When I Fly Towards You ✈️

 

Title: When I Fly Towards You (#ZhouYiran 🥰)

Episodes/ Watch Period: 24/ September 4th – September 15th 

Rating: Loved it! 

Summary: 

On that one summer day before school begins, the cheerful new transfer student, Su Zai Zai encounters the aloof and distant Zhang Lurang and instantly falls in love with him. Being constantly compared with his younger brother, a neglected Zhang Lurang keeps to himself despite the calm aura. That is until a brave Su Zai Zai comes crashing into his world. Along side his friends Gu Ran, Guan Fang and Su Zai Zai's best friend, Jiang Jia, Zhang Lurang will come to find purpose and meaning. All the while experiencing a budding romance that will brighten his life. 

Cast: 

Zhou Yiran - Zhang Lurang 

Zhang Miaoyi - Su Zai Zai 

Bian Tian Yang - Gu Ran 

Jiang Zhi Nan - Jiang Jia

Guo Zhe - Guan Fang 

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: 

I forgot to even do a first impression. I whipped through those first few episodes so fast. All I can remember thinking was, this is my kind of fluff. I must admit I had a few cringe moments but the subtle behavior changes of Zhang Lurang sealed the deal for me to continue. Not to mention, the friend dynamic with the mix up in the beginning. LOL! Poor Gu Ran. 

Click here for FINAL REVIEW

COMMENTARIES: 

Episode 8:

" Perhaps every girl can become a princess in front of the one she loves." - Zhang Lurang 

Talk about smooth subtle one liners! 😍Zhang Lurang is a guy of few words but is the sweetest around Su Zaizai. These 2 are exactly what I needed for good fluff. 😍💖

Episode 11:

Happy New Year! It’s that time again in youth drama land. We delve into the home life of everyone as they’re on break. The friend group is tight at school, but it seems some homes are not as tight-knit as others. Zhang Lurang constantly being compared to by his elders. Gu Ran’s parents not spending much time with him. Jiang Jia seems to have a slight rift with her father? On the bright side, Zaizai’s family is quite the opposite with a hilarious dynamic. Guan Fang and his grandmother being cute as usual. It’s a nice touch to see the raw side of each character. It truly helps to display the persona of everyone.

I just find the parallels of Zaizai’s and Lurang’s parents hilarious. Sadly, Rang Rang’s mom is still comparing him to his younger brother, Lu Li who we finally meet. But it seems little bro just wants to hang out with big bro. Very typical of Asian parents. Speaking of typical, I cannot stop laughing over ZaiZai bringing Zhang Lu Rang over to her aunt’s house. The moment she told him to brace himself as they walk amongst the road of gossiping Aunties had me rolling. Better yet, her mom received a call before they even made it home. LOL!! This is too relatable.

Cutest highlight: Before going on break, Zaizai told Rang Rang she’ll be the one to initiate contacting him and he responds by saying he’ll try his best to instantly respond. Welps, the beginning starts with a montage of their texts over the break and he sure does respond all the time. Damn! My freaking heart.

Episode 12: 

Slumber party time! LOL. These boys are so hilarious. I honestly love this dynamic. I live for a good bromance and this one is not one to pass on. 

Episode 14: So Rang Rang likes Sunflowers

The sweetness continues and I don’t think I’ll ever stop gushing over these 2. Zhang Lurang finds a frightened Su Zaizai locked inside the equipment room. Per instinct she gives him a hug and we almost get a reciprocation. The spooky noise which frightened Zai Zai is a ringtone from someone who forgot their phone. The owner of the phone wants to treat Zhang Lurang to a meal for finding the phone but he simply declines. Instead, he requests them to change their ringtone. Omo! Why is he so stinking cute.

After another distasteful conversation with his mom over the phone, Zhang Lurang sees a happy Su Zaizai walking back towards the hotel. She signals for him to come down to which she shares a popsicle with him. They share a sweet conversation and honestly, as much as I feel 2^nd hand embarrassment at times for ZaiZai, she radiates with much confidence. She instantly declares to Zhang Lurang that she will always think he is better than his little brother. Unbeknownst to her, she has successfully cheered up Zhang Lurang. For once, someone isn’t comparing him to his little brother. Added with the 1 point she will always give to him; she’s earned herself an extra point in Zhang Lurang’s heart. 😍

The group is the cutest with their face paintings. Gu Ran and Jiang Jia “unintentionally” matching with stars, Guan Fang requesting for a cloud, Su Zai Zai choosing the sun which represents her nickname. Zhang Lurang hesitates before choosing a sunflower. Sunflowers always face the sun. Zai Zai’s surprised Rang Rang likes sunflowers but ouuu! Girl, you know what that means? It’s not the sunflowers he likes. 😏

Episode 15:

I don’t want Zhang Lurang to leave Jiang Yi! 😭

And honestly, why did these 2 make me spend 10 minutes to understand their nerdy math confession. I don’t do math and though it was cute, I almost missed the point. My head still hurts trying to process. Lol

Episode 16:

Zhang Lurang’s mom is toxic. Actually, both parents are but I can’t stand this comparison. It tears apart these 2 brothers who are not at fault one bit. Poor little bro just wants to have a regular sibling relationship. But I’m glad Zhang Lurang is trying his best to come around. Hoping these 2 brothers will get to hang out more!

Oh! And I’m happy the miscommunication between ZLR and SZZ ended quickly. It took ZLR lots of effort to make that apology but he really tried ya’ll. Such a precious boy.

Episode 17:

Su Zai Zai’s birthday wishes. 🥺 I can’t wait to see them spend his 18^th birthday together. ❤️ Not to mention, he waited to be in private with Su ZaiZai before presenting her birthday gift. And it’s a polaroid. He truly does know her best.

(Cheese... I mean Shi qi...😁)

Those group photos. This friend group is the most wholesome ever.

On their last night together, I love that they’re keeping each other in check. They’ve really gotten to know each other’s quirks. ZLR even asked for SZZ to aim for the same University, Huada. She ultimately agrees.

I’m truly sad ZLR had to go back to Su Yang. But their constant communication through letters is the sweetest. 

Episode 18:

(Reunited after a year of letters! 💖)

We get a small glimpse of their unintended reunion in Suyang when SZZ attends a university admission exam for a different university. And though I feared they were going to write her character as the typical FL’s who will ultimately agree to attend the same university just to chase after ML, SZZ nonchalantly explains that she wants to play it safe. She’s not going back on her words but she’s preparing for the worse. *whew* I love this open communication!

SZZ: “Rang Rang, is that the tree that you said is even older than us?”

ZLR: “Actually there is nothing special about it. It’s just that when I arrived, I wanted to tell you about everything.” (asdfghjkl;; why is he like this?! 🥺)

“Because only with friends around can adults temporarily not act like adults.” – Guang Fang. #FACTS!

Is ZLR asking SZZ out on a date?! Is this what I think it means?!? Oh, my goodness!!

Episode 19:

Asdfghjkl;; Let the fireworks continue to shoot! After a horribly failed confession from Su ZaiZai, Zhang Lurang swoops in with the most casual but smooth way to confess! My shipper heart. They are FINALLY together!!! I can’t stop happy dancing. LOL! I’ve waited so long for this without trying to look at spoilers. 😭❤️ SZZ can’t believe it’s actually real. Honestly, I’m so happy for her. Her efforts did not go in vain. She’s in so much shock even holding hand becomes awkward. They’re too adorable.

Speaking of adorable, SZZ really is ZLR’s sunshine. He’s smiling more and confidently talkative to Zaizai. My heart literally melted when Zaizai hugged him in excitement after finding out they’ll be going to university together. He had the biggest smile. But this smile hit different because his other smiles in the past have been sneaky. This is his first time openly expressing himself. Oh, my heart! I don’t want to part with these 2 yet. 😭

Speaking of parting, Gu Ran is going abroad. Poor Jiangjia. Was it not in her cards for love? Who am I kidding! The horrible acting distant tarot reading relative of Jiangjia says she’s fated with Gu Ran for a deep love and I’ll believe it for once! 😅Our sweet boy didn’t tell the gang about his departure but wrote a letter instead. For someone who deems to be bad at literature, the letter was so heartfelt. I will be waiting and rooting for you and Jiangjia to finally be on the same page some day!

It’s sad the gang is separating. Luckily, Gu Ran crashing what would should have been a sweet date for ZLR and SZZ, allowed the gang to unite for one last time. I can’t wait for their adult counterparts!

Honorable mention: Why is ZLR so stinking cute. (referencing the jacket hug)

Episode 20:

COPY AND PASTE!!! Zhang Lurang becoming more expressive is giving me life right now. A pattern I’ve noticed is Su Zai Zai setting up the flirty scenarios while ZLR copies each scenario adding his own twist to one up it. They are too cute!

Clearly, they both have eyes for each other but jealous Rang Rang is quite adorable. And SZZ would be the first to agree. She got him to openly admit being afraid of other boys targeting her but still ended up being the one to cheer him up. This girl is so silly.

(Look at the snacks haha) 

Highlight: SZZ and ZLR both telling their version of how they got together to their roommates were so accurate! The girls had a whole snack session with full details. ZLR nonchalantly gave minimal details leaving the boys digging for more. 😂😂😂

ZLR is so naughty for letting SZZ’s personal video clip for him “accidently” play in the classroom. She was full of embarrassment and so was I. I would have ran out of the room instead of back to my seat like SZZ. 😳I love their conversation on the way back from class. ZLR is trying his best to hold back his laugh but can’t help it. She’s quite upset but he quickly cheers her up with the line she said in the clip, “I just think compared to yesterday, I like you even more today.” Aiyahh again with the copying! ❤️❤️

Episode 21:

Green tea girl’s façade was hilarious. Horribly done and unnecessary. SZZ handled it well in her own SZZ style.

They both formally meet each other’s parents as a couple! Her parents had me rolling. Why is it that parents will treat their son-in-law like this all the time? LOL! They instantly disregarded SZZ, their biological child. 😂😂 The sweetest thing yet is ZLR taking her to meet Uncle Lin (Lin Laoshi). He was definitely a better parent figure to ZLR anyways. 🥹 The Uncle and SZZ share a meaningful conversation which melted my heart. SZZ really was the ray of sunshine that ZLR needed. 

Episode 22:

Well, Ok Zhang Lurang! 🫣 LOL. On a serious note, I loved how excited he was to have her move in and see how he set up their "home". He was hesitant to say it but with Su Zai Zai around, it'll never be an unsure thing. All things unimaginable to Zhang Lurang is slowly coming true and I don't know if I can handle anymore of this sweet crack story. Who am I kidding?! I'm only 2 episodes away. Haha. 

Episode 23: 

YAYYY!!! My 2nd CP ship are FINALLY together!!! 🥳🥳It only took so many years but I'm glad they both came around. Honestly, that friend who unknowingly told Gu Ran about Jiang Jia's feelings better be at their wedding! Haha. She's the real MVP for getting them together. And why is Gu Ran so precious? I loved that they showed him shaking while reading that love letter from 5 years ago. It's a great genuine touch to the character. It truly is nerve wracking when you have to put yourself out there. So happy for these 2!! 

"I've always wondered why there is someone as cheerful as the sun in the world." - Zhang Lurang 

Literally sobbed at his presentation speech. In a sea of people, Zhang Lurang instantly found Su Zai Zai. The amount of confidence she gave him boosted his morale. What would have seemed like a life of eternal mediocrity , turned into a bright ray of positivity and happiness. I would have to agree that Zhang Lurang was lucky to meet Su Zaizai. 

* A highlight (not really): I love the fact that Gu Ran continues to call Zhang Lurang, "A' Rang". Shows how close these 2 are and Gu Ran is honestly such a good friend to ZLR. 🥺

Episode 24: 

All the sweetness I needed packed into one episode! And honestly, I'm content with how it wrapped up. The events leading up to the happily ever after and what transpires after is a clear distinct ending to fulfill the inner fangirl in me. Thank you for such a sweet filled journey, Su Zai Zai and Zhang Lurang! 🥹💖Thank you Jiangyi 5 for making this a memorable story beyond romance but friendship too. 🥰🤗

NOTES

FINAL REVIEW: 

    A story that was consistently sweet from beginning to end, WIFTY is not one to miss out on if you’re a fan of youth dramas. The essence of a simplistic sweet budding romance of 2 polar opposite individuals can instantly tug at your heart. Not to mention, a group of wholesome friends who not only encourage one another but support one another despite the distance. 

    Every thing about this drama was wholesome. It gives off a butterfly in your stomach ambience that just won’t go away the more you watch. Chemistry is literally every thing for this drama. The main leads were the absolute cutest. The 2nd couple was shippable. Even Guan Fang and his grandma were adorable. For once, I was shipping both CP’s. LOL! To my surprise, they all meshed well and not one overshadowed the other. Individual CP chemistry and the friend group chemistry was naturally realistic. Honestly, there are many shippable dynamics. I absolutely enjoyed the bromance. I’m nearly convinced to watch Zhou Yiran’s recently completed youth drama, “You Are Desire”, just to see him back with Bian Tian Yang (Gu Ran). To have this kind of friendship is quite the luxury but maintaining it is even more treasurable.

    But of course, I have to leave a special tribute to our main CP. The sweetest of the bunch, Su Zaizai is the type of friend every one needs. A confidently straight forward type of girl, she had her own moments of embarrassments and hiccups but who doesn’t? I loved that she never wavered and ultimately always knew what she wanted. Whether it be in academics or love. She was always supportive and in doing so, she gradually won her way into Zhang Lurang’s heart. She was persistent but in a welcoming way that allowed Zhang Lurang to open up. Zhang Lurang on the other hand, is well fitted with Su Zai Zai. Being an aloof and closed off type of person, it’s not easy to enter his world. It’s not that he’s too cool for anyone but it’s not easy to be around others when your entire life has been in the dark caused by your so-called “family”. As he mentions, Zai Zai was definitely the light he needed to shine on him with courage. It did take some getting used to, but the talkative Zhang Lurang was endearing. It truly shows that with the right people, life can be just as bright as you want it to be. Absolutely loved the growth of these 2 and their relationship. 

    For a 24-episode drama, it was done right. Though I must say, some topics within the story could have been better fleshed out. For example, Zhang Lurang and Gu Ran both dealing with their parents. It wasn’t quite resolved but at the end Zhang Lurang’s parents showed up to the wedding so I would assume, things got better? It doesn’t bother me much but for such a toxic environment, I kind of wish we got to see a bit more of the resolution. Regardless, Zhang Lurang himself has no regrets for his past so I’ll move forward with that statement. Gu Ran never addressed it much but he felt the neglect. All he yearned for was some genuine family time. His parents were nice but just never gave him time. Our poor boys. How coincidental that these 2 became best friends. 

     

    Overall, I would highly recommend this drama for a good fill of sweet fluff. A heart-warming drama that will have you cringing then laughing next, it truly is worth the watch. Not only will you gush over the CP but the friends will have you entertained to the very end. It’s such a wholesome drama. It kind of makes you reminisce on the nostalgia of youthful high school days. I loved everything about the show and have no regrets in starting at all. It definitely holds a special place in my heart. And a rewatch factor is 100x yes! The wrap up was done well and I’m content with how things ended. In an alternate universe, may Zhang Lurang and Su Zai Zai continue to prosper and encourage one another. Here’s to our Sun and Sunflower couple! ☀️🌻

 

Favorite Episode/ Moment:

(Just look at that smile 😁)

    In Ep. 19, Su Zai Zai and Zhang Lurang meet outside her house to share their Gao Kao results. This was the first-time seeing Zhang Lurang openly happy and smiling. Even if it’s just a little gesture, he’s progressed so much. They have plenty of sweet moments but this stuck out to me the most. It's a turning point for our boy. 🥹

OST Corner: 

For a modern drama, I LOVED all the OSTs. I do have a few favorites but I must commend the team behind the OSTs. Each song depicted a certain perspective/scenario of the characters and had well written lyrics. I honestly, sobbed reading they lyrics. Probably just to get me more into my feels. Haha. All the songs are worth checking out.  These are the ones I had more on repeat.  

1) We - Sour Moon 
"Baby, I'm a fool for you. Baby, I'm a fool for youuu...." Damn right I am lol jk! My ultimate favorite. I got hooked in with the guitar string melody but the lyrics definitely are spot on for Su Zai Zai and Zhang Lurang. 

2) Go With You - Hen Meiwei
Literally, could be the vows for ZLR and SZZ. 

3) April Encounter - Hen Meiwei
Another guitar string melody. 💖 I'm getting the vibe that this song is ZLR's POV and it's the cutest ever. I would cry if someone ever wrote me a song like this. Haha ok, I'm getting too into my feels. 

4) Before - Li Xueshi/Zeyué/Zhu Yanan
I was already surprised we got English songs but talk about using French lyrics to spice things up. This was nice song to really depict both CP's. And there's obviously a pattern with the music. Haha. 

5) Wedding Playlist

I had to include this after finding out that the WIFTY team released a separate wedding playlist. If you haven't already, check it out! The songs hit so many nostalgia points for me. Especially Jay Chou songs. I wasn't expecting it all. Of all the songs, my absolute favorite on the list is "Goodnight" by Huang Haitao.  

Random:

*Fun fact*: I was actually in high school the same exact years as Zhang Lurang and Su Zai Zai. I didn’t piece two and two together until the year they graduated high school was mentioned. So, I may have cringed even extra harder lol. I was definitely thrown back into the past. So in retrospect, it makes sense why I related with certain things they did in the show. My nerdy self just finds it interesting that the present day Jiangyi group of friends would be the exact same age as me. 😅 

* I'm so happy the leads and entire cast got to do a Harper's Bazaar shoot together. They're all so gorgeous and handsome! Not to mention, 2nd CP fever was real because Gu Ran and Jiangjia got to do their own separate photoshoot for RETRO. I guess I wasn't the only one equally shipping the 2 couples.