sharreb
Full of feels, Relatable, Impressionable
In a sea of youthful, school romances, this one is cream of the crop. Every step of the way the story grabs my attention and stole my heart.The Plot begins with highschool transitioning to college and with it, it captures how the characters have changed. Highschool was mostly sweet. College had some rude awakening. The society arc was realistic though. It is hard to stay 'pure' and keep a righteous heart. A society that pressures one to be 'accomplish' and driven by profit making.. it makes me applaud for FL and ML.
Why I fell in love with the characters:
- FL was very relatable in highschool. Being a new transfer student to a city school, she felt like she stuck out like a sore thumb. She did not know how to communicate with her classmates. She felt small and hence become withdrawn. She also does not know how to say no. It brings back memory of teenage years when one feels unsure, useless and even lonely. Compound that with a naughty younger brother whom her mum seems to be bias over
- ML had a inner gentleman. Being deskmates with FL, they gradually warm up to each other. He's a naturally gifted student that ace his studies without needing much effort. He has a clear goal. However he isnt cold or unapproachable. Infact he's helpful to his peers and once he took FL under his wing, he doesnt think twice in helping her out
Why I love their interaction:
- They have the cutest deskmate interaction. Even though both never confess and their relationship isn't labeled more than 'deskmate'
- ML look out for FL. And does a lot of sweet warm actions.
- FL even being timid would speak out to defend ML.
- They both go to great lengths to protect their deskmate position.
- They reassure and encourage each other in a highpressure Chinese education system
- Their gifts to each other were really thoughtful
- The way they look at each other gives me butterflies
Character development
- FL had a determined streak in her. She overcomes being an 'average' student and work hard to enter a top tier university
- That same determined streak had her repeating just to follow the ML to his university
- FL along the way has matured, become more sociable and able to think for herself
- FL became much more confident and openly pursues ML even as he pushes her away
- ML's family particularly his dad encountered serious health problems. Suddenly push into a poor financial situation, he becomes stretched out physically and mentally juggling school, work and visiting his parents
- The same situation makes him unwilling to share with FL so as not to 'pull her down'
- ML wanted the best for FL but he also decided it all on his own; only later did he realise his way of thought was wrong
- During a speech, ML expresses that infact FL looking up to him and encouraging him was his greatest drive
- The other love triangle SBC too had his own development. He went from a reliable senior to an accomplished company manager to one that does questionable things as he bowed down to society pressures to finally walking away from it.
Acting
- Im blown away by ML's micro-expressions. In an interview even Rainbow, the FL says ML's eyes 'blink' 'blink' expressing his eyes twinkle. The way he looks at his leading lady is like dripping mollases.
- Both actor/actress really interpreted what their character feels. I felt they truly capture the gist and the moments in the story
- Their chemistry makes the whole drama works. From the unspoken affection they had in high school, carrying the secret crush and how they chased each other in college.
Rewatching - Definitely, complete with watching BTS and their interviews too.
Ps: Costume and wardrobe people love colour coordinating the ML and FL's clothes. Cant help noticing.
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The kind that nibbles at your heart until theres nothing left
Reality is sometimes far from ideal. It can be sad. Disappointing. Frustrating. Daunting. Painful. I found all these in Si Yu, Zi Zi and Xiao Ling's life as depicted here.We saw the rosy moments. The happy and content times, often fleeting or even underappreciated. But often they had to face so much struggles that life throws at them. In this aspect, the writer does not shy off from showing us the ugly.
The issue in SY and YM's relationship or the cracks in ZZ's marriage. They were very real. Sometimes its not cookie cutter clear who is in the wrong. The relationship stalled at this point from the contribution of both parties. In SY and YM's aspects, they werent on the same page at that time in their lives. I found this to be all the more painful because they love each other but not enough to stay together and be happy.
Often i get upset when watching so i caution those with a feeble heart. But yet 41episodes watch and cried, I'm still here eagerly waiting everyday for new episodes to watch my very flawed male and female leads. As much as it pains me to see them falter, and grope in the dark as they refind themselves. I want to cheer for them. For ZZ to gain independence and confidence. For SY to understand what truly matters and stand back on her feet. I want to witness when they would find back their true selves, and their way to happiness.
The acting here is amazing. The leads are so flawed and imperfect, sometimes weak and sometimes they frustrate the hell out of me, but i cant hate them, i pity them and still want to root for them. Zhu Yi Long (this guy's eye acting and micro expressions are so on point), Liu Si Si and Han Zing Zhi all had their shining moments. Lastly i love the girls' friendship, they are there and supportive but never stiffling or condescending even though they all are so different and have different ambition and dreams.
* I have amended by rating and review upon finishing. This is the first time there's a huge discrepancy during "currently watching" to "completed". The conclusion continues its sarcastically cold reality- except the plot outcome for some of the characters to deliver the ultimatum ended up unrealistic in my opinion. We are suppose to receive the climax and send off our characters but the writing didn't deliver. After diligently shouldering the frustration and watch the humbling problems the girls faced for so long, you asked for a little reward and felt cheated. Watch something else unless you don't mind cruel reality and unfulfilled epilogue.
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Hardcore Rainbow Taxi member
S2 celebrates the kinship among the Rainbow taxi members. They are the core of the entire season. Its also where it shines brightest and helps you oversee the flaw and some holes in the story.Where it pales to Season1:
Not as gritty. Season1 was drippling with suspense and often at the edge of your seat thriller. Season1 tiltering between black white and grey had this intensity that couldnt be reciprocated in Season2.
Where it's better in Season2:
Camaderie among the taxi driver members. Their rapport and always having each others back. Their loyalty and love is just really sweet.
The individual cases are much more fleshed out and the variety and scope of the cases were really good.
Highlights
The linking cases and big bad boss. The audacity of the moves Do Gi and the team makes. The subtle flirting between Do Gi and Go Eun. The cameo from Nam Goong Min and Kim So Yeon (very well used imo). The character of Oh Ha Jun who initially irked me and yet evoked sympathy later.
Issues
Some of the infiltration was orchestrated alittle too easily. It feels like you have to defy belief to just roll with it. And Do Gi's been protrayed like superhuman and Go eun a superhacker. There are also glaring plotholes here and there. Theres also alot of product placements that you and I may not care for.
Why I rate it higher than S1
The same reason why I tune in to watch. Ive formed an attachment to Taxi driver the series and its characters. Its almost like watching your child graduate from highschool and enter university. A new chapter, stronger kinship but different experience. S1 was alittle too gory and often I debated in dropping it as I couldnt agree with the punishment Do Gi belted out against the wrong doers. He almost seem like a grim reaper. Here S2 is a fairer vigilante. Most of their methods of punishment is less cruel, not as violent and non fatal.
S3 I pray they dont harm this series and the love I have for each of the cast. Plus it wouldnt feel the same if we are missing any of the core members.
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THE GOOD AND THE AVERAGE:
Plot falls on usual trope of arranged marriage between two individuals that have never met (except they did). A young girl who has a motive to enter the Long family on the decreed of the royal family. A Qin 4th prince who poses a threat to the reigning emperor. Yet one couldnt choose who you fall in love with. It was fate who brought them together and its the heart that decides where it goes from there. On the political aspects theres secrets, multi parties and alot of chess playing.
The characters- Rather intelligent otps who have their own charms but also made some questionable decisions that you may or may not like but it does make them flawed yet human.
Male otp: Long Fei Ye as a man in position of power that comes with great responsibility. He is both revered and feared by many. Outwardly cold and reserved and man of few words. Described as a deep pool of water. A strategist, intelligent, shrewd and observant. He had a plethora of good traits that obviously drew Yun Xi to him.
Female otp: Han Yun Xi the first daughter of Han family who grew up without her father's attention and in search of her mother. Shes an optimist at her and tends to take life full frontal. She doesnt let things bring her down and while her words may have bite, shes a softie at heart. Her knowledge and skill of poison and their cures sets her apart. As does her vibrant personality and intelligence. She however does not hold a high self defence when it comes to people she accepted and trust. This is both a virtue and a flaw.
The other character i liked was the dependable Xi Feng, the prince's right hand man who was also an early supporter of the couple.
Acting- Ju Jing Yi as our heroine was fitting. Petite, pretty and energetic she brings out the sweet charms of Yun Xi. The actress was previously memorable in her supporting role in Novoland. Zhang Zhe Han looked the part of Long Fei Ye but i do have complains with some of his eye expressions. But together they do have great rapport and i was greatly entertained to watch them drift together.
THE WEAKNESS:
The plot itself has good parts as stated earlier but also typical in C dramas that middle part that lost some traction. The device plot to wedge between our otp came in the form of Bai Li Ming Xiang, the prince Childhood friend. While shes isnt as villainy as many other characters in the drama, i just didnt want to watch her scenes.
The other major person affecting otp was 2nd male lead Qu Qi Shao who although interesting at start but my interest waned over time and safe to say no Second lead syndrome for me
Many parties with their own ambition, plot and war over in palace politics. Some that i dont care that much about. Lots of self centred, power hungry people that when it comes to their decline i felt neither triumph or pity, just ambivalent.
For all these reasons its a solid 8.5 for me. It was entertaining to watch especially watching Yun xi able to thaw the ice and earned the prince attention and love. When the prince is attentive, acceptive of her and trust in her capabilities, he was really swoony. Those are the parts i would rewatch.
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This review may contain spoilers
This is a skewed review. My 7.5 score is solely based on the good romance part between Wang Yuan Feng & Xiao Cui. Most of the rest of the story, the middle onwards and especially the ending is crap.Lets talk about the good bits. Xiao Cui is really adorable character. One u want to take under your wing and root for. Her naveity and treating yuan feng initially as 'mama' was really cute. He was the first person after she came out from her 'egg' and ended up beside him assisting him in breaking cases. Her love stems from very pure and basic reasoning. Loving him means spending the rest of your lives together. Yuan Feng character initally comes off as brash and proud. He does t quite say what he means and without knowing it comes to care for xiao cui. The two have some really sweet moments that i really love. And for those reasons i couldnt exactly say i regret watching this drama.
I couldnt really develop any attachment to the other supporting cast. The other couple also had alot of screentime but i find Ai ya character to be annoying. Sad to say i skip almost 2/3 of the drama, sometimes nearly an entire episode whenevr theres no Xiao Cui. I find the scriptwriter forgot the whole gist of the story. The title of the drama should be on the fox spirit aka Xiao Cui. If only they spend more time on her and her romance it would have been way better. And dont get me started on the last few episode weird plot and sour ending. Spoiler or not i feel the need to forewarn.
For the good romance part i love ep 26 and parts of ep 30. U may skip 31 to 40 to avoid the ending. Or if you want to know more of how thins unfold watch til ep 39 and the first 10mins of ep40. I wish someone have told me that before i watch the whole thing.
Now im gonna scour youtube for fmv that combines only the good bits of Yuan Feng & Xiao Cui moments. Sigh that kiss in the rain was so romantic as was the parts when he rescue her. If only the writers didnt screw up..
Fyi i love the ending theme song. Very emotionally provoking.
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Cup of flower tea
This is a drama you'll watch with special fondness. One I'll archive under watch again.From the opening theme, it already hints of what comes next: calm, pleasant, ingenuous.
FL checks a lot of the neither box. Simple but not backwards. Innocent but not naive. Lively but not obnoxiois. Silly but not stupid. She treats people with a genuine heart and that attitude wins people over. Shes one that draws and keeps people around her. Its just one of her many charming qualities.
ML is sharp minded but not manipulative. Strategic but not greedy. Noble but not arrogant. A bit sickly but able to fight and defend. He lacked love and warmth from his parents. But theres not a bone of meanness on him. He mostly masked his ability to safeguard himself in a palace riffed with powerplay, particularly those in cahoots or bowed to the 2nd prince.
ML-FL had a genuinely believable, well-paced relationship. From minor misunderstanding develops to an understanding, forming a cordial employer-employee existence. But far from mundane their interaction and day to day lives are peppered with hilarity and warm moments. That reliable companionship is almost like a form of courtship unique to them. Textbook case of "Familiarity breeds fondness".
My greatest praise for him would be how respectful he is of her. He learn that her valies are different to what is typical of his country. He does not force her to follow in his ways, instead every step of the way he lets her choose, gives her as much freedom as possible and backs her up even as it goes against palace norms and rules.
My greatest praise for her is her genuine personality. Whether it is ML or others, she stays true to herself but also treats others fairly. She can answer ML honestly and he can count on her for being truthful. I love how to takes her time in considering the ML and their possibilities. Entrusting your heart and the rest of your life to another is not sth done at a whim.
My greatest praise for the drama is the entirety of the casts and the stories they rell together. Unlike other palace dramas that can be hair pulling or super angsty but this one is done jus right. FL has this huge gang of sisterhood that was so remarkable and heart warming. Sisters of no blood relation that supports and helps out one another. Than theres the prince brotherhood that reluctantly forms through the ladies. Not to forget the head butler and chef of the 6th Prince that provided a lot of comedy. So many of them had such great comedic timing.
If you've not watched cause of the tag 'slow-burn', dont be. Its like a cup of flower tea. Enjoy the steaming and beautiful fragrance. And when steep just nice, enjoy the sweet cleansing taste and lastly savor the aftertaste.
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Unexpectedly moving. Realistic. Poignant
This C adaptation from original korean source was a more grounded take- the overall tone is much more serious and realistic. What makes it memorable (as i am reviewing this quite a long tome from when i finished it) was how much the story manages to struck a deep chord, resonate with me how parent-child relationship becomes over time, over daily business in career or life. It punctuates all our realistic short comings and even laid bare how the important things are overlooked until finally your days are numbered.The performance from the father to his daughter and sons was nothing short of brilliant. The entire cast was strong.
It is impossible to steel your heart from the story, from the many moments you weep with them. Prepare tissues and prepare the reason why you wake with swollen eyes.
This is a rare family drama that is worth your time. Dont give up when you get frustrated with the doctor-son, and the daughter. They are human. Wait for the episodes of realisation and bleed with them. You've been warned.
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I wouldnt ask for a longer drama because the major plus of this special drama was its snappy pace and the plot rolling along very well from start to end. The plot itself was very engaging, with mystery and thriller nicely packaged and i read everyone enjoyed guessing who the culprit/killer/arsonist is. Made my day when i found out i guessed correctly.
Lee Joon Hyuk is so fitting for the role. He brought this macho and yet boyish vibe to the role. He made Chul Soo a hero but still a human and average guy. Jung In Sung as Jin Ah was good too. They made a striking duo on screen. I wish i can see both of them in a full length drama and if possible paired up again.
Fantastic supporting roles from veteran Lee Won Jong and also Jo Hee Bong and Park Hoon.
Minor qualms that there was some inserted melo drama bits within an action scene that isnt quite believable ina real life and death situation. But overall thoroughly entertained.
PS: is this the first firefighter korean drama? I didnt watch any feat firefighters (korean ones), none came to mind to be a recommendation. I wish we will have a full length drama of one soon. The action and bromance of firefighters (and their hotness lol) would make an awesome watch
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Although initially i thought of City Hunter but the plot is different and I actually prefer Healer. Park M Y character here is better too. Love our female lead isnt just a damsel in distress. She has spunk, kind and bravery despite her pitiful childhood. The same characteristics mentioned that drawn the interest of our hero.
Both the leads acted really well and brought the jist of their character and has good chemistry too.
Romance story ( thats my main priority in a drama) =D : Love how initially he wasnt receptive , she was just the subject his client requested. Love how it evolved. I wont spoil it but have to mention their first date was different but romantic and she really put herself out there for someone she hasnt met upfront but trusted her feelings. Their first kiss was really swoon worthy and among my top 10 memorable drama kisses.
No idea why it took me so long to click and watch. I marathon and finish in 2days.
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Moving Biography. Captured essence & humanity of Love & Friendships
Rather than death, the story reminds us the beauty and priceless value of life. Xiong Dun is a remarkable person. Not because shes fearless but rather she wouldnt let her fear control who she is. Shes a person full of life, straightforward in speech, humourous, people person and endless love to give to the people around her.The production handles this otherwise heavy theme of cancer, and looming death well by not filming and focusing on melodramatic angles. In 1 episode you get a cheating boyfriend and FL confronting him before episode 1 even ends..it doesnt dwell and the pace is good. Rather alot of focus is how resolute this woman, when shot, bites the bullet. Her inner strength and using good humour to cheer the people around her draws even more love from everyone that is lucky enough to have met her.
Its a story that is hard to rate. How do you rate a person's life? Well Xiong Dun would say: by how he or she lives. And given how much she loves life, I can leave this question unanswered Im thoroughly moved by the love shes surrounded with. Its like full circle. Her sincerity to people and her generous warm nature has affected everyone beside her. Not just her wonderful parents, her love interest doctor, her 2 bestfriends, her new bestfriend and fellow cancer patient, her boss and coworkers. All these people makes this drama a very good watch. Makes watching the journey of a cancer patient worth the tears and pain. Restores your faith in humanity and trust in selfless friendships.
I am glad to have met Xiong Dun brought to life in this story. May her story lives on and touch many more people.
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Pretty but bland
PlotEp 1 to 10: Quite a breeze watching. FL was cute.
Ep 11 to 30+: Quite forgettable, didnt register much. I skipped quite alot cz it was boring, oacing and development wise
Issues: The directing and writing focuses on the pretty and this makes the story quite dull. They nvr focus on the sad n difficulties of FL, her mon and bro's sickness in the right intensity..so although its there, it fails to resonate. The growth of FL again although its there it lacks focus. There should hav been more thoughts to develop FL and her ring of friends better. On romance section, I dont know if its considered slow burn.. but intensity of their feelings again couldnt feel it cz it was not written and develop properly. Lack of skinship is not the problem; theres lots of other C dramas that can convey beautiful love between leads without kisses etc. You just dont feel it here
Acting: If you watch BTS (behind the scenes), you would know director works closely with actors (esp the young cast) to work out how to convey the message in each scene. So i will blame the director in how the acting was carried out. JJY is not a new actress, acting wise she hasnt progress or regress from Legend of Yun Xi but as YunXi she was much more memorable. SWL this was his first drama that i watch, i previously watch him as a dorky teen/campus guy in a film..he was better there. The direction and his character here was flat..and boring. He didnt bring any extra on the table. The other 2 male leads had a more colourful character and hence was much more memorable.
Cinematography and costume etc were all nice. I just wish there was more depth where it matters! Story! And not an after thought.
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All the characters are based off the novel but some changes has been made to fit into a 100mins running time. These means some scenes from the novel did not make it into the movie. However it was still nice to spot the difference and also points for new originality. Further they included Gu man in the workings of this movie, so it retains her touch.
What is enjoyable is the flow and the ease of interaction between Xiao Nai and Bei Wei Wei.
Xiao Nai here is intelligent but not infallible, cool but still approachable and his gaze when he sees WeiWei is warm and familiar. But turn purposeful and masculine the scene where he kisses her. Their embrace and kiss was also done sweetly and feels like a believable couple as compared to the drama. Angelababy's Weiwei is more bubbly, fun, outgoing and even a tad tomboyish when she goes high over gaming. So this pairing for me works.
The only minus is the movie length is too short. So not only cut scenes from the novel but also not enough time to flesh out the bromance and the female friendships. The plus is theres no unnecessary scenes of unnecessary characters which irked me when i watch the drama.
I thought the CGI here were nicely done. Theres alot of sweet scenes that are memorable and beautiful (marriage scene, backhug on the creek, running towards the game showing portal from real life to game life) but it was done either subtly or sweetly and did not come off as cheesy.
Like i said i like some of the creative difference from the novel. Just to mention roughly without spoiling. From their first official meet up on their date, from how and why weiwei traveled back from her hometown to be with Xiao Nai and weiwei as part of the team for ultimate game they created. If you havent read the novel, its fine to watch it as it is too.
Ive already watched it twice and i wouldnt mind watching it again. But i wouldnt rewatch the drama. That tells you how i feel about the two. Everyone have their own preference though so keep that in mind.
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The chemistry and ease of seeing the two intereact is gem. Furthermore this time Zhang Han's role, Si Yi is not as cool or cold as his role in boss & me. You get to see the two leads stay together as house mates, communicate, fight, laugh, drink, sing and even get tattoos together.
Back to the storyline LiYing's character, Siu wu believes there is a love formula and works tirelessly on the Math to prove this and in finding the perfect match. Enters the other guy, Jung Il woo in his role as the boss who invests in this project as potential for perfect love mobile app. He also then develops feelings for our main heroine. (my qualms is i dont quite know when he fell for her, it felt slightly premature for me). Theres the other girl linked to both men who i wont spend much time talking about cause i dislike the character.
Anyhow the main problem is the formula generated the boss as the perfect match which makes Siu Wu confuse to continue in her faith in the formula or her heart pounding for her house mate and friend, Si Yi.
The last scene when they make up is my favorite. Nice to see when the girl makes the move.. Lol watch and you'll know what i mean.
The story like i said may not be anything particuarly original or memorable. Yet it avoids cliche types of melo or angst which was refreshing. It concentrated in giving us great interaction between the two leads who carried the movie and made it a warm and enjoyable 90 minutes.
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Meaningful, sweet n perfect CP feels
If you love the novel, you will love the drama. Everything follow closely, from flow of events to their dialogue. It's one of my fav from Gu Man.If you havnt read the novel, theres even more reason to watch. Because the plot wont fail you and because the cast are icing on the cake. In a nutshell. ML is someone calm, logical, and everything in his life is well thought out. In highschool he shot down FL's confession because he reason out they are unsuitable.
FL is someone with high EQ and a witty personality. When they meet online on a gaming platform and she uses her devious wit to meet ML in RL, thats when it opened the opportunity for ML to get to know her.
The story imo is beautiful and deep and even deprecatingly realistic.
1. Definition of success in life. Masses will say land a high paying job and make money. But is it for everyone?
2. Best student in school does not necessary make the most money. Depends on what you choose to pursue;
3. How many are willing to pursue their dream or achieve sth of national pride as the journey can be arduous and the reward isnt monetary;
4. A sensible reasoning is good in school and work but not with matters of the heart. This is the hard lesson ML learns. He missed out on the opportunity with FL with his logic and pride. He failed to factor other more important things. He would come to realise their lifeviews are similar and their contradictory personality is actually complementary.
Qiu Jing Jing is truly one of the lovelist FL. Her personality rivals her beauty. She admired YuTu not just his good looks, his intelligence, demenor and most of all his admirable dream. She herself is confident and works hard to try to connect to him, to be the best version of herself. Her hard work and sincerity did not reach him until 10years later. But shes not the wilting flower just because ML rejects her. Thats why i like her so much. Sad or not, she moves on and make do. With ML, she can be coquettish, cute and mischievious. She can be direct and frank too. I love her guts.
Sigh the story and the well written character is just really up my alley. Only sorry when live watching you keep wanting more episodes. I had to go back and binged the novel. Really easy to immerse into rabbit and cotton's love story..
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Turbulent, sweet & sour
*Heart house participants*The guys and girls who participated in this season are pretty good, in terms of inteligence, looks and personality.
*Compared with previous seasons*
A couple of them are really outgoing more so than previous seasons. And not overly focus on 1 person (like last season). I enjoyed seeing everyone's effort and growth.
*Heart signals*
There were indeed moments where someone's gesture for the other person was thoughtful and moving. Theres some thats fateful as in they share a common interest. Theres others that came about from effort and courage of putting yourself out there
*Format*
If you watch previous seasons you would find the later participants actually came a bit earlier this time around and I think thats good. Gives the later people time to get to know others.
*Panel*
Unfortunately they were the weakest of all seasons. Either their deductions or comments werent deep enough. Or sometimes they werent personal enough, and felt distant. Or not as colourful or funny as some previous panelists.
Lastly i hope cp fans or extreme fanatics would stop putting hurtful remarks on heart participants' weibo. Life including love is not the same for everyone. For some its simple and direct like Simon and his approach works. For others like Orange who is guarded and passive, her response or lack of is make or break to others. Noone is wrong. If its the right person, the timing would be right. Their happiness isnt limited to the show. Remember Fu Pei? She found her guy eventually, someone outside of the show. But the memories for the time they spend together here would always be special.
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