Stayed till the end for Wang Chu Ran
Decided to watch this show solely because of Wang Chu Ran. I fell in love with her acting (and her beautyyy) in Fireworks of My Heart and I thought to give this show a shot.Down to the storyline: Well, it was refreshing to see the banters of the main leads especially at the start when they kept bumping into each other. There was also no old unrequited love plot in this show.
I would say acting wise, the best actors of this show had to be the main leads. Other than that, the other characters didn't really stand out to me. I really didn't like the AI character.. it was way too obvious. I am sure that this was not an easy feat., but there were several if not all scenes where the dude was having zero eye contact with the other cast members. Aside from that, he was also quite emotionless most of the time and his lips were NOT in sync with the dubbings either.
Regarding the relationship development of the main leads, when they did finally get together, I didn't feel a sense of satisfaction - unlike how I feel in some other shows. Somehow their get-together didn't feel as impactful. Maybe because of the indecisiveness of the female lead. I do like her don't get me wrong, but her character here especially the way she handled her relationship with the ML wasn't it for me. I understand that she had previously experienced a failed relationship, but her avoidance was getting on my nerves. And also even after they got together she was not wanting others to find out about her relationship. I was confused at one point if they were actually officially together or not. One moment they're kissing passionately, and the next they act like strangers. I wished the couple was better in communicating their feelings and thoughts and I'm sure that would have reduced the misunderstandings ten-fold.
Business wise, of course, these two main leads have strong personalities and capabilities. What I admired most about these characters was their ability to separate work and personal life. For instance when they were having love trouble, they continued to do what they had to do at work - and performed.
The most touching scene for me in this series was the hug that was shared between the FL and her supervisor/manager. Even though the relationship is of a subordinate-superior dynamic, I appreciated how the FL gradually became unafraid to speak up and be that beacon of light in the superior's life.
"In life and especially in the business world, there isn't always a clear black and white to things, but deep in your heart, you know what's right."
After her final words to the manager, those words continued to linger on in the manager's mind. Although those words still fell upon deaf ears, at the end of the day... she realized her folly. She said something along the lines of 'Although taking the path of righteousness might not be smooth, it's what eventually leads you to happiness.'
Overall, a relatively light-hearted show ~ watch if you have the time and if you like the main leads! There's a decent amount of screen time for them.
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Finding a home in the least expected place ?
I was hooked right from the first episode and completed this 30-episode drama in 3 days. I personally haven't seen or heard of these two main leads before. The only familiar face was the guy who acted as Gu Ran in WIFTY and also the girl from Lighter and Princess. That said, I really enjoyed the acting and casting throughout. No supporting casts felt redundant or extra.I loved that the show also had many life lessons that we could take away. It was not just a feel good drama or one that gives butterflies. The balance of joys, setbacks, pain, and grief made the show so relatable.
The grandma (nai nai) was definitely the heart of the show for me. Her timely wisdom and comfort to her grandchildren always made me tear up. That scene where the FL almost got sexually assaulted and the nai nai embraces her... "You're home now, you're home," she comforts. That meant so much for someone who had lost her mother to illness and had just been abandoned in a place that felt nothing like home. Yet it was in that moment that she experienced love, warmth, and protection.
Even though the FL was initially portrayed as a spoilt brat/princess, and was getting on the ML's nerves, he continued to do his part as a distant relative and care for her. Coming from very different backgrounds and holding different views on money, they initially have a lot of misunderstandings and conflicts. At the end of the day, while money is important, the show also taught how there are things that cannot be resolved with money.
"Will you think if others are hungry if you are starving?" the FL asked her Dad when he made his way into the Xuan Town determined to take her back to Bei Jing to resume back to her normal life. By then, the FL had resolved to stay in this town to get through her high school and apply for university thereafter. She had grown to love the people in this little town. She saw how these people who didn't have much, shared the little they had with her - making sure she always had her fill, and had a shelter over her head.
Having grown mutual affection for each other, I never really understood why they needed to cut off contact completely after the FL departed for BeiJing. But my guess is that if that separation never happened, both of them wouldn't have become the better people they became five years later. The FL encourages the ML by telling him that if he really wanted to see her again, he would find a hundred ways to get there. Fuelled by her belief in him, he also promises the FL, "Keep going forward, don't look back, I'll eventually catch up to you."
This show really captured the reality of growing up pains, figuring out their life's purpose and what happens when you don't give up and keep fighting. Despite several setbacks and loss the varied characters face, there was always hope - light that shone through the cracks, sunshine after the storm. Even for the 'villain', there was also a redemptive arc, to own your mistakes and take charge of your own future.
The writers really wrote the script and directed the show really well. One of my favourite metaphor in the show was: Life is like a box of chocolates - you may have just eaten a bitter one, but the next could be sweet. Truly captured the beautiful perspective on the unpredictability of life.
With its heartfelt storytelling, memorable characters, meaningful life lessons, and stunning cinematography, this is a drama that stays with you long after the final episode. A must-watch!
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If I had to describe this show in one word, it would be HEALING ~
Wow, where do I even begin with this review? There's so much to unpack... I was not sure if I would like this show because it looked a little dark from the posters/trailer... but I was pleasantly surprised. By the time I reached episode 6, I knew I would definitely enjoy and finish this show.The plot was mysterious, and I think that was what kept me going. From figuring out who on earth SPADE Q was, to the mystery of the hand-drawn football cards ~ so many things were left unknown. The only thing that was certain was that the main leads had both faced some form of traumatic experience and were finding their own ways to cope with the grief and pain. For the FL it was to be a slacker 闲鱼 in this high school that her late grandfather encouraged her to go in his letter to her, and for the ML, it was to find out who SPADE Q was.
The first encounter between the male and female lead stood out to me. The OST 《无声引力》played, and as I heard the lyrics "Two souls aligned in silent gravity, Heal my heart with every part of me..." I had goosebumps. Though no spoken words, the presence felt through the screen was heavy, but held with a glimpse of hope.
The initial banter and interactions between the leads were so fun to watch - they were both wary of each other's intentions, yet unknowingly and subconsciously came to trust each other. Even though the ML, Wang Fa, had his own hidden agenda in getting close to Wan Xing, that was what allowed his fondness for her to grow. I thought there would be a huge fallout when the FL realized the truth, but thankfully, she handled it with such maturity. And I really liked that. As for the ML, he was quick to apologise. The best part? He knew what exactly made the FL mad.
I also loved how they both navigated their feelings towards each other. The ML was quick to acknowledge his feelings and told her he wanted to pursue a relationship with her. The FL was visibly attracted to the ML as well, yet she was honest enough to tell him she was not ready - the reason being she still wasn't ready to open up and share what had happened to her. The ML's response to her was so respectful. He told her saying that itself was already an act of vulnerability, and to him, that was enough. He was willing to meet her where she was, and that is something I hardly see in shows these days.
Once the "secret" of his hidden agenda was out of the way, their communication got better and his trust in the FL never once wavered. When things went out of control and the FL's old wounds resurfaced, he gave her the space she needed. Yet at the same time, he continued to reach out to her and encouraged her to get back on her feet.
Meanwhile, there were also the side characters - the whole football team. Each individual had their own character arc and development. From being easily defeated and swayed at the beginning, by the end they had all grown in their own ways, becoming more mature in how they handled situations. Through the ups and downs, they learnt what it meant to strive for their dreams and work towards their goals. In some sense, to do whatever it takes to create a path for themselves. Many people may come and go, but at the end of the day it all boils down to the individual's willpower to continue.
The friendship plot between the two guys, Wen Cheng Ye and Fu Xin Shu, was also slowly revealed as the episodes went by. I always found myself emotionally drawn to Wen Cheng Ye, especially the part where he ran to the competition, knowing that he would probably not make it to the match. During the run, he began to tear up, and by the time he reached the site, he had completely broken down. One word, "I'm sorry," was enough to move me to tears.
He was simply a lonely boy, who craved affection, yet was unable to express himself well. His way of wanting to get Fu Xin Shu to recognize him ended up backfiring and leading to more misunderstandings. I appreciated that their reconciliation was not overly dragged out. And we got to enjoy a couple of episodes of them being besties like they were in their younger days.
The later part of the show revealed the hidden truths behind everything - from how Xiao Lin 老师 was intentionally led to this particular high school, to leading this bunch of students, to having the keys to the former tuition centre owned by her grandparents. Everything started to fall in place - and there was closure not only for Xiao Lin 老师 , but also for her students, who had always carried a sense of abandonment because their ex-coach had 'left' them.
And like in most Chinese C-dramas, there's always a bestie for the ML and FL. I was pleasantly surprised to see Victor Ma appear on screen. As always, his humour shone through. His scenes were always comedic and any seriousness never lasted for long. Wan Xing's bestie appeared much later on in the series. Though Ju Li didn't have that many scenes with Wan Xing, I could still feel just how deeply she cared for her.
One of the most impactful scenes for me was how she was respectful and sensitive towards Wan Xing when she was emotionally unstable. A simple question, "Do you want my company or would you like to have some time alone?" was enough to show how mature she was as a friend. Ju Li was all ready to dig in and enjoy some fried chicken wings with her bestie Wan Xing, but was very quick and willing to take a step back and give Wan Xing the space she needed. She didn't assume what Wan Xing needed - she asked, then gave.
Overall, I really enjoyed this show. Aside from inspiring me to chase my dreams and live with no regrets, I also saw the importance of trust, respect... and to not let the past haunt you. What has happened, has happened... we cannot change the past, but we can take the step for a better future.
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