2099

"Futuristic" anti-hero and you will love him

For a short drama, this was really worth watching.
I saw the poster and was intrigued, but the synopsis did not prepare me for what this drama dished out in all the 18 episodes. If you think this is going to be simple-it won't. If you expect the usual tropes - you will get them twisted. Not until ep 15 and 16 will you fully understand and appreciate the lead couple and how they ended up doing what they are doing. There are breadcrumbs scattered from the beginning to track the viewers' guesses but what you will really enjoy are the FL (the female version of Uncle Wu from Joy of Life-how novel!) and the fun of watching the characters in the virtual game. The wacky ML, stone faced hilarious 2ML, kick ass 2FL and heart-touching love stories of all of the couples (including the concubine Zhang and prince Wu) will become more than holograms or NPC. But if it starts as a slapstick comedy, it evolves into a totally different type.
The smart script gives us an anti-hero stuck with multiple tries but unlike Fan Xian from Joy of Life (who gets help left and right and nearly walks on water) Chen Xiao Hua is just unlucky, oblivious and completely on his own when thrown into political scheming that he neither wants to participate in nor is capable of managing. But then everyday people (incl. competing concubines, rebellious general and an assassin of a foreign power) start aiding the ML who slowly figures out the painful truth of his existence. And he takes others on the ride with him, changing them in the process. But don't think this is a ML-centric show-it's not.
I made a comment when I first started watching it, a comment about the opening credits that gave me Matrix vibes, but overall, I would pair this up with the mood of the Blade Runner- even though this was a small-scale production. Sorry for using the Western references only, I am doing it because I really value the titles I just mentioned.

Is it a masterpiece? Far from it-people already posted about shortcomings of the show. Is it enjoyable? For some people probably not, while others will be glued to the screen. Is it worth watching? Absolutely! And not only because it will make you think and reflect while entertaining (consider the line "woman's best dowry is her devotion, a man's best pledge is tolerance and companionship. The most valuable things in this world are free"). See for yourself- it is one of these rare Chinese productions that does not cater to the general public tastes to make a quick money or fame and presents a clear vision of the creators.

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No Plot Twists, Just Vibes—and I Loved It

Honestly, not much to unpack here because the plot isn’t one of those mind-bending, headache-inducing types—which, honestly, I appreciate sometimes. But let me tell you what I did love. The second couple? Absolute chaos and power couple goals. They fight, they flirt, they probably accidentally start wars—what’s not to love? And CXH? This man listens to his "wife" without even realizing she’s his girlfriend in the real world.

A respectful king—even in confusion. Xiao Er also deserves a shoutout for being the ultimate ride-or-die, cheering CXH on as he tries to take down the Wu State like it’s just another Tuesday. Let’s not forget the two wise elders who put all their faith in him, fully convinced he’s future emperor material. We love supportive old men with vision.

The two concubines? Queens. Not only did they stand by CXH, but they also took care of Xiao Er when she was in a coma in the game world. Like, where do you even find loyalty like that? And one of my favorite moments—CXH letting his soldiers go home to their families because he knew they wouldn’t win that battle. Tragic? Yes. Heartwarming? Also yes. Husband material? Definitely.

Now, the ending? Flashbacks. Just flashbacks. That’s it. It gave "we ran out of budget" energy, but I’ll let it slide because the rest of the drama had me too emotionally invested to stay mad.

There’s honestly a lot more I could say, but I'm too lazy to write a novel. Just trust me—I recommend this one!

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