I'm going to be honest - it's not as good as One and Only. I don't know if it's the modern setting (I do admittedly prefer historical dramas when it comes to Chinese cinema) or if it's seeing the characters I had expected to see mirrored instead take on such different personas in their reincarnated lives, but it just doesn't hit that high note for me that the prequel had.

Music - There were a few songs which I really did enjoy, particularly "Continued." Many of the lyrics of the songs helped carry the theme of reincarnation and finding love again, which was particularly thoughtful, especially given the censorship which prevented too much focus on the past lives element. However, after rewatching scenes from One and Only and then Forever and Ever again, I feel like this drama lacks in having a minimal background score, which is one factor which gives a more polished quality to the ancient times version.

Acting/characters - Bai Lu and Allen Ren are adorable in this drama too, but whereas I was engulfed immediately in their chemistry in One and Only, this was an excruciatingly slow buildup, perhaps because of Allen Ren's character in this life. While Zhousheng Chen of the past was warm and protective, the modern Zhousheng Chen seems more introverted and awkward. It isn't until much later that we see he does retain the same warm personality as his past self, but it's closely guarded due to the circumstances of the plot. Shiyi's character also changes quite a bit. Gone is the eager-to-please little girl pulled by the strings of responsibility and in her place is a rather assertive young woman who is comfortable in her own skin and in standing her ground to get what she wants. Honestly though, the true star of this film was the character of Zhousheng Ren (the male lead's cousin). To say he's precocious would be an understatement. Portrayed as wise beyond his years, his subtle Old Man way of thinking which breaks every now and then - usually when interacting with Shiyi's female cousin - is just adorable to watch.

Story - I honestly found all the awkwardness a bit tiring. Even the potential for more comedic elements was tamed into just a few glances and stunted attempts at teasing. The film does suffer just a bit from diluting the fact that, in the novel, Shiyi remembers her past life and her desire to be with Zhousheng Chen is what drives her forward to pursuing him. It was only after I read the translation of the novel the show is based on - which the show follows very, very faithfully except for the reincarnation remembrance - that I accepted the direction the show was going.

Would I watch again? Eh, probably not. It's nice to know there's a happier ending, but my joy at their pairing isn't for the Shiyi and Zhousheng Chen of the modern era. It's for the reunion of souls and the continuance of love from One and Only as it's the relationship in the past that made me want them to be together. Had this been a standalone drama, I'd have dropped it after the first four episodes.