Unveiling the Intriguing Urban Mystery Drama: 'The Beginning'
Do you remember the last urban mystery drama that captivated audiences? It was probably "The Beginning," and viewers must still shudder at the thought of the enigmatic "Aunt Guo." What kind of drama could climb to the top of the charts after only four episodes? It combines time travel, romance, mystery, and doppelgangers, creating a powerful blend.
Episode 01 sets the stage with a compelling story. The events take place in 2025 when Jiang Xiao Yuan (played by Liu Hao Cun), a wealthy heiress, appears in a suspenseful scene, speeding in her car on a bridge before plunging into the water below.
The scene shifts to the male lead, Qi Lian (played by Lin Yi), rushing his injured friend to the hospital. He makes a phone call on the rooftop, but his friend vanishes without a trace. In 2025, Jiang Xiao Yuan lives a lavish life as a wealthy heiress, born into a prosperous family with parents who are top executives in a listed company. However, she discovers that her boyfriend and her "best friend" are conspiring to deceive her for their own investment gains.
Seeing through their scheme, Jiang Xiao Yuan decides to withdraw her investment. To her surprise, her "best friend" turns the tables on her. Acting on the advice of her assistant, she races on the bridge and drives off it. Thus, the female lead finds herself transported to the year 2018.
Even more shocking, when Jiang Xiao Yuan attempts to call her father, the call connects to Qi Lian's phone. What connection do they have? In other words, the impoverished Jiang Xiao Yuan and the wealthy heiress Jiang Xiao Yuan are two distinct individuals. The plot becomes increasingly captivating, leaving everyone in a state of confusion.
In Episode 02, the setting takes an innovative twist. Jiang Xiao Yuan, in this 2018 timeline, is no longer the wealthy heiress. To make ends meet, she must work various jobs. Qi Lian introduces her to a hair-washing job. Jiang Xiao Yuan reveals her true identity to Qi Lian, explaining that she is not the original Jiang Xiao Yuan. Their relationship becomes strained, with Qi Lian longing for the return of the original Jiang Xiao Yuan, which deeply saddens the present-day Jiang Xiao Yuan. She realizes she is just a substitute, forced to endure a life of hardship in this new reality.
Viewers are astounded by the storyline and hail the drama as a masterpiece. The fresh concept of time travel and the emergence of Jiang Xiao Yuan in this new era due to her participation in the "Lighthouse Experiment" has created a sensation online. The heart-wrenching scene in the rain, where Liu Hao Cun's acting is truly exceptional, strikes a chord with the audience. She portrays the shattered emotions of the wealthy heiress flawlessly, exuding an air of arrogance that says, "I'm untouchable, what can you do to me?"
Meanwhile, the male lead Lin Yi, standing at 187 cm tall with a model-like appearance, perfectly embodies the character from the novel, bringing a sense of familiarity to reality. The on-screen chemistry between the two is captivating, with every scene carrying a sense of destiny. The drama avoids clichéd perspectives, and each shot is well-executed, featuring numerous intriguing plotlines.
In conclusion, this drama succeeds in both casting and character development. The innovative fusion of time travel and mystery creates an irresistible allure. Countless mysteries await discovery, leaving viewers eager for more.