limaje

This is a little late but there are two SML's in my opinion. One has a story arc with the SFL and doesn't have any romantic relationship/feelings with the FL. The other is an immature
brat who is just so annoying! He of course does have unrequited feelings for the FL and
she does allow this to go on a bit too long but firmly rejects him fairly early on. He's just
such an annoying character though. Always inserting himself into things and tagging after
the FL like a puppy with his tongue hanging out. I just want to boot him off the screen
every time I see him!

I actually like this one better than the first season.
The storyline is better and the characters are great. Ling Yi Zhou is less deceitful and controlling and has a much higher EQ than he does in the 'alternate universe' first season.
And let's face it, the actor Xu Kai Cheng is a real treat to look at in any universe!
Especially that lovely smile he has and his loveable impishness.
Simona Wang plays our FL character Xia Lin again and I like her better this time around. Her acting is more natural and her hair doesn't distract me like it did in the first season. In that I
couldn't stop noticing her hair was thin and stringy/straggly and she always wore it in a childishly dumb pony tail. In this season herhair is much longer so frames her face better and her hair,
outifts and accessories are more sophisticated.
The supporting characters are great with more screen time given to the FL's bestie Fei Fei and ML's gorgeous offsider, Wen Li and their romance. The third couple are also given more screen
time and have a nicely developed romance as well.
The only negative I have with this one is the large amount of 'in your face' product placement throughout especially the first half. There was such a lot of it and it was so obvious.
But that aside, it's a wonderful second telling of a fun, happy story which has it's drama and tension to balance the feel good fluffiness.
You can watch it as a stand alone but really the first season does set the characters up and they are all appearing in this season as well. All the same actors play their characters from Season 1, except the bad girl is different in this version and has a different storyline from the S1 villainess.
Re-watch. Absolutely. I'll watch Xu Kai Cheng anytime!

Great storyline and very good acting by most of the cast. The FL actress isn't up to the same level as the ML played so well by Xu Kai Cheng. It is a fun story with a lot of skinshiip, steamy kisses
and affectionate gestures by the ML which makes his character and the story more believable. There's mystery, tension with the bad guy, a crazy sFL playing the 'wannabe his girl but I'm never
gonna be but I'll keep on deluding myself anyway' desperate 'friend' who actually gets what she deserves. A nice change for dramas. The actress who plays her has the most high pitched,
childishly squeaky and annoying voice I've heard.
The SML is a nice guy and doesn't make a pest out of himself and hang around hoping to catch the FL, so that was also a nice change.
The FL's bestie is a really good character and the actress who plays her does a great job. She's supportive and intelligent and doesn't do stupid things.
Altogether a fun, happy watch with a satisfying and happy ending for all who deserved it.

This one is such a cute one. A lovely romance with a heavy dose of comedy by both the leads who have great chemistry. Interesting, logical storyline with no gaps. Good tension throughout, especially with the love triangle and the question 'will the ex ever let go'? But a nicely developed storyline for her with a happy ending as well.
The support cast was great, especially Samantha and the FL's bestie who is a natural comic without being irritating.
The FL is a beautiful girl and the ML is attractive and acts the part well. Satisying doses of romance (with real kisses), humor, mystery, tension and angst. But not too tense that it spoils your watch. It's the sort of drama where I hate to see it end.
Re-watch. Definitely. The only reason I didn't give a 10/10 was some of the humor was forced but other than that, It's great!

A lovely little gem with a great story. I liked the way they stayed together once they fell in love and didn't separate due to some ridiculous misunderstanding, noble self-sacrifice or sabotague by
the real bitch SFL.
The ML character was great. Such a good looking fella who was very cold and calculating at first but early on you could see that the character was starting to soften and fall for the FL. The change in the character was a natural, unforced progression from cold, aloof and calculating to hopelessly in love and so sweet and protective, loving, supportive and kind. Childishly clingy and jealous at times which was a hoot to watch. Very nicely done character growth.

The FL was good. Held her own and tried to become more independant when hubby wanted to smother her with love and protection (which is lovely but we gals also need to know how to
look after ourselves).

Lots of lovely affection and skinship with real kisses. I always get the impression with a lot of the Chinese actresses that they are quite passive in these kiss scenes though. He's giving it his all and
she just stands there passively accepting the kiss with her arms by her side. There were quite a few when she was more active but some when she was very passive. Had some problems with the
character when she knew the SML liked her but she still spent time alone with him and wasn't firm in keeping him at arms length. She didn't show love or loyalty to the man she professed to love by
doing that.

The SML (second male lead) was not as sweet as they would have us believe. He deliberately seemed to 'show up' to help her or interact with her, even after she rejected him. He insisted on
getting in the middle of their marriage and even managed to 'appear' in the same town she went to study in, knowing that her husband was in another city. He would take her to dinner, go with
her to find accommodation, etc. Everything her husband should be doing (she wouldn't let hubby come and do it for her though). He professed to just want to be friends but his actions screamed
'give me half a chance and I'll make her mine.'

I've seen a comment on another drama where the commentator called the SML's, 'spiders'. Professing to accept the FL's rejection and just offer friendship, but always managing to stay close and build their sticky little webs to catch the girl if she let's them. That's a very fitting analogy for this SML.

The villainess in this one (SFL) was a really nasty one. So well acted because I absolutely hated the character. And the annoying thing is they always get away with their actions without any real
consequence. Thankfully though our hero woke up to her bad deeds early on and she never stood a chance to snatch him away from the female lead character. As he said to her 'even if there
wasn't any Gu Xi Xi, you and I would never be together because I don't like you.' (paraphrased). Well said! But as with all evil girls in these dramas, she continued to be absolutely delusional.
They always seem to be the only ones who can't see that they would never get together regardless.

So a good drama with enough tensions to keep you watching but nothing too toxic so that you feel anxious or disheartened. No flat spots in the story so no eps dragged for me.
A good watch and one I've rewatched a couple of times.

Just loved this one. Roy gives a great performance and I spent much of the drama trying to work out
his style. His face (gorgeous of course) appears to register little emotion at first glance and his eyes
are always watchful, but I think that his acting style is subtle yet so effective in conveying the
appropriate emotions. A truly good actor. His comedy worked well bouncing off the hilarious Patrick Lee. That guy is a real scene stealer but Roy manages to hold his own with him in their
scenes.
The chemistry between the leads was indeed lovely but not sizzling hot. He conveyed deep
passionate love for her yet she appeared quite emotionless and wooden at times. Almost to the point where you could see his character being quite hesitant to initiate physical contact with her because she wasn't giving him any green light signals. He had to ask her for affection many times and always looked adorably happy afterward -like a loveable puppy dog. The story is cute but not
outstanding and I've rewatched a couple of times, really just to drool over Roy's good looks and
laugh heartily at Patrick's antics. The ending though is super sweet and satisfying with a very
nice wedding kiss scene which made up for the lack of skinship throughout the rest of the drama.
So if you want something sweet, light, funny, satisfying and not too angst ridden. Watch this one.

Just love this one for the quality acting, and the well written story, brought to a happy and satisfying end for all. The two main leads had excellent chemistry and the story of their hard won love was
the main thread throughout. Gets a little frustrating at times when they both seem to dance around committing to each other in the relationship and it wasn't really until the very end eps that they get
together permanently. Before that there are two lengthy separations which allow them both to grow.
It's a fun drama and not meant to be taken seriously at all but it does have its darker elements. Always a pleasure to watch and look at the delicious So Ji Sub and both he and the FL are very good
actors. They were well supported by a quality cast. I especially liked the character of Tae Yi Ryung played by Kim Yoo Ri. She was a cute little ball of pouty fun. No evil love rivals to speak of so that's a
bonus as well. Worth a watch.

I started with Kdramas also! Then watched Cdramas and for most of this last year, Thai Lakorns. They're addictive! I've just started to watch the Kdramas again. They really set the standard high for quality production and sophisticated plots.
I have a custom list of 'Asian Dramas with no evil love rivals' and a happy ending and some of the most recent ones from that are;
Oops! Mr. Superstar hit on me (2022)
Here is my Exclusive Indulge Season One (2021) and Two (2022)
Sunshine of My Life (2021)
GO Into your heart (2021)
Why Women Love (2021)
The Sand Princess (slightly older from 2019 but its a real cutie)
My Dear Lady (2020)

There are lots of others on various lists I have because I only watch ones with a happy ending. Anyway, hope you find something here you
haven't yet seen.

I give this a 10/10 because it's a lovely story with cute, engaging characters, a great story, good tension and NO villains at all! No evil love rivals, exes or in-laws, and lovely real kisses in just
about every scene when they get together, which is fairly early in the story. The Doctor is such a beautiful character and the perfect partner. He'd be an impossible act to follow in real life and sets the standard for the loving and supportive boyfriend/husband so high that he's almost perfect.
A delightful show to watch and it leaves you feeling happy. And the ending was so romantic and satisfying.
Well worth your time to watch.

When a drama ends and you find yourself smiling with happy tears, you know you've watched a special show. This sweet story is all about friendship, love and family, with a dose of a puzzle to
solve and no nasty villains at all. Such a breath of fresh air!

The warmth of friendship and famiily is present from start to finish. The chemistry between the leads is strong and tender. There are no breakups due to dumb misunderstandings but the story is so good that the tension filled moments keep you watching. The middle is slightly draggy but the ending has everything wrapped up beautifully with all the characters developing into better
versions of themselves and leading fulfilling, happy lives.

Just loved the love story between the ML & FL. It was sweet and tender and lasting, ending of course with a happy ending. The only gripe I have is that while the romance was strong and evident, there were not enough kiss scenes for my liking. But the ones that were there (and there were quite a few-I just wanted more!) were lovely and sweet. The character development of the nephew Chan
and his two friends was so good to see. And the housekeeper, Jennifer, was such a strong, well rounded and likeable character.

So overall this is a fabulous drama with light tension and no characters who will make you throw something at your screen.
The storyline is very well written and developed, and logical throughout, with a very satisfying and happy ending.
This is well worth your time to watch. 10/10

This is a good watch. Slickly produced as are most KDramas, with the predictable timeline of obstacles to overcome, a breakup and separation, followed by a sweet reunion. The FL is annoyingly tenacious and mean for the first six episodes but then becomes cuter and more understanding of the ML as she falls in love with him. The romance plays second really to the backstory of the FL's sister and her suicide three years earlier, but it's integral to the plot.
There are some great kiss scenes (no fake kisses in KDrama land!) and a good chemistry between the leads. The ML has strong character development from a severely introverted personality
(due largely to his domineering father who never failed to tell him what a failure he was) to a more confident man.
The suicide storyline is handled sensitively and it focuses on the feelings of guilt and attempted shifting of blame by the parties involved. The ML's father is a real piece of work. The sister, who was a guilty party in the suicide is a selfish, spoled, emotionally unstable person who puts her own needs before her brother's and allows him to sacrifice his own happiness for her.
Very unlikeable character.
The music was catchy and upbeat and fits the 'cute' theme.
Its a strange mixture of lighthearted with the dark suicide thread running through it. Gets a tiny bit draggy in places but overall moves very well.

A good origibnal story plot delivered very well by the production team and actors. No logic leaps or plot holes and a sweet love story taking second place to the mystery and police procedural of
finding a serial killer, chillingly and convincingly played by the gorgeous Namkoong Min. An entertaining watch with elements of comedy, drama, romance, mystery, thriler, wrapped in a typically slick Korean production. Worth a watch.

I've seen four and a half (if youve seen the Japanese version, you'll know what I mean) of the five adaptations of this story and this is not my overall favourite (that being the Chinese version)
but certain elements are equal. The portrayal of the ML, Pawut, by Bie is on a par with the Wang Xi Yi character played by Xing Zhao Lin but Bie is real eye candy and also comes across as a
more gentle version. His portrayal of suffering and heartache is very well done. Because the storyline is different, there is more angst and pathos in this one. You can really feel for the character
and what he's going through.
The Wanida character played by Esther is a cuter version than Liang Jie's portrayal in the C version. Her character growth is less evident in this one.
The thing I most dislike about this version is that is uses the same trope as the Korean version where the ML becomes very ill and that's why he chases both Wanida and Anna away. Of course all
ends well but this noble idiocy trope does lose points for me.
The Anna character in this one is the most likable out of all the versions. Because of the illness theme, Anna does not have such a major part in this story. She doesn't cling on to him, but gives up
rather quickly and doesn't actively pursue him or cause any problems for the main couple. She gradually gets to know her brother and helps him. So I find myself quite liking Anna in this
version.
I love how the FL grows as a character and makes herself stronger. The ML is a cutie pie and a good actor and you can see the character's love for her when he tries to give up on her and
encourage her to be with another man so she can be happy (this is where the noble idiot part comes into play).
So overall, a wonderful version of this very good storyline, with a logical sequence and no gaping plot holes that I could see.
It's different enough from the Chinese version to watch and in fact it's an interesting story so try watching all versions (except I would recommend reading the comments of the Japanese version before deciding to watch that one).

Oh so I have seen Mike in more than I thought! I've seen him in a couple of CDramas. Just didn't connect the dots for some reason. BTW your article is
very nicely done.

Oh so I have seen Mike in more than I thought! I've seen him in a couple of CDramas. Just didn't connect the dots for some reason. BTW your article is
very nicely done.

Lol! Yes I don't think you would have missed much. It's the type of story where you can work out the beginning just by watching the last part. Definitely not the best ever, but it was a good example of the ML having to work hard to win back the FL.

This is such a late reply but anyway...in case you're still around. I've just finished watching the Cdrama 'My little Happiness'. It is just so adorable with beautiful leads in a warm, mature and committed relationship with no stupid misundersandings and no evil love rivals. The second lead couple are just as adorable. Really one of the best dramas I've watched.

My fav from here is definitely Push. Such a cutie pie! And a good actor too. Just finished watching him in Roy Leh Sanae Rai. The emotion on his face was masterfully done. The only other one I know is Mike Angelo and I haven't seen him in any I've liked so far. Don't know the others...yet.

Such a lovely story. Not too heavy on the drama and angst but there's certainly enough to keep you interested. The lead couple are very cute together with good chemistry. The second and third
couple's storyline wasn't as interesting to me but still good. It was more about family relationships, love, persevering to show sincere love and triumphing over obstacles in the path of true love, and
forgiveness.
There were some lovely romantic scenes between the lead couple and the ML Chris Wang is certainly easy on the eyes! The FL was strong, yet vulnerable in relationships, so it took a long time for her to allow herself to fall in love with the ML.
The SFL love rival was a typical 'I love him to death so he HAS to love me in return' type that you find so frequently. She was not the worst (in terms of nastiness) that I've seen but still unlikable
in her determination to change the ML's friendship for her into romantic love, despite the fact that he was already married to the FL. He in turn took many episodes to make it clear to her that he
was only interested in friendship.
Music was nice. Grandma was annoying and overacted in a cartoony type way.
Definitely a re-watch for a happy viewing experience.

Thanks for that. I do have Innocent Lies on my Plan to watch list so will watch it at some point. I'll check out My beloved in-law as well. I haven't watched a Lakorn yet which didn't have its fair share of jealousies and misunderstandings. Must be a Lakorn trademark LOL. Even though I get annoyed/miffed at them, I would probably find it boring if there wasn't any! I'm my own worst enemy. But it's fun. Thanks for your recommendtions.