mikrokosmos228

I thought Gao was the weakest character largely because of how the actor portrayed the character. But yes, strong acting all around. I like the drummer friend. I also like the coworkers toward the end. These guys are hilarious. And I was surprised by the painter friend. At first I thought he was going to be another boring 2nd lead. But he gave a nuanced performance. Very mature and his exit is classy.

Years late, just finished, so I'm sure I'm not the first person to say this but this has to be one of the strongest chemistry captured in a drama. The character of Li Xun is a force to be reckoned with. Such a flawed character. So bullheaded and screams red flag at face value. That's why he needs someone like Zhu Yun who is perceptive enough to look past the surface level to truly see and understand the real Li Xun. That's how they are able to connect and fall in love. She bridges the gap in more ways than one. But goodness, how he tested her patience and viewers like me. There were times where I just wanted to tell her, girl, just leave him and go as far away as possible. But ultimately, I really wanted a happy ending for them because it's so obvious they're most alive only when they're together. Phenomenal performance by both Chen Fei Yu and Zhang Jing Yi.

I know Xu Kai and Bai Lu are super famous now and doing their own things separately but they will always be my favorite pairing. I don't think there will ever be anyone that can tease Bai Lu the way Xu Kai does in this drama. I still think this is his best role to date.

One of my favorite things about this director is his use of heart-pounding, absolutely thrilling background music. He has the knack for using music that just elevates any scene ten folds. Ashes of Love is my all time favorite. I've also enjoyed Story of Kunning Palace, The Long Ballad, and The Starry Love.

It's quite difficult to move on from this drama. What struck me is in how the drama turned such common tropes into a story filled with one of the most organic and gratifying slow burn romances I have ever seen. I just love stories like this where two strangers meet and there is instant attraction but also animosity. It creates this tension that draws you right in. And these two are so compelling in that respect. I also enjoyed their awkward and often hilarious, sometimes swoony interactions. You get to witness this gradual shift in their relationship as they face one challenge after another, growing closer and closer and carries you all the way to the end in a way that leaves you satisfied to have witnessed such a beautiful love story.

Love the thoughts you shared. I love The Long Ballad because of his character arc with Zhao Lu Si's. It's actually one of my all time favorite stories (and now this one as well). And I agree; I continue to be taken aback by the criticism of his looks. Personally, he's one of the most attractive actors I have ever seen. If nothing else, the one consistent thought I have when watching his dramas is how fine he looks in every scene lol. I guess to each their own, but that will always surprise me.

I still can't get over that clap in ep 7, so unexpected yet so fitting that I couldn't stop laughing for a while. I recall being so impressed, thinking like damn, she got him good and my admiration for her shot up. And then Wei Liang started clapping lol. Like a manifestation of the audience's feelings.

That makes sense as well. I feel like it speaks to the recurring theme of choosing what is right even if it meant personal sacrifice, like in the beginning when Manman chose Wei Shao's side over Liu Yan's. And how this is the opposite of her cousin's point of view and later the cousin's husband, both of whom chose to sacrifice the greater good, only to end in tragedy.

I would say it actually signifies him following the same path as Manman's grandfather, which is choosing to save the people he is responsible for protecting as their lord, over personal relationships.

I thought it was the cutest when Wei Shao popped out those little mandarin oranges to share with Manman in ep 31, followed by that wonderful conversation. It's so domestic, like all these little understated scenes of domestic bliss between them are my favorites in the drama.

That's so interesting to learn as I don't speak mandarin. Thanks for sharing. Submit tends to have a negative connotation. But to me it's like saying earn his respect with your gentle composure, wisdom and dignity and that will naturally translate to a literal bow (similar to Wei Shao's interaction with his father in law in Kangjin).

I feel like the electrical charge emanating from that room in episode 32 could power the grid for the entire world lol.

It's such a satisfying experience to watch Manman school her opponents, including Wei Shao, in complete equanimity. And even more thrilling to see their relationship grow and slowly turn into domestic bliss where they seek each other out for conversations, have meals together, sleep in the same room. I loved the secret smiles and the awkward, bumbling ways in which they try to make each other happy.

I never thought I'd be so content just watching two people smile at each other for hours. And then episode 32 happened. The charge in that room... like hot damn, that was spellbinding.

I'll be sure to check out more of his dramas!

Haha, I've only seen him in this and if he's so interesting playing the nice guy, I wonder what it would be like playing the bad guy lol

Damn. Who is this actor and how is he not famous? These types of roles/stories can come off super cringe but he carries himself with such natural ease that there's no room for that. He is so effortlessly fine. The intimate scenes are some of the best I've ever seen in a drama; it's sexy and flirty and sweet and in spite of the format that's in, you can really get lost in the drama. Bravo.

Though I enjoyed it, I felt this season lacked the emotional punch and rawness rooted in bleak reality of the first. The beginning and ending felt stronger than the middle. But overall, entertaining show and Park Ji Hoon is outstanding as usual and I'm happy to see both seasons being recognized.

I have not but I will check it out!

This drama is like fan service to make up for us fans who absolutely loved but also suffered immensely because of Princess Agents. That being said, I also think it's the kind of drama anyone can end up liking. It took me about 5 episodes to really get into it, but boy, do they look amazing together. There's a reason why Zhao Li Ying is my favorite cdrama actress. She is just as beautiful and fierce as I remember and she continues to deliver. Lin Geng Xin looks like a typical cold, aloof ancient god character, but then he says the funniest things in that soft, mild manner voice. It's so unexpected from a man of his caliber that he had me literally laughing out loud every time. When the romance gets dialed up, the scenes are so beautiful and felt so natural (that fireworks scene was just *heart eyes*). It's not the most exciting drama plot wise but I couldn't escape from the draw of these two and kept watching here and there and finished it. Also, I like the actors who played Mo Fang and Fu Rong respectively. I would love to see each in their own dramas as leads!