whoissilmoy

foreshadowing: "if you get hurt because of love in the future, don't come crying to me."

I read scenes are not filmed in sequence so when an actor has dual personalities to play, they could be playing the aloof one day and the not aloof the next day, maybe even within hours the same day.

Mei Zhuyu, once emotionally reserved, indifferent to desires, focused solely on duty before is transformed. His personality seems livelier, more expressive, though his temperament remains the same. Love flipped a switch inside him. 💘⚡chp 21 is like a turning point, second half

Playing Mei Zhuyu subdued in the first half sets up a strong contrast with how his personality opens up later.

He confessed because he thought they were going to die. The moment is so delicately performed. They're about to be crushed to death, yet Mei Zhuyu remains composed in the face of death. Beneath that composure, though, is a storm of emotions. He desperately wants her to know how he feels. Even with such urgency, he remains tempered controlled, yet deeply emotional. It's exquisite. I find the moment wonderfully complex.

it was no big deal in the novel, not even a blink; but the drama no one knows the script

I think official is better if truly want to support actors, unless you can't

I love your comments,

it's up to them, right? but I am sad too

This drama is entertaining and light-hearted. Just when you think it’s about to get really serious, it gives you just enough—and if you’re like me, you hope it goes deeper—but then it pulls back (so far). It teases me, plays with my emotions, and keeps me guessing. The heavy moments are scattered throughout.

I wonder about Chinese actresses, they're past 35 and still not married, maybe never will, and keep acting.

dream on

I wouldn’t call the pacing 'off' as if it were flawed—it’s just a different storytelling style. The show leans into its ensemble strength, with a rich cast that adds emotional depth to the main arc. The white tea tree story, for instance, may seem like a detour, but it helps the female lead realize she wants someone by her side. It’s poetic and rich, giving meaning to Wu Zhen." These moments give texture to her journey and make her growth feel more authentic. It may feel off because this style of storytelling in costume dramas is less common. Xu Kai's costume drama in 2024 also has a rich ensemble storytelling.

I think he or she does mean a group, those who do it for a living, in this digital age of social media

can he keep a secret? Also, Pei found out Mei's secret. Still, the leads are don't know each other identity, maybe it will come after marriage.

You can really see the director’s flair for dramatics and artistic style in the scenes with Pei.
Little snake is so funny
They cast actors that look like their animal parts
"What if I'm the one who hurts you?" - must be foreshadowing
It's looking like the last dozen episodes that they know each other identify and fight together

strike the eye

it's also continues in ep 20

Beginning of ep 20 super close ups. Xu Kai’s micro-expressions are seriously impressive. The closer the camera gets, the more you see how nuanced and precise his performance is. His expressions aren’t forced—no exaggerated movements to signal emotion. Everything feels natural and realistic. In that trapped scene, you can feel the intensity just from his face.

So if it feels underwhelming to some, keep in mind: this is Mei Zhuyu.

For me, Xu Kai captures his character’s complex balance of quiet intensity and emotional restraint in a way that’s deeply affecting. I really enjoy this scene. This scene is very intense and deeply moving yet you can feel Mei Zhuyu's personality in it.

wow the action scenes are really good, gripping. This is what Xu Kai was made for
up close, his expressiveness explodes

omg, you're right, RF is only 7.8 and that is an amazing production, great acting, one of xu kai's best performances. I think it used to be at least an 8 or low 8, and has declined every year, I've noticed that on MDL, Xu Kai’s dramas often receive higher scores during their initial release when viewership is highest. As fewer people watch in later years, the score inexplicably declines—even though the smaller number of new ratings shouldn’t outweigh the original majority. This suggests the declining scores are statistically illogicalL unless newer ratings are disproportionately weighted by giving extra weight to those newer, lower scores, but I doubt it works that way.
if I were brand new to MDL and Royal Feast was my first drama, and I saw 7.8, I would think 7.8 means it's a great drama.

no one cares about MDL ratings, not China, not the actors, not producers, not brands, etc.