【合体剧评】One and Only/Forever and Ever - Combined Review [CC]

[@viviennevyenn2409]

I thought that the boring and sweet life in the Forever and Ever is exactly what Shi Yi longs for rather than the rollercoaster type of life - like cause she remembers her past life and she no longer wants materialistic glamorous lifestyle and would rather keep it low key and lukewarm between her and ZSC. I think, like the novel, they want to keep it a tad bit realistic and slow especially with ZSC's personality but alas it is still very enjoyable for me But anyways One and Only is freaking crazy I hardly could keep my puffy eyes open

[@Pastelmoonsky8]

Same. I bawled like a lost child Havent cried like that for long time because of a drama😂

[@labyrinthian3348]

Well said. It's also refreshing to see a healthy relationship in a drama, so the politeness came across to me as something to treasure. As for the pacing, the slowness was the time that fate owed the couple given their tragic early end in the past life.

[@mercedeslp]

Agreed. After having watched so many romance dramas that just throw problem after problem at the main pair it is very refreshing to just have a couple with a nice and health relationship and without all the unrealistic drama ^^

[@gracysereno1987]

same here one and only hurts me a lot and its one of my fave drama of 2021. forever and ever is good too and I enjoyed it

[@tsuyoi-hikari]

This 2 dramas really ruined romance drama for me in general since it was so beautifully written and acted. For a first time, a romance drama that is made that do not have stupid misunderstandings, petty games, breakups but just love and absolute understanding between 2 people in love. This will forever be my comfort dramas. This is what relationship between 2 people should be like. And it shows that at the end, love do triumph over anything when you faced it together. I can never stressed out how wonderful and fantastic this 2 dramas are. It seemed to be written by someone who actually understand what 'LOVE' should really all about -- no noble idiocy, no push & pull games, no making decision for the other persons but everyone is their own persons with their own choice and preferences. 9.5/10

[@dbeazrn3934]

EXACTLY!! I get so frustrated with the all of the back & forth crap. Most scripts have the FL acting like a spoiled toddler for the few episodes that I have to fast forward through. A historical drama that I really enjoyed,that didn’t have too much of that silliness , was The Rebel Princess. It does have palace politics/intrigue & struggle for power, but again, compared to many of the costume dramas, it is one of my favorites. Eternal Love/Peach Blossoms, or whatever the name is, was one of the most frustrating for me yet it remains the #1 watched drama series. Forever and Ever was the first modern rom/com that I’ve watched specifically because I was so angry over the sad ending of One & Only - LOL. Many blessings!!!

[@aurora_love0209]

‘One and only’ made my eyes puffy so damn hard...cried a river T_T. Then went straight to ‘Forever and ever’ to heal my dear broken heart.

[@luckysu3267]

There is so many issues with your review! 1. Zhousheng Chen didn’t want to accept ShiYi who came form a powerful clan as more rumours of him being corrupted would appear but he was pressured and begged by the Cui Family (ShiYi’s uncle), Empress Dowager, and other clans present 2. The female warrior that mentioned Zhousheng Chen’s beautiful bones was at a banquet where everyone was Zhousheng Chen’s trusted and loyal people and his dearest advisor and who know that the eunuch would walk out after treating the useless and always sick Crown Prince 3. During that One and Only’s time the Emperor was useless and resulted in the Empress Dowager be arbitrary therefore the commoners would rather praise Zhousheng Chen who saved them from countless wars and ambushes than an Emperor who knew nothing but cried and didn’t take care of his suffering people 4. One and Only is a tragic romance drama NOT a historical drama so those details and accuracies are not important 5. In Forever and Ever Zhousheng Chen even extremely rich couldn’t just snap his fingers and his problems would be solved as he had a huge responsibility being the eldest son and next in line to inherited the business 6. Another reason Zhousheng Chen couldn’t just leave and marry ShiYi was because his brother was doing illegal matters to his dads long history business and had evil plans to kill ZhoushengChen and ShiYi to inherit all the money and privileges 7. ShiYi and Zhousheng Chen’s love is rather polite and sensible because the two highly respect and treasure each other and don’t want to make any mistakes that can cause them to lose each other 8. ShiYi and ZhoushengChen’s love explained by the director is old fashioned and not that romantic as the two have never been in an relationship and are both introverted people however still include romantic scenes 9. There is more problems with this review but the main one is you didn’t finish watching it so how can you have a whole opinion of the full drama when you stopped at the major part or climax of the dramas

[@kesy90]

👍👍

[@felisialie]

Part 9 is so fucking true.. you are not entitled to review if you cant bear the whole series! But to be fair, she said its her personal taste though haha

[@sofilosophies1149]

Episode 16-17 of OAO is the most heart breaking for me aside from the ending. I still think its one of the best executed drama for 2021. ❤️ It was slow paced but it build up just right. The novel only have 17 chapters but the added details and lines made me appreciate the drama more. "Beautiful bones, rare in this world. Those with bone do not have skin, those with skin do not have bone. Xiao Nan Chen Prince is the only man in this world who has beauty of both the skin and the bones. The common folk all say that this is even more rare than having emperor’s bones. Xiao Nanchen Prince -- the one who has thousands of retainers who have sworn allegiance to his family, holds the control of an army of seven hundred thousand, and has magnificent military accomplishments -- should have divided up the land, created new borders, and established a new, ordered, and just realm." Even the best outward appearances will one day be faced with aging and deterioration of that former beauty. In her heart, he is the best. In a gentle voice, she said, "Beautiful bones. Rare in this world. Those with bone do not have skin. Those with skin do not have bone. Most people’s eyes are shallow, seeing only the skin-deep appearance and not the bones. I can feel your beautiful bones." Shi Yi’s love for him was not simply because he was the teacher who cared for her when she was alienated from everyone, and was something much more than the heart-racing feeling a young girl gets for the man she likes. She had a deep, heartfelt respect for him and, despite having never left the prince’s manor, knew how great a man he was, how his heart was bigger than just the romantic love between a man and a woman. "Beauty is offered, a soul is given in return" also describes a love in which no words are needed to express it for it is mutually understood. How appropriate that is for Shi Yi and Zhousheng Chen. Their love for one another would forever be mute, never to be expressed or even thought upon, because she was the crown princess, he was her teacher; it was never to be. They knew of the other’s love, as evidenced by Zhousheng Chen’s final note to her, but it would forever stay only in their eyes and never be spoken, not a passionate, doe-eyed look of forbidden love but one of mutual understanding. Love without an outlet can go nowhere but become deeper and deeper. His letter written in blood says, "Chen, in this life, never forsook the world and has only forsaken Eleven." How touching it is the first time they met again. "He had come after all. Zhousheng Chen, you have come after all."

[@gabbypeng5858]

I definitely like 周生如故 more (period counterpart) because even though it was sad, the ending made a lot of sense and their love story was developed very well and very believable although there wasn’t any kiss scene etc

[@user-hg4tt9ln2s]

This is a drama that if you see for entertainment then you will be bored but if you watch it for their love story then you can never forget about it, the way their love story was depicted it's like some holy bonds.

[@anach4796]

I love dramas that shows how little things in life or little gestures done by your loved ones can bring you happiness and FOREVER AND EVER is that type of drama There are so many little little things in the drama that touched my heart, overall it gives you a very warm feeling 🥰 you don't get to see such pure love stories anymore so I'm glad this drama came out And bdw you skipped the most heartbreaking n also performance wise the best part of the drama They said forever and ever is a happy story but dude it equally gives you heartbreaks 😭

[@mwehhhhhhh]

Ahh this might be the first time I dropped an AvenueX video after her introduction. One and Only was by no means perfect, but it was absolutely beautiful it will go down as one of the most unforgettable dramas for me, and the last three episodes are where it really hits home. The last three episodes make sure YOU WILL NEVER FORGET HOW THIS DRAMA MADE YOU FEEL. Honestly, I could not stop crying for a whole afternoon and felt sad for many days after, that's how bad it affected me. So I can't really bring myself to hear a 'review' when you haven't had the full experience as I feel that's unfair to One and Only :(

[@ownsbytessa]

You should hear the reason she can't finish both drama. She is someone who know about China's history and the tiny historical details of the drama doesn't quite make sense to her, that's why she can't bring herself to finish the drama. It was bothering her. I understand why she dropped the drama more than half then continue with the final 2 episodes because i did that too. If you don't know the history or you're not very sensitive to little details in a drama, you will 100% enjoy this drama.

[@mwehhhhhhh]

​@@ownsbytessa Idk, that's a bit of an assumption to make. As someone of Chinese heritage, a fan of Chinese culture and history, and a seasoned historical drama watcher, I do know the history and am very sensitive to little details in a drama, hence why I said this drama is not perfect. There are major plot holes and mistakes/inconsistencies in many details. But at the end of the day, this wasn't a documentary. The highlight and focus was always the gorgeous cinematography and costuming, and of course the acting, the characters and their relationships and story. Because of this, I still 100% enjoyed this drama in all its beauty. I'm not criticising AvenueX in any way and dropping it is of course her choice. I simply stated my opinion that a review without having the full experience and having felt the full emotional impact was hard to watch and felt unfair to me :((

[@junolulu]

Personal Review: One and Only (周生如故) : The story’s about a powerful politician’s niece , Cui ShiYi being sent to a successful and heroic prince, ZhouSheng Chen to be an discipline! After highs and lows the two fall in love however due to there respective responsibilities, ShiYi being in an arrange marriage with the crown prince and ZhouSheng Chen vowing to not be married and leave kids to ensure no rumours of rebellion! The two are forbidden to stay together and eventually are separated even though never telling each other’s their feelings and crossing the line! There is more but it’s spoiling then! One and Only is such a beautiful and meaningful drama! Acted by Bai Lu and Allen Ren their chemistry and interpretation of Cui ShiYi and ZhouSheng Chen is perfect! Forever and Ever (一生一世）: This is the sequel of One and Only or makeup of One and Only and is the reincarnation of the characters Shiyi and ZhouSheng Chen who were destined to be seperated in their past lives! The story follows ZhouSheng Chen and ShiYi falling in love at first sight after several meetings and one date! ZhouSheng Chen proposes to ShiYi though being against his family! Only wanting to be together ZhouSheng Chen and ShiYi’s love story and process is like a roller coaster! After countless troubles and mishaps the two have a happily ever after! This drama is so sweet and adorable and throughout Forever and Ever elements of One and Only and past memories are also visible! One and Only + Forever and Ever : Together this drama is complete! Without Forever and Ever, One and Only will have a missing puzzle and without One and Only, Forever and Ever will be imperfect! Bai Lu, Allen Ren and other actors/ actresses have done an amazing job! Ultimately, One and Only following Forever and Ever is the most incredible and amazing drama and deserves everything!

[@beansprout_apg886]

I was freaking in love with the One and only but somehow I cannot connect to the forever and ever and cannot continue watching it. Maybe because one and only gave a big impact and I was contented in the ending although I cried my eyes out.

[@celinahatton2653]

I felt the same way about One and Only. I am only on ep 10 of Forever and Ever, and I've been watching it since it was released. I don't hate it, it just feels a bit blah to me after One and Only.

[@BeckytheEnthusiast]

I also felt the same about Forever and Ever. I took a break and completed other dramas before finishing F&E. I had a hard time staying focused while watching F&E. Near the end, there was some action that was interesting.

[@haruhisuzimiyaash]

Yeah agreed, i love one and only, but i can't finish watching forever and ever...

[@celinahatton2653]

@@haruhisuzimiyaash I'm now on ep 20 of F&E, and the amount of pointless scenes and conversations is astonishing. The plot is so slow it's practically non existent, as is the chemistry between Bai Lu and Allen Ren.

[@haruhisuzimiyaash]

@@celinahatton2653 wow you can watch until ep 20, its so slow that i just can watch till ep 16, i even force myself to continue watching it, but i just can't...still i do appreciate that they make Forever and ever, at least it can heal my heart after watching such a tragic ending in One and only :)

[@PandoraEast]

You nailed it! What I was searching for, but couldn't word it --> How can I believe your chemistry....when you both are so POLITE????? In Forever and Ever. It was kind of a drag. I loved One and Only, but did notice the discrepancies. Despite not being Chinese, I did not find it credible that a lofty family with a future crown princess to boot would "apprentice" their precious pearl to a military man when her virtue was a national security matter. Their love was so subtle, but excruciatingly palpable. Phenomenal acting by Bai Lu. It was sad, but realistic that two high profile individuals had to sacrifice their personal wants for the bigger picture...instead of throwing everything away and the weight and responsibility of your clan and the world, casting it aside trivially

[@vlvl1870]

I loved “One and only”. I think “Forever and ever” was ok because the first part was so good. Also, I wanted to explain why his female general said that during the dinner because it was written in the book and not the production crew/script writer fault. They are following the book on the ancient part. Plus, the modern part is exactly from the book too but I agree the second part they are way too nice to each other but I wanted the happy ending so I really don’t care. Also, they did have conflicts during the last part of the modern part. Anyways, bring the sweetness on. 🤣😂 I feel people will criticize a drama no matter what, if they follow the book or not. In my opinion, drama is here to entertain us regardless if it follows history or not. If they entertain us then they did their job. I am glad we have different dramas out there because almost 1.5 years with covid, we need a break from real life. I still love Allen Ren and Bai Lu. 💪

[@ayagokenyam1345]

The scriptwriter for the drama is the same author of the book.

[@ayagokenyam1345]

So the author could have changed it to be more appropriate but she didn't and she made some changes in the drama so they can pass censorship. So could've changed the plot holes if she did some more research but she didn't.

[@xxena22]

@@ayagokenyam1345 either way it was nice and I agree with writer above plus Allen Ren and Bai Lu are great actors and did great in both dramas

[@kavithamaharaj2657]

Hey.. Your words are precise and thoughts are clear. My views ( not knowing much of ancient Chinese dynasty rules) did match with AvenueX. Still I watched both the dramas for the acting of Allen Ren Jialun. This is my first of Bai Lu. I appreciate her acting skill too. I have seen few other actors from drama "under the power" of Allen Ren. Direction and action are good. The time spent was worth.

[@sofilosophies1149]

@@kavithamaharaj2657 check out Arsenal Military Academy also.

[@isratjahanjoya9550]

One and only never focused on the power struggle or palace drama. So if there were some inaccurately I don't think it really matters. Also after painful it was, I loved that forever and ever was a bit slow. I think instead of exciting, love should be stable and never changing. Marrying a polite guy is the dream. People are too rude now a days and lacks manner. Modern ZhouSheng Chen was really nice.

[@bird456789]

I watched and enjoyed the videos you made for other shows and I was really glad that you made a video for "One and Only" and "Forever and Ever". While I agree with you that some details about "One and Only" (e.g., 30 thousand well-trained soldiers is actually a big army), I feel that the main theme of that show was not about history or court fighting, but about a man following his belief of saving the ordinary people like us (not the royal family or the dynasty), knowing his belief would lead to the ultimate sacrifice. Thus, the history inaccuracy would not affect my take on the series. As for "Forever and Ever", it might look plain and slow by itself, but if one has watched it AFTER finishing "One and Only", they are likely to appreciate the relatively peaceful lives that the two leading characters have in the contemporary setting. Also, the relationship between the two characters develop throughout the series and reach the climax at the end. Many people including me cried so hard watching "One and Only", and "Forever and ever" is the only way to alleviate the pain a little bit. I love both greatly with a slight favorite of the former. "One and Only" is the best show I have seen in past 10 years and the one that I cried the most among all the shows that I have ever watched. I highly recommend it to anyone. As for "Forever and ever", watch it only after you have finished "One and Only". You will find so many corresponding details in the two shows. The writer did a great job in creating those details. Finally, both Allen Ren and Bai Lu did a great job in both series. Allen is my favorite actor in China, and I cannot wait for his next show.

[@meemtong5589]

Agree with your views about the two dramas and that there are many corresponding details which make watching the modern drama more interesting.

[@sofilosophies1149]

Ive read the novel and watched the dramas. I actually watched FAE first and it hooked quite the same. All events of the novel were completely shown in FAE but im glad they made a whole new drama to dig deeper into their past life. Love this plot very much. ❤️

[@itsdarlene6368]

It’s funny because I watched forever and ever first and I refused to watch one and only for a long while. I love forever and ever. I can say that I don’t regret watching the first part of one and only but the latter part with all the useless tragedy stuff…I should have just ended before all the crazy stuff began to happen tbh.

[@uyentang4571]

these two dramas are definitely a SLOOOOOWWWW burner. Although, let's just all agree that Bai Lu has probably the best cry scene of her peers (in One and Only) but I wish the story was a little bit better and get me more invested w/ butterflies etc etc so that I can cry with her too and not just enjoy her crying (that sounded sadistic) LOL. thanks for the review.

[@raosei6496]

Really liked both dramas but I think I prefer one and only just because I enjoyed the anguish of the ending. Such a beautifully heart-wrenching last episode

[@mistyvallera5553]

I actually loved both dramas. Everything feels inadequate after I finished One and Only. That one left me broken. I have a thing for ZhouSheng Chen.. Both versions 😅

[@mangoapricot4186]

I loved One and Only, and although I do enjoy Forever and Ever, I am finding myself having a hard time finishing it at 21 episodes. It feels a little too mundane, and it’s nice to see the relationship develop but they still feel pretty awkward around each other. If it weren’t for One and Only, Forever and Ever would probably not have been very popular.

[@whitedeer0923]

This review of One and Only + Forever and Ever is so misleading for the audience! You take such a logical approach thinking about the history and the accuracies of small details when this is not a historical base drama but a romantic drama! The issues pointed out by you aren’t even the important scenes of the dramas and the small details mentions don’t even affect the result of the end! You also didn’t finish watching and skipped to the ends of the drama? Overall this review is very misleading for other that might be interested in watching!

[@luckysu3267]

OMG so true!!! She didn’t understand the meaning of the story and just criticised small details!!! Zhousheng Chen saved millions, protected the people and built temples and homes for people yet the royals still doubted and ended up accusing him of rebellion!!! That’s the meaning of this drama that even though good people are constantly doing good things they still revive criticism and hate!!!

[@yang_er]

The sweetness of YSYS balanced the tragedy of ZSRG. Similarly the turmoil of ZSRG matched the stability in YSYS perfectly well. Didn't expect to enjoy this, but did nevertheless!

[@diasporadic2829]

Your outfit in this video is stunning! The dark blue robe and the flowers in your hair set each other off beautifully.

[@DD76599]

I like both dramas, and I loved One and Only. The friendships in the first one. Allen Ren’s character is awesome in the first one. Forever and ever was sweet but seemed to drag a bit. I still liked it though a lot.

[@ekalewis73]

I really enjoyed One and Only. I read the translated novel while watching One and Only. I connected with the tragic ancient story more than the contemporary story. That being said, the Zhousheng Chen in the drama was way nicer than the guy in the book. The character in the book changed her nationality and had her married on paper without her knowledge. There was also more sketchy family dealings and Shi Yi remembered her past life. I liked Forever and Ever but it had less impact since they couldn’t have her remembering her past life and her recognizing that he was her old love/master at the airport. Forever and Ever was pleasant but they could have made it 20 episodes top. All that to say, of the two- I have gone back to One and Only a few times already to watch favorite scenes. I doubt I will do that for Forever and Ever. Side note- I like Bai Lu and Allen Ren. However this was the first time I thought Allen Ren was sexy. 😁😀

[@CrystalWish]

I just finished watching "One and Only" today and I am heartbroken. I don't know China's history and I haven't read the novels so I had no idea that it would be a sad ending. When ZhouSheng Chen was executed, I kept waiting that he would magically appear again because I just couldn't believe he would die like that. Which is why I'm so glad you made this video, where I learned about the sequel "Forever and Ever". I need to heal my little heart with a happy ending. Or maybe just watch the funny Behind the Scenes for "One and Only". 😅 Despite the tragic ending, I really enjoyed "One and Only" for its wonderful cinematography, beautiful costumes and the family vibe between the characters in the Nanchen Royal Army.

[@shazzytree]

Happy watching Forever and Ever. Highly recommended. ZSC in modern time is a bit awkward and eccentric ( a real scientist i would say) but in a very good way 🥰. He just sweet. And Shi Yi bubbly attitude balance it off. I didn't buy some of the plots but really fall for their chemistry ❤️. The director successful capture all the deep moments. You can feel how they truly love each other.. For me it is a brake from current trends 'fall for your aegyo' cliche.

[@CrystalWish]

@@shazzytree Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I just finished watching the first episode of "Forever and Ever" and I'm enjoying it so far. And you've confirmed my first impressions of ZhouSheng Chen (being awkward and serious) and Shi Yi (being sweet and bubbly but not the annoying/childish cute-cute type). I will keep watching!

[@jiasitts8688]

I can’t continue watch this for someone who did not watch the whole thing to review it.. they have their weakness

[@Agastya_ST]

I just finished going through both of them.... skipping few episodes n jumping to finale 😂😂.And your review is exactly what I have in my mind

[@Kate.762]

I will try to warch

[@Jane-gh5vt]

Totally get your point about the contemporary one after just watching a few clips on KZbin, they are way too polite to each other that I don't buy their relationship even when they were discussing about marriage. By the way, digging your recent styles, keep it up!

[@crapatata8534]

I'm a huge fan of the series (I just think of it as s1 and s2 instead of 2 separate dramas) so i was a bit scared of watching this review, but after watching the entire video - which I didn't expect to do since I'm very protective of my children - everything was super valid. I really loved 周生如故 bc of how effectively they were able to pull off the genre they were going for? Unlike how you thought it was a super serious drama, I considered it more of a rare serious-type youth drama - so more youth than serious; and then surprised by the seriousness. The entire time I was watching it, I could ignore the messy palace politics bc of the "fictional" backdrop and the fact that it was, at the end of the day, a youth/idol drama. But it is super fair to say that I could do this bc I didn't have intricate knowledge of the families during 南北朝. I can't stomach certain youth dramas even though they're not meant to be serious at all bc I hate that their palace etiquette isn't believable, so totally get where this review is coming from. I really wished you pushed through past the first 12 episodes though because that's where it really gets good and you can see that it's really the main couple that carries the entire show! I ended up loving this drama around 1.5+ weeks of its air date. 一生一世, on the other hand, is quite bland as you say. It really is more of a fanservice, I think, than anything - especially the fact that it reached an almost unnecessary 30 episodes. But like the rest of the fans say, it is a long epilogue of the main couple's happily ever after, showing the life that the both of them wanted. In this life, they get to be a boring, conservative couple (+ immense wealth). Plus, Zhousheng Chen chooses Shi Yi in this life, always. *cue crying sounds* More than once, I found myself crying over mundane and quiet scenes in this sequel because I know what it means compared to their old life. So it's definitely a shame to watch it at all without prior context! One thing I wish you were able to watch was the scenes of the stepmom. She's such an interesting and dynamic character. Maybe it's the actress who played her but she was able to bring her character to life despite the very few scenes. She feels like a misplaced character almost, with inner strength befitting of old inner palace politics. All in all, I'd like to thank your review! I don't think I'd be able to arrange my thoughts these well if not for your structured comments.

[@meemtong5589]

Great review. I think you added more meat to AvenueX's review. Episode 27 is the climax of the drama which should never be missed ;)

[@tsuyoi-hikari]

I personally think many people just watch Forever & Ever from the surface, thus passing it merely as fluff but once they actually see each scene on what the writer actually intended to tell, they are just gonna be surprise with how full of depth in their story -- whether in the past or the present. I love that the essence of their love did not change at all despite both of them has different personalities. Shiyi will fall first and Zhousheng Chen took time but when he did, she can feel it in her bones despite his love being silent. There is a lot of examples of his silent love, which she never knew like the pomegranate which he spent the whole morning to prepare but just passed it as something he found people selling on the street. Or how he drove the whole night to see her but she never knew that as well. Or the connections between the past and present. Simple things like drying of Shiyi's hair or put on her shoes. He taught her Guqin in O&O and gifted her the Guqin factory in F&E. Or he gifted her tea all over the place in O&O and gifted her Tea House in F&E. Or something big like he guard the whole city for her safety (in O&O) and he sent someone to protect her when she went back from Germany (in F&E). Both instances, she never knew. Or the fact that when he wrote her name in the old furniture in O&O to show she is the secret in his heart that no one knew and in F&E, he is still the same guy, who is shy to show his affections in public but she always feel his love. I find all these details amazing which made me appreciate both dramas very much. Zhousheng Chen may not remember anything (unlike Shiyi) but everything that he did in F&E is the things he regret and couldn't give her in O&O. That is why, he is my favorite romantic lead in any drama because his love is sincere and pure and did not ask anything in return -- its okay if she never knew what he did as long as she feel his love and that is all matters to him.

[@guhuina423]

As much as I love this saga, I agree with your "sustained" comment. I love the drama version of ZSC because he is a lot more nerdier and passive, and therefore more believable than the nearly perfect man we see in the novel. My only problem with the drama is the production team clearly tried to phase out the reincarnation part (maybe due to censorship etc). Unfortunately, reincarnation is the backbone of this story. It explains why Shi Yi chased ZSC, why they know so little about each other and still fated to be together and so on. Anyway, still grateful for both dramas. I especially love One and Only because RJL looks extra handsome in that hairstyle and Bai Lu made me cry hahaha

[@sofilosophies1149]

Agree! I think that is the reason why the epilogue in the novel was not shown in the drama...

[@Inkedgoldiwisp]

OMG, I've been waiting for ur review on these two dramas, I'm so happy and today's my birthday hehehehehe. I really love One and Only so muchhhhhh, Forever and ever is still okay, it is more peaceful

[@kechoify]

How I love when you analyze dramas from the real life point of view.

[@applegate209]

I'm always excited to watch your reviews! I learn a lot from them!

[@merlincbs]

Both dramas are truly slow moving. I appreciate it as intentionally encouraging the audiences to soak in the environment and circumstances of the period, historical and contemporary.

[@miros-mam2918]

I really enjoyed #OneandOnly and #ForeverAndEver as I don't know much about the history of China and its dynastic periods. It is true that the same novel is written in a favorable way to the characters and the story. I was very surprised that I liked it because it is a very slow story too slow but Shiyi makes up for everything, seeing things from his perspective is great. In forever and ever everything dramatic and exciting does not feel like that because when she remembers her past life she has full confidence in him and does not doubt at any time. But if I look at it that way I think the same would happen to me, remembering a past life would make me focus on what really matters. Shiyi couldn't forget her guilt for her family's betrayal and longing for a truncated love. Greetings.

[@vme1lyz]

i love watching your videos on drama reviews, you have explained very well, tysm. Please make more for the upcoming dramas :)

[@wollevy2328]

Welcome back!! Missed you and love you.

[@ouri2pm331]

I don’t think he was the best looking in the modern setting of the book though 🤔 if I remember clearly he was described as being quite plain. So plain that people didn’t understand what Shi Yi saw in him.

[@fangorn875]

Yes modern setting in the book, he is not consider handsome.. Ok looking

[@dirachan5259]

Yup, quite plain that he was so forgettable in crowd 😂

[@oneone7794]

Yes. I think Ren Jialun is a good choice for this type of description. He is good looking enough and not too plain like the writer said in the novel. People usually like to watch handsome and pretty main leads. Then we need to cast "normal" handsome actor to potraying ZSC. ZSC role is not suitable for super handsome actors like Xiao Zhan or Yang Yang, but someone who is "charming" enough like Ren Jialun.

[@sofilosophies1149]

The author made him that way. I remember ZSC said in the past that he would give up his beautiful bones for SY. SY liked him not because of his outer beauty but his inner beauty. It was said many times throughout the drama/novel.

[@oneone7794]

@@sofilosophies1149 well if thats the case, they should cast someone different for modern setting? From your explanation like ZSC had "beautiful features" in the past and reborn as the plain average guy because of his oath for Shi Yi. Then, the production team need to cast someone more "plain" and average than Ren Jialun for modern one?

[@namsaein161]

I really did love the chemistry and acting. And I liked how ZSC of the series is a little bit more realistic than the one in the book. The drama could have been shortened though. Really shortened. 😅 Loved it nonetheless.

[@wollevy2328]

Thanks for the history from a lovely professor!

[@kavithamaharaj2657]

Hey Avenue X.. Hi from Indian subcontinent. Once again.. High five to you ✋. It's again like you spoke words from my soul. I too watched the same number of episodes and jumped to last two of both the sequential dramae. My views are exactly the same as you have put forward. I have fully enjoyed this presentation. Warm regards!!

[@wollevy2328]

Like your outfit and flower, love your history lesson...you should do more of this! Rich people typically have as many or more problems as poor people. The more possessions and the more entanglements one has, the more headaches and worries one has. The main difference is probably that the rich person doesn't have to worry about where his next meal is coming from. As a student of philosophy, I am sure you know that both Eastern and Western sages always stress that the good life is the simple life. What a treat it would be to discuss this with you over a bottle of good wine!

[@tranlam389]

One and Only gives me goosebump because of how ridiculous the set up can be. Where on earth a guy and a girl are allowed to be lovey dovey in public, when the guy is a general and the girl is a prince’s wife? Not to mention many other details in related to political conflict that I just burst out into tears while watching.

[@oceanicmermaid]

prince wife? she was forcedly engaged to that maniac

[@dokr4584]

i dont think you shuold be referring the drama to actual history. just not fair. its common to make it exaggerated from 30k soldiers to like 100k or smt

[@shiarienza8543]

The conflict in OAO didn't hold much and I honestly just watched it to get the emotion that was carried over to FAE, which for me, helped in seeing why they were together in FAE. As for FAE, I liked that it is lukewarm and sweet. How both respected each other and it was not one sided. Though Shi Yi suffered in the family, ZSC did everything he can to protect her. The 'kidnapping' was a little over the top and also the coma but overall it was the love they have that made me stay and watch. I still rewatch the heartwarming and sweet parts because Bai Lu and Ren Jailun just looks amazing on screen and the dialogue between the two makes me feel happy.

[@Janatan35]

Omg, I've been waiting for your review 🥰🥰🥰 thankyou very much🥰

[@tahrinafruz5298]

I was waiting for you to make a video on these two drama Finally u did Thanks

[@Zhangruonann]

I agree with you except the part when it comes to the bone structure. She didnt know they was here until the other pupil stop and remind her so thought it was fine to share such things since they are all considered family and literally called as the MLs people. I havent watch Forever and Ever yet but for me One and Only (excluding the fact regarding some court n military logic) it is safe to say that this drama easily comes to top. Esp their fighting skills....damn i usually skip fighting part in other c or k drama but this one is just amazing. The way they make the MLs stood up without overdoing his fighting skills alongside when his clothes flaunting....it was simply..MAJESTIC. 😆😍

[@TrongNguyen-rx2fb]

Can you explain more on shì zú ? I think it is very interesting to know more about it?

[@oceanicmermaid]

I am in love with this drama and the character of Zhousheng Chen

[@lavendermoon_]

These 2 shows surprised me with how much I fell for them, also didn't expect to love this CP! I hated that One And Only had a sad ending tho, felt a tad bit unrealistic that Xiao Nan Cheng Wang didn't fight to keep Shi Yi by his side. Eventhough I know he had to put the safety of his people first I just think he'd have tried extra hard because of his strong feelings for her. It's not like he's the only one suffering, wouldn't he want her to be happy? Forever & Always was quite different, loved the little moments and omg THAT scene, it was soooo intimate yet they kept it PG13. I actually felt like they looked like their characters in FAO, she was so shy and he had this fiery look in his eyes. I have to thank The Long Ballad for bringing me back into Cdrama or I mightn't have kept an eye out for this series!

[@EternalxSnow]

hmm, personally, I think Xiao Nan Cheng Wang not fighting to keep Shi Yi was much more realistic. He is a man of his word and will keep his vow of 'not taking a wife or having children' in this lifetime and had already decided to dedicate his life to fight for his people. Shi Yi was like a surprise to him. He didn't expect to fall in love with her. If he were to run away with Shi Yi, they won't be able to live their lives happily. Shi Yi's love for XNCW is a selfless one. If he were to abandon his principles and elope with Shi Yi, he wouldn't be the man she loves. Shi Yi also had high social status and was, by Royal Decree, pledged to marry the Crown Prince. If Shi Yi was asked by her Cui Family to marry any other aristocratic family's son, I'm sure 100% XNCW will fight to keep Shi Yi and will be on the winning side. But because his opponent is the Crown Prince, there is no way the fight will not turn into one without bloodshed and sacrifice. I don't think he would also want to put Shi Yi in a position forcing her to choose either him or her family. Anyway, XNCW had the most to loose if he fought to keep Shi Yi (his people, his army, his students, the newly crowned Emperor, Shi Yi and her family etc..). That's why the letter he sent to Shi Yi was so heartbreaking, because he had decided that no matter what, his personal values & his people's lives come first. And that lead to having to let go of his love for Shi Yi because too much was at stake. He regrets not being in a better position to fight for her and for their love. That's how I interpreted it anyway. Lol. I'm so glad they got the chance to fall in love again in Forever and Ever without all that burden shouldering them. (Even though ZSC's family was crazy). The novel was amazing too.

[@shawnyang435]

I feel like some BG book writers tend to have the following problems: 1) the world-building is too barebones, just simply a backdrop for the romance, not the focus; 2) main characters already start with the best of everything, good look, temperament, status and wealth, so there’s no character growth, only relationship growth; there’s no “a hero’s journey”, only “a couple’s journey”; 3) the stakes are too low and the dramatic tension is too thin. This is much more obvious in the modern part-at least their lives are at stake in the period part, but there’s absolutely no conflict, let alone danger, in the modern part. And drama IS conflict. Don’t get me wrong, many BL writers have these problems too. Their stories are basically BG formulas with two male characters.

[@studiohq]

Agreed. also there is the chemistry tease because of Rens contract. They did their best to cover it up but keeping skinship to a minimum is obvious. The stories were ehh, Ave explained it the best, too many things pulled me out of the stories. Don't get me wrong the dramas were pretty to look at but something just seemed off about them. They both felt like the word 'almost". you could tell the actors had serious limits... also on the BL topic. I was a slash fan WAY back in the day, used to read them daily but then after a while they went to extremes either they were woman haters or het relationships with just characters of the same sex.GAy relationship dynamics are not the same and just like Ave pointed out about studying the subject, the relationships are written without knowledge or research of how real same sex relationships would actually work in that setting. So I have zero time for BL anymore it's always the same limited formula. Only in the Untamed did I see how their relationship slowly grew over time so that it made sense... The others were just two pretty boys that looked good together using het formula.

[@eggtoast]

I wouldn’t assign this description to MBFB as an author though, specifically. The original novel didn’t focus on the past life so no details were really needed (a total of basically only 2 chapters). The novel plot was mostly the contemporary story (with more undercurrent of mafia esque conflict tbh). But for this novel, the main point wasn’t the plot - it was really well written in a prose/writing-style heavy sort of way. The running themes between the lives was the point of this novel. MBFB’s other novels (she has a specific series of tangential books) that are much more “exciting” with what you’re looking for in terms of character growth and journey. I agree that there are many BG writers with this problem, and this particular novel gives that vibe bc it really isn’t plot important and more known for her prose. Just want to clarify that MBFB as an author really shouldn’t be part of this category you’re describing.

[@shawnyang435]

@@eggtoast Sure. I never read anything by this author and obviously any lyricism in the language (instead of the plot) will be lost on me. I only watch the dramas and another one adapted from her novel (did she write the novel of that Yang Zi/Li Xian drama? I like that one much better.) I did read lots of other BG/BL novels many of which were dramatised, either into audio dramas or TV dramas, and I do prefer the type of stories with very strong conflicts, finely drawn and flawed characters and long arcs-BG books/dramas tend not to have those, and lots of sugar-sweet BL ones don’t either.

[@caitlinwin9567]

@@eggtoast I found fellow MBFB's fan😂 Beautiful bones originally has lost feeling/floating feeling. So, it won't have a very solid plot when changing into drama. My fav MBFB novels are The Healing Sunshine, Together Forever and Black and White Film. Very sad that hoju retired😟

[@caitlinwin9567]

@@shawnyang435 if you want strong, dramatic tension type of story from MBFB, you should read Together Forever or Black and White Film. MBFB isn't the type of author you mentioned. She has various kinds of novels. Peace ✌️

[@aheriu1546]

I’ve read the book and watch both series and most of the time i don’t like tragic ending so i rarely watch series when i know they are going to that direction but for some reason i can accept the ending for One and only the ending is justifiable for me and i love forever and ever…i love their awkward encounters.🤣🥰 he is super slow to their romance that Shi yo refer him to a turtle. but it’s just normal given the fact that he is like a cave man his life revolves around his dormitory and laboratory…and he treat their relationship as experimental so it’s by the book.😅🤣 but for some reason i find his proposal so sweet and sincere both the engagement and the marriage reg. and also since you only watch until 18 so you did not witness a lot of things that happen in episode 20 up like how her sister betrayed him by trying to drown her and poison her. no one suspected since she’s a nice character but she doesn’t want to kill her just want to scare her brother chen so he will leave w/ his wife and satisfy his 2nd brothers wish. others might blame only his brother if you did not know that both the twins did something horrible. both lead slayed their character. one of the best series this year for me.

[@vilena5308]

Probably the last thing I expected was a comparison the the keto diet. LOL! You rock. Sustainably.

[@dinaradika2]

I think you can say forever and ever is pretty flat because you skip lots of episode. Ep 23 to ep 24 (and so on) conflict is escalated pretty quickly from warm sweet story to melodrama. Its pretty much as tragic as one and only, only it has happy ending and both of the main character is married happily ever after. The sudden shift actually change my mind from thinking the sequel is stable story to ironic one.

[@camillemajeauledoux3991]

"Have money is so nice" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ritakhan8121]

Thanks so much for your excellent down-to-earth review! I felt exactly the same. One and Only, I watched the first 4 episodes and the last 3. The last episode was really sad and that made me decide to watch Forever and Ever (F&E). I watched the first 10 episodes of F&E and gave up because the relationship between the 2 leads was too sweet, draggy and boring! I am waiting for the last 2 episodes to be aired. Thanks again! 😊

[@andrescarmona5593]

I really love both dramas but in F&E if they had better explained family relationships and maximized family conflict in such way as to make the story more exciting, it would haven been better

[@dandelion7550]

I still love One and Only more than Forever and Ever. One and Only start to attract my attention at eps 15 so I really wish you could try more but watching your reason I could understand. And that time when Xiaoyu talk about mei ren gu she just come from somewhere else with Cui Feng and was not aware of the presence of the crown prince since it's military camp with strict rules so she never expect someone else than the armies to be there. Forever and Ever, I agree it's slow. I just need happy ending for them so I watch🤧 and yeah they're so polite like even bai lu and ren jialun mention about how 26 yrs old can be so shy after a kiss😂😂

[@dandelion7550]

and I find more problem with Forever and Ever's plot. Many things leave unresolved (example : Tang Jiafu's case, Ren's mother) even the Zhou's family that people said is crazy I found so many plotholes unexplained things. But if you close your mind just for ChenShi it's really okay.

[@JazFP_Jona]

I leave a rate to every drama I watch after I completed all the episodes and I don't give any if I flatly gave up watching halfway, because there's no point of doing anything related to it at all after dropping it 😅. Well, for me. No offense intended. We all have different approach after all. ✌

[@habanera1119]

Cui Shiyi, a daughter of aristocrat fam being a disciple of a general is bc her fam basically put her as a pawn (so that the general would side with their fam) and at the end actually being betrayed by her own fam bc they ar ejust using her

[@AT-lp8qg]

I freaking love Bai Lu and One and Only supposed to have ALLL the elements that I love in a good angsty period romance drama, but I couldn't get into it. I didn't know the historical background like you do, and I am very lenient with plot holes, but I felt the same jarring disconnect with the drama. It has a very serious vibe, and the political fights serve as the catalyst for our CP's angst. But the fight is actually too simplistic and empty. It didn't deliver any punch that matches the serious vibe of the drama. The political backdrop is suitable for more light-heart drama, not One and Only. The drama didn't spend enough time to build their political world that can convince me why it's hard to keep these 2 together and ultimately deliver that angst. If anything, I see glimpses that the Cui family is too powerful, and not only that, they DO care about our FL's wellbeing and romantic interest. There isn't even enough convincing reasons for the Cui family to be used, no real benefits I see they can get, and their power can resolve the whole thing. I understand it from the ML perspective why he is in a hard place, but I couldn't see it from the FL lead and her family perspective why things can get so tragic.

[@susantham7665]

Thank you! You always provide such treasure trove of insights - I agree with you 100% ! I watched up to ep 10 of one & only and dropped it. Didn’t bother to watch forever and ever - even though I like both Allen Ren and Bai Lu. In contrast, I watched and rewatched “ Under the Power” despite its bad CGI/poor plot - but simply delighted in the couple’s chemistry & comedic talents of Allen Ren & Seven Tan.

[@Zhangruonann]

Dude....i dont mind if u dont watch or drop forever n ever but you will regret not watching one and only its worth it.

[@susanodonovan4379]

I’ve watched Under the Power many times. It makes me laugh!

[@susantham7665]

@@Zhangruonann it’s not the actors - it’s the script. Similarly, I watched novoland pearl eclipse to episode 8 and dropped it. I just don’t care for scripts that drown heavily in self sacrifice and martyrdom without proper logic or common sense . Character arcs without smarts or spine to fight for yr desires - they bore me. Whereas I sped through The long Ballad - both characters were smart, strong and tenacious and worth my time investment.

[@shaestevens8514]

The age detail that they wouldn't let you forget how old any of the characters were. How they used children for some and not for others, then kept hammering in this or that incident happened 5 and 10 years ago. Very distracting. Also the shots of some of these scenes where tens of thousands of warriors are supposed to be and choose camera angles that don't promote the feeling. The second drama wanted to be a slow burn but they made the ML too chaste, beyond imagination, that it just burns out. Also, much of the conflict seemed like non-issues as the family's understanding of each other was setup in such a way that the "power struggle" made no sense.

[@itslonelysaram6722]

i love One and Only, i enjoyed crying along Shiyi. Forever and Ever though, was a little too sweet and slow for me. I wouldn't calll it slow burn though, because they were pretty much into each other since the beginning, and ML was too chase, I agree.

[@humbledaisy]

I had higher hopes for Forever&Ever because to me, the novel was supposed to be more of a slow/fast clash of expectations. Slow romance (both characters were older), slow conflicts (get-rich-fast vs less wealthy-but-important research) and even slow societal chance (older generations lived for family and not selves while younger generations wanted to live their own dreams.) The director just toned these down so many notches that - I kinda felt this romance could have been a story that Shi Yi was telling to her kids from a marriage to someone else! Also, I got the feeling that Zhou Sheng Chen’s family in the novel had more of a mafia feel to them and his efforts were to bring it legit - not necessarily invest in the glory of China. So, changing this definitely toned down the initially exciting story. I didn’t mind - it was a pretty relaxing story compared to the life and death of the first series. Not much of a rewatch for me, though. Thanks for the review!

[@罗宗烔2015]

Forever and ever actress very beautiful

[@habanera1119]

as someone who read the novel, i think all that 'nonsense' or 'illogical' things are bc it is ADAPTED, and they really tried to stay true for most of the scene be it in OaO or FaE,, and its just the plotlines created by teh author herself n the drama just follow it closely, and i agree it is waayyyyyy more crazier in the novel than in the drama About the historical part, yes as someone who didnt know anything about chinese history, i do felt OaO settings is okay n acceptable, btw the female student (General Hong Xiaoyug saying mei ren gu while the eunuch was there bc she just arrive at that banquet with Cui Feng from Shaoyang so she really didnt know there is people from imperial palace, n she did got stopped by General Tianxing! Anyways i love the novel, both dramas OaO n FaE, renjialun n bailu truly the best cast ever for Shiyi and Zhoushengchen!

[@slowtrtl]

I can't finish One & Only coz my eyes & chest hurt from crying. I think Shi Yi was left under ZSC partly because she's mute. In that era even though she's a noble she could have been considered a tarnish in their family & just "luckily" been engaged to the royals since she was a kid. Forever & ever became one of my fave drama. This couple are amazing actors and brilliant in both dramas. I think since Shi Yi remembers their past she wants to enjoy every moment with him which she mentioned a couple of times to her bestfriend. Life is too short and she's anticipating she might die first. ZSC is the typical nerd; his awkwardness made this drama super warm and enjoyable to me! I've watched several of Bai Lu's dramas. The only "funny" thing I've noticed was she went "easy" on Allen Ren with all kissing scenes! 😉🤣 Forever & Ever is added in my rewatch list! Every one from main cast to supporting did justice to their characters.♥💞 I'll try to finish OAO, probably 2 episodes at a time, just too tragic for me.😜🥰❤❤

[@meemtong5589]

Do watch the period drama so that you can appreciate the things that ZSC did for SY in the modern drama.

[@slowtrtl]

@@meemtong5589 I've watched it up to episode 14 and saw clips of 20 to 29. So those little things that she did like writing in the library wall I was able to get it and why she's very patient with him.🥰 But, yeah, 2 episodes at a time coz their love is too painful.😭

[@SurrealisticLEO]

I really, really loved One and Only, I binge watched it from the beginning to the end and was so heartbroken after the final episode - all that waiting and just to see them dying like that. Crime, utter crime. But! I really loved the story, I like how it was not like these other silly period dramas that are sometimes utterly nonsensical, and the camerawork was so good! Yes, granted, there were some redundant scenes that didn't really lead to anywhere but overall the drama was stellar one in my opinion. I started to watch Forever and Ever but haven't binge watched it as the first one as some other, more intriguing dramas have come out at the same time (Squid Games, anyone? Stellar, that.); nonetheless, I love this one too. I like how their characters are more... Let's say that they have more feeling to them; the awkwardness you get when seeing the ML trying to converse with the FL, the FLs mischievousness and sense of humour - everything in this one just makes me giggle. I like that this version is more lighthearted after the first one, the soul need some healing; the flaws are still present in this one, though, as in the first one, especially the pointless scenes that lead to nowhere. But not everything can be perfect. Oh, and the music in both is quite good, the chosen pieces go so well together with both of the versions.

[@susanodonovan4379]

Squid Games yes!

[@AuroraBlack18]

IMO, Muo Bao Fei Bao's best novel is "The Twelve Years: Song of the Unsung Friends" written when she was older. I have high expectation for the adaptation of this one and hope the casting will do justice to the characters in the novel.

[@anaanastasia1125]

Yup.... I 100% agree with you...

[@GaoShengGo]

Reading the novel helped me through season 2. If I had not done so, I would probably be bored and miss the hidden details.

[@noviben_]

I'm early hooray 🙌 You always look gorgeous jie 😍😍 Edited: thank you for your historical insight Yas 1 goldmine will rise some people blood pressure 🤣🤣

[@hmlogs]

Again that gorgeous head of hair perfectly styled!!!

[@dalmatepark]

Both dramas did have lots of flaw. Especially the unrealistic relationship of ZSC & SY as a married couple. I mean, ZSC over politeness sometimes got me dumbfounded and frustrated. I know his character is someone who is shy and nerd. At first his shyness is cute and the way their relationship start, for me i found it really sweet. But after some time, it's frustrating. I wish he could have more character development, become more bold in their relationship, takes more initiative (why is it always SY who took the lead), 'loud' in protecting SY from his messed up family (not xiao ren, i love xiao ren so much he deserves more screentime) But somehow, despite the flaws, i still enjoyed both drama so muchh. And RJL and BL both nailed their characters. RJL is so freaking handsome in O&O! But I wish and hope RJL will act in more modern drama after this.

[@luvsakura9912]

It's a very laid back feels. It's like watching a no-acting acting. It's not that intense. I think the director & writer, wanted to drama that says- ppl are too stressed, emotional on this pandemic. Lets just give them something to watch i.e soft, casual, not so serious but at the same time they'd still see & feel the tragedy, sadness but can get over with it. Forever & ever gave that glimmer of hope and karma. I love both❣️ Forever & ever showed the sides of introverts (zhou sheng i think is an INTx and Shiyi is an INFx) . I saw that side on that drama. I.e why i can somehow relate.

[@jennyfoong5006]

Not knowing about the historical details you mentioned, I did enjoy watching ‘One and Only’ and felt sad when it ended the way it did, as I didn’t know then that there would be a sequel. So when ‘Forever and ever’ came out, I eagerly started to watch it. However, like you said, and to me it was boring especially the first half of the drama. I struggled through to the end probably because I like the 2 main leads, lol!

[@TheAssez]

*Thank you.* 💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕

[@Han-dl3ql]

both drama are my most fav drama so far. idon't think FnE is boring lol its kind of drama that I watch

[@蒨-k7g]

You should watch episode 28 it’s the episode where 时宜“一跃而下” to save the Zhou Sheng Chen that scene was pretty intense like the scene where she jumps down the city gate👀

[@meemtong5589]

Agree with you plus so many cryptic scenes and characters which can be discovered given enough time and patience :)

[@meemtong5589]

Just watched again. ZSC told SY that he had never bowed to his ancestors, like his father. But when SY was in coma, he made his way back, in agony he bowed to them, praying that they will pull SY from the brink of death.

[@hananabilah5249]

I loveeee “One & Only” even it was so sad & tragic. But for “Forever & Ever” it quite boring . But thats life. Some people may have rollercoaster life, but some people have a lil bit simpler life story. And what happened in F&E was what Shi Yi wants. What i really want them to improve just showing more things that shiyi remember along the drama & ZSC finally remember the past about them. I want them reunite & cry together as they finally got to be together

[@Mdkdmxmcmffkckc]

This time I agree with you on this! I love Bai Lu's acting and I was really excited to see One and Only (wich I absolutely ADORE the cinematography of it, I was taking lots of screenshots cause it was so beautiful 😂) and yeah, you can tell the budget difference between the two series, although One and Only was heartbreaking it was way more interesting that Forever and Ever. I was super excited to see how would they play the reincarnation in the modern setup and it was SUPER boring, I thought they would make them remember stuff or go through similar experiences as their past life but, it was ridiculous? I mean they just meet and decide to marry like? I couldn't feel the chemistry between them because there wasn't any development (for the most part they just travelled to see his family members, that's not going to help me ship them or anything really) Compared to all the hardships they went through in their previous life's it just feels bland. All the "you are the heir of the family" stuff felt out of place, he didn't even study business or anything and was a scientist, pick one or another 😂 it just didn't make sense. I also thought that they would bring other characters from the past but nah. Overall I think that the project was a good idea but they didn't know how to play with it. I still feel that perhaps One and Only as a stand alone is good enough 👌🏻.

[@stephynguena5088]

Yes !

[@anaanastasia1125]

Forever and ever is flat n boring, both character is super polite with each other....

[@Mdkdmxmcmffkckc]

@@anaanastasia1125 yes, and also the fact that Shiyi was dubbing her own life?😂😂 Was a little weird, it's even weirder if you think it because if in the modern world they knew (everyone, and decided to film a series) about the history of Shyi and Zhoucheng, wouldn't she remember? Idk😂

[@pippastar1606]

yeah completely agree with you

[@anaanastasia1125]

Because the policy from the goverment that reuncarnation is banned, but the plot is not very well written... And the slow burn romance is written very poorly... The problems is not with the actors but poor script and directing in forever n ever

[@sarahteter6310]

What order do you watch these in?

[@Dentope]

Even I sometimes cringe about how the writers write one of the leads as having everything and capable of everything. But.. again when I think about it, those kinda stories just try to show their mental struggles or their character growth, or how having everything doesn't mean happiness or how they also have internal struggles for money and power, the chains that bind them to do what they don't like, how they get prepared to let go of everything they have etc etc.. I'm not talking about this drama but talking about rich MLs or FLs in general.

[@evisaragih8714]

first, forgive me for so many incorrect grammar that i will make in this comment. Usually i agree with AvenueX review on many c-drama or decided to watch based on her review. But, I didn't quite agree with this one. oh, and because i didn't watch One and Only, i won't comment on that. I will just comment on her review about Forever and Ever. After YAMG, i felt sooo lost. I tried to watch Unforgettable Love and Perfect and Casual because the review here said that it's not quite good but still enjoyable. It turns out not enjoyable for me. Then I tried watching this one, and you know what, i like it more than what i expected. One thing that i appreciated is that ZSC family looked really rich without any exaggeration. I am just a commoner, but i think this is how "rich" rich family should look. If you read Crazy Rich Asians, this is how i imagine Nick Young family. They are famous, but just in the high society, not visible to the general society. They had culture that needed to be preserved. Not like how they potrayed in the movie. I like the flow of Shiyi and ZSC love story. It's so natural, warm, and ordinary. This is the romance i longed for. Where can i find my own ZSC?T_T About her comment that how the ML being rich makes everything easier, i didn't remember ZSC show off about his wealth or throw his money for Shiyi, like any other ML in chinese romance drama. He even moved to his wife apartment, that the security there thought that he is a jobless man who depend on his working wife. We could see his rich aura just when he went back to his ancestral house. So, this series just match me. Maybe for others, it was sooo boring, but for a working woman like me, this is what i need at the end of the day after an exhausting day. A slow life, slow romance of a sweet couple. The tone of the movie is good, too. Combined with the ost's, every scene seems like a music video. I love it very much. Though there are things i didn't like as well. First, the skinship of our main couple is not enough. I desperately need more kisses and hugs. Then, i search for our Ren Jialun information, and finally i knew why. I should grateful that this series has kisses scene, because in the previous series, he didn't do love scene for his wife sake. At least, in this series it's him that doing the scene instead of using stuntman. Second, i need to see more initiative from ZSC about their relationship. Sometimes, i feel like it's only Shiyi that fights for their love. And lastly, to whoever that read this, i have a question. Does Shiyi remember her past life or what? sometimes I feel that she remembered, sometimes no. I'm not sure anymore. That's all I can said about this series. My commentary is so long that I'm not sure that anyone willing to read this.

[@harunotodoroki]

I agree with you.

[@Zz7722zZ]

I passed on these 2 dramas because I heard that the reincarnation aspect was downplayed due to censorship. So does Shi Yi really remember her past life in Forever and Ever? Without her knowledge of the past I dont think the story would be interesting or have the proper closure.

[@dianapinto8350]

Don't make fun of me, but I have watched both complete dramas and just now realised they are actually part 1 and part 2.

[@AkemiCollins]

I loved both ,the first is definitely a tear jerker

[@jinjinni]

Really enjoy the voice actor for Allen Ren’s character in One and Only. Could anyone please tell me the name of that person please?

[@janlim8298]

@AvenueX, Could you please give me the link to the English translation of the Novel.

[@anjelitamalik9763]

Nice to see you wear black this time. Very cool costume.

[@xOrdinaryNerdx]

Having read the book and watching about half of each drama, I'd say the book is still the best. I'd recommend the book for anyone, even those who didn't like the dramas.

[@이진-q1g7m]

Can I know Where can I read English Translation of “One and Only”?

[@xOrdinaryNerdx]

The book is focused on the modern timeline and the "one and only" part of the drama is flashbacks.

[@sofilosophies1149]

@@이진-q1g7m google it. The title is One Life One Incarnation Beautiful Bones.

[@sofilosophies1149]

I like the dramas more though. I loved how they choreograph the fight scenes. Some details and line that was added made me appreciate it more. Although i hoped that the reincarnation idea was included bec it was vital in the plot that tied up the past and present. It was the answer to all "whys"

[@이진-q1g7m]

@@sofilosophies1149 yep I found it before i ask here actually, because I thought “One and Only” and “Forever and Ever” is a two different books but it turns out there’s only one book that adapted into 2 dramas. Thank you fyi btw!

[@yatoribanzai5150]

I love this drama and I love your videos too.

[@akane8615]

I think it's just a drama, not a historical documentary.

[@DreAmer-xc3po]

Have you watched Love and Redemption?? If not, please do so. It is one of the most beautiful and emotional drama with beautiful lead and supporting actors, awesome plot. The drama carries power to make anyone cry like baby..

[@linadecrava895]

She doesn't like Love and Redemption

[@soobean5504]

The main reason why I dropped this drama is because I just don't see how they're in love which each other and look like they're ready to die for one another despite the fact that nothing really happened between them except when he carried her to her room but that's it :/ , the only reason i can see why fl is so in love with ml right from the start is because they're just simply fated to love each other, other than that there really is no good reason. pls note that I've only watched until ep 6 so I'm not sure how they will progress as a couple later on in the story. And yes, there are just too many dumb instances, like comparing the main lead's face with the emperor's publicly???? It's like the characters don't act according to their character if it makes sense. Also, I feel like they made the fl's disability such a big deal that i thought it would be a major part of the story but suddenly she was able to talk so easily and everyone seems so nonchalant about it so that's kinda confusing as well.

[@dandelion7550]

Tbh, at first I don't understand what makes her love him too. And it's only on ep 11 they develop their relationship more rather than just a shifu and diciple in his mansion. So you could try up to there and see. And it's got more interesting ep 15 - 24. And the reason she jumped is not only for zsc but also for the injustice the Nanchen Royal Army got and she is helpless. It just I'm more bother with the ages. It's even more crazier if you think about it. And that praise in public is not really public. It's a military camp with strict rules where no one can enter easily and I doubt no one ever come before so she never expect there were someone else there since she just comeback. And about how the fl can suddenly talk if it's refer to the drama it's because she finally open her heart back with all the warm she got from the Nanchen Royal Family. It's really random and shock me too but anyway she's not mute to begin with so maybe that's why?

[@soobean5504]

@@dandelion7550 Yeah the age difference is kinda weird. I really wanted to like this drama cause i like the cinematography so much but I guess it's just not for me. :(

[@ccyalabdoc5493]

Female lead it’s best actress cdramas my opinion

[@ealhyacohen-lorente5640]

Thanks as always for the feedback. I only watch 3 episodes of the ancient part then I watched the end. But I did watch and like the all contemporary part, life been so eventful that I actually appreciated the rather drama free relationship the leads had. It funny how Yi used the « they are too polite » because the FL bestfriend tell her the same thing that the couple are too polite with each other. I didn’t really have problem with the pacing, but I did have my qualms with some of the characters motivation. I really got wished the ML bestfriend had gotten an happy ending with the sister. The second bro was just ridic like his all angst made no sense.

[@lindacheang3278]

I am happy to find you AvenueX, to have almost the same thought and opinion for these two dramas. Yes, they are good dramas to watch for some certain people, but when I watch these two, I was kinda feeling strange in story line, pacing, details and set of time especually in ZSRG. But ZSRG has indeed much better production quality as this drama was made after YSYS wrapped. At least I found a person who has the same thought with me :)

[@ilonalee733]

Interesting. Thank you as alwaysys