{year}=2025{episode}=EP.21{type}=TV{ongoing}
Review
Our story begins with a murder. A young bride (Xia Yubing) is forced to take poison on her wedding night. The groom (Xu Zi Yan) justifies the act by saying that she framed his beloved (Xia Liu Qing) and someone evil and deserving of death. We learn that Yubing was deceived by Liu Qing and that she really is not evil. The tale is moved from the past to the present, where we learn that Yubing and Zi Yan are both characters in a comedy by a new writer, and that her editor is not happy with the story of a stupid girl and a heartless hero. The writer vows to do better and after some revisions turns Yubing into the heroine and the good character in the story, with Zi Yan the young doctor who wants to force her to take the medicine to save her from a rare but deadly disease.
Despite the slight confusion, it’s an easy-to-follow rom-com that (almost) never forgets its humor. I laughed during most of the episodes, even during what would normally be "dark" moments like executions or torture. The emphasis of the story is less on plot than on building relationships. Yubing turns out to be a warm and loving businesswoman. Not only do she and Zi Yan begin a wonderful romance, but Yubing also develops wonderful relationships with her sister Liu Qing, Zi Yan's close friend Ye Wen, and with Zi Yan's father Xu Guang Ling. Yubing is a positive presence in all of their lives as she helps create a better family/friendship situation for herself/those around her, and a more collaborative and caring business environment for her community. If you like feel-good stories, this is definitely one you'll enjoy.
The acting is impeccable, and the chemistry between our leads is great.
However, some stories are perfect and this is no exception. The story gave too much time to the villains which caused it to drag on for parts. The ending, while enjoyable, was a touch incomplete. The Gu Gu/NPC characters were great and well-presented, but I could have done with less writing, especially in the finale. That said, this is easily my favorite Chinese rom-com.
