I'm writing this review based on :
1.) Me not having binge watched any dramas in the past year - I've only been following dramas as they were released)
2.) Not having seen a Chinese drama in 2 years - The last was Prince of Tennis (Chinese ver) in 2019
3.) Not having watched a high school drama in in 2 years - Aside from PoT, I also watched A Little Thing Called First Love in 2019

That said, while I really like this drama, I wouldn't be raving about it to everyone.

I really did enjoy the first part as the ML and FL were developing their friendship/relationship. As shared in other reviews, I'm glad that despite the FL having pined over the ML for YEARS, this didn't stop her from working hard to improve herself. She's very smart and independent and very very sensible. In fact, the story begins in during university because she doesn't exactly do anything to win the attention of the ML.

I would describe the way their relationship developed as quite mundane and without the typical *sparks* that you expect in a drama. But I also appreciate how rational FL was when their relationship was developing to something more. She didn't give in right away when ML confessed his feelings. She still made some irrational choices but in the same way we all make irrational choices. While there aren't that many cheesy scenes, there were still a sprinkle of them here and there which I really liked.

I have to say another reason I enjoyed this drama is all the side characters and seeing their friendships grow with the main leads. I especially enjoyed the scenes with Baili (FL's roommate) and MingRui (ML's roommate) and their own love stories unfold. But I also liked how there were cross interactions: Baili would sometimes talk to ML and MingRui would often be with FL.

I think my interest in this drama lessened a little bit because of the things that happened in the latter half. It turned a more serious note and while I do understand it's an important part of the story and shows a bit of development in their relationship, I somehow feel that it wasn't tied- up so well. Anyway, the ending isn't sad, it just made me feel sad.

All in all, the story is quite cliche but without the usual cliche characters. And if you're in the mood for a light college romance story with lovable characters you might give it a try. I have to say though the OST was really forgettable for me.