3 Reasons To Watch Fantasy Romance C-Drama "Lost You Forever 2"

The Chinese historical fantasy drama “Lost You Forever” had emerged as one of the biggest hits of 2023. The popular characters are back in its second installment, with shifting dynamics and facing insurmountable challenges. An adaptation of Tong Hua’s novel series “The Book of Mountain and Sea,” the show takes us to a time when humans, deities, and demons coexisted under the rule of three kingdoms: Xiyan, Chenrong, and Haoling. 

A lot has changed since Season 1, with Cang Xuan (Zhang Wan Yi), the grandson of the King of Xiyan, having ascended the throne. Xiao Yao (Yang Zi), the daughter of the King of Haoling as well as his childhood friend and cousin, is on a different path despite them being reunited. And Ye Shi Qi/Tushan Jing (Deng Wei) still pines for Xiao Yao and is willing to put his life at stake.

The drama once again mesmerizes viewers with its entwined relationships and the push and pull between the leads. Here are three reasons why you should not miss “Lost You Forever 2”!

A selfless and practical female lead

Xiao Yao is a practical woman. Her selflessness and desire to help others at the expense of her own well-being and feelings may make her out to be a pushover, but she is far from one. As the princess of Haoling, she is elated when Cang Xuan ascends the throne, and even though the two had promised to stand by each other, she knows that’s not possible. Eventually, she goes back to practicing medicine and serving people irrespective of their social status and cast. But in her heart, she is a conflicted woman who is weighed down by the burden of sacrifices made and ones that are to be made. Though it’s apparent she feels bad when Cang Xuan takes a new queen, there is also a chasm in her heart that remains unhealed despite her engagement with Chishui Feng Long (Wang Hong Yi). The other two men who carry a torch for her include the now married Tushan Jing (Deng Wei) as well as the so-called frenemy Xiang Liu (Tan Jian Ci).

Xiao Yao has lost the spark that she once had and is a shadow of her former self. “She has lost the pursuit to live,” says her father. Her agenda in the past was to see Cang Xuan ascend the throne and be back home, but it seems she no longer has any ambition and will. Will she remain as wary toward relationships as she was in the past, or will she for once throw caution to the wind? Xiao Yao’s arc is far more complex than the one in season one. Though there are times when you might lose patience with her character and the decisions she takes, you realize that she too is a victim of her circumstances.

Yang Zi is pitch perfect in her portrayal and brings out the many shades and nuances of the now reticent Xiao Yao. She gets the beats right as we see Xiao Yao change from the sprightly Wen Xiao Liu to the vigilant yet compliant Xiao Yao, which is well brought out.

Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown

“The more power I have, the less choices I can make,” says a rueful Cang Xuan. He has ascended the throne of Xiyan, but Cang Xuan feels powerless and helpless, so much so that he does not even have the choice to marry who he wants to. In order to safeguard Xiyan and its interests, he is compelled to take the Chenrong princess Xin Yue (Wang Zhen) as his Queen. Just seconds before officially confirming his marriage, we see him hesitating as he thinks to himself, “I am marrying a woman who has neither supported me, nor has shared weal or woe with me.” (It’s an idiom referring to having shared good and bad times). His heart beats for Xiao Yao, and when he confesses it in a drunken state, he is reprimanded by his grandfather.

As he placates the royal elders with his plan to move the capital and wins them over with his diplomacy as well as culinary expertise, Cang Xuan is a lonely man. His life has been one of trials and loss of loved ones, and it’s apparent he would gladly forsake the crown and go back to being the wine maker. He tells Xiao Yao this as he recollects a time when he had nothing to his name but had Xiao Yao, which was more than enough.

Cang Xuan is also a burdened man. Apart from unifying the kingdom and retaining his power, it seems his life will remain unfulfilled. He retains a sophisticated charm and calm but can be equally ruthless to the point of being merciless when taking on his adversaries. Cang Xuan is also an empathetic man who is sensitive toward those he cares for. He also yearns for love from the woman who cannot be his. Can he overcome the many hurdles in his way, or will he be weighed down by the weight of the crown on his head?

Zhang Wan Yi articulates Cang Xuan’s helplessness and frustration with ease. There is a constant arc to his character, which has evolved through Season 1. The love he feels for Xiao Yao and being torn between his duties as King makes you feel sorry for him.

An emotional rollercoaster with breathtaking visuals

Tushan Jing lives his life in remorse. He confesses his heart is not big enough and only has place for Xiao Yao, who continues to be wary of him. Tushan Jing puts himself in the line of fire to regain his lost memories, since he is convinced that he has not fathered his son and wants to get down to the bottom of the conspiracies against him. There is also Fang Feng Bei, who loves Xiao Yao and is always ready for her but is logical and aware he cannot be with her, no matter how much he wants to. Between the romantic and endearing Tushan Jing and the cynical yet loyal Fang Feng Bei, there is also Xiao Yao’s naive yet spineless fiancé Chishui Feng Long.

Tan Jian Ci gives a layered and impactful performance of a complex man with constantly shifting emotions. The duality of his characters Fang Feng Bei and Xiang Liu is brought out with finesse by the actor, who wins your heart over with his portrayal of a man who is fearless as much as he is vulnerable.

Deng Wei, who impressed as the endearing Shi Qi, breathes life into his character Tushan Jing. Tushan Jing, who is helpless and strives to empower himself, is a victim of several extraneous factors beyond his control. Deng Wei does not disappoint and shines in his presentation.

As Xiao Yao is caught between these three suitors as well as Cang Xuan’s devotion, the drama packs in a lot apart from the romance and the political turmoil which beats at the heart of it. There is intrigue and love plus magic and betrayal unfolding amidst this spectacular production. And the ornate costumes, the grand set design, and VFX are also impressive. Even though sometimes moments feel rushed, nevertheless one gets a breathtaking show in a vivid palette of crimson, golds, and pastels.

Start watching “Lost You Forever 2”:

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Those in Southeast Asia can watch here! 

Hey Soompiers, have you checked out the second season of “Lost You Forever”? Let us know all about it in the comments below!

Puja Talwar is a Soompi writer with a strong Yang Yang and Lee Junho bias. A long time K-drama fan, she loves devising alternate scenarios to the narratives. She has interviewed Lee Min Ho, Gong Yoo, Cha Eun Woo, and Ji Chang Wook to name a few. You can follow her on @puja_talwar7 on Instagram.

Currently watching: “Nothing But You“