NatalyH

Before I get into the good, I need to start with the bad. My issue is, and will always be, with Ms. Lizzy.

Ms. Lizzy, you got me F'd up!

There are a couple of gaps between storylines that just don't make sense to me, specifically with the secondary lead characters. Some of those gaps I could've overlooked, but what I can't comprehend is the reasoning behind Feng Qing Tian's storyline. Which, by the way, kudos to Hu Yi Chen! He did a magnificent job portraying his character. His angst was so palpable that you could feel his sadness and anxiety through the screen.

Now, BACK TO MS. LIZZY!

With all due respect, it's your story, and it's a damn good one, but with our little Qing Tian, you dropped the ball! Shit really had me THINKING, trying to find a reason to kill off such a complex and relatable character. To me, Qing Tian was, if not THE most complex character in the show, certainly one of them. First, you have his relationship with his older brother. Despite being the younger sibling, he was the one who HAD to take care of his older brother, almost like a manager. Second, you give us hints about his journey with his sexuality but never fully explore it. You leave his relationship with his dying friend for viewers to figure out, and don't even get me started on the cousin storyline. UGH! Third, we know he overcame depression because he mentions something about it to Chang Yang, but we never really get to explore that part of his journey. And fourth, to put the icing on the cake, we have his "friendship" with Xu Wen Shu, which I genuinely expected to blossom into something more.

And what did we get? NOTHING. Maybe regret, at best.

To me, Qing Tian and Wen Shu's storyline had so much more emotional depth and storytelling potential than the secondary leads' storyline. There was so much left to explore, and that's what makes their abrupt ending even more frustrating.
I also thought Feng Qing Tian's death was the writer's way of reminding us of *carpe diem*, which I get, especially when we look at his relationship with Xu Wen Shu. Seize the moment. Love while you can. Don't dwell on the past. Or, in Wen Shu's case, don't be afraid to follow your heart.

UGH! You can tell I'm STILL frustrated.

On the other hand, I honestly enjoyed watching the series. It's definitely a slow burn, so buckle up! This was my first time seeing all the actors, and I must say, they ALL understood the assignment.

Kuma and Liu Jing Yu had such amazing chemistry! I can't wait to see them act together again. Their storyline had a lot of twists and turns that didn't always make sense, but the actors were so lovely that I had no problem staying invested.

And can we talk about the cinematography for a moment? **ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!** The setting alone is breathtaking. From the mountains and the tea fields to the forests and landscapes, every scene feels like a breath of fresh air. The scenery creates such a peaceful, refreshing, and serene atmosphere that it's truly a visual delight.

Despite my frustrations, I honestly recommend this show. There's so much to appreciate, from the performances to the stunning cinematography. Again, this story could've easily been a **10/10** for me. But the plot gaps, the abrupt ending to Feng Qing Tian and Xu Wen Shu's storyline, and THAT ending?

I just can't move past it.