I really really love this novel at first I didn't like the FL for being so selfish and the ML for being too prideful it can be explained due to their past experiences but gradually they become so lovable and relatable.

I even start to love how they both bickered, understand each other and support themselves, seriously it was so worth the read, time and patience

They was gradual growth development for the characters and not statics. I love the twist and the political intrigue. At first, the political aspect was mild... more>> but gradually became intensed coupled with the main lead romance. They are not a perfect couples and they both have their flaws. If you are looking for a goody shoes main leads this is not for you

1. I am glad I gave this a chance and giving a thumbs up to the author for this amazing plot and characters and thank the wonderful translator for making it readable. I recommend you all to try it

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Granted I'm still reading... but it's unlikely my mind will be changed. I don't know but the writing just feels a bit bare bones. Neither lead is very interesting. The FL is actually not very likeable but you understand why she's like this. They even say so by having the adult lu madams or someone else in the beginning mentioning that she's young and has no one to guide her. When I realized she was 14 at the start of the novel, I was like ok that makes sense now.... more>> She's very manipulative and shallow but lacks morals with her only bottom line being her sister.. she selfish in an unattractive way very crude. Ofc I understand why, she's merely misguided and trying her hardest to give herself a good life in ancient China the only way she knows how: bag a good-looking wealthy high status husband.

But she's not likeable imo. And in some way it's ok and acceptable bc you understand her circumstances and bc look I'm not dating her lol. And the ML is okay, just likes to tease and has that dislike to like dynamic with her. But ultimately I can't take this book seriously. Politics smothics... Lol I can't take the political part seriously at all bc there is no real urgency despite

Spoiler

the 2nd brother knowing the "future" with his dreams and how their romance will affect the future of the lu family

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bc I haven't seen an adult lord of the house or female of the house in detail once in the last 20 chapters. There's no urgency, no details, not enough set up other than for their romance for now. The writing like I said is bare bones and is only detailed when it's time to describe their appearances and attraction to each other.

This nothing but a tr*shy romance imo lol. This literally has the same vibes of FL moving him with her mom's stepson from the father and the FL and ML (stepson with no blood relation) have a love hate dynamics while she tries to set herself off well socially at her new highschool and prepares to stand out at the talent show and win homecoming queen.... AM SORRY BUT AM I WRONG?

LOL. The only singular people who are even remotely interesting to me are her spunky smart and moral younger sister and her very interesting scholarly second brother. I think the second brother should have been the main character. No joke. This book would have been funnier and better if so. I know we get his perspective sometimes but I think the book should just be in his perspective. The book tries to be slightly comical but idk it falls stale to me like trying too hard so I don't laugh but I know what they wanted me to do. I also personally don't like the use of misunderstandings to fuel a plot or a romance and although it's not overly used here; it's still not for me. Anyways I'm still reading but those are my current 2 cents. This book is just ok and has a lot of potential to be interesting but idk the writing doesn't have what it takes to bring it to any higher level than a "mildly amusing romance novel" with a fun twist bc the second brother is the most interesting person in this novel.

Update: the more I read it, the more unlikeable she is. I can understand her yes but it's obvious why the ML questions her affections. She's kinda tasteless. It's giving social media social climber influencer "I like have the appearance of nice things. What other ppl have I want to have" paraphraseed but yeah. Ngl I do understand why she's like this since she wants to social climb and enter a noble family but... I wouldn't subscribe to a YouTuber who was found out to be borrowing money to look rich much less like a FL for it. I just have to remind myself that she's only 15... still their dynamic is so dramatic in a way that I personally don't care for. Maybe I'm boring but I prefer reading about healthy relationships but I know other ppl like this kind of thing too. Not for me tho. I think what drives crazy is how the ML will justifiable be mad at her shady actions, and she continues to lie until she can't and then plays the victim for him "humiliating her for not telling her he already knew she was lying"... like the gaslighting the manipulation.. Im not into it. I can't root for her

She really is so fickle. Idk how she can be so mad at the ML when he's just mad and react to how she treated him and his gifts....I just like no wonder he wondered if she could love ppl

I can't with her gaslighting.... She's not poor. Only in comparison to someone of legitimate status in a noble family that she wants to be in is she poor. The ML has mentioned it before: she's in the care of the lu family and they would not treat her poorly. Her cries of being poor are just because she is shallow insecure (understandable being an orphan) and greedy. Which is unique or whatever but I can still dislike it lol...

Damn ok I didn't expect the scary person. Points for that I guess?

Update: Okay it wasn't that serious. Man I just don't know what to take seriously.. the writing does not help. It's a long game of marriage here. Kinda feels too draggy. I don't hate her but I don't really like her either. That's it. Dropped. I just I don't even think it's just her. I think the whole romance is a bit long-winded for me. I know there's some political things happening and that might be interesting but I just can't be bothered to continue to read. The second brother is the best part but yeah he's not the main character so that's unfortunate imo <<less

Very very interesting so far! Loving the ML and FL's dynamic, it's filled with humor and effortless tension. The story does well in mixing romance, political intrigue and an interesting plot twist that will keep you curious.