A Fantasy Romance Reignited: A Review of "The Legend of Shen Li"

It's been far too long since I've been swept away by a fantasy romance drama. But "The Legend of Shen Li," a Chinese drama starring the captivating Zhao Li Ying and the ever-charismatic Lin Geng Xin, has reignited my love for the genre.

This epic tale unfolds across the three realms: the divine, the immortal, and the mortal. We meet Shen Li, a powerful yet compassionate ruler burdened by pain and duty. Xing Zhi, on the other hand, carries the weight of immense responsibility, leaving little room for personal desires. Their paths collide, and as they navigate the treacherous waters of the three realms, they find solace and strength in each other.

This drama is for those who enjoy fantasy-romance genre or Chinese mythology.

Synopsis:
Shen Li (Zhao Li Ying), a ruler of the Immortal world also known as Lord Bi Cang, is forced into a loveless marriage with a lord of the Divine realm. But it turns out the man she is to marry is a playboy and idles away his life. To escape this ill-fated marriage she tried to run away but is in-turn chased by the soldiers of the immortal world.
During her escape she experiences life-threatening injuries leading her to turn into her original form, a phoenix and falls into the Mortal world.
There, mistaken that she is a chicken, a butcher captures her and plucks all her feathers making it hard for her to escape.
A kind but sickly man, Xing Yun (Lin Geng Xin), finds her and recuperates her back from her ailing health and some how is the only one who understands her. To repay this man for the kindness he's shown her, Shen Li protects him from all threats and dangers. But her past soon catches up, forcing her to confront her responsibilities. Can love blossom amidst duty and destiny?
How will fate work between them? Are the gears already set and turning?

Personal remarks:
After the c-drama Princess Agents, I finally see the two leads reuniting in this wonderful drama. The storyline was so engaging I couldn't help but personally feel that 39 episodes is not enough. The actors performed beautifully and their on-screen chemistry is undeniable, creating a romance that will leave you grinning from ear to ear.
The plot unfolds with satisfying consistency, leaving no unanswered questions.
The supporting cast shines brightly, with each character bringing depth to the narrative. (Prepare to fall for the second male lead, Mo Fang!)
The direction and cinematography are top-notch, making the wait for this drama well worth it and the engaging plot, complex characters and thrilling fights made this drama a beautiful one!

I hope you all too enjoy this drama!

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Thoughts...

Breath of Destiny is a drama with a very unique concept. I've completed watching the whole drama and I have got to say it is quite interesting. The plot was unique first as it was one of the first Chinese dramas I have seen in which the cast or the characters actually speak some English which is a huge surprise for a person like me who waits for subtitles.
The drama revolves around doctors doing whatever they could with their hands to save at least a life or a heart beat and also unravel the mystery behind a medical outbreak (I won't spoil what it is though). The beginning of the drama of how it began was very thrilling that I was completely caught off guard cause I didn't know that the story or the plot would begin that quick.
The story is a medical genre, one of my favorite genres and also portrayed how people in some places of the world live.
It also shows the courage the doctors have when facing life and death and how they over come these incidents and situations.

WHY I LIKED IT...
Well, this drama till now has evolved quite well. It did not have too many twists and the story was well connected and displayed. It showed a clear flow or direction unlike some dramas where the plot is so mixed up and has so many twists that you fail to see the main reason or the story that the writer wants to show you.
I also liked it because it is a medical drama and I for one am a lover of those [if you want any recommendations check them out in the recommendations page.]
It is worth the watch if you're interested in such suspenseful dramas or are not scared of blood.
I don't know if it is worth the rewatch though as I have not yet completed but it is a doable drama and a fine way to spend the weekend if you want to add some thrill and suspense to your evening.

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Battles on Ice Vs Life

Maybe some may think I've rated this drama too much for what it was worth but it was a ten-star worthy one.
Throughout this 2021 year journey, I've seen and rated so many dramas and this by so far is one of the best. It had many flavours savoury, bitter, sour, salty and sweet. the chemistry, romance, plot, direction, choreography and acting are just beautiful.
The story had a direction and flow. It had a reason and it stayed the same till the end. Many dramas at times lose this direction I'm talking about and confuse us very much. We begin to lose interest in the plot, lose the connection and get bored quickly but for the first time in a long period of six months, I found a drama where I didn't skip through the scenes.
I saw all the plots, all the scenes with the supporting actors and at times even the credits because the ending ost is simply beautiful. It was such an encouraging drama and worth every minute I spent watching this 45 minutes long 33 episode drama.
Speaking of supporting actors, I must say without them this drama definitely wouldn't be this good. They helped make this complete and I can't imagine myself viewing this drama without even one of them. Each character was enjoyable in their way. The male and female lead's chemistry was so sweet that I thought I would get diabetes. The way they supported each other throughout their whole journey to the competitions was just so encouraging and so so admirable that you couldn't help yourself but cheer for them. The relationship between their mothers, the chemistry and the fallouts between their friends, their journey of growing up, them just being themselves, their day-to-day life all we're just factors that just made this drama another perfect one.
But it may be a little exaggerated when I say that it was a perfect one because it was flawed but every scene, every moment just made me especially anticipate for the next scene thinking what happens next. Crying with them, laughing with them, cringing thinking "Wow! This is just so damn sweet" - simply makes me put this drama on my rewatch list.
But the biggest thing I've learned from this was not giving up encouraging ourselves, believing in ourselves, believing in our teammates! Overall it was a wonderful lesson. The drama pointed out its view and showcased the thoughts it wanted to show the viewers and I'm sure the viewers have received this because I did.
I recommend this drama to everyone who likes encouraging themes, life's lessons, sports, college, romcoms, you would enjoy this. And comparing it with the 2020 winter sports drama skate into love I have to hand it out they both are well-directed, two amazing dramas that bring a smile to one's face and can't but help yourself silently cheer on for the male, female leads and supporting actors.

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Never too late!

I might be writing a review on this drama a bit later than when I've originally viewed it but it was and is one of the most worth while dramas actually viewed by me.
The story may not be a romantic or action filled one but it had its own charm in a different way. The whole drama was filled with comedy, laughter, anticipation and gave a very full-filling satisfaction. It was satisfactory because of all the times the ML breaks his boundaries and wins a game of WeiQi, just tests his intelligence. The way he works hard step by step, winning testing, failing completely won me over. The series just showed a very detailed life and journey of a professional gamer which is quite inspiring and gave a very in-depth tour on the game itself.
I also loved the parts with the spirit, it just added an element of laughter to the whole drama and raised my opinions on it quite higher that I've thought I would. But it was also the cause for my heart break in the end. I knew he would leave at some part but never thought he would completely vanish and that kinda makes it a bit sad. Overall, the drama had all emotions and was well written, directed and composed. I would definitely rewatch it and recommend everyone to watch it.
For me it was without a doubt a beautiful piece and I am sure most of you will too enjoy it.

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Expectations vs ....

For this drama I have waited for almost a year and I finally had a chance to watch its subbed version. At first the title intrigued me as I found it similar to the movie title Zootopia so I had thought it would maybe be related to animals. But it wasn't, it was just a normal entertaining Chinese rom-com.
The OST was a bit different from the usual fluffy kind I generally find in most romcom dramas which was a highlight I paid attention to. There is not much more to say about the music to go into detail . These are the two OST's they used from what I found out.
- Qing Kong (晴空) by Zhou Rui (周锐)
- Chi Dao De Yao Ding (迟到的约定) by Chen Yi Han Estelle (陈意涵Estelle)
The story, as I told earlier, is a regular Chinese rom-com. There were places were I felt the plot was a bit unnecessary and also felt that few of the characters's sketch was though entertaining was a bit childish. It was cute in some ways whereas the more I got into the drama it made it a little tiring.
The acting and the performance was quite artificial in a few scenes which brought down a lot of expectations I had for the drama, it didn't give that realistic feeling but rather gave a vibe of people(actors) just acting out the script than giving a real emotional performance if that made any sense. This maybe because of the script being quiet cliche and that I have heard most of the lines before( this is just my opinion) or also because of most of the actors are newcomers.But as I went further into the episodes it turns out to be a quite nice story. It didn't have too may unnecessary misunderstandings or twists and they kept the storyline quite simple.
But from what I saw overall it is a watchable drama, nothing to dislike about. If one likes these types and genre dramas then I'm sure they would enjoy it. if you haven't watched this type before then I'm sure you would like it.

Characters:
Pan Youcheng as Bi Zhanlang
Melek Zhao Zhaoyi as He Xiaoqing
Luo Zheng as Bi Xiwen
Estelle Chen Yihan as Dong Xin
Tian Yitong as Qiao Lingling
Wang Xudong as Dong Fangyu
Xiang Hanzhi as Ye Zi
Zhou Rui as A Xu

Supporting cast:
Yuan Yuan as Bi Yeye
Chen Mingjun as Zhu Shuo
Liu Sichen as Cai Yin
Hua Yujie as Qian Anren
Cheng Lei as Qiao Junhui
Wang Zhenyi as Xu Yao
Liu Qinshan as Xia Youyou
Pan Yueer as Zhou Yun
Jia Shuyi as Ye Zima
Long Xinyue as Lin Shu
Li Jie as Bi Hengze
Zhang Lei as Ye Ziba

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Stunning story and acting one of my all time favorites!

Let me first say before going into the details that this drama is recommended by me and I'm 100% sure you would rewatch it if you have time.

Music:
I don't have to say specifically what parts of the music were nice and where there were nice 'cause without a doubt all the composing and directing was beautifully done. The music matched perfectly with the scenes which was simple yet elegant, allowing you to feel and understand a lot about the culture of that time alone. It did not have too much of the factor that most music have nowadays, which is used to attract the younger generation or the audience of ages 20-30, which made the whole drama and itself more distinguished and refined.
But of all the music present in the entire drama I especially loved the opening OST. And after experiencing all of it yourself you too will love it.

Story:
The story moved perfectly even during the time skips, the way it transited from one year to another was done effortlessly and did not show or allow myself to ask questions such as How many years has it been? Did the years change? Was that all a flashback? etc which I feel curious about in such transiting moments.
The plot was of full of entertainment in terms of comedy, romance, politics and life. But to say it depicted life, it cannot be considered, as it was still a bit romanticized to call it as such and had elements that can't sometimes be considered to be present in all lives. But it was still a very good depiction.
Though the drama was lengthy and had over 78 episodes it neither felt dragged or over written.
It showed the life of the people of that time, the politics, how a family was run and all the problems faced by a woman at that time. It didn't feel heavy or tiring in the middle of the program and there weren't many unnecessary misunderstandings which made the plot flow properly with a clear picture and wasn't confusing some parts.
The whole story revolves around The FL's family mainly and also the other two ML's families, didn't feel rushed and showed a vivid picture of sacrifice and the trials that one family faces in those times.
I especially loved the relationship between the FL(ming'er) and her grandmother specifically the part of Sheng Ming lan (FL) marrying Gu Ting ye, the way her grandmother cried out tears got me myself crying along with her which was very heart touching moment and showed how mush she cared for Ming lan (FL). The FL found solace in her grandmother, though not her own biological one but acted as one in her heart, as she lost her mother at a very young age. I also loved how the FL's father always concedes to his legitimate wife. These added more heartwarming scenes and comedic factors to the whole of the story. I didn't feel pressurized when watching it which was another point that rather made me appreciate the whole work as most of the other dramas just have me worried and anxious so it felt nice for a change to watch something with a pleasant and a subtle storyline.
After watching the whole drama I found myself pairing both the MLs (Ming Lan and Gu Tingye) but to my surprise they're actually married in life too!
And of course like the other dramas that I've seen this too has a happy ending.

Acting& Characters:
Now I don't have to say much more about the acting, from what I've stated above I can conclude that both the acting and characters were written and acted perfectly. This added the show another charm that most dramas don't have.
The dramas nowadays released focus more on the MLs in the entire show and don't give a platform for the supporting roles and cast to showcase their characters more vividly and in depth or just don't show the importance of them regardless of whether it was intentional or not. When I found this point in this drama I observed it had more people liking it including the audience that most dramas couldn't reach out to.
The participation of most of the cast in the story gave it a feeling of more in depth and detail ness that made it seem complete and enjoyable.

Overall it was an elegant yet simple story and wasn't overbearing and is definitely a classic in my watchlist!

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A bickering beginning

I took up this drama as it was said to be entertainment industry-related and also involves food...and it does! I had fun watching the ML (whose character is really cute) and the FL (who is a little persuasive) bicker throughout the episodes and how the plot started to evolve into their love story.
I never watched any of the main leads' dramas so I had no thoughts on their acting, this was my first and I find it quite good, all their actions and their performances including the support roles. I especially liked the relationship between the ML and his nephew(this boy is adorable) it was heartwarming and really adorable.
There was a scene where the ML sang which was a very unique performance, something I have never seen(more like an edited or a short version of an imitation of a Kpop idol), and just got me laughing. I also find the second ML (Ran Xu)'s performance has improved quite a lot from his previous drama 'Love is Sweet' and I'm happy he got a good platform to perform.
The story is about a typical rich male falling in love with a poor female plot and a famous person falling for an ordinary person. It had many similarities with the drama 'Brightest Star in the Sky' such as the female lead becomes an artist manager for the ML, the male is really popular, second lead syndrome, both the love interests are successful, the FL helps and stays by the ML through the hardest points in his life, stories revolve around the entertainment industry, and the male is a very kind person from within.

I recommend watching it of you're interested in such a types of drama!!

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Ok, this is one of the Thai dramas in which I actually found myself laughing. The story though had some defects and questionable points but overall it was an enjoyable drama.
I couldn't understand the fact that they could not completely recognize the FL whenever she painted herself into an ugly face (as mentioned in the drama) 'cause I found her very noticeable and there were so many key points just pointing towards her throughout the story but on the contrary all the characters found themselves not noticing even one at all until the ending few episodes. The plot again was a very common and cliche but I seem to enjoy them even though i know the whole direction of the story of how it ends and what is going to happen.

I found myself liking the way the ML's mother (Pitsamorn Montianrak (Watsana Phunphon)) acted, she portrayed a very comedic character who has a miserly and stingy behavior but also has a hint of kindness hidden in her very action and the FL.
I have got to say it is very hard to portray two different characters with completely different behaviors by one person and it is very hard to pull it off but Thunyaphat Phatrathinchaicherin (Lomdao) acted it well and has given an enjoyable performance.

If I have to recommend it I would definitely do as it is one drama that gives a smile to your face and you can definitely enjoy it with your family and friends and its rewatch value...I can't say it is high but it totally depends on the person and their preferences.

If ya'll need any recommendations then go ahead and check out them in the recommendations page and hope you guys enjoy the drama as much as I did.

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A View to remember! ! !

I hardly ever liked a fantasy drama as much as this one. Found it intriguing and made me anticipate what will happen next. And it was simply beautiful maybe because of the scenic scenes or because of the leads being my favorite, but overall it's a lovely drama to watch when bored. There is not much I want to say as I want to leave the drama a surprise and think that experiencing it will definitely be a treat.
The story was quite simple, there was not much going on, just her(FL) finding her other half(Bai Ying) and her love story with the ML(Qin Fang). The drama completely revolves around the FL(kinda like a female protagonist story), her journey to find the lost memories she doesn't have, her trials with life, a love that may not have an end and of course finding her life's reason. From what I understood this drama is slightly related to self development and in her journey of search, the way Qin Fang helps her, supports her and eventually falls for her was the highlight of the whole drama. They sacrificed everything they could for the well of the other and regarded each other as their goal for life, it was kinda a beautiful love story(I liked it!)
Each episode was thrilling and filled with romance and comedy, completely gave me an emotional ride. There were a few scenes that left me doubtful and confused but I later on understood them so I can't say this is one perfect piece and is completely flawless. I was still excited for each episode so it earned my rating.
Her clothing was another pinnacle I loved. She looked fashionable in every scene and this added a sense of strength and power to her character in a way. The casting and clothing was definitely something that separates this drama from the rest and I don't need to say more about Qin fang, he is certainly a handsome person.
I would recommend it and I have already rewatched it. My favorite scenes were especially the ones of Co Co Chen and Vin Zhang during the end ! Comment your's, would definitely love to hear your favorite!

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The Most Entertaining Historical Drama... so far really good!

I took it up after finding out it had two of my favorite actors starring in it so I had high expectations and it reached them.
The story had a perfect flow and I loved how the FL, though, was strong and rough on the outside but was innocent on the inside. Their love was simple but heartwarming and how they sacrifice for each other had me supporting them from the beginning to the end.
They each had their goals and motives for approaching (especially the ML) but they neither allowed that to be a reason for interfering their love which was another point I kinda liked as it made the story filled with all emotions and feelings but were neither heavy and changed my thoughts and outlooks on the show.
The drama is of 40 episodes having each episode different from the previous with no plot repeated and showed the storyline perfectly without any confusions. This made me understand the story better and grasp the whole concept. It was a little bit similar to The Sleepless Princess as in both the dramas the FL is a princess, they both see or predict the future and try by whatever means to change fate and of course the ML's both try to uncover the truth behind their family's downfall but again were different on the character sketch and were unique on their own.

After Untouchable Lovers this was Guan Xiao Tong's next historical drama and I found great improvements in her acting. She displayed the role of a free spirited woman perfectly and nailed all the scenes which showed various sides of the character giving us a gush of emotions and also feel the moments along with her.
This was Neo Hou's first historical drama from what I know and I am anticipating for his next. He portrayed a role of a scholar who is on a venture to find the truth behind his family's downfall and on the way he falls in love with a woman who is like no ordinary soft and weak woman. After watching his performance I can't wait to watch his next.
The whole drama had me looking forward for the next and wanting to find out what will happen. It was a simple yet enjoyable drama and I have also rewatched it so I totally recommend this drama for all who love watching Chinese historical dramas.
P.S
It is not a tragedy so don't worry it's happy one! :)

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A sensational performance...though a bit old!

This was another drama that I put into my rewatch list. Though it was lengthy I found it entertaining and didn't find myself tired or bored with it. I was looking forward to watch what will happen next after every episode and loved every part of it.
It did not have much romance but still had its own charm that just draws you into the story.

I found myself admiring the FL's intelligence and strength. The way she harbors all injustice she is faced with and stays strong protecting the ones around her who she considers as her own family. There were a few moments I couldn't stand the unfairness she was faced with and how she was treated, I felt like going in person and supporting her and having her back. But this shows that the acting of all side characters and supporting leads including the main leads did an amazing performance and brought out the best of their characters portraying us with a splendid show.
The FL starts her journey with a motive to find the truth behind her birth mother's death and to stop the rich from oppressing the poor and helpless.
Her brilliance and strength was all she was left with that she got from each of her teachers and she relied on that to make it a better world for all the underprivileged. All the antagonists had played their role well to the point you actually hate them and wish they fall into an abyss and get what they deserve and that all their actions would be paid.
I especially loved the parts involving the prison and the prisoners, their relationship with the FL was just as entertaining as all the other scenes and were more fun to watch.

I had enjoyed the show very much and I am sure ya'll will too! And don't worry it is a happy one!

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Change maybe good.....

It felt nice for a change to see a drama where the female lead was too innocent and naive to even differentiate between good and evil, kinda teaches us a lesson to stay true to ourselves and never bury ourselves in deceit. Which is kind of a good message to convey. But I can't say that I totally enjoyed every second as there were moments it just frustrated the heck out of me and I find it very common in most Thai dramas. Which is entertaining in its own way but I can't say I love that. I am a person who loves dramas having a subtle storyline with not too many twists and has a definite flow of direction and is quite balanced and actually found this drama nice for a change.
I've previously watched one of the FL's dramas and found out she acts well and it goes for the same to the ML as well.
If I am to recommend this drama to anyone then I would definitely after warning them that it gets quite heavy in the middle and a bit annoying but as I always say it completely depends on the person's preferences.
There is not much more to tell about the drama without revealing too much of its content but all I can say it is watchable and is kinda of like a life story of the FL.
If ya'll watch it hope you share your thoughts with me...

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Anticipating...

This is an amazing drama!!!!!
It is well portrayed and the storyline is well written. The characters are acted out so well and the cast is chosen perfectly and they have done justice to the characters. It is one of the few dramas that actually make you feels so engrossed into the story that you want to keep watching it to find out what happens next and I have got to hand it out to the scriptwriters and the manhua's author as they have written a great piece of work.
I loved every plot and line the actors spoke and how interesting it felt at every moment and scene. Though I've only watched a few episodes of what they have released but I can tell it will and is gonna be one of my favorite dramas out there. This may also be because I really like the male lead and his works but regardless it was worth the while and time.
The music and ost's were again chosen perfectly the were an amazing fit to the plot, they were made and directed very nicely. Tencent video is actually a very good online video streaming platform where almost all dramas are binge worthy(not too twisted).
I totally recommend watching this and if you want similar works just check out the recommendations I made on the recommendations page.
Hope ya'll definitely check this out!!!

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A diamond I found in a box of coal

The rating though mayn't be accurate according to some peoples' preferences and taste but it has made its way to be my current most enjoyed and favorite drama of 2021. This review I have been waiting to write for over a week or two and I finally get a chance. I'm gonna keep it quite short and less on the spoilers.
The story is the kinda of vibe I am actually into, by vibe I mean the comedic scenes in every episode, the thrill being present, though there is romance it is not to heavy or only focuses on that and of course our charming male lead. Each supporting role and actor had made the whole show a show of amazing performances and laughter filled. I can't say I didn't have a smile before every episode and after one XD. I was excited to know what will happen next and at times even wished the episodes were released everyday instead twice a week that was the only major problem I had while viewing this (while airing).
Song Joong Ki is one of my most favorite actors and if you are a fan I know for a fact you will enjoy this but even if you are not you will start to like him. I started to like his acting or his dramas after his acting in Descendants of the sun and I don't have to say more about Jeon Yeo Bin's acting. It was my first time watching one of her dramas and I was impressed. Loved her character from the beginning to the end, all her funny sides, happy sides and of course her evil revengeful sides. They each had their own charm. Including the pigeons and also the villains, none of the actors made my experience feel boring or not interesting. I think this is what's important when you watch such dramas which are not based on complete reality.
This drama focuses on the corruption of society and how people from various parts (common people) of it join hands to bring it down and bring over justice, mafia and killing is not something done in all parts and the corruption is not basically severe to the extent as it was shown but I liked how there was drama which portrays this message through an entertaining way and wasn't like the others I found which just show the corruptions and the justice winning and nothing else(like literally no form of content or laughter). Further on the music was simply amazing. No other words, you have just gotta listen it yourself to judge it.
So overall this is the kinda of drama I enjoy on days I am completely utterly bored and there is no action. Recommend to people like me and all the others and definitely has a high rewatch value from my side.^_^

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Quite Cliche...

This drama has a very common plot, that is guns, shooting, blood, betrayal, revenge, death and of course the ML and FL end up together(either by love or any other reason). It is one of the typical Thai drama and is quite watchable if you are a person who is interested in these types or sorts of plots. Though I do not know the ending and am currently still watching it, I pretty much know it will be one rollercoaster filled with many twists and turns.

I picked up the drama for as I love the ML's dramas and works (pretty much because I am his fan, but also for his face:) ) and found it quite interesting like the original dramas having that hint of Thai spiciness.

This drama is basically about a man and a woman who join hands to take down evil, the typical plot used in about more than 50% of the action dramas, series and movies made around the world and that I've watched. I would recommend watching it but definitely not for rewatching as I find it very tiring just for once and don't think I have plans to watch all that for a second time. In a few scenes I got so bored that I had to skip a few scenes (but it did not affect the overall story), especially the parts where the support roles speak so much just to make the episode reach the time limit required but in the end the whole episode only has one point expanded in 360º.
But it was fun to watch something in which I knew what would happen as I kinda like things to have a happy ending in these types of dramas cause I find out that throughout the whole series the ML or FL goes through all these trials just to end up dead, or have their partner dead and that moment just breaks my heart. Like just when I think "phew the world is saved and he can finally set himself free" and there goes a bullet and he is left for death. ^_^
If you are interested in these types then definitely check it out as in the end it totally depends on your preference.
comment if you agree with me ;)

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