A story within a story within another story. It's the untold 3rd story that makes this romantic drama deeply beautiful. My initial viewing, this was at best an average cliché rom-com, confused by its attempts at action, suspense and mystery. It was not until almost the end that I learned about the too well hidden homage to the French children's classic, "Le Petit Prince". A whimsical story with profound metaphors and lessons of life. This is a spoiler for those, like myself, who aren't familiar with it, but knowing is what makes this drama uniquely brilliant and worth savoring.

A Little Prince lived in a far away planet with 3 little volcanoes. He fell in love with a proud, silly rose, caring for her and protecting her from the wind and cold by placing her under a globe. She flirted with him, refusing to wake until she was fully radiant. He decided to leave when he felt like she was using him. Before leaving, she apologized for not showing him her love. She told him that she will try to be strong and protect herself without him. He regretted not knowing how to love her.

On his journey, he met many colorful characters, including a fox who taught him love. Why to love, how to love and build trust, to be responsible with love, how to appreciate love, how sometimes we must part with love, and how to cherish those memories. Yes, this is a children's story. In the end, the Little Prince learned how he should have realized the tenderness underlying her silly pretensions. She perfumed his planet and lit up his life. He wishes to return to her, but the story's conclusion is bittersweet and poetic.

"One sees clearly only with the heart. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes."

The creators put a lot of heart in paralleling the details of "The Little Prince", from design to music to characterizations and to storytelling. Song Yao, surrounded by flowers, her hair bun completes her rose bud appearance. Her power to attract men with electric eyes is vain, her silly airs, and her bravery in front of tigers symbolize the Rose. Qin Hao is the Little Prince, a lonely boy on a quest of discovery, inadvertently, learning about love. Visually, he doesn't have a scarf, but his neck is covered by turtlenecks and his coats flow like the Prince's. The drama follows their story of betrayal, dropping pretenses, learning to trust, developing love, supporting and protecting each other. Yao Yao brings life and love to Qin Hao while he nourishes and protects her.

The supporting characters also resemble those in the book. There's a vain man who only admired himself (SSL), a businessman never looking up from his counting (Jiang Nan Xuan), and one who only knows data but did not enjoy the items of their knowledge (Song Ling Ren). There are other character resemblances which I won't spoil here. People will believe you if you wear a nice suit. Even the Male Lead's disdain for mushrooms was explained. Each message was represented in the drama. It was exciting to excavate the symbolism.

The director is a big fan of Stephen Chow, some of the comedy plays on this. For me, it was witty and unexpected, but also had ridiculous slap-stick moments. I will remember "Guchi village", all the bleeps, and the silliness.

This drama is full of contrasts, which makes it interesting but may also make viewers uncomfortable with its disjointed feel. Just looking at the character posters where they are in an idyllic, bright garden compared to sleek, dark vibe of the drama poster, there is a mismatch. The story is fantastical, but the acting is grounded in realism. When Yao Yao taught Qin Hao how to act, one method is based on realism, the other breaks the 4th wall to provide political and life commentary. This is the drama's contradictory style.

The pacing feels off. Some of this was purposeful, to allow us to appreciate the unseen and see with our hearts. But the execution made parts dull, draggy, yet incomplete.

The biggest weakness is the business side, fire mystery and the villain. Plot logic may have suffered from censorship, but the motives of the villain can't be blamed on that. He is given dimensions (hello, BL), but he was predictable and not charismatic. The father's arc felt unfinished. I was not pleased by some of the later out-of-character decisions from our CP.

Ironically, the book's narrator was discouraged by "grown-ups" to continue his art to focus on more practical things. The screenwriter probably didn't intend for this part to be represented in her creative process.

Although the mystery was cursory, our characters' younger counterparts will pull at your heartstrings. Friendship, childhood sweethearts, brotherhood. These bonds were deep and moving.

Our actors played their roles well. This is Wang Zi Qi's 3rd CEO role, yet he is able to make him distinct. Our ML is burdened with trauma, reserved, and innately cautious. He is a fake CEO, therefore, he was more down to earth. When in love, he transforms into starry eyed, boyish cutie, which may be his trademark, along with the nimble eyebrows. He's the hilarious straight man among a full cast of quirky characters. It took me longer to warm up to Zhang Yu Xi, which is likely due to the character. Song Yao, like the Rose, has over-the-top pretensions and foolish bravado. But she won me over with her sweet, playful, and vulnerable portrayal. She looks like a rose! She also is just stunning. They have great chemistry together.

The 2nd CP were adorable and surprisingly well fitting. I didn't have to fast-forward them, phew. Each of the supporting characters, including Ji Cheng An, were fun and had dimensions. I ❤ Team Yao Chuan + SSL. Friends that tease each other, save each other, and are dependable. They were our orphaned CP's family. I particularly liked He Peng's SSL and Liu Zhe Hui's Gu Zi Jun. Both stole the show with their hysterical facial expressions.

Other strengths include the cinematography and music. It was too easy to take pretty screenshots. The music fit the atmosphere. Sleek, tango opening OST. Charming French BGM. Heart-breaking, romantic, and sexy interludes. Fun, catchy, whimsical ending OST.

The Little Prince advised the narrator. "You must never listen to flowers. You must look at them and smell them." Paradoxical? Communication is more than words. The drama's dialog was common, but the depth of emotional connections was palpable through the characters' actions and gazes beyond the surface. A drama of deception, it fooled me with its simplistic premise, only for me to discover its wisdom of love and friendship.

PS. I highly recommend reading "The Little Prince". Amazon Kindle, FTW. Very short read, full of meaning. Adults will appreciate the whimsy and reminders of cherishing the unseen. It has been a blast catching how the drama references it and has enhanced my experience.

PPS. Wait, wait, wait!!! I just found the ultimate poetic reference at the end of the book. Every detail is there. Jaw-dropping beauty.