Li Mu Yan

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.

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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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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More Of Short Investigation Drama Needed After This!!!

I really love investigation dramas, and lately I’m not that into short C-dramas because they keep recycling the same plot like it’s on a loop. But this one actually caught my attention. It’s an investigation drama with a bit of comedy, which made the whole experience more enjoyable.

Yes, there are some inconsistencies, but I decided to let them slide and keep watching in peace. And honestly, I’m glad I did. Every case was interesting, and many times I couldn’t predict what would happen next or who the real killer was. Sometimes I felt smart for guessing… and sometimes the drama humbled me completely.

There were moments when my blood pressure spiked because the three of them could be extremely impulsive. Like, please think first. But to be fair, they always managed to solve the case, so I’ll forgive them… eventually. What really carried the drama for me was their teamwork. Their cooperation felt natural, and the trust they had in each other was genuinely satisfying to watch.

That said, I was a bit confused about how the police so easily believed the three of them when they said Wu Xian was the real killer. It also felt like the drama needed a few more episodes. Honestly, 25 episodes would’ve helped clear things up instead of leaving me questioning authority like this.

Still, I’d highly recommend this drama to anyone who enjoys crime and investigation stories. Just a warning: if you’re watching purely for romance, you might want to look elsewhere.

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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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This Drama Had Me… But Also Left Me a Bit Confused

Honestly, I really liked this drama. The plot was solid — I’ve always been into reincarnation stories, and this one had me hooked from the start. The plot twists were genuinely unexpected, which made it all the more fun to watch.

The acting was great — you could tell the cast gave it their all. I especially enjoyed seeing Xuan Lu. She’s been in so many popular dramas, usually as a lead or strong supporting character, so I actually expected this drama to be longer, especially with her involvement.

Now, about the ending… I’m kind of frustrated. I know it’s a mini drama, so maybe I should’ve seen it coming, but still — it felt like such a waste because I was so into it. They kept saying, “Nothing can be changed,” but then went ahead and changed so many things anyway. The only thing that apparently couldn’t change was the time of death, which just felt inconsistent.

And that last scene?? The ML goes to the hospital and then it just cuts?? I was literally like, “Huh? That’s it?” Maybe it was supposed to be Xiao Wan, but of all the things they could’ve shown about the future, that’s what they chose to end on? It didn’t really make any sense and left me feeling confused instead of satisfied.

But yeah, aside from the ending, I genuinely loved the drama. I just wish they gave it the wrap-up it deserved.

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No Toxic Love, No Overdone Villains—Just a Drama That Feels Right

When I started watching this drama, I didn’t have sky-high expectations—mainly because the cast isn’t exactly a trending hashtag in most countries. But wow, I was so wrong. First off, the acting? Surprisingly good! Like, “wait, why am I suddenly emotionally invested?” good. I loved the mutual support between the leads—it’s not just the FL cheering for the ML, he’s also right there being her biggest fan. And the so-called villains? Shockingly human. No over-the-top evil laughter, just characters learning to accept their fate like mature adults (imagine that!).

Even the earlier villains had understandable backstories—no “I’m evil because I like it” nonsense. The romance? Blessedly non-cringe. No dramatic slow-motion stares, no twirling into each other’s arms like an '80s music video. And best of all? No annoying jealousy plots where the second male lead ruins everything. The relationship feels stable, refreshing, and—dare I say—healthy. I especially loved how the FL stood by the ML when he had to leave the country, and that moment of her waiting for him? Heart. Melted.

There’s honestly so much more to love, but I’ll stop before this turns into a novel. Just know: you should definitely watch it.

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You Know That Kind Of Prequel

I only planned to watch this as a warm-up before the original drama… and it really felt like a warm-up. Not bad, just not that gripping either. I dropped the original before because I didn’t get it, but maybe I’ll try again now that I’ve seen this prequel (and the other prequel too, maybe? We'll see how brave I am).

Some scenes here honestly felt like filler—like they wandered off from the main plot and forgot to come back. I came for more training scenes and actual growth, but I guess the drama had other plans. At least I finished it (which says something).

The whole vibe reminded me of “Zang Hai” but make it Wuxia. The ending? Yeah, it hurt. Not enough to make me cry, but definitely enough to leave a sting. No regrets though—now I’m just looking forward to the two leads’ next projects.

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Lovely Actress, Forgettable Plot—Still, No Regrets (Kinda)

I only watched this because of Song Xiao Ying Zi—yes, I fully admit it. The plot? Kinda there. Not terrible, just… stretched thin like a drama trying to hit a 100-episode milestone. Every episode feels like it’s 1 hour long, even when it’s not.

The villain? Let’s just say I’ve seen stronger threats in children's cartoons. Not smart, not scary, not even mildly stressful. Just there, existing. And the female lead? She’s lovely, but always waiting for someone to jump in and protect her, like a medieval princess in a modern fantasy drama.

But hey, this is just my opinion. If you loved it—good for you! Don’t come for me, I’m just being honest here. 😅

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What A Good Investigation But Should've Been Better

This is exactly my type of drama — thriller, investigation, and zero romance. It’s actually my first Dilraba drama, and I’m not gonna lie, it’s good. The intensity is on point for this genre, and the cast? Not a single disappointment. Everyone delivered their roles perfectly.

Some cases really stuck with me, like Lawyer Sun’s. The man who adopted his son was a genuinely good elder, and the boy couldn’t bear to leave his adoptive grandpa. It broke me a little seeing Lawyer Sun let his own son live with the adoptive father instead of him. Then there’s Xiao Xing’s case — equally heartbreaking.

But… I can’t ignore the flaws. Some cases felt like they were cut short. One moment I’m invested in a big, high-stakes investigation, then suddenly it’s solved without us seeing how they got there. Meanwhile, smaller, less important cases get the full intense treatment. It’s like the priorities got flipped.

And don’t even get me started on the ending. I’ve been waiting for Mrs. Zhang and Lin Ran’s reunion the entire time, only for it not to happen. That’s the case I was dying to see resolved — especially after showing Mrs. Zhang patiently waiting for her daughter. Honestly, I felt a little scammed. This drama deserved at least 33 episodes to wrap everything up.

Still, flaws aside, if you’re into thrillers like me, this is highly recommendable. Just be ready to feel both satisfied and mildly robbed at the same time.

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Romance? More Like Mutual Emotional Destruction

Let me be real—this cdrama had me in the first half… and then promptly lost me somewhere.

If you've seen even one Bai Lu xianxia drama, congratulations: you’ve basically seen this one. We’ve got the usual suspects—tragic past lives, forbidden love, goddess/demon/immortal confusion, and a male lead who looks like he hasn’t processed a single emotion since the Tang dynasty.

The Plot?
Predictable. I saw half the twists coming like spoilers from a friend who "just wanted to talk." The only plot twist that actually hit? Two female characters turning the drama upside down with some wild, unhinged acting choices. I was living for that clownery. Unfortunately, that high didn’t last. Once the disguise arc ended, so did my interest.

The Main Couple?
Toxic. Romantic. Repeat cycle. They say love is pain, but these two took it way too seriously. One moment they’re dying for each other, the next they’re literally trying to kill each other. Like… are y’all okay? Do you need therapy or just more sword fights?

Personally, I’m allergic to "let’s give love another chance even though you emotionally wrecked me" storylines. So yeah, I dropped it before I developed secondhand heartbreak.

Supporting Characters?
Zhang Suan. My green-flag king. Kind, loyal, and way too good for this drama. He’s the type to throw himself into danger for a girl who didn’t even ask—and honestly? I respect the effort. He better not turn villain, or I’m writing a strongly worded letter to the scriptwriters (and by letter, I mean rant tweet).

Villains?
Messy. One of them started out chill and then casually committed mass murder because… feelings? Meanwhile, the main villain is probably the leads themselves. No comment. I didn’t stay long enough to meet the final boss, and I’m not sorry.

Chemistry?
About as natural as two coworkers forced to share a scene. No hate to the actors—they’re talented and seasoned—but the spark just didn’t spark. It fizzled.

CGI?
Looks expensive. Feels like someone said, “What if we use every visual effect… all at once?” It’s gorgeous but so overdone, it started giving me digital vertigo. Still, props to the animators for making it look like a fantasy music video 90% of the time.

Final Thoughts:
Did I finish it? No.
Do I recommend it? Weirdly, yes.

If you love over-the-top romance, magical revenge, beautifully glowing people in tragic situations, and characters who are constantly reborn but never emotionally mature—this is your show. Just don’t take it too seriously, and you’ll have a good time. Probably.

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Anticipated It, Endured It, Dropped It—No Hard Feelings Though

I’m officially dropping this drama—and not even with tears, just a sigh and a “what could’ve been.” First of all, this was literally based on a BL novel, but then poof—female lead magically appears for the sake of censorship. I get it, but still... why does it feel like she was copy-pasted in with no chemistry and even less plot?

Also, can we talk about the background music? It's not just loud, it’s concert-level loud. I needed subtitles just to figure out who was talking because I swear the violins were arguing louder than the characters.

I didn’t even watch the trailer—just read the synopsis and thought, “Yes! This might be it!” And it was it… for like the first 3 episodes. I was blushing, excited, totally hooked. Then the vibes left, the plot wandered off, and now I’m here writing this like a jilted fan.

No hate if you liked it though! This is just my opinion. Please don’t throw digital tomatoes. 😅

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I Liked the Cast, I Hated the Vibes—A Modern Drama Struggle Story

So I’m not a fan of deep, soul-shattering romance where everyone cries into the sunset while quoting poetry. Give me something light, fun, maybe a little flirty—but this drama? This drama said: “Let’s turn every character into a closed-off mannequin with a tragic backstory.” And I said: “Oh… okay then.”

Don’t get me wrong—the actors are top tier. I’ve seen their other works, and they ate. But here? The characters felt like they were stuck in a super serious simulation where smiling is illegal and feelings are optional. I know that’s part of the story, and no hate to the trauma arc, but I personally prefer characters who act like humans, not emotionally constipated androids.

Maybe I just picked the wrong genre for my mood. Sometimes I want a modern drama with jokes, weird misunderstandings, and people falling in love after tripping on noodles. This was not that. This was intense staring contests and subtle trauma bonding.

Anyway, if you like clean plots, serious vibes, and watching characters heal in total silence, this might be your thing. As for me? I’ll be rewatching something chaotic and goofy with side romances and way too many sound effects.

No hate—just taste ✨
And hey, respect to the fans who vibed with it! You're stronger than me 😄

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