She's riveting on-screen, and all three leads are rocking it. Episode 8 shows a bit of Qi SIzhe's backstory, Episode 9 shows a bit of Han Feng's backstory, and I'm guessing a bit of Zhu Qing Yue's backstory will show up after episode 11.
Recently, it seems to me that LYX’s dramas are seriously underrated. I can’t tell whether his anti-fans have…
I enjoy this drama because it is technically superb with tight pacing, but getting past censorship meant some episodes had to be lost. 9 episodes later, I'm eagerly looking forward to the next episode because it is right up my alley!
Not paying protection money wrt Douban leads to getting thrashed there, including the bot issues. They also attacked his 2025 drama.
But you should see the stats shared by kwanto and Dramfun29212 for that LYX drama which finished airing in 2025. After looking at all three categories of Terrestrial/Satellite TV + OTT (Mango, IQiyi, Youku etc) + IPTV, is #1 C-drama of 2025. The first episode of that drama was at least 160 million views for satellite tv dramas, as per CVB data. Mango TV (the second category) exceeded 4.9 billion views in December 2025 for all episodes of that drama. Oh, and the viewing hours per CSM report: "total viewing hours" = 384 mil vs. 225 mil for Joy of Life 2 in 2024 (which was the top drama of 2024).
Happy 2nd day of the NEW YEAR, Shifu! Ooh, I am watching this show now. A bit more confident to watch War shows…
It's a lovely Friday! Sunny for completing laundry XD
Silent Tides is pretty good and heart-wrenching in a different manner from this World War II drama. The acting is on another level here because of the strength of the overall cast, with the supporting cast putting on several unforgettable performances. Both dramas capture the heart in different ways but one thing's for sure of both dramas: We'll never forget the men and women who stood up against colonising invaders and valiantly did everything possible to protect their loved ones and country.
YES! I think Qi Sizhe doesn't even carry a gun or anything, and he just happily went into that tunnel on his own,…
"Unnatural Fire" is a drama I didn't like because I thought it was draggy, although I can see how its style would be very likeable to some viewers because it also involves departmental politics. The first episode was already too repetitive for me, when a certain ML kept referencing his parents. Once at the beginning of the episode is enough. I don't like to feel like I have to be handheld if its a forensics investigative drama, so I dropped it after several episodes.
In my reply to Sharlottka under spoiler tags before your comment to me, I said: [ My question for TTW is what the Director wants for the three leads (as individuals and as a trio) and how the cases relate to what the Director wants us to remember about this series. Liu Ya-se is very under-utilised so far. She's a very good actress. ]
It pains me to say this but as someone who likes Zhang Yunlong's work, I really didn't like him in that drama and I couldn't stomach 38 episodes. Zhang Yunlong's character and Luo Yunxi's character are also fundamentally different.
Mobius and Reset are two dramas in the time-travel genre but with different focus on entertainment areas. Reset is definitely more emotionally-heavy but plot-wise more straightforward, because you only have one major problem for repeated loops. Mobius is more technical and complicated with different changes in multiple loops and I preferred the brainwork it gave me. It took me 8 episodes to grasp the entertainment focus of the Director for Mobius, out of 16 episodes.
I'll need 12 or 13 episodes to get what this Director is going for, and I'm sure he knows his technicalities. I can't classify this yet as a psychological thriller because I want to know the answers to two angles, which I have shared above and quoted here. From what I can see, the team in this drama is technically highly-competent, and the cases have tight deadlines (specifically case 2). The Director uses specific cases to have the team realise the importance of certain human elements in solving cases, and not just focusing on technicalities and procedure. That in turn changes the relationship between two of the leads.
In episode 2 of "Unnatural Fire", Mao Mao asks Xu Tongsheng for help, and Xu Tongsheng obliged. Music used in the background annoyed me to no end throughout episode 2. I also didn't find it funny or endearing, even though the music during the first four minutes of episode 2 wanted the viewer to have a specific sense of the interactive scenes there relative to Mao Mao. One gigantic pet peeve I have with any investigative dramas is to OD on music and then I have a harder time taking it seriously. I always drop those types of dramas.
We probably have very different taste preferences for investigative dramas.
It was nice of another viewer to share a review of this drama's Peeling Cocoon (ep 1–4) by a well known forensic doctor. I quote what the viewer said: [ He praised the forensic scenes as realistic and true to actual procedures. He commented on LYX, nailed it—calm, composed, reacting only to evidence, just like a real forensic professional. ] - https://weibo.com/7563543395/5249180608234345
I'm a technical person first and foremost for investigative dramas and if they don't get me with the pacing and details that I expect, I will drop the drama. During the first three episodes of this drama, I was already nodding my head at the details pertaining to medicine. Some people need emotional connections in an investigative drama to resonate first, and that's fine too.
YES! I think Qi Sizhe doesn't even carry a gun or anything, and he just happily went into that tunnel on his own,…
I wonder if the Director intends to expand on recklessness as Qi Sizhe's blindspot, because I don't know what he was like before the accident.
My question for TTW is what the Director wants for the three leads (as individuals and as a trio) and how the cases relate to what the Director wants us to remember about this series. Liu Ya-se is very under-utilised so far. She's a very good actress.
Jiang Qi Lin is doing very well in micro-emoting that I can't take umbrage at him. I don't dislike him. I like him because he's humane. He's not arrogant. He's carrying a chip on his shoulder, but I don't know what it is from. I had a lot of fun in Mobius drama page discussing theories with someone else, because I managed to use what I know in psychology to get more than 80% of the plot and characters correct.
I've met all sorts of people and I have a bit of experience handling cadavers in a lab. The forensics is spot-on.
Binged 7 episodes today. Diving into the first episode, I happily thought I was in HK of the 90s. Gritty, neon club vibes or harsh street lights, and what an introduction in the first ten minutes!
Without fast-forwarding anything, the pacing and plot of this drama is enjoyable for me, while the clash and mesh of the characters from the get-go in episode 1 give me a map of relationships easily remembered. Director Zhuang Xuanwei also being in charge of the script carefully threaded an important fundamental that reminds of my favourite investigative dramas: The characters are treated with compassion. They have their flaws, and they can change.
Criminals are not whitewashed. Their motives are allowed to unfold in the clues pursued by our investigative team. And in pursuit, our leads learn lessons about humanity that they never expected. Director is old-school in the best ways possible, utilising camerawork that allows your mind to mentally build upon what is presented, hence heightening creepiness and atmosphere. There is no meaningless gore or violence or flashiness, grounding this drama so we can focus on many details without being unnecessarily distracted.
All the different medicines and drugs being utilised in multiple ways is very interesting, and I found myself nodding in approval at the details and usages of those medicines I am familiar with. The first two episodes were the easiest for me.
As to the spider-related case, it is a well-chosen contrast after the first case. Adore the psychology being explored. But every time Han Feng or Qi Sizhe peel away from the team and dash off by themselves into a dark or abandoned- It was funny to catch myself going "OHNODON'TDOTHATPLEASE-" XD
Jiang Qi Lin as Han Feng is killing it with micro-expressions, and so is Liu Ya-se. Wolf-weary jaded tension between Qi Sizhe and Han Feng can only be created by two actors who understand their characters and bring their portrayals of two very-different personalities to the fore. Luo Yunxi easily conveys dark undercurrents of a past he intends to rectify, in a combination of subtleties that has me a bit impatient to know about his past.
At this point, my biggest complaint is wanting to see Luo Yunxi, Jiang Qi Lin and Liu Ya-se interact more as a trio. These three have me wondering about their individual characters and what makes each of them tick, and I want to see that!
I think they did an amazing job of pulling off a problematic story idea. I mean, how do you build any suspense…
It's emotionally lighter than Reset, and does well for its focus of investigative suspense mixed with action and entertainment. Mobius and Reset have different aims in terms of entertainment, despite being classified together in the same genre. Always great to see a squad work together so well too!
I watched it when it aired, and engaged in a lot of guesswork with another viewer, as we discussed theories and suspects. It was fun for me to get at least 80% of my guesswork correct XD
Hi Xiang! Always love to read your sharing, lots of valuable info. 🤩. I enjoyed the tea culture clip notes…
Here's where the ML gets to really outdo them for shamelessness (Directors know that's a strength of the ML), and then when he regains his memory... I expect him to also be another level of shamelessness when he and Rong Shanbao are finally officially together XD
What I also want to see is the FL being shameless and still as cunning plus strong as she was sold to us since episode 1. Right now she's the tactical careful ice queen (icy on the surface), and she'll melt as she goes along. That is going to be interesting.
I prefer Bai Xin Zan as VA for Gulinazha over the VA for Yang Mi in "Eternal Love: Ten Miles of Peace Blossoms". BXZ adds a lot of colour and character with her enunciation, by turns subtle and charming and insinuates menace or helplessness very easily.
Such a brilliant introduction to this intriguing drama and all the creative talent involved. Thank you for this.…
This team definitely knows what they are doing, because they also know how to camouflage weaknesses as best as possible while maximising strengths. Those from the short dramas will be maximally utilised, while tension and conflict is built up between the leads in a manner that feels natural. With all sorts of shamelessness from different suitors including ML being demonstrated, of course XD
Hi Xiang! Always love to read your sharing, lots of valuable info. 🤩. I enjoyed the tea culture clip notes…
Right now, just be distracted by all the yummy suitors fighting for our FL using all sorts of shameless tactics, since the least-entertaining ones have been kicked out :p
We have a stellar powerhouse of a creative team here, and viewers who have never watched Winter Begonia, Story of Yanxi Palace and certain short dramas wouldn't be aware of how talented they are. I'm certain many viewers on this page wouldn't know this.
They are the primary drivers of this drama's success for knowing how to maximise scenes and roles, while always advancing the main plotline and making it look effortless. Zhao Yi Qin and Richard Li Fei are powerhouses in their own right. All this isn't a fluke. It's very technical and micro-managing, not easily visible to someone who does not have at least 20 years of C-Ent experience while able to speak mandarin.
Whoever has watched "Story of Yanxi Palace" can identify all the consorts in the various suitors. If this…
There are many leading actors and actresses from short dramas here. Richard Li Fei and Zhao Yi Qin are among the most prominent, and they are well-cast.
Just as I guessed Bai Xin Zan is the VA for Gulinazha as Rong Shanbao upon first hearing her voice (Bai Xin Zan voiced Chen Yao as Xifang Tao for "Whispers of Fate"), I know Zhao Yi Qin will command the scenes so naturally that viewers new to his acting don't realise, and he always delivers. He is a powerhouse in his own right. If you rewatch the final few minutes of episode 4, you'll see what I mean.
The character I find most intriguing is Zhao Yi Qin as Yan Bai Luo. His costume design and the lines given to…
Whoever has watched "Story of Yanxi Palace" can identify all the consorts in the various suitors. If this was an official harem, Yan Bailuo is the virtuous consort who would deal the final blow to the emperor when least expected. His portrayal is too perfect. I'll be surprised if the screenwriters don't add a twist to him in such a manner. But then again, I am prepared to be surprised because of the secondary screenwriter and another director, all not listed on MDL.
Zhao Yi Qin is a natural magnet in short dramas, He will create chemistry with anyone. He's clearly in his element here.
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Not paying protection money wrt Douban leads to getting thrashed there, including the bot issues. They also attacked his 2025 drama.
But you should see the stats shared by kwanto and Dramfun29212 for that LYX drama which finished airing in 2025. After looking at all three categories of Terrestrial/Satellite TV + OTT (Mango, IQiyi, Youku etc) + IPTV, is #1 C-drama of 2025. The first episode of that drama was at least 160 million views for satellite tv dramas, as per CVB data. Mango TV (the second category) exceeded 4.9 billion views in December 2025 for all episodes of that drama. Oh, and the viewing hours per CSM report: "total viewing hours" = 384 mil vs. 225 mil for Joy of Life 2 in 2024 (which was the top drama of 2024).
https://kisskh.at/people/11095-luo-yunxi#comment-24652802
Silent Tides is pretty good and heart-wrenching in a different manner from this World War II drama. The acting is on another level here because of the strength of the overall cast, with the supporting cast putting on several unforgettable performances. Both dramas capture the heart in different ways but one thing's for sure of both dramas: We'll never forget the men and women who stood up against colonising invaders and valiantly did everything possible to protect their loved ones and country.
In my reply to Sharlottka under spoiler tags before your comment to me, I said: [ My question for TTW is what the Director wants for the three leads (as individuals and as a trio) and how the cases relate to what the Director wants us to remember about this series. Liu Ya-se is very under-utilised so far. She's a very good actress. ]
This is the Douban review that resonated with me for "Unnatural Fire" (loopholes and all): https://movie.douban.com/subject/36402118/
It pains me to say this but as someone who likes Zhang Yunlong's work, I really didn't like him in that drama and I couldn't stomach 38 episodes. Zhang Yunlong's character and Luo Yunxi's character are also fundamentally different.
Mobius and Reset are two dramas in the time-travel genre but with different focus on entertainment areas. Reset is definitely more emotionally-heavy but plot-wise more straightforward, because you only have one major problem for repeated loops. Mobius is more technical and complicated with different changes in multiple loops and I preferred the brainwork it gave me. It took me 8 episodes to grasp the entertainment focus of the Director for Mobius, out of 16 episodes.
I'll need 12 or 13 episodes to get what this Director is going for, and I'm sure he knows his technicalities. I can't classify this yet as a psychological thriller because I want to know the answers to two angles, which I have shared above and quoted here. From what I can see, the team in this drama is technically highly-competent, and the cases have tight deadlines (specifically case 2). The Director uses specific cases to have the team realise the importance of certain human elements in solving cases, and not just focusing on technicalities and procedure. That in turn changes the relationship between two of the leads.
In episode 2 of "Unnatural Fire", Mao Mao asks Xu Tongsheng for help, and Xu Tongsheng obliged. Music used in the background annoyed me to no end throughout episode 2. I also didn't find it funny or endearing, even though the music during the first four minutes of episode 2 wanted the viewer to have a specific sense of the interactive scenes there relative to Mao Mao. One gigantic pet peeve I have with any investigative dramas is to OD on music and then I have a harder time taking it seriously. I always drop those types of dramas.
We probably have very different taste preferences for investigative dramas.
It was nice of another viewer to share a review of this drama's Peeling Cocoon (ep 1–4) by a well known forensic doctor. I quote what the viewer said: [ He praised the forensic scenes as realistic and true to actual procedures. He commented on LYX, nailed it—calm, composed, reacting only to evidence, just like a real forensic professional. ] - https://weibo.com/7563543395/5249180608234345
I'm a technical person first and foremost for investigative dramas and if they don't get me with the pacing and details that I expect, I will drop the drama. During the first three episodes of this drama, I was already nodding my head at the details pertaining to medicine. Some people need emotional connections in an investigative drama to resonate first, and that's fine too.
My question for TTW is what the Director wants for the three leads (as individuals and as a trio) and how the cases relate to what the Director wants us to remember about this series. Liu Ya-se is very under-utilised so far. She's a very good actress.
Jiang Qi Lin is doing very well in micro-emoting that I can't take umbrage at him. I don't dislike him. I like him because he's humane. He's not arrogant. He's carrying a chip on his shoulder, but I don't know what it is from. I had a lot of fun in Mobius drama page discussing theories with someone else, because I managed to use what I know in psychology to get more than 80% of the plot and characters correct.
I've met all sorts of people and I have a bit of experience handling cadavers in a lab. The forensics is spot-on.
Without fast-forwarding anything, the pacing and plot of this drama is enjoyable for me, while the clash and mesh of the characters from the get-go in episode 1 give me a map of relationships easily remembered. Director Zhuang Xuanwei also being in charge of the script carefully threaded an important fundamental that reminds of my favourite investigative dramas: The characters are treated with compassion. They have their flaws, and they can change.
Criminals are not whitewashed. Their motives are allowed to unfold in the clues pursued by our investigative team. And in pursuit, our leads learn lessons about humanity that they never expected. Director is old-school in the best ways possible, utilising camerawork that allows your mind to mentally build upon what is presented, hence heightening creepiness and atmosphere. There is no meaningless gore or violence or flashiness, grounding this drama so we can focus on many details without being unnecessarily distracted.
All the different medicines and drugs being utilised in multiple ways is very interesting, and I found myself nodding in approval at the details and usages of those medicines I am familiar with. The first two episodes were the easiest for me.
As to the spider-related case, it is a well-chosen contrast after the first case. Adore the psychology being explored. But every time Han Feng or Qi Sizhe peel away from the team and dash off by themselves into a dark or abandoned- It was funny to catch myself going "OHNODON'TDOTHATPLEASE-" XD
Jiang Qi Lin as Han Feng is killing it with micro-expressions, and so is Liu Ya-se. Wolf-weary jaded tension between Qi Sizhe and Han Feng can only be created by two actors who understand their characters and bring their portrayals of two very-different personalities to the fore. Luo Yunxi easily conveys dark undercurrents of a past he intends to rectify, in a combination of subtleties that has me a bit impatient to know about his past.
At this point, my biggest complaint is wanting to see Luo Yunxi, Jiang Qi Lin and Liu Ya-se interact more as a trio. These three have me wondering about their individual characters and what makes each of them tick, and I want to see that!
I watched it when it aired, and engaged in a lot of guesswork with another viewer, as we discussed theories and suspects. It was fun for me to get at least 80% of my guesswork correct XD
What are you watching now?
What I also want to see is the FL being shameless and still as cunning plus strong as she was sold to us since episode 1. Right now she's the tactical careful ice queen (icy on the surface), and she'll melt as she goes along. That is going to be interesting.
I prefer Bai Xin Zan as VA for Gulinazha over the VA for Yang Mi in "Eternal Love: Ten Miles of Peace Blossoms". BXZ adds a lot of colour and character with her enunciation, by turns subtle and charming and insinuates menace or helplessness very easily.
https://kisskh.at/772283-ming-men-shi-jia#comment-24642016
They are the primary drivers of this drama's success for knowing how to maximise scenes and roles, while always advancing the main plotline and making it look effortless. Zhao Yi Qin and Richard Li Fei are powerhouses in their own right. All this isn't a fluke. It's very technical and micro-managing, not easily visible to someone who does not have at least 20 years of C-Ent experience while able to speak mandarin.
This earlier post of mine about cast and crew might help you, if you haven't seen it: https://kisskh.at/772283-ming-men-shi-jia#comment-24642016
Happy New Year! May 2026 be a blessed abundant year for you :)
Just as I guessed Bai Xin Zan is the VA for Gulinazha as Rong Shanbao upon first hearing her voice (Bai Xin Zan voiced Chen Yao as Xifang Tao for "Whispers of Fate"), I know Zhao Yi Qin will command the scenes so naturally that viewers new to his acting don't realise, and he always delivers. He is a powerhouse in his own right. If you rewatch the final few minutes of episode 4, you'll see what I mean.
The creative team is a stellar powerhouse, and they have delivered as I expected, in storylines and more: https://kisskh.at/772283-ming-men-shi-jia#comment-24642016
Happy New Year! May you have an abundant and blessed 2026!
I'm glad to say this to you <33
🌷♡₊˚ 🦢・₊✧🌷♡₊˚ 🦢・₊✧🌷♡₊˚ 🦢・₊✧🌷♡₊˚ 🦢・₊✧🌷
Zhao Yi Qin is a natural magnet in short dramas, He will create chemistry with anyone. He's clearly in his element here.
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