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Chemistry On Top, Romance That Actually Romances

I binge-watched this drama for a week without having any high expectations. And honestly, I can say this is one of the best C-dramas I’ve ever watched.

I really don’t understand why people keep criticizing Esther Yu just because of her voice. For me, her voice is perfectly fine. It adapts to the mood and emotions of each scene. For example, during the Thailand arc, Mumu was still immature, so it made sense for her voice to sound more high-pitched. As the character grows, the voice gradually becomes more fitting.

But if you watch this drama with intense hatred toward Esther Yu, then everything she does will naturally annoy you. In that case, you simply shouldn’t watch this drama at all. There’s just too much time wasted hating someone over something as trivial as their voice.

And honestly, if you can watch Zhao Lusi’s dramas, even though her voice can be quite grating at times, then you should be able to watch any drama starring Esther Yu. Sorry I mentioned Zhao Lusi because you know....

Moving on to the story itself, the only thing I disliked was the moment Jiang Zhao decided to send Mumu back to Canada because her mother was sick. He made a decision for Mumu as if he were her. I understand that he was hurt and didn’t want to burden her, but he had no right to make that choice on her behalf.

Imagine finding out everything about the person you love through other people, while everyone else knows before you do. That hurts. Please stop lying under the excuse of “protecting someone.” It never works. The moment you choose to break up to protect someone, you don’t realize that you’re actually destroying their life—especially when most of their world already revolves around loving you.

That’s the only part I didn’t like, and thankfully, the conflict wasn’t dragged out for too long. Overall, I loved almost everything about this drama. The chemistry was top-tier, and the romance truly felt romantic.

The only recurring issue with Esther Yu’s dramas is the excessive episode cuts. Ski Into Love had the same problem, so did My Journey to You and A Romance of the Little Forest. Why do all her dramas have to suffer from heavy editing? It’s such a waste, especially when all her dramas are genuinely good.

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I Rarely Finish Modern C-Dramas… But This One Hooked Me Till the End

I just finished watching Deep Affection Eyes. Honestly, I started this drama without any expectations—it popped up on my TikTok FYP, showing the scene where Li Jinyu entered the office on his first day to take over his shares in Hanhai Group. Since I’ve been watching a lot of Wuxia and Xianxia dramas, I wanted something modern for a change. I rarely get fully invested in modern C-dramas because I usually stop halfway, or after the main couple finally gets together. But this drama turned out to be one of the best I’ve seen—it’s full of emotions: funny, sweet, romantic, heartbreaking… everything.

I really enjoyed the early episodes when Ye Meng was trying to win over Li Jinyu. Even though they fought after getting married, their marriage scene itself was quite unique—they just casually went to the bureau to register, and that was it! I also appreciate that their arguments didn’t drag on for too long. At first, I was frustrated about why Li Jinyu didn’t tell Ye Meng the truth earlier. But then again, I don’t think Ye Meng would have accepted his explanation right away anyway, so it made sense for him to wait until the right time.

One of my favorite moments was when they reconciled at the race track. I also loved both of their families—so supportive and heartwarming. Li Jinyu’s grandmother was hilarious, and the three musketeers were also really funny. I liked how Li Jinyu and Ye Meng were already married before going to Jiangbai, but had to hide their relationship for safety reasons.

Another hilarious part was when Tai Mingxiao discovered something was going on between Ye Meng and Li Jinyu through a hidden camera Gou Kai set up for his proposal—not realizing Ye Meng was already married! That scene cracked me up so much I laughed for almost two episodes straight. And when Gou Kai mistakenly thought Cheng Kairan was Ye Meng’s husband? Absolutely priceless.

Honestly, I loved all the characters in this drama. Even the villain didn’t leave much of an impression compared to how much I adored the main and supporting cast. Ye Meng’s best friend Fang Ya’en was stunning, and her son was not only adorable but also incredibly smart and understanding of his mom.

The wedding of Ye Meng and Li Jinyu was also memorable. They decided to hold it before Li Jinyu’s grandmother’s surgery, and I loved how they did both traditional and modern versions. It felt meaningful and beautiful.

If I had one complaint, it’s that the ending felt a little rushed. I wish they had shown more of Li Jinyu and Ye Meng’s life after having a baby, or the improvement in Li Jinyu’s relationship with his younger brother. Still, I honestly didn’t mind the villains because everything else—the main couple, their families, the grandmother, the cousin, Cheng Kairan, Fang Ya’en—was more than enough to complete the story for me.

I loved the cinematography, the chemistry between the leads, and the emotional balance throughout. I started this drama without expectations, and ended it with so much satisfaction. Loved it. ❤️

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The Confession Scene Really Stole My Heart

I just finished watching Legend of Female General, and I’m still not over it! I absolutely love everything about Xiao Jue and He Yan—their healthy relationship, their longing for each other, their fights, their love… everything. Their confession scene? Still gives me butterflies. Honestly, it’s one of the best confessions ever.

One of my favorite episodes is when Xu Jingfu and He Rufei are exposed. That moment when He Rufei summoned the Fuyue Army, but it turns out the Emperor had already ordered the Nine Banner Battalion to be on standby? Absolute genius. Another favorite is, of course, the iconic confession:

“I love the moon, but the moon doesn’t know.”
“Do you still like the moon?”
“Yes.”
“Now, the moon is yours.”

I will engrave this line in my heart forever, haha.

And then there’s the scene where Xiao Jue is about to propose to He Yan—it was so sweet, I felt like I was the one being proposed to! That sweetness didn’t last long though because Chu Zhao had to show up right after 😌.

Actually, the BEST scene might just be when He Yan came to help Xiao Jue at Mingshui, fighting the Wutuo Army. I love how this scene really reinforced the “Female General” title. The action sequences, especially Xiao Jue and He Yan fighting together, were top-tier. Another heartbreaking moment was when Xiao Jue had to deliver the imperial decree for He Yan to marry Chu Zhao. Ugh, my heart.

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Shortcomings

As much as I love this drama, there are a few things that drove me crazy:
1. He Rufei’s Confidence – Where on earth did this man get his confidence from? 😂 He really thought he was better than He Yan just because she used his name and earned the title of General Feihong. At least He Yan worked her way up from zero, despite him trying to kill her.
2. Chu Zhao’s Character – I was so frustrated with him! Why did he even get promoted? Give me three good reasons why he should rise in rank—especially to military supervisor! He can’t even fight a basic battle. He just simply being there, and there you go, a promotion for you.
3. The Emperor’s Weakness – The Emperor started off fine, but once he got brainwashed by Chu Zhao, I just wanted to punch the screen. Honestly, if they had skipped the whole arranged marriage between He Yan and Chu Zhao, the story would have been so much better. And come on, Xiao Jue and He Yan were loyal to a fault—if they wanted the throne, they could’ve taken it ages ago. I wish this Emperor was written more like the one in Love Like the Galaxy. That Emperor remains the best.
4. Character Deaths – Why did they kill off Yan He? 😭😭 That broke me. And Chu Zhao’s attendant too? She knew martial arts—she could’ve easily dodged that knife! Sure, her death made Chu Zhao realize things, but still… On the bright side, I’m relieved Feinu survived—usually writers love killing off the male lead’s right-hand man.

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Other Thoughts
• The marriage between Cheng Lisu and Song Taotao? Extra, but I loved it 🤣.
• Xiao Jue’s brother and his wife? Adorable.
• He Yan’s teammates? Love them all.
• The fight scenes? Incredible!
• He Yan being “too small” to be a general? Doesn’t bother me at all. Don’t judge a book by its cover.

Despite all its flaws, this drama is now one of my favorites. Xiao Jue and He Yan really carried this story. I love Cheng Lei from My Journey to You and Zhou Ye from Back From the Brink. They truly have amazing chemistry, and I’d love to see them together again. Their acting was outstanding.

Also, the OSTs are beautiful—I’ve been replaying them nonstop. I’d rewatch this drama, though I’d probably just skip to Xiao Jue and He Yan’s scenes. 😍

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The Kind of Romance That Feels Like Home

Just finished watching this drama. It’s very lightweight — no toxicity at all. The chemistry, the love between them, I love everything about it. The two fathers in this drama are hilarious too, always bickering with each other 😂

You know, I honestly don’t mind at all if a drama doesn’t have kissing scenes. Because a good drama shouldn’t be judged by kissing scenes alone. Even though this is a romantic drama, you might wonder — how can it still feel romantic without any kissing scenes? How??

Because when I watch this drama, I can feel all the love between them. That butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling. Your heart feels like it’s blooming. This drama proves that even without kissing scenes, it can still be a very good drama.

I love all the relationships shown — from father and daughter, to Xu Zhi and Chen Luzhou. I especially love the trope where he fell first and fell harder. Chen Luzhou’s efforts seriously made me cry and feel so emotional 🥹

I also love how they inserted bits of comedy throughout the drama. There were unexpected moments too, which made it even more fun to watch. And the most unexpected one — the proposal scene. I actually had a feeling that the puppy keychain Luzhou gave Xu Zhi during New Year might be a hint. But I truly didn’t expect there to be a ring inside, and for Luzhou to propose to Xu Zhi at that moment.

I first got to know Wang Anyu through The Last Immortal. One thing I really love about him is his eye acting. When he acts, his eyes make you feel everything — the longing, the sadness. It really hits you.

As for Liu Haocun, I first saw her in Derailment, but I didn’t really pay much attention to her back then. But she’s so pretty, and her eyes are beautiful. I started to really love watching her in Seven Relics of Ill Omen. All I can say is, she’s a very good actress.

Overall, I’m very satisfied with this story. Even the ending — although there was no wedding scene — it still felt complete and satisfying. I’m giving it a 9/10 because I love lightweight stories that don’t feel heavy to watch, with no toxicity and lots of longing.

The OSTs are all really good too. Especially Wang Anyu’s song — I can’t remember the title, but wow, it’s so good.

I really recommend this drama to anyone who loves lightweight romance dramas. But if you think a good romantic drama must have kissing scenes, then this drama is not for you. Please stay far away and don’t bring toxic behavior here 😌

That’s all.
Will definitely rewatch it — it’s officially on my repeat list.

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