shadowdreamer

No one mentions the business aspect of the drama but I have to say it is very well done. The Xiao brothers did plan together secretly since the beginning. I feel bad for Xiao Xian, he'd suffered a lot these years. His endurance at the hands of Zhao is marveling. Xiao Shangqi is really is Zhao's obsession. Despite multiple setbacks he can outsmart him, it is no wonder Zhao does everything possible to defeat Shangqi. I'm a bit excited about the next two episodes. I wonder how Shangqi will overturn the situation after Zhao discovered the Xiao brother's team and bankrupt Yunlan. Your hero or heroine is as powerful as the villain is. It's been a while since I watch such smart play. Unfortunately, this is a romance drama so we don't get to see the full business spectrum play out.

I have to agree with some that there is just something about female lead actress that just doesn't work for me. I had a whole paragraph written but decided to delete it. As what I wanted to say will not sound nice so...anyway.

The pairing of Chen and Lin setup is actually good. Chen becomes humble and a much more likeable person than before. She's definitely finding herself after she left Zhao. Lin is a sweetheart, it's no wonder he can penetrate Chen's protective shell.

I was right in that Wusu is a sanctuary. ^_^

Lol, thank you. 😊

I agree. However, I'm curious as Lin is a quiet, smart and warm dad/person while Chen is a smart opportunist. Maybe that could work for Chen because she needs someone who is grounded and devoted to her and she can finally let down her guard of always scheming. Let's wait and see how the screenwriters fix these two up.

I like this character a lot. She really outshine FL. She's full of thorns, clever, devious even and has great instinct for survival and is not ashamed to go after what she wants. I think a drama staring with such anti-heroine characteristics like her as the lead would be extraordinary.

I don't want to change anyone's opinion but want to put in my 2 cents. The drama has its flaw, but each character is well written and played out, it is a matter of paying attention to details and having empathy to those individuals. We as audience are given access to see their inner thoughts with each revelation. Even if we disagree with their choices, we can understand their decisions.

The theme is an old trope as it is based on a novel but the way the storyline is rewritten and revamped is a refreshing take. The best part about this drama is the struggle of young people. The main characters are in their mid-20s. Young people in their 20s are still growing and experiencing life, good and/or bad. They are newly employed in the workplace but not yet stable in their career. They are young but ambitious. Of course, love is also a big part of the equation but many in this age group are either struggling or trying really hard to maintain their career aspiration. Some will be confused and will want to give up and only a few can achieve what they set out to do. This drama reflects this part well.

Anyway, love isn't just romantic love. Family, friendship, ideal (career, aspirations), and even love for your country is love. I interpret it as a sense of belonging, a haven, a cherish place or things. To fight for your family is not consider, at least in my definition, a separate entity from a romance drama. Rather it is the glue that bound romantic notions. Respecting a career development and achievement is not saying that they do not love each other more than their career. If there is only romantic love, how will they live and eat? I see a powerhouse couple as excellent in both love and career.

Well, think I'll end it here for now. Sorry, once I am passionate about something I tend to go on a tangent.

From the look of it this week's episodes will be exciting. I have a few anticipations and hope most will be answered.
Is it true the Xiao brothers work secretly to bring down Zhao? And how will they do that? Will Xiao Shangqi and He Xiaoran reconcile? What other obstacles will be in their way. Then, there's also the 2nd leads (FL's friends) and Chen's story with vice president Lin and his son. Can't wait!

I understand. This is my first time watching a drama by FL actress. I can say I will be hard pressed to watch any of her other projects. She is quite out of her depth with this role.

Err, since you've watched to the latest update then I'm baffled by what you are saying. There's enough evidence sprinkle here and there throughout the 26 episodes to justify each character setup and as to why they act or react the way they do. I'm honestly deduced that this drama doesn't sound like it fits your taste. I think dropping the series is a better option. Cheers.

I have noticed. And personally, I never look at rating to determine what to watch. I thought it was a bit dramatic how a show can be rated and who rated it before it ends. I mean, I can understand those dropping the series but according to what you said some rated due to actor biases and not the actual drama itself is a bit contrived.
Yes, it looks like the drama will wrap things up rather nicely. As far as the trailers showed us. Which I don't doubt because so far the pacing and storyline is superb.

When Shangqi said "I am scared", I cried. His 20 years of life that should have been spent happily with his father and brother was taken away because of Zhao. 😭

Wow, the rating went down pretty fast! Down .4 points in just a few days' updates. This is a most enjoyable Chinese show I have watch in a long while. I am curious, what makes people rate it low?

No matter how you look at it, Zhao is unlikely to turned out much different. He is twisted since childhood. Even if someone shows him love he likely will take offense to it.

He wants and needs to win over Shangqi to make up for his childhood. At the same time seems to marvel that Shangqi is the only one that stood up against him. Not obedient like Xiao Xian or Fei'er. This could be the reason why he's afraid of Shangqi. He knew that if he is a few steps behind, Shangqi will overtake him.

Once again this week's episodes ended at another cliff hanger. I can't wait to see next week's episode of how Shangqi will get back on his feet.

I was wrong. I underestimated Zhao . He is really truly petty and evil to the core.

Shangqi, it's time to go full mode revenge. Zhao needs to bring down to justice.

It just gets better and better. That business rival?Truthfullyl, it's the highlight for me. It's fast pace and very engaging, plus it revolves around the lead so it's very good. Haha, you can say it's a deformed CP of Shangqi and Zhao. Mainly on Zhao's part.

There's a small detail that really moved me. When Shangqi was selecting aromatic for the hotel, he noticed a familiar scent. The same scent FL wears when they met each other again at the nursing home. Even though this scent was made by another guy he didn't get jealous like a typical male idol would. Rather, he deducted from FL's dropped recording and ask her outright if she has insomnia. This is a very mature and gentle love.

Shangqi's temperment has changed after three months. He is more calm. He was always an introverted person but this time you can see his maturity.

This demonstrates that she is not suitable for life in Hupu. Where there is fierce competition, even involving death, and thick skin is needed. Hupu and Wusu is a tale of two cities. Hupu is definitely the battlefield arena while Wusu is a calmer and small town feel. You can tell Shangqi and Xianran are worlds apart at Fei'er and Zhao's wedding. How to balance that? They are now back in Wusu where their love bloom. Let's see how they will figure this out.

Although, FL is still a little off for me...

Exactly. I just love the part where Shangqi said to Zhao, "I will return what you said to you". Haha, so handsome.

Yes. I can also understand why Xiao Ran would want to also breakup. She's been hiding her feelings for him for a long time. And in the face of him wanting to break up she could only agree. I feel FL is the least developed character between them. She's been living a haven life in Wusu but hasn't accomplished much. It is only after this breakup that she really put her energy to full potential. However, she has a flaw, and that is she's nosey to other people and situations but when it comes to Shangqi it's like she doesn't want to touch. Her work confidence is getting better but overall she hasn't emotionally matured much. It looks like that hopefully might not be the case anymore now that she's involved in this web of intrigue. This breakup really gave her a boost of energy to her career development. Both are growing and maturing from this breakup, which is just amazing when compare to the first half of the show.

I am likely off the mark but I have a hunch the Xiao brothers are setting up a trap to Zhao. They are probably using the nursing home as the base to do so. Remember when father Xiao was still alive, he said something along the line of "I noticed you and Zhao are not fighting as often" and to "know who your family and enemy are". Xian said he understand. He is the person leaking the news of the nursing home in Wusu to Zhao, therefore initiate Zhao's involvement in the process. I feel all the performance in Hupu is to let Zhao feel he's defeated Shangqi. Shangqi's private call to someone in his office is another clue. Can't wait to see more!

I am the same. I am likely Xiao Shangqi with each episodes, too. Each crossroad or crisis makes his character more vivid and unique. He doesn't run with emotions rather I think he is very sober and self-aware. He seems to take everything into consideration and make decisive decision. For example, when he found out Fei'er lied about her dream (it was Xiao Ran's) to Zhao he packed his bag and left right away. When he found out his hidden feelings for FL he took the initiative to pursued her, bought a place and cherish the present. Even after all these years of misunderstanding and abandonment he felt from his father, once his father and brother are not as he thought they were he is ready to reconcile with them. Even though it ended up being just a few precious moments of this reunion. And finally, like you said, when Shangqi realized he cannot be what Xiao Ran needs at the moment, he is willing to let her go. In front of his responsibilities to Yunlun, all the employees and their livelihood, his duty as a son to his father's legacy and his brother, his rocky relationship with FL, I think based on what we know about him he is willing to let her go. This character is different and very consistent in its thinking/logic from other Chinese drama male lead I've seen.

I partly agree with your take however, he was there when his father died. That is unlikely to be easy on Shangqi. As we have seen in episode 24, Zhao has a network of connections the Xiao family cannot escape. FL would be like a bug to Zhao when you think that he was not even a suspect in father Xiao's death. His influence seems to far and wide. I have a feeling the Xiao brothers are secretly setting a bait for Zhao. This could be another reason why he didn't want her involved. I feel all the performance in Hupu is to let Zhao feel he's defeated Shangqi. Shangqi evading FL's questions about his brother after she overheard his father's death is also another clue and of course his private call to someone in his office.