cjspock

I think this show is worth watching. Ignore the low rating. That was mostly done by haters. I am super engrossed in the story and character dynamics. I am also intrigued by ink making, to be honest.

The rating system on MDL needs some improvement. There are a couple of currently airing shows that are having the same issue (haters giving low ratings without really watching the show). This is such a good drama, and I hope people will still watch despite the lower rating provided.

I am not seeing a repetitive storyline myself. While the aunt is the most insufferable person on the planet, the whole point of it is Li Zhen's growth. She continually has these obstacles and each time gets a little bit better at tackling them. I mean, yes, I want some comuppance for the aunt, but the whole point is the journey. I am so engrossed in each episode that I just don't find it boring or repetitive.

That uncle is so extra! One setback, and he lights it all on fire. That aunt needed more than that one slap, but that slap was quite satisfying. I startled my cat with my shout of glee.

I'm not sure why the rating is so low (beyond haters, that is). I look forward to the episodes every day, so I think it is worth giving it a try.

it is only on the Youku China app, not the international one. Viki is where you can watch it in the US.

Well... that was an explosive beginning! I am all in!!

This is the best hot mess I've seen in a while! There were so many tropes, but executed hilariously well. I sincerely enjoyed it. If you want something light with slapping and a bit of murder on the side, you should try this out.

I'm fairly certain this production is in cahoots with tissue companies. I think I went through multiple boxes throughout all the episodes (using at least one in this last episode). So very well done!

This is during the Republican era in the early 1930s. For comparison, in the US, the FBI's crime lab first started in 1932 (around the time of this show). The services they offered were fingerprint analysis, handwriting analysis, typewriter/typesetting analysis, ballistic testing, and some chemical analysis. That was it. There was no protective gear or taping off crime scenes. What they were doing was appropriate for the time period in which the drama took place. Also, fingerprint analysis/taking fingerprints for solving crimes was first introduced in Britain in the late 1800's (around 1900), so it was only about 30 years before this show took place (and it was still considered rather new).

What I was hoping would not come to pass may have. They sure know how to leave you hanging with suspense (at the end of episode 23). I didn't want it to be Qiao Su Qing who was on the other side of the door, but here we are. 😞

I swear they won't be happy until all of our hearts are ripped out.

You are spot on! What they are showing here (not telling everything) is so true to life. When police interview/question people, the people often leave out details they feel are irrelevant, even when they actually are. That is why they need to revisit and ask more questions. It is all contextualization, which people do subconsciously more often than on purpose. This is one of the more frustrating parts of law enforcement.

He was well aware of the rules and etiquette and did what he did on purpose. He *is* an immature and selfish brat (at least so far). We'll see if his character improves.

I went through a box of tissues. 😭

I just realized I wasn't as clear in my wording. I meant I was wondering if she knows the murderer. I don't think she murdered Ran. Seeing her break down was heartbreaking.

I've been doing this for many of the episodes (rating and leaving a review).

Same! It actually took longer than I thought to get under 8. I have discovered some great mystery/crime dramas by ignoring their low rating. It always amazes me how this happens for these kinds of shows. The same thing recently happened with Eight Hundred. Was in the middle 8s for a while, then boom, rating dropped. 🤷‍♀️

The second comment really wasn't for you, but the others who seem to be talking more about BL than bromance. 😉They have a great relationship, and it is fun when they banter.

Yes! The real couple is He Yuan Hang and Ran Fang Xu. 😉They went from enemies to friends to family. Their dynamic is really great!

Also, bromance does not equal BL. They are two separate things.

This is rather standard in investigations. Physical evidence is often hard to find without the context that witnesses can bring. This is why cold cases, like the one in the show, are so hard to solve after the initial investigation. Physical evidence dries up, and you have to rely on people's memories, which are often misleading.

She had some odd expressions throughout this episode (and in past ones). Makes it hard to believe she doesn't know what is going on or who the murderer is/could be.

Edited for clarity.