Imperfect Us (2024)
Chien Ching-fen realizes that her life has become a dull routine because she can’t find another goal. The goals she set for herself — a house, a car, a son, and a good husband — have been achieved after enduring endless suffering. What will her next goal be? As she ponders this, Chien Ching-fen laughs because she recognizes that, to experience a fleeting moment of happiness upon achieving our goals, we subject ourselves to suffering repeatedly. Could it be that we’ve misunderstood ourselves? We want to be happy, but perhaps we genuinely cherish the suffering. Chien Ching-fen realizes she must seek out more suffering for her next source of happiness. As a result, she recalls her love rival, Rebecca, whom she defeated. How is Rebecca doing now? Does she lead an exciting life? Does my husband still love her? As expected, she is suffering. But does this suffering genuinely lead to happiness?
Seasons & Episode
Jian Qing Fen, just like all other career women, her life is a bit busy and tiring. Fortunately, she has a nice husband, and a lovely son. But for that reason, she's been leading a smooth-sailing and ordinary life, day after day. There's even nothing to complain about (apart from her mother-in-law and oh, her sister-in-law.) Because there's no suffering on her path to happiness, it's hard to say, "I'm so happy!" That's why she's been a bit annoyed lately and she's looking to stir up some trouble.
Everyone says that Rebecca is very pretty and capable, and that's why she's still single. Her abilities make men feel inferior to her. She enjoys her single life to a tee, but of course, there are situations that make her feel "alone." Her assistant chooses boyfriend over her when work gets busy, so she has to eat alone; her horny landlord makes up excuses to see her; and then there's that overwhelming sense of loneliness. She's not afraid of being alone, but when loneliness strikes, she can't help but think of that person that she mustn't think about anymore.
He Rui Zhi is a good man, or so everyone says. They call him a good son, a good colleague, a good supervisor, a good husband, and a good father. But to be good in every way, he has to make lots of compromises and betray himself. So, only he knows that there was just that one time when he nearly did what he truly wanted. But now, a shocking secret becomes his wakeup call. It turns out that everything he tries to protect may not be worth it.
Qing Fen often recalls how she suffered while trying to win over He Rui Zhi. So, when she finally married him, it's as if she'd won a medal. From time to time, she can't help but remind him of it. Not just him, but also her. Since Qing Fen liked Rebecca's SNS post, there's been no update. Qing Fen feels quite smug about it. Rebecca has to go through the pains of moving to a new place again, and it makes her remember the guy who once told her, "Don't be afraid, I'm right here." But now, all she's got left is a boy who would have dinner with her, the boy who has witnessed her fragility.
After Qing Fen's mother-in-law had a bad fall, her life changes drastically. She acts as if she's done something wrong and pays special attention to He Rui Zhi's mood. But the more careful she is, the more mistakes she makes. Yet looking at a worn-out and guilt-ridden He Rui Zhi, the emotional abuse seems to reveal the anger that she's buried deep down in her heart for 12 years. At the same time, Rebecca is trying to make up with her past self from 12 years ago. She lets go of her past and decides to move on to a new future. However, a competitive Qing Fen makes a decision.
Qing Fen withers like a flower as she looks after her mother-in-law. She can't feel bad for herself because she knows that once she does, she will crumble. So, she hates it when He Rui Zhi thanks her for her efforts. However, Rebecca's happiness and smiles on her social media become sort of a release for Qing Fen. She knows she's utterly defeated, but at least her enemy isn't aware of it. But just when she's about to shrivel up, she gets that "One Like.”
As if she's woken from a dream, Qing Fen has gained enlightenment after messing up her life. If she and Rebecca are two entangling particles, then she would want Rebecca to live well. She goes around asking after Rebecca. Finally, she hears about their romance from Yu Xiang Li. Qing Fen is caught up in their love story, unsure if she's happy for Rebecca, or for herself. So, she decides to look for an answer.
What on earth is she doing here? Rebecca keeps observing Qing Fen, speculating about her intentions. Anyway, she's got nothing to lose now. So, Rebecca accepts her enemy's challenge. After they start talking, they talk about so much more. Then they realize that the enemy is the one who knows them best. It turns out that the one who knows me best hits me on the sore spot. In fact, there's only a fine line between a friend and an enemy. What actually trips us isn't the blooming flower on the other side, but ourselves.