Lighthearted and cute drama! Sadly, just a few things that didn't make sense

SPOILERS. A LOT OF SPOILERS.

What I liked about the drama:

Chemistry between the main leads
- This may just really be preference but compared to other Chinese dramas, I enjoy the scenes where the Yanxin and Qi NIan are together. I really define chemistry as how well they act together as a couple and this drama did pretty well. As Qi Nian was pursuing him, I could already see fondness and indulgence in his expressions and actions—something I don’t really expect from a supposedly aloof male lead.
- The female lead is really something when acting out the most absurd scenes in the first half. I’ll give her credit for that.

Revealing the truth of the conflict between Lu Qingwu and Qi Nian
- I thought Xiao Li was suspicious but I really didn’t think he’s the culprit. How the conflict was revealed and the Qingwu and Qi Nian resolve it is also great, quite rational actually on both sides but it would’ve been great to see Qi Nian a bit more lively that she was blaming the wrong person the whole time.
- I don’t recall why Xiao Li favored Qingwu though and the plot would’ve been strengthened if this was emphasized.
- All that said, this plotline would have made sense before the Qingwu and Siqi became official as a couple. It’s established earlier on that Siqi is an anti-fan and though he starts to have a certain fondness for QIngwu (from the fireworks display event), I think it’s out of character that he didn’t ask her first about what happened to writing Thither Cloud, especially when he seemed so passionate about finding the truth just a few episodes earlier.

It’s lighthearted
- I’m a fan of complex plots. I really am. Sky Castle is a favorite of mine, along with the novel Mo Dao Zu Shi and manga Kuroshitshuji. However, it’s fun to just relax and let a cute drama play in the background.

Some things I think could’ve had better execution:

Lu Qingwu and Ji Siqi
- You can say that Siqi felt too heartbroken and needed the rebound after finding Qi Nian with his brother. But, I find it hard to believe he can like her that quickly—did not feel it at all. One of my suggestions was already mentioned but I think it was important that he sort out his own feelings. A confession to FL isn’t really necessary but I think his main motivation for entering Rongqin (? I’m sorry if I spelled it wrong) is because he loves creating. He’s an artist (who needs income)! Perhaps creating a short comic would’ve helped him make peace and get over it! A little “love letter to my past love” is pretty cute before he moves on.
- They were pretty entertaining towards the end tho. It’s the development of their relationship I have a tad problem with hehe

Ji Yanxin is controlling…since when?
- Ji Yanxin is so handsome, first of all. He came off as this emotionally mature and calm lead as he was being pursued, and I loved it! But I really raised my brow when he admitted he tends to be controlling to the FL. Considering the age gap and difference in life experiences, it’s alarming that he’d say that to Qi NIan AND just ask her to yk “deal with it” in a way. And Qi Nian just goes with the flow!! Girl, I know he’s your dream guy but it’s your freedom we’re talking about!
- It was the most iffy thing to see him arrange the marriage without discussing it to her OR PROPOSING. This dude was smitten with her and you tell me he didn’t go all out with proposing???
- The build-up wasn’t really there either U__U. Literally, after this creepy-ass actor was making a move on her you take her to get married?? This part was a real mess I’m sorry :<
- This is also why I think the reveal of the truth between Qingwu and Qi Nian should’ve been earlier, it could’ve been considered as their first hurdle and development point!
- They could’ve emphasized the more romantic and sentimental part of his personality when they got together. Instead of…controlling? The man kept a wooden thingy that held Qi Nian’s wishes for a good marriage (I think?) until adulthood! Show us more, give us more!

Creepy dudes getting close to Qi Nian and not really getting punished for it

- The day a shady and creepy side character is not used as a plot device and not being punished for their actions in a romance drama is…far far away. In the first place, I think a different plot should’ve been used to develop the relationship of Yanxin and Qi Nian to facilitate the transition into marriage—Qi Nian could’ve handled this dude in 5 minutes because she’s way too in love with Yanxin to even bother with other guys clearly trying to make a move on her. You did not embody cringe in the first few episodes just for this, I believe in you Qi Nian.
- THE ACTOR-IMPERSONATING-QI BAO-OWNER was HELLA HELLA creepy and came off as a way to Yanxin to again, assert his dominance. Should’ve been scrapped.

Minor things that bothered me:
- Qi Nian losing her energy towards the last part. Her outspoken personality and shamelessness were really something.
- Very weird of the ML of the third couple to just. up and leave. like for why.

I would rewatch for the first half, skip like ep 16-23 and end with 24-25 honestly! I usually watch dramas like this after something heavy anyway :> I'll give it a 5 for that.

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