Why Is He Still Single?

A slice of life in a Metropolitan City involving an eccentric interior designer and a medical doctor

Plot/Story 9.5/10
I gave a high mark for this romance-comedy drama because it portrays a glimpse of life for a number of people living in a busy Shanghai City, which involved with their survival, their dealings with money and family issues, and their pursue of happiness. There are pressures for one of the main characters to get married through blind dates, while another is getting away from a relationship. As one of the female character mentioned, she said that blind dates for men are categorized into three types: the ones who want to meet new girls and flirt, the ones who wants to satisfy their parents, and the unusual types who can be considered as eccentric or weirdos. Living in a big city is always about money - how to earn and spend it. This drama is successful in combining the funny comedy with the awkwardness of living in a society of the big cities. The story and the dialogues can be considered as corky, unusual, witty, amusing, full of funny an awkward moments at the same times, and lots of interpretations and misunderstandings. I enjoyed watching it again and again, as the number of episodes appear to be just right.

Cast/Characters
Cast 9/10
The main characters are Yu yu, as senior interior designer; and Dr. Gu, a medical doctor working at a private hospital. They were played by actor Wallace Huo, and actress Zhu Zhu, respectively. Yu yu worked in a firm which was managed by Ms. Lin, and an assistant designer named Shen Wu and his girlfriend Xiao xiao. Ms. Lin was played by Zhang Yao; Shen Wu by Fei Qi Ming, and Xiao xiao by Fan Jing Yi. A young lady named Xiao Man moved and became a neighbour of Yu yu. She was played by Eleanor Lee.
In my opinion, the actors and actresses in this drama are perfect matches. Wallace Huo is a handsome and experience actor; and Zhu zhu is exceptionally pretty. She has a beautiful smile with the two dimples near her mouth.

Characters 9/10
Yu yu is rather eccentric, a perfectionist and somewhat an awkward person when dealing with others. he has money, but generous and appears to be a considerate and nice man inside. Xiao Man works at a car dealer and owns a pug dog named Dao. She moved in next door of Yu yu's apartment and become neighbours.
Dr. Gu came into the picture from the start of the drama at a movie theatre , where she met with Yu yu's through a mishap of sitting on the wrong seat the the cinema. She then met Yu yu many times again at the hospital through series of accidents that he encountered in his daily life. where he ended up under Dr. Gu's care.
Xiao Man is tight with her money, but she is good at cooking. She and Dr. Gu become good friends through strange connections with Yu yu.
Other characters who are interesting included Yu yu's friend who owns a store renting/selling old collectibles such as music CDs and DVD movies. Then, there is Dr. Gu's dad who is also eccentric likes Yu yu, who tries to set blind dates to her daughter. He owns a Harley bike, which put some interest to Yu yu's unusual collections of hobbies ( animal clay figures, a Vespa motorcycle, a remote control racing car toy).

Music 8/10
I found a few beautiful and memorable tunes, including the Auld Lang Syne song used during a ritual for sending off Harley bikes to the museum

Rewatch Value 8.5/10
I like to watch some of the episodes to get a better understanding of the story or for the details of the drama of this film. Some of the dialogues are funny, but corky and they need to be watched again a few times so that they can be observed with their facial expressions more closely.

Scenery/Filmography 8.5/10
Some nice sceneries on the river bank at nights, fireworks and the landmark of Shanghai.

Personal comments
- Dr. Gu has the nicest dimples when she smiles
- I think the character chosen as Xiao Man's boyfriend appears to be a little too old for her age.
- Interesting song selected for Auld Lang Syne
- A surprise hobby of Yu yu with the remote control car racing, where he competes with kids
- a rather unique Harley Davidson motor bike club of Dr. Gu's dad
- Unusually high amount of mishaps/accidents, ending up at the hospital and makes Dr, Gu busy.
- There is no corkier event when celebrating a retirement for Harley bikes among Dr. Gu's dad and his close friends.

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Short on Angst, Long on Charm

The ML was played masterfully by Wallace Huo. He depicted a man newly turned 40, set in his ways, and encumbered by neurodivergence. ML was brilliant, but he was hampered by his OCD, his lack of filter when he spoke, and his inability to read social signals. He had learned to navigate life by isolation, the protection and intervention of his business partner, and the defensive speech he used to keep people at arm's length.

Zhu Zhu depicted an older woman successful in her profession who was unwilling to settle for the sake of marriage, no matter the pressures society and her father placed upon her.

What unfolded was a mature love story. Some might find it slow and lacking in the romance department, but I was fascinated with ML's journey and evolution. Wallace Huo fleshed out a character I will long remember, and he did it in a stylish and heartwarming manner. Unlike so many dramas that have disappointed me, it managed to have a sweet and satisfying ending.

I quibbled with myself over the rating, but my enjoyment of Huo's character made me come back to rate the drama higher.

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Poor Wallace and Zhu Zhu! (Interesting idea, poorly executed)

Wallace Hou and Zhu Zhu were featured actors in THE TALE OF ROSE, an absolute MUST SEE adult drama. They didn't star together, which is why their doing so here is so terribly exciting.. Unfortunately this production had no idea what to do with these great talents.

Before I take the story apart, some peripheral stuff.

1. Everyone dresses real nice in this show. Too nice. Very distracting eye-candy here. Eleanor Lee was a show pony. Her white dress with black polka dots was crazy memorable. Wallace and Zhu Zhu were always smart looking, except that one time Zhu Zhu picked out his outfit. (Sorry Costume Designer! That tie wasn't!)

2. I have a rule about C-Dramas. If the opening sequence is uninspired or just plain annoying, the show will be the same. They say don't judge books by their covers, but I've never seen a C-Drama you couldn't judge this way. The opening sequence cuteness is annoying as hell. I don't mind lighthearted. I mind juvenile. I skipped it every time.

3. The songs in this show were perfect. They'd dip in, visit, and add something to the atmosphere. Other shows will harp on a few songs and pound them into your head. Not here. Also the background scoring was top notch.

4. The sets were too new and too perfect. Sometimes you have to show worn office chairs to make it clear people have been working there for years, not minutes.

5. Outside of Wallace and Zhu Zhu, the cast was rather bland. Being pretty in nice new clothing was all the production cared about. IN SPITE OF A STRONG WIND offers a strikingly similar office cast, and they're just so much better than this 'Disney' cast. One strange moment is when the young man of our office (Fei Qi Ming) walks by his STRONG WIND equivalent (Zhou Mai Jie).

6. Despite all my story annoyance below, Wallace was doing some great acting. I have a feeling he's not always thought of as a great actor, but despite this show's shortcomings -- he was THE reason I watched it through to the end. Zhu Zhu was pretty good too, but the story constantly restrained her.

THE STORY

So many issues.

1. Nobody had a backstory. Like the sets that didn't look lived in, neither did the characters. There's no male Doctor pursuing Zhu Zhu? Her Dad doesn't own a car? Wallace isn't aware that he's an obnoxious ass until the show starts? He's never had a pet? You don't think it would make 3 tons of sense that he's been divorced twice at this point and just given up on love? It's so bad that one character's backstory is introduced in the 2nd to last episode.

2. Is it true that in China you can simply see your Doctor any time you feel like? And she sees you in her office instead of an examination room? With no other staff milling about? Really?

3. The product placement in this show was over the top, and it damages the story. Deep in the series Shen Wu wears a big stylish jacket with the word 'meta' on it. We're told he's both frugal and semi-tight on cash. I paused the show and Googled that jacket. It's easily worth somewhere between $300-$500.

Cutie-pie Xia Xiao Man lives alone in a lovely apartment she couldn't possibly afford... with a clothing collection that doesn't quit -- and soon complains she's going broke. How are we supposed to respect her if she's got the financial finesse of a 9 year old? (I originally went with 12 year old because I'm American, but because this is China I dropped it to 9.)

(The next paragraph is SPOILER-ISH, but it only spoils a minor development in Ep. 11.)

The entire Harley thing? First we're told how religious their owners are about their bikes. Then Zhu's Dad parts with a bike like the skin of banana. The entire show Xia Xiao works at a Chinese car dealership, one long ad for that car, and then Biker Dad buys 5 of them at once without anyone asking why. (It's because the explanation is so unbelievable they just skipped it.)

Look, if modern programs needed embedded product placement to exist, sure, I get it. But you have to do it the right way.

4. The pacing is awful, which is a shocker for such a short series. 16 episodes long but somehow only needed 10. Every episode is loaded with filler.

I started to think, hey, I know -- maybe this is merely Season 1 of an interesting series, which is why they're in no hurry to move things along. But from what I'm seeing in the last episodes, nope -- they simply don't have a story to tell.

The series title has a question. It's answered by Episode 3. So this critical plot point dies almost immediately.

I thought this series was going to be about a really charming handsome rich guy that simply isn't interested in women. They throw some hotties his way, nothing. They throw some gay hunk his way (just to make sure) but nothing. They spy on him to make sure he isn't secretly married, big nope. That would have extended the premise the length of the series.

Instead, what we have here is MEET YOURSELF syndrome. It's a romantic story that resolves itself too early, and so we're left with focusing on clothing and dull subplots, because 'the show' is basically already over.

5. Who honestly believes Zhu Zhu shouldn't give up on Wallace and find a nice guy? Who honestly believes that Wallace shouldn't have continued with lovely and charming AF Vivienne Ten? Nothing makes any sense. Oh, and the way the story took out the girl with the camera was so deplorably bad I would have ditched the series then and there -- were it not I was episodes away from finishing. And what kind of gentleman ditches her at that moment of need? God awful.

6. Episode 11 is so bad I'd advise viewers to skip it. Oh, and the fact you can skip it without damaging the show confirms that this show is full of filler.

(The next paragraph is SPOILER-ISH, but it only spoils a minor development in Ep 11.)

Another example of how bad Ep 11 is involves Wallace looking for a lost dog. He and Zhu are running around town and -- OH NO -- the dog appears to be dead floating in water. Anal retentive Wallace heroically runs into the 5 inch deep water to rescue the dead dog, only for us to learn it's a doll -- of the same exact dog with similar coloring. Something that on planet Earth has a 1 in a billion chance of happening.

And the way Zhu's Dad's pals gave up their favorite toys with no problem and accepted a ginormous gift from him with no problem? Again: this series appears to be written by 9 year olds.

7. The one thing you can rely upon C-Dramas for? Tears. These people are the best criers on the planet. Even lighthearted shows take a moment for tears here and there, to create contrast. This show? Nope. Nobody gets to cry until the end. There's only a dozen times Zhu Zhu should have choked up, but no-- we can't have real emotions, now can we?.

8. Continuity issues everywhere. Brother in law borrows lots of money. Do we ever learn why? Nope. Wallace tries to teach himself how to be a surgeon. Does that ever come up again? Nope. The pushy 'get married' Mom disappears from the story for too long. The girl in wheelchair vanishes.

*****************************************************

Believe you me I wanted to like this. It started okay but then became clear it was junk food. Wallace and Zhu carry this series as best as they can, but it falls apart too many episodes before the ending to recommend.

Poor Wallace and Zhu Zhu. :(

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Super Funny but doesn't rely on second-hand embarrassment or over-the-top hysterics

How many comedies out there do NOT rely on crude jokes, second-hand embarrassment or over-the-top humor? Hardly any and yet “Why is He Still Single?” is a rare example.

The success of this drama lies in the witty dialogs, the unique characterization of ML and the incredible performances from Wallace Huo and Zhu Zhu. Yu Yu (ML) is an eccentric, quirky, childish, petty perfectionist, who is also a pro’s pro and probably has a super high IQ and low EQ. Wallace did an incredible job in making me fall in love with this insufferable character. The main focus of this drama is the character development of Yu Yu. Though kind, he has his priorities and just doesn’t care much about what’s important to others. But no worries, here comes the beautiful, mature, kind-hearted, incredibly PATIENT and witty Dr. Gu (FL) who basically acts as Yu Yu’s life coach and helps enlighten him. Wallace and Zhu Zhu have great chemistry and their back-and-forth banter and comeback lines are incredibly fun and well-executed.

There are so many laugh-out-loud moments in this drama if you pay attention to Yu Yu’s antics and words coming out of his mouth. “Why is he still single?” does not need to rely on over-the-top and hysterical plot, or the actors embarrassing themselves. They just need to act as themselves, and then viewers will have a great time.

This drama is full of lovely and supporting characters and some really lovely relationships in this drama. At work, the trio of Yu Yu, assistant Shen Wu and boss lady Lin Sa have an interesting and entertaining dynamic. They really know what to say to trick Yu Yu to agree to their demands. Zhu Zhu and Xia Xiao Man have a wonderful sismance, while Yu Yu and his brother-in-law have a fun bromance. The parents are meddlesome but adorable and not annoying. I really enjoyed the neighborly and siblings-like relationship between Yu Yu and Xia Xiao Man and was very disappointed in how it turned out in the end.

If you are looking for romance, you will not find the typical fluffy and sweet rom-com gestures. Instead, the leads have one of the slowest and most subtle romances I’ve seen in a while. The romance is developed through MANY doctor’s visits and hospital stays, bickering and verbal challenges and dares, and caring considerations of each other. There are many funny and weird moments between the leads, and these are the building blocks of their relationship. I actually would have liked to see more traditional love signals sprinkled throughout the drama. But, this is a mature romance and when it matters the most, the most thoughtful and romantic conversation is also the most serious one Yu Yu and Dr. Gu has at the end of the drama. I just wish it had come just a little bit sooner.

“Why is He Still Single?” not a plot-driven drama and the pace is moderate and steady. I would recommend this drama if you enjoy a quirky ML, witty and sarcastic dialogs, or a mature, slow-burn and subtle romance. Fans of Wallace Huo and Zhu Zhu should not miss this drama. This drama is incredibly funny without insulting your intelligence.



Completed: 11/30/2025 Review #648

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Basic that worked

Basic plot, cliche history as commonly seen in C-Dramas, but the acting of ML really got me.
How can I despise and like a character back and forth so many times? lol.
FL also played a good part in it, their chemistry was built through the history in a good pace but almost went rogue at the end LOL.
Support characters made their part as well the "occasional encounters or destiny parts" that happened many times. But in the overall the serie was very lightweight, simple and direct.
Got me angry, frustrated and laughing many times and in many degrees but I think those were some of the expected reactions from it.
I recommend it if you want something simple, cozy and friendly and don't want to hack your brains to imagine the end.

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Not my cup of tea

In my opinion, this movie's rating is way too high. There is NOTHING spectacular to keep you involved in the action. I didn't find the series particularly interesting. But it wasn't so bad that I would abandon it. It's a mediocre series that doesn't deserve an 8.

Yes, the script captured a realistic aspect of a human being who doesn't know how to accept love because it's unfamiliar to him; at least in the real world, this could be a reason that stems from his early childhood.

What I liked was that the series showed the side of the ML where he reflects on the situation and acts unexpectedly, but in a rude way that others initially condemn.

Shen Wu was my favorite character. Fei Qi Ming played a really cute role.

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It takes the right woman to bring a Narcissist down. A good watch

Why is He Still Single - is a modern RomCom CDrama starring Wallace Huo and Zhu Zhu about a middle-aged successful interior designer who is quirky yet kind-hearted, commitment-phobic, and does not believe in marriage until he meets his match in Dr. Gu Ye Jia.

Zhu Zhu did an excellent job portraying a clueless doctor who is looking for love herself and who becomes entangled in Yu Yu's life. It is cute and funny. The supporting cast is quirky and humorous as well.

Synopsis: A quirky yet kind-hearted man, firmly against marriage, sparks humor and reflection as he navigates life. Despite his eccentricity, he finally meets the woman of his dreams and must decide how to win her heart, proving that no man won't marry, just one who hasn't found the right match yet.

My Reviews:
1. Acting: 8
2. Script: 8
3. Music/OST: 7
4. Production Quality: 7
5. Cinematography: 6
6. Rewatchable: 8
7. On-Screen Chemistry: 7

Overall Rating: 7.5

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Why many men are still single?

This drama highlights why many men remain single today: a deep fear of rejection and social awkwardness. Over time, they retreat into their own cocoons, finding comfort and safety there. Family disputes and conflicts often serve as convenient excuses for their continued solitude. In the story, Yu Yu is unconsciously drawn to his doctor, Gu YeJia, and shows a willingness to step out of his protective shell.

It was my first time seeing actress Zhu Zhu in a leading role, despite her long career in the industry. I was especially charmed by her distinctive dimples, which make her presence memorable. The casting overall is strong, adding to the drama’s appeal. However, I was surprised by how quickly the story concluded once the characters confessed their love. I had hoped to see more—scenes of their marriage, their newly renovated home as a couple, and even glimpses of a family with children.

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China's Sheldon Cooper

I can't help but compare this show to The Big Bang Theory and Yu Yu to Sheldon Cooper as each episode unfolds with rich characters. The actors play their roles very well and express the sophisticated emotions and complex relationships realistically. The cast has excellent chemistry.

It might be because I have people in my life on the autism spectrum (ASD), but that's the lens through which I see Yu Yu. Like Sheldon, Yu Yu thinks he is smarter and more talented than everyone around him. His quirks are borderline OCD, he misses social cues, is passionate to the point of obsession in a single subject he doesn't understand metaphors or sarcasm leading to misunderstandings, and he tells the absolute truth as he sees it, all leading to awkward yet funny and endearing moments. ASD brains are wired differently so they can appear cold, arrogant, eccentric and very quirky which can make them seem rude yet they care about people and have a warm heart yearning for connection with others.

I'm not sure how wallace Huo prepared for this role but he nails the complex nature of a man struggling through relationships with ASD. Awkward moments happen which leads Yu Yu through some brilliant yet subtle humor. Excellent show.

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Easy to watch C-drama with just 16 episodes

Easy to watch C-drama with just 16 episodes are pretty rare, but this one really delivered its message well in a short run. It’s a drama filled with laughter, great scripting, and some surprisingly well written dialogue. From the very first episode, you can already see why the ML is still single hahaha. But his journey feels complete thanks to the love and support of his friends and family.
The FL is beautiful, smart, and funny. The rest of the cast did an amazing job too. I’d definitely recommend it.
The last episode has a beautiful, touching confession. And yes, it has a happy ending. ♥️

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First love at 40 is tough :)

PLOT: ML, a talented but eccentric and somewhat autistic interior designer, makes life difficult for those around him. He keeps crossing paths with Dr. Gu, also 40, calm and not particularly interested in marriage. As they meet, she gradually begins to open up.

+++ Wallace Huo (always excellent) and Zhu Zhu as CL
+++ The difficulties of a mature romance between two "older" bachelors: a subject rarely explored from this angle.
+++ Very cute and surprisingly expressive dog (kudos to the trainer)
+++ Lively direction, with beautiful work on the visuals, framing, and lighting, but the pacing is slow at times.

### Xiao Man's character is annoying (I don't know how old she's supposed to be, but she's childish, very dependent... I have trouble understanding the connection between her and Dr. Gu (o-_-o) ) and she takes up way too much screen time.

=> Wallace Huo literally carries the series on his shoulders!! Watched it once, but I won't watch it again.
********************************************************
C'est dur un 1e amour à 40 ans :)

PLOT: Le ML, designer d'intérieur talentueux mais excentrique et un peu autiste, mène la vie dure à son entourage. Il ne cesse de croiser le chemin du Dr Gu, 40 ans aussi, calme et peu tentée par le mariage. Au fil des rencontres, elle va peu à peu percer sa coquille.

+++ Wallace Huo (toujours excellent) et Zhu Zhu en CL
+++ Difficultés d'une romance mature entre 2 "vieux" célibataires : sujet peu abordé sous cet angle.
+++ Chien très cute et étonnamment expressif (Kudos au dresseur)
+++ Réalis° vive, avec un beau travail sur les images, les cadrages, les lumières, mais la narration est lente par moments.

### Le personnage de Xiao Man est agaçant (je ne sais pas quel âge elle est censée avoir, mais elle est puérile, très dépendante, ... j'ai du mal à comprendre le lien entre elle et le Dr Gu (o-_-o) ) et il prend bcp trop de place à l'écran.

=> Wallace Huo porte littéralement la série sur ses épaules !! Vu une fois, mais je ne regarderai pas à nouveau.

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