Xu Yun Lu's world shatters when she discovers her stepbrother, Duan Lin Zhou, has only been feigning affection for her. A calculated act of revenge for her and her mother marrying into his family. So, Xu Yun Lu applied to study abroad and has to wait for ten days for the papers to be processed. The next day, Duan Lin Zhou introduces his childhood playmate, Shen Yao Yao, as his fake fiancée. A move he dismisses as necessary to appease his father's pressure to marry. Duan Lin Zhou traps Xu Yun Lu in a confusing, agonizing charade. Very possessive and loving by night, but publicly sweet and devoted to Shen Yao Yao by day. After ten days of this emotional torment, Xu Yun Lu leaves the country for her studies abroad. Duan Lin Zhou's frantic, tearful dash to the airport comes too late. Abroad, Xu Yun Lu is welcomed by her childhood sweetheart, Fang Yun Sheng, and stays at his home, hoping to find a path forward. But the distance is not enough to deter Duan Lin Zhou, who soon follows her abroad, determined to reclaim the woman he played with. (Source: eraaa_ at kisskh) Edit Translation
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Reviews
Boundaries? What a concept!
I’m currently deep in a step-sibling/adopted-sibling/fake-sibling romance binge, and yes, before anyone gasps, I am perfectly capable of separating fiction from real life. I know this trope is eeky to many, but the psychology of proximity, loyalty, and blurred family dynamics honestly fascinates me. Usually, though, I only “approve” of these setups when the relationship leans nurturing or protective. Once the vibe shifts into manipulative territory, I’m out—unless the show itself acknowledges the danger instead of trying to romanticize it.Enter this drama. There’s a tag about manipulation, and let’s be real: there are layers to that word. A little assertiveness? Fine. But Lin Zhou is clearly parked in the toxic lane with no intention of signaling left. And while 99% of sibling-adjacent dramas insist that obsessive, all-consuming “you’re my whole world” love is destiny, this drama actually pushes back. I don’t buy that obsessive love is the only route, and shockingly, the narrative agrees with me for once.
Honestly, I would’ve rated this way lower if the show suddenly did a 180 and tried to redeem the red flag just because he’s the male lead. Thankfully, the story commits to its trajectory. Yun Lu choosing to walk away instead of capitulating to a toxic dynamic? A revolution compared to many female leads who practically gift-wrap themselves for the problematic man.
No, this isn’t groundbreaking television; it’s a Chinese vertical drama in 2025, not a thesis on modern relationships. But the simple decision not to reward toxic obsession is enough to give me hope that writers can—and occasionally do—circumvent the usual mess.
