Ryan B

Hmmm...Can't put my finger on it yet...

Okay. I have watched these first six episodes three times. Three times. Why?

Part of it is I like watching when people stand up to the bad guy. For as bad as it was - in My Dear Secretary - when she took him down - it was vicious and gratifying to watch. In Bad Guy My Boss - the moment when he states "I am your Secretary - not a slave. I don't have to put up with you." was a beautiful moment. You could see the boss' eyes change as he knew he didn't have a comeback.

What I find hard to believe and can't seem to let go of his how awful a person he has been for several years and yet we are to believe that they are ecstatic bed buddies after a couple hours together? Uhhh, no. I would be better inclined to believe that they are drawn to each other because opposites attract but, beyond sex - their relationship should and would falter. The boss is too awful a person. And the secretary - while having moments - is a willing doormat.

Product placement was a mess in the resort episode. They crammed it in during the entire vacation. It must have been contractually insisted that they drink the drinks while surrounded with palm trees, good weather and flowing cottons and silks.

I will stick with it until the end. On the body wise side of things - Khim is near perfection. The others - ehh. Would have like to see the casting done the other way. Zax as the CEO - he would have appeared more professional and his bad side would have been darker - more corporate. James as the CEO just appears more a**hole than professional.

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Not as Bad as Some Say...

I liked this one. I understood why the characters acted the way they did. And, with similar interests (arts) and not really moving from their birthplaces - it is easy to understand why they kept running into each other.

I appreciated his growth. Keeping people at bay his entire life, when he finally admitted to himself that he liked someone - he didn't know what to do. Too much pride to ask anyone and too scared to risk being rejected. Loved his honesty. Her growth was well done. It took her time to get a backbone and start to fight back. To decide not to be a doormat takes time.

The parents? Understandable. Dad finally got it. He thought he had a chance to start over and she thought she was finally set free. I agree they should have divorced sooner. I appreciated the Dad's attempts at reconciliation with the son but, I would have been the same - thanks but, no thanks.

You need a triangle to create tension in the relationships. So, understood why we had the CEO involved. I will be happy to see how these last few episodes go.

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Tough Watch for Several Reasons

This may be a tough watch for some people. Why?

- Great cast - overall - great casting - they found some solid actors/actresses.
- Characters - they could have been a little more polished. Storylines had rough transitions. Characters change of heart weren't handled well. Two main ones go from annoying and mean to better but, we don't know why and it takes so long to get through a sentence - you forget that they are nicer or, more relaxed.
- Pacing - watching paint dry is faster. I skipped two entire middle episodes because nothing was moving forward. Nothing - plot wise - was changing.

I will finish this with the fast forward button just so I can move on to something else.

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Loved this

Loved this series so much. So well done and perfectly cast. I have already seen it three times. Comfort food for the eyes and ears. I am sure there are many of us that will pine for a partner like the ones we see in this series - leads or secondary characters.

Loved the ML's gentleness and patience. Always watching...always adjusting...never letting the goal waver. FL's transition from temp...to worker in a field where she would be set up to fail...to sticking it out...was so well crafted and believable. You choose your battles.

One of my favorites.

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Loved this series.

So well put together. You really get to hate him at the beginning and as the first episodes unfold - you'll find yourself getting anxious about if she will start to like him too early. He is so good at being bad that you fear anything good will be taken away the next time he is angry. That is good writing and great acting.

I don't want to dive into any of the details since so many other reviewers do that well so, I will just stick with that it is something to put and leave in your watch list. You will have favorite moments and go back to them often.

A little side note. In some dramas you can tell the actors/actresses aren't in to each other in the kissing scenes. They are just going through the motions. Not these two - the little details in how they kiss are perfect. Think Korean Odyssey when they kiss each other in the library or, when they finally spend a night together - those kisses/moments are perfect. Same with this series. They are trying so hard not to fall in love but, just can't help it.

You will enjoy this one.

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Very well done - relatable - enjoyable

Update: I have seen this three times now. I still love it. My only qualm is that there is an appearance that the ML likes guys because of the trauma he went through. That is a dangerous road to travel and feeds into the nonsense that there is some choice involved. Forgivable but, would have liked to have some of the lines altered to show that what he felt younger was confirmed after working with him so closely. What saves it is how much they always care for each other - and - it feels real.

I thought this one was very well written. Also, no real wasted time on sideline stories. The extra "stuff" always supports the main story. I loved and appreciated how the Mother had a believable transformation. Time and seeing for herself was all she needed. I could and most likely will - watch this again when I am in the mood for a story of two polar opposites finding what they need in each other. And, finding out that they are worthy of love - loving others and well as learning to love themselves.

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Great to watch with your finger on the fast forward button

I actually liked/loved the characters enough to stick with the whole series. For an English speaker - it was tough only getting translations of what was said - nothing written was ever translated but, I would eventually, be able to figure it out.

I agree with many reviews in that Pat took too long to mature. For being a 25-26 year old there were times his actions mirrored childlike. Understandable for someone who was babied/coddled but, when you enter the workforce - you do need to take steps to grow past your safety zones. The writing reflected the times - they mentioned safe zones many times.

I agree the writing was a little off. Plot points were introduced and never followed up on. The whys and hows of character choices were never fully explained. Side characters remained blank canvases and only used when needed. Many times you will find yourself asking "Who is that?".

I appreciated the reality of the whole story. Controlling Dad finally realizes he can't control his son but, has nothing against him - dad even mentions his performance for the past two years has been near flawless. It was a nice shot of him throwing away his son's resignation and basically, letting him do what he wants - relationship wise. The mother appeared to like Jaab over Jeng though, that is never explained.

Being a standard BL - you can fast forward through the fluff and waste of time scenes. So predictable and just by paying attention as you zip through the scenes - you can still see what is happening and not miss a thing. Overall, I really loved the characters enough to where I will be watching favorite scenes/episodes again.

I loved when Jeng is slowly watching and paying attention to everything Pat likes and dislikes. His reaction to Pat not liking the shrimp nuggets is perfect. For someone who loves to cook and wants to share his creations - it goes to your soul when you want someone to like what you prepared. It bothers him so much, he changes the recipe so, Pat would be able to eat if ever offered again. I have watched the submitting the peer review to the scenes of them working together several times - they are real enough to completely believe.

Again, worth a watch but, don't feel bad for fast forwarding through the things you don't like. I am not a fan of screaming queens - never have been. I can't even stand to watch that horror film Mama Mia - even with the Abba music as bait.

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Wasn't sure what I was going to say...

I read a very positive review before writing this because, I wasn't sure how to approach this series. We do get a sense of timeline based on the length of stay Nubsib is going to be a roommate. But, I still had to wonder why they had to make Gene's character so continuously abrasive. If more people would have reminded him to back off a little or, to apologize when mean - it would have been easier to connect with him earlier in the series.

This series is pretty well written. Because it is mentioned so much - without looking to the credits - I have been trying to guess if this was written by a woman or, a man or, a collaboration. I can usually tell it is a woman when they have the gay character make it sound like they are gay just for one person and are deciding at that very moment. There are so few BLs out there that show that those feelings and whom you are drawn to start at a very early age - whether in the closet or, not. Anywho.

Overall - well done. Love the detail. Love the uncomfortableness some episodes create. Love the reality. Love that many types of LGBT personalities are represented. This is one series where you will watch several of the episodes repeatedly. I would have scored it higher if they would have given the director's and Gene's manager less screen time - both of them are so irritating. LOL

What you will notice in this series is a lack of character development. Instead of spending more time to get to know everyone - we have to sit through meaningless boring, time consuming scenes that almost mean nothing. Great - they go to a temple before the series shooting begins - that could have been covered in a flashback conversation. And, the day to day scenes weren't strong enough to hold up on their own. In other series - those hanging out together moments show true friendship and bonding doing normal things. Here - it can clearly be seen as time filler - even though the episodes are so short. It's okay - that is what the fast forward button is for.

Let's look at the characters:

Nubsib - the kind of guy both women and men would love to have. Caring, patient and honest.
Gene - in the closet only because he has kept himself isolated most of his life - not daring to even see where his feelings lie.
Tum - an appreciated character - assumed gay because of the world/career he is in but, feet firmly planted where he knows who he is. Refreshing that he never gets as angry as Gene does when people "assume".
Aoey - my least favorite character for all the reasons we see. Even though Nubsib goes out of his way to avoid him - he still feels he has a chance at a relationship with him (sad but, with that character's personality - I can understand it). We needed this character to represent that large segment of the LGBT population. Happy he was part of the series.
Loved Korn's character - always left you wondering.
The director and Gene's manager hold the place for typical over the top annoying characters. There were several times when the director was speaking that I yelled at the TV for him to stop talking. Gene's manager is pretty awful. If I were Gene - when it came time for contract renewal I would ask for her replacement or, move to a better company.
Tiffy - pretty cool character - loved her transformation.
Hin and Mhok were cool - would have loved more time with them.

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This one intrigues me...

Chinese subbing of a Thai drama. I wasn't sure how I was going to like it but, I got hooked. Love the casting - it is strong. Love the music. Love how the characters interact with each other. And, I appreciate that even though they don't know each other well enough - they still look out for each other's wellbeing. I saw we can't find the original Thai version but, I will stick with the Chinese one to finish it.

One major irritation: The female chosen to voice for the FL was pulled off her anime duty. Typical grown women voicing in a way to make our FL sound like she is 7 years old with a mentality to match. The more she is on screen the more you hate her.
How do these people even get into college?

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Eye Candy, Good Casting and Learning to Live with Frustration

Warning: If you get emotionally invested in your Asian dramas - install a acrylic panel in front of your TV or, computer screen before you start watching this. The way the writers handled this story and its characters - you may find yourself throwing things at the screen when the bad people keep getting away with everything they do. Or, keep trying to manipulate your favorite characters.

Better than most Chinese dramas. I thought they spent some major bucks on this one until I started seeing them use the same stock shots/scenes over and over. Basically, time filler while they make you listen to the soundtrack. Gotta stretch 16 episodes of story into 30! I guess if you think of this as more soap opera and less drama - you will be more patient.

While some dramas have made the food another character, this one keeps food as a backdrop. It is discussed as if it is important to everyone but, while we do learn some things as the too many episodes plod along - we just watch people cut, prep, cook and eat while they go through the motions. There are some amazing moments between the main characters when he is teaching her. He is such a good actor and so into the part, you can see how she falls for him through these cooking lessons. I still wish the food was more than something to be judged and consumed. Compare to Bite Me where food scenes were sensual, gorgeous and presented to be as important as the characters themselves.

I agree with some of the other reviews that this story has too many bad people getting away with what they've done. I figured out the main evil person (who cares why she is doing it) so early that I've grown frustrated with the revelations and hoping/waiting for her to get hit by a bus. At least in The K-2 we see the villain have to take responsibility for all the evil he has done - by his own hand - and, accepts it.

After 25 episodes, I have finally stopped yelling at the TV "Stab her in the heart." every time Elise has screen time. Why does this pyscho not get anything coming to her. The Chinese society is very well known for corruption and letting money talk but, you don't see any of that here. In fact, evil is glorified unless you are a small business. Use food additives to your fish? You are going to jail. Poison, embezzle, steal, lie, cover up, coerce - you're fine. In fact - we'll reward you!!!

Love the main characters and a couple of the side stories. This was clearly made to be a travelogue type story for the upcoming Olympics. Get people interested in visiting the area and trying all the different kinds of food. It takes time to get used to Song Zu Er - she can be quite annoying and immature - her growth takes much longer than traditional Asian dramas - she seems to backslide into the childish realm a bit too often - petty. Ethan Juan is at his best at both when he is in control and when he is most vulnerable. The in-between stuff gets a bit messy. Loved the main characters interactions when they were just normal and their guards were down.

I'll stick with it through all the episodes but, I am starting to fast forward through the time filler stuff so, I can focus on the main stories. I don't care if a character has to look at outfits and pick out products for 20 minutes. I get that you want us to believe they have an important job. You can do it in five minutes. LOL Love the side story of the immature heir coming to grips with having to mature. Love seeing his growth and struggle and his fiancé is a perfect casting choice - in today's Chinese society - should she have to put up with him?

Just finished episode 25. Still love the main characters and after reading reviews - I have an idea of what to expect. So, I don't think I will be throwing anything at the TV anytime soon.

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Hard to Watch...but, it has its moments (strong cast)

The family of the lead girl borders on abusive. They constantly tell her she is ugly. They won't let her eat. The mother constantly praises the son and insults the daughter. They treat the daughter like a servant. The mother actually tells Gui Hui that her boyfriend is too good for her. It is just awful. They should have had the daughter tell the family off in the episode she "ran" away. No - instead - the writers continue to treat her like trash and have the family not even notice she was gone.

On her birthday - they wait until the end of the day to even mention it. And, no real gifts. The worthless brother temps her with a gift and then, gives her nothing. But, all is right with the world if they give her a cake and sing...ugh.

I stuck with it because it has a good storyline and strong cast. If they could only get that Korean White Truck to run over the mother and brother - just to get them off screen for most of the episodes - it would have been a great series.

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