When I first started LIKE LOVE, I was not terribly impressed. Mai Ding was annoying and the story was seriously lacking. I still have no idea how they became "kinda friends" and it started the ball rolling for more. For that aspect of the story, I was left scratching my head. It had a middle, but the beginning (and honestly, the end) were lacking a bit. The reason the end doesn't irk me is mostly because I know it is continued. Some of the transitions from scene to scene were quite choppy and made me feel like I missed a part of the story, but I was enjoying myself too much to care at that point.

For part, I took the story more as a bit of a romantic comedy, and I found that allowed me to slide into it much more. If I saw it as a silly, romantic build up, I found myself less irritated. When we get to the middle of the story, Mai Ding became stupidly endearing (though still annoying at times). The comfort between the actors and their sweet interactions felt natural and easy. The music itself was nice and I appreciated that there weren't the weird side noises (like a thought bubble bursting... it tends to make my own thoughts burst into a weird series of what on earth was that.)

I also thoroughly enjoyed seeing the growth of An Zi Yan and the subtle ways he melted into a much more loving person (while still retaining his edges). I believed him when he put his feelings out there, despite the no-frills way he expresses himself.

Some of the side characters were also lovely too. I enjoyed that we didn't get a spiteful ex and the best bud next door played a hand in the love. Despite the rocky start, it's a show I'd likely watch again when I want something light and sweet with some heat and a dash of drama.