emberzmars

A pleasant surprise - simple story about love & career of an actress + good kisses

I watched the first two minutes of this drama when I was helping a member of subreddit CShortDramas to find video upload with English subtitles. I got curious even though the names of ML and FL were unfamiliar to me. I was glad that I watched it because it was enjoyable.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Good kisses but the hot kiss on the poster / teaser trailer seemed to be missing (or maybe I expected too much???). Nevertheless I really liked the dynamics between FL & ML - they were tender, affectionate and gave warm feeling to me.
2. FL characterisation - Both FL & ML were in the entertainment industry. She didn't want her marriage / relationship with ML to be known to the public because she wanted to be judged by merit not by connection. I respected her decision and liked that she was focused on her goal.
3. ML characterisation - He showed some moments of jealousy but wasn't possessed nor toxic. I liked that he knew how to behave when provoked.
4. Setup - I liked that the setup was related to acting / entertainment industry. There were scenes of them being on set to shoot a drama / movie.
5. Duration - This drama is only 1 hour 45 minutes long. Perfect to watch in one-sitting.
6. Plot - I liked that this drama is a simple story that covers love & career. No melodrama.
7. Acting - This was my first time watching the performance of Xia Huan Ting and Wu Jun Jie. I liked them and the chemistry was sizzling. Apparently they are dating in real-life.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - An up-and-coming actress who was opportunistic and manipulative. She didn't mind harming people to advance her career.

Favourite scene
When FL seduced ML while he was working

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Hong Qiao was charming in this family-focused drama

I was familiar with Hong Qiao because of her work in Han Yu Tong's fatgirl revenge drama. She was great there so when I found out she was the FL in this drama, I decided to watch it. I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Even though she transmigrated into another body & time period, I liked that her original essence (ruthlessness & smart) was kept. I also liked FL for her kindness.
2. Supporting characters - He family was a delight. The nephew was adorable.
3. Comedy - I liked that this drama was lighthearted & funny.
4. Family - Core theme of this drama. There were 3 families explored.
5. Acting - Hong Qiao was terrific in her role as she successfully demonstrated her charm & stage presence as the FL.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Disliked the married couple / neighbours for being envious & roping in FL's ex.
2. Jealous sibling - The third Prince arc was underdeveloped.
3. Romance - There was a romantic entanglement between FL & ML but I didn't believe ML had feelings for FL because he looked disinterested most of the time. It would be nice if there were touching / serious romantic moments between them.
4. Acting - Sun Zi Cheng was hot but his acting was monotonous. He didn't have any chemistry with Hong Qiao.

Favourite scene
When FL rescued her nephew from food poisoning

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I wanted more romance in this revenge tale

I am a fan of Sheng Yi Jie and Wang Chen Peng. This is their second collaboration although I haven't watched the first collab, I was excited for this drama. I watched it the same day of its release and had mixed feelings about it.

What I liked:
1. Opening - I loved watching FL being a seductress.
2. Plot - Wow I didn't expect a revenge tale to go big like this. I liked the plot twist reveal at the grave. Refreshing.
3. FL characterisation - Her mission was clear. I liked that she recruited her trusted allies in enacting revenge.
4. Styling - FL's outfits were beautiful. My favourite is the white business suit she wore at the start as it complemented her body shape. I also loved ML's outfits. Wang Chen Peng looked dapper in the grey suit.
5. Supporting characters - The gang of butler, makeup artist, fashion designer & dietitian.
6. ML characterisation - I liked his other identity - he was not an idle rich man.
7. Dynamics - I loved the seduction scenes and the kisses as it created enough sexual tension between FL and ML and between FL and SML.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Wow, the male antagonist was a different kind of villain. Female antagonist was a bitch. Both were unethical & unlawful.
2. FL's action - I felt FL should have gone for partnership with ML once the video reveal backfired.
3. Romance - It was rather one-sided with ML clearly attracted to FL while FL was focused on her goal. I wanted FL to desire ML.

Favourite scene
The dance by the pool

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Wonderfully written fantasy drama about revenge, partnership & power struggle

I was in the mood for supernatural themed mini drama last month because of Halloween. I came across this title online somewhere but was dismayed when youtube link was region-locked. However the weekend before Halloween there was another link made available. I was delighted & watched it two days before Halloween. I enjoyed this mini drama very much.

What I liked:
1. Fantasy - I loved the wood soul concept. I also liked the “vampire” concept was done in atypical way. VFX was done well.
2. Main characters - I liked that the three main characters (including ML's nephew) were morally ambiguous. I also liked that they didn't not fully trust each other.
3. Action - Amazing fighting sequences. I liked that FL was able to fight baddies even when her wood soul wasn't fully unleashed - she was not a damsel in distress.
4. Writing - Refreshing take on power struggle. I couldn't tell what was going to happen next. I also didn't expect the comedy bits.
5. Acting - Good performances by the cast. Ye Sheng Jia has improved a lot since Fortune Hunter. Xu Zhen Zhen did much better here than Enslaved by Love.
6. Styling - Beautiful outfits worn by the cast. I also liked that ML's bathrobes - great display of abs.
7. Family - Family is the core theme. There were 2 dysfunctional families.
8. Supporting characters - I loved Cheng Qi even though he didn't have much screentime. ML's subordinate & FL's servant were good characters too.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Evil. Greedy.
2. Chemistry - I wish both YSJ & XZZ had upped their on-screen chemistry so the romantic scenes (even without kissing) felt fiery & warm.

Favourite scene
When FL stroke a partnership deal with ML

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Better acting and romance element in this version of "assassin disguising as weak heiress" drama

I got to know about this drama from subreddit CShortDramas. I watched Heiress of the Underworld aka Accidental Favourite before I watched this drama so I sort of knew what to expect. I must say I enjoyed this drama so much more than Heiress of the Underworld.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was smart and cunning. I liked her duality.
2. Romance - This drama has a stronger romance element. I liked the complicated relationship between FL and ML. Their first encounter was fascinating because FL outsmarted ML and their first kiss was hot.
3. Acting - I really liked Cui Xiao Xuan's acting because she managed to convey the two different personas of her character. She gave a better performance than Wang Xiao Yi. I also liked Song Yu Bo's acting. Good chemistry between the two of them.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's family especially the third brother. Always love a protective older brother.
5. Styling - I loved the contrasting style for FL's dual identity. The anime look was great on CXX.
6. Wedding - The surrender of weapons was funny moment! I also liked seeing the wedding as a gathering of FL's eccentric friends / allies.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - The Han family was horrible.
2. Screentime - I wish FL's brothers were given more screentime.

Favourite scene
When FL first appeared in her gangster persona and taught the baddie a lesson

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Gripping performances by Yuan Yu Han & Liu Xiao Xu in a tragic thriller

I was curious about Liu Xiao Xu when his drama with Wang Xiao Yi was released. I wanted to explore his work with a different drama. I chose this one because I had seen Yuan Yu Han in her drama with Huang Bo before. Whoa, I was glad to watch this drama first because I was blown away by performances by both leads and the writing of this drama.

What I liked:
1. Tone - I liked the mystery & suspense elements. I also liked the use of twin trope here.
2. ML characterisation - Layered, complex and I liked the mysterious, "villain" vibe. He turned out to be an anti-hero who sough t justice for his dad.
3. FL characterisation - I liked her arc. She started as a bait for twin's revenge plan. From a victim later she became sympathetic to his cause.
4. Acting - Fantastic performances by the three leads. Yuan Yu Han continued to impress me with her acting capabilities.
5. Duration - I liked that this drama's running time is less than 2 hours.
6. Supporting characters - I liked the twin's father.
7. Plot twist - OMG, that living room scene was unbelievable.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - One of the most evil antagonists in vertical dramas. Total psychopath - unredeemable.
2. Ending - Tragic. Wish it had ended a different way.

Favourite scene
When ML cried

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Enjoyable long time crush drama with variety show as a plot device

I added this drama to my playlist but I didn't recall the reason for the addition. The main actor & main actress seemed unfamiliar to me. Anyway I watched it last week - it was a good drama.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - Sneaky with all approaches to get FL in his orbit. Fret not, he was a sweet guy.
2. FL characterisation - It was great that she wanted to move on after discovering SML's bad attitude. I don't like FLs that wallow in self-pity for too long.
3. Romance - Sweet romance with ML having longtime crush on FL since they were in university. He liked caressing her face and I dig that!
4. Symbolism - I liked the hidden symbols of cat & butterfly.
5. Styling - FL looked pretty in her traditional outfits. I loved ML's shirt that has butterfly embroidery.
6. Variety show - I liked the use of variety show as a plot device to get them to know each other.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Shen Ruo Yan was such a high maintenance girl. Zin Mo was a scumbag for bad behaviour towards FL. I also disliked the other female contestant because she was hungry for fame.

Favourite scene
The confession

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Warm, touching tale about a girl adapting to new household

I was in the mood for Zhang Ruo Chen dramas so I decided to watch this one because I had never seen Zhong Zheng as ML before. I didn't know what to expect but I was glad that I chose this drama. I liked it a lot.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked her resilience and determination to do well for herself. I was moved when there were scenes that told viewers about her upbringing with her father.
2. Sibling dynamics - It was great to see how the relationship between FL and SML who is her stepbrother progressed from frosty to warm. I liked that ML realised the misunderstandings and tried best to improve his relationship with FL in his own way.
3. Romance - Slowburn friend to lovers trope. ML fell for FL but realised that FL needed to feel secure in her new home. So he was never explicit nor aggressive in his pursuit of her.
4. ML characterisation - I liked that he quietly supported FL and always tried to find ways to be around FL.
5. Acting - Wonderful performances by Zhang Ruo Chen, Zhong Zheng, Yue Yang. It was nice to see the actress who played FL's mother in a loving mother role - I always saw her as evil ex-wife and stepmother.
6. Supporting characters - I liked ML's two buddies, FL's mother & stepfather and FL's two friends.

What I disliked:
1. Blind date - I disliked the girl who was on blind date with ML. She was going to take advantage but luckily her green tea ways were caught on by many.
2. FL's relatives - I disliked her father, stepmother and half-brother.

Favourite scene
When SML overheard his stepmother telling their housekeeper about FL's upbringing in her father's home

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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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Light but sexy drama about faceblind ML & his secretary

I was browsing new releases and randomly picked this drama. I hadn't seen the work of Nie Zi Xuan nor Li Nuo so I was curious. Wow, what an opening scene! I decided to watch the drama in full and yes, I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. Intimacy - The first minute was damn hot. Their intimate scenes were hot because I could sense desire mixed in with slight playfulness.
2. Nie Zi Xuan - Well, hello gorgeous. He was Adonis - a manly man with sharp jawline. I loved his voice.
3. Supporting characters - I liked FL's friend.
4. Main characters - Both were likeable. I liked that ML knew about the deception early on and just played along with FL's ruse.
5. Tone - This drama was lighthearted.
6. Acting - Both Li Nuo and Nie Zi Xuan gave good performances individually and as a pair. They had believable chemistry and I assumed good rapport because the intimate scenes were damn hot.

What I disliked:
1. Fake identity - FL's ruse went on too long. I wish she had come clean after the second time they were intimate.
2. Romance - They had sex and they worked together. However I wish there was more time spent on their romantic relationship.

Favourite scene
The morning after their second intimate encounter

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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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Inspired by When the Phone Rings but my gosh the writing & acting were poor

I was in the mood for Xie Yu Wang dramas so I picked this one because it was short. It turns out that this drama was inspired by kdrama When the Phone Rings. That's my favourite drama from last year so I had some expectations for this drama. This drama is literally fated to sink - I was utterly disappointed.

What I liked:
1. Kisses - Great kissing scenes courtesy of Xie Yu Wang.
2. Actor's set - FL was an actress who got a role in a movie / tv drama. I actually enjoyed the filming scenes. She deserved to be scolded by director in the first shoot for not taking her wedding ring off.
3. Supporting character - I liked ML's assistant.
4. Length - Thank gosh this drama was less than 100 minutes. I did increase speed to finish it quickly.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - I knew she was young but my gosh I found her childish and silly. She was unhappy with ML's tracking her moves (rightfully so) therefore retaliated by pranking him. She
deliberately sought a phone & technology to do so.
2. Romance - I didn't buy it at all with FL's immature behaviour. There were a lot of assumptions made by both side - they hardly communicated.
3. Plot - Some elements were borrowed from the kdrama e.g. forced marriage, special phone, pranking, threats via intimate photos / info. While I appreciated that this drama isn't a carbon copy of WTPR, the writing itself is poor. I was disengaged the moment FL staged a kidnapping.
4. Acting - The main actress's performance was bad. She played an actress who got leading role but my gosh she was not charismatic nor outstanding. There wasn't chemistry with Xie Yu Wang.
5. Antagonists - FL's mother was despicable for selling FL to settle her debt. I also disliked the lady who seduced ML.

Favourite scene
When FL was scolded by the director for not taking off her wedding ring

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Steamy kisses & affectionate moments in this drama about understanding love & gratitude

I got to know about this drama from subreddit CShortDramas. I was unfamiliar with the main actor and main actress. A reviewer said there were many steamy kisses so I got curious. Overall I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Plenty of steamy kisses with ML being insatiable - he devoured her. However what I enjoyed more is the affections between them. There were warm & sweet moments.
2. ML characterisation - He was cunning - the scheming he did to get FL to like him was brilliant. He was also protective, tender lover. I liked that he respected FL's wish about no kids for timebeing.
3. FL characterisation - Good character development from a girl who yearned for her adopted brother's affection to a woman understanding the differences between love and gratitude and prioritising her wants & needs.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's subordinate & FL's servant.
5. Styling - I liked the traditional clothes worn by FL & ML.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Xiao Ji claimed the credit for saving FL which I found disrespectful towards her. He was also selfish & delusional.

Favourite scene
ML sulked when FL wasn't jealous

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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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