“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope” – Maya Angelou

The innocence and naïveté that surrounds the feelings of your first love is forever memorable. You remember the times when your heart flutters at the mention of your significant other; even in the midst of thousands, you can easily find them and that moment brings a smile which you will never forget. “Feel What You Feel” banks on this premise, the feeling of savoring your first love. At times, agonizing, the rest of the time quite confusing. It takes a moment or two to first realize that you are falling for someone; then you need to accept those feelings. Later you think about confessing or not. Because making a confession requires a different kind of courage. Not many people possess that bravery, some spend a lifetime just gazing at their love interest, without reaching out to them. Adapted from the web novel “Wei Ming Hu Pan De Ai Yu Fa” (未名湖畔的爱与罚) by Ni Lv Zhu Ren (逆旅主人), the show stars Sun Cai Zhen & Liang Bei Yi in a story that steers beyond convictions.

Storyline & Chemistry-

Ming De University law students Yu Lei (Sun Cai Zhen) and Chen Ke (Liang Bei Yi) are first introduced when they move into the same dormitory. Yu Lei’s elder sister Zhang Han (Zhou Qian Xiao) is the Student’s Union President, and he acts annoyed when she takes special interest in Chen Ke. Chen Ke is studious and meritorious yet quite shy & reserved. He plays piano quite well, and as such, is chosen to play a song for their freshman’s event. Things get complicated because Yu Lei develops a sense of intense rivalry unbeknownst to Chen Ke, who just wants to be friends with him. Yu Lei provokes him by challenging him to a friendly match, but ends up injured. Chen Ke helps him and Yu Lei slowly softens his stance towards his supposed rival. As they spend time together Yu Lei is drawn towards Chen Ye’s naïveté and his innocent nature. Soon, his feelings begin to evolve into something else that extends beyond friendship. Sun Cai Zhen & Liang Bei Yi have amazing chemistry. Despite this being their rookie act, each held on their own. The slow-burn romance is delicious as Yu Lei comes to terms with his own feelings first.

First Impressions

Every episode begins with an act of longing or yearning!!

The prelude always depicts Yu Lei’s indescribable feelings for Chen Ke. The rest of the episode follows that premise and builds up on the tension. Chen Ke doesn’t seem to realize that Yu Lei has started developing feelings for him. He is just looking for a best friend, because he is so lonely. The loneliness drives him to seek Yu Lei’s company, even though he acts grumpy initially. Their relationship settles down into a somber, delicate balance after Chen Ke reassures Yu Lei that he feels nothing for Zhang Han. The supporting couple, Li Ming (Huang Huai Ting) and Ouyang Han (Cheng Hao) seem to be at odds initially, but their romance might develop later.

Rating- 3.5 out of 5

Streaming on- Gagaoolala/ Viki