darkstar

I prefer the streamed version also. It's a indeed a great drama, even though I liked The Double better storywise, let alone that Qikun competition.

Yep, I already saw how many here on MDL only care about appearances and some more radicals even want to dictate what their preferred actors play. Hell breaks loose if different.
I've watched a few dramas where MLs push the FLs into a corner. However, they usually do not cross a line and only proceed after the FLs accept them, Stockholm Syndrome or not (more acceptable if we think about that period). However, it's really hard to believe that normal women in that situation would have a similar reaction.
I remember Kill Me Love Me but do not recall the ML being as bad as this one. Did not read the book, so do not know how bad it was.

It does not matter whether the ML looks good or not. The character is just trash of the scum. And the screenwriter even turned the FL into a bitch and her fiancée into a useless coward.
There's no "putting lipstick on this pig". The story had a good potential but got some twisted twist.

Started watching this one but will likely drop it. So, ML forced FL into a situation where, for his own benefit, he forced her into being his slave, said he loved her, raped her making her pregnant, then said again that he loved her, and the FL happily became his bitch, like flicking a switch. Her fiancée isn't much better either. So, whoever wrote this has serious moral family issues. I stopped watching and not sure I'll have the stomach to continue.

Giving a break. Too boring and bad acting. May get back to it, or not.

It's a fine series as long as you do not have very high expectations. Good enough for a good entertaining. The concept is great, but could had been better executed.

I'm trying to figure out the real reasons. Taxes is just a hypothesys. I'm not buying that "producers are wasting too much viewers' time with flashbacks, etc.". 😉

There was another girl interested in the ML and she even caused some damage to the company "because she deserved him". However, she "repented" and it was like nothing happened. She continued working there and everyone happy.

Not bad. However, too perfect and sometimes even too cheesy. However, good enough for entertaining and the soundtrack is very good.

And by cutting fillers (number of episodes, etc.), limiting seasons of a succesful drama, etc. they cut ads revenue, ergo, taxes. 😉

Some members explained when they came out. It seems the productions were stetching the dramas in order to put more advertisement and other stuff to increase revenue. The Chinese authorities decided to intervene. It's stupid, since higher revenue would mean more taxes and the audience did not seem to mind it.

This drama is seriously way overrated. Between a mostly mediocre acting, a plot full of holes and tacky and cheesy typical "romantic scenes" this series was a trainwreck.
The ML seems to be still in acting school and has no talent. FL has some potential but still a long way to go. Anyway... I managed to get to the end by copiously skipping and fast forwarding many scenes or almost entire episodes. Probably watched the first four and the last nine or so episodes.
So, 6.5 is already being very generous.

Very interesting story and quite a pleasant surprise for a clearly low-budget production. The overall acting was below average but the ones who could act (e.g. FL) did a decent job keeping the story entertaining and interesting. The audience who likes plot twists will love this drama. There's a gallore of them as the FL tries everything to fight her fate.

This was a perfect drama, one of the very few I rated 10. The goddess Yang Zi perfectly matched with Li Xian, supported by other excellent actors. The meticulous production and great direction complemented by a very pleasant soundtrack make this drama very difficult to match by anything in 2025. Season 2 cannot come fast enough.

LOL! They really get creative on how to go around those regulations.
I hope they can make it. I would expect a lot more publicity for a series that close to release with a famous cast. S1 really left many open ends.

Don't they have to wait for one year between seasons? So, Spring 26?

I watched ep 32 yesterday and also went to confirm it's really the last one. Could not be more open ended. They pretty much are planning a S2 or we can imagine whatever we want.

Don't mind what others say. Whether you enjoy a drama or not is your business.
Also, for the reasons you mentioned, I do not give much credence to the ratings here. As you said, many rate a drama solely based on their favorite actor or actress playing a role they want to. So, I usually check the producers, story, main actors/actresses and just glaze through some reviews and comments. The historical/costume dramas are my favorite even though I also enjoy other styles.

You might give Joy of Life a try. It's great and besides very well written, it has a bit of everything from romance, comedy, sci-fi, etc. It's my all time favorite.

Well, it's not possible to please everyone. It's perfectly fine to not like what others enjoy. For example, I loathed Love Games in Eastern Fantasy and could not go beyond the first few episodes. Yet, many liked it. The first few episodes of Brocade Odyssey had some goofy scenes. However, they were fine for me. Different writing and directing styles.
Look at Joy of Life. Season 2 look like a completely different story.
I am currently watching Flourishing Peony and Yang Zi looks very different. However, I am enjoying it quite a bit. 😉

What's this reservation you are talking about?