There are catcalls and comments on the relationship status between these two; but this show is more romance than bromance!

For those who have been eagerly and anxiously awaiting the release of this show, we have good news to share. Does it have ample amount of bromance? Does it meet the same standard as “Word of Honor” since they share the same Director (Jones Ma)? The answer to both questions is a resounding “Yes”. Although the script does go through various loopholes and jargons to meet the tyrannical Chinese censorship. We have a female protagonist to toe the line who sadly gets sacrificed in the end. Starring Dong Zi Fan & Li Kai Wen, “Returned Master” is a typical wuxia romance. We could very well daringly call it a love story between the male protagonists (unless you can’t handle the fact that they are first cousins). It seems the show is getting a lot of hate comments from international audiences that can’t stand the fact that the main leads are actually cousins. For those who are unaware, in most Asian countries, relationships between cousins isn’t considered as incest. Some marriages are even arranged by families themselves. Also, the show is a historical, so obviously the scriptwriters didn’t spare much thought towards it. So, let’s get down to the juicy details as we share the most solemn moments in this sordid love story!

Synopsis-

On Chinese New Year’s Eve, the entire household of the retired General Li is brutally slaughtered by a mysterious assailant. The youngest son, Li Jian Wei, survives by a stroke of luck. Assuming a new identity, he infiltrates Ghost Valley, determined to exact revenge on those who destroyed his family. The valley’s young heir, Chen Xiao Xi, is mischievous and unpredictable, yet gradually grows close to Li Jian Wei, who tries every trick in the book to win his trust.

Just when everything appears to be going according to plan, Li Jian Wei begins to uncover disturbing secrets lurking behind the massacre. The supposed enemies are in fact the Zhongyong Army, once loyal soldiers branded as outlaws twenty years ago. The honor and reputation of the Li family may not be as spotless as believed.

As loyalty and betrayal, good and evil are repeatedly turned on their heads, and the truth from two decades ago comes to light, Li Jian Wei and Chen Xiao Xi must face not only their hidden pasts but also the weight of their fates. How will these two young men choose their paths when vengeance and identity collide?

(Source: WeTV)

The Switch That Should Have Never Happened

The story solely revolves around the two male protagonists, Chen Xiao Xi (Dong Zi Fan) and Li Jian Wei (Li Kai Wen). It is their story, their romance and everything else pales in comparison. Xiao Xi is the son of General Chen who was labeled as a rebel and killed. His father’s deputy saves him and the remnants of their army. They hide in Ghost Valley and Xiao Xi grows up to kill his father’s enemy, Li Pu, the Protector General who was honored for killing General Chen. Jian Wei is Li Pu’s son who survives the massacre and is saved by his mother’s good friend, Princess Qing Yuan (Dong Xiao Bai). The Princess helps him recover from his injuries and seek revenge on the unknown assassin who killed his entire clan. Their investigation leads them to Ghost Valley and Jian Wei disguises himself as a fortune teller to fool the current Ghost Valley Master into accepting him. Typically, Xiao Xi & Jian Wei don’t get along well; they have disagreements and arguments. But with time, Xiao Xi grows less wary of Jian Wei and begins to respect him. Even though, he strongly believes that the people from Ghost Valley need to be wiped out for killing his clan, Jian Wei is unable to harm Xiao Xi. As their relationship deepens, we are treated to an apocalyptic secret. Xiao Xi and Jian Wei’s mothers were biological sisters and the kids were unknowingly switched at birth. Xiao Xi grows despondent on learning that he killed his own father & commits suicide while Jian Wei is left behind, living a morose, lifeless existence.

The Undeniable Chemistry & Romance

I refuse to categorize this love story as bromance; even despite the fact that they are actually cousins. Xiao Xi unknowingly marries Jian Wei the first time they meet. From there, their relationship changes course and it only gets better. Their love story cannot be bracketed as brotherhood or friendship; although that is the connotation used most often. Xiao Xi is awfully protective of Jian Wei and spares no effort to safeguard him. He proudly wears the wolf fang that Jian Wei fought to bring back. They bicker endlessly and yet, when troubles comes knocking on their door, they band together. Jianwei acts like he hates Xiao Xi, and yet he got stabbed to protect him. Jian Wei has untypical episodes of angry tirades and Xiao Xi is the only one who can calm him. At times, Xiao Xi doesn’t understand Jianwei’s actions, but he still supports him unconditionally. Similarly, even though Jianwei strongly believes that Xiao Xi killed his clan, still he can’t get himself to hate him completely. When Xiao Xi is punished by his foster father, Jian Wei protect him again. Even after their real relationship is revealed, it’s obvious that their feelings for each other extend beyond familial love. After Xiao Xi’s demise, Jian Wei roams around lifelessly searching for him everywhere. The show does absolutely nothing to hide the fact that they are in love!

Is it a Worthwhile Watch

If you can get past the fact that they are first cousins, then this show is an enjoyable ride!

You will be left hollering at their swoon worthy moments, and they are too many, especially the one where Jian Wei gently caresses Xiao Xi’s face while he is asleep. The longing & yearning are unmistakable; I have never seen such a romantic scene in a show dubbed as bromance before. Dong Zi Fan & Li Kai Wen have an awesome chemistry; it is their sensual camaraderie that lends a powerful impact to this love story. The short format might seem jarring, but this show is a once in a lifetime experience!

Rating- 4.5 out of 5

Streaming on- WeTV