Hidden Love was one of my first Chinese dramas, and it is still a favorite of mine. Victor Ma played Sang Yan, the older brother of the female protagonist, and I remember telling my friend that I wanted to learn about Sang Yan’s story. This spin-off finally gives us his long-anticipated story—a light-hearted yet emotionally intense romance set amidst the wistfulness of what might have been.
The First Frost uses my favorite second-chance and childhood-crush tropes. Sang Yan’s chemistry with his love, Wen Yifan, is filled with tension, camaraderie, and undeniable chemistry, and each scene between the two is compelling. The romance in Hidden Love is uncomplicated, but The First Frost delves into self-discovery, timing, and the bittersweetness of growing up.
The story follows Sang Yan and his childhood friend, Wen Yifan, played by Zhang Ruonan. Their dynamic is always one of teasing and unexpressed feelings. It is a platonic connection that complicates when they fall out of touch, then meet again at a point where you least expect it. The tension between what could have been and what still might be keeps you watching, so when they finally reunite, it is all the sweeter. Unlike the first-love sweetness of Hidden Love, this series explores maturity, emotional barriers, and the challenge of confronting long-suppressed feelings. It’s about timing—too soon, almost lost, and when two people finally meet. With missed chances, tender moments, and fiery arguments, The First Frost is a realistic yet powerfully romantic story that will have you cheering on Sang Yan’s happiness, even when he claims he doesn’t need it.
At the center of The First Frost is Sang Yan, played by Bai Jingting, who brings to perfect life the witty and self-assured yet emotionally guarded character we first saw in Hidden Love. In the first series, he was the protective, sometimes exasperated older brother. Here, we get to see his own vulnerabilities, regrets, and unspoken desires. His journey is richly satisfying—from the lovestruck youth to the one left behind, and then to the one who gets his first love back. We get to know a wiser, emotionally complex Sang Yan, whose teasing conceals his own issues with love and timing. The drama picks up where the charming, quick-witted Sang Yan of Hidden Love left off, now living in adulthood. While he seemed carefree before, this story peels back his layers to expose the emotional depth behind his teasing and sarcasm.
For those who, like me, adored Victor Ma’s portrayal of Sang Yan in Hidden Love, it’s impossible not to miss him here. His naturalness and scene-stealing presence made him stand out. But Bai Jingting does a great job of carrying on the spirit of Sang Yan, delivering a more mature but still playful interpretation of the character we fell in love with. Opposite him, Zhang Ruonan delivers a beautiful performance, bringing quiet strength to the story. Her character has loved Sang Yan for years but had to leave him behind for heart-wrenching reasons. She undergoes her own journey—one of self-worth and moving on—making the two of them getting back together all the more fulfilling. Their chemistry is palpable, with lingering eye contact, banter, and emotional struggles that make the love story feel true and earned. It’s a romance founded on history, heartache, and ultimately, on healing.
The performances in The First Frost truly bring the story to life. Bai Jingting gets into the role of Sang Yan so naturally, both his charismatic, teasing side and his hidden emotional issues coming to the surface. He has you in hysterics with his sharp comebacks, yet he tugs on your heartstrings when his defenses begin to crumble. His interpretation relies so much on Sang Yan’s growth, regret, and emotional depth, so his journey to love is all the more poignant.
The direction is responsible for keeping this drama so gripping. The story is slow-building yet gripping, with emotion accumulating rather than resorting to forced dramatic confrontations. Nostalgic flashbacks, soft focus, and lingering close-ups create an intimate atmosphere, so that every second between the leads is all the more poignant. The cinematography is stunning in capturing the progression of their romance—from carefree memories of youth to the weight of pent-up emotion in adulthood.
And what is a drama without a good OST? The First Frost’s soundtrack is equally apt for its bittersweet, heartwarming mood. It may not have as iconic an OST as Hidden Love’s Forever Star or I Have Someone I Like, but the tracks here bring out the same feelings of wistfulness, love, and fate. The soft, lilting tunes contribute to the emotional beats of the narrative, so that you recall them long after the episode ends.
What is so compelling about this drama is the balance it strikes between nostalgia, humor, and emotional depth. We get to see Sang Yan’s gentler side, something that was just hinted at in Hidden Love, so his arc is all the more gratifying. Their dynamic is filled with years of pent-up feelings, so each moment is rich and full of significance.
For those who love slow-burn romance with a touch of angst and heartwarming moments, this drama is a treat. It is not better than Hidden Love to me, but it is still a beautifully narrated love story that lingers with you long after the final episode.
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