I’m Done Being Your Best Friend

Currently at chapter 117 ABWVSXSHSHSBSB OMG ARE YOU TELLING ME XIE LUAN/TAO AND THE NOX (YA YI) HAD "SPG18+18+AJUBADUSHSHAJSPG18+18+" EACH OTHER??????????!!!!!!!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA I'M JUST LETTING MY IMAGINATIONS RUN WILD AND I'M KIND OF DISAPPOINTED CUZ IT'S SHOUNEN AI:'((( OR MAYBEEE NOOTTTT

Dual Cultivation barely gets updated while Cultivation Online is updated on a weekly basis, not to mention the novel he created with Su Yang's backstory not getting a single new chapter in the last 2 months.

The narrative could benefit from extended location descriptions and a bit more world-building to create a vivid setting. There were moments when I wished for more depth in describing significant structures with intriguing histories or the layout of the protagonist's surroundings. Despite this shortfall, the character development of the main character (MC) aligns well with her intense desire for revenge, as her impulsive actions reveal her inability to mask her true feelings. This adds complexity to her character, showing her vulnerability and strength simultaneously. It's refreshing to see how she struggles to maintain a facade of kindness towards her enemy.

One humorous aspect stands out: the MC's camaraderie with the "commoner," as she supports and playfully engages with him. Her respect and open-mindedness are evident, as she accompanies her friend to the library, even knowing his secret. This display of groundedness and loyalty as a friend demonstrates that her kind-hearted nature has endured despite the time period change. The story continues...

Sienna was once innocent, but her character evolved due to her intense animosity towards Daisy and Count Page. Despite the transformation, she maintained her composure, not lashing out with anger every time she encountered Daisy's shamelessness and behavior. So far, I find the novel engaging, as both main characters are captivating - they respect each other and exhibit mutual interest. Chapter 13 demonstrated the author's ability to manipulate readers' emotions through the storyline. Although it shares some similarities with "Dear My Friend," this novel stands out with its unique qualities. The mature nature of Sienna and the gravity of her circumstances make it feel more like a josei story rather than a typical shoujo tale.

It would be interesting if Sienna also recognized her own value in her previous life. Initially, I believed she was experiencing social isolation, but it seems like Daisy and eventually Page were the ones who treated her poorly. There should be more clarification on how Daisy managed to push Sienna away from everyone else. It's puzzling why she chose Daisy as her sole friend at such a young age, 18, despite having a loving family and not showing severe social anxiety now. What factors led to this decision remains unclear.

It's somewhat akin to "Dear My Friend," but with the dark twist of an unreliable best friend. Surprisingly, I've found this particular novel more appealing so far. Kudos to the translator for a fantastic job!

"I absolutely adore it! There's something invigorating about witnessing the White Lotus struggle despite constantly bouncing back. It's a breath of fresh air because the story doesn't resolve with every single issue at once."

Given all the positive reviews, I initially expected the book to be exceptional. However, after reading 18 chapters, I felt compelled to write my first review on Novel Updates to share my disappointment. Here's a summary of my thoughts:

Pros:
1. The chapter lengths are well-balanced, neither too lengthy nor too concise.
2. The characters, particularly the antagonist, aren't overly simplistic compared to typical Chinese novels. For instance, Daisy isn't easily swayed by the protagonist's praise of Count George.

Cons:
1. The author frequently indulges in internal monologues and backstory explanations, which dominate the chapters, rather than dialogue or action scenes.
2. The main character (MC) is frustrating. While I can empathize with her past, her continued tolerance of Daisy's fake friendship doesn't make sense given her new knowledge. The MC's excuse about wanting to understand Daisy's motives doesn't convince me; it's clear Daisy sought a sidekick.
3. The MC's backstory isn't utilized effectively. Someone who's been betrayed wouldn't急于 make new friends without caution, nor would they remain passive in potentially harmful situations.
4. Other characters lack depth, leaving me wanting more from Daisy and Logan's stories. Despite their potential, the author fails to explore them adequately.
5. The characters' ages feel inconsistent. They come across as immature, especially considering the MC's supposed 30 years old, and their dynamic seems more appropriate for teenagers.
6. The direction of the story is unclear. As a reader, I struggle to see the purpose or progression of the plot beyond seeking revenge on Daisy.

In conclusion, this book fell short of my expectations, and I'm disappointed. The MC's lack of agency and reliance on external events bother me, especially given her past experiences. Given the initial hook in the first chapters, it's hard to justify investing more time when there are better stories out there. I wish others a pleasant day/night.