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I was surprised by the stellar acting & good storytelling

I was moody & getting headache on Saturday evening because of unexpected work during daytime. I wasn't in the mood for new releases but still wanted to watch a vertical drama so I picked this title from my watchlist. Wow this drama went beyond my expectation. I liked it a lot!

What I liked:
1. Acting - Wow, Ma Qiu Yuan impressed me with her stellar acting. Her character's frustrations & desperation reached my heart. He Cong Rui gave a great performance too - he was expressive despite his character's cold demeanour. Palpable chemistry between MQY & HCR.
2. FL characterisation - Her life was filled with misfortunes but she was tenacious. It was good to see her vulnerability.
3. ML characterisation - He was a jerk at first but slowly became a better man after getting to know FL. I liked that he accepted FL's decision when she asked for breakup. He also prioritised FL's studies.
4. Romance - Rocky at first because ML treated her like a plaything. However the relationship became caring once ML understood the situation that FL was facing. I enjoyed the tender moments between FL and ML especially the face caress.
5. Supporting characters - I liked ML's assistant a lot because of his perceptiveness. I also liked ML's mother, the traditional healer, FL's friend & FL's brother.
6. Styling - I liked FL's kooky jumpers. I noticed how small MQY was when I saw her shoes.
7. Writing - I thought this was going to be another Cold CEO with naïve poor virgin. Whoa I was wrong - there were many twists.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I knew that he was a baddie. ML's arranged fiancee was snobbish and atrocious. Glad they got retribution.
2. ML's actions - I disliked ML as first because of his red flag tendency. The forced kisses were a turn off.

Favourite scene
When FL told ML about her frustrations around episode 31

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Wish there were more couply moments in this long vertical drama

I was in the mood for Zhao Mu Yan's dramas because I was writing a reddit post on her dramas. I found that she had worked with Feng Xiang Kun more than 5 times so I was curious to find which collab was my favourite. This wasn't it.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Only the opening scene had some spice. The couple took time to build their relationship. It was clear that he had a big crush on her. I liked that ML didn't push FL for intimacy aftet they got married.
2. Supporting characters - ML's family was so warm & welcoming. I also liked Shao Zheng, work acquaintance of ML & SML. He gave sound advice.
3. ML characterisation - He was kind & patient. I liked that he prioritised FL's wellbeing.
4. FL characterisation - I enjoyed watching her character grew confident over time.

What I disliked:
1. Intimacy - The drama's first & only intimate scene was at the start of the drama. I wish there were lingering kisses & steamy intimacy once they had confessed their feelings.
2. Duration - At 3+ hours, the drama was too long for me.

Favourite scene
Drunk confession

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Underwhelming performance but good kisses and shots

I watched this drama a few days after its release because of a reddit friend's review. I liked Tian Yu Wei's acting in the two dramas I watched.

What I liked:
1. Production - Raw & natural. I liked how the drama was shot. I could see FL's pores, which is good thing for me.
2. Styling - Refreshing because of natural makeup.
3. Kisses - Good kisses.
4. Tian Yu Wei - I don't remember what this drama is all about but overall Tian Yu Wei gave good performance.

What I disliked:
1. Acting - FL's acting was underwhelming that I was indifferent towards her character. There wasn't any chemistry with Tian Yu Wei.
2. Romance - Lacklustre.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML made out in the car

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Short, straightforward & good enough revenge drama featuring a dancer

I recently enjoy the performances by Yu Ke Ran and saw this drama in a playlist of Zhao Mu Yan's dramas. My curiosity got the better of me - I watched it and liked it enough.

What I liked:
1. Revenge - I liked her revenge plan.
2. FL characterisation - I liked that she was flawed. She never expected to have a connection with SML the son of the antagonist.
3. Acting - Zhao Mu Yan, Yu Ke Ran, the actress who played the main antagonist and the actor who played her son gave good performances. My first time watching YKR as scumbag - I liked it!
4. Length - Only 67 minutes. Straight to the point.
5. Seduction - I enjoyed the scenes with Zhao Mu Yan and Yu Ke Ran. The shower scene was hot.
6. Dance - I loved Zhao Mu Yan in her dancing garb. She looked graceful. I also enjoyed the tango dance she did.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - SFL was evil. She killed her husband and his kids - DAMN! Her lover played by Yu Ke Ran was a vicious accomplice. Glad they got retribution.

Favourite scene
When FL seduced ML

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Too melodramatic but the kisses were fiery & topnotch

I liked the pairing of Liu Xi Yu and Min Jie in two dramas and this being the first collab had me excited. Unfortunately I didn't enjoy this drama as much as Kiss Me My CEO Husband (I watched on iQIYI).

What I liked:
1. Romance - Fiery, passionate kisses. Damn I was on fire watching those scenes. ML did a lot of giving and it's cool to see ML who did not feel emasculated by strong FL.
2. Acting - Electric chemistry between Liu Xi Yu and Min Jie. They looked in sync when performing on screen.
3. FL characterisation - She was able to stand on her two feet. No damsel in distress.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's bestie & ML's father.
5. Styling - I loved FL's pantsuit. She was beautiful in purple & burgundy. I also liked clothes worn by Min Jie. That bonus scene was a very nice surprise.

What I disliked:
1. Cheating - I dislike when main character got involved with another main character while still married to cheating spouse. I wish FL had been divorced when she started relationship with ML.
2. Plot - Too melodramatic for my liking.
3. Antagonists - There were many from FL's spouse, his mistress to ML's pursuer and FL's family member.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML met ML's father after getting married

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Humbled by this tale of hardworking single mother and wheelchair bound military vet

I have always liked Zhen Ni's acting. My friend undead bug aka AuthorAEM told me about this drama. So I decided to watch it on iQIYI. Wow, I enjoyed this drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved her tenacity and resilience. She was a hard worker. I also liked that she was entrepreneurial - she can negotiate.
2. ML characterisation - Full of empathy. A quick thinker.
3. Styling - Loved FL's outfits especially the floral top she wore to the hospital.
4. Supporting character - Loved the aunties when they went against Li family and backed Jiang Nan.
5. Romance - He was smitten from the first sight. Great push and pull dynamics. I could sense the tension and change of dynamics when she gave massages to ML's injured leg.
6. Music - I loved that these songs were featured in the drama: Amelie OST and the instrumental version of The Sound of Silence.
7. Battle of in laws - That battle between ML's mother and grandmother was entertaining.

What I liked:
1. Antagonists - FL's ex Yu Cheng and his family were despicable. The way they treated FL and their daughter were atrocious. Xu Min was pathetic and vicious for her scheming. ML's grandmother & aunty were horrible people.

Favourite scene
When FL realised that she had romantic feelings for ML

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Wang Yi Ran was entertaining in this time travel drama

I was in the mood for Yue Yu Ting drama. To my delight, she has a drama with Wang Yi Ran, one of my favourite vertical drama actors. It was good dama but not great.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Wang Yi Ran was a delight. He was good at conveying a confused man who had strong intuition about FL. Sizzling chemistry between him and Yue Yu Tingg.
2. Tone - It was lighthearted time travel drama. I liked that the drama focused on the couple.
3. ML characterisation - I liked that he was curious but instinctive. Always followed his gut feelings. He was also Mr Nice Guy.
4. Styling - I loved thr outfits worn by both FL & ML.
5. Dynamics - Ha it was fun to see current ML meeting past ML.

What I disliked:
1. Time travel - I felt this trope was simplified too much. At the end, audience was told that the time line was fixed and ML wouldn't vanish whenever he remembered his past with ML. I also didn't get why no repercussions when current ML interacted with past ML.

Favourite scene
When ML fell onto FL at the bar

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Lucky & likeable Mr Nice Guy married to rich, beautiful woman

I was intrigued by Wei Jia Yu after seeing posters of his dramas on reddit. I decided to explore his work first with this drama. I liked it even though the romance part could be stronger.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - Lucky guy. He got married to beautiful and rich woman who was unfortunately comatose. He was given access to expensive cars and luxury suite but he was truly Mr Nice Guy. Never abused privilege given.
2. Tone - Lighthearted & hilarious.
3. Supporting characters - I liked FL's relatives and nursing crew. ML's parents were likeable too.
4. Kindness - I loved the acts of kindness demonstrated in this drama.
5. Romance - Tender & sweet love. I loved their dates - ML took FL to outdoor places for speedy recovery. Acts of service were definitely his love language.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's uncle & cousin were obnoxious.
2. FL characterisation - She was underdeveloped. Too much time on her comatose state.

Favourite scene
FL's birthday celebration

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Angst & tension - this is a love story that stood the test of time

I was in the mood for Shi Yue Yue dramas so I decided to watch this drama. I didn't expect this drama to be full of angst and tension but overall it was a good watch.

Trigger warning: Mental health issue, Suicide attempt

What I liked:
1. Romance - Childhood sweethearts who broke up due to FL's unsavoury situation. When they were not together as a couple, the tension was high. When they reunited, they were burning with passion. Some sweet moments - when they gave cheek peck or quick kiss.
2. Acting - Fantastic chemistry with great performances by both of them.
3. Family - Core theme. FL's grandmother, FL's parents, ML's brother.
4. FL characterisation - I liked that she's hardworking & troed her best to protect her grandma & mother.
5. ML characterisation - I likee that he provided support to FL intuitively.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's father was dead but left a haunting presence. Unfortunately FL got harrassed by loan sharks because her father never settled his debts.
2. ML's action - I didn't like when he shoved his younger bro. He wasn't at fault for their father's wrongdoings.

Favourite scene
When ML found out about what truly happened to FL

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Passionate & tender moments + superb acting made this an A

I was in the mood for Yue Yu Ting's drama so I decided to watch this drama today. The video on Dramazone had 1 million views and wow, this drama met my expectations. I enjoyed it immensely.

What I liked:

1. Romance - Passionate & tender. ML couldn't stop kissing FL at every opportunity and FL seemed to enjoy whenever she was kissed. I also enjoyed the sweet couple moments e.g. award celebration. You can see ML's gratitude during that scene.
2. FL characterisation - She was humble, hardworking and kind. She knew her true north and was proud of her achievements. It's easy to love her.
3. ML characterisation - Cheeky and in some ways, possessive. He was skeptical of FL's intentions but that did not stop him from loving FL.
4. Styling - I really liked her wardrobe - very chic. The dresses she tried on during her shopping trip were gorgeous on her. I also liked ML's wardrobe.
5. Supporting characters - I liked the lady who pursued ML then became FL's buddy. Unexpected moment there! Mr Ji, CEO of Voyage, was mysterious and oh I liked his arc. I also liked FL's adoptive father. The phone call was moving.
6. Acting - Superb performances by Yue Yu Ting, Lu Huan Yu and the cast.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's sister was a bimbo. Their former classmate Ms Su was delusional. I also hated all the goons who supported her.
2. Deception - I disliked ML for concealing his identity to FL. She was right to be mad at him for being duped.

Favourite scene
When FL confronted ML about his hidden identity

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Sizzling chemistry & plenty of kisses but the story offered nothing new

I am in the mood for a drama starring Yue Yu Ting so I browsed her work and decided to watch this drama. I love love love their collab Rose Beloved so I had some expectations about this drama. Overall I liked it but Rose Beloved remains my favourite collab drama of theirs.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Sizzling chemistry from the get go. There were plenty of kissing scenes and they were hot.
2. ML characterisation - Mr Nice Guy who had crush on FL. I liked his cheekiness.
3. Styling - Beautiful clothes worn by both leads. I loved that form-fitting black dress. Chen Zheng Yang also looked good in the glasses.
4. FL characterisation - She was protective of her aunt, whom loved her unconditionally.
5. Duration - About 2 hours, which is good length for me.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Her biological mother wasn't a nice person. She was bias when it comes to her children. FL's ex was also despicable.
2. Plot - Nothing new and at times I felt bored so I doubled the speed.

Favourite scene
When ML & FL hid under a table

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Great performances in this dark revenge tale about poor vs rich people

I was apprehensive about watching this drama because of the length but one Youtube user commented that Sa Gang Yun was in this drama. That made me watch the drama. Overall I liked the drama and I hope Zuo Yi & Sa Gang Yun will collab again.

What I liked:
1. Morally grey - I liked that 3 characters were morally.grey and at some point of the drama, they became unlikeable including FL.
2. FL characterisation - She was out for revenge for the untimely death of her boyfriend. I loved her determination to punish those people.
3. Acting - Superb performances from Zuo Yi, Sa Gang Yun and the actress who played the main antagonist (SFL). The actor who played FL's boyfriend gave great performance.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's boyfriend and FL's mother.
5. Plot twist - I liked that it appeared close to second hour. The third act was unpredictable.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - SFL was sinister in her way to stay in control of the household. SML played by Sa Gang Yun was a ruthless character.
2. Seduction - I know romance wasn't main focus of this drama but Sa Gang Yun was too sexy. I wish he & Zuo Yi had some kisses with FL initiating them before ML passed out.
3. Acting - Zhang Ting Rui gave an underwhelming performance. The actor who played FL's boyfriend gave a better and more memorable performance.

Favourite scene
When the son found out the truth

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Sweet romance between food vlogger and orthopaedic surgeon

I got to know about this drama through subreddit CShortDramas. I like Shi Yue Yue and Duan Mei Yang's acting but wow, I didn't expect to thoroughly enjoy the drama. I was giddy with excitement while watching it - well most of the time.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was cheerful, charming & confident. She was also a good cook & a foodie!
2. Romance - She courted him first. I liked her forwardness and that her moves never crossed the line - she wasn't a stalker. Their romance was sweet with slight spice. I loved that she cooked for him.
3. Medical - It's great that the ML was an orthopaedic surgeon. I enjoyed the medical scenes.
4. Acting - Splendid performances by both Shi Yue Yue and Duan Mei Yang. They had great chemistry. The cast also did well in their roles.
5. ML characterisation - He never paid attention to ladies who developed crush on him but he finally fell for her charms. I liked his professionalism and his protectiveness of FL.
6. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's male colleague and the nursing staff. Boy, I wish I could join the nurses and cheer for FL & ML pairing.
7. Food - I also loved all the food scenes from cooking and having meals together to remembering each other's food aversion / preference.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - ML's female colleague was possessive of ML and envious of FL. It was unprofessional of her to sabotage FL's recovery. I disliked her for manipulating ML's mother.
2. Stalker - Wow that was scary.

Favourite scene
FL & ML's kiss outside of the hospital

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The 4 MLs should sing Backstreet Boys' “Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)” to FL

I had been on a Lan Bo kick lately — I adored his modern dramas but had never touched his historical ones. I reached out to my buddy from r/CShortDramas for a buddy watch and oh we had fun watching and writing a joint review.

What I liked:
1. Dynamics - So far, I have only watched 3 reverse harem vertical dramas including this one and I must say I enjoy the amount of screentime given to each FL-ML pairing. There are 4 different dynamics at play - estranged married couple (Yun Qi-General Huo Xiao), childhood buddies (Yun Qi-Prince Xie Lin Yu), relatives (Yun Qi-Yun Jin Chen) and hhhm I am not sure what to call the dynamic between Yun Qi and Prince Qi Zhuo.
2. Acting - Superb performances. All five excelled in their roles - this is my first time watching Hyde & Yi Hang. Wow, all four men were devilishly handsome even in wigs. The actor I felt has the highest level of chemistry with Wang Yun Yun is Lan Bo.
3. ML characterisation - Four men with different but “lethal” charms - the jealous ex-husband General Huo Xiao (played by Lan Bo), the submissive younger relative Yun Jin Chen (played by Yi Hang), the alluring peacock Prince Qi Zhuo (played by Huang You Tian aka Hyde) and the childhood buddy Prince Xie Lin Yu (played by Liu Zi Heng). My favourite ML is Prince Xie Lin Yu - he is sweet, lovable and playful. Most of his scenes are funny.
4. Styling - Vibrant & beautiful clothes worn by all 5 leads. I love the vivid, contrasting colours! I feel like each character’s personality is represented by the colour of their costumes.
5. Kisses - Wow, she kissed them all but my favourite kissing scene is FL & General Hao. The tension was electric!
6. Supporting characters - Her maid Sul He was good character.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family was horrible with FL's half sister being pathetic and nosy.
2. Duration - At 3 hours 30 minutes, the drama was too long for me. I found certain parts of the drama draggy / too slow paced.
3. FL's actions - I felt bad for MLs because she toyed with their feelings. So the four men should band together and sing “Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)” by Backstreet Boys to FL.

Favourite scene
When Yun Qi entered the carriage of Prince Qi Zhuo almost at the end of the drama. And when she exited the carriage 😉

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Heartwarming story about losing loved one, grief & substitute

I was in the mood for Sa Gang Yun dramas as I was preparing a reddit post on his dramas. I have always been fascinated with robot themed dramas and it's amazing that there are a handful of these within vertical dramas space. I must say I was impressed with the storytelling. I enjoyed it immensely.

What I liked:
1. Grief - ML still couldn't get over the passing of his wife and the robot was his way of processing grief. It was good that we got to see ML's son and the impact of his mother's passing on him.
2. Dynamics - I enjoyed watching the father-son interactions. I also liked moments between FL & ML's son even though there were not many.
3. Acting - Great performances by the cast. Ji Ling Xi was amazing for being able to portray 2 distinct characters - human FL & robot. There was good chemistry between Ji Ling Xi & Sa Gang Yun.
4. Styling - Loved the robot outfit - sexy & futuristic looking. Sa Gang Yun also had different hairstyle for flashback scenes. However I don't know why the scientist wore those shorts with a labcoat. Maybe to emphasise his eccentricity but I couldn't take him seriously.
5. Wedding scene - Thrilling. Beautiful. Smart move.
6. Supporting characters - I liked ML's son & the scientist. Their characters were integral to the story.
7. Duration - Less than 2 hours and well-paced.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - She was cunning business woman approaching ML for personal gain. Needless to say, I liked the arc because it was solid and not cringy.

Favourite scene
When the antagonist disrupted FL & ML's wedding

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