It is a classic case of a high-budget production relying on "S+ tier" actors to mask a hollow, propagandist…
I don't think its really propaganda its just these genre of Romance that takes part in some hot chinese industry or professional field. If they going to use it as a plot device, they obviously need to make it positive and not some degenerate thing to get pass the censors. I learn to FF most of it though since its all irrelevant to me.
The character where I can't say anything is LYS. He is the knight and shining armour people are looking for. Lol.
IRL, that guy is kinda red flag too. He stalked her for 2 years and moved to be her boss. As the viewer, we can't be sure if his plot was originally for revenge until the misunderstanding was reveal (since its a "nice" cdrama, we know it wont be that). It could of been since he had immense guilt and took off. LOL
I completely understand that people don't like ZX, that's your right, and given his behavior, it's understandable…
SML was basically waiting for everything to line up before chasing after the FL. Unfortunately they both went on different timeline. Likely if they dated, they wouldn't work out anyways. I don't really agree with all the hate he gets. Both SML and FL had some normal but unhealthy "obsession" or "crush" with the other. SML got fed outdated information and decided to try his last effort in ep 30. So far , its pretty tame compare to like kdrama love triangles lol. Now if he becomes a villian....
kinda confused with the timeline. did fl meet sml because he was the cousins tutor or because dorm mates childhood friend? at what age did the crush start?