emberzmars

Once green tea entered the picture, the drama went downhill

I am already jealous that Jia Yi Xuan kissed Zhen Zi Qi in multiple dramas. Now she got to kiss Huang Bo?!! Hahaha I enjoyed Jia Yj Xuan & Huang Bo's acting so I was intrigued by this collaboration.

What I liked:
1. Huang Bo - It was nice to see Huang Bo in a character that is less intense. Nice, besotted ML.
2. Jia Yi Xuan - Introductory scene was amusing. Jia Yi Xuan excelled in playing bumbling girl.
3. Supporting characters - I liked FL's bestie & ML's father. SML was pretty easy on the eyes but his character was a douchebag.

What I disliked:
1. Third act - Once the green tea started to come into the picture, the drama became unpleasant to me. Such a mess!
2. ML characterisation - WHY did ML think that approach to protect FL is a good idea? I thought ML would be scumbag-free but I was wrong. I would be pissed off & unforgiving if I were the FL.
3. Romance - While there were some good kisses, I didn't feel much emotional depth in their relationship especially from FL.

Favourite scene
The introductory scene

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Kickass FL, sweet ML & great comedic moments made this romcom super fun!

I watched this drama on 12 January 2025. I enjoyed this drama immensely and I thought it deserves recognition so I submitted a New Title page for 'Sweet Travel' on 19 March 2025. Delighted that the page is now up & running.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved FL because she was spunky, kind & quick on her feet. She was also funny and honest. That very first scene of this drama set the tone right. Anyway I had watched Yi La as bitchy SFL in another drama. I was pleasantly surprised to see her as FL in this drama. She did very well in comedy and I am definitely going to watch her other dramas.
2. ML characterisation - ML is a nice and humble CEO. I liked that he was attracted to FL because of her wits and kindness. This is the first time I watched Zhang Yi Lun's acting. I was captivated by his eyes. So striking!
3. Romance - Gosh the romance between FL & ML was very believable even though Yi La and Zhang Yi Lun did not do proper kissing. I saw the gradual growth of their relationship from strangers whom met & married to friends and life partners who developed affections & love as time passed. I felt like they were best friends! Chemistry was on point between Yi La & Zhang Yi Lun.
4. Supporting characters - FL's mother, ML's assistant and ML's mother were great additions to this drama.
5. Comedy - This is one of the best romcoms in vertical drama land. That scene in which FL saw ML and his assistant in his office was hilarious!

What I disliked:
1. Styling - FL's outfits (except the white dress) were so drab! Antagonists wore nice outfits unfortunately. I am not a fan of long fake nails and sadly Yi La had them in this drama.

Favourite scene
That scene in which FL saw ML and his assistant in his office

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Likeable couple, super cute kid & interesting antagonist made this drama enjoyable

I am a fan of Zhang Yi Lun from his dramas with Yi La. I have also seen Li Tian Yuan in her drama with Zhang Yi Yang. I was drawn to this drama because of its introductory scene. Overall I liked this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was a hardworking, single mum. Even though she struggled in meeting ends meet, she held on to her values & integrity. Li Tian Yuan was convincing enough for the role.
2. ML characterisation - He was warm, respectful & protective of his family. I liked Zhang Yi Lun's acting in this drama.
3. Romance - Slow burn. I liked that they were not strongly driven by lust which is understandable considering FL's single mum status.
4. Supporting characters - ML's mother was great for her warmth & kindness towards FL.

What I disliked:
1. The child casting - It's amusing that the kid seemed big (like aged 1-1.5 years) in the first scene then gradually grew younger. By the time ML met him, the kid looked like a 6 month old child.
2. Antagonists - I hate antagonist that bullies children & elderly. I also thought FL's mother was judgemental & intrusive.

Favourite scene
When FL firmly informed her mother that she wanted to be with ML

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Love the drama aesthetics and the homage to Hong Kong 90s films

I watched this drama last night after seeing cuts on Youtube. Two thoughts that appeared when watching the cuts: (i) I recognised the main actor Cheng Cheng and (ii) oh, another mob boss story . I didn't realise FL was Deng Ling Shu until I checked the MDL page. Anyway I enjoyed this drama so much!

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I noticed the faint similarity between this drama, Captive Love from the Mob Boss (starring Zhang Chu Xuan and Ma Xiao Yu) and No One but You (starring Liu Lan Bo & Zheng Chen Yu). All three MLs were mob bosses and they were aggressive in the pursuit of FL. Out of the three, I liked Liang Tai Sheng the most because he thought of FL's perspectives unlike the other two MLs. This is the second time Cheng Cheng portrayed a mob boss but in this role, he was more ruthless towards anyone who threatens him & his lady love. I enjoyed Cheng Cheng's acting as he was able to portray different emotions of his character.
2. Setting - This story was set in the mid-90s and I love the aesthetics! There was a nice homage to Hong Kong 90s films from a cinema date watching A Chinese Odyssey to colour grading and shots similar to Wong Kar Wai's Fallen Angels and In the Mood for Love.
3. FL characterisation - I loved that she was a working class girl who remained modest and humble even after marriage. She was kind but responded accordingly whenever she was treated badly. I liked Deng Ling Shu's acting in this drama so much more than 'Wild as Hell: The Prince’s Saga , He Is Too Wild'.
4. Supporting characters - ML's right hand man was delightful on screen. I also liked FL's mother.
5. Romance - Slow burn romance. I enjoyed watching ML woo FL. There were many sweet moments with one or two nice kisses. I wish there were hot kisses because both ML & FL were passionate for each other once romance bloomed.
6. Music - I detected familiar tunes in this drama from 'Magic melody' by befour to instrumentals such as 'See the light' by Lim Hyunsik (from Korean tv series 'When the Phone Rings') and 'La valse d'Amelie' by Yann Tiersen (from French film 'Amelie').
7. Styling - FL's outfits were fabulous that I want to wear them. My favourite is the emerald green jacket and midi skirt. ML also looked handsome in the outfits and that hairstyle.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - As usual there are always love rival. ML's admirer & self-proclaimed fiancée was delusional. FL's ex was pitiful at first but later on proved to be a scumbag.

Favourite scene
When ML bonded with his mother-in-law

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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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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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Jiejie romance that brought out the conflict

I was drawn to this drama because of the familiar names Wang Nan & Sheng Yijie & because of the older woman - younger man trope, which is one of my favourites. I watched this drama on 2 March 2025 and it was enjoyable.

What I liked:
1. Acting - I have watched Sheng Yijie act in another jiejie romance so I knew she could nail her role. She had great chemistry with Wang Nan. Now Wang Nan was believable as younger love interest. He was great at expressing his character's vulnerabilities.
2. Romance - There were steamy scenes. ML being submissive in bed surprised me. I also liked when they talked about FL being domineering - that was a sweet scene.
3. ML characterisation - It's good that we saw ML's serious side when he was at work. I could feel the love conflict faced by him.

What I disliked:
1. Fake results - I hated that FL faked DNA test result to get support from board members. In real world, that move would jeopardise your credibility in the company / industry.
2. ML parents - Their arc is underdeveloped.

Favourite scene
ML being submissive in bed

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Of course ML was besotted by FL - she was smart & cool!

This is the first drama of Zheng Feng and Zhi Chun He that I watched. I rarely watched period drama and this one is micro drama format. I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I was intrigued by this drama because of FL's expertise as a weapons designer. I like that she is smart & fiercely independent.
2. Academy - I enjoyed the scenes of her learning with a Master.
3. Romance - There was a lot more push than pull in FL-ML relationship. ML was besotted by FL. However when they got together, they were really sweet.
4. Dynamics - I enjoyed watching the bond between FL & her maid. I also enjoyed the dynamics between FL & SML / her fellow schoolmate. Delighted to see a platonic relationship between them.
5. Acting - Zheng Feng was captivating. I love the silver hair look - he was ethereal. Zhi Chun He was great as FL too.

What I disliked:
1. Resistance - I felt that FL resisted ML too much that I don't sense much chemistry between Zheng Feng & Zhi Chun He.
2. Confusion - The actor who played prime minister looked similar to Zheng Feng. I don't quite understand prime minister's role in this micro drama... perhaps due to inaccurate subtitling.

Favourite scene
The competition between FL & SML

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Unpredictable in good way + wonderful arcs for 3 main characters

I am a massive fan of Wen Mo Yan so I was delighted to see a new drama out in the first quarter of the 2025.

What I liked:
1. The plot - Wow, I was surprised at every turn as all my guesses of where things were going were incorrect. Making a few historical characters with little known back story was a great move to be creative with character development. It's refreshing.
2. FL characterisation - I liked Ye Ji Nan. She's a history buff which was advantageous to her but she was sensible while exploring. I enjoyed watching Wen Mo Yan playing Ye Ji Nan in modern and historical eras.
3. ML characterisation - I liked Feng Zhi Li. He was a known tyrant but later we saw his other sides. I liked that we saw his baddie side in third act. This is my first time watching We Ji Feng's acting and I was pleasantly surprised by his performance. He was able to express different personas of Feng Zhi Li and overall he was charming.
3. SFL characterisation - Princess Zhi Fan was a delight to watch. She's a capable, smart and beautiful army general. I also enjoyed watching her character development. This is my first time watching Liu Jia Xi's performance and I was impressed.
4. Romance - It was a fun ride at the start since Ye Ji Nan was brought into the royal concubine's body and she had to impersonate. I loved it when she realised that she should seize the opportunity to have a romantic relationship with the King. Yes, there were several kisses but what made me enjoyed watching their romance is the affectionate and tender moments. It was good to see the couple being tested in their relationship due to ML's severe action.
5. Ending - I thought it would go another way but hey I really liked this ending.
6. Stying - The outfits worn by the main three characters were beautiful. I love some of the royal concubine's robes.

What I disliked:
1. Supporting characters - Ling Shan and Yan Ming were underdeveloped characters. I was intrigued by Ling Shan and wanted to see him more on screen.
2. Dubbing - I was dismayed when I heard FL's voice in the first episode. That wasn't Wen Mo Yan's voice. Apparently most characters were dubbed. I wonder why.

Favourite scene
When FL found out that ML knew about her real identity

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Familiar plot, way different execution & misleading title

I watched this drama for Qiao Jia Le because I liked his acting & visual in a drama about a husband who was going to divorce but changed his mind after a car accident. I have also watched many Zhang Shan dramas lately. This drama's plot was familiar as I recognised the names of FL, ML, FL's ex and FL's occupation. This is the third version of the plot as I have watched versions with Wang Xin and Wang Nan as ML. Unfortunately 'Intoxicating kiss' was mediocre for me.

What I liked:
1. FL's brothers - In this version, FL had 2 brothers. I liked both brothers even though they didn't appear a lot on screen. Their role was important towards the end of the drama. It was nice to see dynamic between the brothers and ML.
2. Qiao Jia Le - I appreciate his visuals especially his eyes. One of the few actors that can give soft look with his eyes. Acting wise he was ok in this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - I find the romance in this version of the plot to be light. This drama felt more like FL's journey in discovering herself & her family. ML felt more like a tool to accomplish that journey. I also don't sense much chemistry between Zhang Shan and Qiao Jia Le. They didn't have many kissing scenes so I find the title misleading.
2. Zhang Shan - Having watched 4 Zhang Shan dramas in a week made me realised that her acting skills aren't wide range. Her expressions were same despite playing different and exciting roles. I have not been moved by her acting.
3. Variety show - In the other 2 versions, FL & ML joined a variety show and this move made them grow closer to each other. Since variety show participation was not done in this drama, that's why I don't buy in their romance.

Favourite scene
When ML & FL's brothers joined forces to save FL

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Wang Yi Ran excelled in this soul swapped romcom

I love Secret Love at 30,000 feet so I searched for other dramas that have both Wang Yi Ran & Hong Cheng Yue. Decided to watch this drama after a watching revenge-heavy vertical drama. This drama is entertaining!

What I liked:
1. Comedy - OMG the comedic parts were hilarious. I was pleasantly surprised by Wang Yi Ran's acting as I've only watched him in dramatic roles. Hong Cheng Yue & actor who played ML's assistant were good too!
2. Romance - It's a nice, sweet build up from '2 strangers stuck in same predicament' to 'partners in "crime" and eventually in life'.
3. Supporting characters - I like ML's assistant, FL's close colleague & ML's mother. I kinda like FL's crush even though he had short screentime. He was an eyecandy.
4. Ending - It's not original as I've seen same ending being used in other vertical dramas. Nevertheless it is a funny yet touching ending.

What I disliked:
1. Product placement - I found it amusing than dislike. I was laughing when the brand made appearance at the couple's romantic dinner at a restaurant.
2. Fangirls - Gosh Mr Fu has many self-proclaimed fiancées. The head fangirl is delulu & cruel!
3. Gossipmongers - Public shaming is popular trope in vertical dramas but gosh one particular scene baffled me. FL, head fangirl & their colleagues were having a meeting with a client & head fangirl accused FL of purposely losing client's deck. There were 2 colleagues that joined in the bashing. That's shameful because in real life, internal conflict shouldn't be made public because that behaviour would give negative image of a company to a client.

Favourite scene
When ML asked his assistant for love advice. Assistant really worked hard on it!

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Gorgeous, sexy couple with spicy & mostly sweet romance

According to MDL user Daishelle, there are 3 versions using this plot. The first version is titled "The Tenderness of Wild Bones" starring Charon and Meng Lu. The second version is titled "Zero Ambiguity" starring Li Shengjie and Zhao Zaoer. The third version is titled "Gentle Wild Bones" starring Wang Chenpeng and Zhai Xinran. I watched this Charon-Meng Lu version after completing the other two versions. Gosh, this version was hardest to find but somehow I found Dailymotion link on reddit early this morning and watched it immediately. I am glad I did so.

What I liked:
1. Visuals - Charon & Meng Lu made a gorgeous & sexy, mature couple. They exude a different vibe on screen, in comparison to the main couples from other 2 versions.
2. Romance - Some intimate scenes were hot though I wish the kissing scenes were longer. I can see ML's devotion for FL as he put in a lot of work to care & love her.
3. Supporting characters - I like FL's close colleague. I don't know her name but it's nice to see the actress playing a nice girl character because she was antagonist (stepsis) in other drama. Unlike the other two versions, this version featured ML's parents. It's nice seeing different dynamics between FL and her in laws versus FL and her own parents.
4. Music - I recognise some songs featured in this drama e.g. 'Crush' by Yuna (yay, she from my country Malaysia) & a song by Lauv (I think 'Paris in the Rain').
5. Ending - This version has different ending compared to the other two versions. Sweet to see the couple after a time jump.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - She is accomplished in her career and yes she is gorgeous but I find her shallow or too conscious about her physical appearance. Her remark after discovering her pregnancy was off-putting. I also don't see much of FL showing her love for ML (in other words, giving to the relationship) but perhaps her love language is physical touch.
2. Set - FL & ML lives in a mansion. It's kinda weird that ML's love rival waited in front of the house and his mind didn't register that FL & ML lived together.

Favourite scene
Afternoon delight in the office

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F5 in an aquatic world...what a delight!

I knew about this drama from Shen Hao Nan's fan youtube account and wow, I was excited for this series. I have watched the works of all 5 actors (Shen Hao Nan, He Jian Qi, Wang Yi Ran, Duan Mei Yang & Chen Gang) + Zuo Yi at least once. Glad I found this drama on Youtube.

What I liked:
1. The mermen - Shen Hao Nan, He Jian Qi, Wang Yi Ran, Duan Mei Yang & Chen Gang were hot as mermen and normal human being. I like that all 5 mermen have different personality and temperament. If I have to choose 1 outstanding merman, my pick is Qiao Jing Ze. He Jian Qi was outstanding as a rebel. I also enjoyed the plot of brotherhood between the 4 characters. I think if the writer could do a spin off focusing on just the brotherhood.
2. Brother-sister dynamic - There were many arcs in this drama and the one I enjoyed the most is Chu Yu Sheng and Chu Yun Ling. Despite the short screentime, this arc was more compelling because of the conflicted emotions felt by Chu Yu Sheng. Great chemistry between Chen Gang and Zuo Yi.
3. Shen Hao Nan-He Jian Qi - When watching the drama, I really like watching these two actors in the same frame together. Their characters were yin and yang. It's even more amusing watching the behind the scenes. He Jian Qi seemed like the prankster in the group. Dude has great bromance with Shen Hao Nan and now I want to watch them in a new drama together!

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Despite having 4 suitors, I find the romance arcs underwhelming perhaps due to chemistry and uneven screen time for 4 potential couples. I think Zuo Yi had the best romantic scene with Wang Yi Ran despite another suitor having the strongest feels.
2. FL characterisation - I understand that this drama is coming-of-age story of Chu Yun Ling. However I felt this arc was overshadowed by the romance arcs and rivalry arc. FL was too cute and bland for my liking. I think Zuo Yi was miscast to play a 22 year old woman navigating life on land and underwater. If there was a remake, I'd like to see Guo Yuxin as Chu Yun Ling and reduce suitors to 2 and retain the rival/brother character.

Favourite scene
When FL discovered the mermaid identity of her 4 suitors

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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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Underwhelming mystery-romance tale

I ❤️ Cui Yi Liang in False Face and True Feelings & enjoy Chen Yu Feng's dramas. When I saw this drama advertised on iQiyi, I was pleasantly surprised.

What I liked:
1. Wang Xin Yan characterisation - I like her determination to seek justice for her bro. She's flawed but not silly nor annoying. Cui Yi Liang was great in her role.
2. Guo Xing Ye - Wow, he was visually stunning in this drama. Acting wise quite good too.
3. Revenge - Watched many revenge C dramas and this tale of revenge is quite refreshing. I ike FL devise different strategies to outwit her enemies and how she got ML to become her ally.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Sadly it is underdeveloped. I wanted more from my two favourite mini drama actor & actress but they didn't provide much tension.
2. Xie Xin Ni - Possessive & vicious. I pity SML.
3. Mrs Xie - Evil & manipulative.

Favourite scene
Blue dress scene

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