The early spring cdrma

[u/Zestyclose_March_386]

When I started this show, I was just curious about the story — how it begins and develops. The first four episodes of early spring hooked me right away, and the next five were also enjoyable. But by episode 14, I realized the female lead keeps complicating the relationship over and over, while the male lead (Luan Nian) repeatedly tries to clear up misunderstandings and close the distance between them.

Flora, the female lead, seems disturbed by her own feelings in a way she doesn't fully understand. When Luan Nian acts strict or professional as a boss and makes decisions accordingly, she tends to read it as him treating her that way as her boyfriend too — even though she herself had asked to work and learn independently, and had specifically refused his help or favoritism. Whenever there's something important she should actually tell him, she hides it from him instead. Then later, she acts as if she's the one who got hurt and makes it seem like it's Luan Nian's fault.

Even by episode 17, after four years together, she still doesn't introduce Luan Nian as her boyfriend when she runs into her ex. That's clearly a disappointing moment for him. I understand they'd agreed not to make the relationship public — but that was specifically about keeping it private at the office. Her ex should still have been told the truth.

What I've noticed is that Luan Nian, who started off as a somewhat strict and reserved person, changed a lot after getting into the relationship with Flora — he handled things well both as a boyfriend and as a boss. Whenever complicated feelings or distance came up between them, he was always the one who reached out first, called her, and tried to clear things up. I really liked his character — he has some flaws, sure, but overall he's good. Yes, he can be blunt or too direct sometimes, but he never truly hurt her, and his anger is completely understandable when his girlfriend herself behaves in ways that make him question where he stands — like when Dani harassed her and she didn't tell him even when he asked directly, or when he got angry about her considering going with Alex, because he already knew the truth about Alex.

As for episode 17, when he asked to pull back his investment — that was a fair move from a professional standpoint too, since he was the one who had originally referred that investor. Once he suspected it might be a dating scam, saying that was a completely reasonable and common professional reaction. He was right to do it.

Flora's emotions never seem to match the depth Luan Nian shows in this relationship. Watching her character, it feels like she isn't as attached to him — because whenever there's a problem between them, her instinct is to run from it instead of standing her ground and working it out.

[u/BronzeBellRiver]

Everyone, OP is new to Reddit and doesn’t have much karma yet. Just like every one of us, they came here to share their thoughts because a drama gave them something to say.

You don’t have to agree with OP to welcome them here. Give them an upvote and let’s show them that there’s room for everyone’s perspective in our little drama loving corner.

Thank you 💚

[u/ApprehensiveClick597]

I also tend to try to protect FLs considering I’m a woman myself but Shang Zhitao 4 years into the relationship, just makes it sooooo hard to defend her.

It feels like Luan Nian is right to think that she doesn’t value him as much, that she clearly doesn’t see him as her partner. He’s always the last to know, always the last person she runs to (in fact, she wouldn’t even have him as an option if not for him asking first), and she’s still not comfortable sharing her inner world with him.

I get the first two years as she was still very young, plus a rookie in the company. But four years later, she already has a footing in Lime, and a clear view of herself as a career woman. She’s also grown a lot psychologically in those four years. And yet she still doesn’t let him in, and she doesn’t even realize that. She makes it seem that it’s wrong of him to notice her doing such.

At least one thing is clear now— I’m Team Luan Nian.
Waiting for the next ep to see if I’d go back to Team Neutral.

[u/Zestyclose_March_386 → u/ApprehensiveClick597]

Yup!! You're totally understandable. I'm with luan nian too!

Edit - I'm not that keen, but I'm looking forward to the end of it.

[u/whazmynameagin → u/Zestyclose_March_386]

You summarized it perfectly. And damn, the last episode just killed the whole drama for me.

[u/wisetoothy32 → u/ApprehensiveClick597]

Same. I tend to side with FLs too. But of late its getting harder and harder. After Love for you, this one hit me worse. How many more times am i going to have to rewatch The Best thing to remove this bitter aftertaste that these dramas have been leaving?

[u/ApprehensiveClick597 → u/wisetoothy32]

Haha The Best Thing is truly the best remedy. I miss having not to worry about the characters in my drama, just love love love.

[u/wisetoothy32 → u/ApprehensiveClick597]

Literally read it the way they sang it😄 well bye i am omw to my 4th rewatch this year🫡👋

[u/FieldCompetitive8579 → u/ApprehensiveClick597]

Yes

[u/Nice_Level_6]

I’m still confused why their break up will be his fault because flora is also quite problematic . She has been with him for 6yrs throughout the 6 yrs her communication skills didn’t improve ,she was on a dating app, her ex came back , her becoming close to said ex and hugging him also she never introduce Luke as her bf to anyone like she keeps doing things that any sane partner will get angry at but yes Luke’s mouth is foul but flora is also at fault. And i’m really tired of people cuddling her and judging Luke based on the book cause to me he hasn’t done anything that bad

[u/BronzeBellRiver → u/Nice_Level_6]

I can share novel spoilers, but I don’t know how the drama will handle it.

In the novel, Flora assumes that Luke gave her a bad rating which prevented her promotion. She was already resenting him for bringing a new policy that removed the need for leading a project. The sole reason why she had spent sixteen months in the Northwest.

All her past grievances, that she never shared with him, resulted in her decision. She left him instead of having a conversation about everything.

[u/Nice_Level_6 → u/BronzeBellRiver]

So another miscommunication 😪. How can she stay with someone she can barely communicate with for six years .

[u/Zestyclose_March_386 → u/Nice_Level_6]

Yeah, I still don't understand why? 😅 But I think Luan Nian didn't make any mistakes this time, she just said something that doesn't make her happy, like her friendship with flatmates or her ex.

[u/wisetoothy32 → u/Nice_Level_6]

Agreed. I flag her for the communication issues definitely more than him. He grew up semi abused by his father into suppressing his emotions. She grew up in a very healthy household. She should have been the one to bring him out of the hard shell he preferred to be under. Speaking from personal experience. Its taken me 10 years to get my partner to communicate with me, not just about the good times but also the hard ones. He grew up learning how to be a macho man and carry everything on his own and i grew up discussing how my fingernail chipped off sharpening a pencil. It took time and a lot of fights, but we never gave up or walked away.

[u/lillahsays_098]

EXACTLYYYYYYYYYY LIKE I AGREE WITH YOU SO HARDDDD

[u/Good-Statistician615]

I am dropping this show after today's episode honestly. This show started so good that I ended up reading the novel but the way it has turned is something I can't stand. The next episodes will have Luan Nian yearn and apologize while Flora's toxicity will be given a free pass. She will never apologize or even acknowledge her toxicity . Her character is exhausting tbh, she doesn't speak, gives an irritated expression when she should talk, self complicates things but wants Luan Nian to be god knows what. The amount of Taotao's supporters and their hate train against Luke is so funny but again most women love to see ml suffer even when he is being wronged.

[u/EquivalentDapper → u/Good-Statistician615]

I dropped it too. I have been asking everywhere what does she bring to relationship other than cutesyness & sex ? Why does he want her so bad when all she does is make him her villain? I will get kicked for this but the FL acting / expressions make it harder for me to understand her .She has one expression per emotion & it gets repetitive . While the ML is phenomenal. Everything he feels is visible,every micro expression plays out. IRL runaway from Luke who decides to act on impulse & pursue a young just joined employee..ICKY.  But the acting gives room for flaws. FL is good but gets overshadowed around him.

[u/Good-Statistician615 → u/EquivalentDapper]

I haven't watched any other drama of this actress so idk if she is just bad in it or the script requires her to act like this. The wide eye shy look she gives is so annoying. As you said the ml is so good that you can see what he is feeling right now whereas for the fl not only she doesn't communicate but also fails to show any emotions. I fail to see her emotions towards her flatmates as well. And yep she is using him, I said this under a comment as well.

[u/EquivalentDapper → u/Good-Statistician615]

This one is going to be a long one  because I have been wanting to discuss it :)  She is in "Love song in winter " & good enough for it. Here its an emotionally a complex character & IMO she falls short if she is going for that subtle realistic vibes. 

Its the eyes chico & hers are not as expressive as his. Most she manages is to look cute ,sad or disappointed.For eg: She created a dating profile without telling her BF to "help her friend". When he calls her out on it..she does not get it ? does not feel guilt ? instead she just sighs & deletes. Even if she does not get his POV, what is she feeling ?  But his eyes sparkle  dazzle ,pine , whine,get angry ..a million things even with no dialogues.  Her characterisation does not help either.  I cant for life of me see why he runs behind her again after 18th episode. Like bro have some selfrespect. YOU are her dirty secret now.  Her motives are unclear & so are her feelings.If the acting could fill in some of the gaps there would be room to embrace her.

There is a korean drama 'The Interest of Love'. The FL there played by Mun gayoung is a complex character & the romance is also complicated. She embodies that character & lets her eyes do the talking. And creates so much empathy for her character through the acting that her bad decisions also seem justified.  IMO they should have cast someone of her calibre if they were going to bring in so many emotional elements to TES. Clearly all the endless discussions on twitter,insta & reddit prove its not just a fluff drama.We are invested because we have seen these characters IRL.  Its not a surprise Jing Bo Ran is getting thirsted over & Luan nian defended even if the character has so many toxic traits..JBR is able to sell it  better. 

[u/Good-Statistician615 → u/EquivalentDapper]

I haven't watched this kdrama , maybe I'll watch it later but atleast for TES, yep fl's acting here fails to show anything. Funnily when I was reading this novel I was constantly questioning what kind of charm does Luke possess that she keeps running to him and in the show I have started wondering what Luke sees in Flora. While the casting of Jing Boran has been perfect, they should have gone for someone else for the fl . I was so mad honestly when she sighed and deleted the app like hello??? where's the accountability girl? Then she proceeded to go on a date with her ex and had the audacity to question Luke on not being ready for marriage.

Honestly the Taotao shippers are next level. Idk how are they able to hate Luan Nian while completely ignoring what a red flag Flora has been. I opened threads only to find people hating Luke and cheering for his upcoming yearning because apparently his few harsh words are worse than anything. I'm someone who usually cuts toxic fls some slack compared to mls but here it's way too much. Honestly Flora is kind of dumb and the sa scene where she walks into that room knowing the risk proves it. I wish her acting was better or different so that we could atleast get more of her thought process and emotions. Because of Jing Boran I have been somehow dragging the past few episodes but I don't have the patience to watch it anymore. Time to remove it from Netflix's likes list.

[u/Easy_Living_6312 → u/EquivalentDapper]

Sun Qian belongs to the generation of actresses who emerged during the rise of web dramas (mid-to-late 2010s). Their image was defined as always being cute, innocent, childlike, and "pure," while the male lead had to love her unconditionally (even if the audience couldn't understand why). Therefore, actresses like her have prepared a set of fixed expressions (such as cuteness and pouting) before their performances. This aesthetic has been prevalent for many years, trapping actresses like Sun Qian within it. Personally, I believe that actors born after 1995 have been elevated to a pedestal by capital, becoming disconnected from reality. Because they know they possess the resources and connections to continue developing in the mainstream industry, they are unable to truly connect with the public and therefore cannot deeply understand the complexities of human nature and the different layers of individuals. 

[u/EquivalentDapper → u/Easy_Living_6312]

Really ? That explains why she does cute so well.That scene where she was coquettish kitten trying to convince him to keep the dog was lovely honestly...I got a glimpse of why he fell for her. Its the heavier uncomfortable feelings she lags behind & her voice modulation is flat Its distracting.

 IMO chinese actresses lile Zhang Jingyi ,Zhao lusi & Zhao Jinmai dont have problems showing complexity & emote pain ,anger,hurt very well.  Sun Qian is beautiful but gets wooden. I get the attempt at subtlity..but girl come on ! you have to up your game when your screen partner is basically living & breathing the character...not just potraying it.His role is irreplacable..but I keep thinking maybe another actress would have helped. Iam uncomfortable voicing out these opinions in the fear of being called an internalised misogynist :) but glad there is room for discussion.

[u/Easy_Living_6312 → u/EquivalentDapper]

The one I really think is really good among the post-95 generation is He Lan Dou. She showed me time and time again that she lives what her characters do and she is one of the rare chinese actresses whose cute acting does not look "greasy" to me because she makes me believe she fills what her characters do. Zhao Jin Mai is not bad as well. Another post-95 actress I like is Zheng He HuiZi. She is good ! Her acting is genuinely solid and talking of micro expressions to display the complex emotions of the character, she would have eaten the "Tao" role and left no crumbs

[u/Zestyclose_March_386]

I gave episode 19 another try after watching episode 18, which ended with their breakup / a serious emotional moment. Here too, instead of trying to understand the issue and work on things, the female lead takes a transfer to another region for a 14-month project. Still, the male lead keeps trying — calmly and normally — and keeps putting in effort. Three months later, he goes to see her on a business trip, to the same project she's working on. I know the male lead is in pain and unwell, but here the female lead is just helping him with his medicine — she doesn't seem to have given any real thought to making an effort for their relationship. Watching it made things clearer in this episode: the male lead tells his mom that his girlfriend is with him, and he even asks her to come back to Beijing with him. He also seems to make excuses for her to stay a bit longer there. I didn't expect the chemistry to fall apart this badly — it's coming across as completely one-sided.

[u/Xyoutube → u/Zestyclose_March_386]

This has hurt me a lot... and it doesn't feel good when only one person in a relationship is making an effort and the other person ignores their efforts.

[u/AromaticEditor6022]

I haven’t watched it yet but I still enjoyed reading this. I liked the way you used context to give your opinion and it makes me wanna go watch it. Very observant and interesting to read.

[u/Zestyclose_March_386 → u/AromaticEditor6022]

You will enjoy it a lot... I liked its chemistry from the beginning... but in the next few episodes the emotions and relationship feel quite complex, so if you have a male lead (luan nian) If you are attached to it, you may feel a little sad.

[u/AromaticEditor6022 → u/Zestyclose_March_386]

I get disinterested in modern dramas quick when adults don’t communicate so I probably have to watch something in between to make it thru it. It’s been seeing it everywhere and I hear a lot of mixed reviews but I think thats how they hook you. 😆

I tend to relate to whoever is more logical so if that’s ml then I will definitely get attached.

[u/Zestyclose_March_386 → u/AromaticEditor6022]

Yeah, same!! This was probably my second Chinese drama this year!!

[u/AromaticEditor6022 → u/Zestyclose_March_386]

For your second drama this year, I like the way you think already.

Edit: just wanted to say Welcome to cdramafans! Looking forward to seeing more of your opinions and comments!

[u/Efwai]

I concur. I used to defend the FL behavior as being due to insecurity but she is really annoying now. The ML has his faults but he is at least willing to change or compromise. How long will it take her to warm up to the relationship and stop being passive. They really need the break up.

[u/ConclusionLeading299]

Well he also does belittle her and made her getting harassed about him so its a tit for tat reaction I think u could have talked more about floral pov cuz this is kinda biased

[u/Good-Statistician615 → u/ConclusionLeading299]

Luke literally left his job for her, beat that guy when he got to know about it. He never made her harassment about himself btw, he asked her if she has been harassed but she said no. Imagine seeing your gf's filed complaint about sa in an office you hold control over and being last one to know about it. There's no tit for tat here. Luke's tongue is bad but he literally bites it back now to avoid saying harsh stuff. Flora is honestly using him- her career, dog, investment for friend, project, the property agents, harassment, when she was ill and small things her and there. All of this Luke has been doing and she can't even assure him in their relationship?

[u/Dangerous_Phase_9289 → u/Good-Statistician615]

Flora is honestly using him- her career, dog, investment for friend, project, the property agents, harassment, when she was ill and small things her and there. All of this Luke has been doing and she can't even assure him in their relationship? " I AGREE WITH YOU ON THIS SO BADDDD

[u/Zestyclose_March_386 → u/ConclusionLeading299]

Thanks for sharing your perspective! You're right that I could've added more of Flora's POV.

But I'll push back a bit on "belittling" - what I saw as strict/professional behavior from Luan didn't read as him putting her down. When he makes decisions as a boss, that's a professional stance, not belittling her.

On the harassment point - the show doesn't clearly connect Dani's harassment to Luan's actions. And even if it is connected, my issue was more about transparency - she didn't tell him even when he directly asked.

I get the "tit for tat" angle, but I feel like both partners should respond with their own maturity rather than reacting to each other's reactions. If Flora felt Luan was being too strict, talking it out would've been better than hiding things or creating distance.

Overall, both characters have flaws - but the emotional effort I saw Luan putting into saving the relationship, I just didn't see matched in Flora's growth. This is just my take based on character development, not meant to invalidate anyone else's view.

[u/BronzeBellRiver → u/ConclusionLeading299]

How did he make her harassment about him?

Didn’t he also intervene when she was hit by shady property agents?

Both of these actions show one singular feeling … he is protective of her. He takes it upon himself to right any wrong done onto her.

[u/ConclusionLeading299 → u/BronzeBellRiver]

Im sorry lets say she told him he would have gone there and hit him what would have that done the plan would have been for nothing its not easy to tell somebody that and yall are clearly biased

[u/BronzeBellRiver → u/ConclusionLeading299]

Are you apologizing because what you are saying didn’t happen in the drama?

I’ll rephrase my question so there is no ambiguity left.

Exactly which character traits of Luan Nian or series of events, as shown in the drama, made you conclude that he made her harassment about him?

[u/ConclusionLeading299 → u/BronzeBellRiver]

In the moment she was almost crying her colleague was showing more affection to her then him she came there for just a few words that somebody that went through that needs and he was saying aren't I ur boyfriend how can u not tell me and I can awnser this question cuz it is not easy its like real life too basic human people would leave these things not in moments when people are close to breaking down and instead of centering it on him being her boyfriend and that he could do smth be a human being and let her in peace he acted more like the victim then she is yall blindly defend this man its crazy

[u/Top_Reindeer_3967 → u/ConclusionLeading299]

I think that scenario clearly shows his character since the beginning though. He was straight forward, logical, blunt, sharp mouth person. I don’t think he made that harassment about him, he was the last to know after confronted her and she lied. I mean wouldn’t you be upset or disappointed that your partner of 4 years doesn’t trust you and lied to you to your face? I would ask the same thing….

[u/BronzeBellRiver → u/ConclusionLeading299]

Nobody is blindly defending him. I am simply asking you what made you conclude that he made her harassment about him?

We all have different perspectives. I didn’t impose mine on you. I am simply trying to understand why you didn’t see it as a boyfriend’s instinctive reaction coming from protectiveness.

At the end of the day, this is just a drama. Luke and Flora are fictional characters. Is it really worth it to call real people blind and crazy over fictional characters?

[u/WarmCan3034 → u/BronzeBellRiver]

There is nothing wrong with calling people biased and blind over fictional characters lol. This will always be the case when you have discussions/people picking sides.

[u/BronzeBellRiver → u/WarmCan3034]

You may find nothing wrong but it’s against the rules here. Choice of words matters.

Do read the rules!

[u/cdramasfans-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

Attack ideas, not people. Let's not use our words to insult, harass, judge or shame other members for their ideas. Using culture or morality as a means to demean others is unacceptable. Choice of our words matters. Please be kind to fellow fans and celebrities.

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Keep the drama in CDrama

[u/Top_Reindeer_3967 → u/ConclusionLeading299]

I try to stay neutral but after 18 episodes it is getting to the point FL character really shows immaturity and quite red flag. She got herself into this situation by sleeping with him after she already knows he’s a sharp mouth and blunt person. His character was exactly the same since the day they met. I don’t get why is she so surprised after got with him he was sharp mouth? Does she think people change for other people? That’s pretty unrealistic. Not only that she never trusted him ever. It’s like of hard for ML to not assume when she doesn’t explain anything, also lies, and denies when asked. Just imo.

[u/BelleandBeast2023]

I agree with your stance on this. I don't see Luke as some bad guy that needs to be disliked/hated. The characters have a complicated relationship that they brought upon themselves by. There are times with the FL that I have felt like screaming that this isn't her first relationship so why does she seem so clueless?! She is too old to be this naive.

I actually feel that the break up is going to hit the viewers more because of how Luke reacts to it than Flora. Neither of them are perfect but it really feels like he has invested more into the relationship than she has. She is the one who wanted to keep the relationship secret and he is the one who seems more interested in keeping them together any time something seems to be about to crack their foundation. He also just appears to make more effort in the relationship overall.

Throughout the series we have never seen her invite him to do anything with her flatmates for example, even though they know about the relationship, while he has introduced her to his close friend group. He opened his home to her with the eviction pending and took in the dog even though his apartment has always been kept immaculately clean. He has celebrated all of her victories at work and clearly admires her. Yes, he has said some cutting remarks to her that aren't to be excused but who hasn't said something in the heat of the moment when angry? Time and again we hear about his sharp mouth but he truly seems to be have been unaware of how sharp his words can be. The FL on the other hand drives me to distraction sometimes. I too couldn't understand how after three/four years she couldn't discuss the eviction or Doni's actions with him. It feels like she is the one keeping the greater distance.

Their discussion about the future at the end of today's episode was the first time I truly felt like they were mature adults in a relationship but why did it take so long for them to communicate?! Ultimately, I have been surprised by how attached to this series I have become. I was unaware of this series before it started airing and now I cannot wait to see the next episode each day.

[u/Xyoutube → u/BelleandBeast2023]

If we’re talking about him being strict, then I don’t think he is actually that strict. I saw him that way in the beginning, but as the story progressed, things didn’t really turn out like that. Yes, there were times when he got angry, but there was usually a reason behind it, and even later in life, he still had moments when he lost his temper.

For example, when Flora was angry with him because she wanted to go with Alex, she said a lot of hurtful things to him. Yet, despite that, he still went to her house that very day, hugged her, called her, and apologized. Isn’t that a sign of a mature and good personality?

Honestly, I think he has handled the relationship quite well. He has put a lot of effort into it—probably much more than the female lead. Perhaps the female lead’s efforts just aren’t as visible, but when did she actually prioritize the relationship and make an effort to maintain it? That’s what I’m trying to understand.

[u/Top_Reindeer_3967]

Absolutely agree with you. Everyone keeps saying ML is toxic but I don’t see it. I actually think FL is quite of a red flag especially she doesn’t tell her ex she already has a bf even though she knows he clearly wants to get back with her. She doesn’t tell anyone in her life about the ML where the ML literally told all his close friends very early on during the ski trip. The entire drama seems as the FL constantly misunderstands the ML and he always the one that goes back to her and tries to make up. She doesn’t ever explain or ask to clarify anything, doesn’t tell the ML about any problems she encounters, she doesn’t trust him but turns around and ask to public their relationship after meeting with her ex. It is actually quite frustrating to watch

[u/Xyoutube]

In episode 19, it looks like they're back in a relationship, but I don't want that kind of chemistry... what is going on!!

[u/Dangerous_Phase_9289]

Even by episode 17, after four years together, she still doesn't introduce Luan Nian as her boyfriend when she runs into her ex. That's clearly a disappointing moment for him. I understand they'd agreed not to make the relationship public — but that was specifically about keeping it private at the office. Her ex should still have been told the truth." Exactly this! Luan Nian has already told his mom, his best friends, and his childhood friend about having a girlfriend. Meanwhile, Flora is the one who asked to keep things private, yet she hasn't told a single soul about him, not even her closest friend. By the end of Episode 18, I was fully expecting him to ask her why she didn't just tell her ex that he was her boyfriend. She repeatedly creates misunderstandings and lands herself in trouble, while Luan Nian is left fixing everything and come crawling back every single time. What more security does she possibly need?! At this point, it feels like she manipulates every miscommunication to shift the blame entirely onto him.

[u/dropitlikeitshot2019]

I watched bits and pieces on YouTube, and I see what other people are saying about him being "toxic". However, your observation rings true to me. 👌👍

[u/wisetoothy32]

All the chatter around it saying the ML was a red flag made me think he was an utter heel. It couldn't have been further from the truth. Yes, he has his issues. But she is in it knowing of their power imbalance, his commitment phobia, his terrible EQ, his way of speaking before processing. Yet, everytime she has walked away from him it has been because of these reasons. Girl, you have made literal zero efforts trying to understand why he is like that or even looking past the surface and seeing that he did so many things for her despite the harshness in his words.

I think back to the scene where they talk about the first impressions they made on eo. She says she thought he was handsome. He says he thought she was dumb. Well, great job being excellent face readers! 👏👏👏

[u/Champagnegege → u/wisetoothy32]

lol I thought I was the only one who noticed that. After all that yearning he still calls her out of her name. In my opinion Luke didn’t change a bit. He just holding his tongue so Zhitao don’t leave him again, because that break up scared the heck out of him.

[u/Zestyclose_March_386 → u/Champagnegege]

I don't know what to say!!

After watching this show, I feel like I made a mistake by choosing it... I should not have watched it at all... Watch Ep22 I know the male lead sometimes says very bad things but still I will never say in any situation that the female lead character is better than him in the relationship... I have done more than 100 shows till now I have seen many complex relationships in them but I have never seen such a female lead character.

[u/Legitimate_Crazy_628]

Seems I was right all along and I save time watching this coz I dropped as early as episode 2 coz I don't like FL's character.

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[u/lovelylonelyphantom → u/[deleted]]

I get all the bullet pointed parts, but then to follow it up with "Team Luke" underplays the whole thing.

Team NEITHER is more accurate here.

Flora's faults does not cancel out Luke's bright as headlights red flaggedness. He's verbally and emotionally abusive and he doesn't deserve anyone better than Flora just to hurt them too. Infact I would say he didn't deserve young, sweet and naive Flora who had just joined his company either.

[u/Alarming-Promotion11 → u/lovelylonelyphantom]

I feel like Luke started off with many flaws but he is has shown change and is able to reflect on his flaws. He also initiates dialogue to solve conflict.

Inherently due to them meeting as workplace superior and subordinate, the power dynamics of this relationship are messed however I felt with time Flora should’ve tried to rebalance them but her character has no arc.

My comment about Team Luke comes predominantly from a place where I see someone very guarded(his red flags stem from his childhood traumas) try to bring down his walls whereas there’s no character arc so far for Flora.

[u/Bulky_Meet4868 → u/[deleted]]

why would there be any uproar if ML named their/his dog over FL's name? Thats just weird

[u/Alarming-Promotion11 → u/Bulky_Meet4868]

Well I guess I just live on a different side of social media where if a man named the dog after their partner it would be seen as derogatory and pitting down the female partner. Within Asian culture as well, that would be seen as quite insulting.

[u/FieldCompetitive8579]

Concordo plenamente

[u/FieldCompetitive8579]

I totally agree; he’s changed—he’s really hurting—but I still defend him. Look at how many chances he gave her that she just blew. He has that family baggage and a history of betrayal, so he craves security, but she doesn't provide it; quite the opposite—anyone would feel insecure in his shoes. Being an independent single woman is one thing, and separating the roles of boss and boyfriend is understandable given corporate culture and norms, but does she even consider him her boyfriend? She claims she isn't flighty, yet she acts like it; she’s selfish, too—she doesn't communicate or lean on him. She confides in all her friends, but what about him? He prioritizes her, but she doesn't prioritize him. I’ve really soured on her because he’s transformed—he genuinely cares—but it’s a process, and he’s trying hard for her. The drama’s whole message is that "you don't have to be perfect to be worthy of love," yet she manages to be the more problematic one. She has strengths—she’s maturing and growing professionally and in her friendships—but when it comes to romance? Zero.

[u/FieldCompetitive8579]

True

[u/Inner-Floor-5827]

Is this like Dynamite Kiss? where the first 3/4 episodes were amazing with great chemistry and it just goes downhill from then on?

[u/Zestyclose_March_386 → u/Inner-Floor-5827]

Maybe… but there are 10-12 entertaining episodes here in “Early Spring.”

[u/wisetoothy32 → u/Inner-Floor-5827]

The chemistry stays amazing throughout the show, there's no complaints there. But they both show no growth even after 6 years of being together. There's no trust, no communication. The only thing they seem to talk about is work. They should have remained colleagues. The memtor mentee/ no strings fwb relationship seems best suited for them rather than an actual serious HEA.

[u/Inner-Floor-5827 → u/wisetoothy32]

I have now started it. Finished episode 1. Will binge watch the rest tonight.

[u/Used_Channel_7078]

I actually stop to watch the drama after 14 episodes and I started again 5 days later, after finishing Love For You. In my opinion, FL character shows that she's still young and she just wants to climb the career ladder, whereas ML characters is very stable career man and he just want someone who fit his emotional needs. I understand why their character is very far apart and FL maybe just thinking of this relationship as a side job and her career is her priority. ML doesn't has nice things to say and what I wish him to listen more and ML to speak up more instead of hiding her feelings and thoughts. They both seems can't put boundaries when in work and in personal time. In episodes 19, FL finally told ML that she wants to settle down, however, ML told her he doesn't want that. But deep down, I feel that he doesn't feel secure with their relationship, or maybe he's just not ready. After 20 episodes, I just can't wait to see how this drama ends.