Stay with Me" is a remake of "Addicted: Heroin." I haven't watched "Addicted: Heroin" yet, as it was unfinished. However, this version did not have any of the toxicity of that series. This series had the same feel as the earlier HIStory series 1-2, especially "Make Our Days Count." GMMTV could learn a lot from this series.

The story centers around Su Yu, an intelligent high school student who lives a hard life with poor his father. He resents his mother for remarrying a wealthy man and refuses to acknowledge her new family or accept any of her help. Su Yu has a stepbrother he has never met. Unbeknownst to anyone, his stepbrother, Wu Bi, unknowingly transfers into his class as an act of rebellion against his stepfather. They did not get along when they first met. From the outside, it looks like Wu Bi is a spoiled brat and an underachiever who is a disappointment to his father. Through a random coincidence, Su Yu’s father befriends Wu Bi and introduces them. Despite their initial differences, Su Yu and Wu Bi gradually warm up to each other. They become friends as they get to know each other and form a special bond. However, when a heated fight arises, their true identities are revealed. They overcome each new obstacle, unforeseen discovery, and misunderstanding to form a special relationship.

I am glad that I binge-watched this instead of waiting week after week for each episode to come out. I would have either put this series on hold or dropped it if I had watched it weekly. The first two episodes were slow, and to be honest, I fast-forwarded a lot through them. After episode three, we see the story develop between Wu Bi and Su Yu.

This series was very well-paced. It had so many heartwarming moments. I've laughed and cried in equal measure during this series.

Since this is a series from China with its censorship, it delves more into the dynamics of Su Yu and Wu Bi’s relationship without showing you anything remotely close to explicit scenes, but you still understand they had a sexual relationship.

I love that the first part was about laying out the messy lives of both Su Yu and Wu Bi. The second part shows how Wu Bi becomes a member of Su Yu’s family. The third part is about how Su Yu works on resolving their messy family situations and giving Wu Bi his peace. The last part sets up Wu Bi’s family, especially Mo Yi, for season 2.

Every character was well-developed. This includes our leads, Wu Bi and Su Yu, their parents, Aunt Zhao, Duo, the classmates, the would-be girlfriend of Su Yu, and Wu Bi’s uncle and cousin.

I might be in the minority, but I liked the ending as it is the ultimate cliffhanger for a season 2.