Louch Sne Knong Chet

There’s a gentle power in romances that bloom between shared memories and hidden wishes—where every touch feels like destiny, and every glance holds a thousand feelings. Hidden Love (2023), also known as Secretly, Secretly; But Unable to Hide It, is such a story. A Chinese youth drama that lingers like a secret melody, continuing to hum in your heart long after the screen fades.

A Crush Grown into Love

At the heart of the tale is Sang Zhi (Zhao Lusi), who’s secretly held a crush for years on Duan Jiaxu (Chen Zheyuan)—her brother’s best friend. What begins as innocent infatuation matures into something beautifully real: shared smiles on campus, gentle support in struggles, and the unspoken comfort of familiarity. By the time their romance blooms fully, you feel as if you are rediscovering your own memories of first love, with its sweetness and tender awkwardness.

Atmosphere of Innocent Intensity

Filmed in sunlit Xiamen, the series carries an aura of nostalgia and warmth. Soft soundtrack notes and carefully framed scenes capture the heart of this campus romance . It moves at the pace of a heartbeat on summer nights—never rushed, always heartfelt.

Chemistry That Sparks

Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan share an on-screen chemistry that reviewers have called “off the charts”. One fan on IMDb called it “very very sweet drama… their facial expressions… you feel how they feel without over‑acting”. A Redditor added:

“I adored this drama… I cried, laughed and felt warm throughout… felt so beautiful and natural.”

It’s this honest authenticity that makes their relationship feel lived-in, not constructed.

Growth, Not Just Romance

Beyond the romance, Hidden Love presents layers of personal growth. Sang Zhi transforms from a shy schoolgirl into a confident university woman, learning to speak her truth. Jiaxu evolves too—from protector to partner—his care shifting from brotherly instincts to genuine love. It’s a journey that invites viewers to grow with them, to remember their own moments of becoming.

A Story That Divides

The show’s slow-burn pacing and the early arc—where Jiaxu cares for Sang Zhi like a child—have divided opinions. One Redditor wrote:

“I can’t stand the main character acting like a literal child… No 17‑year‑old acts like that”

Another added:

“Jiaxu’s controlling behaviour… grabbing onto her wrists… treats her like an infant”

Yet others appreciate precisely this slow evolution:

“I was a beginner watcher… best love story as a TV show!”

Final Take

Hidden Love isn’t perfect—but that’s part of its charm. It listens to love in its quietest moments: soft confessions, shy glances, shy jokes, and the small heartbreaks that come with growing up. It reminds us that love isn’t always grand gestures; sometimes it’s found in speechless stares and shared playlists in sunlit dorm rooms.

Yes, certain scenes and pacing may feel awkward or overly sweet to some. But for others, it’s a comforting embrace—a nostalgic whisper of first crushes and the magic of being seen.

If you’re searching for a fluffy yet heartfelt romance that unfolds slowly and connects deeply, Hidden Love is like a gentle melody: familiar, warm, and impossible to forget.