Just finished ep 13, and it's so cute! I love them they are so good together. Love the romance part, which developed really well, very naturally & organically. Love also their outfits, the traditional hutong neighborhoods & interactions with neighbors, the modern building & interior design, the very cute opening credits, and just really so far everything! LIght & fluffy with great chemsitry & very good acting from everyone. I've never seen the ML before & he's soooo good in this role, very dashing. LYX has amazing chemistry with her ML, as always.
Well, first farewell to character letter and explaining how much it took to understand him and become him is from…
Aw, thank you for the links! I really loved LWM's farewell message to ZX & to us viewers. He really put a lot of thought, heart, & work intounderstanding & playing such a complicated and polarizing character. Truly appreciated his performance, which for some reason resonated with me a lot.
(English translation)
Hello, I'm actor Lai Weiming.
When writing this, the broadcast of "The Sun Like Me" is coming to an end, and I have a lot of feelings in my heart, and I want to tell you about it.
Frankly speaking, when I first learned that I was going to play Zhuang Xu, my first reaction was nervousness and uneasiness. I don't know where to start, how to do it, what needs to be done, and how to complete this role.
Nervous to nervous, I have to start preparing immediately. I opened the novel and read it over and over again. I also went to see Mr. Gu Man's previous works and the film and television clips that I think I can learn from, and found the character status as quickly as possible. I went online to collect readers' interpretation and analysis of Zhuangxu, summarized and digested it myself, and slowly took him into my heart. At first, I felt that he twisted, silent, and carried too much, and his emotions and choices would not be easily understood. I repeatedly asked myself: how should I walk into him? How should I take him out?
Later, I entered the group. To be honest, I was under a lot of pressure, but I seemed to be getting close to him slowly. I could feel his silence and his unspoken words. Zhuang Xu, in fact, we could not have been so brave... But there is no way, just as we face many choices in life day after day without God's perspective, there is no way.
From the beginning of the broadcast to the end of these days, a lot of words have been accumulated in my heart. Today, I can finally pick them up one by one and tell them to you.
When I put on his clothes, walked through the road he walked, and felt his every day with my heart, I gradually understood where his pride and emotions came from. His retreat and silence were not cowardice, but he understood the weight of the word responsibility earlier. He had to run faster to be able to grasp the choices about life. When he saw the dazzling light, his inner struggle and restraint were far more intense than he had shown. It's not that he doesn't want to chase light, because at the age when he should ignore it, he has too few chips to hold.
After that, I didn't just play him. I have found more empathy-for example, sometimes I am not very good at expressing myself, and I am used to stuffing my emotions in my heart. So I tried my best to give him everything I could in front of the camera. At least for that time, we went together.
After the play was broadcast, I carefully read everyone's comments every day. Whether it was criticism or encouragement, I accepted it all. I know that Zhuang Xu carries too many people's youthful memories and emotional projections, and any interpretation cannot fully fit the image in everyone's heart. It is these different voices that prove that everyone really saw Zhuang Xu and also saw me.
I want to say that Zhuang Xu may not be perfect, but he is not a "bad person". He is just a young man who wants to keep his dignity but is heavily pressed by life. To be able to play Zhuang Xu is a very precious journey for me. Looking back, I will have a little regret in my heart, and I have repeatedly thought about whether it can be better, but at that time, I put almost all my understanding and sincerity into it.
In addition to actors, like everyone else, I will be confused, make mistakes, be nervous, be embarrassed, secretly happy when praised, and even disappointed in myself at certain moments. Thank you for looking at me like this and still giving me company. Thank you for accompanying me through this imperfect but true journey.
Finally, I would like to thank Mr. Gu Man for creating such a vivid and unforgettable preface, and all readers for their protection and love over the years, so that this character has endless vitality. Thanks to the gaze of every audience, whether good or bad, it made me think more deeply about the weight of the profession of an actor. Thanks to all the staff in front of and behind the scenes, it was everyone's joint efforts that made this story possible.
Thank you for letting me into your life. Even if it's just a ride, this one will be the most important mark on my journey as an actor.
As a young actor, as a newcomer in the industry who is still learning and exploring, I know that I still have a long way to go before I mature and perfect. Acting is a lesson that needs to be practiced, and I have just opened the preface.
Every shot, every interpretation, for me is both delivery and homework. I cherish every opportunity to see my own youth and limitations. The unfinished depth of performance and the gap between understanding and expression are all the places where I need to settle down and polish in the future.
Grateful for all encounters, may we all see ourselves who have struggled in the difficult situation and respect our every choice.
The rivers and lakes are far away. I'll see you next time.
I haven't had the chance yet to watch properly the drama from ep 22, due to the Christmas fanfarre. What about…
It seems like the rumors were fueled by jealousy from ZX colleagues, who envied his talent, work ethic, workplace success, and good looks (kind of like how NXG was envied by toxic college friends).
We don't find out in ep 31-32 who started the rumors, but it doesn`t really matter, I think the most important thing about this happening to ZX is finally (!) he can understand how NXG felt after being maliciously and falsely accused by supposed friend group towards the end of their college days.
the office rumors about ZX, Chris & Kevin are a great addition to the story! ZX finally has an inkling of what NXG went through with toxic college crew. People really don't know about someone's experience until they go through it themselves.
TBH I was bothered by how FL freaked out at ML outside the hospital. He was clearly in scrubs so was involved…
I just felt bad for ML at that moment when she freaked out cuz he was going through a lot in his head after helping with the surgery. . Poor guy lost his career, missing it & feeling helpless that he cannot continue being a surgeo, also thinking somehow FL was involved indirectly in his career-ending accident, yet still loves her so decides to put it all behind him, but still very hard for him.
I was not the biggest fan of the scene afterwards with his many apologies to her. If only she hugged him or something after she realized what he was going through too. But, it doesn't matter because he finally understands how much she cares about him & loves her unconditionally anyway.
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.
(English translation)
Hello, I'm actor Lai Weiming.
When writing this, the broadcast of "The Sun Like Me" is coming to an end, and I have a lot of feelings in my heart, and I want to tell you about it.
Frankly speaking, when I first learned that I was going to play Zhuang Xu, my first reaction was nervousness and uneasiness. I don't know where to start, how to do it, what needs to be done, and how to complete this role.
Nervous to nervous, I have to start preparing immediately. I opened the novel and read it over and over again. I also went to see Mr. Gu Man's previous works and the film and television clips that I think I can learn from, and found the character status as quickly as possible. I went online to collect readers' interpretation and analysis of Zhuangxu, summarized and digested it myself, and slowly took him into my heart. At first, I felt that he twisted, silent, and carried too much, and his emotions and choices would not be easily understood. I repeatedly asked myself: how should I walk into him? How should I take him out?
Later, I entered the group. To be honest, I was under a lot of pressure, but I seemed to be getting close to him slowly. I could feel his silence and his unspoken words. Zhuang Xu, in fact, we could not have been so brave... But there is no way, just as we face many choices in life day after day without God's perspective, there is no way.
From the beginning of the broadcast to the end of these days, a lot of words have been accumulated in my heart. Today, I can finally pick them up one by one and tell them to you.
When I put on his clothes, walked through the road he walked, and felt his every day with my heart, I gradually understood where his pride and emotions came from. His retreat and silence were not cowardice, but he understood the weight of the word responsibility earlier. He had to run faster to be able to grasp the choices about life. When he saw the dazzling light, his inner struggle and restraint were far more intense than he had shown. It's not that he doesn't want to chase light, because at the age when he should ignore it, he has too few chips to hold.
After that, I didn't just play him. I have found more empathy-for example, sometimes I am not very good at expressing myself, and I am used to stuffing my emotions in my heart. So I tried my best to give him everything I could in front of the camera. At least for that time, we went together.
After the play was broadcast, I carefully read everyone's comments every day. Whether it was criticism or encouragement, I accepted it all. I know that Zhuang Xu carries too many people's youthful memories and emotional projections, and any interpretation cannot fully fit the image in everyone's heart. It is these different voices that prove that everyone really saw Zhuang Xu and also saw me.
I want to say that Zhuang Xu may not be perfect, but he is not a "bad person". He is just a young man who wants to keep his dignity but is heavily pressed by life. To be able to play Zhuang Xu is a very precious journey for me. Looking back, I will have a little regret in my heart, and I have repeatedly thought about whether it can be better, but at that time, I put almost all my understanding and sincerity into it.
In addition to actors, like everyone else, I will be confused, make mistakes, be nervous, be embarrassed, secretly happy when praised, and even disappointed in myself at certain moments. Thank you for looking at me like this and still giving me company. Thank you for accompanying me through this imperfect but true journey.
Finally, I would like to thank Mr. Gu Man for creating such a vivid and unforgettable preface, and all readers for their protection and love over the years, so that this character has endless vitality. Thanks to the gaze of every audience, whether good or bad, it made me think more deeply about the weight of the profession of an actor. Thanks to all the staff in front of and behind the scenes, it was everyone's joint efforts that made this story possible.
Thank you for letting me into your life. Even if it's just a ride, this one will be the most important mark on my journey as an actor.
As a young actor, as a newcomer in the industry who is still learning and exploring, I know that I still have a long way to go before I mature and perfect. Acting is a lesson that needs to be practiced, and I have just opened the preface.
Every shot, every interpretation, for me is both delivery and homework. I cherish every opportunity to see my own youth and limitations. The unfinished depth of performance and the gap between understanding and expression are all the places where I need to settle down and polish in the future.
Grateful for all encounters, may we all see ourselves who have struggled in the difficult situation and respect our every choice.
The rivers and lakes are far away. I'll see you next time.
We don't find out in ep 31-32 who started the rumors, but it doesn`t really matter, I think the most important thing about this happening to ZX is finally (!) he can understand how NXG felt after being maliciously and falsely accused by supposed friend group towards the end of their college days.
I was not the biggest fan of the scene afterwards with his many apologies to her. If only she hugged him or something after she realized what he was going through too. But, it doesn't matter because he finally understands how much she cares about him & loves her unconditionally anyway.
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