Hidden Love takes us into the heart of Sang Zhi, a sweet and strong-willed girl who quietly harbors feelings for her older brother’s charming best friend, Duan Jiaxu. What begins as a teenage crush turns into something much deeper when the two cross paths again during their university years. This time, the feelings are mutual—and impossible to ignore.
10 Must-Know Facts About Hidden Love
1. Based on a Popular Novel
Hidden Love is adapted from the Chinese novel Secretly, Secretly; But Unable to Hide It by Zhu Yi, known for her heartfelt romance stories.
2. Breakout Role for the Leads
The drama solidified Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan as one of C-drama’s most beloved on-screen couples, thanks to their natural chemistry and emotional depth.
3. Perfect Mix of Romance and Realism
While it’s a love story at heart, the drama also deals with family dynamics, personal growth, and healing from emotional trauma, making it more than just a rom-com.
4. Instant Hit on Streaming Platforms
Upon release, Hidden Love topped the charts on Youku and gained massive popularity on Netflix, making it one of the most-watched Chinese dramas of 2023.
5. Stunning Cinematography
The series uses soft color tones and nostalgic visuals to reflect the emotional journey of the characters—each scene feels like a memory.
6. Emotional Soundtrack
The OST features sweet and sentimental tracks that perfectly capture the mood of the drama. Many fans still play the songs on repeat.
7. Relatable Coming-of-Age Themes
Sang Zhi’s journey from a shy teenager to a confident young woman resonates with viewers, especially those who’ve ever had a one-sided crush.
8. Strong Sibling Bond
The relationship between Sang Zhi and her brother Sang Yan adds warmth and humor, showing how family can be both annoying and supportive.
9. Soft Boy Male Lead
Duan Jiaxu is the ultimate soft, respectful male lead—calm, patient, and caring, breaking away from the usual cold CEO trope.
10. Loved Internationally
The drama’s universal themes of love, growth, and healing have gained it a global fanbase, with discussions, edits, and fan content flooding social media platforms.
Cast and Characters of Hidden Love
Zhao Lusi as Sang Zhi
A bright, stubborn, and secretly sensitive girl who falls for her brother’s best friend. Zhao Lusi perfectly captures Sang Zhi’s evolution from a high schooler with a quiet crush to a young woman who’s ready to love boldly.
Chen Zheyuan as Duan Jiaxu
The calm, gentle, and emotionally guarded older guy who unknowingly becomes the center of Sang Zhi’s universe. Chen Zheyuan plays Duan Jiaxu with a soft intensity that melts hearts.
Victor Ma as Sang Yan
Sang Zhi’s overprotective yet hilarious older brother. Victor Ma adds the perfect dose of humor and sibling banter, balancing out the drama with brotherly love.
Wang Ruixin as Jiang Ying
Sang Zhi’s loyal and bubbly best friend. She’s the ultimate hype girl who supports Sang Zhi through her crush-turned-romance journey.
Cui Yuxin as Li Xun
One of Duan Jiaxu’s colleagues and a low-key voice of reason in his life. His presence helps add depth to Duan Jiaxu’s adult world.
Watch The Trailer Below
Hidden Love is comforting reminder of how love can quietly grow, survive time, and blossom when the timing is finally right. From shy glances to unspoken feelings, and finally, to fearless love, the journey of Sang Zhi and Duan Jiaxu is tender, relatable, and beautifully told.
With stellar chemistry between Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan, a soft yet emotionally rich storyline, and visuals that feel like a warm hug, this drama leaves a lasting impression on anyone who’s ever had a secret crush—or believed in slow-burn love. Source: YOUKU
Picture Source: Pinterest