A messy, talented sous chef at the Rosebud Hotel. Her culinary genius is the only thing that prevents the hotel’s buyout from failing.
A ruthless, perfectionist CEO specializing in hotel acquisitions. He prefers to eat alone and views everything through the lens of business efficiency. This Is Not What I Expected
The 2017 Chinese romantic comedy (directed by Derek Hui) uses a shared obsession with high-end cuisine to bridge the gap between two polar opposites: a fastidious billionaire and a quirky, mess-prone chef. While it stays within the familiar "enemies-to-lovers" framework, it distinguishes itself through stunning "food porn" cinematography and a uniquely whimsical tone. Core Plot & Characters A messy, talented sous chef at the Rosebud Hotel
Many find it a "breezy, inoffensive outing" perfect for a lazy afternoon, specifically lauding Zhou Dongyu’s "visceral" performance and the high production value. He prefers to eat alone and views everything
Their relationship begins with mutual animosity after a series of slapstick mishaps, including a mistaken car vandalism and an accidental suitcase-stuffed encounter. Key Themes & Analysis
This was the directorial debut for Derek Hui, formerly an editor for major action films. Reviewers from Cinema Escapist and IMDb praise the film’s "visual feast" and the chemistry between the leads, which prevents the cliché-heavy script from feeling stale. Critical Reception