Unbelievable premise, but well done and with great leads.

A vertically filmed micro drama (I rate these on their own sliding scale). Spoilers only at bottom of review.
A non-toxic romance, no extreme violence, and no deranged 3rd wheels. Some things require suspension of disbelief, but there are no overly crazy plot shenanigans. The plot devices used tie into the story well and don't drag out (except for the mistaken identity misunderstanding which lasts almost the entire show).
This might be enjoyable for people who like watching the ML fall first, and fall hard.

The set-up is ridiculous but it makes for a fun story.
Set-up synopsis: In highschool the FL is assaulted by an older neighbor who blames her for seducing him when caught by his wife. The news spreads and the FL is ruthlessly bullied by everyone and kicked out of her family. She goes to live with her grandmother in another city to start over. Some years later, the grandma and her best friend have their beloved grandchildren marry. The leads get their marriage documents without looking at each other properly, the ML immediately travels abroad for work, they don't have any contact whatsoever for a year, then the ML comes back and they never meet directly as they pursue a divorce. The ML was raised by his grandmother and, due to complex family issues, the name he uses publicly is different than his given name. The ML is the new CEO of the company the FL is working at and she becomes his personal assistant. Neither of them realize (despite some clues) that the person they start becoming drawn to is the spouse they are planning to divorce.

I thought the screenplay did a good job with it's messages about female reputation and the long-lasting effects of slander. The messages were obvious, but integrated well into the script and plot so it never felt preachy.

The FL character is awesome, as is the actress. She is smart, fun, sweet, grounded, and with a backbone. She sticks up for herself without resorting to violence (other than a few well deserved slaps) and outhinks people to successfully manage challenges. She doesn't need the ML but it is nice that he so readily sticks up for her, especially since most people in her past have not done so.

The ML does a great job with the wide range of emotions required for his character. His growing admiration into affection then love for the FL is very believable, as is his inner turmoil between what he wants and duty or with what is socially appropriate.

The leads have great chemistry with many romantic and/or sexual tension moments. There's not much direct intimacy as both believe they are married to other people, but there are a couple of heated lip press kisses and a sweet kiss at the end.

General Spoilers:

The only downside this story had, for me, was the rushed ending, which jumped ahead in the lead's relationship at a crucial and interesting point. Talking things out, strengthening trust, and explorong the shift from off-limits to allowed physical affection were things I had been looking forward to, so was disappointed that it was skipped over. Nevertheless, the ending was happy and sweet, if brief, and ended with a kiss.

! More Specific Spoilers below on things I liked:

... ... ...

Some moments for the ML went against trope norms in a wonderfully unexpected way!:

1) When both he and the FL are drugged, he tears himself away after a few kisses and takes a cold shower. He doesn't allow himself to to fall prey to the aphrodisiac, respects the FL (and that she's married), and doesn't take advantage of her drug-induced sexual encouragement.
2) After he "learns" the FL is pregnant (it's misinformation), he then learns she's actually the woman he's married to. He asks a doctor to check on her for her health saying that it doesn't matter who the father is, he'll let her have the baby and will raise it as his own (he has no qualms about this, he doesn't even have to think hard about it because he loves and respects her so much).

Also unexpected: what happens with the ML's scheming mother was hilarious- I've never see one get a plane ticket to run away in fear of retribution when their plan went awry! I wish more of the annoying antagonists in these stories would do that, lol.

... ... ...

Leia Mais

Fun bickering dynamic but romantic progression was lacking.

A vertically filmed micro drama (I rate these on their own sliding scale). General Spoilers below.
Okay if a fan of the lead actors because the dynamic between their characters is uncommon and interesting. They kept me watching through annoying characters, tropes, and ridiculous plots.

The lead's disgruntled, impassioned bicking was mostly fun and it was endearing to see them transition slowly into seeing each other in a new light and caring about each other.

However, the romance ended up not being that satisfying because:
1) The last 1/4 focused on ridiculously crazy plot shenanigans instead of the growing feelings between the leads.
2) The interest felt lop-sided. Fairly early on the ML starts showing interest in the FL, softening towards, then being attracted to her, and wanting her to like him too. The FL's progression takes a lot longer to start, and it doesn't go as far. By the end, I only believe she's starting to be fond of him but not that she loves him. She shows no desire or physical attraction to him either other than stating that he's handsome. She doesn't even look tempted when the ML tries to kiss her.
3) There are no fully consentual or sweet kisses shown (like it's okay to show a kiss being forced on a woman but not okay to show her wanting a sweet kiss for herself). There are some sweet moments, but very little intimacy overall.
4) The ending is super rushed. Both grandpa's reveal the truth separately, there's plot craziness, and then the short ending scene.
5) The important last tender moment between the leads is ruined by the background sound. It sounds like someone over a loudspeaker giving a Christmas day speech. It's distracting and makes it difficult to hear the ML clearly as he professes his love.

It's a missed opportunity that the script doesn't have either character grapple with the confusion and possible internalized guilt for starting to love someone other than their childhood love. As a result, things (emotions and character logic) feel shallow. Also, the kids seemed about 6 years old when they met in the mountains, only had a short time together, promised to marry each other, haven't seen each other since, and yet are adament about staying chaste until the other can be found. It's not a believable set up at all.

The FL is overly competent except when the plot needs her to be a "regular girl". Example: she's a medical genius and a martial arts master, yet she can't shake of the ML when he makes a couple advances on her that she doesn't want (he doesn't push too far though).

Leia Mais

The leads are very good and kept me watching and rooting for them even though the plot got a bit repetative and drawn out. The couple of kiss scenes were electric with passionate, realistic embraces and kisses (with small to big movements).

A vertically filmed micro drama (I rate these on their own sliding scale).

General Spoilers below:

A high level of suspension of disbelief is needed for this story but it didn't really annoy me. There's multiple mistaken or missed identities. There is also a deranged 3rd wheel wanna-be who pretends to be the person the drugged ML slept with 3 years ago to pressure him into "being responsible for her" through marriage.

The ML's mother prompted the marriage between the ML and FL after she saved the FL one night. The ML doesn't really want a divorce but feels obligated to the SFL who he thinks lost her virginity to him and thinks was poisoned and sick for the past 3 years because of that night (she's faking it to manipulate his sympathy and guilt).

Unlike some dramas with a similar set up, the ML remains mostly likeable because he obviously cares about the FL but is conflicted and torn between what he wants (her) and what he has promised the SFL. He's frustrated and jealous that the FL has other men around her and just can't stop caring about her. The divorce gets signed but is never officially turned in.

The FL is smart, talented, and has a backbone. She pretends to love the ML to stay with him and cure him (hiding her medical genius identity for that never really makes sense, you just have to roll with it). After they part, she starts wishing the ML would put her first over the SFL, but is not a pushover and rebukes/rebuffs the ML when he can't commit to her fully. It seems both leads grew more feelings for each other than they realized while married.

Both the ML and FL have a couple of likeable friends.

There's some great karma for the coniving SFL (who twice drugs the ML in an attempt to sleep with him, luckily she's thwarted both times).

Happy ending with a brief kiss.

ML (not on MDL at the time I wrote this) is 張輻韜 Zhāng Yùn Tāo or Eric Zhang.

Leia Mais

Sweet and Fun

A vertically filmed micro drama (I rate these on their own sliding scale). This is a fun, sweet, lighthearted watch with a couple laugh-out-loud moments. Definitely good for one watch in this category, though I doubt I'll rewatch. Story is slightly different than many.

The scum and his fiance are also on the dating show, which leads to some fun drama, especially as the leads work together against them. There is also a third couple on the show who become friends with the leads (they are very likeable and have some great reactions). The ML's friend is the director of the show and helps the ML set up scenarios to further his wooing of the FL.

The leads are very sweet and cute together and have a healthy relationship. It is a gentle love story, not a steamy one. Kisses are mostly head-blocked and they never become fully comfortable with each other's bodies (space when hugging even after the characters are together for a while). Still, the acting is quite good by both and it is believable that the characters love each other and are very happy to be together.

No totally crazy shenanigans, low violence, and there is a nice extended happy ending.

Leia Mais

Sweet and easy, not a lot of shenanigans.

A vertically filmed mini drama (I rate these on their own sliding scale). Good for one watch. It's a sweet story that focuses on the interactions between the leads. There was nothing really annoying or crazy with the plot or characters, and there were a couple things I liked that were unexpected in this genre. Some suspension of disbelief is needed, but I found it easy to roll with. The ML is a bit domineering, but is overall very caring and supportive. His stiff indifference melts in a believable manner. The FL is a young and timid "rabbit", but she has her own goals and does grow in character strength by the end.

General Spoilers below.

There is good chemistry between the leads and a few lip presses, also multiple pins to the bed. The ML's desire is evident and he is a little insistent multiple times, but never pushes her too far.

Unexpected things I liked:
- The FL has grown up in an abusive family and is very timid and insecure, but over time the ML and his mother help her heal her emotional wounds and at the end she is strong enough to stand up for herself and has growing confidence in her own abilities.
- The FL actually talks to the ML about her problems early on (instead of hiding it, trying to take care of it alone, and getting herself in trouble).
- There is a 3rd wheel wanna-be, but she doesn't get much screen time and doesn't do anything super crazy.

Things that didn't quite work for me:
- I didn't like how violence was the answer to some things, but there were really only two scenes of it.
- It was odd that the ML never officially proposed even though he fairly early placed the FL in the position of being his wife. I didn't understand why they didn't have a marriage ceremony before the FL gave birth either. It's possible something was missing in the translation.

Other notes: Only one scene of drug-induced intimacy at the beginning that sets up the story. No attempted rape or kidnappings of the FL. There is some school (university) bullying near the beginning. The ending is cute.

Leia Mais

Romance Is Believably Grown And Sweet.

General spoilers. (I rate vertically filmed dramas on their own sliding scale.) Good for one watch and the screenplay is better written than many vertical dramas, I just don't see myself re-watching it. The whole cast is good and there is melodrama but it's approached in a more grounded way than most. There's no excessive yelling, no violence or abuse, only one character that becomes mentally unhinged by the end but isn't a constant part of the plot, there are 3rd wheels but they eventually become respectful and wish the lead couple happiness, and the fiance and father of the mean-spirited girl are actually able to see her for who she is and distance themselves from her.

There are a lot of clichéd plotlines in the script, but none of them are dragged out and the focus remains on the romance of the two leads and how they get through things together. There is good chemistry between the leads, though I didn't find it electric, and a lot if sweetness. The way the two characters fall in love with each other as they spend time together is believable. There are multiple lip-press kisses with feelings (some shown, others head-blocked). The relationship is healthy and supportive, with the leads acting like adults, and once they get past a few initial jealous insecurities, they are trusting of each other.

Possible emotional trigger warnings: there were multiple chunks of time that the screenplay focused on mother's with incurable illnesses, head tumors, and grief.

SPOILER ON THE ENDING:

... ... ...
It is a happy ending with a short wedding.
... ... ...

Leia Mais

Superhero-ish FL Gets Revenge While Finding Sweet Romance

A vertically filmed mini series (I rate these on their own sliding scale). Requires high suspension of disbelief but different and kind of fun with a great lead couple. The FL is rather badass and a genius. It was hard to be sure exactly because the subtitles weren't great, but I figured her late-blooming and wide range of abilities had something to do with her gene mutation, that was maybe triggered when she was institutionalized and given drugs. The story sort of feels like it's in the superhero or sci-fi categories in that regard. The romance is sweet with multiple cute moments and some good kisses. The ML is totally devoted and protective but respects the FL and her abilities so when she says she wants to take care of something herself, he steps back. There are terrible family members but also a lot of loving ones. The plot focuses on revenge and was a little hard to follow in spots, but I think that was mainly the fault of the poor translation. I was mostly able to shrug off any confusions because my main enjoyment of the show was watching the interactions of the lead couple anyway.

General Spoiler on the ending:

... ... ...

The ending is happy though rather abrupt.

... ... ...

Leia Mais

Kindred Spirits

General spoilers only. Lovely short story (14min). The leads are both members of the boy group TNT and have a true magnetism between them. The characters click with each other and their friendship grows strong fast. I like how the look of one boy's place changes (from messy and dark to clean and sunny) to indicate the steady, lasting change they make in each other's lives. They are together every day and plan to be that way from then on. They protect, comfort, and encourage each other.

This could fall under the Bromance category since it's made within China's censorship constraints, but I felt like the bond between the characters was palpable. It was fulfilling and made me smile. Surprisingly touching, since the story is quite simple, as the emotions are fully felt. Really great casting choice for this. Also some nice cinematography.

Leia Mais

Have fun with smart characters!

General spoilers only. Quite satisfying for one watch. Some of my favorite things of the story were how intelligent the two leads were, that they accomplished things together, and the ways in which the ML went out of his way for and supported the FL. The love triangle set-up was apparent early on but didn't really rear it's head until the last third. It was predictable and a little irritating, but it also served a purpose in this story to underscore a great message. I LOVED that the ML repeatedly said (and followed through with actions) that he respected the FL's ability to make choices for herself, wouldn't stop or deterr her, and would just make himself available to assist in whatever plans she made to help ensure her success. That was his approach to loving, respecting, and protecting her.

There were multiple plot arcs with a pinnacle of crises and resolution, which kept things interesting, moving along, and mostly satisfying. I really enjoy stories where the leads work together and accumulate victories as things go along. The screenplay had weaknesses here and there, but there was never too long of a stretch of it at a time. Some stuff about the wolf clans and magic weren't explained particularly well, and other things required some suspension of disbelief, but I didn't really mind and was able to shrug them off. There's some angst in the second half but I felt the overall tone was fairly light; I was invested in the characters but nothing made me actually cry.

The enemies to friends to more dynamic between the ML and FL was very fun, though it got a little repetitious in the last third as the characters kept holding back. There's a lot of banter, teasing, and playful bickering while working well together. There's also plenty of risqué moments as well as lots of shirtlessness for the ML. There are two kiss scenes right near the end which were okay. They felt cautious but were sweet enough, and lips actually moved a little.

The ML had obvious growing fondness and attraction to the FL, yet at the same time, it didn't feel like there was a lot of romance, especially as both characters kept obscuring their feelings from each other for most of the episodes; I'm not quite sure how else to explain it.

Most of the cast was good and suited their roles well. Jason Gu was so much fun as the playful, teasing, smart, competent, and loyal Yan Qing. He uses a devil-may-care outward demeanor to disguise how thoughtful and cautious he is. My only small quibble with him as an actor is that the moments of most extreme sadness fell just a little flat (felt acted). But there's not many of those moments, and otherwise he was engaging, captivating, endearing, and perfect with this role.

Connie Kang had great range as both Ling Long and Lang Yin. She balanced the drama and comedy of the two-spirits-syndrome really well and made me laugh out loud a few times. She was a tsundere character because of how she grew up, but was morally firm and clever with a mischievous side. My only couple of frusterations with her character were with how the script handled her realization of feelings towards the ML (she was completely clueless for most of it then remained reticent for a good while).

I loved the dynamic of the secondary couple and only wish there had been more of them in the last third. I would have enjoyed a scene of him furthering her martial arts training. The actress playing the SFL was perfect and made her unlikable character at the beginning somehow endearing so when the character grew likeable, I totally loved her.

The foes to friends dynamic between the FL and SFL was great and there was a bit of sismance to it as well (one episode in particular surprised me with that).

I enjoyed the fight scenes; they looked well choreographed and did NOT overly rely on wires or CGI. The CGI of a couple animals was pretty bad but that was a very small part so not that distracting. The music fit scenes well but only one song was memorable for me.

Leia Mais

Constant Insults Equals Love, Apparently.

General spoilers only. Not sweet to me. The ML calls the FL an idiot, stupid, useless, hopeless, incompetent, a hag, etc throughout the ENTIRE show. He insults, demeans, and belittles. He shouts at her and berates her when she asks for help. He has a very small character arc at the end that was not enough to redeem him in my eyes.

The SML, however, was sweet, sincere in his interest, earnest in his love, encouraging, supportive, and accepting. The FL even says he made the world seem like it could be a nicer place!

It was so frustrating that the FL instead fell for the emotional abuse with crumbs of care (and cooked meals) that the ML dished out. It seems love is through the stomach after all (sarcasm). A lot of the FL's insecurities even stemmed from how the ML treated her at their previous job when she was a subordinate that he was nasty to. His excuse for treating her like sh*t is that he was unhappy forcing himself to work at a job he didn't like but was good at. Poor him (sarcasm). I don’t think that justifies the extent to which he behaved badly.

At least the FL grows a bit of a backbone and starts bickering back to the ML. I didn't feel romantic chemistry from that however.

I kept waiting for a turning point in the ML's behavior and an increase in romance, but the change was miniscule. The few kisses were dead-fish-kisses and one of them was 100% non-consentual (FL kissed ML while he was sleeping, which I find creepy).

This felt unsatisfying and a waste of time; I wish I had dropped it partway through instead of hoping for improvements in character growth that never came. The actors did a good job with what they were given, I just really disliked how the screenplay was written.

Leia Mais

In-lust to in-crush to in-love. Physically affectionate & healthy relationship with steady feelings.

The Ep 1 rooftop situation is odd, but equivalent to kissing a stranger at a club. I think it's the unfamiliar context that throws people off of what is a fairly common event used in many romance stories. After Ep 1, it's actually a very sweet, trusting, healthy relationship with a TON of chemistry.

I also think some suspension of disbelief is required to enjoy this story! But again, that's true with many rom-coms. This is a light, sweet, and steamy (but non-explicit) romance without much angst.

The age gap didn't feel fetishized because the lead characters felt so compatible (physically and emotionally). The way they get together IS super fast, but also believable as instant attraction. The physical attraction is what gets them started, but as they continue, they learn more about each other and go from in-lust and in-crush to in-love. Both characters try to take care of each other in actions as well as with words and make efforts to communicate. What's great to see is that both characters gradually grow through their relationship. As they feel more secure with each other, the FL grows more confident and relaxed, and the ML grows brighter and relaxed (less reserved).

The FL is 22 and very naive. VERY. But I don't think she's dumb, I just think there's a part of her social radar that is oblivious because life hasn't dealt her enough lessons yet for that part to improve. It's like a translation issue: she *does* notice shifts in people's moods (she's especially aware of the ML), but she can't accurately tell what those shifts indicate. She likes to be helpful and to see people be happy, and treats everyone with the same genuine enthusiasm. She can't see how she might be sending mixed signals to some people because the concept is so far removed from her intentions that it can't even register. The ML understands this, and though he naturally gets a little jealous, he is more worried about her being taken advantage of than he is about her feelings wavering from him (which was also refreshing to see).

I enjoyed the clever ways the script had the FL's naivete turn expected clichéd situations on their ear; some of them were pretty funny. In addition to that, there were multiple times I thought "here we go" when there was prime opportunity for a cliche to start, but the screenplay would do something different. Not in a groundbreaking way, but still different enough that I would be pleasantly surprised.

I also greatly appreciated that though the FL character was completely inexperienced with intimacy, that she had a desire for it and actively participated. The portrayal was, I thought, completely believable for a 22 year old virgin, and easy to understand why she would be physical with a stranger so quickly if she felt an instant attraction. Though she's eager she also has moments of shyness and I love how the ML is conscious of how she feels/reacts and never forces her past what she's ready for.

The ML is 38 and *not* standoff-ish to the FL after the first episode. His growing affection is steady, patient, and occasionally lightly teasing in a playful way. He tries to alert the FL to social dangers and though he steps in to disrupt some situations, he does not try to dictate her life. Ep 3 has a couple scenes where their dynamic is written a little uncomfortably/imbalanced, but thankfully that didn't continue. The ML didn't feel condescending or like a father figure (which would have been a turn offs for me).

Both the desire and feelings the leads have for each other remain consistant throughout the show. There is a ton of skinship and making out, and even a couple kisses with a little tongue. There's nothing explicit though. The passion, affection, and sweetness feels natural, comfortable, and realistic. It's more satisfying than most JDramas (or KDramas) in that regard.

The secondary characters were mostly fun too. Nothing memorable about the music.

I watched on Viki and they had the 2 special episodes included with the main series. There's Ep 5 then an "Ep 5 Special" and Ep 10 then an "Ep 10 Special". The specials are basically recaps but done as the couple reminiscing together about their relationship thus far. It was fairly realistic, as that is something that couples do, but I wish it had given a few more insights into their thought processes than it did. The specials gives a little extra information, but they are not that necessary. The recap after Ep 5 was too repetitive when binge-watching. For me, I would have preferred to watch both specials at the end as a way to extend the good feelings from the show before leaving it to figure out what to watch next.

The story and characters may not be the most unique, but it was an easy, enjoyable, and satisfying watch for me, and I expect I'll re-watch again.

I also really like dramadesciples review:
https://mydramalist.com/profile/dramadisciple/review/152525
They have similar thoughts but say different things and summarize the lead characters and their dynamic well.

Leia Mais

Strong acting by all

The acting by all was 10/10 but the writing wasn't as good as Semantic Error. There was only one awkward thing to me. That was how intense the romantic feelings were from one of the Jun's from the very start. Given the fact that they've had no interactions for about a decade, it seems a bit odd. Being best friends at, like, 6-8 years old it would make sense to miss each other's company, but not to pine romantically. Just felt there were a couple of emotional steps missing for that one character just for the sake of the plot, but with only eight 30min episodes it's forgivable.

Leia Mais

Naturally sweet romance; two people finding their way back to each other after many years.

A vertically filmed micro drama (I rate these on their own sliding scale). General spoilers only below. Really sweet while staying natural (not going over-the-top), and fully satisfying! The focus remains on the developing relationship between the leads. A calm yet captivating story, especially for those who enjoy slow-burn, long-standing crushes, and rekindling love. There's pursuing, wooing, and flirting as well as supporting and comforting. A bit different than most vertical dramas I've seen, and well written. Mostly from the FL's POV, but there are times with the ML's POV interspersed throughout.

Both leads are good people, genuine, and faithful to eachother. I was easily and fully invested in both of them.

The acting is great (especially Wang GeGe as the FL; her eyes express so many nuances), and the chemistry is palpable and consistent throughout. There is some skinship, hugs, face caresses, and face/neck kisses. No direct lip kisses in this one but I didn't mind in this instance because the romantic and physical tension was satisfying even without them. There are a few suggestive lines of dialogue too later in the story. The FL is enraptured with the ML's hands, he knows, and it's fun to watch him use them to flirt with her.

Characters act and speak like people in real life might, even the jealous ones. There are no crazy plot shenanigans (there is a little drama here and there but it stays within the realm of plausibility), no violence (apart from a couple of punches), no abuse, no family hate, no long pointless arguments, and no mistaken identities. While there is a 3rd wheel wannabe for the ML, she is not given a lot of screen time or power, and the guys who get crushes on the FL are respectful and get minimal screen time as well. There is one big misunderstanding from back in highschool that takes a while for both leads to open up about, but that is also approached believably.

An easy recommendation for fans of relationship-focused romances. I expect I will also re-watch at some point.

I watched on a licensed channel (浪漫短劇社Romantic Drama) with good English subtitles in Nov 2024: https://youtu.be/OVjp4QDx128?si=fE1zgYw2emTuw-gC

Leia Mais

Very Satisfying Gender Bender Romance Balances Sillyness Of Screenplay

The bromance to romance between the lead couple gave me basically everything I want and hope for in a gender-bender relationship. It was so very satisfying in that regard that I'm rating this higher than I technically would otherwise. I've listed the main points of why I found the romance so satisfying under the "general spoilers" section further down in this review. Overall there's mutual respect and trust, giving support and working together as equals, great chemistry, romantic and sexual tension, a ton of skinship, some passionate kisses, flirting, and sweet words delivered in a heart-felt way. The set-up of the friendship is super fast and unrealistic, but then the progression of their relationship flows well and Yanuo is in male form for most of it.

There were things with the screenplay and direction that would usually annoy the heck out of me yet the production somehow kept things fun. The main romance is the focus throughout and the connection between the lead characters was believable and touching enough to balance out the other shenanigans in the show.

There was melodrama and many unrealistic and silly situations that the show leaned into (didn't take itself too seriously) so the cheesy, ridiculous, and low-budget-feeling moments had me laughing out loud along with it instead of feeling outright disdain. It did require a lot of suspension of disbelief, but the show's approach was consistent so I found myself mostly able to roll with it. Things in plot, settings, and characters come and go purely based on what's needed at the time. For example, except for one scene at the beginning the leads never practice their martial arts, yet when they need to fight they are always in top form. And the head of the triad doesn't seem to have much power or any access to bodyguards or underlings for protection. Those kinds of things.

The side couples were not interesting to me so I fast-forwarded all those parts. However, I did like the ML's Mother's story, she was a loveable character.

Ep 19 is a special episode. It recaps the lead's long romantic story, has an exaggerated yet still hot rough and playful heavy make-out scene, and some behind the scenes footage.

Why I found the bromance to romance so satisfying:

General Spoilers Below.

- The actress playing Yanuo actually has, not just the face, but the body and physicality to believably have been raised as a male who practices martial arts. She is tall, has broad shoulders, some stockiness to her arms, and large strong hands. She looks more like a grown man (with slightly softer features) than the 'cute boy' look that many other gender benders rely on.

- There's lots of time (many episodes) with the ML falling for Yanuo as a person who happens to be in male form, and many moments of both romantic and sexual tension.

- Zi Feng experiences and works through the confusion of his growing feelings and attraction, reaches acceptance, and makes the decision to act on his love *before he learns Yanuo's secret. There's no disgust or gay panic.

- When the Zi Feng overhears Yanuo's secret, he respects it, trusts there's a reason for it, and waits for Yanou to tell him.

- Once Zi Feng knows the secret, his approach towards wooing Yanou becomes more direct. There's a lot of time with them becoming romantic and quite a few passionate kissing scenes while Yanuo is still in male form (not knowing that Zi Feng has learned the truth).

- Zi Feng's family can tell his bond with Yanuo starts looking more like lovers than bros and ultimately show signs of acceptance through their actions *before the last episode.


While I was watching, I wanted to know the exact point that Zi Feng learned Yanuo's secret so I looked it up. If you're like me and want to know, the basic info is below; episode numbers are given but no other details.

... ... ...

SPECIFIC SPOILER BELOW.

In Ep 18 the audience and FL learn when the ML found out she was female (he overhears it in the eleventh episode).

Leia Mais

Unmemorable age gap romance with rather immature characters.

(I rate vertically filmed micro dramas on their own sliding scale). May be okay for one watch for fans of the actors or the trope premise. I like age gap dramas, but there are other vertical dramas that have done this plotline better. I like these actors too, but prefer other stories they've done.
Cute but after the beginning kind of boring. The actors are good but the characters are generic. The FL gets rather annoying; hot-headed, jumps to judgments, and whines and cries A LOT.
Some sexual/romantic tension moments but not much intimacy. Mostly green flag ML but he needed to use his words to communicate instead of trying to force kisses on the FL to express himself.
Found myself a bit annoyed multiple times. Overall unmemorable except for the funny scene at the hospital in the very beginning.

Leia Mais