[This is continuation from the second "con" spoiler] Why does ML still associate himself with these people? Sure he gradually distances himself off near the end (and even planned to break things off gradually/completely before the separation), after realizing this family would never be convinced to love the MC. But... In my opinion, they have no right to even look at the MC. Another question. If ML noticed MC from the beginning and took his terminally ill cousin to the courtyard just so MC could see him from the servant's quarter and it would be a "mutual interaction", why not investigate MC's situation further? Especially since he considered him a friend at that time?

In my opinion, it wouldn't take effort for ML to find how badly treated the MC was. It was obvious, and the family did nothing to hide it. But he just stood there and proclaimed himself as a "objective bystander" who neither hated or liked the MC. Like how contradicting is that? If you really considered him as a friend, then you would've TREATED him as one. To top it off, ML stood in the sunshine pampering the cousin while MC just watched in the shadows. What. The. f*ck. Of course, ML acknowledges that he just wanted to show off his good sides to the MC in the courtyard because he knew MC was watching, but then later realized how depressing that must have been for the MC... But like.... Can we talk about the severe dependence and inferiority complex that developed in the MC as a result? I just wish all these issues were addressed. It makes me infuriated. Sure ML makes up for his past actions through his unconditional love and pampering for the MC later, but that makes me all the more upset.

Why didn't the ML notice sooner? Act sooner? Especially since he saw him as a "friend". I just feel there's a little bit of a characterization hole here. ML said that he asked MC to move out (of his wretched family's home) so he could get out of the shadows and stand by himself because he wanted the best for the MC... But why was the ML so much of a bystander when he literally went to his aunt's house and played with his cousin the courtyard just so he could silently feel MC's presence (which, also I may add, cured his insomnia).

I get he is cold and taciturn, but I can't use that archetype to justify his actions when he supposedly thought of the MC and was comforted by his presence. It just doesn't make sense, and I honestly think this is a fault in the author's writing rather than the ML HIMSELF. I really like ML--and I reluctantly accept him as MC's lover because ML treated and treats MC very well once MC moved out of the house--but his beginning actions were VERY contradictory, especially as he opens up later in the novel about how he felt about the MC from the start.

I have read so many novels with MCs having 'dignity' and not holding onto people who trample onto them. But when I was at the middle, I realize that a term called 'unreliable narrator' quite showed when it comes to the MCs relationship with the ML in the early parts. I was also not into the ML because first, I cannot accept how covetous and obsessive the MC is over him. I thought the ML didn't deserve it. Second, it's unrelated but I have read so many danmei, primarily, novels with MCs who later on decisively cut off and stay away from people whether they indirectly or directly cause grievances to them on their own choice and of course, like it that way. Third, I'm probably projecting myself, that if I were the MC, I would not do the same thing. I dislike angst! But that's the point, I'm not him so I'm interested in how things will play out.

I was so disgusted with the situations that occured to him. I lost count at how many times I rolled my eyes at some scenes. It was so unbearable to me who decided to never let anyone trample on me. But again, I held on. I cannot keep calm and want to know how the MC will survive everything. And of course, thanks self for doing it because the next parts are sweet that I thought all the pain and suffering he went through are negligible. I won't blabber more as to not spoil the reading experience. All I can remember is I cried so much just a few moments/hours ago when I was reading it through the end. I think that the fact that ML has flaws in terms of his actions in the later parts made the novel quite realistic.

Also, I have read enough face-slapping from other novels that I actually didn't thought of finding it in this novel. All I wish is that the MC and ML to be free from their shadows and live forever in peace and happiness.