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Do Not Miss Out
I can affirm and confirm that this is one of the best (if not best) romcom drama this year. I can stop at episode ten and be very satisfied. In fact, it would be the most perfect beginning to an ending. For me especially, i find it more rewarding because i found it on my own without seeing or reading beforehand about it. Like the drama, Tell Me You Love Me, these two are like a gem that snuck quietly in when I wasn’t looking, yet hold the fiercest of satisfaction to become an embedded treasure.My reason is simple. First the story. I’ve seen it all. Rich and poor, hate to love, first sight love, cold to warm, etc. I think I may have seen something similar as this, reformed mobster, girl falls in love. Yeah im sure I have. Regardless, I love it here.
The cast! Absolutely the best! The side characters, especially the ml “reformed” family makes me wanna have a bunch like them too. They’re hilarious, dedicated, and lifetime friends once in their circle. They are such an important bunch in this drama that made it super extra fun. Leads? What a perfect pairing. Uhm Tae Goo as male lead is superb as the cold, no nonsense, guy turned soft. Oh my gosh, how he acts, reacts at his own change of falling in love is hilarious but so so heartwarming. True to the saying, she fell first but he fell harder……add butterscotch with honey dripped in savory chocolate. Han Seon Hwa as female lead is soft, kind, and plays her role perfectly. Not only is she beautiful but she’s the one to tame and jellify the man.. Everyone, even fl best friend and her love interest are cute. Everyone in the cast makes this drama memorable.
Like I said, for me it’s perfect. Well weaved, acted, and one to definitely go back to over and over. It’s so good. If it ended at ep 10, it would be perfect. Glad though there’s six more of these guys that’s making my drama watching so fun. Don’t miss out on a gem.
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This review may contain spoilers
Underrated gem
I’ve watched this twice within a year and I want to share it this time around as I appreciate it so much better.First, I like the writing. There’s so many poignant life lessons to go along the phases of the story. I always feel that when connections are made from screen to audience, then it’s good. I’ve felt that a lot.
Second, the friendship (s). Yes though it is about the sismance of best friends Si Yi (Jin) and Lu Ke (Li Tong), overall the relationship of college classmates was so heartwarming. Everyone who had a role in this story was so good. I enjoyed the camaraderie of the group where you’re laughing at the spontaneous humor or crying at setbacks.
Third, the acting. I’m a fan of Li Tong but I think I appreciate her acting in this a lot more. She’s the reasonable, unselfish friend vs her bestie played by Gina Jin, who is very tough and cares about the outcome no matter what way to get it. Both ladies really shined in their roles. Guan He played by Chen Hao turned out to be such a cool girl I love her development and her relationship with Ze Hou was adorable. Yao Han, played by Zhang Chao (Si Yi’s love interest) is a woman’s dream man. Smart, handsome, kind, and cute low voice is such a great character. He’s so opposite of Si Yi they matched so well. Their chemistry was so good. He’s become a favorite I’m gonna watch his other works. Again, casting is great, all of them.
My only complaint was that like many stories to keep it going is unkind to the good people. Always those unscrupulous business people or scheming characters that knocks down the hard work of the honest people. At least towards ending they got their redemptions. Wonderful story, you would most likely enjoy this mature cast and production. Trust me, I’ve watched it twice. So good.
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Here’s another first for me. The music. Like the Hawaii Five-O older catchy theme music, I always looked forward to this ones and bops to it. Then, there are two songs sung brought in during those climatic moments. Both are very good but the one by female artist is so beautiful. After a great episode, I’d linger on just letting the soothing song sink in. I have no idea what it’s saying (no translation) but it’s fine, it touches deeply. I’ll later find out but that is one beautiful voice. Oh yeah, can’t forget to give credit to cast. Mature cast, perfectly selected…bravo.
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Usually I’m a rom-com person, will stray to a good law story (Suits) or political (Designated Survivor) once in a while but I haven’t in a bit. I saw the poster of this one, liked the looks of the leads, read the synopsis, twins, detective work, sounded interesting, started 1st episode and after three days not straying, just finished and very satisfied.
This show is about really good police investigative, forensics mystery work and it’s very riveting and intriguing. Dedicated to the core are its cast who never seems to stop working nor have a life beyond the uniform. For that you are very tuned into the mystery episode after episode with little rest to your imagination and emotions. The mysteries relate directly to the main people of the story which is why you’re deeply involved. You love them and hate them. Martial arts skills are great in the fight scenes and hands down applause for the training obviously put into this work. Though it’s not the focus, yet, the warm and tender relationship of the leads adds the flavor to this. Their romance is just beautiful with the maturity you crave in the eye candy idols cast dramas. Kisses are sweet and no big eye surprises or stone bodied hands glued to side either. Kisses are as it should be…clingy, returned, with warm hugs. Lol. Sorry but I’m so over the other unrealistic ones so was very satisfied in the sweet moments of this one.
The cast are all new to me but I’m gonna give them a shout out.
Bosco Wong dual plays twins Beichen and Beishen. Both have love interests so lucky him, he’s intimate with two beautiful women..haha. He’s so poised and dedicated to his work as a medical examiner that his character is strengthened by his intelligence and raw honesty, as he really needed to be to keep the woman he loved.
Julia Ye Qing plays Gu Chu, fellow medical examiner and love interest of Beichen. Beautiful and also poised, I love her facial expressions appropriately portraying her emotions. Her best yet was at the most, and I mean most painful moment of her character life. She’s great.
Gu Gao Wei is Capt Luo. This guy is absolutely professional in his character field. He’s handsome and enigmatic and also a poised leader. I researched him and found this is his first main lead role and he nails it. I would love to see him in another lead role where he gets the girl.
Liu Xian Da is Guo Chao, partner of Capt Luo. He’s reckless because he’s eager to be a good cop to catch the bad guys. I feel like he grew so much in the series and I can’t decide if it’s the character growth or actor growth. Handsome and naive, he grows to be a very resourceful cop.
The two antagonists are so good too. I mean the evil look, demeanor was perfect. Everyone on the team were good and big clap to them all. As to the ending? You’ll find closure I think.
I don’t know how they determine the popularity of shows and it looks like this isn’t favored. It’s seriously good though and if you feel you need a divert from other genres, give this one a go. I believe you will like it a lot. My overall opinion is a 9.5, low rewatch value because it’s no longer a mystery. Try it.
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It’s a drama for mature minds. It’s a nice break from idol casting. It might not be for everyone but I think if you’re willing to be patient and stick with it, producers and writers did a pretty decent job, and of course the cast who is delivering. I’m up to episode thirty and my attention hasn’t been hindered. Well…perhaps a tad here and there with the slow burn romance. Otherwise, this cast deserves an audience and I hope you give them a try.
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This review may contain spoilers
Give Wallace Chung and Qin Lan a second chance romance
This is a lovely story that oozes quality. Whether it’s the production, cinematography, direction, i feel it’s well directed and made. From the onset, there’s the blend of art, redemption, and mature emotions, definitely a deep romantic melodrama rather than light hearted fluff. It’s a plot of ex-lovers reuniting, with hidden secrets, misunderstandings, love triangle which isn’t groundbreaking with this type and may seem predictable. However, the writers have managed some twists that combines for mystery, intense conflicts that may not make it so predictable.The subplots can seem to pivot too much away from the progress of the main couple. FL ballet mentoring, ML wine business, the best friend, finding the dad, etc. Then the love triangle. You’ll have to be patient as that may seem draggy. (saw lots of comments complaining about this). Expect it. Everyone holds different views. Mine? It’s a slice of life drama that is not centralized on romance. On the overall it’s an all around story that captures the nuances of life. I follow slowly and attentively (unless it’s super bad of course). I will admit I have issues with the editing as I feel it’s choppy, not really connecting scenes sometimes so that good scenes tend to fade rather than lingering.
Love triangles are tricky. In romance based dramas, it can be a hit or miss. Both love rivalries in this are strong likable characters. I especially feel the intense sincerity of the 2nd male lead. If they’re written for leads character development and meaningful depth to story it serves its purpose. Some dramas drag it out that it takes away from plot or just annoyances (yeah vertical dramas I’m talking to you..ha). I’m just too much of an empath but seriously, it’s cruel to lead someone on.
I hope that this drama continues to build to satisfying heights because it can definitely be a mature resonant story about love, sacrifice, art and growth. So again, this isn’t lighthearted or fast paced romance, it might feel heavy or slow. Still, it’s a good story.
Hope to be back for after thoughts at end.
COMPLETED *****Final Thoughts 12-10-25
My rating for acting and story will stay the same, if anything, I still believe the story had lots of potential and could have been made better. Cast did what they were given so I don’t need to be too harsh on them.
If you can tell from beginning, I had lots of hope and excitement for this drama. As it became very apparent that it was dwindling in capturing interest, I still held hope that it would pick up and end strong. To be blunt, it was very underwhelming.
Pros:
•Cinematography: love areas shown.
•Though I feel that editing was choppy, the story had some substance.
•Cast were good. The ones that stood out though were the child actor Wang Hao Ze. He was so natural, had lots of lines, he’ll be accomplished in the near future. Lawrence Wong, tho short screen, enjoyed his acting as a brother and friend. Hope to see him lead a good role. Michelle Bai as PeiYan was also great. Of course Wallace Chung and Qin Lan, with the rest of the cast played their parts and regardless of how we felt about the story, they were good in their character and what was given.
Con:
Biggest is the script disconnection. Even in some good moments, it never lasts as the next screen careens to something different so it becomes lost. Nothing really holds meaningful. Pivotal points of the story become lost. Yeah, it’s too bad. Disappointing actually.
It’s not the worst for sure. Please give it a try yourself. Your views might be totally different and it could be enjoyable to you.
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The story here is a plot line seen way too many. CEO, cold, strict, recently returned. Woman is poor, tries to make in competitive business world. They meet, clash….yes! That’s the premise of this one, with the schemers in background, family secrets, etc. I’ve seen so many idol cast dramas of this sort the plots become very predictable. The difference for all these business/office genre is the cast and makeup of the story. The cast!
The main leads are older. Depending on individual watchers, as an older person this was a refreshing change. (not that I don’t watch idol star casts). Wei Gao (Wang Juan) and Zhang Qi (Su Mo) as leads were nicely paired. Their chemistry could be better but they did well enough i didn’t mind it. It’s just a nice change. Side characters who were the leads supporters are just as awesome. They complimented the leads by way of friendship. The supporting younger cast, Tianlu (Ren You) and Wang Jian (Zhang Mo) added depth as they were the peacemakers, the alternative voice of reason. They were great. My all time favorite though is Zhong Sheng (Zhao Yao) She was a strong character that portrayed a young woman who studies hard, and expresses and follow suit with wise judgment.
I enjoyed this a lot and really think you will too.
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This review may contain spoilers
What comes after love is stronger love!
I try to not to give any spoilers but at the risk I do, I went ahead and gave caution so read at your choice.I like the idea of cross country romance and Lee Se-Young is one of my favorite actresses so this is exactly up my alley. When earlier news of this collaboration came, I was excited yet couldn’t help but wonder if it would flop. I wasn’t aware of actor Kentaro Sakaguchi (definitely a fan now and will check out his works) and in the clips of first readings, i wasn’t drawn to him that he could pull it off. Fast forward to the actual drama five episodes in, i can say that i really love it. As expected Lee is killing it in her role and Kentaro is perfect.
Here’s the thing. I’ve seen a lot of comments hating on the character of Jungo (Kentaro) because he comes off as nonchalant, selfish not being in tuned to Beni’s (Lee) needs. As i see it, two people met and fell in love quite quickly. They hit it off almost spontaneously so i don’t think cultural differences had too much effect, if any. In my opinion, they just had so much going on in their own individual lives that along the way, they couldn’t find balance. Before they met, they had goals and aspirations. In finding his, he seems aloof to her needs. In her needs of loneliness being in a foreign country among other things, she felt he was selfish and didn’t care about her. In all relationships to healthily progress positively, there’s got to be much compromises, give and takes. They definitely loved and were happy (wonderful chemistry) except, love alone does not sustain a good relationship.
In the gap of many years apart, one thing never changed. They still loved each other. So, going into what will happen is anyone’s guess as ending in last episode comes next week. This is my ideal. They loved fast. What comes after love? It’s knowing each other better, clearing misunderstandings, appreciating each other, compromise and love even more. That’s my hope.
I thought writing is really good and engaging. Because it’s short, i am able to absorb every word and actions. It’s a good flow. Acting is really good. Jungo is as his character calls. He’s quiet, stoically so that he can come off as boring and frustrating. His personality derived from a hurtful past that molded the way he is. I like his character because he’s himself, never changed. People should never change who they are even for someone else. Adjustments to compromise with your partner (give and take) yes, but stay as you are. Beni i find hard to sympathize with. Her early development with Jungo was so sweet and she radiated. Her latter self as shown after they meet up again seems puzzling too harsh on herself. She should have been happier, she’s engaged, back home and progressed in her career yet, her demeanor is that of a spurned woman. She acts cold, sad, dejected all around. Huh? Why? That’s an oddity i found and didn’t understand that part. Yes she hated Jungo but other than showing it towards him, she just came off as a real cold person to a point of, if looks can kill. Ha
I find this series so good that it’s definitely on my rewatch list. It’ll move up lots if i get the ending i am hoping for.
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Pleasantly very good
These are things that I find very pleasant about this drama that you might also.1. The chemistry of the leads. I’ve seen both artists works in their rom-coms and they are among my favorites. They are so natural here. Thank goodness there’s not a lot of push and pull in their eventual come together. It’s actually quite mature and once committed, their screen displays are so sweet.
2. Story of small business development versus big isn’t new. It’s about dreams to stand out on own ideas and hard work. That development may be the gist of the storyline but it’s good enough to give us a look at the people. The side stories of the people around the leads adds are sweet and complex that adds flavor.
3. The “intruders” are not too complicated. You have the dramas where you’re seething from beginning to end practically. Not here. It’s very mild but you gotta have some hiccups somewhere right?
Who needs more complications when we have enough in our lives. If you’re looking for a drama that keeps you attentive to what’s next in each episode, especially in seeing a healthy beautiful relationship, then this is a good one to watch. Well, there are two more episodes during this writing but I’m convinced it’s a done deal drama. Give it a chance and I believe you will be pleasantly satisfied.
Update*********done with! As I predicted, to the end it’s very satisfying. Enjoy.
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If i could write it
This is one show I watched when I first started during the pandemic and loved. In my own context, it’s a near perfect production. Story, acting is spot on. It moves you to tears as you feel everything happening. Life, emotions, decisions, are so relatable. Highly moving and lead actress Uee is splendid. Her portrayal of her character, especially in her condition, is so real I guarantee you’ll cry with her. So, many great write ups have been written of what to expect. I’m not gonna dig more into that.If i could rewrite it, i would have taken out her condition. It’s a much more compelling storyline. Cold man makes a complete turnaround would have being perfect. He gains a family, is a loving dad. Complete transformation is enough to make this a favorite go back to. That’s my thinking after rewatching this.
It’s a great drama.
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Well worth the watch
Surprise, surprise! I am totally a rom-com watcher since I found Asian dramas (k, c, t, j, lakorn) during covid. Surprisingly I found myself wandering into this because Luo Jin was very good in Royal Nirvana. Not expecting myself to stay through first episode, I was hooked til ep 18 (subtitled) and browsed through rest not subtitled to end (41 total). I will absolutely go back to finish once fully subbed. I add that subs are really good so thank you also to great subber.The great thing about watching international dramas is that we get to see things done aside from where we live. The structure of the Chinese legal department is interesting. The division in this series (2nd Execution Division) is to enforce outcomes already decided by court. Sharp uniforms, teams, with police backups makes for very intimidating and for most part, effective outcomes.
It’s a legal drama. Writing is really good. Cases are so interesting but beyond that is the presentation of life situations that we can identify with and linger on. It’s so in depth that it’s not as easy resolve as we think. Writer goes deep to dig into the root and more than often, I cried identifying with such situations of our humanness. Lots of slice of life here.
Luo Jin definitely delivered. His feelings for situations is well expressed in his eyes, sometimes no words is needed. He really has horned his skills as an actor, much admired. The team, the elder cast, everyone are good. I’ve never seen works of female lead so I’ll just say im on the fence on her role.
It’s not romance driven but there’s subtle “feelings” of leads which adds to the intrigue. This is such an excellent drama and im afraid it’ll go under radar. I’ve spoken for it and very happy to have watched.
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Lucky stars counted
I’m not sure why I’ve put off watching this although I’ve come across it so many times. I count myself lucky because i finally did and totally enjoyed it. Here’s why:First, I’m a sop for romance and this story has a great one. So as not to spoil it for you, I just want to give brief highlights.
ML has endured the pain of guilt of something that happened which wasn’t his fault but nevertheless painful. FL is someone who desired to be a fashion designer but always felt she brought about bad luck. Their interactions weave a tale that may sound familiar in others you’ve read or watched. The pair that seemed to not get along journeyed on a path involving overcoming hurdles of self doubt, inner turmoil, but strong support for each other.
The cast. Jerry Yan. My goodness he’s a great actor. He has emotional scenes that you can’t help but be greatly affected because of his acting. He really gets into the role and his pain will probably be much more felt bc you can’t help but pity him as you practically feel his hurt. Yes he’s very handsome but I really enjoy his work to care about those things.
Shen Yue. I think this is my first drama watching her. She’s a budding good actress. I love her character, kind, considerate, fun, and devoted. She played her part well, nothing coy but just natural. I’m a new fan and her smile? Contagious.
Wei Zhe Ming. Now I do know this actor and one of my favorites. Though he was second lead, he was very much liked. His character was sort of sad but in the end, things worked out. Though it’s totally unfair to me not to list them all, every other cast members were great contributors to this made story. The parents of Shen Yues character were so wonderful. We all know and have seen real nasty selfish drama parents but here, in them at least, they showed how parents should be…kind, supportive. The friends of fl and their boyfriends were also so cute.
Note of warning. The common complaint from so many is the lack of clothes type worn by Jerry Lans character. Yeah, but so? Letting you know in advance if it’s gonna be a problem for you. To me, yes I noticed but I was too invested in the story itself not be a big deal. Whatever reason it was for lack, I’m sure it’s not actors fault. Or he’s like me, not caring how many times I wear something as long as I’m comfortable??
Second warning is age gap. I don’t know what it is that bothers people (of course they have right to their own) but the way these leads carried out their roles was nothing short of true love and adoration for each other. They were the perfect pair and no gap is in it except maybe In people’s twisted thinking. Let these two things not deter you. This is definitely worth the watch and spoiler…………..ending kiss to a happy couple. Oh yeah, NEVER FORGET, the ost, is so endearingly inserted throughout im humming it as i write. Thanks.
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Sweet Is Sweetly when Love is Lovely!
I'm gonna start out by saying that C Dramas are on a craze crazy good marathon. At least for me, this is the 5th drama in a row I've watched and I'm well pleased with each.So many have given great reviews so mine will be short with some snippets of things I enjoyed without giving any or much spoilers. A one too many of its kind, two younger friends meet again when older and fall in love. The synopsis here adds that the girl gets seriously sick when she cries. In one of the most beautifully acted scene I've seen is found here..."I feel like crying". Wow! Just tenderly beautiful. Yes, it's a predictable plot but the beauty of it is that the cast, especially main leads Leo Luo and Bai Lu, made the characters their own it's like watching a real couple love story. Yes, that's how much chemistry they have. Added is the second lead love story of Riley Wang and Xiao Yan as well as other love interests that add to the fluffiness of this drama.
The other nice thing about it is that it wraps nicely, no real loose ends like many shows that gives us five minutes of couple meeting together and then end.
OST called "Things I Do For Love" is such a catchy ballad that played at end of each episodes keeps you in the feels. So, its a great cuddle up movie for the cold winter, let it warm you. Thanks
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Worth the Buzz
I sometimes have the premonition that when something is hyped, it’s most likely not worth it. Honestly the over posting about the drama beforehand got annoying that I considered unfollowing some platforms. Fast forward, I tuned in right away when it aired, and I’m blown away at how much I am enjoying it. My gosh first episode had me so invested I was so impressed with the cinematic quality. It’s like the real life scene of the animated Ariel under the sea . Bravo well done.So much attention is given to main leads (deservedly so) but really though, everyone of the cast and their contributions deserve applause. I watch the older veterans and am so impressed at how they do so well with their lines and acting their parts. What to do without them right? So grateful for their work.
Production team did really well planning out each scene that the story flow is great as we can easily follow the story of the enslaved pearl harvester heroine. Lusi really put in the work to her character as she is shining. In fairness, as I’ve said, everyone is playing their role really well.
Join in the fun as the story unravels. It’s a fun ride and of course we got long ways to go but so far, it’s a very promising story that hopefully will end as it started, on a very high bar.
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This review may contain spoilers
Double something that may be happiness.
I had high hopes when I first saw previews. Middle age couple at second chance love, check. Children involved (sort of like Five is Enough that I really liked), check. Cast are pretty well known, check. Alas, mid point now and it’s not connecting. I feel like it’s all over the place. It’s confusing who the main cast are. It doesn’t feel like it’s the leads. They have less screen time than everyone else that are supporting. Even if it’s the others, it’s confusing what the central plot is of those characters. At least to me, there isn’t substance as to what they want to relay of those characters. Example are the in-laws of the male lead. So much time on them yet???? Then female leads ex and his wife have so much screen time yet, it’s going in circles and they’re more of annoyance than bringing meaning to story. Trouble lies in the writing that lacks depth.As for the leads, disappointingly underwhelming. FL is overly cute, smart, independent, yet fails to effectively draw me in to her character. ML is, well…..flat out boring. His voice, his actions, his life, has no command. He asks for cheek kisses and when she gives him one, it’s like middle schoolers who are just experiencing love for the first time. Eh, judge for yourself. I may totally be off according to you.
Mind you all this can have a total turnaround in next half. Currently though I’m just not feeling it. I will see it to the end and hope writer and directors gives this great cast some justice to finish strong.
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