If you have the chance to start over, will you change anything?
Dying, Hua Qian (Zhou Ye) still answered with "I will."The memory is still vivid from the first time I watched it while taking a study break at the library. I was bored and chose Scent of Time on my list on HBO Max. And honestly speaking, I had no expectations since I didn't even know the plot. However, excitement arose when the FL went to the past to change it, and it was my cue to continue it.
First, talking about Hua Qian, I loved how she was originally the villain yet miraculously given a chance to correct her mistakes. Yet the consequences were already there by waking up married to Zhong Ye Lan (Peng Chou Ye) and having a rough relationship with the heroine, Mu Yao (Zhao Qing). So given her circumstances, she must choose her steps wisely.
Second, the plot was something you wouldn't really expect. Nope, it was not romance-centered; it really focused on Hua Qian, her ups and downs, and redemption, which was refreshing to watch. Despite the show revolving around her, the side characters were given enough time to explore their backgrounds, and I was satisfied by it.
Third, the slow-burn romance balanced the heavy atmosphere. The chemistry of the characters was good. Hua Qian and Zhong Xi Wu (Wang Xing Yue) had tensions; Mu Yao and Zhong Ye Lan looked like they yearned for each other every day; Qi Ru Xin and her man were bittersweet. The FL and her maids were adorable. On the other hand, Hua Qian and Hua Rong Zhou (Zhang Yi Jie) looked like besties to me.
Lastly, the scenery gave me nostalgic and summery vibes. The moods they used were mostly warm, especially at the near-end episodes. It made me want to retire early and live somewhere rural with fresh air.
This is the first C-drama I watched since The Romance of Tiger and Rose in 2022, which was fun and memorable. Overall, Scent of Time delivered a drama with a strong female lead. Although multiple negative reviews were given on the last episode, it became my favorite. It was so realistic and synthesized the whole story. And oh, I would also like to give its soundtrack a 10 out of 10 rating; I couldn't care less if it got replayed a lot.
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my 2026 hyperfixation drama
They earned their well-deserved happy ending.Coming from all the traumas and bloods, they were able to prioritize fighting for their kingdom while finding each other. If you're looking for a drama where the main leads perfectly match, this is it.
The backstory was angsty, although I hope they deepened it like in the novel (esp Chapters 125-126) Also, I am so satisfied with the romance between He Yan and Xiao Jue. I was romance-deprived by the previous drama, so this was a good shot.
The Jiyang arc was my favorite. I felt like He Yan's true nature was shown there, and she was able to experience being a normal girl for someone who pretended to be a man for almost her whole life. Moreover, the battle highlighted their capabilities, and they obviously care for one another, especially when Xiao Jue hesitantly said, "Come back alive," because who knows that it might be the last time they see each other alive?
Lastly, He Rufei was a sassy, evil, spoiled brat who acted like that because he thought he was a diva that was heavily favored by his father.
Highly recommended.
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