Im not sure where to begin as this show had profound impact on me & opened my eyes to many insights. Its undoubtedly my favorite drama of 2023 even though i have other favorites like Moving and I Am Nobody. This one however, holds a special place in my heart.

This slow burning melodrama set in 1990s China, follows the journey of Luo Qiqi alongside several significant characters who enter her life. From a very young age Luo Qiqi exudes optimism & possesses a unique ability to think outside the box, always questioning the world around her. This quality deeply resonated with me.

The portrayal of Luo Qiqi's journey along with the four other main characters is incredibly authentic, immersing the viewer in their lives. As i watched it felt as if i were right there with them, experiencing their trials and tribulations.

Luo Qiqi encounters many individuals who leave a lasting mark on her life, shaping her into the person she is today. Simultaneously these encounters influence the lives of those she meets raising intriguing questions.

Among the numerous characters, four stand out as instrumental in shaping Luo Qiqi's journey : Xiao Bo, Zhang Jun, Xiao Fe & Guan He. Their impact on her life is substantial & they in turn, undergo significant transformations whether for better or worse, leaving questions in their wake.

Luo Qiqi stands out as the most remarkable character in the entire show. Her strength, determination, intelligence & unwavering loyalty to her friends are truly inspiring. She also demonstrates remarkable empathy towards others and in the face of numerous challenges, she repeatedly overcomes her doubts and fulfills her dreams.

My next favorite character is Xiao Fe, Luo Qiqi's best friend whose imperfections make her character growth one of the most compelling aspects of the drama. Her experiences from unrequited love to personal hardships are portrayed with remarkable realism.
After her r*pe incident, Luo Qiqi comes into her life as a ray of sunshine & slowly helps her piece her life back together. Her whole arc was my favorite part of the drama from the trauma she endured to her recovery all portrayed very realistically, especially considering the 90s China setting. I loved how Luo Qiqi stood by her, supporting her until she could stand on her own feet. Kudos to both actors who portayed Xiao Fe and Luo Qiqi, who gave their all to this storyline.

Then there is Xiao Bo, who plays sibling like role in Luo Qiqi's life. Their dynamic is endearing with moments that sometimes hint at a romantic connection and at other times emphasize their deep sibling like care for one another. Xiao Bo maintains a positive outlook throughout the drama & remains one of the most hardworking characters despite challenging family circumstances. He significantly influences Luo Qiqi's dream of attending a prestigious university, although his later decision to give up on his studies is emotionally difficult to watch.

Guan He enters Luo Qiqi's life at a pivotal moment, precisely when she needs support the most. Guan He is the school's top student, faces unrelenting pressure from her parents to excel, all the while harboring envy towards Luo Qiqi, who lives life on her own terms as Luo Qiqi was living life which she always desired.
Guan He's presence becomes instrumental in Luo Qiqi's academic journey during challenging times & their friendship deepens. They become close friends studying together & sharing their lives. However, as Luo Qiqi outshines her Guan He's insecurity & jealousy surface, leading to the regrettable end of their once strong bond. This development is particularly disheartening considering Guan He's background and character, emphasizing the toll insecurity & envy can take on even the closest of friendships.

In the drama Zhang Jun emerges as its most enigmatic & morally complex character. His relationship with Luo Qiqi is a rollercoaster ride through their shared childhood marked by a mix of betrayal and undeniable attraction. They share a chemistry that is undeniably captivating but Zhang Jun's internal struggles and involvement with gang makes him quite unreliable chatacter.
Initially Zhang Jun & Luo Qiqi were inseparable childhood friends but their bond was marred by moments of betrayal, leaving a bittersweet aftertaste that lingered for years. As the story unfolds their paths cross again & magnetic attraction begins to pull them closer. While they never explicitly cross certain boundaries, its clear that their connection is charged with unspoken emotions.
Their chemistry is undeniable yet Zhang Jun's character is a mix of both red and green flags, underscoring the unhealthy nature of their relationship. Like Luo Qiqi he was once a top student but he loses his way & becomes entangled with a troublesome gang, leading to complications in his relationship with Luo Qiqi.
The most heart wrenching moment in the narrative arrives when Zhang Jun makes the painful decision to relinquish their shared dream of attending university together. He realizes that staying close to her will only hold her back & this decision again solidifies the point of him being most complex character of this drama.

Despite these characters drifting away from Luo Qiqi, which almost leading to her giving up on her lifelong dream of attending a top university, they also serve as her catalyst for self realization and personal growth.

This beautiful show feels like a work of poetic art delivering a profound exploration of self discovery and development.

I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone, although its essential to note that its a slow burn melodrama, so if this genre isn't your cup of tea, you may want to consider other options.