My Boss

BEST CDRAMA OFFICE ROMANCE

OF COURSE I WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO IT BECAUSE CHEN XINGXU IS MY FAVORITE ACTOR. HOWEVER, THE 36 EPISODES AND THE BACKGROUND THEME "LAW" SCARED ME A LITTLE. FINALLY, I DIDN'T GET BORED FOR A SINGLE SECOND! THE BEGINNING IS VERY CRACKING BECAUSE CXX IS EXPRESSIVE AND DESPITE HIS LACK OF SMILE, HE ALWAYS MANAGES TO MAKE US UNDERSTAND WHAT HE HAS IN MIND. THE DRAMA IS FUNNY, BENEVOLENT, THERE ARE CASES OF VERY INTERESTING AND ENGAGING RIGHTS. THE RHYTHM OF THE DRAMA IS GOOD. CHEN YAO IS ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE SHE IS A PERFECT GIRL THAT I SAW GROW UP FROM THE GIRL AT THE FEET OF HER BOSS TO THE INDEPENDENT GIRL WHO ASSERTS HERSELF.

EVERYONE HAS BENEFITED FROM AN EVOLUTION. THE ROMANCE ARRIVES LATE BUT AS A RESULT IT IS UNCOMFOLDED. ON THE PROGRAM OF SMALL SWEET MOMENTS BUT NOTHING "HOT" THEY ARE A PERFECT AND BENEVOLENT COUPLE AND THEY COMPLEMENT EACH OTHER TO PERFECTION. I LOVED THE OST EVEN IF THERE WERE NOT ENOUGH (2/3...) I HAD A GREAT TIME AND I WILL MISS THE HUMAN WARMTH OF THE EVEN SECONDARY PROTAGONISTS BECAUSE I WAS ATTACHED TO EVERYONE. IT IS GENERALLY AN OFFICE ROMANCE WITHOUT FAIL. EXCEPT THAT WE DIDN'T HAVE THE MARRIAGE WE WERE WAITING FOR! THIS IS MY FIRST FAVORITE OF 2024!

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Cute but lacks chemistry

Love both leads but found they lacked chemistry compared to their other movies and characters. Their romance felt forced, and not romantic. I never really rooted for them. . I enjoyed the romance between the other attorney (he was hilarious), and the person playing her sister. The supporting cast was excellent also.

Sloppy story writing. I hate when the FL starts out ditzy. She was an attorney but acted like an administrative assistant. She put up with his blatent bullying and office abuse and fell for him?? He had looks and money, but zero respect for others. No HR to control this man. The cases where clients died and no investigation. The conflict of interest with the pregnant mistress, absurd. Even the first case. Everyone could see the set ip but her.

Need better writers and leads with chemistry together.

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Half-way through the show the character's personalities become unrecognisable.

My Boss

Genre: Romance, Legal
Episodes: 36
Streamed on: Viki

Plot Summary:

Cheng Yao is sick of the misogynistic legal partners she has had to deal with until now and prompted by serendipity, leaves her job for her dream firm. Qian Heng has stress induced insomnia and thinks that returning to his old apartment will help him sleep. Turns out the apartment has been rented out to both of our protagonists and we’ve entered the forced shared living trope. The cherry on top is that he ends up being her boss at the new law firm.

Characters & Cast:

Main Characters:

Chen Xiao Yun ⇒ Cheng Xi
Li Jun Xian ⇒ Wu Jun
Zhang Ruo Nan ⇒ Cheng Yao
Cheng Xing Xu ⇒ Qian Heng

Best of OST:

I might revisit this, the show probably left me with such a bad taste that even the OST seems meh, but I didn’t find any track particularly amazing.
https://youtu.be/t_rPqffmEm0?si=GnpbUwj01Gk16zYn

Gripes:

Okay, I thoroughly enjoyed this show, up until they ended up in a relationship. At that point I found that the characters turned into completely different people. The cute bubbly FL turned in a block of stone. Ultimately, I feel like yes, the ML needed some reckoning for his past behaviour. But they took it too far. I’m just going to say it, feminism came into the second half of this drama and ruined it.

Re-watch:

Would I watch it again?
No, this had so much potential. It could have been the What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim of Cdrama, but it dropped the ball.

Would I watch it with my brother?
Definitely not his style of drama, but I wouldn’t recommend it even if we added dragons.

Would I watch it with my kid?
Maybe, to scare her off relationships and get her to be more career driven.

Final Thoughts:

This drama was so cute in the first half, got angsty and feminist in the second, and got almost unwatchable towards the end. I’m more disappointed than if this had just been a bad drama to begin with. I feel catfished. Even though this drama has a happy ending for our couple, even that is tainted with the ick of feminism gone too far.

Rating:

5.5/10

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A fun show to watch

Chen Xing Xu looks fabulous in his role as Qian Heng. The stylist did a good job on both his and Zhang Ruo Nan's outfits. They were both so visually pleasing to watch. Honestly, the entire cast was filled with beautiful people.

As for the show, the plot was pretty cliche. However they tried to make it slow burn and that made it interesting to watch. The ending was satisfying and I was glad to see Cheng Xi and Wu Jun happy together. Wu Jun was such a adorable character to watch. Even when ML and FL were in the room, Wu Jun often stole the show.

While I understand the demands of the character like Cheng Yao, however I have seen Zhang Ruo Nan act better in other dramas. The character was just very agreeable and timid. There is some spark now and then that makes it from becoming boring.

The only part that I didn't much care for was woman who was interested in the ML maligned FL's reputation, and no-one actually suggested to check the camera footage. At the time the ML was away, so when he came back, FL had already resigned and then ML suddenly thought to check camera footage, because none of the other bright lawyer had the same idea. Too unbelievable. Thankfully, they didn't drag that for long and got it over with in around 3 episodes I think.

Apart from that one story arc which was completely unnecessary, the show is fun to watch.

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Let’s play a game of Whack-A-Trope!

I started watching this show when it was first released. It looks alright. I got past the half way mark before I was blocked by the VVIP pay wall. I ended up watching other shows and shelved it until now. I thought I'd finish it, but to my surprise, it was quite a struggle.

After giving it some thought, this is my conclusion. While the first dozen or so eps were decent if samey to many other contemporary c-dramas at least there was enough energy to push the story along. It is obvious that the show is a grab bag of tropes from the get-go.

However, once the plot is on rail and the OTP are officially, all the momentum are gone. What is left are very tropey plots and cliche gags to try to keep things moving until the bitter end.

This is not helped by poor character development. The ML is obviously the typical cold, low EQ boss and the FL is the damsel in waiting. Rather than allowing both characters to grow (up), the writer paints the ML into a corner.

The ML is now a lovesick puppy who run through all the typical dating fails. For example, he can't cook but tried his best to cook a meal for her. It was cute the first time. Not cute by the 6th time! He is constantly asking for relationship advice but totally misses the point.

This is a man who is supposed to be an intellectual giant, a peerless lawyer. He behaves like a lovesick high schooler EVERYDAY. Yes, he is a noob to love but flogging the same horse for 30 eps, is exhausting and makes him looks like a fool.

On the other hand, the FL is supposed to grow into a lawyer that is a fitting mate for the ML. I'm sure it was written in bold and probably underlined in red by the writer but what the show delivered is largely the same meek character.

The ML is overbearing and too protective. It got so bad that the FL took a break from their relationship. Bravo GF! Finally, a bit of gumption. There was a breakthrough of sort around ep.35. It was so contrived. It went from confrontation to reconciliation in a heartbeat. Then after all the flowery speech about giving her space, respect and undying love, the ML just went back to being a green-eyed monster in the next scene. It is odd how much time he is seen not doing real work. He just seems to be stuck in a loop alternatively trying to please her and annoy her.

This type of repetition is everywhere. A kiss being interrupted by a phone call is a tired tropey nowadays but in this show, I ran out of fingers trying to count the times they were interrupted if there is a mere hint of skinship.

Oh yes, speaking of skinship, there are some, but they are mechanical and lack passion. It pretty much mirrors their chemistry. It is there and they whisper sweet nothing to each other on cue, but it is not very convincing. This is further tested when the show introduces a SFL who scored the worst own goal. Least said, the better. You want to see chemistry, watch the first few eps of Amidst A Snowstorm. You won’t regret it.

It won’t be a party if we just talk about the leads. How about the tone deaf, bootlicking junior lawyer? Someone needs to have a good chat with him. Preferably in a soundproof padded cell and behind locked door.

The grand prize goes to the antagonist, He is given so much prominence. When you consider he is supposed to be the twice winner of the Golden Scale Award yet at every turn he is proven to be a C grade lawyer but an A grade douche bag, it is sending some weird message about the Chinese legal fraternity. His denouement didn’t happen until the dying minutes of ep.36. It was long time coming but it was unrewarding. He is not punished in any tangible way. His parting words are, “this isn’t over!”. Yay . . . I think.

At this point, I must call out the handful of legal cases the drama presented to us. They range from meh to sad. I don’t know the Chinese legal system, but I don’t think the writer is much more knowledgeable. Time and again, the cases are supposed to showcase the ability of the leads, but they are so contrived, it is like reading a murder mystery backwards. Scenes in the courtroom are perfunctory.

Of course, the HEA ending arrived on cue. It is fine. The last ep is total fan service, it is FINE. The 5 minutes long epilogue is the bomb!

I could have just labelled this a fluffy rom-com and move on. But somehow, this show irritates me. Maybe it is the ham-fisted use of tired tropes, the shallow witless plots or cliché moments stuck on repeat. Regardless, I had more fun writing this review than watching the show. That's a win, isn't it?

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best rom-com of 2024!

i had high expectations for this drama since the beginning and it didn’t disappoint me at all. it was my first time to watch a drama with chen xing xu and i’m in love. this drama is a perfect mixture of fluffy, funny and cute moments.

i’m a big fan of slow burn dramas and since this drama has 36 episodes, it’s normal for the romance to develop after a while. because i actually prefer for them to take a while to get together rather than having a breakup (it’s usual in dramas with this amount of episodes). regarding the drama, i laughed a lot with them, the female and male main leads expressions are the best.

the side characters are also cute and funny. of course, they put another female lead persuading Qian Heng, it was inevitable. this character that went after QH and it kinda mess up with the plot, because it wasn’t needed at all! but i think this was like a push for the female lead career improvement. she changed work places and worked harder to get a name by herself, and not to be called Qian Heng’s girlfriend. some people didn’t like the ending, but i feel like it was very realistic. i wouldn’t like to be considered as someone’s girlfriend, i would like to be known as the career i chose. she’s tired of living as Qian Heng shadow.

i found it very hard to like both main leads in chinese dramas, i usually don’t even like the female lead characters and i loved her, she’s super cute! their chemistry is also very good and it feels like it’s a little realistic, it really feels like a REAL relationship. so both main leads are the cutest!

the fact that i watched this with broken subtitles and enjoyed it so much says a LOT. this is one of the best chinese dramas that i’ve watched. definitely my best trope. i will rewatch it for sure.

beware before watching: it takes a while for their relationship; the male lead is cold for her in the beginning; focus a lot in the side couple; it’s super funny, it’s very light; the ending is kinda rushed (no wedding scenes), but worth it.

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Best chemistry for CXX

I was sure that fall in love was his best alchemy until I looked at MY BOSS. When the relationship begins I find that his look at cheng yao and his way of being was admirable. CXX gave everything and I'm sure it was because he was with an actress his age. It was simpler, more fluid. I didn't like "our interpreter" where I found the lead very cold and closed. At least Cheng Yao (RUONAN) was warm and it felt good. It's an excellent romance office. You can go there with your eyes closed. You will laugh, cry, be envious, be amused, feel full of emotions.

The best cdrama of 2024 at the moment.

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The best Chinese Rom-Com!

Initially I watched this drama because of Chen Xing Xu because I fell for him since drama Fall In Love and I like the female lead since I watched A Date With Future. These twi ML and FL absolutely a good and brilliant combination. These two are very cute!

From 1st episode until now, all the character are perfect and each character is important including this Bao Rui. Even the supporting character also cute and helpful.

The storyline maybe a bit cliche, but how all they played their character were very good until I got carried away. Well done! Now I turned myself into Chen Xing Xu fans.

Whoever looking for simple Rom-Com Cdrama, here is the answer! I give 4/5 stars!

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Hypocritical & Lazy scriptwriting with dull chemistry

PLOT & GENRE DISTRIBUTION - This drama never had a rise arc but fell straight after introduction simply due to lazy writing. Rom-Com + Any other genre .. never works for me, because they most of the time completely overshadow the other genre. Something similar happened here, Law as a genre was slaughtered here passionately instead it was suppose to bond our leads.

THEME - Feminism was the main idea behind this production but fell flat. Writers of this drama had a wishful thinking that they were doing female population a great favour by voicing their opinions through this drama. All throughout the show I never witnessed female characters stating their rights and P.O.Vs where needed. Just saying that character is strong doesn't make them one, actions speak louder than words. Here, you'll see neither actions nor words.

ACTING - Cheng Xi, Bao Rui, Tan Ying and Liang Yi Ran may be Yu Fei also, were the only well acted characters for me. No hate for actors I haven't seen their others works yet, so I refrain from strong opinion but FL had only overstretched grin and sad pout as reactions which made it difficult to read her emotions and ML was there for thirsty viewers like me 🤭 but I couldn't feel his emotions. ML and FL had no chemistry at all, it felt that they fell in love just because it was the story arc, that's it.

CHARACTERS & DEVELOPMENT - I saw no character development.
> Qian Heng - From the beginning to end he was arrogant, self-righteous, domineering, (it's not bad if done right way), rude, possessive, hypocritical and clueless I must say. As, a lawyer he was professional lawyer indeed but he needed to cut some slack on controlling behaviour. I understand it was his first relationship, yet, you shouldn't go out of the way to disrespect other's opinions. At some point he told FL to not date until 2 years and focus on career, they fell in love that's not the problem, but don't interfere in her work unnecessarily, that's rude. Clearly, he was at peak of his career so everything felt easy for him, but she was starting from the scratch yet, obviously if your partner take pride in their work they will not like your influence on it even though his intention was to help but sadly it backfired. As I said he was self-righteous, he thought actively helping her through his connections was right thing to do and clearly she minded it all. This character was hypocritical than the writing itself, his words were all support for FL, but actions weren't. Since they lacked chemistry, 180 turn on his personality after dating felt unreal. He was cute until he was not. He needed to groom his inner child better.
> Cheng Yao - Faltering, stubborn, ignorant, impulsive and extremely naive. Another clueless character who needs to them spoon-fed every info. As, a lawyer she was lacking, well definitely she was rookie but not layman🙄. She waited for ML to react on her behalf. well woman up girl you are a lawyer yourself. (Atleast you have read law books 👀). At the end of the drama she becomes successful, oh well🙃, I mean they clearly implied that when she moved firms she became a success in no less than six months ... ok .. so maybe that firm was the problem or maybe her 24hrs involvement with ML she clearly needed to breathe some alone air. She didn't handled Liang Yi Ran episode well, it was a great opportunity to show her professional side thay missed it great time. Even if she shifted firms but she should have handled that matter herself, it was about her integrity as lawyer which she kept yelling about from day 1 but no our pampered ML will come and solve issue for us .. dah dude??🤡 In their relationship she was the lacking one, I never felt any affection towards ML from this character, it seemed as if dating wasn't her pursuit and yes it was not? it clearly states she wanted to be a top lawyer in synopsis and her mind was fixated on that, all this dating stuff felt forced. She wasn't serious about being professional unless LYR called her out. I think this character was better fit with Gu Bei Qing than ML.
> Wu Jun - Persistent, carefree, cheery, supportive and little bit Selfish😆. As a lawyer we didn't get to how he was, there wasn't much shown, but he has kind heart and has better personality than ML. In short, all he did was follow his love and support her unconditionally and clean up after ML's mess🤭. But chemistry between 2nd couple was good and reason I continued so let's cut him some slack. This character was true to it's origin till end.
> Cheng Xi - Wu jun's love interest, Deng Ming's ex, Cheng Yao's sister that's what she describe her not cheng xi, still the actress portrayed her role well. This character at least I expected to turn out strong if not FL, but no she was again overshadowed. I loved the scenes she was in, but I wished a lot for this character to develop but to no avail
> Bao Rui - He was funny until he was not, initially I enjoyed his scenes where he portrayed self-obsessed, boss stalker (in good way), conceited and I am centre of world personality, but in later episodes it became annoying. I had few laughs because of the office trio.
> Tan Ying & Yu Fei - Sweet and endearing, their love story was far more interesting than main couple.
> Liang Yi Ran - Yes, we needed THAT one girl, so here she is, actress played well. It was indeed a filler, but ignited something in FL to become more serious about her profession.

STORY - Two words - Paper thin. Full of fillers and was parody of well known troupes and cliches. So many false claims on feminism, which were never brought to action. Cases weren't dealt properly.. maybe execution problem. Many story arcs were cut short or weren't dealt with carefully, everything was stuffed in last episode. I don't think intimacy is deemed necessary for romance but please give us some tension or believable couple. After living under the same roof, FL doesn't changed a bit.🙄 She acted the same as his assistant and as his girlfriend. 🤡 They literally made the mess out of law, if you can't balance then don't mention it at all, just let it be a rom-com .. just don't add another genre. She aspired to be top lawyer, but her passion is nowhere to be seen. She literally shirked away her responsibility and ran off when scolded by her boss, I know she is sulking since it's a rom-com but girl she is not your BF yet. Just for the sake of humour they did 360 with parents, indeed it was a filler.

PACE - Slow-paced but should come with warning that you could get frustrated. I have no problem with slow-pace, have watched some awesome shows with slow pace. But there has to be some development to keep us engaging, pacing was not true rom-com genre. It was painstakingly annoying.

EXECUTION - They gave an already weak story another shock with execution. It made story even more pathetic.

DIRECTION/CINEMATOGRAPHY - There were some random unneeded shots and there weren't much aesthetics to point out otherwise it was good.

Music/SFX - I won't be listening on repeat that's for sure, but went well with moods they tried hard to present. 😆 Opening OST and one I don't remember ep no. , but the one when she was sad over the celebrity case, I liked them.

One last thing, they needed a better stylist, only Tan Ying and Cheng Xi stood out it terms of fashion.

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FLAWLESS!!

Everything about the drama is so on point!

Chen Xing Xu.... You gained a fan here!!! Soooo damn handsome with flawless acting skills. I watched him in The starry Love first and then immediately jumped in to this drama expecting the usual boring office drama but this one literally proved me wrong and was par excellence for sure.

I wish they had cast Landy Li as FL though there are no flaws in this FL!

Just overwhelmed with this drama...

The story line is so intriguing that you won't be able to control your smile until your cheeks will hurt... All the other cast members have done their job on point!

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The wonderful C-Drama

The story of Qian Heng and Cheng Yao is my PREFERRED story love ❤️. I would like more collaborations with Chen Xing Xu and Zhang Ruo Nan, they are so cute together 😍.
I loved the whole series, the main actors, the story and the music.
One important thing that impressed me was the chemistry between Chen Xing Xu & Zhang Ruo Nan, as they make a wonderful couple in this series.
Unfortunately 😔, many beautiful scenes from the series were cut during editing, but those scenes would have created a phenomenal series.
I would like season 2 of "My Boss" ❤️🇲🇩.

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