The Best Thing

Cute and Fluffy romance with great kisses and a super green flag ML - Perfect stress reliever

Subjective Gut Rating: 8.25

Writing this review after watching the Easter Egg and BTS clips of Zhang Ling He might have affected the rating. LOL. He’s quite adorable and personable in all those clips and he puts a big smile on my face. But for real, he did a really good job here. I am looking for a drama to relieve stress, and this is the perfect drama at the moment, though “The Best Thing” is not a perfect drama objectively.

What I Like:

1. Zhang Ling He - After his recent success in all the non-modern drama, it’s so refreshing to see him in “The Best Thing”. He’s so well-casted here. He has a young face, and is playing the role of Dr. He, who is serious at work but innocent in love. This is perfect for Zhang Ling He. He wears a mask during many of his scenes, yet you can tell from his eyes what he wants to convey. His eyes can smile! It’s hard to not fall in love with his character and him.

2. Romance - This is the sweet, adorable, flirty and fluffy romance that I need at the moment. The leads have a lot of chemistry and their scenes together are fun and flirty. Who knew you could flirt with Traditional Chinese medicine and names of herbs. There’s no angst and they understand each other so well. Su Ye (ML) always has Xi Fan (FL)’s best interest. He is patient and supportive, and gives her time to make her decisions, and waits for her to be ready to share. But I also like that Xi Fan doesn’t hesitate to take the initiative, though she’s not the first to fall in love and to court. There are many ‘first’ moments in the drama that she is the one that took the first step.

3. Kisses - We know Zhang Ling He and Xu Ruo Han are great kissers from other dramas, so it’s a pleasure to see them here. There is an abundance of good kisses and they all happen naturally. It doesn’t feel like they’re kissing for fan service, but really kiss when it’s the right moment.

4. Traditional Chinese Medicine - For some, this might be too much. But I love learning about TCM and its usage throughout the drama. I also like how ML tries to use the names of the medicine to express his romantic feelings, and flirt with FL. Since I am reading Chinese subtitles, I am not sure if other subtitles could convey the same message or if it's all lost in translation.

5. Cinematography, Flowers, Wedding - There are many pretty scenes in this drama and I’ve seen many screenshots that many MDLers posted. There are beautiful flowers in many scenes for different reasons and conveying different messages. The wedding takes place at a gorgeous location and beautifully decorated with flowers as well. This wedding also makes me smile and grin. I feel truly happy to see the leads getting married.


What I have Mixed Feelings and Dislike:

1. Drama Length - This drama could be shortened to 24 episodes instead of 28. There’s really not a whole lot going on once the leads got together. I think we can forget the mother’s arc at the end and just focus on FL’s future plans.

2. Music + Slow motion- The songs are lovely (except I don’t quite like the English ones). However, they are played ALL the time. I don’t need a song when a romantic moment happens. I don’t need a song when the leads are looking at each other. I don’t need a song when I am trying to listen to the dialogs. On top of the repetitive music, I also don’t need every single romantic moment to be in slow motion to tell me this is a romantic moment.

3. Red lips - Zhang Ling He has such pale skin and they put red lipstick on him. HIs lips are as red, if not redder, than Xu Ruo Han’s lips. I looked at his handsome face and I got distracted by his lips and not in a good way.

4. Too Homey? - Aside from walking, cooking, eating and hanging out, the leads really didn’t do much for fun. It works for ML’s personality, but maybe a little boring for the viewers.

5. Unprofessional? - OK, this is a romance drama and courting has to be done during those medical appointments. But when you think about it, it’s a little unethical and unprofessional, right?


Lastly, I would recommend "The Best Thing" if you:
- Are looking for a cute and fluffy romance with a super green flag ML (who can be too perfect for you).
- Are looking to relieve stress and not think too much about anything.
- Are a fan of Zhang Ling He and Xu Ruo Han
- Are interested in learning about Chinese Traditional medicine
I am all of the above, therefore I am rating this an 8,25 (rounding up to 8.5 because of Zhang Ling He)

Completed: 3/14/2025 - Review #554

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'The Best Thing' is actually one of the The Best Things I've ever watched

I've never made a review though I've loved many dramas in the past but i felt I had to this time. For anyone wondering whether to watch it, YES please do. I went from starting this drama on a whim to looking forward to episodes. It quickly became one of my favourite dramas ever. I also feel like it healed a part of me. Whether it was the story, the cinematography, or the characters, they were all immaculate. I actually read the book while waiting for the next episodes to come out and feel like this is one of the rare cases where the drama surpassed the book. The book was already good but I'm in awe of the drama. I hope everyone involved from the actors to all the staff, knows how well they've done. You can clearly see the love, care, and attention to detail that was put into this drama. I loved the message about self-love, healing, and chasing your dreams that were a constant theme throughout. I also loved that misunderstandings weren't dragged out.

SPOILERS (skip to the last paragraph if you don't want to be spoiled)
I loved Shen Xifan getting herself flowers. I loved her giving He Suye flowers. AND I loved it even more when she and He Suye started exchanging flowers. Anyone can receive flowers regardless of gender. I love sunflowers, but this drama has me loving tulips now also. I loved He Suye's quiet way of loving Shen Xifan and how he supported her without being aggressive or pressuring. He showed that its possible to have quiet strength. You can still exert authority without being aggressive. I also loved the other sides we saw of him, like him being mischievous and sometimes a trickster. And Shen Xifan. I know some people might not have liked when she initially rejected He Suye, but I think it was the right thing to do. Its better not to get into a relationship when you're still unsure of your feelings and also still having problems from your past relationship. And as we saw, when she realised she liked him, she ran to him. I believe she's also an example of quiet strength. She seems like such a gentle and caring soul. But she's also firm when she has to be and has a humorous side to her.

I think they'll forever be one of my favourite drama couples. I found myself enjoying even their most domestic moments. From cooking to just sitting and chatting on the couch. Many scenes had me giggling and kicking my feet in the air. I've never been so invested in a fictional relationship before. I teared up so much while watching the wedding scene. Daylight by Taylor Swift popped up in my mind and I think it describes them perfectly. I actually ended up playing the song to that scene, and it fit so well🥹.

I'm really going to miss this drama. It brought me so much happiness and was something to look forward to every day. I literally counted down to episode releases as I was too excited. I also replayed so many scenes in many episodes countless times. I'm jealous of the people who haven't watched this yet. Now I have to wait a while to forget what happened just to experience this all over again. This really felt like an experience. I've learnt so many things, and I think some of my outlooks on love and life generally have changed. This is really one of The Best Things I've ever watched😊

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Healing Through Patience & Love is Truly the Best Thing

I've wanted to see ZLH in a modern drama for a while now and though he had those before, only after he shot to stardom after his roles in MJTY and KP, did more audiences see him as a versatile actor. This drama was a perfect offset of all of his previous roles because it was calming, relaxing, while showing how love grows naturally. Healing through patience & love was truly the best thing.

Pros: This was such a lovely and fun in a subtle way series. I loved how every episode started with a particular TCM ingredient and it was explained how it worked and then it was incorporated into that episode for better or for worse. Both leads had their fair share of pain to go through and heal from and they found those ingredients if you will in each other. The ML or HSY was definitely the more mature and wise of the two. FL or SXF met him in the first episode just as she was going through a rough patch with her asswipe soon to be (like in the next episode) ex boyfriend. Due to the fact that all of the stress from that, work, etc, caused her insomnia, she was recommended to the neighborhood TCM doctor and that's how they met. Fate or the universe couldn't be more perfectly aligned for that meeting. For him it was like at first sight and this was he fell first and hard and it took her a much longer time to realize her feelings.

Let's not forget their chemistry! Well we all know ZLH can get it done; even XRH said that he is an eye-showing actor; so he shows you how he feels with his eyes before he says the words. But their kisses and even hugs were all that and then some! It got warm in my room quick lol! I also loved that she initiated a lot of their make out sessions and didn't just wait to be kissed. That was a lot more natural than the woman just standing there as the man goes in.

Their lives and romance were immediately intertwined because they also happened to live in the same neighborhood. He was the gentle healing soul that always told her to take her time and learn to love herself while he took care of the rest. He was literally the perfect man. You can call this a slow burn because it took her quite some time and funnily enough a push from her aggressive, arrogant ex to get her to understand what her heart and soul had known for a long time; that the right person was in front of her and next to her the entire time.

Though there was a third wheel in here, she was after the ML and once he found out what her thoughts were, he cut the cord quick. He wanted to be with one woman only. This was a mature romance with great characters. Not a single one took up space or needed to be tossed off a cliff. There was comedy especially the references to certain characters and series the actors actually played in was a great way to both promote those series and give it a real world feel. The leads way of expressing love was through flowers, sachets, nature, and cooking not always words and that was for the most part a great and symbolic thing.

The way they helped each other with things as well as their friends did; her bestie cleared the confusion of why XF rejected SY's confession in the first place; that it was out of fear not that she didn't care. Meanwhile, XF helped reconcile SY with his father towards the end after many years of estrangement. SY helped heal XF's existential identity crisis post breakup and made her stronger in her convictions not just as she even pointed out "an obedient dog that would follow your every command." I loved the united front that the parents and SY showed against the ex as he was kicked out of their house and also at the hotel, where even the GM stood up to him along with her two best friends and some other hotel staff.

All of the supporting characters were great! XY and LYS who were friends for 10 years and loved each other just as long but only got together after XF's constant pushing and prodding. XF's parents were funny and so great and supportive. All dramas should have parents like them. SY's grandfather was just awesome and comedic in a good way; when the families blended it was a very strong unit. SY's interns especially LJ are funny as well as the dude that's always single and his patients. You can see who all matters to them from who's invited to their wedding in the last episode. And the wedding was lovely especially the choreographed dance of the leads in the heart made out of flowers.

OSTs, extra info on TCM, sets though modern, we're all lovely and fit. For him the symbol of love was that keychain ring she gave him to ward off matchmakers and for her it was the satchet.

Cons: Though very few I did have some issues. For starters, the FL had this annoying tendency to go all deer in headlights when she was around him and couldn't say a single declarative sentence and that got kind of annoying. Because when she had to ask him questions about TCM or things she was interested in or talk to her friends or at work, she could just babble forever. But simple conversations were hard won. And at 27, you should be able to speak like an adult all the time. Glad that once she realized her feelings and they got together, she "grew up" so to speak.

The old people clothing, I don't understand. Both leads wore clothes that were suitable for their parents and grandparents and you could see them wear that. I don't know why in modern dramas they do this to young adults making them look so elderly with the wardrobe. Only when at work and they had to wear a uniform or a suit did they dress their age.

Felt the ending was a bit rushed with her mom's illness and her again having thoughts of studying abroad. Also the fact that at the wedding SY said this whole monologue of things and XF said maybe a sentence or two felt uneven. They could have placed the illness somewhere else and then made her studying abroad, returning and having their wedding so much smoother. That's it.

Would I recommend it? I totally would. This was a breath of fresh air and homey and so nice like a warm hug at the end of a long day. A simple romance with symbolism, meaning, and a bit of humor. Definitely the best thing.

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Who needs Chinese medicine? Just bottle the ML!

I'm only half joking when I wrote the title. While the drama has multiple side plots and an ensemble cast, the A-plot is simply how good the ML is to the FL and why are they not married yet? LoL

Right from the start, the ML took care of the FL. First as her TCM doctor who saw her at her lowest ebb. There is an instant attraction but he kept it professional for as long as he can.

We are never in doubt that he is a pure soul and cares for all his patients. The FL is lucky to be the Chosen One™. However, she is one confused puppy and the last break-up hurt her deeply. While he is helping her to heal, she just can't see the forest from the trees and ended up pushing him away.

Of course, she soon saw the errors of her way but she is still stuck in "no man's land" without a clear path forward.

Then all hell broke loose when her ex-BF shows up to "reclaim" her. That was the catalyst for her to act decisively and break with the past completely.

From then on, it is pretty much smooth sailing for our OTP. There are endless happy couple scenes and a goodly amount of skinship. They even squeezed in a bit of sexy time as bonus. Also bonus points for the FL's parent being so chilled and loving.

There is a bit of angst towards the end but inconsequential. For instance, the FL going overseas to study was the sword hanging over their heads for half the series but it ends up being almost meaningless. The only impact is their forced seperation for a few months but they video chat constantly. The studies and internship means little as she ends up managing a local restaurant with her bestie and gets married before she unpacks her suitcase. Where is her growth? What is the point of the trip to Switzerland?

It would have been more impactful if she gave up her study for love and then find fulfilment managing the restaurant.

Ditto, the mum's health scare. It was barely a ripple in the Force. It feels like nothing is allowed to get in the way of the HEA ending.

I can't complain because I wholeheartedly ship the OTP. However, it does feel stretched. I think 24 eps would have been perfect.

In the end, I felt oddly detached. It is like I'm watching my besties getting together. I am very happy for them but I'll be the one teasing them endlessly with "get a room already!".

It is an enjoyable show because it is designed to please. It will give you the warm and fuzzy feelings in spades but I can't, in all honesty, sit through it again.

OST is fine but the love theme is on HIGH rotations in the second half. Production value is good.

P.S. One thing that I'm happy to see is TCM being shown as complimentary to western medicine. This is much more realistic than some depictions that implies TCM is akin to magical cure-all.

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A Calm and Beautiful Drama with Flaws

I'm currently watching episode 20. This drama is calm and relaxing, with a Zen atmosphere surrounded by traditional medicine.

The main idea of the drama: taking care of yourself—your heart, your mind, your nutrition, and living at a slow pace… The rest, concerning the psychology of the characters and their actions, doesn’t feel complete or deep.

The drama is perfect for Lin He’s fans, who can enjoy his radiant smile and his prince-like image, as he takes care of his beloved with great patience and ultimately wins her over—let’s be honest—with quite a bit of determination (he’s not as naive as he might seem, our prince :)).

The female lead doesn’t have any particularly outstanding traits in her character. Sometimes, I wonder—what exactly attracts the doctor to her? I don’t understand or relate to her actions, even though the entire series revolves around her character. I don’t see any real drama in her life, as they try to portray. I just can’t believe in this "drama." She has a loving and supportive family, perfect friends, and a job she enjoys. I also don’t see much need for her to study abroad if it’s just for prestige ?
She is very beautiful and visually appealing as a couple with Lin He.

Her ex is portrayed in a very one-dimensional way to convince us that he is the villain of the story. As a character, he lacks depth and influences the plot in a childish way.

The second couple is very pleasant and charming, although at times, I feel like the female friend is too intrusive in her role. She solves all problems and takes the initiative without consulting her…

The supporting roles, in my opinion, are ok.

As for Lin He, there’s nothing to criticize—he does his job wonderfully, although his world is entirely confined to medicine. We never hear him talk about anything other than his herbs or treatments (this is a weakness in character writing: for me, he comes across as a very sweet but somewhat dull person). We’ll see later…

The script is based on endless recipes and plant names… without any remarkable dialogues (except for one or two amusing lines from Lin He). It contains a lot of text messages, which create a static and non-artistic rhythm.
For me, the series ended at episode 18. What are they going to show that’s interesting after that? If it’s not 8 episodes of feel good vibes but flat and linear.

This drama is mainly aimed at Lin He’s fans (to be honest, he is the only reason I’m still watching).

The music is pleasant and atmospheric, using piano, cello, and other instruments, but it lacks memorable themes or originality—it’s a copy that works.

The cinematography is visually appealing: colors, camera angles, looks…

In general, I’ve pointed out both the positives and negatives of this drama. It all depends on your personal perception!

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Ray of hope for love, Healing drama

This drama is really amazing.
It's a ray of hope for people who have lost their faith in love. It will make you want to fall in love again with positivity. Such a soothing portrayal.
It gives you such immense happiness, it feels like something is healing inside you.
If you are into happy fluffy dramas just go for it.
I never thought I will get to see such a healing and happy drama after Love Me, Love My Voice but here we are 😊😊😊

The way FL treated him with such delicacy and care, it was just as if a beautiful Prince treatment .
The most beautiful wedding scene I have seen in a Chinese drama with so many people and such a great setup with flowers and amazing beautiful costumes. Just Perfect!!!

The Best Thing I Ever Did was to start watching this without having any clue of what this is about.
I feel this drama found me because I always hope I get to see good soothing drama 😍😍
Also loved the Cinematography and songs are 10/10.
Definitely added them to my playlist 💜💜

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Okay to me, nothing more

So, this drama was my most awaited 2025 modern cdrama and it didn’t quite live up to my expectations.

What I liked :
- this was mostly a light watch without much angst
- beautiful happy ending
- I think the leads had chemistry. The kissing scenes weren’t that good to me
- I liked FL’s relationship with her parents
- I think the medicine thing and ML’s work was somehow interesting, learned new things.
- the ex boyfriend was not present much
- liked the grandpa
- both had like some trauma and pain (her with the ex boyfriend and him with his dad, even mom story), we saw both backstory and they help heal each other pain
- acting was good

So, I don’t know but I found this pretty boring at time and I had a hard time keeping my focus and not going on my cellphone.

Second couple was not really interesting. We didn’t have enough scenes or development for me to get attached and enjoy them. Just felt like characters only there for FL and not to have their own story. Most of their scenes was with FL as friends and coworkers. I know it’s friends to lovers, so not much development, but still didn’t found them appealing unfortunately, so losses points with this.

ML’s dad character development… that’s that I guess, not really surprised


light romantic tone, not much angst and good ending. Not interesting second couple. this drama was pretty boring to me, so I give it 7-7,5

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Truly the best thing

I started watching this because of Zhang Linghe ..it's my first time seeing him in a modern drama and he did extremely well and the cinematography is absolutely beautiful.
I kept looking forward for every episode , every golden nugget of information on TCM ..it has a very healing vibe throughout.
This is also my very first drama of Xu Ruohan , she is extremely pretty and I liked her acting as well...the emotional scenes are very well portrayed by her.
Pros:
1)He Suye as a character is very understanding of Shen Xifan , the troubles she is going through and supports her throughout her journey..he is a complete green forest.
2)Zhang Linghe looks absolutely handsome 💖
3) No censor cuts on beautiful kissing scenes 👀🔥
4) Absolutely gorgeous shots of landscape , you will love all the flowers 💐
5)Loved the SFL and SML as well.
Watch this if you want to go along the beautiful healing journey of Shen Xifan and He Suye.
Cons:
The only issue is where to find He Suye in real life 😭

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