LayarHijau – Chinese drama The Early Spring (早春晴朗), starring Jing Boran and Sun Qian, continues to draw attention following its premiere. The urban romance drama is adapted from a popular novel of the same name by Jinjiang author 姑娘别哭 (Guniang Bie Ku, Don’t Cry, Girl) and is also available to stream on Netflix.
As the story unfolds, viewers have begun to notice several major differences between The Early Spring and the original novel. The adaptation makes at least three significant changes, ranging from Luan Nian and Shang Zhitiao’s relationship to their character development and the story’s ending.
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These changes have sparked debate among fans. While some viewers prefer the drama’s more romantic and accessible approach, readers of the novel feel that the adaptation has softened some of the sharpness and realism that made the original story stand out.
1. Luan Nian and Shang Zhitiao’s Relationship Becomes More Romantic
One of the biggest differences between the drama and the novel The Early Spring is how Luan Nian and Shang Zhitiao’s relationship begins.
In the original novel, their relationship is portrayed as far more complicated and mature from the outset. They initially enter into a physical relationship without romantic commitment, with personal interests and their unequal social positions playing an important role in their dynamic.
The drama makes a major change to this aspect of the story. Luan Nian and Shang Zhitiao are instead portrayed as two people who have feelings for each other but keep their relationship secret. Their romance develops gradually as they struggle to conceal their feelings for various reasons.
For some novel readers, this change removes one of the more realistic aspects of the original story: the complicated mix of desire, vulnerability, and an unhealthy relationship dynamic.
Drama viewers, however, have found the revised relationship easier to enjoy. Jing Boran and Sun Qian also have strong chemistry, allowing the drama to convey their growing attraction and feelings without retaining the more complicated nature of their relationship in the novel.
2. Luan Nian Is Made Softer
Another major change involves Luan Nian, played by Jing Boran.
In the novel, Luan Nian is sharp-tongued, selfish, and highly rational. He has a cutting way of speaking and maintains strong principles in both his personal life and career. His treatment of Shang Zhitiao is not always gentle, and the various tests he puts her through become an important part of the story’s character development.
The drama still preserves Luan Nian’s sarcastic and seemingly cold personality. However, the adaptation gives him a much softer side.
In the drama, Luan Nian is repeatedly shown quietly protecting Shang Zhitiao and helping her deal with problems at work. He also becomes visibly jealous and is more willing to show how much he cares about her.
As a result, Luan Nian shifts from a cold and intimidating boss into a more romantic character with a stronger sense of humor and a protective side.
Novel fans argue that one of the most compelling aspects of Luan Nian’s original character is his transformation. His selfish and arrogant nature gradually breaking down is an important part of his development. Making him too kind from the beginning, they feel, takes away some of the impact of that transformation.
By contrast, many drama viewers prefer Jing Boran’s version of Luan Nian because he is more entertaining and easier to root for.
3. Shang Zhitiao’s Journey and the Ending Emphasize an Equal Relationship
Shang Zhitiao’s personal journey is another central part of The Early Spring.
In the novel, Shang Zhitiao is a woman trying to build a career in Beijing. After going through various experiences and pressures in the workplace, she gradually grows into an experienced planner.
Eventually, the pressure from both her career and personal relationship leads Shang Zhitiao to leave Beijing. She returns to her hometown and starts a business of her own.
The drama retains the broad outline of this storyline, including Shang Zhitiao’s decision to return home and Luan Nian’s decision to pursue her.
However, the adaptation shifts the focus of the story.
The novel places greater emphasis on Shang Zhitiao leaving her past behind and growing independently after stepping away from an unhealthy environment and relationship. The drama, meanwhile, puts more emphasis on healing and growth on both sides.
Luan Nian eventually has to put aside his pride and status to go after Shang Zhitiao. When they meet again, they are no longer in a boss-and-employee relationship.
The drama therefore presents Luan Nian and Shang Zhitiao as equals, with both characters growing and changing through their own experiences.
This change has once again divided fans of the novel and drama. Novel readers feel that Shang Zhitiao’s independent journey loses some of its impact because the story shifts toward mutual healing and growth.
Drama viewers, on the other hand, appreciate the more idealistic and romantic ending. For them, Luan Nian and Shang Zhitiao do more than find their way back to each other—they grow into two people who can stand on equal ground in a relationship.
These three changes show that The Early Spring does more than simply bring the novel to the screen. The adaptation reshapes several conflicts and character arcs to better fit the format of an urban romance drama.
For novel fans, some of these changes may make The Early Spring lose some of the sharpness and realism that made the original story compelling. For drama viewers, however, the story of Luan Nian and Shang Zhitiao, brought to life by Jing Boran and Sun Qian, offers an appealing mix of romance, workplace drama, and the journey of finding themselves again.
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