Overnight, the world turned upside down.
Ling Shu turned from an idle small-time police officer with no ambitions to a suspected mu*derer. He had no other choice but to work hard to save his own life and clear his name.
Yue Dingtang was not used to watching Ling Shu’s attitude of “I have no ambitions and just want to get through life idly so I’ll just goof off and be lazy.”
Until one day, he suddenly discovered that the person he had been nitpicking and trying to change wasn’t a lazy useless pig but in fact pretending to be s*upid to throw off his opponent.
The police procedural tale revolves around a seasoned detective, our protagonist (MC), grappling with a case shrouded in minimal evidence. The cunning villains add an extra layer of complexity, making it a challenging task for MC to piece together the truth. As the prime suspect, they find themselves in a tight spot.
Our protagonist, once a brilliant mind, has inexplicably fallen from grace, reduced to a seemingly insignificant figure known as a "salted fish." Intriguingly, the main love interest (ML) from their school days reenters the scene, determined to clear MC's name while exchanging witty banter, tinged with embarrassment, throughout their investigation.
Together, they navigate a web of deceit, their friendship tested by the mounting pressure and the relentless pursuit of justice.
I thoroughly enjoyed the storytelling and the unique execution, particularly the ML's heartfelt "confession under the rain" and the subtle proposal from the MC. Thus, I give it a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars!
Initially, I wasn't planning to write a review, considering the novel's rating on NU is already high and there's an existing review. However, after finishing the book through machine translation, I felt compelled to share my thoughts despite the initial translation lag. Here, I'm baring my soul about how much I loved this novel. Share in my joy, shall we? 😊
Storywise, the synopsis above is accurate. The story starts with the investigation into the murder of the MC's childhood friend and fiancé, which initially fails to captivate me. The frequent updates and the need to constantly refer back to earlier chapters made the reading experience less enjoyable. But once the focus shifts beyond the cases and delves into the MC's past, the narrative becomes more engaging. It beautifully portrays the reasons behind personal transformation and navigating life after realizing life's impermanence and unexpected turns. Meng Xi Shi's novels are known for their life lessons, and this one is no exception.
Characters: The main couple is introduced adequately, especially for those who rely on tags and reviews like me. Ling Shu (protagonist) and Yue Dingtang (love interest) are a captivating duo. Initially, Ling Shu appears lazy and unambitious, but his character development and the ML's unwavering devotion create a compelling dynamic. The supporting cast, including the side characters, are lively and well-developed, offering insights into their motivations and growth.
In summary, it's a relatively short yet delightful read. I would happily purchase a physical copy to cherish it. The plot is engaging, humor is sprinkled throughout, and the romance is genuine, avoiding clichés. It's a slow-burn, plot-driven story with a touch of action and suspense. Although set in the 1930s, the worry about historical context fades away with the guarantee of a happy ending.
There's little to criticize, but perhaps a smoother translation could enhance the experience. Nevertheless, I wholeheartedly recommend this novel. Support the author on jjwxc and thank the translator for bringing it to NU – their hard work is appreciated!
The pacing might be slow, but the storyline is so engaging that I can't bring myself to complain. It flows naturally, creating a perfect balance. I must commend the translator for doing a fantastic job, bringing the story to life with dedication. In summary, this novel is another masterpiece by the beloved author, Meng Xi Shi. I highly recommend giving it a read!
The story takes place in 1900s Shanghai, where wealthy families hold immense power, corruption is rampant, and opium addiction poses a problem. The main characters, Lin Shu and Yue Dingtang, reunite as Lin becomes a prime suspect in his ex-girlfriend's murder, leading Yue to become involved in the investigation.
The novel is classified as a detective/mystery/suspense tale, similar to "Silent Reading" in its four-arc structure. However, the reviewer feels "Silent Reading" is superior in terms of writing quality. The cases in the book are praised for their suspense and unexpected plot twists, causing chills and keeping the reader engaged.
Character development is a positive aspect, with the reviewer enjoying the main characters, their families, and their interactions. They express a desire for more depth in their portrayal. However, the reviewer criticizes abrupt scene transitions, unclear details, and an abrupt ending, suggesting the book feels rushed. They rate it 3.5 stars but give it a boost due to its potential, believing it could greatly benefit from revisions.
In summary, while the reviewer enjoyed reading the book, they perceive it as an unrefined first draft that could have been much stronger with some editing and polish.