A Little Thing Called First Love

About this drama

Xia Miaomiao is an ordinary, shy student who develops a deep crush on the popular and talented senior Liang Younian. Determined to become worthy of him, she embarks on a journey of self-transformation, improving her appearance, grades, and confidence. As she navigates the ups and downs of school life, Miaomiao discovers her own potential while hoping to eventually win the heart of her first love.

Who this is for

For viewers who enjoy innocent, very slow-burn first-love stories that follow a shy heroine from high school into college and a career of her own. Skip it if you want physical romance or brisk pacing, or if makeover plots built on mocking a girl's looks put you off.

Our take

Fans call it a wholesome comfort watch with a likeable friend group, a gentle male lead, a good soundtrack and a heroine whose growth into a confident designer is satisfying. The main complaints are pace and padding: the romance moves extremely slowly, and side plots like a gambler-father storyline and a teacher romance feel like filler. Many viewers also object that the makeover is triggered by insults about her teeth, skin and weight, and that the show darkens and then lightens her complexion. The finale is widely described as rushed, and some reviewers found the male lead's acting stiff in emotional scenes.

Pacing & content notes

Very slow throughout: reviewers note the leads only confess around episode 28 and hold hands around episode 33, and some found the 36 episodes padded (one dropped it around episode 18). The final episodes then rush through a breakup, a time jump and the reconciliation.

Where to watch

• WeTV · Official title pageAvailability varies by region; check the platform.

Cast

Directed by Qi Xiaohui

• Zhao Jinmai as Xia Miaomiao
• Edward Lai as Liang Younian
• Chai Wei as He Xin
• Wang Runze as Lin Kaituo

Your Watchlist

Should I watch?

• Romance carries the main plot
• Low angst throughout
• Modern setting

• There is a love triangle

Story traits

Romance

8 / 10

Angst

3 / 10

Comedy

6 / 10

Pacing

4 / 10

Traits and editorial notes are researched from published sources with AI assistance and editorially checked (how we review).

Tags

• Comedy
• Drama
• Romance
• Slow burn

Ending

The leads end together after a late misunderstanding and a time jump; several viewers found the last episodes hurried.

Frequently compared with

• A Love So Beautiful
• With You
• Unrequited Love

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Ranked by traits in common with A Little Thing Called First Love: setting, genres, tropes and editorial dimensions. A fit index, not a quality score, and the same for everyone.