You are great, always know that

Have you ever *literally* kicked your legs around, and slapped your face giggling as you flushed? Have you ever felt immense awe and love at just a fictional story?

Well it’s the first time ever I have had such a physical reaction to any form of devouring a romance. Hidden Love stole my heart in ways I know will be hard to explain as it must be experienced.

It’s officially been over a week since I said goodbye to Shang Zhi and Duan Jixau but it’s fair to admit they have not left my heart and soul since.

The blossoming love story

As every romance, Hidden Love had with it a few tropes that make my heart sing. We have the brothers best friend trope, a little 5 year age gap making this a forbidden romance; and to top it off it’s a timeline romance fuelled with a lot of sweetness but angst too.

At the core we follow Shang Zhi played by the phenomenal Zhao Lusi. We meet her at age 13, a high school junior. She’s a bright girl but seemily gets in trouble for not paying attention in Maths. Can one blame her?

Sang Zhi first lands eyes on her brothers best friend unexpectedly upon his return home from settling into University. She’s taken by Duan Jixau’s looks and kindness. What starts as a childlike crush only grows as she tries every waking moment to see him.

It’s key to note here that Duan Jixau never looks at Shang Zhi any way other than as his friends sister. He treats her with respect and kindness. He cares for her as he would his own sister and is none the wiser to her huge crush.

Over the years

Sang Zhi as established we see grow up from ages 13 to 19. At random points she meets Duan Jixau again. They build a friendship, especially when he helps tutor her in Physics and is around to help her in tough situations. She can rely on him and with every moment they spend together she creates promises to care for him the same when she has the finances.

It’s not until they meet again at age 18 and Duan Jixau at 23. For reasons, Sang Zhi is guarded and in avoidance mode, however when Duan Jixau needs help unexpectedly and her being the only one in the city of Yihe with him, she cares for him the way he would for her – without a word said.

It’s after this that Daun Jixau starts to realise she isn’t the little girl he knew way back when but has changed. A flutter starts in his chest and with kindness he begins to pursue her.

Sang-Sang Siblings

We can’t jump into the brewing romance without a mention of the secret star of the show Sang Yan played by Victor Ma.

As someone who has a sibling and gets along well with them, it always warms my heart seeing sibling relationships that mirror my own. Sang Yan and Sang Zhi do just that.

Despite the age difference they are close. We see more often the siblings hanging out together, than with their parents. I especially adored how Sang Yan may act all annoyed, but was happy to drag his sister alongside him when he would see his friends. She was never made to feel any other way, than accepted and loved.

It is partially because of how everyone around her raised her that Sang Zhi is able to support Duan Jixau and heal his wounds – one’s she never made.

Furthermore, Sang Yan is a protective brother, I anticipated the moment he would find out about his best friend and sister. As someone who devours the trope and loves an angsty blowout – IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT!

If I could spoil away, I would, but just know it’s perfect. The greatest balance of frustration, heartbreak, care and acceptance. Only Victor Ma could have done the role such justice with his playful, yet serious approach to Sang Yan.

Our cheeky prince

Duan Jixau played by Chen Zheyuan, is yet another perfect casting. If Zhao Lusi stole our hearts throughout, it’s Chen Zheyuan who came storming in the end to seal the deal of them being one of the top couples you’ll witness on screen.

His character is quite the mystery throughout, we only see glimpses of his backstory and it isn’t until we are grown with Shang Zhi that we know the full scope of the life he has already lived.

Jixau will steal your heart from the beginning, there is no doubt about it. His sweetness, cheeky banter with Sang Yan and caring nature is hard not to love.

When this man falls in love…well we get to see a WHOLE new side to him. I’m unafraid to say that it was his core moments that had me on the floor kicking and screaming into a pillow. I’ve never witnessed a “falling and courting” done with such grace and smarts. That’s Daun Jixau for you.

As said he is none the wiser to Sang Zhi’s childhood crush on him so when he falls, it’s very natural and real. He is aware of their age gap but respectful to the fact it should all be on her terms. Yet when he does uncover her longing for him *giggles* I couldn’t have fell harder for him and how he handles each of those moments.

Be your light

Duan Jixau faced a lot of hardships in life but his best friend, Sang Yan and his family were huge in keeping him afloat. Sang Zhi becomes the cherry on top, the shining beacon of light in his life. A reason to be happy and know he deserves it.

I adored how the plot focuses not only on Shang Zhi growing up to be this amazing woman but how she has always been wiser beyond her years and was able to channel the positive energy into showing someone she has loved forever they are worthy of happiness.

They become each others light, facing hardships together and joy together. Communication is grand and it’s one of the many reasons why Hidden Love stays a top watch.

It’s rare to find a story not only unfold so perfectly, but for the characters to have realistic flaws that don’t make you dislike them but love them more.

My heart sings when I think of Hidden Love. I feel as though I lived a million lifetimes watching it and can only hope others find the peace and fluttering romance in their hearts as I do by the end of it.

It’s absolutely one of those dramas that will have you looking up every behind the scenes moment and looping the soundtrack (speaking of Be Your Light by Victor Ma is my personal favourite)!

Shouout to my good friend, Aditi for making sure I got to Hidden Love eventually – I do regret not jumping on it sooner – but it came to me when I needed it most and now will live with me forever.

Special Mention

Zhao Lusi. I do find often it’s the ML that I gravitate towards and as amazing as Chen Zheyuan was, and his full smiles that I awaited to catch on screen – it was Zhao Lusi that stole my heart the most.

Her portrayal of Sang Zhi over the years was done so well. She acted the age and never felt too childish or silly. Most of all she was confident and sure of herself. We saw a clear growth and I believed her deserving of everything she got in life.

I would seek to find Zhao Lusi’s smiles, as when she smiled it lit up the whole world. No one could replace her character, and I’m grateful to have seen her as our Sang Zhi. So thank you Zhao Lusi and I truly wish you only the best health and happiness in the world – your smile is full of kindness and I hope you receive that back in spades.