emberzmars

Affectionate & playful CP made me watch this drama on repeat

In my first month of my vertical Chinese drama exploration, I came across Dramazone Youtube channel. I had become a fan of Sun Yue so I was excited to watch this drama. Oh wow, I love it so much that I watch on repeat. Too bad the link can no longer be found on Youtube.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I must say I like coquettish MLs and this ML is definitely coquettish. He might be seen as a himbo but he's actually smart. Sun Yue always brings out sunny personality to his characters. That's why I enjoyed this ML.
2. FL characterisation - I loved that she was a qipao designer. Sucb a gorgeous collection. I also loved tnat sne was financially independent. She offered to take care of ML. This was my first Ma Qian Qian drama and I liked her acting as she was able to showcase both sassy & serious side of her character.
3. Romance - Top notch romance with a lot of kisses, innuendo & affectionate moments. The couple had each other's backs right from the start of their marriage. Ma Qian Qian & Sun Yue seemed so comfortable with each other.
4. Supporting character - FL's grandma was so supportive. Even ML's superior at the law firm was comical. I liked FL's bestie & ML's assistant whom looked familiar - are they Zhai Xinran & Wang Yi Lei?
5. Styling - I loved the outfits worn by FL, ML & some supporting characters. The characters were quite fashion savvy. My favourite FL outfit is the light pink jacket & mini skirt with cutout at the side.

What I disliked:
1. FL's admirer - He schemed to get FL's attention that she overlooked ML's call. He knew she was already in relationship with ML.

Favourite scene
When ML limped towards FL & then they had heart-to-heart conversation

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Enjoyed different dynamics but I struggled to complete this series

It had been awhile since I made use of my Youku subscription. 'Bound by Sin' was heavily promoted and since reviews were positive, I decided to watch this show. I usually can finish a mini drama in 3 days max but I struggled with this series. It took me almost a month to mark this as 'Completed'.

What I liked:
1. Hao Fu Shen - I found him captivating. His deep voice doesn't match his baby face.
2. Dynamics - FL was career driven & always scheming. ML seemed like a good boy but actually had an ulterior motive in approaching FL. I also enjoyed watching dynamics between FL & her siblings. The rivalry for leadership position was intriguing.
3. Romance - Intimate scenes were hot & plenty. That photo session at the start was bold! I think the sizzle was mostly attributed by the aforementioned dynamics. I liked them when they were together especially at the start because of the sexual tension.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's assistant, FL's younger brother & half sister.
5. Outfits - FL wore beautiful outfits very 1920s.

What I disliked:
1. Breakup - When FL decided to break up somewhere in the middle of the series, I lost interest in the series. I disliked that FL & ML spent more time apart than together.
2. Engagement - I think FL got engaged to SML for too long. This was another reason my momentum for this series decreased.
3. Ending - WTH is that ending??? I wouldn't even mind a sad ending.

Favourite scene
When ML finally gave in to FL's seduction & kissed her

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Too much resistance in romance dept but kisses were great

I watched this drama 2 months ago when I was new to vertical dramas and was exploring Bai Yan's works after liking another drama of hers. This was my first time watching Zhang Yun Tao. I have mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Supporting characters - I really really liked ML's assistant as he was observant & sympathetic towards FL. FL's assistant, her senior and ML's friends were also likeable.
2. Kisses - Intimate scenes were hot. Kisses were good.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - I didn't like him at the start because of the way he treated FL. I did howver like Zhang Yun Tao. He could portray cold demeanor very well.
2. Antagonist - She faked an illness & stayed at hospital. Insane for doing this to keep your crush close to you. Karma bit back for her.
3. Romance - There was so much push / resistance in the development of romantic relationship between FL & ML. They were not truthful with each other until almost at the end.

Favourite scene
The conversation in the car

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Fascinating forensic medical examiner FL in a well-written romance drama

I was intrigued by this drama because of FL's occupation - a forensic medical examiner. I hadn't watched Zhang Ruo Chen's drama before but am familiar with Wang Bo. I enjoyed this drama immensely!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Song Wei Wei was intelligent and self-efficient. She didn't need her husband to solve her problem. I loved how she dealt with the white moonlight, the award and donation. I was impressed by Zhang Ruo Chen's acting. I'll definitely check out her other dramas.
2. ML characterisation - Green flag hero but with a flaw, which should be the way so the character can grow. His flaw is his assumptions about his wife but he learned his lessons. Oh I really liked that he's proud of her wife being a forensic medical examiner, unlike her ex. I liked Wang Bo's acting here because his drama with Wang Ge Ge left me disappointed.
3. Romance - Slow burn. Mostly sweet with slight spice. I really liked that ML trusted FL right from the start of their flash marriage. There was great chemistry between Zhang Ruo Chen and Wang Bo.
4. Forensic - Thank you to the director for showcasing FL at work. I appreciate the forensic work scenes even though there were just a handful.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's close colleague, grandmothers from both FL & ML.
6. Antagonists - I think the main antagonist arc was done well. Bitter ex who also had issues related to inheritance.

What I disliked:
1. Luxury goods - I wish the scene where ML's grandma gifted a designer bag to FL was written better. It gave a little haughty vibe but I know ML's grandma meant well.
2. Wedding scene - I wish FL's grandma was there because it was a very special event. Anyway I didn't like FL's wedding dress as it looked too 80s to me.

Favourite scene
When FL confronted her dean & his niece about the award and donation

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CP's charms & visuals couldn't save me from being bored. Draggy!

I watched this drama right after completing Shi Yi Hou He Si Dui Tou Shan Hun Le. I was intrigued by Wang Yan Xin's good looks but had never seen him until this drama. Plus, this drama had more than 3 million views. I had some expectations, which unfortunately were not met.

What I liked:
1. Romance - There romance is sweet. There were some kisses and skinship. However ML gave more to the relationship than FL.
2. ML characterisation - He was overprotective hubby and overall Mr Nice Guy.
3. Styling - I liked most of the clothes worn by FL. Wang Yan Xin was handsome in this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Envy - Wash. Rinse. Repeat. It's the same old story about various groups of people being envious of FL and ML rescuing her from the situations. For a series that last approximately 2 hours 40 minutes, this was a tiring watch.
2. Nepotism - Sadly FL benefitted from nepotism. Super rich ML would just rescue FL by using his money and/or power.
3. FL characterisation - She was spoilt by ML though it wasn't her fault. I disliked her when she was insecure about her relationship with ML and was easily intimidated by other people.

Favourite scene
When FL had a fight with ex-boyfriend at the start of the story

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Crisp, coherent and well-written romcom that is best watched on repeat

I was having bad luck with dramas that I chose to watch this week. I've enjoyed Qian Zhe's dramas in the past and this one has a fascinating plot. Zhai Yiying's face seemed familiar. I think I've watched her as SFL in other dramas but can't recall the titles. Anyway I watched this drama at midnight and finished it in one sitting. OMG, this is one of the best romcoms I've watched recently.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I love their love story as it has great balance of sweet and spicy. They were affectionate with each other even in public. Their love language is definitely physical touch. There were a handful of kissing scenes - my favourite was the one they were in the car. Zhai Yiying and Qian Zhe had great chemistry considering that he is much older and larger in size/build than her.
2. FL characterisation - I loved how Su Ruan was written. She's smart and unintentionally funny. She was not easily intimidated. I also liked that she never played coy when being intimate with ML. This is my first Zhai Yiying drama as FL and I found her to be enchanting. I'll definitely check out her other work in the future.
3. ML characterisation - I also loved how Lu Hanting was written. He was sensitive, caring and loyal. I understand his trepidation about the white lie but I think that's a good decision. It's wonderful to see Qian Zhe showing softer facial expressions in this drama. This is my favourite role of his.
4. Screenplay - Well-written, crisp and coherent. Many dramas (including long length ones) lost its charm in third act but not this one. One of the best vertical dramas I've watched.
5. Supporting characters - ML's best friend and grandma were awesome for supporting ML's pursuit of FL. There was a nice character development for ML's mother.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Both antagonists were delusional and dangerous. They refused to respect FL & ML's set boundaries.
2. Support system - Just a minor comment. FL's parents only had a cameo in this drama. Wish they had more scenes especially when FL finally recovered her full memory.

Favourite scene
The ending was suspenseful, sweet and satisfying

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Desire, devotion & delusional - 3 words I'd use for this drama that I enjoyed immensely

I love Si Jia Li's acting in 'Thirst for You' (you can find in Dramazone Youtube channel). I also enjoyed Ma Shi Yao's acting in 'So You Also Like Me' (you can find in Dailymotion). I was delighted to have found this drama. I watched this drama last night after immediately completing a less-than-satisfying vertical drama. I was extremely glad I did so.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Both ML & FL looked like a power couple with their stature and styling. I love watching main couple that desire each other, which was demonstrated in this drama. They kissed, hugged and cooked for each other. FL never played coy / innocent when it came to their intimate moments and I liked that.
2. ML characterisation - ML was invested in their relationship from the get go and he would do anything for FL. He only revealed that he was CEO much later but good thing it never caused misunderstanding between him & FL. I like a coequettish/flirty ML. Damn, Ma Shi Yao was adorable and hot at the same time.
3. FL characterisation - I liked that FL relied on her talent & brains rather than her status when it came to work. Si Jia Li excelled in this role.
4. Supporting role - I really like ML's bestie who was supportive of ML & FL relationship. He's handsome too.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - OMG, she was delusional & nasty. There were many instances that ML was implied as CEO of the company but she never registered that fact until almost at the end of the drama.
2. Co-workers - OMG, those two brown nosers should be fired!
3. FL's past - I'd like to know more about the connection between ML and FL's mother because I didn't quite catch ML's explanation. I also want to know why was FL hospitalised and how did she get married to ML.

Favourite scene
When ML asked for reward after cooking for FL

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Match made by grandpa but identities kept hidden

I became a fan of Li Zi Jie when I watched his drama with Zhang Jinyi. The high views for this drama prompted me to watch it. Oh nice to see Jadie Jia as his leading lady.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Both Li Zi Jie & Jadie Jia were great in their roles. Li Zi Jie so damn handsome in this drama, thanks to the stylist.
2. Romance - Damn, the first scene was 🔥! They got off poorly the morning after & it turned out FL was ML's new employee. I enjoyed their romance development. Their kisses are steamy and there were sweet moments too.
3. FL characterisation - She was smart as she never felt intimidated by ML nor SFL.
4. Supporting characters - I like FL's chief assistant, ML's grandpa & his assistant.

What I disliked:
1. Bullying - SFL & her colleagues gang up on FL. SFL was also condescending.

Favourite scene
When ML took FL to hospital

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Outrageous is the one word I choose to describe this drama

I have seen some cuts of this drama on my Youtube dashboard. So I watched on a Sunday evening.

What I liked:
1. Visuals - This is my first Liu Lan Bo drama and omigosh he was extremely handsome. Like a vampire well I thought of Edward Cullen because I could imagine him sparking like diamonds when under the sun.
2. Styling - Styling for ML totally elevated Liu Lan Bo's handsomeness. I also liked styling for FL because she didn't look like Lolita despite being a 20 year old. FL's wedding dress is beautiful because it's simple & classy.
3. Supporting character - I liked ML's assistant, who was amusing at times.

What I disliked:
1. ML's characterisation - I dislike him as he was possessive, lunatic & disrespectful to FL. He never tried to get to know & understand FL.
2. Romance - Where are the wooing & the dates? ML was very aggressive towards FL, which I don't find romantic. I don't buy the 'FL had feelings for ML' even at the end. She remained with him because he was lesser of the two devils. Because of this odd dynamic, I didn't see any chemistry between Liu Lan Bo and Zheng Chenyu.
3. Screenplay - The screenplay felt disjointed. I noticed similarities with Captive Love from the Mob Boss (FL saving ML from his enemies, ML stalked & stopped FL from marrying someone else) then second act was inspired from kdrama Where the Phone Rings and third act was the big confrontation with the enemy. The ending was so anticlimactic.
4. FL characterisation - It's good that she never felt for ML's charms just because he was handsome and rich. However FL character elements weren't consistent. At the start she was struggling student working as delivery person but from second act, I didn't know what happened to her studies. What defined FL as an individual?

Favourite scene
When ML first met FL...that's the hook that made me curious about this drama.

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Beautifully shot scenes but the FL's behaviour led to lower rating

This version is the second adaptation of a familiar plot that I have watched. The first version I watched has Cao Tian Kai as ML & Zhang Shan as FL. I chose to watch this adaptation at the recommendation of few MDL users. This version is enjoyable but Cao Tian Kai-Zhang Shan version is better IMHO.

What I liked:
1. Shots - The first item that impressed me is the shot of each scene. Vivid colours and great framing for a vertically shot drama. My favourite sequence of shots is when ML carried FL from living room to his room. Beautiful!
2. Music - I like songs featured in this drama that I even shazam-ed those unfamiliar to me (e.g. It's You by Sam Kim featuring ZICO). It's wonderful to hear 'See the Light' instrumental version in the drama.
3. Homage - The camping scene reminds me of kdrama 'When the Phone Rings'. Well there was that instrumental song played in the background.
4. Acting - Overall good performances from the three leads despite the less-than-brilliant writing of their characters.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - Song Shuang Xu is too timid/passive and childlike for my liking. Yes, she's 22 years old but I've seen more proactive same-aged characters in other vertical dramas. At first I thought she was a socialite but I was wrong, there were scenes of her presenting proposal in an internal meeting and an event with invited guests & media.
2. Romance - FL did more receiving than giving in this relationship. There were some great kisses but almost all were initiated by ML so it felt one-sided most of the time until FL reaffirmed their relationship in front of her family.
3. Hostility - ML's cousin Lu Manman and FL's adopted mother were hostile towards FL at the start of the drama. In Cao Tian Kai-Zhang Shan version, these two characters were lovable so of course I compared the characters in two versions. I also disliked Lu Manman's friends/followers - I mean who wears skirt to campsite? I also disliked FL's grandpa who never raised her but had a lot of opinion on FL's life choices.

Favourite scene
When FL asked ML "what do you want for your birthday?" and his response

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Messy revenge drama

I was enchanted by Sheng Yijie's acting and beauty in her drama with Zhao Zhendong, I went on looking for her other dramas. I was delighted to see this drama because I enjoyed her jiejie romance dramas with Ye Haoran and Wang Nan. However I have mixed feelings after completing this drama.

What I liked:
1. Styling - I love FL's wedding gown, which matches Sheng Yijie's beauty and style. I love her maroon red stilettos! She wore pretty dresses too.
2. ML characterisation - Wow, just wow Lu Zhi Yi is something else. Ye Haoran did great with this role, which is very different from his previous 'younger man in love with older woman' role.
3. Supporting characters - Xie Mingyu, the actor who played ML's father Lu Hui An is hot! Lu Hui An and FL's aunt were interesting characters.

What I disliked:
1. Revenge arc - This is the second revenge-for-my-abused-mother drama I've watched in one week and the revenge arc is just too messy. There was unpredictability factor but the response to that was just meh.

Favourite scene
The engagement party

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CEO FL, ML hides identity, hot kiss - ❤️ this drama!

I watched this drama on 18 December 2024 during my first month of exploring vertical c dramas. I am very delighted that MDL page has been created! This is my first drama of Yu Long and Tian Yu and I must say I was impressed by the quality. This is one of the few vertical dramas I watch on repeat.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - FL is a CEO who faced misogyny
from her brother and some male CEOs. She is assertive, capable, smart, funny & vulnerable (I love that she's not Mary Sue). Tian Yu was excellent in this role. She can do comedic & dramatic scenes. I also think Tian Yu has a gorgeous body and she looks hot in tight fitting dresses.
2. Romance - I love her reasons for choosing a husband not a C-level executive. There was an attraction at the start, which slowly grew into admiration and love. ML comforted FL when she was down and I love those scenes. Their kisses are hot! The fact that Yu Long and Tian Yu looked like a sexy, mature power couple made me love this pairing even more.
3. ML characterisation - I love how devoted he is to FL and their marriage. He does have a flaw - he hides his identity while being married to FL. But he managed to convince FL to stay married. Yu Long was so dashing & handsome as ML.
4. Supporting characters - Omigosh I love FL's parents, ML's grandpa. FL's brother is unlikeable but towards the end he was ok. He was the comic relief.
5. Comedy - This drama is a romcom done well!
6. Misogyny - There was a scene where some CEOs, including FL, gathered for a meal and they bullied FL. The bullying was horrible but FL handled the situation well. Overall I like this scene because it depicts real life.

What I disliked:
1. Hidden identity - I just think ML should come clean at his grandpa's birthday.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML had beer at convenience store 🔥

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Underdeveloped romance - I want more!

I am a fan of Chen Zheng Yang and recently discovered & enjoyed Yu Xiao Wan's drama about body swap. I was excited to find out that they collaborated through this drama. Had high expectations but unfortunately not met.

What I liked:
1. Comedy - Gosh I didn't expect comedy bits to come from Chen Zheng Yang. His character was a goofball. ML's assistant was funny too.
2. Styling - Yu Xiao Wan looked radiant after turning over a new leaf. Love the red dress on her!

What I disliked:
1. Romance - It is underdeveloped. By the end of the drama, I still felt that the love was one-sided or at least FL got together with ML because it's logical/strategic rather than because she wants to explore real love.
2. Growth - This drama is centred on FL but unfortunately there is lack of character development for her. Yes, she quit her job because her boss didn't appreciate her but her journey post-resignation was easy as she was supported by ML.

Favourite scene
When ML jumped into swimming pool

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Revenge tale that tasted like dark chocolate - noir, sexy & indulgent

It has been awhile since I last watched Zeng Hui drama. This drama was highly talked about on MDL so I watched it last weekend.

What I liked:
1. Romance - FL seduced ML at every chance she got and damn those seduction scenes were sexy as hell. Their intimate scenes were blazing hot!
2. Acting - Great acting by Han Yu Tong, Zeng Hui & actress who played the antagonist. Zeng Hui with pierced ear is devilishly handsome.
3. Revenge - A carefully planned one.
4. Ending - So sweet!

What I disliked:
1. Change of look - FL changed her looks through cosmetic surgery but I didn't see any difference between before and after looks. She should have worn a different hairstyle & thick glasses before or used a different actress.
2. Duration - I wish this drama was longer. I would love to see FL struggling with her changing feelings for ML and ML's kid.

Favourite scene:
The jacuzzi scene

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FL fitting as ballerina, sweet romance

I saw clips of this drama on my Youtube shorts. As I clicked play, this drama's plot seemed familiar to me as I recognised the names of FL, ML, FL's ex and FL's occupation. This is the second version of the plot that I have watched version. The other version starred Wang Xin and Lei Xiaomi.

What I liked:
1. Styling - Wang Xiaoyi, who played FL, looked beautiful in several outfits in particular red dress & traditional outfit that she wore for dancing. I also like the tracksuits. Wang Nan with silver hair looked like anime character - that was cool moment which reminds me of Lighter & Princess.
2. Ballet - I love the scenes where FL danced ballet. Wang Xiaoyi was graceful & elegant.
3. Romance - Sweet romance. Milder intimate scenes compared to Wang Xin-Lei Xiaomi version.

What I disliked:
1. Variety show - There was a solo female contestant in the variety show. It made the show imbalanced.
2. Duration - This drama's duration is 1 hour 45 minutes. I wish drama was at least 2 hours because I wanted to see more romantic scenes.

Favourite scene
FL dancing ballet

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