Only for Love

A little flat in the beginning just skip to episode 9

First episode started with a bang # heatbreak, it flow nicely didn't have to force to watch it, it looks promising 😀 I cant wait to see what's to come.

Second episode is boring found myself more on my phone than watching it, maybe it was because I came straight from a 40 episode fairly tale drama. IDK.

However for the sake on Dylan and Bai Lu I'll watch it.

Am on episode 7, nothing spectacular is happening so far, no chemistry between the male & female lead.
and the story line is flat.

I think for these two amazing actor and actress this drama was not fitting.

I will give it until episode 11 if I dont see magic unfortunately 😕 I may have to drop it.
its making me sad writing this, I was counting down the days for its release.😔
But I can't hide the truth its boring. 😴 😪 😕 😒

What's CHANGE. (Update)
FROM episode 9, it gets better, a few jokes, a bit more chemistry between the ml & fl and the other actors are starting to get into there characters, and a few story line is coming alive.
I'll update as it gets better or worse.

Getting there!! Update.
Ok so its getting a little captivating, you know that drug feeling when your watching a drama and you got a little busy so you had to stop watching, but you can't wait to get back into it, its on your mind all day!! Yes" Only for love," is getting to that mental dopamine stage.
And Episode 14 is straight out of, fifty shades of grey, jealously inspired scene.

You might read alot of reviews that said its boring, you will notice 95% of them that said its boring didn't make it pass episode 10 lol 😆 🤣 almost including me.

And the other percentage of reviewers will tell you. Have patience and watch on! I will tell you, I encourage you to watch on.
But if your a little impatient just skip the entire 10 first episodes lol trust me you won't miss much... 😆
Ok back to the drama I go, cause I do it " Only for love, "
😆
Ciao.

Ok am now at episode 27, from 24 to 27 was rather boring, with scenes that didn't make much impact, and the story line got drawn out. Heavy sigh 😕 I am still going with it tho, I have hopes it will get better. The music choice is also boring 😴 😕 😒
King The Land is a similar drama much more captivating.
Well just finished episode 28 that also lack emotional connection so safe to same it was boring. 😴 will still watch because all a fan of Dylan and Bai Lui. I think maybe Dylan & Bai Lui is big of star for this drama. 🤔 However we shall tug away with them until the end.

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Hit or Miss, You Decide

I think I’m in the minority when I say this but I really didn’t care much for this drama (don’t hate me!) And this review is in NO WAY meant to throw shade on any of the cast or others involved in the making - I’m not denying their talents. After reading a review by a viewer who’s fluent in Chinese & familiar with the culture, I think it chalks up to an unfortunate case of there being so much lost in translation for those of us who rely on the subtitles to provide the correct context for the scenes. (And I know translating is hard work so I’m by no means shaming those involved with that!) That reviewer mentioned how the ML was actually really humorous (which definitely didn’t translate through for me) & there being this whole thing around when he would & wouldn’t wear his glasses (which wasn’t at all explained). Anyways - I’m just trying to say that me not enjoying this drama doesn’t mean it’s bad, I think it’s simply that I wasn’t given enough context of the little things to help me understand the story better.

That being said, I will still give some of my thoughts for anyone who’s interested in reading them. 😉

I was excited for this drama as I like both of the Lead actors ( Bai Lu & Dylan Wang). I really tried to stick it out, but I finally gave up at ep.18. Then I completely skipped eps.19-30 & jumped back in at the last few. I really hate doing that but I was just so annoyed with the storyline. I think it had so much unmet potential by adding all the unnecessary drama of the additional love interests, the multiple POV’s, & the workplace drama for both Leads. It all added up to more drama than I like to watch. I also really didn’t like that the FL started pursuing the ML out of a selfish desire for revenge on her ex. That doesn’t say very nice things about her, that she would use him like that. Yes, I know she was acting out of high emotions after catching her boyfriend cheating on her. Yes, I understand that this happens in the real world too. BUT I would’ve preferred she stopped being ruled by her emotions & selfishness much sooner rather than prolonging her game with the ML’s emotions. And I get that he was aware she had a hidden motive behind her sudden interest in him, but it still sucked that while he was developing feelings for her, he also knew he couldn’t 100% trust her because of her schemes/lies. And because of that, he would fluctuate between hot & cold with her. Then, when she knew her feelings for him had turned real & that she genuinely liked him, she chose not to confess ‘cause she knew he’d be mad (& rightfully so!). So she just kept lying, which doesn’t at all scream “I love you” to me. I understand not wanting to lose him, but girl - fess up so y’all can either build something REAL or you can let each other go to find something healthier. Nothing built upon lies can stand the test of time…

Also, side note - he deserved a heartfelt apology. Like, a true & sincere apology from her but, to the best of my knowledge, she never said she was sorry for how she approached him with bad intentions. I think she only ever apologized for work-related things, but never for how she intended to use him for revenge. Just because he forgave her without her having to say the words doesn’t mean she didn’t need to say them or that he didn’t deserve to hear them.

So with all of that there was a lot of push & pull drama which I’m not a fan of. I thought both Leads acted really childishly for adults who were presented as mature & excellent in their respective careers. Their professional & personal personas didn’t mesh for me. Their actions didn’t match their ages (but, again, maybe it’s ‘cause too much stuff got lost in translation.)

Now, having said all that, I DID enjoy it once they finally got together. They stopped being so annoying & became a solid couple with really great, melt-your-screen chemistry. 🫠 (WHYYY couldn’t we have more of that & less of the icky drama?!?) I liked how they cared for each other, the scenes where they protected/defended the other, & the ways they unashamedly loved one another. If they just could’ve been like that for more of the show, I would’ve rated this so much higher!! I even go back & rewatch the eps. after they’re a couple because of how cute they are together.

So I really don’t know whether to recommend this drama to you or not. I’ll simply leave it up to you & advise you go in knowing there’s missing context if you rely on subtitles like me. 🙃

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-⬇️ S P O I L E R S 🚫 B E L O W ⬇️-


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The things I always want to know 😏😉…
- First(real)Kiss : ep.14 💋
- Together : ep.? 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻
- BreakUp : ep.? 💔
- BackTogether : ep33? ❤️‍🩹

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A very much highs and lows based drama

Only for Love is your classic CEO drama, complete with its share of highs and lows, classic clichés, and a blend of both familiar and unique elements. Reading the novel before fueled my anticipation for the drama, intensified by the cast and behind-the-scenes photos. After seeing the length of the drama (36 episodes), I was convinced that additional content was necessary to fill the narrative, a decision that occasionally led to dragging plotlines, saturated with an excess of frustrating misunderstandings, particularly exacerbated by overused phone-call scenarios (please silence those phones).

Despite these occasional pacing issues, the final six episodes managed to redeem the moments of narrative sluggishness, delivering a satisfying viewing experience.

The dynamic between the female and male leads mirrored the novel, with added nuances and deviations, particularly in the later episodes. The uncle's misunderstanding plotline added a humorous twist, contributing to the drama's distinctiveness within its genre.

While the main couple's relationship maintained its novel counterpart, the side characters underwent substantial narrative expansion, at times overwhelming the story with too many subplots. The potential of the two main side couples, Bi Ruoshan and Guan Ji, as well as Qin Shiyue and Yu You, showcased promise but suffered from occasional missteps in execution, with one couple becoming excessively irritating and the other progressively improving.

Bi Ruoshan and Guan Ji initially presented a promising dynamic, offering a compelling contrast to the main couple with their intriguing relationship. However, their appeal diminished when Bi Ruoshan's inexplicable anger towards Guan Ji became a source of exasperation, the reason I truly cannot recall. The repetitive nature of scenes where he pursued her grew wearisome, occupying more screen time than warranted until they eventually resolved their relationship issues. On the other hand, the trajectory of Qin Shiyue and Yu You's relationship began on a less impressive note but evolved positively over time. While I did experience a slight cringe at Qin Shiyue's persistence, it didn't bother me to the extent I've observed in others. Overall, they proved to be a satisfactory side couple, and I found their presence on screen neither tiresome nor overbearing.

The second male lead proved to be a debacle. His origin remains a mystery (where did he come from?), and his peculiar behavior raises questions about his presence in the narrative. The extent of his persistence and oddities prompts one to wonder why Zheng Shuyi hasn't sought a restraining order against him. Despite his unwarranted advances and persistent behavior, he oddly remains portrayed as a nice character. Paradoxically, while he doesn't obstruct the main couple directly, his professed love for Zheng Shuyi and his insistence on making her choose him appeared nonsensical.

One positive alteration from the novel was the more lighthearted portrayal of Shi Yan, rendering him a more likable character without compromising his essence.

Regarding the cast, it's undeniable that this drama boasts some prominent names, a factor that may explain the excessive importance given to side characters, even when arguably unnecessary. Specifically focusing on the male and female leads, contrary to prevailing opinions, I found the casting commendable. Bai Lu, a consistently good choice, demonstrated her prowess as an actress and delivered a compelling portrayal of Zheng Shuyi. On the other hand, Wang Hedi's selection appeared somewhat controversial. While I did enjoy his performance, I acknowledge there is room for improvement in acting. That being said, it's challenging to envision anyone else embodying Shi Yan as effectively. He undeniably suited the role well.

The soundtrack, a pleasant surprise, featured a mix of conventional cheesy tunes and standout tracks that captured attention.

In conclusion, "Only for Love" is not without its flaws, there is great room for improving writing and direction. Nevertheless, the delivered product managed to satisfy me, offering a blend of engaging elements that balanced its imperfections.

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Love keeps ringing

Overall, it's an enjoyable rom-com.

I like Dylan & Bai Lu, but the main couple’s storyline drags a lot 😮‍💨, especially in the middle. Luckily, their pacing does start to pick up again towards the end.

One great thing about this drama is that it has multiple couples and honestly, the third couple (Qin Shi Yue & Yu You) saved the slow middle part for me - they were my favorites!
Qin Shi Yue is funny, honest, decisive, and easily the most emotionally mature character... I honestly wished we had more scenes of her and Yu You.

Now, the most annoying issue (and I never thought I’d write this😅): did the writer ban every other way of interrupting a couple except phone calls?? They might have a thing for ringing phones… Seriously, the phone rings constantly from start to finish, always to interrupt the couple, and it becomes absurd. Add to that an excessive number of misunderstandings, and it gets a bit frustrating.

Despite its flaws, it still entertaining and offers a good amount of romance.

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miscommunication to the max

First half is very difficult. Be prepared to watch two very childish persons fall in love while not communicating AT ALL. it's very stupid honestly. He's a business guy, he should have perfect communication skills, she's a journalist, do i need to say it? And still they would simply not communicate with each other at all. Misunderstanding after misunderstanding.

Here's some examples of frustrating stuff that happens:

- she chases him first. he's too cold. doesn't answer texts. when he starts answering he teases her endlessly.
- first time they go out on a date he invites her to a family reunion (wtf T-T)
- Here's a whole scene as example she comes pick stuff from him, he cooks dinner but doesnt tell her, she arrives to a full table. he still says nothing so she has to try make him invite her to dinner. he just say sit and eat then. then she makes conversation like what's the restaurant and he says she can't order from it. Still doesnt say he cooked it for her. what an exhausting life would be to be with this guy. she tries to talk about work he says he doest talk out of work outside working hours. then tells her to not speak while eating to not cause indigestion T-T. her boss texts her to talk with her, so she proceeds to rush eating and go out, like my guy here doesnt want to talk why stay anyway?
- ml hears from his cousin that she gets persued by so many guys bc of her beauty (like a random guy trying to buy her coffee). instead of like waking up and pursue her, he gets angry. brother in christ, u're too dumb, i dont even know how they get together honestly

all the business talk is skipable and complete jargon. Many sentences made no sense to me. I ended up skipping most business stuff

The last 16 ep or the second half it gets better. They dont communicate still but i think they understand each other better. They get very cute. The only reason i think i was able to finish this drama was Dylan Wang. He's just eye candy. And when he starts putting effort and being cute with her, its very nice.

It's one of those dramas everyone gets with someone. Some make sense others maybe not... I really liked the second couple, Guan Ji and Shanshan. Its more adult, still with misunderstanding but at least the guy was putting effort. YuYu and Qin Shi Yue i really didn't enjoy. I'm surprised the screenwriting is a women, at some point I really thought this had to be made by a guy who hates women. Only the women were putting effort and chasing the guys.

Thank you for reaching this mess of a review, i just put together some thoughts quickly.

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what a long long journey…

my very first reason watching this drama is because of Wang Hedi… he is such a feast for my eyes 🤧🤧

Bai Lu is pretty. I’m indeed agree with Shan Yan that she is a fairy🥰

anyway, the drama is a long journey. for the first and last episodes are interesting, but when you are in 20-ish episodes it was starting to bore me. i almost tempted to skipped this but again Wang Hedi is something to look at.

their lack of communications were making me crazy, either the lead or second lead. their problems can always be solved within minutes if only the are talking 🥲 *sigh*.

overall, it’s actually might be your favorite drama as long as you can stay for the whole episodes.

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Give it a chance!

Was Only For Love a masterpiece? Absolutely not. Was it an original story? No. But was it entertaining? Yes! This is the first chinese drama that I've completed in a while, and I'm happy that I was not intimidated by the reviews/comments. I think the key to enjoying this drama is to come into it with low expectations.

There were significant pacing issues and loose ends in my opinion but Bai Lu's performance was captivating. I am no Bai Lu stan, I had only seen her in Love is Sweet (which I did not enjoy); but she really carries this drama on her back with her comedic timing, in what would otherwise be a bland show.

I think this show suffers from trying to do too much. However, if you are looking for a sweet and fluffy drama where you can turn your brain off, give Only for Love a try.

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A Love Need Second Chance

A romance, workplace, drama. Following a man who's a CEO met a woman who work as journalist of bussiness tabloid. That woman was intend to get closer to him for the sake of revenge to his niece who has had stole her boyfriend. A wrong relationship turns into a real love.

This drama has heavy on workplace, not only romance stuff. But, for me, honestly a bit boring. They just serving the very template workplace bussiness, which is meeting for thousand times, reviewing the bunch of documents, also typing on computer. Just like that, there's no in-depth discussion regarding the bussiness topic.

Also, the progress of romance relationship was sluggish, it's the slowest slow burn. Too much filler honestly. The way they solving their misperception need twenty six episode, like are you fooking real? I can't stand by the plot pace.

Aside, the romance was so good. The skinship that nothing exaggerate, nor cringe. Instead giving butterfly effect when I watch it. Their chemistry was solid and cute. I love the way Dylan Wang and Bai Lu portraying the couple, oh like they're born to be with each other.

A bit miss, the CGI of every drive scene felt ugly. But the camera movement, was banger. The cinematography was okay. Also the soundtrack was easy listening, eargasm.

All in all, for me this is a decent drama. Just typically workplace romance drama. They made highlight of 3 couples at the same time. So, if you craving for cute and lovey dovey young-adult romance, you might love this one. The conflict wasn't tough. Just give it a try!

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I consider this a fantasy drama not a contemporary drama.

"Only for Love," has the talented duo of Dylan Wang as Shi Yan and Bai Lu as Zheng Shuyi. As a fan of their previous works, I eagerly anticipated their collaboration in this fantasy-like story that attempts to bridge the gap between reality and imagination. I cannot call this contemporary - hence the use of the term fantasy. If you go into this with that thought then you will ignore all the inconsistencies to how the real world works.

I really like Dylan Wang and Bai Lu in their previous dramas, however "Only for Love" falls short in certain aspects. Particularly in its character development. The characters, particularly Shi Yan and Zheng Shuyi, seem poorly written, lacking the depth and complexity that would have allowed the actors to showcase their full range of talents.

One noticeable aspect is the delivery of lines, where maybe the actors could have benefited from better voice coaching? The delivery often fell short of expectations. This broke the emotional connection between the characters and the audience. This improvement would have elevated the overall viewing experience and allowed for a more immersive engagement with the storyline.

The costuming choices in the drama were not my favourite. The cheesy aesthetics, though like I said, i consider this fantasy... struggled to find a balance between sincerity and satire. Yes, I am calling out Bai Lu in those knee-high boots!!! The drama might have fared better if it fully embraced a more satirical tone, allowing the audience to appreciate the intentional exaggeration rather than perceiving it as a drawback. I am thinking about King the Land and Business Proposal... they seem to have done this balance better.

There have been criticisms regarding the alleged objectification of women in the drama. While some viewers may hold this perspective, I feel that that "Only for Love" is a work of art, not obligated to reflect societal norms or promote any specific agenda. Art has the freedom to explore various themes and perspectives, and in this case, the creators chose to weave a fantasy narrative that might not align with everyone's expectations.

Despite its shortcomings, "Only for Love" has its merits. If you are a fan of Dylan Wang and Bai Lu and enjoy their on-screen chemistry, the drama provides a visually appealing experience. The fantasy-like setting, though struggling to portray itself as real life, offers a unique escape for those who appreciate the actors' previous works.

"Only for Love" is a drama that caters to a specific audience – those who are drawn to the charm of Dylan Wang and Bai Lu and are willing to overlook certain narrative and stylistic flaws. It is as a testament to the unpredictable nature of art, where personal preferences play a significant role in determining one's enjoyment of the overall viewing experience.

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overall cute but misundertsandings are annoying

The FL annoyed me a lot with how she handled why she persued the ML. She kept listening to her bff Shanshan who at that time was in a bad situationship. She should've just listened to her own feelings and thoughts but dragged the whole thing until it was too late. Shanshan's advices sometimes really made me wanna scream but i do understand where her thought process came from.

The Episodes after the break up annoyed me a little because shiyu didn't even apologize properly at first okay she tried to get in contact with him but only after she found out that the special topic about his company will be cancelled. She was only ever thinking about her career. The only thing he wanted to hear was that she loves him he gave her many possibilities to just explain herself and she never did. Only after like 4 eps she realized her mistake and apologized.

So i think the plot with all these mistundertsandings was a bit annoying sometimes.

I really loved the relationship of yu you and qin shiyue. Eventhough he was rejecting her at first she persued him very maturely. She was the youngest overall but her advices were the best and she handled her own relationship very well.

Overall i loved the acting of the cast would love to see bai lu and dylan wang act in a different series with a better plot together again. Their dynamic was very playful and cute. Also i really loved how shi yan threw the phone away in ep 34 really those phone calls ruining intimate moments really was making me go crazyyyyy.

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