Hidden Love

So impactful, easy to fall in love with it.

This drama could've been terrible. It could've been uncomfortable and tasteless. But it wasn't. It was endearing, emotional, intense, and heartfelt. There was a very thin line around the appropriateness of it, but what they accomplished with the writing , acting, and overall storytelling is a beautiful example of an innocent crush blooming into first love. I loved the way they handled such a delicate topic. At no point did it ever feel inappropriate or cringey. It just felt real. The ML's acting was phenomenal. I truly felt he loved the FL. It was so convincing, I couldn't have even imagined who else the MCs could've ended up with. It felt destined and they did a great job portraying that. This drama takes a special place in my heart. I will watch it many times over.

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Sweet Romance Teenager Story!♥

My new comfort drama ever!! The plot is very simple but really beautiful, I really enjoyed watching the drama which made me smile without realizing it^^ Zhao Lusi as Sang Zhi and Chen Zheyuan as Duan Jia Xu are the right choice and really suit their characters well. Their chemistry was extraordinary and look so natural♥

I like seeing the development of Sang Zhi's character from a cute and spoiled high school student to a mature, brave and open-minded college student also Duan Jia xu, very dreamy character, wondering where I can find a man like him ಥ_ಥ
One of my fav cdramas that I would recommend to many people because this drama really worth to watching over and over again!

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Hidden Love, Hidden Gem, Hidden Talent

What I really liked about this drama was not only the romance, but the couple’s journey itself. Sang Zhi’s coming of age was a lovely and relatable tale. Including Jiaxu’s and Sang Yan’s transition to working adult-hood. I felt like I wasn’t alone. They were worried about college and graduating, and then there was the having to find a job and stick with it. Those aspects made me really enjoy the show. Adulting is hard but it’s not unbearable. Especially when you have a friend or family beside you.

And in episode 23, Sang Zhi’s love confession was everything. I think this scene was acted so well. Zhi looked so pretty. And Jiaxu looked so handsome. The actors really stunned me here. Second to “The Day of Becoming You”, I’d say this is one of the best love confessions in all of CDRAMA history. I really felt that scene. I’ll always go back to it.

I liked how steadfast Zhi was when it came to her love for Jiaxu. She was bold, and her personality really came alive. I like how when people came at Jiaxu wrong, she’d defend him. Wholeheartedly. With no effs to give. I’m really, Duan Jiaxu held on to her love as well.

Jiaxu was a good character too. He always said what he meant, and was extremely genuine as a best friend and boyfriend. He was never out of line. Zhi was great at reading people. And wasn’t cringe.

And I really adored Zhi’s older brother. His fashion style fit the actor and made him even more attractive. Yan’s personality really gave the show some relief. He was understandable and he never alienated Jiaxu or his sister when it came to their relationship. I was so annoyed with him at one point, but his personality and smile made me feel all fuzzy inside too. I was so sad when he was off-screen sometimes. He was a good older brother, who never hesitated when it came to defending his sister from the bullies.

Overall, this drama will always hold a special place in my heart. The characters did and said what you wanted them to say (which was pleasantly surprising). And none of the characters that mattered were harmed in any serious way. I wish I had a friend like WeiWei and the others. Alas, I can only write about friends I wish I had.

Will watch again one day. I recommend! 10/10!

P.S.

There’s no grooming or weird-isms in this drama. So, don’t let some weird words from others cause you to overlook this drama.

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I think I'm in love

Guys this actually became one of my favorite ever dramas so freaking quickly. I think I was pretty much hooked from the beginning. I’m slightly biased in favor of Zhao Lusi since I’ve already seen her in another drama and liked her from there, but I thought she was the absolute cutest and most perfect FL for this drama. You simply can’t change my mind. I’m still so high from finishing this drama literally a few minutes ago so I don’t think I can offer any constructive or cohesive thoughts about this show besides just wow. Simply the sweetest, least problematic drama ever. No idiotic misunderstandings, so stupid fights, no pointless breakups. Just vibes and cuteness and a simple story about a girl who was in love with her brother’s friend. Definitely not a rom com despite what the genre says, more of a melo/drama than anything else. Probably one of the best executions of a youth drama though, hands on. Usually the time skips where they get older feel weird, and quite frankly this one felt a little awkward too, but it didn’t last long and was pretty easy to transition to. And this is coming from someone who’s pretty freaking sensitive to time skips in dramas (big reason I usually avoid the youth genre), don’t really know why. My only complaint is that the drama did run out of steam a little toward the end. There weren’t many conflicts left and it very obviously slowed down in terms of plot development, interestingly this happened quite a bit after they got together and not right away, so kudos to them for that. Nothing too terrible, still worth watching, just probably soured my vibe a tad bit when I had to force myself to watch the last couple episodes when it was far from being an issue in the beginning (guys, I was eating up those episodes like tic tacs). Still 100% worth the watch, hence the rating. Just something to be aware of hehe. Anywho, watch this drama! If you’re a fan of cute contemporary romance that isn’t very heavy on plot and is just pure ***vibes*** then this one is def the one.

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Hidden Love: Built on Every Small Moment

I finished Hidden Love two days ago, and now that I’ve had time to sit with it, I can say this: it’s a story that knows how to be loud without raising its voice.

Sang Zhi and Duan Jiaxu didn’t rush into anything, and the drama didn’t force them either. It let them breathe. It gave space for all the small, important moments the ones that usually get overlooked and turned them into the whole foundation of their relationship. You could feel everything building under the surface, even when no one said a word.

What stood out to me the most was how natural it all felt. Nothing was exaggerated. Their feelings didn’t explode; they grew, slowly and quietly, until they couldn’t be hidden anymore. And when it finally happened, it didn’t feel like a surprise it felt right. Like it had been there the whole time, just waiting for them to be ready.

The acting made a huge difference. Zhao Lusi made Sang Zhi’s emotions so real shy, stubborn, sometimes messy, but always genuine. Chen Zheyuan gave Duan Jiaxu this calmness that never felt boring; he made patience look powerful. Together, they made something that felt believable, not just sweet.

I can’t talk about Hidden Love without mentioning the siblings. Sang Zhi and Sang Yan’s dynamic was pure gold. Their constant bickering, the way they annoyed each other just for fun it felt so real. But underneath all the chaos and teasing, you could see how much Sang Yan genuinely cared about his little sister. He wasn’t just a funny character; he was the type of brother who would throw hands if someone ever hurt her, even if he pretended not to show it.
Their relationship added this extra layer of warmth to the drama the kind you don’t always get but makes everything feel even more alive.

Even the way the show was shot soft lighting, warm colors matched the story. It wasn’t just "pretty"; it fit the feeling of growing up, waiting, and finally getting what you’ve been hoping for.

There’s a short poem I wrote after thinking about their relationship. I’ll leave it here, because it says what I think about them better than anything else:

The Quiet Bloom

In gardens where the soft winds weave,
Two hearts found room to slowly breathe.
No sudden storms, no urgent cries,
Just quiet mornings, steady skies.

A stolen glance, a warming hand,
The unspoken words they understand.
Not fireworks, but lantern light,
Leading them safely through the night.

She grew with dreams tucked in her chest,
He stayed with promises unexpressed.
And side by side, they came to know
Love is the gentlest thing to grow.

Hidden Love wasn’t about drama for the sake of drama. It was about growing up, holding on, and learning when it’s time to stop hiding how you feel.
It’s not a story I’ll forget easily.

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A Character-Driven drama for those in the mood of some sweetness and cuteness!

Subjective Gut Rating - 8.75

A 9.1 MDL rating for a romantic drama is no joke as there are many other critically acclaimed ones that don’t reach this milestone. In order to give “Hidden Love” a fair chance to maximize the enjoyment of watching this, I prepared myself and will share my recommendations for those who hesitated. As an ‘older’ and veteran drama watcher, fluffy and cute romances don’t always work on me anymore.

Recommendations/Tips to prepare myself:
1. I am a romance junkie
2. I am in the right mood for a cute, sweet and fluffy romance.
3. I like the main leads.
4. I am OK with and am prepared for a character-driven drama.
5. I am OK with an age-gap that could seem big.

I know if I watch “Hidden Love” when it’s airing or when it just finished airing, I will be extremely critical in finding faults since the hype is real and positive reviews are everywhere. Therefore, I waited until I was ready. And I am ready now.


What I Like:

Acting - I am quite familiar with Zhao Lu Si’s acting and know that she has no problem acting shy or cute. She did not disappoint me. On the other hand, Chen Zhe Yuan surprised me in a positive way. I’ve seen a few of his dramas but don’t recall him having the ability to subtly control his emotions (happy and sad) and his big, beautiful eyes speak volumes in this drama. It’s only been a few years’ time and Chen Zhe Yuan has improved so much since his “Handsome Siblings” days, the first drama I saw him in. The rest of the supporting cast also did a great job. But this drama is about Sang Zhi and Duan Jia Xu. If Zhao Lu Si and Chen Zhe Yuan can’t act, this drama will be a disaster.

Siblings - Many have pointed out the amazing chemistry between Zhao Lu Si and Victor Ma. I echoed the praises that they are so fun to watch. Their banter, argument, and horseplay brought so much color to this otherwise quite mellow drama. Their conversations are fun and witty, and you can still see how much they care and love each other.

Sang Zhi (FL) - At first, I thought I would be very irritated with Sang Zhi. I’ve seen clips of her acting all shy with that baby voice. However, I enjoy seeing her character grow from a spunky 14-year old girl, to an independent strong woman who can think on her own, make her own choices and protects the man she loves. We’ve seen female leads who are supportive of male leads. But Sang Zhi took it to a different level. She not only supports her man, but she’s there to protect him (physically, verbally and emotionally), to dispel any prejudice and stereotypes against him, and stand up for him. In a way, she was more emotionally mature when she’s 22 than when Duan Jia Xu was 22 or 27.

Duan Jia Xu (ML) - How can I not love a walking green flag like him? Yes, he’s too perfect and that could be a criticism. But I am also not going to deny the fact that he’s going to my Hall of Fame for Best Boyfriend/Partner. He is gentle, kind, considerate, understanding, and thoughtful. A unicorn that you can’t find in real life but I can indulge myself in this drama and pretend he does exist.

Main Romance - Chemistry is great. I was actually waiting for the college days to come so that I can finally see them interact as adults. I love the secret confessions in folded stars, the shy-but-in love glances/looks, the courting, the heartfelt yet somewhat awkward conversations by two inexperienced lovers, and of course, the hugs and kisses. This drama is made for romance lovers. I can’t help but smile throughout the drama.

Sang Family - I am so glad to see Zhao Lu Si and Zeng Li act as daughter/mother again. After the traumatic experience of “Love Like the Galaxy”, I am so glad to see them in a much different dynamic. The Sang parents are so lovely as well. Even though they disapprove of Sang Zhi’s rebellious trip, they never yelled at her, but just tried to talk some sense into her. They might have disapproved of the leads’ relationship, but the conversations are mature, reasonable and all come from the heart and love for their daughter. It’s so rare to find such amazing parents in a C-drama. Adding the fun Sang Yan to the mix, it’s no wonder Sang Zhi is able to grow up to be someone worthy of love and can protect her love.


What I have Mixed Feelings:

Sang Zhi’s baby voice - I can understand Zhao Lu Si using a somewhat younger voice when she’s 17, but when she’s a college student, that voice has got to go. She can speak normally with her roommate, so I know she can speak normally to her boyfriend. Towards the end of the drama, she has grown to be a mature young lady, and that baby voice really doesn’t match her. Is that Zhao Lu Si’s over-acting, or the director wanted her to act that way? I would never know.

Sang Zhi (14 years old) - No matter how short Sang Zhi is supposed to be at 14, the amazing young actress can’t convince me she’s 14 years old. She’s 12 in real life but she looks like she’s 10. If you are going to use such a young actress, maybe they should have a different younger actor to play the male lead.

Stalker girl - The side plot about the stalker girl lasted a little too long. I also think her presence changes the overall tone of this drama. I understand the reason for her existence in telling ML’s back story, but I wish that side plot was written better. Luckily, she’s the only annoying character and she’s still tolerable.

Supporting Cast stories - Because this drama focuses on the leads’ story so much that the rest of the side characters are forgotten in the back burner. This can be a good or a bad thing. If you just want to focus on Sang Zhi and Duan Jia Xu, then this is not a criticism at all. But I wanted a more well-rounded approach and wanted to know more about other characters. What happened to Sang Yan’s personal life? Did he really have a girlfriend? What is up with his knowledge of childbirth? I thought he got someone pregnant! What about the romance of the dorm mates? If you don’t plan to give them time, then let’s not start to begin with. Not every single character needs to have a love interest, but don’t start and forget.

Age gap - I don’t know if they have to keep on talking about how much older Duan Ji Xu is. 5 years isn’t really that big of a gap. It is central to the storyline, but it doesn’t need to be repeated and reminded so many times.


Overall, this is a great romance drama if you are looking for something easy, sweet and fluffy. The leads’ acting and chemistry are great and it’s a drama full of love, care and personal growth. If you are like me and like my tips above, that will increase your chance of enjoying this drama.


Completed: 8/27/2023 - Review #346

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Why do people hate it? It's beautiful!

I know, I know, though people might be like " This drama is so problematic" due to its age gap, like an old man dating a teenager, but that's what make it interesting. And besides, the chemistry is just cute and adorable, you can't say anything about that.
People also say about the " adult Sang Zhi" which she said she is already grown up but shows no sign of it, and even says about her baby voice. But like I said, this is an actress, Zhao lusi's natural voice is a baby voice, so you can't just blame the actress, or maybe blame the character. All the character act so well, even the first scene, while they judge Sang Zhi character's appearance, why don't they talk about her acting. She make it pretty funny, and she act pretty well, that scene make me laugh. She even cries pretty easy too!
Overall: this movie is worth a watch, but for people who doesn't mind the ML and the FL's 5-year age gap

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So happy to watch this drama... Fluffy rom-com with a lot of maturity...

Story about a girl named Sang Zhi (SZ) that falling in love with her brother's friend, Duan Jia Xu (JX). First they know each other when SZ still in junior school. Capture by the handsome & kindness that JX give her, the feeling start growing in SZ heart. After SZ start her university day, their love story begin their journey.

What I like:
+ Zhao Lu Si & Chen Zhe Yuan chemistry quite good. Zhao Lu Si with her usual cute & funny character. & what I really like is how Zhao Lu Si can make we sense the growing/maturity in SZ.
+ How JX really respect SZ. A few times he ask for permission when he want their relationship step further. Like how he ask for holding hands, kissing or even when they finally sleeping together.
+ How mature SZ is. Like how she handle JX's dad problem with the past. Although she sometimes quite childish, she's like a little princess in her home, but she show some maturity in other aspect.
+ How they keep communicating & have openness in their relationship. Like JX just telling SZ about his family problem, even when they just start the relationship, nothing JX feel the need to hide from SZ. So there is no such thing silly misunderstanding.
+ And I kinda happy to see Zeng Li played as SZ's mom, that give her love. It's kinda redemption for how she treated Zhao Lu Si in Love Like Galaxy. Haha...

Overall this really one good rom-com that I think I'll gonna keep re-watching... ^^

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This easily shot to the top of my favorite modern Chinese drama list, with my favorite actress in tow. Zhao Lu Si is nothing short of amazing in this romance where her character is crushing hard on her brother's best friend. If it were anybody else, the FL will probably come across as clingy and annoying, but she just does it with the right amount of sass.

First time encountering Chen Zhe Yuan in a drama but he's not too shabby himself as the doting big-bro type who is totally clueless in the love department despite his handsome looks since he's pretty focused on working to clear his father's debts. Of course, the difference in age while one is still a minor in itself is a tricky situation, when treated the wrong way. But we learn that Jia Xu does not even express any romantic interest in Sang Zhi until much later when the FL was in college.

I believe the drama made this distinction as clear as day to make all those accusations of pedophilia or grooming baseless. You can't accuse Jia Xu for encouraging Sang Zhi's affections when he is oblivious and does not even see her as more than a younger sister. The feelings of the FL has always been one-sided until they both got older and the show demonstrates this in several occasions.

In other aspects, the parents are not caricaturally cruel but had the appropriate amount of concern for their daughter's well-being as well as being supportive. There are no over-the-top characters and most are well-rounded. The pacing of the plot suited the narrative, and there was no blinding inconsistencies that I can think of. There was the right amount of fluff, angst, comedy and romance in this drama that I enjoyed watching it from beginning to end without touching the FFWD button.

Last but not the least is the swoon-worthy OST that I barely even notice in other dramas, but here, it serves as a delightful backdrop to Sang Zhi and Jai Ju's platonic-to-romantic journey.

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Pure, Wholesome, 10/10

I love that this drama did not have unnecessary drama and focused on the main couple. Their development was splendid and their moments are super cute. Zhe yuan and Lu si look really good together and their acting was great too The story is relatively simple though I did enjoy Jia xu's backstory and the drama of it, but it's alright this is still an extremely wholesome romance telling of two great characters.
The OSTs are also really good. Wang Su Long and Lu si's duet was so sweet and Ma Bo Qian (sang yan)'s vocals??? SO GOOD
10/10 recommend for those who just want a lil fluff in their life HAHA

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Proving Zhao Lu Si's acting genius, once again

This show has set the bar for Asian dramas for me.
Realistic, sweet, funny, heartbreaking, bittersweet and romantic.
The actors who play the FL and ML are brilliant. The connection between the two is amazing. The interactions are so natural and charming that it looks like entire scenes were ad-libbed by the actors. I wouldn't be surprised. The scenes between the FL and her brother are the same -- completely natural and adorable. The subtle physical comedy that Zhao is able to do, playing off her costars into those scenes is amazing. Just a few tiny examples: the wedding scene with her brother when they're at the table - the look they give each other while they're clapping; her expressions with the missed kiss at the skating rink. Whenever she watches the ML do something, her expressions of confusion are hilarious. I haven't mentioned the actor playing the ML yet, but he did beautifully in this drama too. The ML is roguish, loveable, heartbreaking. Will watch this again.
Special mention to the actor that plays the brother. He made his character hilarious. And the child actress: brilliant. Hope she is in a lot more shows.

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