emberzmars

Sweet romance between go getter FL and fox ML (he's a magical creature)

I was drawn to this drama because the translated title implies fox husband. I enjoy fantasy dramas so I watched it. I liked this drama very much.

What I liked:
1. Fantasy - I loved the fox arc. The appearance of his tail and his powers were delight to watch, especially that opening scene.
2. ML characterisation - I loved that he wanted to cook & do housekeeping. He was loyal, protective and loving towards FL.
3. FL characterisation - Smart & go-getter. I also liked that she was kind - that's what attracted ML.
4. Romance - I liked how their relationship progressed. There was a good balance of sweet, tender and spicy moments.
5. Supporting characters - I liked ML's secretary Fu.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Sister was incompetent, greedy with nasty personality. I couldn't believe she wouldn't mind harming her sister just to accomplish her goal. She had too much screentime. I also disliked FL's grandfather for his biased judgement. The fox princess was another annoying character.
2. Hidden identity - I wish ML had come clean about his fox identity sooner. I also wished that they had formed partnership to bring down Rou Xue.

Favourite scene
The opening scene

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FL escaping from mother's clutches and bumped into ML. A sweet, slow burn romance ensues.

I was in the mood for pregnant FL dramas so I chose this drama assuming it would cover it. Nope, I was wrong but good thing I enjoyed the drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was courageous to go against her controlling mother. I liked her resilience, compassion and desire to live her own life.
2. ML characterisation - He was sweet, protective and respectful. I liked that he was genuine about helping FL. He never set any conditions e.g. contract girlfriend / relationship.
3. Romance - Slow burn but satisfying because of the emotional intimacy between FL and ML. There were good kisses with a few initiated by FL.
4. Qipao design - I loved this plot device because traditional clothes fascinate me.
5. Supporting characters - Huan Huan was a great friend. She was perceptive and smart to help her uncle indirectly to win FL's heart. I really liked Butler Xu.
6. Wedding - Gorgeous wedding with a special 'kiss under a veil' moment.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - FL's mother was overbearing and controlling. She treated FL as commodity and I hated her for forcing FL to do things her way. FL's rival at university was another horrible person. She was a snob.

Favourite scene
When FL agreed to be ML's girlfriend

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Started great but lost its spark somewhere in the middle

I was in the mood for dramas about unplanned pregnancy so I chose this drama because of Zhao Zhen Dong. I was unfamiliar with Joey Chua - turns out she's from my country. Anyway the drama started out great and somewhere in the middle it lost its spark for me.

What I liked:
1. Romance - The romance was slowburn & sweet with ML iniated efforts most of the time. They are a couple that gave off quiet confidence & serene vibes.
2. ML characterisation - I liked his cool & calm demeanour. He was also caring & protective.
3. Supporting characters - I liked FL's best friend for being a great friend. FL's parents & younger brother often provided comic relief.
4. Medical field - I liked scenes related to their anatomy class and Chinese traditional medicine.
5. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by ML, FL and her bestie.

What I disliked:
1. ML's action - I disliked that he made decision to send FL abroad after "a scandal". He treated her like a kid not like a partner. I thought their new family of three would travel together but no. That decision just didn't sit well with me.
2. Antagonists - FL's ex (actor looks like Wu Yu Hang) was typical scumbag but Jiang Xin was a jealous b!tch who wanted to compete with FL at personal & professional level. Her antics were tiresome.
3. FL actions - I felt FL was stringing along her ex and husband. She should tell the ex to bugger off and move on but instead she payed along ML's game. I thought she had her own revenge plans but no. Pity husband being caught in this stupid game.

Favourite scene
When ML massaged FL's legs

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Mob boss took a career change & became a teacher. It was a fun watch!

I got to know about this drama on subreddit CShortDramas. I decided to watch on a day which I wanted something with no romance. I enjoyed this drama immensely. It reminds me of American movies Sister Act 2 and Dangerous Minds where a new teacher had to deal with rebellious students who actually had potential to shine with the right direction. Anyway I am thrilled that there will be part 2.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I knew he took up teaching to fulfill his mother's wishes but he seemed to enjoy teaching and motivating young people with no clear direction in life. I liked that he maintained the boundaries of teacher-student relationship. He never disclosed his personal matters to them.
2. Acting - Gao Hao Jun was brilliant in this role - he was cool, calm & composed. I also liked the actor who played the most intimidating student, Wang Zion. He could show the different sides of his character.
3. Lessons - His lessons were fun. My favourite was chemistry.
4. Supporting characters - Wang Zion, Lance & musician girl were my favourite students. FL teacher & principal were good too. I also liked Lance's parents who were cute supporters of their kid.
5. Townhall - I actually liked how it turned out. ML got the backing from parents of his students.
6. Ending - I liked that he took up a new challenge.

What I disliked:
1. Confrontation - It was anti-climatic. Because of his past "work experience" as a mob boss, I expected some violence to happen.

Favourite scene
Chemistry lesson

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Intriguing opening scene but once cover was blown, drama became bland

Ok I have to admit - I really really like Ji Jun Liang's visuals that I recently developed a habit of watching his new releases. As expected, I was disappointed by this drama.

What I liked:
1. Opening scene - The paparazzo scene at the start was exciting because it was something I had not seen in Chinese dramas.
2. Styling - The disguise was awesome. The pink wig looked gorgeous on the main actress.
3. Ji Jun Liang - Wow, he got to show us his body. His face card is top notch as expected.
4. Kisses - Good kissing scenes thanks to JJL. His character always initiated it.

What I disliked;
1. Romance - Lacklustre.
2. FL characterisation - She was silly like always fumbling. She was also cowardly - always scared of someone. I couldn't believe the things she did to ML.
3. Acting - The main actress was so inexperienced because her acting was very underwhelming. The only thing I liked about her was when she wore the pink wig - that persona was confident & self-assured.

Favourite scene
Opening scene

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Surprisingly sweet story of a rebirth. Nice to see both leads in soft roles!

It had been awhile since I last watched Zhang Yun Tao dramas. This drama is available in iQIYI so I decided to make use of my paid subscription. I must say I was surprised by the story. I assumed this would be an aggressive revenge drama but it turned out to be a sweet second chance at life drama.

What I liked:
1. Rebirth trope - Both FL & SFL were given second chance at life after their "incident" in the past life. It was interesting to see how both deal with their fate post-rebirth.
2. FL characterisation - I assumed she wanted to seek revenge towards SFL but she didn't. She focused on her life instead. I liked that she's sweet & kind.
3. Romance - Very sweet with a dash of spice. I liked how warm they were with each other - they held hands right after getting marriage certificate even though they were strangers. Acts of service is their love language.
4. ML characterisation - I didn't like the deception but he was sweet & caring guy. I liked that he put his wife's needs first and is protective of her.
5. Acting - It was great to see both Xue Zi Qi and Zhang Yun Tao in soft roles. The couple in this drama had that sweet & quiet type of partnership, they had good chemistry that translated well on-screen.
6. Styling - ML's clothes were beautiful for a "driver". FL's clothes represent normal, daily wear of a woman in their 20s and I liked that.
7. Supporting characters - I liked ML's assistant & grandpa.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Shen Ting Ting was a bully. I was surprised she could hang out at the office despite not working there. Anyway she was the type of didn't want to be accountable for her choices & actions. It's funny that she assumed making one decision (about marriage) could secure her future. Her husband & mother were horrible too.
2. Traitor - I wish there was more focus / ML's perspective on this arc because it was interesting.

Favourite scene
Morning after

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Heartwarming tale about FL hearing thoughts of half-dragon ML

I came across this inner thought drama on subreddit CShortDramas. The title implied that FL could hear ML's thoughts so I became interested and watched. I loved it a lot! I did a buddy watch of this drama with MDL user Fae.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I love this drama because ML is a sensitive soul despite the tough persona. I think he maintained that façade but slowly lowered his guard when FL showed kindness to him. I also liked his curiosity and protectiveness over FL.
2. Romance - They were affectionate and sweet. Well FL cheated because of her superpower hahaha but it's a great setup for couple's communication.
3. Inner thought trope - I usually watch dramas in which FL's thought could be heard by ML but this is the other way around. It's refreshing to see/hear ML's inner thoughts.
4. Fantasy element - I loved the dragon arc even though there was only a few scenes. ML in dragon form is ker ai!
5. Styling - The makeup and props for dragon form was done well. The scales on his face & arm were beautifully done. Even the claws looked like a proper prop and not flimsy gloves. I couldn't believe he even had a tail LMAO. The walkie-talkie horns were
adorable!
6. The ending - I liked that there was a discussion on labour and the form of their child - as an egg or a human with dragon
features. My guess was wrong - I wish the child was born in half-breed form.
7. Antagonist - The antagonist here isn't that bad. He didn't overshadow the couple in terms of storytelling.
8. Supporting characters - I loved ML's mother. The relief on her face when FL knew his secret identity. She's such a wonderful lady to have raised an orphan who turned out to be different from other people.

What I disliked:
1. Kisses - There was no kissing scenes. I want to see lust & real kisses since their relationship was healthy.

Favourite scene
When ML's mother knew that FL was aware of ML's secret.

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Brilliantly written vertical drama about office romance in fashion industry

I had never watched Song Chen drama and today I felt like watching his drama. I checked his MDL profile and the drama title caught my attention. Since Jwells mentioned raw video on iQIYI platform, I tried searching on my iQIYI app and voila, found the drama. I must say I was very impressed by the writing & directing elements of this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was fairly new in the city and at the fashion industry but never easily intimidated. I liked her can-do spirit & problem solving capability.
2. Writing - OMG this drama gave me US movie Devil Wears Prada vibe but the boss wasn't as aloof as Miranda Priestley. I loved that the drama covers professional & personal challenges in almost equal amount. This drama has depths.
3. ML characterisation - ML strived for perfection but he was never cruel to his employees. I liked that he was flawed and slowly his walls were brought down by FL. I also liked that he was a self-made successful fashion editor-in-chief.
4. Romance - Slowburn but satisfying. There were many sweet moments and good kisses. There is an almost spicy scene haha you know how it goes in vertical dramas.
5. Acting - I was impressed by Song Chen & Kan Zi Yi's performance. KZY's FL was endearing and SC was cool & emptionally restraint at first but showed some vulnerability as the story progressed.
6. Styling - Impeccable in particular ML's outfits. Damn he looked like a supermodel - I liked his height & build! FL and Daisy's clothes were beautiful & chic too.
7. Supporting characters - I liked Li Xia the coffee shop owner. ML's brother and childhood friend were likeable too.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - I felt the antagonist's arc was too simplified. It would be nicer if there was some buildup in the middle of the drama.

Favourite scene
When ML professed his love for ML

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Hilarious & warm tale about an actress & a CEO in a fake relationship

I was on reelxia browsing their catalogue when I saw this drama. I had been looking for vertical dramas with contract relationship and this one fitted the bill. I watched it on Sunday afternoon and enjoyed myself a lot!

What I liked:
1. Romance - They were intoxicated and had a one-night stand but feelings started to grow soon after. ML was totally smitten by FL. I liked the kisses and sweet moments.
2. FL characterisation - She was smart & quick thinker. I was delighted that she took advantage of their contract relationship and used ML's status & influence to her advantage.
3. ML characterisation - He was sweet & nice. I liked that he was genuinely concerned about FL 90% of the time.
4. Supporting characters - Yan Yu & ML's assistant were outstanding.
5. Acting - Great performances by Zuo Yi and Chen Zheng Yang. Their comedic timing was impeccable and their chemistry was great.
6. Acting demo - The scenes when FL put her acting skills to use were hilarious. I particularly loved it when director asked FL to demonstrate how a villain should act to her rival who stole the role from FL.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - There were 2 jealous rivals: Bai Fei Fei & Yuan Meng. Both of them were evil in their scheming.
2. ML's action - I disliked when he chose Yuan Meng over FL.

Favourite scene
When director asked FL to demonstrate acting to the rival who sucked at portraying a villain

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Genuinely surprised by the warmth of this fake relationship story

I was searching fake relationship vertical dramas and this drama was in the search results. I had watched Meng Jia Hui dramas before but I wasn't familiar with Zhang Yu Tian. This drama exceeded my expectations - I liked it a lot!

What I liked:
1. Writing - A well-written vertical drama. I liked that it took time to establish a contract relationship but the drama didn't drag secret part. The fake identity was out by halfway mark.
2. Comedy - This drama was hilarious & lighthearted.
3. Romance - Slow burn but satisfying. I liked that ML was upfront about pursuing FL after secret was out. I could sense their growing feelings despite the difficult situations they were facing.
4. FL characterisation - Despite the deception, I liked her because she was nice, smart & endearing. She was also a great friend. Zhang Yu Tian was great in this role.
5. ML characterisation - Overall he was sweet & straightforward. I liked that he didn't deny his feelings for FL despite the deception.
6. Supporting characters - FL's bestie was awesome! I also liked ML's grandma & FL's mother - the former was funny while the latter gave food for thought.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Thankfully there were no evil people in this drama. FL's friend Lin Feng was conniving and I was delighted FL immediately realised his bad behaviour. Director Hu was disgruntled employee who was angry for getting caught at receiving kickbacks.

Favourite scene
When FL's mother talked to ML

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Moved by leads' performances in this heartwarming tale of reformed gangster lady

I was drawn to this drama because of the Google translated title, which had these words: reborn, 1990, domineering or gangster lady. I thought it could be a remake of a drama about a reformed gangster lady married to wheelchair-bound guy starring Liu Can. Turned out I was right. I enjoyed this drama immensely and felt this version was much better than its predecessor.

What I liked:
1. Opening - What a badass intro!
2. Styling - I loved the curly hair - very much early 90s grunge look. I also liked the various outfits that signified the various stages of FL's life.
3. Romance - It was clear that FL truly loved ML. There were playful banters and teasing initiated by her. I was moved twice - i) when FL carried ML piggyback style, ii) that discussion close to the ending. I also noticed that ML in this version was genuinely interested in FL (version 1 ML seemed to intoxicated when they had their one-nigh stand).
4. FL characterisation - She was smart, intuitive & physically strong. She knew how to use available resources - I liked that.
5. Business idea - Her business & partnership ideas were better written in this version. Selling milk tea was a great idea.
6. Supporting characters - I loved Lele, their son. Cinema owner Boss Huang was likeable and so were the reformed gangsters.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family was terrible. Never treated her right but kept asking for money. FL's sister was another horrible person.

Favourite scene
The conversation FL & ML had close to the ending

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Doppelganger story ruined by FL's stupidity

Yes, after a few weeks of release I finally got a link with English subtitles. I think I have seen bts clip of Huang Bo holding a baby in his Douyin account. I watched it today and hhhhmm had mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Huang Bo played two characters who look alike (doppelganger). Great performances although I wish his real-life twin had played the supporting character.
2. Opening scene - I watched this drama without knowing its synopsis. I was shocked by the first 4 minutes. A doppelganger story always fascinated me.
3. Third act - The plot twist caught me by surprise and I liked it very much.
4. Duration - I liked that it's less than 90 minutes but intense.
5. Supporting characters - I liked FL's two friends because they were sensible. The male friend was handsome. Adult Tangtang was smarter than her mother.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - OMG she was stupid & gullible. How could you not notice that the strange man wasn't your husband!
2. Bullying - I hated the forced marriage scene when both FL and Tangtang were bullied by antagonist's wife & son.

Favourite scene
Flashback when Tangtang remembered & repaid "Uncle" 's kindness

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Flawed revenge tale but yacht scene is the best part

I am a fan of Cui Yi Liang so I was intrigued when I saw the poster of this drama. I watched it on a Saturday afternoon the same week as its release and felt it was a meh drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Cui Yi Liang & the actress whonplayed the antagonist were good in their role.
2. FL characterisation - She was headstrong & determined to see her revenge plan executed well.
3. Supporting characters - I liked her best friend & teacher.
4. Styling - FL looked elegant. I liked ML's black jacket with light blue-white embroidery. The styling for antagonist was done well as the clothes highlighted class difference.

What I disliked:
1. Writing - I must have watched too many revenge dramas for me to have high expectations whenever a revenge drama is out. However this drama didn't offer anything new. There were too many plot holes that I became disinterested once FL had failing out with ML.
2. Antagonist - She was nasty but I wasn't sure she got retribution.
3. Length - The drama was close to 2.5 hours and it was draggy for me.
4. Romance - They started off great with good push and pull dynamics. However after the antagonist returned, their chemistry went down the drains. I didn't buy the romance.

Favourite scene
The yacht

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Transmigration, family & business rivalry are the important elements of this drama

I noticed this drama on iQIYI and got curious. I hadn't watched Zhang Qi Xuan drama in long time. I watched this morning and was pleasantly surprised by its storytelling & acting.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Top grade acting by Zhang Qi Xuan & Liu Yu Hang. Those emotional scenes were heartbreaking that I was moved to tears. On top of that, they got great chemistry.
2. FL characterisation - She was assertive & smart. Also kind enough to help the Gu family to stay afloat while the eldest sibling was comatose. I liked her lesson plans for the younger brothers.
3. Romance - While ML was in "coma", there was no two-way interactions between them. However ML fell hard for FL as she continued to show her resilience and smartness. Their first kiss was extremely hot with ML kissing FL like he was parched. Later we got to see ML pursuing FL and I liked those scenes.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked the second & third brothers. ML's assistant was unintentionally funny too.
5. Family - Family is the core theme of this drama. From ML to antagonist.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Formidable antagonists - they were business rivals who were hungry for money & status. Jiang Lei was evil mastermind - he didn't mind fatality whenever his plans were executed. Jiang Yichen was a delusional goon. Song Qingyun was another scumbag.
2. The Gu daughter - Gosh, she was so gullible. I couldn't believe she betrayed her family just because she was suspicious of FL's change in character. She should have confronted or at least discussed with her brothers.

Favourite scene
When FL scolded the youngest Gu sibling

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Action-packed revenge tale with FL boss - ML employee romance

I came across this drama through subreddit CShortDramas. Both main actor and main actress were unfamiliar to me. I didn't know what to expect but glad I watched it. It was very good.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He was a street fighter picked up by FL for a revenge plan. I loved watching his character grew over the span of 3 to 5 years. He was also a love-brain. On top of that, FL was a love brain.
2. Romance - Slow building considering boss-employee relationship with FL being the boss. Push & pull dynamics done well and when they kissed, sparks flew. I wish there were more kisses!
3. FL characterisation - I liked that she was physically strong in addition to being smart.
4. Supporting character - Lin Huai was such a fun character. Sweet & smart. ML's sister was such a sweetie.
5. Action - The action scenes were thrilling to watch.
6. Plot twist - Oh wow, I didn't expect that. I also liked that this drama has a refreshing storyline not seen in other vertical dramas.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Horrible person but he had a compelling arc.

Favourite scene
When FL scouted ML in an underground fight

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