5/5 !! (for once, i don't think the novel's low rating is deserved--although!! it's on the high end for a KR novel)... more>>

Slow burn, light angst, tension--and later--super in love. 

ML: green forest, just a little obsessive, supportive

MC: caring, resourceful, problem-solving, loveable <<less

5/5!!... more>>

Angsty, sexy, white moonlight and dramatic (all the good stuff!!). Has all the yummy tropes written in a fresh, new way and elevated by the character of the MC. 

Toxic but also caring ML (I genuinely don't have a problem with him but can see why some ppl might), MC who isn't a doormat like some reviewers have protrayed. He's not a pushover, he just doesn't care. Bro's literally like "oh, you want to do that? well i never expected anything of you so go ahead. you do you and i'll just plant my vegetables" when ML acts up.

The translators took down the novel, but you can find chapters on aggregate sites. just search it up! <<less

4.6/5One review summed it up perfectly: "It's a great story for those who love character development. The MC starts out as a person who only cares about money, but as the story progresses, he realizes how mean he has been to everyone around him and how much ML loves and cares for him."... more>>

Other than that, it was a good read. I don't remember having any specific takeaways tho. This was more a person-driven vs. story-driven novel. Liked it, but don't remember loving it.  <<less

5/5... more>>

Read this a long time ago bust still remember how much I liked it and even now I'm still looking for something similar. A really good, heavy, rich, historical BL read with tension-filled story-telling.  <<less

5/5... more>>

In-depth story, amazing writing, totally unique. MC and ML are full of life. Can't even really write anything about it because the plot and writing and story are just so rich. Suited to be read in one go tho--else it's easy to get lost. <<less

4.7/5... more>>

NOT BL butttt ML is so submissive i love it like i just wanna squish him so bad <<less

5/5 - UNIQUE read... more>>

MC is very intelligent AND author manages to show it through story actions instead just telling you he's smart. Story definitely feels like a fresh take on the system genre.ML is also green flag (against all odds). Considering what he's been thru he's a pretty normal guy.

very fun read. super unique take on systems and that genre of books. 85% of the characters (villains, main characters, side characters) are smart and not dumbed down for the sake of plot which i really like. story is paced well and super focused from beginning ton end.  <<less

4.75/5 ... more>>

Very satisfying to read. ML is top tier green flag; MC is full of personality and initiative taking

Story falls off a tiiiiiny bit in the third half where the pacing becomes kind of rushed and cheesy BUT IMO is still 100% worth reading. It really just comes down to preference and ultimately i don't have a problem with it (i just think third act should have been stretched out longer and paced slower--you'll know when you get there).  <<less

4.7/5MC has so much personality i love him. He's such a colorfully written character. ML is a green flag but the context makes him a bit of a yellow flag at the beginning. ... more>>

Story definitely deals with some heavy themes (loss of bodily autonomy) and tragic side character deaths BUT i think they fit the setting and the plot well. Everything has its reason--even the seemingly brutal Qizi and Qizhu system. You just have to keep reading. And if you stop halfway and then complain ab out how xyz doesn't make sense--that's on you, not the author. There will definitely be some loose threads that surface in the plot but all are resolved as the story progresses. 

My only complaint is I feel like the author takes liberties with the plot regarding the "villain" as the villain was given wayy too much room to develop his plans to the enormous scope of destruction he ultimately caused. As I read it it had me shaking my head like--this man (and other "villains") could 100% been stopped if not for authorial intervention. Like one chapter will end like the villain died...  but then a few chapters later he pops back miraculously having been saved. It ultimately fits into the plot BUT comes off as a deux ex machina type story beat.  <<less