emberzmars

Guo Yu Xin kicked ass + plenty of hot kisses

I miss watching Guo Yu Xin dramas. I had watched Yan Zhi Xian in mini dramas but not vertical dramas. After watching a teaser on reddit, I was intrigued and watched this drama within 24 hours of its release. I liked it but didn't love it.

What I liked:
1. Romance - There were plenty of kisses in this drama and they were full of fervour. I liked that ML was protective of FL.
2. Acting - It was wonderful to see Guo Yu Xin kicking ass & performing stunts. I also liked Yan Zhi Xian's performance. Both of them are excellent kissers. Their chemistry was sizzling.
3. Action - Loved the fight scenes.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked the tanghulu-eating guy. He added fun to the drama. FL's soldiers were entertaining as well.
5. Supernatural - I loved the fantasy element from gu worm to the child.

What I disliked:
1. Intimacy - Good physical intimacy but the emotional pull between FL & ML was not enough.
2. Antagonist - Crown prince.
3. Plot - I lost interest during the middle of the drama because ML's arc did not flow smoothly.

Favourite scene
When FL had spring dream

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Zhao Ting Yi as mob boss - yes, sir I liked it a lot!

I am a fan of Zhao Ting Yi. He is one of those actors who demonstrated vulnerability of his characters very well that I feel moved by his performances. I remembered the date this drama was released - I watched it immediately. This is one of the dramas with "I Marry My Ex's Father" storyline - I had Yu Shang Xu's version in my watchlist but I watched this drama first. Overall I liked the drama but expected more.

What I liked:
1. Styling - Wow, Zhao Ting Yi and Liu Yu Tong made the most handsome father-son combo in the history of vertical dramas. FL had pretty clothes and we can confirm that Deng Ling Shu looks fabulous in red. I liked the burgundy suit worn by ML and the burgundy jacket worn by FL.
2. Mob boss - I loved the mob boss vibe exuded by Zhao Ting Yi. The scenes that have the gang were exciting.
3. Supporting characters - Ah Xiu was perceptive - such a great henchman. I liked the scene where brothers paid respect.
4. Ending - Loved that sweet ending.
5. Language - It was cool to hear Cantonese dialogues.
6. Framing - Beautifully shot scenes. Wonderful production value.
7. Acting - I really liked Zhao Ting Yi's acting. Deng Ling Shu, the actress who played her bestie and the actor who played Ah Xiu gave good performances too.

What I disliked:
1. Writing - At times I found the drama boring & draggy.
2. Romance - No cultivation of feelings. Only two kisses with hardly any couple time / affectionate moments.
3. Antagonists - SML was a pathetic nepo baby. FL's bestie was a traitor. FL's uncle was a pervert.
4. Casting - I felt Deng Ling Shu was miscast in this drama. She didn't fit the look of FL (inexperienced, naive woman in early 20s). At times I got the vibe of The Wife with An Agenda because of the way Deng Ling Shu played the character.

Favourite scene
Ending

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Great VFX, romance & character development led to my enjoyment of this supernatural drama

I was drawn to this drama when it was a fresh release but somehow I didn't have the urgency to watch it until the first week of October. I was in the mood for supernatural themed vertical dramas so I chose to watch this drama. It went over my expectations - I enjoyed this drama immensely.

Edit: I forgot to add trigger warning - abuse, attempted rape, suicide.

What I liked:
1. Fantasy - Great VFX. I loved it when ML went to FL's patisserie to save her from baddies. I also liked the abandoned building scene.
2. Romance - Their blind date was cute. I liked that they were sweet & affectionate right from the start. Wow, I was surprised by the kisses. Full of passion and desire (I knew Zhang Bei Xi can kiss but hadn't seen Jin Yanna doing steamy kisses).
3. FL characterisation - She had a traumatic past but was compassionate and mentally strong. She could also stand up to bullies. Qualities that I like in a female character. Jin Yanna gave a great performance here.
4. ML characterisation - I was surprised by how ML was written. I had assumed that he would be domineering & cocky since he was the devil but no, he was actually sweet and compassionate. I liked that he prioritised FL's wellbeing. Great acting by Zhang Bei Xi - this is my favourite role of his.
5. Supporting characters - The cat / ML's subordinate was entertaining especially when he interacted with ML and the little girl! I also liked the little girl.
6. Secrets - I liked the fact that both FL & ML had secrets that they were ashamed to share with each other. This added a layer to their characteristics.
7. Styling - ML wore great outfits - Zhang Bei Xi was devilishly handsome. FL's outfits were appropriate for her character too.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's school mate was vicious for bringing down FL because of a stupid grudge. I did, however, like the arcs for the antagonists.
2. FL's mother - I disliked her for asking FL to return the little girl to her adoptive parents. She should have supported FL's decision.

Favourite scene
When ML asked his subordinate to sleep in another room

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Heartfelt age gap romance that I enjoyed it immensely

I stumbled upon this drama via subreddit CShortDramas. I clicked the link I found to check for English subtitles and was drawn to the first two minutes of the drama. I decided to watch it immediately (because “watch later” approach for Dailymotion links doesn’t work for me) and was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Opening scene - I was hooked after the first two minutes. Loved FL’s bold move!
2. Acting - It was my first time watching Huai Wen and Liu Jia Xi’s acting and I liked their performances. The drama was warm and heartfelt - I almost shed a tear when FL confronted her parents. Oh, I liked Huai Wen’s visuals - he turned 40 last month!
3. FL characterisation - She was abused by her family but decided at one point to leave toxicity behind by striking a deal with ML. FL was 21 year old but was mature, smart and knew what to do with the authority she had been given.
4. ML characterisation - He was 39 year old businessman whonwas pragmatic & straightforward. I liked his response to FL's proposal. He was also kind, protective and nurturing towards FL.
5. Romance - Slow burn, which was fitting considering FL’s age and their circumstances (they got married for convenience and the big age gap). I liked that they communicated regularly (they spoke about what they wanted out of the marriage at their first meeting!). I could also feel the love and affections they had for each other. They were partners for life! I wish there were hot, fiery kisses.
6. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's employee who was assigned as bodyguard to FL. He built good rapport with FL that she treated him as ally rather than nuisance.
7. Family - Core theme of this drama. I liked that it was explored in many ways, (i) FL - ML, (ii) FL and her family, (iii) ML and his family.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL was emotionally abused by her family - they were horrible people. I also disliked FL's ex / ML's son who was spoilt brat.

Favourite scene
The opening

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Combustible chemistry in this romance heavy drama between two rivals

I am preparing a reddit post on Han Jia Hui's dramas so last night I decided to watch this drama. This is the third time Han Jia Hui and Wang Zi Lin worked together so I had some expectations since I enjoyed Love is Never Too Late. I was right - I enjoyed this drama a lot!

What I liked:
1. Romance - Steamy scenes were short but sexy. There were plenty of kissing. touching, hugging - physical touch is their love language. I also liked that they flirted at different stages of their relationship.
2. ML characterisation - I was surprised when he knew about FL's hidden identity. I thought he would sulk. ML was patient, caring and also sensitive. He was very sincere in his love for FL. I understood why he chose to separate from FL when the secret was officially out.
3. FL characterisation - She had two personas (true self - the heiress, and fake self - timid, weak wife). I saw her fake self as a shield to stay guarded and avoid getting hurt. She was flawed but her character grew as the drama progressed.
4. Rival arc - I liked that both FL and ML were rivals even though it was caused by a rumour. FL's brothers were business rivals to ML - their rivalry wasn't as ferocious as Capulet vs Montague.
5. Supporting characters - FL's brothers were entertaining. Second brother provided comic relief while first brother was the more rational one. I also liked ML's assistant.
6. Acting - Great performance from Han Jia Hui and Wang Zi Lin. He looked spellbound by FL throughout the drama - I loved this soft side of Wang Zi Lin. Their chemistry was electric and this duo was visually stunning.
7. Styling - I loved FL's outfits from the biker chic to the caramel top & pants. ML's outfits were beautiful too - I liked WZL in his blue-green suit. Plus their hair was beautifully styled too.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's mother was controlling - she was reluctant to let the company be led by ML. I thought her plans to have ML married to his childhood friend was her way of keeping the company within her control. I also disliked ML's childhood friend. She was totally out of line but can't blame her because ML's mother enabled that behaviour. Glad that antagonists didn't get much screentime.
2. FL's action - I disliked that she self-sabotaged her relationship with ML especially when she told his childhood friend the reason for her marriage. ML overheard and of course he was hurt.

Favourite scene
When ML started smoking during a meeting with FL and her second brother

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Familiar plot but gorgeous visuals (shots + cast) and charismatic leads made this fun watch!

This drama came to my radar through subreddit CShortDramas. I was intrigued by the first minute and after seeing a positive review, I decided to watch it on iQIYI. I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Editing - Wow I must say that the shots were beautiful. This drama looked like a traditional long-form Chinese dramas with the colour gradation and set-up.
2. Acting - This is my first time watching Zhan Ni and I really liked her acting. She gave this elegant, understated but punchy performance. Wang Yan Xin was good in his role too. Zhan Ni and Wang Yan Xin had good chemistry too.
3. FL characterisation - I liked that FL was quick thinker and able to protect herself from bullies. The last scene with her family was bittersweet and I understood her conflict.
4. Styling - Gorgeous outfits from hotel employee uniforms to FL's casual work and night gown. ML looked dashing in his work clothes and even pyjamas but I wish he hadn't worn the glasses. Made him look like an uncle. SML's outfits were gorgeous and I also liked Xiao Xiao's styling a lot!
5. Romance - The romance was slow but there were good kisses and sweet moments, mostly initiated by ML. I wish there were more scenes of them bonding as a couple.
6. Supporting characters - I ❤️ Xiao Xiao! Her honest remarks about FL's relationship cracked me up. I also liked Shen Yu despite his attempts to woo FL.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Lin Yao Yao was annoying and incompetent. Gosh I loved it when she was demoted from ML's secretary to hotel staff - she was too nosy in other people's work. FL's mother was a surprise to me - I thought she was FL's stepmother but no she was her biological mother who treated FL badly. Glad they got retribution.
2. FL's action - It was frustrating when FL kept mentioning that they were in fake marriage numerous times. For someone who is great at anticipating customer's needs, she wasn't good at reading her husband's actions. Honey, you got a fine looking with good characteristics man whom you knew from school and why not take advantage of the situation since both agreed to that arrangement.

Favourite scene
When FL hung washed sheets on the rooftop

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Sexy drama with good chemistry. My favourite Jin Jia Yu role!

I came across this drama on subreddit CShortDramas. My last drama of Jin Jia Yu was Go Where You Are so I was excited to watch this drama. Damn, he really delivered this time. I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Hot passionate kisses and damn, JJY kissed her navel. I also enjoyed the sweet & tender moments too. Apart from hidden identity, this couple had a mature, healthy relationship.
2. FL characterisation - She was physically & mentally strong. I liked how she was not easily intimidated by threats.
3. ML characterisation - Loving & coquettish. I didn't expect him to be in that profession! My favourite role of JJY.
4. Gratitude - I liked that it ponder upon the concept of gratitude. If you do an act of kindness once, are you expecting the beneficiary to be forever indebted to you?
5. Styling - Great outfits worn by both FL & ML but I wanna talk about the apron. Whoever told JJY to wear apron without a shirt is a genius!

What I disliked:
1. FL's action - Dangerous move during hostage takeover. She shouldn't barge in.
2. Antagonists - Wow, FL's arranged fiance is scumbag arrogant. His mistress was annoying too - brave of her to come to FL and unveil her pregnancy. ML's family was not good too.

Favourite scene
Shirtless apron

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Long-winded slowburn romance with no third party interference

I am a massive Guo Yu Xin fan and when I saw the poster of this drama a few days ago, I was delighted. I had never seen Huang Hao Wen dramas before even though I've saved them in playlist. Overall I liked this drama and watching it once is enough for me.

What I liked:
1. Main characters - Both ML & FL were very likeable. I found FL's monologues endearing although at times I wish she had said it out loud and had conversations with ML.
2. Styling - I really liked traditional clothes worn by both of them when they were back at FL's hometown. I also think the styling for flashbacks was done well - Huang Hao Wen did look like a high school student with that hairstyle.
3. Romance - Their romance was saccharine sweet. It's beartwarming to see ML confiding in FL about his insecurity and jealousy. There were several nice kisses though I wish we got spicier moments. If I had a guy who liked me and had agreed to marry me, I'd jump his bones the moment we got home with marriage license!
4. Acting - Both did well in their roles. I liked Huang Hao Wen's approach to his character - quiet confidence but with a dash of vulnerability.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's grandma, FL's mother, sister, her college friends and ML's former schoolmates. The first time FL's mom & sis met ML and his grandma was amusing.

What I disliked:
1. Duration - 3.5 hours is too long for a slowburn romance that doesn't have third party meddling in their relationship. I played this drama at 2x speed so I could finish this drama fast.
2. Writing - I was bored by the time I reached halfway mark because there wasn't anything exciting happening to FL and ML. I also felt that both FL & ML lacked character development despite the ample screentime.

Favourite scene
When ML's grandma visited the florist to find a wife for ML

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Spicy jiejie romance that could have been great with better emotional connection

I was very intrigued by the drama's poster. The English-translated title implied younger man-older woman romance (my favourite trope) and the ML looked hot! So I clicked play and I enjoyed the drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Damn, the intimate scenes were blazing hot - there were heavy kissing & spicy dialogue. There were sweet moments as well. I liked that ML was attracted to FL even when he lost his memory.
2. FL characterisation - I loved that she was never condescending to ML despite him being a kept man. She was protective of him whenever she got slandered due to their relationship. She was frustrated with her family but was never vicious.
3. ML characterisation - I liked how he took care of FL. I didn't like that he kept his identity from FL for awhile but he was an overall a nice & sincere man. Shao Wei looked damn hot especially with the apron.
4. Styling - Great clothes worn by both FL & ML. Kudos to stylist for FL's outfits & hairstyling during flashback. Chu Aixu looked high school pretty there.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's grandma and brother.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Blatant favouritism there.
2. Connection - The couple had great physical relationship but I couldn't see emotional connection between them. I wish there were more couple-in-love scenes just before the ending.

Favourite scene
The first time FL saw ML in her kitchen

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Love watching Guo Yu Xin as a fashion designer in the 80s!

I was ecstatic to find Guo Yu Xin's new drama so soon after Spring Day. I watched this drama on the day of its release.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - There are several FLs who are fashion designers in the world of vertical dramas but I liked this one even more because I got to see her as a business owner as well. I loved that she talked about intellectual property. Guo Yu Xin was well cast in this role.
2. Reborn arc - I enjoyed the arc because it questioned me about the choices that we made. If we have knowledge about the future, should we use it to our advantage or do we just wait for things to happen?
3. Romance - Sweet romance and good kisses. I could sense their love for and dependence on each other. Guo Yu Xin and Su Jun He have great chemistry.
4. Styling - I love the bright clothes worn in the drama. Guo Yu Xin's cherry blouse was quick memorable but my favourite is the blue and orange business suit combo. So pretty! SFL wore nice clothes as well.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - SFL chose to take control of her fate after being reborn (yes, she was reborn too) but she was never accountable for her actions. She kept blaming FL whenever things didn't go according to her expectations. She was vicious in her means to bring down FL but I must say good job to the writer for writing such arc.
2. Genetic testing - I think that genetic testing that was done the second time was too advanced for that time. DNA testing was very new in the late 1980s and it was focused on crime solving. So I think DNA testing couldn't be use for parental dispute in 1989 yet especially outside of the UK/US/Germany.

Favourite scene
When FL introduced a new fashion trend outside of her store

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Delightful romcom about kickass FL, mischievous bestie, smitten ML and their shenanigans

I found out about this drama on reddit and watched this drama on 21 April 2025. Chen Zheng Yang is one of my favourite actors and Shi Tong is slowly becoming one of my favourite actresses. I must say I was very entertained by this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - At the start, FL seemed sheltered and pampered by her upbringing but I liked that she took an initiative to solve her living conditions. I loved that she could literally kick ass! Shi Tong played the character with so much youthfulness and energy.
2. ML characterisation - He was smitten by FL from the first sight. I liked that he's sweet and protective. I always enjoy Chen Zheng Yang playing goofballs.
3. Romance - There is 10 year age difference between Chen Zheng Yang and Shi Tong but they made it work to their advantage without the ick factor. It was wonderful that FL enjoyed kissing ML despite her assumptions of ML. The role play is too cute hahaha.
4. Comedy - I laughed a lot watching this drama.
5. Supporting characters - OMG, FL and her best friend's shenanigans were entertaining. ML's grandpa and assistant were delightful to watch too.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's relative was horrible towards FL. I also disliked the woman who assumed the identity of ML's white moonlight but good thing FL & ML wasn't fooled by both of these baddies.

Favourite scene
When FL kicked bad guys and girl for harassing her

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Writer trying to do too much. End result is a mess

I got to know about this drama from subreddit CShortDramas. I was excited to see Cao Tian Kai and Wu Tian Hao together in one drama. Overall, the drama was alright though I wish there was better writing.

What I liked:
1. Cao Tian Kai - OMG any scenes of Cao Tian Kai in bedroom were must see. He did alright in this role.
2. Wu Tian Hao - Wow, I appreciate him for taking a different role. In this drama, his character is a submissive. I found him endearing despite his ill intentions.
3. FL's past - To be honest, I find flashbacks to FL's mean attitude were more exciting than her current state.
4. Styling - I was fond of styling for Biscuit Nana, Cao Tian Kai & Wu Tian Hao. The black leather-like jacket that CTK wore with white shirt & black slacks elevated his hotness.

What I disliked:
1. Buscuit Nana - She gave an underwhelming performance for a woman who was pursued by 4 men. She was too cute for my liking. Even scenes between her and Cao Tian Kai lacked spark.
2. Romance - Now I see similarity between this drama and My Mermaid Husband. There were many suitors but the screentime was unequal. There were only 2 suitors worth rooting because the other two didn't evoke any strong romantic feelings between FL and the gut. The romance didn't work for me as I didn't find any chemistry between Biscuit Nana and all her male co-stars.
3. Mystery guy - I just find this arc confusing and badly written.
4. Ending - What a cop out!

Favourite scene
When FL received a video call from Cao Tian Kai

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Doctor-soldier romance with mature vibe

I remember watching this drama on the first weekend of April and poof the link was removed 1 or 2 days after. It's no fun because I usually rewatch some parts of drama when writing review and now I wrote based on memory. Anyway it was great watching these seasoned actors in a drama drama.

What I liked:
1. Familiar plot - This drama reminded me a lot of So You Also Like Me, in which FL is doctor while ML is soldier. She even went to conflict zone where ML was stationed.
2. Romance - This drama has mature romance vibe to it. There are sweet & spicy scenes. That makeout session on dining table was hot!
3. Acting - Both Bai Yan and Wang Yi Ran were great in their roles. If I am not mistaken, Bai Yan said some English words in this drama. Was it 'Thank you'? Hhmmm
4. Action - I also liked the action scenes especially the military scenes. Good to see Wang Yi Ran in uniform.

What I disliked:
1. Communication - One of my frustration with this drama is that FL & ML did not communicate at 1 point which led to assumptions.

Favourite scene
Action scenes of ML and his comrades

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A tale of two sisters, second chances and contrasting marriages

I actually found this drama from another drama with the same plot. I read the comments there and some users mentioned that this version was a better drama. I was pleasantly surprised to see Wang Hao Xiang as I liked his performance in a drama with Xu Meng Yuan. This was the first time I watched Shi Yue Yue and Ou Na. I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Great acting by Shi Yue Yue, Wang Hao Xiang, Ou Na and the actor who played Jiang Zhao Hua. Their performances reminded me of Chinese mini drama, 'A Familiar Stranger' because these four characters are intertwined with each other.
2. Romance - DAMN, this drama had the main CP made love in a different way. I was shocked! Shi Yue Yue should be given an award for those scenes. Anyway it was great to see the contrast between the main CP (loving & respectful) and secondary CP (full of negativity & suspicions). I liked that ML was respectful of FL's decision on having a family.
3. Plot - This is my first reborn tale involving sisters. SFL Jiang Zhao Hua was the only given a second chance. It's fascinating to see how her character lived her life after the second chance and also how both sisters made life decisions. FL was more strategic & content with both lives that she had experienced.
4. Locus of control - External vs Internal. SFL always blamed the outcomes of events in her life on other people. She was an interesting character to study.
5. Styling - Beautiful outfits. I liked the wedding outfits worn by both sisters.

What I disliked:
1. Cruelty - SML was cruel, I couldn't believe he did those actions to his wife.

Favourite scene
ML & FL in the bath

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Li Ke Yi as classy vixen & Lu Shan Dong as debonair lover made a great CP

I didn't remember the last time I watched Li Ke Yi's drama but I was intrigued especially when I saw Lu Shan Dong / Lu Dan Dong as the ML. I enjoyed this drama!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Despite being raised in the country side, she was sophisticated and carried herself well. I must say I was enchanted by Li Ke Yi throughout this drama. She brought out this classy vixen energy to her character. It's great to see Li Ke Yi out of the usual 'damsel in distress' roles that she often played.
2. Styling - I must say this drama has one of the best outfits for FL. I love love love FL's looks from outfits to makeup as they enhanced Li Ke Yi's babydoll face. I love the blush avant garde dress that she wore! I think only Li Ke Yi can pull that look in a vertical drama. Lu Shan Dong also looked debonair with slight cheekiness with that hairstyle, suits & an earring.
3. Romance - There was a growing sexual tension between FL and ML. Their intimate scenes were hot but I wasn't sure why the first intimate scene was given more blush pink hues because it made it look like a dream sequence.
4. ML characterisation - ML was spellbound by FL ever since he first saw her at his grandma's party. I liked that he gave her space to do whatever she wanted. Great to watch Lu Shan Dong out of scumbag roles he often played.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's grandma.

What I disliked:
1. Sequence - I only watched this drama from one channel so I was not sure if the episodes were not compiled correctly or was the story told in non-linear format. I found the countryside episodes tad confusing as though FL had time travelled to a period in the past.
2. Ending - I felt as though the story was incomplete.

Favourite scene
When they first made love

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