The Best Thing

A simple yet comforting spring romance

The best way that I would describe this series is that it's a perfect slice-of-life drama with a heavy romance sub plot.

I didn't expect this drama to be so well made and well received. But after watching it, I understood why people love this. The biggest strength of this drama lies in it's predictability. The casual viewer can just relax and chill for an hour knowing that nothing angsty is going to happen.

Some of the pros of this drama are:
1. Gorgeous Cinematography- The drama overall had such a beautiful setting from the herb gardens to the flowers in each shot. Everything was shot like a commercial and the coloring was just gorgeous. They even used some angles and compositions that are rarely used in romance.
2. The mature acting- Cdramas are notorious for dramatic characters but I could rarely find a scene that was exaggerated in this series. The characters acted like their age and even the humor wasn't overdone. This ended up making the characters more likeable and relatable.
3. The cozy romance- The romance between the main characters was the star of the show. Though the chemistry wasn't sparking or passionate all the time, seeing the main couple felt comforting because of their stability and maturity. They were just big green flags so they felt reliable.
4. Realistic storyline- The big plot points in the story were realistic and relatable. From the heroine's fears because of her former abusive relationship to the question of chasing your dreams while sacrificing love, it was something that everyone could/has gone through. I liked that they didn't rush through it either.

So here are some cons that I noticed:
1. The slow pacing- I'm a binge watcher and I must say that I lost my patience after the mid way point. I can see this working for people who watch everyday but this wasn't exciting enough for me to binge it in one sitting. I got bored after 20 episodes and kept fast forwarding.
2. Numerous mentions of TCM- I get that TCM is a big concept in the story but after numerous mentions and all the characters adapting TCM in their life, it made me wonder if the whole point of this drama was to boost China's TCM market. Because at the end, all the characters' life now include TCM in a big way in their life.

Overall, I know this drama is meant to be comforting and healing in a cozy mundane way and this hit the mark if you want that. It's a well made drama but this just wasn't the best I've seen. 7.5/10.

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Very cute and mellow, but with some huge defect

This was an ok drama, very cute, vrey romantic, very mellow, nothing great happened just two people falling in love, and some minor problems in their life. Perfect for when you just want to watch something calm and cute, end with very beautiful visuals (persons and scenary). For when you wanna turn off your brain. The fact that the protagonist is a traducional chinese medicine doctor add a really interesting layer to the story, but, there are some big BUT to this drama, and its pacing.
First 1-8 episode where good. From 8 to 18 episode where just meaningless and stupid. From 18 to 25 episode where ok, then from episode 25 to 27 practically we have the big problem of the sickness of her mother that enter the stage and take all the time away for the rest, so that the end of the drama in episode 28 was sooo rushed. And the worst thing of all the drama (apart from her ex but that was normal cdrama ex angst) was her study abroad trip, that was completelu useless and stupid.
For all the drama this trip was her dream, was to broaden her expreience to open her mind and grow. First it was suppose to be an year, then at one point it become only 7 months (and let me tell 7 months at the university are like useless to really study something in a serious way),it was about hotels, and she also did an interniship at a 6 stars hotel (i don't know why since her chinese hotel where she worked was 6 o 7 stars i think from what we see of it) abroad, then she came home and said I don't want to work in an hotel now, i will work with my best best friend in her reastaurant.....that she didnt even own. What is the meaning of this?! It made no sense. And it made me angry. A thing that a very mellow and cute drama should not do.

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Flag not so green but wins in comparison

I finished the show a month or two ago so I’m trying to rattle my brain for what stick in there after this time.

I’ll start from pros. The show has the most charming opening I’ve ever seen in a cdrama. Not once I wanted to skip it. The animation is cute and fits perfectly with the show’s theme and overall plot and I immediately added the song to my playlist.

I also loved the scenic shots, flowers especially. Xifan’s relationship with her parents felt real and relatable (especially how her mom kept things from her in order to “protect” her). He Suye’s relationship with his grandpa. Xifan’s two coworkers and how her previous relationship with her bf weighed on her. The use of traditional Chinese medicine was very interesting and refreshing.

Now, the rest. Seeing the drama has 28 episodes made me stop because it really felt like way longer than that. The show gets draggy once they get together. 1,5 episode is spent on the main CP arguing about who flirted with whom first.

I really wish Xifan had any sort of hobbies besides her work and later Suye. She felt a little one dimensional, just a girl ML has to save and fix.

I saw lots of reviews about HSY being the greenest flag ever. Not sure when exactly. When he kissed her for the first time while he knew she’s super drunk? Or when he was using manipulation to win arguments or look cuter in her eyes? Sure, when he stands next to her ex, he looks like a saint, but I still see what he’s doing. It is a straight cdrama after all, the bar for MLs is buried five feets under the ground.

I still think she let him off the hook for lying to her about her mom’s treatment way too easily. The ending was extremely cheesy but the propaganda encouraging youths to get married has to work.

Anyway, cute show if you are extremely bored and don’t want to watch anything too exciting or angsty. It’s not funny, it’s not brilliant. But it’s ok.

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Ummm

It's a very lovely series but also very flat and slow.

At first I thought it'd be something like "hidden love" fluffy, funny and romantic, but it was more like " the first frost" more melancholic and healing than fluffy, and tbh up to ep12 it was very enjoyable.

That been said, there is a big difference between showing day to day life of interesting characters and their relationship, and inserting unnecessary obstacles in the life of the leads.

Let me point out what I didn't like about the drama
1- It's unnecessarily longer than needed, we can get our happy end by ep 12 max, yet they have to show weird things and miscommunications happened between the leads to stop any type of closure just to keep the show going, which is tbh really annoying. It happened earlier with the "dad" situation that could be easily solve a whole episode of "sulking" on the FL behalf if she maybe just asked directly about the kid, but no, we have to misunderstanding the situation and get pissed off at an innocent person who BTW was still just a "friend" at this point.

2- too many unrealistic incidents, everyone is connected to everyone in a very creepy way, if I got a penny for each time the two leads meet by chance on the street, I'd be a billionaire, because that's unrealistically too many times, I know that it's supposed to be over a long period of times but still, even a stalker would have a day off or something.

3- lack of communication, I don't know what do writers love about this trope, why can't people just talk and ask questions, including the second couple here, why not just talk, instead of webbing scenarios in your mind and then acting upon it.

4- side characters' story, it was simple friends to lovers but it was pretty odd here, the drama is already longer than needed and they didn't even bother to give them a proper storyline, like they are arguing, sulking, mad, then boom! In a relationship, that happens because they talked it out but seriously?? All this building up to one moment, just like that?? I dare say if they choose the same route for the two leads story and made them talk to eachother, I bet both would get together by ep 5 or something and the drama would be done by then.

I believe this is a nice healing drama, but since I don't watch many Chinese dramas nor am I a fan of long dramas in general I couldn't help but skim through the rest of it.
Would I recommend it? I don't know, maybe give it a try, if you are a fan of Chinese drama this is nice in general but just not for me.

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That kiss ??

Yeah so this is a great show for easy, light viewing. If you’re looking for a show that’s emotionally easy to watch, not much plot, and a LOT of fluff then I would recommend this one. It just wasn’t for me. I wanted there to be a bit more angst - I wanted them to develop the impact of the FL’s emotionally abusive relationship more than they did. Alas, the most interesting part of the show lasted maybe 4-5 episodes and then it was done.

What I loved most about the show was the soundtrack! It was SO GOOD. Especially during that kissing scene! It was one of the best filmed kisses I’ve seen because of the way they shot it and because of the PERFECT song they chose to go along with it. 🔥Other producers need to take note on how to build passion within the bounds of the censorship. There were no curtains / veils, no bring lights blinding the view, and yet it was insanely sensual. That scene, oddly enough, was the best part of the show for me haha. The cinematography was also lovely, but the music was a big plus for me.

Other than that, I got annoyed often. I work in the healthcare field myself, so it drove me NUTS all of the times the doctors volunteered patient health information to individuals wholly unrelated to the patient. I wanted to pull my hair out several times during this show trying to understand if this is normal practice in China. Taking pictures of child patients to send to your girlfriend? Sending patient names to your girlfriend via texting? Allowing an abusing exboyfriend to barge into your office uninvited during an appointment with your patient to whom he was abusive? Letting him stay during her treatment? I mean and the whole premise is a doctor - patient romantic relationship. It was wild watching this show through the lens of being a U.S. healthcare worker. 🤦🏼‍♀️

But yeah, this is one to watch if you’re looking for some easygoing viewing. I preferred The First Frost due to the darker undertones of abuse and healing. I think there was also more chemistry between the leads in that one overall, because of having more substance to the story.

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Eyecandy Healer

After completing, TFF, another drama I watched mainly for the ML. Yes, who would want to miss a ZLH drama. Loved him since Sparkle Love and Love Crossed.

Another healing drama they say...I wouldn't count it as one though ML is a doctor himself, so we can't ignore that fact. But, if you say it's about FL's healing, it's a no for me. It should be more of her moving on phase, not actually healing. I just didn't feel like she needs to be healed. Her anxiety attacts I believe is more of simply because she can't express what she wants to say to her ex, once the words were out, wholla! she's now okay. That 7 yr relationship with the ex can't be considered 7yrs. for they don't communicate at all. They don't even see each other for all these years. Lucky, if they have met at least once or twice a year. That's not a relationship girl, that's a fling! It is normal to get insomnia either if you can't reach a person you were so dying to speak to. For me, it's totally an excuse just to see our super eyecandy doctor, Dr. HE. Am sure, if the doctor was the grandpa, she hasn't continued her treatment at all.

So, I technically enjoyed this slow-burn drama until ep.12. I'm so not really into slow-burns. Reaching ep.12 is highly patient enough for me, without skips. Ep.13 was the make or break again for me in this drama. Same experience I had with TFF. The FL failed to convince me of supposedly perceived ideal character. One, a woman shouldn't make lead ons with a guy if you'll only reject him the next day. Yes, never kiss a man that you only want to reject. Whatever reasons you may have, lay the cards outright. Specially, if that guy doesn't deserve to be played on with his feelings. As always, our ML, the ever endearing guy, who would accept anything and would still consistently pursue the woman he loves inspite all the rejection or any obstacle may come in between. Persistently patient guy. A real doctor indeed.

Still tried to hold on, tried my best not to drop the drama. So, the ex came back with a bang. Yet, it took time again for her to say what she wants to say. Like, you've been ghosted girl, now's the time to blurt out all your angst, rants , emotions. That roses slap could've been epic if she didn't ran away and confronted him already on that same spot. Anyways, the ex have an attitude problem, that's a given. But, he has his own struggles too with his dad. I felt he really loved the FL, it such that his ways aren't as gentle as our DR. He. I believe the ex got his attitude from his dad. Still, I love Caesar Wu. He shouldn't be given the ex role.

Moving on, I kinda stopped at ep. 20 after the ex appearance as I'm not seeing the FL genuinely ideal I must say. I know she had already moved on when she continuously see Dr. He. Her confession didn't give me a fluttery feeling. So, I tried to get back ep.21 onwards till the finale. I just skipped most of the parts as the FL just continues to irritate me. I'm sorry, but her flirty eyes signals seduction when she looks at Dr. He, so, I wasn't moved with the kisses which supposedly I'm always looking forward to. But, yeah, ZLH, always nails the kisses very well. If there's one scene I liked, it was only the part when the 2 couples are watching a CDrama in Dr. He's place. The jealousy meter was set so high on that part and that was hilarious. Oh, and btw, I'm not a fan too of LDR's. So, I skipped that part. I mean, if I am so in love with a guy, I wouldn't dare leave him. I'll find my own ways of fulfilling my dream without compromising my relationship.

I was already expecting the wedding, since I've seen lots of stills circulating in every SM platforms. The Vera Wang gown was gorgeous, but, not the bride. hahaha The mother's sickness towards the last few eps of the drama reminded me of the drama The Oath of Love. Almost same story.

Overall, ZLH is truly an Eyecandy Healer you would want to look at everyday. Oh, and I liked the SC. I have to mention that. And DR. He's interns, Lie Jie's squad. They made me laugh lots of times. At least Dr. He got his own healing with his father towards the last episodes of the drama.

This is still not my cup of tea, but, I love ZLH. Honestly, comparing this to TFF, I think I would prefer this drama. Why? Because TFF is your another typical CDrama where they started as Teenage sweethearts. I love watching Cdramas, but, I honestly hate that most of their plots are linked to childhood sweethearts. They always have flashbacks and I hate that. Not everyone has a childhood sweet heart. A childhood playmate perhaps that you never fell in love with. TBT offered at least a different scenario. I really like the idea that you can fall in love randomly with a person you just met. Yes, it can be love at first sight, as long as it is random. Like, no links from the past or what so ever. That person can be your client or simply just a co worker. There's no need to stalk a person whom you've been searching for from your childhood. That's just too pathetic for me. Serendipity I guess. Let destiny takes its course.

I believe recommendation for this drama is not necessary since majority of its viewers love it. I'm simply one of the minority who basically watched this for ZLH and nothing else.

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Every soothing, healing & pleasing drama

First time seeing Zhang Ling He in a modern attire look. He looks so handsome in those clothes.  Never noticed he is so slim. His up-close shots are so satisfying to watch. 

I'm not a flower person. But the amount of flowers that are shown in the drama was so beautiful. It made me want to buy those flowers, but alas, these flowers aren't available in my country.

I love the drama. It's a very sweet, loving, friendly, mature drama. I loved the chemistry between Zhang Ling He & Xu Ruo Han. I also loved the cinematography.

After watching the skateboarding scene of He Su Ye, it reminded me of the behind-the-scenes shoot. But the scene is so beautiful.

Poor He Su Ye with his marriage proposal from patients.

Laugh when He Su Ye checked Shen Xi Fan's pulse & casually said she is heartless.

Li Jie & his friend hurriedly leave after seeing He Su Ye being lovey-dovey.

He Su Ye fooling Shen Xi Fan that she made the first move & she believing him, or rather getting confused, was so cute.

Laugh whenever He Su Ye used to tease his friend for being single & him going on dates with his girlfriend.

This is the 1st time I have seen in main stream C-Drama showing smoking not directly but indirectly.

Overall I loved it.

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I can just tell you to watch this drama from the bottom of my heart.
It is such a comfort watch for me because it shows a mature and healthy way to tackle issues life can throw at you and teaches you to enjoy the little things.
I'm a 27 year old man and this had me giggling like my little sister at times. There also wasn't any unnecessary plot drive just to create entertainment and fill time, but it felt well constructed. I never got bored at any point and the visuals of the drama are just superb.

It came to be one of my comfort watches which otherwise mainly include "You are my Glory" and "Amidst a Snowstorm of Love"

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The best thing has special place in my heart.
Drama is about girl who is suffering from insomnia die to some reasons.
Then after trying so many method to cure insomnia
Nothing worked out
So she decided to try another form of treatment
And went to traditional Chinese clinic where she meet our male lead who is traditional Chinese doctor who specializes in acupuncture and other things.
Story is all about healing oneself cultivating relationship with each other,it's fluffy and has no stupid misunderstandings that last ten episodes or so.theres also no stupid ex who pesters her for fifteen episodes haha (there is ex but that issue gets resolved quickly).
I'm really not used to writing big sentences,much less reviews.because I often struggle to find right words to describe what I watched and liked about show properly... Even then I believe u guys will like this if you are looking for relaxing drama after watching something complex with some tragic elements in it

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