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I Quit Being The Male Lead’s Rival
Type
Web Novel (KR)
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Rating(4.2 / 5.0, 304 votes)
5    60% (182 votes)
4    17% (51 votes)
3    13% (38 votes)
2    7% (20 votes)
1    4% (13 votes)
Language
Support Book (#ad)
Author(s)
One entry per line
Artist(s)
One entry per line
Year
Example: 2012
2021
Status in COO
Status in Country of Origin. One entry per line
147 Chapters + 15 side stories (completed)
Licensed
N/A
Completely Translated
Original Publisher
One entry per line
English Publisher
One entry per line
N/A
Release Frequency
Every 44.1 Day(s)
Activity Stats
[Graph]
Weekly Rank: #3386
Monthly Rank: #3494
All Time Rank: #1241
Reading List
[Graph]
On 5787 Reading Lists
Monthly Rank: #661
All Time Rank: #1065

Description

Links are NOT allowed. Format your description nicely so people can easily read them. Please use proper spacing and paragraphs.

One day, as usual, Annabelle remembered the memories of her previous life.

It was revealed that she has been reincarnated as the second most popular character in a novel.

She also did all kinds of bad things to the male lead, and in the end, she is the person who will end up in prison!

‘In the end, I’ll get caught. It’s crazy!’

Anabelle begins to save Ian from danger by intercepting the conspiracies that were laid out one by one to prevent her impending doom.

But in the process, she caught the attention of some unexpected people…

“Oh my, that’s the spirit of chivalry our family pursues! I like that a lot!”

Ian’s mother’s eyes began to sparkle at her.

“Would you like to be my partner to the opera?”

After saving Ian, the prince keeps flirting…

“Ian, I’ve decided to quit being your rival and live a new life.”

“A new life?”

“To stop paying attention to a man like you who’s always up and down, marry a man with no character, and live a normal life.”

“Who’s the opponent? And why am I up and down?”

The male lead, Ian, keeps obsessing over me for some reason.

“Why do you not talk harshly to me these days…? Do it again.”

Everyone just seems to be a little weird!

Associated Names
One entry per line
최강자 남주의 라이벌을 그만두었더니
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
The Charming Villain Just Wants To Be A Salted Fish (2)
Teaching the Tyrant Manners (1)
First of All, Let’s Hide My Younger Brother (1)
I Don’t Want To Be An Ojakgyo (1)
Come On Now, Even If I’m Not A Villain (1)
I Dislike the Male Lead’s Child (1)
Recommendation Lists
  1. A Little Love, A Little Lust
  2. Novels I Binged (2022-2024)
  3. Underrated Novels With FL Strong Personality
  4. Switched at birth and/or secret young lady/master
  5. my favorite novels

Latest Release

Date Group Release
07/14/22 Pink Muffin Translations c162
07/14/22 Pink Muffin Translations c161
07/14/22 Pink Muffin Translations c160
07/12/22 Pink Muffin Translations c159
07/12/22 Pink Muffin Translations c158
07/12/22 Pink Muffin Translations c157
07/10/22 Pink Muffin Translations c156
07/10/22 Pink Muffin Translations c155
07/10/22 Pink Muffin Translations c154
07/10/22 Pink Muffin Translations c153
07/08/22 Pink Muffin Translations c152
07/08/22 Pink Muffin Translations c151
07/05/22 Pink Muffin Translations c150
07/01/22 Pink Muffin Translations c149
06/27/22 Pink Muffin Translations c148
123…12
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61 Reviews sorted by


llaladeriver
llaladeriver rated it
August 19, 2021
Status: c17
4 stars

first off, this type of enemies-to-lovers or bickering-lovers is my cup of tea so I might be a bit biased here and shout out for the translators for translating this story!

the FL is quite smart and brave, after suddenly remembering her past life, she decided to help the ML from her garb4ge brother's scheme. I love how the FL values her life after all the sh!ts she's been through, growing up with such that damned family is not easy.

and I like how the author describes the 'perfect' ML but... more>> actually he's not perfect in terms of personality.

Spoiler

how the heck he didn't notice that the FL was wearing the same shabby training suit for 8 years when they literally met every day for a spar? Lmao ml

[collapse]

anyways, the ML is the tsundere and shy type so it's cute to see their interactions. I'll look forward for another conflict and I kinda hope the FL and the prince can be partner in crime lol <<less
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kaychanel rated it
October 7, 2023
Status: c162
I finished this novel and think it's overrated.

It started great until the FL realized her feelings for ML (which was a very slow burn) and then she kept suppressing them/doing the opposite/saying hurtful things—lack of communication with the ML caused a lot of misunderstandings. I also felt at some point she was hypocritical/leading him on because ML was super sweet when he realized he had feelings for her and really tried his best to show her this. However, when she realized he had feelings for her, she still danced with... more>> 2nd ML (didn't try too hard to look for ML at the banquet) and tried to test him/make him jealous when he never did that to her (she went with prince to banquet and danced several dances with him even knowing ML liked her and he went to the event alone). Very juvenile (even though they called it a "mature love") in the novel.

Also, she started to crave so much attention and validation from others at the end that it was irritating. I was super frustrated also how everyone seemed to praise the FL for being strong when she would always run away from her feelings for MK but then always diss the ML, calling him boring or crazy, when he showed the most character development for being true to his feelings and really trying hard for her. But towards the end he became so much of a simp that it was cringey. I also really disliked how the novel was so obsessed with winning the sword competition. I think the setting of sword fighters falling in love and doing a final match is overrated because there's a winner and a loser and they try to downplay like it doesn't matter but then it seems more important than the love story or character development.

The parents also thinking own son ML was not as good as FL as a person was a bit disappointing, and the FL never bothered to correct it even though she saw they were thinking that.

I like the author's other work "A Strange But Effective Villainess Life" way better. I read this after reading that, so the characters and story were disappointing since that one was so good. That one had great clues without force feeding it to you (the paternity test in this one was so obvious that I rolled my eyes).

Just okay 6.5/10. <<less
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7starkiller99
7starkiller99 rated it
September 26, 2022
Status: --
Novel mainly recommended to skim.

Extremely generic female MC “remembers” past life and tries to suck up to the “ML” that she recalls harming as a minor villainess. Her change is immediate and she becomes the most beautiful most loved woman ever. Her backstory is that she is (of course) abused by her scum family who turn out not to be her real family and then obsessively loved by the ML because she is beautiful (and cute cursing apparently). Generic stuff ensues with MC out of hunt objects of darkness only... more>> she can discover and awkwardly discovering ML loves her and she loves him. Nothing special or good -300bil/10.

P.S. The Male Lead is really s*upid and can’t communicate at all. Wasn’t rooting for the main couple at all due to this issue. <<less
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Nikkorizz
Nikkorizz rated it
March 31, 2022
Status: c75
This review contains spoilers.

The story is okay, not amazing though. ML falls for MC pretty quickly, and it becomes a 1-sided love for about most of the story. Which is fine, because there are lots of things to like about the story other than the love story.

I really enjoyed the light and fluffiness of the first half. I appreciated the comedy from ML's subordinate-friend (forgot his name) and also from ML's father. There is a second ML and I actually thought he was a very refreshing character and broke away... more>> from typical 2ML tropes. Also, Annabelle's insults to ML were hilarious, and the fallout from some of the insults made me chuckle a few times. ML does have a bit of a flat personality and doesn't pass the Bechdel test (every scene he is in, he's always thinking/talking about MC), but that's okay, because other areas of the novel made up for the shortcomings of the ML.

But around chapter 45 a huge event happens and it's like the whole story is turned upside-down. A bunch of things were resolved quickly, and it felt a bit forced and jarring given how much time MC spent fretting about them. Also, new information is suddenly presented to the reader and the MC changes goals immediately. The ML, on the other hand, remains a lovesick puppy with no personality growth, and hopelessly pines after Annabelle for like 30 frustrating chapters. And then there's Annabelle. After struggling for 45 chapters, most of her struggles are suddenly gone, she gets a few additional buffs, and now there is no need for her to throw around insults anymore. And the thing I love about Annabelle the most was her feigned-tsundere attitude toward everyone, but it is practically missing from the second half of the story because there is no need for her to put-up pretenses anymore. Which is fine, because I want a happy ending for her, but it's like the author took away all the interesting things about the story in the second half. All we are left are with a doormat ML, and an overpowered MC. The funny parts are gone, MC's struggles are gone. There are plot holes galore, and the story is borderline fan-service at this point (like the whole part when MC and ML travel together to a town on the outskirts of the empire).

I don't know. I'm a bit torn because I really liked the first half of the story, and I felt that it really had depth. But then things just... fell apart in the second half. <<less
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FreyjaVanadis
FreyjaVanadis rated it
October 5, 2022
Status: Completed
This is one of my FAVORITES. I do tend to pick up anything that PinkMuffin is translating because they're always stories I am going to enjoy IMMENSELY but this was the first novel that s**ked me in so hard I couldn't stand waiting for the next chapter. This is a cute, fluffy story that has great internal logic and a smart, brave, funny FL x upright, stick in the mud ML who has never realized how bored he is without her around. The banter between characters - ALL the characters!... more>> - Is great, the whole freaking cast of characters is well-written and funny, and everyone is a little quirky. This book is just darn entertaining, and Annabelle's outlook on life is fantastic. There's a lot of "Welp, this is where I'm starting from but screw it - I'm going to change this bullsh*t and make it MINE" that I just love. Watching Ian figure out his feelings is so funny, but also feels very true to life.

My favorite characters are the Rainfields though. Marilyn and Oscar are such a cute pair, and Aaron is the annoying little brother who sticks up for his sister in a great sibling relationship. Leslie and Braden are adorable, but I love love LOVE that Leslie always worries that Ian is boring. Madam, that's your SON! (Although tbh Ian is boring.) <<less
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mikeisawesome
mikeisawesome
October 4, 2022
Status: c162
If you are looking for a clever and scheming female lead that is conscious of wrong and right, and has no toxic relationship with male lead this is your book, it's lovely, rewarding, you cry, you laugh, and yeah, 100% recommended

I wouldn't be writing this if it weren't good, lol
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Simpforvillains
Simpforvillains rated it
July 29, 2022
Status: c162
If you want an enemies-to-lovers troupe with a girl boss FL and love idiot ml, this is the novel for you! This will be definitely worth your time as you read the hilarious banter, not only with the mcs, but the side characters as well. The translators really did a great job and I thanked them for being hardworking from start to finish!

Fun fact:

... more>>
Spoiler

Both of the mc's (real) parents are alive (and very hilarious just like their children)

[collapse]

Hoping this will be adapted to manhwa because I assure you, this is a great read! <<less
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Cactiii
Cactiii rated it
July 28, 2022
Status: Completed
This story was entertaining to read, while the main plot thread could be a bit boring at times the characters in this story really bring it to life. This is probably the first novel I have read where it naturally had parents, siblings, side characters who were actually well fleshed out and didn't feel forced at all in the story. Generally these side characters always feel a bit off, where they are mentioned and it talks about how much the MC loves them, but they rarely have any purpose in... more>> the book. Its hard to explain but I don't have anything like that with this book, the families interact with the male and female lead in a way that feels natural.
This author was very good with making realistic characters, another example will be the second male lead. Generally the 2nd lead is basically only there to be a challenge to the male lead, to move the plot along, but in this book it feels more like he has a purpose and depending on your perspective can even outshine the male lead which is rare (Most books make it so male lead is #1 in everything while second male lead is good but lacking in looks / skill compared to mc) The second male lead is described in a way that makes them just as desirable as the male lead but he has different talents and looks, the book never says that he looks worse, just that he is a different kind of good-looking. This book also did a great job at the female lead rejecting him and how he took that rejection, where it feels like a realistic scenario. While as a reader we already know who she will choose it still feels more like a real p0ssible romance than most second leads where its painfully obvious their sole purpose is making male lead look good. I'm ranting a bit but my overall point is the characters and relationships in this novel were really well done.

The only real complaints that I have in this story is at times the main thread got a bit boring, although since this author did not purposefully stretch the story to the absolute limit like most authors are guilty of doing this isn't a big deal. Even when I started to lose interest since the story kept progressing and we didn't get infinite filler of food and other bullsh*t it kept me engaged until the end.
The only other issue that I can think of is the strength levels felt a bit vague, Ian is the best swordsman but shouldn't his father be better? Its stated that Ian and Annabella were the strongest but the limit of their strength was never really explained... Its not necessary a bad thing since a lot of authors try to go into too much detail which can cause issues (For example when their explanation is subpar or it just goes on too long) and overall it never really creates that big of an issue other than it being a bit vague on how powerful they are.
Another possible issue that some people may have with this story is that there wasn't very much suspense, at least for me, where I never had moments thinking "What the f*ck are these characters doing" or getting depressed at something like a character dying. Personally I think this is a positive since while it proves its good writing I really don't like books that do things like the heroine getting kidnapped / brainwashed or development that causes readers to get aggerated due to something like a side character making a s*upid decision (For example delia from ascendance of a bookworm, her decision makes sense if you look at it from her perspective but its aggregating to read from the third person standpoint) so I personally like that I never had this frustration or aggravation but since said feelings are caused by readers getting deeply invested into the story line it lacking might be a negative for some readers.

Overall the story's plot is okay and the character development is great. I would recommend reading if you like romance with a bit of action and scheming

Edit from a re-read: (Chapter 19)
There are a few aspects of this book that feel a lot more forced that I didn't notice before. There is a lot of little things that irritate me, the author very much abused things happening in the background that push the story along. Her brother is somehow able to create all of these decently elaborate plots on the male lead, which she then has to interfere with. A lot of details with how any of these plots are unrealistic. An example would be the bookmark, where the brother was somehow able to curse a bookmark and then somehow get the son of a duke to use that bookmark without it being noticed as a cursed item. Then he also somehow sets up a plot in an opera, which apparently only upper-class nobles can attend. (I haven't gotten to the plot and forgot it so I'm not sure how realistic the plot actually is, but my point still stands that he was able to set this up)
There are quite a few things like this in the story, that are purely for a narrative standpoint and end up lowering the quality of the novel in my opinion. Even things like how after she placed a bet on the prince he happened to be at that exact gambling hub at the same time, causing her to be invited to the opera. It's not a huge deal since its a plot device to move the story along but it takes away from the story in a subtle way. Do something like her be invited as a thank you for the warning before, there are plenty of things that could be slightly altered to correct these slight plot holes.
Another issue with the story that is a lot lot more minor is everything feels so short notice. She addresses the plots one at a time, and there is close to zero foreshadowing or building expectations making it feel like the author didn't plan the story ahead. It doesn't impact the reading much but it does make the story feel more abrupt and forced than it could if the author adds a line about a future event that she knows about. (Something like her listing the plots, not the best example since that could come off as info dumping and lower the quality but if done right little things like this just make it feel less abrupt than her randomly running into the prince and getting invited to the opera that she just so happened to need to go to. Just adding a line about her preparing to sneak in beforehand or something so it doesn't feel so abrupt and jarring.) <<less
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Brasdf
Brasdf rated it
July 20, 2022
Status: c56
A very simple meat and potatoes action Shoujo, which means the action is almost entirely theoretical and the draw is the quirky characters and the romance. It would have worked, but the translation is... not good. Often sentences don't make sense, jokes are ruined and so on. For example, several times the characters would be described as the "strongest in the world view". What does that mean? Why add "view" ?

Actually it also bugs me a little they keep referring to themselves as the strongest in the world and second... more>> strongest only because they placed so in a competition limited to age 24 or below. Are there no strong 25-45 year olds ? I would guess the ML's father is stronger the FL for at least the first third of the story.

Here is an excerpt as an example of the translation:

Spoiler

Ian then spoke. "I understand even if you seem a little nervous since it's your first time at the imperial palace." "Can you tell that I'm nervous?" "Your body's balance is completely disrupted." What was disrupted was not my body's balance, but my blood circulation, but I didn't answer that. He glanced at our hands, which were intertwined very awkwardly, coughed several times and asked. "Is it because of the escort?" "Are you crazy?" I couldn't say right here that he was right, so I smirked in a hurry.

"That's possible, huh?"

"If I'm nervous because of that, won't I not even be normal?"

Ian raised his eyes.

"Well, then again." In my opinion, it was kind of weird to call myself a nutcase, so I corrected it right away.

"Drinking water from the handle of the cup... You must be someone who has a unique taste?"

Of course, I seemed to be slightly unique.

The growth process was poor, but the family history was also not ordinary.

[collapse]
<<less
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TropicalHighland
TropicalHighland rated it
July 14, 2022
Status: c162
One of my absolute favorites. There's nothing revolutionary here, but it does everything really well. A little misunderstanding leading to romance, then a main plot of battling against the bad guys and devoping feelings, into a climatic confession with some much appreciated time set aside for lovey dovey fluff.

As far as I remember, the author never forces a situation where the ML swoops in to protect the FL without allowing her to fight side-by-side with him. The side characters have their own satisfying interactions, and the main couple are adorably... more>> dorky about swords. The FL never loses the satisfying sassyness from her villianess aspect and the ML still maintains his competance even as his perfect facade breaks.

If you have been jonesing for a good Hero X Villianess story, I can reccomend this one more than any other. Best of all, it's complete!

Side note:
Spoiler

One part I particularly like is how the author handles the FL getting powerups by destorying the sources of black magic. It's made clear that the powerups are effectively bringing her up to the MLs level as if she had a similar level of nutrition and training quality. By the end she can solo 50 assassins which is a little silly but the ML has the same power level. I also like how its a known public fact that she got these powerups and there's no gotcha to bystanders. Its probably the fairest implementation of a "cheat" I've ever seen. A bonus AU section has her at a similar power level if she had a different life course.

[collapse]
<<less
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Adira
Adira rated it
May 20, 2022
Status: c111
What I liked in this story is the MC and her personality the most. What's also likeable is that the author made her realistic enough where her choices and decisions sometimes doesn't seem to sit well with me or isn't brainy enough yet she definitely one of those who wouldn't back down from a setback and do things that are correct according to her. Well, since the beginning story started really great but after a shocking change occurrence ... more>>
Spoiler

Parental test where she got to know her real parents.

[collapse]
The story took a different route and from there my interest started to waver. On the other hand, is the ML and his personality that something I really don't dig in a main character partner.
Anyways, thank you so much to the translator who are doing a great job with everything and hope they continue to do so. <<less
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EmoryD
EmoryD rated it
May 13, 2022
Status: Completed
Oh my gosh this story wow it was the cutest sh*t I've ever read I mean Ian this guy is so freaking cute. I really liked the whole story although it was total cliche and even the black magic aspects and the crimes and all were mild but the main leads expecially the ML was so freaking cute and their relationship dynamics were amazing. Its not a memorable read or anything but it was a good story for a nice past time
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alyssadng
alyssadng rated it
January 26, 2022
Status: c86
Wow this is probably one of the most well-written MLs! Chemistry and character development is *chef's kiss*

I honestly don't have any bad things to say.

Also thank you to the great translator <3

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Aclaire
Aclaire rated it
January 21, 2022
Status: c84
By far, among the numerous mangas, manhwas, manhuas, and novels I've read, Ian (the ML of this story) is surprisingly the sweetest and most husband material I've ever read about <3. I wish I could marry someone like him! I'm not even kidding!
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PalenMisha
PalenMisha rated it
November 9, 2021
Status: c47
This story did not go where I was expecting at all and I love it.

As someone else mentioned, the insults she comes up with in the early chapters are hilarious. At the beginning of the story she's trying to clean up the messes she and her brother cooked up for Ian. I definitely enjoyed the ways she came up with to foil her brother.

As the story moves along it starts to focus more on her growth as a person and what she wants to do with her life. The things... more>> she thinks about are realistic which made it that much better to read about.

As things currently stand she's got an overall mission from on high, as it were (don't want to spoil anything) so I can see this story getting quite a bit more interesting as it progresses. I'm looking forward to reading more. <<less
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mommmonn
mommmonn
January 26, 2023
Status: Completed
Its a great read. Its one of those novels were u feel really good seeing the the characters be happy. Their happiness is really well deserved.

Its a short and sweet story. Not much trouble happens since both the FL and ML are strong af.
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XxxMelanie
XxxMelanie rated it
November 6, 2022
Status: --
Honestly, I gave it a three only because of the last 30 chapters or so, that gave a warm feeling. Plus ... more>>
Spoiler

fl's real brother funny character and his relationship with original FL was funny and cute.

[collapse]
Otherwise it would be a two star rating.

My issues with it are pretty simple:

- It tried to be intriguing with the conspiracies, shemes and worldproblems but it felt bland and too easy to solve. It's like it wasn't that big of a deal because it was handled so smoothly everytime. Why make it out to be complicated when the story was actually just about the romance and how they get together. I would've liked it more and rated it higher if it was more of a simple story about their conflicting feelings and how they would get over it instead of trying to make it more complicated when it wasn't.

- From around chapter 80 till 125, it got really boring

- The second male lead fiasco was my biggest problem. The way FL and ML handled it from beginning to end was just plain infuriating. FL was being plain s*upid and never even thought about the consequences. Just because it was convenient to use the opportunities he gave while not thinking about his feelings or the surroundings. It's not bad to not care about rumors, but the moment she noticed his feelings should've been a point where she had to draw a line. From beginning to them (FL and ml) finally getting together, he was just used as a tool for them to get together by making ML jealous so that he can realize his feelings. In my opinion, that's just disgusting. Why authors do that, I have no idea. For like one or two times, it's still oke. But here it was almost 70% of the time. From beginning to almost the end, he was just a tool. It truly disgusted me. I'm even suprised that he didn't feel betrayed by his friend, the ml, who knew his feelings but never told he has feelings himself. In my opinion, it was clearly a betrayal on ml's and fl's part to the second ML who they had a friendly relationship with. Biggest and most obvious reason;
Spoiler

They literally kissed at second ml's birthday party while FL was second ml's partner for that banquet/party. And second ML had already made it clear/obvious that he liked FL to both of them. They were casually kissing on the balcony for the first time there and never even thought about telling their so called 'friend' that there was something going on between the two after that. Or at least separately tell him that they had feelings. He was oblivious the whole time. Still thinking they hate each other even after that kiss

[collapse]

- All the piled up misunderstands, rumors and betrayal were casually glossed over at the end. Having no repercussions at all. <<less
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Drenlith
Drenlith rated it
August 14, 2022
Status: Completed
About a 3.9.
A light, quick-paced rom-com.
The characters are wholesome and funny and the side characters get enough screen time to show off their individuality.
The main plot is lackluster though, with good people being good, bad people being bad, evil shall not prevail as the heroes will save the day type plot, no ups & downs.
The humor saves the day, otherwise, it'll be too bland with the overwhelming fluff. Can't say that the main couple fit each other well romantically, they're just very funny together.

S/N: Not sure what 2nd ML did to the author.
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Em_Ku
Em_Ku rated it
August 11, 2022
Status: Completed
I reay like this novel, the FL is smart, not act like pure and innocent I didn't know what ure talking about type. It's really good how she tried to fix her fate without born again or transmigrated.

The Ml, lmao, he's definetly an M. Lol, I'm laughing how he want to be cursed by. I like how the stories and all the characters, it's ended well without circeling a problem.
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X102
X102 rated it
August 4, 2022
Status: Completed
I really like this novel. The honestly love the fl. I love her insults sm. It's hilarious.
Spoiler

Anabelle's declaring that Ian is her man was perfect "Now that he's my man, don't keep talking about fantasies." OMG

[collapse]
Ian, the male lead is one of my favorite mls. He's so sweet.
Spoiler

I love this chapter 124 because he said, "I love you so much that I'd let you stab me with your sword now. As you said, if crazy people do this for love... I'm just going to be the craziest guy in the empire." LIKE WOAH THATS HOT

[collapse]
It was great read in my opinion.
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