A Love Letter to a Mature, Sexy, Communicative Romance with sizzling Chemistry
“Fake It Till You Make It” is not a drama for everyone. But if you are looking for something specific like I did, you might enjoy it very much. I found what I want - a mature romance about two smart individuals who give me realistic, honest and sincere conversations + sexy chemistry. A drama that is not full of romantic cliches and tropes, not a silly rom-com nor a sad and angsty drama. Because of this, I am giving this a very subjective and high rating of 9.0.A few quick notes about this drama:
1. There’s a lot of business talk - about 50% business, 50% romance. If this is not your thing, you might want to reconsider watching.
2. This is not really a plot-driven drama. The business plot serves as a way for our main leads to grow personally and professionally.
3. Very dialog heavy - The beauty of this drama is the witty and thoughtful conversations.
4. Try not to fast-forward - you will miss the dialogs and get you out of the mood. Try not to do that with the business plot either, as you will be even more confused.
I LOVE the romance of the leads. Simple as that. Elvis (ML) is a likable and hard-to-resist playboy who's afraid of commitment or opening up. Tang Ying (FL) is a career-focused, hard-working lawyer who is afraid to get hurt after a failed love confession many years ago. They are on equal footing and power dynamics in this relationship. The two of them met as strangers on the plane, slowly becoming best friends and then lovers.
When as strangers, Elvis and Tan Yang seem to be total opposites but chemistry between them is evident. When they become best friends, they seem to be the perfect match in heaven. Their honest conversations of love and the constant flirting are the best part of the show. Even if it’s a few quick text messages, you can feel the chemistry. You root for them and want them to be together ASAP, yet I also worry about the loss in chemistry and excitement when they are together. We all know how dramas go when the couple becomes boring afterwards. Who knew our cool playboy will become a doting boyfriend who can act silly and cute? There are a few cute and fluffy scenes, though not much. The kisses are good but not as great as I want them to be (Elvira maybe is a little more shy than Elvis). We continue to have conversations to deal with potential misunderstandings once they are a couple. We learn that they might not be as perfect together as they seem when they were flirting. Their upbringing and ideals of being a couple brought them unease and discomfort, but they talk things through! They continue to have these honest conversations, some more emotional and heartfelt than the others. They continue to get to know each other, and learn to love each other for who they are and to live as a couple and not as individuals anymore.
On the other side of the romance spectrum, we also follow the journey of Lin Xin Zi (Tang Ying’s half sister). She has a completely different view on romance and marriage. She has her own internal rating system for her suitors and picking the best one to consider for dating and marriage. We all know how that will work out. I personally don’t think Lin Xin Zi is that attractive as a character, so I don’t know why all the guys fall in love with her. Her story, though predictable, is also relatable and realistic. Her way of thinking is probably very similar to many women in mainland China.
Enough of the romance, but what does it mean to “Fake It Till You Make It”? In this drama, all characters at some point have to mask their true intentions and feelings, and express themselves differently. You could be, 1) Having afternoon tea with a bunch of rich ladies and act like you have the richest and loveliest husband in the world who will buy you expensive purses, 2) Pretend you are a tea expert to impress your customer by studying info the night before, 3) Swallow your complaints and hate for your abusive boss and smile/nod to the insults thrown at your face, 4) Act like you are totally fine with your controlling boyfriend because you know he does everything out of love. They just need to tell themselves they are fine and believe that they will be fine.
The acting is on point. This is my first dramas of both Elvis Han and Elvira Cai and they do not disappoint. If you end up not liking this drama, at least you can enjoy the sexy and handsome Elvis Han. LOL. I do want to commend Dai Yun Fai, who played Lin Xin Zi’s boyfriend. I have seen Dai Yun Fan in many dramas, usually as a supporting character. I am so impressed with his emotional acting. He has a very small part in this drama but the last scene when he was on the bridge/overpass expressing his regrets was SO well-acted. I am also very satisfied with the end of his story. The overall acting is really good. There isn't a character that irritates or annoys me.
If you are like me and are looking for what I am looking for, then I strongly recommend this drama. I do think the drama started a little slow and you might be confused with the business side of things. It could also appear to be a little preachy, but stick with it and you will be rewarded with an amazing romantic journey between two flawed but realistic characters and excellent chemistry
Other Random Observations:
1. Elvis Han is just so charismatic and sexy, without the boyish look. I love the scenes when he was waiting by his car at the end of the night, and when he was reading a story by the bathtub. He has such a deep voice and his reading to FL is just so darn sexy.
2. I love FL’s phone conversation with ML about those heart-fluttering moments. It killed me in a good way!
3. Love the dynamic between the sisters. So natural.
4. Really smart to name all the women you are dating with the same nickname in your cell phone contact list. You don’t have to worry about calling out someone’s name wrong when you are drunk. LOL
5. Naming these women as fruits is hilarious as well.
6. Another good female mentor! They are hard to come by.
7. Natural looks for all! No white makeup, white filter or smoothing of skin!
8. Almost forgot, I love the comic book opening theme!
Completed: 9/4/2023 - Review #349
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When Elvis Met Elvira
Can anything good come out of MangoTV? Occasionally perhaps and this gem seems to be one of them. I don’t think it is hyperbolic to say that this is perhaps the best rom com I've seen in a long time... in the vein of When Harry Met Sally but more grounded in real world issues. Both leads are upwardly mobile hardworking outstanding professionals in their respective workplaces but circumstances are such that they are stretched to their limits. They live precariously on the precipice as they maneuver the snake pits of corporate culture as "slaves" to their masters' bidding due to the necessity of holding on to their jobs where nothing is ever a guarantee. It's highly realistic in the way it depicts the dog-eat-dog work environment that's all too familiar to struggling wage earners in the East Asian context. In reaction to this global phenomenon there’s been plenty of talk about the Great Resignation or quiet quitting in the past few years. Gone are the days where a person remains in the same job, profession, industry for their entire working life. This drama reflects that harsh reality of a competitive labour market in the everchanging contemporary economic landscape and the need for adaptability. While it satirizes the milieu that it explores, it is at its core a sympathetic exploration of the men and women who live in the coalface of workplace grind.Elvis Han and Elvira Cai headline this office drama where romance is assumed to play an integral part of the work-life realities that afflict many overworked employees today. So how do people find time for courting and wooing in this day and age where men and women work long hours, barely have time for meals, are exploited by the employers competing with other employers for contracts and clients? It's a battleground out there and many are not past dirty tricks to gain the upperhand. A fact that inevitably spills into relationships with significant others.
Elvis Han's Xu Ziquan is an investment banker and for him, a rising star in the industry, it's the neverending chase for that next big deal that's giving him sleepless nights. He looks genuinely exhausted. (I suspect Elvis Han was nursing a cold for most of the shoot) If he can't clinch it, it's reallocations and retrenchments for his team. He meets Tang Ying (Elvira Cai) onboard a plane for the first time and the sparks are ignited. She's a corporate lawyer at the bottom of the food chain barely keeping her head above the water with a demanding supervisor on her back 24/7. She piques his curiosity during their brief exchange and apparently the feeling is mutual but neither expects to see the other again. Of course they do first through her sister then later they work together on a crucial M & A project. The two first decide that they are best suited to be friends and drinking partners in part because she has heard of his (overblown) reputation with women and in part because he is a bit of a commitment phobe. As they start to spend more time together, they begin to rethink their "friendship". Indeed can their "friendship" transition into a "dating relationship"? Not without a few bumps and wake-up calls along the way.
The push and pull is rather well done here and never goes overboard to the point of frustration. Work does get in the way. The leads are busy putting out fires on the one hand while rubbing shoulders with a whole host of potential obstacles to true love — acquaintances, colleagues, and clients. There are plenty of opportunities for them to look elsewhere and keep their options open till kingdom come but in the end they keep finding their way to each other regardless of admirers and ridiculous schedules. There are troublemakers strewn along the path of true love but once the main pairing make their minds up, they are a team in the making. Nonetheless what the series does even better is the way it deals with accommodation. With all the different kinds of relationships on display the narrative acknowledges that seeking companionship and making families is not only a human impulse but clearly constant negotiation is necessary to solidifying long-term relationships. The leads may tease and make jibes at one another but their conversation also have depth and thoughtfulness that show their commitment to each other.
There’s an important side story with Tang Ying’s sister Xinzi who is in search of the perfect mate that will check all the right boxes. It’s a long hard road for the spoilt princess type but through her experiences with a few men she comes to conclude a few home truths on her own.
The best thing about this is the script although it’s undeniable that the chemistry between the leads is fabulous and the direction is classy. The tension, the UST, the build-up is great. The dialogue more than anything else just sparkles especially during the banter between the leads. I find myself grinning from ear to ear as I watch their antics. Of course it’s even better in the Chinese. In a romantic comedy the repartee is almost everything. More than that however is the way the leads and their arcs are written. Tang Ying and Xu Ziquan are relatable people dealing with all the same kinds of issues that the rest of us know only too well. He’s no prince and she’s no Cinderella. They just want in on their piece of the pie. To make their mark in a complex world where they’ve been fed lies about their real priorities. They have their strengths and their flaws. Because they are decent people they try their best to get on with everyone even their bitterest rivals and sometimes it means they can’t say no. Sometimes it means that people who can’t take no for an answer take advantage of their good will.
All in all, it’s a wonderful 14-episode drama that isn’t driven (or hampered) by the usual incoherent adherence to romance tropes that plague a lot of rom coms in recent times. Moreover the length of the drama speaks volumes as to why this one is a cut above the rest.
And the OST... is outstanding. Just like When Harry Met Sally.
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Skip it till they make it.. or just watch the main couple
To little good to make up for the bad but oh what a romance... as this is another one of those dramas that is just so hard to rate as it offers some of dramalands greatest pebbles of romance while boring the viewers by giving away the couples screen time to boring workplace plots...9⭐️ for it's main couple who have great chemistry, fun interactions that balance the line of depth and playfulness. Watching these two flirt is a pleasure for the eye and soul. Watching them communicate and use underlining meanings is pure magic and joy... They are human, they are fun, they have issues and we the viewers get to watch them grow and so on.
7⭐️ For to the friendships, and the way they show issues with other men, offering us some good and important lessons but then ruining them by not really seeing them through and making them fall flat. No to mention how gold diggers are portrayed and the whole conversation there it feels like they wanted to say something progressive but ended up making a mess and shaming a bunch of women...
4 ⭐️ For the workplace whatever plots, not very interesting and wasting my time... between the parts that I actually did want to watch.
So what can I say watch it for the romance but feel free to skip all the stuff in between it really just takes up space and is a waist of time.
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This review may contain spoilers
"Unconsciously, and even consciously, you're all I can think about"
When was the last time a drama made you smile like an idiot?I can only speak for myself, but it's been a long time. Sure, there are many romantic dramas that I have watched and loved in the last few years but the last time I held a pillow while watching a TV Show was when I was still into CW shows. But somehow I found myself squeezing a pillow a couple times thinking "damn, this is soo good!" while watching 'Fake It Till You Make It'.
Even as a somewhat drama veteran (thanks to excessive binge watching) I counted several "Firsts" and unique dialogue in this drama. The writing of the two leads, as their relationship grows as well as their individual character writing, is exceptionally good and ultimately what makes me rate this drama so highly.
A quote from Neil Blumenthal says "Details matter. They create depth, and depth creates authenticity."
I would say this, aside from superb acting and chemistry, makes it stand out.
These days many romantic dramas leave out details left and right.
It's all about Girl meets Boy in an awkward way, they go back and forth for a bit, she trips, he catches her - boom! They are in love (ofc there have to be some slo-mo shots too). - In the world of romantic tv dramas I would even go as far as to say it's acceptable because it's so cleary fiction.
However with FITYMI you get the realism of not just falling in love but also the uncertainty, the feeling of "what are we?" and the many details that ultimately lead a pair to decide to start a relationship together. The flirting in this drama is creme de la creme (hence the giggling I mentioned earlier) but also the daring moves are very exciting. Taking one step forward, which often is enough to become gf/bf in dramas, can be just a flirt in reality and here it's just that sometimes. A kiss is just a kiss as they say.
A few more things I loved about the couple:
- truly intellectual dialogue
- joking with each other a lot, without it being a plot device
- everyday talk and actions, laying on the couch playing some Nintendo switch - just people being people (4 dimensional characters)
- friendship rings, phone calls, texting - all the goodness of flirting!
- best confessions scenes ever
A little detail (among many) that I want to highlight so you get the idea of what I mean when I say it's a very real drama.
The ML scratches off his address from his mail and packages before throwing them away. This is just a normal scene, no explanation added nor does it spark any dialogue. Just something he does, like so many of us. THIS! That's how you create tangible characters.
Especially considering that the drama only has 14 episodes it's amazing how they fit so many details in that episode count. Thankfully that also meant there was no dragging. Yes, it's a slowburn love story but not in the way you are probably used to. Slowburn as in, we're actually going from encounter, flirting, friendship, some more flirting to testing each other, becoming more comfortable, many deep talks and then relationship. And even then, being in a relationship isn't the goal nor is it ever a goal in general. That's when the real work begins because you grow as a person and as pair. A relationship where everyone stays the same, is one doomed for failure.
ANYWAYS, I definitely got carried away here.. I could talk about what I think every move of the characters meant for hours (hit me up if you want to do the same, lol).
(big spoiler alert)
Moving on from the main couple, there is also a storyline earlier on that I think could have been easily dismissed but I want to mention it because it has, again, some very important context details that many other dramas lack. Lin Xin Zi and Xu Jia Bai's relationship and especially how it ended. Big city life dramas often have at least one pairing with an obviously toxic relationship that is bound to end. A guy that is slowly but surely getting more and more controlling. At some point (in dramas) they start to get physically violent and or verbally abusive. Sadly, this often serves as a plot device for the ML to swoop in and save the girl from the hands of her violent ex. Case closed. But is that what happens in reality? Rarely. Unfortunately being in a controlling relationship that start with things like, asking where you went (in a normal tone), to asking you not to wear revealing clothing is far more common. When the relationship ended, it was really heartbreaking because it was so obvious an unhealthy relationship, but on both sides. Someone that is deeply insecure and has a psychological problem needs treatment, not shaming and I liked that he was not painted as this "monster" but rather as someone with a problem, while still being responsible for his actions. That scene on the bridge was probably my favorite non-lead moment of the drama.
I wish other dramas could take a slice of this and at least stop portraying unhealthy relationships in one way only because the audience almost gets trained into black and white thinking. Either someone is good or bad, either they ship someone or not. Red Flag or Green Flag. Is that really how life works? I don't think so. We all have flaws, we learn to grow, we change, we mess up but we also take responsibility when it comes down it.
Now for the last part of this review / love letter, the more uncomfortable part. No drama is without flaw and although I want to state that the short comings of this drama did not negatively affect the main story of the leads, I still have to admit that it's not flawless. The business talk in the first half was somewhat too much for me, yes it was needed in a way and I liked the general writing too but it was just too much in my opinion.
The director, Li Mo, is also behind another MangoTV hit called "Remembrance of Past Things" and I can definitely see the similarities in realism, intellect and storytelling. But like with ROPT I wish he would focus a little less on the business side. I am patiently waiting for a drama of his, that is focused only on human connection and interpersonal relationships because I believe that would have massive potential. In case you have seen the 2021 Korean Drama "Lost", I believe he and the scriptwriters he works with could pull off something in that direction.
All in all this drama is just so FLIRTY and so good! And I loved every single bit of it! ... I was supposed to be on drama break while it was airing but I could not help but to sneak each episode in my full schedule and it was just like candy!
I also want to note that I left many things out my review (aka glorified long comment) but I decided to just focus on a few details :)
I will leave you with some quotes from the drama:
"Having you by my side is like having candy in my mouth.
No matter how bitter life gets, it always tastes sweet."
"if you can't solve something with a kiss,
try with more kisses."
"Tang Ying, you're not looking for someone out of your league,
You're waiting for a worthy rival."
"I've met many people in this city and they eventually taught me that
the word is big, too big to imagine, so walk your own path,
not according to the script.
Throw away the script and struggle to find your own life.
It's okay to fail, it's okay to take the wrong road.
Life freely.
Isn't that the most stylish thing?"
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What Does Life Truly Mean?
In this compelling story of "Fake It Till You Make It ", we embark on a profound journey to unravel the essence of life itself. Is it akin to a meticulously scripted movie where every piece effortlessly falls into place? Or do we navigate its twists and turns while relentlessly pursuing our desires? Our story delves into the myriad relationships and perspectives of a group of industrious young individuals from diverse professions. Even within the cocoon of love, there exist two distinct vantage points, each held by the parties involved.In the pursuit of dreams and desires within the relentless rat race of our world, we often wear masks of pretense. We mold ourselves into someone we believe will garner admiration from others, for we reside in a world where pretense is the norm. We toil relentlessly, pushing our boundaries, sometimes sacrificing relationships, health, and happiness along the way. And then, at the culmination of it all, we find ourselves asking the ultimate question: Is it all worth it? Does it carry meaning?
Our story explores the very essence of falling in love, the significance of marriage, and the enigmatic nature of attraction between people. Should we surrender to the whims of fate, letting life take its course, or should we seize control and fight for our desires?
Throughout the story, we witness multiple examples that illuminate the diverse relationships and perspectives of our characters. Tang Ying, haunted by past heartache, yearns for a new relationship but fears rejection. Xu Ziquan, a flamboyant individual, shies away from committing to a lasting relationship. When their paths cross, burdened by their respective baggage and consumed by their careers, they struggle to prioritize their love. Eventually, they come to a realization: they must take a leap of faith, committing to each other wholeheartedly, regardless of the outcome, as long as they give it their all.
Lin Xinzi has always sought the perfect love, envisioning it with a man who embodies ideal looks, status, and wealth. Yet, when she believes she's found the one, she discovers herself suffocating in the suffocating embrace of Xu Jiabai's obsessiveness. After parting ways with Xu Jiabai and meeting Xia Tian, she learns that relationships need not adhere to a script, and life rarely unfolds as planned.
Every character depicted here exudes a striking realism. Encounters with individuals akin to Xu Ziquan, who shy away from commitment, are a common occurrence in our lives. Simultaneously, we often encounter characters like Tang Ying who crave reassurance and commitment at the same time also keeping an eye out for potentially better partners. While the Xu Jiabai character may be toxic, it undeniably mirrors a prevalent archetype in society. This dynamic is a familiar facet of the human experience. The value of this drama lies in its effort to delineate the characteristics of such individuals, enabling viewers to recognize them in real-life scenarios and make informed choices when navigating such relationships.
All the characters are meticulously crafted and portrayed, evolving authentically throughout their journeys. Elvis Han portrays Xu Ziquan's character with a familiarity that resonates with many viewers, while Elvira Cai's Tang Ying is captivating and utterly believable.
As the author poetically observes, "The city never stops; it won't pause for anyone, just like our lives. When we reflect upon the people we encounter, we realize that from the outset, we all strive to move forward and upward. Between pretense and reality, let's offer ourselves some soulful nourishment. Superiors, subordinates, rivals, friends - we often find ourselves trapped in various roles. We say what must be said and do what must be done, staunchly believing that this is life. However, as if scripted, just as pretense reaches its zenith, we stumble upon a universal truth -- prosperity, success, and happiness - these elements are never meticulously planned but are derived from our actual experiences."
"The city has introduced us to countless souls, each revealing the vastness of the world, beyond our wildest imagination. The path we choose should be uniquely ours; discard the well-crafted script. Through struggle and determination, seek a life that truly belongs to us. It's alright if we falter, and it's perfectly fine if we lose our way. What matters most is living in accordance with our heart's desires, for that is the essence of true freedom."
My Verdict
In our relentless pursuit of life's ambitions, there often comes a price. Tang Ying pays with her health, Xu Ziquan carries the weight of a broken relationship. As viewers, we too navigate life's labyrinth, occasionally finding ourselves adrift, much like Tang Ying and Xu Ziquan. However, if we view the lowest moments as transformative phases, we may eventually find our way, just as they do. Above all, let us approach life with expectations, appreciating the occasional moments of reaping its rewards, for therein lies the true essence of our existence, as the author puts it, "常常期待 有時收獲"
This captivating drama unfolds as a rich tapestry of life's profound lessons. It comes highly recommended for those seeking inspiration and introspection.
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If you're craving for a mature romance, this is for you!
This drama is not your typical Cdrama, with glittery and bubbly characters. The story is intense, the characters are mature, and the real-life events are so relatable.Story:
I was kinda surprised to see a cdrama with a strong story. Most dramas focus on the relationship aspects and the career aspects of the dramas don't make much sense overall. I should add, that 50% of this drama is career-related but the rest is very much about the relationship between the leads. There are complications(not so many) , but there are no loopholes and the story goes on smoothly. Just like how it is in real life!
Cast:
First time seeing Elvis and Elvira. What a match! their chemistry is so natural and beautiful, that you can feel their interactions, insecurities, and how they fall in love. Their romance is not fiery or fluffy, it's just mature and how it should be for career-oriented individuals. Despite all this, we get to see a very romantic and passionate relationship. Their kiss scenes are just marvelous, Their gazes at each other are on another level.
Writing:
It's almost flawless IMO, yet there are side characters that are too many and there are so many stories going on with them that take a lot of screen time. There are no ambiguity about the leads and their character development. overall, a very decent production.
OST:
I must say i loved the ost. Matched every scene. The lyrics are in rhyme with the story and i can say it's one of the best i have heard in cdramas.
If you are in the mood for something romantic, yet a mature one with great chemistry and career-related subjects, this is for you!
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What makes it particularly different and a must watch series??
Here are the ten reasons that in my opinion make this drama stand out from the rest:1. *A very appropriate length*
Length is very important..considering the stamina to focus...Unlike usual Chinese dramas that are mostly 30-50 episodes long, draining energy...this drama unbelievably has just 14 episodes ..but the content is so precisely and comprehensively packed with all the essential details that you can't resist watching it all at once...
2. *A slice of life story*
Unlike other dramas that for the sake of happy ending or justification of their genre pack all kind of ridiculous happenings...where you can't imagine yourself anywhere in the impossible plot...this drama is very believable with respect to story telling... things presented in the plot are very much relatable to one's own self or at least to one's surroundings.... giving you a home-like or life-like feel...plus there are many life lessons to learn from ...
3. *Human-like characters, their presentation and development*
Like in other stories, here you won't see any Angels or Satans....no absolute black or white character...no good or evil determination...or the kind of utterly alien things...All characters portrayed in this series are in their own shades of gray....playing good and evil with different people in different circumstances... showing vulnerabilities and sometimes faking certain pretense...but evolving into better and self-awared beings ultimately...who realizes his purpose and path after diverse experiences.
4. *Power dynamics between Main leads*
This is very uncommon in dramas where most of the time one lead (mostly female) is shown in a miserable state...a common dominant-recessive character duo...though scale of this difference between leads varies in different plots but it commonly exists.
But here both the leads have been optimized to equal beings...By equals I mean not just apparently equal (handsome male, beautiful female), but also intellectually equal..(smart and wise), both career oriented.., both have unique aesthetics..., both are mature(their conversations, worldview)... are mentally and emotionally strong...both have ideals and both are kind of selfish... both have past stories...both have pursuers...and both are kind of geniune...
5. *Strong and impactful Dialogues*
You would hardly come across a drama that pays attention to dialogues the way this series did...heart warming...heart wrenching... pleasing ...painful...All kind of emotions are so beautifully backed by weighty dialogues.....that convey a lot in mini statements and then the delivery of these dialogues...(in the environment created by the chemistry of the leads)...made it irresistible...no cliches...no lofty confessions...or sloppy statements...just the honest heartfelt conversations that give the taste of true love and life.
6. *Work-love life importance and balance*
Mostly dramas are all about love or all about the topic they are based on....kind of unidirectional story.... but rarely you see a plot ... where work life is presented in this motivating way...aware of the fact that mostly career takes the front position in our life and everything else goes backward...this drama shows not just the choices made in competition, pressure, struggles and failures but also depicts the consequences of those choices.
7. *Gender neutral drama*
ML- apparently a playboy, a man who avoids responsibility, a man who takes things lightly, can't get serious, but inwardly a heartbroken person afraid of being cheated...
FL- apparently a hard to please girl, not take men or their flirting seriously, but inwardly an easily manipulated soft hearted girl...
So both male and female leads are hiding themselves under a certain facade fearing the same things...this drama if showed the non-seriousness, shallowness or callousness of man, it also showed the same of the women...same for disloyalty...both men and women cheat .. nothing is gender specified
8. *Inspirational and motivational push*
This is a potential story if you are looking for a drama that motivates you to work hard and keep improving yourself in attainment of your ideals....Also it makes you question your goals your ideals..and the importance of things and people in your life ...you will be directed to make order of your priorities...
9. *Uniqueness in humor and delivery*
This drama is not carrying absurd comedy that is a common trait of rom-com ...this series carries humor in a very decent way... you'll taste an active and truly satisfying humor... particularly in between the male leads
10. *Natural development of chemistry*
From strangers to fellows to friends and to lovers, the story development and romance is very organic and believable.... starting from plane and powerbank till the last confession... everything is on the line of true definition of love taking it as a verb...a continuous process... evolving all the time...
11. *If you don't care about above things and are looking for just one reason to watch this show...then here is the last and most important thing...*
Elvis Han-a fresh face but utterly handsome.....truly manly (not so common trait of Chinese actors)..having a contagious smile that unconsciously forces your lipcorners toward earlobes...his deep voice that carries a sense of seduction...and playfulness in his role... everything is utterly satisfying and a candy to the eye ...
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This review may contain spoilers
60% Business to 40% Romance
This was good but it didn't rock my world. Elvis Han can handle being sexy for sure. I had dropped MMC for lack of chemistry and too much propaganda but this seemed like something easier. I lived for the leads interactions; flirting was actually a lot more subtle than what I'm used to or was expecting. And it was really 60% Business to 40% Romance. Will review this a bit differently than usual.This was short; only 14 episodes but over an hour each. Really showed the lives of Asian cube monkeys working hard and overtime. Though many have said that it's only in Asia or China that this happens, it is often seen here in the states too. A lot of it reminded me of my time in the corporate world. The long hours, little to no positive reinforcement from your superiors, nasty coworkers, etc., one of the many reasons I left that world. I ffw'd a lot in the beginning because I didn't want to remember what that was like, plus there was very little actual interaction of the leads. And I didn't really pay much attention to the sister and her weird way of finding love getting stuck with a possessive stalker. Why didn't they go to the police after the spy camera was found? That's breaking a serious legal boundary. The regular Joe she ended up with was great but because of how little time they actually shared on screen and I think he was only introduced 3 episodes before the end, though they had chemistry, it did feel rushed.
I loved the FL's second supervisor! Now that's the type of manager you want to have; great mentor too. The 3 or 4 people in both of the leads lives that tried to harm them before and then apologized afterwards or thanked them, just seemed unrealistic because rarely if ever would that happen in the real world; those redemption arcs were unnecessary. The leads times together once they became an official couple in episode 8, was a time to treasure but I still felt like they were just not given enough screen time together to really work out their relationship properly. A lot was said or spoken of but not expressed. Could have been the time crunch of episodes and you never knew how much time passed as obviously there were time lapses. I'm glad the FL and ML finally decided to slow down work wise when something serious happened like her multiple health scares and him realizing he wasn't essentially a robot.
Their sexy times were great and so was the marriage proposal; it was different and fit who they both were. The OSTs were cute and fit them.
Would I recommend it? If you are looking for a business drama with romance as the secondary factor, then give it a go.
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This is one of the better dramas I’ve seen in a long, long time. The acting was superb and the storyline was just so darn good. I related as a professional woman with all she went through in her career. It brought back my own pursuit of a man whom so many women were attracted to. I loved the chase and the dance between two people meant for each other. Elvis acted to perfection the part of a man who any woman would be attracted to. The game they played with each other kept me completely entertained, counting the days until the next episode. 10 stars! Her sister was also so real and so interesting a character. No cliches here. It was just a good story about life. Watch this one.Was this review helpful to you?
For me, Tang Ying and Xu Qi Zhuan's relationship journey is the highlight of this series. It's mature, honest, witty and thoughtful. From the start, their chemistry was fireworks. Even when problems and discomforts arise, there was no frustrating misunderstandings because they talk things through and had honest conversations, learning more to love each other for who they are while being together.
Along with the romance, this workplace drama has a lot of office dynamics portraying what lies behind the façade of seemingly high-performing professionals, the lies people tell others and themselves to get through their struggles. I like the message that they try to deliver and that it drives our characters to grow personally and professionally, but I wish the office plot moved bit faster or had more hijinks. Often, I just want to see our the leads flirt together again.
Another highlight is the jazzy & city-pop OST. The music is so calming and get me in the chill mood, it made me feel that everything will be alright. Overall, thanks to the couple I had fun watching it, and it's now on my short list of memorable romcom dramas!^^
April 2024
Find me on Instagram: @kdramajudge
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Slow burn. Amazing chemistry.
This is a well-written drama on relatable struggles at the workplace and in our personal lives. I particularly loved the development around ML and FL without the usual drama tropes, how they both had to learn how trust is fragile and how much you have to work for it.I dunno why I waited this long to watch this drama. The main couple truly sizzled and were so beautiful together that I didn't mind her annoying sister's storyline anymore lol. The other subplots were good as they showed what other people go through, stupid decisions you make, and maybe find love or what you're looking for if you're lucky.
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A realistic story about realistic love journey.....
Good story line - quite realistic in current society where the job demands are higher and higher. Two very ambitious people who meet each other in a plane and eventually start relying on each other, becoming friends and eventually reluctantly are in a romantic relationship. They learned to rely on each other and love each other and eventually find what is important in life. You all got to watch his proposal - because the words he says are so realistic and it is what marriage should be about!! Ohh and Elvis Han makes it worth the watch!!Was this review helpful to you?
