emberzmars

Underwhelming fantasy drama and no chemistry between Zuo Ming and Liu Lan Ge

I am a fan of supernatural themed drama so when I found out about this drama, I was ecstatic. I watched it last week during commute to work. To my dismay, I felt like it was lacking something by the time I completed the watch.

What I liked:
1. Fantasy - I liked the concept that mermaids can create pearls through their tears. It was mentioned here at the start of the drama but I couldn't recall seeing it happened. I also liked the shapeshifter concept.
2. Styling - The outfits worn by FL reflected her mermaid identity. Cute!
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's right hand man. His comments were entertaining.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Seemed forced / unnatural. No warmth. I didn't buy their love story because FL seemed to pity ML or perhaps it's the case of Stockholm Syndrome. Plus there was no chemistry between Zuo Ming and Liu Lan Ge.
2. Plot - FL & ML were underdeveloped characters. I felt like the drama could be stronger if ML's arc was given more time. The investigation was interesting but only introduced in the third act.
3. Antagonists - "Families" of both FL & ML were vicious. I didn't understand the warehouse scene led by FL's mother and sister. I understood it was revenge but it seemed haphazard?

Favourite scene
When antagonist tried to push FL into the swimming pool

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Heartwarming story about losing loved one, grief & substitute

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

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

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

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

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Great chemistry and visuals in otherwise ok drama about psychologist and revenge

I was perusing new releases when this drama caught my attention. What an eye-catching opening scene! I watched until the end of the drama and hhhhmm I had mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Opening scene - It was hot!
2. Visuals - My gosh, both Yang Luo Qian and Dong Yi were visually arresting.
3. Romance - Sexy sexcapades but I liked when both worked together on doing something on FL's family. There were sexy moments with a lot of push and pull dynamics.
4. Acting - I liked Yang Luo Qian and Dong Yi's acting in this drama. They had great chemistry.
5. Styling - Great clothes worn by FL & ML.
6. Wedding - That scene was thrilling.

What I disliked:
1. Boundary - FL's treatment approach was unethical. She was so touchy with ML, which I found wrong.
2. Antagonists - FL's family was atrocious.

Favourite scene
When FL rescued ML at his wedding

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Mellow jiejie romance that could have done better with more chemistry and less running time

I am a fan of jiejie romance and I like Bai Yan's acting. The moment I saw this drama on its release day, I made a point to watch it immediately. It's great that older woman-younger man stories have grown to include different vibes from spicy, lusty & fast-paced to mellow & slow unravelling. This drama belongs to the mellow & slow unravelling. I liked it.

What I liked:
1. Editing - Good production value. This drama made me feel like I am watching traditional 45-min-per-episode Chinese drama.
2. FL characterisation - She was focused on building her career. I understood why she didn't like her mother arranging blind date / marriage for her.
3. ML characterisation - He was smitten by FL. I liked that he respected FL's decision.
4. Romance - The meet cute was amusing. Slow & steady romance with resistance coming from FL (who resisted relationship in general, not ML). There were many sweet moments and some nice kisses.
5. Supporting characters - ML's friends were entertaining. The mothers of the leads were adorable in their own ways.

What I disliked:
1. Duration - At almost 3 hours, I found this drama too long. The little misunderstandings were unnecessary.
2. Acting - I didn't sense much chemistry between Bai Yan and Zeng Xi Tang. I also found Zeng Xi Tang's acting in this drama a tad underwhelming. He gave much memorable performances as SML in other dramas.

Favourite scene
When FL finally admitted her feelings for ML

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Dull vampire drama with bland performances by Biscuit La La and Liu Lan Bo

I was surprised to see the drama title when the drama was released. I rarely watch Liu Lan Bo dramas but this title implied vampire element so I was ecstatic. I am a fan of supernatural themed series. To my dismay, this drama did not meet my expectation.

What I liked:
1. Styling - I liked that FL often wore white to emphasise her purity while ML often wore black & red - perhaps evil and lust vibe?
2. Cage - ML caged & chained to avoid harm to others. I liked that scene because of the aesthetics.
3. Opening - It was interesting to see how the story was build. I got a glimpse of FL and ML's background.

What I disliked:
1. Plot - I thought this drama was a bad and dull version of Twilight. Sadly the fantasy element was unsatisfying because his reason for refusing blood was drawn out until the third act. The campus drama in the middle did not make sense. I got bored so I doubled the speed.
2. Romance - I didn't buy it. Very much the case of Stockholm syndrome with FL pitying ML. Too many chokeholds at the start when ML disbelieving FL at every turn.
3. Acting - I must say there was zero chemistry between Liu Lan Bo and Biscuit La La. I also found Biscuit La La lacked charisma & conviction in this role - she needs to take acting lessons. Liu Lan Bo gave a bland performance too.
4. Hair - Liu Lan Bo's hair was horrible. Did he wear a wig?

Favourite scene
When ML was caged

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Synopsis excited me but I lost interest after halfway mark

I was excited to find this drama in iQIYI catalogue because I enjoy Xie Yu Wang's acting.

What I liked:
1. First act - It was interesting to see both main characters trying to outwit each other.
2. 1920s - I enjoyed these scenes.
3. Xie Yu Wang - I liked his acting here.

What I disliked:
1. Plot - Convoluted and messy. I became disinterested halfway through the drama after too many twists.
2. Dubbing - XYW's voice was dubbed by another actor.
3. Styling - Horrible fitted clothes for SML. The oversized fit clothes with shoulder pads didn't suit his baby face and small frame. I must say the wedding dress was one of the ugliest I have seen in vertical dramas.
4. Antagonists - I disliked SML & FL's family.
5. Acting - Zhong Ya Ting gave a bland performance. I also didn't sense any chemistry between her and XYW.

Favourite scene
Opening

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Fan Xiao Dong excelled as a much older man in this "I Marry My Ex's Father" story

I enjoy dramas with "I Marry My Ex's Father" storyline so when this drama was released, I was excited to watch it. I had already watched two with the same plot before watching this drama so I was familiar with the story. I enjoyed this adaptation although there were certain flaws with the storyline.

What I liked:
1. Plot - Different from the versions with Huai Wen and Tao Si Yuan as MLs. The opening, the FL's genetics.
2. Big reveal - FL found out connection between ML and her ex 1 hour into drama unlike other adaptations, which took longer than 1 hour mark.
3. Romance - It was nice that they went on a date before she was kicked out of her childhood house. There were some nice kisses. I liked that he cooked for her.
4. Acting - Fan Xiao Dong was only 33 years old but the stylist managed to age him to look close to 40 (ML supposed to be 38 or 39 years old). The actor who played Fu Chen Yu was well cast too. Both actors played their roles very well.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family was ungrateful & opportunist. FL's ex was petulant with his mother another opportunistic character.
2. ML's action - He have his ex allowance after divorce - that fact baffled me because if I was not mistaken, she cheated on ML. Why so nice?
3. Duration - At 2 hours 50 minutes, I found it to be too long.
4. DNA test - Surprised that ML matriarch did not do DNA test to verify granddaughter.
5. Endearment - I was annoyed that FL called ML "uncle" until the end of the drama.

Favourite scene
When FL confronted ML's ex-wife

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Mixed feelings about this systems drama with leads at the verge of divorce

I became an instant fangirl of Bai Xue Ru after watching her first drama collab with Zhang Yi Yang. For the past month or so, whenever I saw a new drama starring Bai Xue Ru I got intrigued. This drama is one of those moments. I had mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked FL for standing up to bullies. I also liked her for being firm with ML when she realised their relationship wasn't working - this was at the start of the drama.
2. Playful - I liked ML's coquettish behaviour.
3. Supporting characters - I liked Ning Ning.
4. Styling - Great outfits for FL & ML.
5. Kisses - There were good kisses. I could sense the desire pouring from them.
6. Acting - Great performances by Bai Xue Ru and the actress who played the main antagonist.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Pathetic bitch. Wow she had systems to assist her schemes. Because of this advantage, I had mixed feelings about this story.
2. Romance - Lust was present but love? I doubted it because there wasn't any trust between them.
3. Loose ends - A lot of the actions by supporting characters were suspicious to me. I don't know if the camerawork was to be blamed or was I just overthinking those scenes?
4. Ending - Wow, antagonist was so stupid.

Favourite scene
When ML was drunk and behaved coquettishly.

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Refreshing story of reborn FL vs transmigrated modern antagonist. Great acting!

It was the last Saturday of 2025 and I felt like watching Sa Gang Yun drama. I noticed that he had done 2 or 3 costume dramas and I got curious so I played this drama on iQIYI. I LOVE IT! A refreshing story of reborn FL vs modern transmigrated antagonist.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Ju Ke Er had a tremendous screen presence. I was captivated by her aura from the very firat scene. Sa Gang Yun was wonderful too as an emperor - he had a commanding presence. There was sizzling chemistry between them two.
2. Values - Antagonist was a modern woman transmigrated to this historical era. It was fascinating to see a character who impossed her supposedly progressing values onto others. I enjoyed the different perspectives aka counterattacks by FL. The lesson on traditional Chinese wedding gown was priceless.
3. Styling - Beautiful outfits worn by FL. The silk embroidery on her gown - gorgeous! I found it amusing that Sa Gang Yun put on fake mustache & beard.
4. FL characterisation - She outsmarted the modern girl. Lesson learned from past life - when given second chance, she was prepared to bring down her half sister & the Crown Prince.
5. Romance - Slow but sultry seduction. FL was smart to make ML want her. High sexual tension resulted in fiery kisses. Wish there were more scenes.
6. Poetry slam - The verbal sparring was delightful battle of the wits.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Qing Qing was vain & snobbish. She was a fake champion of equality. I was annoyed that she got away with her antics without big punishment.
2. Ending - What the hell was that???

Favourite scene
When ML succumbed to temptation 🔥

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Self-aware teen focused on getting great grades - no romance

I literally just completed this series. I discovered it on subreddit CShortDramas when it was a fresh release. Realised that it's available on iQIYI so watched it there after a friene highly recommended it. I enjoyed it a lot.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was very focused on her goal, which is to score top marks in order to get a spot at top university. She noticed the drama around her but reminded herself not to get involved - I liked that self-awareness trait. She was also smart & funny - her thoughts about the ridiculousness of green tea antics made me laugh.
2. Supporting characters - I liked her neighbour Gao Yan and his parents. They saw FL's worth and treated her with respect and empathy. That offer given by Gao Yan's mother moved me. I also liked the people at the orphanage (the friends, the director) as well as FL's school mates in Jing City.
3. Kindness - There were multiple acts of kindness shown in this drama. In addition to the neighbours' kindness, I also liked that FL forgave her classmates who made fun of her before the mock exam.
4. Plot - The plot was refreshing. I kept wondering what would happen next or what would FL do next. Good writing. I was surprised by the arc for first brother and the time jump. I guess the writer wanted to do smooth transition to season 2.
5. Duration - Good amount of running time. Well-paced and I liked that I watched it in one sitting.
6. Styling - Good choices of outfits to demonstrate the differences between a studious teenager and a materialistic teenager. I also liked the outfits chosen for FL's father.

What I disliked:
1. Green tea - She was insecure and manipulative. She deserved that karma.
2. FL's biological family - They acknowledged FL's existence but were indifferent to her. To me, their relationship was like sponsor - beneficiary. They were punished - let them face life's challenges.

Favourite scene
When Gao Yan's mother passed a note to FL

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Enjoyable dystopia drama with good performances and familiar faces

I was preparing a reddit post on Zhang Ruo Chen's dramas when I found this drama in her Youtube playlist. I watched it without any expectations and was surprised by the storytelling. I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. Dystopia - I liked the storyline from rebirth to natural catastrophe preparation and community divide.
2. Romance - FL & ML were lovey dovey. I liked the kisses, quick pecks & hand-holding.
3. ML characterisation - He was protective, gentle & sensible.
4. FL characterisation - Sensible & smart.
5. Supporting characters - I liked Lin Siblings, the butler, Li Cheng Sheng & Hui Jia. There were a few familiar faces actors that I recognised.
6. Acting - Great performances by the cast.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I disliked FL's ex boyfriend, half-sister Wang Er, Cheng Shang Dao, Li Qing Qing. They were horrible people that turned into devils when they were desperate.
2. Ending - WTH!

Favourite scene
When ML competed with Dr Lin Shu Bo for FL's attention

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Lighthearted tale of cultivation

I am a fan of Li Ke Yi so when I found out about this drama, I added to my watchlist. I got around to watch a month ago. I enjoyed it although at times I did unconsciously compared this drama to Great Grandma Reborn at 18 because of her character's personality.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was cool, calm & smart. With her supernatural power, she was able to teach people a lesson.
2. Tone - It's funny and lighthearted.
3. Supporting characters - Yay, a familiar face - ML's grandfather. I also liked FL's mother & the arc for FL's father.
4. Styling - Beautiful clothes for ML & FL.
5. Approach - I really liked that she used social media to gain followers.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - She was envious and vicious towards FL - she was ok to harm people who got in her way. Ungrateful to her adopted family. Sow seeds of discord.
2. ML characterisation - He was like a filler character. I didn't get his purpose in this story because there was hardly any romantic moments or inclination.

Favourite scene
When she wowed ML's family & guests with Guqin playing.

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Revenge by calculating cause and effect

Yu Ke Ran impressed me when I first saw him in The Heartbreak Alliance. I was in the mood for something supernatural and saw a trailer of this drama on subreddit CShortDramas. I watched it a few days ago and wow I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. Revenge - Plot was unique - a revenge tale that kept me guessing. I was surprised that the police caught onto him quickly.
2. Fantasy - ML's superpower was calculating cause and effect. Fascinating. Although his superpowers mostly shown for his revenge, there was the good side of the power - the medical treatment.
3. ML characterisation - Antihero. I liked that he was a morally grey character. He was hellbent on enacting revenge that he didn't care about being punished by the law. Tactical - he didn't mind villains being harmed indirectly by his calculations.
4. Supporting characters - I liked the rich woman who later became his ally. I also liked the police force.
5. Acting - Once again Yu Ke Ran impressed me with his acting. I also liked the acting of actor & actress that portrayed the leading police officers.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Wang siblings were vicious & rotten brats. Their father was the worst.
2. Punishment - I was surprised that he was sentenced to prison. Was there any legit evidence that link him to the antagonist's death?

Favourite scene
When he wanted to impress a brain surgeon

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Good biological daughter vs adopted daughter story but with underdeveloped romance

I was preparing for a reddit post on Zhang Ruo Chen's dramas so I looked for dramas to watch and decided on this title because I like Ji Jun Liang. It seems that Zhang Ruo Chen has done a few "biological daughter vs adopted daughter" dramas. I enjoyed this one.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked her stance on her involvement with biological family after the rebirth. She never forgave them for their atrocious behaviour in the past life. I also liked that she helped her new family when she could have stayed quiet / passive.
2. Dynamics - Fascinating to see different dynamics between her and new foster brothers and between her and biological brothers.
3. Acting - I liked the performances given by Zhang Ruo Chen, Ji Jun Liang & Hu Wen Le.
4. Hard work - I liked that hard work was demonstrated as an important value in achieving success. One cannot just rely solely on fate.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's adopted sister was vicious & envious of FL. She manipulated her brothers but the brothers and father were at fault too for indulging her. They were idiots.
2. Romance - Sadly the romance between FL & ML was underdeveloped. FL seemed to spend more time with her other foster brother than with ML.
3. Duration - At 2 hours 34 minutes, I found the drama was too long as some arcs were draggy.

Favourite scene
When FL & new foster brother sold stuff at booth

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Reborn & revenge: I marry your father instead of you

I stumbled upon this drama on subreddit CShortDramas. My gosh, the trailer caught my attention and good thing the reborn & revenge drama was enjoyable.

What I liked:
1. Revenge - I loved that her revenge plan included marrying her ex's father and getting involved in the company management.
2. FL characterisation - She was tactical, focused & smart. I loved her proposal to ML and her confidence.
3. Romance - Their intimate scene was hot. They were in a marriage of convenience but developed a romantic relationship soon after marriage. They were sweet to each other.
4. Acting - I had seen the actress who played FL in a drama with Zhen Zi Qi. I liked her acting here. The actor who played ML was hot & handsome. Damn! They had good chemistry.
5. Duration - Running time under 90 minutes. Well paced.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - ML's son was ungrateful brat. Cruel too. I can't believe he even planned to kill his father.
2. Romance - I wish there were kissing & flirting between FL & ML.

Favourite scene
When FL proposed to ML

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