Editorials 
@blabla100
Yes, I remember your pov on XL and his plans for XY, and his role with the remnant army, but I didn’t realize how soon in the story you felt those plans applied. It sounds like you see XL having made up his mind early in Qingshui and maintaining that position throughout the story.
blabla100:
In fact, if XL's reaction had been one of sadness or disappointment I might be more inclined to see a hint of jealousy there, but the fact that his reaction seems so intense makes me think there's more to it underneath it.
Actually, that somewhat describes his reaction during the night when he revealed his identity to XY. :-)
After reading your posts I have decided to give against the current a go too. I have only watched two episodes so far, but it's off to a really good start. I just hope it doesnt go downhill as it progresses.
And that scene with the fake painting hiding the original underneath is so Tong Hua, lol.
I’m so glad you decided to watch! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts about the characters. I really enjoyed your previous updates when you were reading TH’s other novels.
Do you remember Dr. Yin in the novel? I didn’t recognize his character at first since I think he appeared only in the 2nd season briefly. In ATC, he plays the male lead’s younger cousin, Lin Jin Qiao. If you don’t remember his personality, I’d suggest rereading about him. His character is hilariously adorable.
Are you referring to my covert masterpiece? C’mon, not even to the fun bubbles? Tsk tsk.
Yes, ATC provides an entertaining watch on a different level than most. TH gives insider benefits to LYF fans in this new world.
It’s possible the strong supporting characters, including a few from the new story, may outshine the main story in some ways. For us, the story line with the Lin patriarchal grandfather, Lin Zhao Xiang, delivers a satisfying and poignant arc. Xie Zhao and Lin Xiu Wan swept the title for the most romantic moment of the series in episode 46, proving that good things do come to those who wait. Lin Jin Qiao, revealing Dr. Yin’s clear essence, casts a warm sunny glow. Tianer, as Lin Xiu Lai, reminds us of her quiet strength and pragmatic sensibility. And Lao Mu, even in another life as Xu Wan Quan, finds a daughter who resembles his Wen Xiao Liu. What a rare experience to learn more about the characters of one story from another unrelated story.
Kokuto:
We don't have a Xiang Liu type character at all.
Maybe not directly, but the situations and overall themes in ATC do speak to the heart of Xiang Liu’s internal struggle (as well as to Xiao Yao’s) in LYF. “Live with all your might,” says the adoptive mother to the young female lead, Lanxiang, grieving for her lost family. In comparison, General Hong Jiang (Gong Gong) and his relationship with Xiang Liu seem more starkly shrouded in mystery as a result. It’s interesting to note how this “compare and contrast” layer in ATC invites further attention back to LYF and the true essence of its characters, and that extends to Xiao Yao and Xiang Liu.
Fun fact: In episode 11, the group of eligible men play a drinking game quoting classical poetry and medicine. Xie Zhao cites Fang Feng (“guard against wind”), a medicinal herb, as a match to “suffering from a cold ailment.” Considering Xiang Liu became Fang Feng Bei after spending more than a hundred years in the frozen Far North, that’s a perfect fit.^^
