Xia Fan Cai

Tao Mingzhuo was eating when the newly appointed VP of the company walked up and started talking to him. Jing Ci, “Hello, Mr. Tao. Would it be okay if you joined me for lunch tomorrow?” “Huh? Okay,” replied Tao Mingzhuo, caught off guard by the sudden proposal. He was cordially thanked by Jing Ci, who then added, “Would it also be alright if I stare at your face as I eat?” Tao Mingzhuo, “….?” Tao Mingzhuo ate lavish meals for the entire week, all while facing Jing Ci’s ‘affectionate stare’. All it took was one week for him to see that something was wrong with their arrangement. “Mr. Jing, I like someone else.” Tao Mingzhuo lied, hoping that faced with an impossibility, Jing Ci would step back. Jing Ci, “Ahh, nice.” Jing Ci, “Do you want Sichuan or Japanese cuisine for lunch tomorrow? Oh, if you like, we can also try Cantonese dishes. There is a restaurant nearby that I know serves good dim sum.” The dismal possibility that Jing Ci really liked him made Tao Mingzhuo feel down in the dumps. A month later, Jing Ci asked, “Would you like to come eat with me everyday at my house? I’ll pay you double your salary.” Shocked, Tao Mingzhuo turned pale.

Original Publisher

chang pei (gongzicp)

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on Xia Fan Cai "Xia Fan Cai" was a delightful and easy read that completely pulled me out of my reading slump. It's a light-hearted story focusing on the burgeoning relationship between Jian Ci, a company manager suffering from a loss of appetite, and Tao Mingzhou, one of his employees. The premise alone was enough to pique my interest, and I'm glad I took the plunge. ### First Impressions The story immediately drew me in with its simple yet intriguing setup. Jian Ci's unusual eating disorder, cured only by watching Tao Mingzhou eat with gusto, is a unique and interesting plot device. I found myself invested in their dynamic from the very beginning, eager to see how their relationship would unfold. ### What Works Well The comedic misunderstandings are definitely a highlight. They're not frustrating or drawn out, but rather add a layer of sweetness and anticipation to the romance. I also enjoyed the characters. Tao Mingzhou's innocent and easily flustered nature contrasts perfectly with Jian Ci's calm and collected demeanor. Jian Ci, in particular, is a standout. He's gentle, knows what he wants, and isn't afraid to tease, which I found incredibly charming. Their interactions are full of tension and tenderness, making for a truly enjoyable reading experience. The side characters are also well-written and add depth to the story without overshadowing the main couple. The author has a knack for creating a story that feels like a quick, lively episode from a real-life drama. ### Areas of Concern While I thoroughly enjoyed the novel, I can understand some criticisms. Some might find Tao Mingzhou's initial naivete a bit childish. Also, the eating disorder and certain plot points might stretch the boundaries of realism for some readers. However, given the lighthearted nature of the story, I was more than willing to suspend my disbelief and simply enjoy the ride. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning The story revolves around misunderstandings that build up between Jian Ci and Tao Mingzhou until they eventually become a couple. Tao Mingzhou struggles with his feelings and has doubts, but ultimately cares deeply for Jian Ci and finds ways to show it. ### Final Verdict Overall, "Xia Fan Cai" is a charming and heartwarming read that I highly recommend. It's the perfect choice if you're looking for a light, fluffy, and sweet story with a healthy dose of humor and romance. If you enjoy cute misunderstandings, lovable characters, and a feel-good plot, then this novel is definitely worth checking out. I ended up loving it and adding it to my favorites!