emberzmars

Sultry, cool & dark FL in an arranged marriage with arrogant "puppy" ML. Great acting & chemistry!

I got to know about this drama on subreddit CShortDramas. I am familar with Zhang Yi Yang's work but had never seen any of Bai Xue Ru's dramas. One day when I had more time to finish a vertical drama on one sitting, I watched this drama. I enjoyed it very much!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved her! She was sultry, cool & confident but at the same time got a dark soul & could be dangerous. Mess with her & her loved ones and she would make the perpetrator's life miserable.
2. ML characterisation - He was arrogant at the start but slowly turned out to be a goofy character. I liked that we got to see his vulnerability.
3. Romance - Damn, one of the best push-and-pull dynamics in vertical dramas. There was a sexy attraction between them from their first encounter. Their kisses were hot & passionate.
4. Acting - Wonderful performances by Bai Xue Ru and Zhang Yi Yang, individually and as on-screen couple. Their chemistry translated very well.
5. Supporting characters - Xu Zi Jie, ML's grandpa and his butler were entertaining.
6. Styling - Loved FL's outfits that the drama inspired a few ideas for my reddit posts. I liked that she even got to wear sportswear.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Shen family was horrible and toxic.
2. Duration - At 3.5 hours, the drama is long. I felt like Shen family could be given less screentime.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML visited ML's father, stepmother and stepbrother after marriage.

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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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Great acting in this BDSM tale of two people with complicated lives

I watched this drama as I was preparing for a reddit post on my favourite dark and dangerous female leads. I knew BDSM is an element of this drama so I wasn't shocked. I must say I enjoyed this drama a lot.

Trigger warning: BDSM, Mental health issue, Self-harm

What I liked:
1. Romance - One of the steamiest dramas with BDSM element to boot. I enjoyed watching dominant female & submissive male dynamics as they both consented to this dynamic.
2. FL characterisation - She had mental health issues but I liked her character because she wanted to be in a better place for herself and others that cared for her after being given a second chance.
3. ML characterisation - His motives confused me at times because the past version of him was vengeful. However I liked watching his struggles and character growth. It seemed to me that he knew the difference between love and gratitude.
4. Acting - Wonderful acting by Yue Yu Ting & Zhang Chi. They played off each other's energy & intensity.
5. Styling - Beautiful clothes worn by FL and ML.
6. Duration - Less than 2 hours which was perfect for me. Not draggy.

Disliked:
1. Confusion - Her life before rebirth & the sabotage confused me. I didn't quite understand the supporting character's insistence on pulling FL & ML apart. I knew the success would benefit the culprit but so what?

Favourite scene
When ML consoled FL who had harmed herself

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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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Exciting first act but after that comes a typical jealous love rival arc

I was in the mood for flash marriage trope so I looked up my iQIYI app and found this title. Bai Xue Ru is fast becoming my favourite actress and Wang Yan Xin is so damn handsome and tall. The first act of the drama was exciting but when second act came, it had the typical jealous love rival arc which didn't offer anything new. I wish they had stayed with the master-servant arc.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Bai Xue Ru was awesome in her role. She conveyed different emotions very well. While I liked Wang Yan Xin in this role, I wish he pushed himself more during emotional moments.
2. First act - Damn, the master-servant arc was fascinating. I wish it was explored further especially when she was pregnant because I didn't think this special dynamic was just related to sex.
3. Dynamics - I liked FL-ML dynamic from boss-employee then to master-servant & husband-wife. I also enjoyed watching the son interactions with his dad.
4. Supporting characters - Their kid was so adorable. I also liked FL's grandma & ML's grandpa.
5. Styling - I liked the clothes worn by ML, FL and their kid.
6. Tone - This is a lighthearted story with some spicy moments (love them!). FL certainly made an impression on ML.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Even though I could sense them falling for each other, I wish there were many scenes of their romantic entanglement. They married for convenience. So what made them realise that their relationship was more than just master-servant?
2. Antagonists - There was the usual delusional love rival, Yanyin who couldn't accept ML's rejection of her. I also disliked ML's uncle & aunt who each had their own plans to inherit Xie family wealth.

Favourite scene
When ML was aroused after FL scolded him

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Young CEO smitten by cool, smart & badass high school student

I had been looking for this drama for months after being a fan of Zhang Ruo Chen's acting. Links were not available until today when I saw it on Dailymotion under the title 'Bow Down The Killer Queen is Back'. I was excited, clicked play then informed Jwells. Unfortunately the videos had been marked private once I was halfway through the drama. Anyway glad I managed to finish this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked her because she could kick ass. She was smart, mature & self-reliant, most likely because of her past life.
2. Styling - Loved her outfits especially that punk princess look she wore at a special event.
3. Supporting characters - ML's assistant & doctor friend provided comic relief. I also liked ML's mother but her reaction during the kidnapping baffled me.
4. ML characterisation - He was smitten by FL after she rescued him from an attack. He protected FL with his money & influence. He was Mr Nice Guy but it was weird to see a boss in his 20s having a crush on a high school girl.
5. Dynamics - ML fell in love with FL and pursued her but she didn't want to feel indebted. I liked that this was explicitly mentioned because a lot of times main characters confuse gratitude with love. I wouldn't categorise their relationship as romantic but FL did eventually fall for ML.
6. Acting - I really liked Zhang Ruo Chen and Zhu Yi Wei's acting.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's sister & mother were sinister. The constant jealousy & scheming was tiring. I also disliked ML's nephew and their classmate who bullied FL.
2. FL's past - I was disappointed that her life before rebirth / transmigration was not explored in this story.

Favourite scene
FL went into ML's car then rescued him from an attack

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Touching drama about flash marriage, partnership and sense of belonging

This drama was recommended to me by reddit friend. I am a fan of Han Jia Hui dramas and Li Zi Jie has his charms. I enjoyed this drama very much.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Slowburn with great emphasis on growing feelings and sense of belonging. They communicated on regular basis and while there was slight awkwardness between them, I could feel that they liked each other.
2. FL characterisation - She was neglected by her biological family but decided to cut ties once the condition became unbearable. I liked that she protected the people she cared the most and that included ML.
3. ML characterisation - ML had his own personal struggles to battle. I liked that he was protective of FL and was honest to FL about his growing attraction to her.
4. Supporting characters - It's great that ML had uncle, aunt & cousin who loved him.
5. Board meeting - I was delighted when a director openly challenged ML's father's capability as President because of the scandals.
6. Acting - Li Zi Jie nailed his role. I was moved by his performance especially in the last 20 minutes or so. Han Jia Hui was given more comedic bits and she did well.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's father and grandmother were the worst offenders for the ill treatment towards ML. Other baddies in this drama included ML's stepmother, FL's father, stepmother and half sister.
2. Duration - At 2 hours 40 minutes, I felt the drama was too long given that a lot of screentime given to antagonists.

Favourite scene
Dialogue between ML and his father.

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Strong FL left scumbag husband. No reconciliation - thank gawd!

I found out about this drama on subreddit CShortDramas. I didn't recognise the main actor & main actress but was willing to give this a shot considering its short running time. It was a good watch.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was a devoted partner (in lofe & at professional level) to ML but once her trust was betrayed by ML, she decided to leave ML, took her half and move on. I really liked her determination to rebuild her life.
2. Acting - I really liked Wu Yue's acting. Li Si Yang was overshadowed by her but he gave a good performance too.
3. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's assistant because he put some sense into ML. I liked the man who pursued FL post-divorce because he appreciated her wisdom and success and never felt intimidated.
4. Romance - I was surprised by this arc. Older woman-younger man dynamics. There were not many romantic scenes between them but their kiss was hot.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - I hated him for not prioritising FL during their marriage. He wanted to reconcile with FL very badly but fate was not on his side. He got his retribution.
2. Casting - The actor who played ML's assistant was handsome. I wish he had swapped roles with the actor who played FL's new love.

Favourite scene
When FL's new love tended to her wounds

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Combustible chemistry & steamy kisses but too much screentime to the antagonists

I binged Cheng Cheng's dramas as an assignment to write a reddit post on his work. This was one of the dramas I watched - I already liked Huang Yun Yun. There was certain aspects that I thought could be reduced but overall I liked this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Fiery, lusty kisses. I never saw Cheng Cheng kissed with fervour until I watched this drama. There were some sweet and tender moments which I enjoyed too.
2. FL characterisation - I loved her from the start because she was a sultry vixen out to seduce ML. She knew her strengths and how to use them to achieve her goal.
3. Styling - FL's outfits were very pretty. I also liked ML's outfits - modern and rugged.
4. Music - I enjoyed the songs featured in this drama. Some I recognised from kdramas e.g. FAKE PARADISE by Xylo.
5. Acting - Huang Yun Yun & Cheng gave a good performance even though I think ML was underdeveloped. Both of them had combustible chemistry that I sensed the intensity of the pull and sexual tension between them.

Disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's sister & dastardly SML / former love interest were given too much screentime. I couldn't care less about their antics. I wish the writer & director had cut short their screen time and instead gave more time to showcase FL-ML romance.
2. Abuse - Damn, why would you harm an elderly???

Favourite scene
When SML headed to a hotel room to check if FL was with ML

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Sweet with a dash of spice fantasy drama. Good chemistry!

I was preparing for a reddit post on Cheng Cheng so chose this drama as part of my assignment. FL is unfamiliar to me. Overall I liked this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked her humbleness and gentleness. She was pushed to a corner by ML because of her sister's situation but I didn't perceive her as doormat.
2. Romance - Good despite the slow build up. Sweet and spicy and I could sense desire coming from both parties. I wish there were more bonding scenes before the revelation so I could feel his pain more.
3. Fantasy - I enjoyed the fantasy element of this story. Star-crossed lovers who later reincarnated in this couple. I also liked the love lock concept.
4. Supporting characters - FL's sister was awesome. Despite her frailty, she was protective and I loved the warning she gave to ML. I also liked ML's assistant.
5. Acting - I really liked Huang Li Ting and Cheng Cheng's acting. She was good at evoking emotions of her characters while Cheng Cheng's acting really shined when his ML started longing for FL's affections. There was great chemistry between Huang Li Ting and Cheng Cheng which made me believe that their characters deserved a happy ending.
6. Third act - I must say that this was one of the few dramas with third act I enjoyed. It had a plot twist that made the drama unpredictable.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's uncle and aunt were horrible people. I also disliked ML's mother for her selfishness even though I understood her intentions.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML consummated their marriage

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Good acting, kisses and action scenes but so much misery faced by the leads

I thought I had written a review for this drama but somehow I was wrong. Good thing I have my notes written down.

This drama has been in my watchlist since the day it was released. I only got the mood to watch it a few days ago when I was looking for dramas with assassin. I liked certain aspects of this drama even though I was feeling miserable most of the time.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved that she was trained as assassin but possessed a kind soul. Even when given an "order", she could think the pros and cons of the "order".
2. Acting - Great acting by Song Yu Jia and Fang Zheng Nan. They had great chemistry and were able to demonstrate killer sexual tension.
3. Action scenes - Song Yu Jia looked so cool during the fighting scenes. I'd like to see her in more action dramas.
4. Outfits - FL's outfits were pretty. I liked her wedding dress - a pretty, modern piece (most wedding dresses in vertical dramas have 80s look). I also liked the pink dress worn by ML's supposed fiancée.
5. Kisses - When consensual, the kisses were hot & passionate.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - I hated him for not being honest with his feelings for FL. He didn't do enough to get FL's forgiveness - he needed to grovel. I disliked the ending.
2. Romance - Toxic. ML constantly doubting FL's actions & thoughts and he kept on blaming FL for a crime she did not commit.
3. Tone - So much misery and misunderstandings. Both leads were teary eyed and unhappy most of the time.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML's supposed fiancee fell into the pool.

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Draggy but good version of reformed gangster girl with doctor husband & son

I watched this drama at the recommendation of a reddit member. This is the second time I watched FL Liu Can's drama but ML Li Ye Chen was unfamiliar to me. Overall the drama was a good watch but some parts were draggy.
There is the first version of this 'reformed gangster girl with doctor husband and son' plot.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked that she turned her life around. She was mean in her previous life but had learnt her lessons and worked very hard to earn a living so her family of three wouldn't suffer from poverty.
2. Redemption - She was sincere about wanting to change and those moments made me teary eyed.
3. Supporting characters - Their son was so cute. ML's parents were suspicious of FL because ML was secretive about his marriage but they accepted FL after getting to know her.
4. Styling - Loved FL's outfits. The wide leg trousers & black jacket. Thr purple too & purple skirt combo.

What I disliked:
1. Duration - Too long. I got bored in the second half that I increased speed to 2.0x.
2. Romance - Sadly underdeveloped. With that length of drama, I thought we could get more romantic scenes but nope. Director & writer focused on her career instead. I also didn't feel much love & affection coming from ML.
3. Antagonists - FL's family were money hungry but they got their retribution at the end.

Favourite scene
When FL tried out clothes at a store.

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Electrifying chemistry, plentiful affection and great acting in this spicy hidden identity drama

I noticed this drama when I was updating Li Quan Cheng's profile. I really liked Cui Yi Liang's acting. Somehow I watched another version Indulge in Your Trail first before watching this drama today. I prefer this version to Indulge in Your Trail.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Damn there were many spicy scenes. I also liked that there were plenty of sweet & affectionare moments. Physical touch is their love language.
2. Acting - Their chemistry was electrifying. Both of them played their roles, as individuals and as a couple, very well. I also liked SML's acting who also had good chemistry with CYL.
3. FL characterisation - She was confident, cool and calm - I liked that very much. She was also firm on boundaries with her ex. I also felt Cui Yi Liang's FL made more effort in their relationship than Yao Yu Chen's FL. She apologised immediately after hurting his feelings.
4. Styling - Impeccable styling from start till end. I loved, loved, loved FL's clothes in particular that sexy red dress. Li Quan Cheng looked hot & expensive. I even liked outfits for ML's mother.
5. ML characterisation - I admired his devotion towards FL - he made her his priority unlike her ex husband. I also liked that he enjoyed cooking for her.
6. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's bestie for being on her side all the time. I also liked ML's mother.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's ex husband was irritating for constantly referring to her as wife post-divorce. He wanted to get back together with FL but still in relationship with his mistress.
2. Smoking - There were many moments in which FL and ML smoked.

Favourite scene
FL's divorce party

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Caught by surprise with the light tone and steamy kisses

I am preparing a reddit post on Li Ke Yi's dramas and decided to watch this drama as part of my prep. This is my first time watching historical by Li Ke Yi and Wang Hao Zhen. I enjoyed it immensely!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked that she was sensible despite being trapped in ancient times. She was not defenseless but knew when to call for help. I enjoyed her playful banter with ML.
2. ML characterisation - He secretly enjoyed the attention given by FL and I loved that.
3. Romance - Slow burn. However the kisses were damn hot - gosh Wang Hao Zhen looked damn fine as a possessed / evil ML. However one scene had dubious consent.
4. Supporting characters - I loved ML's right hand man & best friend for interpreting ML's growing affections and giving advice when ML was cowardly. FL's scholarly brother was also a great addition to this drama.
5. Tone - Overall this is a light-hearted drama with a few touching moments. I also enjoyed the comedy bits.
6. Styling - Loved FL's outfits . Both Li Ke Yi & Wang Hao Zhen looked gorgeous in historical costumes.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Empress Dowager arc seemed too simplified but then again it makes this drama lighthearted. I disliked the bullying scenes.
2. ML's actions - At times, the romance was frustrating because of ML's inability to express his feelings for FL.

Favourite scene
When all guards were injured and evil / possessed ML came to FL

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The son An An is the highlight of this flawed drama

I was in the mood for Yang Han drama and since I have apid iQIYI subscription, I decided to watch this one. I enjoyed it thoroughly despite drama's many flaws.

What I liked:
1. Supporting characters - Their son An An was smart, endearing & lovable. He was also protective of his mother. FL's bestie was awesome too!
2. Acting - Liu Yu Bo is the most adorable child actor I have ever seen and I squealed in delight whenever he was on screen. I think Yang Han and Sheng Yi Jie did well in the roles that they'd been assigned too. They have wonderful chemistry - I'd love to see them paired again in a romance-heavy drama.
3. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by 3 leads. The cape-like jacket worn by Sheng Yi Jie was my favourite. Yang Han looked hot in henley.
4. Funny - There were some light moments that made me laugh but the best funny moment is the backfired trick. Jealous colleague wanted to shame FL but it backfired.

What I disliked:
1. Marriage - The weirdest arranged marriage ever. I was unhappy with the elders for that action. I also disliked the fact that he went radio silent with his wife for 6 years. He also never confronted his wife when he felt something was off. A lot of assumptions were made.
2. Antagonist - Gosh she was a psycho for wanting to harm An An.
3. Romance - I dislike that they liked each other while being married to someone else. I also disliked the lack of romance. I think there was only 2 kisses with huge episode gap between them.

Favourite scene
When An An first appeared

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