“I love you so fiercely that I fear what I’d do if you ever left.”

Toxic relationships seem to be the new hype and trend in the Chinese BL industry. After “Revenged Love” and “Kill to Love”, we have the fresh remake of the 2016 hit “A Round Trip to Love” joining the ranks. For those who are unaware of this story or haven’t watched the two movies released in 2016, “Double Helix” is a classic rewind or a walk down memory lane. Those were the times when Chinese BL was mostly a misnomer with the censorship crackdown. And yet shows portraying tragic romance have become the new normal. Starring Ayden Sng & Lu Si Tong in lead roles, the first two episodes offer a candid glimpse into the main lead’s budding romance during their college years. Without much preamble, let’s talk about the storyline and inherent chemistry!!

The Romance That Went Wrong

Lu Feng (Ayden Sng) & Cheng Yi Chen’s (Lu Si Tong) story begins in high school where they are mere acquaintances. They actually get closer when they are allotted the same dorm room in college. From day one, Lu Feng seems besotted with his bespectacled school friend, who has low self-esteem and is seemingly oblivious to Lu Feng’s affections. As they spend time together, Lu Feng feels a magnetic pull towards Cheng Yi Chen’s innocence and naïveté. The tension soon morphs into his intense desire for intimacy, which spooks Cheng Yi Chen (the guy considers himself straight). Then comes the summer break and both friends head to their hometown. Distance makes the heart grow fonder as Cheng Yi Chen starts missing Lu Feng. Their need to be closer makes Lu Feng drop everything and travel to Cheng Yi Chen’s hometown. Their relationship grows stronger, as Cheng Yi Chen slowly begins to accept his feelings for Lu Feng. Their romance is torn apart when Lu Feng’s rival tries to assault Cheng Yi Chen. To protect Cheng Yi Chen, Lu Feng beats him up badly. The news reaches the entire campus, and they are reprimanded by the university for being in a same-sex relationship. To protect Lu Feng, his rich father pays a hefty sum to the victim and sends him abroad against his wishes. On the other hand, Cheng Yi Chen is forced to transfer schools. Both are unable to contact each other and suspicions grow as Lu Feng’s family sows discord. Years later, the couple reunite in a twist of events when Yi Chen realises his new boss is Lu Feng.

First Impressions

Ayden Sng & Lu Si Tong have impressive chemistry, the show mostly hinges on their dynamics!!

It is important that BL pairings share a comfortable vibe when it comes to NC scenes. The storytelling in this show is far better than the 2016 original. The flow and pacing are in tune with the actor’s expression and their emotions betray the pain carried by their characters. In particular, Ayden Sng has a lot of weight to carry forth on his shoulders. Going forward, he will have to play a ruthless boss hellbent on taking revenge. Will the original story imprint on this show? That is yet to be seen, but going by the first two episodes, “Double Helix” is nevertheless entertaining!!

Rating- 4 out of 5

Streaming on- Gagaoolala/ Viki/ Viu