The Black Card

A mysterious black card issues a different amount of money each week and Shi Lei must spend it all within a week’s time. Otherwise, he will be welcomed by the black card’s punishments. “Spending money is really tiring.” —- Shi Lei said. “I will set a small goal first, such as spend a hundred million……” —- Shi Lei said in self-satisfaction. “The one thing I regret the most in life is having infinite money to burn without a choice.” —- Shi Lei finally said.

Original Publisher

qidian

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on The Black Card "The Black Card" has a premise that immediately grabbed my attention: an ordinary guy suddenly burdened (or blessed?) with a black card that requires him to spend exorbitant amounts of money weekly, or face dire consequences. It's a concept ripe with potential for comedy, drama, and even a bit of horror. However, after diving in and considering the experiences of others, I'm left with mixed feelings. ### First Impressions Initially, I was hooked. The idea of a regular person navigating the world of the ultra-rich while trying to avoid weekly financial penalties seemed like a fun ride. The early chapters introduce the rules of the card and the challenges it presents, and I was eager to see how the protagonist would adapt. ### What Works Well The core concept of the Black Card itself is intriguing and well-developed. The system behind the card, with its strict rules and escalating spending requirements, creates a unique set of challenges for the main character. I also felt that the MC's initial reactions to his situation were believable. The story also had potential for growth by introducing more depth to the protagonist. ### Areas of Concern Unfortunately, my enthusiasm waned as the story progressed. A recurring criticism is the protagonist's intelligence, or lack thereof. While the author attempts to portray him as clever in bending the rules, his spending choices often seem illogical and shortsighted. I also found the slice-of-life elements, which focus heavily on the MC buying expensive items, to be repetitive and ultimately unfulfilling. The humor, while present, often falls flat. The plot is also criticized for being dragged out for too long. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Some readers have expressed concerns about the portrayal of women in the novel, labeling them as either sexual objects or characters with price tags. There are accusations of forced relationships and the MC being manipulated by female characters. I have also seen comments regarding the MC's continued virginity despite being surrounded by female characters. ### Final Verdict "The Black Card" is a novel with a promising premise that, in my opinion, doesn't quite live up to its potential. While the initial chapters are engaging, the story quickly becomes bogged down by repetitive spending scenarios, questionable character choices, and a lack of overall plot progression. There are hints of a deeper, more compelling story, but they are ultimately overshadowed by the novel's shortcomings. I feel that it may be worth reading to chapter 100 before judging the novel.