Started out as very interesting, not your usual plot- leads liked each other and then it went haywire.
While I thought it was a fresh take, there was something about the plot and how the characters behaved that made me think why??!!
I must be a cynic that I can’t believe the depth of feelings the leads had for each other that it can surpass time and all sorts of challenges. And only because the story did not give them much scenes/ backstory/ even a relationship arc to develop them at all.
People in actual relationships gave up on less, so I couldn’t figure out what kept the interest going. Was it bec of totga (the one that got away?) - that they just couldn’t let go? Fate seems to be playing with their feelings too with the circumstantial interactions. Teasing them when they are at the point of giving up and drawing them back together.
This drama a strange one for sure. Nevertheless, it got me watching till the end.
If there is one takeaway that I got from watching, its the line that "love is going through ordinary days/life together" or something like that. i felt that.
Not the giddy type of romance, mature yet weird, slow burn and scratch your head kind of impact. Well, it was not a total waste of time imo but appeals to a niche audience.
I think the intent of this drama is to get me guessing till the end. While I posted my char interpretation last wk, the new eps still did not give me an idea of where the storyline is headed, not gave me an inkling of the character development (if there is any). And its the final 2, coming this week.
My prediction for the ending is that the main leads will reconnect after a time lapse, where the FL finally found herself and they will meet coincidentally, with rekindled feelings after seeing each other again. The FL will be more open to a possibility with the ML and is now helping out with her family food business. She will forgive her father and move on from her brother’s death. That scene maybe a sandcastle in the beach with the ML building it. Lol.
The ML will be transferred to HQ and no longer connected to his ex. The sfl and the first love will reunite and she will fight for him with her father. The sml will finally pass his police exam and no longer hate his ex. He will be in a good relationship with his former study partner or a new lady he met.
Though this drama is not what I thought it was about and even if the storyline & chars gets me agitated, I am weirdly invested and will continue to watch the final eps. Idk, its the mature take that prob kept me interested, even if I don’t agree with their actions most of the time.
Love does not follow a straight path and one may react differently with the same scenario. Our background, society impacts our thinking and decision making more than we care to admit. And sometimes, our head and hearts collide with our feelings winning most of the time.
Its always so hard to choose between happiness vs practicality. Whatever you end up choosing, someone will get hurt or become unhappy.
This series is playing with my feelings but I can’t help but watch. Personally I don’t mind the cheating arc as it happens in real life, though the context in the drama on what triggered it was unreal to me.
The ML in the beginning was refreshing as he was a shy, timid guy who took interest in a pretty girl. Took a lot of courage before he tried asking her out and he even had to make it seem unromantic at first. The second date supposedly is to up his game with a nice fancy dinner and knowing in later eps that he hesitated before running in, made me wonder why.
Like I know life status matters a lot, but wasn’t he getting ahead there? For me it was not clear that she likes him back. I can only think that maybe this is due to the culture differences where Koreans date with marriage in mind. That society and family opinions matter.
Then I realized his mom is not part of the norm, she was not judgmental at all and would support his decision. So I don’t really get why he hesitated, was it because of his career? That she would not be of any help at all?
I agree that the SFL is not a nice person, she exudes a brat deep inside rebelling against her parents for no reason but double faced and portrays to be a kind hearted person to others. While the ML is kind and charming, I do not think she loves him, that her trauma from past relationships made her the way she is. She wants to be chosen and for her man to stick with her until she decides if it will not work out. Her stubbornness in letting him go despite his honesty about his feelings, didn’t make sense. There is not enough time or activity together for them to develop feelings or bond together. No love declarations at all and there is a side of me that thinks she got together with him to prove to her ex that she got someone better. It was pure pride and ego that is keeping her from breaking up. Like she was reaching when she wanted their families to meet, buying his affection with gifts and subtly hinting what her family can do for him. I don’t get it, she is a pretty girl so why waste time with a guy who doesn’t have deep feelings for you?
On the other hand the FL and SML are a bit toxic for me. The FL had a poor background ,comes from a broken family and lost her brother. I understand she is also a kind person inside and made cynical by the situations she has been in. But why hesitate when the ML professed and apologized? Again it might be the marriage mindset that is affecting her decision, but she obv liked him back. It was too early to reject him the jump into a relationship with a man who liked her. Her action seems extreme to me, really. Like she wants to punish herself than feel some happiness.
Furthermore, her bf breaks up with her due to his situation and out of pity/empathy she takes him in. For what? I understand if they’ve been together for a while or she loves him deeply. But she likes the ML, so she tormented herself so she can keep him away? A lot could have been solved by communication, so I don’t relate to the actions, indecisiveness and impulsiveness she did.
Most puzzling is the SML who wants to be a provider and his ego gets in the way of their relationship. Instead of loving her, working on their relationship- he focused on being grateful. His love went away the second she took on the provider role and got interested in a student who is obv not in a better financial situation than him. But despite this, he tries to make it serious with a promise ring and I honestly think its bec he saw another man stirring up emotions with her. So was his jealousy founded on her being his security blanket?
While I was so perplexed with the characters, I still watched it and enjoyed the romantic moments. Rooting for the ML and FL of course.
Can’t wait to see if there will be developments or new twists to the story in the upcoming episodes. I hope to be surprised with the characters making sense and taking responsibility.
I’ve had this in my watchlist for sometime now, kept putting it off as I didn’t really like the theme song and not that interested in noona romance plots. I was actually on an brief hiatus from asian dramas and this was the first one I completed after a while.
After finishing it, I’m torn if I liked or didn’t like it. Good sign though was I didn’t skip or fast forward ed any episode, even the overbearing mom parts. But I’ve decided that i do like it in the end.
Culturally I can relate, being asian and as a mom, I can see why the mom was like that eventhough, living in the US has drastically changed my views. The mom is only looking out for her daughter and wanted the best for her- it’s the way she expressed it was unbearable. I don’t think she knew about the ex actions of sexually harassing her daughter and even the point where he almost got her killed. If she did, I would like to think that would have stopped her from sticking to a good background automatically makes a good husband. I wished so many times that this was revealed to her as it could have been the best way to cut her off. It might be a longshot considering she turned a blind eye with the ex cheating on her and surprisingly it was her father who is more attuned to his daughter’s emotions, respecting her choices. He doesn’t have enough guts to follow through and stop his wife from that harmful thinking/actions.
The main leads chemistry is on point, not electrifying but good enough to retain my interest. The ML is very expressive of his love. And while I would expect that being younger would mean he will be more immature, he was so decisive and very protective. Unlike our FL, who lived her life pleasing others, didn’t know how to speak up and just going thru life passively.
I read some of the comments on this forum and I get why its a mix of like/hate. Certain issues tackled here are triggering for some like workplace harassment, ‘forbidden love’, parent abuse and bullying. While I don’t agree with most of the FL actions, the mom moreso and workplace treatment of harassment- I can say its realistic. That this can happen in real life and maybe many people can relate to certain parts or everything.
The acting was really good as they portrayed the roles accurately to what the plot was. The affection was better than most dramas I’ve watched as they are open to expressing it (typical of new/budding romances), so this part alone is a big check! The support characters are soo good as well as they delivered according to the storyline and probably what the writer wanted to show.
I guess some viewers are not happy with it and felt that the mom twist dragged out or was too much. I can for sure say this might not appeal to everyone but it’s worth watching. It has depth but romance was played out well and it teaches you life lessons.
For me it’s entertaining enough to barrel thru in a couple of days, with my full attention. It will be on my list for a while and I will definitely rewatch it.
Take the comments with a grain of salt, and I would advice those who have not seen it yet to check it out. You might change your mind and keep this thought - the characters are expressing what they are expected to do. It might not be how you would react if you were in this situation, but it is a well put together drama imo. Don’t mind the overplayed theme song as it will be heard so many times it makes you want to barf - just focus on the storyline and let yourself be drawn to the imaginary world this drama aimed to create. Try not to compare with one spring night as I’ve also watched that and there are similarities but not totally the same. I think this can stand on it’s own and have many merits. So watch with an open mind.
In short, I loved it and would recommend it to others. 🙂
Stumbled across this drama, when yt recommended a clip and I got curious about the series. At my age, I am not typically interested in school/highschool genres, though admittedly I watched a few for nostalgic reasons. It’s my go to for fluff and it makes me feel good.
This one made me more curious as I like lusi and after LLTG, looking forward to her next one and I realized that it’s with the lead actor of this drama. So with my curiosity piqued, I started watching it and had not stopped till I finished it in a couple of days.
1. Story
Script was well put together. Typical Highschool life with lessons in new student challenges of making friends and adjusting to a new environment, pressure of doing well in school from parents, immature actions and quirky teachers/classmates. I really liked how it was presented down to how an adolescent struggles to please everyone. Family life was blended in superbly with moms highlighted in keeping the family together while trying to balance husbands and children.
As expected there is no heavy twist which I liked and the challenges were not at all minor but timed well- it was not dragged out at all.
The romance bits were perfect. Sweet, first love, jitters, butterflies kind of thing in the beginning. Sighs.
Best part for me were the lessons you pick up throughout. It wasn’t contained to romance and you can totally relate to the mom, dad, parent, teenager, friend roles.
2. Cast
First time ever- I’ve liked the FL who acts her age but understood that it did not require a cutesy high pitched tone, pouting or annoying antics. She looked her part and performance was not exaggerated. Her styling was on point from her hair down to the wardrobe. The only time I didn’t like what she was wearing was when she transitioned to be a university student. Noteworthy is her character development from being indecisive to becoming a strong willed woman (loved this soo much!). Also, they selected a nice looking actress (nothing against other drama actresses) but it was refreshing to see that the FL was not made too plain or too short in height vs an overly good looking male lead.
The ML character was a stereotype. Good looking, not interested vibe, top student and school crush! However, I liked that he was not a narcissist and acts normally with friends. While I was motivated to see how he is bec of his upcoming drama with Lusi, i was pleasantly surprised with his acting. Though he should develop his kissing skills (maybe this changed already as I am set to see him in Mr. Bad next)
The support characters were also great! Secondary leads were not annoying and realistically portrayed the innocence of youth.
Overall, it was more than great. It was entertaining but with life lessons. No exaggerations, over the top characters, great and not stiff acting by the FL, no overplayed love triangles and no annoying friends!
Note: i also felt a little sympathy (unpopular opinion i know) towards Su. He was so tender to her in the beg and had a major mistake. Dude you should have made your moves when she was still trying to make it to Hua Qing.
Just finished the series but I’ve put it on hold for a while and came back to it.
Tbh, what kept me interested was I got fascinated with the beauty mark near the eye of the ML. Superficial I know… lol.
Abandoned it to watch romance of the little forest, found the ML soo handsome but the FL quirky antics was too much, so picked this back up again.
The story was light, with a touch of comedy. Weird but had enough to keep me going. The secondary leads were better compared to most of what I watched. I liked that the male leads had developed intense love for their counterparts and showed affection unabashedly. They weren’t embarrassed to show their feelings and wore their heart on their sleeves.
FL’s were okay, happy they had great careers and very independent. Was not scared to turn away the ml’s or resist when they did something wrong, which was refreshing!
However, how the story unfolded was a bit messy and some did not add up for me or felt forced.
Still glad to have watched it. Purely for entertainment and ML devotion.
Seeing all the recent recognition for LLTG, rekindled my intense love for this drama and so I checked this thread again after a long time. Not surprised but pleased to see that more had posted positive feedback.
As I rewatched it for the nth time, the feelings remained the same. Will never get tired of this and all the characters.
Story was absolute perfection except for a teeny unfulfilled wish for steamier kisses, grand wedding and newlywed scenes. But still sooo good that nothing can compare as of yet.
May the drama gods give us our main couple back in an extension series or even a new one. Their chemistry is off the charts and worth a reunion- PLEASE!
The comedy was so good, it made tears fall at the same time from too much laughter.
Glad I took the time when I put it off so many times. I wasn’t interested in the beginning after reading the synopsis and randomly peeked at episode 1 . The indecisiveness of what to watch next was what led me here. Then I was laughing at the FL so much, I finished it all in one night.
If ever you need a break from heavy dramas, this can be considered a nice way to cleanse before starting a new one. I just finished watching Princess Weiyoung and needed something light. Oh boy was I glad I saw this and it was exactly what I needed.
The FL deserves more roles and dramas, she was realistic and endearing!!!
Vin Zhang is soo sexy as Professor Zhuang Yu!! I am so smitten by him playing this role.. ;)
He definitely carried this series, imo and his role well. It is a light romance with so many “could have been” moments. He embodies his role as a serious professor and scientist really well. The only flaw , I think is the character writing of how such an attractive man be so oblivious and resistant to females. Maybe I don’t know enough intellectuals to understand how they can be so intense in academic pursuits, not leading normal lives or having reactions/worldly needs.
Vin is the reason why I continued watching even if I am slightly distracted with the FL lead voice and constant pouting. Please don’t get me wrong, not being disrespectful or bashing the FL. It is also refreshing to see to see nice normal clothes on the female lead and their height difference is perfect.
Stumbled across this drama by accident and started watching out of pure curiosity. Boy, was I glad I did.
The love and devotion displayed in this series was truly unbelievable. I cannot count how many times I cried with the overwhelming feelings. I felt so much for the FL and the restrictions she had to endure. She was lucky in the sense, the ML was so in love with her and being together with the love of her life. BUT it brought so many conflicts that I found myself thinking what a strong character she had.
Such selfless behavior and not once used the King’s affection to her advantage. Even when it means tarnishing her image or getting out of a life and death situation. I got agitated at times bec I want her to think of herself first and then I realized she was too pure to do that. She simply wanted to live as someone in the background, serving her master and enjoying a few fun times with her friends. While generally timid, her loyalty is commendable. She would protect the ones she cherishes the most and recklessly defend them with all her might. I can’t say a lot of people would act the way she did.
The most heart wrenching scene for me was when she lost her kid, and not being able to hold him in his last moments. I cried literally buckets and sobbed so hard. I had to remind myself, this is an adaptation.
While I usually prefer a lighter, happier type of a lovestory, this was an exception to the rule. The actors delivered with their realistic performances and I can’t help gushing over this.
I hope more get to see this gem. It’s not your usual romance and while it is a period piece (which affected a lot of the leads actions), it is an endearing story. The pain, challenges and hardships associated with a once in a lifetime kind of love. The stark reality of falling in love with someone who holds a high social status (a king!) and a simple lass with a humble background.
Read comments here that it’s based on real life and I probably will end up researching more about it. Such devotion truly exists - oh my! I hope more will get to see it and appreciate this masterpiece.
Disappointed with the event today, didn’t get to see them interact more. My imagination got carried away and I was picturing a sweet reunion of some sort. I know it was a non LLTG related event and it shouldn’t be expected, but I can’t help myself.
With chemistry that strong that it leaps out of the screen, I have to admit I thought it may result to more than just a working relationship.
And then that leak came out which made me more crazy, lol. I realized I’m treading dangerously close to becoming a shipper of this couple. And I don’t want to. I want to be more a fan of the drama and the acting, the actors ability than anything else.
I have to blame it on the intense effect that this drama had on me that I want to see them exclusively or at the very least in another project real soon.
So before I become crazier and it affects how I see their future work, my enjoyment of cdramas, damage my love for LLTG- let me draw the line.
Sorry for the rant and a little bit of the negativity , and the drama (luh!)- just keeping it real. Let me go back to viewer mode and disassociate for a while. Bye my forum friends, see you in the next thread (if I find anything that sparks the passion in me) loved everything we discussed here and looking forward to the next one!
Same; rewatching some of the episodes again and it actually made me appreciate the drama so much more (as if it…
We are very similar,. One of the reasons I started with modern dramas is the number of episodes. I used to skip historical pieces bec in kdramas its max of 16 and then I see cdramas with 50 and more, I’m like whoa!
I tested it with the first episode and if I find it interesting enough I would continue. Honestly I skip or fast forward certain episodes. First time I watched a historical piece and loved every bit of it. The plot, the pacing, the actors, the support characters, the musical scoring and the cinematography.
For the last batch, I kept my eye on the episode number bec I dreaded seeing 56. I didn’t want it to end and here i am clinging to it like a hopeless moron.
LLTG changed my opinion on historical dramas and I hope to see something as good 🔜.
Same; rewatching some of the episodes again and it actually made me appreciate the drama so much more (as if it…
Of course I did! I gobble up anything i can find related to LLTG. You should see my yt feed lol, i even watch unsubbed videos even if I don’t speak chinese.
He is too cute! Barbecuing those skewers with his costume on. Did you see the one where he is riding his bicycle on set?
For me, it's just WeTV and Netflix. Kiss.sh is free. Still, I couldn't find a drama that will hold my attention.…
I feel yah, I’m over the top with all these subscriptions and not taking advantage of all the content. I tried to watch LBFAD as I thought something light and romance centric might help. But I can’t stand the storyline and skip to gushy parts/cute moments. The void is too hard to fill, was looking for the plot twists and more interesting characters!
1 
While I thought it was a fresh take, there was something about the plot and how the characters behaved that made me think why??!!
I must be a cynic that I can’t believe the depth of feelings the leads had for each other that it can surpass time and all sorts of challenges. And only because the story did not give them much scenes/ backstory/ even a relationship arc to develop them at all.
People in actual relationships gave up on less, so I couldn’t figure out what kept the interest going. Was it bec of totga (the one that got away?) - that they just couldn’t let go? Fate seems to be playing with their feelings too with the circumstantial interactions. Teasing them when they are at the point of giving up and drawing them back together.
This drama a strange one for sure. Nevertheless, it got me watching till the end.
If there is one takeaway that I got from
watching, its the line that "love is going through ordinary days/life together" or something like that. i felt that.
Not the giddy type of romance, mature yet weird, slow burn and scratch your head kind of impact. Well, it was not a total waste of time imo but appeals to a niche audience.
My prediction for the ending is that the main leads will reconnect after a time lapse, where the FL finally found herself and they will meet coincidentally, with rekindled feelings after seeing each other again. The FL will be more open to a possibility with the ML and is now helping out with her family food business. She will forgive her father and move on from her brother’s death. That scene maybe a sandcastle in the beach with the ML building it. Lol.
The ML will be transferred to HQ and no longer connected to his ex. The sfl and the first love will reunite and she will fight for him with her father. The sml will finally pass his police exam and no longer hate his ex. He will be in a good relationship with his former study partner or a new lady he met.
Though this drama is not what I thought it was about and even if the storyline & chars gets me agitated, I am weirdly invested and will continue to watch the final eps. Idk, its the mature take that prob kept me interested, even if I don’t agree with their actions most of the time.
Love does not follow a straight path and one may react differently with the same scenario. Our background, society impacts our thinking and decision making more than we care to admit. And sometimes, our head and hearts collide with our feelings winning most of the time.
Its always so hard to choose between happiness vs practicality. Whatever you end up choosing, someone will get hurt or become unhappy.
Just random thoughts…
The ML in the beginning was refreshing as he was a shy, timid guy who took interest in a pretty girl. Took a lot of courage before he tried asking her out and he even had to make it seem unromantic at first. The second date supposedly is to up his game with a nice fancy dinner and knowing in later eps that he hesitated before running in, made me wonder why.
Like I know life status matters a lot, but wasn’t he getting ahead there? For me it was not clear that she likes him back. I can only think that maybe this is due to the culture differences where Koreans date with marriage in mind. That society and family opinions matter.
Then I realized his mom is not part of the norm, she was not judgmental at all and would support his decision. So I don’t really get why he hesitated, was it because of his career? That she would not be of any help at all?
I agree that the SFL is not a nice person, she exudes a brat deep inside rebelling against her parents for no reason but double faced and portrays to be a kind hearted person to others. While the ML is kind and charming, I do not think she loves him, that her trauma from past relationships made her the way she is. She wants to be chosen and for her man to stick with her until she decides if it will not work out. Her stubbornness in letting him go despite his honesty about his feelings, didn’t make sense. There is not enough time or activity together for them to develop feelings or bond together. No love declarations at all and there is a side of me that thinks she got together with him to prove to her ex that she got someone better. It was pure pride and
ego that is keeping her from breaking up. Like she was reaching when she wanted their families to meet, buying his affection with gifts and subtly hinting what her family can do for him. I don’t get it, she is a pretty girl so why waste time with a guy who doesn’t have deep feelings for you?
On the other hand the FL and SML are a bit toxic for me. The FL had a poor background ,comes from a broken family and lost her brother. I understand she is also a kind person inside and made cynical by the situations she has been in. But why hesitate when the ML professed and apologized? Again it might be the marriage mindset that is affecting her decision, but she obv liked him back. It was too early to reject him the jump into a relationship with a man who liked her. Her action seems extreme to me, really. Like she wants to punish herself than feel some happiness.
Furthermore, her bf breaks up with her due to his situation and out of pity/empathy she takes him in. For what? I understand if they’ve been together for a while or she loves him deeply. But she likes the ML, so she tormented herself so
she can keep him away? A lot could have been solved by communication, so I don’t relate to the actions, indecisiveness and impulsiveness she did.
Most puzzling is the SML who wants to be a provider and his ego gets in the way of their relationship. Instead of loving her, working on their relationship- he focused on being grateful. His love went away the second she took on the provider role and got interested in a student who is obv not in a better financial situation than him. But despite this, he tries to make it serious with a promise ring and I honestly think its bec he saw another man stirring up emotions with her. So was his jealousy founded on her being his security blanket?
While I was so perplexed with the characters, I still watched it and enjoyed the romantic moments. Rooting for the ML and FL of course.
Can’t wait to see if there will be developments or new twists to the story in the upcoming episodes. I hope to be surprised with the characters making sense and taking responsibility.
After finishing it, I’m torn if I liked or didn’t like it. Good sign though was I didn’t skip or fast forward ed any episode, even the overbearing mom parts. But I’ve decided that i do like it in the end.
Culturally I can relate, being asian and as a mom, I can see why the mom was like that eventhough, living in the US has drastically changed my views. The mom is only looking out for her daughter and wanted the best for her- it’s the way she expressed it was unbearable. I don’t think she knew about the ex actions of sexually harassing her daughter and even the point where he almost got her killed. If she did, I would like to think that would have stopped her from sticking to a good background automatically makes a good husband. I wished so many times that this was revealed to her as it could have been the best way to cut her off. It might be a longshot considering she turned a blind eye with the ex cheating on her and surprisingly it was her father who is more attuned to his daughter’s emotions, respecting her choices. He doesn’t have enough guts to follow through and stop his wife from that harmful thinking/actions.
The main leads chemistry is on point, not electrifying but good enough to retain my interest. The ML is very expressive of his love. And while I would expect that being younger would mean he will be more immature, he was so decisive and very protective. Unlike our FL, who lived her life pleasing others, didn’t know how to speak up and just going thru life passively.
I read some of the comments on this forum and I get why its a mix of like/hate. Certain issues tackled here are triggering for some like workplace harassment, ‘forbidden love’, parent abuse and bullying. While I don’t agree with most of the FL actions, the mom moreso and workplace treatment of harassment- I can say its realistic. That this can happen in real life and maybe many people can relate to certain parts or everything.
The acting was really good as they portrayed the roles accurately to what the plot was. The affection was better than most dramas I’ve watched as they are open to expressing it (typical of new/budding romances), so this part alone is a big check! The support characters are soo good as well as they delivered according to the storyline and probably what the writer wanted to show.
I guess some viewers are not happy with it and felt that the mom twist dragged out or was too much. I can for sure say this might not appeal to everyone but it’s worth watching. It has depth but romance was played out well and it teaches you life lessons.
For me it’s entertaining enough to barrel thru in a couple of days, with my full attention. It will be on my list for a while and I will definitely rewatch it.
Take the comments with a grain of salt, and I would advice those who have not seen it yet to check it out. You might change your mind and keep this thought - the characters are expressing what they are expected to do. It might not be how you would react if you were in this situation, but it is a well put together drama imo. Don’t mind the overplayed theme song as it will be heard so many times it makes you want to barf - just focus on the storyline and let yourself be drawn to the imaginary world this drama aimed to create. Try not to compare with one spring night as I’ve also watched that and there are similarities but not totally the same. I think this can stand on it’s own and have many merits. So watch with an open mind.
In short, I loved it and would recommend it to others. 🙂
Stumbled across this drama, when yt recommended a clip and I got curious about the series. At my age, I am not typically interested in school/highschool genres, though admittedly I watched a few for nostalgic reasons. It’s my go to for fluff and it makes me feel good.
This one made me more curious as I like lusi and after LLTG, looking forward to her next one and I realized that it’s with the lead actor of this drama. So with my curiosity piqued, I started watching it and had not stopped till I finished it in a couple of days.
1. Story
Script was well put together. Typical Highschool life with lessons in new student challenges of making friends and adjusting to a new environment, pressure of doing well in school from parents, immature actions and quirky teachers/classmates. I really liked how it was presented down to how an adolescent struggles to please everyone. Family life was blended in superbly with moms highlighted in keeping the family together while trying to balance husbands and children.
As expected there is no heavy twist which I liked and the challenges were not at all minor but timed well- it was not dragged out at all.
The romance bits were perfect. Sweet, first love, jitters, butterflies kind of thing in the beginning. Sighs.
Best part for me were the lessons you pick up throughout. It wasn’t contained to romance and you can totally relate to the mom, dad, parent, teenager, friend roles.
2. Cast
First time ever- I’ve liked the FL who acts her age but understood that it did not require a cutesy high pitched tone, pouting or annoying antics. She looked her part and performance was not exaggerated. Her styling was on point from her hair down to the wardrobe. The only time I didn’t like what she was wearing was when she transitioned to be a university student. Noteworthy is her character development from being indecisive to becoming a strong willed woman (loved this soo much!). Also, they selected a nice looking actress (nothing against other drama actresses) but it was refreshing to see that the FL was not made too plain or too short in height vs an overly good looking male lead.
The ML character was a stereotype. Good looking, not interested vibe, top student and school crush! However, I liked that he was not a narcissist and acts normally with friends. While I was motivated to see how he is bec of his upcoming drama with Lusi, i was pleasantly surprised with his acting. Though he should develop his kissing skills (maybe this changed already as I am set to see him in Mr. Bad next)
The support characters were also great! Secondary leads were not annoying and realistically portrayed the innocence of youth.
Overall, it was more than great. It was entertaining but with life lessons. No exaggerations, over the top characters, great and not stiff acting by the FL, no overplayed love triangles and no annoying friends!
Note: i also felt a little sympathy (unpopular opinion i know) towards Su. He was so tender to her in the beg and had a major mistake.
Dude you should have made your moves when she was still trying to make it to Hua Qing.
Tbh, what kept me interested was I got fascinated with the beauty mark near the eye of the ML. Superficial I know… lol.
Abandoned it to watch romance of the little forest, found the ML soo handsome but the FL quirky antics was too much, so picked this back up again.
The story was light, with a touch of comedy. Weird but had enough to keep me going. The secondary leads were better compared to most of what I watched. I liked that the male leads had developed intense love for their counterparts and showed affection unabashedly. They weren’t embarrassed to show their feelings and wore their heart on their sleeves.
FL’s were okay, happy they had great careers and very independent. Was not scared to turn away the ml’s or resist when they did something wrong, which was refreshing!
However, how the story unfolded was a bit messy and some did not add up for me or felt forced.
Still glad to have watched it. Purely for entertainment and ML devotion.
As I rewatched it for the nth time, the feelings remained the same. Will never get tired of this and all the characters.
Story was absolute perfection except for a teeny unfulfilled wish for steamier kisses, grand wedding and newlywed scenes. But still sooo good that nothing can compare as of yet.
May the drama gods give us our main couple back in an extension series or even a new one. Their chemistry is off the charts and worth a reunion- PLEASE!
The comedy was so good, it made tears fall at the same time from too much laughter.
Glad I took the time when I put it off so many times. I wasn’t interested in the beginning after reading the synopsis and randomly peeked at episode 1 . The indecisiveness of what to watch next was what led me here. Then I was laughing at the FL so much, I finished it all in one night.
If ever you need a break from heavy dramas, this can be considered a nice way to cleanse before starting a new one. I just finished watching Princess Weiyoung and needed something light. Oh boy was I glad I saw this and it was exactly what I needed.
The FL deserves more roles and dramas, she was realistic and endearing!!!
Vin is the reason why I continued watching even if I am slightly distracted with the FL lead voice and constant pouting. Please don’t get me wrong, not being disrespectful or bashing the FL. It is also refreshing to see to see nice normal clothes on the female lead and their height difference is perfect.
The love and devotion displayed in this series was truly unbelievable. I cannot count how many times I cried with the overwhelming feelings. I felt so much for the FL and the restrictions she had to endure. She was lucky in the sense, the ML was so in love with her and being together with the love of her life. BUT it brought so many conflicts that I found myself thinking what a strong character she had.
Such selfless behavior and not once used the King’s affection to her advantage. Even when it means tarnishing her image or getting out of a life and death situation. I got agitated at times bec I want her to think of herself first and then I realized she was too pure to do that. She simply wanted to live as someone in the background, serving her master and enjoying a few fun times with her friends. While generally timid, her loyalty is commendable. She would protect the ones she cherishes the most and recklessly defend them with all her might. I can’t say a lot of people would act the way she did.
The most heart wrenching scene for me was when she lost her kid, and not being able to hold him in his last moments. I cried literally buckets and sobbed so hard. I had to remind myself, this is an adaptation.
While I usually prefer a lighter, happier type of a lovestory, this was an exception to the rule. The actors delivered with their realistic performances and I can’t help gushing over this.
I hope more get to see this gem. It’s not your usual romance and while it is a period piece (which affected a lot of the leads actions), it is an endearing story. The pain, challenges and hardships associated with a once in a lifetime kind of love. The stark reality of falling in love with someone who holds a high social status (a king!) and a simple lass with a humble background.
Read comments here that it’s based on real life and I probably will end up researching more about it. Such devotion truly exists - oh my! I hope more will get to see it and appreciate this masterpiece.
With chemistry that strong that it leaps out of the screen, I have to admit I thought it may result to more than just a working relationship.
And then that leak came out which made me more crazy, lol. I realized I’m treading dangerously close to becoming a shipper of this couple. And I don’t want to. I want to be more a fan of the drama and the acting, the actors ability than anything else.
I have to blame it on the intense effect that this drama had on me that I want to see them exclusively or at the very least in another project real soon.
So before I become crazier and it affects how I see their future work, my enjoyment of cdramas, damage my love for LLTG- let me draw the line.
Sorry for the rant and a little bit of the negativity , and the drama (luh!)- just
keeping it real. Let me go back to viewer mode and disassociate for a while. Bye my forum friends, see you in the next thread (if I find anything that sparks the passion in me) loved everything we discussed here and looking forward to the next one!
https://youtu.be/mqlDwfaUS-Q
No thanks needed as you said, love transcends language. If conveyed beautifully, it can span the world!!
I tested it with the first episode and if I find it interesting enough I would continue. Honestly I skip or fast forward certain episodes. First time I watched a historical piece and loved every bit of it. The plot, the pacing, the actors, the support characters, the musical scoring and the cinematography.
For the last batch, I kept my eye on the episode number bec I dreaded seeing
56. I didn’t want it to end and here i am
clinging to it like a hopeless moron.
LLTG changed my opinion on historical dramas and I hope to see something as good 🔜.
He is too cute! Barbecuing those skewers with his costume on. Did you see the one where he is riding his bicycle on set?