Alright, honestly... What a disappointment! If you're hoping for a villain redemption arc or character development as the story progresses, think again; it's not going to happen. However, if you're looking for cute children, engaging interactions, some light-hearted moments, strong sibling bonds, and a well-developed main character, this might still be worth a read. The story revolves around a kindergarten teacher with a knack for animals and kids, who discovers that the young versions of the villains from a book he's read have appeared in his classroom. As the story unfolds, he interacts with these "villains," witnessing their competitive nature and the male lead's failed attempts to connect with them.
A subplot involving a psycho ex-classmate's stalking, threats, and kidnapping eventually emerges. After resolving that, there's some character development between the main character (MC) and the male lead (ML), leading to the ending. The writing is commendable, with a decent plot structure, sweet brotherly dynamics, and adorable child characters.
Unfortunately, my expectations were not met. The story only marginally delivers on the idea of exploring the villains' tragic past, and the backstories for most of them feel underdeveloped or forced. There's no clear connection to the original novel's protagonist or meaningful lessons on avoiding villainy. The MC's role in educating the kids is limited, and the epilogue was a letdown, lacking character growth or significant plot resolution.
The author sometimes skips important details, making the narrative feel incomplete. Characters, like Fang Xu, who seemed promising, fade into the background. The ending leaves much to be desired, with no satisfying conclusion for potential romantic pairings or significant life changes for the characters.
As a reader who went in without any prior knowledge, my disappointment stems from the misleading summary and high ratings, which led to unrealistic expectations. A rating of 3.6 or 3.7 would have been more appropriate, considering the shortcomings. If you're someone who appreciates the positive aspects mentioned, like the sweetness and brotherly bond, but are aware of the story's limitations, you might enjoy it. But for those who expected more, like myself, be cautious and manage your expectations based on the summary and reviews.