emberzmars

Wonderfully written FL, ML and their romance story

I watched this drama during my first month of vertical drama discovery, back on 17 December 2024. I totally forgot about this drama until I watched Wang Kaimu's drama that co-starred Guo Yuxin. I decided to submit this drama as MLD New Title so MDL users can find and enjoy this drama.

What I liked:
1. Intro scene - One of the best because it set the tone and vibe of the drama. I liked ML's response to his assistant regarding the rumour.
2. ML's characterisation - He was mysterious at first but protective of his wife. Liked that he trusted her without any doubts. It's great to see ML that sets clear boundaries with other women.
3. FL's characterisation - Smart and resilient, thanks to her upbringing. She's also protective of her husband. I liked that she knew how to stand up to bullies.
4. Romance - They treated each other with respect even though their relationship was not a love match. They talked about consent! I like their sweet and cute playful banter. He even made breakfast for his wife.

What I disliked:
1. FL's adoptive family - Manipulative.
2. Green tea - Devious and just annoying.

Favourite scene
When ML took care of drunk FL

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Wow wow wow, I was very impressed by the brilliant writing and heartfelt acting.

I discovered this drama on Dramazone YouTube channel - the title caught my attention. I had not seen work of Liu Yi Fan and Wang Bing Xiang so I had little expectations. Gosh, I enjoyed this drama tremendously that I submitted this drama as New Title and submitted Liu Yi Fan as New Actress. I watch this drama on repeat till this day.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She's kind-hearted and I love it that she was concerned about the impact of her "past" actions onto ML. I also liked that she never gave her ex another chance once he betrayed her. Liu Yi Fan gave a perfect performance for this role.
2. ML characterisation - I liked that he's rational and willing to accept and adapt to his new circumstance. He also has empathy. I was also impressed by Wang Bing Xiang's performance.
3. Romance - Slow burn but so rewarding. I loved when ML comforted FL about her past action that could not be changed. I loved that main couple talked about their feelings. I'd say ML's love language is act of service.
4. Styling - Loved the styling for both ML & FL. I loved the all black ensemble worn by both FL & ML.
5. Writing - Wow wow wow, I was very impressed by the writing / script. It had depth for a fast-pace made-for-phones drama. I cried at least twice.
6. The ending - OMG, I cried! It was so heartfelt.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Wow, FL's ex was a douchebag who did not want to be accountable for his actions. The SFL is annoying with her scheming.

Favourite scene
When FL treated ML's wound

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F5 in an aquatic world...what a delight!

I knew about this drama from Shen Hao Nan's fan youtube account and wow, I was excited for this series. I have watched the works of all 5 actors (Shen Hao Nan, He Jian Qi, Wang Yi Ran, Duan Mei Yang & Chen Gang) + Zuo Yi at least once. Glad I found this drama on Youtube.

What I liked:
1. The mermen - Shen Hao Nan, He Jian Qi, Wang Yi Ran, Duan Mei Yang & Chen Gang were hot as mermen and normal human being. I like that all 5 mermen have different personality and temperament. If I have to choose 1 outstanding merman, my pick is Qiao Jing Ze. He Jian Qi was outstanding as a rebel. I also enjoyed the plot of brotherhood between the 4 characters. I think if the writer could do a spin off focusing on just the brotherhood.
2. Brother-sister dynamic - There were many arcs in this drama and the one I enjoyed the most is Chu Yu Sheng and Chu Yun Ling. Despite the short screentime, this arc was more compelling because of the conflicted emotions felt by Chu Yu Sheng. Great chemistry between Chen Gang and Zuo Yi.
3. Shen Hao Nan-He Jian Qi - When watching the drama, I really like watching these two actors in the same frame together. Their characters were yin and yang. It's even more amusing watching the behind the scenes. He Jian Qi seemed like the prankster in the group. Dude has great bromance with Shen Hao Nan and now I want to watch them in a new drama together!

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Despite having 4 suitors, I find the romance arcs underwhelming perhaps due to chemistry and uneven screen time for 4 potential couples. I think Zuo Yi had the best romantic scene with Wang Yi Ran despite another suitor having the strongest feels.
2. FL characterisation - I understand that this drama is coming-of-age story of Chu Yun Ling. However I felt this arc was overshadowed by the romance arcs and rivalry arc. FL was too cute and bland for my liking. I think Zuo Yi was miscast to play a 22 year old woman navigating life on land and underwater. If there was a remake, I'd like to see Guo Yuxin as Chu Yun Ling and reduce suitors to 2 and retain the rival/brother character.

Favourite scene
When FL discovered the mermaid identity of her 4 suitors

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Well written mystery drama with spectacular performances & beautiful cinematography

I am a Huang Bo fangirl. I was ecstatic to see this drama cast list a few weeks ago because I love Zhao Xi Xi's acting while Ma Xiao Yu's acting is growing on me. Thank you to Jwells for sharing the links. I just completed the drama and wow, wow, wow I am thoroughly impressed.

What I liked:
1. Writing - Amazing screenplay that kept me guessing throughout the series. At first I thought this could be a soul swap drama but nope, I was wrong. The drama made me ponder the conflicts that exist in this drama's third act.
2. Acting - Wow, spectacular acting by Zhao Xi Xi, Ma Xiao Yu, Huang Bo and the actress who played mother to both brothers. They were immersed in their roles. I giggled a bit during the drama because Huang Bo essentially played a Sleeping Beauty. I was delighted we still got to see Huang Bo's performances after the tragedy happened.
3. Dynamics - I loved that this drama explored the dynamics between the brothers, between mother and son, between Zhi Xia and Hao Nan and between Zhi Xia and Hao Xun.
4. Romance - There were many hot kisses and intimate scene in this fast-paced mystery drama. The romantic scenes between Zhi Xia and Hao Nan brought me back to Bu Bu Shen Xian (perhaps a parallel universe where Han Qing & Feng Si Qian had more happy moments).
5. Hao Xun characterisation - What a joy for me to see Ma Xiao Yu portray such a complex character and in the presence of Huang Bo (I know he could nail the role of Hao Xun if he had chosen it). Hao Xun is my favourite Ma Xiao Yu's role.
6. Ending - Endings do not have to be neat. I liked how the writer and director chose this ending as it is in line with the vibe of the drama.
7. Editing - Beautiful cinematography that made this drama feel like a wonderfully crafted indie film. I also liked the pacing.

What I disliked:
1. Secret - Judging by the ending, Zhi Xia was kept in the dark. I don't like that!

Favourite scene
The introduction. DAMN, I wasn't expecting it!

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Han Dong & He Zi Yi were believable as a couple

I was in the mood for Han Dong dramas after writing about his venture into vertical drama space. This drama is my second vertical drama starring Han Dong. Wow, i enjoyed this very much. It was great to see Han Dong as ML with romance arc because he still got the sex appeal at 45 years old.

Trigger warning: Rape, Suicide, Violence

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was assertive & confident - I like those traits in FL. She was also a great friend.
2. Romance - At the start of drama, their relationship was tumultuous with FL breaking up with ML & going abroad. Their reconciliation started off rocky (blamed it on ML's approach) but once they were on the same page, they were affectionate and had better communication. Great kisses, wow!
3. ML characterisation - I thought he was a scumbag for his remarks & rough approach but he turned out to be ok.
4. Supporting characters - I liked Lin Jing Xuan but gosh pity her for the obstacles she faced. At first I liked ML's friend who was a tattletale but later disliked him for not pursuing his true love.
5. Acting - Both leads gave great performance and the chemistry was very good. There was a big real-life age difference (21 years) but I did not notice because He Zi Yi portrayed FL with such maturity.
6. Styling - I likee the outfits worn by FL & ML. He Zi Yi has legs for days!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Zheng Zhen Yu l, ML's fiancee arranged by their families, was a maniac & spoilt heiress. She needed psychiatric treatment. I also hated Lin Yi Ran for his treatment towards Lin Jing Xuan. FL's mother was horrible but later on mellowed.
2. Wrap up - I didn't like how Lin Yi Ran was wrapped up because I thought he took the easiest way out.

Favourite scene
ML was cuddling FL then his father entered the hospital room

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Yowza, spicy drama but a lot of family mess

This drama made it to my watchlist when it was released but I kept forgetting to watch it until it appeared on IQIYI. I decided to watch it few days ago and I must say what a wacky drama.

What I liked:
1. Styling - Zhang Yu Tian was gorgeous and the outfits she wore were fantastic. I loved the red dress she wore at the start. Her black and white dress also matched with Zhang Bei Xi's outfits. He got great clothes too.
2. Romance - Steamy with gazillion kisses. They were hot for each other. That shower scene yowza!
3. Acting - I enjoyed performances by both leads and Wen Zhi Cheng. Combustible chemistry between Zhang Yu Tian and Zhang Bei Xi. Damn, I wonder what Lin Rui Xue thought of this drama. Anyway I think there is implicit trust between ZYT & ZBX since this isn't their first collaboration.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's assistant for his loyalty. FL's friend was good too.
5. FL characterisation - I liked that she didn't give a rat's ass about wealth especially during the search for long-lost heiress. I loved that she called the police for the donation fraud.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Too many baddies including family members. FL's family was horrible for abandoning FL after DNA test while ML's family was controlling. Xiao Xiao was insecure woman always jealous of FL. Jin Ming Yue was possessive.
2. Third arc - The split personality arc was introduced in the last 12 episodes. I wished it was introduced in second arc to give some breather.

Favourite scene
Shower scene and morning after

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Earnest & heartfelt performance won me over

I gravitate towards Chinese vertical dramas since last year and with iQIYI expanding their catalogue, I discovered this title there. I only watched a handful of K verticals and most of them were meh despite handsome leading men. I must say I enjoyed this drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - OMG I loved that FL is an heiress too so she had equal status to ML in terms of social standing. She was down-to-earth & hardworking. I liked that she worked at another company instead of at family business.
2. ML characterisation - Sweet & nice guy. I liked that he was genuinely concerned about FL.
3. Romance - Their first meeting was a meetcute. I liked that they made a deal and then remained respectful of each other. I also liked the progress of their relationship. Their first intimate scene was hot.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's assistant and FL's butler.
5. Acting - Earnest & heartfelt performances. I really liked their chemistry.
6. Plot - Nothing new because I have seen too many C verticals but the plot of this drama was executed well.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Stealing credit isn't cool.

Favourite scene
When they realised their feelings for each other

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Well executed, satisying revenge tale with FL kissing both ML & SML

I had just gone home after a fun sleepover with my besties. I switched on my iQIYI app and this drama appeared on screen. Huang Bo recent dramas tend to be a miss but I decided to give this drama a chance. I was extremely satisfied with this revenge tale.

What I liked:
1. Revenge - Layered, complex & carefully executed. Refreshing twist. I loved that the story involves 2 people teaming up for a common goal.
2. Characters - Four fascinating characters that were wonderfully written. I considered Huang Bo's character as ML. SFL & SML's arc had depth. I liked that SFL's arc wasn't draggy.
3. Dynamics - Riveting interactions between FL & ML, FL & SML, FL & SFL, ML & SFL.
4. Acting - Superb performances by the cast.
5. Intimacy - The kiss with a tie was hot. I liked that she kissed both ML & SML.
6. FL characterisation - Flawed but focused.
7. Styling - Great outfits worn by FL, ML & SML.
8. Supporting characters - I liked FL's brother, SML's ex-fiancee.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - SFL was a psychopath, evil & possessive. Butler Yuan was nasty too. ML was scumbag for using FL as donor then plaything. ML's father was cruel.
2. Harm - I disliked the fact that FL was willing to harm herself to reach her goal.

Favourite scene
When ML found out the truth about FL's intentions

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Too many antagonists made me lost interest in this drama

I watched this drama as part of my assignment to write a reddit post on my favourite dramas by Zhao Mu Yan. I love her drama with Feng Xiang Kun so I was on a mission to find the best collab. Unfortunately this wasn't my favourite collab drama between the two.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - In the first 20 minutes of the drama, she gave off Harley Quinn vibe with the styling and demeanor. She kicked butt and saved the boy. I liked her very much.
2. Supporting characters - I really liked the boy and ML's assistant.
3. ML characterisation - He was wary, cautious and cunning,
4. Romance - I could feel the tension even though romance scene wasn't heavy nor intense.
5. Styling - I really liked FL's styling.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - There were too many of them: ML's envious relatives (sadly this included the grandparent), FL's family (typical father favouring new wife & daughter), possessive family friend & her mother. I lost interest in this drama once the green tea claimed ML was hers.
2. Grandmother - I disliked her for forcing ML to marry someone whose family she "owned" her life to. She should settle her own debt.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML first kissed & ML wanted more

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Uncle romance with good foundation & nice kisses

I became an instant fan of Huai Wen after watching Be Your Kiss. So I became intrigued with this drama. I liked it but loved Be Your Kiss so much more.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Slow burn. Arranged marriage so awkward strangers but I loved that they established the dos and don'ts at the start of marriage including the frequency of intimacy. Good kisses.
2. FL characterisation - She stood up to bullies. Loved it!
3. ML characterisation - He was kind, respectful & handsome.
4. Supporting characters - ML's family so welcoming - loved the warmth. Her close colleague was nice. I also liked his doctor friend.
5. Styling - Loved her outfits. He looked dashing in the green suit.

What I liked:
1. Antagonists - Ye Qing was possessive family friend but good that ML put his foot down. FL's family was cunning & manipulative.

Favourite scene
The first intimate encounter

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Fiery chemistry in this jiejie romance drama set in the art world

I was browsing drama catalogue and this drama's pister caught my attention. It had been awhile since I last watched Zhao Xi Xi's work. Glad I watched this drama because it was good.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Damn spicy intimate scenes. I felt like they were going to combust everytime they made out. This is a jiejie romance with ML devoting himself to FL's cause.
2. FL characterisation - She was desperate, she put her mother’s need first. I liked the fact that she's knowledgeable in art.
3. ML characterisation - Hidden identity out to investigate SML. ML was devoted, talented & sneaky.
4. Acting - Great performances by Zhao Xi Xi and Su You Cai. Damn, the chemistry was fiery.
5. Visuals - Stunning leads + beautiful paintings.
6. Editing - Beautifully shot scenes from the paintings to the intimate scenes.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - SML was a jerk for taking advantagr of vulnerable woman. I also disliked SML's sister for her rude beahviour.

Favourite scene
When FL kissed ML at his house

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Cute & funny drama with entertaining supporting character

Liu Xi Yu has started to impress me with her acting these days. I know she has many dramas listed in IQIYI catalogue so a few weeks ago I decided to watch this drama. It was enjoyable.

What I liked:
1. Plot - Refreshing, Funny especially when FL's brother appeared on screen.
2. FL characterisation - Cute but not cloying. She was rich girl but not spoilt brat.
3. ML characterisation - Cold exterior but dude had massive crush on FL. He was Mr Nice Guy.
4. Acting - Great performances by Liu Xi Yu, Liu Lan Bo and the actor who played FL's brother.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked FL’s brother. His scenes were always entertaining. I also liked FL's best friend and ML's assistant.
6. Dynamic - I really loved the interactions between FL and her brother. They loved & helped out each other. No stupid arguments.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I disliked the snobbish classmate who was jealous of FL. I also disliked the scumbag who tried to rape FL.

Favourite scene
When ML & FL communicated no verbally with FL's brother standing nearby

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No chemistry, unlikeable main characters & nonsensical romance

I watched this drama on iQIYI last night because I enjoyed Fan Chu Qi drama with Yang Yu Bin, in which she played a blind FL. I also liked Zhan Zhuo's visuals. However this drama did not meet my expectation.

What I liked:
1. Opening - Wow, that was spicy!
2. Visuals - Both Fan Chu Qi & Zhan Zhuo are gorgeous! Their outfits were beautiful too.
3. Supporting characters - I liked FL's bestie for being the only concerned for her wellbeing.

What I disliked:
1. Acting - There was no chemistry between FCQ & ZZ despite numerous kissing scenes. I also found ZZ's performance underwhelming in this drama. His ML supposed to be conflicted but ZZ's facial expressions remained one-note.
2. Romance - I also didn't buy the romance because of how it was written. A lot of assumptions from both sides.
3. Main characters - I didn't like both FL & ML. She forgave him easily after all that bet whilr ML was a scum for having personal collection of her racy photos.

Favourite scene
Opening

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Brilliant drama about a man winning the affections of a woman dumped by his brother

Thanks to Reborn at 18: The Great Grandma Takes Charge, I got to discover Wang Pei Yan's talents. I remember when this drama was released. I watched it on reelxia within 3 days of its release then later found out that my reddit friends also watched the drama. We enjoyed this drama immensely that we co-wrote a joint review.m for r/CShortDramas.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He was a flirty puppy but sneaky at trying to win FL's affections. I also liked that he had a successful career - he's not just a rich kid.
2. FL characterisation - Loved that she didn't wallow in self-pity once she found out about her boyfriend. She got her heart broken but there was no second chance.
3. Romance - The banters between FL and ML were fun to watch. There was some sexual tension brewing between them. When they finally got intimate and kissed, the scenes were hot.
4. Acting - Terrific performances by Wang Pei Yan, Liang Wen Jing and the cast. I even liked the actor who played SML.
5. Styling - I loved FL outfits as they matched her personality - cool & confident. ML wore oversized clothes which mostly looked fine on him. I liked the Labubu collection!
6. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's parents for being supportive and understanding.
7. Writing - One of the best written dramas. Well developed arcs for the four lead characters.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - SFL was insecure, jealous and a gold digger. She was also the type of woman who defines her worth by having a man. ML's brother (the SML) was pitiful at first because of his situation but then he became despicable & disrespectful towards FL. He was silly for not doing a background check on the woman he was going to marry.

Favourite scene
ML expressed his concerns when FL was attacked by strange men

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Cute unplanned pregnancy drama with likeable main characters

The trailer caught my attention - I saw it in subreddit CShortDramas. When I saw that this drama was in iQIYI catalogue, I decided to watch it there. I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I am a fan of unplanned pregnancy trope so I enjoyed this drama. There were sweet & spicy moments even during pregnancy which I enjoyed.
2. Tone - Lighthearted.
3. Main characters - Likeable and cute. I liked watching FL grew stronger. I also liked the fact that ML experienced morning sickness.
4. Supporting character - I liked Shen Yue. The Labubu cameo was adorable!
5. Styling - FL got cute wardrobe.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - So many bullies from former high school mate, colleagues to mother and ML's family friend.
2. Retribution - ML's family friend was only given light punishment.
3. Ending - It was abrupt.

Favourite scene
When FL saw beautiful painting in living room

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