I didn’t think it was possible, but this C-drama rivals anything I’ve seen in a K-drama, and I almost missed this gem! I wasn’t going to watch because the storyline revolved around an actor/actress, and I’m not crazy about celebrities, in fiction or real life. However, on whim, I started watching, and I was quickly hooked. Although the plot is based on ML getting amnesia after a car accident (an overused plot device) and thinking he’s the character he just played, it was fresh, interesting and an absolute delight to watch. It’s more like a split personality rather than true amnesia, and like FL, I dreaded the day that ML returned to his true self. The Grand Tutor was…I don’t know how to describe it…he was unbelievably perfect and absolutely adorable. It’s like every woman’s dream – her favorite fictional character coming to life and falling in love with her! The romance was heart-squeezingly good (brought tears to my eyes), and it didn’t rely on the usual, worn-out, predictable tropes/cliches to do so. The chemistry between these two leads was palpable. Now to the characters themselves.

Since I started watching Asian dramas, my all-time favorite ML was Ah Min Hyuk in ‘Strong Woman Do Bong Soon’ played by Park Hyung-Sik. No other character/actor have come close to dislodging him from #1 position and certainly not any Chinese ML, although Gu Yanzhen in Arsenal Military Academy and Zhou Chuan in Moonlight came darn close. Now, however, Min Min has to move over and share his #1 rating with the Grand Tutor/Mu Ting Zhou played by Jeremy Tsui. I absolutely loved this ML, and I don’t say that about a lot of Chinese MLs. The actor did an outstanding job bringing this character to life. This character was quirky and eccentric, making him a delight to watch! I loved how when acting as FL’s assistant, he carried around an umbrella as though it were a sword and wore his sunglasses on the back on his neck like a modern-day fella. He was always so respectful and caring toward his ‘princess’, and he shared some pretty hot kisses with her around episode 15 (sorry, can’t remember the exact episode). He brought so much dry humor to the series as both the Grand Tutor and Mu Ting Zhou. Really, he was the ‘COM’ portion of this Rom-Com since he was the only one providing any humor. Yes, he did break FL’s heart when he regained his senses (make sure you have a tissue box handy for eps. 21-22), and briefly became a cold-hearted bastard (worse than when we first met him), but by episode 23, he's had time to process what occurred and starts to feel curious about it. As a result, we start seeing his 'cuteness' again, especially at the start of ep. 24. Although it was painful to watch, from Ming Wei's perspective, could the real guy ever compete with the Grand Tutor at this point? Did she really want to remain in the relationship when the Grand Tutor was essentially dead? Mu Ting Zhou had some big shoes to fill.

As for FL (Ming Wei), at first, I didn’t care for her because I didn’t like how she looked with the dynasty hair style, but as the drama progressed, I warmed up to her. I liked her quiet, calm and mature nature, especially for a 23 year old. She wasn't childish or cutesy like a lot of C-drama FLs. Never once did she dissolved into baby talk, pout or 'hmpf'. She was nice, but unlike a lot of C-dramas, she wasn’t bullied by the other characters because of her niceness. Yeah, we had a couple of bitchy side characters, but she didn't take their crap (even told Xu Lin she'd kick her butt), and their harassment wasn't overdone like in other dramas. Ming Wei was sweet and kind, the perfect stereotypical fairytale princess. She maintained this sweet, honest, kind and mature air throughout, and I really connected with her dilemma and heartache. I wept with her at the Grand Tutor's departure.

I even liked and was interested in the second couple (Xiao Zhao & Ming Qiao). FL’s sister was spunky but not loud or annoying like a lot of C-drama besties. I liked her encouragement to FL to be brave and seek happiness while it’s there. I agree. You’re inevitably going to be hurt when Mu Ting Zhou recovers his memory so does it matter if it’s now or later? Just enjoy the Grand Tutor’s love while he’s with you. That’s essentially her sister’s advice. Carpe Diem!!! The drama didn’t focus too heavy on the second couple (until the 2nd half) so I didn’t fast forward through their screen time. Their romance and MC's were well balanced. I also liked the support these two provided to ML & FL. And three cheers for Xiao Zhao hammering home a few truths MTZ needed to hear about his responsibility in regards to Ming Wei's heartbreak.

Being a C-drama, we couldn't quite escape the perquisite drama devices, but they were toned down unlike other dramas that overdo the angst. Be prepared for the following:

1) Xu Lin - the childhood friend who's obsessed with MTZ. This chick is apparently older than both FL and her sister yet she's the one acting like a childish, spoiled brat. The men in her life apparently doted on her too much, and she's pissed when Ming Wei threatens her queen bee status. All Xu Lin brought to the drama was, well, a bunch of drama. The storyline didn’t need her, in my opinion, but Chinese scriptwriters seem to think we always have to have an obsessed female love rival to annoy the viewer. I was not at all upset when dad slapped her at one point; she needed some sense knocked into her.

2) Parental opposition on ML’s side to marriage while he was still the Grand Tutor, but in this case, I can understand their concern. What happens when MTZ wakes up and finds that he’s married to FL? It’s a valid concern, but the parents could have voiced their complaint in nicer terms instead of going bat crap crazy. Second couple also experienced parental opposition bc of parents backstory. I believe FL's mom and Xiao Zhao's dad's connection was added purely to cause angst for 2nd couple.

3) A scandal. Ming Wei suffers the fallout of MTZ regaining his senses, which affects her career until friends and an unlikely ally rescue her. Honestly, if I were a fan, I would be more upset that they broke up since they were a storybook couple that you love seeing together. I'd be ragging on MTZ, not Ming Wei, but in these dramas, it's always the female that suffers the most in these media scandals.

My favorite scene was when ML/FL were getting married in episode 28. I loved the traditional dynasty procession down the street with FL/ML family and friends watching and waving while that wonderful song 'By Your Side' played. It was as if their characters (the princess and Grand Tutor) were finally getting a happy ending as well. (FYI - if Grand Chief Cabinet Minister was an actual drama, I wouldn't have watched it. I hate tragic endings. The last two episodes appear to be that story told in its entirety - all the clips you see in other episodes come together into a short drama.)

Finally, the music was fabulous! It really boosted the emotional connection between characters and viewer.

If I could give this drama 20 stars, I would. Yes, it could have been shorter, but for once, I didn’t get fatigued midway, and I was sorry to say goodbye to the Grand Tutor and his princess. Just wish we'd been able to see the birth of Mu Ming and his sister.