What was I Thinking when I Ditch the Second Male Protagonist

After transmigrating into a book, the cannon fodder who joined the wrong side didn’t get discarded. Instead, he was coated with beaten egg, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried until golden on both sides. The blackened second male protagonist next door cried with craving. In prison, Han Jiao, who was Prince Yan’s top strategist, confidently said, “In the novel, the male protagonist is Prince Yan. The Crown Prince won’t succeed, and Prince Yan will soon come to rescue me.” Before long, Prince Yan was overthrown. The Crown Prince arrived at the prison and stared intensely at Han Jiao. “Heard you were waiting for my older brother to rescue you?” Han Jiao: …… It seemed like the original plot did him dirty.

Original Publisher

jjwxc

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on *What was I Thinking when I Ditch the Second Male Protagonist* This novel is quite a ride, a blend of political maneuvering, slow-burn romance, and a protagonist trying to navigate a world he only knows from a book. I went in expecting a straightforward transmigration story, but what I found was something a bit more complex and, at times, frustratingly incomplete. ### First Impressions The premise is intriguing: a protagonist who aims to become a key advisor, only to find himself entangled with the second male lead. The initial chapters drew me in with their comedic undertones and the setup of the political landscape. However, I quickly realized that this wasn't going to be a quick and easy romance. ### What Works Well I particularly enjoyed the focus on the protagonist's ambitions and his career aspirations. It's refreshing to see a character whose primary goal isn't just romance, but also to achieve something significant in his new world. The slow-burn romance, while divisive, also allowed for a more realistic development of feelings between the characters. I also found the palace intrigue and power plays to be engaging, adding depth to the overall narrative. ### Areas of Concern My biggest issue, and one that seems to be shared by other readers, is the pacing and the rushed ending. The story seems to lose its way in the final stretch, with plot points introduced and resolved too quickly, leaving me with unanswered questions. The character development of the male lead also seems inconsistent, with some finding him insufferable and others seeing him as a realistic portrayal of a spoiled prince. The romance also suffers from pacing issues, with the leads sleeping together before even confessing their feelings. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Some readers expressed disappointment with the final arc, feeling that the author rushed through important plot points and character resolutions. The Empress's role, the circumstances surrounding the late Emperor's death, and the details of Han Jiao's past self all felt underdeveloped. The ending, in particular, left many feeling confused and unsatisfied, with a lack of closure on key storylines. ### Final Verdict Despite its flaws, *What was I Thinking when I Ditch the Second Male Protagonist* is an enjoyable read, particularly for those who appreciate slow-burn romances and intricate political plots. However, be prepared for a potentially frustrating ending and some uneven pacing. I'd recommend going in with an open mind and focusing on the journey rather than the destination.