With high expectations set by the stellar cast and glowing reviews, I was disappointed that this show didn't fully live up to its potential. However, there were some bright spots. Wu Lei's performance during emotional scenes was outstanding, and Zhao Lusi's more nuanced character was a pleasant surprise compared to her previous roles. The supporting cast, including familiar faces like Wang Zhuo Cheng, was a delight and brought charm to an otherwise predictable story.

The plot, unfortunately, felt simplistic and often dragged. With only a few truly exciting moments across 56 episodes, much of the story lacked tension, and the heavy use of 'plot armor' for the main characters made the stakes feel low. The first half leaned too much into comedy, with the grandmother's departure being a relief. The betrayals were predictable, and the so-called 'twists' rarely packed a punch, either revealed too early or centered on minor characters.

Despite this, some characters stood out. Lou Yao’s development was a highlight, and the comedic duo of A'Qi and A'Fei provided some genuinely funny moments. While it was never in doubt who would win Cheng Shaoshang's hand, Yuan Shanjian’s disappointing arc felt like a missed opportunity.

Visually, the cinematography is stunning, and the music enhances the emotional beats, but the uninspired plot drags the show down. Overall, it's worth watching for Wu Lei’s incredible acting—but just once.