7 C-Dramas Where Love Survives The Test of Time

There is nothing like watching a passionate love story which draws you into its embrace. The couples in these stories are often willing to brave the sands of time, and even as the world around them turns against them, their feelings do not change. Love, heartbreak, misunderstandings, separation, and betrayal are all things they take in their stride. Here are seven such C-dramas where love survived the test of time.

“Lighter and Princess”

Li Xun (Chen Fei Yu) is a maverick computer genius. There is not a code he cannot crack, a program he cannot create, or a system he cannot hack. His cool and confident demeanor often comes across as arrogant and calculating. Zhu Yun (Zhang Jing Yi) is his classmate and is initially irked by his attitude, but she finds herself falling for the aloof, mysterious Li Xun. He, on the other hand, is also smitten by Zhu Yun’s innocence and devotion. He affectionally calls her “Princess” since her reality is very different from his dark past. What develops is an intensely beautiful love story between the two. As they dream of building a future together, the odds are stacked against them. Zhu Yun’s mother, an educator, dislikes Li Xun immensely. Their so-called best friend Gao Jian Hong (Zhao Zhi Wei) is envious of Li Xun, and his jealousy results in him stabbing and betraying Li Xun which brings serious repercussions for Li Xun and Zhu Yun. Li Xun is imprisoned, and it is the end of the road for the couple. When they meet three years later, it seems like nothing ever changed. But will life give them the happy ending they have been so denied?

“Lighter and Princess” ticks all of the boxes and is a riveting storyline which will keep you engrossed. The natural yet scorching chemistry between the lead couple is bound to make your heart flutter. Chen Fei Yu fits his role, bringing forth the brooding intensify of Li Xun, while Zhang Jing Yi is endearingly charming, and her infectious smile lights up the screen. It’s a must-watch for die-hard romantics.

 

“Fireworks of My Heart”

Song Yan (Yang Yang) is a firefighter. A valiant leader and hard taskmaster, he keeps his personal life guarded. Though everyone is intrigued by the image of a girl on a lighter he keeps close to him, he refuses to divulge anything. But when he meets Xu Qin (Wang Chu Ran), a doctor in the hospital, the past comes rushing back. She is the high school sweetheart who broke his heart, and his future was destroyed by her influential family. Song Yan no longer has anything to do with Xu Qin anymore, or does he?

“Fireworks of My Heart” scores for Yang Yang’s portrayal of Song Yan. As a sincere officer and a passionate lover, he epitomizes Mr. Reliable. The chemistry between the leads is also intense. Adding to the romance, the bromance between Song Yan and Vin Zhang‘s Suo Jun scores for the win.

 

“Fall in Love”

Jing Zhi Xia (Joey Chua) is the manager of a plush hotel. The arrival of a guest at her hotel brings back a surge of memories of her past. The man is none other than Fu Ze Yi (Xiao Kai Zhong), an heir to a conglomerate, who had mercilessly broken her heart years ago. But the twist in the tale is that Fu Ze Yi has a Dissociative Personality Disorder. He has two personalities: the calculating Fu Ze Yi and the warm-hearted Lin. The problem starts when both personalities fall in love with Zhi Xia.

“Fall in Love” is crisp and succinct in its narrative. There is no added drama, but it has a smooth storyline which is complemented by good performances. As Zhi Xia helps Ze Yi/Lin overcome his trauma, it makes you want to root for her. And Xiao Kai Zhong will sweep you off your feet with his charm.

 

“Road Home”

Gui Xiao (Tan Song Yun) and Lu Yan Chen (Jing Bo Ran) are middle school sweethearts and have been inseparable through their teen years. But life throws a strange curve ball. Gui Xiao’s family circumstances change, and Lu Yan Chen joins the police academy and moves away. Though they try to maintain a long-distance relationship, it fails due to parental opposition and their situation, and they go their different ways. Years later, Gui Xiao and Lu Yan Chen come face to face, but he does not have much to say to her anymore. Is this the end of the road for them?

“Road Home” may have several loopholes in its narrative, but the chemistry between the lead couple is so arresting that one is willing to overlook a glitch here and there. After all, who does not like a heady romance between long-lost lovers? Plus, Jing Bo Ran as Lu Yan Chen scores in all departments and looks rather dapper in the uniform.

 

“All Out of Love”

This one may remind you of “Autumn in My Heart,” but the similarities end with it being the tale of two half-siblings who fall in love. Jiang Sheng (Sun Yi) and Liang Sheng (Ma Tian Yu) have had a difficult childhood. Growing up together, they have always had the other to rely on. Feelings develop but are suppressed, since to the world they are step-siblings, even though they are not related to each other. When Liang Sheng meets with an accident and disappears without a trace, Jiang Sheng looks for him but is unable to find him. Years later, Liang Sheng returns and professes his undying love to Jiang Sheng, but she is now happily married to Cheng Tian You (Wallace Chung).

“All Out of Love” is a long drama, packing in 70 episodes of love and heartbreak. The story is intriguing, and it makes you curious to know what Jiang Sheng’s final decision will be and in whose favor. The irony of her situation is well brought out by Sun Yi as she finds herself caught between two men.

 

 “Here to Heart”

Wen Nuan (Janine Chang) is all set to return home to Shanghai after an illustrious career stint in London. Zhan Nan Xian (Zhang Han) is the founder of a flourishing high-tech company. Wen Nuan finds employment in his company as an assistant executive, a position which is a come down from her previous position. It also seems Nan Xian does not like Wen Nuan much, until you realize she was his high school sweetheart who had broken his heart. Years later, as they find themselves face to face yet again, old feelings resurface as well as the bitterness of the past. Can Nan Xian give Wen Nuan a second chance?

“Here to Heart” is an engaging long watch, and it does meander a bit with the many subplots when you’d rather watch the love story. But the push and pull between the couple in the boardroom and beyond is pulsating. Janine Chang and Zhang Han make a handsome onscreen couple, and their chemistry will make you wish there was more romance than the drama playing out.

 

“My Sunshine”

It was love at first sight for Zhao Mo Sheng (Tiffany Tang) the moment she set sights on the handsome law student He Yi Chen (Wallace Chung). Though it takes Yi Chen time to warm up to the vivacious Mo Sheng, he falls hopelessly in love with her. Misunderstandings soon arise when Yi Chen’s foster sister, who is in love with him as well, creates trouble for the two, and they separate. Mo Sheng leaves the country, gets married and divorced, and is a shadow of the woman she once was. Seven years since their breakup, the two former lovers come face to face yet again. The show explores whether it’s the right time for them to resurrect the relationship they were forced to abandon.

“My Sunshine” is a wholesome watch. The characters are not your typical romantic lovers but are two damaged souls seeking solace and comfort in the other. Wallace Chung’s Yi Chen wins hearts with his stoic demeanor and gives Mo Sheng what she needs the most: security.

 

cr: Soompi