Traveling Through Ancient Times To Be a Shopkeeper

My Thoughts on Traveling Through Ancient Times To Be a Shopkeeper

"Traveling Through Ancient Times To Be a Shopkeeper" promised a relaxing historical romance with a business twist, and while it delivered on some fronts, it also stumbled in others. Overall, I found it to be a fairly enjoyable, albeit somewhat shallow, read.

First Impressions

The premise is familiar: a modern man transmigrates to ancient China and uses his knowledge to become a successful merchant. I was initially drawn in by the promise of a sweet yaoi romance and the slice-of-life elements. The initial chapters were engaging enough, setting the stage for a heartwarming story of two people building a life together.

What Works Well

The strongest aspect of this novel is its focus on business development. I appreciated seeing the protagonist, Wei Cheng, utilize his modern knowledge to create new products and establish trade routes. The story excels at portraying his entrepreneurial spirit and his interactions with various merchants and officials. It's a satisfying "rags to riches" story, with satisfying face-slapping moments, particularly against greedy relatives.

I also enjoyed the lighthearted tone and the relatively low-stakes drama. It's a pleasant read for when you want something easy and comforting, focusing on the couple's growth and business endeavors. The side characters, while sometimes a little two-dimensional, add depth to the world and offer glimpses into different aspects of ancient Chinese society.

Areas of Concern

My biggest issue lies with the development of the romance. While the initial attraction between Wei Cheng and Zhou Yuan is sweet, their relationship progresses very quickly, leaving little room for genuine emotional depth. Zhou Yuan, the ML, unfortunately feels underdeveloped and passive. I found myself wanting him to be more proactive and assertive, rather than simply relying on the MC. Some readers may find the depiction of the ML frustratingly simple. The fast-paced romance and the MLs lack of development may leave some readers wanting more.

Final Verdict

"Traveling Through Ancient Times To Be a Shopkeeper" is a decent read for those looking for a lighthearted and easy-to-digest story about business, family, and a touch of romance. While the romance could be more developed and the characters more complex, it's still an enjoyable read if you're in the mood for something low-stakes and feel-good. I'd recommend it with the caveat that it's more of a business-focused slice of life than a deeply emotional romance.