emberzmars

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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Fresh-faced yet mature portrayal of college romance

I am very delighted that this page has been created. I watched 'Fall in Love with Him' on 17 February 2025. Main actor was unfamiliar to me. I had seen main actress before but didn't know her name. Since I rarely watch new adult/college student drama and the thumbnail was intriguing ehem, I thought why not "Give this a go!". To my surprise, I enjoyed this drama immensely. I felt warm and fuzzy after completing 'Fall in Love with Him'.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was fresh-faced yet mature. I liked that she was the assertive one between the two of them. Her concerns about dating her bestie's younger brother were valid so I understood her cautious behaviour. Xia Jing Ran did well in her role. I enjoyed her acting enough to explore her other dramas.
2. ML characterisation - He was soft-hearted but he knew what he wanted from FL. I liked coquettish ML so of course I liked this character. Duan Ping impressed me with his earnest portrayal of the character. I'm keen to explore his dramas in the future.
3. Romance - I loved that this drama is jiejie romance albeit the age gap isn't big. Most college romance dramas are sweet but this one has some spicy intimate scenes. The kisses were hot and satisfying. What surprised me was the conflict that they faced in the third act. I liked that they talked about it and gosh I felt his pain.
4. Supporting characters - I was only 17 min in and I already started to love this drama because of a child actor. I had seen him before when he acted as Liu Qing & Bai Yan's son. ML's sister was a great addition to the cast too. I liked the chat she had with FL when talking about FL's relationship with her brother.

What I disliked:
1. FL's ex - I disliked him at first but he matured at the end of the drama. He wasn't a bad person after all.

Favourite scene
When ML and FL talked about why FL hadn't contacted him in days

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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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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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Sassy FL, sweet ML, smart kid...what's not to like about this drama?!

Found this drama while perusing Youtube channel. I was intrigued by ML being a gangster boss so I watched this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Shen Zhu Xin was sassy, smart & funny. I liked how she bonded quickly with the kid. Song Yu Jia excelled in this role. I liked her reaction upon finding out the truth about the daughter & I also liked her decision to be apart while figuring things out.
2. Romance - Their kissing scenes were hot but what I enjoyed most was the progress of their relationship from strangers to co-parents then lovers.
3. Outfits - ML looked damn fine and handsome in all his outfits. I especially loved the all black ensemble he wore when his love rival treated them to lunch.
4. ML characterisation - Despite his background, he was a sweet man. It's refreshing to see a loving single dad with full custody of his child on vertical drama. I really liked that he was respecful of FL and didn't coerce or threaten her to forgive him. Cheng Cheng was great in this role as he was able to portray different sides (tough boss, caring father, sweet lover) of his character. His voice & physicality reminded me of Korean idol-actor Ok Taecyeon.
5. Supporting characters - I liked the daughter and ML's right hand man. They were such delight to watch!
6. Prejudice - It's great that writer demonstrated different types of prejudice e.g. poor person, kid brought up by single parent, former gangster.

What I disliked:
1. FL's family - Another drama with bad family members. The arc was short but that restaurant scene was entertaining.

Favourite scene
The first restaurant scene in which FL was introduced to ML & his daughter

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Refreshing tale of revenge & childhood connection with lotsa sexual tension

I was ecstatic on Thursday when I found out that Zhao Ting Yi has 2 dramas released on Friday 25 July. I liked him so much in Nanny, Don't Flee that I created his MDL profile which got approved today. I had some expectations on this drama since I also enjoyed Song Yu Jia's acting. My expectations were met and I am writing this review at 1 am immediately after completing the drama.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He was mysterious, brooding boss in the opening scene. However that was just a façade he put on to catch a suspected baddie. Fu Li Shan was Mr Nice Guy! He was genuine about his feelings for FL - he was happy to be used.
2. Romance - Now the video that I watched was 2 hours 34 minutes 32 seconds. The moment at 1 hour 39 minute mark seemed off so I am not sure if there was a heavy makeout session. Putting that aside, there were several good kisses - I didn't feel they were steamy because of FL. I'd say ML was openly affectionate with FL and I liked it a lot. There was good balance of push and pull dynamics.
3. FL characterisation - Wow, the last 30 minutes I was swearing heavily at FL. What a twist!
4. Acting - Great acting by Song Yu Jia & Zhao Ting Yi. I liked their emotional scenes because they looked realistic. The supporting cast gave a wonderful performance too.
5. Styling - Impeccable styling for FL & ML. I was giddy when they wore white twice. FL's styling seemed very Song Yu Jia (I have seen her in that style) and gosh Zhao Ting Yi looked damn handsome.
6. Framing - Now I noticed there were 3 frames that transitioned from horizontal / landscape to vertical / portrait. The first and the third frames seemed to play around being on the opposite sides. I wasn't sure about the second transition frame. Nevertheless the drama was beautifully shot.
7. Supporting characters - ML's assistant Feng was the bomb. The actor who played him was handsome.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's ex didn't feel like an ex. I didn't understand why he was gung ho about catching ML because the victim was FL not him. So annoying! Brother Zheng was a typical villain that I knew where he was heading.
2. FL's actions - I was irritated by FL's closeness towards her ex.

Favourite scene
The opening scene

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A 'robot as companion' drama with good balance of comedy & drama & well-written character arcs

This is my third collab drama by married couple Bai Xin Yi & Zhu Yi Wei. I have always been fascinated by dramas with sci-fi elements so this drama caught my attention when it was talked about in a sub-reddit that I join. I did a buddy watch with MDL user Fae. I must say I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of this drama and this is my favourite drama by the couple.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - What an amazing arc! She was vulnerable but willing to face her challenges by accepting her friend's gift. She's kind but not a pushover.
2. ML characterisation - It's a weird idea but luckily ML wasn't a weirdo. He is Mr Nice Guy who had longtime crush on FL but didn't openly pursue FL because of her mental health issue.
3. Acting - Top notch acting by both Bai Xin Yi, Zhu Yi Wei and the rest of the cast. I particularly enjoyed Zhu Yi Wei's robot expressions though there were times he was clearly not a robot but FL was oblivious.
4. Styling - Zhu Yi Wei always wore glasses in the dramas that I watched so it's nice to see him without glasses. Impeccable styling for him. I loved the packaging of the robot - the white suit was 👌🏼.
5. Writing - This drama had the perfect balance of comedy & drama. Thank you to the writer for not including clichés such as drugging, kidnapping, slapfest. I also liked that FL's love rival was given an arc.
6. Supporting cast - OMG I loved them all from FL's grandma & ML's parents to ML's assistant, FL's love rival and the Fangs.

What I disliked:
1. Spice - The drama was almost perfect except it lacked spicy scenes. I understand that some couples prefer not to have intimate scenes in their dramas.
2. Styling - I wish Bai Xin Yi was given better outfits for her everyday wear. She looked too homely against better styled Zhu Yi Wei.

Favourite scene
When FL disclosed to her love rival that ML was a robot

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Earnest performances and great chemistry by the leads made this drama an enjoyable watch!

I was intrigued with this drama because of MDL user Raiana's positive review. I think I didn't notice this drama when it was a new release because the main actor and main actress were unfamiliar to me. Glad Raiana's review caught my attention because I really enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Wow their first intimate encounter was hot though I didn't like that it was drug-induced. I liked that FL acknowledged her growing feelings for ML when they were intimate the second time. There were many passionate kisses. I also loved their normal couple interactions such as texting, having conversation about work.
2. Acting - For unknown leads, Wang Yan Yang & Gao Rui Ting did a great job portraying their characters. They were able to demonstrate characters' insecurities and concerns. They also had great chemistry and seemed comfortable with each other.
3. ML characterisation - I liked that ML was earnest & kind. He was never about favours when wanting to help FL. It's also great to see ML who had his own challenges to overcome as it provided depth to his character.
4. FL characterisation - She had trust issues and I understood her actions especially when it came to her love life. I liked that she was clear about separating personal stuff from work.
5. Supporting characters - SML is a scumbag but gosh he was surrounded by sensible people. I really liked his assistant & well-dressed, handsome best friend who were truthful to him about the changing dynamics between ML and FL. I also liked Tian Hao, ML's assistant. Pudding was so adorable!

Disliked:
1. Antagonists - This drama has the most antagonists in a vertical drama: FL's parents, FL's adopted sister, FL's love rival / SML's white moonlight, ML's grandmother, ML's white moonlight. The ones that I hated the most are FL's father & ML's grandmother. Both were money- and power-hungry and always scheming. I can't believe FL's father for treating his daughter like a chest piece. FL's adopted sister was petulant and like a kid trying to be grown up.
2. Styling - ML needs better hairstyling. OMG why was his fringe uneven? Tian Hao ML's assistant had better hairstyle than him.

Favourite scene
The morning after when FL realised her growing feelings for ML

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Well balanced romance mystery drama with combustible chemisty & amazing acting

I chose to watch this drama because of Raiana's positive review and my mood for something steamy. This is my first drama that has both Chen Jing He and Cui Shi Yi together. I enjoyed it very much.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I have watched drama starring real couple but the chemistry just didn't translate well on screen. Not this one - damn what a sizzling chemistry! The first intimate encounter was damn spicy. Their kisses 🔥. I liked how affectionate they were with each other.
2. Ethics - I liked how ethics was a core theme in this drama from the time FL's decision to support the disadvantaged clients to SFL's decision to do what's right by law.
3. Dynamics - I loved the dynamics between ML and his subordinate / friend - they provided much needed comic relief. I also liked the secondary romance.
4. Supporting characters - ML's subordinate is the MVP of thos drama!
5. Language - There is a significant amount of dialogue in Cantonese and I found it wonderful to hear. However I was surprised by the use of certain English words in the drama.
6. Antagonists - I really enjoyed their arc.
7. Styling - Girl, Cui Shi Yi was freaking hot especially in those shorts! Most of the cast wore wonderful outfits.

What I disliked:
1. The ending - What is that supposed to mean???

Favourite scene
When FL took ML to her house for the first time

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When sunshine meets midnight: A love story between bubbly girl and a man of few words

I watched this drama after finding out that it stars Liu Nian & He Cong Rui. I actually have not watched Please Come Into My Heart even though it's been in my watch list for months. Anyway I decided to watch this drama first because of my preference for modern romance and its popularity on reddit. I enjoyed this drama though one scene left a bad impression on me.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I have only watched her in Yue Ran Ai Ren - gosh she was different here. She was bubbly, loud and at times childlike. Hahaha I don't usually fancy this type of FL but she's alright because she showed maturity in her actions.
2. Romance - They were married strangers and FL was resentful but another person transmigrated into her character so her attitude changed. One youtube users referred to their contrasting personality as "sunshine and midnight" which I think is fittng. Their interactions were mostly cute and there were a few good kisses (tha nk gawd). Their love language is act of service.
3. ML characterisation - He was the typical brooding CEO ML but in this version he was a man of few words because of selective mutism. His icy heart started to thaw once he spent time with FL.
4. Supporting characters - I loved ML's assistant for deciphering love signals for our inexperienced ML. I felt like the assistant was ML's first wife who had amicable split from him. I liked FL's parents - their arc was written well despite the short screentime. The idol / FL's former school mate was handsome.

What I disliked:
1. Bed scene - I was alarmed when FL deliberately jumped on top of ML when they were sleeping. If the role was reverse i.e. ML deliberately jumped on top of FL, that would be considered sexual assault. FL & ML were practically strangers at this point so this scene left a bad impression on me.
2. Styling - FL was like a primary school student with the amount of soft toys around her and her bedroom decoration. Very kiddish for a married grown woman and I don't like it.

Favourite scene
When FL confronted her jealous relatives at the hot spring hotel

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Reborn but no revenge and this time FL is young 18 year old student

I only discovered Yang Yu Bin 2 werks ago so I was keen to explore his work. This drama caught my eye as I scrolled down his drama playlist. I really liked Zhang Ruo Chen's acting. This drama was sweet and I liked it!

What I liked:
1. Reborn trope - I enjoyed this drama because FL was reborn to a few years earlier than her death - she was 18 years during this second chance at life. I liked that there is no revenge plot in this drama.
2. FL characterisation - She was smart & proactive at living her life for the second time.
3. ML characterisation - He had low self-esteem because his father's family never acknowledged his existence. With FL's encouragement, ML stopped downplaying his intelligence and started to be confident with his worth. I liked that he was written this way because most ML are written as cocky & domineering alpha males.
4. Romance - Very sweet romance. Their first intimate scene was mildly spicy but overly sweet that made me smile. Their friendship blossoms into a romantic relationship.
5. Supoorting characters - I like Teacher Ren and ML's buddies.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - SML was possessive and disrespectful.
2. FL's bestie - Wow, I was surprised by her action in the third act.

Favourite scene
When ML was being cheeky with FL during a study group

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Low grade carbon copy of kdrama When the Phone Rings

I got to know about this drama through reddit. I was curious so I watched it. This drama is almost a carbon copy of the original Kdrama When the Phone Rings. This adaptation doesn't work for me for a few reasons.

What I liked:
1. Styling - Both FL & ML wore beautiful clothes.
2. Plot - I liked that this drama focused on kidnapper and the relationship between FL & ML.
3. Visuals - Lin Fen Song was handsome in this drama. Peng Yao was girl-next-door pretty.

What I disliked:
1. Acting - Peng Yao & Lin Feng Song don't have the acting prowess and intensity required for their characters. I've only seen Peng Yao playing bright characters and while it's good that she tried dramatic acting, I think this role requires a lot acting muscles and she isn't at that level. She didn't immerse herself in the role. It's my first time watching Lin Feng Song - he is ok at playing emotionally cold ML but his facial expressions are still limited. The only actor I can see pulling the role of ML is Huang Bo. He has shown range in one single drama An Incurable Love. I could see him playing an aloof presidential spokesperson who hides his crush on his wife behind the cold facade. I think Huang Bo could pull off that suspenseful scene from When the Phone Rings episode 6 when Baek Sa Eon frantically looked for his wife in the forest.
2. Romance - What works for When the Phone Rings is the chemistry between Yoo Yeon Seok and Chae Soo Bin. Even though there was no emotional connection between Baek Sa Eon & Hong Hui Ju at the start of the series, there were so much pent-up sexual energy between their characters. Unfortunately for this Chinese adaption, there is no chemistry between Peng Yao & Lin Feng Song. They are basically roommates.

Favourite scene
When ML took care of FL while in hospital

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Very likeable characters with spicy & sweet romance and sizzling chemistry

I got to know about this drama from a sub-reddit when a member posted a review. This is my third drama of Zhang Ruo Chen - I love her when she played a forensic scientist. I had never watched Wang Zi Yi's dramas before. I was informed that there are multiple adaptation of this plot and this version is the first adaptation that I watched. I must say I enjoyed this drama immensely and could watch this drama multiple times.

What I liked:
1. Acting - I must say that Zhang Ruo Chen's charm made the character so likeable that it's easy to forgive her bad wife past. I also enjoyed Wang Zi Yi's acting. Both of them had sizzling chemistry that their scenes together were so delightful to watch.
2. FL characterisation - Ok I watched Zhang Lei's adaption. I can't remember her leading lady's name but she had "mean" vibe in her FL. Zhang Ruo Chen's FL was compassionate with ML and her father once she got the inside scoop from the "audience". She was also smart & cheeky in managing her cousin & the guy she used to have a crush on.
3. Romance - Damn, that first spicy scene was 🔥. Their make out scenes were hot too because desire was felt in both of them. I love their sweet scenes especially the love letter & Kim Seon Ho's infamous pose. I loved that they communicated regularly with FL confronting ML on his jealousy. I also liked them for having fun, being affectionate and teasing SFL & SML
4. ML characterisation - I liked ML because he was very likeable. Wang Zi Yi's ML didn't seem as desperate to please FL as Zhang Lei's FL.
5. Supporting character - I really liked FL's father whose character was kind and amusing.

What I disliked:
1. Public comments - I wasn't used to this format of public comments appearing on screen so I was overwhelmed. They also appeared on screen at a breakneck speed in the beginning of the drama so it was hard for me to keep up & understand the info.
2. Antagonists - OMG FL's cousin who is SFL is not only manipulative but also irritating. She calling out FL to announce the arrival of SML was just plain rude.

Favourite scene
When ML showed FL's love letter for him to SML & SFL

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Long-winded slowburn romance with no third party interference

I am a massive Guo Yu Xin fan and when I saw the poster of this drama a few days ago, I was delighted. I had never seen Huang Hao Wen dramas before even though I've saved them in playlist. Overall I liked this drama and watching it once is enough for me.

What I liked:
1. Main characters - Both ML & FL were very likeable. I found FL's monologues endearing although at times I wish she had said it out loud and had conversations with ML.
2. Styling - I really liked traditional clothes worn by both of them when they were back at FL's hometown. I also think the styling for flashbacks was done well - Huang Hao Wen did look like a high school student with that hairstyle.
3. Romance - Their romance was saccharine sweet. It's beartwarming to see ML confiding in FL about his insecurity and jealousy. There were several nice kisses though I wish we got spicier moments. If I had a guy who liked me and had agreed to marry me, I'd jump his bones the moment we got home with marriage license!
4. Acting - Both did well in their roles. I liked Huang Hao Wen's approach to his character - quiet confidence but with a dash of vulnerability.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's grandma, FL's mother, sister, her college friends and ML's former schoolmates. The first time FL's mom & sis met ML and his grandma was amusing.

What I disliked:
1. Duration - 3.5 hours is too long for a slowburn romance that doesn't have third party meddling in their relationship. I played this drama at 2x speed so I could finish this drama fast.
2. Writing - I was bored by the time I reached halfway mark because there wasn't anything exciting happening to FL and ML. I also felt that both FL & ML lacked character development despite the ample screentime.

Favourite scene
When ML's grandma visited the florist to find a wife for ML

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Simple Republican-era love story with sizzling chemistry

I stumbled upon this drama as I was searching for Chinese Republican era vertical dramas. Love Too Much grabbed my attention because I hadn't watched Duan Mei Yang's dramas since Mermaid Husband. I enjoyed this simple love story.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Wow there was a great balance of push and pull. In the beginning, ML was aggressive in his pursuit but later on he toned down and demonstrated his love through acts of service. I also saw FL lowering her guard and falling in love with ML. Their kisses were hot!
2. Acting - Duan Mei Yang and Ma Xin Yu were great in their roles and had sizzling chemistry. SML was good too as he didn't make his role a caricature (often times antagonists in Republican-era vertical dramas tend to overact).
3. Styling - Duan Mei Yuan was gorgeous in military uniform & that hairstyle. Beautiful outfits worn by FL. I liked her cotton candy dress.
4. Duration - It was great that this drama took less than 90 minutes. The pacing was done well too.

What I disliked:
1. Grandma - I'm sorry but I don't like a character who is unreasonable. That threat & punishment were too much.
2. SML's father - It felt like an afterthought.

Favourite scene
When FL confessed to ML that she loves him

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