I am very glad I did not let the age gap deter me from watching “My Treasure”. However, I understand how it can be a turn-off. After all, Vicky Chen was 17 and Roy Chiu was 39 when they shot this drama. Though I think in the drama, Vicky is about 22 and Roy is about 35. There are many office scenes, but this drama is not a business drama. The focus of the drama is on the struggles, life challenges and growth of Qiu Dong Na (FL) and her mother, Qiu Xiao Xia (2FL). The supporting cast and their stories are an extension to illustrate their growth.


What I Like:

1. Qiu Dong Na (FL) - It’s very hard not to like Dong Na. She’s brought up by a single mother and has to be careful of each cent that she spends, while sometimes has to act as the only adult in the family.. However, having a tough childhood does not stop her from growing up into an intelligent, optimistic, loyal, caring, and generous adult who doesn’t bow down to setbacks but perseveres to accomplish all she wants. She makes everyone around her to be a better person, especially Gu Fei (ML). I think the proposal speaks to how independent and great a person she is.

2. Mom-Daughter relationship - It’s lovely to see the duo supports, challenges and inspires each other through their unconventional way of life. I enjoy all the witty conversations and banter between them. They are honest with each other and don't hesitate to provide constructive criticisms when needed. We don't see too many dramas showing struggling families in this light - optimistic, opportunistic, annoying and loud at times.

3. Mentor-Mentee relationship - Qiu Dong Na (FL) and Gu Fei (ML) have known each other for years and have a very tight mentor-mentee relationship. They understand each other and are not afraid to show their vulnerabilities and not-so-pleasant sides. I enjoy their conversations and witty banter. Even if we take away the romance, they have great chemistry together just as friends.

4. Mature romance - I like the mature romance between Xiao Xia (mom) and Wang Shi Cheng. A drama about two individuals in their 50s shouldn’t be so entertaining but it is. They complement each other well, and because of their different personalities, they can also support each other in different ways. Their romance is a good contrast to the other two romance storylines.

5. Realistic wardrobe - Oftentimes, we see female leads wearing fancy clothes and accessories even if they come from a poor background. I am happy to notice that Dong Na actually wears the same white shirt and jeans quite often as her business attire. Her clothes fit her personality, background and office setting. The working class dresses like the working class. The richer folks all dress appropriately e.g. Gu Fei (Roy Chiu looks dashing in all suits and in casual wear), Cheng Fan Yang (wears nice tailored pantsuits and exudes independent boss lady vibes) and Li Chu Ning (always wears pretty dresses and purses showing her well-off background).

6. Proposal Speech - I love what Gu Fei said. Period. I don’t want to give out spoilers, but if you watch this, pay attention to his heartfelt speech when they were lying down.


What I have Mixed Feelings About:

1. Qiu Xiao Xia (Mom) - I may not always agree with all her decisions and actions, but I can see where she is coming from. She also has a very street-smart side of her, which contrasts and complements her daughter and Gu Fei’s way of thinking. But sometimes her actions seem immature and not due to her lack of education. Personally, I think she screams too much and her high-pitched voice is very irritating. She is probably the most annoying person in the drama for me (and this is a very subjective comment).

2. Frenemies (Dong Na/Chu Ning) - I did not like Chu Ning at first when she tried to sabotage Dong Na at her first job. But their love/hate relationship grew on me as more background information was given as to why Chu Ning disliked Dong Na so much. I actually want to see more of their friendship and feel that the writer is missing an opportunity to elaborate on the character development of Chu Ning.

3. Dong Na/Gu Fei Romance - We all have different opinions about this age gap. I am going to just focus on this romance between a 22 year-old and a 35 year-old. The romance is very minimal in this drama as the story focuses on their mentor-mentee relationship for the most part. I am not sure if it’s because of the age, I find the romance not developed very well. The realization of feelings towards each other does not have enough buildup to it. But when they do get together, this couple is super cute and adorkable (they are already very honest and communicative to begin with). I do question why they both act like teenagers when they have been in past relationships. I actually want to see more scenes of them as a couple. Maybe they are edited out, or the drama just tries to keep it as a bare minimum.

4. Dong Na/Cheng Fan Yang - I have mixed feelings about the supervisor-subordinate/mentor-mentee relationship between Cheng Fan Yang and Dong Na. I like it but I wanted more. It’s hard to pinpoint what is missing. Maybe I wanted more interactions? More heart-to-heart talk? But I am glad to see that Dong Na recognizes Cheng Fan Yang’s voiceless cry for help and is able to support her, and enlighten those around Change Fan Yang.

5. Not making me feel - This is super personal. I like dramas that elicit emotions out of me. Whether it’s to make my laugh or cry. After watching this drama, I don’t recall ‘feeling’ much. I feel like an outsider looking in, but not being there with the characters through their journeys. Yes, I am weird like that. LOL


Completed: 11/5/2022