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AS BEAUTIFUL AS YOU, a review. (Chinese drama, 40 episodes)

"In my position, I have my own hardships. Love is not everything in my life... But in love, there is only you."  --- Han Ting

"As Beautiful As You" is a lovely tale about how a couple in the same field balances love and career despite differing perspectives and challenges.

Ji Xin and Han Ting are at a crossroads. Ji Xing is starting her own business after resigning from her job at a respected medical company. On the other hand, Han Ting had just been appointed CEO of Dongyang Medical, the most significant medical equipment company in China. Knowing and admiring Ji Xiang and her potential, Han Ting invested in her company, developing a complex personal and professional relationship. Their relationship was challenging but eventually became a testament to their love and commitment.

---------------------- WARNING: Spoiler Alerts --------------------------

Setting

The story is set in the field of medical advances, and I initially thought the backstory would be too complicated to understand. Fortunately, the drama demonstrated the need and the technical aspects of integrating AI into medical technology in an easily digestible form. For instance, Ji Xing's company re-creates tailor-made bones through 3D printing, a revolutionary technique that could potentially change the medical industry. I was surprised that I actually enjoyed learning about these possible medical advances. The director and scriptwriters did an excellent job showing this drama aspect.

On Men and Love

The beauty of Ji Xing's love story lies in the unique contrast between Zichen and Han Ting. This juxtaposition adds depth to the characters and intrigues the audience, helping them understand why Han Ting is the perfect match for Ji Xing.

Ji Xing is a passionate woman who wants to make a difference. She is willing to sacrifice and risk a comfortable office job to achieve innovation in her field.

The drama opens with Ji Xing in a relationship with Zichen, a kind and caring doctor. He prioritises her and seems to understand the demands of her job. He is a guy who will put family and relationships above his job, checking most of the boxes of an ideal boyfriend.

On the other hand, Han Ting, as CEO of Dongyang Medical, has many responsibilities. Intelligent and cunning, his work doesn't allow him to always prioritise personal relationships. He understands his role in society and China's medical advancement and has to make decisions accordingly.

On paper, Zichen may seem ideal for Ji Xing. However, Han Ting understands and supports Ji Xiang without resentment, as seen in the drama. As their fights illustrate, without giving too many spoilers, their shortcomings lead to decisions that hurt each other. And here lies the strength of their relationship. Despite not being the noblest of characters, they eventually understood each other and were willing to compromise—accepting each other's calling in life and developing a relationship around it.    

The strength of this drama is that it shows that sometimes, our ideal partner is based on our choices and the person we choose to be rather than on what society dictates. Having said that, I like that Zichen is a likeable bro instead of the usual drama formula of an evil ex-boyfriend. He is an excellent boyfie, Han Ting is just a better one for Ji Xing.

Love to Hate: Wei Qui Zi

OMG, Qui Zi is the ultimate pick-me girl. Way before there were issues between Ji Xiang and Yichen, she had been showing Yichen how much of a "girlfriend' material she is and asking questions to create conflict between Ji Xing and Yichen. "Pick me, PICK me, PICK MEEE!!!!" Yuck!!! Even when Yichen turns her down, she will still go to his place to do her pick-me routine. 

By the way, I'm not girl-hating here. As a comment I read said, when Yichaen and Ji Xing broke, he was free to date whoever he wanted. Qui Zi, supposedly still friends with Ji Xiang and part of her inner circle, should have cared about how her relationship would affect Ji Xing and their friendship. At the very least, and this is the bare minimum, she should have waited until after 6 months of relationship grieving before making the moves on Yichen and talked to Ji Xing if something was developing. Oh, and the way she put pressure on Ji Xing to attend her wedding--- so hateful. We all know it is to save her face from the possible societal backlash of being a snake. 

Ultimately, the pick-me girl got what she wanted, but it will always be with the knowledge that she is the second choice and only because she is a helpful, unpaid maid with money. 

Yes, I might have written this review to vent about the pick-me girl. But hey, we all need a bit of drama in our lives, right?

Cheers for the Girlies

One of the most endearing aspects of this story is the relatable and heartwarming friendship between Ji Xing, Lili, and Xiao Meng. Their bond, built on love, understanding, and respect, is a joy to watch and adds depth to the narrative. If I have one request, it is a need for a b?tch fest about pick-me girl.

Secondary Romances

While the secondary characters are charming, their stories, though cute, feel unnecessary and distract from the main narrative. The time invested in telling their stories made the drama feel excessively long, which might disappoint some viewers. Although it didn't deter Han Ting and Ji Xing's story, it didn't add to it either.   

Ending

I'm all for a happy ending, but it was too perfect for me. Initially, the cunning Han Ting initiated Doctor Cloud as an open source, raising my eyebrows. Then I remembered that Volvo had opened a patent for the 3-point seatbelt because saving lives is more important than profit. Okay, my bad. But to have all girls, even the pick-me girl, have their happily-ever-after endings simultaneously... not to mention how Han Ting suddenly became admirable to those who plotted against him--- Hmmmmm...

Chemistry

Good, but not great.

Acting

Great! Even the secondary characters stepped up. However, if I were to nitpick, and this is coming from a loving place, I wish Tan Song Yun (Ji Xing) had a more natural, easy-flowing laugh. Love her, by the way.

Recommendation

If you are looking for a quick, easy-to-watch, kilig romance (which I super love), this is probably not for you. The drama could have been shorter, especially if they edited the secondary characters' love story. However, if you are looking for a good, well-developed story with a strong foundation for its characters, then I highly recommend this drama. It has an interesting take on romance, love, and China's medical technology advancement.

Rating

8 to 8.5, depending on my mood-- hehe:)

(I watched it on YouTube)