emberzmars

I liked leads' performances in this rich guy-poor girl romance drama

I was really impressed with Aorigele's acting in 'After the Fake Play Became Real, He Lost His Love Forever'. So I went through his drama playlists and this title had many positive comments. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. Acting - This is my first time watching Jin Yanna and I really enjoyed her performance. I also loved Aorigele's performance because he made the character soft-spoken.
2. Relationship - It's a slow burn romance that started off with student-teacher and then progressed into employee-boss, baby momma & later love. They resolved their misunderstanding in the first 28 minutes. I liked that writer didn't force a love relationship just because she was pregnant.
3. FL characterisation - She was kind & self-reliant but not meek / a damsel. When she was bullied, she fought back.
4. ML characterisation - I liked him despite the forced intimacy. He was patient & rational & tried his best to understand FL's actions.
5. Supporting characters - I liked ML's grandma for talking sense to FL about her pregnancy and indirectly offered to be her family. I also liked ML's friend / cousin who always helped around and to some extent, FL's childhood friend.

What I disliked:
1. Forced intimacy - I'd say their first intimate encounter was rape. It sucked but ML apologised to FL.
2. Antagonist - This time antagonist was self-proclaimed future wife of ML. She was doctor but her actions and long raptor nails baffled me. FL's family was despicable.
3. Boundaries - I hated that ML allowed antagonist to stay at his family home.
4. Bullying - There were some humiliating scenes that I found unfair to FL.

Favourite scene
When they talked about their feelings after FL got out of a trap

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I liked the leads' chemistry and their kisses in this version of a familiar plot

I became a fan of Song Yu Bo after watching him in inner thoughts drama set during Chinese Republican era last weekend. I browsed his list of dramas and this stood out because I was familiar with the plot - "my husband wants me to be impregnated by another man". I have watched versions by 1) Shi Tong, 2) Zhang Shan & Zhao Guan Yu, 3) Cui Shi Yi & Aorigele. I was surprised that I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Plenty of lust & love. Song Yu Bo did not disappoint me - the kisses were hot. I really liked watching their relationship progressed from one night stand to kept man / sugar mama and finally true lovers.
2 ML characterisation - Out of the four versions I've seen, Song Yu Bo's ML is my favourite. I felt that he brought more warmth & support into the relationship and was more like a partner. Meanwhile in the other versions their MLs were almost like bodyguards with FLs being the boss. I also liked that ML expressed his dissatisfaction with FL's decisions.
3. FL characterisation - I liked Wei Fan Shu's FL. She was more open to being vulnerable as opposed to FLs in the other 3 versions.
4. Acting - Both Wei Fan Shu and Song Yu Bo were great in the roles. They had sizzling chemistry with the right amount of push & pull dynamics.

What I disliked:
1. FL's action - I disliked that she didn't come clean to ML about her pregnancy. I was baffled by that ending.
2. Antagonists - FL's cheating husband was possessive and nonsensical. How could you ask your wife to follow you & your mistress around at malls? How could you allow friends of the mistress to treat FL badly? The mistress was batshit crazy for the outrageous scheming in third act. I also disliked ML's grandpa for scheming. Anyway the actor seemed to young to play a grandpa - he could pass as older brother to FL's cheating husband.

Favourite scene
When they celebrated FL's birthday

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Jiejie romance with off-the-charts chemistry & character growth

I stumbled upon this drama on my youtube dashboard. When I saw the first two minutes, I knew that this is another version of Zhang Yun Tao-Liu Can's jiejie romance drama. Jiejie romance is my favourite trope so I clicked Play and by the end of the watch, I felt satisfied way more than Zhang Yun Tao -Liu Can version.

What I liked:
1. Romance - The chemisgry between Zhou Jia Yi and Shao Wei was off the charts. The push & pull dynamics were executed well. Their love language was definitely physical touch. The amount & creativity of sneaky kisses ML planted 🔥🔥🔥. I also felt that their romance had more depth and tenderness because there was more time of them as couple unlike ZYT-LC version.
2. FL characterisation - I liked seeing FL's growth. She was reluctant to be in a relationship because of her mental health struggles. Cen Ruan in this drama was more likeable and had more depth than the other version.
3. ML characterisation - I also liked ML in this drama because he had more depth as individual. He was respectful of FL - he never meddled in her problems unless FL requested help.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's agent, grandma & best friend. ML's best friend provided some good laughs.
5. Styling - Liked the outfits worn by both FL & ML. I got many inspiration for my reddit posts. Anyway Zhou Jia Yi and Shao Wei were gorgeous in this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's father, half sis and stepmother were just money-hungry scums. I couldn't believe father's action to discredit FL's capability.
2. Length - This drama is almost 3 hours long. I was vested in the story but couldn't watch this in one sitting.

Favourite scene
When FL asked ML to be her boyfriend

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Flash marriage drama that didn't quite meet my expectation

I watched this drama because someone on reddit recommended it. This is my second time watching Li Ya Ya and first time watching Gao Ming. It was an ok watch - I expected more since marriage of convenience is one of my favourite tropes.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I liked that he's protective and respectful of FL.
2. FL characterisation - It's nice to see a doctor FL. I also liked her for apologising to ML because a heated conversation that happened before.
3. Romance - I could sense from the start that ML had a crush on FL despite the cold façade. Their dates were cute.
4. Supporting characters - I loved ML's parents for being kind to and supportive of FL. Loved ML's father's reaction when his wife meddled with their son and daughter-in-law's relationship. ML's assistant was good addition too.
5. Prophylactic - I didn't expect such scene but hey I enjoyed it.
6. The wedding - I enjoyed that chat amongst friends.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Wow FL's ex was very bitter about the breakout. He was possessive. I hated him for wanting to control her post-breakup by threatening her career.
2. Scheming - The hotel room sneak-in was an invasion of privacy. Pity the hotel guest! I also disliked the false accusation by a patient of FL. Good thing the son came clean - bless his heart for having a pure heart.
3. Acting - I love flash marriage dramas but this one felt like it's missing something. I didn't sense much chemistry between Gao Ming & Li Ya Ya - they seemed awkward & perfunctory.

Favourite scene
When ML drunk dialled FL

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Story of reborn ML that is focused on romance not revenge. I loved it!

Lately I have picked up some vertical dramas in which ML given a second chance aka reborn trope. Since I already like the Qian Zhe-Wang Yi Yang pairing, I watched this drama with some expectations and I am delighted to see I love this drama so much. My favourite drama from this pairing.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - As mentioned earlier, it's rare for me to watch reborn ML. I liked this ML because he was a sensitive soul who did everything he could to please his lady. I always enjoy watching hot & menacing Qian Zhe playing a sensitive man.
2. Romance - This reborn drama focused on romance rather than revenge, which I love. ML was burnt by love once so he tried at love with another person. I loved that ML & FL negotiated the "code of conduct" in their relationship, which made sense since they were strangers when they did flash marriage. The kisses were damn hot and wow there were scenes involving condom.
3. Agreement - I loved that ML issued an agreement & compensation fee to his ex-lover (SFL) so that the break was clean aka no lingering unresolved issues.
4. Styling - impeccable! Qian Zhe had a different hairstyle too.
5. FL characterisation - She was confident, cool & collected. I loved her no-nonsense attitude.

Disliked:
1. Antagonist - SFL is a narcissist & arrogant. I hated her for milking her separation from ML despite claiming she wanted to get away from ML.

Favourite scene
The wedding scene

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Low grade carbon copy of kdrama When the Phone Rings

I got to know about this drama through reddit. I was curious so I watched it. This drama is almost a carbon copy of the original Kdrama When the Phone Rings. This adaptation doesn't work for me for a few reasons.

What I liked:
1. Styling - Both FL & ML wore beautiful clothes.
2. Plot - I liked that this drama focused on kidnapper and the relationship between FL & ML.
3. Visuals - Lin Fen Song was handsome in this drama. Peng Yao was girl-next-door pretty.

What I disliked:
1. Acting - Peng Yao & Lin Feng Song don't have the acting prowess and intensity required for their characters. I've only seen Peng Yao playing bright characters and while it's good that she tried dramatic acting, I think this role requires a lot acting muscles and she isn't at that level. She didn't immerse herself in the role. It's my first time watching Lin Feng Song - he is ok at playing emotionally cold ML but his facial expressions are still limited. The only actor I can see pulling the role of ML is Huang Bo. He has shown range in one single drama An Incurable Love. I could see him playing an aloof presidential spokesperson who hides his crush on his wife behind the cold facade. I think Huang Bo could pull off that suspenseful scene from When the Phone Rings episode 6 when Baek Sa Eon frantically looked for his wife in the forest.
2. Romance - What works for When the Phone Rings is the chemistry between Yoo Yeon Seok and Chae Soo Bin. Even though there was no emotional connection between Baek Sa Eon & Hong Hui Ju at the start of the series, there were so much pent-up sexual energy between their characters. Unfortunately for this Chinese adaption, there is no chemistry between Peng Yao & Lin Feng Song. They are basically roommates.

Favourite scene
When ML took care of FL while in hospital

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Zhang Yun Tao in jiejie romance that doesn't meet my expectations

I watched this drama because my reddit friend had written a review & mentioned that this is a jiejie romance. This is my favourite trope and with Zhang Yun Tao being the male lead, I had higher-than-average expectations. I was disappointed by this drama.

What I liked:
1. Intimacy - This drama is filled with many steamy scenes with Zhang Yun Tao uttering spicy dialogue. Physical touch is the love language of the couple.
2. Styling - I like the clothes worn by ML & FL. Zhang Yun Tao looked like a bad boy because he wore an earring and in one scene, he wore biker's outfit. The apron hahaha is becoming a trend I see.
3. Revenge - I enjoyed FL's revenge towards the green tea even though the approach was quite bizarre.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's best friend (the actress even played SFL green tea in another Zhang Yun Tao drama).

What I disliked:
1. Romance - There is a flaw in their romance. FL resisted the relationship out of fear and in the third act, she seemed to cave in due to pressure from grandma and ML. I didn't like it and the drama ended too soon after she "agreed" to be with ML in romantic relationship.
2. Acting - I didn't sense much chemistry between Zhang Yun Tao & Liu Can even though their characters were intimate in many scenes. Liu Can's acting was ok for this drama but in the sea of vertical drama actresses, she was not outstanding and I am more likely to forget her name after finishing this review.

Favourite scene
The introduction

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ML forgot the love he once had

I watched this drama within 3 days of its release because I am a massive fan of Huang Bo and the short duration of the drama.

What I liked:
1. Revenge - She devised a brilliant plan after being betrayed by her husband. This drama reminds me so much of Bao Zhi Yue's mermaid drama.
2. Relationship - The good times FL had with ML were bittersweet. ML was a good husband then. I liked their bed scenes.
3. Acting - Great acting by Huang Bo and Jin Xin Xin. The child actor did a good job too.
4. Ending - I like it even though I thought it was harsh.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - He was naive for falling into scheme of SFL. He had shown remorse and seemed genuine about wanting to reconcile with FL but it was too late.
2. Antagonist - Wow, what an evil person!

Favourite scene
The ending

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Gulugulu. Warm drama about secret relationship at workplace

I have to admit that I really like Zhang Yun Tao's visuals. I am more likely to check his dramas when they were fresh releases even though he's not even in my top 10 favourite vertical drama actors. I think it's because I had never watched a good romance drama by him. Well that change with this drama - I enjoyed it a lot.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - At the start FL seemed like a doormat but that changed when she started a fulltime job. I enjoyed watching her as newie jewellery designer. She solved problems on her own with very little help from ML.
2. Romance - This is one of workplace romance dramas that I enjoyed immensely. It's wonderful to see ML discussing and guiding FL about work. I also loved that ML fell harder for FL because of her excellent attributes. Their make out sessions and the big height difference were hot.
3. ML characterisation - I liked ML for being a good mentor and boss. It's great that he was clear about personal space with his subordinates.
4. Workplace dynamics - In addition to mentorship, I also enjoyed this drama because of work rivalry element. Antagonist refused to accept ideas from much junior colleague and insisted that her idea was the best because of her education achievements. This happens in real life!
5. Styling - This is the best styling Zhang Yun Tao has had. Gosh he looked extra handsome with that long hairstyle.
6. Acting - This is my first time watching Xu Lan Di and I really enjoyed her acting. Will explore her other dramas. This drama is my favourite Zhang Yun Tao because his character was warm. Xu Lan Di and Zhang Yun Tao had great chemistry.
7. Supporting characters - FL's close colleague is a good friend. I also liked ML's grandma & her employee/caretaker.

What I disliked:
1. Coercion - I disliked their first intimate encounter because FL was coerced into it.
2. Antagonist - Ok SFL green tea went overboard with the kidnapping. She was cuckoo.
3. Confidentiality - I hate it when a doctor character discloses FL's medical condition to other people.

Favourite scene
When ML confessed that he loves FL

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Very likeable characters with spicy & sweet romance and sizzling chemistry

I got to know about this drama from a sub-reddit when a member posted a review. This is my third drama of Zhang Ruo Chen - I love her when she played a forensic scientist. I had never watched Wang Zi Yi's dramas before. I was informed that there are multiple adaptation of this plot and this version is the first adaptation that I watched. I must say I enjoyed this drama immensely and could watch this drama multiple times.

What I liked:
1. Acting - I must say that Zhang Ruo Chen's charm made the character so likeable that it's easy to forgive her bad wife past. I also enjoyed Wang Zi Yi's acting. Both of them had sizzling chemistry that their scenes together were so delightful to watch.
2. FL characterisation - Ok I watched Zhang Lei's adaption. I can't remember her leading lady's name but she had "mean" vibe in her FL. Zhang Ruo Chen's FL was compassionate with ML and her father once she got the inside scoop from the "audience". She was also smart & cheeky in managing her cousin & the guy she used to have a crush on.
3. Romance - Damn, that first spicy scene was 🔥. Their make out scenes were hot too because desire was felt in both of them. I love their sweet scenes especially the love letter & Kim Seon Ho's infamous pose. I loved that they communicated regularly with FL confronting ML on his jealousy. I also liked them for having fun, being affectionate and teasing SFL & SML
4. ML characterisation - I liked ML because he was very likeable. Wang Zi Yi's ML didn't seem as desperate to please FL as Zhang Lei's FL.
5. Supporting character - I really liked FL's father whose character was kind and amusing.

What I disliked:
1. Public comments - I wasn't used to this format of public comments appearing on screen so I was overwhelmed. They also appeared on screen at a breakneck speed in the beginning of the drama so it was hard for me to keep up & understand the info.
2. Antagonists - OMG FL's cousin who is SFL is not only manipulative but also irritating. She calling out FL to announce the arrival of SML was just plain rude.

Favourite scene
When ML showed FL's love letter for him to SML & SFL

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Bad romance & draggy Chinese Republican era drama

I enjoyed Yang Yu Bin's costume drama which he co-starred with Wang Zi Jia. I found out that Yang Yu Bin acted in Chinese Republican era drama so I was excited. Unfortunately I didn't enjoy this drama.

What I liked:
1. Yang Yu Bin - He was captivating on screen. I liked his acting even though I didn't have strong feelings for his character.
2. Styling - I must say Yang Yu Bin looked damn fine in Chinese Republican era military uniform. I also liked his black trench coat.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - It was a bad romance. There were sweet gestures and spicy moments. However there was no trust between FL & ML even until the end. A lot of assumptions made because no honesty between them.
2. FL characterisation - I didn't like her character at all. She was always suspicious of ML so she lied to him all the time. She's a blind follower, just following instructions without feeling the need to follow her instincts and investigate the truth.
3. Duration - This drama was 2.5 hour long and I found it draggy.
4. Transmigration - I felt this wasn't required since FL just followed the course set for the original character that she inhabited.

Favourite scene
When FL celebrated ML's birthday

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FL finally got away from psychotic ex

I never realised that Garvey Jin has crossed over to vertical dramas until a reddit friend talked about this vertical drama. I liked Garvey in Begin Again but couldn't finish Redeeming Love. I enjoyed Zhao Mu Yan's acting but haven't watched her dramas since February. Overall I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - It's great to see Zhao Mu Yan as CEO who worked hard but encountered challenges due to envy. I liked that FL tried her very best to find solutions without giving into demands of bitter ex lover.
2. Romance - The start of FL-ML relationship was spicy and full of sexual tension. ML was smitten and determined to be by her side. It took awhile for FL to give into love but it's understandable considering FL had just got out of a toxic relationship.
3. Supporting characters - I really like assistant Feng & FL's subordinate.
4. Styling - Zhao Mu Yan wore beautiful outfits for this drama. I loved her red dress at the engagement party.
5. Visuals - Zhao Mu Yan was so beautiful. There were many attractive actors e.g Garvey, actors who played SML & Assistant Feng.
6. Height difference - I know Garvey is super tall and Zhao Mu Yan is tiny. Their height difference was alright due to camera angles but once or twice I saw Garvey bent a lot. Poor him!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - OMG FL's ex was despicable for manipulation and imprisonment. He got his comeuppance alright. His father & wife were evil as well and I didn't see them getting punished.
2. ML's characterisation - I wish ML had informed FL of his real identity sooner so that FL and ML could devise a strategy to show that there was no favouritism. I also disliked feigning injury to gain sympathy from FL.
3. Relationship - I wish they had a proper discussion about their relationship once ML's secret was out.

Favourite scene
When FL was traumatised by her ex. That was scary hence memorable!

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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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