emberzmars

Li Ke Yi as classy vixen & Lu Shan Dong as debonair lover made a great CP

I didn't remember the last time I watched Li Ke Yi's drama but I was intrigued especially when I saw Lu Shan Dong / Lu Dan Dong as the ML. I enjoyed this drama!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Despite being raised in the country side, she was sophisticated and carried herself well. I must say I was enchanted by Li Ke Yi throughout this drama. She brought out this classy vixen energy to her character. It's great to see Li Ke Yi out of the usual 'damsel in distress' roles that she often played.
2. Styling - I must say this drama has one of the best outfits for FL. I love love love FL's looks from outfits to makeup as they enhanced Li Ke Yi's babydoll face. I love the blush avant garde dress that she wore! I think only Li Ke Yi can pull that look in a vertical drama. Lu Shan Dong also looked debonair with slight cheekiness with that hairstyle, suits & an earring.
3. Romance - There was a growing sexual tension between FL and ML. Their intimate scenes were hot but I wasn't sure why the first intimate scene was given more blush pink hues because it made it look like a dream sequence.
4. ML characterisation - ML was spellbound by FL ever since he first saw her at his grandma's party. I liked that he gave her space to do whatever she wanted. Great to watch Lu Shan Dong out of scumbag roles he often played.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's grandma.

What I disliked:
1. Sequence - I only watched this drama from one channel so I was not sure if the episodes were not compiled correctly or was the story told in non-linear format. I found the countryside episodes tad confusing as though FL had time travelled to a period in the past.
2. Ending - I felt as though the story was incomplete.

Favourite scene
When they first made love

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Once green tea entered the picture, the drama went downhill

I am already jealous that Jia Yi Xuan kissed Zhen Zi Qi in multiple dramas. Now she got to kiss Huang Bo?!! Hahaha I enjoyed Jia Yj Xuan & Huang Bo's acting so I was intrigued by this collaboration.

What I liked:
1. Huang Bo - It was nice to see Huang Bo in a character that is less intense. Nice, besotted ML.
2. Jia Yi Xuan - Introductory scene was amusing. Jia Yi Xuan excelled in playing bumbling girl.
3. Supporting characters - I liked FL's bestie & ML's father. SML was pretty easy on the eyes but his character was a douchebag.

What I disliked:
1. Third act - Once the green tea started to come into the picture, the drama became unpleasant to me. Such a mess!
2. ML characterisation - WHY did ML think that approach to protect FL is a good idea? I thought ML would be scumbag-free but I was wrong. I would be pissed off & unforgiving if I were the FL.
3. Romance - While there were some good kisses, I didn't feel much emotional depth in their relationship especially from FL.

Favourite scene
The introductory scene

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Pragmatic FL & heartfelt confession made me shed a few tears. What a great bittersweet drama!

I am so excited that a MDL page for this drama has been created because I submitted the New Title. I watched this drama on 6 March 2025 and what drew me to watch this drama was the thumbnail. Fang Zheng Nan's abs to be exact! Anyway I enjoyed this drama so much - I even shed a few tears.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Spectacular acting by Li Ruo Qi and Fang Zheng Nan. Li Ruo Qi was able to evoke different facial expressions and I particularly love her expression of empathy. Anyway male actors rarely make me cry but wow Fang Zheng Nan's acting was so heartfelt that I shed some tears.
2. FL characterisation - I have watched substitute wife dramas before but this drama's substitute wife is the best. Shi Qi was clear about the boundaries set by Lu Huai Nian and adhered to them closely. I liked that she was goal-driven and didn't romanticise about ML's good treatment of her. Oh I also liked how she helped ML with his business problem. That was unexpected!
3. ML characterisation - He was never condescending but hahaha he was delusional for assuming FL to love him. I liked that he treated FL with respect even after their contract ended.
4. Supporting characters - ML's best friend was smart and realist. I liked that he brought some sense to ML. I'd like to watch more of the actor's dramas so please leave a comment if you know his name. I also liked FL's best friend, Miss Tang and the butler.
5. Romance - It was fascinating to watch the FL-ML dynamics grow from employee-employer to pursuit-suitor. Theirs was slow burn romance with 2 or 3 kisses. I liked that they had a proper conversation about their feelings and the divorce.

What I disliked:
1. ML's motive - I didn't quite understand ML's motive for substitute wife.

Favourite scene:
When ML eavesdropped while ML's best friend asked FL about her feelings for ML. Reality finally sunk in for him.

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Great visuals but romance was lacking

I was very excited when I found out that Guo Yuxin was working with Shen Hao Nan on a drama. Saw this drama on Thursday and watched it a day after. I finished it feeling less than satisfied.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Yes, finally Guo Yuxin didn't have to cry her heart out for a man! I liked Song Ning for her courage & self-reliance. She solved her problems - definitely not a damsel in distress.
2. Plot - I'd say I never imagined the story would go that way, mostly in a good way. I was entertained throughout the drama.
3. Styling - Ok we know Shen Haonan is gorgeous and the styling from hair to clothes was impeccable. Guo Yuxin's styling was on point too. I love her magenta gown. She looked like a mermaid which made me think of Mermaid Husband (I'd love to see a remake with Guo Yuxin as FL).
4. Supporting characters - Despite the short airtime, I really liked Kang Xu. First impression gives a big impact and oh boy, he did. I also liked ML's mother & assistant. The dynamic between ML's mum & dad was fun to watch.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - For a couple pairing that is visually stunning, the romance is lacking. Yes there were some kisses and handholding but there was little time spent on the development of FL & ML as a couple. Most of the time was spent on FL's battles with her love rivals.
2. Ending - What??? C'mon at least give us a bedroom scene. I know Shen Haonan & Guo Yuxin had done intimate scenes (Your Trap & World Upside Down being my favourite dramas respectively).
3. Work - It's a bummer that we only got to see glimpse of FL's work. Her interview scene was great because the casse study had a personal touch to it.

Favourite scene
FL's interview at another company

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I was drawn by the abs on the thumbnail

Ok this drama appeared on my Youtube dashboard and as a person who appreciates finer things in life, I clicked 'Play' because of the thumbnail. There was a shirtless man ;). That is one of the few good things about this drama. I fast-forwarded most of the time.

What I liked:
1. Cao Tian Kai - Wow, I love his washboard abs. The character that he played was domineering and physically strong - I recall him carrying his leading lady. This is my first drama starring Cao Tian Kai. I was keen to check out more of his work.
2. Romance - I actually enjoyed the scenes when FL didn't know that her partner was the uncle not the nephew. Those scenes were sweet and genuine.
3. Health & fitness - As someone who joined the gym 2 years ago after a health scare, I enjoy watching dramas with physical health & fitness scenes. Love the training/boxing scenes.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - I dislike her character. I found her mousy and intimidated by ML. She resisted ML too much that I couldn't feel any chemistry between the actress and Cao Tian Kai. I've watched many meek FLs but this actress wasn't memorable enough for me to find out her name.
2. Secret identity - Once she discovered ML's secret identity, I couldn't enjoy the drama and fast-forwarded.

Favourite scenes
When ML took FL to gym to better protect herself

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Unpredictable in good way + wonderful arcs for 3 main characters

I am a massive fan of Wen Mo Yan so I was delighted to see a new drama out in the first quarter of the 2025.

What I liked:
1. The plot - Wow, I was surprised at every turn as all my guesses of where things were going were incorrect. Making a few historical characters with little known back story was a great move to be creative with character development. It's refreshing.
2. FL characterisation - I liked Ye Ji Nan. She's a history buff which was advantageous to her but she was sensible while exploring. I enjoyed watching Wen Mo Yan playing Ye Ji Nan in modern and historical eras.
3. ML characterisation - I liked Feng Zhi Li. He was a known tyrant but later we saw his other sides. I liked that we saw his baddie side in third act. This is my first time watching We Ji Feng's acting and I was pleasantly surprised by his performance. He was able to express different personas of Feng Zhi Li and overall he was charming.
3. SFL characterisation - Princess Zhi Fan was a delight to watch. She's a capable, smart and beautiful army general. I also enjoyed watching her character development. This is my first time watching Liu Jia Xi's performance and I was impressed.
4. Romance - It was a fun ride at the start since Ye Ji Nan was brought into the royal concubine's body and she had to impersonate. I loved it when she realised that she should seize the opportunity to have a romantic relationship with the King. Yes, there were several kisses but what made me enjoyed watching their romance is the affectionate and tender moments. It was good to see the couple being tested in their relationship due to ML's severe action.
5. Ending - I thought it would go another way but hey I really liked this ending.
6. Stying - The outfits worn by the main three characters were beautiful. I love some of the royal concubine's robes.

What I disliked:
1. Supporting characters - Ling Shan and Yan Ming were underdeveloped characters. I was intrigued by Ling Shan and wanted to see him more on screen.
2. Dubbing - I was dismayed when I heard FL's voice in the first episode. That wasn't Wen Mo Yan's voice. Apparently most characters were dubbed. I wonder why.

Favourite scene
When FL found out that ML knew about her real identity

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Messy revenge drama

I was enchanted by Sheng Yijie's acting and beauty in her drama with Zhao Zhendong, I went on looking for her other dramas. I was delighted to see this drama because I enjoyed her jiejie romance dramas with Ye Haoran and Wang Nan. However I have mixed feelings after completing this drama.

What I liked:
1. Styling - I love FL's wedding gown, which matches Sheng Yijie's beauty and style. I love her maroon red stilettos! She wore pretty dresses too.
2. ML characterisation - Wow, just wow Lu Zhi Yi is something else. Ye Haoran did great with this role, which is very different from his previous 'younger man in love with older woman' role.
3. Supporting characters - Xie Mingyu, the actor who played ML's father Lu Hui An is hot! Lu Hui An and FL's aunt were interesting characters.

What I disliked:
1. Revenge arc - This is the second revenge-for-my-abused-mother drama I've watched in one week and the revenge arc is just too messy. There was unpredictability factor but the response to that was just meh.

Favourite scene
The engagement party

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Sweet & endearing romance of a stylish blind man

I remember browsing Dramazone videos on Youtube and adding this drama to my watchlist. I was intrigued by story of blind ML & I thought the actor looked like Fan Zhixin. Finally watched the drama last night and I enjoyed it very much.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She is such a kind & endearing character but not a doormat. She did a mistake & immediately apologised and I like that (dislike Mary Sue characters). Zheng Chen Yu was well cast as Su Shi Qi.
2. ML characterisation - It's good to see his character grow throughout the series. Once he realised he misunderstood FL, he apologised to FL & cared for her. I like that his character's blindness is real. Wang Zi Lin gave good performance too.
3. Romance - Slow burn done right with enough push & pull. I like that he felt attraction for FL even when he couldn't see. What a beautiful visual for ML once he regained his sight!
4. Supporting characters - ML's assistant side comments are hilarious! I was genuinely surprised by how FL's stepmom & sister characters were wrapped up. ML's brother character was well developed.
5. Styling - ML had great hairstyle & outfits. FL wore pretty outfits too and I like her casual wear because fit her cool personality.

What I disliked:
1. Blackmail - I actually didn't like that FL's actions after being blackmailed. Glad she found sense.

Favourite scene
When ML regained his sight and saw FL for the first time

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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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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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