3
"Life Treats Men Better Than Women"
This was honestly such a great watch. I really enjoyed the script, the cinematography, the acting, and especially the relationship between You Yi and Yan Wei.
The story follows You Yi, a famous writer whose world falls apart when she’s betrayed by both her husband and her best friend. On top of that, she becomes entangled in a murder case. Amid the chaos, she meets Yan Wei, a cold and emotionally guarded woman who works in a photography shop. Slowly, the two grow close.
You Yi is portrayed as sweet and innocent, a little naive at times, but also deeply self-aware. I really admired how strong she was when facing betrayal. Despite her husband’s manipulative apologies and even discovering she’s pregnant, she chooses to leave him. She knows her worth and understands that a baby doesn’t fix a broken relationship. That was such a powerful moment, and I was proud of her.
Yan Wei, on the other hand, is hardened by a past where she was taught to survive alone. Emotions and trust were foreign to her until she stepped into a “normal life” that involved relationships and vulnerability.
Their dynamic was incredibly compelling, like sunshine and her protector. While this was marketed as a “sismance,” there were so many romantic undertones that I couldn’t help but read between the lines, and absolutely loved every second of it. Yan Wei, usually emotionless, would soften whenever You Yi called her “Wei Wei” or gently touched her hair. Her quiet blushes said it all. She protected You Yi at any cost, even risking her own safety and identity.
When You Yi was pregnant, Yan Wei cared for her as if she were her wife. There’s even a moment where Yan Wei says she could be the father of the child, and they took couple photos together while You Yi was expecting. Every scene with them made me smile. Their bond was deep, tender, and so genuine. As far as I’m concerned, they were wives. They raised a child together. No one can convince me otherwise.
But given the setting (Republic-era China) I suppose I should’ve expected that a happily-ever-after wasn’t in the cards, especially for two women. The ending felt more open than outright sad, but it definitely seemed like it was building toward a second season before getting canceled. Still, the ending didn’t take away from my enjoyment at all. Life is messy, and their story reflected that.
As for the male characters… none of them really stood out to me. The detective was probably the most tolerable, but I wasn’t impressed. The husband? He can rot. Honestly, I didn’t care about any of the men. I just wanted more screentime for these two beautiful women in love! (Yes, I know the men served plot purposes—but still.)
Cinematography-wise, the series looked beautiful, and the music choices were spot-on. I do wish there had been a bit more variety in the wardrobe, especially for You Yi as a wealthy woman. Still, what they wore was elegant and suited their characters.
Overall, I loved this series. Whether for the plot or the nuanced relationship between You Yi and Yan Wei,or both. I highly recommend watching it. An easy 9/10.
The story follows You Yi, a famous writer whose world falls apart when she’s betrayed by both her husband and her best friend. On top of that, she becomes entangled in a murder case. Amid the chaos, she meets Yan Wei, a cold and emotionally guarded woman who works in a photography shop. Slowly, the two grow close.
You Yi is portrayed as sweet and innocent, a little naive at times, but also deeply self-aware. I really admired how strong she was when facing betrayal. Despite her husband’s manipulative apologies and even discovering she’s pregnant, she chooses to leave him. She knows her worth and understands that a baby doesn’t fix a broken relationship. That was such a powerful moment, and I was proud of her.
Yan Wei, on the other hand, is hardened by a past where she was taught to survive alone. Emotions and trust were foreign to her until she stepped into a “normal life” that involved relationships and vulnerability.
Their dynamic was incredibly compelling, like sunshine and her protector. While this was marketed as a “sismance,” there were so many romantic undertones that I couldn’t help but read between the lines, and absolutely loved every second of it. Yan Wei, usually emotionless, would soften whenever You Yi called her “Wei Wei” or gently touched her hair. Her quiet blushes said it all. She protected You Yi at any cost, even risking her own safety and identity.
When You Yi was pregnant, Yan Wei cared for her as if she were her wife. There’s even a moment where Yan Wei says she could be the father of the child, and they took couple photos together while You Yi was expecting. Every scene with them made me smile. Their bond was deep, tender, and so genuine. As far as I’m concerned, they were wives. They raised a child together. No one can convince me otherwise.
But given the setting (Republic-era China) I suppose I should’ve expected that a happily-ever-after wasn’t in the cards, especially for two women. The ending felt more open than outright sad, but it definitely seemed like it was building toward a second season before getting canceled. Still, the ending didn’t take away from my enjoyment at all. Life is messy, and their story reflected that.
As for the male characters… none of them really stood out to me. The detective was probably the most tolerable, but I wasn’t impressed. The husband? He can rot. Honestly, I didn’t care about any of the men. I just wanted more screentime for these two beautiful women in love! (Yes, I know the men served plot purposes—but still.)
Cinematography-wise, the series looked beautiful, and the music choices were spot-on. I do wish there had been a bit more variety in the wardrobe, especially for You Yi as a wealthy woman. Still, what they wore was elegant and suited their characters.
Overall, I loved this series. Whether for the plot or the nuanced relationship between You Yi and Yan Wei,or both. I highly recommend watching it. An easy 9/10.
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