Gan Yang and Ding Zhi Tong fall in love in college, but life’s pressures tear them apart. Years later, they meet again in the business world, forcing them to face old wounds and lingering feelings in the modern romance drama Eat Run Love, which premiered on April 8, 2025.
Real and Relatable Story
Eat Run Love tells the story of Ding Zhi Tong, a hardworking student focused on her career and paying off debts. She has no time for love until Gan Yang, a cheerful and persistent campus golden boy, wins her heart. Their romance blooms despite their different backgrounds. But financial struggles and societal pressures test their bond. Gan Yang hides his family’s business collapse and breaks up with Ding Zhi Tong, leaving her heartbroken. Six years later, they reunite in the corporate world, where Ding Zhi Tong must secure investment from Gan Yang’s company. The drama shows how love can be messy, with misunderstandings and pride standing in the way. Viewers connect with the realistic portrayal of young love facing real-world challenges. The story, adapted from the web novel A Billion Dollar Romance by Chen Zhi Yao, avoids over-the-top drama and focuses on genuine emotions.
Strong Performances by Chen Fei Yu and Zhuang Da Fei
Chen Fei Yu shines as Gan Yang, bringing charm and depth to a character who balances passion for designing running shoes with personal struggles. His performance keeps viewers engaged, even when the story slows down. Zhuang Da Fei plays Ding Zhi Tong, capturing her tough exterior and inner vulnerability. Their chemistry feels natural, making the couple’s highs and lows believable. Supporting actors like Lin Bo Yang, Denny Huang, Yi Da Qian, and Shang Wan Qing add depth to the story. For example, Lin Bo Yang’s supporting role brings warmth to smaller moments. Some fans praise Chen Fei Yu for carrying the drama, while others feel Zhuang Da Fei’s performance grows stronger as the series progresses. Their acting makes the emotional stakes feel real, drawing viewers into the story.
Beautiful Moments Mixed with Life’s Challenges
The drama blends sweet, romantic scenes with tough life lessons. Early episodes show Gan Yang and Ding Zhi Tong bonding over small moments, like stargazing or sharing meals. Gan Yang takes Ding Zhi Tong to a hillside to see stars, helping her open up about her late father. These scenes feel warm and authentic. Later, the story shifts to heavier themes like financial debt and betrayal. Gan Yang’s family owes millions, and he faces accusations from his own father. Ding Zhi Tong deals with workplace drama, including a lawsuit from a shady businessman, Mr. Ma. The drama’s 28 episodes, each 45 minutes, balance these ups and downs. The cinematography and simple costumes keep the focus on the story, though some viewers find the soundtrack forgettable. The mix of joy and struggle makes Eat Run Love a compelling watch.
Mixed Reviews but Worth a Try
Not everyone loves Eat Run Love. Some viewers find the story slow or the writing uneven, especially toward the end. On Douban, reviews are harsh, calling it forgettable or criticizing Zhuang Da Fei’s lack of spark. One viewer wrote:
The storytelling was an awful mess. This was a complete miss—if only someone had paid attention to detail and really fleshed out both the business and romance.
Another said:
I genuinely hated this drama! The FL’s bitterness and desire to be successful had no payoff in terms of maturing.
Yet, others praise its rewatchability and emotional depth. A fan shared:
From the very first episode, the series captivated me with its compelling storytelling, well-developed characters, and high production quality. I’m already convinced that this will be my show of the year.
The drama’s pacing starts fast but slows to build character depth, which some find rewarding. Chen Fei Yu fans especially enjoy his return to modern romance after Lighter and Princess. The final episode’s wedding scene, though brief, leaves a positive note for many.
Where to Watch and What to Expect
Eat Run Love streams on Youku, Viu, and Rakuten Viki, with English subtitles available. In India, episodes 7 and 8 aired on April 10, 2025, at 9:30 AM IST on Youku’s app or website. Premium VIP users get early access, while regular VIPs may wait longer. The drama has 28 episodes, released weekly, with the finale airing on April 22, 2025. Expect a slow-burn romance with corporate drama, misunderstandings, and a second-chance love story. The show’s realistic take on relationships makes it stand out, even if it’s not perfect.
Current Updates
As of May 4, 2025, Eat Run Love has wrapped its run on Youku. Viewership was lower than expected, but Chen Fei Yu’s performance earned praise. Soompi recently shared three reasons to watch, highlighting Gan Yang’s passion for running and shoe design. Fans on Reddit and X remain divided, with some excited about the cast and others disappointed by the script. Chen Fei Yu and Zhuang Da Fei are reportedly considering new projects, with fans hoping for stronger scripts. The drama remains available for streaming, offering a chance to judge it for yourself.
CREDITS: Soompi
