What A Disappointment
When the trailer first dropped, I was so excited to watch it. I genuinely thought it was going to be another great survival game set in a high school environment, similar to Night Has Come.But after spending 8 hours watching every episode, I quickly realized this was more The Conjuring-type horror… which was definitely not what I expected or what the trailer really hinted at.
The premise itself was actually really interesting: a mysterious app that grants wishes at the cost of your life , dark and thrilling, right?
Unfortunately, I went into this drama with really high expectations, which made the disappointment hit even harder. I didn’t completely hate it , the beginning was intriguing, I laughed with the characters and even got scared at times but I never felt truly connected or invested. I was mostly just curious to see how it would end.
In the end, it’s a short K-drama that can help pass the time if you’re bored, but don’t expect it to live up to its promising concept.
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A Romance Held Together by Second Chances
Road Home is honestly a very simple, romance-focused drama at its core. It follows Lu Chen and Gui Xiao from their teenage years to adulthood, showing how they separate and find their way back to each other after more than a decade. Nothing huge or dramatic really happens here. It is very slice of life and slow paced, and everything revolves around their relationship. So if you are going in expecting action or something intense like You Are My Hero, this is not that kind of drama at all. The police and SWAT parts are there, but they feel more like background rather than the main focus.The strongest part of the drama is definitely the main couple. Their chemistry really carries the entire show. You can feel the history between them, especially in the way they look at each other and how they act when they meet after being apart. Since they spend a lot of time in a long-distance relationship, even small moments feel important. There is a lot of clinginess, longing, and quiet affection. What I really liked is how mature they are. There are no childish misunderstandings or unnecessary breakups. They both know they made mistakes in the past, they talk about it, and they move on without dragging things out. That part felt very refreshing.
Visually, the drama is beautiful. The scenery is honestly one of the highlights. There were moments where it felt like I was watching a travel show because everything looked so calm and pretty. But at the same time, the CGI really pulled me out of the experience. Once you notice how empty the places are, like restaurants or streets with barely any people, it becomes hard to ignore. It starts to feel a bit artificial, which is disappointing because the real locations were actually very nice.
The biggest issue for me was the pacing and storytelling. The first part of the drama is enjoyable if you are invested in the romance, but towards the end it starts to feel messy. Some plots feel stretched while others are rushed or not explained properly. One scene that really stood out was when the ML gets seriously injured and suddenly we are just in the hospital with no proper explanation of what even happened. Moments like that make the story feel incomplete.
The time skip also did not work well. It did not feel like years had passed(in current timeline after there daughter) because the characters looked and acted the same. The wedding and later parts felt a bit underdeveloped. The last episode was especially frustrating because instead of giving us more of their present life, it went back to retelling past events with very little new content. It felt unnecessary and kind of wasted time that could have been used better.
And I really have to mention the pregnancy track because it honestly felt so random and poorly handled. For a romance drama, they completely skipped over the scene to highlight that they got intemate. There was no proper moment, no hint, nothing. One minute everything is normal and suddenly she is pregnant. It felt rushed and disconnected, especially when dramas usually at least give some symbolic hints or build-up. Instead, it just appeared out of nowhere, which made it feel pointless rather than meaningful.
Side characters were also not handled well. Many of them felt like they were just there for the sake of the main couple. Some relationships were not developed properly, and a few characters just disappeared without any explanation, which made the world feel a bit empty.
Even with all these flaws, I cannot say I did not enjoy it. The romance really works. You can feel the love, the longing, and the comfort they bring to each other. That emotional connection is what keeps you watching even when the story starts to fall apart.
Overall, this is a drama that you watch for the relationship, not the plot. If you like slow, soft, and mature romance with beautiful visuals, you will probably enjoy it. But if you need a strong storyline or consistent pacing, this one might feel a bit bland and frustrating by the end.
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Bai Lu Ate, but My Brain is Fried
We love a good fierce feminine energy and Bai Lu slayed for that. It’s so refreshing to see a female lead who isn't just a passenger in her own life, she’s the one driving the bus, orchestrating the chaos, and staying five steps ahead of everyone else. It’s genuinely inspiring, but it’s not for the weak. but this is not a "chill and scroll on your phone" kind of drama.It’s a total mental workout. If you don't lock in and binge this in under three days, you will skip a few or a lot of scenes just to get to good parts but if you do not you’re going to get lost in the tea and probably drop it. The plot is doing the most, the political maneuvering and shifting alliances are so dense that if you blink, you’ve missed three betrayals and a legal loophole. I actually found myself researching about episodes just to make sure I understood the logic. It’s definitely not easy watching, but for the right person, it’s addictive.
Bai Lu is genuinely such a great actress, and in this drama she nailed it. She absolutely ate this role as a hater, lover, leader and even a mother. She brings that perfect mix of grit and vulnerability, making the "Strong FL" trope feel real instead of one-dimensional. She was the mastermind. On the flip side, Joseph Zheng felt a bit out of place. It’s hard to tell if it was just a lack of screen time or if the producers didn't give him enough to work with, but the chemistry just wasn't hitting like it should have. The production value is top-tier. The sets and cinematography are high-budget and perfectly capture that intense, "everything is at stake" vibe.
Story: The plot is actually super interesting, especially the master plan. It’s a solid 7.5 now because the vengeance aspect is so well-done.
Acting: Bai Lu carries, but the lack of development for Joseph Zheng and some supporting roles holds it back from being a 9.
OST/music: Total flop. For a drama this intense, the OST was weirdly forgettable.
Rewatch Value: I love the FL, but re-navigating that confusing plot feels like a chore.
The main issue is that the show tried to do too much. I was really looking forward to the side-stories for certain supporting characters, but they barely got any focus. If the writers had just committed to making this a pure vengeance drama, it would have been a 10/10. The "hidden lineage" twist and the rushed ending felt like they were trying to check too many boxes. That said, seeing a female leader with a flawless master plan was a highlight.
The drama is genuinely good but too much, too overwhelming and too confusing. You would probably find yourself pausing in between episodes, going to google and researching to understand what heck is going on. Absolutely reccomend but do not rewatch, i don't the drama is that good that I would personally rewatch it.
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REALLY... What the heck. Who cares about the peaches????
Peach Lover... 2/10 (1 star for both leads)This would have been a good drama if they kept the narrative about peaches & how it's related to seduction, love etc. Having to fast forward through all this nonsense about peaches is so annoying.When it first started out about the mask man talking breaking up with peach, etc.. the storyline was pretty interesting. They totally went off script of the ***Peach Lover*** to just ... what??? The title of the drama is PEACH LOVER... NOT... let's learn about an off the wall relationship while being narrated about freaking peaches & how they are infused throughout the WHOLE drama. The drama would have pulled higher ratings if it wasn't for the nonsense narration on peaches in my personal opinion..
Po, becoming interested in becoming the mask man's new Peach... all this was making it feel that it was going to be a fairly good out of the box drama. UNTIL........ every freaking time they started narrating about the fruit peaches! OMG.. dude, if I wanted to know about the fruit & how it's looked at as a seduction fruit... I'll GOOGLE ! I don't think the writer realized how annoying this was going to be.
The young male lead actor playing Po's role, his facial expressions, they can be creepy & there were plenty of times he looked like he wanted to devour the targeted area he was eyeing . What was even funnier was the scene with him eating a peach during ... well ... during. While he is thinking about the ***during*** and explaining to his friend about when eating ... YES, you're right... eating a PEACH... OMG... tag this drama Peachy Porn Comedy. I've seen more seduction with someone putting a condom on a banana with their mouth . I know that I've been hard on this character, but it's just been annoying how the writer gives this character such a sleazy side... then I thought, maybe not sleazy, but more on the Nymphomania side (which isn't a problem if he was). However, After watching & learning more of Po's inner thoughts.. I found later that he was neither... he just needed that special warmth & attention from someone he adored.
🙄HELLO... Why is the 2nd couple even in this??? Cute couple. yet... with the sleaziness of this drama, they're a bit out of place in my personal opinion.
The best part of this drama was when Po does his video diary .. It's sincere and helps understand his thoughts of who and why his feelings are at a crossroads with his relationship with Sasom. Sexual scenes became a little more tame after episode 3, but picked up again... . As the drama progresses, I noticed that Po is growing more mature in his thought process. I'm trying to find the reasoning behind this storyline........ then around Episode 8 is when things start to get serious.. and for the first time, I felt tears for Po. Yet, I felt his decision that he made was a wise choice, especially when the pain he felt inside during the issue with Sasom's past showing up & how Sasom couldn't bring himself to admit who or what position Po is to him. That even hurt me to tears... it's an uncomfortable feeling, especially after Sasom's confession the night prior.
One thing for sure.. this main leading actor Ki Niwat Naknuan is really outstanding with portraying his character (personally rated his acting with this character 10/10). His maturity, expressions & chemistry on screen ... he knows how to pull the viewer in. This is only his 2nd drama, but the 1st time being a main Lead. The other drama he is starring in is *Interminable, which I'm not sure I'll watch. I'm on the fence in deciding. One thing for sure, is I hope to see more of his acting skills in leading roles... he's definitely powerful. Hopefully, he will be matched with someone who can match his pace. Unless he's already with the actor Poom who plays his partner.
OMG.. I'm tired of ranting about this drama....Watch it at your own risk. I would say from ep 7 & 8 is when the story finally felt more focused.
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This review may contain spoilers
Cinematic masterpiece that feels like truly finding jade
Slow-burn chemistry, rich backstories for well-rounded characters, catchy OSTs, and multi-layered plot that have the most insane and satisfying buildup. This drama has set a new standard for historical Chinese dramas.The most defining aspect of this drama is the cinematography. Truly a feast for the eyes and heart. Yet, the visuals would have been nothing without the leads. Changyu's growth from butcher to the Flower-Adorned General is so satisfying to watch, she's unapologetically herself. And here comes Zheng, the ultimate downbad husband who's only soft for his wife. Their characters are so lovable. They moved me to tears in laughter and heartache.
It's rare to come across a drama that is perfect in all aspects. It truly felt like you were living the legend of Changyu and Zheng in their journey as the ultimate power couple who stands as pillars of justice in the Daiyin.
Ultimately, it is a tale of beauty. The beauty of love for friends, family and the fated one you will find in every lifetime. A story so beautiful that will leave you breathless until the last episode.
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So why did nobody wish for it to stop?
With all the wishes being made, you would think at least one person would say, "Okay, a supernatural curse is following and killing everyone; let’s try wishing for it to stop." But no. Not once. It wasn't even on anyone's radar. They just wished for literal nonsense; not a single wish was actually beneficial to the plot.To be fair, horror shows aren't my favorite. I usually dislike them because of the way characters act without a single common brain cell, and this show managed to capture everything I hate about the genre in its entirety.
Imagine everyone around you is dying from a supernatural curse and your major focus is... that. You're 18 years old, and all you can think about is yourself and some boy? Nari is one of the worst-written characters I’ve ever witnessed in K-drama history. Honestly, her demise is one of the main reasons I’m rating this mediocrity as high as I am. Almost all the characters were so annoying that I found myself more interested in the side characters, who at least provided some entertainment. I know it sounds wrong, but I wanted the villain to win. I wanted all of them to die because that’s how bored I was. The antagonist was completely justified; she took the phrase "I want my enemies to suffer" literally.
Moving past the characters, the plot was so confusing it was hard to keep track of what was happening. The creators relied heavily on cheap jump scares to keep you motivated to watch. The beginning was also far too fast-paced. I understand it’s only eight episodes at less than 45 minutes each, but how can you kill off a supposedly "important" character so early and expect viewers to care? People were dying in almost every episode, and my only reaction was, "Oh, okay." No shock, no emotion—just "What’s next?"
It’s not a bad drama—I’m sure someone else will rate it higher than I did—but it’s not very good either. It’s the kind of show you watch once and then immediately forget. Like so many other Netflix Korean dramas lately, it feels more about churning out content than taking the time to develop a show with actual substance.
This is just my review, but definitely try it for yourselves.
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Excellent
I loved the idea used in this K-drama. We hardly ever see a storyline based on a super fan. Kim Jae-Wook did an excellent job in brining Ryan Gold to life. Park min-young does not disappoint in being a giggly and fun character. I do wish there was a big super-fan scene in the final episode. But it was still an excellent watch.Was this review helpful to you?
A Love Story That Forgets Its Full Potential
Never Forget Your Enemy presents an intriguing premise but ultimately delivers a somewhat uneven viewing experience. The series opens with Yeo Sae-byeok and Gi Ha-neul in a hospital setting, immediately establishing tension through Ha-neul’s amnesia. His confusion extends not only to his surroundings but also to his relationship with Sae-byeok, creating a foundation ripe for emotional exploration. Sae-byeok’s decision, encouraged with the support of Ha-neul’s family, to have him move in as a means of aiding memory recovery is a compelling narrative choice that drives the story forward.While the overall storyline remains consistent, the execution occasionally falters. Certain scenes feel overly exposed, as though the narrative is revealing more than necessary rather than allowing moments to unfold naturally. The use of flashbacks is effective in providing context; however, the series would have benefited from more substantial insight into the origins of Sae-byeok and Ha-neul’s romantic relationship. This lack of depth in their backstory makes it harder to fully invest in the emotional weight of their present circumstances.
One of the more frustrating aspects of the show lies in Ha-neul’s characterization. At times, his resistance to regaining his memories feels unnecessarily drawn out, even when it is clear that emotional remnants of his past with Sae-byeok still linger. His behavior can come across as immature or even petulant, though this is somewhat justified by the subtle detail that he mentally perceives himself as still being 19 years old. This nuance adds a layer of intention to his actions, even if it does not entirely mitigate the frustration they may evoke.
Despite these shortcomings, the chemistry between the leads is undeniable. Whether through moments of intimacy, bickering, or quiet physical closeness, their connection feels authentic and engaging. However, this strong chemistry is at times undermined by inconsistent acting. Certain emotional scenes lack the depth and intensity needed to fully resonate, and stronger performances could have significantly elevated the series’ impact.
The cinematography is another area where the show falls short of its potential. While some scenes appear poised to deliver visually striking imagery, they often end up feeling flat and uninspired. In contrast, the soundtrack is well-utilized, effectively complementing the tone of each episode and enhancing key moments.
By the conclusion, the title Never Forget Your Enemy takes on a more nuanced meaning. What initially suggests a story driven by conflict evolves into something far more one-sided, an attempt to maintain emotional distance that ultimately collapses under the weight of unresolved feelings. The idea of being “enemies” in the present proves unsustainable once genuine emotions resurface.
Overall, the series is enjoyable and holds moments of genuine promise. However, it never fully capitalizes on its strengths. With more refined storytelling, stronger performances, and a clearer visual direction, Never Forget Your Enemy could have been something truly memorable rather than simply adequate.
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So much scheming and plotting...will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat <3
I initially started watching this drama solely because of Zhang Linghe and Bai Lu, but also because the plot was super interesting to me. This drama definitely did not disappoint in terms of the plot/overall story! It had so many twists and turns, and is definitely a pretty intense watch! Bai Lu's character, Jiang Xuening, did in fact cause me so much stress at times! But she is also super smart and cunning! Like when she decided to go and talk to Xie Wei (ZLH's character) when it was snowing??? GIRL NO DON'T DO IT! She is also such a strong female lead and I love seeing that the female leads are getting their chance to shine as well. Xie Wei is definitely a character who is morally ambiguous and unhinged, but he is also very calculating. His schemes and plans are always so well-thought out and elaborate. Every twist and turn in this drama had me on the edge of my seat! This entire drama was so incredibly complex, and the storyline was so intricate! I kind of liked that the male lead in this wasn't your typical drama lead, as he leaned towards more morally ambiguous than anything else. Overall, this drama was absolutely incredible from start to finish, and I do recommend it!Was this review helpful to you?
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A charming story, but without fireworks ?
Another series from the FirstKhao duo—this time a cute and calm story, but because of that it also feels a bit boring at times? There’s basically no proper cliffhanger here, which makes the story feel somewhat flat. Maybe I’m just being picky, but I really miss some kind of tension.Going back to the beginning of the story, the conflict between the son and his mother feels pretty forced. The whole conflict is because the mother takes care of cats that destroy the son’s things? Did I misunderstand something? He resents his mother for overly caring about the cats that ruin his belongings. He even claims she cares more about them than about him, then leaves home and doesn’t contact her at all? o.O I don’t understand what kind of personality you’d need to behave like that. Aside from those unfortunate cats, the mother didn’t hurt him in any way that would justify punishing her with silence like this... very strange, and it doesn’t fit the character played by Khao.
This plot point just didn’t work for me. So yeah, a nice story, but like I said—kind of flat. For FirstKhao fans, it’s an interesting change from their previous projects, and of course the actors are great <3
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Very underrated drama <3
This drama was one that I discovered randomly, and I am so glad that I did! The story of this drama is so well-done, and it's very fast-paced as well. I honestly loved the faster pacing of this drama, as I was never bored throughout any of it! I absolutely loved the romance between Jiang Xu and Ming Tan, it was just so so sweet!! I also loved how they portrayed the initial awkwardness between them early on in their marriage of convenience.I thought it was so refreshing to know that they are technically still strangers, and that they need time to get to know each other and understand each other. I love that they naturally fall for each other, even if they're "married." I just love how Jiang Xu goes from being wary of her to being an absolute loser for his wife. He is so fiercely protective of her, and I love that he is also very loyal to her as well. The way that he protects her is just so:((( I also love that he is very quick to defend her as well (we love that <3)
The angst that occurred between them was heartbreaking, but I could also understand why Ming Tan felt the way she did, for Jiang Xu did keep her in the dark (even though he had a valid reason to do so). This drama definitely made me cry multiple times, especially when Ming Tan reunites with her father, whom she assumed was dead. The reconciliation between Jiang Xu and Ming Tan was beautiful as well, but what hit me hard the most was Ming Tan's reunion with her father. I also loved how close Ming Tan was with her cousin, Bai Min Min. Her cousin is super sassy and also very quick to defend Ming Tan when she is being insulted or anything else of the sort. I also loved that Min Min also got a happy ending of her own as well.
I absolutely LOVED the romantic scenes between Jiang Xu and Ming Tan in this, especially that scene in the carriage where Jiang Xu is very drunk and is being super clingy with her. It was so adorable! Another thing that I loved about this drama was that there was no unnecessary drama or petty misunderstandings. I also loved the chemistry between Bao Shangen and Song Weilong; I think that their chemistry was very natural and nothing felt forced. Another thing that I loved about this drama were the costumes! Ming Tan's robes were always so pretty, and I also love how they did her makeup and hair! Jiang Xu's robes were also really pretty and suited him well <3
And don't even get me started on the ending!!! The ending was literally so freaking beautiful, and I loved that they had children of their own <3 I also love that we got to see a little bit of their life after everything was over <3 It was so incredibly wholesome, and the last scene where they were all watching the fireworks with everyone was just so gorgeous :((( Overall, this drama is just so incredibly perfect from start to finish, and I cannot recommend it enough! It's definitely a must-watch <3
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Breath of Fresh BL Drama And…
There are so many things I love about this BL show, but I'll name a few.Just binge-watched six episodes, and one, I love the pacing, two, the story is just amazing, three, the boys can act, four, the chemistry is solid, five, no dramatic internalized homophobia or homophobic characters in this show yet (I say yet because there are still some episodes to go) and that's why I call this BL show a breath of fresh air. It indeed is.
While I do appreciate realistic BL shows, especially those set in the early 2000s, that show the truth of been young and queer during that era, with themes like internalized homophobia, passive or even active homophobic characters.
This show is quite unique in its portrayal of the characters as humans who don't see gender as a determining factor when it comes to falling in love. It clearly portrays the theme of “love is love” and it's interesting to watch it unfold.
Anyways, let me save the rest for later or maybe not? Cos if you've read this review up to this point, you better be convinced to start this show ASAP. You won't regret it.
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im sorry this drama no good
I’m sorry, but I still find myself agreeing with many of the broader criticisms that have been circulating about this drama. While it may have started with a promising premise and a cast that clearly had potential, the execution ultimately fell short in several key areas. The writing, in particular, felt inconsistent and at times even careless, as if the story lost its sense of direction midway through. Plotlines that were initially intriguing either fizzled out without proper resolution or were rushed to a conclusion that didn’t feel earned.One of the most disappointing aspects was how the characters were handled. Early on, several of them were introduced with depth, complexity, and clear motivations that made them engaging to watch. However, as the story progressed, many of these same characters seemed to lose their identities. Instead of evolving naturally, they became one-dimensional, stripped of the traits that once made them compelling. It almost felt like the script no longer knew what to do with them, reducing them to mere tools to move the plot forward rather than individuals with their own arcs.
The direction didn’t help matters either. There were moments that should have carried emotional weight, but they were presented in a way that felt flat and uninspired. Scenes that were clearly meant to resonate with the audience ended up lacking impact, largely because they weren’t given the time or nuance they deserved. The pacing also contributed to this issue, with some parts dragging unnecessarily while others were rushed, creating an uneven viewing experience.
As for the acting, it’s hard not to feel that the cast was let down by the material they were given. While there were glimpses of strong performances, overall the emotional delivery often felt muted or disconnected. Whether this was due to the direction, the script, or a combination of both, the result was a lack of genuine emotional engagement. It became difficult to fully invest in the characters or their journeys when the performances themselves didn’t seem fully realized.
And then there’s the ending, which, quite frankly, was one of the biggest disappointments. After everything that had been built up, the conclusion felt abrupt and unsatisfying, leaving more questions than answers. Instead of providing a meaningful resolution, it came across as rushed and poorly thought out, undermining whatever goodwill the drama had managed to maintain.
In the end, despite its potential, this drama ended up being a major letdown. It’s unfortunate because the cast deserved better material, and the initial concept had the ingredients for something memorable. Hopefully, the actors will move on to stronger projects that allow them to showcase their abilities and leave this disappointing chapter behind.
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Perfect Escape from the World Where We Sadly Live
This was exactly the kind of escapism I was looking for right when I needed it. It was definitely historical/fantasy/romance, since it wasn't historically accurate, but I didn't need it to be. It was a beautiful story told with beautiful people, in a beautiful setting. Both leads were very good actors, and I can say that, as I know not one word of Mandarin, they were still able to convey complex feelings through facial expressions, tone, and movement. I am certain that the novel holds more detail with the political aspects, but I was fine with what it had. The slow build of tension between all the couples was both entertaining and frustrating in the best possible way. Although the ending episodes were rushed, I understand that, having watched many series in my lifetime, and of course as a fan of Game of Thrones. Unlike some reviewers, I was fine with the "What If" extra scene, and took it at face value, showing that no matter the circumstances, the right people will end up in your life, maybe at the right time, maybe at the wrong time, but maybe we spend lifetimes in countless worlds trying to get it right. Yes, had the uncle made different decisions, lives would have been changed, but fate would still prevail. Good thing we have many lives to make it work. All in all, a beautiful story. Not to everyone's taste, but you never know unless you find out for yourself.Was this review helpful to you?
Wasted plotline potential, quite bad acting(not allll but yea), characters feel soulless
Two main thing that made me drop this drama wasThe characters were SOULLESS
Like her current comrade group, they are solely there for convenience
Honestly even Cheng linsu character itself is also totally for driving a bit of romance , adding humor etc
Villains?(up till the ep that I watched) They are also lacking
Everything feel two dimensional character, can't connect to them on personal level. Most are there merely for convenience sake and driving plot
Second plot is lost....focus is lost
There are 36 eps. But for entirety of 23 eps I watched, main driving force here is revenging for Xiao jue dad. Which is alright
But I was hoping more focus on revenge but it feel more like Xiao jue thing is main (?)
Like it really had potential. But the execution was quite poor.
Also, just like the comment I saw, I would have love to see how she became so capable in first place. More flashbacks of training etc on he rufei. But now she is just deemed as capable and just because apparently. Like I so wanna connect to her character but there's a lot missing and they keep focusing on these quite irrelevant fillers.
My first point come again. Characters are not flashed out enough.
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