Cortanaherondale

They Found Each Other Again—And That’s Why It Worked for Me

I started Summit of Our Youth already knowing the ending, and I think that made a huge difference in how I experienced the drama. If I hadn’t known how it ends, I probably would’ve rated it much lower. Knowing the ending in advance helped me accept it, especially since time-travel and rebirth dramas tend to follow the same pattern due to censorship. At this point, I’ve watched so many of these stories that I’m somewhat used to this kind of conclusion. As long as the main couple finds each other again, I’m usually satisfied—and here, I knew they would.

Putting the ending aside, the drama itself is fairly enjoyable. It’s definitely watchable, though not particularly groundbreaking or original. What I did appreciate was that both leads time-traveled, which is rare; usually only one character does. That was a refreshing change. The overall plot was decent, but the focus leaned more toward the female lead’s success and growth in her reborn life rather than romance, which makes sense for the story—but I personally wanted more romance. The main couple had great chemistry, and it felt underused.

There were quite a few scenes that seemed cut short, especially once they started living together. I would’ve preferred more domestic and emotional moments instead of some of the business-heavy focus. That said, the actors did a great job. The female lead in particular stood out to me—she’s beautiful, talented, and very underrated. I also loved the height difference between the leads.

As for the side characters, I honestly didn’t care much for them. I liked the brother as a character, but I didn’t enjoy his relationship with the female lead’s enemy. Several storylines felt underdeveloped. One of my biggest disappointments was the ex-boyfriend’s unnecessary villain arc. I really liked his character and development early on, so seeing all of that thrown away was frustrating.

What bothered me most about the ending, though, was that GOA dies and her parents fail. That was the saddest and hardest part to accept. I think the ending could’ve been handled much better—similar to how Yummy Yummy Yummy wrapped up its rebirth storyline, where things felt more emotionally resolved. I would’ve preferred to see her family succeed again and more focus on the characters repairing their lives, rather than spending so much time on the company plot.

Overall, Summit of Our Youth is a decent, enjoyable watch. It’s not extraordinary, but it’s fun and offers a nice change of pace, especially with its entrepreneurial angle—it even reminded me a bit of the K-drama Start-Up. I honestly recommend watching it only if you know the ending beforehand. If you go in blind, you’ll probably be disappointed. Knowing what I was signing up for is what allowed me to enjoy it.

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A Drama Full of Battles, But No Sparks

I don’t think I’ve ever had such mixed feelings about a drama. It’s definitely not a show I would normally choose if I just had extra time, and honestly, if I had known what I was getting into, I might’ve skipped it. The only reason I even started it was because of Yuxi — if someone else were the ML, I probably never would’ve pressed play.

Before watching, I saw so many harsh comments that I expected this drama to be a disaster. Surprisingly, it wasn’t. It wasn’t amazing, but it wasn’t the train wreck people made it out to be. The story itself is decent, and the main couple isn’t bad — I just genuinely felt nothing for them. And it wasn’t only Victoria and Yuxi; I couldn’t connect to any of the couples. Individually, I liked all the characters, but together… the chemistry simply wasn’t there.

What I did enjoy was the friendship dynamic. The group interactions, the sibling bonds — whether it was the Wei family, the Song family, or the Chu family — all those family and brotherhood moments were actually beautiful. That sense of unity and loyalty was my favorite part.

My issue is that the romance dragged on forever without going anywhere. They stretched the “will they/won’t they” to the point where it felt unnecessary. This show easily could’ve been 30 episodes instead of how long it was. There were definitely filler episodes. Oddly enough, the last five episodes were actually the best.

Surprisingly, my favorite couple ended up being the princess and Han Mei — toxic, yes, but they had tension, energy, and something that made me actually feel something.

Would I recommend this? I genuinely don’t know. It’s not bad, but I also think I went in focusing too much on the negative because of all the hate I saw beforehand. Once I actually watched it, I realized it wasn’t nearly as bad as everyone said. The plot has good points, but the writing is far from perfect.

One thing that disappointed me was Yun’s character. His arc lacked depth, and although people said he didn’t have enough screen time, I didn’t feel that — he was present, but he didn’t shine. He had so much potential, and yet the show didn’t give him the growth or focus he deserved.

I genuinely feel that his story should’ve been stronger than hers. His revenge, his ambitions, his backstory — everything was deeper and had more emotional weight. He should’ve been the center, but instead the focus shifted heavily toward her, and it weakened the narrative.

And I hate saying this, but visually and character-wise, the main couple just didn’t match. It wasn’t even the age gap — it was the way they were styled and written. He looked and acted very young and playful throughout the entire drama, while she carried a mature, grounded presence from the beginning. They felt mismatched in energy, tone, and overall vibe.

Could I have lived perfectly fine without watching this drama? Yes.

Fight for Love — but honestly, I’m still fighting to understand where the love is. I didn’t feel romance from anyone. The story carried itself more than the relationships did, and even then, I wasn’t fully convinced by the overall storyline.

As for the war scenes — I usually adore military strategy, but here there was zero logic. The production value was clearly high, but the writing behind the battles made no sense. Beautiful visuals, no strategy.

Still I was entertained nonetheless.

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Started Sweet, Ended Dull

I went into this drama really wanting to love it — the concept seemed fresh and full of potential. A whole family time-traveling together? That was something new and interesting. I’d watched When Destiny Meets the Demon, which also plays with time travel, so I was curious to see how Ying Lu would handle a similar idea — and it actually started off well. The humor was on point, the sarcasm landed nicely, and the family dynamics felt warm and genuine. Even the romance had that slow-burn charm that made me root for the characters at first.

But somewhere along the way, I completely lost interest. By the time I reached around episodes 10 to 30, everything just felt empty and repetitive. I wasn’t emotionally invested anymore — I was just finishing it for the sake of finishing it. I was bored. The romance dragged on way too long, especially with the ancestor plot, which was just dull. The revenge storyline also felt hollow; it didn’t really define the character, and even the acting didn’t sell the emotional depth it needed.

As for the ending, it was bittersweet — at least they met again. The final scene, with him sitting on the chair as it snowed, reminded me of Kill Me, Love Me. It was beautiful visually, but it didn’t hit as hard emotionally, probably because I already expected the reunion from earlier scenes.

Overall, I’m disappointed. I truly wanted to enjoy it, but it just fell short. The humor turned silly instead of witty, the romance lost its spark, and the final twist — where the whole family resets back to zero — made everything feel pointless since none of the characters remembered their growth or experiences.

Would I recommend it? Maybe, if you’re looking for something light and don’t want to think too much between heavier dramas. It’s not terrible — the concept is good in essence — but the execution and writing were weak. It’s a drama with a fun idea that unfortunately never lived up to its potential.

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My Journey to You will never end with you.

How can a show drop from a solid 10 to such a disappointment so fast? I was wondering why this drama wasn’t more widely praised — and then I reached the ending. Honestly, the ending completely ruined it for me.
The way a show ends really shapes how you remember it as a whole. And I’ve never seen such a bad ending in a C-drama. It wasn’t open-ended, it wasn’t sad, it wasn’t happy — it was just nothing. They were definitely planning for a second season — that’s the only explanation. But knowing the Chinese drama industry, why would the director do that? Usually, if a second season is already guaranteed, they can leave a cliffhanger. But if it’s not certain, why make the audience go through all that and then just make us suffer?
It started off so good. I loved it up until the last few minutes — and then they completely ruined it. How can a show screw things up in the last 10 minutes? It’s beyond me. I wanted to talk about all the good things, but everything is overshadowed by the terrible ending. It was so unnecessary.
Up until the last 10 minutes, I absolutely loved the show. It was incredible, but they somehow managed to destroy everything in those final moments. The 2nd FL suddenly gave up her revenge — for no real reason. The ending confrontation was weak and unsatisfying. She was apparently pregnant, which made no sense given the lack of trust and intimacy between them. And she was okay with him stealing back the tablet? None of it added up.
Still, up to episode 23, the show was remarkable. If you watch until the middle of episode 24, I’d actually recommend it. But finishing it to the end? I wouldn’t.
The true heart of this show was Cheng Lei. His performance was breathtaking — I’ve never seen him play a character like this, and he absolutely shined. Honestly, he outshined Zhang Ling He, though that’s partly because Cheng Lei’s character was written with more depth and strength. Zhang Ling He’s role felt weaker, almost incompetent at times — he didn’t really feel like someone deserving of being the sword wielder and Shangjue was the best candidate..
Gong Shang Jue was incredible — smart, hardworking, intense — and Cheng Lei brought him to life perfectly. I loved every scene he was in. His love story was also fascinating, though the ending ruined that too. It would’ve been better if it ended tragically than just… emptily.
Yu Xiao also delivered an amazing performance. I already liked her before, but this role really made me appreciate her versatility. The second lead couple actually had better tension and chemistry than the main leads.
One of my favorite parts was the brotherly relationship between the Jue brothers — so touching and beautifully written. I was scared one of them would die, but thankfully, that didn’t happen. This was my first time watching TJR, and he nailed his character. He was intense, a little psycho, but so captivating to watch.
As for Esther Yu, this is probably my favorite role of hers. I usually find her overly cutesy roles annoying because of her quirky voice, but here she struck the perfect balance. She was amazing. However Yun’s character was so mysterious to the end that you don’t find your self caring about her. She felt more like a supporting character for Ziyu to become the Sword Wielder than her own story. I guess they were planning to discover her story in the next season but yeah we aren’t getting that no more.
The entire cast did a phenomenal job — even the cameos. Joseph Zeng was the cherry on top, and Jin Fan was a total standout too.
Visually, this drama was stunning. The cinematography, costumes, and OSTs were all top-tier — some of the best I’ve seen in a Chinese drama. It had a dark, intriguing tone that kept me hooked. I loved that about it.
That said, the plot was sometimes confusing and hard to follow. Many characters were unreadable — it was difficult to tell who was lying or telling the truth. That constant ambiguity became exhausting after a while. The show doesn’t really focus on the leads but all the cast. I love the fac that gives all the cast to shine as everyone had a story. But it made things hard to follow up at times and the webs kept getting tangled.
Would I recommend it?
Yes — but only up to episode 23. Beyond that, it’s pure frustration. They didn’t even wrap up the Wufeng storyline, which was disappointing. It honestly felt like they should’ve done it as 40 episodes and finished it properly.
Do I regret watching it? No. Because I got to see Cheng Lei’s performance — and that alone made the journey worth it.
I also read somewhere that Yun might’ve known her identity all along, being related to the master’s family, and that she planned to leave from the start. Honestly, I’d rather believe that was the real ending — it would’ve made much more intrigue than what we got.
Despite the disappointing ending, My Journey to You remains a beautiful, memorable drama. It’s worth watching for the performances, visuals, and emotions — just be prepared that the journey ends before it feels complete.

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A Thrilling Mystery That Outsmarts Its Romance

If you’re looking for a romance show, this is not where you should go. But if you’re after an exciting, twist-filled, and thrilling series — this is definitely it.

At first, I had mixed feelings halfway through the show. I’d read comments saying the first part was amazing and the second half wasn’t as good, but for me, it was actually the opposite — and I’m so glad I pushed through.

I’m a huge WXY fan, so I started watching mainly because of him. However, in the first part, I was a bit disappointed since he was sick for most of it, so we didn’t really get to see him in action. Because of that, he didn’t shine as much at first — other characters carried things while he was recovering.

For me, the one who truly stood out early on was Coroner Feng. I loved his character — he’s smart, funny, compassionate, and his development was so well done. I also loved Tong… well, that was before the second part of the show made me take back all my tears for him! Still, if someone ate my dog, I’d probably turn into a villain too, so fair enough.

Honestly, the main star of this show is the writing. You can’t carry a story with just one central mystery all the way through — but somehow, they managed to do it perfectly. There were no unnecessary side plots, and it still never felt boring. The pacing was just right, and everything fit together like pieces of a puzzle. My only complaint was that they dragged the whole “Beiming being poisoned” part a bit too long, but aside from that, it was solid.

Now, I have to say — I was kind of disappointed by the lack of romance. I expected at least some chemistry or emotional tension, especially since the trailer hinted at a wedding and made it seem like an enemies-to-lovers setup. But there was basically nothing. No tension, no spark — just friendship. In fact, I think the real theme of this show is friendship rather than romance, and I actually ended up loving that aspect.

The bromance was fantastic — especially after Zhuge joined the group. Their dynamic was gold.

As for the twist — was I surprised Tong turned out to be the villain? Absolutely. He was right under our noses the whole time, and I never suspected him, not even once.

Everything wrapped up beautifully in the end. If you’re looking for a captivating thriller full of mystery, suspense, and clever writing — this show is for you. The underground cave scenes were especially stunning.

The only thing that fell short for me was the costuming — especially Beiming’s outfits, which looked a bit too plain or ragged. I understand it fit his character, but it still felt underwhelming compared to everything else. On the bright side, the hairstyling was excellent, and the acting (especially WXY’s) was incredible.

I honestly didn’t expect to finish with such a high rating, especially since I wasn’t that impressed halfway through. But by the end, I can confidently say — this show is worth the watch. WXY never disappoints.

Also OSTs were on point: Who doesn’t love a Liu Yuning OST.

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Love, War, and Two Generals

ally, I’m scared to start a show that is that I have been anticipating for so long and there has been so much hype about it afraid to disappoint, but this show did not disappoint me. It was such a good drama. It was exactly what I felt like expected it to be the chemistry between that the couple was amazing. I always love a general character, but having 2 generals was amazing the first half of the show before he found out her identity. I love the female leads character personality. She was so strong headed about what she wanted and I loved her fighting scene. I its my first time watching Cheng Lei, and he is an incredible incredible actor his that I love an actor who acts with his eyes the moment he fell in love with her. You could just see it in his eyes and his acting goes amazing. He was he made me fall in love with us about the drama. I love the scenes of the war and the fighting it was so coordinated between the the Leeds and I love that they had each other‘s backs and for the main part I love that there was no misunderstandings and they were able to like tell each other stuff the scene she confesses that I love the moon was one of the best moments however the whole show was great. The base was a great the suspense was there the episodes where they were fights and stuff they was they were so hike, well-made, and packed. I love a lot of all of the characters almost however, the last three episodes were a huge Miss whoever wrote them should be sued because the show it took it like such a dramatic shift the good guy that he had Mr. Chu had the potential to be a good character, but they they screwed that up. I made him evil and unnecessary and also killing Han Ye was the most unnecessary death in history. He wasn’t even the main character. His death wasn’t important. He shouldn’t killed him very wrong and the whole wedding situation being canceled was also unnecessary. They could’ve just ended the show at episode like 33 with a wedding and it would’ve been perfect. Those three episodes were so useless. It lost so much points because of this, but other than that I would definitely recommend it for people who like to watch like an action war kind of show the couple were so worth it amazing chemistry very nice to make a confession scenes and fighting scenes

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A Slow Burn That Boils Over

I have never had such confusing emotions watching a drama. Even up until the last episode, I still didn’t fully know how I felt. There was just something about it that kept pulling me in. I wanted to keep watching, but the whole time I was unsure of what I was actually feeling. It was definitely a journey.

But when I finished it, I realized this is the kind of show where you have to watch the whole thing to form a proper opinion. Seeing how they wrapped everything up so nicely really hit the right mark for me.

The best way I can describe this drama is like a pot on the stove slowly boiling — just waiting to overflow. It requires patience. The entire time, it’s building. You can feel it building toward something strong, and in my opinion, they did reach that strong point in the end.

That said, I really think people need to know what they’re getting into before starting it. I went in expecting a dark romance-heavy story because of all the edits of the couple. I thought the romance would be central from the beginning. Instead, it’s very political — much more political than I expected — and the romance comes very late. If I had known that, I think I would’ve adjusted my expectations better.

Now let’s talk about the male lead.

He is honestly one of the most interesting characters I’ve ever watched. He is dark — like truly dark — and he stays that way for almost the entire show. He’s a walking red flag 90% of the time. There’s no sudden soft transformation early on. Even when love enters the picture, his aura stays heavy and intense.

And I have to give credit to Zhang Linghe because I genuinely don’t think just any actor could’ve carried this role. I’m so used to seeing him as a green flag, so watching him portray an obsessive, manipulative, borderline psychopathic character was fascinating. He was cruel, controlling at times, morally gray — but somehow you don’t fully hate him. You’re still drawn to him. That’s 100% the actor’s presence and performance.

Also… I have never seen a character frown that much in my life. He was frowning the entire show. Not even resting face — a full-on permanent frown. And somehow it worked.

His character development by the end was satisfying. Seeing that shift, seeing him soften just enough, felt earned.

Now Bai Lu — I will watch anything that woman does. She’s exceptional. Knowing how bubbly she is in real life makes it even more impressive to see her play such a strong, layered character. I loved that when she got her second chance, she actually learned from her past life. She was kinder, smarter, more self-aware. And her Empress arc? She absolutely killed it.

The chemistry between them is amazing — that’s not even a debate. But my biggest complaint is how late the romance actually happens. This is almost a 40-episode show, and they properly fall in love around episode 34. That’s wild. It felt rushed at the end. Her realization of her feelings especially felt pushed rather than gradually built.

I wish we had more romantic moments, more emotional development between them earlier on. There wasn’t even a proper “dating phase.” It felt like the writers didn’t fully know how to balance such a dark male lead with a steady romantic build-up. Thankfully, the actors’ chemistry carried a lot of that weight.

I also appreciated that both characters are morally gray. They match each other. It wouldn’t have made sense for her to end up with someone purely good and upright. Which brings me to Zhang Zhe — he was the obvious “right choice.” The green flag. Moral, steady, kind. But that wasn’t the story being told. I actually liked that they didn’t darken him just to justify her choice. And I liked that in the end there wasn’t unnecessary bitterness.

As for the side plots… I honestly think too much time was wasted on certain characters (the Xue family especially — I could not stand them). That screen time could’ve been used to deepen the romance or explore stronger side stories.

Fang Yin and Shen Jie broke my heart. Their story had so much potential, and it felt underdeveloped. Same with some other side relationships that could’ve been explored instead of dragging out less interesting conflicts.

Visually though? Stunning. The styling was beautiful. Bai Lu looked incredible in those soft pinks, reds, and blues. Zhang Linghe’s wardrobe fit his character perfectly — structured, sharp, powerful. The production overall was gorgeous.

The political storyline was actually very well done. Intricate, layered, and engaging once you settle into it. This isn’t a light romance drama. It’s heavy on power struggles, strategy, tension, and push-and-pull dynamics.

Overall, I would recommend it — but only if you know what you’re getting into. If you’re expecting fluffy romance, this is not that. It’s intense, political, morally gray, and slow-burning.

Very different from your typical green-flag love story — but that’s kind of what makes it special.

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A Kingdom of Villains and Complicated Love

Love Like the Galaxy is honestly a must-watch for any C-drama fan, especially if you’re into general stories—because I am a sucker for those. This drama sets a very specific bar when it comes to generals, and Ling Buyi absolutely smashed it.
Ling Buyi / General Ling
I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a ruthless, cold-blooded male lead in a historical drama. He was brutal to the extreme—like actually bloody, killing people without hesitation—and he never softened up just to please the audience. He wasn’t a green flag at all, and what surprised me most is that he stayed serious throughout the entire show. Characters like this usually “break” at some point, but he never did. That was just him.
The only moments where he softened—where he smiled, where he felt human—were with Shaoshang. Other than that, he was cold, harsh, and terrifying, and honestly? I didn’t mind it at all.
Leo Wu did an insane job. I genuinely can’t imagine anyone else pulling this character off. He has that strong, serious face and the ability to hold a character without cracking. The revenge arc, the heartbreak, the messiness of his emotions—it all landed. His character was chaotic, but not illogical. The whole “my revenge comes before everything” mindset stayed consistent, which made his choices painful but believable.
I also loved the twist with his identity—being the Hou general’s biological son. His relationship with the emperor completely stole my heart. The emperor basically adopted him, and that bond felt more genuine than the emperor’s relationships with his own children. It fed my soul.
Cheng Shaoshang (Niao Niao)
Her character is one of the most interesting FL I’ve seen in a long time. She’s not self-righteous, not a green flag, not overly kind. She gives kindness where it’s due—and revenge where that is due. She’s clever, petty, cruel when needed, and deeply broken underneath it all.
I loved the first part of the drama where it focused mainly on her story, even before the romance really kicked in. Watching her navigate life, survive, and scheme was genuinely entertaining. Honestly, I feel like her character had even more development than Ling Buyi’s.
Lusi was phenomenal here. This might actually be my favorite role of hers. She portrayed a broken person beautifully while still showing her cruelty, carefreeness, and villain-adjacent tendencies. That mix of traits is hard to balance, but she nailed it.
That said… her stubbornness did get on my nerves sometimes—especially near the end. When she couldn’t forgive him after five years, I was like, girl please loosen up a little. But at the same time, it was in character, so I can’t fully fault it.
Family Dynamics
Her family storyline was one of my favorite parts of the show. Her father? Absolutely top-tier. He was her rock, always supportive, always loving her like his baby girl. I loved that the show showed both a mother’s love and a father’s love—because her dad truly balanced out everything her mother failed to give her.
Her brothers were such a fun addition, and honestly, I think the show underused them. I really wanted more of their relationship with her, especially after the time jump. It felt like we were robbed of their stories—they had so much potential.
And don’t even get me started on the eldest brother. Why introduce him if you’re not going to bring him? I wanted him to show up and protect her at some point.
I also missed the third uncle and his wife in the second half. They played a role in shaping her early character, and their absence was felt.
The Emperor (Best Character, Period)
Hands down, the emperor was the best character in the entire show. The best emperor in C-drama history, in my opinion. He was funny, kind, warm, chaotic, and genuinely father-like to everyone around him.
I kept waiting for him to turn dark or suddenly put the kingdom first over people—but he never did. I loved his dynamic with the empress and the consort, especially the fact that they were friends. That storyline felt so fresh and mature. The empress choosing herself in the end was sad but powerful, and the way he didn’t forget her was beautiful.
Romance & Relationship Issues
Now… the main couple. I have mixed feelings.
As actors? Insane chemistry. Fire. Intensity. They carried the show together effortlessly. But as characters? Their relationship was exhausting—and intentionally so.
Ling Buyi kept accusing her of not trusting him, while he never trusted her enough to tell her the truth. Their relationship went in circles—secrets, manipulation, judgment, revenge—over and over again. And the thing is… it made sense for their characters, even if it drove me crazy as a viewer.
He’s not morally gray—he’s dangerous. And she’s just as selfish as he is. They both prioritize their own revenge and trauma over love. That’s why their relationship hurts, but also why it feels realistic.
I did find some plot points frustrating, though. The whole “he abandoned her” thing after the cliff jump made no sense. He was literally trying to save her life. If she jumped with him, they both would’ve died. That storyline annoyed me a lot.
Time Jump, Villains & Ending Thoughts
I usually hate time jumps, but for once, I didn’t mind it here. They needed time to heal, mature, and reset. Episode 51 honestly could’ve been an ending on its own—a bittersweet, realistic one where not everyone gets a second chance. It hurt, but it made sense.
I also appreciated that there was no evil second male lead. I really thought YSJ would turn obsessive, but instead he became a genuine friend and confidant. Loved that choice.
The show was full of villains, but none of them overstayed their welcome. Their storylines were fast-paced, satisfying, and they all got what they deserved.
That being said, I do have complaints. I hated how stupid she could be sometimes—she had zero survival instincts. She never trusted her gut, never noticed when people were very obviously trying to kill her, and she kept walking straight into danger only to wait for the ML to save her, and then somehow still blame him after. Her stubbornness also got on my nerves. Another thing that lost points for me was the wedding. We waited almost 25 episodes hearing about engagements and marriage, only to be completely robbed of the wedding. Them getting married off-screen, without the emperor—who had been hyping the wedding the entire show—felt ridiculous. The ending itself was rushed too. I feel like the last five to seven episodes were unnecessary and could’ve been written better instead of fast-wrapping everything. I wanted to see the whole family together properly, not squeezed in at the end. And listen… her hairstyle. Those two braids the entire show genuinely pissed me off. The costumes were beautiful, but the lack of variety in her hair was criminal. On the other hand, Leo Wu in a general’s outfit the whole time? Perfection. And the scene where his hair was down? Absolutely breathtaking. Devoured. No complaints there.
Despite all my complaints, this is an incredible drama that I’d recommend to anyone—especially historical C-drama fans. It has revenge, strong characters, sharp sarcasm, emotional depth, tension-heavy romance, stunning cinematography, and an amazing OST.
It’s serious, then suddenly hilarious, and it works. Not big on PDA, but huge on tension and chemistry. Overall? Absolutely worth the watch.

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One of the Best Revenge Cdramas

Legend of Zang Hai is an absolute masterpiece. I genuinely believe this is one of the best Chinese dramas made in recent years—and I say this as someone who has watched a large number of C-dramas. This isn’t bias or hype; it’s appreciation for exceptionally strong writing.
That said, this drama isn’t for everyone. If you only enjoy romance-focused stories or lighter, straightforward plots, this might not work for you. But for viewers who appreciate heavy, layered narratives and carefully written revenge stories, this drama is outstanding. I’m a sucker for revenge stories—especially well-written ones—and this may honestly be the best revenge drama I’ve watched. The writing is tight, smooth, and consistent. Nothing feels dragged, and the story remains engaging from beginning to end.
What impressed me most was the screenwriting. Every plot point felt intentional. This is one of the rare shows where I actively found myself appreciating the writer’s work while watching. The pacing never slows, yet it never feels rushed. The tension is steady, and the story keeps you fully invested at all times.
The opening episodes are incredibly strong. The drama uses a fantasy-like atmosphere—especially with the ghost soldiers—to create intrigue, only to later ground everything in reality through poison and hallucination. I loved how that was handled: it gave the show an eerie aura without turning it into an actual fantasy drama. Even before Zang Hai fully appears, the story hooks you immediately. You’re constantly asking questions—who is he, what is he hiding, who are the real enemies—and that curiosity never fades.
The revenge arc is where the drama truly shines. Zang Hai doesn’t rely on martial arts; his strength lies entirely in intelligence, calculation, and manipulation. Watching him slowly weave his plans, turn his enemies against one another, and trap them without ever revealing himself was incredibly satisfying. The revenge is slow, but never boring. As he gets closer to the Marquis, you see just how dangerous and strategic he can be.
I also loved that Zang Hai is not a flawless character. Early on, he’s impatient and makes mistakes—sometimes frustrating ones. But that imperfection makes him realistic. He has plot armor, yes, but his plans don’t always go smoothly, and he pays for his missteps. That balance made the story feel grounded rather than overly convenient.
The villains were exceptionally well written. They were genuinely hateful, dark, and cruel—especially the Marquis and the eunuch. They weren’t just obstacles; they felt like real threats. Their actions were horrifying, which made their downfall deeply satisfying. I also loved the twist that the three enemies shared a past. The reveal of the third enemy and the benefactor was especially well done—the fact that the person who saved Zang Hai also set him on the path of revenge added a tragic layer to the story.
What made the revenge even better was that Zang Hai never had to dirty his hands. His enemies destroyed themselves through their own obsession with power. The third enemy’s death—caused by the very ghost soldiers he coveted—was poetic and extremely satisfying.
Another standout aspect was the relationship with his shifu. It genuinely felt like a father-son bond, which made the ending all the more emotional. I also loved the tombs, mechanics, geometry, and trap-dismantling elements. That entire aspect of the story was fresh, exciting, and unlike anything I’ve seen in a drama before. The show never lost momentum—something was always happening.
As for the romance, I thought it was handled perfectly. It wasn’t excessive, but it was meaningful. Zang Hai spent his life consumed by hatred, and that touch of love gave him purpose beyond revenge. Without her, I don’t think he would have known how to live afterward. She also served as his moral compass, constantly grounding him. Their chemistry felt natural, and both actors delivered strong performances.
Cinematography, music, and acting were all excellent. The visuals were beautiful, and the soundtrack fit every scene perfectly.
My main criticism is the styling. Xiao Zhan is undeniably gorgeous, but his wardrobe and hairstyle were repetitive and, frankly, boring. I understand that this was intentional—reflecting his lack of interest in status or appearance—but I still wish there had been more variation. That said, it also helped the drama avoid feeling like an idol show, which worked in its favor.
The ending was extremely satisfying. Everything was wrapped up properly, and while I fully expected a tragic ending, I was pleasantly surprised by the hopeful conclusion.
Would I recommend Legend of Zang Hai? Absolutely. If you enjoy intelligent, plot-heavy stories that require your full attention, this drama is a must-watch. It’s not something you put on in the background—you need to focus—but it rewards you for it. The acting, writing, pacing, and storytelling were all top-tier. I truly loved this drama.

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A Story of Great Love Stories

I went into this not knowing anything about the world, and because I had heard so many mixed reviews, I was honestly worried about whether I would enjoy it or regret starting it. But this drama completely blew my expectations away. The first episodes were extremely confusing — I’m talking about the first 5 to 7 episodes where I genuinely had no idea what was going on. I didn’t understand the world, the clans, the relationships, or even the plot. I was so lost that I actually asked around if I should continue. But once you push past episode 7, everything becomes clear, and from that point on, the drama becomes incredibly engaging. It’s fast-paced, full of action, and never drags. There are no unnecessary misunderstandings, no pointless love triangles — just a straightforward, gripping story that keeps you invested from beginning to end.
This was my first time watching Zhang Yuelong, and honestly, where has this man been all my life? He completely stole the show for me. His acting was phenomenal, and he fit the role so perfectly that I couldn’t take my eyes off him. He made me fall in love with the drama through his performance alone. He was stunning in every scene. His makeup was subtle and flawless, his hair just perfect, his costume design was breathtaking, and every look suited him perfectly. And when he transformed into a demon in the beast clan = with white hair and that snake-demon aura? That was one of my absolute favourite moments in the entire show. I was obsessed. Even his cute mask in the beginning added so much charm — it felt like he was playing a whole different version of himself. And once he put on the more elegant mask later, he became even more gorgeous. And don’t get me started on his smile. Every time he smiled, especially because he’s such a serious character, I literally melted. He smiles with his whole face — you feel it.
This was also my first time watching Liu Shishi, and despite the negative comments I had heard, I think she did a greatjob. Her character is meant to be calm, reserved, and composed, and she played that exactly as intended. She and Zhang Yuelong suited each other so well — visually, emotionally, and chemistry-wise. I didn’t expect to fall in love with the main couple as much as I did, but they became my favourite part of the entire show. Their relationship was supportive, loyal, sacrificial, and just beautifully portrayed. The ending absolutely broke my heart, but it didn’t feel rushed or forced. It was painful, yes, but meaningful and beautifully acted. What destroyed me was thinking about how Hongye had already lost his entire family, clan, and friends — and then he had to lose her too. I’ve rarely felt so much pain for a character before. I honestly just wanted to hug him. The only thing that gave me comfort was the way the story gave him his son, giving him a reason to keep going. Without that, I don’t think I would have been able to accept the ending at all.
The side characters also deserve so much praise. Mixing seriousness, sarcasm, and emotional depth is not easy, but everyone pulled it off. One of the most beautiful aspects of the show for me was the bond within the mask group. I adored them. Their scenes were full of warmth, humour, and brotherhood, which made their deaths unbelievably painful. The way they killed each other in that brutal sequence completely crushed me. I kept hoping for a miracle — anything — right until the last moment, even though I knew it was impossible. Their loss hit me so hard. After episode 34, watching Hongye break over and over again tore me apart. The scenes connected to his sister, especially when he held her mask, were some of the most heartbreaking of the entire drama. The moment in the rain when he screamed and his hair turned white — that was truly an award-worthy performance. I genuinely wondered how he would ever stand up again. And the only believable way for him to heal was exactly what the show chose: giving him a child to hold onto. It made perfect sense, and it was executed beautifully.
Overall, the show is incredible. The CGI isn’t perfect, but honestly that didn’t bother me at all because everything else was so beautifully done. The OSTs were gorgeous and fit every scene perfectly. The costumes were stunning across the board, and the masks added such a unique, elegant touch to the world. The cameos were also beautifully done — I have to admit, I originally started the show because of them, but I stayed for the Zhang. The stories of all the couples were touching and emotional in their own ways, even though none of the mask group members got a truly happy ending. When you think about it, even the ones who survived still suffered deeply, and that heaviness stays with you.
I saw a lot of mixed reviews before starting this, which is why I kept delaying it until the end of the year. But I’m so glad I finally watched it. Love in the Pavilion is a beautiful, emotional masterpiece. It’s heavy on the heart, especially later on, but that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable. The performances were exceptional, the acting was powerful, and the story left a lasting imprint on me. Even the villains were fascinating — Ji Huo especially was an amazing character with a surprisingly touching love story despite its darkness. The actor carried that demon-lord energy effortlessly. Ren Feng, however, didn’t interest me, and I can see he’s just an introduction for something else, but aside from him, everyone did an incredible job.
In the end, this drama will stay with. It’s emotional, tragic, beautiful, and absolutely worth the watch.

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From stress to laughter

This was my first time watching this kind of C-drama, and honestly, it felt so different from the usual ones. The way it started was so unique — it actually reminded me a lot of Turkish dramas, which I’ve never seen a Chinese drama pull off before.

The show started off so strong. Even though I was stressed through the first 15 episodes because Xu Yan was lying the whole time, I couldn’t stop watching. It kept me right on the edge of my seat. I was anxious, but also completely hooked. From the start, I had a feeling that Hao Ming already knew the truth, but I didn’t realize how controlling he would become later on.

To be honest, I think both Xu Yan and Hao Ming were in the wrong. Xu Yan’s lies were serious enough — pretending and even bringing fake parents into the picture was too much. You could really feel how miserable she was because of those lies. At the same time, after Hao Ming found out the truth, I understood why he couldn’t trust her right away. She approached him with a purpose, and he’s a wealthy, powerful man — it made sense that he doubted her feelings. But still, his controlling behavior later on was hard to watch and definitely crossed the line.

When they were married, though, it was amazing to watch. The chemistry between Lucy and William was the real highlight of the show — they carried it. Without that chemistry, the story wouldn’t have worked. Their relationship felt mature, complicated, and realistic — involving marriage, divorce, and reconnection. I love dramas with that kind of emotional depth.

What surprised me most was how the story shifted from being tense and full of lies to becoming genuinely funny. I haven’t laughed that hard at a drama in ages! It was so unexpected and such a nice change of pace, especially seeing Hao Ming act completely out of character in those lighter scenes — but in the best way.

If I had one complaint, it’s that the business subplot dragged a bit. I appreciated seeing Xu Yan grow into a strong, independent businesswoman — that was empowering. But Hao Ming’s work storyline wasn’t that interesting, and they focused too much on it toward the end.

As for the side characters — the second couple didn’t grab me. They lacked spark, and I didn’t really care about their relationship. Fang Lei, on the other hand, definitely didn’t deserve the happy ending she got with the lawyer. Their actions were so wrong — they lied and hurt people — so seeing them rewarded didn’t feel earned. They had chemistry, sure, but they didn’t deserve that kind of closure.

The villains also felt weak. They weren’t really “villaining” enough — there wasn’t much tension or danger from them. That, plus the business focus in the last few episodes, made the ending lose momentum.

One major disappointment was the storyline with Hao Chen. We never really got a heartfelt scene of Hao Ming acknowledging or connecting with his child. When the boy found out the truth, it was rushed — just a short line like “he talked to me,” and that was it. I really wanted a proper emotional moment between father and son. Hao Ming didn’t come across as a very present or loving father, and that whole subplot felt underdeveloped.

The final episode also missed the emotional punch it needed. I wanted to see Xu Yan and Hao Ming together more — just being a couple again. And I wish Xu Yan’s childhood trauma and her relationship with her parents had been explored more deeply. She forgave them too quickly, and that arc deserved more time.

On a lighter note, Xu Yan’s costumes were fabulous! Some of her makeup looks were a bit off, especially the heavier ones, but her natural looks and hairstyles were stunning.

And this was my first time watching William Chan — I’m now a huge fan! He was so charming, funny, and absolutely magnetic in this role. I’ll definitely be watching more of his work. The chemistry between him and Lusi was out of this world — one of the best pairings I’ve seen this year.

Overall, Love’s Ambition is refreshing and different from your typical C-drama. It’s mature, emotional, funny, and beautifully acted. Even with its flaws, I loved it and would definitely recommend it. It’s one of those shows that stays with you because of the chemistry, the emotional depth, and the way it dares to be different.

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Most romantic Xianxia ever

Where do I even start with When Destiny Brings the Demon? I honestly went in with no expectations because there wasn’t much hype when it was released, but it completely blew me away. It’s easily one of my favorite releases this year. This was my first time watching such a romantic xianxia, and wow, it delivered. The amount of intimacy and PDA was out of this world — something we rarely see in historical or fantasy dramas. Usually, we might get one kiss at the end, but here the chemistry was constant and electric from the very first episode. It was funny, sweet, and had me hooked immediately.

I especially loved the female lead. Some people criticized her for not being the typical strong, independent “modern woman,” but I found her incredibly relatable. She perfectly represents those of us tired from the corporate grind — all she wanted was to eat, sleep, and relax, and honestly, same. I loved how genuine and down-to-earth she was. If I ever got pulled into a fantasy world, that would be me too.

The male lead, CFY, was amazing as always. I already liked him from Lighter & Princess, but I think he really shined here — more expressive, more talkative, and much more romantic. His dark character had depth and reason, which made him even more compelling. The chemistry between the leads was impeccable. Their banter, emotional connection, and love scenes felt real and passionate. The supporting cast was solid too — though their storylines were smaller, they added nice balance to the main plot.

Visually, the costumes were stunning, especially CFY’s outfits. The designs suited him perfectly. The female lead’s looks and performance also deserve praise — she was gorgeous, expressive, and handled multiple personalities effortlessly. She brought each version of her character to life beautifully. The ending was another highlight. I was worried it would be sad, since time travel or reincarnation plots often end that way, but it wrapped up perfectly. I just wish we had seen a bit more of them in the modern world. Still, the way their love spanned across the three realms — immortal, demon, and mortal — then modern was brilliant.

Not everything was perfect, though. Episodes 23 to 29 were a complete mess — chaotic, confusing, and repetitive. I honestly stopped caring what was happening during those episodes. The drama repeated certain tropes too often, like amnesia and multiple deaths. It made me feel a bit exhausted by the end, even though the final explanation tied it all together. The CGI and cinematography could’ve been better — not terrible, but below the level of the story and acting. I also wish the second couple had a stronger arc or appeared again in another lifetime. Some viewers criticized the female lead for not being “strong enough,” but I think they missed the point — still, it shows the writing could’ve better balanced her growth in the fantasy world.

When Destiny Brings the Demon is a romantic, funny, and emotionally satisfying xianxia that gives you everything — mortal, modern, immortal, and demon worlds — all in one drama. It’s not perfect, but the chemistry, humor, and heart make it unforgettable. If you love romantic fantasy with strong leads and deep emotion, this is absolutely worth watching.

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Only good thing is Liu Yuning

I honestly started this drama mainly because of Liu Yuning, and in the end, that was probably the biggest reason I managed to finish it. I really wanted to like this show. I even watched the first nine episodes very quickly, but then I dropped it, picked it up again during some free time, and from that point on… I truly struggled to finish it.

At first, I was fine. Then it became hard. Like really hard.

On paper, this drama has everything: a unique and creative storyline, beautiful production, strong visuals, great music, and solid acting. And yet, somehow, it just didn’t work for me. The story itself is actually very nice and very original, but it lacked that hook—that one compelling element that makes you desperate to watch the next episode. Instead, it felt like it kept going in circles.

I genuinely think this show should not have been 40 episodes. It dragged a lot, especially toward the end. The final episodes were painful for me to get through, and the pacing just didn’t justify the length.

One of my biggest issues was the characters. I hated almost all of them—except for the Seventh Prince, who was honestly the only character I truly loved. I also liked his sidekicks and the Eighteenth Prince’s bodyguard, Jixiang, but that’s about it. Everyone else irritated me, especially the female lead.

Now, let me be clear: the actress herself was incredible. She’s beautiful, talented, and I’ll definitely keep an eye on her future projects. But her character? Extremely frustrating. She knew the script from the beginning, yet she barely used that knowledge wisely. She kept repeating the same mistakes, going in circles over and over again, and even by the end, it just didn’t work for me. Her character should have been smarter, sharper, and more decisive.

That said, the production value is where this drama really shines.
The cinematography is beautiful.
The costumes are stunning.
The OST is amazing.
The fight scenes were well done.

I especially loved the visual aesthetic—the red tones, the hair styling, the outfits (particularly his). Everything looked gorgeous. The scenes where he keeps saving her were executed beautifully, and visually, the drama is very satisfying.

However, the emotional logic of the story often felt off. I hated how everyone despised him for so long, only to suddenly switch sides. The emperor’s behavior, in particular, felt completely irrational—hating him even before the Empress’s death, then suddenly waking up and acting like a loving father again. It just didn’t feel believable.

As for Liu Yuning—he was absolutely stunning, especially in his Mr. Li era. That version of him? Perfect. But beyond that, he was honestly the main reason I stayed.

I did like the ending, though. I liked that they met again, and I appreciated that reveal. That part worked for me.

Overall, this drama just wasn’t for me. I tried. I really did. I finished it, but I struggled. It lacked depth in execution and failed to fully captivate me despite having a good concept.

Would I recommend it?
If you’re just looking to pass time, don’t want to think too much, and enjoy something light, funny, and visually pleasing—then sure. But if you’re looking for something to binge, obsess over, or fall in love with emotionally, this isn’t it.

For me, it was enjoyable at times, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to watch it. I think it would’ve worked much better if it were shorter. In the end, I watched it mainly for Liu Yuning—and honestly, that’s probably the only reason I did.

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