Vertical Dramas {watched}

2nd version of this story I’ve seen. While I enjoyed the 1st a bit more, this is still a very good watch. No rival drama or workplace betrayals. The only real drama comes from the FL’s family & people connected to them. Leads always treat each other with honesty & respect even during the time when ML’s rejecting FL’s pursuit of him. Very good chemistry with yummy kisses. No misunderstandings, separations, or breakups.

1st - “Yin Ta Gui Hang”

I skipped a ton due to FL being TSTL (whyyy believe a SFL who just tried to kill you?!) & so stupid over SML. ML’s  OTT ruthlessness towards/obsessiveness over her was a bit much to handle too. There was just so much stupidity & toxicity that I kept skipping chunks until the Leads were FINALLY on the same page with their feelings (starts around ep52), but even though I skipped through scenes. I can handle red flags, but that’s not the case here - they’re simply toxic & then poof! they’re in love. Just didn’t flow well for me. Bummer.

1st version I watched of this story. Such an attractive duo with fiery kisses! I admit, the FL annoyed me a tad with her habit of initiating touch with the ML but then immediately trying to push him away when he’d respond with kisses (whyyy give up those kisses?! Heehee). Aside from that small bit, I liked her. And I loved him. He’s a total red flag character to everyone else but for her he shows shades of green.

2nd - “Lian Nian Yu Bong”
3rd - “Guo Fen Ye”

4th - “Stealing Kisses”

2nd version of this story I’ve seen - I enjoyed this version better because the FL wasn’t a mousy wimp who toyed with the ML. She was resolute in her plan to draw a line between her & her “brother”. And when her & ML struck their deal, she stuck to it rather than acting like a naive ninny. And ML was more like able too because he wasn’t in a position of dishing out pain & justice to people. And though he loved FL his whole life & wanted her to be his, he wanted her to want him too without forcing it on her. They were both mature & acted their age. The SML was annoying since he always wanted a day in his “sister’s” life, but he wasn’t evil. Cute chemistry & good kisses.

1st - “The Fiery Young Marshal”
3rd - “Guo Fen Ye”

4th - “Stealing Kisses”

3rd version I’ve watched of this story. I think I’m in the minority but I just didn’t feel the chemistry with these Leads like in some of the other versions I’ve watched of this story. Also, the FL here was really obvious about her feelings for her “brother” in this one which was sorta awkward.

1st - “The Fiery Young Marshal”
2nd - “Lian Nian Yu Bong”

4th - “Stealing Kisses”

This ML plays these roles so well - one of my fav VD actors! Even though this was the 4th version I watched, their chemistry still made it an enjoyable watch despite knowing the storyline already. I’ll never understand why the FL wants to hide their relationship seeing as it being public would help dispel the rumors that caused so many problems, but whatevs. It’s always fun watching the ML push the boundaries & seduce them right under everyone’s noses! This version has less skinship moments but the ones it does have are just as fiery as expected.

1st - “The Fiery Young Marshal”
2nd - “Lian Nian Bu Wang”
3rd - “Guo Fen Ye”

Super sweet & mature couple. Not a lot of screen time for the “villains”. No OW/OM drama apart from the ex SML. No interfering parents or workplace rivals. Really focuses on the Leads’ love as their relationship deepens after flash marriage.

2nd - “An Ni Xu Mou Yi Jiu”

2nd version I watched  - I liked the 1st better. The flash marriage storyline is really good with mature Leads who know their worth & trust one another. For this drama I simply didn’t sense any chemistry between the Leads & their intimacy was seriously lacking for what’s expected of a vertical drama.

1st - “Every Step of the Way”

The chemistry is chemistrying from the opening scene with these Leads! FL, learning she’s terminally ill, refuses to be an easily-bullied mouse any longer but rather finally shows her true, beautiful self to the world. When she seduces her boss, the ML, she gives him the opening he wants to claim her as his - first in secret, then openly to the world. I do wish she’d told him about her c@ncer, but her reasoning for not saying it does make sense. Plus, he finds out on his own early on & is secretly getting her the treatment she needs. Super healthy couple with tons of yumminess - ML legit devours her every chance he gets!

Whyyyy give the SML so much screen time & let him “win” so often? For real - make the revenge happen & kick him out! I hate when so many dummies are getting away with bullying the FL so I skipped a whole bunch of scenes. ML had little screen time in comparison to the SML & his band of idiot followers. Makes me annoyed just remembering the drawn out scenes of stupidity. Bleh.

**”Reborn for Revenge” on iQIYI**

I love when 2 crazy Leads come together & take revenge on all the baddies - this duo definitely delivered their own brand of justice & I so enjoyed watching them win the fights! It’s def more focused on that rather than the romance, though they’re slowly falling all the way through. I’d say it’s revenge heavy & romance light - very entertaining.

Choppy scene transitions & missing details. This is more of a an advertisement for the advertisements constantly shown throughout the show. For an actual full story, I recommend watching, “Wild Grace Unleashed”  (“The Startled Swan Glides Over the Fields”) instead.

Didn’t love, didn’t hate. Good storyline & nice acting. It felt a bit choppy at times but overall okay. Didn’t really sense any chemistry, though, so that was a downer for me.

This story is pure sweetness between the Leads. No conflicts, no misunderstandings, no drama. Awkward in their marriage at first but they quickly enter the flirty, kissy, lovey phase. Only 1 toxic person (FL’s mom) but there’s a satisfactory redemption arc for her. The sisters’ bond helps makes up for it. The story is fully focused on the Leads’ interactions & deepening love. Both strong, supportive, protective, & mature characters. Truly an enjoyable show!

Beginning & ending were a bit too drama-y for my tastes, but the rest was really good. Leads are both mature adults who handle all the icky people rationally & realistically. They act their age & use their brains. They have a very healthy relationship with no real drama between them. ML’s family is hilarious, though his mom is a bit extra in her obsession with the FL. Overall, a good one-time watch.

Generally this would not be my style of drama as I don’t like when the Leads date other people for a good portion of the show BUT the boss/secretary bond & banter between this duo sucked me in & I simply HAD to see them become a couple (+ I just love this actor)! They had really good chemistry, in the workplace as sorta frenemies but still loyal comrades, then it got hotter as they became a flirty & affectionate couple. There are several schemers throughout but everyone gets an ending they deserve. And FL’s parents are precious! Very enjoyable show.

A scheming FL who’s a perfect partner for the cunning ML. Their chemistry is hot from the first scene - ML is down so bad for her. He doesn’t care that she’s using him, he’ll gladly be her sword of revenge on her abusive family. I truly enjoyed this up until that last plot twist of baddies gaining some control - would’ve been better to continue in the same vein of the Leads winning everything. ML saved her in time, but it added a lot of unnecessary drama that lessened my enjoyment.

ML is such a green forest for FL - protecting & supporting her both openly & in secret. ML wants her but she’s ignorant of his feelings, making this a slow burn. Even more so because she allows herself to be used in keeping the contract engagement with his younger brother going (despite him cheating) to protect the family rep so the Leads don’t get together until much later in the drama (this made FL a very frustrating character for me to watch & greatly reducing my rating). Good chemistry, especially from ML’s end as he pursues her. Lots of kisses once she finallyyyyy gives in.

FL’s mother is evil but thankfully doesn’t have an obnoxious amount of screen time. These Leads are very cute together right from the start. I love when a tough guy melts for his woman (& only his woman!) & treats her like a priceless treasure (which she is!). Really good communication kept any misunderstandings from being blown out of proportion. And ML took care of all the FL’s bullies in a permanent way instead of allowing them a chance to come at her again. FL is very mature for her age which fits well in this age-gap romance. Great chemistry with yummy kisses.

2nd - “On a Springtime Love Affair”

2nd version I’ve watched of this story. I liked the 1st better, but this one is still really good. Leads have great chemistry both before & after they become a couple. Their love & devotion helps heal their inner wounds left by those who should’ve loved them from conception. FL’s mother is a controlling, abusive, toxic character so be warned if that’s a trigger for you. I love how the ML protects his FL against everyone & how all the people around him respect him & extend that same respect to her through him. It’s treatment she’s never received before so it’s very satisfying to see her blossom under his care.

1st - “Lian Nuan Yang”

An easy rebirth & revenge drama. I liked that the FL always won her battles, not falling into any of the villains’  schemes. A bit unrealistic that she’s so good at everything but oh well, it’s dramaland. Not much chemistry between the Leads & they weren’t actually together until the end so that’s why it’s a lower rating for me. Good story just not enough romance for me.

My 2nd drama of these two Leads together & their onscreen chemistry & kisses are just as hot in this story. I loved that it was both of them being reborn & remembering their past lives which lead to them being extremely protective of one another as they tried to stop the same tragedy from happening again. They’re adorably devoted to one another as they take revenge on those who ruined them in the past life. Very enjoyable watch!

3rd drama I’ve watched with these Leads & their chemistry remains solid. My enjoyment was lowered by all the constant bullying of the FL. She always stood up for herself & the ML defended/protected her as well so it’s not like she was weak at all, it just got annoying with the repetitive attacks. Also, most of the drama could’ve been avoided if she’d just allowed the ML to make their marriage public - to the haters, to her pursuers, to the families… he’s great, girl, so proudly let everyone know! He’s also a man that can’t keep his hands (or mouth) to himself *wink wink*

Sorta cheesy, drama-filled, awkward acting at times - these things lowered my enjoyment & rating. The storyline of the Leads was good - I liked how ML was so devoted to & protective of his wife. And I’m glad the FL wasn’t a wimp & she stood up for herself against the numerous bullies (there were an annoying amount). The ML’s scheming family members were a bit much & unrealistic but whatevs.

Sweet & calm slice-of-life drama all the way through. Leads are both strong & mature individuals who are beautiful inside & out. This is a low-heat story so don’t expect hot chemistry. The couple is adorable & made me smile at their cuteness. Both of their families are wonderful too. The story spans several years, from courting to married to pregnancy to parents of young kids. No fights or drama along the way, just 2 loyal people staying steady & devoted on the good days & the bad.

Cheesier than I expected of a rebirth/revenge story. Didn’t really hold my attention - got distracted with other dramas. It had good acting, good chemistry, and satisfying revenge plot. I think the start was just too cheesy for me.

Quirky & fun journey of Leads falling in love while getting revenge. ML’s family is aces! Leads are both strong individuals who don’t take cr@p from anybody (though FL is weak at first as CEO but she learns!) GREAT chemistry with lots of yummy (I believe they’re a couple IRL so that would explain it).

Liked it, but didn’t love it. I would’ve enjoyed it so much more if FL wasn’t dumb & stubborn in her thinking that their marriage was just a business deal. Girl - what more did the ML need to do to prove what you mean to him?? He showered her with love in every scene, having loved her since they were kids. He never treated their marriage indifferently, pursuing her & making it a real marriage from their wedding night onward. I just wanted her to open her dang eyes & SEE the reality of their relationship. Great chemistry & storyline apart from that issue.

2nd - “Sweet Desire to Kiss Passionately”

I skipped through a lot of this because the FL often let herself be bullied even after ML tells her he’ll support her fighting back. Being a good, filial daughter is good but not at the expense of herself. Plus they had multiple misunderstandings, the scummy SML & SFL got away with wayyy too much. Decent chemistry.

1st - “Kisses of Sweet Passion”

I feel like some of the story was missing from the video I watched which lowered my enjoyment since some things were left unexplained or not clearly dealt with. Leads had decent chemistry but I’ve seen the ML have great chemistry with other actresses so that portion was a bit disappointing, (no shade on this FL actress!) I liked the loyalty of brotherhood between ML & his friends & how protective they were of FL because of that.

Super attractive Leads with great chemistry & yummy kisses! Protective ML who loves the FL he hired to play his fiancée when the real one gets in trouble. He chose her specifically because he knows her real identity (something even she is unaware of) & has been looking for her all along. She’s a strong & smart FL who can hold her own against anyone who tries to bully her. She’s not one to cause drama but she won’t back down from those who try to start it with her. I really enjoyed both Leads as individuals & definitely as a couple. This is a very good watch even with all the secondary characters’ toxicity.

“Let’s see how many steamy kisses we can fit in” would be an accurate alternate title for this drama, haha! This is a shorter length than normal so the story isn’t really deep nor are the characters fully developed. It’s a quick, easy watch with many tropes we’re used to but still devour because they’re addictive. The Leads had great chemistry & I really enjoyed watching this yummy filled drama.

The chemistry is there. The yummy scenes are there (lots!) The beautiful Leads are present. The good & the icky support characters are all there. It would’ve been so good if they’d just omitted one part from the script - the FL’s refusal to cut ties with the ex & make her marriage to the ML known. I watched the whole drama & I still don’t understand the reasoning for the continued secrecy. It’s not like the Leads aren’t smart enough to still get revenge if their marriage is made public…

An easy he pushes & she pulls type of drama. After a ONS, ML keeps offering to take responsibility but the FL’s hang ups regarding marriage have her rejecting him multiple times. Hence the push & pull between them. They’re a fun duo to watch as they adapt & grow together, falling in love along the way. Very good chemistry with lots of kisses.

A strong, kick-butt, take cr@p from nobody FL & a terminally ill, rich heir, puppy dog ML meet in a high-stakes moment, changing both their lives in an instant. The chemistry is immediate & the humorous back-&-forth begins. I quite enjoyed this duo as their strengths made each other look better rather than causing the other to look weak. They were both flawed individuals with deep wounds from past trauma but their connection was instantaneous & undeniable. I liked watching them take revenge while falling in love. And I was even satisfied with the redemption arc of FL’s parents at the end.

**SPOILER: this has a happy ending!**

Delulu SML ruined it for me. I hate when these types of toxic characters get so much screen time. Add in the ML’s deception about his identity (no matter his good intentions) & it just had too much I don’t like in such a short drama. Add in all that OTT drama at the end & this was a definite dislike for me. Oh well, other people loved it so to each their own..

Good revenge story without the rebirth aspect.  Leads had to use their brains to outwit the bad guys without any prior knowledge of events & they pulled it off very well. Especially FL since she’d been doing it since a young girl, which explains why she had a hard time really connecting with the ML since she’s been wearing a mask for so many years. Thankfully, he breaks through & finally gains her trust, preventing her from making a foolish breakup decision. I liked how smart & capable they both were but I admit to not sensing much chemistry which was a bummer. Still it’s a good one-time watch & I enjoyed the story.

Leads had good chemistry & kisses (though a bit taker than I was expecting after watching other dramas of theirs). There’s a couple bits at the end that add a different twist to the usual reborn story to put a bit more drama (not between the Leads!) A good one-time watch for me.

The Leads’ story was good & sweet but all the excess drama surrounding them made it a bit hard to watch for me. The baddies needed to be unalived so they couldn’t keep causing havoc over & over. Seriously, use your brains, peeps, & permanently stop them already! And then that long separation cause of an amnesia trope at the end? Bleh.

I liked that they never shied away from the physical side of things even though they were only a contract marriage (to her). They were mature adults who acted their age. I did feel the FL was a bit dumb at times with choices she made in the business world, but ML always saved her so at least she gave him opportunities to shine. They had good chemistry & yummy kisses. Both their families were icky except for her brothers. Loved that they were loyal to her against their dad.

A tame (in terms of skinship), easy watch. FL is resolute in her mission to save her loved ones in her 2nd life, while ML is determined to be the one at her side. I liked it up until the baddies seemed to get the upper hand, though it was all part of Leads’ master plan. Some things were left unexplained or not shown so it felt unfinished in a sense but overall a satisfying ending.

No. No. NO! This was such a blood pressure raising story because it’s just one stupid bullying session after another. And each one lasted for soooo many episodes each! It’s just a bunch of brainless idiots verbally attacking the FL without any reason. Blehhhhh… don’t waste your time!

I quite enjoyed this drama. The Leads are beautiful & have really good chemistry. They’re yummy scenes cause swooning; their flirting is exciting & butterfly-inducing. I really enjoyed their dynamic - the push&pull between them was realistic due to the circumstances they were in. It wasn’t in an annoying way, though, as they both clearly craved the other. And the FL’s revenge tactics were so satisfying to watch. Meek little lamb dominating the wolves - my kind of girl power (especially since she wasn’t afraid to accept the ML’s help when needed!)

This became a drama filled mess that I ff’d my way through. I didn’t like the FL at all because of how she treated the ML. The plot didn’t make sense with them constantly saying how the virus  eliminated emotions, but they were all filled with jealousy, lust, anger, doubts, fears, competitiveness, envy, etc. Hello - those are all emotions!! Just dumb. Lots of kisses but they don’t at all make up for the complete ick that this became, IMHO.

The baddies got too much screen time which took away from the sweet, blossoming love between the Leads (though FL was clueless about ML’s true feelings for her despite him literally avenging & dying for her in their past life which was extremely frustrating!) A let down of these actors’ talent, IMHO.

This was a bit of a hot mess with all the bullying & scheming from so many different sides, but the Leads handled it all without backing down. FL took her 2nd chance at life  & stopped being a lame, wimpy girl who just took the abuse. Now she’s handing out physical violence against everyone who comes at her & the ML is always there to back her up. Not much chemistry, though, & skinship is very minimal. I’ve seen similar storylines that I liked better (one is “Love & Revenge”).

The storyline is similar to, “What a Good Girl” but not nearly as dark. They had good chemistry with lots of kisses (though FL’s a bit too stiff in some) & a solid scheme for revenge. I was really enjoying it until the last 10-15 eps when the FL decides to leave him & stays gone for years. Hate when they add that trope.

Fantastic chemistry with lots of yummy kisses! Loved how supportive & totally gone for his woman the ML was. And I loved that the FL never shied away from his kisses or got all awkward about intimacy. From the first scene to the last, these 2 were a hot couple who couldn’t keep their hands (or lips!) to themselves & I’m grateful for the writers for keeping them mature & devoted all the way through. Both are such strong  individuals so together they’re such a power couple! And I love that the FL finally got all the support & love she deserved from the family that came by marrying the ML.

2nd - “Chun Ri Pan Jing Zhi”

3rd - “He Falls for Her”

This is the 2nd version I watched of this storyline. I found it enjoyable though it was tamer in terms of chemistry & skinship. It still had the best elements of a ML who goes all out to support & protect his FL while winning her heart. Some parts made no sense, though, like the single girl on the dating show… how do you date without a partner?! Still it was a good show.

1st - “Tempting Heart”

3rd - “He Falls for Her”

I’m super bummed that I didn’t like this version as much since Wang Yilei (ML) is one of my fav VD actors, but this couple was too buddy-buddy w/out the chemistry & kiss scenes like the other versions I’ve seen. I blame the FL character (NOT the actress!!) because she was so dumb regarding how the ML always felt about her, even with him legit telling her. Bleh.

1st - “Tempting Heart”
2nd - “Chun Ri Pan Jing Zhi”

Great chemistry with lots of yummy scenes! I loved the Leads’ relationship - flirty teasing & playful bickering. They’re what a couple is like IRL so their story is believable. FL’s ex & dad are both toxic manipulators - so glad she got free of them in the end, though I’m surprised ML didn’t deal with the ex with legal means after all his shenanigans since the ML is so protective of FL. Oh well, it was a very satisfying, sappy-sweet ending so I’m happy.

Wonderful chemistry & kisses! This is really straightforward which I appreciated. The Leads are both clear in what their goal is - her to uncover the truth of her mom’s death; him to win her love. And, of course, they both succeed beautifully. Definitely worth watching!

This was not a plot I enjoy. I like watching romance, not a couple falling apart. I mean, yes - show me a strong woman leaving a toxic relationship, I’m all for that. But I always want to see her then get pampered by a new ML & showered with all the love she’s been denied by her ex. This drama only has the former & not the latter so it was a major let down for me despite the cast all playing their roles well.

The stup¡d people got too much screen time to air their toxicity, but otherwise this is a light rom-com. The Leads had good chemistry & neither of them is a fool (though that’s debatable with FL since she was dumb enough to date the scumbag for 4 years…) It’s very tropey with the hidden identities, the icky side characters, the delulu wannabes, the tons of plots & schemes, etc. but it comes at then in a humorous way rather then a dark way.

Warning - hot sensuality with this one!! I was surprised at just how physical this one got (though not in an obscene way). A lot of it comes about because of their “playtime” when FL is in a manic episode. And the ML is a masochist who loves the pain she inflicts because it means 1) he’s helping her & 2) her attention is on him. Toxic? Probably, but that’s why he’s the addictive villain in the story (I mean, he’s the ML in OUR story but they’re both characters in a game that the villainess transmigrated to… it’s confusing to explain but makes sense while watching!) If you’re in the mood to watch beautiful people show how obsessive partners protect one another all while giving us tons of chemistry & lots of kisses, then watch this drama!

This is a sweet & cheesy watch about 2 string Leads who don’t fall for the baddies schemes nor do they accept abuse from anybody. It’s a portrayal of a healthy & mature relationship (though their innocence at their ages was odd…) Very good chemistry & yumminess.

This was a thumbs down type drama for me. I don’t like lying & continued deliberate deception between the Leads. That’s not a stable foundation for love to be built on so I was just really annoyed with the FL for lying about her blindness the WHOLE show. There was no need to conceal the truth from him - he’d earned her trust & hadn’t done anything to deserve her lies. It just didn’t make sense so I didn’t enjoy this at all.

This was the first version of this story I watched & I enjoyed it more than I expected to. I definitely loved how the hubbies kept devouring their wives (hickeys galore, haha!) Both couples had great chemistry & yummy scenes throughout the whole drama. Younger FL was a bit annoying at first but about halfway through we learn why she acts the way she does at times & afterwards I totally loved her character.

2nd - “Zao Gao! He Jie Jie Zou Cuo Le”

I liked the first version I watched better, but this one was still okay. There’s a second season so that may help me like these couples better. In this season I just found the sisters very selfish w/out any real reasons as to why their husbands should fall in love with them or put up with their attitudes.

1st - “The Wedding Mix-Up”

ML becomes a tool for FL’s revenge, but he’s so very happy being used by her as it means she becomes his wife. Dude’s a totally loveable goner for her which cracks through her protective shield & wins him her heart. They’re such a power couple with great chemistry & yummy scenes!

2nd - “A Dash of Sweetness”

The storyline is as good as the first version I saw, though the chemistry is a bit less with this duo. They’re not bad together or anything, they simply lack that oomph factor in their yummy scenes. Still enjoyed watching them!

1st - “Bie Chai Chuan Wo De Guai”

I really enjoy this duo together - they have such good chemistry & their looks really complement each other. I really enjoyed their characters’ bond in this drama & how they became in another’s safety & peace amidst all the chaos. Also enjoyed them not having love rival interference or toxicity.

I love an obsessed ML & a vengeful FL falling in love. Are they red flags? Yep. Do I care? Not in dramaland! Cause his obsession comes with his burn-the-world-for-her protection & her vengeance includes streaks of touch-him-&-you’re-next-on-my-list aggression. While they fight & dismantle all who wrong them, they also love one another passionately. Their chemistry is hottt & their kisses steamy! The end had me worried for a few but ultimately it’s a very HEA!

2nd - “Zhou Mu”

Not real sure why but I didn’t enjoy this version as much as the first I watched. Probably cause I didn’t sense the chemistry between this duo like the others. It’s still a solid drama of an obsessed, red-flag ML who refuses to let the FL leave him, which she only appreciates after her rebirth. This one didn’t have the ML almost dying in the end, though, which was a nice change.

1st- “Love & Revenge”