This review may contain spoilers
A piece of realism
Love story in the 1970’s (30.05.2026)
As the name suggests, the story takes place in the 1970’s. The story fleshes out the life in 1970 as accurately as possible. The plot relies heavily on realism and the life ordinary people. There is nothing flashy just people trying to survive and figure out living. Main characters Fei Ni and Fang Mu Yang were classmates. During that time Fei Ni thought that Fang Mu Yang was the spawn of her ill fortune. They cross paths again years later when Fang Mu Yang decides to return to his hometown, Jiangcheng. Fang Mu Yang becomes a hero by saving people during a flood. In the process he takes an injury to his brain and forgets everything. In the hope to earn a place from college, Fei Ni takes care of “Hero” Fang Mu Yang. For personal gains they get into a contract marriage. After overcoming obstacles together, they realize their feelings are mutual.
This drama differs from many other things I have watched. It sounds out with its realistic and honest nature. No bluffing, just the life of people who are figuring out life and trying to make changes. I noticed lots of elements of positivity from many characters. Humans being humans is a short explanation. They make mistakes, they ask for forgiveness, they change, they communicate. Relationships are not some kind of out of the ordinary people having the “perfect romance” but people who express their love differently, whether it is words or actions. It doesn’t need to be expensive gifts or material things, what matters the most is that they’re striving to support one another at any time. Being present, cheering for each other’s success is what makes their relationship special. Especially Fang Mu Yang and Fei Ni are the best example of this type of relationship. They tried to understand each other, give a helping hand when they were troubled. I remember when Fei Ni needed a TV coupon so that her brother could get a job. She never once asked FMY to do anything about it but he was prepared all along. When FMY’s drawings weren’t accepted for the comic, she found the papers and made a collection, surprising him on the rooftop. The way they appreciate each other makes me as the watcher really touched. There are many other scenes like how he brought a vinyl because he knew she loved playing on he piano but didn’t have the chance to or when he asked permission for a library that belonged to Mrs. Fu because she loved books so much or when FN came to defend his comic because Mr.Yuan wanted to make changes that FMY didn’t want. This main couple has a very special aspect of optimism. When they are in a rough patch, they believe they can make things better and that their effort would never be wasted. They fought until they achieved what they wanted. This teaches that people shouldn’t be afraid of rejections or bad moments in life as the brighter days are still ahead…
"To be honest, I never thought I’d fall for you. It’s not that you’re bad. I’ve known you since Grade 3. Back then, I knew we weren’t the same kind of people. You splurged a lot. To put it nicely, you were carefree and optimistic. But frankly, you were reckless. That being said, it was you who made me understand that no matter how hard life is, when two people share it, it becomes lighter. And you taught me life isn’t only about distant goals. It’s also about the scenery right in front of you."
This quote made me remember something. FMY starts spending his money carefully because he knows family takes responsibility and changes his habits. Another example of cuteee moments
Fang Mu Jing and Qu Hua
Their story is relatively simple but enjoyable. Two people, one wanted marriage because she was a lookalike of some lover in the past, the other one wanted a better background. FMJ doesn’t realize his feelings are genuine and not because she looked like Yan. He didn’t know her feelings were genuine as she carried that kind of aura, a person who can let go of anyone easily. Deep down FMJ was hurt and wanted someone to stay with her, truly and only for her. Their love story is not my favorite but it is definitely not the worst.
Ye Feng and Ling Yi
Perfect match as in being the worst (Ling Yi even worse). Ye Feng couldn’t figure out much without his mother. He was setting standards for a girl HE was chasing? He was pushing boundaries while he was pursuing FN. He is too arrogant. There is his wife Ling Yi (cheater) who can’t seem to decide between men. For her, whoever has a blossoming career or whoever that can help her get a blossoming career is suitable. She thinks she can bend and break all the rules because she had a bad past but clearly she was a manipulator from the beginning, maybe not when she was in a pig farm but definitely when she was chasing YF, gaslighting him into thinking he was missing out on someone good. Trying to get empathy at any point she was in trouble and her selfishness really fed me up. She got what she deserved.
Fei Ting and Lin Mei couple
Fei Ting was dealing with job dissatisfaction while Lin Mei struggled with her family who only saw her as a way to earn a position for their son. I love how they dealt with their problems while trying to understand one’s situation. Their story was wrapped up nicely, love it.
Feng Lin
Dare I say the biggest and nastiest jealous person in the story. She just tries to make everyone’s life miserable as if it makes hers look better. All the time I was hesitating to punch the screen. She came up with every possible way to get FN in trouble over a small grudge. I stressed so much because of her because I kept thinking “Oh this little nasty pos is somehow gonna find a way to turn this situation worse for FN”. I hated her so much and good job acting WYY! When she was left without anything in her life I laughed so much. Even in dramas where villains are so much hateful, I never once felt that way but Feng Ling, I couldn’t stop cackling when she was getting hit by karma one by one. That was such a satisfactory ending, couldn’t ask for more!
I need to conclude this here. In short this drama was very realistic, not afraid of showing the true life of common people in the 1970’s while also capturing the beauty of relationships of that era. 10/10. Will miss it!!!
As the name suggests, the story takes place in the 1970’s. The story fleshes out the life in 1970 as accurately as possible. The plot relies heavily on realism and the life ordinary people. There is nothing flashy just people trying to survive and figure out living. Main characters Fei Ni and Fang Mu Yang were classmates. During that time Fei Ni thought that Fang Mu Yang was the spawn of her ill fortune. They cross paths again years later when Fang Mu Yang decides to return to his hometown, Jiangcheng. Fang Mu Yang becomes a hero by saving people during a flood. In the process he takes an injury to his brain and forgets everything. In the hope to earn a place from college, Fei Ni takes care of “Hero” Fang Mu Yang. For personal gains they get into a contract marriage. After overcoming obstacles together, they realize their feelings are mutual.
This drama differs from many other things I have watched. It sounds out with its realistic and honest nature. No bluffing, just the life of people who are figuring out life and trying to make changes. I noticed lots of elements of positivity from many characters. Humans being humans is a short explanation. They make mistakes, they ask for forgiveness, they change, they communicate. Relationships are not some kind of out of the ordinary people having the “perfect romance” but people who express their love differently, whether it is words or actions. It doesn’t need to be expensive gifts or material things, what matters the most is that they’re striving to support one another at any time. Being present, cheering for each other’s success is what makes their relationship special. Especially Fang Mu Yang and Fei Ni are the best example of this type of relationship. They tried to understand each other, give a helping hand when they were troubled. I remember when Fei Ni needed a TV coupon so that her brother could get a job. She never once asked FMY to do anything about it but he was prepared all along. When FMY’s drawings weren’t accepted for the comic, she found the papers and made a collection, surprising him on the rooftop. The way they appreciate each other makes me as the watcher really touched. There are many other scenes like how he brought a vinyl because he knew she loved playing on he piano but didn’t have the chance to or when he asked permission for a library that belonged to Mrs. Fu because she loved books so much or when FN came to defend his comic because Mr.Yuan wanted to make changes that FMY didn’t want. This main couple has a very special aspect of optimism. When they are in a rough patch, they believe they can make things better and that their effort would never be wasted. They fought until they achieved what they wanted. This teaches that people shouldn’t be afraid of rejections or bad moments in life as the brighter days are still ahead…
"To be honest, I never thought I’d fall for you. It’s not that you’re bad. I’ve known you since Grade 3. Back then, I knew we weren’t the same kind of people. You splurged a lot. To put it nicely, you were carefree and optimistic. But frankly, you were reckless. That being said, it was you who made me understand that no matter how hard life is, when two people share it, it becomes lighter. And you taught me life isn’t only about distant goals. It’s also about the scenery right in front of you."
This quote made me remember something. FMY starts spending his money carefully because he knows family takes responsibility and changes his habits. Another example of cuteee moments
Fang Mu Jing and Qu Hua
Their story is relatively simple but enjoyable. Two people, one wanted marriage because she was a lookalike of some lover in the past, the other one wanted a better background. FMJ doesn’t realize his feelings are genuine and not because she looked like Yan. He didn’t know her feelings were genuine as she carried that kind of aura, a person who can let go of anyone easily. Deep down FMJ was hurt and wanted someone to stay with her, truly and only for her. Their love story is not my favorite but it is definitely not the worst.
Ye Feng and Ling Yi
Perfect match as in being the worst (Ling Yi even worse). Ye Feng couldn’t figure out much without his mother. He was setting standards for a girl HE was chasing? He was pushing boundaries while he was pursuing FN. He is too arrogant. There is his wife Ling Yi (cheater) who can’t seem to decide between men. For her, whoever has a blossoming career or whoever that can help her get a blossoming career is suitable. She thinks she can bend and break all the rules because she had a bad past but clearly she was a manipulator from the beginning, maybe not when she was in a pig farm but definitely when she was chasing YF, gaslighting him into thinking he was missing out on someone good. Trying to get empathy at any point she was in trouble and her selfishness really fed me up. She got what she deserved.
Fei Ting and Lin Mei couple
Fei Ting was dealing with job dissatisfaction while Lin Mei struggled with her family who only saw her as a way to earn a position for their son. I love how they dealt with their problems while trying to understand one’s situation. Their story was wrapped up nicely, love it.
Feng Lin
Dare I say the biggest and nastiest jealous person in the story. She just tries to make everyone’s life miserable as if it makes hers look better. All the time I was hesitating to punch the screen. She came up with every possible way to get FN in trouble over a small grudge. I stressed so much because of her because I kept thinking “Oh this little nasty pos is somehow gonna find a way to turn this situation worse for FN”. I hated her so much and good job acting WYY! When she was left without anything in her life I laughed so much. Even in dramas where villains are so much hateful, I never once felt that way but Feng Ling, I couldn’t stop cackling when she was getting hit by karma one by one. That was such a satisfactory ending, couldn’t ask for more!
I need to conclude this here. In short this drama was very realistic, not afraid of showing the true life of common people in the 1970’s while also capturing the beauty of relationships of that era. 10/10. Will miss it!!!
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