Everlasting Longing

🔹 What would you do if the only way to survive in your world was to live as someone you’re not?

📖 Overview
🔹 36 episodes, romance and historical fantasy
🔹 Adapted from the novel Qiang Lai De Xin Niang by Xi Juan
🔹 Peng Xiao Ran plays Jun Qi Luo: a brilliant woman who must live as “Jun Fei Fan,” the illegitimate son, to protect her family and business
🔹 Chen Xing Xu plays Xuan Lie: a royal general searching for his parents’ killers while fighting to unite the clans
🔹 Their story begins when Jun Qi Luo’s disguise collides with Xuan Lie’s mission, leading to mistrust, sparks, and a slow pull toward love

✍️ Storyline & Tone
🔹 For me, this drama felt like a mix of mystery, banter, and slow-burn chemistry.
🔹 I liked how Jun Qi Luo’s hidden identity added constant tension, while her inventions showed how strong and creative she was.
🔹 The tone balanced action and romance, with battles, betrayals, and moments of longing that gave me all the feels.
🔹 Themes: love, courage, identity, family duty, and justice.

🎭 Cast & Performances
🔹 Peng Xiao Ran as Jun Qi Luo: She gave her character so much fire and intelligence, I admired every bold choice she made.
🔹 Chen Xing Xu as Xuan Lie: intense, loyal, and emotional—he matched Peng Xiao Ran scene for scene.
🔹 The supporting cast added humor, political scheming, and family bonds, giving the story more depth outside the romance.

🎵 OST
🔹 Troubles in this World by Curley Gao
🔹 The Mountains Are Green by Tiger Hu
🔹 Empty by Alan Dawa Dolma


🎨 Visuals & Production

🔹 The costumes and sets were gorgeous, from palace halls to outdoor landscapes, making everything feel rich and detailed.
🔹 Action scenes were sharp, but I loved the smaller, softer moments too, like market scenes or quiet looks exchanged between the leads.
🔹 For me, the mix of sweeping shots and personal detail made the world feel alive.

🏆 Final Thoughts
I gave this drama 8/10. I really enjoyed the leads together and found myself rooting for them, but some of the side plots slowed things down for me.

🔹 Would I rewatch? No

⭐ Final Rating: 8/10

💭 As SpillTheDramaTea ☕, this drama felt like watching a flame that kept flickering between hope and heartbreak. I enjoyed the ride.

✨ Did you feel the same pull between the leads, or did the side plots test your patience?

Read More

Everlasting obsession

This story could have been an emotional journey of longing and love between two destined lovers from different nations. Instead it gave us an unoriginal obsessive love story centered around a main couple that does not even offer convincing chemistry. Relying heavily on miscommunication, secrets, and bullheaded stubbornness this drama fails to bring anything new and exciting to your screen. With bad CGI, poor scene progression and planning, and luke warm acting this drama continuously creates incoherent plots with characters you find yourself rooting against instead of for.

Genius eldest daughter, Jun Qi Lun, is suppressed under the weight of her family's name and their misogynistic rules that prevent women from running the family business. At a young age Qi Lun decides to adopt a male alter ego in order to help in the family business. The Jun Family works closely with the King creating weapons to supply their nation and protect their people but when the paranoid King demands more results the Jun's find themselves scrambling to obtain a material they desperately need to improve their crossbow design. Qi Lun dons her male ego and sets off to find the black crystal but shortly into the trip her caravan is met with bandits at the war torn border and she is taken captive by the future Eagle Lord of the neighboring nation. Their interactions over time lead them to a romance but their respective status make it impossible to be together.

The CGI presented in this was worse than I have seen in a long time, even when compared to many low budget short dramas. It is so distractedly bad that I often wondered why they did not just choose to contain the story to fewer sets. There were many instances where it also logically did not make sense. How do they go from a green forest next to a river bed and run a few minutes but then end up completely lost in a dessert and can't be found by the caravan of people that were with them? They ran for only a few minutes but somehow everywhere the eye can see is now sand and dessert and the green and thriving forest they just ran from is nowhere. This incontinuity would continue to plague the drama in many aspects. The female lead would be a genius but not when the plot needed her to be saved by the male lead. The family business was introduced as a strong provider of weapons in the beginning but then changed to be jewelry or cloth merchants. The cartoonish villainous extended family can plot to steal the family fortune but then behave like school bullies that have no actual intelligence.

Many of these plot missteps could be overlooked for viewers that prefer a romance heavy drama and can blindly believe anything else to just enjoy strong chemistry between lovers. But the female lead actress is often wooden in her portrayal and lacks the chemistry with her costar to make you feel as if she was actually interested in him. The male lead does a much better job at portraying his emotions and want for the female lead but his strong leader personality begins to deteriorate and he just becomes a man that skirts his responsibilities to chase a woman. The romance also creates drama through constant miscommunications, secrets, lies, and unmovable stubbornness often with no real purpose in the plot except to create angst and draw out the story. So much could have easily been resolved by actually trusting one another.Then you have the second couple where the female just stalks the unwilling male until he eventually softens and accepts her. Both love stories are centered around obsession with neither making choices to better their partner's lives and instead only wanting to ensure they end up together.

While I can see someone may enjoy this by turning off their brain I still can not recommend it.

Read More

Love this drama

I am totally loving this c-drama. It blends mystery, thriller, and romance into an unforgettable journey, and it had me completely hooked from the first episode.
The plot masterfully intertwines suspense with heartfelt moments, making every episode a rollercoaster of emotions. The mystery elements are intriguing, with twists and turns that kept me guessing. Just when I thought I had figured things out, another layer of the story would unfold, pulling me deeper into its grip.
The romance is not just about fleeting passion but builds on deep emotions and character growth. Watching the leads navigate their feelings amidst all the chaos around them is a treat. Their chemistry is electrifying yet tender, giving us moments that make your heart race one minute and melt the next. 🥰
The production quality is top-notch, with locations that brings the story’s world to life.
What truly makes this drama stand out, though, is the FL and the ML, the supporting cast are great too, the 2FL princess is a little annoying but i think that is due to the script and not the actress. . Each actor embodies their character so perfectly that you’re drawn in. Their performances are great for a fun c-drama that is light, serious but not dark.
Overall, *Everlasting Longing* is a must-watch for anyone who loves dramas with depth, excitement, and a little hate turned lovers. Highly recommend!

Read More

Almost comical

Saw so many clips if this.. And it looked good..
But once i began watching it, I was quickly bored and out off.

So the fl caravan is attacked.. While the male lead did not instigate the attack he certainly did not help.
Then he kills Qi ming
Or so we think at least.

And yet it doesn't take long for the female lead to bow and scrape to the male lead.. All in the premise that she will either find information or revenge.
Once its realised that Qi ming is alive.. And a slave of the male leads sister(Princess) , he obviously wants to take the female lead and escape.. She doesn't want to.. And decides gaining infotmation is more important that the live of the friend shes had since childhood and who tried to save her life.

So Qi ming has to undergo degrading and humiliating treatment by the Princess, while our fl enjoys being flirted with by the same man who tried to kill him.
Such loyalty!

The Princess was so annoying, and I really just wished she would go away.. The fact she ended up with Qi ming was just stupid. Which man would want to stay with someone who completley demasculated him??
Him being decieved into marrying her was the absolute worst.. And I wanted to throw the whole movie away.

Our female leads acting was questionable.. And i couldn't feel any if the chemistry between her and the male lead.. It was more a business transaction than anything else.
His acting carried, while Angela babys was just dry.
I got bored.. Skipped episodes. Tried to go back and see what i had missed before deciding i didnt care enough.
This movie did not have me invested at all.

Wouldnt watch again unfortunatley,, but I am hoping to see more movies with the male lead.

Read More

Everlasting Longing - Dropped on ep.25

I couldn't take it anymore! Found this by accident, never heard of it before. The start was interesting and had a trope I usually love. But then... things went downhill.

What I Disliked:

The FL's Acting: For the first time ever, I noticed an actress seeming limited. The FL seemed to have only three expressions. Seriously? I've watched tons of dramas where people call actors "statues," but I never noticed it myself until now. I'm not criticizing her face she looks ethereal but her expressions felt unnatural, almost painful. Bro, she needs to work on that.

The FL's Endless Lies: Her lies just kept piling up! ML, how could you trust her? Okay, I get why she hid her identity won't blame her too much for that.

The ML Stops Communicating (Ep 19): Then the ML decides... no more talking? Seriously? This lack of communication directly leads to the FL falling off a cliff! Perfect! (Sarcasm). Like, you couldn't spare 5 minutes to tell her the truth? No excuse.

ML's Illogical Trust: Early on, the FL tried anything to escape, even trying to kill him! Then he suddenly decides she's his savior after one save? Logic? Gone. You don't even know her!

FL Forgets Her Goal: I felt bad for the FL wanting to help her family. But then she gets stuck wanting to stay in Beixuan... falling in love? Girl, your family needs you! And ML, you have a contest to win! Do you care? This had potential, but I couldn't like the ML forcing her to stay. I just wanted her to go help her family!

Painfully Boring Subplot: All that screentime wasted on those two trying to steal the Jun family legacy? Unnecessary filler. Skipped 99% of their scenes. Zero care. If you wanted comedy, do it with the leads!

The Princess & Guard: Felt bad for the guard stuck with the pitiful princess. She got no real consequences or character development. Also disliked making the guard have romantic feelings for the FL. Why? They grew up like family! Just have it be loyalty, gratitude, and duty to her family. That would have been strong enough. The forced love triangle just hurt his character unnecessarily. Him and the princess could have been interesting if he actually fell for her and she wasn't so insufferable. Needed development.

ML's Guard: Actually seemed interesting! Wanted to see more of him.

Weird Red Eyes: What's up with the ML's and his childhood friend's eyes turning red when emotional? Are they okay? Is this a werewolf thing? It just looked scary...

The Pregnancy Plot: Why did the FL even keep the child? It felt forced. How did the baby survive her falling off a massive cliff when she was only about one month pregnant? (Not an expert, don't want to be, but seriously?) Then, back with her family, couldn't she... you know... avoid the huge scandal of being pregnant? They called her unvirtuous! She wanted to save her family business – dealing with pregnancy seems like a massive, reputation-destroying hurdle she wouldn't choose. Felt purely plot-driven.

ML's Crazy Actions: Him showing up at the Jun family home? Insane! FL was right: "If the king finds out, won't that confirm the Jun family is with the enemy?" Him constantly barging into her room there was infuriating! I'd be furious too.

The Few Goods:
Costumes looked good for the budget.
The FL wasn't the typical "sweet and cute girly" type.
She mostly used her brain.

Big Question:
In the first episode, the FL kills attackers! Her guard says they grew up training together, and she pretended to be a man. So... doesn't that mean the fl trained too? Just to make the ML save her every time?

Final Thoughts:
This was a long rant! Personally, I don't recommend it. I could rant more, but... it just wasn't for me. I see some people liked it in other reviews, everyone has different taste. It had some okay points, I guess? But overall, a frustrating drop at episode 25.

Read More

Everlasting Longing” is a beautifully crafted Chinese drama that masterfully blends romance, emotion, and an engaging storyline. The show captivated me from the first episode and kept me invested in the journey of its characters until the very end. The main leads are not only visually stunning but also deliver performances filled with depth and authenticity, making their love story truly unforgettable.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this drama is its ability to portray a timeless romance that feels both passionate and genuine. The chemistry between the leads is electric, and their emotional journey tugs at the heartstrings. Their struggles, triumphs, and unwavering commitment to each other are beautifully depicted, making their happy ending all the more satisfying.

The ending is a heartfelt culmination of all the trials and tribulations faced by the leads. It leaves you with a sense of joy and contentment, making the entire journey worthwhile. If you are a fan of heartwarming romances with a touch of drama, “Everlasting Longing” is a must-watch. It’s a story that stays with you long after the final episode, reminding you of the beauty of love and perseverance.

Read More

Such an amazing and wonderful drama. Worthwhile watching it.

This drama is really amazing and wonderful. The character and the roles played by each and every actor and actress are so good. This drama defines the importance of justice, freedom, betrayal of close ones, and sacrificing oneself to protect the one with whom you wish to spend your life together till death. Both ML and Fl played a robust character indeed. They are both meticulous, calculative, and kind, compassionate, and are willing to sacrifice their life to protect to protect the people of their origin. Also, the roles played by supporting actors and actresses are outstanding. They also have a similar mindset like that of the main character and are willing to protect/endanger/surrender themself to protect the ones they love or care about. This drama is must must-watch drama, and the ending is good and justified as well

Read More

A Captivating Journey: My Thoughts on Everlasting Longing

Some dramas entertain, some leave a lasting impression, and then there are those rare gems that completely immerse you in their world from the very first episode. Everlasting Longing falls into the latter category. With its stellar cast, gripping storyline, and beautifully crafted characters—both main and secondary—it offers an unforgettable viewing experience that kept me hooked until the very end.

A Stellar Cast That Brings the Story to Life

One of the standout aspects of EL is its exceptional cast. Every actor, from the leads to the supporting characters (and here I’ll admit I don’t remember perfectly the names apart from Xuan Lie and Jun Qi Luo so I won’t use them!) delivered performances that felt natural and emotionally engaging. The chemistry between ML and FL was undeniable, making their interactions feel authentic and deeply moving! At the same time, the secondary characters were given just as much care and depth, ensuring that no role felt unnecessary or one-dimensional. Instead of merely existing to fill gaps in the story, they added richness and complexity, making the drama feel more immersive.

A Perfectly Balanced Storyline

A drama’s success often lies in its pacing, and EL mastered this effortlessly. The blend of action, romance, political conversations or even all those explanatory monologues of the FL, created a well-rounded narrative that never felt rushed or dragged out. Each episode had just the right amount of suspense to keep viewers on edge, emotional depth to connect with the characters and the much-needed lighter moments in between that provided warmth and humor.

Enemies to lovers! The romance was so beautifully developed, allowing the relationships -both main and secondary- to grow naturally rather than feeling forced or overly dramatic. At the same time, the action sequences were thrilling and well-executed, adding an exciting dynamic to the story. Unlike some dramas that struggle to balance intense plotlines with emotional depth, this one struck the perfect equilibrium, ensuring that every scene held the viewer’s attention.

Breathtaking Sceneries and Cinematic Excellence

Visually, EL was a masterpiece. From sweeping landscapes to carefully curated set designs, every frame was stunning to look at. The cinematography played a huge role in elevating the storytelling, with beautifully captured moments that highlighted the emotions of the characters. Whether it was an intimate conversation, a breathtaking outdoor scene or an intense action sequence, the visuals enhanced the experience in the best way possible. Maybe the only thing that could be better were some cgi -scenes or creatures- but that was a minor mishap in all its perfection!

A Binge-Worthy Experience

Few dramas make me feel so invested that I binge-watch them in a short span of time, but this one did it. Each episode left me wanting more, making it impossible to stop watching (apart from the last episodes that weren’t yet on viki so I was forced to wait). The unpredictable twists, emotional depth and overall execution were so compelling that I found myself completely immersed.

Final Thoughts

Everlasting Longing is an absolute must-watch for anyone who loves a well-crafted drama with a perfect balance of action, romance, and engaging storytelling. The captivating characters, stunning visuals, and emotionally rich moments make it an unforgettable journey. Whether you’re a fan of the genre or just looking for a drama that will keep you hooked from start to finish, this one should be at the top of your list.

Would I recommend it? Without a doubt!

Read More

Finally a new 2025 drama!!!

I am a person who enjoys watching dramas with a strong, smart, and useful female lead; and strong, masculine, intelligent male lead. What I also like about both the characters is that both of them are very scheming and I love that. The villains and some evil side characters are annoying and irritating, so the side actors did a good job on that. Some side characters are lovable like Shao Qimin (still sobbing internally for him) and Luo Qi (including the other good ones), Sun Zhaomin seem pretty chill but the problem is that there wasn't very much screen time for her or interaction between her and the female lead which I was hoping to see by the end. I adored their friendship.

The costumes are beautiful, especially Beixuan. I really love how they designed the costume for the princess Qingkou and Xuan Lie. The Beixuan style costume also look gorgeous on Jun Qiluo.

I feel that Jun Qiluo is very decisive and kind of cruel in her ways of trying to protect Xuan Lie. The lack of communication in this chemistry lowkey annoys me. Other than that, I am so glad that them two were able to stop with the nonsense with each other.

The princess is naive and annoying but I kinda grew fond of her near the end, at least she has some useful talents and can fight.
I was really hoping that Shao Qimin eventually falls for her and accept her love for him because I noticed that he kind of likes her (deep down he still cares about Qiluo more). The princess still need to grow up. I feel like she needs some character development because she seems the same throughout the whole drama.

The ending felt kind of rushed, I was hoping that they showed Xuan Lie and Jun Qiluo with their children. I also wanted to see how Princess Qingkou is doing without her Shao Qimin. I noticed many flaws and things I didn't really like, but most importantly, I truly enjoyed this drama since the first time I watched it. I'd watch it again to understand some plots better and part that I might have missed.

Read More