This review may contain spoilers
Don't hesitate, just watch.
I nearly skipped this series because I wasn’t convinced by Chen Zhe Yuan’s casting as the male lead. Having never seen him in anything before, I wrongly assumed he was just another pretty face with little substance. This was one of those rare and gratifying moments where I was proven completely wrong. And I will give credit where credit is due, he absolutely delivers.
Summary:
The story follows Nan Xing, a young woman navigating adulthood while grappling with crippling anxiety rooted in the tragic loss of her father and first love. To cope, she immerses herself in mystery novels and fanfiction, crafting stories as a form of self-soothing. Despite her grief, Nan Xing is resilient, striving to build a life that feels normal and meaningful. Like many young women coming into their own, she longs to love and be loved.
One day, standing before a wishing fountain, she voices her desire for an “unforgettable love.” As fate would have it, a fairy who’s been quietly watching over her decides to grant that wish. Swept into a dream, Nan Xing wakes to find a strange man beside her, who turns out to be none other than Xiao Wu Di, the ruthless villain she created in her fanfiction. What follows is a whirlwind of chaos, hilarity, and unexpected tenderness as Nan Xing tries to manage the very villain she imagined… and can’t seem to shake.
Plot:
This series radiates feel-good energy, and I genuinely appreciate its simplicity and emotional accessibility. It’s a refreshing take on the “Isekai” genre, and I’m absolutely here for it. Expect plenty of laughs, romantic tension, and moments of unexpected depth between the leads. While I do wish Nan Xing’s character had received the same level of individual development as Xiao Wu Di, I admire the effort put into crafting believable, organic relationships, not just between the main couple, but also between the second leads. Contrary to some critiques I’ve read, I found the second couple’s storyline sweet, satisfying, and well-paced.
Acting:
Shen Yue
As a longtime Shen Yue fan, it pains me to say this, while she brings warmth and sincerity to Nan Xing, she’s once again boxed into a role that limits her range. Nan Xing (Mr. Bad), Dong Shancai (Meteor Garden), Shi Shuang Jiao (Use for My Talent), and Chen Xiao Xi (A Love So Beautiful) all feel like variations of the same character. Yue Yue does her best with what she’s given, and she’s undeniably charming, but the repetition weakens her impact. I truly hope her team helps her break free from these typecast roles so she can explore the emotional and dramatic depth I know she’s capable of.
Chen Zhe Yuan
Underestimating Chen Zhe Yuan was a colossal mistake. His portrayal of Xiao Wu Di is magnetic, and quietly powerful. Just watch the way he looks at Nan Xing as his feelings begin to shift, he conveys so much without saying a word. It’s in the subtle glances, the pauses, the emotional restraint. These nuances make his performance a joy to watch and mark him as an actor with real promise.
Final Thoughts
Give this series a chance. It’s charming, heartfelt, and surprisingly addictive. Before you know it, you’ll be looping back to episode one, eager to relive the ride all over again.
Summary:
The story follows Nan Xing, a young woman navigating adulthood while grappling with crippling anxiety rooted in the tragic loss of her father and first love. To cope, she immerses herself in mystery novels and fanfiction, crafting stories as a form of self-soothing. Despite her grief, Nan Xing is resilient, striving to build a life that feels normal and meaningful. Like many young women coming into their own, she longs to love and be loved.
One day, standing before a wishing fountain, she voices her desire for an “unforgettable love.” As fate would have it, a fairy who’s been quietly watching over her decides to grant that wish. Swept into a dream, Nan Xing wakes to find a strange man beside her, who turns out to be none other than Xiao Wu Di, the ruthless villain she created in her fanfiction. What follows is a whirlwind of chaos, hilarity, and unexpected tenderness as Nan Xing tries to manage the very villain she imagined… and can’t seem to shake.
Plot:
This series radiates feel-good energy, and I genuinely appreciate its simplicity and emotional accessibility. It’s a refreshing take on the “Isekai” genre, and I’m absolutely here for it. Expect plenty of laughs, romantic tension, and moments of unexpected depth between the leads. While I do wish Nan Xing’s character had received the same level of individual development as Xiao Wu Di, I admire the effort put into crafting believable, organic relationships, not just between the main couple, but also between the second leads. Contrary to some critiques I’ve read, I found the second couple’s storyline sweet, satisfying, and well-paced.
Acting:
Shen Yue
As a longtime Shen Yue fan, it pains me to say this, while she brings warmth and sincerity to Nan Xing, she’s once again boxed into a role that limits her range. Nan Xing (Mr. Bad), Dong Shancai (Meteor Garden), Shi Shuang Jiao (Use for My Talent), and Chen Xiao Xi (A Love So Beautiful) all feel like variations of the same character. Yue Yue does her best with what she’s given, and she’s undeniably charming, but the repetition weakens her impact. I truly hope her team helps her break free from these typecast roles so she can explore the emotional and dramatic depth I know she’s capable of.
Chen Zhe Yuan
Underestimating Chen Zhe Yuan was a colossal mistake. His portrayal of Xiao Wu Di is magnetic, and quietly powerful. Just watch the way he looks at Nan Xing as his feelings begin to shift, he conveys so much without saying a word. It’s in the subtle glances, the pauses, the emotional restraint. These nuances make his performance a joy to watch and mark him as an actor with real promise.
Final Thoughts
Give this series a chance. It’s charming, heartfelt, and surprisingly addictive. Before you know it, you’ll be looping back to episode one, eager to relive the ride all over again.
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