This review may contain spoilers
WOW! Episode by Episode
Lu Yuxiao can play anything, whether it be modern or historical. And this was my first drama with Chen Xingxu in it and it did not disappoint at all.
Episode 1: Who would ever break up with my girl, Lu Yuxiao? Idiot. Chen Xingxu’s entrance was ethereal. Him in the prince outfit. The setting is beautiful in this drama. The snow and the modern looking almost New York looking city. Him protecting her from the guards and the quick handwork that he did to get the gun away from her. Holy. The aura from Xingxu with his business trench coat and glasses. Oops. He wasn’t helping her in the game, he was plotting against her. Side note: her saying “pianzi” in the first episode reminded of LITC.
Episode 2: Hu Xiu is so smart. I love that she’s such an independent woman who knows what she wants and won’t back down. Ughhh I hate when they just miss meeting each other by a second. Again, love how Hu Xiu stands up for herself with her ex’s mother.
Episode 3: Awww Zhiyu’s genuine concern for Hu Xiu after she got scared of the new haunted house setting. Then, the flowers that appeared, so pretty. He separated from his character in the game for that bit of time and it showed his genuine care for her. I fear we are getting a forced proximity trope with them living in the same small apartment. The way they were both on call with their friends to figure out the rooming situation😭😭
Episode 4: Xiuxiu is such a compassionate person. She gave Zhiyu allergy medicine when she heard that he was allergic. She’s so smart too, figuring out it was actually Zhiyu renting her place. He’s pretty smart too though as he instantly found out that she knew after she slipped up in pretending to check the furniture. Match made in heaven - a smart one at that. Aw, I feel so bad for Xiuxiu. She brought her whole design and showed her passion, but was only offered an assistant position. Zhiyu, please help Xiuxiu and give her a position at ur company. Xiuxiu showing up for Zhiyu and standing up for him with the neighbors, then him showing her the architectural work she’s been doing. This is building up to him and her working together, I just know it. She doesn’t even know she’s talking to the designer of Galaxy Bookstore. And then when she understood the meaning behind his name…their emotional connection and lives are so interconnected even if she doesn’t know it yet. She’s so strong for pursuing her career dreams and staying true to them.
Episode 5: YES!! I guessed right, she got an interview at her dream studio and Zhiyu is the founder. It was so cute when she was celebrating her interview and he was sitting right beside her knowing he was the reason. Then, in person when she saw him and realized he was the founder, his smug look was so funny. The interviewer partner lady tried to trick her and see if she knew how to speak English. Her English ended up being even better than the partner’s in my personal opinion. The look on Zhiyu’s face was like “She can even speak English, what else do I not know abt her that she can do?” Xiuxiu is just perfect basically. (side note: it’s super impressive how Lu Yuxiao can speak English with almost a perfect British accent). UGH, I love this detail they added. Xiuxiu told Zhiyu how much she wanted to show the last company her design and work that she did, but they didn’t even care. I loved how he did and asked her to show him it and explain it. He really values her work. Oh my goodness, the trama that Zhiyu went through, which is why he is so serious abt the safety of architecture.
Episode 6: When they were having a heart to heart on the balcony, he was actually pretty sweet. I loved how he said that he didn’t focus on her shortcomings but rather everything screamed “potential.” He saw an opportunity and took a chance with her and I’m sure he’s not going to regret it. Who would’ve thought? Xiuxiu’s ex is Zhiyu’s friends new groom. That man didn’t deserve Xiuxiu anyway.
Episode 7: Xiuxiu’s ex is a cheater too, not only someone who leaves behind Xiuxiu. Wow, Xiuxiu’s dedication to her job is admirable. She fell, lost her shoes, and risked her safety just to get the sample designs to Zhiyu. I love how Zhiyu is so observant. He instantly noticed that she had no shoes. YES! I love how Zhiyu came back and got Xiuxiu to get her revenge on Qiran’s family especially that mother. He knew how strong she was meant to be and he’s helping Xiuxiu achieve and channel that strength. His care is like dominant but gentle love. Zhiyu definitely holds grudges and he helped Xiuxiu stand her ground with Qiran. Not only that, but Zhiyu was constantly checking on Xiuxiu making sure that she was ok cus he knew how emotionally distraught she still will be. Zhiyu even asked for Xiuxiu’s permission before accepting Qiran’s toast. AHHH!! He even confronted Qiran’s mom without hesitation. The confidence that Zhiyu emanates is one of his best qualities.
Episode 8: Again, we see XiuXiu’s dedication to her job. She truly is one of the hardest working junior designers in the company. I love the part where Zhiyu drove in the rain to pick up Xiuxiu out of his rival company’s car. That slide in front of them to stop the car. Him getting out. The powerful walk with the umbrella. I love how Zhiyu cleared up that misunderstanding about trust, even if it’s in the game. The fact he let her get so close means he fully trusts her already.
Episode 9: When they met again in the game, Hu Xiu helped Zhiyu win this time. It shows the change in character from the time that they have spent together. “I believe in my dreams. My intuition. And I believe my intuition told me you would win. I will not betray my instincts nor will I betray you.” Those words are so powerful even if said in a game. Wow. Hu Xiu being strong again and standing up for her friend against that jerk. Then her almost getting crushed by a statue, but Zhiyu saving her and taking the hit to his own arm whic is his prized possession as an architect. And then she restated that sentence that means so much to him: “I won’t betray you.” We are officially getting the forced proximity trope with them living in the same apartment.
Episode 10: I know that Pei Zhen is the villain, but he did hep the girls with the matter of that weird guy. The move he does with his glasses too is sort of giving me second lead syndrome, but not rlly. I’m in full support of Zhiyu still. The first thing Zhiyu asked after hearing about her almost crashing his car is if she’s ok herself. Awww that was sweet. Zhiyu took care of the onions, the flowers, and he even had to watch a video to learn how to plant them. He’s so husband coded because he understands how distraught Xiuxiu is, so he doesn’t force her to do anything that is not good for her. He somehow knows how to distract her by letting her work and forget about all the stress in her life.
Episode 11: That dinner was definitely a date. He also got so jealous after thinking she was standing him up for a blind date. He knows her so well, encouraging her to go resolve her issues with her parents. She didn’t even have to say her third wish and he knew what it was. I’m so glad Zhiyu did though because her dad finally accepted her dreams. Everything is resolved and you can see that it’s such a big burden taken off her shoulders.
Episode 12: Zhiyu and Xiuxiu both understand each other in such a healthy way. She helped distract him from the project almost getting messed up and was willing to work overtime. I loved it when everyone from the team started showing up on their day off to work on this project together. It shows how much of an actual team they are. AURA. When Zhiyu walked in with Hu Xiu behind him to the competition. OH MY GOODNESS. He practically confessed his feelings to Xiuxiu through the competition, admitting she was his inspiration. And they incorporated the VR aspect where they first met too, and time basically keeps on flowing, allowing them to immerse themselves.
Episode 13: WHAT THE HECK. PLOT TWIST. Pei Zhen and Xiao Zhiyu are non-biologically related brothers. I don’t know if this makes the competition between them better or worse. Holy, the tension is ramping up. Xiuxiu is truly Zhiyu’s light in the darkness. She gets him out of his dark thoughts with her bright face and smile. Zhiyu noticed that she would always play with her fingers when she’s upset.
Episode 14: WHOO! I see you Xiao Zhiyu, after the kiss, he starts to tease Xiuxiu a lot more now that he knows her real feelings.
Episode 15: Wow, Xiuxiu looked so pretty in that glittering white dress. Same with Zhiyu in his black and white suit. They really look good together. Zhiyu getting jealous over Xiuxiu and Pei Zhen dancing together. I love how Xiuxiu’s family took Zhiyu in like their own for the New Years. Especially since his family isn’t really there for him, the way he has this second family to rely on is super sweet.
Episode 16: Awww, Zhiyu rejected her confession and hit her with an “I’m going to move out soon.” I felt so bad for her when she started rubbing her fingers together again. I think Zhiyu is just scared of that commitment, trust, and deep feeling he’s starting to get from being around her. He doesn’t want to get distracted from his goal. Bro there’s no way that the second couple ML is cheating. With his school junior too? Really? He’s going to give up such a good wife who is willing to do anything and sacrifice anything for him, in turn for a young girl who doesn’t know anything about loyalty. Even if it was a misunderstanding, why did it take so long for him to push her off from him when she kissed him?
Episode 17: Even when Xiuxiu and Zhiyu aren’t really talking to each other, he’s still there for her. He stayed behind and his presence is always just there for her. He cares either way, he just needs to figure out how to express it. OOOOOHHHH…I know this isn’t the time or place but I sense a new second lead couple. Gong Huaicong has been helpful for Xiao Rou whether she admits it or not. I sense it…just wait.
Episode 18: Pei Zhen was meant to be the villain and I’m not saying he’s the greatest person. However, I do think that he is forced into a bad situation and has to do his best to adapt. I think that Xiuxiu sees that, which is why she is still so nice and compassionate towards Pei Zhen. She inspires him towards positive change. I do have to say though, I feel a little bit for Guangming. I know the relationship just wasn’t working, but I think he truly loved their relationship while it lasted and was always trying to make their future better.
Episode 19: I sense a confession scene coming form Zhiyu and Hu Xiu. He didn’t allow her to get married even if it’s in the game. “Picking other people is wrong. You should choose me and we can win together.” HU XIU DO YOUR THING. CONFESS!!! UGHHH SO CLOSE BUT NOT ENOUGH. Come on, Zhiyu. Be a man and confess. AHHH YESSSS I KNEW HE WASNT GOING TO LET HER GO. OMG BETTER THAN IMAGINED HE WENT RIGHT IN FOR THE KISS AGAINST THE WALL. HOLYYYYY!!!!! Now, move back in together, date, and live happily ever after. When she asked Zhiyu if they were in a relationship, I love his reply. “I’m not like someone. Someone kissed me and brushed it off as an accident. I take full responsibility for my actions.” His confession was so heartfelt. But I hate how the subtitles always translate 我喜欢你 to “I love you.” It means “I like you” in most situations, but it makes it seem like they’re already telling each other “I love you.”😭😭 I also just noticed that one of the OSTs is a rendition of “Can’t help falling in love”. I love the mandarin version remix though. DANG! He said he was almost 30 so he’s not playing childish games, so instead of a forehead stamp, he went directly in for a kiss.
Episode 20: Well, I guess Zhiyu didn’t cover the camera well enough cus now everyone knows. Awww the desk and tie scene was really cute. I lied, I don’t like Pei Zhen anymore. How dare he talk abt Hu Xiu to his parents when Xiuxiu has said she doesn’t feel anything for him. That’s putting her in a really awkward position. Same with Zhiyu, I wish he revealed they were dating already.
Episode 21: The second lead couple is developing. I can sense it. The scene with them 4 eating together at the cafe, why do I feel like it’s not scripted? Their laughs were so natural. Zhiyu when he’s jealous is so cute, and the small kisses that Hu Xiu gave him. Not only is this relationship sweet but it’s deep too. Hu Xiu encourages Zhiyu to face his fears and deal with his trauma healthily step by step. Her playing piano was such a nice touch, especially to the OST and it being a gift from his dad.
Episode 22: Xiao Zhiyu trusted Xiuxiu enough to tell her about his dad and why he was so scared that something happened to her. He revealed how much Xiuxiu has helped him stay grounded in reality. I love when they show the more emotional sides of their relationship. Aww he got woman’s slippers for her once she visited for the first time. He also finally stocked his refrigerator. He’s doing it to protect her too. He noticed that strange car always hanging around her, so he wants to keep her safe. Ugh he cherished her so much. Ohhh it makes so much sense now. It was Pei Zhen’s dad. Bro, Pei Zhen has the wrong idea. He needs to know that Hu Xiu doesn’t like him in any way and he’s only messing with her life. I love how Zhiyu is so serious when it comes to protecting her.
Episode 23: What the heck bro, everyone was having such a good time. The concert and everything. Then, everything comes crashing down. Identities are revealed, Hu Xiu’s dad gets into an accident, and Zhiyu’s reputation is at risk. Please work through this together. Come on, my two. I knew the relationship was too simple and easy. I still love how Zhiyu dropped evehrbting considering his own identity and helped Hu Xiu with her dad. He quietly did all the paperwork for Hu Xiu’s dad and everything regardless of his whole future being affected. Pei Zhen is actually the most jealous person in the world. There’s a reason Zhiyu always gets the better things and accomplishes more. Cus he’s jsut a better person.
Episode 24: I gotta say, I feel for both Zhiyu and Hu Xiu. She’s just trying to protect her family and stop herself from causing her dad even more trouble. He’s trying to make sense of it all and is getting dragged into his dads actions.
Episode 25: YES! They made up. I loved how their miscommunication/breakup length was technically only 1 episode. And even throughout that episode; they were still there for each other. They both defended each other and tried to help with the cause no matter if their cases were direct opposites. I loved when Zhiyu confronted Pei Zhen abt his narcissistic actions when he KNOWS Hu Xiu doesn’t feel anything for him.
Episode 26: Wow, there’s no way Pei Zhen’s dad is willing to kill ppl just to manipulate his kids. What the heck is this plot twist!? He killed Zhiyu’s dad!!!!??? Oh heck no, he deserves to be in jail forever. All of this was made possible with Hu Xiu’s detective skills I would like to add. Wow, Chen Xingxu’s acting was amazing in this episode.
Episode 27: Awww they’re so cute together. Her heartfelt talk with her shows just how much he helped her find her goals in life. He pushed her, supported her, and gave her happiness at the same time. Awww… Pei Zhen coming to his senses. His “I’m sorry” hit rlly deep. I hoe he can find inspiration and love a happy life himself. He was trapped and now, he deserves better.
Episode 28: Awww he came back just to say bye to her without their coworkers. His little head rubs.
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