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Mature romance with no idiotic decisions + a bunch of Complicated relationships
Subjective Gut Rating: 8.25
Before I randomly came across “Wanna Be” on Reddit, I had never heard any mention of it on MDL. It was not a surprise as the leads and the cast are not idol traffic actors, and the theme is quite mature. But I was ‘promised’ a mature and satisfying romance, thus I decided to give it a shot. Besides, it’s only 29 episodes long and most episodes are less than 40 minutes. It’s not a long investment of time.
Romance
True to the recommendation of this drama, the romance is mature and satisfying. It’s been a while since I came across a mature romance like this without noble idiocies and dumb decisions and misunderstanding. The main couple may not be as sizzling as the other couple in “Fake it Till You Make It”, but their unwavering support and understanding are the same. Jia Fan (played by Tang Xiao Tian) and Han Yi Jing (played by Ci Ci Wang) are quite different. Their beginning starts with chaos and distrust, but because they are both good people, despite not liking each other, they help each other. Together, they battle through challenges in life and in their careers. Throughout all this, they never once suspect, misunderstand or accuse. They figure things out like adults and act like adults. Tang Xiao Tian and Ci Ci Wang have great chemistry. If you know me, I love a good passionate kiss. They deliver beautifully. There aren’t too many kisses in this drama and definitely no fan service, but each of their kisses is full of emotions and happens naturally. There are also some cute moments of the couple but not enough, if you ask me. LOL I love their flirting before they get together, and especially love the scene when ML asks FL to be her boyfriend.
Secondary Romance
Unfortunately, this noona romance is a little disappointing. What a waste of the handsome and talented Garvey Jin as Xing Mo. I need to see more coming from Han Jia Ling, even if she was conflicted. Xing Mo is a hopeless romantic who just can’t let go. I am ready to jump into my screen to snatch him for myself.
Relationships
Aside from romance, “Wanna Be” features many other relationships between the characters. I have to say, I love them all! They are all positive and supportive, though not without arguments and fights. However, because humans are complex, these relationships can be just as complex. Even though I understand the motivation behind certain actions, it doesn’t mean I approve of how nosy some characters are in butting into other people’s business and thinking they know what’s best. But, I do love these relationships.
1. Aunt/Niece and Boss/Employee relationship between Han Yi Jing (FL) and Han Jia Ling - love and hate, support and fight
2. Xing Mo (2ML) + Han Yi Jing (FL) + You Ning = Model veterans friendship and support through thick and thin for over 10 years.
3. Han Yi Jing (FL) and You Ning = frenemies but so fun!
4. Bromance + Mentor/Mentee relationship between Jia Fan and Xing Mo
5. Bromance between Xing Mo and Liao Jin Yuan
6. 7 Newbie model friendship - so positive and not jealousy - I have to admit this one is a little too idealistic.
7. Jian Fan (ML) + Father - what a lovely bond they have. Dad has the best relationship advice!
8. Jia Fan + Father + Dong Xiao Ru + Aunt - a small and mighty family
9. Jian Fan + Dong Xiao Ru - adorable and supportive sibling relationship
Modeling/Plot
I am not sure how realistic the portrayal of the modeling agency is, but I did have a good time getting an inside look. There’s a lot less fights and backstabbing than I anticipated. There may be a couple minor incidents but for the most part, everyone is so nice (a little too nice). There’s no competition between the newbies or between the veterans except for the two ladies in the beginning. There are a lot of photoshoots but no commercials and not too many fashion shows/catwalks. Though I have to say, I quite enjoy the 2 fashion shows towards the last quarter of the drama. 2 very different styles and venues that complemented the fashion. The plot surrounding the models, their challenges, secrets and paparazzi isn’t anything new or you haven’t seen before. Viewers can really guess what the next crisis is going to be. But the ‘twist’ will be how the characters respond to the crisis, but not the crisis themselves. The pacing is good for the first half of the drama and then slows down a little bit in the middle. But when the last quarter hits, it’s a barrage of incidents and secret reveals one after another.
I would recommend “Wanna Be” if you are looking for a mature romance of two intelligent and hardworking lovers. I love all the different relationships depicted in this drama, though I do think everyone is a little too nice. I wanted more from the secondary romance. The acting is solid and no character annoys me. It’s a somewhat easy watch. I’m rating this an 8.25, not quite an 8.5 but close.
Other Random Observations:
1. Tang Xiao Tian is way too old for me to pretend he’s only 25 years old. But in a way, it works for me because I am not a fan of noona/jiejie romance.
2. I never find Tang Xiao Tian to be attractive, but I've got to say he looks good in this photoshoot and in the last scene. Glad that ugly wig didn't last for long.
3. Garvey Jin is incredibly attractive to me in this drama. I might not like his fashion choices but staring at his handsome face and knowing he plays such a green flag character make me very happy.
4. The title of the drama “Wanna Be” is weird. I believe there’s a different English title before. The Chinese title translation is “Daydream and Her”.
5. Thank god the actors are using their own voices!!!!
Completed: 6/29/2025 - Review #596
Before I randomly came across “Wanna Be” on Reddit, I had never heard any mention of it on MDL. It was not a surprise as the leads and the cast are not idol traffic actors, and the theme is quite mature. But I was ‘promised’ a mature and satisfying romance, thus I decided to give it a shot. Besides, it’s only 29 episodes long and most episodes are less than 40 minutes. It’s not a long investment of time.
Romance
True to the recommendation of this drama, the romance is mature and satisfying. It’s been a while since I came across a mature romance like this without noble idiocies and dumb decisions and misunderstanding. The main couple may not be as sizzling as the other couple in “Fake it Till You Make It”, but their unwavering support and understanding are the same. Jia Fan (played by Tang Xiao Tian) and Han Yi Jing (played by Ci Ci Wang) are quite different. Their beginning starts with chaos and distrust, but because they are both good people, despite not liking each other, they help each other. Together, they battle through challenges in life and in their careers. Throughout all this, they never once suspect, misunderstand or accuse. They figure things out like adults and act like adults. Tang Xiao Tian and Ci Ci Wang have great chemistry. If you know me, I love a good passionate kiss. They deliver beautifully. There aren’t too many kisses in this drama and definitely no fan service, but each of their kisses is full of emotions and happens naturally. There are also some cute moments of the couple but not enough, if you ask me. LOL I love their flirting before they get together, and especially love the scene when ML asks FL to be her boyfriend.
Secondary Romance
Unfortunately, this noona romance is a little disappointing. What a waste of the handsome and talented Garvey Jin as Xing Mo. I need to see more coming from Han Jia Ling, even if she was conflicted. Xing Mo is a hopeless romantic who just can’t let go. I am ready to jump into my screen to snatch him for myself.
Relationships
Aside from romance, “Wanna Be” features many other relationships between the characters. I have to say, I love them all! They are all positive and supportive, though not without arguments and fights. However, because humans are complex, these relationships can be just as complex. Even though I understand the motivation behind certain actions, it doesn’t mean I approve of how nosy some characters are in butting into other people’s business and thinking they know what’s best. But, I do love these relationships.
1. Aunt/Niece and Boss/Employee relationship between Han Yi Jing (FL) and Han Jia Ling - love and hate, support and fight
2. Xing Mo (2ML) + Han Yi Jing (FL) + You Ning = Model veterans friendship and support through thick and thin for over 10 years.
3. Han Yi Jing (FL) and You Ning = frenemies but so fun!
4. Bromance + Mentor/Mentee relationship between Jia Fan and Xing Mo
5. Bromance between Xing Mo and Liao Jin Yuan
6. 7 Newbie model friendship - so positive and not jealousy - I have to admit this one is a little too idealistic.
7. Jian Fan (ML) + Father - what a lovely bond they have. Dad has the best relationship advice!
8. Jia Fan + Father + Dong Xiao Ru + Aunt - a small and mighty family
9. Jian Fan + Dong Xiao Ru - adorable and supportive sibling relationship
Modeling/Plot
I am not sure how realistic the portrayal of the modeling agency is, but I did have a good time getting an inside look. There’s a lot less fights and backstabbing than I anticipated. There may be a couple minor incidents but for the most part, everyone is so nice (a little too nice). There’s no competition between the newbies or between the veterans except for the two ladies in the beginning. There are a lot of photoshoots but no commercials and not too many fashion shows/catwalks. Though I have to say, I quite enjoy the 2 fashion shows towards the last quarter of the drama. 2 very different styles and venues that complemented the fashion. The plot surrounding the models, their challenges, secrets and paparazzi isn’t anything new or you haven’t seen before. Viewers can really guess what the next crisis is going to be. But the ‘twist’ will be how the characters respond to the crisis, but not the crisis themselves. The pacing is good for the first half of the drama and then slows down a little bit in the middle. But when the last quarter hits, it’s a barrage of incidents and secret reveals one after another.
I would recommend “Wanna Be” if you are looking for a mature romance of two intelligent and hardworking lovers. I love all the different relationships depicted in this drama, though I do think everyone is a little too nice. I wanted more from the secondary romance. The acting is solid and no character annoys me. It’s a somewhat easy watch. I’m rating this an 8.25, not quite an 8.5 but close.
Other Random Observations:
1. Tang Xiao Tian is way too old for me to pretend he’s only 25 years old. But in a way, it works for me because I am not a fan of noona/jiejie romance.
2. I never find Tang Xiao Tian to be attractive, but I've got to say he looks good in this photoshoot and in the last scene. Glad that ugly wig didn't last for long.
3. Garvey Jin is incredibly attractive to me in this drama. I might not like his fashion choices but staring at his handsome face and knowing he plays such a green flag character make me very happy.
4. The title of the drama “Wanna Be” is weird. I believe there’s a different English title before. The Chinese title translation is “Daydream and Her”.
5. Thank god the actors are using their own voices!!!!
Completed: 6/29/2025 - Review #596
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