C-Drama with romance theme that has really good chemistry like
I just want to comment on the wardrobe team's choice of office attire for Nie Xiguang, which I find strange in some parts. Some of the clothes Xiguang wears look too much like "weak women" rather than "competent and strong career women." It's true that in those parts, Xiguang is in love, but her choice of clothing shouldn't be too "childish" 😅. But overall i really like this drama. Especially the chemistry between every actor and actress also with the all storyline really written so well. I think, this drama give me some memories back when I watched "you are my glory (played by Dilraba and Yang Yang). This drama is worth to watch again.Was this review helpful to you?
A gentle slow-burn with heartfelt chemistry
Shine On Me is such a warm, character-driven drama that I ended up liking a lot, even if I wasn’t as obsessed as I expected before starting it.The biggest highlight for me was the male lead’s personality: calm, sincere, emotionally mature, and refreshingly free of hidden motives. His way of pursuing the female lead feels gentle and genuine, never pushy or transactional.
The chemistry between the leads is natural and comforting, and their love story feels well-paced and emotionally grounded.
I appreciated how the drama avoids common clichés and instead focuses on growth, communication, and quiet moments.
The slow-burn pacing won’t work for everyone, but it suits the story’s tone.
Overall, it may not be unforgettable for me, but it’s a solid, heartfelt watch with a romance that truly works.
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Cute splice of life drama
Where do I start? This is was such a cute drama. Everyone did such an amazing job with their roles. I smiled, I squealed, I blush, and I laugh. The casting is perfect.I am not a huge fan of Zhao Jin Mai nor Song Wei Long — don't get me wrong, I do watch their dramas, but I don't watch it because of them. I watch it for the value of the drama.
With that being said, I really did enjoy this drama. It is such a sweet drama.
Nie Xiguang — she really is the "blazing sunlight" that lit up Lin Yu Sen's forest. She was cute, but she also stood her ground. She was a little naive in the beginning but once she graduated college and started working, she grew up. I feel that among everyone who graduated with her, she grew up the most. She learned how to value herself and find someone who is most compatible with her rather than someone who dims her light.
Lin Yu Sen — he was really the "ideal" boyfriend. Someone who has both IQ and EQ. He was mature when pursuing Nie Xiguang. He never pressured her to be with him, instead, he just showed up when she needed him most. He was cold to her in the beginning, but it never really lasted that long. He always treated her with respect and love. Even in the midst of the misunderstanding. The only thing is that I would love to see a little jealousy from him. I mean, a jealous CEO is the cutest thing ever.
Zhuang Xu — I don't think of as a villain at all. In fact, I pity him. Timing was never right for him when it comes to Nie Xiguang. He liked her, but he felt that they were world apart and he couldn't reach her so he waited until he can reach her to be with her, but he waited a little too long. She had already found someone who can embrace all of her. Like she said to him, he took her feelings for him for granted thinking that she will always be there when he was ready. He never thought that she would find someone else and he relied on her "promise" that she made. I wished he was more direct with her and I was really hoping he ends up with Chris. I thought that Chris as a good match for him.
Ye Rong — sighs. To me, she's the villain. She literally made Xiguang her "rival" in her mind for no reason. She lied to Xiguang and took advantage of her feelings for Zhuang Xu to make herself look better. She confronted Xiguang without any proof and never apologized. She acted smugly because of her insecurities. Honestly, I am glad that she finally realized that she is far below Xiguang even without Xiguang using her family's influence.
Nie Cheng Yuan, Ma Nianyuan, and Qian Fangpang — these three really belonged together. Nie Cheng Yuan really is a horrible father. He would rather believed Ma Nianyuan over his own daughter. I hated him. He goes in my book of worse parents in C-drama land. I am glad that Nie Xiguang finally put him in his place. For Qian Fangpang, she deserved everything that came to her at the end. She was acting all smug and everything, she deserves to lose everything. Ma Nianyuan — for her, I kind of feel bad. She just followed her mother but I don't feel too bad for her. She actually deserves being scammed since she presented herself like a heiress.
Xiguang's mother, grandparents, friends at Guang Yu, aunt, uncle, and Jiang Rui — I adored them and their support. They really helped Xiguang shined. They allowed her to be herself and allowed her to grow and shine. They were never jealous of her nor dimmed her light. I was glad that she was able to find a group of people who loved her and supported her.
Why did I take half points away?
Well, the simple answer is, that they spent so long in the "pursuing/liking" era that they didn't not spend enough time on the "dating" era. I wanted to see them date more. Also, as I stated under Zhuang Xu, I wish they have him a redemption arc or a partner. I didn't like how things ended with him and Chris. I take that back, they did give him a redemption arc, but was that really a redemption? I mean, he finally understood what Xiguang went through with the false accusation, but he didn't even apologize for her. He almost did, but he didn't. I know that Zhuang Xu wasn't everyone's favorite, but for me, he was just like any ordinary guy with insecurities. His family situation really made him feel like he was not good enough for someone like Xiguang, who has everything. But I do give him credit for pushing her to apply for more jobs, rather than just using her family's connection and staying in Wuxi. With what he said to Xiguang, we got to see her grow into a confident, strong woman. Rather than the lazy and naive girl from the start.
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This review may contain spoilers
When Love Becomes Comfort
Two honest, pure people falling in love is always soothing to watch. Nothing loud, nothing rushed—the classic story done right, this journey of them finding inner peace in each other is simply endearing.STORYLINE:
The ML, Lin Yu Sen, is a young, renowned former neurosurgeon who later works at his family's solar industry business due to a car accident affecting his arm. The FL, Nie Xi Guang, has just graduated from college and starts working as a regular office employee in the same company as ML. Although both the leads are from rich families, they are both humble, diligent and very smart. FL ends up having a crush on one of her classmates. Although that guy initially doesn't reciprocate her feelings, she eventually ends up being heartbroken. Since the beginning, ML is drawn to FL's energy, attitude and positivity. The rest of the story narrates the truth behind ML's accident and how both the leads slowly fall in love, heal one another and become each other’s greatest comfort.
MY FAV PART:
Yearning is always the endgame for me. The way ML loves her, and how she later loves him back, gosh, that was gorgeously pure. I love how ML always waited and never urged the FL to reciprocate his feelings. He gave her all the time she needed and never stopped loving her. The FL—what a baddie, I admired how confidently she always stood up for her boyfriend, being vocal about how she would always end up with him no matter what, with a guy who loves her unconditionally and is not shy about his feelings, slay queen! And the whole family and the employees were all super nice, not an ounce of jealousy just pure happiness for the leads.
The couple genuinely loved every bit of each other and ML is a solid green forest. He's way too nice, emotionally mature and understanding to feel real, and honestly so is the FL. She's super considerate, empathetic, cheerful, and stunningly smart. They looked amazing together and the chemistry was insane. The way he flirts with her is damn smooth and not awkward at all. No unnecessary cliches, pure warmth and respect towards one another.
One of my favourite moments was in the last few episodes, when the ML walks towards FL as she's on call with her cousin talking about how she found her "sun"—giving her warmth in the darkest moments, the dialogues with the BGM were done beautifully, the cinematography was solid. I absolutely love the opening OST. The dialogues are thoughtful and exquisitely crafted. All the actors were phenomenal, nothing felt overdone and the writing deserves praise.
Glad there are no unnecessary break up scenes or arguments. I like how they showed the future too, a little baby daughter and their love, even after so many years, they cherish each other like there is no tomorrow, gosh that's rare in the world we live in. I wish they added a few more scenes of their families, I would've loved to see the family interacting with their daughter and also if there were any potential second couple <3
It's the fact that everything felt so natural and heartwarming, it didn't feel boring or disappointing, I'm sure they will keep cherishing each other's presence in their lives for many more years yet to come. And I'll remember this one for a long time, thanks to the cast and crew for creating this art:)
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Call it on-screen chemistry!
Lin Yusen and Nie Xiguang are practically tailor-made for Song Weilong and Zhao Jinmai! Their on-screen chemistry is not only top-tier but also feels like destiny itself—I couldn’t stop smiling throughout the entire series. The show perfectly inherits the unique subtle style of Gu Man’s works, where seemingly ordinary daily moments flow with touching emotions, and the portrayal of romantic atmosphere is textbook-level perfection. In terms of faithfulness to the source material, it largely achieves a divine capture of the original novel. As for production, the surprises keep coming: a cinematic-grade filter quality, cleverly thoughtful cinematography techniques, paired with K-drama-style OSTs.Was this review helpful to you?
A sweet story of falling in love—slowly, but surely
I am so happy that this was the last show I've watched in 2025 and the first show I've watched in 2026. This drama is sweet, warm, fluffy, and overall cozy—perfect for the cold weather!STORY:
This is a masterclass from Gu Man about letting go and finding a love that you deserve.
I saw that some people have commented that this drama is boring because of the slow progress between the main leads, but I think the slow progress between them is actually the highlight of the show. I would like to think of Lin Yusen and Nie Xiguang's love as a tree (funny how Lin Yusen's name is related to this)—growing slow and steady. And when it is big enough, it is strong and can withstand any hardships and the flowers that blossom from it is beautiful. The story of how Lin Yusen and Nie Xiguang got together basically laid foundation to their future that was shown by the end of the show and it's a very full circle moment for me to watch that. You know that Tiktok trend about "which movie/series couple will definitely break up after the events of the movie/series end"? Yeah, you will never catch Lin Yusen and Nie Xiguang in those lists.
So, yeah. The point is: The slowburn is the whole point of the show. So, if you're not into that, you'd probably never enjoy it. (Also, it makes sense for their love to be slow because Nie Xiguang is hesitant after the disaster that was her first love.)
Going to the next point, the story also shows a comparison of what love should feel like. The comparisons are not explicitly said, but you can see it in how Nie Xiguang interacts with Lin Yusen as compared to how she interacts with Zhuang Xu (her first love). On top of my mind, an example would be how Nie Xiguang—even when she was still not close to Lin Yusen and even when they started off at the wrong foot—feels at ease with him and feels confident enough in expressing herself. Meanwhile, with Zhuang Xu, it's like she's always walking on eggshells, afraid that one squeak would earn yet another unsolicited scolding that only breaks down her confidence.
Aside from comparisons of what love should feel like, the story also shows comparisons of what friendships should feel like. They showed two different types of friendship—one from her university days and one from her work days, and you can clearly see which of the two Nie Xiguang was happy with. And I really love how they showed Nie Xiguang's healing not just in terms of love but also in terms of friendship. It's what she deserves.
Another thing that I love about this show is that the love and care is not one sided. As much as Lin Yusen gave light to Nie Xiguang's life, Nie Xiguang also gave light to Lin Yusen's life. The mutual affection was very obvious and you can clearly see how they were very much into each other. They truly lived the title "Shine On Me" because they definitely shone on each other's lives—a constant source of warmth, affection, and encouragement; and this was so consistent until the end.
Special Mention: Lin Yusen's first love (medicine) plot line. I feel so sad whenever I think about how he can no longer operate and be a surgeon like he had always dreamed of. And it's so frustrating whenever someone asks him why he's not a doctor anymore—like, that's a sore spot, don't ask anymore! It's just so regretful to think how a brilliant doctor and a rare talent like him ended up not being able to use his talent at all. At least, not in the way he dreamed of. But one striking line in the show was spoken by one of his mentors, Professor Xi, "If your hands can no longer dance to your mind's rhythm, then perhaps it's fate guiding you to another path to save patients." And I'm so happy he found that other path.
Another Special Mention: I feel like the ending of Nie Xiguang's parents was a foreshadowing (and a warning) of what would have happened if Nie Xiguang ended up with Zhuang Xu. I think it's a good detail to explore because the story did show some similarities between Nie Xiguang's dad and Zhuang Xu. I love how decisive Nie Xiguang's mother was to cut him off her life, though. And it mirrors Nie Xiguang's resolve to shut down Zhuang Xu later in the story.
ACTING/CAST:
Like I said in an old review, my only criteria to say that an actor is good is when I'm able to enjoy the show while watching him or her. If the actor delivers what he has to deliver and make me feel for their character, then they're good in my books. And for this show, everyone definitely delivered. My heart fluttered for Lin Yusen and Nie Xiguang. I 100% rooted for them and their endeavors. I got pissed at Zhuang Xu, Ye Rong, Nie Xiguang's father and his little side family, and even Siliang. And I have fond feelings for Yin Jie, Yu Hua, Dr. Fang, Jiang Rui, and Lin Yusen and Nie Xiguang's close family and friends.
To be honest, when I saw the first trailer, I wasn't particularly gagged by Song Weilong and Zhao Jinmai's chemistry. But since they were actors I'm quite fond of individually (I always watch the works they release), I still gave it a try and I was blown away by how amazing they actually were together. (Sorry for doubting you, monarchs!) I hope they have another project together, hopefully a costume one. Or maybe a mystery and adventure one.
MUSIC:
Let me just say, I was so invested with this show that I already know which OST is going to play in a specific scene. And Zhang Hao's Coming For You, went platinum in my household and in my heart! That's SOTY for me now. Whenever I need something to make my heart flutter, I'll just listen to Shine On Me's soundtracks and relive the scenes in my brain.
Like, the music is so effective, I can vividly relate scenes to every song.
REWATCH VALUE:
This is such a feel good show, that you will never hesitate to rewatch it. I, myself, will 100% rewatch it when I need something to make my heart flutter.
OVERALL:
My heart was happy the whole time I was watching this show—and that's all that matters. This is definitely going to my Top Idol Dramas Hall of Fame.
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This review may contain spoilers
When Hearts Find Their Light
📺 OverviewShine On Me is a modern Chinese romantic drama. It stars Zhao Jinmai as Nie Xiguang and Song Weilong as Lin Yusen, adapted from the popular Gu Man novel Blazing Sunlight. The story follows Xiguang from university into her early career, where she meets and gradually falls for the mature yet reserved Lin Yusen.
⭐ Strengths
💘 Slow-Burn Romance That Many Viewers Enjoy
I really appreciate how the romance unfolds with patience and subtle emotional beats instead of instant sparks. I love the gentle development between the leads and how realistic their emotional journeys feel.
👩❤️👨 Leads’ Chemistry
I feel that the chemistry between Zhao Jinmai and Song Weilong is genuine and engaging, especially once the story deepens past the initial episodes. I also find Zhao’s portrayal of Xiguang’s warmth and vulnerability to be one of the standout aspects of the series.
🧠 Mature, “Healthy” Relationship Dynamic
I really appreciate the way the romance unfolds with mutual respect, supportive interactions, and realistic emotional growth, without relying on artificially prolonged conflicts.
👱🏼Character growth across life stages
I like how the story follows the characters from youth into adulthood, showing personal and emotional growth that feels believable.
👥 Relatable themes
I feel that the way the drama handles dreams, regret, timing, and healing is really sensitive, and it resonates with me because I appreciate realism more than melodrama.
⚠️ Criticism & Weaknesses
🫤 Slow Start & Pacing Issues
Personally, I didn’t notice any faults in this drama and enjoyed it thoroughly, but I feel some viewers might find the pacing a bit slow in the earlier episodes.
📌 Who Might Enjoy It
✅ Fans of Gu Man adaptations (e.g., You Are My Glory, Love O2O)
✅ Viewers who like slow-burn, character-driven romances
✅ Those who enjoy grounded relationship development over intense melodrama
📌 Who Might Not
❌ Viewers seeking fast pacing or high drama
🌟 Overall, I loved the drama and would highly recommend it!
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Story review
I’m really enjoying the this drama. What I love most is the male lead’s personality he has such a positive attitude with absolutely no hidden motives. His vibe is calm, sincere, and warm. He’s pursuing the female lead, Nie Xiguang, in the simplest and purest way, without giving mixed signals or expecting anything in return.The way he flirts softly with her is honestly so refreshing. It’s not aggressive or dramatic just gentle, honest affection. Even after she rejects him in episode 12, he stays emotionally mature and optimistic. That line, “You have to keep your head high and say that you didn’t make the cut,” was so beautiful. It shows how deeply he understands her feelings while also being secure in his own. He continues pursuing her not as a transaction, but simply because his feelings are genuine.
The writing deserves appreciation too. The dialogues feel thoughtful and intentional. Thankfully, this drama avoids the usual clichés we don’t get the typical cold CEO with a poor female lead, or a gangster falling for an innocent girl. Instead, we get grounded, emotionally aware characters.
I’m also really liking Nie Xiguang’s growth. After moving on, she starts allowing herself to enjoy life again traveling to Guangzhou with the male lead, opening up emotionally, and living in the moment. Overall, Shine On Me feels warm, mature, and refreshing, and the male lead’s character is definitely one of the highlights for me.
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it truly shines beautifully
My highly anticipated Shine On Me... thank you for being the last sense of warmth of my 2025 and the first ray of light of my 2026!As I said, I highly anticipated this drama from the beginning so it could only go insanely well or insanely bad. Luckily, it never once disappointed me despite some annoying side characters – they only made me root for my beloved characters even more; it's part of life and part of the story.
Song Weilong and Zhao Jinmai are the perfect Lin Yusen and Nie Xiguang. I loved them more each episode. They are dramatic without being over the top, they are funny in a way that feels effortlessly and they seem to truly like and respect each other which, believe me, it's really important for the dynamic of their characters. Once they start their relationship you really feel like they're a couple, even in small details.
As for the story, their plot begins with a misunderstanding that doesn't take long to be halfway cleared but even before that their dynamic is not annoying, in fact it feels kinda amusing. The story mainly revolves around the main couple and their ways of learning more about each other, themselves and learning to let go. If you're going into Shine On Me with an open heart, you can definitely learn a thing or two or at least reflect about life related stuff you might already know. Most of the support characters are really nice, even making me wish to see more of some of them. Some are just painfully annoying but we all encounter some of those in real life, right? We can survive them.
Some aspects of their professional life might be boring for some, but honestly I wouldn't give that too much attention and it kinda makes you understand their personal growth as well by the end. The writers really put an effort in ending the drama in a satisfying way for the fans of the couple (once again, remember this is a romance drama!) that actually made me (happily) surprised!
The visuals (despite some funny cgi, but to be honest if you're not new to cdramas you've seen worse) are beautiful and you can see the drama crew really put a lot of thought in every scene, especially those that are meant to be highlighted. The original soundtrack is now among my favorite ones ever (thumbs up for Zhang Hao he did AMAZING)!!!!!
All of that to say thank you Shine On Me for being with me for this couple of weeks and yes, everyone should check it out if it fits the genre you usually like to watch. Don't expect excessive drama, power struggles, lots of action scenes or anything like that. There's a reason everything in this drama revolves around finding light and it broadcasted in winter (holidays season even).
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This review may contain spoilers
Truly shined on me
I don't even know where to start but this, this drama is perfection. I was annoyed that the first few episodes are about Xiguang and Zhuang Xu but as I watched it slowly, I gradually understand that their plot makes sense well on the side of Xiguang, I was truly want Zhuang Xu to just move on after the wedding scene, but it make sense, he did regret it. Moving on, Lin Yusen what a green flag, or forest as his name. His character is so written well, the motive of him getting Xiguang to his department, to slowly know her better to the time he moved on and making an exception but then when he found out the scenes during his trip was amazing, it felt that he healed twice. Nie Xiguang, what a character she is. She isn't spoiled, she isn't spoon-fed but a hard worker and eventually love her work. I like all the scenes she's in Zhao Jinmai did an incredible job portraying her, from the first time she got problems with her college classmate to how she stood up to people who are older and stand on her ground. Me and Yusen hooked on her.I like the flow of the story, every episode is truly needed to be watched. Of course not everything is perfect, even though I said its perfection. I don't like the overly use of lens flare but everything else top notch.
The settings and music are also good, I like every location they shoot it adds a unique corporate but also dating style every time Xiguang and Yusen eat.
Last episode is the best episode, I like a full on family episode dedicated for them. It felt that they truly are meant for each other, the wait of Yusen for Xiguang to slowly have feelings, the work they did for the company, the problems they face with each other. It just so good.
Also all supporting cast are well casted, I like Xiguang's cousin, her female friends in work, even her college classmates, they truly hooked me on hating them lol.
Last notes, this drama is a MUST WATCH.
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A Very Well Directed Slowburn Pleasant RomCom
So, completed watching Shine On Me, and my first review here and what a drama to review. Its a very calm, composed, heart-warming simple rom-com dramas. There is no unnecessary breakup scenes or dramas here, just Male lead(ML) and Female Lead(FL) become each other's light. The rewatch value this drama is going to get in Winters and Holidays will be insane.GUMAN has again hit it out of the park and for me this is her best adapted drama on the basis of both writing and production value wise. It is cleary visible as she was heavily involved in production of this drama from casting to screenwriting.
I dont want to spoil or write synopsis here as I think there is trailer out there for that. The story is simple, nothing new or rocket science, but the way its directed and presented is one of the best I have seen to come out from China. The screenplay is smooth, you just get engaged and attached with characters, you feel the blush, the laughs, the hatred and everything. There is no dull moment here. The characterisation is so good, the emotions and trauma of male lead whose dream gets shattered is beautifully written and directed and backstory of our FL is also brilliantly written. But, one criticism I have is the screen time of supporting actors like the ML's college friend and senior just gets lost in later half of the story, he should have been there and also FL's brother and her colleagues at office should have been explored more. The wedding scene though carries essence but it should have had happened in the presence of her friends and family. Also, where did Lin Yusen's mother go? She should have been there in in wedding. Thats a big blunder from Guman though
Coming to casting, well Guman has hit the bulls eye. Song Weilong and Zhao Jinmai are just perfect for the role, both are brilliant through out the series. Song Weilong has always been good actors, he is vibrant, has that swag, and calmness in his performance(Obviously, this man is so handsome with great physic). Zhao Jinmai, I just fell in love with her in this series, she looked so beautiful through out and acted so so beautifully. She should do more this genre of drama. Their chemsitry throughout was superb, felt like they were real couple. There has been criticism of Zhao Jinmai regarding performing kiss scenes, but they will get brilliant answers, WATCH OUT. Can't wait for this pair to reunite once again, not in idol drama but in historical one cause the hangout of this drama will last so long. All supporting cast did really well, Lai Wei Ming was good and really makes you hate him. Well written but standout personally for me is Jin Qiao Qiao and Fan Shiran.
OVERALL, ITS A BRILLIANT AND WELL WRITTEN DRAMA. No unncessary sub plots, just soothing and calm. 10/10 for me with minor hiccups on writing
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Shine on Me is Shining!
Shine on Me is a must watch.Perfect casting – it’s like Lin Yusen and Nie Xiguang were written for Song Weilong and Zhao Jinmai. Their chemistry is top tier making it feel like their meeting is a destiny and their love journey is one of mutual growth. They both didn’t just fall for each other – they chose each other. The romantic scenes are textbook-level perfection yet feels so relatable.
My love for Song Weilong grew tremendously after watching this. His portrayal of Lin Yusen is incredibly charming and sweet (not afraid to voice out his feelings, daring yet with gentle approach, longing but patiently wait – every decisions are guided by respect).
Overall, a warm and satisfying watch with lovely romance full of trust without unnecessary misunderstandings because both ML and FL choose to communicate keeping each other in the loop before making any decision.
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