Sad to see this end!

As with most high-rated dramas, this one has its share of mixed reviews. Those that love it, LOVED it; while those that didn’t, didn’t. For me, this series was a true breath of fresh air for C-dramas. Relationships built on patient respect, communication, and unconditional love rather than bickering, backstabbing, or guilt-tripping manipulation. In that sense, this drama was indeed different. Instead of being an intense roller coaster of emotions, it was more like a cross-country road trip of a story: a gentle, meandering trek filled with breathtaking sights all along the way.

I’m so grateful to Zhao Lusi, Chen Zheyuan, Ma Boqian, Zeng Li, and the whole cast and crew for taking us on this beautiful heart journey. It was magnificent, with so many memorable moments; and you will be so missed. Putting you on repeat until next time….

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Chicken Soup for the Soul

Rating this drama based on the central characters Sheng Yang and Jian Bing alone, 10/10. Loved watching them struggle with their feelings, their personal challenges, and their families and professional lives in such a real fashion — and come out better, stronger, and on top. I watched this drama for Xiao Zhan, who once again, did not disappoint.

What made me connect with this drama the most though, was watching Sheng Yang and his parents. Their dialogue with each other (the arguments!) and with him were like watching my own parents/family growing up. Those scenes were heart wrenching, yet priceless to watch, simply because they were not glamorous but absolutely true to life.
Personally, like many other comments and reviews here, I too wish there was much more of Xiao Zhan and Bai Bai He. I wanted to see them develop as a couple as they continued to walk together; instead of seeing so much time spent on side characters.

But I think big stars like XZ and BBH truly understand that the success of a drama doesn’t just depend on the shoulders of the main characters, but on all of the parts and people working together to achieve a deep, rich story. I believe the reasoning for some of the pacing issues — was to allow all facets of this fictional world and their actors — equal billing and time. I also think that if they had been allowed to keep more of the original material in the final edit, it would have helped round out some of the plot gaps a bit better. Doesn’t detract from the fact that this was still a solid, must-watch drama. Well done.

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Not the first xianxia I’ve tried, but the only one I finished

To be honest, I have never been a fan of xianxia. The battling and the sorcery always feel unrealistic and repetitive to me. So when I saw that this drama had 40 episodes, I wasn’t sure I even wanted to try it. But as a big XZ fan, I was compelled to at least peek at a couple episodes.
That was my original plan, anyway. Until the storyline drew me in. This drama was more than battling over territory or power — though their DEFINITELY is that! What kept me watching was also seeing the themes of human frailty + loyalty + love play out on screen. The skill that Xiao Zhan showed in his role as Shi Ying was no surprise, as he is always a consummate professional. His depth of emotion, and the care he took in every subtle movement or look was amazing to witness.
Ren Min may have gotten a lot of criticism ifor her portrayal of Zhu Yan, but as a fairly new actress, I think she did a pretty incredible job as the young and feisty, straight shooting princess/student. ZY’s personally and strength came through. All said, this xianxia drama was time well spent!

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Sweet and cute drama - well worth a look

I started this for Miles Wei, as I didn't know the other actors; and per usual he didn't disappoint. But I was pleasantly surprised by the rest of the cast -- particularly the SML and SFL - who played Director Lu and Tang Dingding. Everyone played their roles convincingly well.
One negative that I can kind of agree with other reviewers on is the FL's handling of her emotions. It's normal to have intense feelings toward someone, but her wall of photos of her crush, was a bit over-the-top and worrisome -- especially for an adult woman. I felt that as a grown, successful woman; she didn't need to follow the ML around like a lost puppy the way that she did. In my opinion, the saving grace for this drama was when the writers snapped to their senses and had Tang Xin start to stand on her own after the ML rejected her.
Maybe it was a deliberate part of her character arc, but I felt that when Tang Xin began to establish herself apart from her feelings for Tang Yu, that was the turning point for when he began to take notice of her, not just as someone who pined around for him. When she stepped back from him, he could see her more clearly for who she was and realized he liked what he saw. That was smart writing, and redeemed this drama in a big way, for me. Love that in the end, Tang Yu and Tang Xin stood on equal footing, with each adoring the other just as much -- as any healthy relationship should.

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This one's like dancing the Cha Cha...

I was so excited to see Eden Zhao and Hanna Lu together in a drama. I've missed seeing them both, and sure enough, their chemistry did not disappoint! For the first half of this story, I eagerly awaited the drop of each episode, and wouldn't go to bed until I finished it -- no matter how late it was when I started it. ;)

The angst and push-pull in the connection between the ML and FL was exciting at first, but I felt that this story didn't really move forward. Rather it seemed to get stuck in this monotonous plot rhythm of: A) romance moves forward a little bit, B) An obstacle appears that must be dealt with or overcome, C) Romance stalls -- will they get together or won't they? D) Relationship/mis-understanding resolved -- go back to A) and repeat all over again. This went on for nearly the whole drama -- using new and/or returning stumbling blocks for the ML and FL each time.

While both of the leads are solid actors, this "2 steps forward, 2 steps back" pattern really grew old after a while -- and I found myself fighting the urge to fast forward. I didn't out of my respect to the cast -- but this could have been a much tighter script with a shorter arc -- and the story would have probably been just as good.
For as long as the plot was -- the ending wrapped up so quickly -- in about 1.5 to 2 episodes. So overall, this drama left me feeling MEH.
Definitely not the the actors' best works. But still worth a watch, especially if you're a fan of either lead. Their connection was the most refreshing part of the whole show.

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A solid and satisfying drama

This drama initially caught my attention because of its list of actors. As a long-time CDrama watcher, it was a thrill for me to see Taiwan CDrama veterans like Fang Fang and Zhang Chen Guang cast alongside newer favorites like Elaine Zhong, Wu Xuanyi, Miles Wei, Gong Jun, and Gao Zhi Ting. What a smorgasbord of professionals!
Each one filled their roles well, helping to push the storyline along. While there were a few times in the 40(!) episodes when things did start to feel a bit draggy; something significant would almost always happen in the midst of these "calms" to renew my interest in the plot. So I give kudos to the scriptwriters. (It's my understanding that the author of the original novel was also part of the writing team; which probably helped.)

Overall, it had some of everything -- corporate drama, romance, humor, schoolyard friendship and angst, slice of life, etc... to appeal to a wide audience; and for me, watching it from beginning to end truly felt like partaking in a well-balanced meal. I actually teared up watching the FL get repeatedly pummeled by life. I felt the pain of her losses, as well as the stifling pressure she was under. Elaine Zhong truly gets better with every role she plays, and this series showcased her versatility. Another favorite for me here was Gao Zhi Ting. Having seen him in a couple of other shows ("A Love So Beautiful" and "Young and Beautiful"), he excels at portraying the nice guy who finishes last. So it was refreshing to see his character finally win at love! :)

This drama won't make my list of top picks -- but it was well done. If you're not sure what to watch next, consider giving this one a look.

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Cute, comedic series

I started this series after watching Zhang Miao Yi in When I Fly Towards You, and put it on hold a couple of times in favor of other dramas. Having finished those, I came back to this one, and finally completed it. In just a few words, it’s a fun, feel-good story. I felt Miao Yi showcased her talents here more so than in WIFTY. Her comedic timing is pretty impressive! As a first-time actor, I felt Jun really put himself out there and gave it his all; matching her skill and experience perfectly. And those kisses! ??Pretty bold — in a good way. I knew nothing about him or Seventeen when I started this, but I can see why he has such a big fan base. He has the both the looks and the skills to pull off a role like Ling Chao.

So if you’re looking for some “Awww” cute moments, or to laugh, j or blush; then give this one a try. It has plenty of all of that.

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My review so far: It's a slow build -- but don't give up. It's captivating!

I loved Wu Lei/Leo Wu in Love Like the Galaxy and Zhou Yu Tong in Young Blood; so I was on pins and needles of excitement waiting for this! The first 5-6 episodes were very slow, TBH, and I found myself losing interest and fast forwarding. I was getting worried that I'd have to drop this one. But because I believe in the ML and FL's acting, I dug in my heels and stuck it out -- and around episode 7 it started getting better, and now I'm legitimately hooked!
So if you're just starting this drama and feeling on the fence about continuing it -- don't quit just yet! I'm glad I didn't!

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