Chloe

I think after watching all 40 episodes the parts that are currently frustrating me are probably just minor details. Right now ML's actions are absolutely making sense to me considering his goals, background, situation etc, but FL's don't really? (for someone whose life mission is currently requiring ML to fall in love with her she never appears to give a single thought to how ML and her mission might be affected if she betrays him time after time, etc.) The writers did do a great job with making me understand and root for the ML and also FL in previous arcs, so I'm sure they will continue that in later episodes considering how people who finished the drama here all feel pretty positive about the characters. I'm just not sure if I handle more of this frustration, might just watch something else and try this one again later

I'm at ep 25 and I guess she's supposed to care for him already, but she's not really showing it through her actions because she's betraying him every chance she gets to save Xiao Lin/ the Sheng Kingdom.. And as far as I'm aware her mission is still requiring to make ML love her, so her betraying ML is actually risking her mission and humanity as well? Idk if I'm missing something? Or did everyone just forget about this part because too much happened in the next arc, and/or there was there a lot of character growth/change?

Thank you so much, I will check out the novel! The way you describe the FL makes sense, but I guess it's difficult to get that across in a drama. It's probably also because the drama really focusses on understanding ML's character (and not FL). As you start to root for him more and see their relationship growing, it becomes difficult to understand how, when it matters the most, nothing seems to have changed and FL is still always assuming the worst of ML and going against him. This also kind of ruins the growth that was shown in ML's character, their relationship and even FL's mission. I'm pretty sure the new arc in the story will start soon enough, so maybe I'll just skip a bit through the current episodes till I get there

Honestly I actually quite like imperfect characters, having them make mistakes or just being morally grey makes them more realistic/interesting, but I at least need to understand why they act the way they do or I need to see some sort of growth. The drama is giving me both for the ML, but neither for FL (as Xi Wu) right now, she just feels like a plot device for viewers to root for the male lead (at least around ep 25 when she is betraying him yet again). Might be a completely wrong perspective but I'm not sure how else to look at it, I just hope they will do her character more justice in the next few episodes

There's not that much to clear up right now, FL is actually going behind ML's back time after time and doing most of the things she gets accused of. I guess the problems are only getting worse?

Okay thanks this is good to know. Honestly if it is an actual misunderstanding I might be able to handle it, but right now it always starts because the FL makes the deliberate decision to go against the ML instead of trusting him. Kind of happy to hear at least next time there's a misunderstanding it will be ML's choice

Agreed, the first episodes were really good, the dream arc was still fun but seemed useless cause the characters just kind of ignored it afterwards. They keep having (the same) misunderstandings, it's not even always complete misunderstandings because the FL actually does do pretty shitty things to the ML. The reviews seem pretty positive though, so I figured it would get better, but maybe they just having a different taste in dramas

Yes exactly, you can really see the growth of ML and I'm rooting for him more and more and yet the FL doesn't change much ,even if she claimes to love him now she still goes against him every chance she gets (even if it doesn't help her much with her mission). It's dissapointing because Bai Lu's characters are usually pretty cool and this character also definitely has potential

Thanks for the answer! For me being invested in the characters is also a really important reason to finish the drama, problem is I'm not really rooting for the FL currently. She keeps distrusting and betraying the ML who she claims to love, and yet I also don't believe she's choosing her mission over him, considering it's literally still her mission to make him love her? I really think she should save that distrust for her 'sister', who has actually shown ill intent time after time. Would definitely be interested in reading the book if the characters are more fleshed out there, do you happen to know if there's an English translation somewhere? Anyway, the ML is really interesting and the plot too and Bai Lu does usually choose good female characters, so I'll think I'll follow your advice and watch a bit more

I'm about half way and I've been tempted to drop it multiple times because some characters keep making stupid decisions and never seem to learn from the past. Can someone please tell me if this gets better?

I get that! It was funny, but that will get old real quick, so I was also hoping it would get a bit more plot. I agree that darker themes can be interesting! It just doesn't seem like the writers will deal well with these issues at this point. But it's probably too soon to judge. There's still many ways they can play this out! I hope the younger brother will actually redeem himself (instead of just coming up with excuses for his behaviour) and that he and his brother will properly communicate. The writers could also go the completely different direction and continue the darker themes and explore toxic relationships and characters who are obviously morally wrong. I'm fine with whatever, as long as they adress the issue and don't just normalise and romanticise it. So let's see what happens next!

I totally agree that people who don't like it don't have to continue watching. I think the problem lies with expectations. First of all because people had really high expectations for this one (especially after Trapped) and more importantly because this seemed like a light comedy and we weren't expecting it to go into this direction. I think a lot of people complaining wouldn't have started watching this if they knew what they were getting into. And it might be good that people express their concerns cause it will let future viewers know if it's something they might not like. I will personally at least continue watching the next episode because the series is just getting started and I want to see how they adress the issue. I won't deny that there are viewers who do get off on this, but I think it's quite pessimistic to assume that most BL fans think like this. Liking BL obviously doesn't equal liking dubious consent. Although I won't deny that many series link the two together unfortunately.. Anyway, I am curious to see how the series will continue. And you definitely don't have to let others ruin your experience watching this series!

I scrolled through the comment section and you seem to be responding to everyone who doesn't like it. Serious question: why are you so offended that people don't like this scene? Because you enjoyed it and feel judged by others? Because we are not, we are only judging the script of this series. I get that consent is dubious, yes the little brother gave hints, but the older brother seems to be quite oblivous to these hints and especially his own feelings! It's obviously very complicated because he grew up seeing him as his actual brother. And yes I do believe they both like each other, but that doesn't mean automatic consent. People as drunk as he was can't give consent. It's very concerning that the little brother deliberatly made his brother that drunk. The little brother should have been patient, because the older brother obviously isn't ready to confront his own feelings yet and this will only make their relationship more difficult. Him not remembering what happened and being shocked and crying when he realised is clearly a sign that he wouldn't have let that happen if he had been sober.

And secondly I just want to say that it is okay for people not to like this scene! We all have our own morals and experiences. Especially when many people face sexual assault in real life, we can express our negative opinions about how the show is dealing with this topic. Especially the fact that the little brother made his brother that drunk to be able to take advantage of him, is something I see way too often. And saying that we just shouldn't watch BL at all is bullshit. Not all BL romantises rape! There's still series that can be watched within this genre if you don't enjoy that. People just weren't expecting this to happen in this series. It's okay for them to stop watching if they don't like it. And it is also okay for you to enjoy it (as long as you can differentiate between stories and realities, which I am sure you can). I agree that romantising rape does happen often in BL. But that's exactly why it's extra important for people to speak out about it so it might become less normalized.

I want to add that I did enjoy the drama! It was really heartwarming and cute. I would love to watch a second season, but only if Kang Le becomes a bit more mature. Would be lovely if Ding Ding could have a bigger role

I don't mind that it's not BL, but I just don't understand why they chose not to have the guys end up together? Why introduce Bing Bing, whose actually in love with Zhang Liang, is a much better and likeable person than the female lead, treats the male lead better and has way more chemistry with him (that kiss omg) and then not have them end up together?? And even if they don't, at least let Zhang Liang end up with someone more likeable (I'd rather he end up alone than with Kang Le) or give Ding Ding a happier ending (I mean come on, how is Ding Ding's happy ending having a good job and moving away from his only friend?? Not like he had money problems to begin with, at least show us he actually loves his new job and that he's not all alone)