First Frost

• Author: Zhu Yi
• Genres: Romance, Urban, Drama
• Status: Completed
• Chapters: 85
• Rating: ★ 4.6 / 5
• Published: 2026-09-29

A Fateful Reunion After Six Years Apart

Six years is usually plenty of time to forget a face, but fate clearly has no intention of letting Wen Yifan live in peace. She crosses paths with Sang Yan at a bar, though he's no longer the arrogant teenager she once knew; he’s now the manager and co-owner.

In a classic case of the universe having a twisted sense of humor, they end up as housemates in a shared apartment. This isn't your typical rose-tinted setup, though; it’s the beginning of a messy confrontation with fractures that never quite healed.

The author, Zhuyi, cleverly crafts a modern setting where adults struggle to balance career demands with lingering psychological ghosts. Having Wen Yifan work as a journalist provides some sharp insights into the high-pressure grind of city life.

The Arrogant Mask of a Devoted Soul

Sang Yan is probably one of the most polarizing male leads out there, with an aura practically radiating arrogance and sarcasm. He’s not your typical sweet talker; in fact, he often uses "sharp-tongued" banter as a shield to hide how much he actually cares.

Yet, underneath that "I don't give a damn" exterior lies an extreme loyalty to the girl who once rejected him. The way he quietly protects Wen Yifan showcases a mature kind of love—one that isn't about possession, but about support and understanding.

Sang Yan's solid upbringing has molded him into a man with immense mental fortitude. He is the only anchor capable of pulling the female lead out of her past trauma without bruising her self-esteem.

Psychological Scars and the sleepwalking Syndrome

Wen Yifan isn't your standard damsel in distress; she’s strong in the way only someone who’s been kicked around by life can be. Losing her father early and being sidelined by her mother for a new family left a massive void in her inner world.

Her sleepwalking isn't just some quirky plot device for drama. It's the physical manifestation of unresolved psychological trauma, a silent cry for help from her subconscious.

It’s during these sleepwalking episodes that Sang Yan's patience is truly tested. He doesn’t freak out or pull away; instead, he stays by her side, ensuring she’s safe within her own trance.

The Intersection of Reality and Healing

The story avoids explosive, over-the-top conflicts, opting instead for a slow burn that allows the characters to untangle their past misunderstandings. Living under the same roof forces them to acknowledge each other's existence instead of running away like they did for six years.

Side characters like Zhong Siqiao and Su Hao An bring some much-needed levity and humor. They aren't just there for the laughs; they play crucial roles in bridging the gap between our two leads.

Notably, the connection to Sang Zhi from another work creates a consistent and engaging shared universe. Readers get to see a different side of Sang Yan when he’s playing the role of a brother versus a lover.

Highlights of the Narrative

• Character development is incredibly consistent and deep, never sacrificing integrity just to please the audience.
• A sophisticated take on the second chance trope, avoiding trashy drama or nonsensical, prolonged misunderstandings.
• The romance is built on mutual respect and overcoming adversity together.
• Well-placed humor that keeps the heavier psychological themes from feeling too oppressive.
• Trúc Dĩ’s writing style is emotive yet maintains a necessary level of sharp-witted clarity.

Potential Drawbacks

• The early pacing is quite slow, which might test the patience of those looking for instant high-octane drama.
• Certain details regarding her sleepwalking are a bit idealized to facilitate romantic moments.
• The female lead can be overly guarded at times, making the male lead's one-sided initiative feel slightly frustrating.

Community Ratings

• Goodreads: 4.5/5.0 (769 reviews, as of 29/09/2026)
• Novel Updates: 4.5/5.0 (211 votes, as of 29/09/2026)
• MyDramaList (Adaptation): 8.8/10 (45,951 users, as of 29/09/2026). Comment: "The performances by Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan were perfect."

Final Verdict

At just 85 chapters, this is the perfect weekend binge for anyone needing a dose of soul-healing. It proves that sometimes the hardest person to comfort isn't someone who’s angry, but a heart that’s been frozen solid by the past.

Bottom line: A top-tier urban romance that masterfully blends psychological depth with romance, celebrating the power of persistence in love.

Tags: second chances, sleepwalking, devoted male lead