- Title: The Love You Give Me
- Also Known as: 你给我的喜欢, Ni Gei Wo De Xi Huan
- Screenwriter: Guo Shuang
- Director: Ding Ying Zhou
- Casts: Wang Yu Wen, Wang Zi Qi
- Genres: Romance, Drama, Comedy
- Country: China
- Type: Drama
- Episodes: 28
- Year: April 2023
- Original Network: Tencent Video
- Where To Watch: WeTV, TencentVideo, Viki
- Adapted from the novel “Ni Gei Wo De Xi Huan” by Shi Ding Rou
Hola readers, another review post for you. This The Love You Give Me drama was a hit in WeTV streaming app in my region. The story was quite sweet and cute. And the little boy was sooo adorable. So, there was no reason not to watch this drama. And this is my opinion about the drama. Enjoy!
The Love You Give Me Synopsis
The smart and beautiful Min Hui got entangled in a love relationship with Xin Qi on behalf of her deceased friend, Su Tian. Min Hui was entrusted with a task by Su Tian to deliver her diary to Xin Qi. However, Su Tian did not wish for Xin Qi to know that she was dead because he was suffering from heart disease. And an emotional fluctuation could jeopardize his life. So, Min Hui, who already fell head over heels to Xin Qi, did not want him to suffer and pretended to be Su Tian.
Min Hui and Xin Qi had a good time together because they were in love with each other. However, Min Hui always felt guilty over her lies to Xin Qi. She tried to tell him the truth but too many things happened and the words were always left hanging on her lips. When she managed to say that she was not Su Tian, Xin Qi never believed her.
Nonetheless, the things that were hidden could not be kept hidden anymore. Xin Qi learned about her real identity and they separated in anger and frustration. Later, Xin Qi went abroad while Min Hui stayed in China. However, unbeknownst to Xin Qi, Min Hui gave birth to a son, a fruit of their short relationship.
Five years later, Min Hui and Xin Qi met again at a party. He had become a sought-after director of an investment company while she had paved her way as a talented R&D director of a medical technology company. Xin Qi’s resentment and anger towards Min Hui were still etched deep inside his heart. So Xin Qi used all of his means to make her pay for the heartache he felt five years ago.
However, when Xin Qin found out that Min Hui had a son with a similar congenital heart disease with him, everything became more complicated for Xin Qi. Never had Xin Qi imagined that he would be a father.
He got torn between his hatred for Min Hui and a new emerging fatherly love for Quan Quan. Later, Xin Qi’s fatherly feelings won. He was willing to compromise so he could get close to Quan Quan. Xin Qi’s aim to ruin Min Hui pivoted into a determination to make Min Hui and Quan Quan recognized him as their family member.
Will Min Hui and Xin Qi forgive each other? Will the feeling left inside their heart be enough to start a new chapter in their life as a new complete family?
The Love You Give Me Review
The Love You Give Me’s poster was an invitation for us, viewers. It smiles at you, winks at you, and straightforward seduces you, so you would choose the drama. And it works for me. At least I did not hesitate to click on it and spent many days binge-watching this drama.
This drama was all about sweetness. It tasted like a popsicle for a romance junkie like me. The story was so light, that you’ll enjoy it but soon after you finished the drama, there was only left a faint feeling in your heart. Just like a popsicle whose taste did not linger for a long time in your mouth.
Shi Ding Rou was the original author of The Love You Give Me. When I did a little research on Google, I found that she was also the one who wrote Jhonny Huang’s Moonshine and Valentine. I did not have a good impression of the drama although Jhonny Huang was the star. The story was not interesting enough for me. But I must admit that The Love You Give Me was more my cup of tea.
To build the story in the modern era, the author wrote a domineering CEO and a clever protagonist troupe. It was a common troupe in dramaland. Yet, she had to make it different from other dramas. So the author put some heavy issues such as investment, technology, terminal illness, adultery, and sexual harassment. However, some of them felt like an add-on, a building block for the story so our main lead could be the center of the universe.
You would find investment terms at the beginning of the drama, yet it was just to emphasize Xin Qi’s superiority among the business circle in Beicheng City. Min Hui was also portrayed as a computer genius who invented MIST, an AI cardiac modeling software. But the talk about the technology itself was just a fleeting moment.
The heart illness itself was supposed to be the glue that bind the family. But likewise, it did not feel real. The scenes when Xin Qi was bedridden was too unreal. It did not feel like he was a patient with a terminal illness. It was so different compared to the heavy atmosphere in Zhao Lu Si’s Autumn Fairy Tale movie or Xu Ruo Han’s Forbidden Flower drama. Probably a slightly darker color tone would tone down the mood.
Anyway, I was fond of Wang Zi Qi and Cui Yi Xin’s chemistry as a father and son. It was slightly better than the chemistry between Wang Zi Qi and Wang Yu Wen. So although I used to hate Xin Qi’s character, when he turned the father mode on, he was quite quite attractive. In my opinion, Cui Yi Xin’s presence had a bigger effect on the screen. I was enjoying every single sight of him. I hope this cute little star would always shine brightly in the future…
The Cinematography
I really enjoyed the visuals in this drama. The color palette was vibrant, and the set was arranged thoughtfully. Everything was aesthetically satisfying. Although I felt like Xin Qi’s apartment was too bland. Probably because he was too busy to spend his time at home and the apartment was new, so there was not much personal touch that could be seen, except for the tree.
On the contrary, Min Hui’s apartment was a bit too crowded. There was a lot of stuff inside it. A bit contrary to her personality who seemed neat and sleek since she was a straightforward person. But probably because Min Hui lived with Quan Quan and his personality was livelier than his mother, it was justifiable.
I had no other complaints about Ding Ying Zhou, the director. He was the same person who directed the Autumn Ballad, Ni Chang, and You Are My Destiny. His work of art was always pleasing to the eyes. The color palette was bright and colorful. And the way he took pictures was smooth and pleasing to the eyes.
I really have no complaints about the cinematography, except for one. The Jiaren Hospital sign was written JIAREN HOSPLTAL… aaaarrggghhh!! Did anyone notice it?
The Story
The Love You Give Me mainly tells a story about family and friendship. But it also voiced how women must stand up for themselves when somebody was taking advantage of them, especially when they encounter sexual harassment.
Many victims would keep silent when it happened especially when it happened in their workplace and the person who did it held power over them. And most of the victims were afraid to report the matter to the police/HR/bosses because it could jeopardize their job and source of income. Finding a job is a hard thing to do nowadays. But to live in fear was not an option either.
The story started when Min Hui attended a party. She was clad in red, very gorgeous and alluring. She rarely came to socialize in a party but Min Hui was there and she was ready to do her mission: to seduce Cheng Qi Rang in front of his wife, Zheng Yi Ting.
However, Min Hui was able to endure it all for the sake of her son, Quan Quan. He needed to be operated and the only person who could do it was Professor Cheng, Cheng Qi Rang’s father. Xin Qi saw her and instantly thought that Min Hui was always a seductress who deceived others. He was jealous and at the same time wanted to vent out his long-time anger.
Another time when Xin Qi met Quan Quan, he instantly liked him. But then he saw Min Hui, Quan Quan, and Zhou Ruji as the three stood together like a harmonious family. He got jealous again. He sourly thought that Min Hui was a liar, but she led a better life than his. It seemed that Xin Qi’s life in the USA was quite miserable. So Xin Qi tried to “torture” Min Hui using his position as the CEO of Blue Jay Investment.
But when Min Hui lost the bidding, he got suspicious and investigated it. Deep down inside, Xin Qi realized that Min Hui’s MIST was better than Cheng Qi Rang’s AGS. But he was unwilling to admit it. I wondered if his pressure on Min Hui made her fed up and resigned from Be Agile, what would Xin Qi do? Will he regret it?
Xin Qi suspected Quan Quan was his son in the third episode and he confirmed it in the fifth episode. It was quite fast and dramatic. I was being emotional when I watched how Xin Qi deceived Min Hui to get the truth.
Well, I had to admit that I kinda hate his narrow-minded character and watched his jealousy and possessiveness, but his lack of trust towards Min Hui really irked me out. Using the children to deceive a mother was a rude thing to do.
The relationship between Xin Qi and Min Hui did not follow the common rules: dating-engagement-wedding-pregnancy-childcare. They date and were engaged but broke up. Fast forward five years later, and they already had an additional member in the family. Xin Qi was not there when Min Hui was pregnant, gave birth, and raised a baby. He did not know the hardships that she had been through.
Can you imagine how hard it was to raise a baby with a congenital disease while being a single parent? And Min Hui had nobody to rely on. I think this drama skipped the most important phase that Min Hui and Quan Quan had been through. Therefore we were only entertained by the sweet scenes of Xin Qi coaxing and pursuing Min Hui to be his wife. I have never read the novel before, should I start to reading it now?
I’m abit tired of watching Min Hui and Xin Qi’s on and off relationship. They were too engrossed in their feelings that they needed Quan Quan to intervere with their situation. This child was only 4 years old but he was totally smart and sensible. Quan Quan could guess that Xin Qi was his father and he could devise a plan to make Min Hui accepted Xin Qi. Well, it was understandable because Quan Quan only wanted a father and a person who could take care of Min Hui.
The relationship between Min Hui and Cheng Qi Rang was explained at the end of this drama. I just got the answer about why Cheng Qi Rang asked Min Hui to pretend to seduce him in front of Zheng Yi Ting, his wife.
I already had a premonition since it was revealed that Min Hui used to be an intern in Guanchao for two months before she got fired. And when Cheng Qi Rang who was in a drunk state called Min Hui’s name when he made out with Lin Xi Yue. I was sure that there must be something behind all of this. And my premonition was true. Cheng Qi Rang was a true scumbag.
The friendship between Min Hui and Cao Mu was the kind of friendship that every woman wished they had with their best friend. Cao Mu was a fun and energetic woman. She would accompany you to go to the bar and get crazy all night long. But she would not mind if you asked her to come to you in the middle of the night, so you could have a good cry over something.
She was the kind of person who would support her loved one 100%. But I was a bit disappointed with Min Hui. She had worked with Cao Mu for several years. Although Cao Mu never asked about her personal life, Min Hui only told Cao Mu about her past after Xin Qi appeared. I guess Min Hui has never trusted others wholly since she had a fallout with Xin Qi in the past.
Besides Min Hui-Xin Qi’s relationship. There were also two additional couples in this drama. Cao Mu-Chen Jia Jun and Zhao Ruji-Yao Zizhu. Cao Mu and Chen Jia Jun was a cute couple. It was obvious that Cao Mu led the relationship and she enjoyed being pampered by a younger boyfriend. However, Cao Mu was an independent woman who never thought about settling down.
Her character was more like Samantha in The Sex And The City. Cao Mu was a free-spirited woman. Chen Jia Jun would need to use more effort to tie her into a serious relationship. On the other hand, Yao Zizhu was the active side of her relationship with Zhao Ruji. She did everything she could to make Zhao Ruji fall in love with her. Which was a hard mission because Zhao Ruji’s heart was bent on Min Hui.
Fortunately, the ending of The Love You Give Me was a happy ending and no plot twist that would break your heart.
The Casts and Characters
Wang Yu Wen as Min Hui
As a smart, workaholic, and outspoken person, Min Hui paved her own career. She was talented in computers and programs, therefore, she was able to become an R&D director at Be Agile Medi Tech company. Min Hui loved her job very much. She made a good amount of money from that job. Her apartment was quite spacious and well-decorated.
Min Hui did not have a car. Instead, she drove a cute motorcycle completed with a sidecar for Quan Quan. And although she did not dress extravagantly like Cao Mu, she was never underdressed. And so was Quan Quan. In short, Min Hui and Quan Quan’s life was good.
Min Hui was not a forlorn lover. When her relationship with Xin Qi was over, she still helped him when he was in a coma. But when he regained consciousness, she immediately left. Min Hui knew that Xin Qi was angry at her and stubbornly staying at his side would only hurt her. She might love Xin Qi very much, but Min Hui realized that knowing when to advance and when to retreat was a wise way of living.
The drama did not show how Min Hui lived while she was away from Xin Qi. How was her pregnancy, and labor, and how did she embrace motherhood while being single and still managed to pave her career? That was truly an amazing situation and nobody could pull it off easily. But this was the dramaland.. anything could happen, right? So, when Xin Qi reappeared and found out about Quan Quan, he was surprised at how well Min Hui raised his son. Quan Quan was a sensible child and his adorable level was maximal.
Min Hui’s feelings for Xin Qi were etched deep inside her heart. She did not waver although she had a handsome and gentle Zhou Ruji by her side. Probably Min Hui had too much to bear in the past so when it comes to starting a new relationship, she might find it too tiring and troublesome. And that was understandable.
Wang Zi Qi as Xin Qi
In my opinion, Xin Qi was a narrow-minded man. He bore grudges and prejudice against Min Hui. Xin Qi was proud of himself, stubborn, and also childish. I really think he was a man-child due to his complicated behaviors towards Min Hui. Xin Qi did not even know how to coax people, he was a man with a high IQ but low EQ.
However, as a father, he was quite good. He was attentive and caring. He put Quan Quan as his priority and he did not shy away from his responsibilities as a father. When he found out about Quan Quan’s identity, he was afraid but ecstatic at the same time. In my opinion, it was a normal reaction. Who would not be shocked to learn that they suddenly had a child?
Xin Qi’s feelings towards Min Hui were a mix between hatred and yearning. When they met again at the party, Xin Qi shielded Min Hui from the splashed wine. He also took her by her hand and led her out of the venue. It showed that his feelings still existed. He protected her from embarrassing moments and also told others that Min Hui had a special relationship with him. Even though he would speak rude and hurtful words to her afterward.
Xin Qi still could not forget the fact that Min Hui had deceived him five years ago. He might also despise himself for falling in love with that kind of woman. It was said that there was a thin line between love and hate. And that was exactly where Xin Qi was. If he wanted to proceed with his love and rekindled the love, Xin Qi must deal with his anger first.
Cui Yi Xin as Min Quan Quan
Quan Quan was the third wheel in Min Hui and Xin Qi’s relationship. However, they would be more than willing to have him as a third wheel. This cute and adorable child was only 4 years old. But he was very sensible and considerate towards his parents, especially Min Hui.
Quan Quan loved her dearly but when Xin Qi came, he would try his best to make them reconciled. Quan Quan had the same heart condition as Xin Qi. And that is why Xin Qi was sure that Quan Quan was his son.
Li Chuan as Zhou Ruji
A second male lead always leads a tragic love. They were destined to never be with someone they truly love. However, they were always pleasing to the eyes and their character always aroused some emotion. So you would always love them no matter what. Just imagine Changheng in Love Between Fairy and Devil drama. So far, he was the most memorable second male lead for me.
Zhou Ruji was a gentle-hearted surgeon at Jiaren Hospital. He was Quan Quan’s attending doctor. He was a talented and promising young doctor so there were many girls fangirling him. Zhou Ruji fell in love with Min Hui. He knew exactly her situation but was not bothered by it. His love was genuine and his care for Quan Quan would make your heart melt.
Li Xing Yao as Yao Zizhu
This lively young girl was attracted to the reserved Zhou Ruji. Yao Zizhu was the daughter of the hospital president. She was a talented ballet dancer who was willing to work as a volunteer in Jiaren Hospital because she wanted to get close to Zhao Ruji. She used all means to make him fall in love with her. But it was sooooo hard to make Zhao Ruji forget about Min Hui, although everyone around him reminded Zhao Ruji of how good Yao Zizhu was.
Ma Xin Rui as Cao Mu
This extravagant girl was Min Hui’s colleague and best friend. She was a beautiful, vivacious, confident, open-minded girl. But don’t you dare to play tricks around her? Cao Mu was a cunning girl who could get back at you and make you pay for it. Cao Mu’s only weakness was in young and handsome men.
As Min Hui’s best friend, Cao Mu understood Min Hui better than anyone else. She knew how hard Min Hui’s life was. So when Xin Qi came, secretly she supported them to rekindle their love.
Chen Xin Hai as Chen Jia Jun
Chen Jia Jun was a young handsome swimming coach that Cao Mu picked up from the street. When I say picked up, it was literally picked up…😅 Back then Cao Mu accidentally hit Chen Jia Jun and she had to take him to the hospital. Because Chen Jia Jun was living alone (plus he was handsome), Cao Mu was willing to take care of him as far as taking him to her house, so she could care for him. From the length she was willing to take, it was obvious that Cao Mu was already head over heels for him.
Chen Jia Jun hid a secret from everybody. He was in Bincheng City because he wanted to find his older sister. And she was Su Tian. Min Hui’s deceased friend whom Xin Qi had waited for fifteen years.
Kim Jin as Cheng Qi Rang
Cheng Qi Rang was the ultimate villain in this drama. He was the CEO of Guanchao, a leading medical technology company in Bincheng City. He was a two-faced cunning man and a womanizer. Although he was already married, he kept a mistress outside. And she was Lin Xiyue, Guancahao’s R&D manager. Cheng Qi Rang married Zheng Yi Ting for her father’s money and position. Zheng Yi Ting’s father was Zheng Bang Guo, the chairman of Guanchao Group.
Cheng Qi Rang endured humiliation from Zheng Yi Ting because of his ambitions. Zhen Yi Ting looked down on him and treated her dogs better than the way she treated him. She knew that Cheng Qi Rang has cheated on her. But Zheng Yi Ting did not care, as long as Cheng Qi Rang kept his scandals a secret and did not humiliate her or her father.
For the money, Cheng Qi Rang was willing to endure everything. He planned to divorce Zheng Yi Ting and take over Guanchao if his father-in-law made him his successor.
The Conclusion
The Love You Give Me was a sweet and light romantic drama. It was easy to digest and the level of sweetness was enough to give you a toothache, especially when it comes to Cao Mu and Chen Jia Jun’s relationship. Meanwhile, I was a bit tired to watch Min Hui try to reject Xin Qi, but her body language said otherwise. But still, I was happy to pick up this drama and watch it.
If you were a romance junkie like me, I am sure you’ll gonna love this drama. It would not take too much of your time since it was only 28 episodes and every episode’s story was quite fast-paced, so you’ll finish it in no time without realizing it. Just spare your weekend to binge watch this drama and you’ll find your weekend was far from boring. Happy watching!
