What I love about this drama is how they consistently tell us that a family need not be defined merely by blood relations. The characters were not perfect but really relatable.

Acting

I’m so amazed by all of the actors though Steven Zhang shined the most for me. He really can act! I know him from My Huckleberry Friends and Skate into Love, but Go Ahead really cemented him as one of my favorite Chinese actors. Tan Songyun, I love her so much! I watch her in five series and I can say she’s really a versatile actress having the best chemistry with her co-stars. Song Weilong, the youngest, not just a pretty face but a good actor who has a lot of potential. He really can pull off those deep and loving stares, I can’t imagine how good he’ll be after 5 years or so. Tu Song Yan, Li Pa! The best father out of all the cdrama I’ve watched so far! I can’t remember how many times I cried whenever he’s on the screen.

They are just my special mentions, but believe me all of the casts did a great job!

Romance

Though many of you may disagree but I’m really convinced by the romance part in this drama. Some may argue that they should not be together because they grew up as siblings and I’ll always counteract with they’re not blood related and Ling Xiao has always been in love with Jianjian. I think, Song Weilong really did a great job in acting as smitten Ling Xiao. Been always a fan of his deep and loving stares.

Halfway through, when Ling Xiao’s sufferings were revealed, I was a bit hesitant about the romance. I’m worried that he’s becoming super dependent to Jianjian. He badly needs medical attention. I waited for him to stand up against his mother. He suffered for so long and I think the only way to cure him is to have his closure with his mother. Thankfully, this was addressed at the finale. Though, I wanted to see them get married, I kind of understand as Ling Xiao needs more time, after all this is a healing drama.

About the almost love triangle between the siblings, I never thought of it seriously. Because it was easy to differentiate Ziqui’s feelings to Jianjian. It was really a pure sibling love. He just wants to make sure Jianjian will be taken care of in the future. While Ling Xiao, he’s aware that he loves Jianjian (romantically) since they’re young. Those hints given were so easy to decipher. The most obvious one is when he told Jianjian that they’ll be together forever when they grow up. Though Jianjian didn’t take that seriously, I believe Ling Xiao was super serious about that. And regarding Jianjian’s feelings, though I must say that it’s not explored enough I’m also convinced that she’s in love (romantically) with Ling Xiao but she needed a trigger to confirm it (in the drama’s case, it’s Ling Xiao confession).

Music

10/10 Perfect! Downloaded the playlist because the songs are too fitting for this drama. Very nostalgic, and will really captures your heart. I don’t know how many times I laughed and cried because of their super spot on BGMs.

The last time I felt this way was when I finished Reply 1988. It’s a happy ending, I’m happy that they’re happy but at the same time I’m sad that it ended. Another memorable line from the drama... WE'LL ALL GET BETTER.


So if you’re hesitant to watch this, I hope this review will encourage you. Give this gem a try!