He is MC's first love but gets rejected by her because he was not really able to understand her and every time he appears there's a sour feeling and I think ML also knows that MC will have a special spot for him forever

Shulan and Yu Cheng have the saddest end T.T

and helped her get over 2nd ML and was there for her whenever she needed him and also when she didn't need him

At some point as I read I felt that there was nothing wrong with their relationship, though I did despised the intentions he had when he approached her. I would say it is wishful thinking to fall in love so badly after meeting a couple times. I do have say that the mindset of the other characters like ML's parents were absolutely disgusting. Yet, regardless of what thoughts he had, the ML never crossed the line, never harassed her, openly profess his feelings, or pester her to like him back. I started thinking what is the right thing to do when you like someone you shouldn't? ML never liked her because she was a child, but he simply liked her as a person. The original MC was already 18, so her soul was not old either, so what was wrong about this whole situation? Now, I am not saying ML was right, he should have thought twice about the fact that she was 16, he should have questioned his own morals. I just feel it is too harsh of a criticism to call it grooming.

There are so many ambiguous situations that make it inappropriate for someone to like another, due to their roles in society, making it an ethical issue of relationships in power imbalance and exploitation. Yet, as two single individuals whose only purpose is to like each other it seems justified.

He never interacted with her inappropriately, neither did he manipulate her emotions or thoughts in any way. Even if he himself calls it a 'perfect plan' all he did was sincerely show her his care and waited for her, I did not see any sort of manipulation. Even if he did make salty comments about Yi Tianyu, and divert her attention away from the situation, I feel like a 17 year old jealous teenager would have done the same. MC had all the freedom to choose otherwise, which the ML always felt insecure about, but MC chose him. From beginning to end there was no exploitation. If it is solely because of the reason she is not 18, I think 18 is just a number without any meaning. It only means she is a legal adult. 25 makes more of a significance than 18 does, because that is when the brain is fully developed.

So was their relationship wrong? No. Did it have the potential to become something of an exploitative nature, and morally wrong? Yes.

The whole thing about how his life was ruined because of this one night was totally unnecessary, since the FL will never know and it doesn't impact the plot.

- Other than age difference, ML (Lin Zhihua) was decent. I doubted him bc stalkerish (due to his odd nature) but he took care of FL and became her friend/mentor before being together. He never demanded/forced her and respected her decisions but continue to guard her wellness. Even took years to wait for her. His maturity suited FL.

- Also, I liked the twist of author on FL's puppy love to 2nd ML as part of her teen life. Same feelings but wrong time. As a reader, we thought the same as 2nd ML's POV... not knowing the FL showed her feelings to 2nd ML in her own actions.

- I repeat, need to separate reality from fiction... some subjects esp research parts.

-I didn't like author making 2nd ML lonely even became secret godfather of the kid... the only saving part is he might got happy ending with OG GXJ with snippets in his dream (especially poor OG owner needs to have happy life too)

- One cannon-fodder's d3ath became catalyst to leads to be together. If only author wrote scene before or after they became couple, I'll understand it as part of Young Adult experience of FL... but nah, did it during FL's love doubts making it felt that other characters was served as sacrificed.

- As I said, ML is good but can't blame bad reviews bc there's grooming indication... bc he already loved FL when she's still minor and already got intention. Even "guiding" her in her decisions. (good points, that he's patient and willing to wait and FL is transmigrated so her age is quite okay)

For example, the dialogue between her and her deskmate I think is intended as humourous and teasing, which should set him up as second male lead. But the way the conversations are set up makes the words themselves sound badly scripted and it's actually makes 2nd-ML very annoying.

The scene between MC and her Mom where she tells Mom that she recognizes how bio-Dad has treated her Mom badly and she plans to cut ties with him, should come off as a special moment but sounds hollow and out of place. There was even a comedic resolution thrown about her mom's bad cooking that just comes off super awkward.