shadowdreamer

No matter what he does there will be haters. Why focus energy on fighting that negativity when you can concentrate on improving yourself for those who like you? He's a rock boy, it's hard to drag him down. ^_^

Most importantly, he seems meticulous and methodical on his career as an actor and singer. He is currently on a national 10 cities stage play tour helming one of the most coveted character in modern day Chinese play; Zhou Ping in "Thunderstorm" and "Thunderstorm II". There's no need to think about unreasonable people.

p.s. Shipping culture is toxic. Period.

There's no way around it. He's a straightforward guy. He doesn't want or need to hide his marriage. It's a happy life event for normal people (he's still a normal guy outside of work) but as he's an artist some people take it to the extreme. Many people still give him blessings. Also, marriage is not a crime. Unless one is young and want to chase single idol then yeah it might hurt but for the most part these artist are strangers. They live their own lives and so do you (star chasers). What artists present to the public is not all of themselves. So accept what's shared by your favorite artist(s) and send them blessings for whatever happy (normal) life events they are willing to disclose to fans. Cheers

New update: Feb 17, 2023 worldwide release.

New update: Feb 17, 2023 worldwide release.

中国乒乓/Ping Pong: The Triumph in theaters; Jan 24 (mainland China), Feb 2 (Australia/New Zealand), and Feb 3 (North America). More information on other locations will likely be available soon. 加油!

中国乒乓/Ping Pong: The Triumph in theaters; Jan 24 (mainland China), Feb 2 (Australia/New Zealand), and Feb 3 (North America). More information on other locations will likely be available soon. 加油!

What a busy few days I had; Thanksgiving holiday and all. Today, finally, I can sit down and finished the drama. And have time to write a final review.

I'm satisfy with the ending. Unlike other drama where the ending is rushed we get four episodes to clear things up. Which, even if it's not perfect is still satisfying.

Although, I have to laugh at the drowning scene. LOL. It really doesn't need to go that far to have Shangqi sacrifice himself to win back FL. I'm looking at the screenwriters here. It's a bit farfetched but hey, I guess whatever works. The conversation afterward was touching. Still, I think it is a bit abrupt for them to resolve things this easy considering FL was acting all but forgotten him the prior few episodes. Also, the war correspondent segment was a bit funny. LOL, anyway, it's a good ending all around.

I have seen many other idol love/urban dramas but this is the first where I can say the ML is the most gentlest, understanding, devoted, selfless, loving, humblest and any other positive adjectives to describe a ML has for FL. When he had a crush on Chen he willingly devoted his energy to her and when he knew he loved FL he committed himself fully to her. Because of his single "mistake" he is willing to bow his head and chase FL.

Some said they can't tell when Shangqi fell in love with FL. All I have to say is his love is unconventional. He treats and trusts FL as a friend, a confidant and family. He desires her like a lover and he pampers her like a sweet wife. If these are not convincing then I'm not sure what "love" is. To be precise, he fell in love with her when she kissed him in episode one. He never intentionally thought about her in a romantic way until she kissed him. Why did he proposed they move in together? Because he saw the couple at the homestay together; where he picture them together laughing and cleaning dishes like a happy family. That is long term love/companionship that love would not evoke from a traditional domineering CEO ML. He is definitely not your typical domineering CEO. Rather he has flaws, but is willing to listen and understand others. This character doesn't have much lines compare to FL and second leads but the actor's acting is immersive that grounded it for me. Timmy Xu did an excellent job in presenting a 3-dimensional character that I can relate, sympathize and like. Shangqi deserves a home. He's been alone and may have almost been used to being alone. Now he has a home with FL and has caring parents-in-law, a brother in Hupu and employees in Wusu that understand and follow him. A happy ending indeed.

Well, since you said it. If we can get our wishes, to be honest, I'd rather ML not end up together with FL too. I think he can also find someone more suitable. But, let's watch how they will end up together for this drama version.

Yeah, not sure how I'll spend my days next week. Lol. I'm already anxious.

We know there's a happy ending, it's just a matter of how the screenwriters wrap things up. I haven't watch today's updates. I plan to watch it all tomorrow with the last two episodes.

Drama official Weibo page gave a lot of spoilers. Yes, it will be a very happy ending. Don't know how it will be showcase but it's a happily ever after.

Goodness, this week is the finale already?! Seems like it was yesterday that I started watching.

Hmm, since we have 4 episodes left, I wonder how the screenwriters can wrap up a convincing ending. I don't have any expectation and am prepared for any surprise, hopeful I can see some good ones.

I understand you. However, I have the opposite view from you. Due in part that I sympathize more with ML. At this point, their personality and priorities don't fit. Even if they get together, the potential for another pitfall in future is inevitable.

Yes, he should have straight out and talk to her then. It was a rare occasion for them to be alone together. He is hesitant and a lot more cautious in dealing with her now than before. Remember when they first got together? He was more straightforward and aggressive in his pursue of her. At the same time, I don't know, if I was him how I could break the ice without further antagonizing her to retreat more. With her attitude towards him like that I as an audience wouldn't even want to talk to her, LOL. I guess, he still felt wrong and is unsure how to ask her for another chance. The sickness scenario is a very routine drama icebreaker that I think it best not to use in this situation, but it is what it is. This might be something he found online on how to chase your girlfriend like earlier in the drama. Which to me is like he is probably wrecking his brain on how to approach her without her usual defense up. It can also be view as him testing to see if she still cares about him. Still very childish of him. And him not doing a very convincing job of being sick either. LOL

There are people that would take reviews and ratings as criterion to watching or readings something. I do not give a wit as I know when I do reviews, it is already a personal bias. Each to their own. Sometimes good reviews are helpful to me in term of if the plot direction is something I'd be interested in in investing my personal time and energy, especially having to sit through a 20-, 30- or 40-episodes drama.

Hmm, I believe your first sentence sort of answer my inquiry. I am no sociologist but I speculated viewers will unconsciously insert themselves into a character, usually of the same gender. They will take any offense to what that character received in the drama as if it is was to them. All other characters will be viewed as a secondary and of only significant enough to serve the needs of character they see themselves in. Which is totally fine, as watching drama is personal. However, I think the bigger picture, of empathy and understanding, for the other characters don't get the attention they deserve. As those other characters are just that, others.

It is hard to conceive it from another angle. Because then you'll have to start from the beginning and reverse how you view events/things as they unfold. It may be the framing of the narrative but we already have a false preconceived notion of ML since the beginning. As the story progress we slowly get to know him and our preconception will have to adjust accordingly but that notion is still there regardless.

I think if they were not leads, they would not even get together in the first place. Let alone get a chance to have a breakup.

Yes, but it is a very poorly designed plot device. I feel some of the acting contribute a bit to the contradictory of a certain character. As at this point, I feel no love at all from FL. ML is now just doing his duty to complete what the screenwriters want, to complete the groveling/wife chasing part of the script. I personally find it very cringe and annoying to watch, especially as one person does all the work and the receiving party is indifference. That is a romance drama killer mode, considering we are on the last leg of drama. If FL no longer has feelings at all to ML at this point, then the audience will not be convince of a reunion later. Love cannot be switched off and on. Well, unless it is a drama....oh(facepalm)

My favorite female character is Chen. When she comes on the scene I know I will hate her and love her. Maybe it is the acting? I can't exactly pinpoint. She is what I would have like the FL character to epitomize; strong, goes after what she wants and a strong adaptable skill and tough, she is certainly a tough little cookie. Sadly, FL with all her careerwise and mature look she doesn't have Chen's fighting spirit. Somehow, I can see Chen a more fitting war correspondent than FL. My second favorite female character is Sui's mother. Another tough, sassy and flamboyant character.

I also like Zhao too. He's a very enjoyable villain. I wish he had more screen time.

First of all, thank you, that sounds like a compliment that you watched this because of my comments. ^_^

It sounds like you already answered your own question. They were so in love but she is the first to walk away, gave him the ultimatum. Why did she left him in the first place? You said it. Because of Chen. because of her insecurity. Not Shangqi. If he cheated then yes absolutely I fully support her to leave him. I wouldn't give him the time of day at all. However, the issue is that he never cheated. All his interactions with Chen were through work. Why do I say obliged? Because Chen and her own insecurity is the true culprit. Chen is still in Hupu, she is still insecure. Then, based on this analysis the chances of her leaving again override staying. I would go so far as to get the feeling she would use this event to solidify that yes, Hupu is not for them, Wusu is safer...

Not to mention his company is in chaos after the failed wedding, especially like you said it happened under HIS watch. Then the person responsible to cleanup the mess should be him. If he ran away with her, what does that say about him? His character? The Xiao family? That is a suicide move right there. Zhao wouldn't have to do anything at all.

To your question, Chen refused additional bridesmaid, remember? She wanted only He. Thus, it would have to be FL that should have protected Chen. Now, who's fault does this personally fall to? Also at the wedding hall, FL fell down, Chen is surrounded by cameras. Who else can protect the bride? The closest person to her, Shangqi. As to why she wants FL to be her bridesmaid? She said it she wants those she used to know to gush over how far she's come to this point in getting marry to such a young, rich man.

The comment below said what I wanted to say: He took the initiative to end their relationship because he was trying to protect her. Not really because of lack of communication. Although that certainly plays a small part.

At the end, I feel it is a matter of audience perspective. Enjoy the rest of the drama. I like heathy discussion. Cheers.

That is my understanding too.

I'm not taking as if you are bashing him but I am curious on your take on viewing from a different perspective. Also, many questions (in our dialogue) remain unanswered which I am unsure if what I meant to say is clear.

That although I can understand her side however, based on the existing evidence (her actions and choices) presented on screen her current attitude is not flattering for a viewer like me. She has no right to stand on the moral high ground to scold him like a child. I can excuse her younger college self but once she's in the workplace I expect her to be mature and reasonable.

I seem to be the answering all your questions. Do you mind answering some of mine? From our conversation thread. I'm simply curious how you would view events based on ML's perspective.

Her career WAS going nowhere... The department was going to end the show before Shangqi's call? This is what I meant when I said she abandoned her parents to pursue her going-nowhere career. Because after three years of working at this place, the program was going to be canceled...When did I her career is because of him? The catalysis of Shangqi's call made her realized she needs to pursue other avenue. He initially disapproved of her radio career but supportive at the end. That is how he trust she knows what she wants.

Yes, I know you are telling me her side but I am telling you his side. That is why there is a contradictory between the two characters. This contradictory is the big elephant in the room. Both need to work out these differences. Mainly on her part because she is insecure. And him, not sure if he has the patience enough to always telling her his whereabouts and with whom if these are not worked out before their happily ever after.

About how he didn't tell her his father's death. I don't hold it against him. Based on his current condition at that critical moment, I would also do the same. Sorry.

That's true. However, he is given a ultimatum. What can he do? Either way it will still lead to a breakup.

He tells her, she will feel obliged to come back to Hupu. And it will likely be a temporary solution. She will head back to Wusu again once it looks settled.