Favorite Couples from Dramas

"Do you still remember me?" -FL

"I'd remember you, even if you turned to ashes." -ML

Those were the first words they said to one another after having been apart for 8 years. And from that moment I knew I was a goner.

This is a guy who doesn't say much so when he does speak every word has heart (when directed to the FL). I was head over heels for this couple and their love story. If I could clear my mind and watch their love story all over again, I would in a heartbeat!

Romance Type: Second Chance Romance

"Thanks to you, I was never lonely for a day."-Ae Sun

In a world where Ae Sun was destined to be pitiful and unloved, there was Gwan Sik (ML) a boy who refused to let her know that feeling. Ever since he was a child, he was by Ae Sun's (FL) side, whether she wanted it or not. His love for Ae Sun was endless. So endless he would make sure she ate grouper every day because her family would never provide her any, let her set her stall in front of his family's store (against his family's wishes) and sell her cabbage because she refused to do it herself because she was too embarrassed. He even ran away with her simply because she asked him to. And most of all, he chose her first, even when it came to his own family. 

Gwan Sik wasn't gifted with a lot of money, nor did he excel when it came to academics, but as Ae Sun said, “We may have hungry days, but you’ll never break my heart."  And quite honestly, that was why he was the perfect man for Ae Sun. 

Romance Trope: Soulmates 

"He went from a man I'd barely spoken ten words to--to someone I had to thank and respect. To the light of my life. The man I can't live without. My man. No matter if life ahead is bitter or sweet, we're family and we're bound to life; never to part. " - Xiu Xiu (FL) 

 Xiu Xiu (FL) comes from one of the only two rich families in her village. She's never known hunger or the feeling of being dirty and tired or having to work for every single penny until she married  Da Jiao (ML)--a farmer. A farmer who had to work every single day to make a living and put food on the table. But he never complained or wished for any other type of life. 

With their different social backgrounds and Xiu Xiu already on her way to get married to her childhood sweetheart, their lives were never meant to intertwine until fate decided to intervene and change the course of her life forever...and I believe it was for the best because Da Jiao is hands down one of the best husbands I have ever seen in a drama. 

Romance Trope: Marriage of Convience  

If someone asked me today what dramaland couple has my entire heart, my reply would be the lead couple from When I Fly Towards You.

 The FL has such an infectious personality that just makes you want to smile. It's so easy to see  why the ML Zhang Lu Rang or as the FL affectionately refers to him as Rang Rang  (and he never once corrects her) fell so easily for her.  

The ML on the other hand is very introverted. H speaks very little; so it may seem like their personalities would never mesh but the FL really brings out that spark in him. 

Romance Trope: Friends To Lovers

"When she's sorrowful, I'll be nervous. When she smiles just once, all the cold winters in the world seem to disappear. When she sees a hairpin, I will remember it with my heart. When the weather changes, I will worry if she'll be rained on. When she's not home for a few days, I'll miss her like crazy." -Pei Wen Xuan (ML)

Li Rong (FL) and Pei Wen Xuan (ML) are a prime example of what can happen to a marriage when miscommunication, pride, and distrust take over your relationship. You lose twenty years of your life being miserable when all you had to do was have a single heart-to-heart conversation. 

They felt real and raw, and that's why I love this couple so much. When they were given a second chance at life. Pei Wen Xuan didn't take his love for Li Rong for granted. He was open, vulnerable, and pushed his pride aside. And in doing so, Li Rong was able to rekindle the love that she once felt at the start of their relationship, 20 years ago. 

Romance Trope: Second Chance Romance 

''Love is not about being happy and whispering sweet nothing. Love is when you endure the pain together. When you choose to stay instead of running away.''

Did  Hyun Woo(ML) and Hae In (FL)   have the perfect marriage? No. There marriage was literally being held up by sticks; so fragile that it was only a matter of time before those sticks came crashing down. And when they did the emotions these two had been withholding from one another came to the forefront; raw and at various times bitter.

Neither of them were perfect, and they both were at fault for their marriage crumbling. It was no ones fault it was just life and life didn't pan at the way they anticipated when they got married. 

Their love story is one of my all-time favorites because we got to witness two people falling back in love with one another and fighting to be together even if the circumstances seemed dire. 

Romance Trope: Second Chance Romance

"In a world full of boys, he's a gentleman." That's the first phrase that comes to mind when I think of Sevi (ML). He comes from humble beginnings: raised by a single mom when his father left, having a friendship with mainly girls, and taking care of his little sister. I believe that's partially why Sevi is such a gentleman and why he was able to see past Elyse's (FL) exterior even when she was rude towards him. 

Elyse (FL) may come across as uptight and spoiled, but she's far from that. She's caring and sweet, but not everyone gets to see that side of her because not many people actually try and get to know her. But Sevi is different; he quickly breaks down Elye's walls to the point that Elyse starts to fall for him before she even realizes it. 

The reason I adore this couple so much is because we got to witness their love for five years--the ups, downs, and everything in between. Their relationship wasn't an easy ride, but it felt very realistic to witness and even when they weren't together the love they had between one another remained. 

Romance Trope: Enemies to lovers/Second Chance Romance

"You've helped me too many times, and I'm afraid I can't pay it back." -Pan Er
"Did I ask you to pay it back?" -Qian Fan

The relationship between the main leads was so mature and thoughtful. They have different status in their world but not once does Qian Fan look down on or treats her less than because of her background. To him, she's both his equal and the woman who owns his heart. 

Romance Trope: Enemies to Friends to Lovers 

"In this life, I’ve walked through mountains of blades and seas of fire, but the hardest path is the one to your heart."-Ning Yuan Zhou 

Ren Ruyi (FL) is the embodiment of perfection. She's smart, decisive, loyal, and downright gorgeous with an air of regalness about her that defies her assassin background. Ning Yuan has similar traits to  Ren Ruyi, being the leader of the Wu State's Six Realms Hall and all. Both of their lives are in constant danger, so for them, every day they're alive feels like a miracle. 

Neither of them conjures up the idea of love and romance because what's the point in their world? They could die tomorrow. But through numerous trials of life and death, they both realize that even if their lives may end short, it wouldn't be too if they had each other until their time comes.

Romance Trope: Friends To Lovers 

Yong Sik is my type of man. He's persistent, sweet, caring, and most of all loyal. He doesn't do anything extravagant or crazy to get Dongbaek to fall in love with him. He's just a genuinely nice guy whose first thought every morning is most likely, "How can I make Dongbaek smile today?" The FL has it had rough. Being a single mother who's felt unloved for so many years is a large wall to break down. 

I also loved how the FL always put her son first and Yong Sik's understanding of that. 

One of my favorite scenes from the drama is when Dongbaek says Yong Sik is a catch and she's afraid someone else might snatch him and all the ladies look at her as if she's crazy.  It's because only she could see what no one else could see. 

Romance Trope: Love at First Sight (On ML's side)

I love this couple to pieces.

The ML is one of the most considerate MLs I have ever seen. I have never seen a ML give up his jacket so many times, or call and make sure the FL has eaten, got her home/picked her up from work, given her the biggest room in his apartment that he purchased to be close to her...etc. 

I love the FL as well, she's spunky and super protective and caring when it comes to the ML. 

One of my favorite scenes is when the ML's stalker comes up to them while she and the ML are having dinner and said stalker tosses water at the ML and without missing a beat, the FL tosses a cup of water right back on the stalker chick. She didn't even know the situation but she knew she had to protect her man. 

Romance Trope: Childhood Crush/Love at First Sight (On FL's side)

When I say I want a hard working man I mean a man like Chief Hong.  Not only is the ML's job's e  endless but he somehow always has time in his schedule to curve out time for the beautiful Dr. Yoon. Albeit most of that time was to annoy her--but that's before the romance kicks in. And when it does kick in, it's just as adorable  at the leads dual dimples. 

I also have a really soft spot for this couple because they pulled me back into watching Kdramas.  After going years without watching them. 

Romance Trope: Enemies to Lovers 

If I ever have to make a thesis on perfect chemistry, I'd use the leads in this drama as a prime example. There's no removal of clothing or flashing of skin. Instead we get steamy stares, the soft touching of hands, banter...every interaction they have be it good or bad is just chemistry gold. 

Joo Won can be a pompous jerk at times but no one can deny the love he haves for Ra-Im. And Ra-Im may seem like she has tough exterior because of her job profession but she's a softie to the core. And somehow they both manage to balance each other out. 

Romance Trope: Enemies to Lovers

In their world Ae Jung (FL) is former K-pop idol that not just fell off but has a tarnished reputation to boot whereas Dok Go Jin (ML) is a top billing actor and Korea's Golden Star. Because of this, nobody wants them to be together. 

But even knowing this the ML decides to be with her even at the expense of his own career because she's the love his life. If that isn't love I don't know what is. 

One of my favorite scenes is when he goes on a talk show and the host gives him a lineup of famous gorgeous women and ask him who he finds the most attractive and over and over again he says the FL's name letting the world know that that was his woman and no one can hold a dime to her. 

Romance Trope: Enemies to Lovers

Bong Bong and Min Min moments were so sweet and charming. I couldn't stop grinning while watching them. The M reminds me a lot of Yong Sik (from When The Camella Bloom) with his unwavering love and support of the FL even when she denies his feeling for her. 

It was also admirable how he found her physical strength charming instead of being intimidated like a lot of other men might have been.  

In all honesty. What really made this couple one of my favorites was the scene where the ML bloodied his fingernails against the door trying to save Bong Bong . While she screams at him to save himself and he refuses. She wanted him to live and his refusal to leave because he couldn't live in a world without her made me fall for this couple. 

Romance Trope: Love at first sight (On ML side)

“Let me make one thing very clear. I want you. I’ve wanted you every single goddamn day since you walked out of my life, and even more since the day you walked back in it.”-Hao Ming (ML)

Xu Yan (FL) and Hoa Ming's (ML) marriage started with lies. And as we all know, a relationship built on lies is bound to crumble, and boy, did this one crumble. It was painful to watch their marriage decline because even through Xu Yan's lies, the girl was really giving it her all when it came to him but he never believed her. 

What I loved so much about Xu Yan is that it would have been so easy to stay in a loveless marriage and live a comfortable life, but she refused because even though the clothes and jewlery were nice; all she craved at the end of the day was a home and love. And when the ML realized that--he had know choice but to grovel to win her back. 

Romance Trope: Second Chance Romance

This starts off as a one-sided love with Ling Bu Yi falling in love at first hand (You get that reference if you watched the drama) with Shao Shang. He essentially loves her from afar while helping her out in any way he could without her knowing a lot of the time. 

One of my favorite scenes and I'm convinced this is the scene where the FL starts to slowly fall for the ML (and not realize it)  is when her mother puts her down in front of the Emperor. It was such a humiliating and sad moment for the FL but the ML does something that no one has ever done for her.  He stands up for her, praises her, and proposes to her all in one breath. In his own way he was making it known that no one was going to look down on the woman he loves when he's around. 

When the FL does fall for him it's a wrap for both of them. No matter the length or time or distance neither would ever move on from each other whether they're together or not. 

Romance Trope: Love at First hand (you'll understand the meaning if you watch the drama) & Second Chance for second part

 Zhi Yao-"What shall I Give You?"

Hong Dou- "But you have already given me tons of things."

 Zhi Yao-""What did I give you?"

Hong Dou" - The sunrise, the sunset, the starry sky, the wind, courage, hope...."

I love how we as viewers can see the progression of them slowly start falling in love with each other. It's felt so natural and real and that's what I love about this couple the most. 

Romance Trope: Friends to Lovers

"You know with you, I would have remained an unfortunate man who would never know what love was. So, thank you for showing a man like me can also find love."-ML (My Cherie amore)

Wichai (ML)- Is an unfortunate soul. When his father dies he becomes the man of the household having to take become the provider and fixing his family legacy that was wrongly smeared with his father's passing. Basically he's used to putting everyone first but himself. 

Anong (FL)-Life is completely different from Wichai. She's adored by everyone around her and being the only girl surrounded by four brothers, she's pretty much a princess. 

Wichai doesn't feel like he deserves Anong; especailly when he knows that his brother is in love with her. It takes Annong a long time to prove to him that he's worthy of being loved and putting his happiness first. 

Romance Trope: Love at First Sight (On FL's side)

"You were so different from my parents—you were a breath of fresh air in my life. I was hesitant to like someone my parents chose for me, but you were so good. I was falling without my permission."- Yin Zheng

Li Wei (FL) had no plans to get married. Especially married to a prince. She wanted a carefree life, and her parents wanted the same for her. When she was forced to do the marriage selection, she made sure to bomb like one would do an interview. Unfortunately for her, being bad at potentially being a bride is what got her chosen to be a consort. 

Yin Zheng (ML) Is in a similar boat. He just wants to be under the radar and not be seen. Marriage was the last thing on his mind. 

But somewhere along the way they grew a bond and started to fall for each other. It was a slow burn but it was done well. 

Romance Trope: Arranged Marriage 

“Where would I go? Even if you are always mean to me, I will not go anywhere.”-Cheon Seung Hwi

This single quote alone pretty much sums up what kind of man Cheon Seung Hwi (ML) is. No matter how much  Ok Tae Yeong  (FL) pushed Cheon Seung Hwi away, he was always there for her. Numerous years could pass without them speaking to one another but if the ML knew the FL was in trouble, he'd drop everything just to run and help her. Even at the expense of his status and livelihood because he loved her so much. 

Romance Trope: Love at First Sight (ML's side)

"You're mine." -Xie Wei  (ML)

"No. I'm not." - Xue Ning (FL)

"Okay, then I'm yours instead." -Xie Wei  (ML)

Xie Wei (ML) isn't your typical run-of-the-mill ML. His ideology of romance isn't to bring Xue Ning (FL) a bouquet of flowers on a random day. No. Xie Wei is the kind of man that if Xue Ning needed a heart, he'd do one of two things. Rip the heart of someone else and give it to her, or give her his own heart and have someone replace his with another one. Can we say romantic?

Xie Wei's love for Xue Ning is crazy--some might even say downright deranged, but one thing is for certain and that's his love for Xue Ning. 

And don't get it twisted. Xue Ning is down for the ride even if she seems against it at first. She has her faults. For one she isn't a good person and she can be very selfish. 

Romance Trope: Enemies To Lovers

I want to start off by saying that I did not want Minglan with Gu at the start of the drama. He had a mistress and two kids and I didn't want my girl to have anything to do with him and his dysfunctional family when my girl was already dealing with that kind of crap in her own family. I wanted her to be with someone that would not only give her an easy life but also put her first because that's what she deserved. 

But it became clear that not only was she not destined for an easy life but the 2ML that she loved would never have the balls to put her first and that's when the ML swoops in and does what needed to be done. And by doing so he not only got her but he got me as a viewer as well. 

The way he schemed so diligently to get the FL to marry him, should be written in books. That's how good it was. Even our little schemer FL was impressed. But beyond that he was one of the few people who knew exactly what kind of person the FL was and he never wanted her to hide her true nature. 

Romance Trope: Friends to Lovers 

It's impossible for me to think about this couple and not shed a tear. It was clear from the first moment Zhi Que (FL) and Lin Tuo  (ML) met that they were soulmates. They were like that one couple in your friend group that everyone loved and confided in. You just knew they were going to get married one day and have a couple of kids, a pet, and beautiful home with furniture that Lin Tuo would have built himself. 

But the future has other plans and isn't all rainbow and sunshine's but let me say that the love between the couple never wavers even in the slightest. There the love of each other's lives no matter the length of time. 

Romance Trope: Love At First Sight

A lot of people have their opinions on this couple I.E be it good or bad. I can understand both sides of the coin but for me personally I thoroughly loved them as a couple. 

The FL has an A type personality so she has no qualms or problem going after what she wants and what she wants happens to be the ML. A ML who has zero interest in the FL and denies her at every possible turn. Which is understandable because you could tell she's just only physically attracted to the ML at first (which same because Kim Soo Hyun is a very attractive man) and he believes that being in love or in any type of relationship isn't an option so he doesn't even dream of it. 

It takes a lot of work for the FL to break down his walls and let him open his heart up for once. And when she eventually does you can't help but be happy for the both of them because they both deserve to feel loved. 

The reason this couple is so dear to me is because if the FL didn't enter his life I'd sadly don't think he'd have ever experience love in his life and the same could be said for the FL. They would both be sad and miserable so I truly feel that they were meant to be.

Romance Trope: Love at First Sight (FL's Side)

This is the common case of love at first sight only the love at first sight is one-sided. That side being the FL. When she see's him walk into her family's game cafe she's immediately head over heels. And who can blame her? Li Xian in all black with his unwavering scowl ( a scowl that's not too much nor too little, but just enough to be considered more attractive then intimidating). 

He shows very little interest in her at first but slowly he starts to realize that the FL is not just some naive cute girl, but that she genuinely loves him, unconditionally. Without even realizing it, she had wormed her way into his heart. And this man had know idea how to take it. 

His go to is  being cold, distant, and aloof  (which he's really bad at because he has a tendency to stay in her parents driveway and watch her window to make sure she's okay). When the realization hits that he's not just hurting her but himself as well by not being with her he goes full in at 100 and never turns back. 

Romance Trope: Love at First Sight (FL's Side)

When  I say give me enemies to lovers this is what I mean. 

The ML hated his fiancé and when I say hated I mean him and his father took it upon themselves to perform a sacred ritual that would punish her if she was the reason a servant died.  I know it sounds crazy but his former fiancé was an evil vindictive jealous woman that treated everyone around her like crap. 

So when the original FL dies the new FL soul enters her body. She's hated instantly and because of that--the FL doesn't like him either. I wondered how this couple would fall in love with so much hatred between them. It seemed almost impossible but her modern quirks, her lively nature, and her kindness made him fall hard; so hard that the FL couldn't help but to fall with him. 

Romance Trope: Enemies to Lovers 

Shen Li is strong, assertive, smart, and incredibly beautiful. You would think she'd have the pick of the litter but the truth is that none of them see her as a woman. And she doesn't see any of them worth courting anyway. It's not until Xing Zhi (ML) comes into the picture that she finds a man that she likes. 

"All I like is Xingyun. It doesn’t matter who he was before or who he will be in the future. I will continue to live my life well." -Shen Li

He comes across as aloof and blunt and it's difficult to see what Shen Li sees in him when he's a human to some people but people don't understand that Shen Li is always seen as one of the guys and because she's much stronger than them as well; none of her femininity is ever seen until Xing Zhi comes into her life. He constantly brings up the fact that she's a lady and covers her eyes with things seem improper on numerous occasions. Which is funny because we know Shen Li has seen worse and done worse. 

This is one my favorite quotes from Xing Zhi that emphasizes what I mean. 

"When I see you, I'm blind to all other colors"
"I walk in front of you to protect you"

Romance Trope: Forbidden Love 

"It's okay. You are brave. The boy you like will think you are brave, too. He will thank you for protecting yourself." - Wen Yifan

Wen Yifan (FL) is unloved, unprotected, and mistreated by the people who are supposed to care about her the most. It was so sad to witness one of the most horrifying events that could happen to a person, and not one member of her family cared or had her back. It was like watching someone drown and nobody reaching in the water to give her a hand. 

People only saw Wen Yifan as beautiful, so what troubles could she possibly have? But Sang  Yang (ML) saw her real troubles, and he didn't just reach out a hand when she was drowning. He dove in and saved her. And he'd do it a million times because he's the only person in the entire world who genuinely cares about Wen Yifan. 

Romance Trope: Childhood Crush/Second Chance Romance

"You've got a life like a princess but choose to chew on misery like it's gourmet."-Senior
"Me? A princess? He's the princess, forever stuck in some tower, waiting for me to rescue him."-Cherry (FL)

Lin Qi Le aka Cherry (FL) has the kind of unwavering loyalty that I have no choice but to respect. When it's so easy to just move on/get over Jiang Qiao Xi (ML) she doesn't. She fights for him even when people around her think she's a fool or it seems useless. She never gives up on him and honestly, it was refreshing to watch a woman do it in a drama for once. 

Romance Trope: Friends to Lovers

Destined is the perfect word to describe this couple. 

Liu Yu Ru  (FL) is smart, beautiful, caring, and very capable. So capable in fact that she's able to make boatloads of money wherever she goes (with zero capital mind you).  

Gu Jiu Si (ML) At the start of the drama the ML  is unserious, playful, and a bit childish but he does mature and become a dependable human being. 

I loved how both of these characters didn't really care for one another at the start but they still took their vows seriously. Even if they didn't like each other they were determined to stick it out and at best be friends if they could. I think there love for one another took them both by surprise but it made for a beautiful love story. 

Romance Trope: Marriage of Convenience

I saw a small comment about this couple, and this is what is what it says: "They love each other without forcing each other to abandon their principles. Their feelings never compromise their personal convictions." And I wholeheartedly agree. 

Man Man (FL) and Wei Shao started off as enemies but no matter how much they disliked the other or their families, neither of them would put the well-being of the common people above their hatred. They were so much a like that their relationship progress felt organic, and it happened earlier than I could have imagined. 

Romance Trope: Enemies to Lovers 

-"I love the moon, but the moon doesn't know it"- He Yan (FL) 

-"I respect her, value her, and won't let anyone slander her. She graces my view, Occupies my mind, and claims my heart."- Xiao Huai  (ML)

He Yan (FL) Was born as a girl but forced to hide behind a mask and pretend to be her brother; all while stacking up accomplishments and moving up rank through her own blood, sweat, and tears. Only for her dear brother to come back and take it all away (a man stealing a woman's hard work and taking it as their own, what's new, right?) and attempt to discard her. 

 Do Guk (ML) is handsome, caring, and incredibly patient when it comes to his wife. A wife that has never had it easy in life. 

Han Yi Joo (FL)  has every right to be distrustful and on edge. She has been beyond burnt in the past by a man she loved so much that she ended up dead. 

It takes  a lot of time and effort on the ML's part for her to finally be able to trust him and for them to fall in love. In my opinion I think the ML might have loved her more, because of this quote.  "The one who is more in love is always bond to sacrifice"  And he stood by his words. 

Romance Trope: Marriage of Convenience

From the very first time they met, there was undeniable chemistry between the two of them. This is there first interaction, and mind you, the FL was just staring at him, right before this happened. 

"It's a painting that was released in 1987. The delicate lines and harmonious features are in perfect proportions" -Ryan Gold (ML)

"What are you saying?" -Duk Mi (FL)

"The painting's title is Ryan Gold." -Ryan Gold

"Is that perhaps you?"-Duk Mi

"Do you want me?" -Ryan Gold

This is hands down the best pick-up line I have ever heard in my entire life. 

But there undeniable chemistry aside. I love how much the FL was a fangirl for her favorite idol and how the ML never got jealous or found her obsession weird. He just supported her and even asked her "how can I be a fanboy?" 

Romance Trope: Enemies to Lovers

The romance in this drama was so nuanced and minuscule, but man was it was great.  Imagine being stuck in a time loop where you die every single time and you're one of only two people that experience it over and over again? I'd go crazy. But luckily, they had each other to lean on the entire time. 

Romance Trope: Strangers to Lovers/Us Against the World

My first thought when I think of this couple is the common wedding phrase "love through thick and thin".  Because truly that's what they did. 

They had very obvious obstacles in front of them. The ML couldn't remember the FL's face because of his Prosopagnosia disorder and the FL disorder had her changing every month for a full week.  But through it all they somehow managed to fall in love. 

The thing I love about this couple is that, although both of them are obviously attractive people they didn't fall in love with each other based off physical attraction. The FL could have been a 72 year old man one month and 400 pound woman the next month and you know what, the ML would still love her regardless. 

Romance Trope: Fake Relationship

"I remember when we first met, that was the saddest point of my life, I lost my family, but you showed up. Now it's also your worst moment, I will definitely not leave you. We've been through so much,  life and death, and we can also face those together in the future. There are a lot of things we have not done together. There are many places we have not visited together". -Li Chang Ge( FL)

Ashile Sun (ML) and Li Chang Ge (FL) are what I consider a true ride or die couple. 

There wasn't any lovey-dovey scenes between them but that was actually fine with me. Their particular love language is derived of words and actions. And both of them would go to the ends of the world to make sure the other is safe. 

I will say that the second couple is my favorite second couple of all time and at times stole the limelight from the leads even if they did have limited screentime. 

Romance Trope: Friends To Lovers

Yu Tu (ML) is an Aerospace Engineer and Jing Jing (FL) is an Actress. Their jobs are such a contradiction to each other. The ML, much likes his job prefers to be behind the scenes and out of the spotlight whereas the FL is always in the spotlight and her personality is more extroverted then the ML who is more on the introverted spectrum. 

There jobs also don't allow them to spend much time together but somehow these two lovebirds make it work. Also props to the FL. She pursed the ML first as a teen and got turned down but not once was she bitter about it as an adult or ever felt slighted. They were both mature and respectful towards each other, the entire drama. 

"Z??? ?????, ? ???? ??? ?????. ????'? ??? ???'? ????. ???'? ??? ? ??? ??????."  -This is a quote from one of my favorite scenes in this drama. The emotional turmoil Yu Tu was going through at the thought of possibly never seeing Jing Ting again was a sight to see.

Romance Trope: Friends To Lovers

Tang Ming Xuan (ML) has to be one of the most romantic ML's I have ever seen in a drama. He goes from purchasing Mo-Fei (FL) a special kind of silk, surprising her in Paris after being apart for months, getting  her stairwell embedded with lights because he noticed it was dark while also paying the light bill for the entire building. His giving nature when it comes to the FL is endless. 

The FL is also strong wield. She never lets anyone push her around and stands up for herself. It's no surprise the ML fell so hard for her. There communication skills are also really great. They don't let things fester over time, they instead solve issues rather quickly.

*Also, they have the best fashion of any drama I have ever seen. *

Romance Trope: Strangers to Lovers 

I coined these two the sweetest couple in all of dramaland. Just thinking about them is giving me cavities (don't worry I have a dentist). 

Louis (ML) was sweet, romantic, clingy and exceptionally kind little airhead. Bok Shil (FL) was also incredibly kind, smart, and a bit rough around the edges (not in a bad way she just used to living in the outskirts and not in a large city).  

I found myself feeling very protective of them because of their naivety and innocence. 

Romantic Trope: Friends to Lovers

If all encounters are reunions after a long separation, I believe in the first 30 years of my life, we've already met each other at some point, but we just didn't know each other's name. Otherwise, why would I fall in love with you so naturally and quickly?"  -Lin Zhixiao 

Gu Wei (ML) is already mature and established and from the outside looking in, he seems to have everything going for him as a doctor. But in actuality, he's going through it mentally. When he loses a patient, he feels it to his core and it takes a toll on his personal life even when he tries to hide it. 

Zhi Xiao (FL) on the other hand, is bubbly and fun but very impulsive and at the start hasn't matured. It isn't until Zhi Xiao faces the hard reality of life and all it entails that she matures. 

The romance between Lin Zhi Xiao (FL) and Gu Wei (ML) is by far one of the healthiest romances I have ever encountered from an age gap.  What each other lacks they make up from with the other. 

People have their preference on who they prefer more. The first couple or the second couple. Personally I prefer the first couple. Gong Zi Yu (ML) and Wei Shan (FL). 

Gong Zi Yu may have his faults (who doesn't?) but one thing you can't say about him is that he's not loyal to his betrothed. The trust and care he has for her may seem illogical to others but he can truly see the FL beyond the lies she was forced to feed him. 

Both of them have dealt with their version of pain and to see them with those stolen glimpse of happiness warmed my heart because they both deserved it. 

Romance Trope: Marriage of Convivence 

 I don't like using the word perfect when describing a person because it essentially means  that said person has no faults. But I think Qing Cheng (ML) fits the bill. He can sing, cook, fish, draw, he can doctor someone back to health, has a sexy dubbing voice, he's insanely attractive and overall a good human being. 

People dub them the quiet couple because neither of them talk much but soft smiles and a simple walk around a park is enough for these two precious angels. 

Romance Trope: Voice at first sound 

This is one of those rare couples that don't particularly need another person. They would have been perfectly fine being spouseless for the rest of their lives. It just so happened that there paths crossed and they realized that suited each other perfectly. 

I will say there romance isn't steamy or overlay romantic (just enough). There romance is more mature and thoughtful; with heads of respect. The ML was perfectly content with being the FL's hidden man because she was adamant on not wanting to marry.  

Romance Trope: Friends to Lovers

These are two people that would probably never be together if their job never forced them to be in the same vicinity. 

 Gu (ML) is stern, straight-laced, professional that always goes by the books. Chen Xiao (FL) is the opposite she's more charismatic, extroverted, and prefers to do things her way which makes them clash. 

You think the ML has it out for the FL but in reality, he's the only one who looks out for her and in an environment surrounded by sexism he never sees her as a woman, he sees her as a pilot. So when the FL starts pursing him it's no surprise at why.  Their romance is a nice slow-burn but those sweet touches and lingering looks are a delicious treat.

Romance Trope: Enemies to Lovers (Enemies on FL part the ML did not view  her as that)/Slow Burn

On paper, Young Joon (ML) and Kim (FL) don't make a lick of sense. The ML is eccentric, bold, and completely full of himself and Secretary Kim is calm, professional, and down to earth. But there's something about Secretary Kim that makes Young Joon unable to function without her around. 

Hands down my favorite workplace romance couple. 

Romance Trope:  Workplace Romance

This drama was giving Friends with Benefits/ No strings attached (early 2010s movie vibes and I was here for it). 

Yanna (FL) is smart, beautiful, and has no problem getting any man she wants. And Hiro (ML) is pretty much in the same boat (just add extremely loaded). Yana hates the idea of being in a committed relationship because of how she grew up and although Hiro doesn't like the idea, but he goes along with it because he doesn't see the harm in it. So, it was a shock to both of them when they ended up falling in love. 

Romance Trope: Friends with Benefits 

Chen Qian Qian (FL) and Han Shou (ML) have a special place in my heart. This was my very first Chinese Costume drama & 2nd Cdrama that I finished. It was this couple that made me venture out and watch more Cdramas. 

Han Shou (ML) on the outside comes across as cunning and calculating, but in reality, he's just as silly and childish as Chen Qian Qian (FL).  It was funny trying to watch him attempt to kill her, only for his plans to be foiled and him end up like putty in the FL's hands.  It was so cute to watch him fall in love with her. 

Romance Trope: Enemies to Lovers

Everyone has a favorite investigator duo. Be it Scully and Mulder or Brennan  and Booth. Mine will forever and always be Lu Yi (ML) and Jinxia  (FL). 

They have such an Ice and fire dynamic with the ML being the Ice (with his cold demeaner and ruthlessness when it comes to his prisoners) and the FL being fire (thanks to her fiery--outspoken personality). So it was no surprise that the FL was able to thaw the ML's heart. It took a hot minute but when it was fully defrosted the ML made it known that there was no turning back.

Romance Trope: Enemies to Lovers

You know the infamous quote "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach?" Well in this case it was a way to a man and her future in love's heart because after her mother in law had a bite of her cooking she never wanted her to leave her son. 

Xiao Mai (FL) and Yu Huai (ML) were such a sweet and caring couple.

Romance Trope: Love at First Sight 

After finding out that Zhong Chu Xi and Hou Wen Yuan fell in love while filming this drama, the romance in this drama actually hits a lot harder. 

An Xin (FL) was a ballerina and a teacher at one of the most prestigious dancing schools until an unfortunate event happened, and she sadly lost her legs. She was married, and her amputation was a major deterrent to their once "perfect marriage". 

Tian Yu (ML), unlike An Xin's husband,  wasn't horrified or disgusted by her lack of legs. If anything, he was the one who made her stop feeling bad for herself and push herself back into dancing when she believed she couldn't because of her lack of legs.

Romance Trope: Second Chance Romance (When I say second chance, it means their second chance of giving love another try after their failed one with their previous spouses) 

"I know I’m 20, and in two more years, I can marry. But I like you now." -Duan Yucheng (ML)

Luo Na (FL) was mature with her assertiveness and no-nonsense attitude. Where as Duan Yucheng (ML) was childish, clingy, at times insecure, but very much determined. I'll be the first to admit I wasn't keen on their relationship because they seemed to be at two different places in their life. But Duan Yucheng won over Luo Na and me, too, as a viewer--slowly but surely. 

I personally loved how clingy and romantic Duan Yucheng was and how he never bottled up his feelings when it came to Luo Na. When he realized he was in love with her, he let her know; consequences be d*mnd.

I also really loved the FL she was strong and resilient. There was a lot of pushback because of their relationship and on numerous occasions, it seemed like it'd be much easier if she would have just ended things, but I loved how she never once thought of breaking up with him to appease anyone else. You don't see that often enough in dramas.

 Romance Trope: Student Teacher/Age Gap

“I’m the type who saves their most favorite food and eats it last. And that’s what I did with my happiness as well.” – Nam Haneul (FL)

“To me, you’re like my anxiety medication. My life is so bitter and salty. But you’re so sweet. If felt like I was eating candy in a salt pond.” – Yeo Jeong Woo  (ML)

Nam  Haneul (FL) is an overworked, underpaid, overlooked doctor that constantly got taken advantage of by her boss. Unlike Jeong Woo, who was overpaid, overexposed, and always in the spotlight for being a celebrity plastic surgeon. There lives as doctors were vastly different, but all it took was one mistake, and all that they worked for was ripped away from them in an instant. 

Two former rivals that used to be at each other's necks became the balm to one another. 

Romance Trope: Rivals to Lovers

My favorite thing about this couple is that the FL's weight was never a detriment or hindrunce to their relationship. Yes. He wanted the FL to get into shape but it had nothing to do with how she looked, but more to do with her health. H*ll the man was falling in love with her before she got fully into shape. 

It was pretty evident by some of their workout sessions and the way he looked at her, just oozed with sexual tension. It wasn't hard to see why he loved her. She was not only beautiful on the outside she was kind and incredibly funny as well. 

Romance Trope: Friends To Lovers

To tell you the truth, I hated Do Kyung (ML) at the very start. In my eyes, he seemed irredeemable because of how he ruined Oh Hae Young's life. But somehow and someway through the course of this drama my opinion of him drastically changed and I found him and Oh Hae Young (FL) to be perfect together. 

Maybe it's the way the FL fought so hard for him or it could be that both the ML and FL are flawed individuals and they seemed more realistic then a lot of other couples I've encountered. I can't quite pinpoint my exact love for them but what I will say that I was happy when they were together. 

Romance Trope: Enemies to Lovers

Purim (ML) or as the FL loves to call him Pennueng  (in a long enduring tone) is the essential definition of a green flag.

Romance Trope: Friends to Lovers 

Invision the most scariest/most dangerous man in your head and you may think of Ji Hwan (ML) but as dangerous and scary as Ji Hwan (ML) may look and seem, internally, he's actually a big softie and a teddy bear to the core. 

Go Eun Ha (FL) on the other hand, looks like a ray of sunshine on the outside and is exactly that on the outside. 

he way the ML is so gentle and sweet to the FL and how effortlessly kind the FL is what makes the show worth watching.

Romance Trope: Opposites attract

“It’s easy to find companions in joy but rare to find those who share your sorrows.”

Coming into this drama I did not expect to see such a loving and respectful couple. 

Their romance had a rocky start (to put it lightly). Their marriage was a marriage of convivence (added with the FL) not even being the woman he was initially married too.  Min Woo (ML) was right to be distrustful of his wife; especially when she seemed like nothing like the woman he first met. 

But even with that distrust the FL still protected him, every chance she could and her and the ML slowly started to come together and have a true marriage.

 It was a long and painful journey with lots of turmoil brought on by the brother-in-law but when they got to the finish line and were truly  able to be happy together, it's well worth it. 

Romance Trope: Marriage of Connivence 

Terry (ML) is an amazing husband. He's thoughtful, kind, and loves his wife like no other. Yon-Hee is the complete opposite. She's outspoken, assertive, and blunt. But there's also no denying she loves her husband just as much as he loves her. 

What I really love about this couple is that gender roles don't defy them. The ML has no issue donning an apron and whipping up a meal for his wife or massaging her feet after she's had a long day of work. I also love that no matter how much they disagree about something they can always discuss it like mature adults and move on. 

Romance Trope: Love at first sight (They both fell for each other at the same time)

I found Lu Jing and Liang Chen's chemistry to be really cute and sweet. There's a small age gap and it's pretty obvious that Lu Jing lacks some maturity when compared to Liang Chang but it became apparent that she needed that kind of fun childlike romance in her serious life and he was just the guy to help. 

No Whi-Oh (ML) and  Min-Kyung (FL) weren't just mad for each other but made for each other.  I mean this in the best possible way, but in no universe would either of them be suitable for another person. They tended to get under each other's and everyone else's skin. But honestly, that was the charm about them. 

Romance Trope: Enemies to Lovers

"She’s my beloved and also my moneybag."-Jiang Chang Yang 

Jiang Chang Yang's (ML) and Mu Dan's (FL) relationship has to be my favorite version of friends-to-lovers (because we witnessed it for like 40 episodes). 

Their love for each other started with genuine respect for one another, then friendship, and then gradually we saw sparks before love actually bloomed. 

What I loved the most about them is there relationship felt normal. For example: Jiang Chang Yang had one of the biggest houses in the capital with cooks on deck, but everynight he'd go next door to Mu Dan's little house and eat the food she grilled. And they sit and just chat. Those scenes were my favorite because you could see the pure happiness they felt just being around one another

Romance Trope: Friends To Lovers/Fake Relationship

“Why does it feel like I’ve lost you a million times even though I’ve never had you”  

This may be a controversial couple to add here because there's not a lot of romance and ML treats the FL like crap half the drama but in my opinion, he ended up redeeming himself and being worthy of her 3/4's in the drama. 

And he really had to work to get into her favor. She wasn't going to accept him the minute he professed his love to her even though she had feelings for him. I appreciated that so much.