I almost missed out on this series because I wasn't sold on Chen Zhe Yuan being cast for the main lead. Not having seen him in anything else, I erroneously thought he was another pretty face with little to show for. This was one of those rare occasion where I have been proven wrong and credit should be given where credit is due.

Summary:

The story follows Nan Xing a young woman navigating adulthood with crippling anxiety brought about by the tragic loss of her father and first love. After the tragedy, Nan Xing would immerse herself in reading mystery novels and fanfiction writing to self-sooth. Luckily, she is resilient and tries to carve out as normal of a life as she possibly can for herself. She longed to be love and be loved just like any girl coming into her womanhood. One day, she found herself in front of a wishing fountain thinking out loud her desire for an "unforgettable love". And as fate would have it, a fairy who has been watching over Nan Xing decided he would fulfill her wish. Swept into a dream, Nan Xing awoke with a strange man next to her. Later it will be revealed the man is actually the ruthless and evil villain, she had created in her fanfiction named Xiao Wu Di. Hilarity and chaos ensue as Nan Xing tries to manage an evil villain who she can't seem to shake off.

Plot:

The series beams with "feel good" vibes and I can appreciate the uncomplicated and easy to digest plot. It is a gratifying take on the "Isekai" genre and I am here for it. Expect a lot of laughs and angsty tension between the ML and FL. While I wish the character Nan Xing has been given the same attention as Xiao Wu Di in individual development, I can appreciate the effort that was taken to ensure both the 1st female and male lead and the 2nd female and male lead's relationship progressed naturally and are believable. Contrary to what I have read about the 2nd female and 2nd male lead's relationship, I quite enjoy their story and found it to be sweet and satisfying.

Acting:

Shen Yue
I am saying this as a Shen Yue fan, and I take no pleasure in doing so, while I love Shen Yue's portrayal of Nan Xing, I hate that she is typecasted in roles that limits the range I know she is capable of displaying. Nan Xing (Mr. Bad), Dong Shancai (Meteor Garden), Shi Shuang Jiao (Use for My Talent), and Chen Xiao Xi (A Love So Beautiful) might as well be the same character with varying names. Poor Yue Yue cannot help but to portray the roles she is handed, and while she does a good job at bringing the characters to life, it weakens her performance. I sincerely hope her team will work hard at helping her break free from these roles so that she is given the opportunity to grow beyond what we have seen her done.

Chen Zhe Yuan
It was a colossal mistake on my part to underestimate CZY. I was very impressed by his portrayal of XWD. Just watch how XWD looks at the Nan Xing as he began to realize his feelings for her. CZY does such a wonderful job at conveying feelings without speaking a word. It's these little nuances that makes his portrayal of XWD so delightful to watch. He is definitely an actor to watch out for in the future.

I think everyone should give this series a go. You will enjoy the ride and before you know it, you will find yourself back at episode one excited to give it a go again.