Spoiler code

Hear me out,

Why is Yansage from Legend of Xiao Chuo the hottest villain I've experienced in a Chinese drama? The way he loves and cares for Hulian makes me green with envy, lol. (Mind you, I'm at their wedding, so he may change later and I just don't know it yet)

Up to this point though, I love how he softens whenever Hulian is around. The way he sends away the women and had the place cleaned, even the area where they stood, when he heard Hulian was on her way, lol.

I'm not used to this. Usually the villain sets his sights on a woman and will bully her, abuse her etc to own her.

Yansage, on the other hand, speaks softly to Hulian. He is willing to wait. He doesn't force himself on her. The way he says her name... we really get to see the man he could have been without the issues of the royal family to take into consideration.

For me it's definitely Yang yang in Love like the galaxy, after she seems to like Yuan Shen I could swear she would become NiaoNiao enemy and was pretending the whole time and she did not. She was exactly who she was presented as being. A huge surprise

I got into CDramas last year. I started with more recent shows. I exclusively watch modern romance dramas with at least a 9.1 rating on viki. I've found this to be the sweet spot. If it's only on Netflix, i would comb through this sub for reviews and spoilers. I have watched and loved a few esport themed shows: Fall into your smile, Go go squid and You are my glory. So I thought I would enjoy Love 020, since it's a 9.5 on viki.

This is sooo bad. None of these actors are giving me a solid performance. Not even the ML. And I rewatch YAMG for him. His acting is so wooden here. His character comes off a little groomy, stalkery and calculating. His roommates are also written to be immature caricatures, I guess to service his character's "mature" persona.

The FL's acting is just as bad, but I like her character better. I like that she's kind but gets fierce when poked.

The chemistry between these two characters is god-awful. The kiss scenes are just cringe. With the FL's open eyes, tucked chin, tight closed lips. And still the ML persists, again, kinda groomy.

The whole 22 year old CEO with enough capital to employ 20 or so people without any discernable outside investment is also utterly ludicrous. No matter how brilliant he's supposed to be.

The 2ML is so annoying and acts like a 14 yo. I fast forwarded most of his scenes.

Then let's talk about how FL's clearly stunning best friend is labeled as not pretty. Like why? They could have at least not put make up on the actress, and given her an awful wig or something.

I have persisted, waiting to be wowed. But I'm on Ep26 of 30, and I've gotten the best sleep this past week, thanks to how soundly this puts me to sleep.

Quick question for anyone that watched please I’m on ep 20 and wanted a spoiler to how 3rd brother does on his next two exams 😭 I thought first was said and done now they r saying there’s two more 🫣

What exactly is the plot? Firstly ain't a fan of their constant bickering, they are in thr second life and they still don't understand themselves. They like other people but also don't like other people and wanna be together. FL is strong, which is why I started watching it, at episode 8-9 I got annoyed but still kept going in case it might gets better, ML and FL constantly talking about being honest with each other, being thr for each other, being allies gave me hope but NO they are still not able to understand each other or event themselves, ML is such a simp, I was glad he finally realised his true feelings and that he wasn't actually in love with zhenzhen, but he is into rong only. But damn, our FL doesn't even give a damn, which is fine for now cs perhaps she can't trust ML as wht he did to her in the previous life but how is she still into 2nd ML and can't decide who to choose. Also, the plot ain't plotting, even the uncle become so nice suddenly near episode 20, Idk if I should continue. Does it get better? I am a fan of SOKP, which made me watch this for Linghe but this is so different. I miss LLTG, TTEOTM, and TB. Are they not making dramas like these anymore?

What Cdramas have you been watching recently? This post is a space for you to discuss the shows that you've been currently addicted to, or that you'll be looking forward to picking up! From old or new series, to popular or underrated titles, feel free to let us know what's been on your watchlist.

Please make sure to use spoiler tags generously, especially if you are discussing plot points or events that others may not yet have watched.

This show masquerades itself as very lighthearted in the first 8 episodes. So I definitely didn't anticipate the gut punches it would deliver later on, leaving me an emotional mess by the time it ended. Then I immediately rewatched it and enjoyed it even more.

Episode 9 is when it really kicks off. The sky going all dark with the booming voice saying 'How dare you hurt my girl?!" DFQC appearing with his hand on XLH's waist? The saving with all that showcasing of hellfire? The way a 1000 immortals didn't stand a chance against DFQC? The second fight against Changheng?😆. Feels even better on my rewatch. And have to give credit to the bgm because it was amplifying every scene. Simply epic.

WH's portrayal of DFQC was magnificent. Usually when young actors play a role of demon lord/king/general, I worry that I won't be convinced by a young pretty guy playing a toughened general or warlord. It's just not believable. This was NOT so with DFQC, the very way he walked, talked and held himself had me convinced he's Moon Supreme lord of the 3 realms. Especially when he returns to Cangyan Sea after that rescue and thousands of soldiers bow down to him. You could feel the power, the authority, the CHARISMA. And Hedi was serving that bone structure throughout. Plus the hair? Made me so envious lol. I can't count how many times I paused an episode just to marvel at his gorgeous hair. His outfits were some of the prettiest garments I have ever seen on a male lead. ALL of his robes were exquisite and really befitting of his status.

This show has quite a tight plot that is logical and coherent. It also helps that none of the characters are insufferably stupid. On the contrary, they can be quite intelligent. I loved how all the side characters were given their own time to shine; particularly liked Danyin. LBFAD had a theme, and it cemented it in our heads. Every character (except fairy leader) changes for the better because they loved someone. The portrayal of love in this show is so sincere and heartfelt that it makes me cry not because its unbearably sad, but unbearably beautiful.

Changheng annoyed me a few times, but he's ultimately a good person that finally gets his freedom in the end. Rong Hao was a solid villain, being as (dark) gray as he was. It is sad he destroyed himself to bring his master back, only to see her suffer endlessly and then die anyway. I do wish he had stayed alive longer to see the destruction he had caused though. I could never solidify my opinion on Jieli; she is likeable in one moment, and not so in the next. I did like that she was very quick witted though. Loved our black dragon. Xunfeng annoyed the hell out of me until the very end where he joins the fight against DFQC/evil spirit hybrid on his brother's orders. Fairy leader was pure evil and deserved a ghastly end which is one of my two main strife with this show. I want a season 2 just so i can see DFQC blow him up with his new glazed fire after that goblin inevitably stirs up trouble again. Second strife, WHERE IS THE WEDDING?!

Now I'm going to list all of my most favorite/impactful scenes from this show because they're worth raving for

• The scene where DFQC says stuff like 'You are mine, every drop of blood in your body belongs to me..' because of the heart curse but XLH just thinks he's in love with her😂
• The underwater scene in ep 8. The way xlh trusts DFQC completely and falls down with him when changheng turns up at Arbiter hall. The music? XLH slowly sinking? DFQC falling after her? The kiss? When she pulls away and he just looks mildly annoyed, and then pulls her to kiss her again. The aftermath too, when xlh is flustered for the first time around him. Ugh😩. Perfection
• When DFQC builds the whole arbiter hall for her again and she finds out it isn't hers. He has tears in his eyes when he realizes she's disappointed. He isn't wearing his ring in that scene, and it hits so hard.
• The entire second body swap. Too many hilarious moments. The image of DFQC running shouting CH's name like XLH is hysterical
• The reality check that DFQC gives to both orchid and CH when he's pretending to be XLH and refusing to go back with CH. I love it because besides her being naive about the situation, CH is also acting on his emotions instead of accepting the fact he can't keep orchid safe. Its satisfying to see her finally realize that running after CH won't do her any good.
• When DFQC turns back after the body swap and just for being petty to CH and to make a statement, he kisses orchid when she tries to run towards him. Squealing and laughing😆
• When orchid eats those sweets that amplify her moods and he can feel it. The acting? Brilliant. This scene is so good it had me hollering
• When DFQC is crying on his father's death anniversary and orchid comes to comfort him. It is so emotional and sweet with the way he holds up his hand to push her away, but she holds his instead. Then cries on her shoulder. Tears
• Him pretending to be weak even though he's almost recovered just so that XLH can coddle him😂
• DFQC putting the cinnabar liquid onto orchid's face as a thank-you. So beautiful
• The confrontation. XLH asking him if he would give up his mission of destroying Shuiyintian. Him refusing. The poignant aspect of this entire dilemma is that neither of them are wrong. It's not a miscommunication trope because it can't be solved if they both just talk it out. Both are stuck.
• Just CH and DFQC being buddies
• When DFQC pretends to be XLH's husband to deter CH🤣. And then takes it 10 steps further to say she's pregnant with their child. He's stroking her face and all, and even snaps the handrawn picture of her from xiao run. God, I was so torn between laughing and feeling immensely sorry for second lead.
• When he is advised to swap the hairpin but doesn't. Man has spent just a few weeks with emotions after they were taken away from him for more than 30,000 years but is still so thoughtful.
• The part where orchid is outside with xiao run but sees DFQC everywhere.
• When instead of listening to RH, Orchid chooses to not drug DFQC and asks him directly why he's in the mortal realm. Love how he doesn't lie to her, and how she doesn't blame him for what he's doing for his people. Whenever DFQC puts his responsibility of protecting his people first, I swear I love him 10x more. I would've dropped the show entirely had he tossed away his duties just because he's in love. I adore that this doesn't happen and he remains rational.
• The part where those cowardly immortals attack DFQC when they know he's at his weakest and he barely defends himself and orchid. I loved XLH here, when girl has full choice to abandon him and be accepted back into her home, but she just holds hands with DFQC so tight like he'd die if she didn't and pushes the boat away infront of everyone. A true testament to how close they're now😭
• After XLH convinces DFQC that he should respect her choice of surviving that torture chamber, and she comes out alive. They walk with their hands tightly clasped together, as equals, in front of the people that hail her as moon queen. Love how he doesn't carry her even though she's super weak. Shows his true respect for her
• When DFQC indirectly pleads her to leave him due to the war approaching, but she just hugs him and says she isn't leaving him. Tears. Love orchid
• The dream sequence 😭😭😭
• The bridge scene. This one broke me entirely 😭😭😭
• The way he kisses her suddenly and passionately before he goes to war with evil god to change her destiny. The music, it so intensifies the emotions here
• DFQC's exchange with evil god? I love how calm he is during the entire ordeal. When he manages to take over him, I thought that his plan must have failed until black dragon, Xunfeng and the others show up on his orders, making it clear it was calculated. The last episodes of the show really show DFQC's inner strength instead of his magical abilities. It makes his character of being a leader all the more convincing because he's able to change XLH's destiny even without his hellfire
• DFQC smiling before he dies. Finally took orchid's advice
• When they show how all the characters have grown and changed. Makes the story come full circle

This became longer than I thought it would. Thanks to those who read it full.

Edit: I just realized I didn't directly mention how much I like XLH. It was a disappointing surprise for me to see the amount of dislike for her based solely on her cutesy voice. For me, it was apparent by the second episode that although our female lead appears to be childish, she is NOT stupid. I found her to be really endearing from the get-go, as someone who heavily dislikes silly, stupid fls. Though she is naive in the first 15-ish episodes, Orchid is smart, extremely lovable, super kind and very brave. Definitely love her

Well dang it, I had half of this one typed up but yesterday was insanely busy at my day job then I had to get cookies done for my side hustle so it was already 2am and I decided ok I'll finish up in the morning and for some random reason my original one didn't save. Sigh...well here we go again...anyway, anyone still here? I'm sticking this one out till the end so hopefully some of y'all stick around with me. It's a busy day for me so I'll probably get 14 and 15 out later tonight.

Disclaimer: Don't read on if you haven't watched 13 and you don't want spoilers

Here are some previous posts

Episodes 1-4

Episodes 5-8

Episodes 9-10

Episode 11

Episode 12

Discussion Questions:

1. Will Du Yangxi redeem himself to Shouhua?

2. Who and what is the reason for the rumors/bet?

3. Did you find this episode even more random than usual?

On to the commentary:

No wonder Chai An was so amused, he had his wife pegged and he was already ready for her to kick him out of his carriage lol but I still love how cute it is that he's like "let's chase her"

Su Rongqing Du Yangxi on the other hand...bro really thinks highly of himself that his wife is going to just forgive him, he even moves his bedding and assumes they're just going to be a loving couple? Pretty presumptious of him...I love that she just hands him a divorce letter lol

She really deserves better.

lol I'm glad she just calls him tanhua and not even his name or husband. Him desperately explaining that it was his face, his clothes, his ink that he broke she shouldn't be upset...but she's right that it was all for him. Then he has this weird proud face when she explains she knew it was all partially selfish of him...such a weird reaction lol

Y'all, I'm Chinese, I've heard people sometimes call their significant other 哥(ge) but it definitely a bit ick for me still to hear him call her 姐(jie)

I'm confused how she's going to judge how a man is better than her deceased husband? Guess we'll see if he proves himself

Who is this Cui lady? Obviously there's some weird scheme going on with her...also side note PTSD with anyone named Cui after TSOPG :-| Clearly she's up to no good

What's the point of this bet? Is it really...who can basically bed someone else's wife?

Chai An doesn't know his sister in law to really think she's out there scared lol

Shouhua is so right, what happened to 2nd and 3rd sister now that they're married? Single Kang Ning would immediately be coming up with a plan and scheming to fix this without the help of anyone but herself, why is she so timid about everything now?

I guess Du Yangxi has one thing going for him right now...he's too distracted by his wife's matters than any of the scholar stuff...though that's not necessarily good to ignore that either though right? lol

I love Chai An teasing Du Yangxi lol

The sisters all together makes me happy. I know a lot of people compare this to Pride and Prejudice or Little Women, I get that the similarity is it's a group of women...but honestly so far all of the sisters here are likable lol meanwhile Lydia and Kitty and even Mary were annoying to me and Amy in Little Women until she kind of finally grew up...soo I kind of don't even make the comparisons.

You know what would help Du Yangxi's case? Actually talking to his wife and just asking her what she's doing, how she's handling it, and how he can help...

I'm not even sure what the girls have planned here...was Chai An clued in?

Why were there even that many guys willing to break into a house?? 4? Really? I'm so confused as to what the whole point of this is they're willing to ruin a women's reputation...over money? Or something? What is even happening right now.

Why is that Cui women upset?? What does she have to do with any of this? Who's actually behind this?

So she's putting Du Yangxi through an actual test lol

What's the deal with Chen Duo and Uncle Liao? What does Chen Duo want?

Hello everyone!

I am on episode 9 of Flourished Peony and I thought of making a post on how much I am loving the show. Yes loving and not just enjoying!

First of all let’s talk about characters:

My favourite is Mu Dan. Her strength, perseverance, will to survive, all of it is so so dear to me. She brings tears to my eyes and I just want her to be successful and thrive. She cares about people especially the women. I don’t know how to describe it but she screams hope to me. She is gentle and soft but hurt her close ones and she is ferocious! I love how she isn’t a super strong character who succeeds in everything. Just like us women she falters, fails, stands up again!

Liu Zishu: Now did I feel angry towards him ? Initially no but when he tried to stop Mu Dan from leaving I wanted to punch him so bad! He doesn’t want her to get freedom because he himself can never get the freedom. He wants Mu Dan to be stuck in the same cage as him. I read a lot of analysis here in this sub on him before watching the show and I do agree with them.

Jiang Chang Yang: I love him! He gives Mu Dan space to grow. Protects her when he really needs to. Sympathises with her but never pities her! Also he is so witty and fun to watch. He truly appreciates Mu Dan and I am so excited to watch more of him!

Princess Youzhen: I feel pity for her. Had to get married to someone for power, she changed so much and now her ex lover says she is no more what she used to be. Well do you expect her to remain naive while being married for 3 years and suffering? The princess and Mu Dan do feel similar to me in a way that both want freedom. Though the princess has it much better. She has some power. But yes I do feel pity for her. I hope her love for Zishu doesn’t end her.

Other characters I love are Wu Niang/ Qin Sheng Yi, Chuan Yu and the Shopkeeper Woman!

I really like how this show actually feels women centric. I had to drop Perfect Match after 4 episodes as I felt insulted and disappointed. This show on the other hand feels so good! I love how the plot progresses and I love love my girl Mu Dan! I am binge watching it currently and am rooting for Mu Dan and Sheng Yi. My girls deserve the whole world 😭

This is a very beginner review that I wrote spontaneously!

I will come back to share how much I am loving the show again!

I finally gave in and started MJTY because I love ML FL SML SFL basically everyone. So far 5 episodes in and I’m hooked!

However, I have known that the ending is very vague and cliffhanging for a chance to season 2 and I legit dont like that. It is actually the main reason I hadnt watched it until now.

So my question for those who have already watched, at which episode do I need to stop for me to get my own version of a Happy Ending? Is there even one? At least for a ML and FL?

And if I continue beyond that episode, how severely depressed for it not having season 2 am I gonna be?

I generally dont like a sad ending, like someone died, but I at least can stand it more than a vague and open ending where it just seems… unfinished, which I heard is a case of MJTY.

So please recommend the episode where I at least have some closure 🤣

I dont mind spoiler so feel free to convince me however you’d like 😂

"Fan Yue, the wind is rising."

"These days, I have been to many places, to see the magnificent sights you mentioned: the sun, moon, stars, drifting clouds, and gentle breeze. I saw everything as traces of you, as if you were right by my side. But you always came with the wind and always faded with it. I know those were never truly you. Is the you before me now the real you? Ah, Fan Yue, when I catch you, you keep on dying. For what reason? 😭"

"Fan Yue... the wind is rising." Poor Bai Shou was traumatized to death. Fan Yue kept leaving her again and again.

I finally finished Moonlight Mystique, and like Bai Shou, I am traumatized. I fear I will dream of Fan Yue's death if I close my eyes.

This drama, even though they both survived, I don't consider it a happy ending. it was just an okay ending. After all, how many deaths were sacrificed just for that last minute?

Special mention: The cinematography, I must say, was top-notch, one of the best.

I don't think I have ever watched someone dying as much as Fan yue, considering the number of xianxia I have watched.💔

Usually I watch drama with my safe actors like Zhang xincheng who are notorious for almost always picking quality scripts (see my flair lol). Even so, no amount of convincing would make me watch dramas of my preferred actors if I don't find the synopsis interesting. There are way too many dramas to explore than to sit through draggy plots just to catch some eye candies being fluffy. (Looking at you love is sweet)

This is where vertical drama hit the spots for me. Their story starts abruptly, straight from the middle of intense drama without caring about character or story buildup. So no fillers or draggy scenes, only fast paced critical moments consisting of steamy fluff or dramatic makjang with infinite tropes and twists. No in-between. Perfect for a quick mindless guilty pleasure drama to end a tiring day.

Now here is the catch, because such dramas have cheap budgets with inexperienced teams, it takes annoyingly long to actually select a 'watchable' drama.

So I dipped my feet in the short form dramaland with Embrace in the dark night (my rating 8.5/10, by short form standard) and then almost gave up on the drama form trying to find another watchable one like that.

Like yes I watch them for the steam and fluff too but the storytelling has to be entertaining and have decent acting. Reasons why I dropped highly recommended (from mdl) your trap despite having steamy buildups that teases you to keep watching.

However, the ml from there, shen hao nan(don't be fooled by his mdl photo) managed to catch my interest so I considered giving some of his dramas a try. That guy is cute and hot (the mole on his chest! 🤤🫠) and requires a dedicated post so saving it for the yumcha threads 🤪. Turns out he is a Zhang xincheng from short form drama, his script picking sense is really good. I found most of his works watchable. His acting is decent too.

Here's my top picks of his drama:

####(1)

https://youtu.be/dAwHpFgLZUY?si=oTWVdR1HZ6JHAFkX rating (my rating 9.5/10, by short form standard)

Ml seemingly looking like he transmigrated from ancient China crashes into a shooting spot. The story takes crazy turns in a parody like way mocking every possible tropes in vertical dramaland. Funniest cdrama (yes, long form included) I have watched so far. The storytelling is very engaging, flowing and surprisingly fresh, so is the acting.

####(2)

https://youtu.be/tLdirrRvg3M?si=iZMb5YqF5BUyaBw7 (rating 9/10)

The families of ml and FL have them married in a freak arranged marriage where they don't even know how they look. The ml ends up falling for the FL so he plans to divorce his unknown wife to pursue his newfound crush. It's hilarious, tropey and twisty.

The storytelling in both these dramas is so good and refreshing that it would put most of those lazy scriptwriters of standard form drama recycling the same bland plots with stone cold, ditzy, naive or soggy doormat like ml/fl, to shame. I absolutely loved the fl characters (same actress) in both dramas. Wang gege deserves wider recognition. Not your typical cute actress but she sure is charming. Currently a top favorite.

Do share your raves/rants of vertical drama and swoon about your favorite actors here too and have a fun discussion!

Some thoughts on Wonderland of Love (2023). 

For those who have not watched it and may want to check it out, I wrote a spoiler-free Synopsis with a link to the trailer.  

Don't be put off the tacky discount Disney-esque English title -  the Chinese title**《樂遊原》/《乐游原》**/Le You Plains, is both apt and poetic. It is the name of a place, as well as the title of a famous poem regarding that place by Tang dynasty poet Li Shang Yin李商隱 (813AD - 858 AD). For those who want more detail, I had a go at providing some commentary on the Place and and a translation of the Poem of the same name, Le You Plains《樂遊原》 for which the Chinese title of Wonderland of Love (2023) is named. All mistakes are my own, of course, and any suggestions/corrections welcome! 

Without getting into spoiler territory, I thought:

Strengths:

• The affinity and sizzling chemistry of the main CP is definitely the main draw. Xu Kai and Jing Tian play a perfectly matched power couple who are very easy on the eyes and have a propensity to end up together in steaming bathtubs together. Definitely no need to worry about unconvincing fish kisses here!😍🤣
• This is one of Xu Kai's better recent roles as ML - plays to his strengths and really showcases his mischievous boyish charm, emotional range, and fighting prowess. 
• This isn't one of those dramas that fob you off with a 3 min open ending.  Instead, the drama takes the time to give a comprehensive >!HEA !<ending (an entire episode's worth) which wraps things off nicely and ties off all the loose ends. Honestly, I wish more c-dramas would do this. 
• The OST is gorgeous, including Liu Yu Ning's closing OST《如果愛記得》/If Love Remembers (ps) for Liu Yu Ning fans, he also makes a guest appearance as a quirky foodie conjurer😊)

Weaknesses:

• The most interesting villain exits about half way through the drama, and the villains in the second half are mostly deluded green tea types (one each for the leads) who just won't take no for an answer.  That got tedious.
• The damsel-in-distress trope was a bit trying, especially given how kickass the FL is. (That said, the drama does allow a few hero-in-distress moments too). 
• There are some problems with plot and characterisation, likely because the drama had to artificially inject conflict and misunderstanding between a pitch perfect couple and because the script writer did not really think through the political implications of the various plot strands. 
• The main character of Li Ni is (very) loosely based on Li Shi Min李世民 aka Emperor Tai Zong唐太宗 of the Tang Dynasty and the drama's premise is (very) loosely based on the founding of the Tang dynasty, so there was loads of scope for writing Li Ni as a more morally ambiguous character. The drama doesn't take this risk, which I think was a missed opportunity and at times unrealistic.  

If interested, I discussed the above in more detail in a Review with spoilers: Final review/rating: Wonderland of Love (2023) - A perfectly paired power couple match wits and take on the world.

The pics below are from the first intro non-spoilery overview, the rest has spoilers:

https://preview.redd.it/d5ih8v4dqege1.png?width=655&format=png&auto=webp&s=a7bbb03291567c898e2c96e54797f43d9d806ec8

https://preview.redd.it/whg6dda5qege1.png?width=662&format=png&auto=webp&s=76c17dae1e818af0da7eb26320d5f532197395ab

Let the weekend marathon begin 🫡😂.

As the weekend approaches, I'm sure you're all gearing up for some well-deserved relaxation and fun. 🏖️ Whether you're binge-watching a drama, embarking on a thrilling adventure or cozying up to a good manhua or webnovel, we want to hear all about it!

So, what will you be doing this weekend? And what Chinese dramas do you recommend for a weekend binge-watching session? Tell us about it below in the comments :)

Note: If you are discussing plot points or events that others may not yet have watched, please make sure to use spoiler tags. Consider also sorting the comments by "new" (instead of "best" or "top") as this thread fills up quickly.