Murphy's Law of Love Episode 9

Oddly, I don't find myself disliking the ex-girlfriend too much. 

& Seeing my screenshots, I realized I'm quite biased towards Danson Tang...

Surprisingly, Guan Xiao Tong and Zhi Yu miss each other at the door. Instead of entering the café, Guan Xiao Tong receives a message from Ji Jia Wei to meet in his car.

They end up on a balcony. His excuse for changing the location was to avoid seeing people he doesn’t like such as Simon. Half of that is true. This half-hearted excuse doesn’t get unnoticed by Guan Xiao Tong as she casts a worried glance over him.

Changing the topic, he asks if she only bought one coffee. Of course not; she has one more in the take out box. I personally find it also rude to buy it, not take it out, and sip your own. But there is a purpose for this roundabout way. Despite knowing there’s a second drink, he casually sips hers.

Not visibly pleased, Guan Xiao Tong settles with the new one, that is, until Ji Jia Wei takes that one hostage as well. He sips her coffee one more time before returning it. Shyly, Guan Xiao Tong nibbles on her drink too. Ji Jia Wei is childishly pleased.

With their breakfast done, they enjoy a walk. She tells him the meaning of these blossoming trees: the first awakening of love. Ji Jia Wei offers another meaning.

Ji Jia Wei: Couples walk under blossoming trees to ensure that their love will continue to blossom.

Ji Jia Wei: I know we just started but I want to let you know that no matter who I meet or what happens in the future, my love for you will not change.

Seemingly touched, she holds out her hands, which he grabs happily.

Ji Jia Wei: This hand, I won’t be letting go anymore.

She responds by intertwining her fingers in his.

Later that day in the office, Guan Xiao Tong learns from her friends (who learned from Simon) that Ji Jia Wei’s ex-girlfriend is back in town. On top of that, she’s a model; a formidable competitor. However, instead of worrying about herself (in terms of losing to Zhi Yu) she’s worried about how hurt Ji Jia Wei will be if he finds out. Forever putting others before her.  

There’s a meeting between the two firms on their collaborated event. Now he can rightfully voice his concerns for her openly (e.g. ensuring his girlfriend’s safety during the event at all cost). Great to know he’s a dutiful boyfriend but his responsibilities towards his CEO position has dropped exponentially as he can’t even read a proposal properly. His buddies jeer him for being too focused elsewhere e.g. future Mrs. Boss. Although he lectures his employees, he’s still all smiley.  

After the meeting, everyone (conveniently) leaves except for Ji Jia Wei and Guan Xiao Tong. His awesome peripheral vision catches an article that randomly sticks out showing us a cover image of Zhi Yu. Guan Xiao Tong doesn’t bust him immediately, instead she asks him whether he’s tired from all the work lately.

Ji Jia Wei shows him the picture they took: I’m always prescribing myself with this. How can I be tired? Does Danson cringe at his own lines?

He then asks her sweetly if she has any work tonight. Although she doesn’t, she’s got a date with Xin Yi. Curious, she asks him if he wants something from her.

Ji Jia Wei pointedly questions her: There needs to be a reason for me to find you? I said that aside from the time I allocated for work the rest is at your disposal, so you should empty your schedule for me. That way, it’ll be fair – Clears his throat – Anyways, just come to my house today.

That night, she walks over to his office to give him a document but finds his office empty. Coincidentally, she discovers that today holds a special meaning to Ji Jia Wei but she doesn’t know why.

That night, Guan Xiao Tong is sent to take Polo to a dog salon (for a shower) because Ji Jia Wei’s busy. He’s actually busy tagging her… When Ji Jia Wei appears in front of her, Guan Xiao Tong is surprised.

Guan Xiao Tong: Didn’t you say you were busy? Why did you follow me?

Caught red-handed, Ji Jia Wei dodges her gaze: You are helping me with my responsibility. You brought the dog here, right? I’m just worried Polo might not feel secure.  

She doubts him but the employee agrees that the dog is rather afraid of strangers. She also finds out that Ji Jia Wei was the one that found Polo but unable to send him away, he adopted Polo.

Ji Jia Wei: Why are you staring at me like that? Adopting a dog is a common thing. Don’t you understand?

Guan Xiao Tong: I guess so. Anyways you are just a durian.

He doesn’t get it.

Guan Xiao Tong clarifies: Prickly on the outside and messy on the inside. Lol.

Ji Jia Wei calls out after her: Can’t you use a prettier expression?

While Polo’s getting spa treatment, they’re at this bench. He tells her why he brought her here of all places (and of all benches): in remembrance of his mom (she’s not dead). This was their secret place; his mom would bring him here whenever his father was busy and they’d eat icecream. He recalls one particular day, his mom was late to pick him up from school but when he returns home himself, he sees her putting suitcases in a car. At that young age, he didn’t understand so he happily went up to help her and even waved her goodbye. He regrets not getting a chance to plead for her to stay. He now understands that day’s smile from her meant ‘Thank you’ for personally helping her pack.

So, he’s got a little trauma for people not giving their proper goodbyes.  

Guan Xiao Tong being too tiny makes too much noise while jumping down. Anyways, she treats him to icecream.  

Guan Xiao Tong: The person that ate icecream with you left, but you have me now. Although the icecream may evoke memories you don't want to recall, let’s change them to happy memories from now on. Okay?

Ji JIa Wei: Guan Xiao Tong. I think I really did underestimate you credentials as a psychologist.

Pleased, Guan Xiao Tong says: I just simply want you to be happy. So, you’ll promise me that every time you sit on that bench, I’ll be the one eating icecream with you, right?

He’s sniffing. He was crying?

Ji Jia Wei: Do you know why people need to fall in love?

Guan Xiao Tong shrugs.

Ji Jia Wei needs to smile like this more often

Ji Jia Wei: That’s because in spending the same money – looks at her thoughtfully – I can have more choices in flavours. And he steals a bite of her icecream.

Guan Xiao Tong teases him: You’re so childish. Just this can make you happy?

To be even, he lets her have a taste of his but tricks her instead. Clumsy Guan Xiao Tong ends up getting her shirt covered with icecream. Initially he offers to wipe her shirt but realizes the location isn’t optimal for him to personally help. I’m reminded of We are in Love with Kimi and Xu Lu.

So, wiping wasn’t enough and they end up at his place. And she’s in his shirt. Someone’s hormones just spiked. When she goes to the sink to wash her clothes, he walks up behind her. He hold her shoulders and tells her not to move. He proceeds to roll up her sleeves for her.

Her clothes are drying now and they share awkward glances at each other in the living room. When the clothes are done though, he doesn’t immediately return them to her because how can freshly dried clothes not be ironed first? Right? Right. He even personally irons it for her. Slowly. Precisely. But most importantly, slowly. So slow, that it’s been 30 minutes.

After ironing is all done, Ji Jia Wei then claims that he’s hungry. Now, he cooks for her.

Guan Xiao Tong: You can (cook)?

Ji Jia Wei: What’s so hard about making cooking? And you. You can’t learning cooking from anyone else but me. Okay?

Guan Xiao Tong grins and agrees.

He tells her to bring his apron over. She does but he ducks his head for her to help him tie it. Obediently, she does it for him. Guan Xiao Tong tells him to turn around so she can tie it for him but he doesn't. He remains facing him with his hands out to his side forcing Guan Xiao Tong to hug him in order to tie his apron. I don’t know what’s with the obsession of tying aprons lately. He’s not nearly done with his games as he steals a peck on her forehead. Guan Xiao Tong calls him out for fouling but he just pulls her in for a hug

Ji Jia Wei holds onto her: Thank you for staying with me.

Before leaving, Guan Xiao Tong tells him: Every year on this day, do you need someone to be next to you? Sorry, today is a bit late so I do need to go home now but thank you for telling me your story – She touches his hair – Don’t worry, on this day of every year, you won’t be alone (she uses the word “walk” here which should remind you guys of their bracelet).

Home alone now, he’s still cheery from before as he stares at his beautiful white (and wrinkly) shirt. I guess he’s never washing that shirt. Sitting on the couch, he realizes Guan Xiao Tong left her cellphone but he thinks (or hopes) it’s a dating tactic of Guan Xiao Tong’s. He runs out to catch her but ends up being caught by Zhi Yu. Unhappy to see her, he tells her he doesn’t need her. He questions her the same thing: “How can you can appear in front of me like it was nothing.” She doesn’t understand why the four years of their love cannot withstand that one year of absence.

Ji Jia Wei exposes his hurt expression: Between us two, the first one that let go was you.

Seeing that expression, she grabs his hand.

On cue, Guan Xiao Tong returns to see them holding hands. And the rightful girlfriend walks away. He chases after her and even forces his way into her taxi. He scoots up right beside her and takes her hand.

Ji Jia Wei: You silly. Why are you running away? You even forgot your cellphone.

He places her cellphone in her hand.                             

Guan Xiao Tong: You were busy so I didn’t want to bother you. So, I just… I don’t know… I…

Ji Jia Wei: Do you know what you’re saying right now?

Silence.

Guan Xiao Tong: So she came back?

Ji Jia Wei: I don’t know why she suddenly came back

Guan Xiao Tong: Since you guys were together for four years, maybe she has something to tell you. Is it okay that you ran off like this?

With the car suddenly breaking, he snaps the seat belt on for her and tells her to be careful. The purpose of this scene is just to prove that there's someone to look after Guan Xiao Tong as she continues to put others before herself.

Ji Jia Wei: You. Don’t always worry about others first, okay?

Guan Xiao Tong: Actually, you guys seeing each other is normal and logical. I didn’t think elsewhere. It’s just too sudden so I don’t know how to react

Ji Jia Wei mumbles: Me too. 

However, he comforts her first by patting her head and telling her not to waste energy worrying about this. Afterwards, they share a silent car ride (while he`s staring at her for most of the time).

Back at his place he’s pacing back and forth. He recalls back their conversation in the taxi and it suddenly dons him that Guan Xiao Tong knows too much about his dating history. Connecting the dots, he remembers he was Wayne once upon a time on her Dr. Love blog. Having no one to blame for exposing all his secrets, he blames Polo for not stopping him before.

Ji Jia Wei tests the water with a text: What are you doing?

No reply.

Ji Jia Wei again: Did you sleep yet?

There’s no reply because Guan Xiao Tong’s doing the same thing: looking over the messages from Wayne.

Impatient now, Ji Jia Wei decides to leave a comment on her blog: Dr. Love. Long time no see. I seem to have forgotten to update you.

Guan Xiao Tong replies: What update?

Commenting to himself that she indeed is in front of the computer, Ji Jia Wei types back to her: I can feel her insecurity but I will use all my effort to let her know that I will “walk with her from now on”.

Relieved now, she replies with a photo message of her and her bracelet.  

Ji Jia Wei, aren’t you happy to get a new picture to stare at?

That night, Guan Xiao Tong searches up an article and finds out that ‘Wayne’ is the name guys that cheat commonly uses. What. Man, sure sucks to have your name as Wayne all of a sudden. What odd foreshadowing this show relies on.

It’s time to check up on other characters. Guan Xiao Tong updates her friends she saw Zhi Yu last night with Ji Jia Wei. Although Guan Xiao Tong voices her supports for her boyfriend, the tea she’s been pouring has been spilling everywhere. Her friends advises her to rid the logic from a psychologist’s perspective and reveal her true thoughts if she wants her relationship to last long.

We also visit Zi Yan. Long time no see! After finding out his mom has been busy and skipping meals, he personally makes a visit to give her lunch. Appreciating her kind son's consideration, she still prods him to find another girl to enjoy his lunch with, e.g. Guan Xiao Tong. However, he updates her on Xiao Tong having someone she loves. Mom is like ‘So what’. However, Zi Yan is happy enough that the person loves his happy. He doesn’t want to force his way in.

Is it still lunch time? Ji Jia Wei now teaches Guan Xiao Tong to ride the bike. Before she actually rides, he makes sure she’s absolutely safe.

Ji Jia Wei: Me ensuring your safety isn’t me worrying about you getting hurt but me getting hurt – He points to his lips.

She learns to bike for a while but she’s hopelessly clumsy. In the end, she ends up being in the cheer leading squad. However, the other team up against Ji Jia Wei’s seems to be missing a person, that is, until Zhi Yu pops up. A skinny model in a sports game being equivalent to men? Right, I shouldn’t be too sexist here. Worried, Ji Jia Wei’s eyes wanders to Guan Xiao Tong. And so does Zhi Yu’s. Okay, so let’s all stare at Guan Xiao Tong. It sure must feel great for Guan Xiao Tong to watch their game on the sidelines…

During the game, he doesn’t let her have a chance but she’s definitely holding on. She’s actually the only player (ever?) to stop Ji Jia Wei from dominating. Am I betraying you guys for slightly enjoying their match? I blame the music.

After the game, Guan Xiao Tong offers him a towel. He offers her his face. Lol. This is becoming a bad habit for him. Seeing Zhi Yu staring, Guan Xiao Tong stops their intimacy.

For some reason the buddies decide to talk in their loud voices about how Zhi Yu ditched poor Jia Wei with all three party in question behind their backs. After Ji Jia Wei gives the two his death glare, Zhi Yu draws up her courage to call out to Jia Wei but he ignores her. Being the kind one, Guan Xiao Tong introduces herself to Zhi Yu. Them shaking hands seems to angers Ji Jia Wei. He stares at Zhi Yu with hostility and grabs his girlfriend away.

Back at the club hang out, he asks her if she’s hungry. Although she denies it, he still wants her to eat. It takes her a while but she finally figures out why Ji Jia Wei is so down lately: people are forever disappearing from him. I want to facepalm myself. I thought this was established thirty minutes ago…

Eating the spaghetti he made (which is also her favourite dish), Guan Xiao Tong recalls that her buddies call him “frozen meat” (pork, if you care). He complains but Guan Xiao Tong agrees with the nickname because she once again saw that cold facial expression, this time directed against Zhi Yu. He denies that he was angry but Guan Xiao Tong knows that he pulled her away to prevent her from feeling anymore awkward.

Guan Xiao Tong: Actually you don’t have to be like this. I’m okay.

Ji Jia Wei: You. You think everyone is as silly like you? Always putting others’ feelings before yours. As long as you're with me, you can just be yourself; you don't need to force yourself. 

Guan Xiao Tong reaches out for his hand: Then you must promise me to not force yourself either. Don’t pretend you don’t care. I know her sudden appearance makes you perturbed but between the both of you guys, don’t you have something to resolve?

Ji Jia Wei denies: Everything is in the past now.

Guan Xiao Tong: Just like last time you always wondered why your mom left without a notice. Now that Zhi Yu appeared, you should ask her why she disappeared without a word.

At her encouragement, Ji Jia Wei decides to listen to what Zhi Yu has to say.

Wow the preview for Episode 10 was nothing! Are they not done filming?


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Links:
Murphy's Law of Love Episode 10
Murphy's Law of Love Episode 8