emberzmars

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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Marriage of convenience with great amount of spice, sweetness & emotional connection!

I came across this drama via subreddit CShortDramas. A member there wrote a glowing review of it so my interest was piqued. I wasn't familiar with the leads but upon checking I realised I had seen He Yi Ting before, in Zhang Shan - Cao Tian Kai first collab drama. I liked her in that drama. Anyway I enjoyed this drama a lot!

What I liked:
1. Romance - Damn, their first intimate encounter was 🔥 and the morning after was even hotter. It was obvious that ML was into FL from that scene. I enjoyed watching their multilayered relationship: boss-employee, husband-wife, secret couple. I was moved when FL admitted to liking ML - I wish ML had openly confessed to FL about his love for her.
2. Acting - Great performances by both leads and the actresses who played ML's grandma and FL's mother. I could see hands of ML's grandma trembled when she got the shocking news. I almost shed a tear. Also well done to actress who FL's mother for having a "meek" exterior but selfish and nasty personality.
3. Styling - I really liked the outfits for FL and ML. Thank you for not giving the conventional CEO outfits.
4. Main characters - Both of them were likeable. I liked FL because she stood up for herself when bullied. I understood her reason for wanting their marriage to be kept a secret. I liked ML too because he was exuded a cool, calm personality. His sulking moments cracked me up - it was endearing.
5. Supporting characters - I loved ML's grandma because she was wise & empathetic. I also liked FL's two close colleagues and ML's assistant. I didn't like Zhou Chen's persistence because it was harassment but he grew on me.
6. Storytelling - This drama covers tropes such as marriage of convenience, secret relationship, office romance. Plot wise nothing new but I enjoyed how the story progressed and concluded.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I must say the biggest antagonist to me is FL's mother. She gave birth to her but was too gullible and stupid to listen to her husband and stepdaughter. Both of them were nasty. Bai Xin Xin is another typical antagonist - a delusional character who couldn't accept No.

Favourite scene
When FL told ML that she had started to like him

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When a cat princess meets a sickly and prickly human

I have had this drama in my watchlist for a few weeks and decided to watch it on Saturday evening. I enjoyed it immensely!

What I liked:
1. Tone - It started with a bang and overall the drama was lighthearted and comedic. I liked it a lot!
2. FL characterisation - I liked her kind, cheerful and bubbly personality. She was a princess but wasn't a spoilt brat. She listened to advice from her mentor / watcher, ML's cat & grandma.
3. Acting - I have only watched a handful of Sun Qian Xun's drama and I must say her acting was fantastic in this drama. This is my second time watching Li Bo Yan and I liked his acting here too. Both of them had fabulous chemistry.
4. ML characterisation - He was sickly and prickly but overall kind. He was suspicious of FL's secret identity but never confronted her. In fact he protected her and I liked that.
5. Fantasy - I loved the use of different elements e.g. superpower, talking to animals, teleportation.
6. Styling - FL had fantastic feline-like outfits & hairstyle - I loved it! ML's outfits were good too - I liked the maroon-black combo.
7. Romance - Slow but there was affection. Good kisses and there was even 2 spicy moments.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - FL's sister was jealous & delusional. She knew no shame with the threat and posing as somebody else.
2. FL's action - I wish FL didn't resist ML's attempts at intimacy too many times.

Favourite scene
When FL seduced ML to accomplish her goal

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Started off great but the romance never really kicked off

I was trying to clear as many dramas in my youtibe watchlist by watching dramas with MDL pages. This evening I chose this drama because I hadn't seen any of Zhao Hui Nan's dramas. This drama started off great but faltered halfway through.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was cool. I loved that she was physically strong and also knowledgeable in traditional Chinese medicine.
2. Comedy - I didn't expect the comedic moments in the first act considering the dark opening scene.
3. Supporting characters - I liked both kids, ML's mother and grandfather. It was great to see change of perception from the mother.
4. Acting - I liked Zhao Hui Nan's acting in this drama. Her action scenes were done well and she exuded this cool & confident woman vibe.
5. Styling - I liked most of FL's outfits especially the black short dress she wore when she first went to ML's house. She looked like a punk princess!

What I disliked:
1. Romance - I was dismayed that they didn't get along until we reached 60% of the drama. I wish they were warm & amicable from the start because the emotional attachment between FL and ML in the third act was unconvincing. I didn't sense any spark between ZZD & ZHN.
2. Antagonists - FL's father was horrendous for framing FL . ML's cousin was incompetent but power hungry. He did the most scheming in this drama. I also disliked Suisui's supposed birth mother for being selfish & immature.
3. Paternity test - Sometimes I wonder why ML never did DNA testing on FL and the other woman.
4. Storytelling - I wasn't excited about the challenges faced by both FL & ML.

Favourite scene
The opening

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Heartwarming tale about adapting oneself after a memory gap

I had seen Ma Le Jie dramas when I first explored vertical dramas. After 3 dramas, I deliberately avoided her dramas because she always played damsels in distress and cried a lot. However this drama came with positive reviews and since I had not seen any Li Bo Yan dramas, I decided to watch it today. I enjoyed it immensely.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - FL had the mind of her 18 year old self when in reality she was 10 years older. I liked that she was sensible & righteous despite the confusion. She did act impulsively once but that was based on her strong gut feeling which turned out to be the right decision.
2. Romance - Slow but rewarding. There were good kisses but what hit me the most were the conversations they had with each other. For example, FL asked ML what she was like at 28 years old. That was heartearming moment because it showed that ML knew FL through and through. I also loved the big argument because that was when their relationship was really tested. When trust is broken, a relationship falters.
3. Pop culture - I liked the scenes of idol worshipping because it reflected real life. Delusional fans are PR nightmare. Anyway I liked how FL tackled that challenge.
4. ML characterisation - The moment ML made his entrance at the start of the drama was amusing because of Lighter & Princess song. Anyway ML was patient and loving man. I liked that he was supportive at work - helping FL with her work challenges.
5. Acting - I liked Ma Le Jie's acting in this drama. I wish she upped the emotions when FL was slandered by the antagonist & their colleagues at the work event. Anyway MLJ got good chemistry with Li Bo Yan. I liked his acting too and will check out his other dramas.
6. Styling - Great outfits for both FL & ML. I liked FL's black top & black skirt she wore to work. Li Bo Yan's shirts were rarely buttoned - nice chest!
7. Length - The running time is 1 hour 45 minutes. Easy to watch & digest.

Disliked:
1. Antagonist - ML's secretary was unprofessional. She did some scheming to get FL into trouble. She should put her personal feelings aside at work.

Favourite scene
When a misunderstanding escalated into a big argument.

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Short tale of love and sacrifices for one's happiness

I had saved this drama in my playlist for weeks but this morning decided to watch it because I was in the mood for something short. I was unfamiliar with Wang Jin but I liked Zhang Li Ren's acting. This drama is different from the typical Chinese vertical dramas I have seen. I wonder what was in the writer's mind when they wrote the screenplay.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - There was character development in ML. He was a miserable man who later received "a guardian angel" in the form of FL. He was silly to entertain requests from bai yue guang but learned the truth and tried to win FL's heart.
2. Acting - I liked Wang Jin & Zhang Li Ren's performance.
3. Opening - Captivating enough for me to finish the whole drama.
4. Ending - Wow, I didn't expect it to end like that.
5. Reality hits - I loved it when the maid scolded ML for being so oblivious of FL's treatment towards him.

What I disliked:
1. Misery - So much misery in this drama. ML & FL felt miserable at one point of their lives.
2. Relationship - The moment Yunli met Yanchen was short but meaningful. I wish there was explanation in the past.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML had fun spending time together

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This drama with reversed gender role was a letdown. I didn't buy their romance

I came across this drama on subreddit CShortDramas and was intrigued by FL because reviewer said FL was domineering. Since this drama was available on iQIYI and I needed to utilise my subscription, I decided to watch this afternoon. Drama didn't quite meet my expectations.

What I liked:
1. Acting - I really liked their acting as their individual characters and as a couple. Wang Yun Yun and Wang Kai Mu had good chemistry. I was moved by their performances in one or two scenes.
2. Supporting characters - FL's Vice President turned out to be a nice guy.
3. FL characterisation - I had mixed feelings about her character. I liked that she was goal-oriented and generous with charity work. I also liked that she never talked bad about Gu Ling Ling.
4. Hopsitalisation - It was sweet to see their relationship grew when FL was hospitalised for her injury.
5. Styling - I liked FL's outfits because they gave off "money & power" vibes. Wang Kai Mu looked good in the blue suit.
6. Intimacy - I liked the bathtub scene.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - I disliked FL's pursuit of ML. To me, she treated him as a commodity. That attitude of "I have the means to get whatever I want and I want him". ML was so resistant at the start that I didn't buy that he genuinely fell in love with her. She saved him from an attack so when he started to question his feelings for FL, it seemed more like gratitude not love. Overall, this drama had too many "push dynamics" so the relationship felt forced, to me.
2. Antagonists - Gu Ling Ling was annoying brat. I hated her for playing a victim. Her brother & uncle were despicable too. Too bad brother got jailed because Gu Ling Ling's arc was draggy & boring. I was hoping the brother sought revenge.
3. Writing - For a 82 episode series, this drama felt "underdeveloped" & "unsatisfying". I wish there was a few episodes of ML connecting with his biological family, working to establish himself as Young Master Pei and reflecting on his relationship with FL & Gu family.
4. ML characterisation - His character felt very two-dimensional to me. I disliked that he didn't believe when the staircase incident happened.

Favourite scene
They spent quality time together when FL was hospitalised

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Cheating drama told from perspective of victim the ML

I added missing Ding Hai Zia dramas recently so I thought to myself "Let’s watch this drama". I like Ye Ting's acting in The Cost of Treachery.

What I liked:
1. Plot - This is a cheating drama and I liked that story is told from the perspective of ML (FL emotionally cheated on hubby ML).
2. ML characterisation - I liked that gender reversal role was explored here - ML was homemaker when he was married to FL. He was kind, loyal and loving but underappreciated by wife.
3. Supporting characters - ML was adopted by FL's family when he was a child and they grew up together. I really liked the adopted parents because they were kind and sensible. ML found his biological family when he was an adult and I liked his biological family because they were warm.
4. Acting - I really liked Ye Ting's performance in this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's sister was a brat. I was surprised of her behaviour considering she should have grown up alongside both FL & ML. I also disliked FL's bai yue guang but the actor's voice was nice.
2. FL characterisation - Ungrateful wife who betrayed feelings of her husband. I disliked her for being condescending towards ML despite the pleas of getting back together. FL claimed she knew the difference between love and gratitude but didn't seem to truly understand those words when she kept insulting ML.
3. Art gallery - This scene was draggy - FL was condescending to ML multiple times by reminding ML that he was an orphan.
4. Ending - The ending felt disconnected because there was no scene of FL finally accepting her situation.

Favourite scene
When ML had hid first meal with his biological family

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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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Tragic love story with flawed main characters & superb acting

I was in the mood for Wang Chen Peng drama so I lookes at my list and found this title. This drama raised a lot of questions but overall I liked it.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Superb acting by Zuo Yi and Wang Chen Peng. I felt like both of them pushed each other that led to best performances.
2. Romance - There were 2 love stories in this drama: (i) FL with Lin Mo, and (ii) FL with ML. Both were tragic but there were sweet moments. The kisses between Zuo Yi and Wang Chen Peng were hot. I loved the one in the darkroom.
3. ML characterisation - I empathised with him the most. He was a stand-in for FL's dead fiancé. He truly loved FL but couldn't accept the deception which was understandable.
4. Ending - I liked it because I think they needed time apart. Hope she got therapy during those years apart.
5. Supporting characters - FL's doctor friend had feelings for her but never pushed FL into a romantic relationship. I was surprised when he helped ML - eeerrrmm wouldn't he lose his medical license? I also liked Lin Mo's mother, who reminded me of the mother in The Love of a Fool.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - I understood that she was flawed, emotionally vulnerable after death of her fiancé. I disliked her for toying with ML's feelings in the name of revenge because her fiancé's death wasn't the fault of ML. I also disliked her for blackmailing ML by endangering herself. She badly needed therapy.
2. ML's actions - His desperate attempts to get FL to leave him were no-no for me.

Favourite scene
When both FL and ML were in the darkroom

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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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Great styling, acting & first half. Second half was draggy for me

I came across this drama on subreddit CShortDramas. Members there raved about the new Wang Hao Zhen's drama. I was pleasantly surprised to see Lu Lu Lu as his leading lady. I think the last time I watched her drama was Zephyr Wafts and that was months ago. Overall I enjoyed this drama despite its long duration.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He was tactical & persistent. Declaring FL as his girlfriend in front of his colleagues and showering them with gifts - bold move.
2. Romance - This drama combines two romance tropes: workplace romance & second chance romance. The first official encounter reminds me of American TV show Grey's Anatomy. Their romance was hot & fiery but shortlived when ML's ex made an appearance. ML tried his best to win her heart again and finally she relented.
3. Styling - I really liked the styling for Wang Hao Zheng in this drama. His hairstyle made him youthful and stylish looking. Lu Lu Lu looked chic & cool in her casual clothes. I noticed the kitten heels that she wore - guess she is tall & there isn't big height difference between her and WHZ.
4. FL characterisation - I liked her in the first city that she worked in. I liked that she dumped her ex immediately after finding out that he cheated on her. I also enjoyed watching the fun / light side of her.
5. Supporting characters - I liked the nurses at the first hospital.

What I disliked:
1. The breakup - I think at least one hour of the drama was on their break up & ML's reconciliation attempt. This arc was draggy and tiring with FL resisting ML's attempt for a second chance.
2. Second half - 3 hours was too much time for this romance-focused drama with no antagonist. The baddie in the drama is the couple themselves - ML for not being upfront about his past relationship & FL for resisting & resentment.
3. ML's ex - Her presence annoyed me. ML repeatedly told her that he wasn't interested in her anymore but she was self-absorbed & delusional.

Favourite scene
Their first intimate scene

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Mature & introspective drama of character growth and second chance romance

I was finalising a reddit post on my 5 favourite Cheng Cheng's dramas when this drama was released. I decided to watch it before I published the post, just in case I could feature it in the post. I didn't include Get Married in my post but I enjoyed the drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was rebuilding her career after a scandal. She was vulnerable but there was a quiet strength about her and I liked seeing her journey. There was a healing aspect to this drama.
2. Romance - This is a story of a second chance drama. Reconciliation was a slow process because FL wanted to rely on herself rather than being dependent on others in the restart of her career. I also liked that writer didn't harp on too much on childhood romance because their romance should not rely on nostalgia.
3. ML characterisation - ML still loved FL even post-divorce and I liked that he wasn't domineering. He was jealous when FL got attention from other men but he was never threatened her. I also liked that ML was flawed - too many MLs in vertical dramas were depicted as "perfect".
4. Tone - There were comedic moments that made this drama lighthearted.
5. Styling - I must say I loved ML's outfits. ML was a director of a variety show so his outfits were mostly outdoorsy and comfortable yet stylish.
6. Third party - There was no green tea in this drama and I loved it! Their relationship broke down because of their own insecurities.
7. Supporting characters - I loved FL's agent & the assistant director.

Disliked:
1. Reconciliation - I wish there were more time / episodes after they really talked about their failed marriage. I would like to see them rebuilding their romantic relationship.
2. Variety show - I understand that it was a catalyst for reconnection between FL and ML but I felt the variety show content wasn't relatable. Ideally the show could have been nore focused on communication so it would be parallel to FL-ML's past problem.

Favourite scene
When FL told her agent about the problems in her marriage that eventually led to her divorce

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Well-written & acted FL-focused drama about love, career and family

I love the first part of this drama. There was whimsical and magical vibe to it but the ending was abrupt. Then a few weeks ago, I was ecstatic upon finding out that there was second part to this story. I watched within a few days of release and was spellbound. Loved it immensely.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was a woman who knew what she wanted for her career and went full steam for it. The career vs love conflict that she faced was relatable and I liked that she struggled and learned that love could be a priority in her life too.
2. ML characterisation - He was loving, patience and the most chilled nepo baby hehehe he's more concerned about FL's career than his and I liked that he didn't feel emasculated by her high ambitions.
3. Romance - Affectionate & healthy with physical touch being their love language. The breakup was understandable but it was great that they worked things out. I really liked the proposal.
4. Acting - Great performances by the cast. Li Ke Yi & Lu Dan Dong had wonderful chemistry & rapport.
5. Supporting characters - I liked FL's bestie, ML's bestie and ML's grandma. Even FL's sister was ok after she learnt her lesson.
6. Styling - Loved the outfits for both FL & ML.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family members were horrible especially the grandfather and father. Stuck in that "men are better" mentality.

Favourite scene
When ML pulled FL into his lap then answered phone call from her father

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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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