Gradually into You (2025)

My personal favorite Wen Xi-Shang Chen version

I watch this last year and people prefer the first version while my best version are going to Xia Ningjun-Yu Yutong version.

The production level is slightly lower than the first version, but the plot, logic, details, and acting are all superior to the first version. While the ML and FL in this script are aloof, they're far from being completely unresponsive. They still experience emotional shifts when interacting with people they know well-you can connect the emotion to the main lead since it was close to reality.

The plot was more refined than first version making the underlying logic more plausible. The adoptive mother's coldness towards the FL also becomes much more believable (in the first version, it just felt a bit inexplicable or like a typical short drama trope).The FL's birth mother makes her stance clear early on and uses stronger methods. While her performance might not be as striking as in the first version,

The storyline involving Zhou Yuan is more detailed and doesn't rely on belittling the FL to highlight the ML's strength. The biggest advantage is the increased interaction between the ML and FL, making the plot sweeter and warmer. It unfolds gradually, showing the journey from strangers to roommates, then to lovers, and finally to partners. The cool, aloof demeanor doesn't necessarily need to be artificially created; the male and female leads perfectly embody this. FL older brother appears on last of episode hinting the season 2 of this drama.

Ultra-recommended to watch.

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Great kissing scenes but bland acting by supporting cast

My friend thehepburn notified me of this vertical drama and the different versions back in December. I got bored on Chinese New Year so I looked up iQIYI and found this drama. I liked it but I love version 1 with Wang Chen Peng & Lin Zi Xuan.

What I liked:
1. Romance - There were plenty of intimate scenes in this drama. FL often got pushed to the bed but my favourite scene is when she took charge. I loved it when they were at ease with each other. Hand holding was adorable.
2. Acting - Xia Ning Jun & Yu Yu Tong gave a good performance. They were a gorgeous couple & had sizzling chemistry. I also liked He Lian Fei's performance - his aura was as strong as the main leads
3. FL characterisation - This version of FL teased ML a lot, great to see her flirt with hubby. She was also cool & collected.
4. ML characterisation - I liked his protectiveness over ML. He was smart & observant - his reactions towards FL's quips were adorable.
5. Styling - Both of them were elegant. Their outfits really elevated them to look like a power couple.
6. Supporting characters - It was great to see Wen ge ge given airtime. That scene when he met FL after the debacle was touching. I also liked Lu Jing Huai in this version. He seemed level-headed.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Yan Zhao was pathetic for playing victim.
2. Acting - The supporting cast gave rather bland performances. In the first version, I felt strong emotions when FL's biological mother and Yan Zhao appeared on screen. In this drama, they felt insignificant.

Favourite scene
Bathtub scene

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