Love's Ambition

Zhao Lusi successfully breaking her niche and tapping into versatile roles.

I was skeptical at first about the casting, which has to do with the age gap thing, and the fact that Zhao Lusi still has that youthful image, however, oh boy does she proved me wrong. I'm a huge fan of her performance in Love Like the Galaxy, however, this might be on par, if not, better. I thought her acting in this drama is top tier and the emotions which she portrayed has so many layers - which imo, I think she should do these roles more often. I do think she did a successful job at transitioning into a more mature roles to get away from that girlish, youthful image.
The story started with this 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith' dynamic between the two couple, whom had hidden their true backstories, which later resulted in divorce because one of them couldn't continue with this act - only for the ML to realize he does love her for real.
The story concept is so well developed and the idea is very unique. It was so well written, at least, from the beginning to mid-end. It could've been a 10, however, it's lost some of its way at the later episodes. I feel like Chinese dramas tends to flip the story into a more tense and rush the pace at the last 3 episodes, which was the same case as this drama - though they somewhat did a decent job at polishing it. However, I still hoped that they did a smoother transition and have a better pace in the overall story.
The costumes department did a good job as well, I know Zhao Lusi is a Versace girlie and I thought she looked good in every wardrobe, Versace or not.
Overall, I thought the drama deserved its high anticipation.

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BEST ROLE OF ZHAO LUSI !

I waited for this drama with incredible anticipation... The kind that makes you dread disappointment once it's released. And yet, against all expectations, it was quite the opposite: it was absolutely PERFECT!

With each episode, I felt like I was watching a real movie, not just a drama. The visuals are breathtakingly beautiful, every shot is meticulously crafted, the music—all without exception—is incredible (it immediately went on my playlist!). Nothing is left to chance: the looks, the gestures, the silences, the emotions... everything is meticulously orchestrated.

Because yes, Love Ambition is a true emotional whirlwind for whoever watches it. I personally experienced a whole range of emotions, trying as best I could to anticipate what would happen next and understand the motivations of each protagonist.

Haoming was a puzzle to me, sometimes cold, calculating, arrogant, and obsessive; sometimes gentle, affectionate, protective, clumsy, almost funny! It took me a while to understand his true intentions and to warm to him, as his writing was so rigid and devoid of transparent feelings. There are still some early actions I don't understand, like his indifference, but little by little, his true self revealed itself, becoming someone more authentic and humble. His relationship with the boy evolved as much as his relationship with his wife. Overall, he benefited from good development, and I found William ultra-charismatic; even if I prefer him smiling and cute to charismatic and closed-minded.

Zhao Lusi as Xu Yan was exceptional! I was finally able to see in her the woman I'd been waiting to see: Strong, firm, and determined, to the detriment of the humor we love so much, but it was necessary to reach a new level!

And what a level! All her emotional scenes are full of soul! I felt like she was giving us a gift and a nod to each difficult script (filming took place before her burnout). At first, her character had toxic traits. The life she had built for herself gave her a false and materialistic image. But her rebirth truly proved her worth and changed the trend, making her character more empathetic, much like Haoming in the end. The same! For me, it's her best role!

But the best development belongs to Haoming's MOTHER!!! Her evolution was incredible! She went from a mother stingy in appearance and social status to a truly empathetic, gentle, and humble mother. Deep down, the Xu family was transformed thanks to Yan. She saved them by saving herself. She was a true role model. Also for us, the viewers, because she shows that success can be achieved by ourselves, regardless of the starting point and the obstacles. I really enjoyed their time with their family, as well as with Haochen.

The moments that really left me behind my screen were the ones at the beginning with his grandmother. The only times Yan showed his true colors and simplicity were with his grandmother. I was deeply touched by her devotion and sense of responsibility.

How sad to see your children reject their own child...

The supporting couple, whose actors I adore, left me NEITHER HOT NOR COLD. I found them cute together but almost boring!! It's silly to say, but several times I cursed the writing of the ex-boyfriend character for not having a real developmental process in order to win back his beloved. This love triangle didn't appeal to me at all because, once again, beauty is prioritized over a more ordinary physique. The girl who always ends up with the hot doctor...

And finally, that young lady, Haochen's aunt, super beautiful but also super annoying, who often annoyed me and whose writing was poorly constructed, putting too much emphasis on obsession, so much so that sometimes it made no sense!! Everything about this character was a joke! If I were the screenwriter, I would have made her an ally, a friend, not an enemy who tries to repent, but ultimately, she's a false joy, she still has a bad card to play... anyway, next!

Overall, Love Ambition is a luxurious emotional roller coaster, an experience that takes us deep within ourselves and pushes us to reflect on essential, sometimes even existential, questions.

It's not just a romantic drama—in fact, at heart, it's not really one. It's above all an introspective adventure, a quest for self that explores family, love, friendship, trust, creativity, a certain form of feminism, but also traditions, culture, ambition, and, quite simply, the pursuit of happiness.

For me, it's the best modern romantic C-drama of the year. It draws its strength from a striking authenticity, carried by a precise, touching, and profoundly human performance.

I recommend it 200% - don't miss it! 20/20 !

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Too long, read if interested. No spoilers for the finale, I just want to give the #LovesAmbition cast their flowers 💐

Lusi- Baby gurl!!! Need I say more? You are the only reason why I watch CDrama. You are effortlessly chic & gorgeous. You make us root for your character even with someone as morally gray as Xu Yan. That's how amazing you are. I will patiently wait for your comeback, we will always be here to love & support you 🫶🏼💜

William Chen- I knew your chemistry will be on 🔥 since I watched you both on that reality show. You were outstanding as an intimidating CEO & the awkward scenes that came after really showed how out of character it was for Hao Ming. Thank you for showing appreciation for working on LA.

Wan Peng- Wow! You were so natural that it really seemed as if we were seeing how two sisters interact. You are beautiful & talented 👏

Wen Zheng Rong- Subdued & effective acting. Watching you switch from formidable MIL to lovable MIL seamlessly was a feat for sure

Wu Mian- Grandma Xu! That one scene prior to the wedding, your reaction says it all, not much words but has such powerful impact. Excellent!

Tang Xiao Tian- Doctor 🪳!!! You play that character who people can rely on really well. I've come to believe that maybe you really are like that IRL so it comes out naturally.

Bo Han- You are continuing to become the great actor that you are. Your character here is really complex and yet you've pulled it off. Great job as always.

Director Chen Chang- You really have the ability to create memorable & hilarious scenarios. I still remember the first meeting on DITK & now the drunk scene in LA will be added that. More power to you!

To the rest of the cast & crew, I may not be able to list down everyone but I assure you, you have all contributed to this show's success & we thank you for your hard work. LA unexpectedly breaking records, that's just awesome 🎉

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I love this

i always believed that second-chance romance would only work if there was an "eye for an eye" (shen haoming finally stepping into the shoes that xu yan once wore)

not out of "revenge" per se, but for him to be able to fully empathise

to me, real grovelling is about feeling the very pain he once caused & the only way remorse becomes transformation

that's why I think the last part of episode 26 was very necessary to move the story for shen haoming's redemption!

many viewers were wondering why xu yan and shen haoming ended up back at square one, following a "mere" call from steve, even though xu yan already had prior knowledge about jinda's three-month evaluation with mr baraikin.

did she really believe that shen haoming hired those paparazzi? or was it just a wake up call to remind her that the knot in their hearts was never truly untangled.

why wasn't she able to believe in haoming's sincerity? from xu yan’s perspective, the first time haoming approached her again was out of corporate interest, for her to help him with acting like a couple for the collaboration with the baraikins. so even when his attitude began to change, even when he helped her sincerely, showed her affection she still interpreted it as yet another performance for him... all in the pursuit of profit

bringing back to her monologue in episode 14, "I feel like I'm now the boy who cried wolf. I've lied too many times, so when I finally speak the truth, nobody believes me"

back then, shen haoming accused xu yan as someone who only acted for personal gain and dismissed her genuine love as manipulation

so the boomerang has returned and shen haoming was now the one being doubted. only through this reversal can he understand the helplessness and despair xu yan felt.

when she once asked him in heartbreak, "so everything you've done for me was fake?"

now, in episode 26, when he asks the same question,
"so everything that happened between us during this period was fake?"
he's also forced to confront the same pain of being doubted when he was finally being sincere.

•

if they continued to question the intent behind every gesture, their reconciliation will always be temporary & the crack will deepen with every argument until it becomes irreparable. true reconciliation only begins when both of them stop calculating and start seeing (not just each other but also) themselves clearly.

so when xu yan finally says, "I also want to know what kind of person you are. unfortunately, I've never seen you clearly"

it's her realisation that true affection cannot be built on strategy or intention alone but must be felt, proven & believed.
only when both hearts let go of their defense, only when they stop asking "what's the motive?" and start believing "this is love" can they finally meet in the middle; not as two players in a game of gains but as two people who have truly and finally seen each other

https://x.com/wonwoncity/status/1977227645814497735?s=46

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I am loving the chemistry!

The acting is natural and the story for me is quite new. I hope this drama will maintain the hype as I patiently wait for new episodes.

Looking forward for more of thisss ackkk!!!

The acting is natural and the story for me is quite new. I hope this drama will maintain the hype as I patiently wait for new episodes.
The acting is natural and the story for me is quite new. I hope this drama will maintain the hype as I patiently wait for new episodes.
The acting is natural and the story for me is quite new. I hope this drama will maintain the hype as I patiently wait for new episodes. The acting is natural and the story for me is quite new. I hope this drama will maintain the hype as I patiently wait for new episodes.

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Not the perfect Love story…

I just finished watching #LovesAmbition, a captivating Chinese romance drama that explores the complexities of love and ambition. While it may not be a perfect love story, it's a journey that stays with you long after the credits roll, featuring a compelling blend of emotional depth and character development. Zhao Lusi delivers a charming and nuanced performance as Lu Xia, a passionate and determined young woman, while William Chan impresses with his charismatic portrayal of Cheng Yao, a conflicted businessman striving to balance love and career. The show's fresh and engaging storytelling, combined with scenic cinematography and a well-crafted soundtrack, makes it an absolute must-watch. 'Love's Ambition' might not blow your mind with groundbreaking plot twists, but it will definitely keep you hooked from start to finish, offering a heartfelt exploration of dreams, sacrifices, and the pursuit of happiness.

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