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Korean Drama ♦ Cheongdamdong Alice / 청담동 앨리스 ~♥


Title: Cheongdamdong Alice /청담동 앨리스
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Episodes: 16
Broadcast period: 2012/2013
Country: South Korea

Synopsis:

Han Se-kyung's (Moon Geun-young) personal motto is "L'effort est ma force (Hard work is my strength)" and she battles all sorts of hardships with an optimistic attitude. She enters every design contest she can apply to and finally gets hired at her dream job at an apparel company, only to find that she's the glorified errand girl for the president's wife. To make things worse, the boss's wife was once her high school classmate and rival, who was a worse student than Se-kyung, and now determined to make her life miserable.

So Se-kyung makes up her mind to marry a rich man and embarks on the project to become a "Cheongdam-dong daughter-in-law," an upscale, fashionable young lady who marries into the social upper crust in Cheongdam-dong (a small, insular, and particularly posh neighborhood in Seoul's Gangnam district).

The title is a word play on Alice in Wonderland, and refers to the heroine's fish-out-of-water status in said neighborhood, as she navigates the strange new world of designer clothes, gossip and consumerism. Se-kyung agrees to enter into a marriage, but what ensues is a "warm and cheerful story of finding real happiness.” (Credit: Wikipedia)

Comment:

"Killer Smile"
I was drawn to watch Cheongdamdong Alice by Park Shi Hoo because I liked him since watching him in Family’s Honour few years back. He is a very charismatic actor and I seriously like him more after watching him as Cha Seung Jo in Cheongdamdong Alice (he is cute when wearing spectacles ^^) He successfully portray the delightful character of Cha Seung Jo in this drama and it really cracks me up a lot of times while watching his childish behaviour; such as switching to Korean dialect accent whenever he gets too agitated, enjoys going through the short lamp post in his office and gets revenge, the way he dances, etc.


"Emotion Bunnies"
I love how he will put on a cool front when he is in fact very smug or thrilled over something and talking to himself while analysing the possible outcome of a situation comically. The way he is trying to hide his true identity as Chairman from Han Se Kyung (Moon Geun Young) and his encounter with Secretary Moon and his doctor friend is also extremely hilarious!

Speaking of Moon Geun Young, she is really everlasting baby face; gosh, she looks just about the same when I first saw her in Autumn Tale more than a decade ago. The sentence I like most in Cheongdamdong Alice is the word Han Se Kyung said in the first episode, ‘L'effort est ma force’ ‘Hard work is my strength’. I find Seo Yoon Joo’s (So Yi Hyun) ‘strategy’ to hook a ‘big fish’ and source for a white rabbit rather interesting too. And not to mention the adorable emotion bunnies Han Se Kyung made for Cha Seung Jo, they were cute!


"Alice in the Wonderland"
Cha Seung Jo is such a dear that I cannot help feeling touched when he confess to Han Se Kyung all the petty stuff he done in order to revenge his ex-wife and dad. I was thinking how anyone can bear to deceive such a sincere and innocent guy? Of course, my heart broke for him when he discovered the deception. *sob* 

I liked the soundtrack from this drama, especially the two songs; It’s Okay by Luna and Every Single Day by Shower. The latter has a very happy tune, hmm...sounded a little like the thrilling sensation when hit a jackpot? LOL! Overall I am so glad the drama ended happily and it is a good closure for Cheongdamdong Alice!

 

 



 Gallery ~♥

Chinese Drama ♦ Cuo Dian Yuan Yang - Xi Dian Yuan Yang / 错点鸳鸯.戏点鸳鸯 ~♥


Title: Cuo Dian Yuan Yang – Xi Dian Yuan Yang / 错点鸳鸯.戏点鸳鸯
Genre: Period Drama, Romance
Episode: Part one 25; Part two 25 (50 episodes)
Country: Mainland
Broadcast Period: Year 2012 


Synopsis:

Su Huan Er (Zhao Li Ying) got a bad feeling when Shi Wu Ji (Qi Ji) agreed to marry her. He, his two brothers and his sister loathe her father to the core. But if they thought they can torture her to settle bad blood, they are wrong. Shi Wu Hen (Han Dong) was only a stand-in groom at the wedding, yet he was attracted to the new bride's cheery disposition and unbeatable optimism. This created a problem because she was his brother's wife, not his. So when his brother's long lost betrothed fiancée, Liang Yu Shi (Zhou Fang), showed up at their doorstep, he stepped in to honour the families' agreement. What he thought was a marriage of obligation turned into a heart-breaking love affair in which he was willing to risk his family's lives to save hers.

Shi Wu Jie (Guo Dong Dong) was the youngest and most passionate of the three brothers. When he met Qin Qiu Yu (Song Yi), it was love at first sight. His family, however, is strongly against their relationship because she was a courtesan. He decided to follow her to end of earth rather than to leave her. Shi Wu Xia (Zheng Qian) only had eyes for Leng Gang. She is not bothered that he was a servant's son. Yet, the difference in their social status was something he was unwilling and unable to cross. She get Su Huan Er to help change Leng Gang's (Ye Zu Xin) thinking.

Comment:


I have actually finished watching Cuo Dian Yuan Yang as soon as it was uploaded online, I should have do a recap of Cuo Dian Yuan Yang earlier, but never mind, better late then never. I was in fact quite skeptical on watching it as I find the setting a little ‘old’ initially; however I changed my mind after watching the first two episodes. It has a very wonderful storyline with terrific actors! This drama is divided into two parts, part one being Cuo Dian Yuan Yang and part two Xi Dian Yuan Yang. It took quite a while for the second part to air, therefore viewers have to wait after finish watching part one. Those who were watching concurrently at that time like me, will understand how it feels to wait anxiously for part two after part one ends. 



This drama consists of love stories of four couples, first two couples namely Shi Wu Ji/Su Huan Er and Shi Wu Xia/Leng Gang, is more focus in part one. While Shi Wu Heng/Liang Yu Shi and Shi Wu Jie/Qin Qiu Yu in part two. I liked the story of Shi Wu Ji and Su Huan Er best, although their great difference in height can be quite comical on screen at times (Qi Ji stands at 1.85m; Zhao Li Ying stands at 1.65m) but they were spontaneous in their performance. I like Zhao Li Ying from this drama; she is very cute and petite! I love the chemistry of this couple especially when Su Huan Er gets into trouble and Shi Wu Ji will always have to clear up the mess for her. Su Huan Er also looks cute when sitting on Shi Wu Ji’s lap while chatting; they do look like a real couple! Han Dong and Zhou Fang also make a delightful couple in this drama as Shi Wu Heng and Liang Yu Shi. Zhou Fang is so pretty and I think she looks quite suave as a male constable at the beginning of Xi Dian Yuan Yang! I also like the theme songs of Cuo Dian Yuan Yang and Xi Dian Yuan Yang, very nice.


It is only in between watching Cuo Dian Yuan Yang and Xi Dian Yuan Yang that I realised this drama is based on an original novel wrote by a Taiwanese author, Xi Juan 席绢. I did not read the actual novels but did a quick search for the link to read out of curiosity, it was based on her two novels namely, Jiao Cuo Shi Guang De Ai Lian 交错时光的爱恋 and Xi Dian Yuan Yang 戏点鸳鸯. Even though I have never read her work before but I liked the story she wrote for Cuo Dian Yuan Yang and Xi Dian Yuan Yang, the process of watching the drama is enjoyable and most important, it is happy ending people! It is a joyful love story of four couples whom eventually had a blissful ending after going through ups and downs together.

Korean Drama ♦ Innocent Man / Nice Man / 착한남자 ~♥


Title : Innocent Man / Nice Guy / 착한남자
Genre: Melodrama, Romance
Episodes: 20
Country:  South Korea
Broadcast Period: Year 2012

Synopsis:

A classic melodrama involving betrayal, revenge, and romance. The story is about Kang Ma Roo (Song Joong Ki), who gave up everything for the woman (Park Si Yeon) he loves only to be betrayed by her. To get revenge on his ex-girlfriend, he uses her step-daughter and successor to Taesang Group, Seo Eun Gi (Moon Chae Won). Unfortunately, she suffers brain damage and loss of memory after a car accident, and now Kang Ma Roo works to fix everything that went awry because of his blind sighted revenge and ends up fally in love with Seo Eun Gi. (Credit: Dramawiki)

Comment:


If you have not watch Korean drama, Innocent Man, you should give it a shot! At least for me, I really like watching this drama. The leads are brilliant with strong characteristics and the storyline is spectacular! I have liked Song Joong Ki ever since I saw him in Will it Snow at Christmas in year 2009, at that time his role is quite minor as Han Ye Seul’s brother. Luckily going forward they gave him better roles such as Sungkyunkwan Scandal and Innocent Man. Song Joong Ki’s character as Kang Ma Roo truly melted me with his flawless acting. I am quite surprised because his looks are endearing and more to pretty boy type especially when he is playing Running Man, hahaa...But he played the role of cold Kang Ma Roo who wants to seek revenge and injustice very well, you can really feel for him. I am impressed with his performance and glad that the series ended with a good note.

Moon Chae Won is also quite a good actress and I think they compliment each other in the series. The other thing I would like to comment is the song of the drama, I have no idea Song Joong Ki can sang so well, he is not only good in acting but also in singing! He sang the song ‘Really’ in Innocent Man and his voice is so soothing and clear. I am happy for Song Joong Ki as his performance is recognized with the awards he got from Innocent Man such as Top Excellence Award, Best Actor Award, Best Couple and Netizen’s Award for both him and Moon Chae Won. In my opinion, Innocent Man is one of the best Korean dramas I have watched and definitely look forward to Song Joong Ki’s upcoming shows in near future!
 

 
Gallery ~♥


Twilight Series ~♥


Title: Twilight Series (Twilight / New Moon / Eclipse / Breaking Dawn)
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Vampire & Werewolf
Origin: United States of
America


Synopsis:

Twilight is a series of four vampire-themed fantasy romance novels by American author Stephenie Meyer. It charts a period in the life of Isabella "Bella" Swan, a teenage girl who moves to Forks, Washington, and falls in love with a 104-year-old vampire named Edward Cullen. The series is told primarily from Bella's point of view, with the epilogue of Eclipse and Part II of Breaking Dawn being told from the viewpoint of character Jacob Black, a werewolf


As of October 2010, the series has sold over 116 million copies worldwide with translations into at least 38 different languages around the globe. The books have been made into Movies, The Twilight Saga series of motion pictures by Summit Entertainment. The film adaptations of the first three books were released in 2008, 2009, and 2010 respectively. The fourth book is adapted into two full-length films — the first film being released in November 2011, and the second film in November 2012.

Twilight: The Graphic Novel is a graphic novel by Young Kim, an adaptation of the first thirteen chapters of Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. Volume 2 was released on October 11, 2011. On October 2012 Volume 1 and Volume 2 were put into one book for a collectors edition that included extras in the back of the book about 5 of the characters (Carlisle Cullen, Edward Cullen, Bella Swan, Jacob Black, and Esme Cullen. On April 23rd 2013 volume one of the New Moon graphic novel (the second book in the Twilight Series) will come out. It is unknown when volume 2 will come out. On the back of the collectors edition of the Twilight Graphic Novel there is a picture of both volumes of New Moon and above those pictures it says Coming Soon. (Credit: Wikipedia)

Comment:

This is not something new but I truly like the Twilight Graphic Novel by Korean artist, Young Kim, who team up with Author, Stephenie Meyer. This artist’s illustration is awesome and can really capture the characters expression perfectly and I truly enjoyed reading through the eye-catching pictures in the first two volumes of Twilight graphic novel!




I actually enjoy reading both the novels and graphic novels more than watching the movies, not because the movies not nice, just kind of get more feel with reading and viewing the illustration. My favourite of all the four movies ironically is the very first one, Twilight; somehow it just leaves a deeper impression on me.









Chinese Drama ♦ Legend of Lu Zhen / 陆贞传奇 ~♥


Drama Title: Legend of Lu Zhen /
陆贞传奇
Previously known as Female Prime Minister / 女相
Genre: Period drama, Romance
Episodes: 59

Country: Mainland
Broadcast Year: 2013


Synopsis:


In order to escape her cruel stepmother, Lu Zhen (Zhao Li Ying) enters the palace to serve as attendant. Her extraordinary skills in making pottery and fabric win the praise of Emperor Gao Yan (Qiao Ren Liang), and he promotes her. At the same time, she also captures the heart of crown prince Gao Zhan (Chen Xiao). However, she can never be with him as different in social status and jealous enemies work against her. She devotes herself to politics and helps Gao Zhan in his work. Though Gao Zhan can not make her his empress, he bestows her with the highest position in the land, the female prime minister.

Comment:

I find the story of Legend of Lu Zheng very interesting and I like Zhao Li Ying ever since I saw her performance in Cuo Dian Yuan Yang. And gorgeous Chen Xiao, (*drooling sigh*) he is such a hottie! Period dramas always never fail to fascinate me with their striking Chinese costumes and not to mention their breath-taking scenery and architecture!






Gallery ~♥

Fei Wo Si Cun / 匪我思存 Novels ~♥



Introduction of Author:

Fei Wo Si Cun 匪我思存 is a writer in China. Her real name is Ai Jingjing. She was born in Wuhan, in Hubei Province. Her works are very popular due to her beautiful writing and some of her books are adapted into Chinese dramas such as 'Too Late to say I Love You', 'Girl in Blue' and 'Le Jun Kai', etc.


Comment:

I enjoyed Fei Wo Si Cun's writing style and some of her storyline though some ending of her novels are pretty bad; I tried to avoid sad endings as much as possible in case they are too depressing for me to handle. It is interesting as a few of her novels were adapted into drama series, the ones I watched so far were Too Late to say I Love You and Sealed with a Kiss.

Of the Fei Wo Si Cun’s novels I posted (I wrote some of the summaries after I read the novel, while some of them were translated from Chinese summary. As I am quite new to Chinese novels, hence please pardon if there is any translation error, etc.), only a few comes with sad ending.

But those familiar with Fei Wo Si Cun will know she is a well known ‘step mum’ who live up to her name as most of her novels usually ended quite tragically. As a happy ending lover, I tried to read her books with happy or open ending. Just to share. (Click on title for link)


 


Protagonists: Zhou Yan Zhao & Zhou Xiao Meng 

Theme: 铭记 Remember

Brief Summary: 

To the eyes of general public, Zhou Xiao Meng is the doting younger step sister of mafia leader, Zhou Yan Zhao. But never will they be aware of their secret and sexual relationship behind the walls of their mansion. Zhou Xiao Meng’s mother tried to kill Zhou Yan Zhao’s father a few years back, her mother is dead while her step father became paralyzed. Zhou Yan Zhao is filled with vengeance and can only vent his anger on Zhou Xiao Meng, the beautiful younger step sister whom he grew up with. The love he once showered her with was now replaced with his frustration. Will they ever let go of the past and start their life all over again? 

'What I actually want to do is to install a switch in my heart, able to turn on or off at any time. This way, I will love you if I want to, when I don't love you, I will really no longer love.'

Comment: As Long as You Love Me (Switch of Love) reminds me of Sealed with a Kiss, but I like the latter better as this storyline is darker. Fei Wo Si Cun did mentioned that she wrote this novel out of pressure/fun hence it is quite a short story. I feel that it is still a good story to read. If you are one who feel that the enjoyment readers get in the process of reading is more important then the ending, you may want to give this a chance.



If We were Strangers ~ 如果这一秒,我没遇见你

Protagonists: Mu Rong Qing Yi & Ren Su Su 


Theme: 原谅 Forgive

Brief Summary:


Ren Su Su is a stunning and talented ballerina who is contented with her simple life although she is not from a rich background. She chanced upon a noble affluent man, Mu Rong Qing Yi during an outing with her best friend and that is when Mu Rong Qing Yi decided he had to have her for his wife. Although they did get married after some difficulty, Ren Su Su is inferior with herself and do not have confidence to fulfil her duty as a wife to such a great man, with her quiet nature she tend to keep her feelings to herself most of the time. Much as Mu Rong Qing Yi loves her, the couple soon had misunderstanding due to lack of honest communication..will they ever clear up their misunderstanding?

Alternate Summary:

If it is unfortunate, why would she met a noble son whom will be the envy of every women; if it is fortunate, why would he be so cold towards her. If do not like it, why would he force marriage on her; if like it, why would he give her cold shoulder after getting married.....Noble son, Murong Qing Yi, rescued Ren Su Su on the horseback by chance at the racecourse. The love between the wealthy man and the woman from poor background, is it fate? or sin?

Comment: This story is about Too Late to Say I Love You male protagonist, Mu Rong Feng’s son, Mu Rong Qing Yi. Unlike his father, he could have a happy marriage with the woman he love but have to suffer the misunderstanding due to their difference in personality and miscommunication, hence can be quite frustrating to read.




Together Forever ~ 佳期如梦之今生今世

Protagonists: Ji Nan Fang & Ye Shou Shou 

Theme: 懂得 Understand

Brief Summary:


Ye Shou Shou is a simple and endearing girl who dream of leading a happy life together with her beloved first love. But her dreams were shattered when her boyfriend break off with her without valid reason. Ji Nan Fang is doting brother friend of Ye Shou Shou, who is a well known player. Just when Ye Shou Shou is at her most depress moment, Ji Nan Fang enters her life and offer her marriage after a drunken one night stand together. In a fit of anger, Ye Shou Shou agrees to marry him much to Ji Nan Fang’s delight. Just as Ji Nan Fang try ways and means to get Ye Shou Shou to accept him as her husband, Ye Shou Shou’s ex-boyfriend make a come back for her..who will Ye Shou Shou choose at the end of the day?


Comment: I am quite touched with Ji Nan Fang’s love for Ye Shou Shou while reading the novel. However, feel that the approach he uses can be better and also if only Ye Shou Shou is not as stubborn. For those reading paperback, this novel actually comes with a sequel and it has an open ending. Therefore do remember to check out the epilogue online.




Tears in Heaven ~ 佳期如梦之海上繁花

Protagonist: Lei Yu Zhen & Du Xiao Su

Theme: 等待 Waiting

Brief Summary:

Du Xiao Su is a wilful entertainment reporter who impersonates as a nurse and sneaked into a hospital ward to snap a high rising star’s photo after a car accident. She bumps into Shao Zhen Rong, a suave doctor on duty and that begins their bitter sweet love relationship. Du Xiao Su met Shao Zhen Rong’s family to discuss their marriage and realized to her horror, Shao Zhen Rong’s second brother Lei Yu Zhen is none other than the guy who had a one night stand with her years ago! Much to Du Xiao Su dismay, Lei Yu Zhen forbade her relationship with Shao Zhen Rong.

During an earthquake rescue mission, Shao Zhen Rong had a mishap and lost his life. As time goes by, Lei Yu Zhen finds it more difficult to resist his feelings for Du Xiao Su and realized he had fallen in love with her right from the beginning. Will Du Xiao Su ever forget Shao Zhen Rong and learn to accept Lei Yu Zhen?
 

Comment: I especially love the part when they visited the children at the seaside village. Do remember to check the epilogue online for readers reading paperback, it comes with a happy ending! Would like to thank fellow novel reader, Charlie for her recommendation on this title!




Because of Love (Loving You is the Best Time) ~ 爱你是最好的时光

Protagonist: Nie Yu Sheng & Tang Jing

Theme: 痊愈 Heal


Brief Summary:


There is a type of love, no matter how long it is separated, a miracle will occur once encounter again. Dong Yuan Group Chairman's only son, Nie Yu Sheng finally come back after studying overseas, he become a famous cardiac surgeon in the local hospital. Everyone is curious why would such a handsome rich guy choose a career in medicine. Perhaps only he himself will know what change him seven years ago. For the past seven years, Nie Yu Sheng imagined countless times on his quiet reunion with former girlfriend, never will he thought he will become the doctor of Tang Jing's son, Sun Ping, life once again allow two person who were very much in love before intersect. The many misunderstandings from seven years ago are not solved, and now there is a new worry.

Tang Jing's distress situation affected Nie Yu Sheng deeply, her helpless marriage hurt Nie Yu Sheng all the more. Always calm and self-discipline, Nie Yu Sheng became confused and puzzled when face with the one he loves.....sometimes life has its own plan, Nie Yu Sheng's father, Nie Dong Yuan was admitted to the local hospital due to an illness, where he met the son of Tang Jing, Sun Ping. The extraordinary love expressed by Nie Dong Yuan to Sun Ping reminded Nie Yu Sheng......for the past seven years, how much did Tang Jing hide from him? What are the secrets? Can two person who were very much in love overcome all obstacles?


Comment: I thought the storyline was rather typical at first, however as I read further, realised that there is more than meets the eye. A little dramatic, anyway, glad that its a happy ending. :)




Love Can Do Miracles ~ 景年知几时

Protagonists: Lu Yu Cheng & Ye Jin Zhi 


Theme: 珍惜 Cherish

Brief Summary:


Ye Jin Zhi is on the verge of divorce with her affluent and charismatic husband of three years, Lu Yu Cheng. To Ye Jin Zhi, Lu Yu Cheng is love at first sight but yet he only married her because of his promise to her elder sister on her death bed that he will take good care of Ye Jin Zhi on her behalf. Much as Ye Jin Zhi loved Lu Yu Cheng, she just cannot accept the fact that her husband did not love her and their marriage is only out of obligation. And yet, Lu Yu Cheng refuses to grant her a divorce no matter how much fuss she makes. Just when Ye Jin Zhi thought she can finally wriggle her way out of this meaningless marriage, she found out she is pregnant with Lu Yu Cheng’s baby..will Ye Jin Zhi ever understand how Lu Yu Cheng feel about her? 

Alternate Summary:

I always desire to be carefully and properly preserved. Free me from fear and bitterness. However, that person, I know, I always know, he would never come. Two person that comes together after difficulties; he was her sister's lover, how can Ye Jin Zhi endure her heart being disappointed by the poison tongue 'brother-in-law'? After the divorce (finally), she was being 'eye' by another gentle 'brother-in-law'. In order to protect the 'little soy bean' in her womb, Ye Jin Zhi have no choice but to start a long-term battle with the two invincible 'brother-in-law'. Confuse in love, misunderstanding and fate. Will Ye Jin Zhi who believe that love can create miracles have a happy ending with her Mr Right? May you also believe that love can work miracles.....

Comment: Love can do Miracles is also one the few Fei Wo Si Cun’s novels with happy ending, although the storyline is not really something to shout about and its not really her best novel, but it is definitely a simple and light hearted story suitable for all.





Love and be Loved ~ 桃花依旧笑春风

Protagonist: - 


Theme: 温暖 Affectionate

Brief Summary:

This novel consisted of a combination of several short romance stories both contemporary and period. Every chapter begins a brand new story, title, characters and their love stories.

Comment: I love reading this novel as there are always new surprises in every new chapter and story. Very refreshing!








Sealed with a Kiss ~ 千山暮雪

Protagonist: Mo Shao Qian & Tong Xue

Theme: 注定 Destine

Brief Summary: 

Tong Xue became Mo Shao Qian’s mistress unwillingly after being threatened by him. In actual fact, this is part of Mo Shao Qian’s plot for revenge in getting back to Tong Xue’s Father for betraying his own Father years ago. However, what he did not foresee is his own feelings for Tong Xue developed after spending time with her over the years. Will Mo Shao Qian ever forgive and forget the past generation’s vengeance and live happily with Tong Xue?

Alternate Summary:

I only realise after a long time, there is a man in this world fated to be, although he only belong to you in a short time, but if you want to forget him, it will require a lifetime. Tong Xue understand, she is being despised and cause public outrage; commonly known as 'Xiao San (Mistress)'. But, behind the curtain intertwined, the entanglements with three men is more complex than she expect.
Comment: This is the first Fei Wo Si Cun novel I read. The epilogue of this novel comes with a blissful ending and also a short story of the couple’s marriage life (My Sweet & Blissful Life with Beast).




Where have all the Flowers Gone ~ 当时明月在 

Protagonist: -

Theme: 时光 Time

Brief Summary:  

This novel consists of a few short stories, quite similar to “Love and be Loved”.

The difference is the stories in this novel are slightly longer and it has a mixture of both happy and sad endings.









Too Late to Say Loving You ~ 来不及说我爱你

Protagonist: Mu Rong Feng & Yin Jing Wan

Theme: 执着 Persistent


Brief Summary: 

Dashing Mu Rong Feng had a chance encounter with Yin Jing Wan and was surprised to see the beautiful girl again when she plead with him to save her fiancé, Xu Jian Zhang. Mu Rong Feng agreed to help Yin Jing Wan as she saved him before during their first meeting. Mu Rong Feng fell for Yin Jing Wan as time goes by and after Xu Jian Zhang is released, Mu Rong Feng vow to make Yin Jing Wan his even if she is already engage to marry her fiancé. How many times in a life time can one find their true love? Yin Jing Wan broke off her engagement with Xu Jian Zhang and fall out with her parents in order to be with Mu Rong Feng. However, Mu Rong Feng is force to make a decision between his country and his beloved woman; during a time of war and chaos, will their love become tragedy and will it be too late by the time you want to say the words 'I Love You'? 

Comment: I personally enjoyed reading Chinese novels set in the early 1900s, somehow I just liked the settings and the ways of life during that period of time. It is due to that reason that I decided to read “Color of Night” and “Too Late to Say Loving You”, the latter is also because of the adapted drama. The adapted drama, ‘Too Late to Say I Love You’ is great and I would recommend anyone who has not watched it to give it a chance, unlike the novel it is a happy ending people!





Color of Night ~ 迷雾围城

Protagonist: Yi Lian Kai & Qin Sang


Theme: 邂逅  Encounter


Brief Summary: 


The third son of a powerful and affluent family, Yi Lian Kai insisted on marrying Qin Sang the moment he set his eyes on her and tried ways and means to make her his wife. Much to Qin Sang’s displeased, even though she already had someone she likes (Li Wang Ping), she unwillingly agreed to the marriage without love. Yi Lian Kai is a well known player with dreadful temper and always seems to not take things seriously which lead to a bad impression for Qin Sang.

Hence Qin Sang remains nonchalant towards Yi Lian Kai and detested him no matter how much he love her which lead to some misunderstanding. Two years later, Li Wang Ping reappeared with a new identity as Pan Jian Chi and became the new assistant to Yi Lian Kai much to Qin Sang’s shock. During a time of war and chaos, Qin Sang goes through ups and downs with Yi Lian Kai and came to realize another side of him which she never know exists. Will Qin Sang ever comprehend who her true love is and will it be too late by the time she realize it?

Comment: “Color of Night” is a story before “Too Late to Say Loving You” so again I am curious. The plot is bitter sweet love and I cannot help feeling heart broken as I read towards the end, just have this feeling ‘what a shame!’ However, after reading the sequel for "Color of Night”, 似被前缘误, I realized our two male protagonists (Mu Rong Feng and Yi Lian Kai) destiny were fated to be. Well, what can I say...*sigh*

Both novels are well written and I enjoyed reading its exciting plot although I do not like the ending that much. As a happy ending lover I do hope that going forward, her future novels will have happier ending as cheerful endings never fail to brighten up our life!

A poem by Eileen Chang on the back of the novel 'Color of Night':

张爱玲 - 《半生缘》


我要你知道,在这个世界上总有一个人是等着你的,不管在什么时候,不管在什么地方,反正你知道,总有这么个人。——


Eileen Chang - Eighteen Springs


I want you to know, there is bound to be someone waiting for you in this world, no matter in what time, no matter in what place, you just know, there is this person. ——





Dance Me to the End of Love ~ 花颜

Protagonists: -

Theme: 岁月 Years

Brief Summary:


This novel consists of short stories both period and contemporary settings. It also included sequels from past Fei Wo Si Cun's novels such as Sealed with a Kiss, Eastern Palace and Tears in Heaven, etc.








Le Jun Kai ~ 乐俊凯

Protagonists: Le Jun Kai & Ye Zi

Brief Summary:

Le Jun Kai married his enemy's daughter, Ye Zi for the sake of revenge. He mistreated her and try ways and means to drive her out of his life. Le Jun Kai knew he is in love with Ye Zi and will never acknowledge this fact. He is afraid that Ye Zi will see through him the longer they stay together, hence decided to file for a divorce. Few years later, Le Jun Kai found out Ye Zi gave birth to their son without his knowledge and brought up the child on her own. Ye Zi love Le Jun Kai despite the torment he gave her and knew he detested her; if only Le Jun Kai can learn to forgive and forget.....

Comment: This is one of the short stories in Dance Me to the End of Love and it will be make into a short series starring Peter Ho and Janine Chang. A pity it is a sad ending.




Cinderella's Dream ~ 佳期如梦

Protagonist: Ruan Zheng Dong & You Jia Qi


Theme: 孤勇 Brave

Brief Summary:

A lot of times we give up, thinking it is just a relationship, only realized at the end of the day, that was a lifetime. It was originally a sentimental young love, turn into separation due to incompatible family background. Meng He Ping struggle to maintain the relationship with You Jia Qi, but she decided to leave for good. With family falling apart, Jia Qi hope to keep the last remaining pride and dignity as she gave up her feelings much to her unwillingness.
The sudden emerge of Ruan Zheng Dong is like a mystery, overbearing, arrogant and aloof, a total opposite of Meng He Ping's good nature temperament. Is he here for vengeance or pure flirting? In the hustle and bustle city, three person met. Be it powerful business elite or affluent man, when place before 'love', everyone are just normal individuals. No matter how capable one
is, when move by love, one will be just as crazy and unrestrained.


Comment: Cinderella's Dream is a very touching love story; I remember getting emotional and cried like a baby at the end of the drama, 'The Girl in Blue'. I like the performance of both Roy Chiu and Joe Chen; this story tells us how fragile life is.....cherish your loved ones.




Chronicle of Life ~ 寂寞空庭春欲晚

Protagonist: Kangxi and Wei Ling Lang

Theme: 别离 Leave


Brief Summary:


Eighth year of Kangxi, Oboi captured, the beginning of massive remnants wipe. Loyal servant, Ah Bu's ten years old young daughter, Liang Er, escape death and witnessed her whole family being slaughtered. While fled, Liang Er met young Kangxi and they experience life and death situations together without knowing each other's identity. They left a deep impression on each other and make a promise to meet again in future. There after, Liang Er met her cousin, Nalan Rongruo but accidentally lost her memory. In order to protect Liang Er, Nalan Rongruo changed her name to Wei Ling Lang and takes care of her. Time flies, both Nalan Rongruo and Wei Ling Lang grow up together with deep affection for one another. However, his father was afraid that Wei Ling Lang's true identity will lead to danger and secretly send her into palace as a servant. Wei Ling Lang thought she will spend her whole life all alone in the palace, until Kangxi's appearance disrupt her peaceful life. Her reunion with Nalan Rongruo also sparks hope in her.

Kangxi recognized Wei Ling Lang as the girl he love years ago, try all ways to get her remember their past memories together as well as their agreement to meet. Meanwhile, Nalan Rongruo secretly plans to take Wei Ling Lang far away. One is the overbearing emperor, the other is her childhood sweetheart, leaving Wei Ling Lang in dilemma. Just as Kangxi's love for Wei Ling Lang deepen, he found out that she is the sweetheart of his good brother, Nalan Rongruo, and reluctantly decided to give them his blessings. However, in a twist of fate, Wei Ling Lang fell in love with Kangxi and begin to enjoy the sweetness of love, at the same time, she regain her memory. One side is blood feud, the other is infatuated lover, Wei Ling Lang cannot make her choice. Her long lost real brother, Chang Qing who has been living in the palace appeared and force her to revenge for their family. Love or affection, hatred or forgiveness, Kangxi and Wei Ling Lang entangled a section of sorrowful endearing love.


Comment: I did not read this book as it has a bad ending. Apparently, the adapted drama is also not a happy ending. I make a mistake by watching the first few episodes of the drama. Out of curiosity, I kind of skimmed through the rest of the show. Total crap. It was draggy and meaningless sad ending! I should have know, hahaa...curiosity kills the cat!



Never Leave Me Alone ~ 寻找爱情的邹小姐 


Protagonist: Su Yue Sheng and Zou Qi Qiao


Theme: 寻觅 Search


Brief Summary:


Ten years ago, they experienced the most heart-breaking love and most deep-seated hatred. She had loved him so much and he, so obsessed with her. She thought their love is unbreakable. However, when fate relentlessly breaks in, the blossom flowers faded and he left without a word. She only realize, at that moment, everything is nothing but a long deliberate conspiracy. She fell from heaven to hell. Love or hate, she said; If she truly forget, she would not want to remember.

Ten years later, all is just past smoke dissipated, she truly no longer remember. She thought she has a new love by her side, and passing clouds around him. They are just strangers far away from one another. However, when past memories flow back and the truth slowly reveals from the shutter. Fate grind off the dust and wind blow haze. Will they be able to seek back their long lost love from a decade ago?


Comment: Please click here for author's afterword and comment.