emberzmars

FL escaping from mother's clutches and bumped into ML. A sweet, slow burn romance ensues.

I was in the mood for pregnant FL dramas so I chose this drama assuming it would cover it. Nope, I was wrong but good thing I enjoyed the drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was courageous to go against her controlling mother. I liked her resilience, compassion and desire to live her own life.
2. ML characterisation - He was sweet, protective and respectful. I liked that he was genuine about helping FL. He never set any conditions e.g. contract girlfriend / relationship.
3. Romance - Slow burn but satisfying because of the emotional intimacy between FL and ML. There were good kisses with a few initiated by FL.
4. Qipao design - I loved this plot device because traditional clothes fascinate me.
5. Supporting characters - Huan Huan was a great friend. She was perceptive and smart to help her uncle indirectly to win FL's heart. I really liked Butler Xu.
6. Wedding - Gorgeous wedding with a special 'kiss under a veil' moment.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - FL's mother was overbearing and controlling. She treated FL as commodity and I hated her for forcing FL to do things her way. FL's rival at university was another horrible person. She was a snob.

Favourite scene
When FL agreed to be ML's girlfriend

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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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The worst jiejie romance I watched - bad acting & writing

I was drawn to this drama because of two things: older woman-younger man romance & Dong Yi. I had never seen his dramas before but got excited to watch this drama. I must say I was greatly disappointed by this drama. Don't waste your time even if you are a fan of the lead(s).

What I liked:
1. Styling - FL's outfits were pretty. ML's outfits fit the persona or a young & hip CEO.
2. Supporting characters - I liked FL's assistant Tong Tong.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Hardly any romantic scenes. There was no real kiss in this drama. No sexual tension except at the start.
2. Acting - Average. Liu Jia Xi wasn't charismatic enough to play a confident older woman enacting revenge and toying with younger man. Dong Yi's ML was more of a tool - no character development. Liu Jia Xi and Dong Yi didn't have chemistry.
3. Writing - I felt like there wasn't much hunger & sense of urgency in executing the revenge plan. That arc was unfocused. The main characters were bland. I increased speed to 2.0x just to see if anything exciting happened but nope, this drama was forgettable.

Favourite scene
The opening

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Zhao Mu Yan was fantastic in this fake brother-sister romantic tale

I added this drama to my watchlist months ago but only got the mood to watch it today. A reddit friend highly recommended this drama and now I understand why she enjoys this drama a lot. I like it very much too!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was cunning & cute at the same time. She dug her own grave when she lied to ML and for a long period of time. Zhao Mu Yan gave a fabulous performance!
2. ML characterisation - He was stuffy & unintentionally funny. I liked that his character grew - he loosened up as he spent more time with FL.
3. Supporting characters - ML's grandma was awesome for catching FL's BS right from the start. I also like ML's assistant who quietly supported ML and FL's entanglement. I appreciated FL's brother for pointing out FL's lies & the implications. FL's friend brought in comedic relief.
4. Romance - Slow burn with a lot of sexual tension. The forbidden brother-sister entanglement was done well. There were 2 passionate kisses - ML was hot for FL both times.
5. Comic book - What a great plot device! I loved that it was featured in the drama from start until the ending. Those moments were funny.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's niece stole FL's boyfriend and both of them were jerks. Wan Xin Yue was a delusional woman pining for ML. Regardless of their bad behaviour, I was happy that their arc were not draggy.
2. Voice - Does Wang Yi Ran sound like that? I felt ML's voice was dubbed by voice actor. Well the voice made ML seemee older.

Favourite scene
The proposal

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Action-packed revenge tale with FL boss - ML employee romance

I came across this drama through subreddit CShortDramas. Both main actor and main actress were unfamiliar to me. I didn't know what to expect but glad I watched it. It was very good.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He was a street fighter picked up by FL for a revenge plan. I loved watching his character grew over the span of 3 to 5 years. He was also a love-brain. On top of that, FL was a love brain.
2. Romance - Slow building considering boss-employee relationship with FL being the boss. Push & pull dynamics done well and when they kissed, sparks flew. I wish there were more kisses!
3. FL characterisation - I liked that she was physically strong in addition to being smart.
4. Supporting character - Lin Huai was such a fun character. Sweet & smart. ML's sister was such a sweetie.
5. Action - The action scenes were thrilling to watch.
6. Plot twist - Oh wow, I didn't expect that. I also liked that this drama has a refreshing storyline not seen in other vertical dramas.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Horrible person but he had a compelling arc.

Favourite scene
When FL scouted ML in an underground fight

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Disappointed by this drama despite the acting & spicy scenes

I decided to watch this drama yesterday to find a specific moment for a reddit post. This is my second drama of Cao Sai Ya and of course I am familiar with Cao Tian Kai and his body of work. This drama is ok - well, I expected more.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Great acting by 3 leads. Cao Sai Ya had good chemistry with Cao Tian Kai and actor who played the antagonist.
2. Intimacy - Sexual tension between FL & ML was high. Passionate kisses and physical intimacy were plenty. CTK's abs on display more than once.
3. Styling - Impeccable styling for both FL & ML. Her heels were very high - I guess she must be tiny & petite. I like the contrasting styling for the two sisters.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's right hand man.
5. Ending - I liked it because it was realistic.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - SML Shen Ji Bai was a psychopath. He was cruel, sinister & possessive.
2. Writing - I felt the arc involving FL and antagonist too draggy. I knew he was evil in the first scene involving him and the twins but later there were plenty of torture scenes. It felt like FL didn't have concrete plans to rescue her sister. I wish she just approached ML for help and worked together on a plan. I also disliked that FL's identity was kept secret from ML for too long.
3. Romance - There was no emotional connection between FL and ML so I didn't believe in their love story.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML had grilled skewers for their date

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Started off great but the romance never really kicked off

I was trying to clear as many dramas in my youtibe watchlist by watching dramas with MDL pages. This evening I chose this drama because I hadn't seen any of Zhao Hui Nan's dramas. This drama started off great but faltered halfway through.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was cool. I loved that she was physically strong and also knowledgeable in traditional Chinese medicine.
2. Comedy - I didn't expect the comedic moments in the first act considering the dark opening scene.
3. Supporting characters - I liked both kids, ML's mother and grandfather. It was great to see change of perception from the mother.
4. Acting - I liked Zhao Hui Nan's acting in this drama. Her action scenes were done well and she exuded this cool & confident woman vibe.
5. Styling - I liked most of FL's outfits especially the black short dress she wore when she first went to ML's house. She looked like a punk princess!

What I disliked:
1. Romance - I was dismayed that they didn't get along until we reached 60% of the drama. I wish they were warm & amicable from the start because the emotional attachment between FL and ML in the third act was unconvincing. I didn't sense any spark between ZZD & ZHN.
2. Antagonists - FL's father was horrendous for framing FL . ML's cousin was incompetent but power hungry. He did the most scheming in this drama. I also disliked Suisui's supposed birth mother for being selfish & immature.
3. Paternity test - Sometimes I wonder why ML never did DNA testing on FL and the other woman.
4. Storytelling - I wasn't excited about the challenges faced by both FL & ML.

Favourite scene
The opening

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Tragic romance due to class difference but there is happy ending

I became a fan of Chen Tian Xiang after watching his modern romance drama with Chen Yu Ling. I also enjoy Yue Yu Ting's acting. I decided to watch this drama yesterday and wow, I liked it a lot!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked that she stood by her principles and wanted people to respect her. Never settle as a concubine / mistress.
2. Romance - It was tragic because of status / class difference. At first FL seemed like a plaything to ML but there were actual feelings involved. Their kisses were hot and passionate and there were also sweet & tender moments.
3. ML characterisation - I perceived him as an anti-hero because of the secret affair between him and FL. He loved FL but couldn't openly show his affections because of societal pressure. I liked that he was protective of FL.
4. Supporting characters - ML's right hand man was an unofficial confidant. He gave acceptable advice when ML was irrational. I also liked FL's servant for her loyalty.
5. Styling - Chen Tian Xiang looked regal / noble in this period drama. Yue Yu Ting was beautiful in her hanfu.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Su Fang Fei was atrocious & cunning. I also disliked FL's aunt & cousin.
2. ML's actions - I didn't like that he staged an assassination attempt on himself to gain FL's sympathy.
3. FL's career - I wish there were episodes on FL's career as a healer. I found the ending too abrupt because we were told, not shown, of her career success.

Favourite scene
When ML rescued FL from kidnappers

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Action-packed crime drama not for the faint-hearted

I am a Zhen Zi Qi fangirl so I was excited when There is No Turning Back dropped on 8 September - after being postponed twice! My reddit & MDL friend sbranflake & I watched this drama and wrote a joint review in subreddit CShortDramas. This drama is different from the usual vertically shot dramas. I enjoyed There is No Turning Back.

Trigger warning: Rape, Violence

What I liked:
1. Acting - Superb acting by the cast led by Zhen Zi Qi. I was impressed by the actors who portrayed ML's two right hand men: Zhao Si Hai (the muscle man) and Huang Tie Xin (the one who looked dorky).
2. Main character - Wu Xiao was an anti-hero - a ruthless gangster who upheld a certain set of principles. I liked him because he was protective of his family and he knew what’s right and what’s wrong (every single decision was carefully thought out).
3. Brotherhood - It was wonderful that the viewers got to see how this brotherhood was formed. The set of principles that they follow led them to be gangsters with conscience.
4. Writing - Supporting characters were fleshed out. I must say that the antagonist had one of the best villain arcs in vertical dramaland. The plot twist just blew my mind.
5. Styling - The drama took place in 1998. I liked outfits for ZZQ as they added edge & ruggedness to his character. I really liked Feng Xiang's outfits although I found them very 80s looking.
6. Action - Plenty of fighting scenes. So satisfying to see ZZQ fighting those thugs.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Damn, he was vicious!
2. Duration - The drama is 3 hours long. It was a challenge for me to watch in one sitting because of its duration and dark / heavy themes.

Favourite scene
There was a fight between ML and his two righthand men and their brotherhood was tested.

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Love story between emperor and concubine with great chemistry & outfits

I am Zhang Chu Xuan fangirl so I was excited to see this drama co-starring Wang Jia Mao. Gosh the last time I watched his drama was months ago. I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved her cunning tricks to win over ML's heart & body. Her smartness fit the ideals of women in historical era (sometimes writers overindulged by making revengeful FL too smart).
2. ML characterisation - I also liked his scheming and protectiveness. He doted on FL and tried his best to keep it hidden from other people to avoid accusation of unfairness. I liked that he was a one-woman man despite his circumstances. I loved Wang Jia Mao in this role - he was dreamy.
3. Romance - Intense attraction & lust which turned out to be genuine love. I liked that they were affectionate with each other.
4. Supporting characters - ML's advisor being his confidante - I loved it! I also liked FL's servant.
5. Styling - I loved the outfits for FL & ML especially their outfits at the start. The mesh top was so sexy on WJM and ZCX looked gorgeous in shoulder-baring dresses.
6. Tone - I enjoyed the comedic moments that appear a lot in the first & second acts. Nice transition to more dramatic third act.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's sister was despicable. Glad FL kept her at a distance post-rebirth. Since FL was concubine, she had many rivals (Empress Dowager, Concubine Wen) who were horrible.

Favourite scene
When FL disguised herself to see ML.

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Bitterness, partnership & empowered female are the best words to describe this drama

I am a fan of jiejie romance and was recommend this drama by a member of subreddit CShortDramas. This is my first drama of Qiao Yao Na & Zhang Chi so no expectations. I enjoyed this drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was cool & intelligent. Never intimidated by bullies and always fight for those unable to protect themselves. I enjoyed her arc.
2. ML characterisation - There was a mystery to the character. I liked that he idolised FL because of past interaction. A promising young person who had a good moral compass.
3. Styling - I really liked the outfits worn by FL because they exuded confidence.
4. Antagonist - This drama has a formidable antagonist - her ex. I liked the arc given to the antagonist.
5. Acting - Great performances by Qiao Yao Na, Zhang Chi & the actor who played FL's ex.

What I disliked:
1. Ending - Why??? I want part 2.
2. Romance - There was a magnetic pull between ML and FL but romance wasn't in the cards for them this time. If there is a second part, I hope there is fully fledge romance story for them.

Favourite scene
The car park scene

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Great styling, acting & first half. Second half was draggy for me

I came across this drama on subreddit CShortDramas. Members there raved about the new Wang Hao Zhen's drama. I was pleasantly surprised to see Lu Lu Lu as his leading lady. I think the last time I watched her drama was Zephyr Wafts and that was months ago. Overall I enjoyed this drama despite its long duration.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He was tactical & persistent. Declaring FL as his girlfriend in front of his colleagues and showering them with gifts - bold move.
2. Romance - This drama combines two romance tropes: workplace romance & second chance romance. The first official encounter reminds me of American TV show Grey's Anatomy. Their romance was hot & fiery but shortlived when ML's ex made an appearance. ML tried his best to win her heart again and finally she relented.
3. Styling - I really liked the styling for Wang Hao Zheng in this drama. His hairstyle made him youthful and stylish looking. Lu Lu Lu looked chic & cool in her casual clothes. I noticed the kitten heels that she wore - guess she is tall & there isn't big height difference between her and WHZ.
4. FL characterisation - I liked her in the first city that she worked in. I liked that she dumped her ex immediately after finding out that he cheated on her. I also enjoyed watching the fun / light side of her.
5. Supporting characters - I liked the nurses at the first hospital.

What I disliked:
1. The breakup - I think at least one hour of the drama was on their break up & ML's reconciliation attempt. This arc was draggy and tiring with FL resisting ML's attempt for a second chance.
2. Second half - 3 hours was too much time for this romance-focused drama with no antagonist. The baddie in the drama is the couple themselves - ML for not being upfront about his past relationship & FL for resisting & resentment.
3. ML's ex - Her presence annoyed me. ML repeatedly told her that he wasn't interested in her anymore but she was self-absorbed & delusional.

Favourite scene
Their first intimate scene

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Underwhelmed by Wang Xiao Yi's performance but Xue Bin Hong was fantastic in his role

I noticed this drama when it was a new release. There were many members of r/CShortDramas interested in this series. I decided to watch it today and hhhhhmmmm it was ok. I expected something different.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He was funny goofball and I liked him a lot! His interactions with his father was comical. I don't recall if I had seen Xue Bin Hong before but he was fantastic in this role.
2. FL's sister - She was adopted by FL's family and I really enjoyed her arc. So glad it didn't go the typical route.
3. FL characterisation - She literally kicked ass and I liked it. She was also smart & capable leader.
4. Tone - I was surprised by its light tone because I expected this drama to be dark & violent.
5. Styling - I liked ML's outfits and FL's assassin outfits.

Disliked:
1. Wang Xiao Yi - I felt she didn't have enough charisma and acting skills to portray an assassin disguising as an heiress. She didn't convey right facial expressions to show two different personas so I couldn't connect to her character. She also didn't put any effort in her character’s dynamics with ML.
2. Storytelling - While I appreciated that drama mixes different tropes (assassin, real vs fake heiress, wealth dispute), the mini arcs were all over the place. I couldn't care less & got bored.
3. Supporting characters - Too many underutilised characters. For example, did writer need to have 3 Lu brothers in this story? Why did another uncle (younger looking) appear close to the ending?
4. Styling - FL's clothes as heiress made her looked like a silly high schooler. Too hard to be cute.

Favourite scene
When FL rescued her sister

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Cool & intelligent Rong Yu and her good-looking great grandsons

I watched part 1 a few days ago and was blown away by the quality of production (writing, acting & directing). I decided to watch this drama as part of my preparation for a reddit post on Li Ke Yi's dramas. I enjoyed part 2 very much!

What I liked:
1. Acting - Top notch acting by the cast, which had 2 new additions: Wu Tian Hao & Wang Dao Tie. My favourite is Wang Pei Yan - he was amazing at portraying a rascal and that heartwarming lesson of humility.
2. Jinchuan's arc - My favourite arc. I liked how Rong Yu's instincts were right and she was quick to investigate.
3. Styling - My favourite is Wu Tian Hao's outfits. They managed to give different looks for his character's before and after. I also liked Wang Dao Tie's outfits though I don't quite understand why must he be punished while being shirtless huhuhu.
4. Supporting characters - Great to see Butler Yu , Duoduo and Mr Ji's childhood rival again.
5. Visuals - Attractive cast. Rong Yu has attractive great-grandsons.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I felt tired by the mother-daughter duo. Daughter was a spoilt brat who didn't appreciate hard-earned money. Hope season 3's antagonist is a new character.
2. Zeng Hui - He had a cameo but his face is in the poster. I wish they had Qu Gang in the poster too. Anyway his character was too small to bear any significance.

Favourite scene
When Rong Yu introduced the Jis to Jinchuan

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Sweet campus life drama that made me giggle & giddy

It's been awhile since I last watched Liang Si Wei drama. I like both his and Yao Yu Chen's acting so was delighted to see them paired up. I enjoyed this drama - giggled most of the time while watching.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was sweet and kind girl. She sensed that ML was going through tough times so she cheered him up in secret - I really liked that!

2. ML characterisation - Cool, rich guy who was nice. I liked that he did go neanderthal when he started to develop crush on FL.
3. Romance - FL had crush on ML for years and huhu she even had spring dream about him. I liked how ML openly declared that he was pursuing FL as his girl. Their romance involved a lot of teasing & sweet gestures. There were some spicy moments.
4. Supporting characters - Their group of friends were awesome. They teased them a lot of times and it's amusing.
5. Acting - This is my first time watching Yao Yu Chen & Loang Si Wei playing cute roles and I liked it immensely. The supporting cast did well in their roles too.
6. Tone - Lighthearted, stress free drama. I liked that there was no "Ge Ge" cooing in this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Parents - FL's parents neglected her and her mom seemed selfish. ML's father put too much pressure on him & was abusive.

Favourite scene
When ML was moved by FL's feelings for him

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