The Stand-in Refuses to Become a Regular

My Thoughts on The Stand-in Refuses to Become a Regular

"The Stand-in Refuses to Become a Regular" promised a sweet and comedic romance, and for the most part, it delivered. I found myself charmed by the dynamic between the main characters, even if the plot occasionally felt a bit drawn out. This novel seems to be an extended version of a shorter story, and while the added depth is appreciated, it also leads to some pacing issues.

First Impressions

Initially, I was drawn in by the lighthearted premise and the promise of a "cliché dog-blood drama" turned wholesome. The early chapters were genuinely enjoyable, filled with humorous misunderstandings and sweet domesticity between Xue Yingshuang and Xing Yun. I appreciated the refreshing take on the "white moonlight" trope, with Bai Qianyi being a genuinely nice person rather than a scheming villain.

What Works Well

The character development is a definite highlight. Xue Yingshuang's dedication to learning and his hidden insecurities made him relatable, and Xing Yun's growth from a "domineering CEO" to a more considerate partner was rewarding to witness. I especially liked how the story addressed Xue Yingshuang's low self-esteem, with Xing Yun creating opportunities for him to gain confidence naturally. The humor, while not always laugh-out-loud funny, provides a constant comedic undertone that kept me engaged. Also, the side characters are well-developed, and I enjoyed reading about the ML's mother.

Areas of Concern

While the extended length allows for deeper character exploration, it also contributes to a sense of dragging in the middle. I felt like the story sometimes circled back to the same conflicts, and Xue Yingshuang's obliviousness occasionally stretched believability. The structure, being an expansion of a previous outline, can feel disjointed at times, with scenes jumping around and leaving me wanting more lingering moments.

Final Verdict

Overall, I enjoyed "The Stand-in Refuses to Become a Regular." While it has its flaws, particularly in pacing and structure, the well-developed characters, sweet romance, and refreshing take on familiar tropes make it a worthwhile read. If you're looking for a lighthearted and wholesome story with a touch of depth, this might be right up your alley. I'd give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.