The idiom, 细水长流, literally meaning “thin streams of water will flow for a long time” is often used to describe this type of love.... well in simple language we call it a slow burn.

Having read the novel and seen the sequel before it was hard to not compare it with it, so I ended up writing this review in 3 parts... you may skip the novel and prequel parts.

Forever and Ever as stand-alone:

First I wanna say... you can watch 'Forever and Ever' as stand-alone. Apart from slight references and small clues, it's not fully related or continuation for One and Only. (But still, I would recommend One and Only for the best experience)

Being part of the 'Sweet-On' series it is not fully sweet, I would call it all flavor treat, sweet-spicy-tangy-salty sometimes even bitter. Many subplots are very unrealistic and unpredictable as you can't guess what's gonna happen next, where's the story leading you. In terms of story progression, it's quite fast-paced but it's the polar opposite when it comes to some romantic development between our leads... coz it's snail slow, that might lean it towards being a bit boring... they even can get the award for being a most awkward couple despite being married. As for the fact, few twists are quite surprising.. but not pleasant all the time.

Talking about characters, both leads are quite likable but not perfect or flawless, surreal... they have their shortcomings and weaknesses. Shi Yi is bright, gentle, caring, straightforward, energetic she has her charm. Where Zhousheng Chen is nerdy, taciturn, not very good at expressing himself well you can say both of their personalities don't match with each other that's why they complement each other very well.

To be honest, other than leads and a couple of supporting characters... Among them, Uncle Lin was the only person whom I enjoyed seeing on screen. Mei Xing has charisma with his aura.. and sometimes it even outshined more than Zhousheng Chen for me. I also liked Ren's character it added a bit of playfulness. But the thing is I wasn't invested in anyone's side stories or whatever they do. None of the support roles were appealing or even interesting... furthermost some very annoying and frustrating.

In terms of acting this sure has the upper hand, as both Bai Lu and Allen Ren did a splendid job as usual, and their chemistry rocks. For the first time, I've seen Allen as a flustered character, his expressions were spot on.

This is aesthetically beautiful and pleasing for the eyes, loved cinematography and color grading which wasn't too bright or too gloomy. And the wardrobe for Shi Yi was great, I'm very satisfied with the styling.

The music and soundtrack are amazing.

"Continued" 续写 - Shan Yichun
“Heart Beats” 心动 - Bai Lu
"Time Froze" 定格 - Yan Ren Zhong

~One and Only:

The most common thing between both dramas would be opening sequence music.. that kinda made me emotional bringing back all memories. But other than that there's nothing.

If I start to see this drama from point of One and Only then this is going to be my biased opinion as I loved One and Only very much. And it doesn't live up to the expectations of One and Only... which was memorable and painfully beautiful. This feeling and emotions or even the story feels superficial and not very special here.

Apart from having the same names and faces Shi Yi and Zhousheng Chen from past and present are different. That's why you can't relate to them. Zhousheng Chen with an intimidating persona... an upright, brave general you can't simply think a nerdy researcher with low self-esteem is the reincarnation of him if their face weren't the same. Though it's not this extreme with Shi Yi.. in some aspects we can relate her to Eleven, but at the same time, we can't really. I can understand the situation.. the time, the environment they grew up in is very different. Just the thing is the characters are changed drastically.

Another shortcoming of Forever and Ever is the supporting roles and their stories... having great support characters with strong and interesting stories, where I was invested and felt something for them. Support characters are weak with side stories. As I found myself skipping their parts most of the time.

Without One and Only, Forever and Ever is mediocre, but after suffering from OnO it can give you... ease for pain. As it's not as painful and OnO

~One Life, One Incarnation – Beautiful Bones:

First major change... Zhousheng Chen isn't tall like the novel (just kidding lol xD). If you are expecting some intimate scenes from the novel.. sorry to disappoint you, you get nothing more than just a kiss (which is almost a peck) and such choppy edited, and weirdly angled supposedly intimate scenes.

It's not exactly like the novel at the same time... it's not fully different. Maybe a little less exaggerated. As the novel was insane and illogical at some parts.. with some WHAT? HOW? moments. Though they decided to keep some almost makjang-feel parts but again not very exaggerated.

Again same happens as what happened with One and Only characters aren't what they are.. but different, sometimes very different. Shi Yi in the novel wasn't favorite as she felt last century girl always.. not modern girl living in 21st, though her character isn't 180- degree turned but she somewhat feels real and likable. Zhousheng Chen from the novel is quite unlike... his character was almost changed in the novel as they wanted for the flow of the story, he's nerdy, a very scientist like... then he is confident dominant CEO type.. well it's like he doesn't have specific personality in the novel it changes so drastically which isn't case with the drama. So drama is more appealing, realistic.. likable, and relatable in these things.

But then when it comes to the past story.. as they can't show reincarnation directly. But only with some small references... that includes Shi Yi's skills, her fear of height... a liking of pomegranates, they even mentioned her dreams and psychologist. Nothing really indicates or links to their past story now if you think again, from Zhousheng Chen there aren't any other references other than the name. So in that case, 'Love-at-first-thing' is quite illogical.. as they followed a novel where his appearance is average, not appealing or attractive. And you just don't ask any stranger his phone number just coz his name is familiar with your work lol... as for Shi Yi in the novel had a strong reason where she remembers everything.

Honestly even having some unique things 'Forever and Ever' isn't very extraordinary or gives you an outstanding experience.. but sure very enjoyable.