Fake It Till You Make It

Straight forward romance

This drama gives us something most dramas do not, which is grown ups acting it grown ups. I for one get tired of mostly female leads acting like high school girls. Not knowing what they want, and being to needy. The female in this drama is independent and knows exactly who is is, does not need constant assurance from the male lead.

This drama has no clingyness at all, and the romance story is completely realistic. Also, this drama has a sexyness overload. The male lead is drop dead handsome and super sexy. He does give off a lot of play boy vibes. But not too much, that it will make you lose interest.

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A Gem, don't miss it!

The story was so engaging , it was a little bit classic towards the end but nevertheless enjoyable.

The characters: every character was well developed, so you kind of understand where they come from and maybe from there you can somehow understand their behaviour, it was nice to watch them have a proper closure, there were not just mere fillers.

THE MAIN LEADS GUYSSSS!!! THE CHEMISTRY WAS WAOUH! THE KISSES !!!! like it has been two years or maybe three that i watched a drama that gave me so much butterflies.

For me it's a 9,5/10, and yes i did rewatch some episodes . I really enjoyed the process of them falling for each other, i liked the chemistry, the way they were flirting, it was just beautiful. If you are looking for a realistic drama, with a mature and beautiful romance this drama is for you. I recommend it!

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Comfort Drama Found!!

As someone who’s been watching Asian dramas for nearly 15 years, I’ve never fully agreed with a drama enough to love every part of it or consider it a comfort watch worth rewatching in the future. But several times while watching this one, I found myself thinking just that.

Something about the soundtrack brought me back to my childhood — it gave me a peaceful, nostalgic feeling, like watching Christmas Hallmark movies with family. The actors were perfectly cast, and the synergy and dynamics between them were spot on. The storyline flowed really well.

But what sealed it for me were the perspectives the conversations and actions took — no unnecessary dragging or bizarre misunderstandings.

I agree with other reviewers that this drama may not be for everyone, but if it even slightly aligns with your tastes, I promise you’re in for the ride of your life. In my opinion, those 14 hours were absolutely well spent!

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Mask On/Mask Off

This is a sweet little contemporary romance. It is relatively short at 14 episodes, so the pacing is tight. It is also angst light in the sense that there are no nasty parents nor psycho second leads. There are plenty of angst from a different quarter though and this forms the underlying message of the show. So, let’s talk about the love lines first.

The ML is handsome, and the FL is attractive. They are well matched and have good chemistry. They are sweet, loving and there is a decent amount of skinship, but nothing more than hugs and kisses. It is great to see that they understand the need to communicate. They talk through issues, and they trust each other. They act like mature adults and don't yo-yo between love-hate like some other dramas. It did take them a while to sort out their feelings but once they are a couple, there is no going back and no self-sabotage. They form an united front against anyone who try to come between them.

Interestingly, relationship issues are not completely off the table. The show touches on issues like jealousy, ghosting, gaslighting and some serious obsessive behaviours. It does feel a little tropey when you take it all in. It works out in the end, but it is hardly a joyride for all concerned, especially the FL’s sister.

Now, let’s talk about the rest. As the title implies, “faking it” is now such a part of modern culture that you will find it everywhere. Whether it is being pretentious or just to disguise one’s background, it is like a mask that people puts on or risk being unfairly judged and labelled.

If you think this is a great opportunity for satire then you’d be right. However, while this show is willing to poke fun at some common tropes (luxury handbags at 3 paces, anyone?), they are hardly cutting. We might get a chuckle out of it, but this is common fodder for Chinese comedies nowadays. I would almost call it a missed opportunity.

In that sense, the main theme of the show is not about fakes. Yes, there are plenty on display, but they are just props. The show is really a cautionary tale about achieving a good work life balance. This is significant because our leads certainly face that challenge and they also have to take off their masks before they can truly love each other. This is the real message of this show.

I’m glad that the show highlights such plights, but it does feel a little hollow. Nobody want their health or relationship to suffer because of excessive workload/work pressure but I have a sinking feeling that the positive messages are going to fall on deaf ears when you consider the current 996 work schedule in China and that is often the bare minimum. The pressure to conform is just too great. It is a noble sentiment, to be sure, but how many Chinese workers can achieve a healthy balance?

Putting this aside, the show is quite enjoyable. Production value is good, acting is solid and the OST is pleasant. If you are not in the thick of the rat race then this would be a very agreeable distraction while it last. Peace out.

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Drop everything and watch

It’s been so rare for me to find a modern romance that’s been as delectable as Fake It Till You Make It has been for me. Our leads meet on a flight and the attraction is immediate. Tang Ying is immediately drawn to Zi Quan because he simply got her a blanket when he noticed she was cold. The bar is literally on the floor people. I'm being flippant but that doesn’t negate the fact that a kind gesture goes a long way in life and towards any form of companionship really. What begins as a kind of cat and mouse game between a shielded independent woman and a reformed playboy, a story of genuine connection and friendship ensues that’s as rewarding to watch as it is sexy. These are two gorgeous people who experience desire in a globalized world where relationships especially among men and women aren’t what they used to be. There's always a game to be played but what the series understands is that the values two people share who are willing to make something beautiful work out is worth it to find yourself in a vulnerable position to pursure the kind of love that matters. An addictive whirlwind stir of emotions that truly has my whole heart.

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Great Chemistry, Average Everything Else

This drama is a mix of great romance and average storytelling. The biggest reason to watch it is the main couple, Tang Ying (played by Elvira Cai) and Xu Zi Quan (played by Elvis Han). Their chemistry is strong and believable. They are mature, smart, and full of charm. The way they flirt, talk, and support each other feels real and refreshing. You won’t see silly misunderstandings—just two adults falling in love and learning about each other.

But once the story moves away from the couple and into the workplace plot, things slow down a lot. There are too many office scenes that don’t add much to the story. Some characters feel flat or random, and some side stories don’t really go anywhere. It seems like the writers wanted to teach us life lessons, but after a while, it felt a bit too much and made the drama drag.

The music (OST) is another good point. The jazzy, city-pop style fits the mood well and makes the drama feel smooth and calming.

While the romance is lovely, the rest of the drama could have been better. Too much screen time was spent on boring side plots and not enough on the couple we actually care about.

Final Thoughts:
This drama is worth your time if you’re looking for a strong, mature love story with great lead actors. Just be ready to skip through some of the slower office scenes. A solid 7/10 for the romance alone.

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Remain Mature as You Make It!

This grown and sexy career climbing series gives the challenges and thrills of it all. Vanity is shallow. And those with substance win in the end. The dating dilemma turn real revelations into unknown realities that set the tone for deeper connections. The way this series dealt with possessive and controlling behaviors was well done. The ML and FL chemistry was palpable, supportive and warm. Navigating challenges and inner insecurities can be quite tricky. Yet, the leads showed just how much communication is key. This series does not drag and does not have time to fluff. It sets the tone for what's real and what's a want. Very well-done cast and crew in producing and mature production that gives insight on what could be if passions, purpose and persistence to remain authentic collide. Must Watch!

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For Han Dong Jun

My reason for picking this drama to watch was simple - the leading man, Han Dong Jun. He's gorgeous. I watched him in 'Siege in Fog' and charmed I was. On the whole, I enjoyed this drama.

Thumbs-Up for:
- The leading man, but of course. He is tall, handsome, very deliciously charming.
- The FL is pretty cute.
- I like that ML and FL behave in a mature manner. Once they have decided to get together, they have (in general) open conversations and behave like mature and sensible adults. They understand that the other party is a unique individual and with personal goals to achieve. They support each other and do not get in each other's climb up the corporate ladder by being petty and silly. I truly like that they behave like two mature adults who love each other and want to make their relationship work out.
- The second FL is pretty cute too.
- I like that the motivations of different people are gradually explained as the show goes on and that hatchets are buried.
- I like the relationship between the 'sisters' - FL and second FL. I like that they genuinely love and care for the other party without interfering unnecessarily.
- Happy ending though fairly cliched.
- The OST is great. I like the jazzy feel and tunes.

Thumbs-Down:
- Watching the crazily obsessed boyfriend in the form of Xi Jia Bai was extremely painful. He appeared extremely neurotic and unhinged.
- The very self-absorbed senior/ tutor of the FL who came across as totally obnoxious and egoistic. He said things that were totally out of line and that were extremely old-fashioned and inappropriate.
- Taking credit for another person's work (but it's the unfortunate 'norm' in workplaces and in life).

Overall, my verdict:
Watch this, especially if you like a mature drama in which the FL and ML are both good-looking and are both committed to each other once they have formally confessed their genuine feelings to each other. The romance between the two feels real and they have chemistry. Their relationship is an 'urban romance' in which two people try their best to make their mark at work while juggling a romantic relationship.

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i've never been in love nor a relationship so i don't know what love is but this drama corrected my image of relationships and made me say "oh so this is love" " oh to be loved and be taken care of" & cry !

jiabai&zinji scenes made me cry cry
when he gift her the bracelet the way he was excited bc giving gifts is his love language and the way she looked at him
their breakup scene is so good i really loved their acting especially jiabai's eyes expressions ! i understood his feelings tbh i thought he's gonna commit s

i loved the color grading and the reality vibes even tho i hate reality genre! bc i escape from the world to find peace in dramas it wasn't the annoying type reality even the small shots like the roads are realistic

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I love this realistic story with brilliant main character ?

This female actress who performs brilliantly in this drama often demonstrates extraordinary range and emotional depth. Her portrayal likely includes a nuanced understanding of her character's inner struggles and growth. Her ability to convey subtle emotions and deliver powerful moments with authenticity can deeply engage and move audiences. This level of skill not only highlights her talent but also elevates the entire production, leaving a lasting impact,,,, Actors who excel in drama often deliver performances that deeply resonate with audiences, showcasing their exceptional talent and dedication. Their ability to bring complex characters to life with authenticity and nuance is truly admirable.

These actors invest significant effort into understanding their roles, immersing themselves in the emotional landscapes of their characters. They skillfully navigate the intricate interplay of emotion, motivation, and conflict, making their portrayals both compelling and believable. Their performances are marked by a keen sense of timing, subtlety, and intensity, which draw viewers into the narrative and evoke a wide range of emotions.

Moreover, their contributions often extend beyond the screen or stage. They collaborate closely with directors, writers, and fellow actors to craft a cohesive and engaging story. Their commitment to their craft can also inspire and uplift audiences, providing them with a profound and memorable experience.

Life and slice: 9/10
Acting: 10/10
Music: 11/10

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Scriptwriting at its best

The summary from Viki is not very accurate. The title could even make you think this is a contract relationship drama. This drama is really about mature, career-driven individuals trying to succeed in demanding jobs while keeping their values. The main couple is played by two amazing actors with great chemistry. What really sets this drama apart from others for me is the script. The characters deal with real world problems and have to decide what values they are going to stick to. There really are no evil characters. Everyone is trying to succeed at work and you get to see how that impacts others. There are similar issues in private life that are discussed. So much depth in the character growth from many of the characters! There is definitely romance and comedy, but this isn't really a romantic comedy. There is a lot of depth that for me makes this rise above all others I have watched this year. Don't miss out on this gem!

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