Rebirth of Shopping Addict (2020)

This was an enjoyable, low-stress modern drama. I really liked Zoey Meng as the bubbly main character Gao Yang, and there were some mysterious (but not too convoluted) events involving her father that kept me curious through to the end. For me, the romance between the leads was the weakest part and I never found myself rooting for Gao Yang and Yan Li, but there is a side couple that I loved.

When her father's company goes bankrupt, Gao Yang is quickly forced to realize that her identity, self-worth, and friendships were all tied to her wealth. However, Gao Yang's poverty lasts for pretty much only one night because Yan Li brings her to his huge apartment. I wish Gao Yang had experienced more challenges on her own because things work out so easily/luckily. She does find a job on her own and works hard and persistently, but even in her financial condition she still purchases robot vacuums and sheet masks? She's kind-hearted, isn't spiteful, and does experience a lot of growth, so overall I still liked her.

I couldn't stand that Yan Li repeatedly called Gao Yang stupid, despite his actions showing that he saw merit in some of her ideas. I can be more forgiving when this sort of thing happens in a youth drama but Yan Li is a smart, mature adult. I guess it was supposed to convey how he loses reason when it comes to her and had feelings for her?? Yikes. In comparison, the second male lead Li Ming Che (played by the charming Li Shen) supported her creative ideas and appreciated her! When Yan Li had moments in the drama later on where he was sweet or affectionate, it actually gave me the creeps because it felt so unlike him. I was also disappointed when Gao Yang ignored the differences in her and Yan Li's personalities, and made him change his behavior for her while not doing the same for him. (The sweatshirt scene was The Worst.)

My favorite character was Xiao Zai because he was so funny, down-to-earth, and a supportive friend. The most memorable moments of this drama for me were Gao Yang's moments of self-growth and interactions with supporting characters. Also, although there were several characters facing unrequited love, none of them turned to any villainous behavior, which was a nice change. No scheming, no persistent 'I can't live without you', no creating misunderstandings. While I didn't love this drama, it was a nice break between some heartbreaking and emotional historical/fantasy dramas.

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