Reviews

Why???

Of all the Japanese series released in recent years, *Cosmetic Playlover* definitely didn't need a second season.

Nothing—I repeat, nothing—happens here. It’s an endless cycle of going to work, talking about what a great company ROMY is, walking down the street recounting the workday and going to sleep; that’s how the series plays out across the entire second season.

If the series had focused on Toma’s trip to Paris and actually developed that storyline, it might have been more interesting. But no, they’re saving that for—who knows—maybe a third season.

Completely unnecessary, unfortunately :(

So, here is a list of series that actually deserved a second season:
My Personal Weatherman
Our Dining Table
Happy of the End
Kabe-Koji-Nekoyashiki-kun Desires to Be Recognized
My Love Mix-Up!
Depth of Field
School Trip: Joined a Group I’m Not Close To
Tokyo in April Is...
I Hear the Sunspot
Love Is a Poison

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so much heartwarming time travel love story ?

i just finished to watch LUAT and i'm so happy and sad at the same time. i did all the route with the characters, i felt all their feeling and emotions. i liked a lot the story and above all the last episode warmt my heart so much. I'm so glad to have watched this show, the actors and all was just perfect. I felt like I was immersing myself in the past just as Nakun went back in time. I can't yet perfectly express what I felt watching this series, but a mixture of emotions seeing both the love story of Klao and Phop, and the one between P Jom and Kaew. I really liked how the two stories unfolded, despite the various vicissitudes and difficulties, love won over everything, even over time. I highly recommend this series, a true masterpiece ❤️😭

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Good Girl x Bad Boy with A Pinch of Teenage Angst and Chaebol Family Soap Opera

Disclaimer: This review only covers the first 17 episodes, so please do not attack me for marking it as completed. I need to do so in order to make a full yapping about this series as I'm totally pissed off after watching it.

I don't even have the slightest idea of the reason I'm coming to "Never-Ending Summer". I did try to read the novel once, but goodness only knows why, it's so full of violence and sexual contents which discourages me to continue - oh yeah, the ML is also a total jerk who only knows to flirt with other pretty girls since he's a carefree chaebol boy. I couldn't care less about that. However, when words got out that Zhou Keyu and Bao Shang'en would star this drama, I reminded myself it wouldn't do much harm to try watching a bit, 'cause I like Keyu (he's a super-duper pretty boy and a sexy one on top of that). So, let's see my take on "Never-Ending Summer".

The story tells us the angsty romance story between Zhou Wan and Lu Xixiao. Zhou Wan is a straight-A student whom the teachers always brag about. She also has a nice and kind-hearted personality and is extroverted enough to build a connection within her classmates. However, nobody ever knows her family condition and that she's now living in a run-down apartment with her sickly grandmother. To pay her grandma's medical bill, Zhou Wan becomes a manipulative person and secretly works as a tutor by posing as a college student looking for part-time job. Sometimes, she also makes note and sells them to a nearby bookstore, hoping that her school friends will buy dozens of them. Zhou Wan comes from a broken family as her father had died during a factory accident and her mother Guo Yan (better known as Guo Xiangling) fled to the Lu Family to have a better life, preferring to abandon her biological daughter with her grandma. On the other hand, Lu Xixiao is your typical bad boy with a rebellious streak against his controlling family. He has zero interest in studies but is zealous over painting (as painting is his mother's favorite hobby). Xixiao accidentally meets Zhou Wan in an abandoned swimming pool behind their school and she helps to tutor him so that he can go abroad to delve more into the painting world. Since then, the two develop an unusual bond and become each other's emotional anchor since they both come from dysfunctional families. Nevertheless, there will always be obstacles hampering their relationship. As they approach their adult years, their love and loyalty are tested repeatedly, and they finally find their true selves within the storm.

So, what can I say about the plot? Well, nothing much to say maybe, because the story is so awfully generic that even writers who love rich-boy-x-poor-girl trope know how to combine this spice into a hot mess. I grow frustrated over times as I watch this drama and always skip endlessly as the plot rumbles with a pace of a snail. Zhou Wan grows into a frustrating character as she always gives mixed signals to Xixiao. Well, she only approaches him so that she can have her revenge against her bitchy mommy and extract money from her to pay for grandma's hospital bill. Unbeknownst to Xixiao, the pair of mother and daughter has concocted scheme that will threaten the couple's relationship. All I see from Zhou Wan is crying like a little baby, mumbling about suicide after grandma dies, breaking down in front of Xixiao, being bullied by a gang of thugs, and complaining interminably to Jiang Yan (her neighborhood friend). However, the next day, she will turn into a completely different person and attempts very hard to make Xixiao hate her, like gurl, can you be more specific about your feeling - like you love him or not? If no, please leave Xixiao alone before he hates you that much. But she doesn't seem to be aware of her actions and acts like a double-faced liar instead. For Xixiao, I don't know why you always have to listen to your sugar daddy and listen to every of his order. Firstly, you want to escape abroad then he threatens to sell your mommy's residence. Secondly, you want to play along with Zhou Wan, then he grounds him in the Lu mansion. Thirdly, grandpa intervenes as well and wants Zhou Wan to stay away from you. Okay, this is getting more and more tedious and I don't care the single fuck you want to do anymore. I'm also tired of seeing him repeatedly forgiving Zhou Wan despite her manipulative behavior. After the forgiving, they will act as if nothing happened, then fluffy couple scenes will be thrown in your frame and you are going to see how both of them flirt endlessly, including kissing, I guess.

In the above paragraph, I've said pretty clearly that I don't like the main couple. Now, let me list what I also dislike from this drama. Firstly, congratulation for the bitchy mommy Guo Yan/Guo Xiangling for being so awfully selfish and abusive that I hate her the most. Secondly, the whole Lu family (except for Xixiao's auntie) for being so fucking lucrative and only thinking about their company and whatsoever. Thirdly, the second couple Jiang Fan and Gu Meng for having the most lackluster bickering relationship - I see no spark between these two people. Fourthly, Jiang Yan and his mommy - mommy previously had an affair with sugar daddy Lu and she got pregnant with Jiang Yan, then the two of them were kicked out of the Lu mansion due to their underprivileged economic background. That's why she always encourages Jiang Yan to loathe the Lu family, even though not all people are the same as sugar daddy. Fifthly, Jiang Yan gives mixed signal as well, sometimes being hostile to Xixiao, and sometimes secretly helping the couple to escape by having meaningless talk with sugar daddy. Sixthly, the hooligan Luo He keeps abusing Zhou Wan and uses violence to harm her, and yet his elusive gang always disappears before the police comes. Seventhly, Xixiao always comes to Zhou Wan's rescue whenever she is harassed by Luo He's gang, like they are in some kind of mafia mini dramas. I don't have any idea about the stabbing scene, but that comes off as cheesy to me.

Now, to the acting. All the actors have performed very well according to the script, and I appreciate all their hard works. This is my third drama of Bao Shang'en after the reboot of "The Legend of Condor Heroes" and "Generation to Generation". I feel Shang'en still has room for improvement for her next roles, and she radiates the bubbly yet resilient and independent aura of Zhou Wan seamlessly, proving herself as a promising future actress in C-drama land. Meanwhile, Zhou Keyu has come out of his comfort zone and has better micro-expressions which are shown during the scene of Zhou Wan lying to her and how he forcefully kisses her in ep 10. Other than the leads, I've only known Fu Weilun from "Extraordinary" and Ke Chun from numerous mini dramas. Their performances are so-so, so I don't think I'm going to complain much further. And please tell Ke Chun not to take any of this abusive role in the future. He's too good to become a real rogue juvenile delinquent.

The OSTs are giving mixed signals as well because I like some of them and dislike some too. My favorite will be 梦与环游 by Xu Ziwei and Cui Shiba, Sunburn by Brian Cheng, Frozen Heart by 8Bite and Dyrox, 最蓝核梦 by Murphy's Law band. Other than the songs I list, all sounds kinda meh to me, or maybe I'm too overwhelmed by the shitty stuffs happening in the drama.

Of course, my last words will be do not try to watch this drama unless you're in a total drama slump or you want to see beautiful fashions of the leads here or you need a daily dose of sizzling chemistry of these two people (all is up to you). Thank you for reading my whole yapping and I'm so glad to take everything off my chest. Good luck and happy watching!!!

P.S.
If any of you ever know about an Indonesian novel titled "Long Lost Memories in Daejeon", the ML's tragic backstory is more or less similar to Xixiao's. However, the characterization of the FL is completely different and she's a full-time simp too. On the other note, another Indonesian novel titled "Act of Money" heavily resembles this drama too - ML has a controlling father and FL is a straight-A student but constantly gives mixed signal to the ML and even dares two-timing with the SML (you can imagine him as Jiang Yan 2.0).

Edit:
I'd watched ep 19 - 22 and found out that the kidnapping and stabbing scene is "spectacular" and more or less similar to my imagination. Anyway, I also felt the emotional impact when Xixiao desperately wants to save Zhou Wan - this is the most memorable scene of "Never-Ending Summer" as far as I can reminisce.

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The First Jasmine (2026) was such a pleasure to watch from beginning to end.

The First Jasmine (2026) was such a pleasure to watch from beginning to end. It wasn't trying to be overly dramatic or packed with unnecessary twists—it just told a genuinely good story that kept me invested the whole way through.

What I appreciated most was how well-balanced the plot was. It flowed naturally, never felt dragged out, and kept me looking forward to the next episode without relying on overused drama.

Of course, the highlight was the relationship between the male and female leads. Their interactions felt refreshingly genuine. There were no exhausting jealousy arcs, no unnecessary third-party love triangles, and no frustrating misunderstandings. Instead, their relationship was built on trust, respect, and simply enjoying each other's company. It felt relatable, which made it even more enjoyable to watch.

The side characters were another pleasant surprise. They added so much charm and humor to the story, especially the scenes between Bai Lu's sister, Ye Ying, and Hang Ming Xi when they first met. Their awkward, hilarious interactions had me laughing every time they were on screen and gave the drama an extra layer of warmth.

Overall, The First Jasmine (2026) isn't trying to reinvent the romance genre—and it doesn't need to. It's a heartwarming drama with a solid story, lovable characters, and just the right amount of humor. If you're looking for something light, sweet, and easy to binge after a long day, this is definitely one to add to your watchlist. 🌸

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A Drama That Completely Surprised Me

~ First Part (No Spoilers) ~

I honestly didn't expect to love this drama as much as I did.

When I first started watching The Romance of Tiger and Rose, I expected a fun, lighthearted romantic comedy. And it definitely delivered! The humor was one of the first things that won me over, and I found myself laughing countless times throughout the first half of the drama.

What surprised me the most was how naturally the story became more emotional. Without even realizing it, I grew incredibly attached to the characters, especially Han Shuo and Chen Qianqian. Their relationship begins with hilarious and adorable moments, but as the story progresses, their romance becomes surprisingly heartfelt and emotionally powerful.

One of the biggest reasons I loved this drama so much was Ding Yuxi's performance. After watching him in Love Game in Eastern Fantasy and Moonlight, I already knew how talented he was, but Han Shuo quickly became one of my favorite characters he has ever played. He perfectly balances confidence, jealousy, vulnerability, devotion, and comedy. Whether he was making me laugh with his dramatic expressions or breaking my heart during the emotional scenes, I believed every single emotion he portrayed.

Of course, Zhao Lusi was equally wonderful. The chemistry between Ding Yuxi and Zhao Lusi was absolutely fantastic from beginning to end. Their interactions always felt natural, and together they created one of the most lovable couples I've watched in a drama.

Another aspect I really appreciated was the character development. Several characters completely changed my opinion throughout the story. Some that I disliked at first eventually became some of my favorites because of their growth, while others surprised me in ways I never expected. I won't say more because discovering their journeys is part of the fun.

I also have to praise how creative the story is. The concept feels fresh, constantly mixing comedy, romance, emotional moments, political intrigue, and clever references without ever feeling repetitive. Every episode kept me invested, and I was always excited to see what ridiculous or emotional situation would happen next.

My only small criticism is that one particular misunderstanding arc was emotionally difficult for me to watch. Not because I thought it was badly written, but because I had become so attached to Han Shuo and Qianqian that watching them suffer genuinely hurt. Few dramas have made me feel that emotionally invested in a couple.

Speaking of emotions... I honestly didn't expect this drama to make me cry so much. Since watching Love Between Fairy and Devil, this is probably the drama that has made me cry the most.

I also have to mention the soundtrack. The ending theme became one of my favorite parts of the drama. Every time it played, it made the emotional scenes hit even harder, and it's definitely a song I'll keep listening to long after finishing the series.

Overall, this drama completely exceeded every expectation I had. I came for a funny romantic comedy and ended up discovering one of the most heartfelt, entertaining, and emotional romances I've watched. I laughed, cried, fell in love with the characters, and became completely invested in their story. I will definitely remember this drama for a very long time.

---

⚠️ SPOILER WARNING ⚠️

If you haven't finished the drama yet, stop reading here!

The biggest emotional challenge for me was definitely the misunderstanding arc. Watching Han Shuo genuinely believe that Qianqian had never loved him completely broke my heart. I didn't dislike this part because it was badly written—in fact, I think it was one of the strongest parts of the drama. It simply hurt because I had grown so attached to them that I felt every bit of their pain.

This was also the moment where Ding Yuxi impressed me the most. His portrayal of Han Shuo's heartbreak, disappointment, and unconditional love felt incredibly real. Even when Han Shuo was at his lowest, you could still feel how deeply he loved Qianqian. His performance made those scenes almost impossible for me to watch without crying.

One thing I really appreciated was how the drama allowed several characters to grow. Qin Li is probably the best example. At first, I struggled with her blind loyalty to Chuchu, but after everything she experienced, she gradually became one of my favorite supporting characters. Watching her finally make her own decisions and find happiness was incredibly satisfying.

On the other hand, Chuchu's development was one of the most disappointing parts of the story for me. I don't think she was poorly written at all—quite the opposite. Her descent felt believable. But as a person, I found myself disliking her more and more, especially when she became willing to sacrifice someone who had always been completely loyal to her.

I also have to admit that the fake suicide completely fooled me... even though part of me had started wondering if the drama was tricking us! Because of its absurd humor, I kept thinking there had to be another twist somewhere. Seeing Qianqian suddenly step out of the coffin was both hilarious and such a huge relief.

Another scene that deeply touched me was when Qianqian finally confessed the truth about her identity and revealed that she wasn't actually from Han Shuo's world, but the screenwriter who had created it. After hiding that secret for so long, the confession felt incredibly emotional, and Han Shuo's reaction made the scene even more heartbreaking.

The ending completely won me over. I loved that they found each other again in the real world, but what truly made the ending unforgettable for me was when Han Shuo called her "Orange." That single word confirmed that he remembered everything they had lived through together. It made me cry all over again, and honestly, I couldn't have asked for a more satisfying conclusion.

I even found this ending more satisfying than the ending of Love Between Fairy and Devil. While Love Between Fairy and Devil remains my favorite drama overall, The Romance of Tiger and Rose gave me exactly what I always hope for after an emotional journey: the certainty that the main couple would truly be happy together.

If I had one tiny wish, it would simply be a few extra minutes showing them living their new life together in the real world. I'm always greedy when it comes to happy endings, especially after becoming so attached to a couple like Han Shuo and Qianqian.

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Yearning final boss

I had such a different idea of this show in my head than it ended up being. I love EartMix and their other shows are incredibly good and as someone that has seen each of their shows, I have to admit that this one had the best acting together with only friends dream on. I really lived with this story and I could honestly feel more from Tian's side than Phupha's. I have had this series on my watchlist since 2021 (since it started airing) but I was always to scared that it wouldn't be something I liked, and boy was I wrong. I did have very different expectations.

Started with what the hell is going on, didn't really understand it because a lot of information was thrown at once, so I missed a slight part. The second episode everything cleared up pretty fast and it wasn't bad that the build took so damn long. One thing that irritated me in the beginning and it's not particularly bad is that it gives off those typical 'person that died' vibes. Always the camera and the slowed laughing scenes. Gonna excuse this series since it is slightly older (2021 feels like yesterday). It just kinda irritates me and that type of scene is really over used. The Intro gives me 2021 Gmmtv flashbacks and it makes me sad. The drawn characters and everything... I miss it.

Like I mentioned before I expected something veryyy different. Actually I was expecting a university trope, especially since GMMTV 2021 did that trope a lot. If you follow my reviews you know I'm lazy asf and just randomly select something without looking at the context and watch it. I always do that also for this one. 0 regrets and genuinely one of my fav tropes Is the village/community trope once. It's cute.

My father's EarthMixx. I love sooo many of their series, like I said, this one is one of my favourites. The acting is fucking excellent, better than in most of their series. The fact they were both pretty new in the industry makes me really proud. I was genuinely shocked at the acting work. I could understand everything from Tian's side the most, since the clear attention layed on him. He was the new one to the village, and the one with the big secret. And we didn't know much about Phupha in the beginning.

Incredibly unique story, creativity was a need in this project. I love the colouring extremely much as well. I like how they kept adding weight to Tian's chest. Adding rare feelings like actual yearning, guilt, identity and more. Another strong thing I liked when watching it was how Tian kept a secret from Phupha and how it changed their relationship. I love the uncommon tropes. Also funny that Tian is a rich boy.

Sometimes you don't need words to show your love or interest to a person. As for Phupha, he was staring. It was so cute and the tension was amazing. The staring was looking deep into Tian's eyes filled with love. There was this weird ache whenever they were alone. This series is pretty slowburn, which I like extremely much. One thing about me is that I'm not easily emotional, but this series made me cry, which is rare. The cinematography is amazing, like every thing in this series.

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ONLY A SHADOW OF S1

I really tried to give this season a fair chance. I came into it with no expectations, yet it still failed to keep me interested in so many ways.

First of all, while I understand the soul-shifting concept, I still think replacing the main FL (JSM) with GYJ was a huge mistake. I know GYJ is technically the real Naksu from the beginning of Season 1, and I understand what the writers were trying to do. What I don't understand is how Bu Yeon's body suddenly transformed into Naksu's physical appearance. Throughout the series, soul shifters retained the appearance of the body they inhabited. That was one of the established rules. Then suddenly, for this season, the body itself changes to match the soul? Even for a fantasy drama, that was a stretch beyond a stretch. Soul shifting was already confusing enough from a viewer's perspective, but now we're adding body transformation into the mix? It just made the whole explanation even harder to accept.

What disappointed me the most, however, was the chemistry. Everyone kept talking about how amazing it was, but... where exactly? I genuinely could not feel it. No offense to GYJ, but her performance felt too restrained for my taste. She came across as emotionally detached, making it difficult for me to connect with her character. Every time she was on screen, I found myself more confused than she was supposed to be. 😭

It genuinely felt like ten years had passed between Season 1 and Season 2. I watched Season 1 and immediately started Season 2, yet I still felt so disconnected from the story. Everything suddenly felt unfamiliar and confusing. The warmth, humor, lively cast dynamics, and emotional spark that made me fall in love with Season 1 were gone, replaced by a much gloomier tone. I understand that the title is Light and Shadow, but for me, all I could see was the shadow. It honestly felt like I was watching an entirely different drama.

I am very picky about the dramas I watch. I look for emotional value, engaging characters, and a story that hooks me from the very first episode. Season 1 did exactly that. It immediately pulled me in and never let go. Unfortunately, Season 2 failed to capture that same magic.

Of course, I understand that many viewers loved this season, and I completely respect that. This is simply my personal experience. Because Season 1 set such a high standard, I could not help but compare the two, and for me, Season 2 fell short in almost every aspect. Hence, I dropped it.

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THE LIGHT, BEFORE THE SHADOW.

I really liked this season because everyone contributed to the fun atmosphere and the chemistry between Jang Uk and Mu Deok was amazing. I loved the storyline and the unique concept of soul shifting. Although the idea itself may not be entirely new, I liked how the drama established its own rules and explored the consequences of soul shifting in a way that felt interesting and well thought out.

I also found the running bromance between Jang Uk and the Crown Prince hilarious. Paired with the main love story, it made the drama even more entertaining. The second couple was also adorable, and I genuinely enjoyed watching their relationship develop.

If you ask me, they named Season 2 Light and Shadow, but they could have named Season 1 Light because this season was full of warmth, humor, adventure, and heart. Season 2, on the other hand, truly felt like the Shadow, which is why I ended up dropping it. It honestly felt like I was watching an entirely different drama.

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This is not a BL which most of the fangirls will not get...

This is a slice of life, a failed relationship. Both characters have their "ideals", but both fail to recognize that they don't match with either their ideals nor views. Both characters are flawed, there is no idyll, no happy BL paradise where all problems are solved in 10 minutes of a 12 hours series. This is a depiction of the real world, when two people meet and get together of mostly selfish reasons, not knowing their partner, not knowing their partners desire. Something which should have been just a one night stand ended up in a relationship were it was only a question of time when it will fail.

The original was from a gay writer, who saldy already passed away. The filming set had an gay consulent and they really did put out a show, which is as realistic as it could be. And while many want only watch the happy BL fantasy and escape their boring lives, this is a realistc gay story without a happy end. But you can also say, both characters did have an happy end. Both characters grew and maybe both characters would hopefully not repeat the mistakes of the past.

This is one of the few shows which is about representation and after "Chosen Home" & "Life in Smokey Blue" japanese productions go where no other countries series ever go. Thailand is just mass-producing one crap BL after the next, Korea is a coin toss if the series is bad, decent or good. Taiwan has one of the most strictest protection laws in the world and same-sex marriage but sadly not enough output at least in the series space. And now Chinas production companies have recognized how much money can be made and they produce for foreign streaming services.
It's refreshing that japanese productions always brings diversity to the screen.

It's best said with a scene from the series, when "the boy" said:
"Those people who love watching guys making out, they only put us on a pedestal because we're two guys kissing. And they get all excited debating who's the top and who's the bottom." (not much guessing with thai ships)

Besides the MLs, the documentary crew are also important cast member and not just accessories. They also recognize that making a documentary is about the persons itself and not because they are gay. Production quality was very high, no complains from me. So of course, this is a recommendation to watch.

Edit: As it always is with MDL, nobody knows how many episodes the series has... So of the time of writing it stated 6... after searching online a source says 10. With that said, should we get more episodes I will edit the review and may change the rating as well.
2nd Edit: It seems MDL also decided it was the finale, so I'm very happy with the end. And yes, some relationship fail and that is just life...

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Welcome to the New Era of C-Dramas 2026: Heroines Who Can Cook

This drama already deserves an "8/10

A) Finally.

Finally, a heroine who actually knows how to cook.

Together with *Love Has Fireworks*, currently airing, that makes... "two"

Two.

Let me repeat that for the television historians in the back: "two modern C-drama heroines who can cook something other than instant noodles." Future scholars will probably identify this era as a major milestone in television history.

I've also noticed another trend recently, and this one is even more interesting: male leads are finally becoming... human beings.

B) Less "Prince Charming, certified to satisfy every teenage fantasy and personally approved by every grandmother as the ideal son-in-law," and more imperfect, believable men. After years of romances where the male lead often felt like an impossibly handsome golden retriever whose life's mission was to worship a heroine who could be equally incompetent and ungrateful

C) Really? Is this actually happening?
Here, the heroine even says "thank you."** (Granted, it takes until Episode 29, but let's not be greedy.) The writers are so daring that she even proposes to the hero herself and says "I love you"!!! about,...10 times!! We've gone from one extreme to the other.

At this rate, she'll probably end up proposing on behalf of half the heroines from the 2025-2026 dramas who never got around to it—either because they ran out of episodes, or because two extra lines of dialogue would have increased the actors' salary. Apparently, kisses are considered more efficient. This drama generously gives us both.

The male lead, meanwhile, is loyal, passionate... slightly obsessed... but also vulnerable. He gets scared. He isn't afraid to be emotionally fragile

D) Now, on a more serious note

The drama works almost entirely because of the chemistry between the two leads. Their relationship develops naturally, never feeling forced by the script. I believed in their love story from beginning to end. What especially stood out to me was the way the actor looks at the actress. His gaze feels the precise emotions reflecting his character.

They're surrounded by an impressive collection of ridiculously beautiful supporting actors, probably assembled as insurance in case the main couple failed to carry the show—which, fortunately, they never do.

The writing, however, is considerably less convincing.

The series introduces numerous compelling storylines—the mother, the brothers' relationship, the father and his sons, several family conflicts—but leaves them unresolved. Everything ultimately exists to serve the central romance.

And honestly...
that's exactly what I'm choosing to judge.

The soundtrack is fairly basic, perhaps even below expectations. The cinematography is soft, romantic, almost marshmallow-like, with beautiful scenery showcasing China, but without much artistic ambition.

This is especially disappointing considering that art is supposedly at the heart of the story.

The male lead actually has the perfect casting for an artist. He has that slightly unconventional, poetic presence. But the drama never explores it. Instead, it falls into the familiar office-drama routine, reducing painting to little more than a day job.

I wanted a genuinely obsessive artist. Someone a little reckless, someone consumed by creation. The ingredients were all there: overwhelming passion, emotional intensity... but everything remains strangely restrained, almost censored. As a result, the character loses much of what could have made him truly memorable.

Likewise, the artistic world itself never comes alive. We never really feel immersed in it. The paintings that supposedly represent a lifetime of devotion mostly end up serving as an elegant prop for the final marriage proposal.

Beautiful...
but ultimately decorative.
Yes, the drama is superficial but effective

When it comes to portraying first love, youthful mistakes, the courage it gets the emotional beats exactly right.

If I judge it purely as a romance drama , it's a 10/10. If I judge it as a complete drama, considering everything it set out to explore and how much of that it actually accomplished, it's a 4.5/10 . But emotionally, it captivates you.

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Addressed Shame & Save Face Culture

I really enjoyed this drama because of the natural chemistry between the FL and ML. Their childhood friends-to-lovers dynamic felt believable, and their playful banter made their relationship easy to root for. I also appreciated that the romance developed at a comfortable pace instead of feeling rushed.

What I liked most was how emotionally grounded the drama was. It balanced heartfelt moments with comedy, making the characters feel relatable and genuine. The supporting cast also added warmth and humor to the story without overshadowing the main couple.

One aspect that stood out to me was how the drama reflected the struggles many people face in today's society, especially those who were once successful, or were on the path to success, only to watch their lives take an unexpected turn. As an Asian, I found this message particularly impactful because it touched on the culture of shame and saving face that many of us are familiar with. The drama reminds us that success should not be measured solely by our achievements. Sometimes, finding a different path, being content with ourselves, and discovering happiness are just as meaningful.

I also appreciated how the drama emphasized the importance of honest communication within a family. Instead of avoiding difficult conversations or pretending everything is fine, it showed that families become stronger by facing problems together with honesty and understanding.

Overall, this was a comforting and enjoyable watch. It may not have had the most groundbreaking plot, but its charm came from the characters, their relationships, and the meaningful life lessons it shared. It left me with a warm and satisfying feeling long after it ended.

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This was BL light

BL takes up a large part of the story, but it's not the focus.

This series is mainly about an orphanage and the family running it trying to save it after they run out of money to pay off their debt. It also focuses on the health troubles that can occur as you get older, the struggles of daily life, and how AI is abused both in good and bad ways.

This series also did a good job of showing how well BL sells.

* Kong's acting has gotten better since Dinosaur Love, but there was only room for improvement.

* Watched at X2 speed because the show felt like it was dragging a lot. I'm honestly not sure if I would have finished it if I hadn't watched it sped up.

* AI is used too much. It wasn't needed in 100% of the scenes it was in. The money AI scam? Not only do you never give money to anyone who calls you, but if it's the hospital (correct me if I'm wrong), in an emergency they don't ask for payment first. I get that grandpa, mom, and dad were in a panic, but even if the call didn't register as spam, that doesn't mean it isn't.

* I never needed to hear a grandpa reading yaoi/BL to me. The long hair on the grandpa's face is also very distracting and annoying. I couldn't stop looking at it.

* Save is a really great guy; the only bad thing he actually does is start a relationship with Guy for the wrong reasons.

* Guy's character was kind of one-dimensional. I understand that the relationship was never the main focus of the story, but you still expect to want to root for the only romantic relationship you are getting. I mean, I'm glad they got together because I love BL, but at the same time they could have changed the plot to Guy being asked to help by pretending to be a couple, and they slowly fall for each other. That would have been more interesting than Save being an ass during this one moment, which felt out of character, and then realizing his feelings while trying to make up with Guy.

* All the kids are really good, behavior- and acting-wise.

* Weirdly enough, this series made me want to write at a couple of points.

* Is Grandpa's novel about him and his friend?

Overall, the series was fine, but sometimes it felt like too many bad things were happening at once, like the writers were just trying to keep the plot interesting only for their luck to pull a 180 at the end and everything falls into place. It also felt very unbelievable that anyone would let themselves get this far into debt. Hell, would the bank even let them get that far before just taking the property? That amount of debt is insane.

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I wasn't expecting an idol-themed BL, but the first episode was surprisingly fun.

The story follows Jen, the leader of a failed idol group who refuses to give up on his dream. Instead of accepting defeat, he begins searching for new members. The people he finds couldn't be more different from one another—an aerobics instructor, a boat-racing commentator, a volunteer rescue worker, and others with unusual backgrounds.

Watching these mismatched characters slowly come together gives the drama a lighthearted, feel-good atmosphere. It reminded me a little of The Bremen Town Musicians, with each member bringing a unique personality to the group.

There's also a handsome young man who seems to have known Jen for a long time, hinting that a romance may gradually develop alongside the group's journey.

If you're looking for an intense romance from the beginning, this may not be it. But if you enjoy stories about chasing dreams, friendship, teamwork, and a cheerful ensemble cast, this series is definitely worth checking out.

I'm looking forward to seeing how this "instant idol group" grows together.

It's also interesting to see this project created by Tonnam Piamchon Damrongsunthornchai, a familiar face to many Thai BL fans. After appearing in numerous supporting roles over the years, it's nice to see him bringing his own story to the screen.

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