Not something new, but it has some lights.
Some aspects of repetition worked well but on the whole I felt there was too much repetition. I find the transition of the main couple's relationship from a brother-sister dynamic to a romance unconvincing and forced, the age difference between the leads when the relationship starts and the early framing of their relationship are seems a little uncomfortable.Underdeveloped Side Characters:
Side characters and their storylines are being just as cookie-cutter and sidelined, leaving some parts of the narrative bland when not focused on the leads, which is something i didn't like, i wanted more depth and story for the side character.
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I LOVEEEEE ITTTT
You won’t get bored a single time!! Usually I get bored by some dramas but this one😩 I didn’t even hesitate to watch another episode! I love everything about it, the story, the acting, the music, EVERYTHING. This is in my top 3 best C-dramas I’ve watched. I love how the story just continued between the timelines. It just became better and better.At first I didn’t like the actress voice but as I continued to watch I started to loooove her voice, it’s so cute 😍😍
I love the actors role!
ITS A MUST WATCH!!!
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Hidden Love
To me, this drama is truly one of the best I’ve ever watched. From the very first episode to the last, I was completely obsessed. Zhao Lusi is my absolute favorite actress — she’s the reason I first became interested in C-dramas, and I’ve seen all of her works. Not every drama is perfect, but her acting always shines, and in this one, she was outstanding.As Sang Zhi, Zhao Lusi was simply flawless. She portrayed every emotion with honesty — her innocence, her growth, her quiet strength. I genuinely believe no one else could have captured Sang Zhi as beautifully as she did. Watching her improve with every role makes me admire her even more.
Chen Zheyuan as Duan Jiaxu was also very good, and together with Zhao Lusi, they made a wonderful on-screen pair. Their chemistry felt natural and heartfelt, which made the story even more touching.
In my eyes, Hidden Love is a masterpiece. I sincerely hope the ratings rise even higher because this drama deserves it, and Zhao Lusi’s performance deserves endless love and appreciation.
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A Love That Cannot Be Replaced❤️❤️
I don’t even know how many times I’ve rewatched Hidden Love, but every single time, it feels like I’m falling in love all over again. This drama isn’t just a story — it’s a dreamland I go back to whenever I need comfort, warmth, or hope.Duan Jiaxu and Sang zhi will always have a special place in my heart. Their love is so tender, patient, and pure , the kind of romance that makes you really believe in destiny. I don’t see them as actors; to me, they are Sang Zhi and Duan Jiaxu. The way he protects her, and the way she grows into herself while still holding onto that innocent love, it just feels magical. And Sang Yan — his humor and brotherly energy bring so much life to the story. The whole cast feels like family, and I honestly can’t imagine anyone else in these roles.
The OST is amazing too. Every song fits the story so perfectly. Sometimes I just play the music and I’m right back in that world.
Hidden Love is irreplaceable for me. No matter how many new dramas I watch, nothing will ever take away what Sang Zhi, Duan Jiaxu, Sang Yan, and the rest of the cast gave me. They created a golden love story that will always stay at the top of my heart.
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This review may contain spoilers
“Hidden Love” stands out as a timeless and heartfelt Chinese romance drama.
In my experience, many hyped dramas rely too much on attractive leads but often lack genuine emotional depth.I usually end up watching them and feeling nothing, just pretty faces and a predictable storyline but Hidden Love completely surprised me.
I finished the entire drama in just two days without skipping a single scene which is rare for me especially for a romance drama without any major plot twists.
I genuinely loved all the characters, there wasn’t a single annoying one.
The chemistry between the leads feels so natural and I can clearly see the love in their eyes.
Even the sibling bond between Sang Zhi and her brother feels real just like the love-hate dynamic you’d expect from actual siblings.
Sang Zhi, played by Zhao Lusi is a bright and brave character and Zhao Lusi portrayed her so well. Victor Ma also did a fantastic job as the older brother.
Even Sang Zhi’s parents and friends are endearing and lovable.
There’s no ridiculously rich and handsome second male lead hopelessly in love with the female lead just to serve as a love rival, a tired cliché often used in romance dramas as if it’s the only way to move the story forward by making the male lead jealous or insecure.
But among all the characters, I was most fascinated by Duan Jia Xu played by Chen Zhe Yuan. It’s rare in romance C-dramas to find a male lead who conveys such deep emotion through his eyes. Chen Zhe Yuan’s performance was outstanding.
The way his gaze toward Sang Zhi gradually shifts from seeing her as just a friend’s younger sister to the woman he falls in love with, is subtle, genuine and perfectly executed.
I was honestly surprised to hear some people call this drama “problematic” because of the age difference as if Duan Jia Xu is a grown man pursuing a young girl. Were they even watching?
DJX never does anything inappropriate or harmful toward Sang Zhi while she’s still young. Not once. He cares for her as a younger sister and treats her with respect.
If you think Duan Jia Xu’s character is predatory, maybe you're too naive or disconnected from reality.
The drama actually shows a healthy, respectful progression in their relationship , nothing creepy or inappropriate.
That is the reason everybody call Duan Jia Xu as one of the most green flag character in C-Drama.
Duan Jia Xu is a man who’s had the difficult life. After his father's accident, everything started falling apart , he had no money, his mother passed away and his father was left hospitalized (Eventually passed away as well).
He had to work hard while studying at the same time just to pay the penalty for his father’s accident and cover his father's medical expenses.
Despite everything he’s endured, he never shows anger or resentment toward anyone. He carries the weight of his past silently with grace and strength.
For years, he even avoids conflict with the daughter of the man who died in the car accident caused by his father , choosing silence and distance even though she still kept bothering him.
But when she tries to harm Sang Zhi, he finally takes a stand. And the way he handles it is simply brilliant, calm, lawful, and protective, he uses the law to firmly warn her to back off and never bother Sang Zhi again because she is the woman he loves (I am like WOW). It was powerful and smart.
When Duan Jia Xu realizes his feelings for Sang Zhi and observes that she feels the same way, he doesn’t just jump into the relationship. He respectfully asks her if it’s okay for him to pursue her.
And that airport scene!! when Sang Zhi confesses her love. He doesn’t respond with words right away but his eyes say everything, I can clearly see his shock and disbelief, realizing for the first time that Sang Zhi had loved him since she was young. Chen Zhe Yuan’s acting in that scene is so good and full with emotion.
He never felt worthy of her love. He thought he didn’t deserve her yet instead of walking away he does the opposite.
He begins planning a future for them (Sometimes I get annoyed with male leads who assume the female lead would be happier with another guy, someone she doesn’t even love just because they themselves are poor or going through a tough time. Like, come on! She loves you! If you truly want her to be happy, then be the one who makes her happy , don’t just give up so easily. That’s why I’m so glad Duan Jia Xu isn’t that type of character) . He works harder, saves money, gathers the courage to approach her parents and ask for their permission.
His only goal is to make sure Sang Zhi will live a comfortable and happy life by his side.
Duan Jia Xu is truly a green flag male lead in C-dramas. He’s almost too good to be true but that’s what makes him so unforgettable.
I love this character so much and I’ll definitely be watching this drama again.
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This review may contain spoilers
Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan are perfect together. The chemistry, the acting, the visuals, all of it was amazing. The beginning with Sang Zhi as a kid and crushing on Duan Jiaxu (who wouldn't), leading to her growing up and him actually falling for the adult her (no, he is not a pervert) and as well as the family's acceptance along with her brother's acceptance despite the age gap (it's not even that big five years is nothing). I read another review saying Duan Jiaxu is a walking green flag: I wholly agree. The care he shows for her and the absolute picture of a healthy relationship is entombed within this drama. 100% recommend. Was this review helpful to you?
The only drama I keep rewatching. The pure romance story in every moment.
I finished Hidden Love ages ago but never got around to writing a review, mostly out of laziness.Over the weekend, I rewatched it again and once more I found myself completely falling in love with the drama. Honestly, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched it.
The storyline may be simple without big twists or dramatic peaks but every moment is beautifully shot.
Just watching the sweet and ordinary love between sang zhi and duan jiaxu perfectly fulfills my romantic imagination of what it feels like to fall in love.
So far, this is the only drama I can confidently rate a solid 10. Nothing else has surpassed it for me.
I truly hope another drama will come along that makes my heart flutter in every moment even in something as simple as the way the leads look at each other just like in Hidden Love.
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This review may contain spoilers
Hidden Love made me believed in love all over again
Stumbled upon Hidden Love by accident when I was just scrolling through netflix looking for one good series to watch, and somehow I ended up here and that moment marked my very first step into c-dramas. I didn’t even bother to search for the cast beforehand, so I went in with zero expectations, just a mindset of “let’s see where this takes me.”However, suddenly, I was so absorbed that I don’t even know how to go back to k-dramas again, lol. Now I’m fully seated for more c-drama.
Hidden Love is the perfect example of how the delivery of a drama that feels so balanced. The conflicts, the sweet little moments, the struggle of each character, the joyous moments, the way each character quietly grows to be a better person for each other, it all unfolds at just the right pace. And the chemistry? Not only between the leads, but also between the SangSang siblings. That, for me, was the true cherry on top <3
I know the age gap might feel uncomfortable for some, but to me, that’s what makes Hidden Love so unique. The slow (literally slow) burn of their romance is what makes it tender and beautifully real. and the second half of the drama always made me giggles yet craving for having my very own Duan Jiaxu in my life lol
If your heart is longing for something light yet warm, this is one of those stories that might stay with you. definitely a must-watch🤍
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Story and Cast
Very nice story. I love the actress and actor, Their chemistry are great, I watch this serie again and again, and I feeling like I'm in love with this. I want to go to the places where this serie was made, I believe China have more to offer and we don't know that, until we start watching this series, when I watch this program so many times, I been learning some words that at least I can say Hello, I love you and another basic words in Mandarin, before I can even say hello, was sound very difficult, in general this drama are very well done.Was this review helpful to you?
A MUST WATCH!!
This is such a heartwarming love story. Very sweet, very pure and transported me back to my school days while watching. The leads' chemistry is off the roof. I teared at many scences. Do yourself a favour and give this a watch! I kept rewatching many scenes. No nonsense plots, twists or typical villians. Just very real and pure so you can relate to the story very quickly. It's so wholesome and beautiful.Was this review helpful to you?
The happiness and heartbreak of first love
This drama takes you on the journey of first love... the heart fluttering meetings, the heart wrenching misunderstandings. Meeting someone and wanting to run toward them, only to have them move. Until they realize that you were there all along. Well acted, well produced. Music that will stick with you. You'll grin. You'll tear up. You'll be happy with all of them in the end. Enjoy!Was this review helpful to you?
A warm, wholesome love story that feels pure and unforgettable.
Hidden Love is a tender Chinese romance that beautifully captures the sweetness of a long-time crush turning into true love. Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan’s chemistry makes the story shine, portraying youthful innocence, quiet longing, and heart-fluttering moments with sincerity. The drama balances lighthearted charm with emotional depth, making it both comforting and memorable.my favorite so far
watched it for morethan 10 times.
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