emberzmars

Transactional relationship turned into love

I adored Liu Yi Fan in her drama with Wang Bing Xiang. I liked Wang Zilin in another drama in which he played a blind ML. Overall it was an enjoyable watch for me but I prefer other transactional relationahip-turned-love drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - ML was attracted to FL from the first moment he saw her. Their relationship was transactional at the start but slowly progressed into love. However Liu Yi Fan seemed skittish during kissing scenes. I didn't get the natural chemistry between her and Wang Zi Lin.
2. Styling - I am fascinated by Wang Zi Lin's beautifully styled hair.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's friend the doctor even though he didn't stick to doctor-patient confidentiality.
4. Art - The embroidery and painting work done by FL were so adorable.
5. FL characterisation - It's great to see FL who wasn't intimidated by silly green tea.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - There were many in this drama. (i) FL's ex was so nosy and clearly disrespectful to her, (ii) colleague was delusional despite being told off, (iii) former arranged fiancée of ML was shameless, and last but not least ML's mother.

Favourite scene
When they played spin the soup spoon game

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Blazing chemistry between Sheng Yi Jie & Zhao Zhen Dong made me swoon

I watched this drama because of Sheng Yi Jie. This is the first drama of Zhao Zhen Dong that I watched. I enjoyed this melodrama very much.

What I liked:
1. Romance - OMG this drama has great mix of sweet and spicy. The intimate scenes were hot! It's adorable that they both liked each other from high school but never dated until much later when they've established their careers. Zhao Zhen Dong & Sheng Yi Jie made a lovely couple, it wish it was real.
2. FL characterisation - She was ambitious and smart I liked it. After watching 5 of her dramas, this is my favourite role of hers.
3. ML characterisation - ML was sweet & protective. I liked his cheeky side. I became an instant fan of Zhao Zhen Dong.
4. Styling - Both FL & ML styling were top notch. I liked ML's hair in the first scene when he was a high schooler than his hair when he was an adult. The wedding dress was gorgeous.
5. Supporting characters - Parents on both sides were great. I also liked FL's uni rival turned friend and ML's female colleague.

What I disliked:
1. Obstacles - The writer put in too many obstacles for FL to tackle. So many people were envious of her and it seemed like she needed rescue from ML though it was not her fault. Wish writer had given ML an obstacle to tackle so we could see his character grow.
2. Antagonist - The green tea at FL's first company was incompetent but somehow managed to stay employed. I was irritated.

Favourite scene
When ML went to help FL with her wedding dress

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Great story about rebirth, gaming and family

I watched this drama because of Ma Qian Qian. I love her acting in Love Quietly Arrives, in which she starred alongside Sun Yue. I was unfamiliar with Wen Li. This drama was different from my expectation but overall I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved that she does not rely on ML to save herself from a bad situation. It's good to see Ma Qian Qian playing a quieter, more serious role.
2. ML characterisation - ML is a total gentleman. He had one of the best lines in this drama! I also liked it that he was a gamer. I enjoyed Wen Li's acting and to be honest, was surprised that he had only a few credits.
3. Romance - It's wonderful to see both of them going on dates. The jiejie scene was too adorable! Both were devoted to each other. They regularly talk to each other too.
4. Reborn arc - Refreshing take on this arc. Good that she confided in someone about her circumstance.
5. Styling - The grey dress that she tried on at a boutique was so gorgeous.
6. Supporting characters - I liked FL's bestie, ML's gaming manager/mentor and ML's gamer colleagues/buddies. FL's parents were excellent parents who always support their daughter - it's refreshing.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Good thing FL got away from her nasty ex.

Favourite scene
When they went on a date and shopped for formal clothes

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The type of romance dramas I love - love, lust & frequent communication

I was drawn to this drama because of the title 'Seductive Kiss of The Rose'. A quick glance at the comments confirmed my gut feeling - this drama was worth watching. I enjoyed it very much that I occasionally watch it on repeat.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I was delighted to see 2 mature adults experiencing romance even though their marriage was arranged. It was a great mix of love, lust & frequent communication. Many steamy kisses & innuendo. ML's use of term of endearment was very sweet - I found Zhang Yi Hong's nasally voice soothing.
2. FL characterisation - She was a smart, capable CEO managing family business. She was also a kind & loving person as seen through her relationship with ML & her family. This is my first time watching Zhou Fei. I really liked her acting.
3. ML characterisation - He had this mysterious and dangerous aura surrounding him. I liked that he was loving & protective of his wife. Zhang Yi Hong was excellent in his role.
4. Sibling dynamics - I enjoyed watching the interactions between FL and her brothers. Her brothers trusted her.
5. Styling - I liked FL's styling. She had a dark but kind vibe that reminds me of Morticia Addams.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Wow, antagonist in this drama was something else. He must have felt emasculated by FL's capability as CEO.
2. Death - Why must that person die? I was very sad.

Favourite scene
The golf course

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A tale of two sisters, second chances and contrasting marriages

I actually found this drama from another drama with the same plot. I read the comments there and some users mentioned that this version was a better drama. I was pleasantly surprised to see Wang Hao Xiang as I liked his performance in a drama with Xu Meng Yuan. This was the first time I watched Shi Yue Yue and Ou Na. I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Great acting by Shi Yue Yue, Wang Hao Xiang, Ou Na and the actor who played Jiang Zhao Hua. Their performances reminded me of Chinese mini drama, 'A Familiar Stranger' because these four characters are intertwined with each other.
2. Romance - DAMN, this drama had the main CP made love in a different way. I was shocked! Shi Yue Yue should be given an award for those scenes. Anyway it was great to see the contrast between the main CP (loving & respectful) and secondary CP (full of negativity & suspicions). I liked that ML was respectful of FL's decision on having a family.
3. Plot - This is my first reborn tale involving sisters. SFL Jiang Zhao Hua was the only given a second chance. It's fascinating to see how her character lived her life after the second chance and also how both sisters made life decisions. FL was more strategic & content with both lives that she had experienced.
4. Locus of control - External vs Internal. SFL always blamed the outcomes of events in her life on other people. She was an interesting character to study.
5. Styling - Beautiful outfits. I liked the wedding outfits worn by both sisters.

What I disliked:
1. Cruelty - SML was cruel, I couldn't believe he did those actions to his wife.

Favourite scene
ML & FL in the bath

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Plenty of physical intimacy but no emotional depth

Jiejie/older woman-younger man romance is my favourite trope. I appreciate that there are plenty of vertical dramas that cover this trope. Both Meng Na and Ye Hao Ran have acted in jiejie romance before so I had high expectations. However I was disappointed by the time I completed this drama.

If you want to watch better jiejie romance by these leads, look for either "Define Your Style" starring Meng Na & Liang Si Wei or "Wei Nian Ci Sheng" starring Ye Hao Ran & Sheng Yi Jie. Alternatively search for "Fake Love" starring Bai Yan & Feng Xiang Kun. That's my personal favourite jiejie romance from vertical dramaland.

What I liked:
1. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's brother as I thought his protectiveness was realistic. Grandpa was likeable.
2. Styling - I really liked ML's styling from hair & accessories to clothes and shoes. He looked very hip for someone in top management.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Plenty of kissing and they got along well sexually but there was no emotional depth between ML & FL. It is frustrating that they never voiced out their feelings until the last 10 minutes of this drama. This drama is 2.5 hours long! I also disliked that FL was the one doing the most heavy lifting in the relationship.
2. ML characterisation - Feng Ling was insecure IMHO. I disliked his inner monologue about his feelings for his wife.
3. FL characterisation - There was a glimpse of FL at work but overall I was disappointed that most scenes of FL were related to her relationship with ML. It was as though her existence in this drama is to support ML's journey of romantic love.
4. Duration - This drama was too long for a simple, lack of communication romance. I fast-forwarded once I reached 1 hour 45 minute mark.

Favourite scene
FL took initiative on their first night as husband and wife

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Likeable couple, super cute kid & interesting antagonist made this drama enjoyable

I am a fan of Zhang Yi Lun from his dramas with Yi La. I have also seen Li Tian Yuan in her drama with Zhang Yi Yang. I was drawn to this drama because of its introductory scene. Overall I liked this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was a hardworking, single mum. Even though she struggled in meeting ends meet, she held on to her values & integrity. Li Tian Yuan was convincing enough for the role.
2. ML characterisation - He was warm, respectful & protective of his family. I liked Zhang Yi Lun's acting in this drama.
3. Romance - Slow burn. I liked that they were not strongly driven by lust which is understandable considering FL's single mum status.
4. Supporting characters - ML's mother was great for her warmth & kindness towards FL.

What I disliked:
1. The child casting - It's amusing that the kid seemed big (like aged 1-1.5 years) in the first scene then gradually grew younger. By the time ML met him, the kid looked like a 6 month old child.
2. Antagonists - I hate antagonist that bullies children & elderly. I also thought FL's mother was judgemental & intrusive.

Favourite scene
When FL firmly informed her mother that she wanted to be with ML

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Plenty kisses, strong visuals but story played it safe

Someone wrote about this drama on reddit. Apparently there were 4 versions of this plot and this version was their favourite version. I was intrigued because I had never seen Shi Tong's work before. So last night I watched before going to sleep.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Shi Tong & Wang Ying Jie had a combustible chemistry. There were many kissing & intimate scenes I thought their clothes were going to set on fire. Some sweet moments were present too, courtesy of ML. However I wish there were more discussions between them about their relationship.
2. Acting - I was impressed by Shi Tong's acting. Will definitely watch her other dramas. Wang Ying Jie & Zhang Chi were also good in their roles. Both actors were handsome.
3. Styling - Great styling for FL, ML & SML enhanced their good looks.

What I disliked:
1. FL's arc - Her boxing story was fascinating but sadly wasn't elaborated. I wish director & writer used different approach to tell story of her past because her reason for sticking to her ex hubby was only unveiled in the third act.
2. Antagonists - SML's mistress was irritating & disrespectful. FL's cousin was annoying too.
3. ML's arc - ML's arc was also underdeveloped. I'd like to know more about him as individual. Why was he in fights?

Favourite scene
Makeout session before the auction

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Great acting & dialogue on relationship won me over!

There are plenty of vertical dramas with many remakes and adaptations. I have decided to watch this type of dramas - at least 3 different versions so I can make comparison. For this set of 'Selling eggs' drama, I have watched 'A Night Deeply Drunk on the Spring Breeze' starring Du Ya Fei & Yang Shu Yu. I enjoyed that version and got excited to watch this version. I was pleasantly surprised by this version!

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - Huang Bo's Dr Shi Lin was very different from Du Ya Fei's Dr Shi Lin. The ML here was patient, respectful & sensitive. I loved Huang Bo's portrayal of the character because of his soft facial expressions.
2. FL characterisation - Lin Mian was not a damsel in distress as she made a lot of effort to solve her problems. While there were instances that I disagree with her decision making, those decisions was part of her build. She was young & poor. This is my first drama of Fan Di Yu & I was impressed by her acting. She's got range!
3. Romance - I liked how FL-ML relationship progressed from debtor-creditor to a romantic couple. Unlike the other drama, I could sense this FL's growing attraction towards ML. Even though ML was more expressive with his feelings, both of them had clear communications about their relationship. There were some nice kisses (kisses could be hotter if director filmed the scenes longer or changed the angle).
4. Supporting characters - Now the SML & SFL in this version had more substantial back story compared to 'A Night Deeply Drunk on the Spring Breeze'. Both were sinister and I was shocked!

What I disliked:
1. Poster - Damn the poster was misleading. Huang Bo's Dr Shi Lin gave me a serial killer vibe that I immediately watched the theme song of American tv show Dexter prior to watching this drama.
2. Colour grading - I think the production value (especially the set design & props) was good enough. However I wish the drama was colour corrected because the current setting was dull & might deter people from viewing.

Favourite scene
When FL asked from ML for a loan equivalent to FL's assumed worth

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Fascinating forensic medical examiner FL in a well-written romance drama

I was intrigued by this drama because of FL's occupation - a forensic medical examiner. I hadn't watched Zhang Ruo Chen's drama before but am familiar with Wang Bo. I enjoyed this drama immensely!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Song Wei Wei was intelligent and self-efficient. She didn't need her husband to solve her problem. I loved how she dealt with the white moonlight, the award and donation. I was impressed by Zhang Ruo Chen's acting. I'll definitely check out her other dramas.
2. ML characterisation - Green flag hero but with a flaw, which should be the way so the character can grow. His flaw is his assumptions about his wife but he learned his lessons. Oh I really liked that he's proud of her wife being a forensic medical examiner, unlike her ex. I liked Wang Bo's acting here because his drama with Wang Ge Ge left me disappointed.
3. Romance - Slow burn. Mostly sweet with slight spice. I really liked that ML trusted FL right from the start of their flash marriage. There was great chemistry between Zhang Ruo Chen and Wang Bo.
4. Forensic - Thank you to the director for showcasing FL at work. I appreciate the forensic work scenes even though there were just a handful.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's close colleague, grandmothers from both FL & ML.
6. Antagonists - I think the main antagonist arc was done well. Bitter ex who also had issues related to inheritance.

What I disliked:
1. Luxury goods - I wish the scene where ML's grandma gifted a designer bag to FL was written better. It gave a little haughty vibe but I know ML's grandma meant well.
2. Wedding scene - I wish FL's grandma was there because it was a very special event. Anyway I didn't like FL's wedding dress as it looked too 80s to me.

Favourite scene
When FL confronted her dean & his niece about the award and donation

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CP's charms & visuals couldn't save me from being bored. Draggy!

I watched this drama right after completing Shi Yi Hou He Si Dui Tou Shan Hun Le. I was intrigued by Wang Yan Xin's good looks but had never seen him until this drama. Plus, this drama had more than 3 million views. I had some expectations, which unfortunately were not met.

What I liked:
1. Romance - There romance is sweet. There were some kisses and skinship. However ML gave more to the relationship than FL.
2. ML characterisation - He was overprotective hubby and overall Mr Nice Guy.
3. Styling - I liked most of the clothes worn by FL. Wang Yan Xin was handsome in this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Envy - Wash. Rinse. Repeat. It's the same old story about various groups of people being envious of FL and ML rescuing her from the situations. For a series that last approximately 2 hours 40 minutes, this was a tiring watch.
2. Nepotism - Sadly FL benefitted from nepotism. Super rich ML would just rescue FL by using his money and/or power.
3. FL characterisation - She was spoilt by ML though it wasn't her fault. I disliked her when she was insecure about her relationship with ML and was easily intimidated by other people.

Favourite scene
When FL had a fight with ex-boyfriend at the start of the story

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Of course ML was besotted by FL - she was smart & cool!

This is the first drama of Zheng Feng and Zhi Chun He that I watched. I rarely watched period drama and this one is micro drama format. I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I was intrigued by this drama because of FL's expertise as a weapons designer. I like that she is smart & fiercely independent.
2. Academy - I enjoyed the scenes of her learning with a Master.
3. Romance - There was a lot more push than pull in FL-ML relationship. ML was besotted by FL. However when they got together, they were really sweet.
4. Dynamics - I enjoyed watching the bond between FL & her maid. I also enjoyed the dynamics between FL & SML / her fellow schoolmate. Delighted to see a platonic relationship between them.
5. Acting - Zheng Feng was captivating. I love the silver hair look - he was ethereal. Zhi Chun He was great as FL too.

What I disliked:
1. Resistance - I felt that FL resisted ML too much that I don't sense much chemistry between Zheng Feng & Zhi Chun He.
2. Confusion - The actor who played prime minister looked similar to Zheng Feng. I don't quite understand prime minister's role in this micro drama... perhaps due to inaccurate subtitling.

Favourite scene
The competition between FL & SML

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Match made by grandpa but identities kept hidden

I became a fan of Li Zi Jie when I watched his drama with Zhang Jinyi. The high views for this drama prompted me to watch it. Oh nice to see Jadie Jia as his leading lady.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Both Li Zi Jie & Jadie Jia were great in their roles. Li Zi Jie so damn handsome in this drama, thanks to the stylist.
2. Romance - Damn, the first scene was 🔥! They got off poorly the morning after & it turned out FL was ML's new employee. I enjoyed their romance development. Their kisses are steamy and there were sweet moments too.
3. FL characterisation - She was smart as she never felt intimidated by ML nor SFL.
4. Supporting characters - I like FL's chief assistant, ML's grandpa & his assistant.

What I disliked:
1. Bullying - SFL & her colleagues gang up on FL. SFL was also condescending.

Favourite scene
When ML took FL to hospital

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Wang Yi Ran excelled in this soul swapped romcom

I love Secret Love at 30,000 feet so I searched for other dramas that have both Wang Yi Ran & Hong Cheng Yue. Decided to watch this drama after a watching revenge-heavy vertical drama. This drama is entertaining!

What I liked:
1. Comedy - OMG the comedic parts were hilarious. I was pleasantly surprised by Wang Yi Ran's acting as I've only watched him in dramatic roles. Hong Cheng Yue & actor who played ML's assistant were good too!
2. Romance - It's a nice, sweet build up from '2 strangers stuck in same predicament' to 'partners in "crime" and eventually in life'.
3. Supporting characters - I like ML's assistant, FL's close colleague & ML's mother. I kinda like FL's crush even though he had short screentime. He was an eyecandy.
4. Ending - It's not original as I've seen same ending being used in other vertical dramas. Nevertheless it is a funny yet touching ending.

What I disliked:
1. Product placement - I found it amusing than dislike. I was laughing when the brand made appearance at the couple's romantic dinner at a restaurant.
2. Fangirls - Gosh Mr Fu has many self-proclaimed fiancées. The head fangirl is delulu & cruel!
3. Gossipmongers - Public shaming is popular trope in vertical dramas but gosh one particular scene baffled me. FL, head fangirl & their colleagues were having a meeting with a client & head fangirl accused FL of purposely losing client's deck. There were 2 colleagues that joined in the bashing. That's shameful because in real life, internal conflict shouldn't be made public because that behaviour would give negative image of a company to a client.

Favourite scene
When ML asked his assistant for love advice. Assistant really worked hard on it!

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Where is coquettish behaviour???

I liked Liang Si Wei in his first drama with Meng Na so I thought to mysel "Why not watch this drama?". I have watched dramas of Wang Jia Mao & Ma Le Jie. I must say I am disappointed by this drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Out of all the actors & actresses in this drama, I was impressed by the actor who played Lu Zhi Yan (FL's ex). He was the main antagonist but wow he had compelling presence on screen.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - Another bland, one dimensional character. I find Ma Le Jie gives the same performance in all characters that she played (shy, meek).
2. Romance - Though I generally prefer romance with spice, I do enjoy sweet romance especially with playfulness & affection. Sadly I don't get in this drama - there isn't chemistry between Ma Le Jie & Wang Jia Mao. Plus ML was very cautious around FL throughout the drama so the love felt one-sided.
3. Liang Si Wei - Sadly he was underutilised in this drama. If you are his fan, you can skip this drama because it is not worth your time.

Favourite scene
When FL, ML and Lu Zhi Yan's soon to be fiancée had dinner at Lu family house

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