Hidden Love

Great watch. A drama that'll make your heart flutter.

First things first, If you are someone who enjoys romcom, then this is THE drama for you.

A little Background here:
Starting off 2023 with dramas like The Glory, The good Bad Mother (and having watched Youth of May, recently), I was just browsing MDL for a good Romcom, and I stumbled upon this drama & fell head over heels in love with it. If you read the drama synopsis on MDL, it doesn't sound very appealing, as the theme feels somewhat cliché, something very commonly seen in Cdramas, but what really caught my attention was the rating ... ahem... it was 9.1 (while it was AIRING. Yes, you read it right).
....and that's how this drama entered the 'currently watching' tab in my watchlist.

Coming to my thoughts about the drama:

Acting: I've never seen any dramas of these actors, but after watching it, my final thoughts are that they've done a freaking good job. CZY, Luci, Victor, they were just fantastic . I was touched by seeing the acting of CZY and Luci in the segment where she flew down to Yihe , to tell Jia Xu about her crushing over him since high school ; it was an emotional scene beautifully executed by them. It made me go' aww....' . Another scene when Jia Xu's dad passed away & the cemetery scene, they did such a good job (my eyes welled up every time Jia Xu cried , amazing performance by CZY).

Plot: Like I mentioned earlier, the theme isn't something out of the blue, but the way the story was tied up, just brilliant. Its a novel adaptation (which I haven't read YET), so cant compare the two, but looking at he end result, feels like they did a pretty good job. I absolutely loved the character development of Sang Zi, Jia Xu and Sang Yan. It was amazing witnessing their character growth and the process of maturing to adults, capable of taking important life decisions & also, I really enjoyed Sang Yan and Sang Zi's shenanigans throughout the drama.
I think this line is very apt for describing the drama: (Sang Zi's lines from the last episode)
"It is the story of 22 year old Jia Xu to 22 year old Sang Zi"

So, the bottom line is: If you love Rom-coms, and are looking for some heart fluttering moments & a drama that gives you butterflies 🦋 and a good chunk of laughter, this is IT.
& even if that doesn't convince you, how about CZY & his chiseled jawline ?
A solid 10 /10.

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Zhao Lusi Never Disappoints!!! Her best drama yet!!

Honestly, idk where to begin cause im so overwhelmed at how much I love this drama. This drama definitely made top of my list. I would my Top 3. When I saw a teaser for this drama a couple of months ago, I researched it a bit cause it had Zhao Lusi and I love her dramas. I started reading the novel and fell in love with it. It was just such an innocent and cute love story and I knew Zhao Lusi would be amazing in it. But amazing didn’t even begin to describe how it actually turned out. I thought nothing could top how I felt about Love like The Galaxy because it had everything, good supporting cast, good chemistry and a good plot. And Zhao Lusi and Leo Wu had like amazing chemistry. Like I shipped them in real life. But like her and Chen Zhe Yuan is also amazing too. I ship them so hard as Sang Zhi and Duan Jia Xu. Theyre just so cute together. Honestly makes me believe that Zhao Lusi fell in love with Duan Jia Xu as Sang Zhi for real. I have seen some stuff here and there from Chen Zhe Yuan and I thought he did pretty good in Our Secrets. He was acting a lot with his eyes in that drama and the chemistry was pretty good and cute. But man, he went all x1000 for this drama. His style, his gaze, his looks, just all the small little actions and detailed he added. Made Duan Jia Xu really come to life for me. His acting has definitely improved. I was a bit iffy when I saw that he was casted as Duan Jia Xu cause I felt no one can match Leo Wu’s chemistry with Zhao Lusi. But man was I proven wrong. I cant imagine anyone else as Duan Jia Xia now. He fits the role perfectly. And it makes it even mor amazing when I watch the BTS. Cause Chen Zhe Yuan is not really like Duan Jia Xu in real life. He is more of a reserved person. And the fact that he was able to make Duan Jia Xu come off so well, means his acting is top notch. Both of their acting was so too notch. It was honestly just a simple love story but because of the attention to small details, it made it so good. Like the little detailing of their expression, smiles, awkwardness, shyness, perfect. Nailed it.

I was gushing at all their flirty moments before dating and even after they got together, it was still really cute. Cause most of the time, in dramas, after they leads get together, its not as good anymore. But man, for them, it was not the case, it was a whole another level of cute. I love how healthy their relationship was. Duan Jia Xu is such a green flag. Got to be the greenest of all of them.

Another important thing to me in a drama is the supporting cast. And man I loved Sang Yan so much! And their whole family dynamic. Tbh, in the book, I didn’t think much of Sang Yan. Just the typically bully older brother, and sometimes I felt that he didn’t care that much about his sister cause he always asked Duan Jia Xu to do it. I loved the bickering in the drams and how Sang Yan actually always pampers Sang Zhi. I really felt like they were brothers and sisters that care for each other. Sang Zhi and Sang Yan scenes were always my favorites. Especially the ones where it had Sang Zhi, Sang Yan and Duan Jia Xu. It was so funny. They always bitter like kids. Like the scene with field day, physics tutoring and when he found out about Duan Jia Xu and Sang Zhi dating. Her whole family was so sweet and warm and healthy. They all loved each other. And I loved how her mom was her mom from Love Like the Galaxy. They are close in real life and on the show, you can see how close and cute they are.
I watched the press conference/fan meet they had for the drama and honestly, made me love it even more. I heard there were problems with the wardrobe so Zhao Lusi had to reach out to different sponsors and get clothes for the drama. And she styled all the fits too. And man, I loved them! Everyone looked so good. She definitely has really good taste. I know ppl will go and try to buy all the outfits she wears and man she deserves it! There was some casting problem too so she went to ask her bf to play the HS crush. And her mom from Love Like The Galaxy, Zhao Lusi asked her to play the role too. And the college roommate that gives her all the dating advice is from The Romance of Tiger and Rose. I loved that they are her friends and are so loyal! Zhao Lusi even asked Silence Wang to sing one of the OST with her and personally sang one herself too. And they are so good! Also a lot of the props in the drama are her personally items. I love how much she invested and did for the drama. She really is a great person! She deserves all the praise and likes.

For me, OST is really important because it adds so much more meaning to the scene and honestly sometimes makes or breaks them. I think an OST is good when I can listen to the song and remember a particular moment in the drama that they played it. That’s how I know its amazing and powerful. Im not going to lie to you, when I first heard the songs, I thought they were okay. But when they were slowly introduced into the drama one by one. I fell in love. It is on repeat right now for me on Spotify. All of them give me the feels cause theyre used to play at different emotions.
But if i had to pick, I have two favorite ones. It would be I Have Someone I Like by Zhao Lusi, and Forever Star by Zhang Yi Hou. I Have Someone I Like by Zhao Lusi is played at all the cute/ heart fluttering moments. Forever Star by Zhang Yi Hou is played a lot when there are sad scenes. It gives so much feels! It's especially memorable to me when Duan Jia Xu is at the airport opening the red envelope given to him by Sang Zhi. The OST just made the scene so good with Duan Jia Xu's smiling tears. And honorable mention: Be Your Light by Ma Boqian. Cause come on, its sung by our Sang Yan Ge Ge. And it was so cute when they played it in the Strawberry scene. Made it ingrained in my head. They’re all so good.

I'm really happy that this drama is going globally and that Netflix bought the rights to play it in like 190 countries because the exposure will make it so much more popular! Even tiktok is making it super popular too! I hope more ppl will find out about this drama and watch it cause its amazing. I will definitely rewatch this multiple times and it will be added to my list of comfort dramas I will always rewatch from time to time.

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Realistic Cuteness Overload; A Breath of Fresh Air

Never expected this drama to be so realistic and light. I watched primarily for CZY because I wanted to see him develop into a mature male actor. I've seen several actors previously so I knew it would be a good cast. It really was cuteness overload but probably one of the least toxic c-dramas I've ever seen. It was a real breath of fresh air.

Pros: Favorite character was ML and I'm very proud of how he's grown from playing younger roles to a mature male who let me tell you, when he turned on those eyes of his, he'd melt women of all ages into a puddle. Other than that, he was also probably one of the most caring individuals on earth. Life dealt him a very cruel hand with what his father did and that stalker chick, but instead of curling into a ball and giving up, he just strove to be a better person worthy of the love of everyone around him especially the only one who truly loved every piece of him, our FL SZ.

Most of the story was very well developed. And honestly, other than the stalker chick, there wasn't a single character I didn't like. She was the main antagonist I guess you could say. FL, her parents, bro and all of their friends were just wonderful. I do have to say that I don't know about China but in the US, if you live as a resident in a quad in college, it's beyond rare that everyone gets along so well. I was never a resident but a commuter but my resident friends told me all sorts of stories back in the day. The fact that SZ lived with and got along so well with her roommates just adds to the loveliness of this story.

This story had you mostly laughing at the antics of our leads and everyone else. But it was also very inspirational and sometimes it even made you tear up. SZ was more mature in some aspects then people gave her credit for. Though I do wish many of her inner monologues came out of her mouth instead, she was endearing, kind, respectful, caring, loving, and fiercely protective of those she loved the most.

Everything had its rightful progression to a point. I have nothing to complain about the settings, OSTs, etc. Their moments together once they start coming together were the best and of course the comedy. But there is a con section though it won't be that long.

Cons: While I understand the misunderstandings as people have that makes them imagine or overthink when they're young; but it shouldn't happen when they're adults in a relationship or even by 12th grade in high school. Miscommunication is a known relationship killer. SZ never asks DJX what he's thinking but goes full steam ahead on her own assumptions which are usually worse case scenarios and completely false. DJX also doesn't open up to her and then they end up finding out through other means and how foolish it looks. But instead of learning and not doing it again, they keep repeating it. Even by episode 24, she still thought he was considering breaking up with her.

Then DJX's not dealing with the stalker as soon as he paid off the debt. Why? Her harassing him just complicated things for him both literally and psychologically. If he didn't find out she went after SZ, would he ever have dealt with her? What if she flew to Nanwu to find him?

The thing I wish there was less of were the flashbacks of SZ's childhood. Like once she became an adult, end those. We know what's going on. It wasn't until episode 3 that this drama picked up for me. But I'm very glad I stuck around.

Would I recommend it? Definitely. From all the ones I'm watching it was the only one that made me laugh and love little moments that I would rewind just to get a little bit more. I'm very glad I watched this drama and you should give it a chance too.

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Perfect love and healing story

Even in my most favorite dramas I always had something I didn't like, there always were some flaws... but this story just PERFECT

This drama amazing in everything, its fully focused on main leads, but same time all other characters have their own charm (SZ parents, roommates, DZX friends, his boss and co worker), even if they had only a bit screen time, they wasnt just decoration or waste of time! And of course Sang Yan, I loved him as much as main leads ❤️❤️❤️ this drama has right amount of angst, to make this story more real and touching, but still be the most light, heartwarming, hilarious, comfort story ❤️

Chen Zhe Yuan and Lusi did so amazing job to bring this characters to life, their personality and relationship were so real, they always remind me my youth experience, how it feels be in love first time, first heartbreak, anxiety, excitement, comfort you can find in other person, acting was very realistic with many details and nuances, their chemistry made me feel butterflies and also made me cry.

Its also not just love story, one of the main theme is healing, forgetting and accepting❤️
I really not ready ay goodbye for this story((( there no drama like this, will miss them very much 😭

I recommend it everyone, just give it a try !

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THE BEAUTY OF A CRUSH

I've seen many series potraying crushes but not many have managed to capture a crush as sacred, heart warming and beautiful like HIDDEN LOVE did..
There many things I loved about this drama and I'll break then down into five in my heartfelt review of the drama

Firstly,The plot..one the first look it might seem like something you have seen before but infact it's more than anything you've seen,The story was heartwarming and beautiful and consistent, it centred around the leads and didn't add anything unnessesary,it was light hearted simple and yet realistic.

The Characters,Sang Zhi( Female lead) was everything to me, I admired how she potrayed different characters so effortlessly,I love how they gave her character the spotlight plus room to develop, I love how they enlighted us on her pov and made her character grow onto us in a way that you couldn't help root her every step of the way in the entire series, I love how she was calm, and delicate but brave too🤍
Duan jiaxu is with no doubt making it to the list of my favourite male leads this year, he was mature calm considerate and a green flag for that matter...
My other fav character in the series was Sang Yan..he was everything you would want in a brother he's Interactions with the female lead were precious.

The chemistry between the leads was amazing..their interactions felt so natural and they were really comfortable around each other..they made me giggle smile kick my feet, cry and I absolutely loved them.

The osts Lord iam a sucker for beautiful osts and this drama had all the amazing osts..which not only were beautiful but reflected the story so perfectly.

The cinematography was to die for..each shot was pretty.

I highly recommend this drama for anyone who wants something cute beautiful and thrilling at the same time...iam going to miss it quite alot.

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A BEAUTIFUL HEART WARMING STORY❤️

I never thought that a crush would be potrayed in a beautiful sacred yet thrilling way like this drama did... sincerely speaking it felt like I was passing my eyes through some one's diary...all the emotions and feelings were so real and natural..this drama had that ability to grow onto you even without you realising it...There many reasons why iam rating this drama with a solid 10 but I'll break them down into five.

The plot might seem like something you have seen before but trust me you haven't, it has a unique touch to it, from the story execution to the dialogue to the consistency to the way it's heartwarming and beautiful and emotional...yet light and simple.

Zhao lusi as Sang Zhi has to be the best decision they made, she fits the role so well and is acting is so effortlessly from the time she acted as a 17 year old to the current episodes where she's grown up, her character is really attaching and lovely and worth rooting for, I loved her character development and the way her character was made sensible cute delicate but at the same time brave...this has to be my best character of Zhao lusi so far ❤️
Chen Zhe yuan as Duan jiaxu is everything, he was written as mature yet caring and understanding to sum it all up he was that green flag and I admired how he acts with his eyes..all his emotions are potrayed from his eyes and that's what made his character unique🤍
Victor Ma as Sang Yan was another unforgettable character..he won me over with the way he's character was written..he's relationship with the female lead was so precious and I absolutely loved their bickering and dynamics as siblings..❤️

The chemistry between the leads was beyond doubt amazing .I loved their natural and unforced Interactions, I love the comfort I got from their relationship I love how their relationship was far from toxic but health and admirable 🤍

The osts were beautiful and reflected the story and the Cinematography was to die for.

Overall this was a nice ride..I roller coaster of many emotions and I must say I'll miss this drama so much.

I do recommend this...if you want something light and fluffy ❤️

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A real gem - watch it!

I find many Chinese dramas either too melodramatic with overcomplicated plots and very 2-dimensional characters or the acting just plain awful. I don’t even bother to finish many of them - but this one (Hidden Love) is a real gem. Everything is just spot on - the casting, the acting, OST, the plot - it is faultless. An absolute pleasure to watch from start to finish!Characters have depth; the story flows naturally and it’s very well acted. Plus romance rush in practically every scene. It had me in fits of laughter (e.g. sibling rivalry), throes of despair (especially the first airport scene) and every feeling in between. So, so refreshing to find a C-drama that ticks all the boxes and left me feeling my time wasn’t wasted (which is how I feel about majority of c-dramas). In fact, I finished watching it and immediately watched it all over again. It’s that good.

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A girl's manifestation came to life

July 30, 2023

Hidden Love is definitely one of the best released rom-com Chinese drama of the year. The story of Sang Zhi and Jia Xu is so fluffy and cute.

As a a rom-com Chinese drama, I was expecting petty and stupid arguments when the leads get together. But they are so mature to the point where all the little misunderstandings are resolved right away. They have such a healthy communication with each other. I am in awe with how much I am jealous of what they have.

Sang Zhi and Jia Xu's chemistry is just off the chart. It is amazing to think how much the actors can deliver into their character role. I understand the hype that Hidden Love received. They truly deserve it.

All the other side characters are just chef's kiss as well. They brought things to the plot and I didn't see anyone being a waste of time. I never skipped scenes either which is quite rare nowadays. As there are so many dramas putting up filler scenes and sub plots which sole purpose is for them to fill their timeslot and drag the show longer.

As someone who have watched Cdramas for a quite a long time now. I will put Hidden Love with the other "S"-tier fluffy rom-com Cdramas imo like "Put your head on my shoulders". "Perfect. & Casual", "Falling into your smile", and "When we were young".

If you are a sucker for rom-com who hates misunderstanding please give this show the love that it deserves!

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ISSO MERECE O OSCAR E TODOS OS PREMIOS DA CHINA

First of all:
Zhao Lu Si (Sang Zhi) and Chen Zhe Yuan (Duan Jia Xu) = SPECTACULAR you were perfect.

Victor Ma (Sang Yan) = CONGRATULATIONS YOU ARE TOO FUNNY.

Screenwriter Shen Fei Xian thank you 7 years after you deliver this masterpiece and I wish you make 1000000 more of these. Rational! And you are very beautiful.
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What is this show?
What is this C-Drama?
Is this real Chinese? Is it really C-Drama?

How to watch another Drama after this one?

Everything was RATIONAL, what I always complained about.

DELIVER THE OSCAR TODAY.

9.2 IS A JOKE. The grade is 10 - 100 - 1000

This is perfect.

Even the Familia's objection is rational.

It's 2023 and this is what should happen.

The Airport episode was really nice.

NO NEED TO BE MEDIEVAL, ANGRY, IDIOT AND ABSURD TO BE GOOD. THIS DRAMA DESERVES ALL CHINA AWARDS.

He also teaches people about balance. You are you, the other is the other, even if it is your Father.

Thanks.

Watch today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Different from others “typical cdrama”

The story is different from any typical chinese drama. This is one of the best production for me. I love the plot and their acting is no joke, the chemistry makes me failed to moving on from them until now. They really did a great job for casting the actors! Loved the cinematography too. The characters all good, theres no freakin evil one. Idk i can say the story is quite healthy and good for healing. Well, for me, theres still has the cdramas vibes but this one is more makes sense ykwim. I just love this sm. Go watch it you will never regret it😭🤧💚 AND OMG THIS IS THE FIRST SERIES THAT HAS THE ALL PERFECT OSTS i wanna cry fr

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