emberzmars

Great styling, acting & first half. Second half was draggy for me

I came across this drama on subreddit CShortDramas. Members there raved about the new Wang Hao Zhen's drama. I was pleasantly surprised to see Lu Lu Lu as his leading lady. I think the last time I watched her drama was Zephyr Wafts and that was months ago. Overall I enjoyed this drama despite its long duration.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He was tactical & persistent. Declaring FL as his girlfriend in front of his colleagues and showering them with gifts - bold move.
2. Romance - This drama combines two romance tropes: workplace romance & second chance romance. The first official encounter reminds me of American TV show Grey's Anatomy. Their romance was hot & fiery but shortlived when ML's ex made an appearance. ML tried his best to win her heart again and finally she relented.
3. Styling - I really liked the styling for Wang Hao Zheng in this drama. His hairstyle made him youthful and stylish looking. Lu Lu Lu looked chic & cool in her casual clothes. I noticed the kitten heels that she wore - guess she is tall & there isn't big height difference between her and WHZ.
4. FL characterisation - I liked her in the first city that she worked in. I liked that she dumped her ex immediately after finding out that he cheated on her. I also enjoyed watching the fun / light side of her.
5. Supporting characters - I liked the nurses at the first hospital.

What I disliked:
1. The breakup - I think at least one hour of the drama was on their break up & ML's reconciliation attempt. This arc was draggy and tiring with FL resisting ML's attempt for a second chance.
2. Second half - 3 hours was too much time for this romance-focused drama with no antagonist. The baddie in the drama is the couple themselves - ML for not being upfront about his past relationship & FL for resisting & resentment.
3. ML's ex - Her presence annoyed me. ML repeatedly told her that he wasn't interested in her anymore but she was self-absorbed & delusional.

Favourite scene
Their first intimate scene

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Revenge tale with bad romance, paper-thin characters & plot

I was excited when I found out about this drama because I am a fan of both Chen Si Che and Yang Yu Bin. I was dismayed by this story as it did not meet my expectations.

What I liked:
1. Physical touch - Plenty of kisses in this drama although most seemed coerced.
2. Yang Yu Bin - Damn, he looked hot & very sexy shirtless. He could portray a character with tormented soul very well.
3. Styling - Perfect outfits for our leads. The disguise worn by FL was funny because there were unbelievable .
4. Supporting characters - I really liked Du Yu, ML's assistant & FL's two good friends.

Disliked:
1. Romance - It lacked development & mutuality. There was no genuine emotional connection between FL and ML. I wish they were honest with each other before halfway mark & had gone for partnership / alliance.
2. Revenge - FL's revenge plan wasn't clear. At times I forgot that she was seeking revenge for her sister.
3. ML's characterisation - He was mad, distrustful & unlikeable. I hated that he tortured FL.

Favourite scene
When FL went undercover by wearing a disguise

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Underwhelmed by Wang Xiao Yi's performance but Xue Bin Hong was fantastic in his role

I noticed this drama when it was a new release. There were many members of r/CShortDramas interested in this series. I decided to watch it today and hhhhhmmmm it was ok. I expected something different.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He was funny goofball and I liked him a lot! His interactions with his father was comical. I don't recall if I had seen Xue Bin Hong before but he was fantastic in this role.
2. FL's sister - She was adopted by FL's family and I really enjoyed her arc. So glad it didn't go the typical route.
3. FL characterisation - She literally kicked ass and I liked it. She was also smart & capable leader.
4. Tone - I was surprised by its light tone because I expected this drama to be dark & violent.
5. Styling - I liked ML's outfits and FL's assassin outfits.

Disliked:
1. Wang Xiao Yi - I felt she didn't have enough charisma and acting skills to portray an assassin disguising as an heiress. She didn't convey right facial expressions to show two different personas so I couldn't connect to her character. She also didn't put any effort in her character’s dynamics with ML.
2. Storytelling - While I appreciated that drama mixes different tropes (assassin, real vs fake heiress, wealth dispute), the mini arcs were all over the place. I couldn't care less & got bored.
3. Supporting characters - Too many underutilised characters. For example, did writer need to have 3 Lu brothers in this story? Why did another uncle (younger looking) appear close to the ending?
4. Styling - FL's clothes as heiress made her looked like a silly high schooler. Too hard to be cute.

Favourite scene
When FL rescued her sister

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Cool & intelligent Rong Yu and her good-looking great grandsons

I watched part 1 a few days ago and was blown away by the quality of production (writing, acting & directing). I decided to watch this drama as part of my preparation for a reddit post on Li Ke Yi's dramas. I enjoyed part 2 very much!

What I liked:
1. Acting - Top notch acting by the cast, which had 2 new additions: Wu Tian Hao & Wang Dao Tie. My favourite is Wang Pei Yan - he was amazing at portraying a rascal and that heartwarming lesson of humility.
2. Jinchuan's arc - My favourite arc. I liked how Rong Yu's instincts were right and she was quick to investigate.
3. Styling - My favourite is Wu Tian Hao's outfits. They managed to give different looks for his character's before and after. I also liked Wang Dao Tie's outfits though I don't quite understand why must he be punished while being shirtless huhuhu.
4. Supporting characters - Great to see Butler Yu , Duoduo and Mr Ji's childhood rival again.
5. Visuals - Attractive cast. Rong Yu has attractive great-grandsons.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I felt tired by the mother-daughter duo. Daughter was a spoilt brat who didn't appreciate hard-earned money. Hope season 3's antagonist is a new character.
2. Zeng Hui - He had a cameo but his face is in the poster. I wish they had Qu Gang in the poster too. Anyway his character was too small to bear any significance.

Favourite scene
When Rong Yu introduced the Jis to Jinchuan

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Sweet campus life drama that made me giggle & giddy

It's been awhile since I last watched Liang Si Wei drama. I like both his and Yao Yu Chen's acting so was delighted to see them paired up. I enjoyed this drama - giggled most of the time while watching.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was sweet and kind girl. She sensed that ML was going through tough times so she cheered him up in secret - I really liked that!

2. ML characterisation - Cool, rich guy who was nice. I liked that he did go neanderthal when he started to develop crush on FL.
3. Romance - FL had crush on ML for years and huhu she even had spring dream about him. I liked how ML openly declared that he was pursuing FL as his girl. Their romance involved a lot of teasing & sweet gestures. There were some spicy moments.
4. Supporting characters - Their group of friends were awesome. They teased them a lot of times and it's amusing.
5. Acting - This is my first time watching Yao Yu Chen & Loang Si Wei playing cute roles and I liked it immensely. The supporting cast did well in their roles too.
6. Tone - Lighthearted, stress free drama. I liked that there was no "Ge Ge" cooing in this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Parents - FL's parents neglected her and her mom seemed selfish. ML's father put too much pressure on him & was abusive.

Favourite scene
When ML was moved by FL's feelings for him

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Inner thoughts + great kisses in Chinese republican vertical drama - I ❤️ it!

I discovered this drama by chance, I think via reddit. I was drawn to the title implying ML was not a nice guy but could hear FL's thoughts. I enjoyed it immensely!

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - It was amusing to see his reactions whenever he heard his wife's thoughts. I liked that he put on menacing exterior but protective of his wife even when she feared him.
2. FL characterisation - She was so likeable - I loved it! I also liked her for having a crush on her hubby and being jealous of the "mysterious concubine".
3. Romance - Slow but gosh the kisses were great. ML kissed with fervour and that solution to keeping down the snoring was steamy and amusing!
4. Acting - This was my first time watching both Wu Jia Lu and Song Yu Bo and I was impressed by their acting individually and as a couple. The supporting cast did well too.
5. Supporting characters - ML's brothers were suspicious at first but they turned out to be wonderful.
6. Ending - I loved it!
7. Tropes - This drama excelled in both inner thoughts and Republican era tropes. The latter tends to be toxic but not this drama, which I loved!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Gosh ML's father was envious of his son but overall quite interesting villain. Straightforward arc which I liked.

Favourite scene
ML trying to solve FL's snoring problem.

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Outrageous plot, underdeveloped story but Ma Qian Huan made me plough through

This drama dropped last weekend and I watched on the same day as its release. I am a new fan of Ma Qian Huan and this drama's short length fueled my excitement. I was entertained despite the flaw.

What I liked:
1. Kisses - Lust, lust, lust - their relationship was very physical because of an itch that FL needed to scratch. There were 2 memorable spicy scenes.
2. Plot - Outrageous but I liked it. It's a story that requires viewers to turn their brains off because some parts did not make sense.
3. Supporting characters - I liked the assistants of both FL & ML. They were loyal & amusing.
4. Styling - Whoever thought of putting MQH in a maid's outfit should get a bonus. He also looked damn handsome in black tanktop & a bathrobe with a chunky necklace.
5. Length - Drama is only 100 minutes and easy to follow.

Disliked:
1. Main characters - Underdeveloped. I found FL bland and ML too accommodating like his only purpose was just to be a plaything and FL's lifesaver.
2. Romance - I felt their romance lacked substance. ML did a lot for FL and their relationship. I understand if FL felt undeserving due to her upbringing but she could have said it instead of being wishy-washy.
3. Antagonists - Evil father & stepmother. ML's uncle arc was quite weak.

Favourite scene
When ML had to be FL's antidote while they were on an uninhabited island.

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Healthy relationship with lotsa spice & sweetness

I discovered this drama when I was updating Xue Zi Qi's list of dramas a few days ago. I liked her in two dramas in which she played dominant FLs. I also liked Fang Zheng Nan's acting. After watching many duds, I decided to watch this drama and yay, I enjoyed it immensely. This is my favourite role played by Xue Zi Qi.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - This drama is told from his perspective and it's refreshing. I liked that he worked hard to make FL happy. I also liked that he set boundaries with SFL and made her pay for the bad things she did in his past life.
2. FL characterisation - She was very cool. Despite the tomboyish nature, she did embrace femininity by through shoes, handbags & pedicure. I loved that she was a black belt holder in taekwondo.
3. Romance - They are a healthy couple who communicates regularly. It's wonderful to see that they love each other for who they are. The kisses are hot and ML had a foot fetish (don't blame him because Xue Zi Qi is tall for a FL)! There was a great balance of spicy and sweet.
4. Comedy - I wasn't expecting that many comedic moments.
5. Supporting characters - I liked FL's parents. Their friend Susan and her partner were good too.
6. Styling - I loved the matching couple's outfit. Xue Zi Qi looked gorgeous in shorts - she is leggy.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - SFL who was ML's colleague was annoying. She saw ML as her cash cow but when ML rejected her, she claimed she didn't want him but was still interfering in his life.
2. Duration - The drama was close to 3 hours and I found certain parts were draggy. I didn't pay attention to those scenes.
3. Secret - I wish ML had told FL that he was terminally ill before rebirth. I also wondered if he managed to escape the terminal illness post-rebirth.

Favourite scene
Taekwondo sparring

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A 'robot as companion' drama with good balance of comedy & drama & well-written character arcs

This is my third collab drama by married couple Bai Xin Yi & Zhu Yi Wei. I have always been fascinated by dramas with sci-fi elements so this drama caught my attention when it was talked about in a sub-reddit that I join. I did a buddy watch with MDL user Fae. I must say I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of this drama and this is my favourite drama by the couple.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - What an amazing arc! She was vulnerable but willing to face her challenges by accepting her friend's gift. She's kind but not a pushover.
2. ML characterisation - It's a weird idea but luckily ML wasn't a weirdo. He is Mr Nice Guy who had longtime crush on FL but didn't openly pursue FL because of her mental health issue.
3. Acting - Top notch acting by both Bai Xin Yi, Zhu Yi Wei and the rest of the cast. I particularly enjoyed Zhu Yi Wei's robot expressions though there were times he was clearly not a robot but FL was oblivious.
4. Styling - Zhu Yi Wei always wore glasses in the dramas that I watched so it's nice to see him without glasses. Impeccable styling for him. I loved the packaging of the robot - the white suit was 👌🏼.
5. Writing - This drama had the perfect balance of comedy & drama. Thank you to the writer for not including clichés such as drugging, kidnapping, slapfest. I also liked that FL's love rival was given an arc.
6. Supporting cast - OMG I loved them all from FL's grandma & ML's parents to ML's assistant, FL's love rival and the Fangs.

What I disliked:
1. Spice - The drama was almost perfect except it lacked spicy scenes. I understand that some couples prefer not to have intimate scenes in their dramas.
2. Styling - I wish Bai Xin Yi was given better outfits for her everyday wear. She looked too homely against better styled Zhu Yi Wei.

Favourite scene
When FL disclosed to her love rival that ML was a robot

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Plenty of kisses, affections and likeable leads in this story of longtime crush

I decided to watch this drama after reading positive review on sub-reddit CShortDramas. Both Cao Qian Yi and Li You Lin were unfamiliar to me. I must say I was pleasantly surprised by this story - I enjoyed it immensely.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - In most vertical dramas, FL is shy or skittish with ML for a long time. I liked that Jin Wu was quick to accept ML's feelings for her and then reciprocated his love. Awesome doctor as well.
2. Romance - This is a romance-heavy drama and I love it! Plenty of kisses and affections between the couple. I liked that their relationship was harmonious right from the start - no misunderstanding / assumptions, no fighting / no playing hard to get.
3. ML characterisation - Duan Shi Yan was a total green flag character. A devoted partner who isn't intimidated by a career-focused woman. He pined over FL for many years but never aggressive in his wooing. He respected her by giving her the power to decide when they should have sex.
4. Acting - First time watching Cao Qian Yi and Li You Lin's acting and I liked it very much. They had great chemistry too.
5. Styling - I loved FL's red dress!
6. Supporting characters - I loved ML's family (grandma, parents) for being so welcoming towards FL. ML's friends were a good bunch too. I also liked patient An An and ML's dog

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's ex who is the SML was despicable - expecting a child with his mistress whilst on romantic relationship with FL. Another person I disliked is FL's mother. She was selfish, insecure & status hungry she was willing to sacrifice FL's happiness.

Favourite scene
When ML was coquettish with FL acting drunk & dizzy in front of his friends

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Earnest performances and great chemistry by the leads made this drama an enjoyable watch!

I was intrigued with this drama because of MDL user Raiana's positive review. I think I didn't notice this drama when it was a new release because the main actor and main actress were unfamiliar to me. Glad Raiana's review caught my attention because I really enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Wow their first intimate encounter was hot though I didn't like that it was drug-induced. I liked that FL acknowledged her growing feelings for ML when they were intimate the second time. There were many passionate kisses. I also loved their normal couple interactions such as texting, having conversation about work.
2. Acting - For unknown leads, Wang Yan Yang & Gao Rui Ting did a great job portraying their characters. They were able to demonstrate characters' insecurities and concerns. They also had great chemistry and seemed comfortable with each other.
3. ML characterisation - I liked that ML was earnest & kind. He was never about favours when wanting to help FL. It's also great to see ML who had his own challenges to overcome as it provided depth to his character.
4. FL characterisation - She had trust issues and I understood her actions especially when it came to her love life. I liked that she was clear about separating personal stuff from work.
5. Supporting characters - SML is a scumbag but gosh he was surrounded by sensible people. I really liked his assistant & well-dressed, handsome best friend who were truthful to him about the changing dynamics between ML and FL. I also liked Tian Hao, ML's assistant. Pudding was so adorable!

Disliked:
1. Antagonists - This drama has the most antagonists in a vertical drama: FL's parents, FL's adopted sister, FL's love rival / SML's white moonlight, ML's grandmother, ML's white moonlight. The ones that I hated the most are FL's father & ML's grandmother. Both were money- and power-hungry and always scheming. I can't believe FL's father for treating his daughter like a chest piece. FL's adopted sister was petulant and like a kid trying to be grown up.
2. Styling - ML needs better hairstyling. OMG why was his fringe uneven? Tian Hao ML's assistant had better hairstyle than him.

Favourite scene
The morning after when FL realised her growing feelings for ML

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Amnesia, reconciliation and ML's character growth are the essence of this drama

I watched this drama during the early months of vertical drama exploration. I think I chose this drama because of the amnesia trope.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I disliked him at first because he was cold, distant & aggressive towards his wife. Then his personality changed after the car accident. He became charming & serious about his marriage. I also liked that he set boundaries against the green tea.
2. Romance - Mostly sweet & tender moments with ML trying to win over FL's heart. I liked their dynamics since they worked together to punish ML's brother.
3. Acting - I enjoyed the acting of Qiao Jia Le & Zhang Xing Yao. Both of them had great chemistry and I hope to watch them collab again the future.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's grandma for being on FL's side.
5. Tone - I enjoyed this lighthearted drama. I also liked that this drama was under 1 hour 45 minutes.
6. Styling - I loved FL's makeup because it looked natural. I am big fan of peter pan collar so that blue '80s inspired blazer was pretty.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's parents & brother were horrible people. Green tea was narcissist & delusional - ML clearly stated that he's married. Office bullying is not cool.
2. Threat - I hate it when ML of vertical drama threatens a character to be sent to Africa as punishment.

Favourite scene
When ML tried to be intimate after drinking soup

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Captivated by their relationship and individual growth. Plenty of heavy kissing!

I was in the mood for Chen Si Che drama after a repeat watch of Secretary An Secretly Went on a Business Trip and Made President Gu Cry. I noticed this drama when it was a fresh release and realised I hadn't watched any Ma Qian Huan drama. I enjoyed this drama very much.

What I liked:
1. Spice - Most vertical dramas have a steamy start but as dramas progress, the romance scenes are mild. Not this drama - there are plenty of kissing scenes.
2. FL characterisation - She worked as perfumer and I loved the scenes of her at work. She was flawed character - she had a hidden agenda and used ML to achieve her goal. Her character was fascinating.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's close friend.
4. Romance - At the start of the drama, I saw their relationship as toxic because ML insisted on his ways. However my view changed when FL and ML spent time apart. He began to change his ways and care for FL as friend instead of as an "owner".
5. Acting - Chen Si Che and Ma Qian Huan gave amazing performances as both managed to demonstrate the intricacies of their characters. They had sizzling chemistry too.
6. Styling - Impeccable styling for both leads. Ma Qian Huan was very handsome and Chen Si Che looked elegant and beautiful. She is always radiant in red dresses.

What I disliked:
1. ML's actions - I disliked him at the start because he was domineering lover who viewed FL as canary and didn't want to listen to FL.

Favourite scene
When ML searched for FL and found her at the park

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Well balanced romance mystery drama with combustible chemisty & amazing acting

I chose to watch this drama because of Raiana's positive review and my mood for something steamy. This is my first drama that has both Chen Jing He and Cui Shi Yi together. I enjoyed it very much.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I have watched drama starring real couple but the chemistry just didn't translate well on screen. Not this one - damn what a sizzling chemistry! The first intimate encounter was damn spicy. Their kisses 🔥. I liked how affectionate they were with each other.
2. Ethics - I liked how ethics was a core theme in this drama from the time FL's decision to support the disadvantaged clients to SFL's decision to do what's right by law.
3. Dynamics - I loved the dynamics between ML and his subordinate / friend - they provided much needed comic relief. I also liked the secondary romance.
4. Supporting characters - ML's subordinate is the MVP of thos drama!
5. Language - There is a significant amount of dialogue in Cantonese and I found it wonderful to hear. However I was surprised by the use of certain English words in the drama.
6. Antagonists - I really enjoyed their arc.
7. Styling - Girl, Cui Shi Yi was freaking hot especially in those shorts! Most of the cast wore wonderful outfits.

What I disliked:
1. The ending - What is that supposed to mean???

Favourite scene
When FL took ML to her house for the first time

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The rebirth of ML and his pursuit of revenge. Wish there were more romance

I watched this drama at the recommendation of reddit friend. I had watched Xue Zi Qi as SFL but this is my first drama with her as FL. Overall I liked this drama though I wish for more.

What I liked:
1. Role reversal - I liked that ML was more nurturing, househusband type while FL was influential CEO.
2. Romance - Clearly FL was more into ML in the relationship. Overall sweet romance. XZQ is a good kisser though I wish there were more kissing scenes.
3. Reborn - This is my first ML reborn drama and I enjoyed it. It's interesting to see ML seeking revenge for bad treatment he got in past life.
4. Styling - I loved XZQ's hairstyle - the shorter above shoulder cut suits her! I also loved her dresses & hats.

What I disliked:
1 . Antagonists - Typical antagonist - jealous family members. I doubled the speed when their scenes took place because they were nothing new.
2. Revenge - I found the arc draggy because a lot of yapping. Wish there was more romance scenes.

Favourite scene
The morning after

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