7 C-Dramas To Watch If You Loved “The Early Spring”

“The Early Spring” has cast its spell over fans with the dynamics between Jing Bo Ran’s Luke and Sun Qian’s Flora. As the two begin a tempestuous relationship at work, they embark on a journey of emotional and self-development, navigating their own feelings set against the competitive world of advertising, their individuality, and more. The scorching chemistry, of course, left viewers breathless, but this modern romance felt relatable in several ways.

Are you feeling “The Early Spring” void? Here are seven such modern love stories dealing with complex couple dynamics, the push and pull between ambition and commitment, and more. The electric chemistry is an added bonus, so sit back and indulge in these bittersweet C-drama relationships for the soul.

“Love’s Ambition”

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Xu Yan (Zhao Lu Si) is an ambitious television host who appears to have her life and career perfectly mapped out until her relationship with investment professional Shen Hao Ming (William Chan) begins to unravel her carefully constructed world. What starts as a seemingly well-matched romance soon turns complicated as the two confront their very different ideas about love, ambition, independence, and marriage.

Zhao Lu Si brings a more mature, layered performance to Xu Yan, while William Chan plays Hao Ming as a controlled and calculating man whose emotional vulnerability gradually surfaces. With its focus on two ambitious adults trying to navigate a relationship without losing themselves, the drama makes for an engaging watch if you enjoyed the career-versus-commitment dynamic in “The Early Spring.”

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“Lighter and Princess”

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Li Xun (Arthur Chen) is a brilliant but arrogant programming genius who keeps to himself. His reputation as bad news precedes him. Zhu Yun (Zhang Jing Yi ), a determined and academically gifted student, finds herself attracted to him, and her life takes on a different course than what she had planned. As the attraction between the two grows into love, they dream of a future together.

But betrayal by a friend and a tragedy in Li Xun’s life leads to him being in prison and breaking things off with Zhu Yun. The two meet years later, with Zhu Yun determined to win Li Xun back, even though he remains cold towards her. But when Li Xun once again gets ready to sacrifice himself for love, it is Zhu Yun who stands up for him and the future she wants to rebuild with him.

Arthur Chen and Zhang Jing Yi make the central romance particularly compelling, balancing Li Xun’s sharp-edged personality with Zhu Yun’s resilience and determination. Watch it for the intense chemistry, emotional highs and lows, and a romance that evolves alongside its characters as they move from college into the professional world.

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“Will Love in Spring”

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This is the story of two people who have taken very different paths in life: Chen Mai Dong (Li Xian), once a rebellious youth, has chosen a life serving the dead and is a funeral make-up artist. Meanwhile, Zhuang Jie (Zhou Yu Tong) is a successful medical salesperson who became disabled after a childhood accident but refuses to let it define her.

The two were once high school classmates and meet once again when Zhuang Jie returns to her hometown. Mai Dong has no room for love and romance in his life, so he remains brusque and aloof towards her, but she is persistent in pursuing him. Love blossoms but brings forth new complications to the surface as the two gradually learn to understand, accept, and support each other.

Li Xian gives Mai Dong a quiet intensity beneath his seemingly aloof exterior, while Zhou Yu Tong makes Zhuang Jie spirited and ambitious without reducing her character to her disability. This drama is worth watching for its mature romance, nuanced characters, and its refreshing take on complicated relationships.

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“The First Frost”

Wen Yi Fan (Zhang Ruo Nan) is a journalist who unexpectedly crosses paths with her high school crush and classmate, Sang Yan (Bai Jing Ting). Sang Yan has always loved Yi Fan, but their unspoken feelings were never articulated after Yi Fan ends everything and walks away, leaving him distraught.

After their chance reunion, circumstances lead the two to become housemates, forcing them to confront the feelings they have long kept buried while navigating the hurt and misunderstandings of their past as well as deep secrets.

Bai Jing Ting plays Sang Yan as confident and teasing on the surface but deeply caring underneath, while Zhang Ruo Nan brings vulnerability and quiet strength to Yi Fan as she tries to move forward from a difficult past.

With its slow-burn romance, second-chance love story, emotional baggage, and undeniable chemistry between the leads, “The First Frost” is an easy pick for anyone who enjoys romances where the journey toward each other is as important as the relationship itself.

“As Beautiful As You”

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Ji Xing (Tan Song Yun), an intelligent and ambitious tech professional, leaves her corporate job after years of struggling to make her mark. She takes the leap into entrepreneurship. As she builds her own company in the AI and healthcare space, she crosses paths with Han Ting (Xu Kai), a successful CEO who becomes her investor and mentor, though his tough approach often puts them at odds. Their professional partnership gradually develops into something more as Ji Xing proves that she is far more formidable than Han Ting initially expects.

Tan Song Yun brings determination and warmth to Ji Xing, while Xu Kai gives Han Ting the confidence and controlled intensity of a powerful businessman whose softer side emerges around her. Watch it for the career-driven heroine, the workplace dynamics, the romance between two ambitious people, and the sparks between Tan Song Yun and Xu Kai.

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“Eat Run Love”

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Gan Yang (Arthur Chen), a cheerful university student and aspiring sports-shoe designer, falls for Ding Zhi Tong (Zhuang Da Fei), an academically accomplished senior who is too focused on escaping her financial struggles to make room for romance. Despite their different backgrounds, the two eventually fall in love, but their relationship is tested when Gan Yang’s family business collapses, and he hides the truth before breaking up with her.

Years later, they meet again in the business world, with Zhi Tong determined to secure an investment from the very company connected to Gan Yang, bringing old feelings and unresolved resentment back to the surface. Chen Fei Yu plays Gan Yang as warm, persistent, and deeply devoted, while Zhuang Da Fei brings strength and determination to Zhi Tong as she tries to protect herself from being hurt again. Watch it for the second-chance romance, the angst, the career ambitions, and the complicated dynamic between two people who once knew each other better than anyone else.

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“Love For You”

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The lives of Chen Yi (Song Wei Long) and Miao Jing (Zhang Jing Yi) become intertwined when their parents’ relationship brings them together as children. As they grow older, their bond deepens into love during their university years, but a devastating incident forces Chen Yi to push Miao Jing away to protect her.

Years later, they cross paths again when Miao Jing returns back home for work, bringing unresolved feelings and painful memories to the surface. Song Wei Long brings a brooding intensity to Chen Yi, a man shaped by family trauma. He hides his vulnerability behind a rebellious exterior, while Zhang Jing Yi makes Miao Jing warm, resilient, and emotionally grounded. Watch it for the slow-burn romance, layered characters, and the emotional push and pull between two people whose lives have been intertwined for years.

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Puja Talwar is a Soompi writer with a strong Jing Bo Ran and Lee Junho bias. A long time K-drama fan, she loves devising alternate scenarios to the narratives. She has interviewed Lee Min Ho, Gong Yoo, Cha Eun Woo, and Ji Chang Wook to name a few. You can follow her on @puja_talwar7 on Instagram.

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Soompi & Viki Staff Talk: What Is Your Favorite C-Drama?

Having discussed many K-dramas for Soompi & Viki Staff Talk, some of our staff take on a new topic this time as we share what our favorite C-dramas are.

Here are our picks!

Yeon: “When I Fly Towards You”

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As a rom-com fan, I’ve been increasingly exploring the vast world of C-dramas over the past few years and have discovered many gems, but I think the one that I love the most is “When I Fly Towards You.” It’s a very heartwarming romance about the bubbly Zai Zai (Zhang Miao Yi) and the aloof Zhang Lu Rang (Zhou Yi Ran), telling their story from high school through early adulthood. If you’re like me and prefer dramas with minimal conflict and toxicity, “When I Fly Towards You” is such a sweet and comforting drama that is definitely worth checking out!

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Winnie: “Love for You”

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I’ve watched a lot of C-dramas, but my favorite C-drama recently is “Love for You.” The original Chinese title actually means “Wild Dog and the Bone,” and I think that’s what makes this story so special. Chen Yi (Song Wei Long) is like a wild dog, always acting tough to survive, while Miao Jing (Zhang Jing Yi) is like the bone that gives him a reason to keep going. They both pretend to be strong in a difficult world, but in the end they only really have each other. I really love how their relationship slowly grows with so much trust and understanding instead of big dramatic moments. It’s a touching romance that has continued to stay with me even after the finale!

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Sala: “The Untamed”

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One of the first C-dramas I ever watched was “The Untamed,” and it was an exceptional drama to introduce the expansive world of C-dramas. “The Untamed” follows a resurrected Wei Wu (Xiao Zhan) as he rekindles his bond with Lan Wang Ji (Wang Yi Bo), working together to resolve the truth behind mysterious murders and the dark leaders orchestrating the evil events. In addition to being impressed by actors Xiao Xhan and Wang Yi Bo in their breakout roles, the drama captivated me with the complex storytelling, intricate styling, and beautiful settings. “The Untamed” is a must-watch if you love a story full of action and suspense—and the moving bond between characters is the biggest selling point of the drama!

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Julia: “Speed and Love”

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My favorite is “Speed and Love,” a fun C-drama that has a little bit of everything—romance, action, and racing. It follows a young woman searching for her adopted older brother, only to find him living a completely different life as a race driver and boxer. From there, the story takes you into a world full of fast cars, unexpected twists, and romance. What I like most about this drama is that it never feels slow. The racing scenes keep things exciting, but the characters and their relationships are just as fun to watch. “Speed and Love” is definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for a drama that’s easy to get into and keeps you wanting to watch until the end.

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Jinny: “Go Go Squid!”

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“Go Go Squid!” is a classic that first got me into watching C-dramas. Although esports is more of a common theme in C-dramas, it felt very fresh when I first watched this rom-com, which is about pro gamer Hang Shang Yan (Li Xian) and programming student Tong Nian (Yang Zi). I love how Shang Yan is so cool, reserved, and passionate about his team and dreams, while Tong Nian is adorable and brings so much charm and energy to the story. The chemistry between the leads makes this drama especially memorable for me, and it remains one of my nostalgic favorites. If you’re looking for your first C-drama to watch, I’d happily recommend “Go Go Squid!” to start off!

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Somni: “Go Ahead”

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One of my favorite C-dramas is “Go Ahead,” which I first discovered when a friend told me it was the original series behind the K-drama “Family by Choice.” What I love most is watching Li Jian Jian (Tan Song Yun), Ling Xiao (Song Wei Long), and He Zi Qiu (Zhang Xin Cheng) grow up together like siblings although they are not related by blood. Their little family feels warm and ordinary in the best way: sharing meals, teasing each other, arguing over silly things, and always coming home to the same people. As they grow older and their complicated pasts begin to catch up with them, the story becomes more emotional, but it never loses that sense of warmth.

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First Impressions: Song Wei Long And Zhang Jing Yi Shine In Bittersweet Romance “Love For You”

We often don’t meet people by accident. Fate can orchestrate moments and situations, forcing us to make decisions. These choices can determine the course of our lives. We either ride the waves or sink into the abyss.

Chen Yi (Song Wei Long) and Miao Jing (Zhang Jing Yi) share a similar fate. Both have learned to survive and fend for themselves since they were children. Their only fault? Being born to selfish and manipulative parents who have used them as pawns and emotional crutches. When the very people who are meant to nurture them fail in every sense of the word, the two find solace in each other. Though their bond is weathered by storms and weighed down by their own emotional baggage, it remains unbreakably strong, drawing you in with its intensity and depth.

“Love for You” hooks you in within the first 10 minutes. Here’s what you can expect in the premiere episodes!

First Impressions: Song Wei Long And Zhang Jing Yi Shine In Bittersweet Romance “Love For You”插图

The year is 2011. Chen Yi (Song Wei Long) is asked by his therapist to revisit the painful moment when he felt most alone and lost. As he navigates the recesses of his mind, a lone teardrop falls from his eyes. What he sees is a montage of fights, bruises, heartbreak, and a man constantly on the run.

Miao Jing (Zhang Jing Yi) returns to Teng City after years away, retracing her steps back to the one place that once felt like home and to the one person she left behind.

Chen Yi, now managing a billiards club, has buried himself in work, but it is evident that the past continues to haunt him. When fate brings the two face to face once again, it becomes immediately clear that their separation was anything but amicable and that the wounds they carry have yet to heal.

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Through a series of flashbacks, the drama transports us back to 1997, when the two first met as children after their single parents decided to build a life together. It is hardly the loving family either child dreams of. Chen Yi grows up under the shadow of an abusive father, while Miao Jing’s manipulative mother views relationships as a means to an end. Neglected by the very people meant to protect them, the two children slowly begin to find comfort in each other’s company.

But it isn’t long before the cracks in this makeshift family begin to show. Chen Yi is resentful and unwelcoming, while Miao Jing quietly endures yet another unfamiliar home. Beneath Chen Yi’s rebellious exterior lies a young boy carrying unimaginable trauma. His father’s physical abuse, relentless accusations against his late mother, and his mysterious fear of electricity hint at wounds that run far deeper than the drama initially reveals.

Miao Jing, despite enduring her own emotional neglect, becomes the only person who truly sees him. A simple act of kindness—bringing him food after one particularly brutal beating—marks the beginning of a friendship that will ultimately shape both their lives.

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What makes these opening episodes so affecting is that the drama never sensationalizes their pain. Instead, it allows the emotional scars of two neglected children to quietly shape every interaction between them. Their bond doesn’t develop overnight but is forged through years of shared loneliness and unspoken understanding, making every small gesture of kindness feel profoundly meaningful.

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As the years pass, life offers neither Chen Yi nor Miao Jing much respite. While Miao Jing grows into a bright student with dreams of a better future, Chen Yi sets his sights on the police academy, hoping to leave his troubled childhood behind. But fate, once again, has other plans.

The fragile stability they cling to slowly unravels. Miao Jing’s mother, Wei Ming Zhen, continues to manipulate those around her in pursuit of an easier life, while Chen Yi silently watches his life fall apart.

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His dream of joining the police academy is crushed, and a series of devastating events, including his father’s death, a DNA report confirming that a man named Shan Bai is his biological father, and the betrayal that follows, changes the trajectory of his life forever.

Meanwhile, Miao Jing becomes collateral damage in her mother’s choices, left to fend for herself while paying the price for decisions she never made.

These developments are so compelling because they never feel like melodrama for melodrama’s sake. Every setback peels back another layer of Chen Yi and Miao Jing, revealing two people who refuse to let hardship define them. Chen Yi instinctively shoulders every burden placed upon him, while Miao Jing quietly endures life’s cruelties without losing her compassion. Their individual journeys mirror one another, making it impossible not to empathize with both characters.

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When Chen Yi eventually offers Miao Jing a place to stay, it is evident that he cares and is concerned for her. Though rarely expressive, his actions speak of his fierce need to protect her. Miao Jing, in turn, finds in him the only person who has ever made her feel safe. Their relationship is built not merely on love or friendship but on emotional survival—two broken souls brought together by a cruel twist of fate.

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Chen Yi and Miao Jing’s relationship stands out because the drama never rushes to define it. It isn’t built on grand romantic gestures or sweeping declarations of love. Instead, it blossoms through years of shared loneliness, silent understanding, and an instinctive need to protect one another. It is this emotional foundation that lends every interaction between them a quiet poignancy, making their bond feel authentic and deeply moving.

In the present day, it is clear they have gone their separate ways, but the bond between them remains undeniable, deeper and more intense than ever.

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Song Wei Long once again proves why he excels at playing emotionally complex characters. He brings a brooding intensity to Chen Yi, effortlessly slipping into the skin of a man who has spent a lifetime suppressing his emotions. As the cold yet fiercely protective Chen Yi, he strikes the perfect balance between vulnerability and restraint. He is the quintessential bad boy with a heart of gold—morally upright, fiercely loyal, and willing to shoulder every burden alone. Even in the quietest moments, Song Wei Long says more with his eyes than with words, making Chen Yi impossible not to root for.

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Zhang Jing Yi is equally impressive as Miao Jing. The actress conveys volumes with the slightest change in expression, bringing quiet strength and emotional depth to a young woman who has spent her life carrying burdens far beyond her years. Though soft-spoken and reserved, Miao Jing is never portrayed as weak. As the story progresses, Zhang Jing Yi subtly reveals the resilience beneath her gentle exterior, making her character every bit as compelling as Chen Yi.

First Impressions: Song Wei Long And Zhang Jing Yi Shine In Bittersweet Romance “Love For You”插图10

One of the drama’s biggest strengths lies in the chemistry between the two leads. Whether they are sharing moments of silence or confronting years of unresolved pain, the two actors create a bond that feels authentic and deeply lived in. Their relationship is built on trust, companionship, and two lonely souls finding comfort in each other. It is this emotional honesty that makes their story so compelling.

The story and screenplay remain taut, never once missing a beat. Every revelation feels earned, while the writing lends both the characters and the narrative an evocative emotional depth. The storytelling keeps you invested, slowly peeling back the layers of Chen Yi’s and Miao Jing’s pasts without losing sight of their present. If the opening episodes are anything to go by, “Love for You” promises a poignant and emotionally rich romance that lingers long after the credits roll.

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Puja Talwar is a Soompi writer with a strong Yoo Yeon Seok and Lee Junho bias. A long time K-drama fan, she loves devising alternate scenarios to the narratives. She has interviewed Lee Min Ho, Gong Yoo, Cha Eun Woo, and Ji Chang Wook to name a few. You can follow her on @puja_talwar7 on Instagram.

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