Never Gone (TV series)

Never Gone () is a 2018 Chinese streaming television series based on the novel of the same name by Xin Yiwu. It stars Yang Zishan, Elvis Han, Toby Lee, Su Qing, Lan Yingying and Tan Jianci. The series premiered on Youku on November 6, 2018. It later went on national broadcast and aired on Shandong Television from February 19, 2019.
Synopsis.
Su Yunjin and Cheng Zheng are classmates in high school. Cheng Zheng is attracted to Su Yunjin, but he doesn't know how to express it well and causes Yunjin to misunderstand his true intentions. However over time, Cheng Zheng's concern for Yunjin touches her heart and Yunjin also starts to develop feelings for Cheng Zheng. However, she knows that their personalities and family background are vastly different, so she purposely avoids Cheng Zheng's advancements.
After getting into different colleges, Cheng Zheng refuses to give up and continues to relentlessly pursue Yunjin. They finally get together but the pressures from life after graduation cause a strain in their relationship. Yunjin throws herself into work while Cheng Zheng is frustrated about her lack of time for him. Misunderstandings pile up and causes the couple to separate. However years later, Cheng Zheng reappears in Su Yunjin's life.
Production.
The production team took six months to search for child actors to play the younger counterparts of the main characters. Li Landi, Hu Xianxu, Bian Cheng, Li Gengxi and Zhuang Dafei were selected among 1,000 applicants to play young Su Yunjin, Cheng Zheng, Zhou Ziyi, Mo Yuhua and Meng Xue.
The series began filming at Shanghai in September 2017, and wrapped up filming in December 2017.
Reception.
The drama received positive reviews during its airing. Despite its "cliche" storyline and differences in plot with the novel, the drama was praised for its heartwarming story, as well as the acting skills and character interpretation of the lead actors.
Spin-off.
A 15-episode spin-off of the drama aired on Youku starting November 10, which centers around the lead character's school life. The drama stars the younger versions of the characters, played by Li Landi, Hu Xianxu, Bian Cheng, Li Gengxi and Zhuang Dafei.