Love Between Lines (2026) 轧戏
Directed by Mao Deshu, starring Chen Xingxu as Xiao Zhiyu / "Xiao Yu" / Qin Xiaoyi, Lu Yuxiao as Hu Xiu / "Xiu Xiu", Dai Xu as Pei Zhen, Kido Ma (also known as Ma Sichao) as Gong Huaicong, and Li Tingting as Zhao Xiaorou.
Watched 19 - 22 January 2026 — 28 episodes (VIKI PASS/KISSKH)
*From the same director as When I Fly Towards You, this romantic drama had me completely enthralled and I binged it in a couple of days. (The last day of airing was the 20th of January but VIKI took its sweet time to publish all episodes. I couldn't wait and watched the last few episodes in a good HD print on KISSKH.)
*The main appeal of this show is the OTP, Chen Xingxu as Xiao Zhiyu and Lu Yuxiao as Hu Xiu. Not only do they look handsome and beautiful, I also love the development of their romance and their growing friendship. — Incidentally, Chen Xingxu reminded me at times of Jo In-sung from That Winter, the Wind Blows, and Lu Yuxiao reminded me of Kim Hye-yoon (Lovely Runner) and Lee Sung-kyoung (Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo).
*Initially I had sought out this series for its unusual premise. I found it intriguing to have a story in dual narratives, the real-life plot and the fictional plot of the murder mystery game. But I had expected that the VR game was going to play an equal part, so half part reality versus half part virtual reality, but the VR part was much smaller and actually not that exciting. I didn't mind (I preferred the real-life plot) but I had hoped for a story where the fictional and real world were more intricately interwoven. Best thing about the games were the visuals, and then mainly the costume design. Lu Yuxiao looks so beautiful in her vintage costumes.
*I liked how the storyline of Xiao Zhiyu's father is intertwined with the one of Hu Xiu's father.
*Love the friendship between Hu Xiu and her bestie Zhao Xiaorou.
*Had hoped for a romance between Zhao Xiaorou and Mr. Gong, which never happened, but I can still fantasise about it.
*Love Xiu's apartment and the balconies and the streetview. I love the scenes of Zhiyu and Xiu living together at her apartment. I also like the architecture theme of this drama. (I had never heard of Longtang before.)
*Shout-out to Dai Xu as Pei Zhen, stepbrother of Xiao Zhiyu. He probably gives the show's best performance. He's villainous but not one-dimensional and he infuses his character with vulnerability. His pain is palpable and he's good in his emotional moments. I actually felt sorry for him. Fortunately he admitted his wrongs to Zhiyu in the end and apologised.
*I was glad Pei Zhen's love for Hu Xiu stayed one-sided and nothing happened between them. I briefly worried Xiu might turn to Zhen after her break-up with Zhiyu. On the contrary, she lashed out to Zhen because she had already figured him out.
*The only thing I didn't really like about Zhiyu were his controlling ways when he was jealous of his stepbrother. Luckily this behaviour didn't last long.
*I LOVE this series but it did outstay its welcome a bit — unfortunately. Too many fluffy and lovey-dovey moments. I like fluff and cuteness but these scenes became fillers.
*Great OST and great production values!