Reviews

PURSUIT OF JADE (Chasing Jade): A Highly Phenomenal Chinese Drama

I have watched 51 (to be exact) Chinese dramas since January of 2026, and this is the first time that I'll be writing a review.

"Pursuit of Jade" (Chasing Jade) is...
the only Chinese drama I've been rewatching over and over! 😍

I can give this a rating of ∞/10! As in INFINITE!👏👏👏
✔︎ Phenomenal choice of actors and their incredible acting
✔︎ Mind-blowing story plot
✔︎ Breathtaking settings and cinematography
✔︎ Astounding script
✔︎ Remarkable and punchy lines from the characters

I can go on and on with the astonishing things that Pursuit of Jade offers to viewers.

This drama is a huge BREAKTHROUGH for China's TV series streaming and this deserves multiple international highest drama accolades/awards. 👏

I had visited China once and visited some of the big universities for educational exchange programs. As a teacher from the Philippines, I am learning a lot about China's history, society, culture and characterization thru dramas like this. I can now incorporate these learnings in my teachings. 😇

May this enkindle the fire of China in producing more dramas like this. 🙏

P.S.
I can't wait to watch more upcoming works/dramas of Zhang Linghe!
When I hear "Marquis of Wu'an", the first thing that comes to my mind is "Oh, that's Zhang Linghe!"
He made me grasp the role of a Marquis in Chinese history without searching the internet!
He is truly a remarkable and exceptional rising star and has a keen eye of acting as an ART.👏😍

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Intriguing plot, beautiful sets & costumes, and actors who are eye candy

I loved this show. It was visually stunning and emotionally intriguing. There's something for everyone--mystery; plot twists; riveting fight scenes; romance; beautiful people, costumes, sets, and scenery; and a satisfactory ending that makes sense.

Characters:
I loved the characters of both the ML and the FL! The FL remains physically strong and brilliant throughout the drama. It was so refreshing to watch a physically strong FL who protected the ML because he didn't have a martial arts background. I adored the character of the ML! He is comfortable in his own skin & confident enough to let the FL take the lead. But he also contributes to solving the mysteries with his intellect and expertise.

Actors/Acting:
Bai Lu didn't disappoint with her portrayal of a strong, independent, and intelligent woman who is haunted by her past. I have to give kudos to Wang Xing Yue because I had to do a double take considering how different his character was in The Double. I knew it was the same actor, but he seemed like a different person. Added bonus: the leads are eye candy.

High production value:
You can tell they had a large budget through the details of the sets, costumes, and world-building.

Music:
Haunting.

Rewatch value: High

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Love doesn’t always = happiness but it does = eternal peace.

I first dropped it after reading how it ended,but if you come back to it with a open mind and understanding like with Doona it’s basically the same in a way,the ML lead and FL in this drama really did love each other to the end of the earth,I will first say that the FL definitely fell for the ML first from the moment she met him and she was the first to confess her love and in the first EP she says let’s stay together forever,and the part that makes a lot of us dropped it is when the FL becomes so distant and starts for some reason being more comfortable with the SML and they form a bond for some reason and the k drama doesn’t show it but In episode 3 you can tell that he had a huge impact on them breaking up he was like pushing her away from him and that scene where they first break up she in the same dorm witj that guy,the ML was busy taking care of his family but he still showed up for her constantly and to have her betray him like that hurt him and is viewers,I get that her family life was rough with her mom leaving and her dads issues,but don’t take it out on the only person who was there for you,your first love,first person to show you stability,and then the whole middle half From ep 7 to 10 was just poorly written and both ML,FL needed to let it all out before the airport scene,either way I did enjoy it after watching with a different perspective and approach I highly recommend going back and paying attention to the small details and misses scene in the future,I truly believe the ML and FL never stoped being in love but they were both to scared to say what they wanted and miss communication really drew this drama back,but in the end that ending I believe she went to Hawaii but came back after that year and went back to her dads house where she found the ML waiting,Why ? because I think she finally leanrned that he this whole time was her actual home and he learned that his love for her was not in vain and that he didn’t know that to love her was to let her find herself and forgive herself and he also needed to let go the past her and learn to forgive her and himself either way I do enjoy this drama after the second watch,what I take away from this is that Love is strong but it can’t always win,but being someone’s Heart and Home means you must be willing to let them hurt you really bad not because they did it on purpose but because they themselves are so broken and are terrified,and the Home part means they both found pain,happiness,hate,guilt,selfishness,fear and family all in there homes they built in each others heart.

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Highly entertaining

I didn't expect to like this show as much as I did. I was cautious with the MDL synopsis. I've experienced the bait & switch too many times when a show claims to have strong female characters--who suddenly become damsels in distress and start losing brain cells so the male lead/s can play saviors. In Glory, the FL remains strong and smart from the beginning to the end. She even outmaneuvers the ML at times. She is comfortable in her skin and with her sexuality. It was incredibly refreshing to have strong female characters who are not one-dimensional of only being the jealous schemer/angry hot head/other tropes in c-dramas. Quite a few of the women that you love to hate in the beginning of the show have great character arcs. You end up liking and respecting them by the end. I highly recommend it.

Rewatch value: 10/10.

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Discovering what feeling Love is ...

Scene with Hia & Team Ep11! I changed my rating because this all pulled it together

*BETWEEN US*

The relationship between Hia & Team was a whirlwind beginning. Yet, it was refreshing to see it not being bombarded with only connecting physically & started to focus on slowly attaching their relationship on another level.
Team dealing with PTSD in my opinion, since it's not clear why yet... it's understandable why he suffers from nightmares. Bringing Hia into the picture of someone that will support Team without knowing what the issue may be with Team is a good strategy that the writer decided to just let Team open up when ready.

The other relationships that are forming in the beginning of this drama, you can see, is definitely taking a backseat & only finding tidbits of who is with whom or interested in. Which is nice to see... It gives the viewer time to only focus on the main relationship without having to feel overwhelmed with so much going on with several different relationships all at once. *However, I'm curious about what is happening with Dean & Pharm ;-)
I'm also adoring the character Manow... She's definitely different and adorable!!! Like whom they paired her up with... it's different but the same that equals positive ;-)

The pool scene when the club members were told it was going to be closed & Team wanted to practice... that scene was heartbreaking to watch the intense conversation between him and Hia.
The Ardent emotions going on after what happened to Team at the pool .. Hia feeling overwhelmed was understandable.
Finally, a little more about the other couples' lives. Obviously... I had my thoughts with Dean & Pharm. The friendship with Prince & Bee is refreshing... it touches on what Prince has to go through as a young actor & pressure that he endures just for his management & fans (Ridiculous) Actors are just normal everyday people, whose job happens to be fully public. Yet (and this is my own opinion) it shouldn't be a ticket for the fans to dictate to him what his private life should be or who he should like or not. Bee is his safe getaway person.

This drama touches on sensitive topics like, Mental illness (PTSD) and especially Homophobia (Ep. 7) I really hope that those out there really listen to what Team is saying about this. Every word, Every Feeling is so spot on. I'm 71 years old with a grandchild that is part of the LGBTQ+ community & with all the prejudices', hate & homophobic people out there... is so sickening as someone that wouldn't think about not supporting any of my children or grandchildren in their life choices or finding their true identity.
Yes... those who are part of this community shouldn't *Value those who don't Value You*, but that takes a strong mind & unconditional support to find that Value... It's always a on-going battle. This is why... I will never, ever stop supporting my grandchild for who she/he is... because without her/him... my life wouldn't have the beautiful color that I adore embracing.

Well.... I'm going to end it here
I hope if you haven't seen this drama.. that you do
If you have seen it.. I hope that you enjoyed it as much as I did!!!
Take Care Everyone, Stay Healthy.. Happy & AMAZING!!!!

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A bit of a sleeper!

This drama came to me off the tail of Pursuit of Jade. I loved that drama as so many did. Somehow this more recent costume drama satisfied a need I didn't realize I had. Set in the late 1900's, a time I remember fondly, this drama was a trip down memory lane, only in China! The costuming was spot on. The technology and building boom amidst a surge in capitalism was pitch perfect. Corruption, gangs... exactly what society faced all while trying to figure out how to get a piece. Chef's kiss! A strong female lead who uses her knowledge wisely, a supportive, equally wise male lead who would keep his woman in his sight no matter what, and a full supporting cast that rounded out the drama made this ensemble one for the books. A bit slice of life, a bit business, a solid but not showy romance make this the perfect watch when you are not sure what to watch. I'll be sure to watch again.

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Fall in Love (2025) is a great romance drama with ML: Wang Xuan (as Huo Ting Lan) and FL: Ji Mei Han (as Qiao He) in the leading couple's roles. The cast did a fantastic job bringing their characters to life, and the leading couple had an impassioned and fanciful romance delivered through their surprisingly playful, sensual, and ardent chemistry. Cinematography, visuals, costumes, settings, and other elements of filmmaking were done with careful selection of places and color palettes that gave an eccentric and chimerical background to a beautiful romance.
In the meantime, you can watch the drama on YouTube: "【Full Version】Fall in Love | 💘Mutual secret crush | Wang Xuan, Ji Mei Han | 一刻千金 | Drama Max" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohN__RfvtFg)
Can also be watched at Blocked by CEO, she starts a fiery chase—but one portrait turns him instantly loyal! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCwmx548c5o)

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Suspense... great thriller.... the story unravels bit by bit and requires attentive watching

This drama is for true thriller lovers, ppl who love to solve mysteries. ML actor gave an outstanding performance. This drama deserves a lot higher rating. The plot is great, the acting is great.
You might have to rewatch at least some scenes to keep track of what is going on, and maybe once again the whole thing to see all the cues.

The plot is a little tricky so ppl who could not follow (and the trolls) rated the drama low.
So to help you enjoy the plot more, I posted a summary and recap here and a lot more detailed one in the "Comments" of the drama.

It wrapped up nicely, all loose ends tied...
Ml actor is super amazing actor and had a very complex role..
FL actress didnt do much, she was always poker faced
Everyone else did a great job
It was a super tight script, nothing leaked until the very end. SO HANG IN TIGHT AND DO YOUR DETECTIVE WORK

This is a really good thriller so the script gives cues but never gives full answers all the way to the end... and NOTHING IS RANDOM!!! seemingly random ppl and events are already related or become related by the end of ep 6.....
Also, the scenes are not random!!! we see scenes from "present time" mixed up with scenes from FL's memory. You have to figure out what pieces are memory and "put it" into the time frame where it belongs.

So this thriller is really good, the script does have cues but it is not easy to crack, everything is up in the air and you have to watch carefully and take notes. For example... FL has 3 phones... :) There are several seemingly unrelated groups ..... And in ep 1-6 you get to meet them one by one "in their regular life" so that you know what they are like.... you see them doing shady and collaborating and cheating each other .... ALL THESE PEOPLE HAVE BUSINESS TOGETHER - AND THEY ALL INTERSECT BY THE END OF EP 6

This is a REAL LIFE THRILLER - groups of various criminals working together!!! it looks like omeone with real life experience has written the script.

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WARNING WARNING WARNING FROM NOW ON, HEAVY SPOILERS
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SUMMARY OF THE MAIN CHARACTERS:
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FL: Myo Jin aka MJ - a poor girl who then cheated with ML - we meet her as amnesic after she wakes up from a coma from a car accident after she left the site of murder. We meet her all meek and sleek. and later we learn that she was a vitriolic revenge psycho trying to kill Chairman ..... and pretending to be his daughter's friend so that she can get to the Chairman

ML: Ryo Jun Ho aka JH, whom we meet as a very nice handsome rich company owner / construction tycoon helping FL recover, but then slowly we learn he is a top level gangster and is drugging and "jailing" FL to make sure she does NOT remember
ML is very handsome and he uses women to get ahead

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CHARACTERS AND GROUPS - THE BASIC SUMMARY
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- ML --> hot shot architect. Before FL's coma he was live in of Choi Hui Su, and cheated on CHS with FL. After the coma, he does shady to prevent amnesic FL from remembering and poses as FL's fiance
- FL ---> before coma, best friend of CHS and a rabid revenge girl. After coma, live-in of ML peacefully / secretly investigating
- Choi Hui Su and her dad Chairman - chaebols who were killed just before the coma, Chairman was paying for ML's architecture business -
- Joseonjok thugs Scrawny and Long Hair ---> who are after BoldHead to repay them, and BoldHead led them to his boss PurpleHair and ML's house (bc Purple Hair is currently living at ML's house - and btw her hair is black now)
- BoldHead and PurpleHair thugs ---> who are planning to kidnap and sell FL - althoug PurplHair is hired by ML to keep FL "jailed" at home (but FL escaped) - ML has no clue that PurpleHair is playing him
- Lee Joong Su thug ---> who was extorting CHS - with the help of Wang Gi Cheol ? - in any case before the coma, LJS and WGC were doing shady together to get to the Chairman and in that process used HS, JH, and FL
- Wang Gi Cheol ----> was paid to take the fall for killing FL's parents, and LJS was the contact with the payer. After he got out of jail, he agreed to help FL revenge her parents. - and he seemed to collaborate with LJS on that. But LJS was also extorting CHS - was WGC involved in that? Currently, WGC is a construction worker, a homeowner in redevelopment area, dying of cancer. And FL contacted him to ask him for info, and FL remembered their deal.

AT THE END OF EP 6, ALL THESE GROUPS CLASH ---- JOSEONJOK THUGS AND BOLD HEAD COME TO NEAR JH'S HOUSE AND PLANNING TO ENTER IT, LOOKING FOR PURPLE HAIR, WHO IS INSIDE ML's HOUSE - and ML paid PurpleHair to do shady for him and has no idea PurpleHair is a traitor
FL IS ALSO SUPPOSED TO BE INSIDE ML'S HOUSE, "JAILED" BY PURPLE HAIR, BUT FL ESCAPED. ANd we dont know where she went.

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MORE DETAILS, TIMELINE, PLOT BEFORE THE LAST EPISODE
<<<< THE LAST EPISODE EXPOSES EVERYTHING <<<<<
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I organized this like this: first TIMELINE, then CHARACTERS - who they are, what they do, how they relate
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TIMELINE FROM MDL DESCRIPTION
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>>> FL's parents are killed
>>> For 15 yrs FL tries to revenge her parents
>>> Finally after 15 yrs, FL gets a good opportunity to revenge her parents
>>> But revenge does not happen bc FL gets into a car accident and wakes up with amnesia
>>> FL tries to remember what happened and finds new info ..

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MY TAKE ON THE TIMELINE
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>>> FL's parents are killed
We do not know who ordered the murder and why.
Homeless man Adjushi was paid to say he killed them and he went to jail for it. Adjushi tried to tell FL but she did not listen...
FL was livid psycho with rage, visited Adjushi in prison, never listened to anything he had to say, and promised /screamed/made a scene that she will kill him. Adjushi just f.cked her off

>>> For 15 yrs FL tries to revenge her parents
FL waited for Adjushi to get out of jail
Finally, Adjushi got out of jail and bought a decrepid property

>>> Finally after 15 yrs, FL got a good opportunity to revenge her parents
FL found Adjushi and tried to kill him at his house. Adjushi beat up FL and made her listen to him for the first time. He told FL that Chairman Young Ho (Hee Su's dad) ordered the murder and paid him to take the fall. So FL convinced Adjushi to join her in revenge (this is FL's memory)

So FL befriended HS, who was living with JH.... We are not sure who started first, but we see that JH first kissed FL and so they both cheated on HS... and HS knew it...
We also later found out that at this time Adjushi was collaborating with LJS to track HS, JH to get to the Chairman.. LJS was blackmailing HS - was Adjushi on that? and FL was investigating LJS...
SO THIS REVENGE SETUP LASTED FOR 2 YEARS...

AND THEN ...
FL was in the Chairman's house when HS and Chairman died... FL remembers seeing HS in fire, and she drove away from the burning house and was hit by WTOD (this is from FL's memory)
HS was stabbed with the knife and she and Chairman then died in an explosion fire - says police
Restaurant neighbor said she saw JH enter the house on that day - but according to his official alibi, he was in Germany...

>>> But revenge does not happen bc FL gets into a car accident and wakes up with amnesia
To be precise, the car accident was WTOD hitting FL's car. WHO SENT IT??

>>> FL tries to remember what happened and finds new info ..
FL wakes up with ONLY JH by her side, telling her he was her fiance. He brings her to "his" house and does everything he can to prevent her from remembering. FL officially gots to a psychiatrist who helps her remember, but ML drugs her, and later tells the main doctor to NOT prescribe memory-help therapy to FL - and doctor says that if she gets the therapy, she can remember it now, and if not, lose it - and psychiatrist says that FL is like a normal person - she she is not remembering bc of ... ML's drugs... or shock?
AND FROM NOW, THE DRAMA SHOWS FL'S MEMORIES WHENEVER SHE REMEMBERS SOMETHNG, SO THE DRAMA SHOWS A HODGE PODGE OF CURRENT TIME SCENES AND MEMORIES, ALL MIXED UP

AND THE AUDIENCE HAS TO FIGURE OUT WHICH SCENES ARE MEMORIES AND WHAT TIME SLOT EACH MEMORY BELONGS TO


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CHECK OUT THE MOST RECENT POST BY ME WITH SUMMARY AND MOST UPDATED RECAP
and for most details check out the thread between me and mysteryqueen9
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+++++
THE ULTIMATE SPOILER
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WATCH THE LAST EPISODE TO FIND OUT WHAT REALLY HAPPENED

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Plot contrivences with no emotional payoff

Love Like a Bike ultimately stalls out as a narrative failure, offering a "Trauma Festival" that lacks the structural integrity to justify its own weight. The central conceit is immediately undermined by a total lack of familial chemistry; the three adopted brothers are so physically and temperamentally dissimilar that they feel like a script convenience rather than a lived-in reality. This lack of believability extends to the show's core romances, which operate almost exclusively within a minefield of serious ethical violations—blurring the lines between doctor/patient, employer/employee, and sex worker/client. These problematic power dynamics are never handled with the necessary nuance to make them compelling; instead, they contribute to a wearying atmosphere that offers no emotional payoff.

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Snowflakes Overload Can't Hide Fatal Flaws Of this Drama

From my perspective, this drama simply didn’t work. I was hoping for depth, but the dialogue, plot, pacing, and even the romance between the ML and FL felt flat to me. They spend so much time building the relationship, yet when it finally materializes, it comes across like a child’s version of romance.

The visuals made it even harder for me to connect with the story. At times, it felt like watching Alice in Wonderland or a fairy‑tale movie meant for kids. The overly bright colors, the endless snowflakes, the glowing scenery, and the dreamy roads made everything look too whimsical and unrealistic for my taste.

I genuinely wanted to enjoy this drama — I really liked both the ML and FL — but the overall presentation felt staged and theatrical, and I just couldn’t take it seriously. It had funny and entertaining moments, but overall it ended up being a major letdown. No amount of snowflakes or pretty scenery could distract me from how boring and nonsensical the story felt.

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This pulled me in more than I was expecting and didn't let go

This popped up while I was looking for my next Netflix watch. I loved BKPP in I Told Sunset About You—the acting was incredible, and their chemistry was almost unbearable in that series.

I haven’t seen the Taiwanese original of this one, so I didn’t know what to expect, but it ended up being a really satisfying watch. The comedy worked well, with strong timing and natural chemistry, and the drama hit the right emotional notes without feeling overdone. I especially enjoyed watching the gradual warmth develop in their relationship. Grandma was a standout and added a lot of heart.

The story included a few twists, but nothing felt out of sync. Even when I knew what was coming, the emotional moments still landed because of how thoughtfully they were handled (and the acting).

I enjoyed this from start to finish, and no scene felt wasted. Highly recommend. I’m only taking off half a star because it came a little too close to body‑shaming one character, which stood out in an otherwise enjoyable film.

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