Reviews

Suffers by comparison

This is my personal opinion. If you are wondering if you should watch Family by Choice, I would say yes, because I realize I'm in the minority here.

Yes, I watched Go Ahead first. No, I didn't love it. I felt it was entirely too long. However, Family by Choice, left out most of the episodes that had heart and, for me, wasn't able to recreate the bond of the found family.

What I liked:
-The acting was good.
-They didn't have both male leads fall in love with the FL.
-Ju Won's friend Dal. Loved her storyline with Hae Jun.
-Ju Won's dad.

Not so much:
-A lot of bad kisses. Not feeling the chemistry. Actually, I didn't believe the romance. It could have been left out.
-The actors looked exactly the same from high school to 10 years later.
-San Ha's dad. He was just there for the food and alcohol.
-I wasn't really able to feel the strong bond between the siblings, because we didn't have enough of what they went through as children to stand together against the rest of the world.
-Ju Won's dad was a lovely character for the most part; however, he seemed to love the boys more than her!
-an ode to terrible mothers. Every mother in this show was a nightmare.
-bad mother shout out - Hae Jun's mom. So, you leave and don't come back for 20 years. The reasoning was extremely weak, and she was being such a martyr. Then, moving close so she can see him from afar. Then, they have one conversation and all is forgiven.
-storyline for Ju Won's dad and Hae Jun's mom - came out of nowhere and ran at lightning speed.

My biggest complaint:
-San Ha's storyline. I had so many problems with it.
-First, both parents were gone when his sister died. Did Child Protective Services not get involved?
-San Ha saying he wants his mother to keep thinking his sister's death was his fault. Why?
-This storyline overshadowed every other. It was extremely toxic. The actress did an excellent job, I hated her so much.
-Why would he go and take care of her? It might have made sense if he was underage and had no choice, but he was an adult. Respect for an adult/parent is one thing, but to suffer abuse from your mom for over 10 years? Plus, he was in med school - even a bystander could see that she needed psychiatric help. She should have been committed.
-I completely lost respect for him when he went to see her and got on his knees at her bedroom door. What the heck!?!?!?
-This storyline, for me, seemed to overshadow all the others, which really drove my enjoyment down.

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Interesting Journey

At first I have read so many good reviews about this series so I started to watch. But at the end I almost regretted it.
Not many actions, beautiful costumes and good casting. I like these.
I like fact that they put more energy in family conflicts and relationships than romance. It wa sa very good choice and it was very interesting to see how they act and interact as a family.
There was one plot twist that surprised me and i love that. But there was another (it includes Shanguan Qian - in the last episode what she said to Shangjue) which was silly and i started to laugh. Did they really use this? Oh my god! Such a silly trick from writers and hope it is just a lie.
It was so hard for me to like any characters in this whole story. It is not a bad thing but it can be easier to understand their character and motivation if you can connect to the characters.
It is a very slow story but good acting and conversation. I almost stopped watching but at the end when told everything about those plans and plot twist started to come I was so happy. I was like "finally it became badass" but then it hit me in the back and after the last scene with Gong Ziyu sitting at the gate (hope it is not counted as spoiler) I wanted to see who will come in when the door opened. But they just finished it this way. Oh come on! Please continue. I just want to see who is coming 🤣
And I hope Gong Shangjue gets his brain back and realise what he needs to.

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Spicy transactional relationship that tranformed to love

I saw this video on Youtube and was drawn to the title '[MULTI SUB] Not Over Yet【Full】You started it, I won't let you call it off | Drama Zone'. I didn't read the comments nor search for synopsis before clicking 'Play'. Oh boy, I was shocked!

What I liked:
1) Spice - Wow, the director knew how to create steamy scenes within the limits of time and censorship. There were many kissing scenes so that helped in creating tension and letting viewers' imagination run wild. ML's appetite for FL was insatiable.
2) Main characters' growth - For a micro drama, there was some character growth. There were times FL was a damsel in distress and was saved by ML. However I liked that she recognised that trait of hers and apologised for relying / burdening ML. ML character growth was slower but more apparent towards the end.
3) Du Ya Fei - This is my first time watching his acting and I think he understood his assignment. He used different voice tone when he talked to FL. It seemed that he and Yang Shu Yu had developed rapport because their intimate scenes would be awkward without tacit understanding between them.
4) Love rival - It's good that ML's love rival was respectful towards FL. FL already going through a lot of hardships so I don't want her to go through another one at work.
5) Ending - I like it because the story has come full circle.

What I disliked:
1) Coercion - I felt like FL was coerced into having sex in the earlier parts of the relationship.
2) FL's family - One of the worse villains in C dramas because the villains are FL's own biological mother and brother.
3) Relationship - As seen in the inner monologue, FL & ML had doubts which affected their relationship. I wish they confided in each other because this could be an emotional scene that clarifies assumptions and misunderstanding.

Favourite scene
When ML rescued FL at her family home

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A Perfect Blend of Chemistry and Charm

As a fan of Shen Yue, it’s impossible not to admire her endearing portrayal of GU YI in Smile Code. Shen Yue once again shines with her natural charisma and effortless beauty and ability to connect with her co-stars, making her character relatable and unforgettable.

The dynamic between Shen Yue and the Lin Yi is what makes the series adorable. Their on-screen chemistry feels genuine, with moments of lighthearted banter balanced perfectly with deeper, heartfelt scenes. It’s the kind of pairing that draws viewers in, leaving us rooting for their relationship to overcome every obstacle. This also leaves the audience rooting for them as real life couple, despite the height gap, they perfectly looked so matched.

Meanwhile, Shen Yue’s interactions with all casts are equally compelling, showcasing her versatility in portraying emotions ranging from tension to playful camaraderie. This story is crafted with sensitivity, leaving audiences deeply invested. Indeed, there’s always a Shen Yue effect to every episode.

I watched the series 3 times to be honest in full and the last 4 episodes many times. This is now my comfort series and I am one of the eager fans for a Smile Code Season 2. Shen Yue’s stellar performance, paired with the outstanding synergy with all the stars , makes the series a must-watch and fuels the demand for its continuation.

CONGRATULATIONS for delivering an excellent piece, SMILE CODE!

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This show was hilarious at first...

I loved the initial premises and could feel the chemistry building between the two leads. Then we got to episode 7 and it all went to hell. Right after they kissed, they had that petty fight and the reveal with the "divorce" talk happened. I was wondering what the hell happened because I could have sworn everything up to that point was hinting that we were finally due for the moment they officially got together. After that, I slowly checked out and started to fast-forward, and I couldn't "feel" that chemistry I swore was between our CP anymore.

I love Shin Min Ah, and Kim Young Dae is decent (although he was a bit dry in this), but they were not believable as a couple - to me. It's not entirely for lack of trying but the script was so convoluted at some point that I think it destroyed all the engagement that had been built from the beginning of the show.

A show that started off not taking itself too seriously forgot all about that halfway through and flopped sadly.

The 2nd ML won my heart all the way. There was a part when he discovered ML's identity that I thought was off-putting in how he dealt with it. Other than that, this is the couple that earned this drama a 6 in my book.

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Light dramedy that exceeded my expectations

'Invisible Love' is my second vertical drama that paired Zhang Chu Xuan and Sun Yue. The first drama is 'Bride Under the Moonlight'.

What I liked:
1) Comedy - Wow, I was surprised from the get-go because the start was funny.
2) Drama - Then somewhere in the middle there was the car accident. I didn't expect this scene to be emotional - it really touched my heart.
3) Acting - I really enjoyed watching both Zhang Chu Xuan and Sue Yue's acting especially when they were both on screen together. They looked like a real couple who genuinely cared for each other.

What I disliked:
1) Romance - It's not that I dislike, I just wish we get more romantic scenes especially towards the end. I want more kissing scenes!
2) ML's father - I dislike him for taking that action for his sons. He also didn't seem to build a relationship with his granddaughter.

Favourite scene
Car accident

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Lots to like here

This is a review of bith seasons btw.

First of all as evidenced by the relatively low rating this may not be everyone's cup of tea. It drags a little at times especially in S1. The plot shifts into an almost episodic format so at times what you feel will be a long running plot thread ends abruptly. However if you think about the main plot to be resolved, as being, the fate of the ML and FL given the many social, personal, political and legal obstacles to their love it kinda works on that level. Having said that the abrupt resolution of some story arcs was a bit questionable at times.
This drama is, however, wholly enjoyable. It has mysterious cases, adventures, royal court nonsense, intrigue, a wonderful found family, memorable and likeable characters and of course romance.

The acting is top notch and the chemistry between the leads is great. The FL is pitch perfect as the competent, brave, intelligent but shy and chaste young widow. The ML is her male equivalent equally clueless in affairs of the heart but honorable and very affectionate. Their romance is slow but their chemistry is obvious and awesome.

The angst, miscommunication and conflict between them is frequent but generally short lived and there is no dragged out noble idiocy or love triangles which is in itself refreshing. The ending is very well placed and not rushed and quite frankly leaves you feeling warm and cosy.

If you like every now and then to watch a wholesome funny low angst welll made historical with great lead this is well worth it. It may not blow your mind but it will probably put your mind at ease.

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Not trying to offend anyone but...

To start off, my review is purely based on The Land of Warriors alone. I have NOT seen Soul Land or Douluo Continent. Now that we have that squared away, let me explain my rating.

I watched all 38 episodes and I even paid for the express package, which I only do if I enjoy the show, which I did, however, I do feel that there are some arcs that needed to be shortened and that ending was not what I was expecting at all. There were some twists that I did not see coming and then there are just some parts that were pure boring so I have to fast forward it.

Let's get started. The overall story line is okay. I feel that they should dive into more details and stuff, but then again, they only have 38 episodes to fill in everything that they wanted so I'm giving them a little bit of grace on that. However, I am wishing for more and I was actually hoping that they spent a little more time explaining some of the character's background too. They kind of just did a quick flashback on certain characters and left others out. The one background that confuses me what of Yu Xiaogiang and Bi Bi Dong -- I mean, were they a couple before everything that happened to her? I'm just a little confused on that part which I wish they would have explored it a little bit more or at least explain it into more details. Little things like this is the reason why I rated the storyline low. As for the actors and actresses I think that everyone did an awesome job with what they had.

Zhou Yi Ran as Tang San - I don't know the Tang San from Soul Land or Douluo Continent, but I do like this Tang San. He is loyal to his beloved, family, and friends. The only thing about him that annoyed me at the beginning was his obsession with Xiao Wu. I mean, I get it, she's his lover and he wanted to protect her, but his father have been telling him that he needed to get stronger to protect her but he just kept complaining about how he wanted to save her and look for her. I feel that if he listened a little more, then maybe just maybe, she wouldn't have to sacrifice herself for him. But that's just my opinion. I know that she needed to die to get the story moving, but like I said, that's just how I feel. However, he did redeem himself and learned how to be more humble. He did learned a lot along the way and as the years went by, he did get stronger.

Zhang Yu Xi as Xiao Wu - Again, I don't know her from the other two versions, but I feel that Zhang Yu Xi playing Xiao Wu is a little too pretty. I don't know. I like her as an actress, but I feel that they should have casted someone else. Don't come for me at all. I just feel like a different actress would be a better choice. I don't know who would have been a better choice, but I just feel like Zhang Yu Xi as Xiao Wu is not right. But, she did do a wonderful job though. She was able to convey her emotions without talking when she came back alive, so that's a plus, however, I still feel a little off about her playing Xiao Wu.

Luke Chen as Dai Mu Bai - I like Luke Chen. I think he is an excellent up and coming actor. So I was not surprised at how he portrayed Dai Mu Bai. As I have stated, I haven't seen any other versions of Boss Dai, so this is purely based on how he portrayed him. This character reminded me of Chao Feng in The Starry Love. Someone who loves his beloved and is willing to do anything to protect them and he did just that. I feel that Boss Dai would be a great king along side his queen, Zhu Zhu Qing. I wanted to see more of his childhood and how strong he can get, but I won't be able to see any of that unless they decide to do a second season of this drama.

Ding Jia Yi as Ma Hong Jun - I don't know this actor since I have never seen his dramas before, but I feel that he was the perfect person for Ma Hong Jun. He brought comedic relief to the show and I actually really enjoyed his scenes a lot. I don't know if Ma Hong Jun is supposed to be a comedic character in Soul Land, but the comedy was really great. And I do agree with the Ocean God, he was very boastful and jealous of his friends' talent and love. But he did humbled himself and he also started to grow as a person. So I really liked that for him.

Zhou Jing Bo as Ning Rong Rong - This was my least favorite character. Don't come for me! In the beginning, she was very useless. I feel that she didn't pull her weight at all and that everyone needed to protect her. She was giving me princess vibes. However, when Oscar left her, she started to work on herself to get stronger and started to pull her weight on the team. So, I'll give her that.

Snow Kong as Zhu Zhu Qing - I did like that she was independent and wanted freedom. She worked very well with Boss Dai and I did enjoy watching her try to push the limit of the emperor of Xingluo. However, I feel that just like the Ocean God says, her pursuit of being stronger doesn't mean that she'll be free.

Cao Zi Shou as Oscar - I thought that he was weak at first too. I feel that Oscar and Rong Rong were just weighing down the team, but he did eventually get stronger and I really like that for him. He listened to the criticisms and went on to better himself instead of just moping around.

The acting and casts were amazing even though I did feel a little off about Xiao Wu, I did enjoy Zhang Yu Xi being Xiao Wu.

Now, let's talk about the twist. I was not expecting the Crown Prince to actually be the daughter of Bi Bi Dong. When they showed a person talking to Bi Bi Dong and her telling that person she sent her to the Tiandou royal family, I thought she meant that that person was like the Crown Princess or something but for her to be the Crown Prince was a shock to me! And it was even more shocking because wasn't the Crown Prince hitting on the aunt at Moon Pavilion? I mean, that's how I saw it. Of course the revealing of Qian Ren Xue as the Crown Prince was one of the best twist I have ever seen in a xian xia drama. BUT -- and this is a big but -- it did confused me. If Qian Ren Xue is Crown Prince Xue Qing He, then what happened to the real one and how did no one ever know that he was dead or missing or disappeared? Not even the grand masters and Yu Xiao Gang know that the Crown Prince was not the real Crown Prince. And this twist right here is the reason who I did not take out more points because it was done so perfectly well that my jaw literally dropped.

Let's get to the rating. I took 1 point off because of the ending. After everything they have gone through, we didn't see them get stronger and we didn't get to see them fight Martial Hall. I wanted that fight so bad that I am hoping for a second season. I mean, that was the whole point of everyone working so hard, right? To finally defeat Marital Soul Hall and create a better "world" for them, so to deprive us from that was a horrible thing to do. I took 1.5 points off because I feel that they spent too much time on some of the arc instead of developing the plot better or giving us the satisfaction of Tang Clan finally destroying Martial Soul Hall. I feel like the Netherworld Arc and the Tang Clan Arc took too much screen time.

So, based on just this drama alone without ever seeing Soul Land or Duolou Continent, I am rating this a 7.5 out of 10. It could have been easily an 8 if they cut those two arcs that I mentioned shorter and at least showed us the trials that the Shrek Devils have to go through, but because they didn't, my final rating is at 7.5.

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Enjoyable Funny and Wholesome

This is a review of bith seasons btw.

First of all as evidenced by the relatively low rating this may not be everyone's cup of tea. It drags a little at times especially in S1. The plot shifts into an almost episodic format so at times what you feel will be a long running plot thread ends abruptly. However if you think about the main plot to be resolved, as being, the fate of the ML and FL given the many social, personal, political and legal obstacles to their love it kinda works on that level. Having said that the abrupt resolution of some story arcs was a bit questionable at times.
This drama is, however, wholly enjoyable. It has mysterious cases, adventures, royal court nonsense, intrigue, a wonderful found family, memorable and likeable characters and of course romance.

The acting is top notch and the chemistry between the leads is great. The FL is pitch perfect as the competent, brave, intelligent but shy and chaste young widow. The ML is her male equivalent equally clueless in affairs of the heart but honorable and very affectionate. Their romance is slow but their chemistry is obvious and awesome.

The angst, miscommunication and conflict between them is frequent but generally short lived and there is no dragged out noble idiocy or love triangles which is in itself refreshing. The ending is very well placed and not rushed and quite frankly leaves you feeling warm and cosy.

If you like every now and then to watch a wholesome funny low angst welll made historical with great lead this is well worth it. It may not blow your mind but it will probably put your mind at ease.

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Thank goodness for second chances

I am totally digging this drama. It’s a predictable plot because it’s so similar to only too many. Misunderstanding, rich guy poor girl, scheming other, etc. Regardless though, there’s still the thrill of what is to come after each episode as it unravels each missing pieces of the why? pieces of what happened? It develops in a way that gives great anticipation.

In the beginning episodes, it comes off as slow for the current characters as flashbacks of their younger teen years somewhat dominates. (This young cast are awesome and we’re most likely going to see more of them. I’m particularly impressed with Hong Min Ki, (young Seok Ji Won) as he really nailed his role. Wow. The back story is good with a few annoyance's of repeats.

Jun Ji Hoon ( Seok Ji Won) is a handsome man, so of course he holds my attention. More than that though, this role in a rom-com is so welcoming. I mean, for people in his age group and beyond, it’s cool to see that love isn’t secured in your younger years but can come later when it’s right. Jung Yu Mi (Yun Ji Won) is alright. Though I might have a suggestion for another actress, she wins me over as story progresses. They look good together in their role although, I wish they can be more natural. After all, they are older, in script and in life. Episode seven really made me happy.

Supporting roles are doing their parts. I enjoy the assistant of main guy. He’s fun. The antagonist, Kim Ye Won (Ji Hye) is a must? Even if it’s a must for the story to have some objection, I wish it’s just a minor part and get cleared right away. I don’t get why these type of characters get so much attention. In her younger year she plays dirty and even as an adult, she’s significant? Don’t want to give spoilers but I have beef with the writer with how her character is written just because it doesn’t make sense with her confession yet, she’s still relevant to wreak havoc? Maybe you’ll see differently but it puzzles me crazily. One more irritation. Parent involvement in who you love is a major yawn in this time and age.

Tell Me You Love Me, The Trunk, My Sweet Mobster, and this one I categorize as sweet ajumma/ajussi series. I’m hoping for a sweet wrap for this and add it to my new list of rewatches. This drama is definitely for everyone, but a little extra for ajummas. I’m drifting right along with it and not too bothered with any shortcomings. Yeah, it’s like that and I think you will enjoy it too. Thanks for reading.

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Is marriage right for you?

This show explores several facets surrounding relationships giving importance to not just companionship but also the perspective of someone who doesn't want to get married. The story is not that well crafted but decently executed, can't blame them cause the meanings they want to deliver and that too through stories of different people doesn't give that much flexibility. Overall the show is a good watch if you like light romance, good acting, a meaningful story, and the actors involved in the show.

The show revolves around Jung Ha Na, a government employee who does not want to get married and enjoys her single life. She is transferred into a new department set up to get people married due to the declining birth rate. Circumstances lead her to Bong Cheol Hui an island bachelor who checks all the points from the avoid marriage list and the irony is that she had to get him married to get out of this new department. When things seem to go her way people from both their pasts come back and the chaos ensues. Will she be able to get him married and transferred to another department, or is something else awaiting her?

The are many things to like about the drama:
1. Bong Cheol Hui, is such a genuinely nice person, anyone who meets him melts from his warmth in the show.
2. The twins, were too cute yet mature for their age. They acted as our characters' guides, using their innocent remarks in various situations.
3. The dynamics between the leads, although I won't say they had the best romance but it was comfortable and peaceful watching them being comfortable and peaceful together. The way they thought and acted for each other conveyed a lot.
4. Finally, the most important things were the little yet profound messages that each of the episodes carried. If you are someone who likes stories filled with meaning and messages and not just exaggerated situations then this drama is for you.

Closing message (not related to the drama):
Whether you want to be single or in a relationship, you should always try to understand why they feel that way. If you are content being single then stay single, if you like companionship be in a relationship, but don't be in one while hating the other, or don't run if your insecurities, past experiences, etc. are what stop you from making choices. It's not just love rather the same can be said about every aspect of one's life. One should live the way they want to, without running away due to their trauma, fears, or insecurities or holding back due to fear of not being good enough or uncertainties, but rather try to become a better version of oneself in every aspect imaginable while living their life with a positive mindset. For example, if a person is truly happy, they will be happy alone and with people, no private or public situation can hold them back, rather than judging someone with different beliefs or forcing them to think a certain way, they will try to understand why the other person thinks that way. And lastly, everything in life is important, one's career, family, friends, romantic relationship, money, dreams, goals, mental and physical health, etc. Not even one of them is dispensable rather I can go all day long stating more such things to be added to that list. Try to find what you really want and what's keeping you from it, we all have one life why live with fear and sadness when we can live a happy and content life instead?

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Amazing series

Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!!
Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!!
Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!!
Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!!
Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!!
Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!!
Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!!
Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!!
Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!! Amazing series!!!

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Character study on control, companionship, and closure

A story about broken people who find healing through an unorthodox situation done well. Despite In Ji's cold seeming exterior, she's actually deeply empathetic and caring. Jeong Won is a similar type of person on the inside as well, but he's been hurting for so with his abusive family situation, both from his father and his ex-wife, that the contract marriage is what showed him what peace is like with a person that doesn't want to hurt him. It's wonderful seeing them gaining the strength to be a catalyst of positive change for the other person as they grew closer. Seo Yeon also holds her own pain that causes her psychologically manipulate and hurt Jeong Won to punish him. She is able to move on as well through her own journey with her contract marriage partner. The unhinged stalker is sadly realistic in his unrelenting harassment and escalating violence. Regardless of legal intervention, there is no enforcement that protects his victims against him. Jeong Won inviting him into the house where In Ji now lives and to sit down with them, was the most clueless man thing that he could do. Even well meaning men don't understand the severity of the danger for women. Ji Oh didn't get as much development as the other three characters, but he too was suffering from guilt from not stepping in when his colleague was murdered by stalker guy. He clearly didn't have any assassin skills, his boss did him dirty to ask him to be the one to do it. I like that both In Ji and Jeong Won moved on from the houses that was the husks with painful memories and lived their own lives for a good while before reuniting.

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Better the I thought.

I never heard anything about this one, till I saw it in a youtube video, if I remember right the vid was one about unknown BLs to watch, basically not much hype on them, but still gems and should be watched.

When I looked up about this one, I wasn't sure if I would like it, not sure what it was that made me think that, but I still gave it a shot and started watching it. At first I didn't think much of it, but after a few eps and some laughs I started getting into it. The over all feel was something that you need to watch in order to know what I nean really.

The charaters were really well played, there where a few downs in the acting, but over all everyone did a great job. I loved how Krom had really great friends. Talk about ones who would be there for you no matter what. True friends are not easy to get, but he had a few of them.

I liked how there was alot of communication in this, unlike some series where the lack it, though there were a few times where there could a been a bit more, but not to bad.

Fueang was so sweet with how he alway showed his feelings to Krom.

There were some more, but this is getting longer then I planned and I gotta get to bed. Before I go, if you read this, and still not sure, I say get it a go, you won't be disappointed, I wasn't.

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