emberzmars

Spicy but crappy romance between doormat FL and indifferent ML

I watched this drama during my first month of vertical drama discovery and was surprised by the introduction. Thank you to JustOneMoreEpisode for submitting this drama as New Title because now I can write a review on it. Overall this drama had its ups and downs.

What I liked:
1. Lust - Damn, spicy romance right off the bat. That intro scene set me on fire! The subsequent intimacy between ML and "Penny" was hot with one memorable scene.
2. Acting - Great acting by Guo Jing and Xie Yu Wang. Guo Jing got me to sympathised her even though I didn't fancy FL's characterisation.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's grandpa and FL's boss / male colleague.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - I'd say FL and ML had an unhealthy relationship in which ML abandoned her right after marriage license and FL being ok with it. There were opportunities for both of them to tell the truth about their circumstance but no, the truth only came out during a medical emergency. I do, however, loved the scene in which FL woke up in a hospital and told off ML for suddenly showing concern.
2. Family - Both families of FL and ML are rotten except for ML's grandpa.
3, ML characterisation - I just cannot accept ML's behaviour. He cheated on his wife nevertheless.

Favourite scene
When FL was in operating room and doctor was looking for next of kin to sign papers

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Great chemistry, well-written plot and beautiful aesthetics

I enjoy Cheng Cheng and Shi Tong's acting and to my surprise, they acted together in this drama. Apparently this drama is a remake of '52 lovers in 4 years' plot. I believe the first version starred Du Ya Fei and Zhang Jin Yi, the fourth version starred Zhang Bei Xi and Liu Ying, and this Cheng Cheng- Shi Tong drama is the fifth version. I watched the fourth and fifth versions and I like this drama way more than the fourth version.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She's smart and self-reliant. I loved that FL is a Chinese Opera Singer who uses a public persona when she works. Shi Tong knows how to choose roles and so far I have enjoyed most of her dramas.
2. Romance - Spicy and sweet. That first intimate scene was hot and I liked how FL acted the morning after. I also loved that they shared a passion in Chinese Opera. I also liked that ML confessed his feelings to FL at 70% mark of the drama.
3. ML characterisation - Oh dear, Cheng Cheng played another mob boss. Good thing this character is different from the other mob bosses that he has played. This one is the most violent. Anyway I liked that ML is supportive of FL's decisions.
4. Styling - This drama was set in Chinese Republican era and the styling was so fabulous! I loved the outfits worn by both FL & ML. My favourite of FL's outfit is the black dress with scallop neckline paired. The hats were beautiful.
5. Supporting character - Loved ML's father.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's arranged fiancé and his mother are just despicable. However I enjoyed their arc because there was emotional connection between ML and the antagonists.

Favourite scene
When ML saved FL from being attacked by her arranged fiancé

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Huang Bo acting coquettish had me swoon throughout the drama

I am a huge Huang Bo fan and thanks to reddit and thehepburn, I found out about this drama. So this drama is apparently an remake of Utterly Submit co-starring Han Jia Hui and Zhao Zhen Dong. Some things are retained in this drama but overall The Moonlight Never Falls is a totally different drama from Utterly Submit. Enjoyable nevertheless.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He is overprotective but flirty with FL. A green flag ML. Great to see Huang Bo playing Mr Nice Guy.
2. Supporting character - I really liked FL's colleague. She had more sass & screen presence compared to Han Jia Hui's colleague. It's also wonderful to see a plus sized actress playing an important role in a vertical drama.
3. Romance - Great balance of push and pull. I enjoyed watching Huang Bo acting coquettish. I also liked that ML believed in their relationship despite the obstacles faced by each of them.
4. Styling - I loved the outfits worn by FL, ML and the green tea Ranran.

What I disliked:
1. Dubbing - I feel like Huang Bo's voice is dubbed by someone else. He sounded different from the other drama he starred with Xu Si Qi, which was released around same time as this drama.
2. Antagonists - This version allocated more screen time for the antagonists (Ranran & ML's family) that it overshadowed the couple's relationship. It sucks that Ranran got away with her scheming and was only punished towards the end of the drama. Despite that, the actress who played green tea was very hot and beautiful!
3. FL's action - I disliked FL for turning ML's proposal into a PR stunt for her movie. I felt secondhand embarrassment on behalf of ML.

Favourite scene
When ML was flirty with FL in his office

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Concise and compact, wonderfully written drama

I added this drama to my playlist about 2 months ago after watching another Ma Xiao Yu's drama. I was intrigued because the drama title said "domineering female CEO" and "her personal male servant". I enjoyed this drama so much!

What I liked:
1. Writing - I liked that the drama is concise and compact. ML's love rival was a nice touch! Both main characters & nosy colleague were well written. The plot twist was wonderfully done.
2. Directing - This drama has different style in comparison to other Chinese vertical dramas. It is whimsical and quirky with a scene that reminds me of Hong Kong film, Fallen Angel.
3. Acting - Cai Yan Jing & Ma Xiao Yu were impressive in their roles. I used to think that MXY couldn't excel in Mr Nice Guy role. Oh I was wrong!

What I disliked:
1. Fictional character - I was confused about the famous fictional character because I didn't see any similarity between the character and ML.
2. ML's mother - I disliked her for the deception.

Favourite scene
When ML met his father

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Nice & breezy romance about long time crush and contract marriage

I thought Fei Se Qi Yue was my first drama of Shi Tong but I was wrong. This is my first drama of hers. I remembered last night when someone on reddit asked about Wang Hui Long and I looked up his work. It was a nice & light romance.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Both Wang Hui Long and Shi Tong were likeable in this drama. I also liked Wang Hui Long's eyes because they too told a story even when his nose and mouth were covered.
2. Romance - A cute & sweet romance between childhood friends who got into a contract marriage. I liked that ML always negotiated with FL on their contract.
3. Styling - I liked that the outfits complement Wang Hui Long's buzz cut.

What I disliked:
1. Backstabbing - That very first scene set the tone of this drama
2. Antagonist - The antagonist worked alongside FL. Her scheming was too much.

Favourite scene
When FL wanted to kiss ML but vomited instead

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Jiejie romance that would have been great if there were real kisses

Older woman-younger man romance is my favourite trope so I was intrigued by this drama. I was unfamiliar with both the main actor & main actress. The drama was a satisfying watch.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was smart, attractive and confident and Dai Qi Xuan played this role very well. I will definitely check out her other dramas.
2. ML characterisation - He was like a lost puppy who hides his inner dobermann. I liked him better once his secret identity was out. I liked Zhou Ling Feng's acting and hope to easily find his dramas online.
3. Styling - FL seemed to don an avant garde fashion. Her neon green gloves and oversized white hat definitely grabbed my attention. I liked ML's styling as it gave edgy allure to his character.
4. Supporting characters - I found the backstory of FL's stylist fascinating! ML's half brother was also an intriguing character.
5. Romance - Great mix of push and pull between FL & ML. You can tell that they love each other. There was also a hint of secondary romance in this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Kisses - Sadly the kisses were shot at angle that made them look like fake kissing. Despite that, I must say the chemistry was definitely there between Dai Qi Xuan and Zhou Ling Feng.
2. Backstory - I want to know more about FL's stylist backstory!
3. Deceit - I found the lie FL told to ML about her engagement was too elaborate. Pity ML.

Favourite scene
FL was hospitalised and realised how important ML to her

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Dramedy with a heart!

This drama was recommended to me by MDL friend or reddit user. I was not familiar with the main actor & the main actress but the YouTube comments were generally positive. I watched this drama on a road trip (sis was driver) & was highly entertained throughout the drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was bad at being bad person hehehe. Bright, smart & funny. I enjoyed her naughty thoughts & flirty behaviour. Wei Lin impressed me with her acting. I will definitely watch her other dramas.
2. Comedy - I enjoyed her inner monologues. Laughed & chuckled.
3. Romance - Slow burn romance. ML was apprehensive with FL's actions at first but gradually fell in love with FL. Wish there were more kisses.
4. Styling - Loved FL's outfits.
5. Transmigration arc - I liked that this was addressed at the end of the drama.
6. Supporting characters - ML's family was great! I liked Gu Yanying even though he had ulterior motives at times.

What I disliked:
1. Communication - Despite being able to hear FL's thoughts, I wish ML was forthcoming and had shared his thoughts with her.

Favourite scene
The confession at the train station

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Kickass FL, sweet ML & great comedic moments made this romcom super fun!

I watched this drama on 12 January 2025. I enjoyed this drama immensely and I thought it deserves recognition so I submitted a New Title page for 'Sweet Travel' on 19 March 2025. Delighted that the page is now up & running.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved FL because she was spunky, kind & quick on her feet. She was also funny and honest. That very first scene of this drama set the tone right. Anyway I had watched Yi La as bitchy SFL in another drama. I was pleasantly surprised to see her as FL in this drama. She did very well in comedy and I am definitely going to watch her other dramas.
2. ML characterisation - ML is a nice and humble CEO. I liked that he was attracted to FL because of her wits and kindness. This is the first time I watched Zhang Yi Lun's acting. I was captivated by his eyes. So striking!
3. Romance - Gosh the romance between FL & ML was very believable even though Yi La and Zhang Yi Lun did not do proper kissing. I saw the gradual growth of their relationship from strangers whom met & married to friends and life partners who developed affections & love as time passed. I felt like they were best friends! Chemistry was on point between Yi La & Zhang Yi Lun.
4. Supporting characters - FL's mother, ML's assistant and ML's mother were great additions to this drama.
5. Comedy - This is one of the best romcoms in vertical drama land. That scene in which FL saw ML and his assistant in his office was hilarious!

What I disliked:
1. Styling - FL's outfits (except the white dress) were so drab! Antagonists wore nice outfits unfortunately. I am not a fan of long fake nails and sadly Yi La had them in this drama.

Favourite scene
That scene in which FL saw ML and his assistant in his office

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Rich guy/poor girl romance with heavy kissing

I was in the mood for Li Ke Yi's dramas after enjoying her drama with Lu Shan Dong. I have seen Xie Yu Wang's dramas so I was intrigued by this collab.

What I liked:
1. Romance - As expected, the kissing scenes were hot. ML was devoted towards FL from the start.
2. Supporting characters - ML's mother was a nice surprise.
3. Editing - I loved the frame transitions when the couple was heavily kissing. Beautiful shots!
4. Music - Theme song of Lighter & Princess was used a few times in this drama. I like the song anyway.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - SML never even liked her but didn't want anyone else to "have" her. His mistress was horrible too.
2. FL characterisation - Underdeveloped. The scene when FL saved a kid was interesting but sadly it stopped there. I wanted to know more about her other than being a love interest.

Favourite scene
Frame transitions

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Zhen Zi Qi was adorable as playful hubby but lack of chemistry couldn't save me from feeling bored

I am a fan of Zhen Zi Qi. Found this drama on Youtube a few days ago & watched it this evening before dinner. I have mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Comedy - OMG the auction scene was hilarious! I have never seen 2 men competing against each other using those tactics hahaha.
2. Zhen Zi Qi - It's wonderful to see him in a light, comedic role. Gosh he looked so adorable when his character was playful with FL.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - There was too much resistance from FL even with 20 minutes to the end of the drama. They never discussed their marital problems so I was baffled about the reconciliation. I also couldn't feel any chemistry between Zhen Zi Qi & Teng Ze Wen.
2. FL characterisation - I found FL's multiple hats quite random & disconnected. By using this approach, I don't sense any depth in her characterisation.
3. Ending - WTH is the ending???
4. SFL - OMG ML's admirer calling him 'Jing Yun gege' every time she was on screen irritated me! Surprised she was punished after accumulation of a few successful scheming.

Favourite scene
The auction

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Enjoyed different dynamics but I struggled to complete this series

It had been awhile since I made use of my Youku subscription. 'Bound by Sin' was heavily promoted and since reviews were positive, I decided to watch this show. I usually can finish a mini drama in 3 days max but I struggled with this series. It took me almost a month to mark this as 'Completed'.

What I liked:
1. Hao Fu Shen - I found him captivating. His deep voice doesn't match his baby face.
2. Dynamics - FL was career driven & always scheming. ML seemed like a good boy but actually had an ulterior motive in approaching FL. I also enjoyed watching dynamics between FL & her siblings. The rivalry for leadership position was intriguing.
3. Romance - Intimate scenes were hot & plenty. That photo session at the start was bold! I think the sizzle was mostly attributed by the aforementioned dynamics. I liked them when they were together especially at the start because of the sexual tension.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's assistant, FL's younger brother & half sister.
5. Outfits - FL wore beautiful outfits very 1920s.

What I disliked:
1. Breakup - When FL decided to break up somewhere in the middle of the series, I lost interest in the series. I disliked that FL & ML spent more time apart than together.
2. Engagement - I think FL got engaged to SML for too long. This was another reason my momentum for this series decreased.
3. Ending - WTH is that ending??? I wouldn't even mind a sad ending.

Favourite scene
When ML finally gave in to FL's seduction & kissed her

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Kind & thoughtful ML made me enjoyed this baby mama drama

This is my first Xia Jing Ran and Wang Yi Ge's drama. I was drawn to this drama because of ML's allergy towards women (I had watched similar drama by Zhang Chu Xuan and Lu Shan Dong). Overall I really liked this drama despite its simple story.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I liked all scenes that had ML touching FL. The accidental kiss was haha expected in a drama like this. That bathtub scene was damn hot! Putting aside the spicy stuff, I felt the warmth whenever they were together. The Lamaze classes omigosh! Xia Jing Ran and Wang Yi Ge had great chemistry.
2. Ending - So touching!
3. FL characterisation - I like a smart & hardworking FL, which was evident in this drama. I also liked that she was resourceful in the case of strange fragrance. I enjoyed Xia Jing Ran's acting in this drama.
4. ML characterisation - I liked that ML was kind not just towards FL but also towards strangers. I liked that he was committed to FL's prenatal care. I was also impressed by Wang Yi Ge's acting as he was great at expressing longing for FL.
5. Duration - I consider this drama as short because total running time is around 1 hour 20 minutes. Well-paced storytelling.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - FL's family was horrible. ML's admirer was also malicious.

Favourite scene
The bathtub scene

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Good showcase of mental health disorder but final 15 minutes was a haste!

I enjoy Zhang Qi Xuan and Qiao Jia Le's dramas so I was delighted to find out that they have worked together. I was intrigued by the comments left on Youtube. Mental health issue is definitely not explored much in vertical drama space. That being said, I have mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Both Zhang Qi Xuan and Qiao Jia Le did well in their roles. I enjoyed their performances be it as their individual character or as a couple. They had good chemistry and I'd like to see them together in other dramas.
2. Romance - Their romance was a slow burn, which was a good choice by the writer & director considering FL's delicate state of mind. There were some nice kisses and other physical touch. I wish FL would show more desire/appreciation instead of overthinking ML's moves.
3. Mental health issue - It was done well but there was potential to go deeper with FL's lived experiences.
4. Supporting characters - In spite of the bad treatment, I actually liked FL's sis during a major reveal at 1:30:00 mark. To my surprise, she displayed compassion towards FL whom did not appreciate it unfortunately. Anyway I liked ML's assistant and grandma.

What I disliked:
1. Child issue - This arc was so underwritten that it didn't add much value to this drama. It could be omitted from the overall drama.
2. Third act - There were 3 major reveals in the last 15 minutes. Such lazy writing with this drama being 2 hours and 30 minutes long.
3. Ending - WTH is the ending about? It's like a random dream!

Favourite scene
When FL purchased and ate spicy dried fish

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Too much resistance in romance dept but kisses were great

I watched this drama 2 months ago when I was new to vertical dramas and was exploring Bai Yan's works after liking another drama of hers. This was my first time watching Zhang Yun Tao. I have mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Supporting characters - I really really liked ML's assistant as he was observant & sympathetic towards FL. FL's assistant, her senior and ML's friends were also likeable.
2. Kisses - Intimate scenes were hot. Kisses were good.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - I didn't like him at the start because of the way he treated FL. I did howver like Zhang Yun Tao. He could portray cold demeanor very well.
2. Antagonist - She faked an illness & stayed at hospital. Insane for doing this to keep your crush close to you. Karma bit back for her.
3. Romance - There was so much push / resistance in the development of romantic relationship between FL & ML. They were not truthful with each other until almost at the end.

Favourite scene
The conversation in the car

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Crisp, coherent and well-written romcom that is best watched on repeat

I was having bad luck with dramas that I chose to watch this week. I've enjoyed Qian Zhe's dramas in the past and this one has a fascinating plot. Zhai Yiying's face seemed familiar. I think I've watched her as SFL in other dramas but can't recall the titles. Anyway I watched this drama at midnight and finished it in one sitting. OMG, this is one of the best romcoms I've watched recently.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I love their love story as it has great balance of sweet and spicy. They were affectionate with each other even in public. Their love language is definitely physical touch. There were a handful of kissing scenes - my favourite was the one they were in the car. Zhai Yiying and Qian Zhe had great chemistry considering that he is much older and larger in size/build than her.
2. FL characterisation - I loved how Su Ruan was written. She's smart and unintentionally funny. She was not easily intimidated. I also liked that she never played coy when being intimate with ML. This is my first Zhai Yiying drama as FL and I found her to be enchanting. I'll definitely check out her other work in the future.
3. ML characterisation - I also loved how Lu Hanting was written. He was sensitive, caring and loyal. I understand his trepidation about the white lie but I think that's a good decision. It's wonderful to see Qian Zhe showing softer facial expressions in this drama. This is my favourite role of his.
4. Screenplay - Well-written, crisp and coherent. Many dramas (including long length ones) lost its charm in third act but not this one. One of the best vertical dramas I've watched.
5. Supporting characters - ML's best friend and grandma were awesome for supporting ML's pursuit of FL. There was a nice character development for ML's mother.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Both antagonists were delusional and dangerous. They refused to respect FL & ML's set boundaries.
2. Support system - Just a minor comment. FL's parents only had a cameo in this drama. Wish they had more scenes especially when FL finally recovered her full memory.

Favourite scene
The ending was suspenseful, sweet and satisfying

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