THE RATIONAL LIFE
Starring Dylan Wang, Qin Lan, Li Zonghan, “The Rational Life” is a Chinese romantic television drama series following a career-driven 30-something who must contend with a cutthroat workplace, a love triangle, and her nagging mom, that aired in the Youth Progress Theater of Hunan Satellite TV on March 31, 2021, and broadcasted exclusively on Mango TV, the first season premiered on Friday, June 18, 2021, on Netflix.
Shen Ruo Xin is a thirty-something professional who decides to take a stand against unfair societal expectations At her workplace she finds herself drawn to two different men — one her trusted, younger assistant, the other her bachelor boss. Knowing she is considered a ‘leftover woman’ weighs heavily on her.
Will she opt to marry the man society deems appropriate, or will she listen to her heart and gather up the courage to pursue a romance with the younger man?
As a woman in a large male-dominated firm, Shen Ruo Xin has been having trouble securing a promotion. She has been vying for the position of director of the legal department for a year to no avail due to the company’s vice president making things difficult for her. After being assigned a case, Shen Ruo Xin works with her young assistant Qi Xiao and finds evidence that Jin Yuan Hao who’s been mooching off his lover has cheated on her too. Just as Shen Ruo Xin has persuaded Jin Yuan Hao to sign a settlement peacefully, someone had taken photos of them together and uploaded it to the internet.
As it turns out, Shen Ruo Xin’s boyfriend is the mastermind behind the ordeal because he wants Shen Ruo Xin to lose her job and marry him. Shen Ruo Xin refuses her boyfriend’s wedding proposal and resolutely breaks up with him. However, the photo incident has already affected her career and she is transferred to the administration department. Qi Xiao who is sensitive and loyal to Shen Ruo Xin follows her despite the demotion. Meanwhile, Xu Ming Jie who suddenly became the company VP starts to pursue Shen Ruo Xin. Qi Xiao gets mad over the fact that Xu Ming Jie’s ex has been purposely provoking Shen Ruo Xin.
When it comes to money, family, and career, Shen Ruo Xin whose heart has opened up to Qi Xiao finally realizes that love is never going to be an equivalent exchange because it’s simply about two people with a mutual attraction and understanding.
Where can I watch “The Rational Life”?
Exclusively available for streaming on Netflix and Mango TV.