Li Mu Yan

Finished the Drama… Emotionally Confused but Respectfully Invested

So, I’ll be honest—the first reason I watched this drama was Zhao Liying. No shame in that. Then I read the synopsis, got intrigued, and hit play.

At first? Total confusion. I genuinely thought I accidentally skipped an episode or five. I almost dropped it. But then I saw some comments saying it actually has a deep message, so I thought, “Okay, let’s suffer through this confusion together.”

I’m glad I stuck with it—because by the end, it hit me: this guy might’ve been struggling with mental health, and all those strange scenes? They weren’t just artsy edits—they meant something. (Kind of. I think.)

But hey, I still have questions:

What does "alter" even mean in this context? Are they imaginary friends? Emotional roommates?

That last episode—were they living in parallel worlds or what? Because my brain left the chat.

Episode 1, in the car—when the three characters showed up... was that even real? Or just in his head? Or my head? Honestly, unsure.

Also, can someone explain how the five characters are connected to him and how they became his alters? Like, respectfully, I watched all the episodes and still feel like I missed a secret manual.

In the end though, this drama has a message, strong acting, and visuals that kept me watching—even if my brain was doing somersaults the whole time. If you're into layered storytelling and a bit of mental gymnastics, this might just be your thing.

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One of My Most Anticipated… and Biggest Letdowns

I’m officially done with this drama. Tapped out. Clocked out. Logged off. The first few episodes? Insane—in a good way! I was hooked. SYM had my sympathy too—she read the novel, saw the original SYM’s fate, and did what any self-aware queen would do: run from NH like her life depended on it (because it kinda did).

But as the episodes went on… oof. I kept thinking, “Surely SYM will grow after all this truth starts raining down on her,” but no. It’s like the truth was the rain, and SYM brought an emotional umbrella and noise-cancelling headphones. Girl wants an explanation from NH, but the second he opens his mouth, she’s like, “Shhh.” Ma’am??? You asked!!

And don’t even get me started on the logic—she supposedly hates NH but can’t recognize LSL’s voice or eyes? We’re not in a Scooby-Doo mystery; it’s literally the same guy. I kept watching, hoping something would click for her. It didn’t. What did click was my “exit drama” button.

Honestly, I only stayed this long because I was invested in SGH and SYT. Their chemistry was doing more for me than the main couple. Sorry not sorry. I love LYN and LYT, but this drama just wasn’t it. I know some folks will say “it gets better,” but I can’t keep watching out of hope and caffeine.

Anyway, no hate—just my opinion. If you love it, I love that for you 💅

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He Outsmarted the Enemy, She Outsold Everyone—Iconic Duo Energy

This drama may look like your typical revenge story at first glance—you know, the usual: tragic past, massacred family, hidden identities, everyone suspiciously skilled at sword fighting. But guess what? It actually surprised me. And I don’t say that lightly as someone who’s basically seen every "vengeful male lead with a tragic backstory" drama ever made.

First of all, I didn’t expect that whole thing with the father’s old friend, and don’t even get me started on the Gui Seal—does it work? How does it work? Honestly, I still have questions, but I was too invested to care. I just kept clicking “next episode.”

The characters? Unexpectedly refreshing. Most male leads in revenge dramas just start swinging swords and calling it justice. But this guy? He uses his brain—and it’s actually so satisfying to watch him manipulate the enemy like he’s playing chess. And then there’s the female lead… She’s the husband now. Calm, capable, and emotionally grounded—exactly the kind of FL I’ve been craving.

Now let’s talk villains. These people don’t play around. They’re brutal, impatient, and will literally murder their allies over lunch. I was stressed. Constantly.

The acting? Way too good, honestly. Some deaths felt so real that I cried like I personally knew them. The casting of older, seasoned actors really gave it that extra depth—it didn’t feel like a bunch of pretty faces pretending; it felt lived-in and serious.

And the plot twists? Some I guessed. Others laughed in my face. This drama really had me thinking I was smart just to slap me with a “haha, nope.” I turned into a full-time detective and still failed miserably. Loved every second.

If you’re into revenge, hidden identities, mystery, thrillers, and characters who make you yell at your screen—this one’s for you.

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Second Chances Of Life

Damn, I just finished WYL's other drama, and watching this right after made me like her even more. And honestly, it’s not just her carrying the whole show—the entire cast and the storyline worked together so well. I truly didn’t expect a happy ending here, because this drama had already traumatized me in some episodes (yes, I’m looking at you, Episode 8 👀).

What really hit me was SC sacrificing himself to give his mother a good life, instead of letting her end it all because of that useless gambler father. That storyline hurt, but it was beautifully done. My favorite though? TYX’s loyalty to YHT—she literally had her own grave built beside TYX’s grave. That scene destroyed me. I cried. No regrets.

Now, here’s what I’m still wishing for: the story of Yu Nian and Shen Cheng. Don’t tell me they wouldn’t meet again in that lifetime, because I refuse to accept that. Also, can we talk about how they kept switching timelines each episode but somehow it never felt confusing? Rare blessing.

Sure, I still have a few questions about certain parts, but honestly? It doesn’t even matter anymore because the ending was solid. And a good ending in a C-drama? That’s already a miracle.
Highly recommended.

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Underrated Cast, Unforgettable Vibes—I’m in Love with This Drama

This was one of my most anticipated dramas of 2025, and it absolutely delivered. Every time I watch an episode, it feels way too short—I’m that hooked. Honestly, no other drama has made me this excited in a long time.

Even though the cast is full of underrated actors, they brought their A-game. Every single one of them nailed their role, and I ended up loving all the characters so much, I can’t even pick a favorite—they’re all my favorites now!

The couples? Adorable and hilarious. Sweet and chaotic in the best way. The romance and comedy balance each other so well, and the friendship dynamics just made it even better. And yes, I cried at the end. The final episode hit hard.

I’m really hoping for a Season 2—this cast, this story, this energy deserves more. If you're looking for something with heart, humor, friendship, and romance, I highly recommend this one.

Let’s love this drama together!!!

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Second Lead Syndrome Has Never Hurt This Bad

First of all, I need to say it: the male lead? A walking red flag wrapped in pretty packaging. I was practically begging the FL to open her eyes—girl, your first love may be nostalgic, but the better option is right there waving with green flags! And what does she do? She chooses the red flag anyway. Classic.

I actually dropped the drama the moment MS started falling for LC. It just felt… weird. No chemistry, all awkward energy. Like, am I the only one who saw sibling vibes and not slow-burn romance?

And let’s talk about the crime of the century: giving JMS and SQZ all that sweet romantic buildup, only to shove them aside for an ending we all knew was coming—but were still hoping wouldn’t. I was rooting for literally everyone except the male lead. If you’re going to make me feel things, at least let it be for a couple that actually makes sense!

But hey, no shade if you loved it. Everyone has their taste. I’m just here to loudly and dramatically mourn the second male lead (again).

Still mildly recommend it… for the rage and the side couples.

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What An Insanely Plot

This drama is basically going to be underrated, and that’s a crime because let’s talk about the plot—it’s confusing in the best way possible. Not the kind of confusing that makes you drop it, but the kind that blows your mind. At first flashback, I honestly didn’t know who to support because it felt like everyone had a motive. The only one I trusted the whole time was the police (seriously though, I NEED to know who wrote that letter about Hao Mei Li and Qu Tong).

Then things got wild—when they revealed SMX has an identical twin, my jaw actually dropped. I’m not exaggerating or being cringe, that twist really did shock me.

And let’s not skip the acting—it was top tier. Plus, every time I see a drama with that low-saturation coloring, I just know it’s going to be good. Pair that with this cast and the way they handled the CGI, and it’s an easy win for me.

So yeah, highly recommend this one. Don’t sleep on it!

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Not Quite Sharp, Not Quite Soft, Still Watched

This drama? Not bad at all! I knew going in it was a short drama with a tighter budget, so I wasn’t expecting top-tier visuals—and yes, there’s a fair amount of AI scenery going on. But honestly, I didn’t mind. I was more focused on the plot anyway, which turned out to be pretty solid and occasionally surprising.

That said, some scenes definitely gave “filler episode” energy—like they were thrown in just to stretch the runtime. And a few moments left me confused. Why was the FL poisoned? Did I miss something, or did they just not explain it? I also couldn’t fully grasp the villain’s backstory… or was there even one? Maybe they were just born evil and clocked in for chaos.

Also, can we talk about the twin fish villains? One got all the screen time, and the second just appeared like a bonus track no one asked for. The audio was another thing—I could hear every breath like ASMR gone rogue. And the FL's crying? Adorably dramatic, but it reminded me of a kid throwing a tantrum in slow motion (common in short dramas, I guess).

Still, I’d call this one neutral-to-decent. I really enjoyed the ghost lady arc early on—it actually hooked me, and I even managed to predict the mastermind. So while it’s not flawless, it’s watchable and definitely worth a try for fans of fast-paced fantasy mysteries. I still recommend it!

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A Gripping, High-Stakes Sci-Fi Mystery That Kept Me Glued from Start to Finish

🌀 Plot Review
This is literally one of the best sci-fi C-dramas I’ve ever seen. And I mean ever. I only watched it because I had nothing else lined up and fate just casually dropped a masterpiece into my lap. The entire plot revolves around one single problem—and yet somehow, it’s so layered and suspenseful that I couldn't stop watching.

You know a drama’s good when even with a small cast (just one bus of people!), the mystery keeps twisting until the very end. I had so many guesses about the mastermind… and every single one was wrong. That ringtone? It's living in my head rent-free now. I'm actually scared to hear it in real life.

Also, this show made me dream about time loops. That’s how deep I was.

👥 Characters & Performances
Main Leads
No romance, but the chemistry? It was giving soul bond. The way they fought, planned, protected each other—even when disagreeing—was so compelling. Two brains, one mission, zero romantic clichés. Loved it.

Supporting Characters

Zhang Cheng: Irritating at first (sir, stop blaming the leads!), but he grew on me—especially when he believed He Yun and literally risked his life to save others. That man got redemption real fast.

Lu Di: The most underrated soft boy. Low screen time, high impact. That cat in the bag reveal?? Iconic. I thought he’d join the time loop and was lowkey disappointed he didn’t. Still a favorite for helping deal with the bomb like a champ.

The Villain(s): One word—disturbing. The true villain is that perv who started it all, but the actual bomber’s motives were… tragically understandable. That blurred line between villain and victim made the whole thing hit harder.

Acting
Top-tier. No weak links. Every actor had me convinced they were actually stuck in a time loop with a ticking bomb. Their emotions? Raw. Their delivery? Flawless. Their expressions?? I was literally mimicking their faces while watching. If they were panicking, I was panicking. I’ve never had more secondhand anxiety in my life.

💣 Visuals & Effects
The CGI? Surprisingly strong. The details—especially that slow-motion explosion and the burned body—were way too realistic. Like, disturbingly realistic. It didn’t feel like I was watching a series… it felt like a documentary filmed on the edge of doom.

🎯 Plot Twists
Chef’s kiss. I truly thought [secret, just watch it] was innocent. The disguise was flawless. That twist gave me chills and satisfaction in equal measure. It hit hard, and it hit right.

✅ Final Thoughts
This drama has everything: time loops, suspense, mystery, clever leads, and emotional payoffs. No romance, no filler, just straight-up tension and tight writing. If you’re even mildly into sci-fi or investigative thrillers, this is a MUST WATCH.

10/10 Highly Recommended.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to avoid all public transportation and suspicious ringtones for a while.

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Started Off Strong, Kinda Lost Its Way

This drama had me in the first half, not gonna lie. Mystery? Check. Thriller? Check. No forced romance? Double check. Honestly, it felt refreshing to watch a show that didn't try to toss in a love triangle for no reason.

Now, the acting? Sometimes it was “wow,” sometimes it was “huh?” Let’s just say it was on a little rollercoaster. The cast was fine—underrated, sure—but no one really punched me in the gut emotionally (except maybe when the CGI tried its best and still looked like a 2008 screensaver… but I respect the effort).

The real crime though? The actual crime we were supposed to solve got left behind! We started off with the mysterious Fire Phoenix case, only to somehow wrap up the Killing Brides plot like it was the main event? Sir, ma’am, who did this to the storyline?

Still, I’m not giving up hope. If there’s a Season 2, I’m pulling up with popcorn and prayer, because that plot deserves a proper ending. Not perfect, but definitely worth checking out if you’re into twisty mysteries—with a little chaos on the side.

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Moments I Loved, and Moments I Questioned

Okay, first of all—this plot? I’ve seen vertical short dramas on social media with the exact same energy. You know the type: a bit of mystery, a sprinkle of love, and a whole lot of “what is going on?” The acting? Let’s just say it’s not terrible… but I wouldn’t exactly call it award season either.

Now, let’s talk about the demons—because I’m still trying to process that one flower demon (don’t ask me which flower, I forgot too). She can magically show up to the female lead, whisper life lessons or whatever, but somehow can't appear to the love of her life? Girl, teleport better.

And episode 23? Whew. The FL, who apparently owns some magical cooking tools that can expose a demon faster than garlic in a vampire den, just… forgets to use them? Instead, she skips the logic, skips the tools, and goes straight to tears. Ma’am, be serious.

Then she says the ML was terrible to her in the real world and broke her heart… only for him to pop up in the finale like, “Hey, do I know you?” The whiplash. The emotional gymnastics. I was spinning.

But hey, if this drama made you feel something, even confusion or mild betrayal—that’s still something, right? No hate to the fans, truly. We all love our mess in different flavors. 💅

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That Thing That I Didn't Expect Got Me

This drama almost had me in a chokehold—almost. The plot? Surprisingly fresh. It's not the usual rinse-and-repeat kind of story we see in recent cdramas, and I appreciated that. It was unique enough to keep me curious. The cast? Super underrated. Seriously, where’s their hype? They acted like pros, and that’s a win in itself.

But then came that moment… the one that made me stop and think: “Do I really want to continue this?” See, I know the romance wasn’t even the main focus here, just something on the side—but the age gap between the leads hit me like a plot twist I wasn’t ready for. The FL looked like a 16-year-old fresh out of high school, while the ML had full-on dad energy. (It’s giving “drop-off and PTA meeting” vibes, not romance 😭.) Real-life 11-year age gap, and my discomfort just kept growing—especially during that kiss scene. I physically winced. They should've become best friends

What’s worse? The drama’s set in 2024, but the color grading dragged me straight back to 2007. Like, I checked my screen settings twice. Is this a flashback? Is this vintage? No—it’s just the filter.

That said, the story itself is super grounded. The fights felt realistic, the pacing was chill, and if it had leaned even more into slice-of-life without romance hints, I think I could’ve finished it without hesitation.

If the age gap stuff doesn’t bother you, go for it! It’s a solid drama with great acting. Personally though, I tapped out with a respectful bow and a tiny grimace.

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Underrated Actors Carrying a Plot We've All Met Before

Let’s be honest—the plot? We’ve seen it. Like, a lot. I’ve binge-watched enough vertical dramas to predict the next 5 scenes with scary accuracy. So when I hit play on this one, the excitement left the chat before the opening credits even ended.

But listen, the cast is seriously good at acting. I’m talking “please get them out of budget storylines and into something juicy” level of talent. They’re just so underrated that they keep getting trapped in these recycled revenge/mystery/love-to-hate plots like it's Groundhog Day for dramatic tropes. They deserve better! Someone give them a casting director with vision!

Would I recommend this? Weirdly, yes—if you're into messy drama, mystery, revenge, and characters that make you yell “GIRL, RUN” at the screen. If you love the love-to-hate dynamic, this might just be your little toxic gem.

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Smart Leads, Mature Love, and Revenge Done Right—Why Aren’t More People Watching This?

💬 Plot Review
This drama is one of those hidden gems that makes you wonder how it ended up being so underrated. The plot is fresh, not your usual recycled modern C-drama romance. It skips the high school love triangles and goes straight into adult territory—revenge, healing, and relationships built on mutual respect.

Every episode had me locked in, waiting for what twist or clever plan would unfold next. It’s rare to find a story that keeps things this grounded but still engaging all the way through. And honestly, it was a relief to watch something that didn’t try to be cute—it just was good.

🧠 Main Characters
These two leads? Absolutely top-tier. Smart, emotionally mature, and completely in sync. No childish fights, no jealousy, just quiet support and unshakable loyalty. Their chemistry wasn’t about romance sparks—it was about trust, teamwork, and two people handling life like grown-ups.

And the FL’s revenge arc? So satisfying. We didn’t even need a dramatic flashback of her past—her calm, calculated payback told the whole story. Respect.

👿 Villains
The antagonists weren’t over-the-top evil, but their impact was heavy. You could sense there was something more to their story, but honestly? I didn’t need it. Their actions were enough to make me root for their downfall.

It wasn’t the kind of hate where you scream at the screen—it was the quiet, cold kind where you sit back and say, “Yep. You deserve everything coming to you.”

💬 Supporting Cast
My favorite? You You. Her character hit a little too close to home—introverted, insomniac, loves gaming… I basically felt like I was watching myself on screen. Even her work setup made me consider a career change.

And the kids in this drama? So natural, so adorable. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy their scenes that much, but they really added to the emotional weight of the story.

🎭 Acting & Vibes
The performances were strong across the board. No overacting, no awkward pauses—just believable delivery and characters that felt real. Even the smaller roles had presence, which helped the story feel whole.

No one felt out of place. It was the kind of acting that doesn’t scream for attention, but slowly pulls you in.

✅ Final Thoughts
This drama deserves way more love than it’s getting. If you’re tired of teenage love stories and looking for something mature, with smart leads, a grounded revenge plot, and a romance built on understanding—this is for you.

No unnecessary drama, no silly misunderstandings—just clean storytelling with depth. Highly recommend for fans of emotionally intelligent romance and satisfying payback.

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A Virtual World, Real Emotions—A Sci-Fi Friendship Story That Stays With You

💡 Plot Review
This drama is, without a doubt, a masterpiece. It’s not just a story—it’s a whole experience. The plot is deeply engaging from beginning to end, filled with heavy decisions, soul-deep connections, and beautifully crafted dilemmas. I couldn’t sleep peacefully if I didn’t finish an episode. I dreamed about it. I paused all my ongoing dramas just to fully dive into this one. That’s how powerful it was.

It’s rare to find a sci-fi drama that captures both high-stakes tension and emotional depth this well. And while the concept of game-world survival isn’t new, the way this show executed it? Completely on another level. Flawless pacing, meaningful arcs, and the kind of writing that leaves a permanent mark. The only thing I regret is not watching this sooner—and now that it’s over, I don’t think I’ll ever move on from it. This sits next to The Untamed in my "forever in my heart" folder.

🧡 Characters & Loyalty
Every single character, from the main duo to the side allies, felt like someone I could care for. This isn’t just about two leads—it’s about a found family, a bond that transcends levels, worlds, and even realities.

The Obsidian members? Absolute icons. Not just strong and loyal, but good-hearted people who brought so much warmth into a cold, digital world. Even the smallest characters who helped purify the game—I see you, and I love you too. No one was just filler. Even the door ghost had me emotional, that’s how deep this show went.

And the friendship between the leads? So raw, so loyal, so deeply human. Watching them risk everything for each other, again and again—it was emotional, inspiring, and unforgettable.

😤 Villain
Let’s talk about Yan Ba Lang. Short screen time? Yes. But impact? Insane. I was ready to enter the screen myself and fight him. That kind of villain who makes you feel actual rage—that’s effective writing. His role may have been limited, but the way he tied into everything left a huge impression.

🎭 Acting & Performances
Everyone brought their A-game. This cast didn’t just act; they lived the roles. The emotion, the chemistry, the nuance—it was all there. Not a single performance felt flat. I laughed when they laughed, cried when they cried, and clenched my fists when things got too real. I’m now actively hunting down their other dramas because I need more from this cast.

🧩 Plot Twists
That one episode—the one that pulled the rug right out from under us? Yeah. I felt that. The betrayal, the reveal, the pain. It was the kind of twist that hits so hard it stays with you days later. And yet, it was so well-written that it made perfect sense in hindsight. Genius.

Friendship & Emotion
Friendship is the heart of this show. Whether it’s inside the game or out in the real world, the emotional connection between these characters is what keeps everything grounded. That house filled with laughter, the shared battles, the quiet promises—they made me cry. Real, happy, full-hearted tears.

Even when friends became NPCs, the loyalty didn’t waver. That kind of writing? It’s rare. It made this sci-fi drama feel more human than most slice-of-life stories.

✅ Final Thoughts
This drama gave me everything—adrenaline, emotion, loyalty, heartbreak, and healing. If you love sci-fi, deep friendship, emotional storytelling, and characters that feel real, this is your next obsession.

I cried. I stayed up late. I paused life just to see what would happen next. And in the end?

Every minute. Every tear. Every heartbeat. It was all worth it.

Super Highly Recommended.

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