THE STORY OF A BOY NAMED OUYANG AND A GIRL NAMED LIN MEIYA ..A MUST WATCH ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
FOREWORD:
This is the longest Review I have ever written,So bare with me.It was a long drama,with a rich story and complex characters so I will spend time sharing my experience I had with them,In the hope that someone would watch and enjoy it as I did.
I finished this drama a few days ago, but I couldn't bring myself to review it right away. It felt like returning from a long flight around the world—or like an astronaut trying to feel the ground again after landing on Earth. That’s what watching 65 episodes of a journey like this feels like.I was emotional,I had lived with the characters for days and It is taking me awhile to let them go.To this moment,I’m not quite sure how I stumbled upon this six-year-old drama, but it found me. And once I saw the episode count, I sighed and asked myself, “What could they possibly be talking about for 65 episodes?”
Curious, I dug into other reviews. Most were positive, though many were upset about a particular late-stage twist. But maybe that’s part of the magic—discovering a drama that quietly sailed past your radar for years, and watching it knowing where the bumps and curves are. What pulled me in further was the cast—almost entirely unfamiliar to me, except for Zhang Tao (Chen Zhe), who I'd seen in Nothing But You and Love The Way You Are. I went in with no expectations, just the strength of long-standing positive comments that had persisted across the years.
THE STORY
The setup is familiar: boy meets girl abroad.
But here, instead of meeting on the plane, they first collide—literally—on the streets of Paris. Ouyang is running from his father's men, dodging responsibility and expectations, when he tumbles over Lin Mei Ya, who’s working at a small patisserie. Their official meeting happens later when they’re seated together on a flight back to China, thanks to an upgrade by Mei Ya’s wealthy best friend.Almost sounding like "Fake It Till You Make It"? Unlike the FL In FITYMK,who prefered silence, Lin MeiYa is tipsy on champagne andprobably happy for the upgrade, leaves a chaotic impression—and the accidental suitcase switch becomes the spark that binds their paths.
Back in China, the story branches out into a mix of family business drama, class tension, and deep emotional arcs. But it’s all done with a grounded charm. The rich and middle-class circles are intertwined—not with melodramatic force, but with a believable closeness and unexpected share of a "historical" neighborhood.
THE MAIN CHARACTERS
OUYANG (Male Lead – Sun Shaolong)
Ouyang is not perfect, but that's exactly why you will love him, a big boy with a kind heart and an electrifying smile.He is fears, love and hate, makes me want to get to know him, to get closer to him, he needs grow up, and he's always growing up. I would feel sorry for him, even pity him, for what he has gone through,but you just have to walk that path with him.
Ouyang is like most young people with dreams, for love and family he wants to break free to realize freedom, wants to escape the dramatic sense of destiny, in the face of inner pain and struggle, he can only be brave to face. He loves deeply, directly and bravely, but in the face of the cruel reality he needs to make a choice, he has to bear, carry, this is the price of growth.At a times you want to reach into the screen and give him a hug..and say "OUYANG you are doing the best you can"
Ouyang is a man unafraid of love, vulnerability, or emotional risk. He doesn’t hesitate to open his heart, nor does he hide his need for connection.
When he flies Lin Mei Ya across two continents under the guise of "work," it's not just about business—it’s about having someone in his corner, both literally and emotionally.In the solitude of the kickboxing ring—a passion he keeps hidden from his controlling father—he finally allows himself to be seen. And Lin Mei Ya, with her quiet strength and unwavering support, cheers him on effortlessly.
In that moment, he’s not the heir, not the businessman—just a man who needs someone to believe in him. And she does.
Much of the controversy among viewers surrounds a major twist in the story, and while some felt betrayed by it, I found it painfully human. It raises a haunting question: What would you do if you discovered that the person you love is suddenly out of reach—not by distance, but by a truth that makes it impossible to be with them?
The drama doesn’t shy away from this. Instead, it explores it through silence, moral struggle, and emotional collapse. Ouyang becomes a character you don’t just watch—you empathize with. His journey hurt, but it also healed something.
LIN MEIYA (Female Lead- Chai Bi Yun)
Lin Mei Ya is not your typical heroine. She doesn’t come from wealth or privilege, nor is she running from a gilded cage like Ouyang. Instead, she arrives in Paris chasing a second chance at life—a quiet pursuit born from a history of rejection and resilience.
Born with a birth defect and abandoned by her biological family, Mei Ya is a survivor. She is the product of love—not the convenient kind, but the selfless, healing love of an adoptive father who nursed her back to life. That strength carries her into adulthood, and it defines every step of her journey in To Be With You.
When she returns to China, she believes she’s about to step into her dream life—marrying the man she loves and finally settling down. But life has other plans. Betrayed and heartbroken, she finds herself in emotional chaos. It’s in this fragile moment that she crosses paths with OUYANG once again, not as strangers, but as two people standing at a crossroads. What follows over the next 63 episodes is not just a love story—it’s a testament to her unshakable spirit.
Mei Ya doesn’t play the victim. She turns pain into power, faces adversaries like the fierce Li Weiwei (pre-redemption), and refuses to be bullied or broken.
Her dynamic with Ouyang begins with friction—fueled by their suitcase mishap and clashing personalities—but soon evolves into a deep friendship and, eventually, a rare and unbreakable bond. She is good for him, he is good for her—and together, they heal and grow.
What made me truly love Lin Mei Ya was the depth and unwavering strength of her love for Ouyang. Even when they were faced with an unspeakable twist,she refused to believe he had walked away without a reason. Her faith in him never wavered. She told everyone with determination, "I will go find Ouyang, and he will tell me the truth." And when that truth finally came to light—painful, raw, and heartbreaking—she didn’t run. Instead, she stood beside him, on that rooftop, with all his brokenness laid bare, and said, "I knew you wouldn't break me for no reason."
That moment wrecked me. It wasn’t dramatic or loud—it was tender, resolute, and full of grace. Lin Mei Ya didn’t just love Ouyang; she believed in him when it mattered most. And that made all the difference.
LI DONG (2nd Male Lead) -Wan Si Wei
Li Dong is a beautifully crafted character who quietly stole our hearts,and by the end of the show we affectionately nicknamed him "Uncle Li."
His character radiates a deep emotional warmth, marked by unwavering loyalty, quiet strength, and a rare kind of gentleness.
Li Dong’s love for Lin MEIYA is patient, selfless, and deeply sincere—he supports her not with grand declarations, but through steady presence and silent sacrifice.
Even in moments of pain or rejection, he remains kind and composed, always choosing to protect rather than pressure. His emotional maturity and ability to love without demanding anything in return set him apart as a truly remarkable character.
What made Uncle Li our favorite wasn’t his romantic storyline, but his moral integrity and calm wisdom. He embodies a kind of manhood that values inner peace over pride, understanding over ego. Li Dong feels authentic and profoundly human.
In a drama with that heavy emotional twists and complex relationships, Li Dong stood out as a grounding force—someone who shows that love, when rooted in patience and respect, can be one of the most powerful and beautiful forces of all.
Did I mention he was the reason Ouyang’s father had so many sleepless nights? He was the quiet force behind the scenes—Ouyang’s unspoken manager and the owner of the gym where Ouyang often hid while chasing his mischievous ambitions. More than that, he was his best friend.
He had also seen the female lead back when she was just a student, working at the restaurant across from his. He’s deeply connected to both of them. Watching the woman he loves fall for his best friend must have been painful—but Li Dong is different.
LI WEIWEI (2nd Female Lead/Li Dong's sister)- Shen TaoRen
Li Weiwei,is one of the most beautifully developed characters in modern Chinese television.
At first, she fits the mold of the typical bubbly, slightly annoying side character—chasing after Ouyang despite his constant big-brother attitude toward her and being the sister of the ever-composed Li Dong.But everything changes after a pivotal event that becomes a turning point in her life. From that moment, Weiwei undergoes an extraordinary transformation—channeling her energy, loyalty, and razor-sharp comedic wit into protecting the female lead, Li Mei, with an intensity that’s both heartwarming and hilariously entertaining.
What makes Weiwei so beloved is how she balances her fierce sense of justice with a wildly entertaining personality. She refuses to let anyone hurt Li Meiya or come between her and Ouyang, becoming her self-appointed bodyguard, truth-teller, and cheerleader all in one. Her methods are often over-the-top and laugh-out-loud funny, but they’re always driven by genuine care and courage.
She becomes the heart of the story, a symbol of loyalty, growth, and redemption. Her journey from lovesick girl to fearless protector is one of the most satisfying and beautiful arcs you’ll ever see in a drama.
CHEN ZHE – The Villain (Zhang Tao)
Chen Zhe is the kind of antagonist that leaves a lasting impression—not because he’s flamboyantly evil, but because he’s calculated, cold, and quietly manipulative.
As a high-level player in the business and emotional entanglements of the drama, Chen Zhe operates with a polished facade that masks his dark ambition. What makes him dangerous isn’t just his actions, but how convincingly he blends into the lives of those around him, earning trust while plotting betrayal. He’s not loud, but he’s ruthless—someone who values power above loyalty, and control above love.
His villainy is rooted in deep insecurities and a thirst for recognition, which pushes him to cross unforgivable lines. Whether it’s using people as pawns or destroying lives for personal gain, Chen Zhe doesn't hesitate. Yet despite his efforts to manipulate outcomes and maintain power, his end is both fitting and sobering. Eventually, his crimes and schemes catch up with him, and he faces legal consequences—symbolic of how even the most carefully masked villains can’t outrun justice forever. His downfall is not just about punishment, but a moral closure.
OTHER IMPORTANT CHARACTERS TO NOTE:
XU SIYU: FL's best friend.She is a life lesson,she serves laughter and tears on the same plate
JIANG YI LONG: ML's right hand man,bodyguard,hunter,ride or die,training partner,Jiang Yi Long has only one job; OUYANG
OURUI: OUYANG's infamous sister,the center of gravity in Chen Zhe's web of deceit and his demise
Conclusion – To Be With You (2019)
To Be With You is one of those rare gems that quietly sneaks up on you and leaves a permanent mark. With its deeply emotional storytelling, rich character development, and refreshingly mature romance, it delivers far more than one might expect from a 65-episode drama. The writing is a solid 10/10—grounded, layered, and emotionally intelligent, with dialogue that feels natural and real. The casting is flawless. Every actor, even those previously unknown to me, embodied their roles so convincingly that they became unforgettable—especially the leads, whose chemistry was magnetic in the most subtle, soul-deep way.
While the music wasn't its strongest suit, it hardly mattered. The drama moved at such a gripping pace—packed with emotional intensity, action, and layered plotlines—that there was hardly space for a ballad to linger. And yet, the romance between Lin Mei Ya and Ouyang didn’t need a sweeping soundtrack or physical intensity to be felt. They spoke with their eyes, touched with meaning, and held each other’s hearts in a way that made every hug, hand-hold, and lingering glance feel more intimate than a kiss. Their love was quiet but profound—deeper than the ocean.
The production value was another standout. Shot across three countries, the drama brought an unexpected cultural richness and cinematic beauty that’s rare in C-dramaland. From bustling streets to elegant foreign backdrops, the setting became a character of its own.
If there’s one point of contention among viewers, it’s the major twist that caused a temporary separation of the leads—but even that, in hindsight, added emotional depth and realism to their love story. For me, it wasn’t a flaw—it was a test they passed with grace.
In the end, To Be With You isn’t just a drama—it’s a journey. One of love, loss, resilience, and redemption. A complete, heartfelt experience that I’ll remember for a long time.
Someone said that this drama is a combination of all the good things that you wish can happen in K-drama and C-drama,and I completely agree.
PS:Thank you YouTube Community from the MZTV Channel for all the beautiful comments,laughter and tears..You made it fun and ease to watch a very long journey to the East.
This is the longest Review I have ever written,So bare with me.It was a long drama,with a rich story and complex characters so I will spend time sharing my experience I had with them,In the hope that someone would watch and enjoy it as I did.
I finished this drama a few days ago, but I couldn't bring myself to review it right away. It felt like returning from a long flight around the world—or like an astronaut trying to feel the ground again after landing on Earth. That’s what watching 65 episodes of a journey like this feels like.I was emotional,I had lived with the characters for days and It is taking me awhile to let them go.To this moment,I’m not quite sure how I stumbled upon this six-year-old drama, but it found me. And once I saw the episode count, I sighed and asked myself, “What could they possibly be talking about for 65 episodes?”
Curious, I dug into other reviews. Most were positive, though many were upset about a particular late-stage twist. But maybe that’s part of the magic—discovering a drama that quietly sailed past your radar for years, and watching it knowing where the bumps and curves are. What pulled me in further was the cast—almost entirely unfamiliar to me, except for Zhang Tao (Chen Zhe), who I'd seen in Nothing But You and Love The Way You Are. I went in with no expectations, just the strength of long-standing positive comments that had persisted across the years.
THE STORY
The setup is familiar: boy meets girl abroad.
But here, instead of meeting on the plane, they first collide—literally—on the streets of Paris. Ouyang is running from his father's men, dodging responsibility and expectations, when he tumbles over Lin Mei Ya, who’s working at a small patisserie. Their official meeting happens later when they’re seated together on a flight back to China, thanks to an upgrade by Mei Ya’s wealthy best friend.Almost sounding like "Fake It Till You Make It"? Unlike the FL In FITYMK,who prefered silence, Lin MeiYa is tipsy on champagne andprobably happy for the upgrade, leaves a chaotic impression—and the accidental suitcase switch becomes the spark that binds their paths.
Back in China, the story branches out into a mix of family business drama, class tension, and deep emotional arcs. But it’s all done with a grounded charm. The rich and middle-class circles are intertwined—not with melodramatic force, but with a believable closeness and unexpected share of a "historical" neighborhood.
THE MAIN CHARACTERS
OUYANG (Male Lead – Sun Shaolong)
Ouyang is not perfect, but that's exactly why you will love him, a big boy with a kind heart and an electrifying smile.He is fears, love and hate, makes me want to get to know him, to get closer to him, he needs grow up, and he's always growing up. I would feel sorry for him, even pity him, for what he has gone through,but you just have to walk that path with him.
Ouyang is like most young people with dreams, for love and family he wants to break free to realize freedom, wants to escape the dramatic sense of destiny, in the face of inner pain and struggle, he can only be brave to face. He loves deeply, directly and bravely, but in the face of the cruel reality he needs to make a choice, he has to bear, carry, this is the price of growth.At a times you want to reach into the screen and give him a hug..and say "OUYANG you are doing the best you can"
Ouyang is a man unafraid of love, vulnerability, or emotional risk. He doesn’t hesitate to open his heart, nor does he hide his need for connection.
When he flies Lin Mei Ya across two continents under the guise of "work," it's not just about business—it’s about having someone in his corner, both literally and emotionally.In the solitude of the kickboxing ring—a passion he keeps hidden from his controlling father—he finally allows himself to be seen. And Lin Mei Ya, with her quiet strength and unwavering support, cheers him on effortlessly.
In that moment, he’s not the heir, not the businessman—just a man who needs someone to believe in him. And she does.
Much of the controversy among viewers surrounds a major twist in the story, and while some felt betrayed by it, I found it painfully human. It raises a haunting question: What would you do if you discovered that the person you love is suddenly out of reach—not by distance, but by a truth that makes it impossible to be with them?
The drama doesn’t shy away from this. Instead, it explores it through silence, moral struggle, and emotional collapse. Ouyang becomes a character you don’t just watch—you empathize with. His journey hurt, but it also healed something.
LIN MEIYA (Female Lead- Chai Bi Yun)
Lin Mei Ya is not your typical heroine. She doesn’t come from wealth or privilege, nor is she running from a gilded cage like Ouyang. Instead, she arrives in Paris chasing a second chance at life—a quiet pursuit born from a history of rejection and resilience.
Born with a birth defect and abandoned by her biological family, Mei Ya is a survivor. She is the product of love—not the convenient kind, but the selfless, healing love of an adoptive father who nursed her back to life. That strength carries her into adulthood, and it defines every step of her journey in To Be With You.
When she returns to China, she believes she’s about to step into her dream life—marrying the man she loves and finally settling down. But life has other plans. Betrayed and heartbroken, she finds herself in emotional chaos. It’s in this fragile moment that she crosses paths with OUYANG once again, not as strangers, but as two people standing at a crossroads. What follows over the next 63 episodes is not just a love story—it’s a testament to her unshakable spirit.
Mei Ya doesn’t play the victim. She turns pain into power, faces adversaries like the fierce Li Weiwei (pre-redemption), and refuses to be bullied or broken.
Her dynamic with Ouyang begins with friction—fueled by their suitcase mishap and clashing personalities—but soon evolves into a deep friendship and, eventually, a rare and unbreakable bond. She is good for him, he is good for her—and together, they heal and grow.
What made me truly love Lin Mei Ya was the depth and unwavering strength of her love for Ouyang. Even when they were faced with an unspeakable twist,she refused to believe he had walked away without a reason. Her faith in him never wavered. She told everyone with determination, "I will go find Ouyang, and he will tell me the truth." And when that truth finally came to light—painful, raw, and heartbreaking—she didn’t run. Instead, she stood beside him, on that rooftop, with all his brokenness laid bare, and said, "I knew you wouldn't break me for no reason."
That moment wrecked me. It wasn’t dramatic or loud—it was tender, resolute, and full of grace. Lin Mei Ya didn’t just love Ouyang; she believed in him when it mattered most. And that made all the difference.
LI DONG (2nd Male Lead) -Wan Si Wei
Li Dong is a beautifully crafted character who quietly stole our hearts,and by the end of the show we affectionately nicknamed him "Uncle Li."
His character radiates a deep emotional warmth, marked by unwavering loyalty, quiet strength, and a rare kind of gentleness.
Li Dong’s love for Lin MEIYA is patient, selfless, and deeply sincere—he supports her not with grand declarations, but through steady presence and silent sacrifice.
Even in moments of pain or rejection, he remains kind and composed, always choosing to protect rather than pressure. His emotional maturity and ability to love without demanding anything in return set him apart as a truly remarkable character.
What made Uncle Li our favorite wasn’t his romantic storyline, but his moral integrity and calm wisdom. He embodies a kind of manhood that values inner peace over pride, understanding over ego. Li Dong feels authentic and profoundly human.
In a drama with that heavy emotional twists and complex relationships, Li Dong stood out as a grounding force—someone who shows that love, when rooted in patience and respect, can be one of the most powerful and beautiful forces of all.
Did I mention he was the reason Ouyang’s father had so many sleepless nights? He was the quiet force behind the scenes—Ouyang’s unspoken manager and the owner of the gym where Ouyang often hid while chasing his mischievous ambitions. More than that, he was his best friend.
He had also seen the female lead back when she was just a student, working at the restaurant across from his. He’s deeply connected to both of them. Watching the woman he loves fall for his best friend must have been painful—but Li Dong is different.
LI WEIWEI (2nd Female Lead/Li Dong's sister)- Shen TaoRen
Li Weiwei,is one of the most beautifully developed characters in modern Chinese television.
At first, she fits the mold of the typical bubbly, slightly annoying side character—chasing after Ouyang despite his constant big-brother attitude toward her and being the sister of the ever-composed Li Dong.But everything changes after a pivotal event that becomes a turning point in her life. From that moment, Weiwei undergoes an extraordinary transformation—channeling her energy, loyalty, and razor-sharp comedic wit into protecting the female lead, Li Mei, with an intensity that’s both heartwarming and hilariously entertaining.
What makes Weiwei so beloved is how she balances her fierce sense of justice with a wildly entertaining personality. She refuses to let anyone hurt Li Meiya or come between her and Ouyang, becoming her self-appointed bodyguard, truth-teller, and cheerleader all in one. Her methods are often over-the-top and laugh-out-loud funny, but they’re always driven by genuine care and courage.
She becomes the heart of the story, a symbol of loyalty, growth, and redemption. Her journey from lovesick girl to fearless protector is one of the most satisfying and beautiful arcs you’ll ever see in a drama.
CHEN ZHE – The Villain (Zhang Tao)
Chen Zhe is the kind of antagonist that leaves a lasting impression—not because he’s flamboyantly evil, but because he’s calculated, cold, and quietly manipulative.
As a high-level player in the business and emotional entanglements of the drama, Chen Zhe operates with a polished facade that masks his dark ambition. What makes him dangerous isn’t just his actions, but how convincingly he blends into the lives of those around him, earning trust while plotting betrayal. He’s not loud, but he’s ruthless—someone who values power above loyalty, and control above love.
His villainy is rooted in deep insecurities and a thirst for recognition, which pushes him to cross unforgivable lines. Whether it’s using people as pawns or destroying lives for personal gain, Chen Zhe doesn't hesitate. Yet despite his efforts to manipulate outcomes and maintain power, his end is both fitting and sobering. Eventually, his crimes and schemes catch up with him, and he faces legal consequences—symbolic of how even the most carefully masked villains can’t outrun justice forever. His downfall is not just about punishment, but a moral closure.
OTHER IMPORTANT CHARACTERS TO NOTE:
XU SIYU: FL's best friend.She is a life lesson,she serves laughter and tears on the same plate
JIANG YI LONG: ML's right hand man,bodyguard,hunter,ride or die,training partner,Jiang Yi Long has only one job; OUYANG
OURUI: OUYANG's infamous sister,the center of gravity in Chen Zhe's web of deceit and his demise
Conclusion – To Be With You (2019)
To Be With You is one of those rare gems that quietly sneaks up on you and leaves a permanent mark. With its deeply emotional storytelling, rich character development, and refreshingly mature romance, it delivers far more than one might expect from a 65-episode drama. The writing is a solid 10/10—grounded, layered, and emotionally intelligent, with dialogue that feels natural and real. The casting is flawless. Every actor, even those previously unknown to me, embodied their roles so convincingly that they became unforgettable—especially the leads, whose chemistry was magnetic in the most subtle, soul-deep way.
While the music wasn't its strongest suit, it hardly mattered. The drama moved at such a gripping pace—packed with emotional intensity, action, and layered plotlines—that there was hardly space for a ballad to linger. And yet, the romance between Lin Mei Ya and Ouyang didn’t need a sweeping soundtrack or physical intensity to be felt. They spoke with their eyes, touched with meaning, and held each other’s hearts in a way that made every hug, hand-hold, and lingering glance feel more intimate than a kiss. Their love was quiet but profound—deeper than the ocean.
The production value was another standout. Shot across three countries, the drama brought an unexpected cultural richness and cinematic beauty that’s rare in C-dramaland. From bustling streets to elegant foreign backdrops, the setting became a character of its own.
If there’s one point of contention among viewers, it’s the major twist that caused a temporary separation of the leads—but even that, in hindsight, added emotional depth and realism to their love story. For me, it wasn’t a flaw—it was a test they passed with grace.
In the end, To Be With You isn’t just a drama—it’s a journey. One of love, loss, resilience, and redemption. A complete, heartfelt experience that I’ll remember for a long time.
Someone said that this drama is a combination of all the good things that you wish can happen in K-drama and C-drama,and I completely agree.
PS:Thank you YouTube Community from the MZTV Channel for all the beautiful comments,laughter and tears..You made it fun and ease to watch a very long journey to the East.
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