Hidden Love

super cute couple

the drama was truly outstanding un unforgettable experience from start to finish it combined a gripping story with exceptional performances that brought each character to life in a way that felt raw and real the cinematography was breathtaking. with stunning visuals that drew you into each scene making every moment feel immersive and vivid. the soundtrack was equally impressive. perfectly matched to the emotion of each scene. heightening the drama and adding depth to the storytelling. overall. the film was masterfully crafted. leaving a lasting impact and reminding viewers of the power of great cinema. it's the kind of movie that resonate with you long after the credit.

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In simple words... Overrated.

To start off the story has major potential.
I loved the Sang siblings relationship. Their relationship is what kept me hooked.

I personally think the ML's acting wasn't that great. I couldn't really feel the emotions that he was trying to portray. I felt they had a good opportunity to make his character have depth but they didn't.

The entire story revolves around her being madly in love with the ML, which is understandable considering the title. But I felt there should have been more scenes that show his love.
It's almost like the writers and directors had enough of female chasing male, so out of nowhere the ML falls in love. How did that happen? When did that happen? Why did it happen? None of these questions are answered.

I personally love Rosy Zhao but this was the most annoying character she ever played. She was trying to hard to be childish and it came off as weird and strange to me. It made her more unrelatable. Though the situation the FL is in, I think a lot of us has gone through similar emotions (I personally have been in similar situation). But most of the time the FL was so pathetic about it that I didnt feel sympathy but anger.

Once the ML falls in love with her, he barely chases her and starts teasing her because he figured out he was her crush. He also kept standing her up. Yes, he had legit reasons but he never once explained it to her. The main couple never talk, they never have the real convos.

The most unrealistic part was how none of her friends were angry with him for constantly cancelling on her. Women/girls are not like that. If my friend's boyfriend would do that to her I personally would have gone to him and given him a piece of my mind.

A lot of videos list this show as "girl falls first but guy falls deeper", which I personally feel is totally untrue. Even if the last few episodes she runs to the airport to his city again to tell him how deeply she feels for him by showing him the "folded stars". Throughout the story she is proving her love for him. Yes, I will agree he takes some major steps for their future but I personally feel it's too little too late. By that time I am already convinced that "he is just not into her".

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From First Crush to Forever Love

Hello, Beautiful Shades of Green 💚

Green Male & Female Lead.
Green Brother. Green Parents.
Green Friends. Green Roommates.

A cast of characters that you’d want by your side IRL. No rivalries, messy triangles, or petty jealousies. Just genuinely good people who make our Leads’ story more endearing.

At a young age the FL { Zhao Lusi } meets and quickly falls for the ML { Chen Zhe Yuan}, her older brother’s best friend. They share many beautiful moments together, but devastation comes when she overhears a rumor that he now has a girlfriend, leading her to cut off contact with him to heal her heartbreak.

They’re reunited while she’s in college and, as he experiences how much she’s grown up, the ML falls fast and deep. Unaware that she’s loved him for years, he sets out to win her heart.

And he captures the viewers’ as well *sigh*. The movie date. His honesty. Him attending her class. The birthday surprises. The roller skating date. Adjusting to her pace. The camping “trip”.

The comforting hugs. The protection. The hand holding. The flirting. The caring actions. The intense gazes. The sweet kisses. All.the.love! 💞✨

Their chemistry is so natural & believable. They’ll make you swoon, sigh, laugh, & tear up. They’re just so… good!

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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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Sweet, light, cheesy, and everything the drama intended to accomplish

This drama was very light and sweet... to the extent that every now and then I got goosebumps from the cheesiness :) All else aside, this was definitely an easy, joyful watch. As other reviews note, there's a notable lack of toxicity, reality, and cynicism from this drama, so it's one of the light + sweet watches that you get every now and then. The leads and supporting characters are all delightful, and it's very well-written pacing/story wise. For the most part, scenes make sense and you don't get the inclination to skip them because they're so wholesome.

The story's very simple and basic, and there isn't really much to say. Nevertheless, it was executed beautifully and wholesomely. I do want to say to those more sensitive to 'questionable romantic lines' in the script, there are some very, VERY cheesy lines in this drama. In an interview/fan event, I think Zhao Lusi noted that this script gave her goosebumps while filming more than any other script. That being said, it's not cringy in a 'everything happened as a coincidence and none of this makes any sense' way, but rather in a 'this is very sappy and sweet lol' way. Do note that it started dragging a little around episode 18, though most of the drama does flow smoothly along.

The acting and 'chemistry' (as they say) is on point. Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan are wonderful together. I've watched a lot by Zhao Lusi, and she definitely does a great job but never struck me as something spectacular. However, this character really brought out her acting, and she's definitely grown so much! Chen Zheyuan played a very charming, heartthrob Duan Jiaxu : ) Everything played out very naturally and beautifully thanks to the great acting. I'm not sure how much there is to portray many times in non-tragic dramas, but you could see the items here were done very well.

The music I didn't enjoy as many others, but I know many really enjoy the OST especially 'Forever Star'. So it might be something to look forward to too~

Overall, sweet drama that's a good break from all the 'over-dramatic' dramas, iykwim. I'd definitely recommend watching it.

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A ‘waiting’ show

It was a simple drama focusing on the female lead, Sang Zhi’s life or more accurately, her love for the male lead, Duan Jia Xu. The drama title hidden love was depicted by her love at first sight for him when she was 14 years old and thereafter secretly liking this guy till her time in university when her deep concern and love for the guy finally touched his heart and they got together, somewhat like a dream came true.

Zhao Lu Si as Sang Zhi, was convincing in her role. She was pretty and sweet as a young girl. I have no negative comments about her. They clearly tried to make her look like a senior high schooler with non-existent makeup and a student-like hairstyle.

This was the first time I watched Chen Zhe Yuan. He was good-looking and a perfect male lead as the character of such lovey-dovey idol dramas, though to be honest, I had enough of seeing his face after about 20 episodes.

I saw the high ratings for this drama and hesitated to post my review because watching this drama, to be honest, I was bored.

There was nothing exciting happening or nothing to look forward to episode after episode, unless you consider waiting for the next passionate kiss to be something to look forward to. Everything was predictable and execution was slow. The only setback or obstacle to their relationship was that of the objections of Sang Zhi’s parents, but this was solved uneventfully. And then there was this third party, a harassing girl, but nothing really happened after repeated warnings.

Furthermore, this drama revolved around only the main leads. There were no stories for the secondary leads who existed simply for the main leads so the screen time of the main leads was 99.9% and that was perhaps the reason for my fatigue watching Chen Zhe Yuan.

I struggled through the first 10 episodes, waiting for the female lead to grow up and go to university as I knew that was the time things between her and the male lead would have some development. And then when she was finally in the university, I waited for her to meet the male lead, for the male lead to fall for her, for them to get together and for them to hmm....have some passionate intimate scenes and for them to get married.

I knew once they got together it would just be all fluff after reading others’ comments and people said you had to be in the right mood to watch such shows, I believe I was, there was no better time when I watched this, but somehow, I was not as touched or cringy as I thought I would be. Sweet? Yes, but just a little when they dated. That mild sweetness was the kind when you watched a young couple so madly in love with each other, but that was it. I guess because there were no surprises, so no unexpected moments that touched my heart.

However, I have to give special mention to the ending. The proposal was rather unexpected and I did shed a few tears. Finally, the girl got the guy and it was a happily ever after ending, though do not expect any explanations for the other characters.





An afterthought:
Not sure whether this was part of Asian or Chinese culture, Sang Zhi’s brother hit/punched Duan Jia Xu after realising they were together. I tried to understand this. Was he unhappy that Duan Jia Xu ‘stole’ his baby sister away from him? Maybe. Was he unhappy that they did not tell him earlier? Perhaps. Was he unhappy that the person who ‘stole’ his baby sister’s heart was actually his own buddy and he actually had the nerve to ‘steal’ his sister who was younger than him by 5 years? It seemed so.

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Hidden Love: A Drama of Contradictions

The Chinese drama Hidden Love attempts to weave a narrative of romance and self-discovery but often gets tangled in its own contradictions. At its core, it tells the story of Sang Zhi and her evolving relationship with Duan Jia Xu, her brother’s friend. While the show has its moments of brilliance, it is overshadowed by its uneven character dynamics and questionable romantic framing.

One of the highlights of Hidden Love lies in its portrayal of Sang Zhi when she’s allowed to exist outside of her romantic entanglement. Scenes featuring her at work or interacting with her university friends showcase a capable and well-rounded young woman. These moments provide a glimpse into her potential as a character—confident, relatable, and grounded. Zhao Lu Si’s acting amplifies these moments with remarkable versatility. She has a unique ability to seamlessly navigate between emotions, shifting from joy to despair within a single scene. Her performance in emotional moments, particularly those involving her heartbreak, stands out as some of the drama’s most impactful.

Victor Ma’s portrayal of Sang Zhi’s brother, Sang Yan, is another strong point. The sibling relationship feels authentic, capturing the blend of rivalry and deep care that defines many sibling bonds. Sang Yan’s role as both a protector and someone Sang Zhi can be vulnerable with adds depth to their dynamic. The airport scene, where Sang Zhi breaks down in his arms after a painful heartbreak, is a testament to the emotional strength of their bond and remains one of the drama’s most memorable moments. It’s rare to see a sibling relationship portrayed with such nuance, and Victor Ma’s performance anchors these moments with sincerity. The drama’s soundtrack also deserves praise, with its catchy and well-placed OSTs enhancing many key scenes.

However, the strengths of Hidden Love are often undermined by its central romantic storyline. Chen Zheyuan’s portrayal of Duan Jia Xu as the male lead is underwhelming, lacking the charisma or depth needed to carry his character. Jia Xu himself is difficult to relate to—overly controlling, possessive, and prone to jealousy. These traits make him less of a romantic ideal and more of a cautionary figure. His dynamic with Sang Zhi is particularly troubling, as he continues to treat her like a younger sister even after they begin dating. This lingering brother-sister dynamic casts an uncomfortable shadow over their romance, making it hard to invest in their relationship.

The five-year age gap between the leads is not inherently problematic, but Jia Xu’s behavior exacerbates the discomfort. Having known Sang Zhi since her childhood, his inability to shift his perception of her from a child to a partner feels unsettling. It’s as if the drama is trying to force a romance without addressing the fundamental mismatch in their dynamic. This issue is compounded by Sang Zhi’s characterization around Jia Xu. While she’s shown to be articulate and mature in other settings, her behavior around Jia Xu regresses into exaggerated cutesiness and awkward stuttering. It’s a disservice to Zhao Lu Si’s talent, reducing her character to a caricature when she’s capable of so much more.

The romantic scenes between the leads suffer as a result. Instead of chemistry, there’s a persistent sense of dissonance, as if the characters are trapped in roles they can’t escape. Sang Zhi’s infantilized behavior and Jia Xu’s condescending attitude make it hard to root for them as a couple. The narrative’s failure to transition their dynamic from a brother-sister relationship to an equitable partnership leaves the romance feeling forced and unconvincing.

Ultimately, Hidden Love struggles to find its footing. Its strengths in sibling dynamics, emotional performances, and music are overshadowed by a central romance that fails to resonate. For viewers who can overlook the uncomfortable framing of the leads’ relationship, there’s a baseline romance story here. However, for those who can’t get past the persistent brother-sister dynamic and lack of authentic chemistry in the main couple, the drama’s flaws become impossible to ignore.

Hidden Love leaves much to be desired, despite its occasional moments of brilliance. The inability to convincingly shift the leads’ dynamic and the wasted potential of its talented cast weigh heavily on the drama.

A 5.5/10 feels apt for a show that sparks moments of promise but ultimately fails to deliver on its central premise.

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Hidden Love ?

If you're someone who finds comfort in quiet moments, soft romances, and the charm of everyday life, Hidden Love will likely speak to your heart. This drama beautifully captures the innocence of first love and the bittersweet warmth of growing up.

Watching it felt like flipping through an old photo album—familiar, gentle, and deeply comforting. The story doesn't rely on grand twists or heavy drama, but instead unfolds in a way that’s tender and true to life. After long, exhausting days at work, it became my happy pill—something that reminded me of the simple joys of youth and connection.

Highly recommended for those who enjoy romance with a slice-of-life feel, and who are looking for something soft, sincere, and soul-soothing.

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Age gap romance done right finally !!!

I delayed watching this because I usually don't like age gap romances where the heroine is still a minor but I was absolutely proven wrong.

Lets talk about the many positives:
- Age Gap discussion done maturely
The story is aware of its weakness which is Sang zhi liking Jiaxu when she was a minor. But their relationship remains that of a brother and sister even when Sang zhi is an adult. Their dynamic only changes when Jiaxu realizes his feelings after they meet and get to know each other as adults. The characters even have a serious discussion about their age gap and were aware of it. It just made the story more realistic because the age gap was shown as a serious consideration.
- Chen Zheyuan stole my heart !
Even though both the leads acted well, Chen Zheyuan as Jiaxu stole my heart and I haven't recovered yet. His eyes and micro expressions were just swoon worthy and his character (playful and mischievous) was so refreshing to watch unlike the serious and cold CEO characters in other dramas. Jiaxu had his flaws and he owned it. He did an amazing job of portraying a smart, playful and cunning character. Whenever he smiled, you could feel the different emotions he was portraying. He was so natural and his character overall felt realistic. I'm madly in love with his acting right now and I can't stop gushing.
-The heart fluttering chemistry between the leads
The chemistry between Lusi and Zheyuan was palpable. I could feel the tension between through the screen and I was screaming giggling and kicking thd whole time whenever they had their moment on screen. The pining was swoon worthy and the kisses were heart melting. Strangely I didn't find their skinship moments cringey and I usually skip forward when the leads get too intimate, but I didn't do it here. It just felt natural.
- The character dynamics was fun to watch
The supporting characters felt real and their relationship with each other was fun to watch. Not many characters were toxic and didn't make too much drama. I also like Sang Yan and Sang Zhi dynamic, their sibling energy felt real and I liked that Sang Yan was protective over his sister but still wanted his friend to be happy.
- Sang Zhi's character was written so well
I was skeptical how they would show a younger female lead in a age gap romance since they typically go for the naive and innocent damsel in distress route. But i was pleasantly suprised by how mature Sang Zhi's character was. She thinks like an adult and is very clear about her feelings but still has the youthful and fresh vibe of a college freshman. She was very careful about her relationship dynamic with Jiaxu and even acknowledges real life concerns with their relationship. She was just a joy to watch and she was the best female character I've seen in an age gap romance till date.

Now even though this series was near perfect, I still have a few minor negatives:
- The earlier episodes could've been better
The childhood arc could've been thought out more. The cinematography looked weird and Lusi with her very childish voice was off putting since no high school student will willingly talk like a baby. The child actress could've also looked more mature. She acted well but she didn't look like a 14 year old and that just made the age gap thing more weird.
- The supporting characters could've been more fleshed out
The supporting characters were boring especially Sang Zhi's college mates. I just fast forwarded when it was only them on the screen since they were written too stereotypical and didn't feel fully fleshed out.
-Can we stop with the cheesy proposals already ?!
What is with China and its obsession with cheesy proposals. I was hoping that maybe this one will have a normal proposal since the story till then felt mature and realistic but they had to end it on a cringey note.

Overall:
Don't get scared of the plot and give this drama a chance if you want a swoon worthy romance that'll keep you up at night. 9.5/10.

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