Dazzling

Yes!

If you weren’t a fan of Speed and Love because it felt too rushed and overly dramatic, then this is such a good alternative. It’s more of a slow burn (which we LOVE), and you can already feel that pure, genuine love growing between them. I seriously love it, love it, LOVE IT.

Honestly, I don’t really have anything bad to say. My only tiny complaint is that the male lead should’ve kept the blond hair. It gave such a good contrast with the female lead and added a little bit of that bad-boy vibe that made their dynamic even better.

I also really like the female lead because she doesn’t act childish or annoying. She has that sweet, smart, good-girl vibe while still feeling mature and natural, which makes her very easy to like and root for.

And for anyone worried about the cousin thing, there’s literally no “ick” factor. They’re not actually related, and they only met once when they were kids, so it doesn’t feel weird at all.

I’m honestly so happy I found this because I had SUCH high hopes for Speed and Love and ended up being utterly disappointed. This feels like the better version of that kind of story that I actually wanted: it’s softer, more believable, their conversation flows naturally, and it’s just overall so much better.

To be continued..

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JACK!! ROSE!! If you jump, I jump

Honestly, when I first started this drama, I didn’t expect it to feel this relaxing and comforting to watch. It’s about a girl moving to a new place where she knows no one, yet she slowly adapts, finds warmth in the people around her, and creates little moments that feel so memorable and real.

The ML may seem cold at first, but he’s actually someone who quietly puts others before himself, and I really love how caring he is toward his mother. Through these 9 episodes, there hasn’t been unnecessary drama, which makes the story feel even more refreshing.

My favorite moments so far are definitely Episode 8 with the “Jack and Rose — If you jump, I jump” scene because it was so funny and unexpectedly memorable 😭 And Episode 9 too — maybe it’s just my theory, but I feel like when the ML threw that basketball into the net, that was the exact moment he realized he likes her.

Also, the seaside setting is absolutely beautiful. Everything feels calm, peaceful, and healing in the best way.💚💚🍃

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Dazzling Isn't Just a Love Story—It's About Finding Home, Family, and the Courage to Dream Again.

Honestly, I started Dazzling because of Li Yunrui. Having watched his previous works, I already knew he was a talented actor, and I was excited to see him return to a modern drama. My expectations were high, but somehow he still exceeded them. As Xing Wu, he completely disappeared into the character. Whether it was the blond hair, black hair, or glasses look, I never felt like I was watching Li Yunrui playing a role—I was watching Xing Wu.

One thing I loved about this drama was how subtle the characters were. They were not overly dramatic or loud with their emotions. I know some viewers felt that Guan Xiaotong's Qing Ye was expressionless at times, but that actually worked for me. Not everyone wears their heart on their sleeve. Her reactions felt natural and grounded.

At the beginning, Qing Ye could be frustrating. However, I completely understood where she was coming from. She grew up in a very different environment, and suddenly fate placed her in Zhazhating, where everything—from the people to the standard of living—was unfamiliar. Her struggles to adapt felt realistic rather than annoying. What made her journey beautiful was watching her slowly embrace the place she once wanted to escape. Over time, Zhazhating became more than a temporary stop; it became home. More importantly, it gave her something she had been missing all her life: a sense of family and belonging.

Xing Wu's growth was equally compelling. Initially, he saw Qing Ye as a spoiled princess, judging her based on her behavior. But as he got to know her, he became more understanding and patient. He recognized how difficult her adjustment was and quietly did everything he could to make her feel comfortable. Xing Wu was refreshingly kind and dependable (a green forest). He carried the burdens of his family in silence, sacrificing his own dreams to support the people around him. Watching him constantly put himself last was heartbreaking. Qing Ye became the person who reminded him that his dreams mattered too and encouraged him to pursue them.

The relationship between Xing Wu and Qing Ye was really special. Their bond felt genuine because it was built on understanding, support, and growth rather than grand gestures. They helped each other become better versions of themselves.

An interesting character was Xing Wu's mother. She was both fascinating and frustrating. It was clear that she loved her son, yet many of her decisions were immature and irresponsible. Time and time again, Xing Wu was forced to bear the consequences of her mistakes. There were moments when it felt as though he was the parent and she was the child. Despite how irritating she could be, she remained one of the drama's most memorable characters.

My favorite line in the entire drama was when Xing Wu told Qing Ye, "You move forward and I'll catch up to you." To me, this line perfectly captures who Xing Wu is. He knew how difficult their circumstances were. Qing Ye already belonged to a dazzling world, while he was burdened by responsibilities that made reaching her seem almost impossible. Yet he never gave up. He kept moving forward, working harder, and fighting to close the distance between them. It was not just a romantic line—it was a promise, and Xing Wu meant every word of it.

Overall, Dazzling is a drama that touched me deeply. It tells a story about finding family, chasing dreams, understanding people beyond first impressions, and supporting the ones you love. Combined with strong performances—especially from Li Yunrui—and beautifully written character development, it became one of my favorite dramas. For me, it is an easy 10/10.

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just wow

Dazzling

Li Yunrui - Xing Wu
Guan Xiaotong - Qing Ye

Final Thoughts: 10/10 (first one since April btw)
Wow. I knew from the synopsis and preview that I was going to like this drama because of its tropes. It appeals to what I like to watch. But, this drama surprised me in the way that I was hooked on every single episode. The actors are perfection. Both Guan Xiaotong and Li Yunrui act extremely well and accurately portrayed these characters the best that anyone could. Qing Ye and Xing Wu are a match made in heaven and destined by fate. I love the chemistry they have and there were many times where I couldn’t tell whether Xing Wu was laughing or Li Yunrui just because it felt so real. Li Yunrui and Guan Xiaotong are both naturally so funny and they get each other’s humor. But, I have to highlight Li Yunrui. For me, he is one of my favorite actors. I feel he’s so underrated and I’m loving all the main roles that he has been getting. HE NEEDS TO DO MORE MODERN DRAMAS. I haven’t watched one of his historical cdramas yet, but his modern dramas are so good. He can fit the visual of any character and he plays it so well. So, directors, casters, whoever, CAST LI YUNRUI IN ANOTHER MODERN DRAMA.

Specifics:

Before starting: This is probably one of my MOST anticipated dramas of the year. I LOVE Li Yunrui’s acting, look, and character. His whole persona is amazing and I love his dramas. I have never watched a Guan Xiaotong drama before, so I’m excited. I heard that this drama has the same author as Speed and Love, which is one of my absolute favorites. I’m just waiting for that yearning and tension. I swear every c-drama actor looks 10x better with blonde hair. When Li Yunrui stepped out with his blonde hair, I was amazed, awed, and stunned.

Xing Wu is just like Jin Zhao. They both act like they can’t put up with princess behavior but fully express their feelings through actions. I liked this drama’s representation of two different lives. It shows two different perspectives on money that is relevant for everyone today. Also, I love the character development we are starting to see from Qing Ye. She is not just a bratty girl from the city, but her care and concern for Xing Wu’s grandma shows her kind character. Also, Xing Wu staying up and making sure Qing Ye was safe when it was raining starts to show his caring side.

Qing Ye helping Xing Wu’s grandma when she was having her seizure really shows her care. Their stares to each other when going to bed with just that curtain separating them. I love when characters communicate with their eyes. Xing Wu is really Jin Zhao’s brother with the scene of him fixing the air conditioner. I love the parallels!!! Qing Ye’s own parallel with her now helping him pick up the nail that fell and that whole slow motion scene with their hands slightly touching. It’s these little details that get me.

When Qing Ye got drunk and revealed her goofy side, u can tell Xing Wu is falling for her. His gaze showed how cute he thought she was. AND THEN THE SCENE IN THE RAIN. HOLY. THE TENSION. THE PROTECTIVENESS. THE ANGER BEHIND XING WU WHEN THAT WEIRD MAN ALMOST HURT HER WHEN SHE WAS TAKING A SHOWER. THE WAY THAT QING YE WAS ABLE TO GET XING WU TO HOLD BACK AND STOP BEATING THE MAN. “Trust Me. I promise you…No danger will ever touch you again.” His promise, so sincere and touching and genuine.

When Qing Ye announced she was leaving, u can see Xing Wu’s attitude change. I can tell he didn’t want her to leave anymore and he’s started to get used to her presence. Xing Wu being the savior once again…thank goodness he actually read the contract😭😭 “My home is your home”…they’re going back to Zhazhating!!! Wow they came a long way huh? From counting down the days to get rid of each other to asking for each other back. Xing Wu is really a caring person and wants to make everyone happy. I thought his dialogue telling Qing Ye “don’t always think of yourself as a burden. We have always treated u as family and we hope u do the same” I think that line was very sweet because he knew how doubtful she was about the extra work she’s adding to everyone’s lives.

OMGGGG…after Qing Ye got her hair permed and she ran straight into Xing Wu and he held her to stabilize her, both hands on her shoulders, and they were so close and his eyes. Li Yunrui’s acting with his eyes is so good. And then him saying she looks like Merida but that “black hair looks better than red. It’s prettier.” I also rlly liked the moment when Qing Ye was giving her pep talk for the hair salon business and Xing Wu was listening from the side and gave his silent support. His smile while doing that was so genuine and u can tell he really admired what she’s doing and appreciates her efforts.

The minute that Xing Wu found out that Qing Ye went with Meng Ruihang and he saw that picture of them, he instantly dropped what he was planning to do and rushed over. I loved how Xing Wu said extremely confidently “I want you to stay” when Qing Ye asked him his opinion. The line from Xing Wu that went “I’m the one who brought you back, so everyday you decide to stay, whether that be a year from now, I will always protect and care for you.” Such a comforting character to have in Qing Ye’s life. I don’t think Xing Wu realized how important Qing Ye is to him until she was gonna leave.

“Qing Ye has the power to change the environment. When she wants to do something, she puts her whole heart to it. People are naturally drawn to her without realizing it and they end up standing with her. And in her light, we’ll see who we really are.” I think those are some of the most genuine words that I’ve heard. Xing Wu saying this about Qing Ye means he really understands her and truly believes she is a light in his life.

This drama just doesn’t stop hitting with these scenes where Xing Wu is protective over Qing Ye. The scene where Xing Wu literally dropped a possible job offer to be with Qing Ye after she got bullied. When getting those green spiky things thrown on her, Xing Wu was the one who got them out for her and washed her hair. UMMM…HELLO! When Xing Wu pinned down Qing Ye to “teach her self-defense and teach her a lesson on how to protect herself”…was that rlly necessary. Where can I sign up for those self-defense lessons….just kidding…not really.

When Xing Wu was teasing Qing Ye about how she ran straight into a dead end and she said “So, sometimes, I still need you.” He was so taken aback. He literally couldn’t stop smiling. Umm…ok so who told me we were getting a SHIRTLESS SCENE!? The red light and the dripping water, the directors had to know what they were doing. “Life is full of cracks, but that’s where the light gets in. No storm will last forever and the sun will always rise every day.” Also, I just have to comment on their note passing. I giggled when they started passing notes because that’s what like you expect out of like a schoolgirl/schoolboy crush…it was just really cute.

“Having someone who understands you is a blessing.” …. “To me, you’re that blessing.” I’ve been watching too many c/k dramas. How is my heart speeding up at their pinkies touching!? The apron scene was full of tension. I swear both Xing Wu and Qing Ye looked at the other’s lips when she was putting the apron on him. And then the scene on the bus, I love it. When Qing Ye got up to give an elderly woman her seat and almost fell over when the bus moved, Xing Wu said “Grab onto me…and then Qing Ye grabbed on to the tiniest part of the fabric of his shirt…it was hilarious.. BUT THEN…Xing Wu grabbed her hand and put it directly on his arm.

I feel the angst coming and I’m scared. In episode 20, you really see Xing Wu’s worry fester for Qing Ye. When Xing Wu got that ping at night and couldn’t find Qing Ye, I love the hug that they shared after. All of his worries and fears bottled up into that moment where he just had to hold her and see that she was ok for himself. He said “let me hold you a little bit longer.” I love the yearning. Not only that, but his whole scuffle with Cao Ping at the hospital. “Don’t touch my people”

“I don’t want any walls between us. I want the real you. To Cao Ping, Cao Fan is his everything. To me, you are my everything.” HOW MUCH MORE OF A CONFESSION CAN BE MADE IF IT’S NOT THAT????? I love this detail that the screenwriters added or the author wrote. When Qing Ye and Xing Wu were taking the test and their writing prompt was about being “dazzling.” I love the play on words with the title and the whole meaning of what Qing Ye and Xing Wu wrote with their voiceovers. Basically, being dazzling can be anything is what Qing Ye said. It can represent strength, hesitence, beauty, resilience, but also the insecurities that people may have can be their version of being dazzling. Then, Xing Wu followed it up and we got a mini confession voiceover type. He said that when he looks at her, he remembers every moment with her to be dazzling. Absolutely love the writing here.

The fact that Xing Wu was saving his grandma, rushing into the burning house, but still managed to get Qing Ye’s laptop. He was still trying to provide for his mom, grandma, and Qing Ye at the same time when he was the one who just ran into a burning building. Talk about selflessness. When Xing Wu visited the old house and saw remnants of his old life, that nostalgia really got me. When he started crying, I started crying. Especially since Xing Wu isn’t a guy that reveals his vulnerability, I felt his emotions. I think Li Yunrui acted that part out perfectly and I love how Xing Wu started to lean on Qing Ye for that emotional support. Their hug shows the deep bond that they’ve built. Xing Wu and Li Lan Fang’s family must be some of the most unlucky people in the world.

Xing Wu why are you doing this to me? I cried twice in the span of 2 episodes. When Xing Wu was talking to Qing Ye’s dad, the last sentence that he said was “Spend more time with Qing Ye. She’s tough and independent, but she gets lonely sometimes. She needs a family to love her.” The way Xing Wu is able to understand and care for Qing Ye is so deep. I have such a love/hate relationship with their last conversation on the beach. When they were talking about their future and when they would meet again, they’re really leaving it up to fate. I love how Qing Ye uses their reunion as motivation to achieve more and help Xing Wu not give up. Xing Wu broke me with: “Qing Ye, keep on moving forward. I will catch up.” I think that sentence is bigger than any love declaration he could have made. It shows that Xing Wu wants Qing Ye to be the best version of herself and he will also be the best version of himself to deserve her.

Qing Ye really showed how much she’s grown to love Zhazhating. I love the way that she described the community: “If you were starving, would you think about other people that are also starving around you? Most people would say no, but the people at Zhazhating 100% would.” Also, I literally burst into tears at the part where Qing Ye was saying bye to Xing Wu’s grandma. I don’t know if it’s just because I get emotional with old people or because I know that interaction is the last time Qing Ye is going to see Xing Wu’s grandma. I really wish Qing Ye could’ve been there for the funeral. It was beautiful with Xing Wu’s words that show blood relation doesn’t mean anything when it comes to true family.


Out of all the dramas I’ve watched with this separation/reunion trope, dazzling has been my favorite because of their mutual improvement. They aren’t separated because something tragic happened, but they are separated to help each other grow. I loved when Qing Ye used that 3 tap thing to tell Xing Wu she made it into Qingbei University as motivation for him.

I LOVE EPISODE 28. When they met again for the first time, the looks in their eyes. Qing Ye was in disbelief. Xing Wu just had a look of longing. Not only that, but when their hands touched, Xing Wu’s smile grew 10x. The tension, the longing, the reunion…finally . ALSO, XING WU LOOKS SO GOOD IN A SUIT AND GLASSES. . And then when Qing Ye asked him about his love life, Xing Wu was so quick to respond “No progress. I’ve always had someone in my heart.” CONFESS.

I lied, episode 29 is even better. “Sometimes, slowing down is the only way to meet the right person.” YES. Qing Ye and Xing Wu are finally meeting again in Zhazhating, at the lighthouse where they first met, had their first kiss, and finally confessed their feelings. I loved it. The visual was insane too. The “dazzling” light. Xing Wu’s glasses I can’t. Li Yunrui really can pull off anything. The way that he pulled her in for that kiss. He literally cupped her whole face. I love how this has been so long coming that they don’t even verbally confess, just straight in for the kiss. “I realized that he is the brightest light in my life.” I love the motif/symbol of light showing how the darkest times can be made better with that one person by your side. Xing Wu is literally the perfect boyfriend. HOW DOES XING WU MAKE EVERYTHING SO ATTRACTIVE AND FULL OF TENSION!? when they were cooking at the house and she stepped in front of him to look in the refrigerator and then he pulled her into him.

“Love is a gamble and you must accept the outcome.” I love this quote, I think it captures the love perfectly. Love is such a crazy experience, you can’t be rational about it, you can’t predict the outcome, and you just have to let fate take its course. That’s why I love the meaning behind the chinese words “yuan fen” because I think it represents fate in better words than just fate. It’s the natural drawing of two people together that are meant to be together no matter what and this drama portrays that perfectly.

I think Li Yunruis drunk acting is the cutest. When he said “fly” and started flapping his arms, it was so cuteeeee. I lied, maybe episode 30 is the best. I WAS NOT PREPARED FOR THAT CONFESSION OF “I LOVE YOU” TO EACHOTHER. AND THEN HE PICKED HER UP AND WRAPPED HER LEGS AROUND HIS WAIST THEN WENT IN FOR THE KISS. HE WAS FULLY IN IT BRO. Xing Wu’s shirt being half unbuttoned answering all the calls that keep on interrupting them. I love how they stop, then answer the call, then go right at it again. But then, we all know what happened after….

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✨???✨

A beautiful, emotional masterpiece! ❤️
Rating: 10/10
I am just a regular viewer who fell completely in love with this show! Dazzling is absolutely wonderful, romantic, and incredibly moving. It starts like a sweet fantasy story, but it turns into a deeply emotional journey that touches your heart and makes you cry.
A huge bravo to the actors! The chemistry was amazing, and the acting felt so real and powerful. It’s a beautiful reminder to cherish every moment of our lives.
If you haven't watched it yet, please do. It is a masterpiece that I will never forget! 🌟

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One of the Most Must Watch!

It's been quite a while since I've felt this completely hooked on a modern slice-of-life drama. Honestly, I have really missed the warm, comforting vibes of series like Go Ahead and Go Go Squid. Those shows set the bar so high for modern storytelling, and for a long time, nothing quite hit that same sweet spot. But then, here you are, Dazzling.

At its core, this drama focuses on simple, daily stories, but the execution is just so incredibly good. It captures the essence of everyday life, friendship, and romance in a way that feels utterly refreshing and deeply relatable. The pacing allows you to actually connect with the characters instead of rushing from one dramatic plot point to the next.

I really have to say this: Chinese producers seriously need to produce more series exactly like this one! Don't get me wrong, I know the industry loves to focus heavily on Wu Xia and Xianxia epics with flying swords and massive CGI battles, but we desperately need more high-quality URBAN dramas. There is a huge global audience craving these heartfelt, modern stories that deal with real-world emotions, cozy aesthetics, and actual human situations.

And of course, we have to talk about the absolute standout: Li Yun Rui. His performance in this is just—no debate—so, so good. He brings so much natural charisma and depth to the screen, effortlessly stealing every single scene he is in. His acting feels incredibly grounded, making his character so easy to root for. The chemistry he shares with the rest of the cast feels completely organic, elevating the entire viewing experience. Even the cinematography and the soundtrack perfectly complement the cozy atmosphere of the show. It's the kind of series you can watch to unwind after a long, stressful day, knowing it will consistently leave you with a smile on your face.

If you are on the fence about starting a new series, consider this your ultimate sign. You guys absolutely have to watch this! It is the perfect blend of cozy, engaging, and beautifully acted. Don't miss out on this modern gem—highly, highly recommended!

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don't expect a lot, you'll get disappointed

I had mixed feelings about the drama, one time I would smile at their sweet moments another time I would get frustrated, but in the end drama disappointed me.
1_it's another cliche cdrama where ML is a superman, hardworking_good at ANYTHING comes his way_cooks and cleans_ good in his studies. He is just PERFECT and FML except being a nerd is useless.
at one point FMLs father tells her by the way you talk , you know that you are dating down. I seriously wanted to tell the writer what is going on in your mind exactly?? the way you designed this ML both father and daughter should truly BE HONRED that they're gonna have a son in law like him.
2_ MLs mother: the writer at first wanted to show her as someone irresponsible and a total mess who doesn't even know how much money she has or earns considering that she would spent LOTS of money on gambling and shopping when she was already deep in debt and the mess she caused during the show, the reason was to first give FML a moment to show she is not that useless, second to add drama in MLs life. this is sooo unacceptable for me because MORE than 10 years someone like her took care of that family. we CAN NOT forget that ML only started working 2 years what about before that? it was all his mother.
this already shows that she is both hardworking and responsible.
3_ another horrible cliche in cdramas forgiving those who commit crime or do smt terrible to the leads,
first FML forgives her bully who among other things literally sends thugs in her way so she can just score higher in an exam. and then ML forgives a criminal who stabs him TWICE and after that he threatens him that when he is done with ML he is gonna go for his sister. REALLY?? for forgiving someone like that you are either STUPID or a saint.
I'm so upset that I wasted my time on this drama, big mistake. this is a fairytale.

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A warm and realistic small-town drama

Overall, liked it. It's easy to watch, starts with a fast-paced, bad-boy vibe, but by the middle it shifts into more of a slice-of-life, slow-burn romance (somewhere between Speed and Love and Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, if that makes sense 🫠)

Pros:
The village setting gives it a cozy feel, with a strong sense of community and neighbors helping each other. The characters felt realistic, including the villains, who were ordinary people rather than over-the-top evil characters.

Although poverty is a major theme, it's portrayed in a realistic way without making the drama too heavy. I appreciated that the story didn't pretend everything would magically get better. It shows that life can be unfair at times, even for people who work hard and do their best.

Nice soundtrack, beautiful village scenery, a good-looking cast and healthy relationships ✔️

Cons:
My only criticism is more about the production than the story itself, which I thought was very well written. Some scene transitions felt a bit abrupt, and I wish the series had shown a bit more emotion in some of the romantic and sadder moments.

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he’s just way cooler than she is….

OK we wait for episode 29 for a little rom. Typically the fl stays bitchy till the last possible moment. ML character is stellar and almost non-existent in the real world—an absolute jewel. She kicks him to the curb pretty much all the time. He’s too good for her, period. He should be a big time CEO and at least she pushes him back to school which he probably doesn’t need as school doesnt give leadership and Common Sense and humility which he Already Has. I will follow this actor. He really grew on me. She can act but just miscast in this role. it’s a win for me because of Li Yun Rui.

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Life in Zha Zha Ting is Never Flat

Truth to be told, I wasn't really interested in "Dazzling" when the promotional poster came up in MangoTV Conference 2025 or 2024 or whatever year it was, as the story gave off that kind of summer carefree vibes that I couldn't bother to discern. Moreover, the plot is quite simple - 2 high school teenagers meet in a coastal village, and their lives are turned upside down - that sort of set up has been recycled multiple times by other youth dramas and I perfectly know how this drama is going to fare with its predecessors. Nonetheless, I started watching because it is written by the same author who pens "Speed and Love", Shi Jiuyuan. Since y'all know I have a deep affinity for "Speed and Love", I can't possibly miss "Dazzling" despite being starred by the two leads that I particularly don't like at all. Let's rock, shall we?

The story revolves around two troubled youths, Qing Ye and Xing Wu. Qing Ye, a high-and-mighty pampered germaphobic little princess from Beijing, is sent away to Zha Zha Ting when her father's business empire crumbles and is particularly unhappy with this arrangement as she has been used to living like a grand princess in the city, not in a modest and unassuming small village with all of its obnoxious inhabitants, ranging from noisy neighbors, creepy perverts, and even her ostentatious aunt, Li Lanfang.

Meanwhile, Xing Wu is Qing Ye's cousin (they are not blood-related, as Li Lanfang was previously adopted by Qing Ye's grandparents before she ran away after being found pregnant with Xing Wu inside her belly). Having lived under torrents of piling debts scraping here and there to make ends meet, Xing Wu decides to suspend his studies and focuses on making money to help his mother put food on the table. Because of that too, Xing Wu develops an indifferent attitude towards other people and dislikes Qing Ye on their first encounter as her prickly personality often gets under his skin. However, beneath the hardened bad boy shell, he's actually good in the heart and often helps other neighbors in need, sometimes without charging money from them. Whenever Li Lanfang gambles the money away to play mahjong, Xing Wu will always look for more opportunities to earn more money. Aside from that, he's also deeply passionate about Qing Ye and wishes to stay by her side forever.

Meanwhile, Xing Wu is Qing Ye's cousin (they are not blood-related, as Li Lanfang was previously adopted by Qing Ye's grandparents before she ran away after being found pregnant with Xing Wu inside her belly). Having lived under torrents of piling debts scraping here and there to make ends meet, Xing Wu decides to suspend his studies and focuses on making money to help his mother put food on the table. Because of that too, Xing Wu develops an indifferent attitude towards other people and dislikes Qing Ye on their first encounter as her prickly personality often gets under his skin. However, beneath the hardened bad boy shell, he's actually good in the heart and often helps other neighbors in need, sometimes without charging money from them. Whenever Li Lanfang gambles the money away to play mahjong, Xing Wu will always look for more opportunities to earn more money. Aside from that, he's also deeply passionate about Qing Ye and wishes to stay by her side forever.

Heavily marketed as a summer drama, "Dazzling" does it job pretty well by showcasing the mundane life of the coastal villagers and how their interactions impact the whole society. Despite the fact that the leads always end up getting into multiple troubles, the screenwriter does a nice job in concocting the resolution and how they still persevere through sheer tenacity and nominal sum of money. The neighbors are surprisingly kind-hearted, jovial, amiable, and supportive of the mismatched family, often lending a hand when they are in dilemma (to the point of letting them staying at their houses in the arson case arc). I also like how the screenwriter portrays the leads to be sanguine in spite of their predicaments and the way they pull themselves together. Most families would've wallowed in grief, frustration, anger, or even a combination of those. They also have a healthy friendship bond with the teenagers there, ranging from the boisterous Hao Chenggong/Huang Mao, the loyal Fan Tong, the art enthusiast Shi Min, the 'bitchy' Cao Fan, and the lovesick straight-A student Ye Yingjian. Together, they establish a study group in preparation for Gaokao with Qing Ye becoming their tutor. Oh yeah, I also love grandma as she is one of the most crucial pillar in the family's little house as the moodmaker of the day.

I understand that this is a coming-of-age teen drama with tons of recycled cliche scenes to display the sizzling chemistry of the main leads amidst the hustle and bustle of the coastal village. I also have a perfectly-timed premonition when a cliche is to be applied and even make some mental notes to embrace myself in the repetitive cycle of rinse-and-repeat. Honestly, a simple high school drama's material isn't that much to begin with, so the screenwriter needs to rake his/her brain and find several feeble excuses to make the episode's counts longer than necessary, including the issues that the family must face in every single episode. From piling debts, salon's vandalism, the neighbor creep, the laptop robbery, arson case, Cao Ping's inability to redeem himself, and lastly dear daddy fetching her back to Beijing, the couple seems to be plagued with endless problems that come out of nowhere as if there were such coincidences in the world.

What is more, I've noticed that "Dazzling" has a myriad of similarities with "Speed and Love", in terms of characters, plots, and even their personalities. I'll list down everything below:
1. Qing Ye's high-and-mighty attitude VS Jiang Mu's spoiled princess act
2. Xing Wu's fondness of fixing miscellaneous stuffs VS Jin Zhao's omnipotence in repairing mechanical things
3. Hao Chenggong and Fan Tong's bond VS San Lai and Jin Fengzi's
4. Li Lanfang as an irresponsible and selfish parent VS Jin Qiang
5. Ye Yingjian's infatuation to Qing Ye VS Pan Kai's lovestruck mode towards Jiang Mu
6. Shu Han is Wan Qing 2.0, minus the brother
7. Qing Ye's daddy VS Chris (Jiang Mu's stepfather)
8. Arson case VS vandalism case
9. Both FLs have the same mindset to set the MLs' path to the bright side
10. Officer Xu VS Officer Lu

As for the acting, I guess I find several problematic points here. Firstly, I'm not fond of Li Yunrui since the catastrophic "Go Back Lover", and I feel that I'm not really liking his model student or even adult vibes - but, he conveys the emotion pretty well during the burnout scene plus his bleached hair is like an icing on top of a cake - he would make a good street punk in another time. Secondly, I feel awfully cringy with Gabriella Guan's acting because she attempts to create several histrionics which doesn't bode well with her character's personality, especially the salon's promotion in the marketplace and him taking her away from the cafeteria after her uniform is stained by food. Moreover, she seems to force her voice to be pitch-high and tries to enunciate every word in a very-slow-mo pace (oh my god, seriously?). Another thing is that Qing Ye is such a sweet talker, and I hate sweet talkers the most because their words often hide ulterior motives beneath and I'm not going to be fooled a second time. For other casts, I have no idea of who they are, except Bian Tianyang (always goes all-rounder playing sidekicks in every drama he stars in) and Wang Jiaxuan (the guy who plays Meng Ruihang, another lovestruck boy who falls in love with Qing Ye - previously, I had seen him in "Amidst a Snowstorm of Love" as Yin Guo's younger cousin, Meng Xiaotian and in "A Journey to Love" as Li Tongguang's attendant). Their acting is quite fine, I must say, because they really embody the village atmosphere so well that I feel I have been thrusted into the same society as well. I may not have grown in a village like them, but I settle down in a suburban area of my city, so we naturally cherish every precious moment in our lives, especially my friends in school.

The OSTs are meh if you compare them with "Speed and Love". Liu Yuning's is the best out of the 6 songs, but I still end up deleting it from my device because it disrupts the flow from "Sing Me to Sleep" by Alan Walker to "Easy Love" by Sigala. Liang Yongqi's is a tad of cringy, but it grows on me after multiple listens. Li Yunrui and Gabriella Guan's is a no-no to me and don't ask me why I say this. Duan Aojuan's is the most cringy song I've ever heard from this drama, as if the melodies were distorted, truncated, or whatsoever. Yao Chen's is too melancholic to my taste, as if I had been listening to a maudlin farewell song. Jeffrey Dong's is decent and has me singing it on loop.

Overall, a not-so-good experience of binging through "Dazzling". However, if you are into heartwarming family drama or realistic romantic relationship, then this drama may be designated for you. One more thing, you'll have to suspend your disbelief for a little while as things can get unrealistic (I mean the conflicts). For me myself, I won't be watching it for the second time since it's not that worth it. That's all for my review, good luck and happy watching!!!

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Healing tropes, but misses the mark

Retreating to the countryside—the sea, an unfamiliar community with a whole new culture. No money, nothing. My first impression was that this would be one of those youth dramas centered on healing, character growth, and chosen family. And it actually is, which is why I picked it up.

However, the storyline feels a bit too unrealistic for the theme it’s aiming for. I don’t mind one, two, or even three situations that don’t quite add up, but when they start piling up just to push the romance forward, that’s when I begin to raise my brows.

There are also certain kinds of cringe I can enjoy and tolerate, but unfortunately, this isn’t one of them.

The pacing is good, and the relationship dynamics provide a strong foundation for a good story. Still, I can’t bring myself to wait and see if they’ll be used properly.

Objectively, I understand why this could be considered a “good” drama. But honestly, I’m just not the target audience.

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Simply Beautiful

"Dazzling" is the perfect comfort drama—warm, relaxing, uplifting, and full of heart. It is the kind of show that instantly puts you in a good mood and makes you feel at ease.
What I love most is how naturally everything flows between the main leads. Their relationship feels authentic and grounded in reality, without unnecessary drama or exaggerated situations. The chemistry between them is sweet and believable.
The female lead is smart, lovable, and refreshingly down-to-earth. The actress portrays her beautifully, making her easy to root for. I especially appreciate that she is not written as arrogant, spoiled, or overly childish, which is a trope often seen in many dramas.
The male lead is also a breath of fresh air. He is mature, dependable, and determined to build a good future for himself. He is a pillar of strength for his family and fiercely protective of the people he loves, especially the girl he cares about.
I also adore the supporting characters. The friends, the male lead's mother, and his grandmother all add warmth and charm to the story. They feel like real people rather than just background characters.
And the seaside setting is absolutely beautiful. The warm sunlight, the coastal views, and the bright atmosphere give the drama a comforting and peaceful feeling that perfectly matches the story.
Overall, Dazzling is a beautiful slice-of-life drama with lovable characters, natural storytelling, and a heartwarming atmosphere. It is one of those rare shows that makes you smile, relax, and eagerly wait for the next episode. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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