Meeting You (2020)

If you want something incredibly sweet and heartwarming with little conflict, THIS IS IT.

First things first, thank you so much Carmon Sub for subtitling this show, you're the reason I was able to enjoy it in the first place!

In general terms, Meeting You is about a girl who's incredibly bright and extroverted, and a very intelligent boy who has deep social anxiety— and the wonderful way in which they compliment each other and lift each other up in their own ways.

If what you're looking for is to feel happy and enjoy some fluffy, sweet romance— this is a must watch.

To tell the truth, the reason why I gave this drama a chance is because I am a sucker for extroverted girl/shy boy stories, but even then it's not like my expectations were incredibly high. But boy, was I in for a treat with this one.

Guo Jun Chen, who I knew from Accidentally In Love (I don't remember much about that show, though) is absolutely adorable as the shy, reserved Nan Xi, and something I really enjoyed is that his growth and him coming out of his shell is incredibly organic and feels very realistic; he doesn't simply change one day and becomes more extroverted, his spirit remains the same throughout the entire show even if he grows and evolves as a person. On the other hand, Wan Peng SHINES in this role as the bubbly, protective and fiercely loyal Xia Rui; she is so incredibly easy to like that you immediately end up wishing you had her as a friend in your life. Their chemistry is palpable, which is probably why it's so easy to fully believe they are soulmates who are destined to be together and it absolutely should not go any other way.

Now, what I loved the most about this show:

• Serious lack of heavy conflict and dumb misunderstandings that drag on forever: I think there are only two "real" moments of conflict in the entire show— one around the middle (if I remember correctly) and one in the final episodes, and they barely last an episode at best (maybe they split it in 2 episodes, but the actual conflict lasts for less than one).
• AMAZING communication: this ties to my previous point of lack of dumb misunderstandings— except for the second lead couple whose entire storyline revolves around the guy being clueless up until the end and the girl not confessing her feelings for him directly to clear it up. When there's a misunderstanding, they talk things through pretty quickly and problems are solved very, very fast.
• The relationship between Xia Rui and Nan Xi, once they realize who the other is, is UNBREAKABLE. Even though they don't officially get together until they're in college, they are both obviously in love with each other and they are 100% loyal to the other. There's a plot with another girl at first (not a villain, don't worry) who really likes Nan Xi, and he over and over flat out rejects her advances because he only likes Xia Rui, no one else. I wish I had read this when I started watching, cause I have serious trauma from dramas where things go right between the main couple and then everything goes wrong, which NEVER HAPPENS HERE. They only have eyes for each other through the entire drama.
• In the same vein, the relationship between Xia Rui and Nan Xi is absolutely amazing. Nan Xi is incredibly smart and does super well in school but struggles deeply with socializing, and Xia Rui is amazing at socializing and struggles with her studies. Because they are good in what the other is lacking, they are constantly helping each other in the sweetest, most wholesome ways. These two absolutely ADORE each other and you can feel it all the time.
• Drunk Nan Xi: Look forward to it.
• Their relationship dynamic is exactly what I love. Exactly. It's perfect. I have nothing more to say.

Now, a much shorter list of what I didn't like:
• The relationship with the second leads is a bit frustrating because you really just want them to get it over with once and for all. However, even when it feels like it's dragging for too long, the fact that their characters are developed in a way that makes it "make sense" for them to not tell each other how they feel makes it somewhat more bearable. Also, this happening at the same time as Xia Rui and Nan Xi are being in love and cute with each other also makes it more bearable.
• I am not one to question the lack of kisses in Asian dramas because to each their own, but there's definitely a disconnect between the way Xia Rui and Nan Xi are towards each other that simply does not correlate with how much Xia Rui shies away when Nan Xi tries to kiss her. It feels out of place for their characters for her to get so flustered about it, when what it would make sense is for her to instantly reciprocate, especially because they're super comfortable around each other otherwise. That being said, there is A LOT of physical affection that is not kisses, and it pretty much makes up for the lack of them. Lots of enthusiastic hugging too.

If there's more I didn't like, it's definitely eclipsed by what I liked cause I honestly can't remember anything else.

In conclusion, I 100% recommend to watch this!

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Light & Bright Youth. Story of Companionship & Friendship

Meeting this drama and their characthers is a mix of youthful spring and calming autumn. Theres that wonderful reminscing of youth, of school, classmates and friendship. Theres that understanding between two people who value and support each other. Theres the spring of childhood friends turned first love.

Although mostly light, Nan xi's backstory was a little sad and lonely at the start. Because of his genius and crowd phobia, he live in seclusion, barracade himself from people both physically and emotionally. Enter Xia Rui, who is his bell while he is the wood. Polar opposites but they share a special friendship that dates to childhood. Having reconcile, Nan xi vows never to be separated from Xia Rui again. In some aspects he comes off clingy and possessive. But if you think of how his life was before her and how much he understands himself and his needs, you can understand a little where hes coming from. Xia Rui represents the light in the dark, the floater in the sea, the colour in a colourless world and the laughter to drown out the noise. She, as he puts it, is and always will be his destination. They make each other reach to be a better part of themselves. The story sees them breaking barriers and improving themselves. Witnessing their growth is like a rewarding task of watching a tree firmly take root, grow, bear fruits and reach its full potential.

We are also treated to 2 of Xia Rui's best friends who also enter Nan xi's world. They make up our second couple who are as cute as they look. The drama is littered with a lot of lovely characters, too many to list individually. In this aspect it's really a feel good drama with lots of positive energy.

The strength lies in their friendship. People who care and makes sure to stay together. Often this is not easily done in real life. Its wonderful to see their friendships persevere from highschool to college. Gratifying to see that they are each other's support systems. I appreciate the message the drama relays and the positive ambience and feel it radiates. The cast were spot on. Fiction Guo has really put his mark as Nan xi and Wan Peng is right at home potraying the warm and radiant XiaRui. If you would want some positive energy and a drama high on friendship and youth, this may be a rewarding watch.

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