HIStory: 3 takes its time introducing us to its characters and storyline to provide a solid foundation for the series. All of the actors are believable, with natural chemistry amongst both friends and foe. Despite the poor police work throughout the series (they're really so conspicuous and unprofessional in everything they do, lol), the natural build-up in the series will make you invested in the storyline before any romance comes to the fold; a refreshing change from the typical old-school BL storyline that puts heavy emphasis on gratuitous skinship for viewership before attempting to make any sense of their plot.

Main Couple: Shao Fei and Tang Yi
I was initially a little cold toward Meng Shao Fei's character, but his quirkiness and funny emotive facial expressions quickly won me over. He's a bit brazen, bullish, and immature, especially for a police officer, but he has a clear heart and is always forthright in his intentions. I liked Tang Yi out the gate (his voice is *chefs kiss*) but his backstory and affinity for warm smiles when he allows his walls to come down, especially grew on me. I'm really impressed that his character is introduced as bisexual right off the bat. No, "I'm only gay for you" trope at all; he's seen openly flirting with a man at the bar and it's obvious he's not concerned with how it'll look. The enemy-to-lovers trope (which I happen to love) is used in this series, but I felt like it was executed with natural ease, and I'd perhaps credit the writer's pacing for that because they don't automatically fall in love when they first begin spending more time together. They get to know each other as layers are peeled back and their walls come down one by one. At first glance, they're physically a rather unconventional pairing. Tang Yi is tall, elegant, well dressed, and handsome; while, Shao Fei is rather unkempt, unconventionally handsome, and awkward in his posture and body language (I think it's mostly the clothing choices and the hairstyle because he's much more attractive IRL- which is a big kudos to the styling team to bring such a contrast to their physicality). Together, they have a nice synergy that exudes unexpected natural chemistry. Both of their acting is on point, and I was again especially impressed by Chris Wu as Tang Yi, specifically in the heavier emotional scenes that take place near the end of the series (no spoilers). I've seen big emotional breakdowns like that in BLs before, but that one felt visceral and raw. Like I was watching a private moment.

Secondary Couple: Jack & Li An
One is a sm0l and innocent little bean, and the other is coy, mischievous, and has a contagious smile. Their instant chemistry and initial get-togethers were fun to watch. As their relationship grew, I enjoyed watching their chemistry change from that superficial innocence to something more meaningful. As a person, I had conflicting feelings toward Jack. His character is much more morally gray than I'd initially anticipated and I was disappointed in some of the choices he made.

"What to do when a man confesses to another man." LOL. Protect this pure soul.

Third Couple: Zuo Hongye and Gu Daoyi
I'm not remotely interested in this relationship. Hongye is petulant, selfish, and scheming. I don't like her, and I never warmed up to her character. Gu Daoyi is flat and glum at all times. Too hesitant or cowardly to reveal his true feelings until way late in the game. Very uninteresting.

OST: Nice variety in genres that bends easily between each scene, whether it was an action scene or a melancholic moment of self-reflection. Impressed.

Overall: An outstanding BL with such a strong story, it grips you throughout even if you're going in purely for the BL aspect. The acting was strong with everyone, but my superstar is Chris Wu. His range, and his moments of visceral anger or raw and childlike agony, blew me away. I cried with him - literally couldn't help myself. He displays his grief in such a gut-wrenching, all-encompassing way. From his body language to the way his face contorts with its last thread of restraint. I want to see him in more projects. The last few episodes especially were masterfully done.

Any negative feedback?
Not really, except I wish they did a 2nd season with the same characters, or at least an epilogue episode to add closure (no spoilers).