The Best Thing Drama Review

• Drama Title: The Best Thing
• Also Known As: 爱你, Falling in Love with You Is the Best Thing I Have Ever Done, For Love, Ai Shang Ni Shi Wo Zuo Guo Zui Hao De Shi
• Director: Randy Che
• Genres: Romance
• Cast: Zhang Ling He, Xu Ruo Han
• Number of Episodes: 28
• Date of Release: February 25, 2025
• Original Network: iQiyi JSTV
• Where to Watch: iQiyi, Youku
• Adapted from the novel “Ai Ni, Shi Wo Zuoguo Zui Hao De Shi” by Sheng Li

Hello dear readers. How are you? I hope you’re all doing okay. If life has felt a little heavy lately, I just want you to know that it is perfectly okay to feel everything. Heartbreaks, setbacks, or simply the everyday weight of being human… you are not alone. I am sending you a warm virtual hug right now, and I hope today brings you a small moment of peace, even if it comes just from reading this.

Now, if your heart is ready for a touch of sweetness and maybe a little swooning, I have just the drama to help melt your stress away, it’s The Best Thing drama review. Sometimes a cozy love story is exactly the kind of soft escape we all need. So let’s skip the small talk and dive right in. Happy reading! 💕

The Best Thing Drama Synopsis

Shen Xi Fan is a meticulous and career-driven front desk hotel manager who loves her job. But after a painful breakup with her boyfriend of seven years, she finds herself battling insomnia for months. Desperate for relief, she turns to Traditional Chinese Medicine, where she meets He Su Ye, a calm and compassionate doctor who is dedicated to healing others.

Although their relationship begins as doctor and patient, missed appointments and forgotten prescriptions lead to an unexpected connection. As fate would have it, they also live in the same neighborhood. Unexpected meetings gradually blur the lines between their personal and professional lives.

Both Shen Xi Fan and He Su Ye carry emotional baggage from past heartbreaks. Shen Xi Fan, once deeply hurt, has built walls around her heart. He Su Ye was left behind by someone he loved and still carries the weight of a strained relationship with his father.

Since the first meeting, He Su Ye finds himself drawn to Shen Xi Fan’s warmth. His hope for love is reignited and he begins to pursue her in his quiet and patient way. As they help each other heal, Shen Xi Fan discovers a new meaning of love. She also learns that love and dreams can walk side by side in her life.

The Best Thing Drama Review

The Best Thing was one of Chinese drama released in February 2025 and ended in March 2025. Now here I am, writing this review in April, because I don’t want any of you to miss out on this feel-good drama. It is full of sweet moments and the gentle romance between Shen Xi Fan and He Su Ye. This drama is a perfect choice for anyone in need of a cozy love story that blends heartfelt romance, cultural richness, and uplifting storytelling.

When I first watched this drama, the only thought that came to mind was that The Best Thing felt like a celebration of spring itself. It premiered in February and ended in March. You could see flowers everywhere, in almost every scene.

Adding to the atmosphere were Zhang Ling He’s tranquil aura and the bright, cheerful energy brought by the lovely Xu Ruo Han. If you pay attention, the plot actually begins in spring and ends in spring as well. The spring scenes were absolutely captivating to me. After all, I am a spring girl who adores colorful scenery. 😍

Dear readers, have I ever told you that one of my favorite dramas is Li Xian and Liu Yi Fei’s Meet Yourself? Yes, I love that drama because it helps me unwind from the anxiety of everyday life. And now, I have found another show that carries a similar vibe. It took me a few extra days to finish this review because I used the chance to rewatch the entire series.

I did not skip a single moment, and I definitely did not press the fast-forward button. That alone is proof of how much I enjoyed The Best Thing.

This drama is perfect for a relaxed weekend. It does not have a heavy plot. The story is simple, and the romance is full of sweetness. There is no angst, thank goodness. Although a few jealous third parties appear. They do not take up too much screen time, but just enough to add a little spark.

You do not have to think too hard with this one. The Best Thing truly has all the best things you could ask for in a Cdrama. It features beautiful actors, stunning visuals, unforgettable scenery, a well-written script, and meaningful dialogue.

There are some comedic moments here and there. Not over-the-top, but just enough to make you chuckle. I especially love how the drama playfully introduced He Su Ye’s character.

When Shen Xi Fan’s best friend and colleague, Xu Xiang Ya, asked her what He Su Ye looked like, Shen Xi Fan replied that he resembled the actor who played Gong Zi Yu in My Journey to You drama. And for those who might not know, the actor who played Gong Zi Yu is none other than Zhang Ling He himself. 😁

It was such a subtle way to promote Zhang Ling He’s other drama, and of course I did not want to miss the reference either. You can read My Journey to You drama review and ending explanation for My Journey to You here.

The ending of The Best Thing is, as you might expect, a happy one. There is no need to feel anxious while watching. Even though the story is predictable, the experience of watching a drama without any major plot twists felt like a peaceful and soothing escape for me.

Although I said this is just a feel-good or cozy romance drama, that does not mean it did not leave a mark on me. I have promised myself that I would visit a Chinese drugstore to try making a herbal sachet. And now, whenever I feel blocked while writing or need to calm myself, I reach for some origami paper and fold little animals.

So far, I have learned how to make a cat, and now I am trying to move on to making a frog. I still have not succeeded, of course, so I completely understand He Su Ye’s frustration in that scene. 😂

The Story-Where Hearts Found Home

The Best Thing is all about the healing journey of Shen Xi Fan and He Su Ye. Both have been wounded by love and are seeking solace. In this story, He Su Ye is four years older than Shen Xi Fan. He experienced a difficult breakup before Shen Xi Fan and knows exactly how to comfort her. His maturity is evident in his gentleness and compassion. He is truly a “green flag” guy.

Shen Xi Fan is 27 years old when the story begins. She was in a relationship with Yan Heng, a senior from university who is two years older than her. They had a long-distance relationship, and Shen Xi Fan believed that the distance, her busy work life, and eventually her dream of studying abroad have caused the problems that led to their breakup.

The guilt and insecurity grew within her because of Yan Heng’s accusations. He claimed she was selfish and didn’t consider his feelings. This caused her to suffer from insomnia. Luckily, Shen Xi Fan has supportive and loving parents who encouraged her to visit a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinic, where she eventually meets the handsome, gentle, and perceptive doctor, He Su Ye.

The relationship between Shen Xi Fan and He Su Ye does not develop quickly. This is a slow-burn romance story, dear readers. It takes time for Shen Xi Fan to move on from her relationship with Yan Heng, and now she is focusing on herself and her dream of studying abroad. While she was with Yan Heng, he strongly opposed her dream. But now, as a single woman, she can pursue what she has always wanted.

He Su Ye is more mature than Yan Heng. He supports Shen Xi Fan’s dream, despite his own painful experience of being abandoned by his ex-girlfriend, who left him to study abroad.

What makes He Su Ye special is that his patience and understanding seem limitless. He never pressures Shen Xi Fan to accept his feelings, nor does he rush her to move on quickly. He is willing to wait for her to heal from the past. In return, Shen Xi Fan, with her friendly nature, becomes a bridge that reconnects He Su Ye with his estranged father.

If Yan Heng hadn’t broken up with Shen Xi Fan, she would never have gone to the TCM clinic. And if she hadn’t suffered from insomnia, she might have ended up visiting another doctor at the clinic, all of whom were old enough to be her grandparents. 😁

The Best Thing drama reminds us that when two people are meant to be together, the universe conspires to bring them together. Detours don’t mean defeat; they’re simply part of the journey.

The Story-Dialogue That Speaks to the Heart

The Best Thing drama offers more than just good visuals and a heartfelt story. It also features meaningful dialogues.

For instance, there’s a line spoken by Liu Yun Ci, the elderly lady who stays at Guan Huating Hotel. She says to the weary Shen Xi Fan, “In this world, there’s no absolute right or wrong. It’s only about whether you regret it or not.” Or when she says, “Life is like the clouds in the sky. Gathering and parting are all destined. If it’s meant to be, even if they turn into rain, they will fall into the same lake.”

Then there are the dialogues between Shen Xi Fan and He Su Ye when they watch the sunrise together. He Su Ye says, “The sun is about to rise.” Shen Xi Fan replies, “Dawn is about to break.”

In this exchange, both characters convey that there is always hope for a new beginning and a turning point in everyone’s life. This particular scene was memorable for me because of its simplicity and poetic tone.

Chinese dramas often have a way of opening our eyes. Who says you can only learn from BBC or National Geographic documentaries? If you open your heart wide enough, you might just find those lessons on iQiyi. 😉

The Story – Electric from the Start

The Best Thing offers a well-written story. However, it would mean nothing if it weren’t conveyed through good acting, and the actors in this drama truly nailed it. Well, most of them… 😁

First of all, you can’t miss the strong chemistry between Zhang Ling He and Xu Ruo Han. Before The Best Thing, I watched Xu Ruo Han in a drama titled The Forbidden Flower, where she acted alongside Jerry Yan, who was much older than her.

Yet, there was such strong chemistry between them. Xu Ruo Han delivered an impressive performance in that drama. Her presence was strong enough to stand alongside Jerry Yan without being overshadowed by him, and she did the same in The Best Thing.

Zhang Ling He is one of those actors who exudes a powerful charm on screen. His expressive eyes convey every emotion brewing inside his character. This time, as a doctor, his eyes work even harder since he wears a medical mask in many scenes.

Still, I was mesmerized by the way his eyes curved like a crescent when he smiled behind the mask. Now I truly understand the meaning of “smiling eyes that light up the room”. It’s a phrase I’ve often come across in romance novels. 😙

The chemistry between Xu Ruo Han and Zhang Ling He is evident from the very first episode. Their performances are authentic and natural, making you believe that Shen Xi Fan and He Su Ye are real people, with real emotions. But they aren’t the only ones with great chemistry.

Wang You Jun and Huang Can Can, who play Lin Yi Shen and Xu Xiang Ya, also delivered convincing and natural performances. I also need to praise the older actors, such as Li Jian Yi, who plays He Su Ye’s grandfather, Fang Zi Bin, and Liu Wei Wei, who play Shen Xi Fan’s parents.

All of them did a fantastic job. Still, my favorite is Li Jian Yi. His interactions with Zhang Ling He truly convinced me that they were related by blood.

You can also see You Li Ren’s acting in Wind Direction, Amidst a Snowstorm of Love, and Joy of Life. This actor is truly a gem. 😍

The Cinematography – Emotion in Every Frame

Imagine yourself standing in a park, where the trees sway gently in the breeze. The air is filled with the sweet scent of freshly bloomed flowers. A soft wind stirs, and the petals dance gracefully through the air.

They flutter around as if drawn by an invisible force. As the petals fall over you, you tilt your head and reach out to catch them. And as they fall gently, you catch a glimpse out of the corner of your eye. Slowly you turn and there he is. Under the rain of petals, in front of you… it is Zhang Ling He.

That’s the kind of visual you’ll often find in The Best Thing drama. The slow-motion moments, the blurred backgrounds, and the soft glow of light perfectly capture that dreamy, almost otherworldly feeling. Though I know it’s all intentional, I was utterly captivated.

The director of this drama is Che Liang Yi, who also directed Lin Yi’s Smile Code drama. He used to be the cinematographer for several excellent dramas, such as Shining for One Thing, The Yin Yang Master: Dream of Eternity, More than Blue: The Series, and also some famous movies like Yang Mi’s You Are My Sunshine and L.O.R.D. 1 and 2.

Even though Smile Code wasn’t quite my cup of tea, I watched a few episodes and had to admit that the visuals were just as captivating as in The Best Thing. But if I had to recommend something, I’d say watch Shining for One Thing. That one was truly a great drama. 👍

The best parts of The Best Thing? The close-up shots of Zhang Ling He and Xu Ruo Han, from EVERY angle. Whether you want to admire his handsomeness or her beauty, it’s all there. However, the heavy filters or editing make them look almost too perfect, as if their skin has no pores at all. 🤦‍♀️

And one thing that made me really happy while watching this drama is the soundtrack. I rarely fall for soundtracks, but this one really warmed my heart.

The Characters

He Su Ye (played by Zhang Ling He)

He Su Ye’s name was taken from zi su ye (perilla leaves). He once explained that perilla leaves might seem unremarkable, but they are widely used and full of benefits. However, He Su Ye himself is anything but unremarkable. His looks and personality are top-notch.

In fact, the TCM clinic didn’t dare display his photo because it would attract too many visitors. Not all of them were patients. Many were hopeful parents looking for a prospective husband for their single daughters.

As a doctor, He Su Ye is gentle and understanding. He’s intelligent, compassionate, and deeply passionate about TCM. His reason for entering this field is a personal one, his mother was a breast cancer patient. Witnessing her pain during her final days left a lasting impact on him and shaped his path in life.

One of He Su Ye’s most noticeable traits is his mischievousness. He’s like a cunning little fox spirit, and when he unleashes his charm, no one can resist. Not even the brokenhearted Shen Xi Fan. While he is patient and kind, he also has his moments of competitiveness.

For example, when the girls teased him for taking bad photos compared to Lin Yi Shen, he sneered that he could take great photos too. Well… if you consider X-ray scans as photos. 😂

And of course, there was that unforgettable moment when he was jealous because Shen Xi Fan fangirling over Bi Wen Jun. 😅😅

Shen Xi Fan (played by Xu Ruo Han)

Shen Xi Fan, the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Shen, is 27 years old. She works as the manager of the Front Office Department at Gunan Huating Manor, a luxurious hotel in the city. One of her favorite hobbies is making small origami animals. She can easily fold a toad, a rabbit, or even a crane out of a simple piece of paper, as if by magic.

Deep down, Shen Xi Fan is a very sensitive person. Growing up in a harmonious family shaped her into someone full of empathy, kindness, and calm under pressure. She is friendly, caring, and deeply devoted to her parents. She always tries not to make them worry. But even with all her strength, she still longs for someone who can truly understand her, support her, and make her happy. Yan Heng, unfortunately, could not give her any of that.

Xu Xiang Ya (played by Huang Can Can)

Xu Xiang Ya has been Shen Xi Fan’s best friend for years. She also works at Gunan Huating Manor Hotel as the Food and Beverage Manager. She is skilled at making food and drinks. Xu Xiang Ya is a straightforward person. She does not like to hide her feelings, and her emotions are always written clearly on her face.

Xu Xiang Ya can also be impulsive, a trait that sometimes makes those close to her feel a little concerned. But at her core, Xu Xiang Ya is a gem. She was the only one who ever asked Shen Xi Fan whether she was truly happy being with Yan Heng.

Xu Xiang Ya has been in many relationships, so she knows exactly what she wants in a partner. Still, deep down, she quietly carries a sense of regret over losing the one she loved the most.

Lin Yi Shen (played by Wang You Jun)

Lin Yi Shen, or Senior Lin, has been a friend and colleague of Shen Xi Fan for years. He also works at the same resort hotel as the Marketing Manager. Lin Yi Shen is a responsible man with excellent communication skills. He is kind, thoughtful, and always willing to lend a hand when needed.

Alongside Xu Xiang Ya and Shen Xi Fan, he can often be found sitting at a table, sipping cold bubble milk tea and enjoying their lighthearted conversations. Lin Yi Shen secretly has feelings for Xu Xiang Ya, but he always plays it cool. Even so, you can always catch the warmth in his eyes whenever he looks at her.

Yan Heng (played by Caesar Wu)

The domineering CEO ex-boyfriend in this drama is Yan Heng. He was Shen Xi Fan’s boyfriend for seven years. They met during their university days, and now he runs his own company. Yan Heng comes from a wealthy business family, while Shen Xi Fan comes from a humble background.

This difference became a constant source of tension, especially since Yan Heng’s parent disapproved of Shen Xi Fan because of her upbringing. Yan Heng is self-centered, stubborn, and selfish. He liked to control Shen Xi Fan and couldn’t stand it when she didn’t follow his wishes. His need for control and lack of empathy became a heavy burden in their relationship, slowly pushing her away.

The Conclusion

For me, The Best Thing drama was more than just a well-crafted story with solid acting. It brought me genuine joy. I love this drama because it offers a comforting escape from the stress of everyday life. The Best Thing truly lives up to its name, offering everything you could hope for in a Cdrama.

It features a beautiful cast, breathtaking visuals, unforgettable scenery, a well-written script, and dialogues that really stay with you. There are also lighthearted moments sprinkled throughout, making it an ideal choice after a long and exhausting day.

This is the kind of drama you’ll want to enjoy as a daily treat. Something you take in slowly and appreciate little by little. Just be warned, you might find yourself craving hotpot. I know I did after watching that scene where Shen Xi Fan and He Su Ye visit the hotpot stall. That rich, red broth looked incredibly appetizing.

If you ever decide to give this drama a try, dear readers, I truly hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I would love to hear what you think about it. Feel free to share your thoughts with me through the comment section below this The Best Thing drama review post.

I also wrote a full Ending Explained post for this drama, so don’t forget to check it out if you are curious about the conclusion. Thank you so much for stopping by, dear readers. Until we meet again. Happy watching!