Rent a Boyfriend for the New Year (2025)

Great writing & good chemistry made this fake relationship drama fun

I had never seen any of Merxat Yalkun's dramas before I watched this drama. Decided to give this a go because I was writing a reddit post about mainstream drama actors who have acted in vertical dramas. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - In many fake relationship dramas, FL are meek or easily intimidated by other. Not this FL. Yes she rented a guy to appease her mother but she was self-assured and knew how to protect her own interest.
2. Writing - Wow, I was impressed by the script. I found the scenario relatable - the pressure to settle down when meeting relatives. In addition, FL was always given the best lines whenever she & ML were in crisis. The hospital scene was funny.
3. Acting - I was also impressed by the performances by both leads. Their interactions were fun to watch because Merxat Yalkun and Han Lu Jin played off each other's energy well. The cast gave good performances too including the actresses playing antagonists.
4. Pacing - Done well for a drama focusing on Chinese New Year holidays. I didn't find any scene draggy.
5. Dynamics - I liked the partnership they had for the charade.
6. Supporting characters - I liked both mothers despite their flaws. It was amusing that ML's assistant wasn't on his side but more on his mother's side.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I disliked FL's cousin & aunt. They were jealous and felt the need to compete with FL.
2. Romance - Underdeveloped. The decision to be in a real relationship was rushed because I felt FL just went with the flow and not given time to process and think.
3. Flashback - Mistake spotted. It was 6 years ago but the traitor held the latest iPhone (looking at the camera on the back of phone). I wish she hadn't held her phone during this scene.

Favourite scene
The hospital

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Fate Has Twists and Turns

I love a fake relationship that becomes real. In this plot, fate takes several twists and turns. I smiled most of the way through this. I thought it was cute.

The male lead was great and the female lead did quite a good job.

I liked seeing how everything came together for their happiness. It's always wonderful when the bad guys get their comeuppance!

i do believe in destiny and that some people are meant to be together, no matter how others try to interfere. This mini-drama gave me happy feelings, was enjoyable for me to watch, and I liked the main couple. I thought the romance was fine.

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