大道无为 (Dàdào wúwéi) For The Noble Deeds

Since “Nirvana In Fire”, I have dreaded watching a grown-up Wu Lei (he was only 15/16 in Nirvana In Fire) because I fear his grown up image may ruin my fond memory of the juvenile Wu Lei as the Fei Liu (Nirvana In Fire) character. To my pleasant surprise, Wu Lei has grown up into a fine young man with a chiseled good look. Together with Dilraba who doesn’t seem like an ideal partner in the beginning, this drama has taken me by surprise and totally out of my expectation.

Adapted from a manhua (comic), the story begins at the Xuanwu Gate incident in 626 during the Tang Dynasty when Li Shimin assassinated his brother the Crown Prince, Li Jiancheng, and his younger brother, Prince Li Yuanji, and later became the emperor (Emperor Taizong) himself. This story is based on real historical events and people, interjected with fictional characters and incidents. The story is captivating, nail-biting and well told. The fictional parts fit in perfectly with the actual historical events.

Li Changge is a fictional character whose father was the Crown Prince assassinated by Li Shimin. She vows revenge. Her quest takes her through the plains to the steppes. She meets friends and foes. She loses ones she loves and meets new ones. Ultimately, she finds the love of her life whom she would sacrifice everything to be with.

Both Dilraba and Wu Lei were not on my favorite actor list. I also didn’t think very highly of the matching of the couple. I was so wrong. Here in this drama, both are amazing, in their acting and their styling. As Li Changge, Dilraba is strong, tough, decisive and strategic without the cringe-worthiness which I have always associated her with. The two strands of her hair become her trademark and is very pleasant to watch but criticized by some viewers. Whether dressed as a man or as a girl, Dilraba is beautiful and her acting is convincing. Wu Lei has an aura of a man with few words but a lot goes through his mind at every instant. As Ashile Sun, he’s extremely charismatic and authentic, looking stunning in tribal costumes with braids on horseback, fearsome and stunning in war helmet. With Li Changge, their chemistry is wonderful and reassuring.

My Verdict
I love all the characters, friends or foes. Each has a story and the cast is well selected. The acting is convincing and authentic. Some scenes can be heart wrenching and tear jerking. The pace is just right with actions and connivance packed for every episode, making the whole drama irresistible to watch. And the OSTs are some of the best.

Everything looks good until the fighting comes. The substitution of expensive scenes (such as wars) with cheap manhua blemishes this wonderful drama. For me, it hasn’t diminished my pleasure and would have given this a 10/10 had it not been the little blemish.

An absolutely wonderful drama. Highly recommended!

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Old Style Wuxia, Best Martial Arts Fighting Scenes

I have always thought Jin Yong’s novels are better read than watched. That's because many of the elements, such as nei gong (內功), qi gong (气功) and qing gong (轻功), are better described in the written form than acted in the visual form, as these could not be shown on screen convincingly without good special effects. Though I love Jin Yong novels, so far, I have not fully enjoyed any of the drama adaptations. The Side Story of Fox Volant (The Young Flying Fox) is totally out of my expectation as the wuxia elements are excellently captured with no CGIs nor apparent camera tricks.

Over the years, this novel has been made into various movies and dramas. As with all Jin Yong stories, there is a lot of Jianghu martial arts fighting of various styles. In most today’s wuxia dramas, fighting is normally not the main focus, hence not given much screen time. But here in The Story of Fox Volant, martial arts are the essence. Most of the fighting styles are captured in details with great martial artists executing outstanding fighting choreography. These are some very impressive real fighting skills without too many camera effects as in other dramas. The fight choreography is authentic and stunning.

The story is set in China during the reign of the Qianlong Emperor (r. 1735–1796) of the Qing dynasty. I normally don't like pigtail stories but this drama is exceptional. The actor who portrays Hu Fei the hero, is not your usual young idol with beautiful ethereal looking face. Qin Junjie looks rugged and common, and fits in realistically as the Hu Fei character who is upstanding and carries the noble “xiayi” (chivalry) motto of "路见不平拔刀相助" - drawing the sword to helping those unjustly treated. Unlike Donnie Yen Chi-tan or Bruce Lee, Qin Junjie is not known as a martial artist, but here, his body double (if any) seamlessly weaves into his fighting posture, making the overall fighting scenes very believable. Indeed, all fighting scenes, including the fighting scenes executed by the female characters, are so good and believable.

Apart from Hu Fei, Miao Renfeng (Lin Yusheng) is perhaps the most loved character. Holding his beloved daughter in a bundle in one arm, and wielding a sword in the other hand fending off assassins while the baby is sound asleep, this is perhaps the most iconic image of old time wuxia. His ending may tear many fans, but I say, "Fear not!", for a hero doesn't go down in silence.

Yuan Ziyi is Hu Fei's love interest and a very good martial art fighter with a whip. Together with Hu Fei, they set out to punish the bad and help the mistreated. I love the Yuan Ziyi (Liang Jie) character, but not so much Liang Jie's portrayal because the actor is rather stiff and lack the charisma for the role though she is very beautiful. The way she speaks is also quite unnatural.

Cheng Lingsu is a poison genius master who uses poison to heal and for defense. She is in love with Hu Fei but her love is not being reciprocated and she magnanimously accepts the outcome of their relationship. I find Xing Fei’s portrayal of Cheng Lingsu very good and convincing.

My Verdict

This drama takes a very different style and vibe. It may not appeal so much to the young viewers who may prefer watching their idols, nor appeal to romance buffs who prefer more romance as romance here is very subtle. However, if you are a martial arts buff, you’ll love this drama. As with all wuxia stories, this has a great wuxia philosophy of sacrificing self in upholding justice and righteousness, and that has also become the ending of some of the main beloved characters, to the dismay of many viewers. Most, if not all, of Jin Yong’s stories are very political, this one is no exception. Some of his novels were banned at one time or another (not banned anymore) in China and in Taiwan for political reasons. This story shows the hypocrisy of the government, its tyranny and its atrocities. Many of the depictions still ring true in today’s world. As the three brothers in the Qing guards dodging their duties say, “We don’t try to win, but we also don’t want to mess up”. In other words, "Let's just be mediocre and keep our heads", a satire of the current bureaucratic system.

Great watch! Recommended for martial arts buffs!

TWO THUMBS UP! BRAVO!

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Perfect!

I started watching this series after a long day of work. My cloggy mind didn't allow me to digest the story properly. Heck! I couldn't even distinguish the bearded characters one from another; they all looked alike to me. This was such a heavy drama for me wanting something light and funny to end my day, so I put it aside. Then I read my good friend's, PeachBlossomGoddess's, amazing review. Her articulation and insightful analysis piqued my curiosity and encouraged me to pick this drama up again. I'm glad I did. Since then, there's no one moment that was not filled with heart pounding excitement, suspense and intrigues.

The Wind Blows From Longxi is not your normal Chinese historical drama with beautiful faces and costumes, light hearted dialogues or "wirefu" fighting scenes. There are no wuxia elements nor romance here. This drama is heavy, authentic, and fast moving, with vicious killings and amazingly believable combat scenes. The acting is immaculate. The plot is tight with plots within plots, and twists and turns. Every episode is nail-bitingly tensed and enjoyable.

Set in the Three Kingdoms period (220 to 280), some very famous historical figures such as Zhuge Liang, are featured (not main role), with the capital city of Chengdu, and the chants of restoration of the Han Dynasty are repeatedly echoed. The settings, costumes, decorum and some events follow closely the historical records though the main characters are fictional.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this drama. This is a must-watch for history buffs and anyone who loves spy stories and espionage, and values authentic acting and believable settings with great plot.

TWO THUMBS UP!

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Funny, Emotional, Wholesome, Hearty, Mature Romance

Life is like driving a car - sometimes you step on the gas pedal, sometimes you brake; you stop and go. Master of My Own is such a story that most viewers can relate to: a working life that is filled with challenges, a boss we hate and office politics with back stabbing, denial and betrayal. One can even lose everything and has to start over again. This is a story that resonates with dreamers and entrepreneurs alike. It also imbues the message that if one were to persevere with one’s goal, one would eventually see it turn into reality.

Lu Jiming (Lin Gengxin) is a venture capitalist and a mean boss. He is corky, arrogant and has a foul temper. Most of all, he has a poisonous tongue that strews insults at, basically everyone he meets, including his staff, his enemies and his father. In turn, he gets insulted back repeatedly but he has a bulletproof skin that such insults don’t get to him; he is so confident in himself that he shrugs these insults off. Despite he yells and insults his staff, they fear and love him, for he is a decent and caring person deep down. I love how this character is being written. The writer shows Lu Jiming’s egregious behavior with him re-giving a gift that he received from the same friend 5 years ago; none of his closest friends want to take his calls because he’s too mean, to list a couple of examples. And yet, this character grows over time, becomes more empathetic and less self-centered, and kinder with his words.

Lin Gengxin has a face that fits that tongue. He doesn’t look young nor pretty but he exudes that mature manly charisma that convinces anyone that he’s a very capable and successful man. I find Lin Gengxin very convincing here, either as a successful investor or as a down and out loser.

Ning Meng, or Lemon, (Tan Songyun) is a college graduate majoring in finance/investment. But she is recruited by Lu Jiming’s company as a stand-in secretary as all his previous secretaries have quitted for not being able to stand his nasty temper. In the hope of being transferred to the investment department at a later date, Ning Meng takes the job. Little does she know that she’s been treated like a worthless maid, taking care not only her office work, but also Lu Jiming's personal life at wee hours. Ning Meng endures and puts up her best front when facing Lu Jiming, only finds herself being stepped on, trashed, again and again. Up to here, many viewers cannot stand Lu Jiming anymore; many even drop the drama. If you’re one of these viewers, I urge you to press on.

Though very intelligent especially in observing the flow of things and managing human relationship, Ning Meng is inexperienced. As a viewer, I could see what Lu Jiming is trying to do for her: to toughen her up. Indeed in many eastern cultures, unlike in western cultures, people do not expect praises for job well done, but constantly receive criticisms, with the notion that this would make the recipients more humble and stronger.

Though as nasty a mouth as Lu Jiming’s and his mistreatment of Ning Meng, viewers can see he has something for her: his reliance on her and he feels very comfortable with her like a pair of old shoes, that's why he takes her for granted, thinking she would be there for him all the time; he is too proud to admit it, and he doesn't even realize it himself. Having said that, Lu Jiming does always come to her protection in the crux of the moment. Based on that, as much as I want to kick his ass, I understand where he comes from and forgive him.

Tan Songyun is a veteran actor. She portrays her character growth, as an inexperienced fresh graduate to later becoming the investment director, very well, real and convincing, and in the process, the lessons she learns and her character develops accordingly.

The whole cast is pretty good, in particular my favorite side character Yang Xiaoyang (Wang Lina). I find her cute and real. I particularly love her dynamics with Lu Jimin. I love her expression of resignation when she is assigned to replace Ning Meng as his secretary. She is so adorable. I also like the side couple who are Lu Jimin childhood friends.

My Verdict

I like this gorgeous drama. The relationship is mature, not the love-at-first-sight type. There are no blurry eyes but rather realistic love relationship based on trust and shared values. Every character has its flaws. The characters develop and become better and stronger. The plot is realistic without any outrageous twists and turns.

Though fictional, the drama shows the pains of entrepreneurships, investment risks, office life, failed family/couple relationships, sickness and death, and most of all, a capitulation whereby our main character loses everything: his love, his business, all his savings, all his investments, his father, and being deep in debt. This is something many viewers can empathize with as in real life, it can happen to anyone.

Many viewers find the romance too slow burning. I find it subtle and wholesome. In fact I find humor in every conversation. Sometimes it's so funny, ironic and oxymoronic. It is very comforting to watch a relationship that reads each other's mind and sticks together high and low. Though the main leads are not a couple from the beginning until the very last second of the drama, I find their romance and chemistry beautiful and sweet. For me, that’s a perfect long lasting relationship.

Have you ever worked very hard and in the end you still lose everything and face defeat? You lose confidence and become deflated. After losing everything, Lu Jiming learns that in life, success and failure are not the most important things; success can be just superficial, but whether one is contented, that is more important and it comes from within. And we need to learn how to get back up after fallen, that’s the message of the story.

Enjoyable watch. Recommended!

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Complex, Intriguing and Heart-Wrenching

This story is complex and twisted, but at the same time intriguing and heart-wrenching. The plot is initially very hard to understand, as I have felt I needed 10 brains to dissect and digest the story. The journey to discovering and finally understanding the plot is littered with blood and romance, love and hate, trust and betrayal, friendship and animosity. The story telling and the acting are amongst the best in recent dramas.

Yu Sifeng (Cheng Yi) is a son of a human mother and Golden Bird race which disguises as a cultivator sect wearing masks. He's the top disciple of the sect and his biological father is the sect leader. Their masks are never to be removed but somehow Yu Sifeng's mask is removed by Chu Xuanji (Yuan Bing Yan aka Crystal Yuan). This is their 10th lifetime meeting each other. For his past 9 lives, Yu Sifeng has loved and been devoted to Chu Xuanji but dies in her hands or under her who doesn't even know of his love and devotion. In this tenth lifetime, she finally falls in love with him but he's now a Golden Bird that is considered demonic and persecuted by the cultivation sects. The couple goes through a lot of trials and heartaches, especially for Yu Sifeng. In every episode from beginning of the drama till the end, he suffers enormous pains, both physically and emotionally, and each time, his love and devotion for Chu Xuanji never wane. Their love story and romance are beautiful and heart-wrenching. All the viewers' hearts go out to Yu Sifeng because of his sufferings and committed devotion to Chu Xuanji. As the story develops, we begin to see this is only part and puzzle of the overall plot. Who is Chu Xuanji? Who is Yu Sifeng?

Cheng Yi’s acting is fabulous. As Yu Sifeng, he’s quiet, patient and reserved but compassionate and passionate. He’s the kindest being ever, protecting others and sacrificing himself. He’s always the last to speak and endures all the mistreatment others throw at him. His face is always emotionless and leaves everyone guessing what he is thinking. And yet, Cheng Yi speaks with his emotions. The viewers can feel his agony, torments, despairs, pains, resignation and anger. With Chu Xuanji, he is always patient and forgiving. He loves her so much that viewers can feel his affection by how he looks at her, so tenderly and lovingly. Cheng Yi delivers 100 percent of Yu Sifeng to the viewers.

Yuan Bingyan’s portrayal of Chu Xuanji is close to perfection. She is beautiful and young with a naïve and innocent look. Time and time again as Chu Xuanji, she hurts and torments Yu Sifeng, either unintentionally or intentionally, physically or emotionally, and then she would return to him to help him heal, only to throw him back into his misery again. However, when the lives of those she loves are threatened, she changes into a fearsome warrior that is completely different from that silly young girl. Yuan Bingyan is very believable as Chu Xuanji and has had a great performance.

Other cast members are equally impressive in their acting. I’m particularly impressed by Bai Shu’s acting as Teng She; the way he talks and slithers, exactly like a snake which he has transformed from.

The CGIs in this drama are not too bad. The backgrounds are pretty well done. I love the golden wings that come out from Yu Sifeng. They’re so beautiful and look so authentic, and Cheng Yi’s acting blends right in with the wings naturally as if those are part of him. I absolutely love those ethereal visuals of him.

Of all the three realms – heaven, underworld, and mortal world, both Yu Sifeng and Chu Xuanji want to live in their current lifetime in the mortal world – as they put it, it’s great to be humans. The endings are satisfactory to most viewers with all characters having proper closures, the deserving awarded and the villains redeemed.

Despite its length of 59 episodes as I was hesitant initially, this drama is a great watch that tugs at our hearts. I have truly enjoyed the journey. Strongly recommended. Two thumbs up!

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The Shades of Justice

In this gripping thriller, we delve into a world where the boundaries of justice are not clearly defined. The story revolves around a young servant who masterminds a heinous crime, leading to the murder of his master's entire family, heirs, and servants. With their wealth in his hands, he vanishes for years, only to be confronted by justice two decades later. This short drama, spanning just 12 episodes, is a rollercoaster of enigmas, mysteries, ironies, suspense, and dark humor.

Constable Qu Sangeng, portrayed by Bai Yu Fan, embarks on a harrowing journey to uncover the gruesome murder of his beloved superior, whom he regarded as a father figure. Soon, a string of similar murders emerges, all pointing to a common culprit. Qu Sangeng must untangle the web of connections between the victims and decipher the motive. The trail leads back to an incident that occurred two decades ago at the Lu mansion, which was razed to the ground, claiming the lives of most of its occupants. Only Lu Zhi, played by Yu Yao, and a handful of others managed to escape.

As the narrative unfolds, viewers will empathize with Lu Zhi, understanding the circumstances that drove him to commit these atrocities. As a clever adolescent, Lu Zhi believed he had executed the perfect crime, unaware that someone held knowledge of his dark secret. This mysterious individual resurfaces two decades later to exact vengeance on those responsible.

While Lu Zhi's story is the genesis of these events and the serial killer's vendetta sets Constable Qu Sangeng on his quest for justice, they are not the central characters. The focus of the story shifts to Qu Sangeng and his decision to prioritize justice over personal vengeance, as well as Song Chen's struggles, portrayed by Ning Li. Both the adult Lu Zhi and the serial killer make only hidden or fleeting appearances as the story progresses.

Every character seems to harbor a motive and arouse suspicion. As the present-day plot unfolds and investigators attempt to piece together a complex puzzle, flashbacks shed light on the events from two decades ago. While the drama hints at hidden and illicit affairs, there is no central romantic subplot, reflecting the societal norms of the era.

Without good translations, some viewers may find this drama hard to understand as it is laden with riddles from verses and poems by the ancient sages. Even those well-versed in Mandarin and written Chinese may find themselves struggling with certain scenes and story elements, as the narrative moves swiftly and some details remain unexplained, catering to a more discerning audience. Rewatching becomes essential not for cherishing particular moments or characters but to gain a deeper comprehension and capture the subtleties that might have been missed.

My Verdict

This thriller is an adrenaline-pumping ride, offering a captivating storytelling format, top-notch direction, and commendable performances, with Yu Yao's portrayal of the juvenile Lu Zhi and Ning Li's portrayal of Song Chen standing out the most.

What makes this drama truly striking is its realism, even in today's world, in depicting the complex backdrop of wealth and power. Characters like Lu Yuan Bao, portrayed by Zhang Xi Lin, who transformed from a bandit to a wealthy and influential figure, highlight the murky waters of power dynamics. The story also portrays corrupt government officials who can be easily swayed, and the wealthy who, despite their outward respectability, remain to be despicable and thuggish. The concept of justice is portrayed in shades of gray, demonstrating that what one person sees as justice may be viewed as injustice from another's perspective. This theme resonates with the contemporary geopolitical landscape. For Qu Sangeng, choosing justice over personal vengeance is a wise choice given his superior's role in his father's death which he remains unaware of.

Great watch!

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It's Hard to be a Phoenix

"Beauty of Resilience" is an enchanting tale of love between a phoenix and a son of God, intertwined with themes of duty, sacrifice, and the pursuit of immortality. In a world where chaos looms over the three realms, the forbidden romance between a beautiful phoenix, disguised as a human girl, and a handsome young man, burdened with the task of ending her existence, takes center stage. As their love transcends time and challenges, they must navigate a treacherous path of love, loss, and the relentless pursuit of power. Unbeknownst to everyone, the fateful mission to kill the phoenix is driven by a personal obsession for immortality, setting the stage for a series of life-altering choices.

As the story unfolds, the true motivations behind the decree to kill the phoenix are revealed. It is discovered that the insatiable desire for immortality drives the selfish personal obsession of the one in power. The phoenix possesses a mysterious spirit flower called "hua rong", capable of enhancing its power and granting immortality. This misguided and deadly fixation wreaks havoc on the lives of the main characters, causing them to experience a rollercoaster of emotions, including love, hate, happiness, pain, gains, loss, togetherness, and separation, across multiple lifetimes.

Ju Jingyi delivers a convincing performance, taking on multiple roles throughout the series. As Wei Zhi, a humble and low self-esteemed maid servant with a mysterious power, she embarks on a journey that leads her to the cultivator academy. Her portrayal captures the essence of Wei Zhi's transformation into a phoenix, showcasing a delicate balance between strength and vulnerability. However, in her role as Sima Wangyue, a male military general, Ju Jingyi's feminine appearance becomes a noticeable aspect, though her ability to deceive the entire army is reminiscent of the conventions in Chinese cross-dressing dramas. Nevertheless, her overall performance remains commendable and believable, despite her lack of character change as she assumes the roles of the sacred lady of the demonic sect and the demon queen.

Guo Junchen's portrayal of Yan Yue is commendable, showcasing his versatility as an actor through multiple character interpretations. However, there are instances where the writing of his characters seems inconsistent and confusing. In his role as the conflicted lover tasked with killing the phoenix, his lack of emotional display during crucial moments leaves the audience longing for a deeper connection with his internal struggles.

The drama introduces several memorable supporting characters, adding depth to the storyline. Yi Er, portrayed by Lu Tingyu, captures hearts with her bubbly personality as an explorative cook betrothed to Yan Yue. Liu Dongqin's Mu Nan, the secret admirer turned demon chief who is unable to laugh, and Lin Fengsong's reluctant sit-in heavenly king, Yan Luo, also bring unique elements to the narrative. Additionally, Zhang Zhihao as Ou Ya, the wolf, and Song Xinran as Lan Su, the fox, add intrigue and depth to the story. On the other hand, the antagonists, portrayed as atrocious and hateful, provide a sense of relief when their fate is sealed. However, their actions also result in the loss of beloved side characters, which feels like a missed opportunity for more nuanced storytelling.

The drama excels in its authentic and visually stunning portrayal of the settings, costumes, and overall production design. While the headgears worn by Ju Jingyi may appear distracting in some scenes, the attention to detail and commitment to authenticity are praiseworthy.

My Verdict

One recurring flaw in the story lies in the characters' repetitive experiences and their failure to learn from past mistakes, resulting in a somewhat predictable narrative. Additionally, the presence of loose ends, plot holes, and weak logical explanations can detract from the overall viewing experience. The ending leaves certain aspects of the main characters' fate ambiguous, leaving the audience wondering if Wei Zhi and Yan Yue have returned to a time where their lives can begin anew without the burden of the phoenix. Furthermore, the conclusion for Yi Er feels far-fetched and some of the side characters' untimely deaths seem unnecessary, suggesting a lack of creativity in the writing process.

Despite these shortcomings, " Beauty of Resilience" remains an engaging drama, albeit with less humor and a heavier emphasis on evoking emotional responses from viewers. Although it may not have garnered favorable ratings on MDL, it still deserves recognition as a decent production with compelling performances and an intriguing storyline.

In conclusion, " Beauty of Resilience" is a captivating love story that explores themes of sacrifice and redemption within a fantastical realm. Its visually appealing aesthetics and committed performances make it a worthy addition to the genre. Don't miss the opportunity to experience this enchanting tale of love and fate.

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Another Historical CSI

Just as I was lamenting what a summer slump this month is with no good dramas to watch, kaboom! this unexpected drama landed on my lap, with all 24 episodes released in one go. For some reasons, it’s being split into 2 seasons, with 12 episodes each. The very first episode is intriguing enough to draw any discerning viewers to continue with the journey of a brilliant investigator, a super good-looking police chief, a skilled martial arts female constable, and a spoilt little brat.

As a genius investigator, Jun Wujiu (Li Xizi) has a very sensitive nose like a canine, and his observation to details is unmatched by anyone. He’s able to place himself in a crime scene and reconstruct the crime with his imagination. Though knows no martial arts, he uses his wit and overcomes all dangers that come at him. Besides him is always Su Wenyue (Yang Fuyu), there to protect him. She is a constable and the best fighter around. She is tomboyish, has a simplistic mind and her temper can be explosive, and yet she works well with Jun Wujiu. They banter a lot and their dynamics together are sweet and cute with a lot of teasing from Jun Wujiu. They are both the most valued assistants to Cheng Yang (Chen Ziyou aka Run Chen) who is the head of the investigative team. Calm and serious, he is level-headed with an analytical mind and works seamlessly with Jun Wujiu to solve crimes after crimes. Chen Ziyou has an air of Zhang Binbin (Vin Zhang) and looks like a younger Jia Nailiang (Jerry Jia) with the same good look, I really like his portrayal of the Cheng Yang character. A drama will not be complete without an annoying character. Here, we have Ouyang Chuchu who is utterly spoilt by her father and doted by Cheng Yang whom she is in love with, but he treats her as a little sister. The character does grow and later becomes quite lovable. The romance for all main leads is still in its early stage and hasn’t really blossomed yet.

All the actors are new to me. Their acting is pretty good playing their individual roles convincingly. The criminal cases are interesting, with a lot of twists, and with unexpected discoveries and eventual outcomes. When a case is thought to be solved and closed, new developments compel it to reopen, and more mysteries ensue. There could be plot holes here and there, and some murder/mystery cases may be too simplistic with forced logic, but it’s still rather an enjoyable watch.

Overall, after the first 12 episodes (season 1), this drama is not exceedingly exciting but not bad either. In times of drama depravation, I am rather grateful for such a drama. I'm savoring it.

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Sweet & delightful story, top notched acting, wonderful bromance

This drama is adapted from a very popular Japanese manga (comic) which was later also made into an anime (cartoon) in the early 2000s. The adapted story tells the struggle in bringing awareness of weiqi and retaining interests in the game among the youths, and the arduous path to fame and glory for the successful players. Weiqi is also known as GO in Japan and Baduk in Korea.

Despite being one of the oldest board games and was started in China more than 2,500 years ago, weiqi has not received a lot of attention, especially among the Chinese youths who favor Chinese chess. For years, Korea has been the champion and in recent years China produces multiple world class players to challenge the champions. Weiqi is a must-have and common item in all Chinese historical dramas today. All emperors, scholars, officials and generals are expected to be well versed at the game.

What seemingly a very simple board game, using only any drawn grid boards or tiles on the ground with any black and white pieces, weiqi is one of the most complex games. There are no complicated pieces, no complicated moves. Anyone can play it anywhere, any time. And yet it can be challenging and difficult to master. For me, weiqi is a philosophy; it helps us realize many analogies in life and understand the philosophy of life. It has no restrictive form and yet there is a name for every position on the board and a term for every action a player takes; it is intriguing and mesmerizing.

All the actors are unrecognizable to me, but their acting is one of the best - natural and believable. Shi Guang (played by Hu Xian Xu) is just like a kid in your neighborhood. He’s not very fond of academic work and fully absorbed into his toy cars (when he was a little boy). He is restless and at times, reckless, but he is the most endearing character who has great dynamics with everyone he encounters. Often, he is unintentionally funny.

When the spirit of Chu Ying (played by Zhang Chao aka Juck Zhang) appears to him, they become friends. Chu Ying uses Shi Guang as a medium to play weiqi, and his first opponent is Yu Liang (Hao Fu Shen) who is the youngest and the best weiqi player and his (Yu Liang’s) father is the nation’s number one weiqi player. To Yu Liang’s dismay, he loses the game and it is the most unforgettable event for him. He vows to work harder and wins back his honor. Since Shi Guang is not interested in weiqi in the first place and doesn’t want to be used by Chu Ying, he refuses to comply to Chu Ying’s instructions in playing the game. Chu Ying disappears. For years Shi Guang is happy with his life and has forgotten about Chu Ying until one day he’s back playing weiqi again in high school. Chu Ying returns. This time, they become pals. Chu Ying teaches Shi Guang all the skills, polishing him up for competitions. They love each other and they are inseparable. Chu Ying is Shi Guang’s angel but others think Shi Guang is having an active imagination and an imaginary friend. The path to become a professional player is covered with challenges and obstacles as Shi Guang finds out. Like all other weiqi players, his daily life is mundane; he plays weiqi eating, sleeping and all the time. I wish the drama has focused and showed the viewers more on how he has won playing with the more seasoned players with his strategic and unconventional moves. Unfortunately, all these are skipped and we only know of the results at the end of the competitions.

When the time comes and he has to leave, Chu Yin leaves without saying goodbye. Shi Guang is devastated. He grieves for the loss of a good friend who is also a part of him. For months, he’s lost, rendering him dropping out of weiqi. He returns when he realizes Chu Ying is now in his weiqi; they have become one.

Hu Xian Xu’s acting here is amazing. He captures the whole essence of the character of Shi Guang who is a happy-go-lucky kid with not much on his mind. He loves his friends but at the same time, mischievous to everyone. He may not be intelligent academically, but he is quick witted and can always find a way out of his predicament. His final few episodes are heart wrenching, crying for the loss of his soulmate, and I cry with him. Hu Xian Xu’s acting is so natural and so authentic, making the viewers laugh and love him.

Chu Ying is the spirit of an ancient weiqi player who is being slandered and whose name disgraced. He comes to Shi Guang by accident and piques Shi Guang’s interest in weiqi. They form a formidable alliance and become soulmates. For years, he helps Shi Guang realizing his potential. To others, Shi Guang seems like having an imaginary friend, speaking to himself and playing with himself all the time. The scenes are sweet and funny.

Zhang Chao’s depiction of Chu Ying is commendable. His portrayal is so real and makes the character such a lovable and beautiful ghost for all to enjoy. The contrast in their outfits is just so hilarious and yet so outstanding. His chemistry with Hu Xian Xu is undeniable.

Shi Guang has many buddies like Hong He (Zhao Hao Hong) and Shen Yi Lang (Sun Can), but none have the chemistry like he has with Yu Liang (Hao Fu Shen). Though they have met each other in episode one, they have not been together until the final episode when they are building a double team for the world championship. They bicker and banter a lot like young boys do, but their chemistry is amazing. I wish they have shown the scenes how the duo beat other renown weiqi couples with their unspoken communication, a look in the eyes, reading each other’s body language. For Yu Liang, Shi Guang is the light that brightens him up, and with his brightness, Shi Guang shines (their names).

This drama deals in depth with the relationships of Shi Guang with his mother, with Yu Liang, with his friends, and most of all, with his teacher, Chu Ying. It is delightful, funny, humorous and meaningful. The characters are flawed, interesting and well developed. This is one of the dramas that I’ve enjoyed thoroughly. It is also one of the very few that respects viewers’ intelligence. I love how they use the child actors for juveniles Shi Guang and Yu Liang, both children have resemblances of the older Shi Guang and Yu Liang, and the kid actors are adorable and great in their acts. I find myself smiling from episode one until the last. My only qualm is perhaps with the fan that Chu Ying has left for Shi Guang. I wish the writer has done it differently than giving a physical object of Chu Ying to tell the viewers that Chu Ying has never left Shi Guang but with him in his weiqi. I would love to have thought there has never been a Chu Ying but an inner voice of an unwoken prodigy. But with the fan, this has ruined the scenario for me; Chu Ying does exist but it’s hard to fathom how his immaterial fan materializes and becomes a solid object in front of Shi Guang.

Seeing the dedication of each player, their respect for each other and their humbleness, really makes my heart warm and brings a warm tear to my eyes. Winning is not everything, but the process in taking part in a competition is the most exhilarating experience one can enjoy. As with everything we may do in life, winning doesn’t really mean success and losing doesn’t really mean failure; it’s how we look at winning and losing.

As the world moves towards popular culture, ancient board games such as weiqi is being forgotten. Like ancient languages, fewer and fewer people know how to play and have the interest in weiqi. This drama tries to create awareness of the most wonderful game and promote interest among the youths. I hope after this drama, more people pick up playing weiqi. As for me, I am definitely doing so, crossing out one of the items which has been on my bucket list forever.

My verdict
This drama does not have all the big names, and yet it is well written and performed. The attention to details, in particular the norms of the era, is both immaculate and applaudable. This is an endearing and my most favorite non rom-com drama that evolves around weiqi and competitions. Even if viewers think weiqi is not their favorite subject, this drama is still an amazing watch because the story is so well told, the acting is fabulous and authentic, and the subject weiqi is deep and fascinating.

Some viewers have complained the final few episodes that the director has spent too much time dwelling into Shi Guang's pain and his breaking down. I actually love this breaking down period. It's a period of discovery and realization for him; I feel many people have missed that element here and therefore couldn't understand what the director's intention is. I wish the director has also delved further into Shi Guang's relationship with Yu Liang after Chu Ying, how the duo have communicated with each other silently, especially during their double competitions. Their body language part is too short and shallow without the depth like how it's been done for others.

This is a drama that deserves to be on everyone’s to-watch list. Strongly recommended.

TWO THUMBS UP!

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Great Acting, Boring Story, Not Really a Sequel

Though anticipated, the ending of “One and Only” gives the viewers tears and broken hearts. Most have been waiting anxiously for its sequel “Forever and Ever” which is believed to have a happily-ever-after ending that is needed for closure. This drama (“Forever and Ever”) is originally a story about karma and reincarnation but as the Chinese government bans the reincarnation subject in all drama productions, this essential element becomes subdued, if not totally eliminated, rendering a great shift of the story away from its original work.

From the beginning, our main couple from “One and Only” meets and gets married, almost instantly in their modern lifetime. For three quarters of the drama, viewers are shown a chronicle of daily life of the newlyweds, with a hint of something nefarious lurking beneath what seemingly a blissful life. As much as I love watching the love development of the couple, I find the over extension of love play rather boring had it not for the exquisite ancestral home and antiques hidden in a tranquil city. The daily life of the inhabitants of such a traditional home with complicated extended family members, is a reminder of how some large Chinese families still live today - with a lot of useless protocols and mindless burdens. The plot thickens slightly from episode 23 on, but still takes a leisurely slow pace till the end.

Many characters in the drama are said to have reincarnated from its prequel “One and Only” which is supposed to have taken place some 2,000 years ago. However due to the censorship, all the character links are downplayed or totally non-existent, except for some weak inklings for the main couple Zhou Sheng Chen (Ren Jialun aka Allen Ren) and Shi Yi (Bai Lu); they retain the same names in both dramas. Had it not been the repeated mention of the Xiao Nancheng Wang (Prince Nancheng Junior) in the FL’s voiceover project, there is really nothing linking the two dramas until the last episode when Shi Yi describes her dream which is also the story of “One and Only”. Not totally brilliant, but at least it manages to tie the 2 stories at the end (well, kind of).

Zhou Sheng Chen is a prodigy and a chemistry researcher working in a university in Germany. He returns to China to try salvage his family’s declining traditional businesses that are being run to the ground by his younger brother. His mission is to promote traditional crafts and to ensure their sustainability in modern times. As the oldest son in the family, he is entrusted the family inheritance and all the baggage that comes with it, with a caveat that he has to first get married, as stipulated in his father’s will. As a hermit, Zhou Sheng Chen doesn’t date nor know any eligible girls for marriage. Comes Shi Yi. He figures he could make do with her. Little did he expect himself to fall in love with her so deeply, and for her, she has known the name Zhou Sheng Chen from her work and falls in love with him when she hears his name mentioned, which to me, is a rather weak explanation.

Zhou Sheng Chen is passive, bashful, unromantic and uneasy with public intimacy. You can say he makes a very boring boyfriend as he doesn’t really know how to reciprocate a kiss, a hug, or any romantic play. But then again, romance, like beauty, is in the minds of the beholders. Many readers are angry over the adapted character as they claim the original Zhou Sheng Chen has a much more forceful and proactive personality in the novel. Many even lash out on the actor for changing the character or for not portraying it right or even for poor acting. I have not read the book but from my understanding of the adaptation, I find Ren Jialun delivers 100% of the Zhou Sheng Chen character in the drama. He captures every nuance in his every hesitation, embarrassment, bewilderment which is so real and so authentic, and very appropriate for the adapted character traits.

Bai Lu is natural and beautiful. Her portrayal of Shi Yi is commendable. As for her chemistry with Ren Jialun here, I find it not as great as in the prequel “One and Only” despite there is hardly any intimacy in the earlier drama as compared to the more kissing and touching scenes in this one. Understandably, as “Forever and Ever” was made before “One and Only”, this may explain the slight missing spark.

My Verdict

Not having read the novel, my expectation is quite different from what is delivered here. Perhaps I had expected a more arduous journey for our characters to find each other, and to overcome multiple challenges and tests - the usual drama stuff which may be less realistic. Here, the story is very realistically portraying life of very traditional big and complicated Chinese families with undesirable feelings and occasionally unfortunate events taken place.

The two dramas, “Forever and Ever” and “One and Only”, don't really connect to each other except for the repeated references to the historical one by Shi Yi in her work and finally in her dream. Initially there seems to have no plot and no story, merely a chronicle of the daily life of a couple. The overall plot is rather subtle and only in the last 8 episodes, it becomes more apparent, making the story realistically ordinary.

I love how artistic and poetic the whole drama is, from the poems to the antiques, to the traditional crafts passed down for generations, encapsulating the overall Chinese culture and treasure we want to preserve.

A drama well made and deserved to be loved.

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An Irresistible Blend of Laughter and Love

"Hilarious Family" is a slapstick drama characterized by its exaggerated expressions and actions. Despite this, the comedy remains relatable, with natural and genuinely hilarious jokes. Each character is distinctly unique, realistically portrayed, endearing, and undergoes well-developed growth. The deliberately exaggerated acting, though, is both convincing and playful. At its core, the story follows a widow who raises her four daughters by selling tofu. Now that the daughters are grown, the widow is focused on finding suitable husbands for them, providing a satirical commentary on societal norms that still resonate in today's world.

The story introduces multiple romantic couples, each with their own amusing yet heartwarming stories. The music dances with a whimsical charm, amplifying the actions and emotions of both the events and the characters.

Du Ruyu (Liu Lin) adores all of her daughters equally, though there are moments when it may seem like she favors the eldest and overlooks the second. This, as it turns out, is a misunderstanding. Her strong sense of pride and concern for social image often lead to comedic mishaps. Her own romantic subplot adds a sweet and amusing touch to the story.

The eldest daughter, Chun Jinrong (Han Yunyun), at 29 years and 18 months, is fervently in pursuit of a husband. Her mother pulls out all the stops to assist her in this quest. Jinrong is the most refined among the daughters and invests the family's limited resources in clothing and accessories, all in the hopes of attracting a wealthy suitor. Initially appearing as a potential gold digger, as the story unfolds, we come to understand her motives and see her love for her family. Her escapades and encounters are hilarious.

Chun Peilan (Jackie Li), the second daughter, is a gentle and domestic individual. Her aspirations are centered around cooking, managing household chores, and caring for the family. While no one anticipates her finding love, she captures the heart of a very handsome man with dreams of becoming a valiant hero and a dashing sword fighter, but he couldn't use a sword.

The third daughter, Chun Banxia (Wu Jiayi), is a principled individual intolerant of any hint of wrongdoing. She is well-versed in the law and medicine, and assists her uncle in running a small clinic from home. The humorous exchanges she has with her mother underscore her sharp wit and determination.

Finally, the youngest daughter, Chun Keling (Li Jiaqi), is a spirited tomboy known for her youthful courage and impulsiveness. She enjoys venturing outside, often accompanied by a pair of friends, to confront bullies and teach them a lesson. Unbeknownst to her, a remarkably handsome young man falls in love with her for her distinctive qualities. However, not every girl dreams of marrying a prince, and Keling is no exception.

The final episode strikes a poignant and insightful note, yet the comedy continues, offering a delightful contrast. Lu Buping's hilarious kitchen scene and his comical daikon cutting leave deep impression. Chun Peilan originally requests the daikon to be diced into small cubes (丁), which is the true essence of cutting into "ding". Lu Buping, however, took a more literal approach, sculpting it into the shape of the character 丁("ding"). Despite its slapstick nature, I'm consistently impressed by the exceptional writing and acting on display.

My Verdict

Rowdy and constantly chaotic, this heartwarming story does away with traditional antagonists. Challenges faced by the characters often find resolution through serendipity. Every chaotic mishap can be traced back to a series of comically absurd misunderstandings. The romance is tender, endearing, and injected with humor. The dialogue is natural and witty, and the performances are praiseworthy. It's an easy-to-follow, enjoyable relaxation suitable for the entire family.

Recommended!

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Truths or Lies, Friends or Foes, These People Don't Die!

OK, I admit, I was so confused watching this drama. While I thought a character a friend, he/she turns foe, and vice versa. Perhaps this is what the writer trying to tell the viewers: don't believe in what you see; what you think may not be what it is. Through all those twists and turns, only one thing is real: the undying friendship between Li Wu (Leon Zhang) and Lu Zheng (Chen Ruoxuan). Their bromance is full of humor, deception, protection, and sacrifices.

Based on real historical events and figures, the story is set in the Ming Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Jianwen (r. 1398 – 1402) when he was trying to hold on to his throne with his uncle Zhu Di (Prince of Yan) infiltrating his government and bureaucracy, attempting to overthrow him. Everything goes back to some events that happened 10 years ago, and around the secretive Fisheye Lock (yuming suo) which holds the key to the top secret. Many people have died trying to protect the secret and many have died trying to find it.

By fate, Lu Zheng and Li Wu meet again after their first encounter as kids. Now, Lu Zheng is a Jingyinwei (Embroidered Uniform Guard), and Li Wu a street scoundrel who picks pocket and lies without blushing. Li Wu impersonates another Jingyiwei, Li Dongfang, and eventually takes Li Dongfang’s identity. In the Jingyiwei organization, the two become true friends, saving each other again and again, but most of the time, not trusting the other, and Li Wu continues to deceive in order to protect Lu Zheng.

Though both have their love interests, Li Mu in Shu Tang (Sun Yi) and Lu Zheng in Zhang Junqing (Ma Yujie), romance is not the focus here. Things move fast, and the main characters don’t die even though they are mortally wounded, multiple times. In the next scene, they are up and running as new. For this, viewers are advised not to look too deeply (otherwise you would roll your eyes). Acting wise, the whole cast is fabulous, though Leon Zhang’s expressions confuse me at times.

My Verdict

This is a rather enjoyable and funny drama with some wuxia actions executed convincingly. It is also intense, suspenseful, and rather dark. The background story is very interesting, but the storytelling is rather confusing, chaotic and requires some reading between the lines. Overall, it is a fun watch for more serious and patient viewers as skipping forward may make it even more confusing.

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有法无天 The Rule of Law

It seems many viewers miss this wonderful series because it was released with all the episodes in one go unexpectedly. Despite its cheesy title, Miss Chun is a Litigator, this is a very enjoyable short drama with not many fillers. Every scene is important that leads to the next. The plot is not too complicated, but the background of some main characters is mysterious, creating excitement for the viewers, spurring on the story. And not to forget to mention the three gorgeous male leads, this is a great series for all.

Chun Tumi (Sabrina Zhuang) is a young girl passionate about federal and local laws. From childhood, she has immersed herself in reading the law book that was written and passed down by her late mother. She becomes very well-versed with the laws. One day, she was forced to defend her father in court because no one else would. There, in court, she is noticed by two court officials appointed by the Emperor. They recognize her talent and want to recruit her. After giving her a deal she can’t resist, she becomes an important member of the judiciary team which is responsible for combing through past court cases to make sure none is being misjudged.

Unlike most other female actors who are usually cute, pretty and flamboyant, Sabrina Zhuang has a solemn demeanor that makes her a good fit for the Chun Tumi character as the character is a rather mature and serious person despite of her age. Sabrina’s acting is believable as a litigator with her matter-of-factly face and calm composure during her litigation fights. Most of the cases involve further investigations which are not shown nor explained, but Miss Chun somehow manages to present the evidence in court.

The three main male characters are amazingly good looking. The writer teases the viewers by showing seemingly all three have love interest for Chun Tumi. All three have a mysterious background which is not revealed until very much later.

The first mysterious character is the Ye Cha (Huang Junjie) character. He’s disguised as a horse footman hired by Chun Tumi. He is cold and quiet, and always hides behind a large farmer hat. He seems to have an interest in Chun Tumi as he always appears in places around her, hidden away, watching and helping her secretly. Huang Junjie’s portrayal is acceptable, but I don’t like how he squints his eyes most of the time to look serious and cold. Ye Cha is introduced right at the beginning, then disappears most of the time, or hidden lurking somewhere, until in the middle of the drama. The focus of the male character shifts to Han Wuwei (Fan Zhixin) and has been on him right from the start to the end.

Han Wuwei is my favorite character. He is a military general, playful, insightful and a very good swordsman. He has no qualm with decorum and seems to appear everywhere where Chun Tumi goes. He is the one who first notices her talent and incorporates her into his team. He seems to have a love interest in her, but puzzles viewers how the relationship later develops. His actual identity is mysterious until the later part of the story. Fan Zhixin is sunny and flamboyant and has acted very well here as Han Wuwei.

The third male character, Kang Zhengyuan (Qin Tian), is a judiciary official authorized by the Emperor to travel around the country to look through closed cases to ensure they are being done properly and justly. Qin Tian’s portrayal of the no-nonsense Kang Zhengyuan is convincing, making him a well-loved character. He and Han Wuwei give the viewers a lot of sweet bromance and it’s interesting to see the men banter.

My Verdict
This is a very enjoyable drama about the ancient judiciary system, justice, and litigation, with a mix-ins of wuxia and conspiracy from a dark group. Finding out the actual truth is important but very difficult. It is hard to distinguish between good info or fake news. Even if a truth is almost 100% truthful, a small percentage of untruth can lead to a devastating outcome. This is the scenario our characters must tread carefully to preserve justice.

Season 1 scrapes the surface of the secret group and stops short before any alluded royal palace power struggle. Though some scenes skip abruptly, it hasn’t destroyed the story or the plot. By the end of the drama, there is a plot twist and Han Wuwei seems to have turned dark. This is a cliff hanger and whets viewers’ interest for Season 2.

Great watch! Don’t miss it!

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A Ventriloquist in an Isekai

“Catch Up My Prince” is an isekai story in which the main characters enter into a game world and experience various events including falling in love. The ventriloquist here refers to Liu Yichang’s way of speaking. As this is not a serious historical palace story, the tone here lacks the usual palace decorum. The female lead behaves and speaks just like a modern-day youth, and a Cinderella story whereby a lowly maid becomes a prince consort. It’s quite an enjoyable watch which I had not expected.

Lu Ranran (Xu Ruohan) is a young doctor. One day while playing a virtue game in an ancient world, she is somehow trapped in the game world and unable to return to the real world until she completes the task of marrying one of the male characters. In the ancient world, she meets 4 princes. While searching for the one whom she likes the most to marry, she finds herself falling in love with the 4th Prince, Zhao Chenyi (Liu Yichang). Having spent a lot of time with Lu Renjia (Xu Ruohan), Lu Ranran’s character name in the game, Zhao Chenyi finds her different from other girls and begins to fall for her too. However, when Lu Renjia checks her dashboard for the princes’ fondness of her, she finds, while all princes are very fond of her, Zhao Chenyi’s fondness score remains at zero. No matter what Lu Renjia does, his score continues to stay at zero. Out of desperation, she agrees to marry any prince so that she can get out of the game, which she comes to regret and replay the game.

Though not a breath-taking beauty like other more popular actors, Xu Ruohan exudes an aura of modern-day youthfulness and optimism. Watching her feels natural and soothing, and her portrayal of Lu Renjia is lovable and convincing.

Looking cold and indifferent, Zhao Chenyi is actually a romantic and affectionate person. He puts up a front as a playboy so that he can be considered as useless by his enemies and stay away from palace politics. Hidden, he is waiting and planning to avenge his slain teacher together with the teacher’s surviving daughter whom he had rescued. Constantly he faces assassinations from his enemy. To safeguard Lu Renjia and to prevent her from being embroiled in his scheme, he repeatedly rejects Lu Renjia and sends her away to live in his brothers’ palaces so that she can be protected.

Visually, Liu Yichang’s portrayal is very good. Unfortunately, he lacks the appropriate facial expressions especially when he speaks; he is like a ventriloquist, speaking without moving his lips. Having said, I do like the Zhao Chenyi character though Liu Yichang’s performance is lacking.

There are multiple very interesting characters in the story, such as the Crown Prince and his beloved wife, the second prince who is cold and nasty but devoted to the Crown Prince, the eleventh prince who is inventive, playful, pure and innocent, the villain who is in love with Lu Renjia’s best friend, etc. The actors give an impressive performance with their respective roles.

My Verdict
As the story mainly revolves around a game, whatever plot holes there might be, they can be taken as deliberate, just as stop-start and replay in a game. Though not shown for some, most characters face their consequences at the end. Some plots remain open as the game continues even after the drama has ended. Whenever Lu Renjia makes a mistake or gets a result she doesn’t like, such as the death of a character, she presses replay and returns to the point where she could change her choice or the scenario, hence an alternative outcome. In the real world, we don’t have such luxury; when a choice is made, good or bad, we’ll have to face up to the consequence.

A fun and non-serious watch. Recommended for the fun.

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Grace and Kindness Beat All Evil

“Ni Chang” is my 4th drama in a row with a weaving and/or embroidery theme. For the main leads, I only know Bi Wen Jun from “In A Class of Her Own”, and I have never watched any of Li Jia Qi (aka Nicky Li)’s work. The first episode with an amnesiac Luo Wang (Prince of Luo), a cute energetic little girl with an amazing business acumen, and a big sister disguises as a big brother shouldering the burden of a family business and household, have pulled me into the story and I have come to enjoy it very much.

What seemingly a light fluffy romance drama turns into a dark, murderous watch with multiple villains that are corrupt and continue to break the law with impunity. The plot propels the story, giving viewers a fast growing up Ni Chang (performed by Li Jia Qi) after she loses everything and becomes a fugitive, and a free-spirited leisurely prince (king), Quyang Ziyu (performed by Bi Wen Jun) who develops into an important official that brings fairness into the palace supply system.

I love the determined, indefatigable and quick-witted Ni Chang. Despite her devastating loss, she remains kind and unselfish that wins her many friends. Many kind hearted female characters portrayed in dramas tend to be gullible, but not Ni Chang. She is smart and not easily cheated. Li Jia Qi may not have the face of a beauty pageant queen, but she grows on viewers. Her character becomes stronger and stronger throughout the story - she is cute and playful as the juvenile Xie Xiao Ni, and later develops into a stoic Ni Chang who is not afraid to face her greatest challenges. Her acting is convincing and she has great chemistry with Bi Wen Jun.

As Ouyang Ziyu, Bi Wen Jun brings his free spirit charisma from “In A Class of Her Own” to this drama. Tall and good looking, Ouyang Ziyu’s love for Ni Chang is unselfish and inclusive, contrasting to Su Wen Yu (acted by Will Song)’s imposable and selfish love which Ni Chang detests. A good businessman himself, Ouyang Ziyu is prepared to give up everything, including his princely title, to be with Ni Chang. He helps her grow, placing her needs in front of everything else. Bi Wen Jun gives viewers a very relaxed feeling, unrestrictive and yet confident in everything he does; he is very believable.

Come the villains. Yan Wen Xiu (acted by Sun Jia Lu), Yuan Dao Cheng (acted by Li Yu Xuan) and that official Gao guy with a giant mole, are vile, blatant, hideous and despicable. The actors’ performances are so good that these characters really turn the viewers’ stomachs and we all wish them dead with no regrets. Every step Ni Chang takes, Yan Wen Xiu is there to harm her, but each time Ni Chang comes up winning, though not without the sacrifice of others who have come to her protection.

My Verdict

This is an easy to watch and to follow drama with clear logic and flow, and yet packed with heinous antagonists with hideous motives in the open. Everything is pretty straight forward in black and white. The ending concludes very well with all ends tied – the good is rewarded and the bad punished. In fact, the climax ends in episode 39, and episode 40 devotes to new life for all our protagonist characters, with a hiatus of two years for our main leads in order to completing their personal missions – Ni Chang to rebuild her family business and Ouyang Ziyu to revamp the government system making it transparent and fair.

This is a drama transient with grace and kindness, and that enables our characters to find their common grounds. A sweet drama for all in the family. Don’t miss it!

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