The Best Thing

A cute love story with sprinkles of learnings on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)

Okay I admit. I watched this for Zhang Ling He. Well, I'm sure most of everyone who watched this did.

So it's not just me yea ( ദ്ദി ˙ᗜ˙ )

I did enjoy the drama overall! The leads are super super cute. It has this soft, sweeting and calming vibe that makes me wish I was the FL here with the ML heh- “爱你，是我做过最好的事。” aww.

💖 What I enjoyed
• Story: Overall it's a healing, spring-themed drama where our FL grew from her heartbreak and learn to prioritise herself better. A modern drama that is relatable to those of us who are often so busy we lost sight of ourselves. Watch this if you need a break from life and want some sweetness and hope that things will be better... well they will definitely be!!

• ML & FL pairing: Super good-looking pair! The site I watched the drama on has a this live comment section so I was constantly seeing people questioning the pairing of Xu Ruo Han with Zhang Ling He- I was so annoyed omg. Girlie is confident and so pretty, idk what's wrong with people's eyes. Sure, Zhang Ling He is like the epitome of ~good looks~ but come on. I really like the vibe they bring together and this brings me to my next point-

• Chemistry: The pairing has a healthy relationship together, which some people may find boring/not exciting/not loving enough, but I really enjoy the lovey dovey calming vibe around them without crazy dramas. Just a regular couple finding their way in life :) Kissing scenes are not bad hehe

• ML, specifically: Come on, he's just perfect. Good-looking, good personality (with a healthy dose of green tea 小心机 that makes him even cuter haha), reputable job, clever, practically the home doctor now for FL, tall, rich, loving, considerate, CAN COOK?! Omg they need to stop making perfect ML it's not healthy cough...

• Acting: Cast is good, feels very natural in showing various emotions from happiness to tension to sadness etc. Especially, FL's parents?! At the back episodes when they went through an... ordeal, the emotions they showed with their eyes red and brimming with tears I was impressed and really cried along.

• Story around TCM: Refreshing. There has been other dramas surrounding to the topic of TCM, but I haven't seen a lot of those, especially where they dive more into tips and specific ingredients. I did come out of this with new knowledge so who says drama is a waste of time huh? hahaha

• Music: 你在我喜欢的世界里 by Silence Wang is sweet and pretty representative of the entire drama for me

💥 What I didn't quite like-
• Also... story: While I enjoyed the healing story it does feel a little boring sometimes. Having come from a serious period cdrama marathon where we have families and clans dying, the stakes are definitely higher lol. For modern dramas it does lack a bit of zest? Maybe they can have more meaningful things happen I guess, not necessarily people dying left and right, it just felt a bit bland. And by that I don't mean misunderstandings and problematic things I just want something more exciting to happen...

• FL's personality, sometimes: She's super brave for walking out from her heartbreak with her ex-boyfriend of 7 years, but it's just a bit annoying at times especially when she handled things too slowly when her ex came back again. I know I don't understand how she feels as a victim of getting gaslight on all the time, I tried my best to empathise anyway. Not a big problem on this for me, I just wish she was stronger (just a personal preference!)

• Ethicality: Hmmm. The fact that the ML as a doctor got together with his patient FL was a little iffy for me. Not very ethical in my books... everything is cute and fluffy, but I wish there could have been more that connects them (like they joined some flower arrangement workshops and met each other there, rather than just the oh-so-convenient we live in the same estate!) This did put me off in around the first 5-8 episodes and took me more time to get into the healing ~vibes~

• Depth of the TCM topic: I loved how they dive into the topic of TCM, but I want something more? It felt like they went in with a bit of depth but it also feels like they barely scratched the surface ya know what I mean? Maybe a future drama with a bit more technicality weaved in together with the storytelling could be interesting.

• Voiceover: Very weird, some characters are very obviously recorded naturally, while the 2 leads are voiced over by their recording. It is super obvious and you can 101% tell. I understand the production wanted a better for quality for the leads but this is my main qualm about cdramas - the juxtaposition between the voiceover for the leads and the natural recording for the supporting characters really threw me off sometimes and make them feel robotic and fake :( One moment you're like aww this scene is so cute and the next you're like wait what who's that robot-

Had a good time with this regardless, very cute (I have repeated this for so many times)- just lacking the excitement which makes it feel almost like another typical modern romance drama. The TCM part saves it quite a bit in differentiating.

Can't wait to see Zhang Ling He in his other upcoming dramas!

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A sweet romance that somehow tastes bland

My review after finishing all 28 episodes: sweet but overrated. The drama has beautiful scenery and those typical slow-motion romantic moments. The story is a kind of slice-of-life with no heavy conflicts or red flags. Supportive friends, a warm family atmosphere, and both the female and male leads are complete green flags... everything you'd expect from a comforting, feel-good drama.

But in the end, it tasted like unsalted popcorn. What went wrong? Well, if the narrative itself doesn't create tension or excitement, that responsibility falls on the main characters - and here, they just don't deliver.

Unlike other dramas in this genre, you don't get that overdose of sweetness or that urge to step into the screen and be part of that community. Apart from the kissing scenes, the chemistry is missing, as well as that comforting sense of warmth. And although the narrative is consistently focused on romance, it still fails to pass that feeling to the viewer.

In the end, the drama feels like a utopia: a gentle, romantic world with no villains, yet somehow still rather flavourless.

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A healthy relationship who can support each other decisions.

In my opinion, this is one of the best modern C-dramas. There’s no second lead (I don’t really count her ex as one), no unnecessary filler scenes, no toxic parents, and—most importantly—finally, a male and female lead who don’t have a childhood connection. They met like normal adults, with no past history or rivalry, making their relationship feel natural and realistic.

The story stays focused on the main couple, with the majority of scenes revolving around them, which is a huge plus. The cinematography is absolutely stunning, and the whole drama made me want to fall in love. The abundance of flowers throughout the show was beautiful, and the filming locations were breathtaking.

Another aspect I loved was how the female lead often took the initiative—bringing flowers for him, giving him a ring, and even proposing. We’re so used to seeing the male lead do all of this, but this drama flipped that dynamic in such a refreshing way.

It felt so realistic when He Suye said, “If one day you make me feel miserable, I won’t hold onto you anymore.” A relationship is about two people—happiness and joy should be mutual, not one-sided.

We’re so used to seeing male leads promise to never let go, vowing to stay together forever. But here, the male lead openly stated that if he ever feels miserable, he will walk away too. It was refreshing and something I had never seen in a C-drama before.

All the lovey-dovey scenes felt so natural, and I couldn’t help but kick my feet while watching them. The acting never felt forced—it was effortless and genuine.

When they were happy, I felt happy too. It felt like when two people fall in love, their happiness spreads to those around them. As a viewer, I experienced that joy along with them. In the drama, their neighbors, colleagues, and parents were all cheering for them, genuinely happy for their love.

In total , A healthy relationship who can support each other decisions.

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Loving you, is the best thing I've even done!

Wow, I never thought i would have enjoyed this as much as I did! 😲.. the acting from the ML was soooo well done, he brought so much life to his character, the FL as well, and they just looked like they were soooo in love, the way they kissed, hugged, stared and held each other was crazy!! I was grinning from ear to ear in sooo many episode, and i left feeling soo much, I was lucky I wasn't around other they might have thought i was crazh rhe way i was squealing sometimes. The washroom kiss and then that car kiss? 👀 the MLs lips were so pink and his ears was red, like how'd that pass censorship? 😳🤭 i remembered watching that clip last year and was hoping it would pass and it did 🤭..

This was really well done, I just loved that the romance wasn't rushed and it took time for the FL to heal, and I love that the ML wasn't the usual aloof ML, he had "personality" .. the parents were awesome too, in the later episodes the way they comforted each other like a real couple was sooo cute, and the FL friends were great, they were so wholesome!. 10/10 for me!!.. this will be added to.my rewatch list! 😊 🤭

How could I forget the wedding!!.. I liked how personal it was, the man in the suit and apron haha, and all there photos and all the flowers since the FL loved flowers, was a really nice touch. We got to see so many people who were there during their journey all happy, and seeing their guest having a great time at a wedding was the first for me since watching drama over a decade ago, they really did put a lot into that, and the ceremony was so beautiful! 🤭

Thats what i liked about this show, it felt like you were watching a journey from the FL needing healing physical and emotional, and from strangers to doctor and patient, to acquaintances, to friends, to being each other crush, and falling in love and becoming soul mates. The journey was wonderful to watch, apart from the ex, there wasn't another else toxic, the leads loved and respected ach other, apologize when they were wrong, I've been watching ZLH shows since his debut maiden holmes, sparkle love etc, he has grown soo much, he was always a great actor from since then but seeing him in this role has made me like him even more and I'm looking forward to his future works. Same for the FL.

I hope if you like this type of show you'll give it a chance and see how you feel about it, happy drama watching! 😊

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A drama gives you comfort

one of the most realistic, soothing, lovely drama i have watched till today. no over acting, no unnecessary triangles, no unnecessary characters,
this drama makes you see the world in a different perspective.
this makes you realise " even if some toxic people makes you miserable,there will always be someone who might heal you and friends will be with you who will make you feel at ease"

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Love that heals, moments that warm the heart.

I just finished watching The Best Thing, and I can confidently say it’s one of the most refreshing modern C-dramas I’ve seen in a while. The story is simple yet incredibly relatable, capturing everyday emotions without over-the-top conflicts or unnecessary drama. This straightforward approach makes it easy to connect with the characters and their journeys.

One of the things I loved the most is how the drama beautifully integrates elements of Chinese culture through He Suye’s profession as a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) doctor. The frequent use of herbs and TCM practices adds a unique and enriching layer to the story, making it feel both authentic and culturally significant. It’s rare to see such details woven so seamlessly into a modern romance.

The cinematography is another standout aspect. Every scene is a visual delight, with vibrant colors and blooming flowers that enhance the warm and healing vibe of the story. The attention to detail in the sets and lighting makes the whole viewing experience feel like a soft, comforting hug.

Of course, the heart of the drama is the beautiful chemistry between He Suye (Zhang Linghe) and Shen Xifan (Xu Ruohan). Their interactions are so natural and heartfelt that it’s impossible not to root for them. The way they portray their characters' emotions feels genuine, making every moment between them both sweet and memorable.

The pacing of the story is also commendable. It stays focused on the main leads without dragging or losing direction. While there is a second couple, they don’t overshadow the primary storyline, which I really appreciate. The drama knows what it wants to highlight and sticks to it effectively.

The soundtracks deserve a special mention too. Each song is not only beautiful but also perfectly aligns with the emotions of the scenes, making them even more impactful. The music, combined with the soothing and flowery vibe of the drama, creates a truly immersive experience.

Overall, this drama is a charming blend of romance, culture, and healing vibes, brought to life by stunning visuals and a lovable main couple. It’s the kind of drama that leaves you feeling warm and comforted long after the final episode. If you’re looking for something light yet meaningful, this one is definitely worth the watch!

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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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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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So Good It Hurts (In a Nice Way)

This show has ruined me—in the best way. The pacing, the visuals, the character development... it’s all top-tier. But the standout? The chemistry. It’s insane how compatible LingHe and Ruohan are on screen. They don’t need dramatic declarations—their smallest gestures speak volumes. I found myself smiling like an idiot during almost every scene they shared. There’s softness, there’s depth, and there’s hope. Please someone cast them in another drama. Preferably as a married couple. ASAP.

HOPE THEY HAVE ANOTHER PROJECT TOGETHER, XU RUOHAN ZHANG LINGHE FOREVER !!! <33

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