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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A Drama That Feels Like a Warm Hug

Okay, this is officially my go-to comfort drama! It has everything I crave when I’m in the mood for something soft, romantic, and heartwarming.

We’re talking *breathtaking* scenery, amazing leads, an adorably sweet first meeting, and a love story that feels like a gentle breeze on a sunny afternoon. The tropes? *Absolute perfection*—well, most of them—but especially the ML falling first and *falling hard*. His eyes, his utterly smitten expressions… *swoon*! He’s a total dreamboat, and a doctor at that?! Like, seriously, could this be any more perfect?

And let’s not forget our FL—bubbly, lively, and genuinely sweet without ever crossing into childish or annoying territory (at least for me!). Together, they create a love story that’s not just beautiful, but also *comforting*, wrapped in chill vibes, an amazing OST, and, of course, the happy ending we all secretly (or not so secretly) long for.

Is life always this perfect? Nope. But after a long, exhausting day, there’s nothing better than cozying up and watching love unfold in a world where everything feels just a little bit softer, a little bit sweeter. We all know life has its fair share of hardships—tears, struggles, and heartache—but there’s also warmth, beauty, and joy if we choose to see it. And experiencing that through *this* couple’s story? It’s like sipping a cup of rich hot chocolate with extra whipped cream, wrapped in the softest blanket, letting all worries melt away for a little while.

Pure, positive, and utterly heart-soothing—this drama is a little slice of happiness I’ll be revisiting again and again. 💕✨

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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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Best modern drama this year so far

this drama was simply amazing, i loved it so much! OST’s, cinematography, acting, everything was great and i enjoyed this drama from start to finish. i did get a bit stressed out when the fl rejected the ml and then the ex trying to come back but it didn’t drag very long and when the leads got together the drama was just pure sweetness and fluff which i enjoyed very much 🥰he suye easily became one of my most favorite modern drama ml’s cause he was always so supportive and understanding, caring and sincere towards the fl he really is the modern version of gong ziyu perhaps that’s why i loved him sm 😹and he finally got a happy ending and a wedding scene! and the last episode was so beautifully done especially the wedding i lowkey teared up a bit when the ml said some very sweet and poetic things for the fl; i loved the ending because it was straight to the point (though i wish we got to see some extra scenes of them as husband and wife), i gave it a 10/10 because i loved the drama so much and the fact nobody else was toxic or annoying her parents were always good to her and i just felt happy watching this drama, it’s a comfort show about two people sharing a pure love, they were such a beautiful couple and their chemistry was great ✨i will miss this drama sm, the length was perfect too not too short not too long ☺️

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Realistic storyline in real life for us, family, education, health, romance, we can get it all here. There are also life lessons. Very beautiful drama, cinematography Very beautiful, the soundtrack is very comfortable to listen to, especially the acting of the main actors Xifan and Suye is very natural, the drama is far above expectations, much better than in the novel.The atmosphere is lively because the main cast builds very good chemistry, so that we who watch really enjoy it and every episode brings a smile to see them. Ah this is a very beautiful drama, really beautiful, the best drama in 2025. Hopefully the main actor Xifan Suye gets a project in a new drama, because their chemistry is very very good,Good luck to you guys, I'm looking forward to your next project together 😊😊😊

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Feeling loved is indeed the best thing!

This drama got me invested pretty soon. I have insomnia problems like the female lead and I find the tradicional chinese medicine a really interesting topic so I was captivated since episode 1. The main leads are so beautiful and the cinematography in this drama is absolutely gorgeous. I also enjoyed both main leads characters.

Xifan is a type of a character that it’s easy to like and even when she annoys us a little, it’s still hard to hate her because we understand her. She also gets so much better later in the drama and the actress is so pretty!! Ling He is also SO handsome and I really liked his character. He was handsome, sweet, kind, mature….really my type. Xifan’s and Dr. He romance is so heartwarming and cute, I died many times watching their scenes. I loved how they enjoyed giving flowers to each other because it’s not typical to see female characters giving male characters flowers and also because I am a flower lover too haha

Xifan’s friends were great characters for me too and I wished they had more screentime together because I think they were interesting as characters and couple. Her family is also so lovable and Dr.He grandpa as well. I think the pacing of the drama was really great too! We do have some unnecessary scenarios but luckily they don’t drag too much.

“The Best Thing” is a drama with a simple but heartwarming story with an outstanding cinematography, good OST, nice characters and a very sweet romance between the main leads. I definitely recommend!

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A Story That Feels Like A Warm Hug <3

This drama is the ultimate comfort drama—sweet, lighthearted, and full of warmth. If you’re looking for something simple yet deeply enjoyable, this is the perfect watch.

The love story doesn’t rely on unnecessary drama or overcomplicated conflicts. Instead, it is full of positivity, understanding, and heartfelt emotions. Some might find it too "nonsensical" because of how sweet and happy it is (there are some scenes with deep emotions that might make you cry), but that’s exactly what makes it special—you can just turn off your brain, relax, and smile through the entire series.

One of the standout aspects of this drama is the characters’ professions. Unlike the usual cold CEO and helpless female lead trope in many romance Cdramas, This drama offers something different. The male lead is a traditional Chinese medicine doctor specializing in cancer, a career path influenced by his mother’s passing from breast cancer. Meanwhile, the female lead is a hotel manager, which adds an interesting dynamic to the story. This focus on traditional Chinese medicine and breast cancer awareness adds depth to an otherwise lighthearted narrative.

The casting is nothing short of perfection. The male and female leads complement each other so well, bringing their characters to life with a natural and heartwarming chemistry (Zhang LinHe and Xu RuoHan are perfect for the characters He Suye and Shen Xifan<3). Their relationship is mature and understanding, yet playful and full of adorable moments that make you giggle. The characters being a little more childish, adds endearing quality to their personalities, making their love story even more comforting.

Visually, this drama is a treat. The cinematography is soft, warm, and beautifully composed, with an emphasis on nature, flowers, and delicate lighting. Every shot feels like a painting, enhancing the overall comforting atmosphere of the drama.

The final scene is their wedding, and it is absolutely beautiful. The environment, the decorations, and the way the ML spoke about his love for the FL, all felt so genuine, as if I were attending a real wedding rather than watching a drama. What made it even more special was the couple's dance scene after the wedding. Most dramas don’t include this aspect, even though it happens in real life. Seeing them dance together made the wedding feel so natural and realistic, rather than just another overly rushed wedding scene. It was the perfect ending to such a heartwarming story—romantic, intimate, and full of love.

"The Best Thing" may not be for everyone, especially those who prefer intense plots or high-stakes drama. However, if you love feel-good stories with great chemistry, breathtaking visuals, and a touch of uniqueness in its themes, this drama is an absolute must-watch. Whether you’re a fan of the novel or new to the story, this adaptation delivers a heartwarming and visually stunning experience that stays with you long after the final episode.

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Simplicity to return to

"Simplicity, patience, compassion.
These three are your greatest treasures.
Simple in actions and thoughts, you return to the source of being." ~chinese philosopher Lao Tsu

This quote encapsulates what this drama represents to me. Suye and Xifan's chemistry doesn't birth from drama, misunderstanding or high stakes. It thrives from their simple lives and simple struggles that make the story incredibly down to earth.

If you are looking for a drama that makes you giggly and make you want to fall in love, this is the drama for you.

I don't think there is a lot to say that can't be explored better by you watching this drama as well. The story is slow paced while the romance is quickly palpable. Try it for yourself, i dearly recommend it.

This drama will definitely end up on my top ten of this year already.

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A blissful watch

Gotta to say that i've been losing interest in cdramas a bit lately. But this show and another ongoing one has brought me back.

Do not even remember the last cdrama i even completed, must be last year :P.

Storywise: Yes, maybe could have been better, but then sometimes when twists are overdone, one can lose interest too. Hehe. But still writing was beautiful for this show

Acting: I like both leads a lot. They managed to brought the best of each other and beautifully gave life to their characters which gave us a sizzling couple vibes.

I absolutely love the places they shot, so pretty. All characters were so realistic too, nothing too overdone. No great villains either. Just a selfish ex.

Rewatch: Definitely, this will be one drama i shall always watch when i get bored of other dramas or i want something healing to watch.

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['The Best Thing'] Life is made by choices

"The Best Thing" is a lovely and cute romance between two well-matched actor and actress.


[UNIT 1]

Shen Si-pan, who grew up among a harmonious family, is a cute girl. She's curious enough to analyze the prescription just because she wants to avoid bitter drugs. Even though she's such a lively person, she's kind of overshadowed. It's because of Yen, her boyfriend of 7 years. In addition to the stress at work, she was gradually losing herself after forcing herself to endure a bad relationship with him. But to put up with it, she ignores digging deeper into it and block the signal. The frustration in return manifests itself as insomnia.

He Su-ye, who met with insomnia, is originally a medical doctor of oncology. He's a person who relieves the aftereffects of tumor patients, so he's bound to be exposed to the boundary between life and death. Therefore, I think emotion control would have been essential. Because in order to keep someone alive, no matter what the outcome, he can't allow himself to be up and down. Anyway he relieves such internal tension by riding a skateboard. Like this, he's quite used to predicting needs, and as a result, the rest of the space became thin and inevitably lonely.

In such a static life, the lively and dynamic woman named Si-pan whom Su-ye meets makes waves in him.

Shen Si-pan has a clear goal and will to insist on the highest level if she goes to study abroad. However, this is not the case only with regard to Yen, probably because other people are involved in their relationship. Relationships are a whole world, so there were her parents who were checking on dates of long-term lovers. "I don't want to worry my parents. I want to solve the problem and then tell them."

To make matters worse, Yen tended to control the display in a direction familiar to him in order to maintain a sense of stability in their relationship. People feel more secure when they are with someone who is similar to them, so they want to adjust other people's behaviors, preferences, and values to what they are familiar with. Not only this, but he wants to constantly change her in front of him because of his abnormality and expectation in his heart.

In response, Shen Si-pan does not bother to reveal the things she persevered with for a smooth relationship with Yen. But as the conflict repeated often, burnout was gradually coming. She was just patient with her fight quietly and constantly, but self-consciousness prepared to hide deep inside whenever she became anxious by the reaction. Insomnia, or like hiding alone on a bench in the middle of the night.

This image of her caught He Su-ye's eye a lot. It was partly because he liked her, but on the other hand, there was also a part of his memory that was stimulated by her.

Su-ye's father said he loved his mother and eventually made her lonely. His father didn't know how to express it, and his mother still knew how to express it, and in the end, his mother died after struggling, and her son watched it from beginning to end.

"When I was depressed or frustrated, I came here alone and sat idly on a walk. It gets really quiet at night, so it's the perfect place to organize my emotions by myself. But when the sun comes up, it becomes noisy again. It's like everything went back to what it was." In fact, Su-ye grows up without much dependence on his father.

That's why Su-ye may have been even more attached to Si-pan. To calm her anxiety, he prepared a sachet of herbs, and because she hated bitter tastes, he gave her peppermint and licorice as gifts, showing his consideration without showing it. On that day, when even a formal farewell was rejected, and even the seven years of time were denied, Si-pan was saddened by her feelings, and unconsciously pursued the natural scent that Su-ye always gave her. She walked naturally in search of a familiar feeling.

The phrase “good timing” is often used, but perhaps good timing is when two people are on the same page. When they are willing to compromise for each other and grow together.

Si-pan works as a room manager at the hotel. She takes pride in her work, but sometimes it happens. There are days when she feels choked up for no reason. She does her work as usual, deals with people, but she feels alienated as if her life is not hers, just a part of the place, and the tears she has been holding back come out.

Time is fair, helping both men and women to slowly reveal their bare faces. As if Su-ye, who couldn't hold on to someone, was hugging someone. As if the chrysanthemums spilled out through the burst gap of the incense pouch, the petals poured out onto Si-pan. Sleepless nights, struggling to gauge the distance while pressing the like button and choosing words on the phone. Hearts that go through time to get used to each other like that. And the language of emotions that fill the blank spaces of the screen. Home-cooked meals, alcohol, cold fronts, and even the excitement that seems to notice the dishes on the table.

The way a man and a woman with different spectrums fall for each other like this gives the comfort of a simple and comfortable relationship. Their emotions are heightened, they breathe together, talk to each other, steal each other's gaze, show their will to steal their hearts, and the story quickly becomes sweet. The soft, strong, and uncomplicated agarwood scent that resembles Su-ye attracts Si-pan, and Si-pan, who approaches like that, notices Su-ye's ring and lies.

So Su-ye tries to appeal to her carefully but definitely, but Si-pan hesitates and cannot make up her mind. She thinks a lot because she wants to make a choice that she will never regret again. Si-pan is afraid that she will not be able to meet Su-ye's expectations, and that he will be disappointed in himself and leave her. Even if she thinks in her head that he is not that kind of person, the emotions that her body summons are different in color and clash with each other. Su-ye reads this frustration and tries to open Si-pan's heart again by going back to her daily life.

In fact, Su-ye also had painful memories, so he must have thought about it. A man who received birthday congratulations through a bank SMS, family meant that to him. However, time for a father flows differently than it does for a son. A father who was not affectionate to his mother in the past is now kind to others. Even though they came first. So if Su-ye is the only one who lingers in those memories, then who will fill the past?

The moment when the unhealed wound was torn open again, a birthday present from Si-pan arrived. A small and simple but sincere favor. That much is the one who cherishes him. At that moment, Su-ye regains hope that he will be able to create his own world in the future, not a universe created by someone else. So tomorrow will be better, and he just needs to prepare well for today. Enjoying this moment to the fullest with the excitement of imagining a happy future. In reality, it was almost like the time Su-ye had spent protecting Si-pan had returned. In that way, relationships are like mirrors, and when life hits rock bottom, they come to ones side as light.


[UNIT 2]

Those simple but happy days seemed to remain the same, until Yen reappeared and invaded Si-pan’s daily life. With his appearance, the anxiety that had been vague until then materialized within Si-pan, and the feeling of being overwhelmed by the cracks constrained her actions and thoughts, making her obsessed with helplessness and emptiness. That's why the desire to go out and hide more intensely collides with Si-pan.

The more this happens, Su-ye constantly reminds her of her daily life. If she is sick, he treats her, if she doesn’t like it, he blocks her, he checks on her well-being and updates her, but he doesn’t arbitrarily step inside the line. Since how that moment passes is subjective to each person, the only thing he can do is wave a light from outside, telling her not to stop. So that she won’t be caught up in artificial scents anymore.

"Yen, it's not because of any conditions. I'm just happy and glad. Happiness is something that is given and received." It's not that Si-pan regrets everything in the past. However, if the heart has cooled down, it can't bear even a little dissatisfaction, and if it's still the same, it helps it to endure. Since love is a question of whether or not there is a will, rather than whether it is worthy, she runs outward. And time flows again.

"If you ever give me a hard time, I won't hold on to you. We share it together. We share happiness and joy together." Su-ye made a promise as he hugged the running Si-pan. Lotus seed soup. The past that has passed sometimes stings painfully. Whenever it's hard, he tries to paint it with other happiness. It means that time has passed as the number of his members and the number of photos taken together has increased.

"I didn't know until you came. I mean, it can be fun to examine." Such a son must have been worried for his father. His father feels like he’s going back to a rough road because of his antipathy against himself. However, it's up to each one to choose and how to live. So the father and son begin to recognize each other separately. Next, just focus on the present when they want to get along well.

Therefore, this drama is a healing journey. "There are two emotions in the world that can be called romantic. One is the feeling of loving each other and the other is the feeling of forgetting each other. All we have to do is try to be with the person we love most, and forget each other with the person we love less." The spectrum of the story unfolds in a way that explores extremes.

People move steadily so that they don't stop somewhere in the middle. Laugh, cry, get angry, make up, fall in love, hate, forgive, and heartbreak. In the drama, Shen Si-pan and He Su-ye, who built a wall out of their own needs, recognized themselves, opened their hearts, loved, and made gentle reconciliation with themselves. Through those times when they gained the courage to be with others, they were able to learn about love and growth.

Since then, the drama no longer deals with each problem in a way that delves into it. Instead, the drama tries to show warm sincerity. For example, it focuses on the cute couple getting closer and becoming more precious to each other. They were a couple who understood each other and laughed at the little things that only they could laugh at. Their relationship was natural, comfortable, and full of energy, making even the simplest moments feel special. When they looked at each other without saying anything, the couple seemed to communicate only with subtle changes in facial expressions. They were a dopamine-boosting couple.

"To me, you are the most beautiful scenery in the world (= loving you is the best thing I have ever done)." Romance, like everything else, is a dream. So love stories also walk along the path like a dream. In dramas, you will see characters who have tried hard for love lose it, and you will also learn that love sometimes chooses people. That is the way the world works. No outcome is completely guaranteed, and life does not promise that you owe anything and that you will get what you want or be happy. Even in the midst of that burden, time goes by.

All love, emotions, and friendships have various aspects, so sometimes they have their own reasons to be hurt. However, life is too short to dive deep into, so it would be better to focus on the present as much as possible. It is also tight to love each other and find peace and happiness together. Dreams and love are not given by themselves and may not be permanent. But it's okay. It's enough to know your worth, to resist meaningless anxiety to the fullest, to know how to be happy with the precious things. Joy and happiness hurt just as much as sadness and pain. But while loss continues, neither love nor growth can stop.

"I've come this far, just chasing happiness." Despite its subtlety, the work "The Best Thing" is strong in proportion to its clear orientation. At the end, the pieces of emotion take their place, leaving an intimate aftertaste like a warm scent. Don't we need something light that makes us all laugh sometimes? Then you'll like this warmth.

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