loserlemon

I felt the two leads had great chemistry and felt very natural. The female lead, Zhang Miao Yi , definitely carried the show and the role suited her very well. I can't imagine a more fitting actress for the role of Xiao Tu. Her comedic timing was just perfect. As for the male lead, Jun, I wish we were able to see more expression from him. I still liked his portrayal though and his expression when he's awkward is hilarious. I really would like to see Zhang Miao Yi and Jun in another drama.

Xiao Tu and Ling Chao aren’t related, but they grew up together. Both of their parents are each other’s godparents. Ling Chao has always been very smart and studious, while Xiao Tu is carefree and overly dramatic. I loved how oblivious and dense Xiao Tu is. She often sees things at face value, while Ling Chao is more observant and constantly protects her from the shadows. No matter what, Xiao Tu always somehow finds a way to drag Ling Chao into one of her shenanigans. For example, there’s a scene where they try to take Xiao Tu’s friend’s cellphone back from a teacher, only to get caught. Ling Chao manages to get away, while Xiao Tu gets into trouble. Xiao Tu accuses him of being disloyal. Later in the episode, we find out that Ling Chao went back to retrieve the phone anyway. Although he succeeds, he gets into trouble for lying to the teacher and saying the phone was his, which results in him having to write a two page essay. We see a lot more of Ling Chao’s inner feelings in the exclusive epilogue.

I actually enjoyed the drama more when they were in high school, perhaps because of the buildup of Ling Chao’s feelings. We see that Ling Chao develops feelings for Xiao Tu quite early on, and I liked how he never openly expresses them, instead showing his affection through subtle actions. Ling Chao’s mother bought them matching rabbit themed clothing. Xiao Tu received an undergarment, while Ling Chao had a shirt with a pom pom on the back. Xiao Tu wanted them to wear the matching items together, but Ling Chao refused, which upset her. The next day at school, Xiao Tu gets hit on the head by a basketball, and the boy who threw it laughs. To defend her, Ling Chao agrees to play basketball, which reveals that he is wearing the rabbit shirt. Ling Chao often does things like this, and I found it very endearing. Another sweet detail is that Xiao Tu dislikes carrots, so whenever there are dishes with carrots, she picks them out and gives them to Ling Chao, and he eats them without complaint. The second half of the drama is when they're in college and basically is them navigating their relationship, it was also enjoyable as well.

The reason why Ling Chao fell in love with Xiao Tu is because he does not need to perform or protect an image. He can exist quietly, even invisibly, and still feel seen by Xiao Tu. Ling Chao is surrounded by admiration. At school, his intelligence, looks, and reputation as a model student place him on a pedestal. Xiao Tu, however, has known him long before any of that mattered. To her, he is just Ling Chao, the person who gets dragged into her schemes, eats the carrots she does not like, and silently cleans up after her messes. When she is upset, happy, or frustrated, she expresses it openly and without pretense. This transparency is what makes her heart feel pure. Her obliviousness also plays an important role. Xiao Tu does not overanalyze Ling Chao’s actions or search for deeper meanings behind his words. She accepts what is in front of her.

Xu Ling Long is someone who has had a crush on Ling Chao since they were kids and is very upfront about her feelings for him. She often finds reasons to get close to him, only to get shot down by Ling Chao. Despite being a love rival, I couldn’t hate her. She was adorable and funny, and she was never malicious, although she would be passive aggressive toward Xiao Tu, it was never as negative as you would think. She is one of the very few love rivals you actually end up liking. Although she was mainly there for comedic purposes, she was lovely.

Yin Xin Lan is Ling Chao’s classmate and also has a crush on him. Although she appears soft spoken and nice, she isn’t, as she makes offhanded remarks about Xiao Tu and has no issue using others to get close to Ling Chao. I think Ling Chao saw right through Yin Xin Lan from the start, which is why he was very blunt with her. In contrast, he was much softer when turning down Xu Ling Long’s advances.

One unfortunate thing is that if you don't understand or speak Chinese, you miss out on some funny moments. Several times, Xiao Tu speaks to Ling Chao using old fashioned terms, which sounds much funnier in Chinese and subtitles doesn't do it justice

I have watched this drama a few times already, starting a few years ago. This is one of those lighthearted dramas you can always rewatch, and it gives you the same feelings as the first time. There are no unnecessary third parties, as the leads’ relationship is solid, and there is no miscommunication that lasts longer than an episode. The entire cast was extremely perfect. Both leads had awesome friends as well. I really liked the friends Ling Chao made in college. They were hilarious and often got into all kinds of shenanigans. I think one of the highlights for me would Xiao Tu's relationship with her dad. Their chemistry together was amazing and I knew if I saw them together on screen, I would get a great laugh. Xiao Tu's dad was extremely funny as well, but I loved both their families dynamic with one another. It was very nice to see two kids being raised in a happy and loving home.