emberzmars

Kindness & patience never felt this rewarding before

I remember the date I watched this drama. It was 2 February 2025, right after I finished watching GOT7 livestreamed concert. Anyway what drew me to this drama was the title & high view count. I enjoyed this drama even though the 'philandering prince of Beijing' title was misleading.

What I liked:
1. ML's characterisation - I liked that he was not CEO but he was rugged, work-with-his-hands guy! He was intense at times but overall treated FL with respect. Cheng Yue was good and sweet in this role.
2. FL's characterisation - I am not a fan of meek FLs but she won me over with her sweet demeanor & character growth. I liked that she never took advantage of ML's kindness. She had just gotten out of a bad relationship & didn't go for rebound/one night stand. Hu Jia Ni did well in this role.
3. Romance - For once, I was glad that their romance developed slowly. Their love language was definitely act of service. Their height difference was big but adorable.
4. Supporting characters - The two mechanics were entertaining.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - I hate men who abused their power at workplace. FL's boss was despicable.

Favourite scene
When ML made a surprise visit to FL's hotel room

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Plenty kisses, strong visuals but story played it safe

Someone wrote about this drama on reddit. Apparently there were 4 versions of this plot and this version was their favourite version. I was intrigued because I had never seen Shi Tong's work before. So last night I watched before going to sleep.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Shi Tong & Wang Ying Jie had a combustible chemistry. There were many kissing & intimate scenes I thought their clothes were going to set on fire. Some sweet moments were present too, courtesy of ML. However I wish there were more discussions between them about their relationship.
2. Acting - I was impressed by Shi Tong's acting. Will definitely watch her other dramas. Wang Ying Jie & Zhang Chi were also good in their roles. Both actors were handsome.
3. Styling - Great styling for FL, ML & SML enhanced their good looks.

What I disliked:
1. FL's arc - Her boxing story was fascinating but sadly wasn't elaborated. I wish director & writer used different approach to tell story of her past because her reason for sticking to her ex hubby was only unveiled in the third act.
2. Antagonists - SML's mistress was irritating & disrespectful. FL's cousin was annoying too.
3. ML's arc - ML's arc was also underdeveloped. I'd like to know more about him as individual. Why was he in fights?

Favourite scene
Makeout session before the auction

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Fascinating forensic medical examiner FL in a well-written romance drama

I was intrigued by this drama because of FL's occupation - a forensic medical examiner. I hadn't watched Zhang Ruo Chen's drama before but am familiar with Wang Bo. I enjoyed this drama immensely!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Song Wei Wei was intelligent and self-efficient. She didn't need her husband to solve her problem. I loved how she dealt with the white moonlight, the award and donation. I was impressed by Zhang Ruo Chen's acting. I'll definitely check out her other dramas.
2. ML characterisation - Green flag hero but with a flaw, which should be the way so the character can grow. His flaw is his assumptions about his wife but he learned his lessons. Oh I really liked that he's proud of her wife being a forensic medical examiner, unlike her ex. I liked Wang Bo's acting here because his drama with Wang Ge Ge left me disappointed.
3. Romance - Slow burn. Mostly sweet with slight spice. I really liked that ML trusted FL right from the start of their flash marriage. There was great chemistry between Zhang Ruo Chen and Wang Bo.
4. Forensic - Thank you to the director for showcasing FL at work. I appreciate the forensic work scenes even though there were just a handful.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's close colleague, grandmothers from both FL & ML.
6. Antagonists - I think the main antagonist arc was done well. Bitter ex who also had issues related to inheritance.

What I disliked:
1. Luxury goods - I wish the scene where ML's grandma gifted a designer bag to FL was written better. It gave a little haughty vibe but I know ML's grandma meant well.
2. Wedding scene - I wish FL's grandma was there because it was a very special event. Anyway I didn't like FL's wedding dress as it looked too 80s to me.

Favourite scene
When FL confronted her dean & his niece about the award and donation

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A delightfully sweet & comical time travelling/transmigration romcom

I haven't used my paid iQiyi subscription ever since I discovered vertical c dramas on Youtube last December. Yesterday I browsed my app and realised that I could watch shorts / vertical dramas on iQiyi with my subscription (unlike another OTT platform that I've subscribed too). Decided on this particular drama because of the title 'Lost Memory, Handsome in Panic'. Very delighted to see my favourite actress Zhang Chu Xuan in the first episode!

What I liked:
1. Plot - Refreshing tale of time travel/transmigration. I didn't know where the drama was going to take me after my initial guesses were inaccurate. I just enjoyed the drama.
2. Comedy - This drama was hilarious. Zhang Chu Xuan aced comedy bits once again.
3. Romance - Sweet, sweet, sweet romance with many warm & tender moments. There was a misunderstanding about ML's concealed identity but it was resolved within the next episode.
4. FL characterisation - FL was hardworking, smart and self-assured. I loved her interactions with ML and her sister. She was even kind to a supposedly love rival.
5. ML characterisation - ML was besotted with FL and I could see why. He was kind and supportive towards FL - he became her mentor when she needed help with improving her business acumen. I was pleasantly surprised to see Huang Jing Zhou as the ML. I had seen him as SML in a mini drama - he had very little screen time but his looks captivated me. Huang Jing Zhou gave me Luo Yunxi vibe!
6. Supporting characters - It's refreshing that there is no sibling rivalry in this drama. I loved FL's sister! I also liked FL's parents, FL's supposedly love rival & ML's friend even though they had very short screentime.

What I disliked:
1. Lu Wanqing - What happened to the original Lu Wanqing? What's her story with her family?

Favourite scene
When ML first met FL in modern time. He was spellbound!

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FL fitting as ballerina, sweet romance

I saw clips of this drama on my Youtube shorts. As I clicked play, this drama's plot seemed familiar to me as I recognised the names of FL, ML, FL's ex and FL's occupation. This is the second version of the plot that I have watched version. The other version starred Wang Xin and Lei Xiaomi.

What I liked:
1. Styling - Wang Xiaoyi, who played FL, looked beautiful in several outfits in particular red dress & traditional outfit that she wore for dancing. I also like the tracksuits. Wang Nan with silver hair looked like anime character - that was cool moment which reminds me of Lighter & Princess.
2. Ballet - I love the scenes where FL danced ballet. Wang Xiaoyi was graceful & elegant.
3. Romance - Sweet romance. Milder intimate scenes compared to Wang Xin-Lei Xiaomi version.

What I disliked:
1. Variety show - There was a solo female contestant in the variety show. It made the show imbalanced.
2. Duration - This drama's duration is 1 hour 45 minutes. I wish drama was at least 2 hours because I wanted to see more romantic scenes.

Favourite scene
FL dancing ballet

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Wang Yi Ran excelled in this soul swapped romcom

I love Secret Love at 30,000 feet so I searched for other dramas that have both Wang Yi Ran & Hong Cheng Yue. Decided to watch this drama after a watching revenge-heavy vertical drama. This drama is entertaining!

What I liked:
1. Comedy - OMG the comedic parts were hilarious. I was pleasantly surprised by Wang Yi Ran's acting as I've only watched him in dramatic roles. Hong Cheng Yue & actor who played ML's assistant were good too!
2. Romance - It's a nice, sweet build up from '2 strangers stuck in same predicament' to 'partners in "crime" and eventually in life'.
3. Supporting characters - I like ML's assistant, FL's close colleague & ML's mother. I kinda like FL's crush even though he had short screentime. He was an eyecandy.
4. Ending - It's not original as I've seen same ending being used in other vertical dramas. Nevertheless it is a funny yet touching ending.

What I disliked:
1. Product placement - I found it amusing than dislike. I was laughing when the brand made appearance at the couple's romantic dinner at a restaurant.
2. Fangirls - Gosh Mr Fu has many self-proclaimed fiancées. The head fangirl is delulu & cruel!
3. Gossipmongers - Public shaming is popular trope in vertical dramas but gosh one particular scene baffled me. FL, head fangirl & their colleagues were having a meeting with a client & head fangirl accused FL of purposely losing client's deck. There were 2 colleagues that joined in the bashing. That's shameful because in real life, internal conflict shouldn't be made public because that behaviour would give negative image of a company to a client.

Favourite scene
When ML asked his assistant for love advice. Assistant really worked hard on it!

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Plenty of kisses & supernatural connection made this drama enjoyable

I watched this drama on 10 January after browsing Zhao Mu Yan's drama list. This is my first time watching Feng Xiang Kun.

What I liked:
1. Romance - It is like a vampire story since ML drinks FL's blood to recover from an illness. Their kissing and intimate scenes were sexy although some looked like rough play. Feng Xiang Kun & Zhao Mu Yan have good chemistry.
2. Feng Xiang Kun - I am a sucker for actors with mole / beauty mark on their faces and Feng Xiang Kun is such an eyecandy. I like his acting despite ML being typical domineering CEO.
3. Connection - Because of the bloodsucking, ML could feel FL whenever she is in pain. I enjoy this arc.
4. Ending - Sweet ending!
5. Supporting characters - I like ML's assistant & grandpa.

What I disliked:
1. Villains - I dislike them esepcially the SFL. However I do think actor who played SML villain did good job.
2. FL characterisation - Sometimes FL behaved like a damsel in distress. Those parts I didn't enjoy.

Favourite scene
The ending

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Funny & fluffy romcom

I am a massive fan of Zhen Zi Qi. I have watched him act alongside Jadie Jia so I kinda know what to expect from this drama.

What I liked:
1. Comedy - The comedic bits were led by Jadie Jia. Romcom is definitely her forte.
2. Childhood flashbacks - Omg younger ML & younger FL were so adorable. You'll understand the crush when you watch the flashbacks though I think ML should have a harder crush on FL.
3. Romance - I like that FL took initative at the start of their entanglement. Sweet romance followed suit - I really liked ML caring for FL almost at the end of the drama.
4. Supporting characters - I like the FL's bestie, her younger brother, ML's assistant & FL's mother.

What I disliked:
1. Villains - It sucks that there was an impersonator.

Favourite scene
When ML cared for feverish FL

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Sweet romance

I decided to watch this series because of Li Sheng Jie. I enjoyed his performance in a drama with Zhao Zaoer.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I like that both FL & ML did the wooing. The flirting & banter between them were sweet & adorable. It's wonderful to see FL wanting to go further in the relationship and making the moves.
2. FL characterisation - I enjoyed watching the growth of FL. She became more confident & comfortable with herself. It's great seeing her being firm with the guy whom she used to have feelings for.
3. ML characterisation - I like how his character was written. He's edgy but a sweetheart. I also like how he confronted SML about the harassment.
4. Supporting characters - I like the besties of both FL & ML. They're fun when four of them hang out.

What I disliked:
1. SML - It's frustrating to see a guy who refused to accept reality. I don't understand why writer chose to wrap up his character that way. The actor was handsome & had good facial expressions.

Favourite scene
When FL making the moves on ML

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Short tale of female empowerment

I am massive fan of Zhang Chu Xuan. She is good in choosing her roles - never typecast. This drama title in Drama Zone caught my attention.

What I liked:
1. Female empowerment - For a short drama, this drama managed to showcase arcs of 3 empowered women. Instead of giving bad treatment to antagonists, she turned them to friends / allies.
2. Acting - The 3 ladies excelled in their role.
3. Length - Good concise storytelling told in less than an hour.
4. Romance - It was a toxic relationship at first but ML changed his behaviour. He was supportive of her needs. Their kiss at the car was great.

What I disliked:
1. Ending - Actually there isn't anything I dislike about this drama. Something I wish for more is I want more romance between FL & ML.

Favourite scene
When FL gave advice to Sally Xu after listening to Sally's bad marriage

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Enthralling tale of forbidden love with gripping performances

I am a massive fan of Zhen Zi Qi after watching his performance in Sheng Se Quan Ma so I binged his dramas.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Wow, this tale is full of angst and sexual tension. I dislike their dynamics at the start because ML was domineering & condescending. However things changed when FL started to express her feelings for ML. The confession was heartfelt & endearing.
2. Bestie - OMG FL's bestie is awesome. She is protective & respectful of FL. That rooftop cafe scene was heartwarming. The exact embodiment of "chicks before dicks".
3. Acting - Brilliant, gripping performance from Zhen Zi Qi & Quan Rui. Her character is mute but she conveyed her feelings & emotions through facial expressions.
4. Ending - I like how cheeky FL was with her surprise.

What I disliked:
1. Lu Xiao - He invaded FL & ML's privacy & I was shocked by his action. Despicable.
2. ML's characterisation - I dislike him at the start. I don't understand why he didn't want their relationship to be public.

Favourite scene
When FL had one-on-one talk about the hidden camera incident & boat accident

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Great start, alright end but most important, good chemistry

I am a massive fan of Zhang Chu Xuan & have seen Xie Yu Wang in another drama with spicy scene at the start. Was curious to see how this pair work on screen so I clicked play.

What I liked:
1) FL characterisation - I love that FL Jiang Yu Yang is not work that is common in cdramaland (businesswoman, designer). She is an actress who has a crush on voice actor. I like that she acts her age because I dislike childlike & childish FL.
2) Acting - Zhang Chu Xuan was excellent in her role here. She has great chemistry with Xie Yu Wang who gave a subdued performance of a CEO in love.
3) Romance - The flirting at the start was so sweet. That role play was hot. There is good amount of skinship though I wish there were more kisses.
4) Supporting characters - I like FL's best friend, Fu Yi Ze, ML's mother, FL's grandfather & ML's assistant. I was surprised when ML's assistant showed his emotions in a hospital scene almost at the end.

What I disliked:
1) Villain - I notice that many villains in vertical shot drama tend to be women scorned due to rejection of ML. This archetype is tiring me. The heinous attacks villain did on FL were shocking.
2) FL's action - I dislike FL's action towards villain once she was drugged. I understand the wrath but to leave a woman in a known vulnerable situation just doesn't sit well with me.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML flirting on the phone at the start of drama

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Does ML deserve second chance in this romance drama?

Lately I am in the mood to binge vertically shot Chinese dramas. This drama appeared on my Youtube dashboard & I gave it a go after quickly perusing the comments.

What I liked:
1) Acting - I was impressed by her acting. She managed to show different sides of Wen Yan: firm, vulnerable and strong. I will definitely check out her other works.
2) Visuals - Chen Mu Ye is very pretty. Wang Yi Ran is handsome. Both of them give this "high society" beauty & elegance.
3) Plot - Depsite the plot holes, this drama was light & easy to follow.

What I disliked:
1) Relationship - I notice other C dramas with 'husband neglecting wife for years' theme and this drama is the one with least suffering. While I am ok that the neglect only happened for 1 year, I still think ML is undeserving of FL because is he mistaking guilt for love?
2) Romance - The kissing scenes played around angles rather than real, lingering kisses. Wish there were proper grovelling & more affectionate scenes too.

Favourite scene
When Wen Yan was hospitalised after an assault

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Action-packed mini drama with great chemistry

This mini drama was recommended to me when I was looking for action romance. I was engrossed in the story that I could finish it in one sitting.

What I liked:
1) Acting - It's rare to get well-acted male and female leads in a mini drama. Leo Yang fits this agent-gone-rogue personnel. I didn't find his visuals outstanding but there is something about his gaze and smirk that captivated me. That scene at the hospital impressed me. I also like Han Le Yao's acting. She matched the intensity of Leo's acting.
2) Romance - I like watching the relationship between A Sen and Ling Yi progressed from strangers to fake relationship to real lovers. There aren't many kisses but when they kissed, they were really into each other. I like the back hugs, the hand holding.
3) Ling Yi's characterisation - One of the best female leads in action-thriller mini dramas. Her character isn't coy nor dumb. She knew her place in each setting even though at times she did act impulsively.
4) Shooting locations - Some locations were exotic and very pretty like the riviera, desert and flat roof house.
5) Action scenes - Well choreographed and shot scenes. The fighting, gun shooting, bombing - they looked real.

What I disliked:
1) Elena - I knew she was the culprit way back when she complained about her passive role within the organisation. Her decisions baffled me and dislike her seducing A Sen.
2) Ending - Feel like there is loose end with Elena and Tai. I understand the time jump but would have liked more scenes between A Sen and Ling Yi.

Favourite scene
When Ling Yi was sulking then bickered with A Sen in episode 16. I like seeing A Sen's smirk and smile.

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Always treasure family over money

I watched in Malaysian cinema on 9 June 2024. This movie reminds me of my own grandma. When I was on summer break from uni in Australia, my dad asked me to return home. I visited my grandma 1 week before I returned to Australia then few days after, my grandma passed. I was grateful that I made the trip to visit her.

What I like:
1) How to make millions before grandma dies is beautifully written & directed film. Cinematography was well done. Well done, Pat Boonnitipat and his team!
2) It is set in Thailand but the core themes relatable to Malaysian audiences. Some cultural practices are same here.
3) Wonderful acting by Putthipong Assaratanakul & Usha Seamkhum - their dynamics translated well on screen. Supporting cast did well too.

What I dislike
1) I think the title is misleading because I thought M worked multiple or sketch jobs to gain that much of money

Favourite scene
When M bathed his grandma. I understand perspectives from both sides.

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