I complete Go Ahead very early 2023. Then I see that the very same team make another drama. What wonderful news. (On the drama cover, Li Xian capture my eyes because physically he is such my type, hehe) I follow it since. It's been quite some time since the last time I watch ongoing drama religiously. So here I am.

The first episode is gloomy and heart-wrenching. If I didn't know the creator, I'll stop watching, because that's not what I came for. But that's a very important episode, so I'm glad they pack it into one early episode. Thats help us to establish our point of view about Hong Dou. She is my fav character ever, sympathetic but objective, gentle but fierce, and mature but knows how to have fun. Her social skill is awesome. I love the fact that they do not make her gloomy because of her past story. It's changed her at the micro level continuously, but didn't change her into another human being.

After the second episode, the atmosphere changed. Peaceful village with beautiful scenery. Warmer colour grading. Natural and friendly interaction of human beings. Again, this drama team successfully bring the rawness of human interaction into the screen. It will be a novel if I tell every part of this drama that I love. But let me bring my fav. Neighbourhood aunties and uncles. This is an interesting piece that exists in Go Ahead but is not explored completely. The writers tackle this point extremely well. Not judgemental but constructive. Hong Dou's interactions with the elderly are GOLD. And the story of every villagers and visitors are so well written. It's like no one is left behind. Friendship, family, business and community, from children to elders. And the cast is so good at acting, just chef kiss.

Some people said that this is a promotional drama. If that's what is it. They do it well. If I'm in China, I'll be tempted to visit. I also realize this is quite a patriotic drama, haha.

Then, ROMANCE. It would be a sin if I'm not bringing up this topic. The romance between them is the one I called mature romance! The attraction is mutual and very organic. Both are denying at first because of mutual understanding. They think and worry about the future but are brave enough to fight for what they want.

It is such a healing, therapeutic drama. And impactful, I begin to meditate after watching this drama. Their OST is so good! I especially loved the main OST and that sultry OST, so cringey in a good way.

The first drama of 2023, potentially become the best.