arpar

Pretty good start so far, glad it started strong. I think ZJY really suits these roles best and it's nice to see SWL doing something different from his usual roles, overall they both suit their roles really well, enjoyable start. Also like the 90's early 2000's atheistic and I like the film grain or color grading they used here, gives it a darker/more realistic grounded vibe.

I just hope the 2ml and 2fl aren't too annoying when they get more scenes later, thats my one worry, but besides that strong start.

Also tbh I like how they whitewashed the ml here a bit, I know some may not like it and that's fair enough but honestly in the novel fl falling for ml in my opinion borderlines on like Stockholm syndrome - maybe thats too far- more like a deeply toxic obsession/relationship, but here its more understandable due to the care and kindness he shows her.

Like someone else mentioned below, busy times, this cdrama, road to success also started, World Cup games, and blossoms of power in a few days, along with eternal fragrance currently airing, busy times. I love it though since I'm on holidays from uni.

Gonna give it a quick mention to Love has fireworks cdrama, 36 eps. There's no break up and a happy ending so fits the list for sure. Ml and fl are strangers who end up living in the same place apartment, start off not liking each other, then fall for each other. A typical cdrama romcom/story so you should know what to expect. The show is carried by a great ml and fl relationship, but besides them it was just an ok cdrama for me, with a few annoying side characters/stories. This drama was filmed in 2023 so feels a bit dated, and the 2ml original actor had a scandal in china and was replaced using ai, the ai is bad I won't lie, really noticeable but you kind of get used to it.

This drama is carried by ml and fl, both did a great job, they have great chemistry together. Their scenes were very cute and funny, seeing them get used to living with each other, their arguments when they started off, then seeing them comfort and support each other was nice. Their relationship and interactions were the absolute highlight of the show. Loved seeing them slowly go from not liking each other to caring for each other. Their interactions throughout and relationship development was really enjoyable to watch.

However, it is very slow burn, they get together officially in ep 34 out of 36. I will say they are pretty much dating before them, living together, comforting each other, its pretty much an unofficial relationship, all their friends can see they like each other, but they just don't admit it to themselves or each other until late. They got together away too late in my opinion, I disliked how long it took. Also some misunderstandings get in the way, so no break up, but before they are official there are some arguments and misunderstandings that lead to like a mini separation/a cold phase. But I don't count that as a break up as they aren't together. Once together, no break ups.

As for the side characters, pretty much what you would expect from a cdrama romcom, won't lie a few annoying side characters and villains. Friends of ml and fl were nice, but like nothing special, pretty typical like friend characters you see in similar romcoms. I will say there is one particular side story/group of characters that were very annoying, it was the parents of one of the side characters, they were super annoying and the overall story line involving them was annoying to watch.

Also a really strong 2ml which I disliked. At the start both ml and fl are in relationships that end in the first 1 or 2 eps. 2ml/fl's ex however hangs around for most of the drama which annoyed me. He doesn't have a lot of scenes, but the scenes he did have were annoying, constantly butting in on fl's life and intruding her personal space. They kind of made him look like a nice guy in the end, when he wasn't. Fl and him were engaged in ep 1, then he leaves her for a rich woman, but then he still continues to hang around fl being involved in her life one way or another, was annoying for me personally. Again not a lot of scenes but the scenes he did have were annoying and I disliked how he was around for so long.

Overall, I really liked the scenes between ml and fl, they really carried the show but the rest of the drama for me was just ok. A typical like average cdrama romcom if you exclude the ml and fl. Ml and fl dealing with business issues, villains that try to sabotage ml in the business world, annoying side characters stuff like that. I also disliked how late they get together officially, their dating phase was very cute, just wish it was longer. There are many people in the comments that really like this show, but also many who dislike it, so I think it's a very 50/50 show. I truly enjoyed ml and fl on screen together, their interactions were fun to watch, their bickering, then slowly falling for each other was always enjoyable to watch. Pretty much all their scenes together were great to watch. But personally, I'll be honest, I only enjoyed the ml and fl scenes, the rest was nothing special. Again, just my opinion, I'm sure many loved/will love this show, especially if you are the type of person that only really cares/pays attention to the ml and fl - which I definitely am sometimes as well - or just wants a cdrama romcom where you know what you'll get, you'll love this show. But for me, besides the main leads, it was just an ok cdrama romcom with a few annoying side characters/stories.

I appreciate you willing to give it a go, I know it may not be for everyone but I appreciate you being open minded, all good either way if you like or not. Severe lack of non-break up romances right now also, the few I'm watching and the ones coming up all seem to have long breakups in there unfortunately.

I want to suggest the 40-episode C-drama First Jasmine (Mo Li). There is one short breakup, which I'll mention, but otherwise it has a happy ending, and in my opinion it's honestly one of the best historical C-dramas we've had in a while. Now, I want to say this drama won't be for everyone. It's different from more recent historical C-dramas. It's very story and character driven with a unique pacing. It doesn't have the feel of a typical idol historical C-drama, if that makes sense. Overall, for me, and I saw many comments saying the same, it's one of the best historical Cdramas I've seen in a while.

This C-drama feels like half mystery/political intrigue and half slice of life, which is pretty unique for historical C-dramas. What I mean is that sometimes dramas feel like they need to throw 100 things at you all the time to keep you engaged, moving the plot extremely fast. That's not a bad thing, but that's not the case here. The pacing sometimes gets faster, but it also often slows down. I really enjoyed this type of storytelling. It reminds me of older historical C-dramas that really focused on building a good story to keep you engaged instead of relying on flashy action or a hot-and-heavy romance. Not that there's anything wrong with that, of course, I love those types of dramas as well, but I enjoyed something different here. It's very story-driven. The story constantly gives you small pieces of a larger mystery, revealing more clues as it goes. This keeps you constantly engaged without overwhelming you with too much at once. Most of the characters are very interesting, each with a story to tell that you look forward to learning.

This drama takes its time to build the story as it goes and focuses on the details. Because of this, the pace sometimes slows down a bit. It feels like the drama gives you room to breathe and digest what's happening while setting the stage for what comes next. The focus on building the story slowly and steadily, never rushing while continuing to reveal more details and raise new questions, kept me engaged throughout. Many characters are more than what they seem at the start. What I especially enjoyed was that the two main villains, I would say, are morally grey characters. They do terrible things, but you can also understand why. I like when you can understand the reasons behind a villain's actions. I'm not saying I agree with what they did, of course, but understanding what drives them makes them much more interesting to me. Characters are not what they seem at the beginning. Many keep you guessing and put up a facade, which I really enjoyed, so don't judge anyone too early.

The FL is super unique, which I loved, and so is the ML. The ML starts off disabled and in a wheelchair, which lasts for a little over half the drama. It was nice seeing a disabled ML and how the drama handled such a character. The FL, however, was the standout. She was such a flawed FL, and I loved it. She suffers from PTSD due to trauma and experiences severe hallucinations that she doesn't realize are fake. For example, she hallucinates her old maid, who died, and who often comforts her, along with other hallucinations. She is quite mentally unwell, but it's not obvious. It's shown through the small things. She comes across as bright and carefree, but her eyes sometimes seem almost robotic, like she's missing something. The acting did a great job of subtly showing that the FL was mentally unwell, and I really enjoyed seeing such a unique female lead. It was refreshing to see an FL and ML who weren't perfect people. Both were damaged in different ways, both had suffered trauma, and it affected them differently. From episode 31 onwards, when we finally see what really happened to the FL, it was heartbreaking. It was one of the main mysteries throughout the drama, and the reveal was so emotional, beautifully acted, and genuinely heartbreaking. I saw a comment saying it was one of the best story arcs in a historical C-drama they'd ever seen, and I have to agree.

I will say, though, that many comments loved this drama for its unique and refreshing storytelling, but I can also understand why some people didn't. I feel like many people won't be used to this style of storytelling and/or just not like it and that's okay. I can understand why some people might find it boring at times, as the story slows down and takes its time building up the smaller details. The slower pace and willingness to let the story breathe without rushing was really refreshing for me. It felt like the calm before the storm. I enjoyed how it took its time building the story properly instead of constantly racing from one major event to the next. However, I completely understand that this drama won't be for everyone. Some people may find it slow or boring during these times. But for me it prioritized good storytelling and a focus on the smaller things over being overly flashy, while giving us just enough to constantly want more.

I will say there is a 2ML. At first, he's annoying, and you think he's going to be the typical frustrating 2ML, but again, don't judge him too early. He's much more complex than he first appears. I disliked him at first because he was annoying, but in episode 14, for about half an ep it swaps to his perspective, we see his backstory and his thoughts, and I started to sympathize with him, even though I still disliked how he continued chasing the FL. Not long after episode 14, he fakes his death, and we don't see him again until near the end, so don't worry if you find him annoying, he isn't around for too much of the drama. I also liked how the FL clearly rejects him and honestly tells the ML about her history with him, making it clear she would never be with the 2ML. Seeing her be so straightforward with the ML and avoid unnecessary misunderstandings was really refreshing.

But yes, the 2ML is definitely annoying at the beginning. Just give him some time because he's much more complex than he initially seems, just like many of the other characters. There's also a 3ML introduced about halfway through the story, but he's a very minor character. He develops a bit of a puppy love crush on the FL, but he never becomes obsessive or toxic. I had no issues with him at all, but I thought I'd mention it. The FL's step sister also starts off as the typical toxic stepsister, which made her quite annoying in the beginning. However, I really enjoyed her character arc, and she eventually becomes very sweet toward the FL.

As for the main romance, I absolutely loved it. They get married in episode 1, but since it's an arranged marriage, they naturally start off quite cold toward each other before slowly falling in love. The basic premise isn't anything new, an arranged marriage that turns into true love, but the way it was executed was really well done. It was a mature, subtle relationship that gave off a very peaceful and comforting feeling. I know some people disliked it, and I can understand why. It's not a hot-and-heavy romance or one that's constantly trying to make you swoon. They aren't always saying sweet things to each other, constantly hugging and kissing, or always acting obsessed with one another. But personally, that's exactly why I liked it. It felt real and mature. The romance was shown through subtle moments: the way they looked at each other, the FL resting her head on the ML's lap, and the quiet comfort they found in each other's company. Overall, it felt like a peaceful, genuine relationship. It never felt like the drama needed to constantly remind us they loved each other, they simply showed it through their subtle actions. They quietly supported one another and were always there to lean on when needed. I really enjoyed how peaceful, mature, and grown-up their relationship felt. I also loved seeing how the FL initially helped the ML overcome his depression while slowly healing his legs, and then later we saw the opposite as the ML helped her through her mental illness.

I will say, though, that because they're both deeply traumatized, especially the FL, she can sometimes come across as emotionally distant. But I really enjoyed watching them slowly open up to one another, bringing each other out of their shells as they gradually learned to trust and comfort each other. For me the romance suited their characters perfectly. I really appreciated how different and mature it felt. It wasn't flashy, it was simply built on strong chemistry, mutual support, and quiet affection, while still including plenty of sweet moments.

There is one annoying breakup at the end of episode 30. Because the ML was disabled for so long, he has very low self-esteem, even though it's not always obvious, especially after he recovers. He finds out that the FL originally agreed to marry him because she promised her deceased mother that she would heal his legs, as her family owed his family a debt. Because of this, he believes the FL is only with him out of a sense of obligation. Earlier, a doctor also mentions that the FL is suffering from hallucinations because she left her family on Lishan Mountain to marry him and live alone in the city. This isn't actually true, as the ML doesn't know the full story, but he believes it. As a result, he thinks that by divorcing the FL, he's freeing her from her obligation, giving her back her freedom, and allowing her to return to her loved ones on Lishan Mountain. Don't get me wrong, I would have 100% preferred there to be no breakup. The noble idiocy was definitely frustrating. However, I also understood the breakup from a story perspective. It made sense. Even though they were married, had confessed their feelings, and shared a genuinely sweet relationship, the FL was still keeping major secrets from the ML. Those secrets eventually needed to come out, and I can completely understand the ML's reaction. Remember, neither the ML nor the FL is portrayed as perfect in this drama. They're shown as flawed people, which I really liked. The ML reacted like many people probably would, he was hurt, angry, and made a rash decision. Thankfully, the divorce doesn't last very long. They reconcile in episode 32, so the breakup only lasts a little over one episode. So while I disliked the breakup itself, it felt understandable within the story, and it was resolved fairly quickly.

Again, the romance won't be for everyone. Some people may want more sparks or a more full on romance, and I completely understand that. But I think people who enjoy a grown-up romance, or simply want something different, will really appreciate it. I personally thought their chemistry was excellent, and their mature, stable romance filled with quiet affection was perfect for the story and I really enjoyed it.

Overall, I understand that because of the unique romance, storytelling, and pacing, this drama won't appeal to everyone. But for me, and many others judging by the comments, it was honestly one of the best and most engaging historical cdramas I've seen in a long time. At times it almost felt like a slice-of-life cdrama, especially when it slowed down to build the characters and the story, almost like peeling back the layers of an onion without revealing too much at once. It continually kept you thinking and guessing, while also delivering some genuinely good plot twists along the way. This style of storytelling made the major reveals even more satisfying. I understand that some people may find the pacing slow, but for me, the way it carefully focused on the details and gradually built the story was incredibly engaging and refreshing. I also want to quickly mention that many comments, which I completely agree with, praised both the cinematography and the OST. The cinematography felt very natural and realistic. It wasn't overly flashy or saturated, and you could even see the imperfections on the characters' faces, which made everything feel more authentic. The background music was absolutely phenomenal, honestly one of the best OSTs I've heard. It did an amazing job of intensifying the emotion and atmosphere of each scene without ever becoming too loud or overshadowing what was happening on screen. As I mentioned before, the romance was mature, peaceful, subtle and filled with quiet affection, and that's exactly why I enjoyed it so much. Combined with a truly unique FL unlike any I've seen recently, this drama really stood out to me.

Very sorry for the super long review, I'll try keep it shorter next time but I genuinely really enjoyed this drama and felt like it deserved a recommendation.

Hahaha I get what you mean I really like fated hearts as well, but for sure it's carried by the main couple. I feel like especially when you watch something for the first time it's easy to like get absorbed by the main couple if their chemistry is really good, and like forget about other things, that happens to me a lot honestly. Which honestly I don't mind, not every drama can have like a really good story, so if at least theres good chemistry and a nice relationship like fated hearts, at least like you said, it can be truly enjoyable if you don't pay too much attention and just enjoy the romance. I feel like a really good main couple can make up for when a story has a few plot holes or inconsistencies here and there.

I don't think the divorce is made public, as even when fl is leaving her maids are asking her where she's going like they don't know yet, so I think its more a private divorce right now just between them two. Also would just made their reconciliation a lot easier, they can just tear up the divorce paper and pretend it never happened.

All good, it seems by the next ep preview he's already at the mountain with fl so seems like at most only goes on for maybe one to two eps so not long at all.

Also just want to say I'm not excusing his behavior, I wish he stayed with fl ofcourse, but I feel like it's important just to clarify his reason and understand his behavior thats all.

Words mean nothing, chemistry is emotion, if people don't think the emotion is there, ml may feel the same. Anyone can say nice words, just because they say they like each other, doesn't made it true. P[rople saying fl doesn't convey that she likes him onscreen, so maybe in fact the feels the same, but thats besides the point. Again to my previous point, ml has/had low self esteem it is common with such people that they focus on the negatives and jump to the worst conclusions instead of the positives. So it's very believable he would jump to the worst conclusion due to his low self esteem.

And also I added to my point above about her mental health, remember ml was told her illness was due to her leaving her loved ones in the mountain and living alone in the city, so in his mind he is actually helping her mental health by letting her return to her family and freeing her of her obligation. And not sure if she actually told him she didn't want to go back, maybe she did I can't remember, but my point is, ml was told her mental illness was due to her leaving the mountain, so by freeing her of what he thinks is obligation and letting her go back, he is helping her mental illness.

I think you might be misunderstanding that point, ml does not know she got her mental illness due to staying there, he was told by that doctor she got it due to leaving the mountain and all her family behind coming to the city alone to marry him.

Once ml learns form her senior brother it seems what the mountain is actually like, then focuses he realises his mistake and feels like an asshole, of course but before then he has no idea that the mountain is not the idyllic place he believes it is for fl.

It's funny, so many comments here say they see no chemistry and no romance between them which is fine as that type of thing is subjective after all, but now apparently it's meant to be obvious to him she likes him. This isn't directed at your personally but its one way or another, if people say they see no chemistry and romantic connection between them, can't be now saying oh its obvious she likes him. Like viewers can't see it, but ml is meant to be able to see it.

Also, it's clear since ml was disabled he had self esteem issues, so it's not hard for him to overthink. This happens all the time with people who have had/have self esteem issues, they often focus on the negatives and forget the positives.

Also he doesn't know the full extent of her mental health problems, he believes Qing shuang its there because she is lonely, so in his mind, marrying him when she didn't want to would have contributed to his, in his mind she was happy in lishan academy, leaving the mountain marrying him is what brought he loneliness. So in his mind he is also helping her. In his mind, he is helping her mental state not hurting it, I think thats what people may not understand. Remember the doctor said to ml, he said fl was suffering heartbreak and loneliness due to leaving all her family behind on the mountain to come to the city and marry him, so in his mind he is helping her mental health not hurting it.

I think many people are misunderstanding the divorce, whether you like the divorce or not, its not due to fl's mother and the edict or because he blames or is angry at fl, if you've seen the ep 32 preview it's made clear ml divorces fl because he believes she married him and is with him out of obligation. And to be fair, many comments I saw earlier in the drama said the same thing, felt like fl was with ml out of obligation and a promise not love, so if some viewers feel this way, understandable how ml might also.

So in the ep 32 preview, ml says, I cannot bear love that is charity and he says your debt is paid, no need to force yourself to stay by my side. So he's not divorcing her because he's mad at her regarding the edict or blames her or anything like that. He's doing it to free her from obligation and because he believes being married to him was not a choice made out of love but a promise to her mother.

Whether you like the divorce or not I think it's important we at least understand the reason for the divorce, it's not because he blames or is angry for her because the edict. People might not agree with the reasoning but in his mind he's doing it for her.

Also I mentioned a point below I want to add I think its important, remember what the doctor told ml about fl's mental health, he said because she left the mountain and all her family/friends behind, coming to the city alone, with the purpose being to marry him, thats what caused her hallucinations, the loneliness of leaving everyone at the mountain and being alone in the city. He doesn't know the truth, so in his mind by divorcing her and letting her return to the mountain he is actually helping her not hurting.

Hahaha thats the problem when there'a a good drama you just need to watch, we can't help ourselves

Oh my bad sorry thought you had

Hahaha no problem, I get you though sometimes I can't wait to watch the new eps even if I'm half asleep

So devastating, i feel like it's gonna be even worse when we see her back up at the mountain, going to be heartbreaking

Yeh I agree, so heart wrenching but so glad he didn't ask anything just reassured her

His look at her made my heart break you could see the pain in his eyes as like the only person right now that knows what she’s gone through and how much she’s suffered. Once again I love how he didn’t confront her on it, just supported her

It was shown in ep 25 that he is alive as well

100 percent always enjoy exchanging opinions and converging when it’s done respectfully like this

Oh no I wouldn't say wrong, stuff like this is subjective after all, we just see her differently no like right or wrong I think. I think she kind of like tried to copy her master in a way, besides with empress dowager to everyone she probs tried to appear like aloof and calm and almost otherworldly like she knew everything but I think it was just an act. But I totally get what you're saying as well, I don't think you're wrong we just saw her differently thats all.

I do agree for sure with that, like as a good person she probably should have presented it and saved prince ding, but I think all comes down to in the end she trusts her master more then anyone because he saved her life and then everything else she saw her did, so when he said to keep it secret thats what she did. But I agree for sure, the more humane and like kind thing to do would have been to save prince ding and all the other lives related.