This review may contain spoilers
✨Mischievous Besties, Multiverse Madness & Cheng Lei’s Weaponized Eye Smolder✨
This has been sitting on my PTW list for what feels like a geological era.The visuals? Visualing. Relentlessly. Every frame looks like it went through a “make it extra” committee and got unanimous approval. I love how the drama pays tribute to the donghua adaptation while still carving out its own identity. It doesn’t feel derivative — it feels celebratory. CL and WCR absolutely understood the assignment.
The overall energy is very much “mischievous besties accidentally causing chaos while low-key saving the country,” and I am having tons of fun.
At its core, we’re dealing with a transmigration story — but not the basic, single-layer kind. This one plays with multiple levels of reality, and the plot unfolds in a way that feels deceptively light at first. It starts off playful and unserious, almost familiar… and then gradually reveals more complexity and emotional layering. Gotta love that.
The chemistry between the leads? As expected: chef’s kiss. CL and WCR bring so much texture to their roles. And yes, we get Cheng Lei’s signature eye-smolder-and-suffer-in-silence package deal. His portrayal of the “mad tyrant” is magnetic — intense, wounded, slightly unhinged, but deeply human. Add the fact that he fell first and harder? That’s the good stuff. That’s the premium subscription tier of romance angst.
That said, I do feel some frustration in the middle stretch. There were moments where the leads seemed to drift into supporting-character territory due to limited screen time, which slightly disrupted the emotional momentum for me.
I’m currently on episode 20 and genuinely enjoying the ride.
But I still can’t say this drama is giving me butterflies.
It’s nice. It’s charming. It’s the kind of show I’ll happily watch instead of working on my papers… but not the kind that hijacks my entire nervous system. I’m invested, just not unwell about it.
Maybe not every drama has to rearrange my brain chemistry. Some can just be… good company.
We’ll see if it eventually decides to emotionally attack me..
Now, about the ending. Given that this is technically a transmigration drama, censorship realities limit the possible conclusions. We’ve already had subtle hints suggesting “maybe we’re fictional characters who transmigrated into a story,” which introduces a double — maybe triple? — layered reality situation. Are we in a story inside a story inside a story? Is this narrative inception? Who knows. I’m cautiously predicting an ADWAD-style resolution, but I’m really hoping they commit to a satisfying and emotionally coherent finale.
I’ll be back with a full verdict once I finish.
Cheers.
✨UPDATE✨
Finished it — overall, a decent and fairly engaging watch.
The leads were adorable and emotionally mature. No dragged-out breakups. Just communication and loyalty, which was refreshing.
The tragic deaths hit as expected. The SFL was a highlight and deserves more roles.
I was invested, but no butterflies. The romance occasionally felt diluted by side plots I wasn’t interested in, which flattened the emotional impact for me.
The ending went full ADWAD — triple-layered reality confirmed. Inside the book world, the leads get a satisfying conclusion. In the modern world? A last-minute reunion.
Sir.
For this genre, we technically got more closure than LGIEF gave us, so I’ll acknowledge that. But I cannot pretend I didn’t want more. Show me the reunion properly. Show me the conversations. Show me the emotional unpacking. Especially from ML’s perspective. He returned a decade earlier than FL. A whole decade. I need answers. How did he track her down? What was he thinking all those years? What did it feel like to remember everything alone? The narrative potential was right there. Maybe censorship made extended modern resolution too sensitive territory — maybe not. Hard to say. But it does feel like we only got the appetizer of what could have been a very satisfying epilogue.
Overall, 8 - 8.25 for me. Strong performances and visuals, ambitious concept — just occasionally flat for my personal taste.
Still, a triple-reality transmigration romance with stable leads and a confirmed reunion is a small victory in this genre.
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Fun Antics with Unexpected Depth: A Seamless Transition of Laughter and Heartache
[Edited Final Review]Now that I’ve completed it, I can finally say how much I’m in love with this drama. Somehow it has just the right amount of comedy, tragedy, fluff, angst, the romance here is romance-ing, the chemistry is chemisty-ing, the flow is flowing - everything is just perfect. And the OSTs, I absolutely love the OSTs. I know enjoyment is subjective and not everyone might share my sentiments but personally, I have not come across a drama which I enjoyed this much in a very long time.
This is one of the rare dramas where watching the trailer actually inspired me to watch it. I went in expecting lots of comedy and was not only not disappointed but was also pleasantly surprised by the depth of the story and the characters. All the characters (both main and side) are complex and layered, and the actors did such an amazing job at bringing them to life that you can’t help but end up loving or hating them.
On that same note, this was my first proper drama of Cheng Lei and Wang Churan and am I in love? They are such a talented and beautiful duo, I couldn’t decide who I liked more and literally loved every second they were on screen. Not to mention the visual fest, the costumes and the styling are totally on point and simply so beautiful that I had to rewind a few times just to appreciate their beauty.
The chemistry between the main leads is also impeccable. They are such balanced characters and match each other’s energy really well, and I love how much they trust each other and communicate quickly to prevent unnecessary misunderstandings, and while some secrets still remain, it’s not frustrating and if you see it from the ML's pov, it's really understandable.
I didn't watch any of the other adaptations before so went in with a pretty fresh mind, minus the very blatant spoiler the synopsis gave out but personally I feel like knowing the ML's situation made a lot of his early actions make more sense and added more depth to them like his absolute trust in the FL, his interactions with other people, the court sessions, etc. so I can't really say I mind it.
The plot itself can come off as a bit shallow at first, but it gradually dives deeper into a darker and more complex storyline without it feeling too overpowering. The flow and balance are so good that the comedy and tragedy can coexist with each other without either losing its charm.
The pacing of the story is also honestly just perfect for me, and I was hooked from the first ep but it could be considered a little fast for some people, especially since the transmigration plot and timelines can be a bit confusing but when it all clicks, the story is really good and it gets better with each ep. I watched it while airing and every episode was worth the wait, so props to the entire production team for creating this amazing drama cuz I loved every minute of it.
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A chaotic yet worthwhile journey!
I'd like to start by writing some words about STORYLINE. The subject is quite appealing and engaging. The series has served the dramatic plot well. The most beautiful aspect is how the writer seamlessly blended the modern and historical eras at the start of the series! Throughout the drama, the story matures. However, at the end, I was disappointed because I expected more screen time for the lead when they returned to the modern era.In terms of ACTING, each character performs admirably as scripted. Notably, the MAIN LEADS are fantastic; they gave their all to portray the characters accurately. Mainly, actress Wang Chu Ran played every mood—chaotic, funny, and serious—perfectly. Ryan Cheng also delivered an excellent performance as his character. Overall, the CASTING was flawless.
However, the genre of "HOW DARE YOU!" is HISTORIC COURT POLITICS with TIME-TRAVELING elements, which I believe is rather cliché nowadays.
To sum up, the series is fantastic!
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This review may contain spoilers
Generic in Disguise
Attracted by the warm glow, the sparkly dresses paired with fairy-like make-up and accessories, and the funny, almost “never-seen-before” atmosphere in a wuxia/xianxia-ish historical Chinese drama, I thought this would be a refreshing take on the transmigration-into-a-novel trope. But I was proven wrong… unfortunately.Transmigration was merely a backdrop for a straight-up royal political intrigue, and a generic one at that. Your typical struggle for the throne, with revenge turning a supposed male lead into a villain and a greedy queen who just wants power and money.
The villain, Xiahou Bo, is a hell-bent character who wants the throne and hates Dan at every turn. But his hatred doesn’t feel justified. It often comes across as if his actions are driven by whim rather than depth, which makes his character feel flat and underdeveloped.
The Empress is similar, existing mostly for the audience to hate and condemn for her actions toward Dan.
Our male lead, Xiahou Dan, has so much more to his character and story. He represents the darker side of transmigration, different from the glamorous fantasy one might imagine when traveling into a novel. He entered the novel at the age of fifteen and had to endure everything from that young age. The trauma he experienced and the life he lived are deeply tragic. Yet the way other characters reacted to his story felt lacking, almost as if they never truly processed what he had gone through. Had the lens shifted more toward his perspective, it would have been a far more intriguing drama to watch, even if it meant embracing a darker tone.
Our female lead, Yu Wanyin, is head-on and headstrong. However, the way she processes waking up in a fictional novel feels far too quick and almost unrealistic. Her goal is to survive the story, not by trying to escape the novel, but by making sure she is the one who has the last laugh in the end. That, to me, is the entire issue. There is no moment of grief, no confusion, no desperation to return to her original life. It was strange how easily she seemed to throw her previous life away and fully integrate herself into this world. She barely thought about her family, only bringing them up later when convincing Yong-er to side with her. Her attitude did remind me of Ting Yan from When Destiny Brings the Demon, where she accepted her fate and did not care much for her real life because of how overworked she was. But the drama never showed Yu Wanyin or Wang Cuihua having such a difficult life to justify that kind of detachment. Without that foundation, her mindset feels less like strength and more like narrative convenience.
The chemistry between the leads is there. But perhaps the circumstances placed them together too conveniently and too quickly, leaving no real room for proper development. Because of that absence of growth, the chemistry never moved beyond a slight spark. It was not bland or flat. It simply existed. Not the kind of chemistry that makes you swoon or feel something deeper beyond what is shown on screen.
Other characters also felt used for convenience, with little depth to properly sympathize with or feel intrigued about what happens to them.
Overall, the story failed to meet the expectations built from what the trailer teased. It was not a story about a transmigrator finding her way through a pre-written narrative. Instead, it was your usual historical political plot with a dash of sparkly dresses, pretty make-up, and good lighting.
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One more episode and surely…
I feel i spent all my time watching this hoping fervently to eventually like it more than i was liking it. “One more episode, and surely I’ll come to love it”It never manifested for me. I feel this execution is uneven, tonally jarring and often undermines its dramatic moments.
I did like the relationship between the leads. Also, in particular the friendship between yu wanyin and xie yonger.
Otherwise most of the things fell flat. The conflicts and setbacks were on easy-mode, all was predictable, tension wasn’t allowed to fully build. Stakes seemed unconvincing.
And no one, not one person gave one shit about the crown prince who was just a child. Maybe Dan’s situation made it understandable, but everyone else also did the same. They more often vilified him than considered him. He was given no humanity at all. What a cruel display.
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Entertaining but not captivating
Very nice casting, from the leads to the supporting cast. Great chemistry, well written lead characters and support roles too. Very nice costumes and make up. Enjoyed most of it, it's a funny drama with a nice romance. However nothing remarkable in the script to make this drama topnotch. It's not boring but not so captivating either. There's something missing. That thing that makes you want to see the next episode right now and makes you feel like tomorrow is in a longtime. I can't tell if it's in the pace of the drama or in how the story unfolds. Nonetheless, it was a refreshing transmigration drama! ^-^Was this review helpful to you?
Easy 10 out 10
Honestly, this drama is just so solid. I really think 32 episodes was the perfect length. It didn’t feel dragged out, but it also didn’t feel rushed. Everything was paced really nicely, and every episode actually meant something.What I love the most is how well it balances all the genres. You get comedy that genuinely makes you laugh, romance that feels sweet and natural, and then suddenly the angst hits you hard. And somehow, it never feels messy. The transitions between funny, romantic, and emotional moments are so smooth.
The acting? So good. Everyone really fits their roles, and the emotional scenes feel real, not exaggerated. When it’s funny, it’s funny. When it’s heartbreaking, you actually feel it. That’s how you know the acting is strong.
Visually, it’s beautiful too. The cinematography, the costumes, the overall vibe everything looks so well done. Some scenes honestly feel like a movie.
And the OST? So solid. Every song fits perfectly with the scenes. It really adds to the emotions instead of just being background music.
Overall, it’s just a complete package. Plot, acting, visuals, music . Everything works. Easily a 10/10 for me.
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This review may contain spoilers
Lots of Comedy, Scheming, Lies, Truth, Many Strong Bonds, Untouchable Love; Oh & Some English!
I was watching back to back transmigration stories and I was really curious how this one would pan out. I like both WRC and CL and they really did do a good job here. Seriously, give this awesome series its dues, it really deserves it!Pros: "How are you? Fine. Thank you and you?" In English no less! There was no way that was going to be how they met after she transmigrated into the historical book from the modern world and yet that's exactly how it happened and it was hysterical. The comedy was fantastic. Because the original concept of the story was cheesy and FL didn't like it, upon meeting the ML aka "tyrant emperor" she decided that she was going to rewrite it the way she saw it especially after she saw how things really were, that it was the SML that was the tyrant while the ML was considered the puppet by the wicked witch of the west (who had been poisoning him ever since he transmigrated into the novel and probably even before then) and the SML who took his vengeance and whatnot for the wicked witch out on ML. Once the audience learned that ML had been stuck in that book not as long as the FL but for over a decade, a lot made sense and your heart went out to him. CL's range of emotions was also impressive; he went all out for this one. Huge props to him for really embodying the character. He had secret guards and a crossing dressing master fighter (Bei Shu) as well as another army general/martial artist (A Bai/ General Lin) who came to protect him but he was still incredibly lonely until the FL popped in.
They went through a lot to make the emperor formidable against the two enemies; wicked witch and the SML. As well as turning the SFL from the bad side to the good side. The majority of the drama had a lot of comedic elements which were all spot on. As the drama progressed however, a more serious tone was introduced but it never took away from the eventual love that blossomed between the leads. Especially when the FL learned the truth about ML being stuck in the book for as long as he had been through the long letter. We the audience learned that he was drugged and SA'd by the wicked witch and some maid so a CP was born. It was horrendous all the stuff he had to go through as a kid. A lot of double crossings from people but FL was also very clever and used her modern day knowledge to outwit the bad guys. There's so much that I can't put it all down, you have to watch it. We did lose some good guys like 3 of the original 6 scholars, the Shu master, and Yong'er which was hard especially Bei Shu. You just wanted to shield ML and go, “stop hurting him!”
I loved how we ultimately learned that the prophecy in the synopsis was real but FL was not going to give up and with her and A Bai working nonstop, they along with the doc, found a cure. Also the ending though they did return to the modern times, right before, her in that red gorgeous dress at their dual coronation and his proposal using their real names to her amidst fireworks was chefs kiss. A lot of great characters that haven't been mentioned, the harem girls that evolved, the Eunuch, secret guards, etc. I have never seen TXT in an antagonist role but he absolutely nailed it as did the Empress Dowager actress, though I think I've seen her before. Both played exceptional villains. Costumes were gorgeous as were sets. And the ending came full circle with them reconnecting in the subway and the "How are you" greeting being used. It was maybe 2 minutes long but it ended just how they met originally. Third transmigration series that had a good HE without some nonsense off screen.
Cons: Last few episodes had a lot of dialogue as if trying to stuff in as much as possible. On top of that, it was more confusing because after ML was cured, you didn't know how much time had passed because there was never any thing written on screen in regards to time skips, and it was quite obvious that there were quite a few of them. But the most annoying thing and that got the .5 ticked off was that the OST's drowned out both the dialogue as well as obscured the faces of the actors speaking. The translations of the music covered the actors faces; even if you didn't understand what they were saying, you were stuck, trying to read the subtitles as they were whizzing by the screen and still be able to somehow focus on the characters. Things were definitely sped up in the last few episodes, especially dialogue wise to the point where you had to actually slow things down or rewatch things because you couldn't keep up with what everyone was saying at the speed they were saying it plus if there was music with words, you couldn't see who was saying what or why as faces were obscured. And when people were speaking and the music was playing, even if you had the subtitles, you couldn't hear what was being said because the music drowned everyone out. The powerful rock ballad in the final fight was important but the lyrics could've been put anywhere else on the page even sideways the way they were done in Mandarin. Same went for the enthronement and proposal scene; turn the damn volume down and move the lyrics.
Also felt that during important moments meant for the ML and FL; the scholars scenes could've been less. Otherwise, I had no problems with them. Lastly, though ED was a formidable antagonist they could've stopped her from cackling as that automatically brought down her evilness level in my book; people who have read my reviews before and seen my comments know how I feel about cackling, evil characters, and how that makes them seem like Halloween store witch decorations. That's it; no more cons.
Would I recommend it? 100%. The cons were annoying but minor. This story has a little bit of everything and don't underestimate it because of the comedy, it's quite powerful with the was it's told with all of the twists and turns.
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Ingeniously weaved web of transmigration serving romance and laughter
This is a refreshing take on transmigration plots. Only a few leads are EQUALLY AND PERFECTLY MATCHED as the two leads.This drama is highly recommended!Plot - The plot is far more than what it seems initially. It starts off funny and engaging and then traps you into a more complex and deep storyline.
Surprisingly, this drama has underlying themes that revolve around egalitarianism and it has some fiery speeches that deeply reflect on socialist values. Its very moving! None of these elements feel heavy because of the humor and the writers need to be credited for that.
Male lead 🌟- This is one of my favorite male lead characters. His mind is like a secret cave. You don't know what's inside, you don't kow how deep it is, how far it goes and what's at the end of it. His actions carry a golden retriever energy which makes him look completely harmless. This is a deadly combination.
RYAN CHENG IS ONE OF THE MOST MERITORIOUS ACTORS I HAVE SEEN IN CDRAMALAND. I CAN'T IMAGINE ANYONE ELSE IN THIS ROLE. Not only has he perfected his "tyrannical" look but can easily switch on the romantic soft eyes while balancing a mysterious persona on the side. Did I say that his comic timing is also very natural? ❣️
Female lead 🌟- The Female lead is super smart, funny, logical and she is the eyes of the audience. She is one whose moves the plot and uncovers it layer by layer. The FL has the street smarts but its her big heart that you will fall in love with.
WANG CHURAN❣️is genuinely one of the BEST actresses in cdramaland. She's a treat to watch. This woman has successfully served hundreds of emotions in this drama.
None of the supporting characters are predictable and that's what keeps you hooked onto this drama. You don't know on whose side they will end up and how they will react to the challenges in front of them.
Overall, this drama has -
1) transmigration
2) Funny and smart Leads
3) Palace politics
4) Secret personas
5) partners to lovers
6) complex web of mystery
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HOW DARE YOU ... end ?!
This drama is honestly just… solid from beginning to end.Ever since I watched the trailer months ago, I was counting down the days until it aired. I expected something chaotic and purely comedic — especially since comedy isn’t usually my go-to genre — but I was genuinely curious about how the leads would handle it and whether their chemistry would truly deliver.
And after finishing it, I can confidently say it was worth the wait.
The drama opens with exaggerated humor and chaotic energy — awkwardly funny moments (yes, that “how are you” line really caught me off guard 😭) and a light tone that makes you think this will be pure comedy. But after a few episodes, the story gradually shifts. What initially feels like a simple transmigration plot slowly unfolds into a layered political narrative filled with strategy, ambition, and emotional weight. The second half becomes far more intense and structured than expected. The foreshadowing is carefully placed — small details that seem random at first suddenly make perfect sense later, giving that rare and satisfying “ohhh, now I get it” feeling.
The pacing deserves real praise. With 32 episodes, it never drags and never feels rushed. Every episode contributes something meaningful. Conflicts build naturally, character arcs are deliberate, and nothing feels like filler. It’s rare to find a drama that feels this balanced.
What stood out to me the most is the relationship between the male and female leads. They don’t compete or constantly misunderstand each other — they collaborate. They strategize side by side, survive together, and genuinely try to improve the kingdom as partners. Their dynamic feels mature and refreshing. At first, their connection feels more like strategic allies than romantic partners, but slowly it deepens. The chemistry doesn’t explode immediately — it simmers. Glances soften, concern becomes instinctive, and the emotional tension quietly intensifies. That gradual evolution makes their romance feel earned.
The female lead is intelligent, observant, and proactive. She doesn’t wait to be rescued; she calculates, adapts, and takes action. Her strength comes from her mind as much as her courage, and that’s something I really appreciated. The male lead, on the other hand, carries years of loneliness and manipulation within him. You can see it in his restraint. His love is quiet but unwavering — protective, selfless, and deeply felt. Even when he hides truths, his first priority is always her safety. That kind of restrained devotion is powerful in a subtle way.
The acting across the board is strong. When the drama leans into comedy, it genuinely works. When it turns emotional, it hits hard. Nothing feels exaggerated. The male lead’s eyes alone convey layers of emotion — authority, pain, loneliness, tenderness — sometimes without needing dialogue. The female lead brings warmth and steadiness to her role, making her character feel alive and grounded. And the supporting cast absolutely deserves recognition. They are not just background figures; each has clear motivations and contributes to the political landscape in meaningful ways. Their presence adds depth and completeness to the story.
Visually, the drama is beautifully executed. The cinematography and costume design create a polished, cinematic atmosphere. Some scenes genuinely feel like they belong in a film rather than a television series. The OST complements the storytelling perfectly. The music enhances emotional moments instead of overpowering them, deepening the impact of key scenes.
If I had one small regret, it would be wanting just a bit more breathing room toward the end. After such strong emotional build-up, a few additional moments to fully settle into the aftermath would have made it even more satisfying. But even with that minor wish, the conclusion still feels meaningful and earned.
Overall, *How Dare You* isn’t just something you casually watch. It draws you in, makes you anticipate each episode, and rewards your attention to detail. It balances humor, romance, political intrigue, and emotional depth without ever feeling chaotic. For me, it’s a complete package — strong storytelling, compelling performances, and a partnership dynamic that truly stands out.
And honestly? I’d watch it all over again.
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A Rare Drama Worth the Wait
"How Dare You" is one of those rare C-dramas that doesn't just pass time; it demands it. From its first few episodes, I was hooked on a weekly countdown, eagerly awaiting each new episode's release. That, in and of itself, is a testament to its gripping narrative."How Dare You" is remarkably well-paced. It doesn't meander or drag out its conflicts or take unnecessary side trips. It's a masterful build-up to a dramatic, high-note conclusion. Each character's development is deliberate and calculated, and the narrative honors the viewer's patience.
The ethereal beauty of the female lead is not just physical but also extends to her performance. She's a wonder to behold, and every scene she's in is elevated by her presence. Opposite her, the male lead gives a peak performance. He's got range, subtlety, and power, and he anchors this drama with an authenticity that's impossible to deny.
By its conclusion, everything comes together swimmingly. No rushed conclusions, no dangling threads - just a well-earned, high-note conclusion. "How Dare You" is more than just another C-drama. It's a reminder of just how powerful storytelling, pacing, and performance can be.
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1This review may contain spoilers
A surprisingly angsty yet refreshing transmigration drama
I went into How Dare You!? without having read the novel or watched the live-action or donghua adaptations, and this drama alone already makes me want to check them out. This drama delivered just the right amount of romance, comedy, and angst.MAJOR SPOILERS [At first, I thought I was getting a light-hearted rom-com, but it turned out to be far more angsty than expected. What surprised me the most was how layered Xiahou Dan was. His early brutal actions, felt confusing at first, especially since he was also from the modern world. But once it was revealed that he transmigrated as a child, suffered countless hardships and survived alone in that world without knowing the novel's plot, his personality made much more sense. It explained why he became the so-called “incapable tyrant,” why he wasn't afraid to cross moral lines and acted so detached. His backstory genuinely broke my heart and I really did not expect this sub-plot. So, I will not tolerate any Zhang San slander (fight me) 😤]
Even though the transmigration-into-a-novel trope is very common, this drama still felt like a breath of fresh air to me. It didn’t reinvent the trope, but the execution made it deeply engaging. So even though I was familiar with the usual structure of this type of story, I still found myself completely immersed while other similar shows didn't manage to catch my attention the same way.
Also, I actually really enjoyed the comedy. It genuinely felt like two 21st-century people trapped inside historical novel characters’ bodies, and their humor reflected that perfectly. Their jokes, their bickering, and modern mindset in a palace setting were very entertaining, especially scenes like them eating hotpot together or casually bickering like actual friends. This is what I'm going to miss most about the drama 💕
I also liked that the setting leaned more toward a palace drama, which felt refreshing since most transmigration dramas I’ve watched focus on nobles or commoners rather than palace life. So the consorts’ constant bickering added even more fun on top of that.
I also usually don’t go for the friends-to-lovers trope, but here it felt very natural. Xiahou Dan and Yu Wanyin genuinely came across as best friends first, and their relationship slowly developing into romance felt natural rather than forced. Cheng Lei and Wang Churan's chemistry was off the charts!!
As for what I could have been better, there were some inconsistencies in the writing. I often felt like certain pieces of information were missing, and as someone who hasn’t read the novel, I needed quite a few spoilers to fully understand the story. Because of that, I couldn’t rate it a full 10. However, since this drama wasn’t originally on my radar and I didn't go in with high expectations, I ended up enjoying it much more than anticipated. The “Zhang San’s diary” clips at the end of the episodes also clarified a lot, so I’m not too bothered by this issue.
Another tiny downside that upset me was the number of unnecessary deaths. So many precious characters were killed off in ways that felt more like plot devices than meaningful narrative choices, and I feel like some of them really didn't have to die in order for the plot to progress, like they do in other dramas 💔
The ending itself was beautiful and well-done, but the reunion of the main leads in the real world didn’t feel as impactful as it could have been. It follows the familiar open-ending-style reunion in most transmigration dramas, where they simply look at each other and smile (like ADWAD or WDBTD). Even though I understand the narrative limitations these kind of dramas have because of censorship and I didn't expect much more, the final emotional payoff still felt a little bit lackluster despite the ending being satisfying.
Overall, despite a few flaws, this drama still surprised me in the best way and ended up being a very heartfelt and memorable watch! Realistically a 9/10, but my enjoyment makes it a 9.5 :)
Edit: Thanks for the award, fyra! ❤️
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