Having thoroughly enjoyed the 1'st part of "Lost You Forever," I was excited to dive into the second half. The first half stood out among other Xianxia dramas with its unique storytelling and well-developed characters. Each character, despite their flaws, was compelling and drew me into their world effortlessly. The intricate plot and emotional depth of the first season set a high bar, and I had high hopes that the second season would continue this trend.

However, as I began watching the second half, I quickly realized within the first two episodes that it fell short of the high standards set by its first half. The pacing felt off, and the character development that was so strong in the first half seemed to stagnate. The magic that made the first half so captivating was noticeably missing, leaving me disappointed.

One of the major issues was the pacing and the way scenes were cut. Some scenes didn't make sense, and the flow of the story felt disjointed. Critical scenes from the novel, which were essential to the plot and character development, were inexplicably left out. These omissions not only disrupted the narrative but also left significant gaps in the storyline, making it difficult to stay engaged.

Most notably, I was disappointed with the lack of Tushan Jing's character appearance and development. It felt as though the creators had given up on his character, which was a stark contrast to his importance in the first season. Tushan Jing's absence and underdevelopment were glaring issues that detracted from the overall experience. His character had so much potential and depth, and seeing it wasted was truly disheartening. Deng Wei did well with what was given to him. Wishing him the best in his upcoming drams.

Additionally, the decision to deviate from the novel's script was a major letdown. A pivotal scene, which was crucial for Xiaoyao and Cang Xuan, was reduced to an illusion. This lackluster execution undermined the emotional weight and significance of the moment. In the novel, this scene was a turning point for both characters, but the drama's adaptation failed to capture its essence, leaving it feeling hollow and unsatisfying.

The best part about the second half of the season was undoubtedly Cang Xuan. This season truly belonged to him, showcasing his descent from a loving brother to an obsessed and tormented brother. Zhang Wan Yi's portrayal of Cang Xuan was exceptional. His performance was so compelling that even when Cang Xuan made horrible decisions, it was impossible to hate his character. Instead, you felt a deep sense of pity for him. As someone who sits on the throne, you'd expect Cang Xuan to have more choices and freedom with his power, but instead, all you see are the restraints and burdens that make him a prisoner to the throne and people.

Despite my disappointment with his development in season 2, Tushan Jing remained my favorite character. He is sweet, kind, intelligent, and most importantly, loyal. No matter how badly people, especially his brother, treated him—even wanting and attempting to kill him—he never had any malice towards them. As a clan leader from a huge and powerful family, he could easily use his power to his advantage, taking out anybody who poses a threat to him and his loved ones. But he chooses not to because that is not who he is. Tushan Jing is resilient and respectful, and while some audiences might see this as weakness, it is precisely why he stands out as my favorite.

Though I disliked Xiang Liu at first, I started to appreciate his character as the story progressed. Initially, he came across as greedy and ruthless, making questionable decisions that aligned with his nature as a feared nine-headed demon. However, the more I watched, the more I realized how kind and loving he could be. His love for Xiaoyao was evident, yet he couldn't be with her due to his loyalty to his Chenrong army. Xiang Liu embodies the chaos and danger that Xiaoyao is trying to avoid. Having experienced turmoil in her early life, Xiaoyao now seeks peace and loyalty, which she finds in Tushan Jing. Xiang Liu is a morally grey character who sacrificed much for Xiaoyao's happiness, adding layers to his complex persona.

Xiaoyao, the female lead of the story, was the only constant character that needed no development because her character was already perfect, even with flaws. She was someone who could love deeply but would easily abandon anyone she disliked. She was a good person as Wen Xiao Liu to her family in the rejuvenation hall, a loyal sister to Cang Xuan and A Nian, a wonderful companion to Xiang Liu, and a loving partner to Tushan Jing. Actress Yangzi outdid herself in "Lost You Forever," bringing Xiaoyao to life with such nuance and depth. Her performance was compelling and heartfelt, capturing Xiaoyao's strength, vulnerability, and complexity. Yangzi's ability to portray a character with such emotional range and authenticity was a highlight of the series.

In conclusion, while "Lost You Forever" season 2 had the potential to build on the solid foundation of the first season, it ultimately fell short. The first season's unique blend of storytelling and character development set a high bar, and unfortunately, the second season was unable to live up to those expectations. The pacing issues, critical scene omissions, lack of Tushan Jing's character development, and deviation from the novel's script all contributed to a disappointing viewing experience. However, Zhang Wan Yi's portrayal of Cang Xuan was a standout, bringing depth and complexity to his character's tragic arc, and was the highlight of the season. Tushan Jing, despite his limited screen time, remained a beacon of resilience and integrity, making him a truly unforgettable character. Xiang Liu's evolution from a feared demon to a character of depth and sacrifice also added a compelling layer to the drama. And finally, Yangzi's portrayal of Xiaoyao was nothing short of extraordinary, solidifying her as a central, unwavering force in the series.

OST is a 10/10. I love love Cang Xuan's theme song.