Marrying the demoness Li Shengnan would be unbearable, with her constant jealousy and arguments.
Meanwhile, supporters of Li Shengnan believed Jin Shiyi, originating from an unorthodox background and harboring a cynical worldview, was a perfect spiritual match for her due to their similar personalities.
In reality, this kind of dual-female-lead conflict wasn't unique to "The Tale of the Jade Rabbit in the Sea of Clouds," but was a common theme across various literary mediums.
Lin Daiyu and Xue Baochai from "Dream of the Red Chamber."
Shi Feixuan and Wanwan from "Da Tang Shuang Long Zhuan."
Biyao and Lu Xueqi from "Jade Dynasty."
...
Their respective fans had debated and argued for years, with no resolution in sight.
Among them, Zhang Xiaofan bore the most resemblance to Jin Shiyi.
Both had humble beginnings, faced hardships, lost the one they loved most, and then married another righteous female cultivator, starting a family with her.
Round after round of disputes ignited the trending searches for "The Tale of the Jade Rabbit in the Sea of Clouds," and related forums and discussion boards saw a surge in popularity.
Despite their fans' tendencies to elevate one character while belittling the other and refusing to yield, there was one point of consensus: criticism and complaints directed at the male protagonist, Jin Shiyi.
"Looking at what's in the bowl while eyeing what's outside; no man is good!"
"Don't stop me, I need to go in and slap him twice. Jin Shiyi, can't you be more of a man? Just state clearly who you love, don't let both women suffer for you!"
"Li Shengnan and Gu Zhihua are both wonderful; marrying either would be a win. Can't you just make a decisive choice? You're making me furious!"
"Although I'm also a man, I don't admire Jin Shiyi. I find him truly... if you like someone, like them; if not, then don't. Why be indecisive and act like a woman?"
"You may not like Jin Shiyi, but I do. Abandoned as a child, with a tragic past and a difficult romantic life, he still stands freely between heaven and earth. Unlike us in reality, burdened by family, wives, and children, suffocated by mortgage and car loans, I wish I could be like him and be my true self for once."
"Me too. Jin Shiyi has a peculiar temper, yet his heart is pure and kind. He repays a single drop of kindness with a gushing spring, which is far better than those so-called relatives and friends who stab you in the back at critical moments."
...
Viewers expressed their opinions and comments freely online.
Fueled by the immense popularity of the dual-female-lead contention, the viewership ratings for "The Tale of the Jade Rabbit in the Sea of Clouds" soared.
Recently released ratings showed "Ask the Immortal" still held the top spot with a peak viewership of 3.4, a 0.2 increase from its premiere, but its Douban score dropped from 6.7 to 6.4.
"Mother-in-Law is Also Mom," which was previously ranked second, was overtaken by "The Tale of the Jade Rabbit in the Sea of Clouds."
Following days of fermentation, the viewership for "The Tale of the Jade Rabbit in the Sea of Clouds" broke through 3, reaching 3.3.
Although ranked second, it was not far behind the first-place show and could surpass it at any time.
The Douban score, meanwhile, steadily climbed, leaping from an initial 8.2 to 8.6.
A Douban score of 8.5 is a watershed. Shows achieving this score are either exceptionally well-produced or massive blockbusters with widespread appeal.
"The Tale of the Jade Rabbit in the Sea of Clouds" possessed both these qualities, making it impervious to the efforts of trolls and marketing accounts.
"The Tale of the Jade Rabbit in the Sea of Clouds" emerged as a dark horse, boasting high ratings and scores simultaneously.