I didn’t know this drama could be this sad. I watched it with no expectations, nor did I read the premise beforehand. But I really like it—one of the best C-dramas I’ve seen. It starts with Lin Tuo (Lin Yi) meeting Ahn Zhi Que (Landy Li) during their summer internship recruitment program and falling in love at first sight. I especially like it when they start their relationship.
Getting closer, they finally graduate and start job hunting together. I love how they support each other through it all. It’s nice to see the progression of their relationship—they look for jobs, work part-time, and take their relationship seriously.
Lin Tuo eventually gets accepted at a design company introduced by his senior, while Zhi Que decides to open a café. Both of them have best friends: Chen Guang Pu (Sun Tian Yu), Lin Tuo’s bestie, who doesn’t work but is rich anyway, and He Xin Di (Li Xin Ran), Zhi Que’s best friend, who does live streaming. Guang Pu is my favorite character, by the way!
Everything is fine until Lin Tuo is diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), and his time becomes limited. This disease gradually causes weakness in the arms and legs, leading to muscle wasting. It can result in the loss of the ability to eat, speak, move, and breathe. His future plans are shattered, and, of course, his relationship with Zhi Que is deeply affected. Wanting to spare her from pain, he decides to take a break from their relationship.
On the other hand, his relationship with his parents starts improving. Initially, they were against him majoring in design, as they wanted him to become a doctor. His parents are very strict, not just with him but also with his brother, Lin Ye (Chen Ze). Lin Tuo is also close to his grandpa, but until the end, I don’t think his grandpa ever finds out about his illness.
Loved the plot and was pleasantly surprised by their acting. To be honest, I don’t really know the actors, but their faces look familiar—maybe I’ve seen them in other dramas before. I enjoyed each episode with a smile until I reached the climax and ended up crying a lot. Seriously, my eyes were swollen after binge-watching the series.
I like that this drama also shows how Zhi Que, his family, and friends truly support Lin Tuo, even as his illness worsens. He eventually needs a wheelchair, and his movements stop working altogether. Despite that, his manager and the company he works for continue to let him work. It’s an idealized story, but I really hope more companies would offer the same opportunities to talented workers with illnesses or disabilities.
Last but not least, 34 episodes felt long for me, but the story is heartfelt, with great acting.
Watch on WeTV
Pictures: mydramalist | Trailer: WeTV Indonesia