Destined

It's Refreshing. Very Recommended

The characters' growths *chef kiss* It's very refreshing to me, that when I watched this drama the role reversal of how the woman becomes the provider and head of the family. I mean, sure, the ML was amazing too with his principles and his actions prove that. Again so refreshing when her in-laws were good and kind people.

Their love story was slow burn and I enjoyed that. Their mutual respect for each other gradually turned into love. Still, I love that moment when I screamed at the screen, now give me the first kiss scene and then it happened few sec later.

I love how this drama showed their up and down and every phase/stage of their lives. I cannot stop watching from one episode to next. I also love that we got to watch their friends stories. Feel sad for Zhou Ye though.

I wonder why they decided to keep both ML and FL looking so young when it had been like 10 years probably since they both married and they went through a lot of things.

Good casting because I can't help but think Zhou Ye really looks like his father the great Commander. The way I was shocked when I saw the ML former fiancée to be, that princess face, lmao her face looks so modern iykwim. The lips filler lmao.

Can't believe they made me cried over the villain. Well

-301123

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Best relationship growth!

One of enemies to lovers drama I really enjoyed this year!
Plus good costume with good production, BJT as Gu Jiusi x Song Yi as Liu Yuru really delivered the story of their relationship growth perfectly.
But overall, this drama really have good package in casting and acting. I haven’t read the novel so cannot compare about the adaption, but have read about some dissapointment about how the story was being told in the drama.

Really satisfied to watch to the end even tho the half of their relationship really hurtful to watch because of the hardship these two have to get through. Their chemistry between each other is just top notch! Love it!

As much as I like this drama but I have to make it 9/10 even tho I really enjoyed like majority of this drama because the war scenes really too draggy in the middle.

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Maybe just watch the first half if you're here for the romance

Although I don't completely understand what's going on, I can tell some pieces of the plot are broken and have loose ends. First half is romance, second half is court stuff. Mid acting that becomes really good only in emotional moments (I blame director). Kitty cameo on ep 30 made the show just a little bit more enjoyable. Music is nice and fits the mood for the most part. Personally, not worth a rewatch.

Story: some plot points I just don't get why they started in the first place. Plot starts to fall off after the 12th/13th ep. Apparently, they just waded thru a desert, which is the first time I've seen that in a drama btw. This is just me being rlly nitpicky, but I think the crying scenes drag out a little too long. They also take back a lot of things that should've just been left alone or just not happen in the first place. The romance is rlly sweet, and there's so much trust between the leads. There's also no annoying love triangles. Also, the emperor is so based and prevents the #1 annoying romance trope from happening, among other things. I do like that the emperor doesn't seem to want to be so bc now he can't connect with his bros the same way anymore. One of the characters is so wishy-washy, like choose one side, dude. And I don't say that just because; I only say this bc he's had plenty of time to figure himself out, but he kept choosing a particular side. Now, in the current situation, he's trying to weigh out his options?? Like it makes no sense. Not only is the motive of the villain so basic (diff person), it doesn't rlly explain why he did the things he did. It just seems like smth the writers made up just to tick a mark. Someone please explain if I'm wrong. At least the ending was nice.

Acting/Cast: ngl why is fl always crying..like I know the actress can act, but her acting isn't as natural as ml's. Ml's face is very expressive..sometimes (mostly when he's angry). I also know he can act. It's just that the way they act seems very plain and not very unique or special. I fear it's bc the director's leading isn't very good. Hot take, but a lot of the supporting characters' acting is arguably better than the main characters'. The moments between the main leads are kinda cheesy, but that doesn't necessarily mean there's no chemistry between them.

Music: the bg music makes scenes so unnecessarily dramatic. Love the ending song though.

Rewatch value: tbh this could've easily been 20 eps shorter. I feel like the arcs they added were pretty unnecessary.

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What I like:
The reason I watched this: Bai Jing Ting
The reason I keep watching: Song Yi's character - is strong and intelligent
The seal that keeps me watching: Episodes 10 and 11 (the later part of episode 10 and the early part of episode 11)
The reason I watched it again for the 3rd time: episodes 10 and 11 (also the reason why I wrote this review. I do not know what was it on these episodes, but the first time I watched it, I felt so nervous as if I was one of the characters, and the relief I felt when Xifeng admitted defeat)

What I do not like:
Some "punishments" are not enough for me to give that high level of satisfaction example episode 9
The reason behind the main villain's reason for revenge and how they tidied it up at the end. Like really?

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WORTH WATCHING

SHORT STORYLINE: it's about a couple which married by accident, and agree on a divorce later on. But out of loyalty they help each other, a friendship was build which leads to a love relation and real marriage. Both as POWERCOUPLE overcome a lot of challenges and survive near-death-situation, and sacrifices. The story is with a historical background with several federal states and an empire which falls apart, war, poverty, famine and a lot of suffering of the common people is the result. A lot of people die. The Couple becomes a leading stone to a new empire.

The series impresses with its QUALITY of costumes and attractive, well-developed and CUTE(male lead) characters who show progression throughout the story. The male lead's acting is strong, showcasing a convincing range of emotions, while the female lead, though competent, lacks expressiveness and struggles to convey emotional depth, which can make her performance feel flat. The script could have added more pivotal scenes to enrich their relationship, as some key moments are merely mentioned in passing. The CHEMISTRY BETWEE THE LEASD isn't convincing, with the male character showing more believable growth, whereas the female character remains largely static and unemotional. But nonetheless I love the strong character of the female lead character, she becomes a STRONG WOMAN who goes her own path and builds her own life. The pacing is decent, but the second quarter drags due to excessive dialogue that makes the relationship feel overly sweet and lacking tension, diminishing the drama’s potential. Also I miss more funny scenes. However, the series stands out for its original, non-predictable story, quality filming, and WELL-EXECUTED FIGHT SCENES that avoid excessive exaggeration. Despite some issues with the romance, the show remains engaging with its well-crafted characters and unique narrative, making it worth watching.

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unsatisfactory ending

I loved the lead actors. there wasn’t enough scenes of seeing the villain pining for the FL. The writers should have made it more salient themi would believe the villain was really obsessed with the FL but I barely felt it. Would have rated higher if the ending wasn’t so bad. The bad guys didn’t pay much for what they did. doing is easier than living with guilt and regret

also I dislike stories where one’s revenge was based on false information that could have been corrected if the characters just communicated properly. To me it’s such lazy way to write a story. I feel duped ever time when the truth comes out and the villain realizes all the hurt they caused was for nothing😞

😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😔😏😏😏😔😔😔😔

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This one is way underrated! It deserves more recognition

This is a really good story, especially the love story between the 2 leads. Juisi and Yuru’s love story was one of the best ones I have seen portrayed in a Cdrama. This is definitely proof that kissing scenes and implied sex don’t make a romance. Their relationship is definitely a slow burn, but their partnership, friendship and ultimately love is evident in all they do. I like that they really are a pair working together. They even arrive at the same conclusion from different angles multiple times. She is soft spoken but fierce when necessary, and above all she is brave and smart. He is a spoiled child when the story begins, but one with a good heart. He grows into the best kind of hero. But I especially love his sense of humor and a bit of his childish delight. He keeps this even though he grows up. Watching this is riveting TV.

What bumps this drama down a bit for me is the stuff outside the main romance. The bad guy is more like the kind who stomps around wearing a black cape and laughing evilly. He is “behind” all of the chaos that happens, but our heroes know it and still don’t take him out. It feels like we are told he is bad rather than shown it. He never really seems like a compelling bad guy to me and more like just an obstacle for plot purposes. Much of the palace intrigue is less than logical and the selflessness of our main couple means they have to start over 3 times before they finally get their happy after. It makes the story drag quite a bit in the back half.

Overall, watch it for the romance and the palace intrigue, but it would have been better if about 10 episodes had been cut.

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Mismatch? Perfect match.

A beautiful drama which I initially started it just for the arranged-marriage romance, but it offered so much more - especially in terms of character development.

I personally liked Gu Jiusi's playful nature. He was a good character from the beginning - kind, always respectful and protective of his wife. After the tragedy, I didn’t even feel like continuing because I didn’t want him to change. In Ep 15, when Liu Yuru says, “But now, I just want you to be the same as before, to go out and play like a happy kid,” it perfectly captured what I was feeling. But after watching the whole series : On the outside, it may feel like he changed drastically, but he was always the same - just more mature and reliable.

I also liked how Yuru’s perspective changed after marriage. At first, she was quite calculative, focused only on securing a stable and happy marriage. But when Jiusi asked her what she was truly interested in, it really struck her. That question pushed her to reflect, grow, and eventually learn to build and earn through business on her own.

I felt sad for Jiusi’s mother - such a strong woman, yet after moving and losing her husband, she seemed to lose her spark. The middle became more political, and while it was fine, I enjoyed eps 1-14 the most.

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Destined is my joy. Bai Jing Ting is my enjoyment.

Destined (2023) is a Woman in Business Period RomCom Drama. This is one of my favorite Chinese dramas of the year.

Apart while together. Destined hones in on a comedy while being a serious drama. The star, Bai Jing Ting, tries his hand at comedy, while reeling in the serious aspects of this story too.

The Story

A pampered son of the richest Costume Drama Plutocrat, has a spat with the daughter of a modestly well off Merchant. The differences are irresolvable. As with happenstance, the two end up in a arrange marriage. He is a bon-vivant and she is prim and proper. This is great fodder for laughter as the two try to cohabitate peacefully. Destined stars Song Ye as the prim and proper Liu Yu Ru and Bai Jing Ting as the spoiled but kind-hearted Gu Jun Si. He begins to teach her business and she pushes him to the highest scholastic achievements. They both “better” each other has walls are broken down to expose love.

Destined is a refreshing Costume drama change. Few things produce more of an anachronism than a Comedic Costume Chinese Drama. I have not seen Bai Jing Ting in a RomCom yet, but this seems to be the year that many Asian dramatic actors are challenging themselves to try comedy. Bai Jing Ting has never given his audience the same acting performance in his dramas and this extends to his attempt at comedy. I found myself laughing a lot. Bai Jing Ting, as Gu Jun Si, utilizes body language and gestures to aid in his comedic performance and his comedic timing is spot on.

Song Yi as Liu Yu Ru plays the straight part in this Chinese drama series. She gives some of the most endearing dialogue about women in business and love, sending goosebumps up my arm. Song Yi’s demur sweetness was so right for this part. Her character, Liu Yu Ru, is portrayed as a high intellectual and a quick learner, becoming the asset to her husband and the longing of other men.

Quote: This business is about Military supplies. Confucius said, “To rule a country of a thousand chariots, there must be reverent attention to business and sincerity; economy and expenditure and love for men; and employment of people at the proper time”. Husband teaching wife what the client needs to hear. From Destined

This RomCom is a high Yes! from me.

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A Cinderella Story with Ledgers, Love, and War

Destined begins as a marriage born from misunderstanding, but slowly unfolds into a story about growth, partnership, and finding warmth in the most unexpected places. While the drama stumbles in its political ambitions, its emotional core and character relationships make it a rewarding watch.

Liu Yu Ru is the legitimate daughter of a once-prosperous cloth merchant, yet her life is anything but comfortable. Trapped in a household that treats her and her mother as burdens rather than family, she survives through quiet endurance. A single misunderstanding alters her fate when she is suddenly married off to Gu Jiu Si, the infamous, pleasure-seeking son of Yangzhou’s wealthiest family, known more for indulgence than responsibility. Their marriage begins on shaky ground. Gu Jiu Si assumes Liu Yu Ru is calculating, while Liu Yu Ru braces herself for yet another life defined by patience and restraint. However, upon entering the Gu household, she is met not with cruelty, but warmth. Under the guidance of her gracious mother-in-law, she begins learning business, and over time, the emotional distance between husband and wife slowly dissolves. Just as their bond begins to bloom, war and political unrest descend upon Yangzhou. The Commissioner’s reign of terror forces the Gu family into unimaginable hardship, and through loss, chaos, and sacrifice, Liu Yu Ru and Gu Jiu Si transform from reluctant partners into devoted companions, proving that destiny is often forged through adversity.

Visually, Destined is a pleasure to watch. The sets are well-rendered and effective in showcasing the Gu family’s immense wealth and influence, while also emphasizing Liu Yu Ru’s Cinderella-like journey. Watching her rise from a mistreated daughter to a woman who seemingly “hit the jackpot” is deeply satisfying. What stood out most was the contrast between the Liu and Gu households. Where the Liu family felt cold and oppressive, the Gu family was warm, humble, and kind despite their riches. Every member of the Gu family felt genuinely likable, adding a comforting and familial atmosphere to the story.

At its heart, Destined thrives on the relationship between Liu Yu Ru and Gu Jiu Si. Their dynamic develops naturally, moving from petty tricks and misunderstandings to genuine partnership and trust. I loved the subtle storytelling choices, such as how the physical space between them while sleeping gradually closes, mirroring their emotional closeness. Gu Jiu Si’s attentiveness whenever his wife wants to speak is quietly endearing, and their relationship feels layered and realistic. They are friends, partners, lovers, and family all at once, bickering in one moment and fiercely caring in the next.

One of Destined’s strongest points is its lead performances, especially Bai Jing Ting as Gu Jiu Si. He delivers an outstanding portrayal, capturing Gu Jiu Si’s evolution from a mischievous and immature rich boy into a more grounded and responsible man. His comedic expressions are perfectly timed, never excessive, and blend seamlessly with the female lead’s softer, more naive demeanor. Episode 14 stands out as a turning point. Bai Jing Ting’s expressions during the traumatic events left a lasting impact, and the deaths of major ensemble characters were heartbreaking yet realistic. While it was painful to lose them early, their absence added emotional weight and consequence to the story.

However, the drama faltered when it came to its antagonists. The villains, especially Luo Zishang, felt randomly inserted into the story. His entrances lacked impact, his disappearances were frequent, and his role as a major antagonist never felt fully realized. His backstory was confusing, his motivations underdeveloped, and his supposed fixation on Liu Yu Ru was unconvincing given their limited childhood interactions.

The political plot toward the later episodes felt unnecessary and padded, as though new conflicts were introduced simply to fill the episode count. There were noticeable plot holes, particularly surrounding Luo Zishang’s family background and Emperor Fan’s rise to power. Emperor Fan’s sudden transformation from a hardened war figure into a frail, near-death ruler was unintentionally amusing rather than dramatic. Another weak point was the repetitive “starting from the bottom” trope. While their initial sacrifice made sense, repeatedly giving up all their assets felt unrealistic and increasingly cringey. The drama also made earning money seem far too easy, which undermined the gravity of those sacrifices.

The vow renewal and shared cup scene between Gu Jiu Si and Liu Yu Ru was visually beautiful, though it could have been more emotionally impactful. The ending itself was satisfying, with characters receiving what they deserved, but the sequence could have been stronger. Personally, I would have preferred the Gu family’s conclusion to be shown last for a more emotionally resonant finish.

Despite its flaws, Destined remains a heartfelt drama with a strong central romance, excellent performances, and a warm family dynamic. While the political elements were messy, the emotional core of the story carried the drama through and made it a memorable watch.

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Love that grows from strength to strength

A beautifully told tale of a love story that started out as an accident and evolved into a relationship of trust and genuine love. No unnecessary misunderstandings and jealousies to tear them apart was much appreciated. Instead their obstacles were the situations they were placed in.

A love triangle of sorts, the villain turned out to be victim of circumstances but the flashback sequences of him with the FL was sweet and gave you the usual “if only” wishes hoping he had it better growing up. The reveal during his end was not unexpected but good enough to tie up his storyline.

The star of this drama is the ML. Watching him grow from a carefree, playful person to one who sacrifices himself to fight for the good of the people was the highlight of this drama. Kudos to the scriptwriter for some of the most intelligent and interesting dialogue for this character. He delivers it so well and righteously in keeping with his character’s personality.

It was also nice to see the FL transform from originally resigning to her fate of just being a typical wife to having her own aspirations in business. However, this changes seem too jarring at times, one of which was when she went from crying on her wedding night to suddenly being extra gung-ho as she led men to the entertainment house to chase down the her husband. Brandishing a sword to get him was a nice humorous touch. However, her revealing all her marriage aspirations and how the ML ruined it in front of the many people in there felt so wrong. A normal person would have some reservations about sharing such private information in public, what more she had just spent years learning about a family’s code of conduct. Overly dramatic. (also found it strange she had no reaction when she saw her original target husband in the crowd there)

Watching her start her first business showed some smart moments but not fleshed out enough as she quickly turned things around after 2 weeks of slow sales. Not enough moments to make me believe she is this super business person especially when she was in the capital and when she was lying low during the 3 years.

One of my favourite parts would have to be in Wangdu and how the ML defended it with just 10,000 men against an army 10x bigger. I loved both his confrontations with his uncle here - perfect lines perfectly delivered!

Didn’t care much for the palace storyline with the new Emperor suddenly being sick all the time compared to when he was just a Commissioner. Liked the Empress Dowager and her daughter even less especially their senseless meddling. The twist here became too convenient and a few extra scenes on how it happened would have been better.

The ending was good enough, showing us what happened with all the main characters and how some of them still go on despite not having a spouse. A definite must watch if you are a fan of the ML as he was truly in his element in this drama.

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