Discovery of Romance (2022)

You either Love or Hate this drama - I love it and I hope you do as well

Completed: 9/19/2022

I have not seen the Korean version so I am just reviewing this on its own. I can see how “Discovery of Romance” can get both positive and negative reviews. The whole premise of the story is about a love triangle: an ex-boyfriend comes back into the female lead’s life and stirs up all types of emotions and troubles. If you do not like love triangles, this is definitely not the drama for you.

I can also see how many might drop this drama within the first few episodes. I was somewhat caught off guard as well, as I wasn’t expecting it to be a comedy. There are many silly and comedic moments in the first 8-10 episodes, and mainly due to Qin Jun Jie’s character, the ex-boyfriend. Our three main leads are not super lovable characters either. They are flawed and the initial comedy doesn’t paint a great picture on them, well, maybe except the perfect boyfriend. However, if you are able to stay a little longer and keep watching, you will see that this is a drama about healing, closures, rediscovering yourself, following your dreams, personal growth and how complicated feelings could be in real life. Feelings are not always black and white, and being wishy washy about feelings and decisions is actually the most realistic part of a relationship, especially a love triangle.

I stuck around because I am a fan of Janice Wu and Qin Jun Jie. I haven’t seen Janice Wu in a drama for quite some time and still remember how much I liked her in “Le Coup de Foudre” and also as the sassy actress BFF in “You are my Glory”. I became a fan of Qin Jun Jie after watching him in “Listening Snow Tower” (love him but not the drama) and also in “Noble Aspirations”. I’ve never seen him in a modern drama so I am looking forward to this. I am so glad I stuck around because they are both awesome. The chemistry between the two is amazing. The argument and bickering are fun, but the emotional scenes are just something else. Even when they’re just calmly talking about business and designs, I can feel their chemistry slowly sizzling in the background. They are the main reason why I watched, did not drop and gave “Discovery of Romance'' a good rating.

I really like how we learn of ML and FL history by seeing how differently they remember events of the past. ML only has the happy memories and thus wants to get back with FL. On the other hand, FL only has negative memories and wants nothing to do with ML. The storytelling is interesting to me. With the flashbacks, we see a younger and more innocent version of the couple. It’s like both Janice Wu and Qin Jun Jie are playing multiple roles.

There are many frustrating decisions made by the three leads. How I want to scream and shake some sense into them. When you watch this, either you hate them or you try to understand where they’re coming from. This continues to be that fine line of liking and disliking a drama. The drama also switches from a rom-com happy and silly tone, to a more melodramatic tone in the last ⅓ of the drama. I personally enjoy the more emotional scenes and the process of the former couple coming to realize that their relationship really has ended, and ML finally found closure. We also follow the perfect boyfriend’s journey of accepting his past and loving himself.
This might not be a perfect drama but I really like it a lot.

Other Random Observations:
1. FL has such a cool relationship with her mother. We need more mother characters like her in C-dramaland.
2. I appreciate natural kisses - no fan service, but happens when it’s appropriate in a normal, loving, mature relationship.
3. A surprise cameo in the last episode. I’ve never seen this actor in a modern look as well.
4. Finally brought back some humor in the last episode.

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Watching is how we discover what romance looks like

This is a gem and I keep telling myself I’m going to wait until it’s over and watch them all at once - but I can’t!
We begin with our two main leads that we aren’t supposed to like very much, and we don’t…even those of us who have seen the Korean version over and over.
Because the main leads are that good at moving is from an idealized love (that we to often see in drama’s) to what looks like ‘real love’, to the place we are by episode 16 - love is made up of all the little things we forget - but are actually glue that keeps us together.
We also see this same approach to what an I tomate relationship looks like play out in the friendships and how they’re diff between the two doctors and the main leads best friend (who is the doctor) and her ex.
I’m so impressed with JW’s acting and range - I’ve not seen her do this depth of feeling and am so here for it.
The male lead is also doing an amazing job - they seem more comfortable with each other than JW and the actual boyfriend - as they should since the female lead closed her heart.
I’m eighteen episodes in, but 15 & 16 tho…whew are breaking my heart!
The scenic visuals, music, supporting cast, and the leads monologues, all work in concert to bring us into this beautiful story and I’m so here for it.
Will update when it’s completed and I’m a tad less in my fee fees?

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Not happy with the ending

In this story female protagonist fallen in love with a man .after 5years of relationship she had broken with him reason that he did able to give her some time. The man still love her and want her back in his life . Her reason of breaking up I didn't like it because we should give eachother some time and space in relationship.
When she had a new relationship . Everything just going very well . They were looked cute together. I shipped them but when things get worse in their relationship.that part I don't like .she was the one who broke with him .
He also told that living with her he was not happy ,this he realised when he was not with her. But not a single episode had shown that he was not happy .
I don't like the ending as well the female lead character xia tan who didn't Sur about her love life.

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I just watched an unhealthy relationship for 24 episodes. What we had here was a female trying to move on from one determined man pursuing to an obvious ingenious guy with her. I’d be lying if I said I liked it. I spent the whole time waiting for them to break up. Sadly it took 24 episodes for that to happen and he made a comment that just further made me dislike it. I feel like my time was wasted. I ultimately sat and watched two people who clearly weren’t a good match and terms of their love and intent. Every episode I was thinking maybe they’ll break up with this one in the store it will pick up from here but it stay the same the whole way through her confronting him, him denying things and her letting it go and then him confronting her and her denying things and him apologizing and then it ended. This went on his way too long. I didn’t see the original of this series, or remake and after this I don’t think I’m interested.

Borderline melancholy.

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A story about second chances. You either like it or you dislike it

As the headline suggests, this story can be seen is about second chances, how you either give your one true love a second chance, or go with the current love. In my opinion, everyone deserves a second chance, especially when they have changed/improved from back then.

Bear in mind that there is a love triangle; where the ex-boyfriend comes back into the female lead’s life when she's already in a new relationship. It may not be for everyone; for me personally, I am definitely NOT fond of love-triangles to be honest, since they are annoying. I love/prefer faithful love that transcends life/death and time. A love that never dies.

Between the two love; Xu Zhehao (which is the male lead, acted by Qin Jun Jie) is her first, and true love. Xia Tian (female lead, acted by Janice Wu) have said (and as we can see), when she's with Xu Zhehao, she can be her true self, whereas for her relationship with Guan Xin, she is, well, I don't know, but I honestly, really don't feel the sweet chemistry between them when comparing to how Xu Zhehao and Xia Tian and how they were in their flashbacks. They (Guan Xin and Xia Tian) aren't completely honest with each other, not like how Xu Zhehao and Xia Tian relationships was depicted back then.

Honestly, I kept to this drama for Xu Zhehao and Xia Tian, because I love their chemistry over Guan Xin and Xia Tian, as a matter of fact, I don't even like Guan Xin, for several reasons actually, one being, he is quite abusive if you ask me, I mean, on both occasions, Guan Xin is always the FIRST to throw a punch first!!! So in the end, my feelings for Guan Xin was 'meh'. I didn't like him as well, because there are times where I felt like he is guilt-tripping Xia Tian.... And especially when he knew exactly how Xia Tian feels, but he ignores her feelings, so I really didn't like him for that...

Quite the contrary, I always love the scenes between Xu Zhehao and Xia Tian on my end, and for Xia Tian, there are ofcourse flaws, one being, she knew clear well how she felt but she's not staying true to her feelings, not following her heart, and she accepted Guan Xin's marriage proposal even when she knew how she felt deep down... Thus, not being honest with her feelings... That was a negative point about her character for me, I mean, she rather go with 'not disappointing her friends and Guan Xin' over following her true feelings.. If I was her, I would have refused, and break it off then, and I will tell Guan Xin, "I'm sorry. I cannot marry you, this will he unfair to you" and break it off then....And NOT drag it off like in the drama....but then reality is different.. in the drama, this needs to happen for drama sake....not that I support the dragginess though...

For me, I do like the ending, I just wish we got a little more of their post-happiness to see how happy they are back together, but I already can see they are happy now so that's sweet. I like how the 'train' signify their relationship progress, from when they first met, fell in love, break up and now back together, only this time, they will cherish their second chance,

Xia Tian is a not a bad character, although there are questionable choices she made which I don't agree with, but when she decides on something she gives it all her, and not waver, that's one of the traits I love about her. I do like that she actually went to Xu Zhehao at the end, because it shows me she's 'putting in' the effort (chasing after him) to win him back.

I love that kiss they have for each other, hey, at least it's passionate and it's from the present time, right?

Worth noting that I love the contrast/difference Xia Tian gave for Xu Zhehao and Guan Xin, for Xu Zhehao, she actually regrets breaking up with him, and wanted to be with him and ask for forgiveness that she didn't want to break up, but for Guan Xin, it honestly felt like it was a huge weight was lifted off her shoulders, like a sigh of relief.

I am not saying she didn't like both, but what I am saying is, being with Guan Xin, she can never love him full-heartedly, it will always be Guan Xin loving Xia Tian more.... Because Xia Tian heart is closed off/and a portion of her heart/love is already given to Xu Zhehao, that is why it's unfair to Guan Xin for persisting in this futile relationship...

Whereas, for Xu Zhehao and Xia Tian, I can really see Xia Tian loving Xu Zhehao full-heartedly, and that feeling is mutual from Xu Zhehao's end, and she can completely open up and be herself, like she said, she can be herself the most when she's with him, that's why, I am glad/happy she went with Xu Zhehao at the end

Both Qin Jun Jie and Janice Wu played their roles well, and I do think Qin Jun Jie (as Xu Zhe Hao) is handsome; I love how they have these micro expressions (especially Qin Jun Jie) where they are about to cry... :( So do they have chemistry? Ofcourse! ANDI love all their flashbacks that was presented in the drama, I just wish we had more...

Rewatch Value: I will rewatch this, but will mostly going to fast-forward the boring scenes (i.e. Guan Xin and Xia Tian scenes, and Guan Xin scenes on it's own, they are fast-forwardable imo)

Music: I actually quite like some of the music in this show, made me teary and emotional.

P.S: That scene when Xia Tian wish Xu Zhehao a happy birthday; I was teary.... She's the only one who remembered (I do think Xu Zhehao remembered too; but ever since he broke up with Xia Tian, he decide to not celebrate his birthday anymore), but the flashback scene, made me teary... the happy moments, vs the moments of the present, where they still love each other, but she's holding back her feelings and not staying true to her heart (and how she feels for Xu Zhehao)... And it really (extremely) pisses me off when Guan Xin punched Xu Zhehao on his birthday!!! (I am like, can I punch Guan Xin on his birthday)??

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A SLAP OF REALITY

Discovery of Romance depicted a more accurate relationship about closure, communications, lying, trauma and everything else in between. I honestly think the actors portrayed the story very well, I resonate with the female lead, her angst, anger, regret and longing to the Male lead is outstanding ( love Janice Wu's acting) her moral fortitude is being challenge on a daily basis and she fought so hard to always do the right thing.

Male Lead : amazing chemistry and his acting is outstanding. I can feel his pain and regret.

Second Male Lead: is okay, i wish they could have pick a better actor. I don't even feel bad for him.

This is show is on a mature level of romance, so if you need to escape your reality and need a perfect loving couple then this drama is not for you.

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The story of the ex

What happen if you have unfinished love story with your ex...? Haha.... I think when I conclude this drama in 1 sentence this what will come out...The title should be The story of the ex. Haha...

This drama tells a story about unfinished love story with the ex, and many years after he try to reconnect, disturb & entering her life again. Xia Tian (XT) has steady relationship with her man, Guan Xin (GX) when Xu Ze Hao (ZH) try to enter her life again. And with ZH keep disturbing XT & GX life over & over again, XT & GX relationship start to take a blow. And finally the bomb is exploded & make a messed every where. Haha...

That's why we should leave the history behind. And with this drama we can see how destructive the ex / past will be if we keep leaving them hanging around.

Overall this one drama fill with a lot of angst that we can imagine in our life.

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I HATED IT YET LOVED IT AT THE SAME TIME!

This drama got me mixed up with my emotions, do i hate it or do i love it? This drama is more on the mature side for the love.
The story is shot between telling the story of her ex bf and her current boyfriend .

Xia tian and her boyfriend Xu Zhe hao dated for five years! One day during the trip she decides to break up. They were each other's first love. Fast forward, five years later female lead Xia tian is in a happy relationship with Guan xin ( a plastic surgeon).
Xia tian's ex shows up and ends up being her boss. It then tells the story about how her and the ex met. Xia tian truly loved Xu zhe hao.

HATE PART:
1) Xia tian never told her current boyfriend that she had an ex, and never told her that they were meeting.
2) Xia tian current boyfriend finds his long lost adoptive sister( who was in the same orphanage as him) He has an ambiguous relationship with her, and also. doesnt tell Xia Tian about
3) It see saw between the two male leads, like she argues get back with her current boyfriend, then thinks and ponders about her ex bf.

LIKE/LOVE PART:
1) female lead is lucky to get to kiss two male leads.
2) loved seeing their relationship/ the sweet moments
3) LOVED HER BEST FRIENDS, the male doctor and the female! literally the best friend that the lead can have
4) the relationship between the three friends and the love of the love of the two best friends ( cute bickering couple)

THEME/ LEARNING/MESSAGE
1) IN A RELATIONSHIP, COMMUNICATION IS KEY! WHY IS THAT HARD TO TALK ABOUT YOUR HURT AND THE PAST? DONT KEEP BOTTLING IT UP
2) love is not just physical needs or one person loving more, but its really is cherishing and remembering the good, bad, ugly! Its learning to think in their shoes.
3) DONT SEE YOUR EXES!

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Mature Ex Boyfriend or Perfect Current Boyfriend ?

For me, love triangle was a bit hard because for sure, one of them will be hurt. But I challenge myself to watch the drama first and somehow started to like it.

▫️ Main Points
~ Meeting ex boyfriend after you already move on and have a new life (happy and blessed).
~ Xia Tian does not confuse about her feelings even though her ex boyfriend was nice and sweet to her, she still loves and cares her current boyfriend so much.

▫️ Opinions
~ To me, if I meeting my ex boyfriend and he want to be with me again after we’re already broke up for long time, I will think 100 times before making a decision. It’s either my heart still want him, he deserves to be love again or he able to make me happy and so on.
~ I hate a cheater or liar boyfriend! I knew every woman will hate this kind of guy and doesn’t give a second chance to this types of guy. Xia Tian did not tell a truth about the identity of her client which was her ex bf to his current bf, Guan Xi. While Guan Xi did not tell the truth about he was meeting with his childhood friend, Lu Xi. Both of them were keeping a secret with each other and I think later may be a reason they’re broke up.
~ I love to see the chemistry between Xia Tian and Guan Xi. They’re so lovely and sweet. I’m really thought they as a main couple. The most sweet scene when Guan Xi woke up because of his nightmares then he called Xia Tian. Even though she was in bed, she still answer him and try to calm him down. When he said ‘It’s ok I will walk alone’ then she reply ‘I’ll find you’. This was a sweet conversation between couple.
~ I loved to see when Xia Tian coax her boyfriend when he sad. She will go to his house, clean the messes and make up her face then wait him to come home. This was perfect idea that a couple should do to make each other feel better after they’re argued.
~ I think both of men were suitable for Xia Tian since she was a nice and good woman and of course she was pretty and brilliant woman. She also had good chemistry with both main lead. I love to see when she’s smile ?
~ The friendship between Xia Tian and both of her friends were really adorable. They can make Xia Tian happy and annoyed at the same time. They also was funny characters in this drama especially the man, he was too adorable and stupid.
~ For me, Guan Xin was really really a perfect man for you to marry. He was nice, responsible, loving and handsome. To sad he was not a man for Xia Tian at last. But still, their part were the best. I love to see their chemistry.
~ This drama was not long nor short. It covered all parts such work, couple, eating and playing. No worries you’ll enjoyed when watching this drama.
~ Xia Tian choose to calm herself for one year before moving to what her heart desires. She choose her first love again since they have most sweet memories even they’re broke up in past. I think it’s too long for a normal people. At least 3 months better to make the choices.
~ Liu Yuning as the guest in the last episode was so funny. He just came to meet Xia Tian because he likes her at the first meeting then got rejected lol.

▫️Characters Intro
~ I love Janice Wu when she played in the drama. She can do all the characters very well and awesome. She was beautiful, pretty and sweet. I fall in love with her cute smile. She can perfectly built a chemistry with the male lead in all her dramas. Good job Janice Wu! I’m proud of her.
~ Guan Xi was too handsome and kind hearted. He was a plastic surgeon that can make woman fell for him. He was too nice with the people. He was a perfect boyfriend but I’m afraid he will make Xia Tian hurt because of the relationship with his childhood friend. I wondered how long they’ll be together.
~ Xu Zehao was a chairman in design company. He cannot forget about his ex gf and later fall in love with her again. He tried to make her fall for him but fail since she already has a bf. His character was a little bit annoying since he was arrogant and always want to win. But he was nice and sweet to Xia Tian even though she rejected him.

▫️Conclusion
I think I already know the flow of the drama since Xia Tian will be together with her ex bf, Xi Zehou at the end of the drama. But, I want to see how the writer will make the drama more interesting and dramatic.
The drama was not boring since there was some funny scenes and cute characters that can attract the audiences to watch.

Yes, this drama was interesting and adorable since many scenes were really sweet I swear. For me, I choose Guan Xi as my hero since he was too perfect.

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The Second female lead's perspective

Have you all ever thought about it,like, Lu Xi is the female lead we see in most of the dramas. She is innocent, cute , She is kind, she is caring, she is active. Then Guan Xin is the ML who is handsome,caring. There's something more, guan xin always had nightmares which is something most of the MLs in dramas have in common XD. Then they are chilhood friends. Then Xia tian is the second female lead who is with ML but cheated him for her ex boyfriend. The FL (lu xi) always stayed with ML ( guan xin) and kept her love for him a secret as he was already in a relationship. Later,the ML after break up finally realises that he actually likes the FL . So , I feel like we saw the perspective of the second female lead.

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Major spoilers!!!
I was super excited to watch this drama. I’m usually not a fan of love triangles but I’ve always liked the leads, especially the FL.

The problem with this drama at least for me was that drama had us watching FL with SML for OVER 20 episodes yet it dropped enough hints that they were not going to be together!! Why have us watch these “sweet” scenes when it really doesn’t matter in the end?! ML and FL’s time together had depth and amazing chemistry. We saw ML grow as a person and show genuine regret and remorse. FL seemed to come alive and was her true self around ML This was such a sharp contrast to the bland and sugar coated relationship FL had with SML. Fights were brushed over and arguments “reasonably” solved (you lied for the ‘nth time but okay it was my bad because I should have known why you lied and so I forgive you … again?!). Sigh. Drama wanted us to see SML as perfect and a saint but it made him come across as pretentious and more flawed when he made a mistake.

In the later episodes, we start to see less of ML too… where I started to FF because I was wondering where he was. SML seemed more like the ML considering how much time was given to his story. Oh why do dramas do that when I’m pretty sure most viewers just want to see the FL and ML together.

Overall, it was okay.. . I’d watch it for the ML and FL’s story. Their scenes were heart warming, heart wrenching, and full of depth. Just wish there was more of them!!

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