Leisurely and entertaining

9 hours ago from Weibo Video Channel

"Orchid Fragrance as Before" once again proves
that reading more books really works.
If you don't believe me, just look at Liu Xueyi!
For a while, I fell into a low point and kept doubting the usefulness of reading—invisible and intangible, as if it was hard to immediately realize the value of the establishment.
After reading Liu Xueyi's interview and interpretation of Lin Jinqi's role in 'Orchid Fragrance Again,' I instantly understood: the greatest value of reading is that it gives people deep empathy and insight.
When asked, "Lin Jinqi is a character with many flaws, why did you choose him in the first place?" He
avoided perfunctory official rhetoric but precisely analyzed the character's core: "Lin Jinqi is a man returning from the battlefield. On the battlefield, he only seeks results and ignores the process; everything he does is to minimize casualties."
This underlying character has shaped his awkward expressions and awkward interactions in relationships, and his lack of gentleness is not due to innate coldness, but rather an instinct forged through years of battle.
Most touchingly, he clearly outlined the character's complete growth trajectory: "From a stiff image that didn't understand respect or couldn't love, to gradually learning gentleness, learning to express himself, resolving misunderstandings, from comrades and confidants, step by step becoming soulmates." "
Avoiding stereotypical characters, not criticizing their imperfections, accepting the complexity of human nature, and understanding the character shaped by experience—this clarity and gentleness are precisely the temperament distilled from reading."
The books you read and the reflections you have accumulated help you break free from shallow judgments of right and wrong, teach empathy, understand and see the causes and effects behind all things.
We finally understand that having a belly full of poetry and books is never just an empty phrase.
It is precisely through accumulated reading and accumulation that Liu Xueyi can see through the soul beneath the character's exterior, accurately capturing and perfectly portraying the Lin Jinqi, who is full of pitfalls.
Reading may not immediately solve our current difficulties, but it gives us clear understanding, a gentle core, and a perspective that sees through the essence.
This is the most precious meaning of reading.

Tengteng Yueyu Weibo video

https://weibo.com/4071217502/RkO72jMqP

Mrs Gong 43 minutes ago

I loved today’s episode! 😭 The Lin siblings are actually quite good at working together. After the ML resigned, I thought the drama might start to go downhill, but this episode had some really interesting developments. 👀✨ I’m glad the story is still finding ways to keep things engaging

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  sevenstar 27 minutes ago

  So true

eliteles1 VIP a few seconds ago

Director Dan Chen’s words for Ep 39 - Lin Jin Qi’s resignation ⬇️
http://xhslink.com/o/3L2nNZuqdcQ

Chen Dan is the male director

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  eliteles1 VIP a few seconds ago

  Director Dan Chen’s words for Ep 39 - Lin Jin Qi’s resignation
  http://xhslink.com/o/3L2nNZuqdcQ
  
  Silence — [The Fragrance of Orchids Remains]
  
  So many friends tagged me today asking about the creative design behind Lin Jinqi's resignation and return home. This was honestly one of the hardest scenes to polish during early filming—we tweaked it so many times! Huge thanks to Tong Hua and Xiao Lou for the brilliant script design: three continuous scenes, zero dialogue. Just one long take of "walking" to tell the whole story of his transformation—from inner struggle to letting go of his identity, self-reflection, and finally, total release. We broke this silent journey into four emotional stages to build up to his final decision.
  
  Stage 1: The Silence & Confusion.
  After catching the subtle signs of trouble, we left the audience with just a lonely back view against an eerie nursery rhyme. I purposely avoided close-ups of his face. At this moment, he's feeling everything—confusion, hesitation—all hidden in his silent steps. We didn't want to force the emotion on you; we wanted to leave space for you guys to interpret and feel it yourself.
  
  Stage 2: The Harsh Reality.
  This is the core part that really hits hard. As Lin Jinqi leaves the palace, he has to face the true cost of power—the layers of sacrifice and bloodshed behind it.
  No special effects here, just the actor shooting these takes twice. It’s all about precise movement and raw acting. If you look closely, the scenes of violence he walks past actually echo a shot from the Gate of Mercy battle in Episode 35. My intention? To show that even though his career was smooth sailing, he walked on the sacrifices of countless others. Looking back, he starts to question: Is defending this court really worth giving up a lifetime of freedom and happiness? That doubt is why he resigns.
  
  Stage 3: The Coldness of Success.
  We cut to him at the peak of his power. A solemn street, people making way, everyone looking up to him with respect. By worldly standards, he has it all. But the color grading is cold. The more honored he is, the emptier and more tired he looks standing there alone. He seems admired by thousands, but is actually trapped by fame and rules, unable to be free, with a heart full of desolation.
  
  Stage 4: Freedom & Clarity.
  Back in Jinling. He takes off the official robes and drops the power—he's finally free from those heavy chains. His steps are light now. No more court drama, no more chasing fame. He sees the real world again and cherishes the peace around him. He truly understands Xu Lanxiang's philosophy: don't let empty fame weigh you down, live for your true self.
  
  From confusion to clarity, this silent walk is Lin Jinqi saying goodbye to his old life and being reborn.
  
  We designed the shots, but the soul comes from the actor. With no lines or plot crutches, Xueyi hid Lin Jinqi's depth and compassion in every glance and step. This silent return speaks louder than words. I'll always remember this defining moment for Lin Jinqi!

My Final Review for "Against the Current", our Best and Finest C-Drama for 2026:

A Masterclass in Substance: Why ‘Living Well’ is the Ultimate Triumph

As "Against the Current" comes to its final episode today, October 12, 2026; it leaves behind an unforgettable legacy.

This drama successfully did the impossible: it rejected the hollow trend of 'idol image worship' and 'porcelain doll' aesthetics to deliver a masterpiece of raw, logical, and emotionally mature storytelling.

At its core, the series beautifully embodies George Herbert’s philosophy that "the best revenge is living well." Instead of consuming herself with a toxic, destructive revenge plot after the tragic loss of her noble family, our heroine, Xu Lanxiang, chooses the path of dignity and survival. She navigates the complex, corrupt currents of the Lin household like resilient "wild grass"—bending under the fiercest winds but never breaking.

What elevates this emotional journey to heights of profound comfort and calm is its extraordinary original soundtrack. The music functions as the heartbeat of the show's philosophy. Whenever the narrative feels overwhelmingly heavy, Zhou Shen’s hauntingly beautiful theme song, Return From A Great Dream, envelops the viewer, transforming raw grief into a soothing sense of inner peace. All of the OSTs of this captivating drama doesn't manipulate tears; it provides a sanctuary of calm for both the characters and the audience.

The success of this drama rests entirely on the sublime talent of its cast. Tan Songyun delivers a masterclass in grounded acting, infusing Lanxiang with a fierce, quiet intelligence that makes her deeply relatable. Opposite her, Liu Xueyi shines brilliantly as Lin Jinqi, treating his character with a sharp, professional maturity rather than relying on superficial visuals. Backed by a stellar supporting cast who made every hidden courtyard scheme feel chillingly human and realistic, this slow-burn strategic chess match respects the audience’s intellect from start to finish.

Setting a historic 2026 Tencent record with its massive heat index, "Against the Current" proves that true substance and artistic integrity will always triumph over shallow hype. A breathtaking, elite drama that is entirely worth your time!

My rating is 10/10.

eliteles1:

MAlbrra25

Unfortunately, I haven't managed to finish watching the drama yet. I know it's wonderful, and I'm going to keep watching, even if it's at a slow pace. Thank you so much for your review; it makes me even more excited to keep watching the episodes.

My dear eliteles1,

Of course! I’m so glad my review resonated with you.

There is a real virtue in watching a narrative like this slowly—it gives you the space to connect the thematic threads of the storyline and really appreciate the creative choices made by Liu Xueyi and Tan Songyun. Their acting talents are so compelling that a slower viewing only enriches the experience. here is so much depth in their performances that deserves to be savoured. T

Take your time, and I look forward to our post-finale discussion!