The whole “survival game” system dump felt like it went on for too long, but I get that it’s needed for context. I just wish it was broken up with more action. Maybe have Mos discover these rules as she experiences them, rather than having them explained all at once.
Oh wait, Cheng Ming has liver cancer too. This completely re-contextualizes everything. He wasn’t some rich philanthropist, he was a fellow patient sharing his lifeline. The betrayal must feel ten times worse knowing he was fighting *with* them, not just for them. No wonder he hardens so quickly.
The beginning of this story truly captivated me. The humor was delightful, and I found myself chuckling at various points as the protagonist navigated his quirky world. However, I must admit that I was taken aback by the abrupt turn of events when the character was sold into slavery. This plot twist felt incredibly jarring, especially since there was no prior warning or foreshadowing to prepare readers for such a heavy and distressing topic. While it’s evident that the story is exploring complex themes, the swift transition from lightheartedness to such a grim fate was almost too much for me to digest. I understand that this element has been introduced earlier in the narrative, but the protagonist's awareness of slavery did little to soften the blow. It left me feeling conflicted about the direction of the story, as I had grown attached to the initial tone and humor. Overall, while the beginning shines with charm and wit, the sudden shift into darker themes took me by surprise. It would be helpful for future readers to approach this portion of the story with caution, as it significantly diverges from the lighthearted start we initially enjoyed. I hope the narrative can find a balance as it progresses, allowing readers to engage with the story's deeper themes without sacrificing the enjoyment established in the beginning.
The assassination scene at the very start is gorgeously written for such a short passage. "The wind cut against her cheeks like a knife" and the "warm blood spread across the snow like blooming red plums"—that's some striking imagery. And then the mystery man blocking the knife for her, only for them both to be killed. Who was he? The eyes were beautiful, but we don't get a name. That's a solid hook. And then resurrection happens, so I guess those deaths get undone. Still, that guy could be Qi Shuo or someone else—I'm dying to know.
1 The writing style is very straightforward, almost like a summary. There’s not much sensory detail or atmosphere. When she first enters the space, I wanted to feel the mist, the coolness, the awe. Instead, it was just “she went in, saw water, saw a house.” Disappointing.
The morning after the period incident, when he tucks her hair behind her ear and kisses her forehead while she's asleep... ugh, my heart. It's such a contrast to how he acts when she's awake. The guy is so emotionally constipated that he can only show affection when she's unconscious. That is both sweet and tragic.