Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Transmigrated into a School Idol and Forced to Do Business
This novel is a sugary sweet treat, perfect if you're looking for something light and fluffy to binge-read. "Transmigrated into a School Idol and Forced to Do Business" definitely leans heavily into the romance genre, with a strong focus on the relationship between the main characters. However, it's not without its shortcomings.
First Impressions
Initially, I was drawn in by the premise of a transmigration story where the MC, Yu Baizhou, aims to correct the original owner's villainous ways. The beginning promises a blend of humor and character development as Yu Baizhou navigates his new life and tries to avoid his predecessor's tragic end. The setup, with the ML, He Yan, being reborn and initially suspicious of the MC's sudden change, had real potential.
What Works Well
The core of the novel is undoubtedly the relationship between Yu Baizhou and He Yan. Many readers, including myself, found their interactions to be incredibly sweet and heartwarming. He Yan, despite his past life experiences, is portrayed as a mature and gentle love interest who respects Yu Baizhou's feelings and boundaries. The system, 008, adds a comedic element, acting more like a matchmaking friend than a typical mission-driven system. I also appreciated the unique family dynamic, with Yu Baizhou having two loving fathers, which is a refreshing change from typical BL stories.
Areas of Concern
While the fluff is enjoyable, the plot feels underdeveloped. The title itself is misleading, as the "forced to do business" aspect is practically nonexistent. Yu Baizhou's character development plateaus after the initial change, and he doesn't seem to have any goals or passions beyond his relationship with He Yan. The later part of the story feels rushed, with plot points introduced and resolved too quickly, leaving the ending somewhat unsatisfying. Several readers also pointed out inconsistencies and plot holes that detracted from the overall experience.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Some readers expressed disappointment with the kidnapping arc towards the end, feeling it was out of place and resolved too abruptly. There's also a lack of exploration regarding He Yan's illegitimate son status and the reactions surrounding it.
Final Verdict
Overall, "Transmigrated into a School Idol and Forced to Do Business" is a decent read if you're primarily looking for a fluffy, lighthearted romance. However, if you're expecting a complex plot, deep character development, or a significant focus on business, you might be disappointed. I'd recommend it as a palate cleanser between heavier reads, just don't go in expecting a masterpiece.
