Cdrama Insights

Beyond Love: A Tale of Redemption and Choice The recently released Snowy Night Timeless Love (七夜雪) unfolds a poignant story of love, redemption, and destiny. Directed by Ren Haitao (任海涛), known for his work on the hit period drama Mysterious Lotus Casebook (莲花楼), the series centers around the emotionally charged journey of Huo Zhanbai (霍展白) and Xue Ziye (薛紫夜). At its core, it is a narrative about two individuals with deeply rooted ideals, finding solace and purpose in each other amidst the trials of life, only to be separated by fate. Ren Haitao, in a recent interview, described Snowy Night Timeless Love as a departure from the straightforward romantic tropes prevalent in the genre. Instead, the story unfolds delicately, weaving themes of missed opportunities, redemption, and the inexorable pull of destiny. The emotional evolution of the protagonists—from strangers to confidants, and ultimately to kindred spirits—exudes a restrained intensity that is quintessentially classical. This journey transcends romance, delving into the broader spectrum of human connections: familial bonds, friendships, and the moral dilemmas that define a person's character. Redefining the Aesthetic of Period Romance What sets Snowy Night Timeless Love apart from its contemporaries is its meticulous attention to visual storytelling. The…

The Double Lives of the Moonlit Flame In the world of martial arts drama, Secrets of the shadow sect (皎月流火) emerges as a striking short series. It masterfully intertwines themes of love, power, and betrayal, breaking away from the typical archetypes of the genre. At its core lies the mysterious Ling Tian Palace (灵天宫), a reclusive yet formidable force in the martial world. The palace harbors secrets as deep as its influence, and at the heart of it all is its enigmatic heir, Ling Xuan (灵玹). Ten years prior, Ling Xuan crossed paths with a dying pair of siblings. In a moment of compassion cloaked in cold calculation, she struck a bargain—saving the sister's life in exchange for the brother, a young man she saw potential in. Promising him a chance to prove himself, she brought him to the palace’s shadowy training division, the Shadow Pavilion. If he could survive its brutal trials, he would serve her as her most trusted ally. Years later, the boy emerges as Ying Shi, hardened yet loyal, only to find the palace teetering on the edge of chaos. Its master plots to seize Ling Xuan's mother's ultimate martial arts secret, the Wanxin Technique, sowing…

In the late summer of 2022, "Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty," produced by Guo Jingyu, written by Wei Fenghua, and directed by Bai Shan with Yang Xuwen and Yang Zhigang in leading roles, burst onto the scene as a dark horse, paving a new path in historical dramas labeled as "Zhiguai" (tales of the strange). Since then, updates about its sequel have continuously captivated fans. From the promise of the original team's return to the announcement of the sequel's narrative direction towards the west in "Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty II To the West", each new development has sparked renewed interest and speculation among fans revisiting the original series, anticipating the plot of the new installment. Prior to the premiere of "Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty II To the West," nearly 6 million members had already pre-booked their spots, eagerly awaiting updates. The first six episodes, featuring the unit "The Demonic Transformation," received the most feedback in the barrage comments: "still the same." It maintains the familiar grandeur of Tang aesthetics and the eerie intrigue of zhiguai, coupled with meticulous attention to folk customs that resonate deeply. Lu Lingfeng (played by Yang Xuwen) and Su Wuming (played by Yang Zhigang),…

Recently, with the simultaneous release of popular ancient costume dramas on major long-video platforms, the competition for the summer blockbuster season has intensified. Among the many highly anticipated dramas, "Dashing Youth" , launched on Youku, stands out uniquely. It belongs to the traditional genre of martial arts dramas but has carved out a new path by presenting a fresh perspective and innovative production that resonates with a youthful audience. Describing it succinctly as a good drama is challenging, yet this complexity doesn't hinder its spread among younger viewers. It vividly portrays the thrilling world of martial arts and paints a captivating picture of heroic figures. The bold youthful spirit and the protagonists' journey of growth in the vast world resonate deeply with the audience. The series features high-intensity action sequences and visually stunning designs that embrace traditional Chinese aesthetics, providing an engaging visual experience. Even though the ultimate goal may not be immediately apparent, following the young heroes as they navigate the martial arts world is compelling in itself. In today's drama market, "Dashing Youth" represents a rare breed of martial arts drama that appeals to the "youthful" sentiment. However, its debut on Youku is not surprising. In recent years,…

As we enter June, dramas with female-centric themes are making a strong impact. Both "The Double" and "The Tale of Rose" have delivered impressive performances since their premieres, with steadily rising viewership and discussion heat. Interestingly, both shows are narrated from a "great female lead" perspective, focusing on themes of growth, revenge, and even vengeance. If "being a woman is a condition," these two dramas, set in different backgrounds, illustrate this condition through the characters Xue Fangfei and Huang Yimei. By examining the protagonists' settings and fate, we can see the next iteration of the great female lead theme and trace the common issues present in female-centric dramas. So, will the future model for great female leads be Xue Fangfei or Huang Yimei? The plots of "The Double" and "The Tale of Rose" are not overly complex. The former depicts a tragic wife who pseudo-reborn and seeks revenge, while the latter revolves around a woman's love story with four men. Both protagonists' stories follow the narrative pattern of female-centric novels: clear character growth, with their pains mainly caused by men. As they grow, the presence of men in their lives diminishes. Additionally, Xue Fangfei and Huang Yimei share some overpowered…

The intense summer drama showdown has begun. Youku has set the stage good start with "The Double," and now they’re back with a surprise hit - "The Princess Royal." Upon its release, this drama swiftly climbed to the top of Youku's hottest premieres of 2024. Within the first three episodes, "The Princess Royal" manages to tell a story with the pace and charm that would take other dramas a dozen episodes to cover. The plot advances at lightning speed, from the protagonists' deaths to their reunion in a new life, leaving no room for unnecessary filler. For those recovering from the addictive "The Double," "The Princess Royal" is the perfect follow-up. This drama blends intense romance and sweet moments seamlessly. With Youku consistently delivering high-quality dramas, audience expectations have risen. While innovating in the historical romance genre is challenging, "The Princess Royal" manages to surprise. It combines a strong male and female lead dynamic with multi-layered relationships, where the leads are adversaries, allies, and lovers all at once. This creates a sweet yet complex narrative that keeps viewers hooked. In recent years, sweet dramas have faced criticism for being formulaic and artificial. However, "The Princess Royal" offers fresh and grounded…

After the market saw the decline of the once-dominant "palace intrigue" and "time-travel" dramas, similar genres like "family intrigue" and "rebirth" dramas have experienced a resurgence in recent years. Combining the elements of both "family intrigue" and "rebirth," new series have emerged, doubling the dramatic conflicts and emotional thrills that keep female audiences hooked. Last year's hits "Story of Kunning Palace," "Scent of Time," and "Romance on the Farm," as well as this year's "The Double," are all prime examples. But what exactly is the allure of "palace intrigue" and "family intrigue"? And why do "time-travel" and "rebirth" continue to captivate audiences?   Competitive Spirit vs. Intrigue Although "competitive femininity" is often criticized, the "battle of wits" undeniably captivates audiences. Traditional palace intrigue dramas revolve around competitive femininity, where palace women vie for favor, either actively or passively, engaging in a struggle filled with both overt and covert schemes. The distorted human nature and malevolent hearts revealed in these struggles act as a vivid moral lesson in human depravity. The strategies employed by the female protagonist in battling the surrounding enemy forces in the palace provide a lively display of practical wisdom. While competitive femininity may not align with the…

Since its inception, "The Tale of Rose" has been under the spotlight, garnering significant attention throughout its development. Firstly, the involvement of director Wang Jun and screenwriter Li Xiao, both renowned for their urban-themed works and recognized by the Magnolia Awards, along with the addition of Liu Yifei, has heightened audience anticipation. Additionally, the drama is produced by New Classics Media, a subsidiary of China Literature Group, known for its leading role in urban dramas and its expertise in adapting Yi Shu's works, with an impeccable track record. However, the project also faces considerable pressure. How can it cultivate something unique in the well-trodden field of female-centric dramas? How can it navigate shifting audience tastes amidst changing public discourse? How can it avoid being pigeonholed? "The Tale of Rose" explores love but avoids compensatory romanticism. It portrays independent, free-spirited modern women without pandering to idealistic fantasies. Using a realistic approach, it depicts a courageous and evolving female protagonist. Despite not taking the shortcut of sensationalism, it still deeply resonates with the audience. Its professionalism shines through practical yet imaginative symbolism, clever cross-cutting, and meticulous visual details, constantly drawing viewers into the main story. On social media, many analyze its buried…

Youku unveiled its 2024 "Spring Gathering" lineup, announcing 77 major dramas spanning five categories: historical, suspense, urban, legend, and Hong Kong dramas. However, one series stands out prominently, distinct from the five main categories, it is "Sea of Dreams," adapted from Liu Cixin's eponymous short science fiction story. The mention of "science fiction" stirs mixed feelings. Chinese sci-fi dramas have had a tumultuous track record, with audience expectations rising and falling over the years. There has always been hope that the rise of the Chinese film and TV industry would bring higher-quality local sci-fi productions. However, science fiction remains a "high-hanging fruit" in Chinese dramas, seldom attempted. Few dare to take on the challenge, and even fewer succeed. Thus, upon learning that "Sea of Dreams" is a sci-fi series, one can't help but feel a mix of curiosity and concern. Will this show manage to uphold the promise of Chinese sci-fi, a promise rekindled by "The Wandering Earth," or will it fall short and close the door on this genre once again? "Sea of Dreams" boasts significant pedigree. It is based on Liu Cixin's short story, published in 2002 in the "Science Fiction World" magazine, and tells a wildly imaginative…

"Joy of Life" stands as a representative work in the adaptation of online novel works, and with its performance over two seasons, it is poised to become the most successful TV series adapted from an online novel, provided the third season maintains its quality. The second season builds on and diverges from the first, with the latter emphasizing entertainment and playfulness, while the former embeds a stronger sense of serious drama and critical commentary. This season continues with episodic storytelling, resembling a transformed road movie with its myriad plot threads and diverse characters. To simplify the discussion, let's focus on the characters and their roles in the series.   Scrutinizing Imperial Power One memorable character is Lai Mingcheng (played by Bi Yanjun), the Censorate official whose brief appearance leaves a lasting impact. As a Censorate official, he has the authority to report on any official misconduct and to supervise all officials. Throughout history, Censorate officials have been known for their fearless criticisms of powerful ministers and even the emperor. They enjoy greater freedom of speech and immunity than other officials, and wise emperors are wary of being accused of silencing critics. Some Censorate officials treat their position as a regular…

In early May, two mini-series, "Regeneration" and "To the Wonder," quickly stood out with their unique narrative structures, cinematic visuals, and profound philosophical reflections on human nature, rapidly gaining popularity both within and outside the industry. Mid-month, after a five-year hiatus, "Joy of Life Season 2" was finally released, with soaring viewership breaking records and unprecedented competition among advertisers for prime slots, cementing its status upon its debut. By the end of the month, "Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact" and "Golden Trio" made a high-profile entrance, sparking heated discussions with their high-profile cast, injecting fresh energy into adaptations and dramas focused on older audiences. From a market performance perspective, "Joy of Life 2" maintained an exceptionally high level of popularity and market share, dominating the landscape. "Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact" and "Golden Trio" leveraged strong public appeal to maintain their core audiences. "Regeneration" and "To the Wonder" exceeded market expectations with significant long-tail effects post-broadcast. However, "Reblooming Blue," "Heroes," and "Tell No One" either suffered from limited subject matter appeal or were overshadowed by surprise releases, resulting in relatively underwhelming performances. In terms of reputation, most series scored below 7 out of 10, with no shows reaching a 9.…

The phenomenon-level hit drama "Joy of Life" welcomed its second season, garnering immense attention. Upon its release, the drama immediately dominated the hot search lists and broke historical records on Tencent Video, earning the title of "Drama King" officially certified by Tencent itself. Currently, "Joy of Life Season 2" has set a new record for the highest heat value in Tencent Video's history, claiming the top spot in viewership ratings during its time slot, truly deserving the title of a "hit drama." Since the airing of "Joy of Life 1," it has been five years, leaving viewers with a cliffhanger: Fan Xian (played by Zhang Ruoyun) was sent on a mission to the Northern Qi, one of his tasks being to retrieve Yan Bingyun. However, during the negotiations, he was betrayed by Yan Bingyun and collapsed after being stabbed, coughing up blood. As the protagonist of the series, we all know Fan Xian won't easily die, but how he dies and how he survives are intriguing questions. The beginning of "Joy of Life Season 2" briefly callbacks to the past, quickly refreshing the memories of the audience. Afterwards, Yan Bingyun personally sets fire to the corpse in front of the…

After countless calls and anticipation, Fan Xian has returned. On the evening of May 16th, after a 5-year hiatus, "Joy of Life 2" premiered online, skyrocketing in viewership and popularity. With a peak viewership rating surpassing 2.2 and a market share of 10%, it secured the top spot in viewership during the same time slot. On Tencent Video, its internal heat index reached 32,906, making it the first series in history to enter Tencent Video's hit club on its premiere day. On the second day of its release, the heat index surged to 33,636, breaking the platform's historical record held by "A Dream of Splendor" for two years (33,520). The actual views exceeded 29 million, setting a new high for the first-day views of new dramas in 2024. Topics related to "Joy of Life 2" dominated various social media platforms, with 16 trending searches within two hours of its premiere, almost monopolizing the charts. These impressive figures have solidified "Joy of Life 2" as the "King of Dramas". From a male-oriented work adaptation into a commercialized benchmark five years ago, to leading the entire online drama landscape with a bang upon its return, "Joy of Life" not only ignited another…

Clothing, food, shelter and transportation, the word clothing is the first. Throughout history, the Chinese have consistently showcased their pursuit of clothing. From the exquisite attire donned by emperors in ancient palaces to the fashionable ensembles spotted in bustling city streets, people appear to consistently have a wealth of commentary regarding fashion trends. Today, a documentary that was specifically created to delve into the rich Chinese clothing culture would be recommended - "Wearing China on the Body". It tells the story of Chinese etiquette, clothing expression, folk art inheritance, and human relationships through vivid clothing, and skillfully reflects the changes in people's aesthetic preferences in the era. The Chinese documentary "Wearing China on the Body" is composed of six episodes, including Sang Ma, Bu Yi, Ni Shang, Jin Xiu, Zi Jin, and Jiang Xin. This documentary interprets Chinese culture through the perspective of clothing, arousing the audience's profound longing for clothing aesthetics from various perspectives such as fashion, elegance, intricacy, culture, humanity, and emotion. Enable them to comprehend the China within which we reside from the dreamlike clothing realm.   Episode 1: Sang Ma This episode will trace the origin of magnificent Chinese costumes, choose the life course of different…

This year, the film industry has witnessed a perplexing move with the movie "Nothing Can't Be Undone by a Hotpot" being pulled from theaters and switched to streaming online. Just five days after its release, the film was withdrawn from cinemas, citing "various environmental factors" leading to low scheduling rates, with plans to re-release it at a later date. However, just six days after its withdrawal, this movie, originally intended for theatrical release, suddenly appeared online where it became accessible to subscribers without even a separate fee, leaving those who had paid for tickets feeling betrayed. This shift has significantly impacted Yang Mi, the lead actress, beyond just the director. This year has been pivotal for her, with not only "Nothing Can't Be Undone by a Hotpot" but also the spy drama "In the Name of the Brother," marking a substantial shift in her career towards both film and television. These roles signal a clear intention to transform, aligning with the broader trend among her peers from the post-85 actors, striving to redefine their artistic directions.   Post-85 Full-scale Transformation in Film and Drama With "In the Name of the Brother" setting the stage and "Nothing Can't Be Undone by…

Before "In Blossom" and after "Blossoms in Adversity," Youku released these two ancient-style dramas that achieved commendable success. However, before its premiere, "Blossoms in Adversity" was not favored by the market or the audience, lacking strong concepts and popular actors, and was considered just another assembly-line historical drama. Surprisingly, as the plot unfolded, "Blossoms in Adversity" managed to turn the tide against the odds. From initial widespread ridicule at its launch to its successful finale, "Blossoms in Adversity" can truly be considered an unexpected delight in this year’s market for ancient-style dramas. Recently, Pengxiaoxian spoke with Zhu Ruibin, the director of "Blossoms in Adversity," who shared the secret formula behind the drama's successful turnaround and his evolving creative philosophy over more than thirty years in the industry.   Targeting Cdrama Market Demands Produced by Youku and directed by Zhu Ruibin, with scriptwriting by He Fang, and starring Hu Yitian and Zhang Jingyi, with a special guest appearance by Myolie Wu, "Blossoms in Adversity" is a historical romance drama adapted from the novel of the same name by Kong Liu. The series narrates the story of Gu Yanxi (played by Hu Yitian), and the fallen noblewoman Hua Zhi (played by Zhang…

The audience for male-oriented dramas tends to believe in seeing is believing. They won't easily recommend a show or become fans of it just because it's based on a popular work or stars a well-known actor unless they've seen it with their own eyes. Recently, a lot of people have been enthusiastically recommending "Heroes" on social media, which premiered on Tencent Video and iQIYI on May 8th. The series, created by Bai Yicong with directors Lou Jian (known for "The Imperial Coroner" with a rating of 8.0 on Douban) and Wei Lizhou (director of "Ultimate Notes" with a rating of 8.2 on Douban), focuses on a martial arts theme set in a tumultuous era. It features mysterious cases, legendary heroes, treasure hunting in chaotic times, and a strong sense of patriotism. Although it hasn't been rated on Douban yet, the word-of-mouth has been rapidly and positively spreading. Just four episodes in, Tencent Video's binge-watching audience rated it an impressive 9.2. Discussions about the details of the drama are always heated, whether on social media platforms or in the comment sections of the two major streaming services. For instance, the real identity of Lin Anjing (played by Chen Siche) was guessed…

In 2023, China Central Television released a remarkable documentary about Su Shi titled "Ding Feng Bo (定风波)". Covering themes like poetry, art, cuisine, travel, and society, the series revisits the tumultuous life of Su Shi, also known as Su Dongpo, highlighting how his attitude toward life continues to inspire us today. Su Shi is portrayed by Nie Yuan, who, at 45, skillfully captures Su Shi's life from his 20s to his old age. Whether it's his youthful ambition as he begins his official career, his diligence in serving the people, his despair during the "Crow Terrace Poetry Case," or his optimism after being exiled, Nie brings each phase of Su Shi's life to vivid life, making this arguably the best on-screen portrayal of Su Shi to date. The five episodes of "Ding Feng Bo" are titled "Chu Chuan Ji," "Hu Shan Ji," "Mo Jie Ji," "Xuan Hu Ji," and "Jie Lu Ji." The cinematography greatly enhances the aesthetic quality of the series, perfectly aligning with the artistic ambiance of Su Shi's poetry. Every frame is stunning enough to be a wallpaper. Su Shi is often remembered as a literary giant who loved life, but in truth, he faced much hardship,…

Currently, after shedding the excesses of previous bubbles, long-form video content has entered a phase of steady, high-quality growth. As the most crucial sector of long-form video, series have become the primary battleground for platforms. However, competition in this space has evolved to be more positive. Rather than resorting to cutthroat tactics, platforms are solidifying their unique advantages based on historical experience, cultivating differentiation that cannot easily be replicated by competitors. They are reinforcing their distinctive brands to build a content moat. A retrospective view of the 2023 series market and a preview of 2024 through platform content lists reveals this underlying logic clearly.   Reflecting on 2023 Series In 2023, effective cumulative plays for series surpassed 300 billion across the entire network. Despite challenging external conditions, the market achieved remarkable breakthroughs. Two main pillars supported this performance. Major flagship dramas on each platform exhibited outstanding market performance, primarily in conventional mainstream genres. Examples include "The Knockout", and "Who Is He", which are suspense series that enjoy broad audience appeal. Their concurrent premieres on both online and traditional TV platforms achieved high online popularity and television viewership. Ancient romances drama like "Till the End of the Moon", "Lost You Forever",…

After four and a half years, "Joy of Life Season 2" is set to premiere. Along with its solid script and exquisite costumes and settings, the greatest sincerity of "Joy of Life" lies in its thoughtful casting. Almost every supporting character is a skilled actor, beloved and familiar to the audience. The second installment retains most of the original cast while introducing some dazzling new faces. Please note, the following introduction of new characters contains spoilers. First, let's talk about two characters whose actors have been replaced: Yan Bingyun and Ye Ling'er. Yan Bingyun, originally played by Xiao Zhan, is now portrayed by Wu Xingjian, who has appeared in "A Lifelong Journey" and "The Forerunner." Coming from a family with a strong military background, Wu Xingjian is the third generation of his family to serve in the military. Ye Ling'er's role, previously played by Han Jiunuo, has been taken over by Jin Chen. Known for her role as the seductive dealer in "No More Bets," Jin is a familiar actress to many. Han Jiunuo's portrayal of Ye Ling'er in the first part was noteworthy. Rumors suggest that Jin Chen, a high-profile actress, might have edged out others for the role.…

From the imperial capital to Jinyang, following the footsteps of Gu Yanxi and Hua Zhi, the audience who are deeply concerned about the fate and destiny of the Hua and Gu families breathe a sigh of relief. As far as the eye can see, the most common sentiment expressed by the audience is, "This is a work that brings a sense of happiness." Since the premiere of "Blossoms in Adversity," the accumulated valid viewership has reached a staggering 1.133 billion according to data, with an average valid viewership per episode ranking among the 30 million+ club, securing the top spot on the weekly popularity chart for web dramas. Undoubtedly, in the Q2 2024 drama market, this ancient costume legendary drama, which is based on the grand theme of "family and the country" and takes root and sprouts under the nourishment of traditional culture, has resonated with both the audience within and outside the play, reaching a mutual understanding and achieving a two-way convergence at the peak meeting. Leading in both word-of-mouth and popularity dimensions, it brings increasingly valuable reflections to the industry: where does the emotional connection between ancient costume dramas and young audiences of today lie? What is the…

In the year 2024, the espionage genre is experiencing a long-awaited resurgence. On one hand, the innovative spy drama "War of Faith" has just concluded with great success, while on the other hand, "In the Name of the Brother" is quickly taking the spotlight. Looking at the lineup, the director is Zhang Li, and the screenwriter is Wang Xiaoqiang, both of whom have produced excellent works in the past, with Wang Xiaoqiang excelling in the espionage genre. As for the cast, Yang Mi partners with Qin Hao, possessing both beauty and acting skills. "In the Name of the Brother" is set in the puppet state of Manchukuo before the victory of the War of Resistance Against Japan, telling the story of Communist intelligence officer Song Zhuowen (played by Qin Hao) being mistaken as a savior by Guan Xue (played by Yang Mi), who is the head of the Special Service Department of the Harbin Police Bureau. Song Zhuowen, who is actually his brother Song Zhuowu, then infiltrates the enemy's ranks with a calculated plan. Thus, a grand drama of twin spies unfolds. Familiar with Espionage Dramas "In the Name of the Brother" exudes a sense of urgency from the very…

In the first quarter of 2024, a total of 93 cdramas premiered. Romance and urban genres continued to lead the pack, while mystery series showed outstanding performance. The abundance in quantity, prominence in top-tier productions, richness in genres, and diversity in themes became the notable characteristics of the 2024 Q1 drama market. At such a time, long video platforms exerted more effort in promoting their masterpieces, making the post Chinese New Year period less friendly for medium and small-budget dramas. Some dramas barely emerged before fading into obscurity, while others were more fortunate, managing to make some impact. Consequently, the pursuit of novelty and change has become the only way for dramas to stand out beyond mere production. Among the array of dramas in the post-Chinese New Year lineup of 2024, Youku's "In Blossom" and "Blossoms in Adversity" successfully broke through as dark horses. These dramas employed a method of blending genres and elements, indicating that Youku seems to have a unique approach to ancient puppetry innovation. Firstly, the ancient costume mystery detective drama "In Blossom" started with high energy. Within just three days of its release, it surpassed 10,000 in-site popularity, making it the fastest drama on Youku to…

"War of Faith" continues to ferment in reputation and heat, breaking theratings record on the eve of the grand finale. The series has put great effort into character development, from the meticulous portrayal of characters like Arwen, who pulls a cart in Qibao Street, to the profound and restrained senior consultant Shen Tunan. The multi-dimensional conflicts make the characters full of tension, well-rounded in their portrayal, logically sound, and build a rich and diverse ensemble of characters. Recently, "War of Faith" reached its grand finale, where we witness Wei Ruolai (played by Wang Yibo) transforming from a naive newcomer in the workplace to a resolute revolutionary, after realizing the Nationalist Party's pursuit of interests disregarding the suffering of the people. Wei Ruolai undergoes a long process of reshaping after a collapse of faith, which proves to be an exceptionally challenging journey. Fortunately, after the agony, Wei Ruolai is reborn. Two pivotal figures in Wei Ruolai's life are his mentor who introduced him to this world, and a comrade who helped reshape his beliefs. Essentially guided by his mentor Shen Tunan to form his initial understanding of society, Shen Tunan provides him a glimmer of hope in his darkest moments, disregarding…