Precious

The First Frost is an adaptation of the novel Hard to Coax (Chinese title: Nan Hong) by author Zhu Yi. While it is a romance drama at its core, it goes beyond just love. The First Frost paints a deeply emotional journey where love is not just about passion but also about finding warmth and solace in another person.

SUMMARY ⋆˚✿˖°

The First Frost isn’t just a love story, it's about healing, resilience, and the bonds that shape us. Sang Yan and Wei Yifan met in high school, their friendship quietly deepening into love, though neither of them ever said it out loud. They had dreams of a future together, but when Yifan broke their promise to attend Nanwu University, it left Sang Yan devastated. On the surface, it seemed like she abandoned him, but deep down, he never fully believed it. A part of him always questioned why, and even after their separation, he could never truly erase her from his thoughts, memories of her lingered, and sometimes, without meaning to, he found himself in places that reminded him of her.

Six years later, fate brings them together again, forcing them to confront everything left unsaid. But The First Frost isn’t just about their love, it's about survival, overcoming trauma, and reclaiming one’s voice. The drama delves into PTSD, Reactive Attachment Disorder, and the lasting wounds of sexual violence. It highlights the devastating effects of predators, the struggle victims face in their aftermath, and the importance of standing up for women as a society. Alongside this, it explores the power of friendship, the weight of family expectations, and the quiet fight to heal.
Each episode moves between past and present, with moments that seem small at first but later fit together like pieces of a puzzle. And at the heart of it all is Sang Yan holding onto the feeling that their story was never truly over.

CHARACTERS⋆˚✿˖°

Bai Jing Ting As Sang Yan🍀☼

Sang Yan grew up in a loving home and comes from a wealthy family. His brother’s arc has already been portrayed in Hidden Love, so The First Frost focuses on his relationship with Wei Yifan. Some have criticized his character for lacking a well-developed arc since his story revolves around Yifan, but that’s exactly why his role is significant. Sang Yan already has everything: stability, love, and success yet he chooses to be with Yifan not because he needs her, but because he truly loves and understands her. His character embodies unconditional love, patience, and kindness. He has a high emotional intelligence, which is necessary for their love story to work. If he didn’t, their relationship wouldn’t have been possible. The way Sang Yan and Yifan match as characters highlights their relationship dynamics. He never pressured her to accept his feelings. As a friend, he was always there during her darkest moments, but he wasn’t just a friend he became her family, her backbone. Instead of hurting her further, he chose to protect her. He understood her when others didn’t, and, as he admitted, he set aside his pride to understand her more. That shows true emotional strength. Unlike some characters who make everything about themselves, Sang Yan never did, and that doesn’t make him weak or useless, it makes him the kind of person who truly values and respects the woman he loves. Understanding a woman doesn’t make a man lesser; it makes him someone who genuinely cares instead of forcing his own expectations onto her.

Sang Yan is not a stalker. He visited Yifan’s school more than once three times, to be exact. He never made his presence known, never disturbed her life, and never forced a confrontation. He also appeared on her graduation day, but rather than approaching her, he simply watched from a distance. Yifan even saw him that day and ran after him, but he was already gone. His actions weren’t about obsession or control; they were moments of longing. He wanted to talk to her but couldn’t bring himself to do it. Even after they separated, he quietly kept memories of her achievements, like the first article she published in Yihe. He cherished these moments, but he never crossed a line or did anything to harm her. This isn’t the kind of behavior that can be classified as good or bad stalking, it was simply his way of holding onto the past without forcing himself back into her life.

Bai Jing Ting’s portrayal of Sang Yan was spectacular. His micro-expressions added depth to the character, making every moment feel natural and real. His acting was effortless, capturing Sang Yan’s flirty, caring, teasing, kind, funny, supportive, and understanding nature. I can’t imagine anyone else playing this role. Sang Yan was made for Bai Jing Ting alone, and I absolutely loved his performance.

Zhang RuoNan As Wei Yifan/ Wen Shuangjiang ₊°｡❆

From the start, Wei Yifan is a character trapped in a cycle of expectations whether it’s from the people around her or from the audience watching her story unfold. But what makes her so compelling isn’t just her actions; it’s how people perceive her. She’s constantly under scrutiny, often judged more harshly than how male leads are judged for making decisions that, while flawed, are incredibly real.
There’s this idea that a female lead has to be a certain way strong, decisive, never uncertain. And that’s where the criticism of Yifan gets frustrating because she isn’t written to fit that mold. Her story isn’t about being a perfect heroine; it’s about surviving. She went through so much she’s a sexual assault survivor, she grew up without love from her mother, and she lost her father young. The trauma she carries isn’t something you just “get over.” And yet, people act like she’s weak for not handling everything in a way that’s "ideal." But the truth is, Wei Yifan is incredibly courageous. It takes real strength to keep going after everything she’s been through.

That’s why the Hong Kong arc mattered so much. It wasn’t pointless at all, it was a turning point for her. It gave her the space to realize who her real family was, to finally start letting go of the fear that’s been holding her back for years. That fear of being abandoned, of not being enough, of never really belonging she started to outgrow it, and that shaped her into a better version of herself.
Her love for Sang Yan was also beautifully explored. She wasn’t just some passive love interest; she actively cared for him, took care of him, and when she finally opened up about the things she’s been carrying for so long, it was because she found warmth in him. He was someone who made her feel safe enough to share her pain, and that’s not something she ever had before. Yifan isn’t weak, she's just someone who has spent years protecting herself because the world hasn’t been kind to her. But when she finally found someone who wouldn’t leave, she allowed herself to be vulnerable, and that’s such an important part of her growth.

Even outside of romance, she’s a strong character. As a journalist, she faced mistreatment in her workplace but still kept pushing forward. And even though there were bad experiences, she also met good people along the way, co-workers who respected her, moments that reminded her why she pursued this career in the first place. That balance was so well done because it showed that she wasn’t just defined by her struggles; she also had moments of hope and support.
Wei Yifan is shy and quiet, but not weak. That’s just how she grew up after losing her dad, but it never stopped her from voicing her opinions when it truly mattered. She’s not someone who demands attention, but when she speaks, it counts. She really suffered so much, and if there’s anyone who deserves happiness and sunshine, it’s her.

Zhang Ruonan portrayed Wei Yifan effortlessly. Everything about her acting was real and authentic, whether it was her emotional moments or the softer, cuter sides of her personality. And it never felt forced or cringy; it was natural. She fully embodied Yifan’s workaholic side, her reserved but loving nature, and even those little mini housewife moments that made her character feel so lived-in. She brought Yifan to life in a way that made every moment, whether heartbreaking or heartwarming, feel genuine.
Wei Yifan is a character that deserved better not just in her story, but in how people talk about her. She wasn’t weak, she wasn’t useless, and she wasn’t a “bad” female lead. She was just real, and that’s what made her one of the best-written characters in the drama.

EXPLAINING HK ARC ⋆˚✿˖°

I want to explain the Hong Kong arc that so many people criticized Yi Fan for because I keep seeing people say it was unnecessary or had no impact on the story, when it actually did. I’ll add some lines from the drama later to back up what I’m saying, but first, let’s break this down.
People keep saying, “She’s terrified to lose him, but she left him.” That’s exactly the point. Fear doesn’t always make people hold on tighter, it can make them push others away. And this wasn’t about her not valuing Sang Yan. It was about her believing that being with him was selfish, that she was ultimately going to hurt him, and that leaving was the better option. That’s not the same as taking him for granted.

And about the whole “She left him holding the bag with their apartment and her cat” thing let’s talk about the cat. People act like she dumped the cat on him without care, but she already left the cat with him multiple times before. This wasn’t new. She left the cat to keep him company, even when she was trying to leave. That wasn’t abandonment. That was Yi Fan, in her own way, still wanting to stay connected to him even as she tried to walk away.
The argument that she would’ve never come back if Si Qiaoand Su Huoan hadn’t tracked her down doesn’t hold up either. Because the drama makes it clear that she wasn’t happy in HK. She wasn’t thriving. She was stuck. Even if no one had come to find her, she would have eventually realized that running away didn’t fix anything. The thing about trauma is that it doesn’t follow a logical timeline. Just because she’s been independent for years doesn’t mean she suddenly knows how to navigate love without fear. And the thing is, she did realize running wasn’t the answer. In one line, she even admitted that at the end of the day, running away doesn’t solve anything, it only hurts others more.

Before her friends even showed up, the ballet teacher’s story had already touched her, making her reflect on her own choices. Yi Fan had always been attached to the idea of escaping when things got overwhelming, but this time, her friends and Sang Yan people who already saw her as family chose to look for her because they didn’t want her to be gone for too long. And the most important part? They didn’t meet her with anger,they didn’t punish her for running. They simply reminded her that she didn’t have to run anymore.
As for Sang Yan, people say the Hong Kong arc made him unrecognizable, but it didn’t. He wasn’t suddenly a “neurotically desperate” person; he was someone who knew Yi Fan better than anyone else. That’s why he didn’t move on. Because he understood her fear, even when he was hurt by it. If he had truly believed she didn’t love him, that’s when he would have given up. But he knew the way she left wasn’t because she didn’t care, it was because she cared too much and didn’t know how to handle it.

And finally, the idea that “if she really valued him, she would have quickly realized she screwed up” ignores how deep her fears ran. She was healing in her relationship with Sang Yan, but healing isn’t a straight line. She had already come so far, but this was the last hurdle learning that she could trust herself in a relationship, that she could stay instead of running. The Hong Kong arc mattered because it forced her to finally face that.

OST/ CINEMATOGRAPHY ⋆˚𝜗𝜚˚⋆
The OST was really good, and it matched the tone of the drama perfectly. It was used thoughtfully in certain scenes, enhancing the emotional impact and making the beautiful moments even more memorable. The cinematography was stunning, with shots that captured the leads perfectly. The dreamy, ethereal vibes it gave off fit the drama so well, and I really liked how it all came together.

FAV SCENES ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂)⸝♡
Sang Yan and Yi Fan’s first meeting
Sang Yan taking care of a cute, drunk Yi Fan
Sang Yan and Yi Fan’s adorable moment at Qian Fei's wedding
Everything about Sang Yi Fan
Wen Yi Fan discovering Sang Yan’s memory box
Sang Yi Fan scenes in episode 31
SangYifan First Date
Wei Yi Fan comforting her younger self
All the kissing scenes (blushes)
The best emotional proposal
I love Dian Dian- Yifan's Cat scenes
Sang Yan’s quote: "You’re looking for a job?" / "The jobs are looking for me."
Yi Fan’s ballet dance

OVERALL IMPRESSIONS .☘︎ ݁˖
The First Frost is a well-written drama and a masterpiece for me because it doesn’t just talk about love, it deeply explores trauma, SA survivors, and friendship. Sang Yi Fan’s love story beautifully portrays the unconditional feelings of first love and how they aren’t easily forgotten, depending on how strong that love is. I love how yearning is depicted in this drama, and Yi Fan’s journey felt incredibly realistic. I’m happy she fought her great battle alongside Sang Yan and found a new home filled with happiness and warmth to shield her from the cold,I never felt bored or skipped any scenes.

One of the things I really appreciated about this drama is how the dialogue is just as important as the actions. We often talk about how what characters do shapes the story, but the way they communicate, the things they say, and how they say them, can carry just as much weight. It’s through dialogue that we really get to see their personalities, vulnerabilities, and intentions. What stood out to me is how every line feels purposeful whether it’s a small quip or a heartfelt confession. It adds layers to the characters and deepens the relationships, making everything feel more genuine. It’s a reminder that words can move the plot just as much as actions can.

Bai Jing Ting and Zhang Ruo Nan had such natural chemistry that never felt forced, and their characters’ love story never came across as one sided. Every member of the cast played their roles well, and I’m grateful to the director for guiding them so effectively the hard work truly paid off. The First Frost became one of 2025’s best dramas and a certified hit.

QUOTES I LOVE •ᴗ•
Ep 29 Title - Love Means Being Each Other’s Light
Si Qiao : “Those who cannot forgive themselves suffer the most. That’s why we need to be kinder to ourselves.”
Sang Yan: “I want you to fly free forever. I want to give you wings and destroy all your pain.”
Wei Yifan: “I want someone who is fierce and will love me until death. It’s you, Sang Yan.”

To everyone who read this review to the end, just like the TFF quote ending, “Treat yourself well and the world will hold more love for you.” I will miss the Nanwu Squad, Thanks for healing and warming my heart. SangYifan, I don’t want to say goodbye, but I hope we meet again ❄️🍃

Thanks For Reading ⋆｡‧˚ʚ🩰ɞ˚‧｡⋆ 🔆 I hope in this Evil World, You will Continue To Soar High Up To Skies 🌟