"Song Mo." "Since You Knew My Name, You Would Know How Many Corrupt Officials And Pirates I've Interrogated.

A wire-wrap of Two Trees of Valinor, Telperion and Laurelin.

Some thoughts about DFQC after ep. 30

It`s very very painful to see Dongfang Qingcang suffering. I adore this character so much. Despite his demon origin he is rightfull, noble and has a heart of gold. His whole life was unending sufferings: first his father tortured him in order to make a weapon out of him, then he and his tribe were defeated by "good guys" because of their race and his spirit was trying to destroy the seal during 30 000 years to break free and avenge his people. And now he is willingly going through Hell again and again. He punishes himself for those things, that shouldn`t be punishable. He is just a human (OK, demon, but in this universe it`s the same), humans are allowed to love and to make mistakes. He doesn`t need to bear all the weight of the world on his shoulders. Fighting against seduction of Ancient Evil he choses to sacrifice not the Moon Tribe or Xiao Lanhua, but himself. Poor, idiot cinnamon roll! With his feelings and loved one or without them, his life is horrible and I feel sorry for him so much! He doesn`t deserve this.

I should say that I absolutely in love with the voice of the actor, who has dubbed Wang Hedi in this drama. Wang Hedi speaks Mandarin with a Sichuan accent, that's why he hasn't got "proper" for Chinese state TV pronounciation and should be dubbed by some actor who has. At the same time, Wang Hedi's voice pitched higher than dubbed actor's one and would be not so harmonious with the image of fearsome lord (it suits better to Xiao Lanhua in Devil's body). So I like the dubbing a lot!

I just watched ep. 13 and I have a bad feeling that Gong Yuanzhi is dead for real and Gong Shangjue just went insane out of grief.

Firstly, everyone kneeled when GYZ trailed off his speech and dropped a herb. As servants did in other dramas when Emperor died.

Secondly, there were some mourning lanterns in the air and Gong Shangjue watched them in his clothes from the date with an assassin (so it belongs not to the flashback).

Thirdly, YWS saw the light on the tower was lighten up. The previous time it was lighten up when the previous leader of Yu-lineage died. Gong Yuanzhi is the leader of Zhi-lineage. God, I hope I think too much and went to the wrong conclusions, and director didn`t treat my favorite characters of this drama like that...

How to fight your doom (Pt. 5)

Devil's love is in full bloom and he meekly accepts it. I adore this scene very much, it is so heart-warming. Episodes 20-26

The Romeo and Juliet problem is acute, so everyone suffers and is with the long face. Girl, as well as Devil, decides to put the love problem aside and to focus on the higher goal. The problem seems to have no salvation, so they don`t even try to think about it. And here we have our deus ex machina Jieli, who forces them to talk to each other face to face.

While talking, Girl tries to catch on something that could bring the salvation, but only finds out that everything is hopeless. He IS in love with her and also he IS willing to crush Fairy Realm. And also he is proud (Am I not capable of pretending to be just a reach mortal? Ha! Watch me!), but empathic to sufferings of his folk and prefers fair fights to dirty wins. There is nothing in his personality that could count as disgusting character features. The conflict between Girl's love for him and her craving for peace between tribes is tearing her apart. So she rides him on emotional rollercoaster: she doesn't want to say «no» and can't say «yes».

Devil is very solid in his feelings for Girl (as always) and all the hopelessness of the situation makes him quiet and extremely sad. He even allows GoW and Dragon boy touching him! He also is an EXELLENT learner in terms of emotional intelligence stuff: he understands that his magic powers and status can't conquer Girl's heart and accepts that he can do nothing about it. He carefully analyses his previous behavior and finds out that he was rude to Girl and made her cry so it's natural that she doesn't like him and likes God of War instead. His love ability has bloomed fully and it makes him suffer from unrequited love.

Girl finally accepts her feelings for Devil (with the help of side characters) and there is a funny situation: three months ago it was her sweet dream to be God of War`s bride and now she feels only sadness about it.

Unresolved romantic tension of these two is palpable and it is the most beautiful part of this story arch: Devil is jealous (with a reason), sad and angry because of his unrequited (as he thinks) love and Girl is jealous (with no reason) and because of it fails to expose her feelings to him.

There is a Chinese legend that once Chinese Emperor loved his wife so much so he had been helping her to draw her brows, although it was stricktly female's thing to do. That's why drawing female lead's brows by a male lead is a lovely Chinese romantic trope.

«Wife, are you still mad at me?»

There is a nice moment when he enjoys pretending to be her husband (because he would like to be one) and she enjoys him enjoying acting (because she wants to be with him too).

Finally he proclaims his feelings for her for the third time and in the most beautiful way («I feel like I've known you forever. I have seen you in fairies', demons' and mortals' clothes but the most beautiful dress on you is tonight's wedding dress. Although tonight's wedding is a fake, I feel like I am really married [to you]») and lets her go: if she can`t bear to see him killing her friends, he will understand her hatred.

But it ends up them choosing to be together (in absolutely ADORABLE way! I love episodes 25-26 sooooo much) and delaying the salvation of the Romeo and Juliet problem for later. When the time comes, Devil chooses Girl over his duty and kills Chidi, and Girl chooses to be with Devil and to think about coming war later.

At last misalliance problem finds it`s salvation:  it turns out that he is Demon God and she is Fairy Goddess, they are equals in magic powers and status.

I LOVE mortal story arch because it has got the great emotional tension (I suffered from knowledge that Girl should marry GoW and because cinnamon rolls are in love but couldn't voice it) and delivers the HUGE catharsis feeling at the end of it (Hurray! They are finally together!). Unfortunately, the very end of the story doesn't have the same satisfying feeling (I will explain it later).

And then the Silent Moon Palace story arch begins.

Episodes 1-7 Episode 8 Episodes 9-13 Episodes 13-19 Episodes 27-34

How to be a more interesting character than the Main Hero (Pt.2)

Shangjue and his didi (pt.1/2)

Shangjue has a strong bond with his cousin (whom he counts as his brother), but their personalities are very different and it makes their relationship really interesting.

"Of course, you can interrogate Yuanzhi-didi." For Shangjue the rules mean more than his personal attitudes, so, as his beloved didi happens to be a suspect, Shangjue voluntarily hands him over to be locked up in prison and later denies the possibility that he could plant an evidence in order to deflect suspicion from him. He says, that he would avenge didi if he would be unjustified tortured to death by the Main Hero (it means, he thinks it`s possible as a result of imprisonment), but does nothing against rules to protect his didi. And it hurts didi a lot and makes him think that he isn't good enough to be protected by Shangjue, because it is natural for many people to go against the rules in order to help loved ones. But so is the core of Shangjue`s personality: between his personal feelings (for his didi) and the rules of the clan he will definitely choose the second (because he isn`t a person yet, he allows himself to be only a clan function).

His didi Yuanzhi is a full opposite to him. He values Shangjue the most and would definitely do any wicked thing to help him. He is cunning and ruthless, but Shangjue deals with his fierce spirit and teaches him a lot of things, including how to respect elders.

"Elder Yue is someone who you should respect."

Didi is very perceptive to every act of love from Shangjue, as we can see in the scene with the conversation about a spy`s token, and later, in the conversation about Secret Trial of Adulthood, and he is very jealous to everyone who can get attention from Shangjue, too, because of his absolute insecurity in that he can be loved by him and can be his didi instead of deceased one. This little story about them, a paper lantern and a poisoned porridge broke my heart (I thought Yuanzhi died and was very upset during my awaiting for the next episode):

Yuanzhi thinks that Shangjue cherishes the most only those who are not around him anymore, and maybe it`s because of his trauma. He believes he was the reason Shangjue’s mom and brother had died, because he was the last one who came to the shelter’s gate, and Shangjue’s brother got an opportunity to sneak outside and met his doom.

But he is wrong thinking that deceased ones are more important for Shangjue than alive ones. Yuanzhi thinks in an egoistic way, he can`t imagine love can be shared among many people in someone`s heart. Shangjue didn`t stop loving his mom and brother but he also loves his didi as much as he loves them.

"Brother!!!"

"Stand off!!!"

"Blood..."

And we can see it in a flashback, when young Shangjue says that the best thing he could receive is a didi (which is Yuanzhi).

Unfortunately I can add only 30 GIFs per post, so there will be part 2/2. Shangjue. Introduction Shangjue and his didi, Pt. 2 Shangjue and his fiancee

SM: You got me out of the jail. Thanks! DZ: What have you just said? I didn't get it. SM: THANK YOU! DZ: It's so loud here, can't hear you. Repeat, please. SM's friend: I have heard it well. He said he likes you. SM: He has misheard it, don't listen to him. SM's friend: Well, I have misheard it, indeed. He said he would like to marry you. SM: Shut up! DZ: 😎 SM: 😰 SM's friend: 😈 And later:

I like your train of thoughts, guys!

BROTHER...WAKE UP...

E23 : My Journey to You | 云之羽 (2023) dir.Edward Guo

Asian dramas and relationship dynamics (Pt.1)

There are my favorite relationship dynamics as a list. Opposites attract + power couple

Drama: I Am Nobody /  异人之下 Characters: Zhuge Qing & Wang Ye Screentime: Minor I like it when characters are different in a way they could complement one another, but at the same time they are similar in terms of what is important for people to stay stuck together. Zhuge Qing is public, easy-going and wants to be friends with Wang Ye. Wang Ye is mysterious, reflexive and doesn't want to be bothered by other people. But no one can beat extrovert if he decided to be friends with you =) Plus, they are united by their superpowers: they are both powerful sorcerers and their sorcery is very similar in its nature. So they can compete and learn from each other and, if necessary, kick enemy's ass together. ̶A̶n̶d̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶i̶r̶ ̶d̶y̶n̶a̶m̶i̶c̶s̶ ̶h̶a̶s̶ ̶g̶o̶t̶ ̶t̶h̶i̶c̶k̶ ̶B̶L̶ ̶v̶i̶b̶e̶s.̶ By the end of season 1 they are OK and together.

Drama: Mysterious Lotus Casebook / 莲花楼 Characters: Di Feisheng & Li Lianhua Screentime: Secondary Di Feisheng is a leader of a demonic sect, a former slave and a very straightforward man. Li Lianhua is a former leader of a righteous sect and an extremely sly man with not-so-bad background. But both of them are the best martial artists in Jianghu and went through a lot together. One wants everyone to leave him alone, another wants to be with him together forever. Both of them don't give a damn about everything that happens in the world but they care for each other. B̶L̶-̶v̶i̶b̶e̶s̶ ̶a̶r̶e̶ ̶a̶t̶t̶a̶c̶h̶e̶d̶.̶ The ending of the drama is obscure but I'd like to think they both are alive and happy together.

Drama: The Blood of Youth / 少年歌行 Characters: Xiao Se & Ye Anshi Screentime: Secondary A leader of a demonic sect who has an ultimate martial knowledge and a former best righteous martial artist, who is suffering from decease and can't fight anymore. What can unite them? The answer is: the similar mindset. They both had a great power and lost it, they both are shouldering great responsibilities which don't make them happy. Despite the fact that they should be on the opposite sides in Jianghu world, they are still good friends. M̶a̶y̶b̶e̶ ̶B̶L̶-̶f̶r̶i̶e̶n̶d̶s̶,̶ ̶a̶l̶t̶h̶o̶u̶g̶h̶ ̶X̶i̶a̶o̶ ̶S̶e̶ ̶h̶a̶s̶ ̶a̶ ̶g̶i̶r̶l̶f̶r̶i̶e̶n̶d̶.̶ There is a small extra ep at the end of drama, when they meet each other again in a very romantic way. Just search for it.

Drama: The Legends / 招摇 Characters: Lu Shiqi & Qin Qianxian Screentime: Minor She is from a demonic sect. He is from a righteous one. She is immune to the impact of spiritual power. He is the one of the most powerful people in terms of spiritual power. She is dumb, straightforward and pure-hearted. He is blissed yet sensible and burdened with difficult moral choices. They could be an ideal Yin-Yang couple. But they have BE, because it's "The Legends", everyone should die in here Т_Т.

Pride and Prejudice + power couple

Drama: The Yin-Yang Master: Dream of Eternity / 晴雅集 Characters: Bo Ya & Qing Ming Screentime: Main This dynanics is similar with the previous one, but here we are focused on how they ended up together. Bo Ya has prejudice against demons-yao and believes all of them should be executed. He meets half-demon-sorcerer Qing Ming who helps him to overcome his prejudice. Finally, they become friends (or̶ ̶m̶a̶y̶b̶e̶ ̶n̶o̶t̶ ̶o̶n̶l̶y̶ ̶f̶r̶i̶e̶n̶d̶s̶) and together they win over the evil forces. At the end they are separated but there is a hope they meet again.

Drama: Wuliang / 无量 Characters: Po Xiao & Feng Ren Screentime: Main People of different social status both seek to get a magical sutra. During a road trip they exchange opinions on the sutra and how to use it and change each other's mind. In the end it turns out that they together saved the world and can be finally together. As friends, of course.

Drama: Oh No! Here Comes Trouble / 不良執念清除師 Characters: Pu Yiyong & Cao Guangyan Screentime: Main Pu Yiyong looks like lowlife, studies very bad and hates Cao Guangyan, who is self-confident, smart and thinks low of Pu Yiyong. But a mysterious case with ghosts forces them to interact and they find out, that together they are a perfect team. Honestly speaking, this little series couldn't develop this topic as good as I hoped, but it's a really interesting story, so you can watch it for the ghost detective plot and get this type of relationship in addition. It's a Taiwanese drama, so BL-jokes and dalliance with a viewer were huge, but it didn`t help much. Still a nice dynamics and a good drama. Us vs the World

Drama: The Untamed / 陈情令 Characters: Wei Wuxian & Lan Wangji Screentime: Main I don`t like the novel, but I like drama exactly because here I can see this dynamics. In the past life of Wei Wuxiang Lan Wangji was not strong enough to go against the whole world to protect his friend (well, in the novel they are lovers, but it kills the main idea of this dynamics by turning it into "I do it all just to get into your bed", which is meh), and his friend died. Suddenly, 16 years later, he gets a chance to choose once more: to be a part of society and watch once more his friend dying or to be with him against everyone this time. The moment he chooses to be with Wei Wuxian against the whole world I felt cathartic pleasure. The drama ends up on a little bit obscure but positive note.

Drama: Word of Honor / 山河令 Characters: Zhou Zishu & Wen Kexing Screentime: Main A former king's assassin who is at the brink of death and just wants to live the time left in silence and a birdy master of the most skillful criminals find each other, find out that they are brothers-in-teachings and decide to fight against the world together just to live in silence and enjoy each other's company. When one thinks it's his last second of life, the other comes to help him even if they both can't beat the greater number of enemies and will die for sure. Catharsis! The drama has a small extra ep where they are together and all right.

Drama: The Legends / 招摇 Characters: Li Chenlan & Lu Zhaoyao Screentime: Main Them, again! The first half of the drama they have enemies-to-lovers dynamics, but then, when they find out the truth about Zhao Yao's death and about feelings for each other, they turn into Bonny and Clyde and go annihilate the righteous guys who are in fact not-so-righteous. And it makes me feel cathartic, too. A very catharsis-causing dynamics, indeed! It's little obscure, but they will be fine at the end of the drama.

Drama: Dong Lan Xue / 东栏雪 Characters: Shen Yan & Chu Ningyuan Screentime: Main Two bad guys work together to get power in the palace. And get involved in romantic relationship during their power gaining. Nice story with an open ending.

Drama: Derailment /脱轨 Characters: Qi Lian & Jiang Xiaoyuan Screentime: Main It's a little story inside a big one about transmigrators that you can read in another of my posts. It lasts something like 1,5 eps of the drama but is a nice story itself. A lonely bellicose boy from a rich family runs away from home where no one cares for him and lives on the street. A lonely girl from an extremely poor family and being bullied by classmates tries to survive in this world. They meet each other and understand that it's easier to fight their fate together. Nice story, it's a pity that this one is too short and not a main plot of the drama.

Descent

Drama: The Spirealm / 致命游戏 Characters: Ruan Lanzhu & Ling Jiushi Screentime: Main

It's a really rare but interesting dynamics (and it is a huge spoiler to this drama itself, so beware): the god-like creature (a monster of the 12th door in the novel "Kaleidoscope of death" and a VR-virus in its adaptation, "The Spirealm") has to keep company to a mere person. During their journey, a god-like creature finds out that said mere person is not really mere, and unexpectantly develops feelings for him, which cause his "descent" and allow him to be a little bit less ethereal and a little bit more human. I like the drama more than the novel, but the lore and the story are great in both of them. The novel has HE and the drama ending is controversial: you can consider it as BE or as delayed HE, but it's heart-wrenching, powerful and logical. Also you can see: Asian dramas and relationship dynamics (Pt. 2) Asian dramas and my favorite types of characters Asian dramas and Love tropes Enemies to Rivals/Lovers recipe