Bit overrated drama
This drama is really amazing I loved it but somewhere female lead rejected her parents love and married to him without convincing her mother I mean her parents were not at fault all they wanted her to be happy but except that point everything was so good omg it’s like a long story with more plots more twisting scripts I loved it didn’t feel like 36 episodes was long I love actors they had great potential and script is awesome especially the musics and happy that everybody got happy ending even for gao he was just filled with ego which was stomping by main lead if he was good to him may be all this would t have happened I think story is mainly because of main lead arrogant character atleast he should have known at the end it was his fault but even at last episode he was same to female lead mother anyway I think this kind of characters should be stopped airing If not people get admired by such arrogant characters and I recommend everyone to watch this drama and definitely worth it❤all the best to the teamWas this review helpful to you?
Would I recommend this? Yes. Is this the top modern cdrama of 2022? Maybe.
Where do I even begin to describe L&P? I didn’t hear of it in 2022 but somehow it was one of the first few shows I heard about in 2023 so I decided to give it a shot after all the reviews. I seldom start on shows with leads I don’t even know but after this I can safely say I’ll be watching their future works!The story is broken down into 2 parts and this storytelling is quite unique for a modern c-drama. It starts off in the present for the first part then goes back to the past and we’re back to the present for the last part. For me, points were deducted for the first part of the show - while I appreciate the elaborate set up and foundation of their relationship in college, I think it’s longer than it should’ve been. Maybe it’s because we already got a glimpse of what the present looks like so I feel like I was just waiting for the inevitable to happen. The first part could’ve been at least 5 eps shorter to focus more on the present imo.
I say this as I much prefer the ‘present’ storyline. Their matured selves and the story is just a lot more engaging and is also peppered with even more likeable side characters. There’s a lot more to unpack and focus on for the present timeline but I felt like they simply swept some things under the rug? Which is why I feel like it’s regretful they didn’t allocate more episodes for the present instead of the past. But maybe it’s on purpose cos it’s kindaaa apt?? Keeping the viewers focused on the past just like how our leads kept dwelling on history.
Li Xun is a controversial character but I like such male leads (it’s fictional after all) - not everyone is a knight in shining armour much as he liked to think of himself as one LOL. He’s not your clear-cut-good-guy male lead which imo is something different to watch!
It’s a bit of a slow burn romance but the leads spend a lot of time together. As such, much of it is 暧昧 but it’s quite realistic. I would also realistically say it’s a good show but not off the charts. Would I rewatch? Perhaps the key moments but definitely not the bulk of college. To be fair, it might be the top modern cdrama for 2022 simply due to the lack of competition! So yes, it’s worth the watch. Don’t forget the special episode as well, it has additional scenes
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If you like IT stories
The story seems pretty solid with some not of the time things. The real story begins around 2012 and they were using windows XP?. The their phones, Chinese brand, had apps already?, not just the ordinary from the year, but they created a medical app for the phones if that time. It's a TV show, I get it, but still too many things didn't go with the years. Then there are some lose ends at the end that you will find out yourselves if you pay close attention.One bothers me the most. Anyways the end was ok, could of been better but everyone got what they deserved.Was this review helpful to you?
Some of the Best Character Development
Used to be: 9.75 stars!Now: 9.5
Reason for change: Although the character development was excellent, there were was a moment where I wanted to drop this drama (ep 21-25). So, because of that, I feel like 9.5 better captures the whole drama.
Warning: Spoilers in here will only spoil the first to second episode in the drama
Story:
-yes, it is a bit on the longer side, but I rarely skipped
-very good ending (one of the best I've watched)
-beautiful character development (for most characters, especially the villain)
-relationship between main leads was developed well. ml and fl really suit each other. Both've got their own strengths. Some people would call the fl (Zhu Yun) a doormat. I disagree. I believe she is what we would call "loyal to a fault". Our ml (Li Xun) has always been tricked, lied to, and betrayed all of his life, so he just pushed others away. The Zhu Yun suits him because she trusts Li Xun wholeheartedly and gains his trust as well.
-yes, they do get back together (after the initial break up) kinda late. But the pay off is soooooooo good, that you'd be to busy smiling to complain
-themes (like revenge) were clear and powerful
-a lot of dramas show how communication is very important in a relationship. This one showed it in a very sophisticated way
-dealt with a lot of harder topics
-found a good balance between heavy stuff and comedy relief
-I liked how they used jealousy to push the leads together. The fact that they barely used it made me happy because I'm sick of scheming 2ml and 2fls. Li Xun and Zhu Yun both had friends with the other gender that were purely platonic and I love that
small con:
-wish they had developed Li Lan (ml's sister) more.
-the breakup was way too much. I was literally in tears. The only reason why I stayed is because I trust Zhang Jing Yi to pick good characters
Acting:
-the natural chemistry between the Zhang Jing Yi and Chen Fei Yu is amazing. I love Zhang Jing Yi and watched many of her shows, but never have I seen her have so much chemistry with someone
Note: Lots of people say they were most impressed by the chemistry of the leads. Yes, it was good, but it wasn't the thing that made this drama stand out in my opinion.
-in general, everyone's acting was so beautiful, especially the main leads, but also it was just very well done
-the character's past self and present self had such a large difference (in the way they behaved, mannerisms, wisdom, maturity), that I'd really believe that they waited 7 years to then shoot the present. The outfits also made it obvious.
OST:
-the ost is pretty badass
-though, what really took the cake was the timings of each song. Like, they matched the scene so well each time, it was awesome
Rewatch:
-rewatching might be hard because there are some heavy themes, but still worth it
Anyway, what a good cdrama.
Note:
After reading some reviews, I have something to say. If we were to compare their love story to real life, yes there are a few red flags. Like, if I were Zhu Yun and Li Xun broke up with me, I'd leave him in my dust. But I have trust issues. Zhu Yun and I are completely different people. So, if we see the larger picture, the overall plot themes, and character arcs, you'll see that this is a really good drama.
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Entertaining, Romantic, Youth!
When this show came out, I was SO invested and obsessed. The first half really pulls you in and makes you fall in love with Li. Xun and Zhu Yun. I could see why this show attracted a lot of young viewers. In the beginning, the love is playful, curious, and passionate. Young love that steals your heart. The second half is more angsty and slow-burn, given what Li Xun has been through. Li Xun is a genius but fell behind opportunities due to setbacks. Zhu Yun is hardworking and loyal, and now has the background to support Li Xun. I found her character to be likable, and only she could put up with Li Xun. They contrast each other yet are compatible.The themes of friendship and betrayal were predictable, as in many life dramas. Looking back, I enjoyed L&P and was impressed with Chen Feiyu's acting. His character was cold and believable, and his secret glances/actions tugged at your heart. This drama plot didn't give me a feeling that it was groundbreaking or revolutionary, but somehow gave me what I've been missing in dramas these days.
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This review may contain spoilers
This drama completely pulled me in and didn’t let go. The romance isn’t perfect or easy — and that’s exactly why it feels so real. Everything builds slowly, with so much tension and emotion underneath the surface. You can feel the longing, the frustration, the heartbreak in every interaction, and it makes the love story incredibly powerful.What I loved most is how layered the characters are. The male lead is closed off and emotionally guarded, he was a bit annoying at time- typical bad boy vibes. while the female lead is strong, loyal, and loves deeply even when it hurts. Their relationship goes through real struggles, misunderstandings, and pain — nothing feels rushed or unrealistic. When they finally find their way back to each other, it feels completely earned and incredibly satisfying.
This is the kind of drama that makes you feel everything at once — love, sadness, hope, frustration —
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THEIR CHEMISTRY SHOULD BE DISPLAYED IN MUSEUMS
although cold male lead and aloof sunshine female lead type of plots are cliche in my opinion, they DEFINITELY made up for it with their chemistry. the story line was interesting, especially because they didn't just make it about their code writing.the main leads all shared an intense passion for their job and all ended up taking it a little too far to the dark side.
don't really want to ramble but you'll definitely LOVE this couple and root for them. but just a little heads up, it does get a little draggy towards the end.
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Toxic love, gratuitous wickedness, and repetitive script.
Bad boy meets good girl. Nothing original in the sea. Since Rebel without a cause, the pattern has been used in so many films and dramas. But in this case, ML is not only rebellious, but also rude and arrogant. Even after what happens to his family or to the 3 years in prison, he behaves exactly the same as before. There are no regrets, or a different attitude toward the FL, friends, or colleagues. He is the same. Seems a privileged intelligence gives the right to behave badly with the inferiors (for him: all except him).FL is a nice girl who seems attracted to ML's intelligence. Her role could be even worse and more naive, but she defends her own capacities and intelligence. So, in that sense, we can save her. However, she believes everything that ML says or does. She doesn’t need explanations, nor does she need to be asked for her opinion. If he says or does anything, she believes him and follows him as a puppet. Even when he screams at her or defies her parents. If that is not a toxic love and a big red flag….
Her mother is especially snobbish and square-minded, but that doesn’t justify how he treats her parents. Even when we know he does what he does for her best interest. Who is he to decide for her?
Mention apart from the the 2 seconday male roles (Old Gao and Fang Zhijing). What on earth is someone going to believe such a level of hate and at such a young age? Nobody has suffered a bullying guy at school or university, or a jerky colleague? Does that justify even the intention of murder or the willingness to imprison a person? Old Gao has a serious problem of complex insecurities that made him absolutely crazy. No matter how the ML is, his attitude and actions cannot be justified or redeemed in the last two episodes. He needs psychiatric help.
In 36 episodes, everything is the same: bad guys, a good girl, and her nice friends. Well, I want to mention the role of her man friend: Tian Xiu Zhu. I imagine his name is Tian (Heaven) because indeed he is the only “angel” in the drama.
Love? I don’t see any love. Despite the fact that there are people like the main characters in the world, we can not romanticize them. Or at least, if we do, let’s do because they change and show love and mercy. One last episode doesn’t solve the previous ones.
I didn’t like. In fact, this drama made me feel uncomfortable. However, I waited until the end to see if there was any change, and endured all episodes because of the great performance of all actors and actresses. They were superb. Specifically: Arthur Chen, Zhao Zhi Wei and Zhang Jing Yi.
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This review may contain spoilers
Can you give yourself for love ? I can't, but can you ? Zhu Yun can.
It's a very good drama with very good actors and a good storyline. I really liked the overall feeling the story gave me and more importantly i loved the FL.But there is one thing i can't understand about her and that's her unconditional love for Li Xun. This guy is such a red flag, he never gives anything first, never puts himself on the line for her. She's just endlessly giving and he's always receiving. The little he gives (dress, food or just a smile) lets her feel extatic and that's sad to see. He's like and iron door on an iceland and she needs to warm the whole island before he dares to look at her. I know some ppl will disagree saying "he has traumas" or "he has business in mind" but when you put yourself in her shoes and the guy you love treats you like this your love will quickly turn into disdain. I would've loved if she was feeling disgusted by him and made him crawl for her but no. Whatever it was really good either way.
My girlies reading this remember : never crawl for a man, as a woman society makes you crawl since birth and when you learn to stand up, you have to stand firm on your feet or less some man will want you on your knees again.
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Combustible Chemstry With Problematic Elements
I find myself rather torn on this show. Initially I didn't like the romance - I felt the male lead was bit too standoffish and remote, making is extremely challenging in determining if he actually liked Zhu Yun (especially in the earlier episodes). Some of his decisions, especially the middle section of the show, felt incredibly toxic and, well, mean. Like, mean boy mean. And I still stand by that assessment all of the months since watching the show, but I find myself returning to rewatch their romance time and again. These two actors had excellent chemstry with each other, which makes some of their more problematic moments as a couple, or even as friends, palatable. I also see definite character growth between them as individuals and as a couple. I recommend going into this show knowing these two are flawed and their development takes time and patience. It's ultimately worth it in the end.The show does an excellent job with having a second male lead that is not actively vying romantically for the female lead. The female lead and second male lead are friends, but not romantically attracted to each other. It was refreshing to see the two male leads competing more so as friends, allies, and business partners rather than as potential love candidates. I can't remember the last time (or any time) a second male lead has not developed some sort of feelings for the female lead, and it was absolutely wonderful.
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This review may contain spoilers
At first I wasn't interested at all, but after a year, it managed to be somehow on my Netflix list. Watched a few episodes and it was good. Can't remember why i didn't like it last year. Anyway now I'm looking forward to more episodes. I hope this one ain't a waste of time.After the first few episodes, the cycle of the FL chasing the ML while the ML pushed her away, got so tiresome.
Anyway, I guess the writer(s) did good in presenting human nature. They made plenty of recognizable characters: an underprivileged but gifted ML, a nice girl next door type from a picture perfect family, loyal friends, backstabbing envious friends (their hopes and dreams, their arrogance, greed, deception, discrimination).
All in all I think it's a good watch.
❤️
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This coming of age, opposites attract, character driven drama is not my usual binge-fluff. Good performances from the cast. A good variety of supporting characters, providing the story with richness. A bumpy journey with a hopeful ending. Oh and a Zhou Shen soundtrack I love!
I sympathise with FL, she suffers from a lot of noise; her parents, self doubt, lack of clarity and direction. Her life is privileged and secure but she is numb. The Lighter sets off a spark within her, she starts to believe her own ability and takes risks. Her growth is subtle but not without value. That spark is more than romance, it's challenging and gives her purpose.
She found security in ML's brilliance. He always has a plan. She's kept in the dark a lot, which is problematic, definitely, but his actions show he always had another plan.
ML is a brilliant AH that makes for an interesting watch. He does grow and mature enough to wrap up the story, but he still has a lifetime to continue growing. I liked that he doesn't say "Don't worry, I've got this" he says "You worry. I fix it." I didn't like the tickling 🤮😅 I don't find that endearing.
Someone commented they could do with therapy. Most people could benefit from therapy 😅.
A shout out to "Ling Ba" (Go Ahead reference) for kind of adopting this troubled kid.
9/10 recommend
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