The Rational Life

Qin Lan alone is enough reason to watch this - at 41 she is very believable as an unusually beautiful 32-year-old, and I liked the calm, rational way she dispatched problems with patriarchal superiors at work, all with a smile on her face. The story does a nice job of discussing/portraying the issues of independence and obligations of marriage partners, and also "May-December" romances. Somewhere in there was the statement that the most important goals in life regardless of everything else were to be with someone you love, and to do work you love. The former relates to the May-December issue; if two people truly love each other, should they let societal views of age difference matter? One final comment: I thought the actress playing Xiao's mom was really great; her part was very touchingly written and very touchingly played. Kudos! Unfortunately I don't see her listed in the cast here.

A very good drama that incorporates many modern ideas. It gives an accurate portrayal of women in the workplace in a patriarchal society. It also shows the conflicts between several modern and traditional values, and does a good job resolving them.

The actors have great chemistry. Qinlan gives a great performance, as always, and brings much depth to our main character. Dylan's acting is much improved from his previous works. Both are a joy to watch and it's obvious they work well together.

The writing is a bit lazy at times but not enough to be an issue. The overall plot flows very well. Definitely worth a watch.

I must say this is the most realistic drama I've watch so far. The story was simple but yet very captivating. Truly amazing how relatable it is. Just go watch it, will not be disappointed. Purely came acrossed it by chance. I must say I'm truly happy I did.

This drama tackles substantial topics - a May-December romance, sexism and politics at work, societal pressures on women to get married and have kids, plagiarism - without becoming boring. Kudos to the acting, writing and direction for making the story believable and engrossing. Both main leads, Qin Lan as competent career woman Shen Ruoxin and Dylan Wang as her loyal assistant Qi Xiao, are stunningly good-looking and have great chemistry together.

The story shows how flawed society's negative view about May-December relationships is. It underscores the fact that maturity is not only defined by age. Xiao, the youngest man vying for Ruoxin's affection, has the most mature attitude towards her.

The skillful writing seamlessly weaves the love story with the couple's struggles against office politics as well as other issues they and other characters face. Thus, the romance is not rushed, developing organically with the rest of the story. As Ruoxin and Xiao deal with one challenge after another, it is riveting to see whether this pair of goodhearted and hardworking individuals would buckle under pressure or prevail.

Enjoyed watching this. Both leads are good. The two mothers are very funny too.