Summit of Our Youth

Oh my..

Summit of Our Youth started a little strong, but quickly stablelized and continued at a smooth pace. The actors were great, the story was interesting, and the production was good. It's one of the better dramas that I've seen this year.
I was so happy that Gu Xue Jiao was trying to help those around her, even those who wronged her in the original timeline.
Gu Xue Jiao and Lin Zhi Hua were so fricking cute!!! I really loved their relationship and, honestly, was kind of envious lol.
I was over the moon to see them live the life they deserved! Which is why the last episode was such a punch in the gut!!!! WTH? They were happy, the people around them were happy, the new timeline was just filled with happiness, so why??! Well, at least Gu Xue Jiao and Lin Zhi Hua still have each other, right? That's all that matters.

I'm still rather perplexed...
But! Regardless of the ending, Summit of Our Youth really is a wonderful drama, and I would recommend it to everyone who reads this.

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i really liked this!! it was so fluffy and cute

main characters areadorable together !! the casting is immaculate. both are so good looking on their own and they suit each other soo well
i love how gu xuejie remained dedicated to her goals and didn't allow romance to lead her astray the second time around, but rather allowed it to further her progress. lin zhihua was the biggest green flag ever and treated her so well!! the pacing felt very natural and i loved seeing them fall for each other. i really enjoyed the studying aspect as well, it motivated me to et to work :)
the only thing i disliked was the shiyun plotline. halfway through i just started entirely skipping all her scenes. very veryyy unsuccessful revamp
though the ending was rushed, i thoroughly enjoyed the entire series, hence the 8/10

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They Found Each Other Again—And That’s Why It Worked for Me

I started Summit of Our Youth already knowing the ending, and I think that made a huge difference in how I experienced the drama. If I hadn’t known how it ends, I probably would’ve rated it much lower. Knowing the ending in advance helped me accept it, especially since time-travel and rebirth dramas tend to follow the same pattern due to censorship. At this point, I’ve watched so many of these stories that I’m somewhat used to this kind of conclusion. As long as the main couple finds each other again, I’m usually satisfied—and here, I knew they would.

Putting the ending aside, the drama itself is fairly enjoyable. It’s definitely watchable, though not particularly groundbreaking or original. What I did appreciate was that both leads time-traveled, which is rare; usually only one character does. That was a refreshing change. The overall plot was decent, but the focus leaned more toward the female lead’s success and growth in her reborn life rather than romance, which makes sense for the story—but I personally wanted more romance. The main couple had great chemistry, and it felt underused.

There were quite a few scenes that seemed cut short, especially once they started living together. I would’ve preferred more domestic and emotional moments instead of some of the business-heavy focus. That said, the actors did a great job. The female lead in particular stood out to me—she’s beautiful, talented, and very underrated. I also loved the height difference between the leads.

As for the side characters, I honestly didn’t care much for them. I liked the brother as a character, but I didn’t enjoy his relationship with the female lead’s enemy. Several storylines felt underdeveloped. One of my biggest disappointments was the ex-boyfriend’s unnecessary villain arc. I really liked his character and development early on, so seeing all of that thrown away was frustrating.

What bothered me most about the ending, though, was that GOA dies and her parents fail. That was the saddest and hardest part to accept. I think the ending could’ve been handled much better—similar to how Yummy Yummy Yummy wrapped up its rebirth storyline, where things felt more emotionally resolved. I would’ve preferred to see her family succeed again and more focus on the characters repairing their lives, rather than spending so much time on the company plot.

Overall, Summit of Our Youth is a decent, enjoyable watch. It’s not extraordinary, but it’s fun and offers a nice change of pace, especially with its entrepreneurial angle—it even reminded me a bit of the K-drama Start-Up. I honestly recommend watching it only if you know the ending beforehand. If you go in blind, you’ll probably be disappointed. Knowing what I was signing up for is what allowed me to enjoy it.

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DO NOT WATCH THIS WITHOUT READING THIS REVIEW

I SINCERELY REGRET WATCHING THIS WHILE ONGOING. AND EVEN THO I WAITED FOR LIKE 2 DAYS AFTER THE FINAL EPISODE CAME, DUE TO MY EXAMS I DIDN'T READ ANY REVIEW CUZ I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE A SPOILER. I'll try to keep it short. It starts with a great concept of MC and ML time-travelling back and together building a better life, constantly influencing each other to better themselves and everyone around them to create a happy future for all. The entire show ML was good, and overall, the show is great; even the side characters are well written. The only reason for me to give a low rating on rewatch and story is the fucking ending. Due to China's ban on time-travelling in shows, they messed up the ending, and by "messed up" I don't mean the entire last episode, just the last few mins. If anyone would like to watch it, I would recommend stopping exactly at the scene in the car where they start focusing on the date of their time-travelling in the last episode. From there on is downhill.

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Could have been even better if

So personally, this could have been even better for mainly 2 reasons, I’ll develop below.

1) Thoughts for eps 1-13 :

Let’s start with some like :
- I find both leads likeable characters.
- Good chemistry between the leads. I enjoy and always wait for their interactions. I have some good scenes in mind, like :
* When he saved her in woods, after her talking to him when he was in the bathroom (thinking it was her girl friend)
* When she was in his house, looking at pictures and all with his parents, that was pretty fun
* when her brother was drunk and they went home together. FL falling, him catching (a cliché, but we still love it), etc..
* In the lab, the scene on the chair
* In ep 13, her drunk. They were cute, piggyback ridding her, the little kiss
- FL is cute, beautiful and ML is handsome, he looks manly. He looked very good in that blue suit (dont remember the episode). He is kind, supportive and has good qualities. Husband material. They are a good match and even the actors fit together
- I appreciate how they showed us early on that ML also « timed travel » and he remembers. In some drama with similar plot that I saw before, we only know FL did and at the end she randomly meet ML again and we are supposed to believe it’s « him ». Makes more sense like this in here.
- also interesting that ML found out in ep 13 that FL went back. But, her saying that if he was the one from the future, she would never never like him, I feel incoming problems
- this has some fun moments and some good friendship moment. I like Gao Rui and FL’s friend who cook.
- It was good seeing FL change her fate, motivation, studying hard and finally getting into the university of her choice,
- As of now, FL is not going in the way of forgiven and staying friend with that snake ex friend
- FL’s family

So now, what is going wrong in this drama that make it loose some point for me :
A) FL’s ex best friend and brother : If you add some side couples, I will include them in my rating. totally unlikable and uninteresting story. Like who wants to see a the romance for that bitch and sometimes they have a lot of screentime. We have seen how she is and what she did in future and all, totally a fake friend who stabs you in the back. Now she has a sad story with the mom and they will maybe try to redeem her. Don’t know what they are trying to do with her character, but I feel 0 sympathy for her. We know the brother is dump and have low EQ, but seeing him go again and again after her is just side eyes. Even more after she tried to hurt his sister and bro doesn’t care, he still wants her. Like come on. Having such a bad second couple is unfortunate. No idea if this is in the book, but another couple instead of those two or even putting more in the spotlight the potential ML’s friend and his cousin would have been better. These 2 are lovely characters and just little crumbs so far, would have been such a better second couple, they deserve more screentime.
B) Lurking SML : bro is not taking the hint. He is still chasing FL and sometimes interrupts the moments between the leads. His presence give nothing to me but annoyance. If I was FL, I wouldn’t spend a second with him after going back in the past. I know he is the one going to see her and all, but she still spend time with him (like in the cafeteria for exemple or her birthday : ML getting her a cake and SML randomly came interrupt their moment and he just stayed with them ???). Let’s see how it goes, I just hope it’s not gonna be like this till the end. Give him another love interest or make FL already proper reject him or something. That was my rant, sorry ahaha it’s just these SML with one-side who can’t take the hint or still continue after being told no, just touch a nerves on me for some reason😅😅😅😅 and if for this character, it feels like his hole personality is going after the FL, what an uninspiring and boring character, let’s see what they do with him later

So, I would probably rate it for now 8-8,5/10

To Be continued…

2) Second half 14-24 + ending :

ep 15 : officialy together. 2 years time jump

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Relish second chances and relationships, and don't forget the family!

From Episodes 1 to 15, this comedy-drama with a large chunk of romance is light, fun, yet realistic and plays out like a delightful puzzle connecting many hearts while hopefully inspiring viewers to study hard, cherish relationships and patiently consider the factors which influence personal choices. What if you had a second chance to change what you once did in school, for a future in university and beyond?

Gu Xuejiao decides to take charge of second chances and embrace certain changes. Along the way, our lovable heroine's story interweaves and unfolds alongside the stories of her brother, her choice of tutor (Lin Zhihua), and certain friends including those who are not kind to her. Adapting a novel to screen isn't easy for multiple characters necessary to each other, especially with only 23 episodes. However, screenwriter Lan Baise and Director Cai Cong keep a streamlined focus on character development and relationships while incorporating plot devices alongside engaging wordplay. Peanuts are heartwarming positivity. Coding takes on a completely new meaning when verbally discussed. Finding friends to rely upon, sharing camaraderie and jokes and more- This drama might give you ideas and courage in overcoming obstacles.

A crucial factor for this drama involves the different parents of the five characters with the biggest screentimes in this drama, whereby these parents leave their impact on those children and in turn, also influences individuality of each character when it comes to relationships. Across 15 episodes, why each of the five characters turned out the way they did or once made specific choices will become clearer. Gu Xuejiao and Gu Mingze are fortunate in ways which the likes of Lin Zhihua and Zhou Shiyun are not. One specific relationship might make some viewers question why it even happens. Second chances take time depending on emotional wounds, and some people need more time than others... Especially when you consider the kind of parents you might be fortunate to have versus the parents which children don't deserve to suffer or be controlled by.

Sun Zhenni is happily relishing this role whereby she is not afraid to be whatever her character needs (reminding one of Carole Lombard from the Golden Age of Hollywood), and shines as Gu Xuejiao in a naturally expressive manner wielding delicate restraint in selected moments. Chen Jingke is the perfect foil and might make you see spectacles in a totally different light. "Relish" is the keyword here, whereby the cast is clearly having a blast acting out their individual quirks and emotions in this drama. Their synergy flows, and the end result is fresh while not taking itself too seriously with just the right touch of exaggeration or subtlety where needed, while aiming to address life through different perspectives with different personalities.

The full OST of 21 songs encapsulates a slice of time in life, whereby you will want to enjoy halcyon days and achieve your goals and be in school again... Breathing in the perfume of possibilities and romance amidst a fresh field of flowers or bouncy summer humidity. 《无效》 by 孙郎朗Billy is the rap song that might have you bopping along mentally, spreading good vibes. Wanting good things to happen to everybody is a noble kind aspiration to share via a drama. Will the characters leave you wanting to have good things happen for others, making good on second chances? All I can say is... Peanuts.

花生花生好事发生!

ETA: For the remaining eight episodes, currently no comments.

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A Moving Train That Crashed Without Warning

The story began with grace and promise. It felt like watching two people not only rediscover themselves but also positively impact the lives around them. Their journey was heartfelt, and the pacing in the beginning was smooth and engaging. It gave the impression of a second chance—hopeful, transformative, and emotionally resonant.

But as the drama progressed, that momentum was lost. Toward the end, everything fell apart. The narrative derailed so abruptly it felt like a moving train screeching to a halt with no destination in sight. The final episodes lacked cohesion and emotional payoff, leaving the plot fractured and the viewer unsatisfied. What started as a compelling and uplifting story turned into a confusing and disheartening mess.

The ending didn’t just disappoint—it dismantled everything the drama had built. A show with genuine potential that, sadly, blew it when it mattered most.

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The thing I felt

All episodes were gr8 according to me but thing I didn't like is the last episodes seems empty like 😕
though the dream was gr8 but in end they do meet in lift agn as lovers but not like gr8 one happy ending I wished it cld have been better with time travel thing too!! Yeah the kissing scene doesn't seem that gr8 though they were nice and story too...I thought shld have ep 24 on contrary as the last showing both first and second lead endings gr8...!! the time travels drama always seems like a dream u enjoy but the reality is different in the drama like whyy...the cast and all were gr8 and story too but I wld like everyone to focus on the main points in the review which are common in every one and in end I wld say that drama was good however it was I liked it the story the actor and actress and play and the story which was played in dream...I wld say not good but not bad!!!

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BEST TO WORST REACTION

I don’t usually watch modern dramas, but I decided to give this one a try, and at first, I really enjoyed it. The first half of the story pulled me in so much that I thought it might become one of my favorites.

However, as the series drew closer to its conclusion (around 4–5 episodes before the finale), I began to lose interest. I found myself skipping so many scenes that sometimes I only spent 10 minutes on an entire episode. The conflict between the male lead and female lead over the “lie” was so frustrating, it felt childish and unnecessary. Honestly, if he hadn’t known she came from the future, she probably wouldn’t have told him either, so I couldn’t understand why she acted like it was all his fault.

The second couple also annoyed me. The guy just kept following the girl around like a slave, and it was painful to watch instead of sweet. And as for the ending… it felt pretty dull and unsatisfying compared to the strong start.

Overall, I’d say this drama had a great beginning, but the weak conflicts and flat ending really dragged it down.

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Good until the 20th episode!!

* Cast was amazing, undoubtedly.
* Storyline was going nice if considered a fictional drama. The ML and FL had nice chemistry.
* For me, a nice happy ending means everything settled with all pieces of life put together perfectly, even though its just not possible in reality but the fact is that this is a drama not reality.
* I know going back in past is not possible but it is still acceptable form a drama's pov. Everything was nicely put together up until the 20th episode and I liked it.

I was happy until the scene where the past life lover heard their conversation and then came the leap. That was horrible and honestly I don't know how to express that all in words,

Maybe I should have read the reviews first.

I never write reviews but I had to since this series was too much.

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