This drama is definitely letting me think about giving C-Dramas a second chance. Too often C-Dramas let you down with good storylines that are ruined by bad dialogue, inconsistent storylines and horrible endings. This one was great from beginning to end, even with the overt propaganda-level nationalism. The ending did get a little dark but I didn't think it was inconsistent with the storyline and the writing was good till the end .

Of course, the best part of this drama is the undeniable chemistry between Bai Lu and Xu Kai. Don't know what makes them so amazing onscreen but this couple is DYNAMITE. They are independently solid actors - I mean, watching Xu Kai play Gu Yanzhen after watching him as Mo Qing/Li Chenlan in Legends I was thrown by how different the characters were. Xu Kai did such a great job as Gu Yanzhen that I couldn't have ever imagined him playing a character like Mo Qing. Just some great natural talent. As for Bai Lu - let me just say she is just mesmerizing to look at. She is naturally just so beautiful that I couldn't take my eyes off of her. AND her short hair looks stunning on her. She was fantastic as Xie Liangchen/Xie Xiang - her acting scenes were so good I'd love to see her in more action dramas. I personally thought Xu Kai's onscreen charisma as Gu Yanzhen outshined her just a tiny bit but she definitely held her own spotlight. When these two were on screen together, it was captivating to watch.

I'm not sure how I'd feel watching them with other actors - for example, I watched Xu Kai in Yanxi Palace and his acting was good but I just didn't get the same level of chemistry and flow and acting in that one as I did when I watched him acting with Bai Lu. Some actors just sync really well with a particular actor I guess. They just draw out each other's talent to its best. Just for Xu Kai and Bai Lu, this drama is DEFINITELY worth watching.