Later, I Laughed/不讨好的勇气 (2024) is a great drama about finding your own path in life.

The story itself is not perfect and has some parts where it felt like it was repeating or didn't truly seem complete. However, overall, it was wonderfully done. It shows the troubles and struggles of life and finding who you are and where to go to. It had everything a modern Slice of Life drama could bring, true friendships, family overcoming their struggles, work life and relationship problems, and some important flashbacks to the past to learn more about different characters. It overcame the seriousness of life by using stand-up comedy.

The theme of using stand-up comedy is unique for a C-drama and reflects the quite recent developments of the rise in popularity of stand-up comedy in China. (Fun fact: some of the side characters who played stand-up comedians are real stand-up comedians in China, you can find them on YouTube on Xiaoguo Comedy)

The acting was great and I loved how many of the side characters had an important role in the story. Most characters were given a chance to show their background and everyone had character development which was great! Even the ex showed that he could change, but that he didn't just do it for her, but more for himself.

It had an open ending (with regards to romance), but it felt like it was done in the right way for this drama, it shows that life and your view on life can indeed always change, which was what the whole story was showing. It also did give a direction to where it probably would go so the open ending didn't feel frustrating.

I would definitely rewatch it, but mostly for the comedy as I really loved that.