This series had a hold on me like nothing I’ve ever experienced with a BL. The acting, the complex themes, the mix of intense drama with silly comedy, the gritty but warm vibe, the chemistry…indescribable. I wasn’t a YinWar fan in particular before. That has changed and they’re now two of my favorite actors.

The romance is slow burn and not the main focus at all times—but whenever the two leads are on screen together, even when they’re fighting or misunderstanding each other, their chemistry sizzles.

The theme of the story—how the rich and powerful play games with people’s lives, and how the poor are forced to take part to survive, sacrificing their own morals, mistreating one another, and unwittingly handing over even more power—is so well rendered.

Apparently this show is not for everyone, but to me, it was everything.