Beyond the Clichés: A Look at the Psychological Growth in City of Romance
I picked up City of Romance expecting a standard fluffy college romance, but I was pleasantly surprised to find a story with genuine psychological depth. While we have seen the 'Genius Male Lead' trope countless times in C-dramas, this show manages to make it feel fresh. Su Yan Cheng isn’t just cold for the sake of being cool; his rigid obsession with honesty makes him a fascinating foil to Bai Xiao Duo.The core conflict is compelling because it isn’t black and white. Xiao Duo isn’t a malicious liar; she uses lies as a shield to protect her low self-esteem. Watching these two distinct personalities collide creates a natural tension that evolves beautifully into understanding. The synopsis promises "healing," and the drama truly delivers on that. They don't just fall in love; they actually fix each other's inner wounds. Yan Cheng learns empathy, while Xiao Duo learns that she is worthy of love without the facade.
I gave this an 8.5/10 because the pacing and character growth felt earned rather than forced. The acting really sells the emotional scenes, especially as Xiao Duo slowly drops her guard. It’s a respectful adaptation of Rao Xue Man’s novel that feels nostalgic yet mature. If you are tired of misunderstandings that drag on for no reason and want to watch a couple with healthy development, this is highly recommended.
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Cliche but with complex characters that add nuance (with some interesting psychological aspects)
This feels like your average college romance, but then the FL ends up being a complex character that adds a lot of dimension to the story. The FL deals with trauma (bullying), anxiety, panic attacks, there are hints of an ED, and she deals with compulsive lying.The plot plays out like a coming of life romance with one dimensional characters until suddenly it's so much more. The story revolves around the FL's psychological issues and how her past reflects on how she acts in her relationships, whether it's friendship or romantic. You learn that she was bullied for her appearance and for her habit of lying. I would've enjoyed seeing more of her past and how she managed to become a cheerful girl. I also think it would've been interesting for them to explore the fact that she dropped an extreme amount of weight. There are hints of an eating disorder and that would've been an interesting aspect to dive into since her appearance was part of her bullying and that kind of internalized hate could cause her to be anxious about her current body/may still about body dysmorphia.
The ML was raised by neglectful parents which caused him to internalize his emotions to the point that he doesn't show affection, sadness, or anger clearly. But he's always able to see when other people are struggling, react empathically, and never pushes away affection. The ML's best friend is often hanging on his shoulders, sitting in the ML's space, or just placing his hand on the ML when he's talking to him. The ML never initiates, but always welcomes when his friend does this; he is afriad or simply not used to showing affection because he was never taught how or felt safe enough to do so. Through the show and seeing the FL's struggles and her reasoning with lying, he learns to widen his perspective on his life. He begins to grow after getting to know the FL, he begins to act like a warm child; he begins to show more warmth for others, holds love in his eyes, acts clingy/cuddly, and is open about his sadness and loneliness. He even begins to open up more to his best friend emotionally/communicative.
The plot is straightforward and cliche, but the characters come with trauma and past's that have shaped them. They feel like "real" people that face their struggles and learn how to be better versions of themselves as they learn about each other. They learn to view themselves differently and in turn it helps them to care more for themselves, their friends, and for each other.
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got me giggling and kicking my feet
a pleasant surprise!!! to be honest, i wasn't expecting much of it when i first started and k thought it would just be a good enough drama with some cute sceneswell, it had some /really/ cute scenes but it was much better than i initially expected! it is comfortable to watch and enjoy, it has a simple and yet interesting plot, no major misunderstandings or unnecessary drama (which was really refreshing!!) and all characters are likeable in their own way.
it is a 10/10 not because it is revolutionary bjt because it does really well in its own genre and niche in only 22 episodes with an average 25/30 minutes per episode. i wish more dramas were like this one, nothing too complicated but still fun to watch.
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The Romance I Didn’t Know I Needed—Soft, Healing, and So Underrated!
I just finished City of Romance, and I can confidently say—THIS is my comfort drama of 2025! From start to finish, it gave me that warm, cozy feeling, and I already know I’ll be rewatching it whenever I need a pick-me-up.🌸 The Story: More Than Just Romance, A Journey of Healing
At first, the plot may seem like a typical city romance, but as the story unfolds, it reveals something much deeper. Bai Xiao Duo, who has learned to protect herself with lies due to her low self-esteem, meets Su Yan Cheng, a genius cartoonist who despises dishonesty. Their initial clash feels inevitable—two people with opposite worldviews—but as they’re thrown into each other’s lives, their relationship slowly transforms into something truly meaningful.
What makes this drama so special is how it portrays growth and healing. Through a series of events, they challenge each other, forcing one another to break down walls, question long-held beliefs, and confront past wounds. The pacing is just right—never rushed, never dragging—allowing the emotions to settle and feel genuine. If you love soft but impactful romances like When I Fly Towards You or Our Secret, this one will definitely tug at your heartstrings.
💖 The Leads: Chemistry That Feels Natural
Yu Cheng En and Wang Zi Xuan absolutely nailed their roles. Their chemistry isn’t loud or dramatic; instead, it’s soft, genuine, and beautifully understated. Bai Xiao Duo is one of those characters you can’t help but root for—her journey toward self-acceptance is handled with so much care. Meanwhile, Su Yan Cheng’s mix of cold logic and hidden warmth makes his transformation feel incredibly rewarding. Watching them grow together felt earned and authentic, which is what makes their romance so impactful.
🌟 The Supporting Cast: A Delightful Bonus
While the main couple is the heart of the drama, the supporting cast adds so much depth! Xu Bin (Xiao Yang) was MY joy in this show! His humor and effortless comedic timing had me laughing every time he was on screen. Whether he was teasing the leads, dropping sharp one-liners, or just being his lovable self, he truly stole the show in so many moments. I had already seen him in Stay With Me, but after this drama, I need to see him in more roles—2025, give him ALL the projects!
Gao Mao Tong (Yu Shu Bo) brought that perfect mix of loyalty and wit, while Thea Lin (Lin Xiao Miao) surprised me with a more complex arc than I expected. Every character had their place—no one felt wasted or irrelevant, which is rare in romance dramas.
🎶 Music & Rewatch Value
The OST? Beautiful. The cinematography? Aesthetic and dreamy. The rewatch value? Through the roof. From the soft lighting to the carefully framed moments, everything about this drama feels intentional and immersive. I already know this will be one of those comfort rewatches I turn to whenever I need something soothing and heartfelt.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a drama that will make you smile, give you butterflies, and feel like a cozy hug—WATCH THIS! City of Romance deserves way more love, and I hope more people discover its charm. 💕
P.S. Don’t trust the ratings—this one is a hidden gem! ✨
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WORST CASTING
I'm honestly confused about how this drama has an 8.1 rating. I get that everyone has different tastes, but in my opinion, the heroine just doesn't suit the character at all. She doesn't come across as bubbly, and her innocence is completely missing. As for the romance, I don’t feel any chemistry between the leads—they just don’t seem compatible. In fact, the second leads are much more appealing than the main ones.While the actors did an okay job, I think the casting choices really let the drama down. Honestly, it feels like a waste of time, and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. If you’re looking for something to watch, you’re better off rewatching your favorite drama. The actors look too young to pull off these attitude-heavy roles, and it just doesn’t suit their personalities.
The guy, as "DEMO, in GO GO SQUID" was great—he’s definitely more suited for a bubbly, innocent hero rather than one with an arrogant attitude. As for the girl, I loved her in "Gank Your Heart," but here, every time I see her, I can’t help but feel frustrated with her performance.
And don’t even get me started on her wardrobe—it’s honestly so bad, I can't even put it into words. It’s hard to look past, and she doesn’t seem cute at all in those outfits.
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It’s a simple romance drama with a hint of comedy.
The plot is simple which makes the drama really easy to watch. It’s been a long time since I watched a drama with this kind of storyline which was refreshing to see.I already knew Wang Zixuan (the female lead) from her previous works and in this drama, her acting is very natural and I loved how she acted funny moments in some scenes.
Visually the main couple looks really good together !
I didn’t put 10/10 because I think that it would have been better if they went into the characters’ story and growth in depth with more episodes. It would have made the story deeper and we would be more attached to the characters.
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Amazing! A must watch!!
You guys have to watch it. Everything about this drama is so good. Story, acting, chemistry between the leads. Also the second couple is so cute and fresh. You cannot help but fall in love with all of them. 🥰 Binge watched it over the weekend, literally couldn’t go to bed without finishing it. Deserves a really high rating.Was this review helpful to you?
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Really good show!!
The female lead is cute ,strong, funny. While the male lead is introverted and aloof but he has sense of security, the side characters are not just extra they had also good storyline and characters The love rival girl is not toxic and you will lover her personality too , and the second male lead also loveable , if I would say more., there is not much toxicity in love story , try watching it's good. This is an underrated gem, that you should watch right now, also don't worry there won't be a love triangle, this is also such a comfort drama with little angst in the backstory of the female leadWas this review helpful to you?
Everything was BEAUTIFUL!
If you're looking for a slowburn romance, this is it!I happened to discover this by chance through a TikTok edit. It's been a while since I got hooked in a modern cdrama, I binge-watched this in two days. The storyline is quite unique as it evolves on the female lead's lying problems and insecurities. I believe this is a good watch nowadays as people have insecurities which might cause problems with interpersonal relationships.
I really love the chemistry between the leads, they blended perfectly. I would really love to see them again in another romance drama. This is by far one of my favorite modern dramas to date, the story is light and has a mix of comedy and heartstopping romance.
THIS ONE IS A HIDDEN GEM. I hope many people will watch this, it deserves so much love! 💗
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A Light, Heartwarming, and Underrated Gem
If you’re looking for a drama that feels like a warm hug, City of Romance is the perfect choice. It’s light, fluffy, and effortlessly charming—a refreshing break from the emotionally heavy Chinese dramas I’ve been watching lately.The story follows Bai Xiaoduo, who has developed a habit of lying to protect herself, and Su Yancheng, a talented comic artist who despises lies. Their journey is one of healing, where they gradually help each other overcome their inner struggles through a series of heartwarming events. What makes this drama so special is the way it balances romance, self-growth, and emotional healing without ever feeling too heavy.
Despite its beautiful storytelling and great chemistry between the leads, City of Romance feels incredibly underrated. It doesn’t have the massive hype of mainstream dramas, but it deserves so much more recognition. The relationship between Bai Xiaoduo and Su Yancheng is engaging and touching, with genuine emotional depth.
One thing that stood out to me was how bold the kiss scenes were for College drama. Unlike many Chinese dramas that tend to be more subtle, City of Romance doesn’t shy away from deeper emotional and physical connections. These moments are tastefully done yet undeniably passionate, adding an extra layer of authenticity to their relationship. No need to wait that long to see this scene, just be ready to scream and giggling 🤣
Visually, City of Romance is a treat. The cinematography is soft and dreamy, complementing the drama’s lighthearted tone. The soundtrack is equally delightful, adding to the overall warmth of the story.
While it may not be packed with intense plot twists, that’s exactly what makes it so special. It’s a drama that soothes the heart, making it perfect for anyone looking for a sweet, healing, and underrated romance. If you need a break from heavy melodramas or want something genuinely comforting, City of Romance is highly recommended!
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City Of Romance - amor que cura - 2025
City of Romance não é apenas um drama universitário; é uma história sobre traumas emocionais, insegurança, confiança e cura mútua, permeada pela leveza da vida jovem e pela força transformadora da arte.A série acompanha Bai Xiao Duo, uma jovem que perdeu a mãe cedo e foi criada com profundo amor pelo pai. Porém, o carinho não impediu que a ausência materna deixasse cicatrizes. O pai, tentando compensar, acabou negligenciando aspectos como a alimentação e Xiao Duo cresceu enfrentando bullying por estar acima do peso.
Somado a isso, ela desenvolveu o hábito de mentir para se proteger. Não eram mentiras para enganar o mundo, eram escudos para sobreviver. E, como toda defesa mal adaptada, acabaram isolando-a.
Nos quadrinhos do misterioso autor Black, ela encontrou um porto seguro: companhia, força e uma luz nos dias mais escuros.
E então Su Yan Cheng entra na vida dela.
Gênio dos quadrinhos, estudante de psicologia, criado em meio ao luxo mas cercado de silêncio emocional. Ele percebe desde o início as barreiras dela e, ao invés de recuar, decide compreender. Mesmo assim, carrega sua própria dor: a fome de atenção que nunca recebeu dos pais.
Xiao Duo confunde Yu Shubo com o autor Black — e esse mal-entendido vira ponte para amizade.
No começo, ele diz claramente que não é o Black. Mas ao perceber o quanto ela ama e encontra força nesse autor, ele entra no jogo — por medo de perdê-la e por acreditar que, se ela descobrisse a verdade, se distanciaria.
É um erro nascido do medo o mesmo medo que move Xiao Duo quando mente para se proteger.
Quando a verdade vem, não nasce ruptura… nasce amizade. Eles se entendem, uma prova de que sinceridade, mesmo tardia, pode construir algo novo.
O drama brilha muito através dos secundários não como distração, mas como extensão da cura. Amei a amizade deles!
Lin Xiao Miao, colega de quarto e amiga de Xiao Duo, forma casal com Xiao Yang, amigo e colega de Su Yan Cheng. Desde o primeiro olhar, eles se gostam sem jogos, sem complicação. São luminosos, inspiradores, e funcionam como espelho para os protagonistas: mostrando o que é um relacionamento saudável, leve, com diálogo e acolhimento.
Eles são aqueles amigos que não empurram, mas sustentam. Ajudam Xiao Duo e Su Yan Cheng a ver que vulnerabilidade não é fraqueza é ponte.
Há uma cena linda onde Xiao Duo confessa para Xiao Miao que mente e tem medo de ser rejeitada. Xiao Miao silencia por um instante, mas permanece ali, firme, sem julgamento. Porque amizade verdadeira não abandona amadurece junto.
Já Ele Rui, outra colega de quarto, nutre um amor silencioso por Su Yan Cheng. Ela presencia todo o nascimento do relacionamento principal e nunca vira rival, nunca cria intriga. Ela apoia, escuta, consola e aconselha Xiao Duo. É raro ver isso um roteiro que escolhe amizade feminina verdadeira ao invés de ciúmes descartáveis.
Esse grupo é o braço emocional da história todos curam, todos crescem, todos seguram a mão do outro.
O ponto de ruptura emocional chega quando Su Yan Cheng descobre mais uma mentira de Xiao Duo e viaja até sua cidade. Mas a dor dele não nasce da mentira nasce do significado: “Você ainda não acredita que pode ser amada sem máscaras.”
Ela teme ser abandonada. Ele teme ser pouco para ela. E ali, ambos encaram a própria vulnerabilidade sem filtros.
Ao ver fotos da infância de Xiao Duo, mostradas pelo pai dela, ele finalmente enxerga a raiz: não era falta de confiança nele era falta de confiança nela mesma.
Enquanto ele acolhe a dor dela, sua própria família começa a despertar.
A mãe o cuida. O pai tenta tímido, desengonçado, mas tentando. Quem já teve pais emocionais ausentes reconhece: esse “pequeno gesto” pode ser um terremoto interno.
Eles também estão aprendendo a amar à sua maneira. E é bonito ver Su Yan Cheng deixando que o cuidado o alcance.
No final, o drama não celebra o “casal perfeito”. Celebra o casal humano.
O amor que nasce quando a verdade senta à mesa, quando o medo é exposto à luz, quando duas pessoas escolhem caminhar juntas — não para cobrir as feridas, mas para tratá-las.
E Bai Xiao Duo resume sua jornada assim: “Mesmo que mentiras me trouxessem momentos fugazes de alívio, a pessoa que eu tinha enganado não era mais ninguém, mas eu mesma. Quando eu reuni coragem de deixar ir o que eu sempre tinha cuidadosamente protegido, eu descobri que ganhei muito mais bondade — essa sinceridade me permitiu, e a todos aqueles que me amam, ficar cara a cara, mas lado a lado. Juntos, nós podemos assumir o mundo inteiro.”
Se você amou City of Romance, assista também: Hidden Love, When I Fly Towards You, A Love So Beautiful e My Holo Love.
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a hidden gem
To be honest, I expected it to be just a silly romance, but it surprised me.In addition to the good development of the relationship between the leads, we had a good psychological and realistic plot about dynamics regarding trauma and mental health.
I could say that this drama, at least in my opinion, is the perfect balance between romance and important themes. In fact, it has a great approach to panic attacks.
Obviously, we have our senior and SF clichés, but the real obstacle here is the difficulties of the characters themselves.
Good chemistry - I was very surprised by it - good acting and a lovely group of friends.
PS: I loved how they treated the young relationship in a very realistic way. No drama after the kiss, no fuss about sleeping together... anyway.
It's not perfect, but it's very good.
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