everything in the world seemed determined to stop this guy from graduating high school.
it's a light summer story that's perfect for watching on a hot day when you just want to relax. there is some unnecessary drama that could have been left out, but overall it didn't leave me with negative feelings.i think they spent too much time on the characters' youth, while the reunion after five years was far too short and underdeveloped. then the story rushed into the main couple's romantic relationship just as quickly.
li fang (mother and aunt) seems like a kind and caring woman who has been through a lot, but why is a child expected to carry the responsibility for the entire family while she spends her time playing mahjong? parents like that always frustrate me.
overall, this drama isn't really about romance. it's more about family, friendship, finding your place in the world, and learning to face life's challenges no matter what.
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good but could be better
First i will start off with the fact that the chemistry between the main leads was awesome. I felt the tension between them when she was leaving he didn't want her to leave but he couldn't do anything, especially because the dad said not to contact her again. But the plot in my opinion was pretty good but i did see a hint of similarity between this drama and speed and love. When i started i thought why would cousins date and almost dropped it but decided to watch it. It was worth the watch might be my fav drama for the summer because it was just a summer drama and was what we needed this summer. But i did have a problem with the timings. first they made the part when they were younger so long that they weren't able to show much romance and the romance just felt rushed with him meeting her dad. but the casting for this drama was awesome considering the fact that all of the cast looked really young and fit the younger role really well.Was this review helpful to you?
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Contradicting summary.
This drama has very cliché tropes..but they are executed in a very refreshing way!. The leads have very good and stable dynamics..there aren't any major SML or SFL even if there are ..it's very subtle and it gets sorted out...The group of friends have amazing chemistry making them look actual friends.From the summary it looks like the drama is more focused on their adult life and their high-school life would be very subtle but the drama is totally opposite...it's 23 episodes in and they are still in High school..so, it's definitely not adult life centred. I hope they correct the summary which is giving a very different vibe what actually is happening in the drama and the summary hints that Xing Wu is the only one who has feelings but if you watch the drama you can see that both of them already have feelings for eachother in their high-school era..and I think XW's mother and grandma too ship them...so ..the summary is very contradicting to the plot happening...and if you are here for their adult life era then sorry .but it's more high-school era coded...
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Healing Drama
Why I'm enjoying Dazzling so much:• A refreshing healing romance that feels warm, genuine, and emotionally grounded.
• The chemistry between the leads is surprisingly natural and captivating—every interaction feels effortless.
• Li Yunrui delivers a standout performance as Xing Wu, bringing both strength and tenderness to the character.
• Guan Xiaotong shines in a role that showcases vulnerability, growth, and resilience.
• Beautiful cinematography, especially the seaside scenes, creates a dreamy and comforting atmosphere.
• The story doesn't rely on exaggerated drama; instead, it focuses on connection, healing, and personal growth.
• One of the most memorable C-dramas of 2026 so far, with a couple that is easy to root for and hard to forget.
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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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The hook was community
Greetings,I watched this all the way through with little fast forwarding because I was interested in its unique view into a slice of oceanside working life.
This is not the kind of thing I normally enjoy. It's mostly a typical "meh" romance: excruciating storytelling detail balanced mainly by daily, prosaic activities with little serious excitement. It unfolds slowly, over almost 6 years of story, very slow pacing, and the romance took forever, until literally the second-to-last episode, to ignite! Aside from this typical genre complaint I have one major annoyance to share, then I'll explain why its worth watching anyway.
There is a behavior common to many dramas that drives me to distraction... This is the problem-causing Failure to Communicate - and often a failure to express ANYTHING you'd expect - like a smile when glad to see someone, a thought that is relevant, a feeling or need when it comes up, or a hug when everyone is aching. Really, anything, give us something, PLEASE! Such fails are plot tropes, unfortunately used heavily in the primary romantic relationship of this show. I'm pretty sure that without this crud, the series would have been snappier, more engaging, and 1/3 shorter.
The poor communication is accompanied by lots of what I call the "dead fish stare", where the viewer is expected to exercise all the heavy lifting of imagining what feelings must predominate in the moment, as literally NOTHING is being expressed in characters' face or posture, and of course, they are not using their words either. And there are waaaayyyy too many moments like this peppered in every episode, particularly from the female lead character. It's as if the actor has been told to try their best to act like a piece of wood at every critical relationship-development moment.
So why did I watch? Not for the romance, but for the rest of the story! Despite the tiresome annoyance, I was touched by myriad times that feelings and intentions were indeed expressed beautifully, subtly, or passionately. We could see the weave of a community fabric, with quirky and well-meaning characters, their varied dyadic interactions, resilience in duress, and heart-warmth toward one another that was sweet and moving. This show is worth watching because we get to know numerous amusing characters, we see gradual resolutions, and we see the unique shared dance of a set of good people moving and thriving together in their world. For me, not being from seaside, the seafood industry, and the ways individuals find to grow and conduct commerce in an insular community, were interesting. There is believable intimacy at various relationship levels. Its truly a slice of life, bittersweet, hopeful, and with a tender treatment of realistic personal challenges, unfolding with perseverance, forward to gentle successes. A human story.
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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
DazzlingLi 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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This review may contain spoilers
Dazzling isn't a drama that relies on grand twists or unrealistic miracles
Instead, it tells a heartfelt story about growth, resilience, and the quiet ways people change each other's lives.Set in the small town of Zhazhating during the intense Gaokao preparation, it beautifully captures the struggles of students chasing their dreams while also portraying the harsh realities of families trying to make ends meet. The male lead's family lives through constant hardships, barely scraping by each day, and what I loved most was that nothing magically changed overnight. Every small improvement felt earned through his determination, perseverance, and the unwavering support of the female lead.
Their relationship wasn't just romantic—it was transformative. She helped him rediscover his motivation to study and believe in a better future, while he and his family taught her something money never could: the value of love, sacrifice, and being surrounded by people who truly care. As she faced her own family issues, she gradually realized that not everything in life can be solved with wealth.
What makes *Dazzling* so special is its slow, realistic pacing. It reminds us that real change happens one step at a time, through consistent effort and genuine human connections. It's the story of one unforgettable summer that reshaped their futures and left them with memories that would stay with them for a lifetime.
This drama isn't just about passing the Gaokao—it's about finding hope in difficult times, rediscovering purpose, and learning what truly matters in life. A simple yet deeply inspiring watch that will stay with me for a long time.
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Start Out So Brightly and Just Faded
From the first episode, my thoughts were, “What a beautiful drama this is going to be.” Don’t get me wrong it was beautiful. It dealt with what we all like…young love. Yes, those days in school with the boy you like and hoping one day that you will marry him. This drama led us down those wonderful days of senior year in high school. Getting ready for exams that will eventually get you into the college of your choice and then out into the real world. Yes, this is that story. A hidden gem of sorts that started off so well in those high school years but flounder when going to the adult years with a too swift wrap up. But don’t let me get ahead of myself.The drama revolves around Qing Ye (Guan Xiao Tong) who was pulled out of high school during her senior year due to a family emergency, so she was taken back to her hometown. Talk about a change. This girl was used to the bustling city, her usual hangouts and friends, but when she found out she was leaving her thoughts were you’re taking me where? To a seaside town? To be with who? My aunt? To say she wasn’t shell shocked was putting it mildly after coming from her pampered lifestyle. She was devastated.
The room was not to her liking, no air conditioning, no decent bathroom, where was she to wash her clothes, the food needed to have less calories, I mean she was a hot mess! She knew she was not going to have the lifestyle she had back home, so she knew either deal with it or leave. So, she opted to leave and go to the hotel. Well, that didn’t go any better either. No air conditioning, the guy next door was always doing “live streams” so, she couldn’t sleep so she had no choice but to go back. After getting over her “prima donna” act, she realized she needed to make adjustments to this new way of life. Starting with trying to fit in.
After Qing Ye’s brief meeting with Xing Wu, she was realizing that she needed to get along with him because he was the glue that held everything together, from his mother to his grandmother, friends and the community, she saw he was the person everyone turned too.
Xing Wu was very likable and always did not “want to owe” anyone anything, especially money. He wanted to pay his own way no matter what. After a school altercation, not wanting to speak up for himself, he let the school expel him. Xing Wu had his own reasons for doing that, it was his father’s gambling debts and paying back all the money that was owed. His friend Shu Han (Jenny Zeng) knew of his situation and provided him with the necessary work to help him and his family. Qing Ye eventually learned about this and much more.
As Qing Ye became more immersed in the day-to-day with her aunt, grandmother, Xing Wu and friends she was realizing what a family was and true friends. She was growing to like Xing Wu. She saw how he had done so much to make her feel welcome knowing how her life was before she came there. He tried to make her as comfortable as possible. Fixing the bathroom, her room with air conditioning she saw the soft side of Xing Wu, her attitude began to change—they became closer.
Xing Wu found himself changing as well. He wanted to be better to be good enough to be with Qing Ye knowing her family background and her life. She was the influence that got him to go back to school. Opening up his trunk of hidden dreams and to once again make them a reality. Friendships grew. Old rivalries ended. New begins. Flourishing joys and love their senior year.
Yet, like all good things, they must come to an end. This was brought about by Qing Ye’s father. He had cleared up his situation, and he wanted to take her back. Qing Ye now had a mind of her own and was defensive against her father wishes of returning. Everything was said and done. She left the seaside town and all the friends, her aunt, grandmother but especially Xing Wu.
There was a lot of devastations that happen to the family with the burning down of the salon but, the death of the grandmother. She passed while Qing Ye had already left and Xing Wu did not tell her due to him wanting her not to feel obligated to come back. That was very sad. Xing Wu did not pass his exams either. Leading him to take them again, and he eventually pass.
Fast forward, to being adults. Yes, we skipped over those college years and went directly to working. Qing Ye was now working for a company outside of her father’s. She wanted to make her own way. This led her back to the seaside town she loved. But going back was not only for her company but for the two friends from school that were going to get married.
We, of course knew that they would miss each other due to Qing Ye needing to go back to her company to handle another project she had been working on. Xing Wu arrived late due to a flight delay. We see both her and Xing Wu as they pass each other in taxis. Hence let the "near misses" begin until we could not keep doing that, so it was now time to get these two to meet.
Xing Wu’s colleague wants him to meet his sister only to find out that Qing Ye would be there. At last. But it was a very lame first meeting after all those years apart. No excitement. No recognition of knowing each other. Just awkwardness for not only them but for the brother and sister who had to watch it.
They do finally become a couple. Qing Ye father was still in disagreement with them becoming a couple, but Xing Wu did pay him back and with interest for the money he gave them after Qing Ye left. I think he respected Xing Wu and he would eventually come around.
The sad part for me, we did not see them get married. Just Xing Wu giving a speech to a new class on behest of one of his teachers that helped him and asking him to do the same for his class. Too many repetitive flashbacks in the ending episodes.
For something that started out so strong and so well, while enjoyable in the beginning. overall, to me it was not dazzling but more of a shimmer….
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