A Heartfelt Journey of Love.
I finished watching the show, and it's one of the best ones out there. Everything between the leads is so sweet and organic, and how they overcome their initial awkwardness to finally. It's too real. Of course, the chemistry of the leads is electrifying and beautiful! One of the most gorgeous-looking pairs I've ever watched.Was this review helpful to you?
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A Gripping Journey Through Loyalty, Betrayal, and Redemption
This was my first experience watching a republican drama, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The cat-and-mouse chase, the anticipation of revelations, the intricate backstory, and the well-developed characters all culminated in a compelling viewing experience.Lin Shobai stood out with remarkable character growth. He transformed from an immature, impulsive police officer into a mature, responsible member of the Social Affairs Department. Throughout the story, he treated Xu Wei like a brother, always hoping and pushing him to return to the right side—and he did. The bond he shared with Director Lu was especially endearing, as they evolved from having trust issues to forming a strong brotherhood. I love how Lin Shobai is written as both witty and street-smart. He often throws in clever jokes while consistently getting the job done, adding a refreshing layer to his character. Major kudos to Chen Zheyuan for bringing that charm and sharpness to life on screen—his portrayal truly elevates the role. I honestly watched the show primarily for him, and he did not disappoint.
Director Lu a simple guy standing firm for what’s right, burdened by the guilt of an accident he believes happened because of him. As the most experienced member of the department, his approach to situations reflects this wisdom. He serves as a father figure to Feihang and supports his colleagues—his brothers, Huzi and Lin Shobai. The character truly shines.
Zheng Lantiang starts as a timid and mysterious antagonist, but he quickly reveals himself to be a ruthless manipulator and inhumane person. This character elevates the show significantly, and the actor’s portrayal is nothing short of brilliant.
Xu Wei, despite his dark past, retains a sliver of humanity when it comes to Lin Shobai. His heroic death, choosing the right side in the end, was fitting. He loved his family but consistently made poor choices along the way.
Jin Yan, Lin Shobai's childhood friend and the only daughter in the story, brought a refreshing perspective as a female forensic doctor. She contributed to the narrative in meaningful ways, and her breakdown scene over her father’s death was particularly impactful. Her father loved her and did everything to protect her, even if he sometimes went too far—after all, that's a father's heart. I really don’t see any romantic connection between her and Shobai—they grew up together and care for each other deeply, but it feels completely platonic.
Huzi, affectionately called "doggy" by Lin Shobai, is Lu’s adopted brother. He is a good character, impulsive yet warm, though I wish he had more depth. His death was tragic and left a mark on the story.
Several standout scenes linger in my mind, including the intense confrontation between Lin Shobai and Xu Wei at the breakfast table when Shobai is held hostage, Lu and Feihang on the terrace when she declares, "You're my father," and Zheng Lantiang’s calm demeanor as he manipulates Jin and his men into turning against one another.
Overall, the rest of the cast also made significant contributions, and I must say the actors in this drama are exceptional. Their performances really brought the story to life, making this a memorable watch!
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A story of Strength and Courage: Embracing Struggles and Moving Forward
Li Zan was a man with a kind heart—full of love, warmth, and determination. Watching his journey from that to battling his inner demons was absolutely heartbreaking. He couldn't change what happened to him in the Eastern country, but when he returned home, he made the choice to be happy. That takes immense strength. Chen Zheyuan was phenomenal as Li Zan—this is, without a doubt, his best role yet. Seeing his growth from Duan Jiaxu to Lin Shobai to now Li Zan, it’s clear how much he has evolved as an actor.Song Ran started off as a weaker character, but she grew as the show progressed. Her love for Li Zan is selfless and beautiful—she would do anything to stay by his side.
The show also boasts stunning cinematography and a beautiful OST! Scenes like the moonlight dance, their heartfelt conversation outside the restaurant, the bromance between the male leads, and the deep brotherhood between Sa Xin and Benjamin were some of the highlights. The way war impacted different people was portrayed so well—Sia finding comfort in her pet Zan after losing Zoro, the orphanage kids finding joy despite their circumstances, and even a soldier getting married against the ruins of a war-torn city. It all goes to show that no matter how much life takes away, it always finds a way to move forward.
That said, the show wasn’t perfect. The excessive slow-motion scenes and the dragged-out dating phase felt out of place given the overall theme. They could have trimmed down several episodes to keep the pacing tighter.
But ultimately, all the characters got the endings they deserved—Sa Xin at university changed his name to Ben as a tribute to his brother Benjamin, Jiang Lu topping his exams, Lou reading the book, Shen Bei volunteering with kids, Dr. Pei living the way Ben wanted her to, and finally, the leads—who got married and built their own little world of happiness. I don’t understand why some consider this a sad ending. To me, it’s perfect. Some scars never fade, and Li Zan’s was one of them. But instead of giving up, he embraced his reality and chose to live with it. That kind of acceptance takes courage.
This isn’t a sad story; it’s an inspiring one. It teaches us to embrace our struggles—like PTSD—and find a way to live beyond them. The show beautifully depicts the lasting effects of war on everyone it touches. I’d recommend it to anyone—there’s so much strength, love, and hope to take away from it.
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