Xiao Xiang Yi Jiu 2024 Web Drama Review

『An Introverted Crush and a Realistic Romance Between Boss and Intern』

🎥 Series Overview

🎬 Title: 筱想以久 (Xiao Xiang Yi Jiu, 2024)
🌍 Country: 🇨🇳 China
🎞️ Genre: GL (Girls’ Love) / Romance / Web Drama
🗓️ Production & Broadcast: C-itrus Culture, 2024, Total 7 Episodes
📺 Platform: YouTube

👩‍💼 Cast:
Chen Honglei (陈洪蕾) – Gu Xiao (顾筱)
Zhang Jiayu (张嘉妤) – Xiao Yuchu (萧以初)

🧩 Story Deep Dive (Spoilers)

🌿 The Aesthetics of an “Ultra-Short” Mini-Series

Xiao Xiang Yi Jiu consists of seven episodes, each lasting about 2–3 minutes. This ultra-short mini-series format is both its defining feature and its greatest charm.

• Condensed Tension: To convey intense emotions and storyline within such a short span, the series minimizes unnecessary dialogue or exposition and instead focuses on facial expressions, eye contact, and direct interactions between the leads. As a result, the repressed emotional tension and romantic chemistry between them are maximized.

• Fast-Paced Narrative: For viewers tired of slow-paced dramas, the brevity of each episode creates an addictive moment-to-moment engagement. Like a series of connected “highlight clips,” it presents only the essential romantic moments, heightening emotional density.

⚖️ Power and Emotional Asymmetry Between Boss and Intern

Their relationship is rooted in both professional hierarchy and office dynamics, which amplify the romantic tension between them.

• Xiao Yuchu (the Boss): As an executive, she embodies professionalism and restraint. She maintains a formal attitude toward Gu Xiao. However, as her feelings for Gu Xiao surface, her gaze and expressions subtly betray her inner turmoil — revealing the struggle of someone forced to conceal her emotions.

• Gu Xiao (the Intern): Though she holds a lower position at work, she becomes the emotionally dominant pursuer in their relationship. Gu Xiao represents honesty and courage, driven by her long-standing crush that has lasted three years — a yearning that fuels her every move and propels the relationship forward.

This creates a captivating dual asymmetry: Xiao Yuchu holds power in the workplace, but Gu Xiao holds power in the realm of emotion.

🔄 The Explosion of a Three-Year Crush: The Moment of Reversal

The romance between Xiao Yuchu and Gu Xiao transcends a simple office romance when the narrative reveals Gu Xiao’s three-year unrequited love.

• The Ripple of Gu Xiao’s Longing: Gu Xiao isn’t just an intern infatuated with her boss — she’s someone who admired Xiao Yuchu for three years during university and even joined the company to be near her. This long emotional backstory lends authenticity to Gu Xiao’s every gesture and ultimately breaks down Yuchu’s defenses.

• The Wall-Breaking Confession: In one of the series’ most powerful moments, Gu Xiao boldly confesses, “I’ve loved you for three years.” This declaration detonates all the suppressed emotions, forcing Xiao Yuchu to confront her own. The balance of power shifts decisively — from the one hiding her feelings (Yuchu) to the one exposing them (Gu Xiao).

🌈 A Love That Loses Control

The relationship between Xiao Yuchu and Gu Xiao raises a romantic question about control. Yuchu tries to maintain her professional and emotional boundaries, yet she ultimately loses control before Gu Xiao’s pure, relentless passion — a desire rooted in years of quiet devotion.

Ultimately, their love becomes a beautiful inversion — a courageous affection that transcends power and hierarchy, revealing hidden emotions and transforming both of their lives. Despite its short runtime, the series succeeds in delivering deep emotional resonance through superb chemistry and delicate direction, leaving audiences with a lingering sense of warmth and exhilaration.

📹 The Significance and Limitations of Chinese GL Drama

Xiao Xiang Yi Jiu holds importance as a representation of the current state of Chinese GL content.

• A Creative Loophole Under Restriction: Since LGBTQ+ themes remain difficult to depict openly in mainstream Chinese media, many productions take the form of short web mini-series or independent shorts distributed through online platforms. These formats act as a loophole for expression, minimizing censorship risks while still satisfying a passionate fan base.

• Focus on Pure Romance: The drama avoids political or social commentary, centering instead on the sincere emotional connection between two women. This mirrors the current trend in Thai GL dramas, which also emphasize romance-driven narratives.

💋 A Short but Intense Office Romance

Xiao Xiang Yi Jiu can be summed up as a Chinese GL web drama that is “short but sweet.” Through the intense eye contact and chemistry between the two leads, it effectively delivers the classic “boss-and-intern” romance dynamic. Its brevity works to its advantage, ensuring that every core romantic moment is captured. This drama is highly recommended for viewers seeking dense emotional exchange and light, fluttering romance. As many fans hope, the story’s emotional potential makes one wish for a longer continuation of their relationship in future works.

🎯 Personal Rating (Based on Preference)

💕 Love Scene Intensity: ♥
⭐ Rating: ★★★