emberzmars

When unhinged ML meets & falls in love with crazy FL, chaos ensue

I was in the mood for dark and dangerous female leads and somehow came across this drama on YouTube. The title of the video was My Mafia Girl - Your sweet enemy crashes your funeral *Hottest Date Ever. So that definitely caught my attention. I enjoyed this drama immensely!

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He was crazy and unhinged. I liked that he fought against bullies haha he is a person you don't want to mess with.
2. FL characterisation - She was crazier. Don't be deceived by her dainty look - she could kick ass.
3. Supporting characters - Uncle Shen Yangzhou was my favourite because of his close bond with ML. ML's parents were entertaining.
4. Acting - Min Xing Han was brilliant in this role.
5. Romance - I loved their banter. A lot of teasing and tension. Good kisses.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Qiao Anna was a snob & bully. Quite pretentious.
2. Acting - I wish there was more chemistry between Min Xing Han and Xuan Yi Xin.

Favourite scene
The funeral

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Tale of rebirth & revenge with FL's dancing scene being my favourite scene

I watched this drama as preparation for a reddit post on Guo Yu Xin's dramas. I liked this drama but didn't love it so I didn't feature it in my post.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She wanted revenge, she planned & got it done.
2. Guo Yu Xin - Her acting was good. I particularly enjoyed her dancing scene because she was sultry, which I had rarely see.
3. Styling - Loved FL's outfits. The soft pink & mint green hanfus fit with Guo Yu Xin's skin tine. Even the princess wore beautiful hanfus.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - There were too many people against FL: her cousin & mother, her betrothed, the princess and even father. The princess was the most evil most likely because she had the most power. Glad she got her comeuppance.
2. Romance - It was underdeveloped.

Favourite scene
The dance

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Guo Yu Xin playing a girlboss who rides a motorbike and never cries. Something different!

I found this drama on Guo Yu Xin's drama playlist on YouTube. I realised this drama did not have a MDL page so I submitted it as New Title. I did not know what to expect but watched the drama and I must say I was pleasantly surprised.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Lan Yu Xi was a girlboss. She had set professional goals and was focused on achieving it. I liked that quality. I also liked her quiet confidence. It was nice to see Guo Yu Xin in this role - she rode a motorbike & did not cry in this drama!
2. Corporate espionage - ML was sent by his grandfather to steal FL's recipes. What an exciting premise! There was also an arc involving another rival of FL.
3. ML characterisation - Hahaha it was wonderful to see ML training to become a waiter at FL's restaurant. He was likeable and didn't follow his grandpa's instructions. Wang Ze Yi was good in his role.
4. Supporting characters - I lliked Dong Dong, Assistant Wang, ML's grandpa & mother, FL's mother and Liu Jia Jiao.
5. Romance - Slow burn but rewarding. Good kisses, hugging, quality time spending together. I liked that they bonded over their love for cooking.
6. Antagonist - I liked that the antagonist is a business rival and not a white moonlight. This antagonist arc had substance.

Disliked:
1. Lan Ling Er - Jealous cousin but no substance. Power / status hungry.

Favourite scene
When ML auditioned to be an employee of The Inn

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Sultry, cool & dark FL in an arranged marriage with arrogant "puppy" ML. Great acting & chemistry!

I got to know about this drama on subreddit CShortDramas. I am familar with Zhang Yi Yang's work but had never seen any of Bai Xue Ru's dramas. One day when I had more time to finish a vertical drama on one sitting, I watched this drama. I enjoyed it very much!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved her! She was sultry, cool & confident but at the same time got a dark soul & could be dangerous. Mess with her & her loved ones and she would make the perpetrator's life miserable.
2. ML characterisation - He was arrogant at the start but slowly turned out to be a goofy character. I liked that we got to see his vulnerability.
3. Romance - Damn, one of the best push-and-pull dynamics in vertical dramas. There was a sexy attraction between them from their first encounter. Their kisses were hot & passionate.
4. Acting - Wonderful performances by Bai Xue Ru and Zhang Yi Yang, individually and as on-screen couple. Their chemistry translated very well.
5. Supporting characters - Xu Zi Jie, ML's grandpa and his butler were entertaining.
6. Styling - Loved FL's outfits that the drama inspired a few ideas for my reddit posts. I liked that she even got to wear sportswear.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Shen family was horrible and toxic.
2. Duration - At 3.5 hours, the drama is long. I felt like Shen family could be given less screentime.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML visited ML's father, stepmother and stepbrother after marriage.

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High hopes for this tale of revenge & love triangle but writing was a letdown

I was browsing Huang Bo's douyin when I saw trailers of this drama. I wa excited because I like both Huang Bo and He Jian Qi's acting. Today when the drama was released I realised that Chen Yu Ling was the female lead so high hopes. Unfortunately Dangers Deal didn't meet my expectations.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Huang Bo & He Jian Qi performed very well. They gave some depth / maturity to the characters.
2. Styling - Great outfits were selected for FL, ML & SML.
3. Supporting characters - I liked SML's half bro / right hand man for his astute observations of SML's feelings for FL.
4. Intimacy - A lot of kissing. He Jian Qi sure is a great onscreen kisser.
5. Rivalry - I liked that both ML & SML were rivals in the oil business. I appreciated writer injecting some oul & gas industry knowledge, instead of the usual company competitions, to this drama.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - She was a nepo baby. Gosh I was frsutrated when ML had to explain to her about oil price fluctuations. She only wanted Duan company because she felt entitled to it. I disliked her for toying with feelings of both men.
2. Revenge - Poorly planned but somehow she managed to get 2 smart & attractive men to do the thinking for her. The plot didn't go anywhere. She just wanted to marry ML since she had said that to her dad but disguised it as her revenge plan.
3. Acting - I felt Chen Yu Ling was miscast. She didn't have enough charisma to play an heiress gamed for hostile takeover. She had some chemistry with both He Jian Qi and Huang Bo but I felt she could have pushed for more sexual tension with Huang Bo.

Favourite scene
When SML unveiled to FL his relationship with her father

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FL's character didn't meet my expectation but kissing scenes were really good

I found this drama through subreddit CShortDramas. The main actor & main actress were unfamiliar to me. The synopsis & comments intrigued me so I watched. It was an alright watch but kissing scenes were very good.

What I liked:
1. Intimacy - Many steamy, lusty kisses. Both were really into each other. There were also sweet moments.
2. Acting - Ma Xing Shuo had a commanding presence & charm in this drama. Li Zi Yi was good in her role too.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's love rival Jiamu but why did he do that to FL?

What I disliked:
1. Bullying - FL suffered too much bullying from her family and at workplace and even from ML.
2. Antagonist - ML's niece / junior colleague was despicable. She even took advantage of Jiamu. FL's family & Jiamu's sister were horrible.
2. FL's arc - At the start of the drama she was a masseuse then went to complete a law degree. I wish her career as trainee lawyer was given more screentime.
3. ML characterisation - He was the typical domineering ML. I disliked that he was egoistic with FL when they met again.
4. Romance - They started off being in transactional relationship. I wish there was more romance and wooing from ML.

Favourite scene
When FL was drunk and her inhibitions lowered

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ML pretending to be a robot but didn't act like a robot

I had been interested in this drama ever since it was released. I liked Xu Jing Shuai's acting and the concept of robots & AI. Only found a link yesterday and watched it few hours ago. This drama didn't quite meet my expectations.

What I liked:
1. Tone - It's lightweight & had some funny moments.
2. FL characterisation - She was gifted by her friend a robot as a companion. I liked that during the halfway mark, she started to question the likelihood of falling in love with a robot. It showed that she was not delusional & had a sense of reality.
2. Supporting characters - I really liked Assistant Fang who was sympathetic to both ML & FL. I also liked ML's grandma.
3. ML characterisation - I liked that he had his own story to tell because in other robot vertical dramas I watched, ML was more like a tool / accessory.
4. Dynamics - They had childhood connection that was only discovered when he became robo-companion. The master - servant relationship was mostly cute & wholesome.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's mother and brother were horrible people. I also disliked FL's jealous colleagues / rivals. They were pathetic to plagiarise and then divert the attention by slandering FL.
2. Robot - Ok, ML didn't try hard to act like a typical robot. His movements were human-like that it's silly FL never question that he was a real human being..
3. Acting - It was so-so. The main actress could have done more with her performance. There was lack of chemistry between her and Xu Jiang Shuai.

Favourite scene
When FL wanted to recharge ML's batteries

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My expectations were not met because of Fu Yu Shu's underwhelming performance

I added this drama on my Plan to Watch list months ago but only remembered to watch it last night after watching Huai Wei's uncle romance drama co-starring Liu Jia Xi. This is my second drama of his so I had some expectations. Unfortunately this drama did not meet my expectations.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - Somehow this drama reminded me of kdrama When the Phone Rings because the substitute bride is younger sister of woman betrothed to ML. ML exuded maturity, patience and gentleness and I liked that. He voluntarily offered to pick FL up from work.
2. Styling - Huai Wen looked dashing in his outfits. I liked FL's outfits too. The wedding dress gave a butterfly look while the pink chiffon evening gown was very pretty.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's mother & the dog (so adorable).
4. Huai Wen - I really liked his acting here. His facial expressions were on point. When he proposed, there were expressions of love and sincerity on his face.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - Gosh I was frustrated with her demeanor. She had a bland personality. The fact that she was a medical doctor unsure / clueless when it came to intimacy with her husband, threw me off.
2. Romance - ML was always giving (which was good) but FL hardly took any intiative until the last 30 minutes or so of the drama. It turned me off that ML always had to "remind" her of their marital obligations. She was mechanical that I found the intimate scenes awkward.
3. Antagonists - The rival doctor was pathetic.
4. Acting - Fu Yu Shu's performance was underwhelming & stiff. Despite the good kisses, there was no chemistry between her & Huai Wen.
5. Duration - There were many videos on Dailymotion with various length with the longest videl being more than 3 hours long. I chose to watch the one with 2 hours length (medium length) which I later found out it was 1.25x speed during screen recording. Even with this length, I found the drama too slow-paced for my liking.

Favourite scene
When ML proposed for real

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Chen Si Che as a painter seeking revenge while Yao Guan Yu looking like a sexy vampire

I am a fan of Chen Si Che so I was excited to know that she worked with Yao Guan Yu on a drama. I didn't know what to expect from the poster but watched it within few days of release. I liked it.

What I liked:
1. Romance - The first part of the drama concerned me because of ML's behaviour. However the dynamics turned after some time apart. There were sweet & spicy moments in their romance story. I really liked scenes of them laughing.
2. Revenge - I liked it enough despite the twists. I kinda feel some softness when it came to the execution - I think because she was cool & less angry in comparison to FLs in other revenge dramas.
3. Acting - Chen Si Che and Yao Guan Yu seemed relaxed in this drama. I liked their chemistry and individually did well.
4. Styling - Yao Guan Yu seemed like a vampire with the outfits that he wore. Oh he also looked like Korean singer-songwriter Bang Yongguk with the outfits.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - The Lin family was horrible people. The kids were idiots that were spoilt rotten by their father. Their own revenge plan was like a child's play.
2. Acting - I felt the actor who played FL's supposed fiancé had interesting look but gave underwhelming performance. His character was quite crucial to the story.

Favourite scene
When FL told a wonderful surprise to ML

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Sweet with a dash of spice fantasy drama. Good chemistry!

I was preparing for a reddit post on Cheng Cheng so chose this drama as part of my assignment. FL is unfamiliar to me. Overall I liked this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked her humbleness and gentleness. She was pushed to a corner by ML because of her sister's situation but I didn't perceive her as doormat.
2. Romance - Good despite the slow build up. Sweet and spicy and I could sense desire coming from both parties. I wish there were more bonding scenes before the revelation so I could feel his pain more.
3. Fantasy - I enjoyed the fantasy element of this story. Star-crossed lovers who later reincarnated in this couple. I also liked the love lock concept.
4. Supporting characters - FL's sister was awesome. Despite her frailty, she was protective and I loved the warning she gave to ML. I also liked ML's assistant.
5. Acting - I really liked Huang Li Ting and Cheng Cheng's acting. She was good at evoking emotions of her characters while Cheng Cheng's acting really shined when his ML started longing for FL's affections. There was great chemistry between Huang Li Ting and Cheng Cheng which made me believe that their characters deserved a happy ending.
6. Third act - I must say that this was one of the few dramas with third act I enjoyed. It had a plot twist that made the drama unpredictable.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's uncle and aunt were horrible people. I also disliked ML's mother for her selfishness even though I understood her intentions.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML consummated their marriage

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I love the chemistry and theme of belonging in this drama

It has been awhile since I last watched Cheng Cheng dramas. This drama came highly recommended in subreddit CShortDramas. I decided to watch it today as I am preparing post in line with a special week. Glad I watched this drama because it was good.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was smart & observant. I liked her cunning plans to punish people who crossed her.
2. Romance - FL seduced ML and I loved it because both brothers fell into her trap. The kisses were steamy and lusty. There were a few sweet & tender moments too.
3. Plot - I found it refreshing & nicely unpredictable as it moved from cheating partner to family issues. The core theme of belonging was strongly used in this drama and I loved it. The plot twist at the halfway mark was a pleasant surprise.
4. Acting - Fantastic acting by Yuan Yun Xuan and Cheng Cheng and they had great chemistry. I also liked the performance by ML's mother.
5. Supporting characters - Even though I disliked ML's mother and He Jiao Jiao at the start, they proved to have some depth.
6. Styling - I liked FL's outfits with my favourite piece being the knee high boots. I also liked the slight styling contrast for the two brothers.

Disliked:
1. Antagonists - The Xiaos were money hungry with Xiao Ya being the worst character in this drama.
2. Lost heir arc - I wish FL hadn't accepted the news from Gu grandpa that easily. It'd be good if she had thought about it overnight first before going to Gu family home. I also thought the asset handover was made too easy.

Favourite scene
When FL was hospitalised after a fire

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That random conversation made this time-travel drama memorable

This drama has been in my playlist since the day I created this MDL page. Last night I was in the mood for morally grey main characters so I decided to watch this drama. Overall it was a good watch.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She's quick thinker & compassionate and I liked that.
2. ML characterisation - I liked the character development and was surprised when I found out the twist.
3. Acting - Such a magnetic performance by Wang Nan - he totally embodied his character. I enjoyed watching Sun Qian Xun in this role especially in dramatic scenes. She showed to us that she could do well in both comedic and dramatic moments.
4. Comedy - Funny moments were plentiful and my favourite is the random conversation between FL and ML.
5. Relationship - They started off on the wrong foot but slowly formed alliance and later romantic feelings.
6. Plague - I liked how the story of plague was embedded in this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - The concept was good but execution was less compelling. I was bored when scenes of antagonists appeared that I increased speed to 2.0
2. Romance - Their first intimate encounter didn't sit well with me because ML was injured / unconscious. Anyway I wish there were more sweet and tender moments between FL and ML.

Favourite scene
That random conversation between FL and ML.

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Chen Gang was endearing in this campus drama about longtime crush & second chance

I have to admit that I haven’t watched anything by Chen Bai Qiao since Mermaid Husband. So when I found out that his newest drama is a youth / campus drama and he looked like a bad boy in that poster, I was sold! Clicked “Play” and 5 minutes in, I already was enjoying the drama. I want to hug him too!

What I liked:
1. Main characters - This is my first drama that involves the rebirth of two protagonists. It’s working for me because both characters were very likeable. Rich MLs start to bore me so it’s great this ML is from a middle class family.
2. Romance - Lin Ran was a low profile student who suddenly seemed desirable to 3 girls. I loved that Su Qing Yan staked her claim as his girlfriend. Oh, she pursued him and I liked it a lot!
3. Monologue - I really enjoyed the inner thoughts of ML, FL, ML’s best friend and even ML’s white moonlight. They were often the comedic relief.
4. Supporting characters - My favourite is ML's best friend. He was funny but observant & mature. I also liked ML's parents.
5. Mystery - I like this small arc. Who wanted to kill FL and why?

What I disliked:
1. Ending - It was neat but too short. I wish that very last moment was much longer.
2. Nails - I disliked long fake nails.
3. Kisses - We didn't get any.

Favourite scene
When ML’s best friend witnessed ML asking FL out. It’s funny because it was awkward and endearing at the same time.

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Saccharine sweet romance about longtime crush

I like Shi Yue Yue's acting so when I saw the poster of this drama on my favourite website, I decided to watch it. Overall, it was an Ok watch.

What I liked:
1. Relationship - They started with one -night stand then flash marriage. Their interactions were very wholesome and respectful. I liked the fact that they worked together in the same company.
2. Feng Yi Yang - This is my first dramas of his and I quite liked his acting.
3. ML characterisation - Sweet Mr Nice Guy. He protected FL from being bullied by her family. I liked that he apologised after realising he made false assumption about FL.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's sister.
5. Styling - I liked ML's outfits.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Underdeveloped. Both liked each other but too scared to make a move. It was frustrating. I wanted more kisses & physical touches!!!
2. Antagonists - FL's stepmother and half-sister were nasty and annoying.

Favourite scene
When FL and ML's sister went into his room to search for photo of his white moonlight

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Thriller mystery that was ok except FL's underwhelming performance

I was perusing new drama releases on my favourite website when I saw the poster and the translated title of the drama. I figured it would by a thriller / mysyery drama and it was. Overall, an OK watch.

What I liked:
1. Writing - I liked the twists of the drama. Writer did well in unveiling the mystery.
2. Acting - ML's acting was good. He made me guess and assume things.
3. Duration - It was well-paced for a drama less than 90 minutes. I liked that it wasn't draggy.

What I disliked:
1. Acting - FL's acting was underwhelming for me that I couldn't empathised with her plight.

Favourite scene
When FL found out what actually happened

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