it's been a while since a bl series has impressed me this thoroughly. and whilst i usually don't think it's fair to compare unrelated pieces of artistic work, in my humble opinion this has shone a light on what some other series haven't done so well.

the very way this series was set up from episode one was so strong because you have an immediate idea of who tian is and where his character direction is going. they follow that by setting up a strong location with an equally strong supporting cast. i can't speak for anyone else but every single member of the village made me so happy. it's a rare gem to watch a romance drama and not just be invested in the main couple!!!

but speaking of our main couple the chemistry was simply /chef's kiss. earth and mix managed to make me feel on a profound level how much tian and phupha loved each other and ached for each other in each other's abscence. and the truly impressive thing is most of that was conveyed with half the touching, grinding and kissing of other bl dramas. don't get me wrong all that has it's place i think it's just truly impressive what the two managed to communicate atmospherically through subtle body language and subtext.

i also genuinely appreciated the change in scenery. i think it was such a breath of fresh air to have a bl drama not set at college. again that still has it's place i just think they were able to tell a very unique story because of it.

10/10 loved this drama so much more than i thought i would going into it initially.