emberzmars

Slow burn & sweet romance

I am a fan of Chen Si and Zhu Mo Yan so I was delighted to know that they collaborate in this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - The romance started slow because FL just got out from a bad relationship. Oh I love when FL jumped on him & when they made out in ML's office. I also love it whenever FL initiated kisses.
2. ML characterisation - Green flag hero! I ❤️ ML for being attentive to FL's likes & needs.
3. FL characterisation - Great to see a main character as a doctor. FL is smart & compassionate. I like that she never took advantage of her status as ML's wife.
4. Supporting characters - I like FL's bestie, ML's bestie & his family members. FL's mum was smart in tricking SFL when they were shopping. The outfit had me LMAO.

What I disliked:
1. FL's ex - Silly man. He had no right to ask for reconciliation when he never treated FL well.

Favourite scene:
When FL's bestie asked FL to check her wedding gift

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Chen Si shines in this baby mama drama

I watched this series because I was impressed by Han Jia Hui's acting in her drama with Ke Chun about quadruplet kids.

What I liked:
1. Zhuang Jing Chen characterisation - Chen Si excelled in his role as an expecting daddy wooing his baby mama. Jing Chen was genuine, patient, sweet with FL and most importantly he was firm with SFL about their relationship and the boundaries. This is the first vertical drama that I've seen in which ML explicitly & repeatedly told SFL that he was not interested in her at all. I like that he had FL's back right from the start of knowing her relatives' bad attitude.
2. Zheng Ling Xi characterisation - I understand her apprehension about ML's pursuit of her. I like that she's smart, funny & self-reliant. Han Jia Hui was great in her role plus she was so beautiful in this drama.
3. Romance - There was more push in the dynamics between ML & FL so kisses weren't many. However I enjoyed watching ML pursuing FL because he really wanted a serious relationship with her. I was awed & amazed by the one-arm carry - Chen Si was strong. That seduction scene at the start was 🔥.
4. Supporting characters - I love FL's bestie & ML family members.
5. Tone - There were many comedic & light moments courtesy of FL & ML. Chen Si can do comedy! I watch this drama on repeat since I first watched in mid-December 2024.

What I disliked:
1. SFL - She was possessive & disrespectful.
2. Styling - Chen Si's hairstyle was bad which reminded me of Edward Scissorshand's hairstyle.

Favourite scene
FL ate sour plum when hanging out with colleagues & ML followed suit. His reaction...priceless!

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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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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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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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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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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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F5 in an aquatic world...what a delight!

I knew about this drama from Shen Hao Nan's fan youtube account and wow, I was excited for this series. I have watched the works of all 5 actors (Shen Hao Nan, He Jian Qi, Wang Yi Ran, Duan Mei Yang & Chen Gang) + Zuo Yi at least once. Glad I found this drama on Youtube.

What I liked:
1. The mermen - Shen Hao Nan, He Jian Qi, Wang Yi Ran, Duan Mei Yang & Chen Gang were hot as mermen and normal human being. I like that all 5 mermen have different personality and temperament. If I have to choose 1 outstanding merman, my pick is Qiao Jing Ze. He Jian Qi was outstanding as a rebel. I also enjoyed the plot of brotherhood between the 4 characters. I think if the writer could do a spin off focusing on just the brotherhood.
2. Brother-sister dynamic - There were many arcs in this drama and the one I enjoyed the most is Chu Yu Sheng and Chu Yun Ling. Despite the short screentime, this arc was more compelling because of the conflicted emotions felt by Chu Yu Sheng. Great chemistry between Chen Gang and Zuo Yi.
3. Shen Hao Nan-He Jian Qi - When watching the drama, I really like watching these two actors in the same frame together. Their characters were yin and yang. It's even more amusing watching the behind the scenes. He Jian Qi seemed like the prankster in the group. Dude has great bromance with Shen Hao Nan and now I want to watch them in a new drama together!

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Despite having 4 suitors, I find the romance arcs underwhelming perhaps due to chemistry and uneven screen time for 4 potential couples. I think Zuo Yi had the best romantic scene with Wang Yi Ran despite another suitor having the strongest feels.
2. FL characterisation - I understand that this drama is coming-of-age story of Chu Yun Ling. However I felt this arc was overshadowed by the romance arcs and rivalry arc. FL was too cute and bland for my liking. I think Zuo Yi was miscast to play a 22 year old woman navigating life on land and underwater. If there was a remake, I'd like to see Guo Yuxin as Chu Yun Ling and reduce suitors to 2 and retain the rival/brother character.

Favourite scene
When FL discovered the mermaid identity of her 4 suitors

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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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Riveting performances but I disliked main characters

I was excited to see Guo Yu Xin's new drama being talked about in reddit. Got to watch it today and I must say that it was a rollercoaster ride. While I enjoyed the performance by both Guo Yu Xin and Liu Yu Hang, this is one of those dramas I am fine watching it once.

What I liked:
1. Acting - I am a fan of Guo Yu Xin so I knew she was going to nail her role here. This is my first time watching Liu Yu Hang and I was impressed by his performance. It broke my heart to see him cry.
2. Romance - For me, it was painful watching their transactional relationship because I felt ML crossed the line a few times and FL was clearly uncomfortable about it. Once they were friends, then I was invested in their relationship. The intimate scenes were full of passion & desire, kudos to GYX & LYH for excellent acting. The height difference was very notable here but wasn't as jarring as Ke Chun - Yu Yin.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's two male friends very much. His supposed white moonlight and admirer were ok after all. I also liked FL's grandma.
4. Styling - I really liked ML's styling as it matched his brooding energy. FL's outfits were mostly good except for that swimsuit, which looked like night gown. GYX wore a gliterry pale yellow dress which is memorable but too whimsical.

What I disliked:
1. Breakup - I hated the breakup & longterm separation and I blamed it on FL's immaturity. I understand that she had hard time dealing with her feelings but she shouldn't be mad at ML for too long because it wasn't his fault. That reconciliation scene was too short!
2. Antagonists - Now I see ML's mother as the main antagonist. Wow she was really something and I won't be wishing her Happy Mother's Day tomorrow.
3. Main characters - Now I hate to write this but I didn't like both ML & FL. There was too much misery. ML was too aggressive and unhinged at the start but later was ok once he took on the friend role. I felt like the first act could be shortened so ML could be more likeable. FL was ok at the start but I disliked her for turning her back against ML in the third act.

Favourite scene
When they confessed their feelings after a longterm separation

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Impressed by the writing and acting despite the goofy styling

I found out about this drama on Tian Shou Le, Ta Lao Gong Er Zi Shi Feng Huang MDL page. Other MDL members were talking about a werewolf drama and I got curious. I did a buddy watch of this drama with Fae and both of us enjoyed it very much.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She's an awesome mom! I love her protectiveness over and love for her son. That dialogue when she comforted her son because his werewolf features were showing, was really touching. This is my first time watching Lin Zirong and I must say I was impressed by how she expressed her character's emotions. I'll definitely watch her other dramas.
2. ML characterisation - I loved it when he apologised for misunderstanding FL at the start of their acquaintances. It's quite rare for me to hear ML explicitly say sorry for making assumptions. Anyway I liked ML as an individual, boss/leader, and a father. Zhao Guan Yu was good in this role.
3. Romance - The romance had a good balance of sweet gestures and spicy intimacy. I usually don't like sex scenes when FL is intoxicated but in this case, it seemed that alcohol lowered her inhibitions and led her to express her true feelings. That scene was hot because she took initiative. I also liked that they talked about their feelings and initial impressions of each other.
4. Supporting characters - The kid actor was well cast and did well in his role. His eyes looked like Lin Zirong's and loved the mullet hair. ML's assistant was a great sidekick and I also liked the other werewolf who told FL about the prophecy.
5. Styling - I find the werewolf hair and paws so adorable hehehe. I wish the stylist had not used glasses on ML. Just let him rock that weird hairdo, fangs and coloured contact lenses without the glasses.
6. Wolf lore - I liked how wolf lore was integrated into the story e.g. 1 mate for life, travel in packs.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I think the baddies at the restaurant was quite random even though they were connected to FL's cousin. However overall I think there were good variation of baddies from FL's family & ML's wolf tribe to the evil scientists.

Favourite scene
FL calmed her son who was starting to show his werewolf features in public

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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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