Real. Painful. Moving. Wholesome

The first 5mins may make you turn away. That cruel moment of seeing someone losing the will to live and seek death can be too much for some viewers.

Yet theres so much this drama offered beyond what I expect. For one it tackles real issues. There's JingJing who pulled a Robin Williams on all her loved ones including her 3 besties. She shouldered a lot of things and hid it so well. In a depressive state, she made a drastic choice.

The 3 remaining ladies like Jing Jing faces many struggles as North drifters, slang for people who left their hometown to go to the big city in the north trying to make a better living. During bad times, Beijing is a city so fast paced, one can feel like you are swallowed whole. Nan Jia is a strong character, a career woman with her own business. She too faced a lot of hurt in the city, faced issues with health and in love. Qiao Xi Chen who works hard, lives like a miser, struggled to be successful and wronged by backstabbers at office. Xu Yan who has a lot of insecurity and often too wrapped up in people's comments, had a lot of growing up to do in life and love.

With the ladies are 3 love interests and fortunately for us all 3 lads are good guys. That helped to balance off the sad elephant in the room. Its a story showing growth and more so in the courage and hard work the ladies put into living their life.

Wholesome are the great parents. The ones who love their children and tell them the words one need to hear. This sounds easy but is not often dobe. Sometimes parents set too high expectations or say the wrong words that can hurt their children. Xi Chen's parents words to her were so touching. Wholesome are the friendship among the ladies. Wholesome was when the 3 ladies care for JingJing's parents.

The acting is top notch. Ren Su Xi, Zhou Yu Tong and Sun Qian at different points of the drama moved me to tears. I felt their sincerity across the screen. Chinese dramas should do more lengths like this: 12episodes of moving story, poignant, meaningful and leaves us hopeful.

Parting words from JingJing: Even after the darkest of night, there'll be sunrise. Even after the longest journey, there is an end.

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Deceptively comical on serious dark theme

At the fringe of society. Forgotten. Uncared for. Alone. Depressed. Hopeless

This is a societal theme that is very real, seldom addressed and rarely depicted in drama. Often cause its a theme that can be suffocating to watch. But here comes a director and script taking it on from a totally unexpected angle. From the opening theme to the nonchalant narration as well as inner monologues comes a dark comedy of two individuals who are "lucky".

When Mi Chong meets Zhi Liao who was fated to disrupt his 'plans', he found an unexpected will to live. While Zhi Liao finally found a sliver of warmth that she she hadnt had since she left home.

The storytelling lulls you into a sense of languid. Its only by mid of ep7 when it suddenly picks up. And for the leads it is good there found and have each other. No man is an island. And together they have a hopeful future.

Highlight is not just the interesting direction but also the impressive acting from the leads especialy Vivienne. While Leon Leong has notched his best work thus far.

Be warn though depressive themes of suicide attempts and references to sexual assault.

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Abysmal plot; Good cast

Writer chew more than she could handle.

There were two distinct parts of the story: fantasy romance of 2 realms and palace drama. From the moment she decides to mix the two that's where disaster starts to brew. The transition from fantasy part to just historical palace defies a lot of logic. There were gigantic plotholes in how ML goes to present, how they seesaw between they can and cannot touch each other, how someone else could hear ML, how if he sleeps he can choose not to dream of her of which he would enter her realm. And then how wishing on a special lunar phenomena transports her to the past in time to see another female of the same face passing away. And she conveniently assumes her identity. The amnesia bit was ( ༎ຶ ۝ ༎ຶ ).. All this gave me a headache in digesting and then choosing to suspend the logic thinking part of my brain to continue watching.

My biggest issue was how it then became a solidly palace drama full of scheming females and inciting unrest in the backpalace and discord among the princes. Worst of the lot is Ming Hui who has a huge grudge against Ming Wei of which Xiao Wei of present shares the same face. This palace bit starts from about 1/3 in to the drama and lasted til ep 39. So I'm telling you if you dislike palace politics like me it means a lot of skipping of scenes.

As to why i still gave a solid 7.0 scoring despite my huge grievances with the drama. Its because of the cast. Both Li Lan Di and Wang An Yu are super young but sparkling in this drama. They deliver depth where possible and their banter were pleasantly cute and sweet. There's that good push pull, action reaction when you get a CP with chemistry. Its only the plot problems that cause IQ cells of Xiao Wei to dwindle when she went back into history. The last 20minutes also gave the show some bonus points.

I wouldnt recommend this drama. I started it when going through Li Lan di's pastwork and decided to give it a go. It doesnt sticks with you like Scarlet Heart does and i dont think its fair to compare.

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Short, Sweet & Buoyed by the cast

"You're the most beautiful when you're doing the things you love and enjoy every moment of it"

Love the message it ultimately delivers.

The story itself between Sato Ai and Hasebe Sosuke is truly romantic. They have feelings for each other as children. He came back only to slowly fall back in love with her without knowing her real identity. Despite a rough start, he remains attracted to all the wonderful personality and traits of Ai. While to Ai, Sosuke turns out to be the same cute clumsy and sweet guy that she knows. Its nice to see a ML who although initially misunderstood FL and comes off as rude but doesnt take forever to realise it. Gotta give him credit for being humble enough to admit and apologize.

This production is buoyed by casting the right people for the leads. Both ML and FL were so good in their roles. ML can switch between cool and cold to clumsily adorable to sexy and flirty. FL is so expressive without goin over the top. She makes Ai so much more beautiful and special. Both of them are top notch at emoting. They deliver so well attraction, shyness and sexual tension.

Lastly the plot and production is good. A longer drama like K or C versions would have made it draggy or annoying. 10 episodes is just right in fleshing out character, plot that continuously moves and wrapping up nicely. Do watch, its easily one of the best version.

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Couldnt Stay On~Unfortunately

Why I started it and Why Peeps May Like this:
- if you're a fan of ZLS and wanted to see more of her works
- if you like school in historical setting
- if you enjoy a FL who has a strong character
- if you like comedic dramas

> My take is ZLS is very suited as Sang Qi. Infact I personally thk theres many resemblance to her real life character - chill, can hang with the boys, focus, frank character.

Here's why I dropped it like a hot potato
- ML's characterization is bad in my books. I cant understand how he is defined in the script. He's supposed to be worldly, refined and maybe dignified based on his knowledge, rank and position in school. Yet he comes off as immature and lacking? Is it a script thing? I felt disappointed in the ML and cant help whining about the scriptwriter- if she could take a page or just a para out of Zhou Shen Chen (of One and only), Hou Chi (from Dear Brother) or even Pei Zhao (of Maiden Holmes);
- Styling below par. If you think of Xu Kai Cheng, his good looks from Well Intended Love pops up in your mind. But he just looks odd and ill fitted in the historical setting. Given his appearance and built you would think he would give a commanding presence right? But there isnt any.
- Acting. Because the direction of the drama and comedic tones you cant exactly compare it to a lot of other dramas. But the overall feel is it seems superficial in many areas. Particularly ML, i couldnt buy into whatever he's trying to sell
- SML. Ren Hao's character started well. But if only they din screw it up as early as Ep2. It would be awesome if the tight friendship stays as friendship between FL and SML.
- The plot isnt the best. There's a problem with the execution and flow. The mystery part is poorly meshed too. I have stayed for worst honestly but I stayed for ML-FL. In this case I dont feel anything for this pairing. The feels for ML-FL here is not good. IMO the pairing here is the worst out of all ZLS dramas and you do know she has a long record of great chemistry with her costars. So i thk the script, character and plot hindered it. There dont seem to be much reason to stay on.

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Learn with and from the Qiaos

Cry, Ache, Smile and Laugh with the Qiaos through their tragic childhood, struggling adolescence, mistakes, ill fated relationships. But they weather through it all, being always present for each other.

Your blood pressure may shoot up because of Qiao senior- the irresponsible and mostly selfish father. You may find fault in the many short sighted decisions and choices the Qiao siblings make. But after finishing 36episodes you will only come to envy them. The siblings embody the term 'blood is thicker than water'. Of what true family is. On the outside it seems so dysfunctional, the 5 children akeen to orphan after their mother's passing. But eldest Yi Chen step in filling the role of father and mother. Even as they bicker, disagree, argue or fight, they love each other.

My favorite sibling is San Li. There's something about her quiet, shy, reserved character that makes me ache for her when shes hurt but doesnt voice it out. A near tragedy nearly ruined her and make her fearful of men. But thank God, He gave her an honest, simple man in the form of Yi Ding. I find quite alot of the men here are simple, sometimes a bit slow but adorably innocent. Er Qiang, the second bro as well as Qi Qi the youngest are the same. The same character that others can easily take advantage of. Then theres Si Mei who have her head in the clouds and is unrealistic in her approach to love and life. But you will find she is very similar to her eldest bro who she is arguably closest with. Stubborn as a mule.

The acting is spot on. Bai Yu and Rachel Mao doesnt disappoint. Lareina Song suprise me with her performance. Truly couldnt fault anyone. Stellar cast.

The drama is aptly named. That 'bond' that wouldnt and couldnt be broken. Every meal time scene where they sit together..Im reminded to cherish family times. How they rally around each other when something bad happens, including childbirth, injury, and even under quarantine together durng SARS outbreak. It makes you feel it will be alright even if the sky falls down because they all have each other's back.

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Palatable pass time

There were things that worked and things that didnt.

It started off on an intriguing note. A FL who has some street smarts and toughen through having to make a living to support her and her childlike father. And a ML in an authority position who is wise, sharp with hidden cunning.

Then it gets ruined by how things and people are so obvious, compound with evil female and a pacing thats hard to follow. You get a ML who first catches the FL as a possible accomplice and linked to a wanted man of the state to fallen in love and proposing before we hit the middle of the drama. There's this uneveness of which its directed and written that makes it hard for me to stay on. Its like sitting in a car on fast speed then brake n bam and start again. The kind of jolt thats not welcome and makes me lose interest. I actually went to watch something and come back to it..telling myself to finish.

The things that worked is the ML-FL pairing. They look good together and for the most part their interaction is easy on the eyes. They are both physically comfortable with each other so theres no awkward kiss scenes. I'm not familiar with FL but she gives off a friendly, naturally cute vibe. Her emotional scenes has room for improvement. Then there's ML. I think this is the 3rd drama I've seen him in and he has grown a tad. But i still get this borderline greasy feel when he's delivering his lines or when he stares at people. Im not sure if it's overacting but personally felt some parts need dialing down.

Lastly for all they have gone through I didnt enjoy how the last episode is written. Did ML not understand how precious life and love is..I was like.. come on man! This hits the nail again that the plot needs work. I really dont particularly like this screenwriter. Putting up a redflag for me, really..

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Tangible, Poetic Piece

When the screenwriter is the original author, you already know what you sign up for.

The opening 5 minutes already set the tone: the picturesque setting, the weather, the bgm, the FL's expression. Character and world building all set up in the first episode.

FL is refined, unblemished, almost goody two-shoe and whole heartedly faces the ML whom she fell in love with at first sight.

ML is a gentle warrior. In war, he is accomplish and incites loyalty in his army. Off it, he is kind, gentlemanly and humble. He does not carry nobility arrogantly. He seem to have all the good traits a man can have.

I think the atmosphere is really tangible. There is a lot of things not spoken but expressed. There is a lot of meaning behind a glance, a smile, a gesture.

I think this piece is a challenge to both ML and FL, who both rose to the occassion. Allen Ren is already known for his expressiveness that earn him alot of praises since Under the Power. FL have a lot of renowned works, both in modern and historical setting. And I felt she manage to carve out a Shi Yi who is very diff from her other previous characters.

I want to mention the crown prince. From the moment he grace the screen, he eminated charisma. So much i went to check and boy hes so young but does so well and had so much presence.

Like the book, there is a poetic feel to the drama that I cant help appreciating.Im glad Mo Bao Fei Bao and PD manage to translate it here to the screen. Im not exactly a fan of her works, it tends to be tinge with melancholy melo tones. The story and setting reminds me not everyone have the ability to love and be with the one they love.. especiallly not in ancient China and the position they both hold. This is so sad.

The decision to split the past life from the present was suprising for me. It was woven seamlessly in the novel. I wonder are we gonna have flashbacks in the sequel since modern day Shi Yi has memories of her past life?

Like everyone else Im waiting for Sep 9. For all the heartache and pain they went through, we want nothing more than the two to be given another chance. Perhaps second time aroud fate would be kinder.

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Full of feels, Relatable, Impressionable

In a sea of youthful, school romances, this one is cream of the crop. Every step of the way the story grabs my attention and stole my heart.

The Plot begins with highschool transitioning to college and with it, it captures how the characters have changed. Highschool was mostly sweet. College had some rude awakening. The society arc was realistic though. It is hard to stay 'pure' and keep a righteous heart. A society that pressures one to be 'accomplish' and driven by profit making.. it makes me applaud for FL and ML.

Why I fell in love with the characters:
- FL was very relatable in highschool. Being a new transfer student to a city school, she felt like she stuck out like a sore thumb. She did not know how to communicate with her classmates. She felt small and hence become withdrawn. She also does not know how to say no. It brings back memory of teenage years when one feels unsure, useless and even lonely. Compound that with a naughty younger brother whom her mum seems to be bias over
- ML had a inner gentleman. Being deskmates with FL, they gradually warm up to each other. He's a naturally gifted student that ace his studies without needing much effort. He has a clear goal. However he isnt cold or unapproachable. Infact he's helpful to his peers and once he took FL under his wing, he doesnt think twice in helping her out

Why I love their interaction:
- They have the cutest deskmate interaction. Even though both never confess and their relationship isn't labeled more than 'deskmate'
- ML look out for FL. And does a lot of sweet warm actions.
- FL even being timid would speak out to defend ML.
- They both go to great lengths to protect their deskmate position.
- They reassure and encourage each other in a highpressure Chinese education system
- Their gifts to each other were really thoughtful
- The way they look at each other gives me butterflies

Character development
- FL had a determined streak in her. She overcomes being an 'average' student and work hard to enter a top tier university
- That same determined streak had her repeating just to follow the ML to his university
- FL along the way has matured, become more sociable and able to think for herself
- FL became much more confident and openly pursues ML even as he pushes her away
- ML's family particularly his dad encountered serious health problems. Suddenly push into a poor financial situation, he becomes stretched out physically and mentally juggling school, work and visiting his parents
- The same situation makes him unwilling to share with FL so as not to 'pull her down'
- ML wanted the best for FL but he also decided it all on his own; only later did he realise his way of thought was wrong
- During a speech, ML expresses that infact FL looking up to him and encouraging him was his greatest drive
- The other love triangle SBC too had his own development. He went from a reliable senior to an accomplished company manager to one that does questionable things as he bowed down to society pressures to finally walking away from it.

Acting
- Im blown away by ML's micro-expressions. In an interview even Rainbow, the FL says ML's eyes 'blink' 'blink' expressing his eyes twinkle. The way he looks at his leading lady is like dripping mollases.
- Both actor/actress really interpreted what their character feels. I felt they truly capture the gist and the moments in the story
- Their chemistry makes the whole drama works. From the unspoken affection they had in high school, carrying the secret crush and how they chased each other in college.

Rewatching - Definitely, complete with watching BTS and their interviews too.

Ps: Costume and wardrobe people love colour coordinating the ML and FL's clothes. Cant help noticing.

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Subtly sweet, Better than expected

I lowered to not much expectation for this drama but was curious after watching YT clips.

It started off on a note telling you not to take it seriously. FL has an inner drama queen, furnished with monologues and an active imagination that comes with the territory as a part time writer. Then slowly it evolves.

Before I knew it the characters have back story and become more than an idol drama. Both FL and ML are not exactly the proactive type. ML has a strict routine but when FL makes an impression to him, it was very evident the steps he take and the changes he make so as to interact with her more. Some people call this a slow burn romance. Which i agree partially. FL has postive feelings but is a type who isnt terribly confident in herself and inexperience in relationships. But the many episodes of them spending time together and enjoying each others company in that blurry line of doctor-patient, friend or more than friend was nice.

The love triangle was nicely written too, with a plotline that links back to the past. It didnt drag as well. So what could have been annoying only help to unravel the knot and make it. clear to FL what her heart feels.

Switch to the secondary lovestories, both besties of FL. I like Wu Ying's story better. I did skip on Ma Yi Yi's part. But i have to say FL's bro was pretty cute in the way that he is protective in a sweet way.

I skimmed the novel. There are many shared scenes and dialogue with the drama. But they have dial down ML's character. The drama version was much more mild. Lastly, although I did enjoy the drama on most parts, I still find the acting lacking. Betty Wu was still better than what Ive seen in her previous drama. Alot of her expressions reminsicent to her persona in reality shows. For ML he had som good scenes and some not so. When the dualogue says he looks at FL with stars in his eyes, i cant help eyerolling. Because i didnt feel it. I am jus so aware he is acting and you dont feel hes as atrracted to her as the script calls for.

Honestly we had alot of C dramas in this category and you cant help comparing. We've been treated to idol-actor CPs who had better chemistry (eg Our secret imo). I keep thinking the delivery could have been different with different actors. And that affects the depth of the drama to me. All in all, its still a breezy watch.

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Charming & Condensed

The writing is the bane and the boon.
On one hand its so fast paced theres no room for dillydally. On the other skipping scenes to scenes i wish for better continuity. You can say the writer is on steroids.

If you like time travel this may be your cup of tea. Despite being a budget drama, costumes and actors were on point. And despite the story being rushed the first and second third, it manage to be cohesive and deliver an emotional rollercoaster of a drama.

Lastly theres no hanging ending..much to be my delight.

Bonus theres a sequel with the same leads.

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Turbulent, sweet & sour

*Heart house participants*
The guys and girls who participated in this season are pretty good, in terms of inteligence, looks and personality.

*Compared with previous seasons*
A couple of them are really outgoing more so than previous seasons. And not overly focus on 1 person (like last season). I enjoyed seeing everyone's effort and growth.

*Heart signals*
There were indeed moments where someone's gesture for the other person was thoughtful and moving. Theres some thats fateful as in they share a common interest. Theres others that came about from effort and courage of putting yourself out there

*Format*
If you watch previous seasons you would find the later participants actually came a bit earlier this time around and I think thats good. Gives the later people time to get to know others.

*Panel*
Unfortunately they were the weakest of all seasons. Either their deductions or comments werent deep enough. Or sometimes they werent personal enough, and felt distant. Or not as colourful or funny as some previous panelists.

Lastly i hope cp fans or extreme fanatics would stop putting hurtful remarks on heart participants' weibo. Life including love is not the same for everyone. For some its simple and direct like Simon and his approach works. For others like Orange who is guarded and passive, her response or lack of is make or break to others. Noone is wrong. If its the right person, the timing would be right. Their happiness isnt limited to the show. Remember Fu Pei? She found her guy eventually, someone outside of the show. But the memories for the time they spend together here would always be special.

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Autumn kind of love

The feels. A little melancholy. A little warm. Depends on your mood. A falling leaf can be soothing, can be sad. And the drama seesaws between the two quite seamlessly.

If you watch ML moving in the darkness in his house. Thats cause the blind does not need the light at night. Then next scene its in the bright joyful setting of the FL and her roommate. The first quarter of the drama shows the two extremes of our CP. I dont know i find that very moving.

As she gets into his world and move him bit by bit, his house too becomes enveloped with light. I find the picture of him and his heart to be parallel and symbolic.

Moving on to the characterization. Male lead has a more extreme personality. He doesnt like, he doesnt do, he doesnt care and he wont spare a thought or a look. He is extrememly quiet and stays in his world due to the unpleasant childhood and his lack of sight. Like he put in words later, a person like him doesnt love easily. And to forget the person he love, is even more impossible. So this explains and may let you condone some of his extreme actions and reactions.

Female lead is again those courageous girl that puts on a wonderwoman suit and fights to enter the guy's realm after she fell in love at first sight and the same person whose songwriting she admires. She sometimes fumbles or gets into sticky embarrasing moments. But shes always honest and makes a lot of effort to understand him.

The biggest gem is the songs and ost. As I Believe is my favorite. Its the type at first verse, im totally suck in. Fall was another winner. And ML's song sang by Lin Yanjun himself. They blend into the drama, and make the scenes more impactful.

There is some change in tone as the drama progresses, which i know peeps complained about. I wouldnt say its perfect. But it did reflect how the leads are the same and yet different as time progresses. The jealous fiance husband could be toned down but i suppose grown man can be childish too. Some couples like a lot of couquetishness so as long as they are happy, thats all that matters.

Lastly the chemistry is what makes it really work. You just only need to see the comfortable body language and feel the ML and FL are so right for this pairing. They have the best hugs, forehead touches and eskimo kiss! Do watch.

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Meaningful, sweet n perfect CP feels

If you love the novel, you will love the drama. Everything follow closely, from flow of events to their dialogue. It's one of my fav from Gu Man.

If you havnt read the novel, theres even more reason to watch. Because the plot wont fail you and because the cast are icing on the cake. In a nutshell. ML is someone calm, logical, and everything in his life is well thought out. In highschool he shot down FL's confession because he reason out they are unsuitable.

FL is someone with high EQ and a witty personality. When they meet online on a gaming platform and she uses her devious wit to meet ML in RL, thats when it opened the opportunity for ML to get to know her.

The story imo is beautiful and deep and even deprecatingly realistic.
1. Definition of success in life. Masses will say land a high paying job and make money. But is it for everyone?
2. Best student in school does not necessary make the most money. Depends on what you choose to pursue;
3. How many are willing to pursue their dream or achieve sth of national pride as the journey can be arduous and the reward isnt monetary;
4. A sensible reasoning is good in school and work but not with matters of the heart. This is the hard lesson ML learns. He missed out on the opportunity with FL with his logic and pride. He failed to factor other more important things. He would come to realise their lifeviews are similar and their contradictory personality is actually complementary.

Qiu Jing Jing is truly one of the lovelist FL. Her personality rivals her beauty. She admired YuTu not just his good looks, his intelligence, demenor and most of all his admirable dream. She herself is confident and works hard to try to connect to him, to be the best version of herself. Her hard work and sincerity did not reach him until 10years later. But shes not the wilting flower just because ML rejects her. Thats why i like her so much. Sad or not, she moves on and make do. With ML, she can be coquettish, cute and mischievious. She can be direct and frank too. I love her guts.

Sigh the story and the well written character is just really up my alley. Only sorry when live watching you keep wanting more episodes. I had to go back and binged the novel. Really easy to immerse into rabbit and cotton's love story..

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Leads that liven up the story

A theme that could have been mundane but saved by weaving it seamlessly with the interaction and sparks between reunited village neighbours played by real life friends Song Yun and Xiao Bai.

The objective of the story is meaningful and meant to highlight the plights of rural areas and villages and the need for the young generation to step up and make a change to drive the progress and economics for villagers and their livelihood. Again this type of story may not be everyone's cup of tea. However the direction and execution of the story makes it more palatable and interesting.

Personally i have waited for the leads' pairing. And they did not disappoint. In chinese I could say seeing them sparring or interacting is very 舒服.. very comforting to the eyes. It helps that Xiao Bai's character Xiao Dong is a little immature with quirks and full of personality. While Song Yun's Si Qi is mature, confident and decisive and loves to mess with Xiao Dong.

Given the length, do binge over a weekend. You wont be disappointed.

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