emberzmars

FL finally got away from psychotic ex

I never realised that Garvey Jin has crossed over to vertical dramas until a reddit friend talked about this vertical drama. I liked Garvey in Begin Again but couldn't finish Redeeming Love. I enjoyed Zhao Mu Yan's acting but haven't watched her dramas since February. Overall I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - It's great to see Zhao Mu Yan as CEO who worked hard but encountered challenges due to envy. I liked that FL tried her very best to find solutions without giving into demands of bitter ex lover.
2. Romance - The start of FL-ML relationship was spicy and full of sexual tension. ML was smitten and determined to be by her side. It took awhile for FL to give into love but it's understandable considering FL had just got out of a toxic relationship.
3. Supporting characters - I really like assistant Feng & FL's subordinate.
4. Styling - Zhao Mu Yan wore beautiful outfits for this drama. I loved her red dress at the engagement party.
5. Visuals - Zhao Mu Yan was so beautiful. There were many attractive actors e.g Garvey, actors who played SML & Assistant Feng.
6. Height difference - I know Garvey is super tall and Zhao Mu Yan is tiny. Their height difference was alright due to camera angles but once or twice I saw Garvey bent a lot. Poor him!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - OMG FL's ex was despicable for manipulation and imprisonment. He got his comeuppance alright. His father & wife were evil as well and I didn't see them getting punished.
2. ML's characterisation - I wish ML had informed FL of his real identity sooner so that FL and ML could devise a strategy to show that there was no favouritism. I also disliked feigning injury to gain sympathy from FL.
3. Relationship - I wish they had a proper discussion about their relationship once ML's secret was out.

Favourite scene
When FL was traumatised by her ex. That was scary hence memorable!

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Sizzling chemistry made this family dispute drama enjoyable

I watched this drama early 2025 when I just got into vertical dramas. I was already a fan of Zhang Chu Xuan and have watched Xie Yu Wang in another drama. I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Zhang Chu Xuan and Xie Yu Wang's off-the-charts chemistry made their characters' romance believable. Good balance of push & pull dynamics. There were good kisses, sweet gestures & cute banters.
2. Main characters - Both main characters were likeable. There was vulnerable side to FL's character.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's grandma & brother (by now June 2025, I have seen him in many supporting roles I need to get his name). I also liked FL's accomplice Ye Qi & master.
4. Antagonist - I liked the mysterious antagonist trying to bring down ML.
5. Hidden identity - I actually enjoy the way hidden identity was employed in this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - This drama was released in 2023 so the plot is typical of that year. FL's family waa terrible. Gosh it was nice to see Wang Yun Yun playing SFL green tea because my first drama of hers she was already playing FL. Her character in this drama was mean.

Favourite scene
Secret weapon

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Quiet and mature handling of jiejie romance

I watched this drama at the recommendation of a reddit user. Older woman-younger man romance or fondly known as jiejie romance is my favourite trope. It has a different vibe to the other jiejie romance that I have watched. I liked it.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - It's interesting to see the ups and downs of FL's life. At the start of the relationship, she was a well-to-do career woman who could financially support ML. However life happened and to avoid dragging ML into her problems, she dumped him. It may sound harsh but I understand her decision. He was young and full of potential.
2. Romance - Their relationship is different from other jiejie romance that I've watched. There were good kisses and puppy moments but the thing that strikes me most about their romance is the quiet and mature handling of it.
3. ML characterisation - I liked that he had her back and did not meddle in her life unless she requested for support. It was great to see him go against his irrational father.
4. Acting - It's great to see Han Yu Tong portrayed a vulnerable woman because I have seen her played strong or vengeful woman most of the time. It's my first time watching Qiu Hong Kai's acting. He was good in his role.
5. Competition - It's always fun to see scenes of slander and plagiarism accusation.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - It's unbelievable that FL's father would do such a thing to his daughter. Her ex and the mistress were horrible persons as well.

Favourite scene
When FL declared her love for ML in public

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Very likeable FL living in rural area with sickly ML & 2 children

I am on a mission to watch as many Huang Bo as I can because I am writing an article about his dramas. This caught my attention because it seemed family oriented and yesterday was Father's Day. I enjoyed this drama immensely!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Xu Man is the bomb. She was an overworked doctor who transmigrated to 1980s and her new self was forced to marry a sickly man with 2 children. I liked that she prioritised her family's welfare than her own career - which is unlike other transmigration into 1980s vertical dramas. Xu Man was smart to keep up with her hubby's aunt's scheming.
2. Romance - Gosh I liked how forthcoming FL is when it comes to romance. She desired ML right from the start, always complimenting him on his looks and teasing him about their relationship. I was pleasantly surprised that there is a spicy intimate scene 🔥because vertical dramas with live-in kids rarely have spicy scenes.
3. ML characterisation - Despite his disability, he was a smart entrepreneur. ML was kind and compassionate. I loved that he expressed his thoughts about his aunt directly with FL. I also liked his protectiveness over FL and the kids.
4. Acting - Hou Cheng Yue impressed me with her acting in this drama as she managed to convey different emotions and made Xu Man very likeable. It was awesome to watch Huang Bo as Mr Nice Guy as I always like his soft facial expressions. Both Hou Cheng Yue and Huang Bo have great acting and visual chemistry.
5. Supporting characters - The kids, the director of hospital and FL's grandpa are wonderful additions to this drama.
6. Antagonist - I loved to hate ML's aunt. Putting that aside, it is great to see a formidable antagonist because I am tired of green tea / white moonlight as main antagonist in a vertical drama.
7. Setting - Kudos to writer for choosing countryside as opposed to city for FL & ML's reisdence & livelihood. I liked that the issue of shortages of doctors in rural areas was brought up in this drama.
8. Styling - I really liked FL's clothes especially she wears yellow flowery dress. Huang Bo looked a simple bloke with that hairstyle - different from his usual suave hairstyle.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - FL's family is despicable. I was shocked by their decision in the third act - after all, they forced FL to move to countryside & marry sickly man. I also disliked snooty behaviour of FL's sister and ex-boyfriend.
2. Surgery - It's funny that FL could operate on a patient even though she wasn't a registered doctor. The director had so much trust in her.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML were intimate with each other for the first time

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FL was reborn but remained unlikeable till the end

I am determined to watch as many Huang Bo dramas as I can for my next assignment. I chose this drama because it was less than 100 minutes and uses reborn trope. I have mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Reborn - I liked that both ML & FL were reborn and took separate paths from their past lives.
2. Makeup - Kudos to the makeup artist for creating a realistic aged look for FL. She looked haggard with wrinkles, dark circles & pigmentation as the harmful medication took a toll on her.
3. FL characterisation - I'd say she's anti-hero instead of villain here because this drama is from her perspective. I liked that she is an unlikeable character but with pitiful moments. The actress who played FL did very well with her role.
4. Ending - I was surprised by how SML & his wife's story was wrapped up.
5. Supporting characters - It's great to see SML being the bigger devil than FL. I was also surprised by his staff supported him in his quest to dupe FL.

What I disliked:
1. Screentime - It's a shame that Huang Bo got little screentime despite the top billing. Wish we could see more of ML's life journey because I don't watch many ML reborn stories.
2. FL's actions - FL was so materialistic that she did not care about her responsibilities as a company president. Such a silly girl!

Favourite scene
When FL realised she had been duped by SML

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How a canary planned her escape from vicious "owner"

I am in Huang Bo phase because I am preparing a reddit post on his dramas. This drama has been in my 'Plan to watch' list since I discovered Huang Bo early this year. Wow, I am in disbelief. Despite the toxicity, I enjoyed this drama for the beautiful shots & amazing performances.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - OMG, she was a canary to a possessive lover. I loved her for fighting for freedom and never giving up. Such a beautiful but tragic backstory.
2. Acting - This is my second drama with Huang Yun Yun as FL and wow, what an impressive performance. She was able to showcase different facial expressions. Huang Bo played a convincing psychopath that I was so concerned for FL's wellbeing. Huang Bo and Huang Yun Yun had amazing chemistry despite their characters being in predator-prey relationship.
3. Ending - It's a brilliant idea to do something different and related to the poster.
4. Styling - Huang Yun Yun was elegant when she wore dresses - my favourite is the light blush dress. I also loved her all black ensemble she wore when she confronted ML for the final time.
5. Length - This drama is under 100 minutes, which is good because I couldn't take anymore abuse.
6. Editing - Beautifully shot scenes e.g. dancing scenes & forced intimacy scenes.
7. Supporting characters - Different characters added value to this drama: Yang Xue, FL's male friend, ML's staff.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - In this drama, the ML is the villain and he is the most vile partner ever. He was possessive, conniving and insecure. It's unbelievable that he did those things to make sure FL stayed with him.
2. Romance - Toxic love.

Favourite scene
The ending

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“Being kind to those who hurt you, is cruelty to yourself”

I watched this drama a few days ago as I was preparing a reddit post that celebrates Father's Day. A gem that is highly recommended.

What I liked:
1. Family theme - This is a non-romance drama and it heavily focuses on family. There are 2 different families shown in this drama: i) FL's adopted family and 2) FL's biological father.
2. FL characterisation - I loved how she grew up and changed her approach once she was given a second chance. One thing remained constant - she was kind-hearted, cool and level-headed. She helped to extract a stranger from a car wreck even though there were risks of car blowing up. However with people who treated her badly, she wasn't kind which is great.
3. ML characterisation - Despite no romantic element, ML here is FL's biological father played by Sa Gang Yun. He started off as a serious, no-nonsense business man. Despite being skeptical & awkward with FL at first, it's wonderful to see him making effort in getting to know FL. He supported her without smothering her.
4. SML characterisation - FL's adopted father has a complex arc that made me go through an emotional rollercoaster. He wasn't a bad person from start till the end - there were moments in which he was genuinely kind. He made bad decisions that affected FL's welfare.
5. Supporting characters - I liked the grandpa who rescued FL and wanted to know more about his backstory.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's adopted family were atrocious. I couldn't believe her adopted / stepmother for the inhumane treatment.
2. Assault - I couldn't believe that FL's adopted brother assaulted her for something petty. He should be sent to the police for his crime!
3. Father - daughter relationship - I wish there were more scenes of FL & ML spending quality time together. FL looked indifferent sometimes when she was with biological father. I wish she would lower down her guard.
4. Ending - A cliffhanger. I want to know what happened next.

Favourite scene
The contract bidding

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So much potential but writing was a letdown. FL got bullied too many times

I was in the mood for Huang Bo so I chose to watch this drama. The video had more than 2 million views and the title stated that he was allergic to woman. I had mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - It was good to see Huang Bo playing Mr Nice Guy. ML was protective & respectful of FL.
2. Romance - Sweet age-gap romance. FL was still university student at the start so she called ML "uncle". ML fell for FL at first sight and entertained every single request of FL. However the kisses weren't real, I wonder if Li Jing Ye's request for no real kisses because Huang Bo does real onscreen kisses very well.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's assistant. Smart & knew when to intervene.
4. Ending - The last 5 minutes was suspenseful. I liked the ending and how FL reacted upon hearing news from ML.

What I disliked:
1. Bullying - FL were bullied too many times: her family, her love rival, at her graduation ceremony, ML's ex. These scenes bored me so I watched it at 2× speed.
2. Allergy plot device - I was disappointed this plot device wasn't properly used in this story. It was only done very briefly at the start and then briefly mentioned in the third act.
3. FL characterisation - FL was quite timid for my liking. I disliked that FL had doubts about ML when his ex appeared. At times I felt she received more than she gave to the relationship.

Favourite scene
The ending

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Solid historical revenge drama with captivating ML

I don't remember how I came across this drama - was it because I missed watching Wang Zi Jia or was this drama recommended in a sub-reddit? I am glad that I watched this drama because it was good.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Wang Zi Jia continued to impress me with her acting. This is my first drama of Yang Yu Bin and wow, I was impressed by his facial expression and posture. He was captivating on screen!
2. Revenge - Both characters sought justice for their families. ML's revenge plan was more subtle. It's cool that FL executed her plan without help from ML. She was smart.
3. Romance - There was a good mix of sweet and spicy. I loved how affectionate they were with each other. ML being playful with FL was cute then hot.
4. Styling - I really really liked ML's styling. Their wedding gowns were beautiful.
5. Supporting characters - I liked FL's older servant because she was protective of FL. ML's righthand man was good too.
6. Length - Great that this drama is less than 1 hour 50 minutes.

What I disliked:
1. Abuse - Pity FL for enduring abuse from relatives & sister wives/concubine. That punishment she received in the past was nasty.
2. Antagonists - A few were introduced. They were horrible people.

Favourite scene
When FL tended to ML's wound

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When antagonist reigned supreme

I was going through iQiyi shorts collection until I saw the poster of this drama. I clicked play because I am Huang Bo fangirl and I was curious about Xu Dan's acting. This drama was an OK watch despite its many flaws.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked her resilience in facing hardships. She was on her own so I understood why she never openly fought back.
2. Acting - I was impressed by Xu Dan and the actress who played Tang Si Han. Huang Bo did good with his role too. I disliked his character at one point.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Wow Tang Si Han is the most vicious antagonist I have seen in vertical dramas. She was a psychopath who has no moral compass. Her biological mother was another vile character.
2. Abuse - There were so much physical & mental abuse endured by FL. I was stressed.
3. Romance - Even though FL & ML were together in a romantic relationship, there was hardly any romance in the drama.
4. Mrs Tang - Gosh she was mean and dumb. She should have done a DNA test to confirm Tang Si Han's claim.

Favourite scene
When Tang Si Han visited ML's father at the hospital

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Surprised by how much I enjoyed this drama despite the stiff acting

I was in the mood for Zhao Zhen Dong's dramas and chose this drama because running time is less than 2 hours and I enjoy flash marriage trope. I set the bar low because I was disappointed with another ZZD drama. However this drama proved to be enjoyable despite its flaws.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Despite no real kissing & spicy scenes, I enjoyed watching the development of their relationship. They started off as strangers agreeing to a marriage of convenience but then slowly build their relationship & affection through interdependence, mutual respect & communication.
2. FL characterisation - She is smart & self-reliant. I liked how she solved the plagiarism accusation. She did it on her own without the help of ML.
3. ML characterisation - He is respectful and genuinely like FL from the start.
4. Supporting characters - ML's assistant was a delight to watch.
5. Car accident - I liked how this crucial moment in FL & ML's lives was written & presented in the drama. The director managed to create a momentum of suspense.

What I disliked:
1. FL's actions - I couldn't understand her reasoning for going out with her senior and her behaviour during that date, her not disclosing her relationship with ML at her school reunion and her going out with a random man.
2. Acting - Wang Zi Yi's facial expressions and body language were stiff and did not match the intensity of Zhao Zhen Dong's acting. I couldn't sense any chemistry between ZZD & WZY despite enjoying their romance journey. That bumped me because I thought her character was somewhat well-written. The actress who played FL's stepmom Song Xue Er gave a bad performance. What's with the maniacal laughter?
3. Supporting characters - I disliked grandmas from both sides - they were selfish! FL's father wasn't a good man too. The green tea and the office director were annoying.
4. Styling - Why were FL wearing dowdy outfits? She looked like Sister Maria from The Sound of Music. She wore ugly shoes.

Favourite scene
When FL presented a cake to ML & they celebrated his birthday

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Must see romantic suspense drama with great acting and fiery chemistry

I discovered this drama when I was going through Huang Bo's filmography to update his MDL profile. This drama's synopsis intrigued me. I enjoyed this drama a lot and could watch this drama on repeat.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was a drone developer. Great to see a female scientist in vertical dramas. She was smart to use her strength to save herself in difficult situations. Lun Rui Xue impressed me with her acting.
2. Romance - At first the relationship between FL and ML was more physical for survival but it's great to see it transition to love as both trusted and depended on each other to catch the villain and get out of that place. This is one of few dramas in which main couple works together on a common goal. There were hot kisses and sexy seduction.
3. ML characterisation - A complex character wonderfully portrayed by Huang Bo. ML is anti-hero trapped in an undercover mission waiting to finish and get out. I liked that I couldn't read him at first.
4. Antagonists - There are two types of antagonists: FL's family and the people behind human trafficking & drug smuggling. Both types were nicely developed though I wish there was more screentime for the mastermind behind the those big crimes.
5. Legacy - Legacy is one of the themes explored in this drama and I liked how it was written in many ways such as from perseptives of FL, ML and antagonists.
6. Fitness - I have been into keeping myself fit after a health scare. So I appreciate whenever a drama has scenes of physical training & fitness. Appreciated that this was shown as part of main couple's preparation to bring down the mastermind.

What I disliked:
1. Abuse - This story involves human trafficking which for me is hard to watch. Innocent women being duped then abused physically and mentally by heartless people.

Favourite scene
When ML revealed his identity to FL

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Painful to watch because of abuse endured by FL

I managed to watch this drama after Black Swan Strategy was released and before Youtube link got removed. I am a big fan of Wen Mo Yan and I enjoyed Wang Hao Xiang's dramas that I have watched. This drama was painful to watch. Trigger warning: Abuse, Self-harm

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked that she took the opportunity to blow off steam when she wanted to be herself. I'd say she was mentally strong because of the tantrums her mother threw at her frequently.
2. Ending - Loved the ending! Very similar to Black Swan Strategy.
3. Styling - I liked the styling contrast between FL and her twin sister. Wen Mo Yan looked hot in biker chic getup.
4. Acting - Great acting by Wen Mo Yan and the actress who played FL's mother.
5. Relationship - I liked that ML was there for FL / played the role of a friend when she was at her lowest point. There were some kisses but that happened mostly at the start because drama was quite heavy from second act onwards.

What I disliked:
1. Abuse - FL's mother had mental health issues and she was abusive towards FL. It was painful to watch scenes of her hurting and threatening FL.
2. Confrontation - That scene between FL's ex fiancé and FL's mother was tense. Damn he was brutally honest with her mother that I was afraid of what she would do to herself and FL.
3. Chemistry - Unfortunately I didn't sense any romantic chemistry between Wen Mo Yan and Wang Hao Xiang.

Favourite scene
The ending

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Emotionally charged reincarnation tale with electrifying chemistry

I must say that I find Zhang Lei handsome. I was curious about his dramas so I watched his other drama but someone recommended this title. I just finished watching it and yes, I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. Romance - ML was easily turned on by FL after noticing changes in her character. For me, the romance really clicked in the third act when FL started to pay attention to her feelings about ML. Their kissing by the pool scene was hot and emotionally charged as FL finally acknowledged her growing love for ML. I also found the kissing by the car scene very intimate because they were honest with their feelings regarding the other person and their relationship.
2. Reincarnation - I really liked ML's thoughts of his past lives as he was able to distinguish between his feelings for FL in present form from his feelings for FL in past lives. I also liked that he knew he was in control of his life journey.
3. Supporting characters - Their son was endearing. Great to see him again because I enjoyed the boy's acting in A Story About Love. I also liked FL's brother.
4. Sibling dynamics - This arc touched my heart. I totally felt FL's pain when her own brother didn't believe her. Her action was brutal but that was the best for her. Delighted to see grovelling scene.
5. Main characters - I enjoyed watching their characters grow. FL stopped becoming a doormat while ML started to make effort in their relationship. Great acting by Zhang Lei & Lin Qi Ting.

What I disliked:
1. Gossip - There wasn't a clear antagonist for this drama but that group of mean girls served the purpose of baddies I supposed. They felt out of place during parent-child event at school. I don't think any of them had children.

Favourite scene
The confession by the swimming pool

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Flawed romantic suspense drama brought down by abysmal acting performance & subpar writing

I found out about this drama from a subreddit. The title intrigued me because the two main characters are on the opposite side of the law. I decided to watch within 24 hours of release but gosh, I was disappointed with this drama. Thank you Raiana for telling me about this MDL page because I wanted to post my review immediately after watching so I don't forget my points. Watching this drama once is enough for me.


What I liked:

1. Styling – Zhao Zhen Dong was damn hot in silver hair. He looked like an anime character - I was glued to the screen . I also liked the clothes he wore during the drama.

2. Writing – I appreciate the writer trying to give refreshing storyline. The first & second acts were somewhat thrilling even with predictable plot. Well I knew where the story was heading.



What I disliked:

1. Bai Ye – Bai Ye was unbelievable in her role of undercover narcotics agent. She lacked conviction when she had scuffle with antagonists and during action scenes. I felt she was miscast.

2. Romance – FL & ML are supposed to be deep in love since their training academy days but got separated due to missions. However when reunited, they seemed awkward and there was no sexual tension. There was no chemistry between Bai Ye and Zhao Zhen Dong. Their romance was lacklustre.

3. Third act – The scenes after main antagonist was apprehended felt like a typical vertical drama but disguised as police thriller. The white moonlight increased her efforts in separating the couple, the couple decided not to communicate truthfully so a lot of assumptions made. Ending was out of the blue.


Favourite scene
Zhao Zhen Dong when he first appeared on screen with silver hair

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