As Beautiful as You (2024)

Amazing acting and Chemistry by Seven Tan & Xu Kai - Business-heavy with slow romance

Subjective Gut Rating: 8.75

I am very surprised that I like “As Beautiful As You” so much. What cemented the 9.0 rating is the amazing chemistry and acting by Seven Tan and Xu Kai. They have proven that they are more than just good-looking idol actors.

However, there are a couple things that might prevent you from loving this:
1. This is a VERY business-centric drama. The main plot revolves around Artificial Intelligence and 3D medical device and printing industry. You can’t fast forward all of that, because you will then miss the intricacies of the business scheming, the character development and basically the whole main plot.
2. Slow burn romance. If you are expecting a cute and fluffy romance, you will have to be very patient. The journey is slow and full of emotional highs and lows, but it’s totally worth it in the end.

If you are fine with the above-mentioned two points, then you might enjoy this drama as much as I did.


What I Like:

1. Seven Tan & Xu Kai
I cannot sing their praises enough. I’ve seen many of their dramas in the past. I know Seven Tan is a good actress, but I don’t remember thinking she was awesome until this one. There’s so much growth in her character, and seeing how Seven Tan brings her character to life is a beautiful thing. I see controlled emotions, happiness/shock/pain in her big expressive eyes, and the subtle facial expressions so beautifully executed that she doesn’t need to utter a single word. Adding to that is her ability to dub her own lines very well. I believe has always done that, and it shows her experience in this area. Similarly, I’ve always been a big fan of Xu Kai and believes his acting is so much better than the projects he picks. He’s one of the actors where he can convey a myriad of emotions with his big expressive eyes as well. With a good script, these two experienced actors elevate themselves to a different level. They have so many good tension-filled scenes together before the characters get together.

2. Main Romance
As I said, this is a slow burn romance. But that doesn’t mean the leads do not have scenes together. They actually have many scenes together and the chemistry is evident, even though half of the drama is focused on their business relationship. I enjoy how But Han Ting (ML) guides and supports Ji Xing (FL) to make her own decisions, face her own consequences without always there to save her. Their relationship develops slowly and steadily. Once they get together, you can tell how they are meant for each other. It’s no wonder FL’s ex-boyfriend comes to the realization that he just can’t give her what she needs. The best part for me is not the cute and fluffy part. It’s the anticipation of the big blow out and confrontation. I knew it’s going to happen and I was DREADING it. When it did happen, I was heartbroken while watching Seven Tan and Xu Kai act their hearts out in those gut-wrenching scenes. That confrontation and the subsequent episodes are what cemented my 9.0 rating. The last 10 episodes of this drama is a roller coaster ride of emotions.

3. Backdoor scheming
I personally find the business part of this drama interesting. There are enough plot twists to keep me invested when in actuality, I really don’t know much about the industry. However, as I follow along, I can see everyone is playing chess. Who is a chess piece and who is the chess player? Who is the behind-the-scenes master controlling everyone? There are so many smart dialogs exchanged between ‘villains’ and ‘villains’ vs ‘the good guys’. The subtle and the not-so-subtle digs at each other, the condescending and fake congratulatory messages....all of this is exciting for me (but maybe boring for you). I wrote on a Feeds post and admired a scene between two ‘villains’ and their scheming inside a teahouse. That scene was so well-shot and acted. The lipstick mark on a tea cup, offered to the other. The subtle evilness going between them and the secret pact formed when he took that tea cup with a lipstick mark. The lighting, the tension, the meaning behind all this

4. Ji Xing’s path to success
In a way, this drama reminds me of Seven Tan’s other drama “Master of My Own”. Both are business romance dramas with a strong focus on her character’s journey to professional achievements and success. I enjoy following Ji Xing’s growth in “As Beautiful As You” more, partly because the male lead is there to support and guide her along the way. In “Master of My Own”, the male lead isn’t as supportive, but we do have a great female mentor. I think her challenges of starting her own business are realistic and believable. Just because you have the talent, ideals and drive, it doesn’t make you a successful entrepreneur.

5. He Rui Xian as Li Li
He Rui Xian is such a beautiful and sultry actress. She plays an amazing Li Lil, showcasing her sassiness, charisma, and a very free lifestyle. I also think He Rui Xian’s acting has improved a lot. There was a scene at a wedding when she was discussing marriage with her boyfriend. I can see the change of emotions in her big eyes from happiness, shock, disbelief, sadness, anger… all in 10 seconds. I was amazed!

6. Love the Mother/Son Duo. Love FL’s parents. Also like ML’s grandfather (wise, cautious but not too stubborn).


What I have Mixed Feelings and Don’t Like

1. Enough of torture for Ji Xing
As much as I enjoy following Ji Xing’s road to success, at one point, I just had enough bad things happen to her. I feel so bad that time after time she’s put to the test. I feel tired watching her overcome all these challenges, and I wish for her to just get a breather!

2. Make Up
OK, this is my pet peeve. I cannot stand overly white and thick foundation, especially on male actors. I know Xu Kai has pale skin, but he is sickly pale here. Not only him, but all the other male actors don’t seem to look good at all. Luckily, the ladies fare better and don’t look as ghostly.

3. Loud Music
Another pet peeve of mind is super loud background music playing, especially when the actors are speaking.

4. Dubbing/Recording
I was praising Seven Tan for her dubbing, but unfortunately I can’t say the same for Xu Kai and for Gao Han. Xu Kai dubbed his own lines, but he obviously still needs a little more work and practice. Gao Han has a voice actor, but his voice and his acting don’t quite match. I also wish there’s more live on set recording, instead of mostly studio recording.

5. Gao Han and Luo Ze Kai
Something about Gao Han and his role (Dr Shao) doesn't quite gel with me. Maybe because of the more soft-spoken character he’s playing, or the ugly makeup or the dubbing or his hairstyle or his acting. Something is not right and I can’t pinpoint what that is. Luo Ze Kai on the other hand was fine when he’s playing ML’s best friend and confidant. His personality is livelier and he’s more comfortable. But when he plays the role of Li Li’s boyfriend, his personality changes 180 degrees. In the beginning, he is charismatic and sexy when he’s trying to seduce Li Li. Then the acting switches and he becomes boring, bland and emotionless.



This review is getting too long. Anyway, I would recommend this for you if you are fans of Xu Kai and Seven Tan, business plots and slow burn romance. It reminds me a bit of “Master of My Own” (business plot) and “Fake It Till You Make It” (business-heavy, and great leads chemistry but a very different type of romance).



Other Random Observations:
1. Xu Kai looks like a little boy when he’s playing basketball. When he doesn’t have to be the boss, his eyes change and the inner child shows.
2. Han Ting (ML) teaches Ji Xing (FL) how to fish; but Xiao Yi Xiao fishes for Li Li (2FL)
3. I also like the character development of Su Zhi Zhou - from a boy to a responsible man.
4. I might have shaken my head when the childhood connection was introduced.
5. Ji Xing’s cell phone case changes as she progresses to different stages of her career.
6. Interesting games of blowing cards and weighing soups
7. So many printed contracts and proposals for a tech company. Where are the tablets and e-signatures?
8. That’s one huge diamond engagement ring!


Completed: 8/5/2024 - Review #469

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The story is not as beautiful as the leads but ok

This is one of those dramas that offers great leads, amazing chemistry, golden light for as far as the eye can see making you feel all warm and gooey inside... All with the added bonus of a fluffy can and a fish tank that reminded me of dramas past...

It is also one of those dramas that you just you know got though censorship without a hinge, yet managed to keep it kind of subtle compared to others (focus word kind of) somewhere right in the middle of a scale from Road to Patriotic bordom (or Home) to Addicted heroin.

The friendships and side characters to their jobs without becoming to annoying, some twists or moments of affection are hinted just a little bit to much by bad directing. But other than that the sides even have some really good moments.

However I could not have cared less about the business slightly preachy (hens the I am sure it passed censorship well). It just prolonged the episode count and had me lower the score as some of those parts where so boring i almost fell a sleep. Luckily interactions between the leads where never far off.

So a decent watch that made me want to press that next episode button from start to finish, but also had me wanting to skip some scenes.

P.s. I am reallt bias about the two leads, but then again how can you not be with those smiles, abs and delivery of lines.

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Great but there isn't exactly a story, but best music in any Chinese drama ever.

The show works when only considering the romantic plot between the two male leads. Apart from that there isn't anything as in the plot line so I mostly found myself skipping everything except the romantic portions between the two leads. The Second leads had a love triangle but the rest of the characters were just place holders. However the OST(music not sure if original) especially the main song for the main leads (not title song) is probably the best in any Chinese drama ever. Will have teh song on repeat but not this drama ever.

Ps: Extra Episode is a Traumatic a very unnecessary considering the original plot cause I can't stop my friends and myself from crying. (If you watch alone you will cry too)

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A satisfying good old romance

Firstly, I watched because I like Xu Kai in certain drama and first time watching Sven.
The drama has a lot of good things going. Satisfying female camaraderie and I do like the 2nd FL development with both her romances. Quite realistic portrayal of life actually…. The 2nd FL’s romantic entanglements.
There are some hot scenes and the CP is surprisingly good together. I must admit until this drama , I still think Xu Kai has best chemistry with Cheng Xiao’s Falling into You. He is equally adept with this FL… who is more cute and adorable than beautiful in the traditional way. Anyway, what I love the most is how they choose to end this drama with a special 40.5 episode that shows snippets of their entire life together until the FL near end of life after living a very enriching life together.

Go watch … you won’t be disappointed if you like a good old romance.

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I love the drama.

"As Beautiful As You" was one of my most anticipated dramas. I waited for about two years for its release, and now that it's finished, I must say it was worth the wait. I particularly liked the character of Xu Kai, who played Han Ting. Han Ting's love for Ji Xing was portrayed with such purity and sincerity that it often made me fall in love with the character all over again. Even after their breakup, he handled every situation flawlessly. Although he was heartbroken, he never let his personal feelings interfere with his business decisions. He managed his personal and professional life exceptionally well. This is the first drama of Xu Kai's in this genre that I've liked, as I usually prefer his historical dramas. In historical dramas, his portrayal of characters has a unique charm that I find missing in his modern-day roles.Regarding the drama, I would highly recommend watching it. Li Li made the right decision by choosing Su Zhi Zhou. I liked their pairing, but unfortunately, their story only really began in the final episodes. I feel their story deserved more screen time to develop.

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The most beautiful moments in life only come after hardships

I can't believe a drama I have waited so long for has actually aired. Luckily this one isn't disappointing at all! In fact I am enjoying it at lot. Let me explain:

I love both of the main leads and have watched them in several of their own projects before. I have yet to finish a modern drama with Xu Kai in it, but this one is a good one to add to his filmography. For Tan Song Yun this is also another drama she should be proud of. It's not excellent or anything, it is just a solid and well done job for everyone involved.

This drama succeeds in telling a story of a young woman trying to achieve her dreams. To me, I like how that is the main focus rather than the romance. Xu Kai isn't in it as much as I like because of this, but in the end I am fine with it because the story that is being told doesn't fit for him to be in every single scene.

Tan Song Yun is a beautiful woman who has RANGE. She has played a similar story in Master of My Own, but she is a splendid actress to show a different side with her character here as Ji Xing. Ji Xing is also a great example of a strong female lead. She doesn't have the plot change unrealistically for her to succeed, and is shown to have strength through her perseverance instead. I have watched a bit of other dramas with female leads in positions that she has, but everything is handed to them perfectly. They are almost too bratty in a way, and it makes them unlikeable because everything they worked for is handed to them. Ji Xing really has to work for it, and even if some of the scenarios she gets past easily, it is just a series of misfortunes for this woman. What is done so right is that the ML, Han Ting, is not her knight in shining armor.

What could be a diluted romance between the two instead has a very interesting dynamic. Han Ting is neither someone who is overbearing and overprotective when he shouldn't be, and he instead is Ji Xing's senior that gives her advice. It is tough love, and he isn't handing things to her just because he has a crush on her. Despite his interest in her, he helps her in the long run by teaching her lessons of the field they both work in. Han Ting is a privileged man and he knows it, but he is humble enough to invest in a small company, and has emphasized it isn't just because of his crush. The way that the business is run in this drama is the most realistic I've seen in a C-drama, as compared to other dramas that just run too smoothly. Like they don't have financial issues, they don't worry about hiring, things just don't go wrong. Again, it's not the most realistic ever, but the drama knows how to make Ji Xing's business a new company rather than a flip of a switch well run company.

Xu Kai leads well here. I really like the parts where he is able to lean into his puppy love attitude, and want to see more. Unfortunately his character here isn't the most charismatic for him. His best role by far is Wonderland of Love, but if I sit back and stop comparing to that he does a well job. This drama stays pretty safe and isn't offensive, but it is better than the average office romance story.

When the direction is done well with the lighting and cinematography it really does well. It doesn't happen a lot, so in the end this drama isn't spectacular. The romance definitely is a slow-burn.

I recommend to fans of either and think it's a good office romance that feels fresh. A mentor-student relationship between two individuals that were once peers. Han Ting knows that Ji Xing is a smart woman and has a lot of potential, so he isn't easy on her. Its focus is the female lead who has to work hard for what she has and gets the bad parts of life handed to her 9 times out of ten. The supporting stories are also interesting, with the best friend of the FL being the best one there. It is nice to have a story besides the main one be interesting in a modern drama. He Rui Xian is perfect for the best friend role and she is just as strong as a woman as Ji Xing, but is instead more direct and forward and leans into her femininity more.

The themes of womanhood are done well also. Representing how just being a woman makes them to be seen as objects is disturbing, but it is unfortunately very real. I think it's important to see both Li Li and Ji Xing know their worth and leave their jobs, and I think Li Li is a great asset to Ji Xing's team.

The negatives are the ex boyfriend whose round rimmed glasses really didn't suit him, and the 'friend' who likes him. I don't like how she is portrayed as a friend when she has liked Ji Xing's 4-year partner in life? That is not good for the womanhood, but besides her Ji Xing surrounds herself by the right people. The antagonists are good without being too evil also, as this time it is another woman trying to bring Ji Xing down, her former boss.

So this is a good drama with good styling and clean camera work that doesn't have flashy editing. Recommend but not too highly.

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Lacks novelty

I somehow dragged myself through 25 episodes of this show. It has a bit different storyline but for the most part it is clichéd. I was excited in the beginning of the show as it starts off well, but after 9-10 episodes it takes downhill. The leads are my favorites but together they don't have much chemistry. In one of the reviews, the person has commented how the female lead doesn't look so much appealing in Romantic dramas, and I guess I would agree with the person. I admire her acting skills a lot but not in much in Romantic shows. I found it boring after initial episodes but had to fast speed through many many episodes in order to skip. It could have been a 20-30 episode job but tge makers stretched it for 41 episodes.
P.S. After watching this one 'Love is Sweet' doesn’t look so boring to me now. That show has many fun moments to offer.

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