The Chinese romantic drama The Early Spring has concluded its 24-episode run on Netflix, offering a hard-won happy ending for its central couple, Shang Zhitao and Luan Nian. The series, based on a web novel by Gu Niang Bie Ku, traces their complex relationship over six years, navigating workplace dynamics, personal ambition, and emotional challenges.
Initially, recent graduate Zhitao is hired by the Beijing advertising agency Lime, against the wishes of her superior, Nian. Despite an initial power imbalance and a company policy against romantic relationships between coworkers, they quickly become involved. The narrative follows their on-again, off-again romance as Nian, described as prideful and emotionally repressed, struggles to express his feelings, while Zhitao attempts to balance her career aspirations with her love for him.
Zhitao's Departure from Beijing
Beijing represents Zhitao's career ambitions and the life she desires. The series explores her journey to establish herself in the competitive environment of one of China's global cities. Her decision to leave Beijing in Episode 21, titled "A Grand Retreat," signifies not just a retreat from Nian but also from the demanding lifestyle required for success in the capital. Several events contribute to this decision: Nian's indecisiveness about marriage, the suicide of one of Zhitao's close friends, and being passed over for a promotion in favor of a less experienced colleague. Nian's lack of support during this period becomes the final catalyst for Zhitao, making her question the value of their relationship.
The Path to Reconciliation and Marriage
After leaving Beijing for her hometown of Harbin, Zhitao starts her own advertising agency. Years later, a remorseful Nian seeks to reconcile. Their paths cross when Lime partners with Zhitao's new company for a local project. Nian uses their shared dog, Luke, as an opportunity to reconnect. Over several months, Nian demonstrates his changed behavior, apologizing for his past actions and respecting Zhitao's need for space. Eventually, Zhitao allows Nian back into her life, and he secures her parents' blessing before proposing. He orchestrates a proposal at an art gallery, decorating it with memories of their time together and using the English name "Flora's Museum of Time and Eternity" that Zhitao used at Lime. He gifts her a necklace featuring an "L" key, reminiscent of their first meeting, and with friends and family present, asks Zhitao to marry him. She accepts, believing they can finally be equals in their relationship. The series concludes with Zhitao and Nian splitting their time between Harbin and Beijing, happy together.
Potential for a Second Season and Netflix's Content Strategy
The Early Spring has achieved significant popularity, consistently appearing on Netflix's Global Top Ten list. While second seasons for East Asian dramas are uncommon, the source material offers potential for continuation. The second book in the web novel series, Miss Talkative, focuses on Zhitao's friend Lumi and her co-worker Will, a storyline hinted at in the first series.
Netflix's investment in Chinese dramas is part of a broader strategy to expand its international content. Despite not having official operations in mainland China due to regulatory challenges, Netflix licenses content to existing Chinese online service providers and increasingly includes C-dramas in its global catalog. These dramas have a substantial audience not only in the U.S. but also across Asia and other regions. Maya Huang, Head of Chinese-Language Content at Netflix, notes the growing global viewership for these shows, emphasizing Netflix's role in making them accessible worldwide through dubs and subtitles. The streamer has been increasing its offerings of Chinese-language content since 2024, with titles like Pursuit of Jade and Ashes to Crown gaining traction, building on the popularity of earlier series such as The Untamed. Netflix aims to provide more content from its Chinese language slate, anticipating continued discovery by audiences globally.