emberzmars

Sweet & endearing romance of a stylish blind man

I remember browsing Dramazone videos on Youtube and adding this drama to my watchlist. I was intrigued by story of blind ML & I thought the actor looked like Fan Zhixin. Finally watched the drama last night and I enjoyed it very much.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She is such a kind & endearing character but not a doormat. She did a mistake & immediately apologised and I like that (dislike Mary Sue characters). Zheng Chen Yu was well cast as Su Shi Qi.
2. ML characterisation - It's good to see his character grow throughout the series. Once he realised he misunderstood FL, he apologised to FL & cared for her. I like that his character's blindness is real. Wang Zi Lin gave good performance too.
3. Romance - Slow burn done right with enough push & pull. I like that he felt attraction for FL even when he couldn't see. What a beautiful visual for ML once he regained his sight!
4. Supporting characters - ML's assistant side comments are hilarious! I was genuinely surprised by how FL's stepmom & sister characters were wrapped up. ML's brother character was well developed.
5. Styling - ML had great hairstyle & outfits. FL wore pretty outfits too and I like her casual wear because fit her cool personality.

What I disliked:
1. Blackmail - I actually didn't like that FL's actions after being blackmailed. Glad she found sense.

Favourite scene
When ML regained his sight and saw FL for the first time

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Outstanding drama about hidden identities + older woman, younger male romance

I picked up this series because of Feng Xiang Kun. I loved his performance in another vertical shot drama about FL using her blood to heal ML illness. I must say that I didn't expect this vertically shot drama to be outstanding. I could watch this drama over and over again - this is one of my top 5 favourite vertically shot dramas.

What I liked:
1. Bai Yan - Wow, I was impressed by Bai Yan's acting. I have watched Bai Yan's other drama - I remember her face but didn't remember the drama nor the title. However in this drama, she was very convincing as a female entrepreneur caught in family dilemma who later regretted her decision to involve ML. Very good at conveying different emotions.
2. Si Nan characterisation - She's cool, calm and collected but at the same time, she had moments of vulnerability that she let off. I also like that she was never jealous of An Ran when ML first mentioned her name. I like that she's sophisticated too!
3. Outfits - Si Nan's outfits were beautiful. From the red dress, to that grey & pink jacket, all white business suit and the gorgeous green dress - I love all her outfits.
4. Feng Xiang Kun - I enjoyed his performance as a kept man who gradually fell in love with FL. He managed to show different sides of Bai Xi Hao - flirty, serious-at-work, genuine care. The Korean perm hairstyle suit him and made he seemed younger than Bai Yan when in reality, Bai Yan is only 1 year older than him.
5. Shots - This drama was very well shot. It felt coherent throughout the duration, like a movie instead of a compilation of very short clips. 'Fake Love' also gave me same vibe as mini drama 'Destined to Meet You'. The framing and lighting/colour were different from other vertical drama.
6. Romance - It started off as a kept man relationship but gradually became a relationship with genuine feelings and affection. I could sense they were emotionally invested in each other as time passed. There were plenty of kisses and romantic gestures which I enjoyed - they were hot & sweet. Bai Yan and Feng Xiang Kun had blazing chemistry and seemed comfortable with each other.
7. Tropes - This drama explored few tropes: older woman younger man romance, hidden identity, rich woman poor man. They were done well. I particularly like this drama for featuring FL that is more successful than ML as this trope is rare in any East Asian dramas.
8. FL's bro - He's unhinged and villainy but he did have moment of being a good person. I like the actor's performance but can't seem to find his name. He looked familiar but can't recall which drama I've seen him.

What I disliked:
1. FL's ex-boyfriend - His arc could have been better. At times he was like a caricature rather than a real character. Not sure whether bad acting was due to actor's choice or director's instruction.
2. FL's father storyline - I don't sense much value from this storyline to FL's personal or professional life.
3. An Ran-Bai Xi Hao relationship - I felt like Xi Hao still wasn't aware of An Ran's manipulation by the end of this drama. I wish there could be confrontation - I wouldn't mind few minutes more added to this drama.

Favourite scene
The start - smart, alluring & sensual.

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Holiday fling that grew into true love - I ❤️ this drama!

I wrote a review of this drama on subreddit CShortDramas so copied & pasted here.

I never paid attention to new releases but when I found out that Zhao Zhen Dong and Cui Yi Liang acted together in a drama, I immediately paused another vertical drama that I was watching and watched Love at First Sight instead. It usually doesn't take long for me to complete a vertical drama but I had to prepare dinner, eat, shower & write 2 posts for r/CShortDramas and finally at 1.30 am local time, I am writing this review.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I liked it A LOT because it was realistic. “What would you do if you met a person who could be THE ONE while on vacation?” - that always in my mind and I totally understand hesitation about long-distance relationship (LDR) when the romance is still new. Distance does make the heart grow fonder for these two.
2. Acting - Great to see Cui Yi Liang in a softer role because she always portrayed a domineering woman or a woman enacting revenge for the injustice she faced in the past. I also liked Zhao Zhen Dong's raw performance because I have not seen him in this type of role.
3. FL characterisation - I loved that she was bold but sensible. I also loved her honesty about her feelings and expectations. It's great that we got to see FL at work. She was a capable lawyer but most importantly a great friend.
4. ML characterisation - Yes, another ML not a CEO. He was a gentleman - he respected her wishes not to discuss LDR. I also loved that he was strategic by sending care packages. That last “courier” was touching.
5. Styling - Cui Yi Liang always wear fabulous clothes in most of her short dramas I have seen. She was gorgeous in this drama. ZZD had various types of outfits from laidback handyman look to the more sophisticated suit. Well you know you gotta dress well when meeting the parents.
6. Language - Aaaaawwww another vertical drama with significant Cantonese dialogue. Loved hearing ZZD speaking Cantonese.
7. Proposal - Aaaaaawwww so sweet. I loved it that both had the same idea but FL popped the question first.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Mei who was sister to ML's friend. She took advantage of ML when he was drunk and that is just unacceptable. If roles were reversed, it'd be a massive fuss. Anyway I was glad that he noticed before it was too late & told her that they were no longer friends.

Favourite scene
Last “courier” for FL

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Sassy FL, sweet ML, smart kid...what's not to like about this drama?!

Found this drama while perusing Youtube channel. I was intrigued by ML being a gangster boss so I watched this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Shen Zhu Xin was sassy, smart & funny. I liked how she bonded quickly with the kid. Song Yu Jia excelled in this role. I liked her reaction upon finding out the truth about the daughter & I also liked her decision to be apart while figuring things out.
2. Romance - Their kissing scenes were hot but what I enjoyed most was the progress of their relationship from strangers to co-parents then lovers.
3. Outfits - ML looked damn fine and handsome in all his outfits. I especially loved the all black ensemble he wore when his love rival treated them to lunch.
4. ML characterisation - Despite his background, he was a sweet man. It's refreshing to see a loving single dad with full custody of his child on vertical drama. I really liked that he was respecful of FL and didn't coerce or threaten her to forgive him. Cheng Cheng was great in this role as he was able to portray different sides (tough boss, caring father, sweet lover) of his character. His voice & physicality reminded me of Korean idol-actor Ok Taecyeon.
5. Supporting characters - I liked the daughter and ML's right hand man. They were such delight to watch!
6. Prejudice - It's great that writer demonstrated different types of prejudice e.g. poor person, kid brought up by single parent, former gangster.

What I disliked:
1. FL's family - Another drama with bad family members. The arc was short but that restaurant scene was entertaining.

Favourite scene
The first restaurant scene in which FL was introduced to ML & his daughter

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Well written mystery drama with spectacular performances & beautiful cinematography

I am a Huang Bo fangirl. I was ecstatic to see this drama cast list a few weeks ago because I love Zhao Xi Xi's acting while Ma Xiao Yu's acting is growing on me. Thank you to Jwells for sharing the links. I just completed the drama and wow, wow, wow I am thoroughly impressed.

What I liked:
1. Writing - Amazing screenplay that kept me guessing throughout the series. At first I thought this could be a soul swap drama but nope, I was wrong. The drama made me ponder the conflicts that exist in this drama's third act.
2. Acting - Wow, spectacular acting by Zhao Xi Xi, Ma Xiao Yu, Huang Bo and the actress who played mother to both brothers. They were immersed in their roles. I giggled a bit during the drama because Huang Bo essentially played a Sleeping Beauty. I was delighted we still got to see Huang Bo's performances after the tragedy happened.
3. Dynamics - I loved that this drama explored the dynamics between the brothers, between mother and son, between Zhi Xia and Hao Nan and between Zhi Xia and Hao Xun.
4. Romance - There were many hot kisses and intimate scene in this fast-paced mystery drama. The romantic scenes between Zhi Xia and Hao Nan brought me back to Bu Bu Shen Xian (perhaps a parallel universe where Han Qing & Feng Si Qian had more happy moments).
5. Hao Xun characterisation - What a joy for me to see Ma Xiao Yu portray such a complex character and in the presence of Huang Bo (I know he could nail the role of Hao Xun if he had chosen it). Hao Xun is my favourite Ma Xiao Yu's role.
6. Ending - Endings do not have to be neat. I liked how the writer and director chose this ending as it is in line with the vibe of the drama.
7. Editing - Beautiful cinematography that made this drama feel like a wonderfully crafted indie film. I also liked the pacing.

What I disliked:
1. Secret - Judging by the ending, Zhi Xia was kept in the dark. I don't like that!

Favourite scene
The introduction. DAMN, I wasn't expecting it!

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Yowza, spicy drama but a lot of family mess

This drama made it to my watchlist when it was released but I kept forgetting to watch it until it appeared on IQIYI. I decided to watch it few days ago and I must say what a wacky drama.

What I liked:
1. Styling - Zhang Yu Tian was gorgeous and the outfits she wore were fantastic. I loved the red dress she wore at the start. Her black and white dress also matched with Zhang Bei Xi's outfits. He got great clothes too.
2. Romance - Steamy with gazillion kisses. They were hot for each other. That shower scene yowza!
3. Acting - I enjoyed performances by both leads and Wen Zhi Cheng. Combustible chemistry between Zhang Yu Tian and Zhang Bei Xi. Damn, I wonder what Lin Rui Xue thought of this drama. Anyway I think there is implicit trust between ZYT & ZBX since this isn't their first collaboration.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's assistant for his loyalty. FL's friend was good too.
5. FL characterisation - I liked that she didn't give a rat's ass about wealth especially during the search for long-lost heiress. I loved that she called the police for the donation fraud.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Too many baddies including family members. FL's family was horrible for abandoning FL after DNA test while ML's family was controlling. Xiao Xiao was insecure woman always jealous of FL. Jin Ming Yue was possessive.
2. Third arc - The split personality arc was introduced in the last 12 episodes. I wished it was introduced in second arc to give some breather.

Favourite scene
Shower scene and morning after

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Stellar acting in this well-produced family-focused drama

I am a fan of Wang Chen Peng and really liked Lin Zi Xuan in I Just Want You. I got notified about this drama by thehepburn. I was ecstatic! I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Stellar performances by Lin Zi Xuan, Wang Chen Peng and the cast. I found LZX & WCP believable in their roles as cool, calm & emotionally restraint individuals. I was moved by the actress who played Yan matriarch/Wen Xi's biological mother. Another reviewer said there was no / lack of chemistry between LZX & WCP but I disagree. They had this quiet, subtle chemistry better than the couple in other versions of this story. LZX must be tall because the height difference between her and WCP was nice even when she wore flats.
2. Family - It is the central theme in this vertical drama. Wen Xi was caught in between 2 families: her biological family (the Yans) and the family that raised her (the Wens). I loved it when Yan matriarch told off Yan Zhao to grow up. ML's younger brother was mischievous. Her Wen bro is mysterious I can't wait to see more of him in part 2.
3. Romance - They were married strangers so it was fine to see awkwardness at the start of their marriage. I really liked that FL telling ML about direct communication. I really liked how their relationship progressed into harmonious partnership. The sexual tension leading up to intimacy was high. Even though there were not many intimate scenes, those scenes were hot.
4. FL characterisation - She was cool, calm & smart and I really liked those traits in FLs. I also liked her assertiveness especially the scenes involving Yan Zhao and FL's adopted mother.
5. ML characterisation - Another cold boss but he always had FL's back. I liked how he protected FL whenever they were at her family home.
6. Styling - Impeccable. Both looked like a sophisticated old money couple.
7. Production - High production value. I loved how scenes were shot.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Yan Zhao was manipulative playing victim to both sides of her family. She always wanted to be centre of attention. Insecure and petulant. I also disliked Yan Zhao's biological mother for meddling and being biased and FL's biological brother for being gullible.
2. Ending - Cliffhanger. Good news that part 2 is coming soon.

Favourite scene
The first intimate scene

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Too many antagonists made me lost interest in this drama

I watched this drama as part of my assignment to write a reddit post on my favourite dramas by Zhao Mu Yan. I love her drama with Feng Xiang Kun so I was on a mission to find the best collab. Unfortunately this wasn't my favourite collab drama between the two.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - In the first 20 minutes of the drama, she gave off Harley Quinn vibe with the styling and demeanor. She kicked butt and saved the boy. I liked her very much.
2. Supporting characters - I really liked the boy and ML's assistant.
3. ML characterisation - He was wary, cautious and cunning,
4. Romance - I could feel the tension even though romance scene wasn't heavy nor intense.
5. Styling - I really liked FL's styling.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - There were too many of them: ML's envious relatives (sadly this included the grandparent), FL's family (typical father favouring new wife & daughter), possessive family friend & her mother. I lost interest in this drama once the green tea claimed ML was hers.
2. Grandmother - I disliked her for forcing ML to marry someone whose family she "owned" her life to. She should settle her own debt.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML first kissed & ML wanted more

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Uncle romance with good foundation & nice kisses

I became an instant fan of Huai Wen after watching Be Your Kiss. So I became intrigued with this drama. I liked it but loved Be Your Kiss so much more.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Slow burn. Arranged marriage so awkward strangers but I loved that they established the dos and don'ts at the start of marriage including the frequency of intimacy. Good kisses.
2. FL characterisation - She stood up to bullies. Loved it!
3. ML characterisation - He was kind, respectful & handsome.
4. Supporting characters - ML's family so welcoming - loved the warmth. Her close colleague was nice. I also liked his doctor friend.
5. Styling - Loved her outfits. He looked dashing in the green suit.

What I liked:
1. Antagonists - Ye Qing was possessive family friend but good that ML put his foot down. FL's family was cunning & manipulative.

Favourite scene
The first intimate encounter

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Cute & funny drama with entertaining supporting character

Liu Xi Yu has started to impress me with her acting these days. I know she has many dramas listed in IQIYI catalogue so a few weeks ago I decided to watch this drama. It was enjoyable.

What I liked:
1. Plot - Refreshing, Funny especially when FL's brother appeared on screen.
2. FL characterisation - Cute but not cloying. She was rich girl but not spoilt brat.
3. ML characterisation - Cold exterior but dude had massive crush on FL. He was Mr Nice Guy.
4. Acting - Great performances by Liu Xi Yu, Liu Lan Bo and the actor who played FL's brother.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked FL’s brother. His scenes were always entertaining. I also liked FL's best friend and ML's assistant.
6. Dynamic - I really loved the interactions between FL and her brother. They loved & helped out each other. No stupid arguments.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I disliked the snobbish classmate who was jealous of FL. I also disliked the scumbag who tried to rape FL.

Favourite scene
When ML & FL communicated no verbally with FL's brother standing nearby

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Don't mind the product placements. The acting and plot were engaging and chemistry sizzling!

I was in the mood for something short that I could watch on my commute to a doctor's appointment. I was intrigued when this drama was released because of the leads (Zhang Chu Xuan and Wang Kai Mu) and the episode count. The youtube comments mentioned product placement. I must say I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Plot - Compact storytelling about FL enacting revenge on her vicious family. Even though the episode count was small (only 18) and the drama was backed by product placement, I found the story was simple, easily digestible and enjoyable.
2. Acting - Great performances by Zhang Chu Xuan, Wang Kai Mu and the actress who played FL's sister. There was also great chemistry between Zhang Chu Xuan and Wang Kai Mu. They made me feel warm in some scenes.
3. Main characters - They were flawed but likeable. I understood the feelings experienced by FL. I also liked how perceptive ML was.
4. Romance - There was sexual tension from the get go. FL went to ML to make use of his connections but later felt in love with him. There were sweet moment and spicy kisses (to my delight). I could sense passion and love in their kisses.
5. Product placement - I'd say they were ok because most made sense in this story.
6. Styling - Wonderful clothes worn by FL and ML.
7. Duration - 62 minutes is just wonderful.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family was vicious especially the sister. FL's father was so gullible.

Favourite scene
When FL asked ML "Why was he nice to her?"

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Brilliant drama about a man winning the affections of a woman dumped by his brother

Thanks to Reborn at 18: The Great Grandma Takes Charge, I got to discover Wang Pei Yan's talents. I remember when this drama was released. I watched it on reelxia within 3 days of its release then later found out that my reddit friends also watched the drama. We enjoyed this drama immensely that we co-wrote a joint review.m for r/CShortDramas.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He was a flirty puppy but sneaky at trying to win FL's affections. I also liked that he had a successful career - he's not just a rich kid.
2. FL characterisation - Loved that she didn't wallow in self-pity once she found out about her boyfriend. She got her heart broken but there was no second chance.
3. Romance - The banters between FL and ML were fun to watch. There was some sexual tension brewing between them. When they finally got intimate and kissed, the scenes were hot.
4. Acting - Terrific performances by Wang Pei Yan, Liang Wen Jing and the cast. I even liked the actor who played SML.
5. Styling - I loved FL outfits as they matched her personality - cool & confident. ML wore oversized clothes which mostly looked fine on him. I liked the Labubu collection!
6. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's parents for being supportive and understanding.
7. Writing - One of the best written dramas. Well developed arcs for the four lead characters.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - SFL was insecure, jealous and a gold digger. She was also the type of woman who defines her worth by having a man. ML's brother (the SML) was pitiful at first because of his situation but then he became despicable & disrespectful towards FL. He was silly for not doing a background check on the woman he was going to marry.

Favourite scene
ML expressed his concerns when FL was attacked by strange men

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Sheng Yi Jie & Yang Han made a sexy pairing

I enjoyed Sheng Yi Jie - Yang Han drama in which they have a cute son. So when I found out there is another collab drama, I was excited. I liked this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I always like Sheng Yi Jie - Yang Han pairing and it's great that they were more lovey-dovey here. I liked the moment she realised her feelings for ML.
2. Acting - Damn, the visual and acting chemistry was electric. Both were great in their roles individually and as a couple.
3. ML characterisation - Green flag.
4. Styling - Great outfits for FL. I didn't like ML's glasses but I guess stylist chose them to emphasise his Mr Nice Guy persona since antagonist was more baby-faced.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Her ex husband was too controlling & selfish. She should have done stricter measurement with contact.
2. Secret identity - I disliked that she didn't come clean with ML about her goal to get her mother’s shares. They could have worked together to achieve that goal.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML were lying in bed

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The kissiest "I marry my ex's father" story

I am a massive fan of Huang Bo. I thought this was an uncle romance drama but it turns out to be a drama with I marry my ex's father storyline. It had been awhile since Huang Bo played a green flag character so I was extremely delighted to see him in positive light. I enjoyed this drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Huang Bo was very kissy in this drama. There were 2 kissing scenes within the first 15 minutes. Out of the many I marry my ex's father vertical dramas, this drama has the most kissing scenes. On a serious note, I liked that ML didn't allow FL to avoid conversation about their relationship. He asked FL to give him and their relationship a chance.
2. Hidden identity - ML found out thar his son was FL's ex early on in the drama. I also liked that ML's work identity was revealed in the first 30 minutes. He also came clean to FL soon after.
3. ML characterisation - He trusted FL from the start - he never doubted her kind and sincere demeanour. I also liked seeing his softer side when he was with FL.
4. FL characterisation - Likeable even though she was a damsel. At least she didn't buy her ex's lies. She also showed some growth once she got into serious relationship with ML.
5. Acting - Zhi Peng seemed like a new and young actress. For me, she gave a good performance as unworldly young woman in relationship with much older man. She also never shied away from intense kissing so well done to her. Huang Bo gave good performance too especially when his ML showed his softer side.
6. Supporting characters - I liked ML's assistant.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - We had dumb (Jiao Jiao) and dumber (Ming Hao). Their envy was next level. Ming Hao was childish & undeserving of his family's wealth.
2. ML's mother - I disliked her for being easily manipulated.
3. Bullying - FL was often bullied at workplace and at home. These scenes ought to be reduced or omited - I prefer the couple to get more screentime.

Favourite scene
ML's marriage proposal

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Great chemistry between Min Jie and Chen Ci - I enjoyed this drama

I was told by someone in subreddit CShortDramas that there is a cosplay scene in this drama. The fact that I could never find a Min Jie drama that I enjoyed prompted me to watch this drama. Glad I did because I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. Romance - plenty of kisses. I liked that FL tended to ML's needs. She made effort to love ML because in most vertical dramas, MLs are the ones making initiatives. I could sense growing love and affections between them.
2. FL characterisation - I liked her genuine care for ML. The temple scene was heartwarming.
3. Styling - I really liked ML's clothes. He wore a lot of collarless shirts that I often saw in Japanese clothing store Uniqlo. The cosplay scene was sexy and sweet - I liked it very much!
4. ML characterisation - I liked seeing his character grow. He was also smart in protecting himself from danger.
5. Acting - Min Jie and Chen Ci were good in their roles. They had excellent chemistry - I believed their love journey. Finally I found a Min Jie drama that I enjoyed.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family was fake & greedy. Their reaction upon hearing FL's characters was unbelievable. Sadly ML's family was evil too.
2. ML's action - I disliked him for holding FL captive.
3. Duration - At 2 hours 50 minutes, this drama was too long for me.

Favourite scene
When FL made her entrance after "fake" death

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