emberzmars

Second chance romance with sexy ML & wise daughter

I watched this drama because a reddit user requested for a link to the drama. I thought Wei Fan Shu resembled Gina Jin in the poster. I had watched her drama with Huang Bo just a few days ago and enjoyed her acting. I had not seen any Nie Bo Xuan drama so I got curious. I enjoyed this drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He was a sweetheart. He was dumped by FL but his love ran deep. Instead of enacting revenge, he supported FL by the sideline. I liked that he listened to her and was respectful of her decisions even though he didn't necessarily agree with them.
2 FL characterisation - Overall I liked FL despite her not being truthful. It was a defense mechanism. Anyway my favourite moment of her character is when she questioned Vice President's announcement of best employee award winner. In other dramas, someone else raised concern, never FL.
3. Romance - This is a second chance romance and the reconciliation did take time. I liked ML's subtle moves especially when they stayed over at his grandma's house. I loved that ML wanted to talk about their relationship. That scene of them playing pool was emotional and sensual.
4. Acting - I was impressed by Nie Bo Xuan's acting & aura in this drama. The child actress who played their daughter was awesome.
5. Styling - I liked the clothes worn by the cast. Wei Fan Shu was very pretty in this drama.
6. Supporting characters - I really liked the daughter, ML's assistant (his inner monologues were too funny) and ML's grandma.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - SML was manipulative and envious. Hated her for wanting to harm a child.
2. FL's action - I didn't like that she kept her daughter's identity from ML for too long especially after ML had proven that he's on her side.

Favourite scene
When ML spoke French to FL and then FL responded to the crowd

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Sizzling chemistry made this family dispute drama enjoyable

I watched this drama early 2025 when I just got into vertical dramas. I was already a fan of Zhang Chu Xuan and have watched Xie Yu Wang in another drama. I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Zhang Chu Xuan and Xie Yu Wang's off-the-charts chemistry made their characters' romance believable. Good balance of push & pull dynamics. There were good kisses, sweet gestures & cute banters.
2. Main characters - Both main characters were likeable. There was vulnerable side to FL's character.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's grandma & brother (by now June 2025, I have seen him in many supporting roles I need to get his name). I also liked FL's accomplice Ye Qi & master.
4. Antagonist - I liked the mysterious antagonist trying to bring down ML.
5. Hidden identity - I actually enjoy the way hidden identity was employed in this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - This drama was released in 2023 so the plot is typical of that year. FL's family waa terrible. Gosh it was nice to see Wang Yun Yun playing SFL green tea because my first drama of hers she was already playing FL. Her character in this drama was mean.

Favourite scene
Secret weapon

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Quiet and mature handling of jiejie romance

I watched this drama at the recommendation of a reddit user. Older woman-younger man romance or fondly known as jiejie romance is my favourite trope. It has a different vibe to the other jiejie romance that I have watched. I liked it.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - It's interesting to see the ups and downs of FL's life. At the start of the relationship, she was a well-to-do career woman who could financially support ML. However life happened and to avoid dragging ML into her problems, she dumped him. It may sound harsh but I understand her decision. He was young and full of potential.
2. Romance - Their relationship is different from other jiejie romance that I've watched. There were good kisses and puppy moments but the thing that strikes me most about their romance is the quiet and mature handling of it.
3. ML characterisation - I liked that he had her back and did not meddle in her life unless she requested for support. It was great to see him go against his irrational father.
4. Acting - It's great to see Han Yu Tong portrayed a vulnerable woman because I have seen her played strong or vengeful woman most of the time. It's my first time watching Qiu Hong Kai's acting. He was good in his role.
5. Competition - It's always fun to see scenes of slander and plagiarism accusation.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - It's unbelievable that FL's father would do such a thing to his daughter. Her ex and the mistress were horrible persons as well.

Favourite scene
When FL declared her love for ML in public

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Very likeable FL living in rural area with sickly ML & 2 children

I am on a mission to watch as many Huang Bo as I can because I am writing an article about his dramas. This caught my attention because it seemed family oriented and yesterday was Father's Day. I enjoyed this drama immensely!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Xu Man is the bomb. She was an overworked doctor who transmigrated to 1980s and her new self was forced to marry a sickly man with 2 children. I liked that she prioritised her family's welfare than her own career - which is unlike other transmigration into 1980s vertical dramas. Xu Man was smart to keep up with her hubby's aunt's scheming.
2. Romance - Gosh I liked how forthcoming FL is when it comes to romance. She desired ML right from the start, always complimenting him on his looks and teasing him about their relationship. I was pleasantly surprised that there is a spicy intimate scene 🔥because vertical dramas with live-in kids rarely have spicy scenes.
3. ML characterisation - Despite his disability, he was a smart entrepreneur. ML was kind and compassionate. I loved that he expressed his thoughts about his aunt directly with FL. I also liked his protectiveness over FL and the kids.
4. Acting - Hou Cheng Yue impressed me with her acting in this drama as she managed to convey different emotions and made Xu Man very likeable. It was awesome to watch Huang Bo as Mr Nice Guy as I always like his soft facial expressions. Both Hou Cheng Yue and Huang Bo have great acting and visual chemistry.
5. Supporting characters - The kids, the director of hospital and FL's grandpa are wonderful additions to this drama.
6. Antagonist - I loved to hate ML's aunt. Putting that aside, it is great to see a formidable antagonist because I am tired of green tea / white moonlight as main antagonist in a vertical drama.
7. Setting - Kudos to writer for choosing countryside as opposed to city for FL & ML's reisdence & livelihood. I liked that the issue of shortages of doctors in rural areas was brought up in this drama.
8. Styling - I really liked FL's clothes especially she wears yellow flowery dress. Huang Bo looked a simple bloke with that hairstyle - different from his usual suave hairstyle.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - FL's family is despicable. I was shocked by their decision in the third act - after all, they forced FL to move to countryside & marry sickly man. I also disliked snooty behaviour of FL's sister and ex-boyfriend.
2. Surgery - It's funny that FL could operate on a patient even though she wasn't a registered doctor. The director had so much trust in her.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML were intimate with each other for the first time

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Simple Republican-era love story with sizzling chemistry

I stumbled upon this drama as I was searching for Chinese Republican era vertical dramas. Love Too Much grabbed my attention because I hadn't watched Duan Mei Yang's dramas since Mermaid Husband. I enjoyed this simple love story.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Wow there was a great balance of push and pull. In the beginning, ML was aggressive in his pursuit but later on he toned down and demonstrated his love through acts of service. I also saw FL lowering her guard and falling in love with ML. Their kisses were hot!
2. Acting - Duan Mei Yang and Ma Xin Yu were great in their roles and had sizzling chemistry. SML was good too as he didn't make his role a caricature (often times antagonists in Republican-era vertical dramas tend to overact).
3. Styling - Duan Mei Yuan was gorgeous in military uniform & that hairstyle. Beautiful outfits worn by FL. I liked her cotton candy dress.
4. Duration - It was great that this drama took less than 90 minutes. The pacing was done well too.

What I disliked:
1. Grandma - I'm sorry but I don't like a character who is unreasonable. That threat & punishment were too much.
2. SML's father - It felt like an afterthought.

Favourite scene
When FL confessed to ML that she loves him

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FL was reborn but remained unlikeable till the end

I am determined to watch as many Huang Bo dramas as I can for my next assignment. I chose this drama because it was less than 100 minutes and uses reborn trope. I have mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Reborn - I liked that both ML & FL were reborn and took separate paths from their past lives.
2. Makeup - Kudos to the makeup artist for creating a realistic aged look for FL. She looked haggard with wrinkles, dark circles & pigmentation as the harmful medication took a toll on her.
3. FL characterisation - I'd say she's anti-hero instead of villain here because this drama is from her perspective. I liked that she is an unlikeable character but with pitiful moments. The actress who played FL did very well with her role.
4. Ending - I was surprised by how SML & his wife's story was wrapped up.
5. Supporting characters - It's great to see SML being the bigger devil than FL. I was also surprised by his staff supported him in his quest to dupe FL.

What I disliked:
1. Screentime - It's a shame that Huang Bo got little screentime despite the top billing. Wish we could see more of ML's life journey because I don't watch many ML reborn stories.
2. FL's actions - FL was so materialistic that she did not care about her responsibilities as a company president. Such a silly girl!

Favourite scene
When FL realised she had been duped by SML

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How a canary planned her escape from vicious "owner"

I am in Huang Bo phase because I am preparing a reddit post on his dramas. This drama has been in my 'Plan to watch' list since I discovered Huang Bo early this year. Wow, I am in disbelief. Despite the toxicity, I enjoyed this drama for the beautiful shots & amazing performances.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - OMG, she was a canary to a possessive lover. I loved her for fighting for freedom and never giving up. Such a beautiful but tragic backstory.
2. Acting - This is my second drama with Huang Yun Yun as FL and wow, what an impressive performance. She was able to showcase different facial expressions. Huang Bo played a convincing psychopath that I was so concerned for FL's wellbeing. Huang Bo and Huang Yun Yun had amazing chemistry despite their characters being in predator-prey relationship.
3. Ending - It's a brilliant idea to do something different and related to the poster.
4. Styling - Huang Yun Yun was elegant when she wore dresses - my favourite is the light blush dress. I also loved her all black ensemble she wore when she confronted ML for the final time.
5. Length - This drama is under 100 minutes, which is good because I couldn't take anymore abuse.
6. Editing - Beautifully shot scenes e.g. dancing scenes & forced intimacy scenes.
7. Supporting characters - Different characters added value to this drama: Yang Xue, FL's male friend, ML's staff.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - In this drama, the ML is the villain and he is the most vile partner ever. He was possessive, conniving and insecure. It's unbelievable that he did those things to make sure FL stayed with him.
2. Romance - Toxic love.

Favourite scene
The ending

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“Being kind to those who hurt you, is cruelty to yourself”

I watched this drama a few days ago as I was preparing a reddit post that celebrates Father's Day. A gem that is highly recommended.

What I liked:
1. Family theme - This is a non-romance drama and it heavily focuses on family. There are 2 different families shown in this drama: i) FL's adopted family and 2) FL's biological father.
2. FL characterisation - I loved how she grew up and changed her approach once she was given a second chance. One thing remained constant - she was kind-hearted, cool and level-headed. She helped to extract a stranger from a car wreck even though there were risks of car blowing up. However with people who treated her badly, she wasn't kind which is great.
3. ML characterisation - Despite no romantic element, ML here is FL's biological father played by Sa Gang Yun. He started off as a serious, no-nonsense business man. Despite being skeptical & awkward with FL at first, it's wonderful to see him making effort in getting to know FL. He supported her without smothering her.
4. SML characterisation - FL's adopted father has a complex arc that made me go through an emotional rollercoaster. He wasn't a bad person from start till the end - there were moments in which he was genuinely kind. He made bad decisions that affected FL's welfare.
5. Supporting characters - I liked the grandpa who rescued FL and wanted to know more about his backstory.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's adopted family were atrocious. I couldn't believe her adopted / stepmother for the inhumane treatment.
2. Assault - I couldn't believe that FL's adopted brother assaulted her for something petty. He should be sent to the police for his crime!
3. Father - daughter relationship - I wish there were more scenes of FL & ML spending quality time together. FL looked indifferent sometimes when she was with biological father. I wish she would lower down her guard.
4. Ending - A cliffhanger. I want to know what happened next.

Favourite scene
The contract bidding

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So much potential but writing was a letdown. FL got bullied too many times

I was in the mood for Huang Bo so I chose to watch this drama. The video had more than 2 million views and the title stated that he was allergic to woman. I had mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - It was good to see Huang Bo playing Mr Nice Guy. ML was protective & respectful of FL.
2. Romance - Sweet age-gap romance. FL was still university student at the start so she called ML "uncle". ML fell for FL at first sight and entertained every single request of FL. However the kisses weren't real, I wonder if Li Jing Ye's request for no real kisses because Huang Bo does real onscreen kisses very well.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's assistant. Smart & knew when to intervene.
4. Ending - The last 5 minutes was suspenseful. I liked the ending and how FL reacted upon hearing news from ML.

What I disliked:
1. Bullying - FL were bullied too many times: her family, her love rival, at her graduation ceremony, ML's ex. These scenes bored me so I watched it at 2× speed.
2. Allergy plot device - I was disappointed this plot device wasn't properly used in this story. It was only done very briefly at the start and then briefly mentioned in the third act.
3. FL characterisation - FL was quite timid for my liking. I disliked that FL had doubts about ML when his ex appeared. At times I felt she received more than she gave to the relationship.

Favourite scene
The ending

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Solid historical revenge drama with captivating ML

I don't remember how I came across this drama - was it because I missed watching Wang Zi Jia or was this drama recommended in a sub-reddit? I am glad that I watched this drama because it was good.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Wang Zi Jia continued to impress me with her acting. This is my first drama of Yang Yu Bin and wow, I was impressed by his facial expression and posture. He was captivating on screen!
2. Revenge - Both characters sought justice for their families. ML's revenge plan was more subtle. It's cool that FL executed her plan without help from ML. She was smart.
3. Romance - There was a good mix of sweet and spicy. I loved how affectionate they were with each other. ML being playful with FL was cute then hot.
4. Styling - I really really liked ML's styling. Their wedding gowns were beautiful.
5. Supporting characters - I liked FL's older servant because she was protective of FL. ML's righthand man was good too.
6. Length - Great that this drama is less than 1 hour 50 minutes.

What I disliked:
1. Abuse - Pity FL for enduring abuse from relatives & sister wives/concubine. That punishment she received in the past was nasty.
2. Antagonists - A few were introduced. They were horrible people.

Favourite scene
When FL tended to ML's wound

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When antagonist reigned supreme

I was going through iQiyi shorts collection until I saw the poster of this drama. I clicked play because I am Huang Bo fangirl and I was curious about Xu Dan's acting. This drama was an OK watch despite its many flaws.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked her resilience in facing hardships. She was on her own so I understood why she never openly fought back.
2. Acting - I was impressed by Xu Dan and the actress who played Tang Si Han. Huang Bo did good with his role too. I disliked his character at one point.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Wow Tang Si Han is the most vicious antagonist I have seen in vertical dramas. She was a psychopath who has no moral compass. Her biological mother was another vile character.
2. Abuse - There were so much physical & mental abuse endured by FL. I was stressed.
3. Romance - Even though FL & ML were together in a romantic relationship, there was hardly any romance in the drama.
4. Mrs Tang - Gosh she was mean and dumb. She should have done a DNA test to confirm Tang Si Han's claim.

Favourite scene
When Tang Si Han visited ML's father at the hospital

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Surprised by how much I enjoyed this drama despite the stiff acting

I was in the mood for Zhao Zhen Dong's dramas and chose this drama because running time is less than 2 hours and I enjoy flash marriage trope. I set the bar low because I was disappointed with another ZZD drama. However this drama proved to be enjoyable despite its flaws.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Despite no real kissing & spicy scenes, I enjoyed watching the development of their relationship. They started off as strangers agreeing to a marriage of convenience but then slowly build their relationship & affection through interdependence, mutual respect & communication.
2. FL characterisation - She is smart & self-reliant. I liked how she solved the plagiarism accusation. She did it on her own without the help of ML.
3. ML characterisation - He is respectful and genuinely like FL from the start.
4. Supporting characters - ML's assistant was a delight to watch.
5. Car accident - I liked how this crucial moment in FL & ML's lives was written & presented in the drama. The director managed to create a momentum of suspense.

What I disliked:
1. FL's actions - I couldn't understand her reasoning for going out with her senior and her behaviour during that date, her not disclosing her relationship with ML at her school reunion and her going out with a random man.
2. Acting - Wang Zi Yi's facial expressions and body language were stiff and did not match the intensity of Zhao Zhen Dong's acting. I couldn't sense any chemistry between ZZD & WZY despite enjoying their romance journey. That bumped me because I thought her character was somewhat well-written. The actress who played FL's stepmom Song Xue Er gave a bad performance. What's with the maniacal laughter?
3. Supporting characters - I disliked grandmas from both sides - they were selfish! FL's father wasn't a good man too. The green tea and the office director were annoying.
4. Styling - Why were FL wearing dowdy outfits? She looked like Sister Maria from The Sound of Music. She wore ugly shoes.

Favourite scene
When FL presented a cake to ML & they celebrated his birthday

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Emotionally charged reincarnation tale with electrifying chemistry

I must say that I find Zhang Lei handsome. I was curious about his dramas so I watched his other drama but someone recommended this title. I just finished watching it and yes, I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. Romance - ML was easily turned on by FL after noticing changes in her character. For me, the romance really clicked in the third act when FL started to pay attention to her feelings about ML. Their kissing by the pool scene was hot and emotionally charged as FL finally acknowledged her growing love for ML. I also found the kissing by the car scene very intimate because they were honest with their feelings regarding the other person and their relationship.
2. Reincarnation - I really liked ML's thoughts of his past lives as he was able to distinguish between his feelings for FL in present form from his feelings for FL in past lives. I also liked that he knew he was in control of his life journey.
3. Supporting characters - Their son was endearing. Great to see him again because I enjoyed the boy's acting in A Story About Love. I also liked FL's brother.
4. Sibling dynamics - This arc touched my heart. I totally felt FL's pain when her own brother didn't believe her. Her action was brutal but that was the best for her. Delighted to see grovelling scene.
5. Main characters - I enjoyed watching their characters grow. FL stopped becoming a doormat while ML started to make effort in their relationship. Great acting by Zhang Lei & Lin Qi Ting.

What I disliked:
1. Gossip - There wasn't a clear antagonist for this drama but that group of mean girls served the purpose of baddies I supposed. They felt out of place during parent-child event at school. I don't think any of them had children.

Favourite scene
The confession by the swimming pool

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Flawed romantic suspense drama brought down by abysmal acting performance & subpar writing

I found out about this drama from a subreddit. The title intrigued me because the two main characters are on the opposite side of the law. I decided to watch within 24 hours of release but gosh, I was disappointed with this drama. Thank you Raiana for telling me about this MDL page because I wanted to post my review immediately after watching so I don't forget my points. Watching this drama once is enough for me.


What I liked:

1. Styling – Zhao Zhen Dong was damn hot in silver hair. He looked like an anime character - I was glued to the screen . I also liked the clothes he wore during the drama.

2. Writing – I appreciate the writer trying to give refreshing storyline. The first & second acts were somewhat thrilling even with predictable plot. Well I knew where the story was heading.



What I disliked:

1. Bai Ye – Bai Ye was unbelievable in her role of undercover narcotics agent. She lacked conviction when she had scuffle with antagonists and during action scenes. I felt she was miscast.

2. Romance – FL & ML are supposed to be deep in love since their training academy days but got separated due to missions. However when reunited, they seemed awkward and there was no sexual tension. There was no chemistry between Bai Ye and Zhao Zhen Dong. Their romance was lacklustre.

3. Third act – The scenes after main antagonist was apprehended felt like a typical vertical drama but disguised as police thriller. The white moonlight increased her efforts in separating the couple, the couple decided not to communicate truthfully so a lot of assumptions made. Ending was out of the blue.


Favourite scene
Zhao Zhen Dong when he first appeared on screen with silver hair

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Domineering female CEO & a house husband entangled in family dispute & power struggle

I was curious about Li Quan Cheng's work so I decided to watch this drama. I had never seen Mai Tong's drama neither.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I like flirty ML so this Ye Xuan Yi won me over. It's admirable that he doesn't feel emasculated by his wife's ambitious nature. Darn, how old is Ye Xuan Yi??? Li Quan Cheng played this role to perfection as he was able to demonstrate the serious and the cheeky sides of his character.
2. Romance - Sweet romance. Too bad their sexy time was interrupted. Anyway I loved how ML cared for FL. Their love language is act of service.
3. Supporting characters - Lei Yun was an awesome right handman. I liked FL's sister too.
4. Antagonist - I knew who the main culprit was before it was unveiled. I enjoyed the arc even though it was flawed.
5. Styling - Loved the clothes worn by Ye Xuan Yi and Lei Yun. Su Yin's magenta pantsuit was gorgeous!

What I disliked:
1. Acting - OMG the actress and actor playing the antagonists went over the top with their acting - like they were in pantomime. I also think Mai Tong's acting was inconsistent. She was great at portraying cool and distant head of company but as a wife witnessing a dying husband, she didn't express enough warmth & tenderness.
2. Shareholder meeting - Vertical dramas always get this scene wrong but the scene in this drama is absolutely ridiculous. The discrimination against people with physical impairment, the process of verifying company chairman made me mad. Good thing FL said something against the discrimination of people with mobility issue.

Favourite scene
When ML came to the shareholder meeting

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