curious_wanderer

I don't see much difference between the two. He was away from all the responsibilities and expectations that were placed on him. He doesn't have to wear a mask and fake a persona. "Yan Zheng" is probably what he's truly like. So his behavior with Changyu is very uncharacteristic of him.

As someone who hasn't read the novel and didn't know what to expect, I felt very uncomfortable with the whole breakup scene. Everything leading to that was perfect. Yan Zheng could have just asked Changyu if she would consider leaving with him. Instead of talking it out, they snapped at each other, then he force kissed her, and then got rightly slapped by her. A whole red flag behavior. Till now he was a green flag. Just why?!🥲 He was so respectful of her. Even yesterday, he averted his eyes upon spotting her bare ankles. Its 2026. Can we put an end to this Cdrama trope of forced kissing? Also, him bringing up Song Yan screams insecure behavior. So far he's come across as someone who's very self-confident and self-assured to the extent that he doesn't care about anyone else's opinion. He became a matrilocal husband because he wanted to. He didn't hide anything from his friend Gongsun too about this. You want me to really believe that such a secure person would suddenly bring up Changyu's ex in a flight? The writers could have rewritten this scene honestly.

This drama has all my heart. Binged watched it yesterday and watched the latest two episodes today, and I want more. This drama hits everything that I have been missing in a while. A strong, brave and earnest woman with a brain, who's preserving despite life's adversities. Anyone else in her place would have crumbled. Imagine losing your parents, fiance, and almost all of your finances, while also being rebuked by the society. Then we have our ML, who so far comes across as shrewd, smart, with a hint of madness but also sincere and loyal. This combination is so rare. Both are so understanding of each other and have developed this mutual respect for each other. More than that I love their stolen glances, the initial embarrassment but also very palpable desire and respect.

I also like the script and direction. There are many wonderful shots. I also like that the story has its own subtle ways of showing the class difference between FCY (and her community) and YZ/XZ . Everything that YZ used to take as granted is a luxury for FCY. There's a larger political turmoil going on the background, and that's definitely being laid out carefully without overwhelming the watchers (I don't like that sometimes they're doing a bit of overexplaning to the viewers but that's a minor complaint).

The drama has its fair share of tropes but it also gets rid of tropes where the FL is a damsel in distress. Instead, here we have a ML who protects family and FL who comes to save him when he's reached the end of rope. As someone who cannot see lot of bloodshed, I did feel a bit uncomfortable with the opening scene but that is reality for many people and the drama just threw it out there like a slap (just like FCY slaps her pigs), and now I'm also happily willing to be one of her sacrificial pigs and enjoy this ride. I lowkey regret that I started this so early. Now the wait for new episodes is going to be brutal.

Oh I didn't know He Yu has acted with MZY before. Was he in Blossom? I don't remember watching him in Blossom.

I'll read your review! I'm just happy to have something fun and hot to watch in this cold season. 🫣😅

Thanks for sharing! Will definitely keep a watch. I liked Meng Ziyi's Blossom. (Also, another project with name Blossom? 😅) And hopefully MZY will sprinkle some of her reunion magic!

I was looking for a nice romantic fluffy drama cuz I have been down with really bad flu this holiday season. Came across this one and decided to give it a try even though the description on MDL was simply put -- very questionable. I'm personally not a huge fan of Shuxin and the plot definitely needs a lot of work, but somehow this drama was what I needed this holiday season. I haven't really paid attention to He Yu before. The only drama of his that I have watched before is Dashing Youth which I didn't like but wow, this guy's acting, micro-expressions and explosive chemistry with Shuxin kept me glued to SAL as I binged watched this in about a week. I should also mention that lighting in this drama to create mood is amazing and the cinematography is fantastic. I hope He Yu lands even better projects in the future. I'm sure his role as Jin Zhao will be the breakthrough performance of his career and I hope he gains more mainstream success. (He low key reminds me of Korean actor Seo In-guk). Shuxin definitely seems to have an arsenal of hit dramas now - LBFAD, LGIEF, MJTY and SAL. Now where do I find myself a guy like He Yu and am I asking for too much if I want them to pair up again in the future?

I haven't watched a lot of CZY dramas. I saw him in Hidden Love where he was alright. I dropped The White Olive Tree earlier this year. He really shines in this character of Feng Suige. He embodies the character so well. I cried when he was buried today and behind the scenes I saw that he was actually buried. That takes a lot of mental resilience. What a fine brilliant actor! I hope he gets even better roles and scripts after this where he can shine more.

I've been busy and haven't watched the last couple of episides carefully. Good to know that mom founded the secret organization!

I agree that both MYR and Mr. clear conscience absolutely deserve what's coming for them and some more.

I was not expecting that. That's really brutal. I thought that Murong Sr. had more conscience. Anyway I hope Dr. Ling will treat Suige, or he might send him to that secret organization that can even revive those close to death.

PS: I'm hoping that the secret organization is somehow connected to Suige's mom.

Thanks for your reply. I'll pick it back up and sort of speed through 21-24. Hopefully I'll enjoy it. :)

The series started very strong and I really enjoyed the first half but I lost interest in the second half, and I stopped watching it at episode 21. Without any spoilers, does the plot get better and is it worth watching rest of the episodes?

After today's episode I went and rewatched Ep 1 and 2. The difference is so glaring. Real foes to friends story. Also, someone please hug FSG. Everyone around him has betrayed him.

The stark difference between Ep 1 and 2 and Ep 16 and 17, and even today's episode. How did they go from torturing and almost killing each other to becoming each other's safe haven and confidant?

I'm quite enjoying this drama. Xu Kai's calm laid back demeanour coupled with Xi Wei's flirty glamorous persona goes well together. Their romance is growing slowly but steadily and very believable too. Xu Kai's character is a Taoist monk so he can't be all over her very quickly as he's bound by the rules of Changxi palace but he has these subtle ways of showing that he cares for her. I've grown quite fond of the second couple too after the latest episode. I was a bit annoyed with Mei Si initially because Tai Zhen was clearly asking him to back off but in the latest episode he's such a green flag. Editing is a bit choppy at places but costumes and sets are amazing and so is the acting. This one definitely deserves higher rating - definitely 8+. I've seen worse dramas get higher ratings.

I saw some previews and other couples might not have a happy ending. 😢

He definitely is! He's pretty adorable here in TPB too!

Same! I noticed him for his acting. When I say I was scared of him, it's also partly due to his acting. He was that good. LYN is handsome in his own way. I realized that he's a big goofball after I saw that he sings too.

This is the first drama of Song Zuer and what an introduction to her! Another amazing actress!

LYN plays a grey character in `The Long Ballad`. Without spoiling much, he's sort of second ML there but for the SFL. He's sort of antagonist to the FL but very very devoted to SFL.

Yep, I know he's a good singer! I checked out his other songs after discovering him through Fangs of Fortune OST. He sang FoF OST 'Unintentional Big Dream'.