Zhu Chaoyang likes math

Xiaohongshu (Rednote)

Zhou Qi (Fang Yifan) recently posted a photo of the original novel's sequel, so there's still hope🥹

It's been 6 years, yet I still haven't moved on from this beautiful show. I hope season 2 will not disappoint.

To me, the movie felt like it was set in an alternate universe. I was disappointed because I expected it to either continue the story from the drama or retell it from the male lead’s perspective,but unfortunately, it didn’t live up to those expectations. Personally, I don’t think the movie is worth watching. However, the easter egg is definitely something you shouldn’t miss.

The drama has an open ending, with the final scene deliberately left ambiguous to allow for audience interpretation. While the movie’s plot is largely unrelated to the drama, it includes an easter egg at the end that reveals what truly happens after the drama’s conclusion.

It's not Miao, but Bai

I see it differently. I think the male lead’s performance is incredible. Every time I rewatch, I catch new details. Like when he hears the female lead say she wants to go to university in Beijing with Zhanyu—if you look closely, you’ll see his eyes well up with tears. Or when he spoke harshly to her and walks out of the restaurant—turn up your screen brightness, and you’ll notice he’s crying again. There’s also the moment when he mistakenly thinks she’s committed murder and decides to turn himself in for her. The TV happens to be playing the weather forecast, and when he realizes he won’t get to see the first snowfall with her, his eyes start to tear up. Even small things, like fixing his hair before handing her a bottle of water after a run, show his feelings. And every time she gets physically close to him, his micro-expressions and body language are fascinating to watch. The male lead nailed his role.

It'll have a sad ending (BE) if it's faithful to the original work.

That’s part of the reason too. In the original story, the ML was secretly dispatched to a foreign country to assist its government, as direct interference in another nation’s internal affairs wasn't allowed. His mission was top secret, and it was mentioned that by accepting this mission, the ML essentially gave up his identity and social existence. No one would know what he had done, and even if he died abroad, he wouldn't be able to return with proper recognition. It was only many years later—after the FL had also made tremendous sacrifices and the situation had gradually stabilized—that their mission was declassified, their sacrifices revealed.

The main story has a happy ending (HE), while the extras have a sad ending (BE).

In the original work, it's not a HE.

In the original story, the male lead died from suicide rather than being killed in battle. As a result, he wasn’t allowed to have the national flag draped over his coffin at the funeral. The heartbreaking part was that even though he sacrificed everything for his country, he wasn’t recognized as a hero, and his sacrifice was forgotten. But since the show changed his nationality, this part will probably be erased, but we'll see.

Due to censorship reasons, the male lead's nationality was changed so that he's no longer Chinese. This means that a major heart-wrenching plot point from the original story will be lost. Spoilers below

When the casting for the actors was first announced, many Chinese book fans protested when they saw that Benjamin was being played by a Chinese actor because they wanted an American white man for the role. Now that the show has aired, I think the casting choice was great — the actor captured Benjamin's vibe really well.

Can't stop sobbing watching the last few episodes. I did not expect this drama to be so tear-jerking. Phenomenal performance from Liu Yitong.

ML ended his own life due to PTSD. FL died by saving a child on a battlefield. Other characters like Benjamin and Saxin also died.

Popularity in such shows isn’t arbitrary—it’s earned through charisma, relatability, and the ability to engage fans. His ability to secure such a strong fanbase indicates that he has something unique that appeals to the majority, which is exactly what the show aims to identify. Idol groups succeed not just by assembling the most talented individuals but by creating a lineup that balances skills with fan appeal. The top 9 aren’t just performers; they are the faces of the brand, and he’s clearly proven his marketability through his support.

Survival shows have never been solely about technical skills; they’re about capturing the audience's hearts and proving market potential. His ability to attract such a large fanbase is a testament to his charisma and appeal, which are precisely what the idol industry values most. In today’s entertainment world, being an idol isn’t limited to singing and dancing—it’s about being versatile, and acting is just another way to expand his influence rather than a reason to disqualify him as an idol. Moreover, survival shows are designed as platforms for growth, not merely competitions for perfection. Many successful idols weren’t the most skilled when they started but grew through the process, which is part of the charm fans appreciate. Finally, the core of idol survival shows lies in fan votes, which reflect real market demand. If he wasn’t suitable, he wouldn’t have garnered such widespread support. His popularity proves his potential, and dismissing it overlooks what truly makes a star in the idol industry.

Unpopular opinion, but I don't mind Zhang Jijun being in the final line-up. He's got a really likeable personality, and his fans will definitely carry album sales.

According to a staff, everybody in the cast got a salary deduction because of how short on money they were in their final days of filming, which explains why the last couple of episodes were so rushed.