This review may contain spoilers
I really loved both couples
I came across this drama while searching for BLs with at most one black flag main character. Despite my initial doubts, I ended up finding the plot surprisingly captivating. Wu Suo Wei’s (WSW) scheming was one of my favorite aspects, especially because the drama doesn’t romanticize it blindly: we also see his inner conflict and emotional struggle, particularly since he identifies as straight at the beginning. That added an interesting layer to his character development.
In my opinion, the drama also does a great job of integrating WSW’s financial background. His poverty and resulting frugality are not played off as a joke but are meaningfully woven into the narrative. What I found especially interesting was how his relationship with money is reflected in his romantic relationships — and how this attitude gradually evolves as he grows emotionally and becomes more secure in his feelings.
The shared hobby of snake breeding was a refreshing and unusual element. It felt new and added a mix of visual appeal, tension, and emotional symbolism — combining a certain “hotness factor” with genuine storytelling.
On top of that, the chemistry between Chi Cheng (CC) and WSW was definitely there. While there is some miscommunication (or lack of communication) leading to jealousy and misunderstandings, their interactions were overall humorous and entertaining. I especially enjoyed the softer, more intimate moments, like the firecracker scene or the interactions with WSW’s mother. That said, there were a few plotlines that felt somewhat odd or unnecessary — the kidnapping storyline in particular stood out as strange.
What really elevated the drama for me, though, was the side couple: Guo Cheng Yu (GCY) and Jiang Xiao Shuai (JXS). Often, side couples are either so uninteresting that I skip their scenes or so compelling that I wish they had more screentime than the main couple. Here, however, I genuinely loved both couples equally. JXS’s clinic served as a great setting for exploring the consequences of WSW’s scheming and his emotional turmoil. I also appreciated how the relationships gradually evolved into genuine friendships. By the end, all four characters form a surprisingly harmonious and well-balanced friend group — especially considering how much GCY and CC clashed at the beginning. JXS, in particular, acts as a comforting presence for GCY, and their relationship is refreshingly low on unnecessary drama. Their dynamic felt warm, natural, and emotionally safe, which was a nice contrast to the more chaotic energy of the main couple.
As for the technical aspects: the OST was fitting and pleasant, though not particularly memorable. The rewatch value of the series is quite high — especially since it inspired me to start reading the novel "Counterattack". I would absolutely not recommend reading the novel before watching the drama. I’m very glad the adaptation made significant changes e.g. the brick scene(s). After finishing the series, however, it’s interesting to compare the two. The novel itself reads like a light, trashy fanfiction — which I personally enjoy as casual entertainment (no offense intended to fans; this is purely my personal opinion).
In conclusion, I do think Revenged Love is somewhat overhyped, which can raise expectations a little too high. Still, it’s genuinely enjoyable and has become one of my favorite BL dramas so far.
P.S.: If you enjoyed the scheming aspect at the beginning — trying to win over another man’s heart — I can also recommend the Chinese BL "ABO Desire". Apart from that similarity, the two dramas are quite different, though.
In my opinion, the drama also does a great job of integrating WSW’s financial background. His poverty and resulting frugality are not played off as a joke but are meaningfully woven into the narrative. What I found especially interesting was how his relationship with money is reflected in his romantic relationships — and how this attitude gradually evolves as he grows emotionally and becomes more secure in his feelings.
The shared hobby of snake breeding was a refreshing and unusual element. It felt new and added a mix of visual appeal, tension, and emotional symbolism — combining a certain “hotness factor” with genuine storytelling.
On top of that, the chemistry between Chi Cheng (CC) and WSW was definitely there. While there is some miscommunication (or lack of communication) leading to jealousy and misunderstandings, their interactions were overall humorous and entertaining. I especially enjoyed the softer, more intimate moments, like the firecracker scene or the interactions with WSW’s mother. That said, there were a few plotlines that felt somewhat odd or unnecessary — the kidnapping storyline in particular stood out as strange.
What really elevated the drama for me, though, was the side couple: Guo Cheng Yu (GCY) and Jiang Xiao Shuai (JXS). Often, side couples are either so uninteresting that I skip their scenes or so compelling that I wish they had more screentime than the main couple. Here, however, I genuinely loved both couples equally. JXS’s clinic served as a great setting for exploring the consequences of WSW’s scheming and his emotional turmoil. I also appreciated how the relationships gradually evolved into genuine friendships. By the end, all four characters form a surprisingly harmonious and well-balanced friend group — especially considering how much GCY and CC clashed at the beginning. JXS, in particular, acts as a comforting presence for GCY, and their relationship is refreshingly low on unnecessary drama. Their dynamic felt warm, natural, and emotionally safe, which was a nice contrast to the more chaotic energy of the main couple.
As for the technical aspects: the OST was fitting and pleasant, though not particularly memorable. The rewatch value of the series is quite high — especially since it inspired me to start reading the novel "Counterattack". I would absolutely not recommend reading the novel before watching the drama. I’m very glad the adaptation made significant changes e.g. the brick scene(s). After finishing the series, however, it’s interesting to compare the two. The novel itself reads like a light, trashy fanfiction — which I personally enjoy as casual entertainment (no offense intended to fans; this is purely my personal opinion).
In conclusion, I do think Revenged Love is somewhat overhyped, which can raise expectations a little too high. Still, it’s genuinely enjoyable and has become one of my favorite BL dramas so far.
P.S.: If you enjoyed the scheming aspect at the beginning — trying to win over another man’s heart — I can also recommend the Chinese BL "ABO Desire". Apart from that similarity, the two dramas are quite different, though.
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