emberzmars

FL too obliging even after multiple blackmails

I was perusing new releases and this drama's poster caught my attention. I always think both Li Zi Jie and Li Ke Yi have the prettiest lips in the world of Chinese vertical dramas. Thick, full lips. Anyway I watched within the first two days of release. I didn't enjoy this drama.

What I liked:
1. Styling - I never thought I would see Li Ke Yi rocking top & trousers combo because she's always in dresses and qipao. I loved the wide leg trousers and brown top/jacket she wore. ML wore noce suits - I really like the teal blue suit.
2. Kisses - Good kisses.
3. Supporting characters - I liked FL's colleagues at BC group, the orphanage director & the kids .

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I hated FL's arranged fiancée for the double standard, the greed & being controlling. His mistress is even worse. She acted as though she was already part of his family.
2. FL's characterisation - Having watched Spring Day starring Guo Yu Xin & Chen Zheng Yang a week ago, I felt that there are similarities between this couple & that couple. However I felt that FL was too obliging to the Ji family. Her arranged fiancée was disrespectful to her but out of respect/feeling indebted, she just persevered and accepted the blackmail. I also don't understand why she left a company that's good for her growth & wellbeing.
3. Relationship - I found the relationship overall had more downs than ups. Their secret relationship felt more like booty calls than actual, healthy relationship.

Favourite scene
When FL saw a painting at the orphanage

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Compact, sweet & spicy romance of 2 couples

I like Du Ya Fei's acting. I came across this series when it came out but never watched till I got reminded of it today on reddit. I have watched You Leave, I Leave prior to watching this. I enjoyed this very short series immensely.

What I liked:
1. Romance - For a series that is only 33 minutes long, there are plenty of sweet and spicy moments. I love both couples but second couple had me more emotionally invested in. I understand both FLs' insecurities in their marriage because their marriages were arranged by their family.
2. Acting - I enjoyed acting from all 4 leads especing Li Meng Qing & Xie Hong Xin. I am keen to explore their dramas after watching this drama. Overall, all 4 had great chemistry between them.
3. Sisterhood - I really liked the bond that FL and SFL had. SFL seemed to be adopted by FL's family. FL in this drama seemed to be a follower rather than a leader - that's cute.
4. SFL characterisation - She is the character I liked the most. I empathised with her. She undervalued her worth because of her identity so she just needed reassurance from her husband.

What I disliked:
1. Runtime - I wish the series could be at least 1 hour. I really want to see more couple scenes.

Favourite scene
When secondary couple reconciled

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Family is core theme of this drama

I came across this drama as I browsed Zhang Chu Xuan's list of dramas on Chinesemov.com The title intrigued me so I decided to watch last week. I enjoyed this drama a lot!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - The introduction was amusing. I liked how FL decided to turn around the character that she inhabited. She's smart & compassionate so that changed people's perception of her. I also enjoyed her scenes as family provider.
2. Family theme - I loved that family is core theme in this drama. A few scenes were touching.
3. Supporting characters - I really liked the three brothers & FL's daughter in law. It's wonderful that they were given arcs for character growth. Anyway that milk scene was funny because it backfired.
4. Styling - Loved the vibrant clothes worn by the cast.

What I disliked:
1. Zhang Tian Jing - I understand that his character doesn't have a lot of scenes but I found him lacking screen presence. His performance was underwhelming for me.
2. Romance - It is subtle but due to the lack of chemistry between Zhang Chu Xuan and Zhang Tian Jing, it seemed unnecessary to have romantic interest.

Favourite scene
When the youngest son defended FL from a bully & his father

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Lotsa kisses but no chemistry & mousy & bland FL

I was in the mood for Ma Shi Yao's drama so I chose this drama because I thought this drama is a remake of A Night Deeply Drunk on the Spring Breeze starring Du Ya Fei.

What I liked:
1. Ma Shi Yao - Call me bias but he gave a good performance as a neurosurgeon with a threat on his career. I liked the scenes where he struggled with his illness.
2. Supporting character - I liked ML's friend that matchmade them.
3. Romance - The intimate scenes were spicy! I liked the sneaky kisses at work. ML was always the one initiating intimacy and there were plenty of shirtless ML scenes.

What I disliked:
1. Zhu Xin Yu - She gave an underwhelming performance. One note expression - perpetually surprised at everything.
2. FL characterisation - Mousy & bland. What made ML attracted to her a lot until he wanted a committed & long-term relationship?
3. Styling - FL's styling seemed to be modelled after anime character. White body fitting top with sexy back but let's hide sexy image with glasses. Oh I dislike when a character wears a pair of glasses that doesn't have lens. What is the point??? I also didn't understand why a medical intern have long nails.
4. Chemistry - There was no chemistry between Ma Shi Yao & Zhu Xin Yu.

Favourite scene
When he had a panic attack that caused him to doubt himself

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I liked secondary couple more than main couple

I am a fan of Huang Bo. I watched this drama on 16 February 2025 but forgot to write a review until today when I am doing homework on his dramas.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He was determined to make his marriage work after he had time for his personal life. He respected his wife. Huang Bo looked dashing in a SWAT uniform.
2. Supporting characters - I really like FL's best friend as she was spunky. I was intrigued by ML's brother from very first moment he appeared. It's good to see that he had his own arc. FL's senior doctor colleague was memorable & a good rival to ML.
3. Romance - Sweet romance once the awkwardness was gone. A lot of caress and hand holding. It's also cool that there is secondary romance story in this drama. They were so adorable.

What I disliked:
1. ML's action - I wasn't fond of ML for leaving his bride for work immediately after wedding & no communication until 3 years had passed. He never apologised for this action.
2. FL characterisation - I found her too timid for my liking. Her character wasn't memorable. I only remember she attended to husband's wound in the middle of hospital hallway.
3. Antagonist - FL's rival was annoying and unbelievable. How could she become a medical intern / officer with that reckless behaviour? There was also another woman who thought she should be ML's wife.

Favourite scene
When FL's bestie met ML's brother

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So-so romance & antagonist drama is draggy

I needed to make use of my iqiyi subscription so I chose this drama. This is the second drama of Zhang Ruo Chen & Wang Bo that I watched. It was an ok watch. I prefer the other collaboration.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - It's great to see multiple facets of her character. It was mentioned that she was slandered in the past and she got to prove everyone wrong at an event. Loved her resilience.
2. Musical art competition - It's odd that there was a musical art competition between ML's company and rival company when they actually compete for a piece of land. However this event gave opportunity for FL to clear her name and the traditional music showcase was done well.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's assistant very much because he was sensible & straight talker with ML. He told ML about ML's wrongdoings. I also liked the kind female staff right from the start.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Like many self-proclaimed childhood sweethearts in vertical dramas, she was delusional and possessive. Clearly disrespectful of boundaries set by ML. She also liked to blame others especially FL. Got tired of her deviousness.
2. Romance - There were many assumptions made by FL that led to strain in their relationship. I hated that she lied to ML about spending the night together. She should just tell him. I wish the writer had focused more on FL-ML relationship than on FL-green tea rivalry.
3. Promotion - It was strange for FL to receive such promotion when she was clearly lacking both knowledge & skills to become a manager. She should have started as executive or officer but the staff seemed ok about her promotion.
4. Make up - I don't usually comment on make up but green tea's make up was horrible. When she was hospitalised, you can clearly notice the skin tone differe nce between her neck & face. Her foundation was too light. Plus she always looks like she had pink eye with the unflattering eye make up.

Favourite scene
When FL competed at the musical art competition

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Good looking couple in underdeveloped romance

I watched this drama months ago and forgot about it until I checked Chen Gang's playlist. I watched it second time few days ago and submitted this drama as New Title so I can write a review. Have to say that this drama is forgettable.

What I liked:
1. Styling - Zhang Chu Xuan wore pretty outfits and I loved the biker look at the start of drama. I liked Chen Gang's paisley tie. Both Zhang Chu Xuan and Chen Gang are good looking.
2. Acting - Zhang Chu Xuan, Chen Gang and Wei Ruo Chen did good with the given script despite the horrible writing. However Zhang Chu Xuan's voice sounded different.
3. Supporting character - I liked ML's grandma.

What I disliked:
1. Violence - Trigger warning: This drama has scenes of someone physically abusing elderly. Plenty of slapping too.
2. Antagonists - SFL looked like Wang Yun Yun / Cai Cai Yun. Anyway SFL is evil.
3. Romance - Severely underdeveloped. With less than 20 minutes to the end, I still didn't buy that FL had feelings for ML.

Favourite scene
When FL wanted to help ML with change of bandage

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An enjoyable tale of time travel, gratitude and love

I was in the mood for vertical drama set in the 80s last week. I had never seen the work of Wu Jiao and Hu Jia Hao. This drama was light and entertaining.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was a critically acclaimed in the present but when time travelled, she decided to support a struggling noodle shop. Very entrepreneurial. It's admirable that she wanted to lessen the dependency on her husband hence she looked for a job. I liked watching scenes of her working and cooking.
2. ML characterisation - He was quite progressive for a guy who lived in 1980s and worked at the military. I liked how we see the changes in ML's thoughts of his wife. He's fair leader at military base.
3. Romance - I loved watching the progress of their relationship from awkward strangers to partners in life and love. Yes, we got a ML who craved for his wife's touch right at the start of drama! ML was sexually frustrated that it's amusing but it's great that he voiced his feelings.
4. Gratitude theme - I liked that gratitude is one of the main themes of this drama. FL appreciated her newfound parents, noodle stall owner was grateful for successful business.
5. Supporting characters - I liked ML's boss and comrades. It's wonderful to see ML seeking love advice from his boss. Parents of FL & ML were nice too even though they didn't get much screentime.
6. Ending - Sweet and done well.

What I disliked:
1. Superpower - She had a cool superpower but it was never explained if there were implications from using the power.
2. Antagonist - I felt like slapping that lady who was envious of FL and her colleagues. Good thing she didn't get a lot of screen time.

Favourite scene
When FL was abducted and ML was desperate to save her

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Spicy but crappy romance between doormat FL and indifferent ML

I watched this drama during my first month of vertical drama discovery and was surprised by the introduction. Thank you to JustOneMoreEpisode for submitting this drama as New Title because now I can write a review on it. Overall this drama had its ups and downs.

What I liked:
1. Lust - Damn, spicy romance right off the bat. That intro scene set me on fire! The subsequent intimacy between ML and "Penny" was hot with one memorable scene.
2. Acting - Great acting by Guo Jing and Xie Yu Wang. Guo Jing got me to sympathised her even though I didn't fancy FL's characterisation.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's grandpa and FL's boss / male colleague.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - I'd say FL and ML had an unhealthy relationship in which ML abandoned her right after marriage license and FL being ok with it. There were opportunities for both of them to tell the truth about their circumstance but no, the truth only came out during a medical emergency. I do, however, loved the scene in which FL woke up in a hospital and told off ML for suddenly showing concern.
2. Family - Both families of FL and ML are rotten except for ML's grandpa.
3, ML characterisation - I just cannot accept ML's behaviour. He cheated on his wife nevertheless.

Favourite scene
When FL was in operating room and doctor was looking for next of kin to sign papers

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Concise and compact, wonderfully written drama

I added this drama to my playlist about 2 months ago after watching another Ma Xiao Yu's drama. I was intrigued because the drama title said "domineering female CEO" and "her personal male servant". I enjoyed this drama so much!

What I liked:
1. Writing - I liked that the drama is concise and compact. ML's love rival was a nice touch! Both main characters & nosy colleague were well written. The plot twist was wonderfully done.
2. Directing - This drama has different style in comparison to other Chinese vertical dramas. It is whimsical and quirky with a scene that reminds me of Hong Kong film, Fallen Angel.
3. Acting - Cai Yan Jing & Ma Xiao Yu were impressive in their roles. I used to think that MXY couldn't excel in Mr Nice Guy role. Oh I was wrong!

What I disliked:
1. Fictional character - I was confused about the famous fictional character because I didn't see any similarity between the character and ML.
2. ML's mother - I disliked her for the deception.

Favourite scene
When ML met his father

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Reborn tale with reverse roles, violence and good comeuppance

I came across this drama on reddit. The actor and actresses were unfamiliar to me but the comments in Youtube were generally positive. I watched and enjoyed it. However please be informed that there are scenes of violence.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - In most vertical dramas, FLs are usually the ones doing the most sacrificing in relationship but not for this drama. It's refreshing to see ML being the "doormat" of the relationship. This is my first time watching Du Pei Yuan and he did well in playing this role. A good balance of kindness and pitiful.
2. FL characterisation - The FL is the scumbag of relationship between her and ML. It's refreshing to see a villainous FL. This is also my first time watching Zhong Ying Ling's drama and she was great in being sinister.
3. Supporting character - The doctor was played by Wei Jia. She left a lasting impression despite short screen time.
4. Ending - Good comeuppance.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Both FL and SML were atrocious. The actor who played SML looked familiar. Could he be Yang Chen, who starred with Si Jia Li in 'But Mr. Shen is too charming'?
2. Torture - Damn the scenes were painful to watch.
3. ML - doctor relationship - I want more!

Favourite scene
The ending

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Jiejie romance that would have been great if there were real kisses

Older woman-younger man romance is my favourite trope so I was intrigued by this drama. I was unfamiliar with both the main actor & main actress. The drama was a satisfying watch.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was smart, attractive and confident and Dai Qi Xuan played this role very well. I will definitely check out her other dramas.
2. ML characterisation - He was like a lost puppy who hides his inner dobermann. I liked him better once his secret identity was out. I liked Zhou Ling Feng's acting and hope to easily find his dramas online.
3. Styling - FL seemed to don an avant garde fashion. Her neon green gloves and oversized white hat definitely grabbed my attention. I liked ML's styling as it gave edgy allure to his character.
4. Supporting characters - I found the backstory of FL's stylist fascinating! ML's half brother was also an intriguing character.
5. Romance - Great mix of push and pull between FL & ML. You can tell that they love each other. There was also a hint of secondary romance in this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Kisses - Sadly the kisses were shot at angle that made them look like fake kissing. Despite that, I must say the chemistry was definitely there between Dai Qi Xuan and Zhou Ling Feng.
2. Backstory - I want to know more about FL's stylist backstory!
3. Deceit - I found the lie FL told to ML about her engagement was too elaborate. Pity ML.

Favourite scene
FL was hospitalised and realised how important ML to her

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ML's family made this longtime crush romance an enjoyable watch

I hadn't watched Feng Xiang Kun's dramas for awhile. I saw this drama on reddit and thought "Why not give this a go!". My first drama of Chai Hui Xin as FL as I had seen her playing green tea roles before.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was sweet, hardworking and opportunist. Thankfully her scheming was with good intentions. It was funny when her scheming backfired. Chai Hui Xin was good in her role.
2. Romance - Very sweet one with a lot of teasing. ML washing his underwear was unexpected. It's also refreshing that there is a short secondary romance involving ML's brother.
3. ML characterisation - He had long time crush on FL though he never showed it at the start of their marriage. I liked that he's calm & collected.
4. Supporting characters - ML's family was the comic relief. Loved his mum! FL's best friend was likeable too.

What I disliked:
1. Slander - Wow, that coffee shop scene was stressful. Wouldn't that be considered as sexual harrassment?

Favourite scene
FL met ML's mum for the first time

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Mischievous ML & touching wedding scene led to enjoyment of this drama

There are 4 versions using this plot. The first version is titled "The Tenderness of Wild Bones" starring Charon and Meng Lu. The second version is titled "Zero Ambiguity" starring Li Shengjie and Zhao Zaoer. The third version is titled "Gentle Wild Bones" starring Wang Chen Peng and Zhai Xin Ran. I came across the fourth version on Youtube but didn't continue watching past 2 minutes because FL was hostile towards ML that I was turned off. I watched this version second after completing Wang Chen Peng-Zhai Xin Ran's version.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I liked that he was mischievous and caring. This is my first time watching Li Sheng Jie and he did well in this role. I quite like that he was expressive (his smug look was perfect) and boyish handsome.
2. Romance - Their powder-keg relationship was entertaining especially the convenience store scene. This version had a role play session too hehehe. Their makeout sessions were hot because of the tension & framing.
3. Styling - I love her outfits from the black work suit and white jacket & white skirt to red swimsuit. Beautiful wedding dress. Her wardrobe looked expensive and elegant.
4. Music - Ed Sheeran's Perfect was played. Great choice!
5. Ending - This version has a wedding scene. Touching scene with FL's father. I love FL's bouquet!

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - She was pitchy and her reactions to ML's teasing were quite hostile. However I liked her because she verbalised her gratitude for her husband's love. I think Zhao Zao Er was good in her role.
2. Status announcement - They informed that they were married to each other at their high school reunion. However I wish they had shown us when their colleagues found out about their relationship and how shocked they were.

Favourite scene
The wedding

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Kickass FL, sweet ML & great comedic moments made this romcom super fun!

I watched this drama on 12 January 2025. I enjoyed this drama immensely and I thought it deserves recognition so I submitted a New Title page for 'Sweet Travel' on 19 March 2025. Delighted that the page is now up & running.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved FL because she was spunky, kind & quick on her feet. She was also funny and honest. That very first scene of this drama set the tone right. Anyway I had watched Yi La as bitchy SFL in another drama. I was pleasantly surprised to see her as FL in this drama. She did very well in comedy and I am definitely going to watch her other dramas.
2. ML characterisation - ML is a nice and humble CEO. I liked that he was attracted to FL because of her wits and kindness. This is the first time I watched Zhang Yi Lun's acting. I was captivated by his eyes. So striking!
3. Romance - Gosh the romance between FL & ML was very believable even though Yi La and Zhang Yi Lun did not do proper kissing. I saw the gradual growth of their relationship from strangers whom met & married to friends and life partners who developed affections & love as time passed. I felt like they were best friends! Chemistry was on point between Yi La & Zhang Yi Lun.
4. Supporting characters - FL's mother, ML's assistant and ML's mother were great additions to this drama.
5. Comedy - This is one of the best romcoms in vertical drama land. That scene in which FL saw ML and his assistant in his office was hilarious!

What I disliked:
1. Styling - FL's outfits (except the white dress) were so drab! Antagonists wore nice outfits unfortunately. I am not a fan of long fake nails and sadly Yi La had them in this drama.

Favourite scene
That scene in which FL saw ML and his assistant in his office

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