A River Runs Through It

A River Runs Through It follows a group of youths as they navigate growing pains across school halls and city streets. Xia Xiaoju transfers to a new high school just before the crucial exams and quickly forms a circle of friends who push each other to mature. When they enter university life the lines between friendship and romance blur. Xia Xiaoju falls for Cheng Lang while Chen Lang loves her friend Lin You, and Lin You secretly pines for Yuan Ancheng. Meanwhile Lu Shiyi, Xiaoju's guardian, harbors a quiet affection he keeps to himself. The show balances humor with the ache of growing up in a warm, human way.

Directed by Sha Wei Qi and created by Jin Yuanyuan, this 2021 series blends drama and comedy to tell a modern Chinese coming of age story. Its setting moves from school corridors to university life, anchoring characters with sharp dialogue and sincere chemistry. Its makers emphasize everyday detail and genuine performances.

Viewers have responded positively to the mix of humor and heart. The show carries an 8.1 out of 10 rating from a small but engaged user base, suggesting a warm reception among fans of campus dramas. The strength lies in how the ensemble keeps each character distinct yet connected through shared pressures of exams, friendships, and first loves. Wang Ruichang plays Lu Shiyi with quiet restraint, making his unspoken feelings feel real rather than melodramatic. Hu Yixuan brings warmth and wit to Xia Xiaoju, whose shifting affections and bold choices drive much of the story. Chen Bohao as Cheng Lang and Qi Yandi as Lin You anchor the central love quadruple, while Jiang Zhuojun as Qiu Yuetao provides tension and humor in equal measure. The writing avoids easy platitudes and instead leans into messy moments, late night talks, and the small victories that define growing up.