Man what a unique story. I really enjoyed the life lessons displayed in this story. The ML has so many layers to him and the bottom line is he is someone who will stick to his values. Some people are upset he is a fool which in a way he is. From the start he was an idealistic, optimistic, introverted fool. "Life is a series of choices. Producing a result that matches your values". This is probably the best theme of the show. The ML does so many things detrimental to his life following his values and is clueless, but the one thing it did for him was bring people closer to him. He could not have done a thing by himself, but because of the choices he made, he gained friends who would do anything to help him with his goal. On the contrary, you have the SFL who chose to abandon her morality for her own success leading to a successful yet empty life. Ironically, the ML ends up way more successful than her.

SPOILER TIME

I could not really understand the SFL's character. Even when the murderer of her so called benefactor (father figure) was in jail, she did not seem happy and even looked sad. She states multiple times that she hates him for killing her benefactor, but she had the nerve to look sad while visiting him in jail. Even after he is released from jail, she has dinner and a drink with him? Her character is so inconsistent and despicable. I get her internal conflict of being an orphan and needing to worry about herself, but it did not make sense. I was waiting for her character to turn around and my expectation didn't happen. I thought she was a double agent the whole time lol, but nope she is just a selfish, terrible person. There were so many other ways she could have accomplished what she wanted, but she chose to sell herself for the easy way out and betray everyone that ever cared for her. Honestly, it felt good to see the ML reject her. Sure she tried to redeem herself at the end, but this was only because of the events that happened. She never had revenge in her mind from the start.

Also the 2nd son of the antagonist was another character I didn't understand and he did a complete 180 OUT OF NOWHERE. For him to betray his friends and put out that Hye-In was a trans was out of character. He all of a sudden became a despicable character and betrayed everyone. It really made no sense considering his character build-up. They say he did it all for the FL, but she literally clarified it and he still went down the evil path. It was another moral of the story that business is about people; while the CEO antagonist thought business was about profits. Ultimately he ended up with no one by his side by the end including his sons who wanted him dead.

Also when ML gets out of jail, it shows he has a relationship with this mob boss, but then that goes nowhere and the boss actually sides with the antagonist at the end; so why show him liking the ML. I guess they wanted to show that money means everything, but at this point the ML is also rich and the mob is banking on this ex-convict to take over the group which he never would because he is an ex-convict. That part did not make sense to me tbh.

The FL is amazing in her resolve to change once she meets the ML. She was initially someone without a care in the world and superficial until she met the ML. He was someone completely opposite to her. She could not believe that after all the pain and suffering the ML has been through; he can still be this kind, forgiving person. A personality that she has never met in her entire life and she falls for the ML. The moment when she thought "I want to make the ML into someone amazing" was so good. It was honestly so nice to see a FL who reciprocates the care that the ML gives. She was the only one who saw his pain and wanted to save him like he does for everyone else. The ML has never had anyone care for him like the FL did. He never had anyone cry for his pain; when he himself never cared how much he hurt. As much as the FL changed by meeting the ML; the ML also changed meeting her. He was always someone to hide his emotions and wear a mask; but around her he seems to let it all out. The leads had so many good moments and the acting was so good. The ML was someone who was always selfless and put others before him and the first time he decided to be selfish was to keep the FL as his manager knowing she was putting her entire life on the line. She was willing to become the devil if it meant helping the ML, but the ML would never allow that. She was the only one to do to him what he has been doing to others and she melted his icy cold exterior. The scene where ML realizes he likes the FL was done so well. It was an amazing story. This was the FL's first main role in a series and she deserved the award she got for it.

Overall, I am just nitpicking on some parts and really enjoyed the series. Definitely something I will rewatch down the line.