emberzmars

The kissiest "I marry my ex's father" story

I am a massive fan of Huang Bo. I thought this was an uncle romance drama but it turns out to be a drama with I marry my ex's father storyline. It had been awhile since Huang Bo played a green flag character so I was extremely delighted to see him in positive light. I enjoyed this drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Huang Bo was very kissy in this drama. There were 2 kissing scenes within the first 15 minutes. Out of the many I marry my ex's father vertical dramas, this drama has the most kissing scenes. On a serious note, I liked that ML didn't allow FL to avoid conversation about their relationship. He asked FL to give him and their relationship a chance.
2. Hidden identity - ML found out thar his son was FL's ex early on in the drama. I also liked that ML's work identity was revealed in the first 30 minutes. He also came clean to FL soon after.
3. ML characterisation - He trusted FL from the start - he never doubted her kind and sincere demeanour. I also liked seeing his softer side when he was with FL.
4. FL characterisation - Likeable even though she was a damsel. At least she didn't buy her ex's lies. She also showed some growth once she got into serious relationship with ML.
5. Acting - Zhi Peng seemed like a new and young actress. For me, she gave a good performance as unworldly young woman in relationship with much older man. She also never shied away from intense kissing so well done to her. Huang Bo gave good performance too especially when his ML showed his softer side.
6. Supporting characters - I liked ML's assistant.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - We had dumb (Jiao Jiao) and dumber (Ming Hao). Their envy was next level. Ming Hao was childish & undeserving of his family's wealth.
2. ML's mother - I disliked her for being easily manipulated.
3. Bullying - FL was often bullied at workplace and at home. These scenes ought to be reduced or omited - I prefer the couple to get more screentime.

Favourite scene
ML's marriage proposal

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Opportunistic FL who felt guilty after duping ML. The drama moved me to tears!

I was preparing for a reddit post on Zhang Ruo Chen's dramas so I looked in her drama playlist on youtube and found this drama. I liked Zhang Yi Lun's acting so I decided to watch. Wow oh wow, I was so moved by the performance that I cried. I enjoyed this drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. Tone - Comedic start which I found refreshing. As drama progressed, the series became dramatic but overall I felt warm throughout the drama.
2. FL characterisation - OMG, she was smart & opportunistic but so likeable. She felt guilty and conflicted for duping ML and that's why I liked the character. There was growth.
3. ML characterisation - OMG, he figured out early. I liked that he was smart, kind & forgiving. I loved that he confronted FL's best friend for her selfish action.
4. Romance - So warm even when the relationship was fake. Their kisses were hot - I could sense desire, love & mutual attraction from both leads. I
5. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's assistant & the kids.
6. Retribution - OMG I loved how they thought ML's mother a lesson on humility.
7. Styling - Great styling. I loved the opening scene which had FL giving styling tips.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Secretary was nosy, snobbish & condescending. I also disliked her for crossing the boss-employee line just because of her status. I also disliked ML's mother for her snobbery.
2. ML's action - I wish he had fired his secretary immediately after the interview fiasco.
3. FL's best friend - She was nice but an opportunist. She took advantage of FL and ML's kindness.

Favourite scene
When FL confessed her dupe to ML

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Letdown by Zhu Xiao Xue's bland acting. She was miscast!

I was in the mood for Xie Yu Wang dramas so I was excited when this drama was released. I had not watched Zhu Xiao Xue's acting so I was curious. I must say I was disappointed with this drama.

What I liked:
1. Styling - I always see some 90s Johnny Depp in Xie Yu Wang. So when ML dressed like a rockstar for this drama, I simply loved it.
2. ML characterisation - I liked his flirty nature.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's assistant, FL's grandpa & FL's bestie.
4. Kisses - Good kisses thanks to XYW.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's fiancé / boyfriend & his adopted sister were mean.
2. Acting - Unfortunately Zhu Xiao Xue seemed out of place. This drama has a tinge of comedy even with revenge focus but ZXX lacked charm to pull off this role. There was no chemistry between her and XYW. I also disliked the acting of SML. His acting lacked conviction for a scumbag who was willing to harm FL. The actor seemed goofy with that styling & acting style.
3. Romance - Sadly I didn't buy the romance arc at all. FL was more focused on revenge against her ex - she couldn't be bothered with ML until the last 20 minutes or so. The lack of chemistry between ZXX & XYW also didn't make me want to root for them.

Favourite scene
When ML was flirty with FL after love confession.

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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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Carefully executed revenge for the betrayal FL endured

I found out about this drama when I checked Cheng Cheng's MDL profile back in August. I was stoked because I am a fan of Cheng Cheng and Zhang Chu Xuan. I watched it today on its release day. Overall I enjoyed this revenge drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Zhang Chu Xuan, Cheng Cheng, the actor who played SML & the actress who played SFL were great in their roles.
2. Revenge - This is the main focus of the drama. The plan was elaborate and executed very carefully. I appreciate that SML & SFL were given more character depth & screentime as a result.
3. FL characterisation - I was sympathetic with her situation as she was scammed by her husband before they were married. I liked that she sought justice for herself instead of just going for divorce.
4. Styling - Beautiful outfits worn by the cast. Cheng Cheng even wore a jacket without a shirt.
5. Third act - It was fascinating because I couldn't predict where the story was heading.
6. Supporting characters - I liked that employee of SFL.

What I disliked
1. Antagonists - FL's husband & his mistress were evil for their scamming FL. I also disliked FL's son for siding with his father & being rude to FL. Brainwashed.
2. Duration - This drama is almost 3 hours long. Some sections had slow pacing so I got distracted easily.
3. Romance - There were some romantic moments between FL & ML but beware that romance is not the focus of this drama.

Favourite scene
When SFL found out that she had been duped by FL

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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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Hong Qiao was charming in this family-focused drama

I was familiar with Hong Qiao because of her work in Han Yu Tong's fatgirl revenge drama. She was great there so when I found out she was the FL in this drama, I decided to watch it. I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Even though she transmigrated into another body & time period, I liked that her original essence (ruthlessness & smart) was kept. I also liked FL for her kindness.
2. Supporting characters - He family was a delight. The nephew was adorable.
3. Comedy - I liked that this drama was lighthearted & funny.
4. Family - Core theme of this drama. There were 3 families explored.
5. Acting - Hong Qiao was terrific in her role as she successfully demonstrated her charm & stage presence as the FL.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Disliked the married couple / neighbours for being envious & roping in FL's ex.
2. Jealous sibling - The third Prince arc was underdeveloped.
3. Romance - There was a romantic entanglement between FL & ML but I didn't believe ML had feelings for FL because he looked disinterested most of the time. It would be nice if there were touching / serious romantic moments between them.
4. Acting - Sun Zi Cheng was hot but his acting was monotonous. He didn't have any chemistry with Hong Qiao.

Favourite scene
When FL rescued her nephew from food poisoning

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I wanted more romance in this revenge tale

I am a fan of Sheng Yi Jie and Wang Chen Peng. This is their second collaboration although I haven't watched the first collab, I was excited for this drama. I watched it the same day of its release and had mixed feelings about it.

What I liked:
1. Opening - I loved watching FL being a seductress.
2. Plot - Wow I didn't expect a revenge tale to go big like this. I liked the plot twist reveal at the grave. Refreshing.
3. FL characterisation - Her mission was clear. I liked that she recruited her trusted allies in enacting revenge.
4. Styling - FL's outfits were beautiful. My favourite is the white business suit she wore at the start as it complemented her body shape. I also loved ML's outfits. Wang Chen Peng looked dapper in the grey suit.
5. Supporting characters - The gang of butler, makeup artist, fashion designer & dietitian.
6. ML characterisation - I liked his other identity - he was not an idle rich man.
7. Dynamics - I loved the seduction scenes and the kisses as it created enough sexual tension between FL and ML and between FL and SML.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Wow, the male antagonist was a different kind of villain. Female antagonist was a bitch. Both were unethical & unlawful.
2. FL's action - I felt FL should have gone for partnership with ML once the video reveal backfired.
3. Romance - It was rather one-sided with ML clearly attracted to FL while FL was focused on her goal. I wanted FL to desire ML.

Favourite scene
The dance by the pool

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Better acting and romance element in this version of "assassin disguising as weak heiress" drama

I got to know about this drama from subreddit CShortDramas. I watched Heiress of the Underworld aka Accidental Favourite before I watched this drama so I sort of knew what to expect. I must say I enjoyed this drama so much more than Heiress of the Underworld.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was smart and cunning. I liked her duality.
2. Romance - This drama has a stronger romance element. I liked the complicated relationship between FL and ML. Their first encounter was fascinating because FL outsmarted ML and their first kiss was hot.
3. Acting - I really liked Cui Xiao Xuan's acting because she managed to convey the two different personas of her character. She gave a better performance than Wang Xiao Yi. I also liked Song Yu Bo's acting. Good chemistry between the two of them.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's family especially the third brother. Always love a protective older brother.
5. Styling - I loved the contrasting style for FL's dual identity. The anime look was great on CXX.
6. Wedding - The surrender of weapons was funny moment! I also liked seeing the wedding as a gathering of FL's eccentric friends / allies.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - The Han family was horrible.
2. Screentime - I wish FL's brothers were given more screentime.

Favourite scene
When FL first appeared in her gangster persona and taught the baddie a lesson

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Enjoyable long time crush drama with variety show as a plot device

I added this drama to my playlist but I didn't recall the reason for the addition. The main actor & main actress seemed unfamiliar to me. Anyway I watched it last week - it was a good drama.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - Sneaky with all approaches to get FL in his orbit. Fret not, he was a sweet guy.
2. FL characterisation - It was great that she wanted to move on after discovering SML's bad attitude. I don't like FLs that wallow in self-pity for too long.
3. Romance - Sweet romance with ML having longtime crush on FL since they were in university. He liked caressing her face and I dig that!
4. Symbolism - I liked the hidden symbols of cat & butterfly.
5. Styling - FL looked pretty in her traditional outfits. I loved ML's shirt that has butterfly embroidery.
6. Variety show - I liked the use of variety show as a plot device to get them to know each other.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Shen Ruo Yan was such a high maintenance girl. Zin Mo was a scumbag for bad behaviour towards FL. I also disliked the other female contestant because she was hungry for fame.

Favourite scene
The confession

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Damn, ML was handsome and manly! Enjoyable 'I Marry My Ex's Father' drama

I am preparing a reddit post on vertical dramas with 'I Marry My Ex's Father' plot. I have already watched 3 versions of this plot with Huai Wen, Tao Si Yuan and Fan Xiao Dong as male leads. So I decided to watch this version. Despite being familiar with the plot, I enjoyed this version too.

What I liked:
1. Ning Hao Ran - Damn, he was handsome & manly. I couldn't take my eyes off the screen. His MDL profile photo doesn't do him justice.
2. FL characterisation - I liked her character development. She started off powerless when she lived with her family but learned to be assertive.
3. Scolding - Damn, I loved her when she scolded her husband’s ex for being treating him as an ATM.
4. Romance - Sweet romance. I liked it when ML caressed FL's face & patted her head. Too bad there was only 1 brief kissing scene because I wanted to see his kisses.
5. Supporting characters - I liked Ah Cheng, FL's bodyguard.
6. The ending - Bookend style.
7. Styling - I really liked her clothes after she got married. They were elegant.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family were money hungry - parents condoned their other daughter's affair with FL's boyfriend. SML Fun Chengyu was a spoilt brat & playful.
2. ML's ex - Another rotten character. I felt she had the biggest arc amongst the four adaptations I have seen.

Favourite scene
When FL scolded her husband’s ex-wife for being financially dependent on him

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Romantic version of 'I Marry My Ex's Father' plot with great acting

I was in the mood for vertical dramas with 'I Marry My Ex's Father' plot. I already watched Zhao Ting Yi - Deng Ling Shu - Li Yu Tong version whch I had mixed feelings. I was curious how this version would fare and surprisingly I liked this version so much more than the other version.

What I Liked:
1. Romance - Spicy opening scene. I liked that there are scenes of relationship cultivation with kisses, hand holding, face caress.
2. Acting - I really enjoyed the performances by the three leads. They had great chemistry - I believed FL had romantic relationship with SML then with a romantic relationship with his father ML.
3. ML characterisation - He was smart in his pursuit for FL - I am referring to breakup between FL & SML. I liked that he was protective & nurturing.
4. FL characterisation - I liked her character growth. She was naive when it came to her relationship but quickly learned that her self-worth was more important.
5. Supporting characters - I giggled whenever ML's assistant had inner thoughts about his boss.
6. Talk about other women - Former work acquaintance of ML tried to sow discord between FL and ML by implying she was too close with ML in the past. FL was sassy in her response to her and her chat with ML and I liked it!
7. The ties - That final conversation between ML, SML and FL was thrilling. SML was arrogant and unapologetic about the crime he committed but when ML disowned him & threatened to return him to his biological family, SML became a coward & apologised profusely. What a power move! I loved that scene.
8. Styling - I liked the changed in style for FL. She looked gorgeous in traditional wedding dress & graceful in her missus clothes. ML looked handsome in his suits.

What I Disliked
1. Antagonists - SML was delusional for thinking FL could forgive and accept him as boyfriend. He was vile for harming his father and stepmother. FL's ex bestie was manipulative - seeing SML as her meal ticket.
2. FL's family - Her aunt & cousin were horrendous. FL's uncle was ok but he got an agenda and I couldn't blame him for wanting a good relationship with his married niece.

Favourite scene
Tea ceremony before the wedding reception

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Warm, touching tale about a girl adapting to new household

I was in the mood for Zhang Ruo Chen dramas so I decided to watch this one because I had never seen Zhong Zheng as ML before. I didn't know what to expect but I was glad that I chose this drama. I liked it a lot.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked her resilience and determination to do well for herself. I was moved when there were scenes that told viewers about her upbringing with her father.
2. Sibling dynamics - It was great to see how the relationship between FL and SML who is her stepbrother progressed from frosty to warm. I liked that ML realised the misunderstandings and tried best to improve his relationship with FL in his own way.
3. Romance - Slowburn friend to lovers trope. ML fell for FL but realised that FL needed to feel secure in her new home. So he was never explicit nor aggressive in his pursuit of her.
4. ML characterisation - I liked that he quietly supported FL and always tried to find ways to be around FL.
5. Acting - Wonderful performances by Zhang Ruo Chen, Zhong Zheng, Yue Yang. It was nice to see the actress who played FL's mother in a loving mother role - I always saw her as evil ex-wife and stepmother.
6. Supporting characters - I liked ML's two buddies, FL's mother & stepfather and FL's two friends.

What I disliked:
1. Blind date - I disliked the girl who was on blind date with ML. She was going to take advantage but luckily her green tea ways were caught on by many.
2. FL's relatives - I disliked her father, stepmother and half-brother.

Favourite scene
When SML overheard his stepmother telling their housekeeper about FL's upbringing in her father's home

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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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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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