emberzmars

FL found strength & I rooted for her!

I was on a Bai Yan binge after loving her performance in her drama with Feng Xiang Kun.

What I liked:
1. Lin Chu Xia characterisation - FL realised that staying in abusive relationship didn't do wonders for her after a misfortune and I love that she was courageous to leave ML and his family behind. FL is driven once she sets a goal. It was great to see her thrive post-divorce.
2. Writing - Thank you screenwriter for giving FL a chance to grow & discover herself. Also it's good to see remorse & grovelling from ML.
3. FL friends - I like how supportive & protective the couple was towards Chu Xia.
4. Acting - Bai Yan was good and Chen Gang was spectacular in scenes where ML was anguished.

What I disliked:
1. ML's children - It's sad that they were brainwashed into disliking their aunt, the FL. I dislike that they were unpunished for their bad actions.
2. ML's mum & sis - They are so fake.
3. FL's sis - She's a bitch for orchestrating a scenario that cause shame to FL & ML. There are other ways to achieve her goal so why choose that scenario???
4. SFL - Another bitch.

Favourite scene:
When Chu Xia was awarded best designer

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Felt like something missing

I added this drama to my playlist because of the 3 main cast weeks ago and almost forgot about this drama until Jwells mentioned it in our chat about Shen Hao Nan.

What I liked:
1 Zhang Ji Jun - Wow he was compelling in this drama because of his character Feng Jin. He was cheeky & unhinged but not in a dangerous way (like Joker from The Dark Knight). I must say this is my favourite Zhang Ji Jun drama.
2. Yun Mu Ran characterisation - She is smart, composed & self-assured even when facing resistance. I like that her characterisation was consistent from start to finish. My hunch was right when twist was revealed in third act.
3. FL's husband - He was atrocious but wow, the actor impressed me with his acting. It'd be great if the character was given more depth.
4. Styling - I love FL's burgundy business suit. The cut & the fit - she was beautiful when wearing it. I also like Feng Jin's colourful & flamboyant outfits.
5. Tease - The writers teased us with moments that didn't follow the standard drama approach e.g. the almost kiss, the drinks laced with drugs. By making these moves, the drama stayed fresh & unpredictable.

What I disliked:
1. Plot - There were too many arcs going on in this microdrama - 3 different arcs for 3 main characters, 2 different arcs for villains (one from FL's family, one from Yu Xiao's admirer), one arc for Yu inheritance saga, one arc for FL & Yu Xiao's complicated relationship. At the end of the drama, I felt this drama played it safe with the ending and didn't leave me wanting more.
2. Yu Xiao's secret - I was confused by this arc. What was his motivation for keeping the doppelganger? It just creeps me out that I don't feel like rooting for FL to choose him over Feng Jin.

Favourite scene
When both ML took drinks knowing there were drugs in them

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Chen Si shines in this baby mama drama

I watched this series because I was impressed by Han Jia Hui's acting in her drama with Ke Chun about quadruplet kids.

What I liked:
1. Zhuang Jing Chen characterisation - Chen Si excelled in his role as an expecting daddy wooing his baby mama. Jing Chen was genuine, patient, sweet with FL and most importantly he was firm with SFL about their relationship and the boundaries. This is the first vertical drama that I've seen in which ML explicitly & repeatedly told SFL that he was not interested in her at all. I like that he had FL's back right from the start of knowing her relatives' bad attitude.
2. Zheng Ling Xi characterisation - I understand her apprehension about ML's pursuit of her. I like that she's smart, funny & self-reliant. Han Jia Hui was great in her role plus she was so beautiful in this drama.
3. Romance - There was more push in the dynamics between ML & FL so kisses weren't many. However I enjoyed watching ML pursuing FL because he really wanted a serious relationship with her. I was awed & amazed by the one-arm carry - Chen Si was strong. That seduction scene at the start was 🔥.
4. Supporting characters - I love FL's bestie & ML family members.
5. Tone - There were many comedic & light moments courtesy of FL & ML. Chen Si can do comedy! I watch this drama on repeat since I first watched in mid-December 2024.

What I disliked:
1. SFL - She was possessive & disrespectful.
2. Styling - Chen Si's hairstyle was bad which reminded me of Edward Scissorshand's hairstyle.

Favourite scene
FL ate sour plum when hanging out with colleagues & ML followed suit. His reaction...priceless!

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Outstanding drama about hidden identities + older woman, younger male romance

I picked up this series because of Feng Xiang Kun. I loved his performance in another vertical shot drama about FL using her blood to heal ML illness. I must say that I didn't expect this vertically shot drama to be outstanding. I could watch this drama over and over again - this is one of my top 5 favourite vertically shot dramas.

What I liked:
1. Bai Yan - Wow, I was impressed by Bai Yan's acting. I have watched Bai Yan's other drama - I remember her face but didn't remember the drama nor the title. However in this drama, she was very convincing as a female entrepreneur caught in family dilemma who later regretted her decision to involve ML. Very good at conveying different emotions.
2. Si Nan characterisation - She's cool, calm and collected but at the same time, she had moments of vulnerability that she let off. I also like that she was never jealous of An Ran when ML first mentioned her name. I like that she's sophisticated too!
3. Outfits - Si Nan's outfits were beautiful. From the red dress, to that grey & pink jacket, all white business suit and the gorgeous green dress - I love all her outfits.
4. Feng Xiang Kun - I enjoyed his performance as a kept man who gradually fell in love with FL. He managed to show different sides of Bai Xi Hao - flirty, serious-at-work, genuine care. The Korean perm hairstyle suit him and made he seemed younger than Bai Yan when in reality, Bai Yan is only 1 year older than him.
5. Shots - This drama was very well shot. It felt coherent throughout the duration, like a movie instead of a compilation of very short clips. 'Fake Love' also gave me same vibe as mini drama 'Destined to Meet You'. The framing and lighting/colour were different from other vertical drama.
6. Romance - It started off as a kept man relationship but gradually became a relationship with genuine feelings and affection. I could sense they were emotionally invested in each other as time passed. There were plenty of kisses and romantic gestures which I enjoyed - they were hot & sweet. Bai Yan and Feng Xiang Kun had blazing chemistry and seemed comfortable with each other.
7. Tropes - This drama explored few tropes: older woman younger man romance, hidden identity, rich woman poor man. They were done well. I particularly like this drama for featuring FL that is more successful than ML as this trope is rare in any East Asian dramas.
8. FL's bro - He's unhinged and villainy but he did have moment of being a good person. I like the actor's performance but can't seem to find his name. He looked familiar but can't recall which drama I've seen him.

What I disliked:
1. FL's ex-boyfriend - His arc could have been better. At times he was like a caricature rather than a real character. Not sure whether bad acting was due to actor's choice or director's instruction.
2. FL's father storyline - I don't sense much value from this storyline to FL's personal or professional life.
3. An Ran-Bai Xi Hao relationship - I felt like Xi Hao still wasn't aware of An Ran's manipulation by the end of this drama. I wish there could be confrontation - I wouldn't mind few minutes more added to this drama.

Favourite scene
The start - smart, alluring & sensual.

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Tale of love & betrayal

This drama appeared on my Youtube dashboard. I am not familiar with the main actor & main actress but was convinced to watch after reading some comments.

What I liked:
1) Tone - This drama has serious, gloomy tone so it's different from other dramas filmed vertically.
2) Relationship - Sexual tension is present thorughout the drama because their relationship wasn't smooth sailing. I like the mature handling of the relationship.

What I disliked:
1) Antagonist - I think the 3rd antagonist isn't necessary when there were already 2 antagonists with stronger connection to the leads.
2) Romance - There was more "push" at the start of the relationship so I am surprised by how fast they got together. I couldn't see how FL fell in love with ML so I don't buy the love story. Anyway there is voyeuristic scene which next scene was hot I find.

Favourite scene
When ML & FL first got together.

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Turn off your brain for this light, cute but weird drama

This is my first drama that featured Han Yu Tong & Zeng Hui and I don't know what to make of it.

What I liked:
1) Drama tone - As mentioned by one of the MDL commenters, this drama is partly cute and partly weird. It is a light watch if you switch off your thinking skills.
2) Acting - Han Yu Tong is a standout for me. Her looks & demeanor remind me of Kate Hudson in early 2000s - radiant, exuberant energy.
3) FL's parents - I like that they were kind people even to strangers.
4) Antagonist - Refreshing take of antagonist who is jealous of FL. I also like accomplice's arc.

What I disliked:
1) Relationship - Another drama with theme of husband neglecting wife for years. I don't think ML deserves FL because she was neglected by him for 3 years of their marriage. It's also kinda shitty that FL was substitute for lost love.
2) ML - I dislike him for threatening FL for not being with him. He left her without any financial support to "teach her a lesson" which I find a shitty move.

Favourite scene
FL & ML fight in the car. I like that FL told him off for treating her badly!

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Zhang Chu Xuan's talent wasted in this badly written drama

I am a fan of Zhang Chu Xuan after watching her in 'Captive Love from the Mob Boss' and 'After Flash Marriage, CEO Gu's Secret Identity Revealed'. I picked up this series because it appeared on my dashboard and watched it without reading synopsis. Oh boy, what a disappointment. I pushed myself to finish this vertical drama because of its short running time.

What I liked:
1) Jiang Nuan Nuan's smart move - It's good that she knows her worth in her family's company. I like that she negotiated her terms with her father when applying for a role there then asked ML for advice on legal agreement.

What I disliked:
1) Mu Ting Xiao characterisation - One of the worst ML in Cdrama. I know he has trust issues but I hate the way he treated FL Jiang Nuan Nuan by posing as his cousin. In the last conflict scene, he didn't help to untie the ropes binding Nuan Nuan's hands. Instead he confronted the villain - that's quite selfish.
2) Jiang Nuan Nuan characterisation - She's not a goody two shoes based on her rivalry with her sister but damn she's a doormat. She allowed ML to order her around.
3) The romance - There was too "push" in their relationship even when the series had reached 1 hour 45 minute mark (total running time is 2 hours 15 minute). I don't understand how they could fall in love with each other when they barely communicated. I couldn't sense any warmth or desire when they finally got together so their kissing scene felt awkward.
4) Acting - Quite bad and soulless especially Li Hao and the actress who played his father's current wife / girlfriend. Even Zhang Chu Xuan's acting was subpar.
5) Subtitling - I watched this on youtube and gosh the subtitling was bad. Nuan Nuan claimed that she killed somebody but there was no follow up on that so was the attacker killed or stabbed / injured only?

Favourite scene:
When Jiang Nuan Nuan asked for help from Mu Ting Xiao regarding legal agreement

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Coherent storytelling that is as good as a well-produced mini drama

This is my second vertical shot drama, after 'Captive Love from the Mob Boss'. I came across this series in the comment section and I was curious.

What I liked:
1) Sang Nan Feng characterisation - What a stark contrast between the Male Lead in 'You've Been Tricked' and the Male Lead in 'Captive Love from the Mob Boss'. Nan Feng is a green flag ML. He was kind, patient, respectful.
2) Shen Yue Xi characterisation - I like that she was humble about her family background. She also never played the victim card.
3) The romance - I like how the romance between Male Lead and Female Lead developed. It was slow burn and sweet.
4) Supporting characters - I like both ML and FL families, FL friends and villain's mother. Despite not much screentime, most of the family members were quite memorable. Good acting even from the villain.
5) Writing - Coherent story that I enjoyed. The quality is as good as a well produced mini drama.

What I disliked:
1) Subtitling - I watched this drama on Youtube and subtitle must be AI/machine translated.
2) Acting - I would rate this drama higher if Liu Lan Bo gave a better performance. Most of the times he seemed aloof and distant. Perhaps Nan Feng in public could show those traits but in private with his wife, I expected Liu Lan Bo to give more warmth to his role. I also wish there was more chemistry between Liu Lan Bo and Yao Yu Chen.

Favourite scene
When Sang Nan Feng returned home with sliced cake

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Kickass FL who has great chemistry with ML

I was in the mood for reversed gender roles so I searched for dramas on MDL with this tag and found 'The Only Girl You Haven't Seen'.

What I liked:
1) Leng Li characterisation - I love her character! She's tough and feisty but lovable. She goes for what she wants and that includes her feelings for male lead He Lian Xuan. I also like that she's brainy - she knows about herbs and uses the knowledge to help people. Wen Mo Yan was brilliant in this role. She kinda looks like Kim Sejeong, a Korean actress and pop idol.
2) He Lian Xuan characterisation - I enjoyed his character too. He is protective of Leng Li but at the same time, couldn't show his full self to avoid trouble with others. His other persona Qing Ru is cool. Wang Zu Yi was brilliant in this role.
3) Romance - I could feel He Lian Xuan's feelings for Leng Li - so genuine & pure of love & admiration. Damn I love it when a woman makes the first move and gosh that scene of Leng Li making the first move is HOT! I also like that Leng Li never resisted He Lian Xuan's feelings - she too never doubted her feelings for him.
4) The comedy - Never expected comedy scenes to be laughed out loud. Leng Li getting back at He Lian Chen and 6th prince was a gold moment!

What I disliked:
1) Transmigration arc - I feel like this plot wasn't well explained.
2) The ending - I understand why the series ended that way but why make it a sad one?

Favourite scene
When Leng Li told He Lian Xuan to "be a man" in episode 5.

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Live action Mills & Boon story done right!

I used to read Mills & Boon books and this story is quite familiar. A second chance romance of a separated couple and the male lead doesn't know that he has a child with his ex partner. I came across this series while browsing Mango TV short plays on YouTube. The synopsis peaked my interest so I bookmarked it and yesterday, binged on the series. I VERY MUCH LOVE THIS MINI DRAMA!

What I liked:
1. Bai Luoan characterisation - She is one of my favourite female leads! She is independent, intelligent and firm with her stance and principles. I like that she insisted to Huo Ling and Chen Wen Shi that she did not need their help to solve her problems. She is also kind as seen in her actions towards Chen Wen Shi, Mrs Huo, Huo Wei - it's great that Min Yan recognised her kindness.
2. The romance - When Bai Luoan and Huo Ling are in sync, you see true partnership in sickness and in health. Mature relationship. Damn, the kisses are hot! I also enjoy the tender moments between Bai Luoan and Huo Ling for example when they discussed having children and the proposals. I also liked how they handled the "morning after" - I like Bai Luoan's view on it!
3. The editing - It's interesting that this series starts with a conflict scene. I thought the male lead was the villain - a handsome one - and he was so despicable in the earlier episodes.
4. Acting - I was impressed by Wang Xing Wei's acting because he was great in portraying different sides of Huo Ling: sulky ex-partner, tender lover, no-nonsense businessman and a family man. Wang Zi Jia was amazing in her portrayal of Bai Luoan.
5. The ending - It's rare to get a final episode that is filled with happy moments. The last two minutes were very sweet and meaningful!
6. The writing - The plot is not new but the execution was done well. My favourite quote "I thought you were in the dark. Only then we can understand better. Light a lamp for others as you move forward." I sense the overall theme of this mini series is forgiveness. I like how the antagonists are handled.

What I disliked:
1. Huo Ling's lack of apology - I wish there was a scene of Huo Ling grovelling to Bai Luoan for the horrendous breakup and despicable actions 5 years later towards her.
2. Harm to Zhao Zhao - Pity that she was in stressful situations.

Favourite scene
When Bai Luoan and Huo Ling finally reconciled and kissed. I can see/sense desire and love in them.

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My favourite vertical drama: tight screenplay, great acting and many steamy kisses!

There are 4 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 Chen Peng and Zhai Xin Ran. I came across the fourth version on Youtube but didn't continue watching past 2 minutes because FL was antagonistic towards ML that I was turned off. I watched this version first then looked for and watched versions 1 & 2 after completing this drama. This Wang Chen Peng-Zhai Xin Ran's version is the best and my favourite version! "Wen Rou Ye Gu" / "Gentle Wild Bones" is the best written vertical drama I have ever watched! I watch this drama on repeat ever since my first watch on 6 February 2025. Oh, damn the poster is hot and unique!

What I liked:
1. Romance - OMG the start of the drama was blazing hot with sweet and playful moments! They were plenty of steamy kisses in this drama and the best part is that FL also enjoyed and iniated some kisses. ML really loved FL as he always looked for opportunities to kiss her. There were many sweet and tender moments too. My favourite tender moment is when ML comforted FL who was having her period.
2. ML characterisation - ML Jian Yu Chen is an investor at FL Wen Ni's company. Overall he is a greenflag ML with playful side. He is devoted towards Wen Ni and his moments of jealousy was cute to watch. His love language is physical touch and acts of service. This drama is the first time I watched Wang Chen Peng's acting and gosh I was very impressed. He is a great kisser.
3. FL characterisation - FL Wen Ni is a designer or an architect. Out of the 3 versions that I watched, I like this version of Wen Ni the most. She is confident, smart, self-assured and playful during certain private moments with ML unlike the other two versions. She didn't realise that ML had a crush on her until much later in the drama and Wen Ni appreciated Jian Yu Chen's love and vowed to learn to love him (this element was missing in the other 2 versions). This is my third drama of Zhai Xin Ran and this is my favourite as she had more moments to show her acting skills and had sizzling chemistry with Wang Chen Peng.
4. Supporting characters - I love Mr Ning and this drama had the best version (the actor who played Mr Ning is handsome too). I also like Shirley, FL's close colleague. She and another female colleague were always intrigued by FL-ML dynamics. This version also has better arc for FL's parents. Overall this drama utilised the supporting characters very well and this is very rare in micro and mini dramaland.
5. Antagonists - Surprisingly this drama doesn't have conventional antagonists. FL & ML's supposed exes wanted to "get back" with FL and ML but they were not hostile / aggressive.
6. Music - I enjoyed the music featured in this drama. The song for the last scene was very fitting.

What I disliked:
1. Safety - There was a scene in which FL & ML went to a construction site. They held safety helmets instead of wearing them on their heads. Then an accident happened, which is silly because that's avoidable.

Favourite scene
When Mr Ning discovered that Wen Ni and Jian Yu Chen were a real couple. I loved that both of them were cool with the discovery i.e. didn't stand further and gave lame excuses to cover up

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Holiday fling that grew into true love - I ❤️ this drama!

I wrote a review of this drama on subreddit CShortDramas so copied & pasted here.

I never paid attention to new releases but when I found out that Zhao Zhen Dong and Cui Yi Liang acted together in a drama, I immediately paused another vertical drama that I was watching and watched Love at First Sight instead. It usually doesn't take long for me to complete a vertical drama but I had to prepare dinner, eat, shower & write 2 posts for r/CShortDramas and finally at 1.30 am local time, I am writing this review.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I liked it A LOT because it was realistic. “What would you do if you met a person who could be THE ONE while on vacation?” - that always in my mind and I totally understand hesitation about long-distance relationship (LDR) when the romance is still new. Distance does make the heart grow fonder for these two.
2. Acting - Great to see Cui Yi Liang in a softer role because she always portrayed a domineering woman or a woman enacting revenge for the injustice she faced in the past. I also liked Zhao Zhen Dong's raw performance because I have not seen him in this type of role.
3. FL characterisation - I loved that she was bold but sensible. I also loved her honesty about her feelings and expectations. It's great that we got to see FL at work. She was a capable lawyer but most importantly a great friend.
4. ML characterisation - Yes, another ML not a CEO. He was a gentleman - he respected her wishes not to discuss LDR. I also loved that he was strategic by sending care packages. That last “courier” was touching.
5. Styling - Cui Yi Liang always wear fabulous clothes in most of her short dramas I have seen. She was gorgeous in this drama. ZZD had various types of outfits from laidback handyman look to the more sophisticated suit. Well you know you gotta dress well when meeting the parents.
6. Language - Aaaaawwww another vertical drama with significant Cantonese dialogue. Loved hearing ZZD speaking Cantonese.
7. Proposal - Aaaaaawwww so sweet. I loved it that both had the same idea but FL popped the question first.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Mei who was sister to ML's friend. She took advantage of ML when he was drunk and that is just unacceptable. If roles were reversed, it'd be a massive fuss. Anyway I was glad that he noticed before it was too late & told her that they were no longer friends.

Favourite scene
Last “courier” for FL

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She was unethical, he was unhinged & toxic romance was romanticised

I was informed of this drama via subreddit CShortDramas. I had saved the link to watch the next day but drama was removed. Fortunately another member shared an alternative link (thank you TxPep) so I quickly watched it this morning. This drama raised a lot of questions - overall it was a good watch.

What I liked:
1. Zhang Chi - This is my third drama of his and it's great that he chose to play distinctive characters. He was great at playing a lunatic desperate for love and sense of belonging.
2. Shots - I loved how the shots were framed and edited. Beautiful cinematography that reminded me of vertical dramas I Just Want You and The Love of A Fool.
3. Styling - Beautiful outfits worn by FL & ML. I liked some over-the-top pieces worn by ML. Some outfits made ML to look "innocent".
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's nurse friend, Su Mu (the actor was handsome & had presence), ML's mother and ML's cousin / business rival.
5. Plot - Even though I disliked both characters and their romance, the storytelling was well executed. I enjoyed ML's family dispute arc but sadly the conflicts were not given enough punch because writer wants us to side with ML.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - She was unethical - she already knew how problematic ML was but crossed the line she shouldn't cross. Therefore I couldn't emphatise with her when she wanted to run away from ML. Thank gawd she lost her license to practice psychiatry.
2. ML characterisation - Unhinged, cunning & dangerous. I still couldn't understand his motive for weaponising FL's past.
3. Romance - Toxic but this drama had ways to romanticise this abusive relationship. I disliked their relationship and the ending baffled me.

Favourite scene
FL's wedding

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Although FL was barely an adult, I enjoyed this older man-younger female romance

I enjoy Zhang Yi Lun's acting so when this drama appeared on my YouTube dashboard, I was intrigued. This is my first drama of Liu Lan Ge. To my surprise, I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - FL is a young university student that is not annoying, thank gawd! She is sensible for her age and despite being infatuated with ML and pressured by family, she is focused on her studies and career.
2. ML characterisation - ML is smitten with FL once she saved him from being hunted. I like the contrast between tough boss and sweet lover. I like that he is respectful and doesn't coerce FL into being physically intimate with him. It is wonderful to see Zhang Yi Lun playing an edgier character.
3. Romance - Considering FL is 19 at the start of the drama and is 7 years younger than ML, I like the pacing of their love story. There is enough push and pull between them. The zipper scene is a good ignition to their blossoming romance although it does seem random. It's cute that the ears of both leads were red during a scene in which FL was drunk.
4. The ending - I liked the graduation scene. The very last scene was sweet.
5. Styling - Styling for both FL & ML were on point. I loved ML's jacket with embroidered birds. The qipao would have looked prettier without the strings. Oh I found FL's swimsuit unflattering.

What I disliked:
1. The auction - I am tired of auctions with ridiculously high bids.
2. Antagonists - I dislike FL's mother and FL's school rival who is envious of her.

Favourite scene
The zipper scene

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Short & crisp vertical drama with great acting!

I was intrigued by He Cong Rui as I had seen his name attached to some dramas with some of my favourite vertical drama actress. Decided to watch Huang Jin Tai as my first He Cong Rui drama and my first no-romance drama. I was impressed!

What I liked:
1. Acting - He Cong Rui & Zhou Heng Yu were mesmerising on screen. Both shiwed good micro expressions.
Praises should also be given to the actor who portrayed pre-betrayal Chu Qin as he managed to showcase Chu Qin as a general and as a brother / friend to Fourth Prince Yan Li.
2. Writing - Well executed story of brotherhood & betrayal. Even antagonists were written well.
3. Supporting characters - I like Wu Ming's right hand man, Chu Qin's female soldier.
4. Directing - At 1 hour 46 min, this drama is short and crisp. Director & screenwriter were able to showcase different arcs without being too draggy.

What I disliked:
1. Ending - I actually liked the cliffhanger. I just disliked not knowing if there is season 2 or not. If there is, season 2 better be good!

Favourite scene:
When Yan Li confirmed his suspicion of Wu Ming's identity

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