Moonlight (2021)

Sweet romance between an author and his editor

Moonlight (2021)

My first completed CDrama for the year!! Light romcom with a few heart tugging scenes.

Likes:
1. Hands down the winning chemistry between Zhou Chuan and Chu Li. They were perfectly matched.
2. One of the best bromance between Zhou Chuan and Jang Yu Cheng. I love their friendship.. they tease each other and always try to be better than the other. But they also have each other's backs when needed. Zhou Chuan supported Yu Cheng during his break ups and his new novel, Yu Cheng advises Zhou Chuan on relationships and duing the ghostwriting scandal.
3. The relationship between Zhou Chuan and his father was also a memorable one. I love Ryan Ding's acting.
4. The publishing house setting and having a glimpse of how book publishing works.
5. The visuals and the nice soundtrack.

Dislikes:
1. I didnt like eps 31-35 that much. It could have been compressed into 3 episodes.
2. The second leads' love story was boring esp the first half. I fast forwarded any scene related to the old lady.
3. Chu Li's unbelievable editorial skills. She was intern and was able to sign the best authors without any experience. She rose to deputy editor to chief efitor in just 4 ( or 5?) Years which is also unlikely. And whoever styled her should have been fired. She was always in baggy clothes or casual attire in the office.

Rating: 9/10

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Surprisingly enjoyable

These kinds of fluffy rom-coms are often too cheesy for me, but I liked this a lot, despite the cheese, because it was just so overwhelmingly nice and relaxing to watch. Struggling? Feeling traumatized? This is for you: it's like a warm. pleasantly scented bath in a really clean, luxurious bathroom in the House of No Worries. Many have griped about Chu Li's cutesy voice, but I found it soothing, along with her calm and positive attitude, and really enjoyed her growth as an editor. Zhou Chuan is a brat, but he's cute and he improves, and I especially enjoyed the arc with his father. The second couple are wonderful eye-candy (let us take a moment here to appreciate the shirtless shots of the SML, because yum). They had a pretty good storyline too, there were many other nicely portrayed side-characters, and the setting of the publishing house/pro-writer world kept me engaged throughout. Yes, it takes a leisurely speed - it is a cdrama, of course it does - and the romances are slow, and while sweet, they're not particularly steamy. But if you are looking for a relaxing dose of niceness where everything works out, you should definitely try this.

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well paced, motivational drama ! worth watching

this is now one of my favourite dramas of 2021, i didnt expect to enjoy it as much as i did!

i loved the cast, the leads chemistry was great both before and after they started dating. the character of chu li was especially my favourite, her passion and motivation to do what she loves and what she believes is right honestly really motivated me haha, she is vedy confident in what she does despite having to be put down by miao while he was still there. she never gave up on others and her character is how i hope i am irl.

i didnt find there to be boring episodes, i think it was well paced in relation to the number of episodes it has. if i had to comment on one thing i didnt like about it then it would be the girl who tried to get zhou chuan to date her even though he has a gf and she was literally right there - feel like this is so overused in dramas but it only lasted a few eps so wasnt a big deal lol

good drama to watch if you want something light and romantic but also focuses a lot on the work life and family/friend relationships. there are no breakups and there was one misunderstanding but it was solved pretty quickly!

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Chu Li was made for Yu Shuxin

So I've watch this drama during the time it was aired because that time it was on my long time break

Yu Shuxin playing as Chu Li, though I won't count myself as pomegranate, it felt like Chu Li is Yu Shuxin and Yu Shuxin is Chuli
Chu Li's humor and serious side was just so Yu Shuxin
I can't say that it's the "best work" as I haven't watch her other drama, but I think Shuxin really did great, despite it's like her playing herself
Ding Yuxi was so adorable, tbh for several parts Zhou Chuan was just, eh, typical tsundere boy, but he add his own flavor to the character, maybe adding his own self for Zhou Chuan
And I Love Zhou Chuan and Jiang Yucheng bromance, one of the reason why I love this drama

on the other hand, while most of the time I was more interested in 2nd cp than main CP of the drama, moonlight wasn't just it
I won't lie that Jiang Yucheng and Gu Baizhi chemistry was one of the hottest but their characters was just frustrating, always have an urge to skipped their parts

Kinda sad that Yu Yao and Suo Heng have so much potential as wlw representative in this drama, I was rooting for them, but I know back then the acception of wlw wasn't as big as "bromance", and after that Qing Lang happened so yeah

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Inspiring woman and cute relationships between each character

Moonlight shows the story of a high spirited, hard working woman who dreams of working as a book editor in a famous yet old publishing house.
The best part of the story is the female lead. She's unstoppable and never gives up. She puts her dreams first and does everything to achieve it. Her character is so full of life and inspiring. Her work ethics are so ideal and she always sticks to them. On top of all that shes extremely beautiful and cute.
The close second best thing is the bromance, the two male leads have the cutest bromance ever, they're always looking for each other to express every problem they face and claim they hate each other lol gotta love them. I really love how petty they are to each other and how they help each other when ever they can.
The show is full of fluff, it has a few cliches here and there, but they dont really bother you much.
The work side of the show was very interesting, I loved watching her grow and stand up for her authors, always supporting and never giving up on them.
I really liked the authors stories and even the story of the female boss of the female lead.
Now onto the negative aspects of the show, the male lead is lowkey possessive, extremely petty and I wouldn't say I really liked him as a character. His personality is something I dont find attractive. Sometimes he was just annoying and I didn't understand why the female lead likes him so much.
Some of the work problems faced by the female lead was many times solved with the help of the male lead and that lowkey bothered me.
The second lead's relationship was a mess, they went off and on so many times I wanted to fast forward many parts. Sometimes there was no logic to thier decision and I was just confused.

Overall the show was pretty entertaining and cute, I enjoyed watching it and would recommend it when you're looking for something light.

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from her voice. The setting is a little bit too dramatic for the characters tho. The main couple was too bubbly for it but probably because the story has a to be a little emotional so its acceptable. There were many cute scenes of the main couple and Im glad they didnt break up. I love them together, especially when the ML is too clingy! At first, I didnt like how the second couple turned around, from dislike to love, but afterwards, I found them lovely. Its because they were willing to change for each other — and that is true love. Plus, their steamy kisses are great. Lol. I was actually surprised to learn that the second ML is still quite young IRL. Good job in making him look like he’s in his 30s. He’s so hot! Those muscles, arms!! I didnt only love the cast but the story as well — the developments and the supporting stories. I dont want to write too much about the plot, watch it yourself. Its definitely worth it!!

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Humorous and Heartwarming

If you're looking for a super romance-y drama, this is not for you. But other than that, this was such a refreshing drama! I know next to nothing about publishing, so this was a nice insight to the behind the scenes (which I'm assuming is pretty accurate to real life) - I initially thought the premise would be boring, but the story was actually pretty interesting with lots of humorous moments that made me literally laugh out loud, and without being over the top.

Also, I loved the FL! She was spunky and energetic, but I never found her annoying. She's the epitome of how hard work and persistence pays off, and I love how she always took her work seriously because she was truly so passionate about it. Another thing I loved - she's respectful, but also just doesn't take shit from other people lying down without standing up for herself and the people she loves.

As mentioned before, romance between the two leads played a part in the drama, but I definitely wouldn't say it was the main focus. Honestly speaking, I found Ryan to have had more chemistry with other FLs and the kissing was uh.... a bit wooden, let's say. They had their cute moments, but my favourite part was most definitely the various friendships the ML and FL had. Loved the ML and his best friend; they were competitive, but was always genuinely happy for the other's success. No secret backstabbing, badmouthing, or whatever other plots dramas tend to like to throw at you, just great friendship and support. Awesome.

Near the end, the plot did get kind of boring and predictable, but solid drama overall and I'm glad I gave it a chance.

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Slow burning drama /romance about writer and the publisher

I have to disgree with other reviews! This drama is definitely a slow buning drama. The plot and relationship development are so slow! The story is a little bland and lacks flavor or something to make it stick out. I mean its pass the halfway point , Im on ep 18 and they still arent together.

Female lead has always been interested in reading books, but majored in finance. After graduation she decides to follow her heart and pursue a job in the book publishing company Yun Yue . The female lead has an online friend that she talks to and that person is none the other , the male lead. The male lead is a promising author, who personality is kinda straight forward and not the easiest to work with. Male lead is about to sign with another publishing company, so the female lead does all she can to get him to stay under Yun Yue publishing house. She gets hit with a wall because the male lead doesnt care/ doesnt want to work with Yun Yue. He realized that the female lead is the online friend and his personality has a major shift. She succesfully signs him. The female lead goes through a lot of opression from her bosses/manager which was kinda annoying!

The second male lead is also an author but a dated one who is the male lead's best friend. He gets back into writing and female lead successful signs him under Yun Yue. Things happen and she has to move out of her house. She ends up moving in with the male lead. ( how i felt like her interactions with him during when they were living together didnt add any wow points or swet moments) ( weol maybe like one or two...)

All the way up to ep 19 is when there is a first drunk kiss... I give ep 1- 19 a rating of 6.5-7. Hopefully 20-36 will be better.

The content of the story is just quite boring.... I mean an author and publishing house and talking about books etc.

Also am I the only one who cant stand the female lead's high pitched voice?

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Hysterical and an Absolute Blast to Watch!

First and foremost, I want to say that this show is being reviewed based on my personal enjoyment. It is in no way, shape, or form something professional or meant to convince others to watch because “it’s the best”. No. This is solely based on my enjoyment rate. In this case, it’s quite high. I want to add that I know the show is not done yet, but I just had to share my thoughts in hopes that it'll give someone who's debating on watching this the push they need.

Now let’s get down to reviewing. Please bear with the length.

STORY:
I am having a blast. I love the storyline of this drama. It’s nothing out of the ordinary or complicated. It’s merely about publishing houses, editors, and authors and the things they deal with daily. As a writer who thought about being an editor as well, I’m getting a glimpse of what this profession looks like. I simply love the dynamics between editors and authors for the most part, but my favorite is when our FL provides words of growth and encouragement to our doubting writers who feel they are done. On a side note, this story also follows our ML and FL being online buddies without actually knowing each other’s identities until ML finds out a few episodes in. His whole mindset changed towards her after, but I’ll save that for my characters section lol. I find this interaction positively HILARIOUS because he knows who she is and what she’s talking about, but she doesn’t realize she’s talking to ML about ML. Classic!

I also want to add that while this drama is pretty dang cliché, it does not put me off. Let me add that I’ve seen dramas that were cliché, and many watchers commented it was cliché done right, but it was quite painful for me to watch those scenes despite being a sucker for cliches. The writers just tend to make it sooo farfetched to the point it’s not really cute but cringe instead. However, this drama, in my honest opinion, does it right. They don’t toss in cliché scenes at every corner. Rather, they build it up and execute it flawlessly where I’m left squealing and grinning like an idiot rather than covering my eyes with a wince.
We all know dramas like to dramatize the moment by slowing it down or keeping the leads in that position one second longer than probably needed, but this drama carries it in a way where it’s not as long as others but there is action at the end that either leaves you frustrated or cackling like a witch. Both happened to me so far, and we’re only 14 episodes in.

Let me mention the romance aspect of the story now. The plain and simple version is, I’m obsessed.

The longer and more explained version is, I love, love, LOVE the chemistry between ML and FL. It’s so natural, so endearing, and downright hysterical! They literally act like husband and wife and I legit can’t get enough of them. I also have to give a handclap to the slight love triangle involved. Let me enforce that I really don’t like love triangles. I think they’re pointless, stupid, and plain ridiculous because it contributes nothing but headaches to a story. I can count on one hand the dramas I’ve watched that had love triangles that did not make me want to blow my top off. The reason for me enjoying it was because it was a love triangle handled RIGHT! And this drama may as well be my third drama I like that has it.

This might be a small spoiler, but I love how the FL handled the situation with the SML. They were so honest with each other, so straightforward, and they did not dance around the topic of like very long. They both know where they stand, and despite the situation, they aren’t awkward at all and can still be professional as FL is SML’s editor.

Overall, this story is so cute. It’s nothing stressful, it’s nothing suspenseful (in the anticipated way. It can be when it comes to our leads romance lives though LOL!), and it’s nothing too dramatic. I honestly see this as a rom-com done right! Definitely check it out for something lightweight.

Now onto our next section!

CHARACTERS/ACTING:
So many people have been mainly complaining about the voice of our FL. I’ll admit, it does take some getting used to because she has this type of whiny and childish tone going on, but after a couple of episodes, you learn to love it because it fits her character soooo well. While Chu Li (FL) has this pouty look going on, she is strong willed, quick witted, blunt, and actually uses her brain instead of relying on others to help her out of a bad or sticky situation. She’s so optimistic, so genuine, and really loves her job and the authors she comes in contact with. The determination of our FL to become an editor at Luan Yue Publishing House is very commendable. She knew what she wanted and went for it despite the odds stacked against her. Not only did she succeed to get the spot, but her tenacity for going above and beyond is truly admirable despite certain characters trying to bring her down. However, the way she handles herself is fantastic.

I really love her, and Esther Yu (whom I never seen act in a drama until this one), wonderfully embraces the character of Chu Li. Despite the odds stacked against her, Chu Li remains a bubble of sunshine. I honestly can’t really find a fault in her that puts me off…

As for our ML, Zhou Chuan…good Lord I absolutely love this man. I’ve watched many dramas before, and I always end up loving the male leads, but y’all, I literally think I fell in love with this character despite him being fictional. Ryan Ding completely stole my breath away with his acting of ZC, and I cannot get over it. He’s an absolute mess, and I’m living for it! Not only is he purely adorable as well as soo attractive, but he’s awkward, he’s clumsy, he’s sassy, he’s needy, he’s protective, he’s considerate (sometimes lol), and overall, husband goals, not even kidding you.

The way he interacts with our FL would honestly probably piss me off at some point if it had been anyone else or another drama, but for some reason I can’t get mad here? I laugh instead gleefully because of how hysterical it is. I really don’t know how to explain it properly other than it’s practically perfect! The way he watches out for her is so hilarious because he’s not honest about his intentions. He makes up these ridiculous excuses to get her to come over and rest, or to take a break, and it annoys the FL but he ends up being so proud of himself saying he’s smart for the way he handled it when in reality, it’s a mess LOL! Then he ends up getting jealous when she goes to SML for something he declined but was going to accept on the third try, but it isn’t annoying how he interrupts them. It’s so funny and he gets what he deserves in the funniest possible ways. I always look forward to it when he doesn’t get what he wants. However, I’m not annoyed because it’s downright hysterical!

But that is a side to him that does annoy me a tad bit because I wish he were franker and more honest about his actual feelings and intentions rather than beating around the bush. It would spare us the trouble of the slight misunderstandings that occur though it is quickly remedied, thank goodness. But, overall, I still adore this character because of how utterly adorable he is.

As for our side characters, I’ll admit that there’s only two I don’t like. The rest are pretty great or just characters I can deal with. The SML and SFL are honestly reminding me a little of the second leads from Descendants of the Sun in the aspect that they have history with each other romantically but are no longer together due to circumstances. But other than that, it’s completely different. I don’t mind getting to learn their story. Rather, I’m ready to figure out what happened between the two because they’re pretty interesting characters as well!

As for the two characters I don’t like, I literally want to strangle them because I don’t see any logic in their behaviors. It literally is just plain greed for power in the company that drive them, and because of that, they actively work against our main characters to set them up for failure. I literally can’t wait till they get what they deserve because they simply can’t get away with it. That’s all I’m saying.

Overall, I love the cast and the majority of the characters. It’s well balanced and they work well together to bring this story to life.

Onto the next section!

MUSIC:
I’m a huge music-fanatic. I typically pay close attention to music in shows or movies because I feel they make or break the show for me. I’ve watched many dramas with killer soundtracks that enhanced the show, but unfortunately, this isn’t one of them. I say the music in this drama is mediocre, at best. While it matches the theme of the story and fits in, it’s not something I’d download to listen to. If I’m being honest, this is probably the worst aspect of the show despite being only 14 episodes in so far.

FINAL THOUGHTS:
My final thoughts are simple: I’m obsessed.

I freaking love this drama, and that’s saying something because I have a hard time getting through C-dramas. I can count on one hand the number of C-dramas I completed. There is just something about them that makes it hard to go through all the way. I honestly think it’s the length of the shows. It leads to so many unnecessary situations or misunderstandings that really could be resolved so easily. It also leads to so many unrealistic happenings, and while I’m all for getting out of reality for a portion of my day, there needs to be some logical reasonings behind the actions. That’s just me though.

However, this drama is amazing. I literally laugh so hard at every episode, multiple times in fact, and I breezed through the first 14 episodes in a span of two days. It would’ve been sooner had I not been working. I’m so happy I stumbled upon this drama, and I cannot wait to see what happens next because it’s just too good!

I really recommend watching this drama if you are in the mood for something fluffy, cute, and hysterical. Definitely worth the watch!

Have fun!

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I wasn't expecting this to be so good

This is my first time writing a review so a warning that this review will be a little crusty ?

You know that one second lead who is an asshole but is better than the male lead for the girl? The one who never gets the girl although he deserves her? It feels like this show is about that character (and I love every second of it!)

It's so rare to see a bratty male lead which is why I'm so excited that I found a show like this lol

When I started this drama I didn't really expect much out of it, only reason why I picked it up was because I adore Esther Yu & Ryan Ding is good-looking. First 10 minutes of the show were a drag but as soon as they started showing the main couple on the screen the drama became more fun, mostly because both of them have an amazing chemistry together. They're always bickering and making things fun

This drama covers everything that I like:
enemies to lovers? Lowkey ✅
Asshole male lead who's only good to her? ✅
Bratty male lead ✅
Female lead who's determined to get independent but won't take bullshit from her seniors ✅

It's weird how Ryan's character is a bit arrogant yet I just can't get myself to hate him because even though he's arrogant he's always got Esther's back and is willing to bend to make things easier for her.

In terms of the plot, it's a rom-com so it is light hearted as expected, I'd personally say that till now it's one of the - if not the best drama I've watched, I just hope the writers don't ruin it in the last half (Find Yourself writers I'm looking at you!)

Ryan & Esther are adorable here, I like them both so much lol

Oh and he is extremely childish, jealous 24/7 ? (in a non toxic way till now!)

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Cute & fluffy love story

It’s a cute and fluffy love story between editors and authors. If you’re looking for a really action packed or drama filled show this isn’t for you. If you want a sweet romance with a funny and bubbly fl and a annoying endearing ml than watch this, this is great. I love this, it reminds me of le coupe de flore or touch your heart. I also adore Esther Yu, she makes a really fun and loveable lead. It has more of a comedic lighthearted beat which is a great refresher after watching some heavy shows. I was smiling while watching all the way through. Overall great show to watch if you just want to feel happy.

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Even with 8.4 rating yet third class level

If god bless me with one wish definitely I will use that to check what is inside the Chinese director’s head whether is there something called brain or just a empty space. Till now what are all the cdramas I have seen in that almost 95% has same ML character, not even a single percent difference in the character, except in some dramas ML is a CEO, VP, Director of a very reputed company or either he is a superstar or some celebrity or most popular doctor or surgeon, only for namesake ML’s profession is change but his character and story(irrespective of the genre or profession, ML courting FL is the most agenda of the drama profession is just for a namesake) is same in most of all the drama. In all the drama ML character has common thing, which is most annoying, immatured with multiple personality disorder, cold hearted to everyone but to FL, only FL looks like a human being to him but treats others like a trash(in some dramas even to FL also treats in the same), overly obsessed.
Only in Chinese dramas we can see such cheap ML character,
1. Day and night keep on calling or texting to FL irrespective of her busy life, even after knowing she is busy.
2. If she is talking with someone (with any male characters) go and standing between them, if someone wants to greet FL avoiding them to shake their hands.
3. When FL has dinner or lunch appointment with someone, going with FL uninvited, sitting in between them and covering the FL so that the other male character couldn’t see or talk with ML. In some dramas worst than this, when FL went for some blind date ML also visits and sits in the same dining table and disrupting them to talk with each other, if they went to some movies going to same movies and sitting in between them.
4. Faking illness, asking or begging to take of him even though without any such problems. Unnecessary calling as emergency for silly reasons.
5. If FL didn’t listen to ML and go out with her male friend, simply keep on texting and calling second to second unnecessarily without reasons.
6. ML won’t give any privacy to FL and won’t respects FL decisions in any situations. Etc etc rubbish attitude.
Because ML has feelings on FL( not mutual) he tries to make FL total outcast from mens world.
Except in China, in all other countries we call this kind of character as sadistic mentally retard third class persons, I don’t how come Chinese enjoy such kind dramas. Really it’s shocking even this rubbish drama has 8.4 rating.

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