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Money doesn’t solve everything.
I started this series because subbing was fast. Not expecting a lot as description was vague, about a single mother, meeting up with other women of preschool children, Surprisingly for me, I stayed with it, now waiting for few more episodes to go.The story: A single mother got her son into a sought after kindergarten school, meets the elite moms of the group, and thus embarks on a journey of ups and downs. There are about five families in story with their own struggles. Through their stories, it engages us in life as seen through theirs with themes such as infidelity, bad investments, parent involvement in marriage, rebellious children, high expectations on kids, etc. While lead is single mom and kindergarten teacher, screen time is focused on all these families so this is one where we can say leads are multi. Leads include the kindergartners who are very much a part of the story.
It’s a drama about life. There’s much to take and appreciate. While the group belong in upper class, we can learn what NOT to do or become. No matter how much more money people have, they experience the same hurts and pains of ordinary people so it has much to offer about life and it’s challenges.
It kept me engaged. Episode to episode keeps me glued to see next. So, if this is the family type of drama you like, you’ll enjoy it. There’s a slow burn romance of single mom so it’s cute. Enjoy
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Not everything is black and white in a marriage.
I really enjoyed this drama and felt it was written well. I’m with a partner whom I enjoy life with and raised pretty good kids. As good as it is, definitely it’s not free from rough edges and heavy patches. I think though the key is honesty and willingness to compromise…of course love isn’t questioned. This drama at least put perspective into what Not to do for a healthy marriage so if anything, learn from this relationship.Hallelujah we have a very strong minded smart female character. I’m very satisfied with her performance and I’ve been on the fence with this actress until Fake It Til You Make It which I feel her character is similarly acted(Elvira Cai) . Male lead (Shao Feng) was good acting as the pompous ass jerk. His credit though is that he adored his son.
@Dedra70 in her review has an excellent breakdown of this drama if you want to know more. I just wanted to give credit to the cast and producers/writers of this story and hope that more people will give it a chance. It’s not rom-com, rather, it’s a look at how to build good and better relationships. Give this show a try as there’s some things to take away.
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The story itself is fine. A man with a hidden side that most women probably won’t want to be involved with. Though two episodes from seeing where this will end, it’s still a very nice series that touches on different themes that makes it likable. One theme that stands out is parent child relationship. This one has a very complicated one. I wonder what i would do in this one if in child shoes. Then the main one of course is the heart. Male lead does have a complicated life. It’s not complicated until the heart is involved. What to do? How to untangle?
You think about these things in your own reality and find that even in real life, it’s quite tough. So, it ends here so far as I await the last two episodes. I so want these two complicated souls to have the best they’ve found in themselves. I’m gonna bet it.
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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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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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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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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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Watch Something Else
Warning that this does contain spoilers because I just have no way of being nice to this story.Honestly, it has lots of potentials to be a great story but it became a mess as they tried to stretch it out. There’s these scenes of grandma in and out of dementia which was fine at beginning but it became regular, that it wasn’t cute anymore. It didn’t give any effective results of it so yeah, it became a drag. The main issue of female leads father as a murderer was a good plot until it was dragged out towards the end and it was like, so all that just for everyone to be one big family. Trust me, you’ll know what I mean when you watch. Female leads character was just terrible. She bowed, she got slapped, food thrown at, forced to divorce, openly dislike by mother in law and sister in law, that at end, they thought her the greatest thing they bout fell over to get her back in family. There was so much disdain and abuse of the poor and unfortunate from rich a***oles it’s disgusting that a society lives like that. Yes, we’ve seen it a lot in these chaebol dramas but I found this so intolerable.
The acting especially of Choi Soo Jong as father of main lead was really good, I could feel his every emotion in his complicated character. Sorry, I don’t mean to talk bad but female lead, Uee was just not up to par. I could see how her character is supposed to be meek because she’s poor but her facial withdrawn face throughout pretty much never changed throughout entire drama it was so boring. My gosh, it was so frustrating watching her. The actress Jung Jae Soon, adorable as she was could not save this mess. Props though to the snobbish evil ones because as always, their characters shine as bright neon on the hill as to how not to behave in any decent society, even if they’re filthy rich.
Writing was terrible. I think there was so much better plots to get out of situations here without giving bad people excuses to act awful towards others. I mean, we watch and want to come a2ay with something that is lasting and impactful to grow as a society. This show in the most, maybe ninety five percent of it made poor people so pathetic they don’t deserve to live in society and the empowerment to the rich continued until very end when had a light bulb moment of change.
Go ahead if you want to try. These after all are just personal reviews. I scoff that I hear this drama got lots of awards. I wish I never gave it any time of my day. Waste.
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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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Mid 50 to 40 age gap NOT anything to lose your rockers over
Yes I read the age cap criticisms before show had a date release. I don’t know why I decided to play it anyways. It’s been a riot, cast did a great job, enjoyed the relationships. To me, it’s a gem.Mind you this had lots of room for improvement. There’s a shortage of meaningful extensions to some of the characters, underdeveloped if you will. Second lead couple was minimally effective yet they were part of the big hype. Now that I’ve admitted that, let me give you why this was super cute.
First, people please cut the cast some slack on age inferiority. These are very grown adults by today’s standard. He’s late fifties, she’s early forties. I would let you think as you like if for instance a famous coach in his seventies and gf in early twenties cuz that can mess with the mind (actually none of us has business with anyone’s relationship but just saying) . The point is, when Cupid draws its arrow, who are we to say what we want. Let it be.
I give so much credit to the cast, especially Lee Jung Jae. Whatever reason he chose this project, good on him. A bucket list fulfillment? Check n check. His character is goofy, almost like a silly teenager once he fell. Who says a grown man can’t be like that when he’s awkwardly finding his footing to woe? Who? It was endearing! There isn’t a formula on how to act when you fall in love so in this drama, to see an overgrown man just ‘falling’ on his feet practically to get the woman was so cute. There was nothing cringy about it, it came late for him and watching him makes you want to root for him. On top of that, his character as a star is so many people. You get to a point in your career where you start trimming and plan for exit. I did a lot of pondering as his character is very relatable to the point I’m at.
Besides him, I think the rest of the cast are fun, did so good that they helped to keep me engaged. I especially enjoyed the manager of male lead; their relationship. Wonderful veterans in this drama…as well as up and coming actors as well.
Ending was fine. Didn’t expect any lovey dovey as female lead was clueless to the very near end so not surprised at how it ended. It’s fine.
On low rewatch cuz there’s too many dramas to see. I’d just like to encourage everyone to give the cast a chance as this is quite fun and cute. Thanks
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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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