An unconventional sweet drama

What started out as a misunderstanding turns out to be a love going both ways. However, can they overcome obstacles along the way to get their happily ever after?

Certainly this kind of idol urban drama where love is the center is nothing new but the most striking thing is the definition of love in this drama is not limited to romance. There is family/responsibilities/filial piety, friendship, and comradery. In addition, the drama highlight upon each career aspects of all characters.

Male lead is definitely not your typical domineering CEO. Rather he has flaws, but is willing to listen and understand others. This character doesn't have much lines compare to FL and second leads but the actor's acting is immersive that grounded it for me. Timmy Xu did an excellent job in presenting a 3-dimensional character that I can relate, sympathize and like. One thing I have to say is that there is finally a drama where the domineering CEO actually is seen working hard and not falling in love all day long. Also, this male lead, Xiao Shangqi, does not have the golden finger to solving or having an answer to everything. Xiao Shangqi is certainly in the dark in almost every situations where he either has to slowly figure out the puzzles himself or with FL. Our male lead is a most understanding, patience, devoted, faithful character to FL I have not seen in a while. You'll wish there is such character is real life. Sadly, there's no such tall, rich, handsome, loving man in real life that would chase their partner like Xiao Shangqi. If there is he does not have to give chase, I would be the one chasing. LOL

All the actors/actresses did a good job. Each carries their character well. Although there are noticeable traces of weaknesses in some. As a viewer, I think there are some inconsistency in FL behavior/characteristics. The actress could have done better maybe in acting out a more loveable/relatable or softer character. There are also instances where she is "acting" instead of "being the character". However, this is just my opinion.

I wouldn't exactly say I love it but I do like it. It was an enjoyable watch. I would re-watch it again. Well, I have re-watched some episodes. ^_^ The story is logical. The storytelling itself is not excellent but very comfortable. Some situations are very relatable and grounded and there's no over the top or suspense of disbelief. And best of all, we have a satisfactory ending wrap, which is sometimes rushed in many other dramas.

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Plot is more exciting and overall is an improvement from season 1

It's passable. There are some very good plot scenes+acting, especially the three cases that I re-watched a few times now; cattle thief, tear of the Buddha statue and the grain weigh. My all time favorite Judge Bao comes to mind during these cases. Oh, the memory. Conversely there are some questionable plots. In the end it sort of balances out but there are also some plot holes, which can also be ignored. If you don't like female scheming (I don't) the best part of the plot will pick up when they travel to Xizhou and in Xizhou. The clothes and props are simply dazzling, very unique to that time period and place. Kudos for the production team. Forewarn, the later 1/3 of the drama has many time leap. I dislike this a lot and I think may have something to do with trimming the drama from the initial 40 episodes to 37. Although that may not be it. Still don't like it. It's very lazy work, if you ask me. I think the earlier episodes can be cut to an episode or two to give room to play for the rest of the drama. Also, spoiler alert, expect no grand battle scenes. The white filter really bothers me at the beginning but someone must have some senses and darken near the end making it more comfortable for older people like me to watch. Overall it is watchable. It's better than the first part for sure. I will rewatch my favorites scenes.

I will only evaluate Xu Weizhou as I follow this drama because of him. His acting improved drastically within one year since filming the first part (late 2020), also his first in costume drama. This second season was filmed two years ago, from Sept-Nov 2021. I want to applaud Xu Weizhou for his amazing portrayal and shaping of Pei Xingjian, a real early Tang Dynasty historical figure. I finally found the taste of ancient scholarly flair I loved so much as a child watching Chinese costume dramas through his performance. He doesn't look or feel like a modern person cosplaying in ancient China. Xu Weizhou's Pei Xingjian has the right etiquette, mannerism that fits his status of a highly educated noble man. He is gentle, elegant, scholarly yet firm and sharp in his actions in his belief for his country and family. The real Pei Xingjian was prolific and renowned in both civil and military exploits (a feat not many historical figure achieved) and Xu Weizhou's Pei Xingjian exude this unique charm. It's a pity that this drama cuts a lot of the novel's best highlights of Pei Xingjian's civil and military contribution and his influence in Xizhou. It even downplay it somewhat. But, what's in the cracks still shines. That shining ray of light is his microexpression. It is exceptional. Very delicate and particularly piercing during fight scenes. As a person who grew up watching martial arts films, it's just beautiful. Although these fight scenes would be even more awesome if the cut is wide shot instead frame rate. It's also a pity that the original voice was not used. I saw some behind the scenes of Xu Weizhou's original voice and it is much better than the dubbed. Oh, well. Finally, congratulations, Xu Weizhou! Well done. Pei Xingjian is a very charming and unique ancient character I haven't seen for a long while now. I look forward to more interesting roles Xu Weizhou will bring to the audience.

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City of Streamer - a review

Pure rating/review on the drama itself and not the adaptation vs novel.
City of Streamer is a good Republic drama. Drama pacing fluctuates and sometimes gives viewers a breathing room to digest heavy contents. City of Streamer can be label as a whole a love, family, suspense and revenge drama. The premise begs the question, can love surpass hate.
The leads have sizzling chemistry although it is mainly Rong Jiashang chasing Feng Shizhen. Acting was superb across the board from leads to supports. Each character is perfect in portraying their role in both looks and manners. The storytelling of the females are very rich and very three dimensional, with their struggles and role in society at that time. Supporting roles have highlights and each have their own ambition and desire, which is different from many drama where they are there to serve the leads.
The plot could have been better toward the end but overall it's a good drama. First 30 were logical and touching while the last ten episodes were rushed and very packed with a lot events happening that sometimes logic is thrown out the door. FYI, five episodes were deleted from the originally 45 episodes before the license review.
I can see myself watching it for a second or third time. However, I can also say I will skip some parts in the process. What is engaging in the first watch will stay a favorite. Basically almost all scenes of the first 30 episodes and Rong Jiashang's parts after episode 31.
I am partial to Jiashang. He is not a typical male lead. Instead he is an arrogant, chip on his shoulder and stoic young adult of 19 that will turn most drama viewers off on the first watch. However, as one keeps watching you'll get more information about his background and understand why he is the way he is. His growth process from boy to man is a joy, albeit bittersweet, to watch. Towards the end of the drama, I wish to see the boy at the beginning again.

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