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─ the twist of adult child.
Started this drama without any prior knowledge about the plot or the full cast. So, there weren't any expectations but I was glad to find this twisted and psychological approach to this kind theme. The conflict between desperation and greed was nicely written.From the beginning, the sisters and chef reminded me of children that are forced to become adults. Neither managed to grasp freedom and instead followed a way that offered them dream like escape. At some point, you find yourself feeling bad for them, another time you question their morals and greed. Even at the ending scene, you still witness the twist in their ordinary looking lives, which I think was quite unique to see.
While the story had its ups and downs, sometimes left you looking for more and sometimes felt draggy, the cast did awesome job at their characters. Especially Nam Jihyun and Choi Hyunwook rightfully owned the spotlight as they portrayed desperate people that did not hesitate to turn bad when it comes to "being able to live."
Overall, it was a nice watch that delivered specific messages successfully.
link to edits : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI-LyvxxdMxBiq-NfStjWeJ-HBXaMzBcV&si=06NZ4vCYhhrRcZgj
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“ Youth starts with ─ a taxi, telescope, and supermoon.
I wasn't familiar with any of the actors, so watching this movie was a fresh experience for me as a viewer. I haven't even seen the trailer of it before and only got curious after watching a beautiful edit on YouTube.I must say, there is this calm and almost nostalgic vibe in this movie that made it somehow peaceful. The genre or the story is not something unique or not seen before, but delivery of the cast was beautiful. The characters were genuine with their perfections and flaws, nothing so complicated ─ it was as if someone was mentioning their youth memories, and you just listened and noticed how every generation could find something relatable in it.
The ending, especially, was quite adorable. Throughout the whole movie, you think he fell first, and he fell harder as it took her some time to notice her feelings. Then, they show a unique twist and summarise the scenes that have been forgotten in shadows from her point of view.
I also liked how it took one invitation from her for them to see each other again ─ as if they haven't been away for a while. This, I guess, shows they are each others' best friends [and sometimes rivals] first before lovers.
Overall, I enjoyed watching this movie and am planning to check other works of the cast as soon as there is an opportunity.
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L : The mirror of live and evil
Started this drama without any prior knowledge about the plot so I did not know what to expect. Mostly, trusted Shin Hakyun's acting as he always delivers the characters and so far, I really enjoyed watching his dramas ─ and Evilive was not an exception. So, I'm glad to not miss it as not only I enjoyed watching how the storyline and characters' developments unfold but also discovered new talented acting people.While I must admit the story is not completely new or unique, it surely delivered its own twists and perspectives. For me, what made it really good drama to watch was acting. Not only main roles but also side characters showed good acting skills and pulled you into the story. The portrayal of dynamics was phenomenal. However, I have to admit Shin Hakyun and Kim Youngkwang truly stole the spotlights with their portrayals of their characters.
Throughout the 10 episodes, we saw how human greed works through characters, how they change and how someone can welcome their inner demons with a tempting whisper from a criminal and suppressed anger. The shift in personality was too realistic and it was nice to watch the constant moving between the grey and dark area throughout character development.
Also wanted to point out how it took me a while to notice there is only one L in Evilive because the letter is acting as a mirror. Evil and Live spell each other backwards, and L is both the door and mirror ─ which is such a witty name. It perfectly represents the story and characters.
I'm glad I didn't miss this drama and gave it a chance ─ and I definitely recommend it.
link to edit : https://youtu.be/h6z05B475cI
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─ one has a scar on the face, and the other carries a wound in the heart.
In Blossom has been one of those rare dramas that actually grasped the attention of the viewers from the very first episode. From the beginning, they kept the character introduction and storyline intriguing, and delivered it with a beautiful acting and cinematography. In fact, it kept a good balance between mystery, thriller and romance ( and even humour at early episodes ) which made it a worthy watch for those who enjoy multi genre dramas.One of the impressive aspect of the story was how they focused on the cases. Each case delivered a message that fit not only the historical settings but also the current generation ─ and I think that isn't something easy to do. And through those cases, every character found their chance to shine despite appearing an episode or two. ( side note : I really liked how Yang Caiwei as a woman stood out with her profession in those cases. I also liked how we learnt she wasn't brave at the beginning when she talked about the cases she witnessed as a child but slowly grew up to acknowledge the bond between life and death. )
The main plot which focuses on the soul / face swap was smooth as well. At least, this enabled viewers to witness how the romance was built ─ occasionally showcasing the childhood memories that explained why Pan Yue was so determined to find Yang Caiwei. The line between love and obsession was quite thin in their relationship, so the incidents enabled viewers to see the character and relationship development. In fact, it was quite refreshing to see Pan Yue and Yang Caiwei ( Shangguan Zhi ) doubt each other about the death of YCW. Especially when they actually hid specific information that almost made us also doubt Pan Yue, even though we knew it wasn't him who killed her.
As for Zhou Lanjiang and Bai Xiaosheng ─ I think they were the unexpected surprise for me in this drama. It has been a while since I had been so interested in the relationship development of the second leads. Especially their tragic ending made their whole story impactful and their short sweet moments memorable. I liked how their actions also made us question "is this really love or just admiration?" because while some of their moments showcased early stages of love, other moments made us think they are lonely souls that somehow find a refuge in each other. ─ yes, I expected angst from them but what happened to Jiang was way too cruel, they really delivered pain with his scenes.
Overall, it was a nice watch ( OSTs were so beautiful as well ) with its ups and downs and ignorable plot holes ─ recommended to those who enjoy such genre.
link to edits : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxplWeBw3y5j9iRMCmCJg2oLuHaIASjGi&si=hveTUu-2YXDG4pxi
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─ the twisted pattern of monsters and humans
I have been waiting for this season for quite some time as I really enjoyed watching season one and reading the webtoon. Although readings news about them not following the webtoon [ adding characters from Shotgun Boy ] made me question the quality of the writing, I think they did pretty good job.Undoubtedly, compared to S1, writing lacked a bit ─ from character introductions to complexity of their personas. However, they still followed a pattern that hinted a promising season 3. The first season was mainly about monsters and how humans became one due to their desires or greed. So, it started with monsters and ended with humans. Meanwhile, S2's main focus was humans, how they dealt with fear, and lack of freedom. Even the way they didn't hesitate to use fellow humans as lab rats. So, it started with humans and ended with monsters. Along the way, in this second chapter, they focused on new characters. Hence, we didn't see the original cast more. Yet, I think this hints a more complicated and thrilling S3 ─ which I'm looking forward to.
I think the reason most people felt unsatisfied is lack of screen time for the original cast. Some of them disappeared for so many episodes, such that it made audience wonder if the writer forgot them. [ I mean, wasn't Sweet Home about Cha Hyunsoo ? ] This, I think is all about marketing ─ if they were going to focus on new cast most, they should have done marketing accordingly. Still, there were actually new characters with potential and I really wished they explored the colours of their personas properly.
The one that stood out the most for me in this season was Go Minsi. She did such an awesome job at delivering the characteristic changes and development that Lee Eunyoo went through and perfectly showed her determination to find her brother. Another character that stood out was Doctor Lim. Oh Jungse truly never disappoints when it comes to delivering diverse characters. Honourable mention to mother and daughter duo ─ they were so twisted and dark while looking for their ownn lights.
I don't think there was a confusion in timeline as they stated how many days it has been since people discovered monsters with days instead of saying how many years it has been. They also showed that Yikyung's daughter grew up every day [ and years when she was killed ].
Also, I have mention that Sweet Home has one of the best soundtrack and am so glad they still delivered masterpieces in second season.
Overall, it was a good watch and is recommended as long as you are okay with the theme and trigger warnings. Looking forward to S3.
link to edits : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI-LyvxxdMxCFyFmMp9zkjp_-gkySTPQj&si=qqSh49vta0dsxDV4
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─ Beautiful things are often like this; ephemeral, unapproachable and indistinguishable.
Love of Nirvana wasn’t on my watchlist initially, but it quickly captured my attention after I stumbled upon intriguing spoilers on social media. What really drew me in was the famous scene from EP9 that showcased the dynamics between the leads.As I enjoy watching the enemies-to-lovers trope, I appreciated how Love of Nirvana presented characters who genuinely start as adversaries and gradually learn to understand each other. It was refreshing to see their perspectives; the time they took to witness each other's lives made their eventual feelings believable and earned.
Some viewers might find Wei Zhao to be cruel and ruthless, but understanding his backstory and the immense pressure he faces helps clarify his initial attitude towards Jiang Ci, especially after she disrupts his crucial plans. Jiang Ci, on the other hand, is portrayed as resilient, maintaining her composure in the face of adversity, though it’s poignant to watch her vulnerability surface after a significant loss. Their flaws and strengths add depth to their characters, making their journey engaging.
I particularly enjoyed the cat references that both characters naturally acknowledged; these moments added a lighthearted touch. Also, since cats are believed to symbolize balance ( like yin and yang ), and even have been seen as spiritual guardians in some places, the reference matched the characters so well.
Watching them collaborate was a highlight, especially when Wei Zhao recognized Jiang Ci’s strengths. The scene where he bowed to her for saving his people was beautifully executed, symbolizing the respect he developed over time.
The chemistry between the leads was compelling, enhanced not just through their interactions but also through their individual arcs. The side characters were well-crafted as well, each bringing their own loyalty and obsession to the story. I found Yueluo’s arc especially captivating, with its constant character and story development ─ so I was actually glad to see them return there towards the finale.
After their return to the palace, the pacing slowed a bit, but the last few episodes till the finale picked up the pacing once again ─ although it ended with tragedy and left us with bittersweet feelings. Part of me thinks it fitted the whole storyline while the other part expected a happy ending.
The OST was another highlight; each song complemented the scenes perfectly, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
In conclusion, I recommend Love of Nirvana for its storytelling, characters ( and their dynamics ), beautiful OST and cinematography!
Link to edits: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxplWeBw3y5gFVgHNC1_31EcNdD5m1d63&si=5HzX9p7wU1NO619Y
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When beautiful story meets beautiful acting to solve mysterious cases
I had been waiting for Mysterious Lotus Casebook for a while because of Cheng Yi as I knew from his previous projects that he always delivers with his acting ─ and I wasn't disappointed. Furthermore, not only him but also whole cast, especially main leads Zeng Shunxi and Xiao Shunyao really did awesome job with their characters and I believe their actings were one of the most powerful elements of this drama. We see an eventful journey and clear character developments ─ not only in lines but also in simple gestures [their eyes, the way they walk and carry themselves, the way they fight.]The story is really intriguing and keeps getting better and better with each episode. The balance is perfectly done, there are points in certain cases that seem obvious but even then, they give such twists that leave you impressed. Each of those cases also reflects powerful messages, for example, the Girls' Residence/ Mansion ep and final eps' messages about life and humans. The process to solve those cases were well-written as well.
I also love how clear some characters' personalities were and didn't need to change. Righteousness of Li Lianhua/ Li Xiangyi, loyalty of Fang Duobing, stubbornness of Di Feisheng. ─ Also, Li Lianhua's lies were quite creative, sometimes made us laugh and sometimes hurt us bad with all the pain he hid behind.
Character relationships are really charming as well. Absolutely love trio's friendship and how we saw their friendship development. Their trust to each other didn't need to be loud ─ everyone already knows no one trust them like they trust each other. Honorable mention to Li Lianhua and Fox Spirit, their interactions were adorable [ and their farewell was emotional. ]
The sword fights were so elegant and natural, one of the best I have watched in dramas. It was clear that the cast worked so hard to film those scenes.
OST is beautiful too, lyrics complete storyline perfectly! I especially loved instrumental OSTs, really memorable.
Overall, I really liked the drama and definitely recommend it to others!
their story edit : https://www.bilibili.tv/en/video/4790583323263488
link to edits: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI-LyvxxdMxBAlh5wL0WiS5e-5Ci1kUY_
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─ you have to promise me.
A Journey to Love lives up to its name, offering audiences a captivating storyline that is truly a beautiful journey. It delivers in every aspect—from its compelling writing and storytelling to the characters, their dynamics and acting.One of the drama's best part is the portrayal of not only the main protagonists but also the beautifully developed side characters. Each character undergoes significant growth, shaped authentically by the unfolding events and their own motivations. They feel genuine, adding depth to the narrative like interconnected puzzle pieces.
It's difficult to pick a favorite character, as each contributes uniquely to the drama's meaning while maintaining their authenticity. The team is the one of the best squads seen in Chinese dramas, ensuring every moment is engaging and emotionally resonant.
The drama's OSTs are another highlight, beautifully complementing its scenes and adding to its overall appeal.
While the last five episodes are emotionally intense, evoking tears, the earlier episodes balance this with moments of joy and laughter.
In conclusion, A Journey to Love is a definitely recommended drama! I will probably rewatch it later on.
link to edit : https://youtu.be/yvzUBx2rigk
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Top-Notch Acting, Patiently Built Storyline and Symbolic Flower
The Longest Promise seamlessly combines elements of romance, fantasy, and historical fiction with its compelling storyline, breathtaking visuals, and heartfelt performances. The drama excels in showing flaws in every character, their reasons and developments - as well as angst because we swam in our tears, especially on EP35-40. Yet, we also get a good dose of comedy and precious squad.While some viewers may find the initial pace slow, I must say it is definitely worth it since those are stages that patiently build the storyline. The gradual hints and beautifully crafted parallels in the subsequent episodes make the buildup truly rewarding.
The chemistry between the lead actors is palpable, their emotional connection drawing viewers into their world. There is hesitation, uncertainty, and some reasonable (and painful) misunderstandings. But most of all, I especially liked their determination in the final episodes to save the world together. It was refreshing to see both ML and FL fight side by side, with a promise to protect and support each other.
Visually, it has exquisite cinematography and lavish sets, that leave viewers amazed. Especially the dragon CGI was one of the best that I have seen recently.
The supporting cast adds depth and complexity to the story, with each character contributing to the richness of the narrative. Their motivations and interactions add layers of tension, ensuring a well-rounded experience.
Regarding the ending, I would say it's a "hopeful" open ending that hinted at happiness in previous episodes. As Shi Ying and Zhu Yan "promised" to find each other, and Zhu Yan mentioned how she never saw Shi Ying in her dreams for a year, I think it means he returned to her.
I also had been looking for flowers that can be an inspiration for the "Snowy Rosa" and I guess they used more than one reference for the flower. The closest one I could find was Yulan Magnolia, which has a tree that is named after the Chinese word "Yulan," which means "jade lily." The blooms typically appear in early spring and the flower is deeply associated with beauty, purity, and elegance. So it symbolizes the arrival of spring and the "renewal of life," which is also why I think Shi Ying returned to Zhu Yan once again (the first time being after their encounter as kids.)
Overall, I truly enjoyed this drama and think I will occasionally revisit it to watch my favorite scenes.
Shi Ying & Zhu Yan ( their story fmv )
https://youtu.be/H6t0Z-B9F-M
you can watch my other the longest promise edits here : https://studio.bilibili.tv/playlist/236022
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Moving Story of "Monsters"
Moving is a remarkable drama that lives up to all the hype and praise it receives. It captivates viewers with their skillfully crafted stories, well-developed characters, and engaging dynamics. While its genre may not be entirely unique to some, it manages to infuse its own twist to keep things fresh and relatable.Its standout feature for me is its careful attention to each character and how they're interconnected. We get a look into their lives and understand their perspectives as they face challenges and still keep moving on. The story refrains from fixating solely on their superpowers that gives them the title "monster" and instead portraying them as authentic, relatable individuals. The depiction of family dynamics is especially beautifully written, making it impossible to choose favourites. It's absolutely amazing to watch non-toxic parent - child relationships. I'm delighted that the final episodes did justice to these dynamics.
They also have an amazing ability to convey a clear message. There are so many inspiring and motivating dialogues that lives up to the name of the drama.
As for the acting, it's evident that the casting was done with great care, as the talented actors seamlessly embody their characters, adding to the show's overall excellence.
While I waited for the final eps' week to catch up, I didn't even notice how soon the 20 episodes ended. There wasn't any second that was draggy. Each part was there for a reason and kept the audience interested. Thus, if there is a season 2 or spin-off, I'm looking forward to it.
link to edits: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI-LyvxxdMxCXFiPBfCrBRCt1a_-58h6a&si=_O6iNtW1KajW79f0
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Addictive and Beautifully Written Complex Characters
I've been postponing my dive into season one for quite some time, with plans to start it only when they release season two. However, after coming across many spoilers, which I'm thankful for, I decided to take the plunge and it was totally worth it!The first episode alone packs a punch, and the creators know what they are exactly doing. They gave us enough to pique our curiosity, got some answers, and still look forward to more. It's also the very reason why this story is addictive. Before you know it, you just find yourself pulled into it and click on the next episode.
I dare to say LYF is also one of the rare dramas where you don't skip scenes because of its refusal to serve up filler content. You won't find yourself hitting the skip button because every scene contributes something meaningful to the narrative.
But the true gems of this drama are the characters. They're refreshingly imperfect, each bearing "relatable in a strange way" flaws that add layers of complexity. Their ever-shifting shade of gray personalities makes them so utterly captivating. There is an impressive balance of strength and vulnerability, which makes it more interesting to watch. And of course, acting just completes everything perfectly. The entire cast breathes life into their characters, making them feel real and relatable. This drama defies the notion of a mere "multiple main leads" and "female lead" setup. Each character boasts a rich backstory, a distinct personality, and a specific role to play. They go beyond the romance, and the political point of view is really beautifully portrayed as well.
The OST, CGI, and cinematography are really beautiful as well. Overall, I loved the first season and looking forward to the second one because it seems like more pain is awaiting us.
link to edits: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxplWeBw3y5h7gYmd9Du3X0IX2TgMeFuv&si=uqmhiASVW-6EBJFO
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─ I guess we are still enemies, at least better than strangers.
Before I started watching The Rise of Phoenixes, I had heard nothing but praise for it ─ and after watching it, I understand why. It truly deserves all the praises and recognition.The drama, set in a tumultuous palace rife with political intrigue, follows the intricate relationships and power struggles between characters. And while I enjoy palace politics, not all dramas manage to keep it engaging throughout. However, this drama maintains its intrigue and wit across every episode. The storyline is meticulously crafted ( at least if we ignore questionable parts towards the end ) and the drama excels in several aspects.
The acting is exceptional, with Chen Kun and Ni Ni delivering standout performances in their complex roles. Chen Kun's portrayal of Ning Yi is deliberate and powerful, reflecting his internal conflicts and strategic prowess, while Ni Ni captures Feng Zhiwei’s resilience with remarkable depth. The supporting cast also brings significant depth, each character contributing uniquely to the narrative.
The drama’s cinematography is visually stunning, capturing not only the locations but also the characters' emotional landscapes, while the original soundtrack enhances the atmosphere and drama’s emotional impact.
Although the drama maintains intrigue throughout most of its run, the final episodes feel a bit rushed. The climax falls short of delivering the expected emotional weight, possibly due to some scenes being cut. Despite this, the overall story remains compelling and beautifully executed.
The ending, while tragic, aligns with the narrative’s progression, providing a fitting conclusion to the complex story. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this drama and regret not watching it sooner. I highly recommend it for its engaging plot and remarkable performances.
Link to edit: https://youtu.be/gatAQJrWBxQ
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─ justice that comes too late is not justice .
Ripe Town is the most poetic noir drama I've ever seen, captivating me from the very first scene. It unfolds its story in a mesmerizing manner, blending compelling dialogues, cinematography, aesthetics, and the use of natural sounds ─ and elements such as water. Despite the focus on fire due to main case of the drama, the scenes featuring water made me think how they reflected the story's flow and pacing so perfectly.The pacing of Ripe Town is notably unconventional ─ not slow per se, but each episode feels like a standalone movie, rich in mystery and depth. It's not the kind of drama you binge; it demands digestion between episodes, which, for me, enhanced the viewing experience. The final episode, in particular, left a lasting impression with its profound dialogue on justice, highlighting the drama's core theme. It's definitely one of my favourite episodes to watch.
The acting doesn't even need a comment, each actor delivers their role with precision. The gradual revelation of truths and the evolving perspectives on characters are beautifully shaped, deepening the narrative's complexity. The actors' voices also enrich the poetic dialogues, adding another layer of depth to them.
The OST is particularly memorable, it's such a hypnotizer. I couldn't skip it at the end of episodes.
Overall, I really enjoyed watching Ripe Town and I think I will return for a rewatch whenever I need something calm yet enigmatic.
Link to edit: https://youtu.be/8U2TTjxzcps
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─ does the glory really matter ?
After lingering on my to-watch list for some time, I finally delved into 'The Long Ballad'—and I'm truly glad that I did. The well-crafted storyline and character development kept me engaged from the very first episode, with each subsequent installment revealing more secrets and complexities. I especially appreciated the focus on narrative and characters over mere romance, exploring both Tang and Ashile cultures. Exploring the Ashile people's episodes was particularly refreshing to see ─ as it isn't so common to see such dramas explore historical incidents from their settings.The acting was remarkable across the board, with both leads and secondary characters delivering standout performances. Despite occasional moments where characters seemed to disappear, the drama ultimately struck a balance, allowing each character's development to shine. Another aspect I really liked is how both Li Changge and Ashile Sun were established as individuals ─ means we actually saw their morals, perspectives, and agency beyond just romantic involvement. They both had their own goals and protected each other while also caring for others which is not so common to see in dramas that prefer to focus on romance only.
Dilraba's portrayal of Changge's growth was particularly impressive, while Wu Lei's performance as Ashile Sun, especially in EP25 involving his mother's incident, was emotionally gripping.
While the director's style, especially evident in 'SOKP,' isn't entirely my cup of tea, I found the action scenes well-executed, particularly the Cuju game in EP1, which was truly epic. Occasionally, technical issues like echoes and camera positioning dampened the impact, but the strong storytelling and acting overshadowed these flaws.
The OSTs were a standout feature, as expected since I was familiar with some tracks even before watching the drama ─ and each song added depth to the storyline. The instrumentals were epic as well and showcases the hard work put in this project.
link to edit : https://youtu.be/BV1cR_6LW_Y
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The Killer's Shopping Mall
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─ a gripping story in a day
Perhaps one of the most unique and intriguing parts of the storyline is that it tells a story that happened in just one day ─ which is not something easy to do. However, they managed to add their twists and made it binge-worthy (of course, by adding enough scenes from the past as well). We saw enough from the past and enough from the present. At the beginning of the story, the audience is just like Jian; lost and confused and later on, slowly discover the real meaning behind the mess. I liked how they connected specific scenes towards the end to reveal the full story.While the uncle and niece duo was such a great dynamic to watch, you also can't help but think of "what ifs" as you learn the uncle's real story. I enjoyed seeing how grey the character was as he tried his best to train his niece for her to became stronger. You can also see how his military background create stereotype persona in the mind of others when he, himself is struggling with guilt and nightmares. Realistically acted.
The action scenes were great, and side characters added a good colour to the story. Villains were indeed cruel, and it's refreshing to see they didn't give a reason to pity the villain. He was just a bad person without a reason to redeem himself.
You might think "how can a person change in a day" but we actually got a smooth character development as well due to different personas surrounding Jian as some wanted to protect her whereas some were after her life.
Overall, it was a nice watch and recommended to anyone who enjoys watching this genre.
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