Based on the novel by Zhu Yi, Hidden Love has the same aesthetic sensibilities as Yi’s other adaptation When I Fly Towards You. However, due to certain characterizations, the series doesn’t have the same charm. While it’s totally understandable for Sang Zhi to crush on her older brother’s cute best friend, the age difference feels uncomfortable as Zhi is in high school and Jiaxu is a college student. Jiaxu keeps his behavior platonic, but every consideration and kindness Jiaxu does for Zhi is undermined by the fact Jiaxu is aware of Zhi’s crush. Because of this, it’s hard to root for their later adult relationship.

Like When I Fly Through You, Hidden Love has a good sense over the technical aesthetics. However, Hidden Love feels uncomfortable as the show flits from different time periods. The series starts with their first ever meeting, and while the moment is normal, the show manipulates cinematography and scoring to remind viewers of their upcoming romance. The hazy lighting, twinkling chimes, and prolonged shots of their glances turn their normal, platonic moments into romanticized memories of innocent behavior. Had they been closer in age, or the series started in their later adult years, these recollections could feel like moments of kindness that were taken for granted. However, as the intro lingers in intercuts between Zhi’s middle school and high school years, and as Jiaxu is aware of Zhi’s crush, it’s hard to feel like these moments are purely platonic.