Our Generation

this show is a heartfelt letter of family struggles

ONE OF THE BEST ROMANCE-YOUTH DRAMAS

This show is a tear-jerker, and I definitely know that by the end of the drama, I will cry in some parts. It showed not only one side of family struggles but also covered some of what it's like: we have a perfect family like Qi Le's whose parents have deep-rooted relationship with their daughter, a single father like Ye Yun's who still works despite his broken leg, an abusive partner like Du Shang's father, and a family with a broken bond like Qiao Xi. It covered not only one scenario of a family but also showed how different situation of parenting affects their child's growth, and I think that it's part of the reason why it's entitled 'Our generation.'

Starting as a child in the first episode, Qi Le grew up to be a very jolly girl, as having a parent who is always willing to support her gave her the comfort of connecting easily with others. On the other hand, Qiao Xi, having the opposite kind of family, forced him to be a quiet and timid child. As Qi Le shone her personality on him, it wasn't hard to develop some feelings towards her. And I think that this is a very natural feeling to have as a child, since having 'crushes' is something we can't avoid going through the teen phase, especially when you adore someone very much for a specific reason, like Qiao Xi's adoration for Qi Le's positive personality.

One thing that I love about this drama so far is how it shows not only the main character's family struggle but also the other supporting characters, like Du Shang and Ye Yun. Despite the drama only airing halfway, it already built up so many emotions towards the group, and how all of their relationship turned out to be like meeting again.

Our generation is definitely one of the best youth romance dramas out there, especially with the pacing of the story. It's so balanced and every episode was well crafted. I could barely see anything negative about it to point out. From family drama, to romance, and even the supporting characters are so good that they are not only existing there to shine the main characters, but they have their very own personalities.

CHARACTER ANALYSIS:
(will only mention the characters that impacted me most)

1. Lin Qi Le - a very positive character from the start until the updated episode. She is the type that I believe most people would like to have in life, as a friend or as a person. She's honestly one of the greenest flag female lead in dramas - always positive and never lost hope with Qiao Xi. When most of the female leads separate after their partner tell them something to lose hope, Yingtao is someone who would always find a reason not to let go, and that's part of the reason why I can't blame Qiao Xi for loving her so much. She's such a gem.

2. Qiao Xi - He is a very well-rounded character and has shown huge progress halfway through the show. Starting off as a very timid boy who is scared of going against his parents, he will become someone who can finally stand on his feet. He used Qi Le's positive attitude as a drive to change himself for the better. And I think that his growth is one of the beautiful things I have seen so far. He clearly wasn't happy with what he did, and giving up on something he is not happy to do, but was forced to take action, requires so much courage. It took him years to finally step out of the shadow and tell them how he actually felt during those times they forced an expectation on him that he didn't want to achieve. Honestly, during the separation arc, I felt so bad for him having to struggle so much - and I can't really blame him for losing confidence that he can't even stand to see Yingtao, but then I'm glad that Yingtao was able to guide him back home again.

3. Qin Ye Yun (Qi Le's female friend) - to be honest, I really thought that she hates Qi Le since the beginning, as Qi Le mentioned having to dislike her, but then at the end, it was them being closer than the others. Growing up, Ye Yun has been with her father, who takes care of her and vice versa. Among all of the characters, she is so far the most emotionally mature that I have seen, very emotionally mature compared to the others. She was able to keep her romantic feelings in check, not blaming others for having the center of attention instead of her, or for putting the responsibility on the guy he liked just because she developed a feeling. Another thing about Ye Yun was her love towards her father, that she is selfless enough to even consider stopping going to school just so she can help provide for her father, and I think that's rare to see someone who is selfless enough willing to risk their future just to provide. And I am not saying that everyone should be this kind of person, but for a daughter who has only been with her father all her life, it is a very tender feeling to know that your child loves you that much.

4. Hong Fei (Qiao Xi's mother) - she loves someone who isn't there anymore and left someone who was there all along. Every mother can definitely relate to the loss of a child they have given birth to, and erasing that memory is so hard to do that it always stays there, no matter how much you try to remove it. Her trauma was too scarred that it affected Qiao Xi, but that's not enough reason to actually force him into something he is not. She may not be a perfect mother, and to be honest, she is too far away from being a perfect mother. But, hopefully, as the story progresses, she will eventually change her mind and become less selfish instead of pushing her expectations towards her son. As Qi Le said, Qiao Xi needs a mother, not mathematics.

ACTING ANALYSIS:
1. Zhao Jin Mai as Qi Le - this is the first time I have ever watched her drama as a main role, and I would say that her acting is astounding. I have tried watching her other dramas before, but could never try to continue the next episode. This one, however, is a different deal. It feels like Qi Le and Jin Mai are just one person, no acting.

2. Zhang Ling He as Qiao Xi - as always, he could never disappoint me. May it be fierce-looking, crying scenes, happy scenes, or even the saddest scenes, his facial expressions would always exceed expectations. He has a very expressive face that makes it hard not to smile when he smiles. Playing as Qiao Xi, however, he does kind of look older than what year 10 is usually like, or that might be because I'm too used to seeing his face in historical roles. But then, even his voice sounds too deep and mature for someone to be underage. Acting-wise, he did it effortlessly well.

Overall, this drama has a great coming-of-age story that encompasses different family bonds. If you are into dramas like 'Go Ahead,' this is a type that you would definitely love. There are no boring scenarios in every episode that won't tempt you to skip some scenes. Character-wise, everyone seems dynamic except for the female lead so far, so it's quite fun to see the build-up of the story. Acting-wise, it's not cringeworthy or underwhelming, as they have outperformed, even with the supporting roles. This is definitely a must-try to watch as a youth drama, and I would love to see you put in a review about it as well.

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DONT KEEP HIGH EXPECTATIONS

Today is 23rd july 2025 and i have watch 17 episodes still 7 more to go. But so far the story is strong but, after she starts her college it started getting boring and dragged. The male lead is out of the scene, but female lead still wants to know where he is. And also in ep 17 her frnds see a post of male lead [jian qiaoxi] on some social media platform, and we still dont know if they tell her or not. Where i got bored was the last 2 episodes, so boring its about the friends she makes in college. It just didnt sit with me well. She is a yearner but he dosent care. Idk something is so wrong about this. But still she is a lover girl and im here for it!!! Lets see what happens.

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A Beautiful Heartwarming Journey of Love and Growth

My review is based purely on the drama.

I did not read the novel.

Our Generation is an adaptation of the novel, Ying Tao Hu Po (Cherry Amber) by Yun Zhu. It is a story of enduring friendships, family, love, and growth in pursuit of dreams and self-knowledge. It centers around a girl named Ying Tao (Cherry) and her friendship with Jiang Qiao Xi, Yu Qiao, Qin Ye Yun, Du Shang, and Cai Fang Yuan. They call themselves the Qunshan gang. Ying Tao forms a special bond with Qiaoxi, and their story is one of young love that grows beyond time and overcomes adversities. Our Generation is a beautiful emotional journey that shows how the characters share experiences and traverse through societal expectations and the challenges of their personal lives to find themselves.

⊰FORMAT⊱

The drama begins with an introduction of the young characters primarily through the eyes of Ying Tao in episode1. By episode 2, the drama uses a time skip to the high school years. The high school years end around ep 15 and move into the college years, ending with their adult years in ep 24. Throughout the drama, flashbacks are used to inform or highlight the connections between the past and present. The flashbacks add significance to the theme of growth beyond time. Pay close attention to dialogue and expressions as everything in this drama holds significant meaning.



⊰CHARACTERS ⊱

🍒Ying Tao is a bubbly, kind, empathetic, and resilient girl who is the center of the Qunshan gang. As Yu Qiao once told her, "It is not you who needs us, it is we who need you." Perhaps her positive nature and confidence come from growing up in a loving home with wonderful parents who love her. She isn't afraid to face conflicts. Her outgoing, positive nature is the sugar coating to her tough backbone. She does not give up. This aspect of Ying Tao's personality remains constant throughout her growth. She has a wonderful sense of empathy for others, and she will take the initiative to help those she feels are in need. Her friendship within the Qunshan gang endures the changes through time. And her bond with Qiaoxi grows from friendship to one of love. Ying Tao's realization of her goals to become a teacher who uses her strength to help her students know themselves embodies the themes of Our Generation. This innate aspect of her character makes it easy to understand why she was drawn to help young Jiang Qiaoxi.




❤️‍🩹Jiang Qiao Xi is introduced as a quiet and subdued child who was a brilliant student and a math prodigy in episode 1. He comes from a family with a tragic history. His older brother died. His parents treated him as a substitute son. His mother sets high expectations for him because she wants him to fulfill her dreams of what her late son should have achieved. He had to wear black because that was his brother's favorite color. He was never allowed to be himself. But when he meets the young Ying Tao, she tells him his name is special after she discovers his parents chose it randomly with no thought for its meaning. She make him feel he is Jiang Qiao Xi. She brings light and warmth into his life. She is his "hero." But Qiaoxi is a flawed character due to the mental abuse from his mother.

A significant quote from Jiang Qiao Xi that describes his character flaws:

"Back then I thought life was just a cage. For my freedom, for the people I loved, I kept searching for the key.
I was so sure... I am that smart, so I can pick every lock.
Now I see, the world is not only full of notable cages...but with countless invisible confinements.
In front of those, I am a fool.
I will not pull the people I love into those cages with me. "




✈️Yu Qiao is Ying Tao's close friend who stood out apart from the rest of the Qunshan gang. Even though Yu Qiao has special feelings for Ying Tao, he never puts his needs before hers. He admires her for her kindness and courage. He knows she can take care of herself. He once said, " She can make a rock look innocent." I liked his character so much that I hoped until the end that he would be happy. It is satisfying that he succeeds in his goal to be a pilot.



💘Ye Yun is Cherry's best friend. She works hard to help her crippled father in his business, and she appears mature and level-headed. Even though Ye Yun acts as if she doesn't need anyone, Ying Tao never gives up when Ye Yun pushes her away. She sees her struggles and wants to make her happy. She softens Ye Yun with her persistent friendship. When Yu Qiao signs up Ying Tao for the cheerleading team, she objects until she sees Ye Yun sitting apart from the rest of the team. This experience of teamwork in facing adversities strengthens their friendship. Ye Yun has feelings for Yu Qiao, but it was never reciprocated. However, the drama leaves us with some hope that these two will one day become more than friends.



🍒FAMILY & FRIENDSHIP🍒

Ying Tao's parents are supportive and caring. This contrasts Qiaoxi's parents and the reason Qiaoxi often eats meals and spends time at her home. The families from Qunshan support each other. They share each other's burdens.
The friendship between Ying Tao, Qiaoxi, Yu Qiao, Ye Yun, Cai Fang Yuan, Du Shang is heartwarming. They will run to help each other and even give up a birthday wish to the one who needs it most. One scene that stands out for me is when Qiaoxi made red scarves for all of them, and when his mother came to take him away, they all stood with the red scarves around their necks in a clear sign of solidarity. How wonderful for Qiaoxi to turn around to see this sight. While the drama makes it clear that Du Shang and Cai Fang Yuan are equal in friendship with the rest, their characters were not as developed as Yu Qiao and Ye Yun. I would have liked to have seen more of them.



🍒💕🍒YING TAO & JIANG QIAO XI🍒💕🍒

The romance between Ying Tao and Qiaoxi develops during high school. I will highlight some significant moments to show that there is a gradual development in their romance. Every episode adds some meaning to their relationship. Their first meeting in high school in episode 2 begins with a misunderstanding. Even though the misunderstanding is not cleared up until ep 6, there were many moments in between showing they cared for each other. In episode 6, after Qioaxi chases Ying Tao's bus to talk her about the misunderstanding. The drama hints at Qiaoxi's dream of a future with Ying Tao when he tells her he wants to live up to his promises to her the way his cousin in Hong Kong keeps all his promises to his wife. He doesn't want to get her hopes up when he is not free to follow through on his promise. And yet he contradicts himself by showing his desire to get close to her. Qiaoxi's explanation for his behavior is simply, "Heart over head."

A pivotal moment that highlights the romance is in episode 9 when Qiaoxi sees Ying Tao at her cheerleading performance. He stands apart from the crowd with eyes fixed on Ying Tao. This is one of my favorite scenes because of Zhang Ling He's portrayal of a love-struck young man...the stare, the smiles, the look of pure delight...makes it clear he is in love with Ying Tao. He made me smile. But personal struggles get in the way and by the end of high school, which takes place in episode 15, Ying Tao and Qiaoxi reach the turning point of their relationship. They confess to each other and Qiaoxi tells her his dreams of their future together. Then he disappears. While some might dislike his actions for not being honest with her, I saw the struggle within him as if he wished his words were true. It was clear he did not want to leave her. While some criticized the drama for not revealing his reasons for leaving, I felt Zhang Ling He's acting was enough to show how much his character wanted to stay and how deeply he loved Ying Tao. I felt too sad knowing Qiaoxi was going through something he did not want Ying Tao to know. His last vision of her before he leaves is one of happiness.

Ying Tao and Qiaoxi meet again in episode 19 when she goes to find him in Hong Kong. He tries to make her leave, feeling he is not worthy of her. Jin Mai put everything of Ying Tao into her acting. This is where we see the empathy and courage of her character. Her performance, especially her speech in episode 21, is one I have watched multiple times. She makes it clear that Ying Tao understands Qiaoxi. Jin Mai put enough anger into her performance without overacting. She tempers anger with empathy and love. Ying Tao does not back down and tells Qiaoxi, "I fought like hell to get here. I am not leaving!" The last 5 episodes of Our Generation culminate in a beautiful outpouring of love, trust, and acceptance. Zhang Ling He's emotional performance as he struggles to resist his need to be with Ying Tao is one that stands apart from his previous roles. Qiaoxi appears tired and defeated as if hanging on to the last thread of resistance. There are glimpses or yearning between the facades of stubborn resistance. There is also humor and witty dialogue. The scenes are so beautiful, I watch on slow speed to catch every single word and expression. I will not spoil it for you with the details, except to say they are emotional yet funny.


🍒💕💍THE ENDING🍒💍💞

Our Generation has a happy ending. The wedding scene is beautiful and creative. However, I wish they had included the family and friends. I felt as if I ate the whipped topping of a delicious piece of cake and didn't eat the rest of it. I know the family and friends are present, but we don't get to see them. The final episode shows their life together as a couple and their relationship with parents and friends. It also includes their careers and accomplishments of their goals. Our Generation is one I will watch again and again. I found myself rewatching scenes and pausing to absorb the dialogue and emotions. Our Generation was a beautiful and heart-warming journey of love, family, and friendship.



🍒SIGNIFICANT QUOTES FROM YING TAO🍒

"Once I decide to love you, I'll love you forever.
Even if you become extraordinary, I will not love you anymore
Even if you remain ordinary, I will not love you any less."

" Jiang Qiaoxi, do you really think you won that battle with your mother as child?
That was a superficial victory. You've always wanted us to love you as you truly are,
But do you ever know your true self? Do you accept and love that person?
You just want to add a halo around your true self so you feel worthy of love.
This is the toxic root of yourself."

"You pushed me away and still, I don't hate you.
Because I know deep down, you wanted to come to me and be there for me." 🥰


❤️‍🩹SIGNIFICANT QUOTES FROM JIANG QIAO XI❤️‍🩹

"I know I'll never be perfect in my lifetime
But don't you see, Ying Tao? I just don't want you to suffer with me."

"Ying Tao, all these years I've been trying so hard to prove that I am Jiang Qiaoxi.
Back then I had good grades, I gave up math and forfeited my guaranteed admission.
Even resorted to extreme methods to prove I am Jiang Qiaoxi.
But just now when I heard you say my name...I realized I existed all along."


🍒❤️‍🩹 HE CARRIED HER ON HIS BACK🍒❤️‍🩹
Qiaoxi: Ying Tao, I can hardly keep my life together. How can I be there for you?
Ying Tao: That's why I came. Jiang Qiaoxi, don't be scared, I found you!



🎶FAVORITE OST- GROWTH BEYOND TIME (excerpt)🎶

...You're the key to who I am
Accompany me to become myself

...Silent dreams are calling
You're the key to all I've dreamed
Accompany you to become yourself

...The story takes root and loneliness melts away in warm embrace;
I've always been here....💞

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Love, Acceptance and Mental Illness

I’ve seen a lot of comments about how the FL should have given up on the ML from the very beginning because he “ghosted” her. If they had paid attention to the FL as a child, she had an incredible sense of the pain other people endured, and choosing to stick by them. She was different from others in her outlook on life, it’s experienced and its difficulties and always reached out to those who were hurting.

The man from her town who was a salesman (remember the cow poem?), her frienemy who was actually her best friend, the boys who were misfits in their own way were also taken under her wing. Her gift of being able to see under the masks of false bravado people wore and love them through their difficulties was always part of her character, and it didn’t change when she grew up.

She could see through the ML’s stoic and all of behavior and enticed him out of his shell with acceptance and love. She genuinely cared about him, even as a child.

The ML was riddled with PTSD along with physical and emotional abuse from his mother, and had no support from his father. No child should have to endure that kind of emotional torture and manipulation.

She may not have known what the names of the things he endured were called, but she saw the real person underneath his hide and seek behavior.

When an animal is hurt or in pain, it will seek out a remote and place to be alone to heal. Tgis is what the ML did, and not only that, he didn’t want his mess to affect the FL, and tried to keep her away despite his desire to get closer to her.

They lived each other. Obe found themselves unworthy of love, and the other knew love and acceptance were the cure.

Every single human being on the planet has issues. Judging a person with mental health problems and kicking them to the curb when they need kindness and help only exacerbates their problems. Are the creeps out there that should be blocked and never looked at again? Yes. But you can’t throw everyone with those tendencies of hiding from people under the bus because of them.

This story was a prime example of what kindness, patience and love can do for someone who has been traumatized and abused. I found it heartwarming and encouraging.

The cycle of hating one’s self by believing the lies you are fed, and craving the closeness and companionship of someone who knows you and loves you despite your pain is real..

Be kind. Use discernment between the real creeps, and those who have been so beaten down by life that they have no hope and feel there is no future.

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Slow and repetitve

The drama started off at a slow pace, focusing on the characters' childhoods—which was sweet and nostalgic in its own way. Things picked up once the main leads reunited, but the storyline began to feel repetitive, especially with the male lead constantly disappearing without much explanation. His mother’s overbearing and controlling behavior also became quite frustrating to watch.

By the time I reached the final few episodes, the pacing dragged enough that I ended up fast-forwarding through much of it. Certain plotlines felt unresolved, particularly the relationship between Yu Qiao and Qin Ye Yun, as well as the main lead’s dynamic with his parents. A more thoughtful closure would’ve really helped those arcs feel more complete.

That said, I genuinely appreciated the portrayal of friendship throughout the series. It’s rare to see a group of childhood friends stay connected so deeply, even after years of no contact, reconnecting in high school, and managing to maintain that bond while pursuing their separate paths in university. That enduring connection was definitely one of the drama’s strongest points.

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A really good youth/slice of life/romance drama

The drama mainly centers around teen/highschool friendship, rather romance (since they're pretty young most of the drama lol). I really liked YT and QX's storyline with the "right person wrong time" trope- they're so cute tgt. At some points it started to get a little out of hand though- like wydm he ghosted her for how many years and they reconnected like it was nothing (well not really but ygm) and wdym it happened TWICE. Like come on now... where's the resentment, the anger, like how come YT was so understanding. I feel like YT could've held a larger grudge. But its a drama so I get it.

Some characters pmo (mainly QX's MOM OMG) but it played a huge role in the overall plot so its ok. The girl friend (YY) in the first few episodes also pmo but its wtv- her character development was... okay idk actually she was still pmo towards the end when she didn't want to tell YT that QX was in HK- but she I liked her in terms of her romance line (or lack thereof) with YQ.

Took off a few points for the plot just because I didn't like the time skip to when QX was in HK. Felt like it was way too sudden.

I really liked ZJM and ZLH in this drama. Loved how big of a contrast this is (modern drama) to the princess royal (historical).

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our generation

i loved the princess royal. still my fav drama to this day. sooo excited to watch this pair again when i found out that they had a new drama. i can sum this up with one word: disappointing.

at first, i was so shocked with the child actors. never seen so many good ones in one screen. so much emotion that really showed, and they didn’t look like they were lip-syncing like other ones in other dramas. i was so impressed until around the middle bit. the storyline was so bad— like why did he give up his math skills for her, but then abandon her again? they could’ve changed to it abandoning her once in qunshan because of his mother’s threats, but ghosting her after graduating high school was entirely his choice. i get it that it would’ve been boring without a twist, but that twist ruined the entire thing.

i am on the last 2-3 episodes, and its getting so boring, im writing this review while watching it. just that one choice in the drama ruined the entire thing.

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A Surprisingly Deep and Emotional Journey

You Don’t Need to Be Perfect to Be Loved

You don’t need to be perfect to be with the person you love. When you meet the one, their presence alone can make your flaws feel seen, accepted—and ultimately, healed.

I started this series with low expectations, assuming it would be another light, predictable youth romance drama. What caught my interest was the male lead, whom I’ve only seen in period dramas. I was curious to see how his performance would translate in a modern setting. This was also my first time seeing the female lead and most of the supporting cast—and I must say, the FL truly shines here. She commands the screen with strength and subtlety.

What sets this drama apart is its fresh take on the “prince and commoner” trope. For once, it’s the heroine who rescues the prince—not the other way around. On the surface, the male lead has it all: wealth, looks, intelligence. But behind the charm is a man running from the shadows of his past—burdens, secrets, and emotional scars he can’t escape.

The story unfolds slowly, and at times the pacing may test your patience. But the payoff is worth it. The pivotal scene for me was their reunion in Hong Kong. Everything came together there—the setting, cinematography, musical scoring, and screenplay were perfectly aligned. It was raw, moving, and unforgettable. That moment encapsulated the glaring contrast between the character’s public image and his private struggles. We witness the painful descent of someone once on a pedestal, now completely shattered. And yet, that fall carries deep emotional weight and meaning.

Some say beauty is a curse—but for him, it’s his brilliant mind that’s both a gift and a burden. His intelligence, once a shield, becomes a source of pain. He thought he had all the answers—but life proved otherwise. It takes his “princess” to help him face reality, and in doing so, find redemption.

The final episodes are the true highlight. The acting, especially during the emotional climax, is powerful and deeply affecting. If you stick with it, the journey is rewarding—messy, emotional, at times frustrating, but honest and real.

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My favourite -
Qiaoxi - "But Lin Yingtao, can't you see? I don't want you suffering with me. And I know You. If I was living easily, you might not stay. But if I'm in the gutter, you'd crawl in beside me without a second thought."
Some beautiful ones-
Qiaoxi- "And it was there, my name poetically infused by an insightful companion,with the meaning of the vibrant sunset."
Yingtao - "He is the Princess. Forever stuck in some tower waiting for me to rescue him."
Qiaoxi - I misspoke. When greeting Lin Qile, I should use 'Nice to meet you'. That is for first acquaintances. But I said- 'Nice to see you' which normally applied to reunions meaning that I'm happy to see you again......
Yingtao -"At school I'll eat with him and the friend I choose."
Qiaoxi - "We walk to class together. We go home together. Either by bus or by bike."
Yingtao - "And on weekends if we have time we'll go hiking."
Yingtao+ Qiaoxi - "JUST LIKE WE USED TO DO."
Qiaoxi -"Don't do this,I don't want to wake up so soon..." Yingtao - "This is not a dream."
Qiaoxi- "I feel lonely bot because I am alone."
Yingtao- "Then why?"
Qiaoxi -"Because I met you. Before, I was 10 years old I was alone but as long as I did math problems I wouldn't feel lonely. But after I met you, doing math problem was useless and I can't overcome loneliness."

This was a refreshing and emotionally engaging drama. One of its biggest strengths is how raw and grounded the performances feel. Zhang Linghe delivers a very different performance compared to many of his earlier roles. We have often seen him in historical or costume dramas or in lighter, charming roles, but here he portrays a vulnerable and struggling young man. His character, Jiang Qiaoxi, carries a quiet perseverance and emotional depth that makes the role feel very real.

The chemistry between him and the female lead is also enjoyable to watch. Since the two actors previously worked together in The Princess Royal, their dynamic feels both familiar and natural. However, the story largely focuses on the female lead Yingtao’s journey. Many of her emotional scenes feel authentic and deeply moving. I feel bad for her whenever Qiaoxi ghosts her. She is really brave,dedicated and especially patient ,otherwise the relationship was like over in their first meeting only.

A particularly powerful section of the drama occurs during the Hong Kong arc. When Yingtao finally confronts Jiang Qiaoxi about everything that has happened, the emotional tension between them is intense and believable. The scene where she vents her frustration and starts beating him and then holds her,hugs her and comforts her- that was extremely touching. Like I cried and I loved that scene. Theaw episodes are among the strongest parts of the drama because they explore reconciliation, emotional vulnerability, and the characters’ attempts to understand each other.
The Hongkong Arc>>>>The whole drama.

Despite these strengths, the drama has some pacing issues. There are moments where the story drags, especially when too much time is given to the supporting characters’ storylines. At times, it feels like the main male lead does not receive enough screen time, particularly in the earlier episodes. His personal struggles, especially the psychological pressure from his mother and the emotional weight of his academic expectations could have been explored in greater detail.

The way he has to live like his brother - studying maths,liking and wearing black colour despite hating it, visiting places that his brother and mother used to,in the disguise of celebrating his achievements. (This confrontation in the hospital was so good and much needed)- it was very overwhelming and so sad.I felt bad for him. Growing up under constant pressure to achieve and earn his mother’s approval (when he clearly knows that's all his dead brother's personality,interests and achievements) and he struggles to accept himself constantly reminding himself that he has to break free from his dead brother's shadow or else he will lose his identity. Zhang Linghe portrays this journey of self-acceptance very effectively. His confrontation with his mother, is emotionally powerful and shows the maturity forced upon him from a young age. Yingtao plays a crucial role in helping him overcome this struggle. Through her unconditional support, she teaches him not only how to accept love but also how to love others properly.

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An enjoyable watch that had the potential to be more

Since I finished my three favorite dramas of 2024, Tender Light, Lovely Runner, & Will Love In Spring, I had been struggling to find a drama to really hook me in the way those three did. After watching the first episode of this drama, I felt relatively confident that this drama would end up being that for me. For a while I could see it. I loved the leads (mainly the FL, but the ML had a special place in my heart as well), and the rest of the main friend group. I found myself growing quite attached to them and their individual stories. Now you’re probably wondering, what changed? The pacing did.

I noticed around episode 13 that the writing started to lack of a better word, rush the story. Up until this point, the story felt gradual and the ending arcs felt clear. Before I continue, there is one thing I want to talk about. This drama was initially slated for 40 episodes. Take what I say next with a grain of salt, because I obviously wasn’t a part of the production crew. I believe that decision to remove those 16 episodes was made at the very least after the script was already written and after the drama was finished filming.

Around episode 15, the drama adapted the “tell don’t show approach” where a lot of important plot lines were simply just told to us. The best example being the portrayal of Jiang Qiao Xi’s life after going to Hong Kong. Before I continue, I going to state something that I imagine will be somewhat of an unpopular opinion; I was fine with the fact that Lin Tao (Cherry) chose to go after him. I think she has proven her dedication to him time and time again so I wasn’t surprised and accepted even though I wish she made him suffer a little bit. I’m just a petty person but she isn’t, so it was a decision I was okay with.

The problem though, without receiving full context of what was happening in Jiang Qiao Xi’s life, it made both their “confrontation” and eventual reunion not hit as hard as I know it would have. If we had those extra 16 episodes, with in depth perspective of both of our leads (EPESPECIALLY Jiang Qiao Xi’s since he was the one who chose to leave) of how hard the 2 year separation was for them, and also dual narration, I think it would’ve given this drama SO much more emotional depth.

I think the main thing for me that disappoints me the most about this drama is that I could see what it would’ve looked like if it was at its full potential. I know that obviously things happened behind the scenes that determined the removal of the other 16 episodes, and I don’t blame the writers for this. As I said earlier, I do truly believe that the script for the show was written before that decision was made. but as someone who truly does love the art of storytelling there’s just something about untapped in potential that just pains my spirit.

At the end of the day, I can only go off of what we were given. Overall, I did enjoy this drama. I can’t say I’d 100% recommended it, but I think it’s at least worth checking out.

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