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This review may contain spoilers
Very healing/comforting!
I honestly don't even know where to begin with this drama. At first, I started it for Li Yunrui, who is one of my favorite actors. But I honestly loved the entire cast and ensemble of characters. (LOVED seeing Bian Tian Yang in this drama, as he was in Generation to Generation and also When I Fly Towards You. Absolutely adored his character, Hao Cheng, in this drama as well). This drama honestly feels like one huge hug and as if a warm blanket is being draped over your shoulders.
While the pace of this drama is definitely a bit slow, especially throughout the first few episodes, it is so worth it! The gradual development of Qing Ye's character, for example, was so great to see. At first, I wasn't sure if I was going to love her character, as she comes off as very spoiled and bratty, especially when she first arrives in Zhazhating. I didn't love how she treated Xing Wu's mother, nor how she continuously complained about her living conditions. It wasn't what she was used to, sure, but I just didn't love the way she went about it. However, as the drama goes on, you see how Qing Ye slowly starts to adapt to her new environment and how she starts to warm up to the residents of the small coastal village. We see her go from absolutely hating ZhaZhaTing and wanting absolutely nothing to do with it to being reluctant to leave.
She grows attached to the residents, especially her new friends and of course, Xing Wu. The residents of this small coastal village are so lovable (well, most of them) and I just love how they eventually dote on Qing Ye, especially Teacher Zhu, Shanxi, and Ma Yu Fen. I loved the three aunties' friendship and how their support for one another never faltered, not even for one second.
Qing Ye is someone who, in my opinion, had clear goals when she had first arrived to Zhazhating, but after spending more and more time there, her goals suddenly begin to become a bit unclear. I absolutely loved how her character develops, as she learns to become more appreciative of the smaller and simpler things in life, and that even the smallest moments in life can be quite memorable. I absolutely adore her character, and I love that she marches forward and goes after what she wants in her career and for her future, even if her father doesn't necessarily approve.
Speaking of her father, I really disliked him throughout this entire drama, especially when he forced her to go back to Beijing with him and thought that her attachment to Zhazhating was ridiculous. He was so selfish and didn't care what Qing Ye thought. He really only did what he thought was best, and it didn't matter what Qing Ye thought. I loved that Qing Ye didn't back down on her decision to not study abroad and instead apply to a local university in Beijing. She goes on to work at a prestigious company and even spearheads a lot of her own projects there. She becomes successful in her own right, and her intelligence, determination, and hard-working nature really shine through.
As for Xing Wu, I honestly felt so much for him. He is someone who is carrying so many burdens on his shoulders, even at a young age. It was heartbreaking to learn about his past trauma and how his dad was a horrible person who physically abused his mother and verbally abused him as well. It was also heartbreaking to learn about how he had so much going for him when he was in high school, had a dream to become a pilot, and was extremely talented and intelligent. But, everything went downhill when his father gambled off all the money that his mother had. I absolutely despised his father and how much trouble that he caused for them. Xing Wu may appear to be cold and "rebellious," but he actually has a heart of gold and will do anything to protect the ones he loves. He tries to lessen his mother's burdens and works extremely hard every single day, even if he is extremely exhausted and doesn't take care of himself that well. Xing Wu, even at a young age, tries to take on everything by himself and tries to appear strong for both his mother and grandmother. Xing Wu, at his core, is a protector and a provider. He does everything he can to make life more bearable for those he cares about.
At the same time, though, he carries a lot of emotional baggage and bottles all of it inside. He is guarded and closed off, and doesn't want to appear "weak." He wants to be someone people can rely on. At the start of the drama, he is yet to heal from the tragic events of the past. When Qing Ye shows up, he just wants her to go home and never come back. But, as time goes on, Xing Wu slowly starts to warm up to Qing Ye and becomes very protective and starts to care deeply for her. I love how he was able to overcome his trauma and heal from it, with his loved ones by his side. That scene where he hugs Qing Ye after his house got burnt down was devastating. It was truly the first time that we see Xing Wu let his guard down completely and let out all his pent-up emotions. He finally allows himself to be comforted, and I thought that scene was both equal parts heartbreaking and also touching.
While the slow burn between Xing Wu and Qing Ye was excruciating, I absolutely loved seeing their relationship develop as time went on. That's not to say I didn't scream at my computer, begging for them to confess. I absolutely adore them together, and I honestly kind of liked that they didn't start dating until they were both adults. I think that those five years apart allowed them to really work on themselves as people and also figure out what they really want in life. I also think that it allowed them to also focus on their careers and make a name for themselves.
Their constant almost meetings did drive me nuts though, I will admit. But, it made their reunion scene all that worth waiting for. I loved that everyone in this drama got their happy ending, and the found family trope in this drama is just fantastic as well. The constant support and love of their families and other residents of Zhazhating made my heart so incredibly warm. I also loved that Shu Han and Meng Ruihang, characters that could've easily come in between Xing Wu and Qing Ye's relationship, instead were supportive in the end. I absolutely loved that! The ending of this drama was absolutely perfect, but I just wish that we got to see more of Xing Wu and Qing Ye actually being a couple. I'm still glad we got some cute moments between them though <3 The friendships in this drama were just so immaculate and absolutely adorable! I also love how resilient these characters are, because no matter how many hardships they go through, they always find a way to overcome them and come out stronger, even if the journey to get there is rough.
There's honestly so much more that I could say, but I will say one last thing: I will think about this drama for a while, and I think it's one that will stick with me forever <3 Please take me back to Zhazhating immediately!! This drama has definitely become one of my comfort cdramas for sure <3 This drama will forever hold a special place in my heart. I already miss these characters so so so so much! One of my absolute favorite dramas of the year for sure!
While the pace of this drama is definitely a bit slow, especially throughout the first few episodes, it is so worth it! The gradual development of Qing Ye's character, for example, was so great to see. At first, I wasn't sure if I was going to love her character, as she comes off as very spoiled and bratty, especially when she first arrives in Zhazhating. I didn't love how she treated Xing Wu's mother, nor how she continuously complained about her living conditions. It wasn't what she was used to, sure, but I just didn't love the way she went about it. However, as the drama goes on, you see how Qing Ye slowly starts to adapt to her new environment and how she starts to warm up to the residents of the small coastal village. We see her go from absolutely hating ZhaZhaTing and wanting absolutely nothing to do with it to being reluctant to leave.
She grows attached to the residents, especially her new friends and of course, Xing Wu. The residents of this small coastal village are so lovable (well, most of them) and I just love how they eventually dote on Qing Ye, especially Teacher Zhu, Shanxi, and Ma Yu Fen. I loved the three aunties' friendship and how their support for one another never faltered, not even for one second.
Qing Ye is someone who, in my opinion, had clear goals when she had first arrived to Zhazhating, but after spending more and more time there, her goals suddenly begin to become a bit unclear. I absolutely loved how her character develops, as she learns to become more appreciative of the smaller and simpler things in life, and that even the smallest moments in life can be quite memorable. I absolutely adore her character, and I love that she marches forward and goes after what she wants in her career and for her future, even if her father doesn't necessarily approve.
Speaking of her father, I really disliked him throughout this entire drama, especially when he forced her to go back to Beijing with him and thought that her attachment to Zhazhating was ridiculous. He was so selfish and didn't care what Qing Ye thought. He really only did what he thought was best, and it didn't matter what Qing Ye thought. I loved that Qing Ye didn't back down on her decision to not study abroad and instead apply to a local university in Beijing. She goes on to work at a prestigious company and even spearheads a lot of her own projects there. She becomes successful in her own right, and her intelligence, determination, and hard-working nature really shine through.
As for Xing Wu, I honestly felt so much for him. He is someone who is carrying so many burdens on his shoulders, even at a young age. It was heartbreaking to learn about his past trauma and how his dad was a horrible person who physically abused his mother and verbally abused him as well. It was also heartbreaking to learn about how he had so much going for him when he was in high school, had a dream to become a pilot, and was extremely talented and intelligent. But, everything went downhill when his father gambled off all the money that his mother had. I absolutely despised his father and how much trouble that he caused for them. Xing Wu may appear to be cold and "rebellious," but he actually has a heart of gold and will do anything to protect the ones he loves. He tries to lessen his mother's burdens and works extremely hard every single day, even if he is extremely exhausted and doesn't take care of himself that well. Xing Wu, even at a young age, tries to take on everything by himself and tries to appear strong for both his mother and grandmother. Xing Wu, at his core, is a protector and a provider. He does everything he can to make life more bearable for those he cares about.
At the same time, though, he carries a lot of emotional baggage and bottles all of it inside. He is guarded and closed off, and doesn't want to appear "weak." He wants to be someone people can rely on. At the start of the drama, he is yet to heal from the tragic events of the past. When Qing Ye shows up, he just wants her to go home and never come back. But, as time goes on, Xing Wu slowly starts to warm up to Qing Ye and becomes very protective and starts to care deeply for her. I love how he was able to overcome his trauma and heal from it, with his loved ones by his side. That scene where he hugs Qing Ye after his house got burnt down was devastating. It was truly the first time that we see Xing Wu let his guard down completely and let out all his pent-up emotions. He finally allows himself to be comforted, and I thought that scene was both equal parts heartbreaking and also touching.
While the slow burn between Xing Wu and Qing Ye was excruciating, I absolutely loved seeing their relationship develop as time went on. That's not to say I didn't scream at my computer, begging for them to confess. I absolutely adore them together, and I honestly kind of liked that they didn't start dating until they were both adults. I think that those five years apart allowed them to really work on themselves as people and also figure out what they really want in life. I also think that it allowed them to also focus on their careers and make a name for themselves.
Their constant almost meetings did drive me nuts though, I will admit. But, it made their reunion scene all that worth waiting for. I loved that everyone in this drama got their happy ending, and the found family trope in this drama is just fantastic as well. The constant support and love of their families and other residents of Zhazhating made my heart so incredibly warm. I also loved that Shu Han and Meng Ruihang, characters that could've easily come in between Xing Wu and Qing Ye's relationship, instead were supportive in the end. I absolutely loved that! The ending of this drama was absolutely perfect, but I just wish that we got to see more of Xing Wu and Qing Ye actually being a couple. I'm still glad we got some cute moments between them though <3 The friendships in this drama were just so immaculate and absolutely adorable! I also love how resilient these characters are, because no matter how many hardships they go through, they always find a way to overcome them and come out stronger, even if the journey to get there is rough.
There's honestly so much more that I could say, but I will say one last thing: I will think about this drama for a while, and I think it's one that will stick with me forever <3 Please take me back to Zhazhating immediately!! This drama has definitely become one of my comfort cdramas for sure <3 This drama will forever hold a special place in my heart. I already miss these characters so so so so much! One of my absolute favorite dramas of the year for sure!
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