emberzmars

ML-driven revenge drama with electric chemistry and many baddies

I was in the mood for Xie Yu Wang's drama. I selected this drama because I like Zhao Mu Yan's acting but the running time scared me. I was relieved that I could finish this drama over the weekend because I had mixed feelings throughout the whole viewing experience.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Their relationship was tumultuous with earlier part of the relationship being about revenge / punishment. Their kisses were hot & intense. I liked whenever ML hugged FL from her behind. However I could see the conflict and growing feelings experienced by ML.
2. Acting - Great acting by Xie Yu Wang, Zhao Mu Yan and the actress who portrayed Pei Jia Ning. Electric chemistry between XYW & ZMY - I was glued to the screen whenever they appeared in the same frame on screen.
3. Styling - Great outifts worn by FL. I liked her work clothes and the brown ensemble looked fab on her. I also liked her high heels - ZMY petite standing next to XYW barefooted.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's assistant / driver for his loyalty. I also liked FL's bestie for always being concern of FL's welfare.
5. Revelation - One of my favourite scenes was when ML told FL the truth about his mother's killer. Beautifully shot snowy day with the main characters holding umbrellas.
6. Ending - I liked the ending even though ML was undeserving.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Pei Jia Ning was bat s#it crazy. She was willing to hurt people so she could marry ML. ML's father and half brother were conniving. Zhou Qing Lin was boastful. I also disliked FL's brother for burdening his sister but good thing he repented.
2. ML characterisation - As someone who's watched too many FL-focused revenge vertical dramas, I understand the concept of taking advantage of ML.as part of revenge plan. So in this drama, roles are reversed - ML enact revenge by keeping FL as his canary. What I disliked about ML are his engagement to Ms Pei and him being ok with Ms Pei bullying FL.
3. FL's action - She was silly for taking her mother, who was still recuperating from a surgery, out of hospital room because she wanted to break free from ML. Honey, let your mother recover first then take her out.
4. Duration - This drama's running time is 3 hours+. With the amount of bad stuff and negativity, it was a tough watch.

Favourite scene
The revelation on a snowy day with both of main characters holding umbrellas

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Abuse was tough watch but great acting by Li Ya Ya & Yu Ke Ran

I was impressed by Yu Ke Ran'a acting in The Heartbreak Alliance which made me want to explore his dramas. I decided to watch this drama because I was already familiar with Li Ya Ya and this drama was popular request in subreddit CShortDramas when ot was released. I had mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Li Ya Ya gave a great performance in showcasing different sides of her character. I also liked Yu Ke Ran's performance as CEO. Their chemistry was wonderful.
2. FL characterisation - I pitied her for her tough upbringing but great that she overcame the block and regained her memories.
3. ML characterisation - He was tough CEO but kind and compassionate with FL.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's mother for being compassionate.
5. Romance - Now it was tough to see their first intimate encounter because she had mental block then. However once FL had chosen to leave her relatives and stay with him, it was good to see their relationship grew . ML was very supportive of FL. Their playful banter when she regained her memory was fun to watch.
6. Duration - Less than 2 hours, thank gawd.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's relatives were atrocious. Good thing they were punished.
2. Abuse - It was tough to watch FL being treated like a dog. It was shocking to see FL being humiliated at an event with many onlookers but no one stepped in to intervene.

Favourite scene
When ML told the crowd the identity of his wife

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Despite the amazing chemistry, the lack of consent brought down this uncle romance drama

I am doing a homework on Xie Yu Wang's dramas. I am massive fan of Zhang Chu Xuan and love this pairing. After enjoying their 2 dramas, I decided to watch this drama. Unfortunately I was disappointed.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Good performances by Xie Yu Wang, Zhang Chu Xuan and Liang Si Wei. I liked the chemistry between XYW & ZCX & ZCX & LSW.
2. Supporting character - I liked Prof Mu & ML's assistant. Outfits for FL managed to convey the age and status of FL.
3. Styling - XYW looked handsome in military uniform.
4. FL characterisation - I liked her when she was away from ML because she showed capability in taking care of herself. No more damsel relying on others to save her.

What I disliked:
1. Consent - FL was poisoned and the cure was sex of course like many other vertical dramas. I didn't like that FL wasn't informed of her condition & treatment. So I considered ML's action was rape because she was unconscious while receiving "treatment".
2. Antagonists - Too many making this drama over the top dramatic. From FL's moeny hungry relatives to FL's so-called best friend who was part of date rape.
3. Scenarios - I blamed the writers for creating many dangerous scenarios for FL to go through.

Favourite scene
When FL and Prof Mu parted ways

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Sweet drama about clingy ML & FL with many skills

I had this drama in my watchlist for months and today I was in the mood for clingy ML drama so I chose to watch this. I am a familiar with both Tian Tian Yi & Tan Zhen Hao so I was curious about their dynamic. I liked it.

What I liked:
1. Romance - They were sweet and affectionate. Plenty of kisses, hugs & handholding. I liked that their relationship was sweet and harmonious from the start.
2. Main characters - Both were likeable although I found FL lost her shine after getting married to ML because there wasn't much focus on her vocation.
3. Supporting characters - ML's assistant Shen Dong was the MVP. I also liked the ML's friend who wore glasses.
4. Acting - Great performances by Tian Tian Yi and Tan Zhen Hao. His portrayal of smitten ML was spot on.
5. Interactions - The interactions between ML and his grandma were amusing in particular that surprise gift.
6. Race car - I liked that FL were able to show her skills in two different scenes.

What I disliked:
1. ML's action - I was surprised by ML's change in behaviour when he saw FL at his office. While I welcomed the warm reception, I wish he had told her about the time he saved her earlier in their relationship.
2. Antagonist - Bai Lian was annoying but good that FL was aware of her right from the start and knew how to handle her.

Favourite scene
When ML teased his grandmother

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Lighthearted comedy about couple afraid of communicating their true feelings

I watched this drama because I was preparing a reddit post on Han Jia Hui dramas. I had never seen Yu Lun Hao dramas before so I was curious about the pairing. Overall, I enjoyed the drama.

What I liked:
1. Tone - Light hearted comedy.
2. Acting - This drama allowed Han Jia Hui to shine because of the comedic moments. Yu Lun Hao also gave good performance. I like their chemistry.
3. Supporting characters - ML's mother was a surprise - she was skeptical of FL but once she met her, she liked her instantly. I also liked her bestie (the actress looked like same actresswho played HJH's bestie in Midsummer Love Story), assistant Lin, ML's father.
4. Romance - A lot of kisses although at times they felt a way for ML to avoid confrontations. ML loved to carry FL princess style. There were also tender moments for example FL cooking for ML, office antics.
5. Styling - I loved FL's outfits because they suited her skintone. However her bestie kept wearing the same mustard dress.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Lu Ming was a snob.
2. Communication - Their bodies were more honest about their feelings than their mouths / hearts. The lack of frank conversations frustrated me.
3. ML's action - I found ML to be controlling and it was off-putting.

Favourite scene
When FL first met ML's mother

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Lighthearted rom-com vertical drama inspired by My Demon

After so many duds this week, I decided to watch a drama with my favourite trope: supernatural / fantasy. I had not watched Zhang Jian Yi dramas in a while and to my surprise, I hadn't watched Yang Peng Cheng dramas even though I could recognise his face in a line up of vertical drama actors. I watched this drama on iQIYI - I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. Fantasy - I really liked the fantasy element used in this drama, which is heavily inspired by Kdrama My Demon. The visual effects were mostly good.
2. Tone - It was lighthearted with many comedic moments. Thankfully it didn't go the slapstick humour route like My Demon.
3. Romance - Slow and subtle. They got into a marriage of convenience to help each other with their personal quest. There were sweet moments with some kisses although I wish they had gone stronger with their co-dependency / alliance. I liked the fact that ML fell for FL first.
4. Antagonists - This is a story of inheritance dispute so evil relatives are a must. There were 3 - 4 antagonists and I felt each antagonist was given good arc to keep viewers vested in the family drama.
5. Styling - I really liked the clothes worn by Yang Peng Cheng in this drama. Like a cool, deity version of Netflix animated movie K-Pop Demon Hunters.
6. Supporting characters - Butler Wu was awesome! He was not just his employee, he was ML's confidant.
7. Ending - I really liked the final episode - that dialogue between ML and Butler Wu was powerful. And of course the final scene.

What I disliked:
1. Pacing - The pacing seemed a bit off after the evil ladies were killed off from the story. I think that happened around episode 50 something. There were romantic scenes before the final twist was unveiled. It just felt off for me.
2. Acting - I think both Zhang Jin Yi and Yang Peng Cheng did fine in their roles but they lacked romantic chemistry. They felt more like buddies.

Favourite scene
When FL was extremely sad thinking about her grandfather and then hugged ML

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Heartwarming tale about a girl saving her home from demolition. Great acting by the leads!

I was in the mood for Sun Qian Xun's dramas for a reddit post so I chose to watch this drama. I like Feng Xiang Kun's acting too and based on positive comments that I've read, I had some expectations. I was delighted that they were met. The drama truly touched my heart and I enjoyed it immensely.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I really liked her from the beginning of the drama. She was honest, hardworking and humble. It was wonderful to see this well-rounded character in vertical dramas. I felt joy and proud when she won the bid to save her village.
2. Tone - Very warm right from the start. There was heart in the writing and performances. I almost cried during a confrontation scene.
3. ML characterisation - It was amusing to see a pampered city boy paired up with a hardworking village girl. But what a joy to see his character grew after he spent time with FL. I also liked that ML was Mr Nice Guy.
4. Romance - There was affection from the start of their marriage. I liked that they weren't hostile / distant towards each other. I could sense the growing attraction between them. Slow burn but oh so rewarding!
5. Acting - I was impressed by Sun Qian Xun's acting because this FL had soft edge unlike the other FL roles she had done. SQX delivered subtle dramatic acting which worked well with Feng Xiang Kun's performance. I loved his soft facial expressions. Both had matching intensity and energy and I would love to see them collaborate again in other dramas.
6. Supporting characters - I loved ML's assistant (the actor was handsome too), mother and FL's foster parents. Master Lin was a wonderful too for recognising FL's talents in horticulture. So was ML's grandfather.
7. Punishment - I liked that FL's sister was punished after bullying FL. Those moments were so satisfying.
8. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by FL and ML. The matching outfits at the end of the drama were beautiful. The striking green/yellow top she wore to an informal meeting with her family & Jingyao group executive. FXK looked adorable in the security guard outfit.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family was vicious for abandoning her and wanting to destroy her home. I was infuriated when Su Qi told FL of the demolition plans and her parents' true feelings about her.
2. Hidden identity - Wish ML's true identity was revealed much earlier so there could be more time for groveling and making things right.

Favourite scene
When ML apologised for the deception.

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Final 11 minutes of the story was a mess and no chemistry between the leads

I was in the mood for Sun Qian Xun's dramas so I picked this one because I also enjoy Zhao Zhen Dong's acting. I had some expectations about this drama. Unfortunately this drama felt short to me.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She transmigrated into a novel she had written and instead of predetermined supporting character, she became main character. I liked her thoughts of completing her mission. Very entertaining but she clearly didn't know how to outwit the system.
2. ML characterisation - We knew he transmigrated too but I was surprised that he had been given mission. I too enjoyed watching his antics. ZZD playing a charming, mischievous guy is always fun to watch.
3. Plot twist - The plot twist at ML's office marked the start of third act and damn, I liked it.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked Dr Zhuang as he was an abstute observer and mostly nice person. His character had depth. Played brilliantly by Ji Jun Liang.
5. Relationship - Interesting to see different dynamics between FL and ML at different stages of their relationship. There were some good kisses between them.
6. Styling - I liked the different styling given to FL before and after transmigration. The men's formal wear for the banquet was good. Both ZZD & JJL looked very handsome.

What I disliked:
1. ML's actions - I disliked him for being harsh to FL before transmigration.
2. Final 11 minutes - WHY??? 180 degree character change was a disappointment.
3. Acting - SQX's acting was one note and stiff - she lacked charm in most of her scenes. I also didn't sense any chemistry between her and ZZD. Their relationship lacked warmth.

Favourite scene
The plot twist

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Pleasantly surprised by its storytelling. The revenge, romance and rivalry kept me engaged.

I wasn't familiar with the main actor and main actress but I was in the mood for reborn ML stories so I picked this drama to watch. I went into the drama “blind” and was pleasantly surprised by its storytelling.

What I liked:
1. Revenge trope - ML was betrayed by his loved ones in his past life so when he was given a second chance at life, he made different decisions. I liked that his revenge plans were not violent. He used his brains to seek justice instead. I hadn't watched many ML reborn & revenge stories so this one was a nice surprise!
2. ML characterisation - He was nice and gentle. I also liked that he wasn't intimidated by the more dominant FL. I must say I was charmed by Tan Yan Ping. He brought some depth to his character's Mr Nice Guy.
3. Romance - In most ML reborn & revenge dramas that I watched, romance was kept to the minimal. So I was surprised with the romance scenes because they were warm and affectionate with each other. I saw love and lust and the kisses were good! Even the antagonistic SML had good kissing scenes with SFL.
4. FL characterisation - I liked her dominant personality and her softness when alone with ML. She was a successful businesswoman - rich woman. So it was great gender reversal.
5. Rivalry - The rivalry between ML and his adopted family kept me engaged. I liked how FL was supportive of ML's initiatives.
6. Family - Family is the core theme of this drama as seen in (i) ML's relationship with his adopted family, (ii) ML's relationship with FL, (iii) FL's relationship with her brother, (iv) relationship within ML's adopted family, and (v) glimpse of ML's biological family.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's adopted family was horrible for mistreating him and favoring the long lost son. I also disliked ML's former wife who betrayed him in the past life.
2. Yapping - The confrontation at the banquet was interesting at first but then yapping happened.

Favourite scene
Home-cooked dinner and the make out session

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Drama released in 2023 but damn great writing. Glad my assumptions were wrong

I miss Huang Bo so decided to watch this drama 2 days ago. I saw it on iQIYI and with 100 episode count, I assumed it was going to be draggy and melodramatic. I was wrong! I enjoyed the drama immensely!

What I liked:
1. FL character - I thought she was going to wallow in self-pity post-divorce but nope, she was clear about what she wanted to achieve. She was a quick thinker and I loved her clapbacks whenever someone slandered her.
2. Plot - I must say I didn't expect a 2023 released vertical drama to be well-written. Great paced drama with coherent storytelling all done under 130 minutes. No fillers.
3. Romance - I really liked how the relationship progressed after their hook up. There wasn't dilly dally on right or wrong to start new relationship. Good amount of kisses and physical touch with both of them making initiatives.
4. ML characterisation - He was Mr Nice Guy. Never domineering with FL & his employees. He was understanding, caring & clear headed with his next steps.
5. Supporting characters - Ye Ting was the MVP. He is one of the best assistants in vertical dramas. I also liked the son a lot!
6. Acting - Chen Yun Xi and Huang Bo were at ease with their roles that their acting seemed natural (not over the top). I loved Huang Bo's soft facial expressions. I also liked their chemistry.
7. Styling - While the clothes were not as stylish as other vertical dramas, I'd say they suited the characters. Nice to see Huang Bo in a hoody because he always wear work suits. I really liked Chen Yun Xi's makeup because it wasn't overly done like in other dramas.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Qiao An An was dangerous & possessive. She was willing to harm FL to get ML even though she didn't love him.

Favourite scene
Father-son meeting at father's office

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Great start to this drama about dog curse but the writing & execution lacked finesse

I am always fascinated with fantasy / supernatural genre in vertical dramas and the word 'dog' is in the title. So this drama definitely caught my attention when it was a fresh release. After reading positive comments on youtube and reddit, I decided to watch it. It was enjoyable despite the plot hole.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Great push and pull dynamic. It was cheeky of writer to add "leash". "petting" and "dog in heat" into its screenplay because that definitely created heat for this drama. First time I saw this real life couple in steamy scenes.
2. Dog plot device - I loved every single scene with dogs from glass-wearing golden retriever to bring-your-dog-to-work policy. It was also touching that this drama was about FL's dog.
3. Supporting characters - I loved ML's right hand man, a fiercely loyal employee of the Yan family. Henry the business rival was not bad too. Last but not least, I loved the golden retriever and the dobermann.
4. Antagonist - Thank gawd the antagonist was not bai yue guang with non-stop "Ge Ge". This drama had a good antagonist arc - he wanted to take over as the company's CEO. Even secondary antagonist's arc was satisfying.
5. Tone - Lighthearted and some comedic moments.

What I disliked:
1. Styling - I don't know why Bai Xin Yi often wear unflattering clothes in her dramas. In this drama, she looked like plain jane when in work clothes. I hated her shoes - wearing mary jane with socks is no no for me.
2. Kidnapping - This scene lacked tension and was poorly shot.
3. Ending - Abrupt. I was bummed that there was no reference to ML's father.

Favourite scene
When the dog curse was first introduced to the audience

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A couple at the verge of divorce...a well-written drama with an emotional punch & great acting

I was intrigued by the drama when it was heavily mentioned in subreddit CShortDramas during its release. I have seen dramas by Tian Yuan and Ji Jun Liang. I like Tian Yuan's acting but as much as I like JJL's visuals, I found his dramas lack uummpphh mostly because the lack of chemistry with his leading ladies. So today I decided to watch Chasing Routine. I literally just completed this drama and wow, so many thoughts going through my head.

What I liked:
1. Writing - I must say this is one of the best written vertical dramas from this year. The three acts had a clear concept and were executed well. I cried because was moved by a few scenes in act two. Kudos to the writers.
2. Main characters - I liked that both characters were flawed. There was character development in both FL & ML and I appreciated that they work their hardest to be better versions of themselves.
3. Acting - Wow, great performances by both Tian Yuan & Ji Jun Liang. They matched each other's skills and intensity. The hotel room scene was the highlight of their performances.
4. Family - Family is the core theme of this drama as I saw different examples of family units: i) FL & ML, ii) FL's mother & brother, iii) ML's parents.
5. Forgiveness - It is hard to move on when there are resentment, nitpicking or lingering feelings. Best way to move forward is to forgive, which was demonstrated in the scene at the hospital.
6. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by FL, ML & ML's assistant / admirer. The lime green dress looked good on FL while my favourite outfit for ML is the ensemble he wore for dinner with his brother in law & annoying guy.
6. Supporting characters - Usually in my culture, mother in law can be harsh towards their daughter in law but I really liked ML's parents for being supportive of FL. It was nice to add that conversation between ML and ML's mother about having kids.
7. Romance - There were ups and downs in their relationship that we got to see. A very emotional ride. Their love language is act of service and there was one kiss I think.
8. Ending - I was hoping it would be that news and I was right. They deserved it!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Wow, FL's mother & brother were atrocious and ungrateful. Lived off well but never appreciated ML. I couldn't believe the brother for still befriending the attacker of his sister. That guy with horrible centre-parting hair was an ass who wouldn't take no for an answer.
2. SFL - I disliked ML's assistant / admirer for the GeGe / cooing and for taking credit for FL's work. However she redeemed herself at the end, which was a nice surprise.

Favourite scene
The hotel room - a lot of feelings involved.

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Hilarious transmigration, systems drama with great romance arc

I came across this drama on youtube a few days ago and after reading positive comments, I saved it into my playlist. Yesterday I was in the mood for something warm with good kisses so I watched this drama. I was not disappointed.

What I liked:
1. Plot - This drama uses transmigration and systems trope and I enjoyed it. I liked that FL was given two options i) return to original world, ii) remain in the same world, because many systems drama that I watched do not offer them to main characters making me feel like they had no choice but to stay and make the best of the current world.
2. FL characterisation - She gave mixed signals to characters closed to her but I found her charming & likeable.
3. Acting - Guo Xin Rui was awesome in this role with great comedic performance. She made FL self-deprecatingly funny. This is my second Ma Shuo Qi drama and I liked his performance as well. GXR & MSQ had great chemistry here.
4. Romance - Slow burn romance with FL trying to follow the plot but couldn't and ML trying to resist FL's charm but failed to do so. Even when there were at odds with each other, I could sense the sexual pull between them. Their kisses were good. There was even a cosplay scene which was adorable & funny.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's sister - she was sensible, strong & had a no-nonsense mindset. She was the opposite of scatterbrained FL. I also liked ML's friend who ovserved ML's behaviour and kept teasing him for being a love brain.
6. Comedy - So many hilarious scenes. My favourite is when ML asked FL to scratch his "itchy" back.
7. Kidnapping scene - Damn, what a refreshing take!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - I disliked ML's childhood friend who overstepped the boundaries because of her "love" for ML. She was disrespectful towards him. I also disliked ML's adopted sister who was possessive of ML because of her love for him. It was wonderful to hear FL telling her the reality of the situation betwen adopted sister and ML. I also disliked ML's mother for favouring childhood friend over her own daughter-in-law. They already married so move on!

Favourite scene
When ML asked FL to scratch his "itchy" back

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I liked FL and how she faced challenges but the romance was underdeveloped

I discovered this drama through subreddit CShortDramas. I am fan of Cui Yi Liang and while I don't watch many Gao Ming dramas, I like his face card. Decided to watch it today and I liked the drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was smart, kind & has a backbone. I loved it when she scolded ML for being wishy washy about his feelings for his supposed fiancee.
2. Dynamics - This boss-employee relationship was threaded carefully. I liked that FL never crossed the line even though she started noticing her growing feelings for ML.
3. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's right hand man. His observations & remarks were entertaining. FL's male best friend was likeable too. ML's grandmother was alright.
4. Workplace - A lot of the episodes revolved around FL at work and I enjoyed watching her solve work challenges. The jealous colleague arc was fascinating because it mimics real life experience (Felix envious of FL because he didn't get the role).
5. The reveal - Ooooo the antagonist was humiliated.
6. Styling - FL got nice modest (look & price) outfits for her work clothes. I really liked the two wedding gowns FL wore. Cui Yi Liang was gorgeous!

What I disliked:
1. ML's action - For not being honest with himself about his feelings for his "saviour". He should have come clean with her after a couple of months living together. I disliked that he toyed with feelings of 2 women.
2. Antagonist - FL's best friend was obsessed with wealth & status that she claimed to be someone she was not. She was manipulative and vicious - would even harm her best friend just to become ML's wife.
3. Romance - I could see the growing feelings they had for each other but I wouldn't categorise them as romantic action. To me, ML's actions were emotional cheating despite her fiancee being a nasty b!tch. I wish writer had done the ultimate reveal 5 episodes earlier with remaining episodes focused on the actual romance (kissing, hand-holding, dating) scenes.
4. Threats - Pity FL for going through too many incidents orchestrated by her best friend. I lost track of those incidents until FL said them out loud during a discussion.

Favourite scene
When FL scolded ML for being wishy washy about his feelings for his fiancee

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Frustrating tale of married strangers who didn't bother to check marriage certificate

I wasn't planning to watch this drama but a reddit friend mentioned that this is her favourite Guo Yu Xin drama. I like both GYX and Zhang Li Ren so I decided to watch it yesterday when I needed a light drama.

What I liked:
1. Main characters - They were likeable despite their lack of communication problem.
2. Relationship - It was apparent that ML was smitten by FL from their first encounter. ML was boss to FL.
3. Styling - I liked the clothes worn by GYX & ZLR in this drama. That white dress gave a Audrey Hepburn twist to her style. Very chic!
4. Supporting characters - FL's supervisor was perceptive, thank gosh.
5. Ending - I liked it even though it's abrupt.

What I disliked:
1. Communication - I'd say the villain in this drama is themselves. I knew ML travelled abroad for work for 1 year but why didn't they keep in touch? It frsutrated me when he made assumption over a background noise.
2. Cheating - I felt like they were emotional cheating even though it turned out that they were married to each other. I didn't like this aspect of their relationship.
3. Romance - Their romance was slow burn since they were attached to other people. It sucks that they never checked their marriage certificate like until 10 minites before this drama ended. Then they were only 2 or 4 minutes of dating before The End appeared. Frustrating.

Favourite scene
The ending

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