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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too long too little plot
it was just visuals, FL most times look like she was lost in thought or spacing out, ML was like a creep at the beginning. the ex boyfriend arc was way too lacking it makes no sense, he was selfish and his parents don’t like her but he was okay all of a sudden he became self centred. then he ghosted her and came back acting as if nothing happened. the second couple could have been given a storyline that would have made a great filler for the drama as they were just there as props for the Fl. sadWas this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Builds almost too slow for my tase, but the latter half of the series is worth it
9/10 is my rating. What I have found with a lot of the more recent Chinese romantic series is there is a slow build. A long period of time where one or the other main characters is frustrating. Where you are like "come on you know you like them." And that was this one for me. It was very good. Once all the initial was past and the viewer was able to understand why one of the characters was being so frustrating. That was me also in First Frost. To provide context. I think they pace is very similar to that. I think that is the difference in reviews. If you want things to start evolving immediately versus a slower evolution of the relationship. I would watch it again some time in the future. I would recommend it to romance fans. And would sit down and watch it if someone had it on. They had a lot of chemistry and there are few pancake kisses in this one. In fact, I think somewhere this one was rated as one where there is a lot of kissing and that is true.Spoilers
My biggest complaint was simply her absolute insistence on studying abroad. It was never clear how that would be such a huge gain in her life to sacrifice relationships. Her ex was just an absolute jerk. So, him not wanting to go was just for his own selfish reasons. But she was also selfish at times in her laser focus on study abroad.
I think only the main guy would have had patience for her. She blew so hot and cold. I was frustrated when she decided it was for the best they didn't get involved romantically because she was going abroad. One of my least favorite tropes. Doing it for our own good. Made no sense she did it to avoid heart break but completely broke his heart in the process. That is what made it seem so selfish.
If I had known earlier in the series what an absolute nightmare her ex was I would have felt less frustrated with her and her sometimes cold attitude toward main guy. It made more sense once I realized that yes, they had a seemingly good relationship in college but he turned into a selfish, entitled jerk once they were in a relationship. He totally ignored her emotional needs by ghosting her. Then he comes back and wants to get back together? After he did whatever it was he wanted? And she also knew the father-in-law would be a problem. Wisest thing she did was not take him back. Not even consider it. He was a special kind of A*$hole and those kind are best left alone.
For a unique synopsis, please scroll down.
Synopsis
Shen Xi Fan (Xu Rue Han) is a hard working hotel manager who has been in a seven year relationship with her College love, Yan Heng (Caesar Wu), Xi Fan and Yang Heng are engaged but she has found that has he has changed over the years becoming very cold and distant. While she had thoughts of breaking it off, she decided to make her relationship work but then Yan Heng broke it off with her suddenly. The stress of the relationship caused Xi Fan to become insomniac leading her to the Traditional Chinese Medicine clinic where she meets Dr. He (Zhang Ling He) a very handsome TCM doctor. He is over 30 and experiencing great social pressure to find "the one" and get married. While there is no shortage of eligible women, and mothers and fathers alike try to get him to date their daughters, sister and friends Dr. He shows no interest in romance until he falls for Xi Fan almost on sight. While he works with her to alleviate her insomnia, the two grow ever closer. After some time passes, Xi Fan realizes that her fiancé breaking up with her after seven years may not have been the worst thing after all. It may have opened her life up to experiencing the best thing.
This is a 2025 Chinese romance drama with 28, ~42 minute episodes. It is adapted from Sheng Li's novel entitled "Loving You is the Best Thing I Have Done."
#TheBestThing #XuRueHan #CaesarWu #ZhangLingHe
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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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simple and touching
I started this series a month ago, but I keep putting it on hold. I don't really know the real reason, but it kind of makes me hesitate. I was initially attracted to the series because of the main characters, whom I loved. I always remember the female lead from Out with a Bang, which made her seem cute and youthful, while the male lead—I loved him in Sparkle Love.In this series, I appreciate how they portrayed the importance of family. I love the way the female lead’s parents support and love her. I also love that the male lead is caring, supportive, and understanding. The story was good, but sometimes the pacing made me click the 2x speed button. I love the concept, but it lacks excitement. At first, it was intriguing to see how the male lead could help the female lead and how they became a couple, but after that, it just felt like a simple couple going about their lives.
I guess my expectations weren’t met, and the series needs more excitement. But in the end, it was nice, and I think they emphasized the long-distance relationship between the main leads, which added some spice to the story—showing how they managed their relationship and love.
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Healing drama, but I actually have a lots of question.
[This review contains spoilers – read at your own risk!]This drama is actually simple and healing. It follows a woman struggling with insomnia due to overthinking, who ends up meeting a man—her doctor.
Here are a few things I didn’t quite understand:
The male lead falls in love with the female lead at first sight, which didn’t feel very believable to me.
The female lead seems to fall for him just because of his kindness. Shouldn’t she have taken time to heal first? Learning to love herself and recognizing her worth might’ve made the relationship more meaningful. Instead, it feels like she’s stuck in another emotional loop.
When her ex comes back and asks for a second chance, the female lead keeps running away instead of confronting the situation. I understand she was hurt and never got closure, but repeating the same avoidance behavior doesn’t help either. It would’ve been more satisfying to see her face the issue and move forward.
Both actors gave solid performances, and there were definitely some cute moments. Still, I felt like the chemistry between them was a bit lacking. Honestly, I kind of wish they had cast a different female lead.
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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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Somehow, It Brought Me Comfort •́ ‿ ,•̀
Give me that sachet ʕっ•ᴥ•ʔっI rlly liked this drama, it’s so soft and cute—way different from what I usually watch. The ✨ aesthetic ✨ totally drew me in—those text messages, the pretty nature spots, and the recipes I wish I could try but probs can’t. Manager Shen’s room and her keyboard? So cute.
The info on TCM and the whole hotel vibes? Obsessed—wish I could work in this field. The toxic relationship stuff hit deep; I get how someone can really mess with your head, but I feel kinda bad for the ex—don’t come at me lol. Part of it was his dad’s fault, but he’s wrong too. Also, I speed-watched the last 4 episodes cuz they got kinda predictable, but I’ll rewatch them when I miss it. Ms. Shen? Gorgeous. The chemistry? Fire. Love the second couple too. 🍃🌷
Also, the songs were so good—I saved some to my playlist bc I loved them. Cdramas' songs rlly be hittin diff.
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Sweet and Interesting!
Just finished The Best Thing, and it reminded me a lot of Love Me Love My Voice in the sense that it is truly a sweet love story that is relatively angst-free. A "feel-good" drama...that may have had me shedding a few tears here and there, but mostly I was smiling over their unfolding love story. I also found it interesting that each of these two dramas had underlying references to historic Chinese traditions...LMLMV's story revolved around Traditional Chinese Music, while The Best Thing revolved around the art of Traditional Chinese medicine, giving both dramas an added dimension and depth.While some have said Zhang Ling He's acting was just so-so in this drama, I disagree and thought he played his character, He Su Ye, perfectly...as a kind, maybe a bit shy, no-nonsense, dedicated and knowledgeable TCM doctor, who could be sweetly teasing but was always loyal to a fault and full of love for Xu Ruo Han's character, Shen Xi Fan.
And speaking of Xu Ruo Han I thought she did another wonderful job with her character, Shen Xi Fan, in The Best Thing. She has always been a favorite of mine, ever since The Forbidden Flower...and she didn't disappoint in this drama either! She always plays her characters so naturally and unforced, and manages to be both sensual and innocent in all I've watched her in.
I also thought the supporting roles were beautifully cast, and I loved all the characters, especially the always wonderful actor Li Jian Yi, who plays He Su Ye's grandfather.
And finally, I ESPECIALLY loved all the information integrated into this drama about TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine)...so fascinating that I found myself often pausing the episode to do a quick search on my phone about the plants and recipes used in this drama. And at each Episode opening a medicinal plant was featured with it definition and uses....GENIUS!
So all said, The Best Thing is truly a lovely drama...I usually like my dramas darker, but sometimes a light satisfying drama like The Best Thing is...dare I say...Just what the doctor ordered. ;-)
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So many unnecessaries
Lets start with the good. The first episodes it really felt like I was here for another epic like Hidden Love and First Frost. The cinematography was giving vibes of both. I was hopeful this is the direction it was going. Visuals on the leads are off the charts. Unique sub plot of TCM was fun, to the point where it started to feel like TCM was the sponsor. Wouldn’t be surprised. Green flag ML, yes he liked her from the first moment, thank goodness or there would have been little to show up for in the beginning.Here’s some things I found irritating for me, and why I knocked off 1.5 stars off of something that was headed in the 10 star rating direction.
The overall story was missing something- it didn’t need to be more angst, as there was enough for the pace this drama was going for. I can’t put my finger on it. Chrmistry struggled with FL. She already had plenty of loving expressions and curiosity about her, but the sudden rejection after we knew she was deeply into him was weird. In fact lets discuss this study abroad plot. I honestly don’t understand the obsession in Asian dramas wuth study abroads. I get it, but what are your reasons? In asian dramas it is always sold as, you’ll have a better future if you do it, and hence nothing should ever stand in thecway of your future career or you will have regrets. Its the same thing every single show. Most people can attain the future with a domestic university. Let’s look at why people in real life study abroad, because lets face it, its not the easiest or cheapest option.
1) They are wealthy and curious, and its about ego or just something fun to have some fun with away from home. So sure why not.
2) The school offers something-either accreditation or unique learning that other domestic schools can’t offer. This is true for a handful of study abroad opportunities.
3) They want to become proficient in the language in that country, and seek immersion opportunities that are easier to apply for than trying to get a job.
Only the second of these would I say comes even close to a reason to seperate for a long period of time, for the sake of future career. Very rarely do we see them heading abroad to a top flight school because its the only place in the world to give them that. In fact 99% of the time that’s not it in dramas. They break up perfectly good green flag relationships. This show is no different. Yes no breakup per say here, but it felt stupid and they rushed through the away time, and then had an unecessary extension-that whole time it felt very one sided, ML was aching for her, she was off having fun. After all of that, masters in hotel management she comes back and rushes in to running a small restaurant with her best friend… ohhhhhkaaaayyyyy then. Her job AT THE HOTEL she had already was already a solid job in that career of hotel management and likely would have got her where she wanted to be had she just stayed. It was the most pointless part of the show. The side story with her mother felt like a typical “give me a reason to stay” moment, but we knew it was there for that plot only and that it wouldn’t stop her trope. For goodness sakes if an amazing relationship with ML isn’t gonna stop you skipping out, nothing will lol.
So no, the study abroad thing ended up a stupid way to add some angst, even if she thought about it early on - I wish they had found a way for her move forward without it. For once can a show, do what no one ever does as a writer and show how important good healthy relationships are, making mature decisions like the fact the ML is already getting on a bit. Who has wimsy to go abroad for a bit of experience she was already getting in her “management job at a fancy hotel”… good relationships can be hard to come by, and can offer great mental health benefits and memories. This is never promoted.
Enough on that. The efforts to push a 2ML & 2FL both were extremely flat.
Occasionally something is in the script thats just laughable and silly. Eg “your room is on the 9th floor” of a hotel that never once shows a building anywhere near as tall as one that even has 9 floors. 5 maybe at most. And every hotel room scene is ground level with outdoor door access lol.
I found some dragging too, which I thought theres too many episodes but then they rushed through things near the end, so I think overall pacing dropped off after a handful of episodes. I started off bingeing and end up trying to keep watching.
So in the end, this was no Hidden Love, not even close. I have zero desire to watch this through again. Even a 8.5 is a stretch, but I’m doing it for what I think they wanted this show to go.
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Cozy and healing
==Breakdown==Background plot - 20%
Romance - 70%
Misc comedy - 10%
Background plot - fine
Romantic chemistry - Amazing
Misc comedy - fine
Production value - Good
If you're looking for a cozy, sweet and sexy, lovely, feel-good drama, this one is it. The only reason it gets a 9.5 from me is because there is one plot element in the middle episodes that made me dislike the FL character for 2 episodes / made her appear petty and shallow. She somewhat redeemed herself, but the shadow of her actions never fully receded. (The kid in the hospital storyline... I was so irritated with her choices after that and thought she didn't deserve the ML; there's nothing wrong with being a single parent!!)
I will say, both leads in this drama are absolutely stunning. They're almost aggressively beautiful. I couldn't watch more than 1 episode at a time because it felt like an overdose of prettiness and sweetness. But 1-episode at the end of each day brought a smile to my face and was the perfect dose of this lovely drama.
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