I suggest you watch the drama. It's reallllly well done. But the thing is you have to watch with the mindset that it is a different story. Just pretend it's not really an adaptation but a totally different story then we are good to go...I actually really love CQL and think it's one of the best Cdramas ever made seriously
Try the audio drama next, I think it's the most accurate to the novel and has so much dept for something with just sounds. Manhua and the drama are my least favourite adaptations. If the manhua had HOB artstyle, I might have put it next to audio drama. Drama did some parts of the novel on godlevel, some were a big meh like the beginning of it. It is loosely based but I can't lie that I liked what they served us. But we should be happy they didn't went with WWX/WQ like they planned!
Also, Donghua season 1 is amazing, it has the kind of atmosphere I got while reading the novel, just not too extreme due to censorships. Season 2.....well it happened. I ranked this my third favourite after the audio drama.
It's one of the reasons why Wen Qing had so much screen time. The author and fans made a big fuss over the news and the drama directors scrapped the idea. I also really hate the drama WQ, annoys me to hell and back. Novel WQ was like the fierce caring big sister everyone needs. Its stuff like this that I couldn't finish the drama
Give the anime a shot it's only 23 episodes
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMX26aiIvX5rWjEqareJBmoX-_uTFtemk
The live action is pretty good imo I'm watching it again rn lol but they mix up the plot a lot and tbh I was surprised actually I mean I can see the romance hella clearly lol its very low key but those expressions and longing stares make it super obvious lol I'm enjoying the shit out it. Its 50 episodes on netflix
Lol, to be quite honest the bromance thing didn't annoy me as much so far in the drama because they still made them preeeeetty gay (at least as much as they could while still being able to say "they're just VERY good friends :>"). I mean every time someone mentions marriage to WWX he just looks hella uncomfortable, like "sis, not gonna happen". xD
It was like watching those queerbaiting tv shows (*coughcough*sherlock/supernatural/supergirl*coughcough*), but actually /knowing/ these characters are meant to be together and you're not crazy for once.
Tbh only other audio dramas I've listened were smut ones XD But MDZS one is truly an art and the songs are fantastic.
In the link bellow, it'll take you to a tumblr but some extras aren't available and need a Discord account. Use the mp4 links. Other two seasons are also on the same blog.
( https://suibiansubs.tumblr.com/mdzsAD_season1)
They were thinking straight apparently. They managed to ruin my favourite female character so yay!
So I got the audio drama from suibian subs. You gotta get on their discord and jump through a few hoops to download all 3 seasons but its sooooooo worth it
http://suibiansubs.tumblr.com
And like srsly rofl I just rewatched the drama and its totally obvious they're into each other XD I mean its scaled way back but like those lingering looks, soft eyed stares, complete preoccupation with each other. I mean srsly?! Bromance my ass lol I love untamed, not my fav version but still wonderful all the same.
I like how the comic follows closely the original plot (at least until the chapter i read), but sometimes it feels like reading an abridged version rather than an adaptation... I can't stress how good the novel is, its atmosphere sometimes is downright chilling and I actually am disappointed at how non-scary everything is in the adaptations lol
I'll keep on reading because I feel quite lost after having finished the book, and it's a good companion to keep while watching the dorama (which has been disappointing to me for its decisions regarding the plot(/TДT)/ )