Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Not Raising Fish, Do Not Disturb
"Not Raising Fish, Do Not Disturb" had me hooked from the start with its unusual premise. A self-cest romance in a Xianxia setting? I had to dive in. And while the concept might sound strange, the execution is surprisingly well done.
First Impressions
Initially, the idea of the protagonist falling for a younger version of himself felt a bit narcissistic, as some readers pointed out. However, the author manages to create distinct personalities for the older MC (Chi Huo) and the younger ML (Ghost King), despite their shared essence. It was interesting to see how their dynamic unfolded, especially as the MC tried to navigate his past self's thoughts and desires.
What Works Well
The world-building is solid, and the cultivation aspects are woven seamlessly into the romance. I particularly enjoyed the humor, especially Shi Wuzheng's reactions to the ML. The misunderstandings and the MC's attempts to influence events without revealing his true identity added layers of intrigue and comedy. The power dynamics between the MC and ML, with the MC being strong but unable to directly interfere, kept me engaged.
The character development is also a strong point. Watching the ML evolve and diverge from the MC's expectations was fascinating. The fact that the MC knew about the ML's food preferences early on, like the salty dish incident, created a sense of intimacy and foreshadowed the deeper connection to come. I also liked how the MC knew he was a cannon fodder character from a book and wanted to change his fate.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Okay, heads up, there's a couple of minor spoilers ahead!
I was a bit disappointed to hear that the original couple (Shi Wuzheng and Xiao Guo) didn't get a happy ending.
Final Verdict
Overall, "Not Raising Fish, Do Not Disturb" is a unique and entertaining read. If you're looking for something different with a blend of romance, humor, and cultivation, I'd recommend giving it a try. The self-cest aspect might not be for everyone, but the well-developed characters, intriguing plot, and comedic moments make it a worthwhile experience. I think it's safe to say that I loved it.