PERFECT FROM BEGINNING TO END.
I am not exaggerating when I say Love between Lines is the perfect romance. I am also not bias when I saw Mao Deshu is one of the best directors working today, he has consistently delivered fun, heartwarming and mature stories filled with endearing characters, well developed plotlines and incredibly cinematography. His choice of transitions between scenes is also perfect. He is always planning and creating how to go from one scene to another using the elements present on set.
Most importantly Director Mao Deshu always chooses to show, in all his projects but particular in this one, how the leads communicate properly, not allowing misunderstandings between them and emotionally growing, tastefully and cheekly implying physical intimacy. It’s a staple of his work and very few know how to do it so well.
Xiu is my favourite leading lady to date. She's smart and a hard worker, but never portrayed as a Candy-like heroine, she speaks out her mind, marks a clear line that can't be ignored nor cross when needed. As a romantic partner she's supporting, tender, bold about flirting and showing affection. At the same time, Xiu chooses to see life as a glass half full, but she’s not ditzy or naive. She never needs saving, even in her most vulnerable moments, but gladly accepts help when it calls for without being stripped of what makes her such strong and dynamic character.
Yu will also one of the best written male leads in history of dramas. He is not the typical cold and aloof CEO, instead he has an actual personality that doesn’t revolve around his job. He’s approachable, easygoing and communicates properly. He’s guarded but we see how his walls rise and fall depending on the person (Xiu, his friends or business partner). He respects women and that translates in all aspects of his life, such as having an entirely platonic friendship with Zhao, his business partner, a woman he fully trust to take the lead when he can't be present.
When it comes to Xiu, Yu listens and supports her. Goes out of his way and steps aside, so she can have her own space to develop her career just like she told him she wanted. He is emotionally intelligent and mature, so he knows how to show his love for her in the best way possibly.
Zhen was the most pitiful character of the story. He's not a villain but he's not innocent either. However, it's easy to feel for him and his struggles when you see how badly he had it growing up and how deeply starved for affection he is. This was a very nuanced character that deserved better than what he got but it was only right that was his ending, as the drama developed his story with the male lead perfectly. They should have been brothers, supporting each other through a lonely childhood, instead people around them made it impossible for them to ever be anything but strangers.
Mao Sichao and Li Tingting are the best second lead couple as Xiaorou and Gong. They each have their own individual story, as full-fledged characters outside of the leads’ story, and then their own together. Their presence makes Love Between Lines feel wider and more grounded into reality. They don't bring extra drama nor are they the comedic relief, but instead complement the main story.
Xiaorou has her own marital issues that she resolves with the boldness, as a persona who is secure of herself and what she wants in life. If something is not working, if it hurst you, then you must let it go even if it's painful right now. She's an incredibly nuanced character that among her own problems, still found the time to help out her best friends. I am so glad this go-getter of a woman got her happy ending.
Gong wasn't written as the typical rich man either. Coming from generational wealth, he could have easily being the "playboy", instead he is mature, confident and caring for the people around him, treating everything respectfully and helping out when needed. He has an easygoing nature that helps him turn the worst situation into a win, and that's exactly why he's the perfect man for Xiaoru.
Love Between Lines is, without a doubt, one of the best dramas 2026 has gifted us. I am so incredibly thankful for it.
Most importantly Director Mao Deshu always chooses to show, in all his projects but particular in this one, how the leads communicate properly, not allowing misunderstandings between them and emotionally growing, tastefully and cheekly implying physical intimacy. It’s a staple of his work and very few know how to do it so well.
Xiu is my favourite leading lady to date. She's smart and a hard worker, but never portrayed as a Candy-like heroine, she speaks out her mind, marks a clear line that can't be ignored nor cross when needed. As a romantic partner she's supporting, tender, bold about flirting and showing affection. At the same time, Xiu chooses to see life as a glass half full, but she’s not ditzy or naive. She never needs saving, even in her most vulnerable moments, but gladly accepts help when it calls for without being stripped of what makes her such strong and dynamic character.
Yu will also one of the best written male leads in history of dramas. He is not the typical cold and aloof CEO, instead he has an actual personality that doesn’t revolve around his job. He’s approachable, easygoing and communicates properly. He’s guarded but we see how his walls rise and fall depending on the person (Xiu, his friends or business partner). He respects women and that translates in all aspects of his life, such as having an entirely platonic friendship with Zhao, his business partner, a woman he fully trust to take the lead when he can't be present.
When it comes to Xiu, Yu listens and supports her. Goes out of his way and steps aside, so she can have her own space to develop her career just like she told him she wanted. He is emotionally intelligent and mature, so he knows how to show his love for her in the best way possibly.
Zhen was the most pitiful character of the story. He's not a villain but he's not innocent either. However, it's easy to feel for him and his struggles when you see how badly he had it growing up and how deeply starved for affection he is. This was a very nuanced character that deserved better than what he got but it was only right that was his ending, as the drama developed his story with the male lead perfectly. They should have been brothers, supporting each other through a lonely childhood, instead people around them made it impossible for them to ever be anything but strangers.
Mao Sichao and Li Tingting are the best second lead couple as Xiaorou and Gong. They each have their own individual story, as full-fledged characters outside of the leads’ story, and then their own together. Their presence makes Love Between Lines feel wider and more grounded into reality. They don't bring extra drama nor are they the comedic relief, but instead complement the main story.
Xiaorou has her own marital issues that she resolves with the boldness, as a persona who is secure of herself and what she wants in life. If something is not working, if it hurst you, then you must let it go even if it's painful right now. She's an incredibly nuanced character that among her own problems, still found the time to help out her best friends. I am so glad this go-getter of a woman got her happy ending.
Gong wasn't written as the typical rich man either. Coming from generational wealth, he could have easily being the "playboy", instead he is mature, confident and caring for the people around him, treating everything respectfully and helping out when needed. He has an easygoing nature that helps him turn the worst situation into a win, and that's exactly why he's the perfect man for Xiaoru.
Love Between Lines is, without a doubt, one of the best dramas 2026 has gifted us. I am so incredibly thankful for it.
Was this review helpful to you?
