This review may contain spoilers
My expectations for this show landed all the way in hell
I was catfished by the edits and the scenery.The first few episodes are good and has you invested in the future plot line, the casting is good along with the premise of the show, I’ll give them that.
Yearning seems to be a lost concept in cdramas, everybody looks brain dead and can’t use two brain cells to produce organic emotions. The chemistry between the main leads die out after episode 10, their love scenes felt forced and quite genuinely played out like predator vs prey. The fl always looked disgusted nor did she engage with the acts done to her and rather pushed him away and the ml kept forcing himself upon her making the intimate scenes feel repulsive. I don’t see how anyone could rate this a 10 as a woman I am concerned for the people glorying him. I don’t see how this could be romanticised, you all got blinded by his acts of service and I’ll pray for you.
The plotline had so much potential along with the setting. This wasn’t a slow burn but something that was dragged out, the male side characters had more chemistry with the female lead and with each other. Their relationship felt more like a brother/sister relationship as all their development happens within in the first 5 episodes, so much for a slow burn. It didn’t even feel like they truly got to know one another which we see in how their arguments play out. Don’t waste your time.
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Rare romantic drama that leaves a warm feeling long after watching...
Rare romantic fluffy drama with complete package..- Amazing chemistry by talented ML and FL
- Breathtaking cinematography with snow and others
- Plot flows smoothly and beautifully (a 30 eps drama that feels just like a movie)
- Great supportive cast
- Memorable OSTs
Watch it with warm coffee during winter / rainy days :)
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If your a romance lover you may love this
I think if you like a love story you will like this. This drama is a really cute love story between the ML and FL and there is no love triangles or really any misunderstandings between them just a story about how they fall in love with each other. Some may find the billiards aspect boring but I didn't think they really went into it that much with being that they didn't even go into explaining how the game is played. I think that is because they didn't focus on that point they wanted the focus on the love story more.I loved Wu Lei and Zhao Jin Mai in this drama they were great together. The way the ML looks at the FL is one thing I focused a lot on. A lot of the things that the ML did for the FL in this was just so sweet to watch. I think just watching this drama for these two is worth it even if you don't want to watch them play billiards. One thing I also wished they would of done more with the love story of the FL's brother it was like they meant to do something with it and then just forgot. They have you know there is something between her brother and this girl just for nothing to ever happen between them even their conversations are a bit awkward and you don't know what happened between them. The girl that played her brothers love interest I really liked when she was with his sister she became like a big sister to her.
This drama I think is for romance lovers but can understand not wanting to watch them play this game and finding it boring. I almost didn't watch it because I was afraid it would go into the billiards thing to much but after watching it I really don't think they did. So it just depends on what you find too much or not. If your a romance lover though I say at least give it a shot.
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everything was perfect
I really enjoyed this drama, it was so light hearted and fun to watch. The way the male lead and female lead treat each other with so much warmth was really fun to watch, The chemistry between the two is so natural and effortless. I was surprised to see that it only only 8.5 but for me it's a a 10 out of 10. This drama has such a cozy vibe to it as well definitely one of my favorite watches of 2025Was this review helpful to you?
Amazing Chemistry , Great Cinematography, Amazing Leads.
This was an amazing drama, the chemistry between them was off the charts, and both leads were beautiful, it's one of those dramas without the misunderstandings and the slow burn aspect. They fell for each other and it was just so amazing the cinematography was amazing, the sports aspect as well and I especially loved the Ost 'Love and Shine'. The other characters were so great and gave the show a wholesome vibe overall as well as the elements of friendship. It was cute, funny, fluffy, and overall, absolutely beautiful.Was this review helpful to you?
Light and Romantic Story
Cant stop watching and it's really hard to wait for the next episode. It gives positive mood to those who are in love ..The chemistry between the two leads is electrifying, igniting the screen with sparks of passion and tenderness. Their journey is not without its challenges, as they navigate through the complexities of their pasts and the uncertainties of their futures. Heartwarming tale that will melt even the coldest of hearts. With its stunning visuals, compelling performances, and heartfelt storytelling.Was this review helpful to you?
A perfect 10 from beginning to end!
This series is now on my top of most fave ch drama ever, I even bought fast track just to binge watch everything. From the story, chemistry of the leads, acting, cinematography and ost everything just fits naturally.Kudos to Wu Lei and Zhai Jin Mai for portraying Lin Yiyang and Yinguo so realistically that I feel like I’m also part of their lives watching their story unfold from start to end, everything about them just feels so natural and lovable.
I also like their friendship and the people surrounding them plus their journey to reach their dreams. It goes to show that you do not need a villain or to exaggerate a story because this series is soooo perfect for me I love a good romance that just tugs at my heart. I hope there will also be a spinoff with MX and LL story.
I’ll truly miss them all.
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This review may contain spoilers
Really loved it and enjoyed it immensely!!
A Definite 10/10 for this Romance Sport's drama. Really loved it and enjoyed it immensely!! I binged this, watching until early hours of the morning.Everything was great from Story which is very original in my opinion, Acting, Visual effects, Production and OST.
Wu Lei is an amazing actor in my humble opinion, he did very very well in his role as Yiyang. His acting and expressions were spot on and believable in every aspect for the character he portrayed. I was very emotional with the scenes of Coach He. He also did pretty well with english and also singing in english. I'm also impressed by Zhao Jin Mai (mere 21yrs old) as Yin Guo, I've only seen one other series of her, Reset but will look into the others she played in. Their chemistry was great and their love story was very believable. The scene where he proposed made me so emotional, it was just right with their friends in the background. The shot of the seating area from above (spelled out LOVE) was a perfect 'ending' of the proposal scene for us, the audience.
The other actors also did a great job with special mention for Wang Xing Yie, Chen Jing Ke, Ding Xiao Ying, Dong Zi Fan and Wang Jia Xuan. Also Yin Guo's mother, Wu Qian played by Jiang Hong Bo who brought 'real' angst in terms of the family accepting Yiyang.
First CDrama which I watched with part of the series being in a foreign country. Production was done very well and scenes (city, etc) and scenery was awesome, especially the island get away.
The sports side of it was exciting and first ever billiard/pool/snooker series that I've watched. The competitions were filmed very well with great angles, etc. Googled the rules of the specific games and it broadened my knowledge and opened a new sport to me, to enjoy. I normally love anything to do with horses, tennis and gymnastics and snooker is now part of it! We have a pool/snooker table but haven't played for some time and want to now play again.
Ost was awesome and will be downloading the songs used especially the main song, Love and shine.
Rewatch value is very high on this one. Will wait a month or so and definitely watch it again. I will miss the main cast and it's a pity that it has ended. Would definitely watch a second season if its at all possible.
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The charm - perfect chemistry of Zhao Jinmai and Wu Lei. Wildly addictive …A true romance
One of the best drama ever! Wu Lei and Zhao Jinmai are excellent actors, This is a drama that you shouldn’t missed… a must watch. It has a certain kind of magic! Whoever cast Wu Lei and Zhao Jinmai is a genius. Both actors give the best among the best chemistry and incredible natural acting. A kind of chemistry that only happens once in a blue moon, a very rare find. I fell in love with them and their chemistry makes the series special and extraordinary. You believe in their character and you believe in their romance.Great cinematography and storytelling . I love how realistic the story - on how their first met, how they get to know each other and how they fall in love.
Worthy of your time to watch and be ready to rewatch as it is wildly addictive!
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An invisible thread connects those who are destined to meet. It may stretch, but will never break.
The aforesaid quotation is an ancient Chinese proverb which encapsulates our leads’ love saga. This Homeric drama whetted snug emotions in my heart and made me grin from ear to ear, especially when the leads canoodled with each other. I have a fervent penchant for the dramas that involve healthy and affectionate mains’ relationship and if the leads get together in the early phase of drama, then that would be cherry on the cake, wherefore this drama plucked my heart’s strings the way it did. This drama depicts the Michelangelo phenomenon beautifully. In case I forget to mention, the OSTs of this drama are simply mesmerising! I am listening to them non-stop these days.The story of this drama is like a gently babbling brook on smooth rocks. It seems simple, nothing out-of-the-box or avant-garde, and yet is aesthetically pleasing. It might be this simpleness which lends such aesthetics to the story. I might be the only one but as I am growing old, I am finding myself liking these kind of relaxing and simple stories more than others. The male lead, Lin YiYang, falls in love with the female lead, Yin Guo, at first sight and rest of the story enunciates the constantly evolving relationship between them. She was like a warm zephyr for him amidst a snowstorm who brought spring into his heart after a long winter season. We get to see the leads going from strangers to friends, friends to lovers and lovers to those who can’t live sans each other. Whenever I saw Lin YiYang, I was reminded of Marie de Rabutin-Chantal’s quote, “I love you so passionately, that I hide a great part of my love, so as not to oppress you with it.” The actors breathed life into this story with their top-notch acting. These kind of stories can easily go downhill if conflated with subpar acting. Whenever I watched the leads on the screen, it made me feel as if I was peeking into a real couple’s private life, which highlights the level of the acting.
The cinematography was posh and sumptuous. The employment of different kinds of shots, like long shots, extreme close-up shots etc. to accentuate the nuances was commendable. The snowy vistas augmented the already beautiful cinematography. Another point that I would like to bring into your notice is the apparel of the characters of this drama. I, personally, found them very attractive. It could be because of my love for denim but hey, as I said, it’s my subjective take on it. I didn’t know anything about billiards apart from its existence. I ferreted out lots of information about the sport solely so that I could understand the matches and could get soaked into the thrill and nervousness whenever they were shown. Another thing that touched my heart was esprit de corps amongst leads and their friends’ clique. It was nice to see the warm friendship between Lin YiYang and his two friends, both of whom were his wingmen in the relationship.
This is my first review, so pardon me if I made some mistakes. I decided to write a review because I am pretty influenced by Rainer Maria RilkeI’s quote, “The work of the eyes is done. Go now and do the heart-work on the images imprisoned within you.” I wrote as much as I could think of so that I won’t fall victim to the dreadful l'esprit de l'escalier, though it seems I am inevitably going to.
I shall rest my figurative quill with the gilded lines of Gordon Lightfoot’s ‘Song for a Winter’s night’ that sum up the feelings of Lin YiYang when he first saw Yin Guo:
“…If I could only have you near
To breathe a sigh or two
I would be happy just to hold the hands I love
On this winter night with you.”
An honourable mention to Roger de Bussy-Rabutin’s words on the subject-matter of long distance relationship:
“Absence is to love what wind is to fire; it extinguishes the small, it inflames the great.”
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Slow, cozy love story
When I first started watching it I was looking for a drama to warm me up on these cold nights, and this one is definitely it.The story evolves in a way as if you're part of the it, it's overall a great drama with a really nice ost and great acting.
I really loved it, and definitely recommend watching it if you're looking for a slow, cozy love story!
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Not Until I Meet You Amidst A Snowstorm of Love
I've been looking forward to this drama since the casts were announced. I am a fan of Wu Lei's and Jin Mai's works. I struggled to get through the first few episodes. Not until I picked it up again and binge through it, I found it very enjoyable. It has a light plot, no annoying characters, no repetitive conflicts. Conflicts also are resolved in appropriate times. The billiards scenes are not too long or not too short, just enough. For me everything was just appropriate, I don't feel the urge to skip any of the scenes. And I made me giggle a lot, to see Yin Guo and Yiyang. The early awkward meetings, the pining and yearning that Yiyang did (ughhhhh I swoon), and the moment they got together, I squaled.Wu Lei did amazing acting through those eyes, the yearning look, the guilty look, and the determined look. Jinmai also did very well on potraying Yin Guo, you can see when she is shy, when she is nervous, or when she is confident in the competition.
I kinda liked the fact that on the first half, it is Yiyang who guided and helped Yin Guo, but on the second half, it is Yin Guo who helped Yiyang got back on his feet and back to the court. The symbolism using the compass necklace was cool. Fate brought them together through the snowstorm.
Overall, it has been a very cute, enjoyable watch. My eyes are also blessed because there are too many eye candies in this drama. Worth to watch and binge!
Side Notes:
I personally kinda confused where to look, when Yiyang, Jiang Yang, and Xiaodong are together in a scene 🤣
I am adding Lin Yiyang to my list of the best C-drama boyfriends because of those act of services are crazyyyyyy.
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