I have finally caught up with all episodes of Rising With the Wind, and I must say that appreciate the way it concluded. I admit that I was skeptical at first while reading the synopsis, thinking it might be a typical idol drama where the business plot serves as mere filler. However, this wasn't the case; it played a crucial role in the story's development, character growth, and relationships among all involved, not just the main leads.

The story revolves around a domestic enterprise facing challenges in the low-end manufacturing industry, highlighting the relationship between financial capital and the industrial economy. It also briefly touched on live-streaming and e-commerce, as mentioned in the synopsis.

The cinematography was aesthetically pleasing and while there are some aspects I wish were written differently, I still think that the story is more than decent with pacing that feels just right (though I wish the last two episodes could've been explored more). It may not be a stand out compared to other dramas I've watched and like, but it left me feeling satisfied after finishing as opposed to making me feel like I've wasted my time.

The two leads: Xu Si, an investment professional (and definitely not your run-of-the-mill domineering CEO), and Jiang Hu, the 'fallen' heiress who turned into one heck of a fighter, are both inherently strong characters, and I appreciate that about them. Their initial encounter sparked interest, and the dynamic between them continued to be engaging. Jiang Hu is not a damsel in distress, and Xu Si is not a prince on a white horse. She had to earn his assistance, and Xu Si didn't offer it for free – this dynamic added depth to their characters and the drama itself.

Jiang Hu has become one of my favorite female leads in contemporary drama, though with her idealism and resilience, she manages to overcome challenges and work hard to get back on her feet. The romantic storyline between the main characters was amusing to watch. Xu Si may not have fallen in love at first sight, but he was definitely intrigued by Jiang Hu's antics from first sight; and as they got to know each other, that amusement sure must have turned into affection.

Honestly, the second female lead and the second couple weren't exactly my favorite; and I also wish there were scenes where the main characters communicated openly rather than discreetly handling things behind each other's backs (proper communication would make more sense, especially considering Xu Si's professionalism and all).

Overall, I'll give this drama an 8/10, though initially 7.5, but I have to elevate it higher for Jiang Hu and because this drama gave me a newfound appreciation for Gongjun and Zhong Chuxi. (And if you think that this rating is low, I just want to tell you that this is already rated high in my personal rating)

I just found out they have to cut the episodes due to the 40-episodes limitation and that answered why the last few episodes felt a tad too rushed for me.