What Is Only for Love (2023)?
Only for Love (以爱为营) is a 2023 Chinese romantic drama directed by Guo Hu, starring Bai Lu and Dylan Wang. (Rakuten Viki)
The series spans 36 episodes. (Rakuten Viki)
It follows Zheng Shu Yi, an ambitious financial journalist, and Shi Yan, a reserved CEO, whose professional relationship gradually transforms into romance. (JustWatch)
Deep Review: Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
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Ambitious Concept
The show doesn’t lean purely into romance — it weaves in business, finance, and startup-investment themes. (V-Pulse)
This gives it more narrative backbone than many shallow rom-coms. -
Strong Cast
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Relatable Power Dynamics
The show explores how personal and professional lives collide: ambition, trust, and career purpose are all in play. (V-Pulse)
Viewers who want more than just cutesy dating will appreciate that nuance. -
Global Reach
It’s available on platforms like Viki with many subtitles. (Rakuten Viki)
This has helped it gain an international audience, not just in China.
Criticisms & Flaws
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Script & Pacing Issues
Many viewers — including some reviewers — argue that the script is weak or underwhelming. (Tumblr)
There are long stretches of business meetings, with not much “drama” happening on a personal level early on. (Tumblr)
As one reviewer put it:“It’s trying to find problems where there are none and taking way too long for things to happen.” (Tumblr)
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Character Growth Is Limited
According to some criticisms, while Shu Yi shows some development, Shi Yan remains quite static. (Ashley Hajimirsadeghi)
Other supporting couples are introduced but then dropped or not fully developed. (Tumblr) -
Romantic Chemistry Debated
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A common complaint: the leads lack consistent emotional chemistry. (Watercolour Marks)
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Some of their more romantic or “steamy” moments happen over text messages, which doesn’t always land for everyone. (Watercolour Marks)
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According to Watercolour Marks, the romance feels carried more by the actors’ popularity than by genuine on-screen connection. (Watercolour Marks)
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Production & Direction
Some fans on Reddit have called out technical shortcomings: poor pacing, cheap camera work, awkward lighting, and clunky direction. (reddit.com)
One comment goes as far as labeling it a “trainwreck of a show”:“… horrible script, terrible pacing … low budget cinematography … embarrassing wardrobe … everything takes waaayyy too long.” (reddit.com)
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Immaturity & Fluff
A number of viewers say the main couple acts somewhat immature and overly “fluffy”:“Too much fluff and both leads too immature.” (reddit.com)
There's frequent phone/text interaction, which some feel replaces deeper emotional connection. (reddit.com) -
Controversy
Early in its run, the production was reportedly under investigation for embezzlement, which raised concerns about the behind-the-scenes ethics. (reddit.com)
(Note: this is a viewer-reported claim; details remain murky.)
Themes and What Makes Only for Love Unique
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Work + Romance Fusion: Unlike many rom-coms that separate love life from career, this drama places its leads in a professional crucible, forcing them to navigate business ethics, reporting, and investment.
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Power & Responsibility: Shi Yan’s role as a CEO who cares about socially responsible startups brings a socially aware angle. (V-Pulse)
It’s not just about profit — there’s a sense of mission. -
Gender Dynamics in the Workplace: The show doesn’t shy away from conflict tied to sexism, jealousy, and office politics. (Tumblr)
There’s a storyline around Shu Yi being judged or undermined because of her personal life and gender. -
Slow-Burn Romance: Rather than a whirlwind love story, many viewers feel the romance takes time. That pace will appeal to some, frustrate others.
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Multiple Relationships: While the main couple is the focus, the drama also explores other pairs, though not all get satisfying arcs, according to critics. (Tumblr)
Audience Reactions: Mixed but Passionate
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On IMDb, some fans praised the series, giving it 9/10, highlighting the cast's chemistry. (IMDb)
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On the other hand, Reddit users were more divided:
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One said:
“The show is so sexist … the script created absolutely unlikable characters … horrible direction … everything takes way too long.” (reddit.com)
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Another noted:
“If you like those [modern romance] dramas then try it. … Things have improved at episode 10 … the script is really poor … the lighting and angles feel low budget.” (reddit.com)
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A more forgiving take:
“Overall I liked Bailu’s and Dylan’s chemistry … Solid 7/10 … the show looked nice … For once everyone had nice hair.” (reddit.com)
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My Verdict: Is Only for Love Worth Watching?
Short answer: It depends on what you’re looking for.
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✅ Watch it if you:
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Enjoy workplace romances with a business/power angle.
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Like long-form, slow-burn storylines.
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Are a fan of Bai Lu or Dylan Wang and want to see them carry a show.
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Don’t mind occasional fluff or wishy-washy pacing.
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❌ Skip or drop it if you:
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Want tight, fast-moving plots.
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Need deeply emotional or high-stakes romantic moments.
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Are bothered by underdeveloped character arcs.
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Care a lot about production polish and strong direction.
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Overall, Only for Love is more than just a pretty-face romance — it has ambition, exploring real-world business and career issues. But it doesn’t always deliver on its promise. Its biggest strength may be its cast, while its biggest weakness is the execution of its story.