Here are 7 Drastic Differences of 'LOVE'S AMBITION' from the Novel Version that Fans Didn't Expect

In the drama, Zhao Lusi plays Xu Yan as an ambitious woman trying to hide her background to be accepted by the upper class. The drama version highlights her soft side and determination to rise, while in the novel, Xu Yan appears more bitter and harsh due to her harsh life reality.

In the novel, Shen Haoming is known as a cold husband who even cheats after marrying Xu Yan. This infidelity becomes the trigger for their household's downfall. However, the drama version completely removes that part. The character Shen Haoming (played by William Chan) still does not love Xu Yan, but is not depicted as betraying the marriage.

The novel and drama versions present the divorce moment in different directions. In the drama, it is Xu Yan who decides to end the marriage after hearing Shen Haoming confess that he never loved her. Meanwhile, in the novel, it is actually Shen Haoming who first files for divorce.

In the drama version, Fang Lei (Zhong Yating) is portrayed as the younger sister of Shen Haoming's ex-girlfriend, who has secretly liked him for a long time. Meanwhile, in the novel, Fang Lei has a direct past relationship with Shen Haoming. This change makes the conflict between the characters feel lighter and less complex than in the original version.

The novel presents the tragic story of Qiao Lin (Wan Peng), Xu Yan's sister, who fails her studies, becomes pregnant out of wedlock, and then commits suicide after giving birth. However, the drama completely removes that dark side. In the drama, Qiao Lin still goes through difficult times but eventually finds happiness with Yu Yiming (Tang Xiaotian).

The novel concludes Xu Yan's story with a realistic life where she gets divorced and lives independently, taking care of her sister's child without returning to her ex-husband. The drama, however, takes the opposite direction. In its adaptation, Shen Haoming eventually realizes and tries to mend their relationship.

Overall, the drama LOVE'S AMBITION seems to be deliberately "softened" to suit the tastes of modern viewers. Dark, depressive, and realistic elements have been removed, replaced with messages of optimism and love that inspire. Come on, read articles about other Chinese drama recommendations on Kapanlagi.com. If not now, when, KapanLagi?