That messages from the Author of Counter Attack / Revenged Love on the thread of Reddit Platform

It's quite remarkable how the author candidly shares her genuine feelings about her own novel, as I ventured the thread through reddit platform.

https://www.reddit.com/r/boyslove/s/xXdZFmTg4x (CR: africafeifei)

The fact that she didn't even recommend her own novel left me a bit perplexed, especially considering that most authors cling to their work with the fervor of a parent protecting their child. You'd think they'd have a bit more pride in their creations! Yet, despite her lack of endorsement, I found myself diving into her novel anyway. And surprise, yes surprise—I actually enjoyed it! The plot was engaging, the character development was solid, and the overall storyline kept me hooked. I must admit, her works like "Addicted," "Advanced Bravely," and even "Counter Attack" (thou most of her novel is a non-con which absolutely not a favor among a novel reader like myself) have consistently delivered, and I can't help but appreciate them. 

Now, regarding the author's comments and the journey on the casting for the series "Revenged Love," let me just say that my honesty here is as refreshing as a cold drink on a hot day. It's almost amusing how she navigates the world of adaptations, as if she’s trying to balance her artistic vision with the whims of the entertainment industry. One can only wonder how much creative control she really has when it comes to bringing her characters to life on screen. But hey, who needs to worry about that when the drama unfolds, right? But somehow, one must be honest, a lack is indeed a lack. So, giving and sharing a particular constructive critisms is much more genuine rather than nitpicking. Thus, let me do this shameless honour!

Tian Xu Ning and Ziyu undoubtedly possess the kind of looks that could inspire epic tales of romance and adventure, perhaps even enough to launch a fleet of ships across stormy seas. Their physical appeal is undeniable, and one might even argue that their personalities have a certain charm that warrants a modicum of respect and admiration. However, if I were to dissect their performance in "Revenged Love," it becomes painfully clear that both of them has quite a bit of room for improvement.

Tian Xu Ning portrayal of the character if I can say, a bit lacks the necessary depth and intensity, leaving my own self with a rather cloudy impression that fails to make a strong impact. Take Chi Cheng, for instance; one would expect a character poised to become a CEO or having those CEO vibes and an industrial/company leader from a wealthy/conglomerate family to exude a certain aura of authority and sophistication. Yet, Tian Xu Ning's interpretation falls a bit flat, a bit lacking of the commanding presence and devoid of aloofness one would associate with such a character. Instead, we are left with a rather linear or non-layered performance that merely skims the surface, offering little in terms of complexity or substance. On a more positive note, he does manage to convey the essence of love quite effectively, particularly through his expressive eyes that seem to sparkle with affection. His gestures and body language, whether deliberate or not, exude a sense of passion that is almost palpable. It’s as if he has found his sweet spot in romantic scenes. And let’s not forget the off-screen moments—if I’m not completely losing my grip on reality, those eyes of his when he looks at Ziyu practically scream, “This guy is adorable!” I might be a tad delusional, but who wouldn’t be swept away by such a display? Overall, I can’t help but wish he would delve deeper into the complexities of his character, allowing for a more nuanced development throughout the series.

And If I were to highlight one of the actor who truly embodies the essence of a commanding CEO or the suave young heir of a conglomerate in my selfish opinion, I would undoubtedly point to Shen Hao Nan. (Seem like I have to admit that I'm a bit bias to this actor. Even my dp are already evident for reeking of biasness to him. Tch!! Anyway, lets put aside my biasness.) This actor's performances in his various short dramas are evidently nothing short of a masterclass in character portrayal, showcasing a depth that is both captivating and impressive. Each role he takes on is layered with nuance, and the development of his characters is so well-executed that it leaves me utterly spellbound. Despite not yet being a household name, his remarkable ability to inhabit his roles is impressive in every performance. He clearly understands the needed vibe he brings to each character, yet it’s almost kinda amusing that he hasn’t yet dared to step into the shoes of a villain. I just can’t help but wonder how he would breathe life into such a role; it would certainly be a delightful twist to see him explore that darker side of his acting range.

On the other hand, Ziyu's portrayal is nothing short of breathtaking, as he breathes life into the character of Suo Wei with such fervor that one might think he’s channeling the very essence of the role. Sure, its understandable to argue that the character he potrayed might also a bit lacks of a certain depth, but I won't kidding myself—there’s definitely an essence there, even if it’s just a whisper. Each episode peels back layers of his character, revealing a journey and development that is both captivating and, let’s be honest, a tad predictable. It’s almost as if the director thought, “Let’s sprinkle in a dash of character growth, but not too much—wouldn’t want to overwhelm the viewers with complexity!” Regardless, Ziyu’s performance seems to mirror his own life experiences, which we all know have been quite the rollercoaster. Those past struggles are etched into his very being, and they undeniably shine through in his portrayal. Hats off to Ziyu for his brave attempt at striking that oh-so-delicate balance!

I sincerely hope that both of these actors take a moment to delve deeper into their roles and truly study the characters they portray. This is merely my humble opinion, not a critique of their abilities. I just wish to see them fully explore their characters and immerse themselves in the storyline before stepping onto the set, which could lead to more impactful performances in their upcoming projects, whether they collaborate again or go solo. Of course, my perspective is hardly authoritative, as I've only seen their work in this particular series specifically until the recent episode, and I haven't yet ventured into their other projects. So, please don’t take my thoughts too seriously; I’m just another viewer expressing a personal opinion. We all have the right to share our views and offer constructive criticism, so let’s keep the bashing to a minimum, shall we? I genuinely admire both actors and eagerly anticipate their growth in future performances. Just to clarify, I’m no expert, but I do enjoy analyzing storylines and the nuances of each character in the series/drama/movie I watch. While my opinion may not carry much weight, if it can help the actors identify areas for improvement, then why not share it? This is simply my way of showing appreciation for their work, even if my insights are not particularly profound.

I just wanted to comment on Chi Cheng being "poised to become a CEO": I don't interpret his character as having any interest in becoming a CEO, that's all his father's wish. Chi Cheng is a typical spoiled second generation who didn't ever have to struggle or fight hard for his successes. All he cares about is his snakes and fooling around (preferably with boys), and that's why his father confiscates his snakes as a means to force him to fall in line. Everything Chi Cheng does (working at the company, pretending to be in a relationship with Yue Yue) is to placate his father while he tries to find out where he hid the snakes and how to get them back. So in my book that's not a drawback when it comes to how TXN is portraying his character, he's actually pretty spot on. I think he's meant to be domineering, but not in an "ambitious CEO" way. Just my tuppence on the matter.