Yan Xiao Wan Wan (2025)

Heartwarming tale about adapting oneself after a memory gap

I had seen Ma Le Jie dramas when I first explored vertical dramas. After 3 dramas, I deliberately avoided her dramas because she always played damsels in distress and cried a lot. However this drama came with positive reviews and since I had not seen any Li Bo Yan dramas, I decided to watch it today. I enjoyed it immensely.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - FL had the mind of her 18 year old self when in reality she was 10 years older. I liked that she was sensible & righteous despite the confusion. She did act impulsively once but that was based on her strong gut feeling which turned out to be the right decision.
2. Romance - Slow but rewarding. There were good kisses but what hit me the most were the conversations they had with each other. For example, FL asked ML what she was like at 28 years old. That was heartearming moment because it showed that ML knew FL through and through. I also loved the big argument because that was when their relationship was really tested. When trust is broken, a relationship falters.
3. Pop culture - I liked the scenes of idol worshipping because it reflected real life. Delusional fans are PR nightmare. Anyway I liked how FL tackled that challenge.
4. ML characterisation - The moment ML made his entrance at the start of the drama was amusing because of Lighter & Princess song. Anyway ML was patient and loving man. I liked that he was supportive at work - helping FL with her work challenges.
5. Acting - I liked Ma Le Jie's acting in this drama. I wish she upped the emotions when FL was slandered by the antagonist & their colleagues at the work event. Anyway MLJ got good chemistry with Li Bo Yan. I liked his acting too and will check out his other dramas.
6. Styling - Great outfits for both FL & ML. I liked FL's black top & black skirt she wore to work. Li Bo Yan's shirts were rarely buttoned - nice chest!
7. Length - The running time is 1 hour 45 minutes. Easy to watch & digest.

Disliked:
1. Antagonist - ML's secretary was unprofessional. She did some scheming to get FL into trouble. She should put her personal feelings aside at work.

Favourite scene
When a misunderstanding escalated into a big argument.

Read More

The Plot Hole make me concern

I watch because of Ma Lejie is slowly leaving her damsel in distress character and want to see Li Baiyan in another character. Both actor's acting are quite decent and has sufficient chemistry.

Actually this is a sweet story, but because I felt there were quite a few plot holes i really concern. Although the entire drama showcases how the ML cares for and loves the FL who has lost her memory, his repeated questioning of her alleged infidelity always left me confused. There is no further explanation from FL past beside FL was falling into the water.

She reverts to her 18-year-old self, experiencing a personality shift that leads everyone around her, including her husband, to suspect infidelity. ML is always questioning FL based on incomplete evidence. His explanation is that he can't accept her falling in love with someone else, but he should at least investigate!

You might watch it for the actors, but otherwise, it's just so-so. At least they didn't include the kidnapping scene lol.

Read More