Marriage swap stories where female leads give me similar vibes. They are fundamentally different because of the plot and their character backgrounds, but they feel subtly reminiscent of each other. If you like one, you may like the other.
FL is a time-traveler in [1] "Qian Sui Qi Meng Yun Wei Yang" with a reborn sister, while [2] "Huan Qin" features the double rebirth of both sister.
In both stories, the marriage swap is initiated by the sister, while the FL passively accepts. Both female leads have a "take life as it comes" attitude. They are clear-headed and calm characters, though [1] is slightly spunkier as she is a modern soul. Their kind nature is also evident through their behavior and the genuine treatment toward those they care for.
They focused on living well and only deal with their sister when necessary. They don't really go out of their way to ruin their sister's life or enact revenge.
FL is a time-traveler in [1] "Qian Sui Qi Meng Yun Wei Yang" with a reborn sister, while [2] "Huan Qin" features the double rebirth of both sister.
In both stories, the marriage swap is initiated by the sister, while the FL passively accepts. Both female leads have a "take life as it comes" attitude. They are clear-headed and calm characters, though [1] is slightly spunkier as she is a modern soul. Their kind nature is also evident through their behavior and the genuine treatment toward those they care for.
They focused on living well and only deal with their sister when necessary. They don't really go out of their way to ruin their sister's life or enact revenge.
Both are variations of the same source material, "Handbook for Pretending to Be Good" (rough translation), "Wei Di" being the newer production of the two.
"Ji Yue Ru Chu" has a more expansive plot with more character and conflicts. Some reviewers say this version is closer to the source material.
"Wei Di" cuts down on a lot of content and focuses on the FL "fishing" the male leads. Production quality does feel better imo.
Should be version 1: https://kisskh.at/people/123129-li-shi-yao#comment-23446768
Courtesy of adrasteia
Title: Zhuang Guai Shou Ce, Ni Men Bie Tai Ai Le
ML: Li Shi Yao
FL: Shi Xue Jing
"Ji Yue Ru Chu" has a more expansive plot with more character and conflicts. Some reviewers say this version is closer to the source material.
"Wei Di" cuts down on a lot of content and focuses on the FL "fishing" the male leads. Production quality does feel better imo.
Should be version 1: https://kisskh.at/people/123129-li-shi-yao#comment-23446768
Courtesy of adrasteia
Title: Zhuang Guai Shou Ce, Ni Men Bie Tai Ai Le
ML: Li Shi Yao
FL: Shi Xue Jing
Similar story of becoming a concubine and treating it like a job, striving for promotions and salary raises by pleasing the "client".
Essentially the same story set-up in both of a strong FL and a primary shadow guard ML plus 4 additional male consorts, however FL is reborn in [1] "Qing Huang Tian Xia" while it is a powerful princess transmigrating into a new body in [2] "Gong Zhu Jue Se, Ying Wei Ri Ri Yu Xia Fan Shang".
[1] One is reborn to change her life in pursuit of power, [2] the other is reborn with a new identity to strive towards the peak again. [2] also cuts down on some complicated family relationships (i.e., mother) and the vibe of the FLs are subtly different as their motivation diverge (as [1] returning from extreme despair and [2] is coming from the paramountcy of power).
[1] One is reborn to change her life in pursuit of power, [2] the other is reborn with a new identity to strive towards the peak again. [2] also cuts down on some complicated family relationships (i.e., mother) and the vibe of the FLs are subtly different as their motivation diverge (as [1] returning from extreme despair and [2] is coming from the paramountcy of power).
General trope of FL abandoning the scumbag ex for the ML but set up is very different.
Similarities:
- Zhong Zheng plays a "green tea" male lead (i.e., playing victim to annoy the ex and get the FL's attention)
- ML hides his true identity as a rich heir and pretends to be a poor student
- ML is head-over-heels for FL from the start and has held a long-standing crush on them
- FL is pretty strong and capable; isn't one to accept mistreatment
- FL is from a wealthy background and offers to "sponsor" ML (before finding out ML is even wealthier)
- "Regretful" 2ML
Differences: Re Wen Yu Xin vs Fated to Love You
- College Romance vs Age-Gap Romance (Office Worker vs College Student)
- Both leads have loving family members and sole heirs vs FL deals with internal family conflict/corporate power struggle
Similarities:
- Zhong Zheng plays a "green tea" male lead (i.e., playing victim to annoy the ex and get the FL's attention)
- ML hides his true identity as a rich heir and pretends to be a poor student
- ML is head-over-heels for FL from the start and has held a long-standing crush on them
- FL is pretty strong and capable; isn't one to accept mistreatment
- FL is from a wealthy background and offers to "sponsor" ML (before finding out ML is even wealthier)
- "Regretful" 2ML
Differences: Re Wen Yu Xin vs Fated to Love You
- College Romance vs Age-Gap Romance (Office Worker vs College Student)
- Both leads have loving family members and sole heirs vs FL deals with internal family conflict/corporate power struggle
An Lian De Xiao Qing Mei Ta Ren Mei Ge Tian - Li Sheng Jie x Liu Xi Yu
Favorite variation due to the focus on the leads relationship, keeping conflict that do not contribute much value to a minimum. Simplistic and sweet story.
Little Green Plum Heart - Ka Rong x Mi Qi
More complicated plot and more conflict than version 1 but the leads are very sweet. The additional problems and subplots feel unnecessary and make this variation more like the stereotypical melodramatic vertical short drama. The basic story is still the same as version 1.
Other variation:
Childhood Sweetheart - Zhong Zheng x Liu Ying
- more similar to Little Green Plum Heart
- FL feels even more spunky in this version
Favorite variation due to the focus on the leads relationship, keeping conflict that do not contribute much value to a minimum. Simplistic and sweet story.
Little Green Plum Heart - Ka Rong x Mi Qi
More complicated plot and more conflict than version 1 but the leads are very sweet. The additional problems and subplots feel unnecessary and make this variation more like the stereotypical melodramatic vertical short drama. The basic story is still the same as version 1.
Other variation:
Childhood Sweetheart - Zhong Zheng x Liu Ying
- more similar to Little Green Plum Heart
- FL feels even more spunky in this version
"Ta Cong Dui An Zou Lai" and "An Lian Cheng Hun, Wei Ni Ke Yi" are renditions of the same story.
Both follow the same story with negligible plot differences. Personally prefer "Ta Cong Dui An Zou Lai" with Huang Hao Wen and Shi Tong.
Saw a complaint about camera work of "An Lian Cheng Hun, Wei Ni Ke Yi" on Red Note: "The camera shakes so much that it makes my eyes dizzy, watching those big jumps...Mainly, it's this camera work that's truly shaky, it's almost like it's doing a 360° spin" and there was another review on MDL complaining about the camera work. There are also some clips that look AI generated, like passing scenery or background characters talking.
Both follow the same story with negligible plot differences. Personally prefer "Ta Cong Dui An Zou Lai" with Huang Hao Wen and Shi Tong.
Saw a complaint about camera work of "An Lian Cheng Hun, Wei Ni Ke Yi" on Red Note: "The camera shakes so much that it makes my eyes dizzy, watching those big jumps...Mainly, it's this camera work that's truly shaky, it's almost like it's doing a 360° spin" and there was another review on MDL complaining about the camera work. There are also some clips that look AI generated, like passing scenery or background characters talking.
"Love in the Air"(1) and "Waiting for You to Break Up"(2) follow the same basic plot with the same primary characters, but the details differ quite a bit.
Male Lead: ML plays a more active role in breaking up the FL and 2ML in (2) with some more "green tea" behaviors. In (1), ML only really starts pursuing FL after she splits with 2ML. He is very protective of FL in both version. The romance between FL and ML also progress slowly in both versions.
Female Lead: FL in (1) feels softer than in (2), but there aren't any notable differences that would impact the plot.
Antagonists: The side characters in (1) are a lot more brutal (i.e., ex-fiance's cheating partner (2FL), FL's parents) in their treatment of the FL. They seems like truly morally corrupt people in (1). 2FL is malicious in (1) while more plainly a "green tea" type in (2). FL's parents also seem to only view her as a commodity for their profit, even going as far as to essentially sell her out (reason for their behavior revealed at the end) in (1). While they are still portrayed as selfish individuals, especially the father, they do not appear to harbor any genuine ill will toward FL in (2).
Second Male Lead: 2ML seems to have stronger romantic feelings for FL in (1), though he still cheats and neglects her, while he seems more plainly possessive/scummy in (2). The FL and 2ML also break-up pretty quickly and their emotional basis is also less clear in (1). In (2), FL and 2ML's romantic history from their high school days is shown through flashbacks so it is clear they have loved each other at one point, hence they take longer to officially break-up. FL also learns about 2ML's infidelity differently, also contributing to the difference in break-up timing.
Male Lead: ML plays a more active role in breaking up the FL and 2ML in (2) with some more "green tea" behaviors. In (1), ML only really starts pursuing FL after she splits with 2ML. He is very protective of FL in both version. The romance between FL and ML also progress slowly in both versions.
Female Lead: FL in (1) feels softer than in (2), but there aren't any notable differences that would impact the plot.
Antagonists: The side characters in (1) are a lot more brutal (i.e., ex-fiance's cheating partner (2FL), FL's parents) in their treatment of the FL. They seems like truly morally corrupt people in (1). 2FL is malicious in (1) while more plainly a "green tea" type in (2). FL's parents also seem to only view her as a commodity for their profit, even going as far as to essentially sell her out (reason for their behavior revealed at the end) in (1). While they are still portrayed as selfish individuals, especially the father, they do not appear to harbor any genuine ill will toward FL in (2).
Second Male Lead: 2ML seems to have stronger romantic feelings for FL in (1), though he still cheats and neglects her, while he seems more plainly possessive/scummy in (2). The FL and 2ML also break-up pretty quickly and their emotional basis is also less clear in (1). In (2), FL and 2ML's romantic history from their high school days is shown through flashbacks so it is clear they have loved each other at one point, hence they take longer to officially break-up. FL also learns about 2ML's infidelity differently, also contributing to the difference in break-up timing.
"Hao Men Qian Jin Tan Pai Liao Bu Zhuang Le" (2) is a more comedic rendition of "The Love Burns My Heart" (1). There are significant differences where (2) portray FL as a bit more crazy rather than just unaware of social niceties/norms (1), but the basic premise of FL having a way with words (i.e., anger people to death with her insults) to expose hypocrisy and other injustices. (2) Is also more light-hearted than (1).
(1) also touches on more sensitive topics than (2). Trigger warning for mentions of child SA.
Other Variation, closer to story in (1):
Title: "The Venomous Daughter is Beautiful and Cool" (Du She Qian Jin You Mei You Sa)
Cast: Wang Yuhan & Fan Chuqi & Liu Huige
(1) also touches on more sensitive topics than (2). Trigger warning for mentions of child SA.
Other Variation, closer to story in (1):
Title: "The Venomous Daughter is Beautiful and Cool" (Du She Qian Jin You Mei You Sa)
Cast: Wang Yuhan & Fan Chuqi & Liu Huige
Essentially the same story with different cast. Acting is roughly comparable as well.
Loco Motive Kissing Butterfly (1) is longer with more details from the source material. Jing Mo Xia Tian (2) cuts out some aspects but story is still complete enough. (1) has a more bittersweet vibe than (2) imo, but specific plot differences don't really come to mind (except where FL is when ML commits the act that puts him in jail).
Can watch both of you are a particular fan of any of the cast members or if you really want to kill time.
"""
If you prefer: Extreme push-pull tragic romance tension; Female protagonist's growth line of solitary courage in pursuing love; Painful redemption aesthetics >> Recommend "Motorcycle Kisses Butterfly"
If you prefer: High-profile CP and exquisite visuals; Mutual secret love's heart-throbbing attraction; Gentle healing sweet pet tone >> Recommend "Jing Mo Xia Tian"
"""
Source: http://xhslink.com/o/6MlwU6A217b
Loco Motive Kissing Butterfly (1) is longer with more details from the source material. Jing Mo Xia Tian (2) cuts out some aspects but story is still complete enough. (1) has a more bittersweet vibe than (2) imo, but specific plot differences don't really come to mind (except where FL is when ML commits the act that puts him in jail).
Can watch both of you are a particular fan of any of the cast members or if you really want to kill time.
"""
If you prefer: Extreme push-pull tragic romance tension; Female protagonist's growth line of solitary courage in pursuing love; Painful redemption aesthetics >> Recommend "Motorcycle Kisses Butterfly"
If you prefer: High-profile CP and exquisite visuals; Mutual secret love's heart-throbbing attraction; Gentle healing sweet pet tone >> Recommend "Jing Mo Xia Tian"
"""
Source: http://xhslink.com/o/6MlwU6A217b
Same story, but personally prefer "Cang Bu Zhu De Gai Bai" because the leads suit my taste better and less complicated.
"Bo, Qin Yi Xia" has more conflicts, and build more on their background/ past connections. The stepmother is also a more sympathetic character, though still viscous.
"Bo, Qin Yi Xia" has more conflicts, and build more on their background/ past connections. The stepmother is also a more sympathetic character, though still viscous.
Essentially the same script, feels like "Xin Dong Huan Qing Gao Su Wo" has slightly better production value than "Heartbeat".
Variation:
Title: Wo Dou Ai Zheng Wan Wi Le, Fen Yi Dian Zhen Me Le
Direct Translation: I'm in the late stages of cancer, so what if I'm a little crazy?"
ML: Da Bao
FL: Yao Yuchen
Good comparison of the 3 aforementioned versions on Red Note:
"""
1. "I'm in the late stage of cancer, so what if I'm a bit crazy?"
Starring: Yao Yuchen & Da Bao
Core Conflict: After being diagnosed with late-stage cancer, Lin Jian completely breaks free from her restrained self and rebels against family oppression and marital cold violence in a "crazy" manner. She publicly exposes her husband Fu Jincuan's hypocritical facade, tears down his mistress, and even humiliates the Fu family in public, ultimately achieving self-redemption.
Character Development:
Lin Jian: Transforms from a restrained puppet of a wealthy family into a rebellious figure who dares to love and hate, using extreme behavior to fight against fate and pursue freedom in the final stage of life.
Fu Yuchuan (Fu Jincuan): Initially cold and selfish, later becomes desperate to win back his wife after she loses her memory.
Plot Features: Dense melodramatic elements (such as amnesia, running away with a child, the second male lead failing to rise to power), forced happy ending.
2. "Xin Dong Huan Qing Gao Su Wo"
Starring: Chen Jinghe & Han Lujin
Core Conflict: Lin Jian is forced to play the role of a socialite and marry into the Fu family due to oppression from her original family. Her late-stage cancer becomes the catalyst for her to break free from her shackles. Not only does she resolve disputes with her birth family, but she also helps Fu Yuchuan eliminate internal family conflicts, ultimately achieving mutual growth.
Character Development:
Lin Jian: Combines rationality with explosive power, showcasing business acumen in dire straits, using "going crazy" as a weapon against various oppressions.
Fu Yuchuan: Moves from an interest-driven marriage to becoming a partner, later resorting to extreme measures (such as kidnapping the villain to let Lin Jian vent) to protect his wife.
Plot Features: Weakens traditional tragic romance, emphasizes political intrigue; the ending leans towards reality, with both facing illness and family crises together, without explicitly stating their survival or death.
3. "Heartbeat"
Starring: Wang Kaimu & Guo Yuxin
Core Conflict: Lin Jian counts down her terminal illness, while Fu Yuchuan realizes his mistake after losing her. The male lead undergoes a bone marrow transplant to save his wife, facing life-and-death tests, along with power struggles within the wealthy family.
Character Development:
Lin Jian: Focuses more on vulnerability, as a traditional "perfect wife," she awakens her self-awareness due to her terminal illness, transforming from dignified restraint to vibrant exuberance.
Fu Yuchuan: A rational and restrained leader, initially indifferent to his wife due to family interests, later attracted by her true personality, embarking on a desperate pursuit.
Plot Features: This version intensifies the subtlety of post-marriage daily interactions, weakens melodramatic revenge plots, focusing on the progression of the main characters' emotions and personal growth, praised as "a more realistic portrayal of wealthy family narratives." Ends with a happy ending.
Summary
All three versions are based on "terminal illness + marital predicament," but present radically different values: "Cancer Late Stage" emphasizes extreme liberation of the individual, "Xin Dong Huan Qing Gao Su Wo" focuses on rational breakthroughs and mutual redemption, while "Heartbeat" returns to traditional tragic romance.
"""
Source: http://xhslink.com/o/8PpvNWZKoZA
Another version set in Republican Era:
Title: Wo Qin Ai De Du Jun Da Ren
Direct Translation: My Dear General
ML:Li quan cheng
FL:Fu yu shu
Variation:
Title: Wo Dou Ai Zheng Wan Wi Le, Fen Yi Dian Zhen Me Le
Direct Translation: I'm in the late stages of cancer, so what if I'm a little crazy?"
ML: Da Bao
FL: Yao Yuchen
Good comparison of the 3 aforementioned versions on Red Note:
"""
1. "I'm in the late stage of cancer, so what if I'm a bit crazy?"
Starring: Yao Yuchen & Da Bao
Core Conflict: After being diagnosed with late-stage cancer, Lin Jian completely breaks free from her restrained self and rebels against family oppression and marital cold violence in a "crazy" manner. She publicly exposes her husband Fu Jincuan's hypocritical facade, tears down his mistress, and even humiliates the Fu family in public, ultimately achieving self-redemption.
Character Development:
Lin Jian: Transforms from a restrained puppet of a wealthy family into a rebellious figure who dares to love and hate, using extreme behavior to fight against fate and pursue freedom in the final stage of life.
Fu Yuchuan (Fu Jincuan): Initially cold and selfish, later becomes desperate to win back his wife after she loses her memory.
Plot Features: Dense melodramatic elements (such as amnesia, running away with a child, the second male lead failing to rise to power), forced happy ending.
2. "Xin Dong Huan Qing Gao Su Wo"
Starring: Chen Jinghe & Han Lujin
Core Conflict: Lin Jian is forced to play the role of a socialite and marry into the Fu family due to oppression from her original family. Her late-stage cancer becomes the catalyst for her to break free from her shackles. Not only does she resolve disputes with her birth family, but she also helps Fu Yuchuan eliminate internal family conflicts, ultimately achieving mutual growth.
Character Development:
Lin Jian: Combines rationality with explosive power, showcasing business acumen in dire straits, using "going crazy" as a weapon against various oppressions.
Fu Yuchuan: Moves from an interest-driven marriage to becoming a partner, later resorting to extreme measures (such as kidnapping the villain to let Lin Jian vent) to protect his wife.
Plot Features: Weakens traditional tragic romance, emphasizes political intrigue; the ending leans towards reality, with both facing illness and family crises together, without explicitly stating their survival or death.
3. "Heartbeat"
Starring: Wang Kaimu & Guo Yuxin
Core Conflict: Lin Jian counts down her terminal illness, while Fu Yuchuan realizes his mistake after losing her. The male lead undergoes a bone marrow transplant to save his wife, facing life-and-death tests, along with power struggles within the wealthy family.
Character Development:
Lin Jian: Focuses more on vulnerability, as a traditional "perfect wife," she awakens her self-awareness due to her terminal illness, transforming from dignified restraint to vibrant exuberance.
Fu Yuchuan: A rational and restrained leader, initially indifferent to his wife due to family interests, later attracted by her true personality, embarking on a desperate pursuit.
Plot Features: This version intensifies the subtlety of post-marriage daily interactions, weakens melodramatic revenge plots, focusing on the progression of the main characters' emotions and personal growth, praised as "a more realistic portrayal of wealthy family narratives." Ends with a happy ending.
Summary
All three versions are based on "terminal illness + marital predicament," but present radically different values: "Cancer Late Stage" emphasizes extreme liberation of the individual, "Xin Dong Huan Qing Gao Su Wo" focuses on rational breakthroughs and mutual redemption, while "Heartbeat" returns to traditional tragic romance.
"""
Source: http://xhslink.com/o/8PpvNWZKoZA
Another version set in Republican Era:
Title: Wo Qin Ai De Du Jun Da Ren
Direct Translation: My Dear General
ML:Li quan cheng
FL:Fu yu shu
