Absolutely LOVED this drama. It was so romantic, and the music was outstanding, from the melancholy cello instrumental to ‘Forever Shine’ sung by ML, Evan Lin. I highly recommend. You won’t be disappointed. It just has a wonderfully dreamy, romantic feel to it.

In every drama that I’ve seen Wan Peng (FL), I’ve liked her immensely. The characters she plays aren’t too cutesy (so they don’t get on your nerves after 24+ episodes), and they behave in a mature, straight-forward fashion – just like an ordinary girl/woman. In Crush, her character was certainly persistent as she pursed ML in the 1st half of the drama but not annoyingly pushy. She simply didn’t let his cold attitude deter her, and her persistence paid off as he finally, as he says later, ‘allowed’ himself to fall in love with her. Even when she was acting emotionally/irrationally during their break-up, she was still likeable. Her reaction was a ‘real’ reaction – you could imagine a real woman making the same decisions she made under the circumstances.

As for ML (Evan Lin), I’ve found a new Chinese actor to fan-girl…even though I’m far past the age of being a ‘girl’. He’s not handsome; he’s beautiful, and he does a good job of looking ‘other worldly’ when he’s playing the blind portion of this character. He looks like he belongs in a serene, ethereal garden. Sort of untouchable. He looks even hotter in those glasses. It’s so romantic when he’s carrying FL down the stairs even though he’s blind! And he manages to get her all the way to the hospital too! Yes, his character is insecure and needy (especially when he finally allows himself to ‘need’ FL), and he does morph into the domineering, somewhat obsessive CEO during the 2nd half of the drama, but his behavior is still believable. Honestly, he sort of has to become the obsessive CEO since FL freezes him out when they meet again. His character certainly has its flaws, but you love him anyway. At least, I did.

The break-up. This, too, was believable, and to me, both characters were to blame. Both were dealing with sick fathers and external pressures so there was a lot of emotion flying around and they made rash decisions and statements. There shouldn’t have been a break-up because they loved each other, but circumstances and overcharged emotions sort of forced it upon them. Once everyone calmed down, they should have gotten back together again, but it took three years for that to happen. I do think FL didn’t need to treat ML so coolly when they met again, but I suppose it was a defense mechanism. I’m glad ML took the initiative to pursue her; I guess it was a reversal of their first meeting where she pursued him despite his coolness. I loved how, to him, they’d been engaged for three years despite their separation.

The parents. ML had a complicated family, but they really didn’t factor into his romance with FL – other than his dad’s illness adding to the emotional break up and how his mother’s death shaped his worldview In other words, they didn’t actively interfere. FL’s dad was the typical kind Chinese dad but ends up dying. FL’s mom, however, played a large role in ML’s insecurities. First half of the drama, mom was the typical control freak Chinese parent – trying to direct FL’s career choices and basically, telling ML he was a burden to FL because of his disability. So unkind and insensitive and really discriminatory. By 2nd half, mom had mellowed and was all for their relationship. Mom’s initial opinion of ML is one of the reasons he went through with eye surgery and accepted the role of CEO; he wanted to prove that he wasn’t a burden.

I did think it odd that ML's 'aunt' was counseling FL on why ML responded or act as he did - I thought FL was the psychologist. Shouldn't she have been able to figure that out herself? Also, shouldn't she (or someone) have realized that she needed counseling in regards to her dead roommate? Until ML showed up, it seemed like everyone was fine with her hallucinations - at least, no one was actively urged her to get counseling. The hallucination thing was sort of creepy, and I really don't know why it was added.

The second couple – I wasn’t interested in them or their band (although their song was pretty cool!). I really wish C-dramas would stop spending so much time on second or third couples. It distracts from the MC, and for me, I’m usually bored with the relationship and fast forward through it. There’s nothing wrong with having other couples but spend less time on them. K-dramas have figured out how to do this; C-dramas haven’t…although ‘Poisoned Love’ does a fairly decent job of balancing MC & 2nd couple.

The music was wonderful! Loved this soundtrack. I love it when MLs sing some of the music.

Like I said before, I loved this drama because of its romance, its music and its characters. I highly recommend it.