CdramaMaven4762

This isn't even necessary. The two different works are just ... different. I wouldn't want this to be LBFAD any more than I would want LBFAD to be this. They are designed to meet different needs. I feel sorry that the OP is so threatened when they should just be enjoying.

Are you feeling some kind of way about this???
Get over it. It IS possible for there to be more than one great drama.
Comparison is the thief of joy. Why not just enjoy it for what it is instead of trying to make it into another LBFAD? [which, btw, shouldn't be done anyway]

I've said it elsewhere, but it's nevertheless true: comparison is the thief of joy.
That said, these dramas DO have things in common. The most important for me is the thrill I am getting from just how epic the show is. LBFAD is, as you say, a very different drama, but they have that in common. How fortunate are we to get to experience them both!!!

Don't forget to spoiler your explanation, please.

She's cracking him like a nut or a geode ... tap, tap, tap ...

C'mon ... both xianxias focused on the redemption of an evil central character .... so definitely similarities ... but no connection.
I agree this looks to be a darker story than LBFAD, though.

I just watched the premiere on Youtube ... EPIC!!!!!!

Not just costs, but also instant revenue if published online ...

This was literally made to be viewed on phones / tablets and was likely published on Chinese Tiktok or a similar platform named Kuaishou. By definition low-budget and designed to quickly communicate the story.
Li Fei's done quite a few better produced short forms since this was uploaded to Youtube.

This particular scene was baffling to me. There was literally nothing she could do to help the situation; why was she there? I didn't understand the purpose of this scene at all, and it was the one genuinely illogical plot point in the entire drama. I can't imagine any public airline allowing her to get on that plane in the first place.

Another good review, Shiro. The part with the kids is the reason why I couldn't rate it higher than I did.
I really loved the Qining captain's boy's character and the actor who portrayed him was super. But the overall treatment of him [and to a certain extent all the minor characters in the drama] made me feel ... uneasy. I just thought the overall treatment was too ... casual??? offhand??? And as much as I love the CP, I can't help but feel that their intense love for each other will never quite expand to encompass their children.
I do also admit to 2x watching the "police" scenes ... lol ...

This is a great review that captures very clearly the positive qualities of this drama. I'd add to your thoughts the very high quality of the cinematographic storytelling here. The camera work was superior, making highly effective use of closeups on hands and feet to communicate intimacy and unity of feeling. Some of the intimate scenes push against the boundaries of the review process, but a lot of the romantic impact of the drama is created by the quiet scenes where they are simply holding each other, and good camerawork helps to communicate their intense emotions powerfully.

I find it hard to believe this kid is only 23 right now ... he's such a mature actor for his age!!!

Just one question: is there an actual mermaid in this, or is the title metaphorical???

any links to the press conference?

Any idea where to watch this?

Wouldn't having a FL who is not fitting the traditional standards of beauty actually enrich the story? The ML is obviously rich, handsome, and powerful. It would then be all the more enraging from his perspective that this nondescript woman is not only fascinatingly attractive to him but also unwilling to be with him.
I haven't see her acting yet, but dismissing her based on her looks seems a bit ... facile...

The impression I have [spoiler - I haven't seen the entire drama yet] is that ML is a character who is desperately in need of the love the FL can give her, but he is so emotionally flawed that he can't express his need in ways other than through possessiveness and threats. FL wants to love him, but he has made fear such a part of their relationship that she can't prevent herself from her "knee-jerk" reaction to him.

I'm definitely going to watch as much of this as possible [Hawick Lau is a hottie!] but I know it's going to be a difficult watch.

And while I agree there shouldn't be automatic "happy endings" for the assaulter, I would like to hope the ending shows some growth in the characters as part of the resolution. Sadly, most people who have abusive habits don't rehabilitate, but it's definitely possible.

NOTE: first four episodes have already aired ... looking now to see if Eng subs have been added [though I doubt it].

Thanks ... I just noticed the currently airing notification for this .... hopefully it will be subbed by next weekend and I can binge it....
Been lowkey looking forward to this.