I can't say enough good things about this wonderfully scripted and acted series. As many fans and viewers have commented, it makes one yearn for more and it is a pity that the PRC government banned it after just one season. For most avid readers and viewers, you'd know that the writer had in fact completed two books, and this 15 episodes only covers about 1/3 to under 1/2 of the first book.

Nevertheless, I found the short 15 episodes riveting. Firstly, the storyline is entirely believable. The setting is rustic and authentic. The main and even supporting characters are all interesting and one wishes for more for them to develop as the series progresses. Finally, the acting is almost flawless given the fact that the four "boys" were amateurs then and had not much experience prior to filming the series.

Eventually, a great deal boils down to the chemistry between the two leads played by Huang JingYu and Xu WeiZhou. Both were first time leads then and the casting director did a perfect job to discover such talent. The chemistry between the two actors was subtle yet electrifying, which made the entire short series so believable, real and memorable.