Revenged Love

I still don’t understand the hype

Subpar writing, average acting and a cliche plot progression; Revenge love turned out to be one disappointment after another. It's essentially a melting pot of my most hated bl tropes:
-SA treated too casually and not taken seriously;
-One dimensional female character who's only role is to be the most annoying and abonxious love rival:l;
-No brain side charcters who easily play into the MC's simplistic schemes;
-Ex that's been gone for years suddenly returns and wants to get together with the ML.
I've been reading BL for 10 years now and I've seen this same plot progression play out a hundred times over. People are overly lenient because it's a chinese drama with a beautiful cast who has great chemistry with each other but that’s not enpigh to balance out all of its other flaws.

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Overhyped for some reason??

First of all I can agree that the chemistry all the characters have is really good and can add to the enjoyment of the show.

HOWEVER the pacing of the story is so bad that it mentally hurts to watch, I understand that by the nature of the type of show it has a lot of episodes but if I were to recommend this show to anyone I would only advice to watch from 1 to 15 or 16 and skip all the way to episode 21 to 24.

In the gap episode 16 to 20 it's the same issue just shown in a different way, it adds nothing to the story or the development of the relationship of the main characters, it's just enfuriating to watch the same issue be shown over and over again and the couple have no communication whatsoever and making each other keep guessing the same things over and over again.

Another problematic thing was the way the characters interacted with the themes of sex, often tricking or convincing in questionnable ways each other to have those types of relations.

Overall the ending was satisfying but the experience of watching it as a whole was annoying to say the least, I doubt I'll watch it again even though it was entertaining in some parts and I really enjoyed watching the 2nd couple, just cutting down the episodes would have helped this show A LOT.

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So refreshing

This is literally the best bl I’ve seen in a while that doesn’t have a heavy plot but isn’t filled with poor acting and random fluff. The story clearly follows a plot and has done a really good job at developing the characters thus far. None of the relationships feel rushed, especially the second couple which is burning SLOWWW. It also does a really good job at keeping everything moving forwards, like while the main couple is still trying to work out their feelings, there’s not too much pushing and pulling to where it feels inconsistent. I literally cannot wait to finish the show because I’m HOOKED.

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The Chinese BL that Bit Me & I Love It!!!

I just loved Revenged Love! It's that classic enemies-to-lovers trope which I’m a total sucker for but with a fresh twist. The whole snake element is actually so cool (even though I’m lowkey terrified of snakes, haha 🐍). The tension and intense stares when the main leads first meet? Chef’s kiss. Their chemistry is off the charts, and the side couple? Also surprisingly good!

Honestly, the cast has such great chemistry that you could mix and match them, and it would still work. The main leads are adorable on their own, but together? Next level. Wu Suo Wei trying so hard to insert himself into Chi Cheng’s world is hilarious like bro even learned how to breed and raise snakes just to get closer to him! At this point, I’m not even sure it’s about revenge anymore.

And his attempts at seducing Chi Cheng? A total fail, Chi Cheng ends up seducing him instead! It’s chaotic, funny, and weirdly addictive. I think Suo Wei doesn’t even realize he’s already fallen for him. This show just gets how to keep viewers hooked.

The cinematography is absolutely stunning something I wish more Taiwanese BLs would take notes on. The production looks like limited but they didn't compromise the quality of the series and the of course the acting, especially from the actor who plays Suo Wei, is top-tier. He’s effortlessly funny. The OST? Absolute perfection.

While the concept isn’t new, this series is definitely well executed. Chinese BL dramas really hit different, and Revenged Love is a game changer for sure. It’s a bit long though, so I’ve been watching it weekly instead of bingingsuper rare for me! But totally worth it. This show lives up to the hype, no doubt.

Updating my review since it has now ended:

Although Wei Wei and Chi Cheng look adorable together and their chemistry is absolutely palpable, this series is far from fluffy—and definitely not for the faint of heart. It’s a roller coaster of emotions filled with heartbreaking events.

I’ve read so many comments from viewers saying they skipped Episode 18—the breakup scene—while others admitted they got so emotionally affected that they couldn’t bring themselves to watch any further. The story is full of misunderstandings, miscommunication, and two people who are both victims of their circumstances.

It’s also a morally grey relationship. For me, while Wei Wei’s character is endearing, he’s also manipulative at times. I do feel the ending was a bit rushed, but I still loved the mix of emotions this series delivered—the angst, the joy, the sparks, and those fleeting moments of happiness.

The chemistry, emotional depth, and authenticity didn’t just make the story believable—they made it unforgettable. Revenged Love gave us Chi Cheng, Wei Wei, and the rest of the supporting characters we rooted for, cried with, and, yes, sometimes yelled at (with love).

Overall, Revenged Love is a masterpiece. It wasn’t just a story—it was an experience that touched hearts, sparked conversations, and left a lasting impact on its audience.

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the love teams

this series is to nice and I love how it flows, im so obsessed with this and not just me but also a fandom came from Philippines the fandom in our country is waving and waiting for next episode, that's why I'm so glad and happy I find this series!!! hope there's more series or drama for TIAN XU NING and ZI YU you'll given to them and they are still a couple. THANK YOU🫶🏼🫶🏼 I'm so glad and also happy!!!! this might be the best bl series I've ever watched. I love those main character/others they prove that They really played their roles THANK YOU FOR MAKING ME HAPPY FOR THIS SERIES🫶🏼🫶🏼😭 I'm crying right now not for sadness but for joy.

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excellent acting

Overall: (note, this review may contain triggering words/language). I'm torn on how to rate the series. The actors did a great job, but several character actions and plot points didn't work for me. The series was based on the book Counter Attack by Chai Ji Dan which I haven't read and reviewed the series on its own merits. However, I hazard that the book is a bodice ripper i.e. a rich, attractive, cold/asshole character becomes the perfect partner for a poor character with the very fictional "mouth says no but body says yes" stuff. I'm trying my best to view this thru that fictional lens. 24 episodes about 45 minutes each. Aired on: Revenged Love YouTube channel (not available in Brunei, Japan, Philippines, Myanmar, Malaysia, Korea, Thailand, Indonesia) https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiCVOcxScfwh-Gkl0A0SeugdHQUg4QZIu&si=tehJ3i_EqpWZgfKD ; GagaOOLala (available in the Americas, Europe & Taiwan) https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/videos/5366/revenged-love-2025-e01 ; Viki https://www.viki.com/tv/41152c-revenged-love ; Heavenly (for South Korea) https://heavenly.tv/en/detail/940

Content Warnings: gang rape off screen in episode 1, hits, animal deaths, sex trafficking?, coercion, manipulation, blood, choking, violence, attempted murder?/injury, non con touching, non con kissing (to remove some of the content warnings watch episode 1 15:40-29:40 and 41:30-end; episode 2 watch beginning to 31:30 and 32-end), animal death, blood, multiple non con/dub con sex scenes, coercion, manipulation, past drugging, past abuse, past grooming, past bullying, past non con picture taking/sharing/outing, past suicidal thoughts, death, grief, kidnapping/held against will

Watch Suggestions ep 14 and after (to focus on sweet/steamy parts and remove: some content warnings, love rivals/jealousy, angst, death)
- episode 14 stop at 13:05, watch 34-35
- episode 15 watch 3:15-3:50 and 30:45-32
- episode 16 watch 34:45-36:30
- episode 17 watch 36:40-end
- skip episode 18
- episode 19 watch 17:35-18:35 and 22:50-23:55
- episode 20 watch 12:30-26
- episode 21 watch 4:15-11:10
- episode 22 6:20-31:10
- skip episode 23
- episode 24 watch 10-end

What I Liked
- acting
- opposite dynamics with both main couples
- styling
- I did chuckle a few times like in episode 3 on the "date"
- caring moments
- realistic break up
- supportive sister
- that the production secured multiple international viewing platforms

Room For Improvement
- the off screen gang rape and intentional near murder, shipping him romantically with the other guy was challenging though I did see some character changes
- the cliche evil wannabe wife
- nonsense stuff like why on earth keep the snakes there
- snakes (that they are shown as violent/fighting when in reality I bet they just want to mind their own business, the CGI, I'm not a snake expert but those cages looked way too small and a lot of screen time devoted to them)
- the doctor was not a good friend a few times
- a character said he couldn't be with him because he didn't want to be the receiver
- showed being in severe pain the next day (which definitely does not need to happen)
- lack of communication, not saying the entire truth
- too much time spent on love rivals/jealousy
- faked an abusive partner situation to manipulate the doctor
- cartoonist villain in episode 23
- rushed finale and no kiss for the main leads (was only 31 minutes of show, not sure if it succumbed to censorship and/or budget woes)
- (neutral) I didn't take off points, but not a fan of the dubbing and sometimes background sounds were unnaturally loud

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LOVE WON OVER REVENGE

Revenged Love, also known as Counter Attack (逆袭) and written by Chai Ji Dan (柴鸡蛋), is a Chinese BL drama adapted from a web novel. It starts with a revenge plot that slowly turns into real love, genuine, different, and heart-touching. The story has misunderstandings, happy scenes, sad moments, and funny parts. It’s more than just revenge; it also shows friendships, family issues, personality differences, toxic traits, and how one can influence another person’s life.

STORYLINE SUMMARY ⋆༺𓆩☠︎︎𓆪༻⋆
The drama opens with a stylish introduction of its characters. Wu Qi Qiong is a nerdy, financially struggling young man devoted to his girlfriend Yue Yue, but she breaks up with him over his lack of money and looks. At work, his efforts go unrecognized until he finally quits. Soon, we meet Chi Cheng, who passionately cares for snakes, his playful rival and best friend Guo Cheng Yu, and Dr. Jiang, who supports Wu Qi Qiong’s scheme. Yet even after transforming, Yue Yue does not return, leaving him heartbroken. While working multiple jobs, Wu Qi Qiong (later renamed Wu Suo Wei) crosses paths with Chi Cheng. Their early encounters are awkward, and by the third meeting, Wu Suo Wei mistakenly thinks Chi Cheng is Yue Yue’s new boyfriend. Believing Chi Cheng seeks revenge, he plots to make him fall in love, only to dump him. Instead, the plan turns into an unexpected love story. Meanwhile, Guo Cheng Yu becomes interested in Dr. Jiang’s charm and aims to win him over.

The story starts off sweet, funny, and engaging. Watching Wu Suo Wei interact with Chi Cheng, sometimes manipulatively, was entertaining. Though uneasy at first as a straight man, he grows comfortable and develops genuine feelings, always wanting to be near him. Despite their differences, Wu Suo Wei understands Chi Cheng’s directness and acts of service, while Chi Cheng understands Wu Suo Wei’s clever ways. The drama mixes humor with some other stories like the snake story and market scenes, which some might find confusing, but I understood. Before the second half of the story, we see a clear contrast between Wu So Wei’s family and Chi Cheng’s. Wu So Wei was raised by a single mother after his father passed away, while Chi Cheng comes from a wealthy but emotionally cold home. Wu So Wei’s mother is warm and welcoming; she cooks for Chi Cheng, offers him the kind of care he never receives at home, and treats him like family. Chi Cheng finds comfort in her presence, often visiting, bringing her gifts, and happily eating any food she sends his way. This genuine warmth amazes Wu So Wei, he realizes that Chi Cheng values a welcoming home and kind personalities far more than wealth or status.

In the second half, the main leads finally come together with the help of the support characters. Chi Cheng encourages Wu So Wei to open an art installation company, and Wu So Wei proudly shows off their relationship. Guo Chengyu and Dr. Jiang also grow closer through little moments of care.

When Chi Cheng’s ex Wang Shuo shows up, misunderstandings hit hard, made worse by Wu So Wei’s mother being secretly sick. The breakup was heartbreaking, and their distance hurt just as much as their love. When they finally reunite, WsW and chi cheng promised each other not to dwell on the past. The final part mixed comedy, heartache, and devotion with the jail arc, showing Wu Suo Wei’s determination to bring Chi Cheng back home. A deleted scene that was posted added more meaning to the ending. Wu Suo Wei took Chi Cheng to visit his parents’ grave, where they made a final promise about their future. Meanwhile, Guo Cheng Yu committed to always being there for Shuai.

────୨ৎ────CHARACTERS ────୨ৎ────
Tian Xu Ning as Chi Cheng ✩₊˚.⋆☾𓃦☽⋆⁺₊✧ 🚬🍋

Tian Xu Ning brought Chi Cheng to life in such a natural and effortlessly charming way. Chi Cheng is a rich, strikingly handsome man with the charisma of a dark mafia don. A snake lover with his own set of flaws, he comes from a wealthy family that is far from warm or accepting especially regarding his sexuality. Before meeting Wu So Wei, his free time was often spent with his best friend, competing in snake battles. The scene where their snakes fought was especially intense, and Chi Cheng’s confidence in his own snake’s victory came from his sharp observation of the opponent’s attack style.

Chi Cheng is a character often misunderstood not because his intentions are bad, but because the timing of his choices sometimes paints him in the wrong light, he is skilled in other areas too aside from having a snake business and snake pets. Meeting Wu So Wei shifted something in him Though he is always dominant, straightforward, and outgoing, he became genuinely fascinated by Wu So Wei not only for intimacy, but because he had truly fallen in love after years of holding onto thoughts of his ex. Wu So Wei’s mother also melted Chi Cheng’s heart. He showed genuine care for her, especially when she was ill.

Over time, Chi Cheng transformed into someone more caring, food-loving (thanks to Wu So Wei), and a true yearner. I also really liked Chi Cheng’s outfits, it made him appear even more manly and confident, he carried an aura so captivating it could make someone weak in the knees. Tian Xu Ning didn’t just deliver his lines, he was immersed in the role. Whether in subtle moments or intimate scenes, his performance was flawless. When Chi Cheng broke up with Wu So Wei, it hit so hard that the scene trended number one on Weibo because after the breakup Chi Cheng cried so much, shaking, unable to even light his cigarette, and the subtle shift in his eyes told the whole story. That moment shattered me; it felt like a weight had crashed into him.

I didn’t fully talk about some things in my review because I had to cut down my words. But in some parts of Chi Cheng’s character, there were major flaws like the consent issue at first and the gang assault in episode one even though it wasn’t fully shown, it was still the red flag in him . I honestly feel it would have been better if they just exempted that part from the drama, and I also think it’s best not to relate that situation to real life.

Tian Xu Ning is one of the first male leads to make me cry simply because of how beautiful he was, especially when he wore white looking almost angelic. I also admired that chi cheng was unapologetically open about his relationship once he and Wu So Wei were truly together. Tian Xu Ning’s portrayal left a mark on me his aura was captivating, unforgettable, and it changed something in me. Tian shined in every episode of this drama, his spotlight never deemed.

Ziyu As Wu Suo Wei ♡(˃͈ ˂͈ ) 🐟

Ziyu played Wu Suo Wei so naturally, and his character was humorous, bold, and charming. Wu Suo Wei, originally named Wu Qi Qiong, comes from a poor family and was raised by a single mother. Back then, when he was dating his ex-girlfriend, he was nerdy and had what she called a “cheap” mentality. Because of this, she broke up with him, leaving Wu Qi Qiong determined to get back at her. With the help of his friend Dr. Jiang, he crafted a smart revenge plan, relying mostly on his own wit and determination. Wu Suo Wei came across as sassy, outgoing, and fearless; he never backed down from anyone, not even Chi Cheng.
But as he carried out his plan and grew closer to Chi Cheng, things began to shift. Wu Suo Wei slowly started falling in love with him, and though he struggled psychologically with accepting himself as a gay man, his feelings grew undeniable. He also came to realize that his view of Chi Cheng was wrong, that Chi Cheng was not only a good person but a true man who would do anything for him. He also became a true man who would do anything to save Chi cheng.

One of the most moving aspects of Wu Suo Wei’s story is his relationship with his mother Although her was always busy, he tried his best to make time for her, and their bond as mother and son was incredibly special. It was so strong that she even kept her deadly illness from him because she couldn’t bear to let him worry. Beneath Wu Suo Wei’s tough and sassy behavior was a soft side full of compassion not just for Chi Cheng but also for his close friend Dr. Jiang. His intelligence, dedication, and hardworking nature made him admirable.

Ziyu truly shined in portraying Wu Suo Wei. He captured the comedy, romantic, and emotional depth of the character beautifully. His eye acting stood out for me, and he made every funny moment and heartbreaking scene feel real. Ziyu’s performance was phenomenal. I laughed because of him, I cried because of him, and Wu Suo Wei will always stay with me because of how wonderfully Ziyu brought him to life.


Zhan Xuan as Guo Cheng Yu 🧠💚

Zhan Xuan portrayed Guo Cheng Yu with charisma that shone right through the screen. His charm was undeniable, and his acting felt flawless. Guo Cheng Yu owns a snake farm and is always in playful competition with his best friend, though beneath it all, he genuinely cares for him. Raised in a household that wanted daughters but got him instead, he grew up being treated like one something that shaped his unique way of caring for people.
Smart, observant, and dependable, Guo Cheng Yu played an important role in helping Chi Cheng and Wu So Wei come together. He’s also a talented cook and a sharp observer, qualities that stood out especially in the way he cared for Jiang Shuai and gradually showed his interest in him.
Guo Cheng Yu was such a comforting and funny character to watch handsome, caring, and impressively calculative at the same time. Zhan Xuan brought him to life with focus and style, and I admired not only the way he carried himself but also how much warmth came through in his smile and the way he spoke.

Liu Xuan Cheng as Jiang Xiao Shui 🤓⭐

Liu Xuan Cheng portrayed Xiao Shui effortlessly and naturally. Xiao Shui is a doctor who once went through a hard time in the past , struggling with trauma and nearly ending it all yet thanks to one of his patients, he was saved and chose to keep living. After that turning point, he met Wu So Wei and became his teacher in plotting against Chi Cheng, though later he shifted roles, advising and encouraging Wu So Wei to be with Chi Cheng instead.
Xiao Shui is a gentle, kind soul, someone who doesn’t easily place his trust, but whose life slowly began to change after meeting Guo Cheng Yu. As a doctor, he was deeply caring and dedicated, always putting his patients first because their lives mattered most to him. Liu Xuan Cheng portrayed Xiao Shui’s character and emotions in a way that never felt forced. He is one of my fav characters in this drama.

All of the supporting characters performed well, each adding something meaningful to the drama. Their stories weren’t just fillers but played an important role in shaping the main leads’ journey. I enjoyed watching every scene with Gangzi, he was always fun to watch. Yue Yue’s role also worked well for me, and considering this was the actress’s debut drama, she did a good job. Other characters like Wang Shuo and Wang Zhen also delivered decently.

Romance Between the Characters (˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)
I was really amazed at how much chemistry both the main leads and second leads had. Chiwei (Chi Cheng and Wu Suo Wei) were fierce, outgoing, and cared for each other in their own ways. Even with their different personalities, they matched each other’s freaks perfectly. From the very first time Tian and Ziyu met, the chemistry was already there. I could see it off screen, in the script reading videos I watched. On screen, their connection felt so natural and explosive, nothing like a forced performance or actors just reading lines.
Guo Chengyu and Chi Cheng showed love differently, but both loved with such intensity that they would go to any lengths for their partners. The contrast between the main couple and the second couple really added depth to the story’s writing. One thing I noticed is that from the very first day they met their lovers, both Chi Cheng and Guo Chengyu chose to pursue them wholeheartedly. Even when Wu Suo Wei was scheming, Chi Cheng’s interest in him was already strong, just like Guo Chengyu’s determination.The last episode of chi cheng remembering everything about the tree in wu so wei’s house made me feel so emotional.

FAV SCENES >⩊<
Chi Wei and Wu Suo Wei meeting for the first time
The character introductions
All the romantic moments between Chi Wei and Wu Suo Wei
Key moments in episodes 11 and 12
Guo Chengyu taking care of Shuai
Wu Suo Wei building the vivarium for chi cheng's snake 🐍
The swimming pool kiss between Chi Wei (Really Romantic)
Every hug shared between Chi Wei
The way Chi Cheng affectionately calls Wu So Wei “Da Bao”
The hilarious kidnapping scene
All wu suo wei’s Crashout
DouDou Scenes
The ending scene and so many more unforgettable moments

OST And CINEMATOGRAPHY (੭˃ᴗ˂)੭
The OST is excellent. Ziyu's theme blends perfectly in the intro, and “Just the Beginning” made ChiWei’s romantic scenes even more touching. The cinematography is beautiful and captures each scene well, even when the budget wasn't high.

OVERALL IMPRESSION ⋆˚✿˖°🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐
Revenged Love was a very good watch for me despite any flaws or cuts in the drama. It’s my first BL/CBL drama that truly got me hooked and left a deep impact not because of the actor’s looks, but because I was emotionally invested. The directing and natural acting were so well done that I felt I really understood the characters. This drama is more than just romantic scenes; it’s about how the characters care for each other, their friendships, family struggles, and personal challenges in relationships. I loved the dynamics between all the characters, they all matched together perfectly.

This drama might be a hit or miss for some, because no drama can satisfy everyone, but it definitely raised my expectations for BL shows. I loved how the actors were calm and friendly with each other behind the scenes their great chemistry and positive relationship with the director really made the drama shine even more.

Revenged Love made me excited to watch every episode, including the BTS. It taught me to respect others’ sexuality, make time for my loved ones, practice forgiveness, and communicate better. The journey of watching Revenged Love is unforgettable, I never planned to watch this drama yet it touched my heart in unexpected ways. It left a mark on my summer, and I will always remember the summer of 2025 because of it. They turned my ordinary nights into beautiful memories and i always think about them, Tianziyu and Xuanxuan .I would say give this drama a try after the first few episodes it keeps getting better till the end.



FAV QUOTES (*ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)ꕤ*.ﾟ
“ Men are like mensuration, you think about it when it hasn’t come but annoying when it’s here “ - Dr Jiang
“ I don’t care about Luxury all i want is you” - Wu suo wei
" Who the hell dares to bully you, i will be the first to chop him up"- Chi Cheng 𓁹‿𓁹 HEH.

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨♡୧⋆ ˚｡⋆Thanks for reading! I really enjoyed watching Revenged Love and won’t forget this drama anytime soon. I understand it might not be for everyone ⊹₊⟡⋆, but it will always hold a special place in my heart. One last summer in Wuxi, one I will always remember

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Good storyline, great acting!

it’s an early review cause the show is only halfway done but damn it’s good. A friend of mine was watching along from the beginning and highly recommended it but I hadn’t gotten around to it until now and boy was I mad at myself for that. at the same time, I’ve now been able to binge watch the whole first half of the show and it’s been great! Not the biggest budget but it’s well made, the acting is on point, not really a spoiler but it has snakes in it too and I’m an avid reptile lover. I highly recommend if you enjoy quality shows with a good balance of drama, comedy and solid storytelling!

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Smoking, Scheming, Sexual (ASSult)and Snakes

I have so many issues with this drama its scary but at the same time a part of me just wants to celebrate the fact that this BL made it out in China... A drama where manipulation and sexual assault are means to help ones partner let loos.... and where friends that scheme together stay together. A drama where no means work harder and air without a mist of smoke just does not seem to exists, and nothings says I love you as much as a box (filled with cartons) of cigarettes. Entertaining at times sure, but a part of me wonders if this actually was Chinese anti LGBTQ+ propaganda disguised as a romance BL...

The acting in this drama is so bad the only thing worse in it is the dubbing, while one of the male leads and his freind do seem to be able to deliver a line or two the others acting goes from bad to worse to okay back to really bad.

I personally love snakes but if you have ophidiophobia you will wither be cured, scared to death or have to skip the firs 12 episodes or so.

As for the characters and the story, there is not a single character (okay maybe the poor mom, but she also makes some bad decisions) that is good, pure, kind as they are highly problematic do a lot of shady stuff and deliver such great lines as.

"You killed the snake (that was strangling another person to death) are you even human"

Not to mention a complete lack of acknowledging the B in LGBTQ....

Oh and seriously, mouth blown sugar figurines, that can not be hygienic, at all.

So what can I say, expect highly questionable actions, moral decay, steam, lots of steam, smoke and snakes. But oddly entertaining friendships and obsessions.

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A BEAUTIFULLY WOVEN ENEMIES-TO-LOVERS BL

Revenged Love takes one of the most well-worn romance premises of revenge turning into something far more complicated, and executes it with a rare combination of emotional authenticity, strong pacing, and undeniable chemistry.

What begins as a calculated plot of payback between Wu Suo Wei (Zi Yu) and Chi Cheng (Tian Xuning) slowly peels away layers of pride, hurt, and misjudgment, revealing the messy vulnerability beneath. Yes, the story hits some familiar beats, but the execution elevates it. The tension isn’t just romantic; it’s steeped in class differences and old wounds that make every interaction feel charged.

The acting is the real hook here. Zi Yu gives Wu Suowei a stubborn resilience that makes his softer moments land like a gut punch. Tian Xuning’s Chi Cheng balances arrogance with a surprising depth of care, creating a push-pull dynamic that’s magnetic. Together, their chemistry is so natural it makes even the smallest gestures carry weight.

The soundtrack complements rather than overwhelms, letting key moments breathe. While there are a couple of mid-series pacing dips and predictable turns, they never derail the emotional momentum.

IN MORE DETAILS:

I must confess, as one who had never before ventured into the realm of BL drama, my initial encounter with Revenged Love was rather like stumbling upon an unexpected treasure in a crowded marketplace. I anticipated little more than a fleeting diversion, yet what unfurled before me was a tapestry woven with threads of absurd comedy, magnetic romance, outlandish subplots, and moments of such heartfelt sincerity that they warmed the very cockles of my heart.

The story commences with Wu Suo Wei (Wei Wei), a young man freshly cast aside by his girlfriend for a wealthier man, only to discover that this new beau, Chi Cheng, himself harbors a secret paramour. Rather than retreating with dignity, Wei Wei embarks on a scheme so delightfully petty it could only be born of a wounded heart: to seduce Chi Cheng as a means of exacting revenge. Alas, Wei Wei is no Casanova. His attempts at seduction are gloriously inept, transparent as glass, and prone to spectacular misfires. Watching him plot is akin to observing a man endeavor to juggle wet noodles, one cannot help but marvel at his dogged persistence despite his evident lack of finesse.

Chi Cheng, oh, he is the very archetype of the ruinous romantic hero, the sort who sets pulses racing in the finest of romcoms. Rich, impossibly handsome, with a serpentine streak that could charm the birds from the trees, he is portrayed by Tian Xu Ning with a delectable blend of cool arrogance and sudden, almost primal tenderness. One moment, he flirts as though it were an Olympic sport; the next, he lays bare a vulnerability that catches the breath. He is the scoundrel whose misdeeds somehow dazzle, yet beneath the glamour lies a character of profound complexity.

The comedic pulse of the series, for me, was Dr. Jiang Xiao Shuai, Wei Wei’s flamboyant confidant and self-appointed “gay godmother.” Liu Xuan Cheng imbues him with a mischievous charm that buoys the narrative like a lifeboat in a storm. Xiao Shuai’s brazen confidence and unabashed adoration of Chi Cheng deliver moments of pure, unadulterated joy; part mentor, part provocateur, his scenes with Guo Cheng Yu, played with shameless verve by Zhan Xuan, form a secondary romance that is both tender and delightfully slow-burning. Their dynamic is a counterpoint to the main plot’s absurdity, offering a warmth that grounds the wilder antics.

And then, there are the snakes. Good heavens, the snakes! At first, they seem a preposterous jest: Chi Cheng’s peculiar obsession with his reptilian charges, his father’s theft of them to bend him to corporate will, the ludicrous spectacle of televised snake fights as displays of machismo. Yet, these creatures slither into the narrative as a potent symbol of control, legacy, and the dangerous things we cradle as kin. The show transforms this reptilian melodrama into a source of both hilarity and genuine emotional weight. Scenes of men squabbling over crates of serpents, hiring ruffians to pilfer them, or staging impromptu “snake rescues” are absurd in the grandest sense, yet they propel the story and its relationships with surprising gravitas.

What tethered me to the screen was the evolution of Wei Wei and Chi Cheng’s relationship, from a vengeful lark to a romance that is gloriously, messily real. Wei Wei’s early “gay panic” is played for laughs, but it matures into a journey of confusion, tenderness, and, ultimately, devotion. There are moments of comedic brilliance: his indignant outburst about not wishing to be “topped” is nothing short of iconic, yet these give way to quieter scenes where he watches Chi Cheng battle for his snakes and realizes his heart has been ensnared. The transition is not without its flaws, but it is rendered with an emotional honesty that feels hard-won, the characters remaining true to their essence without succumbing to contrived epiphanies.

Chi Cheng, for all his swagger, is the revelation. He is no mere rake; his ferocity blossoms into love. He spars, boasts, and bristles, yet he shatters for Wei Wei in ways that are quietly devastating: slaying a snake to save him, standing steadfast when it matters most, enduring humiliation to shield his beloved. These are the moments that form the beating heart of Revenged Love: a core of tenderness wrapped in the trappings of absurdity.

The series revels in its comedic veins, from the farcical art-business venture Wei Wei and Chi Cheng concoct to their riotous attempts to thwart the “gold-digging” ex. The recurring “third-wheel” gag: Chi Cheng interrupting Cheng Yu and Xiao Shuai, only for Wei Wei to later assume the role of awkward interloper, is a small but perfect mirror, a comforting thread woven through the narrative’s chaos.

Yet Revenged Love does not shy from melodrama, and it wields it with largely triumphant results. The illness of Wei Wei’s mother, Li Ya, who conceals her pancreatic cancer to spare her son, is a blow to the heart. Chi Cheng’s secret caregiving unveils a raw, human fear, and Zi Yu carries these scenes with a vulnerability that tugs at the soul. Li Ya’s passing is handled with a sincerity that anchors the show’s sillier moments, lending it an unexpected tenderness.

The middle episodes, with their jealousies and misunderstandings, are the classic fuel of love stories. The return of Wang Shuo, the volatile ex, stirs delicious paranoia, granting the actors scenes of palpable dramatic tension: slamming doors, bitter accusations, and awkward confrontations that scrape against the show’s comedic sheen. Liu Jun’s Wang Shuo is infuriatingly charismatic, a believable catalyst for the leads’ insecurities.

The embezzlement-to-prison arc is, admittedly, the narrative’s weak link. The legal timeline is murky, and the pacing falters, suggesting scenes may have been cut or reordered. Yet even here, the emotional stakes hold firm. Wei Wei’s transformation from petty schemer to courageous partner is the arc’s redemption. His resolve to clear Chi Cheng’s name, to undertake the humbling, arduous work of fighting for love, is the payoff I hadn’t known I craved. His willingness to risk all for his beloved is the series’ finest testament to the romance’s depth.

The performances are a triumph of chemistry. Zi Yu’s Wei Wei evolves from frantic plotter to devoted partner with an arc that feels earned, never losing the humor and vulnerability that define him. Tian Xu Ning’s Chi Cheng is a magnetic force, commanding the screen even in moments of limited presence. The supporting cast of Liu Xuan Cheng’s Xiao Shuai, Zhan Xuan’s Cheng Yu, Liu Jun’s Wang Shuo, and others, lend texture, levity, and surprising emotional heft. Occasional dubbing mismatches and editing quirks are minor quibbles, for the actors’ commitment carries the day.

The conclusion is warm and neat: a family reconciliation, Chi Cheng’s mother embracing Wei Wei, and unambiguous joy for both couples. The brisk pace ensures a smooth, satisfying close, and while the earlier passion between Chi Cheng and Wei Wei softens, it feels a gentle, heartfelt coda to their journey.

The final image of Chi Cheng and Wei Wei in his childhood home, entwined and smiling feels a just reward after the whirlwind of schemes, snake-related absurdity, third-wheel antics, and scandal. As my first foray into BL drama, I was astonished by the depth of my connection to these characters and their love story.

I came for a tale of petty vengeance and stayed for the riotous absurdity, the unforeseen emotional depths, and the rare joy of seeing two love stories land in a place of genuine, hard-fought happiness. When the credits rolled, I found myself longing to begin anew, to relive the wild, wonderful ride.


~Thank you for reading!~

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