This drama is a gem. It is realistic in most of its aspects. Its not perfect but boy.... if you wanna watch what is life (modern at that) in asian countries (although this is Beijing) - then this is the drama for you.
It depicts life in asia including China.... in a modern setting. In addition, it shows the complication of living as a family in a modern city from those who come from the countryside where they have to make a start: from looking a place to stay, to looking for a job; to the different crooks/predators in the city; to the toxicity of the corporate world or workplace; to.........
Add to that the value system, morality issues, family issues, divorce issues, to have a child issues, love rivalry issues, parents issues - they are all in this drama.
It seems messy, but the director and the gang were able to put up this drama without so much issues on script, screenplay, acting, plot, story, cinematography, etc. Imagine the complications as enumerated above, yet the director is able to come up with this seemingly flawless drama. What a beauty.
Yes, some parts of the drama seems sad - but that's life in a city under different personal, family, work situations. Add to that the maturity level of the characters - and they would affect the character's life in a modern city.
The ML and FL story is lovely: it has its sad moment as well as challenging moments, yet it has a beautiful ending.
However, the part of Ke Ying is a bit sad. She is unfortunate. Her character is in a situation wherein her options are either: FIRST the Devil - the rich boyfriend who is a predator-like in using his wealth on a hapless prey. I can not blame him entirely for his predatorial approach as it is the culture/norm in China specifically where the society allows divorce. A young wife whose young husband is hopeless in a modern city without work and without close family support; the result is divorce, then enter the rich predator. SECOND the deep blue sea - the young wife's useless husband. He is hopelessly immature, lazy, not supportive of his wife and directionless. He in fact rely only on his wife for support or both of them rely on the meager income of the wife.
Kudos though to the actors - they (all) were able to deliver or perform their roles/characters well to make this drama very realistic.