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A really fun and enjoyable watch, must watch for people who enjoy this genre!
First thing first, I did come here for the trope of marriage (of convenience?) and I wanted to see them explore that relationship with their work and life. Sure, they had a nice relationship (I'm a fan) but I feel somehow misled by the synopsis and the few beginning episodes here because there is no marriage. I get it, they were practically married only but they were not. I was looking forward to something complex like say a break up (just an example), etc. Honestly, maybe that's why this is not a perfect 10 for me because this is not what I expected going in.But facts be facts, what we do get in actuality is absolutely beautiful and amazing. This show has given me three of the healthiest relationships or approaches to a relationship (with the best friend) I've seen in Cdramas for a very very long time. Nobody is perfect and neither were our characters here. I was pissed with Xiao Ning for the blind date, I have been mad at Yu Heng for his absolutely poor communication skills and Rao Jing came off as very offensive at first. But how the show slowly unpacks all these characters, their quirks and individualities is beyond amazing. I have enjoyed watching the relationship develop between our leads and how they've constantly supported one another, resolved their issues like mature adults and maintained their work-life balance. Similarly, Rao Jing and Zhao Fang have given me some of the most hilarious moments in this show and their banter is really fun to watch. They complement each other perfectly and it's nice to see how ZF helps RJ heal her wounds. Lastly, for the best friend, I loved the mature take on the relationship. I agreed 100% that neither of them was wrong and for them to acknowledge that and face reality needs strength. Sometimes you just need to prioritise yourself and your own morals/dreams/desires. All in all, we see three healthy relationships where they tackle issues instead of running from them.
The other aspect I quite enjoy is how they've not shown women as these pseudo-intellectuals. We finally have female friendships where their advice to one another is well thought out, practical and actually helpful - instead of being super toxic. Also how none of the women overstepped their boundaries and gave the leads (in their respective stories) the decision-making power without influencing them. I liked this mature and more realistic take on friendship. No one really has the time to gossip with friends every day after a tiring day at work and no, you do not let your friends dictate every single step you take in a relationship - good on them for portraying that!
Another thing - usually shows with 32 episodes become a drag. I did not feel that way with this one. The story flew very nicely and coherently and not much felt like it was out of place. I'm someone who likes business plots, so I've enjoyed the business aspect, team bonding, and how they worked together as well.
I also think all the actors have done really well in their roles. Xiao Han made me despise her character and the parents were entertaining to watch. Everyone has worked well!
Overall, this is a really great show with a good storyline (though misleading), a nice soundtrack, brilliant acting and a good pace. I've not seen Karlina's works before and I have to say, I've become a fan. She's so stunning and good at her work. You should definitely give this one a try, it'll be worth your time!
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office romance but better
let me preface by saying i love secretive romance, romance where couple has to hide that theyre together in a public setting, but in private everything is hot and heavy?? secretive eye contact that only they know the meaning of?? accidental but not really skinship??? them taking care of each other in their own way when no one else notices??? who doesn't love this!!!i love the actors hence the reason why i started watching them. was the high school setting needed when the actors are already in their 30s?? no i wish the cp age in the drama are set older instead of late 20s, dont be shy!! we need more proper adult romance!! i cringe watching the flashbacks bcs theyre just adults among teenagers buuuut it is cute nevertheless.
i think the romance is mature what with the start of the coupling, the eventual romance, incidents, third and many more parties interference, etc. they learn to become a couple eventually with better communcation with each other and not shying away from saying what needs to be said. the parents are good influence for them. this eventually helps them in their change of office dynamic where he becomes the direct boss and she as one of the employees. the characters have their flaws and problems yet it doesnt hinder their relationship, theyre supportive of each other respectful trustworthy. one of the better romance in cdrama
edit: finished and im glad the romance stays fluffy til the end. this is feel good romantic story with some (minimal) drama. ps: do read the webnovel its rly good!!
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A rare romantic drama that is comfortable to watch..
It's a rare romantic drama that is comfortable to watch. The main leads are "normal people" with positive values. They communicate in time when encountered with problems without internal friction. ML supports the FL emotionally and shares the pressure (without violating her principles to succeed independently without using his influence and resources!) when she faces difficulties at work place and the FL shows she can feel his efforts with her love and gratitude. This is pure mature love! Love is not just sweet romance but requires joint efforts, mutual understanding and support of both partners to go hand in hand on the road of life.The second couple are everyone's favourites! They add more colours and storylines to the plot. There is a third couple as well. These characters show that everyone has issues/ obstacles/challenges they have to go through themselves. There will be mistakes and growing pains!
All characters and performances complemented each other. The family dynamics between the parents and in laws is a treat to watch!
Another highlight is the women in the workplace who are mutually supportive of each other and love their work (leave Tang girl). Their growth is entirely obtained through their own efforts and not by convenience or influence of a man.
Yes the drama may have certain shortcomings and some logical bugs but the flaws do not outweigh the merits! It's a profound theme exploration with insights on love/marriage, work and life in general for young couples. It's more realistic compared with other similar dramas broadcast recently and is definitely worth a watch.
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90% of this drama is pretty much the perfect romcom. Despite it being an office romance, the day to day operations at the workplace don't suck too much, which is extremely RARE in this genre. The main romance is beautiful and a bit novel too within the contract marriage category. (well it's not really a contract marriage, but the drama is structured like that) There are two side couples, one of them is amazingly funny with endless bickering shenanigans, while the other is really really boring, but the boring couple had very little screen time, so it's not a huge deal. Triangle haters can watch this too, since the secondary love interests don't amount to anything in this drama. Also the couples I cared about did not have any arbitrary -or justified- breakups, just how I like it.So why is it not a 10? Well, boring couple aside, we still go through many of the cdrama greatest hit cliches & some of them are really creepy too I suppose. I really hated the scene with the teddy bear for some reason, the art of cinematography died there a little bit. Also the final episodes have some weird content that is kind of propaganda-like about harmony between banks/clients and whatever else.
When I just started watching this I asked the comment section that since this drama kind of features an early marriage with cohabitation does it have any bed scenes? I think I've gotten a negative answer. Now that I'm done watching I can confidently say that at the very least sex is low key implied long before the final episodes. This is well done I think, I don't need sex scenes, or even the camera zooming in on a thrown away bra, but it still feels somewhat plausible & mature.
The plot is not amazing or anything, but most of it is rather well thought out for a romcom.
Obviously the rewatch value is high, I'll be back!
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Lovely Romance without screaming melodrama
Some may find this office romance too boring in that it involves a couple mature in their own identities and a little naive about love where their quiet dialogue is endearing but there are no extreme histrionics, domineering mothers, evil obsessors, or misunderstandings due to failure to communicate that break the couple up--typical of tropey romances--and that is why I found it refreshingly pleasant to watch. It didn't need the other 2 love stories--I fast forwarded during their air times...their stories did not contribute to the main leads romance.Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
This is a must watch!
Need I say anything? If you're looking for a slow burn romance type of drama, then this is it. No toxicity, not the typical plot you would expect for a cdrama with the same plot, different actors kind of drama. If you know what I mean. The story is well written, the main leads have really strong chemistry. I also like how three different kinds of love story are squeezed in in one drama. Although I kind of find the ending a little hanging but over all it was perfect score for me.Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
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2024 if full of loser bf core
First of all, I really want to say that this series holds a special place in my heart, last time I felt this much attachment to the series was when I watched when I fly towards you.The male lead is so down bad he just wants to marry her then and there. Ok i get u bro can't get his hands off of her for one second. lol guess I'm a sucker for loser ML who only wants their FL and no one else. 2024 is so full of green flag loser bf core.
I also love how the FL is complex, she can be good but she can also stand on her own and fight for herself. We can see conflicting feelings from their relationship making their story interesting. I also enjoyed the story of the side couple that the FL and ML work with, i love the progression of their relationship from work rivals to lovers. the bestfriend's side story not much but I get it.
Overall, this series have a great rewatch value if you just want a fluff good chemistry butterflies in the stomach with conflicts here and there. I hope you enjoy it as much as i did.
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Familiar tropes with unexpected depths : A cliche done well!
The drama is a good example of all the familiar tropes done right, steering clear of "almost" all the pitfalls. The story revolves around Tu Xuaoning and Ji Yuheng, two childhood classmates /acquaintances who reconnect again during a match-making event leading to an unexpected marriage of convenience.While initially, I assumed it would rely on all the cliches of contract marriage and childhood connection, it breaks new ground by focusing on good character development, mature dynamics between the couples and an ML who is not "stoic "
Instead of relying on melodrama and misunderstandings, it beautifully portrays how Xiaoning and Yuheng navigate their life, both personally and professionally. I loved how their relationship was not built on grand gestures, it was just about those small, everyday moments of support and understanding.The leads shared an undeniable chemistry and their kissing scenes were so tastefully done. I liked how both the leads didn't lose their individuality and focused on their dreams and careers.
Miles Wei as Yuheng was perfect. The way he balanced both his professional responsibilities with his feelings for XioaNing was portrayed with sensitivity. (And he looked exceptional in those suits if it matters for research purposes xD)
Xiaoning started as this ambitious but uncertain FL trying to establish herself in a cut-throat corporate culture. She gradually became confident, voiced her ideas and learned to assert her opinions. While her decisions especially to hide the relationship may sometimes come off as illogical and rude but the way she struggled for her job, it just came across as a precaution and realistic.
The second couple, Rao Jing and Zhao Fanggang storyline provided an entertaining enemy-to-lovers trope to the story counterbalancing the sweet MC romance. Their banters were hilarious and their chemistry was electric. It was filled with both tension and comic relief here & there. As the plot progresses, it leads to unexpected vulnerability amidst the snarks. Their journey from disdain to affection feels believable. I was rooting for them from the start (even more than the main couple).
The supporting cast gives more reason to make this a worthy watch. I enjoyed the female friendship between all the 3 FLs. Xiaoning's bond with her best friend Wei Yi felt so genuine and supportive. Also, Ning's bond with the manager Rao Jing as mentor-mentee was refreshing to watch. Female supporting females is one of my favorite troupes.
Also, I appreciated how FL's parents treated their adult daughter as an actual "adult" for a change. They were fun, supportive and nosey but always respecting boundaries. Both their families provided such a warm and positive atmosphere.
But this wasn't without the flaws. Foremost, the third couple - Dai Yun Fan and Ling Wei Yi felt completely underdeveloped and I felt certain conflicts between them detracted from the strong storyline. To me, they felt very unnatural and chemistry was lacking.
Additionally, the character of Tang Yuhui while starting as intriguing falls into the cliche territory of obsessive character. If delusion were a person, she would have been the poster child. I wish they didn't stretch her part and use her as a positive catalyst.
Also, I felt they focused too much on Yuheng's long-standing affection and revealed it to the FL a bit late. This is where I felt the pace lagged occasionally.
Overall, this drama is a delightful and entertaining blend of romance and humor balancing personal and professional growth. While it does have cliched elements, the execution is done well. Recommended if you are looking for light and fluffy drama with good character development with no less to no drama and enjoy contract marriage & cohabitation tropes.
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Probably the most feel good CDRAMA of Q3 2024
I haven't finished the drama 3-4 episodes left but I just want to write a review really quick to improve the ratings.real rating: 9/10
I'm always fond of dramas with little to no conflicts and this one hit that criteria
So, if you are like me who hates those unnecessary toxic characters, this one is for you!
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A Healthy Secret Relationship
I don't know where to start my review. Initially, I didn't plan to watch this drama because I was still experiencing a "drama hangover" from As Beautiful As You and wasn't ready to start a new one. But here we are. I'm glad I decided to watch and hype this drama while it's ongoing. I had previously seen Zhang Jia Ning in Shining for One Thing and watched several Wei Zhe Ming dramas.To begin my review, I should mention that I haven't read the novel yet. I'm enjoying the drama on its own merit. At first, I was quite surprised that Jiyuheng proposed to Tuxiaoning in the very first episode. I thought that with 32 episodes, the plot might drag, but I was completely wrong. The plot is well-paced and builds up slowly and neatly.
Regarding our main couple, even though they initially decided to get married because they were a good match, Jiyuheng had already admired and fallen in love with Tuxiaoning since high school. They gradually get to know each other, understand each other, and fall in love. I really appreciate the progression of their relationship from the beginning to their eventual marriage. They also communicate well, avoiding misunderstandings and never allowing a third party to come between them. Moreover, they have supportive families. It's a dream to have a family like our main couple's, where both sets of parents approve, and Tuxiaoning's parents even agree to help with Jiyuheng's mother. What a healthy and green-flag relationship.
Usually, I don't show much interest in other couples formed in the drama, but this time, I was interested in Raojing and Zhao Fanggang's relationship. Their relationship also develops gradually, evolving from colleagues to lovers. Zhao Fanggang is really suited for Raojing because he can handle and take care of her well, given that Raojing is a strong, independent character. Their dynamic adds fun to the story. The friendships between Raojing and Tuxiaoning, and between Zhao Fanggang and Jiyuheng, are also portrayed as healthy.
Overall, this drama has been a nice watch after my work in the lab. It delivers a positive message. I was almost convinced, like Raojing, that it might not be so bad to stay single as long as you have a career, money, and don't disturb others. However, now I believe, like Tuxiaoning and Raojing, that being in a happy and healthy relationship with supportive parents is also something to strive for. I need to find my own Jiyuheng or Zhao Fanggang!
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Foi bem fofo
Amei todo o desenrolar da história, não ficou cansativo, achei tudo na medida.Tu Xiao Ning e Ji Yu Heng, que casal maduro, não tinham briguinhas bestas e não se deixavam levar por qualquer interferência exterior.
Miles Wei está todo de bom nesse personagem, que macho maravilhosoooo minhas amigas, não deixava nenhuma sirigaita com expectativa, ele cortava logo na raiz .
O casal Rao Jing e Zhao Fang Gang, maravilhosos também; o que foi toda aquela aversão no começo??? kkkkk ameiiii, tudo para levar a ser um calzalzão com muita química que logo na primeira oportunidade fizeram um CPF novo kkkk.
Ling Wei Yi e Qi Yu eu sentia que eles não dariam certo, a visão de mundo era bem diferente e nenhum estava disposto a ceder para fazer dar certo, ela tinha riqueza estava acostumada com o mais alto padrão ( e sim , ela podia se dar esse luxo) já ele pobre e não queria usufruir da riqueza dela por achar que se sentiria um tonhão.
São 33 episódios bem aproveitados, nem mesmo a trama de negócios empresarial ficou chato (o que raramente acontece), além de que todos os personagens trazem uma certa complementação para o enredo.
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Perfectly sweet, perfectly inoffensive. Totally . . . fine
To hate this show would be like kicking a puppy. To like it would take no effort but that’s a low hanging fruit. If I was new to drama watching then I'd scored it higher and posted a page full of ❤️ but I'm too jaded and grumpy so I ended up writing a review instead. ;)This show reminds me of several other dramas in the same genre but with the angst dialled down and the sugar level hitting WHO daily dosage level. Is that a bad thing? For some, this is their sweet spot. However, it really does nothing for the genre. To be brutally honest, it is samey and forgettable.
The writers seem to go out of their way to minimise the impact of any angsty tropes. If there was a chance of misunderstanding, then the other party would just happen to walk past to overhear the relevant conversation. If there was a hint of danger, then someone would happen to be in the vicinity just in time to defuse the situation. It is nice to be harmless but it can also be a path to extinction.
In terms of acting, the ML is playing the same nice guy which I thought was perfect in Perfect and Casual (2021). I suppose it is better to be typecasted as Mr Nice Guy than a serial killer. He is totally besotted with the FL for years and she can do no wrong. While it is great to see them get together, there is not much push-pull.
The FL is sweet and innocent. She is well casted in that role, but it is hardly a challenge either. The rest of the support cast are standard issue and I, for one, am glad that the parents are so nice and supportive. As I said before, inoffensive.
The 2CP is fine. Has a bit more kinks in their path to happiness but we know they are the 2OTP hence it is so written so it shall be done. The 3CP is more about social commentary than the pursuit of happiness. Thus, they are a bit inconsequential. Everything is . . . fine.
I would be lying if I say that I didn’t enjoy this little romance, but I would be hard pressed to recall its storyline in a few weeks’ time. It is a classic popcorn flick. It is fluffy, harmless and forgettable. That is a shame because the potential is there. The show just has no desire to push any boundaries. This is odd as the underlying storyline is all about the FL trying her best to succeed in her career.
BTW, there is a 30mins “epilogue” which is total sugar overload. It largely consisted of bonus scenes that didn’t make it to the actual release. Sweet, so very sweet.
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