Meeting You (2020)

If you want something incredibly sweet and heartwarming with little conflict, THIS IS IT.

First things first, thank you so much Carmon Sub for subtitling this show, you're the reason I was able to enjoy it in the first place!

In general terms, Meeting You is about a girl who's incredibly bright and extroverted, and a very intelligent boy who has deep social anxiety— and the wonderful way in which they compliment each other and lift each other up in their own ways.

If what you're looking for is to feel happy and enjoy some fluffy, sweet romance— this is a must watch.

To tell the truth, the reason why I gave this drama a chance is because I am a sucker for extroverted girl/shy boy stories, but even then it's not like my expectations were incredibly high. But boy, was I in for a treat with this one.

Guo Jun Chen, who I knew from Accidentally In Love (I don't remember much about that show, though) is absolutely adorable as the shy, reserved Nan Xi, and something I really enjoyed is that his growth and him coming out of his shell is incredibly organic and feels very realistic; he doesn't simply change one day and becomes more extroverted, his spirit remains the same throughout the entire show even if he grows and evolves as a person. On the other hand, Wan Peng SHINES in this role as the bubbly, protective and fiercely loyal Xia Rui; she is so incredibly easy to like that you immediately end up wishing you had her as a friend in your life. Their chemistry is palpable, which is probably why it's so easy to fully believe they are soulmates who are destined to be together and it absolutely should not go any other way.

Now, what I loved the most about this show:

• Serious lack of heavy conflict and dumb misunderstandings that drag on forever: I think there are only two "real" moments of conflict in the entire show— one around the middle (if I remember correctly) and one in the final episodes, and they barely last an episode at best (maybe they split it in 2 episodes, but the actual conflict lasts for less than one).
• AMAZING communication: this ties to my previous point of lack of dumb misunderstandings— except for the second lead couple whose entire storyline revolves around the guy being clueless up until the end and the girl not confessing her feelings for him directly to clear it up. When there's a misunderstanding, they talk things through pretty quickly and problems are solved very, very fast.
• The relationship between Xia Rui and Nan Xi, once they realize who the other is, is UNBREAKABLE. Even though they don't officially get together until they're in college, they are both obviously in love with each other and they are 100% loyal to the other. There's a plot with another girl at first (not a villain, don't worry) who really likes Nan Xi, and he over and over flat out rejects her advances because he only likes Xia Rui, no one else. I wish I had read this when I started watching, cause I have serious trauma from dramas where things go right between the main couple and then everything goes wrong, which NEVER HAPPENS HERE. They only have eyes for each other through the entire drama.
• In the same vein, the relationship between Xia Rui and Nan Xi is absolutely amazing. Nan Xi is incredibly smart and does super well in school but struggles deeply with socializing, and Xia Rui is amazing at socializing and struggles with her studies. Because they are good in what the other is lacking, they are constantly helping each other in the sweetest, most wholesome ways. These two absolutely ADORE each other and you can feel it all the time.
• Drunk Nan Xi: Look forward to it.
• Their relationship dynamic is exactly what I love. Exactly. It's perfect. I have nothing more to say.

Now, a much shorter list of what I didn't like:
• The relationship with the second leads is a bit frustrating because you really just want them to get it over with once and for all. However, even when it feels like it's dragging for too long, the fact that their characters are developed in a way that makes it "make sense" for them to not tell each other how they feel makes it somewhat more bearable. Also, this happening at the same time as Xia Rui and Nan Xi are being in love and cute with each other also makes it more bearable.
• I am not one to question the lack of kisses in Asian dramas because to each their own, but there's definitely a disconnect between the way Xia Rui and Nan Xi are towards each other that simply does not correlate with how much Xia Rui shies away when Nan Xi tries to kiss her. It feels out of place for their characters for her to get so flustered about it, when what it would make sense is for her to instantly reciprocate, especially because they're super comfortable around each other otherwise. That being said, there is A LOT of physical affection that is not kisses, and it pretty much makes up for the lack of them. Lots of enthusiastic hugging too.

If there's more I didn't like, it's definitely eclipsed by what I liked cause I honestly can't remember anything else.

In conclusion, I 100% recommend to watch this!

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Light & Bright Youth. Story of Companionship & Friendship

Meeting this drama and their characthers is a mix of youthful spring and calming autumn. Theres that wonderful reminscing of youth, of school, classmates and friendship. Theres that understanding between two people who value and support each other. Theres the spring of childhood friends turned first love.

Although mostly light, Nan xi's backstory was a little sad and lonely at the start. Because of his genius and crowd phobia, he live in seclusion, barracade himself from people both physically and emotionally. Enter Xia Rui, who is his bell while he is the wood. Polar opposites but they share a special friendship that dates to childhood. Having reconcile, Nan xi vows never to be separated from Xia Rui again. In some aspects he comes off clingy and possessive. But if you think of how his life was before her and how much he understands himself and his needs, you can understand a little where hes coming from. Xia Rui represents the light in the dark, the floater in the sea, the colour in a colourless world and the laughter to drown out the noise. She, as he puts it, is and always will be his destination. They make each other reach to be a better part of themselves. The story sees them breaking barriers and improving themselves. Witnessing their growth is like a rewarding task of watching a tree firmly take root, grow, bear fruits and reach its full potential.

We are also treated to 2 of Xia Rui's best friends who also enter Nan xi's world. They make up our second couple who are as cute as they look. The drama is littered with a lot of lovely characters, too many to list individually. In this aspect it's really a feel good drama with lots of positive energy.

The strength lies in their friendship. People who care and makes sure to stay together. Often this is not easily done in real life. Its wonderful to see their friendships persevere from highschool to college. Gratifying to see that they are each other's support systems. I appreciate the message the drama relays and the positive ambience and feel it radiates. The cast were spot on. Fiction Guo has really put his mark as Nan xi and Wan Peng is right at home potraying the warm and radiant XiaRui. If you would want some positive energy and a drama high on friendship and youth, this may be a rewarding watch.

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Too sweet, let me weep!!!

I looove this drama to bits!! No unnecessary drama or misunderstandings. Let me start by saying how much I love the casts. Everyone knows how amazing Wanpeng is, school dramas are her forte because of her youthful looks and animated acting! But Fiction impressed me no less, I loved his acting here more than in AIL mainly because of his character personality. A role with little dialogue can be challenging and tough for actors, but Fiction embodied the calm and introverted nature of Nanxi so well!

Next point, the leads are so whipped for each other in the drama and have so much mutual trust that there is close to no angst because things get resolved quickly. Pace of the story is fine for me because we get to witness character growth, especially with the leads, progressively. Their chemistry makes me look forward to their interactions (I may have admittedly skipped the side couples a few times to get my Nanxi-Xiarui fix ?)

Also!! I love how when she decided to not pursue an opportunity overseas you'd think it'll be the typical drama plot where the 2 leads get into a fight over career prospects, but instead the male lead takes the initiative to support assure her and support her dream while being together with her. This portrays a very realistic (almost idealistic) drama which shows how a relationship can be with good communication and trust in your partner!

Overall, this drama makes me feel really warm. It gives you a glimpse into how pure and strong love can be, and how worth it is to have trust and good communication with your partner, and friends.

If there's anything I want to scream about, they only have their first kiss in ep 26 ??? but no points off for that because of the hilarious failed attempts they had before it :''')

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WHEN NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THIS, WHAT DO YOU RATE IT? BUT ALSO WHEN NOTHING IS RIGHT?

I don't see any major issues with this drama. It's simple, sweet, and maybe slightly corny. All those annoying cliches? Basically, thrown out the windows. You see these four (five) characters grow together through high school to university. Nothing too complex; it's been done so many times before.

I was so glad this drama did not try the "A Love So Beautiful" approach. I can't stand love triangles, especially one in a friend group.

The two downsides? The romance was very weak. Sure, not every romance has to be passionate or even interesting, but at least make the story around the romance interesting. It wasn't. The second thing is the story, clearly. It was boring. But at least I didn't feel frustration over the characters. I just felt... nothing. When I got to episode 20, I was so ready to stop. I pushed quite hard to actually finish this. It just wasn't interesting. Not even the romance can save it—it's part of the bore.

It's funny they moved in together because they even kissed. I think they skipped a step there.

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A SUPER SWEET STORY OF LOVE! BETWEEN A BUBBLY GIRL AND A QUIET BOY

ARGHHH !! I CANT GET OVER HOW CUTE, SWEET AND PURE THIS DRAMA WAS . DEFINITELY HANDS DOWN ONE OF MY FAVE DRAMAS. I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF THIS DRAMA !!! loved the male lead Nan Xi and how cute and adorable he was, loved the female lead Xia Rui for being a loud and protective person !! In my book this gets a 11 out of ten !!!

The story is about the male lead Nan Xi who has a social anxiety disorder. He never done well with crowds and thus males him a quiet and weird kid. When he was young he meets the loud and proud female lead Xia Rui, who ends up protecting him and a develop a friendship together. Nan Xi, has always been good with wood. He makes her a whale necklace, with a bell inside. Nan Xi is the whale , and she is the bell ( because the bell talks a lot) Fast forward, its his first day of his third year (?) ( i think). He transfered over to the school. Xai rui accidentally bumps into Nan xi. lol their encounter at school starts out with a lot getting hurt, bumping into each other, falling on the ground. He discovers that she has the whale necklace and makes the connection that she is his friend from when he was young.
Xia rui's personally is bubbly , loud and sweet, while Nan xi is cold, quiet and collected. Xia rui was always there to take care and protect Nan xi , and even help him overcome his social anxiety! They start doing eveything together and make a plan that they will go to the same college.

I think the story was written really well! there isnt any drag at all! The story is well rounded starts from when they were young , unitl they meet in high school and then experiencing college together and even after college life. The development of the relationship was good timing too, although it didnt have too much kissing scenes i felt it was appropriate because it was like a puppy love and kinda pure/simple like 17/18 years old, and then as they went to college more cute scenes with the addition of a kissing scene. I also like the development of the side characters , each one got their own pairings. I loved the friendship that they all had with each other. There was no evil girl characters....

Their relationship is so nature and sweet! doesnt need to much kissing, i feel like being together is enough ! i cant get over how cute Nan Xi is !!!! he just lies on her shoulder and said i need to recharge!! oh my heart!!! He is such a cute bf that you want to take care of lol. It was really sweet that they supported each other through their highs and lows. Nan xi said you are my final stop!!! which also melted my heart away !

this drama is the very few drams i would rewatch ! most drama i dont want to rewatch, but this one, i will !!!

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Light-hearted

This was cliche but cute, non-toxic, light-hearted, and just downright wholesome. I really appreciated the relationship between the lead characters — there was just so much trust and understanding between them, and the drama did a really good job of showing how two people can accept the different parts of each other. They also did a good job with the childhood connection trope; it made sense and played a huge part in the story and didn't feel thrown in haphazardly.

One issue I have with a lot of these kinds of dramas though is that they always try to incorporate some deeper traumatic backstory, but for the sake of maintaining a light-hearted mood, it's like they don't dare to go into the details. The same goes for the side characters, who are funny and endearing but have cookie-cutter personalities and no deeper character development.

There were other parts of the plot that were very cliche and used common tropes but nevertheless, for a light-hearted drama this is a really good go-to.

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Charming coming of age love story

The "long lost childhood friend turned lover" trope is nothing new, but the show used it very effectively. What makes it more meaningful is that our Male Lead, Nan Xi has a social anxiety disorder, and therefore his early friendship with Xia Rui, our female lead, has left a lasting, profound effect on him. He never forgot Xia Rui and never faltered in his search for her.

I enjoyed their story of blossoming love, a romance that most would have deemed impossible given how different their personalities were. However, in a world of incompatibilities, they became each other's light and destination. They knew that they are each other's one and only, unique to and completing one another. Their unquestioning trust in each other made for a delightful and extra sweet relationship. Neither one is perfect, though. Nan Xi was a genius, adept and excellent in anything that he attempted but was an extreme introvert, uncomfortable with the world. Xia Rui was bright, talkative, and plucky but unmotivated when it came to her studies. She often caused stress for Nan Xi and her closest friends, Zhao Yi Shu and Cheng Er Luo, who only wanted to see her succeed and be with them in the same university. Individually they were flawed, but the show delivered a strong message of how imperfectly perfect they were together as a couple and for Xia Rui, Yi Shu, and Er Luo, as friends with unbreakable bonds. Being each other's anchors, they were able to pursue and succeed in achieving their dreams.

Adding to the heart-warming plot was the focus on family, friendship, and the bond between teacher and student. There were lots of positive feels in this show, focused on the four friends' lives in high school, university, and early post-grad years. I liked how the adults respect the young people, acting as positive influences, and providing support. No real antagonists and even potential love triangles were only hints, resolved quickly and relatively painlessly. Even the ones causing a smidgen of chaos ended up being good friends with the main group. The lack of melodrama was a plus for me, and I appreciate how the show stayed consistent with its storyline. Unlike many C-, K- or Thai dramas, there was no dramatic twist or turn, throwing the audience off with a different arc.

While the show has its strengths with respect to the adorable romance and character growth of the primary characters, it did get draggy concerning the secondary couple, Yi Shu and Er Luo. Both of them were annoying at times, with Er Luo being so dense and unaware of Yi Shu's feelings for him and Yi Shu's unwillingness to clarify and confess. It's one of those relationships that could be smoothed out and move forward if there was some communication, even indirectly via the main couple. I did not understand why Xia Rui did not help more, given how the other two contrived to create opportunities for her and Nan Xi.

The cast did well and had excellent rapport with each other. This is quite the 'PG' show with so many kisses...interrupted! Still Fiction Guo and Wan Peng had great chemistry, so endearing together, and I hope that they will play the OTP again in another show. I watched Fiction Guo in Accidentally In Love and Su Yu, and his portrayal of his characters in those shows, and this one highlighted his acting skills and potential. He does comedy well, and in this show, as he emoted well without a lot of dialogue. He has a few main roles lined up, so I look forward to seeing him more. Wan Peng also did well as bubbly Xia Rui, but I wonder if she will get pigeonholed into such a character. Her role in First Romance was very similar and even in My Girlfriend is an Alien, she played a clumsy, bumbling, unlady-like character. It would be nice to see her portray a more feminine role. I totally see her as an ideal female lead, strong and sassy, and she does have attractive features.

The supporting characters were awesome. Lao Hu and Lao Yi, the parents & grandparents, all added fun and substance to the story, but the scene-stealer was Xia Rui's little brother, who was the little sage, truth-teller, and overall, a bundle of cuteness.

Music-wise - the OST was great, and I like how the show played 'sexier' songs as the OTP's relationship progressed. I am partial to duets, and the show featured a couple of nice ones.

I'd highly recommend that you watch this if you like light-hearted and binge-able dramas featuring strong friendship and family ties, character growth, and a healthy romance between the main characters who never wavered from their love and commitment.

Lastly, a shout out to CarmenEngSub for subbing this show!

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Charming leads, Cute Side couples, Fluffy Romance

SURPRISE SURPRISE! Never Expected the drama to turn out so well towards the end....not the best but definitely have its charms.

Story:
An unexpected male lead, a strong female lead. Usually we see the ML "taking the baton of the drama" but in this case, the female lead takes it instead. Instead of a male lead focused where ML is the one who 'saving damsel in distress' , here we get the FL who give it all for her childhood friend who is having difficulties in socializing. She is not weak and she does not bow down to any difficulties she faced when trying to help the ML overcome his anti-social syndrome. Honestly, this may not be the most developed story plot or the most "roller coaster" plot twist or anything, but it definitely WARMS YOUR HEART <33
*Relatively smooth sailing drama with no major plot twists or triangle romance.

Romance:
Lightest to Light romance (With a little 'fire' at the last few episodes, you wont regret!). As a long time drama fan, I'm used to 'intense romance' but for this, I definitely didn't mind the slow paced & light romance at all. Initially, i have mental prepared myself as I read the comments below. However, it turns out that it is actually paced really well and it fits this drama very well. What I really love is how the couple developed their relationship from innocent childhood friends, to a loving and understanding couple. It was light but filled with sweet moments. Watch it with an open heart is all I can say.

Casts:
Awesome cast! The main couple is not just the only pair you should look out for. The side couples are equally sweet although their relationship wasn't really developed/clear until the end.

Cons of the drama:
If I have to point out any flaws, it will be how the side couples took so long to get together due to the "stupidity" of the guy.

Overall:
Right story with the right casts! May not be the most developed school romance story but definitely the most warm warming one. Watch it with no stress at all. Slow paced romance but not any less of sweet moments.

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Growth is good, growth nurtured by love is even better!

Let's be honest, this show is not going to win any drama awards and there are some story telling issues but I gave this show a high score because it is true to its own narrative. I consider that a nice touch as a lot of c/t-drama starts off with one narrative and ends up with a different genre unless they pull it all back in the dying moment of the show. That can be disconcerting, to say the least.
Being a youth focused show, the plot is centred around life at school and university with a "... 3 years later" time skip in the end to tie things up and give everyone closure. The OTP were cute together and have good chemistry. The FL can be a bit annoying as she talks too fast and too much and was tomboyish but that's her character. The most important thing is that both of them are flawed (unlike some other youth drama where one half is amazing and the other is hopeless). In their case, the sum of the whole is literally far greater than their individual merits, they knew it and talked about it regularly.
As I mentioned before, the writers held firm to that narrative. There were minor misunderstandings or challenges to their pairing but they exist only for each other and their faith and trust in each other was unshakable (well, 90% of the time ;)). From that bond came a great deal of growth, both personal as well as in their careers. Even when the ML (handsome and smart) grew out of his shell, he only had eyes for the FL. He never waver for one moment. The FL is also totally into the ML but her character flaws make her tough on the outside but fragile on the inside so there were some initial doubts. However, his presence anchored her being and smoothed her rough edges. In turn, her love and support allow him to overcome his social phobia and lead a successful life. Both achieved a great deal more than if they'd never met.
As you would expect in such a drama, there was little angst. They resolved their issues quickly and what enemies they had, did limited damage and most saw the evil of their ways and made amends. Some even became fast friends! Teachers were all positive influences and only want to see them succeed. Lots of feels in those formative years.
What was a bit annoying was the 2OTP. Their failed attempts at having a romantic relationship was painful to watch, especially when it dragged on for 25 episodes. Why was the 2ML so thick and blinded to the feelings of the 2FL is beyond me. When he did "discover" his feelings, it just seemed to be a bit too convenient. It was like nothing was there one minute and then after seeing the 2FL with another dude (whom he more or less pushed into 2FL's lap), he just said he thinks he likes her after all, did a 180 degrees and chased her aggressively. Really? What miracle water did he drink (PPL in-joke)? Anyway, that paved the way for some cute 2OTP moments for the last few episodes. Even with all the pairings, there is limited skinship. A few kisses towards the end of the show but there were lots more failed attempts and pull backs.
One last observation, in this type of drama, the elderly actors tends to be the screen stealers (either for good or evil) but in this case, the FL's younger (half) brother (~10 years old?) was a gem. He was wise beyond his age and his acting was sooo good and on point.
In the end, it was happy endings all round. Every loose ends tied up with pink bows. It was a drama that you won't recall many highs or lows but will remember with a feeling of fondness and a bit of wistfulness. Life is not meant to be easy but for a little while, the world was a better place where two imperfect characters became a perfect whole.

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Cute and sweet romance - easy watch but can be predictable

Completed - 6/17/2022

"Meeting You" is another high school to college drama that China does so well. This is a simple, easy, cute and sweet watch and won't give you too much heartaches or annoyance. What's different in this drama is our ML, who battles and lives with social anxiety all his life. However, he's still the typical genius who is handsome and good with everything.

The plot is simple and somewhat predictable, and sometimes this is just what we need. There's no love triangle, no jealous ex, no miscommunication, no annoying or overly dramatic characters. All characters are pretty likable. Half of the drama takes place in high school and we have the common theme of studying for the college entrance exam that is almost present in any high school C-dramas. The second half takes place in college and there's when the leads get together. This is to be expected as high school romance is frowned upon and never fully blossomed anyway.

Wang Peng is perfect for this role as the super friendly and outgoing Xia Rui. The role is quite similar to her role in "When We Were Young", and her acting met my expectations. Sometimes, I find such characters to be annoying, but luckily, I didn't here. Guo Jun Chen is our super shy but somewhat possessive Nan Xi. I think he does a decent job in portraying this role and there are a few scenes when he's really cute, e.g. when he had his first taste of beer. I couldn't help but laugh out loud. The supporting cast is decent and nothing really to write about, except for the child actors. The little girl who plays young Xia Rui, and the little boy (Jonny Zhang,) who plays Xia Rui's stepbrother are both adorable and hilarious. I do not think the drama is dubbed, so the actors use their own voice. I wonder if it was really Johnny's real voice and live recording, because he has some pretty long and fast line, and his delivery is great.

The pacing of the drama is pretty decent. I do think it could be shortened just a tiny bit, as I was getting bored with the repetitive secondary romance. I also think some scenes are edited out, but I am not quite sure. For example, at the end of one episode, the leads are talking about ML's class and dancing. But at the start of the next episode, FL is moving in ML already. There are not talks about it as it's a pretty good deal. There are a few other minor situations like that.

Other Random Observations:
1. The drinks product placement is a little much.
2. I was not expecting the first kiss to happen that way.
3. Wang Peng is definitely more experienced in kissing on camera than Guo Jun Chen (not that the kisses were amazing).
4. A fellow reviewer, Shiro, mentioned that there are many almost/near kisses in this drama. It's totally true. I think I counted 8.
5. No dubbing - all actors own voices.
6. I personally find the ML's monolog in the last episode to be a little cringey, but others might find it romantic.
7. I am glad we don't see any therapy sessions, because I am sure I would hate them.

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