When missing pieces fall into place!!

This show starts as a disarray of missing memories, at least from the standpoint of the main protagonist. For the first half, we live in his disjointed world, where he is facing self-deprecation. That’s what he truly believes, being in a contractual respect with a strong-minded, controlling man. We look at the submissive, meek lead and along the way, he is subjected to emotional turmoil and decide that his so-called master is a demeaning control freak. The first half leads us through a mesh of memories where Shen Mo struggles with proving his self-worth. You question his need to stay in this deprecating relationship. We don’t know the do and don’t of this relationship, only that Shen Mo seems to be suffering. The second half shatters our assumptions, as we come face to face with the reality where Ji Ming Xuan turns out to be the savior. The stoic businessman buries his feelings and emotions by putting on a mask, just so he could stay beside Shen Mo and safeguard him. Even though, Shen Mo doesn’t remember him at all.

Storyline & Chemistry-

Shen Mo (Rao Zi Hao), an upcoming artist, has been secretly dating Zhou Yang (Deng Zhi Hao) the young master of the influential Zhou family. The Zhou family has been in talks with the Ji family to expand their business, through a marriage between Zhou Yang and Ji An’an, the younger sister of Ji Ming Xuan (Hou Ming Xuan). Ji Ming Xuan doesn’t approve their relationship initially, but Ji An’an has been in love with Zhou Yang since childhood, so he decides to do a background check on Zhou Yang. The investigation reveals that Zhou Yang is dating Shen Mo. Ji Ming Xuan had an unexpected encounter with Shen Mo and is left shocked when he learns about their relationship. Ming Xuan informs the Zhou family about Zhou Yang’s relationship. Mrs. Zhou is enraged, and she uses her distant relative to assault Shen Mo. His right hand is damaged and he is left bleeding. Ji Ming Xuan rescues him and Shen Mo is hospitalized. The trauma erases his memories, and he starts believing that Ming Xuan is Zhou Yang. Even though Ming Xuan repeatedly tells him that he isn’t Zhou Yang, Shen Mo refuses to believe him. Ji Ming Xuan feels guilty and they start living together. After six months, Shen Mo has another accident, which erases his memories of those six months. To protect his sister’s relationship and to keep Shen Mo, Ji Ming Xuan forces him into a contractual relationship. They live together and Shen Mo acts as his partner, without having any memory of their once loving relationship. When his memories eventually return, Ji An’an also learns the truth and is left heartbroken. To appease her, Ji Ming Xuan dissolves their contract and leaves the country. Four years later, they reunite and Ji Ming Xuan is now living with his nephew, Ji Ning. As they resolve their misunderstandings, Shen Mo reconciles with Ji Ming Xuan.

Rao Zi Hao’s rendition is praiseworthy. He embodies Shen Mo’s vulnerability as his own. Shen Mo’s fears and insecurities become apparent with Rao Zi Hao’s each act. Hou Ming Xuan has a controlled and mature demeanor as Ming Xuan. Together, they are playful, and their tender moments are truly refreshing. Hou Ming Xuan’s chemistry with Rao Zi Hao is the true blessing of this show!!

Final Impressions

The storytelling keeps you on the toes and the main leads have abundant chemistry to lead the narrative!!

The story ebbs and flows constructively. Initially, you might feel confused about Ji Ming Xuan’s controlling ways. But as you dig deeper, each layer unravels a different aspect of their relationship. Ming Xuan’s controlling nature is actually his way of keeping Shen Mo close. You might question his ways, but it is his way of silently loving Shen Mo.

Rating- 4.5 out of 5

Streaming on- Gagaoolala