Can we just take a moment to appreciate how good the dialogue is in this section? Because the author really understands how to write people who are saying one thing but meaning another. "Second Brother" — Tao Wanxing keeps calling him this and it's DEVASTATING every single time. It's her shield, her reminder, her prison. And Meng Chu's response of "What place?" when she says she "didn't understand her place" — that single word loaded with so much emotion. He's not asking for information, he's challenging her, pushing back, refusing to accept the narrative she's telling herself. The Gu Yue scenes are also great for contrast. She's loud, gossipy, completely oblivious to the tragedy happening around her. "I finally understand what a dignified aristocratic young master looks like!" — this girl has no idea she's describing her boss's secret husband. The humor here works because it's genuine character voice, not forced comedy. And Meng Chu's line "You used to be so bright and cheerful, so eager to be with me—" getting cut off because she calls him "Second Brother" — the narrative pacing of that interruption is PERFECT. It mirrors exactly how their conversations always derail, how they can never say what they actually mean. The author's voice throughout is sharp, restrained, and emotionally precise. Every line of dialogue feels like it's carrying at least three layers of meaning. I'm genuinely impressed.
Very well written and I’m hooked on the story already!
was a little boring but overall good read
I love the book , it's amazing
Love the story line. I don't know who I want to punch more! ............
so hooked on it
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I love this book and characters. I waited with bated breath for each new updated chapter. Very well written. Can’t wait for the next book!
I love this book! It’s characters are amazingly intriguing.
I need to talk about Gou Dan because this kid absolutely stole my heart in these chapters. Here's this child who's used to going hungry, who saves his meat bun for 'tonight' because he's been conditioned to believe he doesn't deserve to eat now—and then when Gu Dafu's wife comes threatening them, what does he do? He grabs a butcher's knife and stands in front of Lin Yue. His hands are trembling but he's 'exuding a fearless aura.' That image is burned into my brain. And Da Ya! The moment she silently asks Lin Yue for help with fishing—that's the first time she's ever done that in the story, right? After everything she's been through, being called promiscuous, hiding in her room, being beaten—she's still capable of trust. She just... slowly learns how to again, through Lin Yue's patience. The relationship between these three feels so earned. Lin Yue isn't just feeding them—she's teaching them to feel secure. That scene where she explains to them why they shouldn't care about the villagers' gossip? 'They didn't give you money, why should I care what they think? Will it bring you money?' Da Ya's reaction—'She lifted her head slightly, glaring at those who were gossiping'—this is a character reborn. I'm not crying, you're crying.
Loved both stories! Sad it’s ended, anxious for Blade’s story. This author’s stories always suck me in, this one was no different, had me from the start. ...️
I really like this book.