If you are in search of a series that will narrate the love story, and growth amidst the urban backdrop, Sunshine by My Side is the perfect modern romance C-drama you should watch. This is an urban romantic series with a plot that follows the building relationship story of a young aspiring designer, Sheng Yang, played by Xiao Zhan, and a famous advertising director, Jian Bing, portrayed by Bai Baihe. Their love story unfolds in a series of inspirational, healing episodes in which their professional aspirations interact with their personal connections and give rise to some unique intensive love in each other.
This is from the first scene to be able to capture your interest with characters like Gu Wei—successful but with a streak of being a little obsessive-compulsive, a doctor whose precision and timeliness are as endearing as they are amusing. Compare this with Sheng Yang's youth-infused enthusiasm and professional innocence, and you have a dynamic duo that is engaging, relatable, and human. The roles are inhabited by the actors with such subtlety that they also overlap their characters' age differences in maturity; doing it by the way, not only convincingly but compelling.
The great difference that characterizes Sunshine by My Side is how, actually, it roots into realities, which marks professional life, in other words, squares addressing issues such as bullying, deceitful promises, gender discrimination, and other tribulations at the workplace. It speaks on such a deep level because it reflects the trials and triumphs in the lives of the ones watching, thus making every single episode appear as if it's a mirror of the troubles and blessings met while walking through adult life and relationships.
One actor here that really deserves special mention is that of Xiao Zhan as Sheng Yang. He gives his character warmth, uprightness, and hardworking charm, portraying him as a figure who is as inspiring as he is accessible. His development as an actor shows in his treatment of intricate dialogues and characterizing the moral flexibilities of his character, portentously with such realistic earnestness that can give credit to many a seasoned actor.
The storytelling of the drama is strikingly real. It shirks away from the melodramatic to realistic situations and conversations that bond the viewer closer to the narrative. Direction and cinematography further add to the experience of watching a movie, with every episode being beautiful and deep. The very concept of true love explored in the series is innovative and endearing. Sheng Yang and Jian Bing are not only lovers but sources of mutual inspiration and rejuvenation. There was an age difference between the two of them (which usually doesn't in most cases until the production, writing, and acting are top-level), and society must judge, they support and inspire each other, growing not only in their careers but also personally, which makes their story romantic, deeply moving and healing.
This drama is more than just entertainment; it is a display of the real-life dramas that all of us have to go through. It embodies the nature of everyday struggles and dreams, making it a series worthy to unwind with at the end of the day. There was something in this show for every stage of the profession, from those entering it for the first time to the long-seasoned, making it a must-watch in the season. Is Sunshine by My Side worth it? I will say, Yes.
