Professional Single (2020)

Stop glorifying problematic behaviour as love

The male lead is problematic. Everything about him is red flags. He is not cute, loving, devoted or whatever...

This show was popping up all over my feed and i got lured in by all my friends going ga ga about it. The production is gorgeous. The music is wonderful. Acting ranges from good to average.

But God the male lead is an ass. The first kiss is just urghhh... He grabs her by the jaw and literally smashes his lips with hers. What does not help is that the girl is tiny so it looks like he is almost assaulting her.

The first time they sleep together he bribes the hotel owner to say that there is only one room. In 2020 when we are speaking about consent more than ever, this does not come off as cute or naughty bit creepy.

He is possessive to the extent that he dictates how long the girl can meet her childhood friend, she can't touch him, can't laugh, maintain x amount of distance... Like wtf!... And then proceeds to sit at another table in the restaurant and watch over her. Towards the last episode the friend asks her to lunch for celebrating or something (don't remember) and she flatly refuses and says that her boyfriend will not like it.

This show sends out such a wrong message to young girls. I'm reading YouTube comments and young girls are going on about how will they ever find a boyfriend like him. I hope that they don't. This is not love. This is not an equal relationship. This is not cute.

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Sweet Crush. Fun First Romance

Theres a lot of this genre (college romance) out there but this is among the better ones in terms of acting, production and overall storyline.

Qin Shen, the cold talented and super tall male lead and Yuan Qian, the cute, friendly petite female lead are classmates in the sculpture major. Somehow after a mini accident, she learns she misunderstood him and both begins to see the better side in each other. It didnt take long for the ice to thaw with Qin Shen.. given that he used to say girls and dating are meaningless and waste of time. But when he looks at YQ he cant help smiling and the warmth will enter his eyes.

Best part. Qin Shen took notice of YQ very early on and her quirks and attitude amuses him. More than half of the drama are the two dancing around each other. Theres a saying, one stroke shy (strokes to write a chinese characther) and thats how you can describe their relationship. They seek each other out, hang out, talk, hints and flirts but never really comfesses. The acting and directing makes this enjoyable even amusing.

SML does not really get annoying, mostly a puppy still hinging on their childhood memories. While SFL is no fun to watch, i just wish she stops chasing given that ML cannot be more obvious of his coldness, nonchalance and blatantly ignoring her most times. Really, QS reserves his gentlemanly nature, sweet , caring and even considerate gestures only for FL. When needed he helps her out, supports her and respects her decision. Hes also the type that doesnt shy away from doing couple-things and enjoys being dote on by FL. With the exception of his penchance to tease her and sometimes twist and negates his own kind intentions, i find its a mix of his own enjoyment (you will find hes actually a lil black-bellied and to save face).

Their roommates are a hoot to watch. ML has 2 funny bros who are also classmates. Their scenes and dialogues are so funny. FL has 3 wonderful friendships with her roommates too. And both sets of roommates already clue in on the push-pull relationship of the leads.. they are just too obvious haha.

Acting wise is good. If done wrongly could have been cringey or stiff. But both Ireine Song and Aaron Deng have a good camaraderie so there a natural synergy. You can watch them interact all day and be entertained.

Ps one of my fav moment is when QS retrieved the water bottle he threw to the trashbin after hearing from his bro that YQ was the one who bought it. He didnt care evyone's looking or the trashbin. It spoke volumes how he feels about her.

Verdict Fun fun and easy watch. No real angst. Flirty interactions and sweet first romance that blossom between two people who thought they would remain single until they meet the right person.

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