Kai Xu Min

Python Romance

First, am not really into youth dramas, but this got me hooked because of that steamy scene in ep. 3. TBH, this has a great potential. The storyline was just too lacking. The writer could have given the leads and supporting characters more story into it rather than wasting most of the time on the school politics.

First time to watch the entire cast in a drama. ML has a great potential for more hot lead roles. FL was just okay. But, totally impressed on memorizing those narrative lines she delivered for her role. Romance and chemistry was there, but definitely lacking. I was looking forward for more steamy romance from the leads, but, that's it....it just stayed as an illusion and a dream. I also shipped the romance between Na Rae and that hot blond bi guy. Sadly, they didn't give it a chance to elevate the relationship further. And yeah, why don't I see that hot blonde's name in the cast? as for their les friend Dong Won, I'm not really into her story but she's a cool friend I must say.

I had a few laughs in this drama. I enjoyed the jealousy meter of ML in ep. 14. Am glad there was a bit of character development for ML's Manager towards the finale. Yes, there was a bit drag here and there that made me skip some scenes too. Overall, it was an okay drama for me. Not that good and not that bad either. The ending just gave this drama a total downfall. It's a 7.0 for me.

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When Justice Prevails

I was hesitant to see this drama at first. I'm really not a fan of Zhang Bin Bin tbh. I've seen Miao Xiao Tong in other dramas like Love020 which I don't remember her exact role there, and Nothing But Thirty. But, the story itself got me in.

Any form of crime is a difficult thing to witness specially SA. One thing good about this drama, it was able to present the harsh realities of what's happening in the society today, not only in the corporate world but in every aspect of life. The SA has been presented here in a subtle way. I mean, not too emphasized or elaborated. so, it will not be too heavy for the viewers to watch.
FL's character was presented weak in the beginning but developed into a fighter as the episode progress till the finale. While, ML's character was a bit red flag initially, but has more depth behind his character and yes, he's the kind of husband you'll want to have in reality.

Am glad the back story of how the MC met was presented near the finale. It's like, you'll feel blinded how they got married in the first place, given that they just met accidentally in a café after FL's failed blind date I think. As for the main story, I already knew that it will be FJC who'll be the culprit from the time that FL entered his office and asks about her request on her loan. His lustful look at her says it all already. Meanwhile, FL's mother is another notable character in this drama. Her way of parenting is simply a type of mother who you'd prefer to disown. That scene when she barged into her daughter's workplace and disgraced her own daughter in front of the executives is just too unethical for such a mother to do to her own daughter.
Another notable scene for me was when FL got hospitalized and confronted her own family about the way they treated her specially her mom. and that was the time she decided she'll report the crime incident to the police. Oh yes, I am also one of those who thinks the police investigation is very lacking. Like, come on, nobody thought of checking the car's dashcam or check the records on the culprits mobile phone for evidences such as records of text messages, emails or photos. Also the part that it was proven FL was drugged through the water given. I mean why it didn't reveal on the medical checkup when she was initially checked after the crime incident happened? This could have showned through the bloodtests she went through.

As for ChuChu, though she retracted her statement towards the finale,she inflicted a big damage to FL's mental health after suffering from FJC's first acquittal. Such reactions showned her true colors. I don'treally think she's a nice person. FL and her brother are so forgiving for her actions. Another hateable character, Tao Jie. She's more hateable than FJC's wife. I don't remember the exact sanctions, but, she should have been imprisoned as well for bribery and being accomplice of the culprit to cover up the crime.

Am glad FJC's wife had her realizations after being a battered wife. I also hate the lawyer who represented FJC who in turn was Nian Wen's former employer. Well, yeah, he is simply doing his job and have to act professionally. Still, he didn't made a wise judgement as a human being to represent someone who's obviously immoral.

I have to mention as well Nian Wen's final words during the hearing was the highlight of this drama. The way he described his sister was truly heartfelt. I really liked his character development.

Lastly, for the ML. I think his character quite outshined the FL's character here. His life motivation was truly impeccable. The only downside for me is that, I felt he kinda stalked FL from their HS days to adulthood. A bit disturbing but, at least in a good way. And for FL's mother, I think karma work its way when she got her illness. Still, the good daughter unselfishly took care of her mother.

Overall, this was a good drama not to miss. I should have given this a 10 rating. But, FJC's very light sanction bothered me. He should have been given a life sentence imprisonment, given he assaulted multple women. 16 years is not enough tbh.

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Fatherless Algae

First and foremost, what's really with the title? I mean why a plankton? When I studied science, it is correlated with an algae and micro organisms. I don't get the relevance. It would have been better if it's A Frozen Sperm or DNA perhaps.
Anyways, this is not my usual cup of tea when it comes to drama. But, this...is definitely one of my rare exceptions.

It started kinda dark for me. ML is absolutely not a likeable character. But, who cares? as long as the abs are so hot right?!!! 😁
FL is also not a likeable character but more of pitiful. The chemistry of the leads are simply insane. Oh yes, another notable character, the second ML. At first, I thought I would love his character better than the ML but, as a man, he kinda felt weak in terms of being able to live independently. These three complicated characters gave this drama more depth to the story that will make you get hooked till the end. This was definitely well written. Like, how each character was entangled to one another.
no need to point out every scene. It is way better being watched than being read.

There are some thoughts that I have, which I think should have been improved , story wise. For the ML, given the journey he went thru just to look for the biological father, It would have been great if he succeeded in finding the right one. Partly, to give him closure as well. Though, the father he loved and acknowledged reciprocated that thought a bit late in the end. Second, I was hoping his sickness can be cured by 2ML using TCM. And mentioning that skill, I thought that career would give 2ML a chance to be able to live independently. As for the FL, am not sure if she was thankful to meet the biological mom which she longed for. And yes, the ending that I was hoping for is that she'll get pregnant with ML. That her pre menopausal was a misdiagnosis from the hospital. She'll give birth to baby boy and will name him after his father. After that, 2ML will take responsibility being the father after ML left from his sad fate. These were just scenarios that I for in the finale.

Given said that, the ending felt lacking for me. Oh and I also ship Bong Suk and Yoo Gi Ho. I was kinda looking forward for any development on their chemistry in the end. John Na is another likeable character in this drama. I'm just kinda confused if he was an adopted son of Beom Ho Ja. And that BL feels between him and 2MLwas just hilarious.

Overall, this was truly a hidden gem. All the casts deserve a best acting award, specially the main leads. The best thing about this drama, it has a balance of everything....a dark, family oriented, hilarious, romantic, full pack action melodrama.
Gave this an 8.5 Could have been higher if only I got the ending I was hoping for.

Lastly, California Dreamin' rings to my ears after watching this. 😁

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Green Forest Male Leads

I initially tried this because of my disappointment with The Princess's Gambit. Never thought that I would enjoy this drama till the end. I think this was the first ever drama I saw Song Wei Long with a light character. Romcoms truly suits him more. He really should consider doing more of this character. One thing he simply needs to improve is his kissing scenes. Like, after doing so many romance dramas, he should have quite mastered this skill already. Only this part failed for me in this drama.

If you're so into romance like I do, this is a perfect fit. It has all the elements you would like to see in a historical drama. Good storyplot, well executed fight scenes, specially on swordsmanship. MC and SC's share their own good dose of romance. Oh yes, the humor got me into this drama. I'm really not into political issues of the palace, but, I must say, this one got me hooked on the investigation.

ML is a total green forest for his loyalty and devotion to FL. ML's subordinates are a total green flags too. Not to mention,ML's fighting skills is absolutely topnotch. Let me include the Emperor here for being a green flag as well. It is rare to see kind Emperors in a Cdrama.

Am not really a fan of FL, but she pulled off her role. I like the fact that there are no major complications for this drama. The leads always have a counter attack for their opponents.

I rarely appreciate the soundtrack of a drama, specially on historicals, but, this one made me enjoy the drama more with its good music.

It was a satisfying ending for me which made me give this drama a solid 8.5

I could've given this a higher rating if only the kisses and skinships were a bit more steamy and spicy that the leads failed to deliver. Still,this drama deserves a higher rating. Another rarity of this drama, it will give you a feel good vibe. Overall, this is so enjoyable not to miss.

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Could Have Been But Not

So, this is the first historical drama of Song Wei Long that I ever completed. I tried Untouchable Lovers but got bored and dropped it. Acting wise, I still find the emotions lacking from him. Same expressions I've seen him on Go Ahead and Find Yourself. As for Angelababy, I've only seen 3 of her dramas. This is the 3rd. I think she did better in General And I.
Storywise, I got hooked on the first 20 episodes. I'm not a fan of slowburns, but the story of the side characters got me interested. I should say, kisses were well executed by the leads. There are just some instances that are far stretched too long. Like, the FL's playing hard to get of her emotions and ML needs to die first before she finally admits her feelings. Like, WTH, you're carrying his child, yet, still needs to play hard to get. Afterall, she almost died too. Honestly, I felt sad for Qi Min's character. It's not his fault that he fell in love with FL. He was kinda betrayed at his own wedding. And yes, I truly admire how he was honest about his feelings up to the end. I also felt sad for the other side characters. It seems they all loved the wrong person. Thankfully, there's one couple who I find have a sweet fluffy romance....and that's Luo Qi and Xiu Kun.
I like the Father of the Jun's. He was able to raise his daughters well. I'm really not interested in the political aspect of the story, so I won't delve into it further.
Overall, this could have been really a good drama. I enjoyed the humor in some aspects. but, the chemistry of the leads just seem bland. Another thing that I didn't seem like was the the time lapse of 1 year towards the end. I mean, what's the sense of the leads going back together, when in the most crucial moment of your wife giving birth, as a partner, you weren't there. Even talking about having twins, yet, the kids should have an appearance at least.
As for the ending, it didn't gave me a feel good vibe, as a lot of tragedy has happened. And yes, most of the characters didn't get their own HE. Not to mention, most of them have unrequited love.
If you're into a feel good romance, I wouldn't recommend this for a rewatch value. But, if you like Song Wei Long, this drama is for you.

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Ghost You Almost Lost

For the obvious reason I sticked to this for Bai Jing Ting. I'd definitely wouldn't miss how good looking BJT is in this drama. But, the truth is, I almost dropped this drama midway.

My honest opinion, first, I didn't watch Hidden Love, so, I have totally no clue about the cast and how was this correlated to HL. Only a friend here in MDL explained to me the correlation and should I say was able to convince me to complete this drama.

Sang Yan, His character would be every womans dream to have as a partner. Very Loyal, Extremely Persevering, Well-off, Truly Caring, Absolutely good looking, Deliciously Hot and yes, the most important thing, A very good kisser. 😍His character is very interesting. You would feel from the beginning episodes how he was emotionally hurt from a HS breakup, searching, longing for the only woman he loved for more than 6 years and counting.

On the other hand, Yifan, the woman that our ML longed for. Suffered from a dark past, continuously healing from pains physically, emotionally from being abandoned, letting go of the man she loves and for every dark moments in her life may it be from family or work. And part of her healing process was experiencing sleepwalking resulting from her PTSD. Yes, she had no choice but to work on her own at a young age after losing her dad from sickness and having a selfish mom who puts her own welfare first than her children.

So, the story basically evolved with these two main characters. Having their friends on the side that added to the gist of the story. I won't dig in further to the story but will just point out things that didn't made this drama fit in to my cup of tea. The first half of the drama I think got me hooked. Though, I'm a bit confused with the flashbacks as it began immediately with a breakup. But, it deemed necessary to understand the entire plot. So, the meet up after 6 years or so got me hooked. You already know that the ML wouldn't let such opportunity pass and will never let go after finding what he longed for. Ok, here's the thing, first, FL chose to reside in a slum area given her financial capability, I guess that's the only kind of residence she can afford. But, even if you're in a dire strait situation, I believe it's necessary to prioritize safety. she has friends and co workers who can help her find a safer place to live in, but she did not. So, she had to experience again another dark encounter which she could have avoided. And so, the cohabitation with ML happened. the most interesting part I guess. Of course, this is where the romance should build up again between the two. Btw, SY being a hero, physically beating those bad guys to save his beloved FL is one of the notable scenes of his character. Everything was going into its right track and yes, the MC made it to the point of being officially together despite the trials they encounter along the way. And so, after being officially together, the FL decides to shut off everyone once again including her beloved SY. Simply because she wants to save everyone from her criminally violent Uncle who resurfaced and continuously doing act of violence to every people around her. This was the make or break for me of this drama. Like, WTH? you left your man and decide to let go. Now you found him again and decided to give it a go, then now you decide to go again without leaving any trace. Like, you even surpassed the level of a high profile criminal at large.
Yes, I did try to understand what she have went thru as I described earlier. Still, for someone who's partly healed and was able to start a relationship already, why do you need to ghost the people who truly care for you? They don't deserve that. Guess what, after they met again in 6 months, No apologies from her. Why? because everyone thinks she's a victim. She doesn't need to apologize. ML embraced her with open arms. No questions asked simply because he learned what she has went thru. Sorry, but, not for me. It is still rude to ghost anyone. Specially when people are kind to you. They deserve an apology from being ghosted.

Aside from the lack of emotions I get from the FL, I've lost my interest to the entire drama after what she did for the second time to ML.I skipped most scenes till the end just to know how it ended for them. Everyone was touched with that proposal but, I was glad that ML didn't went down on his knees as I think it's not well deserved. I agree this is anothe double standard drama. Oh yes, I'd like to point out too that at least, the culprit admitted his crime and the victims got their justice. The mother deserved to be disowned.

As a romance freak, BJT nailed the kisses but the FL wasn't able to execute it well. Even the intimate scene should have been spicy. But, when you look at the FL given the back kisses, you'll find no emotions at all.

I won't delve in further with the side characters but the SC had their own fair share of romance which was cute too. Only the downside was the grandfather issue which ate unnecessary time. Oh yeah, I liked the support guys as well like Xiang Lang, Mu ChengYun and Duan JiaXu. Definitely hot looking guys too.

Overall, SY as they say is totally a green forest for this drama. Good thing he's definitely hot and good looking. As some say, His stalking FL for several years could have given a wrong impression and might cause misinterpretation of obssession. But, of course, with such hot looking guy, who would think he is obssessed and stalking the woman he loves. Honestly, the FL's character failed for me. I don't remember any positive thing she did for ML. And that line of living 6 yrs more than the ML just to cover the suffering ML has encountered, it's like she's trying to look more pitiful. I just don't by that. Sadly, she doesn't want people she loves leave her, but, she has a habit of leaving them behind.

Definitely this is not the drama for me, but BJT nailed again his role. Hope he gets a green FL on his next drama.

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Meeting Your Soulmate On Comatose State

This has always been the usual plot in the Xian xia world. Merging reality into fantasy and vice versa. It really caught my interest as I usually see this kind of plot in Kdramas. Reminds me of the drama The Rooftop Prince. And yes, this is definitely comparable with LBFAD. Almost same plot, yet, LBFAD still excels in most aspect.
It's my first time to watch Arthur Chen play a lead role for a Xian Xia drama. I think the last fantasy drama I saw him as ML was Ever Night. Yes, he's dashing as ever. His portrayal was okay but the character as powerful cultivator seem lacking. I guess, I was looking for more angst in his character. As for FL, Wang Ying Lu. My first time to watch her in a drama. Her portrayal was okay as well. Still, Yan's character seem lacking too. Specially her character in the modern world. It felt short. Like, what she is like as a novel writer. And that ending....just felt rushed and nothing more to it after the MC have met again.

The entire journey in the fantasy world seem stretched too long. This drama could have been squeezed in to 24 eps only. Too many fillers in between. The amnesia arc for both MC was stretched too long. And yes, am not a fan of amnesia by the MC. The supporting characters too could have been given their own limelight. Yet, it felt short as well in that aspect. The third wheel for the MC, not sure of the character name if its Yuan Shang felt very weak. I mean compairing to LBFAD, having Zhang Ling He as the third wheel is such a bias breaker for the ML.

As for the romance, chemistry was definitely there. Lots of kisses, yes. But, how it was delivered was not as satisfying as how ZLH, or DGZ does kisses in a drama.

Oh yes, the music kept ringing to my ears as everytime the MC would kiss, it felt like a warning sign that a kiss is coming up once you hear that music. But, it's a good one. Like, it had been played a dozen times that you could almost memorize the lyrics if only I could speak mandarin well enough.

Overall, for me this is a lighter version of LBFAD. It lacks in most aspect. Good thing, this drama was generous to kisses given that high rating here in MDL. I'll give this a fair 8 rating.

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Headhunters in Love

It took sometime for me to give this drama a shot. I'm not a fan of both leads. And yes, I'm not into Kdramas anymore these past few years after realizing Cdramas has more good looking men. Been trying to check out Kdramas once in a while and finally decided to check this out.

I like the story premise. I've always been a fan of office romances and romcoms so to speak. I must say, my favorite character here is Byeol. She's the main reason I was able to complete this drama. She's so adorably smart kid.

As for the leads, I think this was the most okay role that Han Ji Min has done. She tends to over react in her previous dramas like in Familiar Wife, One Spring Night, Rooftop Prince to name a few dramas I've seen her. I mean this was her most subtle role I believe. As for Lee Jun Hyuk, this was the only 3rd drama I've seen him and was never a fan of him. But, he definitely nailed his role here as Eun Ho. He's too husband and dad material. The romance between the leads was definitely a slowburn. I like that the FL's character is straightforward. One flaw of this drama is that, it so lacks fire and passion. Like, having two adults falling in love after not being in a relationship ever for the FL and quite a long time for the ML. The kisses and skinships were too wholesome for me. I was even looking forward for them to get married and have a kid of their own so that Byeol will have a sibling. But, of course, it didn't happen. Second flaw is that it focused on the business aspect, where the business politics and competition is quite predictable. Nothing new to offer honestly. There are certain scenes that are quite unexplained such as the fire incident where ML was involved. Even FL's trauma, like it felt there's more beyond just after losing her father. The SC's story is quite okay and cute. But, I felt more interested for Kang Ji Yun and Woo Jeong Hun to be a couple. I think they would have much a fire chemistry given Jeong Hun's young and cute character.

The office staff of PeopleZ also made the story interesting. I enjoyed the humor and the bond that the team have formed. Overall, this was a very wholesome drama. I think MDL got the ratings right this time. I was suppose to give this an 8. But, Byeol made it for me to be an 8.5

For rewatch, not really for me. But, this is a feel good drama and most recommendable who likes a mature man like Eun Ho who's good not only at work but also a good cook and does good in housechores as well. The perfect husband and father you'll ever want in your life.

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Staring Meets Feeling

Another story on healing. I'm not a fan of this genre, but this one is okay for me. ML's touch problem and OC to cleanliness is a common psychological behavior in CEO Cdramas. While FL's extreme sensitivity to glare or stare is quite rare I guess.

So this made me crave for chocolates. I just don't buy the idea of being an anonymous creator of the product yet, you have to deliver the product yourself. Like, don't you think you want yourself to be revealed?!! Not a fan of the leads. but, I liked the idea that one is Korean and the other is Japanese. Oh and ML's flaunt of his abs would really make you have another look. I just don't get the idea either, why flaunt this when there's not even a single intimate moment in this drama. But,ML and 2ML are surely hot.

Definitely there's chemistry between the leads. Very minimal kisses and yes, it doesn't feel like am watching a Jdrama when there's no intimacy here and there. This is just another too conservative romance drama that I've seen. The injected humor is cute. Honestly, the pace is quite slow for an 8ep drama.

Ok, why I gave this an 8 rating? Actors nailed their jobs portraying their role. And yes, seeing Kentaro and Song Joongki in the finale is a big plus. And a HE wedding. Not to mention, this drama is trlingual.

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Purple Moon

Initially, this drama did gave me a Love Between Fairy and Devil vibe. To the point that when I look at Ao Rui Peng, He looks like Dylan Wang to me as a Demon God. I really liked how it started. The humor, which is a trademark in Bai Lu's character as FL in most of her portrayals. And yes, as expected, a Demon God should be harsh in the beginning as always. I got hooked when the Contemplation stone entered FL's body. Every contemplation being collected has its own story which is one good point of this drama. Then, of course, how all the characters are connected made up the good storyline. I have to commend all the actors in this drama. They all nailed their roles. From the Bai sisters' father, who I first got teary eyed from his sad fate. Then, the very colorful story of Fu Ling/Bai Xi and Chong Zhao. I think they are my favorite characters overall. For me, both of their stories have the most meaningful impact here. It even overshadowed the story of the MC tbh. Fu Ling suffered the most for me. From having no memories of her past and unconciously killed her own father. Suffered severely from the heart poison and yes had to sacrifice herself for the sake of her loved ones. I honestly felt the chemistry more between her and Chong Zhao. I liked how their love for each other slowly unfolded. As for Chong Zhao, His is another story. Being betrayed by his own mentor whom he believed was righteous from the start, then turns out to be his own parent's perpetrator. Then was kinda deceived by love, knowing the one he cared for from the start wasn't the right person at all. And yes, he has to be the most villanous of all from his dark past.
I have to mention too the side characters of the story who also played a major contribution to the storyline. There's Tian Huo, who also have her own colorful story and romance. Her loyalty and courage is really admirable. And yes, she's got a handsome brother Hua Yong, who's very kind and loving. Then, there's Zhang Shan, another loyal disciple of Fan Yue. His sad fate makes me feel bad also for this drama. I even like how funny he was and his admiration for Tian Huo is one thing I liked also. The Fox Clan, Mu Jiu and Chen Ye, Fan Yue's brother have also made a great significance to their characters. I have to mention too Lao Gu, my favorite turtle master. I really like his character.
Overall, the storyline is really great not until the last part of the drama, where it started to show everything that happened in the past. I guess, one thing I didn't like in that aspect is that, it showned that Jing Yuan's power is weaker than of Mo Li. I don't know, but as a Demon Lord, Jing Yuan's character is usually weak most of the time. He couldn't even defeat Mo Li, not with Chong Zao's help. As for Bai Shuo, I just hope the power of the contemplation stone just remained with her. I mean the stone chose her, so it should have remained loyal to its chosen host till the end.
Anyways, the finale felt forced to be happy. Besides, it won't give you a good feeling afterall that a lot of the main characters that should be with them have sacrificed themselves to save humanity and other sects. With that, I gave this drama a fair 8 rating. That is for the good storyline minus the finale. As for the romance, I'm not a fan of the MC'c chemistry. I find it bland. But, was surely a fan of Fu Ling/ Bai Xi and Chong Zhao's true love.
Another thing worth mentioning for this drama, lots of eyecandy goodlooking men to watch for. This is a good watch but not as good as ALP and LBFAD.

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