meimei

1. They officially got together later or at the latter part of the drama (almost at the end), but they had already developed feelings for each other during the first half—or maybe even earlier. They're living in one roof so they're 'literally' together.
2. They never really broke up because they weren't in an official relationship in the first place. I mean, they didn't confess w/ each other or announced that they're in a relationship. There were moments when circumstances almost drove them apart, but there wasn't any formal breakup. I think it's just one situation where they got separated because of QY's father. If that is considered a breakup then so be it, haha.
3. Yes, there are love rivals: one female coworker for XW and two guys—a friend and a classmate—for QY, but neither XW nor QY ever developed romantic feelings for them.
4. Yes, the drama has a happy ending.
5. It does have a slow-burn romance, but the pacing isn't overly slow. In my opinion, it's balanced and progresses at just the right pace.
6. There are plenty of skinship scenes throughout the drama, while the kissing scenes mostly happen towards the end.

Oooh, then I'll definitely add that to my watchlist. Thank you! Maybe I'll watch it after my exams. I'm really, really happy for LYR like how far he's come and how successfully he's established himself. I've only known him through his historical dramas and Keep Running, so learning about everything he's accomplished in real life makes me even more proud of him.

Indeed, i didn't know that LYR can be this good at modern dramas though i'm aware that he had his first modern drama with the "Go Back Lover" however, I wasn't able to watch that one.

I'd also like to emphasize that this drama wasn't just about XW and QY or their relationship. While they may have been the center of the story, the drama ultimately explored the personal journeys of everyone around them. Each character faced their own struggles, made difficult choices, learned from their mistakes, and tried to become a better version of themselves. That, to me, was one of the most beautiful aspects of the story.

I understand why some viewers felt that the latter part + ending of the story or their adult life felt rushed and disappointing. It didn't provide the kind of closure many of us were hoping for, and it left certain things open to interpretation (their future). However, I believe that was intentional. Rather than focusing solely on the destination or giving us a perfectly wrapped-up conclusion, the drama chose to highlight the importance of growth, perseverance, and self-discovery.

Life doesn't always offer clear-cut endings or all the answers we seek. Sometimes, what truly matters is how far we've come, the lessons we've learned, and the people we've become through our experiences. The ending may have left us hanging by only giving us a simple ending, but perhaps that was its way of reminding us that progress is often more meaningful than the outcome itself. In the end, it wasn't just a story about love—it was a story about healing, change, and choosing to keep moving forward despite life's uncertainties.

I think it all boils down to what QY's father said about them not being supposed to stay in contact, along with QY deleting her number from XW's phone (or vice versa). It definitely wasn't easy for him, especially since he still had something to prove but even so, he kept his promise.

I was also hoping we'd get to see scenes from his university days or how he landed his job. But I guess the drama was already focused on his life and the struggles he went through, so putting more emphasis on QY was their way of showing that his achievements meant even more because of her. In a way, he wouldn't be where he is now if it weren't for QY.

Hello, it’s meimei, back again with another review. This time, however, it will be my last since the drama has officially come to an end.

Over the past few weeks, this drama has become my comfort and my escape. No matter how tiring or exhausting my days were, I always found myself looking forward to the release of each new episode. Somehow, it gave me something to anticipate every day—a small source of happiness amidst my studies, responsibilities, and everything else.

Yesterday, I was genuinely caught off guard when I saw the remaining episodes all at once. My excitement was impossible to hide. My mom even caught me giggling to myself because I couldn’t stop smiling from ear to ear. Seeing how happy I was, she immediately said, “You’re going to get obsessed with another drama again,” not knowing it was the same drama i’ve been watching for a while now + expressing concern about my review because, admittedly, I hadn’t been taking it very seriously. Even so, I still tried to work on it with the best of my ability.

Today, I woke up unusually early—probably because I had fallen asleep early as well—and immediately remembered that I still had a few episodes left to watch. Naturally, I ended up watching them right away.

Starting with Episode 26, I already had a feeling about what was coming, but that didn’t make it hurt any less. Grandma had become such an integral part of the family that losing her felt like losing a piece of the story itself. What made it even more heartbreaking was knowing that QY never got the chance to see her one last time. There are certain goodbyes that leave a lasting ache, and this was definitely one of them.

Then came Episode 27 and it slowly began putting the pieces of my heart back together. I’ve always believed that the tapping method would eventually become QY’s way of reaching out to XW. Even after she deleted his contact—which if I’m being honest, felt harsh on XW’s side—and after she said about cutting the distance between them while leaving the rest up to him, I never lost hope. I knew that someday they would find their way back to each other.

One thing I certainly didn’t expect, however, was Rui Hang’s return. Yes, the guy with the glasses. The “friend” who has been hopelessly in love with QY for what feels like forever. Seeing him reappear and continue pursuing her was honestly surprising. At that point, it felt less like persistence and more like desperation. I won’t lie—every time he appeared on my screen, I felt slightly uncomfortable. Thankfully, QY remained firm with her decisions and didn’t waver. No matter how many times he tried to win her over, he simply couldn’t.

On the other hand, I was pleasantly surprised by QY’s father. While he hasn’t completely changed, there was noticeable growth in his character. Somehow, for the first time, he seemed willing to trust QY and allow her to make her own decisions. It may seem like a small step, but considering everything we’ve seen throughout the drama, it was a meaningful one.

Moreover, the Shi Min and Fan Tong’s wedding. They looked absolutely adorable. As a bonus, we even got Chen Gong, a.k.a Huang Mao, looking exceptionally handsome. The only unfortunate part was that it became another missed opportunity for QY and XW to see each other and have their long-awaited reunion. Much more when the circle is complete.

Nevertheless, Episodes 28 and 29 were probably when I felt the happiest. The producer, writer, and director truly gave it their all. The blind-date setup was brilliant, creating exactly the kind of tension and excitement viewers had been waiting for. And those kissing scenes? Let’s just say the number is best left undisclosed. Some secrets are worth keeping and this is one of them.

I also want to give a special shoutout to Cao Ping. Out of all the characters, his growth surprised me the most. I never expected him to become someone who would embody many of the qualities we admired in XW, yet here we are. Watching his development unfold was one of the most rewarding aspects of the latter half of the story.

By the time we reached the finale, even my frustration towards RH had begun to disappear. Seeing him support XW and QY instead of standing in their way showed maturity and growth. It was refreshing to see him finally accept reality and choose to support their happiness rather than fight against it.

Even more, what made me happier was seeing how open XW and QY became about their relationship. After everything they had endured—the misunderstanding, the separation, the waiting, and the uncertainty—they finally reached a point where they no longer had to hide their feelings. And yes, that kiss was absolutely worth the wait.

Most importantly, we finally got the reunion we’ve been waiting for. It was emotional, satisfying, and beautifully executed. The additional kissing scene was simply the cherry on top. And then there was XW’s speech as an alumni graduate—a moment that perfectly captured the heart of the drama and everything it wanted to say about hope, perseverance, and self-worth.

To the producer, writer, and director—thank you for creating such a memorable drama. It has undoubtedly earned a place among my all-time favorite c-dramas. The cast was perfect, the characters were lovable, the soundtrack was fitting, and the cinematography was beautiful. While there were a few minor flaws in the storyline, they were not enough to take away from the overall experience.

More than anything, I will truly miss Zhazhating itself—the people, the memories, the sense of belonging, and the emotional journey shared by its community. I will miss the warmth it brought, the tears it caused, and the countless moments that reminded me why stories matter in the first place.

I will also remember the little references that were shown throughout the drama. The Titanic-inspired Jack and Rose moment remains one of my favorite scenes, while the inclusion of k-pop songs like “Nobody” and “Gee” added a nostalgic touch that made me smile. Perhaps someone involved in the production is a second-generation K-pop fan.

As I say goodbye to this drama, I want to leave you with these lines that perfectly capture its message:

“Run forward. Don’t look back. Like all of you, someone saw potential in me, and I believed I could fight my way towards a better life. “ — XW

“She also told me that . . no one is born inferior. We all have it within us to shine.” — XW

“Weeds grow from ash, sunlight finds its way through cracks, ordinary life holds its own beauty, and hope can emerge even from despair. That is the power of life.” — QY

To anyone who’s reading this, no matter how difficult life becomes, there is always room for growth, healing, and hope.

This is not yet the end, this is just the beginning. Fighting! May we all have that strength to keep moving forward.

P.S. I’ve seen people mention that there could be 36 episodes rather than 30. I hope that turns out to be the case. Either way, I’m already happy with how it ended.

Thank you. I usually end up liking either the ML or the FL only, but i believe this is one of the rare exceptions—I love them both or equally. I was pleasantly surprised with her character growth. She initially came across as annoying, but her behavior was understandable given her upbringing. Over time, she learned to adapt, became more independent, and consistently showed her genuine love and care for XW so yes. . i think you'd come to love this drama as much as i do if you give it a chance.

Perfect, because this is one of the most balanced otps i’ve ever watched in c-dramas. They’re mutual. She’s as much as in love and was able to sacrifice a lot of times for his sake, if not for him, for his family which i believe the happiness of XW as well. It’s just the personality of XW wherein he doesn’t want to be a burden or to place a burden to others which is why no matter how QY is trying to help, he either insist her not to or if she was able to do it already, he makes sure to give back in any way he can. But no worries, it’s still balanced, at least for me.

I was able to watch up to the latest ones. Let me know your thoughts after watching or when you’re done 😊

Thank you 😊

Thank you 😊

Thank you!! 🥹🫶

I was already teary-eyed during the first part of Episode 24. Seeing so many people step up to help XW, QY, and their family reminded me that kindness never goes unnoticed—you’re never truly alone when you’ve treated others well. What touched me even more was XW’s response to all of it. Despite being in such a difficult situation, he refused the money people offered him. In those moments, you can clearly tell that he's a good person. He has always carried himself with dignity, never wanting to burden others even when he had every reason to accept help.

The line “Yesterday, I was lost, but today I see the path,” felt especially powerful because they reflected not only hope but determination. Even when life pushed him into a corner, he didn’t stop moving forward. He continued working while studying/reviewing, refusing to give up on himself or his future.

Then that hair-drying scene, it absolutely melted me. It’s honestly amazing how this drama manages to make my heart race without relying heavily on intimate scenes. I know there’s a kissing scene eventually, but the fact that we’re this far into the story and the emotional tension alone made us completely invested says a lot about the writing. The lingering eye contact, the gentle gestures, the quiet moments where neither of them needs to say much—those scenes often feel more heartwarming than a kiss. This drama understands that the smallest acts of care can carry the deepest emotions.

As for QY’s father, I’m not surprised. In fact, i’ve already seen it coming. While I understand where he’s coming from because any parent would want to protect their child and ensure they have a stable future, however, there is a difference between guiding your child and deciding their life for them. QY deserved the chance to make her own choices, even if those choices carried risks.

On the other hand, it’s not the case for XW. I admire how respectful XW has always been towards QY’s decisions. He never tried to control her or pressure her into anything. It was always, “it’s up to her.” Even during one of the most heartbreaking conversations of his life, he remained incredibly selfless. Instead of fighting for himself, he spoke about QY’s needs.. He told her father that he wasn’t afraid of QY forgetting him. What worried him was that QY needed her family too, that she could get lonely, and that her father should be there for her.

I don’t know how anyone could hear those words and not be moved.

And then, after all of that, he had to hear the father of the person he loves tell him that they belong to different worlds. That’s such a cruel thing to say. It wasn’t just rejection—it served as a reminder of all the challenges and insecurities he had to deal with throughout his life. It was brutal and honestly, my heart broke for him again.

Despite everything that had happened, they still chose to spend their last night together. It was such a painful yet beautiful moment. I kept thinking about these lines:

“Qing Ye, you’re a born explorer. Time to set sail.” — XW

“I’ll cut the distance between us in half. The rest is up to you.” — QY

“I hope the next time we see each other, we’ll both be at our best.” — QY

“Qing Ye, just keep moving forward. I’ll catch up.” — XW

By the end of Episode 25, I felt like I was witnessing a new version of QY. Not because she changed who she was, but because she finally found the courage to stand firmly in her own convictions. She spoke honestly to her father, expressed her feelings without hesitation, and refused to let others belittle her experiences. Looking back on her time in Zhazhating with gratitude and affection and watching her stand her ground were one of the most satisfying moments in the drama so far. She didn’t allow pain to erase the happiness she experienced there.

And finally, LF (XW's mom) whom i've practically given up on after the eyebrow tattoo incident. I was convinced she would never win me back. Yet somehow, by the end, she managed to remind me that beneath all her flaws is a mother who genuinely loves her family and is willing to sacrifice for them. She’s far from perfect, but perhaps that’s what makes her feel human. So yes, I take back some of my earlier judgment.

This drama continues to surprise me. Just when I think it’s about to break my heart beyond repair, it gives me moments of warmth, hope, and resilience. And honestly, that’s what makes it so special.

It took me quite a while to catch up on the previous episodes because I’ve been busy studying for my board exams next month. Yesterday, however, I finally gave myself a much-needed break because my brain was completely drained from reviewing. Coincidentally, when I resumed watching the series, I landed on a certain episode where the characters were also preparing for their final examinations. It felt oddly comforting and relatable. Seeing QY take on the role of a teacher made me admire her even more. Her wisdom, patience, and dedication were inspiring, and I found myself feeling motivated to continue working hard.

Another thing I appreciated was Cao Fan’s character development. In the beginning, I honestly couldn’t stand her because of how she constantly targeted QY and seemed determined to make her life difficult. But as more of her story unfolded, I started to understand where her bitterness came from. It didn’t excuse her actions, but it gave them context. I realized that she was carrying wounds and frustrations that had shaped her behavior. By the end, I found myself sympathizing with her rather than resenting her.

The same can be said for Cao Ping, although I struggled much more with him. I was genuinely mad when he attacked XW. No matter how hurt or resentful a person may feel, there are lines that should never be crossed. What frustrated me most was his belief that he was the only one carrying pain. He acted as though his suffering justified everything he did, when in reality, so many other characters were fighting battles of their own. XW, in particular, endured an incredible amount of hardship even after winning the basketball match. His victories never erased the emotional burdens he carried.

As for that gangster guy, I have completely given up on expecting any sort of redemption from him. At this point, he feels like the embodiment of chaos and annoyance. Every time he appears, he brings unnecessary trouble. Yet despite acting tough, he’s actually a coward. It’s almost comical how he constantly relies on others and never has the courage to confront XW by himself. For someone who tries so hard to appear intimidating, he certainly lacks conviction when it matters most.

Furthermore, the recent episodes were emotionally devastating. One scene that particularly stayed with me was the interaction between Lan Fang (XW’s mom) and Grandma in the bathroom. LF was trying to wash clothes (pants) in a small basin while trying to process everything that had happened. Grandma, burdened with guilt and concern, attempted to ease the situation by talking about financial matters and offering help. What made the scene so heartbreaking was the realization that LF’s emotions weren’t rooted in anger. She wasn’t blaming Grandma, nor was she directing her frustration toward anyone. What she was experiencing was fear—pure, overwhelming fear. The fear of losing the people she loves. The fear of tragedy striking again. The fear of not being able to protect her family. Watching that scene made my heart ache because it felt painfully real.

I was equally emotional during the scene where XW returned home and saw the aftermath of the damage. The moment he finally broke down felt incredibly raw and human. Throughout the series, he has carried so much responsibility and pain, often choosing to endure everything silently. Seeing his composure crack reminded me that even the strongest people eventually reach their limits. Then QY appeared and quietly comforted him. She simply stayed by his side and let him know he wasn’t alone. Sometimes, that kind of presence means more than words ever could.

What makes these episodes so impactful is how they portray life’s endless cycle of challenges. Whenever the characters finally find a moment of peace or happiness, another obstacle emerges. At times, it feels unfair. You start wondering how much more they can possibly endure. Yet despite everything, they continue moving forward. They stumble, they break down, and they make mistakes, but they never stop trying. More importantly, they don’t face their struggles alone. They have people who support them, believe in them, and help them find their way back when things become too difficult.

In many ways, these episodes served as a reminder for my own life. With my board exams approaching, I’ve been feeling exhausted, anxious, and overwhelmed. Watching these characters navigate their own hardships reminded me that setbacks and difficulties are inevitable, but they do not define us. Strength isn’t about pretending to be unaffected by pain. Strength is allowing yourself to feel everything—the fear, the sadness, the frustration—and still choosing to keep going. It’s okay to cry. It’s okay to feel lost sometimes. What matters is finding the courage to stand up again after every fall.

These episodes didn’t just entertain me; they reminded me why perseverance matters. No matter how difficult life becomes, there is always a reason to keep moving forward, one step at a time.

Done with episodes 15 and 16.

I'm starting to get really frustrated and heartbroken over XW's situation. It just shows how badly his parents failed to be the people he should rely on. Watching him shoulder everything on his own is painful, especially when even his mother—the one I've practically given up on—told him not to carry all the burdens by himself, yet he still insisted.

Then when QY offered to help by tutoring the new guy to contribute to their grandmother's hospital expenses, XW begged her not to. I feel like that could stem from two reasons, either he didn't want to place any burden on her or there was a hint of jealousy involved. Perhaps, both? To top it all off, he nearly gave up on his education, like he’s just at the end of it. It's honestly wild how one problem managed to snowball into something so much worse.

And don't even get me started on those bullies. They are absolutely awful, pathetic, insecure people—especially that one girl. The way she kept on trying to drag QY down pisses me off.

Nonetheless, no matter what happens, I'm never giving up on XW. His words, his actions, everything about him feels so genuine and pure. Sometimes, it feels like nobody deserves someone like him. Despite everything on his plate, he always makes sure QY is safe and happy.

And can we talk about that shower scene? Wow. Then that ending scene (almost) in Episode 16? I knew it. It gave off such a strong "that's my girl" energy. The moment XW told QY, "Run forward, catch up," I literally screamed.

“Every cloud has a silver lining”—meaning even the darkest situations can hide something hopeful.

GUYS, WE ARE SO BACK. FINALLY!

Just finished watching Episodes 13 and 14.

PROS:
I understand why some viewers felt that these episodes were a bit repetitive, and to some extent, I agree. However, I still enjoyed them because they gave us more insights about the characters and added depth to QY and XW's relationship.

What stood out to me the most was how the episodes highlighted QY's growth and personality as an individual. She did an amazing job during her task - when she had to speak in English, and also from that one instance, when two girls came up to her and I loved how she stood up for herself against those bullies. Indeed, she's clearly not someone who backs down when challenged. I also would like to add some of my favorite moments like the hair-washing scene, the self-defense lesson, and of course, the toy scene (iykyk), plus how XW followed her all the way to her school - boy, he immediately grabbed the chance as soon as she said about how he has to protect her.

Can we also talk about how straightforward QY is? One of my favorite things about her is that she's never afraid to say exactly what she's thinking 😂

Lastly, I have to mention this line:

"Even a paper plane can find a new way to stay in the air"

Such a simple sentence, yet it carries so much meaning. Definitely one of the most memorable lines from the episode.

CONS:
As for XW's mom, I've always tried to view her character with some understanding. I gave her the benefit of the doubt because I never saw her as the typical antagonistic or villainous parent. Although I wasn't happy with some of her actions as a mother, her positive qualities often made me overlook her flaws. I kept trying to understand where she was coming from, seeing her as someone whose shortcomings were shaped by her struggles and past experiences. That's why I continued to empathize with her—at least from the previous episodes, not until this recent one. It's really dumb and it didn't make sense to me. QY had already expressed her concerns about adding the eyebrow tattoo services when they were promoting the business, pointing out that they should focus first on what they were ACTUALLY CAPABLE OF offering at the moment. Despite that, XW's mom pushed forward with the idea and worse, by PRACTICING it to a CUSTOMER, like c'mon. Why would you even do that? (I need to talk to the writers) Now, we all saw how that turned out. What frustrated me the most was that the whole situation felt avoidable from the very beginning. In my previous review, I mentioned that one of the things I appreciated about the drama was how its conflicts felt realistic and grounded. However, this one is really . . questionable.

Another thing that i've noticed was XW's school situation. He was absent for nearly two years, yet he was still enrolled and hadn't been dropped. Maybe there are schools where that kind of arrangement is possible, but from my country, it's impossible.

OVERALL:
I have mixed feelings about the current episodes. It's already like halfway of the drama. The writers set the bar high from the beginning, and I hope they can wrap things up in a way that lives up to that strong start.

I'm so happy to see the rating climb from 7.9 to 8.3 and it even made its way to the top 10 'cause it really deserves the hype/recognition, like I honestly just can't get enough of it. I'm especially excited to see how QY and XW continue to grow closer and become more honest about what they truly feel for each other. Well, that final scene in Episode 12? It cracked me up—I had to replay it more than once.

On a more serious note, I want to talk about Xingwu's situation because, in some ways, I can relate to what he's going through. Not exactly the same circumstances, but the feeling of slowly losing your passion for something that once meant everything to you. I think the drama portrayed this reality incredibly well.

From an outside perspective, it's easy to say that Xingwu should simply go back to school and pursue what he loves. But life is rarely that simple. When you've gone through certain experiences and carry responsibilities that directly affect the people you care about, your own dreams often become secondary. You start prioritizing stability over passion, survival over fulfillment.

What makes Xingwu's story so heartbreaking is that his decision doesn't come from a lack of ambition or talent — it's rooted in love, responsibility, and sacrifice. When people depend on you, you sometimes convince yourself that giving up a piece of who you are is worth it if it means protecting their happiness and well-being. You tell yourself it's okay to endure the disappointment, the regret, and even the loss of your own identity because at least the people you love are okay.

That's why his character resonates with me so much. I don't think the drama romanticize his struggles, like dragging it just to gain sympathy or something. Instead, it shows how complicated it is to choose yourself when you've spent so long choosing everyone else. It captures the quiet grief of watching your dreams drift further away while continuing to move forward because you feel like you have no other choice.

More than anything, I'm hoping Xingwu eventually realizes that his happiness matters too. Sacrificing for the people you love is admirable, but there comes a point where constantly putting yourself last can leave you feeling empty. I hope he finds the courage to pursue his dreams again (which i believe will happen in the next few episodes) because he deserves the same happiness he's been giving to others.

Thank you. I felt the need to mention all of these because some viewers might hesitate to watch the drama due to the misconception that the main leads are cousins (by blood), which isn't true at all. This drama has so much to offer, and I genuinely believe that anyone who gives it a chance won't regret watching it.

Wrote a review 'cause they didn't release episodes today :((

I honestly don't understand why this drama only has a 7.9/10 rating. It's significantly better than most of the c-dramas i've watched, including the recent ones. It's been a long time since a c-drama had me so invested that I watched every episode as soon as it came out and eagerly waited for new ones to be released.

Usually, what draws me into a drama is the visual appeal and the chemistry between the leads. However, this one stands out because it excels in almost every aspect—characterization, chemistry, storyline, pacing, and overall execution. So far, it feels close to perfect and may even surpass some of the most popular c-dramas i've seen.

If I had to point out one minor flaw, it would be GXT's facial expressions in some of the scenes. Even then, she's still doing an excellent job portraying her character. As for LYR, whom I've previously seen in Blossom and a few guest roles from his other previous dramas, this is easily my favorite performance from him. His portrayal of Xingwu is incredibly charming, especially when he had the blonde hair (though sadly, it didn't last long). Combined with Xingwu's personality, it was impossible not to be captivated. Dang, I wish to find a man like him.

Another thing I appreciate is how refreshingly realistic the main characters are. The male lead isn't portrayed as unrealistically perfect; he's natural, flawed, and relatable in some way. The same goes for the female lead; used to be rich, picky, etc. but not to the point of being a b*tch. While I couldn't stand her during the first few episodes, her character growth and redemption arc gradually won me over. As the story progresses or as she learned from her experiences, adapted to her circumstances, and turned into a matured and reliable woman, I found myself becoming attached to her. Her growth felt earned rather than forced, and by the end, I was rooting for her wholeheartedly. Watching how Xingwu cares for her made me care for her too.

The supporting cast deserves praise as well. Instead of feeling like background decorations or plot devices, they actively contribute to the story and help strengthen the relationships between the characters. I also appreciate that the drama doesn't rely on over-the-top villains to create conflict. Most of the characters feel nuanced and believable rather than cartoonishly evil, like the man who stole her laptop, underwear, and personal belongings—though truth be told, that entire situation was genuinely unsettling and a bit difficult to watch but it happens.

Above all, I'm a fan of how straightforward this drama is. It doesn't get bogged down by excessive side plots, and the story develops at a satisfying pace with enough buildup to keep things engaging. And for anyone assuming this drama involves incest—it doesn't. The leads are not blood-related cousins. They're more like childhood friends whose mothers were extremely close and treated each other like sisters, hence, like a family.