ML is textbook abusive. He controls what the protagonist wears, what she eats, how she spends her time, etc. The author explained in the later half of the novel that ML acted that way due to his worries for her. The novel explained that ML wanted her to eat seafood because her nails constantly break due to stress, not eat junk food because she eats a lot of it and is picky, wants her to wear pink because he wants her to be his spoiled princess and be an overbearing person who relies on him because she never had that, etc. He doesn’t believe her when she “rebels” (aka expressing her true thoughts and opinions). They truly don’t communicate.

Later on in the novel, he realizes and understands that she simply doesn’t like seafood or dressing in pink. He kept on controlling her without asking about her likes and dislikes, and when he was finally put in her shoes, he cried and was sad over how much of his actions she must’ve endured.

But honestly, it doesn’t erase what he did and how he abused her for few years. Not only did they lack communication, they had an unbalanced power dynamic and she felt unsafe/uncomfortable to say what she really feels. He also didn’t listen or hear her out, or cared about her true likes/dislikes, and assumed her needs. He didn’t respect her as an individual with personal freedom.

As for the ending, the protagonist ends up with the ML at the end of the novel. They get back together after some time apart and the protagonist can stand on her own two feet. They both communicate better, discuss their insecurities, and try to be better for each other. It’s kind of a wife-chasing crematorium, but not really filled with tragedy? It’s training wheels crematorium.

"I won't go back anymore. You can throw away everything I left behind there. I've already submitted my resignation application to HR. Whether you hire new people or not, I'll automatically resign after 30 days."

Su Tao's gentle voice sounded particularly harsh at this moment.

He took a step forward, grabbed her small face with one hand, pinching her cheeks on both sides, and lifted her chin, forcing her to look at him.

"Little Peach, " his outburst was somewhat exhausted, like an aging hero who wanted to take up his sword but had no strength. "Aren't you afraid of making me angry?"

He does explain why he wants her to eat seafood and wear pink but they're s*upid reasons. Like more calcium intake because her nails are brittle and because she looks good in pink. I'm sure there's other ways to get calcium and she probably looks good in other clothes than pink too.