Why Is He Still Single?

Wonderfully Refreshing

I really liked this series for many reasons. I am a huge fan of Wallace Huo, he is not only gorgeous but he is also an excellent, very talented actor. He basically carries this whole show and his portrayal of the quirky, eccentric character is spot on and his sarcastic remarks were hilariously funny., I was laughing out loud a lot during the show. I also really love Zhu Zhu, a beautiful very talented actress and I think she was perfectly cast as the FL. The ML and FL chemistry were really awesome, loved the mental, sarcastic bickerings between them, perfectly match.ed couple.
The supporting actors were also perfect and the whole circle of friends had a wonderful chemistry/vibe among them. I especially loved the pug, what a cute dog (I want one now!). The scenes between the ML and the FL lead's father were hilariously funny as well.
This is a well written, well directed and well acted wonderful series. The music was beautiful and perfectly chosen for each scene. Thank you for this wonderful storyline and experience!! Bravo to the whole production team!!

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Loved every member of the cast and the story

Things I adored

1 The premise. So relatable and so funny at the same time. I was so happy to watch a different premise for once and even though it seems it's a remake I haven't seen the original and it doesn't take anything away from its quality. Great idea, great execution.

2 The ML. He nailed the role. He never crossed the line to annoying to disrespectful or to anything negative. I felt for him each and every time something he did turned badly for him. I think he is one of the most positive and real heroes I've seen in any K or Cdrama. The actor did a phenomenal job and kudos to him for managing to create such a compelling character. He may be labeled cold, or eccentric, or weird or anything you want. To me he was a great character. He cared about everyone around him without ever losing his unique perspective on things. Truly a fabulous character.

3 The assistant. What a kind and again relatable character. I wanted him to succeed so much and I was happy with how his character evolved. So real and rewarding.

4 The FL. She's gorgeous and she acts so well. I think she did a great job as well and I wish she had more main roles so I can watch her in other series. Honestly, one of the most beautiful actresses out there. Her character was great as well. Likable, smart, realistic, fun and compelling. What more to ask?

5 The little dog. I think he was integral part of why I loved the series so much.

Things I loved

1 The 2FL. She was good at playing the young and naïve sometimes woman and she was also relatable. I can't put her in the "adore" list, for the simple reason that I didn't like one of the arcs for her. Not her fault and she acted quite well that part, but I still didn't love that.

2 The whole cast. I think it's the first time I didn't find anyone to dislike in the whole cast. The mother, the sister, the brother in law, the girlfriend of the assistant, the colleague, they were all likable, relatable and good people. Ten out of ten for all of them. I had so much fun watching this series because of such a great cast.

3 The friendship between the FL and the young neighbor of the ML. It didn't seem weird, they dealt with this so well, it seemed natural and heartwarming.

4 The brother in law. I found him over the top a bit but still very funny and a good person. I loved his relationship with the ML.

Things I disliked

1 I didn't like that though leads weren't together until the end and that there was only one kiss. With such a string cast and a solid script I was expecting at east a few kisses and some more scenes with them together. That's my only complaint.

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What a warmth-laden, well written show (a.k.a Wallace Huo is handsome!)

I had started the show soon after it dropped though I put it on hold for some time, and came back only recently. So my review is in three parts here (after Ep1, after Ep 7 and finally after Ep 16).

Ep1: I saw Wallace Huo on the poster and decided to click and watch it.
I don't know how this show will pan out--Chinese shows seem to have more budget now than before and in ep 1 the show gives off a glossy tint--with everything shiny sparkly (like the netflix shows we get to see nowadays)
I am not sure about the FL, haven't watched her before but she is beautiful.
But the highlight for me is Wallace Huo who plays the Male Lead. At 45 the ML looks as smouldering as he was the first time I saw (in his show as Bo Jin Yan). Ep 1 of Why is He Still Single (WIHST) was funny and I was laughing out loud at several places. The only thing that keeps nagging me at the back of my mind (after ep1) is the kind of eccentricity they're showing the ML has--at moments he doesn't look eccentric he looks a wierdo...anyway, let's hope the show doesn't disappoint as a lot of modern c-dramas have in recent times.

Ep 7: I am on Ep 7 now and I have already had several laugh out loud moments. As the show is progressing, I am increasingly feeling for the ML. Basically he is a genius, aloof, eccentric but childlike person, with a heart of gold, high IQ and...very very lonely. This loneliness stems both from his introvert nature and from the fact that he probably doesn't find anyone who matches him in wit sans, as increasingly evident, the FL. I am liking her nature, she is refreshingly real, warm, and gives the ML the much needed life lessons he needs to get and (ahem!) that he seems to listen to as well. As someone in their late 30s this show is resonating so well with me. It is indeed a real, a very real take on present-day urban lifescapes.

Ep 16: I just completed the show and I have to admit, it has been one of the most real experiences I have had,I mean I forgot I was watching a drama, it felt like I was watching and navigating experiences and people I knew. The show is not plot-driven and at no juncture does it seem to mistake itself to be so. It is essentially a character-driven show and at the same time manages to show different aspects of modern-day urban relationships. Apart from the organic growth of the ML and FL's relationship, the portrayal of the dynamics of friendships, the professional relationships, everything was refreshingly real...in a way I haven't seen in dramas as such in a long long long time.
Like I said above, the ML and FL are close to my own age is, i.e. late 30s and being independent, career-driven but with roots grounded in family values, I could so well relate to the characters, especially the two leads and their discussions. The show's strength lies in the dialogues and the incredible performances of the cast, headlined by Wallace Huo. It is his performance that prevents the ML's character from becoming a wierdo--what I had expressed right at the beginning (in Ep 1 above). As time progresses the show portrays how Yuyu's bluntness and dedication to his work is a veneer that covers his vulnerability and loneliness. He basically is afraid of being hurt and lonely, while Ye Jia also is afraid of being hurt (given her family background and failed relationship). What I also loved is how the show debunks certain tropes (and myths) about relationships, but in a subtle way. Xiaoman and Wen Shu's relationship for instance, initially almost made me think of the SML and SFL. But then Wen Shu and Xiaoxiao's relationship unravels, gradually, and as audience we see how they are in such a stable relationship, practical supportive and they can actually teach the older characters a lesson or two about relationships. Likewise, the show portrays how Xiaoxiao is a mature partner in her relationship as she desires to meet Xiaoman and afterwards they become besties. Wen Shu and Xiaoman's relationship is pure friendship with no romantic associations(though Xiaoman, coming after a bad break up inclines towards Wen Shu's attention initially and after meeting Shu and his girlfriend has to call Ye Jia to overcome what she admits as a hint of jealousy). This and so much more add to the refreshingly real portrayal of life--without any sugarcoating nor any unnecessary angst nor melodrama.

Yes, I do feel Xiaoman's character is given quite a bit of screentime (reducing which would not have harmed the show but she is like the filter through which the audience sees the characters). At several times it occurred to me that Yuyu and Xiaoman's story could be a love story (what we can expect after our dramaland experiences) but again the show portrays the almost filial kind of relation between the two and tbh it is a bit disappointing to see how it pans at the end. But then again, it is not simply Xiaoman but we as audience that gets to see what an incredible man Yuyu is and coupled with his handsome face his good qualities shine.
And it is this that shines at the end--when he finally lets Ye Jia inside his home and shows her how he had her in his heart for so long--that he had been designing his house thinking of her but was too scared to be confident that he could do it the best way he wanted to do for her. His romantic side, his softness, his warmth, his kindness, and his deep dependence on Ye Jia shines and brings a fitting warm end to the show.

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