“Everlasting Longing” is an ambitious tale of love and longing amidst intrigue and strife. The drama is an adaptation of the novel “The Stolen Bride” by Xi Juan and stars Angelababy as the genius woman in disguise as a man and Song Wei Long as a ferocious warlord. As the two cross paths and become entwined with each other, there are several factors at play which will determine the course of their destiny together, or without each other. “Everlasting Longing” stands out for its production value, from the elaborate sets and costumes to the cleverly choreographed stunts as well as its stirring soundtrack. Here is what you can expect from “Everlasting Longing.”

Jun Qi Luo, a genius woman in disguise

Jun Qi Luo (Angelababy) leads a double life. Though the daughter of a merchant family, she lives under the guise of Jun Fei Fan, the illegitimate son of the Jun family. The reason is simple. As a woman she cannot succeed in the male-dominated world of trade. Neither can she use her sharp skill set, which includes her aptitude for designing weapons as well as machinery. She is not only a master smith par excellence but also has strong business acumen. Fei Fan has helped plan investments as well as set up collectives in Nan Yan, contributing to its thriving economy. The legend of Fei Fan has spread far and wide across the region. Fei Fan’s immense contributions also helped her family get goodwill and patronage from the King. Adamant in her search to procure black granite to craft a distinct arrow, she decides to take a business trip to Xi Kang. The route is lawless and strife ridden as well as under the watch of bandits. She defies her father and sets off on the journey with a trusted companion. As her horses fall prey to horse plague, she tries to seek help from merchants, who are actually bandits in disguise. They are soon ambushed by the warlord of the Be Xiuan clan, Xuan Lie (Song Wei Long).

It is hate at first sight. Qi Luo/Fei Fan detests Xuan Lie for destroying her caravans and grievously injuring her trusted companion. And Xuan Lie is distrustful of this woman who is under the guise of a man. Xuan Lie is looking for Fei Fan for business purposes as well as a personal agenda. Giving her identity as Qi Luo, she lies, saying she is actually the lover of Fei Fan. She is under disguise and is trying to reach him since he is way on business. At every step of the way, Qi Luo tries to outsmart Xuan Lie, who is well aware of her moves. He does his best to keep her in Bei Xuan until she helps him reach Fei Fan, and she tries to plot her escape whenever possible. Xuan Lie makes no secret of his admiration for Qi Luo’s brilliance and says had she been part of his clan, he would make sure she held a powerful position, irrespective of gender. She finds herself drawn toward this strange man, who, though cold-blooded on the outside, is a compassionate man with a strong sense of loyalty.

The spark of attraction is strong, and the two fall in love. But what will happen when her identity is revealed? Also, being an outsider in a foreign land is easier said than done. She is vilified and accused of being a spy. Back home, her family is also being targeted by the King. She finds herself at a crossroads between her family and the man she loves.