How Dare You!?

Meeting Another Transmigrator is Such a Blessing

Welcome back to my dear review section, guys! I’m really sorry for the delay, but I need to restrain myself from writing new updates due to overload schedule and grueling exam, which (thank God) was completed last Monday. Since I have a lot of free time now, I may as well do my little business right now before I become a total couch potato lol. Let’s go rocking, shall we?

Disclaimer: I actually enjoyed and loved “How Dare You!?”, and unfortunately, I watched it later than other people, which meant the videos were removed by Bilibili and other pirating sites. At that time, I only managed to binge-watch until ep 13 (what a bummer!). What I’m trying to say is that the review will ONLY cover the first 13 episodes as I have no idea of what’s going to happen in the end. I know very super duper clear that I’m not supposed to make “How Dare You!?” as completed, but don’t you think it’s a pity to banish it to the dropped list?

The story is centered around a rookie corporate slave Wang Cuihua, who is tasked with reading a cheesy romance novel about transmigrated lovers in historical fiction setting (I forgot the title already) and finds it very hard to accomplish the assignment in one fell swoop. As she takes a subway back home, the time stops abruptly and another second, she is sent into the novel’s world, taking the identity of a cannon fodder character, Yu Wanyin, who is destined to die in the middle half of the story. As Cuihua navigates the palace politics and soap opera with the hope of returning back to the real life, she accidentally meets fellow transmigrator, Zhang San, who poses as a delusional emperor Xiahou Dan. Together, the two people on the same boat transform into an unbeatable duo as they concoct schemes after schemes to survive in the palace and ultimately find the path to go back home. Meanwhile, they also have to face interminable threats from Xie Yong’er, another transmigrator who has read the whole original source upside down, and Xiahou Bo, Dan’s little brother who’s been coveting his throne and is hellbent on usurping the power of the palace court.

Basically, there is nothing new about the plot except that we have two transmigrators instead of one (as in the case of other dramas with similar themes). The production team utilizes the source material shrewdly and create a combo duo who are always engaging in comedic bickering sprinkled with modern jargons and ancient speeches as well. The drama does sell a point in its comedy and humor aspect, which wins the heart of all watchers. On the other hand, we also get the glimpse of the life in harem and how consorts’ positions are being elevated at one time and discarded at some other point. However, sometimes I do feel exhausted with all this scheming here and there, especially Bo. I don’t really understand what his ultimate goal is, other than toppling down Dan. And we haven’t gotten the slightest idea of how Yong’er enters into the novel as well (or maybe it is exacerbated by lack of episodes that I watched back then). Overall, if you overlook the inconsistencies and focus on the humorous side instead, things will be much better for you, I guarantee.

Both Ryan Cheng and Wang Churan deliver strong acting with perfect timing in terms of micro-expressions. I totally feel the emotional scenes between them two and I wish so badly I had taken up “How Dare You!?” earlier. Daddi Tang and Hu Yixuan also perform well despite the stiffness in several scenes, but I won’t complain further. And shout out to Cui Yi, who plays Bei Shu (female version) so convincingly comical that I keep laughing out loud, with the most memorable scene being her digging up Bo’s kitchen courtyard to search for Xu Yao’s strategy book.

OSTs are nice, but I think they are decent at best, if you compare them with the OSTs of other dramas. Costumes, settings, backgrounds are lavishly styled as per a historical fiction drama would apply.

For the rewatch point, I’ll make it 10, but I’m afraid I won’t be rewatching myself as I have many more upcoming tasks plus I need to catch on with other ongoing dramas before they are removed abruptly as well. I guess that’s all I’ve got to say, thank you for reading, good luck and happy watching!!!

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Standout Dramedy

"How Dare You?!” is, for me, an absolute standout among Chinese dramas. A series you don’t come across every day — and one you certainly won’t forget anytime soon. The blend of humor, emotion, historical atmosphere, and genuine depth is simply unmatched.

And as a little insider note: it almost could have been titled “How Are You?” — and that subtle nuance already hints at what makes it so special. This is not just another generic “I got pulled into a story” trope. It’s a cleverly constructed dramedy that plays with expectations and then gracefully turns them on their head.

Not a single second feels slow or unnecessary. Something new, surprising, or emotionally powerful is always unfolding. The characters grow in believable ways, and the development of feelings is portrayed with a rare tenderness and authenticity.

And then there is the visual beauty: the costumes, the colors, the cinematography — every scene feels like a painting. You can sense the love and care poured into every detail. The actors don’t simply perform; they embody their roles. It doesn’t feel like work — it feels like passion brought to life.
For me, this drama is a true highlight and absolutely worth rewatching. It’s rare for a series to captivate me this completely. A genuine masterpiece.

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Sparkly, Splendid, Supreme!

Originally came here for both the ML and FL but stayed for everything else.

As a Cheng Lei and Wang Chu Ran fan, I was here to support my lovelies. But this drama didn't just astound me with the visuals, it gave me that chemistry I deserve. I sometimes have urges to forward moments of mains because I don't like them, but not this one. I love theeemm!

Characters Review. Wanying is a magnanimous character - typical of a female hero lead all kind, courageous, and smart. You would expect she would plan things ahead because she has that "foresight". Xiahou Dan is not your typical hero - all benevolent and noble. He was disturbed and he was alone for a long time. The fact that he was in the story as a teenager added a lot of depth to his transmigrated character. So, in the end, he didn't only portray what is expected of a hero, he also lived every step to survive and to attain salvation in the form of Wanying. Xie Yong Er also was an unexpected transformation. I didn't see myself liking her because she was supposed to aid the Prince Duan but she changed - which is a good step they did. Xiahou Bo for a villain was formidable for a 2D character. This added more interest to the story because despite not having "foresight", he was able to have his own mind. It was like a 3 advanced players versus 1 beginner level but I guess he was supposed to really be that smart because he was, after all, the male lead. I hate him by the way! Haha. It means the actor was good.

Plot Review. I can be quite harsh with plots. I dropped a lot of stories simply because they couldn't meet my expectations even if the actors were my faves. But this one really didn't disappoint. This gave me a new breath to transmigration stories. Initially, it was fun as it could get. I had a lot of laughter with the hotpot sessions, fake break-ups x losing favor scenes, Bei Shu disguise, and Eunuch An. And like we could all predict, laughter soon turned into tears, because, hey, how could there be no progress. So, sacrifices had to be made. Things had to go South. And, they would eventually solve it. Sometimes, I just give up how they solve things because we can never know with Chinese dramas. There seems to be no way, but there will be. The same thing happened here. Maybe the odd thing is, there should have been a better way to solve the poison problem. The mute girl was quite off and impractical. It lacks motive. For the ending, this drama actually gave a closure, allowing them to meet again in modern times unlike some that leaves the story in the book. The snippet from Zhan Sang's diary at the last episode also helped us see the story in the perspective of ML. It was the perfect snippet for the ending.

Music Review. They usually play the theme song when the mains are either kissing or reuniting and again, this time, I didn't skip those scenes because I like both of them so I listened to the songs and loved especially the theme song.

Overall Review. I give this a 10 primarily to boost its rating hahahahaha, don't judge me. As I said, I have my own preferences haha! My baobeis performed splendindly well! Plus, it gave us a new outlook towards transmigration stories, introduced peak casting, and developed character depths!

I know it's not for everyone, but it is for me. 🥴 So, I get to have the say!

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This is much more than a girl going into a novel!

From the beginning, I was full of laughter and couldn't wait till the next ep, then we get our ML (Ryan!) and he's from the same world as our FL, BUT only 2 hours before her he's been there. So our FL must play out this plot to save herself until she realizes things aren't as they seem, our 2D characters seem to have a mind of their own and as she's about to meet the ruthless tyrant of them all, the Emperor, he wants nothing to do with her! until she catches the line she's said earlier, and rushes up and says "How are you?" and as the tyrant emperor eyes redded, about to cry, he says in disbelief, "Fine... thank you.. and you?" and that there was the start of it all!

I loved this version of the novel. it stuck thru till the end. I ALMOST felt bad for Prince Duan but not really. when he realized he's only a 2D character and going mad. I loved how they had their wedding. I loved how they beat the system. I cried so much and laughed even more. this is on my very top of cdramas. Ryan Lei played his role so well, I am sad to see this end but I got the best ending I could ask for... of them saying "How are you?"... "Fine, thank you... and you?"

the book ended a bit differently but I'm much happiest with this ending. I'm going to watch it again and again and read the novel again and again. Ryan is my fav actor and I can't wait till his next drama.

this is a 10/10 for me and beyond!!!

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Finally, a C-Drama That Dares to Feel Different

How Dare You delivered everything I’ve been missing in Asian dramas.

For a long time, so many stories have relied on the same clichés, especially with repetitive tropes like isekai. This one actually feels different. It doesn’t just try to stand out, it really does.

The main couple doesn’t fall into that exhausting cycle of miscommunication. They trust each other, they support each other, and the story doesn’t need to break them apart just to create tension. The drama exists without weakening their relationship, and that alone already feels refreshing.

And somehow, it still made me cry. BEI SHU I’M NOT OKAY 😭

It’s funny, light, and just really enjoyable to watch. The slow burn feels natural, it builds without taking steps backwards, which is honestly rare. The side characters are all charming in their own way and actually feel important instead of just being there. Even the villain gets a punishment that feels right, without falling into the usual “death solves everything” route.

In sume, I laughed, I cried, I got anxious, and now that it’s over… I’m left with just one question: How are you?

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✨ Unique story with nice CP and their peaceful mutual friendship in their love story ✨

Okay… Finally finished it... So here is my opinion. Who got it got it, who don't don't. Its okay...

I cried a couple of times in last eps. OMG I didn't thanked I will honestly... I finished last 7 eps in one take. They wrapped it up well. It didn’t feel rushed. Er Lan is beautiful in women’s clothes and makeup. Younger was beautiful too. The makeup was amazing. That little girl, Flower, looks so much like Zhou Ye, it’s insane. I was like, why this plot now? But they wrapped it up well with Younger and her love for flowers and the poison cure.

I am so pissed about how she died. So pissed she died in such a stupid way, and they let her go like that.

I knew the whole time Mr. Bei was him under the mask — I was just waiting for that heartbreaking part. CL did an amazing job in the last scene of episode 30. The pain and madness were so well done. Him with long, messy hair is the best — such a shame they didn’t show that look more often. Chu Ran is such a beauty, I don’t even have words for her. CL was great as Dan, but I definitely can imagine some another actors playing him with a darker, more intense script also as WY. I think he could do much more with this too, also more darker, but they just didn't, they make him more cute than mad. Couple times he was like mad tyrant. I love Ryan really I do! Now I like CR because it was first time watching her. Still, he was cute and did such a good job. Both of them did. 👏

Bo got what he deserved — he went crazy. That leg thing was unexpected. 👏
Poor little doctor will forever live in the illusion that Younger is alive. I don’t like it. He deserves to know the truth. Giving him false hope doesn’t sit right with me… 💔
The ending part, when they all look at her as she walks toward him and cries, had such beautiful emotions — it makes your heart flutter. ✨

I liked the ending book scene; it was beautiful. But what was that real-world ending? I just knew it would be short… but it was SO short. 😡 I wanted more. What’s the point of that kind of ending if they have a happy ending in the book? I don’t get it. Are they back immediately or what? 😵‍💫 Help, give me an explanation… I hate when they leave us to figure everything out. Did they die in the book as old people and then go back? Or immediately? They should have given us one special episode in the real world. How much times I must say in big dramas I wont forgive directors or scriptwriter fort this fast ending scenes. I even dont even care anymore. Maybe because of that I started to have less faith in bigger dramas from last half of a year. Maybe because of it my thinking of rating will be different this time.

Don’t blame me, but I must say I didn’t feel overwhelming passion — I felt chemistry and a lot of friendship chemistry. My heart didn’t flutter when they kissed, but I felt peace. It was that typical friends-to-lovers thing, which I love. It felt natural. For me, honestly, they felt like a true friendship couple — which isn’t bad at all. It’s actually really good, and I love that.

In the end, I want to say it was a nice drama. It had a bit of a boring political part — I watched some of it on 2x speed. I’ve started doing that more with big dramas because they can be slow and I want to save time. From halfway through, I felt like something was slightly missing — not in a bad way. Maybe I just wanted more, but that’s on me.

The last episodes were really great, and after the ending, I knew what rating I would give it. For the first time in a long time, I might give a drama 9.5 and not 10 — just because it feels right. Sometimes I give microdramas or mini dramas a 10 and then think, why did I rate this lower? But that’s just how it resonates with me. I can’t explain it. It’s not the script, not the acting, not the actors — I loved them. I just feel this rating is right from my point of view. If you ask me why, I can only say it’s my feeling and intuition telling me to rate it that way. I just know my consciousness after 3 years of watching cdramas is different and my taste became so picky or I just get bored because I now see how cdrama works. I need excitement more, not just quality. I need to something to make me think of it every day and cant wait to watch it as some dramas did. I didn't lost interest. I still watching just cdramas. Nothing else. But I cant deny I enjoyed. Its after so long I finally finished some big drama. Thats good enough for me. Definitely is 9.5 because of some things I would like to be different or better portrayed. Even tho. I recommend this unique story because it was lovely.

I loved when and how they used How are you and Thank you, and you sentences. 💕

Kudos to all of them — and of course to the costume designer, makeup artists, and hairstylists. It was a great journey, even though I didn’t read the novel. Thanks to the writer for such a unique story. ✨💕🥰

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Not a Comedy—A Brilliantly Structured Political Tragedy with an Earned Ending

Going into How Dare You!, I expected something light, maybe even comedic based on how it’s marketed. What I got instead was a tightly written political drama layered with psychological depth, moral complexity, and one of the most structurally satisfying narratives I’ve seen in a long time.

This is not a comedy. It’s a story about power, control, narrative manipulation, and what it means to reclaim agency in a world designed to strip it away.

From the very beginning, the drama commits to its internal logic—and more importantly, it never breaks it. There is no mid-series drag, no filler arcs, and no moments where characters behave in ways that contradict who they’ve become just to move the plot forward. Every episode builds on the last, and every reveal deepens what came before rather than undoing it.

One of the most impressive aspects of this drama is its structural discipline. Political schemes are layered but always understandable. Character motivations remain consistent even as circumstances evolve. And perhaps most importantly, consequences matter. Actions are not erased or softened—they carry through the story in meaningful ways.

The relationship between the leads is another standout. It’s not built on grand gestures or constant physical intimacy, but on trust, shared understanding, and emotional restraint. There are only two kisses in the entire drama, and both are perfectly placed. The first comes in a moment of potential loss, where words are no longer enough. The second comes at the end, when everything has finally been earned. Neither feels gratuitous. Both feel inevitable.

What surprised me most was how emotionally immersive the story became. I didn’t want to pause it. I didn’t want to switch to something lighter. I wanted to stay with these characters and see their journey through to the end. That level of sustained engagement is rare, especially in a drama of this length.

The ending deserves special mention. It is a happy ending, but more importantly, it is an earned one. Nothing about it feels forced or added just to satisfy the audience. The final scene, which mirrors an earlier conversation between the leads about how they might meet outside the world of the story, brings everything full circle in a way that feels both emotionally and narratively complete.

In contrast to dramas that lose momentum in their final stretch, How Dare You! remains consistent all the way through. It respects its characters, its themes, and its audience.

This isn’t just a good drama. It’s a well-constructed one. And that difference matters.

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Madness, Mayhem and Too Many Emotions

Let me start of by saying that I LOVE THIS DRAMA ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Although the plot and the theme of the drama is far beyond overused, however this drama did a wonderful job in every aspect required.

I will try to write my review without much spoilers.

The writer and the director did a wonderful job in how the pacing of the story went, there was not even a scene that was not required, or was not entering. I normally don't have much expectation of the live action as the production team often tend to add their on take, however this drama managed to stay true to the original story (There were minuscule changes, if I am being 100% honest, but don't care 🤷🏻‍♀️).

Whoever did the casting for this drama requires a pay raise, as they did a fabulous job in finding Yu Wan Yin / Wang Cui Hua and Xiahou Dan / Zhang San. The actors did a wonderful job in brining the characters alive and their chemistry was absolutely marvellous. Starting from the main leads to the side characters, every character was well paid. The male lead (Ryan Cheng) did an excellent job of portraying various emotions as well go deeper into the story. His facial expression are great to the point sometimes I find myself smiling as a response to the scene. The FL (Wang Chu Ran) was great choice as well as she portrayed a FL who was trying to survive a storyline that went against her, her mannerisms and action were spot on and held my attention. One other character I would like to mention is Tang Xiao Tian who played Xiahou Bo (The villain/original ML). I hated his character till the very end to the point I had no sadness when he was in the state he was, but that goes to show how much of an incredible actor he is and his efforts towards the drama, so hats off to him. Also the fact that he is trying an antagonistic character for a change out side of his ML role shows his artistic perception and abilities.

The OST of this drama is also peace worthy as it combined comedic elements where needed as well as some OST's did an excellent job in elevating the mood within the drama.

Overall, it is a well presented drama in the recent years of this particular genre.

I would 100% rewatch this drama.

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WOW JUST WOW

I love how funny they are in this drama. I love all the silly parts. Cheng Lei is so amazing in this drama. I can't get enough of him. Everything was so well written and acted out. Definitely the best actor and actress for this role/drama. I love the connection the two characters have at the very beginning to the very end. They were so understanding of each other. I love the costumes as well. Every single costume she has looks AMAZING on her. Her makeup, accessories, outfits were all so beautiful on her. His fit also looks GREAT on him too. I love all his facial expressions. He is such an amazing actor. He is definitely the only actor fit for this role. Love this drama.

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A Total Cinematic Feast

Good heavens—this is absolutely phenomenal!
I am still completely reeling from this drama. Every single element is hitting the mark for me. Visually, it is breathtaking; the cinematography and production design are pure eye candy. But it’s the atmosphere that really sets it apart. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such an intriguing blend of comedy and high-stakes drama. The funny moments have this irresistible charm—even when they lean into slapstick, they never feel cheap—and the dramatic beats are so emotionally resonant. The way the show dances between these two polarities is seamless.
The acting? I’m honestly speechless.
Cheng Lei is, as expected, wonderful, but this role gives him a creative playground unlike anything he’s had before. He’s showing us colors we haven’t seen yet. Wang Churan is a breath of fresh air. I love her character's "vibe"—she’s deeply feminine and graceful, but she’s no "sweet idiot." She’s sharp, calculating, and sensitive all at once.
The Villain is top-tier. There’s something magnetically chilling about him; he has that rare, charismatic pull that makes a great antagonist. Tang Xiaotian in this role was a total surprise! I previously saw him in Story of Pearl Girl, where I found him a bit bland, but here? He is genuinely fantastic and full of life.
I love Cui Yi as the cross-dressing bodyguard. It’s a brilliant performance and, for a Chinese production, feels surprisingly bold and transgressive. Other second and third plan characters were also endearing, well written (without nonsensical behaviour) and very well executed.
As for the plot—I was hooked from the first episode. On the surface, it might look like a familiar trope, but the execution is fresh and unpredictable.
To top it all off, the soundtrack is fantastic, perfectly framing every scene. In short: this isn’t just a show; it’s a total feast for the senses!

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