'she's never been trained in acting and she doesn't understand what characters are..' BRUTAL! 🤣

I dropped this drama at episode 3. It must be very embarrassing for Jujingyi to be overshadowed by a guest/Cameo. Zhang Hu huizi set the bar so high in terms of her natural beauty, good acting skills and convincing chemistry with the male lead. These are important qualities that the horrible supposed female lead don’t have and will never have. Her acting and mannequin makeup look is an insult . I hope Zhang He Huizi can get more quality roles in the future .

They should've kept the actress in first episode, the drama would be so much better

It's simply that "idols" should understand that idol and actor are not synonyms and acting is a profession which needs qualifications and constant improvement and learning

I really agree with you! Like a baby chick, I got so attached to Zheng Hehuizi from those first two episodes that I just couldn't continue the drama after the face swap. It just felt so odd to see someone claiming that they are this character 'Yang Caiwei', when I felt like I was watching a completely different person.

I was so excited for this drama when I started because the chemistry between Zheng He Hui Zi and Liu Xue Yi was fire. The moment when they sat next to each other in the carriage and she ate the peach was so magical. Was disappointed by the switch but tried as long as I could to give JJY a chance. She can’t act!! She has no chemistry with ANY of the characters, not just LXY. Even little things like her looking nervously around and clinging to Pan Yue in a creepy forest doesn’t make sense for her character seeing as we first met her strolling through a graveyard at night, unafraid of ghosts or men. I’m so disappointed!! This could have been a really enjoyable drama for me. It looked like the perfect gothic romance. Thank you for making this video because I needed someone else to articulate the train wreck of this casting

LXY deserves a better FL 😭 JJY obsession with her appearance makes all her dramas unwatchable. She's never taken any time at all to understand her characters because she used it all on her appearance 😂

FINALLY! Someone who agrees with me! No matter what drama I watch, JJY plays the same character in all her roles. I'm so fed up with her as an actress! Maybe she should stick with singing, because I won't lie and say she has a really nice singing voice. That's it!

What most annoys me about Cdramas is the focus on looks over ability to act. IMO this is far more often the case with male idol “actors.” What’s even more annoying is how popular handsome idols with substandard or mediocre acting ability end up in so many dramas per year. There are about as many male as female actors who I find so tiresomely untalented that I skip dramas when I see they are the leads. Unfortunately they are all hugely popular. It’s a shame, because I really like a lot of the stories.

And people say she looks pretty, I think her obsession with "beauty" made her alter her appearance too much to the point she is starting and look like an avatar. As an actress she doesn't care about characters. I see a huge ego here. She will keep on being pushed down everyone throats no matter what unfortunately.

I saw that some people are attacking Zheng Hehuizi online because a lot of people are comparing her acting skills with Ju Jingyi's. In Blossom even posted promotional content about the women in the drama and people were confused why she was missing from the post when even the girl who played the younger version of the role was included in the post. Zheng Hehuizi's team even had to make a statement so that people would stop with the speculation and leave her and others in the 'In Blossom' team alone. It's sad that Zheng Hehuizi kind of has to diminsh herself in order for fans to not get angry that she's getting attention over others. Ultimately, she did a great job, she really shined even though she had such a short part, and I wish people would simply talk about her acting skills instead of getting buried in all the drama.

Thank you again for watching this drama so I don't have to! I dropped In Blossom in the middle of episode 3, heartbroken. It's exactly as you say: interesting story, good visual quality, capable male lead and this adorable pumpkin that is the heroine. And then, the insipid JJY lands like a bomb and destroys the enchantment. Poor Liu Xue Yi indeed. And poor Zheng He Hui Zi, I sincerely hope she doesn't get smothered in the debacle.

I'm about as far into this drama as the reviewer and she is totally on point about the disconnect between the female characters. The original Caiwei is not only interesting looking but also very accomplished and it's no wonder the male lead grieves her 'death' to distraction. Her rant about Ju Jingyi's acting is so true that I will make sure I avoid anything drama with her in the future. The only thing that got me this far is the character and dimples of Liu XueYi and the occasional glimpse of the original Caiwei (Wu JiaYi).

I really like your idea of starting with JJY and having flashbacks with the other actress so that we have a little more emotional connection

Yes! I deflated so fast when I realized it'd be a face swapping drama. Zheng He Hui Zi took me by a storm and then was gone. She had so much chemistry with LXY, I was so invested in the first two episodes, and everything went to hell. Nothing against JJY, but everything against her when we watch a drama expecting a good time and she's there without understanding her role. I watched ten episodes, and it just feels like a waste of time.

I thought I am the only one that thinks that the original Cai Wei is more interesting than when they swap her to JJY. Not hating JJY because I really love her when she was partnered with Zhang Ze Han, but this time I realized that JJY acts the same way like with her other dramas. It's interesting that netizens also blame Zheng He Hui Zi that since she was only a guess character, she must blend her acting with JJY, but the way she acted is the best portrayal of Cai Wei's character who experienced hardship and persecution. JJY is too much playful that the real Shangguan Zhi or Cai Wei didn't have that kind of attitude. So you are correct that she created a third character.

I was genuinely sad when I realized that the original Yang Caiwei wasn't coming back. She had amazing chemistry with LXY. This is my first time seeing JJY in something so her affectations didn't bother me in that sense. But I agree whole heartedly that she failed to portray the same character that the first actress did.

Am I the only one who thinks that Huizi is more beautiful than JJY? I just love her eyes and her smile. Her acting skills also enhance her beauty and charisma.

As a social science major, I really love this "controlled variable experiment". It's so precious and so funny.

The male lead is a decent actor who has yet to be paired with the right leading lady. I was disappointed when the FL stepped in as his love interest. I will certainly look forward to his next project. Thanks and take care💃🏽

IDK how hard people are simping on this woman that she can even continue her career as an actress. I don't even have to watch her dramas to know she ruins it. Poor male leads...

Loved the first 2 episodes but simply couldn't deal with JJY's version of FL. It felt as if some modern women was transmigrated into SGZ's body instead of YCW. They want us to believe that PY can see glimpse of YCW in this basic cdrama teen-bopper FL character. The way JJY plays her character, there is nothing that nakes her stand out from other typical cdrama FL characters. They preached about inner beauty and then FL is played by an actress who is obsessed with looks. The whole thing makes their relationship so shallow and unconvincing. I still watched till 14 episodes but couldn't continue after I got to know about livestream event. When asked about the best/charming part of YCW, she answered that she is pretty. That's it! She has no concept of actiong or simply doesn't care. Why would she when she has her fans singing praises?

I think Ju Jinyi playing Shanguan Zhi was kinda impressive. If only she could just continue that role without any face swapping thing the drama would have been more interesting. I must admit i like her Shanguan Zhi character.

Yes, yes and another yes for every word you said. I feel so sorry for Liu Xue Yi - he deserved so much better in this drama... Not familiar with the actresses but from the episode 3 I couldn't stop complaining why they didn't do the reverse swap between them. (BTW, why FACE swap and not BODY swap that actually happens?). I'm stuck on episode 12 and can't force myself to continue, though it's a really well-made drama in many aspects. The story has a lot of problems as well....

While watching Legend of Shen Li, I realized that actors can change the cinematic effect of a drama or movie. Liying, Gengxin, Hu Ge are just some of those actors that brings you back to how dramas felt like before the explosion of influencer driven cast. I feel like Cdrama production most of the time, casts actors with existing or potential popularity rather than gamble on actors that is fitting for the role. If you also notice, the supporting actors are actually the ones acting in dramas, they are however overshadowed by the popularity of the main cast.

I, too, gave up on the series after the 5th episode. This actress (whom I didn't know at all) never managed to make her character authentic. So it was a bereavement to see the first LF (a very good actress) go. I don't know anything about this young actress, but in this series, she's ABSOLUTELY bad.

I liked the girl with the scar way more, I wished that the roles of the two female characters were reversed! 😫

Omg... I'm so thankful to hear someone else say it. I'm new-ish to C-Drama and so people were not shy about insulting me when I just asked if JJY was new to acting. I just thought she was untrained but then they kept telling me to watch this or that with her. I didn't see any growth. Her face is pretty but seems stuck in 3 expressions.

I defineinitly notice the lipstick too! It looks so out of place for a period drama, and sometimes even looks like she has a rash around her mouth.

I said to myself; "self, if AvenueX likes this drama then I know she's full of xxxx"....thank god you didn't disappoint rather you mentioned EVERY SINGLE issue I had with the drama AND JJY. The woman cannot act to save her life.

JJY ruins the dramas for me every time…I’m baffled as to why she keeps on getting casted 🤨

Do you know what's the perfect example of this trope but with good actresses? 'Alchemy Souls'! 😊 I was so worried when the first season ended and announced that the actress who played FML would be different due to the nature of the script. I was so terrified that the new actress in the second season would fail to portray the established FML. But she's not! She did it perfectly and I was convinced FML is the same person in a different body...

It's not JuJingYi doesn't understand what acting is, it's b/c she DOESN'T CARE. For someone as smart and career-driven as JuJingYi, she should be observant enough to realize that this is a period drama (there is no such thing as poking the male lead with a finger, so many hand and head gestures, etc), but she just couldn't care less. To me, she comes across as a spoiled brat who got quite spoiled by her "beauty" fans. This is a good backlash for her to "wake the f* up." But from her recent interviews promoting this film, her constant giggling, being cute and adorable, I still don't think she gets it. Definitely time to drop her completely.

First 2 ep were perfect!😭 And then…Wishing for actress main roles, she was incredible!

Zheng He Hui Zi has been in the industry for a while and this is essentially her break out role (even if it is a guest role). I find it ridiculous that she should have to ‘adapt’ her acting to make it easier for JJY. She portrayed the character just as she should do and just because the main lead fails to replicate that,it isn’t zhhz’s fault. I think JJY did well as Shangguan Zhi,however her transition to Yang Caiwei was very hard to believe. It is as if it’s a completely different character. JJY focused too much on being timid and dainty in spite of Yang Caiwei being a strong character. I feel like it completely defeated the point and I don’t see how the ml would’ve fallen in love with her considering she is very different.

I totally agree with you! There is no better explanation than what my doubts were while watching the change of actresses! I was so involved in the beginning, that when it changed I was disappointed

Thank you for supporting Ju Jingyi! She's not a great actress but she's improving. Give In Blossom a chance to watch~ 😊

totalmente de acuerdo,JJY se viste igual ,se maquilla igual ,usa el mismo vestuario,usa los mismo peinados y accesorios,usa esa base para su rostro blanco pálido fantasmal ,se repite en su actuación una y otra vez ,mostrándose su mediocridad

I finally understood what was the drama about. You explained very well thank you:D

I watched the first two episodes then I realised that JJY was coming in as FL and I just dropped it. I felt really sorry for the ML because I like his acting...

i think i'm more disappointed that JJY never even made an effort to actually learn "acting"... if she knows she lacks in that department and she's still accepting acting projects is a very irresponsible thing to do....

the actress in the beginning had a character to play which was very down to earth, humble and sensible. any actor who plays such a role comes away looking like a 'good actor'. the next actor JJY initially plays a vampish character. with her glmour, that too is easy to play. but it is also easy to attract the contempt of the audience with such a role. later, when she plays the sensible, good girl trapped in the body of the spoiled vamp, she is convincing enough. she delivers what that character demands...

For similar story about two ladies changing face, I recommend watching “A Familiar Stranger.” Although it is a short film (5 minutes per episode,) the two FLs in the story did a great job in portraying their characters. After they changed face, they were able to play their new roles perfectly. And the ML in “A Familiar Stranger” also played his character intensely and passionately.

Before this I always thought people say that JJY can’t act because she is stiff, so I decided to watch In blossom to check it out. Her acting is just okay but not good enough. She’s not stiff but lacks a lot in emotion. I really like the investigation part of the drama, but since there’s no chemistry between JJY and LXY the romance part of the drama felt so boring and not interesting at all.

It being two different dramas is exactly how I felt. The first drama felt truly interesting and had so much potential. The second drama that it became... Anyway, I hope ZHHZ gets bigger roles after this and everyone ignores the ridiculous accusations against her.

I honestly wonder how much longer could JJY stay in this comfort zone of being the “pretty girl” that leads a production… There’re a lot of non-academically trained actors playing major roles in C-drama land, there’s nothing wrong with that as long as they give out good enough performances. And for most other slashers you see their improvement, but she’s probably the only one who remains exactly the same after so many projects…

Although I kept wishing that ZHHZ is the FL, but eventually the story line kept me glued to the drama. This is actually one of the best cdramas I've watched so far.

I love this drama. Liu Xue Yi is wonderful in this role - cold on the outside but passionate on the inside... and yes, he is incredibly beautiful and a pleasure to behold. While JJY is not going down in my books as one of my favorite actresses, she does not spoil the drama for me at all. I usually wait for all episodes of a drama to be loaded on a platform before I start watching, but I broke the rule for this one. I rush home and watch the 2 new episodes. I think Viki has downloaded 24 so far.

Couldn’t agree more! When the face swap happened I was SO disappointed. Still watching because I like all of the other acting. But it’s cringe city when JJY is on screen.

Does she really have much control over styling and role choices? It is so monotonous that I get the feeling she is locked into an overbearing contract in which these choices are routinely being made without her input. As for her acting, agreed she needs the attention of a dedicated drama coach.

I'm already at ep 27 and at this point, I already overlook the unbearable acting of Ju Jingyi. I'm still enjoying this drama with the whole cast (except JJY ofc) especially with Liu Xueyi's performance to drop it because of the idol acting of the female lead. I just hope there will be a future project between Liu Xueyi and Zhan He Huizi.

Must say, as we do not always agree, you are absolutely correct on this drama's review.

C dramaland is getting more toxic. Good actors have to make a living too and they can't afford to turn down projects that are funded by rich and powerful person(s) with unprofessional motives.

I dropped it after the first episode but I was still waiting for your review!

This show was the worst kind of bait-and-switch. I loved the first 2 eps and the two leads were so good together. I made it about halfway through ep 3 and did not go back. JJY is a disaster. When I see mention of this drama on social media (tumblr), I cry at the thought of what we could have had if the original female lead actress had stayed. Liu Xueyi is so good and so fine, he deserved better! ZHHZ really deserved to be the lead.

This drama has so much potential. LXY also did a good job and looks gorgeous. I'm actually feel bad for the MLs that paired with JJY, before there were ZZH and Joseph Zeng. I'm surprised to learn that ZHHZ already got a long list of drama before, even paired with ZBB. I only noticed her in a kinda low quality youku drama, Believe in Love, and I love her acting. I wish another great project for ZHHZ as 'real' FL, and hopefully for LXY too.

Yeah, this is what I was afraid was going to happen, they get you attached to the first actress, and the new actress would have to be good at taking on traits and mannerisms of the first ... so it's two episodes is either too much or too little to set this premise up.

Her obsession with her looks is really stopping her from exploring the complexities of the characters she’s playing. If we compare her to other famous actresses her age I think they’ve completely gone ahead and showed their range in acting. Meanwhile. JJY remains to seem like she’s still in idol dramas

i don't get why these untalented actors get casted

If they did the drama the way you said making JJY the focus of the first two episode and they made Huizi character just flashback to the past , the drama would have not been this popular and get this much recognition ;JJY dramas always done poorly in rating and in views , but the first two episodes was so good with Huizi being the lead the chemistry with ML was also great

Everything you described is on point. I couldn’t put it to words but you said it perfectly about this third female lead character. The first actress did a splendid job and she’s the reason I tried to keep watching the drama because she did a great job setting up the plot. Alas,….. too many things happened and it started to feel cheeky and comical than the early vibes. I had to take a break from the drama.

So, I've watched this entire drama, and it's the first time I've seen Ju Jingyi in anything. From my perspective, it seems like a lot of people came into this drama already having a lot of feelings about Ju Jingyi, and watching it just confirmed the feelings they already had. I feel pretty neutral about her - I'd give her acting a 5/10. The plot ended up disappointing me more. I did like Liu Xueyi, Wu Jiasheng (SFL), and Li Geyang (SML, what a cutie!). I also liked the Princess Consort. And I agree this drama looks much better than most Youku productions.

Maybe the way it was edited without JJY to start out like you suggested was the editing team trying to tell the audience hey hey nudge nudge hope you can see who’s the better actress here 😂

You spoke all things in my mind. I endured JJY’s actings until ep 25/26. I watched her acting 1st in this drama which I didn’t know her acting before. I watched this drama because of the male lead. And I totally fell in love with female lead in the first 2 episodes including Male and female leads’ chemistry. And then, as you said the 3rd character appeared 😅 After 25,26 eps, I started skipping and didn’t care about the leads anymore. Just trying to speed watching until the end to see what would happen with the 2nd couple which I think they had better chemistry than the leads. I just hope that the actor who played the female lead in first 2 episodes will have other dramas where she could complete her role until the end. Costume drama with good production.

Ouch...but I totally agree with you. Love the lead actor though. I feel bad for him.

Every time I watch your reviews it questions my standards. Cuz honestly my standard is as long as it’s Chinese honey I’m watching 😂😂😂😂😂😂

Currently watching this drama and I've never watched a more spot on analysis about a drama, more so because you know more about the culture and behind the scenes talk; so it all makes sense now. Good to know I wasn't alone lol

I have watched 22 episodes on Viki and I think this is a good example of how prejudices about a single actress win over a Cdrama that is worth watching. We just have to look at the comments from those who don't even know the criticized actress vs those who only focus on her. I fully agree that the first actress acts better than the second, but she doesn't act worse than many actresses and actors that we see in other dramas, and without a doubt the makeup is weird and it doesn't do the character any favors. Leaving aside the controversy of the actresses, the series had a good script, its quite agile and sometimes the photograph surprises me, the drama has good female characters, good performances by the supporting actors and in the case of Liu Xue Yi he gave a good and solid performance I think he is an actor who deserves greater recognition. Apart from that, there are some details in some scenes in the union of the male wigs poorly executed, which depending on the screen you watching it is very annoying, in contrast to some very well executed scenarios/sets and costumes. I hope the drama continues to maintain the rhythm and quality of the story.

Okay, I didn't wanna seem like I was mean when I mentioned this, but the lead actress in this drama has ruined other dramas for me, particularly the white snake remake, I couldn't finish the series because it felt so contrived. I DID watch this drama til the end because of the lead male actor who IS amazing, and I've been wishing to see him in more leading roles, ever since I saw him in Wulin Heroes.

I keep watching In Blossom for the plot, i know how horrible JJY's lack of acting but i think that's cuz her face's a very typical & ideal for playing female lead, she keeps getting main roles in dramas. She needs to stop making every emotions looks 'pretty'

I watched whole drama just for male lead even second characters are much better than female lead😢

I really hate face swapping. That never works. So I think it complicates things for JJY, since the first female lead is a good actor, and we are upset with the exchange, and we need to overcome this feeling through the next episodes. But so far I liked the drama... I like the other characters and I like the plot.

Her nose contour and heavy eye makeup was so damn distracting the whole drama like why did it go down to her lip?! Why is douyin makeup in a wuxia drama?!?! Ugh I really wanted to see Liu Xue Yi is lead with a GREAT FL!!

Yeah I agree. Usually it’s hard when one FL is introduced and there is a face swap because people tend to be biased and take time to get used to the new actress since she needs to rebuild the chemistry that was already developed. Unfortunately in this case, JJY wasn’t able to redeem herself. I’ll be honest, I was never impressed with her acting before and hoped this drama would be able to change how I view her, but I think her as second FL is better than the main FL

I liked her character in Rebirth for You. Or maybe it was the plot. She had great chemistry with Joseph Zheng there.

Yep. Drpped at ep. 16. Watched only for the ML, but it became unbereable.

I've been enjoying the show, but whenever JJY comes on, it's rough to watch! Since she's playing it as herself, the show suddenly turns into a romcom--which it isn't! It's such a shameful waste of LXY as he's giving a fine performance. I also find the close ups of her face and eyelashes very disturbing. It's like a grown up woman trying to be a living doll which is more suitable for horror.

I'm so agree with you, I was excited to watch it but when the F/l were changed , nothing was the same. She doesn't know how to act, she doesn't translate the real meaning of the feeling. I keep on watching because I need to know how it finished,and because I like Liu Xueyi, since Ancient love poetry 😊

Well, I like this drama despite the critique and am on episode 20. I enjoy the break from reality and I am watching this drama for relaxation and entertainment, not intellectual stimulation. So far, so good!

I honestly thought that after episode 3, this drama took a total nose dive 🤪 the 2nd female lead was so wishy, washy, I thought she was a bauble head 😳 The ML is solid, unfortunately the 2nd FL is bringing down the whole production. I think the casting directors got this one wrong. They should have the 1st female lead throughout. That would have been worth watching. This is just too strange for me 😕

Who thinks the beginning of the drama episode when the main female lead first appeared, is exectly like the main female lead. Overly obsessed with beauty😮

🤣🤣I really love your videos avenue X…so don’t ever stop posting

Totally agree with your assessment of the drama! I can't stand her!!!!

I got through the first three episodes, then quit. I liked the first actress and the male lead, but JJY killed it for me. Glad I'm not alone in my feelings.

Not to mention, this is one of the many times where bystanders (路人) who are not fans of either FL, ML or Zheng he hui zi has gotten so frustrated with JJY and her fandom and has produced mass fan production CP pairing videos of Liu xue yi and Zheng he hui zi and has created a second bloom of the pair. A rhetoric right now is that if you act good, any drama you've starred in can be edited together and it will show good chemistry. Which is quite true as i have watched a modern rendition of the pair and it is FIRE.

JJY doesn't even use words so express her thoughts. She uses inane sounds that are so out of place in period drama.

I didn't realize I casually dropped this due to that reason. It's hard to believe that continuing flow of YCW hiding her character when JJY isn't even acting as female second right either. I could've overlooked it and continued but it started to feel like any other idol drama at that point and so I dropped it to started other things. It'd be nice to see her improve in her next role because I realize I have never really finished anything from her before.

I love your honesty. There are so many times I have felt the FL can't act and is spoiling the show. Why do they allow this to happen? There are so many good female actresses out there.

JJY has the same look in all period drama

agree with everything. i've had such a hard time finishing this one... but i really can't stand not finishing a series i started. lol

Dropped at ep 2. Wanted to watch for the ML, but couldn't because of JJY. Spot on about her acting. Figured that out after watching two of her dramas. Can't anymore. 🙅‍♀️🙅‍♀️🙅‍♀️

Ngl I didn’t even notice her mannerisms cuz I was so focused on LXY but I watched your rant on the live stream and went back to the drama and I 100% understood what you meant. She doesn’t stop moving at all and her disposition is so diff from what the original Yang Caiwai wld do. Sad that even the plot cld not hold up the drama towards the end, big crash :(

I think the director should be partly blamed too.

Why do these directors let her get away with this constant cookie cutter style? I would imagine they could get a better actress who isn't a diva and might not ruin the entire production as a bonus.

02:48 Ups! I also skip a few episodes of dramas because I don't like them very much, but I want to see where the whole mess ends. 🤭🤭🤭

It's mean JJY had more power than the director and production company for her drama where she can influence them to accept this kind of thing in every drama she is in. Is she big enough in china to do that ??

Ugh! Same thing happened in the KDrama Alchemy of Souls. Made season 2 unwatchable for me. 😣

It makes me wonder if Chinese productions do chemistry read initially at all (I know they do table read but damn) cuz some of these pairings have no chemistry whatsoever

As someone who is enjoying the drama I feel like it is a sin to be here. It's so sad because the drama actually has more to offer and one if them is highlighting strong female characters who's been through hell. The cases are actually good too.

story is good...ml is good too!! but it felt kinda strange that in nearly 17th 18th episode she was acting extra cute and just extra(it was getting annoying to watch her because of this)...like the character is someone who is mature and is intelligent enough to figure out things and act accordingly...like sister your body changed not how you will act and behave!!! it is not slow paced and even after revealing things and misunderstandings early,story still makes you anticipate what will happen next...you can watch it,story is okayish (if you ignore her acting)