emberzmars

Sheng Yi Jie & Yang Han made a sexy pairing

I enjoyed Sheng Yi Jie - Yang Han drama in which they have a cute son. So when I found out there is another collab drama, I was excited. I liked this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I always like Sheng Yi Jie - Yang Han pairing and it's great that they were more lovey-dovey here. I liked the moment she realised her feelings for ML.
2. Acting - Damn, the visual and acting chemistry was electric. Both were great in their roles individually and as a couple.
3. ML characterisation - Green flag.
4. Styling - Great outfits for FL. I didn't like ML's glasses but I guess stylist chose them to emphasise his Mr Nice Guy persona since antagonist was more baby-faced.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Her ex husband was too controlling & selfish. She should have done stricter measurement with contact.
2. Secret identity - I disliked that she didn't come clean with ML about her goal to get her mother’s shares. They could have worked together to achieve that goal.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML were lying in bed

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The kissiest "I marry my ex's father" story

I am a massive fan of Huang Bo. I thought this was an uncle romance drama but it turns out to be a drama with I marry my ex's father storyline. It had been awhile since Huang Bo played a green flag character so I was extremely delighted to see him in positive light. I enjoyed this drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Huang Bo was very kissy in this drama. There were 2 kissing scenes within the first 15 minutes. Out of the many I marry my ex's father vertical dramas, this drama has the most kissing scenes. On a serious note, I liked that ML didn't allow FL to avoid conversation about their relationship. He asked FL to give him and their relationship a chance.
2. Hidden identity - ML found out thar his son was FL's ex early on in the drama. I also liked that ML's work identity was revealed in the first 30 minutes. He also came clean to FL soon after.
3. ML characterisation - He trusted FL from the start - he never doubted her kind and sincere demeanour. I also liked seeing his softer side when he was with FL.
4. FL characterisation - Likeable even though she was a damsel. At least she didn't buy her ex's lies. She also showed some growth once she got into serious relationship with ML.
5. Acting - Zhi Peng seemed like a new and young actress. For me, she gave a good performance as unworldly young woman in relationship with much older man. She also never shied away from intense kissing so well done to her. Huang Bo gave good performance too especially when his ML showed his softer side.
6. Supporting characters - I liked ML's assistant.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - We had dumb (Jiao Jiao) and dumber (Ming Hao). Their envy was next level. Ming Hao was childish & undeserving of his family's wealth.
2. ML's mother - I disliked her for being easily manipulated.
3. Bullying - FL was often bullied at workplace and at home. These scenes ought to be reduced or omited - I prefer the couple to get more screentime.

Favourite scene
ML's marriage proposal

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Great chemistry between Min Jie and Chen Ci - I enjoyed this drama

I was told by someone in subreddit CShortDramas that there is a cosplay scene in this drama. The fact that I could never find a Min Jie drama that I enjoyed prompted me to watch this drama. Glad I did because I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. Romance - plenty of kisses. I liked that FL tended to ML's needs. She made effort to love ML because in most vertical dramas, MLs are the ones making initiatives. I could sense growing love and affections between them.
2. FL characterisation - I liked her genuine care for ML. The temple scene was heartwarming.
3. Styling - I really liked ML's clothes. He wore a lot of collarless shirts that I often saw in Japanese clothing store Uniqlo. The cosplay scene was sexy and sweet - I liked it very much!
4. ML characterisation - I liked seeing his character grow. He was also smart in protecting himself from danger.
5. Acting - Min Jie and Chen Ci were good in their roles. They had excellent chemistry - I believed their love journey. Finally I found a Min Jie drama that I enjoyed.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family was fake & greedy. Their reaction upon hearing FL's characters was unbelievable. Sadly ML's family was evil too.
2. ML's action - I disliked him for holding FL captive.
3. Duration - At 2 hours 50 minutes, this drama was too long for me.

Favourite scene
When FL made her entrance after "fake" death

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Carefully executed revenge for the betrayal FL endured

I found out about this drama when I checked Cheng Cheng's MDL profile back in August. I was stoked because I am a fan of Cheng Cheng and Zhang Chu Xuan. I watched it today on its release day. Overall I enjoyed this revenge drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Zhang Chu Xuan, Cheng Cheng, the actor who played SML & the actress who played SFL were great in their roles.
2. Revenge - This is the main focus of the drama. The plan was elaborate and executed very carefully. I appreciate that SML & SFL were given more character depth & screentime as a result.
3. FL characterisation - I was sympathetic with her situation as she was scammed by her husband before they were married. I liked that she sought justice for herself instead of just going for divorce.
4. Styling - Beautiful outfits worn by the cast. Cheng Cheng even wore a jacket without a shirt.
5. Third act - It was fascinating because I couldn't predict where the story was heading.
6. Supporting characters - I liked that employee of SFL.

What I disliked
1. Antagonists - FL's husband & his mistress were evil for their scamming FL. I also disliked FL's son for siding with his father & being rude to FL. Brainwashed.
2. Duration - This drama is almost 3 hours long. Some sections had slow pacing so I got distracted easily.
3. Romance - There were some romantic moments between FL & ML but beware that romance is not the focus of this drama.

Favourite scene
When SFL found out that she had been duped by FL

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Bold opening scene, fiery kisses & sizzling chemistry the reasons I enjoyed this drama very much

I am a fan of Shi Yue Yue and Jin Jia Yu's acting. When this drama was released, I clicked to see what is the drama about? Wow, the first three minutes was shocking. I thought it was another version of The Bright Moon so I continued to watch. It isn't but to my surprise, I enjoyed this drama a lot!

What I liked:
1. Opening - Damn, the opening scene was blazing hot. FL was bold! Certainly unforgettable!
2. Romance - Desire was apparent for both of them but lust soon became love. I enjoyed watching their dynamics - they did not know that they needed each other until some time later. There was care & affection.
3. FL characterisation - I pity her being trapped in that situation but she was determined & smart. Good thing she hired a bodyguard to protect her.
4. Revenge - I liked that there were two revenge plans. I also enjoyed the gang/turf fight mini arc.
5. ML characterisation - He was smart & tactical. I liked the soft side he showed to FL.
6. Acting - Great performances by Shi Yue Yue, Jin Jia Yu and the actor who played antagonist. I also loved the chemistry between Shi Yue Yue and Jin Jia Yu - I was captivated whenever both characters appeared on screen.
7. Styling - Shi Yue Yue was gorgeous in the red dress! Overall I liked the outfits worn by both FL & ML.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - FL's father was creepy. FL's aunt & stepmother were a suspicious bunch.

Favourite scene
Opening

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I liked the Ruo Chen pairing in this family drama

"Double Ruo Chens!", was my first thought when I first saw the drama poster. I am a fan of Zhang Ruo Chen's acting and I like Wei Ruo Chen's facecard - his dramas can be a hit or a miss! I enjoyed this drama a lot!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved Su Mo Ran’s sassiness and confidence, especially in the forced engagement scene. She wasn't easily intimidated - she snapped back at Feng Yi Yin & ML's sister on the spot.
2. Romance - I also liked how FL-ML romance developed - I did not expect ML to make a move so soon. There were a few good kisses and romantic moments.
3. Supporting characters - Oh, their daughter An An was adorable and delightfully cheeky, just like her mum! I also liked ML's grandmother and parents. They had empathy and did not believe the accusation made by Feng Yi Yin.
4. ML characterisation - I liked that he was not hung up on having relationship with "An An's" birth mother. He was skeptical with FL's presence around his daughter but that didn't stay long.
5. Kidnapping - Hahaha I didn't expect that person to be kidnapped.
6. Acting - Good performances by the cast led by the charming Zhang Ruo Chen.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Feng Yi Yin was delusional & dangerous. She harmed An An! I also disliked FL's father, mother and stepsister.
2. ML's sister - Spoilt brat that acted like a petulant child.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML were intimate after their marriage

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Hong Qiao was charming in this family-focused drama

I was familiar with Hong Qiao because of her work in Han Yu Tong's fatgirl revenge drama. She was great there so when I found out she was the FL in this drama, I decided to watch it. I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Even though she transmigrated into another body & time period, I liked that her original essence (ruthlessness & smart) was kept. I also liked FL for her kindness.
2. Supporting characters - He family was a delight. The nephew was adorable.
3. Comedy - I liked that this drama was lighthearted & funny.
4. Family - Core theme of this drama. There were 3 families explored.
5. Acting - Hong Qiao was terrific in her role as she successfully demonstrated her charm & stage presence as the FL.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Disliked the married couple / neighbours for being envious & roping in FL's ex.
2. Jealous sibling - The third Prince arc was underdeveloped.
3. Romance - There was a romantic entanglement between FL & ML but I didn't believe ML had feelings for FL because he looked disinterested most of the time. It would be nice if there were touching / serious romantic moments between them.
4. Acting - Sun Zi Cheng was hot but his acting was monotonous. He didn't have any chemistry with Hong Qiao.

Favourite scene
When FL rescued her nephew from food poisoning

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Deng Ling Shu shines in this opposites attract rom-com

I am a big fan of Zhao Ting Yi's acting. I didn't like Deng Ling Shu's FL in the Prince is Wild drama but her acting in the drama with Cheng Cheng was good. I had not watched The wife with an agenda before watching this drama so I didn't know about their chemistry. Good thing I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Her post-transmigration attitude was awesome. She was bubbly, smart & dazzling.
2. ML characterisation - He had rigid personality but slowly let loose as he got to know FL.
3. Tone - Funny from the get go.
4. Acting - Deng Ling Shu shone during comedic bits. She managed to exude joy & bubbly into her character. Zhou Ting Yi gave good performance though I found this was non-challenging role for him. Their chemistry was great.
5. Supporting characters - Butler is the MVP. Delighted to see Peng Yao playing FL's best friend. Other characters that I liked include ML's grandma, ML's assistant - loved them for being understanding.
6. Romance - Slowburn because FL was more concerned about her future. I enjoyed watching ML longing for FL's touch & affections. I loved the notes.

What I disliked:
1. Communication - There were assumptions made by ML about FL's actions. I wish ML had talked about his insecurities / concerns with FL instead of making assumptions.
2. Antagonist - FL's ex was a narcissist.

Favourite scene
When FL confessed to ML about her feelings

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Romance and off-the-charts chemistry made me watch this drama on repeat!

Chen Tian Xiang is one of those vertical drama actors I knew about, but his work never really caught my attention until I discovered this drama. The thumbnail showed him rocking an earring and a cool hairdo, which instantly intrigued me. Since I prefer modern dramas to historical ones, I thought, “Why not give this drama a go?” I enjoyed this drama immensely and watched it on repeat the first week.

What I liked:
1. Romance - A great mix of love and lust that kept me smiling from the beginning till the end of the drama. I loved that they were affectionate (kisses, hand-holding, words of assurance), as though they got married for love and not for convenience.
2. Acting - Did you know that actor Chen Tian Xiang is only 23 years old while actress Chen Yu Ling will turn 20 years old in October? I was spellbound by their performances. They brought a sense of maturity and depth to their individual characters. Their sizzling chemistry made me swoon whenever they had their tender moments and steamy kisses.
3. FL characterisation - Damn, FL had ML on her sight from the get go. I liked that she was tactical, a quick thinker and could stand up to bullies.
4. ML characterisation - He exuded a bad boy vibe but he was gentle, kind & protective of FL. I loved that there was no misunderstanding between them - they had each other's backs.
5. Styling - Beautiful outfits worn by both FL and ML. Although I am not a fan of some FL’s Lolita-looking outfits (gosh the Mary Janes / pumps with socks combo!), I loved the dresses she tried out (my favourite is the mint green dress).
6. Family - It is the core theme of this drama. There is a contrast between a warm & accepting family (ML’s parents and grandma) versus a cold and calculative family (FL’s father, stepmother and half-sister). I really liked ML’s mother because of the empathy given to FL.
7. Supporting characters - ML's bestie was funny. I also liked FL's bestie. ML's family was likeable too except the older brother.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family were horrible especially the half sis Shi Ching Mo. ML's brother Han Zheng was a scumbag.

Favourite scene
ML's birthday celebration with FL

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Coherent storytelling and good acting but I didn't like ML nor the romance

There was a lot of talk about this drama on subreddit CShortDramas when it was fresh release. Mostly because of its screenplay and "vulgar" scene. I never watched The Prisoner of Beauty but I got curious and decided to watch it. Too bad I didn't enjoy it.

What I liked:
1. Storytelling - Historical dramas in vertical format tend to be messy but to my surprise, the storytelling here was coherent and concise. I felt like watching a movie with good flow and without fillers.
2. Acting - Great performances by Yue Yu Ting and Cesar Wu. FL is a standard character trapped in marriage alliance done to save her family. YYT managed to showcase FL's vulnerability without being cloying. Cesar managed to show different sides of his character: stern lord, confused husband, tender lover.
3. Styling - Beautiful clothes worn by FL & ML & the rest of the cast.
4. Intimacy - Strong physical intimacy - that bath scene alone was provocative. Lust & desire were evident.

What I disliked:
1. Distrust - The amount of distrust in this drama was unbelievable. Even with 20 minutes to the end, FL & ML were at odds with each other.
2. ML characterisation - He was polarising! He loved her but still didn't believe in her. I'd say he is the main antagonist in this drama.
3. Romance - With trust being the main issue, I never believed their romance. There was no emotional intimacy between them.
4. Antagonists - ML's childhood friend, cousin and mother were horrible people.

Favourite scene
Bath scene

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Drama released in 2023 but damn great writing. Glad my assumptions were wrong

I miss Huang Bo so decided to watch this drama 2 days ago. I saw it on iQIYI and with 100 episode count, I assumed it was going to be draggy and melodramatic. I was wrong! I enjoyed the drama immensely!

What I liked:
1. FL character - I thought she was going to wallow in self-pity post-divorce but nope, she was clear about what she wanted to achieve. She was a quick thinker and I loved her clapbacks whenever someone slandered her.
2. Plot - I must say I didn't expect a 2023 released vertical drama to be well-written. Great paced drama with coherent storytelling all done under 130 minutes. No fillers.
3. Romance - I really liked how the relationship progressed after their hook up. There wasn't dilly dally on right or wrong to start new relationship. Good amount of kisses and physical touch with both of them making initiatives.
4. ML characterisation - He was Mr Nice Guy. Never domineering with FL & his employees. He was understanding, caring & clear headed with his next steps.
5. Supporting characters - Ye Ting was the MVP. He is one of the best assistants in vertical dramas. I also liked the son a lot!
6. Acting - Chen Yun Xi and Huang Bo were at ease with their roles that their acting seemed natural (not over the top). I loved Huang Bo's soft facial expressions. I also liked their chemistry.
7. Styling - While the clothes were not as stylish as other vertical dramas, I'd say they suited the characters. Nice to see Huang Bo in a hoody because he always wear work suits. I really liked Chen Yun Xi's makeup because it wasn't overly done like in other dramas.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Qiao An An was dangerous & possessive. She was willing to harm FL to get ML even though she didn't love him.

Favourite scene
Father-son meeting at father's office

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Both FL & ML out for revenge and later got into a partnership. Great performance by Liu Xiao Xu

I was in the mood for a short vertical drama (60 episodes or less) so I opened my iQIYI app and saw this title. Liu Xiao Xu has become popular in subreddit CShortDramas so I decided 'Let's watch this LXX drama'. I enjoyed it very much.

What I liked:
1. Revenge arc - It was fantastic to see both FL & ML enacting revenge for different reasons: FL witnessed her parents being killed by her father's colleague whereas ML believed that there was a conspiracy behind his sister's death. I liked that they knew of each others' targets around 60% mark of the drama and worked together to bring those perpetrators down.
2. FL characterisation - She was assigned to marry a family friend by her adoptive father. I liked her strategy of luring ML into her plans to get out of the marriage & use his resources for her revenge plans. She was guarded with her feelings, which was understandable since her parents were killed but I liked seeing the change in her expressions of feelings.
3. ML characterisation - He was mysterious but once his revenge plan was unveiled to the audience, wow I became more fascinated in his character. Tactical but compassionate towards FL.
4. Romance - Their first intimate encounter seemed coerced so I didn't like it. They got into a marriage of convenience but it was easy to see that ML was genuinely interested in a romantic relationship with his wife. There were some kisses, not steamy but plenty of affectionate moments.
5. Supporting characters - FL's bestie was awesome. I loved that she secretly rooted for FL - ML romantic relationship. FL's sister had an interesting character development - she was unlikeable at the start but I liked her at the end of the drama.
6. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by FL & ML. FL got the sexy, mature woman vibe. I chuckled when I saw ML in an ensemble of black pleather jacket + white shirt + black tie + black pants. I wrote a reddit post about this ensemble 5 days before I watched this drama.
7. Acting - Liu Xiao Xu was fantastic in his role. Hu Dong Qing was alright although I wished she had expressed more emotions when her true intentions were unveiled to ML and when FL had real affections for ML (her facial expressions at the start and the end of her game plan were the same).

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Damn Lin Jiayao was malicious! He even threatened FL with a poisonous drug that required maintenance to avoid withdrawal / harm. Chen Guo Ming was another evil b@st@rd. Both were driven by greed for power and money.

Favourite scene
When FL's bestie made eye contact with ML then left their house

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Combustible chemistry between Cao Sai Ya & Chen Ming Hao kept me vested in this long drama

There are multiple versions of this plot and if I am not mkstaken, this drama is version 1. I watched this drama after watching version 3 by Han Yu Tong, Zeng Hui & Zhao Ting Yi. I enjoyed this drama very much.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Fiery, hot kisses but what stood out for me is their affections toward each other. There were tender moments and playful banter and I loved every single of those moments.
2. Acting - Wow, I couldn't believe than Cao Sai Ya is 5 years younger than Chen Ming Hao but portrayed a jiejie to ML. This is my first time watching Cao Sai Ya drama and I was impressed by how she carried the role. I don't watch many Chen Ming Hao dramas but this role impressed me. I also loved their combustible chemistry. I must say I prefer this couple to real life couple Han Yu Tong and Zeng Hui when it came to FL-ML romantic scenes. I also liked the performance by actor who played the antagonist. Damn he was very tall and had menacing aura while in character.
3. FL characterisation - I liked that she wasn't a tough girl all the time. There were moments of vulnerability and it was wonderful to see her let ML see those moments.
4. Supporting characters - ML's assistant was an astute observer who subtly hinted to SML who never caught them because he was self-absorbers. SML's friend gave sound advice after SML humiliated FL and I liked that chat. ML's bestie was entertaining to watch. I also liked Shen grandpa - his interactions with ML were fun to watch.
5. ML characterisation - He was compassionate, sweet and "puppy" like. I liked that he was respectful of his brother - he didn't pursue FL once he saw and knew FL was going out with his brother.
6. Styling - Cao Sai Ya looked gorgeous in the outfits she wore. I also liked the outfits chosen for Chen Ming Hao & SML - they matched their contrasting personalities.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - SML Zhou Jing Su in this drama was more ruthless & narcissistic. He was willing to destroy FL's career in an attempt to get FL to resume their relationship.
2. Duration - If I am not mistaken, the drama was close to 3 hours. It was too long for me but the romantic scenes between FL and ML kept me vested in this drama.
3. Wedding dress - I didn't like it because the cutouts cheapened the look of a bride. I wish stylist had chosen a classier wedding dress.

Favourite scene
FL & ML having a playful banter then suddenly SML was at the door of FL's apartment

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FL dumped by boyfriend but she later went out with his younger bro

I watched this drama within the weekend of its release because it was hotly talked about in subreddit CShortDramas. This is another version of Cao Sai Ya - Chen Ming Hao drama but I watched this version first. I enjoyed this version but I must say that Cao Sai Ya & Chen Ming Hao was a better couple - I enjoy their lovey dovey scenes so much more.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Good mix of sweet & spicy. Spicy start to their relationship.
2. FL characterisation - Emotionally strong. Never allowed anyone to bully her.
3. ML characterisation - I liked his protectiveness. I also liked that he prioritised FL in his life.
4. Zhou Ting Yi - He was captivating on screen. I got it why FL stayed with him in a secret relationship for four years.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's grandpa. I also liked ML's friend who was also an ally to FL (he was the jewellery designer).
6. Grovelling - This was my second time in 12 hours that I watched SML on bended knees begging for forgiveness.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - He treated FL badly. He was egoistic & condescending. He did not deserve FL.
2. Rich brat - The girl who wanted to marry ML & was mean. I was glad no one from Shen family bought her antics.

Favourite scene
When FL met Shen grandpa for the first time

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Wasted opportunity with too little romance & too much screentime for antagonist

I am a fan of both Lin Zi Rong and Yang Yu Bin so I was delighted to see that they work together in this drama. Unfortunately I was disappointed with how this drama turned out.

What I liked:
1. Yang Yu Bin - He was very handsome despite his character being two-dimensional.
2. Styling - I liked FL's wedding gown. Very whimsical.
3. Supporting characters - I liked that FL's grandpa acted as ML's love advisor.

What I disliked:
1. Screentime - ML first appeared in the 39th minute and he did not have much screentime. What a waste of opportunity.
2. Antagonist - Adopted sister acted like a petulant child. I found adopted brothers, especially no. 4 & 2, were very two-dimensional. It was also icky that the brothers were raised as potential husbands to FL and they all lived together. I thought these adopted siblings had too much screentime and their arcs did not interest me. I increased speed to 2.0x whenever they appeared on screen.
3. Romance - It was underdeveloped. I wish screentime allocated to antagonists was re-distributed to the romance story.

Favourite scene
When FL surrendered to ML

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