The Early Spring

Every woman probably goes through a period like this: ordinary, obedient, well-behaved, an anonymous person in the eyes of strangers, a dim star who is neither here nor there in his life. But that’s just a phase. Later, she shines like the sun—dazzling, brilliant—but she no longer loves you. Standing in the icy snow of the northern lands, Luan Nian’s hair and eyebrows are frosted with cold. His breath turns into vapor as he speaks: “Shang Zhitao, let’s start over from scratch? From the moment we first met.” (A Part of the Early Spring Trilogy)

Original Publisher

jjwxc

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on *The Early Spring* *The Early Spring* promised a slow-burn romance with significant character growth, and while it delivered on some fronts, it left me with mixed feelings overall. This is definitely a story that sparks conversation, and whether that conversation is positive or negative seems to depend heavily on personal preferences. ### First Impressions I was immediately drawn in by the promise of a realistic and flawed romance. The initial setup, an office environment where the female lead is drawn to her blunt and somewhat emotionally unavailable boss, felt intriguing. However, as I delved deeper, I found myself questioning the dynamic between the main characters. ### What Works Well The strongest aspects of this novel, in my opinion, are the writing and translation quality. I was able to immerse myself in the story without being distracted by clunky prose or grammatical errors. Furthermore, I appreciated the depth given to the side characters. They added a richness to the narrative and, in some cases, provided a much-needed support system for the female lead. The novel also doesn't shy away from portraying morally grey characters, and I found that to be a refreshing change of pace from the often-idealized portrayals in romance novels. The story also provides a space for reflecting on the strength of friendships that feel like home. ### Areas of Concern My biggest issue lies with the central relationship. The male lead's behavior often bordered on emotionally abusive, and I struggled to understand the female lead's unwavering devotion. There were times when I wished she would prioritize her own well-being and recognize her worth outside of this problematic relationship. The on-again, off-again nature of their connection became tiresome after a while, and I felt that the conflict could have been resolved with better communication and a greater willingness from the male lead to be emotionally present. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Several readers have pointed out specific plot points that significantly impact the overall reading experience. The fact that the relationship starts as an inappropriate office affair, and the male lead's self-admitted lack of empathy, paint a clear picture of the challenges ahead. Additionally, the introduction and abrupt dismissal of a potential alternative love interest for the female lead felt like a missed opportunity to explore her personal growth outside of the main relationship. ### Final Verdict *The Early Spring* is a complex and imperfect novel that will likely resonate with readers who enjoy flawed characters and realistic portrayals of relationships. However, those seeking a lighthearted and feel-good romance may find themselves disappointed. It's a story that sparks conversation and reflection, and while I have my reservations, I can't deny that it left a lasting impression. I'd recommend it with caution, suggesting potential readers go in with an open mind and a willingness to grapple with the complexities of human relationships.