[Chinese] Watched - 2026

it was definitely very cute and fun. I loved every single couple and all their moments, but I def do think the drama lost some steam towards the end. I think its charm is in its interactions between the couples and in-laws and family, and I wish we got more of that. Especially because a lot of this was very self contained as in you would have one couple arc and they'd all but disappear afterwards. I think the writing def could've tightened up to focus more on what made this drama so loveable - the characters and dynamics between them. Would give this somewhere around an 8/8.5 but im not rating it officially bc I cant commit..

The 1st half of this drama - incredible. The tone, cinematography, directing, wardrobe,  soundtrack, the build up in the storytelling and the glimpses of "more," the atmosphere it all created. I was so invested in everything and everyone. ZLS/XY was the best part, she bodied this role; the emotions, complexity, and depth.

& then.. the 2nd half. The tone shift was so stark, it seemed like a completely diff show. The foundation that the 1st half built collapsed, and nothing lived up to the potential that was promised. The heart of "2nd chance romance" is that you centre the growth of the characters during their separation and show how their reconciliation is as stronger individuals creating a stronger bond that simply wasn't possible the first time around. Did not get this in any satisfying way from ML. Never felt like he seriously engaged with his feelings or reflected on the hurt he caused or the person he is. We had this to some VERY SHALLOW extent, but nothing that felt real or substantial or meaningful. Nothing that, in my opinion, did justice to the magnitude of his actions and character.

So for the reconciliation, I just dgaf. I was more often annoyed than charmed. Unnecessary plots began overwhelming the show, & I just didn't care. I went from eagerly drinking this drama in, staying up late, thinking about when I could keep watching, to skipping. If the first half of this drama were like the second half, I might have liked it. If the second half were like the first half, it could've been a hall of fame all timer for me. Instead, the show couldn't commit to what it wanted to be, and ultimately felt like a betrayal of itself.

Fav parts: Xu Yan (esp 1st half), Hao Chen (he is My Child), the relationship between them (wish there was more) This show felt like a promise filled with infinite potential, and then that promise was broken with absolutely no payoff, and I was made to be the fool for taking it seriously all along.