What Is Lost You Forever?
Lost You Forever (长相思, Chang Xiang Si) is a 2023 Chinese historical-fantasy romance drama, adapted from the novel by Tong Hua. (Wikipedia) It aired on Tencent starting July 24, 2023. (Wikipedia) The series was directed by Qin Zhen and Yang Huan, and stars Yang Zi as the heroine Xiao Yao (who also adopts the male identity Wen Xiao Liu), along with Zhang Wanyi, Deng Wei, Tan Jianci, Dai Luwa, and Wang Hongyi. (Wikipedia)
Deep Review
Setting, Plot & World-Building
The drama blends ancient Chinese historical motifs with fantasy elements, giving it a mythological feel. (Ninenovel) Xiao Yao is actually a princess of Haoling but spends much of her life disguised as a man — Wen Xiao Liu, a doctor in a quiet town called Qingshui. (Chasing Dramas)
Her journey brings her into contact with several significant characters:
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Tushan Jing (played by Deng Wei), a kind and gentle man she saves. (Chasing Dramas)
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Xiang Liu (played by Tan Jianci), a powerful nine-headed demon with a complex, darker emotional side. (Chasing Dramas)
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Cang Xuan (played by Zhang Wanyi), her cousin, who is also on a quest that intersects with her destiny. (Chasing Dramas)
The narrative spans many years and includes a time jump — which some viewers feel is too long or underexplored. (Chasing Dramas) That jump, along with the power struggles between kingdoms, gives the show political intrigue, though not everyone feels that element is strong or memorable. (Series Reviews)
Strengths & What Works Well
Acting & Chemistry
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Yang Zi delivers a solid performance. Her portrayal of Xiao Yao / Wen Xiao Liu has been frequently praised: she handles both the emotional weight and the disguise convincingly. (IMDb)
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Tan Jianci as Xiang Liu brings a strong presence: his character’s dual nature — fierce demon and deeply devoted — comes through powerfully. (CPOP HOME)
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Zhang Wanyi also stands out as Cang Xuan: his emotional journey is compelling, especially in his longing and regret. (Reddit)
Production, Cinematography & Music
The production values are high: the series used real locations instead of relying heavily on CGI backdrops. (Wikipedia) The town of Qingshui, in particular, was built from scratch, giving a tangible, lived-in feel to the world. (Wikipedia) The soundtrack is another highlight — many fans say it's haunting, emotionally resonant, and deeply tied to the mood of the drama. (Reddit)
Emotional Depth & Character Complexity
What resonates with many viewers is the emotional complexity of the characters. The love is not simple: there's sacrifice, misunderstanding, and long periods of waiting. (cyn-lynn.blogspot.com) The series is more than just a romance; it explores identity (Xiao Yao’s disguise), loyalty, and the burden of power.
Criticisms & Challenges
Toxic Relationship Dynamics
One of the biggest criticisms — voiced prominently on Reddit — is the mistreatment of the female lead. > “All the ML just take turns to abuse the FL mentally/physically.” (Reddit) Some viewers feel uncomfortable with how violence is romanticized or normalized. > “They cannot just show an abusive relationship as lighthearted and romantic … This kind of message is harmful.” (Reddit)
Pace & Plot Issues
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The political subplot is considered by some to be underwhelming or too shallow: while there is palace intrigue, it doesn't feel as dramatic or unpredictable as in other historical dramas. (Series Reviews)
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The time skip (several decades) in the latter part of the season has been called out for being problematic. Some viewers argue that the jump creates plot holes or weakens character motivations. (Chasing Dramas)
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There is also a perceived imbalance in how much background is given for the different male leads. > “Only Cang Xuan’s backstory is shown … it could have helped to include the backstory for all the other MLs.” (Reddit)
Viewer Polarization
Ratings and reactions are quite polarized. On IMDb, for instance, many users give Lost You Forever either very high or very low scores — there's little middle ground. (Reddit) Some fans love it deeply; others are put off by its melodrama or by the darker relationship elements.
Themes & Unique Aspects
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Reverse Harem / Love Square: Unlike a typical one-hero, one-heroine romance, Lost You Forever plays with multiple male leads who are deeply invested in the heroine, each in different ways. (CPOP HOME)
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Identity & Disguise: Xiao Yao’s life as Wen Xiao Liu creates internal and external conflict. Her disguised identity is more than a plot device — it shapes her relationships and how she navigates the world.
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Sacrifice & Longing: Waiting (literally decades), unrequited love, and sacrifice are pervasive. These motifs ground the fantasy elements in real emotional weight.
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Power & Kinship: The drama isn’t just about romance. There’s a political dimension and questions about leadership, legacy, and duty — though, as noted, not always handled as deeply as some viewers might want.
Final Thoughts: Is Lost You Forever Worth Watching?
Yes — with some caveats. If you enjoy:
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Emotional, character-driven fantasy romance
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Complex love stories with multiple suitors
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Beautiful cinematography, soundtracks, and strong production design
… then Lost You Forever has a lot to offer. Many fans describe it as addictive and emotionally resonant. (Reddit)
However, if you’re sensitive to abusive relationship dynamics, or prefer very tight political plotting and intrigue, this show might frustrate you. The pacing and tonal shifts (especially after the time jump) won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.