I watched this show because I am a fan of the ML. I am glad I gave it a chance. This story is the typical "rich guy" and the girl who does not have his wealth and social status; they go from adversaries to lovers.
The FL's character is a strong young woman, who has a positive self image. She is talented, pretty, and kind to a fault. I like how she believes in herself and does not need a man to enrich her self worth. I think this attitude is what attracted the ML to her. (I wish they would have styled her hair. I hated seeing that top ponytail. I guess the director wanted to show her youth.) I loved her brother, Mo Fan.
ML is a no nonsense 30ish businessman, who admired the FL's attitude and talent. He was easily "guilted" by his closest inner circle, specifically, his Mom and the SFL. Despite the outside pressures, he became smitten and fell deeply in love with Mo Fei; he had difficulty keeping his hands off her.
So many other characters are involved in their lives; some good, some mean, and some just downright nonsensical. Namely, the SFL who is talented also, but believes because she likes the ML he is going to marry her and will come to love her. The actress plays the character so well; she is someone you will dislike.
SML was just so many S's; stubborn, silly, "stuck on stupid," and sometimes a stalker. He refused to honor the FL's wishes for him to leave her alone. He was also childish, believing and acting out because the ML did not love or marry his sister.
There is a female character who is a "hot mess." She believes everything bad is happening to her involves Mo Fei. She takes NO responsibility for her misbehavior or rudeness. Unfortunately, the writers never followed through to let us know what really happened in school between her and Mo Fei.
This series gives you Chinese community camaraderie, friendship, frenemies, business deception, love rivals, Paris, and some life lessons. "Sometimes people you believe are your friends are not."
Thank you writers for a happy ending. Kudos to everyone involved in the show! Outstanding acting!