Smile to Life

Xu Duo Cheng (Mao Na) is a cheerful young woman who enjoys playing the piano. Jiang Nan (Chang Zhe Kuan), meanwhile, is a top pop star with a successful career. When these two individuals’ paths cross, a mishap occurs – just at the moment when a gang of photographers happens to be on hand. They snap photos of the two in a compromising position and a scandal begins to break out in the media. Jiang Nan’s talent agency comes up with a plan – they will create a fake relationship between the star and the young woman, and tell the press that she is his girlfriend. The two must sign “contracts” to affirm the terms of their “relationship.” This forces them together, and they begin to enjoy spending time in each other’s company. But there is something Jiang Nan doesn’t know: Xu Duo Cheng has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease or ALS). This progressive nervous system disease is beginning to affect the nerves in her brain and spinal cord. She begins to lose muscle control, realizing that she will one day be paralyzed – and will almost certainly eventually claim her life. Realizing that every moment she spends with Jiang Nan deepens his feelings for her, she begins to ask herself if she should end the relationship before her condition begins to deteriorate… “Smile to Life” is a 2022 Chinese drama series that was directed by Han Yang.