The ongoing modern C-drama The Tale of Rose, starring Liu Yifei in the main role, released episode 1 on June 8, 2024. The anticipated drama crossed milestones even before premiering. It tells the complicated story of a woman named Huang Yi Mei (Liu Yifei), who struggles to find her own identity while going through multiple heartbreaks.
Her marriage falls apart, and even the man she truly falls in love with passes away. But instead of letting the heartbreaks determine her life, she decides to live for herself. Episode 1 focuses on Yi Mei’s (Liu Yifei) popularity as a beautiful young woman.
In this episode, Zhou Shihui breaks up with his girlfriend of seven years on the day of the marriage. After receiving backlash from his friends and ex-fiancé, he decides to reveal that she is not his destiny and he has fallen in love with someone else. His friend Huan Zhen Hua somehow gets him out of the chaotic situation and flees in his car. On their way back, Shihui reveals that he has fallen in love with Zhen Hua’s sister, Huang Yi Mei.
Initially Zhen Hua gets infuriated to hear his friend utter something so atrocious. After he calms down, Shihui reveals that he fell in love with her at first sight. While seeing her everyday, his love for her only grew. Zhen Hua advises him to get such thoughts out of his head. He reveals that boys always chase his sister as she is beautiful and has a kind personality.
Shihui is attracted to Yi Mei, who is much younger than him. He is delusional to think that she likes him as well. Although she flirts back and accepts his expensive gift, she has no intention of dating him. When he opens up to her about his feelings, she cleverly turns him down.
The Tale of Rose episode 1 focuses on the adversities Liu Yifei faces for being beautiful
The next scene shows Yi Mei’s family. Her parents are also well aware of her popularity. They are tired of men sending gifts to their daughter. While her father appears to be on friendly terms with her, Yi Mei’s mother is quite strict. She nags at her to focus on her studies and have a stable relationship instead of running around with boys all day.
Her mother warns her not to lead those boys on as they have ulterior motives. Yi Mei and her mother don’t see eye to eye when it comes to women’s responsibilities and freedom.
Zhen Hua visits Yi Mei to inform her about the damage she has caused. He scolds her for flirting with Shihui even after knowing that he has a fiancée. But to his surprise, Yi Mei shows no remorse and puts all the blame on Shihui.
Meanwhile, Zhizhi, the woman Shihui broke up with, visits Huang’s residence. She begs Zhen Hua to tell her if there is someone else in Shihui’s life. She catches Yi Mei’s parents calling her by her nickname, Rose and instantly recognizes her. It doesn’t take her long to realize Yi Mei is the intern Shihui is in love with.
Zhizhi accuses Yi Mei of seducing Shihui. In reality, Yi Mei didn’t lead him on and was always clear about her intentions. She always asked him about his girlfriend and maintained her distance. But Zhizhi blames her for going on dates with him and cusses at her.
After she leaves, Yi Mei’s mother gives her a hard time. She asks her to reflect on her actions. Yi Mei tries hard but fails to prove her innocence. Her mother locks Yi Mei in her room to talk back.
The Tale of Rose is available to stream on Tencent Video, We TV and Viki.
