"Being a dog isn't much fun, getting beaten, getting yelled at." That line as a sales pitch for becoming a monster was perfect. It says so much about both the dog's life and Lu Chen's own experience. They're two outcasts who found each other.
That pressure point trick! When Tingyue secretly pressed on Meng Qingjiao’s acupoints to cause pain and make her faint for real – I cackled. Such a petty and clever way to get revenge. And the fact that no ordinary physician would detect it? Genius. It shows Tingyue has skills (probably from her medical studies in the past life) and that she’s not above low-key sabotage. This is the kind of satisfying pettiness I’m here for.
The personality of the main character (MC) in this novel is quite perplexing. Initially, we are introduced to him as the quintessential 'School Grass' archetype—the charming, talented individual who seems to excel in every possible endeavor. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes evident that he is surprisingly ignorant about the broader world around him. This contrast raises several questions: How can a character who supposedly embodies excellence and confidence display such a lack of awareness regarding fundamental aspects of life? One particularly striking critique that resonates with many readers is the apparent absence of world-building. As the narrative progresses, it feels like the author has prioritized a haphazard collection of ideas and events designed merely to embellish the MC's persona rather than to construct a cohesive and immersive universe. Consequently, the setting seems more like a backdrop staged to elevate the MC’s "coolness" rather than a rich tapestry that enhances the overall story. Moreover, the character's comedic moments often fall flat, teetering on the edge of absurdity and leaving readers questioning the authenticity of the humor. Sure, if you approach the story with a mindset to simply enjoy the ride, you might find him amusing, yet much of the comedic relief comes across as forced and contrived. These moments are laden with what can only be described as nonsensical antics that may elicit a chuckle at best but do little to contribute to a genuine connection with the character or the storyline. In essence, if one were to read with their critical faculties switched off, it might be easy to view the MC as "cool." However, when observed more closely, the combination of a goofy demeanor coupled with a lack of depth and insight makes it challenging to take him seriously as a compelling protagonist. Ultimately, the narrative feels disjointed, and the humor serves as a distraction rather than an enhancement to a story that could have been far more engaging with a more intricate character development and a well-defined world.
1 The scene of her burning the paper money in the main hall is so vivid. The smoke, the candles, the incense, her prostrating. It feels very ritualistic and sacred, especially after all the chaos. It’s a quiet moment where you feel the weight of the connection to her grandfather. It grounds the supernatural elements in real tradition.
2 The side character who stood out most to me is Hongfen. She’s just a servant, but the flashback about her dying to protect Chunxi… brutal. It makes every line of her present-day dialogue heavy with dramatic irony. When she kneels, terrified of punishment, I felt so sorry for her. She doesn’t know she’s talking to someone who saw her die in agony. The story uses this well to build loyalty and sympathy.