C Drama w/ Dominant, Dark ML & Hot Romance

Director: Zhou Xiao 

Actors: Li Fei (Richard), Ming Jiajia

With the Emperor ailing and the Crown Prince still young, the rebel army marches towards the city gates. As her country and family are teetering on the brink of disaster, she writes to implore the Prince of Nanchuan for help, promising anything in return as long as he sends his army to intervene. He eventually arrives, saving not just her husband and child, but her own self. Despite her aloofness, he hesitates to hurt her. Yet, his aid comes at a cost. His desire is not for the throne, but for one person's love.

MINI DRAMA

Director: He Jia Nan 

Actors: Liu Jiulin, Guan Chang, Yuan Ziming, Wu Luohan

On her wedding day, Gu Meng loses everything - family and fortune due to a fire she believes was started by her would-be husband Hong Ye. Years later, the woman decides to take revenge, but the plan backfires. When she tries to attack the warlord, she has an accident that causes her to lose her memory. After waking up, not knowing who she is, Gu Meng is forced to become a servant at Xiao Hong Ye's estate. At first, Hong Ye does everything to humiliate and destroy the amnesiac woman. However, the longer he tortures her, he becomes more emotionally and romantically attached to her, again. At the same time, Gu Meng from the initial victim, over time, begins to not only seduce Hong Ye, but also fight for her freedom and revenge, especially when she starts to have a glimpses of memories of her previous life. So what will win in their relationship - hate or love?

FYI: SA Warning. It's one of those "Since you hate me, then I'll make you really hate me." At 2:57:33-2:58:22. 

https://youtu.be/rwE3wanZI-w?si=v-jgR7UwWvo5_1Zz (ENG subs; full version).

MINI DRAMA

Director: Lin He Long

Screenwriter: Yuan Shuai

Actors: Huang Xiaoming, Chen Chiau'En (Joe)

“Cruel Romance” tells the story of Rong Jin Xiu, a country girl who travels to Shanghai in order to discover why her entire family was killed. Along the way, she meets triad leader Zuo Zhen, and after a series of accidents and misunderstandings, the two fall in love. Also vying for Jin Xiu’s attention is Xiang Ying Dong, a businessman and close friend of Zuo Zhen. Ever protective of his woman, however, Zuo Zhen refuses to let other men even come close to Jin Xiu – which ultimately pays off when a villainous Japanese man tries to finish off Jin Xiu and her remaining family members.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvf4fZgfbz569vPaAgfrQV8C3Om8A4jKn&si=YPVL3-65GU_cu9fR (ENG subs)

FYI: SA Warning

Actors: Yang Xiaoting, Li Qige, Wang Hanwen

When the Emperor of the Great Zhou was still young, the dynasty was controlled by the treacherous minister Wei Shang Zhi. Legend has it that Wei Shang Zhi was a ruthless and lustful man who married six wives, all of whom died on the night of their wedding. Bai Zhi, his seventh wife, married into the Marquis of Jingbei with trepidation, and thought she would not live more than a day, but found that the traitorous minister seemed to be different from the rumors...

https://youtu.be/oNXbsF-5bNI?si=i8fnZ1Xx3z03yilF (ENG subs; full version)

Native Title: 婚事 

Actors: Fan Zhixin, Qu Mengru

Having grown up under the watchful care of her family, Song Yi Fei lived a very sheltered life. Naive and innocent, Yi Fei spent most of her life longing for the day she could marry the perfect man, have the perfect wedding, and live a perfect married life. 

After meeting Qi Lin, Yi Fei thought her dreams of finding the perfect man had finally come true. When Qi Lin asked for her hand in marriage, Yi Fei accepted his proposal without hesitation. After months of meticulous planning and preparation, Yi Feiand Qin Li exchanged their marriage vows in a wedding ceremony that couldn’t have been more perfect. But what started as a joyous beginning to a lifetime of dreams come true quickly turned into a nightmare.

With the sudden appearance of a mysterious stranger, Yi Fei realizes that her marriage has actually been built on a foundation of lies. Soon convinced Qin Li is actually trying to murder her, can Yi Fei find a way to protect herself before it’s too late?

MINI DRAMA

Director: Man Chuang Chuang, An Ji Er

Actors: Daisy Dai, Wang Zuyi, Wang Xingwei, Ma Ziwei

The gripping tale of Xu Yin, the daughter of a prestigious doctors' family. Driven by her determination to avenge her father, she goes to great lengths, even altering her appearance. In a twist of fate, she finds herself married to General Gu Sheng Han, a noble warrior. This marriage, however, was intended for Xu Qing Qing, the daughter of the prime minister. As Xu Yin and Gu Sheng Han navigate their new relationship, they constantly probe into each other's true identities during their daily interactions. However, as time passes and they face challenges together, their initial animosity transforms into a deep bond of camaraderie and love. They evolve from bitter rivals into compassionate allies, overcoming obstacles hand in hand.

https://youtu.be/0CLkNOEjtWs?si=G-n6ea8SiQweqzFH (ENG subs)

MINI DRAMA

Director: Lin Jian Long, Chen Guo Hua 

Actors: Chen Xingxu, Zhang Jingyi, Lin Yanjun (Evan)

In the year of 1926, Mu Wan Qing brings her mom's ashes back to China for burial. Using the pretense of surrendering to her father, Mu Wan Qing's actual motive is finding the true reason why her parents separated, and her brother died. Meanwhile, a coup d'état occurs among the Shanghai army, and the once oppressed Tan Xuan Lin rose up to become the new commander of troops. However, despite his new authority, he still finds himself walking on thin ice. Xu Guang Yao, the son of the Commander of Yue Cheng, is a man revered and admired by many. However, he dislikes the power struggles within the political field. A chance encounter lets Mu Wan Qing, Tan Xuan Lin, and Xu Guang Yao meet and befriend each other. In order to secure her foothold within the Mu family, Mu Wan Qing intentionally gets close to Xu Guang Yao securing his backing. Meanwhile, Tan Xuan Lin works alongside Mu Wan Qing to investigate an old case that is related to the Mu family. The three of them go through life-and-death struggles together and eventually realize the importance of protecting the country in these tumultuous times.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIPiKkS-FpK8Pw_5ePaYUYO8wWkhwsgoo&si=YAkqMgP5VPhINPDh (ENG subs)

Actors: Han Donglin, Cui Yiliang

Ye Yi Fan, once an innocent youth, swears revenge after his family is slaughtered, transforming into the ruthless and enigmatic crime boss known as "Mr. Mo." In this guise, he encounters Xia Zhi Qiu, a dancer. Thus begins a love game between hunter and prey. Ye Yi Fan gradually falls in love with Xia Zhi Qiu due to her seduction, but he discovers that her true identity is Gu Qing Yan, the daughter of his enemy. Meanwhile, to avenge her father, Gu Qing Yan lays traps that Ye Yi Fan willingly falls into for the sake of love. 

As the two adversaries are entangled in a web of love and hate, genuine emotions surge beneath their masks. What fate awaits them, deeply in love yet torn apart by hostility?

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLogLib6e6DfSUKQ0JKp9OBsG_XRVXReSe&si=NJvpfqAB5kikgyuK (ENG subs; individual episodes)

Director: Lin Qing

Screenwriter: Zhang Fen

Actors: Chen Fangtong, Dai Gaozheng

Lin Xin Tong is the rich young heiress of the Li group: she is beautiful, cheerful, smart and straightforward. She has everything for her, including a devoted boyfriend, Chi Shan. But when she goes through family changes, this innocent young miss has to become stronger to not only face adversity but also the betrayal of her boyfriend, Chi Shan, and her so-called best friend, Xia Yu Wei, a deceitful hypocrite who on the surface treats Lin Xin Tong like a sister but is actually very jealous and wants to steal everything from her. Qin Mo Yao is a brilliant medical student who succeeds in everything he does. He is handsome, appears sharp, cold and mysterious and is willing to do everything to protect Lin Xin Tong and help her in the shadows.

https://youtu.be/-SgsE-_zsH4?si=FIM07xIt8N-5ZwjD (ENG subs; full version)

MINI DRAMA

Director: Chu De Jian 

Actors: Zhao Yiqin, Shen Yujie

Princess Feng Yuan of Yongzhao and Young Master He Lian Xi of Linchuan were a pair of "Lian Lizhi" who were destined to live in harmony with each other. However, they made a private decision for life, which caused great changes in the clan. Three years later, the two reunited again, starting a battle full of temptations and pulls. A love story with an oriental flavor and redemption.

IQIYI (Subscription)

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0PsHrQxhYwT-nxmaWE3EnbQ65fkvgijX&si=REe9i2ZPL2oRvDD6 (ENG Subs)

~ 20 MIN EPISODES

Actors: Wang Junhao, Feng Xiyao

Following a tragic car accident, two childhood friends were separated. Many years later, they reunited as foster siblings. They probed and tested each other, navigating through the maze of love and potential family feuds. After many hardships, they worked together to uncover the truth behind the fateful accident.

https://youtu.be/c-5sLCAr0ks?si=l-EpdSzMgEE7TJKd (ENG subs; full version) 

MINI DRAMA

Actors: Yan Yikuan, Song Yi

A story about a socialite in Shanghai whose family falls to ruin and starts on a journey to become a spy. Lu Han Zhi's fate is intertwined between two men from opposing sides of a war. Gao Chen who appears to be a traitor to his country is actually a Communist spy. Han Shou Min who appears to be a patriot and used to be a top spy of the Kuomindang is treading on a path of no return after being betrayed by his own comrades. Caught in a dangerous and increasingly complication situation, Lu Han Zhi grows from a mere socialite to an impassioned revolutionary.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUg6CGAXr7pmy78ApHCKklkB-isU63IVB&si=H5Z0zQAo08_IHkgv (ENG subs; FYI: Episodes are out of order).

Actors: Chen Fangtong, Dai Gaozheng, Wei Tianhao (Vincent), Dong Yan

In a single night, Dong Ting Yao's entire family were wiped out in a massacre. Right before her father died, he told her to seek refuge at her unseen fiance, Fang Yu Ze's home. At the same time, Fang Yu Ze's uncle, Fang Tian Yi, the governor and warlord of the territory, stormed through the doors of the house with his troops, leading Dong Ting Yao to believe that it was Fang Tian Yi who murdered her entire family. After a heated altercation, Fang Tian Yi took Dong Ting Yao back to his residence to hold her captive. Dong Ting Yao, however, escapes from her captivity and makes her way to Fang Yu Ze's home, only to discover that her position as fiancee has been supplanted by her half-sister, Dong Yan Er. Upon also realising that Fang Tian Yi is the head of Fang Yu Ze's household, she then passes herself off as a maidservant in the Fang household in order to try and take revenge on Fang Tian Yi, and at the same time, restore her rightful position as Fang Yu Ze's fiancee. Unfortunately, Fang Tian Yi has other ideas.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLogLib6e6DfRzv1GvGLaaa_0pgXhmiQ5-&si=2w7j78U73_UfNTz3 (ENG subs)

FYI: SA Warning (By episode: 25/26; full version episodes 16-30 at 1:20:00 to 1:25:04 time stamp)

MINI DRAMA

Director: Lin He Long 

Actors: Shen Yue, Wang Hedi (Dylan), Chen Guanghong (Darren), Wu Xize (Caesar), Liang Jingkang (Leon Leong)

An ordinary girl is admitted to the most prestigious school in the country, where she encounters F4, an exclusive group comprised of the four wealthiest and most handsome boys in the school - Dao Ming Si, Hua Ze Lei, Xi Men, and Mei Zuo. Shan Cai is an 18-year-old girl from a family that's barely able to make ends meet. Due to a turn of events, she gets accepted into a school that only accepts upper-class elites. She immediately clashes with her classmates, especially Dao Ming Si, who is spoiled, arrogant, and a bully. She remains defiant even after becoming a target of a series of pranks intended to torment her, and just when she's about to give up, Hua Ze Lei always seems to show up to lend her a helping hand. Eventually, the four boys begin to acknowledge Shan Cai's unyielding personality, which is like her namesake, which is that of a weed that can never be brought down. She also begins to see the good in the boys, which paves the way for friendship and an eventual romance.

Netflix (subscription) (ENG subs)

Actors: Chen Shujun, Leo Yang

18 years ago a young and innocent Xue Tong witnessed her family being brutally murdered. Since then she has hidden herself quietly and patiently, waiting for the day she could put her revenge plan into action. Well that day has come, and Xue Tong has finally returned to her hometown as Miss Lin Bao Er, the daughter of a wealthy Nanyang businessman. Now an adult, Lin Bao Er is clever, cunning, good with a gun, and skilled at understanding the depths of human nature. When she meets the charming young master Zhu Guan Wen, the two decide to pose as couple in order to progress their own interests. Neither can help but grow feelings for each other, but will their love be their greatest strength or their downfall?

https://youtu.be/aYgIliDp56w?si=3gxGMzbHnNeTjiZT (ENG subs; full version) 

FYI: SA Warning at 3:12:07- 3:13:40.  Some may disagree with me here, but the scene ends with her resisting. So, based on the definition of consent this should be classified as SA. 

MINI DRAMA

Actors: Qi Yandi, Li Zhuoyang, Wang Jiali, Lan Cheng

The drama revolves around Rong Yan and Tian You. Rong Yan sought revenge for her family brutally murdered by Lu Sheng, Tian You's father. Rong Yan married Lu Sheng to take revenge for the death of her family while Yun Mo, her friend, helped her in this revenge that had her family murdered by Lu Sheng. Tian You ended up falling in love with Rong Yan while she tried to kill his father. The two begin to have a secret romance at his father's house while she pretends to be his stepmother.

https://dai.ly/x8qc6sh (ENG subs; episode 1-15 and then switch to the first YouTube link).

https://youtu.be/nvy4NAeRjAc?si=-OlVwTVUNBzTjpaI&t=1914 (watch until 36:05, then switch to episode 18 on the second Youtube link; the Eng subs aren't the best in this vid but the other playlist is missing some episodes)

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6uiuE4Hf6Yvkge8BTJkAwFwu0Aai2C2N&si=xX2oWH4lP0L8NYTI (ENG subs; By episode)

MINI DRAMA

Director: Zhou Mu Han 

Actors: Ke Ying, Cavan Wen

It was originally the happy day of the marriage between the wealthy businessman Shen family and the warlord Nie family, but the eldest Miss Shen and the bride, Qing Xia, were suddenly killed. Still wanting to proceed with the lucrative marriage, the Shen family's maid, Hu Die, is forced to pretend to be Qing Xia in order to avenge her and marries Nie Zhen, a young marshal of the Nie family. However, when Hu Die discovers that the suspected perpetrator, of her lady's death and all hints, point directly at Nie Zhen, she becomes more scared and unsure about proceeding with the original plan. Especially, slowly, she really falls in love with Nie Zhen and sees more and more, of his good and honest character. But does she see the real Nie Zhen, or she's slowly falling into his trap?

https://youtu.be/Ivue4udXtyc?si=N3PbiQQryjwfPck7 (ENG subs; Full version)

FYI: SA Warning 

MINI DRAMA

Director: Chu De Jian 

Actors: Li Mozhi, Fan Zhixin

Shen Man Ning, because of an unexpected kidnapping case, discovers Zhuang Xin Yan. After Zhuang Xin Yan dies, the powerful and mysterious Yan Xing Cheng forces Shen Man Ning to start her "second life" as his fiancé. As they overcome adversities and difficulties together, the two go from being completely hostile with one another to slowly joining hands, learning to love and rely on each other. Together they discover the truth of the unsolved case from 17 years ago.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZZZLpfFwcBqsfOnvYOXjBLl_nNP2dG7q&si=AtSpxkX8nSl2fjjP (ENG subs)

Viki Rakuten (Free)

IQIYI VIP 

Director: Shen Qin Yuan 

Actors: Li Ruotian, Wang Yunhan

Marshal Xue Dong Feng returns from the front line to attend the funeral of his father, Governor Xue, and take over as warlord. However, he discovers that his fiancée Ji Lian Yun married his father as his concubine five days prior! Xue Dong Feng, believing that the girl he loved betrayed him, was extremely cruel and humiliating to her...and yet he always came to her rescue whenever there was a crisis. While battling his love and hatred for her, he also suffered jealousy as he watched Ji Lian Yun and his sworn brother Xue Zhi Hai get closer and closer. What Xue Dong Feng didn't know was that the reason Ji Lian Yun married into the Governor's Mansion was for revenge. Five years ago, Ji Lian Yun's businessman father was framed in an arms trafficking case and the whole family was convicted, by none other than Dong Feng's father. According to the testimony of Ji Lian Yun's personal maid, Pin'er, it was Xue Dong Feng who killed her parents in prison. Love, hatred, guilt, innocence, truth, and lies...which of these will survive in this tumultuous chaos?

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIPiKkS-FpK8Z3pkTIJI2FxfIXMJyx-6e&si=55h0_g_OB5UDUPZq (ENG Subs; single episodes)

https://youtu.be/yuiPG2i3auo?si=8nWQl3sftkQCBL17 (ENG subs; full version)

FYI: SA Warning (Attempted)

MINI DRAMA

Actors: Cai Zhengjie, Jiang Yuan Ya Rong

Ling Xiao has laid low for many years in order to finally gain control and become the powerful new city lord. In order to take revenge, he forces the old city lord's daughter, Su Wan Er, to be his forbidden wife. Even though the two have grudges and feuds, they are deeply entangled in love and hate amidst the crises and protections. In the end, where will the future of the two go?

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIPiKkS-FpK-mn2XPJv5w6_lHeNfRpL43&si=uIeGiLMyyz_RRvbW (ENG subs).

MINI DRAMA

Actors: He Xuanlin, Gao Mingchen, Mia Jiaying (Macy), Yang Chenghan

Duan Xun Chu, whose family was wiped out, misunderstood his elder sister-in-law, Lin Wen Yu, as the daughter of his enemy. After living with hatred for many years, he became a warlord general and returned for revenge. The two continued to have conflicts and misunderstandings under the entanglement of family grudges. In the process of pulling each other apart, they secretly fell in love and finally solved the misunderstanding, and the two joined hands to move towards the future.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyLbHF3-UFDDSbtNgG36Qjl1dCExFlueH&si=Hd61-8zLpjKC5Fi- (ENG subs) 

MINI DRAMA

Director: Zeng Qing Jie

Screenwriter: Zhao Lin

Actors: Daisy Li, Zhao Yiqin, Wang Ruolin

Shanghai, early twentieth century. Jiang Ying, a singer at a local club, begins to be linked with a local entertainment mogul, Du Jing Chuan. However, no one knows that the woman, faking her occupation, instead of loving raptures, wants to get closer to the man in order to take revenge on him for the harm done to her family. In the process of carrying out her plan, Du Xun Yu, the son of her nemesis, stands in her way. A man, who was miraculously found two years ago after he disappeared. However, he also hides some secrets, because the real Du Xun Yu has been dead for a long time, and the man only claims to be him. Soon, connected by a common enemy and goal, the pair join forces and begin to work together. What they don't expect, however, is that in addition to revenge, they will also be connected by love. However, can two deceivers, now in disguise of stepmother and stepson, trust the sincerity of it?

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMX26aiIvX5oMww_GBWNzmEmIRNVOeu8c&si=2B8bTYDLe8sCWsR5 (Full version parts 1 and 2; Members Only (you need to pay)). 

https://youtu.be/quPoYSf4Nhc?si=0AGfotNWlVXeWnk_ (ENG subs; shortened version; FREE)

MINI DRAMA

Actors: Li Jiulin, Xiao Yu, Terry Guo, Liu Yuanyuan

Princess Qing Que, the orphaned daughter of prince Huai, grew up in Mu Wang's mansion, where she always received harsh treatment from the princess Mu Qing Cheng. While trying to escape from there, she meets Yun Huan. After saving each other, they promise to spend their life together. However, though Qing Que gave him all her heart, Yun Huan rewarded her with a fatal blow. Qing Que, who had escaped death, then reincarnated as Que Er, wandering in a dangerous relationship between Mu Wang and Yun Huan, playing tricks on people's hearts every step of the way.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLogLib6e6DfTzoqujJA7SNvcyrPBmLaww&si=6O9o7oYYCzS0QLEN (ENG subs; by episode)

https://youtu.be/e0csLrIFbZo?si=nazH4lKs8OYwQQkD (ENG subs; full version)

MINI DRAMA

Director: Sam Ho

Screenwriter: Wu Yao, Jia Dong Yan

Actors: Sun Yi, Han Dongjun (Elvis), Jeremy Tsui, Ma Jinghan

An arrogant third master of a powerful family falls in love at first sight with a pretty young maiden and uses every means possible to force her hand in marriage, despite her harboring a crush on another man. In the beginning of a coerced marriage, she resents him and rejects all his advances and gestures of love, but their love story slowly develops after going through obstacles in times of war and chaos. However, things get complicated when her old flame returns and becomes her husband’s assistant.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPHFQiE-MdaKxvhouhZPS-csYqkNr2e0t&si=9Rmz1o4cfs7aRJzj (ENG subs)

Director: Shen Jin Fei 

Actors: Zhao Zhiwei, Lu Yayang

It tells the story of the cold company President Lu Chen Yang, who is a cruel revenge machine full of calculations to make his opponent pay the price. He finally meets his opponent, the daughter of a desperate rich family, Qianjin Bu Ran. When a hunter begins to fall in love with his prey, all the hatred in his heart turns soft.

Director(s): Liu Xin, Hsiu Lan Hu, Hu Yi Juan 

Actors: Dilraba Dilmurat, Zhang Binbin (Vin), Liu Chang, Li Tai

Gong Sun Li is the granddaughter and disciple of military commander Gong Sun Yu. Jing Ke (first disciple) and Sun Li are childhood lovers and were forced to escape when Qin troops attacked. However, Sun Li’s earth-shattering beauty seizes the interest of the Qin Emperor, Ying Zheng, and she’s captured and sent to his palace. It’s then that she discovers she’s pregnant with Jing Ke’s child. Ying Zheng treats him as if he’s his own child. The tragic day arrives when Jing Ke tries to assassinate Ying Zheng.

Director: Tsang Lai Chun

Screenwriter: Zhou Yong

Actors: Huang Xiaoming, Li Xiaoran

Yin Jing Wan, a young woman from a wealthy merchant family, saved a young man on a train who was escaping from a rivaling warlord manhunt. When she returned home, her parents betrothed her to a childhood friend, but her fiancee was put into prison in Chengzhou for smuggling firearms and illegal Western drugs. Jing Wan decided to go to Chengzhou to rescue her fiancee. But she did not know this trip would completely change her life.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQqbdnAgoRma7k3Gg1sd6yzXi7jMLu3Sl&si=uFX1tvrSSt3Jmk41 (ENG subs; FYI last episode doesn't have ENG subs)