emberzmars

Outrageous is the one word I choose to describe this drama

I have seen some cuts of this drama on my Youtube dashboard. So I watched on a Sunday evening.

What I liked:
1. Visuals - This is my first Liu Lan Bo drama and omigosh he was extremely handsome. Like a vampire well I thought of Edward Cullen because I could imagine him sparking like diamonds when under the sun.
2. Styling - Styling for ML totally elevated Liu Lan Bo's handsomeness. I also liked styling for FL because she didn't look like Lolita despite being a 20 year old. FL's wedding dress is beautiful because it's simple & classy.
3. Supporting character - I liked ML's assistant, who was amusing at times.

What I disliked:
1. ML's characterisation - I dislike him as he was possessive, lunatic & disrespectful to FL. He never tried to get to know & understand FL.
2. Romance - Where are the wooing & the dates? ML was very aggressive towards FL, which I don't find romantic. I don't buy the 'FL had feelings for ML' even at the end. She remained with him because he was lesser of the two devils. Because of this odd dynamic, I didn't see any chemistry between Liu Lan Bo and Zheng Chenyu.
3. Screenplay - The screenplay felt disjointed. I noticed similarities with Captive Love from the Mob Boss (FL saving ML from his enemies, ML stalked & stopped FL from marrying someone else) then second act was inspired from kdrama Where the Phone Rings and third act was the big confrontation with the enemy. The ending was so anticlimactic.
4. FL characterisation - It's good that she never felt for ML's charms just because he was handsome and rich. However FL character elements weren't consistent. At the start she was struggling student working as delivery person but from second act, I didn't know what happened to her studies. What defined FL as an individual?

Favourite scene
When ML first met FL...that's the hook that made me curious about this drama.

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Hidden identity, family dispute, hot romance

I love, love, love Yu Long-Tian Yu drama about assertive female CEO. When I enjoy an actor/actress work, I'd look up for his/her drama on Youtube. I was delighted to come across this drama on Youtube last month. I enjoyed this drama a lot!

What I liked:
1. Romance - They took part in a flash marriage as both had agendas to pursue. However there was affection despite them being married strangers. Yu Long and Tian Yu always have sizzling chemistry because they exude sexy, mature couple. I find them sexier during their kissing scenes. That sloppy lipstick mess was hot!
2. FL characterisation - She was driven by her goal to get her inheritance so it doesn't fall into the wrong hands. FL was smart and independent - I liked that she wanted to raise/take care of ML. Oh and her scheming was entertaining to watch. I was shocked about her stepmother scheme.
3. Styling - I love FL's outfits from the orange pantsuit to the dresses. ML looked great in his outfits too.
4. Supporting characters - I like ML's assistant.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - There were too many antagonists in this drama: ML's family, FL's family, ML's former friend & his sister. The actor who played ML's former friend Ye Jin Xiao is handsome - he reminds me of American actor Andrew Keeghan.

Favourite scene:
When ML revealed his hidden identity to FL

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CEO FL, ML hides identity, hot kiss - ❤️ this drama!

I watched this drama on 18 December 2024 during my first month of exploring vertical c dramas. I am very delighted that MDL page has been created! This is my first drama of Yu Long and Tian Yu and I must say I was impressed by the quality. This is one of the few vertical dramas I watch on repeat.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - FL is a CEO who faced misogyny
from her brother and some male CEOs. She is assertive, capable, smart, funny & vulnerable (I love that she's not Mary Sue). Tian Yu was excellent in this role. She can do comedic & dramatic scenes. I also think Tian Yu has a gorgeous body and she looks hot in tight fitting dresses.
2. Romance - I love her reasons for choosing a husband not a C-level executive. There was an attraction at the start, which slowly grew into admiration and love. ML comforted FL when she was down and I love those scenes. Their kisses are hot! The fact that Yu Long and Tian Yu looked like a sexy, mature power couple made me love this pairing even more.
3. ML characterisation - I love how devoted he is to FL and their marriage. He does have a flaw - he hides his identity while being married to FL. But he managed to convince FL to stay married. Yu Long was so dashing & handsome as ML.
4. Supporting characters - Omigosh I love FL's parents, ML's grandpa. FL's brother is unlikeable but towards the end he was ok. He was the comic relief.
5. Comedy - This drama is a romcom done well!
6. Misogyny - There was a scene where some CEOs, including FL, gathered for a meal and they bullied FL. The bullying was horrible but FL handled the situation well. Overall I like this scene because it depicts real life.

What I disliked:
1. Hidden identity - I just think ML should come clean at his grandpa's birthday.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML had beer at convenience store 🔥

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I love sexy, mature couple and the ending

I discovered Qian Zhe 2 weeks ago and gosh I enjoy watching his body eeerrr I mean his dramas. I think this was my first Lu Lu Lu drama that I watched. I realised that this is my second drama about Beijing Prince and a lady betrayed by her boyfriend and best friend. I can't recall the actor & actress of the first version I watched but I remember drama was from Dramazone Youtube and think it has been removed.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Lu Lu Lu and Qian Zhe exuded sexy, mature power couple. Palpable chemistry from the very first scene. I like that this version showed their sweet moments from their 3 covert years together.
2. Styling - FL looked classy and pretty. ML looked handsome. Even clothes for antagonists didn't look bad.
3. ML characterisation - ML was devoted to FL. He's done so much for her.
3. Ending - Damn, a boudoir photoshoot! They were hot even fully clothed!
4. Office rivalry - I enjoyed these scenes because FL was clever than her rival!

What I disliked:
1. FL's action - I think she shouldn't have brought his drunken ex back to his family's home. Even though she felt indebted to his family, he wasn't nice to her. Plus she didn't inform ML of her decision to send ex back & overnight at his family's house.
2. Antagonist - FL's ex best friend is one of the worst antagonists in vertical drama land.

Favourite scene
The ending

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Revenge tale that tasted like dark chocolate - noir, sexy & indulgent

It has been awhile since I last watched Zeng Hui drama. This drama was highly talked about on MDL so I watched it last weekend.

What I liked:
1. Romance - FL seduced ML at every chance she got and damn those seduction scenes were sexy as hell. Their intimate scenes were blazing hot!
2. Acting - Great acting by Han Yu Tong, Zeng Hui & actress who played the antagonist. Zeng Hui with pierced ear is devilishly handsome.
3. Revenge - A carefully planned one.
4. Ending - So sweet!

What I disliked:
1. Change of look - FL changed her looks through cosmetic surgery but I didn't see any difference between before and after looks. She should have worn a different hairstyle & thick glasses before or used a different actress.
2. Duration - I wish this drama was longer. I would love to see FL struggling with her changing feelings for ML and ML's kid.

Favourite scene:
The jacuzzi scene

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Soul swapped, Kickass FL, Unpreditable plot - Thoroughly enjoyed!

I was in the mood for He Jian Qi drama tonight and since I wanted something light & funny, I picked this drama. OMG, such a hilarious drama! I enjoyed immensely.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Kickass, smart, warm, hardworking. No wonder many characters fall for her. Despite being in different body, she never took advantage of ML's wealth. Yu Xiao Wan was cool & effortless in the role.
2. ML characterisation - Started off as brooding CEO but gradually learned compassion & love. I never expected He Jian Qi to be good in this type of role.
3. Romance - I like the development of their love story even though there were lack of physical touch. I'd say their love language is words of affirmation (they communicated really well) & acts of service. Mature & healthy relationship.
4. Writing - Having watched many vertical dramas, I find this drama refreshing. No jealous fiancée, no abuse, no kidnapping. I like that some characters discovered the soul swap as time progressed. Unlike other soul swap dramas, this one has more unpredictable nature, in which it happens during emotional moments therefore leads had no control or exact formula for the swap.
5. Supporting characters - Omg I like FL's sister (she's smart & funny), ML's assistant, ML's blind date, ML's sister.
6. Ending - I have seen a similar ending but this one is slightly different.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Just a small dislike of how the main antagonist was handled at the end.
2. Kissing - I wish there were more kisses!

Favourite scene
When FL's sister tricked FL & ML to confirm her theory

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Partnership within flash marriage that turns to love as time passes by

I chose to watch this drama because I wanted to explore Bai Yan's work. I wasn't disappointed.

What I liked:
1. Romance - It's wonderful to watch a relationship that is built on partnership then grows into love. FL & ML had very good communication. Romance is mostly sweet but there is one spicy scene & some real kisses.
2. ML characterisation - Even though their relationship started as married strangers, ML took his role as husband and stepdad very seriously.
3. Supporting characters - I like Grandma Lin who took on nanny role to secretly bond with FL and her daughter. I also like FL's daughter who is integral to this story because in other vertical dramas, most of the kids' role are products of one night stands.
4. Acting - I enjoy watching Bai Yan playing a sweet character without heavy heartache. Wang Jia Mao was also good in his role. The actor who played Su Bei Chen did well do especially that last scene with his mother.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Su Bei Chen, his mother, FL's male coworker & Zhang Xioli are despicable. Su Bei Chen especially!
2. Kidnapping - This is a common trope in vertical drama but gosh this drama upped its ante with the kidnapping scene.

Favourite scene
When ML confessed his feelings for FL at hospital

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Revenge tale with spice & tragic ending

Shen Hao Nan is the reason I watched this drama. I have watched Jadie Jia in other dramas too.

What I liked:
1. Acting - I like the dark tone of this drama. Nice surprise for Jadie Jia fans because most of her dramas that I watched are light & more comedic. Shen Hao Nan was also good in his role.
2. Romance - While there were steamy kisses, overall the romantic relationship was one-sided.
3. SML - According to Youtube comments, the second male lead is Wu Yuancheng. He was captivating in his role as ally to FL.
4. Revenge arc - The punishment for the aunt was satisfying.

What I disliked:
1. The ending - Wah, I didn't expect this drama to end that way. FL was too harsh.

Favourite scene
Flashback to confrontation between FL's mother & ML's mother

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Smart & sassy daughter was highlight of this baby mama drama

Sometimes I watch vertical drama on a whim hence this review.

Edit: Added new point below because I forgot about it earlier. Thanks Fae for jogging my memory.

What I liked:
1. Zhang Yun Tao - I wasn't familiar with his work but I like his performance in this drama. He did well as a cool, restrained CEO and there is something about his eyes that made me enjoyed this drama. He looked handsome in all black ensemble.
2. Romance - It was slow burn and I could feel the sexual tension between the couple. They slept together twice before they really got together. Though I dislike ML for keeping a girlfriend while somewhat pursuing FL - good thing FL was aware and stood her ground.
3. The ending - I like it because of how villain's real identity was exposed. It's different from other dramas with villain stealing FL's identity.
4. Supporting characters - OMG FL's daughter was smart & sassy. A future girl boss. The child actress did very well in delivering her lines!

What I disliked:
1. Villain - One of the most vile villains I've seen in a drama. She used her child to get what she wanted from ML. It's despicable. Was there no DNA test done?
2. Parenting - I don't like ML's parenting style. He didn't seem to care or be involved in his son's life. Bad behaviour was left unpunished. Plus ML was more concerned about FL's daughter.

Favourite scene
When FL's daughter looked for her mum in ML's hotel room

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Noona romance with good amount of tension

I am fan of jiejie / noona / older female, younger male romance. Watched this back in December 2024 when I first explored vertically shot dramas.

What I liked:
1. Romance - The sexual tension between FL & ML was very well done. The coupley things they did were sweet.
2. Acting - Sheng Yi Jie's acting impressed me. Ye Hao Ran also did well as younger love interest. His character was youthful & playful but when serious matter arose, he took serious action.
3. Styling - In the first scene, Ye Hao Ran resembled Korean idol Yeonjun from TomorrowXTogether. Other scenes, he looked like Korean idol Felix from Stray Kids. Anyway I love the clothes worn by both ML & FL.

What I disliked:
1. Ending - It's good that they worked through their problem but I felt that the ending ended abruptly. It would be good if there was another scene with both FL & ML happy with their relationship.

Favourite scene
When ML brazenly kissed FL on her cheek at their workplace

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Captivated by main leads' performances

I came across this drama on Youtube weeks ago as I was searching for what to watch next. Yesterday I decided to watch this drama and wow, I was captivated throughout the duration of the drama.

Edit: I adjusted my score because I watch this drama on repeat. Zhen Zi Qi's best work.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Wow both Zhen Zi Qi & Zhao Xi Xi's acting were phenomenal. Their intensity and energy correspond to each other's.
2. Romance - Subtle but I could sense that love was growing between 2 main characters. Blazing chemistry with hot kisses and intimate scenes. However overall I'd say the romance was toxic because of power dynamics.
3. Zhen Zi Qi - I was damn attracted to Zhen Zi Qi even though his character is a jerk. His deep voice, big build & broodiness made him hot.
4. Visuals - Zhao Xi Xi and the second male lead were good looking too.
5. Plot - I enjoy the sibling rivalry plot as this involves fight over family business. I am tired of sister rivalry involving a guy (common trope in vertical dramas).

What I disliked:
1. Ending - I actually like the ending but wish it was elaborated further. I want to see more sweet moments between ML & FL.
2. Treated - Some scenes between ML & FL gave me discomfort because FL seemed coerced into intimacy.

Favourite scene
When FL comforted ML after he was beaten by his father

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Underwhelming mystery-romance tale

I ❤️ Cui Yi Liang in False Face and True Feelings & enjoy Chen Yu Feng's dramas. When I saw this drama advertised on iQiyi, I was pleasantly surprised.

What I liked:
1. Wang Xin Yan characterisation - I like her determination to seek justice for her bro. She's flawed but not silly nor annoying. Cui Yi Liang was great in her role.
2. Guo Xing Ye - Wow, he was visually stunning in this drama. Acting wise quite good too.
3. Revenge - Watched many revenge C dramas and this tale of revenge is quite refreshing. I ike FL devise different strategies to outwit her enemies and how she got ML to become her ally.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Sadly it is underdeveloped. I wanted more from my two favourite mini drama actor & actress but they didn't provide much tension.
2. Xie Xin Ni - Possessive & vicious. I pity SML.
3. Mrs Xie - Evil & manipulative.

Favourite scene
Blue dress scene

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Bland story about strangers in flash marriage

I had watched another vertical drama about paralysed ML and since I hadn't watched work by Zhu Yi Wei and Bai Xin Yi's work, I decided to start with this drama.

What I liked:
1. Chemistry - They are a real life couple and the chemistry was apparent here.
2. Visuals - Good looking cast from main couple to ML assistant, ML brother & SFL.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - The disability arc didn't meet my expectations. In the other drama, the ML's use of fake disability was a test to vet out money-hungry relatives / rivals. He had charm while doing it but not this ML who is quite bland.
2. Romance - This drama didn't meet my expectation of strangers falling in love. I felt there was limit to both FL & ML interactions and I don't see them grow as ally then lovers.
3. FL characterisation - She was meek & crybaby. The other drama that I watched had FL who was protective of her paralysed hubby from start of marriage.

Favourite scene
When ML confronted SFL for overstepping boundary

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Good premise letdown by the writing

I am a fan of Wen Mo Yan and Shen Hao Nan after watching their mini dramas, Your Trap & Lost & Found. It was tough to find this series but was delighted when I found it.

What I liked:
1. Chemistry - Wen Mo Yan & Shen Hao Nan proved once again that they had chemistry that translated well on screen.
2. Romance - That first encounter between their characters was full of sexual tension. Their kisses later in the drama are hot. The life saving scene at the end waa sweet.
3. Mistaken identity - FL thought ML was a male model and ha what a great hook for this drama. Shen Hao Nan was well cast for this role.

What I disliked:
1. Plot - I wish this drama had gone darker or bolder knowing that both Wen Mo Yan & Shen Hao Nan are capable of giving layered performances.
2. Rewatch value - Sadly this drama is not memorable enough for rewatch. I watched this drama a month ago before writing this review and couldn't remember the story. So I fast-forwarded to jog my memory and yes, the third act was nothing special.

Favourite scene
FL & ML first encounter in the waiting room

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Enjoyable fish out of water story

I am a big fan of Wen Mo Yan. I was apprehensive about her ventures in vertical drama but this one was a good project for her, I think.

What I liked:
1. Stolen identity trope - In many stolen identity vertical drama I watched, FL's identity was stolen by ML's childhood sweetheart/betrothed (already established relationship) . However in this drama, FL's identity was stolen by her housemate/friend from same village.
2. Working hard vs easy life - I also like the conversation about marrying rich guy for easy life vs working hard to earn a living. It clearly explains antagonist's characteristics & motivation. I also like that FL's hardwork not only benefit her but also her village.
3. Romance - There aren't many kisses but I could see love & affection from the main characters through their gestures. It's also good to see that their romance wasn't smooth sailing. There was good balance of push & pull throughout their relationship. SML was interesting love rival.
4. Acting - Great acting by Wen Mo Yan, Wang Dao Tie, SFL & SML.
5. FL characterisation - I like that she's street smart, hardworking, kind & thoughtful. I like FL's stance on their blossoming romantic relationship.

What I disliked:
1. ML & SFL relationship - I don't understand why ML offered cohabitation to the woman who claimed to have one night stand with him. He didn't make any effort to get to know her.
2. FL's promotion - Her promotion from one role to the other was done too soon. In reality people might assume she had affair with top management.

Favourite scene
When FL reminded ML of his situation with his girlfriend

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