“I am lucky I met a person.
He came into my life,
Lit up the corners of my heart,
Made me willingly shed off my mask.

He gave me the strength to let go of my past, have no fear of our future and focus on cherishing every present moment.”

A modernised contemporary rom-com. Written by the scriptwriter that produces Day of Becoming You, I love the familiar subvert of rom-com troupes with humor, wit and heart. It’s Wang Xiong Cheng’s signature style and he never disappoints. (Yes, I am biased, deal with it!)

While a love story between a humble 富二代 (child from rich family) and a driven working class sound like a fairytale come true, Hi Venus is a through and through down to earth romance of 2 sensible people, getting to know each other and overcoming the natural challenges that comes with their different social class.

Lu Zhao Xi (LZX), though born with a silver spoon, is a capable leader who respects individuals and conscious that the world does not revolve around him, just because he is rich. Ye Shi Lan (YSL), though came from a lower income single family, is a capable worker who sincerely earns her rights to where she is.

There are common plots in a romantic comedy. Their meet cute, is a typical setup of boy in trouble, girl saves boy, boy and girl start off at the wrong foot, but eventually fall for each other. What subverts the rom com troupes comes after LZX and YSL are back to the city. This part onwards, is refreshing to watch.

Both have different exposure and perspectives due to their respective background. Yet, both characters have actions and concerns that we can relate to.

They respect each other’s views and take accountability on their shortcomings. They take the time to understand each other and fall in love deeper, bit by bit. They communicate and listen. The parts where they had their greatest conflict due to the difference in their background and status, and then, their confession towards each other are sincere and warm and touching.

“LZX: I knew I had a momentary crush towards you way earlier. But I knew what I wanted is a constant and spontaneous feelings. It’s the kind of feeling where I can’t help but want to hear your voice, want to see you. Just seeing you makes me happy. I like to talk to you, I want to share my day to day to you. My feelings towards you are not a spur of moment. It’s what I am more certain over time, that it’s what my heart wants.

YSL: I feel blessed being liked by you. However, I am aware that I’ve never been a lucky person. So every time I become more immerse or too carried away, the alarm will set off. I’ll ask myself if I am able to handle that kind of happiness.

I’m a timid person. I want to have it but I am afraid of losing it.

…But this time, I want to get carried away.”

And these make me buy in to their love story.

Apart from the main leads, the second leads love story is also lovely. It definitely has great potential as a spin-off or a short mini series in the right production team’s hands. Love the support they provided to the main leads, as any rom com best friend and secretary rightfully does. LZX’s parents are lovely too - the open minded, modern parents that we should have more in stories these days.

In short, Hi Venus is a relaxing rom-com that’s healthy for the soul. It’s our Venus to have such a show.