NoirRoex

I like this interpretation. I like the possibility of Luqing just not understanding. But I think it ignores a lot of context.

In a similar scene in episode 6, Xiaofan is watching a movie, gets emotional and starts crying about the character getting cheated on. Similar to episode 9, rather apologize or give Xiaofan some type of assurance, Luqing directly responds “you don’t have to worry about that.” In the same episode, when he helps him with his parents coming to visit, he asks Xiaofan if they can go back to the way they used to be. Luqing notices the subtle ways Xiaofan is hesitant going back into a relationship with him. That’s why him getting caught having dinner with his ex is such a big deal. Xiaofan tolerated all levels of disrespect from the family, but he had no more reason to tolerate it if Luqing was just going to secretly meet his ex. Luqing is more emotionally intelligent than your giving him credit for. That’s why he recognizes Xiaofan throwing the phone and bag away is a big deal.

So, in that scene his response understands what he’s saying but he’s trying to bargain. Xiaofan may want to leave but I, Luqing, can do this for you. Which is why the ultimatum comes up a few scenes later. All this time, Luqing has been trying to coax him back. His friend reminds both Luqing and Xiaofan that Luqing always has had the power to just make the ultimatum in the previous episode. Luqing didn’t do it until he saw Xiaofan’s coworker who likes Xioafan. When she brings up the divorce, Xiaofan knows Luqing will clock that Xiaofan can build relationships outside of him. THAT is why the ultimatum is made and made that way. Xiaofan got noticed and recognized by someone other than him. Luqing now has to put him in his place or Xiaofan WILL leave because he CAN build relationships. Ultimately, that’s why Luqing got him in the first place. Xiaofan was young and had no deep relationships outside of his mother. That’s also why Luqing asks after Xiaofan’s mother. He knows Xiaofan tolerates his brother for his mother and is the reason Xiaofan hasn’t escaped. But even that relationship is rocky. That’s also why Luqing asks Xiaofan if he asked his mother when Xiaofan brings up the divorce. He knows it’s not about the disrespect of his sister toward his family. It’s about Luqing’s disrespect to him. His sister was the excuse for the outsiders.

That’s also might be why Luqing is bold enough to say Xiaofan AND his family is sucking him dry. Xiaofan has to obey the ultimatum for his family not because he’s actively loving him. I think Luqing is emotionally intelligent; he’s just less frank about ultimately being a spoiled brat like his sister and being emotionally abusive toward Xiaofan. At least his sister tells Xiaofan to get out because she can’t offer him anything and she’s destructive.

Which is also why I like the script writing and acting in this drama. So many scenes building off each other.

I don’t think it’s ill of the drama. I think we’re speaking ill of the characters. I think it speaks well of the writing that all of the characters have their vices and well of the acting that the audience can be so emotionally and invested in the impact of those character flaws. But I can admit, I’m a hopeless romantic and hope it leads to a happy ending and get ticked off when a character unromantically doesn’t progress past their flaw timely.

I thought it was an abrupt ending but it suited the drama. The clip after credits was great. I enjoyed the drama.