The Oath of Love

Review

Rating: 10/10

I almost considered it more as a 9 or 9.5 out of 10 because there's a strong thread of sadness running through this drama that really hit me hard—but I am an empath and so it had me in tears more than once. But, even though it was more of a tear jerker than I expected, the story and the romance were nice enough that it was forgivable. The main couple, Lin Zhi Xiao and Gu Wei, have one of the sweetest and most believable romances. Their chemistry feels natural and genuine, and it's the kind of feel-good love story that warms your heart. There is a gentle balance in dramas, end too abruptly and it feels like they expect you to complete the story, drag on too long and you feel like you are riding side car on their whole life. This one struck just the right balance it did not feel rushed nor did it feel slow or padded. Thus I highly recommend this one for anyone that likes a mostly feel-good romance drama with emotional depth. Some people actually find the cathartic sadness healing, but even if you're sensitive like me, the happy ending and uplifting romance make it worth it in the end. The only minor thing that bugged me was one family plot point that felt unnecessary and a bit too heavy. It didn't ruin the show at all, but I think the story would have been just as strong (maybe even lighter) without it. Overall, this drama left me smiling through the sniffles—super sweet, and heartfelt.

Spoilers

The part that almost made me rate it lower was Lin Zhi Xiao's father dying. I really didn't think it was necessary for the story. He could have stayed in remission, and the emotional weight of the cancer storyline would still have been there without the full tragedy. It added such a deep layer of sadness that lingered. It hit me at a particularly rough time in my own life when several elder family members and friends had passed away. So, there is enough of that in real life I don't want it in my entertainment. I am not entertained by being sad. It was lightened up by just the right amount of post-wedding glimpses which showed that Lin Zhi Xiao and Gu Wei were still going strong and happy years later even after suffering the loss of her father. That was just enough continuance on their story to leave you satisfied without overdoing it. But the story centered so much on the cancer, and Lin Zhi Xiao's parents close relationship that I wish we'd seen something about how Lin Zhi Xiao's mom was doing seven years later. She must have been absolutely devastated after losing her husband, and it would have been so comforting to get even a small glimpse or mention of her being okay, maybe finding some peace or happiness. That was the only very minor flaw for me—the show wrapped up the main couple perfectly with those sweet after-wedding details and their life together (love the family they built!), but leaving her mom's outcome hanging felt incomplete. Still, the romance between Lin Zhi Xiao and Gu Wei is so pure and believable that it carries everything. The way it was foreshadowed and built made the sad elements predictable enough that they didn't blindside me, and the happy, loving payoff made it okay even though I don't normally prefer series that have such a heavy and sad element.

Major characters:

• Lin Zhi Xiao (Yang Zi): A vibrant and determined third-year music student specializing in cello, whose impulsive nature and resilience shine as she navigates family crises and personal growth

• Gu Wei / Dr. Gu (Xiao Zhan): A skilled but perfectionist gastroenterology surgeon haunted by past failures, appearing cold on the surface but revealing a deeply caring heart through his evolving relationship with Zhi Xiao.

• Lin Jian Guo (Xia Zhi Qing): Zhi Xiao's devoted father, whose sudden stomach cancer diagnosis becomes the catalyst for the family's emotional journey and Zhi Xiao's life changes.

• Li Hui Juan (Hao Wen Ting): Zhi Xiao's supportive mother, who stands by her family amid the uncertainties and hardships brought on by her husband's illness.

• San San / Xiao Shan (Daisy Li): Zhi Xiao's loyal best friend, offering companionship and light-hearted moments during tough times.

• Gu Xiao (Zhai Zi Lu): Gu Wei's cousin, who adds familial dynamics and occasional comic relief to the story while supporting the leads.

Air year: 2022

Number of episodes: 32

Average run time per episode: 45 minutes.

Synopsis:

This is a heart warming story of aspiring cellist Lin Zhi Xiao whose promising future is upended when her father faces a life-threatening cancer diagnosis, forcing her to confront family hardships and reevaluate her path. Amid the turmoil, she crosses paths with the dedicated but emotionally guarded surgeon Gu Wei, whose own professional struggles have left him distant—yet as their lives intertwine through hospital encounters and shared vulnerabilities, a tender bond blossoms, teaching them both to embrace love and healing in unexpected ways.