Only for Love

Smart, Slow-Burn Romance with Great Chemistry

If you love a slow-burn romance with strong characters, Only For Love is worth watching. The story is about two ambitious people – a brilliant reporter and a successful CEO – who meet through work, and their relationship grows step by step. It’s not a fluffy rom-com; it’s more about mutual respect, understanding, and how love can develop naturally between two equals.

The main leads, Dylan Wang and Bai Lu, are the highlight of this drama. Their chemistry feels real – every glance and conversation between them is full of tension and warmth. What makes this drama stand out is how mature and healthy their relationship feels. They support each other’s dreams and treat each other as partners, which is refreshing to watch in a romance drama.

The pacing can feel slow at times, and there are some typical C-drama cliches, but the storytelling is beautiful, and the business and career elements make it more realistic. The side couples are fun to watch too, though not as engaging as the main leads.

If you enjoy slow, well-developed love stories with great acting and meaningful moments, this is a must-watch. Just be patient with the pace – it’s worth it.

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I'm surprised by how much I enjoyed this despite its (many) flaws! Despite all the nonsensical and frustrating aspects, I was still eagerly awaiting each new episode.

I wouldn't consider myself a Bai Lu fan, but she was just so playful and charming when her character Shu Yi was flirting shamelessly with Dylan Wang's Shi Yan. Dylan Wang felt miscast because he didn't pull off the CEO aura and his expressions were sometimes lacking, but he does have a pretty face and he looked good with Bai Lu.

But I had too many issues with the plot and characters. Shu Yi was (supposedly) an intelligent, insightful, and hardworking journalist, but it seemed like 100% of her work was focused on Shi Yan and his company, and when it was time to get serious about her relationship with Shi Yan, she totally failed at communicating. Even after her friend Yu You explained how her actions were coming across, she still didn't change her behavior! It was like she was too used to being the center of attention and spoiled by others to understand how to communicate and apologize.

It was delightful when Shi Yue came into the picture and I cackled every time she was trying to help Shi Yan or be his spy. It was nice to see a lovable rich girl for once, but my one complaint is that I didn't like how her romantic storyline was developed. She became a relentless, obsessed stalker after one extremely brief encounter?! I wish she'd been given room to grow and mature before a romance developed and I didn't like her love interest's sudden 360-degree turn either. I'm not saying they weren't cute together, I'm just saying I didn't like how the progression was written.

And then there's Guan Ji and Bi Ruo Shan, who had a setup I loved and so much chemistry! Friends with benefits who fall in love! I even understand why initially they would be hesitant to take a chance and open up their hearts, but they just looked depressed separately for far too long. Especially while Bi Ruo Shan was giving Shu Yi the worst advice on the planet. There were too other minor couples that were very pleasant though, which showed the writers WERE capable of writing mature relationships with good communication!

My last complaint is Yi Yang, whose entire character was unnecessary, or at least the romantic aspect was completely unnecessary. He literally came out of nowhere just to create opportunities for Shi Yan to get jealous??? The actor who plays him was great though and I'll be keeping an eye out for him.

It's been too long since I watched this so I probably had other complaints but this is what I remembered most clearly. But like I said, I still found this immensely entertaining and have no regrets about watching it.

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Watch this of course for Bai Lu & Dylan Wang. And I'm not disappointed. Haha... Yes, after read many review here, I realize this drama have many problem. But however I still really like the chemistry between Dylan & Bai Lu.

This drama tell story of 3 main couple & 4 side couple. And almost all of the relationship stories kinda unhealthy in their own way. The most healthy above 7 story maybe only 2, 1 main couple & 1 side couple...

1st couple. Our ML & FL
Shi Yan (SYa) and Shu Yi (SY). Start with the wrong foot, leading to misunderstanding & hiding the truth. Haha... Start with SY get closer to SYa with the purpose of her carrier & revenge against her ex-boyfriend. Her ex-boyfriend, Yue Xing Zhou (XZ), broke up with her to be with niece of SYa. So with the mind to show off to XZ, SY get closser to SYa. Of course you can't forever hide the evil-smelling, soon or later we can smell it... And when SYa finally know about that 'little secret', SY not instantly confess & ask for forgiveness, but still try to hide it. The consequences between got caught & confess is so clear here.

2nd main couple. Guan Ji (GJ) and Bi Ruo Shan (RS)
The playboy & playgirl. Both have fair share of naughty & affraid of commitment. But GJ more honest to himself & his feeling. And in the end, he is the one that take the first step into the relationship.

3rd main couple Yu You (YY) and Qin Shi Yue (SYu)
Story of young woman and an older guy. The initiative SYu get block a few time by YY, that feel he is a little bit too old for SYu & think SYu at first chase him only for fun & nothing serious. But overtime YY finally feel a little bit missed when SYu suddenly dissappear from his daily life. That's when he finally realize his own feeling for SYu.

4th Yue Xingzhou and Qin Lezhi
The story of the EX. From the first their relationship already scream problem. The rich girl that proactive with someone boyfriend. And turn out in the end this rich girl still hide very dark & twisted secrets...

5th Guan Xiang Cheng and Tang Yi.
6th Shi Wenguang and Song Le Lan
The secret couple. Well this 2 couple basicly have the same story line. The couple that have reason to hide their relationship from the world. The diff only 1 is married & the other is not.

7th Chen Sheng and Kong Nan
The most healthy relationships in the whole groups. Meeting because of work & just get interested with each other & start the relationship. We don't get more from this couple...

Ok that's basically the introduction of our couple. Now the other ploblem that arise in the drama.
- Why in the first place GJ & RS must hide their relationship never really told. How come best friend that always share every problem suddenly so secretive about her own relationship. Even when RS struggles with her own feelings, she never once told SY about it...
- Yeah a little stupid advice that RS told SY about hiding the truth from SYa in the first place.
- The funny litte fact that man always ask for forgiveness. When SYa ask his assistant what he do if his GF angry, he can instantly answered. But how SY so confuse how to ask SYa forgiveness.... And how in the end YY give her direction where her mistake actually is....

What i like:
+ the chemistry between Bai Lu & Dylan Wang.
+ to see other character of Miles Wei. I usually watch him as arogant boss like SYa here, but in here I can see him as soft & gentle man.

Overall I still really like this drama.

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DONT WASTE YOUR TIME WATCHING THIS SERIES

If red flags were leads that would be both the male and female lead and second male lead and second female lead. Nothing made sense, not the story, not the dragging plot, not the music, not the camera angle, not the editing, nothing about this series makes sense. The only reason there is one star given by me is for the third male and female lead story - niece and professor yu's story. Rest everything was rubbish.

Bai lu i know can act. I have seen her act and i usually love her acting. But in this series it was like i was watching some new actress trying acting, not bailu. The female lead to be appeared - desperate, spineless, lying, coward, a little gold diggerish, honestly appeared so so desperate for male lead's attention. Male lead was just so bland, had no personality. Only personality he had was being silent. The second and third male lead seem to had more character nuances than the main male lead. The progression of love made no sense. The placement of repeated phone calls to interrupt kisses - which happened like more than like 20 times in series - was so so annoying. The editing was very pathetic. What's with the camera man going for close up ajd far away shots for same scene?? That one kiss scene where male lead kissed fl while rescuing from her ex had a pink tinted background and fl make-up looking like she has not eaten for 20 days, - the make up, coloring of picture, the camera crew, the editing, the story line everything so so sucked.

Don't even get me started on the playboy playgirl second lead. They tested my patience.

The only thing worth about the series is the third main leads - ml's niece and professor yu. They were the only good thing in this disaterous drama.

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awkward camera angles and unrealistic relationship? yet good chemistry

The chemistry between dylan wang and bailu in this drama was there. Only disappointments were definitely the very terrible camera angles and unrealistic relationship between the couple. Honestly i don't get the part why she said she wanted to pursue him (like was it because of revenge or what?) but i just watched through the show ignoring the flaws because their chemistry was already there. Their acting was quite decent. OST was good esp the theme song and others too. Honestly, i only watched this since I'm a fan of both bailu and wang hedi. I found it weird how the last episode just presented the marriage of the side characters and not the main leads. Eventually the main leads marriage were thrown into special ep instead. Honestly speaking, some people might miss out on it so I just wished production team could've chosen to insert the main leads marriage in the end of ep 36 instead of side couple. This drama is definitely cringy but honestly no regrets watching all 36 eps.

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A jilted financial journalist met with a handsome, young CEO and their road to happiness together.

Plot/Story
The story evolved around three young entrepeneurs, considered as the Three Musketeers, who were planning to work together in the new start-up business venture for investment: Shi Yan from Mingyu Yunchuang as the leader, Guan Ji from the Guan Industry, and Professor Yu You who was recruited by Shi Yan. Their new alliance was being featured by a financial journalist, who conducted series of in-depth interviews and analysis for her Financial news' company lead by Chief Editor Tang Yi. Tang Yi's staff writers included Shu Yi, a young, talented individual who has sharp and detailed reporting and analysis, and a rival Xu Yuling. Shu Yi also had a close friend named Bi Roushan, who worked for a different news outlet - Sanjiang Enterprise. She had interest with the young Guan Ji.
Aside from the love journey of the main female character Shu Yi, there were also three others who had their own romantic story in this drama series - Shu Yi's friend Roushan (Shan shan), her boss Tang Yi, and her work's new intern Shuyue (Yue yue).
As an object for Shu Yi's interest, Shi Yan appeared to be a little bit cold, bossy, stern and reserved at the beginning after the confession from Shu Yi. He also had competition from Professor Yu who was initially helped by Shu Yi's own mother; as well as from a young, brash but smart and over-confident Yi Yang, who previously managed to steal Professor Bruce from the coalition developed by Shi Yan.
Despite of some setback that occured during the courtship between the two leading characters, Shu Yi managed to set her heart as she manouvered through the challenges both at work and her own personal affection to Shi Yan since she lied her eyes on him.

Cast/Characters
Cast
Actress Bai Lu played as Shu Yi, the female leading character; while as Dylan Wang played as Shi Yan, the main male character. The other two main male characterswho were part of the " Three Musketeers" were Guan Ji, played by Liu Ding Qin, and Professor Yu You, played by Miles Wei. Old Guan and Chief Editor Tang Yi were played by actor Nie Yuan and actress Zeng Li, respectively. They were both known in the film industry. Bi Roushan was played by actress Jiang Pei Yao, and the role of new intern Qin Shuyue was by Shen Yu Jie. Journalist Xu Yuling was played by actress An Yue Xi, and Mr Yi Yang by actor Daniel Zhou.
As expected, Bai Lu is a fine, pretty actress for the role. She has the charm which captivated her audiences. I also like Zeng Li as a mature, gracious actress, as well as beautiful.
Characters
The main characters were slow in recognizing their attractions towards each other. There appeared to be too many mis-understandings between their actions, which could be caused by career obligation (Shu Yi), or just simply being too bossy and had power (Shi Yan).
I do not like Mr. Yi Yang's character in the drama set. I was upset to watch some of the episodes where Shu Yi did not reject from the start of the advances made by Yi Yang; although I understood from Shu Yi's point of view as she went through her darkest moments in her relationship with Shi Yan. Personally, I would think that this drama series could have my higher average rating by at least a half point: but as I reviewed and scored each episodes by their contents (according to story, casts, characters, music, rewatch values and scenes/filmography); Episodes 27 through 30 had my lower ratings due to my dis-satisfaction of the story/ plot, hence bringing down the overall rating.

Music
This drama movie series have beautiful music with the "Passer-by" theme song and one of my favourites. This song is very soothing and created dramatic auras around the movie and on the romance between the two main characters. Other songs were also pleasant to hear, including "For U", ending theme song "Lemon soda/ sparkling water", "Don't tell/ say", " The smell of winds/ The flavour of clouds", and "Divine/ Destined".

Rewatch Value
One would typically want to revisit some of the episodes, or rewatch the whole series in order to catch the details of the movie story, or to catch some of the beautiful moments, or beautiful photography offered by this film. There were romantic and/ or funny moments which we would like to watch over and over again. With the attractive personalities, or beautiful scenes of this film, rewatching of the movie becomes essential while enjoyable.

Scenery/Filmography
Outstanding filmography of the drama shots, including the night photography with good lighting techniques, scenes during rainfall, etc.
This film has parades of fashionable and trendy dresses worn by both the female and male roles of the drama.
There was beautiful scenery and shots at the horse stable and horse riding events.
Fine bokehs on scenes of the night shots and with the good background lightings.

Personal Comments
- This drama has a parade of fashion and trendy women dresses particularly geared towards teenagers and younger women.
- Many different nice dresses and styles which worn by Shu Yi. She looks extremely beautiful when she wore flowing dresses that show her slender body and her femininity. In Episode 21, she wore that beautiful red dress. However, although it may be the trend nowadays for young people, I do not like the dresses that she worn with military/sailor styles, short skirts and chuncky, black military shoes. It may just be my personal taste.
- Shu Yi's boss (Zeng Li) is very beautiful. She is charming and gracious.
- I did not approve of Shu Yi's character in the beginning when she ignored the new intern Qin Shuyue. She should have been more helpful.
- I like the dramatic views when Shu Yi was waiting and holding an umbrella in the heavy rain, or when she got drenched and found out about his old boy friend.
- Funny moments between Shu Yi and Roushan in Episode 6, when Roushan gave a gesture with her hands, urging Shu Yi to seize the moment and "smashed" together with Shi Yan.
- Magic expression of Shu Yi and eye contacts between Shi Yan and her when they were close together.

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makes for great edits BUT…

romantic parts are swooney
liked MCs chemistry
great for making edits
independent fl
BUT
too many missunderstandings
poor comunication skill (unrealistic for an investor and reporter)
dialogue and actions didnt make sense sometimes (overexplanation when not needed and no explanation when desperately needed)
best friend gives worst advice
somewhat immature
too long
niece is way to persistent, no means no girl
how prideful can you be? just say sorry!

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Drama Doesn't Suit Both Main Leads

Please beware of spoilers....

I'm a fan of both Bai Lu and Dylan Wang but there's just something missing in this drama. Both characters seems lacking. The writing and plot are just so-so. There isnt any real emotions coming from either actors because the storyline and writing is limited. The problem I think with Dylan and Bai Lu is that when we see them in other historical/costume dramas, including ones that either have the fantasy genre, wuxia or martial arts, these actors have action scenes and CGI to fall back on. Things like special effects and CGI, mystical powers, brillant costumes, cable wiring and martial art scenes all give the actors that extra flair. But take that all out and put Dylan or Bai Lu in a modern day drama, well, there's not much but their own acting to fall back on. And of course, shoddy writing is a killer too.

Major spoilers:
First, when the FL's bf cheats on her, you don't get feel any emotion from her character. And she even allows herself to get shoved aside by the "mistress" and then she goes out and pouts like a little girl. Even when another colleague steals her interview, again, no real reaction from the FL. We're supposed to take her seriously as a reporter but at the same time, we see her crushing hard on the ML. For someone who was betrayed, the FL has no problem quickly trying to target a rich person. I expect highschoolers to act the way she does but she's supposed to be a professional, grown, mature woman. We have to repeatedly watch her stare at the ML and in slo-mo too. Her staring-while-awkwardly-smiling scenes are so much that it's giving off cringey, stalkery vibes. Also, too much dead space when she just stands there uncomfortably smiling and making no eye contact. Her inner dialogues are often immature and overdramatic. We don't need to hear everything she's thinking if it's just going to be about dumb assumptions. All annoying. It's doesn't make the FL look any better and doesn't complement nor highlight Bai Lu's acting skills at all. Also, her hair and makeup is all the same. Very bland.

As for Dylan Wang, he plays this no-nonsense CEO but he has his doubts. Instead of playing to that emotion, he just seems like he's boringly competitive and jealous. Like how do you make jealousy boring? Apparently the lack of compelling writing and direction can. I'm not sure who the stylist is but some of his suits and jackets don't look properly fitted to him. He sometimes looks like a kid in big clothes. Don't even get me started on his glasses. It's like instead of making him look "dashing" and model-like, his clothes look baggy and often makes him look "aged". He has a good physique so it's disappointing to see him in ill-fitting clothing. The only time he looked really good was when he wore riding clothes. Also, what's with all the camera angles always panning from under Dylan's chin when he make some kind of grand entrance? Not exactly flattering. There's always that low panning of the camera angle on Dylan and then a higher camera on Bai Lu. And is his character supposed to have some kind of "super hearing"? As for his acting, he's the typical Dylan Wang and his character is pretty basic.

I really don't understand the purpose of Dylan's niece. She's just another woman being made to play a dumbed down and immature character. Why do cdramas make women like this? Enough already. And even the FL's best friend just seems like she likes rich dudes too.

Anyways, I'm hoping that the storyline improves. It's a bit draggy. I'll update this later if necessary. (Ep 10.)

Updated:
I just realized I dropped this drama after Ep14.

Every time the two leads were in the car, the car trips are a waste of time. The FL is always avoiding eye contact but then she smiles and giggles when texting and their texts are even boring. So much texting because afterall, they can't have grown up, decent conversations. And then in one scene, the FL runs away and hides from her cheating ex. Why? Because it was the same restaurant they went to? Like who cares? She was sitting with a way better dude. And let's talk about her running away from the ML half the time especially after the FL kissed him... which was... meh.

Apparently the FL lead has no idea about relationships because she keeps calling her bestie for advice who gives the worst advice. She even gave advice when there was a guy in the room who actually knows the ML. Like every woman knows that's just ain't something women do. The bestie can't even get her own sh*t together either.

Then we have to watch the young niece pursuing one of her uncle's friends and she had the audacity to ask him if he was gay when they barely know each other. She's basically stalking him. Actually, everyone is stalking each other! Lol!

And lastly when we finally see the two leads holding hands, it bothered the hell outta me that her jacket belt was undone. Sounds ridiculous, but I telly ya', it was distracting.

Overall, the whole push and pull theme is just boring and unoriginal. There's only so much awkward smiling I can take from the FL.

I read some comments and everyone is complaining about the pace. I don't care how long it takes for the leads to get together, so long as the build up to get there is interesting. I understand that others are also saying that it does or doesn't mirror the book but a show should be able to stand on its own and make you want to read the book afterwards. That's just my opinion.

I'm passing on this for now and if I do pick it up again, I'll be fast-forwarding to only the leads' scenes together. Lowered my rating from a 6 to a 4.

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well...

i was rly looking forward to this bc of all the leaks and bts but i was so disappointed... the last 6 eps were cute but not enough for me to forgive this mess. i only continued bc i like wang hedi and bai lu. honestly i would sue the production team and the director if i was them bc wtf is it with all the weird angles and the questionable script

the good: the ost is so good and catchy and whd and bl's chemistry is good + their visuals!!! and the second couple was so cute

this drama would've been a whole lot better if it was like 24~26 eps instead of 36 and if the third couple didn't exist like i'm sorry but i rly did not gaf about them 😭

also i hate how you could literally see the 10 pounds of foundation on them and zsy's outfits were so disappointing and she (and her bff) was so annoying... shiyan and shiyue were the only likeable characters honestly

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