From the Day the Engagement Was Broken - Reviews

This was enjoyable. The translation was satisfactory, and I completed the rest through my own understanding. As others have mentioned, the author cleverly pokes fun at common Chinese tropes, initially making the story appear ordinary. However, the humor lies in the subtle references, particularly to the excessive focus on cleanliness and chastity often seen in Chinese novels. There are instances where characters discuss intimate matters, like:

"How far did you go with He Ran? You've only held hands a few times over the years, really? Hmm... Oh, I see." (Followed by a more explicit scene)

Later, they ask He Ran, "You've had numerous partners, yet nothing happened. Even with Gou An, it's just hand-holding. Honestly, is there something amiss with you?"

The highlight was when HJX used LW as a metaphor for a fire extinguisher, which brought laughter. The pacing is well-balanced, with a reasonable amount of plot twists. It's refreshing that not everyone has a happy ending; while I empathize with them, it leaves me feeling slightly melancholic due to their unfortunate situations. They evoke a sense of pity.

I have mixed feelings about this story. On one hand, it's a compelling narrative with a unique twist on transmigration. The protagonist appears to be the genuine person, experiencing genuine emotions, despite not fully understanding the plot. The character development, particularly in friendships, adds depth. However, towards the end, the plot feels overwhelming, and some characters like He Yuan seem underdeveloped or serving a purpose solely within the story.

Guo An and Ye Lang's relationship is bittersweet, with unfulfilled love and tragic circumstances. Their connection is contrasted by Guo An and He Jinxing's different kind of love story. To provide context, it's not the cancellation of her engagement that breaks her, but rather the betrayal by someone she trusted implicitly.

In the original story, Gu An's feelings for He Ran were platonic, and HR fell for Lu Wan, who was Ye Lang's childhood friend. GA developed feelings for YL, but YL took time to recognize them due to the plot. Uncle HJ, who was unaware of his own feelings, eventually confessed to GA.

In the second life, a transmigrated girl becomes a villain after her cat's death, leading to her decisions to avoid certain characters. Despite He Ran's love for GA, YL, from the previous life, remembers and fights for her. In the original timeline, LW was pregnant with HR while married to HJ, creating a complex web of motivations.

While I appreciated the read, the translation process made it challenging. HJ's power could have potentially resolved some conflicts differently. YL held crucial evidence but didn't use it to mitigate GA's situation. As GA and HJ's relationship progressed, I couldn't help but empathize with HJ, who remained devoted to GA throughout.

Overall, it's an engaging story with its flaws and emotional intricacies, making for an interesting read despite translation challenges.

Unlike conventional transmigration stories that typically present the male lead's perspective, this particular novel solely relies on the female lead's point of view to unfold the plot. Consequently, there might be numerous misconceptions about the male character.

I particularly appreciate the exploration of the Guan An and Ye Lang subplot, as it adds depth with a touch of angsty drama without overshadowing the original main couple's chemistry. The story悲哀之处在于, the female lead initially believes the problems in the original storyline stem from the male lead, only to discover that her trusted confidant was the one who betrayed her.

However, the male lead isn't portrayed as a perfect character in the initial narrative; he exhibits possessiveness towards the female lead that could be unsettling. Thankfully, in the second timeline, their relationship dynamics improve as they navigate their feelings more authentically, providing a more balanced portrayal. ??

The text reads well overall, but could have benefited from more detailed explanations. The main character (MC) in Second Life seems unsure about her emotions towards her past and current bodyguard, which creates some confusion. In Chapter 150, a brief overview of their first lives is provided.

The male protagonist appears quite perverted in his first life; his fixation on the MC is convoluted and at times disturbing, treating her as an object solely for his own satisfaction, which is difficult to comprehend. Surprisingly, despite his apparent superiority, she manages to hold her own against him during their first life encounters.

The bodyguard's chances with the MC were hindered by his actions in the past. As for a spoiler, it's mentioned that Lu Wan is pregnant with a child from a one-night stand with He Ran, according to the translated text, which can be challenging to follow due to its complexity.

The narrative is skillfully crafted with relatable characters. Our protagonist, a wealthy yet complex character, has valid reasons for her eccentric behavior. As I progress through the story, it becomes apparent that those surrounding her are manipulative and untrustworthy. Although she might have been privileged, she isn't inherently wicked. However, her life spirals out of control while others observe from the sidelines.

The supposed love interest initially appears less culpable, but his demeanor remains off-putting and calculating. A spoiler follows:

For instance, the scene where the ML engages in intimate relations with the MC feels coerced. Despite knowing about the drug, he proceeds anyway, giving the MC an illusion of escape. He suggests calling for help, but the societal consequences would devastate both their families. Though it was steamy, upon reflection, it left me questioning the dynamics.

To summarize, the writing is commendable, but the protagonist's lack of support from her surroundings is disappointing.

I'm shocked that this has such a high rating! It's incredibly absurd, especially the female protagonist. It's hard to imagine she possesses any intelligence. How could anyone actually leave their home dressed in a nightgown and slippers? Despite knowing the guy dislikes her and that her future with him is grim, she still listens to her friend's urging and brings him a water bottle after a game. He rejects her and ruins her reputation; honestly, my 10-year-old daughter could create more compelling characters.

I truly hope that individuals who may have had an off day don't leave negative reviews. It's merely an outlet for frustration, and it's unjust to the novel, the author, the translator, and potential readers. This isn't a poorly written book, and Gou An is far from foolish. It's a beautifully crafted, hilarious story that offers a unique twist on the anti-heroine genre, and the romantic aspect is simply exquisite.

Regarding the scene mentioned, the mention of Gou An in a nightgown was actually a clever plot device to expose her fiancé He Ran's hypocrisy. He claims not to desire her company, yet becomes possessive at the thought of another man seeing her, even if it's just her shoulders covered by a jacket. That reviewer seems to be aligning themselves with He Ran, who is the character I question in terms of his intellect. The rest of the characters are well-developed, as I've previously praised the writing.

The romance is outstanding, and I particularly enjoy He Jinxing as one of my favorite main love interests. Each character receives their due, whether it's deserved or heart-wrenching.

Additionally, the additional stories were incredibly satisfying, neatly tying up loose ends and leaving me with a sense of contentment.