Dreamy, endearing, warm, and comforting. A most deserving rewatch.

To preface: the stars have to align for me to complete a drama, and every year I will finish 1 or 2 while dropping or never starting 10, despite wanting to. But I've definitely watched enough to know what I like - and if you also like quaint, delicate dramas with a little slice-of-life; a sprinkle of action; a bit of romance; and healthy relationships and communication between the main characters and supporting cast: this is for you.

Despite its name being similar to The Rise of Phoenixes, it is NOTHING remotely like that (I almost skipped it because I assumed it was & wasn't ready for heartbreak, until I watched the trailer). Nor is it legendary like Nirvana in Fire, or beautifully polished like The Story of Minglan or Destined.

However, it is absolutely charming and comfortable in its own skin. It reminds me of a fairytale, not in the xianxia way, but nostalgic like a candid photo or memory, or a bedtime story your parents would read to you.

The literal translation of this drama (I think?) is "Splendid Tranquility," and it lives up to its name. It is loosely based on a SUPER makjang novel, yet in spite of all odds, managed to retain the general plot while making the entire ride the coziest, sweetest, cushiest one.

I just LOVE the directorial choices made here. Very nuanced and thoughtfully handled, without too much grandiose flair.

Here are things I believe were done very well:

✳ - The opening:
Coupled with the music, it very much gives you a clear idea of the tone of this story.

✳ - The pacing is perfect.
I have a tremendously hard time watching dramas past the halfway point due to dwindling interest or otherwise, but this one was so easy to breeze through. I've alternated between watching single episodes and binging them like candy (schedule permitting), and it hasn't broken my stride. When it starts to get a teeny bit slow - letting us enjoy the peaceful moments between any new chaos - it quickly picks up and pushes forward.

✳ - The relationship established between the two leads were exceptionally handled.
From the very first episodes as strangers being wary of each other, to building mutual trust, and seeing them banter? Beyond any notion of romance, THIS is what blows me away.

I love how they established trust by helping each other out to achieve their own goals (ex. you help me out, I'll return the favor). It was super fun to watch when they began teaming up regularly, no longer needing to count favors. I was actually hesitant to continue watching this because I adored their current dynamic and interactions, knowing that romance was coming, but when I reached that point and saw how it progressed, it felt very satisfying and reassuring that it didn't disappoint. I love how it played out!

There are many dramas that don't handle the transition well - they focus so much on the tension, and scenes are deliberately meant to be either romance OR platonic, rather than focusing on how human relationships actually develop. Well, this does the latter - what a breath of fresh air.

✳ - The characters and supporting cast's relationships
It's about found family. I want to go further into this as well - I still think it's SO interesting how they chose to portray the male lead's past entirely, as well as his relationships with his sworn brothers. While most dramas will choose to capitalize on this, logically, so the audience can feel a more intimate connection, this one shows us mere glimpses, much akin to reading a tale.

✳ - The fight scenes were unexpectedly clean
I actually didn't expect a slice of life drama, with a family plot and a bit of action, to do this well. Everyone highly rated Who Rules the World, which had martial arts as a focus (it was also one of my favorite dramas!), and I have to say the ones here were executed much more naturally. Yes, I've watched TVB dramas, and no, it might not hold a candle to that, but I am STILL impressed. This was such a treat!

✳ - Naturally, the cast
As with anything, this is completely subjective. This is the first time I've watched anyone here and I really enjoyed it, to the point it's become one of my favorite dramas. I think Ren Min embodied her character very well - a bit cunning, reserved, yet headstrong and curious. Zhang Wan Yi, Ci Sha, and the entire ensemble of family members were also perfect in their roles!


Many dramas strive to keep you in an emotional chokehold and milk your tears (talking about you, Princess of Weiyoung), and to confuse you that your attachment is love, but this one did not. It's kept me completely captivated and engaged without aiming to. And though it hasn't made me cry once, I'm certain I will when I watch the last episode.

With all that said, the most important thing is you don't come in with any set of expectations, simply enjoy it for what it is: a wholesome, sweet story akin to a lovely dream :)

Leia Mais

I randomly picked this up, watched 15 episodes, and here's everything you need to know :')

I came in w/o context expecting a cute drama like Love is Sweet and kind of half-slept through all the episodes because there was not much going on, until I realized what the drama strived to focus on: the characters.

Usually dramas take you on a rollercoaster - there are defined plot points. Right after they finish one plot point, they move on to the next, and the characters act within those boundaries. It's not quite like that here. It feels more like a character study, and the episodes revolve around the bonds formed from it.

They managed to nail organic interactions in an unrealistic premise (cohabitation from the most bizarre scenario, among other things)!

The characters are all flawed, but I think very rarely does modern cdrama attempt to tackle these types without playing it safe with slapstick comedy/tropes/perfect characters, or overdoing how deep it is/being pretentious, so it's a treat seeing something different.

Also I absolutely adore the casting. Many dramas tend to go for a certain appearance (ex. all cast members either have the mature look, or all look young), but this one showcases a variety of different people both in the workplace and outside. As someone who's more similar to Shen Yue than Bai Lu, I feel seen lol, especially in her scenes in her company where half embody the corporate look, while half look like interns even if they're not. This is what reality is like.

That's all you need to know unless you're like "okay so if it's not all about the plot, give me a rundown on these characters so I know what to expect??":

Gu Yi and Daiwen meet at the comedy club. He's there at his psych's suggestion to step out of his boundaries due to repressed trauma/emotions. Gu Yi moonlights as a comedian after her corporate job, as an outlet to her work stress. They get off on the wrong foot, but become friends once they sort it out.

They are youthful in appearance so it feels very pure/natural as Gu Yi treats him like a genuine person/friend, completely unbothered by his professional achievements and background. She's a very simple girl (** please don't be offended bc I too am a simple girl and can relate, literally life should be simple idk why ppl complicate things, anyway--) - she has genuine aspirations, works hard, isn't paid enough, yet doesn't see the point in bending to corporate expectations and pours her remaining time into stand-up comedy as self-medicated therapy. Very innocent, idealistic, and unapologetic.

Her friend Yu Le from the comedy club, though older, is also simple and their dynamic is great as they are similar at heart.

Daiwen, though young, is troubled, closed off, and upfront about it, but has a good heart. He's had trauma and is proactively seeking help for it. He actually understands things she doesn't - such as the intricacies of balancing relationship dynamics especially in the workplace, and he knows where the line exists when it comes to burdening someone, or reciprocating favors. However, he can't decipher his own emotions. Because he struggles to navigate anything deeper than surface-level relationships, he keeps everyone at arm's length because he sees himself as defective and doesn't want to trouble anyone.

Xing Xin, their mutual friend who is also Yu Le's love interest, is from a prominent background and is suffocated by expectations. She's chained to expectations and yearns to break free - as a result, she is stressed about the bigger picture and also contrasts Yu Le's character.

The characters are all very self-aware of their own traits. And in Gu Yi and Daiwen's case, blind to their shortcomings. This drama is primarily about two characters who are willing to step out of their boundaries to make something work, even if they have several missteps along the way.

Gu Yi seems self-serving, but because she's simple, curious, and just doesn't know when to knock it off, she's able to wake Daiwen from his suppressed emotions and memories, and pull him out of a dark place. She simply doesn't believe that things should be complicated.

This is something no one else in Daiwen's life has done for him. Because he's always been surrounded by peers similar in background, who are aware of the complexities of give and take, and see the line he's drawn, they leave him alone even though he's lonely. Most are careful to not overstep boundaries unless they see a return on investment (ex. Qingya, his boss/sponsor that he feels indebted to).

So far, it's been focusing on Daiwen's struggles with the support of his friends, but not so much Gu Yi's story. I'm guessing once he is able to reconcile his past, we'll see him able to help Gu Yi through her own.

Anyway I'm excited to see where it goes!! Instead of thinking "where is the plot headed??", I now am thinking "how will this character act/react? how have they changed from the beginning?". So if you head in with this mindset, it'll be a more interesting watch!

Leia Mais

Stayed up until 3am to binge this, loved it, no regrets!!

I wanted to find a super short drama to stall myself from finishing my main one, and omg this hit the spot.

I LOVED IT. It's like What's Wrong With Secretary Kim, with a pinch of Reset and Start-Up references: all the dramas I "grew up" with. Chances are if you like those, and want to see the alternate universe happy ending for Han Ji Pyeong, THIS is your answer (I actually was on the Nam Do San team too!!). The couple and their interactions, as well as the story, I loved everything about it.

I had to question myself if Kim Seon Ho decided to act in a Chinese web drama because the male lead looks so much like him even down to his expressions and mannerisms! I appreciate the little Start-Up easter eggs sprinkled in near the end as it seems the crew behind this drama acknowledged it as well. The female lead is also super cute and easy to watch. She did very well, and her character wasn't frustrating to watch at all.

I'm also a sucker for the early 2010 kdrama tropes (again, that legendary secretary kdrama!), so this tied the knot on it very prettily. I actually think I like this one more, it doesn't drag and they paced everything perfectly. Super impressed.

High chance I'll rewatch it again because their scenes are so cute, and there's plenty throughout, even each episode, because of the time loop :)

Leia Mais

This drama is like a warm hug.

Most of the dramas I've watched become my favorite when I go in with no expectations, and because of that, I have been able to enjoy Romance on the Farm to the fullest. If you do plan on watching this, keep this review in mind with a grain of salt, and also try to keep any expectations as bay.

I initially started watching because I mistook Joseph Zeng for another actor lol (Song Wei Long...I know. I've mainly been a K-drama watcher who is gradually re-exploring C-dramas). I just planned to have it streaming in the background as I worked. However, I did not expect to get this attached to it.

The cast is stellar, as in EVERYONE truly embodies their characters' personalities - from the main leads, to the screaming aunties, the homeless-turned-Robin Hoods, the jovial best friend of the main lead, and the scheming cousin (who, despite her dislike for the FL, still has just a tiny bit of heart in her).

The music, sound effects, etc. is perfect! It perfectly fits the scope of this tiny little cozy drama.

As for the series itself: it is a weird mix of genres and elements that just so happens to hit all the marks for me personally, and evokes a certain sense of nostalgia (as someone else mentioned!) which I still can't quite make out: it is my Gilded Chopsticks, my Hometown Cha Cha Cha, my Pride & Prejudice, my Tamako Market, my Harvest Moon, my Ragnarok Online. Very heartwarming, yet not too tragic, it is more of a slice of life with a slight hint of mystery that isn't too deeply seated in a tangled web like Alchemy of Souls or The Rise of Phoenixes due to the nature of it being a game. And unlike Gilded Chopsticks which totally swindled me in the first half with its humorous tones, then tragedy after tragedy, here, you just KNOW everything will be okay here.

I know people have found the "game" aspect to be pointless, but it serves the drama well as I haven't read the novel: although the character's values and motives for her actions seem very modern-day, you forget that as you continue watching and engage yourself in whatever kind of historically inaccurate, but super warm storyline is going on.

Regarding the toxic family: by modern-day standards, absolutely toxic. 100% would drop them. Had to fast forward the first few because I couldn't stand the grandma (who is justifiably nuts considering what she went through). However, it slightly demonstrates how hard it is to be of a certain standing, and the complex nature of relationships when all you have is each other - whether or not in the bigger picture you'd be better off without them. It's not something I agree with, but I can empathize with! When you have so little, yet everything to lose, it's much harder to want to lose anything or cut ties.

Leia Mais