emberzmars

When sunshine meets midnight: A love story between bubbly girl and a man of few words

I watched this drama after finding out that it stars Liu Nian & He Cong Rui. I actually have not watched Please Come Into My Heart even though it's been in my watch list for months. Anyway I decided to watch this drama first because of my preference for modern romance and its popularity on reddit. I enjoyed this drama though one scene left a bad impression on me.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I have only watched her in Yue Ran Ai Ren - gosh she was different here. She was bubbly, loud and at times childlike. Hahaha I don't usually fancy this type of FL but she's alright because she showed maturity in her actions.
2. Romance - They were married strangers and FL was resentful but another person transmigrated into her character so her attitude changed. One youtube users referred to their contrasting personality as "sunshine and midnight" which I think is fittng. Their interactions were mostly cute and there were a few good kisses (tha nk gawd). Their love language is act of service.
3. ML characterisation - He was the typical brooding CEO ML but in this version he was a man of few words because of selective mutism. His icy heart started to thaw once he spent time with FL.
4. Supporting characters - I loved ML's assistant for deciphering love signals for our inexperienced ML. I felt like the assistant was ML's first wife who had amicable split from him. I liked FL's parents - their arc was written well despite the short screentime. The idol / FL's former school mate was handsome.

What I disliked:
1. Bed scene - I was alarmed when FL deliberately jumped on top of ML when they were sleeping. If the role was reverse i.e. ML deliberately jumped on top of FL, that would be considered sexual assault. FL & ML were practically strangers at this point so this scene left a bad impression on me.
2. Styling - FL was like a primary school student with the amount of soft toys around her and her bedroom decoration. Very kiddish for a married grown woman and I don't like it.

Favourite scene
When FL confronted her jealous relatives at the hot spring hotel

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Sweet age-gap romance with wonderful chemistry

I always enjoy Zhao Guan Yu-Lin Zi Rong collab after watching 2 of their dramas, which I love. I enjoyed this drama. It is so sweet!

What I liked:
1. Romance - This is a slow burn romance, which is fitting because FL is young university student who is 9 years younger than ML. There was assumption made by ML about FL but this misunderstanding was quickly rectified and then ML started to fall in love hard with FL. I liked that ML waited until FL consented. There were plenty of sweet moments in this drama!
2. FL characterisation - She was concerned about being a burden to her new family, it's disheartening. Regardless of her circumstances, she remains positive about life. Once again, I am impressed by Lin Zi Rong's acting.
3. ML characterisation - It's good to see a bigshot humbled by a kind, genuine individual. I liked how protective, caring and respectful he is of FL. Zhao Guan Yu did well in his role.
4. Supporting characters - ML's executive assistant felt more like a close confidant to ML with his responses to ML's behaviour. I also liked ML's grandma, cousin (he's cute), FL's bestie and the Gus. Gu Yun Bai, portrayed by Du En Yu, had a rather interesting haircut.
5. Styling - I liked FL's styling as it followed the different phases of her life.
6. Hidden identity - I usually don't enjoy hidden identities being dragged too long but in this drama, I understood why the identities were kept longer than expected.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Green tea Gu Qingyao should be punished heavily after she tried to put FL in a shameful position. The Mus were despicable but the son redeemed himself in the end.
2. Scenarios - FL had such bad luck as she encountered many difficult scenarios from drugging to kidnapping.

Favourite scene
When ML prepared late night snack for FL. So sweet!!!

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Heartwarming & hilarious tale about raising an instant family

I am a fan of He Cong Rui and Xu Meng Yuan's acting. This drama has been in my plan to watch list for 2 months. I decided to watch today on my iQiyi app because I am preparing a reddit post for the upcoming Father's day.

What I liked:
1. The kids - OMG the kids caused such a ruckus. The boy Pei Wuyou is a smartass. The girl Pei Wulv is less talkative but when the two are up to no good, they are too much to handle.
2. Writing - There are so many laugh out loud moments. There are many warm, tender, tearjerker moments too. My favourite is when the boy stated the differences in how he was treated by his "biological" mother vs how he was treated by FL.
3. Acting - Wonderful performances by the cast as this series has both comedic and dramatic moments.
4. FL characterisation - It's great to see hardworking FL who cares for the family she raised.
5. Supporting characters - I liked ML's & FL's best friends for dispensing sound advice to both of them. His parents were a fun bunch.
6. Romance - Even though there are only 2 kissing scenes, their romantic journey was a delight to watch. They started of as married strangers then became co-parents and then partners for life. I think their love language is acts of service.
7. Pacing - 99 episodes went by so fast. Good pacing but the last 4 episodes were too fast.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - ML's ex wife wasn't punished for her threats & false claims. There is season 2 of this series so I hope she got comeuppance.

Favourite scene
When FL was heartbroken to find out that the Peis lied to her.

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Zhen Zi Qi in his most romantic role while wearing military uniform ❤️❤️❤️

I am a big fan of Zhen Zi Qi and recently started to like Li Ke Yi's dramas. I was anxious when I started this drama because I dropped the other drama that they acted together. It was too cruel. I was very delighted that this drama was mostly enjoyable to watch.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - OMG, this must be Zhen Zi Qi's most romantic role ever! I understood his wariness of FL's actions in the beginning but was smart enough to follow his instincts and investigate. ZZQ had the best lines in this drama, most notable was during the blood testing and during a converstion with FL's biological brother at the hospital.
2. Romance - Gosh I loved that ML initiated those kisses & moves to get FL closer to him. FL reciprocated too. ZZQ & LKY had amazing chemistry (both acting and visual) in this drama.
3. Styling - Beautiful clothes worn by LKY. ZZQ looked hot in the 1920s Chinese military uniform! I also liked his hairstyle and overall look when he wore white shirts.
4. Supporting characters - ML's subordinate entertained me with his witty quips. Even though they had short screen time, I liked the lady who raised FL and FL's biological father. He had a soothing voice.

What I disliked:
1. FL's arc - OMG she had such bad luck when it came to family. Both adopted & biological family members (san biological father) were mean to her. I was happy with her stance towards the ending.
2. Antagonists - Damn, ML's pre-arranged fiancée, her mother & brother were vile & entitled people. FL's adopted mother was evil.

Favourite scene
The blood testing

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FL surrounded by toxic people

I watched this drama yesterday as I was in Huang Bo mood. Damn, this drama had negative vibe from start to almost the end. I don't recommend watching this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked Shen Xing Chen despite the bad fate that befall her. I wish she had taken the opportunity presented in that third act.
2. Acting - Great acting by 5 prominent characters - FL, ML, white moonlight, ML's parents & FL's teacher.
3. Supporting character - I liked FL's teacher. He had crush on FL but never stepped outside the set boundary.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - OMG that white moonlight is one of the most evil antagonists I have seen in the world of vertical dramas. Bat shit crazy! ML's parents were toxic and selfish. I was shocked by the crime that they committed.
2. ML characterisation - As much as I liked Huang Bo, I disliked this ML from the start. ML's behaviour was like a rollercoaster ride. He was mean at first then loving and at times indifferent.
3. Romance - There were genuine feelings between the couple in the 2nd & 3rd act. However ML was surrounded by toxic people that I felt FL should leave and stay away from them for her sanity in the long run.

Favourite scene
When ML's parents turned their backs on ML & FL. That's their true colour

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Fresh-faced yet mature portrayal of college romance

I am very delighted that this page has been created. I watched 'Fall in Love with Him' on 17 February 2025. Main actor was unfamiliar to me. I had seen main actress before but didn't know her name. Since I rarely watch new adult/college student drama and the thumbnail was intriguing ehem, I thought why not "Give this a go!". To my surprise, I enjoyed this drama immensely. I felt warm and fuzzy after completing 'Fall in Love with Him'.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was fresh-faced yet mature. I liked that she was the assertive one between the two of them. Her concerns about dating her bestie's younger brother were valid so I understood her cautious behaviour. Xia Jing Ran did well in her role. I enjoyed her acting enough to explore her other dramas.
2. ML characterisation - He was soft-hearted but he knew what he wanted from FL. I liked coquettish ML so of course I liked this character. Duan Ping impressed me with his earnest portrayal of the character. I'm keen to explore his dramas in the future.
3. Romance - I loved that this drama is jiejie romance albeit the age gap isn't big. Most college romance dramas are sweet but this one has some spicy intimate scenes. The kisses were hot and satisfying. What surprised me was the conflict that they faced in the third act. I liked that they talked about it and gosh I felt his pain.
4. Supporting characters - I was only 17 min in and I already started to love this drama because of a child actor. I had seen him before when he acted as Liu Qing & Bai Yan's son. ML's sister was a great addition to the cast too. I liked the chat she had with FL when talking about FL's relationship with her brother.

What I disliked:
1. FL's ex - I disliked him at first but he matured at the end of the drama. He wasn't a bad person after all.

Favourite scene
When ML and FL talked about why FL hadn't contacted him in days

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Desire, devotion & delusional - 3 words I'd use for this drama that I enjoyed immensely

I love Si Jia Li's acting in 'Thirst for You' (you can find in Dramazone Youtube channel). I also enjoyed Ma Shi Yao's acting in 'So You Also Like Me' (you can find in Dailymotion). I was delighted to have found this drama. I watched this drama last night after immediately completing a less-than-satisfying vertical drama. I was extremely glad I did so.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Both ML & FL looked like a power couple with their stature and styling. I love watching main couple that desire each other, which was demonstrated in this drama. They kissed, hugged and cooked for each other. FL never played coy / innocent when it came to their intimate moments and I liked that.
2. ML characterisation - ML was invested in their relationship from the get go and he would do anything for FL. He only revealed that he was CEO much later but good thing it never caused misunderstanding between him & FL. I like a coequettish/flirty ML. Damn, Ma Shi Yao was adorable and hot at the same time.
3. FL characterisation - I liked that FL relied on her talent & brains rather than her status when it came to work. Si Jia Li excelled in this role.
4. Supporting role - I really like ML's bestie who was supportive of ML & FL relationship. He's handsome too.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - OMG, she was delusional & nasty. There were many instances that ML was implied as CEO of the company but she never registered that fact until almost at the end of the drama.
2. Co-workers - OMG, those two brown nosers should be fired!
3. FL's past - I'd like to know more about the connection between ML and FL's mother because I didn't quite catch ML's explanation. I also want to know why was FL hospitalised and how did she get married to ML.

Favourite scene
When ML asked for reward after cooking for FL

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Overhyped, overrated waste of talents!

I had high hopes on 'King the Land' as I only became a fan of 2PM in 2023. I was disappointed by the quality of this series.

What I like
1. The flight attendant -Pyunghwa's struggle and love life kept me watching this series.
2. Jeju island - so pretty

What I dislike
1. Poor writing - Aigo, King the Land has no proper plot. The showrunner is banking so much on Junho-Yoona chemistry.
2. Gu Won's characterisation - My number #1 issue with his character is that he lacks motivation/drive to run family business. I don't mind so much about him being rich, pampered/spoiled brat but if you don't want to run family business then why so greedy? I can't deal with mediocre employee who knows nothing but kissing boss's ass. That's my view of his character.
3. Sa-rang's characterisation - started off as ambitious & driven woman who now gets distracted by her boss's charms. Why is a hardworking female lead's romantic interest a nice nepo baby?
4. Visit Thailand ad - what a filler episode!


Favourite scene
Da-eul's re-enactment of RoWoon's deep voice & coolness during a sleepover. That's hilarious!

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Li Ai Xiao was the star of this forgettable rich guy, poor girl drama

I watched this drama because a Discord member mentioned He Lian Fei's dimples and it occurred to me that I had not seen him playing MLs before. I decided to watch this one because I had seen another version of this plot which stars Wang Zi Yi. I have a reddit column comparing 2 dramas from same source so why not cover this drama, right? Unfortunately this drama wasn't good.

What I liked:
1. Acting - I liked Li Ai Xiao's performance in this drama. It's believable that she had 2 men chasing after her (the other version's FL was bland in terms of personality & attractiveness.
2. FL characterisation- She was a damsel but an affable & attractive one.
3. Break up - I liked this scene because it showed that she was not spineless and could stand for herself against the obnoxious ML.
4. Supporting character - Her boss seemed dodgy to me at first but he turned out to be a nice guy. I liked how she encouraged her to grow her skills. I also liked ML's mother.
5. Ending - The ending was sweet.

What I disliked:
1. Acting - I consider acting as a subset of acting and I didn't sense any heat between Li Ai Xiao & He Lian Fei.
2. ML characterisation - I didn't like how he treated FL at the beginning of their relationship.
3. Romance - Transactional then slowly turned to love but I didn't buy the romance at all. ML was possessive & distrustful.
4. Styling - OMG, why did she go out wearing a nightie and slippers while dragging her luggage?

Favourite scene
When FL asked for her freedom & requested a break up

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Great performance by all four leads + better written FL made this version my favourite out of 3

I had watched 2 versions of this plot because I like the actors & actresses or curious about one of them: (1) Xue Zi Qi, Wang Nian Jiang Cheng (2) Han Jia Hui, Chen Zheng Yang & Duan Mei Yang. I wasn't planning to watch other versions but I was preparing a reddit post about the Xia Xuan Zi so decided to watch this drama. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this version. The best out of 3 versions that I've seen mostly because of their acting.

What I liked:
1. Acting - I must say that all 4 leads did very well in their roles. There was also good chemistry between the couples, the sisters, the brothers & the four of them.
2. Romance - There were good romantic scenes for both couples. In terms of pairing, I liked Su Qing & Fu Yang more because of jiejie-didi & alpha FL vibes. The main couple went through a hurdle and I liked that because it showed growth.
3. FL characterisation - Wow, this FL was better written compared to the other versions' Su Wan. She was girlish but not childish. She stood her ground when ML put unrealistic expectations on her.
4. SFL characterisation - She was career-focused and no-nonsense. I liked that she made effort in her relationship with SML.
5. SML characterisation - Young & slightly immature but I liked that he too tried his best in making his marriage work. I liked that nugget of wisdom he imparted to ML about marriage and expectations.
6. Styling - I really liked SFL's burgundy work attire. I also liked FL's quirky outfits. The pale yellow was good choice of colour. Gosh I was surprised to see Zhang Hao Yang in a mullet. He was handsome and toned.
7. Supporting characters - I liked Mrs Fu. Her screentime was short but impactful. I also liked the female colleagues who comforted Su Wan when she was feeling down.
8. Family - I liked the contrast between two families: old money vs new money, parents still alive vs parents passed away.

What I disliked:
1. ML's action - There wasn't any antagonist in this drama but ML was an arsehole for a moment. I disliked that he put high expectations on his wife then punished her for lack of progress.
2. Mr Fu - He was too focused on other people's expectations.

Favourite scene
When SML advised ML about marriage & expectations

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Simple rebirth no revenge story but romance was underdeveloped

I was recommended this drama by a reddit friend. I felt like I had seen Ma Ying Lu drama before but I am not sure. The FL and another ML were unfamiliar to me. Overall it was an ok watch - drama was missing a few things.

What I liked:
1. Eavesdrop - I liked this scene as FL managed to evoke sympathy within that first episode. It reminded me of Penelope-Colin Bridgerton story at the start of the book (she deserved better).
2. Acting - The actress who played FL and Ma Ying Lu's performannce caught my attention. Her acting was natural. MYL's aura overshadowed the other ML.
3. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by the cast. Even that servant who was scapegoat for bratty Prince An Yi.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML (Ninth Uncle)'s guard / servant. Hid naivety was endearing. I also liked the emperor for being fair.
5. ML characterisation - I liked that he stood up against those who bullied FL. I didn't expect him to alert the emperor immediately.
6. Length - Less than 2 hours.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Crown Prince was pathetic for harassing FL when he didn't even like her as a person. He was given too much screentime. His sister was bratty and their childhood friend who could be his fiancee was annoying.
2. Romance - With ML being comatose most of the drama, the romance was severely underdeveloped. I wish there were more scenes post-confession. Even though they were respectful and nice towards each other, sadly there was no kiss.

Favourite scene
The restaurant close to the ending

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The only thing that stood out: Fighting, motorcycle riding & washboard abs. FL was unlikeable

Ok Ok I admit it - I have a small crush on Zhao Guan Yu. I pay attention whenever new releases include his dramas. I watched this drama at the recommendation of a friend. I was also into bodyguard trope during the time of viewing. Hhhhm I got mixed feelings.

What I liked:
1. Styling - There were shots of Zhao Guan Yu's washboard abs. Hahaha anyway I really liked ML's biker look. Dangerous and hot! FL's outfits were pretty especially the mint green dress.
2. Action - There were fighting scenes which involved ZGY fighting the bad guys. I also appreciated the boxing scene.
3. Kisses - Plenty & passionate.
4. Supporting characters - Loved the bestie. The parts where she teased FL were amusing.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - Not a fan of her. She was cold and guarded. Stubborn.
2. Hidden identity - His identity remained hidden until 1 hour 30 minutes, which is about 75% of the drama.
3. Antagonists - FL's father & brother were money-hungry.

Favourite scene
Fighting sequence

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A couple transmigrated and started over in a different time period

I was missing Shen Hao Nan so I went on iQIYI and found this drama. Watched it on a night I needed something lighthearted. I enjoyed it a lot.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Oooooo this drama had two romance arcs: 1) between the leads, 2) between FL's brother and ML's sister. Both were very enjoyable. They had communication problems before but that was rectified quickly.
2. Acting - That starting episode with leads' marriage reaching the lowest point and impeding divorce moved me. The cast gave good performances. I liked the chemistry between Shen Hao Nan and Sun Yi Ran. Would love to see them in a modern romance. It was also a surprise to see Shao Wei in this drama. No, he didn't show his abs in this drama but he was likeable as FL's brother.
3. Transmigration - What a delight to see this plot device as mechanism for reconciliation. Did they do separate ways or did they partner up?
4. FL characterisation - I liked that she saw this new setting as opportunity to start over in life. She worked on her goal that she didn't achieve in previous life.
5. ML characterisation - His flaw was his inability to express his thoughts and feelings with FL. However he was a nice guy and clearly in love with FL.
6. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's brother and ML's sister. I also liked FL's parents for having her back.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - I disliked that green tea who always stirred trouble.
2. Hair & makeup - Shen Hao Nan's makeup and hair looked horrible when they were in historical period. The wig was ugly. I prefer his looks during modern period scenes.

Favourite scene
When FL's brother was caught in bed with...

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I enjoyed this snappy drama about cheating and moving past divorce

I was in the mood for a Song Chen drama so I chose this one because of the short running time and positive comments on YouTube. It was worth watching!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was reasonable - She already noticed potential threat to her marriage and warned ML. She was decisive and confident. Once trust was broken, she never gave him a chance for reconciliation - way to go, girl. I also liked that she didn't feel the need to conform to societal pressure.
2. Length - I loved that this drama was under 1 hour. The pacing was great!
3. Acting - This is my second time watching Zhang Zhang in this type of role (scorned FL) and she nailed it. Loved her icy stare and assertiveness. ML was infuriating so well done to Song Chen for getting on my nerves. Well done to the actress playing junior secretary because she was cloying.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's first secretary who knew what is right and what is wrong and reported to FL. I also liked ML's parents for being sensible and immediately condemned ML's behaviour.
5. Romance - There were two arcs in this drama: one with ML before things went downhill and another one with new love interest. Enjoyed both although the actor who SML wasn't attractive to me.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML was certainly the main antagonist in this drama. He humiliated FL by being away from home for months and bringing intern-turned-junior secretary to events that should be attended by his wife, the FL. Emotional cheating is still cheating and he did that. That junior secretary was pathetic.

Favourite scene
The confrontation at ML's mother's birthday

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Sweet transmigration drama with rushed ending

I noticed that iQIYI has added many Zhang Bei Xi dramas to their catalogue. I was delighted because there were a few titles that I had planned to watch. I wanted something light so I chose this drama. I liked it.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked her cool & calm attitude. She knew she had to be self-reliant after transmigrated to another decade. I liked that she thought about her survival long-term.
2. Romance - Sweet. FL never intentionally wooed ML but ML was worn by her charms. I liked that they did activities together.
3. ML characterisation - He was Mr Nice Guy. At first he was protective of FL out of obligation but after awhile, he was the provider in nature.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's mother and grandmother. I also liked the soldiers.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - That green tea annoyed me. She was cunning by influencing people to participate in the hate campaign.
2. Ending - It was rushed. The last 8 episodes were boring to me - I didn't pay attention. I also would have liked for FL to come clean to ML.
3. Kissing - The scenes looked chaste - lips touched and kissing done.

Favourite scene
Yoga

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