Cheng Huan Ji (2024)

Please, please don't judge this one by the rating...

The trolls and haters are at it again- they've successfully degraded this show to a 7.8 rating for honestly pretty minuscule reasons. Yet, sitting yourself down and understanding why the characters are the way they are- watching this show for what it was intended to be by the screenwriters- will leave you pretty impressed. Here's a brief rundown of all the things that seem controversial about the show:

1. THE MOM. Got to start with the FL's mom, and honestly, I think some of the viewers misunderstand her role here. If not for her misguided antics, MCH would never have found the incentive to seek her own path and independence. The obstacles that the mom places in front of MCH ultimately help her grow and become her own person, the ENTIRE POINT of this drama. Secondly, the mom sadly does reflect some realities; MCH's family lives in stifling poverty. Mothers in those states will do whatever it takes to 'do the best for their child', often ignoring basic rationality (see Mrs. Bennett from Pride and Prejudice). I Yet, throughout the drama, she's anticipated to grow, and the funeral of the grandmother does foreshadow the learning curve the mom could achieve throughout the show. Also, the actress plays her SO SO well; you feel the annoyance, the anger, and the irrationality, but also the love she clearly has for her family and children.

If you can't get past the mom, that's fine. But for future viewers hesitant because of the skewed rating, I don't think it's too bad at all. Certainly, the mom is much better than Professor Umbridge in Harry Potter and similar to Song Qian in 'A Little Reunion' (also so good; definitely recommend it).

2. XU KAI'S LACK OF SCREEN-TIME. I like Xu Kai like everyone else here, but I truly think his character has appeared where it is needed and not too many other places. Sure, you could argue that YZM needs more appearances, but I think his character development has been fine as well as the fact that other characters such as the grandma and MCH do keep me entertained.
For those watching only for Xu Kai, I understand some disappointment- you don't see too much of him until post episode 16 or so.

3. THE LACK OF ROMANCE. This drama was not intended to be a full-on romance rather than a realistic family story, and I think it accomplishes its goals. Its characters are realistic and portrayed beautifully by the actors and actresses (especially the grandma, mom and MCH- this is Yang Zi's magnum opus). Objectively speaking, I think this drama has been better than the vast majority of romances I've watched in many aspects from realism to character development. It is a truly slow-burn though, so for romance-chasers, this MAY NOT be for you, and that's totally okay.

BUT, why would I write such a long review and urge everyone to watch it regardless?

1. THE CHARACTERS. They are written so, so well, especially MCH (FL character). Unlike other dramas obsessed with adding lines like, "She's so smart and pretty," into the script, this drama SHOWS and doesn't TELL. Mai Chenghuan is the only truly strong female lead I have seen throughout all the shows I have watched that is realistic and mature in her actions. She will get over herself and help others, she stands up for herself, and has her flaws (which she acknowledges and grows from). Truly, she is my FAVORITE female protagonist in any drama I've seen so far. Her character dips more than a toe into the water; the script does a wonderful job. Also, YZM, the ML, isn't just a cold, rich boss. He has a backstory and a development arc- kind of rare in C-dramas.

2. THE ACTING. So, so good. There's literally no need to mention it when you've seen it, but Yang Zi's attempts to hold back tears at the funeral (so realistic) and her flustered-ness arguing with Xu Kai really resemble MCH and build together a cohesive character. Other support characters are wonderful too; I'm not even a super-fan of any of these cast members but this drama has made me look for their other projects.

3. THE LESSONS. This is not just a story. It's a huge master-class on how to live life, especially from Grandma (cool character actually). Beyond the humorous and sad moments and everything in between, the lessons learned by each of the characters do translate to real life and make logical sense to me (doesn't happen a lot in dramas).

Overall, I thought I'd leave this review here. Otherwise, too many people would miss out over 'the mom', 'no Xu Kai,' etc; they would miss out on what's a genuine story- sadly far too rare these days.

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The Best Choice Ever Would Be For Chenghuan to Choose Herself

The story was good to start. A new boss Yao, the ML, comes to town from abroad to run the Botecelli hotel chain, but this boss is not just coming in to run the business he has he own agenda that may or may not be nefarious. While Chenghuan, the FL, is a sales and marketing superstar who is looking to grow her career but may be a hindrance to the MLs plans unbeknownst to her. There was entertainment value here, but then the story lost its way when it no longer centered around the business happenings at the hotel to focus on the soap operaic drama surrounding the Xin family and Chenghuan’s interactions with them. SMH. It was over the top, contrived drama. And don’t even get me started on the FL’s mom and the SML’s sister, who were insufferable busybodies.

I will say I loved the chemistry between Chenghuan, and Jia Liang, the SML. He could be cute with his actions towards her and they really popped together. It is too bad that he was immature, irresponsible, and failed to take control of their relationship when his family continuously butted in causing chaos. He was essentially a wealthy bum. Truly a shame.

Though the series tried to sell a budding romance between the leads, it was difficult to suspend disbelief and believe their relationship could actually go there. I know it was just business, but after he used her as a pawn for his own business coupe, which nearly destroyed her reputation and did derail her career, it wasn’t believable that the FL would interact with him in any way beyond an as needed basis. Moreover, she and the ML didn’t have any chemistry. They had the scenes and dialogue to create what may be a budding romance but there was no spark between them.

I didn’t finish this series because honestly I got incredibly bored with it. However, seeing as Jia Liang was a man child who’d never grow up, Yao being a scheming user who was a vulture coming to swirl around his elderly grandmother in a plan to acquire her business, and the Mai parents being a mix of passive uselessness to their children, to aggressively controlling them to the point of being intolerable, I came to hope that in the end Chenhuang will pull a Kelly Taylor and choose herself.

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So Relatable When It Comes to Having Immigrant Parents

I CRIED...just because this entire drama was so real, raw, and relatable.

I have never watched a drama that hits home and touched the soul. Themes included family, struggles of being the oldest child, expectations, the work environment, regrets, forgiveness, and much more. Just everything about this drama definitely touched the heart strings, as there were many scenes that made me cry.

I definitely learned a lot through this drama - the realization of my parents' expectations vs reality for me, what they believe is the best for me, etc. There was a scene where I felt not a lot of dramas have: a conversation between the lead daughter and mother where they became vulnerable towards each other and decided to listen and understand each other.

With different generations, it's always difficult to understand where people come from and why our parents act the way they act. This drama provides a reminder to spend time with your family as much as you can before it's too late, to forgive, and to listen to each other.

Overall, the entire drama was amazing and definitely something I feel has hit home so much!

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Extremely refreshing story about the realities of family dynamics.

Caution: it is slow paced and don't go in expecting romance to be the centre

The writing is beautiful, it's slow but makes sure that you get to know the characters. While each character has traits that are highlighted, they are not one dimensional. As the audience you get to see how their strength can also become their weakness. How human these characters are.

The male lead is so deeply flawed because of how he grew up. I didn't think he would redeem himself in my eyes. But by the end I obviously loved everything I hated about him like how scheming and fierce he is. And I absolutely loved the strong female leads, I think it was just that much easier for me to get attached to Chenghuan. She is determined and holds up to her values, foolishly. Reminds me of Itaewon Class.

I geniunely felt for the characters, the actors did an amazing job. Especially Yang Zi, as the female lead! Her portrayal was so well done in this drama, got me crying by episode 9! There were too many moments where I felt like I was right there with the characters.

I feel like we got to through the rollercoaster of emotions with the FL when it came to her mum. I could see myself in her. Being nagged by mom, having boundaries crossed and yet loving her more than anything in this world.

This one so beautiful portrayed how complicated family can be. I geniunely recommend it!

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Food for thought, Dear spiky mommy, darling daughter who doesn't lose her aims in life

As most audience noticing in headlines Yang Zi and Xu Kai, I had got sold on an office romance when indeed it is a family drama about, at center, the conflicted relationship between a mom and daughter. But there's more than just that, it's a dark cuisine take on sustenance and food for thought

That mom was to start with extremely grating on the nerves : a character one loves to hate ? As episodes went by, it looked like it, but of course, lack of reason and shrewish behavior had to run their course until spent.

From the moment the mom realized how important it was for all to be more appeased, she became what everyone hopes for, a caring and doting person, who wraps the worst heartaches in warmth and nourishment. Could she get the same when she needed it? It was not easy: she did not wish to have roles reversed. What she was faced with is ultimately what many women fear, not divorce, not sudden death...

Redemption does not always bring sweet rewards as we also saw. Although it was rather expected, it was very well performed and logical.

It was a roller coaster of an emotional journey. "Liu Wan Yu", the alley queen mom, will certainly be a memorable role for He Saifei, who showed so many sides of what moms can be. She indeed should have been billed among the main roles.

Yang Zi and Xu Kai were, as expected, good leads, in an almost too reasonable adult relationship (so those who crave hot fire will be disappointed, but those who like it more down to earth will feel the warmth of realistic human touch). Their Huan Huan and Ming Ming were sometimes very funny, scaling walls and catching all sorts of fish although the returnee initially preferred raw sashimi (and raw treatment of peccadilloes) and the "alley princess" looked less for pearls and fairy tale frogs, more to the fabled crucian carp white soup with tofu. One image of simply, lovingly held in hand, half peeled soft skinned immaculate hard boiled egg struck me. Breakfasts should never be skipped...

Most of the other actors and actresses are good in their supporting roles. The father, who can shout but prefers to play the role of peace maker. The son, who looks to find his own way with the best friend, helping her and himself ultimately. The ironic but faithful male secretary. The insufferable in law hicks with their fat bully offspring. The scheming colleagues and bosses, those who care more for money than for honesty. The queen bee grandmother who provided the fairy honeyed glue to bind the leads. The repentant father who strayed like a cat craving for a family. They formed a rich dark cuisine of varied tastes, some disgusting, some wholesome, and some surprising in their changeability.

The music score and songs was very appropriate, especially the episode end song sung by the two stars, Yang Zi and He Saifei: "It’s mother, it’s daughter" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcljQOCYmg4 with translation and pinyin). This is a simple, but gripping song that resonates for all who are or have been mothers... It also embodies well the struggles of the generational gap the characters faced.

The last handful episodes were very good and healing --ok, I know : as expected, but so well performed, with beautiful cinematography, and a snippet of performance of a favorite Huangmei opera (The Female Consort), that Zhou Shen a few years back included in one of his endearing songs titled Huangmei Opera, where he weaves in his song the nostalgy of attending those performances and a short snippet, that is easy to recognize for those who reach episode 37 of BCE, warts and all. Here is the link to the Zhou Shen song : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6z325SnsDIU

By the way, the dishes featured in BCE are not bad either, I was relishing the gamut from raw fish sashimi to crucian carp white soup with tofu, and of course that mandarin fish dish which gave me a literal craving to up and storm the stores to get ingredients and start cooking!! These were some of my best take away from the roller coaster of emotions that audience were subjected to, in the mother-daughter relentless sparring. Now why do I come back to that... Just finished it, so digesting.

Don't look down on that drama because of its tepid Douban opening rating; it is worth much more, in the end.

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Worst parent Ever

As international fan... I can't handle all parents in this drama. I'm not sure is this cultural thing in China, I gonna cut contact if I have parents like this. It family drama, it show all bad things happen, at the end we still in family.

Let start FL parent , I'm going crazy if that my mom, She keep making her children's miserable to follow the way she want. Keep interference with FL partner, also with work, seriously after regret than do it again SAME THING!,,, It just pure abused. Obsess with relative family even they wrong...

Then Xin Jia Liang's family, just selfish parent... with affair and status. ML 's father just abandon his family, Zhang Zi Yu's mom power hungry! The only role model parent the grandma!

The story focus for family, not love story, if this really portray real life in Chinese's family, all the respect for the children who have such tolerance.

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Boring and Zero Chemistry

Based on the storyline, this had potential to be a good series. It's main downfall is that it's extremely boring and slow, and the main couple had zero chemistry.

Pros:
- Good storyline
- Acting was not terrible

Cons:
- Lead couple had zero chemistry. I did not care whether they ended up together or not. None of their interactions invoked any emotions from me. Their relationship came across more like siblings, with the FL being the older sister
- Male lead - this is the 2nd series I saw this actor in (from She and Her Perfect Husband). I just don't understand why he keeps getting lead roles. His acting is very mediocre.
- Female lead - this is the 2nd series I saw this actress (Ashes of Love). Her acting is not bad, but her portrayal of this character was very bland. And the character's perfect Pollyanna image was a bit tiring.
- I did not feel anything or sympathize with any of the characters, except for the FL's father. He came across very genuine and likable
- The FL's mom seemed to be the star of the show, but my god was she unbearable to watch. Her well-meaning intentions just became an excuse for her over-bearing disastrous actions in EVERY episode.
- It was very slow and boring. I skipped through a lot of it. Each episode I kept telling myself to drop it, but I rarely drop series...I want to see if it redeems itself or not, and to find out what happened in the end.

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Strong start, faulty end

This drama started really strong, and by episode 16 I even gave it a 10, but then it slowly started falling. I love the cast, and was strongly motivated to watch because of Xu Kai, but it was frustrating to watch him be a minor character in his own drama.

This is primarily a family drama about a young woman trying to establish boundaries with her parents, particularly her mother.

It was a good show with a good message, but I think overall it could have been better executed. I didn't like that the secondary characters had more screen time than the primary couple. I wasn't a big fan of some of the decisions people made. I didn't like that every time a boundary was made, it had the person who the boundary was against just toeing the line so completely. There were characters who were just added in towards the end that I thought were unnecessary.

Overall, I just wish there was more time for the ML and FL to be together. Their relationship was cute and they had good chemistry, but they hopped skipped and jumped without much time for us to see them together compared to all the time they spent agonizing over their family. If the show was supposed to be about a woman becoming independent, let her have an independent love! Even if the ML was supposed to be integrated into the family, they could have explored the relationship between the leads more.

Otherwise, good show :D

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People change and it takes time

Before i start yapping on how everyone should see this drama, I like to point some things out:
1. This is a romance drama and also a family drama. Both have equal weightage and you can't expect the latter to be subtle.
2. Every character grows and it takes time. Its like slow-burn but for character development.
3. Heavily depicts forgiveness, death, and other sensitive topics and teaches how to grow through it.

The reason why I think everyone must watch this drama is because this drama is about growth. It depicts the life revolving around Mai Cheng Huan and Yao Zhi Ming, until their life blends together. The syponsis correctly depicts what is to expect from this drama. In an Asian household, there is bare minimum talk about emotion and morals so growth of any sort in that field was negligible, so to see a family strengthen in that way was quite nice.
Everyone in this drama had a growth, not only the FL but her mom and the ML and his dad. The development takes time so it was understandable to why everyone hated the characters, especially the mom. But honestly, the mom was acting on point to an Asian mom who was meddlesome. Nobody hates the ML for the things he said. Even tho he was stereotypically written just like the mother.
There are characters you can't hate, like the Grandma and the dad. (The ML also, even tho he was rude, he was most certainly right and acted like he had feelings and certainly didn't wait for "someone" to change him)

The overall story was meh~ but it was refreshing to see a strong FL. I absolutely loved the FL. Home girl didn't need a grow-up.
The actors rocked their rocks. I mean yall hated some, got that good acting credit.

In the end, hold on cause ML and FL are cute and their chemistry is also cute.

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Skip if you’re not family oriented

If you’re looking for a romance drama, you’re at the wrong place . This series was purely family oriented with a splash of work drama . The main character in this drama was the fl’s mom . She got an insane amount of screentime and attention. The leads didn’t start dating till like episode 26 and it was mainly just them taking turns comforting each other .

I don’t hate the drama and neither do I like it . It’s not a drama I’d rewatch as it’s not really my type of drama but the leads had good chemistry.

But just don’t watch this drama expecting romance. It’s simply toxic family drama and relationship. The second lead couple was quite boring .

No hate to any of the actors and I appreciate their time and effort 🤍

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