Tough to say from the reuters. In some clips, he appears to be on good terms with the leads. In others, he clearly…
Most likely misunderstandings between the ML and 2ML will persist for more than half the drama. It would be nice if they could at least be on good-terms by the end of the drama, rather than killing off Riley Wang's character. It would be nice for ML, 2ML and FL to have a happy ending in the same drama. Cdrama needs more happy endings! Riley and Ai Mi played tragic characters in FoF, and I would like them to have a happy ending as friends in this drama.
Maybe he's a guy with specific issues that need to be resolved.As an aside, Riley is in this scene with Peter…
This is what I understand this far:
Xie Huai Gui and officials aligned with him are an obstacle for Xiao Wuyi. Xiao Wuyi will also have to deal with Li Mao (Riley Wang's character).
I'm hoping that with this main screenwriter 2ML Li Mao is not a simplified toxic villain who doesn't get the girl he's always had feelings for, but will be portrayed as a 2ML who trusted the wrong people for advice (read: Xie Huai Gui) and unfortunately must protect his position and family as per his family's goals. Between a tortured misunderstood ML who has to get over enough obstacles to win the FL's heart alongside a 2ML complex and akin to Nan Xu Yue in "The Blossoming Love", having two key male characters in opposition for understandable reasons will be a great draw for this drama.
There is the question of how Xie Jiayu possesses Mohist Mechanism knowledge, but I believe that has nothing to do with Li Mao. It would be nice if her inspiration for such knowledge can be traced back to say, a childhood incident with Li Mao.
The screenwriter is going to be essential, which is always one of my criteria for a drama or movie. I'm watching "The Journey Of Legend" and have seen 14 episodes. The main Screenwriter's script has affected the Director's creative vision, in terms of enabling Cheng Yi to have the best interpretation of the ML for the first eight episodes.
From the first ten episodes, three episodes of TJOL involving transmigration is jarring unlike ADWAD, while from episode 4 the wuxia elements and plot come in far more smoothly and improves /remains consistent for the next 10 episodes. This indicates the modern elements must be original improvised insertions, while the main novel's elements are classically maintained. If the main screenwriter cannot weave in these original insertions well enough, the Director will be affected.
I feel sorry for Cheng Yi because he has worked hard and the first three episodes can be critical for non-fans to decide whether to continue watching. His character's interpretation is affected because of this key factor. You will see his performance changing to become more comfortable across episodes 4 to 8 and in episode 9, he comes into his own.
BAYM is a 12 episode fantasy rom-com. It’s supposed to be light with very little depth. It’s the type of drama…
Ooh, entertainment industry? It's understandable to feel frustrated. The longer one has watched Kdramas, Jdramas and/or CDramas or any other genre, the less patience one has because in most cases, you know what you're looking for. I watched Cdramas for close to 30 years, followed by Jdramas, then Kdramas. For me, Jdramas are more efficient than Kdramas. Jdrama Love Shuffle is my favourite "romance" Jdrama, because it's intelligent and engaging while tackling issues and the romances move the plots. When Kdramas are done well such as My Mister, worth more than rewatching. I get bored with romance-first dramas or movies.
I don't think you are overly critical. You're coming from the viewpoint of approaching this show with an objective eye and wanting something that makes you feel the constant pull of what you miss. The macarons had me blinking. followed by wondering how FL pulled it off when I believe the Joseon era had issues with oil and butter, and I'm not even into baking like you.
The limitations of this drama is from the novel, whereby I understand it is cooking-focused with romance while placing limits on palace politics. If it's an original script, the screenwriters would have more to work with. As an adaptation, they have to make this tyrant king palatable and keep it suitably light yet realistic (nevermind the taser that made it through the french airport, falling from a certain height into a convenient river without getting a concussion, etc...) My objectivity is that this drama has made clear its limitations to me with the first two episodes, and I'm going to enjoy it like popcorn. I don't have a decision about rewatchability yet.
I am fortunate to have interesting f-listers whereby we keep in-depth discussions in DM (be it Golden Age of Hollywood, acting dissections, 1989 iconic cyberpunk slasher movie Tetsuo: the Ironman - Review here: https://letterboxd.com/elcochran90/film/tetsuo-the-iron-man/#comments- not to be confused with the fluffy Marvel Ironman etc ).
Pre-introduction of Jang Chun-saeng in ep 7 had me cracking up, when at 17:00 the cannon-like machine blasted out puffed rice instead of a cannon ball. His interactions with the FL are heartwarming. And to make sure we didn't forget how dangerous palace politics are, injuries abound in the second half of the episode.
There's a few takeaways from this episode, such as finding someone who'll go after you and be there for you in the same way the FL is determined to have and protect a pressure cooker pot XD
She's long overdue to join the longform dramas. Did you read this article about her?https://m.mp.oeeee.com/a/BAAFRD0000202508051109510.html
Micro-dramas are huge profit generators. The returns are fast for companies and investors that invest in micro-dramas, and it can take up to only 3 months from pre-production to broadcast. Almost 600 million users in China watch micro-dramas. The big companies are paying attention and getting in on the game.
2025 is the year where a fair number of articles are focused on China's micro-drama industry.
[ The micro-drama industry now generates astronomical figures. In 2024, revenues soared to 50.44 billion yuan (approximately $6.8 billion), surpassing box office earnings for the first time, according to the China Network Broadcasting Service Association. By June, the number of users had reached 576 million. ]
[ China's online entertainment sector continued its rapid growth in 2024. According to official data, authorities granted distribution licenses to 219 major online films, 166 web series, 659 animated productions, and 602 micro-dramas over the course of the year.
Meanwhile, Chinese internet users spent more than three hours a day on average watching online audiovisual content, reflecting the deepening role of digital platforms in everyday cultural consumption. ]
Should a large number of fans of Ma Qiuyuan follow her in terms of also watching her longform dramas, that would be significant. I am sure she will prove to be FL material for longform dramas in her two upcoming support roles for KTTPH and In The Moonlight.
I have to say, trying to find BTS for her is a bit of a pain.
I could watch 6 episodes on IQiyi now plus see the previews for episodes 7 and 8, but I'm not in the mood.
Whispers Of Fate (I forgot they changed the English title) is going to be great, especially when Luo Yunxi excels at roles where he isn't entirely good but an interesting character. Tang Lici has psychopathic traits, if I remember correctly.
Solidly gripping. Strong performances all around, whether as leads or support roles. A crime thriller with a heartening…
Julian Cheung will be fantastic in it. The teasers with Cheng Yi look good.
Dragon's Chant is definitely no romance for the ML (he's an anti-hero who will flirt with everybody). It's male-centric. That's Luo Yunxi's S++ drama with Mango when it airs late-October.
BAYM is a 12 episode fantasy rom-com. It’s supposed to be light with very little depth. It’s the type of drama…
Comments like yours are very helpful and relevant, because it opens up discussion and helps to further mature exchanges.
From Ep 1 where certain details were sacrificed to advance the drama and main plot for the two leads (and there were a fair number of relevant observations hidden under spoilers when the first two eps aired, which I also added), I'd say this drama's primary focus as a fantasy rom-com is a guilty pleasure which necessitates smoothing over and balancing the historical angles of the ML, where understandably a certain number of watchers (Korean and international) are on the line about. I mentioned to another viewer that wherever your red line is on that historical issue, it's understandable if you don't finish the series. And sometimes, part of a decision can be due to understanding from someone else which shapes whether one decides to continue watching or not.
When I refer to guilty pleasure, this drama is not aiming to excel in something innovatively new (or go in-depth akin to a good crime thriller with a well-developed human interest angle) but by doing well in its primary focus for certain angles as a fantasy rom-com in not telling the audience what to think or over-moralising and simply letting the story unfold as it does, this drama adaptation of a novel will achieve certain aims for all involved in its production while giving an audience something to rewatch and remember for its intentions.
"Yamakasi – Les Samouraïs des temps modernes" is a guilty pleasure for me. Critics can pan multiple aspects such as the simple storyline, the parkour not being sufficiently flashy and expansive, etc as a lesser Luc Besson action-comedy movie but for me, it fits a realistic almost-naive down-to-earth Robin Hood attempt from seven mostly-migrant dudes in Paris who haven't got anything else other than parkour skills and their wits to save one of their fans. Are they right? Is it wrong to do what they decide to carry out? That's where the detective who is related to one of the seven chaps is positioned to be the moral angle of the story. Good distraction.
Sometimes we want a slice of life to be short that transports us to another country, which is where "Tabiya Okaeri" comes in. What plot? At 4 episodes of 30 minutes each, it's heartwarming fluff akin to one woman doing a down-to-earth selfie travel-mercial taking one into the foods, sights and pleasures of being in a specific part of Japan while showcasing how random human connections can birth surprises (and reminds me of the Japan I know), unlike the original Korean drama of many more episodes with a very different set of intentions.
At this point, I reckon many viewers are yearning for a good distraction that has its head way in the clouds but feet still touching the ground, and this fits the bill. Whatever the viewer's moods, maybe this is a nostalgic McDonald's meal to someone, a decadent dessert to another viewer, or a cheesecake sorely in need of improvement to yet another viewer.
Thanks for your well-detailed observations about the macarons. Whatever one's reasons for watching or dropping this drama or putting it on-hold, no one should have to feel bad about it or make someone else feel bad about their choices. And it's good to put forth varying viewpoints amicably, as you've demonstrated. Hope your macarons turned out well :)
2 
7 
1 
3 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5210660180853347 - FMV of Ai Mi from various scenes in KTTPH, for one minute twenty-one seconds.
https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5206902805107329 - Reuters of Ai Mi smiling despite getting accidentally hit. I don't know if you saw this one on Youtube.
Xie Huai Gui and officials aligned with him are an obstacle for Xiao Wuyi. Xiao Wuyi will also have to deal with Li Mao (Riley Wang's character).
I'm hoping that with this main screenwriter 2ML Li Mao is not a simplified toxic villain who doesn't get the girl he's always had feelings for, but will be portrayed as a 2ML who trusted the wrong people for advice (read: Xie Huai Gui) and unfortunately must protect his position and family as per his family's goals. Between a tortured misunderstood ML who has to get over enough obstacles to win the FL's heart alongside a 2ML complex and akin to Nan Xu Yue in "The Blossoming Love", having two key male characters in opposition for understandable reasons will be a great draw for this drama.
There is the question of how Xie Jiayu possesses Mohist Mechanism knowledge, but I believe that has nothing to do with Li Mao. It would be nice if her inspiration for such knowledge can be traced back to say, a childhood incident with Li Mao.
The screenwriter is going to be essential, which is always one of my criteria for a drama or movie. I'm watching "The Journey Of Legend" and have seen 14 episodes. The main Screenwriter's script has affected the Director's creative vision, in terms of enabling Cheng Yi to have the best interpretation of the ML for the first eight episodes.
From the first ten episodes, three episodes of TJOL involving transmigration is jarring unlike ADWAD, while from episode 4 the wuxia elements and plot come in far more smoothly and improves /remains consistent for the next 10 episodes. This indicates the modern elements must be original improvised insertions, while the main novel's elements are classically maintained. If the main screenwriter cannot weave in these original insertions well enough, the Director will be affected.
I feel sorry for Cheng Yi because he has worked hard and the first three episodes can be critical for non-fans to decide whether to continue watching. His character's interpretation is affected because of this key factor. You will see his performance changing to become more comfortable across episodes 4 to 8 and in episode 9, he comes into his own.
Ci Sha and Li Landi on this motorbike is tops: https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5208029351909396
Ci Sha and Li Landi for Qixi were adorable: https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5204918781608470
(alternate link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnKwSlG_TBY)
Montage of various characters in the drama, together and their individual moments: https://m.weibo.cn/status/5168339284138382
Collection of videos pertaining to Ci Sha's character: https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5145209105290541
Below are a collection of FMVs using BTS~
Ci Sha in watchful engaged contemplation: https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5186811374863942
Ci Sha and Li Landi having fun walking next to each other: https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5149668327293003
I don't think you are overly critical. You're coming from the viewpoint of approaching this show with an objective eye and wanting something that makes you feel the constant pull of what you miss. The macarons had me blinking. followed by wondering how FL pulled it off when I believe the Joseon era had issues with oil and butter, and I'm not even into baking like you.
The limitations of this drama is from the novel, whereby I understand it is cooking-focused with romance while placing limits on palace politics. If it's an original script, the screenwriters would have more to work with. As an adaptation, they have to make this tyrant king palatable and keep it suitably light yet realistic (nevermind the taser that made it through the french airport, falling from a certain height into a convenient river without getting a concussion, etc...) My objectivity is that this drama has made clear its limitations to me with the first two episodes, and I'm going to enjoy it like popcorn. I don't have a decision about rewatchability yet.
I am fortunate to have interesting f-listers whereby we keep in-depth discussions in DM (be it Golden Age of Hollywood, acting dissections, 1989 iconic cyberpunk slasher movie Tetsuo: the Ironman - Review here: https://letterboxd.com/elcochran90/film/tetsuo-the-iron-man/#comments- not to be confused with the fluffy Marvel Ironman etc ).
There's a few takeaways from this episode, such as finding someone who'll go after you and be there for you in the same way the FL is determined to have and protect a pressure cooker pot XD
[ 弟呀@于朦胧 你走慢点，哥还有话和你说。若听到定要来入梦一叙。]
May the stars shine brightly where you are. And may you rest in peace.
(Tribute montage of Yu Menglong as Bai Zhen: https://weibo.com/tv/show/5210119487815736)
Amidst the birthday wishes, this one to Ma Qiuyuan stood out: (https://m.weibo.cn/status/5210142800351916)
[ 祝马秋元生日快乐！喜欢你在短剧中的鲜活演绎，无论是为角色注入的认真与鲜活，还是用演技把故事讲得生动，每一份精彩都格外打动人心。新的一岁，愿你既有镜头前的高光时刻，能解锁更多精彩角色、剧本常伴，让每个角色都发光、都能打动人心；也有生活里的满满甜意，如你塑造的故事般热闹又温暖，满是不期而遇的温暖，日子鲜活喜乐，累了有栖息的角落，笑时能毫无保留。愿你事业节节高，生活甜如蜜，追逐热爱的路上总有星光相伴，没有琐碎的烦恼，只有拆不完的惊喜和藏不住的笑意，所求皆如愿，所行皆坦途，平安快乐，一直被美好围绕呀！也愿你新岁每段戏都拍得顺遂，每段生活都过得舒心，得空时能好好放松，拥抱自在的小欢喜～]
2025 is the year where a fair number of articles are focused on China's micro-drama industry.
https://english.elpais.com/culture/2025-01-24/inside-chinas-micro-drama-boom-how-one-minute-episodes-are-taking-cellphone-viewers-by-storm.html
[ The micro-drama industry now generates astronomical figures. In 2024, revenues soared to 50.44 billion yuan (approximately $6.8 billion), surpassing box office earnings for the first time, according to the China Network Broadcasting Service Association. By June, the number of users had reached 576 million. ]
And I want to add this:
https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202505/09/WS681dc1f9a310a04af22be6c7.html
[ China's online entertainment sector continued its rapid growth in 2024. According to official data, authorities granted distribution licenses to 219 major online films, 166 web series, 659 animated productions, and 602 micro-dramas over the course of the year.
Meanwhile, Chinese internet users spent more than three hours a day on average watching online audiovisual content, reflecting the deepening role of digital platforms in everyday cultural consumption. ]
Should a large number of fans of Ma Qiuyuan follow her in terms of also watching her longform dramas, that would be significant. I am sure she will prove to be FL material for longform dramas in her two upcoming support roles for KTTPH and In The Moonlight.
I have to say, trying to find BTS for her is a bit of a pain.
This is for you to enjoy with the upcoming weekend: https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5207926591457786
https://kisskh.at/775835-1st-kiss#comment-23258008
https://m.mp.oeeee.com/a/BAAFRD0000202508051109510.html
I could watch 6 episodes on IQiyi now plus see the previews for episodes 7 and 8, but I'm not in the mood.
Whispers Of Fate (I forgot they changed the English title) is going to be great, especially when Luo Yunxi excels at roles where he isn't entirely good but an interesting character. Tang Lici has psychopathic traits, if I remember correctly.
Dragon's Chant is definitely no romance for the ML (he's an anti-hero who will flirt with everybody). It's male-centric. That's Luo Yunxi's S++ drama with Mango when it airs late-October.
Peter Ho at last! Xie Huaigui and Li Mao (Riley Wang) are in this scene: https://m.weibo.cn/status/5208695156774737
He's asking for another take: https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5209293970211867
Collection of still shots of him onset and in-character, as of early September: https://m.weibo.cn/status/5206477888552992
Moving montage of him in his mask: https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5208892221947931
He's sweet with his horse. See if you want to add this: https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5201355792974243
As an aside, Riley is in this scene with Peter Ho, and you can hear the lines: https://m.weibo.cn/status/5208695156774737
From Ep 1 where certain details were sacrificed to advance the drama and main plot for the two leads (and there were a fair number of relevant observations hidden under spoilers when the first two eps aired, which I also added), I'd say this drama's primary focus as a fantasy rom-com is a guilty pleasure which necessitates smoothing over and balancing the historical angles of the ML, where understandably a certain number of watchers (Korean and international) are on the line about. I mentioned to another viewer that wherever your red line is on that historical issue, it's understandable if you don't finish the series. And sometimes, part of a decision can be due to understanding from someone else which shapes whether one decides to continue watching or not.
When I refer to guilty pleasure, this drama is not aiming to excel in something innovatively new (or go in-depth akin to a good crime thriller with a well-developed human interest angle) but by doing well in its primary focus for certain angles as a fantasy rom-com in not telling the audience what to think or over-moralising and simply letting the story unfold as it does, this drama adaptation of a novel will achieve certain aims for all involved in its production while giving an audience something to rewatch and remember for its intentions.
"Yamakasi – Les Samouraïs des temps modernes" is a guilty pleasure for me. Critics can pan multiple aspects such as the simple storyline, the parkour not being sufficiently flashy and expansive, etc as a lesser Luc Besson action-comedy movie but for me, it fits a realistic almost-naive down-to-earth Robin Hood attempt from seven mostly-migrant dudes in Paris who haven't got anything else other than parkour skills and their wits to save one of their fans. Are they right? Is it wrong to do what they decide to carry out? That's where the detective who is related to one of the seven chaps is positioned to be the moral angle of the story. Good distraction.
Sometimes we want a slice of life to be short that transports us to another country, which is where "Tabiya Okaeri" comes in. What plot? At 4 episodes of 30 minutes each, it's heartwarming fluff akin to one woman doing a down-to-earth selfie travel-mercial taking one into the foods, sights and pleasures of being in a specific part of Japan while showcasing how random human connections can birth surprises (and reminds me of the Japan I know), unlike the original Korean drama of many more episodes with a very different set of intentions.
At this point, I reckon many viewers are yearning for a good distraction that has its head way in the clouds but feet still touching the ground, and this fits the bill. Whatever the viewer's moods, maybe this is a nostalgic McDonald's meal to someone, a decadent dessert to another viewer, or a cheesecake sorely in need of improvement to yet another viewer.
Thanks for your well-detailed observations about the macarons. Whatever one's reasons for watching or dropping this drama or putting it on-hold, no one should have to feel bad about it or make someone else feel bad about their choices. And it's good to put forth varying viewpoints amicably, as you've demonstrated. Hope your macarons turned out well :)