“Love Game in Eastern Fantasy” is a captivating fantasy romance adapted from Bai Yu Zhai Diao Gong’s novel “The Guide to Capturing a Black Lotus.” The story follows Ling Miao Miao (Esther Yu), a quirky modern girl who is unexpectedly transported into the world of the novel “Chasing Demons,” taking on the villainous supporting role Lin Yu. To return home, she must complete tasks assigned by the system, including the ultimate challenge: winning the love of Mu Sheng (Ding Yu Xi), the adopted brother of the female lead, Mu Yao (Zhu Xu Dan). Alongside her are the demon-hunter companions Mu Sheng, Mu Yao, and Liu Fu Yi (Yang Shi Ze). The group takes on thrilling adventures, battling demons, unraveling mysteries, and trying to repair the divide between humans and demons, all while attempting to rewrite the novel’s predestined ending.
The drama truly shines with its tight pacing, engaging storytelling, and standout performances. Esther Yu and Ding Yu Xi’s chemistry is magnetic, driving the emotional heart of the series as their relationship evolves naturally. Balancing action-packed battles with humor and heartfelt moments, it offers an exciting and entertaining experience. Certified as the hit drama of 2024 by Douyin (China’s version of TikTok) and surpassing 900 million views online, its impact speaks volumes. Add in the stunning visuals, intricate costumes, and high-quality CGI, and you have a period fantasy that’s a must-watch for 2024. Check out these top five reasons why you need to watch “Love Game in Eastern Fantasy” below!
Most adorable female lead
Ling Miao Miao, our female lead, is a vibrant and kind-hearted modern-day girl who unexpectedly finds herself thrust into the world of the novel “Chasing Demons” while writing an online review. Originally an ordinary office worker, she becomes Lin Yu, the daughter of a county governor, and embarks on thrilling adventures with the demon hunters Mu Sheng, Mu Yao, and Liu Fu Yi. To return to her world, she must complete various missions, including eliminating a vengeful spirit and capturing the heart of Mu Sheng.
Esther Yu’s portrayal of Ling Miao Miao is both genuine and captivating, bringing the character’s bubbly, clever personality to life. Miao Miao stands out as a modern and independent heroine who challenges the constraints of the novel’s plot with humor and determination. Instead of simply focusing on her own mission to return home, Miao Miao consistently chooses to help others, whether it’s supporting her personal maids as friends or protecting Cui Cui, the innocent bamboo demon, when she doesn’t have to. Her empathetic nature is an essential part of what makes her so endearing.
What truly makes Miao Miao lovable to audiences is her delightful and irresistibly cute personality. Her playful charm and lighthearted antics brighten every scene, while her selflessness and empathy make her relatable. Esther Yu’s comedic timing and ability to balance humor with emotional depth elevate Miao Miao’s character, presenting her as not just a bubbly heroine but also one who is brave, caring, and authentic. All these qualities is what makes Miao Miao an unforgettable character that audiences can’t help but love.
Aloof but warm male lead
Next up is our male lead Mu Sheng (courtesy name Zi Qi). He is the kind of male lead who starts off cold and distant but slowly sneaks his way into your heart. As the adopted son of the renowned demon-hunting Mu family, his life is defined by a big secret—his half-human, half-demon heritage. This duality has made him wary of the world, trusting only his sister Mu Yao. But things take a turn when Ling Miao Miao enters his life. Watching him learn to open up, embrace his identity, and even soften toward others is incredibly rewarding.
Ding Yu Xi is absolutely perfect as Mu Sheng. His portrayal captures all the layers of a character who’s aloof on the outside but brimming with unspoken emotions. He uses micro-expressions to perfection, and his eyes alone can tell entire stories. The actor nails the tsundere energy, starting off prickly but gradually letting warmth shine through, making every interaction with Miao Miao feel so sweet and romantic.
Drama fans can’t get enough of Ding Yu Xi’s performance because he makes Mu Sheng feel so real. His progression from a guarded loner to someone capable of love and connection is so satisfying to watch. Plus the little details, like his over-protectiveness of Mu Yao or the flicker of surprise whenever Miao Miao breaks down his defenses, all add to the charm in his transformation. Ding Yu Xi turns Mu Sheng into a flawed but deeply lovable character, and it’s hard not to swoon every time he’s on screen.
Touching slow-burn romance
The relationship between Miao Miao and Mu Sheng in “Love Game in Eastern Fantasy” is one of the most compelling aspects of the drama. Their chemistry evolves naturally throughout the series, with their bond strengthening as they face numerous challenges together. It’s a slow-burn romance where emotional intimacy takes center stage over grand gestures, making their connection feel genuine and heartfelt. From playful bickering to those tender, vulnerable moments, the couple’s dynamic grows through mutual respect, trust, and affection. Watching their relationship transform from mutual annoyance to deep love is a treat, and the small, intimate moments like Mu Sheng’s secret glances and Miao Miao’s efforts to heal his inner pain make it feel like they are truly soulmates.
It is also the second collaboration between Esther Yu and Ding Yu Xi making it one of the key reasons to watch this drama. Their on-screen chemistry is off the charts, and their connection feels even more electric than in their previous 2021 romantic-comedy drama “Moonlight.” Whether they’re bickering, teasing each other, or sharing quieter moments, their performances are perfectly in sync, and their characters truly shine. Ding Yu Xi’s ability to convey a wealth of emotions through his eyes, paired with Esther Yu’s comedic timing and infectious charm creates a dynamic that is both fun and sincere. Fans who loved their chemistry in “Moonlight” will be thrilled to see how their relationship deepens in this new series. They effortlessly bring their characters’ love story to life, making them one of the most beloved on-screen couples in 2024!
Heartfelt relationships
“Love Game in Eastern Fantasy” is not just a story of romantic love, but it’s a celebration of all forms of connection. The drama beautifully intertwines themes of familial love, friendship, and self-love, creating a heartfelt narrative that resonates deeply with audiences. Ling Miao Miao’s reunion with her late father within the system is a touching highlight, providing a moment of emotional closure and showcasing the relationship between parent and child. And Mu Sheng’s unwavering loyalty to his sister Mu Yao adds layers of warmth to the story, while his evolving relationships with Miao Miao and Liu Fu Yi emphasize the importance of trust and friendship. Even the minor supporting characters, including the demons, are given rich backstories tied to love, highlighting how all relationships, whether familial, platonic, or romantic, shape and define us.
What truly sets the drama apart is its emphasis on self-love and personal growth. Mu Sheng undergoes a journey of self-discovery, learning to embrace his flaws and find strength in his individuality. This overarching theme ties seamlessly into the story, making the characters’ expressions of love feel authentic and well-deserved. The balance between emotional depth and light-hearted camaraderie among the cast creates a richly crafted world that keeps viewers invested in every relationship. With its heartfelt exploration of love’s transformative power, “Love Game in Eastern Fantasy” delivers a beautiful story that’s as inspiring as it is entertaining, making it a must-watch for anyone looking for more than just a typical romance.
It also offers a fun take on the idea of humans versus monsters by focusing on understanding and harmony between the two. The “monsters,” representing elements of nature like bamboo and water, are shown as emotional, complex beings rather than simple villains. Through their interactions, the characters learn to let go of prejudice, embracing empathy and coexistence. This thoughtful perspective highlights the importance of compassion and sheds light on humans’ connection to the natural world, making the drama meaningful as it is entertaining.
Top-notch production quality
The production quality of “Love Game in Eastern Fantasy“ is nothing short of stunning, bringing its intricate and rich fantasy world to life with incredible attention to detail. The set design, cinematography, and costumes all work together to create a visually immersive experience. Each character’s wardrobe reflects their personality, like Ling Miao Miao’s playful hair adorned with flowers and tassels, or Mu Yao’s elegant, understated style as the protective older sister. The costume team also differentiated humans and demons using fabric textures—humans wore heavier materials like silk, while demons had airy, ethereal garments made of gauze. Traditional Chinese techniques were also used, such as embroidery and folk fabric art, which adds cultural authenticity and enhances the visual storytelling.
The CGI and visual effects also elevate the drama to another level, seamlessly integrating into battles, magical moments, and the breathtaking scenery. Even small details, like the adorable dust demons representing Mu Sheng’s affection for Miao Miao, are beautifully crafted. And the pixelated ending scenes, inspired by perler beads, bring a creative twist that sparked trends among fans. Adding to the captivating experience, the original soundtrack perfectly complements the visuals, featuring songs by the OTP, including Esther Yu’s “Surge” and Ding Yu Xi’s “Gaze” and “What You Mean to Me.” The ensemble cast also sings the drama’s promotion song “Moonlight Thoughts.” With its top-tier production values, this drama sets a high bar for the Xianxia (Chinese fantasy) genre.
Start watching “Love Game in Eastern Fantasy”:
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blacksesame88 is a long-time Asian drama and entertainment addict. She enjoys discussing her favorite dramas and sharing her knowledge of Asian entertainment. When she’s not watching dramas, she’s busy snapping aesthetic photos of delicious food on Instagram. Follow her on Twitter and join her for recaps of the current dramas she’s watching, also feel free to say Hi and have a chat!
Currently watching: “Smile Code” and “The Story of Pearl Girl.“
All-time favorite dramas: “Go Ahead,” “Nirvana In Fire,” “Queen In Hyun’s Man,” “A Witch’s Romance,” “Love O2O,” “Skate Into Love,” and “My Mr. Mermaid.”
Looking forward to: “Ski Into Love” and “The Prisoner of Beauty.”