Exclusive Fairytale

✨

Not gonna lie, at first im here for jun. But when i watch the series, i really didn't remember jun for a while. He's so good at it that i just see lingchao, not jun whom i know. It also has good actors and actresses here!
Even the story is well made, i love it when lingchao being shy yet straight forward, when xiaotu being silly, or when juanjuan being representative of fangirls lol. This series also have lots of life lesson which most of us can relate. The comedy also lol there's so many funny and silly momen in it. Anyway, thank u for the other actors, actresses and staff for your hard work. It's the best!! And i recommend u to watch it ✨ i guarantee that u won't regret it. Luv ✨❤️

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Perfect for Romance Lovers - Light and fluffy drama with a few good kisses and natural hugs.

It’s hard not to compare “Exclusive Fairytale” to “When I Fly Towards You” since both dramas star the same main actress, Zhang Miao Yi, came out in 2023, and are both coming-of-age, high school to adulthood dramas. I think “Exclusive Fairytale” is a more rom-com-like drama with more (not a lot) adult jokes and content. “When I Fly Towards You” is more slice-of-life, sweet and pure teen drama. Both dramas have very sweet and green flag MLs , are very likable and low-stress, and are perfect for when you are looking for something light and sweet.

Main actress, Zhang Miao Yi, has a very similar role in both dramas, and she’s very good at it. It’s a talent to be able to play such a teenage character and not be annoyingly cute or naive. She’s perfect for the role. I really enjoy her dynamic with male lead, Ling Chao. They are childhood friends and have been together since they are little. Friends-to-lovers is one of my favorite tropes and I really enjoy their bickering but caring friendship, to sweet and fluffy romance. However, I did find the transition from friends to lovers a little fast. I would have liked to see more of Ling Chao’s perspective during his year away from Xiao Tu, and how he really couldn’t wait for Xiao Tu to join him. Nevertheless, their chemistry is great with lots of kisses and skinship. For us romance lovers, we are blessed with some pretty good kissing and very natural hugging and hand holding.

It’s my first time watching Jun in a drama, and I have no idea who he is. Apparently he’s a Korean pop idol, but has quite an acting resume before he turned an idol. I find his acting a little stiff in the beginning for the drama, but he seems to have gradually relaxed and performed much better later on. I couldn’t tell, but was he the pop idol that Jiang Juan Juan chases? I can’t tell from the posters since I don’t follow Jun’s kpop life. I think Jun’s fans would be happy with his performance, and he looks quite handsome both as a teen and as an adult. Well, we also had a fan service shower scene and him acting ‘sexy’ (it was hilarious). Not sure if fans like how enthusiastic he was with his kisses. LOL

The secondary romance is lovely as well. These friends have enough screen time to tell their story but not too much that they take the spotlight away from the leads. Jiang Juan Juan is a typical secondary female lead in a teen drama. She’s the best friend that we all want in life. Jia Si Wen is the adorkable and nerdy student who falls for the outgoing girl. I quite like the portrayal of their romance and their challenges. I find the drama handles their relationship quite maturely and realistically compared to other secondary romance in a youth drama.

This is also a lovely drama with super adorable and supportive parents. Both sets of parents have been friends and want them to get together (except FL’s dad with some reservations). They reminded me of the family dynamic in “Go Ahead” of how close the two dads were in the drama, and how close the parents are in this drama. ML’s mom is more impatient and can’t help but try to teach Ling Chao how to pursue Xiao Tu. The rest of the supporting cast is lovely as well. We have a very sweet high school teacher who is smart enough to use jokes and sarcasm in communicating with the kids. The college dorm mates are fun and also don’t take up too much of the screen time. They are there to advance the plot. I appreciate the drama in not force-feeding us side romance plots in pairing up all the dorm mates with a love interest.

The pacing for this 24-episode drama is pretty good. However, at one point, I do wish the high school days would be over soon. Those days were OK but I wanted to move faster so that I can see how romance develops in college. We all know nothing can really happen in high school, and there aren’t enough ‘romantic’ scenes between the leads. There are only a few side glances from the male lead and not quite enough romantic undertones for me. Besides the usual high school stuff, this part of the drama is predictable.

I would recommend this drama if you are looking for something with no angst, no misunderstanding, sweet and fluffy with a decent amount of skinship. There aren’t any big plot twists but sometimes, you just need something comforting to watch. This is exactly the type of drama I need at this moment, and I have a very enjoyable time watching it.


Other Random Observations:
1. Don’t think I’ve ever seen a ML kneeled down, let FL sit on his knee while he wipes poop off her shoe!
2. I love the final high school montage with a quick reminder of the high school scenes. The monologue is a little cringey though.
3. The coordinates of the heart-shaped island is so cute and romantic. Reminds me of the math formula in “Put Your Head on My Shoulder”.
4. The flashback of ML’s “surgery” is unexpected in a youth drama and hilarious!
5. Was that the high school teachers and their kids watching the fireworks?



Completed: 9/23/2023 - Review #358

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Childhood Sweethearts, Zero Drama, and Surprisingly Sizzling Kisses!

If you loved “When I Fly Towards You,” this series is definitely worth checking out. It stars the same actress, Zhang Miao Yi, and it really feels like this kind of lighthearted, youth romance is her strength. I haven’t seen much of her other work yet, so I can’t say for sure which role suits her best—but this one really fits her well.

While the genre is similar to WIFTY, her character here, Xiao Tu, has a more boyish and playful charm compared to the softer, more reserved vibe she had in WIFTY.

The plot revolves around two childhood sweethearts who grew up almost like siblings, always looking out for one another. One thing I really appreciated is that there’s no toxic relationship drama—not from the leads, their families, or even the love rivals. The couple communicates well, sets boundaries, and their relationship is just refreshingly healthy.

The music is cute, the chemistry between the leads is natural and sweet, and honestly, I didn’t expect a drama like this to have such unexpectedly intense kissing scenes! All in all, it’s a charming and feel-good series that’s easy to enjoy from start to finish.

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Fluff ´n Grabs dipped in sugar

Not sure about the fairytale but this is one of those really easy to watch dramas with mostly lovable characters and very few annoying elements, showing us friendships, students actually studying as well as a bunch of odd gestures as well as a slight cautionary tale about being nice to the opposite sex as some people may let that slight show of kindness become an obsession.


This is very much a character and fluff driven drama with a fun , playful, bickering main couple and a second couple that more or less could have stolen the show all together if not for some odd twists in their story. Still a second couple to be remembered both for the characters with in it on their own and as a couple I just loved those two characters and would gladly watch a drama with those two (and their story) as a main plot.

The fl girl best friend is fangirl done right, she has all the best lines in this drama and offers us some top of the line dances and honest interactions with teachers.

The grown ups in this drama are not the type to make me feel ashamed to be a grown up but rather lovable and fun to watch, both teachers and parents.


Our male lead has a slight obsession with pinning the female lead up against stuff as well as is fluent in wrist grab, but if you an overlook that he is actually kind of decent and even respectful towards the female lead and as far as i can recall he does not force himself on her but rather waits and checks in despite writs grabs and all. He is also the typical cold male god but it would not be a c-drama without one of those.

Our female lead is actually pretty smart, fun and kind she is human and the type who can win anybody's heart with just one smile. She is loyal to her friends and just an all round lovely character.


The story my not offer much new but the characters are lovely and so is the bingeabilaty making me up the score to an 8,5

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Not Overdone, Just Right: A Perfectly Balanced Youth Romance of Childhood Friends

Exclusive Fairytale is one of those dramas that ends up surprising you in the best way. I didn’t go in with high expectations, but I genuinely ended up loving it. It’s a very relaxing and easy watch, the kind of drama you can sit with comfortably without feeling overwhelmed.

What really stands out is how well-balanced it is. It gives you everything you expect from a youth drama, but nothing feels overdone. The male lead being a genius is part of his character, but it never becomes his entire personality. Friendships are present at every stage of life, but they are not just fillers, nor do they overshadow the main story. Even the second couple is sweet and enjoyable without taking attention away from the leads. The drama moves through different phases of life naturally, from childhood to high school to adulthood, and it takes the time to show growth instead of rushing through it.

The main couple truly feels like childhood sweethearts. Their relationship never falls into that frustrating trope where characters suddenly act like strangers after getting together. Instead, the drama constantly reminds you through both actions and dialogue that these two have known each other for years. Their bond feels lived-in and genuine. Even though both leads have admirers at different stages of their lives, none of it is used to create unnecessary angst. Confessions, emotional beats, and romantic progression are handled in a very grounded and satisfying way.

The female lead, Xiao Tu, is honestly one of the strongest parts of the drama. She is expressive, funny, and incredibly easy to watch. She balances sweetness with confidence really well. She can be soft and adorable, but also bold, straightforward, and even a bit aggressive when needed. That mix makes her feel very real. Her comedic timing adds so much charm to the show, and she carries a lot of its emotional and lighthearted moments effortlessly.

The male lead, Ling Chao, brings a calm and steady presence. He is not your typical cold, arrogant genius. Instead, he is observant, quietly caring, and emotionally intelligent in his own way. He is introverted, but not socially awkward or dismissive of others. He knows when to speak, when to act, and how to support the people around him. His love is shown through small, consistent actions rather than dramatic declarations, which makes it feel more meaningful.

Their dynamic is what makes the drama so enjoyable. Ling Chao has always been surrounded by admiration, but Xiao Tu is the only one who treats him normally. She sees him for who he is, not what he represents. He, in return, finds comfort in her honesty and simplicity. She doesn’t overthink him, and he doesn’t need to perform around her. That balance is what makes their relationship feel so natural.

The high school portion of the drama is especially enjoyable because it builds up Ling Chao’s feelings in such a subtle way. He rarely expresses his emotions directly, but his actions speak for him. Small moments like wearing matching clothes just to comfort her, eating the carrots she dislikes, or silently fixing problems she creates add so much depth to his character. These little details make the romance feel organic rather than forced.

The supporting characters are also handled well. Xu Ling Long, despite being a love rival, is surprisingly likable. She is honest about her feelings and never turns into a toxic character. On the other hand, Yin Xin Lan represents a more manipulative type, and it’s satisfying to see how clearly Ling Chao recognizes her behavior. The friendships, especially Xiao Tu’s circle, are warm and engaging, and they make the world feel more complete.

Another strong point is the lack of forced drama. There are no unnecessary misunderstandings, no dragged-out conflicts, and no frustrating breakups just for the sake of tension. Even when conflicts arise, they are resolved in a mature and realistic way. The parents’ relationships are also refreshing. They are supportive, warm, and feel like a realistic portrayal of an average Asian household without being overly controlling.

The drama also does a great job showing the transition from school life to adulthood. It touches on how friendships change, how people grow apart or stay connected, and how relationships evolve over time. Nothing feels overly dramatic, but it still feels meaningful.

Overall, this is a very lighthearted, comforting, and well-executed friends-to-lovers story. It doesn’t try to be groundbreaking, but it succeeds in doing what it sets out to do. The chemistry between the leads, the natural progression of their relationship, and the strong sense of familiarity and warmth make it a very satisfying watch.

If you’re looking for something intense or plot-heavy, this might feel too simple. But if you want a sweet, stress-free romance with strong character dynamics and a natural emotional flow, this is definitely worth watching.

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An entertaining watch

I was very excited for this drama to air but unfortunately it came right after two amazing dramas that set the expectations too high (Hidden Love, When I fly towards you). It was definitely enjoyable to watch and never felt boring, although it felt like the second lead couple made me more excited since they had their own character development, which actually wasn't too big either. The main characters have known each other their whole lives and so their relationship basically never goes through any challenges. This was the thing that made me most disappointed, the challenges that they had were because of random people who had crushes on them. Therefore, I think the story itself is very monotonous. But overall, I did really enjoy Zhang Miao yi's silly acting and the supporting cast's personalities. 🌼🌼

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SO GOOD!!! I have to admit I wasn't sure about this drama. I knew nothing about the ML and k-pop artist turned actor made me hesitant, but I had no idea he was a child actor with lots of acting chops. I love FL's work and the two of them together brought us a SUPER sweet and endearing drama that on these rare occasions made me think 24 episodes was just too short. Youth dramas are hard to do especially with so many out there. But this one did it well with a very down to earth FL who is completely herself... sweet, adorable, sassy, smart, and not going to be bullied by anyone. ML played his part perfectly because who doesn't like a guy whose good looking, smart, loyal, confident with a little bit of green, and unwavering till the end. I loved the chemistry between the ML and FL and the progression from high school to college and then adulthood and little bit more.

The parents in the drama were hilarious. They brought about an element of comedy and unexpected that I think only seasoned actors can do. The side characters were all likeable too and fun to watch a drama where friends supported each other, even the ones that aren't your instant best friends.

Overall, I loved this. It left me happy yet so sad when it was over.

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Just Watch & Enjoy the Cute!

Such a cute drama! Cliche? Yes. Do I care? Not even a little bit!!

I was already a huge fan of our Leads - him as a member of Seventeen (a k-pop group for those unaware. Give them a listen, they’re so good!!) and her as an actress (have you watched “When I Fly Towards You”? Doooo ittttt!!!). After watching this drama, I love both of them even more 💜💜💜

Our Leads are total opposites who constantly “fight” like siblings (which is basically what they grew up as since their parents are close) but let someone else try to pick on one of them and the other will put a full stop to it realllll quick, which is such fun to watch 😉

I really enjoyed seeing their relationship progress from friends to more and the ways the ML went about wooing the FL. And I truly loved how he never wanted her to change to fit some rule of how a girlfriend should be. He always made sure she knew that he loved her because she’s HER so she should just ignore all the well-meaning advice from others and just be herself. That’s a message people need to hear!

They have really good chemistry and they flowed so seamlessly. And I loved how, when they went to lovers, they didn’t suddenly become awkward and shy. The kisses and skinship are so easy and natural, which I really appreciate in a drama. 😍

I also like how they addressed the fact that fans should love our stars on stage, but take a step back from their personal lives. They don’t owe us every single detail of their lives just because they’re famous. They deserve private lives and, if we’re truly their fans, we should really respect that 💜🩵🩷

I’ve already watched my favorite episodes multiple times and I know I’ll continue doing so when I’m in the mood for a cute and drama-free love with no toxicity, multiple misunderstandings, or pointless breakups in sight 🫶🏻

{So why not a full 10 stars? Because the FL’s cluelessness about the SML’s feelings (and her own) in the first half was one trope I really wish they’d skipped 🤷🏻‍♀️}


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-⬇️ S P O I L E R S 🚫 B E L O W ⬇️-


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The things I always want to know 😏😉…
- First(real)Kiss : ep.17 💋
- Together : ep.17 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻
- BreakUp : Nope 💍

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really good

I was watching this just for jun since I'm a carat but I realised how much I love the other actors aswell. I enjoyed this so much it was funny and fun to watch definitely reccomend if you want something that will make you happy. I would also definitely rewatch this in the future since I enjoyed every single episode and no episode bored me they were all interesting in the most simple way.I also loved the way the relationships developed and I felt like it wasn't rushed and we got to see as much development as possible anyways all I wanted to say was I Loved this thank you

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the cutest drama ever

for me, miaoyi is the perfect girl for this kind of story, it has everything you need, cuteness, love, character development and great friendship. The only thing that is still a question for me is how the desk mate of the FL just disappeared. He was in love with her and as soon as high school finished he just vanished. except this overall, this drama is what I love! Junhui is perfect in his Male lead role and the chemistry between the two leads is so cute. I can’t wait to finish the drama and tell you more about it. Also, the other thing that bother me is that I’ve watched When I fly towards you last month and I can’t unsee Su Zaizai while watching this cutie Zhang Miaoyi

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