The new Chinese romantic drama The Early Spring (Zao Chun Qing Lang) made a powerful entrance on August 26, 2026, when its first episode opened with an intimate scene between lead actors Jing Boran and Sun Qian. The scene immediately became the most discussed topic across social media platforms, with viewers sharing their reactions and opinions within hours of the premiere.
The drama, which streams on Youku and Netflix simultaneously, broke away from traditional romantic drama formulas by placing a bold intimate moment at the very beginning of the series. Instead of slowly building up to romantic tension over several episodes, the show immediately presents viewers with the central relationship dynamic between the two main characters.
This opening choice has sparked widespread conversation about how Chinese romantic dramas handle intimacy, pushing The Early Spring into the spotlight and making it one of the most talked-about series of the season.
What Happens in the Opening Scene
The first episode of The Early Spring uses a flashback structure to tell its story. Rather than introducing the characters and their workplace setting first, the show opens with a scene showing the intimate connection between Luan Nian (played by Jing Boran) and Shang Zhitao (played by Sun Qian). This creative choice immediately tells viewers that these two characters share a secret relationship that has been going on for six years.
The scene does not rely on explicit visuals. Instead, the production team focused on eye contact, facial expressions, body language, and emotional tension to create the atmosphere. One particular moment that caught attention was a 14-second kiss inside a car during a rainy night. The scene also included an unscripted moment when Jing Boran instinctively protected Sun Qian after she nearly lost her balance.
The opening scene features dialogue that sets up the entire story: “That day, Luan Nian planted a spell on me”. This line hints at the deep emotional connection and complicated history between the two characters that the series will explore across its 24 episodes.
Why This Opening Scene Became So Popular
The decision to open with an intimate scene broke the standard pattern for Chinese romantic dramas. Most shows in this genre spend several episodes building up the relationship between the main characters before showing any romantic moments. The Early Spring took a different approach by showing the relationship’s intensity right away.
The production team brought in intimacy coordinator Cai Jiayin, who has worked on Netflix projects, to help plan the intimate scenes. This made The Early Spring one of the first Chinese productions to systematically use an intimacy coordinator. The focus was placed on emotional details and different layers of each interaction, resulting in a memorable scene that featured 13 kisses within one minute, with each moment carrying a different emotion.
Viewers praised the scene for feeling natural rather than overly staged. The combination of careful planning, professional coordination, and the natural chemistry between the two leads created something that audiences found compelling and worth discussing.
Audience Reactions Split Into Two Camps
The opening scene generated strong reactions from viewers, with opinions divided into two main groups.
One group of viewers appreciated the bold storytelling choice. They felt that adult relationships do not need slow, drawn-out buildup and that the opening scene quickly established the secret office romance at the heart of the story. These viewers praised the show for avoiding the slow-paced formula that many romantic dramas follow.
The other group expressed concerns about the lack of emotional groundwork. They felt that the intimate scene came too early, before viewers had a chance to understand the characters or their connection. Some questioned whether the opening was simply a marketing tactic to attract attention rather than a meaningful storytelling choice.
The debate continued across social media platforms, with the hashtag related to the scene trending on multiple platforms. This conversation about intimacy, storytelling, and audience expectations became part of the show’s wider cultural impact.
Behind the Scenes: Actors’ Reactions
The conversation around the intimate scene took an interesting turn when Jing Boran and Sun Qian watched the scene together during a live promotional event. The contrast between their on-screen performances and their off-screen reactions became its own talking point.
During the live stream, both actors appeared shy and embarrassed while watching the scene. Sun Qian was visibly blushing, while Jing Boran looked away and rubbed his face nervously. This genuine reaction from the actors created a new wave of discussion, as viewers found the contrast between the confident characters they play and their real-life personalities entertaining.
Sun Qian later revealed that this drama features the most kissing scenes she has ever performed in her career. Jing Boran also shared that he suddenly started working out before filming the intimate scenes because their previous scenes had all taken place in an office setting, and he was not prepared for the moment when he had to show some skin.
Strong Chemistry Between the Leads
Viewers have consistently praised the chemistry between Jing Boran and Sun Qian. Their performances have been described as natural and believable, with many noting that the intimate scenes feel organic rather than forced.
Jing Boran plays Luan Nian (also called Luke), a top creative director in the advertising industry who appears cold and distant at first. Sun Qian plays Shang Zhitao (also called Flora), a young woman from an ordinary background who lands a job at a top advertising agency and must prove herself. The story follows their relationship as it develops from a professional one into a secret romance that lasts six years.
Some viewers have compared the dynamic between the characters to the relationship in Fifty Shades of Grey, noting similarities between a powerful, demanding man and a younger, less experienced woman. However, The Early Spring places significant emphasis on the female lead’s professional growth rather than simply focusing on the romantic relationship.
One social media user wrote: “Someone said The Early Spring is giving a soft version of Fifty Shades of Grey and now I can’t stop thinking about it”. Another commented: “Back then, I literally watched Fifty Shades of Grey with my ex and now they had same vibes with The Early Spring”.
The Show’s Rapid Rise to Popularity
Despite not having a strong start in terms of viewership or featuring actors with massive fan followings, The Early Spring gained momentum through word of mouth. Within four days of its premiere, the drama surpassed 10,000 heat index on Youku, making it the fastest contemporary romance drama in 2026 to reach that milestone on the platform.
The show has topped various ratings charts, including the Yunhe chart, and has climbed to No. 6 on Netflix’s global charts. It reached No. 1 in several countries, including Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. The series has also secured a spot among the Top 10 trending shows in India.
The show entered Netflix’s global daily top 10 within two days of its premiere, ranking in the Top 10 across 54 countries and regions. This international success shows that the show’s appeal goes beyond its home market in China.
Where to Watch The Early Spring
The Early Spring premiered on August 26, 2026, at 12:00 PM on Youku and KuMiao TV in China. The series is also available for streaming on Netflix globally. The show airs daily from Monday through Sunday.
For viewers in India, the show is available on Netflix with the same release schedule as other regions. UK and USA viewers can also stream the series on Netflix. Australian audiences have access through the same platform. The series has a TV-14 rating.
The drama consists of 24 episodes, with each episode running approximately 45 minutes. The series is adapted from the popular web novel of the same name by author Gu Niang Bie Ku.
What the Series Is About
Beyond the opening scene that has captured so much attention, The Early Spring tells a story about workplace romance, personal growth, and complicated relationships.
Shang Zhitao comes from an ordinary background and unexpectedly secures a position at a world-class advertising agency. On her first day, her sharp-tongued boss Luan Nian advises her to quit. Despite this difficult start, she endures pressure, works hard to improve herself, and eventually becomes a capable employee.
The two characters are drawn to each other, and their relationship becomes a constant push and pull within the competitive world of advertising. They go through breakups and reconciliations, healing each other and growing together along the way. The series shows how Luan Nian gradually softens his sharp edges while Shang Zhitao learns to stand on her own.
The story is set in the advertising industry, which provides a realistic backdrop for the workplace dynamics and professional challenges the characters face.
Industry Impact and Intimacy Coordination
The Early Spring has sparked a broader conversation about how Chinese dramas handle intimate scenes. The use of an intimacy coordinator on this production has raised questions about whether this practice is becoming more common in Chinese television.
The production hired Cai Jiayin, an intimacy coordinator with experience on Netflix projects. Her involvement helped establish clear boundaries for the actors and ensured that the intimate scenes served the story rather than existing simply for shock value.
This professional approach to filming intimate scenes represents a shift in how Chinese productions handle romantic content. The focus on creating atmosphere through subtle details rather than explicit visuals has been praised as a more sophisticated approach to depicting adult relationships on screen.
What Viewers Are Saying
Social media has been filled with reactions to The Early Spring since its premiere. Many viewers have expressed surprise at the bold opening, while others have praised the show for its fresh approach to romantic storytelling.
Some viewers noted that the show’s treatment of intimacy feels more mature and realistic compared to other romantic dramas. The natural chemistry between the leads and the careful attention to emotional details have been frequently mentioned as reasons for the show’s appeal.
The international response has been particularly strong in Southeast Asian countries, where the show has reached the top of streaming charts. Thai viewers have created and shared fan edits and video clips, showing the show’s growing popularity outside China.
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Cast and Characters
The main cast of The Early Spring includes:
- Jing Boran as Luan Nian (Luke) – a top creative director known for his exceptional talent and sharp personality
- Sun Qian as Shang Zhitao (Flora) – a hardworking young woman who proves herself in a competitive workplace
- Liu Xiaobei as Sun Yuan Zu – one of Flora’s flatmates who shows kindness and care toward her
- Qi Tianqing as Sun Yu – Flora’s flatmate and close friend
The supporting cast includes Zhang Yezi, Guo Xiaoting, and Peng Yang in various roles. The series is directed by Jiang Jizheng and written by Gao Xiaoxian.
Also Read: The Early Spring Release Schedule: Complete Episode Guide and Streaming Details for the New C-Drama
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