Reviews

The best

start- to me it's feels realistic and different from other dramas where people meet up and get along eachother quite fast and alot of things here are different compared to all drama I have seen

characters - ml is extrovert FML is introvert, ml friend is also introvert the 3 main leads
ml- rich, physically abused by parents, doesn't get along with all 3 members, 90% of parents in kdrama are like angel's , this one is kinda realistic not the abuse but not getting along with parents
and being an extrovert he still doesn't find any good people 0 friends so to escape loneliness? or other reason he accepts fake friends later when he finally meet FML and the 2nd ml he finally becomes friends with them , he doesn't have good parents or friends so he sticks to the fake friends I have been through same and I know both introvert and extrovert do this

2nd ml - poor and is really mean to ml alot of times I didn't dislike him because you do have right to reject people this was an extrovert following introvert,they argue fight alot and finally becomes friend, a person like him in real life should accept friends like ml, I have seen alot of drama also no one really show the suffering of really poor people, poor ml can be a ml ? he is also 2nd couple but nothing much happens because he doesn't even confess because of being poor I really like their friendship and they would've looked good together, I didn't really like the love triangle the 2nd girl falling for 2nd ml

FML - I like her from this drama I'm actually rewatching this because my list is empty, I really like her character too I had first seen her in true beauty but I like this drama more as I'm rewatching this sadly she isn't main in other romance yet,
FML is shy introvert not completely shy

ml- I saw his highschool drama I actually like this one better because they really look good together and better chemistry sadly this one is only 12 eps ? i dislike ml focused drama because I watch drama for FML , but he's really good so i sticked till end , ml friendship is also good with 2nd ml good they didn't drag him in 2nd love traingle
liked all side characters

romance - slow and fast both I think ? because it's 12 eps only, their interactions are cute, good chemistry ,fluffy so after rewatching I'm seeing it's not romance focused only 40-50 % from start till dating later nothing is shown , focused more friendship, personal life,family etc

someone said here it's same campus drama as any other, but no it's completely different and one of the best one I think ,also there's more highschool and office drama than campus

at last even though I'm giving a 10 could've been a bit better in Romance sense because we got too less and it ended already:(

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I Blame Netflix for This Emotional Situation

📝 Review (WARNING: Potential Spoilers — I’m Not Saving You from Any Emotional Damage)

This was one of my first Chinese dramas, and I genuinely did not know what I was walking into. It took me a minute to fully immerse myself—partly because of the xianxia genre, partly because Esther Yu’s voice took some adjustment, and partly because subtitles suddenly became my entire personality. But once it clicked, it really clicked. The story follows an emotionally sealed demon lord and a fragile flower fairy, and quickly spirals into inter-realm politics, ancient grudges, and feelings that absolutely nobody agreed to have.
The FL is soft but unexpectedly resilient, while the ML is terrifyingly powerful yet weirdly tender in ways that feel illegal, creating a constant push-and-pull dynamic throughout. The supporting cast adds weight, tension, and emotional consequence, keeping the world feeling alive and constantly on the edge of collapse. These types of dramas tend to balance romance, tragedy, and fantasy spectacle, and this one is no exception. By the middle, I was completely locked in. Then the emotional consequences happened, and everything escalated in a way that felt both unfair and personally targeted. My brain: buffering. My emotions: recalculating. My snacks: gone. In the end, I finished feeling emotionally wrecked in a very curated, intentional way. And somehow… it worked.

💭 Final Mood Still thinking about it like it pays rent in my head. Would absolutely rewatch (with full awareness of consequences).

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A little of bit disappointment

I waited for long time for another IU’s drama. The first half was really good - I’d rate it 9/10. Combination of comedy and drama was portreyed satisfyingly. However, romance was too much speeded up. I feel like their feelings came out of nowhere. Also, IU’s acting overshined acting of ML. I have to complain about making Jeongwoo villain - it does not make any sense and it came out of nowhere. I cannot believe that man who was friends with a couple would decide to go against them. It feels like they changed whole personality. Maybe screenwriter was drunk? Coz it seems to be a problem. I expected much more, especially since the first half. OST was tolerable, except for intro which appeared to be good to listen even after completing the show. There are lots of plot holes. Another thibg I have to critic is normalizing abusive parents and making them good in the end

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A Heartwarming Tale of Family, Legacy, and Perseverance

This drama may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it's definitely one for viewers with more refined tastes. I particularly appreciated its setting, which feels distinct from the usual Hengdian productions and adds a refreshing charm to the overall viewing experience. The story focuses on family dynamics, cultural heritage, and Li Zhen's journey amid the Li family's long-standing feud and the struggles of the Hui Ink industry. Romance is present, but it's very much in the background. Personally, I wouldn't have minded a little more romance, but the heartfelt family relationships and wholesome interactions filled that gap surprisingly well.

If you're looking for heavy angst or a revenge-driven plot, you may be disappointed. The villains aren't taken down in a dramatic fashion, instead, their downfall unfolds gradually, leaving them with the bitterness of their own choices. Rest assured, justice is served. However, that's also what makes the drama feel realistic. Rather than focusing solely on revenge or retribution, it emphasizes resilience, growth, and the courage to move forward. It reminds us that sometimes the greatest victory is not getting even, but letting go and building a better life for yourself. It also serves as a gentle reminder that kindness may not always be rewarded immediately, but it often leaves behind a far greater legacy than resentment ever could.

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A Chef's Kiss

Everything was done beautifully. I loved the cinematography and the plot, it's very unqiue. Normally im not a fan of Taiwanese BLs not this one holds a special place in my heart.

What I also appreciate about this show is the life lessons they teach us. One that stuck with me (in my own words) is trying to change yourself for people who dont understand your worth and pushing away the people that love and support you. It's often so hard to constantly remind yourself that there's people who love you for you, sometimes your mind tend to linger on the negatives and you let that control your life. I really like how He Xiang is able to confront the challenges that he was facing and learn a valuable lesson.

AHH I JUST LOVED THIS SHOW, THE MAIN COUPLE, SIDE COUPLE AND HE XIANG -LI WAN FRIENDSHIP , THE UNCLE, DAD AND ANGELA.

Im so sad that this series has come to an end but it would forever hold a special place in my heart💗

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Someday I'll wish upon a star

I actually ended up enjoying this more than I thought I would, which is one of the best kind of surprises. I, for sure, thought this was going to falter halfway through (considering the number of episodes and the runtime of each) but for the most part, everything was as good as can get.

Think it reminded me a lot of Taiwanese BLs, circa 2020/2021? What with the very melancholic tone and all the cameos, it immediately felt like the dramas that were released then. For what it's worth, it did stay that way until the end.

The story was quite simple - He Xia Yong wishes upon a shooting star that no one know who he is, and his wish is granted - but it was the execution that felt very genuine. Watching him heal the broken part of himself while no one knows who he is but his best friend, and then learning to love his broken self as he heals, it was very nicely done. Because he is surrounded by people he left behind at one point or another, his best friend, his father, and the love of his life Chen Hao Wei. And he needs to figure out how to reconcile with himself before he ever gains closure to all the doors he left open.

The logic is as logical as can be, which is not a lot but this story had a lot of heart and because they did it so well, it doesn't matter that I didn't understand half of the shooting star's workings.

Great acting, great chemistry, I don't really have any complaints except for the fact that the pacing can be a little slow at times but I guess that's also part of the calm, seaside setting.

Overall, a pretty good watch in my opinion :)

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Interesting historical family saga

The story of ink in the Ming Dynasty was interesting. Learning about the process, artistry and prestige such a commodity was during those times is similar to stories of silk. China really guarded their secrets. interesting also to watch the Japanese/ Chinese conflict.

coming from a western background and new to Chinese drama I enjoy the historical content. I don’t know if the story was historical accurate or not but each scene seem to convey a natural and multidimensional interaction between family and community over the years that was believable.

the only characters I didn’t like as I found them too one dimensional was fourth Aunt and the father Tian. all actors were complex and interesting and the supporting characters provided the depth for main characters to shine. Tian Bangchan should have been billed as the main character because (apart from Li Ying) he was the main character and villain ( driving the plot)

I also enjoyed the fact that this story focused on the determination and success of a woman (not sure if it would have been possible during the Ming Dynasty) and how her family worried and encouraged her.

maybe this drama should not have been billed a romance as on that front it was disappointing especially the ending. I fact I deducted a whole point due to the ending. I wanted clear closure and happy ever after ending after so much angst, hardship and sadness that went of for previous 40 hours of watching. I was drained.

at time the story drifted and some scenes were really drawn out. for me the chief complaint was the length of the drama. I often fast forward through many scenes eg the whinging by Aunt or father Tian and son colluding or seling off the daughter were repetitive.

flashback scenes were also overdone.

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A Comfort Drama I’ve Rewatched Too Many Times to Admit

📝 Review
(WARNING: Potential Spoilers — I’m Not Saving You from Any Emotional Damage)

I picked this up because I enjoy esports-themed dramas, and I’d seen the female lead in another series and thought she was charming. Add Li Xian to the mix, and it was an easy decision.

At its core, Go Go Squid! follows Han Shang Yan, a former esports legend in the CTF cybersecurity scene who has withdrawn from competition and now runs a professional team. His world shifts when Tong Nian, a socially awkward but talented computer science student and online singer, unexpectedly falls for him and slowly becomes part of his life—and his team’s world.

What I enjoyed most was not just the esports setting, but how much the story focuses on relationships, growth, and emotional walls rather than the game itself. The competition serves more as a backdrop for character dynamics, which I actually think works in its favor.

The drama also shifts between past and present, which adds depth to the characters and explains their motivations in a way that feels emotionally grounded rather than purely expositional. The chemistry across the cast is consistently strong, and even supporting characters feel like they have weight in the story.

That said, the first breakup arc really threw me off. It felt unnecessary and a bit frustrating in context. I also wasn’t a fan of Tong Nian’s mother’s attitude toward Han Shang Yan—it felt overly harsh for the situation.

Even with those moments, the overall experience was incredibly enjoyable. It’s a comfort drama for me, the kind I can rewatch without hesitation. In fact, I’ve lost count of how many times I already have.

Overall, it’s a strong blend of romance, esports, and emotional storytelling, and it remains one of my personal favorites in this genre.

💭 Final Mood

Emotionally invested in people I don’t personally know.

Still mildly annoyed at the first breakup.

Still rewatching anyway.

Would absolutely do it again.

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