Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Marry a Rich Old Man
"Marry a Rich Old Man" is a completed romance web novel with a strong focus on fluff and a significant age gap between the main characters. I found myself drawn in by the premise and the promise of a sweet, low-angst story, but I also approached it with a healthy dose of skepticism.
First Impressions
The initial chapters definitely grabbed my attention. The story starts with An Wuyang, a somewhat neglected 18-year-old, and Huo Yunchuan, a wealthy 30-year-old CEO, after a one-night stand. The early interactions were intriguing, and I was curious to see how their relationship would develop, especially given the circumstances.
What Works Well
Many readers praised the novel for its heartwarming and realistic portrayal of a developing relationship. The doting nature of the older love interest, Huo Yunchuan, is a major draw. I appreciated that the author created a family dynamic that felt genuine, flaws and all. Despite some issues, the family members are ultimately supportive. The focus on domestic life and the development of their relationship after the birth of their child was also a highlight for me. I found myself enjoying the slice-of-life aspects and the general sweetness of the story. Some have mentioned that the ML is very responsible, cool and loving, and that the child is very cute.
Areas of Concern
While the fluffy romance is a major selling point, I can also see why some readers might be put off. A recurring concern is the controlling nature of Huo Yunchuan. While some interpret this as protectiveness, others found it overbearing and bordering on grooming behavior. The age gap, too, might be uncomfortable for some, especially when the male lead uses terms of endearment that infantilize the MC. I also noticed a few complaints about the MC's naivete, with some feeling he becomes too childish as the story progresses.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Some readers have pointed out that the MC's parents have a more realistic than loving portrayal, especially his mother. It's always 'wealthy family' this, 'wealthy family' that. Another thing I didn't like was the fact that everybody thought that he was cute, ok that girls on internet call him cute but a supposed strict senior thought "he look cute with this serious look"? That just doesn't make sense.
Final Verdict
Overall, "Marry a Rich Old Man" is a sweet and fluffy read that will likely appeal to those who enjoy doting love interests and low-angst storylines. However, potential readers should be aware of the age gap and the potentially problematic controlling aspects of the relationship. While not perfect, it's an enjoyable read if you're looking for a heartwarming and relatively drama-free romance.
