LayarHijau – After the production team of The Early Spring (早春晴朗) released two deleted kissing scenes involving Luan Nian (Jing Boran) and Shang Zhi Tao (Sun Qian), fans have continued searching through behind-the-scenes footage, trailers and promotional clips for other scenes that did not appear in the broadcast version.
One fan-made compilation has drawn attention to several scenes that appear to have been cut, including intimate moments between the two leads as well as scenes that could have provided more emotional context for their relationship.
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However, the compilation is not an official list from the production team. Some of the footage may have been filmed for promotional purposes, or may simply be unused material, so it cannot be confirmed that every scene was part of the eight episodes removed from the drama’s original 32-episode plan.
From Kisses to Intimate Moments Missing From the Broadcast Version
One of the scenes attracting the most attention shows Luan Nian pushing Shang Zhi Tao onto a bed.
Her necklace slides along her collarbone as she lifts his clothing and notices the scars on his back. She traces the scars with her fingers before kissing one of them.
The scene contains little dialogue. Instead, its emotional weight comes from their actions, particularly Shang Zhi Tao seeing and responding to a vulnerable side of Luan Nian’s past.
The sequence does not appear in the broadcast version of the drama.
Fans have also identified several other moments seen in behind-the-scenes footage or promotional material. These include Luan Nian putting an arm around Shang Zhi Tao’s waist while crossing the street, pulling her closer on a rainy night, holding her hand on a sofa, touching her ear and kissing her inside a car.
Another scene reportedly shows the pair getting physically close by a pool. A kiss during a fireworks scene also appears to have been changed, with the broadcast version showing the two characters exchanging distant looks instead.
On their own, these scenes may simply look like additional romantic moments. Taken together, however, they could have helped show how Luan Nian and Shang Zhi Tao gradually became more comfortable and emotionally connected with each other.
The Missing Scenes Are About More Than Romance
For many viewers, the issue is therefore not simply the loss of several intimate scenes.
The bigger concern is whether some of the cuts removed important moments connecting one major development in the relationship to another.
One of the strengths of The Early Spring is its portrayal of an adult relationship in which both characters develop genuine feelings for each other rather than being pushed together through exaggerated romantic tropes.
Because of that, seemingly small gestures can carry significant narrative meaning.
A brief touch, a change in body language or a moment of physical closeness can show how a relationship is progressing. When several of those moments are removed, viewers can still follow the main plot, but the emotional transition between major scenes may feel much faster than intended.
Luan Nian’s Deleted Smoking Scene Also Draws Attention
Another scene highlighted by fans is a sequence from around Episode 9 in which Luan Nian smokes alone.
The scene reportedly takes place around a period of conflict between him and Shang Zhi Tao. Rather than simply showing that he is upset, the moment could have visually conveyed his anxiety, emotional restraint and inner turmoil.
It could also have helped explain his change in attitude after an argument with Shang Zhi Tao, showing him processing his emotions before gradually softening toward her.
The scene was filmed, but it is not included in the broadcast version. Its exact reason for being cut remains unclear.
Some fans have speculated that the scene was removed because of regulations concerning smoking on screen. However, there has been no official confirmation that this was the specific reason the scene was excluded.
Without that scene, the transition from conflict to a calmer relationship between the characters can feel more abrupt.
Why Episode 18 Felt So Abrupt to Some Viewers
Episode 18 has also become a frequent topic of discussion because several major conflicts unfold within roughly 40 minutes.
First, Shang Zhi Tao accidentally hugs her former boyfriend, and Luan Nian sees it happen. He then retaliates by falsely telling her that his sister is actually his ex-girlfriend.
The tension escalates when Shang Zhi Tao talks about marriage and shares her hopes of having children, while Luan Nian refuses to accept the idea.
The two eventually have a major argument and break up.
That is a lot of emotional conflict to fit into a single episode. Some viewers consequently felt that Luan Nian’s behavior changed too suddenly.
One viewer on Douban questioned how the character could suddenly become so different, reflecting a broader feeling that some of the emotional steps leading to the conflict were missing.
This does not necessarily mean the story is impossible to understand. Rather, the compressed version may make certain reactions and changes in the characters’ behavior feel less gradual.
The Impact of Reducing the Drama From 32 Episodes to 24
The Early Spring was originally planned as a 32-episode drama but ultimately aired 24 episodes.
That represents a substantial reduction in the amount of material available to the final broadcast version.
However, the fan compilation should not be treated as a direct list of the eight missing episodes. Some of the scenes identified by fans may have been filmed as alternative takes, promotional footage or unused material rather than scenes removed specifically when the drama was shortened.
What the compilation does show is how viewers are now comparing behind-the-scenes footage and promotional clips with the aired episodes to piece together moments that may have been left out.
Why Were So Many Scenes Cut?
There are several possible explanations, although the reason for each individual scene has not been officially confirmed.
Scenes involving smoking can be affected by broadcast regulations, while intimate interactions may also be shortened or removed depending on content requirements.
Pacing is another possible factor. Once the drama was reduced from 32 episodes to 24, scenes considered less essential to the main storyline may have been removed to create a more compact narrative.
For now, however, there is no official explanation covering every scene identified by fans.
Why Viewers Still Connected With The Early Spring
Despite the cuts, The Early Spring has received strong attention for its portrayal of a more mature relationship between Luan Nian and Shang Zhi Tao.
The drama does not rely entirely on exaggerated romantic fantasy. Luan Nian’s feelings develop through his growing awareness of Shang Zhi Tao, while she maintains her own dignity and independence.
The drama also changes aspects of the relationship from the original novel. Instead of beginning purely with an impulsive attraction, the drama establishes a stronger sense of mutual interest between the two characters from an early stage.
Luan Nian notices Shang Zhi Tao’s feelings and shows that he cares about her, including when she gets hurt.
That gradual development is precisely why some seemingly small scenes can matter to the overall story.
Shang Zhi Tao’s Growth Is Another Major Strength
Shang Zhi Tao’s character arc gives the drama another strong emotional foundation.
She starts out as an ordinary employee trying to establish herself in the workplace and gradually grows into someone capable of leading major projects. Her journey includes setbacks, self-doubt, recovery and persistence, making her professional development an important part of the story rather than simply a backdrop for the romance.
The drama’s Beijing setting also contributes to its realistic atmosphere.
Instead of presenting an idealized version of the city, The Early Spring uses real locations and everyday details, including older residential buildings, cramped rental apartments, long commutes, discounted bread and the problems caused by unreliable property agents.
These details help place the romance within the everyday lives of young professionals and give the characters a more grounded environment.
The Fan Compilation Raises a Bigger Question
Ultimately, the fan compilation is interesting not simply because it reveals more kisses or intimate moments between Luan Nian and Shang Zhi Tao.
Its bigger significance lies in how those missing scenes may have contributed to the emotional flow of the story.
Fans are now using behind-the-scenes footage, promotional material and other released clips to piece together moments that could help explain the characters’ behavior in the broadcast version.
That has even led to jokes that the behind-the-scenes footage is becoming the “real drama,” while the broadcast version feels like the deleted version.
Of course, not every scene identified by fans was necessarily intended for the final episodes, and there is currently no official production list confirming all of the suspected cuts.
Still, the discussion highlights an important point: when a romance depends on small gestures and gradual emotional changes, removing too many of those moments can affect more than the amount of romantic content on screen. It can also make it harder for viewers to fully understand how and why the two characters fall in love.
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