This drama’s characters and storyline, if applied to real-life situations, seem almost too good to be true. The story leans heavily into societal stereotypes, amplifying fantasies while painting an overly idealized picture without addressing the toxic dynamics often accompanying these stereotypes.
1. The male lead (ML) is portrayed as a narcissist, arrogant, and self-centered. This type of character reflects a stereotype of women’s preferences, as women are often drawn to men like this, despite knowing that such men can be toxic and harmful to them. 2. ML is portrayed as handsome, extremely wealthy, from the top 1% of society, a second- or third-generation chaebol with a privileged upbringing. He’s intelligent, wise, and ambitious—all characteristics that feed into a fantasy of perfection. 3. However, ML is given a sweet and humble backstory despite his privileged background. He’s portrayed as tough on the outside but soft within, with a sacrificial side for his family. He’s mature and mannered, even as a young boy. This idealized backstory aligns with the fantasy of a perfect man who, despite all his advantages, remains charming, humble and relatable. 4. The ML’s family is also portrayed positively. Even though they are chaebol (where parents are usually depicted as being very difficult regarding their children’s romantic interests in other dramas), this family is open-minded, humble, and supportive of their children’s desires. There is almost no resistance from the parents, and they even share funny and cute moments together. This portrayal feeds women’s fantasies of wanting a wealthy and perfect man with a family that is open and supportive of their relationships, even if the woman comes from an average background. 5. ML’s friendship with his high-achieving friend, who is also the president of his company where he is the vice chairman, feels effortless and genuine. Despite their corporate roles, they maintain a fun, laid-back friendship reminiscent of typical friendships, defying the tension usually depicted between business colleagues. 6. The female lead (FL) is hardworking, self-made, strong, and beautiful—yet not overly popular with men. This reflects a stereotype of what men might desire in a partner: someone attractive and accomplished but not surrounded by other suitors. 7. FL’s character embodies a traditional woman’s role in a modern setting. She works as ML’s secretary, dedicated to even the simplest tasks, such as adjusting his necktie with a sense of care. This portrayal feeds into the fantasy of a woman who treats her partner with reverence and tends to even minor needs. 8. FL’s family is average, with typical flaws and challenges, not remarkable nor troubled. They’re relatable, embodying a life of unfulfilled ambitions and struggles, which makes her background less intimidating, fitting into a stereotype of the “acceptable” family for a partner.This setting caters to male stereotypes, as many men are perceived to struggle with accepting women who appear better off than they are. Therefore, the FL’s background is ideal for many men. 9. Naturally, there are challenges the main couple must face—a significant secret to be revealed—necessary to sustain the drama. However, there’s little real resistance from family or rivals in love, maintaining the fantasy aspect of the storyline.
Overall, this drama is a lighthearted and heartwarming experience for many of us, as it indulges in everyone’s fantasies, perhaps to the fullest.
for those who people saying FL is cute or little annoying, just imagine"guy chasing a young female into a ladies…
Just what i thought. FL symbolize extrovert while ML is introvert. These are shown in FL behaviour. Most extrovert person think what they do are normal while the introvert is always the strange one and psychopath. But they dont realize they too exhibit creepy and unlikable behaviour.
The drama somehow potrays the extrovert that want to change the introvert worldview. Instead of understanding and acknowledging the differences between type of personality, they force the introvert to think like them, act like them and be like them.
This season is much much better than the first one. The female lead (FL) character is one of the best for me – clever, calm, and composed, a mature lady, a complete 360 from her impulsive and immature attitude in season 1. And she has become a strong support and backbone for the male lead (ML), her husband. The only thing I regret about the FL’s character is that I didn’t really feel her character development, as she abruptly changed from a clumsy girl to a composed lady during the five years she was isolated in the palace (due to a time skip). However, in this season, I really like the strong chemistry between the leads, and the screenplay is much better.
I really hope for another season, as Pei Xingjian’s story, as recorded in history, hasn’t been fully covered yet. There’s still more for us viewers to see, so maybe there’s hope for another season.
This drama has a lot of problems, even though it started with a pretty solid opening (great child character, compelling conflict background). However, I only fully understood the story at almost the end of the drama. I feel that they should have started by telling us about Pei Xingjian’s premise as a jinxed child who brings disaster to his family, which leads to his isolation. This is crucial because it explains why people see him as a jinx, despite his intelligence, talent, and wisdom. If they had started with this, the viewers would have a better understanding that our male lead has had to live a life of being isolated due to his perceived status as a jinx.
As the drama progressed, I just wanted Pei Xingjian to die heroically because I feel that Liuliu and the crown prince don’t deserve him, whether as a lover or a friend. They don’t trust him or show patience when faced with problems; they act impulsively (especially Liuliu) and tend to respond emotionally. Most of the time, it’s only Pei Xingjian who remains grounded and steadfast in this three-way relationship, which is the only reason their relationships survive all those episodes.
Additionally, the screenwriters don’t seem to favor our male lead. They put him through constant hardship and guilt-trip his relationships with the female lead and the crown prince without giving enough time for reconciliation or resolution before hitting him with new problems. They make it seem (through the plot and dialogue) like Pei Xingjian owes Liuliu for the pain he caused her. As a viewer, this is why I felt unsatisfied if the drama have happy ending (the main couple reunite in marriage) without properly solve it. Because the female lead and the crown prince should at least feel guilty or going through some sort of redemption for how they treated him because, ultimately, they don’t deserve him.
Firstly . your so maad😂😂 I didn't like the ending.Good news,in the novel they had a happy ending with twins…
I dont know why they making the story worse than the original story in the novel. So the novel works that they adapt it to tv but they dont follow the plot faithfully.
The plot doesnt make sense. The writers messed big time. The story doesnt show ML growth and resolve misunderstanding between the main lead. They fight just after they reconcile. Instead of showing character growth, it become toxic relationship that is not easy to watch. Instead of giving way to educate viewer how to treat toxic relationship, it gave a feeling that people with the character that led to toxic relationship cant be treated, changed or saved . Ive read review that said it has open and ambiguous ending. I have watched until episode 21 but now i feel like want to drop this drama for 2nd time. Ive watched until episode 8 and drop it before deciding to watch again. i try to watch it despite review because of FL (her acting is great in her recent drama).
Its heartbroken when FL said “let me show you how hatred feel like” and kissed ML while ML didnt know yet that FL regained her memory. The vibe is quite different from when ML lied to FL initially. The kiss scene makes FL looked scary and emotionally detached like she’s going to hate ML all the way through and going for real revenge without mercy, without considering their attachment when they lived together. But it shows that the actress and camera works nail it.
Its heartbroken when FL said “let me show you how hatred feel like” and kissed ML while ML didnt know yet that FL regained her memory. The vibe is quite different from when ML lied to FL initially. The kiss scene makes FL looked scary and emotionally detached like she’s going to hate ML all the way through and going for real revenge without mercy, without considering their attachment when they lived together. But it shows that the actress and camera works nail it.
they drag the misunderstand part too long (too long make moment from sad to annoying moment), make her bff character the worst relationship advisor ever, and everyone somehow blame ML for not taking action (or man up) to repair his relationship with FL eventhough FL is clearly the wrong one and need to apologize to ML to mend their broken relationship. i love bailu but her character here make me feel lost sometimes. For me ML has done his part well, wait patiently and give time for FL to explain herself eventhough he knows or can feel FL lied to him from time to time. and what is worst.during the time when the main lead have relationship problem, everyone (FL friends and colleague) seems to supports FL (and poison her mind) to be with 2nd ML. I sympathize with ML here thou he maybe too introverted to say his mind, but at times he acted and true to his feelings towards FL. On the other hand, FL whom are very proactive in her relationship with ML at the beginning, an extroverted and good talker, an outstanding person in her career as a journalist whom supposely awesome at handling relationship and communicate well, she didnt use this ability when it comes to personal relationship which make it worse (and always seek her bff stupid relationship advise and worsen the misunderstanding).
i dont like ML character in this drama. Im currently on episode 28 (halfway) and ML still with his stupid joke and doesnt know how to read or act on the situation. I expected halfway they start getting serious but ML character cant be taken seriously. I dont hate his playfulness, but sometimes it needs to be contained and act accordingly with the progress of the story (to show his maturity, reliability and etc). This is a military drama not rom-com, which they need to inject maturity to the character when there are needs to. Thats why people ship 2nd ML because overall he looks way more reliable than ML. FL also doesnt help much in her relationship with ML because Idk there are only several times that she shows concern towards ML but most of the times she worry more over 2nd ML that give us a vibe that she didnt have any feelings other than as good friend towards ML. Even after separated for months, and when ML engagement news, she doesnt hurt much by the news like the usual lovers/crush. There are only few sparks in the MC relationship but doesnt ignite properly.
1. The male lead (ML) is portrayed as a narcissist, arrogant, and self-centered. This type of character reflects a stereotype of women’s preferences, as women are often drawn to men like this, despite knowing that such men can be toxic and harmful to them.
2. ML is portrayed as handsome, extremely wealthy, from the top 1% of society, a second- or third-generation chaebol with a privileged upbringing. He’s intelligent, wise, and ambitious—all characteristics that feed into a fantasy of perfection.
3. However, ML is given a sweet and humble backstory despite his privileged background. He’s portrayed as tough on the outside but soft within, with a sacrificial side for his family. He’s mature and mannered, even as a young boy. This idealized backstory aligns with the fantasy of a perfect man who, despite all his advantages, remains charming, humble and relatable.
4. The ML’s family is also portrayed positively. Even though they are chaebol (where parents are usually depicted as being very difficult regarding their children’s romantic interests in other dramas), this family is open-minded, humble, and supportive of their children’s desires. There is almost no resistance from the parents, and they even share funny and cute moments together. This portrayal feeds women’s fantasies of wanting a wealthy and perfect man with a family that is open and supportive of their relationships, even if the woman comes from an average background.
5. ML’s friendship with his high-achieving friend, who is also the president of his company where he is the vice chairman, feels effortless and genuine. Despite their corporate roles, they maintain a fun, laid-back friendship reminiscent of typical friendships, defying the tension usually depicted between business colleagues.
6. The female lead (FL) is hardworking, self-made, strong, and beautiful—yet not overly popular with men. This reflects a stereotype of what men might desire in a partner: someone attractive and accomplished but not surrounded by other suitors.
7. FL’s character embodies a traditional woman’s role in a modern setting. She works as ML’s secretary, dedicated to even the simplest tasks, such as adjusting his necktie with a sense of care. This portrayal feeds into the fantasy of a woman who treats her partner with reverence and tends to even minor needs.
8. FL’s family is average, with typical flaws and challenges, not remarkable nor troubled. They’re relatable, embodying a life of unfulfilled ambitions and struggles, which makes her background less intimidating, fitting into a stereotype of the “acceptable” family for a partner.This setting caters to male stereotypes, as many men are perceived to struggle with accepting women who appear better off than they are. Therefore, the FL’s background is ideal for many men.
9. Naturally, there are challenges the main couple must face—a significant secret to be revealed—necessary to sustain the drama. However, there’s little real resistance from family or rivals in love, maintaining the fantasy aspect of the storyline.
Overall, this drama is a lighthearted and heartwarming experience for many of us, as it indulges in everyone’s fantasies, perhaps to the fullest.
The drama somehow potrays the extrovert that want to change the introvert worldview. Instead of understanding and acknowledging the differences between type of personality, they force the introvert to think like them, act like them and be like them.
I really hope for another season, as Pei Xingjian’s story, as recorded in history, hasn’t been fully covered yet. There’s still more for us viewers to see, so maybe there’s hope for another season.
As the drama progressed, I just wanted Pei Xingjian to die heroically because I feel that Liuliu and the crown prince don’t deserve him, whether as a lover or a friend. They don’t trust him or show patience when faced with problems; they act impulsively (especially Liuliu) and tend to respond emotionally. Most of the time, it’s only Pei Xingjian who remains grounded and steadfast in this three-way relationship, which is the only reason their relationships survive all those episodes.
Additionally, the screenwriters don’t seem to favor our male lead. They put him through constant hardship and guilt-trip his relationships with the female lead and the crown prince without giving enough time for reconciliation or resolution before hitting him with new problems. They make it seem (through the plot and dialogue) like Pei Xingjian owes Liuliu for the pain he caused her. As a viewer, this is why I felt unsatisfied if the drama have happy ending (the main couple reunite in marriage) without properly solve it. Because the female lead and the crown prince should at least feel guilty or going through some sort of redemption for how they treated him because, ultimately, they don’t deserve him.