Looking at the other reviews, I'll say that it probably doesn't adhere to the original novel and anime all that much- but on that, I must say that I have no right to have an opinion. I've never watched the anime or read the novel, but as an individual standalone drama, it's really good.
I watched this originally because of the actors, specifically Yang Yang. I watched him in Love O2O and figured he was an amazing actor for it (his character does kind of recycle the same few facial expressions, but the fact that when you watch you think that's his whole personality is impressive. In reality, he's much more energetic and happy and smiling, so props to him for acting), so I saw that this was airing and figured I would give it a try.
The first 30ish episodes were amazing, but towards the end, the plot started getting weird. Admittedly, it's the only potential plot they could have given it considering that this is the sort of "happy ending" drama that it has reinforced since the beginning, but it's too perfect. Characters show up perfectly at that exact moment and they all return to continue in the game of Glory, but it's honestly not realistic in that manner. They wouldn't arrive at that same moment- it would have been funny to see them all rushing there and waiting behind the door because they're that dramatic, but instead we get this perfect dramatic moment that's too perfect.
I've never seen the OG book or anime, but I have to say, I love the character design. I know some people are upset at the changes in Ye Qiu/Xiu's character as well as Chen Guo's character, but I find them endearing the way they are. However, the back story isn't all that developed and it feels like they're throwing in the additional back story for bonus pity points. It would have been nice to see this back story be established- it creates a more whole character anyways- in the beginning rather than being added as the story goes on.
The main reason that I ranked the plot and storyline so low is that it relies to heavily on the perfect moments- these dramatic moments of perfect timing. It would be nice to see them mess up the timing- Ye Xiu showing up earlier in the game just because life isn't always so full of those missed seconds.
Otherwise, amazing drama, amazing show, and an amazingly endearing male MC!