emberzmars

Drama about adopted vs biological family with a satisfying comeuppance

I was in the mood for dramas about sibling dynamics when I saw this drama in the Newly added section of MDL tv shows. This is my first time watching Lin Rui Xue and second time watching Zhou Ling Feng. I have mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - It's good to watch Jiang Yao's character development. She was nice but naive when she was younger but after the hardships, she was assertive and determined not to forgive those who have bullied them.
2. Ending - Love it! FL never wavered from her stance and those who bullied her got their comeuppance.
3. The Songs - Great to see a very supportive adopted family. I really liked it that they were happy with whatever college entrance exam score that Jiang Yao received.
4. Plot twist - Wow I was very surprised when a bomb was dropped by Mr Jiang in the third act. I liked that line about it's unfair that Jiang Yao was being punished for something that happened before she was born.

What I disliked:
1. Abuse - It was tough watching the harsh treatment given to Jiang Yao when she lived in Jiang household. I was almost in tears during some flashbacks.
2. Mingzhu - Insufferable brat. I hated her!
3. FL's biological family - While I sympathised with her brothers especially the eldest, the whole family of 5 were despicable. The parents were the worst! Anyway I wish the writer had developed third brother character in different way by letting him feel guilty for the actions he had done before he discovered the truths. Because now all three brothers experienced the same trajectory - feeling sorry & regretful after finding out the truths. Why have 3 brother characters when you could do with 2?

Favourite scene
When Jiang Yao received the honour of the school's top scorer

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Short & sweet version of Kdrama Business Proposal with attractive leads that can act

I watched this drama yesterday because I wanted to explore Zhao Xi Xi's dramas. Love her dramas with Zhen Zi Qi & Huang Bo. I enjoyed this short shorts immensely.

What I liked:
1. Romance - It has similar premise to Korean drama Business Proposal and I love it! The romance is very sweet.
2. Visuals - Wow, good looking people were cast. Zhao Xi Xi & Hu Bo Wen are tall like models. The actor who played FL's ex is handsome too.
3. FL characterisation - She invested a lot of time and money for her bf & was underappreciated & got dumped. I felt for FL's pain and enjoyed seeing her character grow from that experience.
4. ML characterisation - He got suspicious of his date after awhile. Smart man. I like that he's a nice CEO.
5. Supporting character - FL's bestie of course. FL's colleagues were nice people.
6. Product placement - A subtle one. Sensible approach.
7. Length - It's only 45 minutes long. Well-paced drama.

What I disliked:
1. Couple scenes - I would have liked if there are more scenes after the couple finally got together. The last scene isn't enough.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML had their first date

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Jiejie romance amidst family betrayal & hidden identity

Lin Qi Ting and Wang Qian Shuo acted together in two different dramas but both are about older woman, younger man romance. I got confused when I came across the other drama's MDL page. Delighted that this page is live for me to share my thoughts. I liked this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - FL Lin Zhixia is a jewellery designer who had been betrayed by her family.
2. ML characterisation - ML Huo Lingfei is a young CEO who hides his identity from FL and applied to become her intern.
3. Romance - This is a jiejie romance (8 year difference) with good mix of push & pull. The shower kissing scene was hot but I don't understand why other kissing scenes were blocked. There was a cute surprise scene. Lin Qi Ting & Wang Qian Shuo had great acting & visual chemistry.
4. Supporting characters - ML's assistant was nice & cute.
5. Ageism - I liked that this drama explored the issue of ageism in the workplace.
6. Styling - I really outfits worn by FL & ML. The gowns worn by FL and FL's sister were pretty too. My favourite ML outfit is the denim & white top he wore during their date

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's father & sister just shameless & envious. FL's ex boyfriend was douchebag too but the actor who played the character is handsome.

Favourite scene
The shower scene

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Too much bullying but otherwise sweet romance

I watched this drama months ago when I was in the mood for Zhang Yi Lun dramas. I came across the poster & realised the drama did not have MDL so I submitted as New Title. I have mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Wow the location of their one night stand is just unbelievable. Putting that aside, their romance was sweet and bit spicy. Good kisses.
2. Acting - I quite enjoyed Li Ai Xiao's acting despite her character's weak nature. Zhang Yi Lun's acting was fine too.
3. ML characterisation - I liked that he's always reassuring FL to come to him if she has concerns.
4 Supporting characters - I liked FL's biological mother.
5. Styling - After marriage, FL wore beautiful clothes. I liked her evening gowns and wedding dress.

What I disliked:
1. Bullying - FL faced bullies almost all the time - at home, at work, during shopping trip. It's mentally tiring for me to watch those scenes.
2. FL characterisation - She is a damsel in distress that requires saving.
3. Antagonist - Typical green tea who is envious of FL and delusional about her relationship with ML.

Favourite scene
When they kissed after getting married

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Poster didn't meet genre expectation but I enjoyed this drama

I saw this drama poster somewhere and thought it was a fantasy / sci-fi drama. Proposed it to my buddy Fae so we did buddy watch. Both main actor & main actress were unfamiliar to me. Sadly drama didn't meet our genre expectations & subtitles went missing in the second half of drama. However I enjoyed this drama to my surprise. If there is another video with full subtitles, I would watch it.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved that she's a martial arts expert so was able to protect herself from harm. I also liked her sensible nature - I felt that she made decisions carefully even during the 2nd half of drama when subtitles went missing. She is also compassionate and kind hearted - I was moved when she carried her husband while running away from the enemy.
2. Romance - This is the second biggest surprise. I didn't expect the couple to be affectionate at all. I was pleasantly surprised when ML kissed FL while in the office and in public. Even though there was flashback to their chance encounter while they were in high school, I think ML fell in love with him when she carried him on her back.
3. Styling - FL's clothes were carefully chosen for the different occasions. Right choice of clothes for an excursion to the mountain / village. She also wore sensible clothes in scenes that required fighting. I also liked that FL's sister wore beret. Easier to distinguish between her and FL.
4. Supporting character - FL's right hand / SML was adorable. I could sense his crush on her but yeah he was so not meant for her.

What I disliked:
1. Misleading poster - I was conned. I thought it was a Sci fi drama!
2. Missing subtitles - It sucks. I could do guesswork for most scenes but I still don't know who is the mysterious antagonist that had connection with ML's uncle.

Favourite scene
When FL carried ML on her back

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Letdown by the romance but I ponder about being indebted

I was impressed by Sa Gang Yun's acting & visuals in Love in the Evening Wind & Stars so I browsed his list of work. I chose to watch this drama because I enjoy Bai Yan's acting. I have mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked that she had her pride intact despite the torture & humiliation she faced.
2. ML characterisation - I could see that he was attracted by FL from the start and helped her in the way he could. He was a flawed character nevertheless. I was frustrated that he never verbalise his feelings for FL until an incident happened.
3. Indebted - This drama made me ponder about gratitude and "being" indebted. If someone saves your life, are you going to be eternally indebted to the savior? Is there no end to the request of support / favour?
4. Acting - Bai Yan, Sa Gang Yun & Huo Guan Jie were good in their roles.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - There were so much potential with the push & pull and chemistry between Sa Gang Yun & Bai Yan. However I was disappointed by the lack of physical touch (kisses, hug, caress) and warmth between them. They also suffered from lack of communication.
2. Antagonists - FL's ex boyfriend was possessive & controlling that I feared for FL's life. The green tea interfered with the couple's life, she's manipulative & annoying.
3. Length - This melodramatic was long and at some point, draggy. I wish certain scenes were removed and the couple was given more time for their romance to grow healthily.

Favourite scene
When ML came to the kidnapping scene

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Longtime crush rewarded with heavy kisses once they got together

I watched this drama at the recommendation of reddit member who says that this drama has FL chasing ML first. I have mixed feelings about this drama.but overall it was a good watch.

What I liked:
1. Romance - This drama is heavy on kisses - good quantity & quality. FL & ML went all out with passion & desire felt in their makeout session. There were also sweet gestures done by both FL & ML.
2. Styling - I really liked clothes worn by FL who was 22 years old because they reflected her youthfulness.
3. Acting - This is first time watching drama of both Li Jia Chen & Li Ya Ya. They were good in their roles as they seemed very comfortable with the close contact.

What I disliked:
1. Length - This drama is almost 3 hours long that I felt bored halfway through so I doubled the speed. I wish the pre-confession phase was shortened and antagonists' screentime were reduced.
2. Antagonists - There were 2 of them and both got a lot of screentime. One should be jailed for his crime.
3. FL's characterisation - In general, I am not a fan of childlike FL. She is one of them but her act is tolerable because it's just her playful nature.

Favourite scene
Their first intimate encounter

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A heartfelt romance between mature aged couple with ML looking like Dr McSteamy

I was watching something on Youtube then an ad from Dramawave appeared. The guy was hot even though character was supposed to be middle aged man! I tried searching for the drama on reddit and then watched the drama in full. Wow, I was pleasantly surprised by drama because it was heartfelt. This drama definitely goes to my 'watch on repeat' list.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - The first scene reminded me of A Night Deeply Drunk on the Spring Breeze. FL was trying to sell eggs to a doctor as a desperate attempt to get big money but in this drama, FL was less damsel in distress. I was floored by her kindness and authenticity. Pan Yiyi was excellent in her role.
2. Romance - Damn this romance involves 2 mature age individuals (past 35 years old) and they were hot! Their intimate scenes were hot and tastefully done. I could sense the lust and desire they had for each other. That advice about intimate relations during pregnancy was much appreciated! In addition, I loved that this couple was affectionate. They held hands & spent quality time with each other. I was moved when FL felt cherished by ML
3. ML characterisation - I think ML is the type of person who never thought about love but once he has felt the possibility of loving and being loved, he wants to get hold of it. I liked that he was committed to making their relationship work. This was my first time watching Sa Gang Yun and wow, he impressed me. Looks wise, he gave me the vibe of Dr McSteamy of Grey's Anatomy.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's sister and grandma although I was irritated by grandma's silly question close to the ending. I also liked FL's daughter though wish she would make an appearance during the ending.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Damn, FL's ex husband was a vile person! There was also green tea who tried her best to bring down FL but luckily her attempts were unsuccessful.
2. Abuse - FL suffered so much but I am delighted that she found a way out of those situations.

Favourite scene
When ML celebrated FL's birthday

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FL set a trap but got caught in big family saga. Spectacular acting by 3 leads

I am huge fan of Huang Bo and have seen Zhao Xi Xi's drama with Zhen Zi Qi which I love. I watched Your Trap last year and while I enjoyed certain areas of that mini drama, I found flaws with the writing. Huang Bo and Zhao Xi Xi's new drama will be released in 3 days so that prompted me to watch this drama as an "appetiser". I must say that I enjoyed Into The Abyss so much more than Your Trap.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Wow, spectacular acting by Zhao Xi Xi, Huang Bo and the actor who played SML Lin Zong Yi. I was engrossed in the drama whenever they appeared on screen.
2. Romance - I have mixed feelings about their romance. Two intimate scenes were hot & thrilling because it was a challenge to them and I could see desire and consent in both of them. However ML was aggressive towards FL at other times which made me question his genuineness. Despite that, there was one sweet act done by ML for FL.
3. Styling - The stylist should be given a raise for the beautiful outfits. Zhao Xi Xi looked elegant for an assistant while Huang Bo was very handsome with that hairstyle and those business suits.
4. Antagonists - What a complex group of antagonists. Even with the complicated mess, I appreciated the arcs given to the three antagonists.
5. Ending - It is great that the ending is light & happy.

What I disliked:
1. ML's characterisation - Such a polarising character. I felt his anger when he was played by FL but I couldn't stand his aggressiveness and jealousy.
2. FL characterisation - She thought she could be in control of the game she set but she got entangled as well. I disliked her lies to ML but found her Ok in the third act.

Favourite scene
When FL seduced ML while he answered his wife's call

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Offbeat romcom that looks at long distance relationship

Over the weekend I watched Lin Qiting-Wang Qianshuo dramas and got to know that she and her real life partner Peng Yu have acted together. This is my first drama of theirs. I enjoyed this offbeat romcom.

What I liked:
1. Comedy - I didn't expect this drama to be humourous. A lot of laughs from start till almost the end. Just leave your logic when the drama starts.
2. Romance - I saw their romance as a long distance relationship. They were not able to be in close proximity but they made it work within the capacity that they had been given. I could see that ML genuinely cared for FL.
3. ML characterisation - I really liked his character. That confrontation between ML and that family of three was well written. I was delighted that he stood up for himself. This is my first time watching Peng Yu and I was charmed by his acting.
4. Supporting characters - I was wary of the artefacts expert and arms dealer but wow they turned out to be allies of ML. FL's general was also delightful to watch though I think FL was too generous about the sharing.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Gosh I hated ML's ex and her family. Opportunistic, selfish and disrespectful to the elders. I had no issues with ancient antagonist since it was done sensibly.
2. FL's styling - I disliked long, fake nails and this being a historical drama, it didn't make sense for an empress to have long nails with some art. Lin Qiting should have them removed. I also disliked her outfit when she confronted the enemy. The shoes did not make sense!

Favourite scene
When ML's lunch disappeared

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Sexy jiejie romance with FL as CEO of entertainment company

Thank you Jwells for sharing the link. I got this drama confused with another Lin Qiting-Wang Qianshuo drama, also about jiejie romance. To avoid further confusion, I watched this drama and must say I enjoyed this drama more than the first collab drama I watched.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Scenes of Lin Xi and Du Ze were sweet while scenes of Lin Xi and masked lover was hot. Great seduction and framing of shots.
2. FL characterisation - Girl boss! I loved her statement at a surprise stakeholder meeting in which another stakeholder tried to steal her CEO position. FL faced bullies head on.
3. Acting - Lin Qiting was excellent in her role as female CEO. Wang Qianshuo was impressive too as he was able to showcase different identities of ML - timid Du Ze & mysterious but bold Xan Sang Guo / masked lover.
4. Supporting characters - I was wary of the stakeholders because of the resistance towards FL but Mr Huang won me over with his loyalty & common sense.
5. Styling - I loved Lin Qiting's outfits. She looked gorgeous & sultry in the red dress and I also liked her white dress that she wore to work (as seen in the poster). ML wore great outfits too.
6. Competition - I liked the competition at the end because we got to see another aspect of FL's work (i.e. it's not just meetings & working at desk).

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Kudos to writer for well-written main antagonist. Li Shun was a solid antagonist as he envies FL for being a CEO of their company. This guy was evil and would stop at nothing to bring down Li Xi. ML's admirer Wei Xin was second antagonist. Typical green tea - jealous at Lin Xi for being adored by ML. Annoying as hell.
2. Ending - It was abrupt for my liking. I wish Li Shun & Wei Xin were caught by police & given harsh punishment for his crimes.

Favourite scene
When ML seduced FL in dressing room

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Fascinated by poster, enchanted by traditional art & culture

I ak extremely delighted that this drama has its own MDL page. Thank you approver! I was browsing the new releases at my usual vertical Cdrama website and found this poster. Such a captivating imagery! Will researching on this drama for New Title submission, I came across few articles. I will share links about this drama in the comments section. Anyway I decided to watch this drama yesterday - I enjoyed it immensely.

What I liked:
1. Culture - This drama features the culture of Yi ethnic group. I love the embroidery work and the bold motifs showcased in this drama. Beautiful! The art reminds me of Kadazan & Iban ethic groups in my home country, Malaysia.
2. FL characterisation - She's quiet but not meek. Very determined to showcase her art and culture through her work as a fashion designer. Even though she made questionable choices, I think that's part of her character's growth. This is my first time watching Zhang Li Qing and I really liked her portrayal of Ayimo.
3. ML characterisation - I liked his arc, from a child to the successful man he had become. His character experienced some growth as well. Serlacong is the name of the actor. He is handsome, tall and lean plus charming even though he seemed inexperienced.
4. Romance - Sweet romance with ML pining over FL. I understand FL's hesitation even when there were times I was frustrated by the development of their relationship. Nevertheless ML's love confession was heartfelt and beautifully shot.
5. Supporting characters - ML's assistant was awesome! I also liked FL's biological family. Bro was pint sized adorable.
6. Ending - Gorgeous. My eyes were teary because I was very moved by the scene.
7. Pacing - This drama is less than 1 hour 15 minutes and well-paced.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's ex and his family were atrocious but were given a good arc. It's rare to see antagonist reflecting after receiving retribution. The other antagonist, the guy with Lisa, got me confused. I didn't understand his beef with ML. Maybe I didn't pay attention.

Favourite scene
ML's love confession

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Romance is underdeveloped but overall OK watch

I have been missing Zhen Zi Qi lately so I picked this drama to watch. Some scenes were so familiar. Omg, it annoys me that I have watched this drama but forgot to write a review.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation- I liked seeing different facets of ML. He was wary of FL at first but some of FL peculiarities reminded him of a childhood friend. Then his behaviour towards FL changed.
2. FL characterisation - She was on a mission and I liked that she was able to stand up to bullies. I liked how she tricked 3 bullies at the hotel.
3. Styling - I liked the teal green suit worn by Zhen Zi Qi. After watching many Jia Yixuan dramas, I feel like I know her preferred fashion style.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - While there were kisses and sweet gestures, I felt that writer & director focused too much on individual pursuits. They were childhood buddies / crush then once they met and verified identity of other person, they just resumed their childhood agreement.
2. Antagonist - I got bored with the drama, to be honest.

Favourite scene
When ML was surprised by FL's bold move

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Well-written and compact fantasy romance drama

I found this drama while going through Liu Qing's drama playlist on Youtube. However I only watched this drama last week when I wanted to watch something that is less than 90 minutes. This is one of the best written vertical dramas I have watched.

What I liked:
1. Plot - I must say I was hesitant to watch another merman story because My Mermaid Husband is a letdown. Thankfully this drama did justice to mermaid trope because of the excellent writing. A Youtube user mentioned that this drama's plot is similar to Kdrama My Demon but I beg to differ. This is a better fantasy drama. I appreciate the gender reversal with FL being a boss and ML being her assistant. I also liked the antagonist arc because it did not involve any love rival or jealous family members.
2. Product placement - This is my 2nd or 3rd time watching a Chinese drama heavy with product placement and yes, it was clever marketing. The writer brilliantly interweaved the products into the story that the products seemed relevant to the characters.
3. FL characterisation - I loved that FL was hardworking, smart & fair boss. This is my first time watching Yi La playing a serious character and she did well.
4. ML characterisation - Liu Qing usually portrayed intense characters so I liked this one the most because he was funny! ML was smart (i) to apply for a position of FL's assistant in order to retrieve his missing item, and (ii) to use resources around FL.
5. Supporting characters - OMG, this drama has different set of supporting characters that provided intel for ML and comedic relief for us.
6. Romance - Mostly sweet romance. I watched a few of Yi La's dramas so I know that she doesn't do real kissing. That's fine because the romance in this drama is believable enough.

What I disliked:
1. Ending - I usually don't mind vague ending because I could make my own interpretation easily. However this one left me with some unanswered questions.

Favourite scene
When ML showed FL his special power

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Romcom with great chemistry and no third party wrecking FL-ML relationship

I was intrigued by this drama because of Chen Zheng Yang and Zhu Mo Yan. I like their style of acting and was delighted to have found this drama. I watched this drama on 5 January 2025 and only realised there was no MDL page last month. Delighted that this page is up & running because now I can tell people about how wonderful this drama is.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Sweet romcom that is greatly supported by the off-the-charts chemistry between Chen Zheng Yang and Zhu Mo Yan. This is one of the few vertical dramas that does not have third party (green tea, love rival or family members) wrecking the relationship between FL and ML.
2. Intro scene - Their first meeting was a total meet cute and it was very hilarious!
3. FL characterisation - I loved that she was a vet! She was smart and rational.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's sister and ML's grandma. That surprise overnight stay was very clever of grandma.
5. Family - I loved that family was the core theme of this drama. There is love between FL and her sister and between ML and his grandma. I also liked that a family was formed between ML and FL through marriage.
6. Ending - What a beautiful scene!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - FL's brother in law is a baddie here but overall his role had just enough screen time.

Favourite scene
When ML prepared dinner for FL

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