Please give this drama a chance!
I first decided to watch this drama because Lu Yuxiao was rumored to star in season 2 of Romance in the Alley, and I am a fan of hers. Then I saw that Wang Anyu was also in it, so it’s a must. But then I couldn’t find proper subtitles for it and nearly gave up after half an episode :D
However, it is a good drama! A nostalgic Reply-series-like drama, with the importance of parents’ roles and their story of raising their children in a closely knitted neighborhood in the 70s–80s. I’ve watched several Chinese dramas with settings before, during, and after the reform of China’s planned economy, so I kind of understand the background and how life worked at the time. And the drama describes the problems and the development of the era quite well.
The drama is like: I wish I had a relationship with neighbors like them versus I wish they could leave us alone and mind their own business lol. Sometimes they’re too close; sometimes I need a Huang Ling or Song Ying for once in my life. The two beautiful ladies are the highlight! They practically live together, supporting each other, fighting with each other (Dongzhe and Xiaoting, you guys are partly responsible for this lol) within a 20-year span. They raise their children together (and even marry into each other), and if you think it’s a boring storyline, just stop and switch.
I cried and laughed throughout the 40 episodes. I laughed because of Dongzhe, I cried because of the parents. And also, because of Li Jia. Being a sandwich-generation family member (it’s even worse in the 80s) is never easy.
It’s a relatable story for everyone who is living in a developing country, and I can say the production did wonders. The acting is also awesome. I know the actress who played Dongzhe’s mom won the Magnolia Awards for her role, and the drama also got nominated in many categories. So, if you have “an award-winning production” as one of the starter to watch drama on your list, you should definitely watch this drama. They have some weak parts, of course, but it’s still a good drama.
Each couple has their charm. The Zhuang parents are about an unbalanced power dynamic between the two leads. The husband puts his extended family first, and I am so glad Huang Ling fought for it (and she won!). I nearly shouted “DIVORCE HIM” every time Zhuang Chaoying asked the kids to visit their grandparents lol. The Lin family seems more peaceful, but it’s about putting bread on the table. Glad Song Ying is quick to adapt, and I support her to smack Dongzhe at every chance because he is sooooo mischievous! But thank you for the laughter Lol.
Love the first couple (I mention it by age), Tunan-Jia, with their storyline. Some people might find Li Jia’s story annoying, but she can’t help it. It’s a real problem with realistic progression, and even though they took time to detour, they finally found the finish line together, that’s enough *cry a bit. The second couple, Dongzhe-Xiaoting, is more like an impulsive young challenger couple that turns good. It’s a little bit too good, actually. Childhood sweethearts with a perfect pace and perfect ending. They’re really cute together, and even though sometimes I don’t support their choices, they are really a match made in heaven. Like two troublesome people producing double uproar but somehow compatible and complementary :)
Speaking about the actors, it’s my first time watching most of them (except Wang Anyu, Lu Yuxiao, Shi Yunpeng, and Zhou Jieqiong), and it makes me wonder if I should add more non-idol dramas to my watch list lol. It’s my first time seeing Fan Chengcheng’s acting, as I only saw him on Keep Running, and gosh he is…different (in a good way, ofc) lol. And Guan Xiaotong…she’s kinda famous for other reasons, but I think I should watch more of her dramas before I can say anything. But she’s so pretty! Next is Lu Yuxiao: I’ve watched lots of her dramas, and can someone tell me why her dubbing is always like that :|
Anyway, the biggest downside of this drama is THE SUBTITLES!! IT’S SUCH A LOSS for Cdrama fans to skip this drama because they can’t watch it without subs. Mango, come onnnnn it’s a 2024 release drama and now it’s 2026, and you still can’t provide proper subs for international fans? I nearly gave up for the second time in Episode 9 because of how bad it is. Who the hell is “Forestry Worker”? I only know Lin Gong lol. Fortunately, I got used to it and binge-watched it to the end (I am so proud of myself :D). It is a good way to improve your Mandarin skills, though. At least for me, a non-Chinese speaker with an old rusty HSK level 2/3 (old version) skill lol. I think you can go for level 4 for the listening test if you can finish the drama haha!
However, it is a good drama! A nostalgic Reply-series-like drama, with the importance of parents’ roles and their story of raising their children in a closely knitted neighborhood in the 70s–80s. I’ve watched several Chinese dramas with settings before, during, and after the reform of China’s planned economy, so I kind of understand the background and how life worked at the time. And the drama describes the problems and the development of the era quite well.
The drama is like: I wish I had a relationship with neighbors like them versus I wish they could leave us alone and mind their own business lol. Sometimes they’re too close; sometimes I need a Huang Ling or Song Ying for once in my life. The two beautiful ladies are the highlight! They practically live together, supporting each other, fighting with each other (Dongzhe and Xiaoting, you guys are partly responsible for this lol) within a 20-year span. They raise their children together (and even marry into each other), and if you think it’s a boring storyline, just stop and switch.
I cried and laughed throughout the 40 episodes. I laughed because of Dongzhe, I cried because of the parents. And also, because of Li Jia. Being a sandwich-generation family member (it’s even worse in the 80s) is never easy.
It’s a relatable story for everyone who is living in a developing country, and I can say the production did wonders. The acting is also awesome. I know the actress who played Dongzhe’s mom won the Magnolia Awards for her role, and the drama also got nominated in many categories. So, if you have “an award-winning production” as one of the starter to watch drama on your list, you should definitely watch this drama. They have some weak parts, of course, but it’s still a good drama.
Each couple has their charm. The Zhuang parents are about an unbalanced power dynamic between the two leads. The husband puts his extended family first, and I am so glad Huang Ling fought for it (and she won!). I nearly shouted “DIVORCE HIM” every time Zhuang Chaoying asked the kids to visit their grandparents lol. The Lin family seems more peaceful, but it’s about putting bread on the table. Glad Song Ying is quick to adapt, and I support her to smack Dongzhe at every chance because he is sooooo mischievous! But thank you for the laughter Lol.
Love the first couple (I mention it by age), Tunan-Jia, with their storyline. Some people might find Li Jia’s story annoying, but she can’t help it. It’s a real problem with realistic progression, and even though they took time to detour, they finally found the finish line together, that’s enough *cry a bit. The second couple, Dongzhe-Xiaoting, is more like an impulsive young challenger couple that turns good. It’s a little bit too good, actually. Childhood sweethearts with a perfect pace and perfect ending. They’re really cute together, and even though sometimes I don’t support their choices, they are really a match made in heaven. Like two troublesome people producing double uproar but somehow compatible and complementary :)
Speaking about the actors, it’s my first time watching most of them (except Wang Anyu, Lu Yuxiao, Shi Yunpeng, and Zhou Jieqiong), and it makes me wonder if I should add more non-idol dramas to my watch list lol. It’s my first time seeing Fan Chengcheng’s acting, as I only saw him on Keep Running, and gosh he is…different (in a good way, ofc) lol. And Guan Xiaotong…she’s kinda famous for other reasons, but I think I should watch more of her dramas before I can say anything. But she’s so pretty! Next is Lu Yuxiao: I’ve watched lots of her dramas, and can someone tell me why her dubbing is always like that :|
Anyway, the biggest downside of this drama is THE SUBTITLES!! IT’S SUCH A LOSS for Cdrama fans to skip this drama because they can’t watch it without subs. Mango, come onnnnn it’s a 2024 release drama and now it’s 2026, and you still can’t provide proper subs for international fans? I nearly gave up for the second time in Episode 9 because of how bad it is. Who the hell is “Forestry Worker”? I only know Lin Gong lol. Fortunately, I got used to it and binge-watched it to the end (I am so proud of myself :D). It is a good way to improve your Mandarin skills, though. At least for me, a non-Chinese speaker with an old rusty HSK level 2/3 (old version) skill lol. I think you can go for level 4 for the listening test if you can finish the drama haha!
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