City of Romance

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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Who hasn’t told a white lie or three?

Yu Cheng En is in **Love in the Clouds**. He plays a pitiful prince caught in an unrequited love. I actually really loved his acting in it which led me here to this show. It’s contemporary and his role is entirely different, but it felt like a nice bandaid to see the actor find love in this show lol.

The premise of the show is not bad, but the starting execution is pretty cringy. I think the timeline/flashback actress also adds to the chaos of it all. Bai Xiao Duo is a compulsive liar due to her childhood but now that she is in college she is *trying* to lie less. Of course she has already told like 3 bald-face lies within her first 3 days on campus. The part that makes it confusing and weak plot wise? Her motivation and savior is Black (Su Yan Cheng) the author of this comic that gives her hope and want to not lie. But this guy is only three years older than her…The flashbacks feel like 10 years ago rather than 3 which is a small detail but where I think the show gets held back. I find it hard to believe Black was publishing at 15 years old, and if he was, they should have addressed it in the show. That said, it sounds like he started publishing in college so the flashbacks should have been more recent…I know this feels like a nit but this small choice made the show feel a lot more juvenile than it should have been.

I actually think the themes and messaging were great. Who hasn’t told a white lie or three? But the *intention* of the lie does matter.

Bai Xiao Duo lied to a bully to get out of being hurt, I don’t think it makes sense that she was suddenly labeled a liar by her whole school. I wish they showed her lying a bit more than just twice. Maybe even her lying to her dad about her being “okay.” On the other hand, I wish they also explored Su Yan Cheng’s lying of his own. The elephant in the room is never really addressed – he lied by omission every day about who Black is. I am glad He Rui kind of mentions it to him, but it was specific to his parents’ wanting him to study abroad. Basically, I think the theme about lying and lies was nice and actually pretty great, the execution could have been better. Also, not a huge deal because I didn’t care too much, but the psychology research aspect made no sense to me LOL I don’t get how Su Yan Cheng conducted anything with the three pieces of information he got from Bai Xiao Duo. Another nit, but I think they could have chose a better English title for this show.

Romance wise, it was fun. I loved how they go from acquaintance to friends to lovers. While I love childhood friends to lovers and enemies to lovers, there’s something so real and relatable to a more organic romance between “strangers”. He was the cliche cold/silent brood and she was the cliche bubbly gal (but with a past).

He Rui was a great secondary lead in that I am SO GLAD they didn’t make her hate Bai Xiao Duo for liking her crush. That story choice alone was a 10/10.

I also just have to say I LOVED the romance between the secondary leads – Xiao Yang and Lin Xiao Miao, they were sooo cute. Yu Shu Bo and Yu Shu Fen were eh for me as a secondary couple just because I don’t think the romance was very well set up on his side, but I did like both of their characters as people. Lastly, I wish we got to better explore the dynamic between Su Yan Cheng and his parents. It’s nice that his parents listen to him finally, but it felt a bit too sudden and convenient. The dad is literally yelling at him about studying abroad but then two days later he’s in a cooking apron while his wife says they are okay with Su Yan Cheng staying in China. I am glad he gets that “happy ending” with his parents but it just felt too rushed that it wasn’t as satisfying as it could have been.

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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 scenes

well, 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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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 lead

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dramanya ringan,cocok di tonton kalau butuh yang romcom ringan

Jujur aku nonton City of Romance awalnya nggak berekspektasi tinggi. Aku cuma lagi cari drama yang ringan buat selingan setelah nonton drama yang isinya konflik terus. Pas lihat sinopsisnya, aku mikir, "Yaudah deh, coba aja." Ternyata setelah beberapa episode, aku malah jadi betah lanjut nonton.
Menurutku daya tarik paling besar dari drama ini ada di chemistry pemeran utamanya. Mereka kelihatan nyaman satu sama lain, jadi interaksinya nggak kerasa dipaksain. Banyak momen yang sebenarnya sederhana, cuma ngobrol atau saling usil, tapi malah itu yang bikin gemes. Aku lebih suka romance yang berkembang pelan daripada yang baru ketemu langsung jatuh cinta, jadi aku lumayan menikmati perkembangan hubungan mereka.
Ceritanya memang nggak bisa dibilang baru. Kalau sering nonton romcom China, pasti bakal nemuin beberapa adegan yang terasa familiar. Tapi entah kenapa aku tetap enjoy. Mungkin karena cara penyampaiannya enak, nggak terlalu bertele-tele, dan konfliknya juga nggak dibikin ribet cuma buat nambah jumlah episode.
Yang aku suka lagi, drama ini nggak bikin capek. Ada drama yang tiap episode isinya marah-marahan, salah paham, nangis, terus besoknya salah paham lagi. Nah, di sini menurutku porsinya pas. Tetap ada konflik, tapi nggak sampai bikin kesel atau pengen skip. Malah aku sering lanjut episode berikutnya karena penasaran aja sama interaksi mereka, bukan karena konfliknya.
Soal akting, menurutku semuanya oke. Pemeran utama berhasil bikin karakternya terasa hidup. Ekspresi mereka juga natural, terutama waktu adegan lucu atau salting. Aku beberapa kali ketawa sendiri gara-gara tingkah mereka. Pemeran pendukungnya juga lumayan ngasih warna ke cerita, jadi nggak cuma fokus ke pasangan utamanya aja.
Visual dramanya juga enak dilihat. Warna-warnanya hangat dan bikin suasana terasa nyaman. Ini tipe drama yang enak ditonton sore atau malam sambil rebahan. OST-nya juga cocok sama suasananya. Memang nggak sampai bikin aku langsung cari lagunya, tapi pas diputar di dramanya terasa pas dan nggak ganggu.
Kalau ngomongin kekurangan, menurutku ada beberapa bagian yang lumayan gampang ditebak. Ada juga konflik yang menurutku bisa digali lebih dalam, tapi malah selesai cukup cepat. Terus di beberapa episode tengah sempat terasa agak pelan. Untungnya nggak berlangsung lama, jadi aku masih betah lanjut sampai selesai.
Yang paling bikin aku bertahan nonton sebenarnya bukan karena ceritanya yang luar biasa, tapi karena dramanya nyaman. Kadang kita memang nggak selalu butuh drama yang penuh plot twist atau bikin nangis. Ada kalanya cuma pengen nonton sesuatu yang bikin senyum, ketawa kecil, terus selesai dengan hati yang ringan. Buatku, City of Romance berhasil ngasih perasaan itu.
Aku juga suka karena hubungan mereka terasa cukup dewasa. Mereka memang nggak selalu setuju satu sama lain, tapi tetap berusaha saling ngerti. Menurutku itu lebih enak ditonton dibanding drama yang isinya salah paham terus tanpa alasan yang jelas. Momen romantisnya juga manis tanpa terasa berlebihan, jadi masih nyaman buat diikutin.
Overall, aku kasih 9,5/10. Mungkin drama ini bukan masterpiece dan nggak bakal jadi romcom terbaik yang pernah aku tonton, tapi aku benar-benar menikmati setiap episodenya. Kalau ada teman yang lagi nyari drama romance yang ringan, chemistry pemeran utamanya bagus, nggak banyak konflik yang bikin emosi, dan cocok buat ditonton sambil santai, aku bakal rekomendasiin City of Romance. Buatku drama ini berhasil jadi tontonan yang bikin mood lebih baik, dan itu udah lebih dari cukup.

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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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