The Early Spring

Pretty toxic relationship glorified as mature romance

This is a story about the relationship between a young woman fresh out of college and her boss that started from a 1 night stand that devolved into a 6-year secret office relationship with poor communication & shallow emotional connection erupting in a prolonged 3-year break up after FL didn’t get promoted and finally ending with her taking ML back after he made more effort.

Admittedly there were a lot of good things about ES – JBR & his amazing portrayal of Luke, the production value, the visuals, the friendships, how it showed the struggle of making it as a young professional in Beijing, and how I looked forward to each new episode to see how the story would play out... Most modern romantic cdramas don’t have this kind of thrilling pacing.

But TBH after finishing it, I am left feeling troubled and uneasy, almost like there’s a bad taste in my mouth. It really wasn’t a very romantic story, and most of the time I was frustrated or pissed off with Luke/Flora/both. Despite the good points, my overall viewing impression is too negatively influenced by the toxic relationship between the main couple. Luke alternated between mentoring Flora, liking her, and disrespecting her. Imagine, 6 years into their relationship, he was still calling her dumb. Maybe it was playful teasing bordering on bullying. Still, it felt disrespectful. Let’s keep it real - he gets away with such asinine behavior mostly because of his looks and his position. Meanwhile, Flora would just take in all the verbal abuse, probably justifying it as a learning lesson, and also thinking this is how he is. I couldn’t believe how over 6 years, their relationship continued to be pretty shallow with little meaningful conversation, and still the insults. Yes, they got together initially because of physical attraction, probably both were drawn to each other because of the power imbalance, and later on there’s probably some form of respect over their similar work ethic that developed...but I was waiting for growth in their personal relationship, a deeper understanding and emotional connection during their 6 years together...it just didn’t happen.

Their interactions in episode 19, after 6 years (!) into their relationship really show the lack of maturity, understanding, and progress in their relationship -

During the drive to Tibet:
Flora: You are so gentle today.
Luke: Have I ever hit you? (ICK!)
Flora: No...I just wish you could be this gentle with me more often. (HOW HAS SHE ENDURED?!?)
Luke: So you like someone who’s soft? (WHAT?! HOW DOES HE NOT KNOW?!?)

And then back at their hotel in Tibet:
Flora: I appreciate that you never threw tantrums at me. You didn’t leave me behind on the streets. Congratulations. You have become someone I trust. (JUST DIDN'T FEEL GOOD LISTENING TO THIS!)

And following her phone call with parents:
Flora: Then, can we talk?
Luke: About what?
Flora: Let’s talk about the first time we met.
...
Luke: When I first met you I was thinking how can someone be this dumb? Like a big dummy.
Flora (pouts): I’m tired now.
(JUST, NO)

Their long breakup should have come sooner!

Even though they both evolved for the better after their 3 year separation, seeing them get back together still felt wrong, an ill-fit. If their story continued 10, 20 years down the road, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them repeat the unhealthy cycle of breaking up & getting back together ad nauseum.

I agree with the opinion that she should be with someone who can read her emotions and feelings better, someone who is gentle and understands her...and that he should be with someone confident & daring who can rein him in and call out all his shenanigans (he’s kind of like Domyouji in Hana Yori Dango, he needs a Tsukushi...). So the imbalance of power, different emotional level, lack of empathy, were just too much...it’s like each one is feeding into the other’s negative traits. It’d be best if the story ended with them going their separate ways.

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FRUSTRATING AND GASLIGHTED AS A REALISTIC PORTRAYAL.

*THESE ARE JUST MY THOUGHTS; WE DON'T HAVE TO AGREE*

The plot wasn't appealing to me, particularly how their relationship started and what went on in their relationship. It was a struggle watching this from episode 1, and it became more of a struggle reaching episode 12; toward the end, it became frustrating. At some point in the drama, I literally forced myself to finish this. Quite bad, this being my first Chinese modern series of the year.

LIKES
Shang Zhi Tao's friends were the kind of people you find it privileged to have as friends. They were supportive, encouraging, and really helpful. They weren't jealous of one another; instead, they rejoiced at the success of the other. Loved the moments they went on the mountain trip together, glaring at the sun rising. I also love how some of Flora's friends are written to have struggles and problems outside of her (FL) character. Towards the second half, the plot sidelined and forgot their friendship and didn't bother to delve deeper into the challenges and problems they had, while focusing much on the leads and their miscommunication.

Their chemistry had me in the first half; there was tension and magnetic stares, and sometimes I actually felt I was distracting from their moments. While moving into the second half, the chemistry lost me; with the back-and-forth breakups and kisses, all that was left was miscommunication, kisses, and intimacy scenes. I thought they had chemistry in the last episode.

DISLIKES

Let's be real, Zang Yao's character arc was predictable and unnecessary, as she was a plot device to create a rift and misunderstanding between the leads, and when she realized that they really loved each other and couldn't stand them acting all sweet with each other, and went outside to cry, I SKIPPED THAT SCENE. THERE WAS NO EMOTIONAL INVESTMENT TO KEEP ME WATCHING. At least they gave her good closure, in which am sure she escaped from a good disaster by not dating Luan Nian. If she had a purpose in coming down to China outside her love for Luke and all, she would have been better written.

I couldn't believe Sun Yuan died, LIKE HE DIED. I almost forgot I was watching a modern romance drama, and thought this was some murder mystery series. The fact that he died is really strange; he clearly had an emotional breakdown of tears, bare himself in front of Shang Zhi Tao, and he had friends who could actually heal him and console him. They were his greatest strength, and the plot forgot that and granted him death. It didn't even delve into what challenges he was going through; IT'S LAME. I actually suspected Sun Yuan liked Flora, but I would have loved to see things work out between him and Sun Yu; they had the chemistry, supported each other, were best friends, but he only took her as a friend. It was disappointing to know he liked Flora, and he kept it a secret until death. But I felt that was his way of expressing his love; it was good and way better than Luke's style.

I couldn't take how the plot used silly misunderstandings that could be cleared in one statement, an apology, or by speaking your heart, to drive the plot forward, and it left out important details. I was really curious about a lot of things, which the plot either didn't get to develop well or did the telling instead of showing. E.g Would have loved to see Sun Yuan's complicated family background, how Lumi got Will to be her boyfriend, and them developing feelings to become lovers; that would have been really interesting. What happened to Shang Zhi Tao's worker and Xing after she had a company? Why did Shang Zhi Tao break up with her ex-boyfriend, who treated her like an angel? The fact is, the writers left far too many things hanging while trying to live vicariously through the misunderstandings of the leads.

I disliked how silly they often had a quarrel, only for them to fawn over it and get back together, as if nothing happened. I believe they should have sat down and talked things through like normal adults, not getting back together like kids do when they quarrel.

I really dislike Luke; he was arrogant, insulting, had an ego, and it was clear that he didn't deserve Flora's love.
In the initial episode, when he and Flora slept together, and the next time they met, he threw insulting words, like she made them sleep together because she wanted him. THAT WAS ALREADY A BIG NO FOR ME, and the fact that he couldn't even apologize proved he wasn't ready for a relationship.
I really hate it when this man tries to be controlling, telling her what dress she shouldn't wear, trying to keep her from her heartwarming friends, and trying to restrict her movement. LIKE, SIR, SHE ISN'T EVEN YOUR WIFE; WHAT BECOMES OF HER WHEN SHE IS YOUR WIFE?
It irritated me when Luke pretended to be in pain just so he could get Shang Zhi Tao care; they tried to mask it as humor, but it tasted dry.
It was really WILD&INSANE watching him become a jealous freak who refuses to understand or see more into things, when Flora gives her ex-boyfriend a goodbye hug and hugs her friend to comfort his pain. The fact is, he hugs his close friend, who is a girl, and he goes straight to her, and Flora can understand him, but when it turns the other way, he keeps his distance without explaining the cause.
Couldn't believe that after six years of dating, Flora tells him she wants them to get married sooner, and he just rejects it(without a reason). Flora must have been terribly heartbroken, and after a three-month time skip, he comes hooking Flora up with his mother and tells Flora he wants marriage. Everything that happened was me telling Flora she shouldn't accept his request, for she has fallen into a mess. This man has an ego that everything must be done on his own time; I REALLY HATE THAT.

I was annoyed with Flora because she always leaves the relationship only to come back; she should be REAL with herself, knowing this relationship can't work out, and back off early, rather than dwelling on heartbreak.

Their relationship wasn't built on love, so what can you expect? It was built on desire, KISSES and s*x, and all this isn't enough to have the right lover.

I actually love when Flora vented all the pain she had inside her in front of Luke, and her calling the relationship dirty and disgusting and putting an end to the relationship they had was so satisfying, but she should have done it sooner and forged ahead with her life. The writers tried making Luke so down, sad, and teary to have sympathy and empathy for him; it was distasteful. If it worked for anyone, IT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME. Could they have just spared me the noble idiocy Luke tried to portray?

By the end, it is already predictable, and as you can expect, the leads meet again, grow a bit of connection, have s*x, return to Bei Jing, and Luke proposes to Flora, and she accepts it. I didn't feel anything when he proposed; if anything, Flora shouldn't have accepted. They would surely have misunderstandings if allowed to continue, at least offscreen. Lmaooo.

The ending was really rushed and not properly developed, with the characters, plot, and storyline, but I didn't actually enjoy the drama as a whole.

The amount of insulting words Luan Nian always threw at Shang Zhi Tao when they had a misunderstanding was really unhealthy and not called for. I would have ended that relationship early and never sought to go further.



FINAL THOUGHTS
By the end, I understood that Luan Nian was a character who can love, but clearly can't express his love, can't understand the woman he loves, and doesn't trust the woman he loves, and coupled with his arrogance, ego, and insulting way of speaking, it was clear this man shouldn't be in a relationship sooner; he should go for love therapy or something of the sort; in all, they should teach him how to express his love and understand the woman he loves before he thinks of going into a relationship.

It was clear Flora tried to understand Luke in every way, while Luke would never try to understand her in any way. It was obvious that such a relationship should be cut off early. That was the message I got from this drama.

Shang Zhi Tao/Flora should have gone back to her ex-boyfriend or any other good guy, but not Luke, because it's clear their relationship won't last.

Lastly, if this were a realistic portrayal, the leads shouldn't have ended up together; the woman would have left early when in a relationship with such a man, and if it is actually fictional, it's frustrating. Putting yourself in the character of this girl, would you stay in this relationship?

I wouldn't rewatch this drama at all; the pain and frustrations I felt in my first watch were enough. If the leads actually came together, reasoned, and resolved their misunderstandings with good communication, there would have been much less misunderstanding, but the plot took an unhealthy turn. This shows chemistry and intimate kisses really can't save/
help a show if the plot is a MESS.

You should go check it out if you can cope with unhealthy communications and silly misunderstandings, but by no means am I recommending THIS.

Thanks for reading the long review.

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Definitely worth the hype and One of the best in 2026

The Early Spring absolutely deserves the attention it is getting. For me, it is easily one of the best Chinese dramas of 2026.

The romance is one of its biggest strengths. It feels mature, emotional, and genuinely believable rather than forced. The chemistry between the leads carries so many scenes, and I really liked how the drama allows the relationship to develop through conversations, small gestures, tension, vulnerability, and quiet moments. It is romantic without needing to become overly sweet or unrealistic.

The characters also feel like actual adults with their own problems, ambitions, flaws, and emotional baggage. That makes the relationship much more interesting because you are not simply watching two perfect people fall in love. You are watching two complicated people slowly understand each other.

Of course, once a drama becomes popular, there will always be some unknown users trying to bash it simply because it is receiving a lot of attention. Sometimes it feels like being popular automatically makes a drama a target. But in this case, the hype is very well deserved. People are talking about it because it is genuinely good, well acted, emotionally engaging, and very romantic.

Not every drama will work for every viewer, and that is completely normal. But dismissing The Early Spring as “overhyped” ignores what it actually does well.

The performances, chemistry, writing, atmosphere, and emotional realism all come together beautifully. It is the kind of romance drama that keeps you invested not only because you want the couple to be together, but because you actually care about who they are as people.

Definitely worth the hype, and definitely one of my favorite Chinese dramas of 2026.

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Miscommunication is the great villain

I want the head of the person responsible for reducing the drama to 24 episodes. I NEED MORE.

This is the story of two people unable to communicate to each other and how this cracks their relationship.

Shang Zhitao is a young woman, fresh out of university, a bit naive and immature, she meets a guy older than her, her boss, the company forbids relationships between colleagues. It’s understandable why she’s so insecure.

Luan Nian is a man of no kind words, he doesn’t understand his own feelings and doesn’t know how to show affection. His mouth is quicker than his thoughts. He speaks first and thinks about it later. Words can hurt as much as actions, you can do the most caring things to your partner, but if you only have harsh things to say, this is still a toxic behavior. I don’t get why people look aside on this, blaming only her, there are no excuses for they he speaks to her.

It’s not about taking sides, they both have their issues. The miscommunication was the biggest villain here and they’re both to blame.

Acting was SO GOOD, the chemistry was outstanding. They made us feel all kinds of emotions: anger, sadness, happiness. They made us root for a break up and yearn for their relationship.

Cinematography was beautiful, loved the color grading. Episode 19 made wanna go to Tibet.

The OST is one of my favorites of 2026.

My only complaint is that I feel like the drama was a little rushed in some points, maybe because it was shortened. I’d have loved to see their baby girl.

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The First Cdrama that got me Obsessed

*The Early Spring* is the first C-drama that caught and kept my attention all the way to the end. It is also the first drama that made me want to write a review on MyDramaList. That is how obsessed and in love I am with it. I have watched and rewatched the episodes more than 20 times and read the entire novel more than 10 times. Somehow, I still haven't gotten tired of Luke and Flora.

What I love most is how flawed and human the characters are. Luke and Flora make mistakes, hurt each other, fail to communicate, and sometimes make frustrating choices, but they also grow throughout the years. Jing Boran is the perfect Luke for me. He captures his arrogance, intelligence, dry humor, emotional restraint, vulnerability, and contradictions so well that even when Luke is being difficult, I can't look away.

I also completely fell in love with Sun Qian as Shang Zhitao. Her acting is quieter and more restrained, and I especially love the subtle changes in her expressions, posture, and body language as Flora matures. But what truly sold this drama to me was Sun Qian and Jing Boran's chemistry. Their physical ease and natural skinship make Luke and Flora feel genuinely attracted to each other, and as the years pass, their closeness becomes so habitual and lived-in that I could believe these two people had really been together for years.

The OST also deserves so much praise. Every song feels perfectly matched to the story and the scenes in which it appears. The music isn't simply playing in the background—it becomes part of the emotional experience, making an already beautiful drama even more immersive.

Having read the novel, I understand why some viewers feel that the ending was rushed, and there are parts of the novel I would have loved to see explored more deeply. Still, I love *The Early Spring* just the way it is. It isn't perfect, and neither are its characters, but maybe that's exactly why I love it so much. Sun Qian first caught my attention, but she and Jing Boran together made me fall completely in love with Luke, Flora, and *The Early Spring*. ❤️

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Clashing in Public, Craving in Secret. Record-Breaking Rivals-to-Lovers Sensation

Early Spring is a massive hit workplace romance that follows SZT, a small-town graduate who lands a job at an elite Beijing advertising agency. She clashes with, and eventually falls for, her brilliant but demanding boss, Luan Nian (LN) who otherwise goes by Luke. The drama chronicles their hidden, high-stakes six-year office relationship, her journey to leave the corporate grind to find her own independence, and their ultimate reunion as equals.

It's been a while since I've watched a workplace romance drama that portrays so much realism. The directing, storyline and fabulous acting by both leads and the absolute sizzling chemistry is a must watch. The wardrobe and styling is seriously no joke. The OST is incredible with Liu Yi Ning and Silence Wang absolutes fit each scene so perfectly.

The show stands out from standard romance dramas by exploring complex, real-world dynamics. SZT's own journey to navigate a toxic corporate environment to a climb the ladder in a lopsided relationship while growing into herself to find her independence and self-worth in a cut-throat advertising industry. LN is a very attractive character as he really exudes the toxic-and-addictive corporate persona, he's a no nonsense boss and a workaholic who is feared but respected in Lime.

One aspect of this show that is gripping to the audience is the mature and realistic intimacy which shows the messy, intense, and passionate realities of long-term hidden relationships. Both leads are flawed characters and they bring a lot of angst and a whole world of hurt but deep down they are exclusive to each other. The push and pull of the characters really makes one resonate with their emotional baggage and inner conflicts.

I highly recommend this show because of the amazing acting from Sun Qian and Jing Boran. Their compatibility and natural chemistry clicks whenever they are on screen and the camera zeros on them each time due to their screen presence.

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This is a perfect, sexy, problematic romance that skirts the line but redeems itself by the end.

(a discussion of red flags at the end)

If you've worked a high powered career in a big city, you can immediately appreciate how well this show was put together. Both in terms of the career setting and the relationship. From portraying the highs of feeling so lucky and chosen, (that one slo mo scene with the hands from the elevator to the parking garage! ), to the lows of feeling like an embarrassing, dirty little secret.

This is a relationship between adults, it's quite 'lived in', physically and emotionally which is really rare. Luke embodies an entitled, attractive man at the top of his game. Flora goes from naive and enthusiastic to a competent force to be reckoned with was the harder part, and well done.

The 'flip' where the power imbalance between Luke and Flora starts to switch, doesn't happen all at once. Unlike some dramas, where it takes to the 3/4 mark before the hero cracks, here the hero cracks slightly every few episodes, creating an addictive urge to keep watching as you know just another break, another show of strong emotion is just around the corner.

The clothing, cars, and scenery were all great, the music and OST was better than most, I just really am impressed.

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On red flags:

Luke and Flora are both adults when they meet, and they both have had a relationship history. But, in every other way this is a problematic, power imbalance relationship with some troubling dynamics:

- Luke holds the power over Flora's career, and in general he structurally has a lot more privilege than her (he's older, well established in Beijing, wealthy).

- Luke exploits the structural power imbalance when he's feeling insecure in the relationship. He will become condescending or even use their work together to try and 'feel on top' again.

- Luke insults and uses demeaning language towards Flora on a couple of occasions calling her cheap etc. in retaliation for her not doing what he wants

It's the power + control dynamic PLUS a pattern of harmful behaviour that = a toxic, abusive relationship. And this one does cross that line a couple of times. Illustrating why they need to break up.

As the years go on, Flora also tries to emotionally lash back out at Luke. She also tries to hide anything from him that's too sensitive or vulnerable not trusting him to react well or helpfully. But she doesn't have the same obsession with power + control, and she tends to not try to insult or demean Luke directly.

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Does these abusive and/or toxic dynamics, mean that Luke is a lost cause?

Yes, they needed to break up. By keeping the same destructive dynamic going for 6 years, that was years down the drain and it wasn't going to get any better. Flora needed to leave and seek her independence and figure out who she was without Luke. Luke needed to sort out if he could be vulnerable and approach a relationship as equals instead of trying to dominate the dynamics.

Most men like this can't turn it around after the break up. Their need for power and control keeps them from changing, from truly having a safe, warm equal type relationship. They tend to get more obsessive, more dominating, meaner and crueler as the years go on.

Is it dangerous to depict something that rarely happens in real life? I think in this case the drama puts the roadmap to evaluating the recovery . . . Luke apologises and makes amends, he comes to her home turf and lets her call the shots, he's able to be vulnerable, and he does it for a long period of time etc. So I think it works here, it didn't make me want to turn it off.

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? The Early Spring — What an Emotional Rollercoaster! ?

The Early Spring really had it ALL — joy, sadness, frustration, romance, heartbreak and so many moments that had me screaming at the screen! 😭🥰😤💔

Jing Bo Ran and Sun Qian were absolutely amazing! ❤️‍🔥 Their chemistry was incredible, and they completely pulled me into their story. I laughed, I cried, I got frustrated, and my heart went through so many emotions! 🥹❤️
And can we talk about the OST?! 🎶😍 Absolutely beautiful and perfectly matched the emotions of the drama. Some songs made the scenes hit even harder! 💔🎵

This was also the first C-drama I’ve watched where an intimacy coordinator was used, and I thought it was fantastic to see. 👏❤️ The intimate scenes could still feel passionate and intense while maintaining cultural respect, and it was wonderful to see the actors being supported and looked after during those vulnerable moments. 🥹👏 This is how it should be done, and I really hope more dramas start adopting this approach.
This was such an emotional ride from beginning to end, and honestly, I loved every minute of it. 🌸✨
A definite REWATCH drama for me! ❤️‍🔥🎢🌷
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10

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A rare 10/10

It all started with a well written story. I have read the book and found it deeply engaging. Both characters were flawed and at times some of the interactions were almost borderline toxic. Luan Nian, as depicted in the book was a character that I really want to dislike but in the end he redeemed himself. And I could really see how Tao Tao has grown and mature in person over the 6 years period. The drama, whilst has made some adaptation, follows the gist of the book true to its form and I really appreciated that. I love every aspect of this drama, from the cast, the scripts, the music, the cinematography, the fashion. 10/10

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Great watch

Early Spring is a beautifully crafted, healing drama perfect for viewers who appreciate mature romances and introspective storytelling. It requires patience, but the emotional payoff in the final episodes makes the journey incredibly rewarding.
The Slow Burn: The storyline takes its time establishing the characters' everyday lives, personal traumas, and gradual healing. It perfectly captures the "spring" motif—a slow thaw after a long, cold winter.
Realistic Conflicts: Instead of relying on typical C-drama tropes like evil mothers-in-law or exaggerated misunderstandings, the conflicts are internal and deeply human, focusing on career struggles, familial expectations, and self-discovery.

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