A love letter to som
Watching this drama feels like a rollercoaster ride and I am not ready to say goodbye to Nie Xiguang and Lin Yusen anytime soon. This drama holds a special place in my heart and it’s been such a long time I have ever felt this way to the characters. You can never go wrong with a Gu Man drama, the first eps were quite unbearable for me and was reluctant if it was living up to my expectations, but after watching the first 12 eps, I can say it lived up to that premise, no, it even went beyond my expectations. As a sucker for slow burn dramas, this one will definitely not disappoint you. Every details are so well polished , you’ll feel like you watched xiguang’s growth and linxi’s journey in overcoming their fears and chasing their passion while being the best version of themselves. I love how xiguang was not portrayed as a girl who can stand on her own and has firm decision on what she loves and not some love-struck girl who keeps on begging for her long time crush. Also, to yusen who has been such a strong individual who never hesitates to voice out his feelings and damn being both a neurosurgeon and director tops all of that, truly a man only written in the books. As a fan of both zjm since altcfl and swl in go ahead, I can say this one solidified their credibility as an actor, they have grown so much and their acting feels so natural. I feel like a proud parent to both of them and since the rumors of the casting was released, to following the reuters of the drama I have never expected that they would have the best chemistry among all their dramas. That is a plus factor that made me love this drama even more cause they both love all of their crafts so well and make sure they deliver us the best results, this is a turning point in their career I’m telling you. Honestly, I can proudly say that you will never regret watching this, its like a fine wine, it gets better and better as the drama progresses. The production team really put in to the details well, all the casts portrayed their role so well which makes the watching experience more immersive, and oh well should I also mention about the osts?!! All of it are so good, it grows on you. That would be all for now, thank you som for bringing us a masterpiece.Was this review helpful to you?
Weak story good leads
To preface this, I recognize the extraordinary development of China in the past decades. liked the leads, their acting and the initial setting of the drama.BUT
Unfortunately, the story suffered from heavy industry and country promotion that was not well embedded in the story line and too blatant to not get distracted. At times the dialogues were drowning in propaganda and thus became very unnatural and unnecessarily long.
There was a tendency towards unnecessarily long dialogues in general, that seemed to only be there to fill episodes.
With the all it’s promotional ‘ambition’ this drama missed exploring interesting topics such as socio-economic division, privilege, lack of privilege, and their effects on life choices, career and character.
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This drama exudes warmth.
Have you ever watched a drama where even the title perfectly resonates with the storyline? Shine on Me gave me warm feelings I didn’t even know I could have for a drama. I fell in love with the characters and the plot. Dare I say, I have never watched a drama and truly believed it was better than the book.Maybe it’s an exaggeration, but the chemistry was absolutely on point, and the fluidity of the relationship was pure perfection—from the pursuit to marriage. I also really loved how the drama ended. In the drama world, most endings leave a sense of unfinished business, especially in some k-dramas and even certain C-dramas. I often feel like something is missing.
In books, we get epilogues and extras, and this drama gave me that same feeling. It felt complete. It was one of those rare dramas that ended well and left me with a genuine smile on my face. Best modern drama. This drama was 🎶the sun of my life🎶.
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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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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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Now thats how you end a modern drama ! - It was Indeed Shining on Me
The first few episodes felt as if the ML was the SML and vice versa. I was like… where is the ML? He had hardly appeared. But as I kept watching, I understood that it was relevant to the story. The FL had to move on in order to be with the ML. She was healing her broken heart. It was a slow burn, but it was also not—because the emotional connection was always there, quietly building.I hated her college friends. I loved how she cut them off in the most diplomatic way after the interview incident—and even during the patch-up. The friends were like, “Forgive us,” and Xiguang was like, “Yeah, sure, honest mistake,” but really, inside her mind, she was like, “Bye, Felicia,” and cut them off for good after graduation.
And Zhang Xu—if this were a costume drama, he would have turned evil, and I would have happily enjoyed his death on screen.
One of the best chemistry I’ve seen between couples in modern dramas. All their scenes felt like a hug to me. It was Shining on Me. Sunshine and Wood.
I wish I had a cousin like Jiang Rui. Such a cutie pie—and he was a brother when he needed to be.
Everyone got closure in the end. They should have mentioned what the FL’s father was doing in the future scenes, though. I loved the fact that they dedicated an entire episode to showing their post-marriage life. Usually, it’s just three minutes with a cute scene involving the kid and the couple.
The OST was sooo beautiful—completely stuck in my head.
Overall, it’s a 9/10 for me.
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chemistry I love this i want this couple again next drama
chemistry I love this i want this couple again next drama both are so cute looking very amazing best chemistry great performance love it story is amazing i cant wait these two see again in next drama i hope we can see them again very soon i love the music acting all of them plz these two pair cast agin make another drama soon love from india 🇮🇳♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️Was this review helpful to you?
A love story of Trials,Rebond and pure Attraction!
so this is my first time,writing a review in a long while,and also my third modern Cdrama after a long time and I just want to say I'm very much grateful for this series. It is a well curated series with so much depth,Dramaatic side characters(in a good way) and very natural chemistry. Gu man who personally handpicked the both lead actors have done a great job and her writing has yet entered the best idol literary works in her history of great novel curation.I especially want to Commend the Lead actors Song weilong and Zhao jinmai for doing such a great job holding the Story together from ep1-36,although the CGI was not so great,and the makeup sometimes was distracting and also the 2Ml had more screen time than the Male lead in some situations,it didn't take away the beauty of this drama in any form,and the storyline is perfect from beginning to the end!!
it's safe to say that Lin yusen the Green forest ML is nowhere to be found in person! but I hope that more men after tuning into this drama will Learn to treat women differently and show them that love is worth it from all angles!
Lastly,I want to say a Big thank you to SOM family who sticked through this drama and ensured a happy viewer ship and coordination throughout despite the few harsh criticisms and straight up hate on both actors. Big congratulations to the success of this drama and I hope new viewers get to enjoy all the happiness,suspense and butterflies we felt while watching this show!! My best drama yet!!😍
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Same thing but done better and for a modern audience
The main reason I am giving this such a high score is because I watched almost 27 hours of content without getting bored. Instead of feeling tired, I just kept wanting to watch the next and next episode. That alone says a lot.Female Lead and Character Growth:
Secondly, I really liked how it went against the cliché. Instead of a weak FL or a strong-to-weak FL, we get an FL who starts with a weak personality but gradually grows into someone who holds her head high and becomes a boss lady.
What I appreciated most is that the change was not sudden. It was a gradual acceptance. She starts thinking, I do not want to rely on my parents, I want to do something on my own. You can see the seeds of that mindset from the very beginning, and later they bloom into a beautiful flower. That progression felt natural and satisfying.
Music
I would give the music a really high rating. The songs fit the drama well, and I especially loved the intro.
That said, the last episode ticked me off a bit.
Spoilers: they played all four songs back to back with a compilation of what the characters were doing for almost 20 minutes. That felt excessive.
Still, overall the music was really good.
Visuals and Cinematography
The VFX was pretty good. At times it was blatantly obvious they were using green screen, but other times the camera angles were perfect. During emotionally intense moments, the framing of shots was golden and really elevated the scenes.
Story and Ending
The story is pretty cliché in a sense, but the clichés are well hidden, so it never feels too predictable. I was also glad they did not use the annoying tropes like we met in childhood, or the MC having trauma that the FL heals with saint-like tendencies.
Towards the last episode, I genuinely wondered what they were going to do because they basically wrapped everything up by episode 35. Then episode 36 happened and I was humorously surprised.
Spoilers: first we get a 2 year jump, then a 10 year jump, then another 3 year jump. I was like, what is happening. It was completely left field compared to my usual expectations of dramas like this. Normally you get a wedding scene with all characters appearing. Instead these guys just speedran the wedding. I definitely would have preferred that. But honestly, because of how unexpected and funny it was compared to where my expectations were, I give it a pass.
I also entirely do not get the character of the SML. You like someone, then you berate them because their parents are richer than yours. You take the side of a childhood friend you do not even like against the person you claim to like. Then you come back saying it is unfair because you missed opportunities with her. Brother what was that.
Other than him, everything was fine. Not perfect, but fine. I did feel like there was no strong secondary cast. They were all just going in and out. First the college group, then the unnecessary step-daughter arc which never got a conculsion, then the office colleagues who did not matter and just became tag-alongs for the FL. So yeah, the secondary cast except the FLs family was basically non-existent, I really loved the charcater of jang rui, and the actor he did a a really good job at potraying this fun charcater.
Final Thoughts
Strong binge value, satisfying character growth, great music, good cinematography, and a story that plays with clichés instead of being trapped by them. Not perfect, but memorable and enjoyable throughout.
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Relatable and swoon-worthy
It was just my type of drama. Perfect slowburn with sizzling chemistry and believable characters. I simply love it when the whole drama doesn't force the main leads together as if these two characters are the whole reason for its existence. It gave them a proper time and let it brew as slowly as possible to have a perfect fragrance.There were many topics that were touched by the story that one could relate with. Rat race for careers, sycophant colleagues, weath pressure and of course most innate one- jealousy. They also touched the point how usually rich kids are perceived by the world. Some simply hate them for being rich (as if anybody has a choice in it), others see them lazy/unworthy of competition because " they are born with silver spoon so they are good for nothing". It is good to see this perspective as well.
(I wonder if it is going to be with the recent Chinese censorship of showcasing less delusional world to its netizen which creates unrealistic standards where one has to be extremely rich to be happy mindset which is ruining the society and I also think it is about time.) This show has definitely given me many impactful scenes so far. After watching numerous dramas, there comes a point when you can easily anticipate a scene especially, in Cdramas, like what is going to happen next and the fact that in this one they just made it look so normal nothing like all those cliched scenes but something that could or would happen in reality, that is something that made me love this drama even more. As for other characters, I am just not gonna hate the SML he had his reasons and a definite character arc, but the actor was so good in arising conflicting feelings in viewers. Similarly the other female characters. If you hate a character, definitely they are doing a fine job in acting. I loved all the cast (I was really hoping for a drama that could bring Song Wei Long out of the shadows. He was never able to properly convince me with his acting before but this one is definitely his best for me, acting wise). What can I say more, dialogues, cinematography and the music...so dreamy. You will definitely fall in love with this drama for its simplicity and genuine character arcs. The only nitpick would be it's length. It could do just fine with less episodes.
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A love that comforts you like a warm blanket in the harshest and darkest winter.
This happens to my very first review in MDL even after 6 years of watching cdramas because if any drama deserved appreciation more than what it already has right now - It is this one.**Be aware the review might contain spoilers !**
**Overall** : This drama can be called as the *blueprint* on how modern idol romance dramas should be made. There is nothing new, nothing mind-blowing, no heart wrenching angst to keep you hooked and definitely not a dramatic love story. The love of Nie Xiguang and Lin Yusen is very ordinary and yet ever-present, the kind of companionship and warmth that you would long for in your everyday life and that is exactly why this drama shines among many others of this genre. With an impeccable cast delivering in their acting and chemistry, a solid and comforting plot to drive the story forward and beautiful camera language that tells the story on its own - Shine On Me is your perfect winter companion.
**Plot** : For any drama to entertain throughout its airing time, it needs a solid script and where can you find a modern idol romance writer better than Gu Man? She strikes once again! You see a girl (Nie Xiguang) being shamed for being brave in her love and your heart aches right then for her. For a love as blazing as her to be met with only coldness and indifference, it pierces your heart as it does to her. Zhuang Xu, her first love, he was not a bad person, he just was not right for her. She has always deserved better. The dialogues in this drama hits you and then stays with you forever. This drama is a perfect example of how you do not need a story with twists and turns causing adrenaline rush, all you need is a story that makes you fall in love with the 'love' they convey. It is not just the main leads, I cannot emphasize how much this drama showed the power of woman in business. The male lead's arc was also equally exciting. If every piece of a puzzle falls in piece just perfectly together, it has to be this drama!
**Screenplay/Direction** : There is not many dramas where the camera language is intentional and the story is told just through frames but once again, Shine on Me did it better than any! There was a scene that beautifully encapsulated the entire plot within a few shots -- Xiguang chasing after the shadow of Zhuang Xu, knowing that he has come to the place she is working at, but as she ran and ran towards him, he was only walking forward. The moment she stopped, he stopped and looked back - they happened to miss each other and he walked forward. But when she stopped and turned back, she found Lin Yusen standing right behind her. By stopping and turning back, she found the person who has walked into her life steadily and became her constant sun.
**Acting** : Zhao Jinmai quite literally becomes a sun in your darkest winter! She has long since shed the skin of every other role and when you see her on screen now, it gives you an out of world experience making you believe Nie Xiguang is real. She is real. This drama made me want to check every work of Zhao Jinmai, I'm that obsessed! Song Weilong does a decent job and most definitely improves throughout the drama. In the beginning I did find his line delivery and acting a bit awkward but he quickly picks up and presents a Lin Yusen who is believable and everybody's ideal companion to walk the life with. Every other actor on screen has made sure that we never feel disconnected from their characters even for a moment.
In a nutshell - If there is one cdrama that you really cannot miss out on, it is Shine On Me and none other.
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When the Morning Sun Meets a Forest, The Right Pieces Fall into Place.
This drama was the first modern one of SWL that I had seen as before it was only some costume ones which were hit or miss. Here though, he nailed his character. I know ZJM from several other shows and knew she would do well. I also knew several of the supporting characters like the SML or LWM and others. This was a story of when the morning sun met a very green forest, the right pieces would fall into place.Pros: Being a work of Gu Man, who had a lot of say in her works, as she was always the screenwriter as well as apparently selecting the leads and others herself which was a great thing as we saw in YAMG as well. All of her work have been successful in one way or another. In this story, you had two people destined to meet each but due to a misunderstanding orchestrated by a wicked person (we had several here), the ML played by SWL or LYS, a one in a million protégé neurosurgeon got into a car accident and lost his ability to be a surgeon so he became a businessman instead in his family's rather massive and successful empire in the PV industry. He was angry because he thought the person who had invited him somewhere and after his accident ghosted him was a young lady he fell for at first sight, herself the daughter of a wealthy businessman in a different field. That young lady our FL or NXG however wasn't obviously responsible and didn't even know he existed. She was a college student elsewhere with a crush of her own on the SML or ZX whom I gave the nickname "hunk of junk/lack of balls" to. Though she confessed to hunk of junk/lack of balls, he rejected her, because even though he himself liked her but because of his inferiority complex of her being rich and him poor along with the fact that he seemed completely oblivious to how their mutual "friends" treated her, her roommates; once right before graduation letting others accuse her of letting an important interview call for one of them be forgotten by her without any proof other than the ring leader aka toxic chick who along with her wing woman both liking him just came at her. It was later discovered and admitted that another girl had been in the room when the call came through and she was the one who forgot plus at the company itself, though the company made the call, they didn't write it down. So a lot of people dropped the ball but only when the girl remembered, told the college committee and NXG investigated as well as hunk of junk's senior sister (who worked at the company) came forward and apologized to him on the phone only but not to the involved parties, was NXG's name cleared; hunk of junk knew the truth but never said a word. Only the two girls NXG was friends with ever truly apologized.
Because he and toxic chick knew each other since childhood, she used every opportunity to shove that fact into NXG's face and basically imply that they kind of were together or he would always do things for her most of which were lies. NXG texted him about it apologizing for the confession and that she never meant to steal him away but he never replied basically in her mind confirming those suspicions. Their last two years, he spent either never saying a word, sending her mixed signals with his actions like the thesis help attempt, or plain putting her down with his words. In other words, he expected her to be telepathic to his thoughts and feelings. Once they graduated, and she and her cousin JR, went on a little 2 month vacation to Europe which they called a study tour (I'll talk about cheap faux tour in the cons); which was somehow misconstrued to her studying abroad thanks to the cousin's housekeeper telling hunk of junk that when he came by the house looking for her.
I will say that Z "hunk of junk" X played by LWM whom I've previously seen in a tiny role in Moonlit Reunion but more memorably in FOF, was the most complex character in the entire show. Also, he's probably LWM's most different character from both others that he’s done and himself IRL, though only starting in c-ent 3 years ago. He absolutely nailed the part of a guy, oblivious in college of the girl he liked feelings choosing to stay quiet or “resist; hold back” as he pointed out during his tantrum as opposed to saying something back like "wait for me" or "I'm not ready just yet". ZX always thought she would be there, single waiting for him always taking her for granted (as she pointed out to him during his tantrum and her just spelling everything out for him saying he was lying to himself, that with his IQ and EQ, he didn't understand obvious things she said and did, because he didn't want to understand, that he had many opportunities but failed each one and why LYS got her was because he had openly told her he liked her and when she said she liked someone else, he didn't have a problem with that, but would let her pick. He treated her like an adult and pursued her showing her what real love and open communication going both ways looked like) until it was way too late. All of the push and pull between and inside him was shown in his micro-expressions and how only when he started working and came across a situation where bad rumors were spread about him and a few of his coworkers including one of the women, how he recalled the frame job and toxic chick's constant bashing and belittling of NXG in college and how she must have felt after hearing Chris' words; how he nearly sent NXG an “I'm sorry” but instead decided to sit in the darkness and cry. This was after the tantrum episode. Everything was about him and he didn't seem to understand how others felt until he experienced it for himself or someone he was close with now as an adult spoke about it. Though on the contradictory side, he wasn't a complete narcissist as he was able to make genuine good friends; two of whom he later started a successful business with, he himself got that status he always wanted through hard work, and he was able to express gratitude like he did to LYS for helping his friend/colleague after the latter experienced a medical emergency on the slopes. And that's why I'm proud of LWM because he was able to pull off a rather complex character in a show that didn't require that much, if at all.
Now when ML met FL as he downgraded himself from the main office in Shanghai to Suzhou it was half because of the misunderstanding and also because he still had feelings for her. Their start wasn't smooth as he moved her from her department to his and gave her extra work to do in a way to give her a hard time but also to be close to her and get to know her. He was quite puzzled that she didn't remember him and each time that came out in conversation he grew cold and distant toward her and assigned her more work. It wasn't until she landed in the hospital after falling from the balcony and him catching her and venting his frustration at her in the hospital though not completely saying the entire thing and her saying that he was the reason for her bad luck and crying plus later on one of her coworkers telling him how often she got hurt at the factory where she didn't have to be but he made her work there during his as she called it "bipolar" moments, that he finally called a truce between them though she had no idea why. He confessed to her not long after that after running into the university classmates along with toxic chick (who's fake apology and implication of her and hunk of junk being together; who was standing behind her and was only shocked when the study abroad to study tour misunderstanding was cleared up) and hunk of junk, he rescued her from also giving them the impression that they were together causing hunk of junk to panic, get wasted, say really rude things to her, making her cry for the last time over him.
After that, the show just showed two people getting to know each other properly and spending time together as we also learned of both families dysfunctions, his father died when he was young in a different country after he was set up by an uncle or two for a mistake within the conglomerate and was shipped out to work in some remote location where a war broke out. LYS' mom never got over what her family did and moved to Switzerland while letting ML grow up and go to school while living with his paternal grandparents. Mom met and married a wonderful man. FL's mom divorced her bastard husband and FL's father for cheating and the entire series shows him and his first love and her daughter living in a villa. That daughter pretending to be FL is the wicked person spoken about who liked LYS and was the reason for him being on that highway and then ghosting him in the hospital later. When the truth came out, LYS was stunned and distraught understandably, and took a few days leave to travel around for both himself and work. After receiving the letter with the entire story from his side of how they met or when he first saw her and her remembering that day as well, she called him and told him to stop over in her hometown on the way back to Suzhou. They went to walk around the cherry blossoms which was kind of a full circle from two years before when the fake invited him to do the same, and this was when they--both real people--officially got together.
The rest you'll have to watch, but I'd like to point out that like YAMG both mom's of the leads were amazing people who knew each other from a while back so the ski trip other then both moms, also included FL's uncle, aunt, and semi annoying cousin JR, and ML's stepfather was a very happy one filled with love and fun; LYS with his surprise to NXG made the trip even more memorable. Hunk of junk and coworkers ended up vacationing up there as well; didn’t dampen the spirits too much (though it was his younger bro that set him up). NXG's paternal grandparents were also great people; they could barely stand their asshole son; especially after learning what he essentially allowed gold digger first love and fake daughter to do, after NXG laid it all on the table for him and both mom and grandma found out the despicable actions of all three and how he treated both his only actual daughter and LYS. ML's grandfather was alright, he learned a hard lesson himself finally understanding his wrongdoing with ML's father. Other great people were ML's niece (who was ultimately named successor of the big company) and nephew. Having non-toxic family members is rare in cdrama land. Also NXG's coworkers/friends were night and day from her college roommates. They were always supportive and accepting and fun to be around. ZX's coworkers were also nice people.
OSTs were my favorite especially the one in English called "You Are the Light of my Love." The desert scenes were great and costumes as usual per modern drama; I liked it more when FL started dressing like a young lady and not a kid.
Cons: Whoever thought putting so much propaganda into a romantic drama was a good idea, didn't think things through. At first it wasn't a big deal, here and there in a conversation, one could brush it off but than in a college lecture the leads went to, that started talking about their industry and than proceeded to vilify the West and go into politics before trying to tie things up with a pretty little bow with "all countries in the world under the sun will prosper." It was ridiculous and unnecessary. Afterwards at the end of the series it was all countries bad and China the leading in everything technological especially last year and I'm like y'all blind or something? This is a romantic drama not a lesson in business politics. Or the off the cuff remarks that Mr. Zhang would suffer in America because the food and atmosphere is bad/different. I felt like that was a slap in the face to every Chinese American because there's plenty of Chinese food in every city not to mention places like NYC and San Fran having Chinatowns taking up whole portions of the cities where you literally feel like you went to their country. It's not like Mr. Zhang's son lived in the middle of a cornfield in Ohio, for Pete's sake! Stupid.
This show had plenty of money but apparently not enough to even have CGI of European cities on NXG's and JR's study tour that they had to use a green screen and stickers or posters. Continuing, it felt very disheartening when every single evil doer got a slap on the wrist instead of real consequences; bastard father after NXG read him the riot act and grandma and mom found out the extent of his stupidity and harm, just had the benign tumor removed, but though it had supposedly done some harm to his hearing and facial movement; the actor never acted it out so it was a loophole and his business never suffered like in the book. He was still as arrogant as ever. Gold digger and fake daughter were presumably kicked out of the villa with some money intact but no one went to jail and we never actually saw that. Asshole uncle and his son; were allowed to continue being in the company or one at least and both retained their wealth. Toxic chick quit her job and left the city; that was it. None of them got any real punishment. We were all waiting for karma and she forgot about them; I felt that was lax writing; two screenwriters so whomever wrote it, didn't do it well.
While we got a strange proposal and an equally strange wedding (just them two, no family or friends seen anywhere); the time jumps in the last episode didn't make sense especially the last two. One after 10 years and one after 3. Why wait a whole decade after getting married to have a child? And why jump 3 years into the future, just to show a walking creepy as hell robot and cars that can do everything but fly when everyone knows not one country on earth is that advanced nor will be in 2-3 years. It just didn't jive with the rest of the show. Showing a family of 3 with the cute daughter was great, also exiting out ZX with his coworkers was appropriate but the majority disappeared before the wedding and were never seen again, with no explanation given. Things could have been done better at the end with that especially given how important they were to the rest of the show and the leads.
Would I recommend it? I absolutely would. Despite the cons and there were enough to definitely pose questions, pros outweighed them by far. This was a great lesson in how to have the right type of relationship and the right type of friends as well as whom to cherish as family and whom to disregard.
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