Wow, this was a great read! I really enjoyed it. Though it started out a little dark, it shows the power of love and how it can heal even the most broken of souls. Well done, author, wel done!! Ps. Lorcan is also my favorite Dalgaard…
You asked for it and it's finally here. The Sequel to My Marriage is a Contract is finally here. Messed with my Arrogant boss is the title. I hope you come on this journey as well
Hello, guys! I will start updating next month (March) daily <8
Thank you so much to those amazing readers who endeavored to read and vote for this novel, I truly appreciate it. Meanwhile, I'll be anticipating an honest review of what you think about the book in the review section.
Wonderful concepts and story keep up the good work.
Such a great read. I’m looking forward to more chapters from this book.
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Updates please dear author.
great work author! keep it going
you got me at the synopsis! excited for this!
I will be writing a lengthy review. , I enjoyed this story, though it did drag at times. I'll focus mainly on the plot points (P&C) and share my final overall opinion.
**Main Characters (MC & ML):** Dong Jiahui, Zhao Donglin
**Children:** Zhao Zhuojun (Heidan), Zhao Xinyi (Yingbao), Zhao Zhuorui (Fangfang)
**Zhao Family:** Zhao Manzhu (father), Zhang Qiao'er (mother), Zhao Caixia (elder sister), Zhao Donghe (second brother), Zhao Meixiang (youngest)
### Pros:
- **Character Development:** The characters are well-written, making it easy to remember them and notice their positive growth throughout the story.
- **Family Dynamics:** The Zhao family is refreshingly portrayed, especially given the 1970s setting. They start as rural villagers struggling to make ends meet but gradually embrace change and achieve wealth with some guidance from the MC and ML.
- **Mother Zhao:** Despite being stubborn and a worrywart, she is incredibly likable. She treats her family well and is a great grandmother and mother.
- **MC's Generosity:** The MC is appropriately generous, showing kindness to the right relatives without being overly indulgent.
- **ML's Development:** While the ML is somewhat tolerable in the first half, my impression of him improves significantly after the family separation.
- **Children:** The children are adorable, and the MC's genuine affection for her stepchildren, especially Zhao Zhuojun recognizing her as his mother, is heartwarming.
- **Emotional Breakthrough:** One of my favorite scenes is when Heidan reflects on the MC's unwavering love for him, even years after being abandoned by his biological mother. The moment he calls her "mom" and they both cry is emotionally powerful.
- **Extended Family:** The nieces and nephews are treated well, even if it takes some time.
- **Societal Change:** The story provides a clear and understandable portrayal of the societal changes in China.
- **Zhao Donghe's Success:** The author gives Zhao Donghe the chance to find his own success, ensuring his son can live well, especially after a messy divorce.
- **Support for Maiden Family:** The MC doesn't forget to help her maiden family (Dong).
- **Zhao Meixiang:** My favorite character with her own compelling arc.
- **Adoptive Elders:** The adoptive god/grandparents are a charming element of found family.
- **Sibling Arcs:** The author ensures each Zhao sibling has a chance to shine.
- **Family Prosperity:** The steady rise of the Zhao and Dong families is sweet to read, as they all deserve it.
### Cons:
- **ML's Tolerance:** The ML's excessive tolerance of Zhao Donghe's (ZDH) stupid wife is frustrating. It took him too long to address the issue, especially after learning what she said to Heidan.
- **Family Separation:** The family separation should have occurred immediately after the remarriage.
- **ML's Lack of Affection:** The ML's lack of affection towards Heidan as a child is irritating. He finally expresses pride when Heidan goes to university, but it feels too late. Why couldn't he embrace and dote on Heidan like he does with Fangfang?
- **Zhao Donghe's Love Life:** The author never gave Zhao Donghe a deserving second wife, and his son deserved a new mother, especially after accepting his biological mother as "dead."
- **Annoying Sister-in-Laws:** The sister-in-laws are overly annoying, serving primarily to make the MC and Meixiang appear saintly.
- **Flat Romance:** The romance between the main couple pales in comparison to Meixiang's romance, which is explored in more depth.
- **Lack of Child Moments:** The story skips over many potential sweet moments with the children. Months or years pass without cute interactions, especially with the youngest child.
- **Youngest Child:** The youngest child is glossed over, making him seem unimportant compared to Heidan and Yingbao.
- **Unresolved Ex-Spouses:** The ex-spouses are mentioned but never given proper conclusions. What happened to MC's ex's family? Did ZDH's ex try to contact their son? Did ML's ex approach Yingbao when she grew up?
- **MC's Career:** Given her skills in sewing and fashion, I expected the author to explore this further, possibly leading to a fashion empire. Instead, the MC takes a simple job involving her English skills.
- **Father Zhao:** Father Zhao is a flat character, mentioned only a few times. It's odd that he stays in the village alone for years without complaint and is rarely mentioned after the last Zhao child marries and the grandchildren grow up.
- **University Arc:** The university arc drags, focusing too much on the MC and ML's legendary status. It would have been nice to shift focus to the children for a change, especially since we barely know the youngest child and Yingbao is developing her own thoughts and opinions.
### Final Thoughts:
The main story is good, but the writing sometimes skips over potential sweet moments with the children and over-explains business prospects. If you prefer the business side of the plot, you might enjoy it more. I wish some plot points were explored more thoroughly or concluded cleanly to avoid lingering questions.
The story would have been more engaging if the author had developed the main romance at a more believable pace, postponed the pregnancy, included more child moments, and written in more side characters. The story is almost entirely family-oriented, which can be a bit crowded and occasionally boring. However, I appreciate the author's gradual implementation of more modern ideals for Meixiang, Zhao Caixia's eldest daughter, and Yingbao, emphasizing their self-worth and career over early marriage.
Despite my nitpicks, this is definitely one of the better time travel/remarriage/decade novels. Everyone is happy, and no one is left behind.
The narrative style of this story feels like a journal mixed with sporadic dialogue, which unfortunately doesn't enhance the overall plot. The writing suffers due to its lack of detail, making every element appear underdeveloped. The plot meanders aimlessly and fails to engage, particularly since the protagonist is quite passive. The setting, though a typical fantasy world, has potential but lacks depth without proper emphasis.
Characters are poorly described, making it difficult to form a connection or remember them beyond basic existence. The protagonist's goal of exploring the world is commendable, and his growth through curiosity is appealing. However, the ambiguity of his motivations becomes a problem when they're supposed to drive the story, which, unfortunately, lacks substance.
The harem aspect is shallow and detracts from the reading experience; I almost wish the author hadn't included it. Despite these issues, the story isn't terrible, and the translation is passable. My interest hasn't been piqued, and I've only read it during moments of boredom, reaching chapter 100 almost by accident. Once I catch up, I doubt I'll remember it long.