Hello, everyone! How are you today? I’m here to provide my thoughts on the drama Only for Love available on Viki, which has become one of the standout Chinese romance dramas of 2023!
Only for Love was broadcast from September 2023 to November 2023 and is accessible for streaming on Viki, Apple TV, among other platforms. With Dylan Wang and Bai Lu leading the cast, this urban romantic comedy offers 36 episodes filled with workplace romance, economic suspense, and emotional tension. Each episode lasts about 45 minutes, and the series is adapted from the novel “Cuo Liao,” set against the backdrop of financial journalism and business investments.
The narrative follows Zheng Shu Yi, a talented and diligent 25-year-old reporter aiming to write a headline story for Financial Vision magazine, and her intricate relationship with CEO Shi Yan. Beginning as a professional interview, it transforms into a game of attraction, misunderstandings, and eventual love that engaged viewers throughout its airing.
Dedicated Journalist with Ambitions
Zheng Shu Yi is a committed journalist at one of China’s top financial publications. Shi Yan, a businessman, is planning several investments. When Shu Yi lands an exclusive interview with CEO Shi Yan, it ignites more than just professional sparks. The story becomes a character-focused drama with campy humor and romantic entanglements as their working relationship evolves.
The plot thickens when Shu Yi discovers her boyfriend’s infidelity with someone she mistakenly thought was Shi Yan’s niece. Her boyfriend leaves her for the woman who promised him career help. With her confidence shaken, Shu Yi decides to flirt with Shi Yan, seemingly to spite her ex, leading to unexpected outcomes and genuine emotions.
Zheng Shu Yi: The Driven Reporter
Bai Lu delivers a standout performance as Zheng Shu Yi, the driven reporter motivated by her passion for compelling stories and keen news instincts. Her character is beautiful, brilliant, and relentless in the competitive world of financial journalism. Shu Yi’s journey from pursuing professional success to dealing with complex romantic emotions is portrayed with a mix of vulnerability and resilience.
Shu Yi captivates audiences with her intelligence and determination, even when her personal life is chaotic. She’s fearless in taking career risks, and her interactions with Shi Yan reveal both her professional prowess and emotional depth.
Shi Yan: The Enigmatic CEO
Dylan Wang excels as Shi Yan, the driven businessman dedicated to his business, having achieved success while keeping emotional ties at bay. His character adds mystery and intensity to the series, creating an engaging contrast with Shu Yi’s more open and ambitious nature.
Bai Lu and Dylan Wang deliver exceptional performances in this clever cat-and-mouse tale of romance. Their chemistry propels the series, with their differing personalities generating both tension and attraction that keeps viewers invested in their evolving relationship.
The Ensemble: Yu You and Others
The show features Yu You, a mild-mannered professor and Shi Yan’s friend, portrayed by Miles Wei. Shu Yi initially harbors feelings for Yu You, adding another layer of complexity to the romantic dynamics. The supporting cast shines throughout, enriching the main storyline and introducing additional romantic subplots that enhance the narrative depth.
Success on Viki
Only for Love became the top Chinese drama on Viki in 2023, demonstrating that audiences crave well-executed CEO romance stories. The series elegantly presented modern China’s financial world while delivering the romantic tension and emotional satisfaction expected by genre fans. While some critics suggested Dylan Wang could refine his emotional scene delivery, the undeniable lead chemistry and engaging workplace backdrop made it a standout addition to Viki’s Chinese drama lineup. The show’s success proved that classic romance tropes, when paired with charismatic leads and a compelling professional setting, can captivate global audiences and foster significant viewer engagement.
If CEO romance dramas with workplace dynamics and strong chemistry appeal to you, Only for Love is an ideal choice to binge on Viki. This drama will have you cheering for Shu Yi and Shi Yan as they navigate the intricate worlds of business and romance.
A captivating CEO romance blending financial journalism with passionate chemistry, delivering timeless C-drama romance themes with a modern workplace twist.
Series Details:
- Number of Episodes: 36
- Platform: Viki (also available on Apple TV and other platforms)
- Rating: 7.6/10 (IMDb)
- Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama, Workplace
- Protagonists: Bai Lu (Zheng Shu Yi), Dylan Wang (Shi Yan)
- Antagonists: Workplace rivals, ex-boyfriend, competitive business environment