Understandable why you'd think Chengxiu is stupid but ever heard of that saying "When you are not fed love on a silver spoon you learn to lick it off knives" I think it totally applies to our uke.
Besides the author themself claimed that this was a tragic societal drama a horror story of sorts rather than a romance.
Also the current chapter of the manhwa is chapter 72 in the novel. It's available on novelupdates.
Oh yeah he totally cheats on uke with the fiance too. It isn't explicitly shown that they bang but it is implied when they are in bed. That's when uke finds out that shao qun is about to actually get married. Shao quns sister exposed him through a phone call.
And yeah this story/novel despite the redemption arc leaves a really bad taste in your mouth.
Lmao I totally understand you. This author's works mostly features insane semes.
But if you're into this author and good redemption arcs and ukes that aren't actually a doormat, I would suggest you read "Yet you like a guy like him/in love with an idiot" (has a translated manhua and translated novel) or "winner takes it all"(has a Chinese manhua and translated novel)
But, chengxiu is an exemption, I can't defend how dumd and naive he is. How can he be so fool to the point that he can easily be manipulated and gaslight by the person who messed up his childhood?!
I fucking need the novel, and may I also know what chapter in the novel is the current chapter in manhua. Thank you!