emberzmars

Off-the-charts chemistry + good writing & acting elevated this jiejie romance

I watched this drama a few days ago and am delighted that MDL page was created just a few hours ago. I like Qi Yu Jia's acting in 2 of her dramas so went through her list of works and found this drama. I had never seen the work of Li Si Jun but no expectations. I enjoyed this drama A LOT!

What I liked:
1. Romance - A refreshing jiejie romance with time jump. In the first time period, FL was reluctant to consider romantic relationship with ML (he was too young) but changed her mind only that their romantic relationship was shortlived as something forced them apart. Three years later, the love was still there & with some fuel, a fire erupted. Their kisses were hot and there were some sweet moments between them.
2. FL characterisation - She was a girlboss heiress with shrewd mindset. Smart, kind & protective.
3. ML characterisation - At the start, he was eager to please, flirty but toughen up after the separation. He still harboured a crush on FL but was careful not to show strong emotions in public until the auction took place.
4. Styling - Great choice of outfits for FL and ML with contrasting styling for ML before and after separation. I also liked that female acupuncturist wore traditional outfit from a certain tribe in China.
5. Supporting characters - I liked ML's friend who kept updating FL about his whereabouts. I also liked FL's bestie.
6. Confrontations - I loved the confrontation scenes involving ML's grandfather. The second one was thrilling because of clapback.
7. Acting - Good performances from Qi Yu Jia & Li Si Jun and wow, such an electric chemistry between them. I was excited the moment both of them appeared on screen.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Surpisingly the antagonists in this drama are the elders. FL's grandmother was horrible for scheming to separate ML from FL. ML's grandfather was vicious in his scheming to ensure an heir to his empire. The threats were just unbelievable. Lou Yue was evil for tricking ML & attempting to molest him. Gu Shuo was a bully.

Favourite scene
The swimming pool

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Didn't meet my expectations but An An was the highlight

When I first saw this drama poster, I was ecstatic. I consider Bai Yan and Xie Yu Wang as seniors in the world of vertical dramas. I had some expectations on the drama but unfortunately the drama fell short. It was still a good watch.

What I liked:
1. An An - The MVP of the drama. It was humbling to see her working hard to earn money in order to buy medicine for her mother. The child actress who played An An gave a terrific performance.
2. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's cousin and father for their kindness towards An An.
3. Main characters - I liked them despite the flaws. The reasons for keeping secrets were solid.
4. Styling - Beautiful clothes worn by FL and An An.
5. Family - It is the core theme of this drama as demonstrated in interactions (i) between FL and her daughter An An, (ii) ML and his cousin and father, (iii) ML and An An, (iv) FL and her family.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Bai Fei Fei was horrible, spoilt brat who never want to be accountable for her actions. Her parents were horrible too - greedy for money!
2. Screen time - Bai Yan had little screentime. I wish she had appeared more especially in her interactions with her daughter. I also wish there was more time allocated for the reconciliation between FL and her family.
3. Romance - I wish ML hadn't made assumptions when he saw FL again. Anyway I expected sexy time between two characters because Bai Yan and Xie Yu Wang have great onscreen kissing skills but I was letdown.

Favourite scene
When An An hustled for money

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I didn't enjoy this slapstick comedy but acting was good enough

I was on a marathon of Sun Qian Xun's dramas and this time I selected this drama. I enjoy quirky robot / AI themed dramas so I had expectations for this drama. Sadly I didn't enjoy it as much as I had hoped.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Both Sun Qian Xun and Wang Nan excelled in comedic acting. Their chemistry was fantastic and they bounced each other's energy. The cast gave good performances too.
2. Main characters - Likeable. At least the ML wasn't stupid to blindly follow antagonist's scheming.
3. Supporting characters - Assistant Wang & the scientist were my favourites.
4. Styling - I really liked the burgundy sports wear and ash blonde wig that the robot wore in the opening scene.

What I disliked:
1. Plot - There was too much time spent on antagonist's scheming and less time spent on ML - FL relationship (past & present). I increased speed to 2.0x because those scenes were nothing new for me. The drama was too long & draggy.
2. Antagonist - Typical jealous half-sister who fought FL for ML's affections. FL's father & stepmother were horrible people.
3. The daughter - This arc was severely underdeveloped I felt there was no need for it. The child actress who played the role probably only had a total of 2 minute screentime.
4. Humour - Slapstick isn't my thing so yeah I didn't enjoy the comedy.

Favourite scene
The opening

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Heartbreaking tale of a grieving mother betrayed by her husband

I was preparing a reddit post on a collection of Han Jia Hui dramas so I chose this one for research. I had never seen Zhou Hang's dramas before. Thank gosh drama is less than 1 hour because I was heartbroken.

What I liked:
1. Acting - This is the most dramatic role Han Jia Hui has portrayed. She was good in her role of a grieving mother and a betrayed wife. Zhou Hang did well in his role too - he wasn't over the top since his character was a moron. However I wish he expressed anguish when he found out about his son's passing.
2. Supporting character - I really liked FL's sister who was there during tough times.
3. Pacing - Well-paced and written. A betrayal tale told in less than 1 hour. It wasn't draggy.
4. Backstory - I appreciated that writer added a challenge for FL's sister. I also appreciated that writer made the antagonist a public figure so when she was brought down, she lost a lot.
5. Trust - I liked that trust was a value highlighted in this story. There was no point for reconciliation / support when the trust is gone.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - One of the most evil antagonists in vertical dramas - she harmed a child! Manipulative too. Her assistant was an idiot for agreeing to be an accomplice.
2. ML characterisation - He was an a$$hole for putting his & his white moonlight's needs first. For a successful lawyer, he was a moron for not checking for his son's health updates.
3. Cheating - Even though the relationship of ML and antagonist was lawyer-client and not lovers, I still considered him as a cheater. Emotional cheating because he prioritised his ex over his wife and believed every single thing his ex said.

Favourite scene
When the antagonist's lies were exposed

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Familiar plot (transmigration, jealousy, misunderstanding) & lack of chemistry - nothing special

I watched this drama because I am preparing a reddit post on Han Jia Hui dramas. This is on eof two collaborations between Han Jia Hui & Yao Guan Yu and I was curious to see their dynamic and actint in historical dramas so I chose this drama. Overall I thought it was average quality wise.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Another doctor FL transmigrated from modern time so she used her medical knowledge in historical time. She knew part of her original host's memories so she tried her best to get divorce from ML. The green tea behaviour was amusing!
2. ML characterisation - With the ability to hear FL's inner monologue, he learnt to understand FL's actions better. I liked that he apologised to FL after knowing that he had misunderstood FL.
3. Battle of wits - Persian visitors came for a visit and the battle of wits between FL and them was fun to watch.
4. Romance - Slow burn. They had a talk after ML found out FL was the person who saved him 10 years ago. It was honest and I liked it.
5. Food - I also enjoyed food-related scenes - FL brought her knowledge of modern food.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Typical jealous female antagonist in the form of sister wife. She used all her means to bring down FL. The emperor's queen another character I disliked.
2. Acting - There was no chemistry between HJH & YGY. Therefore their romantic scenes lacked warmth.

Favourite scene
The talk FL & ML had after ML knew that FL saved him

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Smiley Huang Wen Bo made this drama enjoyable watch

I am preparing a reddit post on Han Jia Hui dramas so I decided to watch this drama. It has been awhile since I last watched Huang Wen Bo dramas. I saw douyin clip of them having fun. Anyway the drama had familiar plot so it was predictable. Execution wise alright.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked her resilience and self-reliance. She was determined to be her own person without the rich wife tag
2. ML characterisation - He was Mr Nice Guy. He was smitten by FL and protective and nurturing.
3. Romance - Sweet romance with spicy first encounter. I liked that ML always reassured FL when she felt insecure. A few kisses between them.
4. Huang Wen Bo - He was smiling all the time and gosh gorgeous smile.
5. Supporting characters - I liked FL's close colleague & ML's assistant (the actor was attractive). The actor who played FL's older brother was ripped and handsome too bad his character was a douchebag.
6. Hidden identity - I liked that ML came clean with his identity after the official meeting with FL. No silly imposter or persona.
7. Styling - Hotel employee uniform looked like Thai traditional clothes - I liked them. Some characters also wore Hawaiian tshirts & singlets so I assumed this resort must be in tropical side of the country.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's work rival was something. Envious of FL constantly slandering FL. ML's supposed fiancée was delusional. Her scheming was something else.
2. FL's families - Both adopted and biological families were horrible. I couldn't believe Mrs Chen was ok with her adopted daughter harming FL.

Favourite scene
FL and ML's intimate encounter

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Moving drama about found family but beware of the abuse at the start of the drama.

When the drama was first released, I was drawn to the translated title - Ten-Year-Old Wolf Girl Transforms into a Playboy Father. I thought this would be a fantasy drama that involves transfiguration. A reddit friend and I did a buddy watch and later co-wrote a review on subreddit CShortDramas. Even though the drama didn't meet my fantasy expectation, I enjoyed it.

Trigger warning: Child abuse

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I really liked her tenacity. She was also smart in selecting a guardian in her new life.
2. Acting - I really enjoyed the child actress’ acting. Wish I could find out her name because it isn’t listed on any of my regular websites including Weibo. I was delighted to see Zhang Yi Hong on screen because it’s been ages since I last watched his drama.
3. ML characterisation - He was like a lost person who had no direction in life at the start of the drama. It was good to see the uncle grew mature from a unserious playboy uncle to a protective and kind guardian / surrogate father.
4. Dynamics - I enjoyed watching the uncle-niece relationship. How they helped each other to get out of their bad place.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked Assistant Wang and Grandma Chen.
6. Styling - The wolf skin-coat and headgear that FL wore at the start of the drama was cool. She was a pretty girl wearing those dresses.

What I disliked:
1. Child abuse - I was distressed with the chains and abuse! I couldn’t believe her biological family would treat her like a caged animal in a zoo.
2. Antagonists - FL’s biological father is a scumbag. I don’t understand the beef he has with FL. I couldn’t believe Grandpa Lu didn’t ask house staff to remove chains from FL. FL's mother and sister were nasty too. I can’t blame the younger sister for being mean because she was taught by her parents to be a mean girl.

Favourite scene
When Lu Chi Yu persuaded Lu Yan Xi to take up her biological father’s challenge and play billiards.

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So-so drama about transmigration and love triangle. FL had better chemistry with SML

I was in the mood to explore Ma Qian Huan dramas so I decided on this title because I like Zuo Yi's acting. I didn't know what to expect with this drama but in the end, it was alright.

What I liked:
1. Plot - FL transmigrated into a book that she was reading so she had the advantage of knowing where the story / her character was heading. I liked that FL's different action had an impact on the journey of her character.
2. FL characterisation - She had to think on her feet. and was resilient.
3. Supporting characters - Gu Sheng, FL's brother, ML's grandpa.
4. Rivalry
5. Duration - Just over 100 minutes.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Cunning up & coming actress that reminds me of US film All about Eve.
2. FL's action - She held onto Gu Sheng's arm in front of ML - I didn't like that.
3. Romance - Lacklustre. There was better tension / dynamic between FL & Gu Sheng than between FL & ML.

Favourite scene
The press interview in hospital room

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Suspenseful stalker story with good performances by Sheng Yi Jie and Li Bo Xuan

I am a fan of Sheng Yi Jie so I was intrigued when I saw the poster. I gathered that it wasn't a typical romance drama. Two weeks ago I decided to watch the drama via iQIYI. I liked how the drama turned out.

What I liked:
1. Plot - This drama is about a stalker and I liked how the story was told. Even the supporting characters played important roles in bringing this story to life. No two-dimensional characters.
2. Directing / Editing - There was enough suspense and creepiness to maintain the tension between FL and the perpetrator.
3. Acting - Sheng Yi Jie & Li Bo Xuan were great in their roles. They were able to convey different emotions and eccentricities to their characters.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's bestie and IT colleague Bin Tai. Madam Ning surprised me with her character development - I liked her too.
5. Pacing - Well-paced story told in less than 90 minutes.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - He had a sad upbringing which led him to being insecure and creepy.

Favourite scene
The ending

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Revenge period drama with good screenplay. Exceeded my expectation.

I was preparing a reddit post on Han Jia Hui dramas and wanted something different so I chose this historical drama. I had watched Zhao Yuan You when he played supporting roles in False Face and True Feelings and My Merman Brother. I must say that this drama exceeded my expectation because I didn't expect the twists.

What I liked:
1. Revenge - FL was seeking justice for her father who was killed by ML's mother. I liked that her revenge plan wasn't perfect but somehow people even strangers were willing to help her achieve her goal. I also liked that they got retribution.
2. Dynamics - Wow, good push & pull dynamics even without full-blown romance.
3. FL characterisation - FL assumed the role of a long lost relative of ML. I liked her determination to bring down ML's family for their wrongdoings. She had sympathy for ML after knowing that he was the nicest member of the family.
4. ML characterisation - ML was a scholar who smart, observant and nice. He didn't close one eye to the crimes committed by his family members - he investigated.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's maid and FL's fake mother who understood her intentions and agreed to support her cause.
6. Ending - I liked it even though it was a cliffhanger. Can we get season 2, please?

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's mother was truly evil and impulsive. I was shocked she wasn't remorseful for killing an innocent healer. I'd say ML's father was his wife's accomplice because he covered the crime committed by his wife. ML's brother was a rapist and narcissist while ML's sister was a superficial spoilt brat.

Favourite scene
When FL's fake mother admitted to ML's mother that FL was her daughter

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Horrible ML, doormat FL with lacklustre romance

I watched this drama as part of my assignment on Cheng Cheng and his collection of dramas for subreddit CShortDramas. I have to admit that this is one of my least favourite Cheng Cheng dramas.

What I liked:
1. Visuals - Cheng Cheng was shirtless in two scenes if I am not mistaken. He played a bad boy, a very handsome one.
2. Styling - I loved his styling for this drama. Cheng Cheng was smoking hot when wearing biker outfit. In fact he won the poll for best looking male lead in biker outfit on subreddit CShortDramas. I also loved FL's pink dress that she wore for this drama poster.
3. Shots - The scenes of them riding a motorbike were beautifully shot.
4. Kisses - Hot, passionate kisses.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - He was bloody rude & possessive. Never apologised to FL for his abhorrent behaviour.
2. FL characterisation - She seemed like a doormat. I don't understand the appeal of being with someone who is rude and horrible to you. I think she is the type who believes she can change him. Girl needed to understand and value her own worth.
3. Plot - Quite dull that I fell asleep and felt the story didn't progress much. No need to rewind.
4. Romance - Albeit the passionate kisses, the romance element was lacklustre. I didn't buy their romance at all.

Favourite scene
When ML & FL were riding on motorbike

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FL terminated employment of bodyguard ML after realising her love was a lost cause

Huang Bo is my no. 1 favourite vertical drama actor. I remember when this drama was a fresh release - a few members of subreddit CShortDramas said it was good drama. I watched the same weekend and yes, I have to agree with those members. The drama was good due to the writing & performances.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was wise and cool. I loved that she saw a lost cause (her unrequited love) and moved on. She wanted to be cherished so she looked for a partner that could give that to her. I also liked that she was firm with her stance.
2. ML characterisation - Huang Bo's character is the main male lead even though he was a character I loved to hate (there you go again Huang Bo playing a scumbag). A case of mistaken identity gone wrong. Despite his bad behaviour, I liked that he learnt his lesson & tried to win FL's heart even without success.
3. Supporting characters - SML was definitely awesome. I was tickled by the fact he too applied to become FL's bodyguard. ML's assistant was another character I liked.
4. Writing - I loved it especially the second half of the drama. I didn't know where this story was headed and never got bored / felt the need to check my phone while watching the drama.
5. Bodyguard scenes - With ML & SML being bodyguards, we go to see some action scenes. I also liked the bodyguard audition scene.
6. Acting - This is my first drama of Meng Jia Xin and she nailed the assignment. Huang Bo gave a great performance too. I cried when he cried reading FL's diary. His facial expression and tone of voice moved me during that scene. Sun Yi Xun was good in his role too.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Xie Yi Yao was annoying & manipulative. Definitely know how to make people do things for her.
2. Romance - Unfortunately the romance between FL and SML was underdeveloped. I would love to see more scenes of their relationship journey from allies whom were married to each other to full romantic partners.
3. Bullying - I hated that ML allowed FL to be bullied by Yi Yao. That should already send warning bells about Yi Yao being a bad person.
4. ML's actions - He was a poor bodyguard always prioritising Yi Yao over his client (FL). FL was too nice to let bad behaviour to continue for a period of time but I was relieved his employment was terminated.

Favourite scene
When FL asked ML to let go of his pursuit and move on with his life

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Age gap romance with sweet & spice. Antagonists had too much screentime

I added this drama to my watchlist months ago but forgot about it until today when a reddit friend mentioned it. So I watched it and it was mostly enjoyable.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I liked that they were affectionate with each other. ML was smitten with her and when he saw her a month after their one night stand, he seemed determined to get to know her. FL also was genuinely interested with ML.
2. Main characters - They were likeable & nice people. I like that ML told FL not to be nice to unkind people and she followed suit.
3. Supporting characters - ML's mother was MVP for welcoming FL into their lives with open arms. She was the romantic one in the family.
4. Acting - Good performances by Zheng Cheng Yue & Zhang Xuan. Their chemistry was great.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Jiao Jiao got away with being mean too many times. Her antics were tiresome and glad she received retribution at the end. FL's ex was a scumbag. FL's mom & brother were self-absorbed.
2. Duration - This drama was close to 3 hours. I found the bullying scenes draggy - writer & director should have cut them off. I prefer more scenes of FL & ML romance.

Favourite scene
When ML & FL kissed in the living room

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Gorgeous leads but lack of chemistry and weak storytelling didn't meet my expectations

It had been awhile since I last watched Zhang Chu Xuan drama so I decided to check this out. I had seen 1 or 2 dramas of Chen Ming Hao. Hhhhhmm I felt something was missing in this drama. I didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted to.

What I liked:
1. Opening scene - That's what hook me to watch this drama.
2. Visuals - What a gorgeous pairing! Both Zhang Chu Xuan and Chen Ming Hao were stunning in this drama. Beautiful outfits.
3. Alliance - I liked that FL was resourceful. She had allies in her plan to bring her husband down.


What I disliked:
1. Storytelling - I couldn't stay engaged during the drama. I didn't find the revenge arc interesting enough. FL's husband / soon-to-be-ex-husband was a good character to love to hate but overall this drama was monotonous.
2. Romance - If you look at the synopsis, this boss-employee relationship had the potential of forbidden romance. However I didn't sense much pull dynamics between them.
3. Acting - ZCX & CMH acting were ok in their individual roles. However I couldn't feel any chemistry between them.
4. Smoking - So much smoking in this drama.

Favourite scene
When FL recruited ML to become her bodyguard

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Two people with opposite upbringing falling in love but too bad antagonist got a lot of screen time

I was intrigued by the title of this drama on dailymotion - The Nerd and The Gangster's Daughter. Then I realised Zhang Ruo Chen portrayed FL - I like her acting very much. I watched it and overall it was a good watch.

What I liked:
1. Romance - The meet cute was adorable! This is a sweet, slow burn romance with opposites attract conundrum. The proposal was sweet and heartfelt.
2. FL characterisation - She was trained by her mother to be an independent woman. I loved that FL can kick ass. She was also kind - she arranged activities for ML's grandmother to meet people her age. That's a sweet gesture.
3. ML characterisation - He was intelligent & perceptive. He accepted FL as she was, without making a big deal of her unconventional upbringing. Also a sweet guy.
4. Supporting characters - ML's father didn't make much appearance but he was a cool guy. I also liked Uncle Jack.
5. Elders - I liked their group activities! It was fun seeing them stay active.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's colleague / childhood friend was annoying and disrespectful. She couldn't take no for an answer and ML had repeatedly told her that he was not interested in her. The biggest disappointment is ML's grandmother. I couldn't believe what she did to FL after all the activities FL arranged for her. I didn't understand her insistence on class and status - she was just prejudice against people with different upbringing. Good that she was punished for the snobbery. ML's aunt was another horrible person. I also didn't like ML's mother for controlling her daughter. I understood her view but her approach was too aggressive.
2. Duration - This drama has a running time of 2 hours 42 minutes. I found it too long especially when antagonists were given too much screen time. I wish there was more time spent on FL-ML blossoming relationship.

Favourite scene
When ML confessed his feelings for FL and then proposed.

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