emberzmars

Self-aware teen focused on getting great grades - no romance

I literally just completed this series. I discovered it on subreddit CShortDramas when it was a fresh release. Realised that it's available on iQIYI so watched it there after a friene highly recommended it. I enjoyed it a lot.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was very focused on her goal, which is to score top marks in order to get a spot at top university. She noticed the drama around her but reminded herself not to get involved - I liked that self-awareness trait. She was also smart & funny - her thoughts about the ridiculousness of green tea antics made me laugh.
2. Supporting characters - I liked her neighbour Gao Yan and his parents. They saw FL's worth and treated her with respect and empathy. That offer given by Gao Yan's mother moved me. I also liked the people at the orphanage (the friends, the director) as well as FL's school mates in Jing City.
3. Kindness - There were multiple acts of kindness shown in this drama. In addition to the neighbours' kindness, I also liked that FL forgave her classmates who made fun of her before the mock exam.
4. Plot - The plot was refreshing. I kept wondering what would happen next or what would FL do next. Good writing. I was surprised by the arc for first brother and the time jump. I guess the writer wanted to do smooth transition to season 2.
5. Duration - Good amount of running time. Well-paced and I liked that I watched it in one sitting.
6. Styling - Good choices of outfits to demonstrate the differences between a studious teenager and a materialistic teenager. I also liked the outfits chosen for FL's father.

What I disliked:
1. Green tea - She was insecure and manipulative. She deserved that karma.
2. FL's biological family - They acknowledged FL's existence but were indifferent to her. To me, their relationship was like sponsor - beneficiary. They were punished - let them face life's challenges.

Favourite scene
When Gao Yan's mother passed a note to FL

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The sexiest Ex's father character - one of Sa Gang Yun's best work!

I was in the mood for vertical dramas with "I Marry My Ex's Father" storyline when I found this drama. I am a fan of Sa Gang Yun but his dramas can be a mixed bag. I was happy after watching this drama. It was an enjoyable one!

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - Sa Gang Yun is the sexiest Ex's father character I have seen! I also liked this character because he was sincere in wanting FL as his life partner.
2. Romance - There were many kisses but the one in FL's childhood home was damn hot! FL was apprehensive at first but later opened up her heart to ML. I liked that they were affectionate.
3. Supporting characters - I really liked the "ex-wife". She was assertive but turned out to be nice. I also liked FL's parents.
4. FL characterisation - She was smart and ambitious about child rearing. It was endearing and understandable.
5. Tone - I liked the light & comedic tone of this drama.
6. Dynamics - The interactions between ML and FL's father were amusing.

What I disliked:
1. FL's action - I disliked FL at first for not wanting her relationship with ML to be known to people. I also didn't understand why she ran away from her home with ML.
2. Antagonists - Her ex was a horrible spoilt brat. Narcissist.

Favourite scene
When ML sneaked into FL's room

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Mature characters but FL's characterisation stopped me from loving this drama

Finally this drama has a MDL page. I watched this drama within 48 hours of its release because I heard positive reviews about this drama from subreddit CShortDramas. I liked but didn't love this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - They had one night stand & ML was smitten by her after their encounter. I liked that they were affectionate.
2. Styling - The ice blue dress was gorgeous. Chen Si looked good too.
3. ML characterisation - He was love brained. I understood his need to pursue FL because of his medical condition.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's assistant.
5. Hidden identity - I liked that his identity was revealed immediately after one-night stand.
6. Live stream - i liked the grape session.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's soon-to-be hubby was a scumbag. The mother was mean too. FL's aunt was selfish. I also disliked ML's mother for being nasty & ungrateful.
2. Cheating - I am not a fan of main character sleeping with other people while in a relationship / a marriage. I wish she had gotten her divorce certificate before the one night stand.
3. FL characterisation - I was annoyed that FL treated ML as her sugar daddy / boss after her divorce. I also found their relationship lacked depth because she was money minded.

Favourite scene
FL coaxing a sulking ML

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Enjoyable dystopia drama with good performances and familiar faces

I was preparing a reddit post on Zhang Ruo Chen's dramas when I found this drama in her Youtube playlist. I watched it without any expectations and was surprised by the storytelling. I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. Dystopia - I liked the storyline from rebirth to natural catastrophe preparation and community divide.
2. Romance - FL & ML were lovey dovey. I liked the kisses, quick pecks & hand-holding.
3. ML characterisation - He was protective, gentle & sensible.
4. FL characterisation - Sensible & smart.
5. Supporting characters - I liked Lin Siblings, the butler, Li Cheng Sheng & Hui Jia. There were a few familiar faces actors that I recognised.
6. Acting - Great performances by the cast.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I disliked FL's ex boyfriend, half-sister Wang Er, Cheng Shang Dao, Li Qing Qing. They were horrible people that turned into devils when they were desperate.
2. Ending - WTH!

Favourite scene
When ML competed with Dr Lin Shu Bo for FL's attention

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Lighthearted tale of cultivation

I am a fan of Li Ke Yi so when I found out about this drama, I added to my watchlist. I got around to watch a month ago. I enjoyed it although at times I did unconsciously compared this drama to Great Grandma Reborn at 18 because of her character's personality.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was cool, calm & smart. With her supernatural power, she was able to teach people a lesson.
2. Tone - It's funny and lighthearted.
3. Supporting characters - Yay, a familiar face - ML's grandfather. I also liked FL's mother & the arc for FL's father.
4. Styling - Beautiful clothes for ML & FL.
5. Approach - I really liked that she used social media to gain followers.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - She was envious and vicious towards FL - she was ok to harm people who got in her way. Ungrateful to her adopted family. Sow seeds of discord.
2. ML characterisation - He was like a filler character. I didn't get his purpose in this story because there was hardly any romantic moments or inclination.

Favourite scene
When she wowed ML's family & guests with Guqin playing.

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Revenge by calculating cause and effect

Yu Ke Ran impressed me when I first saw him in The Heartbreak Alliance. I was in the mood for something supernatural and saw a trailer of this drama on subreddit CShortDramas. I watched it a few days ago and wow I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. Revenge - Plot was unique - a revenge tale that kept me guessing. I was surprised that the police caught onto him quickly.
2. Fantasy - ML's superpower was calculating cause and effect. Fascinating. Although his superpowers mostly shown for his revenge, there was the good side of the power - the medical treatment.
3. ML characterisation - Antihero. I liked that he was a morally grey character. He was hellbent on enacting revenge that he didn't care about being punished by the law. Tactical - he didn't mind villains being harmed indirectly by his calculations.
4. Supporting characters - I liked the rich woman who later became his ally. I also liked the police force.
5. Acting - Once again Yu Ke Ran impressed me with his acting. I also liked the acting of actor & actress that portrayed the leading police officers.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Wang siblings were vicious & rotten brats. Their father was the worst.
2. Punishment - I was surprised that he was sentenced to prison. Was there any legit evidence that link him to the antagonist's death?

Favourite scene
When he wanted to impress a brain surgeon

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Good biological daughter vs adopted daughter story but with underdeveloped romance

I was preparing for a reddit post on Zhang Ruo Chen's dramas so I looked for dramas to watch and decided on this title because I like Ji Jun Liang. It seems that Zhang Ruo Chen has done a few "biological daughter vs adopted daughter" dramas. I enjoyed this one.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked her stance on her involvement with biological family after the rebirth. She never forgave them for their atrocious behaviour in the past life. I also liked that she helped her new family when she could have stayed quiet / passive.
2. Dynamics - Fascinating to see different dynamics between her and new foster brothers and between her and biological brothers.
3. Acting - I liked the performances given by Zhang Ruo Chen, Ji Jun Liang & Hu Wen Le.
4. Hard work - I liked that hard work was demonstrated as an important value in achieving success. One cannot just rely solely on fate.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's adopted sister was vicious & envious of FL. She manipulated her brothers but the brothers and father were at fault too for indulging her. They were idiots.
2. Romance - Sadly the romance between FL & ML was underdeveloped. FL seemed to spend more time with her other foster brother than with ML.
3. Duration - At 2 hours 34 minutes, I found the drama was too long as some arcs were draggy.

Favourite scene
When FL & new foster brother sold stuff at booth

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Great first & second acts but third act ruined by unnecessary drama

I am a massive Huang Bo fan so I was excited to watch this drama when it was released. The drama started off with a bang with exciting first and second acts but seemed to run out of steam in the third act. Overall I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was bubbly & flirty. Smart to approach ML for a safe space.
2. Romance - I liked the pacing from the start because of the banter between the leads. Good kisses with sexy intimate scenes. Hand-holding was sweet.
3. ML characterisation - He was prickly and sickly but warmed up to FL after her countless attempts to be nice to him. I liked that he strived to improve his leg condition. He also knew his boundaries with other women.
4. Supporting characters - I liked Qin secretary and ML's mother.
5. Styling - I wrote a reddit article about ML wearing black pleather jacket, white shirt, black tie & black trousers before this drama was released. Turned out Huang Bo too had worn this ensemble. I also liked FL's beautiful clothes.
6. Acting - I enjoyed Mai Tong & Huang Bo performances. They had good chemistry even though it wasn't fiery nor sizzling.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's father & half-bro were the worst people in this drama. FL's family was horrible too. ML's ex girlfriend was pathetic.
2. ML's mother's action - Apparently the green tea saved ML mother's life. Asking ML to check on green tea's wellbeing crossed the line. She shouldn't feel obligated to fulfill green tea's request.
3. Third act - It became messy after Qin announcement. How I wish the writer had focused on Qin heir situation than on emotional cheating (FL hung out with a man at a club which I considered emotional cheating). Why ruined the good, stable relationship between FL and ML with this scenario???

Favourite scene
When ML worked hard on his leg treatment

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This drama frustrated me because FL had many thoughts about her husband but never said them out loud

This drama received a lot of love in sub-reddit CShortDramas so I watched it out of curiosity. I must say that I did not enjoy this drama as much as others. I think the intimate scenes covered the flaws of this drama. I had watched Xu Zhen Zhen in mini dramas but never found her acting that impressive and same case here. There are plenty vertical drama actresses who can outperformed Xu Zhen Zhen if any of them were given this role but then again, the acting wasn't the only problem.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Good steamy scenes (which is why this drama was talked about so much on reddit). ML's love language is act of service.
2. Supporting characters - Wan Wan was a good friend for dispensing advice to clueless FL. I also liked that FL's parents were astute observers. I liked Ji Jun Liang's scenes even though there were only a few.
3. Editing - Beautifully shot intimate scenes.
4. Ending - She was finally honest with her feelings for ML in the final 3 minutes.
5. Styling - Great outfits worn by the leads and supporting cast.

What I disliked:
1. Pacing - I increased speed in most parts of the drama because the pacing was too slow.
2. Communication - The first act started off good with scenes that show the problem between couple - two emotionally distant people married to each other and did not communicate unless in bed. Then I became disinterested because the push dynamics were too much with genuine pull dynamics (excluding intimate scenes) coming in at halfway mark after the icy barrier slowly thawed. FL had many thoughts about her husband but never said them out loud - it was frustrating.
3. Jealousy - FL's cousin was horrible for judging FL & trying to get to ML's company through connections rather than through merit.
4. Main characters - I couldn't relate to any of the two because I found them unlikeable. FL was too accommodating for my liking. She had many thoughts but just gave in to her husband's demands without having a dialogue with him.

Favourite scene
When FL told a doctor friend that ML knew her better than him

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Many entanglements but I liked the chemistry between leads and dynamic between FL and her brother

I was preparing a reddit post on Zhao Mu Yan's dramas. I liked her chemistry with Feng Xiang Kun in another drama so I chose this drama. I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Good performances and insane chemistry between Zhao Mu Yan and Feng Xiang Kun. It was also a pleasure to see Wei Ruo Chen and Biscuit Lala acting in supporting roles.
2. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's brother who was on her side the whole time.
3. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by FL.
4. Plot - Interesting twist. I pity FL for the betrayal she faced.
5. Romance - Subtle and slow but I could sense the attraction growing between them.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's entanglement was horrible. ML's pursuer was nasty & possessive. FL's stepsis was insecure and pathetic.
2. Tone - At times I felt the drama moved slow and another time drama was melodramatic.

Favourite scene
When FL's brother reassured her that he's on her side

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Tragic, no-rebirth revenge tale with a dash of romance

I was in the mood for Zhao Mu Yan's dramas and to my delight, I found this drama. I started to enjoy Chen Tian Xiang's performances after discovering him in She Is Only Three Points Well-Behaved. So I watched this drama a few days ago and overall liked it.

What I liked:
1. Opening scene - Wow, what a shocker! She was determined!
2. Revenge - I'd say revenge is the main focus of FL. I liked that she noticed potential threat in the harem, by chance and that this revenge drama is without rebirth. FL got justice.
3. Romance - This arc was carefully designed by FL. Even though there were not many romantic scenes, I could sense love especially from ML's perspective. The intimate scenes were hot.
4. Final 10 minutes - FL's action shocked me.
5. Supporting character - It was great to see some characters supporting FL and saw her sincerity and acts of kindness.
6. Acting - Zhao Mu Yan was amazing especially in the final 10 minutes of the drama. Chen Tian Xiang and the actresses portraying FL's love rivals gave good performances too.
7. Ending - I liked the ending even though I wish FL had taken the predictable route.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Cut throat concubines. Wow, I just couldn't believe that they wouldn't mind harming pregnant love rivals.
2. Duration - At 2 hours 45 minutes, this drama was too long for me.

Favourite scene
That final dialogue between FL and ML

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Transmigration with a twist - the last 15 minutes increased my enjoyment of this drama!

I was in the mood for Zhao Mu Yan dramas for an upcoming reddit post on her dramas. I decided to watch this drama because the poster was eye-catching and I had not watched Liu Zi Heng's dramas. The drama started off good then I found it ordinary (aka nothing new) but the last 15-20 minutes were refreshing - I changed my view from an average score to a B+.

What I liked:
1. Tone - I liked the light-hearted vibe of this drama. It was endearing to see Zhao Mu Yan in this character and to see FL's inner thoughts heard & appreciated by her family.
2. Transmigration arc - It's great to see FL having a conversation with the system about her living the life of someone else (the host). I appreciated it a lot because many transmigration dramas have their main characters accepting their fate in the new world. I also loved the fact that FL told ML about her situation.
3. Romance - Despite the flashbacks / dejavu, I totally bought the concept of ML having real feelings for FL. The relationship developed slowly because romance wasn't a priority for FL but once FL and ML got together, the love and desire were clearly on display. Great kisses and passionate intimate scenes. The confession close to the third act is my favourite part of their romance.
4. Acting - Amazing performances by Zhao Mu Yan and Liu Zi Heng. They had great chemistry.
5. Dynamics - I enjoyed watching the interactions between FL and her parents and between FL and her brothers. The staircase scene was just comical.
6. Final 15 minutes - Good writing that is supported by wonderful performances. The unexpected visit was a nice touch.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - The adopted daughter was insecure and envious of FL. She was up to no good but I was glad that the family noticed her true colours and disowned her. I also found her arc bland as I had seen so many arcs like this one - that's why I mentioned "The drama started off good then I found it ordinary (aka nothing new)" at the start of my review.

Favourite scene
The confession by FL to ML

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Fiery chemistry, steamy and sweet scenes are the best things about this drama

I was in the mood for Zhao Mu Yan's dramas. I really enjoyed the historical drama starring her and Wang Jia Mao so I got curious about this collab. I must say I enjoyed this drama too - wow, their chemistry really worked wonders.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Plenty of steamy and heartfelt kisses as well as sweet and tender moments. The body measurement scene was sexy and full of tension. It's heartwarming that both protected each other from being harmed. I could sense love coming from both sides.
2. Acting - Zhao Mu Yan played dual roles with excellence. I was smitten by Wang Jia Mao's performance - he was dashing, sexy and endearing while playing this role. Fiery chemistry between Zhao Mu Yan and Wang Jia Mao.
3. Styling - Fabulous outfits selected for ZMY. The blonde wig suited her so much - she was like a goddess not a cosplayer. Wang Jia Mao looked hot in the outfits selected for him too.
4. Reborn - Good storytelling. I liked that FL profited from being reborn with knowledge from past life.
5. FL characterisation - I really liked her tenacity. She was smart and a quick thinker too.
6. ML characterisation - He was a sweet and smart guy. I liked how he played along with FL's charade after knowing her secret.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Masked female assailant was crazy for wanting to kill the main character. I also disliked FL's father and sisters. There was also a small-time baddie character.
2. Screentime - There was too much time given to various baddies that I was at times distracted by my phone (I watched this drama on my tablet).

Favourite scene
When Shi Qi took ML's body measurements

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Letdown by doormat FL and lack of communication between the couple

I am a huge fan of Xie Yu Wang and have watched his older drama with Lu Lu Lu a few weeks ago. I was pumped when I heard about this drama because it's the second time Xie Yu Wang has paired with Lu Lu Lu. I was left disappointed by the time this drama ended.

What I liked:
1. Kisses - I loved XYW's kissing scenes. When permitted, he always expresses desire & passion in his kissing scenes, including those in this drama.
2. Twin trope - I liked how this story was done even thought the overall vibe was negative. There was a refreshing twist to the twin trope.
3. Styling - I liked XYW's clothes. The most stylish outfits I had seen on him.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's bestie because she was rational and most of the time, smarter than FL. I also liked FL's daughter.
5. Dynamics - I enjoyed watching interactions between ML and FL's daughter.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's mother was annoying & evil. She favoured her eldest son over younger son. She disliked her daughter-in-law that led to disliking and punishing her granddaughter. I also disliked FL's family because they were parasites. Only concerned about wealth. The green tea character was pathetic.
2. Romance - They had sex but were distant & hardly communicated. FL kept on insisting on divorce due to pressure from her in laws. She was stupid.
3. FL characterisation - She was doormat - no wonder she was easy to be bullied. She married Si Ye out of guilt / pressure but never sought partnership from the marriage.

Favourite scene
When ML ate ice cream with FL's daughter

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Brothers rivals in love and career but most importantly a strong & career-focused FL

I got to know about this drama months ago when it was released but somehow I never had the urge to watch it even though jiejie romance is my favourite trope. I decided to watch this drama last weekend. Oh wow, I was surprised by the storyline. I enjoyed this drama a lot!

What I liked:
1. Romance - Jiejie romance that started with one night stand then progressed into real love. ML was persistent in wooing FL - she was dumped by ML's older brother because she didn't have any status / connections to offer to him. I liked that there was affection between FL and ML.
2. Rivalry - Interesting twist on brother rivalry. I also liked the business rivalry arc.
3. FL characterisation - I liked that she was career-focused. Despite being dumped, she was able to focus her energy on her work - she's excellent at her job. I also liked that she was emotionally strong.
4. ML characterisation - He was smart & persistent. I liked those traits.
5. Styling - Great wardrobe. I loved FL's outfits which showcased her elegance and confidence.
6. Supporting characters - These characters were likeable: ML's friend, FL's bestie, FL's senior & FL's mother.
7. Acting - I liked the acting by the three leads but Zhang Chi caught my attention. I couldn't read his facial expressions which I took it as a positive move for this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's brother / SML was controlling. He wanted FL as mistress but pursued business marriage for his professional gain. I hated the aunt who was family friend to ML and his brother.
2. Ending - Errrm they bickered and that was it?

Favourite scene
FL's taking down the antagonist during a press conference

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