This review may contain spoilers
Fun office rom-com, not as light as it seems on the surface.
This drama is really good so far. The casting is incredible. The leads have great chemistry and you can really feel the history there. The music fits well, although it does repeat the same songs fairly frequently.One thing to note is there is a plotline involving sexual assault which took me by surprise. It is a plotline being handled very well at the point I am at, but I know some of the description in episode 8 may be problematic for some viewers. That said, I maintain my high rating and do recommend it as a fun romcom drama that goes a little deeper than most.
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Chemistry and Economics.
I'm writing this review solely as a reminder for myself about why I dropped this drama in the very first place. Don't worry. It will not affect the rating system as I have not seen enough episodes for it to get counted.I tried giving it a second chance, but I just couldn't move forward past the first five minutes of EP4.
Now... lets get down to business.
If Chemistry along could drive a drama, then this one should be it. Both Leo Luo and Bai Lu are talented actors and they pulled off their roles beautifully. Their premise was good. But... the plot.
When it comes to the plot, in the first three episodes, we see Jiang Jun pull a few strings and get into Yuan Shuai's company much to his displeasure. Then we have about 50% of the conversations revolving around why she was not fit to do the job. Then the next 50% with him tasking her with something hard and she going about trying to desperately prove herself. The sweet stuff is scattered throughout in between. Its even funny at times. Even that was not enough for me to stick to the drama. Had I watched it completely I'd have skipped 80% of the episodes to just fast forward to scenes that I actually wanted to watch... which would be pretty much half of the drama.
I know nothing about Investment Banking and half of their conversations bored me so much that I stopped watching the episode in between or outright skipped to the fun parts. I did not care about Xu Lei and Xiao Chuan's romance. It seemed childish and might have been intentionally inserted to appease viewers' tastes. But, I simply skipped all their scenes.
In short, the overall backstory or the main plot made zero sense to me, due to my little knowledge about the business world. The romance was good. But, that alone couldn't make me stick to the plot.
If you are a fan of the leads and find their scenes sweet - please do watch it! But, if you want some actual basic plot that leads to their romance... you might understand and tolerate it better than me for sure.
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Paternalistic propaganda
First, an important disclaimer: I am a middle-aged male, and as a glance through my watchlist will show, I'm a hard-core Brony. I love me a good romcom. I don't mind the usual clichés and tropes if well-executed with clever writing and good acting, and can put up with a lot for the sake of credible chemistry and a sweet story. Which is why I tried hard to like this drama, because so many people raved about the beautiful chemistry. I didn't see any in the six episodes I survived.What I saw was the sort of chauvinist propaganda that is very common in current PRC romcoms. It was clear after six episodes that the ML was deceiving and manipulating the FL because he knew best, and was doing it for her good. Barf! This toxic trope is one that I cannot stomach. It is possible to have sweet, even clichéd OTPs where the two are in fact equal. There are dramas in which the two are not equal but in which the male lead still avoids treating the female lead with condescension or manipulation. Two of my favourite examples would be Queen In Hyun's Man and Le Coup de Foudre.. Dramas like those show that it is possible to set up formulaic "cute" OTPs without paternalistic posturing. The smug assumption of superiority by every male character in this drama was just too much.
No doubt some who are fans of the drama may feel that I didn't give it a fair shot, but at my age, life is too short to waste on bad dramas. It's also too short too waste on bad on dramas that not only don't grab me quickly, but actively repel me - no matter how amazeballs some insist the OTP becomes. I gave this one a decent shot, watching 1/6 of the entire drama, but can't be bothered wading through more of its "men know best" motto.
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This review may contain spoilers
I will be the Outlier - I Did not like it
My rating of the two episodes I watched 2/10.I don't drop many series but I had to drop this one. First, the plot is extremely simple. It is relying very heavily on the trope of the evil boss. Bully childhood friend who actually liked the girl. Frenemies. Destiny. Just a lot of tired tropes. I know sword like eyebrows were a thing not even all that long ago but it was a bit distracting that all the male lead characters had these eyebrows I could not ignore. Being literally allergic to tears is a really hard sell. If they had tied it in as maybe some kind of mixed physical and psychological disease maybe. And the accidental kiss was one of those super ridiculous and unbelievable scenarios where if your lips came together like that it wouldn't be sensual it would hurt. Pancake kiss. That goes on forever. I would have had to get a subscription to watch the latter episodes as it wasn't available on virtually every other platform and I didn't care enough about it in those first two episodes to be willing to pay for it. Too cheesy and just not my cup of tea.
Synopsis:
Love is Sweet (also known as Half Honey Half Hurt) is a 2020 Chinese romantic comedy drama blending workplace rivalry, childhood sweethearts, and heartfelt romance. It has a mix of fluffy romance, steamy chemistry, office politics, and emotional layers—perfect for fans of sweet, enemies-to-lovers vibes with a touch of corporate drama.
Total Episodes: 36
Runtime per Episode: Approximately 45 minutes
Major Characters
Yuan Shuai (Luo Yunxi) — The sharp, undefeated "God of War" in investment banking at MH firm. A seemingly arrogant and teasing boss, he's actually a secretly devoted childhood friend who's harbored a 10-year crush on the female lead. He "bullied" her as kids to toughen her up due to her rare tear allergy, but he's soft and protective underneath—switching from professional wolf to adorable boyfriend mode once feelings surface.
Jiang Jun (played by Bai Lu) — A bright, idealistic young woman with dual master's degrees in economics and psychology. She leaves her philanthropy job to join the cutthroat MH investment firm to honor her late father's wish. Empathetic, resilient, and high-EQ, she navigates office schemes and rivalry with sharp judgment. She's allergic to tears (a unique vulnerability), often seen as soft but proves strong and clever, turning from "rookie" to powerhouse.
Du Lei (played by Gao Hanyu) — Yuan Shuai's intense rival from rival firm GE, excelling in investment banking, car racing, and (initially) romance pursuits. Scarred by a tough past, he's calculating and willing to bend rules for success, but he develops genuine feelings that complicate his schemes.
Xu Li (played by Xiao Yan) — Jiang Jun's loyal, justice-driven best friend who works at a convenience store. She's bubbly, prioritizes love over career, and boldly pursues her crush, bringing light-hearted energy and strong friendship support to the main story.
Li Xiaochuan (played by Riley Wang) — Yuan Shuai's tech-genius cousin and app developer. Serious, hardworking, and hilariously oblivious to romance at first, he slowly warms up thanks to Xu Li's persistence, creating one of the drama's sweetest secondary couples.
Qiao Na (played by Zhao Yuanyuan) — The perfectionist vice president at MH, a "female God of War" who demands excellence. She has unrequited feelings for Yuan Shuai but handles them maturely, adding depth to the workplace dynamics.
Linda (played by An Weiling) — A powerful executive director at GE with her own ambitions and insomnia struggles. She plays a key antagonistic role in the corporate intrigue, often prioritizing self-interest in the high-stakes investment world.
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Beautiful romance with many comedic moments.
Bai lu and Luo Yunxi were outstanding. As in almost all Bai Lu dramas, there was a strong chemistry between her and her costar throughout. Very engaging story with many comedic elements. I watched it three times already. Each time it was worth watching each time.Engaging drama throughout with virtually no free walk. I especially liked the moment when the leads discovered their love for each other, hilarious parts when leads were visiting Jiang Jun's mother, and the detective process that lead to ouster and incarceration of Lin Taimo and Du Linda...
I strongly recommend watching this drama.
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Qué bonita, qué bonita!
Me ha encantado, me ha gustado muchísimo. Recomiendo encarecidamente esta serie. Son adorables, achuchables, menuda química la de los protagonistas. Me ha tenido enganchada el amor, la historia, la trama, los antagonistas, ...En el último capítulo lloré con esa escena tan tan especial!
Pocas cosas en contra, pero si alguna. La segunda pareja no me gustó, poco o nada creíble, me daban un poco de repelús y me aburría bastante su trama. La amiga pasó de ser una chica divertida, ingeniosa, creativa y resuelta a una mema y boba insoportable. Por otro lado, creo que el personaje del "malo", el prof. Du Leí (Gao Han Yu) demasiado tiempo en pantalla. Creo que chupa bastante cámara y en algún momento ya se hace pesado y obsesivo. La relación de hermanos da bastante grima.
A algún capítulo le sobra un poquito de tiempo, como cuando van a casa de la madre de ella por Año Nuevo, se me hizo un poco demasiado.
Por lo demás y quitando estás pequeñas apreciaciones insisto en que es estupenda y volvería a verla, sin duda alguna.
Luo Yunxi está aquí para comérselo y dejar que te coma ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Y qué decir de Bai Lu, ella simplemente me encanta y sale guapa, atractiva, con un papel maravilloso. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Mi recomendación es que no dejéis de verla. Es un amor sano, nada tóxico y muy muy natural.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
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This review may contain spoilers
Muy buena!!! , los actores son muy buenos y la música super buena. Me encanto!!! como se desarrolla la historia , puedo decir que la actriz Bai Lu es una de mis favoritas y me gusto su actuación en esta serie.
La historia me conmovió porque la protagonista quiere demostrar que ella puede lograr sus metas sin la ayuda de nadie , la música muy bonita y una de mis favoritas.
Ver en esta serie a Bai Lu, Luo Yunxi , Shane Xiao y Riley Wang me impresiono tanto que los cuatro estén juntos en el mismo escenario.
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Clichês, química e beijos que valem a pena !
Se tem uma coisa que os doramas nos ensinaram é que amor de infância sempre rende um bom romance! E aqui temos exatamente isso: um casal com química explosiva, momentos fofos e um enredo cheio de clichês que a gente ama odiar. Sim, tem o clássico "começamos como amigos e agora nos amamos", mal-entendidos resolvidos rapidinho e um mocinho que é bonito, atrevido e absurdamente competente em absolutamente tudo (até dirigir e lutar, porque por que não?).Agora, você pode estar se perguntando: "Então por que esse drama é tão bem avaliado?" Simples: Leo Luo e Bai Lu são o melhor casal de c-drama do ano! O romance entre eles é celestial, e se você está cansado de beijos de peixe morto, fique tranquilo: aqui, as cenas de PDA (demonstrações públicas de afeto) são generosas. E quando digo generosas, quero dizer que você pode até precisar de um ventilador ligado.
A história em si? Bom, nada de muito inovador. Jiang Jun (28 anos, determinada e trabalhadora) quer um emprego no MH, um dos maiores bancos de investimento. Lá, ela reencontra seu amigo de infância, Yuan Shuai, agora um poderoso gerente, que acha que ela não tem o que é preciso para o cargo. Mas nossa mocinha não desiste fácil e faz de tudo para provar o contrário! Logo no primeiro episódio, já somos agraciados com aquele momento clássico e totalmente irreal onde a física para de funcionar e os protagonistas caem um nos braços do outro – com direito a beijo acidental, claro. Aliás, isso acontece DUAS vezes. Sim, o roteiro não se contentou com um clichê, decidiu dobrar a aposta.
Falando em roteiro, este drama tentou nos convencer de que ciência e romance andam juntos. Como? Criando um aplicativo de namoro que dá 100% de compatibilidade ao casal principal e míseros 1% para um casal secundário que também termina junto. Ah, e o rival amoroso do mocinho? 0%. Nem Deus escapou de um "quiz de compatibilidade" tão ridículo assim. Honestamente, se eu não estivesse tão envolvida com o casal principal, teria desistido ali mesmo.
E falando em casal secundário… ai, ai. Se eu ganhasse um real para cada cena sem graça deles, já teria dinheiro para bancar uma produção melhor. A mocinha desse casal, inicialmente uma personagem interessante e confiante, de repente vira uma adolescente apaixonada perseguindo um cara que mal conhece. Sem química, sem emoção, sem nada. O botão de avançar foi inventado para isso.
Mas calma, nem tudo foi desastre! Leo Luo, por exemplo, foge do estereótipo do CEO frio e arrogante e entrega um protagonista divertido, bobo e genuinamente carismático. Bai Lu também brilha e tem um ótimo timing cômico. O romance entre os dois não enrola e se desenvolve de forma madura – nada de joguinhos infantis ou amores impossíveis. Além disso, a produção do drama não economizou no figurino e nos cenários, o que torna tudo visualmente bonito (tirando algumas roupas duvidosas da protagonista no começo).
Agora, sejamos sinceros: este drama poderia ter acabado no episódio 32. Mas não, resolveram esticar até o 36, jogando enredos desnecessários no meio do caminho. O resultado? Algumas cenas cansativas e a sensação de que o roteiro estava tropeçando em si mesmo.
Mas, no fim das contas… você deve assistir? COM CERTEZA. Agora mesmo! O casal principal entrega um romance de tirar o fôlego, cheio de química e zero beijos sem graça. E se a história não for suficiente, pelo menos você terá muitas cenas para rever depois.
Nota final? O enredo pode ter falhas, mas a diversão é garantida.
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Une jolie surprise
Un hasard heureux m'a fait cliquer sur le premier épisode et me voilà partie pour une jolie romance drôle et adorable.2 amis d'enfances, un thème que je chéris particulièrement, qui deviennent par la suite "plus que". Il n'en fallait pas plus pour piquer ma curiosité. J'ai fait mes petites recherches après avoir appris que Jiang Jun était allergique à ses larmes. Je me coucherais moins bête, car en effet, il est possible d'être allergique à ses propres fluides.
Nous avons donc ici un personnage féminin plein de ressource, forte et intelligente. J'aime ce genre de personnage qui sans pour autant clamer son indépendance envers la gent masculine à cors et à cri nous démontre que bien qu'amoureuse, elle sait aussi être espiègle, autonome, réfléchie dans ses choix, loyale sans être soumise, amoureuse sans être aveuglée. Bai Lu a superbement interprété son personnage, elle l'a rendue vivante de joie. On a apprécie grandement sa relation avec Yuan Shai. Une relation faite de taquinerie et d'amour fusionnel. On rit beaucoup que cela soit des gamineries de Yuan Shai, ou des réparties de Jiang Jun . Une très belle alchimie et une romance adorable, avec des baisers bien fougueux ^^
Yuan Shai est typiquement un personnage qu'on aime dès le premier regard (du moins pour moi!) Il a un sourire tellement coquin qu'on ne peut que fondre de tendresse. Il a su se montrer l'homme fort de la situation tout en restant prévenant et attentionné des sentiments de Jiang Jun.
J'ai moins aimé le couple secondaire (je dois avouer que c'est une facette des Cdrama que j'aime le moins, les couples secondaires souvent ennuyeux et inutile...), le couple secondaire n'est pas forcément ennuyeux mais je ne trouve pas qu'ils aient été nécessaire à l'avancée de l'histoire.
J'ai été ravie de retrouver Kido Gao, depuis mon coup de foudre de King's avatar. Il campe ici un personnage a double tranchant. A la fois sombre et plein de rancune, Du Lei a montré une facette étonnante de douceur et douleur. J'ai eu le coeur brisé pour son histoire personnelle et si Yuan Shai n'avait pas été aussi adorable, j'aurais eu le syndrome du second lead sans hésiter.
Un drama que je recommande à 100%, une belle romance avec des scènes de baisers intense, une romance drôle et attachante.
J'ai oublié de préciser que la demande en mariage est une des plus belles que j'ai vu! J'en ai eu les larmes aux yeux, ce qui ne m'était jamais arrivé pour une demande en mariage!
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Você passa o dorama todo sorrindo de orelha a orelha e impactado com a química do casal
É um dos doramas com mais química que já vi na vida. Quando se fala de Bailu e Luo Yunxi, eles dão show de atuação, química e personalidade. Sou completamente apaixonada pelos dois, e eles brilham perfeitamente em love is sweet.Ouso dizer que esse é o melhor dorama de comédia romântica.
A história te prende do início ao fim, os personagens são muito bem explorados, o romance é de explodir (são as cenas mais calientes que já vi em doramas, eles beijam com vontade rs).
Que delícia de drama, é fofo, engraçado, emocionante, tudo de bom!
Virou o meu dorama conforto!
Indico pra todo mundo!
Ps: só não dei 10/10 porque eu achei que eles acabaram enrolando no assunto do escritório nos últimos 10 episódios, tirando isso, tudo perfeito!
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Eine sehr toller Geschichte der Neuzeit
Eine tolle Geschichte in der Neuzeit.Die Harmonie zwischen den Darstellern ist grandios. Schauspielerische Leistung glänzt hier wieder - toll ausgewählt.
Ich mag Luo Yunxi einfach gern zuschauen - talentierter Darsteller.
Bai Lu passt einfach perfekt zu ihm.
Musik ist toll und lässt einen manchmal träumen.
Der Humor in der Geschichte nimmt einen mit und fesselt einen.
Schauplatz passt gut.
Die Antagonisten sind hervorragend ausgewählt worden.
Eine Geschichte die man sich gern zweimal anschauen kann. Unbedingt anschauen!
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這部劇是2020年最好的中國電視劇之一
這部劇是2020年最好的中國電視劇之一有人不理解眼泪过敏，科普下：水源性荨麻疹(Aquagenic Urticaria)一种极为罕见的皮肤病“水源性荨麻疹”（Aquagenic Urticaria），别名水过敏。严重患者只能饮用少量可乐来补充身体水份，不可过长时间接触水，洗澡也只能冲几分钟的时间。目前世界上仅有35个病例，并且没有人被治愈。 但是，这个剧太帅了，绝对值得看，帅哥美女好养眼，男主出场装B我给120分，让你骄傲，这个角度这个镜头，帅得令我窒息！！！
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