To put it simply, this drama was beautiful.

Everything from the costumes, effects, osts, story, and cast was just so well thought out.

When you first begin the drama and watch the first few episodes you can figure out the gist of where it’s heading, and it did end up how I envisioned it, but more. The journey to that ending was something I wasn’t expecting, and that’s saying a lot, because I personally pride myself as a someone that has a fair amount of experience with dramas and books, so although the main crux of the final major plot point at the end was what I had predicted, the story surrounding it was outstanding.
- I don’t say that in the sense that it was a crazy twist I never expected, but rather the connection between how the game/book came to be was so sentimental and touching.

Not to mention the actual main plot of the drama which was so fresh in its ideas and execution, when secrets and mysteries slowly began to reveal itself, the intricacy in the details was so entertaining to watch. The yearning between the main couple and the second couple was so sweet to witness, the plot for Liu Fuyi and Mu Yao was also such a joy to watch since you could see as a viewer how they weren’t together just for the sake of it, but the author curated them for a reason and how their story has their own body, of which Zhu Xudan and Yang Shi Ze showcased incredibly well since they are very talented actors. But in saying so, although they were so well written the author was able to showcase their story without overshadowing the main couple’s, which I’d say is a very difficult thing, as if you gave too little or too much attention on the second couple, viewers may lose interest in the main couple, now from what I believe and what I’ve seen, no one so far for this drama has come to love them more than Miao Miao and Ziqi, which I have to say that a big reason as to why, is because of the crazy chemistry between Ding Yuxi and Esther Yu.

The reason as to why this drama initially caught my interest was because of Ding Yuxi (who’s work I’ve been into since the Romance of Tiger and Rose), Esther Yu (who really surprised me with her acting prowess in My Journey), and not to mention their previous piece together, Moonlight. Their chemistry in that was spectacular and just as I expected, it was spectacular in this as well. The transition from -200% to 99% favourability on Ding Yuxi’s part made my heart and cheeks hurt from laughter and/or giddiness, his attitude at the beginning towards Miao Miao compared to the end was such an enthralling progression to watch since Ding Yuxi is such a great actor.
- Ding Yuxi is one of the few actors in my opinion in the chinese drama/film industry right now, that can capture such detailed and minuscule emotions just with his eyes, the first change in character you see in Ziqi’s favourability towards Miao Miao is all in his gaze. You know how in books author’s describe how the mmc’s “gaze softened”? That’s exactly what we see happen to Ziqi, and I don’t think many actors could’ve pulled it off as well as Ding Yuxi.
- Don’t even get me started on Esther Yu, because you could really see her improvement as an actress here, because although I was drawn to the drama for the reasons I stated, when I saw Miao Miao’s character I was slightly hesitant since Esther has done variations of this type character before, but I must say, I’m not sure if it’s because she’s improved, or it’s because of the story, or even both- but her performance in this (other than My Journey) was probably her best work yet, there are so many moments where we see that Miao Miao isn’t just a bubbly, childish character, but a person with very mature values and way of thinking when it came down to it, which Esther portrayed really well, plus the small scenes during the first few episodes where we see what the character Lin Yu is suppose to be like, reminded me of her abilities yet again.

Lastly, the underlying messages in this drama of treating people without prejudice, accepting and loving oneself before you love others is the other reason why I sing such high praise for this drama. Every twist and turn left me with the idea that loving and caring for others, respecting their decision and life is important to ensure happiness and peace for everyone, found-family and friendship is a trope I adore and this drama executed it so well.

I haven’t been this struck by a drama in so long, I love this drama with everything I have, and accept NO criticism on it. Like the reoccurring ost that’s played throughout the drama, you won’t understand it until the very last episode, and I’m a sucker for poetic stuff like that.

- But if there’s anything to take away from my very long review, is WATCH THIS DRAMA, YOU WON’T REGRET IT.

“When do people love the other one 100%?
It is not when I love you more than I love myself, but only when I truly like myself, and believe in myself can I love you whole heartedly and truly.”