Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Second Marriage of a Wealthy Old Man
"Second Marriage of a Wealthy Old Man" definitely grabbed my attention with its intriguing premise: rebirth, revenge, a wealthy older man, and even mpreg. I dove in, eager to see how these elements would blend. Overall, it was an enjoyable read, but not without its flaws.
First Impressions
The initial chapters hooked me. The setup is classic revenge: Meng Yang, betrayed and murdered in his past life, gets a second chance to settle the score. The twist of marrying his ex's father, Lou Xiu, for revenge was a unique touch that immediately set this apart from other rebirth novels. I was definitely on board to see how this unconventional relationship would blossom.
What Works Well
The early romance between Meng Yang and Lou Xiu is genuinely sweet. Many readers praised the development of their relationship, highlighting how protective Lou Xiu is of Meng Yang. The dynamic of Meng Yang falling in love first and actively pursuing Lou Xiu was a refreshing change of pace. The face-slapping revenge plot is also quite satisfying, especially when Meng Yang confronts his former lover and stepbrother. I appreciated the author’s exploration of Chinese filial culture and Meng Yang's modern perspective on familial obligations. The translator also did a great job.
Areas of Concern
While the overall story is entertaining, some aspects felt rushed or underdeveloped. Several mentioned plot holes and abrupt time skips, which made the narrative feel disjointed at times. Some found the characters to be one-dimensional. The insta-love between Meng Yang and Lou Xiu after their marriage felt a bit forced, and the mpreg element was introduced without much explanation. The aromatherapy aspect of the story also veered into the realm of pseudoscience, which detracted from the overall realism. Some readers dropped the novel after the main revenge plot concluded, finding the slice-of-life chapters focused on caring for their children less engaging.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Okay, here's where I delve into some details that might spoil the story for you! Meng Yang's past life is filled with tragedy, including being poisoned, left deaf and mute in a cave for years, and ultimately dying. His rebirth allows him to take revenge on those who wronged him, including his ex-boyfriend and stepbrother. He saves Lou Xiu from an accident, leading to their marriage. They eventually have three children together.
Final Verdict
"Second Marriage of a Wealthy Old Man" is a fun, easy read if you're looking for a quick escape. It has a strong initial hook, satisfying revenge elements, and a sweet romance. However, be prepared for some plot inconsistencies, underdeveloped characters, and a dose of pseudoscience. While it might not be a literary masterpiece, it's certainly entertaining enough for a one-time read. I'd give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.