I loved all the characters in this drama. I always enjoy analyzing each character and comparing them to myself and the relationships I encounter in real life. That’s exactly what I plan to do here as well. I didn't see anyone talk about side characters that much, so I might talk about some of those I found interesting. This is my first time writing a review!

Let's start with the novel's FL (SFL), Mu Yao is someone who shoulders every burden by herself, always protecting others but neglecting her own well-being. Her overwhelming sense of responsibility is both extraordinary and excruciating. In today’s world, she represents those hardworking individuals who feel guilty or fearful of taking a break, constantly worried they might not be strong enough to face life’s challenges and protect what they ought to protect.

Then, the novel's ML (SML) Liu Fuyi is a character driven by a desire to repay the kindness he has received. I deeply connected with him in the sense where I often feel the need to repay those who have supported and strengthened me and sometimes feel tied/chained, especially when I do them wrong. Despite his background, he strived to be good to others. However, when he has failed and felt like he betrayed those he values, he shoulders the blame entirely, even to the point of self-destruction. His principle of "forgiving oneself is difficult, instead focus on atonement" is admirable, but a powerful reminder to let go of unnecessary guilt. He taught me that while our actions can have serious consequences, not everything is under our control. I actually really liked his back story. I don't know why some say it was boring and unnecessary.

Cuicui was the most innocent character, and I loved how he was designed as a bamboo shoot incapable of hiding anything. Him giving the letter to Ziqi was the best and most relieving thing that happened in the whole show for me. I felt so thankful to him, he saved our CP hahah! They relied on him so much, in the forest with the water demon and at the end, to help save the "novel world", it was sooo cuteee! Cuicui is the real hero! He is the cutest, the best!

Fuyi’s master and Mu Yao’s father’s friend was the most tragic character for me personally. The friendship fallout between him and Mu Yao's dad was a reflection of how friendships often falter after deep disappointment. Some might say, “Well, then it wasn’t a strong friendship to begin with,” but pride and failed expectations can make reconciliation incredibly difficult. His regret was heartbreaking.

Now the leads, (ML) Mu Sheng/Ziqi, a half-demon, struggles with self-acceptance. He is an insecure character, distrustful of others because he doesn’t trust himself. I can relate to this in the context of social interactions—how we sometimes hesitate to reveal our "inner demons," fearing judgment of being different. His journey felt deeply personal, reflecting the challenges of self-love. There will always be parts of ourselves that we must learn to love and accept, despite how hard it is. There are people who will accept us and love us, no matter how ugly this "inner demon" is, which was kindof shown in episode 7 (this was my favorite episode).

(FL) Miaomiao was the most relatable. She was tired of her mundane everyday life. Her days are brightened by reading novels, a feeling that resonates with me (and probably most people here). We often rely on dramas as an escape from the stress and monotony of reality. I believe her purpose in traveling to that alternate world was to reflect on her conscious and unconscious desires:
1. Rewrite the ending of her favorite author’s novel and feel less betrayed by giving a HE instead, (even at the end, her desperation for a HE remained strong, also because she felt all the characters' genuineness)
2. Fulfill her longing for her late father (this was the most emotional part of the show for me, this made me cry the most)
3. Experience a sense of accomplishment in her job (to compensate for feeling overworked and unappreciated with her real world job as an office worker). In the novel she becomes a demon catcher who helps fight against Revengeful woman. Even got the Apocal Power (she was so cute trying to brag about her powers hahhaha).

I feel like it wasn't just a world Fu Zhou created to fulfill his 3 wishes, but also for Miaomiao to fulfill hers. that's why both of them got sucked in it. Plus, Miaomiao experienced love and met Fu Zhou as Mu Sheng/Ziqi, who she overlooked and didn't interact with in the real world. It was a chance for him to show his love, her chance to feel that love, and theirs' to experience the love they both deserved. I didn't read the novel, so all of these are based on my understanding of the drama alone, so I'm not entirely sure I'm making a point.

Some other aspects of the drama that I LITERALLY ADORED TO THE CORE:
Showing the favourability percentage WAS SOO EXCITING!
Everytime it was shown, i felt so giddy, it's so unique, don't you think? It showed the development of their relationship in a more "quantitative" way than a "qualitative" way HAHAHH as a science person, numbers just makes everything right! haha
Also, -200% was HILARIOUS!

The reflection domain made me scream! IT WAS JUST AMAZING, I can't find words with how incredible it looked, the contrast colors (i don't know what you call that), how the transition was done! WAAAHH, I was just in awe!

The soundtrack is also really good! I am also biased, but when Ding Yuxi sang his version of "stare intently", I just cried of happiness.

Ding Yuxi, i've been his avid fan since 2020. I have been waiting for this drama since I saw the news of them being cast, it was like waiting for a lifetime, but the show ended too fast, I needed more. I totally loved Moonlight, (I think I've rewatched it at least 5 times including the time after watching LGIEF hahaha). I have been watching all his dramas, never has he disappointed me, EVER!!! I fell in love with him at first sight as Zhou Shiyun in "Intense Love", were in delusional relationships with his other roles like Chu Kong in "Love you seven times" and this year, I married Shen Du (Melody of Golden Age) in my head (haha) and again fell crazy in love with Mu Sheng/Ziqi (his Fu Zhou appearance was drop dead hot, him with those glasses just made me go crazy). I think they really did a great job with his costume in this drama. He looked so good in other dramas as well (like in Love you seven times ) but he looked 100x more handsome in this one! His chemistry with Esther Yu is again no doubt exceptional, they slayed in both dramas : Moonlight and LGIEF.
I hope Ding Yuxi gets more dramas, he had so many this year, which made me so happy. I'm now waiting for "Black and White Forest", him in another type of role, I just cannot wait!