Help spread the c-drama love by turning this into a group effort. If you would like to contribute your thoughts on a certain drama, contact us with a short writeup and we can include it directly in the post below.
Colourful Bone
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Title: Colourful Bone / Yan Gu / 艳骨
Episodes and Genre: 53, Historical Fiction
Broadcast Period: December 27, 2017 Youku
Starring:
Wang He Run as Jing Shu
Tong Meng Shi as Lue Ying (Death Warrior)
Synopsis:
The Prime Minister of Tianchu is revered and feared for his power over Tianchu as he has control over the nation until the Crown Prince becomes King. His only weakness is his goddaughter Jing Shu whom he sends into hiding. In order to save the life of a mysterious death warrior, she agrees to use the art of painting skin to change one person’s identity and their lives have become intertwined ever since.
Comments:
It’s a little known web drama with a very interesting premise. The main guy has superhuman skills and happens to be a specially-trained death warrior. The leading lady can paint skin. Based on that alone, I suggest giving this a try.
Nirvana in Fire 2: The Wind Blows in Changlin
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Title: Nirvana in Fire 2 / Lang Ya Bang 2 / 琅琊榜2风起长林下部
Episodes and Genre: 50, Historical
Broadcast Period: December 18, 2017 Dragon TV, Zhejiang TV
Starring:
Huang Xiaoming as Xiao Ping Zhang
Liu Haoran as Xiao Ping Jing
Tong Liya as Meng Qian Xue
Zhang Hui Wen as Lin Xi
Synopsis:
The story follows Xiao Ping Jing, a student of Langya Hall who investigates the death of his brother. The plot is framed after the original in some ways given that it also talks about a family of great warriors that fall due to a conspiracy.
Comments:
Ratings have been less than ideal but general feedback seems to be nothing but positive from Huang Xiaoming who is surprisingly getting praise rather than flak for once to rising star Liu Hao Ran who is excelling as the young hero.
A Love So Beautiful
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Title: A Love So Beautiful / Zhi Wo Men Dan Chun De Xiao Mei Hao / 致我们单纯的小美好
Episodes and Genre: 24, Romance
Broadcast Period: November 9, 2017
Starring:
Shen Yue as Chen Xiao Xi
Hu Yi Tian as Jiang Chen
Synopsis:
A story about youth, the friendships formed and the flutters of a having a crush as it revolves around a romance between an student and her tall, intelligent and handsome classmate.
Comments:
Most people tell me that this is a cute drama. Even if it’s not your cup of tea, it’s probably still cute. The show made rising stars out of Hu Yi Tian and Shen Yue and put their name on the map.
Tribes and Empires: Storm of Prophecy
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Title: Tribes and Empires Storm of Prophecy / Jiu Zhou Hai Shang Mu Yun Ji / 九州海上牧云记
Episodes and Genre: 75, Fantasy
Broadcast Period: November 21, 2017 iQiYi, Youku, Tencent
Starring:
Huang Xuan as Muyun Sheng
Shawn Dou as Muru Hanjiang
Zhou Yiwei as Shuofeng Heye
Synopsis:
A fantasy adventure story set in the world of Novoland that follows three major characters – a prince who is half-human and half-demon, the son of a general who has been abandoned by his own family and a future leader of a Northern tribe.
Comments:
Spectacular beginning that will leave you awestruck though it doesn’t last till the end.
The Advisors Alliance Season 1 and 2
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Title: The Advisor’s Alliance / Jun Shi Lian Meng / 军师联盟
Episodes and Genre: Season 1 – 48, Season 2 – 43 Historical, Political
Broadcast Period: Season 1 – June 22, 2017 Zhejiang TV, Season 2 – December 7, 2017 Youku
Starring:
Wu Xiu Bo as Sima Yi
Synopsis:
A historical depiction of the political turmoils from the point of view of the historical figure Si Ma Yi who lived during the Three Kingdoms Era.
Comments:
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Nothing Gold Can Stay
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Title: Nothing Gold Can Stay / Na Nian Hua Kai Yue Zheng Yuan / 那年花开月正圆
Episodes and Genre: 74, Republican Era, Business, Romance, Drama
Broadcast Period: August 30, 2017 Dragon TV, Jiangsu TV
Starring:
Sun Li as Zhou Ying
Chen Xiao as Shen Xing Yi
Peter Ho as Wu Pin
Ren Zhong as Zhao Bai Shi
Myolie Wu as Hu Yong Mei
Synopsis:
A story about a woman who rises in the business world to become the richest woman in Shanxi. Zhou Ying is sold by her father to the Shen family as a servant where she meets a spoiled-rotten young master who has a lot of manning up to do. She also meets Wu Pin, a kind man who helps her without asking for anything in return.
Comments:
Ratings breaking past 3.0% don’t lie, it must be that good.
The King’s Woman
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Title: The King’s Woman / Legend of Qin 2 / Li Ji Zhuan / 秦时丽人明月心
Episodes and Genre: 48, Historical Romance, Wuxia
Broadcast Period: August 14, 2017 Zhejiang TV
Starring:
Dilraba Dilmurat as Gongsun Li
Vin Zhang as Ying Zheng (Qin Emperor)
Liu Chang as Jing Ke
Li Tai as Han Shen
Synopsis:
Gongsun Li grew up with her martial arts seniors Jing Ke and Han Shen under the tutelage of her grandfather Gongsun Yu who is a general of the Wei Kingdom. The limitless ambition of the Qin Kingdom destroys the life that they know, yet fate brings her into the inner palace to become the woman of Ying Zheng.
Comments:
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Monster Killer Season 2
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Title: Monster Killer 2 / Wu Xin Fa Shi 2 / 醉玲珑
Episodes and Genre: 20, Fantasy, Action, Romance
Broadcast Period: August 14, 2017 QQ, Sohu
Starring:
Elvis Han as Wu Xin
Sabrina Chen Yao as Ding Xiao Mao / Ye Qiluo
Li Lan Di as Su Tao
Alan Wang Yanlin as Gu Ji
Mike D’Angelo as Bai Liu Li
Synopsis:
The sequel to the fantasy adventure about a man who never can never die begins again as Wu Xin wakes from a long slumber to resume his mantel as the monster killer. He meets new friends along the way, yet they remind him of a past that he can no longer remember.
Comments:
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Lost Love in Times
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Title: Lost Love in Times / Drunken Exquisiteness / Zui Ling Long / 醉玲珑
Episodes and Genre: 56, Fantasy Romance, Palace Politics
Broadcast Period: July 13, 2017 Dragon TV
Starring:
William Chan as Yuan Ling
Cecilia Liu as Feng Qing Chen
Joe Xu Hai Qiao as Yuan Zhan
Synopsis:
Feng Qin Chen is a sorceress of Li Jing Tian who becomes the sole survivor of a tragedy that destroyed everything that she knew. Determined to find out the truth, she enters the palace and becomes embroiled in a complicated political battle amongst the princes of the kingdom.
Comments:
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The First Half of My Life
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Title: The First Half of My Life / Wo De Qian Ban Sheng / 我的前半生
Episodes and Genre: 42, Romance
Broadcast Period: July 4, 2017 Dragon TV and Beijing TV
Starring:
Jin Dong as He Han
Ma Yili as Luo Zijun
Synopsis:
Luo Zijun is a housewife-turned-divorcee who is forced to restart her life. Her bestfriend who is an accomplished career woman encourages her boyfriend He Han to help Zijun while he was on leave. Through the help of friends and family, Zijun slowly makes progress, yet she and He Han end up falling for each other.
Comments:
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Rush to the Dead Summer
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Title: Rush to the Dead Summer / Xia Zhi Wei Zhi / 夏至未至
Episodes and Genre: 46, School Romance
Broadcast Period: June 11, 2017 Hunan TV
Starring:
Cheney Chen as Fu Xiao Si
Zheng Shuang as Li Xia
Synopsis:
Fu Xiao Si, Li Xia and a group of young students quickly forged a friendship during their school days, yet as the years passed and they mature into their own, each began leading separate lives. When their paths cross again, the memories of the past come rushing back.
Comments:
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A Life Time Love
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Title: A Life Time Love / Long Zhu Chuan Qi / Once Promised / 上古情歌
Episodes and Genre: 54, Fantasy Romance
Broadcast Period: June 12, 2017 Dragon TV and Tencent QQ
Starring:
Huang Xiao Ming as Chi Yun
Victoria Song Qian as Mu Qing Mo
Sheng Yi Lun as Ling Yun Cheng Lun
Synopsis:
Chi Yun is a warrior who grows up in the wilderness. He falls for Mu Qing Mo, a proper maiden from a prominent family, yet their romance is full of trials and tribulations. Lin Yun Cheng Lun is the fiancee of Mu Qing Mo who once promised to let her go for the sake of her happiness but he reneges on that promise because he falls for her too.
Comments:
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Princess Agents
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Title: Princess Agents / Chu Qiao Zhuan / 楚乔传
Episodes and Genre: 68, Historical
Broadcast Period: June 5, 2017 Hunan TV
Starring:
Zhao Li Ying as Chu Qiao
Lin Gengxin as Yuwen Yue
Shawn Dou as Yan Xun
Li Qin as Zhao Chun Er
Alan Wang Yan Lin as Yuwen Huai
Synopsis:
During the Western Wei, Chu Qiao is a slave girl forced to become human prey for a group of nobles hunting for sport. Yan Xun saves her and takes a particular interest towards her as she is sent to the Yuwen Household to serve her new masters. She experiences all the cruelties that the world has to offer and swears to avenge the death of her loved ones. She forges a friendship with Yan Xun who later trudges down a treacherous path because of the demise of his family. She trains under Yuwen Yue who goes from a heartless man that only sees her as a weapon to someone who truly cares for her well-being.
Comments:
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Legend of Dragon Pearl
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Title: Legend of Dragon Pearl / Long Zhu Chuan Qi / 龙珠传奇
Episodes and Genre: 62, Historical, Palace Romance
Broadcast Period: May 8, 2017 Beijing TV and Anhui TV
Starring:
Andy Yang Zi as Li Yi Huan / Zhu Yi Huan
Qin Jun Jie as Kang Xi
Mao Zi Jun as Zhu Ci Xuan
Shu Chang as Xue Qing Cheng
Synopsis:
Zhu Yi Huan is the last princess of the Ming Dynasty. She captures the heart of Emperor Kangxi while he is on a trip outside the palace, yet their identities as the descendants of two warring dynasties threaten to tear them apart.
Comments:
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Ode to Joy 2
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Title: Ode to Joy Season 2 / Huan Le Song 2 / 欢乐颂 2
Episodes and Genre: 52, Romance
Broadcast Period: May 11, 2017 Beijing TV and Zhejiang TV
Starring:
Liu Tao as An Di
Jiang Xin as Fan Sheng Mei
Olivia Wang as Qu Xiao Xiao
Andy Yang Zi as Qiu Ying Ying
Qiao Xin as Guan Ju Er
Wang Kai as Zhao Qi Ping
Yang Shuo as Bao Yi Fan
Zhang Lu as Wang Bo Chuan
Deng Lun as Xie Bin
Synopsis:
A slice of life drama about four women living in the 22nd floor of Ode to Joy apartment. The story explores their past, current and new relationships.
Comments:
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Operation Love
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Title: Operation Love / Qiu Hun Da Zuo Zhan / 求婚大作战
Episodes and Genre: 32, Romance, Time Travel
Broadcast Period: April 24, 2017 Dragon TV
Starring:
Zhang YiXing Lay as Yan Xiao Lai
Chen Du Ling as Ji Tian Tian
Synopsis:
On the wedding day of his childhood bestfriend, Yan Xiao Lai realizes just how much he wishes to be the groom instead. An angel appears out of nowhere and gives him a chance to travel back in time to win the heart of the woman he loves.
Comments:
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Above the Clouds
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Title: Above the Clouds / Yun Dian Zhi Shang / 云巅之上
Episodes and Genre: 49, Romance Drama
Broadcast Period: Feb. 23, 2017 iQiYi
Starring:
Chen Xiao as Tang Fei
Yuan Shan Shan as Jian Xi
Synopsis:
Jian Xi is a small-town girl who travels to the city in search of her birth mother. She aspires to become an actress and meets top star Tang Fei who is self-absorbed and jaded by fame. The two eventually fall in love but the world of show business is a difficult place to be, full of intrigues and backstabbing.
Comments:
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Fighter of the Destiny
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Title: Fighter of the Destiny / Ze Tian Ji / 择天记
Episodes and Genre: 55, Fantasy Adventure
Broadcast Period: Apr. 17, 2017 Hunan TV
Starring:
Luhan as Chen Changsheng
Gulnezer Bextiyar as Xu You Rong
Janice Wu as Luo Luo
Synopsis:
Chen Changsheng is the prince and heir to a magical bloodline but he was abandoned as an infant after his mother harnessed his powers to defeat a greater evil. Years later, he is a young man living in seclusion with his master and his martial arts senior. His lineage has gifted him with the ability to save others with a drop of blood, yet it is also his downfall and the reason why he cannot live past the age of 20.
In order to change his fate, he leaves home determined to top the state exams and gain entry to a place that may have the cure for his condition. He brings along a marriage contract and begins his journey into the world.
Comments:
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Surgeons
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Title: Surgeons / Wai Ke Feng Yun / 外科风云
Episodes and Genre: 45, Medical Drama
Broadcast Period: April 17, 2017 Beijing TV and Zhejiang TV
Starring:
Jin Dong as Zhuang Shu
Bai Bai He as Lu Chen Xi
Li Jia Hang as Chen Shao Cong
Liu Yi Jun as Yang Fan
Lan Ying Ying as Yang Yu
Synopsis:
Zhuang Shu is skilled surgeon finds employment in a hospital motivated by the events 29 years ago that resulted in the death of his mother. He meets Lu Chen Xi and their relationship grows into one of mutual respect and love.
Comments:
Click for more stills. Available with eng subs on viki.
In the Name of People
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Title: In the Name of People / Ren Min De Ming Yi / 人民的名义
Episodes and Genre: 55, Political
Broadcast Period: March 28, 2017 Hunan TV
Starring:
Lu Yi as Hou Liang Ping
Zhang Feng Yi as Sha Rui Jin
Wu Gang as Li Da Kang
Xu Ya Jun as Qi Tong Wei
Zhang Zhi Jian as Gao Yu Liang
Ke Lan as Lu Yi Ke
Synopsis:
A whistle blower reports that a government official has been accepting bribes in the amount of tens of thousands. When anti-corruption bureau head Hou Liang Ping starts his investigation, he is greeted by a seemingly harmless man leading a life no different from an ‘old farmer’, yet the moment he unmasks the truth is also the moment he realizes that he has barely touched the tip of the iceberg.
Comments:
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Because of Meeting You
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Title: Because of Meeting You / Yin Wei Yu Jian Ni / 因为遇见你
Episodes and Genre: 56, Romance Drama
Broadcast Period: Mar. 2, 2017 Hunan TV
Starring:
Sun Yi as Zhang Guo Guo
Deng Lun as Li Yun Kai
Wu You as Zhang Yu Xin
Dai Chao as Li Yun Zhe
Synopsis:
Zhang Guo Guo is the granddaughter of a well-to-do family famous for their talent for embroidery. As fate would have it, she is separated from her parents as a young child and ends up being adopted by a wonton shop owner who has a daughter of her own. She grows into a bright cheerful girl and soon discovers a passion for embroidery. However, her stepsister also pursues the same path thus beginning a rivalry complicated by the appearance of two brothers.
Comments:
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The Starry Night The Starry Sea
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Title: The Starry Night The Starry Sea / Na Pian Xing Kong Na Pian Hai / 那片星空那片海
Episodes and Genre: 32, Fantasy Romance
Broadcast Period: Feb 6, 2017 Hunan TV
Starring:
Feng Shao Feng as Wu Ju Lan
Bea Hayden as Shen Luo
Synopsis:
Wu Ju Lan is a merman who only has three months left to live unless he is able to retrieve the dragon pearl that was stolen from him 150 years ago. Determined to get it back, he travels to a small town where he meets and falls in love with a young woman named Shen Luo.
Comments:
Click for more stills. Available with english subs on Viki.
Three Lives Three Worlds Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Title: Three Lives Three Worlds Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms / Eternal Love / San Sheng San Shi Shi Li Tao Hua / 三生三世十里桃花
Episodes and Genre: 50, Fantasy Romance
Broadcast Period: Jan 30, 2017 Dragon TV and Zhejiang TV
Starring:
Yang Mi as Bai Qian / Su Su / Si Yin
Mark Chao as Ye Hua / Mo Yuan / Liu Ying
Ken Zhang as Zhe Yan
Dilraba Dilmura as Bai Feng Jiu
Vengo Gao Weiguang as Dong Hua
Zhang Bin Bin as Chi Jing
Yu Meng Long as Bai Zhen
Synopsis:
A romantic fantasy tale following Bai Qian a beautiful goddess who jumps to her death after she is tricked into believing that Ye Hua, her lover has betrayed her. Hundreds of years later, the two meet again however Bai Qian’s no longer remembers Ye Hua. Although many years have passed, Ye Hua recognizes Bai Qian and is longing to rekindle their romance.
Comments:
Click for more stills. Available with english subs on Dramafever.
The Glory of Tang Dynasty
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Title: The Glory of Tang Dynasty / Da Tang Rong Yao / 大唐荣耀
Episodes and Genre: 60, Historical, Palace Politics
Broadcast Period: Jan 29, 2017 Beijing TV and Anhui TV
Starring:
Jing Tian as Shen Zhen Zhu
Ren Jia Lun as Li Chu
Wan Qian as Dugu Jingyao
Shu Chang as Murong Lin Zhi
Qin Jun Jie as Li Tan
Mao Zi Jun as An Qing Xu
Synopsis:
An epic historical drama about a woman who rises above the odds to earn her place in the palace.
Comments:
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Legend of the Condor Heroes
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Title: Legend of the Condor Heroes / She Diao Ying Xiong Zhuan / 射雕英雄传
Episodes and Genre: 56, Wuxia
Broadcast Period: Jan 9, 2017 Dragon TV and iQiYi
Starring:
Yang Xu Wen as Guo Jing
Li Yi Tong as Huang Rong
Synopsis:
Guo Jing and Yang Kang are the descendants of honorable men and destined to become brothers yet a tragedy forces them to lead disparate lives. Guo Jing grows up to be honest kind-hearted yet dim-witted while Yang Kang is cunning and power hungry.
Due to a chance encounter, Guo Jing meets the clever and mischievous Huang Rong, thus beginning his journey to become a martial arts hero.
Comments:
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Love & Life & Lie
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Title: Love & Life & Lie / Yu Jian Ai Qing De Li Xian Sheng / 遇见爱情的利先生
Episodes and Genre: 38, Romance
Broadcast Period: Jan 4, 2017 Zhejiang TV
Starring:
Chen Xiao as Li Yao Nan
Zhou Dongyu as Liu Xin Tong
Synopsis:
A young girl becomes part of a wealthy family and gets thrown in a complicated romance full lies and deception.
Comments:
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Magic Star
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Title: Magic Star / Qi Xing Ji / 奇星记之鲜衣怒马少年时
Episodes and Genre: 51, Fantasy Adventure
Broadcast Period: Jan 3, 2017 Youku
Starring:
Wu Lei as Zhan Xiong Fei
Chen Xiang as Bai Ze
Zhang Yu Xi as Ah Ji Ya
Zheng He Hui Zi as Zi Su
Deng Shao Wen as Yuan Shuai
Synopsis:
It is said that at the cusp of troubled times, magic stars will fall from the sky to allow humanity the chance to restore order. Bai Ze is tasked by the emperor to find said stones and he ends up meeting troublemakers Zhan Xiong Fei and Yuan Shuai, thus forming an inseparable friendship along the way as they embark on an adventure together with Zi Su and Ah Ji Ya.
Comments:
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General and I
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Title: General and I / Gu Fang Bu Zi Shang / 孤芳不自赏
Episodes and Genre: 50, Romance, Historical
Broadcast Period: Jan 2, 2017 Hunan TV
Starring:
Wallace Chung as Chu Bei Jie
Angelababy as Bai Pin Ting
Sean Sun Yizhou as He Xia
Gan Ting Ting as Princess Yao Tian
Synopsis:
The four nations Jin, Yan, Liang and Qin are in a state of relentless war. Chu Bei Jie, the king of Jin’s brother, is a courageous warrior who leads his country into a position of power against the other kingdoms.
During a fight between Jin and Yan, Jing An Wang and his family fall to a conspiracy leaving He Xia and Bai Pin Ting to fend for themselves. Chu Bei Jie rescues Bai Pin Ting by chance and it ignites the beginning of a complicated romance.
Comments:
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Pretty Li Hui Zhen
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Title: Pretty Li Hui Zhen / Piao Liang De Li Hui Zhen / 漂亮的李慧珍
Episodes and Genre: 40, Romantic Comedy
Broadcast Period: Jan 2, 2017 Hunan TV
Starring:
Dilraba Dilmurat as Li Hui Zhen
Sheng Yi Lun as Bai Hao Yu
Zhang Bin Bin as Lin Yi Mu
Li Xi Rui as Xia Qiao
Synopsis:
The Chinese remake of She Was Pretty tells the story of Li Hui Zhen, a kind and charming young girl who befriends Bai Hao Yu, the chubby kid next door often bullied for his appearance. After years apart, the two meet again but Hui Zhen has lost her beauty and confidence while Bai Hao Yu has returned as a handsome and successful editor of a publishing company.
Comments:
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