emberzmars

She was unethical, he was unhinged & toxic romance was romanticised

I was informed of this drama via subreddit CShortDramas. I had saved the link to watch the next day but drama was removed. Fortunately another member shared an alternative link (thank you TxPep) so I quickly watched it this morning. This drama raised a lot of questions - overall it was a good watch.

What I liked:
1. Zhang Chi - This is my third drama of his and it's great that he chose to play distinctive characters. He was great at playing a lunatic desperate for love and sense of belonging.
2. Shots - I loved how the shots were framed and edited. Beautiful cinematography that reminded me of vertical dramas I Just Want You and The Love of A Fool.
3. Styling - Beautiful outfits worn by FL & ML. I liked some over-the-top pieces worn by ML. Some outfits made ML to look "innocent".
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's nurse friend, Su Mu (the actor was handsome & had presence), ML's mother and ML's cousin / business rival.
5. Plot - Even though I disliked both characters and their romance, the storytelling was well executed. I enjoyed ML's family dispute arc but sadly the conflicts were not given enough punch because writer wants us to side with ML.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - She was unethical - she already knew how problematic ML was but crossed the line she shouldn't cross. Therefore I couldn't emphatise with her when she wanted to run away from ML. Thank gawd she lost her license to practice psychiatry.
2. ML characterisation - Unhinged, cunning & dangerous. I still couldn't understand his motive for weaponising FL's past.
3. Romance - Toxic but this drama had ways to romanticise this abusive relationship. I disliked their relationship and the ending baffled me.

Favourite scene
FL's wedding

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Fabulous drama about enemies-to-lovers, mothers and science

I think someone on sub-reddit CShortDramas recommended this drama. I enjoyed some of Lu Shan Dong / Lu Dan Dong's dramas but I have not seen any of Huang Yun Yun's dramas (I know I need to watch her dramas with Jin Jia Yu). I was excited about this drama from the first minute and wow, this drama is fabulous! Definitely on my 'watch on repeat' list.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved that Li Chu is a scientist who is capable of taking care of herself and work. It's great that this drama showcased her growth - there were flashbacks to the time when she was awkward and inexperienced. Huang Yun Yun is fabulous in this role.
2. ML characterisation - I could tell from the start that Fu Si Yan had a crush on FL despite the animosity between them. I loved watching the way he supports FL without trespassing her domain. It's wonderful to see Lu Shan Dong is another green flag role because I missed his acting so much.
3. Supporting characters - Both of their mothers were delightful to watch. They are so competitive with each other that I find it amusing every time they bicker. I favour Li Ruyin (FL's mother) slightly more than Lin Shu (ML's mother) because she is progressive.
4. Romance - I enjoyed watching the dynamics between Li Chu and Fu Si Yan. Li Chu had more concerns about their relationship and I liked how Fu Si Yan reassured her and was confident in their love for each other.
5. Styling - This drama has FL going through a glow up. Her big, messy hair at the start reminds me of The Princess Diary's Mia Thermopolis. Li Chu looked different after the glow up - her 'after' look elevated her confidence & beauty.
6. Science - I loved that this drama showcased science, not just mentioned it in passing. The invention, the biometric reference - I loved it!

What I disliked:
1. Scientific thought - I was surprised that FL would believe ML's mother without seeking evidence. As a scientist, I expected her to do further testing.
2. Antagonist - Girl, the guy does not want you. Stop with the shenanigans and look for another man. With your connections and beauty, you should be able to find a man that matches your worth.

Favourite scene
When both mothers were being busybody at the hotel

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Revenge tale marred by main actress performance

When this drama appeared on my Youtube dashboard, I was intrigued because of positive comments & Ke Chun (he is one of my favourite actors). It gained many views within 3 days but sadly links were removed. I managed to watch before the last link was removed. Glad I did watch it because I have a few things to say about this drama and my review is different from other reviews.

Edit: Despite not enjoying this drama as much as others, I am often reminded of this drama & American singer Lana Del Ray. I think her song 'West Coast' fits Yu Yin's character so much. She also gave me Lana Del Ray vibes with her blank look.

What I liked:
1. Ke Chun's acting - I must say that Ke Chun proved to be one of the many good actors in vertical drama land. He successfully demonstrated many facets of his character and I always enjoyed his vulnerable moments the most.
2. The competition - I very much enjoy the painting competition between FL and her family's rival. Each competitor used unique tool to showcase their talent.
3. ML's styling - I have never seen Ke Chun in oversized clothes in other dramas. He can pull it off and gosh he looked even taller with wide leg pants.
4. Paintings - Beautiful & insightful.
5. Revenge arc - I must say the revenge against FL's stepmum was shocking but fulfilling. Damn, what a brilliant move by FL!

What I disliked:
1. Yu Yin's acting - I felt Yu Yin was miscast. I dislike her performance because she couldn't convey different emotions of her character. There are 3 personas of FL: i) naive / unwordly which she used in public, ii) manipulator which she used with her family members & ML, iii) true self which she used with her grandma & later ML. Her facial expressions were mostly similar (blank/stoned) - I expected anguish when tragedy happened to her grandma and conflicted emotions (lust vs indifference) when ML started pursuing FL.
2. The ending - The whole family saga at the ending was boring that I couldn't be bothered to pay attention.
3. Romance - A lot of people liked the intimate scenes but I found them sterile. There was lack of chemistry between Yu Yin & Ke Chun & it was one sided love most of the time, which was actually verified in the drama but then again, I blame this sterility on Yu Yin's acting.

Favourite scene
The competition

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Love amidst snowstorm, billiards and naps

I've watched Wu Lei in Nothing but You and since I prefer modern romance, I was excited for this series. 'Amidst a Snowstorm of Love' was very much talked about when it was released in early 2024. I started watching this series in late October 2024 to hype myself for a trip to Chengdu (where Wu Lei grew up). Oh dear, I struggled with this series. I paused this series after episode 11 and restarted when I wanted to watch something while cutting papers for work.

What I liked:
1) Bromance - I love the dynamics between Lin Yiyang, Jiang Yang and Meng Xiaodong. I was relief that there was no bitterness between Yiyang and Xiaodong despite their childhood rivalry. Yiyang - Jiang Yang interactions were also delightful to watch.
2) Acting - Standouts are Wu Lei, Chen Jing Ke and Wang Xing Yue! Wang Xing Yue carried himself very well - his character is same aged or slightly younger as Wu Lei's (27 years old at start of series) but in real life, Wang Xing Yue was only 21 years old during filming.
3) Supporting characters - I really like Wu Wei, Jiang Yang, Meng Xiao Dong, Lin Lin, Chen An An and the endearing Meng Xiao Ting.

What I disliked:
1) Yin Guo characterisation - Sadly the female lead is underdeveloped. There was no character growth - she remained childlike & naive even with 2 time jumps. She never struggled because everything was handled by Yiyang or her family.
2) The romance - Sadly it is lackluster to the point that I fast forward all Yiyang-Yin Guo scenes to 1.5x speed. I didn't buy their love because their love being developed. Yiyang was smitten at first sight of Yin Guo, which is quite unnerving because he didn't know her personality but he already falling for her [looks and childlike behaviour, I guess?]. Yiyang even admitted in episode 20-something that he had only shown the best side of him to Yin Guo but not his worst side. I also don't like that Yin Guo was coy when there was nobody around. They had already been intimate and in relationship for 1.5 - 2 years. Plus Yin Guo doesn't seem to contribute much to the relationship. I dislike her comments about Yiyang's stubble (which was hardly visible) and his image. What's with the shaving scene?
3) Writing - I haven't read the book in which this series is based on but I assume the book focused more on their romance from 2 POVs rather than individual growth and eventual romance. I think it'd be great if this series had been about a lost man reviving a career in billiards after relearning the sport from a rookie. Remove the very first peeping through the window shot and all the naps.
4) Editing - I wish there were explanations about billiards, snooker and 9-ball so viewers have better understanding of the sport. The competition shots were alright but they never created any suspense for the viewers.

Favourite scene
When Lin Yiyang, Jiang Yang and Meng Xiao Dong hung out eating skewers

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Thrilling revenge drama set in the world of fine art. Great chemistry & acting

I am a fan of Sheng Yi Jie and Yu Long so I was delighted to see both of them together in a drama. I watched this drama on the day of its release.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Good balance of push & pull - it was thrilling. The kisses were good. I also felt that they were emotionally connected.
2. Revenge - Satisfying! I liked how FL executed her revenge against the cheating husband. Then another revenge on behalf of her mother.
3. Acting - Great performances by the cast. There was visually and acting chemistry between Yu Long and Sheng Yi Jie. They looked like a mature, power couple.
4. Plot - It was refreshing! This drama was set in the world of art / painting. How FL, SML & ML were invovled in that industry.
5. FL characterisation - I liked seeing her at work because it's something I don't know much about.
6. Styling - I loved the emerald green qipao. The scene was brilliant! I basically loved anything worn by Sheng Yi Jie.
7. Duration - I loved that this drama's running time was under 2 hours. It was well-paced.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's husband the SML was an asshole for betraying FL 2 ways (love & career). ML's wife and grandfather were atrocious. ML's father was another vicious person.

Favourite scene
When FL let her hair down & kissed ML

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Letdown by Zhu Xiao Xue's bland acting. She was miscast!

I was in the mood for Xie Yu Wang dramas so I was excited when this drama was released. I had not watched Zhu Xiao Xue's acting so I was curious. I must say I was disappointed with this drama.

What I liked:
1. Styling - I always see some 90s Johnny Depp in Xie Yu Wang. So when ML dressed like a rockstar for this drama, I simply loved it.
2. ML characterisation - I liked his flirty nature.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's assistant, FL's grandpa & FL's bestie.
4. Kisses - Good kisses thanks to XYW.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's fiancé / boyfriend & his adopted sister were mean.
2. Acting - Unfortunately Zhu Xiao Xue seemed out of place. This drama has a tinge of comedy even with revenge focus but ZXX lacked charm to pull off this role. There was no chemistry between her and XYW. I also disliked the acting of SML. His acting lacked conviction for a scumbag who was willing to harm FL. The actor seemed goofy with that styling & acting style.
3. Romance - Sadly I didn't buy the romance arc at all. FL was more focused on revenge against her ex - she couldn't be bothered with ML until the last 20 minutes or so. The lack of chemistry between ZXX & XYW also didn't make me want to root for them.

Favourite scene
When ML was flirty with FL after love confession.

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FL sought revenge for her daughter & seducing ML was part of her plans.

I first noticed this drama when I browsed new vertical drama releases. I liked FL with short hair (length above shoulder) and since this drama was talked about a little in a subreddit that I joined, I decided to watch it. I must say this drama exceeded my expectations and in my opinion, Nanny Don't Flee is better than Revenge Maid starring Wen Mo Yan, Ye Hao Ran & Wang Dao Tie.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Zhao Shuai, the actress who played antagonist & Zhao Ting Yi were excellent in their roles. I was captivated by their performances.
2. FL characterisation - FL carefully planned & executed her revenge against her daughter's bully. She was focused and smart.
3. Romance - Part of FL's revenge plan is to seduce ML and this plot device was way more satisfying than Revenge Maid. There was great push & pull dynamics and their scenes together were hot. I felt that ML was genuinely falling for her. I wanted more from them! I was even surprised by the other love interest.
4. Supporting characters - I liked the maid who was loyal to FL. I also liked, to some extent, FL's second love interest.
5. ML characterisation - I liked him despite him being a terrible father for not noticing his daughter's mean streak. He caught FL's scheming but was curious and followed along her plan.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Wow, she was mean even when she was a teenager. Rich kid who never took accountability for her actions.
2. FL's action - I was dismayed when FL had a miscarriage. I thought she would and could carry her pregnancy to full term.

Favourite scene
When FL seduced ML

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Refreshing tale of second chance in life with spectacular performances by 3 leads

I was attracted to the poster when I first noticed this drama. The green background sets it apart from other drama posters. Anyway I am a fan of Wang Zi Jia since I watched her in mini drama First Choice. I loved Feng Xiang Kun's performance in Fake Love but couldn't find his other dramas with the same intensity. I enjoyed this drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. Writing - First of all, I love the English title because it's fits the drama to the T. I was hooked to this drama and couldn't predict what would happen next. A good sign for a seasoned tv drama viewer like me. The plot twist OMG!
2. Rebirth - I liked that second chance was given to both leads. Thankfully her decisions post-rebirth were fruitful.
2. FL characterisation - She was emotionally strong to have gone through several tragedies in her life. It's wonderful to see her prosper in her second life.
3. Acting - Wang Zi Jia carried the weight of this drama and she gave a spectacular performance. I felt for her pain even from the start when she discovered the magic diary (luckily no Tom Riddle involved!). Feng Xiang Kun and the actress who played the green tea / mistress were great in their roles too.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's parents who had nice mini arc there.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - This is rare instances in which ML was antagonist in a vertical drama. It made me wonder about real life when couples fall apart even though they have made 10,000 promises before or at the start of their marriage. What happened to ML to forego the "I will stay with you forever" promise made to FL? I did however liked that he realised his mistake & protected FL one last time.
2. Green tea - The most despicable character I have seen in a vertical drama. Desperate and insecure since she was young - I can't believe she hired goons to harm FL. Great to know that she got her comeuppance.
3. ML's parents - Another set of horrible people.

Favourite scene
When 30 year old FL communicated with 18 year old ML

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When sunshine meets midnight: A love story between bubbly girl and a man of few words

I watched this drama after finding out that it stars Liu Nian & He Cong Rui. I actually have not watched Please Come Into My Heart even though it's been in my watch list for months. Anyway I decided to watch this drama first because of my preference for modern romance and its popularity on reddit. I enjoyed this drama though one scene left a bad impression on me.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I have only watched her in Yue Ran Ai Ren - gosh she was different here. She was bubbly, loud and at times childlike. Hahaha I don't usually fancy this type of FL but she's alright because she showed maturity in her actions.
2. Romance - They were married strangers and FL was resentful but another person transmigrated into her character so her attitude changed. One youtube users referred to their contrasting personality as "sunshine and midnight" which I think is fittng. Their interactions were mostly cute and there were a few good kisses (tha nk gawd). Their love language is act of service.
3. ML characterisation - He was the typical brooding CEO ML but in this version he was a man of few words because of selective mutism. His icy heart started to thaw once he spent time with FL.
4. Supporting characters - I loved ML's assistant for deciphering love signals for our inexperienced ML. I felt like the assistant was ML's first wife who had amicable split from him. I liked FL's parents - their arc was written well despite the short screentime. The idol / FL's former school mate was handsome.

What I disliked:
1. Bed scene - I was alarmed when FL deliberately jumped on top of ML when they were sleeping. If the role was reverse i.e. ML deliberately jumped on top of FL, that would be considered sexual assault. FL & ML were practically strangers at this point so this scene left a bad impression on me.
2. Styling - FL was like a primary school student with the amount of soft toys around her and her bedroom decoration. Very kiddish for a married grown woman and I don't like it.

Favourite scene
When FL confronted her jealous relatives at the hot spring hotel

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Heartwarming & hilarious tale about raising an instant family

I am a fan of He Cong Rui and Xu Meng Yuan's acting. This drama has been in my plan to watch list for 2 months. I decided to watch today on my iQiyi app because I am preparing a reddit post for the upcoming Father's day.

What I liked:
1. The kids - OMG the kids caused such a ruckus. The boy Pei Wuyou is a smartass. The girl Pei Wulv is less talkative but when the two are up to no good, they are too much to handle.
2. Writing - There are so many laugh out loud moments. There are many warm, tender, tearjerker moments too. My favourite is when the boy stated the differences in how he was treated by his "biological" mother vs how he was treated by FL.
3. Acting - Wonderful performances by the cast as this series has both comedic and dramatic moments.
4. FL characterisation - It's great to see hardworking FL who cares for the family she raised.
5. Supporting characters - I liked ML's & FL's best friends for dispensing sound advice to both of them. His parents were a fun bunch.
6. Romance - Even though there are only 2 kissing scenes, their romantic journey was a delight to watch. They started of as married strangers then became co-parents and then partners for life. I think their love language is acts of service.
7. Pacing - 99 episodes went by so fast. Good pacing but the last 4 episodes were too fast.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - ML's ex wife wasn't punished for her threats & false claims. There is season 2 of this series so I hope she got comeuppance.

Favourite scene
When FL was heartbroken to find out that the Peis lied to her.

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Zhen Zi Qi in his most romantic role while wearing military uniform ❤️❤️❤️

I am a big fan of Zhen Zi Qi and recently started to like Li Ke Yi's dramas. I was anxious when I started this drama because I dropped the other drama that they acted together. It was too cruel. I was very delighted that this drama was mostly enjoyable to watch.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - OMG, this must be Zhen Zi Qi's most romantic role ever! I understood his wariness of FL's actions in the beginning but was smart enough to follow his instincts and investigate. ZZQ had the best lines in this drama, most notable was during the blood testing and during a converstion with FL's biological brother at the hospital.
2. Romance - Gosh I loved that ML initiated those kisses & moves to get FL closer to him. FL reciprocated too. ZZQ & LKY had amazing chemistry (both acting and visual) in this drama.
3. Styling - Beautiful clothes worn by LKY. ZZQ looked hot in the 1920s Chinese military uniform! I also liked his hairstyle and overall look when he wore white shirts.
4. Supporting characters - ML's subordinate entertained me with his witty quips. Even though they had short screen time, I liked the lady who raised FL and FL's biological father. He had a soothing voice.

What I disliked:
1. FL's arc - OMG she had such bad luck when it came to family. Both adopted & biological family members (san biological father) were mean to her. I was happy with her stance towards the ending.
2. Antagonists - Damn, ML's pre-arranged fiancée, her mother & brother were vile & entitled people. FL's adopted mother was evil.

Favourite scene
The blood testing

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FL surrounded by toxic people

I watched this drama yesterday as I was in Huang Bo mood. Damn, this drama had negative vibe from start to almost the end. I don't recommend watching this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked Shen Xing Chen despite the bad fate that befall her. I wish she had taken the opportunity presented in that third act.
2. Acting - Great acting by 5 prominent characters - FL, ML, white moonlight, ML's parents & FL's teacher.
3. Supporting character - I liked FL's teacher. He had crush on FL but never stepped outside the set boundary.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - OMG that white moonlight is one of the most evil antagonists I have seen in the world of vertical dramas. Bat shit crazy! ML's parents were toxic and selfish. I was shocked by the crime that they committed.
2. ML characterisation - As much as I liked Huang Bo, I disliked this ML from the start. ML's behaviour was like a rollercoaster ride. He was mean at first then loving and at times indifferent.
3. Romance - There were genuine feelings between the couple in the 2nd & 3rd act. However ML was surrounded by toxic people that I felt FL should leave and stay away from them for her sanity in the long run.

Favourite scene
When ML's parents turned their backs on ML & FL. That's their true colour

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Fresh-faced yet mature portrayal of college romance

I am very delighted that this page has been created. I watched 'Fall in Love with Him' on 17 February 2025. Main actor was unfamiliar to me. I had seen main actress before but didn't know her name. Since I rarely watch new adult/college student drama and the thumbnail was intriguing ehem, I thought why not "Give this a go!". To my surprise, I enjoyed this drama immensely. I felt warm and fuzzy after completing 'Fall in Love with Him'.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was fresh-faced yet mature. I liked that she was the assertive one between the two of them. Her concerns about dating her bestie's younger brother were valid so I understood her cautious behaviour. Xia Jing Ran did well in her role. I enjoyed her acting enough to explore her other dramas.
2. ML characterisation - He was soft-hearted but he knew what he wanted from FL. I liked coquettish ML so of course I liked this character. Duan Ping impressed me with his earnest portrayal of the character. I'm keen to explore his dramas in the future.
3. Romance - I loved that this drama is jiejie romance albeit the age gap isn't big. Most college romance dramas are sweet but this one has some spicy intimate scenes. The kisses were hot and satisfying. What surprised me was the conflict that they faced in the third act. I liked that they talked about it and gosh I felt his pain.
4. Supporting characters - I was only 17 min in and I already started to love this drama because of a child actor. I had seen him before when he acted as Liu Qing & Bai Yan's son. ML's sister was a great addition to the cast too. I liked the chat she had with FL when talking about FL's relationship with her brother.

What I disliked:
1. FL's ex - I disliked him at first but he matured at the end of the drama. He wasn't a bad person after all.

Favourite scene
When ML and FL talked about why FL hadn't contacted him in days

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Love, lust and lifetime are three words I'd use to describe this romance drama

I still remember the date I watched this drama - 8 January 2025 - because I felt like it was a perfect dream. I watched this at random when I saw it on my Youtube dashboard. After completing this drama, I have watched 2 more versions (Qiao Jia Le as ML & Wang Nan as ML), this version is my favourite that I watch on repeat. 'Tempting Heart' is my second favourite vertical drama in romance-heavy category.

What I liked:
1. Romance - 'libidO' a song by Korean group OnlyOneOf kept popping in my head after completing this drama. There were many hot kisses and intimate scenes so physical touch is definitely their love language. I could feel the implicit trust between FL and ML once FL embraced her role as ML's partner. It's great that FL desired ML too because in many vertical dramas, ML always the one initiating romance. Great chemistry and rapport between Wang Xin and Lei Xiao Mi.
2. FL characterisation - She was strong-willed and cool when faced with adversity. Out of the three versions that I watched, I liked Lei Xiao Mi's portrayal the most because she was good in demonstrating FL's vulnerabilities.
3. ML characterisation - He seemed cold but such a softie and protective when it came to Li Zhi. I liked his calm demeanor. Wang Xin shined in this role. Plus he was hot with the glasses.
4. Supporting characters - There were too many from this drama that I liked: the show producer, the other competing but supportive couple, FL's biological brother and his partner.
5. Variety show - The variety show was a tool to showcase the growth of FL & ML's relationship. Compared to Wang Nan's version, the challenges in this drama were well executed as they were able to create enough tension between FL, ML and FL's ex.
6. Ending - I liked that it paid homage to their past.

What I disliked:
1. Clothes store scene - I know this scene is integral to FL's identity but have seen similar scene in too many vertical dramas.

Favourite scene
The pokky / pepero challenge

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Desire, devotion & delusional - 3 words I'd use for this drama that I enjoyed immensely

I love Si Jia Li's acting in 'Thirst for You' (you can find in Dramazone Youtube channel). I also enjoyed Ma Shi Yao's acting in 'So You Also Like Me' (you can find in Dailymotion). I was delighted to have found this drama. I watched this drama last night after immediately completing a less-than-satisfying vertical drama. I was extremely glad I did so.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Both ML & FL looked like a power couple with their stature and styling. I love watching main couple that desire each other, which was demonstrated in this drama. They kissed, hugged and cooked for each other. FL never played coy / innocent when it came to their intimate moments and I liked that.
2. ML characterisation - ML was invested in their relationship from the get go and he would do anything for FL. He only revealed that he was CEO much later but good thing it never caused misunderstanding between him & FL. I like a coequettish/flirty ML. Damn, Ma Shi Yao was adorable and hot at the same time.
3. FL characterisation - I liked that FL relied on her talent & brains rather than her status when it came to work. Si Jia Li excelled in this role.
4. Supporting role - I really like ML's bestie who was supportive of ML & FL relationship. He's handsome too.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - OMG, she was delusional & nasty. There were many instances that ML was implied as CEO of the company but she never registered that fact until almost at the end of the drama.
2. Co-workers - OMG, those two brown nosers should be fired!
3. FL's past - I'd like to know more about the connection between ML and FL's mother because I didn't quite catch ML's explanation. I also want to know why was FL hospitalised and how did she get married to ML.

Favourite scene
When ML asked for reward after cooking for FL

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