TBH I was bothered by how FL freaked out at ML outside the hospital. He was clearly in scrubs so was involved in the surgery somehow, and she knows he can't practice anymore, so clearly he went through a lot, like some extreme circumstances that could explain why he couldn't reach her. It would have been better to be calm and more considerate in that situation. I guess the point of that scene was to show the ML that she does care for him a lot, something he always doubted because of what he thought happened in the past with his accident...
In the next scene at the ski villa though, I thought she would apologize for freaking out after she realized what he went through. But this didn't happen which was not really in character. Instead, he was apologizing so many times. It felt like an imbalance in their relationship, so it was kind of uncomfortable to watch.
Seeing this part of the FL, also later in the office when she was asking him to call the managers and to do it right away (similar to what her father was like with his assistant), I realize she can be a bit bossy! but ML loves this side of her regardless (he was attracted to her at her godparent's party for standing up to another guest).
Anyway, I feel like seeing this side of FL reinforces how she & the 2ML are NOT compatible at all! I just can't see her being her natural self (the way she was with ML, with her family, in epi 20-22) with 2ML! I also see more how our ML is just sooooo nice & understanding, he's really the perfect guy. Everyone loves him, even 2ML, lol!
Well some people might say otherwise but for me nope...It's not sizzling unfortunately. More like slow slow slow…
It's not sizzling between the MC (as of end of epi 22), more like a slow burn where the ML falls head over heels for the FL when he saw her at her godparent's party, but as for her, she didn't remember seeing him then.
Their relationship is really like a slow burn, as they get to know each other, she realizes she likes him & she can be herself with him (he is healthy partner for her). She is also recovering from her devastating 1st crush/love with 2ML. And yes, I agree with you, there are more sparks between FL & 2ML, but I'm sure the chemistry between MC will sizzle soon! Still lots of plot left. Very good drama even though there aren't many racy moments unlike Speed & Love.
I don't understand why Zhuang Xu rejected Nie Xi Guang? She's rich, gorgeous and likes him, and he apparently…
He has a lot of hang ups & too much stuff going on that's holding him back (fulfilling Mom's & society's expectations, financial disparity, misplaced loyalty to childhood friend Wrong Wrong, focusing on school / getting a good job / making money rather than love...then there's his inherent character, which is cautious, risk-averse, introverted, laconic...and lack of communication skills, lack of empathy especially towards FL). From what I read in the novel, and what I've seen so far in the drama, he genuinely liked her but couldn't act on his feelings at the time.
Love this so much so I gave in & read the book lol! Really good how the show captures the novel but goes beyond in fleshing out the characters and giving more storyline. I loved the ski resort scenes & interaction with family (not in the book), thought it was funny & touching, and really added to the story. The additional new moments in the show made one understand more about the main characters and made the story even better. I like how the MC are taking things slow and the development of their relationship, he is so healthy for FL and she is starting to realize & care deeply about ML too. Really really good story that stays with me & honestly can't wait to see how it plays out in the drama! Also, I especially like how ZJM & LWM are bringing their characters to life. The clash of emotions and all the expressions, I'm impressed. It's going to be too sad when the drama ends, I don't want it to end. I haven't seen too many modern Cdramas, but I think this is the best one so far, I feel so emotionally invested.
I'm LOVING everything about this drama, including the SML because he's a well fleshed out character. I've watched…
Thank you for this! I like complex characters and enjoyed your analysis of 2ML . He reminds me of those complicated & tormented Shakespearean characters, who somehow find their redemption at the end.
I agree; they're just not in an "official relationship."
Oops, I should have clarified, I'm not too savvy with replying in threads lol. Your comments are just so funny, like how he can only just get drunk & harm his liver, lol! Also was entertained when you called out ZX's exceedingly high expectations of wanting NXG to be telepathic, lol!
it was sooooo gooood! I didn't expect more back story on 2ML, but there's now a lot of development with his character…
That was messed up how ZX took her phone, taking RR's side. If he liked her, wouldn't he give her the benefit of the doubt and let her prove her innocence? Even though afterwards he felt bad and as an apology helped with her thesis, there was never a clear apology. So this kind of behavior is how he rolls...he is not good for our FL.
I remember though in a flashback while talking to Rong Rong after the wedding, they showed him saying something like NXG is not the type to play dirty tricks and not pass on the job interview message just to ruin RR's chances. It seems like he initially defended her but got follow through. Still, he should have gotten to the bottom of things during the confrontation scene if he really liked her. Also jeez, shouldn't her friends all care about the truth and get her side of the story too? That's why the whole crew is toxic, only taking RR's side.
it was sooooo gooood! I didn't expect more back story on 2ML, but there's now a lot of development with his character…
So true, ZX should have acknowledged NXG's apology. Instead, he left her on read, and their interactions for the rest of their final year of college were awkward, full of misunderstanding...NXG was like walking on eggshells when the group was together, she assumed that ZX & Rong Rong were a couple since he didn't deny it.
So she distanced herself after that text, but then there were scenes implying that he may be starting to reciprocate her feelings. Like him helping her turn in her resumes at the job fair (selecting Shanghai companies so that they can be close), defending her initially when RR accused NXG of not passing on the interview message, helping with her thesis as an apology, also staying behind at the bus stop. The grapes discussion really messed him up because she assumed the big grape was Rong Rong but in his mind it's NXG. Given how unclear he was all along, letting everyone assume he is dating RR, of course it's safe for NXG to assume the big grape is RR! It just goes to show he doesn't want to share his feelings with anyone. So people don't know what he's really thinking - another example is how in epi 15 his little brother was surprised to find ZX's book of poetry "Sand and Foam" by Kahlil Gibran (with a grad photo of her & their college friends hidden within the pages). Sand & Foam is such a poignant & lonely literary work, and for ZX to have this and treasuring it reveals a lot about him.
So there were definitely moments where he tried to convey his interest to NXG - even the friend group noticed this (esp RR & Silian). But in the end, he never expressed his feelings clearly. Unlike NXG, who was super direct with him but felt bad about it later (because of cursed pit viper RR lies !).
All this doesn't excuse how he was mean to NXG of course, like with the high heels, saying she's spoiled, leeching off her parents, etc. He can't empathize with her and seems oblivious/indifferent as to how his words & actions' can harm her feelings. So, he is NOT good for her. I'm not sure if it even has to do with the differences in social status, I think it's more to do with how they are, like the essence of their character. They just DON'T fit each other at all. They really don't know each other that well, I mean it was only during her 3rd year winter semester of college when she met him anyway. And he's super laconic & introverted, focused on his studies & fulfilling his family's expectations, so really difficult for anyone to get to know him.
it was sooooo gooood! I didn't expect more back story on 2ML, but there's now a lot of development with his character making one sympathize with him more. I can never hate this type of character who is doing his best despite his situation and pressure and living with insecurities any human has. Nice to see his little brother worried about him and wanting him to be happy even though in the past he supported the pit viper Rong Rong, so setting up this trip for his bro so ZX & NXG can run into each other and maybe get a chance. ZX definitely a difficult character but seems to care deeply about NXG just doesn't know how to express himself and what to do. He's like an iceberg, one can't fathom what's beneath the surface.
Chris is great by the way! Love how she's just like "go for it!" ZX really needs someone like her!
I also love NXG's cousin JR!
So far, LWM is doing a wonderful job, I mean so believable, like he has transformed into the ZX character. he's kind of stealing the show with how he's playing the role and expressions. I only saw him in FoF, small role, glad to see here he is blossoming and showcasing his mad acting skillz..
I like the SML and anyone here can blame me for that because it’s MY opinion. It’s really CRAZY that Some…
I'm with you, also more interested in complex characters so here I'd like to see how 2ML ZX will evolve and mature (of course, also Xi Guang and how she matures & gets over her first love). His conversation with Rong Rong after the wedding was eye-opening and a huge step for him, I think he'll eventually realize what a jerk he's been to XG and that she deserves better or that they just don't fit each other.
Everytime he's on screen actually there's a really nice song that plays in the background, the words seem to reflect his feelings & situation (maybe the lyrics are spoiling his character development & story arc): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQGOdrnWP30&t=1662s
Anyway, I'm really enjoying everything about this drama! I love all the angst, uncertainty & conflict, and really feeling the characters too. Kudos to SWL, ZJM & LWM! 👏👏👏
In the next scene at the ski villa though, I thought she would apologize for freaking out after she realized what he went through. But this didn't happen which was not really in character. Instead, he was apologizing so many times. It felt like an imbalance in their relationship, so it was kind of uncomfortable to watch.
Seeing this part of the FL, also later in the office when she was asking him to call the managers and to do it right away (similar to what her father was like with his assistant), I realize she can be a bit bossy! but ML loves this side of her regardless (he was attracted to her at her godparent's party for standing up to another guest).
Anyway, I feel like seeing this side of FL reinforces how she & the 2ML are NOT compatible at all! I just can't see her being her natural self (the way she was with ML, with her family, in epi 20-22) with 2ML! I also see more how our ML is just sooooo nice & understanding, he's really the perfect guy. Everyone loves him, even 2ML, lol!
Their relationship is really like a slow burn, as they get to know each other, she realizes she likes him & she can be herself with him (he is healthy partner for her). She is also recovering from her devastating 1st crush/love with 2ML. And yes, I agree with you, there are more sparks between FL & 2ML, but I'm sure the chemistry between MC will sizzle soon! Still lots of plot left. Very good drama even though there aren't many racy moments unlike Speed & Love.
@Jess4163 wrote an great analysis below, a worthwhile read:
https://mydramalist.com/757041-jiao-yang-si-wo#comment-24651674
I remember though in a flashback while talking to Rong Rong after the wedding, they showed him saying something like NXG is not the type to play dirty tricks and not pass on the job interview message just to ruin RR's chances. It seems like he initially defended her but got follow through. Still, he should have gotten to the bottom of things during the confrontation scene if he really liked her. Also jeez, shouldn't her friends all care about the truth and get her side of the story too? That's why the whole crew is toxic, only taking RR's side.
So she distanced herself after that text, but then there were scenes implying that he may be starting to reciprocate her feelings. Like him helping her turn in her resumes at the job fair (selecting Shanghai companies so that they can be close), defending her initially when RR accused NXG of not passing on the interview message, helping with her thesis as an apology, also staying behind at the bus stop. The grapes discussion really messed him up because she assumed the big grape was Rong Rong but in his mind it's NXG. Given how unclear he was all along, letting everyone assume he is dating RR, of course it's safe for NXG to assume the big grape is RR! It just goes to show he doesn't want to share his feelings with anyone. So people don't know what he's really thinking - another example is how in epi 15 his little brother was surprised to find ZX's book of poetry "Sand and Foam" by Kahlil Gibran (with a grad photo of her & their college friends hidden within the pages). Sand & Foam is such a poignant & lonely literary work, and for ZX to have this and treasuring it reveals a lot about him.
So there were definitely moments where he tried to convey his interest to NXG - even the friend group noticed this (esp RR & Silian). But in the end, he never expressed his feelings clearly. Unlike NXG, who was super direct with him but felt bad about it later (because of cursed pit viper RR lies !).
All this doesn't excuse how he was mean to NXG of course, like with the high heels, saying she's spoiled, leeching off her parents, etc. He can't empathize with her and seems oblivious/indifferent as to how his words & actions' can harm her feelings. So, he is NOT good for her. I'm not sure if it even has to do with the differences in social status, I think it's more to do with how they are, like the essence of their character. They just DON'T fit each other at all. They really don't know each other that well, I mean it was only during her 3rd year winter semester of college when she met him anyway. And he's super laconic & introverted, focused on his studies & fulfilling his family's expectations, so really difficult for anyone to get to know him.
Chris is great by the way! Love how she's just like "go for it!" ZX really needs someone like her!
I also love NXG's cousin JR!
So far, LWM is doing a wonderful job, I mean so believable, like he has transformed into the ZX character. he's kind of stealing the show with how he's playing the role and expressions. I only saw him in FoF, small role, glad to see here he is blossoming and showcasing his mad acting skillz..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNXHn2k2kVI&list=PLLaG0k-PXfnd2jSwSUgGt28IU7_zzHRdH&index=10
Everytime he's on screen actually there's a really nice song that plays in the background, the words seem to reflect his feelings & situation (maybe the lyrics are spoiling his character development & story arc):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQGOdrnWP30&t=1662s
Anyway, I'm really enjoying everything about this drama! I love all the angst, uncertainty & conflict, and really feeling the characters too. Kudos to SWL, ZJM & LWM! 👏👏👏