emberzmars

My expectations were not met because of Fu Yu Shu's underwhelming performance

I added this drama on my Plan to Watch list months ago but only remembered to watch it last night after watching Huai Wei's uncle romance drama co-starring Liu Jia Xi. This is my second drama of his so I had some expectations. Unfortunately this drama did not meet my expectations.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - Somehow this drama reminded me of kdrama When the Phone Rings because the substitute bride is younger sister of woman betrothed to ML. ML exuded maturity, patience and gentleness and I liked that. He voluntarily offered to pick FL up from work.
2. Styling - Huai Wen looked dashing in his outfits. I liked FL's outfits too. The wedding dress gave a butterfly look while the pink chiffon evening gown was very pretty.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's mother & the dog (so adorable).
4. Huai Wen - I really liked his acting here. His facial expressions were on point. When he proposed, there were expressions of love and sincerity on his face.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - Gosh I was frustrated with her demeanor. She had a bland personality. The fact that she was a medical doctor unsure / clueless when it came to intimacy with her husband, threw me off.
2. Romance - ML was always giving (which was good) but FL hardly took any intiative until the last 30 minutes or so of the drama. It turned me off that ML always had to "remind" her of their marital obligations. She was mechanical that I found the intimate scenes awkward.
3. Antagonists - The rival doctor was pathetic.
4. Acting - Fu Yu Shu's performance was underwhelming & stiff. Despite the good kisses, there was no chemistry between her & Huai Wen.
5. Duration - There were many videos on Dailymotion with various length with the longest videl being more than 3 hours long. I chose to watch the one with 2 hours length (medium length) which I later found out it was 1.25x speed during screen recording. Even with this length, I found the drama too slow-paced for my liking.

Favourite scene
When ML proposed for real

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Chen Si Che as a painter seeking revenge while Yao Guan Yu looking like a sexy vampire

I am a fan of Chen Si Che so I was excited to know that she worked with Yao Guan Yu on a drama. I didn't know what to expect from the poster but watched it within few days of release. I liked it.

What I liked:
1. Romance - The first part of the drama concerned me because of ML's behaviour. However the dynamics turned after some time apart. There were sweet & spicy moments in their romance story. I really liked scenes of them laughing.
2. Revenge - I liked it enough despite the twists. I kinda feel some softness when it came to the execution - I think because she was cool & less angry in comparison to FLs in other revenge dramas.
3. Acting - Chen Si Che and Yao Guan Yu seemed relaxed in this drama. I liked their chemistry and individually did well.
4. Styling - Yao Guan Yu seemed like a vampire with the outfits that he wore. Oh he also looked like Korean singer-songwriter Bang Yongguk with the outfits.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - The Lin family was horrible people. The kids were idiots that were spoilt rotten by their father. Their own revenge plan was like a child's play.
2. Acting - I felt the actor who played FL's supposed fiancé had interesting look but gave underwhelming performance. His character was quite crucial to the story.

Favourite scene
When FL told a wonderful surprise to ML

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Combustible chemistry & steamy kisses but too much screentime to the antagonists

I binged Cheng Cheng's dramas as an assignment to write a reddit post on his work. This was one of the dramas I watched - I already liked Huang Yun Yun. There was certain aspects that I thought could be reduced but overall I liked this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Fiery, lusty kisses. I never saw Cheng Cheng kissed with fervour until I watched this drama. There were some sweet and tender moments which I enjoyed too.
2. FL characterisation - I loved her from the start because she was a sultry vixen out to seduce ML. She knew her strengths and how to use them to achieve her goal.
3. Styling - FL's outfits were very pretty. I also liked ML's outfits - modern and rugged.
4. Music - I enjoyed the songs featured in this drama. Some I recognised from kdramas e.g. FAKE PARADISE by Xylo.
5. Acting - Huang Yun Yun & Cheng gave a good performance even though I think ML was underdeveloped. Both of them had combustible chemistry that I sensed the intensity of the pull and sexual tension between them.

Disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's sister & dastardly SML / former love interest were given too much screentime. I couldn't care less about their antics. I wish the writer & director had cut short their screen time and instead gave more time to showcase FL-ML romance.
2. Abuse - Damn, why would you harm an elderly???

Favourite scene
When SML headed to a hotel room to check if FL was with ML

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Sweet with a dash of spice fantasy drama. Good chemistry!

I was preparing for a reddit post on Cheng Cheng so chose this drama as part of my assignment. FL is unfamiliar to me. Overall I liked this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked her humbleness and gentleness. She was pushed to a corner by ML because of her sister's situation but I didn't perceive her as doormat.
2. Romance - Good despite the slow build up. Sweet and spicy and I could sense desire coming from both parties. I wish there were more bonding scenes before the revelation so I could feel his pain more.
3. Fantasy - I enjoyed the fantasy element of this story. Star-crossed lovers who later reincarnated in this couple. I also liked the love lock concept.
4. Supporting characters - FL's sister was awesome. Despite her frailty, she was protective and I loved the warning she gave to ML. I also liked ML's assistant.
5. Acting - I really liked Huang Li Ting and Cheng Cheng's acting. She was good at evoking emotions of her characters while Cheng Cheng's acting really shined when his ML started longing for FL's affections. There was great chemistry between Huang Li Ting and Cheng Cheng which made me believe that their characters deserved a happy ending.
6. Third act - I must say that this was one of the few dramas with third act I enjoyed. It had a plot twist that made the drama unpredictable.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's uncle and aunt were horrible people. I also disliked ML's mother for her selfishness even though I understood her intentions.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML consummated their marriage

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I love the chemistry and theme of belonging in this drama

It has been awhile since I last watched Cheng Cheng dramas. This drama came highly recommended in subreddit CShortDramas. I decided to watch it today as I am preparing post in line with a special week. Glad I watched this drama because it was good.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was smart & observant. I liked her cunning plans to punish people who crossed her.
2. Romance - FL seduced ML and I loved it because both brothers fell into her trap. The kisses were steamy and lusty. There were a few sweet & tender moments too.
3. Plot - I found it refreshing & nicely unpredictable as it moved from cheating partner to family issues. The core theme of belonging was strongly used in this drama and I loved it. The plot twist at the halfway mark was a pleasant surprise.
4. Acting - Fantastic acting by Yuan Yun Xuan and Cheng Cheng and they had great chemistry. I also liked the performance by ML's mother.
5. Supporting characters - Even though I disliked ML's mother and He Jiao Jiao at the start, they proved to have some depth.
6. Styling - I liked FL's outfits with my favourite piece being the knee high boots. I also liked the slight styling contrast for the two brothers.

Disliked:
1. Antagonists - The Xiaos were money hungry with Xiao Ya being the worst character in this drama.
2. Lost heir arc - I wish FL hadn't accepted the news from Gu grandpa that easily. It'd be good if she had thought about it overnight first before going to Gu family home. I also thought the asset handover was made too easy.

Favourite scene
When FL was hospitalised after a fire

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That random conversation made this time-travel drama memorable

This drama has been in my playlist since the day I created this MDL page. Last night I was in the mood for morally grey main characters so I decided to watch this drama. Overall it was a good watch.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She's quick thinker & compassionate and I liked that.
2. ML characterisation - I liked the character development and was surprised when I found out the twist.
3. Acting - Such a magnetic performance by Wang Nan - he totally embodied his character. I enjoyed watching Sun Qian Xun in this role especially in dramatic scenes. She showed to us that she could do well in both comedic and dramatic moments.
4. Comedy - Funny moments were plentiful and my favourite is the random conversation between FL and ML.
5. Relationship - They started off on the wrong foot but slowly formed alliance and later romantic feelings.
6. Plague - I liked how the story of plague was embedded in this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - The concept was good but execution was less compelling. I was bored when scenes of antagonists appeared that I increased speed to 2.0
2. Romance - Their first intimate encounter didn't sit well with me because ML was injured / unconscious. Anyway I wish there were more sweet and tender moments between FL and ML.

Favourite scene
That random conversation between FL and ML.

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Chen Gang was endearing in this campus drama about longtime crush & second chance

I have to admit that I haven’t watched anything by Chen Bai Qiao since Mermaid Husband. So when I found out that his newest drama is a youth / campus drama and he looked like a bad boy in that poster, I was sold! Clicked “Play” and 5 minutes in, I already was enjoying the drama. I want to hug him too!

What I liked:
1. Main characters - This is my first drama that involves the rebirth of two protagonists. It’s working for me because both characters were very likeable. Rich MLs start to bore me so it’s great this ML is from a middle class family.
2. Romance - Lin Ran was a low profile student who suddenly seemed desirable to 3 girls. I loved that Su Qing Yan staked her claim as his girlfriend. Oh, she pursued him and I liked it a lot!
3. Monologue - I really enjoyed the inner thoughts of ML, FL, ML’s best friend and even ML’s white moonlight. They were often the comedic relief.
4. Supporting characters - My favourite is ML's best friend. He was funny but observant & mature. I also liked ML's parents.
5. Mystery - I like this small arc. Who wanted to kill FL and why?

What I disliked:
1. Ending - It was neat but too short. I wish that very last moment was much longer.
2. Nails - I disliked long fake nails.
3. Kisses - We didn't get any.

Favourite scene
When ML’s best friend witnessed ML asking FL out. It’s funny because it was awkward and endearing at the same time.

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Saccharine sweet romance about longtime crush

I like Shi Yue Yue's acting so when I saw the poster of this drama on my favourite website, I decided to watch it. Overall, it was an Ok watch.

What I liked:
1. Relationship - They started with one -night stand then flash marriage. Their interactions were very wholesome and respectful. I liked the fact that they worked together in the same company.
2. Feng Yi Yang - This is my first dramas of his and I quite liked his acting.
3. ML characterisation - Sweet Mr Nice Guy. He protected FL from being bullied by her family. I liked that he apologised after realising he made false assumption about FL.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's sister.
5. Styling - I liked ML's outfits.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Underdeveloped. Both liked each other but too scared to make a move. It was frustrating. I wanted more kisses & physical touches!!!
2. Antagonists - FL's stepmother and half-sister were nasty and annoying.

Favourite scene
When FL and ML's sister went into his room to search for photo of his white moonlight

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Thriller mystery that was ok except FL's underwhelming performance

I was perusing new drama releases on my favourite website when I saw the poster and the translated title of the drama. I figured it would by a thriller / mysyery drama and it was. Overall, an OK watch.

What I liked:
1. Writing - I liked the twists of the drama. Writer did well in unveiling the mystery.
2. Acting - ML's acting was good. He made me guess and assume things.
3. Duration - It was well-paced for a drama less than 90 minutes. I liked that it wasn't draggy.

What I disliked:
1. Acting - FL's acting was underwhelming for me that I couldn't empathised with her plight.

Favourite scene
When FL found out what actually happened

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Mob boss FL & Delivery guy ML in OTT drama about gangs & family dispute

I finally watched this drama months after its buzz back when it was first released. It was over-the-top but entertaining. I liked it.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I liked that his character progressed. He started off as a doormat but later realised he was duped by girlfriend of 7 years. So he broke the engagement. I also liked his somewhat chill personality.
2. FL characterisation - Even though she was a leader of a gang, she still could and would kick ass. I liked that badassery side of her.
3. Acting - I must say I was impressed by Jiang Feng's acting because it was natural. I also liked acting of ML's mother
4. Supporting characters - The two right hand men of FL were awesome. I also liked FL's mother even though I didn't necessarily agree with her decisions. I actually wanted to see more interactions between her and ML's father.
5. Styling - I liked most of FL's clothes but not the wedding dress.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Forced & lacklustre. Their interactions were awkward and felt more like gratitude not love.
2. Antagonists - FL's stepmother and half-brother were money-hungry but my gosh the brother was rash & stupid.

Favourite scene
When ML was going to deliver braised chicken order at the start of drama

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Mediocre, lighthearted assassin drama but cameo was great!

I am in the mood for assassin FL dramas and found this drama through MDL tag. This drama was so-so and I was bored most of the time.

What I liked:
1. Romance - There were sweet moments with a dash of spice, which surprised me. ML was attracted to FL when she was assassin / bodyguard from the get go. The last 10 minutes were incredibly sweet.
2. Cameo - Damn Zhen Zi Qi's cameo was a great surprise. He was hot in assassin get up fighting with FL. I found that scene cute because they had worked together in dark comedy before. I also liked that he stated names of 2 characters that he had played before.
3. Duration - Under 90 minutes which was great.
4. Styling - I liked FL's assassin outfits and that last outfit worn by ML.

What I disliked:
1. Family dispute - I was bored when there were scenes involving power struggle and jealousy. Nothing new in terms of storytelling that I left the drama running on my tablet while I used my phone for something else.
2. Communication - It frustrated me that the couple never communicated throughout their marriage. How could you not know the face of your spouse until you received a divorce certificate?

Favourite scene
When ML was taking a bath

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Familiar plot but pleasantly surprised by storytelling and acting

I missed watching Xie Yu Wang on screen and only yesterday found out that this drama is also available on Youku so I watched it. I am familiar with dramas with the selling egg plot with Du Ya Fei and Huang Bo's versions being my favourites and Zeng Hui being the version I dropped. I was pleasantly surprised by this version - I liked it a lot.

What I liked:
1. Acting - I must say that I liked Xie Yu Wang's approach to the character. He was soft-spoken like Huang Bo's version but wasn't so horny & forceful like Du Ya Fei's version. I also liked XYW's chemistry with Li Ke Yi. She also did well in her role as she wasn't very damsel like Yang Shu Yu's.
2. Main characters - This pairing seemed to have better synergy with less sponsor-beneficiary vibe. I liked that FL tried her best to repay heer debt to ML.
3 . Writing - In terms of storytelling, this version is quite similar to Du Ya Fei - Yang Shu Yu's version but condensed and lighter. I liked that the banquet in this drama was different from DYF-YSY version.
4. Romance - Great push and pull with good kisses with lust coming from both sides. There were also sweet moments with one particular turned comical then hot.
5. Styling - The outfits for Li Ke Yi really suited her character. Xie Yu Wang's broodiness when up a notch with those glasses.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's mother and brother were bums and money-hungry. I didn't expect the punishment to be in that form - damn satisfying. The jealous female doctor was annoying too.

Favourite scene
When ML asked FL to seduce him based on what she had learned

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Switch off your brain and just enjoy Du Ya Fei and child actress' performance

I came across this drama on reddit CShortDramas. I was intrigued to see Du Ya Fei acting with a kid so I watched it a few days ago. It was alright.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Du Ya Fei and the child actress were good in their role. She was a dark but adorable character.
2. Dynamics - I enjoyed watching different dynamics between FL and her two brothers. Second bro was welcoming while First brother remained skeptical until something happened to him.
3. Outfits - Liked their outfits with FL looking like little punk princess while Du Ya Fei looked good in DC Comics Joker purple suit.
4. Antagonists - This is one of few instances that I am fine with main antagonist's arc.
5. Duration - I appreciated that this drama only took 100 minutes or less.

What I disliked:
1. ML's wife - I felt that arc was done in a rush because I couldn't care less if she was reincarnated or not. It's also weird that the original body just accepted her fate as ML's wife.
2. Storytelling - Some parts were messy. Like why all of sudden ML's wife needs to be resurrected, how come ML was too kind to adopt FL.

Favourite scene
When FL fought against the old antagonist and saved First Brother

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The couple always in misery but the chemistry was good

I am in a marathon of Li Ke Yi dramas because I am preparing a reddit post on her dramas. I actually watched bits of this drama months ago but dropped because I didn't like the first 20 minutes. I decided to pick it up again & complete watching. I didn't enjoy this drama. My least favourite role by ZZQ.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Zhen Zi Qi played 2 characters (twins) & I disliked both of them so that's good acting. Li Ke Yi was also good in playing character with many emotions. Both of them had great chemistry.
2. Flashbacks - I enjoyed the flashbacks especially ML & FL romantic past. There were tender moments and I love ZZQ's soft expressions of love.
3. Supporting characters - I really liked the doctor (actor quite handsome) and FL's son.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - He was an asshole. I hated that ML tortured and threatened FL because he couldn't trust her.
2. Torture - Never ending cycle of torture. Not only ML tortured others, he also tortured himself with his doubts on his love for FL. I couldn't believe the adults wouldn't mind abusing the kid.
3. Antagonists - A family of power- and money-hungry people.
4. Ending - I don't mind bleak ending but this one was left hanging. I'd be surprised if there is part 2.

Favourite scene
Flashback to when ML waited for FL outside of a club. ZZQ looked so damn hot!

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Cool & intelligent Rong Yu and her good-looking great grandsons

I watched part 1 a few days ago and was blown away by the quality of production (writing, acting & directing). I decided to watch this drama as part of my preparation for a reddit post on Li Ke Yi's dramas. I enjoyed part 2 very much!

What I liked:
1. Acting - Top notch acting by the cast, which had 2 new additions: Wu Tian Hao & Wang Dao Tie. My favourite is Wang Pei Yan - he was amazing at portraying a rascal and that heartwarming lesson of humility.
2. Jinchuan's arc - My favourite arc. I liked how Rong Yu's instincts were right and she was quick to investigate.
3. Styling - My favourite is Wu Tian Hao's outfits. They managed to give different looks for his character's before and after. I also liked Wang Dao Tie's outfits though I don't quite understand why must he be punished while being shirtless huhuhu.
4. Supporting characters - Great to see Butler Yu , Duoduo and Mr Ji's childhood rival again.
5. Visuals - Attractive cast. Rong Yu has attractive great-grandsons.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I felt tired by the mother-daughter duo. Daughter was a spoilt brat who didn't appreciate hard-earned money. Hope season 3's antagonist is a new character.
2. Zeng Hui - He had a cameo but his face is in the poster. I wish they had Qu Gang in the poster too. Anyway his character was too small to bear any significance.

Favourite scene
When Rong Yu introduced the Jis to Jinchuan

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