Playing Ep 09

What people are saying

• souridris72

  Overall 8.5

  Story 9,  Acting 9,  Music 8,  Rewatch Value 8.5

  Charming in its Simplicity
  
  Despite stumbling upon a barrage of critiques aimed at this particular series, a single positive remark spurred me to give it a shot. And am I glad I did! This drama unfolded as a charming, sweet, and uncomplicated tale that was thoroughly endearing.
  
  We often encounter tropes and narrative inconsistencies in television, and this series is no exception. Yet, the barrage of criticism it has received puzzles me. This series is, in my experience, far more engaging than other higher-rated yet monotone dramas...

  that failed to grip me - the drop list is testament to those. Here, the spark between the main couple is palpable, and their dynamic with the young child adds an extra layer of warmth. I found myself swept up in their story, willingly overlooking the minor narrative gaps.
  
  Approaching this series, my expectations were non-existent, shaped by the negative buzz. Yet, venturing in with a clear slate allowed for an authentic experience—one that I met with delight. This drama hits all the right notes where it matters. The leads share a believable chemistry and deliver their roles with finesse, rendering the series utterly sweet.
  
  While certain elements, like the backstory of their union and the sporadic absences of the female lead (which I concede was my chief gripe), could have been better elucidated, these issues hardly dimmed my overall enjoyment.
  
  My personal appraisal casts this series in a favorable light. This reflects my individual taste and criteria for engaging television, which naturally varies from viewer to viewer. Hence, I recommend you to embark on this journey, just as I did. You may find yourself falling for its charm or deciding it's not your cup of tea. But only your own viewing will tell.

• CrazyHwang

  Overall 8.5

  Story 8.5,  Acting 9,  Music 8.5,  Rewatch Value 8

  Navigating through the maze of family life and affection in the latest on-screen offering, the trope of a contractual matrimony initially struck me as cliché. Yet the craftsmanship with which the narrative unfolds lends it a charm that's irrefutably engaging. The characters are an endearing bunch, their shortcomings rendering them all the more human and relatable. Central to the tale is a little one, whose sheer cuteness steals every scene they're in. The facade of family life crafted to soothe the child's psychological needs slowly...

  crystallizes into genuine affection, as the pretend couple find themselves unexpectedly entangled in the webs of love.
  
  The male protagonist, helming a business empire and juggling the demands of single parenthood, exudes a love for his offspring balanced with an almost comical sense of discipline. His life takes an unexpected turn when a child psychologist steps into the picture. Her rapport with the little one is undeniable, and soon a contract is drawn, blurring the lines between professionalism and family life. The executive, a man of numbers and precision, soon finds himself swept away by emotions he had not penciled into his ledger.
  
  His character is one of stoicism and emotional constraint, a man whose life prior to the psychologist's arrival is painted in shades of monotony. Yet, his portrayal by the actor, particularly adept at capturing the nuances of such a tightly wound individual, grows increasingly compelling with every subtle change in expression.
  
  On the flip side, the female lead embodies spontaneity, wit, and an intelligence that moves beyond academic accolades. With a penchant for indulgence in guilty food pleasures, she represents the other side of the coin to the male lead's disciplined life. Their journey together, from skepticism to affection, is a testament to the complexity of human relationships and love's slow but unwavering build.
  
  I was acquainted with the actress's work prior to this drama and find her performance consistently laced with genuineness and a refreshing presence. As she embodies the empathetic psychologist, her portrayal resonates with a calm and gentle strength, even her moments of vulnerability exuding a sense of quiet resilience.
  
  The drama does not shy away from incorporating familiar tropes, such as alliances forged for economic advancement, echoing ancient royal traditions. And let's not forget the secondary romances blossoming around the central story, enriching the main narrative with additional layers.
  
  In conclusion, the series captivates with its humorous dips into the complexities of parenthood and blossoming romances. The leads offer a study in contrasts that ultimately harmonize into a relationship that’s as warm as it is credible. Even with occasional lapses in editing, the heart of the tale remains intact. For enthusiasts of romance intertwined with hearty laughs and heartfelt moments, this drama stands as a delightful escapade into the realms of the heart.

• wisecheetah98

  Overall 7.5

  Story 7,  Acting 8.5,  Music 8,  Rewatch Value 5

  Be advised, this critique may reveal pivotal plot details.
  Adorableness personified! The presence of a delightful child adds a layer of joy to this series. The primary duo sparkles with a charming chemistry, engaging in exchanges that are nothing short of endearing. Their portrayals come across as effortless, lending an air of authenticity to their performances. Yes, it treads the well-worn path of genre clichés, but it's hard not to smile indulgently at its saccharine moments.
  
  On the downside, the production’s editing leaves much to be...

  desired, and a degree of disbelief suspension is necessary, particularly regarding the characters' professional decisions and actions, which border on the implausible. The Aunt character, in particular, brings a level of frustration, her presence somewhat grating. The narrative stumble near the end, where romantic confessions lead to seemingly arbitrary separations, feels like a contrived crisis that accelerates the conclusion in an unsatisfying manner.
  
  While peppered with narrative inconsistencies, if one can overlook these elements and turn down the analytical volume of one's mind, there's something quite heartwarming about the series. It's an agreeable escape that may just charm its way through the veneer of your critical faculties.

• energeticoh67

  Overall 10

  Story 10,  Acting 10,  Music 10,  Rewatch Value 10

  The magic of this particular drama is one that can easily sweep a viewer off their feet, a spellbinding concoction that, I must confess, has left me utterly enchanted. Venturing into a new show can often be a roll of the dice, with many being discarded in my viewing history due to their penchant for the absurd and the frustratingly unrealistic - those moments that provoke a heated debate with the television screen. However, this was not the case with the series in question.
  
  As the...

  series unfolded, the captivating presence of a certain male lead gripped my attention. I had no previous encounters with his work, yet his portrayal resonated profoundly. Accompanying him in the ranks of the sublime was a female lead whose artistry I had the pleasure of witnessing prior, in a role of royal unrest. Her talent shines through yet again, delivering a performance both graceful and genuine.
  
  Moreover, the twinkling star of the series, a young actor portraying the adorable and endearing ‘Xiaobao,’ has possibly carved a permanent niche in the audience’s hearts with his irresistibly charming portrayal.
  
  The narrative, steeped in familial themes, delicately weaves the complexities of ties that bind us, narrating a tale where impostor matrimonies evolve into genuine affection, almost unwittingly. It speaks of a tenacious father, whose love for his child knows no bounds, to the point of orchestrating an elaborate charade. Then there's the counterfeit wife, whose heart is ensnared by her supposed partner - standing by him through trials and tribulations with selfless abandon.
  
  Upon the conclusion of the series, one is left with an undeniable warmth and contentment; a stark contrast to the remorse and agitation oft left in the wake of lesser stories. A excelsior mark must be bestowed upon the screenwriter for their exquisite crafting of such a stress-free narrative journey.
  
  Indeed, the entire cast shines brilliantly, most notably the triumvirate at its core - the magnetic male lead, the effervescent female lead, and the irresistibly cute young actor. Sincere gratitude is extended to the diligent director, and heartfelt appreciation to the marvelous cast and crew for having crafted an engaging, family-centric viewing delight.
  
  And the music – how can one overlook the melodious charm woven into the series? Notably, the musical prowess of the male lead resonates with a clarity and harmony that adds yet another layer to this delectable television feast.
  
  To sing further praises, this drama is an experience that I hold in high esteem, deserving of repeated viewings. I extend my applause and admiration to the screenwriter, director, and the commendable ensemble led by Wei Zheming, Hu Yi Xuan, and the enchanting Sun Sicheng. Here's a standing ovation to all who labored to bring this story to life. Such tales are rare gems – ones that should be cherished, enjoyed, and indeed, watched time and time again.

• bluntwei18

  Overall 6.5

  Story 6,  Acting 7,  Music 8,  Rewatch Value 5

  Be advised that this critique contains plot revelations.
  A symphony of familiar tropes play out in the latest melodramatic saga from the landscape of Chinese television. We're greeted with the archetypal dynamic between the affluent, emotionally inept male lead, whose portrayal treads a familiar path akin to his nerdish persona from a previous show, and his less wealthy love interest. Initially, the female protagonist arrives on screen with a flourish, yet her character's depth seems to wane under the weight of narrative convention.
  
  The crux...

  of their interaction is a contractual romance, leading to an abundance of quibbles that, while earmarked as humor and charm, often veer into the realm of irritation. Such contentions are bookended by the almost obligatory presence of a malevolent family member – the male lead's aunt stepping into this well-worn role – and a parade of vexatious exes and envious onlookers.
  
  The narrative's course inevitably steers towards a separation just when viewers had settled into their coupledom, only for us to be whisked back to the realms of joy and reconciliation as the final credits loom. True to form, the storytelling here prefers well-trodden paths over uncharted terrain.
  
  Nevertheless, the series does offer glimmers of redemption. The inclusion of a young child character infuses some much-needed purity and charm, anchoring the viewers' perseverance. Meanwhile, the supporting male and female counterparts provide a sideline of entertainment, thankfully not as romantic competitors but as comedic accomplices to the central duo.
  
  Pain points of the series include the introduction of the antagonist aunt and snobbish ex-partners, coupled with the male lead's insufficiently supportive responses when his co-lead comes under fire from these adversaries. But it's the genre-cliché breakup, driven by the misguided belief that separation can somehow shield from harm, that might push some viewers to their threshold.
  
  Despite these reservations, there's an undeniable charm to the concluding episodes, assuming one can bypass the penultimate dramatic ploys. If one can sporadically leapfrog over certain episodes, the series strikes an agreeable balance – a rocky journey with an uplifting destination, crafting a narrative that, while it may not dazzle with originality, steadies itself enough to offer some degree of viewing pleasure.