The First Frost is one of 2025’s most loved Chinese romantic dramas, adapted from the popular novel “The First Frost” (难哄) by Zhu Yi. It’s a slow-burn, healing second‑chance romance about two people who once loved each other, broke apart, and unexpectedly find their way back.
Basic details
- Title: The First Frost (难哄)
- Genre: Romance, slice‑of‑life, healing, modern C‑drama
- Episodes: 32 (around 45 minutes each)
- Original platform: Youku, also available on Netflix in many regions
Overview
The story follows Wen Yifan, a young reporter, and Sang Yan, her former high school classmate and crush. Years ago, they liked each other, but circumstances forced Yifan to reject him, and they drifted apart with a lot of unspoken hurt.
Six years later, Yifan returns to her hometown for work, walks into a bar called “Overtime”… and runs straight into Sang Yan. To avoid awkwardness, they pretend not to know each other, but fate has other plans when they end up sharing the same apartment.
Plot (spoiler‑light)
Living under one roof, small daily interactions slowly peel back their shared past: old crushes, teenage misunderstandings, and the reasons Yifan pushed Sang Yan away. Yifan also struggles with sleepwalking triggered by unresolved family trauma, and more than once she unknowingly ends up in Sang Yan’s room – pulling him back into her life whether he wants it or not.
As they navigate work, family, friends, and neighbours, their dynamic shifts from tense and avoidant to protective, teasing, and deeply supportive. The romance grows quietly through late‑night talks, everyday chores, shared meals, and the way Sang Yan watches over Yifan’s mental and emotional state rather than grand gestures.
Main characters
- Sang Yan (Bai Jingting) – Co‑owner of the Overtime bar, team lead at a gaming company, Yifan’s former high‑school crush. Outwardly chill and teasing, inwardly still hurt but fiercely protective once he lets himself care again.
- Wen Yifan (Zhang Ruonan) – A hardworking news reporter carrying heavy childhood trauma and complicated family ties. She appears strong and independent, but her sleepwalking and panic reveal how deeply the past still affects her.
- Zhong Siqiao (Zhang Miaoyi) – Yifan’s best friend, a delivery girl/care worker who adds warmth, humour, and strong female friendship.
- Su Haoan (Edward Chen) – Sang Yan’s close friend and co‑owner of Overtime, bringing found‑family vibes, side romance, and emotional support.
There’s also a rich network of family (parents, step‑sister, aunt, cousins) and colleagues, making the world feel full and realistic rather than just focused on the couple.
Themes & tone
- Second chances & healing: It’s not just about getting back together; it’s about learning to communicate, face trauma, and allow yourself to be loved again.
- Everyday romance: The show focuses on quiet, domestic intimacy—cooking, coming home tired, caring during sickness—more than big dramatic triangles.
- Family & past wounds: Yifan’s complicated childhood and Sang Yan’s family dynamics play a big role in how they behave and what they fear now.
Highlights (why viewers love it)
- Natural chemistry:between Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan; the banter and micro‑expressions make the relationship feel very real.
- Strong OST: Songs like “The Invisible Man” (Bai Jingting’s version) and “Willful” hit hard emotionally and went viral among fans.
- Soft but deep storytelling: It has that “Hidden Love” / “healing romance” energy – the kind of drama that lingers in your mind after the finale.
Why to watch
The First Frost is perfect if you:
- Love second‑chance romance and slow, realistic relationship growth.
- Want emotionally healing C‑dramas rather than dog‑blood melodrama.
- Enjoy character‑driven stories where small details, side characters, and family arcs all matter