Love Story in the 1970s

LOVE STORY IN THE 1970s — I FORGOT WHAT IT FELT LIKE TO TRULY LOVE A DRAMA. ?

I just finished Love Story in the 1970s and… honestly, I don't even know how to talk about it normally. 😭

Because it has been a very long time since I felt like this while watching a drama.

Lately, I've been watching dramas so differently.

I'd start one, watch a few episodes, then stop. Sometimes for several days. I could even move on to another drama, watch a K-drama, an Indian drama, whatever… and then eventually come back to the first one.

And sometimes, I was basically forcing myself to finish.

Not necessarily because the drama was bad.

Sometimes I just felt like I had to finish because I had already started. Maybe something would eventually happen. Maybe I'd eventually understand why everyone loved it so much.

Normally, when a drama really gets me, I'm done for. 😭

I can finish a whole drama in four days, even with my busy life.

But lately?

Nothing.

I'd take weeks to finish a drama.

I had lost that fever.

That urge to immediately press “next episode.”

That feeling of being completely absorbed.

That little spark that makes you forget the time and think:

“Just one more episode.”

I honestly thought maybe I'd lost that part of myself.

And then I found Love Story in the 1970s.

And…

OH. MY. GOD.

😭😭😭

I didn't just watch this drama.

I devoured it.

I wanted to keep going. I didn't want to stop. I had finally found that feeling again — the feeling I had been missing for so long.

And most of all…

THE LOVE STORY.

I think that's what destroyed me. 😭

Because yes, I love romance.

But what I love even more is healthy romance.

And this drama gave me exactly that.

Two people who are completely different at first.

Two people growing up in a world filled with its own realities, difficulties, limitations and hardships.

But even before they fall in love, they are already good for each other.

They help each other.

They support each other.

They respect each other.

They grow together.

And slowly, naturally, without making the romance feel forced just because the script decided they had to end up together, we watch them get closer.

They choose each other.

They become a couple.

Then they become a family.

And I'm just sitting there like:

“LOOK AT THEM. 😭”

They were so cute that sometimes they genuinely felt like two teenagers experiencing their first love.

And yet, they're actually adults dealing with very serious things.

That's what I loved so much about them.

They had this almost childish sweetness and innocence between them, but at the same time, they were capable of carrying real responsibilities.

Their relationship didn't feel like two broken people desperately saving each other.

It felt more like:

“I'm going forward. You're going forward too. But if you fall, I'll be there.”

And that…

That gets me.

😭

But it wasn't only their relationship.

The families.

Especially Fei Ni's parents.

I loved them so much. 😭

They weren't perfect. They had problems, disagreements and real-life difficulties.

But there was something deeply human about their relationships.

You could feel the love.

The support.

The history.

The loyalty.

The fact that these people had lived through things together and still chose to keep moving forward together.

And that's when I realized that what touched me so much about this drama wasn't just the romance.

It was the beauty of the relationships as a whole.

The two leads.

Their families.

The people around them.

The way they support each other.

The way they work for each other.

The way they grow together.

There were so many little things that completely melted me.

And yes…

I cried.

But here's the funny part:

I wasn't always crying because something sad happened.

I was crying because it was beautiful.

😭😭😭

There were moments when I literally cried because a relationship, a gesture, an interaction, a little bit of character development… was just so beautiful to me.

If someone had seen me crying without knowing what I was watching, they would probably have thought I was watching the saddest drama ever made.

Sometimes I was literally just sitting there like:

“LOOK HOW BEAUTIFUL THEY ARE TOGETHER. 😭”

And then there's the historical context.

I don't even know whether to call it the historical, political or social aspect — probably a mixture of all three.

But I absolutely loved how the context of the time was integrated into the story.

The difficulties didn't feel like random obstacles thrown in just to make the characters suffer.

They came from the world they were living in.

Their time.

Their circumstances.

The social realities around them.

The historical events.

All of that made their journey feel so much more real.

And it gave weight to everything they were trying to build.

They weren't living in a little bubble where the only problem in their lives was:

“Will we end up together?”

No.

They had to live.

Grow.

Work.

Deal with the realities of their time.

Overcome difficulties.

Build a family.

And somehow, through all of that, their relationship remained gentle.

That was probably one of my favorite things about the whole drama.

As for the people who were supposed to be the “villains”…

Honestly?

😂

I'm not even going to spend much time on them.

Sure, they contributed to the story.

But compared to everything else this drama had to offer, they were so insignificant to me that I barely remember them.

Moving on. 😂

And then…

Arthur Chen.

😭

I'm going to try to be objective.

But I'm not promising anything.

Because this man officially gained a new fan.

😂

This is only the second drama I've watched with him, and one thing that really struck me is how completely different the two dramas I've seen him in are.

And yet, he convinced me in both.

In Love Story in the 1970s, his character sometimes has this incredibly childish energy.

He almost feels like a big kid.

And then suddenly, you see him in certain situations and you remember:

“Wait… this person can actually carry all of this on his shoulders.”

He's responsible.

Supportive.

Protective.

Present.

He's someone people can genuinely rely on.

And I loved that contrast between his almost childlike softness and the maturity he shows when it matters.

And then I remember that Arthur Chen was born in 2000.

2000.

😭

He's a baby!

A baby playing responsible adults and making me cry in front of my screen. 😂

Seriously though, I thought he was incredibly talented.

And while the entire cast worked for me — genuinely, I didn't watch a single actor and think, “No, your acting isn't reaching me” — Arthur still managed to take up a tiny bit more space in my heart.

Let's say…

0.5 degree above everyone else.

😂

And let me be clear: that's not an objective ranking of his acting ability.

That's simply…

his place in my heart.

That's it. 😭

Because yes, there were characters in this drama who annoyed me.

But the actors behind them?

They did their job.

There wasn't anyone I watched thinking, “No, this isn't working.”

Everything felt like it was in the right place.

And honestly, that feels so good when you're watching a drama.

So, yeah.

I think this drama did something very specific to me.

Because I didn't just think:

“I liked this drama.”

I found something I hadn't felt in a long time.

The excitement.

The urge to keep watching.

The warmth.

The desire to stay with the characters a little longer.

That feeling of looking at the screen and thinking:

“I don't want this to end.”

And most importantly, I found that emotion I love so much in love stories:

watching two people become better for each other without needing toxicity to make their love intense.

Two people choosing each other.

Supporting each other.

Growing together.

Building something together.

Becoming a family.

And despite everything life throws at them, continuing to move forward together.

It was gentle.

It was beautiful.

It was human.

And honestly…

it's been a long time since I loved watching a drama this much.

So yes.

10/10.

Does it probably have flaws? Probably. 😂

Do I care?

Absolutely not.

Because for ME, this drama gave me exactly what I had been looking for without even realizing I was looking for it.

I recommend it 1000%.

And now I'll probably spend the next few days thinking about these characters as if I personally lived through their entire story. 😭

That's it.

I officially found my drama fever again. 🥹❤️

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A Warm, Quiet Love That Stays With You

This show feels like a warm blanket on a cold day. It’s not your typical dramatic, heart-racing, kicking-your-feet kind of romance. Instead, it’s something softer—something that gently hugs your heart. And honestly, I don’t think Love Story in the 1970s could have been given a more perfect title, because that’s exactly what it delivers.

It’s a true slice-of-life drama. The pacing is definitely on the slower side, but it never felt boring to me because of how rich the storytelling is. There are so many layers and stories woven into it, and what really stood out is how it sheds light on a period of China that many people (including me) didn’t fully know about. The use of archival footage and real historical moments made it feel almost educational at times, which added so much depth. It really shows how difficult life was back then, but in such a beautiful and human way.

One thing I loved is how the drama proves you don’t need extravagant costumes or flashy production to captivate an audience. Everything is simple—the outfits, the hairstyles, even the overall styling. The cinematography has this soft yellowish tone that adds to the nostalgic feel, and I appreciated how the characters weren’t overly polished. They looked messy, tired, real. That kind of rawness is rare, and it made everything feel more authentic compared to the “perfect” characters we usually see.

I started this drama mainly for Chen Feiyu, and I honestly didn’t expect this level of performance from him. I’m used to seeing him in more intense or emotionally heavy roles, but here he felt completely different—so natural, so effortless. His acting was subtle, especially in his micro-expressions and the way he looked at the female lead. He truly shined in this role, and you can really see his growth as an actor. His character is the definition of a green flag—supportive, gentle, and unwavering in his love. He supports her dreams without ever losing himself, and that balance was beautiful to watch.

The female lead was just as strong. I loved her persistence and determination. She fails multiple times trying to get into university, but she never gives up, and that message really sticks with you. She always stands by what’s right, and her journey is incredibly inspiring. The actress did a great job portraying her strength and resilience (even if, yes, the braids did get a bit repetitive after a while 😅).

The main couple’s relationship is one of the highlights for me. It’s soft, supportive, and grounded. There are no dragged-out misunderstandings or unnecessary drama. Instead, their relationship feels very human and realistic—built on mutual respect, growth, and quiet love.

But surprisingly, the second couple completely stole the show for me. Their story is more intense, more fiery, and honestly electric from the start. It’s a nice contrast to the softer, youthful main couple. Their chemistry was incredible, and their storyline felt more mature and emotionally charged. Wang Tianchen really stood out—where has he been hiding? He was so charismatic and captivating, and now I definitely want to see more of his work.

As for the third relationship (the brother’s storyline), I didn’t enjoy it as much, but I understand why it was included. It shows a more controlling and flawed relationship, which adds realism. Not every love story is healthy, and I think the drama did a good job portraying that side as well.

And the villains… wow. I genuinely hated them, which honestly just proves how well the actors did. Feng Lin especially was infuriating. I wanted her to face even harsher consequences, but in the end, seeing everyone who caused harm lose everything was extremely satisfying. No unnecessary redemption arcs—just pure karma, and I loved that.

At its core, this drama teaches you a lot: stay humble, stay kind, and never give up on your dreams. No matter how high you rise, things can change, and that message is delivered in such a grounded and meaningful way.

Overall, this is a beautiful, emotional, and quietly powerful drama. It’s slower-paced, yes—but if you’re in the mood for something heartfelt, realistic, and different, this is absolutely worth watching. It’s cinematic, touching, sometimes funny, and full of life lessons that stay with you long after it ends.

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PURELY BEAUTIFUL~

An innocent storied-beautiful masterpiece.
This was such a meaningful drama.

I felt like home watching this one. It was so calming.

Fang MuYang....Fang MuYang..... had the entire drama together. We all need a Fang MuYang in our lives. I mean, he's flawed. Yes. But he's like the one in a million.

The stroy was just amazing. It just thought me so many things in the most subtle way possible.
I'm so moved with the message this drama passed on to me,you and all of us.
The drama, makes me realise how important the present is, how important patience and persistence is and nevertheless how importance family ties are relationships are.

And yes. Speacial mentions are the MEN IN THIS DRAMA.

ALL MEN IN THIS DRAMA AS ABSOLUTE GEMS from Fei Mingde to Fei Ting to Qu Hua to Fang Qianyuan to Fang MuYang.... they were such amazing husbands, amazing individuals.
These characters with the other female ones gave deeper meaning to this drama. I genuinely appreciate the casting.

And yes, Chen Feiyu did wonders with this drama. I was flat a hundred times for his smile. And Sun Qian was cute tooo.

For me, the story, the casting all were a blast.


Please please please watch it. You WILL love it.

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Stories of love through time

The series was at times uncomfortable to watch because of how it depicted certain realities of the past, specifically during the 1970s in China amid its political landscape. Still, I believe every story, whether good or bad, has value. This one, though, is good. And it’s quite unforgettable.

Even if some of those historical realities were difficult, I appreciated learning how life might have looked back then (with the understanding that fictional inserts were added for storytelling purposes). The characters’ stories (yes, not just the leads!) but also Qu Hua, Fang Mu Jing, Fei Ting, and Lin Mei were mesmerizing and touching. The series beautifully blended historical elements with fiction to create compelling storytelling.

As a hopeless romantic, I was especially drawn to the leads’ love story, which was written with sincerity. Yet I equally admired how the secondary characters were given enough space for their arcs to develop. The pacing was steady and complemented the rhythm of the narrative well.

One of the highlights for me was the use of mise en scene as an active storytelling tool. For example, during the leads’ confession in front of the family, the wall and door framing added powerful visual meaning.

Another memorable moment was Xu Hong Qi’s demotion scene, where she tried to pour water into a broken cup she had fixed herself—a poignant metaphor captured visually.

The color grading gave the series an authentic “old days” feel without being overdone, and the cinematography often felt like carefully composed photographs. Altogether, the combination of tried and tested tropes, solid writing, good pacing, and technical artistry made this series stand out.

While I might have wished for different directions in some character arcs, I understand there are limits to what can be told. Overall, this isn’t just a romance or a feel-good trope—it’s a story about love, told with grace and craft, set against the backdrop of a complex historical era.

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A story which is a warm hug set during China’s era of cultural change and reform.

The love I have for this drama is truly something else, as Love Story in the 1970’s turned out to be a very different experience than what I originally expected going in. If anything, it became an experience I valued all the more.

A lot of the reviews I’ve read pride this show for the comfort it left them feeling whilst watching, and yes, there is comfort to it But it is not all that the show has to offer. While Fang Mu Yang and Fei Ni’s relationship throughout the series is one that is akin to being wrapped in a blanket, for me it was also the time period that made this show special. Love Story in the 1970’s is set throughout a heavily political period for China’s history, a time which was built within a strict communist regime which later broke with China's Cultural Revolution. While I won’t comment much on the shows address of this difficult time period in the larger sense of the world it paints in the background, what really stood with me was the bond of family throughout the story, and how even with some of the harsh setbacks and difficulties that the characters were faced with, that theme and bond was still a strong one that the characters held and carried with them throughout. This is a show which encourages further reading to fully understand the context of the struggles these characters face, especially during some the moments towards the middle of the show which pull even more from true history - such as the disastrous Tonghai earthquake.

The cast do a superb job throughout with their performances - I cannot think of a single person who fell flat. Even the characters you don’t necessarily want to root for are brought to life wonderfully, and some you even grow to love as their own story arcs develop with the shows growth. Arthur Chen and Sun Qian are standouts; Sun Qian’s Fei Ni is headstrong and determined, whilst also carrying a charm of heart about her that makes her so likeable to the viewer. Arthur Chen brings just as much charm to his Fang Mu Yang, whilst also bringing him to life with a strong resilience to pick himself up time and time again against all the hardships his character faces. In fact, that seems to be one of the main strengths and themes running throughout this show - resilience in the face of a time of great poverty and hardship.

If you love dramas that offer not only a lovely story of family and the bonds that tie us but which are also rich in history - so much so they encourage a desire to learn more about the time period and just how truly difficult it was for many and how the scars left behind from it remain embedded within families even today - please do yourself a favour and check this show out. I am so surprised by how rich it ended up being, so much so that Love Story in the 1970’s remains a little treasure among the vast number of titles out there.

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Dreams, Detours, and the Kind of Love That Grows with Time

Love Story in the 1970s follows a group of young people coming of age during a transformative time, as they chase education, stability, and a better future despite constant obstacles. At the heart of the story is a determined female lead and her evolving relationship with the male lead, as both navigate family expectations, societal limitations, and the unpredictable path toward their dreams.

This drama hit me in a very personal way. I really enjoyed how it brought back old memories of myself striving to attend college.... pushing through setbacks, facing unexpected twists, and constantly having to reroute my plans just to keep moving forward.

Just like in the drama, things didn’t always go the way I expected in my own journey, but somehow everything still aligned in the end. That emotional connection made this story feel even more meaningful, and it’s honestly what stayed with me the most after finishing it.

That being said, while I loved the storyline, the romance didn’t fully hit for me. It felt a bit restrained, likely due to censorship or maybe just the writer’s intention, but I couldn’t help noticing that the male lead’s sister had a much more passionate and expressive love story once she got married, while our main couple stayed mostly in that soft, subtle lane with light pecks and sexual innuendos.

Story — 9/10
The storyline is easily the strongest part of the drama, filled with emotional depth and relatable struggles. It beautifully captures the resilience it takes to chase your dreams when the path isn’t straightforward.

Acting — 8.5/10
The performances feel grounded and sincere, especially in the more emotional and reflective scenes. The cast does a great job bringing authenticity to characters who are navigating difficult life choices. I found myself really despising the villains and completely enraptured with the intimate dynamic between the family members.

Romance — 7/10
While the romance is present, it feels quite restrained and understated throughout most of the drama. There are sweet moments between the leads, but it leans heavily on subtle gestures and light affection rather than deep, passionate connection.

OST — 8/10
The soundtrack complements the nostalgic tone of the drama really well. It enhances the emotional weight of key scenes without ever overpowering them.

Overall Vibe — 9/10
There’s a strong sense of nostalgia and emotional warmth that runs through the entire series. It feels reflective, inspiring, and quietly powerful in the way it tells its story.

Love Story in the 1970s is more than just a romance, it’s a story about perseverance, growth, and finding your way even when life keeps changing the route. If you connect with stories about chasing dreams, overcoming setbacks, and looking back on how far you’ve come, this one will resonate deeply...even if the romance leaves you wanting just a little more.

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Uma linda história de amor nos anos 70

a história principal é sobre esse jovem casal que enfrentou várias intempéries para alcançar os próprios sonhos tendo como pano de fundo a china da revolução cultural de Mao, a nova China socialista. Acho que o que mais me impressionou foi no final de tudo a história ser sobre toda uma geração que enfrentou duro para semear a potência que a China é hoje, isso, claro, além das atuações incríveis dos protagonistas e de um casal secundário tão bonito e cativante que merecia um spin-off deles. Acho que perto do fim o drama perdeu um pouco de força, mas nada que impeça o plano geral.

off: achei a abordagem da moça que era meio que a prometida do prota (a que casou com o cara do basquete) um pouco moralista, acho q poderiam ter aprofundado mais o casal que eu realmente via como promissor, terminou tudo de maneira abrupta e amarga para a moça, poderiam ter feito ela ser alguém complexo com falhas de caráter mas que poderia amadurecer junto com o ex que era um canastrão e poderia melhorar. enfim, uma história legal que foi desperdiçada

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Great love story in the 70s if you ask me

I was so intrigued to watch this drama with an open mind. I loved the concept and the costumes were on point! I love they made reference to real historical events that happened.
The chemistry between Fang Mu Yang and Fei Ni was really good.
There are so many other characters to mention but I want you to watch it for yourself.
BUT OH HOW THE GREAT AND MIGHTY HAS FALLEN!!!! Not because you have a high status makes you better that anyone else and Feng Lin???? Gosh, she put her nose in Fang Mu Yang and Fei Ni business - things that should not concern her.
She deserved what she got.
WHAT I WANTED TO SEE....But maybe its just me being greedy....
I thought that, we would have gotten a present day clip of how old they are now and maybe telling their grandkids their story from the 70s, etc....think it would have a nice touch.
That is just my opinion

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|A Quiet Love in a Loud Era|

Let me be upfront with you: if you're coming into this drama expecting hot kisses, intense skinship, and a slow burn that eventually burns — lower those expectations significantly. But if you're willing to let a drama settle into your bones like a warm, quiet Sunday morning? Love Story in the 1970s might just leave a mark on you.
*The Story & Setting*
The 1970s backdrop is genuinely one of this drama's greatest strengths. What really elevated it for me were the real historical footage inserts woven throughout — those moments gave the story an authenticity and emotional weight that most period dramas only wish they had. You feel the era, not just see it. The storytelling is healing in nature, slice-of-life in pacing, and deeply human at its core. It's not a love story that dazzles — it's one that quietly grows on you.
*The Couples — Because There Are Really Two Stories Here*
Let's be honest: Qu Hua and Fang Mujing are the real stars of this drama, at least romantically. Their journey had a rough start, but Qu Hua as the devoted, ideal-husband second male lead who never wavers? Absolute perfection. Their skinship was notably better than the main leads, their chemistry was more visible, and their love story felt more emotionally satisfying. They didn't just overshadow the main couple — they ran away with the whole drama.
Feni and Muyang as the main leads were a different kind of love story — quieter, more restrained, more healing than passionate. Their romance is not for the skinship-hungry viewer (I say this as someone who deeply felt that absence). The slow burn here is not the enjoyable tension kind — it is extreme slow burn. We're talking survival-mode slow burn. Their love is believable, but it rarely ignites on screen the way you want it to.
A special mention for the Linmi and her husband arc — that storyline had a frustrating setup (being pushed into marriage to make room for her brother is a lot to ask), but they genuinely grew on me over time. Not a highlight, but a solid emotional thread.
The Shortcomings
Yes, we must talk about them.
Skinship and romance heat: The main leads' physical affection is almost non-existent compared to even the second leads. For romance lovers, this is a real struggle.
The extreme slow burn: This drama tests your patience repeatedly. It is a marathon, not a sprint — and not always a rewarding one in the romantic sense.
Certain characters: Feng Lin and Linmi's family members were genuinely grating at points. The kind of characters that make you want to skip scenes.
The ending: It left me wanting considerably more. Not a bad ending — just one that felt like it stopped right before fully paying off.
The Acting
The performances across the board were strong, and that's a big part of what kept this drama afloat through its slower stretches. The cast brought sincerity to their roles, and the emotional moments landed because of that. Qu Hua in particular is a character I won't forget easily — a beautifully written and performed male lead who deserved every scene he was in.
Final Verdict
Love Story in the 1970s is a deeply healing drama with a gorgeous historical setting, standout performances, and a second couple love story that alone is worth the watch. But go in warned: this is not a romance-first drama. The main couple's love story is understated to a fault, the skinship is minimal throughout, and the burn is slow enough to make even patient viewers squirm.
Recommended for: healing/slice-of-life lovers, fans of historical C-dramas, people who can survive extreme slow burn — but go in with your eyes open and your expectations calibrated.
Watch it for the era. Watch it for Qu Hua. Watch it for the real footage inserts that remind you this was once someone's real world.
Just don't watch it for the kisses. 😅
Reviewed by TheDramaticDentist | MDL Rating: 8.5

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Nostalgia mains served with a side of morality and a sweet romance desert

This is a nostalgic review of the birth of modern China and the principles that underpin it. I found it an interesting watch, not least because I can remember the fall of the Gang of Four and the change of direction that followed it. It was a time when the West and China began to reconfigure their relationship.

The drama takes place across four years and illustrates the changing times very clearly. If you were ever in doubt about what direction China was trying to move in, then this drama makes it abundantly clear. It is a sanitised version of history, preserving the sincerity and showing that if you stray from the intended path, either physically, mentally or morally, you will deservedly crash and burn. But then, that’s not just a theme/style for Chinese drama, it’s pretty universal imo. All countries have the tendency to sweeten the difficulties of the past for a bit of uplifting propaganda. It’s called nostalgia.

All the hallmarks of a Chinese romance drama are there. It sticks close to a semblance of reality; moves at a tortoise pace; has modest but determined women; soft and supportive men; lots of family drama; plots that leave you in no doubt of what the outcome will be at any given moment; clear lines of demarcation between the goodies and the baddies, who without fail will either reform or get their deserved comeuppance.

But within that accepted norm, this one offers some good performances. Especially by Arthur Chen and Sun Qian, who serve up a very credible and sweet romance. The rest of the cast also do their bit and I particularly liked the performance of Kong Lin as Mu Yang and Mu Jing’s mother.

Aside from a slow moving middle section which almost had me giving up, this worked well. Unfortunately, the delicious humour at the start faded out not to return. I think a little more leavening would have lifted that doughy middle section and made for easier digestion. The rating that I’m giving it is not so much about my own taste, but more how it sits in comparison to others in the genre.

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Pure romance; Retro style

This drama is honestly such a cozy, addictive watch. I started it expecting a heavy revolutionary drama, but it’s actually really warm, romantic, and surprisingly funny in the best way.
The setting feels lived-in and real—factory life, neighbors, gossip, family pressure—yet the drama doesn’t drown you in sadness. It keeps things light enough that you can enjoy the romance and the small everyday moments.

Fei Ni is such a lively girl to follow. She’s determined, stubborn, and sometimes a little chaotic, but it makes her feel real. And Fang Mu Yang has that calm, steady “green flag” energy that makes you feel safe watching him. Their dynamic is the kind where you keep smiling because the feelings grow naturally—little by little—through shared space, awkward moments, and quiet support.

The side characters definitely add drama (Specially the second leads-their story is beautiful and deserves attention), but it also makes the world feel busy and alive. And when the main couple finally gets their sweet moments, it feels earned.

Overall, if you want a nostalgic romance with heart, soft humor, and a couple you can genuinely root for, Love Story in the 1970s is really worth it so far. I’m definitely staying seated for the rest of the episodes.

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The beginning was great then it went downhill

This film is a deeply moving experience that left a lasting impression on me. The story follows a young man who loses his family to a government-run camp—a tragic backstory that sets the stakes for his journey. After being injured while rescuing villagers, he is taken in by a girl whose initial motives for helping him are entirely selfish. To secure housing, the two enter a marriage of convenience, only to find themselves slowly and authentically falling in love. The scene where they finally prove their devotion to one another was incredibly powerful.

Another standout moment was the subplot involving the lead's sister; her refusal to abandon her husband after he is called away to assist with earthquake relief was truly stirring. Even the "villains" are nuanced, with understandable motivations that make you empathize with their internal battles.

Unfortunately towards the end the story got "lost" and draggy. I would give it 10 rating for the first few episodes and then 7 for the majority of it. I have 1 more episode left and can't bring myself after a few days to even see it. yikes.

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