One and Only deeply tells a love that longs to be together despite unavoidable restrictions. It also proves how true love does not need words but genuine feelings translated into actions.
The drama emotionally tells the story of two lovers who hope that their love would find a way amidst different dilemmas.
- Main Cast: Allen Ren | Bai Lu
- Supporting Cast: Wang Xing Yue | Li Yi Ru |Tu Bin | Su Meng Yun | Wu Man Su | Fu Jun
- Thrill/Addictive Meter:
- Overall Rating:
- Rewatch Value:
- Dramas of Similar Vibes: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
Sammmeh_ watched One and Only in iQiyi
C-Drama Review: “Forever and Ever” Fragrantly Flows A Poignant Romance Story That Endures
One and Only Quick Plot Recap
Growing up in an influential family, Cui Shi-Yi (Bai Lu) is already engaged since the day she was born. Shi-Yi was known as the niece of one of the most powerful men in the palace, Cui Guang.
Defining her personality, Shi-Yi can be described as a respectable yet elegant woman. She has a light character and reflects that she was raised carefully in the palace.
There came a time when his father, Li Qi-Lang went away and never returned. This circumstance causes Shi-Yi in distress and results in her being mute.
Meanwhile, our male lead, Zhousheng Chen (Allen Ren) is a commander who never lost a battle. He was also the Junior Prince of Nan Chen who leads the West State. Unfortunately, his brother, the emperor died.
This also cause him to be devastated because he swore that he would not come back to the Central State. However, he broke his promise and went to the Central State. While in the palace, Zhousheng Chen promised again that this time, he would not marry and bear a child.
Added to this, Zhousheng Chen accepted Shi-Yi as one of his disciples, because Shi-Yi’s clan has a close relationship with the late emperor. As Sheng-Chen and Shi-Yi continued to spend time together and slowly get attached, they find themselves falling in love with each other.
One and Only Peak Points
Heartbreaking Yet Well-Written
One and Only is one of those dramas that has a good plot. It is anguish filled yet you appreciate the pain. Knowing the situation of Sheng-Chen and Shi-Yi, their hearts slowly learned that they love and want to be with each other’s side.
However, their love story is not the type that you would expect it to be. Their duties and responsibilities are one big wall that hinders their growing feelings.
Moreover, politics is also a big factor in why can’t they be together. Shi-Yi is engaged to Crown Prince Zi Xing, and knowing the law of their state when it is already decided it’s hard to change and back out from it.
Meanwhile, Sheng-Chen also swore that he would not marry. Sheng-Chen internally felt regretful because he wanted to be with Shi-Yi but can’t do anything. Their love story literally lived up to the phrase ” you and me against the world.”
Chemistry of Lead Actors
As a fan of romantic dramas, many viewers hope the lead actors can have a sweet and passionate time together. However, the characters of Shi-Yi and Sheng-Chen have no kissing scene in the drama.
Just like the audience who are yearning that they can express their love to each other, I can feel that Shi-Yi and Sheng-Chen also badly wanted to do the things that couples do. Given their situation, they didn’t have the chance to be like other couples.
Bai Lu and Allen Ren have commendable acting skills. They were able to make a romance drama with eye contact as their way of telling that they love each other.
Unlike other romance dramas, One and Only provides a romance that is outside of the typical plot. It makes you love the characters and sympathized with their feelings.
One and Only Series Musings (Spoilers Alert!)
One and Only is my first traditional Chinese drama, and I must say that this drama gave a bunch of feelings and emotions. Personally, I am not a fan of sad dramas, because it takes me a long time to move on from their story.
If you love dramas that can make you cry, then you should add One and Only to your list! This drama has a strong lineup of casts along with its’ well-made plot.
Shi-Yi and Sheng-Chen’s loves story breaks my heart because I think that living during their time makes it hard for them to attain their happiness. All the rules, laws, and people discourage them to fight for their love.
Since I said that this drama made me cry, One and Only has a sad ending. Sheng-Chen was murdered by Jin-Rong and Zi-Ching. This causes Shi-Yi to be in her lowest state.
Just imagine that you can’t have a relationship with the man you love, and then suddenly he was dead. All the baggage made Shi-Yi take her own life. Their story reminds me of Romeo and Juliet, wherein the lovers choose to end their life just to be with the one they love.
Thankfully, there is a sequel to their story. If you still believe that Shi-Yi and Sheng-Chen can be together in another life, I recommend you to watch Forever and Ever and let’s all together hope that this time, they can get a happy ending.
International fans can watch One and Only on iQiyi!
Photos: iQiyi
