The wisest of women wouldn't want to be like Xiao Yao. We rather love and fight courageously like her mother or…
XY has been the most unfulfilling protagonist I've ever encountered. I am still extremely conflicted about her devolution as a character.
In Xiao Yao, Tong Hua had crafted a protagonist living in a fantasy world, resembling a woman of the 21st century—independent, pragmatic, pessimistic, and self-reliant. However, at the core of Xiao Yao lies codependency, low self-esteem, and insecurities stemming from abandonment and trust issues.
XY is not unique in her trauma, so it becomes unsatisfying to see a protagonist who is meandering as an empowered woman, consistently waiting for her knight in shining armor to give up all his possessions to roam the world with her without a care.
In the world of Dahuang, if a woman of XY's status desires it, she can play an important role in the making of a country. Her own mother is proof of it. Yet, she chooses to leave all those decisions for the men in her life. She wants none of it. However, has she never thought about what a peaceful life means and the sacrifices that will be needed for that to be achieved?
Not long ago, I chanced upon this psychological theory--the Dunning-Kruger Effect which refers to a concept in psychology that some people of low intelligence are the most likely to overestimate their own cognitive abilities. XY, who thinks she too cold, logical and wise for her own good, may actually be a character who overestimates her own brain power.
Before Xiang Liu's demise, he tells her, 'You can blame yourself for being useless...' And in the end, at least for me, she remains useless.
The only person worthy of the moon is Xiang Liu. Even after the production tried to change the meaning of the…
I think the the novel readers who are praising it, missed alot of details. lol. The first season actually didn't cut Jing as much as XL. so maybe second season?
The only person worthy of the moon is Xiang Liu. Even after the production tried to change the meaning of the…
XY was a liar and a coward. She spent her life lying to herself to rewrite the stars. XY always knew what the moon really meant to her.
There's an important scene that was cut out that tells you what the moon really meant to her: During the new year festives, she had a moment of contemplation where she subconsciously withdrew from the CX, FL and Xingyue. She first though of TSH, then looked at the moon and though about Qingshui Town, and left her mind linger at XL, wondering if he is also looking at the very same moon.
“Jing is not a jade, so there's no such thing as dusty jade. Tushan Jing is like a bright moon, though the moon…
The only person worthy of the moon is Xiang Liu. Even after the production tried to change the meaning of the moon with this added scene, XL and the moon remains steadfast unbreakable and forever linked.
Wow we have people in this year who still believe in YXH accounts fake rumors...For real? Unfortunately, Fanwars…
Lol..If DW as TSJ is not generating enough reach, unique click throughs and new membership, but YZ as XY and JC-T as XL is, then it is in Tencent best interest to switch marketing strategy. The marketing team had 4 pairs of CP to market, mostly YaoLiu and YaoJing. They had four ML leads to use for marketing purposes. Probably first two weeks of marketing, and most likely through some A/B testing, they probably found that YaoLiu and Xiang Liu content generated the most click through and memberships sign ups. How is this doing DW and TSJ dirty? lmao. It's just smart business. The dirty thing is not calling out your toxic fandom for inappropriate behaviors.
While we wait for second season, here are a few of the romantic tropes present in the first season of "Lost You…
A romance trope can be a plot, character, or situational element commonly found in romance dramas.
1. Love at first sight - XY towards XL. Again, XY towards FFB.
2. Hate turning to love is one of the oldest tropes in drama, seen in everything from Korean to Japanese dramas like "Heirs" and "It Started with a Kiss." “Lost You Forever” is no stranger to this theme. Xiang Liu starts as an overbearing, mean anti-hero who treats the protagonist awfully. Through their unfortunate encounters, they falls deeply in love. Eventually, XL sacrifices his life by hosting a toxic and poisonous bug.
3. The underwater kiss is a trope reserved for lovers in drama, more prevalent in Chinese dramas. One notable example is the 1987 film "A Chinese Ghost Story." For staunch YaoLiu shippers, this moment signifies when XL and XY become lovers, destined despite their unfortunate fates.
4. Going on dates. Xiao Yao goes on three significant dates with Xiang Liu: watching the moon rise, and two underwater dates - one with red sea creatures, and a second with the mermaid song. As Fang Feng Bei, Xiang Liu takes Xiao Yao on multiple dates with him, roaming around town, enjoying good food and drinks.
5. The archery hug, another trope reserved for lovers, is seen as flirtatious Fang Feng Bei (Xiang Liu) gives Xiao Yao archery lessons.
6. The master/student love relationship, often found in Chinese costume dramas, is embodied by Fang Feng Bei (Xiang Liu) teaching Xiao Yao archery as a means to prepare her for self-defense.
7. The "steal the bride" trope, set to air in season two, is hinted at in the trailers with Fang Feng Bei (Xiang Liu) taking Xiao Yao from her wedding. Those familiar with the novel will understand.
While we wait for second season, here are a few of the romantic tropes present in the first season of "Lost You Forever" between Xiao Yao and Xiang Liu. 👇
Hi :) Just finished the drama and was about to give the lowest rate then I saw its season 2 is coming :) no wonder…
Hope this helps gives you an insight on XL:
One of the most debated controversies about XL is his initial violence towards XY during the Qingshui Town arc, and to understand this, one must delve into the foundational construct upon which his character is built. Xiang Liu's characterization is rooted in Confucian and patriarchal values, drawing inspiration from the nine-headed snake demon portrayed in Classical Chinese literature such as 'The Classics of the Mountains and Seas' and 'Investiture of the Gods.' Tong Hua crafted him with strong antiheroic traits and snake-like instincts.
The Analects of Confucius emphasize the importance of fulfilling one's duties to family and state, including filial piety, which stresses respect and duty towards one's parents. These two fundamental values deeply ingrain themselves in Xiang Liu as the General of Chenrong and the adopted son of Hong Jiang (Gong Gong). Even though he is not unique in this aspect in the world of DaHuang, XL, who hatched from an egg without parents and the love that comes from family, and had only known the violence of the fighting cages, has a strong desire to fulfill this.
A fateful encounter with Fang Feng Bei leads Xiang Liu to fulfill FFB's dying wish to take care of his mother in exchange for FFB's spiritual powers. To XL, it was not such a bad trade-off. After XY remarked that perhaps XL got the short end of the stick, he didn't hesitate to correct her, thanking FFB for letting him experience a mother's love.
Upon XL's return, he finds that the man, General Hong Jiang (Gong Gong), who saved his life once upon a time when he was a young demon, is now a fugitive general of a rebel army. He returns to his savior to serve him; however, he gets adopted by Hong Jiang as his son and heir. While readers and drama audiences never meet his adopted father, the narrative strongly emphasizes XL's affection for him. To XL, the adoption gains him a father and a family that he must protect. It just so happens that his newfound family is also the state (a fallen one nonetheless) to which he must remain steadfastly loyal.
When XY, a deity disguised as a man, chances upon the Chenrong Territory, Xiang Liu has no choice but to act upon his suspicion. Her prowess in poisons makes her all the more dangerous to XL, his family (Hong Jiang), and his state (Chenrong Army). The ensuing encounter is subject to wide debate, with some asserting XL's inherent villainy and irredeemability; therefore, undeserving of XY's love. However, XL acted upon what was close to his heart and chose to protect it, even if it meant overlooking the mere life of a woman deity in disguise.
After hearing her plead 'I have no ability to take care of myself; no one to rely on, and nowhere to go,' XL ultimately offers XY the opportunity to save her own life by becoming his man. Even though XY continues to resist to the very end, XL eventually concedes to her one demand in exchange for XY making poisons for him. Yet, to become XL's man also meant that as long as his duty of state is concerned, XY ultimately gives him consent to be used to ensure the protection of the Chenrong Army.
If XL is truly heartless, why spare XY and TSJ's lives at all? Instead, XL uses XY's knowledge of poison as an excuse to spare their lives. In doing so, XL is able to preserve their lives without losing authority and respect from his soldiers and enables him to keep an eye on her to safeguard his duties.
As XY and XL continue their relationship over several years, exchanging poisons in Qingshui Town, subsequent encounters between them, where XY ends up injured, can be traced to his origins as the nine-headed demon and his snake-like instincts. In the Penguin Classics translation of 'The Classics of the Mountains and Seas' (p. 121-122), Xiang Liu is described as having nine heads, each with a human face that feeds from nine mountains and a snake body. Wherever he goes and bumps, he creates open landscapes, heathlands, patches of pine forests, and small valleys. In the 'Investiture of the Gods,' Xiang Liu is introduced as a powerful demon general. In the Classics, and upon his defeat by the God Yu, XL's blood emanated a strong rotting odor as it seeped into the soil, making it impossible for anything to grow. As a result, even after his death, people still wouldn't dare shoot arrows towards the north. In these literatures, Xiang Liu was indeed a formidable demon.
Additionally, XL exhibits snake-like behaviors like hissing or coiling when he feels threatened or mocked by XY, who unfortunately has a bad habit due to her past experience with a snake demon. XL also possesses a red spiritual technique that mimics the constriction some snake species use to subdue prey. Most importantly, in other species, males may even use their jaws to grasp the female's neck during mating. XL, whose personality is a mixture of sarcasm and jest, initially bites XY as a warning for mocking him. Discovering her special blood, XL would come to her for healing, and as their relationship deepens, so does the physical connection of the neck biting.
Xiang Liu also exhibits a strong patriarchal trait in his need to provide for the people he cares for, especially for XY. In traditional patriarchy, men are considered the breadwinners and providers for their families. To XL, he had to create a balance in fulfilling his filial piety to his adopted father, duty to his state, and providing for XY. To XL, XY was akin to his wife due to the lover's bug blood oath as well as the 37 years under the sea. Even knowing and accepting his own demise, XL doesn't hesitate to provide for XY, ensuring she has the skills to protect herself and her loved ones, spending time with her as a companion, and serving as her mentor in times of emotional distress. He even leaves her a protector, Left Ear, to stand in his place if one day the world would no longer be safe for her.
2 
1 
"But I will go down with this ship
And I won't put my hands up and surrender
There will be no white flag above my door
I'm in love and always will be"
In Xiao Yao, Tong Hua had crafted a protagonist living in a fantasy world, resembling a woman of the 21st century—independent, pragmatic, pessimistic, and self-reliant. However, at the core of Xiao Yao lies codependency, low self-esteem, and insecurities stemming from abandonment and trust issues.
XY is not unique in her trauma, so it becomes unsatisfying to see a protagonist who is meandering as an empowered woman, consistently waiting for her knight in shining armor to give up all his possessions to roam the world with her without a care.
In the world of Dahuang, if a woman of XY's status desires it, she can play an important role in the making of a country. Her own mother is proof of it. Yet, she chooses to leave all those decisions for the men in her life. She wants none of it. However, has she never thought about what a peaceful life means and the sacrifices that will be needed for that to be achieved?
Not long ago, I chanced upon this psychological theory--the Dunning-Kruger Effect which refers to a concept in psychology that some people of low intelligence are the most likely to overestimate their own cognitive abilities. XY, who thinks she too cold, logical and wise for her own good, may actually be a character who overestimates her own brain power.
Before Xiang Liu's demise, he tells her, 'You can blame yourself for being useless...' And in the end, at least for me, she remains useless.
What makes XY an unfulfilling protagonist?
There's an important scene that was cut out that tells you what the moon really meant to her: During the new year festives, she had a moment of contemplation where she subconsciously withdrew from the CX, FL and Xingyue. She first though of TSH, then looked at the moon and though about Qingshui Town, and left her mind linger at XL, wondering if he is also looking at the very same moon.
1. Love at first sight - XY towards XL. Again, XY towards FFB.
2. Hate turning to love is one of the oldest tropes in drama, seen in everything from Korean to Japanese dramas like "Heirs" and "It Started with a Kiss." “Lost You Forever” is no stranger to this theme. Xiang Liu starts as an overbearing, mean anti-hero who treats the protagonist awfully. Through their unfortunate encounters, they falls deeply in love. Eventually, XL sacrifices his life by hosting a toxic and poisonous bug.
3. The underwater kiss is a trope reserved for lovers in drama, more prevalent in Chinese dramas. One notable example is the 1987 film "A Chinese Ghost Story." For staunch YaoLiu shippers, this moment signifies when XL and XY become lovers, destined despite their unfortunate fates.
4. Going on dates. Xiao Yao goes on three significant dates with Xiang Liu: watching the moon rise, and two underwater dates - one with red sea creatures, and a second with the mermaid song. As Fang Feng Bei, Xiang Liu takes Xiao Yao on multiple dates with him, roaming around town, enjoying good food and drinks.
5. The archery hug, another trope reserved for lovers, is seen as flirtatious Fang Feng Bei (Xiang Liu) gives Xiao Yao archery lessons.
6. The master/student love relationship, often found in Chinese costume dramas, is embodied by Fang Feng Bei (Xiang Liu) teaching Xiao Yao archery as a means to prepare her for self-defense.
7. The "steal the bride" trope, set to air in season two, is hinted at in the trailers with Fang Feng Bei (Xiang Liu) taking Xiao Yao from her wedding. Those familiar with the novel will understand.
One of the most debated controversies about XL is his initial violence towards XY during the Qingshui Town arc, and to understand this, one must delve into the foundational construct upon which his character is built. Xiang Liu's characterization is rooted in Confucian and patriarchal values, drawing inspiration from the nine-headed snake demon portrayed in Classical Chinese literature such as 'The Classics of the Mountains and Seas' and 'Investiture of the Gods.' Tong Hua crafted him with strong antiheroic traits and snake-like instincts.
The Analects of Confucius emphasize the importance of fulfilling one's duties to family and state, including filial piety, which stresses respect and duty towards one's parents. These two fundamental values deeply ingrain themselves in Xiang Liu as the General of Chenrong and the adopted son of Hong Jiang (Gong Gong). Even though he is not unique in this aspect in the world of DaHuang, XL, who hatched from an egg without parents and the love that comes from family, and had only known the violence of the fighting cages, has a strong desire to fulfill this.
A fateful encounter with Fang Feng Bei leads Xiang Liu to fulfill FFB's dying wish to take care of his mother in exchange for FFB's spiritual powers. To XL, it was not such a bad trade-off. After XY remarked that perhaps XL got the short end of the stick, he didn't hesitate to correct her, thanking FFB for letting him experience a mother's love.
Upon XL's return, he finds that the man, General Hong Jiang (Gong Gong), who saved his life once upon a time when he was a young demon, is now a fugitive general of a rebel army. He returns to his savior to serve him; however, he gets adopted by Hong Jiang as his son and heir. While readers and drama audiences never meet his adopted father, the narrative strongly emphasizes XL's affection for him. To XL, the adoption gains him a father and a family that he must protect. It just so happens that his newfound family is also the state (a fallen one nonetheless) to which he must remain steadfastly loyal.
When XY, a deity disguised as a man, chances upon the Chenrong Territory, Xiang Liu has no choice but to act upon his suspicion. Her prowess in poisons makes her all the more dangerous to XL, his family (Hong Jiang), and his state (Chenrong Army). The ensuing encounter is subject to wide debate, with some asserting XL's inherent villainy and irredeemability; therefore, undeserving of XY's love. However, XL acted upon what was close to his heart and chose to protect it, even if it meant overlooking the mere life of a woman deity in disguise.
After hearing her plead 'I have no ability to take care of myself; no one to rely on, and nowhere to go,' XL ultimately offers XY the opportunity to save her own life by becoming his man. Even though XY continues to resist to the very end, XL eventually concedes to her one demand in exchange for XY making poisons for him. Yet, to become XL's man also meant that as long as his duty of state is concerned, XY ultimately gives him consent to be used to ensure the protection of the Chenrong Army.
If XL is truly heartless, why spare XY and TSJ's lives at all? Instead, XL uses XY's knowledge of poison as an excuse to spare their lives. In doing so, XL is able to preserve their lives without losing authority and respect from his soldiers and enables him to keep an eye on her to safeguard his duties.
As XY and XL continue their relationship over several years, exchanging poisons in Qingshui Town, subsequent encounters between them, where XY ends up injured, can be traced to his origins as the nine-headed demon and his snake-like instincts. In the Penguin Classics translation of 'The Classics of the Mountains and Seas' (p. 121-122), Xiang Liu is described as having nine heads, each with a human face that feeds from nine mountains and a snake body. Wherever he goes and bumps, he creates open landscapes, heathlands, patches of pine forests, and small valleys. In the 'Investiture of the Gods,' Xiang Liu is introduced as a powerful demon general. In the Classics, and upon his defeat by the God Yu, XL's blood emanated a strong rotting odor as it seeped into the soil, making it impossible for anything to grow. As a result, even after his death, people still wouldn't dare shoot arrows towards the north. In these literatures, Xiang Liu was indeed a formidable demon.
Additionally, XL exhibits snake-like behaviors like hissing or coiling when he feels threatened or mocked by XY, who unfortunately has a bad habit due to her past experience with a snake demon. XL also possesses a red spiritual technique that mimics the constriction some snake species use to subdue prey. Most importantly, in other species, males may even use their jaws to grasp the female's neck during mating. XL, whose personality is a mixture of sarcasm and jest, initially bites XY as a warning for mocking him. Discovering her special blood, XL would come to her for healing, and as their relationship deepens, so does the physical connection of the neck biting.
Xiang Liu also exhibits a strong patriarchal trait in his need to provide for the people he cares for, especially for XY. In traditional patriarchy, men are considered the breadwinners and providers for their families. To XL, he had to create a balance in fulfilling his filial piety to his adopted father, duty to his state, and providing for XY. To XL, XY was akin to his wife due to the lover's bug blood oath as well as the 37 years under the sea. Even knowing and accepting his own demise, XL doesn't hesitate to provide for XY, ensuring she has the skills to protect herself and her loved ones, spending time with her as a companion, and serving as her mentor in times of emotional distress. He even leaves her a protector, Left Ear, to stand in his place if one day the world would no longer be safe for her.