and then realizes how horrible it was and it was a changing point.

Actually, I think I seem to remember this was what happened - I am rewatching "Meteor Garden" now, I'll pay more attention. But I seem to rememebr that for Dao Min Sai this was the last time he ever hit her.. This doesn't make the inner monologue of an abused woman from Shankai any better.

Shancai/Makino still needs saving too, though. Both versions (jdrama and twdrama) end up being more his story, dominated by his issues and problems, than hers

I think you are right here, though I must say that both Makino and Shankai appear more in charge than he is.