Playing Ep 19

What people are saying

• OldTang

  Overall 8

  Story 8,  Acting 8,  Music 8,  Rewatch Value 8

  Color me surprised and thoroughly enchanted; who knew I had been missing out on such a gem in the landscape of contemporary Chinese television? I often find myself maintaining a careful distance from the genre, especially skirting around the overplayed narratives of youthful romance and schoolyard memories that just don't seem to resonate with me. Yet, lo and behold, I found myself captivated by this narrative — a serendipitous discovery through the serpentine rabbit holes of online video clips — and I consumed its entirety...

  as if it were the sweetest of confections, all in the span of a single evening. It recalled the charm of a particular well-loved drama about life's firsts, presenting itself as its effortless cousin, beckoning for an indulgent marathon.
  
  The storyline itself treads familiar paths, adorned with the garlands of expected clichés. However, the execution was far from ordinary; it delivered a satisfying journey, organically unfolding scene after scene with a finesse that left me brimming with contentment. The narrative was skillfully woven without jarring interludes or strained dramatics, capturing even the most tenderly awkward exchanges with an endearing quality that made everything so delightful to witness.
  
  Throughout this frolicsome adventure, the character Zhang stood out with his slew of comically unforeseen interjections. The electric chemistry shared between the leads was spellbinding, and the way their tender relationship unfurled was nothing short of exquisite.
  
  Yun Shu, despite her occasionally baffling lapses of judgment, was brought to life with such endearing authenticity by the actress that it was hard not to be charmed. Zhang, with his unwavering dedication and earnest endeavors to cherish his beloved, won me over entirely — here, take your well-deserved accolade as the most dedicated husband. Their candid communication, a rarity designed to cut through the thicket of potential misunderstandings, enveloped me in a blanket of solace.
  
  In a convivial endorsement, I place this series on the highest pedestal of recommendations: for an effervescent, heart-lifting, and near-immaculate viewing experience. It's a light-hearted jaunt that promises to gift you with laughter, warmth, and whispers of those first flutters of the heart.

• roughcamel

  Overall 8

  Story 8,  Acting 8,  Music 8,  Rewatch Value 8

  In the often predictable realm of romantic comedies, this series doesn't shy away from the beloved formula of pairing a bumbling heroine with her polar opposite, the cool and collected genius male protagonist. Despite sauntering down this well-worn path, the show manages to keep its stride with the undeniable spark between its leads. Their on-screen dynamic captivates, ensuring that the narrative avoids the pitfall of becoming monotonously protracted.
  
  The venture into the lives of other characters can, at times, incite frustration—certain personalities on the sidelines might...

  push the audience's buttons. However, the series excels in not allowing these smaller skirmishes to balloon into sprawling miscommunications lasting entire episodes. That precision in storytelling paves the way for the show's rhythm to remain snappy and engaging.
  
  While the subplots featuring the romances of supporting duos might not capture the imagination as fervently, they do little to detract from the overall enjoyment. The primary duo's whirlwind romance is the show's cornerstone, sweet enough to make any viewer indulge to the last bite. It's an easy recommendation for those craving a confectionary binge of high-spirited drama.

• SharpCinderella

  Overall 9.5

  Story 9.5,  Acting 10,  Music 9,  Rewatch Value 7

  Be aware, this review may reveal key plot elements.
  A tale as old as time with an academic twist—a charming chronicle unfolds between a cerebrally-charged professor and his unsuspecting pupil. My initial impression of the series was tepid at best, the opening chapters not quite igniting my interest, meriting a lukewarm rating. However, as time progressed, the series warmed and won me over, climbing steadily in my personal ranking.
  
  At its core, this series is a refreshing take on romantic narratives. Eschewing the typical adversarial love...

  rivals and work-related turmoil, the series hone in on the romantic trajectory of its leads, sprinkled with a modest dash of professional life.
  
  Central to its plot is the intellectual titan, more machine than man in emotional intelligence, and his counterpart, a beacon of optimism and simplicity who brightens the screen. The sage yet stoic male lead, whose reason and rationality far exceed his emotional depth, is the unsuspecting woman's instructor—the inadvertent obstacle to her academic journey.
  
  Unexpectedly, these two disparate souls are drawn together through a contractual bond born of familial urgency—the professor's grandfather is gravely ill. The trope of a marriage borne out of convenience is not new to this genre, yet in this instance, it's executed with a deft touch and resonant warmth.
  
  Romantically, the audience braces for impact—the amorous voyage starts with her infatuation. His affection is initially dormant but blossoms over time, culminating when they unite with fervor that borders on the saccharine. The subsequent episodes become a parade of passionate displays, replete with kisses that threaten to set the screen ablaze—they resonate with genuine affection and relatable charm. Their dynamic, an amalgamation of the male lead's endearing awkwardness and the female lead's guileless allure, creates an irresistible charm offensive that's delightful to witness.
  
  Their onscreen magnetism is not to be underestimated, especially for the unattached viewer—consider yourselves warned. The series prioritizes romance above all else, and it does so triumphantly.
  
  A nod to character detail, the female lead breaks the cookie-cutter mold with her slightly misaligned smile—a quirk that only adds to her charm rather than diminishes it. In truth, her unique dental attribute endows her with a memorable, down-to-earth charm that's as refreshing as it is rare.
  
  In summary, the series is a must-see for enthusiasts of heartfelt love stories—a testament to the genre's enduring appeal.

• crazylin9

  Overall 9

  Story 8,  Acting 9.5,  Music 8.5,  Rewatch Value 9

  A Sweet and Effortlessly Engrossing Affair
  
  Color me surprised, truly. With little in the way of expectations and a simple craving to see a certain actor, who captivated me in a supporting performance in another series, step into the limelight, I thought this story would serve as a delightful, if not inconsequential, diversion. Little did I know that I would be so ensnared by the narrative's charm that I would devour the entire series in a mere handful of days, a testament to its engrossing nature—even...

  going so far as to absorb the final episodes without the crutch of subtitles.
  
  So, what's the secret sauce? At its core, the narrative doesn't break new ground—a classic teacher-student dynamic peppered with the timeless cool-guy-meets-clumsy-girl trope. However, the potency resided in the depth and genuine nature of the characters. The female protagonist, in her clumsiness, never borders on frustration. Instead, her character elicits empathy without demanding it. The male lead, with his cool demeanor and rational approach, exudes a refreshing warmth—there's a transparency between them that aids in averting unnecessary misunderstandings. What a concept—character growth from personal reflection!
  
  The subplot developments also deserve accolades. They weave into the primary story with skill, providing a balanced taste of diversion without overshadowing the primary romance.
  
  Furthermore, the secondary romantic interests, rather than being conduits for spite, prove instrumental in driving personal discovery and reinforcing the growth arcs for our protagonists.
  
  Let's not overlook the stylistic nuances—the wardrobe and makeup team deserves a round of applause for their authentic representation of a protagonist with modest means through repeated outfits and understated makeup, accentuating her innate goodness and fortitude.
  
  And a nod to authenticity—the lead actress's talents apparently extend off-screen too, with her own artwork purportedly gracing the series, a delightful and personal addition.
  
  Though initially tempted to list some criticisms, they seemed too trifling to warrant mention against the swath of positives.
  
  For those seeking a compact series brimming with heartfelt storytelling, this drama might just be your next viewing delight. Enjoy the emotional journey!

• mightyostrich

  Overall 9

  Story 8.5,  Acting 9,  Music 9,  Rewatch Value 8

  The series strikes a delightful balance of sweetness, perfectly measured to avoid overindulgence. Woven within its narrative tapestry are well-crafted elements, encompassing a charismatic ensemble and a compelling storyline. Central to the plot are the juxtaposed personas—one emanating a flawless embodiment, the other a whimsical disruptor, their qualities encapsulated within the very essence of the series' title.
  
  The tale's unexpected turns subvert the standard tropes of a contractual romance. The male lead, a seemingly immaculate figure, exudes a surprising tenderness that defies expectations. His interactions with...

  the female protagonist are marked by a profound consideration, manifest in gestures that are supportive without veering into condescendence or coercion.
  
  It's easy to overlook the unique dynamics of their initial connection, that of a student and teacher, as the narrative unfolds. Their relationship blossoms into a narrative of first loves, filled with the innocence and intensity characteristic of an idyllic beginning. It's in this space—their shared journey—that the series manages to evoke the pure essence of a first love experience, resonating with the hearts of its audience.