emberzmars

Favourite 'I was treated badly by my biological family' drama!

I am in the mood for Zhang Ruo Chen drama so I decided to watch this drama. I liked the poster because it reminds me of autumn. I had only seen 1 or 2 Zhang Zhi Wei's dramas so I was curious about this pairing. I watched Zhang Ruo Chen's drama with Ji Jun Liang a few days ago. I saw some similarities and overall I enjoyed this drama a lot!

What I liked:
1. Rebirth - The rebirth trope was done well. I liked that FL focused on her career and not so much revenge. Well revenge was indirect.
2. Siblings arc - In many dramas with this plot of biological family favouring adopted kid, the biological siblings only realised their biasness in third act. In this drama, eldest bro realised something was amiss and quickly investigated in the first arc. I also loved that he was able to convince second bro about their wrongdoings and not third brother and their parents.
3. FL characterisation - I liked that she became active participant post-rebirth by setting up new company & working tirelessly without depending on connections. This is different with JJL drama in which her character was less progressive (she became an employee instead of boss).
4. ML characterisation - I liked that he backed up FL after the first encounter. He was unhappy with how she was treated by her family but never set to punish them because he respected her wish.
5. Romance - There wasn't many lovey dovey scenes but they exuded mature couple vibe. I liked that ML was always around when FL met / bumped into her family. ML was attracted to FL but never aggressive in his pursuit - I liked that.
6. Acting - I enjoyed the performances by Zhang Ruo Chen, Zhang Zhi Wei and Li Hao. It was great to see Zhang Ruo Chen in less cute / more mature role. She also had good chemistry with ZZW.
7. Confrontations - The final confrontation between Su family, FL and Keke was riveting. I loved it when FL said that she was there to laugh at their stupidity. I also loved it when Keke pointed out the brother's mistakes. It's true that they were at fault for treating FL badly and they shouldn't blame Keke.
8. Styling - I loved the outfits worn by FL & ML that were featured on the poster. I also liked FL's business wear.
9. Supporting characters - I liked FL's eldest brother except that remark he said to FL about rushing to hospital if FL was injured. I also liked the housekeeper who empathised with FL.

What I disliked:
1. Jia family - Vile, gullible & idiotic. I couldn't believe the parents acted that way. Even if FL was adopted, there shouldn't be blatant favouritism. Glad that they got retribution.
2. Su Keke - She was evil. I appreciated that writer gave her a back story to make viewers sympathise with her situation. She didn't have to go to the extreme but she did and luckily got punished.

Favourite scene
Final confrontation between FL, Su family & Su Keke

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Ridiculous contract relationship plot that I enjoyed a lot thanks to the good acting

I enjoy dramas about contract relationship so I got curious when a link to this drama was requested on subreddit CShortDramas. I noticed that it's available on iQIYI so I decided to watch it there. It's ridiculous but I loved it!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was sensible & charming. She understood the terms of her contract and abide by it. I loved her.
2. Romance - Damn, the kisses at the start of their relationship were hot even though ML claimed that he wasn't happy with the arrangement made by his mother. I liked that both did the chasing at different stages of their relationship.
3. ML characterisation - He was grouchy but most of the time a nice guy.
4. Supporting characters - I liked Assistant Wang, ML's mother, FL's brother.
5. Acting - Both leads gave great performances and had good chemistry. They were able to express different emotions of their characters. I was moved during some scenes.
6. Plot - Ridiculous from having gazillion siblings to ML being tied to wheelchair during their marriage registration. However I enjoyed this sillyness.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - ML's childhood friend was pathetic. I wish ML's mother hadn't feel obliged to allow her to stay with them.
2. Bullying - Gosh, she was bullied twice at the workplace. Thank gawd she fought back.

Favourite scene
Their first intimate scene and the morning after

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This zombie drama has heart & good performances

I got to know about this drama through subreddit CShortDramas. A member there stated that this drama has Warm Bodies vibe. I love that zombie movie so I proceeded to watch. Love it!

What I liked:
1. Comedy - It was a funny drama with FL providing comic relief.
2. FL characterisation - She had empathy as shown during the bus attack scene, the kindness she showed towards ML. I also enjoyed seeing the different sides of FL: bubbly, scaredy cat, serious.
3. ML characterisation - He was an alpha. I liked that he could think despite having the zombie virus. That last four minutes of the drama caught me by surprise.
4. Zombies - Hahaha it was cool to see community of zombies that still have a functioning supermarket. The plot twist surprised me.
5. Confrontation - The final confrontation between ML and antagonist in a crowd of people was a touching scene.
6. Romance - Slow but satisfying. Good kisses. I was even surprise that there was a safe sex reminder.
7. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's parents for being progressive. I also liked ML's zombie buddies - they were amusing.
8. Acting - Superb acting by Ming Xin Huan. He gave a restraint performance in his facial expression & body movements but his eyes were expressive.
9. Labubu - A Labubu figurine hangs from her backpack, echoing the drama’s eerie-but-adorable tone — equal parts horror and youthful hope.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Wow, FL's schoolmates were nasty for abadoning her twice. That vapid girl was self-absorbed too.
2. Ending - I didn't like that final minute of the drama.

Favourite scene
When antagonist tried to reveal ML's identity in front of a crowd of people

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Great VFX, romance & character development led to my enjoyment of this supernatural drama

I was drawn to this drama when it was a fresh release but somehow I didn't have the urgency to watch it until the first week of October. I was in the mood for supernatural themed vertical dramas so I chose to watch this drama. It went over my expectations - I enjoyed this drama immensely.

Edit: I forgot to add trigger warning - abuse, attempted rape, suicide.

What I liked:
1. Fantasy - Great VFX. I loved it when ML went to FL's patisserie to save her from baddies. I also liked the abandoned building scene.
2. Romance - Their blind date was cute. I liked that they were sweet & affectionate right from the start. Wow, I was surprised by the kisses. Full of passion and desire (I knew Zhang Bei Xi can kiss but hadn't seen Jin Yanna doing steamy kisses).
3. FL characterisation - She had a traumatic past but was compassionate and mentally strong. She could also stand up to bullies. Qualities that I like in a female character. Jin Yanna gave a great performance here.
4. ML characterisation - I was surprised by how ML was written. I had assumed that he would be domineering & cocky since he was the devil but no, he was actually sweet and compassionate. I liked that he prioritised FL's wellbeing. Great acting by Zhang Bei Xi - this is my favourite role of his.
5. Supporting characters - The cat / ML's subordinate was entertaining especially when he interacted with ML and the little girl! I also liked the little girl.
6. Secrets - I liked the fact that both FL & ML had secrets that they were ashamed to share with each other. This added a layer to their characteristics.
7. Styling - ML wore great outfits - Zhang Bei Xi was devilishly handsome. FL's outfits were appropriate for her character too.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's school mate was vicious for bringing down FL because of a stupid grudge. I did, however, like the arcs for the antagonists.
2. FL's mother - I disliked her for asking FL to return the little girl to her adoptive parents. She should have supported FL's decision.

Favourite scene
When ML asked his subordinate to sleep in another room

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Rebirth story with sweet romance and pathetic antagonist

I always enjoy Zhang Ruo Cheng's acting and since I was in the mood for her drama, I decided to watch this one. I had never watched Chen Rui Feng's dramas before. Overall this was a sweet romance.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - FL was given a second chance at life so she decided to dump SML who mistreated her in past life. I liked her decisiveness and confidence when dealing with trash.
2. Romance - Sweet with a dash of spice. I wasn't expecting ML to do cosplay! I liked how he tried to win FL's heart. Good kisses.
3. ML characterisation - Once his secret was revealed, it made sense why he became protective of her. He was a soft giant - always attentive to FL's needs. I also liked that he was stubborn about telling his secret before their marriage. He wanted love, not gratitude.
4. Plot twist - Wow I didn't expect the third act to have another rebirth. I really liked the scene of ML's past life.
5. Styling - I love the embroidered jackets worn by ML. So beautiful. FL was beautiful too but my favourite outfit is the red qipao.
6. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's parents. Despite the business marriage debacle, they were nice people.
7. Acting - I liked the performances by Zhang Ruo Chen, Chen Rui Feng and the actor who played SML.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Damn, SML was the most pathetic antagonists I have ever seen. I hated his narcissistic behaviour and refusal to listen to FL. His girlfriend and mother were annoying too. I increased speed to 2.0 whenever they appeared.

Favourite scene
Glimpse of ML's past life

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I disliked the weird plot but must say Jiang Song was the best part of this drama

I was in the mood for Sun Qian Xun's dramas so I picked this drama because the poster was quite striking & the drama was quite popular when it was fresh release. I didn't know what to expect when I clicked play and when the drama ended, I felt disappointed.

What I liked:
1. Jiang Song - He was the most fascinating character in this drama. Wonderfully portrayed by Li Xing Lin - he was charismatic and had strong screen presence.
2. Suitors - I am always disappointed with vertical dramas that have multiple suitors because of the lack of character development. Not this drama - Li Ming Lan & Jiang Song had strong arcs with the other two was ok despite shorter screentime. The ensemble worked well together and I loved watching their dynamics.
3. Production - High production value. Drama looked sleek & expensive.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's Assistant Wang. I also liked the youngest suitor.
5. Visuals - The suitors & Li Yuan were handsome.

What I disliked:
1. Charade - Such a complicated charade concocted by Li Ming Lan and agreed by FL to make Li Ming Lan's white moon light jealous. From the fake marriage to fake pregnancy, I found both Li Ming Lan & FL were dumb.
2. Banquet - ML's grandfather's birthday banquet was a mess! From the silly buddhist beads debate to the swimming pool incident - gosh it was ridiculous.
3. Main characters - I didn't like both FL & ML. As said earlier FL was dumb & ML was too bland.
4. Romance - Longtime crush made complicated. Their romance was rooted in nostalgia.
5. Shen Zhi Zhi - She did so much mess but was not punished. I also didn't get the need to fundraise for her lab - why must it involved Li Ming Lan's friends.

Favourite scene
When FL returned to her family home after "breaking up" with Li Ming Lan

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

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

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

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

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

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Well-written & acted crime thriller drama with a huge dose of bromance

I have to admit that it’s been months since I last watched a Shen Hao Nan drama. I have never seen Cai Xin Yang’s work before plus the fact that this drama is tagged as Thriller and Mystery got me excited. It was hard to get links to drama with English subtitles, I almost gave up. Thankfully Jwells shared links to this drama. I loved it!

What I liked:
1. Cai Xin Yang - I have to be honest - I was captivated by Cai Xin Yang’s performance and looks. Oh, I found Cai Xin Yang sexy! I don’t remember seeing a vertical actor looking mighty FINE in jeans paired with white shirt or black shirt. Those arms! It was also great to see Cai Xin Yang doing action scenes.
2. Chen Ye characterisation - He got the grittiness, pessimism and quick-to-take-action qualities I expect in a police character. I also liked that he wasn’t a perfect cop. There were moments when he was not thinking objectively. That’s normal because cops are humans too.
3. Jiang Yan Bai characterisation - His character fascinated me: i) his personality was a contrast to Chen Ye’s personality, ii) his relationship with Chen Ye and Chen Ye's brother. Given his profession, Jiang Yan Bai analysed the situation first before providing insights but he never pushed the police to accept his views just because he had academic qualifications (you know how stuffy professors can be). He had the quiet confidence which complemented Detective Chen Ye’s more commanding presence.
4. Acting - I mentioned earlier about enjoying Cai Xin Yang's performance. He is lesser known in the world of vertical drama but he had charisma to be the first lead! I really enjoyed Shen Hao Nan’s performance - this is my favourite role of his. The supporting cast especially the three police officers did well in their roles too.
5. Writing - I was engrossed in this drama. Brilliant crime thriller story told in two hours. I liked the very subtle hint of the perpetrator - I knew the creepy florist wasn’t the main culprit! I also liked the science explanation for the meds and crime procedure although I was not sure how accurate the facts were.
6. Styling - I liked the contrasting outfits worn by both leads. Chen Ye's outfits had an edgy look whereas Jiang Yan Bai wore more softer colours. My favourite outfit worn by Chen Ye is the outfit he wore for shooting practice while my favourite outfit worn by Jiang Yan Bai is the long beige coat paired with white shirt and black trousers.
7. Bromance - Ok there were too many bromance moments that I thought are disguising the love they had for each other. I found it funny that one moment even make it to my 'ML in bathtube' MDL list.

What I disliked:
1. The ending - I did not like the ending though. What’s with the epilogue? Is it a hint for season 2 or something else???
2. Assault - Chen Ye saved Jiang Yan Bai from being stabbed. I was puzzled by his way of saving him. Why didn’t Chen Ye kick the assailant or use his gun?

Favourite scene
The refrigerated truck scene

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The worst jiejie romance I watched - bad acting & writing

I was drawn to this drama because of two things: older woman-younger man romance & Dong Yi. I had never seen his dramas before but got excited to watch this drama. I must say I was greatly disappointed by this drama. Don't waste your time even if you are a fan of the lead(s).

What I liked:
1. Styling - FL's outfits were pretty. ML's outfits fit the persona or a young & hip CEO.
2. Supporting characters - I liked FL's assistant Tong Tong.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Hardly any romantic scenes. There was no real kiss in this drama. No sexual tension except at the start.
2. Acting - Average. Liu Jia Xi wasn't charismatic enough to play a confident older woman enacting revenge and toying with younger man. Dong Yi's ML was more of a tool - no character development. Liu Jia Xi and Dong Yi didn't have chemistry.
3. Writing - I felt like there wasn't much hunger & sense of urgency in executing the revenge plan. That arc was unfocused. The main characters were bland. I increased speed to 2.0x just to see if anything exciting happened but nope, this drama was forgettable.

Favourite scene
The opening

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Disappointed by this drama despite the acting & spicy scenes

I decided to watch this drama yesterday to find a specific moment for a reddit post. This is my second drama of Cao Sai Ya and of course I am familiar with Cao Tian Kai and his body of work. This drama is ok - well, I expected more.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Great acting by 3 leads. Cao Sai Ya had good chemistry with Cao Tian Kai and actor who played the antagonist.
2. Intimacy - Sexual tension between FL & ML was high. Passionate kisses and physical intimacy were plenty. CTK's abs on display more than once.
3. Styling - Impeccable styling for both FL & ML. Her heels were very high - I guess she must be tiny & petite. I like the contrasting styling for the two sisters.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's right hand man.
5. Ending - I liked it because it was realistic.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - SML Shen Ji Bai was a psychopath. He was cruel, sinister & possessive.
2. Writing - I felt the arc involving FL and antagonist too draggy. I knew he was evil in the first scene involving him and the twins but later there were plenty of torture scenes. It felt like FL didn't have concrete plans to rescue her sister. I wish she just approached ML for help and worked together on a plan. I also disliked that FL's identity was kept secret from ML for too long.
3. Romance - There was no emotional connection between FL and ML so I didn't believe in their love story.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML had grilled skewers for their date

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Romantic suspense that exceeded my expectations. Great acting, kisses and badassery

I knew of this drama when it was first released but never felt like watching it until today. I only recently watched & enjoyed Bai Xue Ru's acting. I was apprehensive with this drama at first because cop romantic suspense vertical dramas I watched were disappointing but not this one. Hunting Love exceeded my expectations.

Trigger warning: Violence

What I liked:
1. Acting - I loved the performances by both Bai Xue Ru and Ma Xiao Yu because they matched each other's acting prowess and intensity. Their emotional scenes had depth.
2. Writing - I was worried that this was going to be one of those "I can save a baddie / turn a baddie into a good person" but thankfully it wasn't. I really liked the plot twists.
3. Romance - Their kisses were passionate and fiery. Even though I knew FL shouldn't give into ML's taunts & charms, I still wanted them to kiss. There was good push & pull dynamics between them and later on, we could see that ML truly loved FL despite the betrayal.
4. Action - I had seen Ma Xiao Yu in fight scenes but damn Bai Xue Ru was fantastic in her action scenes. Definitely believable as an undercover agent. Both of them were badass!
5. Styling - I liked MXY's hairstyle & outfits for this drama. Good outfits were selected for BXR (loved the green dress) but that dress in the final scene wasn't nice.
6. Flashbacks - I usually questioned the use of many flashbacks but for this drama it was justifiable because I could see stark contrast between past and present and also felt FL's hatred for her parents' killer.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - There were 2 of them: ML's father and SML. I wish there were more scenes of ML's father and his atrocious crimes instead of being told he was an evil mastermind. I am still unclear about SML's motivation for his manipulation.
2. Aggression - I didn't like ML's aggressiveness towards FL. The chokehold seemed to be MXY's signature move.

Favourite scene
When FL was challenged to kiss a grumpy ML

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Marriage of convenience with great amount of spice, sweetness & emotional connection!

I came across this drama via subreddit CShortDramas. A member there wrote a glowing review of it so my interest was piqued. I wasn't familiar with the leads but upon checking I realised I had seen He Yi Ting before, in Zhang Shan - Cao Tian Kai first collab drama. I liked her in that drama. Anyway I enjoyed this drama a lot!

What I liked:
1. Romance - Damn, their first intimate encounter was 🔥 and the morning after was even hotter. It was obvious that ML was into FL from that scene. I enjoyed watching their multilayered relationship: boss-employee, husband-wife, secret couple. I was moved when FL admitted to liking ML - I wish ML had openly confessed to FL about his love for her.
2. Acting - Great performances by both leads and the actresses who played ML's grandma and FL's mother. I could see hands of ML's grandma trembled when she got the shocking news. I almost shed a tear. Also well done to actress who FL's mother for having a "meek" exterior but selfish and nasty personality.
3. Styling - I really liked the outfits for FL and ML. Thank you for not giving the conventional CEO outfits.
4. Main characters - Both of them were likeable. I liked FL because she stood up for herself when bullied. I understood her reason for wanting their marriage to be kept a secret. I liked ML too because he was exuded a cool, calm personality. His sulking moments cracked me up - it was endearing.
5. Supporting characters - I loved ML's grandma because she was wise & empathetic. I also liked FL's two close colleagues and ML's assistant. I didn't like Zhou Chen's persistence because it was harassment but he grew on me.
6. Storytelling - This drama covers tropes such as marriage of convenience, secret relationship, office romance. Plot wise nothing new but I enjoyed how the story progressed and concluded.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I must say the biggest antagonist to me is FL's mother. She gave birth to her but was too gullible and stupid to listen to her husband and stepdaughter. Both of them were nasty. Bai Xin Xin is another typical antagonist - a delusional character who couldn't accept No.

Favourite scene
When FL told ML that she had started to like him

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Campus drama with friends-to-lovers trope

I wasn't a fan of Ma Le Jie because of the roles she often played (damsels in distress). However I decided to watch this drama because I was preparing a reddit post on Cheng Cheng. Overall, I liked this drama even though campus drama isn't my favourite trope.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - It's cool that she was a ghost singer. She got fed up of the ill treatment & decided to stand up for herself after being given a second chance.
2. ML characterisation - I liked that he was rational and supportive friend.
3. Romance - Friends to lovers trope. A lot of sweet moments. Unrequited love trope was also explored in this drama.
4. Styling - The stylist chose the right sets of clothes to distinguish campus life from adult life.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - The SML & SFL were self-absorbed.
2. Slander - Same old, same old.

Favourite scene
SML went to FL & promised that he'd pay her back

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Great acting but overall the drama wasn't remarkable as I expected

I unsubscribed my paid Youku account and to take advantage of the grace period, I decided to watch this drama on the app. I am fine with dark & gritty dramas but Tear Night didn't quite meet my expectations.

Trigger warning: Self-harm, Violence

What I liked:
1. Acting - Great acting by both of them. The emotional scenes packed a punch.
2. Revenge - She wanted revenge for the ill-treatment she got from her family & boyfriend. I liked that she used available resources i.e. ML.
3. Romance - The kisses were good and the development of their relationship was done well. I liked their tender moments.
4. Styling - FL wore a lot of black and her outfits were beautiful. ML wore fabulous clothes as well.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Her father was truly evil. He was fine with killing his own daughter and first wife.
2. Storytelling - I was disengaged a few times throughout the drama. The execution of her revenge plans didn't excite me. I accidentally dozed off but didn't need to rewind because nothing big happened.
3. ML's actions - I disliked that he self-harmed when he felt insecure about his relationship with FL.

Favourite scene
When FL discovered ML's secret

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Tragic romance due to class difference but there is happy ending

I became a fan of Chen Tian Xiang after watching his modern romance drama with Chen Yu Ling. I also enjoy Yue Yu Ting's acting. I decided to watch this drama yesterday and wow, I liked it a lot!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked that she stood by her principles and wanted people to respect her. Never settle as a concubine / mistress.
2. Romance - It was tragic because of status / class difference. At first FL seemed like a plaything to ML but there were actual feelings involved. Their kisses were hot and passionate and there were also sweet & tender moments.
3. ML characterisation - I perceived him as an anti-hero because of the secret affair between him and FL. He loved FL but couldn't openly show his affections because of societal pressure. I liked that he was protective of FL.
4. Supporting characters - ML's right hand man was an unofficial confidant. He gave acceptable advice when ML was irrational. I also liked FL's servant for her loyalty.
5. Styling - Chen Tian Xiang looked regal / noble in this period drama. Yue Yu Ting was beautiful in her hanfu.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Su Fang Fei was atrocious & cunning. I also disliked FL's aunt & cousin.
2. ML's actions - I didn't like that he staged an assassination attempt on himself to gain FL's sympathy.
3. FL's career - I wish there were episodes on FL's career as a healer. I found the ending too abrupt because we were told, not shown, of her career success.

Favourite scene
When ML rescued FL from kidnappers

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