emberzmars

Loved the couple for being flirty, serious & attuned to each other's needs

I came across this drama during my first month of vertical drama exploration. I enjoyed the dramas uploaded on Dramazone YouTube channel & this drama had interesting title. This was the first drama that introduced me to Zhang Yi Yang and Chen Si Che. Glad I watched it because it was very enjoyable romance-heavy drama.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I liked how his character developed from an immature, reluctant nepo baby to a motivated, hardworking CEO-in-training. Zhang Yi Yang was charming & goofy in this role. At times he reminded me of Dylan Wang most likely due to his visuals.
2. FL characterisation - I loved FL who is an empowered woman with vulnerability (hate Mary Sue) and this drama captured it well. Chen Si Che was excellent in her role.
3. Romance - I liked their romance as there were different dynamics (flirty strangers vs serious colleagues) shown in this drama. They talked regularly about their relationship and were attuned to each other's needs. Chen Si Che & Zhang Yi Yang had great chemistry.
4. Supporting characters - Loved ML's grandpa who sided more with FL than his own flesh & blood. ML's assistant & friends were entertaining too.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - I don't like antagonists who physically harm people but I appreciated that there was interesting arc for antagonist.

Favourite scene
When ML rushed to the hospital

Read More

Love the drama aesthetics and the homage to Hong Kong 90s films

I watched this drama last night after seeing cuts on Youtube. Two thoughts that appeared when watching the cuts: (i) I recognised the main actor Cheng Cheng and (ii) oh, another mob boss story . I didn't realise FL was Deng Ling Shu until I checked the MDL page. Anyway I enjoyed this drama so much!

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I noticed the faint similarity between this drama, Captive Love from the Mob Boss (starring Zhang Chu Xuan and Ma Xiao Yu) and No One but You (starring Liu Lan Bo & Zheng Chen Yu). All three MLs were mob bosses and they were aggressive in the pursuit of FL. Out of the three, I liked Liang Tai Sheng the most because he thought of FL's perspectives unlike the other two MLs. This is the second time Cheng Cheng portrayed a mob boss but in this role, he was more ruthless towards anyone who threatens him & his lady love. I enjoyed Cheng Cheng's acting as he was able to portray different emotions of his character.
2. Setting - This story was set in the mid-90s and I love the aesthetics! There was a nice homage to Hong Kong 90s films from a cinema date watching A Chinese Odyssey to colour grading and shots similar to Wong Kar Wai's Fallen Angels and In the Mood for Love.
3. FL characterisation - I loved that she was a working class girl who remained modest and humble even after marriage. She was kind but responded accordingly whenever she was treated badly. I liked Deng Ling Shu's acting in this drama so much more than 'Wild as Hell: The Prince’s Saga , He Is Too Wild'.
4. Supporting characters - ML's right hand man was delightful on screen. I also liked FL's mother.
5. Romance - Slow burn romance. I enjoyed watching ML woo FL. There were many sweet moments with one or two nice kisses. I wish there were hot kisses because both ML & FL were passionate for each other once romance bloomed.
6. Music - I detected familiar tunes in this drama from 'Magic melody' by befour to instrumentals such as 'See the light' by Lim Hyunsik (from Korean tv series 'When the Phone Rings') and 'La valse d'Amelie' by Yann Tiersen (from French film 'Amelie').
7. Styling - FL's outfits were fabulous that I want to wear them. My favourite is the emerald green jacket and midi skirt. ML also looked handsome in the outfits and that hairstyle.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - As usual there are always love rival. ML's admirer & self-proclaimed fiancée was delusional. FL's ex was pitiful at first but later on proved to be a scumbag.

Favourite scene
When ML bonded with his mother-in-law

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

Where is coquettish behaviour???

I liked Liang Si Wei in his first drama with Meng Na so I thought to mysel "Why not watch this drama?". I have watched dramas of Wang Jia Mao & Ma Le Jie. I must say I am disappointed by this drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Out of all the actors & actresses in this drama, I was impressed by the actor who played Lu Zhi Yan (FL's ex). He was the main antagonist but wow he had compelling presence on screen.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - Another bland, one dimensional character. I find Ma Le Jie gives the same performance in all characters that she played (shy, meek).
2. Romance - Though I generally prefer romance with spice, I do enjoy sweet romance especially with playfulness & affection. Sadly I don't get in this drama - there isn't chemistry between Ma Le Jie & Wang Jia Mao. Plus ML was very cautious around FL throughout the drama so the love felt one-sided.
3. Liang Si Wei - Sadly he was underutilised in this drama. If you are his fan, you can skip this drama because it is not worth your time.

Favourite scene
When FL, ML and Lu Zhi Yan's soon to be fiancée had dinner at Lu family house

Read More

Spicy & funny start - highly entertaining drama

I am glad to have found this page - I watched this drama on 15 January 2025. I am Zhang Chu Xuan's fan and always search for her dramas online because I know I would be entertained. I am familiar with Wang Yi Ran so I was excited to see their collaboration. I was highly entertained.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - FL was originally an overworked surgeon who fainted in an operating room and when she woke up, she found herself in the 80s, sleeping next to ML. She used her knowledge of modern medicine to earn a living and at the same time helped other women to be empowered.
2. Romance - The very first scene was spicy & funny - I love a take charge FL! I like the pacing of romance development between FL & ML. I know my gal can kiss but damn it was my first time seeing a carnal Wang Yi Ran (previous dramas that I watched didn't have real kisses).
3. Comedy - Both Zhang Chu Xuan and Wang Yi Ran excelled in their roles. I enjoyed their comedic bits so much. ML's right hand man was funny too.
4. Music - Zhang Chu Xuan was cute singing that famous song at the end.

What I disliked:
1. Transmigration - I assumed FL could stay in the 1980s instead of going back to 2020s. It'd be nice if there was an explanation.

Favourite scene
When FL gifted amulet to ML and ML's feelings soon after

Read More

Jiejie romance with substance & great acting

I was intrigued by the title when I saw this drama appear on my Youtube dashboard. The ML seemed familiar & thankfully this MDL page has existed. I was pleasantly surprised to see Wu Tian Hao as the ML because I enjoyed his performances in Supervisor Husband & My Lady General.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Both Wu Tian Hao and the main actress portrayed their complex characters brilliantly. Their facial expressions and demeanor were on point.
2. Romance - Sizzling hot intimate scenes. Heavy kissing and cute coquettish act by ML at the start.
3. ML characterisation - I like that Shi Jie put out naive act but is actually smart & scheming.
4. FL characterisation - It's wonderful to see intelligent, confident & go getter female character. I also liked that Jiangnan was professionally involved in ML's life.
5. Family saga - It was gripping.
6. Production value - This drama felt more like a mini drama shot vertically because the directing style is different from other vertical dramas.

What I disliked:
1. The age gap - There is 10 years of age difference between FL & ML. I usually don't mind this big gap but ML is set to be 19 years old. It'd have been better to set him as 22 or 23 year old assuming he had finished university studies by 22 years old.
2. Pacing - Certain scenes progressed too fast for me to read subtitles & understand the context. I had to rewind.
3. FL's ex partner - Ungrateful.

Favourite scene
The second intimate scene was unexpected & intoxicating.

Read More

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

Read More

Well written mystery drama with spectacular performances & beautiful cinematography

I am a Huang Bo fangirl. I was ecstatic to see this drama cast list a few weeks ago because I love Zhao Xi Xi's acting while Ma Xiao Yu's acting is growing on me. Thank you to Jwells for sharing the links. I just completed the drama and wow, wow, wow I am thoroughly impressed.

What I liked:
1. Writing - Amazing screenplay that kept me guessing throughout the series. At first I thought this could be a soul swap drama but nope, I was wrong. The drama made me ponder the conflicts that exist in this drama's third act.
2. Acting - Wow, spectacular acting by Zhao Xi Xi, Ma Xiao Yu, Huang Bo and the actress who played mother to both brothers. They were immersed in their roles. I giggled a bit during the drama because Huang Bo essentially played a Sleeping Beauty. I was delighted we still got to see Huang Bo's performances after the tragedy happened.
3. Dynamics - I loved that this drama explored the dynamics between the brothers, between mother and son, between Zhi Xia and Hao Nan and between Zhi Xia and Hao Xun.
4. Romance - There were many hot kisses and intimate scene in this fast-paced mystery drama. The romantic scenes between Zhi Xia and Hao Nan brought me back to Bu Bu Shen Xian (perhaps a parallel universe where Han Qing & Feng Si Qian had more happy moments).
5. Hao Xun characterisation - What a joy for me to see Ma Xiao Yu portray such a complex character and in the presence of Huang Bo (I know he could nail the role of Hao Xun if he had chosen it). Hao Xun is my favourite Ma Xiao Yu's role.
6. Ending - Endings do not have to be neat. I liked how the writer and director chose this ending as it is in line with the vibe of the drama.
7. Editing - Beautiful cinematography that made this drama feel like a wonderfully crafted indie film. I also liked the pacing.

What I disliked:
1. Secret - Judging by the ending, Zhi Xia was kept in the dark. I don't like that!

Favourite scene
The introduction. DAMN, I wasn't expecting it!

Read More

Hot, hot, hot kisses but the length & amount of antagonists affected my enjoyement

I enjoy Zuo Yi's dramas but Zhang Bei Xi's dramas can be hit or miss with me. I decided to give this a chance and did not regret it. I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL character - Sneaky & smart.
2. Acting - Zuo Yi brought her charm and Zhang Bei Yi was surprisingly charming / less cold in this drama. Great chemistry between them.
3. Romance - Hot, hot, hot kisses. They were affectionate couple. Physical touch is their love language. I liked that there were warmth moments between them.
4. Supporting characters - I liked Assistant Xu.
5. Styling - Great clothes for ML. I liked his plain white shirt & navy trousers combo. Zuo Yi's outfits fit her petite frame and she wore pretty shoes.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Xing Mo, Bai Qing Qing & Zhao Shan were vicious and annoying. I also disliked ML's grandfather because he was selfish. Shen Yan Zhiu was a petulant nepo baby.
2. Length - At 3 hours 5 min, this drama was too long for me. I think some antagonist arcs could be eliminated because they didn't add much value to the story.

Favourite scene
When FL celebrated ML's birthday with a cake

Read More

Stellar acting in this well-produced family-focused drama

I am a fan of Wang Chen Peng and really liked Lin Zi Xuan in I Just Want You. I got notified about this drama by thehepburn. I was ecstatic! I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Stellar performances by Lin Zi Xuan, Wang Chen Peng and the cast. I found LZX & WCP believable in their roles as cool, calm & emotionally restraint individuals. I was moved by the actress who played Yan matriarch/Wen Xi's biological mother. Another reviewer said there was no / lack of chemistry between LZX & WCP but I disagree. They had this quiet, subtle chemistry better than the couple in other versions of this story. LZX must be tall because the height difference between her and WCP was nice even when she wore flats.
2. Family - It is the central theme in this vertical drama. Wen Xi was caught in between 2 families: her biological family (the Yans) and the family that raised her (the Wens). I loved it when Yan matriarch told off Yan Zhao to grow up. ML's younger brother was mischievous. Her Wen bro is mysterious I can't wait to see more of him in part 2.
3. Romance - They were married strangers so it was fine to see awkwardness at the start of their marriage. I really liked that FL telling ML about direct communication. I really liked how their relationship progressed into harmonious partnership. The sexual tension leading up to intimacy was high. Even though there were not many intimate scenes, those scenes were hot.
4. FL characterisation - She was cool, calm & smart and I really liked those traits in FLs. I also liked her assertiveness especially the scenes involving Yan Zhao and FL's adopted mother.
5. ML characterisation - Another cold boss but he always had FL's back. I liked how he protected FL whenever they were at her family home.
6. Styling - Impeccable. Both looked like a sophisticated old money couple.
7. Production - High production value. I loved how scenes were shot.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Yan Zhao was manipulative playing victim to both sides of her family. She always wanted to be centre of attention. Insecure and petulant. I also disliked Yan Zhao's biological mother for meddling and being biased and FL's biological brother for being gullible.
2. Ending - Cliffhanger. Good news that part 2 is coming soon.

Favourite scene
The first intimate scene

Read More

Cute & funny drama with entertaining supporting character

Liu Xi Yu has started to impress me with her acting these days. I know she has many dramas listed in IQIYI catalogue so a few weeks ago I decided to watch this drama. It was enjoyable.

What I liked:
1. Plot - Refreshing, Funny especially when FL's brother appeared on screen.
2. FL characterisation - Cute but not cloying. She was rich girl but not spoilt brat.
3. ML characterisation - Cold exterior but dude had massive crush on FL. He was Mr Nice Guy.
4. Acting - Great performances by Liu Xi Yu, Liu Lan Bo and the actor who played FL's brother.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked FL’s brother. His scenes were always entertaining. I also liked FL's best friend and ML's assistant.
6. Dynamic - I really loved the interactions between FL and her brother. They loved & helped out each other. No stupid arguments.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I disliked the snobbish classmate who was jealous of FL. I also disliked the scumbag who tried to rape FL.

Favourite scene
When ML & FL communicated no verbally with FL's brother standing nearby

Read More

Don't mind the product placements. The acting and plot were engaging and chemistry sizzling!

I was in the mood for something short that I could watch on my commute to a doctor's appointment. I was intrigued when this drama was released because of the leads (Zhang Chu Xuan and Wang Kai Mu) and the episode count. The youtube comments mentioned product placement. I must say I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Plot - Compact storytelling about FL enacting revenge on her vicious family. Even though the episode count was small (only 18) and the drama was backed by product placement, I found the story was simple, easily digestible and enjoyable.
2. Acting - Great performances by Zhang Chu Xuan, Wang Kai Mu and the actress who played FL's sister. There was also great chemistry between Zhang Chu Xuan and Wang Kai Mu. They made me feel warm in some scenes.
3. Main characters - They were flawed but likeable. I understood the feelings experienced by FL. I also liked how perceptive ML was.
4. Romance - There was sexual tension from the get go. FL went to ML to make use of his connections but later felt in love with him. There were sweet moment and spicy kisses (to my delight). I could sense passion and love in their kisses.
5. Product placement - I'd say they were ok because most made sense in this story.
6. Styling - Wonderful clothes worn by FL and ML.
7. Duration - 62 minutes is just wonderful.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family was vicious especially the sister. FL's father was so gullible.

Favourite scene
When FL asked ML "Why was he nice to her?"

Read More

Brilliant drama about a man winning the affections of a woman dumped by his brother

Thanks to Reborn at 18: The Great Grandma Takes Charge, I got to discover Wang Pei Yan's talents. I remember when this drama was released. I watched it on reelxia within 3 days of its release then later found out that my reddit friends also watched the drama. We enjoyed this drama immensely that we co-wrote a joint review.m for r/CShortDramas.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He was a flirty puppy but sneaky at trying to win FL's affections. I also liked that he had a successful career - he's not just a rich kid.
2. FL characterisation - Loved that she didn't wallow in self-pity once she found out about her boyfriend. She got her heart broken but there was no second chance.
3. Romance - The banters between FL and ML were fun to watch. There was some sexual tension brewing between them. When they finally got intimate and kissed, the scenes were hot.
4. Acting - Terrific performances by Wang Pei Yan, Liang Wen Jing and the cast. I even liked the actor who played SML.
5. Styling - I loved FL outfits as they matched her personality - cool & confident. ML wore oversized clothes which mostly looked fine on him. I liked the Labubu collection!
6. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's parents for being supportive and understanding.
7. Writing - One of the best written dramas. Well developed arcs for the four lead characters.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - SFL was insecure, jealous and a gold digger. She was also the type of woman who defines her worth by having a man. ML's brother (the SML) was pitiful at first because of his situation but then he became despicable & disrespectful towards FL. He was silly for not doing a background check on the woman he was going to marry.

Favourite scene
ML expressed his concerns when FL was attacked by strange men

Read More