Notable Actors/Actresses
暗格里的秘密
Chen Zhe Yuan: Zhou Si Yue
Xu Meng Jie (Rainbow): Ding Xian
Director:
Chinese Title暗格里的秘密
The Secret Hidden in a Corner
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[Ep1] Drama opens with a short university segment. Ding Xian barges into the men's dorm. She's here to confess to Zhou Si Yue but he's not reciprocating her love. He hesitates as if something is stopping him. She gives him a toy robot and a note: "PW: 20121221 (Dec. 21, 2012?). As he logs in, the drama takes us back to the past: August 2009
Song Zi Qi quickly apologizes. Happier, Ding Xian walks away but a basketball is thrown in Zhou Si Yue's direction that's going to hit Ding Xuan. Our charismatic Zhou Si Yue saves her from the ball and they end up in a semi-hug. Kakoi~
Recap Grade: B → A
First Impression: 3.6/5
First Impression: 3.6/5
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Mini Recaps
[Cyn-opsis] Ding Xian transfers to Zhou Si Yue's high school. They had a wawaqing (a promise to marry as kids) but it seems that both of them have forgotten about it. Ding Xian is hardworking and a shy one. Zhou Si Yue is aloof and a kind guy. They become deskmates, and although she doesn't care much for him, it seems he does for her.
Ding Xian moves in to be neighbours with Zhou Si Yue. Their families are friends and they have lunch together. It doesn't seem Ding Xian and Zhou Si Yue are close. They learn of their wawaqing . Zhou Si Yue notices she's uncomfortable and then jokes around, asking how to cancel the engagement. The joke is cold and soon he leaves the dinner table with his friends.
The boys are back in the room and they laugh at the bruise on Ding Xian's forehead. They call her a monster. Zhou Si Yue kicks the boys but it's too late, Ding Xian hears everything. She asks Zhou Si Yue if he'd be happy if their wawaqing was cancelled. He answers yes. Ding Xian: "Then, I'm not cancelling it." Hmph! I guess Zhou Si Yue likes that because the next time he sees her, he helps her pay for her medicine (which is for the bruise on her forehead) that she doesn't have enough money for and treats her to food. She on the other hand thinks he was making fun of her when he ordered an egg for her forehead.
[Ep2] Ding Xian changes seats to sit away from Zhou Si Yue. He tells her "Once you change, don't come back." He wants her to stay~
The parents want Ding Xian and Zhou Si Yue to go to school together. Dad Ding, who's a teacher at school, is worried her daughter is lonely at a new school. Meanwhile Zhou Si Yue's mother wants to save breakfast duties every other day. Zhou Si Yue smiles, of course he's willing to ditch his bike to walk to school with her. Dad Ding has another request for Zhou Si Yue: to sit with Ding Xian, to be friends.
On their way to school, they exchange breakfasts. A motorbike flies by and he immediately pulls her aside. He lets her walk on the inside of the sidewalk.
Song Zi Qi is back at offending Ding Xian. Zhou Si Yue notices she's upset. With hands in his pocket he nods towards Ding Xian to tell Song Zi Qi...
Zhou Si Yue: 哄哄我同桌 (hong hong wo tong zuo) which sorta means "apologize to my deskmate" but honghong can also mean appease in a cute way.
If Song Zi Qi can make Ding Xian happy again, then Zhou Si Yue will let him take three points in basketball.
[Ep3] Ding Xian shyly slips a chocolate to Zhou Si Yue. The girl sitting next to him says she has better chocolates, foreign ones. Smoothly, Zhou Si Yue eats the chocolate Ding Xian gave him, despite not liking sweets. He casually says he's a little low on blood sugar.
Ding Xian bumps into Zhou Si Yue and his friends at the arcade. Kong Sha Di wanted to invite Ding Xian but she didn't know her number. Ding Xian doesn't have a cell.
Zhou Si Yue passes by Ding Xian and mutters: Monday, move back [to be my deskmate]. Oi, these one-liners ~!!
Ding Xian impresses at DDR, especially Zhou Si Yue who's hugging her bag (because Kong Sha Di shoved it to him). But Ding Xian isn't that great at the Claw Machine. Zhou Si Yue is, though. He offers to grab a toy for her since he got one for all the other girls. More like he got one for all the other girls because of Ding Xian. Ding Xian declines and heads home.
The next day at school, Zhou Si Yue craftily maneuvers the seating plan so that Ding Xian is back to being his deskmate. As he walks by Ding Xian's (old) seat, he tells her to "move back". Hehe. Also, Kong Sha Di gives Ding Xian her crocodile stuffed animal on behalf of Zhou Si Yue. Ding Xian thanks him for the crocodile. He corrects her that it's a dinosaur. But since the stuffed toy is hers, it is a crocodile.
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| I really like the way he smiles and looks at her |
→ Zhou Si Yue saves Ding Xian from falling off a chair that she was standing on but he ends up pushing her face into the blackboard.
→ Zhou Si Yue rewrites Ding Xian's English notes for her when he barely studies (yet he still aces everything)
[Ep4] Zhou Si Yue saves Ding Xian from embarrassment when a student spills pop all over her uniform. He zips her up in his school uniform, even her hands. He wants to know why she's upset at him. She had thought that he was only nice to her because her dad asked him to. He smiles and explains that he owes her. When they were 5, they slept on the same bed. He wet the bed and she kept it a secret. Ohhhhh! He recognized her from the very beginning when they had that lunch in Ep1. That's why he kept glimpsing at her. And that's why he took revenge against Song Zi Qi by bringing him to that doctor to make him suffer. And so, Ding Xian remembers he owes her a "date" from when they were five. He tells her to meet up on the weekend~
[Ep4] Zhou Si Yue saves Ding Xian from embarrassment when a student spills pop all over her uniform. He zips her up in his school uniform, even her hands. He wants to know why she's upset at him. She had thought that he was only nice to her because her dad asked him to. He smiles and explains that he owes her. When they were 5, they slept on the same bed. He wet the bed and she kept it a secret. Ohhhhh! He recognized her from the very beginning when they had that lunch in Ep1. That's why he kept glimpsing at her. And that's why he took revenge against Song Zi Qi by bringing him to that doctor to make him suffer. And so, Ding Xian remembers he owes her a "date" from when they were five. He tells her to meet up on the weekend~
It's the day of the date. Ding Xian changes into countless outfits and even sprays perfume. He smells it. And he likes it ~
From his mother, Zhou Si Yue finds out Ding Xian is forced to drink bitter medicine from her mother every single day. Zhou Si Yue purposely bought candy for her ~
[Ep5] Zhou Si Yue is at Ding Xian's home to give her homework because she was sick and absent from school. His eyes linger on everything in her room from her pictures to the crocodile stuffed animal on her bed. He learns for Lunar New Year's, she's spending it away at her grandmother's home. He had wanted to "tutor" her. He gives her his phone number if she ever needs help with "homework"
Zhou Si Yue's mother realizes his son likes Ding Xian. He's too lazy to talk to other people but he wants Ding Xian's family's phone number. That's very odd in Mom's books. He insists it's for Kong Sha Di. But Mom knows.
It's the countdown for Lunar New Years. Zhou Si Yue's dad is back. He asks his son if he wants to move next year (to the city where he works). Zhou Si Yue declines. He likes it here. This is different from his reply last year. The whole night Zhou Si Yue is hugging his phone. He's waiting for a certain call. Ding Xian ~ She wants to call him too, but she chickens out. Good thing Zhou Si Yue calls her right when it's New Years! I really like it when he calls her tongzhuo (deskmate).
School starts again. Ding Xian treats Zhou Si Yue for lunch. She tells him it's her birthday today. Aw, and she's only celebrating it with him. A little surprised, he manages to think of a birthday present. He brings her to a museum and types away on this computer. He pulls up the constellations that should appear on the night of her birthday. She's amazed and asks for his. In admiration, she speaks out loud that it would be nice to have a star that never dims.
Ding Xian helps Zhou Si Yue with his classroom duties. He seems to like it – really like it. He's getting special treatment from her.
[Ep6] Zhou Si Yue is elated to receive a love letter, thinking it's from Ding Xian. He has a return present too! But the letter is from You Ke Ke (a popular girl) who asked Ding Xian to deliver her letter but because Kong Sha Di ripped it, Ding Xian had to re-write it and being Zhou Si Yue who recognizes Ding Xian's handwriting, of course he'd misunderstand.
Eventually Zhou Si Yue finds out the letter isn't from Ding Xian. He's deflated and upset, especially when she's keeping her distance for no reason. Still, he leaves a note in her sketchbook: "Today is my birthday. Meet at our regular place. Let's have dinner together. Zhou Si Yue"
And although she's late, and everyone is gone, Zhou Si Yue waited for her and ditched his other friends (as if he knew she'd come).
Ding Xian promises to celebrate his birthday with him next year. Oh, but why next year? His birthday isn't over. He saved a slice of cake and a candle. Aw. He blows the candle out and she hopes that his wish will come true. His wish already came true as he stares at her. His wish is to celebrate his birthday with her? He also has a gift for her. It's a phone! Holy, a Nokia!!
Zhou Si Yue: From now on, don't let me lose you again.
The next morning, Zhou Si Yue texts her that he's waiting for her downstairs. They arrive at school. Song Zi Qi asks to copy Zhou Si Yue's homework. He nods to Ding Xian to give hers. She obeys. Wait, lol, why is he ordering her to give hers? And she's so obedient about it. Does it not matter what is hers and what is his anymore?
Kong Sha Di and Ding Xian make up. Zhou Si Yue whines that she's so good at apologizing to Kong Sha Di. Where was his apology? He must have spoiled her too much. Ding Xian retorts, How are they even the same? Zhou Si Yue counters, How are we different? Of course there's a difference! And now they awkwardly look away.
Ding Xian also becomes friends with You Ke Ke, who usually prefers to hang out with boys but Ding Xian is her exception. Zhou Si Yue also clearly tells Ding Xian that he doesn't like You Ke Ke. I like how he's happy she's making new friends (through his admirers).
[Ep7] Mom wants Ding Xian to choose Arts in second year but she wants to choose Science for herself (and a bit for Zhou Si Yue because he's choosing Science). I think Zhou Si Yue was scolded by the homeroom teacher for choosing Arts but then he probably did a last minute change when he saw Ding Xian’s submission was Science.
Zhou Si Yue writes class notes for Ding Xian because her eyesights are getting poorer. Aww. This from a guy who doesn’t take notes for himself. I think there's a selfish reason too. He doesn't want her to change seats because of her eyesight.
Kong Sha Di cuts Ding Xian's bangs for her. It's awful. She resorts to hiding in her hoodie for the longest time. They’re also supposed to meet up with the boys to play pool. When the boys arrive, Kong Sha Di sniffs the air. Zhou Si Yue has cologne on! Who does he want to impress? The girls giggle.
Kong Sha Di and Song Zi Qi want to hang out some more but Ding Xian has to go home. Zhou Si Yue notices a guy tailing Ding Xian so he walks her home to protect her. Zhou Si Yue doesn’t tell her to avoid scaring her. (Ding Xian had sabotaged that guy from stealing money at pool)
[Ep8] Zhou Si Yue is at another school for a competition (exam). Ding Xian isn't used to not having him around. She's feeling his absence. Although he's not around, he calls his friend (Jiang Chen) to help him look after Ding Xian because of that threatening guy at the pool.
Indeed, Ding Xian is cornered by the guy and his thug friends. Jiang Chen updates Zhou Si Yue who then escapes from the competition late at night to save Ding Xian. Fortunately, his friends outnumber the thugs. Zhou Si Yue takes his time to walk her home when he really should be rushing back to campus. Ding Xian doesn't know he risked being eliminated from the competition to save her. After Ding Xian is settled at home, she phones him to ask if he was caught. Zhou Si Yue lies to Ding Xuan that the teacher never knew he sneaked out. He's actually running laps and is currently dripping from sweat. It's worth it, though~
[Ep9] Zhou Si Yue is jealous when a male student (Liu Xiao Feng) asks Ding Xian for help on a question. Zhou Si Yue keenly tutors him just so he stops bothering Ding Xian. But that guy seems to have endless questions now Zhou Si Yue's all exhausted tutoring Liu Xiao Feng, lol. He's so tired, he can't participate in the basketball tournament when their class's reputation is on the line. This all changes until he sees Ding Xian in the crowd, holding a sign for him. Who's tired? Not him. Nope. LOL. He unzips and charisma unleashed! He brings the team to a win.
Ding Xian asks him if he's tired. She's afraid he'll be so tired that he turns depressed. He wonders what she would do if there was such a day.
Ding Xian: Then I will unconditionally help you and accompany you.
Zhou Si Yue has a soft tone: Are you silly? I'm not as weak as you think. There's bound to be more problems ahead but I definitely won't let you worry about me.
[Ep10] Zhou Si Yue declines Ding Xian almost immediately. Heh. He convinces her to go home. He also assures Ding Xian’s mother that once Ding Xian has a goal – with her one track mind – she’ll work hard towards achieving it, and so "believe in her” is the message he’s telling Mom Ding. Mom is persuaded. She makes up with Ding Xian.
Homeroom Teacher wants to separate Ding Xian and Zhou Si Yue because of her declining marks. She doesn’t tell Zhou Si Yue and he misunderstands that she’s mad at him.
Zhou Si Yue notices Ding Xian never says what’s in her heart. Hm. I just noticed how different she is compared to Ep1 in the "epilogue". She’s always considerate of others, never wanting to reject or bother anyone. Finally, he learns why she’s neglecting him these days. He smirks. He’s relieved she’s not mad at him. He assures her that all she needs to focus on is herself and to work hard. Everything else, leave it to him. He will tutor her one to one.
Zhou Si Yue also has a present for Ding Xian. It’s a painting set. Zhou Si Yue was advised that when girls are mad, presents are the way to go. That's why he asked Yang Chen Ze for help to buy the painting set from abroad. Ding Xian realizes she misunderstood. She thought there was something between him and Yang Chen Ze. Ding Xian sweetly smiles to herself, not explaining why she’s smiling.
Zhou Si Yue smiles: Again with the silence. He’s used to it now (:
The painting set even has her name carved on it.
[Ep11] Zhou Si Yue volunteers Ding Xian to the school’s art competition (via Kong Sha Di). I love how he’s failing to restrain his smile. However, Mom is against it. On the day of the competition, Mom makes Ding Xian babysit her brother. Zhou Si Yue quickly phones Kong Sha Di and Su Bo Cong to fill in as babysitters while he takes Ding Xian to the exam centre with his motorbike. But how’d he get a motorbike? He stole it from his buddy Jiang Chen, ha. Poor Jiang Chen had a date with You Ke Ke and he’ll have to settle with a regular bike.
Using the paint set Zhou Si Yue gave her, Ding Xian partakes in the exam. The topic is Youth. After she finishes, she doesn’t tell Zhou Si Yue what she drew. Instead she tells him, he inspired her. Drawing is no longer just a hobby. She thanks him for helping her realize that. Zhou Si Yue is looking rather awed.
Ding Xian takes first place at the art exam. She shares a meaningful glance with Zhou Si Yue as if they’re the only ones in the classroom.
Jiang Chen wants to be in the military but his dad disapproves. Zhou Si Yue comforts his buddy. He knows he wanted to be a soldier ever since he was eight. They had made a pact. If Jiang Chen becomes a soldier, then he will become a national defence researcher. Uh...that’s the translation. Their dream was to defend the country together. Can’t avoid patriotism in a school drama, eh.
It seems as though everyone has a dream. Ding Xian mulls about lagging behind; she doesn’t know what her dream is. Zhou Si Yue reminds her she just won first place at an arts competition. She argues that’s different – drawing is only her interest. But isn’t that how dreams begin? He believes that as long as she wants it, she can do it.
Ding Xian has menstrual cramps. Zhou Si Yue casually drops her a hot water bag without much of a word. Aw! Then he skips out of PE class to visit her in the classroom. This time he’s got hot water for her but she’s asleep so he quietly sits down next to her (in Kong Sha Di’s seat). He drapes his uniform over her. In the process, her sleep is stirred. Zhou Si Yue retracts his hands almost immediately and fixes his tie that doesn’t need fixing. He lies that he’s skipping class because it’s too hot outside.
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| How does she not notice how mesmerizing his stares are? |
The school year is over. It’s summer vacation. Su Bo Cong joins Ding Xian and her friends for a camping trip – it was the only way Mom was going to let Ding Xian participate. They’re just on the same camp site, though. However, Su Bo Cong's presence is enough to put Zhou Si Yue’s jealous radar on high alert. He won’t let Su Bo Cong help Ding Xian carry her stuff at all. He takes it all upon himself. Neither will he let Ding Xian be alone with Su Bo Cong. When there’s a group dance event, he inserts himself between Su Bo Cong and Ding Xian. It’s a ring dance so they all have to hold hands. Ding Xian and Zhou Si Yue are a little shy. Thankfully someone puts their hands together. The hand holding is a little off, though. Zhou Si Yue takes initiative to adjust their hands so that they’re properly holding each other ~ ~ ~
Later that night, they share an earphone to listen to the same song. She hums and he compliments her singing. He has something for her too. He made her a website. Since she lost her diary, he created this space for her to write her entries. It’s anonymous, so no one can read it. She’s in veneration. He says it was easy. He calls it an award for doing well on her tests.
Ding Xian confesses to lying – she doesn’t particularly want to get into a really good university. When she reflected on her dream, she kept thinking of him, Zhou Si Yue. Zhou Si Yue can’t seem to find a place to look at. Our boy is flustered. Ding Xian clarifies that she thinks he’s really amazing. Her dream was to be amazing just like him. She didn’t know where to start so she listened to all his advice: start small, get her grades up, then get into a good university and then do not give up drawing. As she’s detailing her path, she meets his gaze.
Ding Xian: Do you think I’m stupid?
Zhou Si Yue: Not stupid at all [...] Look at you, drawing, you got an award; choosing science, you got your grades upDing Xian: And I got to meet everyone. I used to be an introvert [...] but now I have Ci Zi, and Sha Di, and...you. It’s too amazing.Zhou Si Yue: You’re pretty amazing too.
Zhou Si Yue: Since your destination is clear, then we will set small goals. Can I interpret that as “Since your feelings for me are clear, we’ll take small steps.”? Yes? Yes.Ding Xian: Mm.Zhou Si Yue: We’ll work hard together. To be together.Ding Xian: Okay.
Ding Xian’s grandma is hospitalized. Ding Xian is to be home alone because Mom has to care for grandma and her brother is too young to be left alone with Ding Xian. Mom Zhou asks Ding Xian if she wants to live with them. Ding Xian politely declines (to Zhou Si Yue’s dismay). However, that night, there’s a burglar, who is fortunately caught before Ding Xian was in harm's way. Without a choice, she will live with Zhou Si Yue’s family.
Zhou Si Yue goes shopping with Ding Xian to buy basic necessities. He fills the basket with anything he thinks she needs while she empties out the costly unnecessary things. He proceeds to choose shampoo for her, the kind that won’t lose hair. She questions him and so he (lightly) grabs her ponytail and a few strands easily come loose. Of course he'd notice, he's the guy who always touches her hair. But I'm worried about her hair loss. It should't be that easy. He also compliments her for being economical.
The perks of living together:
- Ding Xian gets to see a picture of little Zhou Si Yue in a pink dress thanks to Mom
- Zhou Si Yue walks into the washroom right when she's just heading out. He gets to see her hair wet ~
- Zhou Si Yue gets to see her in bed in the morning because she’s snoozing and they’re almost late for school. Except he doesn't really care! And neither does she! Fine, Show.
- Zhou Si Yue gets to have dinner with Ding Xian. He normally has dinner alone because Mom isn’t usually home.
- They get to fight on a couch. He’s tempting her with the remote control but he underestimated his rival. How can he, a single child, beat out an older sister of a rascal?
Zhou Si Yue permits Ding Xian to use his computer so that she can write her journal (PW: 6 zeroes)
Ding Xian and Zhou Si Yue return home. They overhear his parents argue. Mom accuses Dad of cheating. Once they see the children, they pretend nothing happened. It seems Zhou Si Yue is used to his parent’s arguing. Zhou Si Yue opens up to Ding Xian about his parents. His Mom is a housewife. She has nothing to do but to focus on Dad. Mom is also the type to forget all her grudges and her pain, but all her sufferings, Zhou Si Yue will remember them for her. He glances at Ding Xian and asks if her image of him has plummeted. No. She tells him to not give himself too much pressure to be perfect.
Zhou Si Yue: I’m different from my father. I don’t let the people I care about suffer. – glances meaningfully at Ding Xian –
Ding Xian also means what she said. Her image of him isn’t affected. In fact, he seems more real to her. This man isn’t just a dream of hers, he won’t vanish. This makes Ding Xian happy ~
On the discussion of Huaqing, Ding Xian envies Zhou Si Yue because he’s practically guaranteed an acceptance without having to take gaokao. Zhou Si Yue pops the question, “Why don’t you apply to Jiangling (county) too?”
Jiang Chen is sick of losing to Zhou Si Yue at a pool game so he asks to play with Ding Xian instead. Zhou Si Yue smirks and whispers to Ding Xian, "Show him some colours." Ding Xian owns Jiang Chen. xD. This was supposed to be Jiang Chen's goodbye night – he's leaving the city. He also gave his motorbike keys to You Ke Ke for her to take her exam. She ended it earlier just to drive him to the station.
Zhou Si Yue takes his exam. If he does well, he'll get his early acceptance. For the past few nights, Ding Xian has been sewing a lucky charm for him. This is why she slept over her alarm and almost didn't catch him entering the exam hall. Smiling, he tells her to come closer. He pats her head and lets his hand rest there. She says she didn't wash her hair. That's okay. He's taking some of her good energy. He also tells her he has a present for her after the exam.
It’s New Year’s. Ding Xian is back at her hometown; her grandmother passed away. Ding Xian is growing up before our eyes – she's the one comforting Dad. Meanwhile, at Zhou Si Yue's, his parents are arguing again. Dad (a professor) has to go back to school for New Years. Before Dad leaves, he pats Zhou Si Yue on the shoulder, "Take care of home." Later that night, Ding Xian phones Zhou Si Yue. He tenderly asks about her family but then it's her who's singing a sweet New Year's song for him. From his voice, she sensed his sorrow. Smiling again, he asks her how she knew. Don't underestimate being deskmates ~ She's been observing him too ~ ← she didn't say this part.
Everyone's back at school. Zhou Si Yue receives his early acceptance. Clearing his throat, "Ding Xian tongxue, move back." This is his present! He had asked Homeroom Teacher (whom they call Auntie) for this reward if he passed. Ding Xian smiles brightly, "Why do you want me to move back?" She's hopeful for a specific answer but is shot down when he says it's to conveniently tutor her. She believes him.
Zhou Si Yue: Are you silly? – Flicks her head – You believe that? [...] The horizon of my high school years began with you so of course when it ends, it has to be with you as my deskmate – glances at her – otherwise it would be too regretful.
Zhou Si Yue breaks into a sweat from this confession ~ Look at him tugging his collar and waving the back of his shirt for the sweat to evaporate xD.
[Ep14] Zhou Si Yue personalizes a study schedule for Ding Xian. She's right on track and scores high on her tests. When it's near gaokao, Zhou Si Yue makes a speech for the third years. Here’s the gist (paraphrasing): "All that we do now, is it worth it? – insert flashbacks of Zhou Si Yue peeking at Ding Xian studying – But it is also these ordinary and tough days (of school) that we get to meet all these cute and kind souls. We share the same goals and direction. In this vast space and limitless time, even if the ending is in separation, to be able to admire the starry skies with you – insert flashbacks of Zhou Si Yue and Ding Xian stargazing – is the most beautiful thing in my entire life. Therefore keep walking forward. Don’t be afraid. The present may seem hazy now but one day you will understand the meaning behind perseverance. On the other side, there is a ray of light." It’s a speech targeted at Ding Xian.
It’s gaokao. Ding Xian has anxiety. Her vision is blurred. And then the exams are over. Ding Xian refuses Zhou Si Yue’s invitation for celebration. Ding Xian wants to cry her heart out with Kong Sha Di because she knows she failed her exams. She can’t catch up with Zhou Si Yue’s steps.
Zhou Si Yue and Song Ci Zi search every karaoke for the girls. Zhou Si Yue takes her home but she doesn’t want to walk with him. He’s always walking so fast, leaving her behind.
Zhou Si Yue: Then from now on, you walk in the front, okay?
Ding Xian crouches, pouting that it no longer matters whether she’s in front or behind, she can't walk with him anymore. Alright then, Zhou Si Yue will just piggyback her ~ Our very inebriated Ding Xian tells him, "不怕烏云遮月光,你比星星更明亮” (I’m not afraid of the dark cloud covering the moonlight, you shine brighter compared to the stars.). She’s certain his future will be brighter than the stars. He’s already the brightest in her heart. Zhou Si Yue replies with his usual line, “Are you silly?” Ding Xian kisses his cheek; she doesn’t care, she says he’s one then he is one. Startled, Zhou Si Yue smiles and mutters, “Silly”.
Kong Sha Di and Song Ci Zi confess their love. They’re going to have a long distance relationship since they're in different cities.
Ding Xian’s marks are enough to apply to a good university but in another city, different from Zhou Si Yue's. Ding Xian tells her mother she wants to retake her third year. She knows she can aim higher. Mom won’t approve but Ding Xian is forthright. She wants to make her own decision for her own life.
After their separation, neither of their lives are smooth sailing. Zhou Si Yue’s Dad is accused of plagiarism. He’s under investigation. Dad is afraid his reputation will affect Zhou Si Yue at university but Zhou Si Yue believes in his father. He’s not afraid. Meanwhile, Ding Xian cries from stress. She’s afraid of failing but she doesn't confide in Zhou Si Yue. Instead, it’s Su Bo Cong who’s comforting her and now Zhou Si Yue sees these two together. Will Zhou Si Yue misunderstand?
[Ep15*] Zhou Si Yue doesn't misunderstand!! He hears Ding Xian's conversation with Su Bo Cong that she's afraid she can't catch up to the person in front of her. Su Bo Cong confirms she meant Zhou Si Yue.
Ding Xian: I thought that if I worked a little harder, I could catch up but he's really too amazing. The distance between us is too great. No matter how much I like him, I can't stand that I'm not on par with him.
Zhou Si Yue has tears in his eyes as he walks away. He hurts for her but he can't do anything for her. It was never his intention to put so much pressure on her. He wants to apologize, but he doesn't know how and instead he keeps his texts short.
Zhou Si Yue's university life sucks. Dong Zheng Fei (the jealous dude) spreads malicious rumours of Zhou Si Yue's father plagiarizing. Zhou Si Yue gets physical and he's penalized. He's also renting a dingy room. What happened to living in the dorms?
December 21, 2012. The password from Ep1! 20121221
It's the day Mayans believed the world would end. On the radio, the host asks "If the world will end, who would you want at your side?" Ding Xian remembers she asked a similar question to Zhou Si Yue. If the world does end, he believes it would probably be like the movies: there'd be earthquakes, fires, and other disasters. Ding Xian had another answer. She thinks there will be fireworks. If humans are to be extinct then we should welcome the last moment with everything beautiful .
And then there are fireworks outside! Omg ~ !! Ding Xian sprints out of her home to chase the fireworks but when she arrives at the field, all she sees is an empty canister. She also finds a Huaqing University button. It's Zhou Si Yue ~ Ding Xian knows it.
Ding Xian's voiceover: If tomorrow the world does end, the person I want to see is you. Zhou Si Yue, wait for me at Hua Qing.
2013.
It's Ding Xian's first day at Huaqing! And it's the day she confesses (from Ep1)! She's got Zhou Si Yue's button on her bag. Ding Xian eagerly searches all over campus for him. It's difficult because he also changed his number. And so, this is why she resorts to shouting in front of the men's dorm. Zhou Si Yue runs as fast as he can towards her. In his voiceover, we learn he had locked up his feelings for her. He had thought he could forget her but he now realizes he never forgot her. However, when Ding Xian confesses to him, his response is restrained. He doesn't have time for romance. Ding Xian tugs on his shirt to stop him from leaving. She just wants to know if he ever liked her. His (dishonest) answer: "Does it matter?"
Zhou Si Yue's voiceover: The me who can't even protect my family, how do I even have the right to protect her? Boy, at 19, you're thinking too much. But you are Zhou Si Yue~
From the robot (si-yue), Zhou Si Yue finds the password. He logs in to the website he created for her and enters the password 20121221 to read her diary. There's a note for him:
人在年少時，總會遇見那麼一個少年，他就像一束光進了你的生命裡，成為歲月長河中最耀眼的一瞬 In our youth, we will meet such a person, he’s like a beam of light shining into your life becoming the most dazzling moment (twinkle) of your years (that’s as long as the rivers flow).
Our Zhou Si Yue cries after reading it. Poor guy is blinking back his tears.
Zhou Si Yue is also planning to study abroad by securing a scholarship. In the meantime, he's working various part-times. What a tough life.
Summer Again fans! The actor for Yuan Fang is Xie Ze Cheng (who was Wang Yi Ming in SA). I could not recognize him until he had a lot of lines this episode. His voice is distinct xD.
[Ep16] For the past year, Ding Xian has been publishing manhua online under the alias "Little Monster", the nickname Zhou Si Yue's friends gave her in Ep1. After Ding Xian joins the manhua club, she's called by the counselor. As she's waiting, she meets Zhou Si Yue who's also looking for the counselor. He learns she's here to be lectured by her love confession to him. He has a small smile! He assures her the counselor is nice.
There's a frosh dinner and Ding Xian is put on the spot by Dong Zheng Fei (the jealous dude) to recreate the confession scene. Ding Xian tells him it's all over the internet so she offers to sing on stage instead. Our Ding Xian is no longer an introvert. Zhou Si Yue is just coming in to work at the restaurant and hears her sweet voice. Memories gush in. When their eyes meet, she sings to him, keeping her gaze locked to his.
Dong Zheng Fei purposely summons Zhou Si Yue to serve their table. Aw. Look at Zhou Si Yue maintaining that professional smile :(. Ding Xian curiously watches Zhou Si Yue. She catches him alone and asks if everything is okay. She gives him Coke. He only accepts it when she says it's for the other day when he gave her one. Zhou Si Yue urges her to look forward like him. But does that mean he has to throw away the past? His answer is yes and he throws away the Coke to prove it. Solemnly, Ding Xian walks away. Once she's gone, Zhou Si Yue (who's teary) picks up the Coke from the garbage. There's a note: "You've worked hard." Tears drizzle down.
Dong Zheng Fei then proceeds to file a complaint and now Zhou Si Yue is fired....
From online forums, Zhou Si Yue notices someone is circulating pictures of Ding Xian. She's got a stalker. Immediately, Zhou Si yue heads to his lab to make her this 'thing' (which should be an alarm). Ding Xian is on the forums too, but to search up anything related to Zhou Si Yue. She learns his past. That night, Ding Xian confronts him for concealing his feelings towards her because of his current situation. Our cowardly Zhou Si Yue denies it all and says the past three years in high school, they were strictly friends. Bull.
Ding Xian: If there's one thing I'm certain of in my life then it's my love for you.
Zhou Si Yue walks away, his weak heart can't handle such a courageous confession, but Ding Xian cuts his path. Regardless if his intentions are to lie to her or to himself that they were merely friends, Ding Xian is certainly not falling for it. Angrily, she walks away first and mutters to herself why he can't be straightforward. Why make her guess? Lol, it's funny how their personalities switched.
Ding Xian grumbles: And he's asking me to confirm with my own feelings if I am feeling what I'm feeling? Bullsh!t.
Depressingly, Zhou Si Yue returns home. He remembers Ding Xian telling him that if he was depressed, she'd always stay with him. His reveries are interrupted when Song Ci Zi invited himself to his place. He's dodging Kong Sha Di because he broke up with her over something he thinks will only burden her. I dunno. He's expelled from school for a year? Song Ci Zi plans to avoid Kong Sha Di for as long as he can. Zhou Si Yue, doesn't that sound very familiar??
Ding Xian bribes Yuan Fang to take her to Zhou Si Yue's new part-time. She also made Zhou Si Yue dinner that Yuan Fang helps her deliver but upon seeing the writing, Zhou Si Yue knows it's from Ding Xian. He peeks out and with his eagle-eye vision, he finds the stalker and catches him red-handed. He walks with Ding Xian along the street (I assume he asked for a leave at work) and finally gives her the alarm keychain he made. Then he's flagging for a cab but Ding Xian tugs at his arm to stop him. She has a mission today: to inquire about Song Ci Zi for Kong Sha Di. Zhou Si Yue is riled. She just encountered a stalker and this is what she cares about? Does she not have a sense of fear? Well, Zhou Si Yue does~ Ding Xian smiles a bit, comforted that he cares.
The cab is here and Ding Xian whimpers, "I'm afraid to go back alone~" LOL. Ding Xian, get that boy. Zhou Si Yue purses his lip. He takes the cab with her~ But he sits in the front. For a brief moment, Zhou Si Yue looks up at the rear-view mirror and finds Ding Xian staring (cute) daggers at him. He awkwardly looks away and she smiles; she finally caught him peeking.
Ding Xian: I've confirmed it! You do have feelings for me.Zhou Si Yue: You're overthinking it.Ding Xian: Can't we properly communicate? Right now, you can't avoid me even if you wanted to. Why won't you tell me the truth? Taxi Driver: "...."Zhou Si Yue glances away, looking like he's going to crack with a smile.
But he tells her he's leaving abroad next school year. They can't be together.
Song Ci Zi finds it a pity. Everyone knows Ding Xian was following in his footsteps. But Zhou Si Yue doesn't want her to follow. He witnessed her pain from trying to follow him.
Y'all, if our girl went through that much pain to catch up, she's not giving up. In one night, she has already rebounded.
Ding Xian (to Zhou Si Yue): The reason you gave me yesterday, I refuse to accept it. Also, I'm not here to force you to be with me. Zhou Si Yue. I like you and you like me. There's nothing more simple than this reason so no matter how many times you reject me, I will be with you. Ding Xian is true to her promise. When he's depressed, she will stay next to him.
When alone, Zhou Si Yue slumps in his chair. Beaten down by love!
Ding Xian smiles: You and drawing, I'm not giving up on eitherZhou Si Yue has another question: You don't like computer science at all. Why did you choose this major?Ding Xian: It was for...Zhou Si Yue: For me. I swear it wasn't even a question.Ding Xian cutely smiles.Zhou Si Yue: You struggled all that to repeat a year and now that you're finally here at Huaqing you're going to do something you don't even have an interest in? Zhou Si Yue is angry for her. Before you make your choices, I just want you to consider what you actually love.Ding Xuan smiles brighter: I've thought it through. I said so. I won't give up on you. If going abroad is your excuse, then I'll go with you. I'll fend off all your worries. Don't worry ~ Unless you think I can't pass the interview?Zhou Si Yue sounding frustrated: What I care about was never whether you could pass "I care about you!" I know that as long as you put your mind to it then you can definitely do it. But this choice of yours isn't that simple.Ding Xian: As long as you're in the project, then it is that simple.Zhou Si Yue exasperatedly sighs to himself: Why so tough (stubborn)? Dude, you said so yourself. She's got a one-track mind.
[Ep17] Ding Xian chills out at the cafe Zhou Si Yue works at. Technically, not chilling, she's actively searching for free time to be there. He switches her coffee for another decaffeinated drink. He knows once she drinks caffeine, she can't sleep the whole night. He also tells her to give up on the papers she's working on. She's been staring at the same questions for two days now. Ah, so he's been staring at her for two days now. Got it. After Zhou Si Yue closes the cafe, Ding Xian is still waiting for him.
Zhou Si Yue: I'll drop you off since it's on the way.
He opens his bag for Ding Xian to slip in all her textbooks. He is sweet, but girl, how did you bring the books there in the first place? She asks if it's really convenient for him when he doesn't live in the dorms. For tonight, he's sleeping at the dorms – a last minute decision.
The next morning Zhou Si Yue deftly manipulates Yuan Fang to give Ding Xian study notes that he whipped up in one night – very detailed study notes. So sneaky! Zhou Si Yue doesn't want to help her but he can't not help her. When Ding Xian receives the notes via her roommate (who Yuan Fang is crushing on), Ding Xian recognizes the style of the notes.
Ding Xian studies at Zhou Si Yue's cafe. During lunch, he casually sits across from her. She shows off the notes that will easily help her pass the tests but Zhou Si Yue ain't admitting the notes are from him. Instead, he confirms once more: "Is it already too late to convince you to not apply?" Yup. And so he wishes her good luck while chowing down his lunch. Ding Xian whines for her lunch. It seems he's actively ignoring her.
Zhou Si Yue and Song Ci Zi are back to being friends. There's no explanation how but I think guy friendships are just like that? Zhou Si Yue consults with him about Ding Xian. She retook third year for him. She got into Hua Qing for him. And now she's in the research team for him too. She doesn't even like computer science. Song Ci Zi replies that she's just like Kong Sha Di and it is why he fled. She'd give up what she loves for him. Song Ci Zi also believes Zhou Si Yue will give in to Ding Xian. Zhou Si Yue says he won't.
Well, he does.
She's stressing over a set of questions the professor gave her. He tutors her for a bit. The next day, Zhou Si Yue exposes the professor for purposely making it difficult for Ding Xian. The question he assigned her, most students in their third year can't even solve it. While he's casually complaining to the professor on behalf of Ding Xian, he inputs the wrong code. This is rare for Zhou Si Yue.
Zhou Si Yue continues to tutor her. Well, how can he not when she's tugging at his arm, and putting her head to his shoulders. But our girl is distracted when he's sitting silently next to her. She sketches him and he catches her. She asks for his opinion. He replies, "It's better than you solving the questions." Ding Xian thinks it's a compliment and says it isn't better than her previous drawing. Aha, so she did draw him in the art competition she won first place at.
Zhou Si Yue: Didn't you say it was a secret?Ding Xian: The fact that I like you and I like drawing is already an open secret ...
Ding Xian accidentally confessed again~ Exasperated, Zhou Si Yue tells her that he only hopes that she can choose what she loves to do. She cheerfully replies, "I will! So don't flirt with me anymore." She ducks her head in her textbooks, appearing studious. Zhou Si Yue is tickled. Clearly, she was the one flirting.
The lights are out. Zhou Si Yue returns to the lab to look for Ding Xian, but she's nowhere to be found. He jumps at the sound of the door closing behind him and then Ding Xian scares him from behind. He screams and they both fall over the table. He catches her and now he's hovering over her. I thought it was Ding Xian who was afraid of the dark. When Zhou Si Yue asks her if she's okay, she puts a finger to his lips. It's silent. They're close enough to kiss in the dark but then the lights turn on. Man, if she wasn't going to kiss him, why the finger!
The next day, although Ding Xian solves the question the professor assigned, he tells her he doesn't feel her passion for research. If Zhou Si Yue isn't here, would she continue this project? Ding Xian hesitates to answer. He warns her that Zhou Si Yue isn't someone people can easily catch up to.
It seems everyone is telling Ding Xian to give up on pursuing Zhou Si Yue but our girl is unfazed. The next day, Ding Xian still makes a present for Zhou Si Yue. It's a box of chocolate with a cartoon card she drew of their robot (April). She leaves it at his desk and attends her manhua club activities. When Zhou Si Yue finds them, he smiles at the sweet.
Xing Lu Fei, the girl who likes Zhou Si Yue, informs him that Ding Xian rejected an offer to participate in an arts competition where the winner can sign with this manhua publishing company. While Zhou Si Yue is busy fixing a software, he doesn't notice Xing Lu Fei eating his chocolates, the ones Ding Xian gave him. Zhou Si Yue raises his voice at her. She yells back that she'll just compensate him with a new box while snatching the ones Ding Xian gave him.
[Ep18] Ding Xian runs to Zhou Si Yue to ask about the chocolates. He explains Xing Lu Fei took it without his permission but Ding Xian accuses him, "If you don't like me, you can tell me directly." She also asks him if he really wants her to quit the research team. He does. Ding Xian cries that she did everything she could to be with him.
Ding Xian: I desperately chased after you. I didn't care whether it was suitable or if I was talented but now I know you don't even have the slightest intentions of being with me.Zhou Si Yue: Because what I care about is that it's not suitable for you and you're not fit for it.
He wants her to make a decision for herself. Ding Xian can't understand him. Does he not like her at all? Did the three years they spent together not mean anything to him? He's silent. And she runs away. She vows that she won't find him again.
Su Bo Cong picks up Ding Xian who's at a bus stop aimlessly waiting for a bus with no destination in mind. He's working at a start-up company. When she asks him if he's dating, he slams the break a little too roughly. He clarifies he doesn't have a girlfriend. To cheer her up, he takes her to an art exhibition. She's calmer and admits to feeling a little lost. Su Bo Cong tells her she doesn't need to chase anyone. It also seems he's determined to pursue her.
Ding Xian decides to do what she loves: drawing. She enters the art competition. Rather fortunately, she immediately receives an offer to sign with the publishing company instead.
Ding Xian and Zhou Si Yue pass by one another but she ignores him. He's feeling anxious now ~ Were his words too harsh? It's him who's desperate ~ Later, Zhou Si Yue accepts an invite to dinner with the manhua club with Su Bong Cong (who's actually the sponsor for the club). It's not a dinner he can refuse. He has to go because Su Bo Cong is there – his formidable love rival. The boys confront one another. Su Bo Cong declares he had liked Ding Xian for a long time. All the pain Zhou Si Yue had put her through, Su Bo Cong will heal them.
Zhou Si Yue is riled: It doesn't matter what type of relationship I have with her right now, Ding Xian will only ever be with me.
Ding Xian hears this declaration but she runs away!! Nooo! Why! Zhou Si Yue chases after her. He apologizes for his harsh words but he only wanted her to choose what she loves. Kong Sha Di's question had him pondering what if Ding Xian disappeared. He tells Ding Xian that he can't imagine his life without her. However, Ding Xian is truly exhausted. She claims that he's only used to her presence.
At night, Zhou Si Yue reflects on everything Ding Xian has done for him. His eyes are red as he thinks of her.
Meanwhile, Song Ci Zi is on the run because Kong Sha Di is in the city hunting for him. Actually, she's right outside the door ready to eat him alive.
[Ep19] Kong Sha Di kicks out Zhou Si Yue from his own home along with Ding Xian. She needs to privately speak with Song Ci Zi. Conveniently, Zhou Si Yue is provided a chance to speak with Ding Xian too. However, she avoids him – until she can't. She doesn't have money to buy the potatoes she wanted and the vendor shouts to Zhou Si Yue “Your girlfriend didn’t bring her money!”
As the two enjoy their potatoes, they don't notice Kong Sha Di, who’s running away, crying. Song Ci Zi chases after her. Then from afar, there's a bang and some screams. Did Kong Sha Di get into a car accident? Fortunately, it's not her. When Song Ci Zi sees Kong Sha Di, he knows he can't be without her. They finally make up. Zhou Si Yue and Ding Xian glowingly smile at them. He glances at Ding Xian.
Zhou Si Yue's voice-over: If Ding Xian isn't here, I think I would be really afraid
Zhou Si Yue offers to walk Ding Xian back to school. It's the second time he asked, and the second time she's rejected him. But still he follows her steps until she's at her dorm. Ding Xian lets him follow.
Zhou Si Yue visits his father at the hospital and spots a loving moment between his parents: his father sweetly covering his mother who fell asleep at his bedside.With mom asleep, the father and son have a talk. Zhou Si Yue tells him Ding Xian is at Huaqing. Dad likes her. Zhou Si Yue says it isn't time yet. This upset Dad.
Dad: What time is the right time?
Dad reminisces all the time he missed with Mom because of his stubbornness. He underestimated Mom's strength and courage to raise Zhou Si Yue alone while he pursued his career in another city. Why did he make her wait? Now that she's here taking care of him, Mom has never uttered a word about fatigue. Mom hears everything and tears up.
Dad: I believe my son will do big things, but I don't want you, after you have accomplished everything, to realize that you don't have someone at your side. For your personal life, don't use your mom and I as an excuse. We're doing fine. We don't need you to worry. Wow. I wasn't expecting his parents to be so heartwarming. I had the thought they were going to divorce in the earlier episodes.
Zhou Si Yue is energized! Begin plan to pursue Ding Xian! Yay!!! He asks his buddies (Yuan Fang and Song Ci Zi) for help. Yuan Fang is pretty hilarious. He's such a good helper especially when it involves Su Bo Cong.
The computer science department has a trip. When everyone's waiting for the elevator at the lobby, Zhou Si Yue tugs onto Ding Xian's coat, preventing her from entering. He lies that the elevator is full. Yuan Fang and Lou Feng (Ding Xian's roommate) quickly file in and close the door on them. Zhou Si Yue has an approving smile for his clever friends. He asks Ding Xian if she's free tomorrow. Ding Xian curtly demands what he wants from her.
Zhou Si Yue: I'm asking you out.Ding Xian says she'll never have free time.Zhou Si Yue: Alright. Then tell me where you're going tomorrow and I'll find you.Ding Xian ignores him
Feeling desperate, he snatches the key fob to her room. He asks for a chance to explain himself. Well, the chance is right now! He reveals he overheard her conversation with Su Bo Cong from a year ago. He thought that if he distanced himself, she'd find a path that's right for herself. He admits to being selfish for making these one-sided decisions.
Zhou Si Yue: I fear seeing you [because] I fear that when you see me, you would be disappointed in me – I'm no longer the same Zhou Si Yue in the past. I'm no longer the Zhou Si Yue who can give you strength. It is why I chose to run away but ever since your arrival at Hua Qing – your arrival at my side – I can't help but notice (care about) you. I keep thinking about our future but I don't want a future where you're sacrificing yourself to accomplish my dreams. I just wanted you to understand this point and not for you to ignore me.
Ding Xian: What you said just now, it's not that I haven't thought about it [...] but I was never afraid. You used studying abroad to reject me so I resolved your concerns about being in a long distance relationship. [...] I wholeheartedly chased after you for a very simple reason: I like you. Real love is evenly matched. It's not like you said. There isn't a specific time when you should do this or that. Zhou Si Yue, have you ever thought what truly liking someone should be like?
Xing Lu Fei interrupts before Zhou Si Yue can answer. His eyes are teary. This is Ding Xian's rejection of him.
Zhou Si Yue isn't defeated, though!
Zhou Si Yue bribes Lou Feng for help to invite Ding Xian to the amusement park. Ding Xian is fooled and reluctantly agrees to play with him for the day but he can't have other thoughts. He's like Yes ma'am. xD. They both look around for what to play. The problem is they're at a children's amusement park. Zhou Si Yue mutters under his breath, "No wonder there's no haunted house." LOL. To make it fun (and break down the invisible, awkward brick wall between them) he challenges her. If he comes out of the maze first then Ding Xian can never ignore him. If she wins then he will do whatever she wants. They enter the kiddo maze and Ding Xian is lost already. Zhou Si Yue smiles at her and pats her head. She hasn't changed at all. He hasn't patted her head in so long! She warns him to not mess with her and runs off. They take their separate paths. Ding Xian finds herself very lost. She shouts for Zhou Si Yue who's there in a second. Was he following her all along? Feeling awkward, she explains she was just worried that he was lost. Smiling, he lets her lead him, pointing her to the right direction. The way he's smiling spells it all: he finds her cute. And I find him cute :D. Who won? Ding Xian. She stepped out of the maze first (only because Zhou Si Yue let her win).
Ding Xian has a wish. She wants Zhou Si Yue to dress up as a mascot. He scoffs: Me? Zhou Si Yue? A mascot? Yup. The next scene, he's a tiger mascot. The kids swarm him and he loses the balloons. He had wanted to give her all of them (Ding Xian had a sad childhood memory where she wanted a balloon but Mom only bought it for her brother). Zhou Si Yue apologizes for only giving her one.
Ding Xian in a soft and sweet voice: One is enough. Zhou Si Yue is enough.
I love how their date went from really awkward to really natural to really sweet.
[Ep20] After the kiss, our shy Ding Xian runs off. A flustered, but not that flustered, Zhou Si Yue remembers to buy an umbrella and grabs her balloon that's stuck at the door before he dashes to find Ding Xian. At the hotel lobby, he asks her to come to his robot seminar. She warns him to not step over the line – today was only an accident. In response, Zhou Si Yue motivates her to keep up with her perseverance (in rejecting him) because he's not giving up. Woohoo, our boy is all confident after that kiss ~.
Su Bo Cong is at the lobby waiting for Ding Xian to tell her of an opportunity to draw for this app he's developing. [Insert a ton of Zhou Si Yue's childish jealous scenes] Although Zhou Si Yue dislikes Su Bo Cong, he agrees with him that this is a good chance for Ding Xian. Zhou Si Yue will always support what she loves to do. Hearing this, she smiles. This is the Zhou Si Yue she likes!
Zhou Si Yue waits for Ding Xian at the seminar. He won’t introduce his robot until he sees her. But she’s not there and the seminar is over. It’s because Xing Lu Fei locked her in a room without her phone. Zhou Si Yue eventually finds Ding Xian and kicks the door open to free her. Ah, her hero is here ~ Zhou Si Yue takes her back to the seminar hall that's all empty now. Learning that he didn’t participate, she asks him isn't he here for the competition?
Zhou Si Yue: That's not the whole reason. I'm also here to pursue you.Ding Xian: Since when was our Master Zhou so unprofessional?Zhou Si Yue: That's because I'm confident. The robot competition, I can win first place. And you, I will pursue.
How is a girl's heart supposed to take this? Ding Xian walks away but he pulls her back.
Ding Xian: Since when were you so shameless?Zhou Si Yue: I think you need to know me more in depth.
The presentation begins with a little monster traveling to space. The cartoon is based on her manhuas ~ Plagiarism! Ok. Fine, romantic plagiarism. He didn’t keep in touch with her for the past year, but he knows what she’s been up to. Zhou SI Yue has also found the answer to her question. What does love mean to him?
Zhou Si Yue: You clearly look very average (excuse me), but the more I look, the prettier you are (fine). You're clearly so stubborn that it makes me angry, but also the cutest in this world. I clearly know that she's lying but I don't have the heart to expose her lie. She clearly cries like a mess (filthily), but still, (I) really like her.Ding Xian counters: You're filthy! Who's Ming Ming*?
*This will get lost in translation. Zhou Si Yue's confession purposely messes up all the pronouns, I did a lot of filling in ._. (The thing I learned about translating Chinese is that we can speak without pronouns and it's perfectly fine but it doesn't work in English). Zhou Si Yue continuously repeats 明明 (Ming Ming) which means "clearly" but Ding Xian is treating "Ming Ming" like a name of a person. And so it's "Ming Ming" who thinks she's average but pretty, annoying but cute, and messy but lovely~.
Zhou Si Yue looks down lovingly at Ding Xian: Ding Xian, I like you. Will you be with me?
Too bad Zhou Si Yue is interrupted by the security guard who’s super annoyed that young (drama) couples like them keep sneaking in buildings, ignoring the guards. Lol, meta. Ding Xian clarifies they're not a couple. The security mocks Zhou Si Yue for being such a good looking fella but failing to win a girl. Zhou Si Yue explains he was in the middle of pursuing her. Security, this is your fault they’re not dating! The guard leaves to check the room before they're free to go. Meanwhile Zhou Si Yue asks Ding Xian for her answer.
Ding Xian mischievously smiles: Sorry. Currently, I don't have any intentions to date.
Our girl holds grudges, lol. Zhou Si Yue laughs and vows that he will always wait for her until she gives him an answer. Then Su Bo Cong interrupts. What a coincidence, eh! [Insert jealous scenes that have now turned infantile] Su Bo Cong squares up to Zhou Si Yue that he (Su) can provide a better future for Ding Xian. What can Zhou Si Yue do? Study abroad? Stick with his part-times? Dude is in his second year of uni! Gosh.
Zhou Si Yue wins the robot competition. As he's making his speech, something's wrong with the mic. Liu Xiao Feng gives him another one. Liu Xiao Feng is the classmate Zhou Si Yue tutored in high school! He reveals it was Zhou Si Yue who motivated him to study computer science and get into university. In Zhou Si Yue's words: "Hard work might not bring you success but hard work will leave you no regret." Liu Xiao Feng adds that he always thought Zhou Si Yue was unapproachable but it all changed with Ding Xian's appearance. Curiously, he asks if they're together yet. Zhou Si Yue says he's waiting. Liu Xiao Feng warns him that such an amazing girl like Ding Xian will be taken in a jiffy. This guy liked her, ha. But I think he likes Zhou Si Yue too, so he's rooting for both of them xD. Zhou Si Yue gets a eureka moment and off he goes to find Ding Xian ~
Ding Xian is with Su Bo Cong at a business banquet. CEO Ma, the man interested in using her manhua, makes a request that Ding Xian doesn't like. Su Bo Cong understands her concerns but persuades her that once passion clashes with reality, it's normal to give in to the latter.
[Ep21] Ding Xian refuses to sign with CEO Ma. Su Bo Cong tries to mediate. It's Zhou Si Yue who saves Ding Xian (though I do believe she’ll find a way to get out on her own, but Zhou Si Yue just made it a lot easier). He rejects the contract as Ding Xian wishes. Before they leave the banquet, Zhou Si Yue changes her heels (the one Su Bo Cong gave her) into comfortable sneakers that suit her more. He had predicted her feet would hurt. How did he know? Because his feet hurt too. He's in nice shoes that kill as well. Zhou Si Yue is the only pair of shoes Ding Xian needs to walk her pathing life.
They hold hands as they walk out of the venue. She softly tells him she had dreams like this – countless dreams of them being romantic like this. She cherished them because she had thought he'd never reciprocate her love. Zhou Si Yue vows he'll never hurt her again. Curiously Ding Xian asks about Xing Lu Fei. Huh? What? Zhou Si Yue is incredulous as well but he's happy she's jealous. Then Ding Xian brings up Su Bo Cong. Ehh ~ enough about other people, Zhou Si Yue has more important things to say ~
Zhou Si Yue: I thought I knew what I wanted in life but later I realized if my world didn’t have you – deadly subtle smirk – then everything will be meaningless. In our path towards the future, can we walk together?Ding Xian: Zhou Si Yue, after so many years, my feelings have never changed. If I promise you now, then you can't ever let go of me. He's asking her to date him now and she's asking him to date her forever. Ahhh~Zhou Si Yue nods and smiles: I promise you, we will always, always be together (walk together). As he says “always", the OST begins ♪ I will always, always, always love you ♪
His eyes are red and teary again!
Our couple continues to be busy: Ding Xian with her manhua publishing company and Zhou Si Yue with his research. A reputable company wants to sign with him but Zhou Si Yue refuses. Signing with the company is akin to selling their research. They’ll lose their independence.
Ding Xian and Zhou Si Yue finally have a date together. As she's savouring icecream on a chilly evening, Zhou Si Yue is looking at both sides of the road, guiding her safely across the street. Ahhh~ Ding Xian feeds him the ice cream (well, he’s asking to be fed). He’s really liking the boyfriend privileges: her feeding him, her putting on the earphone :D
Surprise, surprise, Su Bo Cong visits Zhou Si Yue (and not Ding Xian). Su Bo Cong offers him a shady deal: steal company data (the one that’s interested in signing Zhou). In exchange, Zhou Si Yue will receive proof that his father never plagiarized. Zhou Si Yue refuses! Yes! Omg! Thank you! He refused it without hesitation but he does find it pitiful that money can distort the truth. At the hospital, Zhou Si Yue tearfully apologizes to Dad, feeling apologetic.
Who will be the star to brighten up his day? Ding Xian~ duh.
Ding Xian surprises Zhou Si Yue with a gift: running shoes (ah, because he bought her a pair? :D). Seeing that he just came out of the shower, Ding Xian quickly leaves but he pulls her inside his home. He e-transfers her money that’s way more than the cost of the shoes – he won’t let his girlfriend lose out. Ding Xian says she can earn money too ~ It’s easy! Feeling egoistical, she rejoices that she can support him with her artistic skills. Zhou Si Yue laughs at her for being so proud of her itty-bitty money. She counters that she earned it with her own ability – neither stolen nor deceived. Her words render his pensive – he’s reminded of Su Bo Cong’s bleak advice: There will be a day he will have to bow down to reality ($) and by then will Ding Xian still love him? Zhou Si Yue asks her what if he turns into someone who’s ‘bad’. What would she do? Ding Xian wants him to remember his roots. She also can't imagine him turning bad.
Ding Xian gets a taste of cruel reality too. She now has to compensate another artist because of her dodgy publishing company. She complains to Zhou Si Yue who’s making her coffee at the cafe. Oh hey, he still part-times. The show remembers. He makes latte art for her. She calls it ugly and wants to make one herself. He teaches her (like pool in high school~). Our shy Ding Xian says she knows now. Finishing her latte art, she takes a sip. Foam gathers on her lip. Just as Zhou Si Yue wipes the foam, our cute little Ding Xian kisses him on his cheek, "I'm stamping you." :D Cute!
Now that Ding Xian is happier (She seemed pretty chill the entire time, though), Zhou Si Yue reminds her that she's a victim too. He tells her to give him anything she has related to the publishing company and he'll help her look into it. Ding Xian assures him she can handle it on her own. OH MY, I'M SO PROUD OF HER. Zhou Si Yue smiles proudly at her too BUT the next day he goes and sells his research and two year of his labour just so he can raise enough money to cover the compensation fee for Ding Xian. Man! I am not proud of you. However, Su Bo Cong helps Ding Xian pay it off first.
When Ding Xian finds Su Bo Cong, he's drunk. She drags him to a hotel where he then falls over her on the bed. With his body on top of her, he tells her he loves her. As calm as she can, she rejects him; she already has someone she likes.
Early in the morning, Zhou Si Yue waits at Su Bo Cong's office to give him all the money back (from his own contract). Zhou Si Yue may not know what he did to Ding Xian, but he's seething. He clenches his fist, restraining himself from punching him out. His words vibrate with menace, "Stop bothering her."
[Ep22] Ding Xian proudly clears her 'debt' to Zhou Si Yue (who doesn’t tell her how he got his money). Ding Xian gathered other artists who were scammed by the same company and together, they filed a class action lawsuit.
Ding Xian also signed a contract (a proper one) to draw more manhuas. She asks Zhou Si Yue if she can draw their love story. He doesn’t answer her. He’s lost in love as he’s staring hearts at her. It’s as if her lips were calling him as he surprises her with a kiss. Ding Xian embarrassingly looks away and spots April (siyue) the Robot on his desk. She asks him if he read her "暗格里的日記” ("A Secret Diary Hidden in a Corner"; somewhat related to the Chinese title). He did.
Ding Xian has another question. There’s a secret about April. The robot opens its head to show her constellations when she complains she's tired. He counters, “Wasn’t this what you wanted?” A star that never dims. She had casually said that on her birthday and he fulfilled it~ This makes Ding Xian curious: when did he like her? Zhou Si Yue keeps it a secret. And here I think is when the Chinese Title is meaningful. 暗格里的秘密 translates to The Secret Hidden in a Corner. I had always wondered what the heck the "secret" was. I'm fairly certain it's Zhou Si Yue's secret on when he liked her (or when he acknowledged he liked her).
Ding Xian brings Zhou Si Yue home for the New Year's holidays. Her parents welcome him without knowing he's here as Ding Xian's boyfriend. Mom even lectures Ding Xian that she worked so hard to apply to university, she can't just play and date around. Awkward~ But I think Dad knows!! When a Dad grabs alcohol from the cupboard, it’s a test for the son-in-law :D Then Mom finds out Little Bro (a new older actor) has someone he likes. Mom lectures him. Zhou Si Yue cleverly offers to stay two more days to help Mom discipline and tutor Little Bro.
As Zhou Si Yue walks into Little Bro’s room, he hears him addressing his sister by full name. Zhou Si Yue reprimands him for his disrespect. Already the brother-in-law, eh :D. Little Bro whines that it’s not fair – they dated in high school too.
Zhou Si Yue: We didn't date in high school. She was just crushing on me.Ding Xian nudges him: Like you weren't crushing on me.
As clever as Zhou Si Yue is, he’s quickly bribed by Little Bro with a simple "Brother-in-law". From disciplining him, Zhou Si Yue treats him to food. As night approaches, Zhou Si Yue needs to clean his home which is covered in layers of dust. Ding Xian wants to retreat but Zhou Si Yue traps her in his arms.
Zhou Si Yue: You've already entered my doors, it's not that easy to leave. 'Entering doors' in Chinese means marrying him.
And then Mom Ding walks in. Our couple scramble to separate. Mom is here with blankets. Once Mom is back home, she’s highly suspicious. Little Bro sells out “Brother-in-law” for his phone back. Mom has a small smirk. Dad silently rises from the sofa. He knew, ha. However, the next morning, Mom is calm and emotionless. Everyone is served plain congee. Zhou Si Yue barely swallowed the food and mom is already giving him more.
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| My hamster returned! |
And then Little Bro walks in calling him "Brother-in-law" Ding Xian almost chokes. The secret is out. Mom admits to being angry. Why didn't Ding Xian tell her earlier? Ding Xian is like Mom, you told me not to date! Mom frustratingly sighs You never said it was Zhou Si Yue! It’s safe to say that Mom adores Zhou Si Yue. Was Mom so happy all night that she didn’t wake up in time to make the feast she had promised them?
Zhou Si Yue is back in the city. Dad’s condition is worsening. Our father and son have a heartfelt moment. Zhou Si Yue used to hate it when his dad was strict with him but now he understands that Dad was teaching him to be independent. Presently, he wants to be able to care for his parents. Dad mulls that he's never shared this. Zhou Si Yue retorts he never properly listened. Dad calls him a rascal. Touching.
Ding Xian has a (teeny) relationship crisis. She thinks Zhou Si Yue is treating her like a child and so she turns up the cute, or the cringe. And what logic is that? Treat me like an adult! *pout pout* *whine whine*. Zhou Si Yue thinks she's sick.
A second attempt. Ding Xian takes Zhou Si Yue to the bookshelves. She's peeking over him here and there, looking for books or more like looking for kisses. Zhou Si Yue centres her in front of him. Ding Xian smiles, closes her eyes, and puckers her lips, waiting for the kiss. Zhou Si Yue leans in and finds the perfect book for her "Self-discipline" Hahaha. He smirks and leaves.
Third time's the charm! Ding Xian dresses to impress. Zhou Si Yue fails to notice. Ding Xian is annoyed – Zhou Si Yue just doesn't get it.
Ding Xian pouts and in rapid speed she says: Are you still treating me like a kid? Everyday I want to be with you. I want to hear you compliment me that I'm pretty. I want to hear you say I like you. Ding Xian is cutest when she’s direct.
Zhou Si Yue smiles and hugs her. He apologizes for being stupid. He promises he won't commit the same mistake again.
Zhou Si Yue lifts her pouting cheeks and wiggles them around: I like you, I really like you.
Zhou Si Yue redeems himself. He takes her for desserts. So much sweetness from them just eating and taking selfies. Do they even need dessert? Then he drops her off at her dorm. She softly murmurs that she wants a goodbye hug. Aw. Smiling at his cute girlfriend, he gives her a big embrace. Then we get a few rounds of “you-leave-first". He wins but she can't leave first – the dorms are locked. Ou, she’ll have to spend the night at his place ~ but she finds the (slave) contract he signed.
[Ep23] Ding Xian apologizes for whining about his lack of affection when he was busy working for Hongguang, the company he signed a slave contract with because of her. He says it’s his job as her boyfriend to protect her. Plus, he saw prospects in the company. Holding her cheeks, he tells her to never be apologetic with him, adding his affectionate line, “Are you silly?”
Ding Xian can’t sleep. She asks Zhou Si Yue if he wants to sleep next to her. He straightens up from the couch – eyes round. She tells him to not overthink it. Girl, even I don’t know what to think. Zhou Si Yue gulps down an entire cup of cold water (LOL at the way he gulped). Then he cautiously walks to the bed, claiming his side. Slowly, he reaches out to find her hand. Ding Xian notices and finds his hand first. Ah~~~ Even from their distance, she can hear his heartbeat accelerating. Ding Xian taps his chest to calm him. Zhou Si Yue smiles at her. The way he stares at her seems like he has so much story behind those eyes. I wonder if he’s reminded of their childhood and how they shared a bed – and maybe thought of how they were meant to be.
Zhou Si Yue is arrested for company espionage!! This twist.... Ding Xian’s parents call her to ask if everything is okay. She explains how Zhou Si Yue is still under investigation and nothing is confirmed yet. Mom clarifies she was asking about her and not Zhou Si Yue. Our girl holds back her tears, not wanting to worry her parents, and assures them that everything is okay. Aw.
When it rains, it pours. Zhou Si Yue’s Dad is in surgery. Ding Xian waits with Mom. Zhou Si Yue’s professor is there too. He gives her the slip of paper that Zhou Si Yue wrote to her: 彼方尚有榮光在 (There is a ray of light on the other side). There really is light ahead. The surgery was successful. And Zhou Si Yue will be released soon!!! Elsewhere, CEO Ma quivers and asks Su Bo Cong for a solution. Su Bo Cong grimly tells him to hire a lawyer. They’re going to be sued and they’re going to lose. The spy that they contracted with is Dong Zheng Fei. The drama gives this guy a redemption scene. No, I am not buying it. I am buying Zhou Si Yue being this forgiving guy and recognizing talent. He was also forgiving back in high school with that snobby guy.
Zhou Si Yue is released. He’s at home resting. When Ding Xian is at his place, she finds him sleeping on the couch. She looks around in the dark for a blanket but bumps her leg. He wakes up from the noise and calls her silly as he tends to her bruise but really, that’s not where she’s wounded.
Ding Xian: Zhou Si Yue, come here. Let me hug you.
He looks away. His eyes are reddening! Ding Xian pulls him up to hug him. Before he even hugs her, his eyes are teary. And then in her arms, he's full out crying. Did she know he was close to breaking down? Could she tell? I couldn’t! Ding Xian is truly his deskmate. She knew from a look.
Zhou Si Yue in tears: Sorry. I thought I was strong. This past year, I worked like crazy. I wanted to protect you. I never thought that in the end I was the person who would make you (and others) worry. Sorry Ding Xian, I disappointed you. That’s why you’re crying! Not because you were imprisoned but because of her! Omg!! T_T.
Ding Xian pulls away from the hug. Zhou Si Yue is reluctant. His head hangs low. He doesn’t want her to see him cry~ Ding Xian caresses his face to have him look at her and to have her words reach his heart.
Ding Xian: How could I be disappointed (in you)? Zhou Si Yue, you have to believe me. I really love you. I will always, always be by your side. No matter what happens.
Ding Xian invites Su Bo Cong for coffee. He arrives via bike. He's broke ):. He also quit working with CEO Ma. He envies Ding Xian that in her youth there was someone who always reached out to her. If he had someone like that then maybe he wouldn’t be like this now. Ding Xian corrects him that he reached out to her too. Su Bo Cong has a small smile. Then he gives Ding Xian the proof to clear Zhou Si Yue’s father’s plagiarism case. Ding Xian looks admirably at him. Su Bo Cong caves in and laughs. He knows he doesn’t have hope but he still doesn’t want to attend her wedding. Ding Xian laughs too. It’s okay. He doesn’t have to attend; his present just has to arrive ~
Our couple is about to kiss at his home but then the parents walk in. Zhou Si Yue ducks with Ding Xian behind the boxes but then the Dads move the boxes away, exposing their hiding spot. Ding Xian’s Mom has the giddiest expression on.
Jiang Chen proposed to You Ke Ke. Will this inspire other couples ~ ?
Zhou Si Yue’s mother still doesn’t know her son is dating Ding Xian and so when she learns from Mom Ding that Ding Xian is dating, Mom Zhou is a little disheartened. She must be like Oh no, how heartbroken will my son be? Lol. Mom Ding keeps the secret for the kids and instead reminds Mom Zhou about their children’s wawaqing. Mom Zhou sighs that it can’t be held accountable anymore; they’re adults now. Plus their family is in this state. Mom Ding sighs too and agrees that the promise as kids don’t count. Both Moms are secretly depressed. So cute! The third woman to be depressed is Ding Xian. Her wawaqing with Zhou Si Yue is cancelled!
[Ep24] Title: You Are Humankind's April.
Zhou Si Yue takes Ding Xian for a stroll at the museum he celebrated her birthday at. He's cheering her up after the wawaqing debacle. She's sad that it's cancelled. Zhou Si Yue is like Isn't it just a wawaqing? We can just make another engagement. Then he notices her shoelaces are loose. Oh so casually, he kneels down to tie her laces.
Zhou Si Yue: This type of lowly work, how can I let you do it? – Takes out a small heart box – Let’s make another engagement. Are you willing? – Ding Xian is silent in shock – This ring looks a bit simple. I promise you in the future I'll give you a proper one. Blame me, I'm too anxious. Right now, I don't want to wait anymore. Ding Xian, if in this world there's one reason we can't be together, then I'll find one thousand, ten thousand reasons we cannot be apart. I want to spend every minute and every second of my life with you. Are you willing?
Ding Xian nods to the proposal! The moms also clear their silly misunderstanding. Mom Zhou is ecstatic. She even proclaims to dote on Ding Xian more than Mom Ding.
Ding Xian and Zhou Si Yue are back at his home in Jiangling. She makes him sit on the bed to tell him how warm his home is thanks to her decorations. On the bed, Zhou Si Yue hovers over Ding Xian and corrects her that this is "our" home. And since she’s not in a rush to go back to university, he makes her stay the night ~ Oh, the room won't just be warm. It'll be hawt.
The boys are here to say farewell to Zhou Si Yue. He's leaving abroad tomorrow. The boys are drunk and cry how much they'll miss Zhou Si Yue. Yuan Fang tells him, "You will definitely become the Zhou Si Yue you want to be!" Zhou Si Yue is in tears too. Tears trek down uncontrollably. Then he notices Ding Xian watching him and sheepishly laughs. I love his reaction when Ding Xian caught him crying. Zhou Si Yue was never perfect and the person who can see all his imperfection is Ding Xian.
Our couple begins their long distance relationship.
A flashback: Ding Xian doesn't like the summer heat. She tells herself she should avoid giving birth in the summer. Zhou Si Yue smirks, Ah, you thought that far? On a more serious note, he asks her what season she likes if she were to give birth. Spring is her choice. Zhou Si Yue nods, he likes spring too because it reminds him of her.
Currently, as Ding Xian draws her manhua (the love story between her and Zhou Si Yue), she reveals the reason she likes Spring is after meeting Zhou Si Yue. She asks in her manhua, Isn’t "siyue" (April) scenery just beautiful?
Ding Xian voice-over: You are humankind's siyue and you are also my Zhou Si Yue.
There's 699 days until the siyue reunion. Siyue = April = Zhou Si Yue. They're video-calling every chance they get.
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| I saw this scene in the BTS. They were waiting for the perfect moment for the sun to peek through their kiss |
Zhou Si Yue: Ding Xian, if my life didn't have you, I wouldn't be who I am now.
He recalls the Ding Xian in the past. So stubborn (倔強) – unwilling to accept help, unwilling to communicate with others. He goes on, "You're amazing in that anything you put your heart to, you can do it." He doesn't know why he likes her but he knows that he really, really, really likes her. He apologizes for failing to keep his promises to her. He made her worry and suffer.
Zhou Si Yue: But don't worry, I will make it all up.
Zhou Si Yue: All codes can be solved but love is a lifelong question with no solution. If I have to give an answer then you are my forever answer, my one and only answer. Ding Xian, will you marry me? What a nerdy proposal.
Ding Xian puts ring No.2 on her fourth finger. One was technically enough for her. It's not enough for Zhou Si Yue, though. He promised her a better one and he will deliver. He wants to hear an "I do". Ding Xian murmurs that she already wore his ring – and two of them too! But Zhou Si Yue whines that he still wants to hear it. Holding his face, she tells him, "I do. No matter how many times, I am willing.” From the beginning to the ending of the drama, they have always been engaged. Three times!
Their high school has a 30th anniversary. Teacher Liu (oh was that Auntie's last name, lol). Ding Xian, Zhou Si Yue, Song Ci Zi, and Kong Sha Di are here to celebrate. You Ke Ke is pregnant so she's absent. Teacher Liu smiles at Ding Xian and Zhou Si Yue who are about to be married. Teacher Liu privately tells Ding Xian how Zhou Si Yue was going to choose Arts for her. Only until Ding Xian popped in with her application did he easily switch back to Science. He's like Teach you are right. Science is the better choice. I really appreciate the timing of this revelation.
Zhou Si Yue makes a speech for the school. There were moments he felt lost but he found someone who gave him hope. She had told him those who are strong will move forward carrying their dreams no matter the hardship. She had also told him she will always believe in him (Did you guys notice how Zhou Si Yue mimicked Ding Xian’s tone when he copied her “I believe in you ah~” xD). However, Zhou Si Yue thinks she has it backwards. It’s not that she believes him, it’s that he believes her. She represents the truth to him. She is the truth to him. In the middle of his speech, he names her, "Ding Xian, thank you.”
Ding Xian says she knew. When! She always knew. Zhou Si Yue is rather shocked.
Currently, Ding Xian waits outside in the corridor for Zhou Si Yue. She looks at a distance and smiles. She’s reminiscing about her past. Zhou Si Yue takes her hand to leave school. Ding Xian turns around and smiles; she's smiling at the past Ding Xian, our shy Ding Xian in school uniform. Wallflowers can blossom!
The end!! (but there is an extra!)
Kong Sha Di is the camerawoman for Zhou Si Yue's wedding video. First, she confronts him if he bullied Ding Xian because she looked grumpy for her video (Kong Sha Di isn't any less grumpy, it seems Song Ci Zi angered her too). Zhou Si Yue laughs that she thinks she gained weight (especially when compared Yang Chen Zi) but to Zhou Si Yue, as long as it's Ding Xian, he likes all of her, fat or not. Still lovely, xD. Back to the real questions: Is anything different now that they're married? Zhou Si Yue's answer: "About the same." Next question: Did he have any regrets in high school? None. He did everything he could. He also gets the time-travel question but there's no if's in life and he passes that question too. It's this last extra epilogue where I actually see Zhou Si Yue in his regular form. So brisk. He's so different when he's around Ding Xian. The last question: what do you want to say to Ding Xian? And now he's smiling. He tells Kong Sha Di to look away so that he can say "I love you" to the camera with two finger hearts.
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| Wedding pic ft. Siyue, |
Then after the wedding shoot, Song Ci Zi proposes to Kong Sha Di! In the audience, there's You Ke Ke (who's pregnant) and Jiang Chen. Teacher Liu is there too. Too bad there's no Yuan Fang and Lou Feng, but there's a reason for that. Read below.
At home, Zhou Si Yue and Ding Xian watch their wedding video. He laughs at her cute "love-you". The video ends with a group picture of all their high school friends plus Teacher Liu. Ding Xian chose the picture as the ending because "it seems that after so many years, nothing has changed." She looks up and smiles at Zhou Si Yue.
THE END.
Remarks
[First Impression (Ep1-6)] Superficial me is checking in!
We have ANOTHER female lead transferring to a new high school and meeting the love of her life. There is also a childhood connection. I had thought I was burnt out from all the recent (really good!) school related dramas, but once again, I am liking, and perhaps loving, another one. Mainly, for one reason: Chen Zhe Yuan! Is this drama tailored for him or what? He's perfect. He knows who he likes and he only spoils one girl. He's smart and willing to tutor. I'm swooning for Chen Zhe Yuan and his one-liners. His line in Ep2 "哄哄我同桌" got me good. Effortlessly charismatic. He looks and acts like the most popular guy in school without the drama forcing that image.
Eventually, I stopped comparing this to other recent school dramas or any school drama because other dramas don't have a Zhou Si Yue. I cannot compare ~
A small thing: I like the colour coordination in Zhou Si Yue and Ding Xian's clothes whenever they hang out. He's mostly in yellow and he looks good in it.
I've never seen Xu Meng Jie. She's okay but majorly overshadowed by Chen Zhe Yuan. I know it takes two to make chemistry but it's so hard to focus on her when he's around. It doesn’t help that her character is like a wallflower. If not for their childhood connection, I don't see why he likes her. Hardworking? Shy?
[Names] 斯越 (Si Yue): 斯 means present time 越 means to surpass. Zhou Si Yue is always surpassing himself. As for Ding Xian, 羡 (xian) is a bit weird of a name, which means “to envy” But I guess to envy means to desire more and therefore to improve, which is essentially Ding Xian’s attitude towards life.
[Flash2351 has an interesting theory on Ding Xian's name to mean dingxiang (a lilac). read in the comment section below; Ctrl+F ***finale spoilers***]
[Couple Name] The drama has couple name for our CP: 陷入四月 (xian ru siyue) which means "Sink into April" (陷 xian means sink).
[Couple Name] The drama has couple name for our CP: 陷入四月 (xian ru siyue) which means "Sink into April" (陷 xian means sink).
- My favourite line they use to promote the CP:
- 美人四月, 陷入你
- Beautiful April, sinking into you,
- Beautiful April, Xian is into you or
- Beautiful Siyue, Xian is into you ♥
[OSTs]
李鑫一 Li Xin Yi – 一直一直一直，喜欢你 Always Always Always , I Love You
杜天宇 Du Tian Yu – 浪漫味道 Romantic Flavour
郭静 Guo Jing – 他爱的梦 His Dream of Love
李俊毅 Li Jun Yi – 最远的幸福 The Furthest Happiness
陈雪燃 Chen Xue Ran – Long Day
杜天宇 Du Tian Yu – 浪漫味道 Romantic Flavour
郭静 Guo Jing – 他爱的梦 His Dream of Love
李俊毅 Li Jun Yi – 最远的幸福 The Furthest Happiness
陈雪燃 Chen Xue Ran – Long Day
Ep? Zhou Si Yue staring sweetly at Ding Xian with a smile: Well, he's supposed to but he seems to have forgotten the smiling part xD. When they check the scene to see if it's ok, the staff is like Ahh~ everyone is rosy from the sweetness ~
- What I generally like about most of the BTSs is that when they check the footage, everyone's blushing at how sweet our couple is, even the actors themselves.
Ep? Zhou Si Yue and Ding Xian playing basketball: or more like Zhou Si Yue playing her. Cute ~ Is this in the drama?
Ep2 Saving Ding Xian from the Basketball: [00:58] Basketball scene. Director tells Chen Zhe Yuan to stare at Xu Meng Jie's forehead and not her lips, otherwise it'd look "oily" (perverted? lol). It took Chen Zhe Yuan a few takes to not stare at her lips, hahaha. Actually, I think Chen Zhe Yuan was like Wtf, I am not staring at her lips.
Ep2 Saving Ding Xian from the Basketball: [00:58] Basketball scene. Director tells Chen Zhe Yuan to stare at Xu Meng Jie's forehead and not her lips, otherwise it'd look "oily" (perverted? lol). It took Chen Zhe Yuan a few takes to not stare at her lips, hahaha. Actually, I think Chen Zhe Yuan was like Wtf, I am not staring at her lips.
- Watching the BTSs, I realize Chen Zhe Yuan isn't effortlessly charismatic, haha. A lot of his postures, his actions are meticulously designed by the director. It's the same idea as when girls put on makeup to look like they didn't put on makeup. xD A lot of effort went into it.
- Making a mental note that I know I'll forget: Keep an eye on the Director Zhang Xiao An (previous works: The King's Avatar)
Ep7 Pool Game: Chen Zhe Yuan is nothing like Zhou Si Yue. He's getting a laughing fit from staring at Ding Xian's bangs up close.
Ep11 Camp Night: The guys being idiots.
Compilation of funny NGs: Loved the one where Ding Xian couldn't catch up with the camera crew, Dad Ding making Zhou Si Yue drink (real?) alcohol, Zhou Si Yue's blank expressions when the stalker doesn't know how to work his own camera or when the lunch he made is gone, etc..
Ding Xian's (Xu Meng Jie) adorkable jiayu!!: When the director tells them all to copy Ding Xian's jiayou, everyone knew exactly what move to make and Chen Zhe Yuan was the quickest xD and so precise, almost better than her.
Interviews:
The day before the end of filming: Looking very friendly with each other ~
[Glossary]
[Ending] Happy!
[Review & Rating]
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