For a change let the Cindrella save the CEO in distress. Yes, you have read it right. This is the best 'Hard-working female lead' and 'Female Lead centered plot' drama I have ever seen. This show is something that should be watched for Character development, Motivation, and learning life lessons.

'Master of My Own' is a 2022 Chinese drama adapted from the novel "Please Call Me The Director" (请叫我总监) by Hong Jiu.

Story: Ning Meng (Tan Song Yun) who majored in Finance always dreamt of becoming an Investment Manager but accidentally became the personal secretary of the rude/mean and jerk male lead Lu Ji Ming ( Lin Geng Xin). She waited, actually suffered for 3 years, and could finally come out of the grasp of Lu Ji Ming to pursue her dream career.

Tan Song Yun gave an amazing performance (as usual). The way she showed the transformation in her character from Personal Secretary- Rookie Analyst in the investment sector-Investment Manager- Investment Director was really splendid. The change shown is not only in the costumes but her micro expressions and gestures. A secretary who was very submissive in nature metamorphosed to a Mature and Great Investor. Tan Song Yun's acting is very natural and she gave the feeling that only she could justify the role. Also, the character is very very well written. She is not someone who only sees numbers but the dream behind a person's invention/ product. When she believed that a product/person is genuine she did a lot of homework to make their dream come true. Not only investing in products but she is interested in investing in the concepts.
She is strong, and that strength is not shallow. Even in tough situations she never tried to rely on anyone and especially on the male lead. The way she responded to the jerk Lu Ji Ming's words was beautiful. This is the first time I felt very motivated by a hard-working female lead role. Her perseverance is amazing, despite many people who were against her to achieve her dream, she was able to do it.

I usually have a soft corner for male leads. But this man initially is a total jerk, who has no heart. He strongly believed that Personal Secretary is the only fit job for Ning Meng. I felt like punching him on the screen many times. Irrespective of the nature of male leads. I strongly root for the main leads to become a couple usually. But till 2/3rd of the episodes, I wanted Tan Song Yun to remain single rather than choose anyone between the 2 male leads. Putting the character of the male lead aside, Lin Geng Xin did a wonderful job, the role of a jerk really suited him well. His chemistry with Tan Song Yun is perfect and it actually drives the viewers to watch the drama, despite being annoyed.

What I liked about this drama other than Ning Meng's character:
*The changes in Lu Ji Ming's behavior -in the 3 tough situations- love life, fall in career and a great come back. Lin Geng Xin was a great fit for this role, he was able to express those emotions very well.
*Like father like son. The way they showed a resemblance between Lu Ji Ming's father and Lu Ji Ming's characters. Both are equally stubborn and rude. They do care about others, but never express it, only to regret it later.
*Ning Meng's family- A very sweet family who is very understanding and caring.
*Ning Meng's wardrobe. Her outfits were just awesome.
*Dialogues- they are well written and do not sound much dramatic.

The characters worth mentioning here:
1. Su Xin as Zhang Yue Han, is the best male character in this drama, though he is playful, he knows how to behave well, and he knows the heart of a woman. I really felt happy that they put his character and loved the way how he points out the mistakes of Lu Ji Ming. He is not afraid of the male lead and he isn't just a sidekick unlike in many other dramas.
2. Gong Bei Bi as Shi Ying: A woman can surely become successful in her career if she works under a boss like her. Though the success of Ning Meng is attributed to her hard work, it is because of Shi Ying that she could actually do it. The way she guided Ning Meng in both her career and love life is beautiful.

The viewers experience different emotions in different parts of the drama. In the first 1/3rd - every viewer hates the male lead for his nature.
In the Second 1/3rd- viewers are just stuck to the screen to see amazing chemistry between the leads and the success of Ning Meng. In the last 1/3rd- a roller coaster ride of emotions.

I don't mean to belittle neither the drama Love is Sweet nor the character of Bai Lu, but I couldn't help comparing both the female leads' characters in these 2 dramas. Both did a splendid job in their roles. But the journey of Ning Meng in her career seems more realistic and beautiful.

I noticed in the comment section that many viewers were unsatisfied with Ning Meng's choice in the relationship. Clever as she is in the investment field, Ning Meng is slow-witted and naive when it comes to relationships. But she was actually forced into the relationship by the second male lead despite asking for some time and space. But the way she ended the toxic relationship was graceful. She did not hold any grudge against him and did not quarrel with him. She said what should be said.

To all those who dropped this drama after watching 11 episodes, especially after the dinner scene: I am a girl and I also hate it when a female lead is bullied, but hang in there. You are going to see the magical performance of Seven Tan. The beauty of all this drama lies in the character of Ning Meng. She has the purest and strongest heart.

My verdict: This is a must-watch drama if you want to see a lot of character development, experience angst, and then enjoy the success of a character in a drama. Do not watch this if you are expecting to see lot of skinship and kisses.