Why Is He Still Single?

Why is he still single? Well, because he acts like a narcissist..

This is a story about a middle aged single guy who is quirky, stubborn, socially awkward and most of the time unintentionally rude.. Someone who just isn’t like other people.. And then we see how the people around him and the few who enter his life later, deal with that.. That’s basically it..

The story isn’t driven by a strong or fast moving plot.. It takes time to connect with the main characters.. But as the drama goes on what really gives us a satisfying experience are the characters in the story and the nuances in their relationships..

I surprisingly liked the drama, despite the lack of plot, heavy conflicts or major twists and despite it being 16 episodes when it honestly could have been shorter.. I just wish it had a little more substance.. I don’t mind slow paced dramas as long as they have something worth watching.. The premise of this drama is what caught my interest and the main reason I watched it.. It’s not every day you get a story like this..

And frankly I liked that the romance was kept to a minimum.. It’s a romance between grown ups, not teenagers.. So you get fewer dramatic scenarios, more emotional honesty and the emotional chemistry actually works.. And their bickering was fun to watch.. Simply put, it’s a bit childish, yeah but still mature and meaningful..

I liked the ML’s character growth and how he grows not because the drama forces him to but because life and relationships finally reach him.. How he becomes more self aware about his own problems and slowly comes out of his shell.. It felt more real..

The supporting characters were rather interesting and each had their own quirks.. That short story arc with the photographer was interesting too, but it felt a bit disappointing in how it concluded.. I really thought they could have done more with it, because she herself was an interesting character and would have been a nice addition to the group..

Overall, there’s nothing fancy about this story but it will relate to a lot of people.. It’s just a good story with some fun characters trying to get through life in their own ways.. Definitely worth a one time watch..

Read More

It is all about the payout

You don't see many 12-16 eps c-dramas. Sure, there are short form ones that are basically chopping a mini series into 8-10 minutes segments. Then you have ultra short vertical dramas dominating phone screens nowadays! It is rare to see one that seems to share DNA with k/j-dramas though.

As A-plot goes, it is old school. It is centred on a 40 years old bachelor who is set in his ways. He reads like a thesaurus for a zero EQ personality. Taciturn, self-centred, opinionated, and that is him before breakfast! It gets worse, much worse. If I'm honest, it was exhausting to watch him in the early episodes. He is not evil or malicious, but you will thank your lucky star that he is not your friend, better yet . . your neighbour!

It is quite obvious who is our OTP from the start. As expected, they start off on the wrong foot. It is their romantic journey we are invested in.

This is where we can truly appreciate the acting abilities of our leads. They are handsome/attractive. As far as I'm concerned, their maturity gave them an edge over young idols. This is a double edged sword though . If you are in the idol drama demographics then this show might not appeal to you.

Of course, the ML took his time to grow into a "human being". It is just as well his progress is measurable or you will be tempted to rage quit by the half way mark. ;)

While there are the odd second leads, they are low angst and have minimal impact on our OTP. In that sense, they are their own worse enemy. With all the prevarications and heartfelt scenes, you would expect them to progress faster.

Thankfully, our dear writer didn't go down the j-drama path and leave them in limbo. Picture this typical j-drama scene . . they look longingly at each other . . across a bridge . . snowing . . fades to black . . (Shudder)

Hence my comment about the pay out. The second half of the last EP is the ultimate reward for our patience and forbearance. It was dreamy, sweet and swoon-y. I haven't felt that way about a c-drama for a while. There have been some great romantic c-dramas, yet this one just creeps up on you and hits you with the swoon-y stick when you least expected! LoL

In the end, it is a good drama. Hardly original, yet better than expected. A lot of that comes down to the acting of our leads. There is also a hint of k-drama structurally, and it worked. The storyline is not cluttered. The pacing is on point. The support cast earned their pay. You gotta love the old bikers. ;) Production value is solid. OST is nice. A neat and tidy bundle, if I say so myself.

I can recommend this drama . . as long as you can put up with the behaviours of the ML or . . hit the skip butron. ;) Peace.

Read More

Older aged romance done right

I was afraid to have too much expectations for this drama. First, it’s middle aged romance which is my cup of tea. The bigger plus is the male lead whom has been out of the limelight (Wallace Huo) and a charming woman (Zhu Zhu) whom I got to like the more I see her. To my delight, now that it has ended, I can say it is definitely worth the watch.

From the title and synopsis you might expect it to be an ordinary story of a single man and his quirky ways. It is! However, the writing and production is presented in a way that really made me think of the unique side of those who chooses to be single. The male character is accomplished in his career, multi talented in his many hobbies, so ideally in that perspective, he is in the comfort of his element. The writer in this storytelling presented his at such but with harmonious symbolism of how his subconscious may be missing something. I’ll leave it at that and let you find out.

The romance part is super slow built. However, the leads interactions are so sweet. There’s plenty of comedy to make you laugh and yes, in depth moments that gets you thinking. The side characters are there to keep the story with variations but the male lead is totally the eccentricity of this story.

Mind you it’s not perfect. I think towards the end they may have decided to trim it down so there’s disconnection in some parts. I wish they made it longer and had more depth in closing BUT, it’s hea. This drama engaged me from beginning to end.

Read More

It takes a strong person to remain single in a world that can easily find you your wrong match

It's a unique drama that delves into the mind of a single established man who is quirky, fun and unbelievably kind to whom he cares. Here the dialogues are so hilarious and relatable, sometimes brutally honest, that you'd think you're watching a stand-up comedy not a drama. I love these slice of life shows where people are being themselves, just living life between triumphs and struggles, breathing and trying to make life better every day. Even if it's mundane, realistically flawed, it has its own charm. 

Personally, I find ML's character perfect for a snobbish single person who refuses to accept anything but his own opinion. Even if he's single and aging, he doesn't see that as any flaw, unlike some. He's really contained with himself and his hobbies. As an introvert, I don't see anything wrong with it, just like him. He's apparently rich but prefers eating where he gets a discount but won't think twice before buying his favorite board game at triple his daily expense. He isn't frugal, he's economically aware. Surely he has a sharp mouth but never intended to hurt anyone's feelings. He has his own set of values to guide his path and carve his life into an idealistically independent man who enjoys life fully. He's the most kind-hearted jerk you've met in your whole life. 

It's all before Dr. Gu Yeijia and Xiaoman entered his life. Because what happened after that is the storyline of the drama. Yeijia is that catalyst which redefined his way of living and got him thinking about the other's perspectives in contrast with each other. Without spoiling the story, I would say, take it as a tea break, which allows you to slow down and relax your complicated thought process while taking a bite of your favorite piece of cake. 

Overall, this drama is nothing special story wise, but it is a special, one-of-a-kind contemporary drama that will leave a good feeling inside you. 

Read More

Character driven perfection

Why I'm Still Single" masterfully blends rom-com charm with slice-of-life storytelling, cleverly using familiar tropes to create a fresh and engaging experience. The series follows Yuyu, an architect nearing forty and contentedly single, whose life unexpectedly intersects with a doctor, leading to a clash of personalities and ideologies. Their journey, however, reveals unexpected similarities, fostering a mature romance filled with humor, slice-of-life moments, and genuine emotional depth.

The show's strength lies in Yuyu's character. Initially presented as somewhat obnoxious due to his strong principles, Yuyu's bluntness and dedication to his work gradually give way to vulnerability and loneliness. His character arc is compelling, not through drastic transformation, but through a refined understanding of himself. The series invites viewers to empathize with his perspective, offering a deep dive into the reasons behind his single status.

The show also gives us an equally compelling female lead. She's a breath of fresh air: mature, hardworking, and warm. Her calm and soft-spoken nature perfectly complements Yuyu's intensity. She is immediately likable, offering a patient presence that allows Yuyu to grow and discover himself. She embraces his flaws, fostering a connection that's both endearing and insightful.

Their chemistry is a highlight, evolving from playful bickering to moments of deep understanding, culminating in a well-earned romance.

The supporting characters add further depth, each with their own compelling stories that enrich the plot. While the pacing might seem slow initially, it allows the series to build a sense of warmth and intimacy that rewards patience.

Ultimately, "Why I'm Still Single" offers a rich tapestry of comedy, romance, and introspection. It's a show that invites you to warm up to its characters, appreciate their flaws, and celebrate their growth.

Read More

Poor Wallace and Zhu Zhu! (Interesting idea, poorly executed)

Wallace Hou and Zhu Zhu were featured actors in THE TALE OF ROSE, an absolute MUST SEE adult drama. They didn't star together, which is why their doing so here is so terribly exciting.. Unfortunately this production had no idea what to do with these great talents.

Before I take the story apart, some peripheral stuff.

1. Everyone dresses real nice in this show. Too nice. Very distracting eye-candy here. Eleanor Lee was a show pony. Her white dress with black polka dots was crazy memorable. Wallace and Zhu Zhu were always smart looking, except that one time Zhu Zhu picked out his outfit. (Sorry Costume Designer! That tie wasn't!)

2. I have a rule about C-Dramas. If the opening sequence is uninspired or just plain annoying, the show will be the same. They say don't judge books by their covers, but I've never seen a C-Drama you couldn't judge this way. The opening sequence cuteness is annoying as hell. I don't mind lighthearted. I mind juvenile. I skipped it every time.

3. The songs in this show were perfect. They'd dip in, visit, and add something to the atmosphere. Other shows will harp on a few songs and pound them into your head. Not here. Also the background scoring was top notch.

4. The sets were too new and too perfect. Sometimes you have to show worn office chairs to make it clear people have been working there for years, not minutes.

5. Outside of Wallace and Zhu Zhu, the cast was rather bland. Being pretty in nice new clothing was all the production cared about. IN SPITE OF A STRONG WIND offers a strikingly similar office cast, and they're just so much better than this 'Disney' cast. One strange moment is when the young man of our office (Fei Qi Ming) walks by his STRONG WIND equivalent (Zhou Mai Jie).

6. Despite all my story annoyance below, Wallace was doing some great acting. I have a feeling he's not always thought of as a great actor, but despite this show's shortcomings -- he was THE reason I watched it through to the end. Zhu Zhu was pretty good too, but the story constantly restrained her.

THE STORY

So many issues.

1. Nobody had a backstory. Like the sets that didn't look lived in, neither did the characters. There's no male Doctor pursuing Zhu Zhu? Her Dad doesn't own a car? Wallace isn't aware that he's an obnoxious ass until the show starts? He's never had a pet? You don't think it would make 3 tons of sense that he's been divorced twice at this point and just given up on love? It's so bad that one character's backstory is introduced in the 2nd to last episode.

2. Is it true that in China you can simply see your Doctor any time you feel like? And she sees you in her office instead of an examination room? With no other staff milling about? Really?

3. The product placement in this show was over the top, and it damages the story. Deep in the series Shen Wu wears a big stylish jacket with the word 'meta' on it. We're told he's both frugal and semi-tight on cash. I paused the show and Googled that jacket. It's easily worth somewhere between $300-$500.

Cutie-pie Xia Xiao Man lives alone in a lovely apartment she couldn't possibly afford... with a clothing collection that doesn't quit -- and soon complains she's going broke. How are we supposed to respect her if she's got the financial finesse of a 9 year old? (I originally went with 12 year old because I'm American, but because this is China I dropped it to 9.)

(The next paragraph is SPOILER-ISH, but it only spoils a minor development in Ep. 11.)

The entire Harley thing? First we're told how religious their owners are about their bikes. Then Zhu's Dad parts with a bike like the skin of banana. The entire show Xia Xiao works at a Chinese car dealership, one long ad for that car, and then Biker Dad buys 5 of them at once without anyone asking why. (It's because the explanation is so unbelievable they just skipped it.)

Look, if modern programs needed embedded product placement to exist, sure, I get it. But you have to do it the right way.

4. The pacing is awful, which is a shocker for such a short series. 16 episodes long but somehow only needed 10. Every episode is loaded with filler.

I started to think, hey, I know -- maybe this is merely Season 1 of an interesting series, which is why they're in no hurry to move things along. But from what I'm seeing in the last episodes, nope -- they simply don't have a story to tell.

The series title has a question. It's answered by Episode 3. So this critical plot point dies almost immediately.

I thought this series was going to be about a really charming handsome rich guy that simply isn't interested in women. They throw some hotties his way, nothing. They throw some gay hunk his way (just to make sure) but nothing. They spy on him to make sure he isn't secretly married, big nope. That would have extended the premise the length of the series.

Instead, what we have here is MEET YOURSELF syndrome. It's a romantic story that resolves itself too early, and so we're left with focusing on clothing and dull subplots, because 'the show' is basically already over.

5. Who honestly believes Zhu Zhu shouldn't give up on Wallace and find a nice guy? Who honestly believes that Wallace shouldn't have continued with lovely and charming AF Vivienne Ten? Nothing makes any sense. Oh, and the way the story took out the girl with the camera was so deplorably bad I would have ditched the series then and there -- were it not I was episodes away from finishing. And what kind of gentleman ditches her at that moment of need? God awful.

6. Episode 11 is so bad I'd advise viewers to skip it. Oh, and the fact you can skip it without damaging the show confirms that this show is full of filler.

(The next paragraph is SPOILER-ISH, but it only spoils a minor development in Ep 11.)

Another example of how bad Ep 11 is involves Wallace looking for a lost dog. He and Zhu are running around town and -- OH NO -- the dog appears to be dead floating in water. Anal retentive Wallace heroically runs into the 5 inch deep water to rescue the dead dog, only for us to learn it's a doll -- of the same exact dog with similar coloring. Something that on planet Earth has a 1 in a billion chance of happening.

And the way Zhu's Dad's pals gave up their favorite toys with no problem and accepted a ginormous gift from him with no problem? Again: this series appears to be written by 9 year olds.

7. The one thing you can rely upon C-Dramas for? Tears. These people are the best criers on the planet. Even lighthearted shows take a moment for tears here and there, to create contrast. This show? Nope. Nobody gets to cry until the end. There's only a dozen times Zhu Zhu should have choked up, but no-- we can't have real emotions, now can we?.

8. Continuity issues everywhere. Brother in law borrows lots of money. Do we ever learn why? Nope. Wallace tries to teach himself how to be a surgeon. Does that ever come up again? Nope. The pushy 'get married' Mom disappears from the story for too long. The girl in wheelchair vanishes.

*****************************************************

Believe you me I wanted to like this. It started okay but then became clear it was junk food. Wallace and Zhu carry this series as best as they can, but it falls apart too many episodes before the ending to recommend.

Poor Wallace and Zhu Zhu. :(

Read More

Chinese Mr. Bean, his friends, and their daily adventures!

A Bowl of Everyday Warmth: "One awkward man, his noisy circle, and the small, clumsy gestures that end up meaning everything."

It's magical how this show made me dwell on what to do when in life I face similar dilemmas, problems, and take notes.

🍲 🍲 🍲 A Warm Little Slice of Life🍲 🍲 🍲
They’re not just telling a story—they’re letting us quietly slip into the everyday lives of these characters.
It’s not trying to be some deep, life-changing documentary, nor is it an over-the-top, unrelatable sci-fi fantasy.

Even the title reflects that vibe. It’s not some “once in a century, never-heard-before” kind of name,
yet it’s also not something you’d see slapped on just any random drama. It sits in that sweet spot—simple, but memorable.

It’s simply:

A well-directed, well-edited, well-wrapped-up show
With interesting, layered characters
And unforgettable relationships
It never overwhelms you, but it never feels empty either.
Wardrobe of every character!! perfect!!! from earpieces to shoes

Just like the message it wants to convey, the whole project feels beautifully balanced
—helped even more by its gorgeous colour palette and the genuinely solid acting. 🎨🎭




🐱🐱🐱 A Grumpy Tsundere You Can’t Forget🐱🐱🐱
We’re introduced to a grumpy tsundere who means well, has a good heart… and an absolute menace of a mouth. Nothing we haven’t seen before, right?

But wait—this time, he actually does mean well.
He’s not your typical domineering CEO, OCD team leader, or goofy flirt with “issues.”

He’s a genuinely quirky architect:
a child at heart with the
emotional awareness of a mature adult.

He's not the most gentlemanly (with words) out there, but he is still better than the most gentlemanly one in the crowd sometimes.
He annoys you, and suddenly amazes you with his big-heartedness, and the small things.

At some point, I related to him so much that I started screen-recording his scenes and sending them to my bestie—and she couldn’t even argue.

He’s always trying to smooth over awkwardness or fill the silence with his strange, out-of-this-world conversations that he’s actually interested in. He tries to lighten the mood with his absurdity, or talk things out—while pretending he’s not doing you a favour, he’s “just being normal.”

But because his communication skills are tragic,
he ends up annoying everyone around him.

"The magic, however, is that the people who stick around him know he genuinely cares. They can feel it."
We Scorpios, sun signs with a moon Cancer, must relate heheh


He “hates” the idea of having a neighbor… but goes out of his way to help her, even on his birthday.

He “hates” the thought of his routine being disturbed by a new presence (the dog he shares his name wth kekekekek), yet gets attached in just a few days of caring for it.

We’ve all seen this character type in manga and dramas—but among all of them, he’s the most relatable.

Bro doesn’t explode in rage;
He just loudly and proudly flexes--
his single life, his routines,
and his “good habits.”
in the quirkiest way possible.

He’s the kind of character who quietly takes up residence in your head and just… stays there.

What’s not to love about him?
His ruthless truth-arrows, his low-key, zero-pressure kind of care…

I love how his friends don’t even take his insults seriously anymore.
In his head, love = taunts and honestly, the Yu Yu–Ye Jia bickering is elite 😂

Once you understand him, you can basically get him to do anything for you.

P.S. Every morning, Lin Sa and Shen Wu have to deal with a petty Yu Yu like:
“Why didn’t you like my Moments?”
“Why did you bully me in my dream?”
(Tbh, don’t we all ask our friends these things with full sincerity too? 😭💀)



💌💌💌 More Than Just “Single Old Guy Finds Love”💌💌💌
But the drama doesn’t stop at “quirky single old guy, or he finally finds love.”
It actually begins by explaining why he’s still single—
And by the end, you find yourself wondering, how was someone like this single for so long?
Because by then, you clearly see what an incredible person he is. [Ex: Even xiaoman ends up feeling she has fallen for him]

One of the best parts is that the story doesn’t just belong to him.
The supporting characters are treated with just as much sincerity.
The show doesn’t drown you in melodrama or endless sobbing;
Instead, it gently explores a wide range of relationships with a lot of warmth and nuance.

It reminds us that not every connection between a man and a woman has to be romantic.
Throughout life, regardless of gender, we meet people we simply don’t want to let go of—
people we want to walk beside, whether that bond is romantic or purely platonic.

Shen Wu and Yu Yu
Xiao Man and Shen Wu
Yu Yu and Xiao Man
(he cares for her like his own niece, though lowkey in his eyes(and concern level) dao, her pet>>> xiaoman)
Lin Sa and Yu Yu
Xiao Man and Ye Jia (one of the best found friendships!)
Yu Yu and Ye Jia
…honestly, if we keep listing them, it never ends.

The tiny group chat they formed just to discuss Yu Yu’s daily adventures was adorable.

Through Xiao Man, Shen Wu, and Xiao Xiao, we see what the younger generation is going through—
the decisions they’re forced to make, the pressure they face, and the kind of protection
and the guidance they need from the older generation:
lifestyle choices, career confusion, existential crises, financial struggles, messy romances…

Through Lin Sa, Yu Yu, and Ye Jia, we see the world of the older generation,
where romance becomes a luxury, and finding “the one” is truly not simple.
Career often becomes everything, yet even after giving it your all,
You still end up standing at a crossroads, unsure which path to take—
whether to prioritise stability, companionship, or your own peace.
(And in a way, those same questions echo back into the youth stories too.)
The body keeps getting older, but the heart… It’s still learning what it wants.

Even the side characters—like Ye Jia’s dad, the bike gang, Yu Yu’s family, Xiao Man’s friends—are all portrayed with the same care and attention that Yu Yu gets.

No one feels like a filler character; everyone is treated like a real person with their own weight in the story.

PS: Life is about learning from each other! I am glad Yejia helped Yuyu navigate his relationships more carefully and treat the people he cares about with the deserved respect and outspoken love. She is what my mom and my sisters are in my life!! The main character might be Yuyu, but the closest to the perfect?..warmest?..most mature? human in real life is what Yejia looked like.

There are so many things I love about this show and story that if I truly went ahead with listing them all.. MDL might overload!

Read More

A Heartfelt Tale of Love, Friendship and Life’s Perfect Timing!

This drama is a heartfelt journey that blends friendship, romance and social expectations with surprising sincerity.

It explores the pressure to marry young, while beautifully reminding us that love can arrive at any age—and that it’s never “too late” to choose happiness. Although it isn’t trying to reinvent the genre, it stands out through its charming execution: the cinematography is lovely, the OST fits every scene perfectly, and the dialogues feel natural and meaningful.

The characters are refreshingly realistic, flawed in ways that make them deeply relatable rather than idealized. It’s a small drama, where every episode carries warmth, comfort and emotional honesty. If you’re looking for something genuinely good and easy to enjoy, this one is absolutely worth your time.

Read More

Finally, a high quality adult drama

I went into this drama thinking that i would watch this over time but once i got to episode 5 it became my go -to drama for the month. I had seen Zhu Zhu in many other roles as 2nd or 3FL but in this she was the lead for a change. This is a GORGEOUS women and its a shame that she hasn’t played more lead roles but maybe she put her family life first and acting secondary. What ever the reason, she should do/get more lead roles because she is so natural and her with William Huo was on target throughout the drama. They played off each other little by little, making me laugh most of the time but also cry once in a while. The co-stars were also on point, especially his next door neighbor, making this one of the more enjoyable dramas of the year. Especially in the romance/adult them category.

- One of the best Adult Dramas in a while
- Leads are perfect together
- Co-stars where all on-point
- Rewatch Value = YES, YES

Get to episode 5, guarantee you want drop unless you just don’t like the slow process of love between two people that didn’t realize they need each other so adjust there living conditions, letting the other into their world.

Wayne G.

Read More

Short on Angst, Long on Charm

The ML was played masterfully by Wallace Huo. He depicted a man newly turned 40, set in his ways, and encumbered by neurodivergence. ML was brilliant, but he was hampered by his OCD, his lack of filter when he spoke, and his inability to read social signals. He had learned to navigate life by isolation, the protection and intervention of his business partner, and the defensive speech he used to keep people at arm's length.

Zhu Zhu depicted an older woman successful in her profession who was unwilling to settle for the sake of marriage, no matter the pressures society and her father placed upon her.

What unfolded was a mature love story. Some might find it slow and lacking in the romance department, but I was fascinated with ML's journey and evolution. Wallace Huo fleshed out a character I will long remember, and he did it in a stylish and heartwarming manner. Unlike so many dramas that have disappointed me, it managed to have a sweet and satisfying ending.

I quibbled with myself over the rating, but my enjoyment of Huo's character made me come back to rate the drama higher.

Read More

A concept home high in design, but lacking in character

--Review--

At first glance, WIHSS seemed delightfully distinct from the predictable layout of idol dramas with their cookie-cutter tropes and 50-shades-of-pink ethos. The ML Yu Yu, an arrogant interior architect, bludgeons sensibilities with his acerbic quips and genuinely prickly personality. On the other end, we have the FL Gu Yejia, a veteran doctor whose grounded confidence, discerning compassion, and independent outlook defy the conventions of girlboss cosplay and parental machinations of blind date ambushes.

The polished production and cinematography escort you through a visual excursion of Shanghai—from vintage record shops to terraces overlooking its glitzy skyline. The shots are subtle yet elegant, and the scenes are rich in detail, but never pretentious. In particular, YY's home sets the vibe of pristine, controlled solitude, a fitting space for his idiosyncrasies and neuroses. The music underscores the mood and doesn't try to crash the party. Throw in some witty dialog, humor, and a crippling hemorrhoid and this show was looking like a bespoke design that could have been crafted under the exacting standards of Yu Yu himself.

Unfortunately, after settling in for a few episodes, the distinguished first impression turned out to be more of a stylish showroom than a lived-in abode designed for actual people. YY's patchwork of idiosyncrasies feels more like a projection that conveniently flashes for scenes and gags than a cohesive personality whose quirks have left a deep imprint in the world around him. He oscillates between offending others through obliviousness and firing off socially observant zingers. He’ll display OCD-level rigidity about certain habits and work details, then turn strangely nonchalant about things you’d expect him to obsess over. It's not a demand for YY to act as a robot, but an indictment of the writers who did not craft a character based on the solid foundation of flesh and blood, with connective tissue linking personality and behavior. Perhaps the writers tried to pull a hautism (handsome-autism) gambit to keep the ML charming enough to not completely repel the audience. But for me, this only amounted to half-baked characterization and putting lipstick on a hemorrhoid. And handsome-hemorrhoid still begets ... hemorrhoid.

This oversight doesn’t just shortchange the audience of a unique character and story, but denies us a fresh angle on life. We don't truly get immersed in YY's unique world of looking at things, the cost of his sacrifices against convention, or his way of relating to and valuing others. Yes there will be moments where he defies his prickly exterior and does nice things for others, but they come off as momentary gestures without deeper roots or reflection. Subsequently, this issue also spills over to YY's relationships, including with his assistant Lin Sa. Like his other relationships, there are reactions, but they resemble tepid ones from a six-month intern rather than a decade-long assistant. You don't get the accumulated exasperation, reflexive countermeasures, and tormented fondness you'd expect from someone who has survived so long in this professional marriage.

Gu Yejia also doesn’t change for the better. She quickly goes from a doctor with measured compassion to a Mother Teresa figure with inexhaustible patience for both Yu Yu and his neighbor Xiao Man. How the two become instant friends, beyond plot convenience, is still a mystery. GYJ presumably doesn’t have many friends because she’s busy, not because she’s never encountered needy people before. And Xiao Man’s primary traits seem to be that she’s confused and a drinker. If the missing pieces in GYJ’s life were truly healing YY’s hemorrhoid—both physical and personality-wise—and XM’s alcoholism, then you start to wonder why she doesn’t just randomly pick a suitor from her blind date conference calls and offer them the same salvation package. Ironically, I ended up agreeing with the chemistry rooners. What exactly do YY and GYJ see in each other, where is the attraction coming from, are there even signs of mutual affection?

But not all is lost in terms of characterization. XM's BYD inventory and pet bulldog Daoge were actually the best performers in staying in character. As product placement, BYD reliably presented its design, tech, and comfort without stepping on the plot or hijacking the camera. And Daoge behaved like a dog is supposed to act: confused by the decisions of the characters and scriptwriters, but too fixated on food and doggy things to care.

Sadly, I'm not a bulldog and do care about the plot and characterization. So despite relishing the beginning, I eventually skipped 10 episodes to the end, found XM in a bizarre last-ditch love-triangle, and immediately thanked my decision to circumvent the clogged plumbing of this plotline. Like Confucius famously said, "hemorrhoids are to be spectated, not suffered." It's one thing to be filled with the giddy holiday spirits watching the ML writhing on the ground from hemorrhoidpocalypse; it's another to lug my own lump of coal across the finish line. This could have been an 8.5 drama, but I could only muster up a 6.5 for the unfulfilled potential.

--Category Ratings--

- Overall - 6.5 (generous)
- Plot - 6
- Theme / Concept / Impact - 8
- Acting - 8
- Visuals - 8
- Audio / Music - 8
- Rewatch - 6
- Cultural/Topical Accessibility - 8.5
- Subtitle quality - 8.5

Read More

Rare feel good Cdrama

Watching was my daily 2 episode happy place: assume best for those thirty and older. A second season is in order as there is a lot of gold to mine as they date and perhaps marry. There was good lead chemistry built on very slow burn and modest enemy to ... trope. I enjoyed all the supporting characters, the filming quality/locations, and the humor. Only change would be to NOT have Xia Xiao Man "like' ML. Since I have only been watching K/C/Taiwan dramas about a year this was my first Wallance Huo and less know but equally entertaining Zhu Zhu. I have to admit I'm still dismayed about C Drama dubbing as occasionally the actual actor/actress does their own voice but know it's rare. It would be nice if every drama had to list the VA's too.

Read More