Some C-dramas don’t need epic battles, tons of fantasy, or overly dramatic moments to become unique and memorable. Sometimes, they only need a solid plot, relatable characters, and a tiny touch of CGI to be great shows. In “Love Between Lines,” you’ll find all of this and more, proving that even in times when technology and modernity seem to be running faster than ever and the hustle and bustle of the everyday swamp us, romance can still find its way into our lives. Here are some simple reasons why you should definitely watch this C-drama!
Warning: spoilers ahead!
1. The unique virtual setting
Who needs magic or even a time machine when you have virtual reality glasses and a one-of-a-kind location where the most serendipitous encounters can occur? After being stood up on the day of her engagement party, Hu Xiu (Lu Yu Xiao) accepts an invitation from her best friend to attend a unique murder-mystery game in hopes of cheering her up. There, she unexpectedly ends up becoming a spy in Republican China, but before even finishing her mission, she gets killed by military commander Qin Xiao Yi (Chen Xing Xu), the most cunning and handsome NPC in the game. Quickly, Hu Xiu gets enthralled by the aura of this place and by the charming presence of Qin Xiao Yi.
But this setting isn’t only for role play. In this virtual reality, the story develops, and the main couple grows closer. Hu Xiu might feel a little like a wallflower in her daily life, but inside the game, she can show her wits as a clever spy who can even outsmart sharp commander Qin Xiao Yi, who will inevitably get mesmerized by this young woman.
While the show continues mainly in a modern setting, the clever integration of these antique scenarios gives the story a unique touch and dynamism that is fresh and fun to watch, getting you hooked right from the start. Although this isn’t the first time shows create alternative identities for some of their characters—for example, when they appear in video games—here, they immerse themselves in the fantasy, making every meeting all the more heart-fluttering. Besides, both the male and female leads look stunning in vintage costumes, giving you a treat for the eyes.
2. The resilient and strong female lead
Hu Xiu is the type of strong, determined, and resilient female lead that everybody loves to watch. Despite her plans for a stable life being shattered by her ex-fiancé, she doesn’t wallow in her misery. She isn’t afraid to quit her job and start anew, pursuing her once-lost dream of becoming an architecture designer. After leaving it behind due to her family circumstances, this moment of crisis seems like the perfect time for her to regain control of her life. But the road isn’t exactly a flowery path for her. She has to overcome prejudice, struggles, and even her own insecurities before finding a position in Dynamism, the architecture firm of her dreams.
At Dynamism, she not only finds a place to hone her skills as a designer, but also gains a brand new confidence. Slowly but surely, Hu Xui learns to stand up for herself in front of her family and co-workers, without ever losing her kind and a bit sassy personality. Her fierce determination and sheer passion for architecture are enough to push her to go an extra mile in her job, granting her well-deserved admiration. She is what anyone would call a sharp blade in a velvet case, in the best sense. And as she further grows as a professional and as a person, she can also open up to love again when she meets Qin Xiao Yi.
3. A mysterious and charismatic male lead
Qin Xiao Yi, whose real name is Xiao Zhi Yu, is what any perfect hero needs to be: handsome, skilled, and slightly mysterious. Whether it is inside the mystery-murder game as a military commander or in real life as a promising architect, his charismatic presence draws everybody’s eyes. However, behind his nonchalant demeanor and straightforward personality lies a painful secret from his past. And time doesn’t always erase the wounds from the heart. Unable to move on after losing his father and being separated from his mother at a young age, he seems to be desperately looking for the answer that could help him shed some light on the devastating accident that destroyed his family.
When Zhi Yu meets Hu Xiu, he starts to long again for the home he once had, which he lost as a child. Inadvertently, the more he knows about her, the more inspired he finds himself by her passionate, honest, and sensible spirit. But just as she is fighting for her dreams, he faces an inner struggle between his long-lasting wish of getting justice for his father and his newfound desire to follow his heart. As the story and his character development progress, you get to understand better the deep sorrow, loneliness, and inner struggles he carries, but also his kindness, honesty, and determination, showing him as an emotionally complex but inherently sympathetic character.
4. The natural and beautiful romance
From rivals in the game to coworkers in real life and even getting to be roommates, in this C-drama, the main couple goes through every trope. They have the chance to fully explore their feelings, getting to know each other to build a foundation for their relationship as strong as the buildings they design. They don’t fall at first sight nor at the second, but that is what makes their romance all the more endearing and relatable. Although they only get together near the end of the show, it doesn’t feel like it’s dragging unnecessarily; it has just the perfect pace.
Their love story feels natural yet special in the way they fall in love as they share their memories, struggles, and happiness. Of course, there’s a bit of yearning and angst along the way, but even the most fateful of loves need a little bit of challenge to become stronger. And once the romance blooms, it makes you feel all the sweetness, warmth, and beauty of the spring even in the middle of winter, giving us one of the best couples of this first month of the year. So don’t miss the chance to fall in love with Hu Xiu and Xiao Zhi Yu and hop on the train of “Love Between Lines” now!
Watch “Love Between Lines” here:
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Andy zar is an avid drama watcher, from K-dramas to C-dramas, she believes any weekend is a good weekend to enjoy 12 hours of binge-watching dramas. She loves romance, web comics, and K-pop. Her favorite groups are EXO, TWICE, Red Velvet, and BOL4. Find her on Instagram @wuaitboni.
Currently watching: “The Judge Returns” and “Love Between Lines“