The story could have benefited from a longer normal life setup before the reveal. If we saw Yu Kai struggling in school, feeling inferior, and his mom being a seemingly ordinary parent, the reveal would have more impact. As it is, the reveal comes too early, and we haven't had time to feel the contrast. But for a fast-paced web novel, this approach is common.
One last thing: the fact that she got the inheritance in her previous life but only now can use it is a brilliant way to handle knowledge from a past life. It's not a boring info-dump. She remembers it, and it's the key to her survival. It makes her previous suffering directly useful in her second chance, which feels more narratively satisfying than just a full reset. It gives her struggles in the first life meaning.
The money snowball is insane but also really entertaining. Starting from 99 yuan, doubling to 198, then 2000 becomes 20 thousand, then 200 thousand, then 9 million, then 297 million. The numbers are ridiculous but the progression feels earned within the logic of the system. I was doing the math in my head and getting excited along with Duan Yunfeng. The author does a good job of making each step feel like a win. The critical hit for the gene potion was a nice bonus. My only problem is that the protagonist never seems to worry about the system glitching or the money being traced. He just assumes everything is safe because the system says so. That's a bit naive, but again, it's a wish-fulfillment novel. Suspending disbelief is part of the deal.
2 The author uses a lot of "!" in the dialogue and action description. It makes the whole story feel very exaggerated and intense. "Impudent!" "Get lost!" "Screw you!" It’s all very shouty. It works for the manga/anime style it's going for, but it can be a bit tiring to read. Everything is a crisis. The character's emotions are always at 110%. It makes the quieter moments, like the farewell with Wang Ma, even more effective.
The detail about Shen Sangning realizing she's back in her eighteen-year-old body and running to the bronze mirror to check? That's so relatable. Any normal person would need to verify that kind of miracle. And the description of her young face again after living so long really drives home the emotional weight of getting a second chance at life.
The worldbuilding is well integrated. We learn about the Shen Manor, the Marquis title, the military power of both families, and the imperial family’s interference—all through natural dialogue and Shen Han’s thoughts. It doesn’t feel like an info dump. The mention of Little Remote Peak and the Sword Immortal adds a nice xianxia flavor. I do wish we knew more about Shen Han’s background before transmigration, though. There’s a mention of him being decisive originally but bowing to reality. A few hints about his past life could make his character deeper, but I guess the focus is on his current struggle.
I must say, this novel has far exceeded my expectations in many ways. From the very beginning, the descriptions of the dishes have been incredibly appetizing, enticing readers to savor the culinary delights being portrayed. The time travel element of the story has also been skillfully integrated, adding an intriguing layer to the narrative that enhances the overall experience. The protagonist, or MC, is tasked with the unique challenge of managing a 2-in-1 restaurant, where the dual timelines beautifully intertwine. On the Song side of the narrative, we see the MC introducing dishes infused with a modern flair, all while adhering to surprisingly affordable prices. This not only showcases the innovative culinary skills of the MC, but also highlights his compassionate side as he meets various historical figures and aids those in need. In return for his efforts, he gains access to high-quality, authentic ingredients that elevate his cooking to new heights. Meanwhile, the modern aspect of the story takes us on a different journey, focusing on the MC's struggle to revitalize a struggling restaurant. Here, his exceptional cooking abilities come to the forefront, as he utilizes the premium ingredients sourced from the historical side to breathe new life into the establishment. This juxtaposition of the past and present creates a rich tapestry that enhances the reader's engagement with the plot. It's important to note that the author has thoughtfully implemented a series of restrictions to prevent the protagonist from abusing the time travel system, which adds an extra layer of complexity to the story. These constraints force the MC to strategize and navigate challenges, making his journey all the more rewarding. Overall, the two intertwining narratives complement each other effortlessly, creating a cohesive and compelling read. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this novel and would gladly rate it a remarkable 9.1 out of 10. If you're looking for an engaging story that combines culinary arts, historical depth, and modern struggles, this might just be the perfect read for you.
I must say, my experience with this story has been rather tedious. After reading about five chapters, I found myself increasingly frustrated. One of the primary issues is the Prince's immediate perception of the main character (MC) as a villainess. It perplexes me that he jumps to such a conclusion without even taking the time to genuinely get to know her. They meet for the very first time, and yet he appears to believe that she needs to “change herself” to fit his expectations. What is the basis for this assumption? It’s quite baffling to see a character push another to conform to their ideals, especially when they are essentially strangers. Moreover, the Prince is quite insistent, disregarding the MC's desire for autonomy. She expresses that she doesn’t require his help and wishes to contemplate her situation on her own terms. Instead of respecting her wishes, he continues to impose his view on her, which feels patronizing and unwarranted. It’s particularly irksome that neither he nor his brother seem to acknowledge their own disrespect, casually discussing her behind her back without even a flicker of remorse. Additionally, the portrayal of the MC as a villainess feels completely misaligned with her actual behavior. She comes across more as a typical Japanese girl, characterized by an incessant stream of inner monologue and contemplation. While introspection can be a compelling trait, the constant overthinking that she engages in becomes exhausting to read. It detracts from the overall enjoyment of the narrative and makes it hard to connect with her journey. In summary, the narrative struggles with character development and interpersonal dynamics that could have added depth to the story. Instead, these early chapters leave me feeling dissatisfied and somewhat disillusioned.
The translation-like English is a bit stiff. Phrases like "this palace" instead of "this princess" sound off. But the story is straightforward enough that it doesn't hinder flow. I'd prefer smoother dialogue.