Italophilia

Finally

I had read enough spoiler because people who had read the novel loved to spoil -- which I usually mind, but in this case, it made me anticipate this scene (end of ep 7) so much. I was not disappointed. I am bawling my eyes out.

Couldn't keep the smile off my face

The heat of Yak's glances towards Dee -- just getting hotter and hotter. Then, Yak asked to be introduced to Dee's parents as his Fæn. When will Yak accept that it's Dee who makes him happy and who he's fallen for?

Heart broken for Joe and his new Mom

Sucks to be poor. What a choice. Abandon your new found family who has allowed you to come back and live, or sell your body for a year, giving up whatever shred of dignity you have.

I think my heart just broke

I mean, I knew all along that Ming just looked at Joe as Tong's stand-in, but I also thought that maybe Ming may have started to have feelings for Joe. They have their sweet moments together. I just didn't expect Ming to break Joe's heart this way.

Ming, what's up with you?

I think Ming intended to use Joe as Tong's stand-in and even said so, but he's catching feelings. And Joe is already far gone, totally falling first even though Ming has a mercurial personality. They have their sweet moments and maybe that's one recalls to overcome the tough parts.

Lies are uncovered. Will truths be revealed?

Ha-ha. It's about time. I wasn't sure how long it would take before the lies caught up with them. I'm looking forward to the next episode to see what truths are actually revealed.

That was intense

YanXi is thankfully several steps ahead of the Crown Prince, so he was able to circumvent this potential tragedy. I love the actor who plays the Sixth Prince. Looking forward to his career, past being a child actor.

He fell first

I don't know exactly when, but it's been obvious for a while that he's fallen for her. That panicked face and him running down those steps trying to get to her engagement banquet... too funny.

Palace intrigue to the max

So that d@mn queen dowager is not related to the Crown Prince, I hope. What a b*tch! I am not sure how she suspected it was he who found out her indiscretion, but still.Then, to be surrounded to people you absolutely cannot trust is the worst.

Good start

Good start to this drama. Looking forward to the next episode. I like the FL so far, not a typical prim and proper FL.

I love their friend group

It's just so special for each of them to support Mian Mian in what she hoped to achieve. I loved it!

More couple time

Just what I wanted -- more couple time for the leads. She has calmed down in some ways and he has certainly developed feelings, more than worry and protectiveness. As they spend time together and get to know each other, I think he's really falling for her now.

Elders' blessing

In their culture, it's so important to get their elders' blessing. I'm happy for Lin YiYang and Yin Guo that they can finally be open about their relationship.

I will miss these characters so much

Lao Gao's redemption arc was esp. important to me. It was so jarring to see him as the antagonist when Li Xun confronted him after leaving prison. I will miss these characters who were so developed that I felt I truly got to know them.So funny to see the "Go Ahead" dads talking about going to a noodle shop.

My favorite episode, so far

Xian Xian was very insightful about herself in this episode, and I loved it. It's been obvious for a while that Si Yue likes her, but I love the way he encourages her to be the best version of herself.