contributed by Lioness (email: ajmgrace@hotmail.com)

Where do I begin?

Many fans have written beautifully on this topic — "Hotelier" !! I am relatively new in this k-drama fad, started watching k-drama somewhere mid-November with AAE. Currently have watched, WLS on vod, Four sisters on Ch 8, seen bits and pieces of Sweet Proposal (only the poor girl trying to be a restauranteer, caught my attention). I am very much reliant on some form of translation to really understand what’s going on since I know not a word of Korean nor any of the Chinese languages. It has been a long time since I have enjoyed watching a show which is entertaining but not at all vulgar, nor indulging in too much of sex or violence. Glad that I’m finding this in k-dramas.

Now, the hot topic, "Hotelier", I have absolutely no idea how to put into writing how I’m feeling after watching this drama. The artists kept me in rapture having captured kind of a special essence in presenting their individual character. Of course, I have my personal favourites…..definitely favour Dong Xian (DX) and Zhen Yin (ZY) to Tai Jun (TJ) and Yun Xi, while I really feel sorry for Rong Xi.

The story line is excellent and well scripted…..all those one-liners by DX and very touching scenes between DX and ZY. Maybe I’m more absorbed in the relationship between DX and ZY, which is out of this world…..as felt by many others too. It is quite impossible to find such undying love and devotion from a beau for a lady without her reciprocating it initially, except usually in the movies. For a naïve lady, ZY is quite realistic in her approach in accepting TJ’s decision to have a platonic relationship (to me, the scene looked like she actually made the decision without giving TJ a chance to refute or accept her proposal).

I have yet to understand TJ’s approach,….can’t understand why he didn’t try and win ZY when she was awaiting him 3 years…..just gave up because of what happened 3 years ago seems quite daft. The scene at Diamond Villa, I think, was really sad….TJ looking at ZY through the glass panel, eyes breaming with tears. DX’s words, I think to the effect, "you may have moved out of TJ’s shadow but your shadow is still with him". Like what ZY said, "he missed a good women and there was no second chance". Also couldn’t really know his feelings for YX…..he seem to like her at times and seemed indifferent at other times.

DX on the other hand has been intrigued with ZY from the moment he saw her in 300 roses. He pursued her all the way, made sacrifices and even got into dangerous situation for her happiness. The special smile he has for her will melt any heart and the way he totally devoted his attention on her was also exceptional. The Diamond Villa dance scene, the way he kept hanging onto the necklace as if it was his lifeline, all the various scenes at Casablanca, the way he professed his love for ZY, how he wanted to befriend TJ and his admiration for TJ, shows that he is magnanimous and many, many other scenes just captures me wholly. The scene where he talked about his childhood, the pain he must have felt being abandoned by his father has been tremendous……the bitter taste is still there even though he is so ‘successful’…..all this are beautifully portrayed by DX, you could actually feel the depth of his emotion. ZY portrayal of her character has also been excellent. They really complement each other. In short DX and ZY are the main ingredients in this recipe called "Hotelier" and the rest of the casts are the essential spices to bring out the lovely flavour in total.

My only regret is their reunion in the last scene has been too short and abrupt….though I know short and sweet is a good recipe, it isn’t so in this case. I believe it will be a long while before another drama can replace the "Hotelier" in captivating and capturing ‘my soul’.

Have to mention a very special thanks to Haze and TT for their lovely work and tremendous effort in putting up this particular website. My only regret is that I couldn’t be of any help. Cheers to you both.