偷偷藏不住
Hidden Love - Symbolism & Philosophy
Symbols & Motifs
Milk Bottle / Jar
The milk bottle, which Duan Jiaxu once bought for a young Sang Zhi, symbolizes his initial kindness and protective care for her. It represents the simple, pure origin of her secret love. She keeps it as a treasured memento throughout the years.
Sang Zhi keeps the bottle in her room. Later, she fills it with paper stars, each containing a written wish or secret about her feelings for Jiaxu. In the final episode, Jiaxu recognizes the bottle in her room, bringing the story full circle as he finally understands the full depth and duration of her love for him.
Paper Stars
The paper stars symbolize Sang Zhi's hidden wishes and unspoken feelings for Duan Jiaxu. Each star is a folded-up piece of her secret love, kept safe and hidden away in the milk jar. They represent the years of silent pining and the dreams she held for their future.
Throughout her teenage years, Sang Zhi writes down her thoughts and dreams about Jiaxu on small notes, folds them into stars, and places them in the jar. This act is a private ritual that allows her to process and preserve her crush. The revelation of these stars to Jiaxu later on serves as a physical confirmation of her long-held secret.
The Fox and the Little Prince
The recurring motif of the fox, particularly in the form of a doll or drawing, alludes to the story of "The Little Prince." It symbolizes the idea of taming, forming a unique and special bond, and becoming responsible for the one you love. Jiaxu is often associated with the fox, representing someone who appears sly or charming but is ultimately loyal and yearns for a true connection.
Sang Zhi often draws Jiaxu as a fox in her artwork. Jiaxu also gives her a fox doll. This imagery subtly underscores the development of their relationship—from a simple friendship to a unique bond where they have become irreplaceable to one another, much like the Little Prince and his fox.
Philosophical Questions
Can a childhood crush evolve into a genuine, healthy adult relationship?
The entire series is an exploration of this question. It portrays Sang Zhi's initial feelings as an innocent, formative crush. The narrative deliberately inserts a time gap, allowing her to mature independently before they reconnect. The series argues that such a relationship can be healthy, but only if the older party respects the boundary until the younger one is a legal and emotional adult. Jiaxu never acts inappropriately and consistently views her as a 'little sister' during her minority. The story suggests that the foundation of their childhood bond, built on care and kindness, allows for a stronger, more understanding romantic partnership later in life.
To what extent are we responsible for the debts and sins of our parents?
This question is central to Duan Jiaxu's character. He spends years of his young adult life shouldering the financial and emotional burden of a tragic accident caused by his father. He feels a deep sense of responsibility to the victim's family, even though he was not at fault. The series explores the toll this inherited guilt takes on an individual's ability to pursue their own happiness. Sang Zhi's love challenges this notion, as she continually reassures him that he is not defined by his father's past and deserves his own life. The resolution, where he is finally freed from the debt, suggests that while one may feel a moral obligation, it should not be a life sentence that prevents personal fulfillment.
Core Meaning
"Hidden Love" conveys a central message about the purity and endurance of first love, and the idea that true affection can withstand the tests of time, distance, and personal hardship. It suggests that a love that is patient and genuine can eventually come to fruition when the timing is right. The series champions the themes of personal growth and mutual support, demonstrating how the protagonists' feelings for each other inspire them to become better individuals. Ultimately, it tells a story where a seemingly simple childhood crush evolves into a mature, supportive partnership, asserting that love is not just about grand gestures but about consistent care, understanding, and being a protective presence in each other's lives.