SandGirl_Nicky

I feel like I’m in a parallel reality. A drama that criticises the ridiculousness of communism has actually been allowed by the censorship boards? I’m honestly shocked. The criticism is pretty mild, but at the same time significant as it indicates some of the ways the individual was sacrificed on the pedestal of collectivism, and the utter ridiculous reasons people would get deported/re-educated for.

IMO, I’m certain the life in the 70s’ China was much harder than what’s depicted, it certainly was in USSR for us. But I’m in awe that this drama received permission to air at all.

The criticism is seen in instances such as:
- the FL getting overlooked due to the personal bias of a person in place of power, who usually require kissing up to;
- the FL stating that had there been an exam she would’ve got in as that’s a fair system not bs who can kiss-up better to the party;
- the ML’s parents getting deported to nicely called re-education (aka concentration) camps and having all of their assets seized, which actually shows that they owed nothing to begin with (yay for communism collective sharing). That one actually happened a lot in USSR, including to my family’s neighbours;
- needing coupons for basic stuff and the coupons actually had a black market;
- be able to get jobs through corrupt practices and favours (even Post USSR collapse, we can’t root this out from my native country);
- the son of Mrs Xu pretty much threatened her when he criticised that she didn’t have the working people in her eye and was looking down on them. A huge communist campaign was having kids turn and even snitch against their own parents to the party. Many kids used it as blackmail. It was meant to destroy the family unit and its inherent loyalty;
- the above point is also proven by the ML’s sister needing to separate and condemn her family just to get a spot at the university;
- malicious gossiping could get your privacy utterly violated without any repercussions for the superior who does it. Some to save face would actually create false evidence. One of my neighbours got killed by the KGB for exactly that reason.

There are many other instances but these I remembered best. It honestly felt like going back in time for me, and not in a good way, though I really enjoy the drama otherwise.

The ending… sigh

Ikr

Finished. Loved it to BITS!

None

Ep 24. The plot is indeed quite stable, very little by way of filler scenes. I really like the main couple. Finally a strong a ML & FL that are actually well written, and not bs “all tell no show”.

For sure! Such a good pace throughout so far

17 episodes in. The ML is my favourite ML EVER. So direct — all action, zero beating around the bush. I love it! The FL is awesome as well, I really like her decisiveness.

I’m just two episodes in and I just want to say: WTF?! Why am I watching this just now?!!! Why is it so good! The ML is perfection! So far he’s shown intelligence, decisiveness, prowess in battle, loyalty, strong sense of duty and accountability. What a man!
The FL is great too, her actions very believable and logical.
So far no gimmicky drama, love it.

The lying was getting annoying ngl, and the relationship going back and forth was also annoying, but my goodness is the chemistry insane

Keep watching, you’ll have plenty of treats :)

I liked that one of her strengths was her kindness and empathy. Not many female protagonists have those qualities nowadays or wield them as strengths.

There isn’t really a break-up once they get together in ep 19

Very soon

Simple but captivating plot. Chemistry off the charts. A mature relationship. Loved it to bits

The ending is just…

Yusen’s cousin was born into wealth yet he too was super insecure and wasn’t capable of leading his grandfather’s company. Other not so wealthy characters also did really well for themselves.

In fact this drama shows very well that it is your attitude and actions which determine the type of outcome you’re likely to get irrespective of your provenience. Both Rong and Xu learnt their lesson, while Yusen’s cousin obviously didn’t and got removed from his position as the heir.

Well, if you need the involved parties’ consent, you certainly have mine, haha! I don’t understand why people take things personally for critiquing a drama’s writing, but I guess if they see themselves in the drama, it might feel like a personal attack to them.
Anyway, happy to have entertained 😅

I had been questioning the writing in this show from my first comment and the FL’s awful choices and her shamelessness to be smiling while doing so.

You are both making it personal and talking absolute rubbish. I started at 4, so what now? What does age have to do with anything, when it is the content that matters?

Do not behave like a fool, if you don’t want to be treated as such.

I’ve read pretty much all of the classics and you think I care about your opinion on what is good writing? Lmao.

I have barely participated on MDL for the past few months, the only chronically online here is you.