7.2? This drama is really good. MDL ratings continue to be suspect as hell.
I can see why more than 900 viewers have given it an aggregate score of 9.4 on bilibili. The vibes between the two leads are building very well, even as they try to go in different directions but somehow find themselves somewhat stuck together. I didn't even expect this pairing, and I am glad to see it transforming so naturally, as we dive yet into another case in episode 10!
Zhu Zheng Ting and Hankiz get along very well, and it definitely shows in their interactions (this promotional clip posted less than 12 hours ago on the official drama weibo account is approximately 2 minutes long. I'll translate approximately 1/4 of it):
At one point, they have to choose one of two options given to them, and say their chosen option out loud at the same time.
Zhu Zheng Ting chose "Sunny Day". Hankiz didn't say anything but Zhu Zheng Ting knew she wanted to choose "Rainy Day" instead of "Sunny Day" (because a sunny day is just too sunny! exclaims Hankiz, after Zhu Zheng Ting says "I know you wanted to say 'rainy day'"). "A rainy day is well-suited to sleeping," continues Zhu Zheng Ting. "Yes, eat hotpot and sleep. No work," finishes Hankiz.
Hankiz has a vibrant strong voice. Zhu Zheng Ting's voice sounds lighter than I expected, and very pleasant.
"Sweet food" or "Spicy Food"? Unanimous spicy.
"Stay at home" or "Go out"? Both are homebodies.
Introvert or Extrovert? Hilarious vibrant disagreement breaks out, after Zhu Zheng Ting first identifies as an introvert. Hankiz describes him as a very energetic person and a veryveryE person, then describes herself as "I" at the beginning eventually becoming an "E".
Hugs or holding hands? "Hugs" says Hankiz. "Holding hands is too bland, hugging is a must" reckons Zhu Zheng Ting. The rest of his 'justification' makes Hankiz laugh.
When it came to "Comedy" or "Romance", they both chose "Comedy". Hankiz says Zhu Zheng Ting wants to do a comedy drama. Zhu Zheng Ting affirms that he really wants to do a comedy drama.
I can imagine them being very good friends on-set, and great vibes all around XD
The article above goes briefly into details, pros, and cons of the changes. It allows highly-rated creative dramas to air.
Another factor also includes platforms such as IQiyi and Tencent not doing well financially. And depending on their respective individual situations, older drama dumps also buy time for a shift in focus resulting in what some head honchos of IQiyi and Tencent label as the first "AI blockbuster" slated in Q3 this year.
If you really want to see and understand the details of what I am alluding to, I'd suggest this post plus the longer discussion thread which will get you up to date with significant industry C-Ent news including Yunhe's 7th attempt at having their system approved for "evaluating data" being rejected by CNIPA, as of April and May this year:
I love the ending song, is it available on spotify too?
The ending song is the main theme song for the drama. I don't think it is on Spotify. "Half A Heart" by Yang Mingqi is available on Youtube, courtesy of Tencent:
Saw this as one of the 'New Release' in iQIYI. Is this drama good so far? So I know if i'll add it to my current…
Definitely try watching the first six episodes. First episode is addictive!
Strong demon lord FL, mortal ML who has certain unwavering beliefs until a certain episode, a question of a tree heart- Enjoying the supernatural elements with gorgeous or eerie scenery. And very lovely songs to boot!
100%, it would be awesome if these two got paired up in a drama again. Preferably with a happy ending for a change,…
"Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service" meets "Rasetsu no Hana" as a modern C-drama would be awesome (Republican Era would work just as well). Dark humour, comedy, dash of romance, and suspense. Zuo Ye, Tian Jiarui, and Ai Mi are in a team that solves supernatural incidents while led by a compelling leader- I'd like Jiang Peiyao to be that leader.
Eventually squaring off against a villain who is mesmerising, compelling , yet repulsive for inhumane qualities- Han Dong would be good.
If you have zero idea of the two manga I have mentioned, check them out XD
I find myself wondering if this is a different take on the classic ideas of Ning Caichen and Nie Xiaoqian. Hankiz is the one taking the lead while Zhu Zhengting learns the ropes from her. The OP song is gorgeous. Zhu Zhengting looks so different, and it's fun to see him kerflummoxed XD
So far, three of the songs used in the drama are out. Aurally wonderful:
# 《青》i.e. "Green" sung by 范钟 : https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1m8Lf6DENu/ (Classically gorgeous. The lyrics start with "一山 一梦 一回 " which can be understood as "One Mountain. One Dream. One Instance.")
# Duet titled《蒹葭》(also understood as "The Reed" in English) uses the words of the poem which is found in "The Book of Songs" known as《诗经》: https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV12sLR6BEu4
A modern scholarly interpretation of 《蒹葭》is to see this poem of three stanzas as longing for a beloved across autumnal waters. The historical interpretation would have no relevance to this drama XD
Yes they changed SML and 3ML's place . Sakujun is now SML and The SML in the novel is played by riley wang as…
I watched Saiunkoku Monogatari Seasons 1 and 2, in 2007 and 2008. What stood out for me was how Shuurei earned the respect of these men, and the different types of care and affection she dished out. That's an FL character I'm fond of and won't forget.
Sakujun was a necessary experience for Shuurei (he did get on my nerves as a character, but his seiyuu Koyasu Takehito is one of my favourite VAs in anime). And although I wasn't fond of Ryuuki at first, he did grow on me. My grouse was Ryuuki and Shuurei having too short a time together, before she dies (and I'll take it this drama won't even reach that point, but end on a happy note way before)
Chinese adaptations of J-Ent media tend to make me nervous, so I'm not sure if I'll watch. Hopefully you can do an episode summary, when you get there.
Hello! I have never seen anyone actually explain how Ai Mi's outstanding filmography (as of May 2025) contributed to her being an option as FL for "Key To The Phoenix Heart", so I have decided to explain it in my updated forum thread at the "Key To The Phoenix Heart" page here:
My forum thread was created in July 2025, when I translated two articles for an MDL friend who is an Ai Mi fan (plus the production team has some solid veterans whose work I enjoy). Please note that the latest post contains details more accurate than any non-mandarin source you will see, because Ai Mi's strong non-idol projects in dramas and movies play a fundamental part. People who are not fluent in mandarin and only watch idol dramas are unable to comprehend the full impact of her filmography. Cao Dun, Mao Kunyu, and Stephen Chow are Directors who have contributed to this young lady's career about to hit a new high. One of the three projects helmed by these three Directors aired in August 2025, and it will be exciting to see the other two projects air as well!
"Above The Wall" and the movie "Shaolin Women's Soccer" should be airing this year. Fingers crossed that the stars align and truly make this happen!
I have also included some details about screen tests for a chemistry read, so you have an idea why it is important. Ai Mi would have gone through that as part of the auditioning process, and I believe she scored the highest in the chemistry read as the FL-replacement option for "Key to The Phoenix Heart", when it was an emergency situation for the production team to find an FL-replacement.
Ai Mi scoring so highly in the Beijing Film Academy nationwide entrance exams this year is yet another example of her hard work, discipline, and talent. Being sufficiently protected to ensure she has enough time to study and act at the same time, also due to being carefully smart with projects selection to build up an outstanding filmography before the age of 17 by the time of May 2025, is hugely admirable.
~*~*~*~
I wish to be frank and supportive in the manner that Neo Hou Minghao has given his heartfelt gushing admiration and support for Ai Mi during the two segments of KTTPH promotions with Ai Mi at IQiyi World Conference on 20 April in Beijing, almost 2 months ago. Hou Minghao also invited everyone to watch "Key To The Phoenix Heart" and I am also impressed by how super-protective he has been towards Ai Mi in words and actions, but a language barrier may prevent you from being aware of all this.
Hou Minghao has never objected to Ai Mi being his FL. To help you understand why and what he thought and felt, I have also shared in the above forum post what he first thought of Ai Mi when acting opposite her in "Fangs of Fortune", plus a tiny bit of his praise for her:
“…我听说是艾米来演谢嘉鱼, 我当时就非常的开心。我也非常替她而感到高兴-” – Neo Hou Minghao on 20 April
Translation: (When I heard Ai Mi would be Xie Jiayu, at that time I was very happy. I was also very happy for her-)
He could say the above (and a lot more than what I am sharing here) because of his experience filming with Ai Mi in "Fangs of Fortune". This is why he said he became very happy and his heart felt at ease, upon hearing Ai Mi had secured the role of Xie Jiayu as the female lead for “Key To The Phoenix Heart”. Hou Minghao had very strong positive first impressions of Ai Mi as an actress, despite sharing only a few scenes with her. Here’s part of what he said about Ai Mi pertaining to their scenes in “Fangs of Fortune” (his exact words):
“......然后并且我们在现场对戏的时候, 我是完全被感染到的。
然后当时我就觉得: 如果她在面对其他的角色......”
To describe oneself as “completely infected” by another artist is to recognise that person as an excellent collaborator and individual, while indirectly acknowledging the compelling strengths of that artist as an excellent acting partner. Hou Minghao gave Ai Mi the highest form of praise for her portrayal of Qing Geng by describing himself as “completely infected”, while he portrayed Zhao Yuanzhou.
Please feel at ease to happily watch "Key To The Phoenix Heart" when it airs, knowing Neo Hou Minghao praised Ai Mi so much on 20 April that my ears probably went as red as Ai Mi's face that day XD
Nobody else on this MDL page is able to summarise details of the production and certain cast members, as I have. I have no doubt there are many Neo Hou fans who can wonderfully describe his efforts and scenes. However, this drama also has other actors and actresses who play important roles.
I am glad Neo Hou was very happy and assured to know Ai Mi was his female lead in "Key To The Phoenix Heart" (his own words, I have added in the forum thread), and he was also happy for her. He couldn't stop praising Ai Mi at the IQiyi World Conference on 20 April, which I was happy to see.
I can also understand if you have reservations. I made my summary post back in July 2025 because of the project details and the Director, which I know many on MDL are not familiar with because of the generational divide. Perhaps take a look, and raise any questions you have :)
I didn't think the original Lai Zhan drama had overly revenge plot if the plot hadn't changed. YunChu drama completely…
There'll be significant differences from the novels. "Lai Zhan" was never an overly-revenge plot to begin with. I read the novel, and it was a lot more straightforward with a sad ending. But in terms of the drama synopsis as whole as possible without any detailed spoilers, it is what I summarised above, and the drama will have a happy ending (complete with wedding ceremony).
"Yun Chu's Vengeance" will see more differences, because the rebirth issue is going to be a stickler. If the drama is to have a happy ending, it will depend on what they do to that specific detail. One possibility I can think of, to create a happy ending: What happened to Yun Chu for almost the entire drama is a dream (she was stuck in a loop but broke out of that loop and hence able to take revenge on those who wronged her), then she wakes up back into the modern world and bumps into modern Chu Yi with a little brother, instead of a little son.
Thanks for the detailed breakdown! Wu Jinyan is probably my fav chinese actress but never watched her in a modern…
You're welcome! IQiyi is airdropping dramas in a manner that makes it hard to predict exact dates. "Archives: The Nanyang Mystery" starring Ding Yuxi and Steven Zhang aired conclusively yesterday, with the only confirmation upfront being an announcement on the IQiyi Weibo site at noon yesterday. Advance notice of 6 hours.
I apologise if "Those Flowers" does not air in June. IQiyi is making it difficult to predict some dramas.
After hurling insults at me on WoF, JK-L008 following me from one drama page to another drama page to continue insulting me demonstrates deliberate continuous intention to cause distress/drive away another MDL user. JKL-008's behaviour is the textbook definition of harassment. It's impossible to take offence at what I shared about "Shadow Punisher" this week, unless one is trolling. I thought they were harassing me but not you, and now you're saying JK-L008 attacked you first?
I haven't looked at the links. Will check them out.
When WoF was experiencing its worst trolling in November and December 2025, several of us had to deal with multiple vicious accounts sharing misleading information about WoF that also spontaneously attacked users such as myself with multiple personal insults, whenever we spoke positively about the drama. Otherwise I wouldn't have made so many new friends on that page such as you and kwanto, less than 7 months ago. My only regret is not meeting and knowing you and other WoF supporters on that page earlier, instead of becoming friends only towards the end of WoF!
Nobody likes serial bullying and harassment from the likes of JK-L008. After demonstrating continuous stalker-like behaviour towards me 5 days ago, JK-L008's comment to me 2 days ago now wants to dictate to me who I can make friends with. This is very disturbing to experience, being subjected to such bullying from JK-L008.
JK-L008 is doing the same on this "Shadow Punisher" MDL page as per their behaviour on the WoF MDL page. They still can't accept reality. No CP in this drama.
I don't want to derail this page because of harassment and stalking from JK-L008, so I will pause this thread here. My apologies to whoever encounters JK-L008 on this page.
It just drops without announcing air date or proper promos first? Is it how they treat to the bromance type of…
IQiyi has a serious cashflow issue throughout 2025 and into this year, so it isn't surprising when they have an issue with marketing. IQiyi has left some of us guessing since Q42025 about certain dramas.
2 
8 
3 
1 
6 
1 
3 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
2 
Zhu Zheng Ting and Hankiz get along very well, and it definitely shows in their interactions (this promotional clip posted less than 12 hours ago on the official drama weibo account is approximately 2 minutes long. I'll translate approximately 1/4 of it):
https://weibo.com/tv/show/1034:5311492984340489
At one point, they have to choose one of two options given to them, and say their chosen option out loud at the same time.
Zhu Zheng Ting chose "Sunny Day". Hankiz didn't say anything but Zhu Zheng Ting knew she wanted to choose "Rainy Day" instead of "Sunny Day" (because a sunny day is just too sunny! exclaims Hankiz, after Zhu Zheng Ting says "I know you wanted to say 'rainy day'"). "A rainy day is well-suited to sleeping," continues Zhu Zheng Ting. "Yes, eat hotpot and sleep. No work," finishes Hankiz.
Hankiz has a vibrant strong voice. Zhu Zheng Ting's voice sounds lighter than I expected, and very pleasant.
"Sweet food" or "Spicy Food"? Unanimous spicy.
"Stay at home" or "Go out"? Both are homebodies.
Introvert or Extrovert? Hilarious vibrant disagreement breaks out, after Zhu Zheng Ting first identifies as an introvert. Hankiz describes him as a very energetic person and a veryveryE person, then describes herself as "I" at the beginning eventually becoming an "E".
Hugs or holding hands? "Hugs" says Hankiz. "Holding hands is too bland, hugging is a must" reckons Zhu Zheng Ting. The rest of his 'justification' makes Hankiz laugh.
When it came to "Comedy" or "Romance", they both chose "Comedy". Hankiz says Zhu Zheng Ting wants to do a comedy drama. Zhu Zheng Ting affirms that he really wants to do a comedy drama.
I can imagine them being very good friends on-set, and great vibes all around XD
I decided to share the lyrics of my favourite song《青》 from this drama here:
https://kisskh.at/profile/Xiang83/feeds/6PpeebSx
Sometimes, songs are spoilers. I must say the theme song is quite apt. Also very beautiful. Alas, only watched 9 episodes. Have a great weekend!
The article above goes briefly into details, pros, and cons of the changes. It allows highly-rated creative dramas to air.
Another factor also includes platforms such as IQiyi and Tencent not doing well financially. And depending on their respective individual situations, older drama dumps also buy time for a shift in focus resulting in what some head honchos of IQiyi and Tencent label as the first "AI blockbuster" slated in Q3 this year.
If you really want to see and understand the details of what I am alluding to, I'd suggest this post plus the longer discussion thread which will get you up to date with significant industry C-Ent news including Yunhe's 7th attempt at having their system approved for "evaluating data" being rejected by CNIPA, as of April and May this year:
https://kisskh.at/profile/Xiang83/feeds/JBExRjtP
Bonus: My summary of the lovely songs over at "You Have My Heart" (complete with bilibili links and some translations)-> https://kisskh.at/809090-xin-jian-cuo#comment-26496296
Zhu Zhengting's drama with Hankiz "You Have My Heart" is now airing.
One of Director Gao's dramas is finally slated to air in July.
Youku, if IQiyi can make all the above happen this year for me to revel in, so can you!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kuh-SLi3fw
The bilibili link is an FMV, using the theme song and showing the lyrics without subtitles (and contains scenes up to episode 6):
https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1KXjF6REBg/
Strong demon lord FL, mortal ML who has certain unwavering beliefs until a certain episode, a question of a tree heart- Enjoying the supernatural elements with gorgeous or eerie scenery. And very lovely songs to boot!
Eventually squaring off against a villain who is mesmerising, compelling , yet repulsive for inhumane qualities- Han Dong would be good.
If you have zero idea of the two manga I have mentioned, check them out XD
The posters are stunning: https://www.weibo.com/8383219122/R4y6rDCCV
I find myself wondering if this is a different take on the classic ideas of Ning Caichen and Nie Xiaoqian. Hankiz is the one taking the lead while Zhu Zhengting learns the ropes from her. The OP song is gorgeous. Zhu Zhengting looks so different, and it's fun to see him kerflummoxed XD
So far, three of the songs used in the drama are out. Aurally wonderful:
# 《青》i.e. "Green" sung by 范钟 : https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1m8Lf6DENu/
(Classically gorgeous. The lyrics start with "一山 一梦 一回 " which can be understood as "One Mountain. One Dream. One Instance.")
#《浮生境》sung by 范钟 : https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1J6LR6bEKw/
# Duet titled《蒹葭》(also understood as "The Reed" in English) uses the words of the poem which is found in "The Book of Songs" known as《诗经》: https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV12sLR6BEu4
A modern scholarly interpretation of 《蒹葭》is to see this poem of three stanzas as longing for a beloved across autumnal waters. The historical interpretation would have no relevance to this drama XD
Sakujun was a necessary experience for Shuurei (he did get on my nerves as a character, but his seiyuu Koyasu Takehito is one of my favourite VAs in anime). And although I wasn't fond of Ryuuki at first, he did grow on me. My grouse was Ryuuki and Shuurei having too short a time together, before she dies (and I'll take it this drama won't even reach that point, but end on a happy note way before)
Chinese adaptations of J-Ent media tend to make me nervous, so I'm not sure if I'll watch. Hopefully you can do an episode summary, when you get there.
And the outfits look stunning on her!
I'm captivated.
I think the outcome would be impressive. Modern drama?
https://kisskh.at/people/67087-ai-mi#comment-26475426
https://kisskh.at/790870-que-gu/discussions/143502-more-details-about-key-to-the-phoenix-heart-pertaining-to-the-leads-and-mohist-mechanism?pid=3537006&page=1#p3537006
My forum thread was created in July 2025, when I translated two articles for an MDL friend who is an Ai Mi fan (plus the production team has some solid veterans whose work I enjoy). Please note that the latest post contains details more accurate than any non-mandarin source you will see, because Ai Mi's strong non-idol projects in dramas and movies play a fundamental part. People who are not fluent in mandarin and only watch idol dramas are unable to comprehend the full impact of her filmography. Cao Dun, Mao Kunyu, and Stephen Chow are Directors who have contributed to this young lady's career about to hit a new high. One of the three projects helmed by these three Directors aired in August 2025, and it will be exciting to see the other two projects air as well!
"Above The Wall" and the movie "Shaolin Women's Soccer" should be airing this year. Fingers crossed that the stars align and truly make this happen!
I have also included some details about screen tests for a chemistry read, so you have an idea why it is important. Ai Mi would have gone through that as part of the auditioning process, and I believe she scored the highest in the chemistry read as the FL-replacement option for "Key to The Phoenix Heart", when it was an emergency situation for the production team to find an FL-replacement.
Ai Mi scoring so highly in the Beijing Film Academy nationwide entrance exams this year is yet another example of her hard work, discipline, and talent. Being sufficiently protected to ensure she has enough time to study and act at the same time, also due to being carefully smart with projects selection to build up an outstanding filmography before the age of 17 by the time of May 2025, is hugely admirable.
~*~*~*~
I wish to be frank and supportive in the manner that Neo Hou Minghao has given his heartfelt gushing admiration and support for Ai Mi during the two segments of KTTPH promotions with Ai Mi at IQiyi World Conference on 20 April in Beijing, almost 2 months ago. Hou Minghao also invited everyone to watch "Key To The Phoenix Heart" and I am also impressed by how super-protective he has been towards Ai Mi in words and actions, but a language barrier may prevent you from being aware of all this.
Hou Minghao has never objected to Ai Mi being his FL. To help you understand why and what he thought and felt, I have also shared in the above forum post what he first thought of Ai Mi when acting opposite her in "Fangs of Fortune", plus a tiny bit of his praise for her:
“…我听说是艾米来演谢嘉鱼, 我当时就非常的开心。我也非常替她而感到高兴-” – Neo Hou Minghao on 20 April
Translation: (When I heard Ai Mi would be Xie Jiayu, at that time I was very happy. I was also very happy for her-)
He could say the above (and a lot more than what I am sharing here) because of his experience filming with Ai Mi in "Fangs of Fortune". This is why he said he became very happy and his heart felt at ease, upon hearing Ai Mi had secured the role of Xie Jiayu as the female lead for “Key To The Phoenix Heart”. Hou Minghao had very strong positive first impressions of Ai Mi as an actress, despite sharing only a few scenes with her. Here’s part of what he said about Ai Mi pertaining to their scenes in “Fangs of Fortune” (his exact words):
“......然后并且我们在现场对戏的时候, 我是完全被感染到的。
然后当时我就觉得: 如果她在面对其他的角色......”
To describe oneself as “completely infected” by another artist is to recognise that person as an excellent collaborator and individual, while indirectly acknowledging the compelling strengths of that artist as an excellent acting partner. Hou Minghao gave Ai Mi the highest form of praise for her portrayal of Qing Geng by describing himself as “completely infected”, while he portrayed Zhao Yuanzhou.
Please feel at ease to happily watch "Key To The Phoenix Heart" when it airs, knowing Neo Hou Minghao praised Ai Mi so much on 20 April that my ears probably went as red as Ai Mi's face that day XD
https://kisskh.at/790870-que-gu/discussions/143502-more-details-about-key-to-the-phoenix-heart-pertaining-to-the-leads-and-mohist-mechanism?pid=3537006&page=1#p3537006
Nobody else on this MDL page is able to summarise details of the production and certain cast members, as I have. I have no doubt there are many Neo Hou fans who can wonderfully describe his efforts and scenes. However, this drama also has other actors and actresses who play important roles.
I am glad Neo Hou was very happy and assured to know Ai Mi was his female lead in "Key To The Phoenix Heart" (his own words, I have added in the forum thread), and he was also happy for her. He couldn't stop praising Ai Mi at the IQiyi World Conference on 20 April, which I was happy to see.
I can also understand if you have reservations. I made my summary post back in July 2025 because of the project details and the Director, which I know many on MDL are not familiar with because of the generational divide. Perhaps take a look, and raise any questions you have :)
"Yun Chu's Vengeance" will see more differences, because the rebirth issue is going to be a stickler. If the drama is to have a happy ending, it will depend on what they do to that specific detail. One possibility I can think of, to create a happy ending: What happened to Yun Chu for almost the entire drama is a dream (she was stuck in a loop but broke out of that loop and hence able to take revenge on those who wronged her), then she wakes up back into the modern world and bumps into modern Chu Yi with a little brother, instead of a little son.
I apologise if "Those Flowers" does not air in June. IQiyi is making it difficult to predict some dramas.
I haven't looked at the links. Will check them out.
When WoF was experiencing its worst trolling in November and December 2025, several of us had to deal with multiple vicious accounts sharing misleading information about WoF that also spontaneously attacked users such as myself with multiple personal insults, whenever we spoke positively about the drama. Otherwise I wouldn't have made so many new friends on that page such as you and kwanto, less than 7 months ago. My only regret is not meeting and knowing you and other WoF supporters on that page earlier, instead of becoming friends only towards the end of WoF!
Nobody likes serial bullying and harassment from the likes of JK-L008. After demonstrating continuous stalker-like behaviour towards me 5 days ago, JK-L008's comment to me 2 days ago now wants to dictate to me who I can make friends with. This is very disturbing to experience, being subjected to such bullying from JK-L008.
JK-L008 is doing the same on this "Shadow Punisher" MDL page as per their behaviour on the WoF MDL page. They still can't accept reality. No CP in this drama.
I don't want to derail this page because of harassment and stalking from JK-L008, so I will pause this thread here. My apologies to whoever encounters JK-L008 on this page.
At least 6 episodes are out.
https://www.weibo.com/6411313907/QDD7O6oeh
Character posters in link. So excited!