I have a headache from crying so much
Cried so hard that I got a headache, my heart is broken and my chest is heavy. I'm taking this personally; I am in severe pain. This show was… absolutely sickening.I was immediately in love from the first episode. The cinematography and tones in this show are so beautiful, the production feels rich and completely took me away. Every episode felt like it was only 5 minutes. The quietness of the show and deep affections of the characters is what makes this drama a high-quality show. None of the characters had to explicitly say anything, it was always understood. The longing, the adoration, the respect – it was all in their actions, in their eyes, in their behavior – I’m getting sad again as I’m typing this.
The actors… Bai Lu is absolutely insane in this show, and so was Ren Jia Lun. His eyes said so many things. He knows eye-acting to a T!
Visually, the show was stunning. The music was beautiful too. The acting was the cherry on top. I don’t have any words to describe this heart-shattering show, but despite my pain right now, I love it. Watching “Forever and Ever” is a must though… this heart asks to be mended – and quickly. ❤️🩹
P.S.: don't take my rating for the rewatch value seriously lmao. I'm extremely sad right now, how could I want to go through this pain again❤️🩹?
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I’ve never loved being heartbroken this much
If you’re looking for a drama that will break your heart in the most beautiful way possible, One and Only is it. Bai Lu and Allen Ren deliver performances so powerful, so deeply emotional, that you can’t help but be completely drawn into their tragic yet breathtaking love story.Set in a world of political intrigue and duty, the drama follows Zhou Shengchen (Allen Ren), a loyal and honorable general, and Cui Shiyi (Bai Lu), his devoted disciple. From the start, their love is restrained by obligations and circumstances, yet it shines through in the smallest gestures — a lingering glance, an unspoken promise, the way they sacrifice for each other without hesitation. Their bond is profound, not just in romance but in mutual respect and unwavering loyalty.
Zhou Shengchen is a man shaped by war, bound by duty, and driven by an unshakable sense of responsibility. He was raised to be a protector, not a lover — to defend his people, to stand unwavering in the face of danger. And yet, when he meets Cui Shiyi, love becomes his quiet rebellion, the one thing he allows himself to cherish even as he denies it.
He is not a man who expresses love in words, nor does he allow himself the indulgence of longing openly. Instead, his love is in the way he shields her from harm, in the way his eyes soften when she speaks, in the rare moments when his control slips and emotion flickers through. It’s in his unspoken promise to always keep her safe, even if it means staying at a distance.
What drives him? Duty. Honor. The weight of protecting a country that sees him as a warrior first, a person second. What he fears most is that his love will bring Shiyi harm. That in choosing him, she will be condemned to the same burdens he carries. That she will suffer because of him. Yet, he does love her, with everything he has — silently, fiercely, and without asking for anything in return.
And when fate is cruel, when choices are taken from them, his sorrow is unbearable — not because he weeps, but because he does not. Because he endures it, because he swallows his pain as he has done all his life, and because, in the end, his love for Shiyi is the one battle he could never win.
Cui Shiyi is born into nobility, but she has never been truly free. From the moment she is betrothed to a man she does not know, her life is dictated by duty. Yet the moment she steps into Zhou Shengchen’s world, she finds something she never expected — a place where she belongs. She may have been sent to his manor to learn, but in truth, she was always there to love him.
Devotion drives her. The quiet, unwavering kind that expects nothing in return. She doesn't love Zhou Shengchen for his titles or his victories but for the man he is — the one who treats her not as a political pawn but as someone with a mind and heart of her own. What she fears most is losing him. Not to war, not to duty, but to the silence between them. To the love they both feel but cannot speak aloud.
She loves him gently, selflessly, with a patience that makes her love all the more devastating. She waits for him, even when she knows there may be no future. She watches over him, even when he does not realize it. She holds onto his every word, his every kindness, as if they are the only things keeping her heart beating.
Her love is not loud, but it is unshakable. She does not cry out when she suffers, does not demand more than he can give. But in the moments when her voice breaks, when she speaks his name like a prayer, when she looks at him as if he is her entire world — you feel it. You feel the depth of what she carries inside her, the love she would have spent a lifetime giving him if only fate had been kinder.
Beyond the love story, One and Only is also a tale of family — not one bound by blood, but by loyalty, shared hardships, and unspoken understanding. Around Zhou Shengchen and Cui Shiyi stands a family of disciples, a wise and compassionate monk, and a trusted military advisor. They are more than just followers or subordinates; they are the people who fill Zhou Shengchen’s world with warmth in a life that would otherwise be lonely.
Each of the ten disciples carries their own story, their own devotion to their master, and their own silent love for the family they’ve built. They look up to Zhou Shengchen not just as a general but as a mentor, a father figure, a man they would follow to the ends of the earth. And within this circle, Cui Shiyi becomes one of them — not a noble lady to be served, but a cherished sister, someone they protect not out of obligation, but because they love her as much as he does.
The monk is the guiding presence, the voice of wisdom who understands the depths of the love between Zhou Shengchen and Cui Shiyi, even when they do not speak of it. The military advisor, ever loyal, sees the burdens his master carries and shoulders them alongside him, never letting him stand alone. Together, they are not just warriors, not just scholars—they are a family, built from the quiet moments, the laughter between training sessions, the shared meals, the unspoken knowledge that they would give their lives for one another.
And when tragedy looms, when sacrifice comes knocking, it is this bond that makes it all the more devastating. Because One and Only is not just about the love between two people — it is about a home that was built, a family that was cherished, and a loss that is felt by every single soul who called that place home.
Allen Ren’s portrayal of Zhou Shengchen is one of quiet strength and heartbreaking restraint. He embodies a man who carries the weight of his responsibilities, never once faltering, even when it costs him everything. Every emotion — his longing, his pride, his sorrow — is in his eyes, in the way he holds himself, in the slight tremor of his voice during those gut-wrenching moments.
Bai Lu gives us a Cui Shiyi who is both gentle and resilient, her love for Zhou Shengchen so pure yet so painful. She doesn’t need grand declarations — her expressions, her tears, the way her voice breaks when she calls his name — it’s enough to shatter you. And perhaps one of the most striking aspects of her performance is how she embodies Shiyi’s silence.
She arrives at Zhou Shengchen’s manor unable to speak, her voice locked away by years of repression and the weight of her circumstances. Yet, through love, through trust, through the quiet safety he provides, she slowly finds it again — learning to speak, to laugh, to call his name. It’s a testament to how deeply he becomes her anchor, the person who gives her the courage to exist as more than just a noble lady bound by duty.
And then, when the fateful moment comes — when her world is ripped apart, when she loses the very person who gave her voice back — her silence returns, more deafening than ever. Watching her revert to muteness is utterly heartbreaking, because it isn’t just the absence of sound — it is the absence of life, the loss of the one thing that had made her feel whole. Bai Lu plays these moments with such devastating grace that it leaves you breathless, as if you too, have lost the ability to speak.
Despite its sorrow, One and Only is a drama of stunning beauty. The cinematography, the poetic dialogues, the soft yet haunting soundtrack — it all adds to the atmosphere of a love story that is as doomed as it is unforgettable. Every moment of happiness is fleeting, every tender interaction tinged with the knowledge of inevitable loss. And yet, you can’t look away.
I’ve never loved being heartbroken this much. There’s a rare kind of beauty in a story that makes you ache so deeply, and One and Only delivers that flawlessly. It’s not just a tragic love story — it’s an experience, one that lingers long after the final scene fades.
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Throughout my life I've never let anyone down, but Shi Yi
first i would say this lives upon their name One and Only, the story is shown beautifully by the actors not just main couple but everyone did amazing, they express such emotions and i would say my every tear worth it because i never cried so hard for a drama.i watched very late because i don't like watching sad endings but i have to watch it because i missed this so much, after 8 ep. i put this drama on hold because i get to know it has sad ending but recently i just saw a clip and i say that rather than ending focus on story development maybe there is rarely any other drama that can compare with this one oh right i would say TTEOTM can but not this much though their endings are almost like this but i would say One and Only is far more than that.
in this its feel like you are feeling the real emotions of them and your tears are automatically rolling down.
Ren Jialun and Bai Lu really did put lots of efforts and i have no words to describe this any further its just literally too good but it will make you cry more than you cried ever but just give it a go and you will find out the beauty of this drama ans ost.
THIS IS TRULY BEAUTY WITH BONES...
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Oh my God! This is just an amazing heartbreaking and heartbreaking drama! I was hesitating whether to start watching it and oh my God! I watched it. I am so used to seeing Chinese dramas with strange video footage of childish acting by Chinese actors (I have nothing against it), that I am more and more surprised to see such high-quality Chinese series. Filming, picture, quality, acting, staging of fights!!! It is all wonderful! Oh, what a beautiful, but incredibly sad love story. The main characters are simply charming, it is impossible not to love them. I have liked Bai Lu for a long time, but I did not focus on this drama before, and after watching "Blue Whisper" with the main character (I have not yet remembered his name), who impressed me and became a find for me, I still decided to watch this drama. I am very glad that almost the entire drama showed moments with them (because usually the interaction of the main couple is not enough for me), but they also did not deprive other characters. 2 failures in the plot, I still found for myself, at the end of the series the director had to make a fuss, to arrange a tragedy ... but otherwise there is absolutely nothing to find fault with. I'm running to watch the 2nd season. Judging by the reviews, everything is not as sad there as in the 1st, I hope that this is so! Oh, I won't be able to move away from this drama for a long time (if I don't find what to watch next Was this review helpful to you?
The best Melodrama I have watched till Date!
It's just too Perfect, the show has absolutely everything! Even as a Standalone I just doesn't disappoint. The Characters are so well Presented and that too with the acting of Ren and Bai Lu. It is a show which will make you cry but at the same time it would also warm your heart. The set, story, production and the OSTs are all just perfect.In the end if you really feel you need more you can check out Forever and Ever although that is more of a slice of life show unlike this one which is set in the present time!
Keeping all this aside I ll highly recommend everyone to watch this!
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UNCONDITIONAL LOVE!
The story tells you that- Love is sweet. Love is bitter. Love doesn't need mighty words. Love is expressed in silence as well. Tragic yet beautiful!Kudos to Allen Ren & Bai Lu! They portrayed the emotions so genuinely. Even their eyes spoke a volume. Loved the entire cast.
Some may find the drama too heartbreaking to watch while others may complain about the slow-burn romance. YES, I agree it is a rollercoaster ride full of mixed emotions, you have to be prepared with tissues & cry your heart out, STILL it is a MUST-WATCH for C-drama fans who love wuxia & pure romance. This heart-wrenching tale of true love and life is curated so gracefully that you must give it a try!
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A love that lasts forever
I have watched hundreds of Chinese dramas and this is my all time favorite. Don’t let the bad reviews sway you. I suggest that you watch it and judge it for yourself. The love story of Zhoucheng Chen and Shiyi is unforgettable. A love that is so beautiful and strong that nobody can break what they had. A drama of true love that even death can’t separate them. I now understand the meaning of love needs no words.Shiyi’s love for ZhouCheng Chen was so great that it lasted 2 lifetimes. This drama will stab you in the heart but watch forever and ever after this for the cure. Bailu and Ren Jialun’s acting is so impressive. This series made me love them. I have always thought that bailu is a good actress. I never she was this amazing. It made her my favorite actress in all cdramas. Her range of acting is so good that when she cries, you feel it too. It’s like her feelings are your feelings. She is truly the best. I love Ren Jialun’s micro expressions. His eyes speaks for him. What an impressive actor. I had always thought him to be a mediocre actor. Till i watched this series. No wonder they call him the perfect male lead for historical dramas.Was this review helpful to you?
Pure love
I love the love between Zhou shengchen and Shi yi. Their love is just so kind and pure. No need kiss scene to prove their love. Their eyes can't lying, their face can't hide. Really amazing acting of Allen and Bai Lu!Everything feels perfect, let's not talking about the ending. Sadly the ending for the conflicts are just so fast, like they only focus on Zhou shengchen and shi yi ending, and makes the conflicts ending not really satisfying, because it seems rushed
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A tragic symphony of love and sacrifice, where peace blooms through heartbreak.
This drama shattered me in the most beautiful way.Zhousheng Chen—Master, His Highness, Junior Prince of Nanchen—was the definition of quiet strength and selfless love. A man who gave up everything—his home, marriage, children—just to protect peace.
He carried the weight of a kingdom with such grace, never once thinking of himself.
His bond with his 11 disciples, especially Shiyi, was pure and full of unspoken love. Their loyalty, the warmth between them—it made everything feel more tragic.
What broke me most? His aching wish for his family to live in peace, not power. And in the end, he sacrificed himself... not because he had to, but because he chose to protect everyone else.
Everyone loved him—deeply, fiercely—and yet, he still died alone. His death left a hollow in my heart I’m not sure will ever heal.
A poetic, painful masterpiece. 💔🕊🥀
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A Love That Spoke in Silence: My Heartfelt Journey with One and Only
What touched me the most was Cui Shiyi — her quiet strength, her deep love for Zhou Sheng Chen, and the way she carried her emotions with such dignity. Their love wasn’t loud. It was silent, patient, and deeply rooted — the kind that doesn't need words, only glances and gestures. It made me believe in a love that is pure, selfless, and timeless.Zhou Sheng Chen… what a man. A true hero in every sense. Brave, loyal, and kind-hearted. He lived for others and carried the weight of the world with grace. Shiyi, on the other hand, was full of ethics, elegance, and inner strength. She stood tall even in the most painful moments. Together, they made a pair that deserved happiness — but fate had other plans.
The scene that won’t leave my mind is Shiyi’s suicide. It still plays in my eyes, and it hurts. Her final act wasn’t weakness — it was love, sorrow, and the unbearable weight of loss. And Chen’s death? So noble, so undeserved. Both their endings were tragic, yet somehow… beautifully poetic.
Yes, it broke my heart. Yes, I cried. But I also felt something incredibly deep. This is not just a love story — it’s a story of soulmates who met in the wrong lifetime. I will never forget them.
One and Only is a masterpiece of emotions. If you believe in love that goes beyond life and death — watch it. But be ready. Your heart may never fully heal after. until you watch 'Forever and ever'.
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Beautiful bones are rare in this world
A tragically beautiful love story between a quite young lady from a scholarly family and her shifu, a righteous war general.Our FL, Cui Shiyi comes from a family of Literary noblemen. After an incident where her father was killed she looses her voice. Shiyi is one of the most lovely FL I've ever seen. She is considerate and kind. Despite being considerably physically weak than the people around her she never comes across as annoying.
Her Shifu, our ML Zhou Shengchen is a military general. To avoid suspicion he has vowed to never marry or have children. Let me tell you this is the nicest man you'll ever see in any drama. He just so kind, he has the biggest heart of all. He is soo good that it almost makes him look impossible to exist. Also he isn't cold unlike other MLs, he treats our Fl really well since the start.
These two people's relationship albeit tragic is filled with warmth and gentleness which goes really well with the overarching tragic tone of the drama.
Of the side characters, I love each and every single one of them. Especially the soldiers in our ML's army.
Here are the side ships:
-A hot blooded female general × ex-crown prince, currently a monk!
-A soft hearted scholar-general × hot blooded female general 2.0
-a crazy Prince who only wants power x a bratty princess
-an emperor who is imprisoned by his own mother × his pregnant empress
The drama has brilliant cinematography and amazing Osts. Definitely watch it if you want something short and beautiful
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