highkey disappointed by the "romance" aspect

since they obvs intended for the white haired dude to be ML, i was hoping it was "scheming charismatic characters join hands to manipulate political intrigue to their morally ambiguous benefits"

turns out it was just some typical egotistic dude who treats MC like trash. (up to chapter 22)

the ONLY way this plot can be redeemed is if MC somehow schemes and succeeds in a bit of betrayal to squash his inflated ego- with no doubt or hesitation. like, ok, we've established he's not a decent person. but if MC ends up falling for him and all that conflicted feelings bullshit despite everything, i'm dropping this.

i'd rather she get even, just to level out the playing field. it'd be a hell of a lot more interesting to read about two people who cooperate just enough for the sake of survival but, if given the chance, would tear the other person's throat out.