This review may contain spoilers
Only Cheng Yi can pull off a carefree character like Li Lian Hua.
I mostly stick to romantic dramas, a little bit of romance is like a salt in food for me. However, I watched this drama solely because of Cheng Yi & it was worth it. This drama also helped to rediscovered Joseph Zheng. Last year, I had watched his Hi Venus and thought he was dashing but Fang Duo Bing was such a good character for him. Wish that we had more of Di Fei Sheng working along with them, however his screen time was very short.Some of the cases were interesting while others were not, I mostly skipped some scenes and focused on those where the main trio were interacting. The main story was kinda weird with the bugs, bugs just remind me of starship troopers. Having seen Chen Duling in Till the End of the Moon, it was hard for me to think of her as the good guy, her character was so insecure and devious in it, especially since I had rewatched the drama a week ago. There wasn't much for her to do in this drama, she had but a small role to play and she did it well. Her fiancé was an immature idiot in this drama.
But anyways it was fun watching the main trio go on adventures together. At one point in time, I wondered how 4 horses managed to drag that big ass lotus tower all over the place. But then again, architecture is a marvel. It sure was so good to look at and would be such a great place to live in.
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The Lotus Blooms Late
Mysterious Lotus Casebook is about the journey of physician Li Lianhua and rookie detective Fang Duobing as they solve cases that gradually reveal their past stories.Mysterious Lotus Casebook was my first wuxia drama, so I didn’t really understand the universe in the first few episodes. For me, the cases felt boring and didn’t make much sense. It wasn’t until episode 7 that the story started picking up, the cases became interesting, the plot thickened, and the chemistry and comedy really hit.
As a 40-episode series, I felt some draggy plots at times. But overall, the script is strong. The action scenes are great, and the visuals are pleasant to watch. The highlight is absolutely the Li Lianhua character, a genius who’s also cynical and Cheng Yi did an amazing job in this role. The bromance among the two with Di Feisheng is fun too, and the most entertaining cases are when all three of them solve it together.
Overall, it’s not a heavy watch and very enjoyable
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A Strange and Delightful Story of Friendship and Forgiveness
I can confidently say this is a masterpiece among the C-dramas I've watched.This was my first time seeing Cheng Yi perform, and he was absolutely incredible. Only Cheng Yi could portray the challenging role of Li Xiangyi/Li Lianhua in such a charming, cool, and amusing way.
The drama's plot progresses quite rapidly, with different cases being resolved every couple of episodes. However, each mystery is connected to the next, and each one is essential to solving the overarching mystery.
To unravel these mysteries, Li Lianhua, Fang Duobing, and Di Feisheng embark on a quirky and entertaining journey together, which is absolutely hilarious! The dynamic between these three very different characters, as they argue, laugh, and work together to solve cases, made me laugh and cry multiple times.
Li Lianhua learns to forgive others, something Li Xiangyi never did. He forgives and frees the people connected to his past. However, Li Xiangyi himself cannot forgive himself. This aspect is very sad and poignant, highlighting his humanity.
I highly recommend this drama to those who enjoy mysteries and human dramas!
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This review may contain spoilers
Interesting show that keeps you engaged.
First thing - Decisions were made. Some of the choices were distracting that made me question my own sanity for watching (that first fight WTF, fight scenes, flashbacks, esp the one where Li Lianhua stole the ring, etc - hilarious/illogical) but overall I enjoyed this series.So many likable characters. Esp A Fei/Di Fei Sheng, Fang Duo Bing, Jiao Li Qiao. The Princess, Su Xiao Yong and She Shui. Everyone was unique with their own set of motivations, and what they wanted. The cases were always interesting - but they got me googling the heck out of some of the logic (no, not all eels are males, and no, these Jianghu techniques dont exist in real life). The acting was great all around. Special call out for Li Lianhua, Fang Duo Bing, A Fei/Di Fei Sheng, and Jiao Liqiao.
I did like how the series had twists and turns. I think the director did great tying in elements where its x guy from former cases cause it was nice seeing ppl again, but also most too the cases almost had 2+ culprits. Also, the main storyline wasn’t as typical as I thought it would be. There’s a tacit understanding some of these characters have with each other (esp Di Fei Sheng with Li Lianhua, and Li Lianhua with Fang Duo Bing) which was beautiful to see progress over the series. Each character (Li Lianhua with his cunningness, Di Fei Sheng stoicism, and Fang Duo Bing’s hopefulness, special Jiao Liqiao with her obsession hehe) has defining qualities and it was interesting to see those relationships. Im glad this wasn’t a full on romance series, and it was poignant in the way that Li Lianhua addressed Ye Bingchang I mean A’Mian after all these years. I forget, not all FML counterparts are equal, and Qiao WanMian is extremely flawed - in a way I dont like. Interesting character though. This show does feel like it didn’t end because it’s open ended, but also Im a bit mad at how it ended as well. Im not sure I would consider this a happy ending show.
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A story-telling masterpiece
I've been a huge fan of Cheng Yi since love and redemption and I have to say writers need to stop giving him roles where he goes through a lot all the damn time. My heart always hurt seeing him in pain!I kept pushing back watching MLC because there was no cultivation in the series, but Cheng Yi and Joseph Zhang drew me in, and I have to say I enjoyed every bit of it. I've always been a fan of mystery, and the cases they dealt with were delivered well, especially in connection with the main plot. Twists here and there will leave you in awe, and the interactions between the leads will amuse you from time to time. The martial arts here reminded me of cultivation dramas from time to time, and the stunts were cool to watch. Overall, it was worth watching, but my baby deserves better in all his dramas!
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This review may contain spoilers
What can I say? After watching all 40 episodes, this show does a good job of not letting the heroes always win. The story moves pretty fast, and if you're someone who loves mysteries and being a detective, this show is for you. The plot is something that caught me so off guard and you can never really guess what the real truth to any of these case is.Something I really apprentice in this show is its ability to portray what actually happens during the cases that they solve. Every case they solve, it shows us an actual play of the scene. However, one issue that comes with this show, is Li Lianhua is a bit too smart to the point where you don't even get a chance to guess what happens. Because everything that happens in the show is almost unpredictable, and Li Liana can guess what happens every single time.
Li Lianhua's character is very interesting. He is very observant and conniving. He is very slick and knows how to calculate, which is very impressive. It was such a pity to not see much of his fighting scenes, but there was other fighting scenes which caught my attention especially with Fang Duobing and Di Feisheng. Those 2 characters make the show give a bit more comedy.
Now the ending, not exactly a cliff hanger. He could have saved himself, but he didn't. I want to believe that he isn't dead but considering the fact that he was poisoned and he gave away the only thing that could save him, it was such a pity.
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Who doesn't love a good mystery?
What an adventure! I loved that there were so many interesting and unique cases to solve and the funny and heartfelt relationship between the 3 main male leads. The pacing was good and i felt everything was explained clearly and made sense from beginning to end. It was nice to take a break from romance-heavy dramas and turn to something more bromance!Was this review helpful to you?
They'll never let you go, hard as you might want it.
Li Lianhua, Li Lianhua, what a beautiful story. The trailer didn't do justice to this drama as it was vague and didn't reveal much, I could have missed out on this one.This drama was worth all my 40 hours spent on it. Very suprisenly for me, there was no character I hated in here, even the bad ones.
Although LL adopted FDB as his own (not what happened in the drama, you'll understand if you watch it), I wish he had actual kids of his own for FDB to raise.
Everyone had their role to play and everyone did it beautiful, no cheesy, no overcompensating, just professionalism.
I would watch a sequel if one ever gets into the works.
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This review may contain spoilers
Mysterious Casebook is an absolute must on your watchlist. I enjoyed every single second of this drama — not a single episode felt slow or unnecessary. The pacing was tight, the cases were clever, and the way each mystery was slowly unraveled kept me completely hooked.Each case brought something fresh, from eerie and suspenseful moments to heartwarming and even funny turns. The detective work was smart without being overly complicated, and the little clues scattered throughout made you feel like you were solving it alongside the characters.
The chemistry between Cheng Yi and Joseph Zeng was just perfect — both beautiful and hilarious. Their banter had me laughing out loud, while their moments of trust and understanding added so much emotional depth. It’s the kind of partnership you can’t help but root for.
Di Fei Sheng was the definition of martial honor. One scene I’ll never forget is when he refused to fight Li Lianhua while he was weak — a mark of true respect. He always says I'll heal you...so I can fight with you...And when he tried to save him with all his might, it really showed how great he was as a character.
Li Lianhua himself was such a layered character — witty, seemingly laid-back, but carrying deep wisdom and a bittersweet past. Watching him navigate both the martial world and these intricate mysteries was a joy.
Now… Jiao Liqiao. I hated her so much — she was manipulative, cunning, and ruthless, yet the actress played her so well that I couldn’t look away. She’s the kind of antagonist that makes the story richer just by existing.
What I loved most was how the drama balanced mystery, humor, and action so well. One minute you’re on the edge of your seat with a tense fight or shocking reveal, the next you’re laughing at a quick-witted remark or silly misunderstanding.
Totally worth it. If you enjoy mystery-solving, charismatic leads, and stories set in a rich wuxia world, Mysterious Casebook is for you. It’s entertaining, touching, and endlessly rewatchable...
Chenyi , he is amazing!
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This review may contain spoilers
Two legendary figures along with a a budding talent become the perfect trio!
When I saw watch this show, I mean WATCH THIS SHOW! Li lianhua/Li Xiangyi was portrayed perfectly by Cheng Yi. Every moment, every emotion, his thoughts, he reasons, were all perfectly depicted by Cheng Yi; to see this beautiful acting alone is imperative! As we follow Li Lianhua/ Li Xiangyi's journey you slowly fall in love with this flawed main character, every action he takes makes him so human, you can't help but love him while also watching him succumb to his fate. After seeing the ending and the special episode, I would be lying if I said I didn't cry. This drama truly touches your heart, each character is so well written and so well done by their actors that they almost feel like friends to you, making this drama''s ending so heartbreaking.I specifically loved the main trio. Di Feisheng and Li lianhua/Li Xiangyi definitely have some enemies to lovers energy (note this isn't a BL drama tho) and I am here for it! While Feng Duobing, a newcomer fits right it. Between their arguments, fights and encounters, they grow such a heartwarming and true bond that was incredible to watch on screen.
The only point of this show I didn't quite enjoy was the solving of the cases. In the beginning it was structured in a case after case manner, making it quite tedious to watch, but it got better as we got deeper into the plot. The cases were still interesting though!
Overall, I truly hope you give this drama a chance, it was truly touches your heart and immerses you in a way few dramas can. I wouldn't rewatch this though because I don't think I can put myself through the ending again, but watching for the first time, the experience makes this drama unforgettable and totally worth it.
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thanks???
BAGUSSS POLLLLLLLL🔛🔝meskipun aku nangkepnya ini sad end, isokeyyy itu lebih releated sama alurnya, dan untuk FDB sama DFS, makasih jugaa udah jadi beban LSS, sengganya dia hidupnya bisa lebih ber warna karena kalian berdua, meskipun banyak hal yg bikin orang ikuy emosi jugaaa, but isokeyy makasii ya gw bakal gamon u/ bbrp hari, cheng yi lu suksessss bgt bikin gw keluar banya tisuuu :((
ditunggu project selanjutnya ya ge, sehat-sehat seruss😭😞😻🤍😠🔥😮🫂😎🏃🏻♀️🎉🌹😆🤪🥺😒💀💤🤺🏊🏻♀️🧟♀️🏖️🐉🕊️🦮🐎🫕
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The best wuxia drama I've seen thus far!
Mysterious Lotus Casebook is hands down one of my favorite Chinese dramas to date. Though it is not perfect by any means and it doesn't have the most satisfying ending, it didn't leave me frustrated or disappointed unlike another C-drama that would've been without flaw if not for its horrid ending. In fact, it leaves you hungering for more with its open ending that may or may not lead to a second season. Despite the fact that it is a solid detective story dripping with political intrigue, mysticism, and evil schemes for world domination, the true driving force of this series is its characters. It boasts of well-written characters that each have their own story arcs and go through significant character development as the plot progresses.Cheng Yi plays somewhat of a dual role, the young and brash, Li Xiangyi, who basks in the glory of his achievements in the martial arts world, and Li Lianhua, the reclusive wandering physician with a sharp tongue and an even sharper wit. I love how he contrasts these two characters, showing how much the ambitious and arrogant Xiangyi has changed over the years and become the more mature and grounded Lianhua, who is content in lazing about with the company of his dog and growing vegetables in his garden. I love love this snarky bastard! 😍
Zeng Shunxi is Fang Duobing, the young and impressionable son of a noble man who grew up idolizing Li Xiangyi. He also undergoes a major change as the series goes on, from a bratty rich kid to a young man worthy of becoming Xiangyi's successor. Xiao Shunyao plays Di Feisheng. He starts out as an anti-hero but soon proves to be one of the most compelling characters in the series. His friendly rivalry with Li Xiangyi or Li Lianhua is quite possibly one of the best bromance dynamics I've seen in any drama. While he is the typical stoic “tsundere” character, his interactions with the other two protagonists are the funniest moments in the whole series. And damn, he's such a striking figure, an absolute badass!
The villains are absolutely despicable! You will never find an ounce of sympathy to spare for these hateful people. But they are not exactly your cookie cutter type of villains since their motivations aren't solely rooted in the fact that they are evil. The supporting characters are also engaging albeit some of them are not as memorable as the others. But perhaps the one character that really struck me was Yun Biqiu. His story of remorse and redemption is truly touching.
The writing could've been better, though. There are parts in this series that left me scratching my head, trying to find logic in them. Some seem too contrived, convenient, and coincidental that I had to suspend my disbelief more than a few times in order to enjoy this series. I wish they could've been more precise in the writing department, but since it is a fantasy drama, I figured I could just chalk it up to mystical arts.
As for the production value, they didn't skimp on the set designs, costumes, and cinematography although there are some scenes that looked iffy to me. I suppose I could attribute that to bad CGI due to lack of budget. The fight scenes are spectacular, though. Most costume C-dramas don't play around with their fight choreography, but this drama, in my opinion, has some of the most convincing fight sequences and the main actors really look like martial artists. I give the stunt coordinators and fight choreographers (apart from the actors of course) the credit for that.
All in all, this was an enjoyable 40-episode drama that I don't regret watching and would probably watch again if I can't find another series to obsess on, or when I miss Li Lianhua. But for now, I'm saying goodbye to my old friends, Lianhua, Fei, and Duobing. Yes, they're my friends now!
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