With the current hype of the Season 1 of series Lost You Forever with Yang Zi as the female lead, my interest is piqued. Lost You Forever is based on Tong Hua’s novel of the same name. A sequel to another novel Once Promised, the indication is the novel has a happy ending. Usually I am adverse to starting any novel or series with tragic ending.
After finding an English translated version of the novel, I decided to read the novel before starting on the drama series. Total of 51 chapters, it is grippingly addictive, and over the weekend I finished reading the series amidst our daily mundane life. You can find the well-translated novel in English in koalasplayground’s website.
Main Synopsis
The novel is basically a romance novel, with the backdrop of the struggle of the ancient magical kingdoms. Reminiscent of Tong Hua’s manner of mixing the stories in historical scenes in novel including Startling Every Step, Ballad of the Desert and Song in the Cloud.
The main protagonist of the novel is Xiao Yao, the care-free princess who has 3 suitors waiting for her – the close cousin since childhood of Zhuan Xu, the placid but loyal & committed Jing and the devil-may-care Xiang Liu. One a prince with great ambition, one a genius future noble clan leader and the last a nine-headed demon loyal only to his master General Gong Gong.
The first volume of the series focuses on the life of Xiao Yao living as a male doctor Wen Xiao Liu, whereby “he” meets Tu Shan Jing and Xiang Liu. And of course, reunite with Zhuan Xu. Xiao Yao is already close to Zhuan Xu in childhood, but parted way when she runs off from Jade Mountain. Each encounter with Xiao Yao’s suitors are detailed out with different nuances. An act of kindness resulting in Xiao Yao as the saviour to Tu Shan Jing, but also resulting in both of them teaching each other about love, commitment, trust & making mistakes. An act of random rebellion creates a mutual respect between Xiao Yao and Xiang Liu, a tug of war always between the two of them. A love transcending family love and understanding, with shared misery and experiences tie Xiao Yao and Zhuan Xu.
The 2nd volume commences the battle of wits for Zhuan Xu in his big ambition to unite the kingdoms, winning the kingdom one by one. First conquering Xuan Yuan kingdom, where he is originally from by taking over from his grandfather the Yellow Emperor. Then encroaching over to Gao Xing kingdom (which holds him hostage when he was a child) and ultimately taking over and marrying his cousin sister Gao Xing Nian.
The 3rd volume draws open the final battle with Shen Nong resistance army of which Xiang Liu is attached to. And also explores the heart break that Xiao Yao encounters in losing Tu Shan Jing, and the ultimate betrayal from her beloved brother Zhuan Xu. The series slows down to a sweet close, with the sacrifices (often unknown) from the stubborn & cold-hearted Xiang Liu, the return of Tu Shan Jing and the acceptance of Zhuan Xu of his own choice and Xiao Yao’s choice.
Muses on Novel
The beauty of reading a novel is the words are just the starting point of your own imaginations. Tong Hua’s style of writing leaves a lot of room for a reader to interpret and this is the beauty for the readers. It helps that the female lead has not 1 suitor but 3 suitors! Each suitor very different in personality, but their love for the female lead is not any less. Perhaps expressing their love in different ways. For readers – take your pick of your own favourite male lead.
Although the novel uses Zhuan Xu’s journey to unite the kingdom as the backstory, the main stay of the novel is still a love story. It is very apparent in the way the novel describes in details on the feelings of the leads while very much pragmatic in the way schemes and war strategies are described. Quite the total opposite of Jin Yong’s style of writing. Totally understandable as one is a male author and the other a female author.
Xiao Yao’s character is actually lovable and believable. Pragmatic, rationale, self-aware and best of all, she does not lose herself to negativity and full pessimism in her challenges through life. For once, I do like the female lead and does not have much complain. Not so smart, mischievous with a tinge of kindness. The character is also quite different in the way that she craves for companionship, and always gregarious and eager to share. Definitely not an introvert, her loath for loneliness outweighs the potential heart break that she may encounter.
My favourite male lead is actually Tu Shan Jing. The novel portrays a male lead who is committed to his one love, always providing his love in action to care for Xiao Yao. He learns from mistakes (and he encounters a few along the way, which almost break the trust that Xiao Yao has in him). But the steadfast manner wins the love of the lady. My only frustration especially in the beginning is how Jing is always doubtful and insecure of his own worth in loving Xiao Yao. Once he gets over this, it is great how he behaves. His deemed betrayal with fiancee Fang Feng Yi Yang pushes Xiao Yao away, but his deemed death finally reveals how dependent Xiao Yao has become of his love. The yang to the yin. Of course, there are situations where Jing deserves a slap in the face for being such an indecisive bum. Luckily for him, Xiao Yao loves his kindness more.
I did not like Zhuan Xu’s character very much. The character represents the kind of “fakeness” and masks that a person has to wear in order to move in the circle of influence. His choice (more of ambition) to obtain power comes at a price, his own priorities including his own love is always at the bottom of the list. The greater good somehow always come first. I am not really convinced that his actions are really done in the name of greater good. True enough, some of his little tricks sound despicable to me. I really could not forgive him for the betrayal he imposes on both Xiao Yao and Jing. His collusion in Jing’s assassination brings out the darkness in him, laying bare his selfishness hiding underneath all the ambition of greater good.
The last suitor in Xiang Liu gives the reader a glimpse of a choice of rebellion in the suitor. Sweet in hiding, slightly abusive outwardly, the fine line splitting the behaviour is really quite difficult to distinguish. The stubborness in Xiang Liu to stay by his saviour’s side for their endless sacrifices really spells the doom of their relationship. No matter how tempted he is to be with Xiao Yao, he is unable to let go of his personal vendette against Zhuan Xu’s new power.
Each of Xiao Yao’s suitor is different in their personality & character. At the same time, each of them is flawed in their own way. Her final choice is also reflective of her own needs for her forever partner to always put her as first priority. She will never be able to live with Zhuan Xu and Xiang Liu, as both have other priorities in life. Xiao Yao admits that she is too alike with Zhuan Xu while she has fun with Fang Feng Bei (Xiang Liu), she never experiences the kind of unconditional love from Xiang Liu.
Muses on Series
Starting on the series, I have slight trepidation on how the series would turn out as I do like the novel. C-drama series could really go either way. Gripping and engaging or pure train wreck.
Thusfar in the Season 1 of the series, the director has stayed true to the novel, leaving out very little divergence from the novel’s storyline. Portraying the titular female lead is Yang Zi, and a very apt choice. She is not overly pretty, and she is able to bring out kind of “tomboyish” behaviour required of Wei Xiao Liu at the beginning.
The surprise of the series for me is actually the portrayal of Tan Jian Ci as Xiang Liu, the nine-headed demon. When reading the novel, I can understand the attraction of Xiang Liu, the devil may care attitude is a magnate for good girl vibes. But the actor Tan Jian Ci is able to bring out the best in the character – the kind of coldness of a demon bullied through his life, the softening of his heart towards Xiao Yao and the conflicting need to use her vs protect her. Frankly, the series has chosen the right actor to portray this role. Kudos to Tan Jian Ci to be able to bring out the character so well.
Tu Shan Jing’s character in the series is still muted at the beginning of the series. Very much down-to-earth and frankly, not so outstanding. This stays true to the novel as this is representative of the person himself. I would love to see how the character develops at the later stage when he grows into a more confident male lead and ready to win the lady’s love. In Season 1 specifically, it is quite difficult to take in Tu Shan Jing’s indecisiveness especially in balancing his responsibilities towards his clan and his love for Xiao Yao. I have had to skip some part especially during the scheming of Fang Feng Yi Yang to get married to him. Arghhh… even though reading the novel and knowing this will come at some point, it still annoys me to no end. Perhaps the lack of experience also shows in the actor portraying Tu Shan Jing, as he almost looks “constipated” when he is upset. I would have imagined his reaction slightly differently when I read the novel. 😀
Zhuan Xu’s character is fleshed out a lot more in the series, as the series provides more life and reasons for his character to pursue the power he covets. The series does a good job in painting a more balanced view of Zhuan Xu’s character, always putting romance and relationship second to maintaining order through overall relationship management. The actor has managed to bring these up very well when compared to the novel.
Supporting Roles
On the side characters, thusfar none are popping out to pull your attention over. In the novel itself, the side characters are usually briefly described and glossed over. Perhaps intentionally to provide the readers a bit more room for interpretation.
Chi Sui Feng Long and Chi Sui Xin Yue, as brother and sister, are as different as the sun and moon. One is almost blindly naive (Feng Long), and although a beau who almost married Xiao Yao, he seems to be enamored with Zhuan Xu more than Xiao Yao. Feng Long is almost like the good guy friend who is always popular because he is easy-going and amiable, getting along with almost everyone. Totally opposite, Xin Yue is more calculative and arrogant. Although enamored with Zhuan Xu, she covets the power that comes with him more than anything else. I did not like Xin Yue’s character, although the development is quite natural especially given her background and experiences during childhood.
Ah Nian, Xiao Yao’s step-sister, is also introduced early on, showcasing the sisterhood that the girls would have. Protected, well-loved and spoiled, Ah Nian grows up throughout the journey in Zhuan Xu’s rise in power. Wanting his love, she is willing to share him with other women, in total opposite to Xiao Yao’s requirement for a full commitment from her beau.
Other Muses
The use of CGIs is required quite a lot, and I did not have such good impression of these. Looks a bit fake, but I guess that in xian xia series it is an expectation that will need to be managed. There are some differences in the naming convention used in the series vs the series, but not so glaring that you can’t follow through with the storyline. The main one is really Zhuan Xu’s name in the series is known as Cang Xuan. Another is the name of the kingdoms.
The main storyline on uniting the kingdoms especially for the 3 kingdoms of Xuan Yuan, Gao Xing and Shen Nong seems noble enough. And the individual emperors are painted in good lights, with the rebels of Shen Nong also given some sympathetic views. Unfortunately, I really think it is not so reflective of real life. Everyone craves for power. Even if you do not, when you get it, you will be full of temptations. Both novel and series do not explore such fundamental conflicts.
Conclusion (9/10)
Season 1 ends at episode 39, wrapping up half way the story from the novel. It is indicated Season 2 will not be broadcasted anytime soon. What a bummer. But for those eager to know the ending, might as well spend the time to read the story and look forward to the wrap for the series (hopefully next year). I doubt the ending will differ much from the original novel.
Definitely as good as it can get, especially if you have read the novel and a fan. Watch it, but at your own peril with the wait for second season extending for a while.
Cheng's Musings 