Rolling Love

Leng Lie's dad dying in episode 11 did not need to happen. The entire subplot surrounding that wasn't crucial to the rest of the story, and even served to complicate it unnecessarily. All of a sudden this girl (Leng Lie's ex) comes out of nowhere claiming his famous Gui Mien is actually a copy of her recipe. She puts pressure of the Leng family when she proves she can make Gui Mien, causing Leng Lie's father to KILL HIMSELF.

But her ability to make Gui Mein is not due to it being her recipe (it's not); it's because she has Sheng Tan Ten's special powers or something like that. Why? Now the viewer believes that there will be a subplot involving Leng Lie trying to acquire the powers himself. Apparently Lie's father would have killed to get his hands on the book containing the secrets. The ex feels bad about having caused Mr. Leng's death and gives up the book, but Lie destroys it because he feels it was not worth the life of his father.

That's all well and good, but the entire issue with this is basically left unresolved. I felt that the writers wanted to develop it in more episodes but realized they didn't have time. Instead of cutting it out and making the show about 10 episodes, they decided to keep it in for a more confusing 12.

Xiao Shu being kidnapped wasn't really something that needed to happen either. I understand that the writers wanted a catalyst for Xiao Shu and Leng Lie's relationship to develop a little, creating tension. However, they could have introduced one of Leng Lie's exes, causing Xiao Shu to confront her unresolved feelings for Leng Lie. Then, even without a Gui Mien scandal, the character could still appeared. I think she held potential to spur conflict in the love triangle, and would've added depth to Lie's character.