This manhua is absolutely fascinating to me. I decided to try it on a whim, not having any experience with the novel it's based on, and it's incredibly adorable at its core, no doubt about that! But it's also a really interesting look at idol culture and Real Person Shipping and romance, and how these things intersect in this story.

We watch as Wei Yanzi gets pulled into and engrossed in online fandom that indulges in Real Person Shipping of him and his industry "rival", Gu Yilian, and seeks out the community that ships them as a sort of comfort and for connection as he indulges the illusory fantasy. Meanwhile, Gu Yilian seems to remain utterly oblivious to the shippers, the RPF and the implications of fanart of the two of them together, but appears to be gradually falling for Wei Yanzi himself. And of course, serendipitous misunderstandings and shenanigans ensue.

I'm glad I went in blind, because it is both a fun read and also an interesting one to think on and pick apart. I really enjoyed this first volume and I look forward to the rest!