ah I was using your list to try to find them on here. lol. he is the one that plays the "puppy", right?
I liked it. I like dramas with strong FL's a lot. Usually the FL is portrayed as stupid, has no sense of gravity and is weak. But omg when the FL is strong/smart/strong/funny/sarcastic -- perfection! I don't care if it's a love story at all -- just a strong FL and I'm happy. :)
I just watched 2 of her short dramas where she was the female lead. Oh my gosh -- I love her so much. She is so cute and funny. I love her smile and attitude. I am happy to see dramas without "transformation" garbage -- where the woman is loved for who she is and how she is. She is a fabulous actress and I hope to see more and more of her in lead roles. She's a star. <3
I watched a recap and I was super confused as to who the murderer was. It shows Anna killing and it shows the father and son both seeing the butterflies and the father confessing. And if Anna was the killer then why did the father kill the son? Very confused.
cute. A LOT OF REFERENCES to literature and popular culture:
ex: -ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS is an epic Chinese historical novel dramatizing the turbulent fall of the Han Dynasty (late 2nd century AD - 1925) and the subsequent struggle for power, ultimately forming three rival states: Wei (north), Shu (west), and Wu (south). It follows legendary figures like cunning Cao Cao (Wei), virtuous Liu Bei (Shu) with strategist Zhuge Liang, and Sun Quan (Wu), chronicling their massive battles, intricate political schemes, and themes of loyalty, betrayal, and ambition, culminating in the reunification of China under the Jin Dynasty. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -THE GRAVE ROBBERS' CHRONICLES, or Daomu Biji, is a hugely popular Chinese fantasy-adventure novel series by Xu Lei (Nan Pai San Shu) about young Wu Xie and his friends exploring ancient tombs, uncovering secrets of powerful clans, battling supernatural dangers, and dealing with themes of loyalty and betrayal, known for its intricate plots, mysteries, and beloved "Iron Triangle" characters, leading to many adaptations.
What It's About Plot: The story follows Wu Xie, a descendant of tomb-raiders, as he joins experienced tomb raiders Zhang Qi Ling and Wang Pang Zi to explore ancient, mysterious tombs, uncovering family secrets and supernatural phenomena.
Origin: It started as an online serial and became a massive hit, spawning sequels and adaptations.
Key Themes: Loyalty, friendship, family legacy, betrayal, patriotism, and the struggle between life and death.
Real-World Basis: The author incorporates real Chinese history, legends (like Lady Dai's preserved body), and vast cave systems, adding a layer of realism to the fantasy. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -HANAMICHI SAKURAGI and HARUKO AKAGI are central characters in SLAM DUNK, where Sakuragi falls for Haruko, who introduces him to basketball; she initially likes rival KAEDE RUKAWA, but their relationship deepens as Hanamichi grows from a delinquent into a passionate player, culminating in a poignant, mutually understood bond by the series' end, especially after his injury, showing her care and his love for both her and the game. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -THE COWHERD AND THE WEAVER GIRL (Niulang and Zhinü) is a beloved Chinese folktale about a forbidden love between Zhinü (Vega), a celestial weaver, and Niulang (Altair), a mortal cowherd, separated by the Milky Way (Heavenly River) but allowed to meet once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month via a bridge of magpies, a legend celebrated as Qixi Festival, or Chinese Valentine's Day. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -"CUTTING THE GORDIAN KNOT" means solving a complex, seemingly impossible problem with a bold, decisive, and often unconventional action, inspired by Alexander the Great's legendary feat of slicing through an intricate knot with his sword instead of untangling it. The phrase symbolizes finding a quick, forceful solution to an intricate situation, getting to the heart of a problem by ignoring traditional methods. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -THE THIRTY-SIX STRATAGEMS is an ancient Chinese text that compiles 36 strategic principles, derived from military history and folklore, applicable to warfare, politics, and civilian life, often using deception and unorthodox tactics. It's a classic of Chinese strategic thought, organized into six chapters for different situations (e.g., advantageous vs. desperate), and is studied for its wisdom in business, interpersonal skills, and leadership, much like The Art of War. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -SUN ZI BING FA - The Art of War is an ancient Chinese military treatise dating from the late Spring and Autumn period. The work, which is attributed to the ancient Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -"THE PSYCHOLOGY OF LOVE" refers to several books, most notably an influential 1988 anthology edited by Robert J. Sternberg and Michael L. Barnes, which compiles research on love, and a collection of writings by Sigmund Freud on love and sexuality. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -MEI CHANGSU (梅长苏) is the central protagonist of the popular Chinese novel and hit historical drama series, Nirvana in Fire (琅琊榜). "Jack Su" is likely a westernized or alternative romanization of this name, or a reference to an actor named Jack Soo. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - (referred to as "kouga nine scrolls" in the captioning)
THE KOUGA NINJA SCROLLS (Japanese: 甲賀忍法帖, Hepburn: Kōga Ninpōchō) is a historical fantasy novel about ninja written in 1958–1959 by the Japanese author Futaro Yamada. It is the first installment in Yamada's Ninja Scrolls series, which he wrote until his death in 2001.
Beginning in April 1614 Japan, the story centers around the Kouga and the Iga, two rival ninja clans who have been enemies for 400 years. Their no-hostilities treaty is lifted by retired shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu to settle a succession dispute within the government concerning which of Ieyasu's grandsons will become the third Tokugawa Shogun, Takechiyo or Kunichiyo. Danjou and Ogen, leader of the Kouga and Iga respectively, are summoned to Sunpu Castle and each select nine other members of their clan to participate in a battle to the death. Each clan is given a scroll with all 20 combatants' names written on it. Any survivors are to return to the castle on the last day of May with the scroll, and the side with the most survivors will win. Following a random toss of the scrolls by Ieyasu, Kunichiyo is represented by the Kouga, while Takechiyo is represented by the Iga.
Due to years of incestuous selective breeding, the members of the Kouga and Iga have all developed inhuman abilities at the cost of several of them being born physically disfigured or otherwise abnormally mutated. At the center of the conflict is Kouga and Iga's two young heirs; Gennosuke and Oboro respectively; who had fallen in love in the hopes of not only bringing their clans together in peace but also to mix the bloodlines of their families so as to undo the genetic damage endured by both. The novel traces the course of the conflict as both clans endure heavy losses and ultimately bring Gennosuke and Oboro to face each other on the field of battle. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -THE BUTTERFLY LOVERS is a Chinese legend centered around the tragic romance between Liang Shanbo (梁山伯) and Zhu Yingtai (祝英臺), whose names form the Chinese title of the story. The title is often abbreviated as Liang Zhu (梁祝).
The legend of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai is set in the Eastern Jin dynasty (266–420 AD).
Zhu Yingtai is the ninth child and only daughter of the wealthy Zhu family of Shangyu, Zhejiang. Although women are traditionally discouraged from taking up scholarly pursuits, Zhu manages to convince her father to allow her to attend classes in disguise as a man. During her journey to Hangzhou, she meets Liang Shanbo, a scholar from Kuaiji (present-day Shaoxing). They chat and feel a strong affinity for each other at their first meeting. Hence, they gather some soil as incense and take an oath of fraternity in the pavilion of a wooden bridge.
They study together for the next three years in school and Zhu gradually falls in love with Liang. Although Liang equals Zhu in their studies, he is still a bookworm and fails to notice that his classmate is a woman.
One day, Zhu receives a letter from her father, asking her to return home as soon as possible. Zhu has no choice but to pack her belongings immediately and bid Liang farewell. However, in her heart, she has already confessed her love for Liang and is determined to be with him for all eternity. Before her departure, she reveals her true identity to the headmaster's wife and asks her to pass a jade pendant to Liang as a betrothal gift.
Liang accompanies his "sworn brother" for 18 miles to see her off. During the journey, Zhu hints to Liang that she is actually a woman. For example, she compares them to a pair of mandarin ducks (a symbol of lovers in Chinese culture), but Liang does not catch her hints and does not even have the slightest suspicion that his companion is a woman in disguise. Zhu finally comes up with an idea and tells Liang that she will act as a matchmaker for him and Zhu's "sister". Before they part, Zhu reminds Liang to visit her residence later so he can propose to marry her "sister". Liang and Zhu reluctantly part ways at the Changting pavilion.
Months later when Liang visits Zhu, he discovers that she is actually a woman. They are devoted to and passionate about each other and they make a vow to the effect of "till death do us part". The joy of their reunion is short-lived as Zhu's parents have already arranged for her to marry a wealthy merchant, Ma Wencai. Liang is heartbroken when he hears the news and his health gradually deteriorates until he becomes critically ill. He dies in office later as a county magistrate.
On the day of Zhu's marriage to Ma, strong winds prevent the wedding procession from escorting the bride beyond Liang's grave, which lies along the journey. Zhu leaves the procession to pay her respects at Liang's grave. She descends in bitter despair and begs for the grave to open up. Suddenly, the grave opens with a clap of thunder. Without further hesitation, Zhu throws herself into the grave to join Liang. Their spirits emerge in the form of a pair of butterflies and fly away together, never to be separated again. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - "COSER" = "cosplayer" ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (also video game slang but I lost my notes for those).
ML: "who said women must do these things?" <3 "If you were my treasure I'd take best care of you. I wouldn't let you lift a finger. I wouldn't dare."
"even if you're wrong you're always right to me"
"let me be clear. I don't chase girls but when I do I commit fully. If I marry, I'll cherish her."
"I've told you before don't say I'm sorry. If you doubt me it means I failed." (ooo)
"since I'm courting you I should be more attentive. Let me escort you."
"Even if you meant to, my body exists only for you. You can look at me all you want."
"Because I care. No matter what happens - in happiness or in anger -- if you call me, I'll always answer."
"If you dare change your mind again I'll pin you down to the bed and kiss you breathless."
"I swear to you now, if you reject me, I'll never share your bed. Moreover, I'm like a wolf, mated for life to one person. Even if you refuse me, in this lifetime, there's only one woman I'll hold. If you want to leave, you'll have to wait for my death."
(FL: "you're not my husband") "Exactly. Just your future husband."
'Wait until I'm done kissing you. If you try to escape, I'll tie you to the bed."
What about you?
Short dramas where she is the FL:
"Others say my wife is fat, but I find her soft and adorable—I kiss her every night!"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkk_dlU8KDg
"All mocked the 200-pound village girl, but CEO fell for her at first sight, married & spoiled her!"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIZEIZzk3R8
ex:
-ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS is an epic Chinese historical novel dramatizing the turbulent fall of the Han Dynasty (late 2nd century AD - 1925) and the subsequent struggle for power, ultimately forming three rival states: Wei (north), Shu (west), and Wu (south). It follows legendary figures like cunning Cao Cao (Wei), virtuous Liu Bei (Shu) with strategist Zhuge Liang, and Sun Quan (Wu), chronicling their massive battles, intricate political schemes, and themes of loyalty, betrayal, and ambition, culminating in the reunification of China under the Jin Dynasty.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
-THE GRAVE ROBBERS' CHRONICLES, or Daomu Biji, is a hugely popular Chinese fantasy-adventure novel series by Xu Lei (Nan Pai San Shu) about young Wu Xie and his friends exploring ancient tombs, uncovering secrets of powerful clans, battling supernatural dangers, and dealing with themes of loyalty and betrayal, known for its intricate plots, mysteries, and beloved "Iron Triangle" characters, leading to many adaptations.
What It's About
Plot: The story follows Wu Xie, a descendant of tomb-raiders, as he joins experienced tomb raiders Zhang Qi Ling and Wang Pang Zi to explore ancient, mysterious tombs, uncovering family secrets and supernatural phenomena.
Origin: It started as an online serial and became a massive hit, spawning sequels and adaptations.
Key Themes: Loyalty, friendship, family legacy, betrayal, patriotism, and the struggle between life and death.
Real-World Basis: The author incorporates real Chinese history, legends (like Lady Dai's preserved body), and vast cave systems, adding a layer of realism to the fantasy.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
-HANAMICHI SAKURAGI and HARUKO AKAGI are central characters in SLAM DUNK, where Sakuragi falls for Haruko, who introduces him to basketball; she initially likes rival KAEDE RUKAWA, but their relationship deepens as Hanamichi grows from a delinquent into a passionate player, culminating in a poignant, mutually understood bond by the series' end, especially after his injury, showing her care and his love for both her and the game.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
-THE COWHERD AND THE WEAVER GIRL (Niulang and Zhinü) is a beloved Chinese folktale about a forbidden love between Zhinü (Vega), a celestial weaver, and Niulang (Altair), a mortal cowherd, separated by the Milky Way (Heavenly River) but allowed to meet once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month via a bridge of magpies, a legend celebrated as Qixi Festival, or Chinese Valentine's Day.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
-"CUTTING THE GORDIAN KNOT" means solving a complex, seemingly impossible problem with a bold, decisive, and often unconventional action, inspired by Alexander the Great's legendary feat of slicing through an intricate knot with his sword instead of untangling it. The phrase symbolizes finding a quick, forceful solution to an intricate situation, getting to the heart of a problem by ignoring traditional methods.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
-THE THIRTY-SIX STRATAGEMS is an ancient Chinese text that compiles 36 strategic principles, derived from military history and folklore, applicable to warfare, politics, and civilian life, often using deception and unorthodox tactics. It's a classic of Chinese strategic thought, organized into six chapters for different situations (e.g., advantageous vs. desperate), and is studied for its wisdom in business, interpersonal skills, and leadership, much like The Art of War.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
-SUN ZI BING FA - The Art of War is an ancient Chinese military treatise dating from the late Spring and Autumn period. The work, which is attributed to the ancient Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
-"THE PSYCHOLOGY OF LOVE" refers to several books, most notably an influential 1988 anthology edited by Robert J. Sternberg and Michael L. Barnes, which compiles research on love, and a collection of writings by Sigmund Freud on love and sexuality.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
-MEI CHANGSU (梅长苏) is the central protagonist of the popular Chinese novel and hit historical drama series, Nirvana in Fire (琅琊榜). "Jack Su" is likely a westernized or alternative romanization of this name, or a reference to an actor named Jack Soo.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
- (referred to as "kouga nine scrolls" in the captioning)
THE KOUGA NINJA SCROLLS (Japanese: 甲賀忍法帖, Hepburn: Kōga Ninpōchō) is a historical fantasy novel about ninja written in 1958–1959 by the Japanese author Futaro Yamada. It is the first installment in Yamada's Ninja Scrolls series, which he wrote until his death in 2001.
Beginning in April 1614 Japan, the story centers around the Kouga and the Iga, two rival ninja clans who have been enemies for 400 years. Their no-hostilities treaty is lifted by retired shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu to settle a succession dispute within the government concerning which of Ieyasu's grandsons will become the third Tokugawa Shogun, Takechiyo or Kunichiyo. Danjou and Ogen, leader of the Kouga and Iga respectively, are summoned to Sunpu Castle and each select nine other members of their clan to participate in a battle to the death. Each clan is given a scroll with all 20 combatants' names written on it. Any survivors are to return to the castle on the last day of May with the scroll, and the side with the most survivors will win. Following a random toss of the scrolls by Ieyasu, Kunichiyo is represented by the Kouga, while Takechiyo is represented by the Iga.
Due to years of incestuous selective breeding, the members of the Kouga and Iga have all developed inhuman abilities at the cost of several of them being born physically disfigured or otherwise abnormally mutated. At the center of the conflict is Kouga and Iga's two young heirs; Gennosuke and Oboro respectively; who had fallen in love in the hopes of not only bringing their clans together in peace but also to mix the bloodlines of their families so as to undo the genetic damage endured by both. The novel traces the course of the conflict as both clans endure heavy losses and ultimately bring Gennosuke and Oboro to face each other on the field of battle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
-THE BUTTERFLY LOVERS is a Chinese legend centered around the tragic romance between Liang Shanbo (梁山伯) and Zhu Yingtai (祝英臺), whose names form the Chinese title of the story. The title is often abbreviated as Liang Zhu (梁祝).
The legend of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai is set in the Eastern Jin dynasty (266–420 AD).
Zhu Yingtai is the ninth child and only daughter of the wealthy Zhu family of Shangyu, Zhejiang. Although women are traditionally discouraged from taking up scholarly pursuits, Zhu manages to convince her father to allow her to attend classes in disguise as a man. During her journey to Hangzhou, she meets Liang Shanbo, a scholar from Kuaiji (present-day Shaoxing). They chat and feel a strong affinity for each other at their first meeting. Hence, they gather some soil as incense and take an oath of fraternity in the pavilion of a wooden bridge.
They study together for the next three years in school and Zhu gradually falls in love with Liang. Although Liang equals Zhu in their studies, he is still a bookworm and fails to notice that his classmate is a woman.
One day, Zhu receives a letter from her father, asking her to return home as soon as possible. Zhu has no choice but to pack her belongings immediately and bid Liang farewell. However, in her heart, she has already confessed her love for Liang and is determined to be with him for all eternity. Before her departure, she reveals her true identity to the headmaster's wife and asks her to pass a jade pendant to Liang as a betrothal gift.
Liang accompanies his "sworn brother" for 18 miles to see her off. During the journey, Zhu hints to Liang that she is actually a woman. For example, she compares them to a pair of mandarin ducks (a symbol of lovers in Chinese culture), but Liang does not catch her hints and does not even have the slightest suspicion that his companion is a woman in disguise. Zhu finally comes up with an idea and tells Liang that she will act as a matchmaker for him and Zhu's "sister". Before they part, Zhu reminds Liang to visit her residence later so he can propose to marry her "sister". Liang and Zhu reluctantly part ways at the Changting pavilion.
Months later when Liang visits Zhu, he discovers that she is actually a woman. They are devoted to and passionate about each other and they make a vow to the effect of "till death do us part". The joy of their reunion is short-lived as Zhu's parents have already arranged for her to marry a wealthy merchant, Ma Wencai. Liang is heartbroken when he hears the news and his health gradually deteriorates until he becomes critically ill. He dies in office later as a county magistrate.
On the day of Zhu's marriage to Ma, strong winds prevent the wedding procession from escorting the bride beyond Liang's grave, which lies along the journey. Zhu leaves the procession to pay her respects at Liang's grave. She descends in bitter despair and begs for the grave to open up. Suddenly, the grave opens with a clap of thunder. Without further hesitation, Zhu throws herself into the grave to join Liang. Their spirits emerge in the form of a pair of butterflies and fly away together, never to be separated again.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
- "COSER" = "cosplayer"
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(also video game slang but I lost my notes for those).
ML: "who said women must do these things?" <3 "If you were my treasure I'd take best care of you. I wouldn't let you lift a finger. I wouldn't dare."
"even if you're wrong you're always right to me"
"let me be clear. I don't chase girls but when I do I commit fully. If I marry, I'll cherish her."
"I've told you before don't say I'm sorry. If you doubt me it means I failed." (ooo)
"since I'm courting you I should be more attentive. Let me escort you."
"Even if you meant to, my body exists only for you. You can look at me all you want."
"Because I care. No matter what happens - in happiness or in anger -- if you call me, I'll always answer."
"If you dare change your mind again I'll pin you down to the bed and kiss you breathless."
"I swear to you now, if you reject me, I'll never share your bed. Moreover, I'm like a wolf, mated for life to one person. Even if you refuse me, in this lifetime, there's only one woman I'll hold. If you want to leave, you'll have to wait for my death."
(FL: "you're not my husband") "Exactly. Just your future husband."
'Wait until I'm done kissing you. If you try to escape, I'll tie you to the bed."