mikrokosmos228

If there are a few things I really like about this drama, it's the music and the fight scenes. The fight in episode 35 has to be one of the most incredible I've witnessed. I am sure there was a stunt double used. But there is also many frontal shots and for such a tall guy, it's amazing how quick and seamless Hu Yi Tan makes every move look. There is so much strength and power in the way he cuts down the bad guys. It is such an exhilarating watch that I've revisited many times.

The urge to reexperience this drama hasn't gone away yet. The pattern goes like this on my rewatch: swoon over the romance, marvel at Liu Yu Ning looking so good, think about how cool Song Zu Er is as Manman, crack up at all the funny parts again (special shout-out to his advisor; is he his political advisor or marriage counselor? lol). Rinse and repeat.

I've been a fan of Liu Yu Ning since The Long Ballad, so I knew he would nail the cold hero role. Even so, I absolutely loved his portrayal of Wei Shao. His antagonistic look is like a work of art. What caught me by surprise is the marvelous performance of Song Zu Er as Manman. She demonstrates this duality as the adorable Manman with big adoring eyes and as the capable Lady Wei that has Wei Shao squirming, which makes this such a delightful watch. They nailed the intimacy of a happily married couple so well that it'll be hard to top going forward.

Thanks. I've been checking out the OST. Such great songs.

I thought Gao was the weakest character largely because of how the actor portrayed the character. But yes, strong acting all around. I like the drummer friend. I also like the coworkers toward the end. These guys are hilarious. And I was surprised by the painter friend. At first I thought he was going to be another boring 2nd lead. But he gave a nuanced performance. Very mature and his exit is classy.

Years late, just finished, so I'm sure I'm not the first person to say this but this has to be one of the strongest chemistry captured in a drama. The character of Li Xun is a force to be reckoned with. Such a flawed character. So bullheaded and screams red flag at face value. That's why he needs someone like Zhu Yun who is perceptive enough to look past the surface level to truly see and understand the real Li Xun. That's how they are able to connect and fall in love. She bridges the gap in more ways than one. But goodness, how he tested her patience and viewers like me. There were times where I just wanted to tell her, girl, just leave him and go as far away as possible. But ultimately, I really wanted a happy ending for them because it's so obvious they're most alive only when they're together. Phenomenal performance by both Chen Fei Yu and Zhang Jing Yi.

I know Xu Kai and Bai Lu are super famous now and doing their own things separately but they will always be my favorite pairing. I don't think there will ever be anyone that can tease Bai Lu the way Xu Kai does in this drama. I still think this is his best role to date.

One of my favorite things about this director is his use of heart-pounding, absolutely thrilling background music. He has the knack for using music that just elevates any scene ten folds. Ashes of Love is my all time favorite. I've also enjoyed Story of Kunning Palace, The Long Ballad, and The Starry Love.

It's quite difficult to move on from this drama. What struck me is in how the drama turned such common tropes into a story filled with one of the most organic and gratifying slow burn romances I have ever seen. I just love stories like this where two strangers meet and there is instant attraction but also animosity. It creates this tension that draws you right in. And these two are so compelling in that respect. I also enjoyed their awkward and often hilarious, sometimes swoony interactions. You get to witness this gradual shift in their relationship as they face one challenge after another, growing closer and closer and carries you all the way to the end in a way that leaves you satisfied to have witnessed such a beautiful love story.

Love the thoughts you shared. I love The Long Ballad because of his character arc with Zhao Lu Si's. It's actually one of my all time favorite stories (and now this one as well). And I agree; I continue to be taken aback by the criticism of his looks. Personally, he's one of the most attractive actors I have ever seen. If nothing else, the one consistent thought I have when watching his dramas is how fine he looks in every scene lol. I guess to each their own, but that will always surprise me.

I still can't get over that clap in ep 7, so unexpected yet so fitting that I couldn't stop laughing for a while. I recall being so impressed, thinking like damn, she got him good and my admiration for her shot up. And then Wei Liang started clapping lol. Like a manifestation of the audience's feelings.

That makes sense as well. I feel like it speaks to the recurring theme of choosing what is right even if it meant personal sacrifice, like in the beginning when Manman chose Wei Shao's side over Liu Yan's. And how this is the opposite of her cousin's point of view and later the cousin's husband, both of whom chose to sacrifice the greater good, only to end in tragedy.

I would say it actually signifies him following the same path as Manman's grandfather, which is choosing to save the people he is responsible for protecting as their lord, over personal relationships.

I thought it was the cutest when Wei Shao popped out those little mandarin oranges to share with Manman in ep 31, followed by that wonderful conversation. It's so domestic, like all these little understated scenes of domestic bliss between them are my favorites in the drama.

That's so interesting to learn as I don't speak mandarin. Thanks for sharing. Submit tends to have a negative connotation. But to me it's like saying earn his respect with your gentle composure, wisdom and dignity and that will naturally translate to a literal bow (similar to Wei Shao's interaction with his father in law in Kangjin).

I feel like the electrical charge emanating from that room in episode 32 could power the grid for the entire world lol.

It's such a satisfying experience to watch Manman school her opponents, including Wei Shao, in complete equanimity. And even more thrilling to see their relationship grow and slowly turn into domestic bliss where they seek each other out for conversations, have meals together, sleep in the same room. I loved the secret smiles and the awkward, bumbling ways in which they try to make each other happy.

I never thought I'd be so content just watching two people smile at each other for hours. And then episode 32 happened. The charge in that room... like hot damn, that was spellbinding.

I'll be sure to check out more of his dramas!

Haha, I've only seen him in this and if he's so interesting playing the nice guy, I wonder what it would be like playing the bad guy lol