<p>The Early Spring is ruling hearts and charts across the world. The Chinese drama shows a forbidden relationship between a boss and a fresh graduate who joins his company. There are rules - You cannot be in a relationship with a colleague. Yet, the arrogant and elusive boss who etched them into the rulebook breaks them to begin a sizzling romance with his employee. It starts with a mountain rescue, a thank-you dinner, followed by a drunken night out, which turns into a one-night stand.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This opens a Pandora's box of emotions that fully entangle our two protagonists. Shang Zhi Tao, the FL, aka Flora, tries to fight her "feeling of love" for her boss, while Luan Nian, the ML, aka Luke, finds himself being pulled towards an unexpected connection. If you haven't watched the show, you'd think that this would be the start of a lovely romance. But you are wrong. Why? Because neither of our leads knows how to talk about their feelings.</p><h2><strong>A messy affair</strong></h2><p><br>The very next day, Luke tells her that she left her bag at his place on purpose. He says nothing more, and Flora picks up on the hint and believes that he is pushing her away. Now both of them have jumped on the assumption bandwagon. "Will she get clingy?" "He doesn't want me". "It was an accident". &nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260904/image-1788530516023.png"></figure><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Luke knows he did something wrong, and tries to apologise by giving her an expensive bag. But instead of saying the right things, he simply pushes her into taking it. While he is trying to say sorry without getting the words out, she assumes he is simply buying her silence about the night they got together.</p><h2><strong>Burying true emotions: I will not say what I really want to say</strong></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Our ML is a bigshot executive who deals with high-profile clients almost daily, yet he cannot communicate to save his life when it comes to love. This is common in modern relationships and is not limited to this extremely beautiful and breakthrough drama. Why do people find it so hard to say what's on their mind? Why has clear communication become a luxury in today's world?</p><p>&nbsp;</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260904/image-1788530458491.png"></figure><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Dr Rahul Chandhok, Senior Consultant &amp; Head of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, Artemis Hospitals, says that some people have difficulty expressing their true feelings. "It can be hard, unsafe and strange to find the words for emotions. They may have been taught that displaying sadness, anger and vulnerability is a sign of weakness."&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Even Flora holds back when she believes Lu Mi and assumes that Luke is having an affair with his childhood friend. She starts avoiding him, resents him, but not once asks him about her.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Sidhharrth S Kumaar, a Relationship Coach, says, "We learn how to explain a problem, give an opinion or argue a point, but not how to say 'this hurt me, 'I felt ignored,' or ‘I am scared of losing this person’."</p><h2><strong>This is clearly what he is SAYING: Even when he has NOT said anything</strong></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Well, not saying anything is clearly part of the problem. When you don't say the right words at the right time, you leave the door open for assumptions and misunderstandings. Luke gives her the bag, and yet doesn't add the word “Sorry”. Flora assumes he wants her to stay quiet about their one-night stand. She applies for a transfer from his department. He questions her about it, asking why she isn't using the new bag. Flora again tells her she would keep their night of passion a secret; he doesn't need to worry. Luke lets out his now-famous smirk (IYKYK) and leaves.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260904/image-1788530553650.png"></figure><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He meant well and was trying to make her comfortable at work, trying to let her know that she doesn't need to worry. Yet, again, he just does not say the right words. This leaves Flora plenty of room to decode things her own way, and make assumptions about what Luke really wants.</p><p>"The brain fills in the blanks when information is missing, so we often assume what the other person is thinking," Dr Rahul says.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"If the other person is quiet, distant or not saying things clearly, the mind starts filling in the blanks on its own. Then fear of rejection comes in, and usually the story we create is not a positive one," says Sidhharrth.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>She doesn't confront him about how he acted the next day, and it was she who ended up getting hurt. "An assumption is not a fact. Reading minds can cause unnecessary hurt, anger and distance. Instead of trying to interpret what someone means, ask clear questions. It gives the other person a chance to explain, not defend," says Dr Rahul.</p><h2><strong>PLEASE don't go: But let me scream first</strong></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Often we struggle to understand what we are feeling when things do not go our way. For Luke, this happens when Flora is offered a new role at another company. He is sure that she will leave even when she hasn't said anything or accepted the job. All the wrong words start pouring out of his mouth. "If you are thinking about joining Alex at the new job, it could only mean that you are cheap and obedient," he tells her over a TEXT MESSAGE, after they have been together for over a year.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Why would you say such mean and harsh things when you actually want to tell her not to leave him?</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Dr Rahul says this happens because sometimes people are not fully aware of what they are feeling. "The emotions can include silence, irritation, withdrawal and overthinking," he says. Luke finds it hard to openly admit that he doesn't want to lose Flora.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"Naming emotions, speaking intentionally, using “I feel” statements and choosing a safe time can help and promote honest communication," Dr Rahul says.&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>…And this is why we don't hate Luan Nian</strong></h2><p><br>Luan Nian, or Luke, played by Jing Boran, is being termed a major red flag all over social media. Is it because of his communication problems? We have just learned that not everyone is good at speaking about their feelings. Does that make them a bad person? Haven't we grown up hearing that actions speak louder than words? Yes, Luke cannot say what he feels. So what! His gestures do most of the talking.<br><br>I'll have that glass of osmanthus milk now! Thank You!</p>

The Early Spring male lead, Luan Nian, played by Jing Boran, has almost no communication skills when it comes to the woman he craves. Shang Zhi Tao fills in the gap he leaves by holding back, creating further confusion. Why are some people bad at speaking about their emotions?

The Early Spring is ruling hearts and charts across the world. The Chinese drama shows a forbidden relationship between a boss and a fresh graduate who joins his company. There are rules - You cannot be in a relationship with a colleague. Yet, the arrogant and elusive boss who etched them into the rulebook breaks them to begin a sizzling romance with his employee. It starts with a mountain rescue, a thank-you dinner, followed by a drunken night out, which turns into a one-night stand. This opens a Pandora's box of emotions that fully entangle our two protagonists. Shang Zhi Tao, the FL, aka Flora, tries to fight her "feeling of love" for her boss, while Luan Nian, the ML, aka Luke, finds himself being pulled towards an unexpected connection. If you haven't watched the show, you'd think that this would be the start of a lovely romance. But you are wrong. Why? Because neither of our leads knows how to talk about their feelings. A messy affair The very next day, Luke tells her that she left her bag at his place on purpose. He says nothing more, and Flora picks up on the hint and believes that he is pushing her away. Now both of them have jumped on the assumption bandwagon. "Will she get clingy?" "He doesn't want me". "It was an accident". Luke knows he did something wrong, and tries to apologise by giving her an expensive bag. But instead of saying the right things, he simply pushes her into taking it. While he is trying to say sorry without getting the words out, she assumes he is simply buying her silence about the night they got together. Burying true emotions: I will not say what I really want to say Our ML is a bigshot executive who deals with high-profile clients almost daily, yet he cannot communicate to save his life when it comes to love. This is common in modern relationships and is not limited to this extremely beautiful and breakthrough drama. Why do people find it so hard to say what's on their mind? Why has clear communication become a luxury in today's world? Dr Rahul Chandhok, Senior Consultant & Head of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, Artemis Hospitals, says that some people have difficulty expressing their true feelings. "It can be hard, unsafe and strange to find the words for emotions. They may have been taught that displaying sadness, anger and vulnerability is a sign of weakness." Even Flora holds back when she believes Lu Mi and assumes that Luke is having an affair with his childhood friend. She starts avoiding him, resents him, but not once asks him about her. Sidhharrth S Kumaar, a Relationship Coach, says, "We learn how to explain a problem, give an opinion or argue a point, but not how to say 'this hurt me, 'I felt ignored,' or ‘I am scared of losing this person’." This is clearly what he is SAYING: Even when he has NOT said anything Well, not saying anything is clearly part of the problem. When you don't say the right words at the right time, you leave the door open for assumptions and misunderstandings. Luke gives her the bag, and yet doesn't add the word “Sorry”. Flora assumes he wants her to stay quiet about their one-night stand. She applies for a transfer from his department. He questions her about it, asking why she isn't using the new bag. Flora again tells her she would keep their night of passion a secret; he doesn't need to worry. Luke lets out his now-famous smirk (IYKYK) and leaves. He meant well and was trying to make her comfortable at work, trying to let her know that she doesn't need to worry. Yet, again, he just does not say the right words. This leaves Flora plenty of room to decode things her own way, and make assumptions about what Luke really wants. "The brain fills in the blanks when information is missing, so we often assume what the other person is thinking," Dr Rahul says. "If the other person is quiet, distant or not saying things clearly, the mind starts filling in the blanks on its own. Then fear of rejection comes in, and usually the story we create is not a positive one," says Sidhharrth. She doesn't confront him about how he acted the next day, and it was she who ended up getting hurt. "An assumption is not a fact. Reading minds can cause unnecessary hurt, anger and distance. Instead of trying to interpret what someone means, ask clear questions. It gives the other person a chance to explain, not defend," says Dr Rahul. PLEASE don't go: But let me scream first Often we struggle to understand what we are feeling when things do not go our way. For Luke, this happens when Flora is offered a new role at another company. He is sure that she will leave even when she hasn't said anything or accepted the job. All the wrong words start pouring out of his mouth. "If you are thinking about joining Alex at the new job, it could only mean that you are cheap and obedient," he tells her over a TEXT MESSAGE, after they have been together for over a year. Why would you say such mean and harsh things when you actually want to tell her not to leave him? Dr Rahul says this happens because sometimes people are not fully aware of what they are feeling. "The emotions can include silence, irritation, withdrawal and overthinking," he says. Luke finds it hard to openly admit that he doesn't want to lose Flora. "Naming emotions, speaking intentionally, using “I feel” statements and choosing a safe time can help and promote honest communication," Dr Rahul says. …And this is why we don't hate Luan Nian Luan Nian, or Luke, played by Jing Boran, is being termed a major red flag all over social media. Is it because of his communication problems? We have just learned that not everyone is good at speaking about their feelings. Does that make them a bad person? Haven't we grown up hearing that actions speak louder than words? Yes, Luke cannot say what he feels. So what! His gestures do most of the talking. I'll have that glass of osmanthus milk now! Thank You!

<p>The Early Spring male lead, Luan Nian, played by Jing Boran, has almost no communication skills when it comes to the woman he craves. Shang Zhi Tao fills in the gap he leaves by holding back, creating further confusion. Why are some people bad at speaking about their emotions?</p>

The Early Spring is a lesson in miscommunication, and that we are all human

<p>Chinese fans are going crazy over Pursuit of Jade stars Zhang Linghe and Deng Kai, so much so that the crowd smashed the glass at a mall where the former was supposed to make an appearance for an event. A huge crowd had gathered to get a glimpse of the star, and the commotion led them to break the glass at the shopping centre. Linghe was in Nanning, southern China, for Molsion eyewear. As soon as the doors opened, the crowd rushed in, breaking the glass and injuring five. Videos on social media show the crazy incident with several fans outside and many more on the balconies of the mall. The event had to be cancelled due to safety reasons. Zhang's studio said everyone who travelled to see the actor would be reimbursed. Meanwhile, Molsion arranged medical check-ups for those injured.</p><h2><strong>Zhang Linghe has shot to international fame</strong></h2><p>Zhang has shot to international fame with his latest show, Pursuit of Jade, which was released this year. He plays Xie Zheng in the show, also the Marquis of Wuan. He is also known for shows like Our Generation, The Best Thing, Love Between Fairy and Devil and The Princess Royal. He had a terrifying encounter in April as well at a high-speed train station, where a throng of people surrounded him and blocked his way for close-up photos. It escalated to such levels that routine train operations were affected, and the huge crowd posed a security scare. Zhang's management company filed a police complaint, saying the behaviour was illegal and crossed moral boundaries.</p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="in" dir="ltr">Aktor Zhang Linghe kembali menjadi sorotan setelah acara yang dijadwalkan berlangsung di Nanning, China, pada 31 Mei terpaksa dibatalkan akibat membludaknya jumlah penggemar.<br><br>Ribuan fans telah memadati lokasi sejak sebelum pusat perbelanjaan dibuka. Saat pintu mal akhirnya… <a href="https://t.co/F8wB31lvXN">pic.twitter.com/F8wB31lvXN</a></p>&mdash; The Opinion of Generations (@theogidn) <a href="https://x.com/theogidn/status/2061780153609633947?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Deng Kai hides in a toilet at an airport to escape fans</strong></h2><p>Another actor from the show, Deng Kai, who plays Qi Min, also faced a major scare at an airport a few weeks ago. A huge crowd surrounded him, pushing mobile phones into his face for close-up photos. He had to ultimately seek refuge inside the toilet with his security team. Some people even followed him on the plane, leading Deng to get extremely angry.</p><h2><strong>Toxic Chinese fan culture</strong></h2><p>Chinese fan culture has been dubbed as extremely toxic. The increasingly obsessive celebrity fans chase celebrities without bothering about the security scare they are causing for their stars. Such scenes have become common, and social media videos even show some of the stars breaking down. Fandoms have also been accused of stalking, cyberbullying and spreading rumours to support their stars and bring down others. China's internet watchdog released a 10-point plan a few years ago to stop the dissemination of "harmful" information in celebrity fan groups.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Pursuit of Jade stars Zhang Linghe and Deng Kai have fallen victim to extreme acts by huge crowds on several occasions since the show's release. Fans even broke a mall glass to see Linghe, after which the appearance had to be cancelled. 

Chinese fans are going crazy over Pursuit of Jade stars Zhang Linghe and Deng Kai, so much so that the crowd smashed the glass at a mall where the former was supposed to make an appearance for an event. A huge crowd had gathered to get a glimpse of the star, and the commotion led them to break the glass at the shopping centre. Linghe was in Nanning, southern China, for Molsion eyewear. As soon as the doors opened, the crowd rushed in, breaking the glass and injuring five. Videos on social media show the crazy incident with several fans outside and many more on the balconies of the mall. The event had to be cancelled due to safety reasons. Zhang's studio said everyone who travelled to see the actor would be reimbursed. Meanwhile, Molsion arranged medical check-ups for those injured. Zhang Linghe has shot to international fame Zhang has shot to international fame with his latest show, Pursuit of Jade, which was released this year. He plays Xie Zheng in the show, also the Marquis of Wuan. He is also known for shows like Our Generation, The Best Thing, Love Between Fairy and Devil and The Princess Royal. He had a terrifying encounter in April as well at a high-speed train station, where a throng of people surrounded him and blocked his way for close-up photos. It escalated to such levels that routine train operations were affected, and the huge crowd posed a security scare. Zhang's management company filed a police complaint, saying the behaviour was illegal and crossed moral boundaries.

<p>Pursuit of Jade stars Zhang Linghe and Deng Kai have fallen victim to extreme acts by huge crowds on several occasions since the show's release. Fans even broke a mall glass to see Linghe, after which the appearance had to be cancelled.&nbsp;</p>

From shattered glass to bathroom escape: How Zhang Linghe's rise exposed China’s toxic fan culture

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The Early Spring is a lesson in miscommunication, and that we are all human

How C-drama star Zhang Linghe's rise exposed China’s toxic fan culture