emberzmars

Mellow jiejie drama about ML who has crush on his guardian the FL

I was intrigued by this drama because it is a jiejie romance drama. I watched it within 24 hours of its release. I liked it even though it was mellow.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was hardworking. Despite claiming that she took on guardianship of ML because of the money, she was a kind soul.
2. ML characterisation - In the opening scene, he was in pitiful state but overall he was smart & forward-thinking. He chose FL over his biological relative as his guardian, he chose to become an actor.
3. Romance - He fell in love first but was too young to pursue FL. I liked that there was a time jump in this story.
4. Acting - Great performances by Jin Zi & Zhang Hong Ming. Good synergy.
5. Styling - I liked the clear differences between adolescent ML and adult ML even with Zhang Hong Ming playing ML in both stages of his life.

What I disliked:
1. Duration - I felt that thks drama could be shorter by 15 minutes. I also felt that the drama was too mellow for me at times.
2. Smoking - I could close my eye when FL smoked right after her cancer diagnosis but I didn't understand why she smoked years after she recovered from cancer.

Favourite scene
Kiss by the wall

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Affectionate main couple and fabulous outfits are reasons I enjoyed this drama immensely

I am preparing a reddit post about Zhao Mu Yan's dramas so I have been watching a lot of her dramas. I picked to watch this drama last Saturday because I also liked Zhang Chi. I enjoyed this drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. Romance - There was electric dynamic between them. Amazing kisses and intimate scenes. I also loved that they were tender and affectionate with each other. The cupboard scene was extremely sweet.
2. Styling - I loved, loved, loved FL's outfits. My favourite outfits from vertically-filmed historical dramas - I wish I could buy and wear them. I also liked ML's outfits - the navy and gold outfit with that top hat looked fabulous on Zhang Chi.
3. FL characterisation - I wasn't clear about her motive in getting close to ML at first but later got the info when she mentioned antidote. I liked the allure exuded by her character.
4. ML characterisation - I liked that he was wary of FL and yet never strongly resisted FL's charms. He was a smart guy to cover FL's tracks once he figured something was off about her.
5. Supporting characters - I liked FL's servant & ML's right hand man and the bodyguard / secret soldier.
6. Duration - I loved that this drama is under 125 minutes. It was an easy watch.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - He was selfish. I felt his arc was simple.
2. Ending - I didn't like the action taken by them then suddenly they were happy. Was that action a dream or real?

Favourite scene
When ML went to the cupboard

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Great chemistry between Min Jie and Chen Ci - I enjoyed this drama

I was told by someone in subreddit CShortDramas that there is a cosplay scene in this drama. The fact that I could never find a Min Jie drama that I enjoyed prompted me to watch this drama. Glad I did because I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. Romance - plenty of kisses. I liked that FL tended to ML's needs. She made effort to love ML because in most vertical dramas, MLs are the ones making initiatives. I could sense growing love and affections between them.
2. FL characterisation - I liked her genuine care for ML. The temple scene was heartwarming.
3. Styling - I really liked ML's clothes. He wore a lot of collarless shirts that I often saw in Japanese clothing store Uniqlo. The cosplay scene was sexy and sweet - I liked it very much!
4. ML characterisation - I liked seeing his character grow. He was also smart in protecting himself from danger.
5. Acting - Min Jie and Chen Ci were good in their roles. They had excellent chemistry - I believed their love journey. Finally I found a Min Jie drama that I enjoyed.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family was fake & greedy. Their reaction upon hearing FL's characters was unbelievable. Sadly ML's family was evil too.
2. ML's action - I disliked him for holding FL captive.
3. Duration - At 2 hours 50 minutes, this drama was too long for me.

Favourite scene
When FL made her entrance after "fake" death

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I felt they were miscast in this tale of arranged marriage between alpha FL & unserious ML

I recently noticed Cai Xin Yang after watching Wildfire by Daylight co-starring Shen Hao Nan. This drama is another version of Sui Xing Chen Ru Qing Ci Zhan starring Bai Xue Ru and Zhang Yi Yang. I am familiar with the storyline and enjoy Shi Tong's acting so with this pairing, I got curious and watched it. I liked it but prefer Sui Xing Chen Ru Qing Ci Zhan.

What I liked:
1. Cai Xin Yang - Damn he was hot in this drama. Funny that he played a man child who became a flirty lover.
2. Romance - Their banter at the start was amusing. Once they were intimate, their romance was hot and affectionate. Great kissing moments.
3. Supporting characters - ML’s friends were more involved in the couple's life through work.
4. Styling - Beautiful clothes worn by FL & ML. Stylist was on point with ML's outfits as Cai Xin Yang got to flaunt his toned abs & arms.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's sister was jealous of her so always scheming to bring her down.
2. Casting - While I liked both Shi Tong & Cai Xin Yang individually, I thought they didn't really fit the roles. FL was alpha and I couldn't see Shi Tong as an alpha opposite giant & toned Cai Xin Yang. Bai Xue Ru - Zhang Yi Yang had better acting and visual chemistry.

Favourite scene
When ML was coquettish with FL at his birthday party

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Bold opening scene, fiery kisses & sizzling chemistry the reasons I enjoyed this drama very much

I am a fan of Shi Yue Yue and Jin Jia Yu's acting. When this drama was released, I clicked to see what is the drama about? Wow, the first three minutes was shocking. I thought it was another version of The Bright Moon so I continued to watch. It isn't but to my surprise, I enjoyed this drama a lot!

What I liked:
1. Opening - Damn, the opening scene was blazing hot. FL was bold! Certainly unforgettable!
2. Romance - Desire was apparent for both of them but lust soon became love. I enjoyed watching their dynamics - they did not know that they needed each other until some time later. There was care & affection.
3. FL characterisation - I pity her being trapped in that situation but she was determined & smart. Good thing she hired a bodyguard to protect her.
4. Revenge - I liked that there were two revenge plans. I also enjoyed the gang/turf fight mini arc.
5. ML characterisation - He was smart & tactical. I liked the soft side he showed to FL.
6. Acting - Great performances by Shi Yue Yue, Jin Jia Yu and the actor who played antagonist. I also loved the chemistry between Shi Yue Yue and Jin Jia Yu - I was captivated whenever both characters appeared on screen.
7. Styling - Shi Yue Yue was gorgeous in the red dress! Overall I liked the outfits worn by both FL & ML.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - FL's father was creepy. FL's aunt & stepmother were a suspicious bunch.

Favourite scene
Opening

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Gripping performances by Yuan Yu Han & Liu Xiao Xu in a tragic thriller

I was curious about Liu Xiao Xu when his drama with Wang Xiao Yi was released. I wanted to explore his work with a different drama. I chose this one because I had seen Yuan Yu Han in her drama with Huang Bo before. Whoa, I was glad to watch this drama first because I was blown away by performances by both leads and the writing of this drama.

What I liked:
1. Tone - I liked the mystery & suspense elements. I also liked the use of twin trope here.
2. ML characterisation - Layered, complex and I liked the mysterious, "villain" vibe. He turned out to be an anti-hero who sough t justice for his dad.
3. FL characterisation - I liked her arc. She started as a bait for twin's revenge plan. From a victim later she became sympathetic to his cause.
4. Acting - Fantastic performances by the three leads. Yuan Yu Han continued to impress me with her acting capabilities.
5. Duration - I liked that this drama's running time is less than 2 hours.
6. Supporting characters - I liked the twin's father.
7. Plot twist - OMG, that living room scene was unbelievable.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - One of the most evil antagonists in vertical dramas. Total psychopath - unredeemable.
2. Ending - Tragic. Wish it had ended a different way.

Favourite scene
When ML cried

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Tan Zhen Hao's very kissy in this drama about revenge against abusive family

I was intrigued by the poster and Tan Zhen Hao when I checked new releases on that day. I was unfamiliar with the main actress but decided to watch it anyway. I was surprised by a few things - I liked this drama a lot!

Trigger warning: violence.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was smart to go into a partnership with ML to enact revenge.
2. ML characterisation - I liked that he was compassionate and kind.
3. Romance - I was surprised by how kissy Tan Zhen Hao was in this drama because the other dramas I watched was sweet not spicy. I liked that there were affections & emotional intimacy in their relationship.
4. Alliance - I liked that partnership was formed to defeat the antagonists.
5. Acting - Both leads gave good performances. There was good chemistry between them so the romantic scenes were believable. I was moved when FL was surprised by ML's action.
6. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by FL. Some people on youtube commented on the thick makeup on Tan Zhen Hao but he has always been pasty to me.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Abusive family. I couldn't believe they imprisoned her. Her ex fiance was nasty too. I also disliked Lu Si Yao a delusional &possessive woman who acted like a spoilt toddler.
2. FL's action - I didn't understand why would she return home knowing that she would be locked in the room.

Favourite scene
When FL was moved by ML's action

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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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Sexy FL, spellbound ML & sizzling romance in this light supernatural drama

I was browsing iQIYI shorts collection and saw this drama. I read the first two lines od the synopsis and found it interesting enough to watch. I loved this drama!

What I liked:
1. Romance - The sexual tension was high right from the first encounter. I enjoyed the push & pull dynamics between them and the way both of them yearned for love and affection. Their love language was definitely physical touch.
2. FL characterisation - FL could heal other people's illness. I liked her altruistic behaviour. I also found her sexy not the way she dressed but in her speech & attitude.
3. Revenge - I liked that FL got to take back her parents' wealth from her parasitic relatives. I liked that she didn't help her relatives when they faced challenges.
4. Acting - Amazing performances by Su Xi and Wu Yu Hang. They had palpable chemistry - I loved watching scenes with both of them together.
5. Supporting characters - I liked FL's bestie for helping her out whenever in need. ML's assistant was a good character too. I also liked ML's mother & housekeeper even though I didn't like their nosiness.
6. ML characterisation - He was skeptical of FL's healing capability but my gosh he was spellbound by her. I liked his protective behaviour which he showed during an ambush.
7. Styling - I loved FL's outfits from the moment she met ML in episode 1 until the last episode. She was elegant.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's relatives were cruel. Kicked her out when she was a child.
2. Punishment - I didn't like that the two female baddies were not punished for harming FL & ML.

Favourite scene
Their second intimate encounter and the morning after

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Steamy kisses & affectionate moments in this drama about understanding love & gratitude

I got to know about this drama from subreddit CShortDramas. I was unfamiliar with the main actor and main actress. A reviewer said there were many steamy kisses so I got curious. Overall I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Plenty of steamy kisses with ML being insatiable - he devoured her. However what I enjoyed more is the affections between them. There were warm & sweet moments.
2. ML characterisation - He was cunning - the scheming he did to get FL to like him was brilliant. He was also protective, tender lover. I liked that he respected FL's wish about no kids for timebeing.
3. FL characterisation - Good character development from a girl who yearned for her adopted brother's affection to a woman understanding the differences between love and gratitude and prioritising her wants & needs.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's subordinate & FL's servant.
5. Styling - I liked the traditional clothes worn by FL & ML.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Xiao Ji claimed the credit for saving FL which I found disrespectful towards her. He was also selfish & delusional.

Favourite scene
ML sulked when FL wasn't jealous

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Great push & pull dynamics in this transactional relationship drama

This drama was in my watchlist for months. I added it because I liked the acting of both Xie Yu Wang and Hou Cheng Yue. Last weekend I was in the mood for Xie Yu Wang dramas so I chose to watch this. I enjoyed it immensely.

What I liked:
1. Romance - It started off as a transactional relationship but slowly true feelings came into the picture. Great push & pull dynamics that made me glued to the screen whenever the couple appeared on screen. Plenty of kisses and tender moments. I also liked that their relationship felt like a mature couple.
2. FL characterisation - I liked that FL, who was without resource at first, slowly grew independent and could come with solutions on her own.
3. ML characterisation - I liked seeing his change of behaviour from distant, calculative person to loving partner.
4. Supporting characters - I liked Lin Zi Xuan, ML's assistant, ML's mother and FL's mother.
5. Acting - Great performances by Xie Yu Wang, Hou Cheng You and Wang Pei Yan. There was great chemistry between Xie Yu Wang and Hou Cheng Yue.
6. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by FL and ML.
7. Plot - Refreshing take on transactional relationship. I also liked how the characters, main and supporting, were mostly grey. There was no pure good guys.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's father was a scumbag. I was dismayed by ML's grandfather's reaction towards FL in their first meeting together. I wish he wasn't close-minded. I also disliked FL's father's plea in the last meeting with FL.

Favourite scene
When ML confessed his feelings to FL

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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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Story of rebirth and hidden identities with great performances by Xue Zi Qi and Liu Yi Long

I added missing dramas to Xue Zi Qi's profile months ago and when I gathered info for this drama, I saw glowing comments on Douban and Weibo. Thank gawd I have paid subscription to iQIYI. I watched it 2 weeks ago and wow, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She reminded me of Mulan because of her disguise and military training. She was smart, ferocious and independent - I liked those qualities in a FL.
2. ML characterisation - I liked that he too had his own battle to overcome. He was smart and observant. I liked that he protected FL once he figured out her secret identity.
3. Reborn trope - Two characters were reborn in this drama. Both of them took different path so it was fascinating to watch.
4. Acting - Great performances by Xue Zi Qi and Liu Yi Long. I liked seeing Xue Zi Qi in dual identities. I also liked the chemistry between them.
5. Dynamic - I enjoyed watching the dynamic between FL and ML in the various personas that they put on. She was compassionate with the Prince but cautious with mysterious masked fighter. There was push & pull between them and they did consummate their marriage but their romance was blossoming slowly.
6. Action - I enjoyed the fighting sequences. They were a delight to watch and Xue Zi Qi looked extremely cool fighting the bad guys. Liu Yi Lon was great too.
7. Styling - I liked the contrasting outfits for FL and ML.
8. Ending - I liked it even though it was a cliffhanger. It was cheeky. Please let there be part 2!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family were atrocious - they forced her to take on her brother's place and serve in the military. I disliked how her female elders treated her. FL's husband in the previous life was another horrible person. ML's brother was another character I disliked.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML consummated their marriage

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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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