VelvetLady852

An intriguing drama that captivates from start to finish!

I chanced upon “The Glory” (雁回时) airing in WeTV when I came home from a trip more than a week ago. The summaries I’ve read intrigued me, so I started it and I was hooked! I was binge-watching episodes during my free time such that I quickly caught up to the latest happenings.

The story is about Zhuang Han Yan, who was sent away as a baby due to some supposedly prophetic words from a Taoist master, saying that she is the barefoot ghost (赤脚鬼) and her birth caused her grandfather’s death. She was raised by his father’s friend and his wife in Danzhou, both of whom mistreated her. Due to some turn of events, she was able to break free from them and come back to the capital, falling unconscious at the gates of the Zhuang residence in the cold winter. Her sudden return threw the entire family into an uproar, and she also caught the attention of Fu Yun Xi, the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, with whom she has a marriage agreement that was decided by their parents. These led to a series of events that unfolded one after the other, with secrets being exposed and the truths eventually coming to light.

STORY / PLOT 📚:

“The Glory” is a drama that encompasses many themes. It is a story about one woman’s quest for a family that had been denied from her when she was born. It’s about her quest for justice/revenge and her goal to break free from the “barefoot ghost” reputation that had followed her from birth. It focuses on the mother-daughter relationship, friendship, the sometimes complex family dynamics, and even romance, albeit the romance is slow-burn and somewhat subdued (more on that later). Then there are the political and investigative aspects in the case of the fallen Pei Da Fu, the powerful eunuch who, during his lifetime, had amassed a fortune and had many cronies in court, the most prominent of whom is the so-called adopted son.

As I watch each episode, I can feel the excitement and anticipation since there is no boring moment. It’s like when one episode ends, I’m drawn to continue, and before I realized it, I’ve been watching for hours and I’m way past my bedtime. Indeed, the twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat. There are also a myriad of other emotions and reactions such as happiness, surprise, tenderness, sadness, intrigue, anger, and indignation. There are some emotional and touching scenes where I cried a bucket, e.g., between Zhuang Han Yan and her mother Ruan Xi Wen, between Zhuang Han Yan and Ah Zhi. Other relationships also tugged at the heartstrings such as Zhuang Han Yan and Chai Jing’s friendship, the push and pull between Zhuang Han Yan and Fu Yun Xi, the father and daughter dynamics of Fu Yun Xi and Ah Zhi, among others.

As I mentioned above, the romance between Zhuang Han Yan and Fu Yun Xi is slow-burn. There are definitely sweet moments and affectionate gestures between them. Some are subtle/indirect, such as longing glances and lending support behind the scenes, while others are more obvious, such as holding hands, intercepting marriage proposals, jumping in to save her from a raging horse, the hugs and the few sweet kisses, etc. More explicit displays of their affection is very much welcome, but I'm still happy with how the drama portrayed their relationship's progress. They started out with distrust and suspicion as they schemed and pushed their own agenda, developed respect and admiration for each other, vacillated between doubt and trust, and finally learned to trust and love each other.

As for the ending, I'm satisfied with how they executed it. Everything tied up nicely, and even if there is a question or two, they’re minor and does not affect my enjoyment of the drama. What Zhuang Han Yan said towards the end is a fitting wrap-up for this series: “Any place full of love can be my home.” (有情之地, 处处皆可为家) ❤️🏠

ACTING / CAST 🎭:

Chen Du Ling’s star shines very brightly here. She gave an outstanding performance as Zhuang Han Yan 👏. She conveyed different kinds of emotions through her facial expressions, eyes, mannerisms, and tone of voice (kudos to the voice actor too). Zhuang Han Yan is an emotionally scarred woman who has experienced a lot of pain and trauma during her young life. All these molded her into the kind of woman she is – smart, savvy, independent, strong but with a soft spot, kind and compassionate but not a doormat, and does not easily trust others.

Xin Yun Lai was able to portray the serious, stoic and somewhat mysterious Fu Yun Xi quite convincingly, though I would prefer more facial expressions in some instances. But one could argue that his character is supposed to be that way. I like how he poured his heart out when he confessed his emotions and love to Zhuang Han Yan in one of the latter episodes.

As for the couple’s chemistry, it’s palpable and they truly make a good pair. I can feel the tension from their first meeting. There is this push and pull in their relationship especially when they were getting to know each other, which adds to the tension (see above on their relationship’s growth). They are well matched, both in looks, wits and temperament.

Wen Zheng Rong is a seasoned actress who has appeared in many dramas. She gave an excellent performance as Ruan Xi Wen, Zhuang Han Yan’s long-suffering mother. She showed those raw and pent-up emotions brilliantly. At first, I was mad at her, and then I came to sympathize with her as I learned of what she went through all those years.

Yu En Tai nailed his role as the manipulative, self-serving and duplicitous Zhuang Shi Yang. Some think his acting is exaggerated and overly dramatic, such that it’s distracting and annoying. But I think that’s what makes his portrayal so effective. By the last few episodes, I was strongly rooting for justice to be served.

Jinna Fu was able to capture the essence of Chai Jing. She is Zhuang Han Yan's loyal and trusted friend, her support during her difficult days in Danzhou and even when she arrived at the capital. She is skilled in martial arts and protects her whenever she can. Their friendship is precious.

I couldn’t write this review without giving kudos to the talented and adorable Huang Bo Si, who played Fu Ling Zhi / Ah Zhi, Fu Yun Xi’s daughter with his first wife. Ah Zhi is such a sweet and loving child. She is so innocent, smart, and yet also mature for her age. She never fails to touch me with her favorite line, “When we miss our mothers, I can hug you, and you can also hug me” (我们想母亲的时候，我可以抱一抱你，你也可以抱一抱我.) 🥰. This kid has potential, and I look forward to seeing her in other dramas.

The other supporting cast gave great performances as well, such as: Wang Yan as the 2nd wife Zhou Ru Yin, He Hong Shan as the competitive Zhuang Yu Shan, Li Sheng as Noble Consort Miao, and Song Pei Ze and Chen Kang as Fu Yun Xi’s reliable right-hand men Mu Feng and Mu Yan, respectively. They add depth, excitement and some humor to the drama.

OTHER THOUGHTS 🔮:

I’m satisfied with the overall production and costume design. The costumes look good, and the color combinations are nice.

The soundtrack is excellent and fits the drama so well. Hats off to the team who chose the songs 👒! The ending theme song, “Blade” (刃), is Zhuang Han Yan’s anthem. The song is written for her! It sums up her journey fittingly. “Flame” (焰) is Zhuang Han Yan and Fu Yun Xi’s theme song, while “Cut” (剪) is a tribute to Zhuang Han Yan and Ruan Xi Wen’s relationship.


FINAL VERDICT ⭐️: “The Glory” is one of those dramas that left a lasting impression on me. It’s worth my time and attention, and I highly recommend it!

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A time travel mini-drama that provides a light escape

I like time travel stories with romance, so I decided to watch Lovesickness after reading the synopsis. It's quite short, where most episodes are around 10 to 11 minutes, and that includes the ending trailer.  I finished it in 2 weeknights after work.

It has both angst and comedy, so I consider it a light watch. The pacing is fast, where the plot develops quickly, so you won't feel that the story is dragging, and even if there are conflicts, it gets resolved quickly.  Since it's short and fast-paced, some plot development felt rushed. They breezed through the last episode, and the ending is open to interpretation. But as a whole, I think the drama's execution is good.

The actor that shines for me is Yan Zi Xian, who plays the male lead Xiao Chu.  He was convincing in his portrayal of the serious and feared 28 year-old Duke of Chu, and the carefree and happy-go-lucky 21-year old Xiao Chu. Not to mention he reminds me of Chen Xing Xu in his ancient costume and get-up.

Yu Yi Lei was able to show the funny, mischievous, serious, lovesick, and angsty sides of Mo An An. However, it did not leave as strong an impression on me as Yan Zi Xian's portrayal.

Since this is a romance drama, chemistry is important. I'm happy to say that the ML and FL have good chemistry.

As for production and costumes, there's nothing fancy or extraordinary, but good enough for a costume mini-drama.

Final Verdict: If you like time travel stories that you can finish quickly, that is not too serious and provides a light escape, then grab your popcorn and binge-watch this.

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An excellent spy drama worthy of one's time and brain cells

"Deep Lurk" (深潜) is a Republican era spy drama set in 1939, before the Battle of Changsha, where the Japanese were trying to capture the city. It tells how the different Chinese factions worked hard, each with their own ways and means, to overthrow the Japanese’ plans and dismantle their spy network.

I found this to be an engaging and intriguing Republican era espionage drama. I like the brilliant plot, the mystery and the excitement. It kept me thinking and guessing who the real mastermind is, but at the same, there were moments that I was just willing to sit back, relax, and let the story take its course. There is also a balance of conversations and action scenes, so I didn’t get bored by all talk and little action. Although the plot is complex, I like that it is consistent and did not digress into other story lines that usually make one feel overwhelmed. So, throughout the drama, I knew that the story is about espionage, and the Chinese intelligence and counterintelligence efforts focused on thwarting the Japanese’s quest to occupy Changsha. Sure, it touches on family relationships and there is some romance, but they complement the main plot 👍.

All the main and supporting cast portrayed their characters really well. There are many characters so I will only talk about a few. I like Cheng Yi’s portrayal of Yun Hong Shen, how he developed from someone who’s impulsive, somewhat immature but brimming with idealism, into a more mature and tempered Yun Hong Shen, still idealistic but having a deeper understanding of the bigger picture and what’s going on behind the scenes. He is good in the emotional scenes too (and there are quite some of them). Ying Er’s Wen Ye Ming is idealistic, has a strong sense of right and wrong, and is a capable female agent of the KMT’s juntong (军统) or NBIS (National Bureau of Investigation and Statistics). She is good in acting out Wen Ye Ming’s cold and serious exterior, who also has a soft spot for children and the weak. I love the chemistry between Yun Hong Shen and Wen Ye Ming. Their romance is secondary in the story but I like that they put it in 🙂. I think it adds spice to the drama 🌶️. Too bad some of their scenes were removed from the final cut.

I’ve seen Zhang Tian Yang in other dramas playing supporting characters, some more memorable than others. His performance here as Yun Hong Qi is one of the more memorable ones. He is Yun Hong Shen’s protective older brother, and their relationship dynamics are endearing and fun to watch. Plus, he has funny scenes here. Han Cheng Yu also gave justice to Ling Han’s character. I’ve seen him in other dramas where his characters are starkly different from his role here. Ling Han is cold, calculating and hard to break through. He’s a lone wolf and has his own secrets. Han Cheng Yu’s looks and bearing are well suited for Ling Han. The other supporting actors such as Liu Huan (Ke Jing Ping) and veterans Wang Jin Song (Yun Mu Zhi) and He Zhong Hua (Yang Zi Ming) also showed off their acting chops.

As for the editing and ending, I read that 12 episodes were cut from this drama, so there were some scenes in the ending credits that I was waiting for but were not shown. Those cut scenes were obvious, making the ending feel rushed and missing some details. But they still wrap up the story and did not leave the main plot hanging.

Final Verdict ⭐: I would gladly recommend this drama, especially if you like espionage stories! And to maximize your enjoyment, it’s best to watch this without reading spoilers.

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A drama with an engaging storyline, good production quality and enticing romance.

When I first saw the trailer for Wonderland of Love, I was intrigued because it looks impressive and grand. It generally received good reviews, so I decided to watch it as soon as I finish another series, and I’m glad I did!

What I like:
1) It's a fictional historical drama with romance, which is one of my favorite genres. The story is grand – there's romance, friendship, politics, intrigue, strategizing, battles – but it also has humor and it's not too heavy, so there is a right balance. The pacing is just right, so it's not boring. I especially like episodes 30 to 40!

2) The ML (Li Ni/Shi Qi Lang) and FL (Cui Lin/A Ying) are both smart, charming, strategic, and very skilled in martial arts and military tactics. Both are strong-willed, which is a double-edged sword. They are not one-dimensional characters, so there are layers and depth to their personalities, partly influenced by their backgrounds and upbringing.

3) Great chemistry between Xu Kai (Li Ni) and Jing Tian (Cui Lin)! I like their banter from the start, and their chemistry grows stronger as I continued watching the drama; it gets better as the story unfolds (I didn’t feel it strongly in the beginning). I’m so glad the production team is not stingy with the sweet and romantic scenes! They definitely enhanced my watch experience.

4) Xu Kai as Li Ni / Shi Qi Lang – He is a great leader, commander, friend and lover. He's also strategic, principled, prioritizes relationships (重感情), values his freedom and is not interested in palace intrigues, though circumstances forced him to be involved. He doesn't like infighting and competing for the throne. I think Xu Kai played this role quite well.

5) Jing Tian as Cui Lin / A Ying – She is a brave, smart (sometimes even cunning), strategic and independent woman. She is beautiful but not in the traditionally expected sort of way. I may not agree with some of her actions, but I do understand her motivations, where she's coming from. Right now, I couldn't think of anyone other than Jing Tian who could pull off her character.

6) Interesting supporting characters who add spice and flavor to the story, such as Tao Zi, Chang Er, Pei Yuan, Lao Bao, and the other soldiers in the Zhen Xi army. Even the SML (Liu Cheng Feng) and SFL (Gu Wan Niang), both of whom I dislike especially the delusional/obsessed and ungrateful SML, were good in their portrayal. I also like how the romance between Tao Zi and Chang Er developed; it's sweet and they look cute together.

7) I'm smitten by the costume design! They're generally beautiful and elegant, fits the scenes, and have good color combinations. I need to mention that their wedding clothes are just so beautifully designed and matched. I also like the colors and interiors of the Eastern Palace. It's serene and so calming to the senses.

8) The fight/battle scenes were well-executed. Nothing looked fake.

9) Good choice of songs for the OST! I especially like the opening theme “Wonderland of Land” sung by Curley Gao, which is quite upbeat and has rock elements, and the ending theme “If Love Still Remembers” sung by Liu Yu Ning, which is more mellow.

10) The ending is great! Love how they showed many happy, sweet and endearing moments, mended relationship, and the characters got what they deserved. Basically, it's a nice wrap-up for the drama, and they dedicated one episode to it, which I really appreciate :).

Other comments:
1) The emperor is such a lousy father – he's biased and played favorites, and he's partly to blame for how his 2 older sons turned out. It’s good that both sons got their just ends. He's also an incompetent ruler – unable to make sound judgments, and easily swayed by the advice of his ministers, some of whom have their own agenda to push. Good thing he got some redemption towards the end. I think Gao Shu Guang was able to play the character convincingly.

2) The SML, Liu Cheng Feng (Gao Han), may look frail and sickly, but I find him somewhat shady from the start. And when he tricked the Zhen Xi army (who had rescued them), it showed his true colors. The SFL, Gu Wan Niang (Zhao Jia Min), is actually smart and seemed nice in the beginning, but it wasn’t long before she showed her scheming side.

3) At some point in the drama, the ML and FL seemed to be in a deadlock, unable to move forward because of their opposing views. They would disagree, have a fight then make up, then repeat the cycle a few more times. I got a bit frustrated with some of the back-and-forth arguments.

4) I wished they had shown that Cui Lin eventually found out about what Li Ni went through just to clear General Cui Yi’s name, so the outcome was a good compromise already. I don’t know if it’s in the novel, but it was not shown in the drama.

Final Verdict: I really enjoyed this drama, it’s interesting, entertaining and a good watch, so I would gladly recommend it!

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A very good sequel that does not disappoint!

When I saw "Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty II To the West" (SToTD S2) being aired in iQiyi many weeks ago, it caught my attention, so I decided to watch season 1 when season 2 was still airing. While I'm a bit late to season 1, on a positive note, I get to watch them back-to-back, and I don't have to wait months and years for the sequel.

Season 2 started where season 1 left off. Due to some events that happened in Chang'an, Lu Ling Feng was deployed to Yunding, a county located in the western frontiers of the Tang Dynasty. As he, Su Wu Ming and the rest of the gang travel westward, they encountered strange things, solved mysteries, met diverse people, and experienced adventures together.

SToTD S2 is a very good and engaging series, and it's now one of my favorites, along with season 1! I was looking forward to each episode and trying to solve the cases with our protagonists. The overarching story and individual cases are generally well-written and seamlessly executed. The pacing is just right and they're not boring. My favorites are:
• 2nd Case - The Death of the Coroner (仵作之死)
• 5th Case - Mystical/Tongtian Rhino (通天犀)
• 6th Case - Drunk in Yunding or Yunding Wine (name of the wine) (云鼎醉)
• 8th Case - The Provider (供养人)

The 4th case is the one I like the least, and where I have some lingering questions.

The cast, from main to supporting, did a great job portraying their characters. I like the continually growing dynamics, humor, and camaraderie of our power team - Lu Ling Feng, Su Wu Ming, Pei Xi Jun, Fei Ji Shi, Chu Ying Tao, and eventually, Xue Huan (who rejoined the team later).

Yang Xu Wen nailed the role of Lu Ling Feng, who has matured and grown a lot since season 1. He was able to show the different sides of LLF - serious, funny, well-educated, intelligent and observant, a great fighter, and a proud man (because of his background) who has learned to be humble. LLF is not showy with his affections, but he protects the people he cares for. His romance with Pei Xi Jun is not passionate and fiery, but sweet and more subdued.

Right now, I can't think of anyone else but Yang Zhi Gang who could portray Su Wu Ming so well. He has a sharp mind, often thinks one step ahead, is observant and a top-notch investigator. Sometimes, he would appear cowardly, but he's actually paving the way for an escape or baiting the suspects. I like how Yang Zhi Gang can pull off a comic scene with a straight face.

Now on to Pei Xi Jun, well portrayed by Gao Xi Wen. At the start of season 1, I find Pei Xi Jun's character a little off-putting, but she has grown much throughout season 1, contributing to many of the cases, and I have come to truly like her. One has to continue watching to understand and appreciate her character more. In season 2, she definitely holds her own ground. She's smart, charming, loyal, is a gifted painter, and made important contributions to the team as they solve the mysteries. Also, she and Lu Ling Feng have great chemistry and make a good pair.

Fei Ying Jun aka Fei Ji Shi (Chicken Fei) is another interesting character. Being the doctor in the team, his expertise is masked behind his shabby appearance. His rapport with the team, especially with Lu Ling Feng and Su Wu Ming, and love for chicken and wine are endearing trademarks of his character. The actor, Chen Chuang, delivers the quirks of Fei Ji Shi pretty convincingly.

Chu Ying Tao, played by Sun Xue Ning, complements Pei Xi Jun. PXJ, being the daughter of a once high-ranking official, is well-educated, refined and has a sheltered upbringing. CYT is straightforward, has good fighting skills and is well-versed in the world of jiang hu (江湖). These two have developed a sisterly bond. Lastly, I'm so glad that Anson Shi reprised his role as Xue Huan. He has grown taller but is still adorable, retaining some of his childlike demeanor.

The music is good and fitting for the drama, although I prefer the ending theme song of season 1 more. Production quality is commendable; the settings and costumes are beautiful. I also like the fight scenes; they're well-choreographed and skillfully executed.

I'm looking forward to season 3, which I hope would be shown next year, in 2025, or at the latest, in 2026. Aside from more interesting cases and the political maneuverings/gripping main story, I also hope they would further develop the 2 main couples' relationships, especially that of Lu Ling Feng and Pei Xi Jun.

Final verdict: SToTD S2 is an excellent sequel, and I highly recommend it. For those who haven't watched both seasons and thinking of diving into S2, I suggest watching S1 first before S2 to get more context, know how the characters got together, to understand their background, and gain a better appreciation of them in season 2.

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A classic combination of wuxia and romance!

This wuxia drama is based on the novel by Wen Rui An, and is one of the many TV and movie adaptations. I decided to watch this since I was looking for a wuxia or historical drama after finishing a modern one (Age of Legends), not to mention that the leads here are a treat to watch. I was not disappointed!

What I like:
1) Amazing chemistry between Zhang Han and Janine Chang! I was eagerly looking forward to their scenes together, and looking for video clips of the two.
2) The strong bond/friendship of the four infamous deputies, as they solve cases and fight their enemies together. I also like that there are female deputies in the Shen Hou mansion.
3) Zhang Han as Leng Xue (Cold Blood), Janine Chang as Chu Li Mo and William Chan as Zhui Ming (Chaser) – they are my favorite characters in this drama! Leng Xue, as his name implies, appears cold and uncaring towards others, but is actually a man who cares deeply for the people dear to him. Chu Li Mo is the eldest but unfavored daughter of the government official in her hometown (she grew up with her father and stepmother), who tried to run away from her fate of being one of the emperor's women. She is pretty, smart but can be naive at times. As for Zhui Ming, he is the life of the party, the ladies' man and happy-go-lucky type, but who is also very devoted to his lady love.
4) Yang Yang as Wu Qing (Heartless) – Yang Yang looked so young here, not as manly as Zhang Han, but he was able to carry his role as Wu Qing, a man who looked calm and otherworldly, but was actually very emotional, and struggled to move on from his past love.
5) Mao Ji Jun as Tie Shou (Iron Fist) – he is straight-forward and loyal, but not as strategic as the others.
6) Mickey He as An Shi Geng – A villain you'd love to hate, he was really convincing as a man who becomes mentally unstable and cold-blooded as his thirst for revenge and power consumed him.
7) As this is a wuxia series, it has many fight scenes, and most of them were well-executed. The special effects during the fight scenes in the beginning were a bit over the top, though.
8) Good costume design, hair and makeup, and set design. I like Janine Chang’s look!
9) Although this is mainly a wuxia series with romance, there were also funny/light moments in the drama.
10) The ending was nicely wrapped up, though I would have wanted more sweet scenes between our main couple.

Other comments:
1) Some of the supporting female characters were quite irritating, such as the maids (except Ye Er) and the two sidekicks of Ji Yao Hua.
2) Princess Zi Luo and Ling Yi Yi were annoying in many instances, but I’m glad their characters grew up and were able to eventually redeem themselves.
3) I think there were a bit too many scenes of An Shi Geng reminiscing over his lady love, although I understand it’s meant to show his devotion to her.
4) Since it’s known from the start who the villain is, many of the twists were predictable. Nevertheless, it’s still very engaging and enjoyable to watch.

Final Verdict: I thoroughly enjoyed this, so I would gladly recommend it, especially if you like wuxia with romance!

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A mix of slice of life, romance, mystery and some political intrigue

I finished "Are You the One" more than two months ago, so it's still somewhat fresh in my mind. Thankfully, I wrote down my comments and episode recaps, so I have references to refresh my memory as I write this.

This drama tells how fate and circumstances brought two strong, determined and principled characters from opposing sides together, and how they worked through their problems and challenges, and emerged with a better understanding of each other.

The story has two major arcs. The first arc is when Liu Mian Tang had amnesia and there were many unknowns, and the second one is when she fully recovered her memory and the ensuing events that happened. What I like about the first part, among other things, are the mystery, the unknown details, and anticipating when the truth will be found out. The comedy also helps. I like Cui Xing Zhou and Liu Mian Tang's getting-to-know each other phase, the slice of life moments and how they are reviving their porcelain business. For me, this part is best watched without knowing major spoilers. I accidentally read one, which dampened some of my excitement, but at least, I was a few episodes away and was near to guessing it.

Episodes 20 to 23 contain some of the major turning points in the story. I think the transitions are well done. The second part's focus is on their growth and reconciliation, as well as the palace intrigue. It's more serious compared to the first arc, but still has sprinklings of humor. The politics is not heavy here, so don't expect heart-pounding scenes. One thing I wish they had shown (instead of just mentioning it) would be some scenes or flashbacks of CXZ and LMT as forces on opposing sides, fighting for their beliefs. Not sure in what part of the drama they could insert these, but just a thought anyway. The drama's ending wrapped things up nicely, although I have a question or two, but it's not a big deal.

Now on to the main cast. Zhang Wan Yi did a good job portraying Cui Xing Zhou. He was able to show the serious, in-love, torn, heart-broken, and funny sides of CXZ. And I like his voice!  Wang Chu Ran gave a convincing portrayal as Liu Mian Tang, especially in the first arc, where she showed innocence, savviness, trust and vulnerability. Plus, I find her pretty and elegant. In addition, Zhang Wan Yi and Wang Chu Ran have great chemistry. The interactions between CXZ and LMT come out naturally and are believable.

As for Chang Hua Sen, I first saw him as Li Tong Guang in "A Journey to Love", and his performance left a good impression on me. Here, his character, Zi Yu, is multi-layered, with mysteries that were eventually revealed. His portrayal is good, though I think Zi Yu's character could have been developed further. Shi Xue Ji, played by Yuan Yu Xuan, is a very likeable character. She's the dark horse in the family, someone you would root for and would want to succeed. Her growth is played out well.

Zhang Chi as Marquis Zhennan is the proverbial best friend, who's supportive and also comical at times. Liu Ling Zi as He Zhen is average for me. I've seen her play a similar character - strong, smart, but initially not appreciated by those around her.

The soundtrack is nice. The songs are well chosen and suit the drama.

Final Verdict: The romance and slice of life aspects are good, and despite some touching moments, politics, and fight scenes, it's generally a fun, entertaining and light watch. So if these are what you're looking for, then go watch this drama.

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A fun and enjoyable ride ~ It's worth spending your time on!

It's been a while since I last watched a xianxia drama, and The Starry Love was on my watchlist mainly because of Chen Xing Xu. However, when it started airing, I was hooked on another drama, and watched 2 more dramas after that, before coming back to it. I finished it a few weeks ago, and I must say, I really like and thoroughly enjoyed this drama ! :)

In the midst of the fantasy set-up, I love the drama's focus on comedy, romance, action, family relationships and friendship. Of course, there is angst woven into the story, but not too much that it becomes dragging and annoying. The story of the main couple, You Qin and Ye Tan, developed slowly in the first few episodes, as they seemed to be getting on each other's nerves more. In comparison, the romance of the second couple, Chao Feng and Qing Kui, developed faster. But You Qin and Ye Tan's relationship and the overall plot development gets better and better as the story progresses. I like the episodes when Ye Tan went to the mortal realm to find the 3 soul shards and the different antics, heartwarming acts and comedic moments that she (with help from her "cohorts") did to make them fall in love with her. And how, in the process, she fell for the 3 soul shards, and eventually realized her feelings for You Qin. And of course, I love the parts with You Qin version 2.0! He became more expressive and in tune with his emotions when the 3 soul shards merged. There are many swoon-worthy and heartwarming moments, as well as light-hearted scenes between You Qin and Ye Tan. Their chemistry is palpable! I also like how the drama portrayed the sisterly love and bond between Ye Tan and Qing Kui; there were no jealousy and hate, just love and support for each other. The strong friendships and family dynamics are also a joy to watch.

The cast's acting, as a whole, was very good! They gave an overall great performance to drive the story. I will mention some of them:
• Chen Xing Xu certainly delivered in this role as Shao Dian You Qin (plus the 3 soul shards). His portrayal of the 5 personalities is spot on and convincing! He proved his versatility again as an actor. I love the 3 soul shards, because each of them represents a different facet of You Qin, which makes him a more well-rounded, complete and likable character. My personal favorite is Mei You Qing. He's so funny and smart! :)
• Li Lan Di is excellent as Li Guang Ye Tan; she truly fits the role. She has great comedic timing, and was able to portray the funny, mischievous and serious sides of Ye Tan. And in the heavier scenes, she was able to convey the depth of her emotions.
• He Xuan Lin as Li Guang Qing Kui was able to exude gentleness and kindness, but showed her inner strength and wits when faced with different challenges.
• Chen Mu Chi's Chao Feng, although he started out as a cunning and deceptive 3rd prince of the Void, gradually grew and matured as a character. I think CMC was able to show this development.
• And let's not forget the besties, Man Man (Wang Li Na), Di Lan Jue (Qin Tian Yu) and Hai Chao (Cao Bo)! I love these three. They are the kind of friends we need - loyal, supportive, gives encouragement, and unafraid to say what needs to be said, even if it hurts sometimes. Not to mention they have a good sense of humor.
• I also like Zi Wu (Dai Ya Qi), Qing Heng (Zhou Zhan), and the Heavenly Empress (Kong Song Jin) – family members who were fiercely loving, loyal and supportive of You Qin.

The rest of the cast did very well too, thus giving this drama its overall quality and making it a memorable one.

The OST is fitting for this drama and adds to my enjoyment of the show. I like both the opening and ending theme songs. As for the CGI and fight scenes, they were aesthetically done and didn't look fake. The production – costumes, locations, sets, props – are on point.

Regarding the ending, I went into this with a general idea of how the story would end, so I wasn't too caught off guard. Although the ending could have been better and more definite, I think it is still good because it gives a sense of hope - it's not a sad ending.

I have rewatched a number of episodes already, and I plan to rewatch the rest in the future.

Final verdict: I highly recommend this one. It is a fun and enjoyable ride, and worth spending your time on!

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An engaging drama about changing one’s fate, discovery, and growth

When "Blossom" premiered in WeTV a few weeks ago, it was not in my list of anticipated dramas. But when a friend recommended it, I decided to give it a try after finishing another series, and I'm so glad I did!

"Blossom" (九重紫) is a story about second chances - a chance to do life over, a chance to avoid the same kind of fate, and a chance to live a better and more meaningful life. When Dou Zhao woke up as a young girl with a wound on her forehead, she vividly remembered her “dream”, which was actually her past life. Armed with this foreknowledge and the prophetic book (昭世録), it gave her the opportunity to change some things in her present life, which had a ripple effect, thus changing the course of something bigger than her own struggles.

This is a historical drama with all the major ingredients that I'm looking for, and done in such a way that they fall into place smoothly and cohesively - engaging storyline with twists and turns, swoon-worthy romance, diverse and interesting characters, great fight scenes and political strategizing. I went into this without reading much about the story except for the summary. The first episode got me intrigued, setting the stage for the story to unfold. The pacing is good and the story build-up is well done. Each episode builds on the previous one, revealing the plot more and stirring excitement on what’s to come. The political intrigue and strategizing are key parts of the story and they progress at the right pace, with surprises even until the last episode. Then there are the well-executed fight scenes, the great visuals and cinematography, and the original soundtrack that fit the drama’s themes and moods. Also, I like the production team’s approach in starting each episode with a scene (or two) before the opening credits and showing a quick preview of the next episode before the ending credits.

That said, there are some parts in the drama that I think could have been shortened (mainly related to the stepmother) and a subplot that could have been expounded further, but in the grand scheme of things, these are not big issues for me.

Now on to the cast of characters. Meng Zi Yi’s portrayal of Dou Zhao / Shou Gu is spot-on. She was able to show Dou Zhao as a smart, charming, decisive, and business-savvy woman who refused to be bound by the traditions of the time. Dou Zhao is loyal to the people she loves and cares for. She was able change some things in her present life, and in the process, she discovered that some people (e.g., Dou Ming, Chen Jia) did not turn out the way she expected them to, which is a part of the ripple effect.

I have seen Li Yun Rui in “Love Like the Galaxy” as Yuan Shen, who is one of my least liked characters in that drama. But here in “Blossom”, I very much like his character, Song Mo / Yan Tang, and his portrayal; he truly shines and he fits the role. He was able to show Song Mo’s struggles, angst, joy, and victories. His devotion and love for his uncle (Duke of Ding) and Dou Zhao are admirable. On a lighter note, the loose white/gray hair suits him! I read in an article in Sohu that he turned down a supporting role in Yang Zi’s drama “Flourished Peony” to star as Song Mo in “Blossom”. That's a wise decision and a good move for him 👍!

As for the main couple’s romance, I love the relationship between Dou Zhao and Song Mo. As both characters grow and develop, their relationship dynamics follow. Meng Zi Yi and Li Yun Rui have amazing chemistry. I look forward to their interactions right from the start. The scene in the theater where they first met as adults, with their masks on, was played out so well. For me, their romance got even better after they were married ♥️.

The supporting cast did very well too. I will mention some here:
• Ji Yong (Xia Zhi Guang) is an ambitious, confident, shrewd, and smart aleck type of a character. Dou Zhao, his best friend since childhood, is one of the few people he cares about.
• Alina Zhang is convincing as Wang Ying Xue. She is very much an infuriating character as well as a pathetic one.
• Chen Jia (Zhu Jun Lin) is another interesting character. He may not have many scenes, but his role is a crucial one. I like that they pair him with Zhao Zhang Ru (Liu Mei Tong), Dou Zhao’s cousin.
• Li Xin Ze is believable as Wei Ting Yu. He is not an evil person but a man without much backbone, unable to step up to his role as husband and Marquis.
• Snow Kong as Miao An Su and Yan An as Song Han have their fair share of pivotal moments, especially in the last one-third of the story.
• Other notable performances: Wang Jiu Sheng as Song Yi Chun, who has been added to my list of the worst parents in drama land; Tan Kai as the Emperor, who, despite being at the top, has his helpless moments in the face of the powerful forces in the kingdom; and Zhang Cheng He as Jiang Mei Sun (Duke of Ding), whose impact and influence extend greatly to those around him.

And last but not the least, the ending is great! I love how they wrap up the story. Most of the characters got what they deserved, and they gave us a convincingly happy ending.

Final Verdict ⭐: This is a great Chinese historical drama to end my 2024, and I highly recommend it!

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Modern time travel romance with a twist

I decided to watch “Love in Time” after finishing “Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty 2: To the West”, because I saw a recommendation for this drama, the synopsis is interesting, and Yang Xu Wen also stars in it. I haven't watched the Taiwanese version so I can't compare them. But the drama definitely brings a unique twist to the time travel trope.

One thing I appreciate about this series is its execution. The flow of the story is generally smooth; it's not hard to follow and the events make sense overall, considering the time travel theme. The butterfly effect (蝴蝶效应), where one small change in the past can have a big effect on the future, is a prominent concept in the drama. Another concept that was shown is the space-time or spatial-temporal fusion (时空融合), which occurred in the story from 10:06 PM to 10:52 PM, and it’s when the 2021 Chen Jia Lan and 2022 He Zheng Yu interact and spend their time together.

Yang Xu Wen did a great job portraying 2 versions of He Zheng Yu. They're the same person, but also different. I like them both, because they showed the similarities and different sides of the same character. Chen Jia Lan, portrayed by Julia Xiang, is generally a likable character - she is spunky, energetic, loyal, and resourceful. However, there were moments in the second half when I got annoyed with some of her actions and reasonings.

There were humorous interactions and bickering as He Zheng Yu and Chen Jia Lan got to know each other, and add to that, you have the 2021 and 2022 versions! Their romance is sweet and natural (not cringey), and they have good chemistry, although I wouldn’t say it’s exceptional.

Another character that I like is Jiang Sheng Hao, Chen Jia Lan's friend and the actress's husband. He and CJL were best friends since childhood, and they have a good and supportive relationship, which is purely platonic. I like how Dai Gao Zheng portrayed his role as the best friend and the husband in the divorce case.

Lastly, I'm satisfied with how they ended the story. I think they managed to wrap things up quite well!

Final verdict: This is a good drama that blends romance and mystery, and I would recommend this, especially if you like time travel stories.

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A gripping journey to love, friendship, and growth

"A Journey to Love" is the last drama that I completed in 2023, a few days before the new year. Initially, I was thinking whether to continue after 8 episodes, because I had a vague idea of the ending after seeing some comments in passing. I decided to carry on, and I'm glad that I finished it!

Story and Production:
1) The storyline is intriguing and not very common since a big part of it is focused on the mission to rescue the hostaged King of Wu (Wu Di), the obstacles the rescue team faced along the way, and how they overcame them. As a result, their relationships grew stronger and they gained a better understanding of each other. On the side, there were some mysteries that needed to be solved.

2) There is great camaraderie and friendship among the Liu Dao Hall members. It's touching to see their loyalty and brotherly love for one another, as well as their commitment to protect Li Wang/Yang Ying and the entire rescue team.

3) The drama showed different kinds of relationships – leader and subordinate, master and disciple, friendship among peers, and love between man and woman. These are common in costume dramas, but I think they’re well done here.

4) It took the rescue team quite a number of episodes to finally arrive in the state of An, so I found myself getting impatient at some points in the drama.

5) There are incredible fight and battle scenes here! The choreography and stunt work are great, and the cast look so cool and amazing in these scenes.

6) Generally good soundtrack! My favorites are the opening theme, “Offer” (奉上), sung by Liu Yu Ning, and “Standing Sword” (立剑), sung by Zhang Jie. I also like the background music played in some of Ren Ru Yi’s fight scenes; it’s a haunting prelude on what’s to come next.

Cast of Characters:
The entire cast was great, I like the main leads, but my favorites are Yu Shi San, Yang Ying, Li Tong Guang and Yuan Lu:

1) Ning Yuan Zhou (Liu Yu Ning) and Ren Xin/Ren Ru Yi (Cecilia Liu) – Both their characters have excellent martial arts skills and are respected and feared by many. NYZ is level-headed, mature and a good leader. RRY is precise, appears cold and can be ruthless, which fits her character as the number one assassin of An. Between the two, NYZ was more used to working with a team, while RRY was more used to doing things on her own. When RRY joined the rescue team, it took her some time to adjust to “group work”. I couldn’t imagine other actors playing them.

2) Yu Shi San (Alen Fang) – He is funny, witty and a vain ladies' man. He gave me a good laugh many times! Alen Fang is such a revelation here, and his character is so different from the one in The Long Ballad (can’t help comparing them, because Liu Yu Ning and Alen Fang are in both dramas). He’s so good in comedy, but also delivered in the emotional scenes.

3) Yang Ying (He Lan Dou) – She transformed from a timid, shy young lady to a confident, smart, brave and decisive Li Wang/Princess Li Cheng. What she said to NYZ and RRY about herself is very fitting, "You have transformed a small sparrow in a cage into an eagle; I can no longer go back." I like He Lan Dou’s portrayal, she’s so good, and one of the few actresses who, when dressed as a man, is actually convincing.

4) Li Tong Guang (Chang Hua Sen) – He is capable and ambitious, but also obsessed and unpredictable at times. His character is complex, multifaceted, and have a lot of potential for growth and development, but I feel these were not maximized. They focused too much on his obsession with RRY. I think Chang Hua Sen nailed the part.

5) Yuan Lu (Chen You Wei) – He is a smart, loyal, jolly and kind-hearted fellow. It’s easy to warm up to him. Chen You Wei was able to bring out these qualities.

--- Some SPOILERS below ---


Some OTP/Pairings:
1) Ning Yuan Zhou and Ren Ru Yi – They are the power couple! Their relationship was not perfect, there were some amusing things that happened and bumps along the way, but they got around to it.

2) Li Tong Guang and Chu Yue – I was rooting for them since I can feel their chemistry, although they were hostile to each other in their first few meetings. And when they started to be cordial to each other, they had some sweet and cute scenes, so I was hoping for a love line to develop. But alas, the ship didn't sail!

3) Li Tong Guang and Yang Ying – In the earlier episodes, I had entertained the idea that they might be paired together, but I was still mildly surprised when it happened (I guess I was still reeling from the LTG and CY pairing). Don't get me wrong, this is a good pairing and they have chemistry too, so I started to ship them as soon as I feel the plot going in that direction, because they actually complement each other. Both LTG and YY are smart, capable and ambitious. However, LTG is temperamental, impulsive at times, and not yet mature emotionally; while YY has a cool head, emotionally stable, and has matured a lot in her journey. She would be a great help to him in his role as Regent of An.

4) Yang Ying and Yuan Lu – Theirs is a friendship that was comfortable, supportive and dependable. It could possibly have been more, but it was not meant to be.

Other Comments:
1) I like the development arc of Wu Di, how he changed from a reckless, arrogant, and unwise ruler to one who realized his mistakes and actually did something to atone for them. He could have been a great king if he returned to Wu, so it’s a waste what they did to his character.

2) The ending and the last few episodes could have been better executed. It's like they rushed these scenes and tried to cramp the remaining details to fit them into 40 episodes.

3) I wish they included more scenes of LTG and YY in the ending, how they progressed as a couple and how they’re helping the young King of An. There is mutual respect between them, not to mention respect for both RRY and NYZ. I would like to think that in the long run, they would fall in love with each other and grow as a couple, even have children of their own.

Final Verdict: This is a gripping drama and a good watch for me, so I would gladly recommend it!

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A good mix of political intrigue, wuxia and romance

This series combines political intrigue, wuxia, and romance, three elements that I like in a costume drama. I have friends who recommended it, and it's one of the top 2022 dramas, so I dived into it.

Things that I like, which kept me engaged throughout the series:
• Political intrigue, strategizing, revelation of each mystery, and how the leads outsmarted their enemies.
• Smart and strategic ML and FL, who have connections in both jiang hu (pugilistic world) and chao ting (government/political world).
• Both ML and FL are very skilled in martial arts and fights really well!
• Yang Yang’s portrayal of Hei Feng Xi/Feng Lan Xi – overall, a very good performance by YY. The drama gives a lot of focus to HFX/FLX’s character development, since many of the political intrigues and actions happened in his domain.
• Zhao Lu Si as Bai Feng Xi/Feng Xi Yun – ZLS also did well here; however, I felt that YY had more room to show his acting ability. But thankfully, the drama eventually gave focus to her side of the story, and she really shined in the latter part of the drama.
• There is mutual trust and respect between the ML and FL, and I like that there is not so much drama and misunderstanding between them. I also like how they supported each other and faced challenges as a couple.
• Well-choreographed fight scenes and grand battle scenes.
• Great costume design – they’re colorful and there is great attention to detail, especially those worn by HFX/FLX.
• OST that fit the drama, especially the opening theme, “Unparalleled”, sung Liu Yu Ning.

Other comments:
• Chemistry between the leads – their romance is sweet and slow-burn, and I like their banter and humor, but it didn’t affect me in the same way (i.e., having that swoon-worthy feeling) as the other dramas where YY and ZLS were paired with other actors, e.g., Love Like the Galaxy, Love O2O, Fireworks of My Heart, etc.
• The last few episodes felt a bit rushed, but they still manage to wrap things up.
• The ending is more or less what I expected, so I wasn’t caught off guard too much, except for a few unexpected things.

Overall, I really enjoyed this drama, so I highly recommend it, especially if you like political/court intrigue, wuxia and romance.

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Marry first, fall in love later and achieve great things together

“Destined” is a Chinese costume drama that tells the journey of two people, Gu Jiu Si and Liu Yi Ru, who were married by chance, fell in love as they achieve victories and went through hardships together, and grew as individuals and as a couple.

This drama has romance, familial love, friendship, love for the people, burden to help the country, and loyalty - themes that would appeal to you if you're looking for a story that transcends beyond the characters' personal ambitions.  I laughed at the funny and light-hearted moments, cried at the emotional and heart-tugging scenes, and celebrated with them in their victories. There is also some political intrigue, strategizing and battle scenes, since there are forces bent on wreaking havoc in the country.

Liu Yu Ru (FL) is responsible, smart and business-savvy.  Despite being the only legitimate daughter of a cloth merchant, she and her mother were mistreated because her father favored the second wife.  To forge a better life, she initially had set her sight in marrying into the influential and scholarly Ye family.  Gu Jiu Si (ML) is the only son of Yangzhou’s wealthiest family. He is witty, has excellent martial arts skills, and despite his infamous reputation, is actually kind-hearted; he once fooled around but gradually changed and became a serious learner, a good husband and responsible leader, partly due to the FL’s influence, who gave him the needed push and encouragement.  I like how their relationship developed and their love for each other blossomed throughout the drama.  They have a healthy relationship, they complement each other, and there are no silly misunderstandings between them.  Together, they are a power couple.

Bai Jing Ting’s portrayal of Gu Jiu Si is spot on! His comedic timing is gold, and he can also carry the heavy scenes.  He is really a versatile actor, and one of my favorites.  Song Yi also gave a good performance as Liu Yu Ru.  Her LYR is gentle yet tough, savvy yet kind, loving yet firm. Their chemistry is natural and doesn’t feel forced; hence, the growth of their characters and their relationship flow organically. 

The supporting cast is commendable too, and those that stand out to me are Ray Chang as Zhou Ye, a dependable and loyal friend; Zhang Hao Wei as Ye Shi An, the idealistic scholar; and Li Xin Ze as Shen Ming, who's loyal and street smart, and the funniest of the three. Together, they are like the three musketeers.  I also like Zhao Yuan Yuan as Qin Wan Zhi, the badass female warrior and a good friend to LYR.

One thing that I don't quite understand is how Luo Zi Shang (played by Liu Xue Yi) survived and eventually became a powerful figure. It's not well explained in the drama. 

Final Verdict: Despite a few unanswered questions, I like this drama and enjoyed watching it. The story is balanced and well-paced, and the characters are generally well-written, so I would gladly recommend it!

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A costume mystery drama with interesting cases, diverse characters and great fight scenes.

Mystery/crime-solving is one of my favorite genres, be it in books, film, or TV. So I picked up Judge Dee's Mystery, as it fits the bill. It reminds me of the Judge Bao series (包青天) that I watched many years ago.

The drama is set during the Tang dynasty, at a time when Empress Wu Ze Tian was wielding great political influence. Di Ren Jie was personally picked by the Empress as someone she'll train and develop to become one of her trusted allies, so she assigned him to different places as magistrate.

There are interesting cases and investigations, diverse and multi-layered characters, and excellently choreographed fight scenes. I was guessing and solving the mysteries together with DRJ and his team. There were some slow moments in the later cases, but the series as a whole was able to sustain my interest.  Although there are many distinct cases, the overarching story is Di Ren Jie’s growth journey, his steadfast belief in Tang’s law and justice system, and discovery of some events in his family’s past that is somehow linked to his present. 

I like Zhou Yi Wei and Wang Li Kun's portrayal of Di Ren Jie (Judge Dee) and Cao An, respectively. DRJ is astute, has a sharp mind, great fighting skill and concern for the common people, but reserved when it comes to emotional matters.  Cao An is pretty and has that classic and refined aura, is equally reserved, someone whom DRJ feels comfortable to open up to, and whose presence gives him a sense of calm (her music would make him relax).  Theirs is not the passionate, showy type of romance, but a bit slow burn and more subdued.  More than once, when they talked, Cao An was able to give DRJ a different perspective on a scenario.  Their romance is secondary in this drama, but it's still worth watching.

Zhong Chu Xi is fitting as Empress Wu Ze Tian.  She is beautiful, elegant and calculating.  Although she does not have many scenes here, her presence looms in the story. I expect to see more of her in season 2.  Ma Rong (played by Zi Ling) is one character who can sometimes be annoying with her impulsiveness and brash behavior, but we're sure of her loyalty to DRJ.  Qiao Tai (played by Ji Ta) is calmer and more rational in the way he does things, and equally loyal to DRJ. Hong Liang (played by You Yong) is the steward of DRJ’s household, who also provides support to the team as they solve cases.  The other characters appearing in the different cases were also convincing in their portrayal.

Final Verdict: Despite some slow scenes in the later cases, I was able to enjoy this drama and I look forward to season 2, especially after seeing the teaser at the end of episode 32!  If you like mysteries, such as a cross between Judge Bao and Sherlock Holmes/Hercule Poirot style of investigation, I suggest to give this drama a chance, though you might need a little patience in some parts.

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"Follow your dreams; you are not alone." ~ Wu Bai

I want to say from the get-go that I have not watched Go Go Squid 1, so I won't be comparing them. I watched Go Go Squid 2 as a stand-alone drama, so that is the context of my review.

The story started out a bit slow, so that I put it on hold to finish another drama and had started a second one, before getting back to GGS2. But the pace and story picked up at around episode 14 or 15, and from then on, I was able to enjoy it and looked forward to each episode.

What I Like: 
1) The love story of Wu Bai and Ai Qing - I like how their relationship develops and grows throughout the story. They have a fair share of sweet and romantic scenes, and their chemistry is palpable. Although Ai Qing is a few years older than Wu Bai, it's not an issue and they look good together.

2) Wu Bai is the ideal green flag, the almost perfect admirer and boyfriend. He is considerate, thoughtful, seemingly clueless but sweet, goes all in in the relationship, and devoted to his girl even before they became a couple. Hu Yi Tian's portrayal of Wu Bai is just right; he was able to bring out the nuances of his character.

3) Ai Qing is one of the pioneers in the world of robot combat and looked up by many, one of whom is Wu Bai. Li Yi Tong is convincing as Ai Qing. She was able to convey the different emotions and struggles of Ai Qing as she embarks on her journey to rediscover her dream and make a comeback, and finding love in the process.

4) This drama shows ordinary people with big dreams, who are passionate about their field, in this case, professional robot combat. They're in for the win, not only for themselves but also for their country. I'm not a gaming fan, but I appreciate their passion and commitment.

5) Supporting characters who add humor and flavor to the story, such as Shen Zhe (Wang An Yu) and Ai Jing's (Nina Wang) romance, Team K&K and Team SP members.

6) The OST is great! The songs are catchy and fitting for the various moods in the drama.

Some Quotable Quotes:
1) "Follow your dreams; you are not alone." (沿着梦想走，你不是孤单一人。)

2) "I have met many people and was never interested, but I fell in love when I met you."
(我见众生皆无意，唯有见你动了情。)

Final Verdict: If you like a feel-good, mature romance with a touch of comedy and competitive gaming, and don't mind a love story where the FL is slightly older than the ML, then I would recommend this. Also, despite a slow start, the pacing picked up around one third into the story, and I was able to enjoy this drama.

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