- #1
I skim-read the whole thing but I read carefully (every sentence) until ch 58 so that's what I'm putting in my review for honesty's sake.The drama in the second half of the novel should have been anticipated and spread out more throughout, because like this the story overall feels like a nothing-burger with some last-second drama sprinkled on top. But this didn't impact my rating too badly because the overall quality of the writing (and translation) is so high that even if, for the most part, nothing really happens, it's still an enjoyable read.What I liked the characterization of the protagonists. The MC starts off as a brat, which is perfectly understandeable when you've been together with someone who's used to put up with you and never takes the time to sit you down and make you see reason. However, faced with a more matured partner who contributes the most to the relationship, MC naturally starts to become self-conscious and grows a conscience. That was quite nice to read and accompany the MC in this journey felt like an emotional test for me too, for me to face my own behavioural shortcomings in similar situations.The ML starts off as a very mature, selfless person and he grows into a slightly more selfish person throughout the novel. Selfish in this case is not an insult, but it's positive. Everyone needs to claim some things/moments/little pleasures of life for themselves from time to time, and I'm glad ML came to the understanding that a relationship is not living solely for his partner, but is more of a compromise, meaning his partner sometimes needs to give way, and if his partner is too young to understand this, he needs to be more firm, put his foot down and just make his partner meet him in the middle.So many authors paint an initial picture of a protagonist just to develop the character all wonky and janky. For example the MC of This Venerable One Really Didn't Abandon My Familiar is supposed to be a lofty, millenia-old cultivator who's reserved and mature but behaves nothing like that, or the MCs of Cherry Blossoms Upon and Kaleidoscope of Death which do a whole 180 at the end of the novel. This fortunately doesn't happen in this story, which hugely helped my enjoyment of it despite the lack of substantial plot.Overall a lovely read, full of little gems such as the bitter feelings that come with separation, questions about the meaning/worth of formal education, and family bonds.
