Subjective Gut Rating: 8.25 (extra 0.25 for Xu Kai's emotional eyes) - Spoilers about the ending at the end of the review.

Many were expecting the broadcast of this drama, and I wasn’t one of them. I like Xu Kai and Yang Mi, but not a fan of older woman/younger man tropes, so I was waiting for reviews to come in before I decide to watch “She and Her Perfect Husband”. Lowering my expectations did help with me enjoying this drama.


Plot - This drama is a lot more business-focused than I originally thought. The conversations about legal and investment dealings might bore some viewers. I usually am fine with a business drama, but I still find this a little too much talking in a conference room instead of seeing legal/business dealings in action. Romance is folded into the overall business talk, since without the law firm promotion limitations for women, there won’t be a fake relationship between the main leads. This drama tries to talk about workplace inequality and treatment for women, and I appreciate it. But I don’t see why our female lead tries so hard to be a partner to make changes, when the firm’s initial ideals and purpose have changed. All the talk by the CEO about how good the firm is, is not shown through actions by management.

Main Romance - Surprisingly, there aren’t that many scenes of the two main leads together in the first half of the show. That’s when they first met and developed a marriage contract, but somehow the business side of things overshadows the interactions of the leads. Xu Kai and Yang Mi have good chemistry and I enjoy their bantering and conversations about their ideals. This couple for the most part really has honest conversations. The confession scene is a little underwhelming. It’s awkwardly cute but I was expecting more. Once they officially started dating, there are more sweet scenes in the middle part of the drama. I was initially worried that Yang Mi would look a lot older than Xu Kai and the romance would not be to my taste. Fortunately, I enjoy the scenes that they have together.

Secondary Romance - Li Ze Feng looks really good as Tao Jun Hui (2ML), just the hair is a little too ‘tall’ for my taste :D But his lack-of romance with Wu Fei (2FL) is really noticeable, and I guess that’s the whole point to it. Wu Fei calling Tao Juo Hui “Uncle” as a term of endearment every so often doesn’t help with the big age and maturity gap. On the other hand, Tao Jun Hui and Qin Shi (FL) have really good chemistry. I can totally see them together and there’s really no comparison between Qin Shi and Wu Fei.

Other Romance - Most annoying romance ever. I think I skip the majority of the scenes between Ren Mei Mei (FL’s BFF) and Qin Wen Yu (FL’s second brother). If I were Mei Mei, I would have divorce that jerk years ago. Their scenes only serve the purpose to describe Qin Shi’s view on marriage. Other than that, these two characters don’t really need to exist.

Acting - The overall acting of the whole cast is not bad. But the veterans definitely outshine the younger generation.. As a fan of Xu Kai, I am so glad he’s not in another cold-on-the-outside role. Yang Hua is still a more introverted character but at least he’s adorable and sweet. When the drama focuses on his background story, you can see his more emotional acting through his big beautiful eyes. That’s what I have been missing from his dramas lately. I am also glad that he’s not being dubbed. He might need some work but it’s not too bad. Yang Mi is Yang Mi. She’s the queen. She’s sassy and bossy as the hotshot lawyer, yet at home she’s a totally different person. Her real voice bothered me at times since it’s so girly. So when she’s whining, especially to the boss lady, it’s a little irritating. Speaking of the boss lady, that woman is amazing. I can’t tell if I should trust her words or not. Her fake smile (when the drama calls for it) is so fake that I can see her mind churning out schemes after schemes.


*spoilers*

Ending - The last few episodes have been criticized for the leads acting out of character. I can see why people said that as the leads have been honest and open with their feelings throughout the drama. For them not to talk much in the last episodes, it could be frustrating. From my point of view, the breakup is necessary and veteran watchers know that it’s coming. It’s not the first time we see a contract relationship breakup for the exact same reason. I can understand ML’s intention and agree with his action. If you want a real marriage, you need to end the old one to start off fresh. I just think he did not communicate his intention for the breakup clearly enough to FL. As for FL, throughout the whole drama, we’ve been told she doesn’t believe in marriage. The breakup allows her to think clearly about what she really wants. I just wish the writing of this part is a little better. You can do all that, breakup, giving FL time to think, etc, but should have done that a little sooner and not dragged that out. It doesn’t make sense that they were apart for 7 months, and then ML suddenly shows up at the apartment across from FL’s, opens his arms and then all is well?? Why wait 7 months? No communication at all for 7 months? What was the point in leaving her when you came right back to her? I thought he was waiting for her to make the first move?


Other Random Observations:
1. Love the conversations between ML and his dad. Dad gives the best advice.
2. FL’s outfits to work seem to be too flashy for a law firm.
3. A lot of product placements - I guess they need money to pay for FL’s wardrobe.
4. The songs are nice but quite repetitive after a while.
5. A few annoying characters but bearable.
6. I don't think the steamy kiss tag should apply here. Just because they are not fish kisses, it doesn't mean they are steamy kisses. I think Yang Mi needs to exert a little more effort for it to qualify for that tag.




Completed: 1/30/2023