emberzmars

Sweet "uncle" romance with visually stunning leads

I watched this drama on a whim few months ago. I think it was my first time watching Chen Jing He and Xiong An Ni. I realised that this drama didn't have MDL page so I submitted and now we have it. I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Intro - The scene at the start was 🔥! The desire, the kisses.
2. Visuals - Xiong An Ni is so pretty and I loved her nose. Chen Jing He was handsome too. The supporting cast like FL's ex and rival were good looking too.
3. Romance - This is time travel drama so FL took the opportunity to avoid a mistake in her love life. I liked that she had a strategy to win the heart of ML. This is sweet "uncle" romance with a spicy intro scene.
4. Styling - Great styling for ML. FL's outfits were alright but her dress at the party when she first met ML was not pretty - I liked her rival's dress better.

What I disliked:
1. Bullying - OMG they even bullied an elder who is same age of your mother. Horrible baddies.

Favourite scene
The intro

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Reborn but no revenge and this time FL is young 18 year old student

I only discovered Yang Yu Bin 2 werks ago so I was keen to explore his work. This drama caught my eye as I scrolled down his drama playlist. I really liked Zhang Ruo Chen's acting. This drama was sweet and I liked it!

What I liked:
1. Reborn trope - I enjoyed this drama because FL was reborn to a few years earlier than her death - she was 18 years during this second chance at life. I liked that there is no revenge plot in this drama.
2. FL characterisation - She was smart & proactive at living her life for the second time.
3. ML characterisation - He had low self-esteem because his father's family never acknowledged his existence. With FL's encouragement, ML stopped downplaying his intelligence and started to be confident with his worth. I liked that he was written this way because most ML are written as cocky & domineering alpha males.
4. Romance - Very sweet romance. Their first intimate scene was mildly spicy but overly sweet that made me smile. Their friendship blossoms into a romantic relationship.
5. Supoorting characters - I like Teacher Ren and ML's buddies.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - SML was possessive and disrespectful.
2. FL's bestie - Wow, I was surprised by her action in the third act.

Favourite scene
When ML was being cheeky with FL during a study group

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Possesive love with steamy dream sequences & good looking leads

I found out about this drama from a sub-reddit and as they say, curiosity kills the cat.

What I liked:
1. Romance - A steamy dream sequence at the start. Kissing scenes were hot and much later on there was sweetness in their relationship too. Great chemistry between Yuan Ning and Xu Jun Ning. However I wish there were more scenes of their interactions after they were honest with each other about their feelings.
2. FL characterisation - I liked that FL was firm with her love for SML despite the threats. I understood her resistance towards ML. Yuan Ning did well in her role.
3. ML characterisation - He was aggressive at the start but I was surprised by his arc. He was possessive in some scenes then considerate a few scenes later. It's great that he was remorseful and asked for FL's forgiveness because this rarely happened in vertical dramas. Xu Jun Ning was extremely hot in this role.
4. Length - This drama is less than 100 minutes, which makes it a perfect watch after dinner but before going to bed.
5. Supporting character - I liked ML's righthand man.

What I disliked:
1. Possessiveness - I am not a fan of possessive love. ML was ruthless at FL's wedding.
2. ML's family - SML's mother / ML's sis-in-law was materialistic. I pitied SML for being given a tough choice and I didn't blame him for not choosing FL.

Favourite scene
The introduction

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ML was starved of love but learn to love and be loved with FL

I got to know about this drama through reddit. I was intrigued when I found out about the cast - I really liked Song Yu Jia's acting and Zuo Ming is fine in the 2 dramas of his that I've watched. This drama was unpredictable but I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - This drama is uncomfortable to watch at times due to his early, toxic behaviour. As the story progressed, I saw the challenges that ML faced from childhood till present and I understood his behaviour. This is my first time watching Zuo Ming in a dramatic role and wow, he was believable. Well done to him!
2. Romance - He was starved of love and his methods of "love" were learned from observations of his parents' dysfunctional relationship. I liked that FL constantly reassured him and indirectly taught him about love. Their first intimacy was very hot - FL took initiative and once ML let go of his insecurity, the passion and lust flowed freely. They were an affectionate couple - physical touch is their love language.
3. Styling - Impeccable styling for both main characters. Song Yu Jia looked like a goddess while Zuo Ming was very handsome.
4. Vehicle - That pink jeep is so cool! It's great to see a vehicle other than black Mercedes/Maybach/Rolls Royce.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Wow, what a complex arc. I was sympathetic with her because of the abuse she suffered at the hands of ML. However I hated her once I saw her true colours - she's the type who constantly craves attention from men. Devious and dangerous. That stakeholder meeting scene was ridiculous!
2. FL's back story - I felt that FL was underdeveloped. It was never stated whether ML was aware of FL's back story. If ML knew that FL existed for him, could his new beliefs on love remain steady?

Favourite scene
Their first intimate moment

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Wang Dao Tie as stud for hire just made me swoon!

I have been wanting to watch more Wang Dao Tie's dramas but kept forgetting about this drama until I stumbled upon the comment section of this page. So I watched last night and damn it was perfect for evening watch.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - FL is independent and focused on personal and professional goals. I liked that she stopped believing ML's nonsense once served with divorce paper and did not go back to the ML. This is the first time I watched Zhao Jia's acting and she did well in this role.
2. ML characterisation - The quiet guy who had a crush on FL but never did anything about it until FL was divorced. ML started as a stud for FL to get pregnant but hey hey he has hidden agenda. I liked that the way he supported and comforted her and was always concerned about her mental wellbeing.
3. Romance - OMG the romance is freaking spicy! Damn, Wang Dao Tie's chest looked good. The kisses were hot and there were also plenty of sweet gestures between the couple.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's spy/employee very much because he was quick thinking. At first I wasn't a fan of FL's grandpa because of the request for great-grandchild but I liked him when he told SML that he respected FL's life choice post-divorce.
5. Styling - Impeccable styling for all 3 leads. FL wears stilettos and Jin Jiayu still towers over her and Wang Dao Tie, wow!

What I disliked:
1. SML - I must say that FL's ex husband is a selfish and manipulative douchebag. I can't believe he never took responsibility for those fake charades he did prior to the divorce. Jin Jiayu was excellent in his role because I freaking hated him!
2. Secondary antagonists - The lady baddies were annoying as hell especially the white moonlight. I was shocked when she took advantage of FL's illness.

Favourite scene
When ML comforted FL when she was in pain

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Blazing chemistry between Sheng Yi Jie & Zhao Zhen Dong made me swoon

I watched this drama because of Sheng Yi Jie. This is the first drama of Zhao Zhen Dong that I watched. I enjoyed this melodrama very much.

What I liked:
1. Romance - OMG this drama has great mix of sweet and spicy. The intimate scenes were hot! It's adorable that they both liked each other from high school but never dated until much later when they've established their careers. Zhao Zhen Dong & Sheng Yi Jie made a lovely couple, it wish it was real.
2. FL characterisation - She was ambitious and smart I liked it. After watching 5 of her dramas, this is my favourite role of hers.
3. ML characterisation - ML was sweet & protective. I liked his cheeky side. I became an instant fan of Zhao Zhen Dong.
4. Styling - Both FL & ML styling were top notch. I liked ML's hair in the first scene when he was a high schooler than his hair when he was an adult. The wedding dress was gorgeous.
5. Supporting characters - Parents on both sides were great. I also liked FL's uni rival turned friend and ML's female colleague.

What I disliked:
1. Obstacles - The writer put in too many obstacles for FL to tackle. So many people were envious of her and it seemed like she needed rescue from ML though it was not her fault. Wish writer had given ML an obstacle to tackle so we could see his character grow.
2. Antagonist - The green tea at FL's first company was incompetent but somehow managed to stay employed. I was irritated.

Favourite scene
When ML went to help FL with her wedding dress

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Great story about rebirth, gaming and family

I watched this drama because of Ma Qian Qian. I love her acting in Love Quietly Arrives, in which she starred alongside Sun Yue. I was unfamiliar with Wen Li. This drama was different from my expectation but overall I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved that she does not rely on ML to save herself from a bad situation. It's good to see Ma Qian Qian playing a quieter, more serious role.
2. ML characterisation - ML is a total gentleman. He had one of the best lines in this drama! I also liked it that he was a gamer. I enjoyed Wen Li's acting and to be honest, was surprised that he had only a few credits.
3. Romance - It's wonderful to see both of them going on dates. The jiejie scene was too adorable! Both were devoted to each other. They regularly talk to each other too.
4. Reborn arc - Refreshing take on this arc. Good that she confided in someone about her circumstance.
5. Styling - The grey dress that she tried on at a boutique was so gorgeous.
6. Supporting characters - I liked FL's bestie, ML's gaming manager/mentor and ML's gamer colleagues/buddies. FL's parents were excellent parents who always support their daughter - it's refreshing.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Good thing FL got away from her nasty ex.

Favourite scene
When they went on a date and shopped for formal clothes

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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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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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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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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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