Eyes Locked, Hearts Stolen
In the fall of 2012, Su Zai Zai spots the mysterious Zhang Lu Rang at a convenience store. Their eyes meet, and though no words are exchanged, she’s instantly hooked. When she discovers they attend Yucai High School, she decides to pursue him, sparking the beginning of something special. On the surface, Zhang Lu Rang seems to have it all, top grades, a privileged life, but behind the scenes, he struggles with self-doubt and lives in the shadow of his genius younger brother. His quiet, controlled world starts to open up thanks to Su Zai Zai’s cheerful energy and their circle of friends Gu Ran, Guan Fang, and Jiang Jia. Together, they chase dreams, support each other, and navigate the messy, sweet chaos of first love, proving that sometimes the right people can help you find your true self.When I Fly Towards You is a warm, nostalgic trip back to the highs, lows, and secondhand embarrassment of teenage love. From the very first scenes and credits, I was hooked. The retro, sentimental vibe immediately sets the tone for a story that’s as charming as it is heartwarming.
The drama kicks off with Su Zai Zai spotting the aloof Zhang Lu Rang at a convenience store. No words are exchanged, but the sparks fly. Once she finds out they go to the same Yucai High School, she goes full-on pursuit mode. Su Zai Zai can be a bit cringey at times—hello, secondhand embarrassment—but it’s endearing and very much part of the charm. Her puppy-like persistence slowly grows on you, especially as we see how genuinely wise and caring she is beneath all the chatter. She’s practically a psychologist with how effortlessly she comforts others, uses the right words, and even melts Zhang Lu Rang’s icy exterior. What surprised me is how much her character grows on you. Despite her endless yapping and puppy-love antics for Zhang Lu Rang, she’s actually wise, thoughtful, and remarkably positive. I expected her to be hard-headed, maybe even force her way into East China University just to be near him, but instead she listened to Mr. Lin’s advice, applied to another university as a backup, and worked hard to maintain her grades so she could still attend the same university as Zhang Lu Rang. Her mix of determination, maturity, and optimism makes her much more than a silly, love-struck heroine. She’s genuinely lovable and surprisingly relatable.
Speaking of him, Zhang Lu Rang is a breath of fresh air. Unlike the typical aloof, cold male leads who push the heroine away, he’s approachable, attentive, and quietly kind. He never gets annoyed with Su Zai Zai’s schemes, corrects misunderstandings when necessary, and doesn’t mind her being around. Watching him smirk at her antics? Embarrassing for Su Zai Zai, but absolutely adorable. His eventual confession and taking the lead in their relationship gave me literal flutters. The “she fell first, he fell harder” dynamic works so well here, and seeing their cozy, hand-holding moments is just heart-melting.
The drama also shines because it doesn’t focus solely on the main couple. The ensemble cast, including Gu Ran, Jiang Jia, and Guan Fang, gets ample screen time and development. Gu Ran’s mix of playful bickering and genuine, heartfelt moments makes him irresistible. His subtle confession to Jiang Jia and unwavering support for her shows a maturity that’s both swoon-worthy and realistic. Jiang Jia’s arc had its ups and downs, though I found her plot twist in episode 23 a bit anticlimactic. Guan Fang, on the other hand, is hilariously the fifth wheel in the friend group, and I can’t help but feel for him.
The drama is light and easy to watch, but it’s the little details that make it memorable. I couldn’t stop noticing small gestures, like Zhang Lu Rang casually handing Su Zai Zai a bottle of water. A tiny scene continuity issue aside, moments like this highlight his growing warmth and subtle affection. Even the ending felt slightly rushed, leaving me wishing for just a few more cozy, lingering scenes.
Overall, When I Fly Towards You is a sweet, nostalgic ride full of heart-fluttering romance, quirky friendships, and genuine character growth. It’s a drama that makes you laugh, cringe a little, and then sigh happily at the warmth of it all. Perfect for anyone who loves first love done right, a realistic aloof male lead, and a friend group that feels like your own.
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Worth the watch for the most part
Slight spoilers (just an overview, no details)For the first three quarters of this show I was convinced this was going to be my favourite modern day Chinese drama. I think I set myself up for failure a bit, so that's on me. I had such a good time watching this, I laughed so much and was smiling throughout a majority of the show. I think where it lost me was when they went to university. Maybe it was because the friend group was apart. I know that the university timeline didn't last very long, only a couple of episodes, and I'm grateful for that. I think that once they were out of high school the sense of urgency was gone. The main couple had gotten together and were very stable. The other plotlines that were explored during high school were kind of ignored for a couple of episodes and only really picked back up in the last 2 or 3. But because the episodes themselves are fairly short, only about 30 mins, it didn't feel like it was enough time to pique my interest again in the other couple. I think what I'm trying to get across is that it felt like everything could've wrapped up in three episodes after the graduated high school.
With that being said though I still really enjoyed this and I think I will rewatch the first part often.
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This review may contain spoilers
Good slice of life youth story
What i loved:the school part where they formed a group and stood for each other
there was no melodrama on silly things like not getting to same college , stream , class etc etc. They were mature about it. In one of the famous cdrama ML was ready to change streams just bcs FL was alone in a arts class. i couldnt continue watching after such stupidity from characters. Here even after getting together they were mature about it
FL being mature and outspoken when needed. I loved how innocent but at the same time strong the FL is.
Second pair story was great too
What i didnt like
College years and working years were cute to watch but nothing new in terms of freshness. We can see where it is going unlike school years so not that exciting but thats just a small -ve point.
Overall a great youth story after Lovely Us and Flourish in time!
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Cute Cast
This drama came highly recommended by a fellow drama lover and so, I had to watch it too. Great drama! Loved it!What I Loved:
- The FL was perfectly cast. She had to be cute and yet, not pretentious. She had to be direct/ forward and yet, not annoying. FL was perfect for her role and she was quite a joy to watch from start to finish.
- I liked how the FL is cute and yet, sassy. She was not a pushover and she made sense even when it was her own view. I like strong female leads with spines.
- This is a high school / growing up drama and so, there was not a lot of hot and sexy sizzle between the FL and ML but the FL and ML looked pretty good together. All was good.
- I liked that FL and ML were very sincere about each other and did not play pointless games.
- The supporting cast was cute too. Everyone played significant enough roles. I found Guan Fang strangely funny. I also found his relationship with his granny very endearing. I also liked seeing how FL and her bestie were sincere and tight besties. (I hate insincerity in reel life and in real life.)
- Happy ending. Cliched but I liked it. Things came full circle.
What I Did Not Like Very Much - Very Minor Grouses:
- I found the first part when they were 16 and in freshman year a very long stretch. Thereafter, from 18 onwards, everything seemed to move a little too fast (compared to the first part). Perhaps pacing could have been a bit more even? Just IMO.
- ML did not have much expression but I also understood that it was his role/ character in the drama.
- Gu Ran should have let Jiang Jia know about how he felt and all the different actions of love and affection.
Overall, this drama was fast-paced enough in that things moved along. There aren't annoying villains who spoil the show. The sole "love rival" could not defeat the FL in any way. She was not a threat at all.
This drama was a fun watch for me! :o) Definitely go for it!
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Took me back to my ISWAK days!
I've been seeing this drama in my Netflix recommended list for a while now, but I never really had the interest to watch it, thinking it would be exactly like all other youth dramas out there, until I found a story edit from you tube which made me check it out. Oh boy, I'm glad I did! Our FL looks soooo much ike Ariel Lin! The nostalgia while watching it since I remember the times I was too in love with ISWAK. Admittedly, this is a better drama though.1. The FRIENDSHIP! I think this is what stood out from all other youth CDramas out there. Usually, for friends in a group of 5, the 3 is involved in a love triangle,then the other 2 becomes a couple, or simply cast aside as the story goes. I'm soooo glad this is different. There was no love triangle, & the friends stayed together until the end. They were not just fillers as well. Each of them had their own interesting story. I'm not even sad Guan Fang has no love life. His story with his Grandma is the sweetest thing! Although the friendship story got a bit sidelined after they graduated high school & went their own ways, I'm glad they all got back to their hometown after college graduation.
2. The love!
Main love: This is another case of she fell hard, but he fell harder. I like how they started with friendship, then eventually evolved. Although I did get bored a bit when they finally got together. I like how different it is from the other HS crush drama where the FL loves the ML to the point of toxicity. Like their world revolves around the boy they love & disregarding everything else. For this one, Su Zai Zai gaveLu Rang space when he needs it, & she respects him even if she has always admitted how she has liked him from the start. Supporting him silently when needed. It wasn't cringy at all! I love how Lu Rang evolved from a silent, timid person, to someone who smiles & is not afraid to show affection when he can! These two are exact opposites that balance each other. They also look sooo cute together! Great, great chemistry!
Second OTP: Jiang Jia & Gu Ran definitely stood out as well! Although it took time for them to be together due to several miscommunications, & trying to preserve that friendship, I'm sooo glad they found each other in the end. The stolen stares, the petty jealousy, the accidental discovery of feelings. I just wish they got together the same time as our OTP so I got to see them more as a couple, but all good!
Guan Fang & Grandma: I mean, who needs a girlfriend when you've got the best Grandma in the world! having lost both my Grandmas, GF's story also touched me as it reminded me of how loved I was by my Grannies when they were still with us. I was scared with him when Granny got sick. I'm so glad there was no drama & angst to this show & all ended well.
3. Can I also mention how brave this show is to also portray our OTP living together before marriage? Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't remember watching any drama that actually showed this. Other shows are under a fake marriage contract, or co-parenting so they are "forced" to live together. But watching this surprised me when they decided to get an apartment together after college graduation. Although we already know they are end game, but I'm glad they portrayed this since it is a normal thing nowadays whether we agree or not. Bold move indeed!
This is one of the few who lingers on me after watching it. I was smiling all throughout the show! After watching The Worst of Evil, which brought me to a dark place, it is always refreshing to watch something light with no angst & no heavy drama! One of the best youth dramas out there!
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cutest drama ever!!
I love this drama so much! Even before finishing it, I knew this would be my new favorite drama even out of all the dramas from different genres I watch. It's a very lighthearted youth drama during high school and at the end also includes their life after graduating and entering adulthood. The friendship between the 5 is the healthiest friendship I've ever seen. Su Zaizai and Zhang Lurang are so adorable together and so is the second couple with Gu Ran and Jiang Jia. This is one of the first dramas where I thought the second couple is equally as good as the main couple (even though my favorite is still the main couple). The directing, music, actors, characters, storyline, plot, and pacing are so amazing! The production quality is good and the scenery and backgrounds are so aesthetic. Usually, I dislike when actresses try to act cute but fl here is so naturally adorable that it makes the drama even cuter. There are so many small details included that are relevant to the story and just make it so much better. This is a very refreshing drama and has become my comfort drama. I'm sad to have finished it but I will definitely rewatch it!Was this review helpful to you?
It's so cute, innocent and I love that we follow the journey. You have Su ZaiZai that is just SWEET. Not a single thing bothers this girl and when she falls for boy wonder, the rest is history. I love how respectful, sweet, reserved but still caring Zhang Lu Rang is; they truly were just the most iconic duo and I love that they skirted around love so easily. They truly were friends first then lovers and everything about that was just so sweet and amazing and I was down for the cause forreal. But the friendships were also amazing and I loved the families minus THE MOM IFYKYK; but other than that fantastic watch.
I loved the acting, new faces for me but they did the damn thing.
Music was REMARKABLE; every song was wonderful and I loved the variety.
Overall, definitely watch this :)
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one of those feel good youth drama that you have to watch at least once in a lifetime
Whenever I decide to watch a drama, I usually start by reading the general plot first. for WIFTY, the plot alone made me expect something light, just a typical youth coming-of-age story, filled with playful moments and only light conflicts along the way.at first, to be honest, there were moments that tested my patience, such as how the FL sometimes made me want to scratch the wall with how hard she tried to get the ML’s attention, some other times i got mad due to the ML’s attitude that really left me frustrated. If this had been my own story, I probably would’ve given up on RangRang after putting in so much effort without anything in return.
But as the story unfolded, something shifted. I realized that every character carried their own quiet weight, their own story. That’s when it hit me... this wasn’t just another youth drama. Slowly, I found myself attached, not just to the leads, but to the whole group. It felt like being part of their little circle :") laughing with them, crying with them, and holding on to that bittersweet ache of growing up and chasing dreams.
By the time the FL and ML’s relationship began to unfold, my love for this drama only deepened. It left me with a warm, lingering feeling, and it reminds me with my teenage days :") that, growing up itself, even with all its ache, can also be something beautifully tender and a phase of life that we should cherish forever.
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Not the drama for me
Don't attack me, this review is from a person who avoids youth drama. I'm not bashing anyone for liking this since I can understand why people love this.I started watching this knowing I tend to dislike youth dramas, the only reason why I watched this was because it is an adaptation from the same author as "hidden love" which I absolutely loved. So it was like a challenge to myself to see if I liked this one since I usually don't vibe with school dramas.
But as expected, this one wasn't for me. I knew this was supposed to be more slice of life with a pure and innocent romance but I guess my cynical personality couldn't tolerate the innocent sweetness.
Let me start with the negatives for me:
- The romance was good but not great
The leads had a healthy relationship which I liked but it was just too pure and bland for me. I tend to like couples with chemistry that sparks on screen so I just didn't vibe with the pure milky relationship they had.
- The male lead was bland till the end (I'm sorry)
I get that the male lead is supposed to be quiet and introverted but give him some sort of personality! And the actor could've done more to give life to the character, the expressions he showed were limited so it was like watching a stereotypical introverted character with no depth.
- Can we tone down the puppy-like charm ?
The female lead is supposed to have golden retriever energy I guess, but can we please make it more realistic. Knowing China's obsession with cute female leads, I didn't expect much but again I just need some depth so that she feels relatable. I liked her in some scenes but in other scenes, it was just cringey for me so I skipped it.
But this had some positives for me as well:
- A true slice of life
Lots of dramas claim to be slice of life only to have angsty drama in the middle. But this one was a true slice of life with a slow and relaxed pacing. No major drama or angst between the characters. It just had a nostalgic feel that felt warm and cozy
- Realistic friendships and dynamics
The potrayal of teenagers in China felt relatable. It wasn't exaggerated and just felt normal.
- Healthy relationship goals
I liked how they showed two opposite people can really understand and complete each other. The main couple had a really healthy relationship dynamic. They had mutual patience and appreciation for each other which was great to see.
Overall, it might've been a great watch for someone else but for me, this was just a disappointment (not the show but the watching experience for me). This is just a typical young school romance made really well. But if you don't like this genre, maybe try something else ?
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A short and sweet drama well worth your time
I'll start by saying I'm currently in a phase where I get really impatient with long, dragged out romance plots where it takes forever for the leads to get together. However, with this show even though they spend most of the drama not officially together I found myself not skipping a single scene because the interactions between all the characters were so precious and fun to watch.I think all the characters had excellent chemistry with each other. Their friendships and journey through youth was really refreshing to watch and because the episodes were so short, they got to the point and it never felt dragged. Honestly, after watching this show I'm wondering why more youth dramas don't adopt this straightforward method of story-telling. It really keeps the content engaging.
I know a lot of people have been saying they like the second couple more than the main couple, but I actually disagree! Although I did love the second couple, nothing tops the main couple in this show for me. Their personalities are just so well matched and Su Zai Zai has to be my favorite lead girl. She's caring and sweet but also has a very straightforward, no-nonsense personality. A lot of classic drama tropes were turned on their heads in this show mainly because of how maturely she handled obstacles and I really respect her character for that. It shows that you don't have to be a cold and calculating type to be seen as a "strong" woman. Zai Zai was cute and affectionate while also being strong and I really appreciated that portrayal. Zhang LuRang was also portrayed very well and I think it's truly a "she fell first but he fell harder" type of relationship :)
In general, if you like romance and if you like light-hearted shows absolutely give this one a go. You won't be disappointed.
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If you want a light and warm drama, this is the answer.
For the first time watching this drama, I stopped at the second episode and didn't want to continue because I felt bored. after this drama was declared over and people praised this drama, I felt confused, what's so special? then I convinced myself to continue watching. then I realized that this drama is really interesting and warm. This drama looks cliche but has special little plots. I like all the characters who have their own strengths and weaknesses, they support each other. The most important thing is the two main characters smart and solve the problem quickly. I regret not watching this drama earlier. I regret not enjoying my youth like they did.Was this review helpful to you?
CAN'T GET THEM OUT OF MY HEAD FRFR!
it's my first time giving a review after all the dramas and movies i've watched, but wifty made me do this!my brain isn't functioning so well right now, but i must say that this drama deserves more hype than what it has gotten so far (and is currently getting) because i myself can't get the youthfulness this drama has brought me as a teenager who's about to graduate shs in less than a year!
this drama made me go kilig and giggle A LOT, I SWEAR 🙋 it's sooooo comforting to watch because of how supportive and lovely they are to each other (may it be for friendship or for a romantic relationship).
THANK YOU MY JIANGYI SQUAD FOR THE COMFORT! MAY WE ALL FIND OUR OWN RANGRANG IN THE FUTURE, ZAIZAIS OUT THERE 💛
GO WATCH IT BECAUSE THIS IS DEFINITELY WORTH YOUR TIME AND KILIGIN DIN KAYO KINA RANGRANG AT ZAIZAI KASI SINONG HINDI KIKILIGIN SA KANILA 😭😭😭😭
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