The Best Thing

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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Everyone on the feeds keep buzzing about this, and this also has Zhang Ling He. So let me just check this out…

Story about Shen Xi Fan (XF) & He Su Ye (SY). XF is a manager in a 5-star hotel. Our story started with XF suffering from insomnia and migraines due to her problem with her boyfriend, Yan Heng (YH). Her parents suggest XF to see a Chinese medicine doctor & consult about her insomnia. So, obeying her parents, XF goes to see a Chinese medicine doctor and meets the gentle and handsome Chinese medicine doctor SY. Although reluctant to take the bitter medicine, XF’s parents make sure she takes the medicine.

Charmed & falls in love at the first sight with XF, SY tries to pursue her. But he finds out that XF has a boyfriend & he’s the root problem of XF’s insomnia. So, as a good doctor & friend, SY often tries to cheer XF & give her suggestions regarding her problem with her BF. And slowly but sure, their relationship grows into something more.

XF on the other hand, although also been charmed by SY, but at first she still has a BF. So XF tries to match SY to her best friend, Xu Xiang Ya (XY). But soon, XF's problem with YH grows even larger & one day YH just asks for a break up through text & that’s almost devastating XF. But thanks to SY’s companion, XF finally cheered up.

So, now SY & XF have mutual feelings for each other & both are single. Does that mean they will be in a relationship? No, not really. Cause the problem now, XF has plans to go abroad to study for her master's degree. And since XF had a bad experience with YH regarding a long distance relationship, XF doesn’t want to start a new relationship before she goes. And not only that, suddenly YH also started coming back to XF life, demanding for them to reconcile. So, how will SY & XF take control of their relationship…?

That's pretty much the story without giving any more spoilers. Now what I like and don't.

What I like:
+ Mature relationship. All the couples here are really mature adults who’s not make small problems into ridiculous fights.
+ How they promote Chinese medicine & its benefits against western medicine.
+ SY’s relationship with his dad. Usually in the drama, you either had a good or bad relationship with the parents. But here, SY’s relationship with his dad feel falls in the middle. He had a grudge against his dad & I don’t think he quite forgave him, but on the other hand he’s not really angry with his dad. So, although SY doesn’t really have the best relationship with his dad, he still can be civil with him.

What I don’t like:
- Annoying BGM. Sometimes they overuse BGM. It feels like all the romance feelings must be highlighted with BGM.

Overall this is a really good drama in my book.

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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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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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Wow, The Best Thing is literally The Best Thing

I enjoyed a drama like this after so long. It was a perfect drama with mature leads, no unnecessary drama or complications, a pure romance with greenest leads, and so much more.

I actually have been waiting for this drama for about a year and it exceeded my expectations. Such type of drama are rare where you feel everything is just perfect and don't want it to end. I am so so satisfied with this.
The best part here is that i didn't lose interest at any point, each episode was perfect and was always anticipating for the next.
The ML is such a green flag that is not possible for him to exist in real life and thats what dramas do, they make a man that don't even exist and they raise the standard for men.
As for FL she was also so good but so realistic. She had dreams, she was good to everyone and most importantly she treated her bf well. Sometimes in some drama you might think that fl don't love ml enough but this drama gave justice to this and i was so happy that they treat eachother so well.

That it, i want to forget this drama and re-watch it😅

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A Love Rekindled: The Emotional Journey of The Best Thing

The Best Thing is a captivating Chinese drama that combines romance, betrayal, and emotional growth into an intricate narrative. With strong characters and a plot full of twists, it offers viewers a compelling story that doesn’t just focus on love but also on healing, redemption, and self-discovery. The drama creates a delicate balance between romantic tension and character-driven conflicts, which makes for a deeply engaging viewing experience.

The plot of The Best Thing centers around the romantic entanglements of the lead characters who, despite their past mistakes and emotional scars, find themselves drawn back together. What begins as a complicated and strained relationship gradually transforms as the characters confront their past, acknowledge their flaws, and learn to trust one another again. The narrative is filled with emotional highs and lows, and the slow-building romance adds a layer of authenticity that pulls the audience into the characters' emotional journey.

The pacing of the drama is well-maintained, allowing enough time for character development and emotional depth. While some might find the slower moments to be dragging, they contribute significantly to the depth of the characters’ transformations. The story doesn’t rush its character arcs, and the gradual evolution of the protagonists’ relationship feels natural and earned. The plot twists and slow reveals of secrets ensure that there is always something to keep viewers invested.

Visually, The Best Thing is beautifully shot, with meticulous attention to detail in its sets, costumes, and cinematography. The visual elements enhance the emotional weight of the narrative, making the atmosphere feel more immersive. The aesthetics work in harmony with the themes of the story, providing both a visual and emotional payoff.

For anyone who enjoys romance dramas that delve into the complexities of relationships, The Best Thing offers a satisfying blend of tension, emotional growth, and an ultimately hopeful resolution. Its exploration of love, betrayal, and redemption makes it a standout, especially for viewers who appreciate character-driven stories that don’t shy away from the messiness of human emotions.

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Unproblematic, healing drama

I was really impressed with the writing of this show. Even though it’s generally light-hearted, it actually touched on a lot of heavy topics, like mental health and anxiety after being in a stressful and unhealthy relationship.

The leads are really cute together, especially when they’re just getting to know each other. It’s pretty refreshing to see a drama where there’s no random childhood connection or “first love” trope, just two adults who met each other, liked each other, and put in the effort of being together.

I will say, however, that I don’t really care about traditional Chinese medicine, so anything related to that wasn’t very interesting to me — which is a shame because the leads’ romance was so heavily dependent on it.

The side characters in the show are also just okay. The second couple is pretty cute at times but the romance is simple and fast — it is nice to see a mixed friendship group without a love triangle though, and they were great as the FL’s support system. On the ML’s side, the other doctors are also just okay and not very memorable. In terms of the FL’s parents, they were characters that really had to grow on me; they felt really overbearing and frustrating at the start, but by the ending I appreciated the growth in their relationship.

The one big plot point that was really frustrating to me was the “hiding a cancer diagnosis” plot. It’s something that I’ve definitely seen in a drama before, and the way it plays out is always the same. I’m glad that it didn’t lead to an overdramatic fight between our leads, but I also feel like the way the characters ultimately resolved it was an underreaction that didn’t feel too satisfactory — it sounds contradictory, I know.

Either way, I think this was a light-hearted watch, similar to dramas like Love Me, Love My Voice, Amidst a Snowstorm of Love, and You Are My Glory, where the romance is very mature and calm.

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Easy to watch & enjoyable however…

This show is easy to watch and enjoyable HOWEVER, as someone who mainly watches costume dramas, if it wasn’t for ZLH, I probably wouldn’t have watched this.

I don’t have anything against this drama, I believe this drama is a lot of people’s cup of tea in terms of little misunderstanding and little drama, the “drama” were not outlandish.

This is all personal, I’m someone who watches more costume/period pieces so I’m used to 30 episodes of misunderstandings and heavy angst and yearning — so that’s MY cup of tea and I know that may not be yours.

I would highly recommend this show to someone who wants to watch something easy to follow along, a show that doesn’t leave you on a cliffhanger, a show that you can truly unwind to and this is definitely a show that you can watch between your heavier shows.

I believe everyone can enjoy it, the show plot isn’t too heavy so you can go into this story line workout having to feel too heavy hearted.

It is a show that I believe is geared towards those who truly want a lot of fluff and sweet sweet toothache romance.

I overall enjoyed it and give it a solid 8/10 despite the show not being my type of show, but I fully gave it a chance for ZLH and I’m glad to have seen him in a modern setting.

You can take my review with a grain of salt, watch and see if you will enjoy it or not.

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