Reviews

Absolute masterpiece!

Best martial arts display I have ever seen in a C-drama.I kept going from episode to episode because the adventure was so engaging and the puzzle pieces fit together perfectly. The CGI was amazing, but Yang Yang’s acting completely stole the show.

He didn't just play a hero; he embodied his character completely. Instead of being a stiff, boring robot, he brought genuine warmth to the role with subtle smiles that made him feel like a real, reliable friend. His physical control in the fight scenes was unmatched—every move was crisp and powerful.

You can truly feel the weight of his performance. He masterfully acted out the heartbreak of a self-sacrificial man.

I cant wait for season 2!

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Decent

The Rational Life

Wang Hedi - Qi Xiao
Qin Lan - Shen Ruo Xin

From the very beginning of this drama, I love Qi Xiao as a character. I also love Shen Ruoxin as a character as well. I think they are both perfect for each other in terms of personality. Qi Xiao is definitely that golden retriever, sort of innocent and naive young guy who is trying to find true love while having a very optimistic view on life. Shen Ruoxin is that powerful businesswoman who needs someone to lighten up her own life and provide her with some goofy times and just relaxation. I also love their relationship in the beginning (I’m on episode 11) with Qi Xiao always being there for Ruoxin and vice versa.

I also love the main message that both of these characters are conveying. Shen Ruoxin fits that very typical role of being a woman who is urged to live her life a certain way to fit within societal expectations. I really don’t like Ruoxin’s mother though. She always yells at Ruoxin for not telling her anything, but then getting mad everytime that Ruoxin tells her something she doesn’t want to hear. Qi Xiao is that individual who was forced to mature and become independent for his family, due to circumstances that he couldn’t contorl.

I got to say though, there has already been some tensions that are building up between them two. The scene where Qi Xiao is helping Ruoxin sew and fix her dress/romper that doesn’t quite fit was so tension-filled. Him having to cinch the dress at her waist and wrap his arms around her to get the measurements. Also, I love how Wang Hedi portrays those scenes with Ruoxin trying on new clues. The amazement and just awe in Qi Xiao’s eyes when looking at Ruoxin is like he’s looking at the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen.

Ok, I have to talk about episode 13 specifically. Mr. Xu tried to confess his feelings to Shen Ruoxin with this very elaborate flower pathway, rooftop dinner, and crazily epensive necklace. But, Shen Ruoxin stood her ground with her own morals and values, which I absolutely loved. She stated that she wanted to rise to the top on her own instead of being dragged up there by someone else. So, she rejected almost the “dream” life that any other woman may want if they’re focused on status and money. Instead, she went back and celebrated her birthday with her true friends, a smaller rooftop party, skewers to eat, and then Qi Xiao’s handmade jewlery based off one of her own telescopic images. This gift was a whole lot less expensive and more thoughtful than Mr. Xu’s. Shen Ruoxin accepeted this one with no issue and loved the thought behind it. I just absolutely love the decisions that Shen Ruoxin made in that moment with her two different options.

I just finished episode 19 and I definitely have some thoughts. First off, that whole thing with their car exhibition and the forgetting car seats mistake. I don’t know why I teared up when I saw Qi Xiao coming along with his motorcycle and saving the day. This scene just really solidified for me, his endless dedication and determination to make Ruoxin’s life the best it can be. He quite literally saved the day by doing that and I know Ruoxin could feel it too. BUT THEN SHE DECIDES TO LEAVE….HELLO! I know that Ruoxin was also hesitant and wanted Qi Xiao to come along, but obviously Qi Xiao’s mother needs his help in Shanghai and that makes sense. I just am so sad to see that relationship fade away for a bit at least while she is all the way in Shenzhen. Qi Xiao and Ruoxin’s dynamic just worked so well and he was always there to support her and she supported him as well. They just got each other. Plus, I don’t know how I feel about Ruoxin leaving with Mr. Xu. I can’t help but have this feeling that he has an ulterior motive for bringing Ruoxin away from her family and from Qi Xiao. I think Ruoxin’s mother feels that too, which is why she was so apprehensive and gave Mr. Xu that speech. Mothers always know best, so I just hope that this move doesn’t become a disaster for Ruoxin.

Finally, they confessed during a rainstorm while locked in the office out of all places. The confession was really heartfelt on Qi Xiao’s side and I do understand Shen Ruoxin’s hesitation at first but I’m glad that she decided to just say yes and do something a little bit irrational. However, I have to say…they get together around episode 27 and idk why it is, but I instantly got bored. This is one of those dramas where I don’t really care about their dating era because I didn’t fall in love with the characters or environment of this drama. Now, this is just a watch I kind of have to get through if you know what I mean.

Ok, a little skip ahead…maybe a lot. I’m at episode 32 now and this is the plot point that annoys me with every age gap drama. For some reason, it’s always the woman being older than the man. But, I really hated Shen Ruoxin’s actions during this episode. The way that she is 12 years older, but less mature when handling her own relationship really just pisses me off. She really doesn’t get the issue with her old childhood classmate interfering in her relationship so much and giving Qi Xiao these insecurities that should be resolved by Ruoxin herself, yet she hasn’t even talked to him about it herself. Furthermore, I hated the way that she was acting like everything was fine. She should know Qi Xiao enough to know that he was upset over something and that something is that everyone is treating him like a baby when he is being more mature than Shen Ruoxin. I also hated Ruoxin’s childhood classmate bro. The way he was so insanely condescending towards Qi Xiao and acted like he was a much better option when we know that Ruoxin would never go for him. I ALSO HATED THE MOTHER THESE PAST 2 EPISODES. Bro, Shen Ruoxin’s mother is actually insane. She starts flipping Ruoxin’s house to look for evidence of her and Qi Xiao dating and crashes out, then goes and asks why she doesn’t tell her things. Qi Xiao’s mother is the prime example of what a mother should be like, believing in their own child. These past couple episodes, Qi Xiao’s side of the family really pulled through.

“The universe’s only miracle is love.” I did rlly like the ending of this drama though. I thought that both Qi Xiao and Ruoxin handled their miscommunication rlly well. Not only that, but I loved Qi Xiao’s whole jewelry design and the meaning/story behind it. I do think that Qi Xiao is a more thoughtful person than Ruoxin though. He’s just more expressive and supportive in their relationship I feel like. He’s done all this stuff for her and I don’t really know what Ruoxin has done for him. Although, I do love Ruoxin’s determination in her own work. I loved that small plot line in this drama. I don’t know what it is though, workplace dramas that have a big plot surrounding the workplace and business are never 10/10 for me. I think I get a little bit bored of the corporate environment.

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A Battle of Pride, Ambition, and Unpredictable Chemistry

OVERVIEW:

Hyena presents itself as a legal drama, but it is much more than court cases and corporate battles. At its core, it is a story about ambition, survival, and two people who are willing to do whatever it takes to stay on top.

The drama follows two lawyers who couldn't be more different. One comes from privilege, prestige, and a carefully planned path to success. The other has built her career from the ground up, relying on instincts, determination, and methods that often blur the line between right and wrong.
As their rivalry intensifies, they find themselves constantly crossing paths—both professionally and personally. What begins as a battle of pride slowly develops into one of the most entertaining and unpredictable dynamics I've seen in a legal drama.

MORE DETAILS (SPOILERS):

One of the things that surprised me most about Hyena was how quickly it establishes its characters. Within the first few episodes, you already understand exactly who these people are and what drives them.

The female lead is undoubtedly the heart of the drama. She is confident, fearless, and unapologetically ambitious. Unlike many female characters who are written to be immediately likable, she doesn't care whether others approve of her actions. She survives because she adapts, and she wins because she refuses to play by rules designed to keep her at the bottom.

The male lead initially appears to be her complete opposite. He is intelligent, disciplined, and believes in doing things the "proper" way. However, beneath that polished exterior lies someone whose confidence is repeatedly challenged throughout the series.

What makes their relationship so compelling is that neither of them truly has the upper hand for long. Every victory is temporary, every defeat becomes motivation and every interaction feels like a strategic game where both players are constantly trying to outsmart each other.

The drama also does an excellent job portraying the world of elite lawyers and wealthy clients. Behind the expensive suits and prestigious law firms lies a world driven by greed, influence, and power. The legal cases themselves are often interesting, but they primarily serve as a backdrop for the larger character conflicts.

That being said, there were moments where certain cases felt less memorable than others. While the character-driven aspects remained engaging, some legal storylines lacked the same emotional impact as the central rivalry.
I also felt that a few supporting characters could have received more development. Several of them have intriguing introductions, but their stories don't always receive the attention they deserve.

I DIDN'T LIKE:
Some of the legal cases become repetitive in the middle portion of the drama.
A few supporting characters feel underutilized despite having strong potential.
There are moments where the pacing slows down slightly, particularly when the focus shifts away from the leads.
Certain conflicts are resolved more quickly than expected, which occasionally reduces their emotional payoff.

I LIKED:
The chemistry between the leads is exceptional.
The dialogue is sharp, witty, and often genuinely entertaining.
The legal setting feels competitive without becoming overly complicated for viewers unfamiliar with legal dramas.
The drama maintains a strong balance between tension, humor, and emotional moments.
The production quality is consistently high, from the cinematography to the soundtrack.

THINGS I LOVED:

The greatest strength of Hyena is undoubtedly its characters.
The female lead is one of the most refreshing protagonists I've encountered in a K-drama. She is flawed, stubborn, and sometimes morally questionable, but that's exactly what makes her fascinating to watch. She never apologizes for wanting success, and the drama never punishes her for being ambitious.

The male lead's development was equally satisfying. Watching him slowly adapt to situations that challenge everything he thought he knew about success and relationships added significant depth to his character.

And then there's the chemistry. Their relationship isn't built on fairy-tale romance or endless misunderstandings. It's built on competition, respect, frustration, attraction, and mutual recognition. They constantly challenge each other, and that's what makes every scene between them so engaging. The performances elevate everything even further. Both leads fully commit to their roles, creating a dynamic that feels natural, believable, and endlessly entertaining. Even when the plot occasionally slows down, their interactions are enough to keep the drama engaging.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST:

Hyena is not your typical legal drama.
If you're looking for a series focused entirely on courtroom battles, this may not be exactly what you're expecting. The legal cases matter, but the true focus lies in the characters and the complex relationships between them.
It's stylish, intelligent and often very very funny, while still delivering enough emotional depth to keep you invested.

Is it for everybody? No.
Are the characters and their chemistry enough to make it memorable? Absolutely.

THE END:

Hyena is the kind of drama that succeeds because of its confidence. It knows exactly what it wants to be and never tries to fit into traditional expectations.
Some viewers may wish for more focus on the legal aspects, while others may find the character-driven approach far more rewarding.

For me, it's perfect as it is.

If you enjoy strong-willed characters, sharp dialogue, power struggles, and one of the most entertaining lead dynamics in recent K-dramas, Hyena is definitely worth your time.

HAPPY WATCH!

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50 Shades of Betrayal and One Pot of Ink

The Heir
If you ever wanted a masterclass on how many disasters can happen over a block of ink, The Heir has you covered. 😆 What starts as a fascinating journey into the history and craftsmanship of tribute ink quickly turns into a marathon of twists, betrayals, greed, murder, family secrets, revenge plots, and enough scheming to keep every villain employed for life.

The strongest part of the drama is easily its unique subject matter. I never expected to learn so much about the history and importance of ink production, and the writers deserve credit for making such a niche topic genuinely interesting. The acting is stellar across the board. The villains are properly evil, not the watered down kind, and every actor fully commits to their role.
The male lead is undeniably handsome, but for much of the drama he feels more like a boy trying to survive a storm than a man steering the ship. Meanwhile, the female lead absolutely carries herself with confidence. She has that no nonsense attitude, sharp intelligence, and quiet strength that makes you believe she could walk into a room full of schemers and send them all home for detention.

My biggest frustration was the pacing. Every plot twist seemed to arrive carrying three more twists behind it. Just when one misunderstanding was about to be resolved, another betrayal appeared from the shadows. The story often felt like it was making us wait in line for outcomes that could have arrived much sooner. If dramas can suddenly time skip years for an epilogue, surely they could have shortened some of the endless untangling along the way.

The romance is mature and grounded. The separation between the leads never felt like a silly breakup manufactured for drama. They are pulled apart by circumstances, family obligations, and the sins of the previous generation. In many ways, they are paying the price for battles they never started.

Overall, The Heir is a well acted historical drama with a fascinating cultural backdrop, strong leads, memorable villains, and a believable romance. Just be prepared for a plot that sometimes treats "one more twist" as a personal life philosophy. By the end, you'll know more about tribute ink than you ever expected, and you'll probably have survived enough betrayals to qualify for emotional compensation.

Rating: 8.5/10
Worth watching for the history, performances, and mature romance. Bring patience for the endless plotting.

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Perfect Crown: A Contract Marriage That Rewrites Fate 8/10

Perfect Crown is a lush, alternate-reality romance set in a 21st-century Korea ruled by a constitutional monarchy, where a chaebol heiress and a melancholic grand prince forge a deal that changes everything. Seong Hui Ju—blessed with beauty, brains, and a fierce competitive streak—feels shackled by her "commoner" status despite having wealth by the bucket. Grand Prince Yi An, the king's second son born to the queen, carries royal blood as his only identity: he has nothing to own, lives in sorrow, and has been forced to suppress his passions for years, yet remains the people's "most beloved royal" for his dignity and charm.

Their contract marriage is the spark: Hui Ju trades her independence for royal status, while Yi An finds someone who mirrors his predicament but made different choices. What begins as a transactional pact slowly unfurls into genuine connection, as two outsiders to true freedom—one wealthy but powerless by status, one royal but powerless by design—learn to own their desires and rewrite their fates.

The cast elevates every moment. IU as Seong Hui Ju is magnetic—her fire, ambition, and vulnerability make Hui Ju's journey from frustrated heiress to empowered royal feel authentic and gripping. Byeon Woo Seok as Grand Prince Yi An is equally compelling, balancing quiet restraint with simmering passion; his dignity and hidden depth make Yi An's transformation from silenced prince to someone who finally claims his heart utterly rewarding. Their chemistry grows naturally from skepticism to tender, real love. Steve Noh as Min Jeong U brings sharp wit and loyalty as a key ally, while Gong Seung Yeon as Yun I Rang adds intrigue and emotional weight to the court's tangled dynamics. The ensemble makes the world feel alive and the stakes personal.

The show excels in world-building, costumes, and court drama tension, blending romance with class and identity conflicts. Some pacing dips and a few predictable rom-com tropes keep it from perfection, but the emotional core and the "what does it mean to truly own yourself?" theme carry it strong.

An 8/10 for fans of royal romance, contract-marriage stories, and class-driven drama with a fresh, monarchic twist.

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not bad, short and cute

i had watched when it came out but dropped that time now picked again and find it to be not bad

who should watch, want to watch a quick short drama I saw later it's 12 eps only
has a bit comedy
good romance,fast paced always in 12 eps
cute and fluffy
interesting story on witches keeps you hooked, little mystery

start /romance- not really great characters not bad either, I like all of them , FML get cheated on and then finds ml, I actually disliked her character a bit because ml is more mature and she's like a child ,I thought of dropping but continued it got better
ml and FML suddenly fall for each other not much happening though you can't see on both side how it happened,12 eps are always fast and random, after they started dating,the dating phase is cute and ml is really good to her

if you take it seriously,it's hard to like a drama like this in sense of characters and the plot , I didn't really find anything toxic or annoying in this so I continue to watch
grandma bickering is really funny and the secretary

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It Was HELL Trying To Finish This

When I first heard of the drama name, I thought it would be a fun thriller maybe horror drama but while watching episode 1, I realised that I am dealing with some amateur creation. But the problem is that the drama is COMPLETELY SENSELESS. I just didn't know it at the time but I put up with it because it had some 7 episodes when I started. I was struggling to even finish those, then it grew to 9 episodes and finally extended to 18. I would have dropped it in episode 2 or 3 if I knew I would have to put up with so much torture.

Let me walk you through some of the problems. While writing these I dropped the score from 3 to 2.
1. A group of friends are wandering through woods trying to find some haunted place. Sounds interesting right? nope! That segment itself was boring and filled with dead air. Had to put it in 2x right away.
2. They find this university that seems abandoned but someone comes and they make excuses to get water and stay over. But the guard locks the gate behind them. See, a normal person would have been like, we've changed our mind, we'll be going. Not these smart kids.
3. Then they see students beating each other violently and they obediently follow the guard to the dean's office who takes all of their things and tells them they can't ever leave but on the bright side education at this uni is free if you live. And they again obediently head to the dorms which only has rooms for their group. We never see where the others sleep. Low budget. But not once do they even attempt to leave after seeing the killings or knowing they've been held captive.
4. The students clearly out number the staff yet they never try to just kill the dean and guard and leave. But they have no problem killing each other. Because then the drama would end in episode 1.
5. There is no real story. Or rather it is extremely weak. Suddenly we are in fantasy world but I wish this drama was fantasy. One student in ep 5 or 6 says that if I tell you this university's secret you can never leave but it's not like the FL could leave anyway.
6. The university serves amazing food. They hold multiple events so the students wear lots of gowns and suits, there's plenty of decoration and booze. Who the heck is supplying all this? They never snuck out on one of these invisible supply trucks?
7. The parents of these students haven't looked for them in several years. Think we need to arrest the parents for negligence. They don't show up even at the end.
8. The FL knows students are out killing each other and she keeps casually strolling through the night until they are right behind her and then she runs.
9. Second lead syndrome because I can't stand cocky male characters especially when the actor can't act.
10. Extremely cheesy lines. I was gagging. Not in a good way.

Small positives:
Intro theme is amazing.
The acting got slightly better and the plot moved slightly faster but I watched all episodes on 2x and it still felt slow more times than I can count.

Final thoughts:
Just don't bother. Complete waste of time that could have been wrapped up in 6 episodes. I have read some comments online where people were gushing over this show but unless you are a teenager, this will be a very hard watch. Ask me for spoilers and I'll tell you everything.

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Script, vibes and acting.

I'll keep this short.

Cafe Minamdang is probably one of my most rewatched K-dramas yet.

A summary:
9/10 chemistry between the majority of the characters.
10/10 script.
10/10 cinematography.
10/10 humour.
10/10 vibes.

Although this drama is a long one, the length in no way is a hindrance. Each episode feels amazing.

I also love detailed profile-type criminal cases to follow (like Criminal Minds; this is just funnier with a dash of fraud). Also, the ML actor and his entourage clearly were enjoying themselves making this drama, and I like it when actors bring their 'A game' and also love what they do; it makes the whole experience so much fun to watch. The script makes sense, and the writing doesn't slack off towards the end, but brings the whole drama to a satisfying close.

This is probably a yearly watch for me.

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A sci-fi mystery with thumping music

This show has a historical setting with fantastical elements, but rather than typical Chinese “fantasy” (like xianxia or xuanhuan), it feels more sci fi. I think this is largely due to the nature of the phenomenon under investigation, but it’s also partly the vibe set by the music and cinematography. It kind of reminded me of steampunk even though it isn’t really.

This story features a band of friends, a genre I always find fun. They are not actually friends to begin with- for at least half the show, they are guarded against each other and keeping secrets- but I think this made the show more interesting and kept me on my toes.

I especially like how the members of the team all have different relationships with each other. It’s more realistic that each person has meaningful interactions with several other people, rather than, say, just the one person they’re destined to have a romance with (like in too many other shows). It does however mean that no special relationships or themes really stand out, so that all the bonds across the board feel a bit weaker. And as for romance, there is maybe a faint hint of it but not much more.

The characters themselves have distinct enough personalities and roles, though perhaps one too many of the badass type. I liked them all but there wasn’t anyone I absolutely loved. I think they are developed just enough to make you care, but not enough to make you truly attached. I do like that the show is gender-agnostic about who can fight well, and it’s a fun touch that different people have different weapons and fighting styles that fit their background and body type.

The main star of the show is probably Cao Sheng. He is the brains of the operation- excellent engineer, great memory, can see through schemes, etc. He also comes up with the most elaborate plans. I feel like half the show is about his intricate schemes which require lots of planning and preparation.

But Cao Sheng is not the only schemer. This show features tons of intersecting plans and counterplans so that you never really know who will come out on top. And while all these different schemes are flying at each other, our protagonists are trying to figure out what is actually going on.

While watching this show, I felt like I was in a constant haze of confusion. Clues and truths are revealed bit by bit and sometimes they are incorrect. Similarly, the schemes and counterschemes are revealed piecemeal and out of order, with plenty of misdirection in between for dramatic effect. It’s too many “plot twists”- eg layer upon layer of, "But WAIT!!! this side actually anticipated what that side would do!"- it’s hard to keep track of it all. This might make it good for a rewatch, though it’s kind of ironic that a show being extra confusing earns it a high rewatch score.

In some ways the show also feels a little bit slow because it takes so long (almost the entire show) to uncover one mystery. And this mystery is so complicated that there’s no point along the way where you feel settled and solid. Somewhere along the line I just started to get a little fatigued. It was too long spent being confused, trying to keep track of too many things, not sure who is good or bad. And the overall tone is kind of heavy, despite some flashes of humor, so it was a lot of constant suspense, like a background hum of stress.

That said, I still found the show overall entertaining. It is fun to watch the elaborate schemes unfold, and the overarching mystery is pretty interesting. There are even some well-done emotional moments along the way that had me leaking tears, and a bit of existentialism which comes up just the right amount to make you feel touched and a little bit sad. As for that stress- well Cao Sheng is really smart, so things often work out ok.

For the acting, I thought it’s decent. I think some actors tried too hard to be badass, but it’s also partly the ethos of the show. You can see it also in the style and cinematography, like with tableau / frozen moment type scenes paired with thumping music, clearly trying to create badass and dramatic moments. Well, it mostly worked on me, I thought it was pretty cool most of the time.

Speaking of the music, I REALLY liked it. It’s mostly background music (songs are rare) and a fairly distinct style- heavy beats, some of it getting almost techno-y, even songs for happier moments are quite melodic- so it might not be for everyone, but I really liked it. I thought it set the moods really well.

Actually the overall production of this show is a lot better than I expected for something of this length. There are quite a lot of extras, and enough real horses (but all too obvious when it’s faked, lol). I also really like the costumes and styling, which are practical and make sense. The costumes are color coordinated but you don’t get, for example, sparkling bits and jewelry on characters who are supposed to be fighters.

I also like the fighting. I love how all the different weapons are used well and they match their users. Heavy weapons look heavy and the lighter weapons are used with speed. The choreography is good and the blows look solid, if a bit sped up at times.

Overall I think this is a good show. Despite some fatigue from too many disjointed clues and layers of schemes, I still found the overall mystery interesting and the interactions between the group endearing, with a good hint of pathos. It’s also fun to watch this style of sci-fi which is less common in Cdramas (especially historical).

ENDING – READ AHEAD ONLY IF YOU WANT TO KNOW, CONTAINS SPOILERS





If you ignore the post-credit scene, I think this is mostly a happy ending. The seemingly dire situation is resolved with only one big sacrifice (not counting Tongtong, who by the end was kind of my favorite character). It’s Lin Han, who at least seems to find her peace first.

But Cao Sheng’s rapidly worsening and life-threatening illness is not cured. For some reason none of the other characters seem that worried or even mention it.

The post-credit scene sets up for a sequel, by introducing new troubles and intrigue, including Cao Sheng fainting again. I guess the point of making this a post-credit scene is that if the sequel doesn’t happen then you still get a complete show, but I think leaving Cao Sheng’s illness untreated is still a cliffhanger either way.

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Long and drawn out story - disappointing

As a seasoned cdrama fan of 9 years now when I watch one and if it takes me to the end but it drags on to get there then something is not right with it AND i found that with this cdramaa. The main character died so many times I lost count, even for a Xanxia it was overkill of killing the ML. The story was tolerable from beginning but it lost its momentum in the 3rd quarter of episodes when the baddy was reformed, but the real baddy still went on to do his stuff, but then the ML gets to die so many times and it just loses its plausability after that. A great supporting cast, and loyalties among the fractions was great, each actor played their part well, Jeremy Tsu and Leo Lunxi, Alan Feng, all did their roles some honour as seasoned actors would. The biggest disappiointment fo rme was the dragging out of the story to cover 40 episodes , it would have been justfiable to the storyline and the supposed conclusions aimed for quity it at 36 or even 32 episodes. So not a totally great cdrama for me this one even though had masses of potential to be a stunner if the storyline plot wasn't dragged out toooooooooo looooooong

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