gf44

That was.... underwhelming. And disappointing. It was awkward and he definitely looked like he didn't want to be there. And after all that supposed 'build up.' Folks, don't come @ me, (more power to you if you're enjoying the drama) but this has to come down to poor casting and direction. He may have been excellent in the prequel but in the modern...what does she love about him again? The way he lays down to sacrifice his virginity? Or gingerly holds her like he might catch a disease? Or generally looks like he'd rather be anywhere but there. And this is not on her. She has crazy chemistry with her costars in Arsenal Academy, in sweet love, Lucky's first love (bad drama but good chemistry)...sigh. I'm so disappointed. I get that this is not supposed to be a grand raging passion but a deep abiding love that doesn't boast about itself but at least give me something to work with. Sigh.
I gotta agree with other commenters @SarahWilson @LorelaiGilmore @tenkpm @Demzlw @PeachBlossomGoddess @OneAhjussi Mei Xing is a much better choice. I know it'll never happen but the confidence, the swagger and attitude, the smarts and the man-bun are all working in his favour. SY should def pick him. At least he'll know what to do with himself. 😁 ZSC...halfway through the drama and I'm still wondering if I'll get to meet the real ZSC.

Right, so I've thought about it a little @100kissess and @kkiki. I think the angle I'm missing from the novel is his undaunted and stalwart side. You know what I mean? He's concerned about his family - he wants to be close to them, to accept them and be accepted by them but it never quite works (except for his youngest brother/cousin, and his sister). Having said that, his love or his efforts at affection and closeness or taking responsibility for them never get in the way of his decision-making or his responsibility to SY. There is a woman, who cares for you greatly and while you are shy and introverted, for her, you make an effort to let her know that she is first for you. But in the drama that piece of it is missing. I mean the two of them are cute and all but that's about it. I don't mind seeing his ambivalence over his family and their business and the tough decisions he has to make. That makes him interesting. And human. But when that hesitation spills over in other aspects then I begin to wonder if this is the same character from the novel. It's an unfair comparison to make so I won't say anything more than the fact that YAMG's author was also the screenwriter and honestly, so far, I much prefer how she handled her own creations and source material.

Nope, it's most definitely not just you. And I'm glad to have found a kindred spirit. I have more thoughts on this characterisation and pacing. But it's a work day tomorrow and after a 12-hour day, I can barely keep my eyes open. So, more on this tomorrow. I will ruminate. As I'm sure others are too. ;)

I agree with you @100kissess. ZSC seems much more tentative and unaware of his own authority in the drama as compared to the book. The thing, which made his mother, and his family palatable was that he was crystal clear on who he was, what he was owed, and he had zero qualms about shutting down any sign of disrespect or bending to tradition expected from SY. It's like he says: she's the woman he's marrying so to him hers is the opinion that counts. SY seems to be more in-line with the novel but again she's much more obvious, or should I say clear (?) about her affections and feelings in the novel. I'm hoping that the screenwriter and director are building up to it. I'm trying very hard to get into this drama because of the novel, and the actors. I think Bai Lu is simply fantastic in whatever she does. Having said that, and, I have to admit (hides face), it's been hard going. Partly it's because the segues between the scenes can be a little jarring, which really threw me given that the author is the screenwriter so I had hoped for something more seamless. And the casting of the supporting characters, excepting Uncle Lin and ZSC's bff and SY's bffs, leaves a lot to be desired. So many blank and wooden faces. I understand that a lot of that has to do with the household they grew up in (repression and lies and control abound) but still...give me a sign that you're human, please?

@liberte Nice! It's all about priorities. :D

Mhmmm...After the break-up it all felt like a different drama. Like you said, it felt rushed. The charm of the first half was gone. Not to mention he assumed this gross overbearing CEO persona, which, just no. Ugh. And the writers took away her agency & independence. Disappointing, which is a pity since both the actors deserved so much better than what they got.

dramacool or watchasian has all the eps with english subs. Enjoy!

That makes so much more sense now. I mean, I had figured that it would be him thinking about her...like the time he brought her breakfast and made dead certain that it was within the calorie quota she allowed herself. But you're absolutely right, missing these tiny details takes away from really getting into the drama. Having said that, I've loved it so far. It's so well-paced and mature. The cinematography, the osts and the way they capture all this subtext - it is masterful. You are right! It's not a drama that believes in telling so much as it believes in showing, I think. We catch glimpses of emotions each of them feels-expresses when the other isn't looking. The quick glances, and furrowed brows, the moments of vulnerability and happiness. There's a smooth assurance to how well the emotional beats land, and there isn't a false note there. I like that they think that their audience is smart and patient and will piece it all together. I think this is one of the reasons I really enjoyed the focus on YT processing all his emotions and aspirations and coming to terms with what this version of reality, that he almost didn't dare to hope for/thought was possible, is showcased. It was slow but so rewarding to see in a c-drama how adults with real jobs and responsibilities manage deep and tumultuous emotions without grandstanding. Really really good.
If you have any other nuggets and are happy to share then please do! Thanks! 🙏🏼💐

Thanks for this bit of info. The references to Jade Rabbit make soo much more sense now. :) It wasn't explained too well in the translated version I read either so this is great.

@Etnaa he's really very good. :) Attractive too in an oddly serious old-school way!

Agree! I think having Yu Tu take up screen time is really important because you get to see the growth in his character arc. We get a ringside view of his anxieties, his emotions and all the questions he has about whether or not to take this risk of opening up to JJ emotionally. It's been acted and shot beautifully. Really good acting range. I was very pleasantly surprised. Like @tiredmeddy says, our heroine, is already at the top of her game. She's comfortable in her own skin, secure in her accomplishments, and has emotional courage. This is his time to grow and become her emotional equal. I also think the way they've handled considerations of social status and how income inequality. For once we have a FL who earns significantly more than the ML. Who is celebrated and recognised in society. And it's really interesting for me to see how Yu Tu adjusts to this challenge which upends convention. I'm looking forward to Yu Tu's struggles particularly coming to grips with what he wants, what he thinks he should want, and what society wants from him.
I worry about adaptations but the novelist has scripted it beautifully.

Hi, does anyone know the English name of this novel? Has it been translated? I've tried to google it but no joy. :( Really into reading source materials of drama adaptations -- I just completed You Are My Glory 👌🏽 and Oath of Love 👌🏽.