Chu Liang's realization that he can't enhance himself but can enhance everything around him is a clever narrative constraint. It forces him to be resourceful and prevents the story from becoming a simple stat-grind. The wooden fork-to-steel fork upgrade is minor but shows potential. A steel fork is a better weapon than nothing, and it only cost five jin of meat. Pragmatic upgrades.
The horned rabbit eating the poison apple and then being too weak to fuel a new poison apple was a clever balancing move. The author didn’t let the protagonist become OP overnight. You actually have to manage energy, spend time on photosynthesis, and build up reserves. Slower pacing but satisfying.
I wish the author had included more about the music side. The mention of instrument books in Shen Anliu’s suitcase was good, but we haven’t seen any rehearsals or heard any song lyrics. For an idol story, the vibe is very corporate and dark. Show me the part of the job that they love! Otherwise, it feels like they are only slaving away, which is a bit one-note.
Little Bean Bun is pure comic relief and heart. Her toddling over with a book for “Dudu” and calling him pretty just warms the whole scene. I hope the author doesn’t put her in danger later, because she’s the one bright spot in a tense family life. Kid characters this cute usually get targeted, and that scares me.