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It's as it is title suggests Failing in Love not falling in love.
It was a good watch for me, I enjoyed it and specially the ost was amazing it's one of best part of this web drama. As it's name suggest it's about failure in the love lives of teenagers, their feelings, struggles, emotions, confusions, finding what they want from life and the friendship between them. It's a pretty much portrayal of a regular teenagers life I can understand cause I'm passing through same phase.The execution is pretty much realistic, I liked the fact that even though it's just a short drama we get to know the backstories of characters and also pretty much big character development in the end. Although the ending wasn't fairytale like they lived happily ever after together but I really liked that it wasn't typical but everyone was happy and satisfied in there own life in own way, it was perfect ending for me.
This isn't about who ends up together or who gets the girl it's much more than that.
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It's sweet as it's name.
This drama was like vanilla ice cream plain and sweet without any major twists and surprises. So you won't feel any thrill it's just a light, cute and fluffy drama with lots of cliches in it that will definitely make you cringe.It's a fairytale with happy ending. Probably Cinderella story. Rich, handsome, talented and there's even more he's her idol also so basically it becomes so unrealistic but if you like this type of stories then this is your cup of tea. It doesn't have many silly misunderstandings, breakups yeah but there's a irritating I mean very irritating second FL that's her character is only made for to we hate her. Still is wasn't bad it was good dose of fluffy ness after watching some serious stuff. The acting and execution was good, I liked the fact that FL wasn't dumb and ML wasn't mean.
Overall it was okay, it was good watch I enjoyed it's cuteness and sweetness...
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The romance that doesn't even need words.
When the journey is more beautiful than the conclusion.Again starting the review unconventionally. Trying to recover from the drama? I would suggest you go watch behind the scenes, and interview where Allen Ren & Bai Lu Rewrite The Ending, it might help.. in my case it did. I'll drop the video links in the spoiler comments below.
Why I used the beautiful word? the outcome is definitely not pleasing. What is so beautiful about it.. in a cinematic way, with mesmerizing shots and locations, it's brilliant! Is that it? No. It has the most beautiful love story, the heartwarming one at the same time most heartbreaking...
The story isn't out of the box, or extraordinary but unexpectedly brilliant when it comes to execution. The dialogues are cleverly written and show intellect for sure! What do you expect from tragedy?
Tragedy (from the Greek: τραγῳδία, tragōidia[a]) is a genre of drama based on human suffering and, mainly, the terrible or sorrowful events that befall the main character. This is what Wikipedia says.
So is this fully tragic, surprisingly the answer comes as no. A tragedy that has some pleasing and many memorable moments.. even sprinkled with a bit of humor.
Though the politics isn't cleverly written (one of few cons) it doesn't matter as it isn't the main focus of the story.
Apart from the main leads, I adored some side characters a lot. The portrayal of friendship and loyalty is what I loved after my favorite love story.
Bai Lu, not just managed to show all emotions of Cui Shiyi through her expressions but also her character development throughout the show.. which isn't abrupt but with different phases, not only does her styling change with time but also how she becomes more mature, sensible. If you observe.. even the way she smiles is different in young age, her body language.. the way of talking or even walking... she even had to learn sign language for that applause for her, the small details.. which are clearly visible when you are fully immersed in the drama.
A lot of historicals fail in characterization especially when it comes to female leads, imagine growing up in a noble family in a strict manner with a lot of restrictions, rules, and regulations with the responsibility to protect clans reputation what would be your personality? clearly not rebellious, arrogant one? Maybe that's why I love Shiyi she isn't badass nor the strongest. She's gentle, caring, sensible, and clever. Her calm nature and temperament might be the polar opposite of Zhou Sheng Chen, but that's what makes them compliment each other.
Zhou Sheng Chen. He is the one who has both beautiful bones and skin.. where skin represents inner and bones represent outer beauty. The righteous general who don't have any ambitions and desires other than protecting and serving the country. Is he icy-cold.. mhmm nope. He's loving, caring, and warm when it comes to loved ones. Maybe this side is mostly for Shiyi.. his most beloved disciple. I loved how consistent his character was... he knows his limits, the boundaries he can't cross. He was flawed, he made some wrong decisions but every decision was worth it... right or wrong.
As always Allen never disappoints in acting. He lived Zhou Sheng Chen fully... where he never actually got a chance to express what he feels through words, but even though you can feel every emotion he has gone through just by looking at his face. The transaction of a general who has no regrets for what he has sacrificed throughout his whole life, to the person who may regret his decision but can't even express his regret or change anything just for the loyalty and his righteous nature. And you can just see through all this through eyes.. no need for words to understand what he's going through. A tear in the corner of his eyes hit more than bawling.
Shiyi and Zhou Sheng Chen my most favorite fictional couple... not just because of wonderful chemistry, their love was purest and heart-piercing. The love that doesn't need words or intimacy... even gaze, the small gesture, the embrace is enough to see their affection. Their eyes speak, the way they look at each other. The most caring and loving gaze, with time it becomes painful. The development between their relationship was natural and realistic.. where you encounter different phases. The age gap is there but not the awkward one, even though it's not physically visible, but an early stage you can see the difference intellectually. And this couple is everything.. they deserve every happiness more than anything.
As I said before the cinematography is just mesmerizing, in the technical aspects its perfection, the camera work, color grading, and even the styling are never disappointed. I would appreciate especially for Shiyi as drama includes different transactions of her life, and those are well compiled with her styling.
The music is brilliant, soothing... and sad, yes it makes you sad, the lyrics, composition everything. It manages to enhance every sentiment.
I had soft corners for dramas that make me cry... yes I'm a bit weird lol. I had a good cry but I'm not being any generous towards rating because of it, it deserves it!
Why re-watchable value is high? I'm sure gonna watch it.. whenever I'll feel my life sucks or I have the worst difficulties. This can be the best consolation, but yeah especially all moments between couple are highly re-watchable.
Hereby One and Only has become my most favorite historical... with my most favorite couple Zhou Sheng Chen who has the most beautiful bones and Cui Shiyi who has the most beautiful smile :)
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It's all mess here
So it was all mess. Nothing particularly good I would say kind of a waste of time. Thank god it was short series or it would have been the worst outcome. Though genres are romance, comedy in the end it turned out to be a real headache. The FLs character isn't likable or I'll say I didn't like her decisions. The main love story between leads is the failure of the show and wait what? twisting rom-com like a thriller, action isn't a good thing at all. I mean the last twist damn I was frustrated because of it.The things I liked were the second couple (I would have loved if they were leads) well they definitely were show-stealer, the friendship of the trio was admirable. Liked the character development of some characters. So there wasn't anything better than this for me. Well yeah, it does have visuals so you can watch it for it.
So overall it wasn't that good though it's a short drama, I won't recommend it for sure!
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Cute, sweet but not consistently though!
So it started well of as cute fluffy and very sweet drama, as a very good rom-com, I'll say. Naive, innocent FL and Cold, CEO ML our never-changing tropes of cdrama rom-com. But later it becomes melodrama more than the rom-com well don't take the word seriously not melodrama exactly but sure not rom-com though.As usual, the problem that we see literally any drama. Silly misunderstandings... it doesn't have one or two this drama is kinds filled with them, till this point that I wondered if there's something called 'Communication' exist in their word. I mean can't you just talk with each other, ops but they talked then what's the point with the drama they don't have anything to stretch up other than the misunderstandings.
Talking about the leads and chemistry I kinda liked it but sure not the characters, well FLs character was indeed better than ML still not what I expect, talking about ML I liked him in the first half but there's the limit of jealousy man you can't be like jealous all the time on stupid things. Ah the SFL again don't forget it's filled with cliches so we got bitchy FL which surely the worst character here. The side couple was cute still not a big fan of their story.
So overall it was a cliches average drama nothing particularly brilliant in it!
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It is one of the most beautiful dramas I've encountered. The acting, pacing, execution, cinematography... even music I can't find any mistakes. I never skipped the opening song even of one episode. The casting can't be more perfect not just leads (Who did a splendid job) but the guest roles who are there only for 1-2 episodes, portrayed their character with perfection.
What to say about the story is it is based on real people and their beautiful journey together... The road trip that you won't ever forget.. ups and downs, challenges, meeting new people, exploring new things, experiences good and bad both this trip has everything that any normal trip can have.... it can't be more realistic. Though before watching it, I prepared myself for a depressing journey but never expected this would be so inspirational and heartwarming, making me crave for every episode.
I'm not gonna write a long review as I really don't have words (I'm bawling right now)
I want to say only one thing Watch it!
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Cute, fluffy but with being cringey...
It wasn't bad but wasn't good either, a okaish drama.. which is almost on the edge of becoming so bland having many unnecessary things almost stuffed in it. So if you are expecting something really good..Firstly if you are looking for a good fantasy and stumbled upon this, don't have high hopes you'll end up being disappointed. Fantasy its just a very little aspect of this that actually works only as catalyst to get leads together in the initial episodes and after that.. writer almost forgot that plot, and I guess they again remembered it near the ending so yeah you'll just get a bit of fantasy in the start only.
This was definitely weak writing, many things were unreasonable.. there are some incidents that I was expecting some explanation or understading but they just remained as unanswered questions. Well okay I can endure that much but its being so predictable, all twists being so unsurprising and adding some very annoying characters bothered me a lot. I guess the plus point I see is the cinematography was very decent, the leads chemistry was bearable and they actually looked good as pairing. Side character were okay and I'm also not complaining about their screen time as they were so cute together.
The main problem with it is though it have some twists but they aren't unique or shocking and that's why it felt so plain and bland... I won't recommend to watch it, might be good as light watch but not more than that for sure!
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Filled with sweetness....
Well, it was so sweet that you might get diabetes because of it. Well, oversweet vanilla ice cream without any plot twists, turns, or surprises I know it wasn't a thriller to expect this but I mean when nothing special happens it becomes boring and that's what happened here. I really can't say that this can happen in anyone's life because this was too perfect in the way it felt unrealistic. So yeah it was definitely a fairytale which only can happen in dramas.So if you like unrealistic stories, not many hardships or should I say there aren't any, no last episode breakups, no silly misunderstandings, and happily ever after ending then this show is perfect for you. Like it was a very perfect ending itself. Well, you don't yourself any pain or hurting while watching this. But yeah if you like to think rationally like real life isn't like that then Nah... don't waste your time here.
I would say Yi Tian didn't get the role as cold ML here his character was energetic, lively, and also cute. I really liked his acting here. But I really didn't felt the chemistry between the leads that much. I didn't get when Ai Qing fell for Wu Bai I mean that was like all of sudden. Yeah, both characters were likable. We even don't get evil bitch SFL or particularly SML I mean we have but he isn't bothering.
Okay so that was it... filled with sweetness fairytale well if you need an overdose of fluff then this is perfect for you. If not it's bland for me.
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The Light in Her Eyes!
'The beautiful journey which keeps you engaged till the end, giving you pain still you have a smile left on your face.' if someone asked to be to describe this show in one sentence. Well, it's an emotional roller coaster where you experience every emotion itself, you cry, you laugh, there's pain, you'll shock, in short you'll experience everything in this small ride. But the main thing is you'll get more than just entertainment, bitter truth, or reality you can say. Surely it's not a fairytale but none the less than that.The story itself was phenomenal, you cannot predict anything, and the twist you get near the end was more than any surprise. I've seen in any thriller, suspense drama. The execution, the direction was perfect. Characters their emotions, sentiments were amazingly conveyed. The humor was to the point till not absurd, nothing was perfect, every character had it's pro and con, and that's the specialty of this. Its realisticness opens our eyes to see the real world where we live.
Hat's off for the acting, Kim Hye Ja absolutely nailed it, like this role was made for her. I can say I saw a really good change in Nam Joo Hyuk's acting he did a great job portraying his character and last but not least Son Ho Jun wow he's gonna be one of the characters which made me laugh most.
So this was a whole package having a great story, cast, execution, beautiful cinematography, and more than just a drama face to the reality which can teach you the real value of life.
"Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. That is Alchemy's First Law of Equivalent Exchange"
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An amazing journey!
It was really great watch, I enjoyed very much. I wasn't expecting anything when I started to watch it cause I didn't really get the synopsis and first few episodes weren't that great for me, I was unware where story was going, I was at the stage that I would have dropped it but then *bang* I just got hooked and after that it was an amazing journey...So basically this story revolves around Baek Ho Rang her mysterious past and the incidents happening in present due to it but the thing is we don't only see her journey we get to see many stories in just 8 ep like Eun Taek, Woo Jae, So Hyun, Jae Yi and Yoo Shin and it's really great it's full package. I really loved everyone's backstory and the fact that every character had depth, ahh how can I forgot Woo Jae and Jae Yi they were amazing together and there chemistry was rocking. Yoo Shin was one of the cutest character I've seen I just love him!...
I really like the fact that they showed story in a realistic way no rushed relationship, I mean there wasn't love at first sight, it was slow process to like someone to love someone and which absolutely takes time. There aren't typical love triangle, squares in it so don't worry... the another good aspect of story that was character development which you can absolutely see and at the end everything is perfect loved the ending.
It was wonderful journey for me it teached me a lot.. and the fact that they didn't stretch the story to make more ep is really good thing I appreciate it. So it's definitely great for me and I would recommend it, so what're you waiting for go and watch it...
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An emotional roller coaster ride!
It's a heartwarming story that revolves around real life struggles, emotions, relations, family and friendship. It's one the most realistic dramas I have ever seen, there wasn't anything exaggerated. You can feel every emotion and every sentiment. It's just not only entertain but also teaches a lot. It does not have heavy romance but there are many cute and heart fluttering moments. No one is perfect, everyone has flaws and everyone can make mistakes and make wrong decisions sometimes but even if we cannot change them but we can improve ourselves to not make same choice again.I liked the fact that there were no silly misunderstandings, unnecessary breakups and some typical cliches in it. The story was well written and well executed. There were many heartwarming scenes that you'll feel flooded by emotions, I cried a lot not just in one or two scenes but many times I felt their pain, emotions. I love the relationship between father and daughter, the bromance, their trio, there friends. Even if you won't like some character in the beginning but eventually you won't hate them even there decisions were wrong but they had there reasons. I felt the ending was rush but it's only fact I don't like it overall it was a great experience. It is a cute drama that definitely bring a smile on your face.
It's one the best dramas I've seen so far so I totally recommend it to you, you'll definitely enjoy and love it as I did.
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The best execution of opposite attracts. Da Li and Moo Hak are not just different from each other, but polar opposites in almost everything family background, education, nature, personality, the way of thinking, legit nothing is common. Still, they are like two pieces of the puzzle fitting perfectly with each other, their oozing chemistry is worth craving more.
I can't express in words how much I adore Moo Hak, he's one the best characters I've seen in dramaland. He may be loud, uncultured, silly sometimes stupid... but most mature, considerate at the same time most adorable person. A looot better than people who claim themselves high-educated and cultured. I love how many shades he has... and throughout the journey with exploring different parts of his nature. Now one may think its character development is, I strongly disagree. I think it is how he was in first place. The more I go deep into his character the fewer flaws I can see, I respect his perspective and being a realist... And thinking what life he has been through... where he worked hard to get where he is I don't consider him as money-grubber nor stingy, coz he's the person who knows worth of everything, then whatever it is: Money or People. He knows his priorities clearly and behaves as per.
Da Li may be a bit oblivious, idealistic.. and doesn't have much knowledge about how the world works she's definitely not spoiled princess. She's hardworking, she can face every problem with courage, she can take a stand for herself. I love her straightforwardness... she's a girl who can kick ass if it's needed. Finally, someone who acts as per their age lol... and not a teen who's in love for the first time, she's comfortable with physical intimacy as an adult.
I've seen a lot of secretaries, (I mean ofc everywhere is CEO lol) but Moo Hak's secretary is the best. She's not only a secretary but a very loyal friend, who can even threaten her boss's girlfriend. She's just COOL. And I love his hotel staff too lol... who can work as gangsters but also can give adorable reactions after seeing Moo Hak's fully smitten state.
Whenever each episode ended... I always felt unsatisfied, after thinking I got it why. Though it's not noticeable compared to the rom-com (not the multi-leads ones) this one has relatively less screentime of leads being together but I won't complain coz it's realistic.. people do have things-word to do other than dating, so when they aren't together they are doing work which needs to be done. It does have many.. many, a lot of annoying characters that you would love to FF.
Aesthetically it's simply stunning.. the sets, costumes, cinematography. And finally, both leads have amazing dressing sense, where Da Li legit feels like someone who knows about art.
It's cliche at the same time it's not...the tropes don't feel unnecessary. It does break many stereotypes. I really want to thank how they didn't pull Won Tak to love square. Girl and Boy can be just friends not every time a guy ends up falling for a girl. No stupid misunderstandings.. even if there are any 'Conversation' exist in their world.. and it's noble idiocy free!
As rom-com if fills its purpose fully.. having many peak moments of comedy and couple you want more and more.
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You shouldn't miss this.
If I have to describe this drama in one sentence then it would be 'I laughed, I laughed a lot, I laughed a loot and I'm still laughing'It was one the most hilarious dramas I have ever seen, there wasn't even one moment that I felt it's boring. It was brilliant, I have was laughing from the first ep to the last, it was perfect, I wish it would have been more longer. The acting was great, execution, timing was perfect, loved the way of using music and sound effect it is one the main feature of this web drama, it's only 1 hour and 36 minutes so definitely it's worth watching. I f you like comedy then you'll love it. Ahh when they started to sing together it was hilarious I never laughed this much...
Overall it was great, I enjoyed a lot and trust me there's nothing here that you won't like it, it's very light drama that will ease your mind so don't think too much just enjoy this ride..:))
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The rock start.... with lost potential at the end.
Having watched almost every adaptation... I'm not here for the story, that's decades old, and filled with almost every trope that dramaland can have. We love cliches, don't we? poor girl/rich guy, enemies to lovers, the bad guy turning good guy, kinda then kinda not love triangle (or rather square), some bitchy characters thrown in the mess, the iconic 'power of love.'... and course some extremely good looking people, who wouldn't want to watch bromance between four hot guys (is that even a question).. so yes here I am to test, how much can endure this story that I've been through soo many times.. and been frustrated a lot.Warnings for the future viewers:
~The bullying in the first episodes is extreme, it's dark as it should be.
~Too much screen time wasted here and there.
~Gorya's screaming and beating never get better.
~Just don't watch it for romance.
~They say it's not that toxic but it's still toxic.
~Last episodes are all over the place.
~Thyme is the most adorable idiot.
~Ren is charming as hell.
It's the same but at the same time, it's not. The main arcs and their basic structure isn't changed... what changed is the execution and direction in a good way. Almost every antagonist of the story has given their share of story that makes you sympathize with them sometimes feel bad for them, they are not just one-dimensional side characters who do bad things coz-I-am-just-bored-and-have-nothing-to-do-with-life. From the entire history of Hana Yori Dango, I felt FLs parents were somewhat relative, her family genuinely looking like a family... little over the top but not too over the top. There was a bond between this f4, their friendship was raw and natural.. not just some hot four guys hanging together coz why not? they cared for each other and every guy got the screentime they deserved.
Gotta say I got a bunch of memories that I cherish... most adorable run of Thyme after-you-know-what, Kavin's charming bar fight (Damn it's not common that I replay fight scenes lol), Ren's fire alarm (or should I say every time he smiled), MJ was cool and best boi in the whole thing lol, and how can I forgot meow meow.
The focus of the story was more about the development of characters and how to put all arcs in just 16 episodes, they were successful BUT it also kinda ruined many things. A lot of time was given to the side stories of side characters than leads just so we could sympathize with them and though I did I'm unsatisfied coz damn that's not really why I'm watching this right? They tried to put almost every arc in a short amount of time (I mean let's take an example of the Japanese version, as jdramas tend to be of 10 episodes they had to make 2 seasons+movie to add all things) and as expected everything was condensed, fast-paced, too many things happening, simply put it messed up with the pace. The third thing it lacks is romance... I mean it, just don't expect too much screen time of lovey-dovey moments from the main couple coz 1) they get together for a very short time. 2) most of their couple moments are Gorya beating Thyme coz-that's-what-she-loves-to-do.
As this is 2022 they had to do something with toxicity like they can't expect z-gen viewers to take decades yrs crap (though we kinda do).. they did remove some of the most toxic moments, I'd say it might be the first try of making ML a bit likable like-genuine (the only ML I liked from this franchise was from J-version def not for a character it was all Matsumoto Jun he was freaking adorable dork I'd say)... well Thyme isn't all jerk all the time, he takes his time, he has his moments where he shines. sometimes (many times) he's cluelessly stupid... but def, not the hatable type.
From the start, I liked Gorya, a modern and real strong female lead... but it didn't last till the end, coz I believe she didn't have her character development as she should, she was still the same. Like bruh, many times she's hypocrite like you are the who's always like violence is a bad thing and blah, blah, blah but all time she does with Thyme is beating him.. even when he's badly injured on the hospital bed, like girl what are your principals in real?
I'm not fully convinced by Bright's performance, he was good but not the best... Thyme's character had a lot of potential with a large spectrum of acting but Bright's acting wasn't up to that point, he was cute, adorable, and extremely good-looking at many moments but the emotional scenes, the outburst moments weren't well done. Though I'm happy with Tu and Dew considering that it's their debut... both were charming. Course Win and Nani had their moments, but I'm just so impressed by Cindy a.k.a Roselyn.. she was remarkable her presence and aura. On the other hand, her character was unlikable but her charm almost made it hard to do so, the perfect casting I'd say. But her redemption arc was bluff smh
The cinematography is stunning so is the music.
I loved the first half... Saturdays become my favorites I've never done this one-week one-episode thing but I was willing to be that patient coz I was enjoying the flow of the show, reading discussions and theories after each episode, it was fun... then it fell out off the cliff the second half was such letdown (for me), the pace was out of the place, many things were just bombarded, somewhat realisticness that was there was all gone... and I'm extremely unsatisfied with the outcome I mean we deserve more after many tortures, frustration.
I'll probably conclude I have a love-hate relationship with this drama... there are times I enjoyed it and many that I was annoyed, frustrated, and wanted to knock sense into the characters... it's good but not good enough.
*Still my rating is subjective, objectively it could be less than this:')*
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What a crap!
DON'T WATCH IT.I can write a whole review with the single line above... ah but I've to be reasonable enough to answer, Why? and fortunately (or unfortunately) it has tons of reasons for why.
One reckless, one stupid, one short-tempered, one who has doesn't have a thing called 'personality.' So when these four friends (?) come together what happens. I wouldn't even call them friends lol, they don't even trust each other nor have bonding just living under the same roof, friendship word doesn't deserve this coz almost all their interactions are seemed to be forced.. just made for sake of a so-called female-centered plot where there's the worst characterization of many female characters.
Even children's storybooks have better stories. Unrealistic and torturous would be the most suitable words for the plot. And freaking 35 episodes drag. I don't really get what writers think when they want to create multi leads drama themed with friendship with female dominance, as the top priority of this plot goes to male characters having pure trash personalities. Not just that... ah some bitchy and of course jealous female roles who don't have anything to do other than plotting against leads and destroying their life and relationship. For god's sake, this is 2021.
What a way to introduce Cheng Yi, he literally gave me creeps from his first scene, ah and the whole 'flirting' thing he was doing with Xia Yan can definitely consider as workplace harassment... with a very cliche hotel thing I'm supposed to ship them as a couple (Kindly note: He has some crazy women besides him). Sorry, I can't lol, and it's not like I like Xia Yan too, she takes everything for granted not to forgot her overconfidence I mean getting a job isn't like buying coffee that you can do whenever you need or want.
Han Shuang, she's irritating AF. Her temper is on another level.. can be also considered crazy (as per your convenience). Xiang Nan honestly I don't have any impression of her, not any interest in her love interest (Yes dubbing has a major role, he has the worst voice dubbing). And the award goes to Xiao Lei for being the stupidest character of 2021. From the very first scene of her, I know she's naive but didn't know to this extent. How can I believe in her profession people are supposed to be smart and intelligent enough to be a teacher.
Within this... there wasn't really time for me to notice if there was any kind of music there? Acting is mediocre, not any outstanding performance from anyone. What a waste of Vin Zhang.
In conclusion, I'll say, it doesn't serve anything neither friendship nor love, sure you'll end up having a lot of frustration.
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