Be Loved in House (2021)

It really grew on me

When I first started watching this show I only liked it fine until somewhere around the half-way point when all of a sudden it dawned on me that I'd not only become invested in the characters lives without realising it, I'd also wholly fallen in love with the entire story.
This series has its flaws to be sure, but it also features some incredibly compelling story-telling delivered through beautiful cinematography, solid editing, and fantastic performances by the entire cast.

The set-up may seem contrived at first, but quickly paves the way for some fascinating characterisations; the story at times feels like a character study more than anything else and I personally really enjoyed that aspect of it. The characters are all given a lot more depth than strictly necessary for a light, romantic drama, as well as the agency to sometimes act outside the simplistic bounds of black-and-white morality.
Yu Zhen, for instance, is shown to be clearly aware that his "Single Rule" is not strictly legal, he simply bets on his employees being too invested in the company's continued existence to report his wrong-doings to any authorities.
Similarly, Shi Lei's meddling in the affairs of a client proves to be largely successful, but it is also made clear that his actions are ethically questionable.
And of course there's Yi Zi Tong, whom viewers appear to either despise as an unnecessary addition to the plot for the sake of drama, or appreciate as a necessary instigator of Yu Zhen's character development.
His addition to the story may in fact not have been strictly necessary, but he is a very complex and interesting character. He appears out of nowhere as Yu Zhen's self-styled saviour, presumably out of some lingering sense of guilt over how their relationship ended, and thoroughly derails the leads' budding relationship. He has nothing but good intentions, he's correct in a lot of his assumptions about Yu Zhen's mental state, but for the most part his actions seem to cause more harm than good.

It's these small, unusual elements that, to me, elevate the story way above the level of a silly rom-com.
Yes, it makes liberal use of tropes and cliches, but the characters are three-dimensional, they are flawed, likeable, often genuinely hilarious, and feel like real people, which makes the relationships depicted feel real and believable in turn - a personal highlight for me is Qiqi and Gang's relationship, which is a wonderful depiction of a healthy age-gap romance. Their age difference isn't ignored or put off as irrelevant; their different life experiences lead to differences in opinion and relationship expectations. This in turn leads to conflict, which the two then resolve through open and honest communication and compromise - it is truly a joy to watch.

So if you're looking for a rom-com with great acting, lovely queer representation (there is even a very touching coming out scene, if that sways you either way), and a very sweet slow-burn romance which has some bite and intelligence to it, then look no further.
If you just want something light and easy to watch that's perfect for a lazy weekend on the couch, then this series will deliver as well.
I will say, however, that this is a show best enjoyed in one or two sittings. The slow, gentle pacing best lends itself to binging rather than to watching one episode at a time :)

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A premissa é clichê, os funcionários não podem ter relacionamentos, morar juntos etc. Não é um BL cheio de reviravoltas, a maior parte do tempo tem um ritmo normal, apenas fica mais rápido nos últimos episódios.

Mesmo com as briguinhas do começo, Jin Yu Zhen é bem carinhoso com o Shi Lei, quando cuida dele doente e vice-versa também, realmente senti uma boa química entre eles. Amei o primeiro beijo estilo homem aranha, sinto que foi no momento certo e a estranheza depois, eu gostei, deixou mais natural.

Particularmente adoro quando O pequeno príncipe é citado mais ainda quando há um contexto próprio do casal. Uma curiosidade, o ator Aaron tem uma cicatriz por causa de um grave acidente que quase levou sua vida em 2019, no BL usaram a mesma para acrescentar a estória de Jin Yu Zhen.

Geralmente não gosto quando do nada colocam um ex, mas aqui até gostei já que fez Jin Yu Zhen finalmente segui em frente, ele é até legal, gosto quando os ex são assim, mas realmente não era necessário tantas cenas juntos. Quem vê quer mais cenas dos principais juntos e até mesmo a questão do relacionamento anterior poderia ser resolvido sem isso.
Acho que se tivesse mais episódios o passado do principal poderia ser melhor desenvolvido, até mesmo a relação dos principais e os secundários. Devia ter deixado apenas como clichê fofinho, certo que me surpreendi com as cenas quentes, mas para que colocar sofrência quase no final?

Em resumo gostei, bom para passar o tempo e é leve, foi bem fechado, apesar do casal hétero ser esquecido no churrasco, não entrarei em detalhes sobre partes do roteiro soltas e falas desconexas, já que para mim esse BL cumpriu a minha expectativa no sentido romance, leveza e doçura.

Sobre o especial, já adianto que a maior parte é sobre Jin Yu Zen e o ex, ótimo para quem quiser ver como ele era antes e ver uma pequena interação dos principais e fotos fofas. Mas nada sobre o casal hétero.

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Only for Aaron and Hank

Ok, so I watched this series because of the main leads. I believed they have a powerful chemistry. Hank is so adorable. And Aaron is the mysterious type.

Story is just so so, its kinda boring in the middle. The development of their love story is too slow. They could have added more sweet moments or some love-hate relationship more. The music is just ok.

I was hoping for season 2. Just to give justice to the missing pieces left from season 1. I hope season 2 will answer some details that is missing in season 1.

Overall, I still recommend everyone to watch this.

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I recommend it!

I've read a lot of people complaining about this series but I personally really liked it.
Yes, it's slow paced and I think the broadcasting team made a bad decision by releasing one episode a week. When I saw that, I decided to wait until the end of the series so that I can watch it in one go and that was a pretty good decision that I've made because I'm satisfied with the result.
I think it is a pretty realistic story, the characters not able to be upfront with their feelings because they're scared. It happens to a lot of people (and I'm one of it). So maybe for a show, it is annoying but I liked it a lot.
The only thing that I wasn't quite happy with was the end and the trio Shi Lei, Zi Tong and Zhao Gang. To me, it wasn't necessary as Shi Lei was already ready to confess his feelings.
Also, I was suprised to see Wayne! Is his goal to make a cameo in every BL show from Taiwan (and Japan)?

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I hated this

I don't know if that was just me but I hated this, it's just so boring and the plot is just so basic and boring and cliché. even if most BL dramas are clichés but usually they are fun and comedic or artistic or adds anything new.

this one is just flat, bland characters I don't even see the chemistry that people are talking about they are just two attractive people, there were no actual chemistry between them.

the plot about the studio and their work and their colleagues is just k*ll me now. so boring i almost fell asleep.

I don't recommend watching at all actually, you can find nicer stuff that can actually make you laugh at least from how silly it is but this one doesn't even have that.

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A love story weighed down by flaws

The premise had potential, but the execution didn't deliver. The only true strength of this series is the chemistry between the two leading men. Unfortunately, however, that chemistry was ruined when the actor Hank Wang (Shi Lei) was visibly uncomfortable kissing his scene partner. His lips were sealed shut and he refused to kiss meaningfully. His scene partner had more courage and made the best of a bad situation. Why would a production company hire an actor who doesn't want to do the work? The evolution of their relationship felt more natural, which was enjoyable to watch. The secondary gay couple needed more of a story - they didn't really have one, so why where they there? The straight couple were also underutilized.

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A beautiful drama and message

Wow love the cast, loved the chemistry of both 1st & 2nd lead couples they all make you want giggle and smile when i look at there beautiful smile so Cute and innocent. Aaron lin I'm a big fan and I didn't realize that hank Wang I seen all his dramas. I am really loving this storyline of a new boss who has a rule of no dating in general. This boss Yu Zhen turns out to be shi lei landlord who is very picky about food, drink and certain elements. Yu Zhen college friend yan Zhao gang runs the coffee shop and starts flirting with yu Zhen part timer wu si qi. Also we have Bai Xian Qian who has a crush on shi Lei and he tries to let her down. As they slowly get to know each other after Yu Zhen is rushed to hosp. as he's allergic to nickel. Shi Lei is starting to look after Yu Zhen and make sure nothing is in the house has nickle in it. Then shi Lei mom comes for a surprise visit and takes care of both them as she notices them getting closer. Upon her leaving and going home shi Lei hugs her and starts crying while telling her that he's has feeling for yuzhen and then she tells him that she approves. There relationship starts slow, but yuzhen is about to remove the no dating when see Zhao gang and si Qi kissing on the steps he gets mad and storms off that shi Lei knew and didn't say anything. So now si qi is going to quit and shi Lei barges in and boss ripes up the letter. Then the next day Yi zi tong walks into yuzhen shop looking for real the designer of the stone and stirs up emotions. Then he goes to coffee shop where shi Lei is and zi tong trys to talk to Zhao gang who sarcastic to him. This is a test of love that bring up so many emotions:
1) Why did Yi zi tong disappear 7 yrs ago and then just show up to assume hell take him back?
2) Are your feelings true to shi Lei and can you start a relationship?
3)shi Lei needs to express his feelings to.
I don't want to give the ending away, but as you watch it going forward its amazing to see how some people play with emotion or they can't commit to it.
Its finished and still amazed that for 12 episode at only 23 min. touches on many topic work, family, feelings and relationships new/old. what a beautiful drama and message

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Slow-burn romance

*happy ending*
*supporting parent on one side*

What I like:
I love the acting and the cinematography of the show. The enemies to lovers trope is also a trope I really like, add to that that they also live together ❤️

I also really love Shi lei's mother.

What I didn't like:
Honestly, the seme of the second couple looks a lot like my college crush so I had a hard time watching their part. I had to skip a lot of their scenes hahahaha.

What could've made it better:
I also didn't like the appearance of the ex of yuzhen and yu zhen being so inconsistent about his 'rules' so I hoped yu zhen had a more definite reason for the no dating policy and he should've taken better care of shi lei more.

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I LOVED THE COUPLE!!!

Okay i binge watched this bl for 8 episodes and finished it next day. All i can say is the first 8 episodes were sooo good. It’s a little slow burn story but i really liked the couple’s looks and their chemistry and story was going great. I wish it lasted longer for more to see from these couple or we didn’t get the unnecessary drama. I liked the series a lot and i hope we will see them again together someday. We need a sequal!!! It is the most capturing drama that i seen in a while but there are some things that i would like too see from them in the future too, really

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Para mim todo BL tem seu valor: abrir espaço numa sociedade ainda muito preconceituosa e moldada em "modelos" perfeitos de relacionamento (coisa que não existe). Uma série que sai do clichê ensino médio/universitário, e se passa no mundo "adulto". Atores bons (mas podem melhorar) e lindos (eu amo asiáticos). O que é Aaron Lai sem camisa????? Misericórdia... história leve, com um pouquinho de intriga, boa para passar o tempo (episódios curtos) sem ser cansativa. Gosto do fato de nos levar a refletir sobre a busca pela forma ideal (mas individual) de cada um expressar o amor.

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