My Comments about this Series:

Wow! I never thought that Id write this much! So after an exhaustive summary, here are my views about the series.

Honestly, I didn't like this series because the story was too simple...not to mention plain boring. Also, the story was too shallow. I prefer films that have twists and turns and that have a meaning. Since the story was that bad, the characters also didnt act well. They were all like robots - so stiff. After watching Benny in "Demi Gods and Semi Devils" as the playful Duan Yu, I said to myself that although he might not be the best actor, he certainly has the potential to become one. But after watching him in this Ho Jia Lin character, I just plain dislike the sight of him. Not that I hate him per se, but his character...its just too weak for a man! His first appearance was quite promising (when he was reporting on some sort of major project their company would be doing). He was very smart-looking there, displaying confidence and ease. But when he started his own company, not only did his confidence vanish; even his intelligence! Imagine being fooled by Xu Xu. Thats just too much! Well practically everyone in the series (at least his two closest friends) knew the true colours and intentions of Xu Xu for investing in their company. But he still insisted his way. And I certainly disliked the fact that he didn't have a social life! All he did was work in his office for like hours. Im not against workaholics, but when he "isolated" himself from others and got jealous of Thao Khan, I just wanted to shout, "Serves you right!" In my opinion, Benny shouldn't have accepted this role.

In "Eternal Happiness," I was also fascinated by Michelle's acting. I mean, its quite rare for a TVB actress to portray a naughty role that well. And since that was the first series I watched with Michelle in it, I became an instant fan of Michelle as well. But when watching Yang Hui Min, I couldn't believe the horrendous transformation of Michelle in my impression. From a cute, witty teen, she immediately transformed into a mature and self-sacrificing (or should I say pathetic) woman. From the very start of the series, she had been hopelessly in love with Ho Jia Lin. And this really annoyed me. Yang Hui Min was supposedly a modern and independent woman (as seen whenever she advised Thao Khan; she was quite assertive) but when in front of Jia Lin, she became a timid goat...a typical Chinese girl of the ancient times. It made me think that she only existed in this world because of Jia Lin. The centre of her life was Jia Lin. VERY INFURIATING!

Thao Khan's role was that of a hero. Someone who was very righteous and proper - made me think of Jin Yong's male lead characters. I also dont like his character. He's too "straight" and I don't believe that there are still people nowadays like him. He's just too boring to watch. Although of course his good looks might have helped much in making some audiences continue to watch the series. And gosh! Hes so slow! He doesn't even recognize Dou Dou and Tsui Yin to be the same person despite having being in contact with both for a long time. Also, what kind of a man is he? When Tsui Yin suggested that they meet for the first time, he should have accepted. Actually, its more proper if he was the one who requested it. For Gods sake, he is a man! Its already wrong to let the girl ask first and worst, turning her down. VERY FRUSTRATING!

Tsui Yin was trying too hard to be cute. She tried to be very active like a little girl, but sorry to say, she failed to gain my admiration. That actress just couldn't act. She was so stiff the whole time and I can't believe that three of the male characters in the series fell in love with her?!? I mean, she's just...trying too hard. And her hair...makes me want to yank it off her head! It looks like she doesnt comb her hair at all every morning. I know its style and all, but it irritated me!

Zhou Wei. Another character that irritated me. This actor really overacted. Especially when he first appeared in his scooter outfit with his overall hippie look. I wonder why Jia Lin and Co. didn't even say something about what he ought to wear when coming to work. I mean, who would hire a hippie into his company especially when his office was in a high-class district? And when he changed his hairdo towards the end of the series, it was also annoying. He instantly became a flat head. He looked stupid and his expression while he waited for Chen Fang's return looked as though he was a puppy waiting for his master to return. Just stupid.

The character that most annoyed me...Lu Nai Sheng! This guy was crazy! Not to mention worthless. I didn't see the point of his role.

Another character that I will complain of is Hui Min's father. Yeah I know this actor is a veteran, but gosh! His mandarin is sooo pathetic! But I guess he's much better than his counterparts though.

As for the minor casts, the co-workers of Tsui Yin, I just wanted to tell them, "Keep your big mouths shut!" all the time. Never seen such nosy and vain people. The characters of Tsui Mins aunt and her friends were also out for good. They were an excess to the series.

I have no comments whatsoever of Chen Fang for she didn't do exceptionally good nor exceptionally bad. Maybe there's one comment...PLAIN BORING!

I also suggest that the makeup artist/s and hairdressers go back to beauty school. Their makeup (especially Hui Min with her two pink blushes on both cheeks) really sucks! Also, the makeup made some characters look old (particularly Benny). And their hairdos were also bad. Well I have already mentioned Zhou Wei's, and I'd like to add Benny. His hair also contributed to him "looking" old.

Despite all my negative views regarding this series, there were also some few good aspects in this movie. For one, I hated Xu Xu so much that I reacted violently as I watched her cunning vengence plan unfold. And because of this, she was the most successful character in this series. Wang Lin didnt fail in my expectations of her. I have always thought she was a good actress when I watched "Romance in the Rain" (Qing Shen Shen Yu Meng Meng) wherein she played the role of the evil 9th mistress and Ru Ping's mom. Although it quite surprised me that she can still wear sexy clothes despite her age. But she doesn't look that old, does she? Too bad she just disappeared from the series after her talk with Hui Min's father.

Another plus point for this series was the scenery. Good old Shanghai was definitely the perfect place for this series. I went to Shanghai just this summer and its like a different part of China. Shanghai is definitely very advanced now. Some are even saying that it will soon be the future Hong Kong (or is it so already?)

The themesongs are also good. At first, I didn't like the opening theme; but as I watched the series, I grew to love the song. I especially liked the ending theme (the one sung by Jiang Hong).

Overall, I don't recommend this series unless you want to see Shanghai. Good thing its only 10 tapes long (or 20 chapters) so it will not cost you that much.