emberzmars

Story of reborn ML that is focused on romance not revenge. I loved it!

Lately I have picked up some vertical dramas in which ML given a second chance aka reborn trope. Since I already like the Qian Zhe-Wang Yi Yang pairing, I watched this drama with some expectations and I am delighted to see I love this drama so much. My favourite drama from this pairing.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - As mentioned earlier, it's rare for me to watch reborn ML. I liked this ML because he was a sensitive soul who did everything he could to please his lady. I always enjoy watching hot & menacing Qian Zhe playing a sensitive man.
2. Romance - This reborn drama focused on romance rather than revenge, which I love. ML was burnt by love once so he tried at love with another person. I loved that ML & FL negotiated the "code of conduct" in their relationship, which made sense since they were strangers when they did flash marriage. The kisses were damn hot and wow there were scenes involving condom.
3. Agreement - I loved that ML issued an agreement & compensation fee to his ex-lover (SFL) so that the break was clean aka no lingering unresolved issues.
4. Styling - impeccable! Qian Zhe had a different hairstyle too.
5. FL characterisation - She was confident, cool & collected. I loved her no-nonsense attitude.

Disliked:
1. Antagonist - SFL is a narcissist & arrogant. I hated her for milking her separation from ML despite claiming she wanted to get away from ML.

Favourite scene
The wedding scene

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Huang Bo playing doting dad to twins...ker ai!

I was preparing a reddit post on Huang Bo's dramas when I came across this unlisted drama on his MDL page. I enjoyed this drama and submitted it as New Title.

What I liked:
1. Plot - This drama's plot is similar to Mr Pei Loves Her So Much starring He Cong Rui & Xu Meng Yuan. Not sure if both dramas came from same source but I liked the story that I don't mind watching different versions.
2. FL characterisation - The difference between this drama and Mr Pei Loves Her So Much is the FL's backstory. This FL needed to bear children in order to get her inheritance so she underwent artificial insemination. Unfortunately her twins were taken away from jealous family members. I liked that FL is successful & hardworking.
3. ML characterisation - He is a doting father who is pressured to get married by his kids.
4. Acting - It's wonderful to see Huang Bo playing a green flag character. I giggled so loud when he did a little dance. Ker Ai! This is my first time watching Wei Fan Shu and I enjoyed her acting and chemistry with Huang Bo and child actor & child actress.
5. Romance - There were nice kisses in this drama, which I didn't expect in dramas with live-in small children. The flashbacks were short but sexy.
6. Supporting characters - I liked the twins, ML's parents and cousin.

What I disliked:
1. Hidden identity - I think it went too long. Wish they came clean earlier.
2. Antagonist - The "fake" biological mother to the twins was horrible & selfish.

Favourite scene
When ML did a happy dance

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ML forgot the love he once had

I watched this drama within 3 days of its release because I am a massive fan of Huang Bo and the short duration of the drama.

What I liked:
1. Revenge - She devised a brilliant plan after being betrayed by her husband. This drama reminds me so much of Bao Zhi Yue's mermaid drama.
2. Relationship - The good times FL had with ML were bittersweet. ML was a good husband then. I liked their bed scenes.
3. Acting - Great acting by Huang Bo and Jin Xin Xin. The child actor did a good job too.
4. Ending - I like it even though I thought it was harsh.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - He was naive for falling into scheme of SFL. He had shown remorse and seemed genuine about wanting to reconcile with FL but it was too late.
2. Antagonist - Wow, what an evil person!

Favourite scene
The ending

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No chemistry & warmth between FL and ML in this secret child drama

Zhang Yun Tao is one of those actors whose drama I keep watching even though he's not my top 10 actor. As usual I watched this drama because of him and the secret baby plot. I have mixed feelings about this drama. There are many and better dramas related to secret babies and/or ZYT.

What I liked:
1. Supporting characters - I like ML's mother & son.
2. Styling - I really liked ML's wardrobe especially the black jacket & navy trouser that he wore to a parent-teacher event.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - I couldn't relate to FL. Usually I find FL who has had a child to be warm but she is cold & uninteresting. I found her plan to get back her child as silly.
2. Romance - Typical start in which a main character was intoxicated & had one night stand with a stranger.
Anyway because of FL's cold personality, I didn't buy their romance. There wasn't any emotional connection between them unless you count their biological child as an emotional connection.
3. Antagonists - Another entitled green tea. The paralysed antagonist was cuckoo for her scheming.

Favourite scene
When ML's employees were snooping in ML's room as he was having discussion with FL

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FL's infatuation with ML overshadows the main story. Wasted potential

I watched this drama within the first 3 days of its release. I am a fan of Li Ke Yi and still warming up to Yao Guan Yu. As usual, I go into newly released vertical dramas blindly without knowing synopsis. Started off great but halfway through I started to lose interest. I have mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Revenge - It's wonderful to see revenge drama from the perspective of ML. He has an interesting back story.
2. Romance - There was a good sexual tension between FL and ML although because of FL's infatuation, I couldn't see their relationship going serious and for long term.
3. Antagonist - I like male antagonist's arc because it has substance.
4. Duration - I liked that drama is less than 90 minutes long.

What I disliked:
1. FL's characterisation - Her infatuation with ML is a hindrance to ML's investigation and overall affects the effectiveness of its storytelling. I could barely remember ML's arc because of the FL-ML dynamic. I wish writer had made her an assertive character who didn't behave like a high school girl.
2. Special ability - Oh how I wished writer had focused more on FL's special ability. This could have been a mystery sci-fi drama.
3. Intimacy - That final intimacy scene felt like a coercion. Is that the best way to jog one's memory?
4. Styling - What's up with the wig? Did Li Ke Yi have different hairstyle for another drama?

Favourite scene
When antagonist discovered FL's special ability

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Quiet mystery romance with good chemistry between the leads

I was surprised to see a collab between Zhang Chu Xuan and He Cong Rui. Both are my favourite actors. I watched this drama within first 3 days of its release. I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. Tone - I like the quiet mystery element of this drama. The drama is not too dark which is a breath of fresh air.
2. FL characterisation - I liked her determination in investigating her sister's death. She was more concerned about truth rather than vengeance.
3. ML characterisation - Gosh he was mysterious that I was praying he's not a baddie. He figured out FL's hidden agenda quite early but he didn't go overboard with confrontation nor meddling.
4. Acting - I really enjoy the acting of both ZCX & HCR, individually & as a couple. It's great to see ZCX playing this role (a softer, vulnerable woman) as I've seen her in too many "strong woman" characters. HCR exuded the right allure for this mysterious character.
5. Romance - Slow burn because investigation takes precedence. There was good balance of push and pull - sweet & spicy moments. FL begging ML scene was unexpected for me - it was very sweet.
6. Styling - ZCX looked beautiful in that floor length dress. I also liked the pink blush dress.

What I disliked:
1. FL's action - I did feel that FL was stringing ML along and I disliked it. Good thing she didn't take long to fess up.

Favourite scene
Bathtub

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Bad romance & draggy Chinese Republican era drama

I enjoyed Yang Yu Bin's costume drama which he co-starred with Wang Zi Jia. I found out that Yang Yu Bin acted in Chinese Republican era drama so I was excited. Unfortunately I didn't enjoy this drama.

What I liked:
1. Yang Yu Bin - He was captivating on screen. I liked his acting even though I didn't have strong feelings for his character.
2. Styling - I must say Yang Yu Bin looked damn fine in Chinese Republican era military uniform. I also liked his black trench coat.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - It was a bad romance. There were sweet gestures and spicy moments. However there was no trust between FL & ML even until the end. A lot of assumptions made because no honesty between them.
2. FL characterisation - I didn't like her character at all. She was always suspicious of ML so she lied to him all the time. She's a blind follower, just following instructions without feeling the need to follow her instincts and investigate the truth.
3. Duration - This drama was 2.5 hour long and I found it draggy.
4. Transmigration - I felt this wasn't required since FL just followed the course set for the original character that she inhabited.

Favourite scene
When FL celebrated ML's birthday

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Interesting premise ruined by frequent ads

I got curious about this series when a reddit user requested a link to the drama. Since it's less than 40 minutes, I decided to watch it. I have mixed feelings.

What I liked:
1. Plot - I liked that both FL & ML worked at a matchmaking agency. This is a body swap story so it was amusing to see them coping being in the other people's body.
2. Supporting characters - I liked the photographer & painter couple. Very short screen time but their story spoke volume.
3 Tone - It's very light hearted.
4. Duration - Less than 40 minutes.

What I disliked:
1. Product placement - I get it that JD.com invested in this drama but the ads were excessive and overshadowing the whole story.
2. Writing - Because of the constant ads, the story of main couple is heavily affected. I couldn't connect with them.

Favourite scene
At the art gallery

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Second chance romance with sexy ML & wise daughter

I watched this drama because a reddit user requested for a link to the drama. I thought Wei Fan Shu resembled Gina Jin in the poster. I had watched her drama with Huang Bo just a few days ago and enjoyed her acting. I had not seen any Nie Bo Xuan drama so I got curious. I enjoyed this drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He was a sweetheart. He was dumped by FL but his love ran deep. Instead of enacting revenge, he supported FL by the sideline. I liked that he listened to her and was respectful of her decisions even though he didn't necessarily agree with them.
2 FL characterisation - Overall I liked FL despite her not being truthful. It was a defense mechanism. Anyway my favourite moment of her character is when she questioned Vice President's announcement of best employee award winner. In other dramas, someone else raised concern, never FL.
3. Romance - This is a second chance romance and the reconciliation did take time. I liked ML's subtle moves especially when they stayed over at his grandma's house. I loved that ML wanted to talk about their relationship. That scene of them playing pool was emotional and sensual.
4. Acting - I was impressed by Nie Bo Xuan's acting & aura in this drama. The child actress who played their daughter was awesome.
5. Styling - I liked the clothes worn by the cast. Wei Fan Shu was very pretty in this drama.
6. Supporting characters - I really liked the daughter, ML's assistant (his inner monologues were too funny) and ML's grandma.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - SML was manipulative and envious. Hated her for wanting to harm a child.
2. FL's action - I didn't like that she kept her daughter's identity from ML for too long especially after ML had proven that he's on her side.

Favourite scene
When ML spoke French to FL and then FL responded to the crowd

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Gullible FL who kept getting bullied by relatives

I watched this drama because I was in the mood for Huang Bo's dramas. Sadly this drama didn't meet my expectations. I don't recommend watching this drama.

What I liked:
1. Supporting characters - I liked ML's grandma and subordinate.
2. Grief - I think this scene was done well thanks to the actress who played FL.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - She was gullible and easily fooled by her uncle & cousin. She was a damsel in distress that required saving by ML.
2. Romance - There was no romantic relationship between them. ML might liked FL thus caref for her but FL seemed indifferent to their romantic relationship. She never made any effort to be his wife - she's convinced that they only married because of the baby.
3. Bullying - There was too much bullying in this drama and most are outrageous & violent.
4. Antagonists - Uncle & cousin were atrocious & materialistic.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML had a conversation about their child

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Sizzling chemistry made this family dispute drama enjoyable

I watched this drama early 2025 when I just got into vertical dramas. I was already a fan of Zhang Chu Xuan and have watched Xie Yu Wang in another drama. I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Zhang Chu Xuan and Xie Yu Wang's off-the-charts chemistry made their characters' romance believable. Good balance of push & pull dynamics. There were good kisses, sweet gestures & cute banters.
2. Main characters - Both main characters were likeable. There was vulnerable side to FL's character.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's grandma & brother (by now June 2025, I have seen him in many supporting roles I need to get his name). I also liked FL's accomplice Ye Qi & master.
4. Antagonist - I liked the mysterious antagonist trying to bring down ML.
5. Hidden identity - I actually enjoy the way hidden identity was employed in this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - This drama was released in 2023 so the plot is typical of that year. FL's family waa terrible. Gosh it was nice to see Wang Yun Yun playing SFL green tea because my first drama of hers she was already playing FL. Her character in this drama was mean.

Favourite scene
Secret weapon

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A story about a female pilot: her career struggles and romantic relationships

I watched this drama on 3 June after dropping another drama of Han Jia Hui, which had too much negativity in the first 40 minutes. Love at 30,000 feet was an enjoyable watch.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - It is sad that she never sought promotion because of then boyfriend but I was delighted that she pursued her dream of becoming the first female pilot for that specific aircraft. I liked her confidence and determination. It's wonderful to see Han Jia Hui in this role.
2. ML characterisation - He's such a sweetheart. It was my first time watching Zhang Xuan. I'll definitely watch his other dramas.
3. Romance - Overall sweet and slow burn. ML knew when he could be playful with FL but without going over the boundary.
4. PSA - There was a great scene involving the police. I loved it when the officer stated "whether you've broken up or not, forcing a woman to have sex is rape." Such a powerful line.
5. Supporting characters - It's wonderful to see FL getting recognition from her colleagues especially after she was promoted to captain. I like her first officer. Oh I liked ML's family too - they were supportive of him and his relationship.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I hated FL's ex for stopping her from promotion request and for cheating on her but then claimed that he had always loved her. Despite that, he was remorseful of his action towards the end of the drama. I was impressed by the performance from the actor playing second male lead. Back to antagonists, SFL was extremely irritating and dangerous. Wouldn't she be considered a terrorist for that action she made in the third act?
2. Fat suit - That was the most horrible fat suit I have seen on short dramas. Maybe there was a budget constraint but my gosh, his face makeup was too obvious even on 360p video quality.
3. Aviation errors - I love aviation so certain parts were too illogical. How could former staff have easy access to aircraft servicing & ATC tower?

Favourite scene
The assault and police arrival

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Quiet and mature handling of jiejie romance

I watched this drama at the recommendation of a reddit user. Older woman-younger man romance or fondly known as jiejie romance is my favourite trope. It has a different vibe to the other jiejie romance that I have watched. I liked it.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - It's interesting to see the ups and downs of FL's life. At the start of the relationship, she was a well-to-do career woman who could financially support ML. However life happened and to avoid dragging ML into her problems, she dumped him. It may sound harsh but I understand her decision. He was young and full of potential.
2. Romance - Their relationship is different from other jiejie romance that I've watched. There were good kisses and puppy moments but the thing that strikes me most about their romance is the quiet and mature handling of it.
3. ML characterisation - I liked that he had her back and did not meddle in her life unless she requested for support. It was great to see him go against his irrational father.
4. Acting - It's great to see Han Yu Tong portrayed a vulnerable woman because I have seen her played strong or vengeful woman most of the time. It's my first time watching Qiu Hong Kai's acting. He was good in his role.
5. Competition - It's always fun to see scenes of slander and plagiarism accusation.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - It's unbelievable that FL's father would do such a thing to his daughter. Her ex and the mistress were horrible persons as well.

Favourite scene
When FL declared her love for ML in public

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Heartfelt Chinese BL with thought provoking dialogue & fiery chemistry

I saw this poster on MDL's newly added dramas search results. I don't watch many BL but this caught my attention again when I noticed MDL user Jelena Petrovic's rave comments on my feed. I enjoyed this short drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. Qin Jialin - Wow his acting impressed me very much. His micro expressions were on point that I had empathy for his character from the start of the drama. Gosh, Qin Jialin was damn sexy not just the physique but also in the way he spoke. At times Qin Jialin resembled Korean actor-idol Park Hyung Sik.
2. Chen Xi characterisation - I knew he was a troubled soul from the first moment Hao Yu threatened him. He was nonchalant about life after being abandoned by former lover.
3. Hao Yu characterisation - He seemed tough but he was a softie & green when it came to life experiences.
4. Romance - There was sexual tension between the two men right from the start - well maybe that shower scene at the very beginning prompted us the audience. The first intimate scene was 🔥 even though Hao Yu was resistant.
5. Writing - This story had heart, genuine affection. There was a chat about the meaning of life. I liked it that way because most BL dramas that been marketed on streaming platforms heavily emphasised on lust.

What I disliked:
1. Ending - I felt like it was abrupt. In addition to their growing relationship, I also want to know about their individual growth after they got together. It seems like hope will drive them to get out of the funk that they're experiencing.

Favourite scene
When Hao Yu found Chen Xi at the beach contemplating life

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FL was reborn but remained unlikeable till the end

I am determined to watch as many Huang Bo dramas as I can for my next assignment. I chose this drama because it was less than 100 minutes and uses reborn trope. I have mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Reborn - I liked that both ML & FL were reborn and took separate paths from their past lives.
2. Makeup - Kudos to the makeup artist for creating a realistic aged look for FL. She looked haggard with wrinkles, dark circles & pigmentation as the harmful medication took a toll on her.
3. FL characterisation - I'd say she's anti-hero instead of villain here because this drama is from her perspective. I liked that she is an unlikeable character but with pitiful moments. The actress who played FL did very well with her role.
4. Ending - I was surprised by how SML & his wife's story was wrapped up.
5. Supporting characters - It's great to see SML being the bigger devil than FL. I was also surprised by his staff supported him in his quest to dupe FL.

What I disliked:
1. Screentime - It's a shame that Huang Bo got little screentime despite the top billing. Wish we could see more of ML's life journey because I don't watch many ML reborn stories.
2. FL's actions - FL was so materialistic that she did not care about her responsibilities as a company president. Such a silly girl!

Favourite scene
When FL realised she had been duped by SML

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