I've always had kind of a love hate relationship with Chinese historical BLs. Some are genuinely excellent, but then there are others that cram in so much plot that keeping track of all the layers of betrayal and scheming gets exhausting, and I end up checking out mentally. Part of the issue is also just how much content is out there in this space, so something really has to stand out to keep me hooked. In this case, the production value is genuinely impressive, top tier stuff, but story wise, I just couldn't bring myself to actually care about these characters. There's a ton of political scheming and backstage manipulation running throughout. Somewhere in the middle of all that chaos, a hostage ends up falling for his own Prince Charming. The show runs eight episodes, each around 50 to 60 minutes long. After spending three years guarding the border, Fifth Prince Yin Qi gets called back to the capital because of a secret letter, only to end up walking straight into a deadly...
The story is simple. Kao and Pete are engineering students and have been together in a relationship for a while. Pete comes from an affluent family and is out to his father, but he is extremely possessive about Kao, who doesn't mind it all. Kao, who is from a very average middle class family, is very good in studies and teaches students to make extra money to help his mother. His mother is a teacher is a school. The director of the school asks Kao for him to teach his son Non, who will soon be entering for entrance exams. Turns out Non, alongwith Pete are both competing in About Aboys competition. They both didn't start on a good note, so they are arch rivals now. Pete feels that Non is flirting with Kao and asks Kao to stop teaching Non despite Kao explaining him the reasons. But Kao continues to teach Non. When Pete finds out much later, he is heart broken and breaks up with Kao because he feels the trust is broken. Meanwhile, Non is totally smitten by Kao and tries every opportunity to flirt with him and be with him. Of course, truth comes out in end and all is well. Now we have another couple Sun and Mork. Sun is a cafe shop owner who was disowned by his father. He runs the cafe with his younger brother Rain, whose best friend is Mork. Sun is always finding faults Rain & Mork and continuously nags them for not doing the right thing. But secretly he is in love with Mork, and over the course of multiple episodes, we see how Sun proposes to Mork, who is not yet sure about his sexuality, how Rain becomes an important part of bringing his brother and best friend together.
Let's start with Sun & Mork. Their love story was so well developed, that its totally relatable. Nothing seem forced. Their constant fights, not sure about each other. It was a gradual love. A hate to love, which in my opinion, is the best kind. The small little things they will do for each other and the side glances they will take was just too good. Their's is not a lovey dovey kind of relationship. It very real and hence it is so easy to connect. Coming to Pete and Kao, they both make a very very very adorable couple. You want to hug them and root for them and their relationship. Everything is great except for Pete's over possessiveness. Even though Kao explains him why he needs to continue to teach Non, Pete is so in his head that he doesn't want to listen at all. Kao, on the other hand is the perfect son, friend, boyfriend and teacher. I would think every boy or girl would want a perfect man like Kao. Cute, adorable, respectful, sexy and above all a very kind human being who cannot even think of evil for anyone. The other very good thing about this show was how the parents of Kao and Pete were both supportive and were ever eager to be a part of their son's life and that was amazing, even though it sometimes gets awkward, you have to give it to them to try.
As mentioned above, thankfully, the acting by everyone was very normal and something that you can connect with, unlike some other BL series that I have seen before. And besides the friend circle of Pete & Kao, there were no other unnecessary distractions from the core story and thats what made this series worth watching for sure. There's honestly so much I could talk about this drama, but it's already way to long. If you have a long list of Asian BL shows that you have been meaning to watch like me, but can't figure out, start with this one. It's quite good. (7.5/10)
Comments
I only felt let down by the drama between Pete and Kao. It was the type of issue that could be easily worked out through basic communication, but for the sake of streching the drama they made it into a "let's break up after not even trying to explain ourselves for 5minutes, and then look miserable for the audience to feel for us", not believable and kindda irritating. Thankfully it changes into the more interresting topic of fake news on social media and the devastating effect they can have.
I loved the gang and parents support so much! Non was very good as a double face vilain. Also, is it possible that Pete can be so sexy with just a shirt and regular pants? I vote for his "about aboys" profile anytime lol.
I have not seen "Kiss Me Again" :(
The youtube summary of Pete/Kao in kiss me again was very welcome as it shows the beginning of Pete and Kao relationship (typical ennemies turned to lovers). You get to enjoy the gang a lot more and see how Pete's father learned about their relationship. Of course they couldn't show everything, many parts remain obscure, but I really didn't have the courage (nor time) to watch it all. There is also a parallel story in the "our sky" series, the episode 4 is a side story exclusively on Pete/Kao. Nothing groundshaking but it's always nice to see more of this cute couple, and the story is a simple feel good one.
Now can I warmly recommand you to watch "Long time no see" Korean BL. I think this very short show (5x15min) is amazing. Just, if I may, don't read the trailers as they may spoil you badly.