JulesL

Yeah, I don't remember much about the bestie's family background but it does seem like she interacts more with the FL's familiy.

Given all the cliches so far, for sure there will be issues related to the parents of the leads later.

That’s a great comparison. The bestie comes across as more emotionally mature—like she’s lived through more, learned the hard lessons, and knows how to steady herself. That’s why she’s such solid emotional support.
It also explains why they work so well as friends. The FL clearly started out with lower self-esteem and confidence, especially early in the drama, and having someone grounded beside her really mattered.

So true. The best and most lasting relationships really do grow out of mutual partnership and friendship. When both people see each other as equals, communicate honestly, and actually like each other as humans, everything else hits differently.

I love Hu Xiu’s candidness. There was zero room for XZY to misunderstand what she was upset about—and she absolutely lit a fire under him.

That “throw the hat to block the camera” move? So smooth. Followed by something even smoother. I am glad that these two lead actors can deliver...all that chemistry 😍

They both have good traits, specific ones just displayed more prominently in each character.

Yes, I really hope so too.

True, but ZXR's character seems rarer in the cdramas. Someone whose values are truly good, and whose confidence and self-awareness is inspiring.

Now we have the next chapter of her life to look forward to, hopefully with Gong Huai Cong - most of us are shipping them :D

At this point, I might actually like the FL’s bestie Zhao Xiao Rou more than Hu Xiu. She’s her own woman. She knows exactly what makes her happy, and once trust is broken, that door is closed. No rewinds, no hanging onto the past and reminiscing, nothing toxic allowed to invade her life. I honestly love to see a character with clear priorities and value themselves above all.

Yeah with all the characters intersecting, a love triangle is for sure. I just don't want that pairing to happen :(

Yeah , and it's still funny.

I hope there will be no love triangle between Shin Jeong Hoo and Go Bok Hee, because she's channeling Hong Geum Bo's actions and attention towards him.

Agree with this. I was surprised they had Jingyuan find out, but it was actually a nice touch.
I also get what you mean about the contrived emotional conflict—that’s exactly why I’m so annoyed by the ML’s best friend dragging him to the Music Office.

Video guy aka SML is cute! His dressing though is a bit loud though lol

Again, like I said before - I love the actor playing the FL's boss. He must be having so much fun!

He should never even have appeared. Just a mention of the father and brother would have been enough to remind us of them in Season 1!

I just want him to go home and mind his own business!

I am annoyed after seeing the previews - seems like You Chen An is finally making his move and causing trouble. That silly and unnecessary presence of the brother!

Turned out to be a big clue and some comic relief!

Oh I just commented on that theory before I read this.
I’m definitely starting to doubt the theory now. Some things just don’t line up, and You Chen An feels less like the mastermind and more like a double agent operating under Peacock.
That said… I wouldn’t rule him out entirely. I can totally see a darker endgame where he quietly plays everyone, then takes out his eldest brother and his father to seize the throne. Low profile, maximum damage. If that happens, it would be no surprise for the “harmless” one to be the final villain.