this comment could give people the wrong idea, the antagonists don't really have much real power over the leads
There is a single antagonist, if anything, and even she is not that relevant for the grand scheme of things. I wonder if this is the first time that commenter watched a cdrama with an antagonistic character and found this one frustrating. Very puzzling. 😅️
The real antagonist the harsh reality of the time period, and the drama is just a very slice-of-life style telling of how the characters are managing their lives. The challenges they face provide any heart-warming scenes too, so I honestly have nothing to complain about here.
There were parts where I didn't like, though I can't say it was a bad writing decision or didn't make sense, just because I happened to dislike an artistic choice the writers made. There were subtle parts I really liked, I loved the cast, I really liked the beginning and the potential of the story. But then many story threads were closed with surface-level logical decisions in an unsatisfactory manner and surprising decisions drove the show to its end.
If I really squint, there is some realism to be made out of the overall plot, but not much, but only in the sense that you will never get the things you really want in life, or will be able to follow your dreams as you wish. Naturally, a journey presenting this conclusion is not very entertaining to watch for me.
The romance was also developed, unfortunately; I watched both lead actors in other dramas before, so I had a lot of expectations coming into this. The Writing and Directing of the romantic plot disappointed me a bit. Not that it is *bad*, but I expected a lot more.
I started this despite knowing that big spoiler. Loving it so far. I love how the teenage characters are realistically ANNOYING and sweet at the same time.
This was such a weird drama. It ended very abruptly, though I don't know what else they could have shown either. Likeable main characters, awful characters, some interesting storylines, untapped potential. There is nothing else to say, really.
This is cute and nice but I couldn't have found it myself to catch up with the ongoing episodes if I wasn't liberal with my usage of the fast-forward option, especially during the scenes of the ex-husband and his wife. Very realistic character, honestly, but gosh, he is very punchable.
This was a fun and easy binge. The first half is more entertaining, the missions and plot devices were creative and unexpected. The second half is more predictable. While serviceable, it was a bit underwhelming compared to how it started. Still, this show has a nice enough ending and is engaging enough to entertain from start to finish.
Reading the comments and seeing people complaining about the romantic storyline is a bit funny. The signs for a messy romance subplot was always there.
Granted, I haven't caught up with the most recent episodes yet, but they were already not very promising. I am not sure how she changed as an adult, but as a teenager, Feng Hua's world turned around Wang He. To the detriment of her character growth, even. She was always making decisions that put him in the most priority positions, relied on him unconditionally, and even ignored big question marks because of how much she trusted him for no reason other than her hero worship.
I am not saying Wang He was undeserving of her admiration or love or anything. But she simply didn't seem to have a storyline that didn't end up being a contributing factor to her crush on him.
Is it realistic? Maybe so. But that does not create the foundation of "the most green-flag relationship" you will see in the drama land (which is what most MDL users are looking for in romance dramas). This is not a bad thing at all; in fact, having a relationship with problems to overcome fits the narrative of the drama better.
As for myself... I simply couldn't find myself "rooting" for a romance all that much when she was too love-sick, and it seems like things won't get much better when Wang He starts being even more career-focused either. Hopefully, this is signaling a character development for both of them, not just Wang He as many people are demanding in their rants.
Thankfully, this is not an idol-romance drama, and that's why I am so interested in the show with the existing plot. The focus isn't even on the romance, yet so many people are making comments about it. (I guess I'm included.) Somehow, I am not surprised.
Every character has very raw struggles and aspirations, and it's been a joy to watch when I have time. Unfortunately, I haven't had enough time to watch along lately. I hope I can watch along with everyone for the last batch of episodes.
Does siyi like the male lead? I decided to put this drama on hold cause apparently she likes him and also i just…
I wouldn't say Si Yi likes the ML. At best, she had some questions but I think she found her answers.
Also, it feels like no love triangles would break the friendship bonds. If anything, I feel like some people might have one-sided crushes but even then, this is a very slight element. Everyone has interactions with each other that are not romance-coded. This is not a romance drama.
Can someone please explain what Fenghua's Dad negotiated with the worst grandma in cdrama ? It sounds like it…
The grandma is an unholy mix of sexism and traditionalism, with greed added there as well.
I am not sure if there are any such laws, but I can't imagine that kind of person ever being willing to adopt a boy not related to his later husband's family into the family registry. Not if it doesn't bring any immediate benefit to them.
On the other hand, she's also obsessed with continuing the family line too...
She probably wanted to kill two birds with one stone. Notice how she is wailing about her family's bloodline even as the police take the boy away, how her family needs an heir while the neighbours had two boys.
As confirmed by the sister, they are expecting the boy to be his son in-name only. They know the daughter-in-law will not agree to raise the boy, but they still expect money from Feng Hua's dad to raise his "son". Regardless of any inheritance issues, this is a win for them.
I don't know if there is a law like the one you wrote, but I imagine any land and/or property left by the late father is left and registered to Feng Hua's dad, as he's the only son. Even if there's not a law for this, this is a common practice in many patriarchal families and places, all around the world. Sons are usually given almost all the land and properties, with some token portions given to daughters and spouse. Because women are considered to be part of another family when they marry, and the land/property must stay within the family.
I don't know how the adopted son fits into *that* narrative. Perhaps the grandma from hell can't stand the thought of her line being ended or her land profiting another family (in her mind) because her son doesn't have a male heir.
The show pleasently surprised me with how Wang He's trip to Beijing turned out to be. I actually really appreciate that little mini arc, and how it developed him as a character.
It will also have some pretty interesting consequences for others, especially Feng Hua.
Still expecting to see more character development for Xing Chi and Hai Kuo <3
And this is probably due to the old synopsis, but I expect something big to happen with SiYi every episode now. It's honestly a bit jarring to see her having so little impact on the overall story so far, given what that old text tried to sell us. I know it was false, obviously, but still. 😂
Feng Hua's dad is the kind of spineless "father" character type I hate the most. Very passive, very lazy and very submissive to his parents for no reason.
Some might say "filial duty, cultural differences" etc. but even the other man called him on his BS, thankfully.
It's honestly shocking that he even entertained the notion of adopting a child in front of his wife, just to please his mother, regardless of his reasons.
Urgh, I have a feeling that I will write my longest post yet on this website if I talk too much about him, so I'll stop here XD
EDIT: I have to add this, just to get it out of my chest. This pathetic guy gave away his portion of a potentially huge sales income FOR NO REASON. When his actual family is struggling and his wife and daughter are miserable, this guy has no spine to stand up to his mom, hiding behind the excuse of being filial, and finds the only solution is to give up on maybe the only thing that can help them. AND HE DOESN'T TELL ANYTHING ABOUT THIS TO HIS WIFE. That woman would not forgive him though, to be fair, if she found out about this. Because it is absolutely despicable. I can't imagine doing this to my daughter and wife. Urgh.
Totally valid opinion after the first episode although I must disagree. First of all: What is a stereotypical…
As you said, it's a short drama. Which just makes me want to finish it :D
And I did enjoy the third episode a lot more, having finished it just now. I think I'll just let my first impression locked in a safe for a while and enjoy the ride.
Totally valid opinion after the first episode although I must disagree. First of all: What is a stereotypical…
I mean, I don't blame her for disliking him either, the ML is also very opinionated and judgmental. The second episode only highlights that further.
And weirdly, after watching the second episode, the FL seems more likable than the ML. Maybe not that weird actually, because we actually see her working for her opportunity while all ML has done so far is him "suffering" from success, or being annoyed at petty things.
When I said no freaking reason, I meant her action at the end of the first episode. Even in the second episode, she says she tripped him on impulse. And at the end of the second episode, she throws a rock at his security camera on impulse.
For some reason, the animosity between them doesn't seem that organic to me. Or rather, the intensity of it.
In short, I just didn't enjoy this "enemies to lovers" setup. Maybe the drama really isn't for me, though I'll probably watch one or two more episodes to make sure I gave it a fair try.
Totally valid opinion after the first episode although I must disagree. First of all: What is a stereotypical…
Is she going to take her time to figure out her premature misjudgment?
I just finished the first episode, and my desire to continue the show is slowly fading.
They didn't really have an encounter; she overheard something, judged him for it, and tripped him in a public place for purely petty reasons. This is the kind of misunderstanding I hate the most in dramas, and it makes the character very unlikeable.
Also, this is being played for laughs. No, it isn't "cute" that they became enemies for no freaking reason.
EDIT: To clarify a point... The ML isn't all that likable, either. But the closing scene made a terrible impression, hence the initial reaction. I am starting the second episode but both need serious character development.
The real antagonist the harsh reality of the time period, and the drama is just a very slice-of-life style telling of how the characters are managing their lives. The challenges they face provide any heart-warming scenes too, so I honestly have nothing to complain about here.
There were parts where I didn't like, though I can't say it was a bad writing decision or didn't make sense, just because I happened to dislike an artistic choice the writers made. There were subtle parts I really liked, I loved the cast, I really liked the beginning and the potential of the story. But then many story threads were closed with surface-level logical decisions in an unsatisfactory manner and surprising decisions drove the show to its end.
If I really squint, there is some realism to be made out of the overall plot, but not much, but only in the sense that you will never get the things you really want in life, or will be able to follow your dreams as you wish. Naturally, a journey presenting this conclusion is not very entertaining to watch for me.
The romance was also developed, unfortunately; I watched both lead actors in other dramas before, so I had a lot of expectations coming into this. The Writing and Directing of the romantic plot disappointed me a bit. Not that it is *bad*, but I expected a lot more.
Anyways, thanks for the notif!
I kinda expected an embedded video or a redirection link to the teaser when I read "Watch the teaser here," not gonna lie.
Granted, I haven't caught up with the most recent episodes yet, but they were already not very promising. I am not sure how she changed as an adult, but as a teenager, Feng Hua's world turned around Wang He. To the detriment of her character growth, even. She was always making decisions that put him in the most priority positions, relied on him unconditionally, and even ignored big question marks because of how much she trusted him for no reason other than her hero worship.
I am not saying Wang He was undeserving of her admiration or love or anything. But she simply didn't seem to have a storyline that didn't end up being a contributing factor to her crush on him.
Is it realistic? Maybe so. But that does not create the foundation of "the most green-flag relationship" you will see in the drama land (which is what most MDL users are looking for in romance dramas). This is not a bad thing at all; in fact, having a relationship with problems to overcome fits the narrative of the drama better.
As for myself... I simply couldn't find myself "rooting" for a romance all that much when she was too love-sick, and it seems like things won't get much better when Wang He starts being even more career-focused either. Hopefully, this is signaling a character development for both of them, not just Wang He as many people are demanding in their rants.
Thankfully, this is not an idol-romance drama, and that's why I am so interested in the show with the existing plot. The focus isn't even on the romance, yet so many people are making comments about it. (I guess I'm included.) Somehow, I am not surprised.
Every character has very raw struggles and aspirations, and it's been a joy to watch when I have time. Unfortunately, I haven't had enough time to watch along lately. I hope I can watch along with everyone for the last batch of episodes.
Also, it feels like no love triangles would break the friendship bonds. If anything, I feel like some people might have one-sided crushes but even then, this is a very slight element. Everyone has interactions with each other that are not romance-coded. This is not a romance drama.
I am not sure if there are any such laws, but I can't imagine that kind of person ever being willing to adopt a boy not related to his later husband's family into the family registry. Not if it doesn't bring any immediate benefit to them.
On the other hand, she's also obsessed with continuing the family line too...
She probably wanted to kill two birds with one stone. Notice how she is wailing about her family's bloodline even as the police take the boy away, how her family needs an heir while the neighbours had two boys.
As confirmed by the sister, they are expecting the boy to be his son in-name only. They know the daughter-in-law will not agree to raise the boy, but they still expect money from Feng Hua's dad to raise his "son". Regardless of any inheritance issues, this is a win for them.
I don't know if there is a law like the one you wrote, but I imagine any land and/or property left by the late father is left and registered to Feng Hua's dad, as he's the only son. Even if there's not a law for this, this is a common practice in many patriarchal families and places, all around the world. Sons are usually given almost all the land and properties, with some token portions given to daughters and spouse. Because women are considered to be part of another family when they marry, and the land/property must stay within the family.
I don't know how the adopted son fits into *that* narrative. Perhaps the grandma from hell can't stand the thought of her line being ended or her land profiting another family (in her mind) because her son doesn't have a male heir.
It will also have some pretty interesting consequences for others, especially Feng Hua.
Still expecting to see more character development for Xing Chi and Hai Kuo <3
And this is probably due to the old synopsis, but I expect something big to happen with SiYi every episode now. It's honestly a bit jarring to see her having so little impact on the overall story so far, given what that old text tried to sell us. I know it was false, obviously, but still. 😂
Some might say "filial duty, cultural differences" etc. but even the other man called him on his BS, thankfully.
It's honestly shocking that he even entertained the notion of adopting a child in front of his wife, just to please his mother, regardless of his reasons.
Urgh, I have a feeling that I will write my longest post yet on this website if I talk too much about him, so I'll stop here XD
EDIT: I have to add this, just to get it out of my chest. This pathetic guy gave away his portion of a potentially huge sales income FOR NO REASON. When his actual family is struggling and his wife and daughter are miserable, this guy has no spine to stand up to his mom, hiding behind the excuse of being filial, and finds the only solution is to give up on maybe the only thing that can help them. AND HE DOESN'T TELL ANYTHING ABOUT THIS TO HIS WIFE. That woman would not forgive him though, to be fair, if she found out about this. Because it is absolutely despicable. I can't imagine doing this to my daughter and wife. Urgh.
And I did enjoy the third episode a lot more, having finished it just now. I think I'll just let my first impression locked in a safe for a while and enjoy the ride.
And weirdly, after watching the second episode, the FL seems more likable than the ML. Maybe not that weird actually, because we actually see her working for her opportunity while all ML has done so far is him "suffering" from success, or being annoyed at petty things.
When I said no freaking reason, I meant her action at the end of the first episode. Even in the second episode, she says she tripped him on impulse. And at the end of the second episode, she throws a rock at his security camera on impulse.
For some reason, the animosity between them doesn't seem that organic to me. Or rather, the intensity of it.
In short, I just didn't enjoy this "enemies to lovers" setup. Maybe the drama really isn't for me, though I'll probably watch one or two more episodes to make sure I gave it a fair try.
In any case, thanks for your response.
I just finished the first episode, and my desire to continue the show is slowly fading.
They didn't really have an encounter; she overheard something, judged him for it, and tripped him in a public place for purely petty reasons. This is the kind of misunderstanding I hate the most in dramas, and it makes the character very unlikeable.
Also, this is being played for laughs. No, it isn't "cute" that they became enemies for no freaking reason.
EDIT: To clarify a point... The ML isn't all that likable, either. But the closing scene made a terrible impression, hence the initial reaction. I am starting the second episode but both need serious character development.