- #1
I really feel compelled to address some of the poor reviews of this novel, because I have literally re-read this over and over and it's one of my absolute favorite web novels.So, I have some experience with special education, and as a teacher I sometimes work with students who have mental disabilities. While I cannot say for sure what kind of mental disability he has (could be autism, could be an information processing disorder, could be fetal alcohol syndrome, or any number of other things; he exhibits traits that fall into a lot of categories, but that's neither here no there). Here's the thing people need to keep in mind: just because a person with a mental disability exhibits childish, or child-like behaviors, that does NOT mean they need to be treated like a child. Many individuals with mental disabilities are FULLY capable of entering into healthy adult romantic relationships. Although some behavior may be seen as childish, that is simply because their brains process things differently, and they may react to situations differently than a neurotypical person. So, stop infantilizing Meng Ting. He is an adult. He has lived two lives, and he is more than capable of making decisions for himself.Regarding how Meng Ting always refers to himself as being s*upid, one trait of certain mental disabilities is that sometimes they heavily internalize certain information. Once an idea is cemented in their head, it can be very hard for them to get it out. Because Meng Ting grew up in an abusive environment where he was constantly bullied, called s*upid, and neglected, he internalized that idea of being s*upid. I've worked with students who do this (not necessarily believing they are s*upid, but internalizing certain ideas so heavily that they cannot accept alternative opinions). While it's sad that Meng Ting has this idea in his head, he is not actually s*upid and with enough love and care that idea will hopefully fade from his mind.I want to state that I do not believe Meng Ting and Yan Sui's relationship is unhealthy. Meng Ting made a conscious and very deliberate decision to get married and be dependent on his spouse. He wanted that life because it was the option he felt was the safest for him and would allow him to live a happy life. Sometimes people with mental disabilities can become dependent on another person, and trying to force them to be independent can actually hurt their mental health. Meng Ting is not a child. He has made a decision to rely on Yan Sui and criticizing his decision is taking away his agency to make decisions for himself. Yan Sui is not taking advantage of Meng Ting either, and if you read the novel you will see that Meng Ting is usually the one taking the lead and moving the relationship forward.So please, to anyone who is hesitating to read this novel, give it a chance! The relationship is so damn sweet, and the way Yan Sui wants to take care of Meng Ting and protect him from all the horrible things and people that hurt him in the past is amazing. Their relationship is free of the s*upid misunderstandings that plague so many web novels; Meng Ting's blunt honesty is so refreshing and the way the couple grows to love each other so deeply is amazing. I've read this novel so many times, and it's still one of my favorites. (The translators also do a fantastic job).