Will Love in Spring (2024)

Satisfying and Rewarding

I started this review while ongoing and now it’s done, I’m editing my final analysis.

Cast: From main leads to supporting, I think this one is well chosen.
Li Xian (Mai Dong) -i give him credit for choosing works that makes his acting credible. Seen him in go go squid and meet yourself. With this third one, he’s secured a spot in my top seven list of male Chinese actors. He brings out the character he plays so well you just admire it. He’s the cold, serious, never smiles mortician…until Jie.
Zhou Tong (Z Jie)- is an incredible versatile actress with a colorful array of roles with big actors. She’s unfiltered, unabashedly comfortable in this role which makes her character so endearing. She has a handicap but it doesn’t stop her from pursuing her dreams, and a love in MaiDong.
Wan Peng (Xiaxia) has a minor role as bestie of Jie. Loved her in My girlfriend is an alien. Here’s she’s almost unrecognizable with her matured new (to me) look. Beautiful.
The rest of cast are so good each putting in their best to compliment and complete this storytelling.

Writing is very good. So many poignant points about life. It really makes you think. FL had lots of insecurities and there are some parts she may seem toxic even. What I like though is how ideal relationships should be. One part she said something totally out of place that really hurt ML. Immediately though she sought his forgiveness, explaining her why’s. I think for many who haven’t had love lives may be turned off automatically after this incident but those of us who have can relate that it’s relationship building in progress. This couple did make progress, big time.

I think it’s unique that the main guy is a make up artist of the deceased. The portrayal of the handling of others loved ones makes me appreciate those who do these acts. These artists are in the background, hardly thought of, recognized. This gives an enlightenment of sort. Definitely an appreciated work.

There’s so many thoughtful lines that goes along that gives us so much feels. “Life is full of different destinations. Eventually you’ll go the grave”. “People buy special urns or beautiful tombstone to make their loved one standout. Those are just illusions. Once you’re dead, you’re dead. Nothing more outstanding than that. Therefore, live the best life you can, while you can”.

This drama is for the matured thinkers. It’s written well, and acted well. As for romance? You got to see it to believe it. It’s exactly as how two people who have just fallen in love act. Finally we see that true warmth of love through eye connections, touches, real hugs, and kisses. Definitely modern display of love. Kissing in public? What? No fish kisses either. Chemistry is sizzling I’m piqued whether it’s acting or real. lol. They did well. Appreciate their work.

It takes an explosive incident to put the decision at rest. Together forever we will be. Done. Very well done.

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A realistic and modern approach to love and healing.

This drama ain't your fluffy romantic love story full of cliche tropes but a modern and realistic one where both the leads have their own career, goals and views towards life. One is a town's boy who wants to live a slow and peaceful life while the other is a city girl with high ambitions and dreams.

Both are different from each other and have their own baggage they carry within them while one is physically affected, the other is mentally. The leads have good chemistry and is shown through their teasing and lowkey flirting with each other. Things are kept at a good pace and aren't draggy.

One thing about this drama is that not everyone will like FL's character as some will find her selfish and annoying which she is too some extent and that she keeps on hurting ML's feelings which she does but then again this was never a drama with two perfect people. It has been more about two people, each having their own baggage and different way of living end up liking each other and seeing whether things work out or not. It is quite realistic and modern approach to love.

It is a good watch if you are looking something different and relatable type of a drama.

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Things to Love: The developing chemistry between the leads & Chen Mai Dong's grandma!

Ep 1 to 3: I wasn't a fan of Zhou Yu Tong, because I have only ever seen her in one drama that was Begin Again, where her acting wasn't all that great. But 3 episodes in and I like her character, this one suits her more and her acting is on point. So far, the ML is pretending to not be interested in her or even remember her from the school days. What's more, he tries to give her a wide berth. So, we don't have much in the name of romance. Right now, I feel more chemistry between the FL and his grandma, they have cool sismance going. The FL's siblings are hilarious.

Ep 4: The ML keeps insisting that he really doesn't seem to like the FL. The FL doesn't deny that she finds him attractive or liked him in the past.

Ep 5: Nothing ML's character does makes sense so far. If he is pretending to not like her or even not remember her he should have done a 180 when he wasn't in her or grandma's company but that wasn't shown properly. Instead, in this episode, we get to see him abruptly reminisce about old memories with FL, as if he never pretended that those memories didn't leave a lasting impression.

Ep 6 to Ep 8: Okay. These three episodes were so much better than the previous two, added a lot more depth to the characters. I liked the FL a little since the beginning but these episode made me really appreciate her character. It is good to see her be independent and not drop everything on the off chance that she would hit it off with a man.

Ep 9 & 10: The FL has moved backed home temporarily, which is still an obstacle between the two. Since none of them have considered moving places to make it work. So, I'm not sure what the ML has in mind when he has decided to pursue her. They'll need to reach a middle ground where that is concerned. But the slow burn between the two has been nice to watch and they did start with better chemistry than some of the dramas that I have watched. Now, as they spend more time together, it is easier to notice the sparks. (I am a bit partial to Li Xian's character, he and Yang Zi have a place in my heart since I have watched Go Go Squid) It will be nice to see how it unfolds.

ep 11 & 12: Wow the ML has some serious mood swings and the FL isn't that far behind him in that area. But they are so damn adorable. What I love the most is the kisses, the look warm and inviting to watch. I can't wait for the next episode to see how her mom reacts to catching them.

Ep 13 & 14: The mom's reaction wasn't that bad. It was pretty normal keeping up with her character. She seems to be more understanding than normal small town parents who wouldn't have accepted the current status of leads relationship. The leads are so damn adorable together, they'll make you laugh along with them.

Ep 15 & 16: I was really mad at the FL for saying what she did to the ML when he has been nothing but kind to her. Even before, he was a bit aloof but he always treated her well. But like the ML, I came to forgive her for that. It came from trauma and she even apologized for it numerous times, giving him an explanation of why she reacted the way she did. I hope they end up together and find a way to make it work.

Ep 17 & Ep 18: Nothing of import happened. Just another nice episode with the ML visiting the FL's home in ep 17. Ep 18 was mostly focused on grandma Lin so it was a bit sad to watch.

Ep 19: I couldn't help but laughs at the ending, with the way our favorite Grandma was staring at Chen Mai Dong. The rest of the episode was okay, but as of now, all of it seems like a filler and their relationship only takes the center stage for me. I like watching them be together, it makes me happy.

Ep 20: The start was so beautiful and the end was so sad. Even though there's one more episode left, I knew they had to somehow resolve their conflicts and they didn't do it. So, I thought we might have an open ending. But why did they end this episode like that? I'm worried now! On to the next episode.

Ep 21: Oh thank goodness. For a moment there, I thought that we were going to have a sad ending. Even with a sad ending, it still would have been a better drama than "Uncontrollably Fond". Both of Chen Mai Dong & Zhuang Jie made their own mistakes, including not communicating more openly. Often times, even when things were said, it felt like they both didn't understand each other. Thankfully, they were able to resolve their issues and made it.

I liked the first half of the drama better, I was more engaged with the drama. While the second half wasn't bad, I mostly loved it for the happy moments between the two. Ofcourse, if it hadn't been for the grandma, the drama wouldn't have been the same.

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Someone will probably Die in Spring

This drama is one of those that has a lot of potential but is dragged down by some kind of preachy life lesson inspirational crap and a never ending dialog that is inconsistent and just boring...

It also has a lot of death, crying, screaming, agony, people taking out thir anger at the wrong person and wrong time. giving us such great scenes as man attacking doctor at the hospital screaming save my mother.... mmmm yep attaking the doctor is sure to make it easier to operate...

Our leads have some fun banter, at times lovely characters, great chemistry and sp, so, so much potential... most of the characters are okay too and the siblings are just adorable. It also offered a lot of other things that could have made me give this a 8,5 or 9, I really wanted to rate this higher but I just could not as there is just so much that makes 0 sense and to top it off episodes 20 and 21 happened, and made me just go why? what? seriously are you taking this path? is this a drama or a click bait?

Other things worth mentioning that it is impressive how C-s can turn any occupation in to heroes as well as the abilaty to compete in pretty much anything so hats off, I am indeed impressed, slightly mortified but indeed impressed.

So if you are the type who loves romance, bantering, fun family, and can handle annoying twists and some kind of carpe diem, do not loose sight of what is important and praise the mortician you may actually enjoy this.

As for me I wish I could have plucked out the good parts and ignored the other 75% of the show.

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Story of Resilience in Life, Love for Both Humans & Geese

Had been interested interested in this one for a while as I wanted to see LX act, I've seen ZYT before in one modern and a two season costume. This was a slice of life with imperfect characters and romance. Great relationships with siblings on the female side and just a rollercoaster of reality that mirrors what we deal with in real modern society. A story of resilience in life and love for both humans and geese.

Pros: LX's acting impressed me enough that after writing this review, I'm off to watch Meet Yourself. His character (CMD) was very much honest, he knew when he was wrong, when to go hard, when to back off, and when to give solace and learned how to seek it. I loved how they showed how through losing his best friend and meeting his Shifu, he was able to turn his life around. Becoming a mortician, he was able to become a gentle source of comfort and independence. Though he didn't know about partnership love until FL or ZJ returned into his life and taught him though she herself really didn't 100% know either. Their chemistry was on point from the get go and you understood that they really were high school sweethearts in their own special way. ZJ wasn't a cookie cutter character either and despite her disability had managed to become quite successful in her field. She did plenty wrong but also knew or was told by her best friend (WXX) or even CMD when she screwed up. No one spared her feelings, but told her straight up what she did wrong which I really liked. And she owned up to them because it was explained to her in an adult fashion. And that's such a breath of fresh air; to air out everything wrong right away and not just let it fester. Very straight forward.

Other favorite characters were WXX as the smart best friend. It was so great to finally see a bestie that wasn't afraid to give ZJ a verbal smack when necessary. Probably one of the best ones I've seen in a modern recently. Her soon to be hubby grew on me too. ZJ's siblings ZY and HNN were some of the smartest kids in terms of EQ ever, loved the three's relationship. Also best friendship goals of the drama were grandma Chen and grandma Lin. From the time they were kids until sadly grandma Lin's passing, those two were the bestest of friends. Another sad and tragic death was Mr. He, who was HNN's father and the other two's stepfather. They'd already lost their father when ZJ was 12 to a car accident that also took half of ZJ's leg (was very glad how she explained phantom pain to CMD; it wasn't glossed over); now HNN eerily also at the age of 12 lost hers. He was such a great father to all three. CMD was there every step of the way for ZJ through that and afterwards. ZY had to become more mature and he did it, though losing his pet goose to a plot device was sad, until the goose showed up with its girlfriend at the very end of the last episode after the credits finished rolling. That was absolutely hysterical.

You laughed, you cried, you enjoyed the precious moments of every character. The OSTs, sets, and everything else was on point. Wish she showed her feelings and vulnerability more. Only when she really screwed up in the end, did she finally stop with the smiles and cried. I get it about vulnerability supposedly looks weak because I've done the same but in reality it's what makes us human and not robots. He called her out on it and that was another great example of how quickly she understood things. I'm glad it was a HE though the way ZJ handled things in the second to last episode left you wanting to bang your head against the wall, the rest of that episode and 21 was essentially them getting back together (with the help of her siblings) and having a long-distance relationship until a freak occurrence made them both say enough is enough, we're not going to be apart anymore. From what I gathered, she was returning to Nanping for good (after all they were already engaged and he's got the great apartment) because with her own business and setting up that medical tourism bit would require her constant attention, she could move about at her own pace. She finally loved someone more than Shanghai. She'd handle healing living people and he would handle respecting the dead and their families. They really did belong together.

Cons: Very few of these. Mom was my least favorite character until her son read her the riot act. Her nagging was nasty and degrading. The stuff she said to all of her kids was something I would personally not have tolerated. I honestly wanted to hit her with a broom for many episodes, I even ffw'd her. She would maybe give 2% of good advice but the rest of the time, it was a hot mess. However, after ZJ fainted from stress over their argument and the mess she caused with CMD, her other two children sat her down and told her what's what. I was surprised how much she improved afterwards; it was in no way an overnight thing but she made every effort to be better which was very appreciated. After a while, she became the mom her kids really needed and should have had from the get go.

Thing I liked least about ZJ was that she brought up her disability nearly every episode sometimes twice to CMD and in general just in regular conversations even though she was the one constantly preaching about independence and being worthy of equality. If people already know, why keep bringing it up? It was just very weirdly written. Nothing to do with the actress. The other thing was why did she have that tendency to bite CMD? It was so out of character; she wasn't a vampire or a dog. Like you're trying to apologize but then do that? Like why?

Last small thing, is when they wrapped up the series, I wish they showed our leads walking hand in hand on the beach of Nanping like the trailers and many posters showed. That would have been the perfect and important way to end with them; so felt that portion was a bit rushed as our other supporting characters got a little something at the end especially the goose. Otherwise, I'm very happy with the HE.

Would I recommend it? Yes, I totally would. This was a slice of life with imperfect people who learned and evolved along the way. Wonderful romance that was believable. If you like mature dramas without tropes, this is for you.

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Entertaining yet Annoying

Story: Zhuang jie (FL) lost half of her right-leg in her teenage year and it gave a huge impact to her personality in the future. Chen Maidong (ML) is a high-school close friend of Jie.

The story is actually quite good. I really love the family interactions (esp. Jie's little sister, Chen Nai Nai, the mother, etc etc..), the neighborhoods, the small town vibes. Yet, the hardest part of watching this drama is the immature & selfish behaviors of Jie. If, I repeat, If Jie lost the whole part of her right-leg and that caused her having the inferiority issues, it would be understandable. In actual, people didn't really notice her disability as she walks and runs like normal people do. (Sorry if this seems inappropriate but you know what I mean, right?)

The scriptwriter is a woman, so it's clear: Chen Maidong is a man written by woman. In real life there's no man like him: always accept and forgive. Too good to be true!

Acting: Zhou Yutong's acting skill is great. She nailed it. Her natural gestures are always entertaining to watch. However, her role as Jie is somewhat challenging. Her unstable emotion is at the level where audiences like me can't really bear to watch. Yutong definitely needs to play in other drama with a better script. Li Xian's acting as Maidong is quite good. The chemistry of the lead couple is sweet and beautiful. Once again, it's like Yutong's expertise. I also love the soundtrack as well as the cinematography.

Rewatch? Big no. Can't stand watching a female lead whose moods are swinging a lot. Moreover, the scene where Jie slammed a-handmade-porcelain-doll, it's way too stupid.

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Too preachy for my taste

I've read reviews of people who absolutely loved this drama. I can see their perspective but I hesitate to rate this drama any higher than 8 stars overall for the following reason: there were many good points about this drama, I love its realistic depictions on familial love, love between siblings, love between a grandparent and her grand child. And realistic portrayals of female friendships - young and old. I love the realistic portrayal of disabilities and the steps the protagonist took to have a balanced life despite of her disability.

I love the everyday romantic vibe between the male and female lead, although the female lead was not perfect, she clearly came across as very inconsistent in her choices. And sometimes gave a long complicated answer, when a simple answer would make more sense. This is when I feel that the script is trying to be too deep for its own good.

I do NOT like the writer's soliloquy about death, tragedy or relationships. It was too preachy for my taste. I would think that the viewer should be allowed to have their own thoughts about these subjects and come to their own conclusions without feeling like the writer is forcing them to accept their own views through the characters. Half of the time, most of the soliloquys in the drama hardly made sense! Perhaps a lot was lost during translation (I don't know as I relied heavily on English subs from Viki). But the script often struck me as trying to be too clever for its own good.

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Flawed yet somewhat healing

The story is about Chen Maidong and Zhuang Jei who met again after years in a small village Nannping while they heal from their past wounds.

The main concept of the show, revolving around "death," made it heavy and uncomfortable to watch at times. Constantly discussing it can be triggering for some of us, viewers. Although I didn't mind it most of the time, it still wasn't an easy watch.

FL portrays herself as free-spirited , extroverted and mature person yet she continually hurts ML due to her insecurity. While it's understandable for her to feel insecure, it's not acceptable to treat others poorly because of it. Her character was a red flag for me, especially since she doesn't hold herself accountable for her behavior but instead gets angry at ML. On a positive note, FL was a good actress, her acting and dialogue delivery was on point.

She cannot communicate for the life of hers, and then blames ML, make sense girly? Her behaviour really made me lose interest in the couple, and I just couldn't connect to them anymore:/

ML is not the most perfect character, but he does have a conscience. His job might not be particularly comfortable, but he doesn't feel ashamed of it. The actor was good at acting, but his dialogue delivery lacked the emotions necessary to connect with his character. This was the main reason I couldn't connect to many of the "death" stories in the show.

I enjoyed the SL couple's story much better, but they had less screen time, what a waste;)

Some aspects of the story dynamics were enjoyable and saddening while some lacked emotional depth and felt tedious and filler to watch.

Her mother's behaviour was reasonable at some extent but rest of it was a headache. She made it veryy annoying and ruined the overall vibe of the show for me.

Overall, the show was average for me. While the first half kicked off very promising, the character growth and narrative felt underdeveloped. The FL's character mainly ruined it, and the lack of emotional connection in a show centered around "death" speaks for itself.

Thank you for reading my review ^^
END

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Well-acted, Mature and Dark drama with a controversial Female Lead

At the writing of this review, its MDL rating is at 8.5. I am actually a little surprised that it’s so high. Not that I don’t like the drama, in fact, I really like it. But for the fact that with quite a controversial and flawed female lead, who has made some questionable decisions and said some mean words, I think some watchers might really be put off by her.

“Will Love in Spring” is definitely not a romantic comedy. Death is a central theme, and if this is one of your taboo subjects, do not watch this drama. There are some funny and sweet/fluffy moments. But for the most part, this is a mature, dark, healing drama. It’s a character-driven drama that focuses on our main leads' development and their relationships with family members and each other. This is a mature drama that makes you think.

Li Xian and Zhou Yu Tong have excellent chemistry from start to finish. Their romance is nicely developed from when they first met in high school, to reconnecting again as adults. They had a long and bumpy ride before they hit the final destination in the very last episode. Zhang Jie (FL) is an independent, feisty, outgoing professional woman who still struggles with low-esteem due to her disability. However, at one point, I do find her shenanigans a little repetitive. I also believe many viewers are mad at her during the New Year’s Eve episode (ep 15?). Her actions and words towards Chen Mai Dong (ML) were uncalled for and downright mean. But given what happened that night at home, her past trauma and what she’s gone through in life, I can understand her and choose to have faith in her. What was most disappointing to me is her decision in the last couple episodes. Not being honest with ML about her decision and plans until the very end is more unforgiving to me. They have always had an honest and open relationship from bickering to comforting each other. Why can’t she be honest now? But, I give props to the drama for not crashing and burning in the end. The final episode wraps out everything nicely and gives me closure to Chen Main Dong and Zhang Jie’s story. The conversation they had at the NanPing train station: FL’s realization of her actions and ML’s clear understanding of FL’s personality, strengths and weaknesses, and his explanation and forgiveness, brought me so much comfort and joy. In the end, they found love and learned to love. For romance lovers, let’s not forget to include the fact that this couple is very affectionate and not afraid to display their affections through kisses and hugs. Lastly, Chen Mai Dong is another green flag and only he can balance out Zhang Jie’s energy.

There are so many lovely side characters in this drama. I love the relationship of the siblings. Niao Niao (little sis) is played by the talented child actress, Zhang Xi Wei. What a little firecracker and smartass she is. She brings so much color to the drama. Wu Jun Ting plays the quirky and sweet younger brother, Zhuang Yan. Who has a pet goose and walks it like a dog?? Zhuang Yan! I haven’t seen Wu Jun Ting since “Time and Her are Just Right”. I loved him in that drama and remembered his nice deep voice. I also envy the friendship between Grandma Chen and Grandma Lin. They are the poster children for best-friend-forever friendship. I enjoy the sisterhood between FL and Wang Xi Xia. Wang Peng looks so pretty as the best friend. She looks so much more mature and sexy than in her previous roles. Last but not the least, FL’s mother. I bet she’s another character that many hate. She’s the typical loud Chinese mother, who can’t stop criticizing her children. She’s tolerable but at one point I also want to strangle her. Glad she got a lot better towards the last few episodes. I am not sure if it’s the actress or the character, but she always seems to talk and laugh with a fake smile.

I would love to see more of the funny romance between BFF Wang Xi Xia and the Doc. The Doc is so quirky and adorable at the same time. Their scenes give the drama a more light-hearted touch, as they are hilarious together. I just want more of them.

I am not familiar with the funeral industry or the role of an embalmer. So, I can’t comment on how realistic “Will Love in Spring” is portraying that. It’s not a profession that we see in dramas often, so I am glad to get a peek into ML’s job.

I would recommend this drama to those that love a realistic portrayal of life, struggles, and relationships. The characters in this drama are all flawed and they make decisions that we don’t always agree with. But life is not rosy and we are not perfect. If you don’t mind the topic of death, this is an excellently acted drama. I had a great time watching this, even if I had a roller coaster ride of emotions.



Completed: 5/4/2024 - Review #437

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Themes of death, loneliness, disability, worthiness, opening to love and family

The drama is about the cheerful and disabled female lead who goes back to her small hometown for a vacation and meets her aloof high school crush. Themes of death, loneliness, living with disability, worthiness, opening up to love, family and emotional trauma can be seen throughout the story.

The female lead looks carefree but is struggling with feelings of unworthiness due to her disability (amputated leg). She puts on a smile while hiding her emotional pain. The male lead is aloof due to his childhood abandonment trauma and has closed his heart to love. He works as a funeral make-up artist which is a big part of the story.

There is a Lover in my Hometown is the previous and also very fitting title. The main plot of this drama is watching the main lead’s navigate through their inner emotional struggles, insecurities and inner desires for a relationship. Woven into the plot are the main lead’s jobs, their family members and life in the small town.

POSITIVE:
- Mature and raw dialogue.
- Realistic and mature plot about life and adult relationship issues.
- Flawed main leads (inexperienced in love). Their thoughts, emotions and decisions always made sense and were portrayed well.
- Great portrayal of the female lead as a disabled woman (amputated leg) that’s woven into the story in a realistic way.
- Great chemistry between the leads.
- Lots of kiss scenes.
- Hilarious grandma-grandson relationship moments.
- Fun relationship portrayal between siblings.
- Push and pull dynamic between the leads.
- Nice cinematography with interesting colour schemes and camera angles.
- The cutest high school flashbacks.

NEGATIVE:
- Death is a constant theme in this drama, we constantly see a lot of death scenes which makes it very emotionally heavy to watch.
- Harsh mother. She is not the worst cdrama mother but she was constantly unhappy and nagging. I easily get annoyed with these mother type characters and it got to a point where I was skipping her scenes as even her high pitched voice made my blood boil.
- Boring side scenes. It’s a family drama and a drama about a small town so I cannot fault it for that. It’s just a personal issue that I found the mother and grandmother separate scenes as well as the town scenes boring to watch.
- Too realistic. In general I do love the realism in this drama but many times it felt too emotionally heavy. I would have liked to see more softer and happier moments.

OVERALL:
If you are looking for a realistic, emotionally raw/heavy and mature love story, watch this drama.

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Healing Romance!!

Story - A slice of life with a unique premise and well-written story were one the strongest points of this c-drama. The pacing of the story was slow yet soothing and healing. It was full of life and will make your heart ache in a tragic way at the same time. The balance between the sombre and happy moments makes it stand out!
The dialogues and conversations between the leads healed something in me that they never broke!

Acting - Li Xian's portrayal of Chen Mai Dong and Zhou Yu Tong as Zhuang Jie was exemplary. Both ML and FL have an undeniable and ineffable - charm and chemistry.  The gradual affection with a lot of simmering tension between them was such a treat for the eyes.
Both the leads were not perfect, had flaws but were brave enough to acknowledge and deal with them. The acting had realism.
Chen Mai Dong truly defined "Healing yourself is connected with healing others!" And MY MAN DID THAT. Zhuang Jie was a bit indecisive and selfish at times but self-realisation dawns on her soon rather than dragging it, putting healthy dynamics on display. At times she was sheer embodiment of "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger!".
The side characters contributed to the story well. I liked the bond between the FL and her siblings and how CMD's grandmother played Cupid in the initial episodes. I liked how all the characters were pinning and conspiring for the leads to stay together (FL's mother was a hard cookie but joined the party).

The ending was on a happier note but a bit open-ended but also makes you realise how short life is to hold grudges!
The cinematography of the drama is noteworthy especially the location and the painting at the end was done beautifully! Though the editing and dubbing were a bit choppy in a few instances but wasn't distracting enough.

Overall, a heartwarming drama I would recommend.

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Flawed journey to common ground

Li Xian + hometown + modern drama, as Meet Yourself fan, these three keywords easily bring me to watch. The main premise of these two drama also quite similar. But the core is different.

Will Love in Spring tell us a story of two lovers with dark past. Their life collide a bit when they were young, so they have fond memory of each other. But essentially they just start knowing each other in their adult life. At the point when they already have established personal and professional life. These two falling in love and find a way to unite their vastly different life. It's a journey to find common ground. Their journey is not a wholesome, fairy tale one. It's messy sometimes, with impulsiveness, with misjudgement, with mistake. But that's the point of relationship, the journey to understanding.

They also bring us to a story about death and life. Coming from the nature of ML's job and FL's circumstance. They also bring us to a journey of understanding. About dream, about reality. About joy and sorrow. About past, about future. About ego, about humility. I really appreciate this drama for bring a real struggle without sugar coating it.

They tackle taboo topic in a very honest way without making it overdramatic (except the last scene, that one remind me that this is just a drama). But at the same time, I find this drama not really have THE climax. Quite flat at the end.

I'm not fond of the main characters, but doesn't mean I hate them. I find them not relatable because we have very different set of moral compass. But I find them interesting, a realistic take away of a life that so different from mine. I have sympathy for them. Li Xian and Zhou Yu Tong acting are so natural and organic. The rest of the cast acting also very good and their characters have depth and their own story, feels alive and real. My favourite characters are Grandma Lin and Uncle He. So I must click the spoiler button to tell you how cruel this drama to me ㅠ.ㅠ It's bittersweet, but I forgive you writer...

Sometimes this drama also give you a lot quotes from books and movies, some people may love it, some may hate. It can be sound preachy or you may love it for all reference it throw. Personally, I enjoy the reference dumping but find the dialogue not really natural. The cinematography is good. Beautiful sceneries, colour grading that suitable for the moods, interesting angle shoots, nice songs.

Overall, it's a good slice of life drama.

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