I laughed, I raged, I fell inlove, I cried, and bawled some more

From start to finish, there was no boring moment. This is the first Cdrama I watched in 2023 that I didn't speed through. I went through their journey all the way to end, that's why I was so invested on every character. They gave me so much joy and respect.

Their ending was tragic, and I myself am devastated, yet it was something I am able to accept. They gave their all for loyalty. Not to the throne, but to the people they love and wish to protect.

I will not change my perfect score because of the last 6 episodes...because the last 6 episodes were one of the greatest performances of the entire series. It was action-filled and gut-wrenching. I could hear my heart shattering into gazillion smithereens by first strike starting at Ep.35. By fifth strike with Yuanzhou gege, my whole body is numb, tears frozen.

The last 6 episodes were a show of acting prowess from everyone, excellent cinematography, perfectly choreographed war scene, and amazing directing. I would like to thank everyone from the cast to the production team who made this awesome show.

My thoughts about the cast...

Ruyi was the first who captivated me. She is beautiful, scheming, and ruthless, a woman who knows exactly what she wants. You can see her change her perspective on some things as the show progresses. She will come to understand and realize that her initial goals might not be what she truly wants.

Ning Yuan Zhou, oh, that scene at his residence when he stabbed that thoughtless guy and his face covered in blood...for some reason (which is disturbing...a bit?) it looked hot! (Maybe I need some help). But anyway, moving forward, NYZ is a character who is warmhearted to the people close to him and ruthless to everyone else. In a way, he is very similar to Ruyi, the difference is, he actually has people he considers his own, while Ruyi is truly a lone wolf. Thank you Liu Yuning for bringing Ning Yuanzhou to life and giving it soul. Your Ning Yuanzhou will forever be in my heart. A character I truly admire and respect.

Yang Ying was a character you'll probably think is a bit annoying at first because of her naive thoughts, yet she will be the one person who you will come to love at the end. Yang Ying has one of the best character developments I've seen in dramaland. From an innocent and naive princess to embracing everything Ruyi and Ning Yuanzhou taught her. He Lan Dou is such an exceptional young actress. I look forward to her future roles.

Yu Shi San, the person who can make everyone laugh however dire the situation is, a man who seems to be always unserious, but you know you can count on him on crucial moments. I love all his comedic antics.

Yuan Lu is their maknae, the little brother they all want to protect...in the end, it was him who protected them...sob...sob...

Qian Zhao, a man of very little words. He had his own reason for joining the delegation, a deeply hidden revenge plan...yet he gave his life protecting the man he vowed to kill. I bawled at this scene...

Sun Lang, the seemingly clueless brother. He is not much seen as the others, but together with the team, he is also not overshadowed.

My two cents on LTG, such a character wasted.. Maybe they should have cast a better actor, or better gave the character more depth.

With the exception of that one character, everyone is perfect for their roles.

I will probably rewatch this after sometime...or just a compilation of the sweet moments between RY and NYZ,

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The kind of romance EVERY GIRL wanted in their youth

I dived into this show without any expectation. I was pleasantly surprised by how wonderful and heartwarming it was. I have never seen any of the two main leads' works before, but I was impressed by their acting. They portrayed the two adolescents learning about first loves quite perfectly.

Anyway, the story isn't really that fresh. But everything just came together from the actor's portrayal, the directing, cinematography, and writing created this harmony that ultimately made the show special.

Verdict is, I loved it. And will rewatch it. Again. And again.

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Everyone's love story

By the end of the movie, I was with a heavy heart. This was a story beautifully written, acted, and directed. It detailed the phases of a relationship that a couple goes through. A few fortunate couples make it to the end of the road, but majority of them like Mugi and Kinu do not. There are many reasons why couples break up. At the end of the day, a person chooses his or her own path that leads him/her to happiness. Mugi and Kinu's love was not any less than those couples that did make it through. They ultimately broke up because they have chosen to live a life they thought they deserved.

And it was not easy to forget that kind of love. After all, theirs was so intense, not to mention the 5 years they have spent together.

I find myself relating to both of them. And from time to time, I also think of my ex and the "what could have been'. But that's just a passing thought. After a minute, I'll forget all about it and move on with my life.

Life is like this. Love more so. You have to fight really hard to keep your love.

Kudos to our two main leads for portraying Mugi and Kinu so realistically. I said it before. This was a story beautifully written, acted, and directed. However, I will not watch this a second time.

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The Slice of Life and Romance Show You Don't Want to Miss

I read Gu Man's You're My Glory two years ago. I liked it, but for some reason, I was not very attached to the characters. But when I heard the rumors that two of the most beautiful faces on the Chinese entertainment screen will portray Yu Tu and Jing Jing, I squealed with excitement and anticipation (yes, I am superficial indeed).

And so, when I started watching You Are My Glory, I took it as an independent show and not based on the novel. But I was quite surprised that the showrunners have conformed to the original theme and overall feeling of the novel. I mean not in a bad way.

While the first half of the show was about Yu Tu and Jing Jing falling for each other, I loved the latter part more. Still, those gazes they exchanged, their strong attraction that they're not even trying to hide, Jing Jing's expectations, and Yu Tu's uncertainties were wonderful to watch. I want to praise Yang Yang and Reba for bringing Yu Tu and Jing Jing alive. They have great dynamics and intense chemistry to boot..or maybe, it's just the effect of two very attractive people in one frame. whatever it is, I loved this adaptation very much.

Like I said, I loved the latter part of the show more. It portrayed Yu Tu and Jing Jing's life as a couple. I won't go deeper and dissect their inner thoughts and characters, but I want to commend the director of the show for making such mundane daily life quite interesting.

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I have 3 words in CAPITALS: MESSED-UP TRAGEDY

What started as a light and warmhearted youth drama spiraled into a traumatic tragedy. This tragedy came one after another without warning I was baffled and beyond horrified. At the time, I thought Xia Rui Ning will never get out of that hell. And she never did, no one could possibly do it. Although years later we see her as seemingly fine, she looked like a walking corpse. She was dead inside.

I cannot begin to imagine what could she have been feeling stepping into the Ye mansion. For years, she has been haunted by guilt, slowly killing bits of her until there's nothing left.

And not to mention Ye Miao. The woman he loved was saved by the person he loved most, and who loved him most at the cost of his life. Although his words were harsh to XRN, in his heart, he never blamed her...for if he was in his brother's place at that time, he would have done the same thing.

Their love was doomed from that point. But they never stopped loving each other, especially Ye Miao.

I don't know if I should root for their love or wish they should let go and find their own peace. I was not prepared for the sudden turn of events so it left my heart heavy after finishing the show.

I am glad XRN found out she was not the cause of her mother's death, otherwise, there really would be no chance for her to be happy in this lifetime.

Anyway, I started watching this show because of Fan Zhi Xin (huge crush on him). I'm glad I did because it might be one of his early works, but he did exceptionally well.

I hope to see more of his lead roles in the future.

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Raw and real it’s terrifying!

There might be some spoilers, but mostly, just saying what’s on my heart at the moment.

Every time I finish a movie, there’s a certain feeling of satisfaction or disappointment. Some I finish in tears, but even then, I felt it's just right to end that way. Others, I end up getting disappointed to the point of cursing - demanding for my 2 hrs of wasted time to be given back. But mostly, I end up watching movies I felt very contented with.

Parasite though, it gave me a heavy heart... sitting and watching there for over two hours - how the lives of a family got ruined more than it already was. I don’t blame people for associating the movie with ‘Hell Joseon’ because it certainly was a depiction of it. And let’s face it, it’s not only happening in Korea, but the rest of the world. How the rich get to keep their riches, and the poor keep getting pushed to the edge (if you know what I mean).

Kiwoo’s letter at the end, knowing it was all just wishful thinking and would never come true (based on the theme of the story and well, let’s just say LIFE), only added to my already depressed mood following the tragedy that was called ‘the birthday party’.

Let’s not even get started in talking about justice for Mr. Park and how unfairly he was stabbed in the back (don’t take it literally because you know, he was stabbed in front) but anyway, that’s not my point. My point is, the Park family was nothing but nice. They’re rich, but they treated their workers with humanity. And just because a poor man couldn’t take an insult, he lost his mind and killed a person for it. Is that how cheap life is now? A life for pride? And he was even absolved from persecution because, well, HE FREAKIN' FLED! Can you believe what kind of person he is? I just kept repeating a sentence after this scene - 어이가 없네 (eoiga eobsne)!!!!

It was like a domino of misfortune. The head of the family who was supposed to be the pillar and supposed to protect his family failed at his duty miserably. Not only one, but four innocent lives were sacrificed for nothing. And in the end, nothing has changed.

So, am I recommending this movie? Definitely a yes. It is an eye-opener if you are in your corner refusing to admit the cruelty of life called REALITY. But for those who insist on only seeing fluffy things, skip it.

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Noble Idiocy done right! The heart-wrenching never-ending farewells left a gaping hole in my heart

After sacrificing my sleep last night, I finished a whole box of tissue for my tears, and oh well, my snots. I got a taste of sweetness that made my skin crawl from Qingmo and Houchi...and loads of heartaches from Houchi and Bai Jue...then Shanggu and Bai Jue. It was truly a roller coaster for the last 15 episodes.

The moments that undoubtedly made this show special were the endless goodbyes. It was the same concept, repetitive even, but the way they were delivered and how the words were phrased was equally heartbreaking.

And since these scenes were the ones I find remarkable, I would like to say a few more words.

1. See You After 100 Years - The day after Qingmo and Houchi's wedding, they bade goodbye to each other. To Houchi, although she was sad, she was also full of hope in reuniting with her husband after 100 years. If you consider that they're immortals, 100 years is nothing to them, so she might have thought that time will pass in a blink of an eye. For Qingmo however; he was full of uncertainty. Having just accepted the fact that he will disappear one day, separating with Houchi at this time was just too cruel. He probably thought there is a chance that this will be the last time he will see Houchi again, but still, he had a bit of hope of seeing her again after 100 years. After all, that's the timeframe Boxuan is supposed to regain sense.

2. I'm Unreconciled - Confronted face to face with another him who will devour his entire being, Qingmo was devastated...for his fears had come true --- not being able to meet Houchi again. I would like to applaud KaiKai here, he made Qingmo's last day on earth remarkably heartbreaking. He was unresigned, devastated, and full of regret...yet nothing could be done about it. His being was full of desperation you would be a total wood if your heart didn't hurt even a bit with this scene.

3. Qingmo, I'm back / Give Qingmo Back to me - I can't decide which line is better so I included them both as they are the main points of this scene. Having seen Bai Jue herself, Houchi has had her doubts. She believes Qingmo still lives within the man who calls himself Bai Jue. But when she was cruelly denied of this fact and was left with a mere cenotaph, she mourned...as she might have truly lost her husband.

4. I love You, My Dear Wife - Oh, the consciousness that Qingmo left for Houchi was full of love and longing. This was my favorite farewell scene. Like Qingmo said, his life maybe was short, but he was able to live it fully. He loved and received love. It was complete. Saying goodbye to his dear wife, he didn't look sad, but content knowing that their love was real.

5. The "Black Wedding" - After seeing Qingmo's farewell, Houchi was desperate to have him back and so he went to find Bai Jue who is in the middle of preparing his wedding. Houchi wanted nothing else but to know Qingmo is still alive. But bai Jue had to be so cruel in always shooting her down. When Houchi demanded a divorce and Bai Jue made the pact right there and then, I couldn't help but lament the circumstances of these two people who deeply love each other to separate just like that.

And in the middle of that, when Baijue said, "don't stop me or you will regret it" and Tianqi said he won't, Bai Jue repeated the same sentence, only then did Tianqi realize what Bai Jue is trying to do. I tell you, this episode was full of so much angst my heart almost gave up.

The heartbreaking separation of father and daughter. This is the highlight of this episode. Gu Jun sacrificed his life, not for anything else but to save his daughter's life. This scene truly etched in my heart, that a parent can do anything for their children just to keep them safe. And for this, Houchi truly fell into a sense of loss. He lost two of his closest kin, a husband and a father. Who would blame her if she will hate Bai Jue enough to kill him? All she ever wanted was to lead a safe and simple life. To be a filial daughter, a virtuous wife, and a good mother. And when she really did pierce his heart, she smirked, for she did not feel liberated. Killing Bai Jue will not bring back the family she lost. This was when she truly accepted that Qingmo is not coming back and this was truly the end of their ill-fated relationship.

6. Shanggu and Bai Jue - Waking up with no memories for the past 60 years, we see Shanggu with a young heart pining for Bai Jue. But she was told he got married not once, but twice and with a son, we see her confusion and disbelief. When she finally bared her heart to Bai Jue, saying how she wanted to tell him about her time in the Netherworld. That she had misgivings of his infidelity (well, we all know he's really not), but she doesn't know that. She did not receive any bit of consolation from him. And so she gave him up for a second time---as Shanggu.

7. You Really Let Us Down - I simply loved this scene for the powerful message that gave a blow to Muguang. When comparing people's lives, how would you weigh which one is more important? Wu Huan killed a truckload of demons and immortals alike, and when she was on the path to execution, what right would Muguang have to beg for the life of his wife? Houchi's words were bullets straight to the heart.

8. Last Dream - Shanggu never stopped loving Bai Jue. She was disappointed in him, yes, but she has always loved him. So when an opportunity presented itself to be with Bai Jue, even if it's only a dream, she embraced it with all her heart, without knowing this was really it, the final farewell.

After everything that's said and done, I understood what mindset and heart Bai Jue had when he made the decision to take the Tribulation of Chaos for Shanggu. There's nothing left to be said after witnessing their journey.

This is a show that I will love for a very long time.

P.S. Special credit to A-Lin's A Thousand Years of Searching for taking the angst on another level. Her longing-filled voice tinged with desperation in the background pushes the emotion at its peak.

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This is a story about love, forgiveness, and acceptance. THIS IS NOT A FAIRYTALE!

I am compelled to write a review because of all the rants I've read in the comment section. If you're looking for a perfect and flawless love story (which btw does NOT exist) get the hell out now.

This is a story that happens to anyone. People are originally fragile and prone to whatever temptations out there. The storytelling was executed perfectly, all the little details hinting at the inevitable... everything that led to that night; a mistake was done, the consequences irreversible.

I don't condone cheating. But to me, cheating is something done intentionally, disregarding the other partner's feelings to satisfy one's own selfish desires. It was not the case with Teh. But whatever the case was, it was still wrong to be swayed with another person and indulge in it without even realizing it while in a committed relationship.

For Oh, it was devastating. To see the love of his life looking at another man with longing; no one would ever want that. And so, he walked away from Teh. I completely supported his decision.

Years later, the wound healed, both of them moved on and can sincerely wish each other well.

Oh's decision to accept Teh back was perfectly rational. It was not something impulsive. He has loved Teh most of his life, no one can take that away from him. He knew that their relationship won't ever be perfect, but he's walking into it with full disclosure.

Anyway, what I'm saying is, THIS IS A STORY ABOUT REAL PEOPLE and not some trashy plot made to satisfy the general audience.

I truly want to commend all the people behind this show. I enjoyed it and was moved by the raw and real emotions the acting and the lines conveyed.

There was no boring moment

No non-sense conversations

Mature thought processes

Character development was present

Believable choices made

To be honest, this show had a much more impact on me than its predecessor.

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A Satisfying, High Quality Production with ABSOLUTELY NO Stress level

It's been a while since I wrote a review. When I saw this in MDL, I just dived into it, and oh boy, was it perfection!!! I have never seen such SSS quality CGI. The spells were mesmerizing. The concept of demons and guardians and their magics were very interesting. I was amazed when Boya transformed into the vermillion. I thought it would be irreversible so I want to know more about that. I was surprised when he came back to his original body. Anyway, I loved the show. I may be exaggerating, but that's exactly what I'm feeling right now. How I wished this could be made into a series, with both of our leads in place. I sure am a fan of Denglun, Mark, not so much. But these two had great dynamics and if they worked for a little longer, I think they will make a great duo.

Anyway, the production was truly high-end and cinematography and camera angels were exceptional. This movie captured all my aesthetic desire in a film so I am immensely satisfied. Also, the story was light. There were really no bad villains here. They're sympathetic villains that everyone can or may relate to.

Verdict, LOVED IT! I wish for more!

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How Xiangkong handled the whole Miya thing ruined the show

I loved both our leads at first. They're beautiful and sweet. Their relationship started off as rocky because of misunderstandings, but once they cleared them, the sweet friendship and love story began. That is, until Miya, the ex-girlfriend appeared. I truly loved Xiangkong at first. He was sweet and caring towards Qiu Ying and the adoration they felt for each other can be seen clearly from their clear eyes. But when Miya returned and wants Xiangkong back, I didn't like how Xiangkong handled the whole love triangle thing. He was too rash to declare ownership to Qiu Ying infront of Miya instead of facing it head on with her. Totally mishandled. When that thing got resolved, we finally got to see our couple finally together. We had our brief dose of fluff then the undying ex girlfriend appeared yet again. I mean, c'mon! There should be enough cliche in a few episodes! At this point I began to despise Xiangkong. He was kind to everybody except to the person whom he loved. That was total bullshit. I am a person who is very clear between love and hate. So him neglecting his girlfriend because he felt he was responsible for the ex was bullcrap. And worst of all, the showrunners let the girl give up first instead of the guy realizing his priorities and actually choosing his love. It was aggravating to be honest.

But despite my hate to the way they handled the love story, I liked the e-sports part. Xiangkong was not the best player but he was the best tactician. His skills wasn't god-like, unlike Gun god and he relies on his team for victory, but that was his strength.

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When parents fail at parenting miserably and their children were left broken

A psychopath mother wanted to groom her daughter into another her while the father remained a bystander. What a messed-up family. I dropped this once halftime in the first episode, so when I decided to pick it back up, I skipped episode one and watched the second episode instead. I'm glad I did. From then on, I loved every obsessive antics Moon Young has done to get Gang Tae's attention. Ridiculously hilarious. Some might hate MY for being rude, unreasonable, among other things, but I just can't bring myself to hate her. When I look in her eyes, all I see is a very lonely little girl in need of love. Those eyes of hers are so expressive. Seo Ye Ji as Moon Young was perfect. She expressed everything that needed to be conveyed to the audience through her eyes. Needless to say, it was the same for Soohyun. Oh Jung Se as Sang Tae was outstanding. If there is one thing I would have wanted to change was the tragedy regarding Moon Young's mother. It was unnecessary that she was still alive to bring conflict to our leads. It would have been enough drama when she was revealed as the murderer of GT's mother. They should have followed MY's father's story, how he killed and discarded the body. The head nurse should have just been an obsessive fan of some sort. But despite that, I love the show overall. I also loved how it was wrapped up. That Sangtae has finally was able to let go of Gangtae. It was a good watch. Bonus are the hot hot hot kiss scenes. That's what's a kiss should be. Every kdrama should learn from this. (and HPL)

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A masterfully crafted tragedy that will squeeze your tear ducts dry

What is war? I have never understood what war really was and what it can do to humanity until this 24-hr marathon. A tale told from the perspective of a very ordinary family, it detailed every phase that they went through during this difficult time and the bits and pieces of tragedy that slowly changed them.

Let me start with the heart and soul of the show, the person who left the deepest impression, the cause of my sobs and howls, the nation's brother-in-law, Jun Shan. The first time I met him, he was a shady and corrupt official who talked disrespectfully to elders which put him on my disdainful character list from the start. But over time, I saw how he truly cared and provided for his family, how deeply he loved his wife, and the efforts he did to secure a better life for his extended family. On that night when Changsha was ablaze yet, he kept saving people disregarding his own safety, I totally forgave him for being corrupt. Jun Shan was charming and had strong leadership skills. When he was deployed to the frontline, he skillfully defeated enemies one after the other with his quick wits, smarts and tricks. As he always says, he's very lucky because he can survive anything, and I had hoped for it as well. When tragedy befell his family because of petty jealousy, that was the first time I felt indescribable anguish. I bawled and roared and cursed at no one in particular for not even sparing a little child. That scene when he held his wife and said he did very bad things that's why his bad karma was received by his son made me hate on the gods who did such calculation. For protecting the people of Changsha, he fought day and night at the frontline, saving hundreds, thousands of lives. Was that not enough to balance the scale? I cried injustice. At that time, I was very sure that he would never be able to forgive himself in this lifetime, and that he would probably wish to die on the battlefield hoping to protect what he wasn't able to. And boy, I was right. He was valiant. He was brave. He was a hero. He was someone I have truly admired and respected. I will always miss the carefree smile on his face even when he was at death's door.

As for the rest of the characters, they didn't have much impact on me. I had a love-hate relationship with the family in the first few episodes of the show. I didn't like how the family spoiled the twins that they overlooked all the mischievous things they had done. Sure, they appeared to have been angry and tried to beat them, but they were all for shows, just trying to scare the children. The father was useless, as he's supposed to be the head of the family, yet it was Jun Shan who held them together. He disdained Jun Shan for being a dirty cop, yet he relied on him for everything. He prided himself on being an intellectual, but so what? Can that feed his family? I pretty much labeled him as a hypocrite. But, his last sacrifice for his loyalty to his morals and beliefs was moving and poignant. As an intellectual who loved operas, he used the most appropriate way to demonstrate that he too, can die for his country with no regrets, that he's not in any way inferior to the soldiers who died on the battlefield.

I don't want to say more for the rest of the characters because I felt they weren't as interesting as Jun Shan, nor have the most moving end like the father, so I'll skip those altogether. I don't understand why Battle of Changsha wasn't in any of the Chinese drama recommendations I have seen (and I have seen plenty). This was the most riveting historical show I have seen. It was full of tragedy, yet I could not look away. The reunion at the end and the fact that one family was intact after the war did not give any relief to the anguish I have gone through watching the entire show. I would watch this again, but I have to wait a few years at most when I have recovered from the loss of those people I have learned to love and considered my family.

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It was a nice detective show, but it felt unfinished and lacking character development

Now I understand what everyone have been talking about.

1. Too much suggestive BL scenes - I wouldn't have minded this if there wasn't any romance between Youning and Maomao at the later part of the series. It felt really uncomfortable to me, especially since Chu Sheng is like a real big brother to Youning.
2. Very minimal to almost non-existent hint of romance between Youning and Maomao - Zero romance tension between Youning and Maomao 90% of the series. Then suddenly, it came out of nowhere. Ok, so I understand the first time they kissed had been an instinct to both of them and it would have been appropriate had there been any indication (no matter how low-key it was) that they were slowly developing to more than a bickering old friends, but no. It was like an unexpected slap in the face.
3. The last few episodes were rushed - I was impressed for the majority of the cases. The deductions were logical and the execution was great. But the last 5 episodes were rushed. I didn't get any satisfaction on how the villains got punished.

What I wished the Show should have explored more on:
1. Character development. There was ZERO. I wished to have seen a more mature Youning to become a real journalist and not just publish some catchy headlines to attract readers. Her ways had always been immature and that hasn't changed at all. Maomao has always been a little selfish and self-centered with no particular goal in life, and I am disappointed that there wasn;t really any change till the end. Yea, he held his ground and not follow his father's orders to return home, but that was only because he was having an internal battle with his father. There wasn't any real self-reflection on his part even after a near-death experience. But I do appreciate that he's always logical. Even his calculation of the reason why he wanted to be with Youning was romantic. The most stable out of the 3 and honestly the most likable and interesting character was Chu Sheng. He's smart, charming, and a good leader. Even if he grew up among gangsters, he maintained a kind heart. I was too heartbroken for him on that Tongli case. I want him to be happy again.
2. The tension between the elite Lu family and the Bai gang and how would they resolve their differences.
3. What happened to the looming war - but I guess this will be for another story

Overall, I enjoyed watching the show.

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May the noble legacy and selfless sacrifice of Lin Shu and Mei Changsu live on forever

This show has been the top of my list since I watched it the first time. There were many times when I cried for all the injustices that the Chiyun army suffered and the House of Prince Qi. For all the suffering Lin Shu has endured so he could clear his family's name of the crime they have never committed. For Nihuang, who painstakingly waited for her Lin Shu gege to come back, only to be separated in the end. Life was never fair. But it was particularly cruel for Lin Shu.

Lin Shu is a character I truly admire. After the massacre of his family, he didn't vow for vengeance and didn't cruelly kill everyone involved. Instead, he traded his life, his chance to be with the people he loved and instead be the sly, cunning, and shrewd Mei Changsu. For 13 years, he planned his strategy and eventually he succeeded. The journey though was never easy. And when we thought that he can finally leave in peace, war happened. Instead of spending his limited time with the love of his life, he went to battle to protect the people and his country. This was his ultimate sacrifice so that the people he loved would have peace. Jingyan knows this, more so Nihuang. For Lin Shu and Nihuang, their separation on that hill was poignant and full of hope. Not because they knew they will meet again, but instead they knew this could be the last time they will see each other. And for them, that was okay. Duty to their country comes above all else.

I truly hope that in their next lives, they were born as ordinary families, spending their life until old age. Or, they could have just been reincarnated as Xiao Pingjing and Lin Xi.

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A story about making choices that will ultimately decide our happiness

From the very beginning, I was awed by the quality of the production. I couldn't help but compare to the trashy BL shows I have watched just to satisfy my guilty pleasure. This was clearly a show that tells us that the choices we make will determine our future...and our happiness. This show got me thinking of all the choices I have made so far that got me to where I am now...and evaluate if I am making the right choices at the moment. Sometimes, we are so caught up in becoming the kind of person the society wants us to be...that our parents, friends, and everyone around us expects us to be that we forget what living truly feels like. I was deeply moved by the message the show tried to convey. And I am somehow empowered by it.

As for other things, like Akira and Yuki, I have some grievances. Yuki was a darling. He was never afraid of his feelings and communicated what he wanted and that's a strong character. He loved Akira to his bones, so when Akira betrayed his love, I was heartbroken and angry for him. My thoughts while Akira was in the park with his monologue(at this point, I really cannot hold back my sobs that turned into wailing): It's so hard to hate you Akira, you pitiful soul. But when I think about Yuki, I felt so betrayed and heartbroken. Just because you lost to your insecurity, you sacrificed the person you loved and who loved you sincerely. That was just unfair and unforgivable.

We got a happy ending, but that wasn't the happy ending I was hoping for. I would have wished for Yuki to have found a person who can sincerely love and cherish him...openly. He deserve that kind of man. But I guess the show also wants to reiterate the importance of fate and second chances. It was because of fate that they first met, and fate that brought them back together.

Overall, it was a great mini series. I love the life lessons. And the OST. And the chemistry between our leads. Although their emotional scenes falls short of standard, the rest made up for it.

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