SandGirl_Nicky

I agree, they do feel forced. In the novel, there’s an entirely different aspect to their interactions, which are fewer in number as well

P.S. Unlike in the drama, in the novel Chu Zhao cast the candy into the fire

A flower I would’ve accepted but an artsy orchid basket? No way. Using syrup to create shapes is much more difficult than using ink as well

You’re right, the drama map looks rather sophisticated for somebody who can’t paint at all

I think she said that only her calligraphy was good enough, paintings are a different thing

Yeah, it looked like an artistic orchid/flower arrangement

Maps sketches are done with chalk or charcoal, and the relief/path markings can be quite rough, whereas paintings need ink, so I guess it is possible to a certain extent, but the flower basket was just poor thinking. In the novel, the street vendor made it

The romance isn’t as satisfying as in the novel imo, due too much of that Chu guy

Women in Ancient China who followed traditional roles also led harsh lives, particularly when they needed to compete for basic things against their own family members, with almost no escape but death. It’s a hellish life, if you ask me

She can’t even paint a bird, but she can make a flower basket out of syrup? The drama writers really didn’t think this through 😂

Edit: In the novel, the vendor makes it

Edit: Check the spoiler if you want to see what happens to that flower basket in the novel

Generally speaking, show not tell is a fundamental notion and an important aspect of good writing. The drama is certainly losing in that aspect compared to the novel

He does know that he’s following the wrong path, but by asking her repeatedly to join him, he’s showing that he’s either in denial about his true nature, or is actively trying to corrupt her as well

Exactly, the novel dynamics make much more sense than what they’re creating in the drama

In the novel, she kind of does that, but in the drama, it’s less about keeping her enemies close

I agree, He Yan’s personality is much more nuanced in the book. Some very important traits are lost in the drama because they didn’t include her past life’s experiences, as they simply couldn’t carry them over.

I wish they had less of Chu Zhao in the drama. I have nothing against the actor, but the character is just so annoying Plotting despicable acts, yet he still considers himself a good person. SMH

Most importantly, the FL knows he’s in cahoots with XJ’s enemy, yet she still interacts with him with such familiarity. Is she that foolish?!

Same! There’s less of him in the novel, and I wish the drama also had less of his scenes /sigh

Waiting for new episodes is so frustrating 😭 I started reading the novel, already 1/3 through

More like “we don’t trust each other” to lovers than outright enemies

The drama has been great so far, I hope they keep the pacing