GabbieDean

Zhang Chi's begging eyes while saying "jiejie" is not for the weak

Zhang Chi and Yue Yuting are one of the CP's I can fully trust to deliver and they did it so brilliantly in this drama. I have only seen a few dramas of Zhang Chi's before and all of his characters I have seen were more of a restrained type. I knew he could act especially in his ancient drama where he was sick and sat in a wheelchair for the most of the story. He was very pitiful there especially when his sickness was acting up. But here, omg, the way his eyes change from a pitiful puppy to a predator was so exceptional. It's not a simple smiling then being blank face. There's something about his stare that really captivates you. . Before, I thought him and Yang Peng Cheng has a similar vibe but this drama definitely put him on a higher acting skills than Peng Cheng.

Yue Yuting's versatility is one of the reasons she's one of my favorite short drama actress. She can switch from fragile to scheming to fierce effortlessly. While she's very beautiful, it doesn't take away the fact that she's truly a great actress and her performance in this story is a proof of that.

Onto the story, I gotta say I haven't seen this trope before. I love the dominant woman and submissive man trope but I don't think I've seen it done literally in a short drama before. The camerawork did great at making the mature scenes hot without making it feel like p0rn. At first, you'd think Jiang Xu is taking advantage of Lu Zhi but once you see the true nature of Lu Zhi, you'll realize they're just two unhinged people who are obsessed and need each other. I absolutely love how supportive Jiang Xu's family was to her despite her sickness. It definitely parallels how Lu Zhi's family shunned him because of his dad even though he himself wasn't sick. Rather, he just became ruthless because of he went through after being abandoned.

I'm not sure if I completely dig the antagonist. I won't write who it is but I can say it's definitely a different perspective.

Nothing can be said more about their chemistry. I love Jiang Xu and Lu Zhi's unwavering support of each other. Sure, they had a dysfunctional relationship at first BUT !!SPOILER!! Lu Zhi is actually into it. It's not that he's into sadomachism but he's into Jiang Xu!!SPOILER!! And the kisses omg they didn't held back at all. I noticed that they did a scene of the two lying opposite on a bed with their heads close together. They did a similar scene in their previous work of historical drama (where Zhang Chi is the emperor and Yue Yuting is a cannon fodder concubine) and if it's gonna be their CP signature scene then I'm loving it.

And applause to whoever chose and edited the bgm. I think this is the first short Chinese drama I gave a high score to music because the music for the steamy scenes added more flavor to those parts. I finally didn't have to hear "See The Light" and that bolbangan 4 song repeatedly in a drama.

Favorite scenes:
- the wax, the ice and oh my gosh the wax (iykyk)
- everytime Zhang Chi acts like a puppy begging for affection. Yue Yuting definitely has a stronger will than me because I would have given him my entire being.

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Ximen Lichen + Bo Wang = Ling Shi Jin

I’ve been waiting for this to be in MDL for F O R E V E R and it’s finally here! I’m currently in a Zhao Zhendong binge and when I saw him with Zhang Shan, I instantly looked for it (and boy it was so hard to find).

LIKES:
1. ML - this is my kind of Zhao Zhendong roles. The flirty, shameless kind who will do anything for the person he loves. Like what I wrote in the headline, Ling Shi Jin has Ximen Lichen’s shamelessness when clinging onto the female lead and he also has Bo Wang ruthlessness when dealing punishments to others and even towards himself. You’ll see this when watch the scene of him dealing with the antagonist and when he was proving his love for FL.

What I also like about his character is even when he hated FL for leaving him, he never really hurt her. BUT FL did say that he was a controlling bastard when she and him used to be together so if that was shown then I wouldn’t have liked him as much. On the bright side, after FL came back to him, he learned to compromise and let FL be her own person so yay growth.

2. FL - I liked that even when Jian Cheng hated ML, she will side with him against others. Also, never really gave in to ML until he learned to compromise. She used to be ML’s canary/kept lover and when she ran away, she was forced to become independent since ML was hunting her. And when they reunited, you could still see the familiarity of two people growing up together even when they spent years apart. I also like that she’s not afraid of getting her hands dirty. Like the scene where ML’s assistant asked FL to persuade ML to hold back in dealing his revenge and she’s like “why should i?” Queen behavior. Zhang Shan’s pulled off the independent, playful and dark vibe which matched well with her character.

3. Chemistry - It’s not as spicy as his drama with Han Jia Hui BUT there’s something very natural about his chemistry with Zhang Shan. Like friends to lovers kind of chemistry and it just established more the idea of their characters growing up together that they know each other very well. There’s one scene where ML was punishing himself and FL immediately freed him even when ML is yelling at her to leave him alone. PLUS, I’ve read somewhere that some of the bts/bloopers were actually put in the drama. Off cam chemistry was so great it made into the final cut.

4. Story - I’ve always been a sucker for husband chasing wife trope. I was a bit worried since there’s usually abuse involved with the “i hate you for leaving me so this is my payback” but surprise surprise there’s none. Even ML found out the secret FL kept from him, it just showed that he was more hurt than angry. The plot itself was not unique but I like that their backstory was shown through dialogues. Like the grandpa dropping off the bomb that FL was taken in by their family and she even used to call ML “little uncle”. I was like “?? That trope is also included??” To be fair, I don’t think the age gap is too big but it wasn’t confirmed so just use your imagination.

5. Supporting characters - they also need recognition especially ML’s brother, assistant and the kid. ML’s brother was the villain. Characterization was average but his acting on the confrontation part was phenomenal. Him provoking Zhao Zhendong’s character and slowly realizing what ML would actually do was A M A Z I N G. He matched Zhao Zhendong’s energy so well. ML’s assistant was hilarious. He fits all the qualities of cdrama assistants. The long suffering yet still loyal and willing to serve ML. The kid was also great. I felt sad and proud for his character since he matured so quickly. Like kids shouldn’t be too understanding. It’s good that when ML and FL got together, he finally acted his age.

DISLIKE:
I wished they gave more details on how FL ended up in ML’s family. Or maybe it’s in the drama and the subs failed me.

FAVE SCENE (so many):
- confrontation between ML and brother
- FL protecting and comforting ML when he had a breakdown
- ML: I punished both his legs // FL: isn’t he lame on his right leg? // ML: baby, don’t you know men have three legs (LMAO)

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Simple story made great by chemistry and greater ending

I didn’t expect to love this story more than I expected but i freaking did. There’s no green tea or abuse or any misunderstanding which already makes it a bit above average (i know the bar is that low). Also, there’s no dragging moments so I didn’t feel the need to skip.

What I love
1. The actors. I watched this for Wang Yilei cos I’m into him lately but I’m completely taken by the female lead, Zhu Xiao Xue. She’s so pretty and there’s something refreshing about her. I think she’s a new actress cos her dramalist and chinesemov profile doesn’t have much drama yet but I completely adore her. I think she might be able to pull off a seductress role too cos she just has that natural charm. All actors other than the leads were great too. My next fave would probably be the rich heiress. Sure she was the 3rd party but like she said, it was the bf choice to cheat.

2. Characters. The characterization were surprisingly well done and all the actors added depth to their characters story. You’ll even understand the ex bf’s motive for doing what he did. Sure it wasn’t justified but it was completely realistic. I also absolutely love that they didn’t give FL’s mother a redemption. Sure she said sorry in the end but I don’t think it’s because she regret anything but more of guilt.

3. Chemistry. Okay so I first saw this on dailymotion and saw the first scene of Wang Yilei crying and the FL gently kissing him. Even without subs, I got hooked and immediately went to find a subbed video. They don’t have that much love scene except for kissing but their chemistry was so good I keep smiling unconsciously. I really really love that there was no great misunderstanding between them and even when they were in conflict (just one episode really), they still didn’t hurt each other and tried to understand each other’s perspective (yes the bar is that low).

4. Ending. This is probably one of the best endings I’ve seen. There’s no great revelation or anything and it’s probably normal compared to others but in the world of cdramas where the main couple just resolved their misunderstanding or got together 2 mins away from the ending, this is already freaking great. I got a bit nervous cos the second to the last episode already resolved all their issues and there was still an episode left. To my surprise it’s what the Chinese termed as “dog food”. I. Love. It.

What I dislike:
Not that I dislike it but I would have liked if they added more details on the case. It’s just a timeskip and boom everything’s resolved.

Fave scenes: when FL’s grandma pelted the ex-bf with fruits (that he brought lmao) and then acted like angel when greeting ML. Another one is when FL stood up for ML against his dad

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Best version of this trope

So far I’ve only watched two other versions of this story (including ai hong chen’s) but I would still say this is the best. The summary is a bit lacking. Basically, the second prince went to FL’s family as a tutor in disguise. FL fell in love with him but he’s in love with her half sister. Then FL married the foolish third prince instead of her sister.

LIKES:

1. Story - definitely the best. Other versions (one modern and the other also historical) focused more on the FL’as suffering and then suddenly she married a sick guy and all is well. Here, you can see the how everything fell into place. They just took the main plot but didn’t go crazy with it and filled the logical gaps. And even if I haven’t watched other vesions, this is still a great story.

2. Characters - All were great. From the main leads to the secondary characters. The writers did great showing their motivations or past so you can sympathize with them. The actors did well of bringing them into life. Seriously you’ll even feel sorry for the half sister which is quite rare since 2FLs are usually two-dimensional characters only existing to abuse FL and later be the one abused by the ML. The 2ML wasn’t also all bad considering the other versions were extreme in their ways of making FL suffer. Here, 2ML still has a conscience which he didn’t just recover when he realized FL was the one he loved all along.

3. Relationships - the dynamics of the relationships in the story are not purely love or hate. Even between the FL and 2FL, you can’t say the 2FL was all bad when you understand her intentions but you can’t say FL did anything wrong either because their conflict was rooted in their parents affairs and it affected them.

The one that stood out to me the most was between the dad and FL. Yes the dad ignored FL’s mistreatment and even punished her for the mistakes she didn’t make, FL still couldn’t let go her father because she already experienced what a good father he was. And kudos to the dad actor because you can see the conflict and guilt in his face and body language but you still can’t help but be pissed off with his actions.

4. Romance - this is the least I noticed in the story but it doesn’t mean it was bad. I absolutely love that ML showed his presence early in the story and supported FL unlike other versions where the ML only shows up on the latter part. Here, ML was already actively protecting FL. And when they got together, they did one thing most cdrama couples fail to do: COMMUNICATE. There’s only a tiny bit misunderstanding which was easily resolved. The rest are two people supporting and loving each other.

Special mention: I absolutely love the color grading and costumes here. It made everything looked better.

DISLIKES:
I despise FL father. Sure he kind of redeemed himself in the end but he himself said that it wasn’t enough to erase what he did to FL which was the truth.

Fave scene:
- when FL invited ML to consummate their marriage in broad DAYLIGHT and got ML acting all shy

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ML is a gaslighting grooming scum

Okay at first I was intrigued by the plot because the ML seems like my usual type: the obsessive type who’s only good to FL. And this ML is indeed obsessively in love with FL but after getting into the story, I wish he wasn’t.

ML practically groomed FL. Sure she was on the legal age when she went to UK with him but she was BARELY legal. He molded her into what he likes like having a short hair and having vices and such. Then he made her dependent on him. If FL hasn’t heard him telling his friend that he just sees her as a plaything then it will probably go on. Then she ran away, he captured her back and what did he do? Lock her up for a year. She basically went crazy and almost killed ML and herself. You’ll think he’ll learn his lesson but nope. After another shit went down, his friend gave him the bright idea of using drugs and hypnosis to make her forget her memory. Gaslighting next level. Best part? They still ended up together 🤡

So yea while i’m fond of grey flag ML, this ain’t it.

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Zhao Zhendong and Han Jia Hui’s chemistry was so good I thought they were a real couple

This version will always be my standard of this story. It’s light-hearted with the right amount of angst with lots heart fluttering moments that got me squealing in the middle of the night.

Like:
1. ML: Zhao Zhen Dong is one the versatile short drama actors who can do both dark and comedic roles. He nailed both as Ximen Lichen. It’s not as dark as his Bo Wang role but you can easily see how different he is with Wan Zhi and with others (every girls’ dream). His smirks and his turned-on face everytime Wan Zhi flirts back is so freaking believable. And his “baobei” ugh i die and resurrect everytime

2. FL: I thought at first Han Jia Hui’s would be outperformed by Zhen Dong but there’s a scene where she made me cry because of how pitiful she looked. And she really looked so traumatized that i want to reach inside the screen and comfort her. Jia Hui easily matched Zhen Dong’s vibe. And character wise, I really like how Jiang Wan Zhi is portrayed here. She did resist Ximen Lichen first but you can easily see that she’s not really trying that hard.

3. Chemistry: this is why i keep rewatching it. Honestly even now i think there’s something going on between them because of how natural they looked lol they made it so believable.

4. Story: I like that they got together quickly and resolved the misunderstandings.

Dislike:
1. Details: it’s not that i dislike it but it is less detailed compared to other versions. The con of that is that there are some unresolved issues but the pro is it’s easier to rewatch cos it’s light hearted

Favorite scene
- ximen lichen acting so shamless
- jiang wan zhi flirting back

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A reborn!FL who didn't have a 180 personality change and forced ML to communicate

One of my favorite reborn stories. If you like the obsessive-possessive crazy boyfriend then you'll like this drama. It’s the usual “I’ve been reborn so I chose to love the man who loved me all along” EXCEPT there’s some differences that I love. !!SPOILER ALERT!!

1. First FL truly loved ML in their first life but she hated him for locking her up. And it goes deeper than just restricting her freedom because it also correlate with her childhood trauma. That’s why even though she loves ML, she didn’t want to be in the situation where she’s like a kept lover. So in their current life, she forced him to communicate what wants.

2. What I especially like about this FL didn’t become over flattering to ML after being reborn. I think this is one of the few dramas where the reborn person didn't have a sudden change of personality. There is a power imbalance because ML is more powerful but you can't say FL was a complete submissive. It's more of malicious compliance if anything. And ML might be seem the one in charge in the relationship but you can see in their dynamic who's the real boss.

3. ML never side with others to hurt FL. Like yeah he’s a crazy bastard but as long as FL consents then I’m good. You can really feel his love tinged with obsession for FL in everything he does. My only ick is that their first time together seems to be an assault but FL did say she didn’t hate ML for that, just hated him for locking her up. Warning though there's a bit of ML putting his hands on FL's neck and in another scene, there's FL wounding ML. I only accept equal toxicity from both sides jk.

4. THEY DIDN'T USE DUBBING.

I only wish they gave more details and personality to FL Like does she have a career besides of being ML's lover? Acting could be improved but both actors were pretty good. ML actor did great with being crazy in love and FL also did great (especially her crying and venting scenes). I’m just a tiny bit bothered whenever she does the little open of the mouth whenever her face is standstill. She does this on most scenes that's why I can't help but notice. That’s just on me though. Chemistry was very natural and I like how they can’t keep their hands off each other.

Fave moments:
1. When ML was shocked to know that FL wants him to come with her to visit her mother's grave.
2. When FL confessed to ML how she felt when he locked her up.

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