I love mystery/crime romances and I also love republican dramas so needless to say, I was ecstatic to see this drama to fit all my favourite genres!

Story:
Good setup, nice and fast paced straight off the bat. We have emotional baggage from the male lead and female lead that could have contributed well into the main mystery underlying all the cases (Captain). The cases were actually enjoyable to watch and I had a lot of fun guessing who the criminals were. Other characters such as Benjamin added a nice comedic element into the story, and also some bromance! The chemistry between Xiao Man and Luo Fei rrally made me squeal! They are so adorable and their banter really mixed well with their case solving. A lovely dynamic pair where there strengths complimented one another.

But as with many Chinese web dramas, the plotline suffered terribly from the number of episodes it needed to have. I thought from the fast pace that we would have addressed the main issues by episode 23, but nothing was ever solved in the end. A 'no ending' ending, you might say. I'm not even sure if everyone survived by the end because the ending was essentially the beginning to the real story. I don't even know how the mastermind criminal managed to do all the evil things he did from prison? I don't know who killed Xiao Lu? I liked the twist with Huo Wen Si, but that twist LITERALLY happened in the last minute of the last episode. C'mon? The characters could have done with a lot more developing in terms of background- Luo Fei's background especially. I wanted to see more of his relationship with Captain and his younger sister, but nothing. Overall, good story in terms of case solving but a horrible ending if there is no season 2 to follow.

Actors:
Cannot fault! Bai Yu was really hot as Luo Fei, YRJ is adrorable as Xiao Man and Jeffery made a really compassionate Benjamin. And the psychologist did an unexpectedly good job too! Costumes and camera work were beautifully done and the aesthetic was definitely there. The cinematography could convey messages without the actors saying anything (e.g. the scene where XM and LF were at the river side and walks over to her). The chemistry between LF and XM was sizzling with the characters bouncing off each other in the most wonderful ways.

Music:
Music did really well to create suspense. Lots of strings to really set the more tense scenes. Nice piano music for the endearing scenes. Only two actual songs released as OST but I don't recall these songs ever being actually used in the drama which I actually prefer.

Rewatch value:
Bro.... after that ending, I ain't touching this series again unless they have a second season to justify that abrupt ending. So unless they do release a second season, I will not be watching this again.

Romance:

A BIG FAT 11/10. A strong female lead? A strong male lead? Leads that support each other emotionally? XM and LF have it all. What strengths one have, the other one doesn't and so they fit like perfect puzzle pieces together. Those endearing looks Luo Fei gives to Xiao Man when she isn't looking, oh my! Just get married already. Biggest shame and waste of potential that their relationship was never resolved or explored deeply. They both clearly harbour feelings for one another with everyone noticing their special relationship and essentially pushing the pair together, so would have loved to see an acknowledgement to each other about the way they feel.

Overall:
Good watch if you love mystery with a sprinkle of romance. A quirky detective with a witty police detective. But do not expect an answer to your questions by the end because it's an open ending.
Please come out with a second season so I can stop feeling so salty lol