arpar

Thats true, more like if he had been honest after they got to know each other, it's his unwillingness to not be honest that cost him. She was ready to be honest and we saw how she loved him and accepted his son. But by then it was too late, his mind was already made up. It's a catch 22, to get to the stage where she is in love with him, she needed to lie, and by then his mind was already made up because of her lies. But if she didn't lie, maybe they would have never reached that point.

I don't think a contract would work. First need to find someone capable, and anyone capable would not easily sign a contract. Then is it a life long contract or short term. What do they want in return. And most importantly a contract also gives the other persons leverage. ML is the type of person that wants full control. He thought he had full control over FL, as he had all the leverage, while she had nothing. With a contract, all of a sudden it's more of an equal footing, and he doesn't like that. Honestly, better choice would have just been to accept Fang Lei (though that would have been gross with her sister) but she would do anything for him, knows all his secrets and has a powerful father. And if he asked her to even be in a pretend marriage, she would agree with how obsessed she is.

Well in ep 12, Jiang Yan did give her a flirty kind of glance so I can see that happening. And yeh definitely need to learn about her past, I hope they bring back grandma for it, or possibly older sister. Or really, just meeting her real parents and realizing what piece of works they are.

Yeh, its was such a nice confession, I dunno how anyone stays so cold to that, but he's just too convinced she's after his money and status.

Same, I wish express just dropped now

Hahaha you've got a good eye, spotted that early

Very nice break, stern and succinct. Yeh from the looks of the second clip, she starts a clothing brand or something, and him, I think he's suffered at work. There were spoilers going around he would face a set back at work, maybe that's happened.

I think if they were both honest, he would have realized she was not after his money, and opened his heart a bit more, or maybe you're right he would have not believed her still. It all comes down to his belief that she is after his money and status. He refuses to believe her otherwise. Only after the divorce when he realizes the truth and it's too late, will he start chasing her back and properly open his heart so they can have a real relationship. Whether she takes him back or not we'll see.

So true, she was logical and clear and practical.

100%, a big wake up call to Ml as well. Pretty much making it clear, she was not after this money at all, otherwise she would jump at the bank card. She's also just saying she doesn't need him anymore. Gotta love it.

100% he greatly underestimated her and over estimated himself. He over estimated his control of her, and he honestly under estimated how determined and capable she is. I think mother in law also didn't realize she was so much better than expected as well.

Yeh exactly, since birth he's had a silver spoon, so he's never really struggled for anything. I was told a spoiler that he will face a big set back career wise, probably necessary for his development.

Yeh definitely they both lied, both were wrong, msg me in our message thread after you watch ep 13 and 14, interested to know what you think. Both very interesting episodes.

I agree, I hope Fang Lei doesn't take up too much time, even though I know she will. I also hope they don't introduce an annoying 2ml for FL. I don't mind someone chasing her to maybe make ML realize he could really loose her, but nothing annoying or scheming or anything. Just a good natured guy that when she rejects him, takes it and moves on.

It's funny cause if they were both honest from the start, they could have had a really good relationship. It's definitely true if he was honest, she probably would have helped him anyway. It's his dishonesty and controlling nature that is his undoing.

I think the only thing regarding the contract wife is he needed someone capable to help his career and with his goals and plans. FL proved herself smart, ambitious and capable. Difficult qualities to find.

100%, she said in an interview she has received many scripts but will not be acting in anything new any time soon. She's taking the time to recover her health, which is the right decision. Health first.

Quick translation for the first clip:
ML: There was really no need for you to resign, you're still more suited for your position at the news corporation, if you still need my help

FL: There's no need to, I'm doing quite alright at my new job

ML: In the future, I'll be transferring money to this card every month. This is for you

FL: There's no need to

ML: We were once a married couple. This is the most basic compensation, you deserve this

FL: I know I was biting off more than I could chew... initially, I lied, so no matter what predicament I land myself into, it's all something I have brought myself into... I just want to break free from everything that I've done wrong and start afresh...since we've gotten a divorce then let's return to being strangers

Hahaha yeh I think she will, he's had her on edge for ages, now it's his turn. She's not the type to not fight back.

Thank you, I appreciate it! Also really insightful comment from you, didn't think about it that way. Morally grey characters often reflect the viewers line. Crossing different lines, hitting different groups. Such an interesting thought but makes so much sense.

No idea on express yet, normally around 4-6 episodes so possible 26-32 or like you said 28-32.

She's bidding his money 😂pretty much getting back at him by outrageously bidding his own money for a random item they don't even want. Kind of saying, if you think I'm a gold digger, than I'll be one 😂

Btw I think it's important to note, ML is made specifically to be morally grey. So it's part of his character that some people will hate him/dislike him, while others will understand him and see things from his perspective. Thats why's he's morally grey, thats how he's written.

He's not written as a full on villain, if he was they wouldn't give him his sad backstory, controlling parents etc. But likewise, he's not fully good and at times he is unlikeable, but yet he doesn't seem all the way gone (at least to some people). Think of an anti-hero or vigilante, some people hate them, some love them, because they're morally grey.

So different thoughts and views on the ML is exactly what I believe the writer wanted and ML acts it out perfectly. Its great writing and great acting that many people here disagree on how they view on the ML, thats what makes him a great morally grey character. No need to apologize or feel bad that you don't hate the ML, and likewise, no need to feel bad that you do.

For me I'm truly on the fence. During the secrets stage, I hold them equally accountable. Both lied, both manipulated. Yes, FL had a more 'pure' reason, but still both lied and manipulated. For me, it's when the secrets came out, his persistence to continue the lie regardless of her thoughts, for me was not right, and crossing the line. Also, I extremely dislike Fang Lei, but is lack of conscience in how he dealt with her was scary for me. In my mind, putting business ahead of the well being of a person, whether FL or Fang Lei, is not right. But also I understand him, in part thanks to talking and trading thoughts with people on here. For me, it's not his actions, but his lack of remorse or guilt over this actions that worry me. FL feels remorse, does he? But I also understand that because he views FL as a 'gold digger', he doesn't feel the need to feel remorse for her. My thoughts are honestly constantly changing as I continue to watch and read different perspectives on here.

And also important distinction, understanding and liking is not the same thing. I think some people have said they understand and don't hate ML, that does not mean they liked him or condone what he's done.

Also important to note, it's ok for someone's thoughts on a character to change, thats called character development. My thoughts on ML have constantly been changing, not only watching the drama, but reading comments here, different perspectives, and thats something I love about MDL comments.

One thing I think we all agree on unanimously, is a divorce is needed for sure.