I watch a lot of dramas. A LOT. And I am VERY picky. So when I say that a drama is worth all 10 stars, I f*cking mean it.

I decided to watch TTEOTM on a whim, mostly because I am one of the clowns waiting for Immortality to be released since it was first announced. I was very curious to see what Luo Yun Xi's acting was like, so decided to watch the first episode of TTEOTM.

And boy oh boy. I fell hard. For LYX, for Bai Lu, for the drama, for *everything*. If you are a fan of dramatic, epic, heart wrenching romances this is for you. If you are a maso, this is most definitely for you. If you are a fan of costume drama, your eyes will be met with a veritable feast! Everything is beautiful in this drama: the costumes, the writing, the CGI, the sets, the acting, the actors, the music. There is not a single flaw I could find in this masterpiece.

Sooo. How painful is it, you ask? On a scale of fluffy to 2HA, this is 2HA plus some. And the 'plus some' will rip your heart out of your chest, raw and bloody, and trample it on the ground.

Look, I'll confess. I'm somewhat of a maso - so I really enjoy pain. I eat chillis because otherwise food is tasteless. And I look forward to getting shots. Sometimes, I spend hours in the dark, staring at my ceiling, ruminating on the time I farted in front of my coworkers. Other times, I listen to dubstep from the early 2010s - on loop.

But even I, a veteran maso, could not stop the tears flowing. And there was, on more than one occassion, a strong impulse to throw my phone across the room and at least one instance when I gave into said impulse.

Don't worry - there are moments of sweetness to alleviate your freshly acquired (lethal) wounds. Medicine for your battered soul. All the relationships in this drama are full of chemistry and adorable moments. You will be rooting for all of them, and be dazzled by the on screen chemistry of our two main leads. BL and LYX have worked together before, and their friendship shines through here. Watching the BTS footage, it is obvious they are very comfortable with each other and enjoy working together. This translates wonderfully to their shared scenes and the intimacy is off the charts.

And one thing I absolutely love about this drama is that no side character is left in the lurch. Every character is given a backstory and well considered development. They are given a proper plot and their presence is justified. They aren't there just to be plot devices for the main leads, they also have their own shit going on. A world that thrives and progresses independently, outside of the main characters' microcosm, is good writing. Clearly, the writer cares deeply for this story and the many colourful characters within.

Of course, the male lead's character development is as fascinating as it is heartwrenching to watch, and LYX embodies him authentically. His madness, his spite, his vulnerability and confusion, and his warmth and tenderness are expertly and convincingly portrayed. Not to forget those big beautiful eyes that are ever so expressive. His micro expressions are absolutely insane. Every aspiring actor should take note. BTS footage shows LYX studying his character and you can see how much thought and tireless work he pours into his craft.

The female lead is also written very well, given as much depth and consideration as her male counterparts. BL's portrayal of her character is one of quiet strength and deep compassion, a character who struggles with her own soul crushing conflict: the incredibly heavy burden of duty vs her powerful feelings for the male lead. You can see her battle scars slowly building up as the drama goes on, and every smile she wears is tender but full of unspoken pain. All that to say, BL is an incredibly talented and authentic actor. It is much too easy to fall in love with her. Also - I am addicted to BL's screams. Every time I hear it, I get chills. Maybe one day she will consider starting a metal band? I will be first in line to buy her first album!

I might add to this later, because I am currently typing this out on my phone. But for now, all I can say is this:

Watch the first episode.

Watch the first *ten minutes* and I guarantee that you will find yourself bingeing the rest of the drama through the night. And when you stumble into class/work the next morning, bleary eyed and sleep deprived, you are most welcome to curse me out. But you will be so full of chaotic emotions and no doubt more than sated. Oh, and you will be back to watching from episode 1, because you *have* to rewatch it. You have no choice. (Is this a new SCP?).

P.S. I refer to the main couple as 'male lead' and 'female lead' because they have many names. So for clarity sake, I use these phrases instead.