Realistic Working Life With Sweet Romance

I'm really enjoying the drama for two main reasons - the slowburn romance between LYA/SSC and because of LYA herself.

1. The romance was cathartic to watch. I dated a guy 5 years younger than me many years ago and we parted way after about 7 years on/off together. I generally avoid dramas with young man-older woman romance partly because of my own real-life experience. But I decided to give this drama a shot and was pleasantly surprised. Its nice to watch the relationship between SSC and LYA unfolds with such sweetness. It truly takes courage to date a younger man and I totally can understand LYA's concerns. My younger partner had the zest and optimism of youth that I see in SSC which can take time for someone older to adjust to. When SSC told LYA, 'Trust me, I am able to do this'. It reminded me when I was being told similarly but unlike LYA, I just couldn't take that leap of faith. Ultimately, I'm happy for LYA and for her happiness with SSC. But I have to say someone as mature as Song San Chuan at 22yrs old in his first relationship is somewhat a fictional creation (hahaha).

2. There are so many traits of LYA that I admire. I worked in a corporate education institution for 13 years and even got a long-serving employee award.... and I totally feel for LYA. When LYA has to face really unreasonable people (e.g her boss, that arrogant badminton player etc) and their demands, I really salute her for being able to keep her cool. She listened to what they had to say, and will calmly say 'Okay, I will see to it'. But she did still manage to express her thoughts and make clear her feelings esp if something is not right. LYA is so hardworking, such a great troubleshooter and not overly dramatic. I told my husband that I'll willingly work for her as my boss.

3. I am happy LYA has her female support system in Luo Nian. They help each other, cheer each other on, do girly stuff together and speak honestly to each other. Such a treasure. I enjoy their interaction.

Other thoughts:
1. Words of Wisdom. The one saying that really stuck with me was 'It takes more courage to let go than to persevere'. It totally resonated with me. I had an underlying eye problem that can lead to blindness and it recently worsened . In the end, I had to withdraw from my PhD studies and resign from my long-term job. It was scary to do that but I did it anyway. Some ppl was like 'It's your dream to do your PhD, don't let go of it'. In the end, I told them 'Dreams change... and I like to be able to still have my vision 4 yrs down the road and not exhaust it in exchange for a PhD'

2. I didn't think I'll like Liang Tao but I really warmed up to her in the later episodes. Her unique take on life and her ethics on things are good. However, her relationship with JiaoJiao I don't quite feel it. JiaoJiao as a character is really insufferable although he gets better in time.

3. I'm cheering for the relationship between Luo Nian and coach Zhang Yan. It started with a bit of dislike when they first meet, then to mutual respect as they worked together.

4. The OSTs are great. Enjoyed listening to the tracks play at all those pivotal heartwarming moments.

5. Tong Lu's Story Arc. I have to say leaving your family behind when you are terminally ill and not giving them the chance to say goodbye before dying is very traumatising for those left behind. I took care of my father for 4 years from the time of his incurable cancer diagnosis to his death. The time caring for him was the time we used to say goodbye to him. To have it taken away would be so so sad for me.

Overall, I find this drama soothing to watch - relatable, great female and male lead, sweet romance with thoughtful words of wisdom thrown in.

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Falling in Love and Growing Up

I was in the mood for a school youth drama and Our Secret popped out on my IQiYi screen. The drama's 'biggest mystery' was 'Do you know my secret' and that got me hooked. That somewhat kept me glued to the subsequent episodes trying to find out what this secret was and why the ML was so cold towards FL at Ep 1.

As for ML, I didn't realise I have actually watched a few of his previous dramas but didn't complete viewing them (Handsome Siblings, Renascence). It never struck me he was handsome until watching Our Secret. Ahhh, his dark, kira-kira eyes when looking at FL; so mind-blowing. He was just superb as Zhou Si Yue. Jealous ZSY was also freaky hilarious.

By the end of the drama, I am the biggest fan of FL. She is not drop dead gorgeous or anything and is pretty timid at the start. She somewhat reminded me of myself back when I was in school (of course minus crazy drawing talent and hot guy sitting next to me). I admire her resilience especially in her studies, in fighting for her love and in just whatever she wants to do. Like Ding Xian, I had to repeat a year of my studies to achieve what I wanted. I really felt her anxiousness and despair at times.

Probably the storyline of the drama is not breaking any new territory, but the acting of both ML and FL is so filled with warmth and brings such a lovely feeling when I watched it. I also have to say the OST is exceptional. My favourite songs are 'Always Always Always I Love You' and 'Long Day'. There was also another backgound song playing at the end of Episode 4 when they left the taxi and were running to see the fireworks - such a nice song but it was not released in the official OST. I wonder who sang that song.

If you are looking for a school themed youth drama, give this drama a chance and you might be pleasantly surprised.

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