emberzmars

Affectionate & playful CP made me watch this drama on repeat

In my first month of my vertical Chinese drama exploration, I came across Dramazone Youtube channel. I had become a fan of Sun Yue so I was excited to watch this drama. Oh wow, I love it so much that I watch on repeat. Too bad the link can no longer be found on Youtube.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I must say I like coquettish MLs and this ML is definitely coquettish. He might be seen as a himbo but he's actually smart. Sun Yue always brings out sunny personality to his characters. That's why I enjoyed this ML.
2. FL characterisation - I loved that she was a qipao designer. Sucb a gorgeous collection. I also loved tnat sne was financially independent. She offered to take care of ML. This was my first Ma Qian Qian drama and I liked her acting as she was able to showcase both sassy & serious side of her character.
3. Romance - Top notch romance with a lot of kisses, innuendo & affectionate moments. The couple had each other's backs right from the start of their marriage. Ma Qian Qian & Sun Yue seemed so comfortable with each other.
4. Supporting character - FL's grandma was so supportive. Even ML's superior at the law firm was comical. I liked FL's bestie & ML's assistant whom looked familiar - are they Zhai Xinran & Wang Yi Lei?
5. Styling - I loved the outfits worn by FL, ML & some supporting characters. The characters were quite fashion savvy. My favourite FL outfit is the light pink jacket & mini skirt with cutout at the side.

What I disliked:
1. FL's admirer - He schemed to get FL's attention that she overlooked ML's call. He knew she was already in relationship with ML.

Favourite scene
When ML limped towards FL & then they had heart-to-heart conversation

Read More

Kind & thoughtful ML made me enjoyed this baby mama drama

This is my first Xia Jing Ran and Wang Yi Ge's drama. I was drawn to this drama because of ML's allergy towards women (I had watched similar drama by Zhang Chu Xuan and Lu Shan Dong). Overall I really liked this drama despite its simple story.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I liked all scenes that had ML touching FL. The accidental kiss was haha expected in a drama like this. That bathtub scene was damn hot! Putting aside the spicy stuff, I felt the warmth whenever they were together. The Lamaze classes omigosh! Xia Jing Ran and Wang Yi Ge had great chemistry.
2. Ending - So touching!
3. FL characterisation - I like a smart & hardworking FL, which was evident in this drama. I also liked that she was resourceful in the case of strange fragrance. I enjoyed Xia Jing Ran's acting in this drama.
4. ML characterisation - I liked that ML was kind not just towards FL but also towards strangers. I liked that he was committed to FL's prenatal care. I was also impressed by Wang Yi Ge's acting as he was great at expressing longing for FL.
5. Duration - I consider this drama as short because total running time is around 1 hour 20 minutes. Well-paced storytelling.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - FL's family was horrible. ML's admirer was also malicious.

Favourite scene
The bathtub scene

Read More

Heartwarming family drama mixed with medical & military arcs

I have a girl crush on Zhang Chu Xuan. Out of her many dramas that I've watched, I am only disappointed with 1 drama. I tend to watch modern dramas but made an exception to this because of her and the high view count. I was surprised to find out that I watched this drama & Hu Yong Tao's drama with Guo Yuxin within the same day.

What I liked:
1. Su Wang Qing characterisation - Her character transmigrated from modern time to historical time. I enjoyed watching her character development. Zhang Chu Xuan was able to showcase the differences between pre-transmigration Wang Qing and post-transmigration Wang Qing.
2. Lu Shen Ting characterisation - I enjoyed watching his different personas: caring father, stern army general, resentful husband, loving husband & lover. I liked Hu Yong Tao in this drama more than that drama with Guo Yuxin.
3. Romance - Slow burn romance that made me swoon! There were many tender moments between FL & ML. Great chemistry between Zhang Chu Xuan and Hu Yong Tao. However I wish that kissing scene was longer.
4. Family theme - I enjoyed the family scenes whether it was the core 4 (FL, ML & their two kids), the villagers or the high ranking officer & his wife.
5. Supporting characters - Out of the 2 kids, the boy Xiaorui got more screentime. He was so adorable! Surprisingly I also liked SFL once she realised her limitations.
6. Outfits - I rarely saw historical time commoner outfits in vertical dramas so it's nice to see them here. I loved ML's army general outfit. Dang he looked so masculine and menacing, which reminded me of Blossoms in Adversity Hui Yi Tian's military persona.

What I disliked:
1. Medical expertise - I get it that she has knowledge from modern times but I think it's unbelievable that her knowledge expands wide fields within medicine from obstetrics to pharmacology. The writer was too ambitious. I dislike the conceive scenes because it was too far fetched!
2. SFL - Her voice got on my nerves! She seemed like she's always yelling whenever FL was around.
3. Duration - I think the drama is too long. I wish they had given more time to ML's general persona & trimmed FL's medical arcs since there were too many of them.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML punished their son for a bad deed

Read More

Female CEO trying to get pregnant after leaving scumbag hubby

The moment I saw the title of this drama on YouTube ("female CEO borrows sperm pregnant, not know baby’s dad is a business mogul who's secretly loved her"), I was drawn. I am familiar to the works of Lu Lu Lu and Wang Nan - I think they did well for this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I like that a smart & assertive FL who also happens to be a CEO. Ex hubby was clingy and annoying and I think she handled him well. Oh I also liked that FL got a suitor other than ML & her ex husband.
2. Romance - I like how the relationship grew from sex buddy/sperm donor to a serious, committed relationship. There were many tender moments in the drama. It's also good to see how ML becoming more involved with FL's professional life.
3. Acting - Good acting by Lu Lu Lu, Wang Nan and LI Guanlin, who played Chu Ming the ex-hubby. Great chemistry between Lu Lu Lu and Wang Nan.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - FL's ex hubby was mean towards FL. He deserved the divorce but unfortunately he couldn't let go of her even though he knew he made a big mistake in their marriage. His harassment bothered me.

Favourite scene
When ML told off his nephew and claimed FL as his girlfriend

Read More

Beautiful outfits, captivating main actor & cool supporting character

I watched this drama a few months ago when I was exploring Zhao Mu Yan dramas.

What I liked:
1. Styling - The traditional wedding dress at the start of the drama made a great impression on me. Zhao Mu Yan looked beautiful in it. I also liked the outfits worn by Zhao Mu Yan e.g. the pink perplum dress, the cream fluffy dress, the qipao, the wedding dress.
2. Romance - That first intimate scene between FL & ML caught my attention. It was hot. I also liked that they were affectionate with each other.
3. Zhang Yi Hong - I was impressed by his acting in this drama. He was good at displaying different emotions of his character. He has a distinctive nasally voice that I could recognise in later dramas that did not credit leads' names in the drama title.
4. Supporting characters - ML's assistant had the coolest hairstyle in all vertical dramas that I have watched.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - One of the most vicious antagonists I've seen in vertical dramaland.
2. Injuries - Both ML & FL were harmed at different points of the drama. Pity them!

Favourite scene
FL & ML making out in the car

Read More

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

Read More

Finished it feeling unfulfilled & disappointed...what a shame!

I added this drama to my Youtube watchlist a few months ago because of Zhang Jijun. Last night I wanted to watch something short (less than 2 hours) so I decided to finally watch this drama. Oh boy, I finished the drama feeling unfulfilled & disappointed.

What I liked:
1. FL's arc - She went through a lot and despite the hardships, I enjoyed her arc. I liked her reaction upon finding out about her biological family - she didn't acknowledge them.
2. ML's characterisation - I liked that ML was persistant in protecting FL and finding the connection between her and his childhood sweetheart.
3. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's sister even though she didn't have much screen time. I also like ML's assistant.
4. Styling - I love FL's grey dress. I like the styling for ML and FL's biological brother. The antagonist & FL's mother also wore some nice outfits.
5. Li Zi Jie - OMG, that's Li Zi Jie in a supporting role. It's good to see him as a baddie because I have only watched him as ML.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - I felt only ML was invested in their romantic relationship. There were some kissing scenes but they were lacklustre. FL didn't seem to enjoy his kisses.
2. Abuse - The amount of abuse suffered by FL is just too much.
3. Antagonist - She's one of the worst antagonists in vertical dramaland. She deserved her ending.
4. Writing / editing - The story seemed disjointed. There was a big revelation about FL roughly in the last 15 minutes of the drama but the impact of that revelation wasn't shown on screen. It's a shame because it's crucial to the relationship between FL & ML and between FL & her biological family. After the revelation, we were brought to the ending - a happy one but it felt out of place.

Favourite scene
When FL found out about her biological family

Read More

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

Read More

A delightfully sweet & comical time travelling/transmigration romcom

I haven't used my paid iQiyi subscription ever since I discovered vertical c dramas on Youtube last December. Yesterday I browsed my app and realised that I could watch shorts / vertical dramas on iQiyi with my subscription (unlike another OTT platform that I've subscribed too). Decided on this particular drama because of the title 'Lost Memory, Handsome in Panic'. Very delighted to see my favourite actress Zhang Chu Xuan in the first episode!

What I liked:
1. Plot - Refreshing tale of time travel/transmigration. I didn't know where the drama was going to take me after my initial guesses were inaccurate. I just enjoyed the drama.
2. Comedy - This drama was hilarious. Zhang Chu Xuan aced comedy bits once again.
3. Romance - Sweet, sweet, sweet romance with many warm & tender moments. There was a misunderstanding about ML's concealed identity but it was resolved within the next episode.
4. FL characterisation - FL was hardworking, smart and self-assured. I loved her interactions with ML and her sister. She was even kind to a supposedly love rival.
5. ML characterisation - ML was besotted with FL and I could see why. He was kind and supportive towards FL - he became her mentor when she needed help with improving her business acumen. I was pleasantly surprised to see Huang Jing Zhou as the ML. I had seen him as SML in a mini drama - he had very little screen time but his looks captivated me. Huang Jing Zhou gave me Luo Yunxi vibe!
6. Supporting characters - It's refreshing that there is no sibling rivalry in this drama. I loved FL's sister! I also liked FL's parents, FL's supposedly love rival & ML's friend even though they had very short screentime.

What I disliked:
1. Lu Wanqing - What happened to the original Lu Wanqing? What's her story with her family?

Favourite scene
When ML first met FL in modern time. He was spellbound!

Read More

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.

Read More

Beautifully shot scenes but the FL's behaviour led to lower rating

This version is the second adaptation of a familiar plot that I have watched. The first version I watched has Cao Tian Kai as ML & Zhang Shan as FL. I chose to watch this adaptation at the recommendation of few MDL users. This version is enjoyable but Cao Tian Kai-Zhang Shan version is better IMHO.

What I liked:
1. Shots - The first item that impressed me is the shot of each scene. Vivid colours and great framing for a vertically shot drama. My favourite sequence of shots is when ML carried FL from living room to his room. Beautiful!
2. Music - I like songs featured in this drama that I even shazam-ed those unfamiliar to me (e.g. It's You by Sam Kim featuring ZICO). It's wonderful to hear 'See the Light' instrumental version in the drama.
3. Homage - The camping scene reminds me of kdrama 'When the Phone Rings'. Well there was that instrumental song played in the background.
4. Acting - Overall good performances from the three leads despite the less-than-brilliant writing of their characters.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - Song Shuang Xu is too timid/passive and childlike for my liking. Yes, she's 22 years old but I've seen more proactive same-aged characters in other vertical dramas. At first I thought she was a socialite but I was wrong, there were scenes of her presenting proposal in an internal meeting and an event with invited guests & media.
2. Romance - FL did more receiving than giving in this relationship. There were some great kisses but almost all were initiated by ML so it felt one-sided most of the time until FL reaffirmed their relationship in front of her family.
3. Hostility - ML's cousin Lu Manman and FL's adopted mother were hostile towards FL at the start of the drama. In Cao Tian Kai-Zhang Shan version, these two characters were lovable so of course I compared the characters in two versions. I also disliked Lu Manman's friends/followers - I mean who wears skirt to campsite? I also disliked FL's grandpa who never raised her but had a lot of opinion on FL's life choices.

Favourite scene
When FL asked ML "what do you want for your birthday?" and his response

Read More

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

Read More

Underdeveloped romance - I want more!

I am a fan of Chen Zheng Yang and recently discovered & enjoyed Yu Xiao Wan's drama about body swap. I was excited to find out that they collaborated through this drama. Had high expectations but unfortunately not met.

What I liked:
1. Comedy - Gosh I didn't expect comedy bits to come from Chen Zheng Yang. His character was a goofball. ML's assistant was funny too.
2. Styling - Yu Xiao Wan looked radiant after turning over a new leaf. Love the red dress on her!

What I disliked:
1. Romance - It is underdeveloped. By the end of the drama, I still felt that the love was one-sided or at least FL got together with ML because it's logical/strategic rather than because she wants to explore real love.
2. Growth - This drama is centred on FL but unfortunately there is lack of character development for her. Yes, she quit her job because her boss didn't appreciate her but her journey post-resignation was easy as she was supported by ML.

Favourite scene
When ML jumped into swimming pool

Read More

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

Read More

Second couple was fascinating to watch!

I was intrigued by this drama because of Miles Wei and
I have to admit that this is my first 'Miles Wei as main character drama'. Surprisingly I recognise Ke Ying (I love A Familiar Stranger). You are My Secret took me awhile to finish but once I hit halfway mark, I became more invested in the show. A great watch!

What I liked:
1. Rao Jing characterisation - I love her because she is smart, assertive, go getter. She is not a Mary Sue - her flaw gave an opportunity for her colleague to be part of her personal life, which makes her arc fascinating.
2. Zhao Fang Gang characterisation - He is like a class clown because he lights up the office. I also enjoyed his arc because I got to see his serious and unfriendly / insecure side.
3. Romance - Wow, secret office romance was hot. I actually enjoyed second couple romance more than main couple romance because second couple has fiery dynamics with the constant bickering. Their kisses were blazing hot. The third couple romance was enjoyable to watch too despite the shorter screen time.
4. Money issue - There were few instances where money became main issue for a character / couple. The fight between third couple was hard to swallow because it was a dealbreaker.
5. Acting - Overall great acting by the cast! I like the comic relief provided by Fang Gang and his two followers haha.
6. Visuals - The actors & actresses are good looking but not movie star good looking, which I like. I love Karlina Zhang's beautiful eyes.
7. Bank setting - I enjoy the cases presented at the bank. They seemed challenging & realistic.
8. Main characters' growth - I like that both main characters made mistakes and learn from them.

What I disliked:
1. Tang Yu Hui - Wow, she was delulu! Good thing she finally noticed that trait at the end of her arc.
2. Xiao Ning's characterisation - At first I dislike her character because I found her to be sheltered for a 27 year old woman. It annoyed me when she didn't know ML's coffee preference when they lived together!

Favourite scene
Second couple's second kiss 🔥

Read More