I haven’t been this hyped about reviewing a show in a long, long time!

That itself speaks volumes about how much I enjoyed this apt adaptation. Most people watching remakes are worried if the show would be comparable to the original. In this case, “Revenged Love” is a rustic remake of the 2015 hit “Falling in Love with a Rival”. Whilst the first adaptation might have had hindrances because of the censorship, “Revenged Love” is an uncensored version, remaining true to the original work. Adapted from the web novel “Counter Attack” (逆袭) by Chai Ji Dan (柴鸡蛋), the storyline encompasses a love triangle with a revenge twist. I haven’t watched “Falling in Love with a Rival”, so I went into the remake with zero expectations. The first episode doesn’t draw your attention, the odd pacing and haphazard storytelling might seem confusing. The overwhelming emphasis on snake breeding might be offputting to some. But with the second episode, the show picks up taciturn and the rest of the story is a rollercoaster ride; high on emotions, stringing along quality binge time.

The Corny Heir & The Trickster Ex-Boyfriend

For those who have no idea about the narrative, the story focuses on Wu Suo Wei (Zi Yu). Born into a humble family with little financial success, Wu Suo Wei gets dumped by his overzealous girlfriend who changes boyfriends like her clothes. Her ambition to become a social butterfly, ultimately leads her to Chi Cheng (Tian Xu Ning), the spoiled heir to his own family’s business. Chi Cheng is a rather mysterious character, absolutely obsessed with breeding rare varieties of snakes and often engages in high stakes snake fights. Annoyed with his antics, Chi Cheng’s father issues an ultimatum asking him to date. His sexuality is mostly shady, but it is implied that he is gay and disinterested in women. He only wants to use Suo Wei’s ex-girlfriend to fool his father. Without realising his actual intentions, Suo Wei blindly assumes that they are dating and decides to seek revenge on his ex-girlfriend by seducing her current boyfriend. Easier said than done, because Suo Wei has to jump through loopholes to even catch Chi Cheng’s attention. From there, it is a cat & mouse chase where Suo Wei tries every trick in his book to make Chi Cheng fall for him. The only glitch being that Chi Cheng is ONLY interested in sex and Suo Wei has no experience with men. What ensues is utter chaos and absolute hilarity of epic proportions. Tian Xu Ning & Zi Yu make an unrivaled couple, their chemistry is off-the-charts. Even in scenes where Zi Yu acts spooked, you can’t help but laugh; poor Suo Wei doesn’t want Chi Cheng to spend time with his ex-girlfriend, but he doesn’t know how to handle the hot guy who loves to get on his nerves!

Kissing Chemistry- 🔥🔥🔥🔥

The Shameless Friend & The Suave Doctor

Those who are watching the currently on-air Chinese BL “Moon and Dust”, will instantly recognize Liu Xuan Cheng. He effortlessly transitions from being an obsessive stepbrother in “Moon and Dust” to becoming an unapologetic gay doctor in “Revenged Love”. Jiang Xiao Shuai is Suo Wei’s close friend and also his Master who helps him in seducing Chi Cheng. Their dynamics is another highlight of this show because both have a fiery temperament and drive their love interests up the wall. Especially Jiang Xiao Shuai who can’t tolerate Chi Cheng’s best friend, Guo Cheng Yu (Zhan Xuan). Even though they are friends, Chi Cheng and Cheng Yu are inherently competitive. As such, Cheng Yu mistakenly assumes that Chi Cheng is interested in Xiao Shuai and decides to steal him from his friend. Unfortunately, he is unable to tame Xiao Shuai, given his arrogant attitude and ends up falling in love with the handsome doctor instead. Liu Xuan Cheng & Zhan Xuan have an intriguing dynamics, I’m actually suffering from second lead syndrome!

Chemistry- 🥰❤🤩😘

Is it a Worthwhile Watch

The show reins you in and you get hooked because the ensemble casting has a phenomenal chemistry!

Both the main & the supporting couple are interesting in their own ways. Chi Cheng has an unassuming personality, he is unpredictable and at times, it feels like he knows that Suo Wei is playing tricks to seduce him. And yet, he goes along with the charade, which proves that he has feelings for Suo Wei, even if he is oblivious about it. Jiang Xiao Shuai & Guo Cheng Yu are engaged in an “Enemies to Lover’s” fixation, the actors have a compelling camaraderie. I’m enjoying every minute of this show. A must watch experience!

Rating- 4 out of 5

Streaming on- Gagaoolala/Viki/Viu