It was like a rollercoaster, not in the sense that there were too many ups and downs, but rather that the beginning was slow and steady, almost boring and somewhat uncomfortable (since I didn't like the Male Lead, or ML, at first). Once the story started to pick up, it immediately became enjoyable and thrilling.
This novel had sprinkles of everything I like for a leisurely read: an interesting plot, good character development, and a healthy mix of angsty, sweet, and thrilling moments. Despite the slow and somewhat uncomfortable start due to the amnesia and the ML's initial behavior, the novel became better and better with each passing chapter for me. It wasn't exactly amazing or perfect, but it was quite enjoyable. I also came to love our leads, especially the ML, who underwent significant positive changes (from a modern reader's perspective) to become the lovable character he was by the end.
**Spoiler Alert:**
The reason I found the ML uncomfortable at first was because he used the Female Lead (FL) by taking advantage of her amnesia to lure out an enemy (she was his lover) and pretended to be her husband. While he kept a reasonable distance from her, he eventually developed feelings he shouldn't have. His intentions evolved from using her and then getting rid of her after catching his enemy, to letting her live decently after he was done using her, to keeping her as his mistress in the outhouse (while he planned to marry his cousin, to whom he was engaged), to marrying her as a concubine (after she discovered she had been deceived and left him), and finally to marrying her legitimately as his only wife. The ML is a very stubborn, dedicated, and hardworking man, so once he made a decision, he never regretted it and worked tirelessly to achieve his goals, both in his love life and his career.
Similarly, the FL is a resolute and strong woman. She does what she has decided on, whether it's being a supportive wife who takes care of her family or a leader who shoulders her subordinates (though we didn't see much of the latter). She is also mentally strong, resolutely leaving the ML after discovering how she was deceived and his future plans for her, even though she loved him. She knew that if he let her down, she wouldn't be able to deceive herself into continuing to love him, so she chose to part ways with her dignity intact (as she did with her ex). I really enjoyed both characters, as they aren't your typical transmigrators or regressors but individuals with their own ideals. When the FL and ML were being affectionate with each other initially, it was uncomfortable not knowing how they would react after the truth came out. But when it finally did, I wasn't disappointed, and their reconciliation was refreshing. I couldn't love their relationship more.
Despite a few cliché tropes used here and there, they didn't drag the story down or become annoying. Therefore, it was a good read, and I might reread it after it has been completely translated. Kudos to the translator for bringing this wonderful novel to us with a great translation.
