The narrative is very efficient. In one chapter we got the whole setup for a major arc. The introduction of the inciting incident, the decision making process, and the beginning of the execution. The story trusts the reader to keep up and rewards them with a lot of content
Luo Yan's voice is so distinct and funny, even when she's panicking. When she starts listing all those duck dishes in the middle of a tense moment with her brother, I laughed out loud. It's such a human reaction—getting hungry even when in danger. It really makes her feel like a real person dropped into a ridiculous situation.
The author’s prose is simple and functional, with a slight translation feel (since it’s originally Chinese). Phrases like “this world, truly doesn’t leave people a way to live” feel a bit melodramatic, but it fits the grim setting.
One small thing that bugged me: the police just left after the photo, even though the family was obviously hostile. Shouldn't they have checked in more? But I guess they closed the case. Still, it feels a bit unrealistic. But in a web novel, you kind of accept that the cops won't meddle too much.
20. One thing that bugs me: how did the grandfather hide a jade bracelet in the soil without anyone noticing? And why did he wait ten years to tell her about it? The timeline is a little fuzzy. But the emotional payoff of her finding it and his desperation makes up for the logical gaps. The vibes are more important than perfect logic.