Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Don’t Pretend to be Poor with Me
"Don’t Pretend to be Poor with Me" is a rollercoaster of emotions disguised as a fluffy school-life romance, and I found myself surprisingly invested in its characters despite some of the issues that popped up along the way. It’s a story about healing, acceptance, and the unexpected places you find love.
First Impressions
Initially, I was drawn in by the premise of a cold, seemingly uncaring MC and a relentlessly cheerful ML. The early chapters promised a sweet, comedic story, and I was eager to see how their relationship would unfold. The setup is classic: Song Yan, burdened by a difficult past and a prickly exterior, meets Xia Zhiye, a seemingly poor student with a heart of gold and an endless supply of patience.
What Works Well
The core of this novel lies in its characters. Song Yan, despite his flaws, is a compelling protagonist. I enjoyed watching him slowly shed his defenses and open up to Xia Zhiye. The author does a good job of portraying his internal struggles and insecurities, making his eventual growth feel earned, even if some found the growth incomplete. Xia Zhiye, on the other hand, is the ultimate green flag. His unwavering devotion and ability to see past Song Yan's rough exterior are truly endearing. Many will find his unwavering support and teasing nature to be irresistible, and their dynamic is the heart of the story. The side characters also add depth and humor to the narrative, especially Song Yan's stepmother, who defies the usual evil stepmother trope. The novel also shines in its ability to blend comedy with heavier themes like depression and trauma. The humor is often derived from the characters' interactions and Song Yan's constant misunderstandings, providing a welcome balance to the more serious elements.
Areas of Concern
However, I did find some aspects of the novel problematic. A recurring criticism is the repetitive nature of the plot, driven by constant misunderstandings and reconciliations. Some found that Song Yan's character development stagnated, and his reliance on Xia Zhiye bordered on unhealthy. The physical violence in their relationship, with Song Yan often hitting Xia Zhiye, also made me uncomfortable. While some readers may find this dynamic amusing, I found it to be a point of concern that wasn't adequately addressed.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Some readers were disappointed with the extras, feeling that they regressed the characters' development and leaned too heavily into comedic fluff. The handling of Song Yan's trauma, with others revealing his past without his consent, was also a point of criticism.
Final Verdict
Overall, "Don’t Pretend to be Poor with Me" is an enjoyable read with a heartwarming romance and well-developed characters. While the plot can be repetitive and the relationship dynamics aren't always the healthiest, the novel's strengths outweigh its weaknesses. I'd recommend it to those who enjoy school-life romances with a touch of angst and a devoted ML. Just be aware of the potential triggers and problematic elements before diving in.
