Those carvings and murals in the cave caught my interest because they hint at some deep history or legend. But then the characters just say "could not decipher them" and move on. That felt like a missed opportunity. Why not have them try harder or take photos? It's too convenient to drop the mystery and run from monsters. I wanted more exploration of that cave.
I have to mention the humor. There are several moments that made me laugh out loud. "You're older than me, stop acting like a little brother" – such a cold dismissal from a four-year-old. The child mistaking the knife and fork for eating utensils and picking up an empty plate. The fatty getting a plate stuck to his greasy face. Su Ninglong deciding that both the fatty and the child are stupid. The author has a dry, witty way of writing that stops the story from getting too grim despite the horror elements. That balance is hard to strike, and this story does it well.
I was genuinely pissed off when the Gu family made Qingcheng wait outside while they cleaned a room, then tried to stick her in the dog house. Like, this is your biological daughter who was trafficked and abused for three years, and you're treating her like a stray animal? The hypocrisy of the parents is off the charts. It made my blood boil, and I couldn't stop reading because I needed to see if she'd fight back.
The way Uncle Wang is introduced and developed in just a few paragraphs is impressive. He starts as a generic security guard, then becomes a “Demonic Path Senior”, then is depicted with a sore back complaining about delivery guys. The detail that he flies on a flying fork and uses missiles from a riot fork adds a layer of absurdity. He’s not just a gag character; he seems to have history. Maybe there’s a reason he chose to be a security guard despite his skills. I hope we get his backstory when Su Yuan works with him more.
The novel is quite an enjoyable experience overall, striking a delightful balance between lighthearted moments and engaging storytelling. There's a charming variety of watermelon-related elements woven throughout, showcasing different families and their interactions, which adds a whimsical touch to the narrative. The story primarily revolves around the main character (MC) as he embarks on an ambitious journey to establish his own company and develop a game. While the details of this entrepreneurial venture aren't deeply intricate, they are articulated well enough to give readers a clear picture of his ambitions and the challenges he faces. This aspect of the plot seamlessly intertwines with a compelling romantic subplot, which is equally engaging and adds depth to the character's development. However, the MC's biological family does emerge intermittently as a source of annoyance, intruding into his life at inconvenient moments. Despite this familial disruption, I appreciate how the MC remains steadfast and assertive in maintaining his boundaries. His ability to stand his ground against them is inspiring and adds an additional layer of depth to his character. All in all, this tale offers a refreshing and enjoyable read, successfully blending elements of business and romance while keeping a light tone throughout. It strikes a satisfying chord for anyone seeking an engaging story that doesn't take itself too seriously.
Li Wei is an everyman with a sense of humor. He's not a heroic type—he's scared, curses a lot, and tries to escape. That makes him relatable. I prefer protagonists like this over the overly competent types. His internal monologue is fun to read, especially when he's panicking silently.
The twin dynamic is fantastic. Wilfred is the loud, geeky, chaotic force who spills the spoilers. Alan is the quiet, calculating schemer. Wilfred thinks he's saving his brother by giving him a guidebook, but Alan is using that guidebook to write his own ending. The contrast in methods is delicious.
The taxi driver's retreat at the end is a nice touch. He's regretful, realizing he missed a chance. It's a small, human moment that contrasts with the high drama of the Feng family. It shows how quickly people's perceptions can change based on status and appearance. And it foreshadows that everyone might underestimate Jiang Hao. The driver's shame is also a bit comic relief, which balances out the serious family confrontation. It's a well-placed beat that lets you laugh before diving back into the tension.