I often avoid romances because of overused plots and tropes. But this has been a pleasant surprise. This story feels like a Kpop TV romcom -- one can almost see the drop dead gorgeous Lee Min Ho stepping out in the male lead's crisply tailored suits, amidst the glossy, light-washed scenery. Slice of life details further emphasize this mood, as one is drawn into the world of our heroine, Shao Yan.
MC is someone every career girl could relate to. She's single, has just left a failed relationship, and is determined to start life over in a new city. Compared to her dazzling male lead, she is very normal, very average. Therein lies the implied plot conflict, how this seemingly ordinary everywoman, who aspires only to succeed in her job, is swept off her feet and becomes an unlikely Cinderella. Is it for real, or is she repeating old mistakes?
This is not your usual melodramatic love story with face-slapping, emotional abuse, and poor girl-gets-rich man-and gets her revenge storyline. Conflict builds up slowly. In fact a possible antagonist doesn't appear until Chapter 45, and a back story about the MC and this villain is not given until Chapter 50. Readers who want more drama and action might not appreciate the lack of intensity, however those who prefer a light romance to relax to, a few chuckles here and there, real-life office drama, and fluff and snu-snu will enjoy it.
Since it's only the middle of the story, and the plot is still developing, it's too early to tell how the story will be sustained. It's the main reason I haven't given it a perfect score. For now it's a welcome respite to see a strong and independent MC who is neither a ***** nor a dragon lady, and a leading man portrayed in a positive light, who is not a bully or an overbearing CEO.
Grammar and idiomatic expressions can be polished, structure and pacing can be tightened so it's not dragging, but overall these do not get in the way of one's reading experience. Kudos to Author Gold_Paper_Crane. May your source of inspiration never run dry!