emberzmars

Gripping drama on falling in love while facing adversity

I am a massive fan of Guo Yu Xin but I never watched her dramas within 6 hours of release. Instead of adding this drama to my watchlist, I decided to watch it last evening and write this review now at 12.36 am. I finished this drama in one sitting.

Having seen Guo Yu Xin in black sports attire, I would like to see her in action, suspense drama. There are a few espionage vertical dramas so hopefully we get to see Guo Yu Xin as a spy or undercover agent.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Wow spectacular acting by Guo Yu Xin. Her micro expressions were on point. That very first scene already made my heart heavy. I don't watch many Wang Kai Mu's dramas but I think he did well with his role. His acting was calmer and more subtle than Liang Si Wei whom acted with Guo Yu Xin in a melodrama also about terminal illness.
2. FL characterisation - What a beautifully written journey. It was understandable that she went through the different stages of grief upon receiving her diagnosis.
3. ML characterisation - At first I disliked ML for being indifferent in their marriage but my icy heart thawed when he protected his wife from his evil elders. He was calm & collected even in the face of adversity.
4. Romance - Slow burn romance with some passionate kisses. I enjoyed watching the progress of relationship from married strangers to allies and then lovers and family.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked Dr Song, ML's brothers and in particular ML's assistant for being an astute "confidant" to ML.
6. Antagonists - I was relieved that the antagonist arcs were not draggy.
7. Styling - I love the styling for FL! Gorgeous, elegant outfits. The outfits for F4 male characters were stylish as well.

What I disliked:
1. FL's decision - I didn't agree with her decision to drop the bomb on a special day. She should have come clean with ML about her illness but not on that day.

Favourite scene
FL's operation

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Plenty of kisses but I dislike FL and drama length

I was recommended this drama on reddit I think because the discussion was about steamiest scene. This is my second Liu Lan Bo drama and it is my first time watching Xiang Yun Jie.

What I liked:
1. Romance - OK the FL and ML are not shy about KISSING AT ALL. Their first kiss was very spicy as it involved tongue & was done in public. Great kisses in terms of quality and quantity. The couple was also affectionate with each other.
2. ML styling - Great outfits which then elevated Liu Lan Bo's handsomeness . I like the black jacket & black wide leg trousers.

What I disliked:
1. Common arcs - I am tired of common arcs such as jealous sister, abusive ex, lost / kidnapped child. The ex got too much screen time. I wish the drama had told a different story.
2. Length - The total duration of this drama is close to 3 hours 12 min. After reaching second hour mark, it was draggy so I fast forwarded so I could mark this series as complete.
3. FL characterisation - I wasn't fond of FL as I just felt she was two dimensional despite the long duration of this drama. I don't feel like she really loved ML in her past life because of her actions. When given second chance, I felt she said she loved him because she was afraid in the past & behaved stupidly around him. To me, it felt more like gratitude because I didn't see emotional buildup of their relationship.
4. Acting - I assumed FL was 25 years or younger because ML was 25 years old. I don't like childlike / immature FL so yes not a fan of Xiang Yun Jie's approach to the character. I felt she was outshined by Liu Lan Bo's aura & acting.
5. FL styling - Not a fan of FL's clothes. Too high school-ish. However the light blue dress was gorgeous from the back and from the front she looked like Tinkerbell.

Favourite scene
When FL told ML about her dreams & they had honest conversation about their relationship

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Sexy, sweet & visually stunning tale of baby drama

Gosh I am excited to have found this MDL page because I have been wanting to write a review of this vertical drama. I watched Have Babies for the first time on Christmas 2024 & have watched this drama repeatedly ever since.

What I liked:
1. Visuals - Wow, what a visually stunning couple. Han Jia Hui is gorgeous (love her cheekbones) while Ke Chun is handsome (I get distracted by his big lips & raspy voice). Both actor & actress look extremely beautiful together. FL's outifts looked good on her & suit her character.
2. Romance - There are 2 intimate scenes and both times were hot. Even though there were not many kisses, the couple was affectionate with each other. I really enjoyed the playful banter between FL & ML.
3. Acting - I must say I was impressed by both Han Jia Hui & Ke Chun's acting. The scene in which ML told FL about his hidden identity was emotional & conveyed well. It's also great to see both of them in comedic & dramatic scenes. I became a fan of Han Jia Hui & Ke Chun and started watching their other dramas.
4. Supporting characters - I really like ML's sister. She bonded really well with FL & it was fun watching her scenes with FL & ML. I also like ML's mum especially the store scene. The child actors & actress were so adorable. I also like ML's assistant.
5. Pacing - Well paced & light drama. I watched this drama in one sitting.

What I disliked:
1. FL's ex - His proposal is just silly and darn too late.

Favourite scene:
When FL showed her wedding gown to her children & that playful banter afterwards.

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Guo Yu Xin and Wang Hao Zhen were excellent in this epic love story

I was stoked when I found out that Guo Yu Xin and Wang Hao Zhen would act together. Both are excellent at dramatic acting and I was looking forward to watching their drama.

What I liked:
1. Opening scene - DAMN, that bedroom scene was extremely hot. Like habanero (I can't eat those but I can eat Thai's bird's eye chilli & jalapeno).
2. Romance - Slow burn with a lot of longing & pent up feelings. Once they were honest about their feelings for each other, the romance went full scale and got exciting. Great kisses and tender moments. I also liked that both had each other's backs.
3. ML characterisation - He had his own struggles to tackle which led to hesitation in pursuing FL openly. I liked his tenacity, kindness and protectiveness.
4. FL characterisation - She was a rookie actress looking for opportunity to grow in the industry. I liked that he used her connection to ML to get a role. At least she's got talent and grit.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's agent, Chao Meng, the crew. The first-billed actress was observant - I liked how good she was at reading ML's behaviour toward FL. Their male friend was entertaining too.
6. Career - I loved that both FL & ML were in entertainment industry. I liked scenes of them on set shooting a drama. It was a drama within a drama.

What I dlsliked:
1. Antagonist - ML's stepmother was evil for threatening and guilt-tripping ML.
2. Duration - At 4.5 hours, it was the longest vertical drama I ever watched. I must say I struggled at times and couldn't finish it in one sitting, which is my preferred way of watching a vertical drama.

Favourite scene
Opening scene

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Abs, sexy scenes and excellent chemistry were reasons I enjoyed this drama

I write for subreddit CShortDramas and the day this drama dropped, we were doing weeklong content for Steamy Week. Of course I had to watch this drama immediately. I enjoyed immensely. If I only had 1 month to live, yes I would shag Cao Tian Kai 😉.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Damn, there were many spicy scenes. Their love language was definitely physical touch. There were some sweet moments too, mostly initiated by ML. I enjoyed the dynamic and banter between FL and ML.
2. FL characterisation - Ha, I love her take charge attitude .
3. ML characterisation - He was hooked to her after they slept together but I liked that he was nice and sweet to her.
4. Acting - Before this drama, I never felt moved by Liu Xi Yu's acting but I really liked her performance here. I am a fan of Cao Tian Kai and he was great in his role. Both Liu Xi Yu and Cao Tian Kai had excellent chemistry and rapport because without them, those spicy scenes would be "sterile".
5. Styling - Wonderful outfits worn by LXY & CTK. I loved the red dress and the black and red office wear!
6. Humour - Ha, that nightie in ML’s house moment caught me by surprise . Good one, writer!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL’s mother and stepfather were horrendous. The green tea was another nepo baby using her connections to get hired at ML’s company.
2. Connection - There was not much emotional intimacy and trust between FL and ML with FL keeping things to herself. Since she looked at the relationship as temporary, she should have come clean about her illness.

Favourite scene
The first time ML saw FL crying. I loved it because FL couldn’t hold up the tough exterior thus ML got to see her in a vulnerable moment.

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Familiar reborn tale given gothic superpower treatment

This drama appeared on my dashboard last weekend. When I clicked 'Play', the character names were familiar. I have watched another version (starring Zhou Hang & Yao Yu Chen which I enjoyed immensely). In the starting scene, ML eyes turned red and I was intrigued by supernatural element. Oh boy, I wasn't disappointed.

What I liked:
1. Elements - I love the gothic and superpower treatment given to this drama as it distinguishes itself from other versions. The VFX was cool despite the short screentime. Some scenes remind me of Evanescence's Call Me When You're Sober music video.
2. Wang Yi Lei - I was delighted to see him as ML because I enjoyed his performance as SML in his others dramas (one with He Jian Qi and Zhai Xin Ran & mini drama Ready for Love). Fu Ting Shen in this drama was cool & mostly calm. However I wish he had upped the ante when FL first met ML while his superpower was on.
3. Styling - Gorgeous! FL had one of the best outfits I have seen in vertical dramaland. The 1940s style short dresses & fascinators. I also liked her wedding gowns.
4. Romance - Oh, mostly sweet with a dash of spice. Good balance of push and pull. The wedding gown scene was hot.
5. Supporting characters - Wen Jianran made a lasting impression despite short screentime. I also like the actress who played villainess Jiang - her character had substance compared to other 2 antagonists.

What I disliked:
1. Superpower arc - I wish this arc was given more screentime and perhaps a twist. Given that the superpower had been surpressed all this while, I was perplexed by how the power was handled at the end.

Favourite scene
The start when FL witnessed ML's love for her

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Well-written microdrama about love in aviation industry

I read about this microdrama on MDL and reddit and got curious especially when I just started watching Hou Cheng Yue's dramas. I can't find this drama on Youtube but luckily found it on Dailymotion. As an aviation geek, I love this drama!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I love that FL is an air traffic controller instead of a flight attendant. She's great at her job. She's smart and beautiful inside and out. Hou Cheng Yue played this role beautifully.
2. Romance - I enjoy watching their relationship grow from married strangers to marriage partners and lovers. I was giddy watching ML wooing FL. They are affectionate - the hugs, handholding and kisses.
3. ML characterisation - ML is handsome, smart and caring. I love how he took his role as husband seriously. I also like that he was firm with boundaries set against his admirer and love rival. I must say this is my favourite character played by Wang Yi Ran.
4, Supporting characters - I like FL's close ATC colleague, co-pilots that usually work with ML, ML's friends, mothers of both FL & ML (even though their screentime was short).
5. Ending - The drama ends with a declaration of ML & FL's love for each other at workplace. I find it refreshing and sweet.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Main antagonist is a flight attendant that went to same school as FL & ML. Gosh, she was delusional. Even though ML has explicitly told her that he was not interested in her, she was still persistant. She was envious of FL not just in love but at personal level.

Favourite scene
When ML asked FL about her past loves in attempt to know about her school crush

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Slow burn & sweet romance

I am a fan of Chen Si and Zhu Mo Yan so I was delighted to know that they collaborate in this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - The romance started slow because FL just got out from a bad relationship. Oh I love when FL jumped on him & when they made out in ML's office. I also love it whenever FL initiated kisses.
2. ML characterisation - Green flag hero! I ❤️ ML for being attentive to FL's likes & needs.
3. FL characterisation - Great to see a main character as a doctor. FL is smart & compassionate. I like that she never took advantage of her status as ML's wife.
4. Supporting characters - I like FL's bestie, ML's bestie & his family members. FL's mum was smart in tricking SFL when they were shopping. The outfit had me LMAO.

What I disliked:
1. FL's ex - Silly man. He had no right to ask for reconciliation when he never treated FL well.

Favourite scene:
When FL's bestie asked FL to check her wedding gift

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Visually stunning CP & ML's flirtatious behaviour made me giddy with excitement

I am a fan of Han Jia Hui and Zhao Zhen Dong. I had saved this drama in my playlist the day it appeared on my Youtube dashboard. I only watched this drama 2 nights ago when a reddit user mentioned it in our discussion on Zhao Zhen Dong. I was very delighted and giddy throughout the drama. I watch this drama on repeat, well my favourite scenes of course!

Korean song "Guilty" by Taemin was played during one scene but for me, I am reminded of Taemin's song "Want" after completing this drama. The song, which is about feelings of desire, nicely encapsulates ML's feelings for FL.

What I liked:
1. Visuals - Damn both Zhao Zhen Dong and Han Jia Hui made an extremely attractive CP. Their styling was impeccable too. I loved Zhao Zhen Dong's all white ensemble (so much skin!) and Han Jia Hui's maroon jacket & maroon skirt.
2. Romance - Yes, for once this romance heavy drama met my expectations! OMG their romance was sexy and mature. That finger licking moment shocked me!!! I loved that ML was turned on by FL when she was affectionate (inhibitions lowered) and he asked for consent. That kiss was smoking hot! I also loved the ending scene.
3. ML characterisation - OMG Ximen Li Chen was coquettish with FL, I loved every moment of it! It's wonderful that he was patient, respectful and supportive. I punched the air when ML confronted his family and informed them of his intention to marry FL.
4. FL characterisation - I felt her pain when she saw ML at the accident. I understood why she guarded her feelings but slowly she let her guard down and was won over by ML's sincerity. I enjoyed her works scenes though it'd be nicer if there were more.
5. Supporting characters - I was drawn to the actor who played Shen Xing who has deep voice. I liked ML's friend and FL's colleague.

What I disliked:
1. ML's grandfather - He was selfish and disrespectful towards ML and FL.
2. FL's ex - Damn, he was a rude guy. I was in disbelief watching the introductory scene.

Favourite scene
ML was turned on by FL when she was affectionate and he asked for consent.

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Tragic love story with great acting by both leads

I enjoyed Ma Xiao Yu's acting in Captive Love from the Mob Boss despite his asinine character. I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled upon this drama on Youtube. I also recently became a fan of Guo Yuxin. I watched this drama on Dailymotion since at the time of this review, there isn't a complete version of this drama in YT. This drama has similar plot to another antidote drama starring Huang Bo.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Both Ma Xiao Yu & Guo Yuxin's performances were intense and well-matched. Their dramatic scenes were heartfelt.
2. Romance - I know Guo Yu Xin does kissing scenes well based on her dramas with Zuo Ming, Ke Chun, Liang Si Wei. Damn the kissing scenes were really hot.
3. The daughter - It is so touching to see a young daughter caring for sickly mother. The child actress had meatier role in this drama and she did well.
4. ML's assistant - What is the name of actor who played ML's assistant? He is very handsome. I like his character.
5. Styling - I notice styling for Ma Xiao Yu in this drama is same as styling for Captive Love from the Mob Boss. That's great because he looks extremely handsome. FL styling was good too considering there is a time jump.

What I disliked:
1. Romance development - I wish there were more dating/bonding scenes because the romance between FL & ML were underdeveloped.
2. Ending - I am not sure what to make of the ending because of the presence of the daughter.
3. Villain - I felt the the villain arc was incomplete. Did she face any punishment for her actions?

Favourite scene
When the daughter looked for ways to pay for FL's hospital bill

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Gorgeous, sexy couple with spicy & mostly sweet romance

According to MDL user Daishelle, there are 3 versions using this plot. The first version is titled "The Tenderness of Wild Bones" starring Charon and Meng Lu. The second version is titled "Zero Ambiguity" starring Li Shengjie and Zhao Zaoer. The third version is titled "Gentle Wild Bones" starring Wang Chenpeng and Zhai Xinran. I watched this Charon-Meng Lu version after completing the other two versions. Gosh, this version was hardest to find but somehow I found Dailymotion link on reddit early this morning and watched it immediately. I am glad I did so.

What I liked:
1. Visuals - Charon & Meng Lu made a gorgeous & sexy, mature couple. They exude a different vibe on screen, in comparison to the main couples from other 2 versions.
2. Romance - Some intimate scenes were hot though I wish the kissing scenes were longer. I can see ML's devotion for FL as he put in a lot of work to care & love her.
3. Supporting characters - I like FL's close colleague. I don't know her name but it's nice to see the actress playing a nice girl character because she was antagonist (stepsis) in other drama. Unlike the other two versions, this version featured ML's parents. It's nice seeing different dynamics between FL and her in laws versus FL and her own parents.
4. Music - I recognise some songs featured in this drama e.g. 'Crush' by Yuna (yay, she from my country Malaysia) & a song by Lauv (I think 'Paris in the Rain').
5. Ending - This version has different ending compared to the other two versions. Sweet to see the couple after a time jump.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - She is accomplished in her career and yes she is gorgeous but I find her shallow or too conscious about her physical appearance. Her remark after discovering her pregnancy was off-putting. I also don't see much of FL showing her love for ML (in other words, giving to the relationship) but perhaps her love language is physical touch.
2. Set - FL & ML lives in a mansion. It's kinda weird that ML's love rival waited in front of the house and his mind didn't register that FL & ML lived together.

Favourite scene
Afternoon delight in the office

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Well written, solid acting & ML is a feast!

This drama appeared on my Youtube dashboard last week. I recognised the guy in the thumbnail - Cao Tian Kai. I liked his performance as sickly CEO (he was so endearing) & even though I didn't like his drama about blind girl & her fiancé's uncle, he was extremely hot in that drama. The YT comments for this drama were generally positive. So I clicked 'Play' and I must say that this drama is one of the best written vertical dramas I've watched!

What I liked:
1. Romance - I love romance heavy drama and this is one of the few ones in vertical dramaland. When I say romance heavy, I mean PLENTY of kisses, flirting/teasing, hugging. I love watching them being supportive of each other and constantly communicating with each other. Thank you director for including ML's shirtless shots!
2. ML characterisation - Green flag ML. He understood how much FL values her career and never undermined her efforts to succeed on her own.
3. Acting - Cao Tian Kai's best performance thus far. This was my first drama of Zhang Shan. Her performance is alright. The actor who played FL's adopted brother gave great performance. I also like the actress who played FL's adopted mother - she always portrayed evil stepmother in other vertical dramas so it's nice to see her as a kind adopted mum.
4. Supporting characters - One of the reasons I highly rated this drama is the supporting characters. They were well-written e.g FL's adopted brother, ML's close friend, ML's cousin (who also became FL's love rival), FL's adopted parents.
5. Friendship - I enjoy the interactions amongst old friends (ML and his friends) and new friends (FL & ML's cousin).
6. Ending - I like how they wrap up FL's brother character.

What I disliked:
1. Kidnap - A common trope in vertical drama. I wish there wasn't any in this drama.
2. FL's feelings - I didn't sense the sincerity of FL's feelings for ML until the confrontation. Not sure if this is director's instruction or Zhang Shan's approach to the character.
3. Unnecessary arc - There was a guy who wanted FL for lust or revenge. I find this arc not significant and can be omitted since there are more substantial villain arcs.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML's secret relationship was discovered by FL's adopted brother

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Spicy transactional relationship that transformed to love

I saw this video on Youtube and was drawn to the title '[MULTI SUB] Not Over Yet【Full】You started it, I won't let you call it off | Drama Zone'. I didn't read the comments nor search for synopsis before clicking 'Play'. Oh boy, I was shocked!

Edit: Increased score because I watched this drama on repeat.

What I liked:
1) Spice - Wow, the director knew how to create steamy scenes within the limits of time and censorship. There were many kissing scenes so that helped in creating tension and letting viewers' imagination run wild. ML's appetite for FL was insatiable.
2) Main characters' growth - For a micro drama, there was some character growth. There were times FL was a damsel in distress and was saved by ML. However I liked that she recognised that trait of hers and apologised for relying / burdening ML. ML character growth was slower but more apparent towards the end.
3) Du Ya Fei - This is my first time watching his acting and I think he understood his assignment. He used different voice tone when he talked to FL. It seemed that he and Yang Shu Yu had developed rapport because their intimate scenes would be awkward without tacit understanding between them.
4) Love rival - It's good that ML's love rival was respectful towards FL. FL already going through a lot of hardships so I don't want her to go through another one at work.
5) Ending - I like it because the story has come full circle.

What I disliked:
1) Coercion - I felt like FL was coerced into having sex in the earlier parts of the relationship.
2) FL's family - One of the worse villains in C dramas because the villains are FL's own biological mother and brother.
3) Relationship - As seen in the inner monologue, FL & ML had doubts which affected their relationship. I wish they confided in each other because this could be an emotional scene that clarifies assumptions and misunderstanding.

Favourite scene
When ML rescued FL at her family home

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Enjoyable revenge-themed modern mini drama

I love mini dramas because of its pacing. I was excited to watch this because of Hong Xiao (You Complete Me being my favourite work of hers because her acting in one particular scene made me cry and love her outfits in that mini drama) and Dai Gao Zheng (curious to see his work after Maid's Revenge, which I disliked). After completing this mini drama, I'd say I enjoy this series more than Maid's Revenge and Revenge of Begonia.

What I liked:
1) Romance - I liked the chemistry between Hong Xiao & Dai Gao Zheng - there were enough tension between them and once they got together, I was still interested in their dynamics. It's great to see different types of romance scenes e.g. soul-baring on bed, happy & playful rain in the afternoon scene. Their kisses are steamy too.
2) Acting - I like Hong Xiao and Dai Gao Zheng's acting. They showed enough vulnerability (I loved that both actors cried for the soul-baring confession on bed scene). It's great to see Dai Gao Zheng playing a boss that kicks ass but is a softie when it comes to his woman.
3) Action scenes - I like the action scenes. Dai Gao Zheng did a lot of fights in this drama.
4) Production value - Looks like a high production value because the set design, stunts and outfits were well done.

What I disliked:
1) Ji Lin Jiang - It was quite obvious that he was the villain but gosh his character was over-the-top / caricature.
2) Grandpa Ji - I don't understand why he gave a harsh punishment to Song Si Pu! Perhaps it's a scene created so Dai Gao Zheng could go topless.
3) Styling for Ji Chan / Min Jing Shu - I know Hong Xiao is petite so she wore really high heels for most of her scenes. Some dresses, especially in the first few episodes, didn't look great on her. However there is one outfit that stands out for the right reason - the all white ensemble she wore when she & Song Si Pu were baring their souls.

Favourite scene:
The soul-baring confession on bed

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Revenge best accomplished with a loving partner

I watched this drama because GOT7's Youngjae said he enjoyed this series. I LOVE Perfect Marriage Revenge! Story seems like elevated version of Harlequin / Mills & Boon novella (hey some of the novellas are well written).

Highly recommended if you're seeking a kdrama that has revenge, contract marriage, loving male lead, mature relationship, twisted family drama.

What I like:
1) Romance - Sizzling chemistry between Sung Hoon & Yoo Min with right balance of push & pull. Their romance is believable and geared towards more mature side. It's very rare to see male lead who has empathy & is emotionally invested in relationship from the start.
2) Writing - Honestly I didn't like episode 1 because Yi-joo was a doormat. However my opinion changed in Episode 2 when she decided to take control of her fate and take revenge over those who had done her wrong. This series is like a soap opera but with its fast-pacing, I never felt bored or annoyed. I also sensed a true partnership between female lead Yi-joo and male lead Du Gok right from episode 2.
3) Male lead characterisation - I couldn't read Du Gok's character in earlier episodes. He seemed to willing to help Yi-joo but what's in it for him? However, episode 6 is when my opinion changed. Du Gok showed different sides: cheekiness, empathy, affection & attraction. That confession was emotionally and physically charged, wow.
4) Supporting cast - I like Yi-joo's best friend, Du Gok's mother, grandmother and sister.
5) Yi-joo characterisation - I like her character development. She was a doormat at the start, then became vengeful but once she found an ally/partner who believes in her, she realises what's important to her and changed her mindset. She still got her revenge. I'm happy with the decision she made for her family's company because it breaks this chaebol/management must be from family cycle.
6) The ending - I like the final episode especially when it started with Yi-joo and Du Gok forgoing their concerns about the countdown and lived life as normal instead of being overly cautious. I like how the series is concluded at the end.

What I dislike:
1) Lee Min-young and Ji-hee are insufferable. Hate them so much.
2) I would have liked more sensual moments between Yi-joo and Do Guk after episode 6 because I don't know if she genuinely liked Du Gok after episode 6 and before being questioned by his grandmother.

Favourite scene
When Yi-joo and Du-gok went on vacation in episode 6. Bed room scenes - both nights. I giggled then cried because that confession was heartfelt.

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