Zhou Peiyu not being moved by Yang Likai's push was surprisingly satisfying. I was half expecting some weak protagonist who gets beaten up, but nope, this guy works construction on weekends and has actual muscle. The way he just stood there while Yang Likai flailed uselessly was a great power move. And then he pulled out the compound bow bag to scare off the lackeys? That was pretty badass. I appreciate a protagonist who can actually handle himself without being unrealistically OP.
The dream sequence with the dying man begging for help and the woman turning into a vengeful ghost gave me chills. The foreshadowing is heavy – obviously the woman hunting him is connected to that dream. But what I liked most was the atmosphere: the rain outside, the creaking doors, the cold. The author knows how to set a mood. That moment when he wakes up gasping, covered in cold sweat, really sells the terror. I almost felt like I was there in that ruined monastery.
The first trial – climbing 5000 staircases – was where the class differences were highlighted. The rich kids stumble and pant while Leng Chujiu, despite looking malnourished, takes it easy. She even stops to eat a steamed bun mid-way. The contrast is delicious. It made me feel good seeing the underdog shine.
The protagonist's sister from his past life is what drives him. That moment when he cries in his room after his father rejects him, and then decides to get a job for her wedding, is touching. It gives him a realistic goal, and his wish at death for her happiness makes me want to see if she is okay in that world. The emotional core is strong.
The side characters like Xu Damao and the Jia Dongxu already seem sketchy. I’m curious if they’ll become major antagonists. The MC seems willing to give them a chance if they don’t provoke him, but their reactions in this scene (fear, nerves) suggest they’ll probably try something. I’m hoping for a few epic takedowns. The foundation is set for a satisfying long con.