Chinese Vertical Drama: Written In The Tides (2025)

 Link: https://youtu.be/6askQYAfdh4?si=smr6KYPBKsUfsOqP

Summary:
Wen Ning (Zhang Jinyi), a gorgeous young woman from the wealthy Wen family, arrives at Macau from the Capital. We meet her in a sizzling red dress, eager to escape an arranged marriage with her childhood sweetheart, Song Ziye and unravel a family mystery. Wen Ning runs into a "dangerous" casino owner, Xie Zhiyu (Zhao Zhendong), who she find is employed by her father.  She suspects that the mysterious job involves her father's illegitimate son who may take her spot at the head of the family. Throughout the story, she wonders if Xir Zhiyu is that little boy she remembers from her childhood. 

So, Wen Ning uses her charms to try to get Xie Zhiyu to give her information and he wants her help to get rid of a clingy wanna be fiancee. He is absolutely amused and fascinated with Wen Ning (who wouldn't?). Their banter is fun and they have an incredible chemistry. The slow burn is delicious and steamy.  This is the first vertical drama that made me tear up, because I got really invested in these two crazy kids. I really felt their longing  and deep feelings. Zhao Zhendong has this soulful presence that lends to his character with a deeply traumatic past who has had to survive being a feared figure. He goes from tough guy to playful flirt to vulnerable clingy puppy in a very skilled way. They tend to each other's wounds which seems symbolic. 

People have noticed the lack of tropes and this is more restrained for a Chinese Vertical. It has great cinematography for a Chinese vertical. There are those who lament the lack of steamy scenes. I disagree. They gave off enough physical chemistry throughout the show to satisfy me. Would I have loved to see more abs and or shower scene? Sure, but I really felt this one. The male lead (ML) and the female lead (FL) did the job they had to do. You do not watch it for the story, you are watching these two actors play off each other and fall for each other. These actors are apparently in two other Dramas. I am going to check them out and let you know. 


Also known as "Capital Branch Is Difficult to Climb"