Synopsis:
In her previous life, Shen Yao finally married the Crown Prince Xie Jing Chu, as she had wished. However, after the marriage, she suffered constant humiliation at his hands and lived no differently from a palace maid. By chance, Shen Yao overhears Xie Jing Chu speaking in private with clear contempt: “She forced her way into marrying me—this is what she deserves.” Filled with regret, Shen Yao opens her eyes to find herself reborn at the very moment when the emperor is granting the marriage.

This time, in front of the shocked Crown Prince and the court, Shen Yao decisively chooses Prince Jing, Xie Yuan, who is injured and unconscious. The Crown Prince soon begins to regret his actions and repeatedly harasses Shen Yao, while the supposedly unconscious Xie Yuan awakens and helps Shen Yao stand up to and humiliate the disgraced Crown Prince.

Tags: Rebirth, Comatose ML, Harassment, Prince ML

Drama 1 - Entering Your Heart for The First Time Is Like Entering An Abyss 
FL: Hu Ji Yue
ML: A Er Di
SML: Ma Ying Lu
Release date: 18 November 2025

Drama 2 - Reborn with a Bestowed Wedding Banquet 
FL: Yang Fan
ML: Tang Shu Ya
SML: Huang Yu Qing
Release date: 23 January 2026

Similarities:
- FL’s father and brother died in the war and she has no family left. That’s why the Emperor is involved in her marriage arrangement.
- SML did not like FL yet harassed her when she did not choose to marry him.
- FL and ML had a brief encounter in her past life.

Comparisons:
- Narrative - Version 1 prioritised the perspectives of the FL and the SML, which unfortunately makes the ML feel like a side character who is barely on screen. In contrast, Version 2 gives us the proper FL & ML focus we usually look for, allowing for much better character development for the ML. It actually takes the time to flesh out his arc. This ML even went to a battle as decreed by the Emperor. 
- Romance - Classic slow-burn in both versions, as the marriage started off as a cold marriage of convenience rather than a love match. A standout moment in both is seeing the ML finally stepped up to protect the FL from slander, but the confessions were handled quite differently. Version 1 kept the confession private and low-key, but Version 2 went full "protective ML" by declaring his love publicly to shut down a scheming green tea rival and stop her from attacking the FL. Overall, Version 2 just felt much warmer and made it easier to root for the main couple. 
- Supporting characters - ML’s aide in version 1 was outstanding = he was naive and endearing that he stole every scene he was in. Both versions actually had a decent Emperor for once - someone who was fair-minded, listened to both sides, and handed out proper punishments. That said, the Emperor in Version 1 gave off a "sexy" vibe because of his involvement in the scandal. 

My final thoughts:
- I personally prefer Reborn with a Bestowed Wedding Banquet primarily because of the superior storytelling. This one provided enough character development, a genuine romantic progression and a satisfying, proper ending. These elements were unfortunately missing in Entering Your Heart for The First Time Is Like Entering An Abyss, which left me feeling a bit short-changed. 
- Ma Ying Lu’s performance in Entering Your Heart for The First Time Is Like Entering An Abyss was a standout for me. Despite the narrative flaws of that drama, his portrayal was compelling and he commanded every scene he was in. He has definitely put himself on my radar, and I will certainly be exploring more of his work especially those titles where he takes on the lead role.

Where to watch
Click on any of the hyperlinks which will take you to mydramalist.com. Scroll down to the comments section and look for a comment by Jwells.

Yesterday, I shared a list of vertical drama actors and actresses with noticeable beauty marks / moles on their noses.

Some of their dramas are available on iQIYI, so I did a quick check on my app. Wow, I found close to 20 vertical dramas featuring them.

If you want to admire their beauty marks / moles (and of course their acting too ☺️), here are some of the dramas that showed up for me:

Zeng Hui

Fall Twice in Love (photo 1)
Co-starring Han Yu Tong.
For drama info, click here.

Lifetime Love Trap (photo 2)
Co-starring Han Yu Tong.
For drama info, click here.

Two Poor CEOs (photo 3)
Co-starring Han Yu Tong.
For drama info, click here. 

Yang Ze

Burn After Bliss (photo 4)
Co-starring Su Yu Tong.
For drama info, click here. 

Her Stunning Awakening (photo 5)
Co-starring Jin Zi Xuan.
For drama info, click here.

Ye Xin Xin

Marriage Escape to Mystery (photo 6)
Co-starring Wang Kai Mu.
For drama info, click here. 

Oops! My Servant Is Becoming Emperor (photo 7)
Co-starring Li Pei Yang.
For drama info, click here

Xu Si Qi

Pursue the Introvert Instead (photo 8)
Co-starring Huang Bo.
For drama info, click here.

The Ancestor Returns: Spoiled by the CEO (photo 9)
Co-starring Chen Guan Yi.
For drama info, click here.

Wang Yu Han

Irresistible Young Love (photo 10) 
Co-starring Vicky Liang.
For drama info, click here.

My Pregnant Crush (photo 11)
Co-starring Zhang Qi Xuan.
For drama info, click here.

Wen Zhi Cheng

Escape of the Baby Bump Besties (photo 12)
Co-starring Zhai Xin Ran, Deng Xin Yue and Gu Yu Yang.
For drama info, click here.

Triplets Tamed the Cold CEO (photo 13)
Co-starring Dong Yuan Ning.
For drama info, click here.

You Will Never Walk Alone (photo 14)
Co-starring Deng Xin Yue.
For drama info, click here.

Qi Yu Jia

Love and Vengeance Reborn (photo 15)
Co-starring Fan Xia Dong.
For drama info, click here. 

Fu Yu Shu

Misty Hearts (photo 16) 
Co-starring Dong Yi.
For drama info, click here. 

Stolen Moonlight (photo 17)
Co-starring Huai Wen.
For drama info, click here. 

I am based in Southeast Asia, so availability might vary depending on your region. Hopefully some (or all!) of these are accessible where you are too.

Have you watched any of these already? Which ones are your favourites?

👉 If you’d like a space to talk about short-form dramas beyond Reddit, we have created a Discord community for fans of mini and vertical dramas. Join the community here. 

Deng Kai was my number one reason for watching Pursuit of Jade. However while watching the drama, I suddenly noticed something: Zhang Ling He has a beauty mark / mole on his nose.

It made me realise how much a small detail like a nose beauty mark / mole can completely change an actor’s or an actress’ presence on screen. Sometimes it makes them:

- more distinctive
- more sensual
- more charismatic
- or simply easier to remember in a sea of dramas and faces

And because I have watched an objectively unhealthy number of Chinese vertical dramas, I became convinced there must be actors and actresses in the vertical drama space with similarly striking nose beauty marks / moles.

So naturally I did some research and voila, here are my findings:

• Zeng Hui (photo 1)
• Yang Ze (photo 2)
• Ye Xin Xin (photo 3)
• Xu Si Qi (photo 4)
• Wang Yu Han (photo 5)
• Wen Zhi Cheng (photo 6)
• Qi Yu Jia (photo 7)
• Li Zhuo Yang (photo 8)
• Fu Yu Shu (photo 9)

Curious if anyone else has noticed this too. 

Are any of these actors and actresses your favourites?
Did I miss any Chinese vertical drama actors or actresses with noticeable beauty marks / moles on their noses?

Let’s appreciate the tiny details together in the comment section below.

Last week, I featured neck moles / beauty marks. Here is the link for anyone who missed it.

👉 If you’d like a space to talk about short-form dramas beyond Reddit, we have created a Discord community for fans of mini and vertical dramas. Join the community here.

Synopsis:
Six years ago, Cheng Chi Yu was the captain who saved her. Six years later, Lin Zhi Ye became an air traffic controller and after their first meeting at a bar, she vowed to pursue him. Their paths crossed repeatedly at work - he remained indifferent, while she pursued him passionately and directly.

Tags: Pilot ML, Air Traffic Controller FL, Workplace romance, FL chases ML

Drama 1 - The Clouds 
FL: Zhai Cheng Lu
ML: Zhang Si Fan
Release date: 1 October 2025

Drama 2 - Lead Him Back 
FL: Sun Qian Xun
ML: Wang Nian Jiang Cheng
Release date: 22 October 2025 

Similarities:

• An eventful flight captained by ML served as the catalyst for FL’s entry into the world of aviation. 
• FL was the one doing the chasing from the very start.
• FL was mistreated by her family.

Comparison:

• Character arc - While FL hails from a background of wealth and privilege, due to a deep-seated estrangement, she chose to forge her own path, achieving success entirely removed from her family's influence and connections. FL’s character arc felt more substantial in Lead Him Back, particularly regarding her familial conflict. 
• Romance - A standout element in both adaptations is FL’s proactive approach to romance, her role as the 'wooer' and her playful banter with ML make for a refreshing watch. However, the romance in The Clouds ultimately feels more compelling. The physical and emotional chemistry is more palpable, conveyed through intense gazes and fiery kisses that were missing in Lead Him Back. 
• Acting - Damn, the chemistry between Zhai Cheng Lu and Zhang Si Fan was electric! In contrast, the pairing of Sun Qian Xun and Wang Nian Jiang Cheng felt somewhat lacklustre. SQX’s more reserved approach to intimate scenes, coupled with Wang Nian’s relative inexperience, resulted in a flatter dynamic. As for individual roles, Zhang Si Fan perfectly embodied the 'cool gentleman' archetype, bringing a level of sophisticated charisma that Wang Nian Jiang Cheng has yet to master.

 

My final thoughts:

• Both series are enjoyable, but The Clouds takes the lead for me thanks to the exceptional chemistry and acting. 
• The Clouds is my introduction to Zhang Si Fan and yes, I will be exploring more of his work.

 

Where to watch
Click on any of the hyperlinks which will take you to mydramalist.com. Scroll down to the comments section and look for a comment by Jwells.

Yesterday, I shared a list of vertical drama actors and actresses with noticeable beauty marks / moles on their necks.

Some of their dramas are available on iQIYI, so I did a quick check on my app. Wow, I found more than 20 vertical dramas featuring them.

If you want to admire their beauty marks / moles (and of course their acting too ☺️), here are some of the dramas that showed up for me on iQIYI:

Huang Bo

After Seducing Him, She Becomes Unstoppable (photo 1)
Co-starring Lin Rui Xue.
For drama info, click here.

Blazing Night (photo 2)
Co-starring Fan Di Yu.
For drama info, click here. 

Dear Girl (photo 3)
Co-starring Xu Dan.
For drama info, click here.

Falling for His Trap (photo 4)
Co-starring Gou Yu Xi and Hu Wen Le.
For drama info, click here.  

Pursue the Introvert Instead (photo 5 left)
Co-starring Xu Si Qi.
For drama info, click here. 

The Stolen 5 Years (photo 5 right)
Co-starring Yang Chen Lu.
For drama info, click here. 

The Substitute Quits (photo 6 left)
Co-starring Yuan Yu Han.
For drama info, click here. 

You're Time's Gift (photo 6 right)
Co-starring Chen Yun Xi.
For drama info, click here.

Zhao Xi Xi

Debauchery (photo 7)
Co-starring Zhen Zi Qi and Zhu Zhe Ren.
For drama info, click here.

Ma Qian Huan

The Phoenix Awakens (photo 8)
Co-starring Zhong Ying Ling.
For drama info, click here. 

The Weeping Queen (photo 9)
Co-starring Lan Lan.
For drama info, click here. 

Bai Yan

Cannon Fodder's Survival Guide (photo 10)
Co-starring Liu Qing.
For drama info, click here. 

Forever Love (photo 11)
Co-starring Wang Hao Zhen.
For drama info, click here.
 
Hunting Killing (photo 12 left) 
Co-starring Cheng Yue.
For drama info, click here.

No Forgiveness, No Remarriage (photo 12 right)
Co-starring Yu Pei Shan and Li Guan Lin.
For drama info, click here. 

The Seduction (photo 13 left)
Co-starring Liu Qing.
For drama info, click here 
 
You and Me 2.0 (photo 13 right)
Co-starring Wang Yi Ran.
For drama info, click here.

Feng Xiang Kun

Love Is Beyond Time (photo 14)
Co-starring Zhai Yi Ying.
For drama info, click here. 

Meng Jia Hui

Love Sprouts in The Impulsive Marriage (photo 15)
Co-starring Liu Zhuo Qing.
For drama info, click here.

Fan Xiao Dong

Her Wild Ways (photo 16)
Co-starring Bai Xue Ru.
For drama info, click here. 

Love and Vengeance Reborn (photo 17)
Co-starring Qi Yu Jia.
For drama info, click here. 

Ye Yi Chen

The Baby Contract with my 'infertile' Boss  (photo 18)
Co-starring Qiu Jia Qi.
For drama info, click here.

Thinking Out Loud (photo 19)
Co-starring Pan Xin Yi.
For drama info, click here. 

Zhu Yong Qiang

Dear Miss Satan (photo 20)
Co-starring Liu Yu Lu.
For drama info, click here. 

I am based in Southeast Asia, so availability might vary depending on your region. Hopefully some (or all!) of these are accessible where you are too.

Have you watched any of these already? Which ones are your favourites?

👉 If you’d like a space to talk about short-form dramas beyond Reddit, we have created a Discord community for fans of mini and vertical dramas. Join the community here.

After watching an unhealthy number of vertical dramas, I have started noticing something oddly charming: a surprising number of actors and actresses have beauty marks / moles on their necks.

And somehow, it works really well on screen. Little details like this become unexpectedly memorable. A beauty mark can make an actor or actress seem:

- more distinctive
- more sensual
- more charismatic 
- or simply easier to remember in a sea of dramas and faces

A few that caught my attention:

• Huang Bo (photo 1)
• Zhao Xi Xi (photo 2)
• Ma Qian Huan (photo 3)
• Bai Yan (photo 4)
• Feng Xiang Kun (photo 5)
• Meng Jia Hui (photo 6)
• Fan Xiao Dong (photo 7)
• Ye Yi Chen (photo 8)
• Yu Yi Fu (photo 9)
• Zhu Yong Qiang (photo 10)

Fun facts:

1. Huang Bo and Zhao Xi Xi have collaborated twice - Into The Abyss and The Love of a Fool. 
2. Bai Yan and Feng Xiang Kun have collaborated once - Fake Love.

 

Curious if anyone else has noticed this too. 

Are any of these actors and actresses your favourites?
Did I miss any Chinese vertical drama actors or actresses with noticeable beauty marks / moles on their necks?

Let’s appreciate the tiny details together in the comment section below.

👉 If you’d like a space to talk about short-form dramas beyond Reddit, we have created a Discord community for fans of mini and vertical dramas. Join the community here.

This column marks the official unveiling of my curated collection of bathtub scenes, a pursuit sparked by Ren Jia Lun’s iconic moment in Forever and Ever.

This week’s featured entry: Spring Day 

FL: Guo Yu Xin

ML: Chen Zheng Yang

My thoughts:

I was actually quite invested in this one! >!We had the milk bath, the wine, and some great tension when FL tempted ML to join her. It was all very aesthetic until the towel appeared and turned a romantic moment into an unintentionally hilarious blunder. I really wish the director had opted for another take, because I couldn’t stop laughing for all the wrong reasons.!<😂 

Do I want to rewatch this scene? ❎

Where to watch it?

• Option 1
• Option 2
• Option 3

👉 If you’d like a space to talk about short-form dramas beyond Reddit, we have created a Discord community for fans of mini and vertical dramas. Join the community here
.

Synopsis:
One is anxious and eager for life-saving money; the other is ambitious and frantically needs to be promoted. And so a deal was born. She was originally just a pawn, but during the transaction, the two couldn't help but fall in love with each other... 

Tags: Sibling Rivalry, Financial problems, Transactional relationship, Red flag ML

Drama 1 - Debauchery  
FL: Zhao Xi Xi
ML: Zhen Zi Qi
Release date: 22 May 2024

Drama 2 - Under the Feast 
FL: Dai Qi Xuan
ML: Liang Si Wei
Release date: 22 April 2026

Similarities:

• FL was desperate for money to save her sickly sister.
• ML wanted to take over the family business.
• ML paid FL a huge sum of money, on the condition that FL became his corporate spy and shadow lover.

Comparison:

• Acting - The contrast in acting quality between these two productions is nothing short of jarring, positioning Debauchery as a masterclass in the vertical drama format while Under the Feast falters. Led by Zhao Xi Xi and Zhen Zi Qi, the Debauchery cast delivered a sublime, emotionally resonant performance that many viewers consider the gold standard for the genre. In stark contrast, Dai Qi Xuan and Liang Si Wei felt misplaced in Under the Feast, suffering from a total lack of chemistry that left their scenes feeling hollow. This disparity extended even to the supporting roles; while the actors playing the brothers in Under the Feast overacted, Zhu Zhe Ren and Wei Cheng Han provided such nuanced, grounded performances in Debauchery that they evoked genuine pity during certain scenes. 
• Storytelling - I felt that Debauchery has a clear focus, effectively grounding the narrative in FL's perspective to create a deeply personal viewer experience. In contrast, I felt Under the Feast’s narrative skewed toward ML with FL’s point of view remaining obscured. As a result, I could not connect with her journey in the same way I did when watching Debauchery. 
• Romance - Their relationship was transactional and toxic. Only at much later part of their deal did they realise the care and affections they had for each other. Debauchery successfully navigates this friction through palpable sexual tension between the leads, and that final self-introduction scene actually feels earned and emotional. On the flip side, the romance in Under the Feast just felt flat and sterile. Because the leads have zero chemistry, the shift from a toxic deal to actual feelings never clicks, leaving the whole relationship feeling cold and hard to care about.

 

My final thoughts:

• Debauchery is easily the superior production of the two, offering a much more polished and immersive experience. Between the gripping storytelling and the top-tier acting, it keeps you hooked in a way that Under the Feast just can't match. 
• Don’t waste your time watching Under the Feast.

Where to watch
Debauchery 
- Option 1 - iQIYI.
- Option 2 - mydramalist page. Scroll down to the comments section and look for a comment by Jwells.

Under the Feast
Refer here for links.

Yesterday, I shared a list of Taiwanese actors I have come across in the vertical drama space. It was something that was inspired by a recent walk down memory lane from my work trip to Taiwan a few years ago.

While revisiting that post, I got curious about where to actually watch some of their dramas. So I did a quick check on my iQIYI app and found quite a number of them available there.

Here are the ones that showed up for me:

Su Jun He

Back to the 80s: Be a Stepmom (photo 1)
Co-starring Teng Ze Wen.
For drama info, click here.

Belated Romance (photo 2)
Co-starring Dong Yue Yu.
For drama info, click here.

How to Beat A Toxic Boss (photo 3)
Co-starring Teng Ze Wen.
For drama info, click here. 

Love Once Again in the '80s (photo 4)
Co-starring Guo Yu Xin.
For drama info, click here.

She Emerged from Hell (photo 5)
Co-starring Zhang Yi Lin.
For drama info, click here.

Bai Yi Xiang aka Sean Pai

Shh, Don't Provoke Her (photo 6)
Co-starring Wang Zi Yi.
For drama info, click here.

Snake Luck & City Shock (photo 7)
Co-starring Peng Dai Dai.
For drama info, click here.

Zhang Shuo Hang aka Leo Zhang

The Dark Moonlight Rises (photo 8)
Co-starring Bai Xu Han.
For drama info, click here.

Zhu Xin Zong

Possessive Allure (photo 9)
Co-starring Zhang Shi Jie.
For drama info, click here.

The Tamer Gets Tamed (photo 10)
Co-starring Liu Xi Yu.
For drama info, click here.

I am based in Southeast Asia, so availability might vary depending on your region. Hopefully some (or all) of these are accessible where you are too.

Have you watched any of these already? Which ones are your favourites?

👉 If you’d like a space to talk about short-form dramas beyond Reddit, we have created a Discord community for fans of mini and vertical dramas. Join the community here.

A former colleague reached out to me last week, and we somehow ended up reminiscing about our old workplace. That conversation brought back a memory I had not thought about in a while — my work trip to Taiwan a few years ago.

I spent some time in both Kaohsiung and Taipei. In Kaohsiung, I remember how warm and generous people were. In Taipei, I ate local food such as beef noodle soup, bubble tea, pineapple cakes but I have to admit, I skipped stinky tofu. I was not quite sure my nose (or my stomach) was ready for that experience.

That little walk down memory lane got me thinking about something I have been noticing recently in the vertical drama space. As I have been watching more vertical dramas, I have come across a few actors who seem to come from different backgrounds, including Taiwan. It made me reflect on how language and performance might intersect in this format.

From what I understand, there are some differences in how Mandarin is spoken across regions. For example, Taiwanese Mandarin is often described as slightly softer or more relaxed in tone, with less emphasis on certain sounds and speech patterns you might hear elsewhere.

That got me wondering — when Taiwanese actors take on roles in vertical dramas, especially those produced for a broader Chinese audience, do they adapt their speech style? Or are their lines sometimes dubbed to match the tone of the production?

I don't have a definitive answer, but I find it really interesting to think about. Anyway, here are a few Taiwanese actors I have come across in the vertical drama space and a couple of their works:

Su Jun He (photo 1)

Vertical dramas:

• Back to the '80s, Again 
• Back to the 80s: Be a Stepmom
• Beacon Fire Ceremony

 

My favourite:
Hearing You Say You Love Me in My Left Ear co-starring Jiang Yao and Ji Yi An.

My thoughts:
That opening scene immediately caught my eye — his tan skin and screen presence made a strong first impression. Although his ML could be a bit dense at times, the “stolen identity” trope was used quite cleverly in this drama. He is definitely an actor whose work I want to explore further.

Bai Yi Xiang aka Sean Pai (photo 2)

Vertical dramas:

• After the Four Big Brothers Were Reborn, They Doted on Me Wildly 
• Four Years Later, She Amazed the World with Her Adorable Baby. 
• Love Me

 

My favourite:
The Wrong Love of Twins co-starring Zhai Cheng Lu and Liu Yang Jun.

Thoughts:
I started exploring more of his dramas after featuring him in my “vertical drama actors aged 35 and above” post. This particular stolen identity drama stood out as the three leads delivered compelling performances. Bai Yi Xiang felt more impactful here compared to some of his other roles I have seen.

Guo Hao Jun aka Terry Guo (photo 3)

Vertical dramas:

• The Cold Moon Shines on the Lonely Boat 
• Super Teacher 
• Transmigrated Wife: The Boss Stands Up for Me

 

My favourite:
The Line Crossed co-starring Xue Zi Qi.

Thoughts:
I am a sucker for older woman-younger man / "jiejie" romance, and this one did not disappoint. Guo Hao Jun played a coquettish younger love interest, and it was genuinely entertaining watching him deploy “green tea” tactics to compete with the FL’s ex.

Zeng Yi Tong aka Ceng Yi Tong (photo 4)

Vertical dramas:

• Red Bean, Sheng Southern Country 
• The Strongest Prodigal in History 
• Zhao Zhao's Honor

My favourite:
I'm Fishing in Troubled Waters in the Deep Palace co-starring Li Li Zai.

Thoughts:
Interestingly, he has appeared in more than one drama where the FL cooks for the picky eater ML. This one was a light, sweet romance with a satisfying number of kisses. In many female-centric historical transmigration dramas, the ML can feel secondary but Zeng Yi Tong made his emperor both charming and approachable.

Zhang Shuo Hang aka Leo Zhang (photo 5)

Vertical dramas:

• The Good Wife
• The Supreme Confucianism and Taoism
• The Temptation of the Black Iris

 

My favourite:
The Good Wife co-starring Chu Qian Yue.

Thoughts:
The plot gets quite convoluted, but I really enjoyed his coquettish ML here. Bonus points for multiple shirtless scenes and some very intense kissing scenes. I also could not help noticing his resemblance to Korean singer Taeyong from NCT. It sent me down a mini rabbit hole rewatching NCT U’s Baby Don’t Stop, which oddly fits his flirty character.

Zhu Xin Zong aka Daniel Zhu (photo 6)

Vertical dramas:

• A Kiss Under The Moonlight 
• All the Powerful Ministers Who Possessed My Body Bowed Down to Me
• Spring Breeze Doesn't Reach the Old Courtyard South

 

My favourite:
The Tamer Gets Tamed co-starring Liu Xi Yu.

Thoughts:
I started watching more of his dramas after featuring him in my “vertical drama actors aged 35 and above” post. The Tamer Gets Tamed is my favourite so far, even though his character is very much a red flag. I liked his styling, enjoyed the kissing scenes, and one standout detail: you can actually hear his real voice (not dubbed), which is surprisingly soothing.

Curious to hear from everyone here:
Are you a fan of any of these Taiwanese actors?
If yes, who are your favourites, or which dramas would you recommend?

Let’s discuss in the comment section below.

👉 If you’d like a space to talk about short-form dramas beyond Reddit, we have created a Discord community for fans of mini and vertical dramas. Join the community here.

It has been awhile since I last shared a drama with Male Lead (ML) in a bathtub.

Today I am going to share a scene from a drama I watched a few days ago. I got to know about this drama from our Discord server, so thank you!

Mrs. Qin Is A Little Wild, And She's Favored

FL: Zha Yi Chen

ML: Li Zi Jie

My thoughts:

I haven't watched a Li Zi Jie drama in ages and the clickbaity title of the video caught my attention. The bathtub scene >!is a sweet then spicy moment. FL prepared a bath as part of a therapy ML to cure his injured legs. The inner thoughts and teasing were comical. There was even some hand action.!< 👀

Do I want to rewatch this scene? ✅️

Where to watch it?

• Option 1
• Option 2

👉 If you’d like a space to talk about short-form dramas beyond Reddit, we have created a Discord community for fans of mini and vertical dramas. Join the community here.

Synopsis:
To reclaim her family business, Ye Qing Huan is forced to choose a "father" for her child, selecting the obedient and clingy younger man, Ajiu. Unexpectedly, Ajiu turns out to be Bo Yo Chuan (V1) / Bo Wang Chuan (V2), a billionaire with amnesia. He conceals his identity and enters into a pact with her to have a child, their charade blossoming into a real-life romance. As conspiracy and genuine affection intertwine, Bo Yo Chuan / Bo Wang Chuan makes a powerful return, uncovering the fateful pact made under the cherry blossom tree years ago. A sweet battle of wits unfolds, from "leave the father, keep the child" to "I can't live without you," as the “didi” showers his wife with affection every day!

Tags: Older woman-younger man, Family dispute, Amnesiac ML, Hidden identity

Drama 1 - Younger Husband Is Deeply In Love With Me aka My Youthful Lover
FL: Chu Ai Xu
ML: Shao Wei
Release date: 13 May 2025 

Drama 2 - Younger Brother Spoils Me Every Day
FL: Dong Yuan Ning
ML: Wen Zhi Cheng
Release date: 26 April 2026

Similarities:

• ML was trained and worked as a male model / host at an entertainment club.
• ML’s grandmother and male cousin liked FL from the first time they met her.
• FL and ML had a brief encounter while ML was in high school.

 

Comparison:

• FL characterisation - FL in Version 1 primarily navigated conflict with her father and half-sister, whereas the Version 2 FL focused on reclaiming her place from the 'fake heiress' who had been raised by her biological family. I found the first version more compelling because she was more proactively involved in the family business, exemplified by the scene of her preparing to meet investors, while the second version's motivation felt more reactive, driven largely by a desire to keep the company out of her rival's hands.  
• Romance - The romance arcs in both versions were incredibly sweet, defined by genuine affection and the charming touch of ML cooking for FL. However, Shao Wei’s version is etched in my memory. The scene where he vulnerably admits he's “in pain” before effortlessly carrying her to the bedroom is easily my favourite moment across both versions.
• Acting - I consider chemistry a subset of acting, and the Dong Yuan Ning-Wen Zhi Cheng pairing definitely brought more fire to the screen. Their history, this being their fourth collaboration, clearly paid off. They were effortlessly natural with one another, creating a level of comfort and heat in their kissing scenes that was missing from the Chu Ai Xu and Shao Wei pairing.

 

My final thoughts:

• I thoroughly enjoyed both Younger Husband Is Deeply In Love With Me and Younger Brother Spoils Me Every Day. I can already see myself revisiting my favourite scenes from both dramas on loop.
• Wen Zhi Cheng is the latest addition to the 'shirtless apron' club, but for me, Shao Wei remains the gold standard for this look. There’s just something about the way Shao Wei pulled it off that makes him the ultimate winner of that specific battle of the visuals.
• As a dedicated GOT7 fan, it’s always a thrill to hear the members' music pop up in Chinese vertical dramas. I was especially hyped to hear Jackson Wang’s ‘Why Why Why’ playing right as the male lead in Version 2 shed his apron. Perfect song for a high-visual moment!

Where to watch
Younger Husband Is Deeply In Love With Me 
Option 1 - iQIYI
Option 2 - mydramalist page. Scroll down to the comments section and look for a comment by Jwells.

Younger Brother Spoils Me Every Day
Refer here for links.

Yesterday, I shared a list of vertical drama actresses aged 35 and above.

Some of their dramas are available on iQIYI, so I did a quick check on my iQIYI app. Here are the ones that showed up for me:

Chen Mu Ye

Legitimate Heiress vs. Impersonator (photo 1) 
Co-starring Wu Zhu Xi.
For drama info, click here. 

Er Yi Wen

The Pearl's New Light (photo 2)
Co-starring Zhao Hui and Yu Shuai.
For drama info, click here.

Guo Yang

Max Guard: Son Shield (photo 3)
Co-starring Hu Jia Hao and Zheng Jing Han
For drama info, click here. 

Liu Qing Xin

Her Majesty The Farmer (photo 4)
Co-starring Yan Ji Qi.
For drama info, click here.

Liu Fan Fei

Cheater (photo 5)
Co-starring Bai Feng Wei aka Jiao Pei Kai.
For drama info, click here. 

Proxy Darling (photo 6)
Co-starring Gu Ming Han.
For drama info, click here.
Note: I checked Gu Ming Han's MDL page earlier today and realised he is already 38! Had I known that sooner, I definitely would have included him in my list of vertical drama actors aged 35 and above.

I am based in Southeast Asia, so availability might vary depending on your region. Hopefully some (or all!) of these are accessible where you are too.

Have you watched any of these already? Which ones are your favourites?

👉 If you’d like a space to talk about short-form dramas beyond Reddit, we have created a Discord community for fans of mini and vertical dramas. Join the community here.

After posting back-to-back articles on vertical drama actors aged 35 and above over the past two weeks, I did not expect to follow up so soon with a post about actresses in the same age category.

Compared to their male counterparts, actresses in this age group feel far less visible. I initially only knew three but after a surprisingly productive midweek, I went down the rabbit hole and here we are.

With the help of u/Yoori_Lee and u/thehepburn, I have identified 12 vertical drama actresses aged 35 and above. From what I have observed, they tend to in specific archetypes or tropes, such as:

• Divorced or single mothers
• Second-chance romances
• Wealthy businesswomen or matriarchs
• Revenge-driven protagonists

Here are my findings, along with some of their works and my personal favourites:

Chen Mu Ye aka Eva Chen (photo 1)

Vertical dramas:

• Eleven Years after My Death 
• I Promise You A Lifetime of Glory 
• Love Jet Lag

 

My favourite:
Eleven Years after My Death co-starring Wu Yuan Cheng and Wang Hao.

My thoughts:
Love Jet Lag was my introduction to Chen Mu Ye, and I was immediately drawn to her performance which led me to explore more of her work. She impressed me again in Eleven Years after My Death. Despite being in her mid-30s, she convincingly portrayed an 18-year-old character without coming across as overly childish or exaggerated.

Er Yi Wen aka Nai Yi Wen (photo 2)

Vertical dramas:

• Hunting Heart
• Reading My Baby’s Mind to Torture My Scum Ex-Husband 
• Reborn as a Fierce Matriarch, She Subdues All Who Dare to Defy Her

 

My favourite:
Hunting Heart co-starring Xiao Wen Yu, Yang Meng Jiao and Wei Jia Yu.

My thoughts:
What better way to start exploring an actress than through a jiejie (older woman–younger man) romance, which is one of my favourite tropes. Er Yi Wen delivered a strong performance in Hunting Heart. She convincingly navigated a wide emotional range: vulnerability, betrayal, anger, and determination. I will definitely be watching more of her work. 

Guo Yang (photo 3)

Vertical dramas:

• Max Guard: Son Shield

 

My favourite:
Max Guard: Son Shield co-starring Hu Jia Hao and Zheng Jing Han.

My thoughts:
I picked this up while in the mood for physically strong female leads, and it did not disappoint. The plot is admittedly over-the-top, but Guo Yang’s portrayal of a capable, no-nonsense undercover agent sold it for me. This remains her only vertical drama so far. I hope to see more from her in this space.

Hu Dan Dan aka Smile Hu (photo 4)

Vertical dramas:

• Taming Love

 

My favourite:
Not a vertical drama but a mini drama, The Killer Is Also Romantic co-starring Yang Ze. 

My thoughts:
I was excited to see Hu Dan Dan transition into vertical dramas, especially pairing up with Yang Ze. I only managed to watch part of Taming Love before the link disappeared and did not quite enjoy the story. Even so, I am hoping she continues taking on more vertical projects, particularly modern ones.

Jia Qing aka Ting Anne (photo 5)

Vertical dramas:

• Where the Clouds Reach the Unknown

 

My favourite:
Where the Clouds Reach the Unknown co-starring Su Jun He and Li Zheng Jun.

My thoughts:
This drama introduced me to Jia Qing, and I was impressed. She has a captivating screen presence, and her dynamic with Su Jun He worked particularly well despite their age gap. As her first (and currently only) vertical drama, I hope this won’t be her last.

Liu Fan Fei aka Viola Liu (photo 6)

Vertical dramas:

• Cheater 
• Reborn in the Dragon Collapse
• She Was Married Off to a Man Who Had No Heir and Was Doted on by the Whole Family

 

My favourite:
None (yet)

My thoughts:
I have only watched Cheater so far, where she played a gambling house owner. Although her screen time was limited, she left a solid impression. I am especially interested in seeing her take on more romance-focused roles.

Liu Qing Xin (photo 7)

Vertical dramas:

• After the House Was Raided, the Villainous Old Woman Led the Whole Family to Their Doom 
• Hard to Be A Phoenix Even on High Branches
• On Her Plate

 

My favourite:
On Her Plate co-starring Wang Hao Zhen.

My thoughts:
On Her Plate was a breath of fresh air. The story centres on a wealthy, single, middle-aged woman seeking justice for a friend caught in a romance scam. Liu Qing Xin delivered a nuanced and compelling performance, definitely the work of a seasoned actress. I am keen to explore more from her.

Shu Chang aka Jennifer Shu (photo 8)

Vertical dramas:

• Giving You a Sparkling Galaxy 
• Revenger
• Phoenix Roosts This Morning

 

My favourite:
The Year of the Snake's Flash Ferry co-starring Zuo Ming.

My thoughts:
“Third time is the charm”. The Year of the Snake's Flash Ferry was my third Shu Chang drama, and my favourite so far. The tone was light and fun and her character delightfully quirky. Her chemistry with Zuo Ming really worked. Despite a noticeable age gap, her youthful energy made it feel completely natural.

Wang Chu Yi aka Wang Ling Yu (photo 9)

Vertical dramas:

• 70: My Husband Is an Instructor 
• Great Yu Calculating Master 
• She Was Replaced on Her Wedding Night

My favourite:
None (yet)

My thoughts:
I have not had the chance to dive into her dramas yet, but Great Yu Calculating Master has caught my attention mainly for its premise and casting.

Wu Chun Yi (photo 10)

Vertical dramas:

• Flying Needle Laughing Romance 
• Shenzhen Girl 
• Temple of the Guardian

 

My favourite:
None (yet)

My thoughts:
I have n0t explored her work yet, but she has a striking physical presence. I am particularly curious to see her in romance dramas and how she pairs visually with her co-stars.

Wu Qian aka Nuo Nuo (photo 11)

Vertical dramas:

• Journey against the Light
• Mysterious Lover 
• The Whole Family Wins with the Help of the Mind Reading Baby Group

 

My favourite:
The Secret Agent Mom Returns co-starring Yang Geng Tai and Wang Qian Rui.

My thoughts:
I added The Secret Agent Mom Returns to my watchlist as soon as it was released (I have a soft spot for secret agent plots), and finally watched it just before finishing this post. No regrets, it exceeded expectations. Highlights include: a physically capable FL in her 40s, a fun banquet sequence, a strong mother-son dynamic, and a light romance subplot. I am definitely interested in exploring more of her work.

Yang Lei (photo 12)

Vertical dramas:

• Let You Pretend to Be My Boyfriend, You Actually Did It for Real aka When Pretend Turns Real
• On New Year's Eve, We Bid Farewell to the Old Year and Also to Our Beloved 
• Winning Back My Ex-Wife

My favourite:
None (yet)

My thoughts:
I remember adding When Pretend Turns Real to my watchlist when it first came out (fake relationship trope is one of my favourites). I regret not watching it immediately because now there are no working links. I am keen to check out her other dramas.

Do you enjoy seeing more mature female leads in vertical dramas?
Do you know any actresses aged 35 and above in this space?

Feel free to drop names or recommendations in the comments. I’d love to explore their work and grow the list (maybe write a Part 2).

And if you missed my earlier posts on actors aged 35+, you can check them out here:

- Part 1 
- Part 2

👉 If you’d like a space to talk about short-form dramas beyond Reddit, we have created a Discord community for fans of mini and vertical dramas. Join the community here.