This drama is a rare unicorn that has all the artistic as well as technical aspects of storytelling perfectly executed.

Both the leads are magnetic on screen, and the wide bevy of supporting characters make the world feel full and lived-in. I think what this makes the couple so compelling is that they're two strong personalities who are both emotionally deficient. One of whom has never experienced love and the other doesn't even know what it's supposed to look like. The romantic tension does not come from whether or not they love each other, but from 'HOW' are they going to love each other. Their hearts are in it and the feelings are there, but still they stumble and fall. Watching them learn how to be together has been a lovely, magnificent and gratifying experience.

The embedded narration and the parallel plot that are built are so synergistic with the main theme even without ever taking focus away from the sweet romance between the two couples.

Wu Lei's poker face with stiff expression as a board to form the character features of Ling Bu Yi feels iconic and distinctive. His overt sternness makes the moments that he melts around Shaoshang even more beautiful, and I think it was the right artistic choice for him to employ these two extremes to bring this particular character to life. It's extremely jarring to see him switch back and forth, but that is the point imo. Zhao Lusi is doing an incredible job too, but her character allows her to flex her emotional range more easily. They're extremely well-suited, and neither this drama nor the couple would have worked as well as they do with anyone else.

I'm really hoping the part 2 will be even more admirable and stunning.

Happy watching, everyone! ʕ•ᴥ•ʔﾉ♡