We Are Suffering from SLS for Meteor Garden 2's Hua Ze Lei (Darren Chen)

I KNOW! I KNOW! SLS or Second Lead Syndrome is a K-Drama thing. I KNOW, OK? I also know that SLS has crushed our hearts numerous times from the many K dramas we’ve binge watched in the past.  Now, we’re feeling it all over again for Meteor Garden’s, Hua Ze Lei.

Why are we feeling this when we all know too well that he’s really not going to get the girl? It’s because this Hua Ze Lei is a little bit different from all the past Hua Ze Lei’s.  He’s still as sleepy and quiet as usual, but this Lei, played by Darren Chen, has got more cuteness and humor in him.  Also, his facial reactions will kill you, over and over again.

Don’t get what we’re saying, eh? Read on to find out the reasons why we are suffering from SLS!


WARNING: This article MIGHT contain spoilers.

Can we start with this smile? No? Ok. But I. just. need. this. to. be. here.

1. When he entered the F4 Bridge Room holding hands with San Cai and acting like a knight in shining armor!
2. Even in the past versions of Meteor garden, it was really Lei who was the first to make her feel like a “girl – girl” — get what I mean?
3. When he stood up to Dao Ming Si to defend San Cai during the cafeteria scene!
4. When he showed his vulnerable self to San Cai
5. He was always that one friend that was always, always there for San Cai.
6. When he played that one last song for San Cai on his graduation day. 
7. When he helped San Cai find the meteor necklace Dao Ming Si threw.
8. When he went to London alone, cause he knows San Cai needs him. 
9. When he spent the last pound of the first money he’s earned to buy San Cai a rose.
10. And that basically just HIM, not getting the girl in the end. 

Oh, my Hua Ze Lei heart :'( Get what we mean now?