emberzmars

Well executed, satisying revenge tale with FL kissing both ML & SML

I had just gone home after a fun sleepover with my besties. I switched on my iQIYI app and this drama appeared on screen. Huang Bo recent dramas tend to be a miss but I decided to give this drama a chance. I was extremely satisfied with this revenge tale.

What I liked:
1. Revenge - Layered, complex & carefully executed. Refreshing twist. I loved that the story involves 2 people teaming up for a common goal.
2. Characters - Four fascinating characters that were wonderfully written. I considered Huang Bo's character as ML. SFL & SML's arc had depth. I liked that SFL's arc wasn't draggy.
3. Dynamics - Riveting interactions between FL & ML, FL & SML, FL & SFL, ML & SFL.
4. Acting - Superb performances by the cast.
5. Intimacy - The kiss with a tie was hot. I liked that she kissed both ML & SML.
6. FL characterisation - Flawed but focused.
7. Styling - Great outfits worn by FL, ML & SML.
8. Supporting characters - I liked FL's brother, SML's ex-fiancee.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - SFL was a psychopath, evil & possessive. Butler Yuan was nasty too. ML was scumbag for using FL as donor then plaything. ML's father was cruel.
2. Harm - I disliked the fact that FL was willing to harm herself to reach her goal.

Favourite scene
When ML found out the truth about FL's intentions

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Wish there were more couply moments in this long vertical drama

I was in the mood for Zhao Mu Yan's dramas because I was writing a reddit post on her dramas. I found that she had worked with Feng Xiang Kun more than 5 times so I was curious to find which collab was my favourite. This wasn't it.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Only the opening scene had some spice. The couple took time to build their relationship. It was clear that he had a big crush on her. I liked that ML didn't push FL for intimacy aftet they got married.
2. Supporting characters - ML's family was so warm & welcoming. I also liked Shao Zheng, work acquaintance of ML & SML. He gave sound advice.
3. ML characterisation - He was kind & patient. I liked that he prioritised FL's wellbeing.
4. FL characterisation - I enjoyed watching her character grew confident over time.

What I disliked:
1. Intimacy - The drama's first & only intimate scene was at the start of the drama. I wish there were lingering kisses & steamy intimacy once they had confessed their feelings.
2. Duration - At 3+ hours, the drama was too long for me.

Favourite scene
Drunk confession

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Humbled by this tale of hardworking single mother and wheelchair bound military vet

I have always liked Zhen Ni's acting. My friend undead bug aka AuthorAEM told me about this drama. So I decided to watch it on iQIYI. Wow, I enjoyed this drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved her tenacity and resilience. She was a hard worker. I also liked that she was entrepreneurial - she can negotiate.
2. ML characterisation - Full of empathy. A quick thinker.
3. Styling - Loved FL's outfits especially the floral top she wore to the hospital.
4. Supporting character - Loved the aunties when they went against Li family and backed Jiang Nan.
5. Romance - He was smitten from the first sight. Great push and pull dynamics. I could sense the tension and change of dynamics when she gave massages to ML's injured leg.
6. Music - I loved that these songs were featured in the drama: Amelie OST and the instrumental version of The Sound of Silence.
7. Battle of in laws - That battle between ML's mother and grandmother was entertaining.

What I liked:
1. Antagonists - FL's ex Yu Cheng and his family were despicable. The way they treated FL and their daughter were atrocious. Xu Min was pathetic and vicious for her scheming. ML's grandmother & aunty were horrible people.

Favourite scene
When FL realised that she had romantic feelings for ML

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Enjoyable pilot romance drama but wish the kisses were fiery

I discovered this drama when I visited Sun Qian Xun's douyin account for a reddit assignment. Wang Nian Jiang Cheng caught my attention when he acted alongside Peng Yao. I became interested in this drama and I must say it was a good watch.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I thought she would have the same background as other FL in pilot dramas but to my surprise, it wasn't. Her parents were rich but she never acted like a spoilt heiress. I liked that she was serious about her career.
2. Romance - She chased him. I liked that her moves weren't aggressive (like many Xue Zi Qi's FLs). ML slowly realised he liked him too and they had a sweet romance.
3. ML characterisation - I liked his cool & calm demeanor. If I am not mistaken, his parents were also rich but he was never a snob.
4. Acting - I liked the performance given by both SQX & WNJC.
5. Tone - It was an easy watch and the length was good.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - As usual, there is always a woman envious of FL. So yes there was green tea.
2. Kisses - I wish there were hot & fiery kisses. The drama was PG 13 for me.

Favourite scene
When ML realised he had fallen for FL

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FL knew her worth & scumbag ML never got second chance

I saw this drama poster on reelxia and I became intrigued. I had watched Zhang Yu Jiao but Li Hong Yu was unfamiliar to me. I decided to watch it last month and I quite liked it.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked that she knew what she was getting from the deal.made with ML & she never saw herself as a victim. She knew her bottom lone & worked very hard to complete the deal.
2. Supporting characters - I liked her colleagues from the first workplace. They saw her value to the company and were never toxic towards FL.
3. Styling - FL wore beautiful clothes. I loved the red jumpsuit.
4. Ending - Surprised by kindness.
5. Romance - Spicy scene between ML & FL but their relationship was transactional and toxic. FL was lucky to find love - she had sweet romance with SML.
6. Tone - Despite ML's toxicity, I liked this drama. It was well-paced.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - A scumbag who thought he was FL's saviour because of his financial aid.
2. Green tea - She was stupid, mean & snobbish.

Favourite scene
When FL accepted SML's love confession

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Good romance arc but I didn't see chemistry between ZX & YLQ

I noticed this drama when it was fresh release. The title implied ML was a playboy. I added to my watchlist and only watched it last week. It was a good watch though I expected something more.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I liked that they went into partnership after FL outsmarted ML. They liked each other and the kisses were good.
2. FL characterisation - She was smart for wanting to protect Pei inheritance.
3. ML characterisation - I liked that he was self-made businessman unfazed by family wealth. He wasn't interested to fight with his relative over inheritance.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's assistant & grandma.
5. Styling - I liked the outfits picked for both FL & ML.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's bro & sis-in-law were greedy for wealth inheritance. I also didn't like the antagonist introduced in the third act.
2. Acting - Even though I enjoyed the romance arc, I didn't sense any chemistry between Zhang Xuan and Yang Luo Qian.

Favourite scene
The kiss on the counter

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Lighthearted drama about FL marrying her best friend's older brother

I am a fan of Yang Yu Bin so when this drama was released, I clicked play within 24 hours of its release. The start seemed familiar then I realised that this drama is another version of Accidental Flirting staring Ma Shuo Qi, which I started but didn't finish because the video was removed by youtube uploader. Anyway back to this version with Yang Yu Bin, I enjoyed it a lot.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - Smitten ML right off the bat. I knew that he had longtime crush on her because of the way he proposed marriage.
2. FL characterisation - She was independent woman focused on building her career.
3. Romance - Slow & steady. Good kisses. ML loved to pamper his wife.
4. Styling - I really liked FL's clothes. Her wide-leg trousers, she looked retro chic.
5. Supporting characters - FL's best friend was likeable and provided comic relief.
6. Studio - I enjoyed the photo shoot scene.
7. Tone - Lighthearted and funny. The Labubu moment was funny and cute!

What I disliked:
1. FL's action - She spent so much time with her best friend and at times prioritise her best friend over her husband. It annoyed me.
2. Antagonist - FL's grandmother was overbearing.

Favourite scene
When ML met FL's best friend at his own house

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Fast-paced revenge drama but the actress who played FL gave a bland performance

I was on a diet of Xie Yu Wang dramas in preparation of a reddit post about his work. The title and the running time caught my attention so I watched it. I liked it.

What I liked:
1. Revenge - Interesting that ML approached FL to enact revenge on SML.
2. ML characterisation - Smart & always ahead of SML. He was the brains of this revenge plan even though he didn't have as much screentime as FL.
3. Romance - It was good to see that ML and FL partnered up for a common goal - to bring down SML. I also liked that FL told ML about his mixed signals. There was a kiss at the end that was satisfying.
4. Supporting characters - I liked Lele and ML's assistant.
5. Duration - A short shorts at 1 hour 40 minutes. Fast-paced.
6. Styling - I liked outfits chosen for FL. ML looked handsome.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - SML was despicable for harassing FL. His wife was horrible. FL's colleague was another horrible person.
2. Acting - Zheng Qian Yi lacked charisma to pull off the FL character. Her facial expressions were bad. Unfortunately I didn't sense any chemistry between her and Xie Yu Wang.

Favourite scene
When Lele went into the bedroom while FL & ML were cuddling

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The sexiest Ex's father character - one of Sa Gang Yun's best work!

I was in the mood for vertical dramas with "I Marry My Ex's Father" storyline when I found this drama. I am a fan of Sa Gang Yun but his dramas can be a mixed bag. I was happy after watching this drama. It was an enjoyable one!

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - Sa Gang Yun is the sexiest Ex's father character I have seen! I also liked this character because he was sincere in wanting FL as his life partner.
2. Romance - There were many kisses but the one in FL's childhood home was damn hot! FL was apprehensive at first but later opened up her heart to ML. I liked that they were affectionate.
3. Supporting characters - I really liked the "ex-wife". She was assertive but turned out to be nice. I also liked FL's parents.
4. FL characterisation - She was smart and ambitious about child rearing. It was endearing and understandable.
5. Tone - I liked the light & comedic tone of this drama.
6. Dynamics - The interactions between ML and FL's father were amusing.

What I disliked:
1. FL's action - I disliked FL at first for not wanting her relationship with ML to be known to people. I also didn't understand why she ran away from her home with ML.
2. Antagonists - Her ex was a horrible spoilt brat. Narcissist.

Favourite scene
When ML sneaked into FL's room

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A tale of rebirth with martial art lessons, comic relief and romantic twists

I was preparing for a reddit post on Xie Yu Wang's dramas and this drama was one of the new releases. I decided to watch for the assignment and wow, I didn't expect to enjoy it so much. I even included in my list of Top 5 Xie Yu Wang dramas.

What I liked:
1. Tone - Reborn tale with comedic twist. FL was always in scenarios that provided comic relief. There were dramatic / serious scenes in the second half of the drama and they were done well.
2. Setup - The drama showed differences between traditionalist vs modern / Western mindset and I enjoyed those scenes.
3. FL characterisation - She was repented of her past behaviour towards ML. I liked that she was feisty and charming.
4. Romance - Arranged marriage with frosty dynamic between the leads. After rebirth, FL tried to win over ML's heart. I liked that FL initiated dates with him. There were several tender & romantic moments and a few spicy scenes.
5. ML characterisation - . ML was a Mr Nice Guy who wanted to believe in the best of FL but past bad deeds made him doubt her.
6. Martial arts - ML was a martial art practitioner and I loved those scenes in the dojo. The lessons were entertaining and somewhat romantic. The use of English was amusing.
7. Styling - Loved ML's outfits. I favoured FL's traditional outfits.

What I disliked:
1. Styling - FL's Western gowns felt out of place, I find. Some dresses were unflattering.
2. Antagonists - FL's former paramour was pathetic and disrespectful. The maid's daughter was delusional & rude. Their scheming was unbelievable.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML made love for the first time

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Steamy start but FL didn't put much effort in her relationship with ML & the kids

I got to know this drama from my reddit friend the week of Halloween. The last time I watched short dramas that feature a mermaid / merman was back in May so I was excited. Unfortunately I had mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Fantasy - I enjoyed the fantasy elements like the appearance of ML's scales, tail and gills.
2. Kisses - Good kissing scenes. That opening scene was hot.
3. Styling - I liked the matching outfits they wore - the black business casual when ML showed dowry for FL and the white casual outfits when ML offered shoulder massage.
4. Supporting characters - I liked the twins. They always planned dates for their parents. I also liked ML's butler / subordinate.
5. Styling - I liked the merman outfit + VFX for merman scenes. I also liked FL's businesswear.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - They didn't spend a lot of time together and they always bickered & had misunderstandings. I felt FL didn't make much effort in their marriage.
2. FL characterisation - She was too focused on her career and her stepmother - I found her unlikeable.
3. Antagonists - SML was interested in the study of mermaids. I hated him for abducting the kids to lure ML.

Favourite scene
The opening

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Opportunistic FL who felt guilty after duping ML. The drama moved me to tears!

I was preparing for a reddit post on Zhang Ruo Chen's dramas so I looked in her drama playlist on youtube and found this drama. I liked Zhang Yi Lun's acting so I decided to watch. Wow oh wow, I was so moved by the performance that I cried. I enjoyed this drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. Tone - Comedic start which I found refreshing. As drama progressed, the series became dramatic but overall I felt warm throughout the drama.
2. FL characterisation - OMG, she was smart & opportunistic but so likeable. She felt guilty and conflicted for duping ML and that's why I liked the character. There was growth.
3. ML characterisation - OMG, he figured out early. I liked that he was smart, kind & forgiving. I loved that he confronted FL's best friend for her selfish action.
4. Romance - So warm even when the relationship was fake. Their kisses were hot - I could sense desire, love & mutual attraction from both leads. I
5. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's assistant & the kids.
6. Retribution - OMG I loved how they thought ML's mother a lesson on humility.
7. Styling - Great styling. I loved the opening scene which had FL giving styling tips.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Secretary was nosy, snobbish & condescending. I also disliked her for crossing the boss-employee line just because of her status. I also disliked ML's mother for her snobbery.
2. ML's action - I wish he had fired his secretary immediately after the interview fiasco.
3. FL's best friend - She was nice but an opportunist. She took advantage of FL and ML's kindness.

Favourite scene
When FL confessed her dupe to ML

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Jiejie romance meets legal case. Unfamiliar leads but good performance & storytelling

Jiejie romance is my favourite trope and I dead positive reviews about this drama on subreddit CShortDramas so I was excited to watch it. I was pleasantly surprised by the storytelling - I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. Tropes - Jiejie romance meets legal case. There are a few vertical dramas that use these tropes but everytime it has a different storyline. Good amount of screentime & storytelling for those arcs.
2. Romance - I liked romance development even though it started with a one-night stand. Fun to watch the playful banters.
3. Dynamics - It was great to see interactions between ML and his uncle. I also enjoyed watching the dynamics between the uncle and FL.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's uncle Inspector Fu (Du Yao was fantastic in this role). FL's younger brother & FL's bestie were great addition to the drama.
5. Styling - I liked FL's outfits especially that lime green business suit.
6. FL characterisation - I enjoyed the part where she told ML about her journey to become a lawyer.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - There was only a minor baddie in this drama which was FL's boss. He was handsy with FL and constantly harrassed FL.

Favourite scene
When FL's brother found out that ML was dating his sister

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This drama frustrated me because FL had many thoughts about her husband but never said them out loud

This drama received a lot of love in sub-reddit CShortDramas so I watched it out of curiosity. I must say that I did not enjoy this drama as much as others. I think the intimate scenes covered the flaws of this drama. I had watched Xu Zhen Zhen in mini dramas but never found her acting that impressive and same case here. There are plenty vertical drama actresses who can outperformed Xu Zhen Zhen if any of them were given this role but then again, the acting wasn't the only problem.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Good steamy scenes (which is why this drama was talked about so much on reddit). ML's love language is act of service.
2. Supporting characters - Wan Wan was a good friend for dispensing advice to clueless FL. I also liked that FL's parents were astute observers. I liked Ji Jun Liang's scenes even though there were only a few.
3. Editing - Beautifully shot intimate scenes.
4. Ending - She was finally honest with her feelings for ML in the final 3 minutes.
5. Styling - Great outfits worn by the leads and supporting cast.

What I disliked:
1. Pacing - I increased speed in most parts of the drama because the pacing was too slow.
2. Communication - The first act started off good with scenes that show the problem between couple - two emotionally distant people married to each other and did not communicate unless in bed. Then I became disinterested because the push dynamics were too much with genuine pull dynamics (excluding intimate scenes) coming in at halfway mark after the icy barrier slowly thawed. FL had many thoughts about her husband but never said them out loud - it was frustrating.
3. Jealousy - FL's cousin was horrible for judging FL & trying to get to ML's company through connections rather than through merit.
4. Main characters - I couldn't relate to any of the two because I found them unlikeable. FL was too accommodating for my liking. She had many thoughts but just gave in to her husband's demands without having a dialogue with him.

Favourite scene
When FL told a doctor friend that ML knew her better than him

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Offbeat comedy with wonderful performances but no romance

I added this drama to my playlist a few months ago when I was perusing the work of Zhao Mu Yan. I had only watched a handful of Zuo Ming dramas and I liked his acting. I finally decided to watch this drama today and I enjoyed myself.

What I liked:
1. Comedy - Offbeat. I was entertained even though slapstick isn't my type of comedy.
2. Acting - Zhao Mu Yan was fantastic as transmigrated Wang Ma who wanted to investigate her death. Good comedic timing. I also found ML hilarious thanks to Zuo Ming's good performance.
3. Dynamics - I enjoyed watching the dynamics between FL and ML. They were in an arranged marriage but ML slowly developed feelings for FL.
4. FL characterisation - She was smart but flawed which is acceptable. Her thoughts and comments were funny.
5. ML characterisation - Earnest himbo. Non-threatening CEO.
6. Final 15 minutes - The best part of the drama was when FL worked with her dad to catch the perpetrator.
7. Styling - Zhao Mu Yan was so adorable in maid uniform. The multiple leggings scene was hilarious.
8. Duration - I also liked that this drama is only 90 minutes long.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - There wasn't romance but there was a hint in the final 2 minutes. It is a shame because Zhao Mu Yan & Zuo Ming looked good together.

Favourite scene
When the antagonist found out that he had been framed by FL

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