Plum blossoms bloom in the twelfth lunar month, their faint fragrance arriving amid the cold. As Great Cold ushers in the final days of the year, all things quietly await the return of those who have gone home. Love is both being by each other’s side day and night, and standing together through thick and thin. The long‑awaited third installment of the “Zhenhua Trilogy,” “Unrequited Love: Orange Is So Sweet,” has finally arrived—tonight, it premieres on Mango TV and Tencent Video!

Laba has ended up with “Unrequited Love: Orange Is the New Black,” so can we be together too?

The triumphant finale of the Zhenhua Trilogy is here.

The TV series “Unrequited Love: Orange Is the New Black” is adapted from the eponymous novel in August Chang’an’s “Zhenhua Trilogy.” It is jointly produced by China Film Co., Ltd. and Hualu Baina, with Zhao Wenjing serving as the producer and Li Muge directing.

Loving you is a lonely secret.

Unlike the relatively lighthearted and cheerful tones of “Hello, Old Times” and “Our Shining Days,” “Unrequited Love: Orange Is Not a Color” features a dramatically twisting plot. It tells the story of the female lead, Luo Zhi (played by Hu Bingqing), who harbors a years-long, unspoken crush on the male lead, Sheng Huainan (played by Hu Yitian).

This series boasts rich emotional depth and a fresh, original storyline. It chronicles the 15-year journey of Sheng Huainan and Luo Zhi, from unrequited love to romance, as they navigate their youthful growth. What will be the ultimate outcome of this long‑lasting, unspoken crush?

Huainan’s Ai Luo Zhi—everyone in the world knows.

Hu Yitian, who plays the male lead in this series, previously starred in “A Love So Beautiful” and has become widely known for his handsome looks and superb acting. This time, his distinctive “white‑moonlight” aura has drawn high expectations from many fans of the original novel; both his appearance and personality perfectly capture the lead’s unique charm, with plenty of viewers tuning in just to see him. Meanwhile, the female lead, Hu Bingqing, is one of Tangren’s Four Young Beauties and brings a naturally cool, aloof presence that closely matches Luo Zhi’s character. Ever since the cast was revealed, netizens have been quick to point out their strong on‑screen chemistry, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating what’s to come.

All eyes are on it— the show is about to begin.

The Zhu brothers were fortunate to participate in the entire post-production process of “Unrequited Love: Orange Is the New Black.” The series boasts a seasoned production team; its director, the up-and-coming Li Muge, previously helmed the online hit “Palace” in 2019. Led by a crew with extensive experience, the show has already generated considerable anticipation. “Unrequited Love: Orange Is the New Black” likewise maintains the director’s signature high‑standard visuals, with a clean and harmonious color palette.

Many of the scenes featured in the trailer are not only visually stunning but also stay true to the original work. From the enchanting campus through the four seasons to afternoon tea, the confession wall on the rooftop, the amusement park, and the ice-skating rink—especially the iconic moments set at the author’s alma mater, Zhenhua High School—watching it inevitably stirs up fond memories of the simple, beautiful days of student life. Such a thoughtful adaptation has earned rave reviews and heartfelt comments from fans of the original novel, all eagerly anticipating its release.

Because color tones directly influence emotions, the Zhu brothers focused on a light, ethereal palette in post‑production, emphasizing the fresh, youthful vibe of campus life. By aligning the color scheme with the narrative and set design, they crafted a romantic visual world that highlights the pure, unadulterated hues of teenage romance, thereby defining the film’s distinctive style. “Time moves relentlessly forward, yet a good story can lend a lingering glow to fragments of the past—carefully selected and meticulously refined, bringing back everything that should never have been lost.” This is the story of Sheng Huainan and Luo Zhi.

The cautious, unspoken crush; the mutual, tacit affection; and the joy of finally receiving a response—these moments will surely draw viewers into the gentle, steady flow of time. The bittersweet prologue to love has already begun. Tune in tonight on Mango TV and Tencent Video, with new episodes dropping Tuesdays through Thursdays at 8:00 PM. Let’s step into this grand tale of secret love, explore the inevitable themes of growing up, and revisit the youthful memories that belong to each of us.

On the coldest days of winter, a bowl of Laba porridge warms the heart and fills it with kindness. The Zhu brothers wish you all a happy Laba Festival!