audrey

This was slow-burn and emotional and even rage-inducing at times. I thought it started strong and ended strong. It got a little rocky for me in the middle there, not gonna lie, only because I felt like we're going in circles at times, I tend to feel that way in cdramas because of the amount of the episodes honestly. Still, the payoff was good. The characters are loveable and definitely ones I ended up rooting for. Both Sang Yan and Wen Yifan had quiet strength and intensity in them which I liked.

Utimately, I like that Sang Yan and Yifan brought out the best in each other. When they're together, both of their personalities shine which was also what I was missing during the middle parts of the drama. I just wanted that oomph from both of them, you know?! Anyway, Sang Yan's love was truly admirable. He was so patient and selfless and it was unconditional. I think he was emotionally intelligent and for the most part, he understand Yifan and him are on different journeys that's why he just checked in on her quietly through the years. I guess there's some negative reaction about their dynamics but I don't know, I'll buy this one, seeing the whole picture and all. I am proud of Yifan's growth in here overall. It was slow and there was a push and pull there but in the end, she took back her life.

The last scene between Yifan and her mom was probably my favorite because it was just so rewarding. I'd be mad if we didn't get that scene. Her monologue was everything and again, I'm so proud of her for putting her mom in her place. Yes, of course, that abusive man and his sister was rage-inducing but Yifan's mom? [screams]. Her daughter was literally begging and telling her that her life was in danger! And when something did happen (girl literally jumped off the window to get away from that man!), she still didn't believe her. And for what?! Just because Yifan, her teenage grieving daughter didn't get along with her step-daughter who is also a teenager?! I'm glad Yifan brought out this fact too, that she can afford to take her in, she just chose not to.

I also adored the second leads here. They're just so cute and interesting and their storyline has also kept me engaged. So nice to see Zhang Miao Yi in an adult role. I've only seen her play the sunshine-y high school girl so. (But then again, if someone was going to get a pass for playing a high school girl multiple times, it's probably her lol).

Great proposal scene too by the way! It was so personal and intimate which I loved. (well, their two best friends are also there lol but they're all happy about it so it's just really a sweet, happy, emotional moment)

Overall, I thought this was well done. Visually beautiful too! Both Zhang Ruo Nan and Bai Jing Ting portrayed the roles of two young people in love, including the awkwardness of it all, really well. Then in adulthood, oh the yearning was delivered! We love yearning here lol. I thought they're also really good with the emotional scenes. So yeah, this was a great watch.