emberzmars

Well written story about vengeance, kickass FL & shy ML

My story starts with Cao Tian Kai. I didn't enjoy the first drama of his that I watched but I was intrigued by his acting & visual. I watched this drama on 28 December 2024. I enjoyed this drama immensely and watch it on repeat.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was smart, scheming & witty. She was not easily intimidated. What's not to love about her! Excellently portrayed by Luo Yaxi.
2. ML characterisation - I was giddy watching Cao Tian Kai playing a shy guy who pretended to be sick to get out of family dispute. His shirtless scene was glorious! I also liked the pop idol hairstyle as it makes Cao Tian Kai more youthful.
3. Romance - I enjoyed watching their relationship progress from married strangers to allies / friends then lovers. Their first make out session was hot! The morning after was surprisingly sweet & witty! The marks on his face... *giggles*
4. Vengeance arc - Strategically planned & well executed.
5. Supporting characters - ML's grandpa was cool! His assistant was great too for being in cahoots with grandpa.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Dislike them for being greedy.

Favourite scene
When FL coaxed ML after being rough on him earlier

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Once green tea entered the picture, the drama went downhill

I am already jealous that Jia Yi Xuan kissed Zhen Zi Qi in multiple dramas. Now she got to kiss Huang Bo?!! Hahaha I enjoyed Jia Yj Xuan & Huang Bo's acting so I was intrigued by this collaboration.

What I liked:
1. Huang Bo - It was nice to see Huang Bo in a character that is less intense. Nice, besotted ML.
2. Jia Yi Xuan - Introductory scene was amusing. Jia Yi Xuan excelled in playing bumbling girl.
3. Supporting characters - I liked FL's bestie & ML's father. SML was pretty easy on the eyes but his character was a douchebag.

What I disliked:
1. Third act - Once the green tea started to come into the picture, the drama became unpleasant to me. Such a mess!
2. ML characterisation - WHY did ML think that approach to protect FL is a good idea? I thought ML would be scumbag-free but I was wrong. I would be pissed off & unforgiving if I were the FL.
3. Romance - While there were some good kisses, I didn't feel much emotional depth in their relationship especially from FL.

Favourite scene
The introductory scene

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Great acting & dialogue on relationship won me over!

There are plenty of vertical dramas with many remakes and adaptations. I have decided to watch this type of dramas - at least 3 different versions so I can make comparison. For this set of 'Selling eggs' drama, I have watched 'A Night Deeply Drunk on the Spring Breeze' starring Du Ya Fei & Yang Shu Yu. I enjoyed that version and got excited to watch this version. I was pleasantly surprised by this version!

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - Huang Bo's Dr Shi Lin was very different from Du Ya Fei's Dr Shi Lin. The ML here was patient, respectful & sensitive. I loved Huang Bo's portrayal of the character because of his soft facial expressions.
2. FL characterisation - Lin Mian was not a damsel in distress as she made a lot of effort to solve her problems. While there were instances that I disagree with her decision making, those decisions was part of her build. She was young & poor. This is my first drama of Fan Di Yu & I was impressed by her acting. She's got range!
3. Romance - I liked how FL-ML relationship progressed from debtor-creditor to a romantic couple. Unlike the other drama, I could sense this FL's growing attraction towards ML. Even though ML was more expressive with his feelings, both of them had clear communications about their relationship. There were some nice kisses (kisses could be hotter if director filmed the scenes longer or changed the angle).
4. Supporting characters - Now the SML & SFL in this version had more substantial back story compared to 'A Night Deeply Drunk on the Spring Breeze'. Both were sinister and I was shocked!

What I disliked:
1. Poster - Damn the poster was misleading. Huang Bo's Dr Shi Lin gave me a serial killer vibe that I immediately watched the theme song of American tv show Dexter prior to watching this drama.
2. Colour grading - I think the production value (especially the set design & props) was good enough. However I wish the drama was colour corrected because the current setting was dull & might deter people from viewing.

Favourite scene
When FL asked from ML for a loan equivalent to FL's assumed worth

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Pragmatic FL & heartfelt confession made me shed a few tears. What a great bittersweet drama!

I am so excited that a MDL page for this drama has been created because I submitted the New Title. I watched this drama on 6 March 2025 and what drew me to watch this drama was the thumbnail. Fang Zheng Nan's abs to be exact! Anyway I enjoyed this drama so much - I even shed a few tears.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Spectacular acting by Li Ruo Qi and Fang Zheng Nan. Li Ruo Qi was able to evoke different facial expressions and I particularly love her expression of empathy. Anyway male actors rarely make me cry but wow Fang Zheng Nan's acting was so heartfelt that I shed some tears.
2. FL characterisation - I have watched substitute wife dramas before but this drama's substitute wife is the best. Shi Qi was clear about the boundaries set by Lu Huai Nian and adhered to them closely. I liked that she was goal-driven and didn't romanticise about ML's good treatment of her. Oh I also liked how she helped ML with his business problem. That was unexpected!
3. ML characterisation - He was never condescending but hahaha he was delusional for assuming FL to love him. I liked that he treated FL with respect even after their contract ended.
4. Supporting characters - ML's best friend was smart and realist. I liked that he brought some sense to ML. I'd like to watch more of the actor's dramas so please leave a comment if you know his name. I also liked FL's best friend, Miss Tang and the butler.
5. Romance - It was fascinating to watch the FL-ML dynamics grow from employee-employer to pursuit-suitor. Theirs was slow burn romance with 2 or 3 kisses. I liked that they had a proper conversation about their feelings and the divorce.

What I disliked:
1. ML's motive - I didn't quite understand ML's motive for substitute wife.

Favourite scene:
When ML eavesdropped while ML's best friend asked FL about her feelings for ML. Reality finally sunk in for him.

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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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I was drawn by the abs on the thumbnail

Ok this drama appeared on my Youtube dashboard and as a person who appreciates finer things in life, I clicked 'Play' because of the thumbnail. There was a shirtless man ;). That is one of the few good things about this drama. I fast-forwarded most of the time.

What I liked:
1. Cao Tian Kai - Wow, I love his washboard abs. The character that he played was domineering and physically strong - I recall him carrying his leading lady. This is my first drama starring Cao Tian Kai. I was keen to check out more of his work.
2. Romance - I actually enjoyed the scenes when FL didn't know that her partner was the uncle not the nephew. Those scenes were sweet and genuine.
3. Health & fitness - As someone who joined the gym 2 years ago after a health scare, I enjoy watching dramas with physical health & fitness scenes. Love the training/boxing scenes.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - I dislike her character. I found her mousy and intimidated by ML. She resisted ML too much that I couldn't feel any chemistry between the actress and Cao Tian Kai. I've watched many meek FLs but this actress wasn't memorable enough for me to find out her name.
2. Secret identity - Once she discovered ML's secret identity, I couldn't enjoy the drama and fast-forwarded.

Favourite scenes
When ML took FL to gym to better protect herself

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Of course ML was besotted by FL - she was smart & cool!

This is the first drama of Zheng Feng and Zhi Chun He that I watched. I rarely watched period drama and this one is micro drama format. I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I was intrigued by this drama because of FL's expertise as a weapons designer. I like that she is smart & fiercely independent.
2. Academy - I enjoyed the scenes of her learning with a Master.
3. Romance - There was a lot more push than pull in FL-ML relationship. ML was besotted by FL. However when they got together, they were really sweet.
4. Dynamics - I enjoyed watching the bond between FL & her maid. I also enjoyed the dynamics between FL & SML / her fellow schoolmate. Delighted to see a platonic relationship between them.
5. Acting - Zheng Feng was captivating. I love the silver hair look - he was ethereal. Zhi Chun He was great as FL too.

What I disliked:
1. Resistance - I felt that FL resisted ML too much that I don't sense much chemistry between Zheng Feng & Zhi Chun He.
2. Confusion - The actor who played prime minister looked similar to Zheng Feng. I don't quite understand prime minister's role in this micro drama... perhaps due to inaccurate subtitling.

Favourite scene
The competition between FL & SML

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Familiar plot, way different execution & misleading title

I watched this drama for Qiao Jia Le because I liked his acting & visual in a drama about a husband who was going to divorce but changed his mind after a car accident. I have also watched many Zhang Shan dramas lately. This drama's plot was familiar as I recognised the names of FL, ML, FL's ex and FL's occupation. This is the third version of the plot as I have watched versions with Wang Xin and Wang Nan as ML. Unfortunately 'Intoxicating kiss' was mediocre for me.

What I liked:
1. FL's brothers - In this version, FL had 2 brothers. I liked both brothers even though they didn't appear a lot on screen. Their role was important towards the end of the drama. It was nice to see dynamic between the brothers and ML.
2. Qiao Jia Le - I appreciate his visuals especially his eyes. One of the few actors that can give soft look with his eyes. Acting wise he was ok in this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - I find the romance in this version of the plot to be light. This drama felt more like FL's journey in discovering herself & her family. ML felt more like a tool to accomplish that journey. I also don't sense much chemistry between Zhang Shan and Qiao Jia Le. They didn't have many kissing scenes so I find the title misleading.
2. Zhang Shan - Having watched 4 Zhang Shan dramas in a week made me realised that her acting skills aren't wide range. Her expressions were same despite playing different and exciting roles. I have not been moved by her acting.
3. Variety show - In the other 2 versions, FL & ML joined a variety show and this move made them grow closer to each other. Since variety show participation was not done in this drama, that's why I don't buy in their romance.

Favourite scene
When ML & FL's brothers joined forces to save FL

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Sweet & endearing romance of a stylish blind man

I remember browsing Dramazone videos on Youtube and adding this drama to my watchlist. I was intrigued by story of blind ML & I thought the actor looked like Fan Zhixin. Finally watched the drama last night and I enjoyed it very much.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She is such a kind & endearing character but not a doormat. She did a mistake & immediately apologised and I like that (dislike Mary Sue characters). Zheng Chen Yu was well cast as Su Shi Qi.
2. ML characterisation - It's good to see his character grow throughout the series. Once he realised he misunderstood FL, he apologised to FL & cared for her. I like that his character's blindness is real. Wang Zi Lin gave good performance too.
3. Romance - Slow burn done right with enough push & pull. I like that he felt attraction for FL even when he couldn't see. What a beautiful visual for ML once he regained his sight!
4. Supporting characters - ML's assistant side comments are hilarious! I was genuinely surprised by how FL's stepmom & sister characters were wrapped up. ML's brother character was well developed.
5. Styling - ML had great hairstyle & outfits. FL wore pretty outfits too and I like her casual wear because fit her cool personality.

What I disliked:
1. Blackmail - I actually didn't like that FL's actions after being blackmailed. Glad she found sense.

Favourite scene
When ML regained his sight and saw FL for the first time

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FL found strength & I rooted for her!

I was on a Bai Yan binge after loving her performance in her drama with Feng Xiang Kun.

What I liked:
1. Lin Chu Xia characterisation - FL realised that staying in abusive relationship didn't do wonders for her after a misfortune and I love that she was courageous to leave ML and his family behind. FL is driven once she sets a goal. It was great to see her thrive post-divorce.
2. Writing - Thank you screenwriter for giving FL a chance to grow & discover herself. Also it's good to see remorse & grovelling from ML.
3. FL friends - I like how supportive & protective the couple was towards Chu Xia.
4. Acting - Bai Yan was good and Chen Gang was spectacular in scenes where ML was anguished.

What I disliked:
1. ML's children - It's sad that they were brainwashed into disliking their aunt, the FL. I dislike that they were unpunished for their bad actions.
2. ML's mum & sis - They are so fake.
3. FL's sis - She's a bitch for orchestrating a scenario that cause shame to FL & ML. There are other ways to achieve her goal so why choose that scenario???
4. SFL - Another bitch.

Favourite scene:
When Chu Xia was awarded best designer

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Sombre tale with captivating ML

I don't remember what made me to check out this drama but I save this drama to my Youtube playlist after few minutes of watching.

What I liked:
1. He Jian Qi - He is handsome but what made me drawn to him is his gripping performance. He was expressive with his character's feelings from indifference to anguish and sincerity. The styling (hair & outfits) for his character suits him so much.
2. Plot - I like how the story progressed and scenes with villain were not draggy.
3. Supporting characters - The actor playing FL's friend & senior gave good performance and was handsome. Has potential to become ML in other dramas. Too bad I don't know his name.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - There wasn't much time dedicated to romantic scenes as ML & FL were more in indifference & anger stages. However the kiss between ML & FL was hot and passionate.
2. Length - This drama is just slightly more than an hour if I am not mistaken. Wish for extended scenes for example the reconciliation.
3. FL characterisation - Underdeveloped and distant. Hard for me to root for her.

Favourite scene:
Whenever ML felt anguish.

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Felt like something missing

I added this drama to my playlist because of the 3 main cast weeks ago and almost forgot about this drama until Jwells mentioned it in our chat about Shen Hao Nan.

What I liked:
1 Zhang Ji Jun - Wow he was compelling in this drama because of his character Feng Jin. He was cheeky & unhinged but not in a dangerous way (like Joker from The Dark Knight). I must say this is my favourite Zhang Ji Jun drama.
2. Yun Mu Ran characterisation - She is smart, composed & self-assured even when facing resistance. I like that her characterisation was consistent from start to finish. My hunch was right when twist was revealed in third act.
3. FL's husband - He was atrocious but wow, the actor impressed me with his acting. It'd be great if the character was given more depth.
4. Styling - I love FL's burgundy business suit. The cut & the fit - she was beautiful when wearing it. I also like Feng Jin's colourful & flamboyant outfits.
5. Tease - The writers teased us with moments that didn't follow the standard drama approach e.g. the almost kiss, the drinks laced with drugs. By making these moves, the drama stayed fresh & unpredictable.

What I disliked:
1. Plot - There were too many arcs going on in this microdrama - 3 different arcs for 3 main characters, 2 different arcs for villains (one from FL's family, one from Yu Xiao's admirer), one arc for Yu inheritance saga, one arc for FL & Yu Xiao's complicated relationship. At the end of the drama, I felt this drama played it safe with the ending and didn't leave me wanting more.
2. Yu Xiao's secret - I was confused by this arc. What was his motivation for keeping the doppelganger? It just creeps me out that I don't feel like rooting for FL to choose him over Feng Jin.

Favourite scene
When both ML took drinks knowing there were drugs in them

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Refreshing tale on classism, second chance at life & revenge

I was keen to explore the work of Zhu Yi Wei and Bai Xin Yi and found this drama on Youtube. Finally watched it last night.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I've only seen 2 dramas including Western drama which has FL working as cleaner and it's great that this drama highlights this profession. FL is hardworking, determined & self-assured - all traits that I like. I punched the air when found out about her new business venture - yes, she should use her skills & experiences.
2. Villains - In many vertical dramas, the villains tend to be FL's love rivals. However for this drama the main villain is ML's sister which I find quite refreshing. I also think writer assigned the right supporting characters as secondary villains.
3. FL's sister - She is the catalyst to FL's fight for justice. It's heartwarming to see FL & her sister's love for each other.
4. Classism - Most vertical drama touch on classism at superficial level but not this drama. I like how classism is written & demonstrated in this drama because I saw it from the victims and the bully.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - While the kisses are hot, the romance tale between the two main characters is underdeveloped. I feel like ML not making enough effort to love An for the person she is now - he seemed stuck on his childhood saviour.
2. Hidden identity - I dislike FL for not being truthful when confronted by ML about her sister the first time. She only revealed the truth the second time she was asked by ML.

Favourite scene
SFL serving coffee to FL and later faced the consequences.

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Outstanding drama about hidden identities + older woman, younger male romance

I picked up this series because of Feng Xiang Kun. I loved his performance in another vertical shot drama about FL using her blood to heal ML illness. I must say that I didn't expect this vertically shot drama to be outstanding. I could watch this drama over and over again - this is one of my top 5 favourite vertically shot dramas.

What I liked:
1. Bai Yan - Wow, I was impressed by Bai Yan's acting. I have watched Bai Yan's other drama - I remember her face but didn't remember the drama nor the title. However in this drama, she was very convincing as a female entrepreneur caught in family dilemma who later regretted her decision to involve ML. Very good at conveying different emotions.
2. Si Nan characterisation - She's cool, calm and collected but at the same time, she had moments of vulnerability that she let off. I also like that she was never jealous of An Ran when ML first mentioned her name. I like that she's sophisticated too!
3. Outfits - Si Nan's outfits were beautiful. From the red dress, to that grey & pink jacket, all white business suit and the gorgeous green dress - I love all her outfits.
4. Feng Xiang Kun - I enjoyed his performance as a kept man who gradually fell in love with FL. He managed to show different sides of Bai Xi Hao - flirty, serious-at-work, genuine care. The Korean perm hairstyle suit him and made he seemed younger than Bai Yan when in reality, Bai Yan is only 1 year older than him.
5. Shots - This drama was very well shot. It felt coherent throughout the duration, like a movie instead of a compilation of very short clips. 'Fake Love' also gave me same vibe as mini drama 'Destined to Meet You'. The framing and lighting/colour were different from other vertical drama.
6. Romance - It started off as a kept man relationship but gradually became a relationship with genuine feelings and affection. I could sense they were emotionally invested in each other as time passed. There were plenty of kisses and romantic gestures which I enjoyed - they were hot & sweet. Bai Yan and Feng Xiang Kun had blazing chemistry and seemed comfortable with each other.
7. Tropes - This drama explored few tropes: older woman younger man romance, hidden identity, rich woman poor man. They were done well. I particularly like this drama for featuring FL that is more successful than ML as this trope is rare in any East Asian dramas.
8. FL's bro - He's unhinged and villainy but he did have moment of being a good person. I like the actor's performance but can't seem to find his name. He looked familiar but can't recall which drama I've seen him.

What I disliked:
1. FL's ex-boyfriend - His arc could have been better. At times he was like a caricature rather than a real character. Not sure whether bad acting was due to actor's choice or director's instruction.
2. FL's father storyline - I don't sense much value from this storyline to FL's personal or professional life.
3. An Ran-Bai Xi Hao relationship - I felt like Xi Hao still wasn't aware of An Ran's manipulation by the end of this drama. I wish there could be confrontation - I wouldn't mind few minutes more added to this drama.

Favourite scene
The start - smart, alluring & sensual.

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Tale of love & betrayal

This drama appeared on my Youtube dashboard. I am not familiar with the main actor & main actress but was convinced to watch after reading some comments.

What I liked:
1) Tone - This drama has serious, gloomy tone so it's different from other dramas filmed vertically.
2) Relationship - Sexual tension is present thorughout the drama because their relationship wasn't smooth sailing. I like the mature handling of the relationship.

What I disliked:
1) Antagonist - I think the 3rd antagonist isn't necessary when there were already 2 antagonists with stronger connection to the leads.
2) Romance - There was more "push" at the start of the relationship so I am surprised by how fast they got together. I couldn't see how FL fell in love with ML so I don't buy the love story. Anyway there is voyeuristic scene which next scene was hot I find.

Favourite scene
When ML & FL first got together.

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