Stay with Me (2023)

A series so good that it will stay with you

Amidst the backdrop of Chinese content restrictions on LGBTQ themes, this emerges as a remarkable series that transcends limitations, delivering a heartwarming tale that lingers in your thoughts. Witnessing the transformation of the two main characters from adversaries to lovers is a truly gratifying experience, subtly portraying their blossoming affection in a context where explicit declarations are constrained.

Even as the narrative draws inspiration from the original "Addicted" series, "Stay with Me" unveils the lives of two high school students, Su Yu and Wu Bi, whose personalities clash vehemently. Oblivious to the fact that their estranged parents are now married, the series deftly navigates their interactions as their connection deepens, unravelling the complexities of their family dynamics.

Within its narrative, the series embraces a spectrum of emotions, including drama, nuanced romance, friendship, unrequited love, and the intricate relationships between parents and children. It effortlessly weaves mystery and action, making each episode a captivating chapter in their journey. At the heart of the series is the brilliant portrayal of the lead characters, showcasing the remarkable talents of Xu Bin and Zhang Jiong Min. Xu Bin brings Wu Bi's fiery yet compassionate persona to life, capturing his internal struggles, love, and longing. His portrayal of a young man who values love over material wealth resonates deeply. Zhang Jiong Min's performance as Su Yu is equally mesmerizing. He masterfully conveys the layers of emotions beneath Su Yu's academic prowess, unveiling a character driven by unresolved feelings, yet undeterred in showing his affections.

Together, Xu Bin and Zhang Jiong Min convey the intricate relationships their characters share with family members and with each other. The series adeptly navigates their evolving bond through moments of conflict, jealousy, and an irresistible yearning to be together. Amidst their squabbles, the underlying affection remains unshaken, reflected in their mutual support and sacrifices for each other's happiness.

The subtlety in portraying their love is a testament to the series' finesse. While misunderstandings and fights occasionally punctuate their relationship, the unspoken emotions remain intact. Their mutual protectiveness and genuine care are reflected in their actions, whether it's Wu Bi's watchful eye on Su Yu or Su Yu's unwavering support for Wu Bi's aspirations.

In conclusion, this series triumphs as a superior adaptation, filling the void left by “Addicted”. The exceptional performances, engaging music, and heartfelt narrative combine to create an emotionally rich experience. While the series concludes with a cliffhanger, one can only hope for a second season to continue this captivating journey of love and self-discovery.

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THEY ARE IN LOVE, YOUR HONOR! THIS IS LOVE AND NO ONE CAN TELL ME OTHER WISE!

Istg whoever says this is not a BL couldn't be more wrong. Like, what yall on about????? Who's out there acting like this with their homies and bros, HUH?! Kissing on the cheek in the dark? Lovingly gazing at each other? Saying your homie only belongs to you? Brother, what code book have I missed, cuz I sure as hell, and no one around me, be acting like this.

Addicted was a series that was basically a cultural reset, and one of the biggest things to ever exist. It genuinely shaped a whole generation. And even though I don't remember much, I remember being engrossed into the story like no fucking other man. The acting, the visuals, the story telling... everything was stellar. So this coming in and trying to remake it into its own thing under the label of "bromance" was a massive shoe to fill.

And did it succeed? One million fucking percent!!

I am obsessed with this. I am obsessed with these characters. Wu Bi and Su Yu have me in a fucking chock hold. I lost sleep over these characters. Just thinking about those last few eps and the lines they say hurt me. Even now, just writing this makes my chest ache. Am I being dramatic? 100%. But that's what these characters have done to me. I laughed with them. Cried for them. Got angry for and with them. Got emotionally invested into all these characters and their stories. Their lives were my lives. It's no over exaggeration to say that this is hands down one of the best BLs ever. They didn't even need to add any kissing or confirmation scenes to show that they love each other. The dialogue, the acting... the actors put their backs into this and it paid off. You could tell what they felt for each even if they didn't explicitly say it. That's just how good this was. These two were in love. Their love was pure, heart wrenching, possessive... addictive. And I loved every second of it.

I don't even know where to start with this, but I guess I will start with Su Yu. This boy is fucking amazing. He's a character that's hard to pull off. Because unlike Wu Bi, he doesn't show his emotions outwardly, doesn't use big words or affection. It's the small things, like small gestures or the looks of affection, and the things he does and says. Outside looking in, you'd think only Wu Bi is in love. But no. This boy is just as in love. And the actor did a fantastic job in portraying him. Su Yu isn't someone who lets people in easily. He's guarded, walls higher than the Everest, protecting his heart not only from others, but even his dad. The environment he was brought up in, the situations he was put in, you could just tell he was defensive and kept people at arms length. His studying was the only form of protection and identity — his armour. But then came Wu Bi, bulldozing his way through and slowly crumbling those walls. And you could just tell how Su Yu slowly started to open up his heart, started to trust him. And every time that Wu Bi did something to hurt him, he'd just go back to the cold hearted guy, closing himself off.

But then, when Wu Bi truly started to show that he cares for no one but Su Yu, boy was gone. He's hurt by Wu Bi, but still waits, longs and thinks about him. "He's lost. He can't find his way home." This line destroyed me. He was angry, but deep down he was still waiting. Even when that bitch Ye Wan Ying came into the picture, boy wasn't even concerned about her trying to get with him or her motives, brother got angry because he thought Wu Bi liked her. All he could think about was Wu Bi when he was with her in their last meeting. And then him telling Wu Bi: "From Today onwards, until you get married, I will spend all the holidays with you." Excuse me?!!?! Like this was a confession without it being a confession!!!

And from then, you could just tell how much he cared for the boy without even him saying anything. The looks he gives, seeking for Wu Bi when he needs comfort, looking at Wu Bi before saying "Wo Ai Ni!!" And that rain scene, STOP!!! He was starving, thirsty, nearly drowned, sitting under a fucking down pour and only his shirt to protect him, and what does he do??? CALLS WU BI!!! LIKE SHUT UP, I'M NOT CRYING. And then him acting like he didn't miss Wu Bi, but didn't even waste a second to run to the airport when he got his man's call?? I WAS SQUEALING!! He cares so much for his boy, to give him closure, and he was ready to risk his life. No, you're the one going mad, not me. Istg I could be here all day, and still not be finished. Su Yu is such a perfectly executed character I genuinely can't put it into words. And only a great actor like Zhang Jiong Min could bring him to life like he did.

Now lets get onto my man Wu Bi. This boy. Oh my fucking god this boy. I love him to bits. I didn't think I would love a character this much, but my love for him is too big to contain. The moment he dropped that banging line about calling Su Yu's mum "mum" only after she's dead, I was sold. Then you see his goofy side and I knew it was a point of no return. Xu Bin did such an amazing job that I know I would do him injustice if I don't say he was anything less then perfect, show-stopping, otherworldly. Like, I really thought he was going to be nothing but a cold hearted bastard, but then you slowly peel back the layers and you begin to see what kind of character he truly is. His complicated relationship with his dad, wanting to get any from of validation from him, to accept him as he is. His relationship with Su Yu's dad and getting that fatherly love his own father had stopped giving him. His relationship with Duo, and that sibling bond. Istg, that might have been my absolute favourite familial relationship ever. Wu Bi and Duo had to be the most precious fucking little nuggets I have ever seen before.

Then comes his relationship with Su Yu. This genuinely had to be a masterclass of story telling. You could just tell the moment Su Yu stopped being someone he was interested in and wanted to tease to someone who was unreplaceable. The love that he holds for Su Yu might be a bit possessive, but at its core, its pure. Its kind and loving. Su Yu had been the first person to ever challenge him. To push back against him and not yield to his wills. And that is exactly what Wu Bi needed in his life. And watching him go through the lengths just to keep Su Yu happy was heart breaking. The small, "I hope you happiness" to that bitch Ye Wan Ying when he thought her and Su Yu were gonna be together was devastating. Boy didn't want that to happen, but he still stood down cuz that's what he thought Su Yu wanted. Sitting outside Su Yu's hotel room from 3am because he didn't want to wake him, only to find out Ye Wan Ying was inside. The heartbreak of when Su Yu punched him, but never being able to be mad at him for too long. Everything was slowly done, but it was absolute perfection in execution. It's the way he talks to Su Yu and lets his walls down, lets himself be vulnerable and goofy with the boy. Him saying he can't live without Su Yu. SHUT. THE. FUCKING. FUCK. UP. The dedication, the loyalty, the pureness. UGH, I WANT HIM!!

Wu Bi was such a nuanced character, and Xu Bin played him flawlessly. He was just a boy looking for love and companionship, and found it among the least likely of people. Watching him grow confident in himself to pursue his dreams was so endearing and funny to watch. Him finding closure for himself about his mum's death but willing to be in the dark about it as long as Su Yu is alright was heart-breaking. And when my boy finally got his approval from his dad, oof— I was screaming!! I fucking loved everything about his character arc man, and I wish we could have stayed with him more!

And his mischievous side! I need more of it! He sometimes says the funniest shit ever. And his whacky doodle ass is something we need more of. And these writers were really pushing the boundaries with the shit he says, and I fucking stan them for that. "It's you and me, and in our relationship, I can give you something better than money." — BROTHERS, YEAH?? HOMIES YOU SAY?? Man isn't even trying to hide and yet yall blinder than bats.

Everything was perfect. The angst at the beginning, then slowly getting the character development our boys need, to the most precious found family we ever got, to them being unreplaceable in each others lives. This story was able to tell us that not being blood related makes you just as much as family as blood-families. The relationship between these characters were honest to god beautiful, and each interaction left me with wanting more.

THEN YOU GET THE FUCKING ENDING!!!

I SWEAR ON ALL I HOLD DEAR, WHEN I SEE THESE WRITERS I WILL FUCKING RUN AT THEM. WHAT WAS THIS? JUST WHY? WHY ON EARTH WOULD YOU END IT THERE?

Mo Yi is my villain origin story. I will hate him. I will always hate him. Nothing, and I mean nothing, could ever make him like him. This son of a bitch needs to burn in hell and not even the 9th circle is enough. He was the cause for the accident and still demanded that Su Yu pay for the bills????? Brother, excuse me????? What the fuck, you bastard? Where's the respect? The dignity? The decorum?

"In my heart, you have always been invincible. You are always so healthy, always full of energy, always strong and independent. But at this moment, I realised that I was wrong. You can also get hurt, you can also show weakness, you can also sleep without waking up. I'm so afraid of your death, to the point that I'm willing to give everything in exchange for your life. As long as you can survive." — If I don't memorise every line of this then I'm not human. I was broken. Irreparable. Heart not found. Soul lost. This is the moment that you realise that Su Yu is just as obsessed with Wu Bi as Wu Bi is with Su Yu. AND BROTHER??? I WAS A MESS. I AM NEVER GOING TO BE THE SAME PERSON EVER AGAIN. And these being the last lines of the show?? THAT'S SICK OF THEM. SICK, I TELL YOU. I want my therapy bills paid and want my memory taken so I never remember this happened.

AND THE FACT WE DON'T GET A SECOND SEASON??? UMMM— EXCUSE ME??? I'm so upset, annoyed, frustrated, screaming, crying, throwing up. I know they get married and live happily ever after in the novel, but I will physically be sick if I don't see it on my screen. I seriously beg the universe and everything above to let season 2 be uncancelled so we can watch it. PLEASE MAN, I BEG. I WILL GIVE MY FIRST BORN UP JUST TO SEE THESE TWO BOYS LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER ON MY SCREEN.

Mo Yi: "You will destroy him. No. You already destroyed him."
Su Yu: "I will never leave him." — THIS. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE EVERY LAST SCENE OF THE SHOW. IF THIS DOESN'T JUST INCAPSULATE THE EVERY ESSENCE OF WU BI/ SU YU RELATIONSHIP THEN I DON'T KNOW WHAT WILL. THESE TWO ARE FUCKING ADDICTED TO EACH OTHER. ADDICTED.

There is me before this show, and me after this show. And the me after this show will forever be in a state of heartache in being unable to move on from these characters. Being unable to not forget that there is a scene so heart-breaking that it physically aches. I am going to rewatch this, I just know I will never be able to find something as good as what this show has given me. I am going to miss these boys with my live, they were excellent in every way imaginable, and I truly hate the Chinese censorship ban. They could have had the best dang series the world had seen, a billion bucks at their door step, and the best effing story to be told in cinema history. But alas, here we are. And yet, my boys still delivered and still felt everything down to my bones.

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Best Chinese bl ever

Omg although some say it’s bromance some say it’s bl but for me it’s su you and wu bi story I don’t care about intimate scenes as long as they express them in love I’m voting for this as best drama ever I knew Chinese dramas has a very different tendency to make bl dramas if they make it wow it will be ultra level drama compare to Kerala which couldn’t reach it like thai drama I hope I hope they can make like these dramas a lot so I can see it in Chinese bl or bromance whatever a atleast with cute moments all the best to the team they have extraordinary acting and face and about the script wow it’s. A great story and video editing and quality is awesome and regarding songs omg I really love it I hope in season 2 they get more scenes together waiting for it

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BE for Now (If there isn’t a Season 2)

DROPPED

**REASON**

I stopped watching this show because of its heartbreaking conclusion, where one of the main characters is entangled in a car accident, casting a veil of uncertainty over their fate. The series, classified within the classical family drama genre, unfolds at a deliberate pace, meticulously exploring the dynamics among its characters. Despite the absence of explicit scenes due to censorship, the interactions between the main characters are remarkably tender, authentically conveying a sense of affection. Regrettably, the supporting cast fails to make a lasting impression, and the powerful ending ultimately diminishes the overall enjoyment of the series for me.

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My favourite drama for sure !

I love the fact it's a cuter version of "Addicted" ! To be honest, I don't like the first version, it's too violent and I didn't understand a thing (especially because the actors look alike, I couldn't tell them appart).
At first, after watching the trailer of Stay With Me, I didn't want to watch the series because of the accident (I'm traumatised by sad endings). But I kept seeing shorts of Su Yu and Wu Bi and I actually enjoyed it so I forced myself a bit to start at least the first episode and I absolutely loved it ! I mean, I love enemies to lovers. 😅 In 2 days I watched all the episodes that were already out (18). 😂 And even if it's quite long (24 episodes), this drama hypnotised me !
What I like the most about it is the chemistry of the main characters, the way they look at each other is perfect ! We can totally see that they love each other as lovers and not only as friends. Since it's a censored version I was afraid it would look like a bromance and nothing else but absolutely not ! In addition to the chemistry, there are scenes kinda sus (like when Wu Bi apologised to Su Yu, the way they hold hands says it all) so we can definitely understand they are boyfriends, Duo Duo shipping them and making them dance together (it's so cute 😂) and this beautiful scene in which Su Yu says he loves the "sea" (👀) and many more details ! I was so surprised they could film kisses by the way ! I like the plot twits, I could understand the story better and some of the characters reactions. And talking about reactions : I love Wu Bi's jealousy and possessiveness, it's so funny to watch ! 🤣 The scenes with Ye Wanying (the fights) shows how much the main characters love each other, it's definitely the kind of plot I like !
Then comes the ending, I thought it wouldn't be the very last episode so I was a bit disapointed but I learnt not so long after the end of the series that it would be a second season with a happy ending and I'm sooo happy, I can't wait for the year 2025 !!! So much passion and cuteness in one series 🥰

PS : Sorry for the possible mystakes, I'm not a native :,)

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IT'S BL, NOT bromance

....Hints are all over the place that this is purely BL! So, if you still think this drama is only "bromance," you are lost!
This got to be the best BL adaptation of 2023 and also one of the best bl I have watched!
All the actors and actresses 100% match their character in the story so much! Zhang Jiong played his character, Su yu, so well. He nailed it! 👏 Even better than Timmy who played Su yu/Bai Lou Yin in the 2016 version.
Zhang Jiong was able to capture every personality of his character!
I LOVED ML and MC's bickering! The chemistry was awsome! We got to see a lot more scenes from the novel making the drama more interesting and heart warming! Hopefully for season 2 with our two lovely Zhang Jiong and Xu Bin returning!🙏❤️

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You'll need a box full of tissues!

If you like sad ending than it's a must watch! I was totally addicted to it. The story is more like bromance. At the end I felt like their family was my own family. I cried like crazy after finishing it. Everything was perfect.

The cast was so good! And Wu Bi is the perfect boyfriend 😩 He'd die and kill for his loved one's. Su yu is also great!

If you're looking for something intimate, then it's not a good choice! It has nothing intimate. It's the best beginner friendly bl! The only thing I didn't like about this story was a bit of miss communication.

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Simplest Act of Love is Truly Wonderful

First of all, I never watched Addicted series, and only read the novel partially because it's too angsty for me.

I decided to watch SWM after seeing some tweets talking about it.
Kinda hesitated at first because it is said that the ending is too sad.
I'm really not fond of angsty story.

But I'm glad I did. It's truly remarkable and wonderful.

Wu Bi and Su Yu showed their love and attention to each other in simplest way, a way that they could do best without any exaggerated efforts. So simple yet so sweet.

For me this series is much more romantic than many other BLs series that I have watched.

A bit weird but after watching this SWM series, I haven't got any interest to watch other BLs series.

The secret kiss at the classroom is the best kiss compared with many other crazy and passionate lip kisses.

I watch that scene repeatedly and always smile foolishly.

Their family condition is what we can find in reality, that one family can be very loving and supportive, while other can be very hateful, judgmental, and super toxic.

They seem wanted to remind us that if we build our own family in a wrong way, it will cause a great damage in the future.

As I said in the comment section, knowing how crazy China with its censorship, I don't hold a high hope for a 2nd season.

This drama could be considered lucky for getting the permission to be broadcasted worldwide but not so sure for the 2nd season approval.

Either way, let's just cherish and enjoy this series as long as we can.

I'm just gonna re-watch that sweet scene now so I can sleep happily with smile on my face.

*Loving BinJiong*

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Prime example of love that is shown more than spoken

As I started this series back in July, I had no expectations whatsoever. But then, entering into the first half of the 1st episode, I realized how wrong my judgement was. It was so thoughtful and deep that I decided to stop at ep 8 and binge watch it after the last episode aired. And I never valued any decision I made more than that.

This series is an existing example of how affection and bonds can be gracefully and magnificently shown without delving too much into them. It teases on the emotions, lets it float on the surface for the audience to pick up and analyze. Every interaction, each sideway glance, all the quiet smiles and loud fights gave this series so much life and domesticity that it left me with a pleasant ache.
The actors, each one of them did a beautiful job out of their roles, they owned them. The chemistry between the leads felt like molten rocks and flowing water, slick and domineering.

This series would be rightfully called a family drama with romance and slice of life. Every character was impeccably written and directed, every family diverse, every relationship unique. The subtle signs and affections scattered all over the series through expressions and even household decorations, just perfection. Special mention to the coloured glass panes of Su Yu and Wu Bi's part of the house, they made the cinematography a hundred times more impactful, influencing the moods and scenes with all the colours they gave off.

Till the 22nd episode, I had no expectation of witnessing anything remotely similar to kiss, yet it took me out like a gun shot each time they kissed each other on the cheeks, felt butterflies and stars on their intimacy. Speaking of intimacy, the series exuded sticky warmth through every intimate shots and gestures with such ease that it hit raw and real.

Many may argue that this is not BL or even call it queer baiting, but that couldn't be farther from the truth. I can't imagine the amount of bravery and guts it took for every person associated with this series to step up and play such roles when china has harsh and inhumane censorship rules. Hats off to every staff and actors involved in the making of this.

This would forever be one of my top rated BLs, eagerly waiting for s2!

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Stay with me have my heart❤️

Well, I am a massive fan of this series. I binged watched it one day and well of course I was hooked into the storyline and characters. Not enough words can express my love for this series and the way it made me feel when I watched it. I love it. It’s the best thing in the world. But- the ending… I’m looking forward for an update about it if there ever will. The ending was unsatisfactory for me- I really love the characters so I want to see them again. Please just give us season 2 I will beg everyday and everyone for it. I cannot live without a season 2. Anyways, thank you to the production team, all the staffs, the actors, everyone who made this series happen 😊❤️ I haven’t seen anything like it 🥲 Please I beg. The characters are so beautiful. Well done to the makeup artists and stylists. The hair stylists too. Thank you to the music provider, the directors and producers. To Jiongmin and Xubin. Thank you all I miss you. 😭❤️

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everyone says it's bromance but it's not, gagaolala and Viki confirmed it's bl

highly recommended, i can't spoil guys, i'm gonna leave some short message, but guys this is the best drama series of 2023, and for me this is number 1 drama series , the plot of the story, the acting, casts and the ost/music, very perfect, the best outstanding drama series, please watch it you will be obsessed like me and you will miss so bad the actors, it's been a week i miss them so bad, i'm waiting for the season 2 even it's too long to wait, but this is me I can wait, i don't know what to say more, but this drama is so very good to watch, the best the best the best the best the best the best the best the best the best the best the best the best the best the best the best the best the best the best the best the best the best the best the best the best the best the best the best the best the best the best the best the best the best the best the best the best the best the best the best, sorry guys this is my first time reviewing a drama series, I hope u understand but this drama series is so good , please watch it

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