The Secret of Not Falling in Love (2021)

Mysterious FL, Gorgeous ML

Memory loss is a popular theme in Chinese dramas. But the memory loss in this story is slightly different - the character’s memory is surgically removed. Despite the confusion of the beginning episodes because of poor writing, and poor acting by the female lead, I press on as her mysterious background combined with the mysteries around her captivate me. A murderous hidden antagonist, an investigative journalist, and most of all, a devoted and gorgeous male lead, all these intrigue me with a plot propelled by the mysteries.

When everyone thinks she has died in a car fire accident, Su Yi (Yuan Yu Xuan) comes back to seek for answers of what had happened 7 years ago when her father was slandered and killed in the same accident with her. She has lost memory of a big chunk of her life, including her time with her lover, Li Jia Shang (Liu Yi Chang) whom she doesn’t even know now. For Li Jia Shang, Mu Xiao (aka Su Yi) is his only love and has remained single since she’s gone. The dynamics between the couple, with the assistance of their buddies, Zheng He (Zhang Si Fan) and Xia Xi Yang (Xu Xiao Nuo), are wonderful to watch. Though I didn’t like the FL’s character in the beginning, I began to understand her better as the story unfolds. Having said that, Yuan Yu Xuan’s acting still requires improvement as she’s rather confusing with inappropriate expressions that do not synch with the moments; she is at times stiff and unnatural though she dresses extremely well. I do enjoy Liu Yi Chang’s and other cast members’ acting. I find Liu Yi Chang charismatic and fits the character he plays very well.

My Verdict
The plotline is quite intriguing as viewers want to find out what actually had happened 7 years ago, who Su Yi is, why she cannot remember Li Jia Shang at all, and who the obnoxious hidden villain is. There is a lot of twists and turns, intimacy and passionate kisses, and two pairs of lovely side couples.

There are certainly many flaws and plot holes but everything manages to brush through rather nicely for the ending. Having said that, many events and actions are of no consequence and do not provide additional information for the viewers, understandably they are merely there as fillers. Time and time again, a super nasty annoying character gets away with impunity. The dubbed voices also do not synch very well with the mouth movements.

For romance buffs, the main couple has never split up and has always remained true to each other. I love how devoted and committed Li Jia Shang is. He's always there to help Su Yi whenever she's in trouble.

Easy to watch, relatively short drama with less than 30 mins for each episode. Good enough to entertain.

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