I think the post-credit scene is open to multiple interpretations. I haven't read the novel, so I'm only interpreting…
I like this interpretation, and I must admit I also want the actors' story to be real. That said, the post-credit scene is intentionally open to multiple interpretations. Even the wind chime suggests that the story continues beyond the show's ending for both the characters and the audience. In modern Chinese fiction, it has no single fixed meaning—it can symbolize fate, waiting, memories, home, quiet hope, impermanence, bittersweet love, unspoken emotions, and more.
My theory is based primarily on the scene’s text and characterization rather than the wind chime itself. However, the motif reinforces my interpretation because its meaning shifts with the context.
In the opening scene, we meet two characters uncertain about both their feelings and their future. The scene initially presents them as a real couple before revealing they are actors filming an intimate scene. To me, the wind chime reflects their uncertainty, unspoken emotions, and the fragility of those feelings.
By contrast, the post-credit scene presents a loving, domestic couple discussing another couple's ending, whether fictional or real. The final shot lingers on the wind chime, which I see as symbolizing enduring love, fate still at work, and hope that both couples remain together despite whatever life brings.
To me viewed alongside the rest of the series, the post-credit scene remains deliberately ambiguous, allowing viewers to decide which couple is "real," if either. The wind chime itself can even symbolize an open ending, suggesting that the story continues through the audience's own interpretations. That's what makes the ending—and the show as a whole—so beautiful and complex.
I think the post-credit scene is open to multiple interpretations. I haven't read the novel, so I'm only interpreting…
Well, like I said, that's why it's a post-credit scene. It gives people the choice to decide how the story ends for them. Since I have that choice, I'm going with the interpretation I enjoy more. I mean, why would I get in the way of my own entertainment? 😄
I don't think either couple has an unsatisfying story. They both have their strengths and weaknesses, and that's perfectly fine.
But if we're playing favorites, then FC & GZ win for me. They're the darker, more psychological pairing, which is exactly my thing. Give me mind games, emotional damage, and morally questionable decisions any day.
I think the post-credit scene is open to multiple interpretations. I haven't read the novel, so I'm only interpreting…
Listen, I was so confident in my interpretation—and my friends were too. Then I wandered into MDL and immediately got confused by everyone explaining the post-credit scene. 😂
The comments were all, "Well, that's how it is in the novel," and I was like... okay, fair enough. But this isn't the novel. It's the live adaptation, with the director's own interpretation of the source material. So... my interpretation is just as valid too, right?! 😅
My unconventional theory about the final post-credit scene:
I think the post-credit scene is open to multiple interpretations. I haven't read the novel, so I'm only interpreting what the live-action adaptation shows, and I believe it deviates somewhat from the source material. My interpretation is that only one couple is "real": FC and GZ (the therapist and the patient). In the post-credit scene, we see FC—clearly identifiable by his glasses and clothing—finishing the novel. We know it's the same novel that exists in the real world because GZ explicitly mentions its author, A'Tong. GZ asks FC if he's finished reading because he hasn't reached the end yet. He says he finds ZZ (the stuntman-turned-actor) a bit weak, but FC disagrees, telling him he'll change his mind once he finishes the novel. This makes sense because, by the novel's ending, ZZ publicly confesses his love to ZX during the movie premiere. GZ then says he likes ZX better but comments, "It's just that A'Tong wrote you a bit unrealistically," referring to FC's character. FC replies, "That's because she spent all her words on you." To me, this confirms that FC and GZ are a real couple reading a novel based on their own real-life story. However, within that novel—the one that actually exists in the real world and was written by A' Tong—we follow the stories of two couples. The novel centers on two actors (ZZ & ZX) who fall in love while filming a movie about another couple (GZ & FC; the real-life couple). Somebody called this story Inception, and I agree. To me, it's the director being cheeky—making you question what is real, who is real, and who isn't, just as the characters do throughout the story.
Yes, some people might complain that the scene it makes the story a bit ambiguous or incomplete, but I'd argue that's exactly why they chose this scene to be a post-credit scene: it's a playful wink to the audience, like a set of Russian nesting dolls, inviting us to keep questioning what we've just seen. Yet it doesn't change the ending for either couple.
People are calling this show a masterpiece. They’re being generous. However the show is so good, so good that because it started in 2025 I’ll make it my favorite CDrama of 2025. Like I said the show is not perfect. The schemes sometimes weren’t scheming logically, but because of how subversive the romance was, and how well they wrote all the females in the show, giving them power, intelligence, agency, giving them the opportunity to put themselves first, I loved every minute of the 36 episodes I’ll say it again those women were cutthroat. All of them. And I lived. I need to digest it a bit more. After that I’ll go find a new obsession. Any suggestions?
We've had women who are well written in cdramas so there's nothing wrong to admit that RSB was not that well written.…
I agree with you. I’m also obsessed but like you I have some criticism about RSB latest schemes. The show is not perfect. I like the romance, live for MC’s dynamic, and the themes. But the plot in these latest 7 episodes ain’t plotting. I’m waiting for the last episodes to see if they can explain some lose ends. That’s why I mainly comment about the romance. To me RSB schemes were kinda on point till she faked her sister’s death. Even then I was questioning the logistics of it. Before she was always able to benefit from her pursuers fights, and overcome her relatives schemes while being as gracious as possible. That I admire. Also her crying on her sister’s empty grave , pure acting so LJL could feel guilty and not pursue the case was ruthless. But her schemes went down hill with the “book” case and the one with YunShu. I get the motivation behind them but not the thought process… and the logistics. Somebody please help me understand. The twist about YunShu’s(YS) attacking the grandma was all an act played by both RSB and YS. I’m sorry but that doesn’t make sense. I get the motivation, but the logic behind it is so flawed. Why would you accept to pretend to attack your grandma(not just any grandma, THAT Grandmother) with your adversary especially after being defeated by her? Also what about the risks? YS, girl why?! I get the catharsis and I was screaming “tell her!” while you were reading your grandma, but there’s no catharsis worth the possible punishment if that old hag would choose so. When it comes to RSB, why would she come up with the plan of staging an attack with a knife with your defenseless grandma who’s bedridden? And I hate the old hag, but even if the risks were all calculated it was simply cruel. She is resourceful surely she could’ve found a better option to get similar results. Whoever wrote this plot point clearly prioritized spectacle over logic. Having Yan Bailou(YBL) being exposed on the wedding day in front of the whole Rong clan was masterful. Yes, she had LJL’s help but without him YBL would have been exposed by her anyway. I get the motivation, logic and the execution was cathartic. I thought we went back on track but then YS twist happened so… IDK. I’m going to wait until it finishes.
When it comes a romance I don’t expect it to be the conventional sweet and wholesome couple. I just want it to make sense for the characters that we’re following. Those two are highly intelligent, cunning, and when it needs to be, ruthless. So it’s expected that their relationship is full of games. That’s foreplay to them. When it comes to their romance we’ve two characters that are attracted first and foremost by each other’s intelligence. They built a foundation of trust and respect that you can only have when you recognize that you finally found your match. When LJL offered to be at her service willingly, on his knees and with an indenture letter(the guy is so extra 🙄), HE established their dynamics. In their relationship she leads and he follows. At that moment he was asking for her protection while he was trying to figure out his own identity, but also he was testing her character, and RSB was testing him too. Throughout the story she testes him several times to be sure if he’s a good match, and he rises to the challenge every time. Hell, he gets a kick out of it. And She indulges him in his antics. Like I said that’s their foreplay. Also that is what people call courtship. The show has been nothing but consistent with these two. Also RSB is a protector at heart. That’s one of the ways she shows love. The scheme she played to ruin Jiang Yi Qian was risky. She basically lied to an official who was personally sent by the empress. Imagine if LJL was found to be implicated in that scheme? His whole career could be down the drain and he could be jailed for that. Yes she got a kick playing games with him but keeping him in the dark was a way to protect him. And LJL understands that. Just like RSB understood him when he left her at the altar because of his sense of justice.
Oh, my sweet boy! I didn’t know you had it in you. So proud. 🥹
My theory is based primarily on the scene’s text and characterization rather than the wind chime itself. However, the motif reinforces my interpretation because its meaning shifts with the context.
In the opening scene, we meet two characters uncertain about both their feelings and their future. The scene initially presents them as a real couple before revealing they are actors filming an intimate scene. To me, the wind chime reflects their uncertainty, unspoken emotions, and the fragility of those feelings.
By contrast, the post-credit scene presents a loving, domestic couple discussing another couple's ending, whether fictional or real. The final shot lingers on the wind chime, which I see as symbolizing enduring love, fate still at work, and hope that both couples remain together despite whatever life brings.
To me viewed alongside the rest of the series, the post-credit scene remains deliberately ambiguous, allowing viewers to decide which couple is "real," if either. The wind chime itself can even symbolize an open ending, suggesting that the story continues through the audience's own interpretations. That's what makes the ending—and the show as a whole—so beautiful and complex.
Somehow I appreciate the show’s ending even better. ‘Cause not showing that chapter was a good choice
I don't think either couple has an unsatisfying story. They both have their strengths and weaknesses, and that's perfectly fine.
But if we're playing favorites, then FC & GZ win for me. They're the darker, more psychological pairing, which is exactly my thing. Give me mind games, emotional damage, and morally questionable decisions any day.
The comments were all, "Well, that's how it is in the novel," and I was like... okay, fair enough. But this isn't the novel. It's the live adaptation, with the director's own interpretation of the source material. So... my interpretation is just as valid too, right?! 😅
My theory:
https://mydramalist.com/810214-ru-xi#comment-27039984
My interpretation is that only one couple is "real": FC and GZ (the therapist and the patient).
In the post-credit scene, we see FC—clearly identifiable by his glasses and clothing—finishing the novel. We know it's the same novel that exists in the real world because GZ explicitly mentions its author, A'Tong.
GZ asks FC if he's finished reading because he hasn't reached the end yet. He says he finds ZZ (the stuntman-turned-actor) a bit weak, but FC disagrees, telling him he'll change his mind once he finishes the novel. This makes sense because, by the novel's ending, ZZ publicly confesses his love to ZX during the movie premiere.
GZ then says he likes ZX better but comments, "It's just that A'Tong wrote you a bit unrealistically," referring to FC's character. FC replies, "That's because she spent all her words on you."
To me, this confirms that FC and GZ are a real couple reading a novel based on their own real-life story. However, within that novel—the one that actually exists in the real world and was written by A' Tong—we follow the stories of two couples. The novel centers on two actors (ZZ & ZX) who fall in love while filming a movie about another couple (GZ & FC; the real-life couple).
Somebody called this story Inception, and I agree. To me, it's the director being cheeky—making you question what is real, who is real, and who isn't, just as the characters do throughout the story.
Yes, some people might complain that the scene it makes the story a bit ambiguous or incomplete, but I'd argue that's exactly why they chose this scene to be a post-credit scene: it's a playful wink to the audience, like a set of Russian nesting dolls, inviting us to keep questioning what we've just seen. Yet it doesn't change the ending for either couple.
MY FAV 2026 C-BL TO DATE!
Like I said the show is not perfect. The schemes sometimes weren’t scheming logically, but because of how subversive the romance was, and how well they wrote all the females in the show, giving them power, intelligence, agency, giving them the opportunity to put themselves first, I loved every minute of the 36 episodes
I’ll say it again those women were cutthroat. All of them. And I lived.
I need to digest it a bit more. After that I’ll go find a new obsession. Any suggestions?
The show is not perfect. I like the romance, live for MC’s dynamic, and the themes. But the plot in these latest 7 episodes ain’t plotting. I’m waiting for the last episodes to see if they can explain some lose ends. That’s why I mainly comment about the romance.
To me RSB schemes were kinda on point till she faked her sister’s death. Even then I was questioning the logistics of it.
Before she was always able to benefit from her pursuers fights, and overcome her relatives schemes while being as gracious as possible. That I admire. Also her crying on her sister’s empty grave , pure acting so LJL could feel guilty and not pursue the case was ruthless. But her schemes went down hill with the “book” case and the one with YunShu. I get the motivation behind them but not the thought process… and the logistics.
Somebody please help me understand.
The twist about YunShu’s(YS) attacking the grandma was all an act played by both RSB and YS. I’m sorry but that doesn’t make sense. I get the motivation, but the logic behind it is so flawed.
Why would you accept to pretend to attack your grandma(not just any grandma, THAT Grandmother) with your adversary especially after being defeated by her? Also what about the risks? YS, girl why?! I get the catharsis and I was screaming “tell her!” while you were reading your grandma, but there’s no catharsis worth the possible punishment if that old hag would choose so.
When it comes to RSB, why would she come up with the plan of staging an attack with a knife with your defenseless grandma who’s bedridden? And I hate the old hag, but even if the risks were all calculated it was simply cruel. She is resourceful surely she could’ve found a better option to get similar results. Whoever wrote this plot point clearly prioritized spectacle over logic.
Having Yan Bailou(YBL) being exposed on the wedding day in front of the whole Rong clan was masterful. Yes, she had LJL’s help but without him YBL would have been exposed by her anyway. I get the motivation, logic and the execution was cathartic. I thought we went back on track but then YS twist happened so… IDK. I’m going to wait until it finishes.
When it comes to their romance we’ve two characters that are attracted first and foremost by each other’s intelligence. They built a foundation of trust and respect that you can only have when you recognize that you finally found your match.
When LJL offered to be at her service willingly, on his knees and with an indenture letter(the guy is so extra 🙄), HE established their dynamics. In their relationship she leads and he follows. At that moment he was asking for her protection while he was trying to figure out his own identity, but also he was testing her character, and RSB was testing him too. Throughout the story she testes him several times to be sure if he’s a good match, and he rises to the challenge every time. Hell, he gets a kick out of it. And She indulges him in his antics. Like I said that’s their foreplay. Also that is what people call courtship.
The show has been nothing but consistent with these two.
Also RSB is a protector at heart. That’s one of the ways she shows love. The scheme she played to ruin Jiang Yi Qian was risky. She basically lied to an official who was personally sent by the empress. Imagine if LJL was found to be implicated in that scheme? His whole career could be down the drain and he could be jailed for that. Yes she got a kick playing games with him but keeping him in the dark was a way to protect him. And LJL understands that. Just like RSB understood him when he left her at the altar because of his sense of justice.