"Hidden Love" is a delightful and heartwarming youth romance drama that portrays the naive and sweet feelings of a young girl experiencing her first crush. The drama provides a refreshing and realistic portrayal of the protagonist, Sang Zhi, capturing the essence of youthful love and the little things one does for someone they admire.

"Hidden Love" brings a fresh and natural perspective to the gradual development of feelings between a girl and a brother figure. While there have been other plots exploring similar dynamics, this drama manages to stand out and feel distinctively different. It deviates from the typical college senior or classmate love stories, offering a unique twist that captures the viewers' attention.

What sets "Hidden Love" apart is the natural progression of the relationship between Sang Zhi and Duan Jiaxu. The story carefully navigates their connection, allowing their bond to grow organically over time. It avoids clichés and contrived plotlines, ensuring that the romance feels genuine and authentic.

The acting is truly outstanding and feels incredibly authentic. Zhao Lusi delivers a remarkable performance, especially in her portrayal of a school girl. Her convincing acting makes it easy to believe that she is actually that innocent and young. Chen Zhe Yuan, as the male lead, shines in his role, successfully bringing the character of Duan Jiaxu to life. His portrayal captures the essence of an older brother figure, showcasing a genuine and caring relationship with Sang Zhi. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, adding depth and believability to their on-screen connection.

The supporting characters play a crucial role in advancing the story and leaving a lasting impact on viewers. Although the drama primarily focuses on the main characters, it skillfully incorporates the supporting cast to provide glimpses into their lives and personalities. This allows for a deeper understanding of each character without extending the length of the series.

One standout supporting character is Sang Yan, Sang Zhi's brother. The connection between Sang Zhi and Sang Yan is beautifully portrayed, showcasing a realistic and loving sibling relationship. These moments of bickering not only add humor and entertainment value but also make the audience feel a sense of familiarity and connection.

The presence of these supporting characters not only adds dimension to the drama but also enhances the overall storytelling. Their interactions with the main characters provide valuable insights and moments of growth. Despite not being the central focus, their impact on the narrative is significant and leaves a deep impression.

"Hidden Love" effectively balances the exploration of the main characters' journeys while giving enough attention to the supporting cast. This approach allows viewers to connect with and appreciate the various characters, making the drama a well-rounded and satisfying watch.

The songs featured, such as "Be Your Light" and "Forever Star," enhance the drama by perfectly aligning with the scenes and evoking the intended emotions. "Be Your Light" serves as the backdrop for the romantic and adorable moments between the leads, capturing the sweetness and innocent blushes that accompany their interactions. The lyrics and melody complement these scenes, adding an extra layer of charm to their budding romance. On the other hand, "Forever Star" comes into play when the storyline calls for more depth and intensity in their relationship. This song creates a sense of emotional gravity, emphasizing the significant moments and hurdles that the characters face. The lyrics and composition of "Forever Star" resonate with the audience, capturing heartfelt emotions and adding a layer of poignancy to their evolving romance.

While the plot may not be groundbreaking, the drama excels in the way it tells the story. The pacing is remarkable, allowing the narrative to unfold at a satisfying rhythm. As Zhao Lusi's first school drama, she showcased her talent and convincingly embodied the character. It was evident that her acting skills allowed her to effectively capture the essence of an innocent girl experiencing her first love. Duan Jiaxu's character has sparked discussions among viewers, questioning how he could show such care and protectiveness towards his friend's sister. However, understanding his background sheds light on his actions. Coming from a family lacking love and support, when he finally found a sister figure in Sang Zhi, who genuinely admires and cares for him, it's only natural for him to feel a strong sense of protectiveness and care in return. As a witness to Sang Zhi's childhood, this only strengthens his bond with her. When his romantic feelings develop for her as an adult, it is not intentional but rather a genuine spark that he takes the time to verify before confidently expressing his affection. Regarding comments about the actress appearing too childish, it's important to note that Sang Zhi's character does have a certain level of innocence and childishness. However, her growth throughout the drama is not one-sided. She displays strength and resilience when needed, standing up for herself and her loved ones. Likewise, Duan Jiaxu's character is portrayed as strong and not overly protective or possessive, allowing Sang Zhi to have her own experiences and interactions with other admirers.

Overall, "Hidden Love" is a light youth modern romance drama that will take us on the path of a sweet and pure love. From start to finish, the drama engages viewers with its well-executed aspects, captivating storytelling, and all those heart-fluttering moments. The drama comes highly recommended for its well-executed aspects and its ability to keep viewers hooked from start to finish.