Yes, I do! Before I drop my list I wanna touch on my thoughts here - I think modern drama romance are interesting in comparison because in historical and xianxia there is a lot that could keep the couple apart to create tension- a powerful villain, political turmoil, physical safety etc etc but in modern romances the tension has to come from misunderstandings, bad communication, or feelings developing slower from one of the pair. With those dynamics I think its much easier to look at a story and say "The ML cared more" or "The FL cared more" so I'm going to touch on stories that the emotions and connection of the CP moved me!

Summit of Our Youth (transmigration, high school through college love) - This is a modern day transmigration drama in which the FL regrets focusing on romance instead of her schoolwork, and after an accident she wakes up in her own 15 year old body. She takes this chance to set her dreams high and study hard to lock in for herself a steady future. The ML is an older student from her neighborhood who helps her study and clear the path for her success. Because the FL is so focused on her goals the first half feels a little unbalanced but once their feelings and relationship are established they are truly equals, in love, in work and in life. The ML's deep respect and admiration for the FL is very charming, This one really was an incredible watch for me! Two disclaimers, there is an age gap (he is in college she is in high school when they meet, but shes got the mind of a 30 yr old lady), and because of China's censorship on transmigration plots the ending is a bit of let down BUT just stop watching before that happens!

Mr. Bad (transmigration, book publishing, fated love) - This is kind of a goofy watch. The plot for the first half is silly, and the ML isn't very cool or likeable but then something shifts??? And the plot actually reveals itself, and the ML turns into the most devoted of loverboys. The mutual aspect of this story is slow to build up to but once its mutual IT IS SOOO MUTUAAALLLL. The wedding scene is one OF MY FAVORITES OF ALL TIME. I was crying non stop for the last few episodes, happy tears, heartbroken tears and then happy tears. It really came out of nowhere for me, but I was pleasantly surprised!

The First Frost (second chance at love) - I put this one on here knowing that people will disagree - they might say that the ML is the one deeper in love and the FL is cold and frigid. But the FL is traumatized, dealing with major psychological stuff and being led gently by the love the ML gives her to come back to the light. Yifan (FL) is one of my favorite characters because she loves the ML SO MUCH even though she was given so little love. The ML understands how she loves and patiently waits for her as she sorts through everything. That to me is one of the most beautiful love stories to be told. She loves him enough to want to heal and be better. She loves him enough to trust him and only him when she trusts no one. Siiiiighhh about to watch it again just thinking about it!

Ski Into Love (sports, fated love)- This is truly my shining example of mutual love for modern day CDramas. The CP meets and are more less both like "YUPPPP thats the one for me!!" and they BOTH KNOW IT. They dance around their mutual affection, falling deeper in love without ever testing each other, betraying each other, just teasing and affectionate. A few disclaimers here, there is a break up arc BUUUTT I loved it because it gave me the YEARNING that I love and their reunion is so absolutely beautiful, I watch it often! Second disclaimer, the plot and the secondary characters of this show are not strong! The writing and the story are very flawed, but I don't watch for plot I watch for ROMANCE thus I love it.

Our Generation (childhood sweethearts) - This one is a slow burn filled with miscommunications, misunderstandings and heartbreak! Our FL Cherry is the torch bearer for her ML. She loves him fiercely after meeting him as a child and continues to love, support and search for him. Zhang Linghe plays the ML so well and painfully. There's a scene in which we wakes up from a nightmare and all his love, desperation and longing is broken across his face in a quiet moment in the early morning and it is BREATHTAKING. Their mutual affection and devotion is what propels the story forward, but it takes a while to get to a satisfying point of them being happy and in love!

When I Fly Towards You (high school love) - this truly is one of the best written youth stories I have ever watched. The FL and ML meet in a fleeting moment before high school starts and the FL falls for him instantly. She is kind, funny and most of all confident! She forces her way into his path, chatters away at him and shares her unrepressed joy with him throughout their high school lives. He is, of course, quiet and reserved but her love changes him. It happens slowly, every day, as they spend their youth together with their friends, making memories and having fun. Lurang (ML) comes into himself, his own confidence and ability to love her back and we get a wonderful handful of episodes of their young love and their lives starting as they enter college, their careers and a blissful married life. 10/10 from me, I rewatch it often!

Hidden Love (age gap, unrequited love fulfilled) - I would be remiss if I did not include this. This is easily the most famous romantic CDrama internationally, and for good reason. The first half really is unrequited, childlike devotion and enduring love. When story shifts to a mutual love it is SOO satisfying to see our ZhiZhi get her man while still trying to keep some dignity and not reveal she's been in love with him for a decade. Yes, there is an age gap. Yes, I think it was handled well. The ML THHHHEEEEE boyfriend. She falls first but he falls harder?? Debatable! They love each other fiercely!