The Han Ting Massacre: A Betrayal of the Book

For those who have read the book and are considering watching the drama, please, for the love of all that is holy, don’t. For those who haven’t, the drama might be palatable, but anyone who tries to both watch and read will likely suffer a heart attack from sheer anger.The actors are fine, but the script is a catastrophic failure. This drama is a textbook example of how not to adapt a novel. This review isn't about the explicit parts—I wasn't expecting any of that anyway. My issue lies in how the writers have butchered Han Ting's character, making the drama a bland shadow of the books storyline.

In the book, Ji Xing is a formidable and dreamy character, often unreasonable but in a relatable way. Her interactions with Shao Yichen or Han Ting are complex and layered, reflecting real-life arguments and emotions. Han Ting, on the other hand, is sharp and uncompromising, always putting his ambitions and goals above personal feelings. This stark pragmatism defines his character. For instance, when Ji Xing asks if he would ever prioritize her over his work, Han Ting bluntly replies, "In my life, love is not everything. I won't be able to give you the kind of love that sacrifices everything for you. "The drama, however, portrays Han Ting as a softened, lovesick version of his book counterpart. They sanded down his edges, making him more palatable but significantly less interesting.In fact theres a point she asks what he would do if she refused to let him invest and he replies he would destroy her company saying that he will leave no room for any competitors however how small. Thats the Han ting i epected the one i got let me not say more

The book's Han Ting is never heartbroken in a conventional sense when he learns that Ji Xing is engaged. Instead, he views it as a matter of bad timing. The drama, on the other hand, infuses him with a shy, almost bashful demeanor around Ji Xing, which is completely out of character. The real Han Ting would have gone after what he wanted with unwavering determination.
In the book, after their one-night stand, Ji Xing starts avoiding Han Ting, leading to a mini-fight where Han Ting bluntly tells her that she likes him and knows he likes her, which is why she's behaving like a spoiled child. This sharp exchange highlights their dynamic. In the drama, such scenes are diluted. Even when Han Ting reports to his grandfather in the novel, he is unyielding. When his grandfather mentions that shareholders are against him, Han Ting coldly replies that he will just clear out all the shareholders. Such ruthlessness is completely lost in the drama.

Han Ting's characterization isn't the only casualty. Shao Yichen's portrayal is also disappointing. In the book, Ji Xing and Shao Yichen share a strong and loving relationship, marked by numerous arguments yet a palpable love. Their bond reflects the intricacies of daily life and love. Even though it's clear that Yichen won't be Ji Xing's final partner, there's a persistent hope that they might resolve their issues. A poignant moment in the book is when Ji Xing dares Yichen to leave during an argument. He does, but soon returns, confessing, "Ji Xing, you don't know how much I love you." Their love, though fraught with problems, is deeply emotional. Ji Xing's heartbreak when he leaves is profound, and she holds out hope that he'll return as he always did. She even dresses up specifically for him on her birthday, only to be disappointed to discover he has moved on. Her breakdown at this revelation, and Han Ting's comforting presence, is a touching scene ( to which they ommited and added that after that she had a one nights stand with Han TIng).However, the drama adaptation significantly diminishes the chemistry between Ji Xing and Yichen, seemingly to highlight the main love storyline between Ji Xing and Han Ting, which develops later. This was a mistake, in my opinion. Modern dramas have successfully depicted main leads' evolving love stories without undermining previous relationships. The scriptwriter unnecessarily tarnished Shao Yichen's character (including the needless subplot of him marrying Ji Xing's friend, who was merely a college classmate in the book). This seems to have been done due to the usual trope that whoever doesn't end up with the female lead must be portrayed as wrong or flawed.

The writers undermined not only the characters but also many nerve-racking moments in the book that would have made for a captivating show. They simplified such a fantastic story instead of portraying its complexity and depth. Han Ting's character was watered down to make him more palatable, causing drama watchers to miss some of his best moments from the books. Similarly, the dynamic between Yichen and Ji Xing was diminished, losing the poignant "I know it's hopeless, but I still wish" sentiment.

While Ji Xing's character seems elevated, the true tragedy lies in the wasted potential of Tan Songyan's acting range. Imagine the breathtaking performance she could have delivered, portraying Ji Xing in her full, complex glory—childish yet mature, reasonable to the point of almost unreasonable, emotional yet composed. The beauty of Ji Xing's internal struggles, dealing with a man like Han Ting despite her simplicity, her struggle, and joys in being with him, were missed. Her triumphs and the delicate balance of her contradictions could have created a character so compelling that audiences would be left craving more. This rich tapestry of Ji Xing's character was an exquisite opportunity lost, leaving us with a portrayal that barely scratches the surface of what could have been an unforgettable performance.

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