emberzmars

Refreshing tale of second chance in life with spectacular performances by 3 leads

I was attracted to the poster when I first noticed this drama. The green background sets it apart from other drama posters. Anyway I am a fan of Wang Zi Jia since I watched her in mini drama First Choice. I loved Feng Xiang Kun's performance in Fake Love but couldn't find his other dramas with the same intensity. I enjoyed this drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. Writing - First of all, I love the English title because it's fits the drama to the T. I was hooked to this drama and couldn't predict what would happen next. A good sign for a seasoned tv drama viewer like me. The plot twist OMG!
2. Rebirth - I liked that second chance was given to both leads. Thankfully her decisions post-rebirth were fruitful.
2. FL characterisation - She was emotionally strong to have gone through several tragedies in her life. It's wonderful to see her prosper in her second life.
3. Acting - Wang Zi Jia carried the weight of this drama and she gave a spectacular performance. I felt for her pain even from the start when she discovered the magic diary (luckily no Tom Riddle involved!). Feng Xiang Kun and the actress who played the green tea / mistress were great in their roles too.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's parents who had nice mini arc there.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - This is rare instances in which ML was antagonist in a vertical drama. It made me wonder about real life when couples fall apart even though they have made 10,000 promises before or at the start of their marriage. What happened to ML to forego the "I will stay with you forever" promise made to FL? I did however liked that he realised his mistake & protected FL one last time.
2. Green tea - The most despicable character I have seen in a vertical drama. Desperate and insecure since she was young - I can't believe she hired goons to harm FL. Great to know that she got her comeuppance.
3. ML's parents - Another set of horrible people.

Favourite scene
When 30 year old FL communicated with 18 year old ML

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Yao Guan Yu excels at smirking & sneaky seduction

I was intrigued by Yao Guan Yu so I chose to watch this drama on Damazone youtube channel 3 months ago. This is my first drama from both Yao Guan Yu and Zhang Yi Lin. I hate to say this but this drama is forgettable. Not a drama I'd watch on repeat.

What I liked:
1. Yao Guan Yu - Damn, he gave me 'Leo Yang in Undercover Affair' vibes with his smirks & sneaky seduction. The amount of teasing and flirting, damn!
2. Styling - Great outfits worn by FL & ML. The red dress at the start of the drama was gorgeous!
3. ML characterisation - Despite the cocky flirty exterior he put for FL, he was devoted to FL.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Despite the good looking visuals of both YGY & ZYL, I felt that their chemistry was lacking. Too much push from FL, ML was too patient in their relationship.
2. Writing - Somehow this drama is not memorable to me. I couldn't remember a single scene so I had to rewatch before writing this review. I found the running time was too long as well.
3. FL characterisation - She's cool, independent woman but as a lover, I wish she had sorted out her feelings earlier. I couldn't connect with her character and I don't know whether to blame ZYL or the director.

Favourite scene
The introduction

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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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Female CEO embroiled in family saga but found love and support from former schoolmate

When I first discovered vertical dramas in December 2024, Dramazone Youtube channel was my go-to channel. I watched this drama there and I loved it so much. 'But Mr. Shen Is Too Charming' remains, till this day, in my top 10 vertical dramas that I watch on repeat.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I like a strong female characters but when there is a strong female CEO as the main character, I love the drama even more. Lin Shu Tang is a smart & beautiful go-getter who has to face challenges from her own family. I liked her resilience. Lin Shu Tang was brilliantly portrayed by Si Jia Li.
2. ML characterisation - Shen Si is devious but does not have malicious intent. Despite having a crush on her and helped her in the past, he doesn't want her to be obligated to him. I really like that.
3. Romance - Damn, their intimate scenes are really hot. Kissing scenes were well shot. There were sweet moments too. He lent a shoulder for her to cry on.
4. Styling - I love the styling for both FL and ML. The white business suit worn by FL reiterated her power at the office.
5, Supporting characters - I really liked ML's friend especially in the hospital scene.

What I disliked:
1. FL's family - Wow, the family saga is just too much. I empathised with FL.

Favourite scene
When FL was hospitalised and ML came to visit

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Frustrating drama in which FL & ML made assumptions about each other

I find Yao Guan Yu visually striking so I am always drawn to his dramas. This is my second drama of his, I am unfamiliar with the main actress Zhang Qiu Zi. This drama is frustrating!

What I liked:
1. Yao Guan Yu - His character was a Mr Nice Guy. Yao Guan Yu had enough charm for me to finish this drama.
2. Styling - I really liked ML styling including.the pyjamas, which looked expensive.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's family because they genuinely liked FL. ML's bestie was good friend.

What I disliked:
1. Communication - OMG, 80% of the running time was spent on both FL & ML making assumptions about one another. Why are they not talking about their feelings. This is very frustrating!
2. Antagonists - SFL was insufferable! Pei Chi was way too nice to her.
3. Character development - Underdeveloped. I felt bored halfway through I started playing on my phone.

Favourite scene
When ML's father called ML to scold him for the alleged affair

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Love, lust and lifetime are three words I'd use to describe this romance drama

I still remember the date I watched this drama - 8 January 2025 - because I felt like it was a perfect dream. I watched this at random when I saw it on my Youtube dashboard. After completing this drama, I have watched 2 more versions (Qiao Jia Le as ML & Wang Nan as ML), this version is my favourite that I watch on repeat. 'Tempting Heart' is my second favourite vertical drama in romance-heavy category.

What I liked:
1. Romance - 'libidO' a song by Korean group OnlyOneOf kept popping in my head after completing this drama. There were many hot kisses and intimate scenes so physical touch is definitely their love language. I could feel the implicit trust between FL and ML once FL embraced her role as ML's partner. It's great that FL desired ML too because in many vertical dramas, ML always the one initiating romance. Great chemistry and rapport between Wang Xin and Lei Xiao Mi.
2. FL characterisation - She was strong-willed and cool when faced with adversity. Out of the three versions that I watched, I liked Lei Xiao Mi's portrayal the most because she was good in demonstrating FL's vulnerabilities.
3. ML characterisation - He seemed cold but such a softie and protective when it came to Li Zhi. I liked his calm demeanor. Wang Xin shined in this role. Plus he was hot with the glasses.
4. Supporting characters - There were too many from this drama that I liked: the show producer, the other competing but supportive couple, FL's biological brother and his partner.
5. Variety show - The variety show was a tool to showcase the growth of FL & ML's relationship. Compared to Wang Nan's version, the challenges in this drama were well executed as they were able to create enough tension between FL, ML and FL's ex.
6. Ending - I liked that it paid homage to their past.

What I disliked:
1. Clothes store scene - I know this scene is integral to FL's identity but have seen similar scene in too many vertical dramas.

Favourite scene
The pokky / pepero challenge

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Light & fluffly

I am a fan of Xhang Chu Zuan & Shen Hao Nan so was delighted to find out that they have acted together.

What I liked:
1) Tone - This drama is light & sweet. Easy to watch.
2) Dynamic - It's great watching dynamics between Xhang Chu Xuan & Shen Hao Nan because they matched each other's energy.
3) Brothers arc - I like this dynamic despite the slight rivalry.
4) Villain - I like the arc because the actions affected ML so much.

What I disliked:
1) Family drama - FL having cruel family is common in vertical shot dramas and this does featured that trope.

Favourite scene:
When ML revealed his hidden identity to FL while they were in the car

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Just alright

This drama is alright to pass time.

What I like
1. The action sequences were amusing. The reactions were comical but hey it made sense for normal people to react that way.
2. Great to see Kang Ki Young as main male lead.
3. Oh Min seok made me sympathetic towards his character but he's villain alright. His abs were damn fine though I am not sure if the scene was required
4. Supporting characters - I like Daeki & Kang Boom.

What I dislike
1. Story - I find the story average. The benefactor reminds me of The Uncanny Counter.

Favourite scene
When Kang Bom kicks ass

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Story of two couples - FL was childish but other 3 were likeable

I got interested to see this drama because of the cast in particular Xue Zi Qi & Wang Nian Jiang Cheng. I watched this drama within 24 hours of its release. The beginning was odd but overall it was OK watch.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Good steamy scenes for both couples. I was surprised by main couple's bedroom antics. There was heat.
2. Personalities - I liked the contrasting personalities between the two couples.
3. Characterisation - I liked SFL a lot. Less screen time but her arc had impact on me. I also liked ML's arc especially his struggles. I also liked SML's arc.
4. Interactions - I liked when Fu Yang & Su Wan discussed their partners' habits.
5. Styling - Loved the outfits and hairstyles for SFL, ML & SML.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - FL acted like a petulant child. That childish cry was irritating. She was pampered and selfish.
2. Funeral - Wow, so many relatives were disrespectful - fighting for inheritance at graveyard.
3. Antagonists - ML's father was vicious and controlling.

Favourite scene
When SFL showed her vulnerable side to SML

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Sa Gang Yun is former assassin turned butler. Enjoyed the action scenes!

I got to know about this drama from reddit CShortDramas. I was pleasantly surprised to watch the trailer. I decided to watch this drama and wow, it exceeded my expectations.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - Coolest butler well he was a former assassin. Multiskilled, sexy and handsome too.
2. Plot - Refreshing. Great start with well-paced storytelling.
3. Action - Scenes were cool and I loved the fight sequences. Sa Gang Yun was damn fit!
4. Flashbacks - Great to see glimpse of ML's personal life in flashback sequence.
5. Styling - Impeccable styling for ML. I was amused when the maids never noticed his handsomeness / attractiveness until after their employer was saved.
6. Duration - Short drama under 2 hours.
7. Supporting characters - I liked his nephew. The rival killer was also a nice surprise.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Forcing FL to accept his "love" was unacceptable - that guy was a rotten rich kid. His father was an enabler - just as horrible.

Favourite scene
When ML fought the goons who came to capture FL.

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Jiejie romance with FL cheating on her husband with ML

This drama captured my attention when it was a fresh release but somehow I only felt like watching it in February 2026. I watched it on iQIYI. This is a jiejie romance drama which is memorable because of Wang Yu Han & the kisses.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Damn, the kissing was scorching hot. Perhaps also because their relationship was forbidden with her being married to another person.
2. ML character - Horny & eager puppy. I liked hos protectiveness.
3. Styling - I loved clothes worn by ML. FL also wore nice outfits.
4. Saviour - I liked this arc with SML stealing credit. Often times saviour arc is SFL stealing credit.
5. Acting - I liked Wang Yu Han's acting in this drama. There was amazing chemistry between him and Vicky Liang.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - A few characters that I disliked: SML, his mistress, ML's pursuer, ML's grandmother.
2. Cheating - Not a fan of dramas with main character cheating on their spouse even though spouse was baddie too.
3. Duration - Close to 2.5 hours. Some scenes were draggy for example the auction scene.

Favourite scene
When ML sneakily dragged FL into nearest room

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Reconnection of childhood friends. Slowburn romance

I watched this drama because I was in mood for Xie Yu Wang's dramas back in December & had seen photos of XYW as pilot for this drama. I liked it.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Reconnection, slow burn. Their romance story has this mature feel. Their relationship was filled with challenges from external party but between the two of them, the relationship was healthy.
2. Pilot - I enjoyed the pilot arc in this story.
3. FL characterisation - I liked that she never blamed ML for her tragedy.
4. ML characterisation - He thought he didn't deserve her but he always had her best interests. Protective, loving.
5. Supporting characters - I liked the chairman, fellow actor, FL's assistant & ML's aunt.
6. Murder - I also enjoyed this small arc. The past haunted both leads.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - The guy who pursued FL was a scumbag. I also disliked ML's father & uncle. ML's father was evil.

Favourite scene
When ML gave flying lessons to FL

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Wonderful chemistry but the deception is unacceptable

I was in the mood for Yue Yu Ting's dramas so I selected this drama because of Meng Jia Hui and the runtime. I have mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Yue Yu Ting & Meng Jia Hui had wonderful chemistry. I also liked their performances as individual characters.
2. Romance - While I didn't like ML's motives for approaching FL and the lie / ommission of truth, I enjoyed the romance between the two. I could feel the growing attraction and love between the characters. They were steamy kisses and tender moments.
3. FL characterisation - I liked her because she was nice. I also liked when she comforted and made moves on ML.
4. Length - This drama is less than 2 hours. It helped with keeping melodrama down to a minimum.

What I disliked:
1. Deception - I got it that ML wasn't honest about asking FL to marry him but the fact that he kept it a secret from FL was unacceptable.
2. Antagonists - Wow the green tea / ML's supposed fiancee was mean. I also disliked ML's aunt for her greediness and ML's grandfather for his controlling behaviour.
3. Supporting character - I rarely disliked supporting character but in this case, I disliked ML's doctor friend. He went against ML's wishes. There were also other questionable acts that he did but can't remember exact details now.

Favourite scene
When they were intimate for the first time

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Suspenseful transmigration story marred by lacklustre acting

I have watched A LOT of Chinese vertical dramas but got curious about watching Korean vertical dramas when iQIYI started added them to their catalogue. I have watched a handful of K-verticals and only 1 I liked a lot. This isn't it unfortunately.

What I liked:
1. Visual - I must say Woo Ki Hyun's face was arresting from the high cheekbones to the small eyes and sharp nose. He was like a god!
2. Styling - I liked the outfits chosen for ML.
3. Story - This is a transmigration story with FL being able to change fate of her character. The story was easy to follow even with plot hole. However I wish there was more to SML's arc.
4. Supporting character - I liked SML & Secretary Che.
5. Production - I liked the framing and type of shots captured for this drama. They created some suspense.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Easy to pinpoint the culprit and the motive though I found antagonist lacked presence / aura.
2. Styling - I disliked most of the outfits worn by FL when she was in novel. They made her look mousy and not an heiress.
3. Acting - The acting was not good. The main actress didn't have the charm nor aura, it felt like she just recited her lines - no power. There was no chemistry between her and Woo Ki Hyun.
4. Romance - Kisses were nice but I didn't buy their relationship. There wasn't spark / sexual tension between leads at the start.

Favourite scene
When SML confronted FL because he sensed something was off

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Earnest & heartfelt performance won me over

I gravitate towards Chinese vertical dramas since last year and with iQIYI expanding their catalogue, I discovered this title there. I only watched a handful of K verticals and most of them were meh despite handsome leading men. I must say I enjoyed this drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - OMG I loved that FL is an heiress too so she had equal status to ML in terms of social standing. She was down-to-earth & hardworking. I liked that she worked at another company instead of at family business.
2. ML characterisation - Sweet & nice guy. I liked that he was genuinely concerned about FL.
3. Romance - Their first meeting was a meetcute. I liked that they made a deal and then remained respectful of each other. I also liked the progress of their relationship. Their first intimate scene was hot.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's assistant and FL's butler.
5. Acting - Earnest & heartfelt performances. I really liked their chemistry.
6. Plot - Nothing new because I have seen too many C verticals but the plot of this drama was executed well.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Stealing credit isn't cool.

Favourite scene
When they realised their feelings for each other

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