I did not watch LOYX when I first started on this show, so I went in blindly without knowing any of the cast. I did watch cuts, so I know well enough to recognise parallel scenes and references to LOYX in Ruyi. However, one can enjoy Ruyi even without watching LOYX.

From what I understand, it is LOOSELY adapted from the novel, so I know some fans are very disappointed (but from my limited knowledge of C-dramas, I believe that's quite typical of adaptations anyway).

Story
To be fair, the show was far from perfect. There were some plotholes created by the deleted scenes (especially the dream sequences), and doubtful backstories and motivations for some of the villains. Still, I enjoyed everything else about the show.

Side characters that I absolutely love are Consort Shu, Guan Ge, Xu Jia, Ge Chuan and Lan Xiang.

I love to see characters develop through the storyline, and it was great, especially to see Fu Rong and Wu Bai Qi mature throughout the show.

I binged through the last 12 episodes, so it felt like a real emotional roller coaster for me, but it also helped to ease the angst a little. It helps that their angst usually doesn't go dragging beyond 2 episodes.

I felt the ending was a little too rushed, and things weren't explained too well, but I'm just so relieved things turned out great for the main characters. I wished Fu Rong's father wasn't sacrificed for the story; the family deserved a happy ending. :( I felt terrible for Prince Huai, and I wished Qi Zhu had a better closure with Fu Rong.

One point I thought was kind of weird was that Fu Rong kept having doubts of Xu Jin throughout the show and she easily believed Xu Ping. Yet, with one word from Yuan, she immediately doubted Xu Ping.

OST
Absolutely love!! Some songs gave me the LOYX vibes, but I love it. I still wish ZZH & JJY did a duet; it would have made it perfect.

Chemistry
SO GOOD. Well, the kissing scenes could have been better, but the sweetness and other actions well made up for it anyway.

Even the behind the scenes were great, but I'm hoping they will release more. Not as flirty as in LOYX bts imo, but we can still tell how well they work with each other. I'm hoping they get to work together again!

The second cp was absolutely adorable, and I felt that they actually had a better development in their transition from "rivals", to flirting to an actual couple than the main cp.

Production
I think this is quite typical of C-dramas, not too sure why but I caught bad transitions between scenes - e.g. where Xu Jin had 3 layers on, and three seconds later, when the camera pans back at him, he had 1 layer off; or when his hand closed over hers, and then the next scene it wasn't, but they zoomed in and showed the closing over action again.

The make-up was a bit off, especially for JJY at times, but I absolutely love her costumes. She looks really good in cream and red. I cannot stop talking about the main couple's visuals in the show!!

Acting
I love how JJY has evolved incredibly since LOYX. Everyone else did great, but for me, ZZH's acting really shone - all those heartbreaking scenes (well I kind of laughed a little at the first crying confession scene because he was kind of cute there), especially the rescue coffin scene (/shivers) and those subtle cues and facial expressions (even when the camera wasn't focused on him).

Rewatch Value
Yes, absolutely, though I might fast forward some scenes of the annoying characters.

Also, will we still get the modern time special episodes???