The Early Spring

LUKE AND FLORA.....

We were waiting, and they did not disappoint us at all!! OMG, i am obsessed with this drama, especially our Luke and Flora...The chemistry these two have has me on a chokehold, i was literally catching my breath with every single closeness they have.....i was just smiling and screaming like a fool

The club scene in ep 4 where his friends asked him to sing, and he said no, but catches her on the other side, with the extreme eye contact locked in on her, OMG, it's giving that one Ed Sheeran song, ''When I saw you in that dress, looking so beautiful''....., but this one is 'When I see you across the club, smiling so beautifully''...type SHIT

ALso, when she was lost, and he came looking for her, but he crashed, and she came to save him, and then to get out of there, he had to tie ropes around both of them, the tension between them there was soooo SPICY...

The biggest obstacle with everything with Luke is his DAMN MOUTH, bro just cannot say nice words...wdym flora asked what flower suit her, and this mf said ''Green foxtail''( wtf is a green foxtail, went to research it and it was a grass..not just any grass, PLAIN GRASS), like are you high bro?....another time is in ep 13 when he thought Flora was gonna leave with Alex, and then sent a text message calling her ''cheap and obedient'', and then started saying to her face that she has no brain, she is doctile...bro, I almost wet myself...can't he just say nice things for crying out loud...why can't he just say please don't go, i don't want you to......and continue and explain nicely....good that Flora block his ass cause I generally couldn't...

I CAN'T WAIT FOR BREAKUP ARC...i want LUKE TO BEG AND BEG...

The biggest obstacle for these two is their communication issues, they communicate well physically, but emotionally they are down the bridge....

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Great show but frustrating writing! The FL storyline is making me crazy

Ok, I know there are a lot of people hating on Luke. But this about the FL and the character that is written for her. She is excellent in the role, but this is hitting so many buttons for me after 25 years working in advertising and production. Maybe it's a cultural difference. I scratched and clawed my way through college working two jobs at a time and thankfully my first job was an advertising agency in Dallas. I made peanuts the first few years and I worked long hours and weekends to move up in the company. I fought like hell to finally become a producer and I loved my job. Even with frustrating clients, non-stop travel, and creatives with Egos too big to handle I still had a blast! I never dated at work though I flirted a lot and I did date vendors. I won an "unsung hero award" which really meant my salary was way too low and I worked too many hours....During this time period I ended a 7-year relationship just six months after my father died and the one and only thing that kept me going was my job and the many close friends I had at work. Don't get me wrong, I had been the subject of gossip (she slept with the CEO to get her job - wrong and laughable) and many other nasty things that women usually spread about other women. And since I was not guilty of any of these, I can only imagine how bad the fallout would be if these rumors had been real. So my point is this show is pushing all my buttons, making me feel all the feels, and bringing up strong memories of a breakup and then burying myself in work. So that's why I wanted to scream when Flora threw her dream job away because of a relationship and work politics. ARRRGGGG! After fighting tooth and nail to get a job she loved the writers had her become a total coward and walk away from the one thing that may have saved her dreams. I'm sure they will say her missing her friend caused a reset, but I am just so frustrated with any person who would give up something they fought so hard for. I'm sure they'll show how great her life is in last few episodes, but I am doubtful of a happy ending. The show is very well done, but maybe the writers need to re-think the choices their FL is making as a supposedly "strong character." Because without a doubt she is running away. I'm still enjoying the show just didn't know I'd be crying over past breakups and wanting to throw something at the TV when Flora didn't push back on the agency she loves to get better treatment. I spent 12 years at my agency and it took a lot not to be treated like a door mat. But the agency launched my successful career as a freelance producer and IF I had run away I would have missed out on so many amazing experiences and people. I admit this hits a little too close to home for me so I can't be objective. And I love the ML, though I find him to be what I consider a typical male in high places. Lashing out when hurt or angry because it's too hard and scary to be open and honest. At least he doesn't drink as much as all the Ad folks I worked with - myself included. And why in the hell did Flora not tell him about losing her best friend??? No wonder these two can't get on the same page. Sorry for the long rant! Overall it's good show just maybe a little tough for me to watch at times.

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Through the veil of Early Spring:A tale of growth & grace with the deadly dance of ambition of heart

"The Early Spring" is that kind of drama which I didn't have any idea about and never planned to start as I got sick of romance dramas because they got monotonous. To end my months long slump I decided to give it a go because I had a soft spot for Jing Boran. But I was utterly surprised to find it super addicting.

This series was a beautifully crafted modern romance workplace drama that delicately captured the raw emotions of youth, ambition, and the bittersweet journey of self-discovery. This series invited viewers into the world of Shang Zhitao and Luan Nian, two souls whose lives intertwined amidst the bustling corridors of a top global advertising agency, Lime (not lime but li-me lol)

>Characters:
•From the very first episode, Shang Zhitao’s character resonated with me deeply. As a fresh graduate stepping into the intimidating world of corporate life, Zhitao embodied the vulnerability and fierce determination of anyone chasing their dreams against all odds. Her journey was not just about professional growth but also about finding her own voice in a world that often demanded conformity. The struggles she faced from the harsh words of her boss to the internal battles of self-doubt were portrayed with such authenticity that it’s impossible not to root for her.

•Luan Nian, aka Luke, Zhitao’s boss, was a complex figure as he was blunt, demanding, yet quietly protective. His initial coldness masked a deep care and a personal history that slowly unfolded, revealing layers of pain and resilience. The chemistry between Jing Boran’s Luan Nian and Sun Qian’s Shang Zhitao was electric yet tender, capturing the nuanced dance of respect, frustration, and growing affection. Their interactions were filled with unspoken emotions, subtle glances, immense chemistry and moments of vulnerability that spoke louder than words.

•The supporting cast added depth and warmth, each character contributing to the rich tapestry of the story. Lumi, Sun Yuanzhu and Sun Yu were the best thing that happened to Shang Zhitao. Their friendship was everything! In the cold, competitive, ruthless corporate jungle, she found the gems we couldn't. Their own storylines were sensitive and evocative which allowed the emotions to breathe and the story to unfold naturally.

>Acting:
I can't explain enough how much they made me all giddy and excited one moment, and on the other day, I was crying my heart out as if I were Shang Zhitao, Luan Nian, Sun Yuanzhu, and Sun Yu exchanging each other's deep emotions and feelings. Their acting was very natural and organic, as if they were real people with real flaws, problems and boring mundane lives. The success of this drama doesn't depend on the characters or their storylines, it purely succeeds by the actor's way of understanding and then portraying according to the situation and, hell yeah, they aced it!

>Cinematography and artistry:
The cinematography captured the freshness of spring with soft, luminous visuals that mirror the characters’ inner transformations. To be honest, this series was the peak visual experience of feeling warmth and comfort through the lens of the director. Like they wanted the audience to live the drama as if it was a vivid dream; the type of dream which often occurs right before waking up, when you realise you are dreaming while the dream is still ongoing, and you don't want to wake up from that beautiful dream and just keep reliving it over and over again. It was that kind of drama.

•I loved the silently obvious metaphors of this drama.

>Luan Nian functioned as the "thawing ice". He was pragmatic, emotionally aloof, and hyper-critical. His emotional defrosting was slow, painful, and messy, mimicking the uneven transition of seasons.

>Shang Zhitao was introduced as a raw "Beijing drifter." Her English name, Flora, directly correlates to a flower or tulip bulb that has endured a dormant, freezing winter but slowly broken through the frozen topsoil through sheer endurance. Her trajectory was not a sudden fairy-tale bloom, but a grueling, gradual growth under intense corporate pressure.

>The typewriter "L" correlates "Luke" to "Love" with the quote "You don't have to be perfect to be worthy of love."

>That broken window in Sun Yuanzhu's bedroom silently said a lot about his life and himself.

>And last but not the least, that fish tank. We saw the lonely white koi mirroring Luke's cold, closed-off personality before Shang Zhitao entered his life and introduced a more colourful mate.

>Music:
I think I found my OST of the year; it's "Her" by Li Yuning and "You should know" by Li Changgeng. Especially the voice of Li Yuning, the lyrics and the pain he conveyed was breathtakingly beautiful to experience. I don't know how many times I have listened to it and don't know how many more times I will keep playing it in a loop. I'm in love~

What made this drama truly special was its ability to weave professions and personalities seamlessly. The workplace was not just the backdrop but a living, breathing entity that shaped and challenged the characters, especially Shang Zhitao. Everyone's character improved by the end of this drama but it was Luan Nian who had 360° character development. After meeting Shang Zhitao, even though sometimes it was late but he took every initiative to unlearn everything because of her. Both of them helped to become a better person in life. The drama explored themes of ambition, sacrifice, and the courage to stand firm in one’s beliefs. It also beautifully portrayed the early spring of life— that fragile, hopeful time when everything feels possible yet uncertain if you look deeper. Personally, this drama was an unexpected cdrama experience for me. I never imagined that a drama could engulf me like this. I surely saw its flaws, criticised the characters, rolled my eyes at their dumb decisions— still, I came back to it every day without any fail. It was like a forbidden drug to me. I knew it was bad and still couldn't stop loving it. This drama was an unworldly experience for me.

In the end, "The Early Spring" was more than just a romance or workplace drama. It felt like a heartfelt ode to resilience, growth, and the quiet strength found in embracing one’s true self. Watching Shang Zhitao and Luan Nian navigating their fears, hopes, and desires was a moving experience that lingers long after the final scene. For anyone who had ever faced the daunting leap into adulthood, the pain of unspoken feelings, or the challenges of chasing a dream, this drama offered a poignant reminder: just like early spring, life’s most beautiful moments often come after the coldest winters.

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Finally SUN QIAN is getting the love she deserves‼️

2026 is actually INSANE, there are so many good dramas and this is definitely one of them!

​Out of the two main leads, I feel like more people were familiar with JBR, but I’m so grateful to TES for casting SQ as Taotao!! If it weren't for SQ, the character Taotao might not have been this amazing!!!

And yesss, finally everyone gets to see how ridiculously talented SQ is 🥵🥵🥵🥵
I’ve loved her ever since Sweet Tai Chi (with BWJ).
Her acting is so top-tier and natural, love her so muchieee!!!

​Thank you Xiaotaotao... and Niannian for these past 2 weeks... hope you two get to reunite again soon 🫂🫂🫂

​Thanks to TES, I’m so excited for the other 3 couples in this shared universe!!!!
Aaaaa hope the rest get adapted soon too CAN'T WAITTTTTT ‼️🤟🏻😝🤟🏻

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I’m on the edge of my seat everytime

I was reluctant to start the series as I wasn’t really interested in the cast nor was I a big fan of the second chance troupe, I was then proven wrong when I decided to click on the first episode out of pure boredom. Some people might disagree but I liked how they showed the relationship for the majority of the show before the turning point which was the major break-up, the build-up, tension and how they started getting in each other’s paths got me so hooked, although at times, the pacing was a bit confusing, it wasn’t to a point where I couldn’t comprehend anymore.

The chemistry was insane, I was thrilled when they got together, and that doesn’t happen often as I find that in most shows, when the couples get together, it becomes quite boring quickly, but the tension still maintains, it was honestly a beautiful show. I liked both characters and their journey to a beautiful relationship, learning and setting their flaws aside because of how much they loved eachother, the supporting cast was amazing as well, they were supportive and had a certain amount of depth to them, never just surrounding the main cast, I wish we saw more of the relationship between Will and Lumi, I believe that if we had the full 32 episodes, this would’ve happened. Luan Nian’s outfits delivered every single time, he looked fantastic in all of them, the acting was amazing, the scenes felt real, never exaggerated or emotionless.

In conclusion, this show was such a ride for me, it had me stressing, tearing up and smiling to myself one second after another, a must-watch if you ask me!!

p.s the soundtrack was also fantastic, I loved all the songs and I felt like they were played at the right moments which made the scenes more emotional !!

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A bittersweet realistic love story

I’m bad at writing reviews, because every time i feel the need to make one after i finish a drama i really enjoyed my thoughts become a mess. So i’ll make this as short as possible .
I think The early spring is the most realistic romantic show i’ve ever watched: both partners were flawed, both of them got hurt during their relationship and they both changed a lot. Luan Nian overcame his pride and Zhitao her insecurities. I cried a lot while i was watching it, especially in the last 4 episodes. But it was so worth it. I’m gonna be rewatching it a lot and I’d recommend it to anyone who’s not afraid to witness how a toxic, raw and intense relationship filled with lots of love evolves in these 24 episodes. Prepare tissues, a strong drink (only if you’re not underage obviously) and also prepare yourself mentally to go on this emotional adventure. The early spring has risen to my numer 1 favourite modern drama, i’ll need something really good to top it.

*The 0.5 i took from the story is because we needed more than 24 episodes. Only 4 episodes for their breakup and reconciliation were absolutely not enough and we could’ve seen much more. A 10/10 for me nonetheless.

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What adult relationships look like

What I loved about this drama is that it showed what mature relationships look like. How corporate work works, how actions and their consequences work, and how work romances can be both good and bad.

The only thing I didn't like was Luke being Flora's direct boss at some point. I think in reality, there is almost no chance of someone ending up with their boss without it somehow ending up in favour of one party or people assuming that the relationship was solely for climbing the corporate ladder. That was why Flora was always so keen on not exposing their relationship. No matter what, those kinds of relationships don't really give off a good outlook to onlookers.

I loved how each of their personalities grew throughout the years. It was also very realistic how it took them literally almost ten years to figure everything out and restart. They started off being very toxic but ended up respecting each other's boundaries and loving each other.

I loved the ending too. Truly enjoyed watching this drama.

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A toxic love story

As a non-novel reader, this drama was pretty good, actually. I only saw a few spoilers for the novel from time to time. I did like the casting, especially the main characters, who did an amazing job portraying their characters.

Their relationship is toxic at many points. Him not knowing how to express his feelings and speak nicely was a very big red flag to me. Like, if your boyfriend speaks to you like this, please leave 😭. He did love her, but he didn’t love her correctly or respect her enough, in my opinion, during the 6 YEARS OF THEIR RELATIONSHIP.

As for Flora, she was honestly sometimes stupid in her actions and in the way she viewed their relationship, which she sometimes didn’t acknowledge enough in certain situations. But she was so blinded by love and their intimacy together that she stayed for 6 years despite the lack of trust and sweetness in his words.

They both had their flaws, as they are human, so it was realistic to some extent, but also very frustrating. Like, I was so happy when they broke up and she didn’t hold back her words because, honestly, she needed to say those things.

As a woman, dating your superior is never in your favor because, in the end, she was the one who lost her promotion that she had worked so hard for over 6 years. So I was really happy that she chose herself, her career, and her self-respect.

What I found rushed was the ending, since we only had 24 episodes instead of 34. That means many things should have been explained and deserved more screen time. Like how much time he spent courting her again in Harbin, and more of their relationship, showing him pursuing her and making efforts for her. Because we didn’t get much of that, and there were also other side plots, like Lumi’s love life and others, that deserved a little more attention.

But the wedding proposal was kind of cute because, at that moment, he told her all the words and apologies that she deserved to hear, during the proposal and even before.All their memories together and the necklace of the missing letter from the typewriter.Like him admitting that he didn’t speak nicely to her and even that he fell in love with her first but didn’t cherish her enough. But even that it’s crazy it’s took him 8/9 years to be able to say those words and speak nicely. Also it was rushed bc they broke up and 3 episode of him pursing her and 1/2 of episode of them back together and engaged ?? We deserved more episodes so that the ending wasn’t rushed and the period of getting back should have been longer since their relationship needed many things to evolve.

One of the major reasons why I didn’t give it a 9/10 is because the timeline in the drama is so poorly explained. Like, the years of their relationship go from 4 to 6 in one episode, and there are so many other things that didn’t make sense, making it hard to understand the timeline.

I wish they had explained the timeline better and hadn’t rushed the ending. It was kind of rushed.

But overall, it was good and exciting to watch!!✨. But in real life never get into this type of relationship please 😩

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