As someone who has read the novel, I actually loved the things they've chose to do differently, especially at the end + the parallel bonus with Qi Min (I did not expect that!)
I haven't started the show yet since I’m waiting for the full drop, but in the book, his cruelty toward QianQian was next-level. He completely rejected his son, seeing the child only as a reminder that he was replaceable and that no one actually cared about him. He’s honestly such a pitiful character who could’ve had a better life, but he was convinced love wasn't an option, so he just punished everyone instead. The book gives a glimpse of him and QianQian before the darkness took over—he really did love her. My memory is a bit hazy since it’s been a while, but I remember a plot point where he was drugged or forced into that traumatic encounter just so she’d get pregnant to have a heir to replace him. That betrayal is why he hates everyone. He’s a total 50/50 character—genuinely complex with major dark romance vibes.
I absolutely loved this, especially the ending, it was so well done given the usual censorship. The famous phrases were really key to everything. I’ll admit I wasn’t expecting such a high body count for the side characters, though. Honestly, the initial tone and the early intro/outro songs totally baited me into thinking this was going to be a silly, lighthearted comedy. But once episode 11 hits, everything changes. The outro swaps to a much more serious track filled with major spoilers—which is basically a dead giveaway to the viewers that the fluff is over and things are about to get incredibly real. Don’t get me wrong, I’m actually okay with the side characters dying. Reminded me so much of Moonlight Mystique and I loved it for exactly that; it showed that sacrifices are necessary for others to persevere and for the world to find peace again. In reality, life isn't all 'pink and unicorns' or sugary sweet. Sometimes tragedy has to happen for things to eventually be okay, and I appreciate that the writing reflects that. It was definitely sad, but I like to think that, in the end, they finally found their peace.
just finished UJ and just started this and Generation to Generation lol I cant tell if I like this or not. I usually…
Episode 11 is where things get real. It still has its funny moments, but the angst definitely ramps up from here. Like very very much. Also, heads up: the new outro and background are basically spoiler central for the rest of the show. I’d skip them if you don't want the plot ruined.
The book gives a glimpse of him and QianQian before the darkness took over—he really did love her. My memory is a bit hazy since it’s been a while, but I remember a plot point where he was drugged or forced into that traumatic encounter just so she’d get pregnant to have a heir to replace him. That betrayal is why he hates everyone. He’s a total 50/50 character—genuinely complex with major dark romance vibes.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m actually okay with the side characters dying. Reminded me so much of Moonlight Mystique and I loved it for exactly that; it showed that sacrifices are necessary for others to persevere and for the world to find peace again. In reality, life isn't all 'pink and unicorns' or sugary sweet. Sometimes tragedy has to happen for things to eventually be okay, and I appreciate that the writing reflects that. It was definitely sad, but I like to think that, in the end, they finally found their peace.