emberzmars

Action-packed but romance & espionage arcs were underdeveloped

I liked Yu Peishan's acting when he acted alongside Jia Yixuan. I found this drama through his MDL profile so I watched it last night. This drama was my second drama of both Yu Peishan and Zhao Zaoer. I liked this drama but found certain arcs could be fleshed out more.

What I liked:
1. Action - I rarely watch action vertical dramas so appreciated the action scenes. The first scene was exhilarating. I love that Zhao Zaoer got to kick butt.
2. FL characterisation - She's tough, smart and multi-talented. I also liked that she was kind to and protective of Lu Jingyuan. I didn't like Zhao Zaoer's acting in Zero Ambiguity but I enjoyed her acting in this drama.
3. ML characterisation - I liked that he's always on his toes about FL's whereabouts. I liked Yu Peishan's hair in this drama because he looked dashing and somewhat resembled Chen Gang.
4. Supporting characters - I loved Lu Jingyuan OMG he was so precious. I smiled whenever he appeared on screen. FL's right hand man, ML's assistant and brother/cousin were nice addition to the cast.
5. Ending - It was romantic and sweet. So satisfying!

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Both ML & FL looked good together and the kisses were nice. However their romance was underdeveloped, which disappointed me given the long running time (almost 2.5 hours).
2. Villain - OMG she was the worst villain in all of vertical dramas that I have watched. How could she do that!!! I was also disappointed that she got so much screentime. Same old jealous half-sister arc. I also thought her scheme to get FL to be kicked out from university was silly. How could university's top management take such action based on a hearsay.
3. Espionage arc - I wish this arc was fleshed out. I wanted to know about the mission at the start and why did FL want to kill ML.

Favourite scene
The mission at the start of the drama

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Expected sizzle but got fizzle

I have a massive crush on Bai Yan as she is a great actress that emotes and choose roles very well. This drama is my second He Cong Rui drama - my first was Huang Jin Tai, which I enjoyed immensely. I was curious to watch this combo.

What I liked:
1. Styling - I like He Cong Rui's styling for this drama. The haircut really made him looked like a mischievous troublemaker especially when he donned necklaces. FL's outfits were pretty with red dress being my favourite.
2. ML's career - This is one of the few vertical dramas which ML is not a CEO. Ling Si Huai is a surgeon. He faced a work conflict in the second act and I really enjoyed those scenes. I felt his pain.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - I had hoped for sizzling chemistry between Bai Yan and He Cong Rui but was left disappointed. I don't buy the romance between FL and ML because they felt more like friends. Though I appreciated the genuine concern they had for each other.
2. Third act - Too much screentime for FL's bff Xu Man & Dr Qi Jia which also made me lose interest in the drama.
3. Antagonist - Wow, a delusional SFL that met a nasty end. The actress looked familiar but I can't recall her name.

Favourite scene
When ML faced a conflict at work and had to choose either unscheduled surgery or his family

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Familiar plot but great chemistry between the leads kept me watching

It has been awhile since I watched this drama. Glad that the MDL page has been created because I write a review & remove this drama from my 'No MDL review' list.

What I liked:
1. Romance - That intro scene was just smoking hot. I liked a take charge FL. ML was very lusty once they got married but there were sweet moments from 2nd act onwards. Though I enjoyed most of the steamy scenes, I wish FL would show more interest/desire.
2. Li Tian Yuan - This is my first time watching Li Tian Yuan & I enjoyed her acting. She was radiant in this drama. I am definitely keen to watch her other dramas.
3. Familiar plot - This drama reminds me of You've Been Tricked starring Yao Yuchen. Both dramas have ML with memorable tattoo & flashbacks to FL & ML's childhood. I wonder if this drama is an adaptation/iteration of the same story.
4. FL's best friend - It's good to see a best friend playing integral role in vertical drama.

What I disliked:
1. Rescue - FL was kidnapped & I was surprised that ML came alone to rescue her.
2. Africa - The whole 'I banish you to Africa' threat should stop. It's insulting.

Favourite scene
When ML revealed his secret to FL

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Well-paced story about business rivals falling in love

I enjoyed Xu Meng Yuan's acting in her drama with Wang Hao Xiang so I was excited to come across this drama. I also liked Fan Xiao Dong's acting in Fatal Allure.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Sweet romance when they were not antagonistic towards each other. There were some nice, heartfelt kisses.
2. Fan Xiao Dong - It's good to see him as a ML because I did think he had ML potential when I watched Fatal Allure. I like his character in this drama. He and his posseys provided comic relief. Hpwever I noticed Fan Xiao Dong looked like he's done something to his face. If it's true, what a shame!
3. Supporting characters - I really like both assistants to ML & FL. I also enjoyed the backstory for ML's love rival (actor is handsome).

What I disliked:
1. Rivalry - While I enjoyed watching them competing against each other, I think their bet was childish.
2. Product placement - There were too many ads of the same product throughout this microdrama.

Favourite scene
Flashback to the time FL & ML were in college

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Hilarious & heartwarming slowburn romance

I watched this drama on 10 February 2025. I wasn't familiar with the main actress nor main actor but the first 20 minutes was hilarious, I continued to watch this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I love a FL who is clear on her goals & driven to accomplish it. FL is sensible, smart & unintentionally funny. I really enjoyed Xu Meng Yuan's acting.
2. Comedy - This drama is hilarious thanks to ML's delusional thoughts. FL interactions with ML were mostly amusing too.
3. Romance - This is slowburn romance. There are very few physical touches. Instead the romantic feelings were expressed through their facial expressions & in some ways, acts of service.
4. Supporting characters - I liked the bodyguards who warmed towards FL, he was like a friend. I also liked Secretary Gao. She was rational & protective of FL once they became friends.
5. Styling - Xu Meng Yuan's hair was so beautiful. I also like some outfits worn by FL & her love rival.

What I disliked:
1. Feelings - Ideally I'd like to see more internal conflict when it comes to FL's feelings for ML. I was also irritated about ML's confused feelings because it was draggy.

Favourite scene
FL and her bodyguard at a love rival's party

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Outrageous is the one word I choose to describe this drama

I have seen some cuts of this drama on my Youtube dashboard. So I watched on a Sunday evening.

What I liked:
1. Visuals - This is my first Liu Lan Bo drama and omigosh he was extremely handsome. Like a vampire well I thought of Edward Cullen because I could imagine him sparking like diamonds when under the sun.
2. Styling - Styling for ML totally elevated Liu Lan Bo's handsomeness. I also liked styling for FL because she didn't look like Lolita despite being a 20 year old. FL's wedding dress is beautiful because it's simple & classy.
3. Supporting character - I liked ML's assistant, who was amusing at times.

What I disliked:
1. ML's characterisation - I dislike him as he was possessive, lunatic & disrespectful to FL. He never tried to get to know & understand FL.
2. Romance - Where are the wooing & the dates? ML was very aggressive towards FL, which I don't find romantic. I don't buy the 'FL had feelings for ML' even at the end. She remained with him because he was lesser of the two devils. Because of this odd dynamic, I didn't see any chemistry between Liu Lan Bo and Zheng Chenyu.
3. Screenplay - The screenplay felt disjointed. I noticed similarities with Captive Love from the Mob Boss (FL saving ML from his enemies, ML stalked & stopped FL from marrying someone else) then second act was inspired from kdrama Where the Phone Rings and third act was the big confrontation with the enemy. The ending was so anticlimactic.
4. FL characterisation - It's good that she never felt for ML's charms just because he was handsome and rich. However FL character elements weren't consistent. At the start she was struggling student working as delivery person but from second act, I didn't know what happened to her studies. What defined FL as an individual?

Favourite scene
When ML first met FL...that's the hook that made me curious about this drama.

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Hidden identity, family dispute, hot romance

I love, love, love Yu Long-Tian Yu drama about assertive female CEO. When I enjoy an actor/actress work, I'd look up for his/her drama on Youtube. I was delighted to come across this drama on Youtube last month. I enjoyed this drama a lot!

What I liked:
1. Romance - They took part in a flash marriage as both had agendas to pursue. However there was affection despite them being married strangers. Yu Long and Tian Yu always have sizzling chemistry because they exude sexy, mature couple. I find them sexier during their kissing scenes. That sloppy lipstick mess was hot!
2. FL characterisation - She was driven by her goal to get her inheritance so it doesn't fall into the wrong hands. FL was smart and independent - I liked that she wanted to raise/take care of ML. Oh and her scheming was entertaining to watch. I was shocked about her stepmother scheme.
3. Styling - I love FL's outfits from the orange pantsuit to the dresses. ML looked great in his outfits too.
4. Supporting characters - I like ML's assistant.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - There were too many antagonists in this drama: ML's family, FL's family, ML's former friend & his sister. The actor who played ML's former friend Ye Jin Xiao is handsome - he reminds me of American actor Andrew Keeghan.

Favourite scene:
When ML revealed his hidden identity to FL

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CEO FL, ML hides identity, hot kiss - ❤️ this drama!

I watched this drama on 18 December 2024 during my first month of exploring vertical c dramas. I am very delighted that MDL page has been created! This is my first drama of Yu Long and Tian Yu and I must say I was impressed by the quality. This is one of the few vertical dramas I watch on repeat.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - FL is a CEO who faced misogyny
from her brother and some male CEOs. She is assertive, capable, smart, funny & vulnerable (I love that she's not Mary Sue). Tian Yu was excellent in this role. She can do comedic & dramatic scenes. I also think Tian Yu has a gorgeous body and she looks hot in tight fitting dresses.
2. Romance - I love her reasons for choosing a husband not a C-level executive. There was an attraction at the start, which slowly grew into admiration and love. ML comforted FL when she was down and I love those scenes. Their kisses are hot! The fact that Yu Long and Tian Yu looked like a sexy, mature power couple made me love this pairing even more.
3. ML characterisation - I love how devoted he is to FL and their marriage. He does have a flaw - he hides his identity while being married to FL. But he managed to convince FL to stay married. Yu Long was so dashing & handsome as ML.
4. Supporting characters - Omigosh I love FL's parents, ML's grandpa. FL's brother is unlikeable but towards the end he was ok. He was the comic relief.
5. Comedy - This drama is a romcom done well!
6. Misogyny - There was a scene where some CEOs, including FL, gathered for a meal and they bullied FL. The bullying was horrible but FL handled the situation well. Overall I like this scene because it depicts real life.

What I disliked:
1. Hidden identity - I just think ML should come clean at his grandpa's birthday.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML had beer at convenience store 🔥

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I love sexy, mature couple and the ending

I discovered Qian Zhe 2 weeks ago and gosh I enjoy watching his body eeerrr I mean his dramas. I think this was my first Lu Lu Lu drama that I watched. I realised that this is my second drama about Beijing Prince and a lady betrayed by her boyfriend and best friend. I can't recall the actor & actress of the first version I watched but I remember drama was from Dramazone Youtube and think it has been removed.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Lu Lu Lu and Qian Zhe exuded sexy, mature power couple. Palpable chemistry from the very first scene. I like that this version showed their sweet moments from their 3 covert years together.
2. Styling - FL looked classy and pretty. ML looked handsome. Even clothes for antagonists didn't look bad.
3. ML characterisation - ML was devoted to FL. He's done so much for her.
3. Ending - Damn, a boudoir photoshoot! They were hot even fully clothed!
4. Office rivalry - I enjoyed these scenes because FL was clever than her rival!

What I disliked:
1. FL's action - I think she shouldn't have brought his drunken ex back to his family's home. Even though she felt indebted to his family, he wasn't nice to her. Plus she didn't inform ML of her decision to send ex back & overnight at his family's house.
2. Antagonist - FL's ex best friend is one of the worst antagonists in vertical drama land.

Favourite scene
The ending

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Revenge tale that tasted like dark chocolate - noir, sexy & indulgent

It has been awhile since I last watched Zeng Hui drama. This drama was highly talked about on MDL so I watched it last weekend.

What I liked:
1. Romance - FL seduced ML at every chance she got and damn those seduction scenes were sexy as hell. Their intimate scenes were blazing hot!
2. Acting - Great acting by Han Yu Tong, Zeng Hui & actress who played the antagonist. Zeng Hui with pierced ear is devilishly handsome.
3. Revenge - A carefully planned one.
4. Ending - So sweet!

What I disliked:
1. Change of look - FL changed her looks through cosmetic surgery but I didn't see any difference between before and after looks. She should have worn a different hairstyle & thick glasses before or used a different actress.
2. Duration - I wish this drama was longer. I would love to see FL struggling with her changing feelings for ML and ML's kid.

Favourite scene:
The jacuzzi scene

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Soul swapped, Kickass FL, Unpreditable plot - Thoroughly enjoyed!

I was in the mood for He Jian Qi drama tonight and since I wanted something light & funny, I picked this drama. OMG, such a hilarious drama! I enjoyed immensely.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Kickass, smart, warm, hardworking. No wonder many characters fall for her. Despite being in different body, she never took advantage of ML's wealth. Yu Xiao Wan was cool & effortless in the role.
2. ML characterisation - Started off as brooding CEO but gradually learned compassion & love. I never expected He Jian Qi to be good in this type of role.
3. Romance - I like the development of their love story even though there were lack of physical touch. I'd say their love language is words of affirmation (they communicated really well) & acts of service. Mature & healthy relationship.
4. Writing - Having watched many vertical dramas, I find this drama refreshing. No jealous fiancée, no abuse, no kidnapping. I like that some characters discovered the soul swap as time progressed. Unlike other soul swap dramas, this one has more unpredictable nature, in which it happens during emotional moments therefore leads had no control or exact formula for the swap.
5. Supporting characters - Omg I like FL's sister (she's smart & funny), ML's assistant, ML's blind date, ML's sister.
6. Ending - I have seen a similar ending but this one is slightly different.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Just a small dislike of how the main antagonist was handled at the end.
2. Kissing - I wish there were more kisses!

Favourite scene
When FL's sister tricked FL & ML to confirm her theory

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Partnership within flash marriage that turns to love as time passes by

I chose to watch this drama because I wanted to explore Bai Yan's work. I wasn't disappointed.

What I liked:
1. Romance - It's wonderful to watch a relationship that is built on partnership then grows into love. FL & ML had very good communication. Romance is mostly sweet but there is one spicy scene & some real kisses.
2. ML characterisation - Even though their relationship started as married strangers, ML took his role as husband and stepdad very seriously.
3. Supporting characters - I like Grandma Lin who took on nanny role to secretly bond with FL and her daughter. I also like FL's daughter who is integral to this story because in other vertical dramas, most of the kids' role are products of one night stands.
4. Acting - I enjoy watching Bai Yan playing a sweet character without heavy heartache. Wang Jia Mao was also good in his role. The actor who played Su Bei Chen did well do especially that last scene with his mother.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Su Bei Chen, his mother, FL's male coworker & Zhang Xioli are despicable. Su Bei Chen especially!
2. Kidnapping - This is a common trope in vertical drama but gosh this drama upped its ante with the kidnapping scene.

Favourite scene
When ML confessed his feelings for FL at hospital

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Revenge tale with spice & tragic ending

Shen Hao Nan is the reason I watched this drama. I have watched Jadie Jia in other dramas too.

What I liked:
1. Acting - I like the dark tone of this drama. Nice surprise for Jadie Jia fans because most of her dramas that I watched are light & more comedic. Shen Hao Nan was also good in his role.
2. Romance - While there were steamy kisses, overall the romantic relationship was one-sided.
3. SML - According to Youtube comments, the second male lead is Wu Yuancheng. He was captivating in his role as ally to FL.
4. Revenge arc - The punishment for the aunt was satisfying.

What I disliked:
1. The ending - Wah, I didn't expect this drama to end that way. FL was too harsh.

Favourite scene
Flashback to confrontation between FL's mother & ML's mother

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Smart & sassy daughter was highlight of this baby mama drama

Sometimes I watch vertical drama on a whim hence this review.

Edit: Added new point below because I forgot about it earlier. Thanks Fae for jogging my memory.

What I liked:
1. Zhang Yun Tao - I wasn't familiar with his work but I like his performance in this drama. He did well as a cool, restrained CEO and there is something about his eyes that made me enjoyed this drama. He looked handsome in all black ensemble.
2. Romance - It was slow burn and I could feel the sexual tension between the couple. They slept together twice before they really got together. Though I dislike ML for keeping a girlfriend while somewhat pursuing FL - good thing FL was aware and stood her ground.
3. The ending - I like it because of how villain's real identity was exposed. It's different from other dramas with villain stealing FL's identity.
4. Supporting characters - OMG FL's daughter was smart & sassy. A future girl boss. The child actress did very well in delivering her lines!

What I disliked:
1. Villain - One of the most vile villains I've seen in a drama. She used her child to get what she wanted from ML. It's despicable. Was there no DNA test done?
2. Parenting - I don't like ML's parenting style. He didn't seem to care or be involved in his son's life. Bad behaviour was left unpunished. Plus ML was more concerned about FL's daughter.

Favourite scene
When FL's daughter looked for her mum in ML's hotel room

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Noona romance with good amount of tension

I am fan of jiejie / noona / older female, younger male romance. Watched this back in December 2024 when I first explored vertically shot dramas.

What I liked:
1. Romance - The sexual tension between FL & ML was very well done. The coupley things they did were sweet.
2. Acting - Sheng Yi Jie's acting impressed me. Ye Hao Ran also did well as younger love interest. His character was youthful & playful but when serious matter arose, he took serious action.
3. Styling - In the first scene, Ye Hao Ran resembled Korean idol Yeonjun from TomorrowXTogether. Other scenes, he looked like Korean idol Felix from Stray Kids. Anyway I love the clothes worn by both ML & FL.

What I disliked:
1. Ending - It's good that they worked through their problem but I felt that the ending ended abruptly. It would be good if there was another scene with both FL & ML happy with their relationship.

Favourite scene
When ML brazenly kissed FL on her cheek at their workplace

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