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Lastly, the acting is very natural, even gets better in later episodes. I will definitely rewatch this drama in the future for its romance.
I cried on the last couple of episodes. Overall I recommend this true hidden gem till the last episodes.
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Bittersweet Coming-of-Age Story
Unlike viewers who have either read the original novel (in Chinese) or watched the movie, I came to this drama without any expectations or biased perceptions. This is a coming-of-age story for the main lead characters (Qi Ming and Yi Yao), and the story has a set of supporting characters who enrich the main story with their own storylines (== family members, friends, co-workers, etc).The main plot is about Qi Ming and Yi Yao -- childhood friends who grew up together and tried to find a way to become partners in life. Qi Ming is almost considered as a "perfect guy" -- smart, successful, and well-liked. Yi Yao comes from a dysfunctional family with a tragic story of its own; she is portrayed as stubborn, defensive (at times), but kindhearted. Can they overcome all of the differences and "opposing forces" between them and become partners? Do they succeed in the end? (No spoilers!).
Favorite supporting characters:
1) Hao Tian and Du Du -- sweetest and possibly the most compatible couple in this story.
2) Gu Sen Xi -- a good guy with a kind heart; he tries to be a "Robin Hood" in real life.
3) Yi Yao's mother -- a kindhearted woman with a tragic story of her own; she has a sharp tongue.
The songs/OSTs in this drama are AMAZING! Check them out for yourself!
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The story is so touching, romantic, natural, humane and yet realistic. Unlike many of Chinese drama having too many luxurious act, gifts and overacting.
I quite like the ending of this drama, so touching and yet open up your imagination of many possibilities of Yi Yao n Qi Ming future development.
There were many nice songs and musics throughout the drama that really feeling so good.....
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This review may contain spoilers
This is quite an addictive melodrama. My first time watching Ma Tian Yu in a drama and I find that he is quite handsome. I've watched a few of Zheng Shuang's other drama and I thought her performance here is the best one, even compared with her performance in O2O. I thought she portrayed her role here pretty well. However, I don't know why is it but it seems like in every one of her drama, her stylist is very bad. Her outfits are terrible LoL. I get it that in this drama she came from a poor family. But even after she started a stable regular job, she still dresses poorly and more like a college student not an office worker. Anyway, enough about the costumes... As for the drama, I really like the friendship and family elements, and how it deals with a different (and sometimes mature) subject matter, like suicide. This drama depicts real people's problems like poverty, unrequited love, and the struggle that normal people faces in life. If you like melodrama and are looking for some variety in your drama watching, I would recommend this one for you. It's a bit long, but there are only a few episodes that I found boring. The rest is pretty well paced and kept you interested.
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This review may contain spoilers
Childhood love
The novel and movie is about bully and is a tragedy. I am relieved that the drama is less heavy.The TV version is about childhood friendship developed into love with some meaningful dialogue. Had more sad moments.
I am not that into Zheng Shuang's acting though,...quite unnatural in most parts, , anyway, she did a good job at the part when character lost her mom.
Ending is rushed as well. Other than the mentioned, overall it is quite touching story, with songs that can build up emotions.
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This review may contain spoilers
LOVE IT WATCH IT
LOVED THE CAST THE COUPLE WAS QUITE CUTE . THE STORY OF A STUBBORN GIRL AND A MR.PERFECT BOY . IT HAS JEALOUSY, LOVE, CUTENESS AND MANY STORIES INCORPORATED WITH EACH OTHER .Story
9.5/10
Acting/Cast
10/10
Music
8.5/10
Rewatch Value
10/10
Overall
Suggested overall: 9.5
10/10
Qi Ming and Yi Yao are neighbors who live in the same alley. As an older brother, Qi Ming is always helping and protecting Yi Yao. Qi Ming plants a tree for Yi Yao, in the backyard of the alley, and wishes that he’s able to give Yi Yao her dream family and the warmth that she wants. As time passes, Qi Ming helps Yi Yao through a misdiagnosed illness, emergency operation and various obstacles, but what could not be prevented was the troubles of love and entering the workforce. After graduating from college and moving out of the alley, Qi Ming and Yi Yao finally overcame all odds and got together. But the two had no choice but to break up again due to their careers. Youth is beautiful, but it also has regrets, Qi Ming, Yi Yao, Shen Xi, Shen Xiang, each of them chased their dreams and came to their own realization, everyone worked hard to lead a better life.
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A Flawed but Thoughtful Coming-of-Age Drama
This drama initially felt like a coming-of-age story, and later shifts into more of a slice-of-life narrative. There were moments I really, really liked it, and others where I simply liked it. While it sometimes felt crowded with subplots, the transitions between them kept the story engaging, and the pacing was quick enough that earlier threads never felt lost. I appreciated how the subplots reflected different stages of life—how perspectives and relationships evolve with age, how second chances can emerge through maturity, and how certain situations can serve as cautionary tales, particularly within family and relationship dynamics.The drama also excelled in using character psychology to reframe an ordinary world, helping us understand the characters’ emotions, fears, and desire for connection. This made them feel vulnerable and engaging, with meaningful growth as they navigated life’s challenges from college into adulthood, while parallel storylines echoed these developments. For these reasons, the narrative felt layered and purposeful, making it easy to connect with each storyline and character.
My main critique was the repetitive cycle of misunderstandings, angst, and frustration between the leads, particularly Yi Yao. I enjoy slow-burn dramas, but felt stronger plot devices could have been used to sustain it rather than relying so heavily on miscommunication or avoidance. I also struggled with some overbearing supporting characters whose behavior often felt intrusive and uncomfortable, repeatedly inserting themselves into situations and pressuring the leads in ways that disrupted the flow of the story. However, I still enjoyed my time watching this version of Guo Jingming’s Cry Me a Sad River.
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