This novel can essentially be classified as a romance, revolving around the metaphorical "warming up" of a block of wood, with the male lead (ML) representing that very block. Throughout the story, we witness a long and arduous journey, where the female lead (FL) seems relatively powerless or weak, often waiting on the sidelines as her feelings and desires unfold. While there exists an undercurrent of political intrigue and themes of revenge in the backdrop, the primary focus remains on the romantic elements between the leads. However, I found myself longing for a quicker pace; the story could have benefitted from accelerating the plot development. Moreover, the number of intimate scenes between the leads is somewhat overwhelming; it feels as though nearly every single chapter is saturated with moments of physical closeness. I can't help but question the heavy emphasis placed on the male lead's lust for the female lead's body. This focus can sometimes detract from the emotional depth of their relationship, making it seem more superficial than it deserves to be. A more balanced approach, with fewer intimate scenes and a sharper emphasis on character development and plot progression, could have enriched this narrative significantly. Overall, while the romantic tension is palpable and the story does have its merits, I believe it would have been a more rewarding read if a greater variety of themes and pacing had been integrated into the plot.
I'm honestly so conflicted about Zhou Songyan. On one hand, I understand why he's bitter – from his perspective, he probably thinks Li Mai was only after his money and status. But the way he humiliated her in front of everyone was just cruel. Calling her out about wanting to marry into wealth, making her stand there awkwardly when she offered him tea... You can see how calculated his cruelty is. And then that moment in the bathroom hallway? "That little past between us was just a minor interlude in my life. If you hadn't appeared, I wouldn't even remember you." Ouch. That's the kind of line that's designed to cut deep. But I can also sense there's still something there – the way he showed up at her company for two days, the way he reacted when he saw her get into Ji Wangyu's car. He's not over it.
The Mountain Lord’s introduction is iconic. "A man in white robes, looking like an immortal." He looks down on the whole marriage. The power dynamic is so weird. He needs her for the egg, but he clearly hates the whole situation.