friends to loverspotatocouch:
At the end of the day, I suppose I'm just a sucker for the enemies-to-lovers trope due to that delicious tension. And please don't misunderstand me, but I enjoy watching the main characters toss each other around, showcasing that push-pull dynamic and power struggle. Additionally, I'm a massive fan of the contracted marriage and age gap themes; I can't get enough of them every single time.
you didn't refute my prediction about the CEO/farmer
Oh, I noticed it; I just didn't reply because I couldn't recall the specific details. I know they end up happy, but I can't quite remember if she fully resigned from her CEO role or if she relocated to the farm with him and assumed a different CEO position there, haha. So, I figured, since I don't remember, I won't say anything, and you discover it on your own. But you caught me, lol.
No, don't stop! LOL.
No, I believe my thought process was somewhat flawed because I was considering the idea of letting the baby live solely for she to looks at the baby, she'll see the baby's father. But then I realized, that's just awful since she witnessed his death. Hahaha! So, the notion of saving the child merely to serve as a reminder of murder felt too dark for me. However, I can be quite ruthless with characters I dislike! LOL
I'm glad I'm not the only one...didichan:
Welcome to the beginning of the RR wolves and sheep's clothing member subgroup.
I can share my personal thoughts on it if you want.Arclei:
Haha, I'm ok; I'll give a few episodes.
wow, how passive-aggressive
I don't believe she intended it that way. I think it was more of an ongoing joke at the office, so now it makes me laugh every time I see it. But it genuinely helps, so I'm thankful she did it! Haha. I told her not to worry because the woman who is her boss, whom I've known for years, took me about two years to remember her name, and it's the simplest name ever. Just three letters, yet I still forgot it. It's pretty embarrassing. LOL!
xD No, I don't have beef with how villains are written.
non-idol actors)
Can you recall any idol actor who has convincingly portrayed a villain? I can't think of any.
Also, she sounds dommy, and those are my favorite kind~
Yes! , I'm absolutely thrilled that we're finally getting some brainy female villains! I mean, can we please have them be more than just a pretty face in the palace? I want to see them strategizing and playing the game! If you're not into a round of Go, then count me out! I've seen so many villains that I adored at first, only for them to fizzle out because they got sidetracked and obsessed with being the darling everyone adores. My villainess needs to take the reins and have the men twirling around her like it's a dance-off! And, I want some spice in the mix too! But just to be clear, I don't want her to be a bratty genius villain. I want her to be the one pulling the strings while everyone else is clueless, with backup plans galore! A villainess who’s lurking in the shadows but still playing her game until the very last moment—am I asking for too much? LOL
not really RR, and oftentimes it just kinda feels like he's "allowing" FL to have power
it's very rare for a female lead but I believe the side couples often exhibit this trait. I think all the qualities that create a wolf in sheep's clothing are the reasons the female lead feels averse. It seems to me that this phenomenon occurs more frequently in modern RR romance than in historical ones. am I wrong ?
Can you recall any idol actor who has convincingly portrayed a villain? I can't think of any.Simi_Tutu:
Tan Jianci in Secret of Three Kingdoms. I wanted to gut the insufferable brat, which means he did a pretty good job, lmao. He actually stood his own amidst some damn good actors, especially in a difficult role. I was impressed.
I want her to be the one pulling the strings while everyone else is clueless, with backup plans galore! A villainess who’s lurking in the shadows but still playing her game until the very last moment—am I asking for too much? LOL
I completely agree. That's why I loved the villain from The Legend of Zhuohua so much. Ruthless, covert, cunning, and capable with a nice dose of vengeful and possessive.
It seems to me that this phenomenon occurs more frequently in modern RR romance than in historical ones. am I wrong ?
The wolf in sheep's clothing trope? Definitely not. It's quite prevalent in historicals, too (dare I say, I've seen it more in historicals, lol). As for side couples, idk, I've seen this trope with the lead couple most often.
Unless you meant something else. Not sure I understood what you said, lol.
Also, I have tracks to add to the playlist!!!
- Light of Love by Neo Hou & Wang Youran
- Descend by Neo Hou
- Starlit Moon Wilderness by Wang Youran
- Fallen Immortal by Xu Ziwei
- Spring Snow by Huang Shifu
- Stand Guard by Duan Aojuan
All from Glory ^^
Awww, yes, exactly!! I love watching shows alongside online people, it's so great that we're all watching it together even if we're far apart.octopus_joy:
I can't wait to see more of your thoughts! I'm on ep 14. I'm still enjoying it, but the drama wants me to suspend my disbelief for one big thing that doesn't make sense, even given the time period and polite society rules, and I'm finding it difficult. It also doesn't make the FL or Granny Rong seem smart. But alas...I'm invested, so I have to see what happens.
Pardon me for butting in to this convo but THIS IS ME omg. I don't know what kpop groups you're into but one of my absolute faves is Ateez Yeosang, and I am constantly in the position of seeing pics of him with !!!! captions, and I'm like "oh yes, his little waist" (or his adorable sweet face or his femme makeup or whatever) and then only after do I realize that the point of the post was his arms, oops.
You are not butting in! Please always feel free to thirst with us 😊
I'm a NCTzen, but I like Ateez! Yeosang is totally in the SLW (Slutty Little Waist) club, along with Seonghwa, Kai from EXO, Sunwoo from Enhyphen, and Jung Woo from NCT 127.
Looking at their waistlines makes me simultaneously jealous and thirsty.
It's nice bumping into another K-pop fan in here!
(I am like Arclei in that I prefer pretty delicate features on men - in fact it's pretty easy to put me off if the muscles are too big or too emphasized!)
I don't like anything too big or approaching a body builder physique, but I really like the juxtaposition of big muscles with a pretty face. I also love the other side of the spectrum, and am obsessed with pretty, delicate-looking men, which is why I'm into K-pop. (Felix from Stray Kids anyone???).
I know this is prolly done to show how only ML truly understands her, but like... He should know.
Oh, that's definitely why it was done. But I was willing to suspend my disbelief about him not knowing Shan Bao's likes because the writers made it clear early on that they really didn't want us to take him seriously, and if he knew FL's likes + subverted traditions, we'd have to. There'd be no way for the audience to ignore him as a serious, potential match for her instead of comedic relief and a vehicle to drive Shan Bao and Fu Sheng closer.
So I just laughed and took the scene for what it was. But you know what's sad the more I think about it? In a past post, I mentioned I found the character of Yan Bai Luo unnecessary, and now I know why. They should've just replaced him with Shan Bao's cousin or combined the characters into one. It would've made so much narrative sense, and Bai Luo's storyline could've easily been absorbed by Shao Bao's cousin. They really didn't need to be two separate characters, and the story actually suffers because of it. (If they'd merged both characters, they would've been able to make Shan Bao's cousin memorize her likes without fearing him becoming something in the story they never intended).
Okay, so I've established that I can suspend my disbelief for certain things—especially if I'm warned early. But what I can't suspend my disbelief for are intelligent/cunning characters making huge oversights for the sake of plot progression. Unfortunately, I think that happened with Shan Bao and Granny Rong. Even if the drama tries to spin it as a cunning "scheme" later on, it still won't make sense, so I'm a little disappointed. I won't say more until you get to episode 14. I'm curious to see what you think.
(Sorry for my lengthy musings lol).
Can't we get a serious RR drama?
I'm a bit surprised you don't view it as a largely serious drama. It doesn't feel like there's that many comedic scenes. Just some moments of levity that last a few seconds.
I'm just... a bit bummed that it's all pretend.... again *tired sigh* Edit: At least it's better than other dramas since she still holds the power between them.
I mean, we knew that going in, but I feel you. I wish the drama leaned into the dynamic a little more and for a little longer. You're right about us not getting many ML servants.
The 5th one for suuuuuuuure. RR dramas like their similars attract secondary couples.
Similars? >.>
You're not narrowing it down. Both are arrogant and rich xD do you mean the one who presented himself half-naked behind a pile of gold to FL as her 'gift' or the yandere?
Bahahaha. You're right, my bad. Not Crimson Chin (the one who tried to seduce her with gold). The yandere: He Xing Ming (who I think is so adorable, but I still can't stand his character).
I already know what's going on with him now 😬 Sadly, the writing's a bit lazy with his storyline.
Still on ep 3 cuz I had a very bad, not good at all day yesterday, and didn't wanna ruin the drama with my shite mood
Nooo! 😕 Was it a "nothing went right" type of bad day or a "lack of sleep has made me tired of everyone and everything" bad day?
If you do watch it, let me know what you think because I genuinely couldn't convince anyone to watch this movie yet and I'm so alone in my feelings about it xD
Okay :-D
I... yknow what, alright, valid xD LMFAO This is where we differ because angst? Yes pls, sad endings? NO!
That's so funny! I can do a bittersweet and possibly sad ending as long as I mostly enjoyed myself throughout, and you want to suffer throughout if you get a happy ending.
Hmmm...what does this say about us? 🤔
(I just realized some of my fav movies have messed up/sad endings 💀"Memento" and "Past Lives")
Different times. I was at my worst depression years and was desperate for anything superhero (since there was nothing else available that I liked and this was pre-drama era), so I watched two seasons before I didn't tune into the 3rd. I can get away with certain gory things by looking away, but it was very hard to stomach.
Oooh, I'm sorry to hear it was a hard time for you. In that case, at least you had something that helped you through.
I'm right there with you when it comes to looking away from gore. I can do blood, but when body parts and organs come into the mix, I'm out.
I kept seeing everyone gushing about the ML choking FL scenes from FH so I'm skeptical. But if it's only a bit of red-flagism at the beginning, it should be fine
Oh lawd, people really latched onto to that scene. Yes, it's a bit of red-flagism, but don't worry it's a blip. And if it helps, he didn't randomly do it just to be domineering or evil. Our girl isn't trying to go out without a fight, so she attacks him first. That scene is part of them full-on fighting in a moving carriage. He was just lucky she was still injured. Hopefully the other screenshots/scenes I've showed you balance the scales a bit for that one scene? I'm leaving you alone about Cruel Prince, but I'm still on my FH campaign 🙈 FH 2026! LOL.
Augh, that was really good 😩 I watched that like 5 times. It really is a constant battle for dominance, aye
SEE!!! They are evenly matched and well-suited for each other 🥺 All the emotional intimacy leading up to that is so rewarding, and there are so many times she gets him back or flusters him, and he falls first, but she kisses him first. I'm tempted to make a case by showing you all of these scenes, but then there'd be no point of you watching the drama lol.
But yeah, watch it with your mom! I know egalitarian isn't usually your thing, but it's such a fun, fast-paced drama (for most of it 💀) and a rare instance of actual egalitarian, you and your mom would have a good time. Just give it four episodes.
I guess this is where we differ xD
More muscly subs for me >: 3 (but I'm still not leaving my pretty boys alone).
I don't rlly follow kpop because I know I wouldn't last a second (tumblr keeps showing me images of Filex, and I am unwell). The only group I somewhat follow is Xlov, and yeah... if you need a visual femboy feast, they're your guys
What a coincidence! I just mentioned him above. Felix is arguably the prettiest femboy in K-pop. Especially with the blond hair. He's the one who lures people into stanning Stray Kids like a siren.
He does that blend of masculine/feminine that I love so much where he looks like an ethereal, golden-haired, freckled woodland fae, and opens up his mouth and his voice is deeper than the Mariana Trench. The contrast drives me crazzzyyy 😭❤️
https://youtube.com/shorts/3jRR7iElKjw?si=WErvplLdGOTf97AW
And if that wasn't freakin' deadly enough, this dude has the nerve to have an Australian accent!!!
https://youtube.com/shorts/6m6SdiMBVQQ?si=IIzI_fMNS9vpk2_R
(Hopefully these links work cause you really need to see them)
As for Xlov, I love their music!!! They came out of nowhere and just filled up my K-pop playlist.
Surprised to see older titles on your recc list 👀
Which ones?
Awesome, now we just need to find a day
What about this Friday?
Li Wu 💀
Wait, really? Hahahaha. Appearance-wise or personality?
It doesn't help that I was thinking about historical Sniper Butterfly and concluded that Cen Jin would be a wealthy merchant and Li Wu would be her scheming didi-to-CONSORT because he would never settle for just concubine.
That's absolutely the way it would go! We need a historical remake of Sniper Butterfly NOW. Can you imagine how good it would be? Wealthy merchant Cen Jin arriving in Li Wu's small village to see him getting abused by his uncle when all he wants to do is study scrolls and take some sort of state exam??? 🥹 It would be so cute seeing him go from a dirt room with a straw mat on the floor to a beautiful room with a proper period-correct bed in Cen Jin's mansion. And he gets a servant and tries all these foods he didn't even know existed. Imagine a robe-fitting scene where Cen Jin drapes silks on his body and measures him because he's too shy to let the shop owner take his measurements. Uggghhhh! Someone film this please!!!! Arclei and I can write it!!!!
So Friends I finished Rationale Life. You know it’s a good drama when you don’t want to fast forward any scenes !
Glad you liked it! I didn't fast-forward either. I thought it was soooo sweet.
As for RR this did not have that : female leads was more adorable bunny like with Dylan.
It's definitely not the most RR. Just the age gap and ML spoiling her like a wife. FL was mature, but definitely allowed herself to be pampered instead of doing the pampering.
I would give a 9/10 only if they focused more on the leads slow burn cute couple like scene but I had other things to like about it 8/10 !!!! Solid drama amazing acting well written !
I agree with all of this! Would've loved more time with the leads, but I thought it was introspective and well-written too.
At the end of the day, I suppose I'm just a sucker for the enemies-to-lovers trope due to that delicious tension. And please don't misunderstand me, but I enjoy watching the main characters toss each other around, showcasing that push-pull dynamic and power struggle.
Yeah, if enemies to lovers is your favorite trope, I can definitely see why you're more into the gay couple—which is fair. I forgot what ep I'm on, but their arc hasn't started yet. They're just bickering here and there for now.
Btw, since you love enemies to lovers, would you be able to recommend me any with the same dynamic as Sui Ge and Yi Xiao in Fated Hearts? I didn't like enemies to lovers, but I started to be a little more open to it in 2024 after reading Cruel Prince and then watching FH in 2025. Do you know of any dramas with the trope where the ML and FL are evenly matched in just about every aspect? I realized I could be missing out on some gems since I don't actively seek it out.
I know they end up happy, but I can't quite remember if she fully resigned from her CEO role or if she relocated to the farm with him and assumed a different CEO position there, haha. So, I figured, since I don't remember, I won't say anything, and you discover it on your own. But you caught me, lol.
Hahahaha no problem! I can see why you didn't touch on it then, but I appreciate the head's up. I won't put a ton of emotional stock in that couple, so I'm not disappointed.
I can be quite ruthless with characters I dislike! LOL
I guess I must be too because I was nodding along 😂 I was like yeah...that actually would've been a good punishment. But you're right, the poor baby wouldn't deserve that.
Let us both reel that darkness back in.
they really didn't want us to take him seriously
Yeah, that's what I mean, the drama is lowkey so unserious and taking away from the experience. It makes 0 logical sense for this to happen, and yet it does. Since they're doing the insufferable reverse-harem trope anyway, commit to it and at least pretend like you're giving them a fighting chance.
I also don't think him having a functioning brain cell and toddler-level deduction skills would pose a genuine threat to our flawless hero here. That should've been the challenge where he did thrive. It also makes no sense to not do this when ML isn't even participating in the event?
EDIT: Also in the beginning of the series, they show him to be far more calculating and scheming than he ends up being. To the point that it looks like he actually did get brain damage from all the abuse fellow contestants put him through (ref to my following msg). Like when he pretended to get drunk and paid off the women that had been paid to r-word him? That was clever, so where did all that go? Did ML absorb bro's IQ? I understand if they didn't want to make him a cunning schemer, but what is this mess?!
It's just giving amateur to me if the ML needs everyone else around him to be almost literally too dumb to live for him to end up with the FL. Like, how is this a serious show? 💀And why bother with this reverse harem crap if you're not gonna do ANYTHING with it other than these cringy asf jousting tournaments.
In a past post, I mentioned I found the character of Yan Bai Luo unnecessary
I didn't read your ep 7 notes cuz I'm not there yet, I'll revisit this once I watched it. But so far, yeah, very much feels like those two characters are the same, just slightly different. Could've been the same character, and then maybe the cousin wouldn't be reduced to the world's brattiest himbo to ever roam this earth (I love him tho)
I won't say more until you get to episode 14. I'm curious to see what you think.
Bestie out here binging. Okay, let's talk next month /hj xD
(Sorry for my lengthy musings lol).
Never apologize for lengthy musings
I'm a bit surprised you don't view it as a largely serious drama. It doesn't feel like there's that many comedic scenes. Just some moments of levity that last a few seconds.
As I mentioned above, it's overall so unserious. The antagonists are honestly just comically stupid; certain characters exist just for lols (e.g. the cousin, the one guy that keeps hurting his leg), the comedic moments sever the tension the drama builds, thus creating this overall unserious vibe, even if it isn't an outright comedy. At this point, I think if it WOULD'VE been a comedy, it might've been better because at least then it's intentional and you know what to expect.
It feels like they added the comedy in later due to censorship as opposed to it actually being in the script, if that makes sense? It also kinda feels like watching a minidrama but with a full-length budget. Idk how else to explain it.
I also realize my cringe tolerance is very low again, so I'm far less forgiving of the cringe, but I'm finding myself cringing more than I am kicking my feet... Idk why, but something about the drama just... rubs me the wrong way. I should love it to death and yet...
I wish the drama leaned into the dynamic a little more and for a little longer.
Ah... so the thing I'm enjoying isn't gonna last much longer...
Sadly, the writing's a bit lazy with his storyline.
Ngl, this drama in a nutshell.
Also, yandere dude is a pretty well-known minidrama actor. Seems like my 'feels like a mini' stands.
Was it a "nothing went right" type of bad day or a "lack of sleep has made me tired of everyone and everything" bad day?
More like a pmdd kinda day 😂
Hmmm...what does this say about us? 🤔
I wonder... Maybe it's 'cause life is full of hardships anyway, but as long as there's a light at the end of the tunnel, it makes it all worth it? For me anyways
Idk, I also just find that the overwhelming majority of sad endings are just dogshit writing OR just nihilistic crap wanting to milk viewers/readers for their tears, and I refuse to be the author's tear cow. Those slapped on sad endings are giving edgy preteen to me. This is especially the case in dramas. An Ancient Love Song and kind also The Embers were the only dramas with a sad ending that made sense narratively and weren't just a last-minute ass-pull and shocker, I liked them both.
I can do blood, but when body parts and organs come into the mix, I'm out.
Real, tho. One of the many reasons why I ended up moving away from western media. It's unwatchable.
Hopefully the other screenshots/scenes I've showed you balance the scales a bit for that one scene?
Yes, yes, as long as it's a brief scene and makes sense for the story, it should be fine ^^
and there are so many times she gets him back or flusters him, and he falls first, but she kisses him first.
😏 That's what I like to hear.
I know egalitarian isn't usually your thing
It is, actually. Some of my favorite dramas have this dynamic, lol xD I just prefer role reversal, is all, but if that's absent, egalitarian beats traditional.
Alright, I'll propose it to my mom and see if she wants to watch it sometime ^^ Thanks for all the info
he looks like an ethereal, golden-haired, freckled woodland fae, and opens up his mouth and his voice is deeper than the Mariana Trench.
That's a good descriptor, yeah xD
I had been introduced to his duality by a friend in the past. Can't say I like deep voices past "huh that's cool" but he is very easy on the eyes, indeed.
https://youtube.com/shorts/3jRR7iElKjw?si=WErvplLdGOTf97AW
Not the fidget spinner XD omg those take me back
https://youtube.com/shorts/6m6SdiMBVQQ?si=IIzI_fMNS9vpk2_R
Could barely hear him speak english 😅
Which ones?
Well, all but The Tale of Nokdu tbh xD
What about this Friday?
I'm good with that ^^ How late?
Appearance-wise or personality?
Role xD Unofficial super clingy and scheming didi is just reminding me a lot of LW. Past that, not much
That's absolutely the way it would go! We need a historical remake of Sniper Butterfly NOW. Can you imagine how good it would be? Wealthy merchant Cen Jin arriving in Li Wu's small village to see him getting abused by his uncle when all he wants to do is study scrolls and take some sort of state exam??? 🥹 It would be so cute seeing him go from a dirt room with a straw mat on the floor to a beautiful room with a proper period-correct bed in Cen Jin's mansion. And he gets a servant and tries all these foods he didn't even know existed. Imagine a robe-fitting scene where Cen Jin drapes silks on his body and measures him because he's too shy to let the shop owner take his measurements. Uggghhhh! Someone film this please!!!! Arclei and I can write it!!!!
I love that I threw out a prompt and you developed it into this whole thing! That's absolutely how it would go! Especially that scene of her draping silks on him? Yup yup yup, I like it. And LW bringing her tea and snacks when she's working overtime to manage the family affairs, and then falling asleep on her shoulder, forcing her to take a break and get some sleep too? And her accompanying him to the capital to take the exam while she manages trades n shit. Then he can get a small government official position and return to their 'hometown'. C'mon drama gods, don't be COWARDS!
Ep 6 was... more entertaining.
I think I'm just not vibing with the husband-selection arc 💀 It's such a 'don't think about anything' kinda arc. Like, girl, that cousin got beaten in the head like 4 different times, bro's gonna have permanent brain damage from this, and yet all the contestants who hurt him are allowed to continue and aren't even reprimanded. I would have less issue with it if FL weren't literally running the entire thing herself and her family have such high position. She does nothing to protect the guys, nor does she eliminate the troublesome guys? Like tf is that? I also know that in dramaland, women competing for men is the norm, but idk, this is giving me 'princes and knights fighting for the princess' hand in marriage' more than it's giving me RR? Just maybe with the princess having more agency on the matter (just not nearly enough).
Also, the two arrogant villains are just... so... unserious. Like the dumb stunts they pull, only to keep giving the cousin the advantage. Idk, maybe there'll be a huge plot-twist later (I'm guessing maybe with the yandere), but the other dude is just so fucking dumb, and it's taking me out.
Now that this arc is (hopefully) coming to an end, I'm starting to get more invested. Ep 6 was already better than the prev ones. Hopefully, it picks up from here 🙏🙏🙏 'Cause there are all the things they established in the first episode that did not develop yet, and I'm more interested in that than this. Like IDGAF about these dudes, SHOW ME THE BICKERING SISTERS!!!! THE SHADY BUTLER!!! TH YEARNING GRANDMAAAA
Wait... is my issue with this drama that there's just too much testosterone on my screen? Oh, that would explain a lot. I was promised female-centric and female-focused and I'm not getting that...
General thoughts because I had episodic notes that I'm sparing y'all from:
- Mr Yan is insufferable. This is the 4th time I've seen this actor, and I despise his character every. single. time. I'm having fun clowning on his character. Like years of monkhood to lose at first sight? RIP (his dad sounds evil tho, I wanna see him!!)
- I kinda love the cousin... he's cutely spoiled and dramatic but also sweet, like I wish there were another decent sister to ship him with, lol His eyes are so pretty and the fact that he looks like he's either been crying or is about to does NOT help 😭
- Also, the blossoming bromance with ML? So cute! I love experienced-concubine ML mentoring him by metaphorically grabbing him by the scruff of the neck and dragging him to victory. "Somehow I'll make a husband out of YOUUUU"
- Honestly, I think one of my fav aspects of this show is ML being the servant to a spoiled brat. It's so fucking amusing to me, I can't get enough of it. I need this dynamic again pls
- In ep 5, when didi grabbed FL's robe like that while being accused by the guys? AUGH- didi...
- Ugh, the steward is part of the reverse harem. Yes, of course, why not? Why would it be anything else? What else are male characters for if not to be lovestruck fools for FL? God forbid a RR drama NOT have a love-decagon
- Also, why is bro so ripped? Hell, why is the monk so ripped, too? Why are all these dudes so unbelievably strong? 😪 Do they feed them four dozen eggs?
- Also, why is bro so ripped? Hell, why is the monk so ripped, too? Why are all these dudes so unbelievably strong? 😪 Do they feed them four dozen eggs?
- The one who's a total delicate flower is the scholar, LMAO. Man can't stop fainting.
- I love how not-so-slowly ML is slithering his way into FL's heart with lethal puppy eyes, admirable selflessness, dramatic fainting & falling, and concubine-level scheming. Girl is so down bad for him and isn't even trying to hide it.
- I actually love this dramas commitment to having men faint. Like all the time. Either fake-fainting or real fainting but these men are distressed.
- The martial contest was cringe asf
- I saw this shot and went "lol, it's giving empress' favorite consort," AND THEN HE LITERALLY SAYS THAT, I'M SOBBING!!!!! Why do I keep predicting dramas? Have I seen too many RR dramas and my brain is fried?
- This drama has more whump than I thought it would (sadly not really good quality whump, so... 😔)
- If I had a penny for every RR historical drama I watched in the past 3 months with a reverse harem consisting of (at least) a not-cousin, a monk, and a subordinate catching feelings, I would have two pennies... which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice.
Also, I made some gifs. My "men staring up with puppy eyes" folder is exploding.
Edit:
Another thing I noticed is that 6 eps in, the drama basically developed no one's dynamic save for ML & FL slightly. I would understand other dynamics taking a back-seat for the lead romance, but that isn't the case here. After the first two eps, it's like everything took a backseat for this plethora of shallow asf dudes constantly invading my screen. FL interacts with basically no one but the people™ and ML on occasion (the best moments so far). The only other actual character dynamics being explored are the two rich guys who totally don't visit each other's bedroom at night (wink wonk) and ML and the cousin, both of which are actually interesting. Everything else either happened in the first two eps or happens very briefly.
There's just so much just... being there. Standing around. Ceremony then suddenly not cuz harhar comedy. Bickering. Business™.
Also, is it just me who feels like the vibe from the first 1-2 episodes is way different from the ones following? Is that also why I'm feeling off about it? Good ol bait-and-switch? xD I admittedly was expecting it to be slightly more suspenseful than it's being based on those initial eps.
potatocouch
Have you seen fight for love ?
I am watching it, on episode 21… this is a big RR drama I wonder why people don’t talk about it more. I for one think Victoria is one of the baddest sexiest RR queen . 👑 and the xuyi and her had intense chemistry from episode one.
Has anyone else seen it ?
I think Wei yun puppy eyes were to die for 🔥🥰
I haven't seen it, but I've liked Victoria since her f(x) days. I'll have to check it out.
EDIT: Also in the beginning of the series, they show him to be far more calculating and scheming than he ends up being.
Reading this triggered my memory back to when I wrote this a day or two ago:
And I actually adore her cousin. He's so unserious, but not a complete idiot at the same time.
This was in reference to when FL's cousin pretended to be drunk to avoid being assaulted and getting kicked out of the running. You're right 😳 Where did those brain cells go?
I was going to say most of the writing is unintelligent more than unserious because the two don't necessarily give the same vibe storytelling-wise, but...you have a big point. In this instance, the writing is so unintelligent the drama's become unserious.
And if that's giving you pause wait until you get farther 😬 I was able to get past the cousin's unrealistic writing, but it was much harder to suspend my disbelief for what happened toward the end of the husband tournament.
Also, yandere dude is a pretty well-known minidrama actor.
Oh wow, I recognized the 6th Rong Sister from verticals, but not him. I don't think I've seen him in any verticals. He's got a huge role in this, so good for him.
More like a pmdd kinda day 😂
Oh no 😮💨 Wishing you lots of rest and yummy carrot cake/brownies!
Idk, I also just find that the overwhelming majority of sad endings are just dogshit writing OR just nihilistic crap wanting to milk viewers/readers for their tears, and I refuse to be the author's tear cow.
They can definitely feel exploitative. The foreshadowing has to be good, and it has to make sense. I love Memento's ending because it's also the beginning. The story's told backward.
Yes, yes, as long as it's a brief scene and makes sense for the story, it should be fine ^^
Yay! Let me know if you decide to start it.
It is, actually. Some of my favorite dramas have this dynamic, lol xD I just prefer role reversal, is all, but if that's absent, egalitarian beats traditional.
Ohhhh, I wasn't sure if you actually liked it or just tolerated it if the story was interesting. Good to know!
Could barely hear him speak english 😅
Turn it uuuupppp!
Well, all but The Tale of Nokdu tbh xD
For some reason, I suddenly thought you were talking about one of the lists on my profile 😂
But yeah, just realized even though I can do more historical K-dramas than Chinese, Tale of Nokdu was the last one I thought had an intriguing plot until The Tale of Lady Ok.
I'm good with that ^^ How late?
Is 7pm for me, 9pm for you okay?
Role xD Unofficial super clingy and scheming didi is just reminding me a lot of LW.
Yeah, that's definitely similar lol.
I love that I threw out a prompt and you developed it into this whole thing!
Force of habit hahaha.
And her accompanying him to the capital to take the exam
Maybe we could even squeeze in a RR horse riding scene with Li Wu sitting in the front and Cen Jin behind (but peeking around him so she can see). The visual would be funny because he's so big, but after an initial laugh at the contrast we wouldn't make the heart of the scene a joke. It would demonstrate how poor Li Wu's family was because they only had one horse, and how cruel his uncle was because he never let him use the horse, so he had to walk everywhere or ride, like, a lesser animal like a donkey or even an ox. So Cen Jin gets to sit behind a scared Li Wu and teach him how to hold the reins and steer the horse..etc. 🥹
Then he can get a small government official position and return to their 'hometown'.
But she's furious about that little dream of his because she thinks he's smart enough to get a position in the palace, yet he just wants to stay near her.
and yet all the contestants who hurt him are allowed to continue and aren't even reprimanded.
THIS!!!! This is a pet peeve of mine, but I couldn't go into it before because I was waiting for you guys to catch up!!!
How does Shan Bao have no control over this "tournament" when she and her family are the ones who are running it??? This is where my opinion started shifting from "this is fun" to "this is so dumb".
Wait until you see what happens earlier. You're gonna be mad just like I was. I actually stopped binging the drama because of it lol. I still plan to continue, but...I'm annoyed.
Just maybe with the princess having more agency on the matter (just not nearly enough).
Emphasis on the "not nearly enough". The first two episodes made me think she was going to have way more agency than she actually does, and that she was going to be more ruthless than she actually is. Now that I'm on ep 14, I'm admittedly disappointed with her character, and Grandma Rong! Even if Shan Bao doesn't put her foot down hard enough, it's wild that Grandma Rong is letting these men run a muck in her palace. I actually started eyeing Grandma Rong much earlier than that though because the woman barely disciplines her granddaughters, and that's why most of them suck as people.
Hopefully, it picks up from here 🙏🙏🙏
🤔
Like years of monkhood to lose at first sight?
THANK YOU!!!! Now that you've met him, I can finally get this off my chest: he really saw Shan Bao, and was like never mind, I'm tryna f***???!!! LOL. What???? That was so jarring and off-putting to me when the drama wants us to think the world of him. How is that a compelling story arc??? I don't care about him at all, even 7 episodes later, and I feel nothing between him and Shan Bao. So for him to care about her the way he does is laughable. They really should've just merged him with the cousin. Now that would've been an amazing character.
I kinda love the cousin... he's cutely spoiled and dramatic but also sweet, like I wish there were another decent sister to ship him with, lol
I still love him too, even with the bad writing 🥹 I was like not too much on my boy now hahahaha j/k. I think we're both upset because we saw the potential for him to be a compelling love interest (especially in the first couple of episodes), but he's been dumbed down and reduced to comedic relief. I did end up accepting that, but I would've been interested to see him shipped with the 4th Rong Sister if she was also more 3-dimensional, and not so cartoonishly evil.
Honestly, I think one of my fav aspects of this show is ML being the servant to a spoiled brat. It's so fucking amusing to me, I can't get enough of it. I need this dynamic again pls
😬
The one who's a total delicate flower is the scholar, LMAO.
👀
I love how not-so-slowly ML is slithering his way into FL's heart with lethal puppy eyes, admirable selflessness, dramatic fainting & falling, and concubine-level scheming. Girl is so down bad for him and isn't even trying to hide it.
Now, this I'm enjoying! They're very cute together, and have great chemistry. They're honestly why I'm sticking with the show.
The martial contest was cringe asf
Man, you really are all-business right now 😂 I thought it was fun! I was like finally...MOVEMENT! Action! Instead of something happening (usually offscreen), and them convening in a room so various people can plead their case/innocence. That's irritating me tbh. It's a constant thing that happens.
I would have two pennies... which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice.
I love this reference lol.
Another thing I noticed is that 6 eps in, the drama basically developed no one's dynamic save for ML & FL slightly.
I think after that is when they slowly start developing another couple who is also interesting >.> But I want even more of them.
Also, is it just me who feels like the vibe from the first 1-2 episodes is way different from the ones following? Is that also why I'm feeling off about it? Good ol bait-and-switch? xD
I don't think the vibe is completely different (the most jarring tonal/vibe change I've ever experienced was with Vincenzo LOL. That's a textbook example), but the drama made promises on things it's trying to deliver on, but the writing is failing. So I think the vibe is the same, but watered down? It's a bit like watery soup.
I was going to say most of the writing is unintelligent more than unserious because the two don't necessarily give the same vibe storytelling-wise, but...you have a big point. In this instance, the writing is so unintelligent the drama's become unserious.
Okay, so I'm NOT just being a bitter ass. Yes, I completely agree with both being different, but like you said, it's unintelligent to the point of unserious.
And if that's giving you pause wait until you get farther 😬
Oh my god... I think imma start fast-forwarding already. It gets worse?
Tell me, how long is the husband competition? I'm ready for it to be over already.
I don't think I've seen him in any verticals. He's got a huge role in this, so good for him.
He doesn't do verticals from my knowledge, just regular minis. I saw him in My Decoy Bride. You can tell based on the amount of flowers he has that he's fairly popular XD
Wishing you lots of rest and yummy carrot cake/brownies!
Thank you, thank you 💞 Currently enjoying some (water) kefir rn
They can definitely feel exploitative. The foreshadowing has to be good, and it has to make sense. I love Memento's ending because it's also the beginning. The story's told backward.
Exactly! If done well I can appreciate them for what they are, even if I might not particularly gravitate towards them, but those are few and far in between.
I haven't seen the movie you mentioned, but yeah, it feels like something you can expect and makes sense. I once again request you to consider An Ancient Love Song. I think you would like it for various reasons. (HUGE SPOILERS) The story goes in reverse and can theoretically be watched front to back and back to front because the first time ML meets FL is the last time she sees him, and vice versa. Pls, it's such an experience
Yay! Let me know if you decide to start it.
You betcha! 😜
Turn it uuuupppp!
Bestie I diiiiidd, the audio is bad xD I put it at 30%!
until The Tale of Lady Ok.
Omg you watched this?! Did you end up finishing it? What an unusual watch for you! That shit is so angsty it even had me gasping for air (and I've yet to finish it because wow is it a heavy watch).
Is 7pm for me, 9pm for you okay?
Yeah, that works for me! ^^ Yay, we set the date!
Maybe we could even squeeze in a RR horse riding scene with Li Wu sitting in the front and Cen Jin behind
ROLE REVERSAL HORSE RIDING SCENEEEEEE- GIRL YOU ARE SPEAKING MY LANGUAGE!!!!!!!
So Cen Jin gets to sit behind a scared Li Wu and teach him how to hold the reins and steer the horse..etc. 🥹
RR horse riding scene +++++ teaching scene!!!! You know me so well 🙏🥺😭 The gentle touches on his hand, teaching him how to hold the reins while his eyes look at ANYTHING but what she's showing him, his back stiffening when she leans into him, his hands grabbing her arm when the horse suddenly starts moving... her hand firmly on his waist when he starts trying to go himself? Little flustered smiles when she praises him and her constant encouragement? Her proud, beaming smile? Maybe some light teasing, like giving the horse a tap to speed up before LW's ready? AAAAAAAAAAWWWW
And may I also add... Maybe in a prev scene... A scared LW holding onto his jiejie's waist while she rides in the front? Cuz pls, he would make such a cute backpack!!! <3 Probably his first time on horseback, scared and stressed as is, hugging her tight suddenly forgetting his shyness, his head on her upper back? (It's cute cuz he's so tall and big yet scared, while she's short and small but fearless, we love to see it).
I would go feral immediately, tbh.
But she's furious about that little dream of his because she thinks he's smart enough to get a position in the palace, yet he just wants to stay near her.
OMG YEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSs!!!! 🙏👏🙏👏 And she comes to understand that not only is he allowed to make his own decisions and wanting to be near her is valid, but that he also thrives wherever he goes so his talents will never go to waste (and maybe also that the palace would absolutely chew him up and spit him out, let's be real. Bro would only maybe survive as a concubine).
How does Shan Bao have no control over this "tournament" when she and her family are the ones who are running it??? This is where my opinion started shifting from "this is fun" to "this is so dumb".
I know right? It's absolutely ridiculous how all of this keeps happening under their noses. They can't even play the "don't want to offend anyone" card because they literally kicked out and publicly humiliated previous contestants!!
Especially in a household as, I guess... misandrist(?) as the Rongs, you would think that such behaviour from the men would be completely unacceptable, and they keep TELLING us that it is, and yet, these absolute thugs are still here. Like they can't possibly spin this in a "we had planned this all along" kinda way. That cousin definitely has brain damage.
Wait until you see what happens earlier. You're gonna be mad just like I was. I actually stopped binging the drama because of it lol. I still plan to continue, but...I'm annoyed.
Oh my god.... I am NOT looking forward to whatever this is implying... Idk for how long this drama will be able to stay over the 50% for me.
The first two episodes made me think she was going to have way more agency than she actually does, and that she was going to be more ruthless than she actually is. Now that I'm on ep 14, I'm admittedly disappointed with her character, and Grandma Rong!
She seemed really badass, and they do imply she is supposed to be, but girl, where is that backbone when it comes to actually setting your foot down!? huh?! Can you only ever play the gentlewoman in shining armor when there is a pretty man in immediate danger? What about preventative help? Ever thought of that? What about CONSEQUENCES?! She's all talk!!
Yeah, the grandma doesn't seem to have a backbone either... arguably less than FL. Which begs the question... how did their family last as long as it did? Who's been actually running the place with an iron fist before them?
They really should've just merged him with the cousin. Now that would've been an amazing character.
Wholeheartedly agree!!! Glad I'm not the only anti-fan!! He's so... typical ML-coded. Good at everything, lowkey inviting himself into everything, ugh, he's unbearable. His arc is absolute dogshite, and, like you said, so similar to the cousin (but worse), so why not actually develop 1 3D character instead of these two caricatures?
but he's been dumbed down and reduced to comedic relief.
Yeah, it's such a shame because his character is interesting!! Like how despite not being the ML, he gets most of the heat from the other participants due to FL's favortism. And how he's almost extended ML-esque grace while the actual ML is delegated to his servant, like it's so compelling! But they had to dumb him down to not make him an actual threat to their relationship (as if ML needs that help, pls).
I think he and the 4th sister could make an interesting pair, yeah, but she's just a bit... well, exactly what you said. Out of the decent women, there IS still FL's cousin? Maybe she can take him?
😬
Yeah... It's already ending. I see it... (ep 7)
👀
NOT HIM TOO, GIRL, IS THERE EVEN A REASON FOR ME TO CONTINUE?!
Man, you really are all-business right now 😂 I thought it was fun! I was like finally...MOVEMENT!
That's valid, but that's also the only good thing about it, tho. Like it was so... low-budget jousting competition-coded. Oh my GOD- it was criiiiinge.
Never thought I'd see a husband-competition be SO incredibly boring and tedious. Goodness, how did they make nothing compelling? I've seen plenty of contest-like scenarios, and none as badly executed as this one. The only one I somewhat enjoyed was the tea-making one, but it also felt... overly complicated (with all the melodrama in the middle) and lackluster in its conclusion (with the only saving grace being ML flaunting his brand new outfit and semi-officially positioning him as a fellow candidate).
I think after that is when they slowly start developing another couple who is also interesting >.> But I want even more of them.
I am.... quite intrigued. I was hoping for, but not holding my breath for, all the sisters to get paired up. Doubt it'll happen since we're 7 eps in and the other sisters BARELY SHOW UP
So I think the vibe is the same, but watered down? It's a bit like watery soup.
This entirely, but idk, the first episode was giving me thriller, suspense, drama, and INTENSE drama. Then it becomes this... uhm *gestures* whatever this is, tbh. Going into the drama, I was expecting what I'm getting now (but better written), but that's not how they started the drama, so the first episode and a half does feel kinda out of place imo. Maybe you saw through the deceitful first ep and already knew what was coming, so you were just waiting for it to go back to regular scheduling XD
Like, remember, there was human trafficking and implied cannibalism in the first episode.
Also, some of the stuff you mentioned is a bit on the spoilery side, so you might wanna tag some of it so that no one accidentally stumbles upon it before watching. If you spot any spoilers I might've missed, let me know too ^^
On an only slightly related note, but I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO tired of dramas that start off in winter for the first episode or two, then immediately go to summer/spring setting. I AM LIVID- LEAVE THEM IN THEIR FLUFFY CLOAKS, IT ADDS AURA!!! (men in floofy asf cloaks look so cute, plsssssss)
Finally watched ep 7 so I can reply!
The martial arts tournament was so fun to watch! Loved the fight choreography
IM CRYYIIIIINNNGGGGGGG- xD I'm glad you enjoyed it.
I've noticed the 3rd sister is usually MIA. I feel like I’ve barely seen her since her introduction. Does she mostly hang out with their brother? What is she plotting? Why doesn't she generally appear with the other sisters?
I noticed the same thing! To the point that I was wondering if they HAD introduced her! She barely shows up.
Kinda bummed that there's not one single decent nor competent sister in that family... like, damn y'all- Their mother really pushed out 6 daughters just to have one with no backbone and 4 scheming pieces of crap??
Also... how are all the sisters so idle?! Don't they have businesses to run? I know the 4th one is trying to go to work on the field, but what about other stuff? Does FL truly manage everything herself? Literally HOW?! Also lowkey, I'd also hate her guts then. Like you can't have 4 daughters that do NOTHING all day. TF? Wouldn't some be in charge of certain shops or maybe of trade or whatever? Like?
but I'm really interested in the 5th sister and the scholar's dynamic. Especially after episode 7 😏 Poor guy lol. I'm sure she'll be worth it in the end. They're definitely RR as well. I can't believe Glory is giving us two couples!!
Me too... The girl seems to have a few screws loose.
Also, are they implying that she ISN'T a legitimate daughter? Why does she talk about her mom as if it isn't the same mother as the others? Her mother seems to have been a maid, so did FL's dad have an affair, or was she adopted into the family? Who is in the know about this?
This also kinda makes me wonder if she isn't faking her disability all along to get sympathy points and seem less threatening... It'd definitely be in cdrama-character.
But yeah, she's a thorough green-tea. That poor scholar... my pookie babygirl angel is being targeted by everyone 🥺
It's like he was just added to be a competent love rival for Fu Sheng since the cousin is obviously too immature, the other men suck, and the scholar belongs to the 5th sister.
Yup.... I see what you mean. Insufferable.
Lastly, is it weird that I don't like the 4th sister and want to slap her, but also want to see a nice pretty boy soften her?
Girl... we the same 'cause this is me with pretty much all evil women!!!! I-can-fix-her men FTW!! (and also just boytoys that can't fix them but either love them anyway or are forced to be with them 😈). I want her and the 2nd sister to get a husband SO bad. I think the 4th one has potential to calm the fuck down if she... ehm... has something to relieve her pent-up frustrations on ehm, ehm. The 2nd sister seems more far gone and dangerous... maybe the yandere dude could be a nice fucked-up match for her? XD
Tho... tbh..................................... I'd kinda like the 4th sister and the scholar together in a fucked-up kinda way 😭 Like, I KNOW SHE HARASSES HIM, BUT ALSO.... I'm evil 😈 I think it'd be nice and messy and.... I think scholars make good boy toys for evil women, what can I say?
Some other notes on ep 7:
- Am I the only one who was thoroughly confused by ML getting upset with FL? Like it was so sudden and absurd, I thought they were playing it up for snooping ears 💀
- It is, however, pretty cute how he got all worked up over nothing and ended up arguing with himself in the garden like a lovesick maiden talking to flowers.
- Girl, the way I was in shock and lowkey having the time of my life when the 4th sister was bullying the scholar??????? Oh, she's NASTY!!!! My poor baby was tricked, humiliated, and harassed!! It was cute how ML, being the nosy mf that he is, hurried to save him. I can't tell you much, I ADORE RR moments like this, my BREAD AND BUTTER
- First the butler, now the 4th sister... I kinda love all these women taking advantage of all the pretty boys... It's fueling my sadism.
- Not ML turning on his homie now!! My poor scholar bb is too naive for the experts of concubine ML- he trusts hiiiiimmm :( Noooo
- When ML was smirking like that upon being asked what he and FL should do to pass off as lovers... pushing her on a swing like children was NOT what I was expecting, let me tell u... right arrow key my beloved <3 What did you think of it?
- Is didi remembering he has braincells at his disposal?
- Hehehehe, whump <3
*deep sigh* Glory is somewhat entertaining, but this is not the top hit I was hoping it would be (even tho I keep being curious for the next ep)... I wish my moodiness would be over so I can watch fucked-up revenge political thrillers, but my heart weighs heavily, so I must wait it out... but everything is so boooooooooriiiiing or unbearably heavy 😩
it's unintelligent to the point of unserious.
On a positive note, there are still things about the drama I'm enjoying immensely or I wouldn't have made it to ep 14. It's been a while since I've made it to double digit episodes in a historical.
One of those things is the main couple even though they aren't characterized exactly the way I want. I'm also interested in seeing what happens when Jiang Lai/Fu Sheng starts getting his memory back.
Tell me, how long is the husband competition?
Ep 10
You're gonna be mad at that too.
just regular minis. I saw him in My Decoy Bride.
Oooh gotcha. Was it good?
I once again request you to consider An Ancient Love Song. I think you would like it for various reasons. (HUGE SPOILERS) The story goes in reverse and can theoretically be watched front to back and back to front because the first time ML meets FL is the last time she sees him, and vice versa. Pls, it's such an experience
Dang it, I do enjoy a non linear/free-flowing timeline. Flashback to me walking out the theater after liking Arrival while all my friends fell asleep/hated it. (But years later, they appreciate its genius 🙄 Story of my life).
Okay, I see that it's only 14 episodes. I'll consider it.
Memento's a great movie if you're looking for a good m*ndf*ck. It was one of the first times a movie's ever made me feel tricked and betrayed. Deeply. Not a cheap, M. Night Shyamalan way.
Omg you watched this?! Did you end up finishing it? What an unusual watch for you! That shit is so angsty it even had me gasping for air (and I've yet to finish it because wow is it a heavy watch).
No no no hahaha. I was saying when it came out, I entertained watching it because the premise sounded interesting, but I never got around to it. After you said it was good, I added it to my PTW yesterday.
Yeah, that works for me! ^^ Yay, we set the date!
Yaaayyyy! Are we watching it then dissecting it on Saturday? Or chatting as we're watching it?
The gentle touches on his hand, teaching him how to hold the reins while his eyes look at ANYTHING but what she's showing him, his back stiffening when she leans into him, his hands grabbing her arm when the horse suddenly starts moving... her hand firmly on his waist when he starts trying to go himself? Little flustered smiles when she praises him and her constant encouragement? Her proud, beaming smile? Maybe some light teasing, like giving the horse a tap to speed up before LW's ready? AAAAAAAAAAWWWW
Ahhhh!!! The DETAILS! Soooo good!
Li Wu is not only touch starved, but he has the cutest little praise kink. This would be such a good scene to facilitate that.
And may I also add... Maybe in a prev scene... A scared LW holding onto his jiejie's waist while she rides in the front? Cuz pls, he would make such a cute backpack!!! <3
YES. We would need to start with that. He'd make an adorable jumbo backpack for sure 🥹
Probably his first time on horseback, scared and stressed as is, hugging her tight suddenly forgetting his shyness, his head on her upper back?
I would explode.
OMG YEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSs!!!! 🙏👏🙏👏 And she comes to understand that not only is he allowed to make his own decisions and wanting to be near her is valid, but that he also thrives wherever he goes so his talents will never go to waste (and maybe also that the palace would absolutely chew him up and spit him out, let's be real. Bro would only maybe survive as a concubine).
The palace could also represent the America arc. Like, he does go and it does a number on him, and that's why he comes back as a Green Tea.
