emberzmars

FL disguised as a man + suspicious ML + infatuated SFL = a fun watch!

I was in the mood for Zhao Mu Yan's dramas and while perusing her list of work on this website, I was intrigued by the synopsis and comments. I decided to watch it on a weeknight and my gosh I enjoyed the drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Zhao Mu Yan was excellent playing a woman disguising as a man. She nailed those comedic moments. She could pass as a pretty boy but her manicured nails were kinda obvious (albeit fabulous). Wang Jia Mao was great in his role as the intimidating Prime Minister. Chen Mu Ye was fantastic as the SFL too.
2. Dynamics - I loved watching the interactions between ML and disguised FL. I also enjoyed watching the Princess's infatuation with FL-incognito. These moments provided the comic relief.
3. FL characterisation - The reason why FL disguised herself as a man was explained and I thought it was plausible. She was smart and a quick thinker.
4. Romance - There was strong sexual tension between FL and ML. When they did get together, wow the tension was fueled by fire and heat. I also felt like FL and ML had a strong bond and understanding without spending too much time together. Their relationship was healthy.
5. Styling - Great outfits worn by FL, ML and SFL. The stylist was great at picking outfits that hid Zhao Mu Yan's femininity and gave more androgynous look. The makeup looked good too - not overly done on FL & SFL.
6. Supporting characters - I loved the Princess. She was adorable, confused but kind. I also liked ML's subordinate.
7. Duration - I loved that this drama is only 1 hour 46 minutes long.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - The antagonist arc wasn't fleshed out much. It felt forced because it was only given a spotlight in the last 20 minutes of the drama.

Favourite scene
When FL was trying to hide from the Princess but at the same time, hide her secret from ML

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Great performances by the leads but the constant push was tiresome after awhile

I was in the mood for Ji Jun Liang drama after being reminded of his campus drama with Liu Xi Yu & Li Sheng Jie. I decided on this drama because it was said to have steamy kisses. I liked the drama although Chasing Routine is a more superior drama to this one.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Ji Jun Liang & Tan Qi Qi were great in their roles, individually and as a couple. There were a lot of push dynamics here because FL was letdown by ML but JJL was great at bringing pull dynamics. There were scenes that almost made me cry.
2. Romance - There were ups and downs in their marriage. Even though FL was utterly disappointed by ML's inaction at the start, I think her love for him never extinguished.
3. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's bestie, older sister-in-law, ML's bestie, friend and FL's housekeeper.
4. ML characterisation - He was flawed but I liked his character. He wasn't a bad guy, he just made a bad decision that cost him his marriage. He looked remorseful when he found out about FL's feeling of being letdown. I also liked him for removing himself from a toxic environment.
5. FL characterisation - I liked that FL stood up for herself and told ML she wanted to put her needs first. I also liked that she didn't give in to ML easily. Definitely loved her when she fought against bullies.
6. Styling - JJL looked handsome with and without shirts.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Jin Mei Mei was pathetic for wanting ML despite being married to another man. ML's grandparents were atrocious.
2. Duration - Drama is 2 hours 40 minutes long. I found some of the quarrelling too draggy. I wish FL had been frank & just told ML about her real feelings.
3. Ending - It ended abruptly. I wanted a proper reconciliation with dates & grovelling.

Favourite scene
When ML finally learned the truth about the kidnapping

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Pleasantly surprised by the tone, main characters (Huang Bo played green flag ML) and the romance

I am a massive fan of Huang Bo and he has collaborated with Liu Mei Na at least twice. I have watched their drama and liked their chemistry. So I decided to watch this drama a few days ago. To my surprise, I enjoyed this drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. Tone - I didn't expect comedy at all looking at the long running time. There were plenty of comedic moments. I particularly enjoyed the inner thoughts of ML's assistant whenever ML requested for something that was against his usual behaviour.
2. FL characterisation - Multi-hyphenated FL: acupuncturist / healer, hacker, accomplished pianist. I liked her personality - sensible, smart & not easily bullied.
3. ML characterisation - He was relaxed. I liked it that he never intervene was FL was bullied - he knew FL could handle those problems on her own. I also liked that he encouraged FL to make her own decisions and never exerted his own opinions unless asked by her.
4. Romance - He fell first. I found it cute that ML asked FL to call him Gege. I liked that he longed for FL's love and affection but never forced her to do so. There was trust and a lot of communication and sweetness in their relationship.
5. Supporting characters - I loved ML's assistant for always having concern for FL. He never wanted FL to be bullied. I also liked ML's buddies.
6. Acting - Great performances by Li Mei Na and Huang Bo. I enjoyed seeing Huang Bo in green flag characters.
7. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by both Li Mei Na and Huang Bo. The dress worn by both FL and SFL at the piano competition were pretty too.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family was horrible especially the mother-daughter combo. Si Qian Qian's scheming got tiresome.
2. Casting - I felt that FL's stepmother was miscast. The actress who played the stepmother looked like a woman in late 20s / early 30s - too young to be someone with an adult child.
3. Duration - Drama is 2 hours 45 minutes. Delighted that there were good arcs of FL, ML and their romance but the scheming could be cut short.

Favourite scene
When FL woke up from sleepwalking

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Part 3 of The Great Grandmother Reborn at 18 continues to excel!

I am a fan of this series because of the ensemble cast, refreshing storyline and the core theme (which is family). I was delighted to know that Chen Tian Xiang had joined the cast because I liked him a lot in She Is Only Three Points Well-Behaved. I watched this drama about two weeks ago when I was in the mood for no-romance vertical drama. I enjoyed it immensely!

What I liked:
1. Comedy - Part 3 had more funny scenes. I laughed out loud thanks to Chen Tian Xiang & Wang Pei Yan's antics. The parody scenes were also amusing. Doudou I never knew she had active imagination.
2. Acting - Superb performances by the cast. Wang Pei Yan had impeccable comedic timing. I also appreciated that Wu Tian Hao had more significant scenes in this round.
3. Styling - I liked San Ge's boyish outfits. Haha I was surprised to see Labubu figurine attached to his shorts / belt loop (I wrote a reddit post about Labubu appearance in vertical dramas). Overall I must say that the Ji brothers were really stylish.
4. Family - Core theme that continues to touch our hearts. It was great to see this theme being explored in Zeng Hui's character and his family.
5. Ending - I CANNOT WAIT FOR PART 4!
6. Supporting characters - I enjoyed the cameo of Ji grandpa's childhood rival. Their bickering was always entertaining. I also liked Meng Na's role in this drama.
7. Plagiarism - I liked this scene of big corporate plagiarism. It just shows that some companies / nations are insecure that they would resort to intelligence theft / plagiarism.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - There wasn't a big antagonist arc that covers the whole length of the drama. Instead, there were smaller antagonist arcs such as the scheming couple, money-hungry descendant of Tang & campus belle. That campus belle was mean & insecure.
2. Mini arcs - While I think it's great that several mini arcs were explored amongst the big arc (San Ge), I found Ji grandpa's love story out of place because Tang family didn't have significant connection with the Ji. I also wished Wang Pei Yan's character arc especially related to his personal growth (not related to his family) was given more screentime.
3. Teasing - As much as I loved the Fifth brother, I felt the teasing & hitting were too much.

Favourite scene
When great grandmother did acupuncture treatment to Ji Mo Han

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Enjoyable drama about wolves, love and family legacy

I was in the mood for supernatural / fantasy dramas leading up to Halloween. I saw this drama poster on reelxia so I clicked play. I enjoyed this drama a lot. This is my first time watching Cao Jing Hao and An Xiao Jie.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Damn spicy opening with lust & desire blatantly expressed by ML & FL. Their romance had a slow build-up when they reunited but overall they were sweet to each other. They were baby-faced couple.
2. FL characterisation - I liked her tenacity. She was smart to protect her mother's legacy from her horrible father and his new family.
3. ML characterisation - He was kind & compassionate. I liked that he tried to make sense of FL situation even though there were some assumptions made.
4. Wolf arc - I liked the wolf community especially ML's close relatives. They were happy to accept FL & her kids into the community. The wolf training for cubs was adorable.
5. Supporting characters - The twins were adorable. I also liked ML's assistant and ML's close relatives.
6. Plot twist - Oh, I didn't expect that plot twist. I liked it a lot because then this drama has separate storyline from the other wolf dramas.
7. Styling - I appreciated the wolf styling for this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Child abuse - Shame on FL's father for abusing his grandchildren. I was also shocked that no one at the banquet said anything when the children were openly abused.
2. Antagonists - FL's relatives were atrocious - her father was a freeloader. There was also jealous she-wolf in the community who always took opportunities to bring down FL. The three stooges at the Jones Group were stupid. It was silly that HR Head of Department did not recognise FL.
3. FL's action - She wasn't honest with ML when he asked about her kids the first time. I was also frustrated with FL when she jumped into conclusion based on hearsay / a few observations.

Favourite scene
FL & ML's first intimate encounter

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Hidden identity kept too long but sexy chemistry made up for drama flaws

I like Hou Cheng Yue & Zhang Ji Jun's acting and know that they have collaborated before. I was excited for this drama especially after seeing positive comments on r/CShortDramas. I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Wow, that blindfold scene was sexy. Desire & lust were evident in both characters. I liked the dynamics between FL & ML with ML being slightly submissive to FL.
2. FL characterisation - She was smart & physically strong. I loved that she never wavered from bullies.
3. ML characterisation - I liked his puppy energy. The running around was funny. He had his serious moments, which I enjoyed as well.
4. Styling - I liked FL's outfits. Also the contrast between FL & ML.
5. Supporting characters - I liked the middleman.
6. Duration - Drama running time is 2 hours 7 minutes - I liked it!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's stepmother was evil. Her son was horrible. Can't blamed solely on him because he had an enabler.
2. Hidden identity - Only unveiled at 75% mark of the drama. I wish ML had come clean earlier when confronted by FL.

Favourite scene
When ML picked up FL from a line-up of blindfolded men

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Determind FL, sizzling chemistry & ML with fabulous abs - what's not to like?

I had seen a short behind the scene clip of Qian Zhe and Meng Na but I wasn't sure if it was from the earlier collab drama that they did. It turned out to be for this drama. I am a fan of Qian Zhe's acting and must say I like this collab between him and Meng Na. I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. Romance - There was allure in their first encounter. The tango was sexy even though less fluid movements. There were great spicy and sweet moments between FL and ML. I loved their second dance, which they did in private.
2. FL characterisation - I liked her determination in ensuring her father's patent not going to the wrong hands. She was smart to seek alliance.
3. ML characterisation - Tactical & resourceful. I liked that he genuinely wanted to help FL.
4. Styling - FL's engagement dress had a gothic feel. I liked! I also liked ML's outfits.
5. Rival arc - Riveting! I like the rivalry in business, sibling & love.
6. Supporting characters - I liked ML's mother, FL's father.
7. Duration - This drama is less than 2 hours. A plus point for me as I struggle with dramas longer than 2.5 hours.
8. Acting - I finally found a Meng Na drama that I liked! Enjoyed her performance here and she had great chemistry with Qian Zhe, I enjoyed his performance here too as there was a moment of vulnerability shown there.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I found ML's assistant a bit handsy. She went over the boundary. ML's brother was power hungry. FL's cousin was envious. ML's ex fiancée was annoying.

Favourite scene
When FL seduced ML who was pretending to be vegetative

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Touching story about neighbours-turned-friends-turned lovers going on weight loss challenge

I was apprehensive about this drama because it is about a fat girl. However I watched it because I am a fan of both Liu Xi Yu and Ma Shi Yao and the short running time. I watched it on youtube and I believe drama is less than 2 hours long. I enjoyed this drama!

Trigger warning: Suicide attempt

What I liked:
1. Fat main character - A lot of the vertical dramas with a fat main character tend to use different actresses for "before" and "after" weight loss scenes. I believe the producer made a good call to get LXY & MSY to wear fat suits instead. What worked (for me) was the motivation and the journey of weight loss.
2. Romance - This drama explores friends-to-lovers trope. I liked it because they went on a weight loss journey together, discovered each other's inner strength and fell in love.
3. FL characterisation - She was very endearing. I liked her spirit and enthusiasm once she set a goal.
4. ML characterisation - He fell hard for her. I was moved that he tried to earn as much as he could so he could support FL with her goal. I also liked that he was a nice guy - he intervened when FL had a tough time.
5. Public opinion - In one of the scenes, there was a rumour that affected FL's reputation. I liked that crowd who gathered near FL & ML took their side instead of the rumourmonger's side.
6. Vlog - I enjoyed these scenes. I also liked that the characters talked about income from sponsored ads / product placement.
7. Acting - LXY & MSY did a great job in their roles. I was moved by their characters' actions and felt warm throughout the drama.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - His motives were unclear but I think he liked having one person who knew him and dote on him. He sabotaged FL's health challenge - he was selfish.
2. Moments - I wish there was one more episode to show us moments of FL & ML doing lovey-dovey stuff as a couple. That kiss was not enough!

Favourite scene
When ML stopped FL from committing suicide

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A pleasant surprise - simple story about love & career of an actress + good kisses

I watched the first two minutes of this drama when I was helping a member of subreddit CShortDramas to find video upload with English subtitles. I got curious even though the names of ML and FL were unfamiliar to me. I was glad that I watched it because it was enjoyable.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Good kisses but the hot kiss on the poster / teaser trailer seemed to be missing (or maybe I expected too much???). Nevertheless I really liked the dynamics between FL & ML - they were tender, affectionate and gave warm feeling to me.
2. FL characterisation - Both FL & ML were in the entertainment industry. She didn't want her marriage / relationship with ML to be known to the public because she wanted to be judged by merit not by connection. I respected her decision and liked that she was focused on her goal.
3. ML characterisation - He showed some moments of jealousy but wasn't possessed nor toxic. I liked that he knew how to behave when provoked.
4. Setup - I liked that the setup was related to acting / entertainment industry. There were scenes of them being on set to shoot a drama / movie.
5. Duration - This drama is only 1 hour 45 minutes long. Perfect to watch in one-sitting.
6. Plot - I liked that this drama is a simple story that covers love & career. No melodrama.
7. Acting - This was my first time watching the performance of Xia Huan Ting and Wu Jun Jie. I liked them and the chemistry was sizzling. Apparently they are dating in real-life.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - An up-and-coming actress who was opportunistic and manipulative. She didn't mind harming people to advance her career.

Favourite scene
When FL seduced ML while he was working

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Family is core theme of this FL-married-to-single-dad drama

I was preparing a reddit post on Han Jia Hui dramas so I watched this drama as part of my assignment. I liked Li Quan Cheng and had seen their douyin video - it was adorable. I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was feisty but kind & reasonable. I liked how she punished her stepson who had bad attitude.
2. ML characterisation - Kind-hearted but firm decision maker. I liked his protective nature.
3. Romance - Sweet and they seemed like a couple who understood each other without talking too much. No steamy kisses but many quick kisses & pecks. Their love language is act of service.
4. Family - Core theme of this drama. From FL treating her stepson like her own child to FL mending relationship with her adopted sis.
5. Growth - There was two supporting characters that threw me off when she first appeared on screen. However there was character growth and by third act, I realised that I liked them.
6. Compassionate - This value was demonstrated in several scenes by FL & ML. I appreciated those scenes.
7. Acting - I enjoyed their performances, as individual characters and as a couple. There was good chemistry between them.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's parents too controlling & foolish. Not respecting ML's wishes & decision. FL's adopted mother & brother were horrible.
2. Son's action - There was a point where ML's son called FL by full name. I thought it was rude of him. He should call FL aunty if mother / mama was too much for him.

Favourite scene
FL taught ML's son a lesson because he got bad attitude

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I wanted more romance in this revenge tale

I am a fan of Sheng Yi Jie and Wang Chen Peng. This is their second collaboration although I haven't watched the first collab, I was excited for this drama. I watched it the same day of its release and had mixed feelings about it.

What I liked:
1. Opening - I loved watching FL being a seductress.
2. Plot - Wow I didn't expect a revenge tale to go big like this. I liked the plot twist reveal at the grave. Refreshing.
3. FL characterisation - Her mission was clear. I liked that she recruited her trusted allies in enacting revenge.
4. Styling - FL's outfits were beautiful. My favourite is the white business suit she wore at the start as it complemented her body shape. I also loved ML's outfits. Wang Chen Peng looked dapper in the grey suit.
5. Supporting characters - The gang of butler, makeup artist, fashion designer & dietitian.
6. ML characterisation - I liked his other identity - he was not an idle rich man.
7. Dynamics - I loved the seduction scenes and the kisses as it created enough sexual tension between FL and ML and between FL and SML.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Wow, the male antagonist was a different kind of villain. Female antagonist was a bitch. Both were unethical & unlawful.
2. FL's action - I felt FL should have gone for partnership with ML once the video reveal backfired.
3. Romance - It was rather one-sided with ML clearly attracted to FL while FL was focused on her goal. I wanted FL to desire ML.

Favourite scene
The dance by the pool

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Wonderfully written fantasy drama about revenge, partnership & power struggle

I was in the mood for supernatural themed mini drama last month because of Halloween. I came across this title online somewhere but was dismayed when youtube link was region-locked. However the weekend before Halloween there was another link made available. I was delighted & watched it two days before Halloween. I enjoyed this mini drama very much.

What I liked:
1. Fantasy - I loved the wood soul concept. I also liked the “vampire” concept was done in atypical way. VFX was done well.
2. Main characters - I liked that the three main characters (including ML's nephew) were morally ambiguous. I also liked that they didn't not fully trust each other.
3. Action - Amazing fighting sequences. I liked that FL was able to fight baddies even when her wood soul wasn't fully unleashed - she was not a damsel in distress.
4. Writing - Refreshing take on power struggle. I couldn't tell what was going to happen next. I also didn't expect the comedy bits.
5. Acting - Good performances by the cast. Ye Sheng Jia has improved a lot since Fortune Hunter. Xu Zhen Zhen did much better here than Enslaved by Love.
6. Styling - Beautiful outfits worn by the cast. I also liked that ML's bathrobes - great display of abs.
7. Family - Family is the core theme. There were 2 dysfunctional families.
8. Supporting characters - I loved Cheng Qi even though he didn't have much screentime. ML's subordinate & FL's servant were good characters too.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Evil. Greedy.
2. Chemistry - I wish both YSJ & XZZ had upped their on-screen chemistry so the romantic scenes (even without kissing) felt fiery & warm.

Favourite scene
When FL stroke a partnership deal with ML

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Enjoyable long time crush drama with variety show as a plot device

I added this drama to my playlist but I didn't recall the reason for the addition. The main actor & main actress seemed unfamiliar to me. Anyway I watched it last week - it was a good drama.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - Sneaky with all approaches to get FL in his orbit. Fret not, he was a sweet guy.
2. FL characterisation - It was great that she wanted to move on after discovering SML's bad attitude. I don't like FLs that wallow in self-pity for too long.
3. Romance - Sweet romance with ML having longtime crush on FL since they were in university. He liked caressing her face and I dig that!
4. Symbolism - I liked the hidden symbols of cat & butterfly.
5. Styling - FL looked pretty in her traditional outfits. I loved ML's shirt that has butterfly embroidery.
6. Variety show - I liked the use of variety show as a plot device to get them to know each other.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Shen Ruo Yan was such a high maintenance girl. Zin Mo was a scumbag for bad behaviour towards FL. I also disliked the other female contestant because she was hungry for fame.

Favourite scene
The confession

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Warm, touching tale about a girl adapting to new household

I was in the mood for Zhang Ruo Chen dramas so I decided to watch this one because I had never seen Zhong Zheng as ML before. I didn't know what to expect but I was glad that I chose this drama. I liked it a lot.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked her resilience and determination to do well for herself. I was moved when there were scenes that told viewers about her upbringing with her father.
2. Sibling dynamics - It was great to see how the relationship between FL and SML who is her stepbrother progressed from frosty to warm. I liked that ML realised the misunderstandings and tried best to improve his relationship with FL in his own way.
3. Romance - Slowburn friend to lovers trope. ML fell for FL but realised that FL needed to feel secure in her new home. So he was never explicit nor aggressive in his pursuit of her.
4. ML characterisation - I liked that he quietly supported FL and always tried to find ways to be around FL.
5. Acting - Wonderful performances by Zhang Ruo Chen, Zhong Zheng, Yue Yang. It was nice to see the actress who played FL's mother in a loving mother role - I always saw her as evil ex-wife and stepmother.
6. Supporting characters - I liked ML's two buddies, FL's mother & stepfather and FL's two friends.

What I disliked:
1. Blind date - I disliked the girl who was on blind date with ML. She was going to take advantage but luckily her green tea ways were caught on by many.
2. FL's relatives - I disliked her father, stepmother and half-brother.

Favourite scene
When SML overheard his stepmother telling their housekeeper about FL's upbringing in her father's home

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Good kissing scenes but Zhao Mei Xuan's acting was bland

I really like Ji Jun Liang's visuals so whenever I see his drama poster, I am more likely to watch the drama. I am unfamiliar of the actess but I enjoy unplanned pregnancy trope plot device. I had some expectations but unfortunately they were not met.

What I liked:
1. Ji Jun Liang - Handsome and his character is Mr Nice Guy. I liked his acting in this drama.
2. ML characterisation - I liked that he was firm with boundary & feelings when his childhood friend who loved him encroached in his space. I also likee his protectiveness.
3. Kisses - Plenty & great.
4. Styling - Well-picked outfits for ML & Ming Zhou SFL.
5. Supporting characters - I liked the doctor / brother.

What I disliked:
1. Zhao Mei Xuan - For a character that meant to be optimistic & warm, her performance was bland & forgettable.
2. Chemistry - No spark betwen ZMX and JJL despite the abundance of kissing scenes. Her facial expression was blank different from JJL who showed desire on his face.
3. Romance - Mostly one-sided with FL taking passive role. FL only iniated effort close to third act.
4. Antagonists - Mingzhou was entitled rich brat who was possessive of ML.
5. Length - Too long.
6. Styling - Her clothes not flattering. They emphasised on her naivety - maybe that was the intention.

Favourite scene
When ML went shirtless

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