Welcome to part two of this insanely long Chinese drama that stretches to 32 episodes. If you haven't watched or listened to part one, you need to check that out first, because there's no way I can describe what's about to happen without that context.
This is a Chinese reality show called Secretly in Love, where every single person comes with this secret. It's not a huge, life-changing secret—more like a mid-level, mildly embarrassing thing. It's not the kind of secret that makes you want to hide in the bathroom, but it's enough to add some drama. So far, that's been the case, but don't quote me on that since I haven't finished the last episodes yet. The contestants all come in with a secret, and they interact with each other over 10 days in an isolated villa, going on dates and trying to form connections.
At first, the show seemed just mediocre. Everyone thought it would be another background show people watch when they're bored. But things change with the presence of two key people: ZZ, an actress who is allegedly a bit of a diva, and Tian, who no one really knows—he might be unemployed, but he acts like a pick-up artist. These two decide they're going to wreak havoc and stir things up for everyone else on the show.
In part one, we went over all the initial dates and couples. Now in part two, I'm diving in further. Previously, we saw the professor and ZZ have their terrible date. This time, Tian and Baobao go on a date because they were the last two left to pair up, so they just gradually end up together.
Their date is actually exciting and goes really well. They're flirting on a high bridge, and Baobao is trying to be brave because they already like each other a lot. She stands on his left and asks him what he thinks of the view. He says he can't even look because it's so beautiful it takes his breath away. He's also a bit scared of heights, but it adds to the fun. They just look so compatible—giggling together, really connecting. Every girl who talks to him notices what a good guy he seems to be, and he acts like he's only ever noticed Baobao. At one point, he sees she's getting sweaty and offers to buy her something cold from the store. It's an interesting dynamic.
Tian and ZZ are like opposites. ZZ doesn't care much about people and is openly rude, while Tian doesn't actually like Baobao that much but acts like he's head over heels. Both of them have red flags, but I'm not sure who is worse. Honestly, I think ZZ is a bigger problem, because outside the show, none of these girls would give Tian the time of day. The show makes him seem more attractive than he would normally be. It reminds me of Temptation Island, where you have to wonder if these guys realize that outside this villa, zero girls would find them appealing. Yet, inside, they're the center of attention.
