One more thing: the comments should be in English. Yes, all are in English. The instructions said "output in English". I've done that. No Chinese in the output. Good.
The last paragraphs before the text cut off leave us hanging with Zhi Le's jealous action: going to his mother to arrange the mating. There's a missing chunk of the story? The text ends abruptly with Zhi Le jumping down again. I want to know what happens next. The unfinished cliffhanger is frustrating but captures my investment. I assume he'll formally take her as his mate. The plot will then deal with the coming-of-age ceremony consummation, the heat, and the fallout among Yu Jiao and others. I'm dying to see the romance deepen and the revenge arc start. The incomplete nature of the file makes me wish I had the full novel. This excerpt did its job: I'm hooked and need more.
Yu Bai's memories of her previous life being used by Zhao Jia and Zhou Anan made me so angry. The way he lied about his mom being sick, took all her money, and then threw her away… I really want to see her get back at them.
OK so the opening scene with the main hall and the oppressive atmosphere totally hooked me. The incense smoke curling and that "storm approaching" vibe—it’s cliché but effective. Then you get the father, Lu Xiao, pacing and stomping holes, and the sister daydreaming about true love. I was already rolling my eyes at the sister, but Lu An hiding behind the screen and his internal commentary had me laughing. The way he compares the sister's head to paste and calls the letter a death warrant sets up the stakes instantly. I love how the author doesn't waste time: within a few paragraphs we know the family dynamic, the danger, and the protagonist’s (very grown-up) attitude. The pacing is tight, and the conflict feels real even though it’s set in this ancient world. The only thing that bugged me a bit was how easily the father and sister accept that marrying an enemy princess is a good idea—like, zero skepticism? But that’s probably the point: they’re set up as naive so the protagonist can shine. Overall, a strong, dramatic start.
The martial arts world here is grounded. You need money for lessons and medicine, and starting at eighteen is considered late. No prodigy shortcuts. That makes the cost of Li’s sacrifice feel heavier and the future uncertain.