emberzmars

Turn off your brain for this light, cute but weird drama

This is my first drama that featured Han Yu Tong & Zeng Hui and I don't know what to make of it.

What I liked:
1) Drama tone - As mentioned by one of the MDL commenters, this drama is partly cute and partly weird. It is a light watch if you switch off your thinking skills.
2) Acting - Han Yu Tong is a standout for me. Her looks & demeanor remind me of Kate Hudson in early 2000s - radiant, exuberant energy.
3) FL's parents - I like that they were kind people even to strangers.
4) Antagonist - Refreshing take of antagonist who is jealous of FL. I also like accomplice's arc.

What I disliked:
1) Relationship - Another drama with theme of husband neglecting wife for years. I don't think ML deserves FL because she was neglected by him for 3 years of their marriage. It's also kinda shitty that FL was substitute for lost love.
2) ML - I dislike him for threatening FL for not being with him. He left her without any financial support to "teach her a lesson" which I find a shitty move.

Favourite scene
FL & ML fight in the car. I like that FL told him off for treating her badly!

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I ❤️ a good jiejie romance & this is one of them!

Dramazone is one of my favourite accounts on Youtube because of the selection of vertical dramas there & impeccable subtitling. I had watched Meng Na's dramas before and thought her acting was so-so until I watched this.

What I liked:
1. Romance - What started off as a kept man relationship soon became a real loving relationship. There were plenty of steamy kisses in this drama but I like that the couple was affectionate with each other behind closed doors. I love the contrast between cool, calm & collected FL and coquettish & warm ML. Did I mention I love older woman-younger man romance??? This drama did the trope justice!
2. Huo Lan Chuan characterisation - He's younger than FL but confident & self-assured. I love that he's supportive & very flirty. Liang Si Wei was excellent in this role. Thank you director for the topless scenes.
3. Nan Wan characterisation - Another drama with FL as jewellery designer and I enjoyed this one. I like that she is strong & go-getter. Meng Na was well cast in this role because she totally embodied this character.
4. Rivalry - I love how the writer uses competitions to demonstrate rivalry between FL & villain. Both competitions were exciting to watch.

What I disliked:
1. Villain - What a scheming individual! She didn't even mind hurting her body as long as she got what she wanted.

Favourite scene
Making out at car park scene 🔥

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Tragic love story with great acting by both leads

I enjoyed Ma Xiao Yu's acting in Captive Love from the Mob Boss despite his asinine character. I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled upon this drama on Youtube. I also recently became a fan of Guo Yuxin. I watched this drama on Dailymotion since at the time of this review, there isn't a complete version of this drama in YT. This drama has similar plot to another antidote drama starring Huang Bo.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Both Ma Xiao Yu & Guo Yuxin's performances were intense and well-matched. Their dramatic scenes were heartfelt.
2. Romance - I know Guo Yu Xin does kissing scenes well based on her dramas with Zuo Ming, Ke Chun, Liang Si Wei. Damn the kissing scenes were really hot.
3. The daughter - It is so touching to see a young daughter caring for sickly mother. The child actress had meatier role in this drama and she did well.
4. ML's assistant - What is the name of actor who played ML's assistant? He is very handsome. I like his character.
5. Styling - I notice styling for Ma Xiao Yu in this drama is same as styling for Captive Love from the Mob Boss. That's great because he looks extremely handsome. FL styling was good too considering there is a time jump.

What I disliked:
1. Romance development - I wish there were more dating/bonding scenes because the romance between FL & ML were underdeveloped.
2. Ending - I am not sure what to make of the ending because of the presence of the daughter.
3. Villain - I felt the the villain arc was incomplete. Did she face any punishment for her actions?

Favourite scene
When the daughter looked for ways to pay for FL's hospital bill

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I loved this drama for the chemistry, career-focused and communication between the leads

I am a massive fangirl of Wen Mo Yan. I was delighted to find out that she has collaborated with Wang Dao Tie again as I enjoyed the drama in which she played a hotel employee. I watched this drama almost immediately upon its release. I was not disappointed - I love it a lot!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved that she severed ties with her families. She was smart and thought ahead of everyone else.
2. ML characterisation - He was calm & collected but when things were not right, he called them out. I liked that he told off his son at internal meeting for the rude behaviour and told off Wen family for their daughter's rude remarks about FL.
3. Romance - At first, the relationship seemed like a game to FL. Slow with a lot of flirting and teasing. I liked the build up because I felt their relationship was truly built on love and not just lust. I liked that they communicated a lot - they didn't keep their different views to themselves. I also liked that they had each other's back.
4. Career - This drama leaned heavily towards FL and ML's professional lives. I liked it because it reduced the power distance between ML (the boss) and FL (the employee). FL proved her worth at the company.
5. Supporting characters - FL's housemate, ML's sister and Assistant Jing were wonderful characters.
6. Acting - Wen Mo Yan and Wang Dao Tie continued to demonstrate palpable chemistry in this drama. Wen Mo Yan is always great at playing smart, mature woman and it's evident here. Wang Dao Tie gave a more restrained performance here because of the ML character but it was suitable and complementary to Wen Mo Yan's FL character.
7. Styling - I loved the wardrobe worn by the leads.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's grandfather was evil. I also disliked Su family for favouring foster daughter over FL the biological daughter. Both Su & Wen families were nasty. FL's ex boyfriend was pathetic for two-timing FL and for being a spoilt brat at work.
2. Dubbing - I think Wen Mo Yan's voice was dubbed because her original voice is distinctive. I wish they had used her original voice.

Favourite scene
When ML gave in and kissed FL for the first time.

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Wang Yi Lei is the most handsome Lou Yanjing out of the 4 versions I have watched

There are multiple versions to this one story of a dumped ballerina finding love with her high schoolmate. This is the fourth version that I have watched (MLs are Wang Xin, Qiao Jia Le and Wang Nan). Even though they share the same plot, there are differences in this version though I think 'He Falls for Her' has many similar scenes with 'Tempting Heart'. Thank you to MDL user Taz-mania for notifying me about working link.

What I liked:
1. Wang Yi Lei - His acting was good in this drama but gosh his looks. He is the most handsome Lou Yanjing out of the four version I have watched. Not a fan of that earring on him but overall his styling for this drama was damn fine. My favourite outfit is the leather jacket. Damn he looked like a very handsome bad boy.
2. Supporting characters - I liked that this drama featured ML's parents early on though I wish they would make more appearances in the third act. FL's biological family, dating show contestants (except that evil pair) and crew were likeable.
3. Romance - Their romance was mostly sweet with a few good kisses. I liked that ML took the decision that protected FL's wellbeing. However I felt their romance story was overshadowed by the conflict with Fu Yanze and FL's adopted sister.
4. Piggyback - I liked that FL was cunning in order to win this challenge. This is different from FL in 'Tempting Hearts', played by Lei Xiao Mi.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - There was so much time given to the antagonists FL's adopted mother & sister & Fu Yanze.
2. Live streaming - I felt the live streaming of DNA test results was unnecessary even if it was unintentional. It was a profound news that I felt should be revealed in private.

Favourite scene
The blindfolded scene

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The first vertical drama that made me cry

I watched this drama when I was in my early phase of vertical drama exploration. At that time, I selected vertical dramas to watch only from one Youtube channel, Dramazone. My perception of vertical dramas changed after completing this drama. 'No More Pretense: Mr. Huo's Daily Desire for Reconciliation' was so heartbreaking that it made me cry.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Sublime acting by Wang Yun Yun aka Cai Cai Yun and Wang Hao Zhen. Subtle (because there were not emotional outbursts) but expressive in their eyes. They really embodied their characters well that I was moved by their emotional challenges. My heart ached throughout this drama.
2. FL characterisation - She was mentally strong. Gosh I couldn't imagine living with a spouse that hates you. I understand her conflict with regards to ML's family who was nice to her.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's mother and sister and FL's male doctor friend.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - Inaction is also an action and he being indifferent throughout their 5 years of marriage is not acceptable. He said to FL that he liked her but was it really like or guilt? Oh and I couldn't take it that his wife had to settle his scandals.
2. Romance - This came much later when ML realised his mistake and wanted a reconciliation. I personally felt that ML did not deserve a second chance. FL should end up with the doctor instead of ML.

Favourite scene
When ML realised what a huge mistake he made

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Spicy transactional relationship that transformed to love

I saw this video on Youtube and was drawn to the title '[MULTI SUB] Not Over Yet【Full】You started it, I won't let you call it off | Drama Zone'. I didn't read the comments nor search for synopsis before clicking 'Play'. Oh boy, I was shocked!

Edit: Increased score because I watched this drama on repeat.

What I liked:
1) Spice - Wow, the director knew how to create steamy scenes within the limits of time and censorship. There were many kissing scenes so that helped in creating tension and letting viewers' imagination run wild. ML's appetite for FL was insatiable.
2) Main characters' growth - For a micro drama, there was some character growth. There were times FL was a damsel in distress and was saved by ML. However I liked that she recognised that trait of hers and apologised for relying / burdening ML. ML character growth was slower but more apparent towards the end.
3) Du Ya Fei - This is my first time watching his acting and I think he understood his assignment. He used different voice tone when he talked to FL. It seemed that he and Yang Shu Yu had developed rapport because their intimate scenes would be awkward without tacit understanding between them.
4) Love rival - It's good that ML's love rival was respectful towards FL. FL already going through a lot of hardships so I don't want her to go through another one at work.
5) Ending - I like it because the story has come full circle.

What I disliked:
1) Coercion - I felt like FL was coerced into having sex in the earlier parts of the relationship.
2) FL's family - One of the worse villains in C dramas because the villains are FL's own biological mother and brother.
3) Relationship - As seen in the inner monologue, FL & ML had doubts which affected their relationship. I wish they confided in each other because this could be an emotional scene that clarifies assumptions and misunderstanding.

Favourite scene
When ML rescued FL at her family home

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Enjoyable revenge-themed modern mini drama

I love mini dramas because of its pacing. I was excited to watch this because of Hong Xiao (You Complete Me being my favourite work of hers because her acting in one particular scene made me cry and love her outfits in that mini drama) and Dai Gao Zheng (curious to see his work after Maid's Revenge, which I disliked). After completing this mini drama, I'd say I enjoy this series more than Maid's Revenge and Revenge of Begonia.

What I liked:
1) Romance - I liked the chemistry between Hong Xiao & Dai Gao Zheng - there were enough tension between them and once they got together, I was still interested in their dynamics. It's great to see different types of romance scenes e.g. soul-baring on bed, happy & playful rain in the afternoon scene. Their kisses are steamy too.
2) Acting - I like Hong Xiao and Dai Gao Zheng's acting. They showed enough vulnerability (I loved that both actors cried for the soul-baring confession on bed scene). It's great to see Dai Gao Zheng playing a boss that kicks ass but is a softie when it comes to his woman.
3) Action scenes - I like the action scenes. Dai Gao Zheng did a lot of fights in this drama.
4) Production value - Looks like a high production value because the set design, stunts and outfits were well done.

What I disliked:
1) Ji Lin Jiang - It was quite obvious that he was the villain but gosh his character was over-the-top / caricature.
2) Grandpa Ji - I don't understand why he gave a harsh punishment to Song Si Pu! Perhaps it's a scene created so Dai Gao Zheng could go topless.
3) Styling for Ji Chan / Min Jing Shu - I know Hong Xiao is petite so she wore really high heels for most of her scenes. Some dresses, especially in the first few episodes, didn't look great on her. However there is one outfit that stands out for the right reason - the all white ensemble she wore when she & Song Si Pu were baring their souls.

Favourite scene:
The soul-baring confession on bed

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Revenge best accomplished with a loving partner

I watched this drama because GOT7's Youngjae said he enjoyed this series. I LOVE Perfect Marriage Revenge! Story seems like elevated version of Harlequin / Mills & Boon novella (hey some of the novellas are well written).

Highly recommended if you're seeking a kdrama that has revenge, contract marriage, loving male lead, mature relationship, twisted family drama.

What I like:
1) Romance - Sizzling chemistry between Sung Hoon & Yoo Min with right balance of push & pull. Their romance is believable and geared towards more mature side. It's very rare to see male lead who has empathy & is emotionally invested in relationship from the start.
2) Writing - Honestly I didn't like episode 1 because Yi-joo was a doormat. However my opinion changed in Episode 2 when she decided to take control of her fate and take revenge over those who had done her wrong. This series is like a soap opera but with its fast-pacing, I never felt bored or annoyed. I also sensed a true partnership between female lead Yi-joo and male lead Du Gok right from episode 2.
3) Male lead characterisation - I couldn't read Du Gok's character in earlier episodes. He seemed to willing to help Yi-joo but what's in it for him? However, episode 6 is when my opinion changed. Du Gok showed different sides: cheekiness, empathy, affection & attraction. That confession was emotionally and physically charged, wow.
4) Supporting cast - I like Yi-joo's best friend, Du Gok's mother, grandmother and sister.
5) Yi-joo characterisation - I like her character development. She was a doormat at the start, then became vengeful but once she found an ally/partner who believes in her, she realises what's important to her and changed her mindset. She still got her revenge. I'm happy with the decision she made for her family's company because it breaks this chaebol/management must be from family cycle.
6) The ending - I like the final episode especially when it started with Yi-joo and Du Gok forgoing their concerns about the countdown and lived life as normal instead of being overly cautious. I like how the series is concluded at the end.

What I dislike:
1) Lee Min-young and Ji-hee are insufferable. Hate them so much.
2) I would have liked more sensual moments between Yi-joo and Do Guk after episode 6 because I don't know if she genuinely liked Du Gok after episode 6 and before being questioned by his grandmother.

Favourite scene
When Yi-joo and Du-gok went on vacation in episode 6. Bed room scenes - both nights. I giggled then cried because that confession was heartfelt.

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Live action Mills & Boon story done right!

I used to read Mills & Boon books and this story is quite familiar. A second chance romance of a separated couple and the male lead doesn't know that he has a child with his ex partner. I came across this series while browsing Mango TV short plays on YouTube. The synopsis peaked my interest so I bookmarked it and yesterday, binged on the series. I VERY MUCH LOVE THIS MINI DRAMA!

What I liked:
1. Bai Luoan characterisation - She is one of my favourite female leads! She is independent, intelligent and firm with her stance and principles. I like that she insisted to Huo Ling and Chen Wen Shi that she did not need their help to solve her problems. She is also kind as seen in her actions towards Chen Wen Shi, Mrs Huo, Huo Wei - it's great that Min Yan recognised her kindness.
2. The romance - When Bai Luoan and Huo Ling are in sync, you see true partnership in sickness and in health. Mature relationship. Damn, the kisses are hot! I also enjoy the tender moments between Bai Luoan and Huo Ling for example when they discussed having children and the proposals. I also liked how they handled the "morning after" - I like Bai Luoan's view on it!
3. The editing - It's interesting that this series starts with a conflict scene. I thought the male lead was the villain - a handsome one - and he was so despicable in the earlier episodes.
4. Acting - I was impressed by Wang Xing Wei's acting because he was great in portraying different sides of Huo Ling: sulky ex-partner, tender lover, no-nonsense businessman and a family man. Wang Zi Jia was amazing in her portrayal of Bai Luoan.
5. The ending - It's rare to get a final episode that is filled with happy moments. The last two minutes were very sweet and meaningful!
6. The writing - The plot is not new but the execution was done well. My favourite quote "I thought you were in the dark. Only then we can understand better. Light a lamp for others as you move forward." I sense the overall theme of this mini series is forgiveness. I like how the antagonists are handled.

What I disliked:
1. Huo Ling's lack of apology - I wish there was a scene of Huo Ling grovelling to Bai Luoan for the horrendous breakup and despicable actions 5 years later towards her.
2. Harm to Zhao Zhao - Pity that she was in stressful situations.

Favourite scene
When Bai Luoan and Huo Ling finally reconciled and kissed. I can see/sense desire and love in them.

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Finally a Yao Guan Yu performance that I love. Great chemistry & fabulous wardrobe

I like Yao Guan Yu's face card but his dramas can be hit or miss for me. I could never find a drama that I truly enjoy both his acting & chemistry with leading lady. Now Undercover Affair is one of my favourite mini dramas so I was pleasantly surprised that Han Le Yao has started vertical dramas. Oh, it's funny that when I started watching vertical dramas I thought Yao Guan Yu gave the same vibe as Leo Yang. Anyway I watched She's Fiercer than Gunfire last weekend and wow, I enjoyed it immensely. I finally found a Yao Guan Yu drama that I enjoy!

What I liked:
1. Styling - Yao Guan Yu looked utterly fabulous in floral, bright outfits. Great wardrobe too for FL and ML's right hand man.
2. Romance - Great push & pull dynamics and done in various scenes. I loved their kisses - fiery!
3. FL character - One of the characters with most growth I've seen in vertical dramas. She went from a desperate nobody to confident queen.
4. ML character - Cool, calm & collected. Confident leader.
5. Acting - My favourite Yao Guan Yu performance. Delighted to hear his real voice. Han Le Yao gave a superb performance too as she was able to portray 2 different people.
6. Training - It was fun to watch FL going for various training to impersonate ML's stepmother. I enjoyed the weapons training and the stakeholder meeting preparation.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's rival was shameless. I also disliked ML's stepmother.

Favourite scene
When FL joined the stakeholder meeting chaired by ML

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Combustible chemistry in this romance heavy drama between two rivals

I am preparing a reddit post on Han Jia Hui's dramas so last night I decided to watch this drama. This is the third time Han Jia Hui and Wang Zi Lin worked together so I had some expectations since I enjoyed Love is Never Too Late. I was right - I enjoyed this drama a lot!

What I liked:
1. Romance - Steamy scenes were short but sexy. There were plenty of kissing. touching, hugging - physical touch is their love language. I also liked that they flirted at different stages of their relationship.
2. ML characterisation - I was surprised when he knew about FL's hidden identity. I thought he would sulk. ML was patient, caring and also sensitive. He was very sincere in his love for FL. I understood why he chose to separate from FL when the secret was officially out.
3. FL characterisation - She had two personas (true self - the heiress, and fake self - timid, weak wife). I saw her fake self as a shield to stay guarded and avoid getting hurt. She was flawed but her character grew as the drama progressed.
4. Rival arc - I liked that both FL and ML were rivals even though it was caused by a rumour. FL's brothers were business rivals to ML - their rivalry wasn't as ferocious as Capulet vs Montague.
5. Supporting characters - FL's brothers were entertaining. Second brother provided comic relief while first brother was the more rational one. I also liked ML's assistant.
6. Acting - Great performance from Han Jia Hui and Wang Zi Lin. He looked spellbound by FL throughout the drama - I loved this soft side of Wang Zi Lin. Their chemistry was electric and this duo was visually stunning.
7. Styling - I loved FL's outfits from the biker chic to the caramel top & pants. ML's outfits were beautiful too - I liked WZL in his blue-green suit. Plus their hair was beautifully styled too.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's mother was controlling - she was reluctant to let the company be led by ML. I thought her plans to have ML married to his childhood friend was her way of keeping the company within her control. I also disliked ML's childhood friend. She was totally out of line but can't blame her because ML's mother enabled that behaviour. Glad that antagonists didn't get much screentime.
2. FL's action - I disliked that she self-sabotaged her relationship with ML especially when she told his childhood friend the reason for her marriage. ML overheard and of course he was hurt.

Favourite scene
When ML started smoking during a meeting with FL and her second brother

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Familiar plot but gorgeous visuals (shots + cast) and charismatic leads made this fun watch!

This drama came to my radar through subreddit CShortDramas. I was intrigued by the first minute and after seeing a positive review, I decided to watch it on iQIYI. I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Editing - Wow I must say that the shots were beautiful. This drama looked like a traditional long-form Chinese dramas with the colour gradation and set-up.
2. Acting - This is my first time watching Zhan Ni and I really liked her acting. She gave this elegant, understated but punchy performance. Wang Yan Xin was good in his role too. Zhan Ni and Wang Yan Xin had good chemistry too.
3. FL characterisation - I liked that FL was quick thinker and able to protect herself from bullies. The last scene with her family was bittersweet and I understood her conflict.
4. Styling - Gorgeous outfits from hotel employee uniforms to FL's casual work and night gown. ML looked dashing in his work clothes and even pyjamas but I wish he hadn't worn the glasses. Made him look like an uncle. SML's outfits were gorgeous and I also liked Xiao Xiao's styling a lot!
5. Romance - The romance was slow but there were good kisses and sweet moments, mostly initiated by ML. I wish there were more scenes of them bonding as a couple.
6. Supporting characters - I ❤️ Xiao Xiao! Her honest remarks about FL's relationship cracked me up. I also liked Shen Yu despite his attempts to woo FL.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Lin Yao Yao was annoying and incompetent. Gosh I loved it when she was demoted from ML's secretary to hotel staff - she was too nosy in other people's work. FL's mother was a surprise to me - I thought she was FL's stepmother but no she was her biological mother who treated FL badly. Glad they got retribution.
2. FL's action - It was frustrating when FL kept mentioning that they were in fake marriage numerous times. For someone who is great at anticipating customer's needs, she wasn't good at reading her husband's actions. Honey, you got a fine looking with good characteristics man whom you knew from school and why not take advantage of the situation since both agreed to that arrangement.

Favourite scene
When FL hung washed sheets on the rooftop

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Good police drama with a touch of romance

I was drawn to this drama because of the plot. This is my third time watching drama of Wang Kai Mu and Cui Yi Liang. I was surprised to see that she has crossed over to vertical from mini dramas.

What I liked:
1. Editing - This drama felt like a 2 hour movie. The tension in the police case, the tension between ML & FL were translated to audience well.
2. Wang Kai Mu - I was impressed by Wang Kai Mu's performance. I have seen him in Beautiful Handsome & the drama with Guo Yu Xin. He has grown so much in terms of acting skill & physical build.
3. Cui Yi Liang - She did well in a dramatic role I must say. However I didn't like her cries.
4. Supporting characters - I like ML's team mates in the police force.
5. Romance - Slow burn which is expected. ML was pining for FL for a long time but was respectful of her. Sweet kisses.

What I disliked:
1. Mellow - I found some moments to be too mellow, I was easily distracted.
2. Antagonist - Good one but I wish his arc was given slightly more screen time so audience are more invested in the connection between him and the former team leader.

Favourite scene
When FL realised she was ambushed

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Spicy jiejie romance that could have been great with better emotional connection

I was very intrigued by the drama's poster. The English-translated title implied younger man-older woman romance (my favourite trope) and the ML looked hot! So I clicked play and I enjoyed the drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Damn, the intimate scenes were blazing hot - there were heavy kissing & spicy dialogue. There were sweet moments as well. I liked that ML was attracted to FL even when he lost his memory.
2. FL characterisation - I loved that she was never condescending to ML despite him being a kept man. She was protective of him whenever she got slandered due to their relationship. She was frustrated with her family but was never vicious.
3. ML characterisation - I liked how he took care of FL. I didn't like that he kept his identity from FL for awhile but he was an overall a nice & sincere man. Shao Wei looked damn hot especially with the apron.
4. Styling - Great clothes worn by both FL & ML. Kudos to stylist for FL's outfits & hairstyling during flashback. Chu Aixu looked high school pretty there.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's grandma and brother.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Blatant favouritism there.
2. Connection - The couple had great physical relationship but I couldn't see emotional connection between them. I wish there were more couple-in-love scenes just before the ending.

Favourite scene
The first time FL saw ML in her kitchen

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