SpicyLime

Yes. Right after GQF admonishes Pan'er for being so bold. Pan'er reminds GQF of the difference of status between them (her insecurity). And roughly, what type of mindset do you have right now to talk to me this way? In other words, who am I to you?

GQF takes some time to figure it out, since he hasn't thought about their relationship to that extent.

It was sort of a joke that is lost in translation. The rough translation for that scene is, you can pay back by using or giving me your body/life (or devote yourself to me), also...in other words, you can marry me. That's why Pan'er and GQF just kind of laughed it off. GQF just kind of let it slipped, but Pan'er was quick to laugh since she recognized that GQF was at least a friend. GQF counters that they are not. Guy didn't want to be friendzoned. He already had other thoughts.

Pan'er isn't dumb, she kind of suspected a deeper connection as well. It hit her when she wants it to be GQF who saved her during Yinzhang's divorce. It was Chen Lian who appeared in front of her, but she imagined it was GQF. She didn't even think of OX. Ultimately, her intuition was right and it was actually GQF who saved her. And then finally he returns her hankerchief and it hit her hard. Felt like she was losing someone important. But she's already engaged, what can either of them do?

Yes OX didn't know what he gave up. He didn't truly know Pan'er, he was just using her. I think he was always like this. I compare her to Yinzhang, because Yinzhang doesn't think outside of herself as well. They don't realize what they have until they lose it. Also, they put themselves on too high of a pedestal, and forget where they come from.

17 is when he proposes. Misunderstandings are cleared up by 18. 21-22 they are semi public. Yinzhang still doesn't know as of 24.

I totally did. I call OX the male version of Yinzhang. A little harsh but in many ways accurate.

BTW 21-22 is sweetness overlord for the leads.

It gets worse and worse by each ep :\ Everyone including me hoped it wouldn't go that way, but nope it does.

I hope so too. I want our couple to remain faithfully together til their marraige. My guess/hope for those two episodes is that the delusional Yinzhang finally realizes that GQF and Pan'er are in a relationship. She also comes to the realization that aggressive blue guy also doesn't love her, but was just using her. Her delusions finally shatter. Then she just gives up on love, at least for now.

O man. There are so many different paths that could happen. I don't think he will try to kill him again in the end. Probably will end up having some type of respect for him

Possibilities:

1. GQF will never become the heir of the Xiao family, and the 2nd son has a heart to heart with his father. He will eventually become the heir. GQF keeps his position in the Capital Security Office as the Commissioner and buries the hatchet with the Xiao family. He continues to protect the nation and his wife under the Living Devil moniker.

2. GQF decides to take back the Xiao name after realizing that he was manipulated by his uncle and becomes the heir to the Xiao family. He gives up his position in the Capital Security Office and becomes a Presented Scholar. It's hinted that he only joined to get his mother a posthumous conferred title ASAP. Otherwise he would've just became a Presented Scholar and got an official position in court. This removes him from his dangerous life as the Living Devil in the Capital Security Office. The brother having a new found respect for GQF, bows down.

OR

Even after taking back the Xiao name, GQF convinces his father to give the title of Duke to the 2nd son.

Just wild guesses.

I'm kind of convinced that it's not our leads. It might be Yinzhang. If so I G N Fs.

He passed out in front of Pan'er's place. So hopefully they just have an open honest discussion about it. Then they agree to stay together no matter what happens.

Def she will go to blue aggressive blue guy. But it's only temporarily. She doesn't know how disgusting the high class world is. The price that women have to pay to be a part of it. She just had an idealized version of it. She truly doesn't understand the hardship of her sisters. She'll learn the hard way. Better late than never.

He's like the male Yinzhang. Totally delusional. They don't look outside of themselves and only think selfishly. Everything is someone else's fault.

The painting was being sought by GQF. OX will probably use the painting to try and frame GQF that he is in cahoots with the supporters of the Empress. The person that OX goes to is anti-Empress.

The person speaking to GQF sounds like his half-brother. It looks like he is trying to convince him that his father would never approve of his marraige with Pan'er. I think this is some type of misunderstanding.

If I had to guess the heartbreak should end up being a forced seperation. OX is going to get GQF implicated using the painting and he will be imprisoned. It would be too cliche for me if GQF or Pan'er just wants to call off the engagement because of family ties. GQF is stuck between loyalties. He's going to need to pick a side. Ultimately, I think he will help his father and take down the ones behind the Hat Demon attacks, his Uncle.

I don't think he's a bad guy per say. I think he's going to provide a road that Yinzhang can take, and Yinzhang is so used to others doing shit for her she wanted to take a look. However, once she got a glimpse of the future to come with blue aggressive guy, she'll ultimate decide to pick another road and will live for herself.

Yo...seriously... This is my interpreation of the scene when they are sitting eating shaved ice. Like she is all proud of herself, they congratulate her, great right? And then they change the topic, just chatting happily. Yinzhang, sad cause she can't keep gloating bout how amazin she is. She wanted to keep being the center of attention. The world doesn't revolve around you girl....

And....that's why she will need to leave. Cause if she really thinks so highly of herself and has all her ideas...she can't be staying with "these" people. Fine GTFO then. It'll do everyone better.

Pan'er never listened to GQF's warnings. GQF knows that Pan'er is smart and capable when dealing with normal folks, but she is inexperienced when dealing with officials. However, Pan'er being arrogant and proud would not relent unless OX gave into her demands.

Pan'er and company was fine until the corrupt official came and used his powers to beat and kick Pan'er out of the Eastern Capital. She didn't believe that shit would actually happen. However, her pride is also the thing that would not allow her to leave and she ultimately agreed to return to the Eastern Capital to fight, thanks to the harsh words from GQF. GQF is the only person who calls her out on her bullshit. That's what she needs.

Okay. That's what I thought. I feel that either some things were cut out or these is stuff lost in translation.

For me def. The more I watch this scene on replay, it makes sense. Sanniang said OX can't even compete with GQF at all. How right was she? How different her life would've been if it was OX in the end? What is GQF didn't do everything to earn my trust? Finding someone who doesn't care about my past. Etc. All of this in a split second, then coming to the realization it's real. This is the guy I want to be with for the rest of my life. I'm lucky.

At this point she trusts him fully.

Also, might be a stretch, but each verse/lyrics of the song matches her emotions and feelings perfectly.

It's a mixture of emotions. But the pained expression I think she is recalling her past with OX and just her past as a whole. To disbelief on where she has arrived. To pure happiness.

I'm pretty sure this will be the direction of the story. I don't think she will end up with anyone in the end. Though she does live with the guy for a bit. Her primary focus will be herself and her art.

This is confusing to me. Is there a scene I missed? Was there actually a scene of them at the wharf? What episode was it and where? AFAIK the first time they meet on screen is when she spills water on him right? The prior interaction is just assumed? Is the whole interaction of the wharf and mom just dialogue? Help.

To answer, Zhaodi just made at Chen Lian due to starting off on the wrong foot. It was the same when Chen Lian first met GQF. After clearing up misunderstanding, they get along fine.