Lin Qingchuan’s friends are typical side characters. Cheng Yan is loud and impulsive, Cheng Shu is calmer. They’re both worried about him. The way Lin Qingchuan hesitated when they asked about his stepmother shows he’s not sure what to think. He didn’t tell them about the dessert incident, maybe because it was too weird or he doesn’t want them to interfere. The dialogue about “scaring the stepmother” is a bit cliché, but it’s okay for a teen drama. It sets up potential conflict if they ever act on it.
Sheng Ze Xi's jealousy is both funny and relatable. He's this confident, sarcastic officer, but he's clearly threatened by Wen Zhiqing. His internal rant about how Wen Zhiqing is not a good person and his decision to beat him up shows he's not a saint. He's possessive and impulsive. But then he turns around and buys her a poached egg. It's that contradiction that makes him interesting. He's not perfect, and that's why I like him. He's a bit of a mess in his own way.
The writing style is straightforward with some nice imagery. The rain in the beginning was described well: “fine rain sprinkled gently upon the land” and “the entire world seemed to be veiled.” But some sentences are a bit awkward, like “I explicitly remind you here.” It feels like a direct translation. Still, it’s readable.
The high rating of this novel is undeniably well-deserved! I am genuinely impressed by the author's remarkable ability to convey unspoken communication between the two main characters. The depth of their relationship is portrayed with such finesse that the nuances of their interactions are palpable, allowing readers to truly feel the tension and unexpressed emotions. Furthermore, the male lead's scheming and mischievous personality is vividly brought to life, showcasing intricately crafted plans that are not only clever but also indicative of his intelligence. It's impossible not to admire his cunning nature, and this aspect of his character keeps readers on their toes, eagerly anticipating his next move. On the other hand, the female lead's calm and rational demeanor is equally well-executed, making her a highly likable character. Her ability to navigate complex situations with level-headedness complements the male lead’s more impulsive and playful tendencies, leading to a fantastic balance between the two. However, I must admit that the latter part of the story, particularly the ending and the extras, left me feeling slightly disappointed. As the plot unfolded towards the climax, the schemes became increasingly convoluted and harder to follow, resembling a series of twists that seemed to emerge out of nowhere. I had hoped for more side couples to be explored, especially the dynamics surrounding the character Best Fortune. I remember there was a segment of the fandom shipping him with another character, 99, but my personal preference leaned towards him and Sang. While the journey to the magical world provided a satisfying conclusion and offered insights into the main character's growth and maturity, I felt it could have been used for a more expansive purpose rather than merely showcasing the appeal of the MC. That said, I must commend the author for their impressive attention to detail, especially in crafting the extras, which added depth and richness to the narrative. Overall, while there were moments that did not quite resonate as I had hoped, the strengths of the characters and the emotional gravity of their relationships truly shine through, making this novel a captivating read that I would recommend to others.
Lin Yu's personality is the highlight for me. He's constantly cracking jokes internally and reacting like a normal guy. "I'd rather be smashed to death by a meteor than be eaten by an earthworm" — that's exactly how I'd feel. He curses, he panics, he even bargains with Hongjun through his thoughts. When he finally decides to fight back, it's not out of bravery but because he's too tired to run. That feels real. I'm rooting for him because he's not a typical hero; he's just some guy trying not to die.