ElanneH

Let me start this review with saying that the score is an absolute joke. I'm genuinely upset by how unfair people are about this drama and it's actually very simple, for once: if you don't like it - it's not for you. Yeah, it sounds mean but it's true and that's okay. The reason why people give low rating is that a) they got bored because they couldn't follow the plot and b) the lack of romance. These are *THE ONLY* reasons why the score is so low. If you don't believe me, I encourage you to find me a low (below 7) review for this drama. It doesn't exist because there is nothing wrong with it, it's all matter of personal taste and preferences. If you think this is another Overdo, Lament of Autumn, etc. -> it's not. You have to follow the plot otherwise get lost. Romance is hinted here and there, but they are not dramatically in love and pining. That's just not happening.

This is a male centered revenge story set in Republican era. Think of mix of Now You See Me, Peaky Blinders, Unveil: Jadewind and Cases Between Us. Basically, con the conman who is playing a con on you with another side secret con, but they know about the con, and you know that they know that you know.... As you can see, this is plot driven drama with layers and plot twists, and it is very well made blend of thriller, horror and comedy. And the comedy was unexpected for me, because judging by the trailers, I expected much darker story, but looking back the levity was needed because *it is* very dark, but sometimes the man who likes to mutilate children is also a complete idiot.

I don't want to say anything more, it's really difficult to write a review on something where everything works. There is no psychotic editing, we've seen in dramas lately, the script is very good, costumes are wonderful, the acting is amazing - Li Xian and Li Yitong are fantastic and Liu Guanlin, who plays Chengming's sidekick, I have to give massive applause because with a role that seemed unimportant, he managed to make third main character, that's how good he was. The score is wonderful, both opening credits songs are fire, it's hard to decide which one is better, I fell in love with both. (Btw, I've seen people saying that the credits are AI, that is possible but unconfirmed, so take it with a grain of salt.)

While the ending left opening for season 2, I'm not sure if it's necessary but I'd happily take it. If it's gonna happen is a bigger question. Not taking the MDL rating seriously, but the numbers weren't amazing, they weren't bad, but not great.

I 100% recommend this drama if you want something slightly spooky for the autumn, you care about the plot and characters journey and simply want something different than is the current standard idol drama. If you don't, that's okay, but please be a grown up and don't give it 1* because there are no kissy kisses. Thank you :)