Youth is a weird, messy blur. Most TV shows try to polish that mess into something unrecognizable, but every once in a while, a series nails the specific, heart-aching nostalgia of being sixteen. That’s basically the magic of the 2023 Chinese drama When I Fly Towards You. It’s not just another high school romance. Honestly, it’s a masterclass in "slow-burn" storytelling that actually rewards your patience instead of just testing it.
If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or Douyin lately, you’ve probably seen clips of Su Zai Zai chasing Zhang Lu Rang. It looks simple. Maybe even a little cliché? But there’s a reason this specific show, adapted from the novel She’s a Little Crazy by Zhu Yi, managed to maintain a staggering 7.9 rating on Douban. That’s a tough crowd. People aren't just watching it for the aesthetic; they’re watching it because it feels like a warm hug from a version of yourself you haven't seen in years.
The Unfiltered Charm of Su Zai Zai and Zhang Lu Rang
Most dramas rely on the "opposites attract" trope, but When I Fly Towards You handles it with a lot more nuance than its peers. We have Su Zai Zai, played by Zhang Miao Yi. She’s loud. She’s confident. She’s also incredibly observant. Then there’s Zhang Lu Rang, played by Zhou Yi Ran. He’s the classic "cold" male lead, but the script doesn't make him a jerk. He’s just... quiet. He’s struggling with a massive inferiority complex thanks to a brother who is supposedly "better" at everything.
This isn't a story about a girl "fixing" a boy. It's about a girl providing the sunlight necessary for a boy to fix himself. The chemistry isn't built on dramatic slaps or rain-soaked confessions in the first episode. It’s built on small moments. Passing notes. Tutoring sessions. The way Zhang Lu Rang slowly starts to smile more because Su Zai Zai’s energy is basically impossible to ignore.
Director Cat Tree (Miao de Shuyuan) deserves a lot of credit here. If you know his work, like Lovely Us, you know his style. It’s dreamy. It’s cinematic. He uses a 4:3 aspect ratio for certain nostalgic segments and "handheld" camcorder footage that makes the whole thing feel like a personal home movie. It’s a visual trick that works perfectly for a story set in the early 2010s.
Why the Secondary Characters Actually Matter
You know how in some shows you just want to fast-forward whenever the main couple isn't on screen? That doesn't happen here. The "Five Besties" dynamic is the backbone of the series.
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- Gu Ran: He’s the comic relief, but he has layers. His friendship with Zhang Lu Rang is actually one of the most stable, supportive male friendships I’ve seen in a drama in a long time.
- Jiang Jia: She’s tough and loyal. Her long-standing crush on a senior provides a realistic, slightly more painful counterpoint to the main romance.
- Guan Fang: The heart of the group. His relationship with his grandmother is genuinely one of the most moving subplots. It reminds you that high school isn't just about dating; it's about family and the fear of growing up.
The show takes its time. It covers years, not just weeks. We see them struggle with the Gaokao (the infamously difficult Chinese college entrance exam). We see them move to different cities. We see the awkward transition from being kids who share snacks to adults who have to navigate real-world pressures.
Breaking Down the "Cat Tree" Aesthetic
What makes When I Fly Towards You stand out visually? It’s the color palette. Everything is saturated with warm tones—oranges, soft greens, and golden hour light. It feels like a memory. There's a specific scene involving a bus ride and a pair of headphones that captures the essence of 2012 youth so perfectly it almost hurts.
The music helps too. The soundtrack doesn't overstay its welcome. It’s used to punctuate emotions rather than dictate them. When "The Same" starts playing during a pivotal moment, you aren't being told how to feel; the music is just reflecting the mood you're already in.
Facing the Comparisons: WIFTY vs. Hidden Love
It’s impossible to talk about this show without mentioning Hidden Love. Both aired around the same time in 2023. Both stars (Zhao Lusi and Zhang Miao Yi) are incredible. But where Hidden Love is a polished, high-budget romantic fantasy, When I Fly Towards You feels like a documentary of your own life.
Hidden Love is about the "dream" guy. When I Fly Towards You is about the guy you actually knew in high school who sat in the back of the class and never spoke. It’s more grounded. It’s less about the "pining" and more about the "growing."
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Some people find the pacing of the high school years a bit slow. I get it. We spend over a dozen episodes in the classroom. But that’s the point. High school feels like it lasts forever when you're in it. By the time they reach the college and "adult" arcs in the final stretch, the payoff feels earned because you’ve spent so much time in the trenches with them.
Realism in the Writing: No Villains, Just Life
One of the most refreshing things about this script is the lack of a "bad guy." There’s no jealous second female lead trying to ruin Su Zai Zai’s life. There’s no mustache-twirling villain. The "obstacles" are real-life things:
- Academic pressure.
- Self-doubt.
- The distance between cities.
- The fear of the future.
Even the parents are treated with nuance. Zhang Lu Rang’s mother is difficult, yes, but the show tries to explain why she is the way she is without necessarily excusing her behavior. It’s a mature take on family dynamics that most teen dramas skip over in favor of more "ship" moments.
Actionable Insights for Your Watchlist
If you're ready to dive into the world of Su Zai Zai and the gang, here's how to get the most out of the experience.
Don't skip the "vlog" segments. At the end of many episodes, there are short clips styled like old camcorder footage. These aren't just fluff. They often contain small character beats or perspectives that aren't shown in the main episode. They add a layer of intimacy that makes the characters feel like real people rather than actors on a set.
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Watch on a platform with good subs. While the show is available on various sites, Youku’s official subtitles generally capture the slang and the nuances of the "honorifics" better than some third-party sites. Understanding the subtle shift in how they address each other over the years is key to seeing their relationship evolve.
Prepare for the "Post-Drama Blues." This is one of those shows that leaves a void when it's over. Because the ending is so conclusive—showing the characters well into adulthood—it feels like saying goodbye to actual friends. Maybe have a "palette cleanser" show ready, or just lean into it and go find the behind-the-scenes clips on YouTube. The cast’s real-life chemistry is just as wholesome as it is on screen.
Final Thoughts on the Legacy of the Show
When I Fly Towards You succeeded because it didn't try to be "cool." It was okay with being earnest. In a world of cynical television and dark grit, there’s something revolutionary about a story that just says, "Hey, it’s okay to be happy, and it’s okay to try hard, and it’s okay to love your friends."
It’s a reminder that the person you become is largely shaped by the people who saw the best in you when you couldn't see it in yourself. Whether you're a long-time C-drama fan or a complete newcomer, this is the gold standard for the youth genre. It’s simple, it’s beautiful, and it’s honest.
To get started, look for the series on Netflix or the Youku app. If you've already finished it and need something similar, check out Lovely Us or Time and Him are Just Right. They share that same "slice of life" DNA that makes this show so addictive. Pay attention to the way the lighting changes as the characters get older; it’s a subtle piece of storytelling that really highlights the shift from the "golden days" of school to the reality of adulthood.