Love at Night (2021): A Mature Romance with Sizzling Chemistry but a Lackluster Plot
Love at Night (夜色暗涌时, Ye Se An Yong Shi) is a 2021 Chinese modern romance drama that aired from November 9 to December 8, 2021, on Mango TV, Tencent Video, and other platforms. Directed by Lin Yi, this 30-episode series stars Zhang Yuxi as Xu Qingyou and Liu Xueyi as Mo Lingze, delivering a workplace romance with a focus on mature relationships and personal growth. Adapted from a novel, the drama promises steamy chemistry and a refreshing take on love but struggles with a clichéd plot and excessive focus on secondary storylines. Let’s explore what makes this drama both captivating and underwhelming.
Plot Overview
The story centers on Xu Qingyou, a driven 30-year-old Director of Operations at an e-commerce company, whose life unravels when she discovers her fiancé of ten years, Fan Yunxi (Li Zifeng), has cheated on her. Devastated, she calls off their engagement and drowns her sorrows at a bar, where she meets Mo Lingze, a charismatic musician with whom she shares a drunken encounter. Assuming it was a one-night stand, Qingyou is shocked to learn that Lingze is her company’s new head of operations, making him her boss. Forced to work together, their initial misunderstandings evolve into mutual respect and attraction, complicated by workplace drama, a manipulative ex-fiancé, and a persistent admirer chasing Lingze. The drama explores themes of self-love, trust, and breaking free from toxic relationships, set against a sleek urban backdrop.
The standout feature of Love at Night is the electrifying chemistry between Zhang Yuxi and Liu Xueyi. Zhang Yuxi portrays Xu Qingyou as a confident, career-driven woman with a vulnerable side, balancing strength and relatability. Her stylish wardrobe and nuanced performance elevate the character, especially in scenes depicting her emotional growth after betrayal. Liu Xueyi’s Mo Lingze is a perfect blend of aloof professionalism and flirty charm, with his musical performances adding a swoon-worthy edge. Their nighttime romantic scenes, enhanced by stunning cinematography, live up to the drama’s title, creating a dreamy, intimate vibe that hooks viewers.
The drama shines in its portrayal of a mature, healthy relationship. Unlike many C-dramas with juvenile misunderstandings, Qingyou and Lingze communicate openly, resolving conflicts with trust and respect. This refreshing dynamic, combined with their slow-burn romance, makes their story addictive. The soundtrack, particularly the sultry opening song, complements the mood, and the urban setting with rainy, umbrella-filled scenes adds visual allure. Fans also praise the absence of a typical love triangle, with the ex-fiancé serving as a plot device for Qingyou’s self-discovery rather than a serious rival.
The Not-So-Good: Weak Plot and Unnecessary Subplots
Despite its strengths, Love at Night falters in its storytelling. The plot is often described as clichéd and predictable, relying on overused tropes like jealous exes and parental objections. After a strong start, the pacing drags, especially in the first half, with some viewers noting little progress between the main couple by episode 15. The workplace conflicts feel like filler, lacking depth or stakes, and the drama could have been more concise with 24 episodes instead of 30.
The secondary couples are a major point of criticism. The subplot involving Qingyou’s brother Xu Wei and her friend Fang Qi is widely seen as boring and disconnected from the main story, eating up significant screen time. A third couple feels like unnecessary filler, with many viewers skipping their scenes entirely. These subplots dilute the focus on the main leads, leaving fans frustrated that the compelling central romance isn’t given more room to shine.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights
Filming wrapped on May 6, 2021, with production by Hunantv.com Interactive Entertainment Media Co. Ltd. The drama was shot in Shenzhen, reflecting its modern, urban aesthetic. The series initially generated buzz with a promising trailer, but some felt the title Love at Night oversold the drama’s intensity, as it leans more rom-com than passionate melodrama.
Why Watch It?
The night-time cinematography and stylish visuals make it visually appealing, and the main couple’s story offers valuable lessons about self-worth and healthy relationships. However, be prepared to fast-forward through lackluster subplots and a formulaic plot. If you enjoy character-driven romances and can overlook a weak storyline, this drama delivers enough heart-fluttering moments to keep you engaged.
Where to Watch
You can stream Love at Night with English subtitles on platforms like Viki, iQIYI, WeTV, and Apple TV.
Final Verdict: 7/10
Love at Night is a mixed bag—a visually stunning romance with exceptional lead chemistry and a mature relationship dynamic, hampered by a clichéd plot and dull subplots. Zhang Yuxi and Liu Xueyi carry the show, making it worth watching for their scenes alone, but don’t expect a groundbreaking story. Have you seen Love at Night? Did the main couple’s chemistry win you over, or did the side stories drag it down? Share your thoughts below!