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A sweet story of falling in love—slowly, but surely
I am so happy that this was the last show I've watched in 2025 and the first show I've watched in 2026. This drama is sweet, warm, fluffy, and overall cozy—perfect for the cold weather!STORY:
This is a masterclass from Gu Man about letting go and finding a love that you deserve.
I saw that some people have commented that this drama is boring because of the slow progress between the main leads, but I think the slow progress between them is actually the highlight of the show. I would like to think of Lin Yusen and Nie Xiguang's love as a tree (funny how Lin Yusen's name is related to this)—growing slow and steady. And when it is big enough, it is strong and can withstand any hardships and the flowers that blossom from it is beautiful. The story of how Lin Yusen and Nie Xiguang got together basically laid foundation to their future that was shown by the end of the show and it's a very full circle moment for me to watch that. You know that Tiktok trend about "which movie/series couple will definitely break up after the events of the movie/series end"? Yeah, you will never catch Lin Yusen and Nie Xiguang in those lists.
So, yeah. The point is: The slowburn is the whole point of the show. So, if you're not into that, you'd probably never enjoy it. (Also, it makes sense for their love to be slow because Nie Xiguang is hesitant after the disaster that was her first love.)
Going to the next point, the story also shows a comparison of what love should feel like. The comparisons are not explicitly said, but you can see it in how Nie Xiguang interacts with Lin Yusen as compared to how she interacts with Zhuang Xu (her first love). On top of my mind, an example would be how Nie Xiguang—even when she was still not close to Lin Yusen and even when they started off at the wrong foot—feels at ease with him and feels confident enough in expressing herself. Meanwhile, with Zhuang Xu, it's like she's always walking on eggshells, afraid that one squeak would earn yet another unsolicited scolding that only breaks down her confidence.
Aside from comparisons of what love should feel like, the story also shows comparisons of what friendships should feel like. They showed two different types of friendship—one from her university days and one from her work days, and you can clearly see which of the two Nie Xiguang was happy with. And I really love how they showed Nie Xiguang's healing not just in terms of love but also in terms of friendship. It's what she deserves.
Another thing that I love about this show is that the love and care is not one sided. As much as Lin Yusen gave light to Nie Xiguang's life, Nie Xiguang also gave light to Lin Yusen's life. The mutual affection was very obvious and you can clearly see how they were very much into each other. They truly lived the title "Shine On Me" because they definitely shone on each other's lives—a constant source of warmth, affection, and encouragement; and this was so consistent until the end.
Special Mention: Lin Yusen's first love (medicine) plot line. I feel so sad whenever I think about how he can no longer operate and be a surgeon like he had always dreamed of. And it's so frustrating whenever someone asks him why he's not a doctor anymore—like, that's a sore spot, don't ask anymore! It's just so regretful to think how a brilliant doctor and a rare talent like him ended up not being able to use his talent at all. At least, not in the way he dreamed of. But one striking line in the show was spoken by one of his mentors, Professor Xi, "If your hands can no longer dance to your mind's rhythm, then perhaps it's fate guiding you to another path to save patients." And I'm so happy he found that other path.
Another Special Mention: I feel like the ending of Nie Xiguang's parents was a foreshadowing (and a warning) of what would have happened if Nie Xiguang ended up with Zhuang Xu. I think it's a good detail to explore because the story did show some similarities between Nie Xiguang's dad and Zhuang Xu. I love how decisive Nie Xiguang's mother was to cut him off her life, though. And it mirrors Nie Xiguang's resolve to shut down Zhuang Xu later in the story.
ACTING/CAST:
Like I said in an old review, my only criteria to say that an actor is good is when I'm able to enjoy the show while watching him or her. If the actor delivers what he has to deliver and make me feel for their character, then they're good in my books. And for this show, everyone definitely delivered. My heart fluttered for Lin Yusen and Nie Xiguang. I 100% rooted for them and their endeavors. I got pissed at Zhuang Xu, Ye Rong, Nie Xiguang's father and his little side family, and even Siliang. And I have fond feelings for Yin Jie, Yu Hua, Dr. Fang, Jiang Rui, and Lin Yusen and Nie Xiguang's close family and friends.
To be honest, when I saw the first trailer, I wasn't particularly gagged by Song Weilong and Zhao Jinmai's chemistry. But since they were actors I'm quite fond of individually (I always watch the works they release), I still gave it a try and I was blown away by how amazing they actually were together. (Sorry for doubting you, monarchs!) I hope they have another project together, hopefully a costume one. Or maybe a mystery and adventure one.
MUSIC:
Let me just say, I was so invested with this show that I already know which OST is going to play in a specific scene. And Zhang Hao's Coming For You, went platinum in my household and in my heart! That's SOTY for me now. Whenever I need something to make my heart flutter, I'll just listen to Shine On Me's soundtracks and relive the scenes in my brain.
Like, the music is so effective, I can vividly relate scenes to every song.
REWATCH VALUE:
This is such a feel good show, that you will never hesitate to rewatch it. I, myself, will 100% rewatch it when I need something to make my heart flutter.
OVERALL:
My heart was happy the whole time I was watching this show—and that's all that matters. This is definitely going to my Top Idol Dramas Hall of Fame.
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Not groundbreaking, but still a hidden gem that is definitely my best watch so far this year~
This show only having 26 episodes is unconstitutional! It's realistic and grounded, but with very good writing and direction. People often mistake "ethereal aesthetics" as the pinnacle of good dramas, but good direction shines even more in dramas like these. Before I start with my review of the story, it's important to note that this is a slice of life show that you watch with your family on TV over dinner or while you're lounging in the living room in the evening. It's intended to be a legal education that is digestible for normal people. It's not some grand legal drama emphasizing the "glory" of the legal profession and the judiciary. It's very down to earth, and if you don't like that and expect dramatics, you probably wouldn't enjoy this one. Another downside I can see about this show that might turn people off is the weird dubbing at some scenes. But it's not even a problem of the actors. It's more of the production team changing the lines post-production to pass censorship. If you can get past some scenes where they do that, then you're good to go.STORY:
I'm going to preface this by saying that they definitely did their research in writing the show. But then, I read that this was supervised by the Supreme Court, so it's bound to be accurate to a certain extent.
First of all, what I love about this show is that some of the cases don't end definitively or in a way that is intended to satisfy the audience. Instead, some cases are resolved in a way that is true to human nature. It's very much true to life and close to reality. Because some family matters just don't get resolved in the "perfect happy ending" that we wish them to be resolved. Like Shen Xiezhi, we go on this journey to slowly acknowledge that even when the law dictates this, even when the moral norms of society expect that—the wishes of the parties themselves are the most important, and to truly resolve the grievances in their hearts, the resolution of their cases must be tailored for them and their situation, and not mere textbook answers we find in codals and society.
On this note, I also love how they don't just focus on one case at a time, because the reality is that judges and lawyers have to deal with several cases a day. And this show simulates that pretty well without disrupting the flow of the story, since we are still able to see the linear timeline of the main characters' personal lives.
Another thing I love about this show is that the world doesn't bend to accommodate Shen Xiezhi and Qin Rui's love. Instead, they are the ones who have to bend to accommodate to how the world goes. That's reality. That's life. And it makes me appreciate their relationship even more, knowing that they've made a lot of efforts and thinking to make it work—all the while not sacrificing what is inherent in them as individuals. Their careers really matter to them, and they respect each other's careers and choices, too. Shen Xiezhi and Qin Rui are two people with different dreams and aspirations—one wants to be a judge in the High Court, the other wants to work in a big law firm and earn a lot for herself and her Grandma—and they both know from the start that being together might hinder their career options in the future (because of the recusal rule preventing a judge and a lawyer from working within the same jurisdiction). And you know what? This is what makes the angst so good, delicious, and just *chef's kiss*~ This is what makes the wait to see how they will resolve all of this all the more thrilling. Here are two people who love each other; and they love each other too much, to the point that even if it hurts their heart—even if they miss each other all the time, they are still genuinely happy for the other for pursuing their dreams. There is no resentment in the choices that they made—just understanding (that it is what it is), longing (to be with the person even if it is impossible at the moment), and a sense of pride (that the other is reaching greater heights that they have long dreamed of achieving). I can't emphasize this enough, but they are truly just such a mature pair and a very healthy couple. And even when they started off at the wrong foot, with endless "meet uglies", their best traits still shone for the other to recognize and admire.
I also love how we saw different types of marriages in this show. We saw Judge Shu Jing and her husband's marriage, as well as Judge Yu Le and her husband's marriage. I particularly like the side story about Judge Shu Jing and her husband because I think aside from Shen Xiezhi and Qin Rui's relationship, they are another good contrast to Jiang Feng and Lou Yue. While Jiang Feng and Lou Yue think that it will be a sacrifice to take a step back in their careers for the sake of their marriage and may be a cause for emotional blackmail in the future, Judge Shu Jing's husband has made peace with his decision regarding his career change and doesn't necessarily see it as a sacrifice, because he's more than willing to live a much simpler life for his family. As for Judge Yu Le and her husband, they're kind of a "perfect" pair. I say this lovingly: She's such a pampered princess off work, but it's okay because her husband is more than willing to indulge her. There's also Judge Ying Danian and his wife, who are quite a lovely and chill pair, even at the face of challenges (like his wife being sick). They're braving it together and he's a constant support for her, and it's just lovely to see.
On the topic of Judge Yu Le off work, I really love her off work outfits. She's so fashionable. Also Hu Aixi.
Special Mention: Jiang Feng and Liu Lian. Jiang Feng is such a funny friend. He's just a silly comedic relief for me. Whenever he goes to Shen Xiezhi's apartment unannounced and unsolicited, I just know they're going to piss each other off. As for Liu Lian, she's such a great friend. I really love her friendship with Qin Rui. They have stuck with each other for better and for worse and I love how in the moments where Qin Rui feels down, she's there to pull her up and remind her that she's there, better days are coming, and everything will be alright.
Special Mention 2: Chen Xianghui. I really love his ending. It was such a pleasant surprise for me when I saw it. And you know what? HE DESERVES IT! He's so dedicated to his job and constantly shadows Shen Xiezhi to learn from him. He can be a little self-deprecating because he has failed the Bar Exam multiple times, but that never stopped him from doing his best. It's just so commendable.
(You can check the comments if you want to read some of my insights on Shen Xiezhi and Qin Rui's characters and relationship.)
ACTING/CAST:
I'm going to be honest, Gong Jun didn't really stand out to me as an actor BEFORE. I watched his shows early in his career and after that, I stopped tuning in for his shows altogether. I am quite fond of him in variety shows, though. He seems like an overall lovely guy in real life. But this show changed my perspective of him as an actor again. He's actually good if given the chance to work with good directors and writers. He really brought Shen Xiezhi to life and his acting is so natural and convincing. He can be funny with his judging looks in the courtroom (he's a judge, and he judges LOL), but he can also deliver the perfect emotions of a discerning outsider watching emotionally-driven confrontations in court. Sure, he is moved, but he also maintains the level of professionalism required for his job. I really hope he gets a chance to work in similar shows because I feel like these types of shows suit him more? (Anyway, this truly put Gong Jun back in the map for me. I might even revisit some of the shows he has done after I stopped tuning in for his shows back then. And tune in for his future ones, too.)
As for Ren Min—THE ACTRESS SHE IS. I have always liked her. She's such an effective actress that I can always count on being immersed whenever I'm watching her. There's so much depth and nuance in her acting, that I could empathize with Qin Rui and feel for her. I saw that she actually wrote a character analysis for Qin Rui before they started filming and this dedication to the craft is truly awe-inspiring. She's definitely going places and I'm so excited to see her future works.
Gong Jun and Ren Min have amazing chemistry, especially when they're bickering. I really ate up their dynamic in this show and kinda went crazy when the obvious dislike their characters had for each other became charged with something else that they're both too scared to name. I hope they work together again. I think they would work well in an investigation drama. Or maybe those infinite flow stories (I think it's the new trend in C-Dramaland right now).
I have constantly said before that an actor is good is when I'm able to enjoy the show while watching him or her. If the actor delivers what he has to deliver and make me feel for their character, then they're good in my books. For this show, everyone has done a great job in doing that. From the main characters, to the supporting characters, and most especially to the main characters in each of the cases. The acting in this show is very grounded, and I think that's what makes it more effective for me. I am truly convinced that these are real life people facing these real life problems and I'm really just wishing the best resolution for their cases all throughout the show.
MUSIC:
The OSTs in this show are quite unassuming. I didn't even realize that I've had it memorized (and that I even remembered it) until I started humming along when the songs play in some scenes. There's nothing really much to say about the music, but the sound effects and BGM are all well-placed throughout the show and they have never felt out of place.
REWATCH VALUE:
Would you believe it if I said it has so much rewatch value, I end up rewatching while I'm still watching the episode itself? I always catch myself rewinding the scenes (especially Shen Xiezhi and Qin Rui's scenes) and as if that's not enough, I even go to XHS to watch edits. The rewatch value is just so high for me, I can't even explain it. It takes me hours to finish a 45-minute episode, it's quite insane.
OVERALL:
I thoroughly LOVE this show. I love this show so much, I have written a lot of thinkpieces about Shen Xiezhi and Qin Rui. I just cannot find it in me to shut up about them. At the same time, this show has also generated a lot of discussion (especially on Chinese social media) and it's quite interesting to read some of other people's takes, too. Not only is the show fun in itself, but the experience of watching it is fun, too. Call me a nerd, but I really love it when good discussions are made regarding the plot and the characters, interpreting their backgrounds and motivations and how these affect how they move along in the story.
Like I said above, it's not groundbreaking. But nevertheless, it is still a hidden gem that everyone should have the luck to come across with. It's definitely my favorite watch this year so far and I really hope everyone can give it a try~
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Amazing start, shaky middle, dismal climax, good ending—
Here lies another victim of censorship and the 40-episode rule. You watch the show and see how everything is going well in terms of the production, storytelling, and writing; and then it reaches the middle and it falters. And it's all because of the weird cuts you know well that something should have been there. It's such a shame. But Zeng Qingjie has outdone himself, though—I think this is better than Blossom. For Zou Yue, I still think Coroner's Diary is her best work (especially in terms of the romance, but I guess that's more of a personal preference).STORY:
Like I said, it started REALLY good. I even wrote a lengthy comment before about how the exposition in Lin'an County really set the stage for the events that will happen in the middle part of the show. The Lin'an Arc was so good, I just wanted to stay there. And even when the show ended, I wanted to go back. It's just so PEAK to me. But then, we reached the middle part and despite the several aura farming scenes and Fan Changyu's AMAZING fighting scenes—don't get me wrong, they're cool and I loved every second of them—I feel like the show really fell short when it came to telling the story of the battles they faced. I feel like they focused too much on the "Yan Zheng hiding his identity" plot instead of enriching the story about their life in that military camp, because from what I understood, they were in that camp FOR MONTHS and yet the only thing I clearly remember was the plotline about Xie Zheng hiding his identity (which, they could've written better, by the way). And towards the end of their Military Camp Arc, it was also so obvious that there were LOTS of cuts and I'm guessing it has something to do with censorship (maybe it was too violent?) Because one moment, this is happening. Then the next, another thing is happening. And then all of a sudden, an important general is dead? Didn't even show us how it happened. But it did. And we just have to accept it. And now, Fan Changyu is bedridden and OH she also discovers a BIG secret about her identity. It was all too abrupt. It was obvious that they were rushing things to have space for the Capital Arc.
I say this with no offense meant but maybe they wouldn't have the need to rush important plot points if they took away some of Qi Min and Yu Qianqian's screentimes. It was so unnecessary. I don't understand what they're trying to build up about their relationship and even in the end, it just didn't MOVE me. It's also so frustrating because we get full scenes of Qi Min and Yu Qianqian UNSOLICITED, but for the main couple, we have to beg for scraps of their scenes that they obviously filmed (based from the behind the scenes and leaked clips) but didn't make the final cut. I saw some people blaming Zou Yue for this, but she only writes the script. She doesn't decide what ends up in the final cut and what doesn't. It's the director. And obviously, these scenes were filmed so I really want to know what's going on with Zeng Qingjie when he decided to explore their relationship and dynamic for nothing.
Now, for the final arc—it was all over the place. The climax was dismal. And resolving the conflict of the show with dreams and chance discoveries? It's pure lazy writing and I will die on this hill. I remembered how chaotic the writing was in the last arc of Coroner's Diary, too and I'm faulting Zou Yue for this one. But I loved the reveal about Wei Yan, though. Truly a compelling villain (if we can even call him that; he's more of an anti-hero for me). I wish they explored Xie Zheng's dynamic with Wei Yan more. It was just so interesting to see how he's Wei Yan's pride and joy, but he's also the one person who can beat him in his own game and I think it unsettles him. I also wish they explored Xie Zheng's emotional turmoil more. I think he is complete as a character in terms of merits. He became a Marquis at a young age and it's well-deserved because he is both a good strategist and a good fighter—and it's pretty much established. But I feel like there's something that falls short in terms of his emotional struggles—especially his feelings about his parents, his uncle, his cousin, and basically his life before Changyu and how they related to her. It feels like they just dumped some scenes here and there about his interactions with them as a child and called it a day. There's no depth in it aside from what they want to evoke from the audience during that exact scene, which they try to get away with through editing.
As for how they showed Fan Changyu—from her humble beginnings as a butcher from Lin'an to her rise to power as a Great General—NO NOTES. I loved seeing every chapter of Fan Changyu's life. It's like seeing my little baby grow.
Last thing: I wish we got more of the alternate universe. I would really pay to see more of Xie Zheng and Fan Changyu being childhood sweethearts. (Instead, it feels like they set up everything for that specific scene at the end. But, whatever. Good to know that Qi Min and Yu Qianqian won't involve themselves with each other in their other life. They're physically repulsed by it. I'm repulsed by the idea of them, too.)
ACTING/CAST:
Like I have always said, my only criteria to say that an actor is good is when I'm able to enjoy the show while watching him or her. If the actor delivers what he has to deliver and make me feel for their character, then they're good in my books. For this show, everyone has done a good job in doing that. I felt for every character, whether good or bad, whether I love them or I hate them.
Special mention to Tian Xiwei because she really brought Fan Changyu to life. She has always been one of my favorite actresses, and I have trust in her acting skills, but seeing her as Fan Changyu was still a pleasant surprise, even as a long time fan of hers. She has improved so much over the years and I'm just so happy to see her getting the recognition she deserves through this project.
As for Zhang Linghe, I'm not particularly a fan of him, but I tend to end up watching his shows because for some reason, he always ends up in good shows. And from what I've seen, it's clear that he has also improved a lot. He was convincing in both personas as the ruthless Marquis Wu'an and the gentle matrilocal husband Yan Zheng. It was such a joy to see his pretty face on screen, I'm not going to lie. This is the best he's ever looked on camera, and mind you, he has always looked good.
I would also like to applaud the actors for Yu Bao'er and Fan Changning because they really held their own in their scenes, especially the actor for Yu Bao'er. These kids are definitely going places!
Special Mention 1: To the actor who played the Emperor. He's so convincing as a useless emperor, I couldn't help but roll my eyes whenever his scenes come up. But at the same time, I also couldn't help but feel sad for him in the end. He's a victim in all of this and things would have been better for him if he remained a prince. It's clear he had no ambition, but he was suddenly thrust into power and given more than enough food than he could chew. The actor did so well in portraying the helplessness of it all.
Special Mention 2: To the actor who played Wei Yan, Yan Yikuan. NO NOTES. Truly amazing performance as Wei Yan. It's also so convincing that he's Xie Zheng's uncle. They really look like they share the same genes, even Xie Zheng's mom. I think this is one of Zeng Qingjie's strengths—picking the perfect actors to play as family members and finding the perfect actors to play as the younger versions of other actors.
MUSIC:
The OSTs of this show are all ICONIC and the way you can associate certain scenes or know what kind of scenes will be shown from the OSTs alone show how effective they are in bringing up the whole atmosphere of the show. I especially love "Pure As I Am" by Yisa Yu because I really love the tender moments between Xie Zheng and Fan Changyu. They're just so sweet and heartwrenching in a good way.
REWATCH VALUE:
I will DEFINITELY rewatch this for the Lin'an Arc. Their domestic life was just so cozy and like I said, I really wish we could just stay there. It's such a memorable arc for me and I want to return there again and again. What I feel about Lin'an is like those trends on TikTok where they caption it with: "Not my place, but I know my way around." Because even with the petty fights with the neighbors, even with people looking down on them despite the big destiny they hold, Lin'an is still home.
OVERALL:
I initially said above that it's such a shame that such a good show faltered midway. But then, I can't deny that this is still an amazing work. So, congratulations to the casts and crew because this is really a memorable show in a sense that it was a very enjoyable watch and I've never felt so excited about watching a historical show since Coroner's Diary.
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No drama Chekhov's Gunned the way YYXH did
This is the first time I'm writing a public review ever since I've started watching dramas (which was a long time ago). I usually only write reviews on my private account for my close friends to see, but the brainrot that YYXH left me to have really calls for a review.STORY:
Every little thing that was put in the novel or game world tied up nicely to Ziqi and Miaomiao's reality. Every single detail that they have introduced here and there served a purpose in the story.
This was very much evident in the last two episodes where everything came to a full circle and the audience are given a chance to have THAT realization on why the plot of the novel was like that, why the characters are acting a certain way, and why this and that happened along the way.
These details added depth to the Ziqi and Miaomiao of the real world, making us feel for them the same way we did for the Ziqi and Miaomiao of the novel or game world.
Usually, transmigration shows have the same formula. The MC would go into the novel or game, the MC will try to change the story to survive, the MC beats the final boss and reaches the end of the story and they're brought back to their real world—where, if they're lucky, they might meet their love interest again. The End.
In this show, up until the 2nd to the last episode, they followed that formula, until they deviated from it—Miaomiao goes into the novel, Miaomiao tries to change the story to survive, Miaomiao beats the final boss and reaches the end of the story BUT just when Miaomiao was about to be brought back to the real world, THE TWIST HAPPENS.
And it's ultimately revealed how the novel or game world is not that far from Miaomiao's reality. In fact, the real world is heavily integrated into it. Miaomiao herself is heavily integrated to it.
It's kind of meta, if you ask me. And that's one thing I like the most about the story. It's very much "aware".
My interpretation is that:
- When Miaomiao still had her memory, YYXH's plot was on track. She made fun of the novel, made her own changes, and this is what we, as the audience, loved to see. This is what made us watch YYXH.
- But then, Miaomiao lost her memory. The plot faltered. And of course it will, our player is no longer playing—she FORGOT that she's playing. The plot is on auto-pilot now. YYXH is following Catching Demon's plot. It's natural it's going to be "bad" at that point, Miaomiao judged it as "bad" herself.
- Then, towards the end, Miaomiao finally regained her memory. AND IT WAS PEAK.
I won't say anything more to avoid spoilers. GO WATCH THE SHOW AND BE THE JUDGE!
BONUS: I love how they utilized the System. Usually, for shows like these, the System is forgotten midway. But here, the System is constantly involved and it only stopped being involved when Miaomiao forgot about it—which, again, shows that the story is very much "aware".
The production team definitely knew what they were doing.
ACTING/CAST:
I'm not really an authority when it comes to acting. My only criteria to say that an actor is good is when I'm able to enjoy the show while watching him or her. (My opinion is that it doesn't really matter how much technical skills an actor has. If the actor delivers what he has to deliver and make me feel for their character, then they're good in my books.)
And I definitely enjoyed watching the show. In fact, it was a joy to see Ding Yuxi and Yu Shuxin on screen again. They deliver what they have to deliver and their chemistry is a wonderful sight to see.
The chemistry of the ensemble cast is lovely, too. The found family vibes is too strong and it made me want to see more of their adventures.
The side characters are also good.
(Can I also say: I love how there's no definite villain in this show. They have their own considerations and when you think about things in their perspective, it makes sense why they acted the way they did. It's just realistic in a sense that everyone has their own life and it's just a matter of having different interests on why they're on different sides.)
MUSIC:
The soundtrack SLAPS. All the BGM and sound effects were properly placed and adds to the overall watching experience.
REWATCH VALUE:
For all of its easter eggs, one watch is not enough to catch them all. There's so much detail put into this story that if you watch it again, you'd notice something new.
In fact, even before you finish it, there are already a lot of scenes where you can't help yourself but go, "Oh, I have to watch that again."
OVERALL:
To be honest, the story is not anything grand—like, you wouldn't go into this and objectively think, "Oh, this is a masterpiece."
But there's heart in it that even when it's as simple as can be, you just FEEL that it is definitely a gem that you want to keep. It's definitely a comfort show more than anything.
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There is beauty in simplicity—even in ones that simply talk about home.
I have been compelled to write another review on this platform because I ended up really loving this show and I have to talk about it with someone.STORY:
Home is the central theme of this show. It is evident in the title, and even more evident if you watch the show yourself. You can find traces of home in the dynamics of the families (within the family itself and among the little compound they live in); in the friendships, and in the relationships. There are different types of home and this show sure showed a lot of them.
The story is actually simple. It's mundane. There are no grand scheme of things. But the heart in the writing made it compelling to watch—to see where life will take the main characters and how they will grow as people.
Special Mention: Xichi and Huan'er's relationship. The writers wrote neighbors to best friends to lovers perfectly. Their dynamic is so good as best friends; and when they shifted to becoming lovers, it's even better than before. It's such a joy to see their relationship go from one level to another. They're like that classmate of yours that you know like each other and you can't help but root for them to finally get together. It's not really an "in your face" romance, but their little moments left me giggling more than I do when watching actual romance shows. Maybe it also helps that Zhai Xiaowen and Yang Xizi's chemistry is so good!
ACTING/CAST:
I have always been neutral about Zhai Xiaowen, but he was really good in this show. His acting is very natural and he really brought Jing Xichi to life. This made me see him differently as an actor and made me want to look forward to his projects in the future.
As for Yang Xizi, she has always been an actress I like. I don't know if people have noticed, but she's actually a side character in a lot of Cheng Yi's dramas. And even then, she has always delivered. This show is no different. Like Xiaowen, her acting is also very natural and she brought nuance to a character people would usually consider a Mary Sue. She is a joy to watch as the sweet and lovely Chen Huan'er. And I'm looking forward to her future projects as well.
As for Zhou Keyu and He Qiu, their portrayals as Song Cong and Qi Qi are also good. In fact, all the other characters delivered and watching this show really felt like watching a bunch of high school friends going through life. In short, the acting was really convincing.
Special Mention: The parents. Their acting? Chef's kiss. I have nothing else to say.
MUSIC:
THE MUSIC IS PERFECT. Every song fits the scene and I've been listening to that one song by CigarHan a lot. Watch it and you'll know what I'm talking about.
REWATCH VALUE:
This is a comfort show for me, so I'd definitely watch it a lot. I can't explain it concretely, but to describe the feeling I had while watching this show: It feels like going back home after a long day of work—cozy, peaceful, and definitely like a warm hug. It's a feeling that you want to chase again.
OVERALL:
This is the #1 youth drama for me now. I know a lot of people had no expectations for this show; and there are some who believe that the low expectations they had for this show made their watch a pleasant surprise. But for me, I had expectations. I was waiting for this show since the announcement of casts (mostly for Xizi) and despite the expectations, it delivered and gave more. It was a lovely culmination of my waiting. Anyway, whether you have expectations or not, I hope everyone would give this show a try.
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Served Visuals, Served CP Excellence, and Served Justice!
The whole time I was watching, I would often joke to myself: What drugs did they put in this drama... why am I so addicted to it?STORY:
I am going to be honest, there are a lot of plot holes in this show, especially in the cases. The case-solving aspect is not really tight if you compare it to other mystery shows. But considering that its other main genre is romance, it's a good enough romance-mystery show. In fact, the romance is too good and it makes up for all the faults in the case-solving.
Individually, Yan Chi and Shen Wan are strong characters; and together, even stronger. They are one of the healthiest couples I've seen in a while, and it's very hard not to love them. One of the things I love about them is how they're both willing to learn from each other, and this was especially evident in the earlier episodes. There are instances where they have different views, but they talk it out and gain new perspectives that broaden their minds. I particularly liked the scenes where Shen Wan lectures Yan Chi on due process and human rights (sorry, I'm a nerd) and Yan Chi reading the books that Shen Wan mentions in passing and a few scenes later, you see him citing quotes from said books (like, wow, what do you know about romance!)
Another thing I love about them is how they give each other both support and comfort. I won't cite specific scenes, but watch the show and you'll know! (A little spoiler: In the whole 38 episodes, there was not a single misunderstanding between them, and even during the times when they were still unfamiliar with each other and felt a little suspicious of each other's motives, they still treated each other with respect.)
Ultimately, the flaws in the story are mostly in the case-solving aspect. But in terms of the overarching plot, I think it's all good. In fact, the story kept me so entertained until the end! Not even the flaws can stop me from watching!
[RE: TALKS ABOUT JUSTICE] I like their little commentary about justice. It can be a little preachy, but I think it's because the heart of the show is Shen Wan's "revenge". Revenge is not just achieved in the form of "an eye for an eye", like most of the "villains" in each cases did. Revenge may also be achieved by putting those who do evil to you before the eyes of the law.
In line with this, I think I saw some people criticizing Shen Wan's character design for being "too perfect". While I do agree that Shen Wan (and even Yan Chi) have crazy protagonist halo, I think that rather than being "too perfect", Shen Wan is just an idealist. After all, she grew up as a daughter of the Minister of the Supreme Court. She is privileged and hasn't seen much of the world yet, until the events of the show happened. I wouldn't hold it against her if she comes off too strong with her beliefs. (In fact, I know a lot of people just like her.) I think this was even addressed in one of the cases, where one of the characters pointed out that she hasn't lived the same experiences as other women to make her own judgment about them by her own standards. So, no. I don't think she's "too perfect". I think she's just an idealist, who eventually came to know how the world truly works as the story progresses.
ACTING/CAST:
Li Landi, the actress that you are! Loved her micro-expressions so much! The way her lips quiver when she's about to cry, like she's holding it back is so on brand for Shen Wan's character design and her performance is just so good! I have always loved her and her performance in this show is just as good as the ones I've watched her in before. She's always improving and from her attitude while acting and her interviews, you just know how much respect she has for the craft.
Ao Ruipeng, you are now one of my elite employees! I actually first saw him in Seven Relics of Ill Omen and I liked his performance there, so I had a little deep dive into his works. Maybe it's my bias (from Seven Relics) but honestly, I used to think he suits the fun and silly characters more than the serious ones. But he was majestic as Yan Chi and he definitely brought Yan Chi to life. His admiring gazes for Shen Wan really sold the CP to me! He's so good at acting in love, I was going crazy every time they had a scene together. In addition to this, he is so good at creating chemistry with every dynamic he has in the show. His dynamic with Bai Feng is so fun to watch. It's not just the typical master-servant dynamic. It also had a hint of "I went through life and death with you. You may be my servant, but you are also one of my brothers" kind of dynamic. His dynamic with Yue Ning and Yan Li is also so lovely. He has that "older brother that they can always depend on and be a little immature to" vibe going on whenever he's with them. And his dynamic with his father was so heartbreaking. He portrayed a child yearning for his father's approval and love so well. The scenes with his father brought me to tears, like, I was crying for real.
Shen Yujie and Yu Chengen are also good! They are so funny and it's so fun seeing their antics.
Overall, the actors in this show are all so good and it's a joy to watch them all bring the characters to life. From the good guys to the bad guys, their acting are all online!
Special Mention: The actress for Qin Zhaoyu. I don't know, she's not really that important of a character, but she stood out so much for me. She just exudes so much grace and I can't help but root for her character.
MUSIC:
THE MUSIC HAS HIT #PLATINUM IN MY HOUSEHOLD. In fact, I already have them on rotation in my daily playlist.
The way the songs were utilized in the scenes in the drama is perfect. It effectively adds on the immersion you feel when you watch the scene. I particularly like it whenever they use Don't Sigh in heartbreaking and angsty scenes. It never fails to make me tear up. I also want to mention Ao Ruipeng's OST in particular. They always add it in the romantic scenes and it's just so perfect and heart-fluttering!
REWATCH VALUE:
Let's just say that every time I finish watching an episode, I immediately go to XHS or Weibo to watch edits or clips. That's how rewatchable it is for me. And I won't miss a single video.
OVERALL:
This drama is just too addicting. Sure, it has some flaws. But it's so entertaining! I loved every second of it, even the ones where I go, "Huh? That kinda doesn't make sense." If you don't want to watch it for the case-solving, at least watch it for the main couple. I have never seen a CP with this good chemistry, this good writing, and this perfect in a long time. They're just so compatible and healthy in a way that is still exciting to watch. I was so crazy about them and I don't think I will forget them for a very long time.
Also: The actors are all online. And they are captured perfectly by the production team. It's a visual feast.
I often say that you really just know when the crew enjoyed doing a project when you see the end result. This is one of those projects. It's definitely going to my Top Favorite Shows List in my heart.
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