first, the male lead. many people don’t like him so i NEED TO SET THIS STRAIGHT. people say he’s too much of an asshole but like, if i went through what he went through, i would be way worse ngl and it’s not even that bad. like sure he’s rude and a little arrogant but (maybe im toxic) its not even that bad. also the CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT (like everyone needs to know this) he has is immaculate, especially because of the fl and he becomes so much sweeter and everything, and the “i hate everything but you” trope is so freaking good!! also just want to add, his perseverance and like ability to keep going towards his goal is so admirable like he works so hard and that’s how he gets places in life lol.

the female lead. bro she’s such a queen and mother like she’s definitely top tier best ever female lead ever!! clearly she’s my favorite but she’s just so sweet and so loyal and so kind but not a pushover (!!) and just such a badass at some moments but also such an angel. im in love and SHE’S SO SMART and just hard working - i just love her so much i can’t even describe it. she deserves everything in the world she’s so mother (I already said this i need to stop).

the chemistry and acting from the two leads is so so so so good! i love them! the chemistry makes me faint like im intruding on something private and their kisses (… ep 35; 13:30) and HUGS! i have never liked hugs in dramas as much as theirs like their HUGS!! and their like sweet dating scenes where they laugh with each other, etc is so asldfjskgls like im squealing (i know. so weird. but i can’t help it)

other things lol:
the supporting characters are some of my favs ever. genuinely love all of them so much and the way they portray the villains like yes, i do hate them. the villain’s acting is so freaking good too. OH and the side relationships are SO CUTE bruh like ren di and her bf slays

the storyline is actually so different from other dramas and executed so well. like the flashbacks, the first episode being reality and then flashing back for some episodes and then getting back to that point. i love how they break up and have angst but its not really because of a misunderstanding: it has my other favorite trope in the world where he acts like he doesn’t love her to protect her but he does. so angsty and amazing. pacing is great too

OSTS ARE SO TOP TIER. literally never skipped the opening ost ever in any episode and the rest match the vibe so well

also it has so many of my favorite tropes:
- CUTE NICKNAME (princess is such a cute one!!)
- the “underdogs-have-to-work-with-a-bunch-of-weird-people but still manages to slay and forms a great friendship” like i love the whole of “flying heart” company so much (ml and fl go there to get their revenge and slay so hard!)
- the ANGST from “i love her so i have to protect her” and “still loves her but have to pretend i don’t”. like the scene where he tapes back together their picture makes me cry
- FRIEND GROUP TROPE - like i thought lixun was a sad loner but he has friends in college with the fl so like i love their friend grou. they work so well
- famous romance trope~ (as a side trope)
- BEST CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT from the two leads!! they were great the first few episodes but the end is asldkgslkgh they became such amazing slays
- THEIR CUTE SCENES like i swear they seem so real. the chemistry!!