I have watched the entire series, I don't know what you are talking about. I don't speak a word of chinese, (and english isn't my first language so I'm used to watch english shows with subtitles) and I had never read the books but I was captivated right from the start.

It has an, what's the english word? intimist aspect? I really love how the characters Da Shi and Wang Miao interact and how they slowly progress to become friends. How it is Da Shi, the ordinary policeman, who in the end helps so much humanity.

Ye Wenjie is portrayed amazingly by both actresses. I only regret not seeing fully what happened to her during some parts of her life (not going to spoil it but I suppose those who have seen the drama or read the book understand what I mean) but all in all, it was a great drama.

It's not all about the money. The Netflix series will be more polished, probably, because of the money invested and I will watch this adaptation. But money is not all.