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It's honestly baffling to me that this drama was released in 2025. I watched it in mid-2026 assuming it was an older production because the cinematography and visual presentation feel noticeably dated. The shots, framing, and editing just don't look like a drama released that recently. It had so much potential, but unfortunately, the execution and writing fell well below my standards.

Let me start with what I actually liked. I really enjoyed the Qushan closed-community setting and the idea of following these kids as they grow up while dealing with their respective family problems. There was so much material here that could have made for a compelling coming-of-age story. I honestly wish the drama had spent more time exploring each family and their dynamics instead of putting so much emphasis on the frustrating romance between Lin Ying Tao and Jiang Qiao Xi.

I know some people might find Jiang Qiao Xi's unwavering pursuit of Lin Ying Tao romantic, but to me, it mostly felt like frustrated love. As a romantic partner, Jiang Qiao Xi is a walking red flag, especially because he keeps falling into that avoidant pattern I absolutely hate. This man ghosted her for years, not once but twice, across decades. And somehow we're supposed to believe that a pure childhood romance from when they were around ten was enough to sustain all of that? I just don't buy it. And what exactly was so special about their childhood relationship? I didn't see it. Their memories weren't particularly romantic or memorable to me, and Lin Ying Tao seemed to have equally meaningful relationships with her other male friends. On the other hand, I can understand why Jiang Qiao Xi could have fallen helplessly for her because she was the only warm and memorable part of his childhood, and perhaps the first person who truly saw him for who he was. Fine. That's actually a decent emotional foundation. But instead, the writing turned Lin Ying Tao into someone whose main purpose was to give Jiang Qiao Xi the love he supposedly needed. duh.

And let's talk about the pacing. This is an incredibly slow romance with nothing to burn. I watched most of the drama with my finger on the fast-forward button. 😂 It clearly wanted to be a complicated coming-of-age story about love, family, and growing up, but the writing never managed to make me emotionally invested in any of it.

I also have mixed feelings about Zhang Ling He. While I appreciate him stepping outside his usual image and taking on a role that required more emotional complexity, some of the more emotionally demanding scenes felt beyond his range at that stage of his career. Still, points for trying. And can we please retire Zhang Ling He from high school roles? The man does not look like a high school student anymore. Although I will admit, the messy hair and tanned look did something for me. He looked much more relatable than his usual cool-prince persona. Dare I say... hotter.

Ultimately, what frustrates me most is how much potential was wasted. I already liked Zhang Ling He and Zhao Jin Mai's chemistry in The Princess Royal, unfortunately, even good chemistry can't compensate for writing that doesn't give the characters enough reason to make their relationship compelling. And I'm still annoyed that the second couple didn't get their happy ending.