inkywhisper.blog

Tag: romance

Love Game In Eastern Fantasy
Title: Love Game in Eastern Fantasy. It is based on the novel “The Guide to Capturing a Black Lotus” by Bai Yu Zhai Diao Gong.

Cast: Yu Shuxin, Ding Yuxi, Zhu Xudan, Yang Shize
Episodes: 32
Genre: Romance, Adventure, Fantasy
Summary:
Ling Miaomiao is a big fan of an author who writes under the pen name Fu Zhou. One day, while reading Fu Zhou’s latest novel Catching Demons, she accidentally transmigrates into the story. She wakes up in the body of a villainous supporting character named Lin Yu.
In the original plot, Lin Yu is hopelessly in love with the male lead Liu Fuyi, but he only has eyes for the heroine Mu Yao. Mu Yao has a protective younger brother named Mu Sheng. After Lin Yu harms Mu Yao out of jealousy, Mu Sheng marries her…. not out of love, but to punish her.
However, now that Ling Miaomiao has taken over Lin Yu’s body before the marriage, she has a chance to change the storyline. A mysterious system assigns her missions, and if she completes them, she’ll be able to return to the real world.
The story follows Miaomiao’s humorous and heartwarming journey as she tries to rewrite fate and avoid the tragic end written for Lin Yu and the main couple.
Characters & Performances:
Every single actor performed their role to perfection. Yu Shuxin was her usual bubbly self in this drama, but what impressed me the most was Ding Yuxi’s performance…….he was absolutely brilliant in every single expression.
Even the younger actors who portrayed Mu Sheng nailed it. Whether he was crying or being neglected, every emotion was portrayed so authentically.
Zhu Xudan’s role was a complete shift from her previous characters. Her character was a bit cold and emotionally reserved in the beginning, and she played it extremely well.
On the other hand, I found Yang Shize’s acting a bit stiff at times. There’s still room for improvement, especially in the scenes where he had to express grief over his traumatic childhood…..his performance felt a little emotionally distant in those moments.
One performance that truly stood out to me was that of the child actor who played Cui Cui, the adorable bamboo shoot spirit who became best friends with Miaomiao’s group and stayed with them till the end. He was absolutely heartwarming.
There was also an arc involving a worm demon, played by a young girl whose character’s name was Chu Chu. I genuinely loved her acting…….it was haunting and eerily beautiful.
What I Loved:
What I really loved was their friendship……they stuck by each other, and Miaomiao was the glue that held them together. There’s a touching episode near the end where the couples are separated to fulfill their own missions, and they truly fall apart without one another. It shows how much stronger they are when they’re together.
Gu Xiu, the chief of the Astronomical Bureau set up by the Empress Dowager, is also worth mentioning. He was always there to help Mu Yao whenever she needed support. Courage really looked good on him, haha.
However, he was also the kind of man who changed with power, which made his character development feel especially wholesome and real.
I think Cui Cui’s character consistency was also adorable in its own way………he stayed true to himself till the end, and that made him even more lovable.
What I Didn’t Like:
Okay, so there were quite a few things I didn’t enjoy……especially the final arc. It really threw me off. There were so many filler scenes towards the end that I genuinely wondered why they were included at all. They felt unnecessary and should’ve been completely avoided.
The last arc revolved around finding the resentful woman, and while it was kind of predictable who she was, the twist…. that she had been hiding inside Mu Yao’s body all along…..was unexpected.
According to Liu Fuyi’s teacher, the resentful spirit had been feeding on Mu Yao’s energy and growing stronger. Honestly, this arc had so much potential and should’ve been explored more deeply.
When Mu Yao sacrificed herself and got trapped in the Demon Tower by the teacher, the gang decided to rescue her because they believed it was inhumane to punish her for someone else’s crimes. So they entered the Demon Tower along with Cui Cui
However, when Liu Fuyi was explaining the levels of the tower, it felt so rushed …classic C-drama pacing. Even though the drama had a good pace in the beginning, it eventually fell into the typical rushed ending trope.
The Demon Tower arc could have easily spanned five episodes … the outfits, cinematography, and setting were all so visually stunning. But they reached the final level far too quickly. Liu Fuyi gets seriously injured, so Miaomiao and Mu Sheng continue on their own. Honestly, it felt like they were just defeating the final boss in a video game.
Speaking of which, the story’s game aspect reminds me…..Miaomiao completely forgets her real identity somewhere along the way, and the system goes quiet for a long time.
When they finally reach the last level, they defeat the resentful woman too easily, and all the characters die….. except Miaomiao. But then she requests the system to change the ending, and suddenly, everyone walks out of the Demon Tower completely unscathed. It just didn’t hit emotionally.
Another rushed element was the Heavenly Catastrophe subplot. The gang wants to prevent a disaster that could destroy their world, and they have to build a tower to stop it.
The tower itself felt like a Tower of Babylon, and by the time they reached the top, we’re suddenly told that Mu Sheng was Fu Zhou all along….the author Miaomiao admired. He had fallen in love with her during his childhood. It turns out that when he was seriously injured and undergoing surgery, he imagined the entire world of demon-catching.
Favorite Quote:
“All my novels were written for you.”
Where can a person love another 100%?
It’s not when I love you more than I love myself,
But only when I truly love myself, and believe in myself can I fully and genuinely love you.
This book is for the girl who saved my world twice.
Final Thoughts:
I think the pacing of the drama towards the end could have been better. The scene where Mu Sheng meets his younger and teenage self and begins to heal from his trauma was emotionally powerful…one of the most touching moments in the entire show.
I really wish they had shown us all the characters in the modern world, just like they did with Cui Cui and his grandfather. I think the Empress Dowager was there too, but I didn’t pay much attention to her scene.
What disappointed me was that we never got to see Mu Sheng and Miaomiao together in the modern world…..not even in a single frame. We only hear Mu Sheng calling her name. I honestly don’t know what the director was thinking. Maybe they’re planning a Season 2, because the ending definitely left us hanging.
But to be honest, I think they should have wrapped up the entire story in one season. Sometimes, a second season ends up completely ruining the storyline. Let’s see what happens… fingers crossed they do it right.
Rating:
If I had to give a rating, it would be 4 out of 5, mainly because of the rushed pacing in the last few episodes.
You can watch the drama here 👇👇
Love game in eastern fantasy
Longing
May 16, 2025
Lost Love In Times
Lost love in times is based on the novel Drunken Exquisiteness
Drunk Linglong.
Cast:
Liu Shishi (Cecilia Liu), Chan Wai-Ting (William Chan), Xu Haiqiao, Gong Jun
Episodes:
56 Episodes and one season
Genre:
Historical Fiction, Romance, Fantasy
Summary:
Qingchen is the Grand Sorceress of the Mages, sheltered by her teacher Elder Xixie and the Head Sorceress, Tao Yao. Yuan Ling, the fourth prince of Great Wei, is known as the God of War, having never lost a battle since becoming the commander of the army.
Both Qingchen and Yuan Ling are part of the “Dual Star” destined to meet and fall in love. However, their love is foretold to bring disaster upon the world. Aware of this, Qingchen tries to suppress her feelings, but fails, as Yuan Ling shares the same emotions.
The current king, who seized the throne by killing Yuan Ling’s father, is not the rightful ruler. Yuan Ling, as the true heir, eventually overthrows the king and claims his birthright. After ascending the throne, he proposes to Qingchen, and she accepts.
Despite opposition from many, their wedding day arrives but so does the disaster. The seventh prince, Yuan Zhen, launches an attack on the wedding altar with the help of a dark sorceress in an attempt to seize the throne.
To prevent calamity, Elder Tao Yao gives Qingchen the sacred Nine Pebbles of Transformation, allowing her to alter the timeline. In the new timeline, no one knows her true identity. Qingchen is determined to prevent Yuan Ling from falling in love with her again, believing that doing so will avert the foretold disaster.
But to her shock, the seventh prince, Yuan Zhen, is a completely different person in this altered timeline. Now, Qingchen must navigate this new reality, ensure Yuan Ling becomes emperor, and find a way to return to her original timeline all while struggling against fate and her own feelings.
Characters & Performances:
Both Liu Shishi and William Chan were brilliant in their roles. Gong Jun, with his silly antics, was quite adorable in this drama. He constantly follows his fourth brother and is in love with Caiqian, who is the cousin of the 7th prince.
I found the character of the Crown Prince somewhat lacking maybe it was written that way, but there was no real character development for him. On the other hand, the character of the 3rd prince was quite pitiful, and the actor portrayed it to perfection. You could feel his pain just by looking into his eyes.
The malice and viciousness of the 9th prince were so convincingly acted that for a moment, you’d believe he might be like that in real life too.
Overall, I think every single one of them delivered brilliant performances.
What I Loved:
What I really loved was Qingchen’s strong character. She wasn’t a Mary Sue yes, she made mistakes, but she did everything in her power to help Yuan Ling, and even Yuan Zhen in some cases. Maybe that’s why, due to her strength and resilience, both brothers ended up falling in love with her.
Yuan Zhen’s character in the alternate timeline was brilliant. He was a strategic mastermind with strong principles a complete opposite of his power-hungry self in the original timeline. He knew when to stop his advances and respected boundaries, which made his growth even more compelling.
Yuan Che, played by Gong Jun, was a delight. His innocent and goofy nature always brought a smile. He was silly in love and did everything he could to assist his brother.
Elder Tao Yao and Elder Mo were incredibly supportive of Qingchen. Even though they didn’t initially know her true identity, they trusted her judgment and stood by her side. The bonds and relationships in the drama were portrayed beautifully, making them one of the most touching aspects of the series.
What I Didn’t Like:
What I didn’t like was the A’Chai tribe arc I honestly don’t understand why the director included it, as it didn’t contribute much to the overall story. The A’Chai tribe princess, Duoxia, fell in love with Yuan Ling, unaware that her own childhood friend and the A’Chai tribe’s general, Mukesha, was also in love with her.
In an effort to pursue Yuan Ling, Duoxia came to Great Wei proposing a marital alliance, hoping that if the Liang state ever attacked, Great Wei would support the A’Chai tribe. When she met the emperor, she boldly declared her desire to marry the fourth prince, not the crown prince.
That was certainly a bold move, but at least she had the courage to follow her heart. Even the crown prince backed out of the arrangement, as he was in love with someone else.
In the end, Yuan Ling married Duoxia on his own terms to protect Qingchen, as the emperor had threatened Qingchen’s life. However, Mukesha ultimately betrayed Duoxia’s trust, and both he and Duoxia perished together. This entire subplot felt disconnected from the main story. I think the plot would have been just fine without this arc.
Another shocking element was the reveal about Yuan Ling’s mother she is the leader of the dark sorceresses. Yet no one suspected her for so many years. Although there were some signs of suspicion, the emperor remained blind to them, likely because he was in love with her.
In fact, he had even married her after killing his own brother she was his brother’s wife. That twist felt dramatic, but somewhat unconvincing given the lack of earlier buildup.
Final Thoughts:
The drama was good, but I didn’t quite understand the ending because it wasn’t clearly explained. In the end, it seemed like both timelines merged. In the first timeline, Prince Zhen was evil and Elder Xixie died.
In the second timeline, Elder Tao Yao died and Prince Zhen was noble. But in the ending, they showed Prince Zhen as the emperor and mind you, it wasn’t the evil Zhen, but the noble one.
The scene where Elder Tao Yao and Elder Xixie meet, I perceived it as Tao Yao from the first timeline and Xixie from the second timeline so it felt like a happy ending for both of them.
After all the heartbreak and bloodshed, Qingchen and Yuan Ling finally ended up together happily. Yuan Ling gave up the throne to Prince Zhen, and the emperor secluded himself from politics. Everyone received a fitting ending.
One thing that felt repetitive and dragging was Prince Ming (the ninth prince) and his constant confession of love for his dead wife. Like dude, we get it you loved her. If you can’t move on, at least don’t harm innocent people.
But no, he became the ultimate villain alongside Yuan Ling’s mother, Consort Lian. Prince Ming committed every evil act possible, and yet the first time he was cornered, he was saved by his brother, the third prince, who was close to him.
The second time, when we thought he would finally face retribution, he was saved again this time by his sister-in-law, Luan Fei, who was in love with him. Like, seriously… can it get any weirder than this?
Apparently, this same sister-in-law also played with the crown prince’s heart due to the ninth prince’s manipulation. Prince Ming was finally killed near the very end by Yuan Ling and thank goodness, because no one came to save him that time.
As for the other major villain Yuan Ling’s mother her ending was quite abrupt. She had this fantasy of reuniting with her dead husband from the first timeline, and in order to achieve that, she wanted to kill Qingchen. But when Qingchen told her that both she and her husband were already dead in the first timeline, she was heartbroken.
After that, it wasn’t clear whether she killed herself or became a star or what happened — she was simply pulled toward the Nine Pebbles of Transformation when they were activated again. It felt unresolved.
Then there’s the 12th prince, who was the guardian of the Nine Pebbles all along and was secretly helping Qingchen. Nobody suspected him for his strange behavior. I mean, the king was so paranoid about the mages, yet he never suspected that his own son could be connected to something magical. That part didn’t make much sense.
The entire drama revolved around the prophecy of the Dual Stars, and yet, in the end, the Dual Stars reunited. So what was the purpose of the prophecy after all? According to it, if one rises, the other must fall. But that didn’t happen. I don’t understand what happened to the other characters when the timelines merged I really wish the drama had explained this better. It made the ending feel incomplete for me.
Out of all the brothers, the crown prince escaped the scene of power, and Prince Che was left unconscious although there’s a spin-off series that explores his story. So, in the end, only the 7th and 4th princes remained in the spotlight.
There were too many filler episodes. Some could have definitely been cut to make the drama shorter. I think 50 episodes would have been ideal. But that’s just my opinion maybe some viewers enjoyed the pacing the way it was.
Rating:
I would have given it 4.5 stars, but the dragging at the end really got annoying so 4 stars.
You can watch it here….👇👇👇
Lost Love In Times
👇👇👇
Love Game In Eastern Fantasy
May 8, 2025
You Are My Glory
You Are My Glory, starring Yang Yang and Dilraba Dilmurat, is based on the novel of the same name written by Gu Man. The story follows popular actress Qiao Jingjing as she unexpectedly reunites with her former high school classmate, Yu Tu. Later, Yu Tu becomes her coach, helping her improve at a game for which she is the official ambassador, Honor of Kings.
Genre:
It is a romantic drama consisting of 32 episodes..
Summary:
Yu Tu and Qiao Jingjing were classmates in high school. Jingjing had a crush on Yu Tu, so she started learning about his hobbies and found out that he liked intelligent girls. Motivated by this, she began studying hard and eventually mustered the courage to confess her feelings to him but he rejected her. At the time, Yu Tu was dating the top student in the class, someone who matched his intellect.
Later, the two broke up to pursue their careers. Yu Tu’s girlfriend wanted a life of comfort, while Yu Tu was passionate about aerospace engineering. Following his dreams, Yu Tu became an aeronautics engineer, while Jingjing rose to fame as a successful model and actress.
Even though they lived separate lives, Jingjing never forgot about Yu Tu, as he was her first love and someone she truly admired.
As part of her celebrity image, Jingjing portrayed herself as a skilled player of the mobile game Honor of Kings, for which she was also an ambassador. However, her actual gameplay was poor, and she faced criticism from netizens who believed she should be good at the game if she represented it.
Determined to improve, Jingjing reconnected with Yu Tu through the game. When they met again, she asked him to be her coach and teach her how to play.
She still had feelings for Yu Tu, but she convinced him to meet her in real life and help train her for an upcoming game tournament. Yu Tu agreed and began teaching her. As he spent more time with her, he started to develop feelings and realized how wrong his previous opinions about her had been.
During the training period, they grew closer. When the tournament finally arrived, Jingjing and her team which included Yu Tu won. When they appeared on stage together, many of her fans suspected that they were dating, but both denied it.
Since Jingjing had never forgotten her feelings, she once again confessed to Yu Tu.
Unfortunately, Yu Tu didn’t feel worthy of her and rejected her again. This time, Jingjing told him that she would never confess again. However, as they parted ways, Yu Tu realized he was just making excuses for himself and began to regret his decision.
During Chinese New Year, when both returned to their hometowns, Yu Tu opened his old computer and found all the messages and efforts Jingjing had made to win his heart. He deeply regretted not valuing her feelings back then, having only prioritized intelligence over emotional connection. Now that he understood both her feelings and his own, he didn’t want to hesitate anymore. He wanted to apologize to her.
When Jingjing made a rare appearance at a class reunion, hoping to see Yu Tu, he rushed over as soon as he found out. In front of all their former classmates, they finally solidified their relationship.
Afterward, they tried to keep their relationship low-key. As an actress, Jingjing had an extremely busy and unpredictable schedule, but Yu Tu found it oddly comforting, since as an aeronautics engineer, he also couldn’t be home all the time. Eventually, they began to integrate into each other’s lives.
When they introduced themselves to their respective families, both sides were surprised. Yu Tu’s family and friends were shocked that he was dating a famous celebrity, as he always came across as a lone wolf. Jingjing’s side was surprised she was dating such a handsome and intelligent engineer.
Eventually, they moved in together and talked about marriage. As Yu Tu got to know her more each day, he realized that despite her glamorous public image, she was actually quite simple in real life. Still, he felt pressured to give her a grand wedding. But they eventually decided on a group wedding with an aeronautics theme. Jingjing didn’t want a grand, celebrity-style wedding, knowing it would lack privacy, and the media attention would make things overwhelming. She preferred something intimate and personal.
The story fast-forwards several years into their marriage, showing Yu Tu successfully launching a new Chinese rocket into space, and the two of them still together, continuing to be each other’s greatest comfort.
Characters and Performance:
Yang Yang as Yu Tu was phenomenal. I think he truly excels at portraying cold and aloof characters. Yu Tu, who graduated from the top university with a double major in Finance and Aerospace Engineering, has always been the unattainable genius since childhood. Deeply influenced by his family, he developed a strong passion for aerospace.
While he initially seemed emotionally distant, his encounter with his high school classmate Qiao Jingjing brought about a noticeable change in both his thoughts and demeanor.
As Yu Tu falls in love with Jingjing, we see a softer, more emotional side of him emerge. Yang Yang delivered a brilliant performance, perfectly capturing the emotional depth and internal struggles of his character.
Dilraba Dilmurat as Qiao Jingjing was equally impressive, as always. She plays a popular actress who once had a crush on Yu Tu during their school days.
Ten years later, she has become a top-tier celebrity. When her gaming skills are questioned despite being the ambassador of the popular mobile game Honor of Kings she decides to improve and unexpectedly reconnects with Yu Tu, who becomes her coach.
As Yu Tu begins to waver between his passion for aerospace and a more stable financial career for the sake of his family, Jingjing continuously encourages him to stay true to his dreams. Dilraba brought warmth, strength, and charm to the role, making Jingjing a truly lovable and inspiring character. Personally, I think she shines in every role she takes on.
While I haven’t watched many of Yang Yang’s dramas, I’ve noticed he seems to enjoy the eSports theme this being his third drama in the genre, following Love O2O and The King’s Avatar. I didn’t enjoy the other two as much, but You Are My Glory is definitely among my top five favorites.
It would be unfair not to mention the supporting characters who added depth and warmth to the story.
Hu Ke plays Jingjing’s manager and close confidante. Her character is easygoing and supportive, acting not just as a manager but also as a friend and mentor. She constantly cheers Jingjing on especially when it comes to her relationship with Yu Tu and plays a key role in encouraging their connection. She’s like a steady anchor in Jingjing’s fast-paced celebrity life.
Pan Yueming portrays Guan Zai, the chief designer at the Institute of Aerospace Research. He is not only Yu Tu’s boss but also his closest friend and mentor. Guan Zai left a high-paying job to pursue his passion in aerospace and to work alongside Yu Tu on designing rockets. As Yu Tu’s predecessor, he offers both professional guidance and emotional support. Even when Yu Tu contemplates leaving his career in aerospace, Guan Zai never stops believing in his potential.
Apart from these two, both Yu Tu and Jingjing’s families create a warm, comforting atmosphere in the story. The familial relationships are portrayed in a wholesome and heartfelt way, and the supporting characters whether friends, colleagues, or family members are all quite lovable and well-developed, making the drama feel even more relatable and emotionally rich.
What I Loved:
I loved everything about this drama. Qiao Jingjing’s character was truly heartwarming. Even after being rejected by Yu Tu, she never held a grudge. When they met again, she supported and encouraged him to pursue what he truly wanted, especially when it was clear he was troubled by his lower-paying job. Her emotional intelligence is very high she knows how to comfort someone without prying or pressuring them to share more than they’re ready to.
She never judged Yu Tu for his struggles or salary. In fact, she was genuinely happy for him when he chose his passion in aerospace over a high-paying financial job. I didn’t like it when Yu Tu rejected her for the second time, but I understood that he was dealing with his own internal battles. What mattered most was that once he realized her value in his life, he didn’t hesitate to apologize and make things right.
When the two finally reunited, their relationship felt like a green flag in every sense healthy, respectful, and supportive. There was no toxicity; they gave each other space and lifted each other up. Jingjing truly was like sunshine in Yu Tu’s life.
This is also the first drama I’ve watched where a celebrity’s fans were shown as supportive. In most dramas—and often in real life fans can be portrayed as toxic or obsessive. Props to Gu Man for writing such a refreshing and grounded portrayal of relationships, fandoms, and personal growth.
There’s honestly nothing I disliked about this drama. Whether it was the gaming arc or the aerospace storyline, both were endearing in their own way and blended beautifully into the narrative.
Favorite Quote:
When you truly like someone, you’ll be reckless, you won’t hesitate, you won’t overthink.
We have missed 13 years, you may not regret it, but I do. We still have decades ahead of us, please leave the rest of your time to me.
Ratings:
A solid 5/5 for this drama! I’m really looking forward to watching more dramas based on Gu Man’s novels.
You can watch the drama here 👇👇
You are my Glory
You can read my review of Lost Love in Time 👇👇
Lost Love In Time
May 4, 2025
Till the End of the Moon
Till the End of the Moon is based on the novel Black Moonlight Holds the BE Script by Teng Luo Wei Zhi, starring Luo Yunxi and Bai Lu. Supporting characters include Chen Duling and Deng Wei.
Genres:
Romance, Fantasy, Costume and Period
Summary:
Li Susu is the daughter of the Hengyang Sect leader. They follow the path of righteousness and live in harmony with other sects. But one day, the fated Devil God, Tantai Jin, unleashes his evil power and destroys almost the entire sect to establish his own rule.
To prevent this tragedy, Li Susu travels 500 years into the past and takes over the body of Ye Xiwu, who happens to look exactly like her. Her mission is to destroy the mortal Tantai Jin before he transforms into the Devil God a transformation caused by an evil bone embedded within him. Having witnessed the destruction of her world at his hands, Li Susu harbors nothing but hatred for him.
Ye Xiwu is married to Tantai Jin, a hostage prince from the Kingdom of Jing. His childhood is tragic his mother died giving birth to him, and his father abhorred him, sending him away as a hostage instead of his other son, Tantai Minglang.
At first, Ye Xiwu is hostile toward him and subjects him to emotional and physical abuse. However, through a series of shared experiences, they begin to develop romantic feelings for each other. Tantai Jin, who was born without the ability to feel love, slowly starts to fall in love with Li Susu.
Li Susu, whose original intention was to destroy him, ends up saving him repeatedly and even sacrifices herself in an attempt to change both his fate and the fate of the world. Though she is unaware of the depth of her feelings for Tantai Jin, he develops a deep obsession with her.
Before she decides to save him, she lies to him multiple times. Despite being given many chances by Tantai Jin, she never tells him the truth a decision that leads to painful misunderstandings and ultimately prevents her from fulfilling her mission to kill him.
Realizing she can no longer bring herself to kill him, Li Susu forcefully draws the evil bone out of his body and into her own. This act leads to her death, which drives Tantai Jin into madness.
After losing Ye Xiwu unaware that she was actually Li Susu a grief-stricken Tantai Jin searches for her soul for 500 years. Eventually, he is rescued by a cultivation sect and becomes a disciple of the Xiaoyao Sect. There, for the first time, he truly feels love and acceptance. He learns many things and gradually lets go of his obsession, which transforms into quiet devotion.
But fate has other plans. Tantai Jin encounters Li Susu once again. Just when they are about to find happiness together, the minions of the Devil God are released from their long imprisonment, and chaos descends upon the world.
When Tantai Jin discovers the truth of his origins that he was born with the evil bone and destined to become the Devil God he finally understands why Li Susu had often been torn when it came to their relationship.
This time, he refuses to let the darkness control him. In order to stop the Devil God once and for all, Tantai Jin devises a plan that paints him as a villain in the eyes of the cultivation world. But Li Susu chooses to believe in him rather than the world. When she confronts him, he pushes her away to protect her, which only strengthens her resolve to stay by his side.
They share a somber, dark-themed wedding a moment of unity before the final storm. When catastrophe finally strikes, Li Susu discovers the truth of her own birth and realizes what Tantai Jin intends to do. She tries to stop him, but she cannot. In a final act of selflessness, Tantai Jin sacrifices his life to completely destroy the Devil God.
The story fast-forwards to the future, where Li Susu is seen sitting peacefully with her daughter a quiet, bittersweet end to a love that defied fate.
As for the origins of the Original Devil God, it is said that when Fuxi and Nüwa created the heavens and the earth, a dark force was born alongside the world. This force, the Devil God, was given the role of absorbing the world’s sins, becoming a being filled with corruption and darkness.
From his body, powerful weapons were created a seal made from his heart, a deadly crossbow from his bones, and a sword forged from hellfire that could cut through the sky.
With these, he planned to open the Path of Eternal Suffering and return the world to its original state of chaos. Fearing his plan might fail, he made a pact with the Moon Tribe, asking them to protect a devil seed a vessel that could bring him back to life one day.
Heartbreaking Stories:
This drama is filled with heartbreaking stories, as it weaves together not one, but almost four love stories if we include Mingye’s. When Tantai Jin steps into the Wise and Fleeting Life Dream, a realm created by Mingye, the powerful God of War and revered leader of the Upper Immortal Realm.
Known for his deep sense of duty, Mingye created this dream realm and left a fragment of his soul within the heart-protecting scale to guide Tantai Jin toward righteousness.
Li Susu also enters the dream, taking on the form of Sangjiu, a gentle clam princess. After her clan’s sacred crown jewel is used to save a wounded Mingye, she becomes his consort. Within this dream, their fates intertwine, setting the stage for love, sacrifice, and heartbreak.
They are joined by Ye Bingchang, Yi Xiwu’s half-sister and Xiao Lin, the prince of the Kingdom of Sheng who harbors feelings for Ye Bingchang. In the dream, Ye Bingchang becomes Tianhuan, a woman in love with Mingye, while Xiao Lin becomes Sangyou, Sangjiu’s protective older brother.
Tragically, all their stories end in sorrow. Sangyou is killed by Tianhuan, who cannot bear seeing Mingye fall in love with Sangjiu. When Sangjiu discovers this, something within her breaks grief and fury consume her, turning her toward darkness. She kills Tianhuan, but even after that, she and Mingye are denied a happy ending.
Another tragic love story is that of Ye Bingchang and Xiao Lin. Despite all her efforts to be a dutiful daughter, Ye Bingchang was never truly loved by her father or her grandmother. The only person who genuinely cared for her was Xiao Lin, the Sixth Prince. However, she failed to value his love, and he eventually died.
After Ye Bingchang’s crimes were exposed, she was imprisoned by Tantai Jin. It was there, in prison, that she learned of Xiao Lin’s passing and the depth of his love for her. Overwhelmed by guilt and grief, she took her own life.
Though their story ends in tragedy in this lifetime, they are given a second chance in another life as Mo-nü and Gongye Jiwu, Li Susu’s senior disciple brother from the Hengyang Sect.
Last but not least is the love story of Ye Qingyu, Ye Xiwu’s younger brother, and Pianran, a nine-tailed fox spirit. Ye Qingyu is a strict and upright head of the family, while Pianran is warm and devoted. When they both joined Tantai Jin’s army, they lived a relatively peaceful and happy life together for a while.
However, tragedy struck when Tantai Minglang launched a surprise attack, attempting to lure Tantai Jin away from his stronghold. In the chaos, Pianran sacrificed herself to protect Ye Qingyu, giving him all of her powers in the process.
Their story was especially heartbreaking, a couple that truly deserved a happy ending, but fate had other plans.
Final Thoughts:
Okay, so all the actors honestly did an amazing job, but man, this drama officially made me a Luo Yunxi fan. Whether he was Mingye, Tantai Jin, or even the Evil God he absolutely ate every role.
When I first started watching, I lowkey thought he gave off Dongfang Qingcang vibes, but wow, I was so wrong. Like, I love Wang Hedi, but in terms of acting range, I think Luo Yunxi is way ahead. No hate to DiDi though he’s still young and has tons of potential.
Anyway, back to the point Luo Yunxi’s first appearance as the Evil God? I thought he looked more seductive than scary, but he completely proved me wrong. Those micro-expressions? Not lying.
As the hostage prince of Sheng, Tantai Jin, he was phenomenal. You literally feel bad for him watching his miserable life unfold. Then he slowly starts plotting and turning cold that transition?? So well done. Luo Yunxi nailed it.
When Ye Xiwu died and Tantai Jin started losing his mind, the way he portrayed that grief and madness?? His pain literally jumped off the screen. And then he became Cang Jiumin so serene, so righteous and again, he delivered. His portrayal of both the dark and light sides of Tantai Jin was chef’s kiss. I know I’m yapping about Luo Yunxi nonstop, but like… how can I not??
Bai Lu was brilliant as always, but I gotta be real her character wasn’t always consistent, so I felt kind of conflicted about Li Susu at times. Still, she did great with what she was given.
One character I didn’t vibe with was Gongye Jiwu. This was my first time seeing Deng Wei, and I’m sure he’s talented, but his acting here didn’t pull me in. Maybe it was more of a writing issue, idk.
Chen Duling as the villain? Killed it. She was so realistic, I found myself hating her more than the character that’s how good she was. And shoutout to the supporting cast seriously, everyone brought their A-game.
Rating:
I’ll give it 4 stars, mainly because of the cast not the story.
You can watch till the end of the moon here 👇👇
Till the End of the Moon
You can read my review of The Island of Siliang here 👇👇
The Island of Siliang
April 27, 2025
Love Between Fairy and Devil
“Love Between Fairy and Devil” is based on a novel written by Jiu Lu Fei Xiang. I’ve both read the novel and watched the drama, and to me, the drama’s storyline is more intriguing than the book. The female lead in the novel felt a little annoying to me, which made it harder to connect with her character. The drama, however, brings the story to life with more emotional depth and better character development.
Genres:
Romance, Fantasy, Costume and Period
Summary:
Dongfang Qingcang, the Demon Lord known as the Moon Supreme, once led a powerful assault on the realm of the gods with his demon army. In response, the Goddess of War, Chidi Nüzi, sacrificed her life to seal him away.
Though she didn’t completely defeat him, she succeeded in imprisoning Dongfang Qingcang in a nearly inescapable prison, and his battalion was frozen by the power of her sacrifice. In doing so, her primordial spirit was destroyed, which made sense I mean, she unleashed her full power!
The story then fast-forwards to our female lead, an orchid fae who is also the disciple of Si Ming a woman who was originally in charge of mortals’ fates, but has mysteriously gone missing. The orchid fae, now temporarily responsible for the Fate Tree, is far less powerful and is bullied by almost everyone (a typical C-drama heroine trope). She’s secretly in love with Lord Changheng, played by Zhang Linghe and honestly, who wouldn’t be? Those brooding eyes? Ahem……..mnyway!
Lord Changheng, the current God of War, is also secretly in love with the orchid fae. However, he’s betrothed to another goddess who spoiler alert turns out to be Orchid herself. It wasn’t a huge twist, but the double identity trope is always popular in C-dramas.
To reinforce the weakening seal of Dongfang Qingcang’s prison, Orchid accidentally falls into it and ends up swapping bodies with him! Their interactions in this arc are absolutely hilarious. It was such a treat to watch Esther Yu act tough and cold like Dongfang Qingcang, while Dylan Wang mimicked Orchid’s cute, whiny voice and mannerisms. Their expressions and delivery were spot on comedic gold!
Orchid unknowingly casts the One Heart Curse on Dongfang Qingcang, which links their experiences they now share injuries, emotions, and even death. This curse frustrates Dongfang Qingcang because it means that any danger Orchid faces, he faces too. To find a way to lift the curse, he decides to stay close to her.
While protecting her and searching for a cure, he slowly starts to soften toward her. He even tries to awaken her powers and nourish her immortal root, which had been damaged when she was younger her master had accidentally spoiled it with alcohol, making cultivation difficult for her.
During their time together, Dongfang Qingcang sees a vision in the Tree of Fate showing Orchid’s future marriage to Changheng. This scene sparks jealousy in him, though he doesn’t realize why. When he questions Orchid about it, she tells him that the vision will come true, not knowing the full truth. What she doesn’t know is that she herself was the bride in that vision something Dongfang Qingcang keeps to himself.
Later, Orchid overhears that a dangerous criminal has escaped from the prison and assumes it’s him. Wanting to protect him, she sets him free a selfless act that deeply softens Dongfang Qingcang’s heart. He becomes more and more puzzled by how she isn’t afraid of him, despite his terrifying reputation.
Eventually, the so-called Heavenly Emperor senses something unusual a powerful aura radiating from Orchid, traced back to a bracelet that Dongfang Qingcang had secretly given her, infused with his own demonic power. This leads the emperor to suspect a connection between them.
To uncover the truth, he tortures Orchid, hoping to force a confession. But just in time, Dongfang Qingcang makes an epic entrance, rescuing her in a scene filled with intensity and drama. Afterward, Orchid finally learns the truth about who he really is, and he takes her with him to the Moon Tribe.
Orchid finds the Moon Tribe quite fascinating and slowly starts to adapt to life there. She even befriends the dragon loyal to Dongfang Qingcang. At one point, she and Dongfang swap bodies again, leading to a series of hilarious and chaotic events. Eventually, Dongfang’s brother begins to suspect something’s off and realizes it isn’t really Dongfang inhabiting his own body.
Meanwhile, Lord Changheng and his close friend Rong Hao (played by Xu Haiqiao) begin their own investigation. Rong Hao, though appearing kind and calm, has a manipulative side. He was once the disciple of Chidi Nüzi and secretly loved her. Now, he’s secretly searching for Orchid because he knows her true identity the Goddess Xiyun.

As events unfold, Orchid chooses to protect Dongfang Qingcang at all costs. In doing so, she finally discovers her own feelings for him, and the two confess their love. But this happiness doesn’t last long. Dongfang’s brother warns him that falling in love is making him regain emotions something that weakens his demonic powers. Dongfang, fearing that he won’t be strong enough to protect Orchid, lies to her and tells her that he no longer loves her.
Sigh. Honestly, I’m so tired of this trope. Every time the male lead feels powerless, he just pushes the female lead away. Classic emotional damage.
Heartbroken, Orchid sacrifices herself to save Dongfang Qingcang and the Moon Tribe. This devastates him he had hoped to protect her but ended up pushing her toward her death. He blames himself deeply. Though he regains his battalion, he loses the one person he truly loves.
Later, Changheng tells Dongfang there might be a way to bring Orchid back. Eventually, they succeed, but now Orchid is reborn in her true form as Goddess Xiyun. She chooses to deny her past and refuses to acknowledge Dongfang Qingcang.
At the climax, another evil god is reborn. Just as Goddess Xiyun prepares to fight him, she learns that Dongfang has already sacrificed himself to save the world. In the final scene, Goddess Xiyun smiles as Dongfang Qingcang somehow returns the ending feels a bit rushed, but at least he comes back.
Final Thoughts:
I absolutely loved everyone’s performance in this drama even the villain! Xu Haiqiao as Rong Hao delivered a commendable performance. I’ve admired his acting since Lost Love in Times, so seeing him play a villain here was truly surprising and refreshing.
Zhang Linghe as Changheng, the God of War who is secretly in love with Orchid, really stood out. He portrays the role with such finesse the subtle softness he shows toward Orchid, all while hiding it from his brother, was so well done. He’s a talented actor, and I’m definitely looking forward to seeing more of his future projects.
Yu Shuxin was amazing in her dual roles as Orchid and Goddess Xiyun actually, make that three roles, since she also acted as Dongfang Qingcang during the body swap scenes! Her versatility really shone through: she flawlessly portrayed the cute and innocent Orchid, the tough and cold Dongfang version, and the mature, composed Xiyun. She’s clearly growing stronger as an actress with each project.
And Dylan Wang as Dongfang Qingcang wow. He absolutely outdid himself in this drama. His transformation from a ruthless Demon Lord to someone deeply in love was portrayed with such emotional depth and nuance.
One of my favorite parts was the arc where all the characters are in the mortal realm. In this timeline, Changheng is reborn as a mortal, and his bond with Dongfang Qingcang begins to improve. When Changheng’s mortal self falls for Orchid, Dongfang’s jealousy is both hilarious and endearing. That whole arc was so fun and emotionally rich I think I liked it the most!
One thing I really didn’t like was Rong Hao’s ending. Yes, he committed a lot of terrible deeds, all because of his obsessive love for his teacher, Chidi Nüzi. It was completely unacceptable how he refused to accept her sacrifice the fact that she gave up her life for the greater good simply because he couldn’t bear to live without her.
Instead of honoring her memory, he spiraled into madness, going on a rampage of destruction and murder in his desperate quest to bring her back.
He was obsessed with finding Goddess Xiyun, because her power was the only way to resurrect Chidi. In my opinion, Rong Hao completely disrespected Chidi’s legacy. And after everything he did all the pain he caused he finally manages to bring her back, but she’s not the same Chidi anymore. At that point, I genuinely felt Chidi should have killed him with her own hands.
But no she confesses her love for him (what??), and then kills herself again. That whole scene left me speechless. It was just… I don’t even know what to say. It felt off.
And then, of course, Rong Hao kills himself after watching her die again. Like… what kind of ending was that? Even though he was the one who brought back the Evil God, who caused so much destruction and had to be killed by Dongfang Qingcang, Rong Hao’s ending felt completely unsatisfying to me. After all the chaos and death he caused, that was it?
Rating:
Although I completely loved the story even more than the novel the ending still left me wanting more. So, I’d give it a solid 4.5 out of 5.
You can watch love between fairy and the devil here 👇👇
love between fairy and the devil
You can read my review of till the end of the moon 👇👇
till the end of the moon
April 24, 2025
Whispered promises chapter 2
“Bea! Come out quickly and have some breakfast. I’ll drop you today.” Johan’s voice rang out from the kitchen, startling everyone. The family exchanged wide-eyed looks, jaws slightly open.
This wasn’t exciting…it was unsettling. Johan never offered favors. He was egoistic, distant, and rarely showed any understanding.
“Umm… Dad, I go by myself every day. And today’s first lecture is cancelled, so it’s fine. You can go…I’ll manage, don’t worry,” Bea replied cautiously. Something about his sudden kindness felt off. She didn’t want to accept it and tried to decline as politely as she could.
“Alright! I’m leaving, Daphne. See ya,” he said curtly and walked out without another word. His behavior was odd…too odd.
“Mommy, is Dad okay? He was being so nice today,” Julie asked innocently, her little mind unable to grasp the tension…only the change.
“Yeah, he’s fine,” Daphne said flatly. Her tone gave her away…she wasn’t convinced. But she kept quiet in front of the kids.
“Eat your breakfast and get ready for school.”
“Mom, could you pass that slice?” Bea asked, already standing. She was in a hurry to leave, to shake off the strangeness lingering in the air. She grabbed the toast, stuffed it into her bag, and rushed to pack up.
“Wait…didn’t you just tell your dad your class is cancelled? Now you’re rushing out? What’s going on?” Daphne asked, eyeing her daughter suspiciously. For once, she was acting like a mother.
“Mom… I think he’s up to something. I’m scared. If he tries anything again, I won’t stay silent…not this time. I won’t tolerate it. Not for anyone.” Bea’s voice was steady, but her eyes betrayed her fear.
“Alright,” Daphne said quietly, watching her daughter gulp down the last bite. Her worry deepened.
“I’m leaving. Bye.” Bea swung her bag over her shoulder and left the table, half her plate untouched.
**************************
“Oh man, why is there so much traffic today? How am I going to reach on time?” Bea muttered to herself. She was one of those people who never cared for traffic signals or crosswalks.
Just as she stepped off the curb, she noticed a kitten stranded in the middle of the road. Cars zoomed past; people glanced but kept walking, no one stopped.
“Let me help you, lil’ baby. You’re so soft… little beauty,” she cooed, scooping the kitten into her hands. She forgot everything else…the road, the traffic, the world.
Then came the shouts.
She looked up, startled, then to her left…and saw it. A car, speeding straight toward her. The driver was glued to his phone. Without thinking, Bea threw the kitten aside to safety.
SCREEECH.
Beep! Beep!
She thought she was done for. But the horn snapped her eyes open. The driver’s hand was glued to it, his voice yelling at her through the windshield.
She stormed toward him.
“Get out of the car! It’s your fault and you’re blaming me? You’re not blind, are you?” Bea snapped, trembling with adrenaline.
“Oh, hello! You’re alive because I can see. Maybe you’re the blind one for not noticing a moving car. Now step aside,” he said coldly, eyes fixed on the back seat.
“I said get out and give me your keys! Clearly, you don’t know how to drive. What, you wear your eyes on top of your head?” Bea fired back, furious.
“Why would I give you my keys? I’ve got places to be. Move,” he said, still not meeting her gaze.
“You don’t deserve a license. How do people like you even pass a driving test with zero understanding of road safety?” She was on a roll now, forgetting completely that she was the one who’d stepped into the road.
“And you don’t deserve to be outside. Stay home, girl,” he muttered.
“Throw the keys away and walk to wherever you’re going. Maybe then you’ll learn,” she barked.
“What is it with you and the keys? You don’t even look needy….spare me the drama,” he snapped, finally glancing at her.
He paused.
Long coat. Long black curls falling gently around her face. Tawny skin, deep eyes…something about her caught him off guard. His thoughts tripped over themselves. He looked away, flustered.
“But you look poor, even with four eyes,” she said, pointing to his glasses with a smirk.
“You have time to waste. I don’t. Now move, I’m in a hurry,” he said, glancing again toward the backseat.
“What if I don’t?” Bea challenged.
He clenched his jaw. “Alright. Here….take the keys. Get him to the hospital. Go!”
“Wh…what happened to him?” Bea blinked, stunned. How had she missed someone else in the car?
“He passed out. He’s not okay. If we don’t get there fast, he could die. And you…you’re arguing while a life’s on the line,” the driver said, calmer now, but firm.
“Oh… I…I’m sorry.” Bea stepped aside, suddenly speechless.
He jumped back into the car, slammed the door, and sped off. Bea stood frozen, watching until the car disappeared.
Another horn jolted her back to reality.
“Idiot,” she muttered under her breath, already running late.
And just like that, she gave him his first title.
*******************
Love is a rose that blooms in spring,
A warmth that spreads throughout the heart.
It’s a feeling that makes everything
Feel like a brand-new start.
Love is a song that’s always playing,
A melody that never ends.
It’s a bond that’s worth the waiting—
Where true happiness begins.
Love is a light that shines so bright,
Guiding us through the darkest days.
A beacon of hope and insight
That helps us find our way.
Love is a treasure worth discovering,
A gift that’s worth the giving.
For in love, we find our meaning—
And a life that’s worth the living.
“Come on! I’ve been waiting forever. You took your sweet time,” his boss barked as soon as he walked in.
“Perfect. You too can shout at me. I’m already mad at someone,” he snapped back, matching his tone.
“Mad? You’ve been brain-dead for ages. Can’t lose something that’s been gone forever. Your system needs a reboot just to remember what it lost,” his boss teased, trying to nudge him into a better mood.
“Be careful. This ‘outdated system’ is the same one helping you complete your secret projects. Let me toss it out so you can finally use your own precious mind. What’s the point of wearing a crown if it’s just for show? Try using that thing under it for once.”
“If you admit I’m a genius, you can throw your own brain out the window. After all, two swords can’t fit in one sheath.”
“I never said that. If your brain is a sword, mine is the sheath. Without me, your sharp little ego would rust in a week.”
“Enough,” his boss laughed. “One day, you’re going to dig your own grave with that sharp tongue. Don’t try to be too clever.”
“Oh, come on. You always pull the ‘threat card’ when you run out of words. Is the truth really that bitter?” he said with a grin. Around his boss, he always felt a little lighter…it was the one place he could drop the weight of the world.
“Man, I don’t have time for your drama. You’re abusing the leniency I give you.”
“Leniency? It’s survival. A necessary evil.”
“Alright, alright. Enough with the performance. Update me on the task.”
“It’s done,” he said without hesitation.
“No mess?”
“Is that a real question?” He glanced dramatically left and right, as if someone else were in the room.
His boss raised a brow. “Really?”
“I’m shocked. You doubt me? I’m the most honest crook in your squad. Even in your shady deals, I’m the one keeping it clean.”
“The purest man in illegal affairs,” the boss laughed. “That’s a new one.”
“You’ve never heard of need, have you?”
“Oh? And what desperate need made you do it?”
“Love, my friend. Love.”
“Don’t start with your nonsense.”
“I mean it. I only bow for you. No one else has that power.”
“Oh really?”
“Yes really. That girl scrambled my brain. That entire scene is still stuck to me like glue.”
“Let me guess…you messed it up, and now you’re blaming me?”
“I was calmly driving, okay? Then your message came in: ‘Finish the task and get to my office. Next project’s waiting.’ I checked the phone…one second…and boom, almost hit a girl. Slammed the brakes just in time. And what does she do? Starts screaming: ‘You’ve got four eyes and still drive blind? You should walk!’”
He paused to mimic her voice, throwing his hands in the air.
His boss chuckled. “And what did you do?”
“What could I do? I handed her the keys and said, ‘Take the guy in the backseat to the hospital. He’s dying. No time to argue.’”
His boss leaned forward. “And?”
“She went quiet. Said, ‘I’m sorry, I had no idea,’ gave me back the keys, and stepped aside.”
“And then?
“With my neck held high, I got in, fired up the engine, and drove off…eft her standing there in a cloud of dust.”
“So, basically, she just accused you of using your phone while driving? And she was actually right?” the old man asked, his tone flat as if it was the first time he had to deal with such an excuse.
“If my timing was wrong, then she should’ve used the right timing, right? She stepped in front of me at the wrong moment. It’s her fault.” The man responded, now in a different mood altogether….defensive and irritated.
“Yeah, you’re right. Let me guess…you’re going to say the person who sent you the message is at fault too?” The old man watched him closely, analyzing every shift in his expression. He knew the man well…he had been raised under his careful eye.
“Absolutely! And by the way, have you started using your precious brain too early today? It seems like my words hit your head directly.” The man smirked, taking another jab at his boss.
“I’ve caught on to your little scheme. Now, get back to your serious form.” The old man’s expression hardened, his tone shifting. “We don’t have much time to waste. This is important.”
“Roger that, boss.” The man’s voice instantly changed, serious, sharp. His body language shifted too, hardening like rock. Anyone observing wouldn’t believe this was the same person who had been joking moments ago.
Without another word, the old man slid a file across the table, signaling the shift in their conversation.
April 20, 2025
Whispered Promises Chapter 1
Chapter 1 whispered promises
Once in a lifetime, you meet someone who changes everything… ♥
“Bea…! I’ve been looking for you everywhere—and here you are, as always.” It was the nearest café to their college. Jade was always on her toes searching for Bea, and there she was, devouring every sip of her coffee.
“If you know you can always find me here, in the same place, then why were you searching for me here and there? You should’ve texted me instead,” Bea said without taking her eyes off her coffee.
“A text? I’ve been calling you, Bea. But why would you pick it up, when you’re more in love with your coffee than anything else?” Jade sat down next to her, unable to resist teasing her.
“You must devour love, especially if it’s for coffee or food. Oops! Sorry, I forgot. Have some. Enjoy it,” Bea said, putting an end to the discussion they were about to start.
“No thanks. You carry on,” Jade replied, amazed at how relaxed Bea was.
“Okay,” Bea muttered. That was the only thing she could say. Ugh…
“Stop it, Bea. Nothing is going to happen to you if you don’t eat or drink for a while. Please tell me…did you attend Sir James’ class? Can you share your notes with me?” Jade was already opening her phone camera to snap a picture.
“Don’t tell me you missed it again,” Bea said.
“Yup. Now please hurry.” Jade was asking for notes, but Bea wasn’t even listening.
“Bea, it’s your second cup of coffee. Please put it aside and let’s discuss a few things.” Jade opened Bea’s bag and pulled out the notes herself.
“Jade…! Do you want a sip? It’s yummy,” Bea offered, ignoring everything else. Her full attention was on her second cup of coffee. But she never missed a chance to tease Jade, especially since Jade hated coffee.
“Hell no!” Jade said angrily. She was about to say something when someone came and stood in front of them.
“Hey, beauties! How are you? Why are you always sitting in the same place? Aren’t you bored? Just look around you…the world is so beautiful.” Without noticing their expressions, he kept tossing out suggestions.
“Excuse me! Who are you? And what are you doing here? Nobody asked for your suggestions.” Jade stared at him, while Bea looked downright annoyed.
“Don’t you know me?” His tone was sarcastic, but he had no idea what was about to happen.
“No. I have no interest in knowing who you are,” Bea replied boldly.
“I’m Henry! Henry Paul! This whole university knows me.” It wasn’t him talking…it was his pride.
“Correct yourself. I’m a part of this college, and I don’t know who you are. Don’t tell me you actually believe you’re famous here. Whoever you are, leave now. We’ve got no time for your nonsense.” It was Bea’s turn to return the unwanted favor.
“Wait. Now you know who I am. But if you want to know more, you can ask me anytime,” he said, trying his best to hide the sting from the slap of words.
“I have no interest. You are excused. Let’s go, Jade.” Bea and Jade were about to leave when Henry caught Jade’s wrist and pulled her slightly closer.
“Remember, we have a lot to talk about. Where are you going, dear Jade?” Henry looked straight into her eyes. At his touch, Jade froze.
“Leave her!” Bea had a strange feeling, the way he said Jade’s name, the way he held her wrist…but all she could do was protect her best friend from this idiot. With every passing second, his grip tightened, and Jade’s eyes welled up with tears.
“I won’t leave her. What can you do?” Henry challenged her. All he could hear was the sound of that slap Bea landed on his face.
Many students were now watching. Jade’s wrist was free. All she could see was rage on Henry’s face.
He took two steps toward Bea. But before he could take another, Jade grabbed Bea and dragged her away. But his last words made her heart sink.
“I’ll remember this, and I’ll make sure you never forget it!” Henry was shouting, but Bea paid him no attention.
************************
“Hey…! What’s up, Kidi Bidi?”
As soon as Bea entered the house, she saw Julie waiting for her eagerly, practically on her toes. Born with psychological trauma, Julie was the youngest and most delicate member of the Morton family.
“Don’t talk to me. I’m angry,” Julie snapped, turning around and heading to her room.
Bea had always been more like a mother to Julie…caring for her, providing everything she needed before she even asked, and often feeding her by hand. Though Julie was twelve, she needed attention like a toddler. Bea pampered her constantly. Julie was usually calm, patient, and quiet…….rarely naughty.
“Oh, hey Mum! You’re home today?” Bea was surprised to see her mother, Daphne. She rarely stayed home, always preoccupied with mysterious affairs, neglecting even the child who needed her most. It often felt like Daphne had no real role in the house.
“Yeah… Not happy to see me here?” Daphne asked.
“Of course I am! It’s a nice change, even if it’s just for a day. By the way, where’s Dad?” Bea asked cheerfully, unpacking her things……except for one item she’d already taken out while chatting.
“He’s out with a friend. Anyway, go get changed and come quickly. Let’s have dinner together. We’ve been waiting for you,” Daphne said, watching her.
Daphne wasn’t the kind of mother who nagged about every little thing. She was mostly wrapped up in her own world.
“Alright! Let me go and call Julie. I know she’s cross with me,” Bea said and left the room.
Julie, who had been secretly peeking from her room to watch Bea, quickly sat down by the door to show her displeasure.
“Kidi Bidi… Hey, sweetheart, I’m sorry. Look what I got for you,” Bea said, holding out a box of Julie’s favorite candies.
“No! I don’t want to talk to you.” Julie’s eyes locked on the candies, her mouth watering, but she held her ground.
“Okay… I said sorry. But if you don’t want these delicious chocolate candies, I’ll just throw them in the bin. Oh……and Mum’s waiting for dinner. Come on,” Bea said, standing up.
“Hey! How could you??” Julie cried, quickly snatching the box and running out of the room.
“Kidi, you are one of a kind,” Bea said with a smile, following her to the dining table.
“Bea, would you like to have some coffee after dinner?” Daphne asked. She knew Julie would fall asleep soon afterward.
“Yeah, sure, Mum…if you make it!” Bea said, a spark of excitement in her voice. Moments like these, just her and her mum, were rare.
“While you’re making coffee, I’ll put Julie to sleep,” Bea added. It was Julie’s bedtime, and she always needed Bea’s warmth to drift off.
“Perfect,” Daphne replied, with a smile that hinted at peace and inner contentment.
**********************
“Bea! Bea! I’ve been calling you forever. What world are you lost in this time?” It had become a habit between them, one sitting quietly in their secret spot, the other searching until she found her.
“Hey, Bea! My hand’s burning here, take it!” Jade said loudly, still getting no response.
Jade had grown up in a different world, pampered and protected. She had never done things like this for anyone. But spending time with Bea had changed her. It opened her eyes to new perspectives and deeper understanding.
“Umm… No, I’m not thinking about anything. I was just… Give it to me. What were you saying?” Bea asked, finally snapping out of her daze and taking the coffee from Jade.
“Nothing. I just brought you a cup so we could enjoy this weather and chat a bit. But no college or study talk, please!” Jade said, holding her hands together dramatically. But she noticed that Bea, though physically present, was somewhere far away.
“Alright, tell me, what’s eating you up? I’ve noticed for days now. Spill it, man…” Jade’s tone shifted to one of concern.
“Today… Henry stopped me on my way to class. Some students noticed, and I… I don’t know, Jade. I’m not scared. I’m just… worried. Do I have to give up on my dreams because of what happened that day?” Bea’s fear was visible in her eyes. There was no point hiding anything from Jade.
“Wait…what? You still haven’t told your parents?” Jade asked, shocked.
“No…” Bea replied in a soft voice.
“But why, Bea? You have to tell them,” Jade said, frustrated.
“It’ll be really bad if they find out. They’ll stop me from coming back here. Don’t you know how strict….my father can be? I know he’s kind, but in this case, he won’t listen. He’ll assume the worst and start lecturing me,” Bea said, her voice trembling, revealing her inner turmoil.
Chapter 2
April 17, 2025