Lissa

I've been a huge fan of Song Weilong for a long time, so when he was announced as the male lead of this drama, I was genuinely excited. I'm particularly fond of modern dramas, and since he doesn't appear in them as often as I'd like, I was really looking forward to this project. After all that anticipation, I can confidently say it was worth the wait.

One thing I particularly appreciated is that romance isn't the main focus of the story. There's much more happening beyond the relationship between Chen Yi and Miao Jing. The drama gives its characters room to grow individually, explores their family circumstances and relationships with the people around them, and touches on the challenges of everyday life. I found that refreshing. It doesn't feel the need to make every storyline revolve around the main couple, and there are plenty of funny, lighthearted moments to balance its more emotional themes. It makes for a genuinely entertaining watch.

The story also explores childhood trauma, parental neglect, growing up too soon and the importance of finding a place where you belong. I especially liked its portrayal of found family and how meaningful connections can give people a sense of stability they might not have experienced growing up. These themes are woven into the characters' lives without making the drama feel overwhelmingly heavy.

As for Chen Yi and Miao Jing, their relationship was one of my favourite parts of the story. I'm a sucker for a proper slow burn, and theirs felt natural rather than rushed or artificially constructed. Their shared history gives even the smallest interactions emotional weight, and I loved watching their connection develop through companionship and all those little moments that gradually become meaningful.

What makes their relationship work is that they're allowed to be flawed. They have their own emotional baggage, misunderstandings and difficulties communicating. Love doesn't magically solve everything for them; they have to learn to trust one another and grow into a partnership where they can stand side by side. The pacing can be slow at times, but I think that gradual development is essential to making their relationship feel earned. I wouldn't have wanted it to move much faster.

Now, onto the performances!

Song Weilong, I really need you to do more modern dramas. His portrayal of Chen Yi was one of the highlights for me, particularly the vulnerability he brought to a character who can initially seem quite reserved. He makes the quieter moments feel just as meaningful as the more emotional ones, and I loved seeing him in this role.

Zhang Jingyi deserves just as much recognition. She portrays Miao Jing's development beautifully, making the transition from the girl we meet at the beginning to the more mature woman she becomes feel natural and believable. Her expressions and mannerisms evolve alongside the character, while still preserving her vulnerability, independence and determination. I thought she was excellent.

Together, they have lovely chemistry. It isn't dependent on constant romantic gestures or dramatic declarations; sometimes, it's simply in the way they look at each other or understand each other's silences. That's exactly the kind of romance I enjoy watching.

And a very special mention to the OST, specifically THAT one track that's just whistling. No lyrics, no singing, just an entire song of whistling. As an autistic person with sensory sensitivities, I can confidently say this was my personal villain origin story. Every time it played, I was fighting for my life. I'm sure the song has its fans, but I was NOT one of them.

Now, my ONE BIG COMPLAINT: THE WEDDING SCENE. WHY WAS IT CUT FROM THE ACTUAL DRAMA?
After everything Chen Yi and Miao Jing went through, I wanted to see them get married properly. I wanted the ceremony, the vows and the chance to actually enjoy their happiness. And apparently, we're now expected to watch dozens of episodes only to have wedding footage released separately as extra content? I'm so tired of productions filming wedding scenes only to leave them out of the actual series. Why is this becoming such a recurring thing in romance dramas? LET THE COUPLES GET MARRIED. LET US SEE THEM BE HAPPY. These characters deserved that moment, and so did we.

Jokes aside, I genuinely loved this drama. It was funny, touching and refreshing, with a cast of characters whose journeys were worth following. I came into it because of Song Weilong, but I left appreciating the story as a whole.

I also want to address something that genuinely made my viewing experience less enjoyable: the comments on Viki. I came across far too many misogynistic remarks directed at Zhang Jingyi (the actress) and Miao Jing, and honestly, some of the things people felt comfortable writing were embarrassing. Criticising a character is one thing, but the constant double standards and unnecessary hostility towards the female lead are exhausting. And while we're at it, can we please stop sexualising Song Weilong every time he appears on screen? Appreciating an actor's looks is perfectly fine, but some comments go well beyond that. Please behave. Viki seriously needs better moderation for these comments because viewers shouldn't have to put up with this just to enjoy a drama. My recommendation? Keep the comments turned off. You'll probably have a much better time watching without them.

An enjoyable drama, a lovely slow burn and two wonderful leads. Song Weilong, please give me more modern dramas. I'll be waiting.