Not-Quite Cis-Het

Wang Wu and Wang Lu both have close emotional relationships with their best friends, to the point that at times it feels like they are both poly. Regardless, the mains are chaotic in a way only a bi could be

Is this an exploration of gender or sexuality, both or neither? I would say all of the above. The plot has a K-drama Gordan Ramsey put into a Joseon queen's body, where he slowly falls in love with her husband, the king, and gets used to his changed form. The story parallels feelings of dysphoria and internalized bi-erasure, but its true selling point is the romance supersedes gender and sexuality. The ride is worth it, but be prepared to find the ending disappointing

"cold-hearted woman" is a common xianxia/wuxia theme, where the FL has her ability to love locked away (see Ashes of Love). IMO this mimics the demi/grey asexual dating experience pretty well. I can't say these kinds of dramas bring anything but pain (even in real life lol), but Cheng Yi and Crystal are worth it in this one. The twist of this drama also qualifies it for this list, but spoilers so I'll stay mute.