Refraction

Zheng Yi never really hated Chen Gong to begin with—— Chen Gong’s heavy-browed eyes even once gave Zheng Yi butterflies. But Zheng Yi couldn’t stand Chen Gong’s indifference towards him, especially not when Zheng Yi wore his own nervous heart on his sleeve. “Do you resent me because I’m your superior?” “…?” A workplace romance between the hot-headed, overqualified director Zheng Yi, and the aloof assistant director Chen Gong.

Original Publisher

chang pei (gongzicp)

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on Refraction "Refraction" has been an interesting read so far, and I'm eager to see where the story goes. The premise itself, involving a relationship that blossoms from a lie, immediately grabbed my attention. I'm always a sucker for a good enemies-to-lovers story, especially when workplace dynamics are involved. ### First Impressions Right off the bat, the dynamic between the characters is compelling. The boss-subordinate relationship sets the stage for plenty of potential conflict and, of course, romantic tension. I appreciate that the story is set in the modern day, making the characters and their struggles feel more relatable. I'm also intrigued by the multiple POV aspect; it allows for a deeper understanding of each character's motivations and feelings, which is especially important in a story driven by misunderstandings. ### What Works Well The characters are definitely a strong point. Chen Gong, in particular, seems to resonate with many readers, and I can see why. The author does a great job of portraying him, making him feel like a real person with flaws and vulnerabilities. The translations have been really well done and I haven't struggled to connect with the world and characters. I'm also enjoying the blend of comedy and drama. It keeps the story from becoming too heavy while still exploring deeper emotional themes. The "manly gay couple" aspect is also a welcome addition, offering a refreshing take on LGBTQ+ representation. ### Areas of Concern While I'm generally enjoying the story, I do wonder if the "naive protagonist" trope might become tiresome. It can sometimes lead to frustrating plot developments if not handled carefully. I'm hoping the protagonist will experience significant growth throughout the story and become more proactive. ### Final Verdict Overall, "Refraction" is a promising web novel with a compelling premise, well-developed characters, and a good balance of humor and drama. If you enjoy stories with office romance, enemies-to-lovers tropes, and a touch of intrigue, I'd recommend giving it a try. I'm personally looking forward to seeing how the relationship between the main characters evolves and how the misunderstandings get resolved.