shadowdreamer

Yes, he should have straight out and talk to her then. It was a rare occasion for them to be alone together. He is hesitant and a lot more cautious in dealing with her now than before. Remember when they first got together? He was more straightforward and aggressive in his pursue of her. At the same time, I don't know, if I was him how I could break the ice without further antagonizing her to retreat more. With her attitude towards him like that I as an audience wouldn't even want to talk to her, LOL. I guess, he still felt wrong and is unsure how to ask her for another chance. The sickness scenario is a very routine drama icebreaker that I think it best not to use in this situation, but it is what it is. This might be something he found online on how to chase your girlfriend like earlier in the drama. Which to me is like he is probably wrecking his brain on how to approach her without her usual defense up. It can also be view as him testing to see if she still cares about him. Still very childish of him. And him not doing a very convincing job of being sick either. LOL

There are people that would take reviews and ratings as criterion to watching or readings something. I do not give a wit as I know when I do reviews, it is already a personal bias. Each to their own. Sometimes good reviews are helpful to me in term of if the plot direction is something I'd be interested in in investing my personal time and energy, especially having to sit through a 20-, 30- or 40-episodes drama.

Hmm, I believe your first sentence sort of answer my inquiry. I am no sociologist but I speculated viewers will unconsciously insert themselves into a character, usually of the same gender. They will take any offense to what that character received in the drama as if it is was to them. All other characters will be viewed as a secondary and of only significant enough to serve the needs of character they see themselves in. Which is totally fine, as watching drama is personal. However, I think the bigger picture, of empathy and understanding, for the other characters don't get the attention they deserve. As those other characters are just that, others.

It is hard to conceive it from another angle. Because then you'll have to start from the beginning and reverse how you view events/things as they unfold. It may be the framing of the narrative but we already have a false preconceived notion of ML since the beginning. As the story progress we slowly get to know him and our preconception will have to adjust accordingly but that notion is still there regardless.

I think if they were not leads, they would not even get together in the first place. Let alone get a chance to have a breakup.

Yes, but it is a very poorly designed plot device. I feel some of the acting contribute a bit to the contradictory of a certain character. As at this point, I feel no love at all from FL. ML is now just doing his duty to complete what the screenwriters want, to complete the groveling/wife chasing part of the script. I personally find it very cringe and annoying to watch, especially as one person does all the work and the receiving party is indifference. That is a romance drama killer mode, considering we are on the last leg of drama. If FL no longer has feelings at all to ML at this point, then the audience will not be convince of a reunion later. Love cannot be switched off and on. Well, unless it is a drama....oh(facepalm)

My favorite female character is Chen. When she comes on the scene I know I will hate her and love her. Maybe it is the acting? I can't exactly pinpoint. She is what I would have like the FL character to epitomize; strong, goes after what she wants and a strong adaptable skill and tough, she is certainly a tough little cookie. Sadly, FL with all her careerwise and mature look she doesn't have Chen's fighting spirit. Somehow, I can see Chen a more fitting war correspondent than FL. My second favorite female character is Sui's mother. Another tough, sassy and flamboyant character.

I also like Zhao too. He's a very enjoyable villain. I wish he had more screen time.

First of all, thank you, that sounds like a compliment that you watched this because of my comments. ^_^

It sounds like you already answered your own question. They were so in love but she is the first to walk away, gave him the ultimatum. Why did she left him in the first place? You said it. Because of Chen. because of her insecurity. Not Shangqi. If he cheated then yes absolutely I fully support her to leave him. I wouldn't give him the time of day at all. However, the issue is that he never cheated. All his interactions with Chen were through work. Why do I say obliged? Because Chen and her own insecurity is the true culprit. Chen is still in Hupu, she is still insecure. Then, based on this analysis the chances of her leaving again override staying. I would go so far as to get the feeling she would use this event to solidify that yes, Hupu is not for them, Wusu is safer...

Not to mention his company is in chaos after the failed wedding, especially like you said it happened under HIS watch. Then the person responsible to cleanup the mess should be him. If he ran away with her, what does that say about him? His character? The Xiao family? That is a suicide move right there. Zhao wouldn't have to do anything at all.

To your question, Chen refused additional bridesmaid, remember? She wanted only He. Thus, it would have to be FL that should have protected Chen. Now, who's fault does this personally fall to? Also at the wedding hall, FL fell down, Chen is surrounded by cameras. Who else can protect the bride? The closest person to her, Shangqi. As to why she wants FL to be her bridesmaid? She said it she wants those she used to know to gush over how far she's come to this point in getting marry to such a young, rich man.

The comment below said what I wanted to say: He took the initiative to end their relationship because he was trying to protect her. Not really because of lack of communication. Although that certainly plays a small part.

At the end, I feel it is a matter of audience perspective. Enjoy the rest of the drama. I like heathy discussion. Cheers.

That is my understanding too.

I'm not taking as if you are bashing him but I am curious on your take on viewing from a different perspective. Also, many questions (in our dialogue) remain unanswered which I am unsure if what I meant to say is clear.

That although I can understand her side however, based on the existing evidence (her actions and choices) presented on screen her current attitude is not flattering for a viewer like me. She has no right to stand on the moral high ground to scold him like a child. I can excuse her younger college self but once she's in the workplace I expect her to be mature and reasonable.

I seem to be the answering all your questions. Do you mind answering some of mine? From our conversation thread. I'm simply curious how you would view events based on ML's perspective.

Her career WAS going nowhere... The department was going to end the show before Shangqi's call? This is what I meant when I said she abandoned her parents to pursue her going-nowhere career. Because after three years of working at this place, the program was going to be canceled...When did I her career is because of him? The catalysis of Shangqi's call made her realized she needs to pursue other avenue. He initially disapproved of her radio career but supportive at the end. That is how he trust she knows what she wants.

Yes, I know you are telling me her side but I am telling you his side. That is why there is a contradictory between the two characters. This contradictory is the big elephant in the room. Both need to work out these differences. Mainly on her part because she is insecure. And him, not sure if he has the patience enough to always telling her his whereabouts and with whom if these are not worked out before their happily ever after.

About how he didn't tell her his father's death. I don't hold it against him. Based on his current condition at that critical moment, I would also do the same. Sorry.

That's true. However, he is given a ultimatum. What can he do? Either way it will still lead to a breakup.

He tells her, she will feel obliged to come back to Hupu. And it will likely be a temporary solution. She will head back to Wusu again once it looks settled.

I understand your positioning.

However, from my view the reason why she is willing to become Chen's bridesmaid is first they are/were "friends" in college and she has no good comeback to deflect Chen's request. She also wants to quickly pack her away to Zhao, therefore out of Shangqi and her relationship. I don't think it has much to do with Shangi at all. Like I said in other post, Shangqi is like a tool for these two girls. She did not stand up and told Chen to back off, that is my issue with her. Rather each encounter is a polite but glooming face, which is too easy for Chen to played off of. If you are ready to fight then fight dirty as she personally knows how Chen is like back in college.

Zhao is being investigated. I'm sure there will be result in the later episodes.

"His poor judgement is not her problem" - who contribute to the poor judgement? She was the mediator... How does she know if she tells him he will rebuke her? Because she was always insecure and never has the guts to make any move within those eight years. However, those eight years, who keeps apologizing for it but who keeps bringing it up to guilt trip the other party?

She was insecure (has always been so) because she met her psychological horror, Chen. Chen knows how to poke her weakness. Whereas she has no defense against Chen, thus transferring those anger to Shangqi. He was going to tell her about Chen but she made the surprise trip, so is it his fault for not telling her? Is he cheating? A person doesn't need to feel guilty if they have no intention of cheating. What kind of person needs constant assurance needs a play by play account of their partner? Remember when she almost broke into his phone? That is the PTSDing Chen put her through, NOT Shangqi. If the woman that Shangqi worked with is not Chen would she react the same? So, it is just Chen that she reacts that way too. Throughout all their relationship she is always wanting to complete a set of lists as soon as possible as if the relationship is only temprorary. When they first moved in together Shangqi asked her why she brought so few clothes, and what is her response?

No, he does not bring his FEELINGS to work. He is professional all the way, the way how a businessman would capitalized on situations. He is clever to find a way to workaround to bring win-win to his cooperation with her, a way to keep afloat her team, a chance with her (of course) and his hotel. That is the difference. She cannot distinguish work related from personal emotion. She can do the job well and scold him outside, that would be professional. However, what we saw this week is that even if it is not his doing she was not professional enough to complete her work.

She failed her interview, easy and simple. She was struck numb by the short clip about graduation at the last interview... Also because she was not strong enough to face everyone after her supposedly "failed" confession. Who humiliated her? Him? Or her own fault for not being careful and let others open it on accident. Once again, don't blame this on him. Therefore what we have here is a case of her own capitulation to the event to have to go to another place to start "fresh". Not to mention, she left her loving parents behind to pursue her going nowhere career until Shangqi intervene.

He reassurance her is because he is a liar? How is he a liar? What did he do that was earth shattering for her to be so cold face, to roll her eyes at him? Did he cheat? Did he kill her family? Oh, wait, it is just delaying telling her about Chen (her archenemy) and withheld his father's death? And do what he can to protect her from Zhao's grip? "The noble idiocy trope" works with all the conditions presented, but it is her the layout of her character that doesn't work. There's the contrast.

Her trust was always fragile, or I can say now it is nonexistence as she told him. What about his trust in her. It is not comparable at all. He cannot always be on the lookout for pitfalls because she is not strong enough. So, he can be a tool for her venting. He should grovel until he's blue in the face because FL feels entitled to her hurt feelings.... Her reasoning is unfounded. She is hurt but he is also hurt. I'm repeating myself here. He is willing to recognize his "short comings" and apologize. What kind of happy ending, which I assume this drama will have, can we expect from this relationship. A relationship needs two people to work, it seems right now one person is going the mile and the other is standing still.

I ascertain her based on what is presented on screen. She has trust issues from the very beginning. First it was her secret love, she withheld it for eight years without a word and she feels incomparable to Chen. Chen continues to play a pivotal role in her psyche even after Chen said she's given up on Shangqi. She doesn't trust him because she thinks he doesn't like her like he with Chen. It is all in her head. With all that he is willing to give up to be with her, if it is not enough, I'm not sure what else can besides phycological counseling her. Frankly at this point, I'd rather he not chase her, him groveling like this with her attitude is annoying as heck. However, it seems the groveling will continue nonetheless because the screenwriters said so. From the "breakup" to now she has the same face that I as a viewer just cannot sympathize with.

Yes, looks like we are watching different drama. We are taking different side. I can relate more to ML than FL.

What about 2nd question?

Edited: I want to know because the audience unconsciously or even consciously take the position of a lead/character and view things from that character's angle. The blind spot can be combed out if we analyze it equally across the board.

I have two rhetorical questions.
1. Given all the conditions of ML here, how would you re-evaluate him? If he is not the lead but second or other.
2. Same for FL, if she is not female lead but a second lead or other, would you still feel the same?

Could be that he's changed or something. Although she could have wanted to say something else.

He has a thing for Chen but why is she the one willing to run around for Fei'er to deceive him? If she values their friendship she should at least spoke up or clue him on it. What we get instead is that he thought Chen had some feelings for him through HER mediation. This is just a bit messed up if you ask me. Not to mention, she keeps bringing up the eight years she'd liked him. ???? What? She is doing cognitive dissonance. You keep hearing she loves him she loves him but what I saw was silent complicit on her part to allowing Chen to deceive Shangqi. Thus giving her a moral high ground for feeling abandoned by them when they went abroad, at the same cutting off all communication before he even has a say. When combining all these together, Shangqi is a tool between the two girls.

Yes, she has her right to be angry because she feels hurt but she also hurts him. He is also an injury party. He is willing to apologize to explain but what does she do. She brought personal issues to work (very unprofessional) and acting like the world owes her. Then turns around and complains to Li. This is not a sign of a person that wants to end their relationship. Rather, a person that is bitter and want to lash out. It's good that she finally spoke out. That way they know where they stand. Seriously, at this point I'd rather they not end up together. They have too many differences for me to feel they will last after getting a happily ever after. Unless there is a major reversal and she suddenly got enlightened.

Her being a stranger is when they encountered Chen in Hupu, after they have lived together in Wusu...
She has never trusted him. Name one where she actually trust him?
Not running around? Why was she in Wusu in the first place? When she made her ultimatum to him in Hupu before returing to Wusu?
Why did she give up her interview in college?
He constantly reassurances her from before they get together to when they were together, to when they were in Hupu....
Seriously, I would get tired too if I have to be mindful of a person's fragile state of mind all the time without any notice.

Um, I am seriously asking, we are watching the same drama right?...

I'll repost what I wrote above as it answers your questions:

There wasn't many scenes of them in college but what is shown is that she unwillingly but goes along with Chen in stringing Shangqi's feeling? Now you tell me why would she be hidden culprit of leading Shangqi to Chen in the first place? If she loves him enough she would not waited eight years silently loving him. Since Chen told her outright how she feels about Shangqi, why is she still helping Chen? That I do not understand. Again, the confession was no fault of Shangqi, he didn't see the video. Why is this still on him? So, basically he wasn't aware of He's feelings to him at the same time nor saw the confession video. The next morning when Shanqi tried to contact FL he was already blocked by her. Then who's to blame for not communicating this time? Both parties, it cannot be just him alone. That is why he wants an apology from her because he was blocked without knowing the reason.

It seems we have totally opposite view on trust from the leads.

The second breakup both have trust issues. He has more to lose than her. He has always been independent and that is an issue I see he's worked on as he's willing to admit mistakes. FL is PTSDing her first failed confession and her lack of trust in him. He said it in the recent updates, she acts differently towards him every time she comes into contact with Chen. Thus, it is not him she has issues with rather her psychological reaction to Chen on top of her insecurity. She does not need to abandon her life; she's already done that when she ran away to Wusu. Her threatening to run away again in episode 32 is why she cannot get a grip on the current dilemma, that they had a short-lived relationship before Chen came along. Now, why is that? He constantly reassurances her at any opportunity but she was not trusting him enough to tell him why she was behaving like a stranger to him when they already moved in together. Everyone is moving forward, even Chen is moving forward, but she is still stuck in college. Well, except for Zhao; his life was overshadowed by his childhood. I'm hoping she will grow but she is not.

There wasn't many scenes of them in college but what is shown is that she unwillingly but goes along with Chen in stringing Shangqi's feeling? Now you tell me why would she be hidden culprit of leading Shangqi to Chen in the first place? If she loves him enough she would not waited eight years silently loving him. Since Chen told her outright how she feels about Shangqi, why is she still helping Chen? That I do not understand. Again, the confession was no fault of Shangqi, he didn't see the video. Why is this still on him? So, basically he wasn't aware of He's feelings to him at the same time nor saw the confession video. The next morning when Shanqi tried to contact FL he was already blocked by her. Then who's to blame for not communicating this time? Both parties, it cannot be just him alone. That is why he wants an apology from her because he was blocked without knowing the reason.

It seems we have totally opposite view on trust from the leads.

The second breakup both have trust issues. He has more to lose than her. He has always been independent and that is an issue I see he's worked on as he's willing to admit mistakes. FL is PTSDing her first failed confession and her lack of trust in him. He said it in the recent updates, she acts differently towards him every time she comes into contact with Chen. Thus, it is not him she has issues with rather her psychological reaction to Chen on top of her insecurity. She does not need to abandon her life; she's already done that when she ran away to Wusu. Her threatening to run away again in episode 32 is why she cannot get a grip on the current dilemma, that they had a short-lived relationship before Chen came along. Now, why is that? He constantly reassurances her at any opportunity but she was not trusting him enough to tell him why she was behaving like a stranger to him when they already moved in together. Everyone is moving forward, even Chen is moving forward, but she is still stuck in college. Well, except for Zhao; his life was overshadowed by his childhood. I'm hoping she will grow but she is not.

The climax of the drama is the showdown between Shangqi and Zhao. I heard it took a whole day to film. All the characters did an amazing job and have great chemistry. The tension between Shangqi and Zhao is unbelievably electrifying, it is immensely satisfying to watch. Shangqi doesn’t pull any punches and knows how to crush Zhao with all the glaring evidence he patiently gathered against him. And a seemly evil villain is a scaredy-cat? “You’re scared of death, but have you lived before?” It really defines Zhao’s life. He’s spent all his energy on defeating the Xiao family, especially Xiao Shangqi, but at the end he never really gets to enjoy any of it. Maybe a sense of accomplishment once when he thought he’s destroyed Shangqi. Zhao is such a twisted but sad/tragic character. And finally, blood is thicker than water, the Xiao brothers are a dream team.

These two episodes really show two sides of Xiao Shangqi. A very competent and shrewd businessman and an inexperience lovesick young man. LOL, when Shangqi was pretending to be sick. So adorable. Can I be the one you’re chasing, Mr. Xiao Shangqi? I promise I will never say no. 😊

I disagree about the "noble idiocy trope". I found it hilarious how FL is in love with Shangqi for eight years, but she never fought for him. Not once. Instead, after each rejection she runs away. With this kind of attitude, I’m surprised she can keep a stable friendship with her two housemate friends. Like she’s willing to understand them and fight for them but when it comes to Shangqi it is either my way or the highway. There doesn’t seem to be a middle ground. He is willing to admit when he’s wrong, but she doesn’t seem to register anything at all. At this point, even with a happy ending, I have doubts whether she will have the confidence to fight for what she wants or just give up the first argument or disagreement they have. Sounds like a recipe for disaster.

I'm also the opposite of you in that I skipped Sui and Li's parts and watch with relish on Chen and Lin's. A redeeming story is always a fresh take on a hated character. Looking at the overall picture, Sui and Li's scenes contribute little to nothing to the story rather it feels like a filler to extend the drama and setup for FL character. Otherwise, I feel there's no other side story for FL besides the workplace arc.

I usually don't read reviews until the show is finished. Any reviews beforehand are, in my opinion, heavily influenced by biases one way or another. Expectations set by a review may change midway or reverse in the ending.

Same here. The few dramas I dropped do not have my ratings or reviews. I leave with an open mind that not every drama is to my liking.