Zhao Lu Si and William Chan captivated viewers with their fiery chemistry in “Love’s Ambition,” keeping the tension taut and the romance simmering. The modern romance broke away from stereotypical portrayals of drama leads, presenting two layered, complex individuals as Zhao Lu Si’s Xu Yan and William Chan’s Shen Hao Ming navigate the tangled threads of love, desire, and ambition. The subtle tension between what one wants and what one must do kept viewers deeply invested.
While the narrative occasionally stretched, Zhao Lu Si’s powerhouse performance and effortless style ensured it never lost its charm. And if you’re still missing the push and pull of emotions from “Love’s Ambition,” here are five C-dramas that bring together magnetic leads, crackling chemistry, and equally compelling stories.
“The Tale of Rose”
Huang Yi Mei (Liu Yifei) is a determined and ambitious young woman with a flair for art. Though life throws her plenty of curveballs, she uses them to strengthen and nurture herself, never giving up in the face of adversity.
After her first marriage to her college sweetheart ends in divorce, she gets her life together and starts her own business. A single parent, she devotes herself to her cause, which is to hone her skills as an artist. Love comes knocking on her door again when she meets an artist named Fu Jia Ming (Wallace Huo). Jia Ming is terminally ill with just a few months to live, but in him Yi Mei finds her true soulmate. Even as life never goes as planned, Yi Mei never loses her sense of purpose.
Her transformation from an impulsive and reckless young girl to an independent and empowered woman is relatable on many levels. When she tells her daughter, “Divorce is the end of a relationship, not life’s failure,” it is a strong statement since very often women blame themselves.
“The Tale of Rose” stands out for its strong female characters. There is no female bashing at all. Another standout feature is Yi Mei’s supportive family who stand by her come what may. The show also delves into topics and issues concerning women, be it love, career, marriage, or parenting, and affirms that at the end of the day it is entirely your choice to do what you have to.
Start watching “The Tale of Rose”:
“Dating in the Kitchen”
The ever versatile Zhao Lu Si plays Gu Sheng Nan, a talented but free-spirited sous chef at a high-end hotel who loves experimenting with bold flavors as much as she hates following rules. Her world turns upside down when she accidentally offends her new boss, the cold and perfectionistic CEO Lu Jin (Lin Yu Shen), during a kitchen mishap. What begins as a battle of wills soon transforms into a deliciously unexpected romance as the two discover how passion for both food and life can bridge their differences.
Zhao Lusi’s charming performance, the witty banter, and the mouth-watering culinary backdrop make every scene feel indulgent. “Dating in the Kitchen” is an underrated rom-com about ambition, chemistry, and the delicate balance between pursuing your dreams and opening your heart.
Start watching “Dating in the Kitchen”:
“Skip a Beat”
Qiao Jing (He Rui Xian), a strong and independent woman, secures the position of personal assistant to the demanding CEO, Gu Yi (Luo Zheng). Their professional relationship soon turns romantic. However, not many know that Gu Yi suffers from a personality disorder after a car accident. His behavior switches from tender and loving one moment to being extremely rude and obsessive the next, especially towards Qiao Jing. However, Qiao Jing hides a secret as well. She had approached Gu Yi with ulterior motives, and given the change in their dynamics, things are way more complicated than they were meant to be. It seems someone is going to get hurt in the bargain once the truth comes to the surface, or will it be both?
The drama delves into the complexities of love and power dynamics within a professional setting. It explores themes of control, trauma, and personal growth, offering a compelling narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Start watching “Skip a Beat”:
“You Are My Destiny”
Chen Jia Xin (Liang Jie) is a shy administrative assistant at a law firm while Wang Xi Yi (Xing Zhao Lin) is the charming, corporate heir of a conglomerate. The two have a one night stand while on a cruise in the Bahamas. When Jia Xin gets pregnant, Xi Yi is forced to marry her instead of his girlfriend. Jia Xin does everything possible to focus on her new family, even though she knows her husband does not love her at all. After a tragic incident, Jia Xin and Xi Yi part ways. Jia Xin leaves the country to build her life and focus on the career she had forsaken. However, in the time they are apart, Xi Yi realizes his mistakes. Fate reunites them, but it seems Jia Xin has long moved on.
“You Are My Destiny” is an adaptation of the hit K-drama “Fated to Love You” and is a heartwarming tale of unexpected love as well as one’s own personal growth. It is the perfect melodrama for die-hard romantics.
Start watching “You Are My Destiny”:
“Here to Heart”
Wen Nuan (Janine Chang) returns to Shanghai after an impressive career in London, ready for a new start. Zhan Nan Xian (Zhang Han) is the founder of a thriving high-tech company and also the man whose heart she had ruthlessly broken a decade ago. In a twist of fate, Wen Nuan finds herself back in front of Nan Xian. She gets a job as an assistant executive in his firm, which is a step down from her previous position. When the two meet, tension peaks. Though Nan Xian seems cold and distant, beneath the surface he is blistering with unresolved emotions and the ache of old memories. As they find themselves working side by side again, love and resentment intertwine, forcing them to confront the pain of their past and the possibility of reconciliation.
“Here to Heart” is popular amongst C-drama fans for its slow-burn romance and the scorching chemistry between the leads. Though the show occasionally meanders through its many subplots, it’s the charged push-and-pull between the characters that keeps one engaged.
Start watching “Here to Heart”:
Puja Talwar is a Soompi writer with a strong Yoo Yeon Seok and Lee Junho bias. A long time K-drama fan, she loves devising alternate scenarios to the narratives. She has interviewed Lee Min Ho, Gong Yoo, Cha Eun Woo, and Ji Chang Wook to name a few. You can follow her on @puja_talwar7 on Instagram
