emberzmars

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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Surprised by how much I liked this drama and the pairing between Ma Le Jie and Xie Yu Wang

I watched this drama as part of a reddit assignment about Xie Yu Wang's dramas. I have to be honest - I didn't like Ma Le Jie's acting at first because she often portrayed damsels but I liked two or three that I watched recently. So I decided to watch this drama and to my surprise, I enjoyed it a lot.

What I liked:
1. Tone - Surprisingly funny & lighthearted.
2. FL characterisation - She wasn't forgiving nor easy to be bullied. I liked her protective nature.
3. ML characterisation - He was Mr Nice Guy. Protective too.
4. Romance - He fell for her first but she didn't resist his charms like other FLs - I liked! Their first intimate encounter was great moment. I also enjoyed their tender moments.
5. Length - Less than 100 minutes.
6. Supporting characters - ML's assistant was amusing & helpful.
7. Acting - Good performances by both MLJ & XYW. They had very good chemistry.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family especially half-sister whom I found pathetic. ML's bai yue guang was delusional together with her father.

Favourite scene
When FL was upset & uncertain about ML's true feelings for her

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Cute unplanned pregnancy drama with likeable main characters

The trailer caught my attention - I saw it in subreddit CShortDramas. When I saw that this drama was in iQIYI catalogue, I decided to watch it there. I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I am a fan of unplanned pregnancy trope so I enjoyed this drama. There were sweet & spicy moments even during pregnancy which I enjoyed.
2. Tone - Lighthearted.
3. Main characters - Likeable and cute. I liked watching FL grew stronger. I also liked the fact that ML experienced morning sickness.
4. Supporting character - I liked Shen Yue. The Labubu cameo was adorable!
5. Styling - FL got cute wardrobe.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - So many bullies from former high school mate, colleagues to mother and ML's family friend.
2. Retribution - ML's family friend was only given light punishment.
3. Ending - It was abrupt.

Favourite scene
When FL saw beautiful painting in living room

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Mellow jiejie drama about ML who has crush on his guardian the FL

I was intrigued by this drama because it is a jiejie romance drama. I watched it within 24 hours of its release. I liked it even though it was mellow.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was hardworking. Despite claiming that she took on guardianship of ML because of the money, she was a kind soul.
2. ML characterisation - In the opening scene, he was in pitiful state but overall he was smart & forward-thinking. He chose FL over his biological relative as his guardian, he chose to become an actor.
3. Romance - He fell in love first but was too young to pursue FL. I liked that there was a time jump in this story.
4. Acting - Great performances by Jin Zi & Zhang Hong Ming. Good synergy.
5. Styling - I liked the clear differences between adolescent ML and adult ML even with Zhang Hong Ming playing ML in both stages of his life.

What I disliked:
1. Duration - I felt that thks drama could be shorter by 15 minutes. I also felt that the drama was too mellow for me at times.
2. Smoking - I could close my eye when FL smoked right after her cancer diagnosis but I didn't understand why she smoked years after she recovered from cancer.

Favourite scene
Kiss by the wall

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Affectionate main couple and fabulous outfits are reasons I enjoyed this drama immensely

I am preparing a reddit post about Zhao Mu Yan's dramas so I have been watching a lot of her dramas. I picked to watch this drama last Saturday because I also liked Zhang Chi. I enjoyed this drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. Romance - There was electric dynamic between them. Amazing kisses and intimate scenes. I also loved that they were tender and affectionate with each other. The cupboard scene was extremely sweet.
2. Styling - I loved, loved, loved FL's outfits. My favourite outfits from vertically-filmed historical dramas - I wish I could buy and wear them. I also liked ML's outfits - the navy and gold outfit with that top hat looked fabulous on Zhang Chi.
3. FL characterisation - I wasn't clear about her motive in getting close to ML at first but later got the info when she mentioned antidote. I liked the allure exuded by her character.
4. ML characterisation - I liked that he was wary of FL and yet never strongly resisted FL's charms. He was a smart guy to cover FL's tracks once he figured something was off about her.
5. Supporting characters - I liked FL's servant & ML's right hand man and the bodyguard / secret soldier.
6. Duration - I loved that this drama is under 125 minutes. It was an easy watch.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - He was selfish. I felt his arc was simple.
2. Ending - I didn't like the action taken by them then suddenly they were happy. Was that action a dream or real?

Favourite scene
When ML went to the cupboard

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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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I felt they were miscast in this tale of arranged marriage between alpha FL & unserious ML

I recently noticed Cai Xin Yang after watching Wildfire by Daylight co-starring Shen Hao Nan. This drama is another version of Sui Xing Chen Ru Qing Ci Zhan starring Bai Xue Ru and Zhang Yi Yang. I am familiar with the storyline and enjoy Shi Tong's acting so with this pairing, I got curious and watched it. I liked it but prefer Sui Xing Chen Ru Qing Ci Zhan.

What I liked:
1. Cai Xin Yang - Damn he was hot in this drama. Funny that he played a man child who became a flirty lover.
2. Romance - Their banter at the start was amusing. Once they were intimate, their romance was hot and affectionate. Great kissing moments.
3. Supporting characters - ML’s friends were more involved in the couple's life through work.
4. Styling - Beautiful clothes worn by FL & ML. Stylist was on point with ML's outfits as Cai Xin Yang got to flaunt his toned abs & arms.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's sister was jealous of her so always scheming to bring her down.
2. Casting - While I liked both Shi Tong & Cai Xin Yang individually, I thought they didn't really fit the roles. FL was alpha and I couldn't see Shi Tong as an alpha opposite giant & toned Cai Xin Yang. Bai Xue Ru - Zhang Yi Yang had better acting and visual chemistry.

Favourite scene
When ML was coquettish with FL at his birthday party

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Bold opening scene, fiery kisses & sizzling chemistry the reasons I enjoyed this drama very much

I am a fan of Shi Yue Yue and Jin Jia Yu's acting. When this drama was released, I clicked to see what is the drama about? Wow, the first three minutes was shocking. I thought it was another version of The Bright Moon so I continued to watch. It isn't but to my surprise, I enjoyed this drama a lot!

What I liked:
1. Opening - Damn, the opening scene was blazing hot. FL was bold! Certainly unforgettable!
2. Romance - Desire was apparent for both of them but lust soon became love. I enjoyed watching their dynamics - they did not know that they needed each other until some time later. There was care & affection.
3. FL characterisation - I pity her being trapped in that situation but she was determined & smart. Good thing she hired a bodyguard to protect her.
4. Revenge - I liked that there were two revenge plans. I also enjoyed the gang/turf fight mini arc.
5. ML characterisation - He was smart & tactical. I liked the soft side he showed to FL.
6. Acting - Great performances by Shi Yue Yue, Jin Jia Yu and the actor who played antagonist. I also loved the chemistry between Shi Yue Yue and Jin Jia Yu - I was captivated whenever both characters appeared on screen.
7. Styling - Shi Yue Yue was gorgeous in the red dress! Overall I liked the outfits worn by both FL & ML.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - FL's father was creepy. FL's aunt & stepmother were a suspicious bunch.

Favourite scene
Opening

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Gripping performances by Yuan Yu Han & Liu Xiao Xu in a tragic thriller

I was curious about Liu Xiao Xu when his drama with Wang Xiao Yi was released. I wanted to explore his work with a different drama. I chose this one because I had seen Yuan Yu Han in her drama with Huang Bo before. Whoa, I was glad to watch this drama first because I was blown away by performances by both leads and the writing of this drama.

What I liked:
1. Tone - I liked the mystery & suspense elements. I also liked the use of twin trope here.
2. ML characterisation - Layered, complex and I liked the mysterious, "villain" vibe. He turned out to be an anti-hero who sough t justice for his dad.
3. FL characterisation - I liked her arc. She started as a bait for twin's revenge plan. From a victim later she became sympathetic to his cause.
4. Acting - Fantastic performances by the three leads. Yuan Yu Han continued to impress me with her acting capabilities.
5. Duration - I liked that this drama's running time is less than 2 hours.
6. Supporting characters - I liked the twin's father.
7. Plot twist - OMG, that living room scene was unbelievable.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - One of the most evil antagonists in vertical dramas. Total psychopath - unredeemable.
2. Ending - Tragic. Wish it had ended a different way.

Favourite scene
When ML cried

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Favourite 'I was treated badly by my biological family' drama!

I am in the mood for Zhang Ruo Chen drama so I decided to watch this drama. I liked the poster because it reminds me of autumn. I had only seen 1 or 2 Zhang Zhi Wei's dramas so I was curious about this pairing. I watched Zhang Ruo Chen's drama with Ji Jun Liang a few days ago. I saw some similarities and overall I enjoyed this drama a lot!

What I liked:
1. Rebirth - The rebirth trope was done well. I liked that FL focused on her career and not so much revenge. Well revenge was indirect.
2. Siblings arc - In many dramas with this plot of biological family favouring adopted kid, the biological siblings only realised their biasness in third act. In this drama, eldest bro realised something was amiss and quickly investigated in the first arc. I also loved that he was able to convince second bro about their wrongdoings and not third brother and their parents.
3. FL characterisation - I liked that she became active participant post-rebirth by setting up new company & working tirelessly without depending on connections. This is different with JJL drama in which her character was less progressive (she became an employee instead of boss).
4. ML characterisation - I liked that he backed up FL after the first encounter. He was unhappy with how she was treated by her family but never set to punish them because he respected her wish.
5. Romance - There wasn't many lovey dovey scenes but they exuded mature couple vibe. I liked that ML was always around when FL met / bumped into her family. ML was attracted to FL but never aggressive in his pursuit - I liked that.
6. Acting - I enjoyed the performances by Zhang Ruo Chen, Zhang Zhi Wei and Li Hao. It was great to see Zhang Ruo Chen in less cute / more mature role. She also had good chemistry with ZZW.
7. Confrontations - The final confrontation between Su family, FL and Keke was riveting. I loved it when FL said that she was there to laugh at their stupidity. I also loved it when Keke pointed out the brother's mistakes. It's true that they were at fault for treating FL badly and they shouldn't blame Keke.
8. Styling - I loved the outfits worn by FL & ML that were featured on the poster. I also liked FL's business wear.
9. Supporting characters - I liked FL's eldest brother except that remark he said to FL about rushing to hospital if FL was injured. I also liked the housekeeper who empathised with FL.

What I disliked:
1. Jia family - Vile, gullible & idiotic. I couldn't believe the parents acted that way. Even if FL was adopted, there shouldn't be blatant favouritism. Glad that they got retribution.
2. Su Keke - She was evil. I appreciated that writer gave her a back story to make viewers sympathise with her situation. She didn't have to go to the extreme but she did and luckily got punished.

Favourite scene
Final confrontation between FL, Su family & Su Keke

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Sexy FL, spellbound ML & sizzling romance in this light supernatural drama

I was browsing iQIYI shorts collection and saw this drama. I read the first two lines od the synopsis and found it interesting enough to watch. I loved this drama!

What I liked:
1. Romance - The sexual tension was high right from the first encounter. I enjoyed the push & pull dynamics between them and the way both of them yearned for love and affection. Their love language was definitely physical touch.
2. FL characterisation - FL could heal other people's illness. I liked her altruistic behaviour. I also found her sexy not the way she dressed but in her speech & attitude.
3. Revenge - I liked that FL got to take back her parents' wealth from her parasitic relatives. I liked that she didn't help her relatives when they faced challenges.
4. Acting - Amazing performances by Su Xi and Wu Yu Hang. They had palpable chemistry - I loved watching scenes with both of them together.
5. Supporting characters - I liked FL's bestie for helping her out whenever in need. ML's assistant was a good character too. I also liked ML's mother & housekeeper even though I didn't like their nosiness.
6. ML characterisation - He was skeptical of FL's healing capability but my gosh he was spellbound by her. I liked his protective behaviour which he showed during an ambush.
7. Styling - I loved FL's outfits from the moment she met ML in episode 1 until the last episode. She was elegant.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's relatives were cruel. Kicked her out when she was a child.
2. Punishment - I didn't like that the two female baddies were not punished for harming FL & ML.

Favourite scene
Their second intimate encounter and the morning after

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Steamy kisses & affectionate moments in this drama about understanding love & gratitude

I got to know about this drama from subreddit CShortDramas. I was unfamiliar with the main actor and main actress. A reviewer said there were many steamy kisses so I got curious. Overall I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Plenty of steamy kisses with ML being insatiable - he devoured her. However what I enjoyed more is the affections between them. There were warm & sweet moments.
2. ML characterisation - He was cunning - the scheming he did to get FL to like him was brilliant. He was also protective, tender lover. I liked that he respected FL's wish about no kids for timebeing.
3. FL characterisation - Good character development from a girl who yearned for her adopted brother's affection to a woman understanding the differences between love and gratitude and prioritising her wants & needs.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's subordinate & FL's servant.
5. Styling - I liked the traditional clothes worn by FL & ML.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Xiao Ji claimed the credit for saving FL which I found disrespectful towards her. He was also selfish & delusional.

Favourite scene
ML sulked when FL wasn't jealous

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Great push & pull dynamics in this transactional relationship drama

This drama was in my watchlist for months. I added it because I liked the acting of both Xie Yu Wang and Hou Cheng Yue. Last weekend I was in the mood for Xie Yu Wang dramas so I chose to watch this. I enjoyed it immensely.

What I liked:
1. Romance - It started off as a transactional relationship but slowly true feelings came into the picture. Great push & pull dynamics that made me glued to the screen whenever the couple appeared on screen. Plenty of kisses and tender moments. I also liked that their relationship felt like a mature couple.
2. FL characterisation - I liked that FL, who was without resource at first, slowly grew independent and could come with solutions on her own.
3. ML characterisation - I liked seeing his change of behaviour from distant, calculative person to loving partner.
4. Supporting characters - I liked Lin Zi Xuan, ML's assistant, ML's mother and FL's mother.
5. Acting - Great performances by Xie Yu Wang, Hou Cheng You and Wang Pei Yan. There was great chemistry between Xie Yu Wang and Hou Cheng Yue.
6. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by FL and ML.
7. Plot - Refreshing take on transactional relationship. I also liked how the characters, main and supporting, were mostly grey. There was no pure good guys.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's father was a scumbag. I was dismayed by ML's grandfather's reaction towards FL in their first meeting together. I wish he wasn't close-minded. I also disliked FL's father's plea in the last meeting with FL.

Favourite scene
When ML confessed his feelings to FL

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Despite the amazing chemistry, the lack of consent brought down this uncle romance drama

I am doing a homework on Xie Yu Wang's dramas. I am massive fan of Zhang Chu Xuan and love this pairing. After enjoying their 2 dramas, I decided to watch this drama. Unfortunately I was disappointed.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Good performances by Xie Yu Wang, Zhang Chu Xuan and Liang Si Wei. I liked the chemistry between XYW & ZCX & ZCX & LSW.
2. Supporting character - I liked Prof Mu & ML's assistant. Outfits for FL managed to convey the age and status of FL.
3. Styling - XYW looked handsome in military uniform.
4. FL characterisation - I liked her when she was away from ML because she showed capability in taking care of herself. No more damsel relying on others to save her.

What I disliked:
1. Consent - FL was poisoned and the cure was sex of course like many other vertical dramas. I didn't like that FL wasn't informed of her condition & treatment. So I considered ML's action was rape because she was unconscious while receiving "treatment".
2. Antagonists - Too many making this drama over the top dramatic. From FL's moeny hungry relatives to FL's so-called best friend who was part of date rape.
3. Scenarios - I blamed the writers for creating many dangerous scenarios for FL to go through.

Favourite scene
When FL and Prof Mu parted ways

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Rebirth story with sweet romance and pathetic antagonist

I always enjoy Zhang Ruo Cheng's acting and since I was in the mood for her drama, I decided to watch this one. I had never watched Chen Rui Feng's dramas before. Overall this was a sweet romance.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - FL was given a second chance at life so she decided to dump SML who mistreated her in past life. I liked her decisiveness and confidence when dealing with trash.
2. Romance - Sweet with a dash of spice. I wasn't expecting ML to do cosplay! I liked how he tried to win FL's heart. Good kisses.
3. ML characterisation - Once his secret was revealed, it made sense why he became protective of her. He was a soft giant - always attentive to FL's needs. I also liked that he was stubborn about telling his secret before their marriage. He wanted love, not gratitude.
4. Plot twist - Wow I didn't expect the third act to have another rebirth. I really liked the scene of ML's past life.
5. Styling - I love the embroidered jackets worn by ML. So beautiful. FL was beautiful too but my favourite outfit is the red qipao.
6. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's parents. Despite the business marriage debacle, they were nice people.
7. Acting - I liked the performances by Zhang Ruo Chen, Chen Rui Feng and the actor who played SML.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Damn, SML was the most pathetic antagonists I have ever seen. I hated his narcissistic behaviour and refusal to listen to FL. His girlfriend and mother were annoying too. I increased speed to 2.0 whenever they appeared.

Favourite scene
Glimpse of ML's past life

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