Hidden Love

The sweetest drama of 2023

I have been waiting for this drama since last year when i found out lusi was filming this drama after she finished filming gen z.. i love this pairing , because previously I've also watched dramas from Chen Zhe Yuan. so I was happy when I found out that they were paired up in the drama. I know that Lusi is the queen of chemistry, she has charm and chemistry with all of her co-stars,
but lusi with chen zhe yuan is very different, their chemistry is very good both in the drama and outside the drama.
Even though the plot is rather simple, this drama has quite complex characters and backgrounds. especially when ML fell in love with FL and tried to pursue FL. this moment was so sweet that it made all the viewers always smile to themselves when watching this drama. The chemistry between FL and her brother was also very good, they were two funny siblings.
Well IMO this drama is the best romance comedy of the year 2023

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LIKE RIDING A CAROUSEL; DELIGHTFUL, CALMING, AND PURE *DJX* RIZZ OF THE YEAR AWARD

**Don't watch if you're into a rollercoaster, complicated romance/drama. This would seem like a boring series because it's like looking into a couple's intimate life. But I forgive all the flaws it has because of how it made me feel. This couple had me grinning, crying, blushing, kicking my feet giggling. I keep dropping the dramas I watched after this. I think I have seen this 9 times already (and counting) **

The best drama I have seen this year (or ever). It's not perfect, but with all the drama out there, this is the closest to what a relationship should be with family, friends, colleagues, and partners. They had ups and downs but they think rationally and always communicate. The plot is so simple but had a lot of people cringing because of the age gap (5 years in the drama and 7 years in the novel. I read a bit of the novel because waiting for the next episode was killing me but I didn't finish it because the translation was meh). When I watched it, it wasn't like Jiaxu was grooming Sang Zhi. It was wholesome; as a middle school she admired him as a sort of big brother, as high school she started having a crush on him and it developed naturally. He saw her as a younger sibling and protected her as her brother Sang Yan did up until the time he was the one that needed to be protected and taken care of, he started seeing Sang Zhi in a different light. Watching Sang Zhi portray the different stages of her life and Jiaxu's flirting were the best parts. This has one of the best confessions I have ever seen. I don't believe I have ever seen a drama unfold this way with zero dragging and just two people falling in love together (he is a central AC, alright). The way he teases, flirts and the little touches are done so well that you can not help but have a silly grin on your face. I don’t think I’ve ever watched a drama as sweet and romantic as this one before. Thank you for playing the greenest girlfriend and boyfriend Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan! Lusi especially, she had a lot of input and influence in this drama. I savoured every single episode and will watch it over and over again. This drama has my heart. It wasn't a roller coaster ride, this is like riding a carousel, delightful, calming, and pure. I am so obsessed with this drama, it's not even funny.

PS. To all the future viewers who are reading this, trust me, you guys are so lucky you got to binge-watch it all together because I know how much I had to suffer every day waiting for each episode to air. BTS and the nuggets at the end of each episode, RIP replay button.

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The ultimate sweet romance.

You think you saw unproblematic, cute, heartwarming and wholesome dramas? Let me tell you, none comes even close to Hidden Love. It’s an ultimate sweet romance.

Easily the best aspect of the show was how natural and real everything felt, and I’m not talking about just the romance. The relationship between the siblings? Exactly how it usually looks like in real life. The friendships? Hilarious and relatable - both for guys and the girls. How people act when they are drunk, sick, sad, happy, shy, excited - both the way it was written and then performed was just… natural, and that’s the best compliment a drama can get.

Still, the highlight, the core, the true beauty of Hidden Love was the blooming romance between Sang Zhi and Duan Jia Xiu. What started as a teen crush, turned into one of the most healthy and balanced relationships I have seen in any drama ever. Getting into the show I was afraid how they would handle the age gap. 5 years is not much, but it is not little considering the age Sang Zhi was. The writer did not disappoint.

What I loved the most about the relationship was the fact I could see true partnership between the leads. It was not an older guy just taking care of a younger girl sacrificing everything for her happiness. They also did not make Sang Zhi this unrealistically mature, 20 acting 30. They became each other's emotional support, they handled issues in a mature way while still believably presenting characters in their early and mid twenties. They also delivered some good kissing scenes, no fishes to be found on set ;)

And you know what’s great? The leads were amazing as a couple, but they were also great as their own individuals! While there were moments I found Sang Zhi’s behavior too sweet for my taste, it’s simply impossible not to love her. She was emotionally strong, empathic, driven and supportive. Then we have Duan Jia Xu - honestly too good to be real, and that makes me feel depressed. Good natured, patient, protective. But I also appreciated his own arc and the depiction of the loneliness he was facing.

What’s more to love? The sibling dynamics between Sang Zhi and Sang Yan. I’ve got both comedic and touching scenes. Yes, they might have fought a lot, but they also cared for each other deeply. And honestly? The bickering scenes between them were some of my favorite moments in the drama.

One thing that caught my attention production wise were the outfits picked for the characters. Not only did I love the slight couple matches Sang Zhi and Duan Jia Xu were wearing (even before they became a couple, their colors always matched), I also literally wanted to steal the whole wardrobe from Sang Zhi.

The acting from the whole case was so good it got me jealous watching. Jelly for the romance, the friendship, the family dynamics. It all seemed so real and so wholesome. I knew Chen Zhe Yuan is a good actor after watching Our Secret, but he was so much better in Hidden Love (even though I did not think it’s possible). Zhao Lu Si's little mannerism added to the realism of the character she was portraying and I could not stop smiling while watching her performance.

Anything I did not enjoy? Not that into the “debtor” story, or rather the closure it got. With how serious it was introduced, I expected something more to happen for it to end. I was also completely not interested in a love story of one of Sang Zhi’s roommates.

Overall, for modern romance fans, this is a golden standard. I’m extremely pleased I’m ending 2023 with this drama. Nothing better than entering the new year with a new found crippling loneliness after seeing the most perfect couple in dramas history.

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they're so beautiful, i'm gonna cry.

you'll meet the best man; the best boy; the best guy in this whole universe : Duan Jiaxu.
at this point there's no one could change my mind.

the greenest flag character that i've ever met in my whole life. i had learned a lot from him; how to face the cruelest world when in reality you are at the lowest point of your life. thanks to him? thanks to the writer! bravo!

also — thanks to chen zheyuan for succesfully portrayed the duan jiaxu so well! i couldn't imagine any other actors except him tho.

shout out to the kindest & the most adorable girl ever : Sang Zhi! girl, i envy you sooo much i can not help it 😭 i wish it was me whose get the chance to accompanied djx for his whole life haha.

i don't know what's to write anymore? Hidden Love is such a gem! got a lot warmest things in this drama. give it a try! (*^▽^)/★*☆♪

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This cemented why I love Zhao Lu Si!!

I'm watching this on Netflix in tandem with the C Drama Hidden Love. Part way through it becomes very obvious how amazing Hidden Love is, in contrast to the sub par storyline and acting of King Land drama. I've since dropped King Land. The couple of Hidden Love gives me what I want in a love story...the feel of romance and absolute thrill of watching a couple falling in love and staying in love. Zhao Lu Si hands down is an amazing ( and beautiful) actress. The supporting cast are incredible. If this is the kind of quality C dramas are aiming for then rest assure they are going to overtake k drama in the near future in terms of popularity. I love this 24 episodes length too.

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SWEETNESS OVERLOADED

From a young grade school she knew she has crush to this boy, best friend of her brother, as he treated her nice like a little sister. Her persistent holding on childish infatuation like treasuring his presents and memories. Age 15 in high school she met again with this (now) university boy - a room mate of his brother at the uni, her brother trusted him to watch over her to her delight. He became her physic tutor, a better tutor than her own brother, became a mentor to her young tender heart. He treated her with kindness and protective nature that she obligated to listen to his advise. When she got caught for admiration of the boy in a drawing book, she said that was an On-line Boyfriend so now everybody were worried about her mysterious on-line relationship. On line boyfriend became her scapegoat, diverting her real feeling to her brother's friend. Even he concerned and objected the fake on-line relationship which she happily obliged to indulge him....it's all smokescreen.

Ep 7 she's about to finish high school and plan to go to Uni where the boy lived, overheard her brother saying that his friend has a girlfriend that shattered her heart. She flew to Yihu just to find out if he really had a girlfriend, family were panicked and called him to meet her at the airport, in the airport she saw a young woman came with him and presumed she's the girlfriend. When he asked why she's here? She said she'd promised to meet her on-line boyfriend here, same lie she kept to avoid revealing the real reason. Pretty sad indeed she finally flew back home heart broken, she decided to bury all things about him and moved on with her life. Pre-commitment in relationship, Shang Zhi had experience many heartache because of Jia Xu treatment as a little sister, he always called her 小朋友 xiǎo péng yǒu. She regret she's being so young, age was a big issue. Not without afford she tried to move on with her young life, but things always bring them back in contact, he treated her as a family while she's hoping for more.

My favorite was ep 20, when Sang Yan found out about their romance, 3 actors did amazing with their characters - we can relate to each of them, the fight was redefining friendship to be accepted as a brother-in law. funny part was Sang Yan went back to Jia Xu's apartment that he just punched. Zhao LuSi was awesome, rendered speechless as to why her brother hit hard on her boyfriend aka his own bestfriend - with emotion bursting with tears she wanted to cut ties with him although it's resolved for the best, Another favorite was ep 23 were Sang Zhi revealed her deepest secret, overwhelm with surprise and gratitude Jia Xu weep happy and realized how much love she had, the romantic part was the kitchen scene - kind of seductive.

Overloaded sweetness like we eat too much of candies, our tooth hurts. I am just glad there's nothing cross the line their relationship when she's so young....because that would be loathsome. Zhao LuSi (Sang Zhi) was the sweetest innocent girl in love, the relationship with Sang Yan (Victor Ma) were likely brother and sister - the brother that loved a little sister but didn't want to be bothered by her whim - he let his best friend to take care of her. Duan Jia Xu (Chen Zhe Yuan) 5 years older (7 years older in the book) a gentle, responsible, attentive, kind that protect and always nice to Sang Zhi - a better version of 2nd brother to Zhi Zhi. Jia Xu acted really matured and responsible, with all passionate dialog, Jia Xu showed he really into Shang Zhi, wooing done right. If I thought first that this drama was for 13 yo fans base, boy..... was I surprisingly wrong! This drama has more kisses than some c-drama I have ever watched, Zhe Yuan's spark of yearning and longing was pretty alluring. Sang Zhi was fallen in love in their first meting, however Duan Jia Xu has fallen harder in love with her on wards. What I think LuSi was perfect for Sang Zhi character, but she seems to hold/restrain her character more than Chen Zhe Yuan - he's more open in embracing and kissing scenes than LuSi.

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Unpretentious Fluffy Drama

This drama is perfect for a binge-watching experience. Watch beautiful people enact young love. It is perfect escapism.
The actors did a stellar job but I have to specially mention #ZhaoLusi who brought the character of Sang Zhi very true to the book.

The chemistry between Zhao Lusi (Sang Zhi) and Chen Zhuyuan (Duan Jiaxu) is palpably scorching. But having said that I actually love the brother-sister synergy between Zhao Lusi and Victor Ma better. It actually got to me more and I would have loved it if they had more scenes together.

Highly recommend this drama, particularly to those who wanted to relive the cute feeling of puppy love/first love.
I would also like to mention the OST. The songs are very catchy which is of course a testament to how good they are for a non-Chinese speaker.

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CLASSIC Coming-of-Age Romance Drama! MUST WATCH!

This series was simply beautiful! From the cast, crew and overall production, well done! The ML and FL were very good at giving nonverbal communication and cues that spoke volumes. The trials and challenges within the series were felt but not overdone. Thank you, writers, for smart edits. The OST was perfect for driving the theme and overall progression and tensions throughout. I have seen Zhao Lu Si in various series, and she is good at conveying innocence and desire very well. Yet, within this series the audience can feel and see the growth within the ML and FL more than just positioning of hairstyle, job, school or situation. The leads conveyed real innocence to mature growth throughout the series that felt genuine and not forced or assumed. Chen Zhe Yuan is very dynamic and charismatic with his nonverbal cues. Their chemistry was methodically heartfelt and warm. There are many series that try to convey the love, desires and expectation gained and lost through adolescence to adulthood. Some come close but this one truly hit the mark in every way. The supporting cast was very good. The parental concerns which can be intense were addressed with reason and not an overbearing abuse or control. This is truly a treasure of what a blooming respect of connection, friendship and love can be. MUST WATCH!!!

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THE BEAUTY OF A CRUSH

I've seen many series potraying crushes but not many have managed to capture a crush as sacred, heart warming and beautiful like HIDDEN LOVE did..
There many things I loved about this drama and I'll break then down into five in my heartfelt review of the drama

Firstly,The plot..one the first look it might seem like something you have seen before but infact it's more than anything you've seen,The story was heartwarming and beautiful and consistent, it centred around the leads and didn't add anything unnessesary,it was light hearted simple and yet realistic.

The Characters,Sang Zhi( Female lead) was everything to me, I admired how she potrayed different characters so effortlessly,I love how they gave her character the spotlight plus room to develop, I love how they enlighted us on her pov and made her character grow onto us in a way that you couldn't help root her every step of the way in the entire series, I love how she was calm, and delicate but brave too🤍
Duan jiaxu is with no doubt making it to the list of my favourite male leads this year, he was mature calm considerate and a green flag for that matter...
My other fav character in the series was Sang Yan..he was everything you would want in a brother he's Interactions with the female lead were precious.

The chemistry between the leads was amazing..their interactions felt so natural and they were really comfortable around each other..they made me giggle smile kick my feet, cry and I absolutely loved them.

The osts Lord iam a sucker for beautiful osts and this drama had all the amazing osts..which not only were beautiful but reflected the story so perfectly.

The cinematography was to die for..each shot was pretty.

I highly recommend this drama for anyone who wants something cute beautiful and thrilling at the same time...iam going to miss it quite alot.

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A drama adaptation that stayed true to the original source material

This drama has a special place in my heart. To be honest, when I heard that the novel will have a drama adaptation, I had my doubts. Given that most adaptations don't really give justice to the original source material, I really thought this project won't go well. Fortunately, I was totally wrong! I love how they closely followed the novel. The vital scenes that kept the story standing together were well executed. I must say some of the scenes was even better in the drama than what I have imagined while I was reading the novel. The Female and Male leads down to the supporting casts had created this dynamic that will made you feel a sense of comfort from just watching a fictional show. The acting felt so real and natural. Interactions are not forced with no over the top expressions. Lines were delivered perfectly especially from the leads from the funny sibling interactions to Duan Jia Xu and Sang Zhi's conversations which made me so emotional. I also love how they showed Sang Zhi's university life and Duan Jia Xu work life normally. Sang Zhi's interactions with her roommates felt so relatable and nostalgic as well. Moreover, the leads were so character coded and their chemistry were off the charts! I almost forgot they're just acting. The greenest couple I have witnessed in dramaland. 💚 Their genuine care, love, and trust with each other made me realize that I may not find a love like that. 😀 I definitely cried in single. 😭💘

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Unfolding a Delicate Love Story!❤️

"Hidden Love" is a delightful and heartwarming youth romance drama that portrays the naive and sweet feelings of a young girl experiencing her first crush. The drama provides a refreshing and realistic portrayal of the protagonist, Sang Zhi, capturing the essence of youthful love and the little things one does for someone they admire.

"Hidden Love" brings a fresh and natural perspective to the gradual development of feelings between a girl and a brother figure. While there have been other plots exploring similar dynamics, this drama manages to stand out and feel distinctively different. It deviates from the typical college senior or classmate love stories, offering a unique twist that captures the viewers' attention.

What sets "Hidden Love" apart is the natural progression of the relationship between Sang Zhi and Duan Jiaxu. The story carefully navigates their connection, allowing their bond to grow organically over time. It avoids clichés and contrived plotlines, ensuring that the romance feels genuine and authentic.

The acting is truly outstanding and feels incredibly authentic. Zhao Lusi delivers a remarkable performance, especially in her portrayal of a school girl. Her convincing acting makes it easy to believe that she is actually that innocent and young. Chen Zhe Yuan, as the male lead, shines in his role, successfully bringing the character of Duan Jiaxu to life. His portrayal captures the essence of an older brother figure, showcasing a genuine and caring relationship with Sang Zhi. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, adding depth and believability to their on-screen connection.

The supporting characters play a crucial role in advancing the story and leaving a lasting impact on viewers. Although the drama primarily focuses on the main characters, it skillfully incorporates the supporting cast to provide glimpses into their lives and personalities. This allows for a deeper understanding of each character without extending the length of the series.

One standout supporting character is Sang Yan, Sang Zhi's brother. The connection between Sang Zhi and Sang Yan is beautifully portrayed, showcasing a realistic and loving sibling relationship. These moments of bickering not only add humor and entertainment value but also make the audience feel a sense of familiarity and connection.

The presence of these supporting characters not only adds dimension to the drama but also enhances the overall storytelling. Their interactions with the main characters provide valuable insights and moments of growth. Despite not being the central focus, their impact on the narrative is significant and leaves a deep impression.

"Hidden Love" effectively balances the exploration of the main characters' journeys while giving enough attention to the supporting cast. This approach allows viewers to connect with and appreciate the various characters, making the drama a well-rounded and satisfying watch.

The songs featured, such as "Be Your Light" and "Forever Star," enhance the drama by perfectly aligning with the scenes and evoking the intended emotions. "Be Your Light" serves as the backdrop for the romantic and adorable moments between the leads, capturing the sweetness and innocent blushes that accompany their interactions. The lyrics and melody complement these scenes, adding an extra layer of charm to their budding romance. On the other hand, "Forever Star" comes into play when the storyline calls for more depth and intensity in their relationship. This song creates a sense of emotional gravity, emphasizing the significant moments and hurdles that the characters face. The lyrics and composition of "Forever Star" resonate with the audience, capturing heartfelt emotions and adding a layer of poignancy to their evolving romance.

While the plot may not be groundbreaking, the drama excels in the way it tells the story. The pacing is remarkable, allowing the narrative to unfold at a satisfying rhythm. As Zhao Lusi's first school drama, she showcased her talent and convincingly embodied the character. It was evident that her acting skills allowed her to effectively capture the essence of an innocent girl experiencing her first love. Duan Jiaxu's character has sparked discussions among viewers, questioning how he could show such care and protectiveness towards his friend's sister. However, understanding his background sheds light on his actions. Coming from a family lacking love and support, when he finally found a sister figure in Sang Zhi, who genuinely admires and cares for him, it's only natural for him to feel a strong sense of protectiveness and care in return. As a witness to Sang Zhi's childhood, this only strengthens his bond with her. When his romantic feelings develop for her as an adult, it is not intentional but rather a genuine spark that he takes the time to verify before confidently expressing his affection. Regarding comments about the actress appearing too childish, it's important to note that Sang Zhi's character does have a certain level of innocence and childishness. However, her growth throughout the drama is not one-sided. She displays strength and resilience when needed, standing up for herself and her loved ones. Likewise, Duan Jiaxu's character is portrayed as strong and not overly protective or possessive, allowing Sang Zhi to have her own experiences and interactions with other admirers.

Overall, "Hidden Love" is a light youth modern romance drama that will take us on the path of a sweet and pure love. From start to finish, the drama engages viewers with its well-executed aspects, captivating storytelling, and all those heart-fluttering moments. The drama comes highly recommended for its well-executed aspects and its ability to keep viewers hooked from start to finish.

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