interesting......
Wonderful story!!
Scenes seem like a real ones.
Love love this book! I can’t wait for the next updates!!!
This is a really enjoyable story!! I loved the MC and ML's relationship, and the side characters were also really cute!
ML enjoys teasing the MC into losing his temper, but he also dotes on the MC a lot. The MC is... extremely tsundere! But I think he's cute! There are a bunch of silly misunderstandings that keep happening, but it's not really an angst factor, I guess?
The MC has depression (?), PTSD (?), and an extremely low self-esteem due to his family issues. His stepmom tried to help, but it's also hard for her since she has to protect her own biological son. However, she cares for the MC and really steps up near the end of the novel.
The angst also made me cry... a lot... even parts not meant to be angst made me cry.
(Spoilers for angst + extras?)
It's that whole "parents find out, couple gets separated" type of thing. But I really felt like this plotline was handled well in this novel because often in other novels, the main couple gets separated and never contacts each other until well into adulthood. In this novel, they have people on their side helping them stay in contact with each other, as well as both putting in so much effort to be there for one another despite the obstacles that the MC's abusive father and the ML's overbearing grandfather put in the way. They are also reunited fairly quickly compared to other novels. The author really describes how the separation affected them in a very tear-jerking way. I won't say more... orz.
The extras also made me both laugh and cry... Some of the extras included ML's diary after the events of the novel, an alternate universe where ML and MC were neighbors and childhood sweethearts, the POV of the dog they adopted as the couple and friends grew into adulthood, and more!!
So this novel was overall really good, IMO!! 5 stars!! Would want to read it for the first time again!!
A very nice and mature slice-of-life story set in the 70s. There's no big drama or dramatic face-slapping scenes. I love how the author chooses to have the characters (not just the main character and love interest) be kind and focus on self-improvement to achieve happiness rather than seeking revenge. The interactions between the characters are delightful and teach the reader about filial piety, kindness, hard work, and offer hope that life isn't always tough.
Very entertaining, soothing, and lovely.
If you enjoy well-written novels with a mature main character, this is definitely one to try. The romance is subtle but heartwarming, enough to bring a smile to your face.
I'd like to give a 5-star rating, but for some reason, it keeps telling me it's already maxed out. Nevertheless, the story is progressing well, and it's too early to make a judgment on the plot. There's this slightly unsettling scene where the main character (ML) is his brother, and I just hope that won't last for long. Apart from that, I'm a big fan of fantasy and sci-fi action stories with a romantic element, so if you enjoy those genres, I highly recommend giving this a read.
It's not as bad as some readers perceive, and I actually find it quite logical. The ending satisfies me too. If you delve into the MC's background, she's just an average noblewoman in her time, groomed from a young age to be the perfect wife, mother, aristocrat, and head of the household. She embodies the ideal of her era, being the eldest daughter. Her overpowered nature is thus understandable, given her mother's significant influence. While she may appear passive in the story, it aligns with her upbringing. It wouldn't make sense if she suddenly transformed into a bold, ruthless business tycoon from the modern era without proper preparation.
Her husband serves as another key player, functioning as both her right and left hand, occasionally taking the lead when needed. He follows her decisions and commands, being a literate soldier which justifies his loyalty and decisive actions.
This story can be seen as a rags-to-riches tale, with minimal conflict and no clear antagonist. There are annoying characters, particularly the fifth sister-in-law and her mother, whose actions stem from misguided choices and lack of education. It's amusing to watch them falter, but also frustrating. Gender roles are a reflection of the time, with many societal changes occurring during the early 1980s in China. People were adapting to new lifestyles and economic opportunities, which led to different attitudes and behaviors, both among men and women.
The MC starts with biases towards men due to her traditional upbringing, but these shift as she adjusts to the changing times. This novel might not cater to feminist readers, but it offers an engaging narrative. If you're interested in business management themes, it's a suitable choice. However, if you seek a plot-driven story, you might want to look elsewhere, as this is more of a slice-of-life tale until the MC's demise. Remember to consider the historical context and the MC's background when reading.
It's more his brain
tell me more
This is so good! Please don't drop this!
For me, this novel was mind bogglingly difficult to finish.
I've got the suspicion that there was more than one writer involved. Tastes are different and for me some parts were really enjoyable to read, but others were absolutely not, especially those overusing the female plot devices, again and again... The novel title should include 'girls, girls and even more girls'. If that's your thing you'll probably find reading this novel enjoyable. I couldn't care less other than getting ever more annoyed by it to the extreme. I do enjoy reading about female characters, but what's happening here is more than just too much.
The actual story was very interesting and good enough to not drop reading and I wish the author(s) had concentrated on that strength. That would've really helped me making this an enjoyable read throughout, but unfortunately it wasn't to be. I feel this novel is a good example how to bring down a otherwise perfectly great story with a lot potential. Hope that helps.