- #1
Roughly 4/5 because I’m intrigued by ML’s attitude and how his character development will progress later on. However, I do find myself not particularly attached to any of the characters by far so I might come back to this novel in the future as the translation continues (the translation is great too and Cold Soup makes it rather aesthetic with the opening quotes and helpful content warnings).Some (already obvious) information on the MC and ML at first glance:
- MC is a special species that ML’s father is just using, manipulating the affections that MC has for him. He is sickly and very gentle hearted, but quite skilled in poisons and herbs. However, due to his composition (body) it also serves as a problem to him and others.
- ML has a very hostile temperament towards the MC in the beginning of the rebirth, and it is clear in the first few chapters why... In the beginning, he is crippled in a wheelchair with reasons which will be revealed as you read. He isn’t someone who trusts easily, and MC has a temperament of understanding and patience which compliments ML’s initial behaviors. His mouth can be a bit foul as well, warning.
- The beginning is pretty interesting, as the first chapter is basically the description (above, on the NU page) of the novel but in more depth, depicting the obvious affections ML has for MC
- ^ Therefore the second chapter is what happens after the rebirth; but it’s interesting as MC doesn’t seem to delve into wondering how or why he was reborn (I read a lot of rebirth novels and this is kind of a first where the MC isn’t theorizing much or contemplating about their past and what to do now, it’s like a blank slate as if what’s happening in this new life is natural and not at all the MC being reborn at all, which is interesting).
- ^ But, because of this, I find the MC and ML very 2D and not in-depth. We don’t really enter the minds/POVs of the characters enough to understand their suffering. It’s like as a reader I don’t completely understand the MC and ML, they feel very not-fleshed out to me. But I’m hoping this changes as the story progresses.
- Honestly, I really hate the ML’s attitude but I also understand he went through a lot. However, comparing this life to the last, I’m more interested in how the ML developed feelings for the MC in the previous life as in that life, it’s implied (from the snippets and description) that MC never completely paid attention to the ML (and in this life and according to the description, he is interacting with the ML a LOT, which is an understandable feat as to why and how he’ll fall in love later on).
- ^ I also get why ML is wary of MC, and how he thinks MC is trying to covet his late mother’s position as Wangfei, but I really hate how he overlooks and belittles the kindness MC shows him as well. I know this will change in the future, but it still makes me quite sad for the pitiful MC.
- Plot-wise, I am a bit conflicted because I’ve only read a few chapters of the beginning, so I don’t want to solidify any thoughts yet. Though, do take note that I am a bit underwhelmed and not too invested.