Original Story

Some one posted this original story. I highly recommend reading it (very short) because the author wrote it really well. It gives me a feeling of empathy for the sisters, how serious their situation was,  and why the male character broke up with Xu Yan. It shows the characterization in the story. Although it won't be as bad in the drama as they will probably romanticize it. Please let me know your feelings after you read it. I felt very sad because mistakes were made, although not their faults but the system's unfair policy. And their world just shattered afterwards:.

 https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/87f8ZXvEHAS_jzKk-Z00VQ?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2dHSFrH2DyLASxpg7daH_haPpJMiaxE_gxkR9L1LXH5qB6AueVew2VC6U_aem_ARc63aY0MvykFZ4PfgafbOgNHRmVwTU5v9R3-zFZxHvzWSXQZecn1L20-M6PWb6nv3sVMHz06ws80AfM4ypFQRVW&poc_token=HN3lZ2ajVDFcke_DUmV3LrL6Nm8lIvPzshx_Rs_a

 More about one-child policy: https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3135510/chinas-one-child-policy-what-was-it-and-what-impact-did-it

I don't think he cheated on her.  I was confused until I read the author's notes because it happened so suddenly. Remember he told her there was nothing between him and the friend. He's a nice person too.

I think the reason for the break up was that he couldn't live with her any more once he discovered she was the sister of Qiao Lin. I think he felt guilty that he didn't help ... if you read the author's note at the end, the people who know about it and didn't help are also guilty. 

the producers released hot search last month and said drama different from novel, original script. Basically they used the backgrounds and names from this novel took some of the plot .

The biggest difference is we wont see any of the thought provoking cause and effect one child policy , suicide ,fertility issues.

Novel

Qiao Lin committed suicide and left her baby to Xu Yan

Her bf Liu Tao ran away from responsibility. Yu Yi Ming who had a crush on Qiao Lin in high school days ,was already in a relationship.

Shen Hao Ming broke up with Xu Yan because he rekindled things with Fang Lei ( they were from same upper class circle) He has a younger brother that was his parent's accident { child wasnt wanted but they kept him and the reason why they could avoid 1 child policy was cause they became Canadians) 

Script

Qiao Lin left her abusive husband Liu Tao, and looked for her sister. She liked Yu Yi Ming who has a crush on Xu Yan (someone else said this in comment section but i didnt see this in character synopsis)

Xu Yan and Shen Hao Ming are married but withheld their real thoughts, and SHM has a love child back when he was 18. They divorced, Xu Yan loses her job. At her lowest point she rebuilds herself and comes back stronger , starting a business with sister and friends . 

Shen Hao Ming realises he does love her and chases her back .