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Things I adored
1 The premise. High school and geniuses and the prospect of Best Friends to Lovers trope. Sign me in. This had everything to become my favorite drama of the year. So I still try to understand where things went awry.
2 Qi Yan. His character was my favorite from start to finish. I liked how natural the actor was, how his character evolved, how much chemistry he had with everyone. he was a true friend, and a smart, funny and kind person who stayed true to himself. The actor did a great job and I hope to see him in other dramas as the main character.
3 The young leads. They were so talented and so cute. One of my favorite arts of the drama. The chemistry that the main couple lacked was present with the young leads and hat made all the difference. kudos to both of them.
4 The sketches at the end of each episode. They were so well done and one of the best parts of the drama. I caught myself waiting for them at the end of the episode and I loved almost all the scenes they chose. Good job.
5 The high school part. I don't know why everyone wanted them to move to the adult era. Yes I wanted that too, but I wasn't in a hurry. I loved everything about their high school days. They were at their best, all of them, and their friendship shone through. I loved their interactions at school and outside and how they were there for each other. Honestly after finishing the drama, I think this was the only thing that was worth it. I wish they had kept the same quality for the adult era, but for me it went downhill.
6 The relationship between the FL and her brother. It was great to see them bickering but also support each other. I loved particularly the high school era although it was still fine later when they were adults. Both had chemistry and conveyed well the siblings banter and love. One of my favorite parts of the drama.
7 The leaf scene. It was cute and romantic and meaningful and one of my favorites.
Things I loved
1 The FL. She is beautiful, adorable and I'm sure she'll have a great career. I haven't seen yet in any other dramas, I don't watch historical dramas, and I hope she does more modern dramas with better scripts and more chemistry with her partner. I still loved her even though I think in the adult era her character was quite dull and annoying even. I loved her a child and as a teenager. She did a great job to convey who she was and honestly she was a great person. She lost me when she was adult because I didn't see any of her genius characteristics and she even became stupid. I hated her inner thoughts about love, her inability to get what she felt etc. It was like they changed her for someone dumb.
2 The parents of the FL. They were good people and good parents. It was good to see such a different way of parenting than the stupid parents of Bai Hu. I enjoyed their family vibe.
3 Fu Xuan. I had seen the actor in Shine on Me and unlike others didn't hate his character. I got him, but the actor himself didn't impress me. Here he was good though. It suited him to play a lighter character, although still serious. He was probably the most adult when they were at school and later. I liked how he resolved his rivalry with the ML. There was no need for drama and I was happy with it. I was also happy he remained friends with all of them. I never wanted him with the FL, but I didn't want him to go away either, so in my book this is a good thing. It means the actor did a good job. I wish he found someone as well, but well, I want to imagine he will.
4 Ze Qiu. The brother of the FL. The actor was cute and he conveyed a lot of warmth and also cheekiness as the brother of a genius. I loved watching his scenes and I wanted him to succeed and find his path. I was happy about his relationship as well, although he lost me a bit when he confessed and when he decided to marry so soon after he feigned a relationship with his future wife. It didn't sit well with me and I didn't feel it was earned. Also it didn't work for the character. I still loved him.
5 Ting Ting. She was one of my favorite characters, especially in high school. The actress is beautiful and talented and I loved her as adult as well. She was successful and hard working and a good friend. I was hoping for her to be in love with Qi Yan and they had great chemistry, although once again I found them more natural in high school. I hope the actress finds a role she will shine in as main lead.
Things I liked
1 Bai Hui. The actress did a good job and she is beautiful and talented. She frustrated me a lot though and I wish she was bolder and stand up to her parents sooner. When she did, she ddin'0t a good job either, she just tried to smooth things and that annoyed me. She should be her own woman and tell them the truth that they were terrible parents instead of crying and lamenting about how they suffered.
Although I was all in for her to be with Ze Qiu, and they were cute sometimes, the whole thing wasn't as goods as I was hoping when they made it clear they'd end up together in the high school part. I was hoping for more romance and cute moments. Also It would be great if they gave us more scenes with her and the whole band in high school and take the time to make the transition from enemies to friends smoother between her and the FL.
2 The ML. I didn't love him or his character but I liked him enough. I don't know what to think of the actor. I've seen him in other dramas and I always felt he could do better. Here, though, I'm not sure he could. He didn't pull off the high school part, but would? He doesn't look like a teenager, I think he looks older than he is even, and don't start me on the hair. Awful is the best I can say.
That said, I loved his character in high school. I didn't mind at all the competition, and his relationship with the FL as friends was believable. My issues are with the adult era. I disliked the arc they gave him. Not endearing to me, rather frustrating and the only thing I liked was his long hair. They gave him an edge that was welcome because the actor looks boring and bland to be honest.
Things I disliked
1 The whole wedding theme with Bai Hui and Ze Qiu. I love that ended up together and they were a great match, but honestly that part was cringe and made me roll my yes. Why would you go down that path when they were so many much more romantic and natural ways to show they were in love and ready to move forward. I would get it if all Chinese dramas were like this and it was a cultural thing but it's not the case, so I just don't get this kind of writing.
They didn't even kiss and suddenly they plan a wedding? Who the heck does that? And the whole time he was talking without looking at her and it was so maddening. I loved his character but this was too much and illogical. Sorry. This drama started so well and then added a bunch of stupid things that ruined it in some way. Such a shame.
2 The lack of chemistry between the leads. Unfortunately, I didn't feel any romantic chemistry between them. There was some as friends but nothing extraordinary either. He was looking too old for her and they had more a sibling vibe. I was happy before the drama started, I thought they would be great together, but I was quite disappointed.
3 The lack of romance. I thought the director did a terrible job in the romance department. It wasn't only the lack of chemistry between the leads, it was the whole thing. The confessions felt flat, with a small exception that between Qi Yan and Ting Ting. It was the only one that felt somewhat natural and even this wasn't earned. There were some terrible kisses, although a few decent as well. The narration of the love story between the leads felt flat and didn't steer any emotion in me. I wish we had more time to enjoy the relationship between Qi Yan and Ting Ting. All in all, a disappointing part of the drama. Even the wedding proposal felt flat to me.
4 The romantic interests for both Ting Ting and Qi Yan. They were useless and didn't add anything to the story.
5 The patient story. The actress was beautiful and the story touching, but honestly it wasn't what I wanted in this drama. The ending made things worse. I shed a tear or two, but it still didn't make me like the whole arc.
Things I hated
1 The scene of episode 25 where she goes to ask why her heart races etc. Oh, my God. I mean, I get it. It was supposed to be cute but it made me mad. The dumping down was so insane I curded the writer and the director. Not the fault oft he actors, but what the hella was that? She may not be experienced and yes, there are naïve 22 year old girls, and I was one, but come on. Don't take us for fools. She can handle so many difficult situations at work and with her friends, but she can't imagine why her heart races? Give me a break. It wasn't cute, it was cringe as hell and honestly I changed my rating from 8.5 to 8.
I give everyone the benefit of the doubt until you take me for a fool. The discussion with Ting Ting and her advise was fine and it could be funny, but the whole thing was so stupid that I didn't even enjoy that. Then she continued to behave like an idiot and sorry but being a genius doesn't mean you don't get basic things. She was like possessed with the sprite of idiocy. It was so annoying.
2 Bai Hui's parents. What despicable people. I'm not sure what to say about them other than they were the biggest hypocrites ever and the worst parents. I didn't agree with what they said once and it was so obvious that the only thing that mattered to them was to control their daughter. I know there are parents like them in real life, but it doesn't make it any less frustrating. I hated them with all my being and wish I could make them disappear every time they were on the screen. Stupid effing idiots.
I hated that they tried to give them excuses and to redeem them. What the effing hell? Why would they do that? Didn't they see how their daughter suffered? Give me a break. I wasn't a genius, but I come from a modest family and my parents wished we all go to university and have a better life than them.
Guess what? I went and obtained two university diplomas and a doctorate. I speak five languages and I chose my life. My two sisters didn't study after high school, and same for my older brother. My younger brother studied a lot of things that he liked and he can do anything he puts his mind into. Not once they treated us differently. I wasn't any better because I went to university and we were praised for the same things. Kindness, generosity and uniqueness. We were also scolded for the same things. Stubbornness, intolerance, laziness.
That's what good parenting is. You give your children everything they need to choose their path, and you love them equally, no matter what path they choose as long as they are kind and tolerant people.
So, yes I hated the way they tried to pass their attitude as normal. Hurting your children because you failed is the worst you can do as a human being. So no good will toward them from me and Bai Hu should have told off them earlier and not accept to be scolded for being herself even in the last episodes and when she was an adult.
3 The ring the ML chose. One of the ugliest I've ever seen. Enough to feel the urge to mention it. The ad was cringe but the ring itself awful.
1 The premise. High school and geniuses and the prospect of Best Friends to Lovers trope. Sign me in. This had everything to become my favorite drama of the year. So I still try to understand where things went awry.
2 Qi Yan. His character was my favorite from start to finish. I liked how natural the actor was, how his character evolved, how much chemistry he had with everyone. he was a true friend, and a smart, funny and kind person who stayed true to himself. The actor did a great job and I hope to see him in other dramas as the main character.
3 The young leads. They were so talented and so cute. One of my favorite arts of the drama. The chemistry that the main couple lacked was present with the young leads and hat made all the difference. kudos to both of them.
4 The sketches at the end of each episode. They were so well done and one of the best parts of the drama. I caught myself waiting for them at the end of the episode and I loved almost all the scenes they chose. Good job.
5 The high school part. I don't know why everyone wanted them to move to the adult era. Yes I wanted that too, but I wasn't in a hurry. I loved everything about their high school days. They were at their best, all of them, and their friendship shone through. I loved their interactions at school and outside and how they were there for each other. Honestly after finishing the drama, I think this was the only thing that was worth it. I wish they had kept the same quality for the adult era, but for me it went downhill.
6 The relationship between the FL and her brother. It was great to see them bickering but also support each other. I loved particularly the high school era although it was still fine later when they were adults. Both had chemistry and conveyed well the siblings banter and love. One of my favorite parts of the drama.
7 The leaf scene. It was cute and romantic and meaningful and one of my favorites.
Things I loved
1 The FL. She is beautiful, adorable and I'm sure she'll have a great career. I haven't seen yet in any other dramas, I don't watch historical dramas, and I hope she does more modern dramas with better scripts and more chemistry with her partner. I still loved her even though I think in the adult era her character was quite dull and annoying even. I loved her a child and as a teenager. She did a great job to convey who she was and honestly she was a great person. She lost me when she was adult because I didn't see any of her genius characteristics and she even became stupid. I hated her inner thoughts about love, her inability to get what she felt etc. It was like they changed her for someone dumb.
2 The parents of the FL. They were good people and good parents. It was good to see such a different way of parenting than the stupid parents of Bai Hu. I enjoyed their family vibe.
3 Fu Xuan. I had seen the actor in Shine on Me and unlike others didn't hate his character. I got him, but the actor himself didn't impress me. Here he was good though. It suited him to play a lighter character, although still serious. He was probably the most adult when they were at school and later. I liked how he resolved his rivalry with the ML. There was no need for drama and I was happy with it. I was also happy he remained friends with all of them. I never wanted him with the FL, but I didn't want him to go away either, so in my book this is a good thing. It means the actor did a good job. I wish he found someone as well, but well, I want to imagine he will.
4 Ze Qiu. The brother of the FL. The actor was cute and he conveyed a lot of warmth and also cheekiness as the brother of a genius. I loved watching his scenes and I wanted him to succeed and find his path. I was happy about his relationship as well, although he lost me a bit when he confessed and when he decided to marry so soon after he feigned a relationship with his future wife. It didn't sit well with me and I didn't feel it was earned. Also it didn't work for the character. I still loved him.
5 Ting Ting. She was one of my favorite characters, especially in high school. The actress is beautiful and talented and I loved her as adult as well. She was successful and hard working and a good friend. I was hoping for her to be in love with Qi Yan and they had great chemistry, although once again I found them more natural in high school. I hope the actress finds a role she will shine in as main lead.
Things I liked
1 Bai Hui. The actress did a good job and she is beautiful and talented. She frustrated me a lot though and I wish she was bolder and stand up to her parents sooner. When she did, she ddin'0t a good job either, she just tried to smooth things and that annoyed me. She should be her own woman and tell them the truth that they were terrible parents instead of crying and lamenting about how they suffered.
Although I was all in for her to be with Ze Qiu, and they were cute sometimes, the whole thing wasn't as goods as I was hoping when they made it clear they'd end up together in the high school part. I was hoping for more romance and cute moments. Also It would be great if they gave us more scenes with her and the whole band in high school and take the time to make the transition from enemies to friends smoother between her and the FL.
2 The ML. I didn't love him or his character but I liked him enough. I don't know what to think of the actor. I've seen him in other dramas and I always felt he could do better. Here, though, I'm not sure he could. He didn't pull off the high school part, but would? He doesn't look like a teenager, I think he looks older than he is even, and don't start me on the hair. Awful is the best I can say.
That said, I loved his character in high school. I didn't mind at all the competition, and his relationship with the FL as friends was believable. My issues are with the adult era. I disliked the arc they gave him. Not endearing to me, rather frustrating and the only thing I liked was his long hair. They gave him an edge that was welcome because the actor looks boring and bland to be honest.
Things I disliked
1 The whole wedding theme with Bai Hui and Ze Qiu. I love that ended up together and they were a great match, but honestly that part was cringe and made me roll my yes. Why would you go down that path when they were so many much more romantic and natural ways to show they were in love and ready to move forward. I would get it if all Chinese dramas were like this and it was a cultural thing but it's not the case, so I just don't get this kind of writing.
They didn't even kiss and suddenly they plan a wedding? Who the heck does that? And the whole time he was talking without looking at her and it was so maddening. I loved his character but this was too much and illogical. Sorry. This drama started so well and then added a bunch of stupid things that ruined it in some way. Such a shame.
2 The lack of chemistry between the leads. Unfortunately, I didn't feel any romantic chemistry between them. There was some as friends but nothing extraordinary either. He was looking too old for her and they had more a sibling vibe. I was happy before the drama started, I thought they would be great together, but I was quite disappointed.
3 The lack of romance. I thought the director did a terrible job in the romance department. It wasn't only the lack of chemistry between the leads, it was the whole thing. The confessions felt flat, with a small exception that between Qi Yan and Ting Ting. It was the only one that felt somewhat natural and even this wasn't earned. There were some terrible kisses, although a few decent as well. The narration of the love story between the leads felt flat and didn't steer any emotion in me. I wish we had more time to enjoy the relationship between Qi Yan and Ting Ting. All in all, a disappointing part of the drama. Even the wedding proposal felt flat to me.
4 The romantic interests for both Ting Ting and Qi Yan. They were useless and didn't add anything to the story.
5 The patient story. The actress was beautiful and the story touching, but honestly it wasn't what I wanted in this drama. The ending made things worse. I shed a tear or two, but it still didn't make me like the whole arc.
Things I hated
1 The scene of episode 25 where she goes to ask why her heart races etc. Oh, my God. I mean, I get it. It was supposed to be cute but it made me mad. The dumping down was so insane I curded the writer and the director. Not the fault oft he actors, but what the hella was that? She may not be experienced and yes, there are naïve 22 year old girls, and I was one, but come on. Don't take us for fools. She can handle so many difficult situations at work and with her friends, but she can't imagine why her heart races? Give me a break. It wasn't cute, it was cringe as hell and honestly I changed my rating from 8.5 to 8.
I give everyone the benefit of the doubt until you take me for a fool. The discussion with Ting Ting and her advise was fine and it could be funny, but the whole thing was so stupid that I didn't even enjoy that. Then she continued to behave like an idiot and sorry but being a genius doesn't mean you don't get basic things. She was like possessed with the sprite of idiocy. It was so annoying.
2 Bai Hui's parents. What despicable people. I'm not sure what to say about them other than they were the biggest hypocrites ever and the worst parents. I didn't agree with what they said once and it was so obvious that the only thing that mattered to them was to control their daughter. I know there are parents like them in real life, but it doesn't make it any less frustrating. I hated them with all my being and wish I could make them disappear every time they were on the screen. Stupid effing idiots.
I hated that they tried to give them excuses and to redeem them. What the effing hell? Why would they do that? Didn't they see how their daughter suffered? Give me a break. I wasn't a genius, but I come from a modest family and my parents wished we all go to university and have a better life than them.
Guess what? I went and obtained two university diplomas and a doctorate. I speak five languages and I chose my life. My two sisters didn't study after high school, and same for my older brother. My younger brother studied a lot of things that he liked and he can do anything he puts his mind into. Not once they treated us differently. I wasn't any better because I went to university and we were praised for the same things. Kindness, generosity and uniqueness. We were also scolded for the same things. Stubbornness, intolerance, laziness.
That's what good parenting is. You give your children everything they need to choose their path, and you love them equally, no matter what path they choose as long as they are kind and tolerant people.
So, yes I hated the way they tried to pass their attitude as normal. Hurting your children because you failed is the worst you can do as a human being. So no good will toward them from me and Bai Hu should have told off them earlier and not accept to be scolded for being herself even in the last episodes and when she was an adult.
3 The ring the ML chose. One of the ugliest I've ever seen. Enough to feel the urge to mention it. The ad was cringe but the ring itself awful.
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