Cinema VinesNetflix’s new Chinese workplace drama, The Early Spring, premiered on August 26 and has quickly become a talking point across the internet. The 24‑episode series, directed by Jiang Ji Zheng and adapted from Gu Niang Bie Ku’s web novel Zao Chun Qing Lang, follows the high‑stakes relationship between two ambitious professionals who collide in a cutthroat advertising agency. The show is praised for its mature storytelling and refusal to settle for conventional romance tropes.
The cast features Jing Boran as Luan Nian, a brilliant yet ruthless creative director, and Sun Qian as Shang Zhitao, a fresh‑from‑college graduate who earns the nickname “Flora” in the office. Zhitao lands a position at the prestigious Lingmei Agency, only to meet Luan Nian, who immediately dismisses her as unfit and even damages his prized antique typewriter in the process. Despite the harsh criticism, Zhitao refuses to be intimidated and turns every setback into a learning opportunity.
As the first ten episodes unfold, the tension between the two characters shifts from icy to complex. A dramatic moment occurs when Luan Nian saves Zhitao from a sketchy, unlicensed cab late at night, sparking an unspoken attraction. The relationship deepens during a rural advertising shoot, where a storm triggers a landslide. Zhitao is separated from her crew, and Luan Nian searches for her, only to become trapped in his own car. In a pivotal scene, Zhitao breaks his window to pull him to safety, marking a turning point in their dynamic.
While chaos surrounds them, Luan Nian quietly observes Zhitao’s relentless work ethic, earning his genuine respect. That respect soon turns into jealousy as he watches her interact with other men, revealing cracks in his cold exterior. After a one‑night stand, Zhitao becomes practical and fears that dating her boss could jeopardise her career. She requests a department transfer, forcing Luan Nian to confront his feelings and the power dynamics at play.
With a rating of three and a half stars, The Early Spring stands out for its realistic portrayal of office politics and urban isolation. It offers a fresh take on workplace romance, avoiding the “boardroom equivalent of Fifty Shades of Grey” and instead presenting a story where ambition, resilience, and genuine connection drive the narrative forward. The series has quickly topped Netflix charts, cementing its place as a must‑watch drama for fans of urban storytelling.
