I hadn't watched Chinese Dramas for so long (binge-watched S. Korean ones) but when I came across this drama (and its ratings), I decided to make a comeback to C-Dramas. I must say that that's the best decision I ever made till now because "Hidden Love" totally changed my perspective of C-Dramas (previously, I thought they were good but cringe). This drama genuinely captivated me from start to finish. However, as much as I adored it, there were a couple of elements because of which I gave it a 9.5 and not a perfect 10. But I'll write about that in the end of my review. Let me first tell you what actually made this drama so so so good!

So, what truly made this drama shine was the exceptional acting. The main lead actors Chen Zheyuan & Zhao Lusi took their characters to a whole new level of depth and authenticity. It was as if they breathed life into the screen, making each moment truly memorable. The ML's (Duan Jiaxu's) eye expressions were to die for! The FL's acting was phenomenal too. The supporting characters also did a great job & that's why I gave the acting part of this drama a 10/10.

One of the aspects that made this drama stand out was its ability to create an immersive and heartwarming atmosphere. It felt like a warm embrace to me. This is where the drama truly excelled, portraying the delicate intricacies of relationships, friendships & emotions. I loved the bond between FL (Sang Zhi) & her brother Sang Yan.

Now, let's come to the couple of areas where the drama fell just shy of perfection (in my opinion). Firstly, the supporting characters (Sang Yan, Wang Ruolan & Jiang Ming) didn't receive as much screen time as I would have liked. While the main leads shone brightly, I wanted to delve deeper into the lives, thoughts, and emotions of the supporting cast. Providing them some more screentime could have added an extra layer of richness to the drama.

The second point that I found kind of strange was the sudden change of the ML's feelings for the FL. The ML admitted his feelings for the FL out of nowhere & it felt so abrupt that I couldn't help but notice it. While the chemistry between them was incredible & undeniable, I wished to witness the different stages of his emotional transformation more vividly – from initial denial and hesitation to eventual acceptance and determination. A more gradual progression would have made his character's growth of feelings even more compelling.

*Edit : Another thing which I was concerned about while watching this drama was that they chose such a young girl for playing the role of 14 years old Sang Zhi. Since there is a 5 years age gap between ML & FL, they should've chosen a girl who actually looked 14 instead of 8 so that viewers won't feel disturbed. Just remembered this point & wanted to add it but otherwise it's alright. Kindly continue reading the rest of my review below.

In conclusion, despite these minor setbacks, this drama remains a beautiful and emotionally resonant experience & it's far by the best C-Drama I watched. It enveloped me in a world of genuine warmth and heartfelt moments. The exceptional acting and the portrayal of intricate human relationships make it a must-watch. While it might not have been a flawless 10/10 for me, it certainly left a lasting impression on me ❤️.

(P.S. : I'm IN LOVE with the ost "Forever Star"!! ✨)