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mrinafria · 3 years ago

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Chinese (mostly), Japanese, Thai, Taiwanese Dramas Master List [to be continued]

DISCLAIMER: This is mostly for my own reference purposes since I like to rewatch some of the dramas I've watched in the past, and then often can't remember anything about the title or the actors or the show lol. All opinions are only and only my own, and no offense is intended to anyone who has different views on any of these. Again, this rec list is more for me and probably a few of my friends and less for others, so please ignore if it bothers you. Peace!

Rough ratings (which could change at any point of time):

Recommend/Strongly recommend: ranging from ‘Well this is a pretty good show although not sth I’ll obsess over’ to 'This was REALLY good’ to 'OML HOW DOES THIS PERFECTION EXIST’. As you might notice, the latter happens very rarely.

Watch if you have time: Self-explanatory. Only watch if you’re on a binge-marathon, have plenty of time to kill and would watch anything as long as it’s an Asian drama.

p.s. : There are dramas I’ve watched but won’t include here because they’re either very dated or I don’t even remember anymore.

p.p.s.: ratings may or may not change after a rewatch. also note that I have a different set of expectations and standards set with c/j/thai dramas than kdramas, because they are quite different from each other.

List of Korean Dramas: See this link

1. My Girlfriend is an Alien (s1, s2): Rom-com, fantasy-sci-fi, trauma. Fun-filled and lighthearted. Don't expect much (or any) logic in this drama. Good one time watch for lighthearted content that doesn't require too many (or any) braincells. Recommend if you need some fluff.

2. You're My Destiny: Romance, drama, grief. Some scenes are real tearjerkers. I know there are different versions of this in other industries (similar to how we have for BOF) but I didn't watch so those can't compare. It's fun to watch but brace yourself for the drama and the tears. Recommend if you're into such intense stuff, (CW: death and grief)

3. Cute Programmer: Rom-com. Still not a fan of the FL being like a dead fish in kissing scenes but I realize it's probably a cdrama thing. Fun to see the FL having an unconventional job. Lighthearted, cute rom-com although ML treats FL like a doormat for more than a good half of the drama and I don't see why or how he even deserved her. Worth a try if that doesn't bother you as much.

4. Eternal Love (seasons 1-3): Historical, time-travel, rom-com. It's one of my first cdramas with an ancient China setting and it put me off of that genre for a while lol. Not fond of certain things shown here (like how the ML pretty much forces himself on the FL half the times and it is supposed to be 'romantic') but the OST and the time-travel theme were intriguing enough for me to keep watching the series. I found the second season the most interesting. Worth a try.

5. Hello Mr. Gu: Rom-com, contract marriage, trauma. Fun filled. Has some MUs and the lack of communication often had me rolling my eyes (but it wouldn't be a drama if everyone communicated well). Like how the ML is portrayed as a cold character who is NOT a jerk unlike the norm. Love how the FL has a dream for her career and actually follows it through till the end. Recommend.

6. Once We Get Married: Rom com, contract marriage. This was really good for the laughs. Again, you can't expect it to make sense all the time but it's fun to watch. There's a 2nd ML who spends 95% of the drama in the same ass tie despite being rich like what was that even. The FL and ML and their banters are quite fun. The scene where the FL rubs it in her jerk ex's face like a boss, while the ML accidentally overhears them, had me ROFL-ing. Worth a try if you want something lighthearted with an above average storyline.

7. In-House Marriage Honey: Jdrama. Mini series, romance, contract marriage (sorta), office romance. Quick watch and very straight forward. I think it's my first jdrama iirc? Wasn't too bad but I think my unfamiliarity with the culture and language affected my viewing experience. Watch if you have time.

8. I Bought My Boyfriend on a Loan: Jdrama. Absurd. Well, that's the only genre label I could think of. Not sure if the writers wanted it to be a satire but I had to delude myself into thinking that or else this would've been extremely painful and enraging to watch. I like how Jun is literally the Only voice of the reason in the ENTIRE drama, even with his speech in the end where he explains real kindness vs fake kindness. It's hard to digest like many other things (including how marriage is defined) in the drama maybe because these thoughts are buried somewhere deep in our subconscious and we'd rather not acknowledge them but I get it. I just didn't like the ending, not because it's not the typical ending for typical romance dramas but the final scenes kinda render all the development invalid ig? SPOILERS AHEAD: Like, what is the FL supp to do now, have him as slave for the rest of her life? What about the hubby then? How are they going to figure this thing out even?? And how is this slavery thing even OKAY in the long run for any of them? Guess I'm expecting too much, it's a jdrama after all. Watch at your own risk if you have time.

9. Meeting You Loving You: ⭐⭐⭐⭐and a half. Rom com, long one-sided love, superpower. Okay this is really sweet and a nice watch. Unlike most cdramas where the FL is more or less a prop to the CEO ML, the ML here tries to help the FL professionally by actually guiding her through when her family business comes crashing down. He doesn't treat her as vain or stupid or as if he's simply entertaining her antics and I'm here for it. I've never seen the actors before but they do a pretty good job throughout and this drama has hands down some of the best kissing ever (this compared to other cdramas, not kdramas). I'm constantly worried about kissing scenes when watching cdramas because they mostly give me major smh moments lol. This also had the most natural (by cdrama standards) couple intimacy I've seen so far which was ASHDGAHGD. The biggest downside I'd say is the pacing of this drama. This could easily have been a 16-18 episodes drama. I guess the writer wanted to take time to make the falling-in-love process more natural and flesh out the developments well (which I am ALWAYS a fan of) but it still could've done without so many additional scenes that didn't add any value to the overall story. I was patient enough to sit through it all because I'd rather have a slow buildup than a rushed insta-love angle but might not be the case for everyone. The latter half of the drama is definitely better executed imo. Last epi legit made me tear up bad. Strongly recommend. [ETA: Ig it's been a year already since I watched this? I can't remember ANYTHING about this drama which is so surprising seeing how much I liked it previously :/ ].

10. Love in Time: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rom com, contract marriage, childhood love. Honestly has some of THE best cdrama kisses I've ever seen PERIOD [I swear that's not the only thing I care about in a drama lmao]. On a side note, how come all second leads in cdramas have wilder kissing scenes than the leads? lol but the leads here really have me impressed. Especially where the ML kissed the writer wanted to take time to make the falling-in-love process more natural and flesh out the developments well (which I am ALWAYS a fan of) but it still could've done without so many additional scenes that didn't add any value to the overall story. I was patient enough to sit through it all because I'd rather have a slow buildup than a rushed insta-love angle but might not be the case for everyone. The latter half of the drama (his 20baby act, nasal voice and whatnot but the FL here was quite different and lot more likable imo. LOVE how the ML treats her and his expressions throughout].

11. Flavour It's Yours/Instead of Tipsy Why Not Get Drunk: Freaky Friday with taste buds, cute romance. I've caught feelings for Gong Jun. Words I never thought I'd use for a cdrama actor but here we are. The drama ain't all that--the story is so-so with the main conflicts being resolved like, meh. I kept asking myself why it was made into such a big deal then but again, cdrama. You might end up learning a lot about wines. Gong Jun's smile though. Worth a try.

12. Unique Lady (s1, s2): Quirky, fantasy-VR, ancient china, romance. I enjoyed the premise of this a lot, both seasons. I knew this needed a LOT of suspension of disbelief (similar to MGIAA and Eternal Love) but once you do that it's an enjoyable watch. May not have rewatch value. The gaming interface and how things were really not easy at all for the FL since she chose to play the hardest mode made sense. The ending gives me more questions than answers but I doubt we'll get any. Recommend.

13. Accidentally in Love: College romance, rom-com. I'm sure some people would like it because it has that typical kdrama college romance vibes. I somehow just couldn't get into the story even after multiple attempts. It's been a while and I don't even remember what I saw. Worth a try if you like college romance.

14. My Girl: Romance, childhood trauma, mental health/disorder. FL actor needs to work on her acting imo. The MLs, and especially the 2ML (who doesn't get much screen space initially) carried the drama here if you ask me. I sat through it all because I like such themes in dramas but some things did get on my nerves a couple times. Worth a try because of some of the twists.

15. The Untamed: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Fantasy, xuanhuan/wuxia/xianxia, danmei, slight horror, emotional, anti heroes. BEST. CDRAMA. TO. EVER. EXIST. Not saying it's The Perfect drama ever cuz listen, it has its flaws (see that funky editing, cringe-y ghost puppets/stuffed dog?) but Oh. My. Lord. THE STORY. The characters. The direction. The acting. THE IMPERFECTLY PERFECT WEI WUXIAN played by this AMAZEBALLZZZ human being Xiao Zhan. GHAAA. This to me is the LOTR of cdramas, because I know there are folks who don't like it at all, and then there are folks who'll vouch for it like their life depends on it, it's subjective like with LOTR but boy am I glad I'm not in the former group. Sure, it requires time and patience but if you get it, you're likely to find it utterly mesmerizing and absolutely worthwhile. It's a novel adaptation and if I'm not wrong, the anime version of this handles the story slightly differently? Anyhoooo ugh it's such a friggiliciously amazingly told story and the casting is done SO well color me impressed, cdrama. LOVE LOVE LOVE how it starts off and is narrated, in that classic Greek drama style, with in medias res and all. Love that it's not chronological because the storytelling ends up far more engaging for me this way. You can see what events gradually lead the ML to that state as the story unfolds (and yes there was a lot of name/term throwing in the beginning episodes as they slowly build the world). The pacing varies throughout but imo it never gets dragging or boring and actually fits well with the story. It also helps that it's just the right amount of creepy for my weak heart without going to extremes lol. Scenic locations 100%, editing in several scenes is funny (what's up with those non human chars and funny masks lmao) but tbf I didn't care much since the story+acting+chars are addicting enough. When you have a bad choice and a much worse choice, is that even a choice to begin with? Never really followed Yibo but he's truly the bestest live action LWJ they could ever get. It just goes so well with the image he carries of this cold-and-aloof-to-all-except-the-one-I-choose irl. Not to mention how his character develops throughout. And Xiao Zhan. Gah. PURRRRFETTO. You can visibly see the changes in Wei Ying as life serves him one blow after another, as he shoulders all the responsibilities and trauma for the things that he goes through, and still brushes it off like it's nothing. Boy goes through so much and still keeps his conscience (and smile) purer than all the clans preaching morality. The grief, the trauma, the sadness of losing that which is no longer a reality but a far-fetched dream to him: he never even gives a second thought to his own pain and healing and has a smile plastered on. Never thought a cdrama character could make me this sentimental wth. This has very very very implicit and subtle romance and you might miss it unless you've see the novel/anime but seriously I'd still pick this in my top 3 if I had to. 100% rewatch value imo. Strongly recommend.

16. Provoke: Hidden identity, romance, revenge. Cdrama means it when they call it a miniseries. These 15-20 episodes kept me wanting for more. The execution could have been a LOT better. Started off really well but can't say the same for the latter half. Still worth a try.

17. Begin Again: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Romance, strong FL, gorgeous specimen ML, revenge, second chance. Does this cdrama have plotholes/glitches/issues? Yes, it does. It won't be a cdrama otherwise. But. Is it on my forever-favorite-can-rewatch-anytime cdrama list? Yes, you bet it is. 15/5 stars. I mean. Please. LOVE how FL is the bold, domineering/assertive CEO and ML is the more emotional, sensible, reserved one in here, it makes things so much more fun to watch. Also love how, despite being independent and kickass, the FL is not arrogant or a jerk (lady jerk?) to people unlike how assertive characters are portrayed in the k/other dramas. She is quick to apologize and tries her best to get along with the people she deems important in her life. ML being shy, reserved and hesitant because he values family more than anything is such sight to my sore eyes my heart just melted seeing him the first time. I am a Gong Jun bias ofc but you gotta know I love his character because boy really pulled off that role. In the second half, the roles seem slightly reversed and while people might complain about how the FL changed, I can tell you that life experiences (esp taking up a new role like the FL does) can do that to people, it's not super abnormal. Love the family members and the story and everything. Strongly recommend, always and forever.

18. The Love You Give Me: Rom-com, drama, chronic illness, second chance. Same leads as Once We Get Married, but this has a far better script imo. There are still plot holes but I like the writing here better. Recommend.

19. Wenderella's Diary: Quirky, rom-com. Umm idk why I thought watching this would be a good idea. The premise isn't bad but the FL character is written poorly and so her manipulativeness never comes off as charming or redeemable to me. After a couple episodes I just followed the second leads' story because they seemed to have afar better storyline lol. Watch at your own risk.

20. Word of Honor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Costume, wuxia, danmei, anti heroes. Okay. Gong Jun needs to stop appearing on my screen, because my health is at stake here. FYI, this drama isn't perfect. The cgi leaves MUCH to be desired, they seemed to have spent most of the budget on Wen Kexing's wardrobe (not at all complaining lol) and the writing/execution could have been better in many places so it didn't feel as disjointed. BUTBUTBUT. I assume the goal was to draw all the viewers' attention to the leads and their dynamic which, they did a FANTASTIC job of. I can't get over this drama and this is not something I thought I'd say for a cdrama (let alone a costume drama). Gong Jun brings his inherent charm (and that 1000w killer-adorable-eye-crinkling smile) to the madness, flirtball and cheesiness that WKX is, and A'Xu's character seems to have been written for ZZH because ugh why so good in portraying that 'depressed and ded inside but found a reason now' character. Would've loved to see the crazier side of WKX's a bit more and how his Valley Chief side runs amok when given the chance but censorship is a thing so sigh. I still love this alright. I love how WKX set the bar too high for all men out there and how he breaks your heart with the way he survived, how he found his 'light' and redemption, his way of showing love, his affection towards the very few people he comes to care about in life, all of it. My best cdrama anti-hero. Always, always, always recommend.

21. Dream Garden: Mystery, psychological, office romance. Yes, I watched it for Gong Jun, what about it? But fr though, I understand that hypnosis doesn't always work that way but it's nice to see it in a cdrama. I've watched only one kdrama where it's a driving theme but I like this one better. It's also one of my favorite kinds where they solve different cases and each one spans for one or two episodes. The romance is better than I thought it would be but GJ can romance a pole and I'd watch it so yeah. Recommend.

22. To Ship Someone: Fantasy, rom-com. I usually go in with pretty low bar for contemporary romcom cdramas so I wouldn't say this was The Worst but boy was this intolerable. Nothing remotely significant happened up until Ep 11 imo (and yes I sat through the previous 10, yay for self-inflicted pain), and even then the execution was below average at best. This could've been a cdrama version (albeit with a different storyline) of the kdrama W but the wasted potential is just. sigh. With all due respect, the ML can't act. The FL does a pretty decent job but her character just. got. on. my. nerves. ugh. The first half focuses on a storyline that is NOT even as important imo. I sat through the whole series because I wanted to see if it ever redeems itself but it bored me so much >.< The last half had the most stuff happening so that was good but at the same time so many things didn't make sense, i.e. why did the baddie keep changing their target from the ML to the FL to the ML, what kind of confused villain is that lol. Watch at your own risk.

23. Love is Sweet: Childhood estranged buddies, office romance, corporate, healthy relationships. Luo Yunxi and Bai Lu have a wonderful chemistry on screen and that's the biggest reason this one is so enjoyable imo. Love the pacing, and how nothing drags for an eternity. The MUs, love rivalries, conflicts get sorted in due time and mostly in the healthiest manner possible. Can't help thinking the ML loves the FL more, since it was him mostly trying to initiate things in their relationship from beginning through the end. Also like how they don't behave like teenagers in love and yet manage to make everything so cute. One of my favorites: him confessing and them just being together from that moment onwards without feeling the need to do some grand setup for a proposal or whatnot (talk about a realistic one for a change), and how physical/emotional intimacy is portrayed so normally unlike most dramas. The ML is such a green flag that is so rare to find in contemporary cdramas in general. This man is so, so in love with her he is like a lost puppy in the rare moments where you see him expressing his emotions, and he is SO considerate of her feelings and of not wanting to pressure her for commitment he is even hesitant to bring up marriage despite having made all the preps ugh it's DAMN CUTE OKAY like BUOYY WHO WILL NOT MARRY THAT KINDA HUMAN. Another thing I find VERY refreshing is the way the ML's brother+FL's bff are seen reaching all their big relationship milestones way before the leads because it's life, it happens. Also like how the SML arc is dealt with, although it feels a bit abrupt and ends in an unsatisfying manner imo. Storytelling is pretty good in this one. Will probably try anything now with LYX and BL in it lol. Recommend.

24. Intense Love: Romcom, arranged to love, opposites attract. I know Ding Yuxi has great chemistry with all his leads that I've seen him romancing but this didn't really hit me like that. The ML is a doctor and the FL is an actor who were promised to each other since childhood by the family but they can't be least bothered by it. Honestly it starts with a good premise and I wish the execution was better. It's fun at times and some scenes are cute and makes me giggle, but I am still not sold on any of the female characters in here. Every time the FL started growing on me, she would say or do something that would give me major smh moments. There are a few instances where she's admirably great and cute but on most occasions her character feels caricature-ish to me. Editing in this show is a bit wonky at times, so I often found myself wondering and going back to check if there was a scene I missed somewhere. It is still a thousand times better than some other contemporary shows I've seen, and does have rewatch value if you like DYX's acting. Recommend (with a side of fast forward).

25. Perfect and Casual: Rom-com, contract, hate(kinda) to love, age gap. This had me questioning if I got it wrong and if all 21 year olds irl behaved like the FL. I get being naïve and gullible but she was literally like a 5 year old with limited speech, girl is supposed to graduate uni and get a job and that's how she behaves like what? It wasn't even surprising the ML fell in love with her being so simple-minded (psst shocking) who still somehow is SO mature when it comes to parent figures because OHMAGAWD HOW UNIQUE is that. It isn't a bad drama btw, just that my eyes hurt from rolling them so much at the FL. This has a very Because this is my first life kdrama vibes. I would've liked it more if the FL didn't change her mind about something near the end but whatev. Worth a try.

26. Unforgettable Love: Rom-com, contract, unconventional family, mature. LOVE that little kid. I realized cdramas are great with the kid-casting, most I've watched have adorable little kids who pulls off their characters so well it amazes me. Could've done without the excess use of background animal noises (it's cute only up to a point). Like that the FL has a nice profession but ofc she has to be lower in social hierarchy than the ML. This is why I can't stop recommending Begin Again over and over again because it really did a great job reversing that 'serious domineering boss' trope and I STILL WEEP AT HOW BEAUTIFUL THAT IS. Anyhoooo, didn't find ML's aunt's character evolution convincing AT ALL (loopholes in there) and the sudden need to create a business rival because of course we needed the leads to be together without any guilt haunting either of them. sidenote: it's kinds funny imo how cdramas would try their best to pair everyone up by the end, no matter how forced or abrupt it may seem lol. Worth a try.

27. My Lethal Man: Romance, hidden identity, revenge. ML was the 2ML in My Girl. I feel he's a pretty good actor as long as his character has something to offer. If you can survive the first episode you might reach a new level of enlightenment and develop the ability to sit through the remaining ones. I like the OST and the kissing scenes in which this boy SLAYED (by cdrama standards). Good plot and premise and a few nice twists, poor execution and progression. Worth a try.

28. Catch Up My Prince: Fantasy, costume, roleplay, romance. I believe I started this cuz it has the same FL as Perfect and Casual and I wanted to check if it was just the character or her acting (now I think it's both?). Story doesn't make much sense in the first half despite it being a game, I thought it got interesting in the middle for a while but that it went downhill again. This had potential I think? The ML strangely looked better in his game character than his real life character (and more when he's in disguise in the second half), as if they didn't even try to make him look good, go figure. Ending is bleh, the 'Master key' and ML's consciousness bit didn't make sense, and their post-game dating life made even less sense to me but oh well. Watch at your own risk.

29. Back from the Brink: Fantasy, costume, folktales, romance. Oh heavens. This plot had SO much potential. I didn't even read whatever it is adapted from but it has everything like dragons, nine tailed fox, dark lord, demons and whatnot. I haven't seen a drama where ML is a Dragon King and where the story starts off so wonderfully with a betrayal cuz dang that opening bit had me hooked. Then everything kinds went downhill afterwards? I still like the scenes where the ML is in all his dragon-y glory doing stuff, also scenes in the second half where the FL has kickass powers, and also scenes where the leads are either hurting each other, apologizing to each other or sacrificing each other but everything else is a dud imo. The whole drama is basically about people, even villains, holding a grudge, doing weird shiz and being different levels of mean in the meanness spectrum, and I'm being very serious here. If you want cool dragon cgi and want to go 'ugh' and 'awww' looking at the leads, this one's worth a try.

30. Mr. Bad: Rom-com, fantasy, historical-ish. The plot is cute, sweet and novel in the sense that the ML is the one who goes through a transformation for a change. Like how the FL and the 2FL have dreams (albeit different ones) and they are eventually able to follow through those. The direction could have been better, like a LOT better imo. Even for a fluffy rom-com, the pacing of this felt S-L-O-W. Nothing significant happened up until episode 15-ish imo. The resolution of the FL's trauma felt so, anticlimactic? Both leads have really cute smiles and I most likely would've dropped the drama if not for their cute faces lol. Nice plot but borderline terrible execution. Watch if you have time.

31. Miss the Dragon: Fantasy, xianxia, rebirth, romance, emotional. The acting could have been better on both leads' parts but I enjoyed it overall. Tbf, I found the first life the most emotional and heartbreaking. I was happy that the FL in second life was smart enough to skip an important ritual later and in her 3rd one she was strong enough to 'be with him' albeit in a different manner. The ending made me feel like they ran out of budget and decided to wrap up in the most convenient way possible lmao (even the few minutes long epilogue didn't help much imo). It wasn't bad but I've seen better endings (both HEA and Bad Endings included). Made me realize again how much Dylan has improved his acting chops. My favorite look of his in this one: the silver disheveled hair. Watch if you have time.

32. Love Between Fairy and Devil: Fantasy, xianxia, romance. Okay I need answers. Why does DD not get more roles like these? I've seen his earlier works and this is on a very different level compared to those, idk if it's the script or the direction that brought out his acting skills to the fore but dang I'm impressed. The story isn't super original and there are inconsistencies here and there but despite that, this is hands down one of the better ones I've watched and definitely one of my top recommend-worthy cdramas. I wish Shuxin/Esther's FL was more well-written but this is an adaptation so ig they couldn't do much anyway? I love that they cast Xinxin/Esther because she is uniquely perfect for this (tho I had to keep reminding myself she is a GRASS whenever it got too much for me). I LOVE the Moon Supreme DFQC's character and don't think anyone could've done a better job with this. Dragon is cool to look at but still wondering what his role is in all this since he is mostly MIA despite being portrayed as DFQC's right hand man like wut. Like how the second leads don't resort to pointless plotting to split them apart and ACTUALLY grow as characters gradually as the story progresses. I love how DC admits the God of War being his bff and that they develop such an amazing understanding of e/o despite being at odds 24x7, it's SO damn rare to see that in Asian dramas I swear. LOVE the body-swapped DFQC, for he plays a better FL than the FL herself sometimes imo, I rofled at the cringe and from the second hand embarrassment. Wish the plot didn't expect DFQC to be everything tho: Moon Supreme, Lord who stops at nothing for his people, ruthless reckoner, lover boy, eternal sacrificial lamb, guy who just wants to find himself sans wars and destruction and just wants to chill with his 'Flower Demon', because imo trying to juggle all this takes away some of the edge his character is initially shown to have. BUT. this is still hands down the best xianxia I've watched so far. Them trying to sacrifice = ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Them breaking down (esp DFQC's emotional breakdowns, Hedi what are you on even)=⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, costumes (esp Hedi's, SUCH beauty), graphics/visuals, direction= ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, OST=⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Strongly recommend.

33. Ready for Love: Rom-com, mini web series, contract. It opened up REALLY well, similar to the series Provoke. Also similar to the series Provoke, I lost most of my interest in the later half because nothing made much sense imo. I understand there is very little to do when it's a miniseries and while it's not terrible, it could've been better. Like the cliffhanger ending although I doubt there'll be a S2. I kinds don't want one cuz that'd mean that SML plotting endlessly to split the leads. Worth a try.

34. The Romance of Tiger and Rose: Fantasy, costume, transmigration/isekai, romance, hate to love. I don't expect transmigration dramas to be logically infallible, more so with the censorship guidelines and whatnot, so ignoring everything else, my biggest issue with this is Ding Yuxi's hair. Even if that was the hair they had to go with, I think it could've been better- I was often distracted by it lol. Enjoyed the story otherwise. They have great chemistry and great actors, DYX does a great job with his micro expressions and the two aides are a great comic relief. Recommend.

35. Oath of Love: Hospital-ish drama, sloooow burn romance, slice of life, sentimental, mature-ish. This might be a rant lol. I started and stuck around for Xiao Zhan. That's it. Xioa Zhan's mind-blowing acting chops and his smiles are the saving grace in this drama (and him doing proper kiss scenes (and those adorable nose grazes) unlike usual cdrama pecks). This drama should be called "Guy-babysitting-girl-who-refuses-to-see-the-point-thus-proving-her-dad-right" instead of what it's called. The first half of this, despite some drama, is excellent. I love it because of how mature Xiao Zhan's character appears. He's straightforward, very matter-of-fact as a professional but also very considerate as a doctor human being. He isn't a player but is apt at dropping very obvious hints once he realizes how he feels (and that happens without all the typical "why am I feeling like this? how's this possible?" and all those denial stage dragging) and I LOVE how refreshing it feels. I also somewhat like how slightly dysfunctional yet realistic the FL's parents are, and ig after Xiao Zhan, they are the only characters that made the drama worthwhile for me. The middle is a complete dud. I understand why Xiao Zhan's character does some things that he does: he is being mature about the whole thing because it's scary and hard esp when you don't want to expose yourself like that. I just think the miscommunication could've been resolved sooner. Which brings me to one of my MAIN POINTS OF FRUSTRATION IN THIS DRAMA. FL's friends and ML's cousin (basically the gang FL goes to for "ideas" smh). This drama is a great, in fact, an utterly TERRIFIC example of why you shouldn't discuss your dating life (or the lack thereof) or ask for romantic advice from your friends, no matter how bff-y you are. Out of all the characters (including the second leads from the eternal triangles of Asian dramas), I am mad at these friends THE MOST. Their advices. SUCKED. DONKEYBALLZ. And they are partly the reason of the MU the leads have in the middle and just thinking about it makes me mad. SO. MUCH. The latter half: ig it's hard to see all the ways the ML tries to express his love and concern when you're in your 20s and all you care about is excess online PDA, 24x7 gps-tracking clinginess and tacky couple items (not saying everyone irl does that). Despite being a super busy surgeon, this guy actually tries to make time for his girl even if it means cutting back on his own sleep and work time, to the point of almost babysitting her, i.e. get a drunk FL out of the club and whatnot. Except for a l-i-t-t-l-e bit in epi 24 during a confrontation, I got a headache seeing the FL character pretty much throughout the whole drama. Regardless of all this, last 5 episodes in this drama is infinitely better and very very heartwarming. The celebration and the resolution that we get is my favorite among cdramas so far: the setup, dialogue and the performances are all top notch. Very fulfilling and doesn't feel overly dramatic because that's life. I love how the ML reasons with his parents and 2FL about why he likes the FL, and it makes sense, except that her immaturity and childishness at times is too much and not in a cute way. Suggest watching if you like Xiao Zhan's acting but be prepared to be triggered by everyone else at some point or another lol. Recommend if you like Xiao Zhan's acting, otherwise watch if you have time (or you know, don't).

36. The Princess and The Werewolf: Fantasy, costume, shapeshift, hidden identity. Very important question: DID THIS DRAMA HAVE A SCRIPT??? Because I sure AS HELL DID NOT FIND ANY. See, I didn't entirely mind the FL doing all her antics to get rid of the ML because she was kidnapped, and while the ML had very valid reasons (although the non-existent script didn't make much sense with the foresaid reasons) she did what most people would want to do: find ways to escape. What irked me to absolutely no end is not just the SHEER ABSENCE of a script, characterization that made very little sense and plot holes the size of several football stadiums but also the fact that SHE NEVER LISTENED TO A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G the other party, like, EVER. Be it the ML, him in disguise, other palace personnel, her personal help, NO ONE. It was simply amazing and incredible how EVERYTHING everyone said simply slid off of her, as if she could only she dem mouths moving and was completely incapable of listening to anything that didn't include the 1-2 things she was invested in. What could have been a headstrong but confident character ended up a trashy pathetic joke of an FL to me because she was so frustratingly, intolerably short-sighted (no wonder all her plans failed like gorrl do you even LISTEN to your thoughts??). I gave in to sunk cost fallacy and sat through the sheer torture of the whole series but I'd not recommend this even if you have free time. Go stare at a wall. STAY AWAY FROM THIS DRAMA if your sanity is dear to you.

37. Hidden Love: Romance, childhood crush, feel-good, unconventional. The relationships in this one. Ugh. FL and her parents, FL's brother (who is relatable on a WHOLE NEW LEVEL BRUH I CANT) and the FL, the brother and the ML, the colleagues, FL's friends who are more than just props or backstabbers (all charming ladies and that gamer bff? That smile? SO PRETTEH. She deserves her own drama), FL's classmate who has a thing for her: SO so beautiful, realistic and overall healthy dynamics all around :') Perhaps the first time I didn't skip any of the supporting character scenes, and esp the brother LORD I was looking forward to seeing that guy because I've NEVER seen a drama do such a wonderful, well-balanced sibling character (cdramas or others) this far. The chaotic sibling energy GAH. Coming to the FL, I have a chronic distaste for immature main characters in dramas, and sadly those kinds are mostly what I come across esp in cdramas. The FL here imo starts that way and throughout the first half I kept going 'uh-oh please I don't want to do this again' but she actually grows as the story moves forward much further. She retains her childlike antics and behavior (which is sth I can still handle) but matures into a woman who can see the bigger picture, can make sensible decisions and doesn't expect the ML to make all the adjustments for her, and this was GREAT to watch given how she is from such a well-off family and never really knew struggle. I didn't exactly get tho why him being older than her was SUUUCH a big deal. Well yes the age gap (given how young the FL is) might raise some eyebrows by Asian standards but calling ML OLD throughout felt like a personal attack lmao, like how on earth is being 24-25 considered old?? As for the ML, is it just me or CZY has improved e-x-p-o-n-e-n-t-i-a-l-l-y in this one? My top scenes of him: the airport red envelope scene and him thinking out before a passed out FL where he tears up and goes "what am I doing?" like he can't believe it himself. #favoriteforever. And also that dialogue from this guy who had to grow up because of circumstances but who breaks apart like any other child having lost the only ghost of parent (SPOILER:) "Am I really getting old now? Why are my parents no longer here?" His face and that line broke me T____T. This drama is a solid proof of a great script coupled with good direction and acting.

38. Reset: Time loop, paranormal, emotional, intense. I don't always like this genre because some are just information overload and focuses more on the explanations than the story. This one is different. Really like that you can follow the story along without feeling lost or overwhelmed. The acting is good, the execution is good too. I maybe would've liked some explanations as to *why* only the loop started but still happy with the drama. Recommend.

39. The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System: Animation/donghua, book to screen, fantasy, transmigration, bl, violence, anti hero. The animation is average at best, but I guess you can make sense of it given that it's supposed to be a fictional novel world. All I can say is I wish we get a second season, however unlikely it may seem atm. It's not MXTX's best work imo and nowhere near MDZS (the reason I tried watching) but it's still a good one to try. Again, this is season 1 only so brace yourself for a cliffhanger ending with no news for a S2 in sight. Recommend.

40. Mo Dao Zu Shi: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Animation/donghua, fantasy, book to screen, anti hero, misunderstood hero, soul exchange, bl, emotional. Okay so this is clearly not in order but I abso-freaking-lutely love this series. If you ask me to pick between this and CQL/The Untamed, I'd be T.O.R.N. I mean, yes, I can rewatch CQL on ANY given day at ANY given moment. It's just my thing. BUT the graphics, some of the fight/battle/confrontation/intense scenes here are INCREDIBLE. One of the best things here is that it doesn't have the same physical-world limitations as the live action CQL, and therefore they could go WILD with some stuff, like the madness of Wei Ying, him summoning the dead, the spells and the magic they use. It's PHENOMENAL. It looks like a lot of work but if you ask me, I'd suggest watching CQL and MDZS at the same time for best viewing experience. Be warned, the storyline varies on several aspects in the two versions. It doesn't mess up the original plot of the story, nor does it take away any of the charm each version has and I TOTALLY, UNDENIABLY love similar yet different the two are because it doesn't get boring or repetitive (and I can actually look forward to how it all unveils for each one). The characters of WWX and LWJ in both versions are extremely loveable (okay maybe I have a slight bias for the CQL version cuz real people lol) and are portrayed with the utmost perfection. The storytelling and flashbacks are handled slightly differently and I think it makes sense given the donghua's setting. I still felt a hundred different emotions watching this. The last 5 epis of S3 in particular. OH MY LORD. I CANNOT MOVE ON FROM THOSE. BESSHHHT. WATCH. Recommend.

41. Supervisor Husband: Costume, transmigration, fantasy. Probably the shortest cdrama I've watched. Good for fluff watch if you're in the mood for something lighthearted. I like the FL's "fanfic" shipper writer sister more than anyone else. Watch if you have time.

42. Please Feel at Ease Mr. Ling: Rom-com, amnesia, business rivalry. I can see why Zhao Lusi is popular, she looks cuuute and her acting is pretty good compared to others I've seen in cdramas. The ML has much room for improvement, to put it mildly. It's funny and annoying at the same time how you can the "plot twists" of so many of these cdramas from a mile like boy who are you kidding? Still like the story fwiw, and the way the big bro's character development is shown. Many of the things didn't make sense but I didn't expect them to anyway lol. Worth a try.

43. Only for Love: Book to screen adaptation, romance, mistaken identity, romance. I hate-watched the whole thing, dragging my screaming soul through all of it, primarily because I wanted to see if the drama ever redeems itself (it doesn't) and if Wang Hedi or BaiLu's characters ever develop into three dimensional characters (they don't). The script ig is really terrible because there's no way Hedi can act this way (esp after his DFQC supremacy). It's a shame how this drama wastes so many good acting talents, and relies solely on their traffic for popularity of the drama. The last 4-5 episodes are all I cared about but even then I was so exhausted I couldn't care. If you love your mental peace, stay away. If you'd watch anything with Hedi or Bailu's face in it, try at your own risk.

44. Girlfriend: Rom-com. Excuse me if this sounds harsh but I believe a wood plank would serve the same purpose as the guy playing the ML in this drama. Maybe he isn't a seasoned actor or whatev (didn't care to check) but boy. cannot. act. His expressions, like I really mean it when I say I wouldn't know (or care) if I a pole was cast instead of him. Also didn't like the hairstyle FL had most of the time (what is with cdramas trying to force 'cuteness' for the FLs? They'd be so much cuter without all that fake nonsense). The second ML. Could have been one of those flawed characters I sympathized with but. No. The second FL (and her abrupt character development). NO. This didn't have that bad of a plot, just a bad casting imo. Watch at your own risk.

45. Moonlight: Romcom, secret identity, book publishing, workplace, cohabitation, cute. This is one of those dramas I never got around to reviewing before because it was abso-freaking-lutely enjoyable and I was giddy with that feeling for the longest time forgetting everything else. 1000000% rewatch value. Ding Yuxi and Shuxin/Esther have amazing, amazing, A-M-A-Z-I-N-G chemistry and they should be cast everywhere as a pair for every good story out there okay PLEASE. Similar to the kdrama RIABB, it too has the publishing industry as the premise. They did my boy Xiaoding dirty with the hair lmao but everything else is pretty top-notch. His character has the EQ of a stale bread as I like to call it but he is perceptive af, wise, smart and knows how to set boundaries so mad respect for the man despite is man0child behavior around Shuxin's character. I like how they didn't half-ass through the publishing industry storyline and actually tried to show some of the reality behind the scenes. Shuxin's character and how she learns the tricks of the trade along the way is very enjoyable too. Also, ML and SML's bromance, especially as they try to figure out romance and girls (aah the mystery) in general is a treat XD. Overall, a great great watch. Strongly recommend.

46. Love Game in Eastern Fantasy/Black Lotus Tactics Manual/The Guide to Capturing a Black Lotus: Fantasy, costume, transmigration/isekai, gray characters, romance, fated lovers, pining, angst, book to screen adaptation. I can't believe last I updated this list this didn't have an English title so I just used the novel's title. Now it's over HOW T___T Full review may come once I can form coherent thoughts T_T But for now, OMG DING YUXI AND SHUXIN REUNITES HERE AFTER MOONLIGHT?? And the angst the pining the cutesy devoted romance the chemistry is PEAK. I learned that one of the scriptiwriters for this is the same one who wrote LBFAD and NO WONDER. The writing is flawless, and I mean it. There is no flaw. They never introduced a rule or a plot they glossed over or forgot afterward. Each and every. single. clue. was put together and connected to the plot in the end to make it a wholesome narrative and I DIG THIS KIND OF NARRATIVE. Absolutely obsessed with this show and I am convinced these two should be paired opposite eo every year for different dramas because they always slay their roles. I also love how the other two leads (who are supposed to be the 'original' leads acc to the story inside the story) are written so well, with proper character traits and arc and resolution so they don't feel like shells. Ugh this is an incredibly well-acted, well-written, well-executed and overall well-done drama, perhaps my favorite after LBFAD (or on the same spot as LBFAD tbf which is a huge deal I'd say). Side note: what is up with these English titles of cdramas? I get that not all literal translations work well but I don't think this current title does justice to the actual theme and plot of the drama. I need better names for when I recommend these to folks T_T Anyway, Shuxin's sunshine energy in general and in ML's life? Ding Yuxi WILD micro expressions and acting range?? THE DIALOGUES??⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Strongly, strongly, strongly recommend.

To watch/On hold/Currently watching:

Put Your Head on My Shoulder (maybe drop)

Triad Princess

He's Expecting

The Devil Punisher

Take My Brother Away

Dating in the Kitchen (indefinite hiatus)

Starry Love (indefinite hiatus)

Guardian

Just Fiancée

Nothing but Love

Love and Redemption

Yes, Her Majesty

Decreed by Fate

Oh My Lord

Romance of a Twin Flower

A Girl Like Me

Crush (on and off)

F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers (review incoming)

The Longest promise (watched but may not review)

The Legend of Anle

Fox Spirit Matchmaker

Rebirth

Princess, Make Way

Fireworks of My Heart (dropped)

When A Snail Falls in Love (indefinite hiatus)

Snow Eagle Lord

Trick or Love (dropped)

Here We Meet Again (dropped)

The Devotion of Suspect X (maybe?)

Mysterious Love (indefinite hiatus)

Exploration Methods of Love (hiatus)

The Day of Becoming You (review incoming)

You are My Hero

Beauty of Resilience

Who Rules the World

Novoland: Pearl Eclipse

The Long Ballad

The Song of Glory

The King's Avatar

Stealth Walker

Love in Between

Luoyang

Rattan

Storm Eye

Legend of Fuyao

Trial Marriage

Black Lotus Tactics Manual (TBA)

Miss Truth

A Dream of Splendor

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roses-are-blue16 · 6 years ago

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Novels-Random order

Novelupdates.com for more info about anything -> Back to Masterpost

Fave: 5/5

Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation/Mo Dao Zu Shi

Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Historical, Mystery, Romance, Shounen Ai/Yaoi Other Unofficial tags: Smart Protagonist, Shameless Protagonist, Smart ML, Love interest falls first, Devoted Love Interest, beautiful couple, power couple, wuxia, interesting supporting characters

Status: Ongoing

Art: 1 2 3 4 5

Other things: there is an Manhua & Donghua out, all posts tagged by name here

Official Summary: As the grandmaster who founded demonic cultivation, Wei WuXian roamed the world in his wanton ways, hated by millions for the chaos he created. In the end, he was backstabbed by his dearest shidi and killed by powerful clans that combined to overpower him.He incarnates into the body of a lunatic who was abandoned by his clan and is later, unwillingly, taken away by a famous cultivator among the sects—Lan WangJi, his archenemy.This marks the start of a thrilling yet hilarious journey of attacking monsters, solving mysteries, and raising children. From the mutual flirtation along the way, Wei WuXian slowly realizes that Lan WangJi, a seemingly haughty and indifferent poker-face, holds more feelings for Wei WuXian than he is letting on…

My Thoughts: First chinese novel I stumbled upon and I fell in love with. To me everything about this story is absolutely perfect, from characters, to plot, romance, mystery and worldbuilding...everything was so unique and beautiful. And the translation group Exiled Rebels does an excellent job portraying it in english as best they can. There are some hurdles tho: for example if you haven’t read any chinese novels before you have to adjust to terminology a lot- especially names (everyone has like three names). So if you’re like me who stumbled into it with no idea what expect you’ll probably get confused a lot but if you stick out you’ll get used to it and rereading the first few chapters later after adjusting is probably a good tip. Unlike other BL/Yaoi stories that I’ve seen (mostly japanese manga) the romance actually blends and makes sense; and not fetishized or forced, even if you don’t like the genre it won’t get in the way of the story (especially with china’s censorship).

2. The Legend of the Sun Knight

Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Mystery Other Unofficial Tags: Shameless Protagonist, Anti-Hero Protagonist, Strategy, Hilarious interactions, War, Neocromancy, Leader, Loyalty, Elemental Magic, Black-Bellied Protagonist, Demons, Sarcasm abound

Status: Complete Other things: Manga-(Discontinued?)

Official Summary: I am a knight. To be precise, I am the Church of the God of Light’s Sun Knight.The Church of the God of Light worships and serves the God of Light, and theirs’ is one of the three largest religions on this continent.As the whole continent knows, the Church of the God of Light has the Twelve Holy Knights, and each one has his own unique personality and features.To be the Sun Knight is to have shining golden hair, sky blue eyes, a compassionate nature, and a brilliant smile.“The benevolent God of Light will forgive your sins.”I must have said that line at least a million times in my time as the Sun Knight.However, the greatest wish in my life is to be able to stand before the entire continent and roar, “Damn your ‘the whole continent knows’! This Sun Knight just doesn’t feel like smiling! I just don’t want to forgive these human trashes! I just want to pepper my sentences with ‘f***’!”Unfortunately, even to this day, I continue to wear a smile as I say, “The benevolent God of Light will forgive your sins.”

My Thoughts: Actually read this years ago (5-6?), and I always thought it was a japanese novel but I guess it isn't(?)-anyways not important. This story was absolutely hilarious, you won’t meet a more entertaining guy. The contrast between how he’s forced to act as the leader of the religion- belevont, kind, smiling, pure- is the total opposite of his real personality so much so that it gave a shock (of pure delight) cuz of the drastic inner and outer faces. There’s 12 knights in total ,each is totally unique and you get introduced to them super fast. There is different conflicts that occur, that fall on Grisia’s ( the mc) shoulder to solve as he is the leader and while it starts off lighthearted, in the end some serious stuff occurs. This is a very warm hearted story about brotherhood i think overall. (Also heard that Grisia falls into the legendary trinity of shameless protagonist: Wei Wuxian from GDC is one of them and I agree lol). Very unique storytelling, it twists all kinds of classic tropes and plays with them, overall a very fun read.

3. Eight Treasures Trousseau

Genre: Historical, Josei, Romance, Drama Other Unofficial Tags: Arranged Marriage, Calm/Lazy Protagonist, Ambitious ML, Politics, Power Couple, Royalty, Doting Love Interest, Beautiful Couple

Status: Complete

Official Summary: Everyone in the City of Jing thinks that bestowment of marriage between Xian Junwang and the daughter of the Yi’an Marquis House is to insert a fresh flower into manure.Xian Junwang was that fresh flower and the di daughter of Yi’an Marquis House was that manure that was not liked.It is said that what is heard is false, seeing is believing. Who knows what the truth really is?

My Thoughts: A really nice story set in Ancient China, and in my opinion the best one written. The story has both the female lead and male lead on pretty equal field in terms of their relationship, you won’t see any weak-willed person in this couple. This story also portrayed realistically the difficulties of living in Ancient China as a woman, by showing us many different kinds of people. The villains make you feel complicated emotions even when you hate them, which shows you great storytelling. No-one is excessively stupid and the mc is just stomping over them with her “cleverness” in this story which I liked. The MC is actually very lazy and this gave the story a very relaxed feel, which lead to time just flying by. I’ve just recently reread it which rare for me to do.

4. A Slight Smile is Very Charming -Side Stories

Genre: Romance, Comedy,Josei,School Life, Slice of Life Other Unofficial Tags: MMORPG, Gamers, College/University, Power Couple, Beautiful Female Lead, Handsome Male Lead, Smart Couple

Status: Complete

Other things: Adapted to a drama: Love 020

Official Summary:What is it that makes a man fall in love with a woman at first sight? Appearance? Aura? Wealth? NO, when campus prince and gaming expert, student Xiao Nai first saw Bei Wei Wei, what made him fall in love was not her extraordinary beauty; but her slim and slender fingers that were flying across the keyboard and her calm and composed manner!!! Embarrassing, no?At the same time, gaming expert Bei Wei Wei was on the computer methodically commanding a guild war, and won a perfect and glorious victory despite being at a disadvantage; completely unaware of the fact that cupid is nearby.Soon after basketball player; swimmer; all-around excellent student; and game company president, Xiao Nai, uses tactics both on- and offline to capture this beauty’s heart. Therefore this romance slowly bloomed.

My Thoughts: This is a very quick, lighthearted story. It gets straight to the point with no drama, if you just want a nice, quick romance to read then I highly recommend. When I was debating whether to read it or not, one of the reviewers on novelupdates said it had a drama, and I usually hate drama’s but they recommended it, so I went to check it out before I started reading and I surprisingly loved it. I usually hate cheesy but they managed to pull it off real well, so I was squealing and cringing at the same time (lol), it’s probably because the actors are really good looking so you can’t help but let it slide. The drama added some drama not a lot but some to the story. When I went back and read the novel I realized how quick it was compared to the drama. I recommended both honestly, if you’re looking for some fun.

5. Rebirth of a SuperModel

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Slice of Life, Yaoi Other Unofficial Tags: ShowBiz, Transmigration, Black-Belly Protagonist, Love Interest Falls First, Clever Couple, Talented Couple, Power Couple, Celebrities, Acting, Media

Status: Complete

Official Summary: In his past life, Ming Yu struggled in the European and United States fashion circles, eventually becoming the well deserved king of the catwalk.After dying from a serious illness and being reborn, Ming Yu was surprised to find: Huaxia stars shone brightly, there were successful names everywhere!In this better world, on a more vigorous and brilliant stage, the first supermodel tries to reproduce the glory of another world! Interviewer: May I ask Mr Xi, this year Ming Yu said he would surpass you. As the number one global supermodel, what is your opinion on this? Xi Ze: This is a bad question. My family has very strict rules. Home Owner Ming Yu: ……. The pair of black-hearted husbands will sweep the fashion industry, conquering the world.

My Thoughts: A really fresh story, I never got bored. It focuses more on the MC and his rise as a supermodel, and sprinkles in the romance with ML. While reading it (before it got completed), it felt like me and other readers were cheering on the MC as fans as well, which was a lot of fun. I’ve read some other showbiz transmigration stories but I got annoyed or bored real fast, this one I found real fun, no matter how many days until the next chapter you could pick it up and feel happy. Some things people might not like: there a lot of photoshoot scenes (he is a model) so some might get tired of that, but they go by pretty quick. While MC was the number one model in his old world, it doesn’t make him OP, he has his own flaws and he grows a lot which makes him more interesting.

6. Sansheng, Wangchuan Wu Shang

Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Josei, Romance, Supernatural, Tragedy Other Unofficial Tags: Goddess, Gods, Mythology, Heavenly Tribulations, Honest Protagonist, Protagonist loyal to Love Interest, Reincarnation, Beautiful Couple

Status: Complete

Official Summary: This is a story that follows the courtship between a stone from Hell and a god from Heaven that begins in the underworld and spans for three lifetimes in the mortal realm.

My Thoughts: Honestly was suprised how much I liked it. Despite the MC being naive, and ready to throw it all away for the ML, you can’t hate her. This a very fast story (about 15 chapter and 3 bonus stories), which adds to its charm. If it was longer I might have not liked it as much. There are overwhelmingly positive reviews about this story on novel updates which made me give this story a chance and I agree with them. If you like romance definitely check this out.

6. The Earth is Online

Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Psychological, Sci-Fi, Supernatural, Shounen Ai/Yaoi Other Unofficial Tags: Game Elements, Thriller, Survival Game, Special Abilities, Calm Protagonist, Clever Protagonist, Slow Romance, Modern Day

Status: Complete

Official Summary: Six months ago, tens of thousands of black phantom towers appeared all over the world, floating above the cities. Chemists, physicists, religious people… all of them could do nothing.Six months later, people became used to the towers and no longer paid them attention.One day, Tang Mo saw a flying insect crash into it instead of going through it. The next day, a sharp and clear child-like voice issued an announcement to all humans. “Ding dong! November 15th, 2017. The earth is online.” The black tower’s three iron-clad rules: 1. Everything is explained by the black tower. 2. 6 o’clock to 18 o’clock is the game time. 3. All players, please strive to attack the tower.

My Thoughts: You won’t find a story more unique than this. I doubt there’s anything similar to this story. Something that might come close might be the manga Tomodachi Game, but that's only the doing games for survival bit. I don’t know how the author came up with this, the games are so smart, that you may feel like you’re getting smarter by the end of it or that you’re IQ is hopelessly low. And it’s not the fact that rules are ridiculous and don't follow logic either, when the answers are revealed they make sense.. Honestly reading this I’m glad something like (probably ;) ) won’t happen because I doubt I would survive. I have a real admiration for the author for coming up with this. The story is good at keeping you wary and on edge that something is going to happen at any moment. Some issues?: The romance was so so slow burning that it became a background character, and there wasn’t a big payoff moment like the author gave us this weird analogy when they finally did the deed, that I was burning with indignation, just thinking about it pisses me off, but it probably has to do with the censorship in china. Also there were too much straight explanations that kinda got annoying but could be ignored. I think with how well the author set up the survival element that you could ignore the flaws pretty quickly. So glad I found this novel.

7. Quickly Wear the Face of the Devil - Side Stories

Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi, Yaoi Other Unofficial Tags: Acting, Apocalypse, Artificial Intelligence, Episodic, Mob Protagonist, System, Virtual Reality, Cunning Protagonist, Devoted Love Interest, Possessive Characters, Hacker

Status: Complete

Official Summary: A top hacker was chosen by the Lord God to be reborn into countless worlds, always as an expendable villain.With no free will, every world became a dead end. Every one of his lives ended tragically. Finally, after wresting control of the Villain System, this ace hacker decided to enact revenge. Even if his very bones were rotten, he’d choose to occupy the very heights of morality, if only on the surface.Thus, he would change his fate as an abused slag.

My Thoughts: If you’re on novelupdates you’ll hear about this story at some point, it has become infamous on the site. And for good reason, this is the top written System transmigration into multiple world stories, or just system stories. There a multiple worlds and each one has it’s own flavor you’ll definitely have your favorites. It’s a very fun story to read and if you’re new to system stories like I was when I read this, you’ll inevitably compare all others to this one.

8. The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage

Genre: Historical, Josei, Martial Arts, Mature, Romance Other Unofficial Tags: Betrayal, Politics, Military, Royalty, Scheming, Revenge, Beautiful Female Lead, Handsome Male Lead, Cunning Couple, Slow Romance

Status: Ongoing

Official Summary: Shen Miao, the Di daughter of a military lineage, pure, amiable, quiet and yielding, foolishly in love with Prince Ding, threw herself into the role of a wife. After assisting her husband for six years, she finally became the mother of the world (Empress).She accompanied him to fight for the country, flourished the country’s territory, took risks to become a hostage in another country. When she returned five years later, there was no place for her in the Inner Palace.The beauty in his arms smiled brightly, “Older sister, the country is stabilized so, you should retire.”Her daughter met with a violent death and her son the Crown Prince was deposed. Her Shen family who sacrificed themselves for the country and the Emperor, not a single one of them were lucky enough to escape. With the change of one dynasty, everything was overturned. Her clan perished and she had to mourn for her children.Shen Miao never thought that being a married couple who have gone through trials and tribulations and mutually assisted each other was just a stage joke to him! He said, “Seeing that you have followed Zhen for twenty years, Zhen will grant you an intact corpse. You should thank this kindness.”Under the three Chi (1 chi = 1/3 meter) of white silk, Shen Miao made a malicious vow: In the time to come, she will take part in each and everyone’s end!Upon rebirth, she returned to the time when she was fourteen, when the tragedy had yet to occur, her family was still alive and she was still the pure, amiable, quiet and yielding Di daughter of a military lineage. Relatives hiding a black heart, Elder and younger (female) cousins are ruthless and malicious, the new Yiniang is like a tiger watching its prey and the disreputable man who wants to repeat the events?Her family must be protected, the huge enmity must be avenged, the Imperial seat of the country must also be a part of the trophy. In this lifetime, let’s see who can beat the others!

My Thoughts: I’ve tired to read numerous novels with the reincarnating to get revenge trope and I’ve never been able to complete them for variety of reasons but ultimately it’s because they end up sucking. This novel however is like a ray of light for this trope. Whatever way you think she’s gonna resolve something you’ll never guess right. I’m always pleasantly suprised. That’s something I can say for the whole novel it’s always surprising even with the current chapters with story almost at a close we readers just got shocked yet again. You’ll definitely experience a variety of emotions watching the story unfold, right now I’m pulling a napkin between my teeth (please author put us out of this misery already T.T). I doubt you’ll be disappointed.

Great:

Everyone Thinks that I Like Him

Genre: Comedy, Romance, School Life, Shounen Ai/Yaoi Other Unofficial Tags: Uni, Dense Protagonist, Slow Romance

Status: Complete

Official Summary: From infancy to maturity, what Ye Zhou dislikes the most was “two”.The reasons were: he was ranked second at home, he had been forever ranked second at school, no matter how diligently he worked and tried, he couldn’t shake off that “second” curse. What was more exasperating was that, at University, not only was he ranked second, but even his appearance that he was proud of had to be classified as second best! Why can’t I obtain the first place!The eternal second will rise!Then, Ye Zhou, after his vigorous efforts finally rises and the result was… the first became his boyfriend.This is the story of a man who has been forced to be “second” and how he became the first, most popular.Protagonists: Ye Zhou, Shang Jin.

My Thoughts: Cute, Fluffy, Funny. As you can see there is no drama tag so if you’re looking for an explosive story this is not it. But it is a very realistic story especially in regards to the acceptance of the couple how it differs for the younger generation vs. the older generation. The story is very natural and the characters believable. If you a cute story this is it.

2. Empress with no Virtue

Genre: Adult, Comedy, Drama, Josei, Mature, Romance, Smut Other Unofficial Tags: Arranged Marriage, Bickering Couple, Politics, Misunderstandings, Politics, Royalty, Imperial Harem, Power Couple,

Status: Complete

Official Summary: The free-spirited and brutally honest Ye Zhen Zhen was unwillingly chosen as Empress to the playboy Emperor Ji Wu Jiu. Their very first wedding night, she kicked the Emperor down from their bed and he sought out his concubine instead. This completely disastrous start was only the beginning of their eventful life together.

My Thoughts: Although not especially memorable, I enjoyed reading it. It was fun watching the couple act petty to one another. Honestly their relationship reminded me of boys pulling on pigtails to get the attention of their crush. There are a lot of funny and fluffy interactions, made for a fun read.

tbc.... Posted 2/13/19

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