I actually watched this by accident, lol. Well, more like I saw it that a certain station was re-airing it. Then I realized I hadn’t watched a Xiao Zhan drama for a while now so I decided to give it a try. Considering how I do like Bai Bai He. How was it? It was surprisingly enjoyable for me.
Main Cast:
- Xiao Zhan (肖戰) as Sheng Yang (盛陽). An artist who worked at an advertising agency but was fired because he was framed for some mishaps. He later opened a small studio of his own with his friends. I really liked Sheng Yang and it wasn’t just because Xiao Zhan portrayed the character. It had a lot to do with it though. Sheng Yang was ambitious but also quite grounded. He was inexperienced regarding the industry yet he was willing to learn and adapt. He had his hotheaded moments but he wasn’t irredeemable. His strong will fueled his loyalty toward his friends and his love for Jian Bing. He could also be childish at times but wasn’t outright obnoxious. It was just a little playfulness, a little mischief some of us have. All in all, I felt his character was very real. He was growing and learning. What was lovable about him was that he was never arrogant. He was very humble and appreciative toward his family and friends. Although there were moments were he was hurt and felt lost, he continued to strive on. Xiao Zhan’s performance was brilliant. I liked it that he took another challenge and is selective of his works. Perhaps, he had more wiggle room than others (so this is not a jab at others who took on back to back projects because of company commitments or other reasons). Anyway, he brought out the character quite well and made it relatable.
- Bai Bai He (白百何) as Jian Bing (簡冰). A famous director and a co-owner to a major production studio. She was at the height of her career yet wasn’t happy. It turned out she fell into the same situation as her mother. Her husband was cheating on her constantly, which she brushed it off, but could no longer tolerate it hence seeking divorce. It was her only way to escape from going completely insane. She was sophisticated yet simplistic at the same time. If that was possible. But it was like she knew how to carry on and entertain others when time called for it for work, etc. (Most but not all situations, obviously.) Yet she had a very simple life, not caring impress others if she didn’t feel like it. She had exquisite taste in some areas yet also loved a simple bowl of snail noodles. (I’m not saying snail noodles isn’t fancy, it’s really nice and I’m addicted too, lol, but I have heard many people complain about the smell). Jian Bing was also quite grounded in her ways. The transition between her younger self (via flashbacks) and current self was convincing. Bai Bai He made the character lovable and relatable. I felt for her at every moment and looked forward to more of her scenes.
Supporting:
- Tian Yu (田雨) as Xue Yi Ming (薛義明). Jian Bing’s husband and then later ex-husband, a famous director and co-owner of a major production studio. At first, I really hated him because he was a player and an asshole through and through. Yet, as the story progressed, I had mixed feelings. It was like the writers didn’t want us to hate him completely so they provided his character with such a sense of humor that one couldn’t help but laugh at times. I didn’t know where it was going and wished that they didn’t make him out to be such a jerk before telling us he wasn’t that terrible in general. He just wasn’t cut out for marriage. If only he knew that before hurting Jian Bing. Yet it wasn’t like they weren’t in love at one time. They were. It was just that he lost the sense of direction along the way and took advantage of his fame that he ended up losing her. So, it was important that Jian Bing made him understand the situation later and not hurt Shan Shan as well.
- Zhu Zhu (朱珠) as Liang Shan Shan (梁珊珊). Jian Bing and Xue Yi Ming’s best friend, also an important decision-maker at the production studio owned by Jian Bing and Xue Yi Ming. She was probably the female version of Xue Yi Ming. The only difference was she understood herself and didn’t get married, so whatever she did with her life was her business. At first, I thought the plot was going in the direction of surface best friends who betrayed each other later on. The reason I had to use “surface” and not just “best friends” because dramas loved to use that plot with two best friends who ended up betraying each other because of some reasons thus leading to fall out later. They weren’t friends in the first place if they were that calculative against one another, so to even call the dynamic as “best friends” was laughable. So, I had to say “surface” because that was the image writers want to pave as a front to lead viewers in. Anyway, because Jian Bing and Xue Yi Ming already divorced, it wasn’t considered a betrayal or cheating in that sense to Jian Bing. It was just really shocking and awkward. It turned out, Shan Shan knew Xue Yi Ming first and then was later introduced to Jian Bing. That was how they started that friendship and then eventually becoming like best friends. It was a sticky situation yet I was glad they managed to work it out later on, not dodging anymore.
- Liu Xun (劉迅) as Song Chen (宋晨). Sheng Yang’s friend and co-worker who later became co-owner of their small studio. I was really annoyed with him at first. I thought he was taking advantage of Sheng Yang’s generosity, which he did at times. But the story elaborated it later that their friendship was strange from the start and that was how they were. They weren’t just co-workers, they were also friends outside of that. He wasn’t as ambitious about his career nor life in general. He just wanted to get by. Yet his strongest point was being a major support system for Sheng Yang. Although he regretted not trying hard enough previously and dragging Sheng Yang down later when they started their business, he had always backed Sheng Yang up in different situations. To think that he even quit his job for Sheng Yang, it was something. That was knowing it would be hard to find another one in such a condition. And no one would blame him for staying. It was Sheng Yang’s wish to keep him and Pan Rou after all. He quit on principle and the anger probably fused it but he didn’t regret or blame Sheng Yang afterward. He was frustrated with the situation and how hard it was to break into the market on their own. Yet he never regretted his friendship with Sheng Yang. Because of his persistency later on, he was able to change the situation along with the others. The rough start was a reality check for them, but they managed to stick it through.
- Julia Xiang Han Zhi (向涵之) as Pan Rou (潘柔). The daughter of Sheng Yang’s mother’s friend who was match-made with Sheng Yang but stood him up. She later showed up at his company and he found out she was the new intern. At first, she was hostile toward him yet realized his capabilities and ended up liking him. Ironically, she lost all grounds when she ditched him at the first meeting, regardless of reason, so she lost her chance. Even if Sheng Yang didn’t like her anyway and had no intention of being match-made, he showed up out of courtesy and respect and wanted to talk to her when they meet up to clear up the matters. She chose to send messages and then not show up at all, which left a very bad impression on him. So, they had a rough start first yet became friends later and she even became an investor for his studio. I didn’t think much of her at first. Not just because she ditched Sheng Yang and acted somewhat arrogant at first. But she was kind of out of touch at times. Then later, her character grew on me. It wasn’t just because she liked Sheng Yang and wanted to prove herself. But she wasn’t as spoiled or inconsiderate. It was just that she was too optimistic about some aspects of life. She did learn the harsh reality of some things later on, especially having to do with the industry. She also became one of the most supportive friends to Sheng Yang and Song Chen later.
Others:
- Yang Hao Yu (楊皓宇) as Sheng Xiang Qian (盛向前). Sheng Yang’s father, a public service worker who takes care of trash collection. Unknowingly, he was the reason for Sheng Yang to have met and then began liking Jian Bing ages ago. He was featured in a video Jian Bing made highlighting the importance of public service workers. He was very proud of his job and was glad that Sheng Yang became appreciative of him as well. He oftentimes supported Sheng Yang yet had to pretend to be mad to ease the situation with his wife. It was somewhat hilarious seeing their father and son relation and the secrets they held at times.
- Wang Lin (王琳) as Luo Mei Juan (羅美娟). Sheng Yang’s mother, a supermarket cashier. She was all right for the most part but I felt she was too rough at times. Yes, reality and all. But it was really hard to watch regarding some parts. I didn’t mean just the acceptance bit between Sheng Yang and Jian Bing later, but more about her conflicts with her husband. I was glad things turned out fine regarding both counts but it was too much at times. Perhaps, it was more realistic that way.
- Yuan Wen Kang (袁文康) as Fang Mu (方沐). A music professor. He was really annoying and that was being nice. Yes, I had enough of his pitiful acts and his somewhat arrogant attitude. On the surface, it seemed like he was sophisticated because of his musical background and he was intelligent because of his scholar background. Yet it was just paving a good image for him. It was nothing but a suit. He didn’t have anything interesting going on for him. He was so clueless at stuff too. He might be a good teacher but his obliviousness was top-notch. Seriously. He pushed my limit when he said Sheng Yang kept cutting in line. Not just because I sided with Sheng Yang. But he seriously didn’t know anything yet liked to criticize. If he wanted to count, Sheng Yang knew her first so if anyone was cutting, he was. He liked to tally up the points so he could use toward Jian Bing later, right? It seemed that way. If he liked to compare, Sheng Yang never cared how much he did for Jian Bing, he just did them because it made her happy, that was it.
- Wu Xing Jian (吳幸鍵) as Hao Jun Jie (郝俊傑). Fang Mu’s nephew, a university student. He was all right but still unnecessary to the series. Yes, that was how I felt in general. He was just another side character to form another story arch but wasn’t necessary for the overall plot. So, I was really bored with his appearances too.
- Bu Guan Jin (卜冠今) as Jian Shuang (簡霜). Jian Bing’s younger sister, a university student. Although she was quite young yet her mentality was worse than an old granny waiting to hold her grandchild or something. Seriously, it was ridiculous of how she tried to pimp her sister out so fast and not respecting her sister’s wishes about staying single for the time being. She was also a hypocrite because if she didn’t like it that she was thrown into awkward situations, why did she do it to her sister? It was ridiculous. I was bored with her story arch because I no longer enjoy those school days stories. But including the part where she furiously match-made for her sister was pushing it for me.
- Han Qiu Chi (韓秋池) as Wang You De (王有德). A team leader at the advertising company Sheng Yang, Song Chen, and Pan Rou worked at at the beginning. He was very despicable yet still managed to stay with the company all these years. That told you all you needed to know about the company. I didn’t think their boss was a dummy with obliviousness or whatever. He knew, he just didn’t want to rock the boat. He allowed it to happen–regardless of reasoning. I didn’t expect an ounce of decency from this character, so I wasn’t disappointed nor cared. I just knew some people out there found him acceptable so he was able to continue on. If he wasn’t exposed to the point of no return, they wouldn’t get rid of him anyway.
- Dai Le Le (代樂樂) as Liu Jia Le (劉佳樂).
- Hugo Ng (吳岱融) as Jian Zhong De (簡忠德). Jian Bing’s father. At first, I just thought he was a grumpy old man with traditional values so he just clashed with his children. However, the plot revealed he was just a terrible human being in general. However, because they needed to make everything all gift wrap and portraying a harmonious family in the end, so they allowed some side details for justifications and made everything all right. It was ridiculous. I like the actor, just didn’t think his story arch was worth anything.
Likes:
- The soundtrack. It was so nice and so elegant in some ways, lol. And as much as I love listening to music while watching, I admitted it was nice that they dialed back on it in this series. Because it reflected reality more. They gave it nice touches here and there to accompany the plot but didn’t do it to the point you know it was more to promote the soundtrack only.
- The collaboration between Xiao Zhan and Bai Bai He. I’m probably in the minority because I read many comments criticizing their lack of chemistry and odd pairing. Or maybe I wasn’t reading in the right places, lol. But I loved them together and wanted to see more how their story develop as characters. And, of course, how they would overcome all the obvious obstacles to be together. Honestly, I almost expected it to be a sad ending because of people not accepting them and they might not pass the test of time. Yet they grew closer together and eventually proved to others that they were meant to be together. Because of her age, she was more matured, obviously. However, they did have their cute moments and I enjoyed those greatly.
- The friendship between Sheng Yang, Song Chen, and Pan Rou. I didn’t expect to like them so much because it seemed really random. But their team surprisingly worked. They were young and ambitious at first when they started the studio. Along the way, they made mistakes and learned a lot from it. They still had a long way to go but they had a better grasp of the industry at that point. I already mentioned how supportive they were toward one another. That was the key in allowing them to thrive later on. Although one or another made mistakes, they didn’t play the blame game. They were disappointed or upset because of what happened but didn’t take it out on one another. They laughed and cried together at various points but eventually pulled themselves up again. It paved a great sense of reality.
- The unity of the team at the studio. Regardless of their silliness or goofiness at times, they were united when it mattered. I thought most would leave when that one arrogant guy was set out to kill their careers. Yet they stayed. I wouldn’t blame them if they had left because their livelihoods were at stake. However, they stayed and supported Jian Bing. A tad unrealistic but touching.
Dislikes:
- The ongoing conflict between Sheng Yang’s parents that stretched over several episodes. It was really annoying. I knew and understood that the mother felt underappreciated and just wanted to be reminded that she was important in their lives. She wanted to be spoiled without being nagged or criticized for being vain, etc. She deserved to be pampered. However, it was hard to endure with it stretching on forever. It became an opportunity for Jian Bing to jump in and resolve the matter but it was seriously unnecessary with the stretch, etc.
- Jian Shuang, Hao Jun Jie, and Fang Mu were unnecessary characters. Yes, this is beyond mean. But I felt without them, the story would still be about the same. It would be less stressful as well. Maybe they could include Jian Shuang to add into Jian Bing’s background a bit more. But I felt their story was really bland and didn’t add on to anything. It just caused more trouble and frustration. Not to mention the three’s outrageous plans to show up during Jian Bing’s work project so they could be with her (or more like matchmaking chance) but it was too childish and unnecessary. It almost caused her project. Luckily, everything went smoothly in the end. And it wasn’t like Sheng Yang didn’t show up at one of the work projects as well. What I meant was the way Jiang Shuang was nagging and nagging about how cold it was and rushed Jian Bing to hurry, etc. If they had stayed and waited patiently and actually helped the situation, I wouldn’t be as annoyed. But the nagging and the impatient bit was really something else. Like seriously? She was working. They didn’t have to be there. They were distracting her, thus causing the shoot to go on even longer. And even if she wasn’t working, she already showed no interest in the other guy. Yet, the three continued to show up and annoy her with the match-making bit. Once again, I’m not attacking them as actors, I’m talking about their characters.
- Forcing Jian Bing to accept her father again. It was like they needed justification to redeem him. He just had to do the minimum by visiting the wife’s grave to be seen as a human. Why didn’t he treat her better when she was alive? Why in the world did he cheat on her and ruin their family? If he didn’t want to marry, he didn’t have to. If he didn’t want to start a family, he didn’t have to. He could also opt to divorce or whatever else. He had a lot of choices but chose to cheat and then acted pitiful and bitter years later. As for Jian Shuang, I guessed it was a wrong approach to force her to stay away. It was her choice and decision, so I didn’t agree (although I understood Jian Bing was trying to protect her sister). It was up to Jian Shuang to decide. But forcing Jian Bing to accept her father again just because they (the writers) were trying to shove it in with trying to gift wrap and wanting everything to be resolved all nicely, showing a model family or whatever else. The icing on the cake was how Jian Bing blamed herself for what happened to her mother more than blaming him. So, it was like forgiving herself by forgiving him hence it had to happen. Other than that, it was just reinforcing the fact that parents could never be wrong, etc.
Discussions:
- The remake of My Dear Boy. I didn’t realize it but this will be really awkward, lol. Because as much I wanted to, I haven’t watched My Dear Boy yet. Yes, I got delayed in other stuff and then put it aside indefinitely. Maybe this will motivate me to watch and then compare, lol.
Recommended? I think you have to be interested in the theme and the main couple to enjoy it.