I found this gem unexpectly and didnt have much expectation but Im really satisfied by its overall production, acting, and storytelling. Super straightforward & fun with sense of adventure & a hint of mystery & twists that makes the show engaging. I love the themes about friendship and family love, which is prominent throughout the series. The cinematography is great with its appealing music score to enhance/elevate the show. Although there is a huge use of cgi, its granted with this kind of a story but its never too offputting. The fight/action sequence is choreographed with so much fun and hilarity. The worldbuilding/fictional setting is great. The costumes are nice and sets the tone of the 1980's. The writing, characterization & storytelling really impressed me, specifically its handle on female characters. With 40 episodes, nothing ever feels wasted or dragged out. There's this continuity and constant flow from arc to arc, and by the end of the show, there's a cliffhanger that leaves me wanting more.

The juxstaposition between the two leads is great. Bao Qing is a snarky/quickwitted and carefree city boy while Caigua is an independent and intuitive rural gal from a village of eagle hunters. The main characters are very animated/lively, in a suprisingly charming way.

Caigua is a well writen female character/heroine with depth and personality. She's resilient, independent, compassionate, and stubborn. I love that she is given alot of agency as a character with her own story arc, that isnt tied to/associated with the male lead, about wanting to be a hunter and breaking the mold from a patriarchal society. She's tough as a nail with great hunting skills and fares well in combat. Athough she isnt quite wellversed in literacy. WenQi did an excellent job portraying a multifaceted character with her microexpression & sheer presence. She emotes well with her eyes.

Bao Qing is such a fun/expressive male character with alot of personality. He's snarky, quick-witted, carefree and smart. He also comes off as ignorant and condescending at times, but Caigua always knows to how put him in his place with her witty remarks and fist. He is loyal/caring when protecting his friends and love ones. Karry Wang acted well in his part, with his natural youth/playfulness and energy. There's this earnest yet a sense of tenacity in his eyes.

Bao Qing and Caigua's chemistry and friendship is my favorite aspect of the show, a truly dynamic pair that shows onscreen naturally, showcasing a blend of teamwork and communication. Not only is their friendship established early on, the relationship between the two gives room for both characters to learn, teach, and grow from eachother throughout the show. I love their interactions and exchange in dialogues. Its fun, witty, and even sometimes, comical and endearing. One of my favorite dialogue exchanged from Baoqing to Caigua is about freewill and never giving up that goes along the lines of, "Rules are set. People are not. You only have one life. Why should you give in?" With this, Caigua ingrains and implements it through her actions. Bao Qing grows to adapt & learn the ways of the Eagles Village and admires & respects Caigua. They both are active agents & well-fleshed out individuals throughout the story.

Baoqing and Caigua's constant reassurance and understanding/support for eachother is touching and sweet. I like how their relationship develops from being complete strangers to a profound companionship, as both becomes enamoured in admiration of eachother's presence by the end of the show. Although nothing is ever romantic, the feelings Baoqing and Caigua have for eachother is definitely there, which is prevalent in their actions rather than spoken words. Their newfound feelings for eachother never detracts the plot from moving foward.

The distinction between Baoqing and Caigua's 1st interaction from the first episode compared to their last interaction in the last episodeperfectly illustrates the development/progression in their relationship & perception of eachother. They both leave a significant impact on eachother's life. I felt sentimental seeing these two at the end of the journey. The potential for their relationship to go beyond friendship and grow into something more can further be explored if E&Y S2 ever happens. Because both are young characters, a second season will allow for more character growth/development.

The other main characters in the show are also likable. Caigua's brother Er Bizi, unlike her, has a love for food and doesnt want to be a hunter. Hongguo is an aspiring geologist whom is helpful and sweet. Yang Ye is a leader of a geological research team whose a bit stoic but responsible. They are all well developed and dont feel like throwaways, which cant be said about the antagonists. I like the set of antagonists that appears in the show. They are all distinctive and crucial to the overall plot in its course/run but are merely presented as obstacles. Although, this keeps the tension up and challenges the main characters through their journey together as they form unlikely friendship, uncover truths behind the mystery of the hidden gold kingdom, and discover revelations about themselves.