The True Scandal

In order to coax his mentally sick sister to see the doctor, Xu Sheng sought out Tang Zhi and put forward a request for him to marry his sister. He even gave a condition that Tang Zhi could not refuse; he will help Tang Zhi’s mother with the case that sent her to jail. After Tang Zhi moved into their luxury house, he had to face a mentally sick fiancee plus a cold and arrogant brother-in-law. However, he could only bear with it for his mother’s sake. That is, until his fiancee got into a car accident.

Original Publisher

chang pei (gongzicp)

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on The True Scandal "The True Scandal" by Ka Biqiu definitely pulled me in with its complex characters and slow-burn romance. It's a story that requires patience, but the payoff is, for the most part, satisfying. While it didn't completely blow me away, it was an enjoyable read that kept me invested in the characters' journeys. ### First Impressions Initially, I found Xu Sheng's character quite off-putting. He starts off as cold and even a bit cruel towards Tang Zhi, creating a power imbalance that made me uneasy. Their initial relationship felt very much like a boss taking advantage of his subordinate, and Tang Zhi's inability to refuse made the dynamic uncomfortable. However, I was intrigued to see how their relationship would evolve from such a rocky start. ### What Works Well The slow burn romance is definitely a highlight. Watching Xu Sheng gradually warm up to Tang Zhi and begin to care for him was captivating. The story really shines when exploring their individual vulnerabilities and how they slowly learn to rely on each other. I especially enjoyed seeing Xu Sheng's perspective as he grapples with his feelings and learns to navigate the complexities of love and care, something foreign to him given his upbringing. The angst stemming from their poor communication and misunderstandings also added a layer of depth to their relationship, making their eventual connection all the more rewarding. ### Areas of Concern While I enjoyed the overall story, I felt the ending was a bit rushed and could have been more fleshed out. I would have loved to see more of their life together after they finally got together, perhaps an extra chapter or two to show their wedding and married life. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning I want to preface this with a warning that there are spoilers below regarding the motivations of both main characters. Tang Zhi's initial involvement with Xu Sheng's sister, Xu Keyu, stems from a desperate attempt to free his mother from prison. He endures Keyu's unwanted advances, which trigger past trauma, all for this chance. Xu Sheng, on the other hand, initially views Tang Zhi with indifference, struggling to understand his sister's obsession. However, after Keyu's accident, he slowly begins to rely on Tang Zhi for comfort, eventually developing feelings of his own. ### Final Verdict Overall, "The True Scandal" is a worthwhile read if you enjoy slow-burn romances with angsty characters. Despite a somewhat lacking ending and an initially problematic power dynamic, the story's exploration of love, trauma, and personal growth makes it a compelling and ultimately heartwarming experience. I'd give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.