. That's earned catharsis.