Long Distance Relationship at its best
the ending is a bit disappointing. they managed to showcase their relationship beautifully; from the childhood love, their premature breakup, how they amend their relationship, their coping mechanism to complement each other. it makes us realize LDR needs both side effort and understanding. it is difficult but doable.but their daughter in few last episodes seems like didnt exist. there's no loving moment as a complete family. the direction still as loving couple rather than a family of three. on another perspective, it is quite logic; LDR makes you feels every moment is fresh and awkward.
other than that, this is a slow burning gem. if you like Le Coup de Fodre, this is another binge for you.
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Soft romance goodness
Between the other dramas from this author, Amidst a Snowstorm of Love and Love Me, Love My Voice, this one was definitely my favorite. I loved how quiet and comforting this drama was, and the acting from both leads was phenomenal.The flashbacks weaved in and out of the present day timeline perfectly and really added to the angst of their second-chance romance. Even after the leads got together, I never felt bored; the chemistry was just that great. I wish the second half of the drama let us mellow in their little moments more and did less of the time jumps. The only other bump in the road for me was the ending, which ended in a flashback. Don't get me wrong — I like the flashback itself and we definitely get full closure, but the last episode just didn't quite pack the punch I craved where we were looking to the future.
I also have mixed feelings on some of the family-related arcs. While I like that nothing was over-dramatic or blown out of proportion, I also felt sometimes that arcs ended abruptly and emptily. People became "good" or changed their tune suddenly, in a way that was not satisfying or realistic.
I also want to mention that we don't get to know too much of either of the lead's jobs, even though it's always in the background. For a drama where the character's occupations are more in the forefront, I'd look to something like You Are My Hero (which I also loved). However, I actually liked that this drama focused on the romance more. It also highlighted the friendships, both of which were really heart-warming. The second lead romance was minor, but quite well done also.
With all this being said, this is a romance drama. The romance IS the best part and it was done really well. I'd definitely recommend this one.
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romance all the way
super excited to watch this show since the poster came out. love the casting of tan song yun and jing boran as the main leads. i really love romance show that shows a healthy relationship, no crazy drama and mature.. so to me this show really did well. the chemistry is a 10/10, with the cinematic all it's really a very sweet romance.actually this show is not hard to understand at all. but all the flashbacks makes it very confusing sometimes, because they show the present time and flash back sometimes. there are a lot of flashbacks but nothing very impt to take note as to what really happened between them. development of the story is ok, but sometimes the timeline seems to jump abit for me and idk how long time have past or anything. for example, when did they have kids??? when was she pregnant??? when was her kid like 5 years old alr??? or like everytime luchen went off for work it felt like very long. this would be a really good show if it is shorter imo. still, love both leads!!! and jing boran looks super hot soooo why not
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second half of drama is more watchable
__*Road Home 2023*__ - 8/10 cdramafirst few eps can be described just by one word :Awkward:. I know it was intentional awkwardness, but it made whole story boring to watch and that dreary vibe didnt helped too...
had urge to end stop watching or at least give it 7,5 score, but later half of drama saved it little and upped it to average drama ratings.
Shortly if you get through hard start you may get to like this drama by end or at least wont hate it as much.
__*plot*__ - FL and ML are exes which didnt see each other for long time and never truly managed completely break their relationship. Now they meet again and may as well get together, but whole thing got problems... family problems, long distance relationship cause of work etc.
__*genre*__ - romance, melodrama
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This review may contain spoilers
Here for The Chemistry Only
Usually the Police or Army or Firefighter type of drama will have doctor as female leads, then natural disaster comes so the couple will meet during that period. But not this one. That's why, for me, it's a bit draggy. It's like the writer had no idea what else to write to complement the main story. I literally skipped and only watched Lu Chen and Gu Xiao's part started from episode 13. I also wish the leads' friends would develop feeling and all, but no.Now let's get into my favorite parts:
This is my first Tan Song Yun drama and second Chinese romance drama that i watched. Love the leads' chemistry. I mean by love is L.O.V.E.
First episode when they met again for the first time at gas station in 2018, GX asked LC, "do you still remember me?"
Then LC answered, "i will still remember you even you turn into ashes." THAT WAS INTENSE and IT GOT ME HOOKED.
Then two years after, when they crossed path in snowy Qining (am i right?), they were still reluctant to talk and look at each other. The acting was so natural i felt the distant, hesitation, love, regret etc etc between the leads. LIKE, it was so real even i wanted to scream, "OMG Gui Xiao i know you regret dumping him. I'm sure right here right now you wanna hold and hug him really bad."
After they reconciled, the episodes were bland and boring. It was only them on LDR then make out whenever they reunited.
To conclude, now i want my very own Captain Lu Chen... can I have one like him? He owns all the love languages: touching, quality time, words of affirmation and act of service.
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If every day "Chen Xiao" is this beautiful, I don't want sunset!!!
JBR and TSY is one of the dream pairing I could ask for, I had wished long time ago to see them together, as I thought they would look super good and my wish came true, and waited for this series to pass, and when it came, seriously it was worth it.Everyone who knows TSY, they know how hardworking she is and how much commitment she has for her work, and on to of that she is among very few CN actors, who can be crowned among many top actors around the world. It is always love to watch her in any role is graces.
JBR had me much earlier with his modeling days, his sexy instagram pictures, and photoshoots really is one of a kind. He is a pure "dongbei ren", sometimes his face looks bigger (lol) but he is way too handsome, and not to mention "good" at his craft and not just flashy face and body.
I came to love the series, although the aspects of nationalism, and patriotism robes my attention as it feels forced fed, and as per readers that in book these elements are also greatly incorporated - I would have just loved a simple love story. Anyway it is not something that can do anything about, so leaving it as it is and focusing on them.
They shot in northern Xinjiang, of Altay region in Hemu village, known to be one of the most beautiful villages in the world, I really admire the actor to do their in such tough conditions. The scenery is really really beautiful. I love how actors channeled their love for their each other, growing from their mistakes, fighting for what they had to, and reached where they wanted to.
Shout out to the kid acting, very handsome "xiao gege" sublime, and mature acting, hope when becomes an adult he will gets his due leading role, as he is amazing at his job.
Loved this series and when it comes to CN series, I shut my critic valve and look for other aspects that I know I will love.
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This review may contain spoilers
Jing Bo Ran a discovery
This is a nice one with beautiful scenery. Very nice acting and Jing Bo Ran a handsome discovery for me, i saw some other dramas with him, but didn't pay so much attention.The series go well, but very slow.
Loved the places been filmed, loved the snow and part of the story, but i think it should me more imput from ML. I didn't like when the FL was pregnant and he said he will not be there for her. Even though they had parties within their base. I didn't like when they were in the hospital and his baby was born, he didn't go there to see her or the FL to bring her for him to see her. Everyone came to see him, so they could've make this moment very special.
I do understand the thing being is Special Forces/ army you have to give up more on your family, but for life events like this you should be there. In all China is only one person that can do the job? I just didn't feel his love in the end.
Well this was my rant :), but i still enjoyed it.
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A Quiet, Tender Reunion That Proves Love Grows Stronger With Time.
"Road Home" is a touching modern romance that tells the story of Gui Xiao and Lu Yanchen, two former lovers who reunite years after their separation. The series delicately weaves past and present, slowly revealing the emotional depth and history between them. While Gui Xiao has built a life in the city, Lu Yanchen has spent years in disciplined, often dangerous military service. Their reunion is both tender and awkward-filled with unspoken emotions, old wounds, and lingering affection. What makes this drama stand out is its subtle emotional pacing and realistic portrayal of two people trying to rebuild something that was once deeply meaningful.What especially makes Lu Yanchen a compelling character is his quiet strength. He isn't expressive with words, but his love is unwavering and clear through his actions-whether it's traveling long distances just to see Gui Xiao or silently protecting her in small, meaningful ways. His reserved nature stems not from coldness, but from the discipline, emotional restraint, and scars shaped by his years of service. Watching him love in his own quiet way-gentle, consistent, and steady-makes his character deeply relatable and admirable. I found myself understanding and appreciating why he struggles to speak his heart, and loving him more for how he shows it instead.
"Road Home" shows that love doesn't always need grand words-sometimes, it's the quiet actions, the steady presence, and the unshakable loyalty that speak the loudest.
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Pretty genuine drama about life
LIKESchool days how Gui Xiao and Lu Chen met, disconnected and then reunited - lovely, sweet and tears with lots of ups and downs
Shipped for Duan Rou and Qin Ming Yu
How Shen Jin lived her life, the way she shut off Gui Yan Shan - very cool
When Lu Zheng finally woke up after Gong Lin made up her mind - glad that all turned out well
Hilarious Hai Dong
DISLIKE
Nothing much
MUSIC - personal fav
因为是你 Yin Wei Shi Ni - 金玟岐 Jin Wen Qi
归宿 Gui Su - 康子奇 Kang Zi Qi
恋爱在流行 Lian Ai Zai Liu Xing - 苏醒 Su Xing
REWATCH VALUE
Five for now
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Heartwarming "slice of life" romance
In my eyes, this is a heartwarming love story, "slice of life" drama with independent, mature characters.It is kind of slow-paced, letting us take part in the characters' backstories and personal developments.
The fact that there are no workplace drama, crazy scheming jealous other parties or over-controlling relatives, makes the story more believable and relatable.
Brief synopsis, as per my memory:
A chance encounter brings former couple Gui Xiao and Lu Yan Chen back in touch with each other. They fell in love in their middle school days, and tried maintaining a long-distance relationship when education and career paths separate them.
Can Gui Xiao, with a successful career within finance, and Lu Yan Chen, a special forces police officer in a different part of the country, overcome the emotional wounds from the breakup and rekindle their feelings, with the obstacle of geography and careers?
Some notes:
The soundtrack was fitting.
Acting was convincing. This really opened my eyes up for Tan Song Yun as an actress. She brings a very good energy and charm to her character. I sometimes found myself suddenly smiling by the sweet interactions between the two main leads.
What bothered me a little bit was that many of the episode endings seemed very abrupt (Viki).
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slow burn but amazing kissing scenes
Awww they are so sweet. They both liked each other from first sight and it was obvious. The last episode showed how he always showed up in front of her lol just to be seen and impress her but she was already all in even if he wasn't trying to impress her.They were young and though her family was going through something, she didn't understand fully what his job was like. Years later, they met in person again and you could see the instant connection was still there.
It is a very slow burn romance drama but if you love that feel good, real love, mature acting, building a family, then this is for you.
Ps. Thanks for those amazing kissing scenes lol
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There are some truly hilarious moments in this kids break up and fall in love again as adults drama
I really enjoyed the chemistry between the Fl & ML though I will admit I find Tang Sonyun a little bit mumsy.The plot follows 2 kids that meet and fall in love a high school (he’s the school heart throb and she’s just miss normal and sweet). She has a stable, loving family and his is unstable and difficult yet despite their backgrounds they fall deeply in love and when they meet up again 10 years later they just pick up where they left off.
The plot is sweet and at times absolutely hilarious ( the marriage proposal of his best friend) and the support cast really add extra dimension to the whole plot.
If you want a feel good storyline then I can’t recommend this one enough.
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