emberzmars

Sexy FL, spellbound ML & sizzling romance in this light supernatural drama

I was browsing iQIYI shorts collection and saw this drama. I read the first two lines od the synopsis and found it interesting enough to watch. I loved this drama!

What I liked:
1. Romance - The sexual tension was high right from the first encounter. I enjoyed the push & pull dynamics between them and the way both of them yearned for love and affection. Their love language was definitely physical touch.
2. FL characterisation - FL could heal other people's illness. I liked her altruistic behaviour. I also found her sexy not the way she dressed but in her speech & attitude.
3. Revenge - I liked that FL got to take back her parents' wealth from her parasitic relatives. I liked that she didn't help her relatives when they faced challenges.
4. Acting - Amazing performances by Su Xi and Wu Yu Hang. They had palpable chemistry - I loved watching scenes with both of them together.
5. Supporting characters - I liked FL's bestie for helping her out whenever in need. ML's assistant was a good character too. I also liked ML's mother & housekeeper even though I didn't like their nosiness.
6. ML characterisation - He was skeptical of FL's healing capability but my gosh he was spellbound by her. I liked his protective behaviour which he showed during an ambush.
7. Styling - I loved FL's outfits from the moment she met ML in episode 1 until the last episode. She was elegant.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's relatives were cruel. Kicked her out when she was a child.
2. Punishment - I didn't like that the two female baddies were not punished for harming FL & ML.

Favourite scene
Their second intimate encounter and the morning after

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This zombie drama has heart & good performances

I got to know about this drama through subreddit CShortDramas. A member there stated that this drama has Warm Bodies vibe. I love that zombie movie so I proceeded to watch. Love it!

What I liked:
1. Comedy - It was a funny drama with FL providing comic relief.
2. FL characterisation - She had empathy as shown during the bus attack scene, the kindness she showed towards ML. I also enjoyed seeing the different sides of FL: bubbly, scaredy cat, serious.
3. ML characterisation - He was an alpha. I liked that he could think despite having the zombie virus. That last four minutes of the drama caught me by surprise.
4. Zombies - Hahaha it was cool to see community of zombies that still have a functioning supermarket. The plot twist surprised me.
5. Confrontation - The final confrontation between ML and antagonist in a crowd of people was a touching scene.
6. Romance - Slow but satisfying. Good kisses. I was even surprise that there was a safe sex reminder.
7. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's parents for being progressive. I also liked ML's zombie buddies - they were amusing.
8. Acting - Superb acting by Ming Xin Huan. He gave a restraint performance in his facial expression & body movements but his eyes were expressive.
9. Labubu - A Labubu figurine hangs from her backpack, echoing the drama’s eerie-but-adorable tone — equal parts horror and youthful hope.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Wow, FL's schoolmates were nasty for abadoning her twice. That vapid girl was self-absorbed too.
2. Ending - I didn't like that final minute of the drama.

Favourite scene
When antagonist tried to reveal ML's identity in front of a crowd of people

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Well-written jiejie romance drama that felt like a condensed version of 45-minute-per-episode drama

I am a fan of jiejie romance and I'd like to thank MDL user Fae for sharing link to this drama. I was not familiar with the main actor and main actress so not much expectation. I enjoyed this drama immensely and was impressed by the production quality.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Hot intimate scenes such as passionate kissing and a cosplay. I also liked that there were tender and vulnerable moments by both characters. One of my favourite scenes is when ML felt undervalued and broke up with FL. I liked how ML stood up for his rights in the relationship because usually in jiejie romance, ML closed one eye when he was mistreated by FL.
2. ML characterisation - As expected, he had cute puppy vibe when he was playful with FL but there were serious moments. I liked that his character grew.
3. FL characterisation - FL was sensible and likeable. I also liked that FL had some character growth as well. She realised her mistake and fought for her relationship.
4. Writing - I liked how this story was told because it felt like a condensed version of 45-minute-per-episode drama without filler scenes. There was one scene I enjoyed a lot - FL had a chat with her close colleague about dating a younger man. I liked how these tropes were explored in this story: Older woman-younger man romance, office romance, hidden identity, longtime crush.
5. Supporting characters - I loved FL's close colleague Annie for being wise and funny. I also liked ML's assistant - he gave good advice.
6. Acting - Wonderful performances by Wang Xiao Shi, Yu Yi Fu, the actor who played FL's ex and the actress who played FL's mother. Great chemistry between Wang Xiao Shi and Yu Yi Fu.
7. Styling - Amazing outfits chosen for FL because in reality Yu Yi Fu is older than Wang Xiao Shi.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - A substantial antagonist with a good arc. FL’s ex was cunning and despicable for going to FL’s mother to get FL to marry him. I also disliked FL's mother at one point for not backing her own daughter. She was too concerned about face saving than her daughter's happiness.

Favourite scene
The cosplay

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Entertaining romcom about sisters and their husbands

I enjoy The Canaries Are Escaping Again so when I saw this poster on release day, I had high hopes. I didn't know any of the cast but that was fine. Overall I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Main couple - Wow, there were plenty of kissing & playful banter between the main couple. They got along well and genuinely liked each other.
2. Acting - Wu Yi Qiao, Hou Peng Yan and Niu Jing Jie were great in their roles. There was chemistry between Wu Yi Qiao and Hou Peng Yan.
3. FL characterisation - She was bubbly and charming. I liked that she couls get out of the kidnapping.
4. ML characterisation - I liked that he was patient and nice. He knew his wife so well that he pursued her for explanation after she left.
5. Lunch - That lunch with the girl who disliked the sisters was funny. Serves her right for wanting to sabotage the sisters.
6. Livestream - Those scenes were entertaining. I laughed out loud during the kidnapping.
7. Styling - That black pleather-white shirt-black tie-black trousers combo looked good on Hou Peng Yan. Funny because I had seen that combo worn by Qian Zhe, Cao Tian Kai, He Cong Rui. I also liked the clothes worn by SFL.

What I disliked:
1. Secondary couple - I liked that both were career-focused and had serious personality. However I was dismayed that there wasn't affection between them even in their converations.
2. Acting - There wasn't any chemistry between SFL & SML. SML is the least developed character so pity that the actor didn't have much to do with his character.
3. Antagonist - Sh2 was jealous of FL. Glad she got her comeuppance.
4. FL's action - I was irritated when she decided to separate from her husband just because her older sister was doing it first. Such a kid!

Favourite scene
Lunch at the restaurant with the antagonist

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Great push & pull dynamics in this transactional relationship drama

This drama was in my watchlist for months. I added it because I liked the acting of both Xie Yu Wang and Hou Cheng Yue. Last weekend I was in the mood for Xie Yu Wang dramas so I chose to watch this. I enjoyed it immensely.

What I liked:
1. Romance - It started off as a transactional relationship but slowly true feelings came into the picture. Great push & pull dynamics that made me glued to the screen whenever the couple appeared on screen. Plenty of kisses and tender moments. I also liked that their relationship felt like a mature couple.
2. FL characterisation - I liked that FL, who was without resource at first, slowly grew independent and could come with solutions on her own.
3. ML characterisation - I liked seeing his change of behaviour from distant, calculative person to loving partner.
4. Supporting characters - I liked Lin Zi Xuan, ML's assistant, ML's mother and FL's mother.
5. Acting - Great performances by Xie Yu Wang, Hou Cheng You and Wang Pei Yan. There was great chemistry between Xie Yu Wang and Hou Cheng Yue.
6. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by FL and ML.
7. Plot - Refreshing take on transactional relationship. I also liked how the characters, main and supporting, were mostly grey. There was no pure good guys.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's father was a scumbag. I was dismayed by ML's grandfather's reaction towards FL in their first meeting together. I wish he wasn't close-minded. I also disliked FL's father's plea in the last meeting with FL.

Favourite scene
When ML confessed his feelings to FL

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Deng Ling Shu shines in this opposites attract rom-com

I am a big fan of Zhao Ting Yi's acting. I didn't like Deng Ling Shu's FL in the Prince is Wild drama but her acting in the drama with Cheng Cheng was good. I had not watched The wife with an agenda before watching this drama so I didn't know about their chemistry. Good thing I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Her post-transmigration attitude was awesome. She was bubbly, smart & dazzling.
2. ML characterisation - He had rigid personality but slowly let loose as he got to know FL.
3. Tone - Funny from the get go.
4. Acting - Deng Ling Shu shone during comedic bits. She managed to exude joy & bubbly into her character. Zhou Ting Yi gave good performance though I found this was non-challenging role for him. Their chemistry was great.
5. Supporting characters - Butler is the MVP. Delighted to see Peng Yao playing FL's best friend. Other characters that I liked include ML's grandma, ML's assistant - loved them for being understanding.
6. Romance - Slowburn because FL was more concerned about her future. I enjoyed watching ML longing for FL's touch & affections. I loved the notes.

What I disliked:
1. Communication - There were assumptions made by ML about FL's actions. I wish ML had talked about his insecurities / concerns with FL instead of making assumptions.
2. Antagonist - FL's ex was a narcissist.

Favourite scene
When FL confessed to ML about her feelings

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FL's action in this crossdressing drama frustrated me

I liked Nie Bo Xuan's acting so when this was released, he and the blonde dude on the poster caught my attention. I haven't watched many crossdresser dramas. This drama was alright - wish there was something more.

What I liked:
1. Styling - I must say I liked FL dressed up as a man-boy. She looked like kpop idol.
2. Comedy - I enjoyed the comedic bits in this drama.
3. FL characterisation - It's refreshing to find out the reasons for crossdressing. I sympathised with her situation.
4. Supporting characters - Yao Yao was a wonderful friend even though I didn't understand her last action. I also liked ML's bestie.

What I disliked:
1. FL's action - I didn't like that Fal ran away from ML and their problem. Very cowardly.
2. Antagonists - FL's father was the worst followed by her stepmother and half-sister. Grandfather too.
3. Romance - I felt like the writer was trying hard on making this drama funny that they forgot the heart i.e. romance. I didn't buy their romance at all.

Favourite scene
When Sang Mo kissed ML while drunk / dreaming

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Romance and off-the-charts chemistry made me watch this drama on repeat!

Chen Tian Xiang is one of those vertical drama actors I knew about, but his work never really caught my attention until I discovered this drama. The thumbnail showed him rocking an earring and a cool hairdo, which instantly intrigued me. Since I prefer modern dramas to historical ones, I thought, “Why not give this drama a go?” I enjoyed this drama immensely and watched it on repeat the first week.

What I liked:
1. Romance - A great mix of love and lust that kept me smiling from the beginning till the end of the drama. I loved that they were affectionate (kisses, hand-holding, words of assurance), as though they got married for love and not for convenience.
2. Acting - Did you know that actor Chen Tian Xiang is only 23 years old while actress Chen Yu Ling will turn 20 years old in October? I was spellbound by their performances. They brought a sense of maturity and depth to their individual characters. Their sizzling chemistry made me swoon whenever they had their tender moments and steamy kisses.
3. FL characterisation - Damn, FL had ML on her sight from the get go. I liked that she was tactical, a quick thinker and could stand up to bullies.
4. ML characterisation - He exuded a bad boy vibe but he was gentle, kind & protective of FL. I loved that there was no misunderstanding between them - they had each other's backs.
5. Styling - Beautiful outfits worn by both FL and ML. Although I am not a fan of some FL’s Lolita-looking outfits (gosh the Mary Janes / pumps with socks combo!), I loved the dresses she tried out (my favourite is the mint green dress).
6. Family - It is the core theme of this drama. There is a contrast between a warm & accepting family (ML’s parents and grandma) versus a cold and calculative family (FL’s father, stepmother and half-sister). I really liked ML’s mother because of the empathy given to FL.
7. Supporting characters - ML's bestie was funny. I also liked FL's bestie. ML's family was likeable too except the older brother.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family were horrible especially the half sis Shi Ching Mo. ML's brother Han Zheng was a scumbag.

Favourite scene
ML's birthday celebration with FL

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Sun Qian Xun's most dramatic performance and Kong Qi Li impressed me with his facial expressions

After a staple of Sun Qian Xun's romcoms, I decided to watch this more dramatic drama to see if she got the chops. While I struggled with the pacing at times, overall I enjoyed the drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - This is the first time I watched Kong Qi Li's performance and wow I was blown away. His facial expressions when his character was moved by FL's words almost made me cry. SQX gave a good dramatic performance as well.
2. FL characterisation - She was compassionate especially when it came to matters related to ML & Xiao Hui. I also liked that she stood up to bullies.
3. ML characterisation - He was mysterious but kind and soft-hearted. I liked that he had a personal battle to overcome because it showed character growth & maturity.
4. Supporting characters - Xiao Hui was a sweetheart. I also liked ML's close friend and FL's two friends / neighbours who always had FL's back.
5. Rural life - I enjoyed scenes of rural life from the agriculture / farming to community helping out each other.
6. Romance - Slow burn with more emphasis on growing feelings & acts of service. I likes that FL was bold enough to kiss ML.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's relatives were atrocious. Always thinking about money. The girl from same town as FL was horrible too as she was envious of FL's “good fortune”. Zhang Fan was another character I disliked.
2. Duration - This slice of life drama is 3 hours 10 minutes long. The middle section was too slow for me but the last 30 minutes was thrilling.
3. Ending - I don't mind dramas with bleak ending but this drama's ending was rather haphazard. I doubt there will be part 2.

Favourite scene
When ML was moved by FL’s words

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I disliked the weird plot but must say Jiang Song was the best part of this drama

I was in the mood for Sun Qian Xun's dramas so I picked this drama because the poster was quite striking & the drama was quite popular when it was fresh release. I didn't know what to expect when I clicked play and when the drama ended, I felt disappointed.

What I liked:
1. Jiang Song - He was the most fascinating character in this drama. Wonderfully portrayed by Li Xing Lin - he was charismatic and had strong screen presence.
2. Suitors - I am always disappointed with vertical dramas that have multiple suitors because of the lack of character development. Not this drama - Li Ming Lan & Jiang Song had strong arcs with the other two was ok despite shorter screentime. The ensemble worked well together and I loved watching their dynamics.
3. Production - High production value. Drama looked sleek & expensive.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's Assistant Wang. I also liked the youngest suitor.
5. Visuals - The suitors & Li Yuan were handsome.

What I disliked:
1. Charade - Such a complicated charade concocted by Li Ming Lan and agreed by FL to make Li Ming Lan's white moon light jealous. From the fake marriage to fake pregnancy, I found both Li Ming Lan & FL were dumb.
2. Banquet - ML's grandfather's birthday banquet was a mess! From the silly buddhist beads debate to the swimming pool incident - gosh it was ridiculous.
3. Main characters - I didn't like both FL & ML. As said earlier FL was dumb & ML was too bland.
4. Romance - Longtime crush made complicated. Their romance was rooted in nostalgia.
5. Shen Zhi Zhi - She did so much mess but was not punished. I also didn't get the need to fundraise for her lab - why must it involved Li Ming Lan's friends.

Favourite scene
When FL returned to her family home after "breaking up" with Li Ming Lan

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Story of rebirth and hidden identities with great performances by Xue Zi Qi and Liu Yi Long

I added missing dramas to Xue Zi Qi's profile months ago and when I gathered info for this drama, I saw glowing comments on Douban and Weibo. Thank gawd I have paid subscription to iQIYI. I watched it 2 weeks ago and wow, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She reminded me of Mulan because of her disguise and military training. She was smart, ferocious and independent - I liked those qualities in a FL.
2. ML characterisation - I liked that he too had his own battle to overcome. He was smart and observant. I liked that he protected FL once he figured out her secret identity.
3. Reborn trope - Two characters were reborn in this drama. Both of them took different path so it was fascinating to watch.
4. Acting - Great performances by Xue Zi Qi and Liu Yi Long. I liked seeing Xue Zi Qi in dual identities. I also liked the chemistry between them.
5. Dynamic - I enjoyed watching the dynamic between FL and ML in the various personas that they put on. She was compassionate with the Prince but cautious with mysterious masked fighter. There was push & pull between them and they did consummate their marriage but their romance was blossoming slowly.
6. Action - I enjoyed the fighting sequences. They were a delight to watch and Xue Zi Qi looked extremely cool fighting the bad guys. Liu Yi Lon was great too.
7. Styling - I liked the contrasting outfits for FL and ML.
8. Ending - I liked it even though it was a cliffhanger. It was cheeky. Please let there be part 2!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family were atrocious - they forced her to take on her brother's place and serve in the military. I disliked how her female elders treated her. FL's husband in the previous life was another horrible person. ML's brother was another character I disliked.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML consummated their marriage

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Both FL & ML out for revenge and later got into a partnership. Great performance by Liu Xiao Xu

I was in the mood for a short vertical drama (60 episodes or less) so I opened my iQIYI app and saw this title. Liu Xiao Xu has become popular in subreddit CShortDramas so I decided 'Let's watch this LXX drama'. I enjoyed it very much.

What I liked:
1. Revenge arc - It was fantastic to see both FL & ML enacting revenge for different reasons: FL witnessed her parents being killed by her father's colleague whereas ML believed that there was a conspiracy behind his sister's death. I liked that they knew of each others' targets around 60% mark of the drama and worked together to bring those perpetrators down.
2. FL characterisation - She was assigned to marry a family friend by her adoptive father. I liked her strategy of luring ML into her plans to get out of the marriage & use his resources for her revenge plans. She was guarded with her feelings, which was understandable since her parents were killed but I liked seeing the change in her expressions of feelings.
3. ML characterisation - He was mysterious but once his revenge plan was unveiled to the audience, wow I became more fascinated in his character. Tactical but compassionate towards FL.
4. Romance - Their first intimate encounter seemed coerced so I didn't like it. They got into a marriage of convenience but it was easy to see that ML was genuinely interested in a romantic relationship with his wife. There were some kisses, not steamy but plenty of affectionate moments.
5. Supporting characters - FL's bestie was awesome. I loved that she secretly rooted for FL - ML romantic relationship. FL's sister had an interesting character development - she was unlikeable at the start but I liked her at the end of the drama.
6. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by FL & ML. FL got the sexy, mature woman vibe. I chuckled when I saw ML in an ensemble of black pleather jacket + white shirt + black tie + black pants. I wrote a reddit post about this ensemble 5 days before I watched this drama.
7. Acting - Liu Xiao Xu was fantastic in his role. Hu Dong Qing was alright although I wished she had expressed more emotions when her true intentions were unveiled to ML and when FL had real affections for ML (her facial expressions at the start and the end of her game plan were the same).

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Damn Lin Jiayao was malicious! He even threatened FL with a poisonous drug that required maintenance to avoid withdrawal / harm. Chen Guo Ming was another evil b@st@rd. Both were driven by greed for power and money.

Favourite scene
When FL's bestie made eye contact with ML then left their house

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Similar to US tv show Jane the Virgin, FL was artificially inseminated

I was in the mood for Aorigele dramas so I decided to watch this drama. I had low expectation but wow I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved her because there was character growth. At the start, she was mousy and insecure but she slowly learned to trust her judgements & convictions.
2. ML characterisation - He was so sweet. I liked that he was a nice boss and didn't easily cave into family pressure.
3. Romance - Very sweet. I loved it when ML directly told FL that he was pursuing her.
4. Styling - Wonderful pieces selected for FL as you can see outfits that match varying stages of transformation. ML's outfits were great too. Plain white t-shirt was the highlight for me.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - SFL was a delusional b!tch who think ML was her possession. There was also another entitled ass who was condescending towards FL. I was delighted when both were punished. I disliked FL's father who was money-hungry scumbag. He too got punished.
2. Nails - OMG, so many raptor nails in the drama: delusional b!tch, entitled b!tch and even a gynaecologist. Having long fingernails for work at hospital just did not make sense.

Favourite scene
When ML told FL that he's pursuing her

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Sweet story about age gap / class difference romance with likeable leads

I was in the mood for vertical dramas about unplanned pregnancies so I chose this drama. I enjoy the acting of Zhao Zhen Dong & Zhang Ruo Chen. I liked this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked that she was kind, resilient & self-reliant. She knew she had to stand on her two feet that's she couldn't easily accept ML's allowance. Zhang Ruo Chen was good in this role.
2. ML characterisation - He was skeptical but mystified by his attraction to her. I liked that he was caring & protective of her.
3. Romance - Slow burn & sweet. There were a few affectionate moments & some kisses though I wish there were more cultivation of relationship scenes.
4. Supporting characters - ML's assistant Han Lin was the MVP. His presence brightened the drama. I also liked the Huo elders - I liked when 3 elders as a collective scolded ML. Wow 4 generations living togather. FL's new classmate who was protective of her was cool too. The maids were nice too especially the lead.
5. Styling - I liked FL's outfits because they were age-appropriate and fit her quiet personality. ML looked handsome in his work clothes.
6. Tone - Despite the bullying, the drama was lighearted & easy to follow.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family took advantage of her kindness. I didn't like that they were abusive, physically & mentally. The jealous factory workers and high school / uni friends were insufferable too.
2. Screentime - The drama is 1 hour 35 minutes, which is the length I like. However antagonists got too much screentime. I would have liked more time for cultivation of relationship.

Favourite scene
When ML & his assistant eavesdropped on FL's conversation with her uni friend

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Well-written & acted crime thriller drama with a huge dose of bromance

I have to admit that it’s been months since I last watched a Shen Hao Nan drama. I have never seen Cai Xin Yang’s work before plus the fact that this drama is tagged as Thriller and Mystery got me excited. It was hard to get links to drama with English subtitles, I almost gave up. Thankfully Jwells shared links to this drama. I loved it!

What I liked:
1. Cai Xin Yang - I have to be honest - I was captivated by Cai Xin Yang’s performance and looks. Oh, I found Cai Xin Yang sexy! I don’t remember seeing a vertical actor looking mighty FINE in jeans paired with white shirt or black shirt. Those arms! It was also great to see Cai Xin Yang doing action scenes.
2. Chen Ye characterisation - He got the grittiness, pessimism and quick-to-take-action qualities I expect in a police character. I also liked that he wasn’t a perfect cop. There were moments when he was not thinking objectively. That’s normal because cops are humans too.
3. Jiang Yan Bai characterisation - His character fascinated me: i) his personality was a contrast to Chen Ye’s personality, ii) his relationship with Chen Ye and Chen Ye's brother. Given his profession, Jiang Yan Bai analysed the situation first before providing insights but he never pushed the police to accept his views just because he had academic qualifications (you know how stuffy professors can be). He had the quiet confidence which complemented Detective Chen Ye’s more commanding presence.
4. Acting - I mentioned earlier about enjoying Cai Xin Yang's performance. He is lesser known in the world of vertical drama but he had charisma to be the first lead! I really enjoyed Shen Hao Nan’s performance - this is my favourite role of his. The supporting cast especially the three police officers did well in their roles too.
5. Writing - I was engrossed in this drama. Brilliant crime thriller story told in two hours. I liked the very subtle hint of the perpetrator - I knew the creepy florist wasn’t the main culprit! I also liked the science explanation for the meds and crime procedure although I was not sure how accurate the facts were.
6. Styling - I liked the contrasting outfits worn by both leads. Chen Ye's outfits had an edgy look whereas Jiang Yan Bai wore more softer colours. My favourite outfit worn by Chen Ye is the outfit he wore for shooting practice while my favourite outfit worn by Jiang Yan Bai is the long beige coat paired with white shirt and black trousers.
7. Bromance - Ok there were too many bromance moments that I thought are disguising the love they had for each other. I found it funny that one moment even make it to my 'ML in bathtube' MDL list.

What I disliked:
1. The ending - I did not like the ending though. What’s with the epilogue? Is it a hint for season 2 or something else???
2. Assault - Chen Ye saved Jiang Yan Bai from being stabbed. I was puzzled by his way of saving him. Why didn’t Chen Ye kick the assailant or use his gun?

Favourite scene
The refrigerated truck scene

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