Once We Come Across Love

A simple childhood love story. The female lead’s name is Xiao Tu (Bunny) and the male lead’s name is Ling Chao (Super). As neighbors who were born a month apart, they grew up, went to school, and graduated together. Tu Tu is a cute and good girl. Even though she’s not really smart, she’s not s*upid. Since she is skilled in martial arts, the guys are scared of her. Ling Chao is smart and cool, but also stuffy and quiet. He is the brainy type who excels in studies. Tu Tu’s mother wishes her daughter would grow up and marry Ling Chao, but her father disagrees and wants Tu Tu to get to know other boys.

Original Publisher

jjwxc

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on Once We Come Across Love "Once We Come Across Love" promised a cute and fluffy romance, and while I found moments of that, my overall experience was a bit more complicated. It's a story about childhood sweethearts, but whether that's a delightful trope or a source of frustration seems to depend heavily on the reader. ### First Impressions Initially, I was drawn in by the "childhood sweethearts" premise. The idea of watching an innocent love blossom from a young age held a certain appeal. I was hoping for a lighthearted and charming story. However, as I delved deeper, I began to see some cracks in the sugary-sweet facade. ### What Works Well The early chapters do a good job of establishing the central relationship. The female lead, Xiao Tu, is undeniably cute and naive, while the male lead, Ling Chao, is portrayed as intelligent, if a bit tsundere. Some readers really enjoyed this dynamic, finding their interactions sweet and fluffy. There's a definite charm in watching their relationship develop from infancy, and the author clearly intended to create a heartwarming journey. For some, the slow-burn romance and the comfort of a familiar trope hit all the right notes. ### Areas of Concern However, I can't ignore some serious issues that multiple readers pointed out. A recurring theme is the perceived manipulation and lack of agency given to the female lead. Several felt that Xiao Tu is constantly being pushed around by her mother, the male lead, and his mother, with little regard for her own desires and opinions. The situation surrounding college applications seems to be a major turning point for many, where the male lead's actions are viewed as selfish and controlling, rather than romantic. The lack of genuine apologies and the downplaying of her feelings left me feeling uneasy. The power dynamics, especially with the male lead's family seemingly "grooming" her to be his bride, are also a significant red flag. While the novel is complete, I couldn't help but feel that the FL deserved better. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning **If you haven't read past chapter 30, proceed with caution.** Several reviewers expressed anger and frustration over Ling Chao's decision to alter Xiao Tu's college application without her consent. The fact that he gambled with her future, potentially jeopardizing her education, was seen as a major betrayal. Moreover, the lack of a sincere apology and the subsequent attempts to manipulate her into forgiving him were deeply troubling. The scene where he kisses her as an apology when she's upset about his actions was also viewed as problematic, reinforcing the idea that her feelings are secondary to his desires. ### Final Verdict "Once We Come Across Love" is a novel with both strong points and significant flaws. While some readers will find the childhood sweethearts trope endearing and the story overall cute and fluffy, others will be put off by the perceived manipulation, lack of character agency, and questionable power dynamics. If you're looking for a lighthearted romance with minimal conflict, this might be enjoyable. However, if you're sensitive to issues of control, manipulation, and lack of consent, you might want to approach this novel with caution. For me, the problematic elements overshadowed the initial charm, leaving me with a mixed and ultimately disappointing experience.