How The Early Spring Ends—And Sets the Stage for More Chinese Dramas on Netflix

The Early Spring, a Chinese workplace romance series, concluded its 24-episode run, leaving viewers with a happy ending for the central couple, Shang Zhitao (Sun Qian) and Luan Nian (Jing Boran). The story, based on a web novel by Gu Niang Bie Ku, follows the complex relationship between Zhitao, a recent college graduate, and Nian, her ambitious boss at Beijing advertising agency Lime.

Despite the company's policy against romantic entanglements between coworkers, the two quickly become entangled in a six-year on-again, off-again romance.

Zhitao's decision to leave Beijing in Episode 21, "A Grand Retreat," marks a significant turning point in the series. Her move away from the city, a symbol of her career ambitions, is driven by a series of events that test the limits of their relationship. These include Nian's lack of support when she seeks comfort after being passed over for a promotion, as well as the death of a close friend by suicide. The final straw comes when Nian offers no consolation during this difficult time.

As Zhitao moves to Harbin and starts her own advertising agency, Nian attempts to reconcile with her. Leveraging their shared love for their dog, Luke, a Samoyed, Nian hopes to win Zhitao back. Their relationship evolves over the following months, with Nian showing genuine remorse for his past behavior and listening to Zhitao's need for space. Despite these efforts, Zhitao ultimately decides to give Nian another chance, recognizing the depth of their love.

In the final scenes, Zhitao and Nian decide to split their time between Harbin and Beijing, living their lives as equals. The series ends on a hopeful note, with the couple preparing to share their future together. As The Early Spring concludes, the question of a potential second season arises, as the story was inspired by the second book in the web novel series, "Miss Talkative."

This sequel explores the developing relationship between Zhitao's work best friend, Lumi, and her stoic co-worker Will, adding potential for future storytelling.