Drama Digest
Adapted from the novel, “Qing Chun Xu Zao Wei” by Li Xing Jian, the show follows the lives of a group of friends as they spread out into the real world after each of their graduations. At their graduation ceremony, Cheng Xin proposes to her sweetheart Zheng Gan, yet is shockingly rejected. While Cheng Xin proceeds to work at her family’s partnership, Zheng Gan struggles getting a new line of work, until Cheng Xin subtly assists him with passing a meeting without him knowing. However, when reality comes out, in addition to the fact that he loses his employment and notoriety in the field, annihilating the connection between Zheng Gan and Cheng Xin in its wake. The journey of these characters as they struggle to find their own unique professional identities and personalities is what creates the crux of this show.
The Feel-Good Part
The character arcs for the most part, especially for the rich and beautiful Cheng Xin are wholesome and satisfying. The character transitions from a somewhat spoilt and entitled brat to an independent and concerned person. The simplicity with which the show presents the chaos that is everyday adult life is laudable.
The Disappointing Factor
The show’s second half doesn’t live up to the expectations created by the show’s first half. What seem like admirable character developments standing at the middle of the show’s runtime, fall apart as it draws to an end. The incongruity is discerning and off-putting at best between the two halves of the show. Several classical television tropes of jealousy, suffering, and unrequited love are put into play in the second half of the show, making the whole ordeal quite frustrating for the viewer.
In-Depth Analysis
The show had much promise, but it fails to deliver as it comes to an end. What the audience is left with, in the form of its characters and plotline, is bittersweet at best. The show is even more disappointing due to the excellence of the first half, which establishes the potential of the actors, crew, and the creators of the show. This makes it harder to accept the ending as a true ending. It almost feels like the show was created in two halves with much of the writing team replaced for the second.
Star Power
The show stars Hu Yi Tian and Elaine Zhong as the main characters, Zheng Gan and Cheng Xin respectively. The two are sincere in their effort and a treat to watch together onscreen.
Overall Opinion
This simple and at times dramatic portrayal of the life of a common graduate is heart-warming at best and frustrating at its worst. The show had immense potential but clearly gave it all up for mediocrity.
