Crossing to the Future, it’s Not Easy to Be a Man

After dying from a strange terminal illness, Ling Lan was reborn into a world 10,000 years into the future. Although she dearly wished she could just live a peaceful and uneventful life in her new healthy body, fate had other plans… Forced to disguise herself as a boy just so she could inherit her deceased father’s premium military benefits, Ling Lan’s journey to adulthood was full of challenges. After much difficulty, she finally turned sixteen when she could drop the charade. But before she could grasp her newfound freedom to get married and start her own family, a twist of fate results in her being thrown into the Federation’s top military boys’ school. With these twists of fate, Ling Lan had little choice but to walk further and further down a path of no return, one of cold and aloof dominance…

Original Publisher

qidian

English Publisher

webnovel

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on Crossing to the Future, it’s Not Easy to Be a Man "Crossing to the Future, it’s Not Easy to Be a Man" is quite the ride! With its blend of action, adventure, comedy, and a healthy dose of gender-bending mecha sci-fi, it's easy to see why this novel has garnered so much attention. It certainly grabbed mine. ### First Impressions Initially, I was intrigued by the high ratings and the unique premise of a female protagonist navigating a futuristic, male-dominated society while disguised as a man. The early chapters hooked me with the introduction of Ling Lan, a girl reborn into a world of mechas and interstellar wars, and the circumstances that forced her to adopt a male persona to secure her family's legacy. ### What Works Well The author excels at creating a compelling main character in Ling Lan. Her drive, even if initially motivated by a desire to have talented children, is captivating. I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of battles, where the author's talent for depicting melee combat shines. The supporting cast is also well-developed, with varied personalities and motivations that add depth to the story. I found myself invested in Ling Lan's relationships with her overbearing mother, her ninja grandpa, and her quirky AI assistant, Little Four. The blend of sci-fi and cultivation elements is also intriguing, creating a unique world with mechas, hover cars, and spiritual power. The slow-burn romance, while not a central focus, adds a layer of complexity that I appreciated. ### Areas of Concern While I enjoyed the novel, I did find some aspects less appealing. The heavy dose of Chinese nationalism can feel a bit much at times, particularly the portrayal of other nations. Also, the internal logic of the sci-fi elements can be shaky, with some technological aspects feeling underdeveloped or inconsistent. I also noticed that the plot moved at a slower pace than I would have preferred at times. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Some readers may find the slow pace frustrating, especially regarding the reveal of Ling Lan's true gender. While some readers were initially skeptical, they found themselves drawn into the story and appreciated the unique blend of genres. As of chapter 854, Ling Lan's father has returned, and she and her school buddies are in their twenties, having graduated and established their own team. Ling Lan is now in charge of a regiment, but she still hasn't revealed her true gender. ### Final Verdict Despite some flaws, "Crossing to the Future, it’s Not Easy to Be a Man" is an engaging and entertaining read. If you're looking for a novel with a strong female lead, unique world-building, and a blend of genres, this might be right up your alley. Just be prepared for some slow pacing and overt nationalism. I give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.