Jk_adramaobssessed

Good luck. I still can’t recover. It’s a beautiful journey though. I really with I could erase my memory of it so I can watch it again fresh.

You’re welcome. My humble attempt at understanding the message behind this scene.

It’s because he couldn’t support the idea of immortals as it would somehow destabilize the citizens if they lost faith in him because he chose to believe in the existence of immortals. He believed her, but had to keep it from everyone for the sake of the city’s citizens. Not quite clear in the reasoning behind that. Maybe he believed that if he also expressed his belief in immortals, the citizens would lose trust in his ability to keep them safe or something. It’s kind of weak and not really explained that well to me, but I imagine if one is Chinese from China, they may understand the meaning behind his explanation better. I’m sure there’s a school of thought behind it- likely Taoist, because of the link in the show. I’m not well-versed in Taoism though.

My take upon further reflection: Her pursuit of immortals led her to be quite foolish and easily led astray. Because of this, despite her conviction and smarts, the citizens didn’t take her seriously and often ridiculed her. Imagine if her father, the governor of the city, shared that he believed her? Chaos. How could he then maintain the respect of the people he was charged with governing and protecting? The collapse of the leader- and subsequently the citizens- is the lack of faith of the people under his care of his ability to lead. You saw how quickly they condemned him once trouble found them, despite his devotion to them? He understood human greed quite well.

OMG. Finished episode 20 and I can’t with this episode. It’s tearing me apart. I really feel for the unfairness of the fate of this little fox. And for A’Qi’s story.

I get where she’s coming from though. He was wrong on many levels. The first was lying to her for all the time they’ve known each other. He kept a pretty huge secret from her- one that could have made her feel supported despite what everyone else thought of her. Instrad, she was ridiculed by all- including him, by his silence. He then overvalued her life over the lives of all in the city, which caused her father to be hurt and eventually die. This is what she can’t let go of. He cares for her, and loves her in his own way, but not in the way she needs. He could have confessed the truth about immortals and his identity, then asked her to keep the secret and explain why. With her personality, she would have. She would have been comforted by the knowledge that she wasn’t wrong and that someone believed her. This man she thought understood her, understand nothing about what she truly values. I get it. It’s a betrayal.

I hope we get the living room scene… Looks like we will from the typhoon early release. Waiting a week for the 2nd part is gonna be difficult, especially with only these 11 minutes to sustain us…

Iconic cp 💙

I tried. I really did. I guess monsters aren’t my thing. 40 minutes in and I have to say no thanks.

Japan, Japan, Japan… Again with the kiss and “nc” scene. This is where you discover the newness of actors combined with the oppressive barrier of straightness - either in the actors, director, or both. The underwhelming finale felt a bit rushed and surface level, though they tried to deepen it with a short POV of Ogami.

In the end, it is, unfortunately, not a rewatch for me.

For those who stop by here like I just did and see the 490+ episode count… It’s a compilation of the below individual shows under iQIYI: (If you’re on the app, you can’t see the Related Content list)

Related Content
Kidnapping Game (Chinese compilation)
The Bad Kids (Chinese compilation)
Crimson River (Chinese compilation)
Sisyphus (Chinese compilation)
The Long Night (Chinese compilation)
See You Again (Chinese compilation)
The Pavilion (Chinese compilation)
Wisher (Chinese compilation)
Who Is the Murderer (Chinese compilation)
Gold Panning (Chinese compilation)
Day Breaker (Chinese compilation)
Under the Skin (Chinese compilation)
Homesick (Chinese compilation)
Why Try to Change Me Now (Chinese compilation)
Echo (Chinese compilation)
Thirteen Years of Dust (Chinese compilation)
The Bionic Life (Chinese compilation)
The Lonely Warrior (Chinese compilation)
Tell No One (Chinese compilation)
Lost in the Shadows (Chinese compilation)
Interlaced Scenes (Chinese compilation)
For the Young Ones (Chinese compilation)
The Limbo (Chinese compilation)
Let Wind Goes By (Chinese compilation)
Drifting Away (Chinese compilation)
Breaking the Shadows (Chinese compilation)
A Life for a Life (Chinese compilation)
The Perfect Suspect (Chinese compilation)
Justifiable Defense (Chinese compilation)
Beneath the Undertow (Chinese compilation)
Beloved (Chinese compilation)
The Hunt (Chinese compilation)
Dead End (Chinese compilation)
Born with Luck (Chinese compilation)
Those Flowers (Chinese compilation)
Yi Lu Can Lan (Chinese compilation)

My apologies though- the app won’t show the links to each of these on MDL, but if you open this page under the website version, the links show up. 😊 I’ve seen, and enjoyed, Under the Skin.

Yes, the direct approach is more Liu Yan’s style. I think, in part, because of his perceptions of the hidden character of Tang LiCi’s which he believes is a stark contrast from this outwardly innocent appearance of his. I don’t know if the dislike of more figurative speech came after Fang Zhou’s death and Tang LiCi’s perceived betrayal, but I lean toward that conclusion. Fang Zhou often spoke figuratively (choosing questions for self-reflection over direct statements), yet in a more subtle manner than Giu Mudan. Though he does have a more scientific mind with his medicinal background, these posed self-reflection questions didn’t frustrate or anger him before Fang Zhou’s death. I would propose that he probably did have an idea that he was being mocked-he is a brilliant mind in his own right- his anger appeared to be more than just at the performance and triggered by the words spoken. The Ghostly Peony knows how to encite his madness to refocus his growing rage, and does it very well.

Thank you for the links and for the recommendation! I’ll check them out. 😊

I agree with you on all points. I won’t profess expansive knowledge on the history of other countries but my own, but do respect the rich histories present in the Asian dramas I have watched over time. I find joy in seeing accurate portrayals of the clothing, tools, and architecture of the periods represented.

As a woman, I also don’t agree with Confucianism’s stance on women. Many schools of thought are “discovered” by men, and of course such thoughts would revolve around their superiority in all things. (Yet they cannot create and nurture life- go figure). With Tang LiCi’s mother, we see this idea of a woman as a sacrificial womb for men and the world. Yet her love for her unborn child is evident- she even senses who he is to her first. Yet she’s destined to meet her fate.

The message of all humans being inherently good is something Tang LiCi wants to believe- if only because Fang Zhou believes it. Along his journey, he discovers those who show him the good, the bad, and the gray of humanity, leading him to value it all above himself. I also love the chosen family bonds being more important than blood ties, especially in our Sword City Lord and his father’s case. But it’s more subtly noted in the case of the monarchy being willing to accept a girl who isn’t theirs for the sake of a bigger picture (but als saving face) of kingdom stability and power.

What I valued most were the relationships. It is surprising to learn that the author wasn’t fond of this novel. I’m someone with a psychology background, so find this dive into the question on the human condition quite addictive. The question being- is it nature or nurture that forms who we are and who we become. All humans are inherently good and are then influenced by their environments- the nature of those they meet on their life’s journey and the experiences and trials they face along the way determine their path to righteousness or evil- this is the thesis given to the viewer through the eyes of one destined to destroy. Ghe question: will he chose to defy his destiny or will he embrace it? I suppose the secondary message revolves around destiny: are we bound by our predetermined fate or do we have the power and will to change it? Predetermination.

It’s all quite fascinating to me. This is why Tang LiCi’s character is my favorite. Not for his looks, but for his character and growth as he explores these questions throughout this journey to live up to the first principle taught by Fang Zhou.

Another interesting scene for me was the one where the Ghostly Puppet asks the server what he most desires, then gives it to him. I was not anticipating the man to lose it after that. Especially as he had a wife and children. Another question posed to my psychology mind. The abnormality of it was a bit jarring at first. It’s an anomaly- what to do after we’ve achieved our heart’s desire? Do we live content with it, or does it mark the end?

I skipped through much of it. Unfortunately.

Thank you for lending us your insight. I really loved how they wove the schools of thought together with historical references and literature. The message of brotherhood was clear (to me)- as well as sisterhood, though that wasn’t the main message. I don’t know much about Chinese history, but I’m a history teacher so I can appreciate what I noticed while watching and retroactively appreciate even more after your post. 😊 Personally, the romance isn’t that important and falls to the shadows behind the main plot and message.

Damn. I was hella entertained and drawn in. I love Tang LiCi’s character. I noticed a lot of references to what must be Chinese history and literature - though I’m ignorant to the details. I really enjoyed this, in spite of my realization on how this was going to end.

One memorable and amusing line that got me was when Liu Yan told the Ghostly Peony that he didn’t like Chinese operas. Like, what other operas would he have been exposed to? That thought entered my mind and made me think the author left this little personal tidbit for us.

I was waiting for the ultimate clash between ideals, and it didn’t disappoint. Just like the schools of thought - I recognized Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. It was interesting to see the clever way these were interwoven into the plot-, though, like most of the Chinese drama I’ve watched (not too many), Confucianism seems to be the heaivier weight, with a respectful bow at the other schools of thought.

And as an aside- how do Chinese men look so damn good with long hair and these flowy robes?! I can’t take it.

Okay. I’m done off to binge another cdrama.

Who feels desire to have sex but stops to have a whole calm conversation when things get heated? Both lacked the intensity expected at this point in their relationship. The killer fo me was the morning after- it’s missing so much authenticity. Like what?! Spoiler venting in the comments. Like I expect after finally being intimate the night before, he would come out and be all lovey dovey with a back hug, lips kiss, or something. And they’re standing too far apart. Nothing says no intimacy occurred like giving ample personal space the next morning and a cheek kiss. 🙄Why, Japan? Why?!

I felt the same absence of intimacy throughout the rest of the episode too. They felt like strangers still. Awkward and not at all believable as a couple.

Last episode… I rushed here to vent.

I don’t know about y’all, but I think the intimacy was absent. Spoiler venting in the comments.

I’m looking forward to it

Aside from the summary, I thoroughly enjoyed this. I hope S2 comes out soon. I can’t imagine why Yall who’ve been waiting since 2021 are feeling!

I just finished season 1 and I NEED this season out now. I can’t imagine what those who’ve been waiting since 2021 are feeling…