emberzmars

Huang Bo playing doting dad to twins...ker ai!

I was preparing a reddit post on Huang Bo's dramas when I came across this unlisted drama on his MDL page. I enjoyed this drama and submitted it as New Title.

What I liked:
1. Plot - This drama's plot is similar to Mr Pei Loves Her So Much starring He Cong Rui & Xu Meng Yuan. Not sure if both dramas came from same source but I liked the story that I don't mind watching different versions.
2. FL characterisation - The difference between this drama and Mr Pei Loves Her So Much is the FL's backstory. This FL needed to bear children in order to get her inheritance so she underwent artificial insemination. Unfortunately her twins were taken away from jealous family members. I liked that FL is successful & hardworking.
3. ML characterisation - He is a doting father who is pressured to get married by his kids.
4. Acting - It's wonderful to see Huang Bo playing a green flag character. I giggled so loud when he did a little dance. Ker Ai! This is my first time watching Wei Fan Shu and I enjoyed her acting and chemistry with Huang Bo and child actor & child actress.
5. Romance - There were nice kisses in this drama, which I didn't expect in dramas with live-in small children. The flashbacks were short but sexy.
6. Supporting characters - I liked the twins, ML's parents and cousin.

What I disliked:
1. Hidden identity - I think it went too long. Wish they came clean earlier.
2. Antagonist - The "fake" biological mother to the twins was horrible & selfish.

Favourite scene
When ML did a happy dance

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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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No chemistry & warmth between FL and ML in this secret child drama

Zhang Yun Tao is one of those actors whose drama I keep watching even though he's not my top 10 actor. As usual I watched this drama because of him and the secret baby plot. I have mixed feelings about this drama. There are many and better dramas related to secret babies and/or ZYT.

What I liked:
1. Supporting characters - I like ML's mother & son.
2. Styling - I really liked ML's wardrobe especially the black jacket & navy trouser that he wore to a parent-teacher event.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - I couldn't relate to FL. Usually I find FL who has had a child to be warm but she is cold & uninteresting. I found her plan to get back her child as silly.
2. Romance - Typical start in which a main character was intoxicated & had one night stand with a stranger.
Anyway because of FL's cold personality, I didn't buy their romance. There wasn't any emotional connection between them unless you count their biological child as an emotional connection.
3. Antagonists - Another entitled green tea. The paralysed antagonist was cuckoo for her scheming.

Favourite scene
When ML's employees were snooping in ML's room as he was having discussion with FL

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Quiet mystery romance with good chemistry between the leads

I was surprised to see a collab between Zhang Chu Xuan and He Cong Rui. Both are my favourite actors. I watched this drama within first 3 days of its release. I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. Tone - I like the quiet mystery element of this drama. The drama is not too dark which is a breath of fresh air.
2. FL characterisation - I liked her determination in investigating her sister's death. She was more concerned about truth rather than vengeance.
3. ML characterisation - Gosh he was mysterious that I was praying he's not a baddie. He figured out FL's hidden agenda quite early but he didn't go overboard with confrontation nor meddling.
4. Acting - I really enjoy the acting of both ZCX & HCR, individually & as a couple. It's great to see ZCX playing this role (a softer, vulnerable woman) as I've seen her in too many "strong woman" characters. HCR exuded the right allure for this mysterious character.
5. Romance - Slow burn because investigation takes precedence. There was good balance of push and pull - sweet & spicy moments. FL begging ML scene was unexpected for me - it was very sweet.
6. Styling - ZCX looked beautiful in that floor length dress. I also liked the pink blush dress.

What I disliked:
1. FL's action - I did feel that FL was stringing ML along and I disliked it. Good thing she didn't take long to fess up.

Favourite scene
Bathtub

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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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Interesting premise ruined by frequent ads

I got curious about this series when a reddit user requested a link to the drama. Since it's less than 40 minutes, I decided to watch it. I have mixed feelings.

What I liked:
1. Plot - I liked that both FL & ML worked at a matchmaking agency. This is a body swap story so it was amusing to see them coping being in the other people's body.
2. Supporting characters - I liked the photographer & painter couple. Very short screen time but their story spoke volume.
3 Tone - It's very light hearted.
4. Duration - Less than 40 minutes.

What I disliked:
1. Product placement - I get it that JD.com invested in this drama but the ads were excessive and overshadowing the whole story.
2. Writing - Because of the constant ads, the story of main couple is heavily affected. I couldn't connect with them.

Favourite scene
At the art gallery

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Gullible FL who kept getting bullied by relatives

I watched this drama because I was in the mood for Huang Bo's dramas. Sadly this drama didn't meet my expectations. I don't recommend watching this drama.

What I liked:
1. Supporting characters - I liked ML's grandma and subordinate.
2. Grief - I think this scene was done well thanks to the actress who played FL.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - She was gullible and easily fooled by her uncle & cousin. She was a damsel in distress that required saving by ML.
2. Romance - There was no romantic relationship between them. ML might liked FL thus caref for her but FL seemed indifferent to their romantic relationship. She never made any effort to be his wife - she's convinced that they only married because of the baby.
3. Bullying - There was too much bullying in this drama and most are outrageous & violent.
4. Antagonists - Uncle & cousin were atrocious & materialistic.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML had a conversation about their child

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Heartfelt Chinese BL with thought provoking dialogue & fiery chemistry

I saw this poster on MDL's newly added dramas search results. I don't watch many BL but this caught my attention again when I noticed MDL user Jelena Petrovic's rave comments on my feed. I enjoyed this short drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. Qin Jialin - Wow his acting impressed me very much. His micro expressions were on point that I had empathy for his character from the start of the drama. Gosh, Qin Jialin was damn sexy not just the physique but also in the way he spoke. At times Qin Jialin resembled Korean actor-idol Park Hyung Sik.
2. Chen Xi characterisation - I knew he was a troubled soul from the first moment Hao Yu threatened him. He was nonchalant about life after being abandoned by former lover.
3. Hao Yu characterisation - He seemed tough but he was a softie & green when it came to life experiences.
4. Romance - There was sexual tension between the two men right from the start - well maybe that shower scene at the very beginning prompted us the audience. The first intimate scene was 🔥 even though Hao Yu was resistant.
5. Writing - This story had heart, genuine affection. There was a chat about the meaning of life. I liked it that way because most BL dramas that been marketed on streaming platforms heavily emphasised on lust.

What I disliked:
1. Ending - I felt like it was abrupt. In addition to their growing relationship, I also want to know about their individual growth after they got together. It seems like hope will drive them to get out of the funk that they're experiencing.

Favourite scene
When Hao Yu found Chen Xi at the beach contemplating life

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Writer & director were too indulgent on FL - ML chemistry that they forgot how to tell a good story

I wanted to watch something on Youku so I picked this drama because of mini drama format and jiejie romance trope.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Wang Jun Hao and Feng Xi Yao gave good performances and had sizzling acting chemistry.
2. Romance - There was so much sexual tension at the start. I could sense desire felt by them. It was great when they finally got together. Nice kisses though I wish there were more kisses once misunderstanding cleared.
3. Styling - Beautiful outfits for both FL & ML. Their visual chemistry was off the charts too.
4. Supporting characters - I liked Tuan, ML's colleague and FL's bestie.

What I disliked:
1. Second half - The drama started going downhill when ML's father told FL that FL & ML were biological siblings. I hated that FL didn't talk about it with ML - instead she demanded a breakup. I watched the second half at 4.0 x the speed to ensure I could mark this drama as complete. Indulgence could have been done in standard 24-episode format.
2. Car accident - I thought FL would focus on car accident that caused her parents' death but nope, this task was put on hold because other things happened.
3. Antagonists - Main antagonist was badly written. Too much screentime given to Qiu Yu & Shasha. Shasha is niece of Aunt Yun but she isn't wealthy nor working. I don't understand the value she brings if she had married ML Her character didn't add value to the story.

Favourite scene
When they first kissed

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Likeable main characters but the romance was underdeveloped

I was going through iQiyi's shorts catalogue and found this drama. The synopsis intrigued me and I am a fan of Zhao Guan Yu.

What I liked:
1. Main characters - Both main characters hid their true identity from one another because they were rich and wanted to avoid gold diggers. Both FL & ML were likeable but I found FL was too nice to allow someone else to use her identity for too long.
2. Humour - Light-hearted comedy.
3. Uncle - niece dynamic - This dynamic was interesting because there were ups and downs. There was a time uncle was competing with FL for company succession / inheritance but they worked together on bringing down impostor.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Too much time given to the impostor. I was surprised she could get away with her fake identity after the exclusive lift scuffle.
2. Romance - Underdeveloped. Hardly any scene of them developing a romantic relationship.

Favourite scene
The starting was hilarious

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Must see romantic suspense drama with great acting and fiery chemistry

I discovered this drama when I was going through Huang Bo's filmography to update his MDL profile. This drama's synopsis intrigued me. I enjoyed this drama a lot and could watch this drama on repeat.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was a drone developer. Great to see a female scientist in vertical dramas. She was smart to use her strength to save herself in difficult situations. Lun Rui Xue impressed me with her acting.
2. Romance - At first the relationship between FL and ML was more physical for survival but it's great to see it transition to love as both trusted and depended on each other to catch the villain and get out of that place. This is one of few dramas in which main couple works together on a common goal. There were hot kisses and sexy seduction.
3. ML characterisation - A complex character wonderfully portrayed by Huang Bo. ML is anti-hero trapped in an undercover mission waiting to finish and get out. I liked that I couldn't read him at first.
4. Antagonists - There are two types of antagonists: FL's family and the people behind human trafficking & drug smuggling. Both types were nicely developed though I wish there was more screentime for the mastermind behind the those big crimes.
5. Legacy - Legacy is one of the themes explored in this drama and I liked how it was written in many ways such as from perseptives of FL, ML and antagonists.
6. Fitness - I have been into keeping myself fit after a health scare. So I appreciate whenever a drama has scenes of physical training & fitness. Appreciated that this was shown as part of main couple's preparation to bring down the mastermind.

What I disliked:
1. Abuse - This story involves human trafficking which for me is hard to watch. Innocent women being duped then abused physically and mentally by heartless people.

Favourite scene
When ML revealed his identity to FL

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Painful to watch because of abuse endured by FL

I managed to watch this drama after Black Swan Strategy was released and before Youtube link got removed. I am a big fan of Wen Mo Yan and I enjoyed Wang Hao Xiang's dramas that I have watched. This drama was painful to watch. Trigger warning: Abuse, Self-harm

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked that she took the opportunity to blow off steam when she wanted to be herself. I'd say she was mentally strong because of the tantrums her mother threw at her frequently.
2. Ending - Loved the ending! Very similar to Black Swan Strategy.
3. Styling - I liked the styling contrast between FL and her twin sister. Wen Mo Yan looked hot in biker chic getup.
4. Acting - Great acting by Wen Mo Yan and the actress who played FL's mother.
5. Relationship - I liked that ML was there for FL / played the role of a friend when she was at her lowest point. There were some kisses but that happened mostly at the start because drama was quite heavy from second act onwards.

What I disliked:
1. Abuse - FL's mother had mental health issues and she was abusive towards FL. It was painful to watch scenes of her hurting and threatening FL.
2. Confrontation - That scene between FL's ex fiancé and FL's mother was tense. Damn he was brutally honest with her mother that I was afraid of what she would do to herself and FL.
3. Chemistry - Unfortunately I didn't sense any romantic chemistry between Wen Mo Yan and Wang Hao Xiang.

Favourite scene
The ending

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Loved watching aircraft maintenance engineer FL fall in love

I watched this drama at the recommendation of MDL user - I asked for Yao Guan Yu's best work. I am an aviation geek and I love Secret Love at 30,000 feet so I had high hopes. I enjoyed this drama but with the long running time, I wouldn't repeat this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - It's wonderful to see a FL in male-dominated job, which in this case aircraft maintenance engineer. She is capable and smart and I enjoyed the scenes in which she proved her sexist colleagues wrong. Peng Yao was good in this role as she managed to add femininity & innocence to the otherwise tomboyish character.
2. ML characterisation - I saw two sides to his character: calm & collected pilot captain and sensitive husband. He was so sweet to his wife despite the cold facial expression. Yao Guan Yu looked dashing in pilot uniform.
3. Aviation - Amazing to see aircraft maintenance scenes as I had not seen such scenes in other aviation-related vertical dramas. The piloting problem at the end is quite similar to Secret Love at 30,000 feet - I enjoyed the scene in that drama more because both FL & ML worked together on the problem.
4. Romance - Slow burn with nice kisses and sweet gestures. The scene about their wedding rings was touching. That TMI scene between FL and her flight attendant friend made me giggle.
5. Supporting characters - I enjoyed watching scenes involving FL's colleagues, FL's mother and ML's family. The female pilot & flight attendant were a nice surprise.

What I disliked:
1. Length - At almost 3.5 hours, this drama could be trimmed down. The romance trajectory between FL & ML took too long and their individual arcs, as aircraft maintenance engineer and pilot, went smoothly with few challenges that were solved almost immediately.

Favourite scene
When ML responded to snide remarks made by FL's aunt & cousin

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This drama made me think of external locus of control

I am a massive fan of Guo Yuxin and was excited to watch her historical dramas because I had never done it before.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Solid acting by Guo Yuxin, Ceng Yi Tong, the actress who played SFL and Gu Ming.
2. Plot - This is my second reborn tale involving sisters. It's fascinating to watch how 2 characters, that were given another chance in life, lived their lives. I also enjoyed this drama for exploring the social status of ancient community even though it was brief.
3. Locus of control - Gosh, I learned about locus of control when studying psychology at university 20 years ago. I enjoyed watching the perspective of SFL who always blamed the outcomes of events in her life on external forces i.e. other people.
4. Ending - The last 10 minutes of the drama went from tragic to comedic. I liked how the leading 4 characters were wrapped up. There was a nice move on the 2 supporting characters too.
5. Styling - I love FL's outfits especially the aquamarine & lilac robes.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Slow burn romance which is understandable because ML was a general. I wish there were more tender moments between FL & ML, not necessarily kisses or sex but more like handholding and playful banter.

Favourite scene
The ending for SFL & SML.

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Republican era reborn-revenge drama with sexy pairing & good acting

I was curious about Xu Jiang Shuai's work after watching She is Noble. Decided to watch this drama since I enjoy Yao Yu Chen's acting & I rarely watch Republican era vertical dramas.

What I liked:
1. Romance - There was chemistry between Yao Yu Chen and Xu Jiang Shuai making their intimate scenes sizzling hot.
2. FL characterisation - I liked that she approached ML to execute her revenge plans. Her revenge on her fiancé's mistress was amusing. Yao Yu Chen was great in this role.
3. ML characterisation - He was protectiveness of her. I liked that he was willing to go along with FL's scheming.
4. Styling - I loved the qipao worn by FL, the mistress and other female characters in this drama. Xu Jiang Shuai also looked dashing in the uniform of Republican era military officer.
5. Antagonists - Gu Jing'An is a villain I love to hate. Such a meaty character that pose threat to FL & ML.

What I disliked:
1. Cruelty - The abuse at the start of the drama was hard to watch.
2. Antagonist - The green tea that appeared in third act was annoying. I don't understand why she got to live in the same house of the couple.

Favourite scene
When villain ambushed ML to tarnish ML's reputation

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