I dropped it after three episodes. I really have high expectations bcause of the comments I saw in tiktok saying…
it's understandable to dislike the beginning bc of pacing, but i believe the lightheartedness was mainly to set the stage for 60+ episodes of love and angst. her reason for following him was simply bc she never had the chance to exercise her freedom. a lot of her decisions in the first arc show that she has a carefree and reckless nature, and that the ml is stoic but loving (popular trope, understandable to dislike). the development beyond that is based on the contrast between their roles as lovers, which imo is what makes the later arc much more impactful. the "human trial" arc starts arnd episode 20 and basically shows how theyre fated to be. 60 episodes make a pretty lengthy drama, but i don't believe any time was wasted. i think a majority of the show's popularity comes with the gradual build up and sudden release of climaxes/conflicts. my opinion may be biased bc it was one of the first dramas i watched, but i believe it's worth a try bc the story introduces a main antagonist in ep5. i feel like the experience would still be enjoyable if you skimmed around the drama. the backstories make sense of the very chaotic introduction. this drama isn't in my top 10 but feels like a classic to me mainly bc of main couple's acting, same characters but diverse personalities. i hope you will one day enjoy the show or at least see the mortal arc!
What is the literal translation of the chinese title, 周生如故 (Zhou Sheng Ru Gu)?
the character by character translation is “week - life - like - so”, but strung together it means “zhou sheng like the past”. the first two characters reference the male lead’s name, and essentially states how his feelings are unchanged yet unspoken.
Finally finish watching ep 39. It is emotional, but still not as angsty as I feared. It is another Yan Dan temper…
I understand where you’re coming from if you say you can’t relate. Historical fantasy dramas often have the “stoic x playful” trope who endures excruciating pain together, and this trope only resonates with some people. I think Yangzi did well in showing yandan’s growth of being carefree to being more independent and decisive.
THANK YOU. I never wished so badly for the 2ML to die. And it’s so irritating how they make her call his name…
he is the one who's been safeguarding her ever since she arrived in the mortal realm, and since she calls him master and is indebted to him, it's quite normal for them to be close even if it's one-sided love