A big family in Dongbei celebrating Chinese New Years.
Notable Actors/Actresses
Chinese Title
假日暖洋洋2
Notable Actors/Actresses
Liu Tao: Cheng Man
Zhang Jia Ni: Cheng Shu
Cheng Xiao: Cheng Miao
Chen He: Kong Ling Qi
Yang Le: Liao Ran
Zhou Lu La: Ma Bo Yuan
Director
假日暖洋洋2
Network: iQIYI
Recap Grade: C → A
First Impression: 3/5
First Impression: 3/5
Intro: Characters (Romance + Family)
[Episodes 1-4]
Cheng Man
Cheng Family Position:
Second eldest
Occupation:
Investment banking analyst
Romantic Interest:
Kong Ling Qi (an entrepreneur)
Type of Romance:
An OWYM romance. A quick-witted and rebellious tween is involved in the romance of her mother who’s got a no-bs attitude and a younger man who’s full of bs. It’s a rocky start with wacky possibilities.
Storyline:
Cheng Man is career-oriented, divorced, and gave birth to her arch nemesis, Tian Shuang (daughter), more affectionately addressed by her little name, Dou Dou. The mother and daughter relationship that’s always fun to watch on TV. Thanks to Dou Dou, Cheng Man is swindled back home to Dongbei to celebrate CNY with the big family. And perhaps thanks to Dou Dou, her mom may find romance at the mountain resort with a young man. This “young” man is Kong Ling Qi. Because of an investment report by Cheng Man (which ripped him to pieces in the most clinical way possible), his company is facing a financial crisis. He follows Cheng Man to Dongbei in hopes of negotiating with her.
Cheng Shu
Cheng Family Position:
Youngest daughter
Occupation:
Founder of Xueyue Resort (雪语 means Snow Word)
Romantic Interest:
Liao Ran (a chef)
Type of Romance:
Type of Romance:
A man helps the woman he loves persevere her dreams. He’s the stability to her recklessness. He’s shy when she advances and dependable when she needs him. He’s also a big fan of hers.
Storyline:
Cheng Shu has been beautiful since she was a child with dreams of becoming an actress, but she has only played bit parts. After her breakup with her ex, she quit and opened a spa resort on a mountain. She’s ridden in debt because her resort is stranded on a mountain. One day, she finally has a visitor, but he's not a customer. He’s here to apply to be the head chef. He’s Liao Ran, an overly qualified chef. He’s a top student in biology at the University of Tokyo. Why is he here on this stranded mountain? Will his appearance save Cheng Shu’s dying business and dried up love life? What will happen when her ex (Wei Qi, a prominent influencer) is back in her life?
Family:
Cheng San Min (Dad Cheng) is the father of the Cheng siblings. He’s the scary looking dad, but surely a chum fella, but can surely be threatening. He’s a longtime hunter in the mountains. His wife, Ma Chun Mei (Mom Cheng), is a longtime nagger about his prolonged disappearance into the mountains and his overindulgence of their youngest daughter. She’s the sharp-tongued Mom with a heart as soft as tofu. I grouped Cheng Parents with Cheng Shu because it seems Mom worries for her the most, since she’s the one who’s future is the bleakest among all the siblings.
Cheng Miao
Cheng Family Position:
Daughter of eldest Cheng son; Niece of the Cheng sisters.
Occupation: Student, ex-figure skater.
Romantic Interest:
Ma Bo Yuan (professional FPV drone racer; FPV = First-Person-View)
Type of Romance:
A couple who argue whenever they talk. They’re so annoyed with each other but why are they equally attracted?
Storyline:
Cheng Miao is a figure skater in her last year of university. She wants to quit and is working countless part-time jobs to save money. A boy at uni was interested in her and asked her to move to Shenzhen with him but she refused. She has no career there. She doesn’t want to be a housewife and depend on him. Even if he’ll never cheat on her, she’ll still be insecure and that will be the undoing of their marriage. What a thorough rejection. During the holidays, she meets Ma Bo Yuan, a drone pilot, who just helicoptered into her life. But it’s questionable who’s bothering who.
Family:
Family:
Cheng Qiao is Cheng Miao’s father. He’s the owner of a Russian merchandise store. He’s warm and simple and listens to everything his wife says. Hu Mei (wife) isn’t as easygoing. She's determined to make her daughter a figure skating medalist even if Cheng Miao doesn’t want to.
Mini Recaps
[Ep2]
[Ep3]
[Ep4]
[Ep5] [Cheng Man; Kong Ling Qi] In the middle of Kong Ling Qi's trip to find Cheng Miao, he’s almost kidnapped but it’s just seniors who are appealing to him to invest in their ski resort. The seniors explain that they have no more time. They’re old. If their business can flourish then perhaps their children will come back more often. I teared up here. Everyone who promises they’ll invest never came back. Kong Ling Qi, who was dying to leave and regretting every minute here, lets the chief keep his expensive watch. He promises to be back for it and to bring him investors. Aw.
[Cheng Shu] Liao Ran whips up the resort employees for Cheng Shu. Then when Liao Ran (who’s also a great photographer among everything that he’s great at) is taking Cheng Shu’s picture to promote their spa. His cheeks turn rosy when she finds out his online handle is “Shinjuku Cat” (Google Image it. It’s cool!). He’s her biggest fan, and he had intended to hide it but now she knows. Her live broadcast had cured his depression when he was studying in Japan. She reaches her hand to shake his. “Nice to meet you.” Now they properly know each other. So he’s moving (to) mountains for her, eh.
[Cheng Miao] Cheng Miao meets Ma Bo Yuan. It’s quite a meeting. She gets a concussion from the guy. He hit her with his drone but she’s the one skiing in a prohibited area.
 |
| An attempted mouth-to-mouth resuscitation until Cheng Miao woke up on her own and he awkwardly choked. Did he fall in love at first sight here? |
[Ep6] [Cheng Man] She almost became a snow-woman on her way up the mountain to her sister’s resort and is currently a sneezing, mucous-y mess.
[Cheng Shu] Her ex, Wei Qi, is her first customer. She’s annoyed and takes it out on Liao Ran’s chef knife. Chef is very worried about his knife. She can’t kick out Wei Qi because he’s an influencer with quite a following. However, is he here to review the resort or to revive his relationship with Cheng Shu?
[Cheng Shu] She blows a fuse at her ex (Wei Qi). I’m more interested in Liao Ran’s reaction. I feel like he wants to please Wei Qi as much as possible to let him leave peacefully. The more the exes fight, the more they care about each other.
[Cheng Miao] She meets Ma Bo Yuan again. She’s handing out flyers (to the resort) in the freezing cold and pretends she doesn’t see him, but he’s looking at her and then he comes back to ask if her head still hurts. Wasn’t he the guy who didn’t want to give her his contact info? HM. She tells him she won’t harass him because of that, but she does want an apology. He won't give one. He’s not the one in the wrong, but he can give her money. Treat it like pay since it took up her whole afternoon. Aw, does he want to give her money so that she can go home for the night and not be out in the cold handing out flyers? She’s flustered that he’s really paying her. She asks for dinner instead and then they’ll be clear.
Ma Bo Yuan takes Cheng Miao to a fancy restaurant because according to him, this is the only place with decent food in the area. She thinks it’s way too expensive and teaches him on how to complain about the meat to get a free dinner. He’s got a mocking/amused smile on. She tries to tease out of him his purpose in the city. He won’t tell her. Why so secretive! Is he a spy or something? She doesn’t even know his name. He laughs that he doesn’t know hers either. They finally introduce themselves. I like that he’s smiling at everything she says.
After dinner, Ma Bo Yuan takes the elevator to his hotel room. He notices Cheng Miao is struggling to find a ride home in this snow. He offers her his room. She’s offended, but he’s like his taste isn’t that bad to prey on her. He’ll sleep in his buddy’s room. He mutters, “Take it or leave it,” and then leaves. Glancing out at the bitter cold, Cheng Miao takes the offer and warns him to refrain from any inappropriate actions. He’s kind to her about everything only to be accused by her every time. He leaves very specific instructions for her to not touch anything in his room. Cheng Miao asks, “Bro, are you obsessive about cleanliness?” Then she casually drops her coat on the bed. Ma Bo Yuan's eyes shift away, clearly bothered. Before he leaves, he adds another instruction: “Tell room service to switch out all the bedding in the morning.”
Cheng Miao phones her friend for advice. What does it mean when a guy gives her a room to sleep in and then leaves? The friend is like it’s all a scheme! He’ll pretend to be a gentleman and then he’ll flaunt his money the next day just to make girls fall for him. It’s a signature jerk move.
[Ep8] [Cheng Man; Dou Dou] Dou Dou runs away to find her father (Tian Ke Jin). Her desire to live with her dad might have to do with her mother’s phone conservation that she overheard. She believes her mother regretted giving birth to her. Is Dou Dou leaving so that her mother would have a better life?
[Cheng Miao’s Ma Bo Yuan] Ma Bo Yuan's buddy (Yin Qing) asks him if he likes Cheng Miao. Otherwise why would he let her (who he just met) sleep in his room when he wouldn’t even let his buddy of seven years touch his bed. Ma Bo Yuan explains there might actually be something wrong with her brain after that concussion as he remembers all her nonsense at the restaurant. Oh so was that actually a mocking smile at the restaurant? Nyaa. He likes her :D. He fills in that it's snowing outside. What if she gets in another accident and it’s blamed on him? O-kay dude. His (jealous) friend complains that he’s hungry too. Ma Bo Yuan phones Cheng Miao for restaurant ideas. Once he gets what he needs, he hangs up on her. Then her stomach grumbles. Did she not eat at the fancy restaurant? She rings him back and brightly asks if he needs a navigator. She wants free food, heh.
At the restaurant, Cheng Miao gladly orders for them. She thinks they’re not paying attention and goes ham on the orders. Oh, but he’s listening to her every item and clarifies this is AA. She trims down the orders. LOL. As they’re waiting for food, Cheng Miao's friend's warning comes true: the boys flaunt their money. Not really, but she already typecasted them. And plus, it does seem like the boys are privileged, but they’re not snobby about it. She snickers at the jerks. This bothers Ma Bo Yuan who confronts her attitude. She goes as far as splashing water at him, slamming the table, and stomping off. So where is she sleeping for the night? And did she inherit her personality from her aunt (Cheng Shu) who also dumped soup on a jerk?
The next morning, Cheng Miao has breakfast at the hotel. She stayed in his room after what she did to him? She asks Yu Wei Wei (an influencer) for her WeChat so she can return the money because she footed the bill for the fancy restaurant yesterday. Cheng Miao says she’s a big fan of hers. She loves the toothpaste she recommended. Ma Bo Yuan sneers that she bought the toothpaste and not the luxurious bags. They just can’t help but argue. Their words just clash. Yu Wei Wei stops the flirting couple. “This is not how you spread ‘dog food’.” PDA. Buddy Yin Qing is looking very smug. He can smell it. Love is in the air! Yu Wei Wei explains she’s never seen Ma Bo Yuan treat a girl for dinner. He’s very stingy, you see. The subject of the conversation turns silent – unreadable. I can’t wait to hear his perspective. Did he really fall in love with her at first sight?
[Cheng Shu] Cheng Dad hikes up the mountain with Liao Ran and points towards the cave where a bear is hibernating. The friendly hike is looking deadly. Cheng Dad threatens Liao Ran that if he lights up the firecrackers, the bear will attack him. Cheng Dad investigated Liao Ran. He owns a business that’s worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Liao Ran really means no harm. He explains that in his company, he was in charge of the technical aspect. It’s a bubble tea shop. Lol. The logical leap. His dream was to make a drink that everyone would love but the company too focused on expanding and so he quit. He just wants to be a chef and well, he also likes Cheng Shu. He really likes her. Liao Ran explains that when he learned she was hiring, he was so happy he could explode on the spot. Is that the appropriate comparison to make at this moment with Dad holding up the firecracker? xD Now, this is the answer Dad wants from the son. But son, do you still want this father-in-law?
I like the parallels in this episode. There’s the water splashes at supposed jerks by the Cheng aunt and niece. Then there’s the daddies protecting their daughters. Dad Cheng is watching out for Cheng Shu. Cheng Qiao is watching out for Cheng Miao. Like aunt, like niece. Like father, like son.
[Ep9] [Cheng Man] She blocks Kong Ling Qi on WeChat. He’s confident she’s rejecting him because she’s afraid to love him. Keep living like that. Never exit your world, darling. His delusions are rewarded! He gets a chance to meet Cheng Man when she needs a ride to Harbin to find her daughter. Liao Ran helped Kong Ling Qi nab that chance. Aw. A guy in love supporting another guy in love. And he’ll get big points for helping a girl in need with a bonus car. But he’s pretty awkward and annoying in the car, but then again, she’s the one who’s being mean. Ha. He gets a chance to prove he’s useful when she’s called for an emergency meeting. He helps her fake it that she’s at an office. She seems impressed.
[Ep10] [Cheng Miao] She joins Ma Bo Yuan and co to their FPV arena. She tries the video goggles and immediately her neck twists left and right to follow the path of the drones. Ma Bo Yuan smirks and snaps a picture of her. He’s caught by Yu Wei Wei. He explains that he just finds Cheng Miao tacky. Explaining means you’re guilty, hun. Yu Wei Wei snickers that it’s not embarrassing to admit being attracted to someone. There’s no need to act all high and mighty. Ma Bo Yuan is petulant like a child, denying all her claims. :D
Cheng Miao wants to fly a drone. If she crashes one, she’ll compensate. Ma Bo Yuan reminds her that if she wants to pay, she still owes him the hotel fee. Petty. :D But it’s not the money he cares about. He’s serious about his drones. Cheng Miao softens her tone (thanks to the signal from Yu Wei Wei) and rolls out empty praises (handsome, rich, etc.). It works! I love how Yin Qing is smirking at the back. But he’s only letting her try the virtual software. If she gets into the top 300, he’ll let her fly. Well, she’s a natural, a genius, born to fly. She beats his personal best (!) and scores 9th. On the screen it says 8nm, 9nm, 10nd, and 11st. Are those typos (8th, 9th, 10th, 11th) or is that right? And if it’s right, what does that mean?
Ma Bo Yuan is true to his words and gives Cheng Miao a drone to fly (P5). It’s one of the trickiest ones. Yu Wei Wei calls him snide. He wants Cheng Miao to crash and burn so that she’ll have to sell herself to him. But what if he actually saw her talents and is genuinely trusting she can do it? I dunno. Well, she’s a natural, a genius, born to fly and amazes everyone. She even attracts the attention of Alex who seems to have an issue with Ma Bo Yuan and joins the race against Cheng Miao. Ma Bo Yuan glares at Alex who’s pulling a cheap move. Aw, Ma Bo Yuan cares! Alex is a world champion and he’s deliberately annihilating Cheng Miao, beating her in the race and her mentality. Eventually, Cheng Miao’s drone crashes. Ma Bo Yuan reminds her of the amount she owes him. At least he gave her a 10% discount.
[Cheng Man] She’s stressed out about work. Kong Ling Qi offers to help. She tells him a company they invested in had one of their partners flee. This person has a biology degree, studied in Japan, and opened a bubble tea shop. LOL. It’s Liao Ran. Kong Ling Qi gulps and says he’ll try to help. Would he betray his buddy for a girl? Hahaha.
Meanwhile Dou Dou is at her father’s (Dad Tian). We learn that Dou Duo has burn scars. I doubt Mom is physically abusing her. Dou Dou opens up to Dad Tian that she wants to stay with him. She’s going to breakdown if she continues to live under her mother’s grueling schedule. Uhh, maybe there’s a sense of abuse there. Cheng Man is like a tiger mom, strict, and ignores Dou Dou’s feelings. The only part that makes me reluctant to believe Dou Duo is that she’s pretty sneaky. Dou Dou just looks like someone who can put up a fight with Cheng Man. Anyway. I just think there’s more to what meets the eye between this mother-daughter pair. Dad Tian sees the cramped schedule and rips it for his crying daughter.
[Ep11] [Cheng Man] Mom Cheng is worried about Cheng Man. If she doesn’t find a partner, then she’ll be lonely at old age. Dad Cheng isn’t particularly worried. Cheng Man has the looks and the money. Mom bemoans that she just doesn’t have the personality. “Men, when they find a wife, who would want a 祖宗.” Scene cut! Kong Ling Qi sweetly smiles as he treats Cheng Man to a drink who’s waiting inside the car. Hahaha. Kong Ling Qi wants a 祖宗! [T/N: 祖宗 (zuzong) translates to “ancestry”. It doesn’t mean someone “old”. It’s about reputation and respect. You cannot insult or disobey your 祖宗. It’s the funniest when it’s applied to someone young].
Cheng Man asks Kong Ling Qi if he’s really his fathers’s son. Huh? She doesn’t get it. His father is so capable so how could he give birth to such a useless son. Kong Ling Qi is a gentleman for controlling his anger. He shares through gritted teeth that his parents divorced and he was raised by his mother. Aw, kinda like Dou Dou. His father would find tutors for him and he’d piss them all off. His father would also hit him. Cheng Man shakes her head in disapproval. She would never hit her daughter. Kong Ling Qi mutters, “Mental abuse can be scarier.” He can sense Dou Dou’s weariness. Cheng Man dismisses it as academic stress. If she can’t handle this amount of stress, what will be of her future? Kong Ling Qi has heard the same lecture repeatedly and proudly shares it enters his left ear and exits the right. Cheng Man snickers.,“This is why your life is in shambles.” BEAT HER! Scene cut! Kong Ling Qi’s buddy (Blondie Buddy; Du Yi Ming) calls Dad Kong for help. Dad Kong is indifferent and hangs up. But Dad Kong cares. No one can bully his son, except him. He orders his secretary to look into this Cheng Man. Uh oh. Is she actually going to be beaten up?
[Cheng Miao] Ma Bo Yuan fixes P5, the drone that Cheng Miao crashed. She wants to look at the replay. She also tells him she heard everyone’s compliments and who said what, like how he called her a newborn calf who isn’t afraid of tigers. This cow talk, lol. Ma Bo Yuan is taken back. He pulls Yin Qing aside to have a serious chat with him. He’s astounded that this was Cheng Miao’s virgin flight and yet she can still pay attention to her surroundings.
Alex wants Cheng Miao’s WeChat. Ma Bo Yuan cuts in with his tall figure, standing between them, completely shielding her from Alex. I am really liking his assertion of dominance here, especially when the other guy is a jerk. Cheng Miao, though, challenges Alex. If she loses, then she’ll give him her contact. Ma Bo Yuan is astonished. I’m thinking he’s surprised because she wasn’t affected by the previous loss at all. Unsurprisingly, Cheng Miao loses again. But Ma Bo Yuan looks proud with that smug smile! Alex is a world champion after all. Alex also wants dinner with her. Ma Bo Yuan rejects for Cheng Miao. She already has plans tonight with him. Hehe. Yu Wei Wei chimes that she’s going too. Everyone wants to sign Cheng Miao.
[Ep12] [Cheng Shu] The breakup story with Wei Qi. Cheng Shu misunderstood Wei Qi slept with another woman. He wanted to explain but she was already gone and he was busy with work (his celebrity career just took flight). That night, she was drunk with her acting teacher. Wei Qi’s boss thought she would tarnish Wei Qi's reputation, so boss ruined hers first. He smeared her for being a mistress, which not only affected her image but also her teacher’s marriage. Cheng Shu never knew it was the boss and not Wei Qi who destroyed her career. In the end, this was something he could have explained when he had the chance but he chose his career.
Cheng Shu has more to say about the breakup with Wei Qi to Liao Ran. Even without the misunderstanding, she and Wei Qi were already on the highway to breakup. Their relationship was dying and on “life support". Liao Ran finally smiles.
[Cheng Miao] Cheng Qiao investigates the night that Cheng Miao slept over in the hotel. His buddy (hotel employee) assures the dad that Cheng Miao was alone for most of the night. Dad wants to know exactly how many minutes the man (Ma Bo Yuan) stayed over. About seven or eight. Dad’s mind starts wandering as he wonders that it only took seven or eight minutes. Hahaha! Buddy is like No! Ma Bo Yuan is a good guy with good specs. There’s even a wiki page on him.
Cheng Miao is suddenly very interested in FPV when she hears there’s prize money involved. This upsets Ma Bo Yuan. Is it only money that’s on her mind? It’s a human thing. We’re conditioned like that. Cheng Miao needs to work and study. She has no time to play with them for a year even though regular people need at least 3-5 years to train. Currently, she’s more interested in where they’re going for dinner tonight. Yu Wei Wei searched up Xueyu Resort. It’s Cheng Shu’s place. Ma Bo Yuan casually asks if they’ll get a discount. Cheng Miao glares at him and tells him he’ll get a fracture, which he misheard as 50% off.
[Cheng Shu] Wei Qi finally leaves the resort. Sous-Chef drops him off at a new hotel. I laughed when the car farted at Wei Qi. Not fart, but a deliberate release of smoke at his face. But the hotel is fully booked. They bump into Cheng Qiao (who was at the hotel to investigate Ma Bo Yuan) and he takes them home for dinner.
[Cheng Miao] Cheng Miao arrives at the resort with Ma Bo Yuan and Yu Wei Wei. She shows off everything that she can like the vintage decorations, her aunt’s acting background, basically anything that glamourizes the hotel. When Ma Bo Yuan takes pictures of the place, Cheng Miao eagerly helps him. Then she snaps a bunch of pictures for Yu Wei Wei and sends them to herself. Ma Bo Yuan complains that she’s only keeping the ones with Yu Wei Wei. Boy, why would she want your solo shots? Lol. He also complains that she’s still using his phone. She whines that his is better. Meanwhile Yu Wei Wei isn’t stingy at all. She’s offering free promotions too.
Yu Wei Wei confronts Ma Bo Yuan for treating Cheng Miao differently. It was another girl, he would have ignored her by now. Ma Bo Yuan is like Please, we have been arguing every single time. Yu Wei Wei is like Please, you two are clearly flirting. But the conversation turns serious. They both want Cheng Miao on their team. His remarks at her turn a little nasty when he belittles her. Yikes. What’s up with these two? Are they friends? Enemies? Did she like him or something and he rejected her? Or are they just being competitive?
[Cheng Man] Cheng Man wants Dad Tian to return Dou Dou. He won’t. He reveals their daughter has severe depression because of her. Kong Ling Qi overhears everything.
[Ep13] [Cheng Man] Kong Ling Qi wants Cheng Man to eat something. She’s not hungry and when he makes her repeat herself, she slights him for his comprehensive ability. However, she asks him if he’s hungry. Aw. With his best cute face, he nods.
[Cheng Shu] Mom Cheng acts pitiful to Wei Qi, whimpering that Cheng Shu is debt ridden. Lol. Definitely feels like the Cheng sisters' mother. Wei Qi tells Mom Cheng he can pay back all the debt liken to investing in the resort. OMG. NO. Just go.
[Cheng Miao] She doesn’t think she can be friends with the likes of Ma Bo Yuan and Yu Wei Wei. They’re just not in the same class. Cheng Shu feels bad for her niece for her lack of self esteem.
[Cheng Man] Dou Dou shares with Dad Tian how Cheng Man never supported her dream of drawing. Cut to Cheng Man. She didn’t support Dou Dou because she liked a lot of things like ballet, piano, but she never persisted in anything. Moreover, in Cheng Man’s perspective, only academics can change one’s life. She hated studying too but she didn't want to be a salty fish (i.e. useless, bottom of social hierarchy). Kong Ling Qi summarizes that she slaved herself to studies and now she’s forcing her daughter to suffer the same thing. Cheng Man retaliates. “What’s the result of you playing around then? You can only submit the humiliation, listening to me going blahblahblah and you can’t even retort.” LOL. This is so true, and harsh, and funny. Cheng Man reveals her role model: Floyd Mayweather, Jr. LMAO. Wut. She admires two things about him: he’s self disciplined and he’s “mean”. Took me a while to realize she was actually saying the English word “mean.” I was like, what dialect is that? She loves it every time he wins and the way his eyes are obnoxious it’s like he’s saying – Kong Ling Qi cuts her off and fills in the line she’s thinking of: “I love it that you hate seeing me, but you aren’t capable of beating me.” Definitely Cheng Man, hahaha.
Cheng (Floyd Mayweather Jr) Man punches Kong Ling Qi with her mean remarks. If his parents weren’t cleaning up his mess, he wouldn’t be where he is today. He explains that business is like that. There are gains and there are losses. Liu Tao flexes her smile menacingly. "Finding excuses is the nature of a loser.” Liu Tao is so good at being nasty. Kong Ling Qi finally raises his voice at her. He’s not even asking her to invest in him to begin with. He just wants her to not sabotage him. What does she have against him? Nothing. Cheng Man smiles amusingly that he was just unfortunate. Her investment firm favoured his project but there’s only that much budget and so she had to pull him down to make room for her projects. Oof. It was an internal report, not meant to be exposed. That’s the only thing she has to feel bad for, Kong Ling Qi is angered by her lack of guilt. Cheng Man doesn’t see why she should be guilty. The report was the truth. The only way his company can revive is if they restructure and fire the CEO (Kong Ling Qi). She says it so lightly, that Kong Ling Qi really loses it. He smashes the drink on the floor. Cheng Man rubs it in that she was touched by him once in a while. Too bad. Nasty, girl. But even if he managed to seduce her, she would never give his project the green light. She ends the conversation, “Happy Chinese New Years, and good luck (unsaid: ‘cause you’ll need it).”
However, Kong Ling Qi gets the last (petty) win. He tells her he knows Liao Ran but he won’t tell her where he is. Cheng Man stops him from leaving and then they accidentally kiss! He calls her a sicko first. She yells back at him too. Finally he calls her a scoundrel, something a girl would call a jerk.
[Cheng Miao] Cheng Miao misunderstands that her father is cheating and splashes water at the innocent woman (Cui Xue). Cheng Qiao is furious at Cheng Miao. Sensing danger, Ma Bo Yuan stands between the father and daughter to protect Cheng Miao. Aw. But Cheng Qiao is really angry. This dinner was organized by Mom (Hu Mei) to save her skating career. Cheng Miao is annoyed and calls her mom sick for forcing her. Cheng Qiao is red from anger but restrains from bellowing. Instead, he pleads with his daughter to consider Hu Mei's perspective. She accompanied Cheng Miao for 15 years in figure skating. In the process of giving up, can she be considerate of her mother’s feelings? And all the effort she poured in. Dad isn’t stopping Cheng Miao from giving up, but rather asking for consideration. This is where Cheng Miao has no excuses.
(Skaters have to train hard to overcome changes during puberty. Cheng Miao’s scores drastically declined. She saw no hope which is why she gave up.)
[Cheng Man] She’s at a spa and finds her daughter. Dou Dou doesn’t want to go back home with her. She admits to being a quitter. She also believes that as long as she’s not by her mother’s side, she can be happy. Oof. She wishes Mom can meet someone new, give birth to a genius and have that genius be filial all the way to her grave. Dou Dou sincerely wants Dad Tian over Cheng Man.
Later, Cheng Man is kicked out of the spa for causing a disturbance.
[Cheng Miao] Ma Bo Yuan drinks with Liao Ran. He reveals that he wants to recruit Cheng Miao. Liao Ran has some very realistic questions. The athletes (like esports) generally retire before they’re 30. If Cheng Mia does train with him, quit school, and has enough talent to win the prize, will that money be enough to retire? If not, Cheng Miao would have already given her youth to this profession and by the time she retires, can she survive in this society? But then again, the most important question is if Cheng Miao is passionate about the sport.
While Ma Bo Yuan is sulking about where Cheng Miao’s passion lies, Yu Wei Wei makes her move. She’s appealing to Cheng Miao that she has talent and she’s also using her platform to promote the resort.
[Cheng Man] It’s morning and Kong Ling Qi is sleeping in a tub at a hotel. There’s a girl lying on the bed. It must be the pub girl, but omg, it’s Cheng Man!! What a cliffhanger. What happened!
[Ep15] [Cheng Man] Kong Ling Qi runs away mid-breakfast after seeing Cheng Man at the lobby but she makes him stay, “Don’t waste food.” Shamefully, he sits back down.
Cheng Man (smirking): Last night. You were pretty high.Kong Ling Qi (chokes, but after munching some courage out of his food): I will take responsibility for you!
He had a blackout. He doesn’t remember a thing, but he will meet all her needs. Still smirking, she asks how he plans to take responsibility. Well, if she wants to play, then he’ll play anytime. If she wants long-term, then he’ll work out tomorrow. LOL. A keeper! Hahahahah! And here I thought we were talking about “dating”. “I will work my hardest to be compatible wherever and whenever.” He also gives her his credit card, plus another card: the key to his home. She can enter freely. “I can also go to you but don’t misunderstand (what is there to misunderstand?). Cohabitation – I’m not against that, but I just need time to adapt.” LMAO. She’s like Are you like this to every girl you sleep with? He says it’s the first time this happened. Oh please, how does anyone believe that? But he swears he hasn’t been to a nightclub in years. Kong Ling Qi is slightly offended that she’s treating it like a one night stand. Cheng Man finally tells him the truth. They didn’t do anything. She picked him up off the street because he was drunk. She also didn’t have her ID, so she used his to get a room and slept there as well. He was so drunk that he stripped on his own and slept in the tub.
Cheng Man signs out of the hotel, but since she has no ID, the staff needs Kong Ling Qi to sign a waiver, proving that she was at the hotel with him. I love how he makes it difficult for her, hahaha. Eventually he signs it on the condition that she lets him be his driver to find his daughter to fetch her ID. What kind of condition is that? What does he gain from this?
[Cheng Shu] Liao Ran is angry at Cheng Shu for accepting more customers than they can handle. He’s afraid their initial reviews will be bad. However, after she apologizes (rare from her) and a personal video from her to him as her fan, he (physically) melts. He’ll try his best to cater to the 30 customers tonight. How is it that the resort can even survive if they can’t serve 30 people?
[Cheng Miao] Cheng Miao gave up skating because she saw no hope for herself. She’s working hard to earn money to pay back her parents so she can properly quit.
[Cheng Man] Kong Ling Qi is skeptical about how he met Cheng Man last night. She doesn’t say anything. Then he meets the girl he met at the pub who fills in the blank. She recorded everything. He destroyed someone’s car and the victims haul him out the door. Cheng Man (who was just kicked out from the spa) solved it for him (lying that he’s demented) and paid for the damages (and also bargained!). It was a busy night.
Kong Ling Qi feels ashamed once again. Cheng Man doesn’t need him to return the money. Take it as pay for driving these two days. It’s only been two days?! She understands it’s tiring. He cheerfully replies, “Not tiring! I owe you a life – ” Cheng Man interrupts, “Don’t say you’ll pay me with your life.” Kong Ling Qi smiles. He was totally planning to say that. Then he turns up the heat to her seat. He’s in love! The innocent kind, hahaha. Ahhh, I foresee a life of difficulties for this poor man. Pft.
[Ep16] [Cheng Shu] Wei Qi’s manager finds out he’s paying Cheng Shu’s debt. She swears if Wei Qi was her ex, not only will she slap him in the face, she’ll whip and pound him. He flinches a little, but he refuses to take her romantic advice. Wei Qi, you need it.
[Other] Zhao Chun Lin (Sous-chef, whom everyone calls Liu Zi #6) is beat up at the market. The man says he’s Tian Ling's brother. She’s Liu Zi's ex-girlfriend. His debtors burned down his place. He wasn’t home, but Tian Ling was. She died because of him.
[Cheng Miao] Hu Mei drags Cheng Miao away from Yu Wei Wei. She’s against this FPV nonsense. She can’t even pronounce it.
[Cheng Man] Dad Tian’s mother doesn’t want Dou Dou, and calls it “Towing an oil bottle” which means raising a child from a previous marriage. It sucks to know that if Dou Dou was a boy her grandmother might want her. Dou Dou hears everything. She cries silently, realizing she’s a burden to both her parents. She holds back her tears during breakfast but Grandma keeps mentioning how expensive each meal is.
Kong Ling Qi gives Cheng Man advice from Dou Dou’s perspective because he had similar experience growing up. He wants her to back off, and cool down. Cheng Man argues that if she isn’t assertive with her child then she'll be stolen. He corrects her, “Your child will be pushed away by your very own actions.” In his words, Cheng Man doesn’t have the basic respect for Dou Dou. If she took a half, actually, only a third of her patience she has with her clients, then Dou Dou won’t be this depressed. Cheng Man’s walls are still up; she’s not accepting his advice. Kong Ling Qi approaches it another way. She spent a lot of money for Dou Dou's tutors, but is it actually for Dou Dou’s sake or is it for herself so that she’d have more time for work? His point is that Cheng Man could have taken time to tutor Dou Dou. Even a pet needs some cuddling, let alone her daughter. But to Dou Dou, Cheng Man only cares about her marks, the results.
Kong Ling Qi: Did you really invest time into your daughter? Is it really because you don’t have time or is it because to you there is no value in investing (your time) in your kid?
To sum it up: Cheng Man is amazing at investment, but when it comes to investing as a mother, she’s an utter failure.
Cheng Man raises her tea cup. Kong Ling Qi flinches, ready for the infamous attack, but she’s just drinking it. She’s accepting his advice. Because he's right. Kong Ling Qi helps her restructure her approach like it’s business and everything makes sense to her. She’s angry why he didn’t say it sooner. He reminds her how rude she was. Taking a deep breath, she realizes she should retreat for today and give Dou Dou and herself time.
[Ep17] [Cheng Shu] Xiao Xue (Front Desk) is intrigued that Cheng Shu has water in her eyes whenever she stares at Liao Ran. Well, Cheng Shu reveals they do have history. In her stream, she had complained about the cold and he was concerned enough to tell her to keep her thighs warm or she’ll suffer at old age (a Chinese thing). Cheng Shu laughed at him and accepted that it’s probably the most romantic thing a scientist can say. Feeling challenged, Liao Ran tried again. “Next winter, during the first snow, I’ll hold your hand.” Taken back, Cheng Shu sipped her drink to calm down. Don’t underestimate them scientists, ha. After she regained composure, she held him accountable that if he doesn’t appear then he’s a dog! And he is a dog! He didn’t fulfill his promise. He even unsubscribed for personal reasons. On the day they bid farewell online, both of them cried. Currently, for Cheng Shu, she’s just grateful that Liao Ran appeared in her life. She can’t wish for anymore. Ah, too scared to wish for more or he’ll disappear like he did on the stream?
[Other] Mom Cheng finds out her house is mortgaged. The likely culprit is her husband, Dad Cheng, who hangs up on her every call because he wants some peace and quiet.
[Ep18] [Cheng Shu] Cheng Shu is to hide in her room tonight to refrain from exploding at Wei Qi and Mom Cheng. She can’t be ruining the reputation of her resort. However, she’s worried about Liao Ran who’ll be so exhausted tonight (because of a whopping 30 customers). Cheng Shu cheers him on in her cutesy voice, as if she’s talking to her Shinjuku Cat. He freezes. His angel has descended! She’s embarrassed that she actually said it out loud in front of him. He’s bashful and says it’s not awkward at all. As long as she says it more, he’ll get used to it. Once alone, both of them squeal in joy.
[Cheng Man] She spots Dou Dou at an art exhibit. This time she doesn’t follow, and unfortunately bumps into Dad Tian. Then Dou Dou calls security on her. Both Dad Tian and Dou Dou accuse her of stalking. Cheng Man is escorted out of the exhibition. Dou Dou shouts after Cheng Man, “I have nothing to speak with you! I sincerely hope it’s the last time I see you!”
Kong Ling Qi looks wrought. While Cheng Man is away, he leaves a heartfelt advice for Dad Tian that if he truly cares about Dou Dou’s emotional wellbeing, don’t drive a wedge between the mother and daughter. Don’t be an obstacle. Don’t let it be a trauma for Dou Dou. Give Cheng Man some time and a chance. Go Kong Ling Qi!
[Cheng Miao] The FPV tournament is starting but Cheng Miao is absent. Ma Bo Yuan asks Yu Wei Wei and learns of her home address. Did he just pick up Cheng Miao's dialect when he said 為啥 (weisha)? He drives to pick her up and doesn’t care that he could be late for the tournament. He manages to find her (and they stealthily run away from her parents who had dragged her to apologize to Cui Xue).
Cheng Miao asks Ma Bo Yuan why he’s here. He doesn’t answer. She repeats herself, “Why do you want me to enter the competition?” Especially when it means that he’d have an extra competitor. Ma Bo Yuan confesses, “I like you. I want to use this chance to get to know you.” Dun. That’s the confession?! Cheng Miao ain’t believing that. She knows she’s not his type. You are! Ma Bo Yuan licks his lips and resigns from the confession. He tells her that his nickname is 千年老二 (Always Mr. 2nd) because he always loses to Alex. In her, he can see hope that she can defeat Alex. If she joins his team, let him be her mentor, and beat Alex, he’ll give her all the prize money. He just wants the glory and accomplishment of the sport.
[Cheng Shu] Wei Qi rubs it in to Liao Ran that Cheng Shu doesn’t love him. Liao Ran gets down to the bare facts. He lists the hours he spent with Cheng Shu. He even knows the hours they spent talking among the hours they spent together. He knows everything she likes. Furthermore, he knows she likes him too. (Liao Ran added the last part to piss off Wei Qi.) He’s here to fulfill his promise to her. Even though he’s late, every year from now on, he will hold her hand during the first snow.
Wei Qi refuses to believe Liao Ran unless Cheng Shu is here – Cheng Shu bursts through the doors and plants a kiss on Liao Ran lips right in front of Wei Qi. Booya.
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| Funniest catalyst <3 |
[Cheng Man] Kong Ling Qi drives Cheng Man to meet his friends. When will she sit in the passenger seat? He apologizes for taking up her time, but he hasn’t seen his buddies in a long time. I think he’s trying to cheer her up with his friends. Kong Ling Qi wants her to rest for the day, and tomorrow he’ll help her retrieve her ID. Cheng Man’s brows furrows. She asks, “Are you this gentle only to me or are you like that to everyone?” Awwwwww.
Kong Ling Qi joyously exclaims: I am this gentle, this considerate, and handsome! And I have money!
Cheng Man laughs at his cute narcissism and tells him to shut up, but she admits he is kind. Kong Ling Qi returns to being humble. Anything is fine for him as long as she doesn’t find him annoying, which then reminds Cheng Man of exactly how annoying he was. She brings up one example (since he asked): his investors almost committed suicide when he quit developing his game midway and disbanded his team. Kong Ling Qi laughs guilelessly. He asks for more examples, but she doesn’t want to ruin her mood.
Cheng Man meets Kong Ling Qi’s friends. They tell her he used to be a pro race car driver. Well, isn’t he underemployed, being her free driver and verbal punching bag. If he wasn’t injured from saving a friend, he would be legendary on the tracks. Loyalty check. This means he went easy on her at the arcade to let her win. Humbleness check. The friends also tell her how he quit developing his game because of the negative impact on children’s mental health. Compassion check! He returned all the money to the customers and sold almost everything he had to keep the company from going bankrupt. Responsibility check! And he can cook! I find this segment so funny. Kong Ling Qi is the misunderstood not “cold” CEO. Cheng Man is the not “ditsy cute” FL who just found out her ML is such a lovable man. The friends also tell her that she’s the first girl they’ve been introduced to by Kong Lin Qi in a long while. It seems he only had two girlfriends.
Grandma Tian asks Dou Dou about her grades (her sore spot). Dad Tian stops eating midway and saves Dou Dou from Grandma’s pestering.
[Cheng Miao] She and Ma Bo Yuan are stuck in traffic. Cheng Miao tells him to get off. She’ll drive. Thanks to her, they arrive right on time. Poor Ma Bo Yuan pukes from the ride. LOL. He recovers and tells Yin Qing to find Cheng Miao a drone (because she doesn’t have one). He’s giving her his best drone. Cheng Miao thanks him. He smiles and stares at her. Her gratitude is rare. She’s back to being grumpy and butts him in line. Ma Bo Yuan is amused.
Unfortunately Cheng Miao loses to Alex again and now she owes him dinner. I like it that she mastered Alex’s technique. As expected of a genius. If she can’t defeat him (yet), at least use him. Ma Bo Yuan comforts Cheng Miao that this is a qualification match. Her time should be good enough. Cheng Miao sulks that a loss is a loss. She asks him to retrieve her replay (forgetting that her team leader is Yu Wei Wei).
[Cheng Shu] Wei Qi tattles to Mom Cheng that Cheng Shu and Liao Ran are dating. Oh ya, keep up with the low tricks. I only expect that of you, Wei Qi. Mom Cheng is against it because Cheng Shu “barely” knows Liao Ran. Well, Cheng Shu takes Mom to the kitchen and plants another kiss on Liao Ran. Their lips are like magnets. Mom yanks them apart but Cheng Shu goes back for another peck. Now his lips are as red as the fresh bruises on Liu Zi, haha.
[Cheng Miao] Cheng Qiao and Hu Mei are driving to catch their daughter. So much driving in this episode. Their argument in the car is the funniest. So realistic like any other agitated drivers on the road. And they find her! They drag her out of the arena. Ma Bo Yuan runs out to stop them. Hu Mei is too furious to care and accelerates, but freaks out when Ma Bo Yuan drops to the ground. Did Hu Mei crash into him? Cheng Miao runs out to check on him. He’s fine, which makes her angrier. She’s worried about him. But then her parents hurry her back inside the car. Ma Bo Yuan quickly warns her that if she qualifies and is absent tomorrow, she’ll be blacklisted and it will leave a dent on her career if she decides to be a pilot in the future.
Yu Wei Wei thinks Ma Bo Yuan is crazy. Ma Bo Yuan asks her if she saw the replay, especially the last few laps. He got goosebumps. Cheng Miao is like a fledgeling bird, flying by instinct. Yu Wei Wei wants to know if he has any other emotional attachment to Cheng Miao. Nope. He says he only admires her as a pilot. Aight.
[Ep20] [Cheng Miao] Cheng Qiao tells Hu Mei that Ma Bo Yuan made his first bucket of gold in third year of university. Hu Mei doesn’t care how rich the guy is. She’d rather Cheng Miao not marry the rich. Look at the media, none of them marry well. Hahaha. For once, the parents are on the same page.
Cheng Miao apologizes to Cui Xue who forgives her and is willing to help her, but Cheng Miao politely declines. Even if she falls on her face, she wants to depend on herself. Cui Xue admires her personality.
Alex shows up at the resort for dinner with a bouquet of roses for Cheng Miao. He wants to recruit her (while putting down Ma Bo Yuan). He offers to be her mentor, but she says she already has one (Ma Bo Yuan!).
Liao Ran: I already have the real deal. Why would I look at the live stream?
She lovingly rests her head on his chest. Under this snow, they hold hands to head back into their ‘dream castle’.
[Cheng Man] She finds Kong Ling Qi’s vlog. She happily browses through each video, and then she comes across a related clip. It’s the emotional speech Kong Ling Qi left for Dad Tian at the exhibition. From the video, she also gets a snippet of his childhood and how he regretted using rebellion to retaliate against his father. To day this day, he still suffers the emotional consequences. Lastly, she hears him praising her, “[Cheng Man] is the best woman I know. Not one of the best but the best. ” With teary eyes, she hugs Kong Ling Qi who's he’s in the midst of chilling with everyone. She doesn’t care if everyone’s gawking. She’s lost in the sea of love! She’s grateful for all he’s done for her. Kong Ling Qi’s a goner.
[Cheng Miao] Everyone (and Alex) left the resort, but Ma Bo Yuan is still there! He was waiting for Cheng Miao the whole night. He sulks to her that he’s been here since Alex gave her the roses. Awwwww!! Girl, pick up his cues! And this guy. Who said there was no emotional attachment? His purpose here tonight is to tell her she qualified at 38th Cheng Miao sighs. Only 38th. She would rather be disqualified. “Say if I fly more, gain more experiences, rank even higher, and then become a champion, wouldn’t I really be a professional?”
Ma Bo Yuan (smirking): Who gave you this confidence? You. Do you think having talent means you don’t have to put in the effort?Cheng Miao (playfully narcissistic): Do I need it? Ah, is it so that after I put in the hard work, I realize how important talent is? LOL.Ma Bo Yuan (seriously): Based on your ranking, if you don’t put in the effort, you won’t reach the finals.Cheng Miao: Yu Wei Wei promised me that if I qualified, she’d give me 5000 RMB! I’m already satisfied.Ma Bo Yuan (dejected): Did you participate only for 5000 RMB?Cheng Miao: 5000 is a lot already...! Alright, alright. I know I’m wrong. I should have asked for 8000!
[Cheng Man] Cheng Man admits to Kong Ling Qi that today at the exhibition wasn’t a coincidence, but she only wanted to see her daughter, nothing more. Cheng Man also apologizes about the investment report. She’ll modify it, but she’ll need him to make adjustments too. She can’t lie. Kong Ling Qi doesn’t need it. He admits she was right (except for the character assassination). She apologizes for that and she accepts his condition, which is to be his personal advisor. He got her to be his companion. Big W.
Dou Dou adds Cheng Man back on WeChat. Dou Dou contemplated for a while on what to send and settled with a cat sticker. Cheng Man is nervous too. She’s never been this nervous. She doesn’t know what sticker to choose! So relatable, lol. Ever had choice overload? Me every time there’s apps offering a ton of stickers. And then I annoy people with all of them because they’re all so cute. Kong Ling Qi grabs her phone and quickly finds the perfect sticker: “Cheers! For our friendship!” Cheng Man slaps him but Kong Ling Qi insists it’s suitable for her age. Cheng Man is not happy, but Dou Dou is! Now she asks for a way to give her ID back, which means Dou Dou is willing to see mom.
Dou Dou and Cheng Man meet! Dou Dou asks Cheng Man if she's disappointed in her. No. Cheng Man is more disappointed in herself. “From today forward, I will treat you like my most important client.” She asks for time to write a detailed report to adjust their relationship, her academics, etc. Until she’s written one, Dou Dou can be on vacation. Cheng Man assures she’ll return with a satisfying report because she never disappoints her clients. Dou Dou smiles. Cheng Man also tells her that if she chooses Dad Tian, that’s fine too, but Dou Dou needs to give her a report too. Not her academic report, but her life's aspirations at 14/15???. Cheng Man will allow her to be ordinary, and to fail, but not to forsaken time.
Cheng Man: ’Time’ is fair to everyone. I devoted my ’time’ to work. I earned money, but I lost you and so mom wants you to carefully consider where you want to invest your time in. Don’t be like me; invest poorly, and still 沾沾自喜 (be so self-satisfied).
The snow falls. Is it a blessing? (For everyone actually. In this snowfall, Cheng Shu is with Liao Ran, and Cheng Miao is with Ma Bo Yuan.) Cheng Man smiles at her daughter who’s smiling up at the sky. Kong Ling Qi is watching from afar. (Dad Tian is there too, but he’s not important)
[Ep21] This morning none of the Cheng ladies slept well, all for very different reasons.
[Cheng Shu] She eagerly wakes up in the morning expecting love to blossom, but Liao Ran is back to being the awkward fella. She’s agitated and almost leaves, but he finally summons enough courage to confess all his feelings!
Liao Ran (explains his blushing): It’s because an external stimuli activated my neurons which then transmitted an electrical signal to my vagus nerve which then released acetylcholine (ACh) which then dilated the blood vessels in my cheeks, which then caused my facial blushing. I couldn’t control the blushing!Cheng Shu: So how come when others look at me, they’re not blushing?Liao Ran: Of course not. They’re pupils won’t dilate and their heart rate won’t accelerate either. It’s because their insula is still dormant. They won’t generate dopamine and epinephrine. Lesson on the sympathetic nervous system has ended. Like and subscribe to cynlynn for more physiology lessons!Cheng Shu: Bro, is this what you call romantic?Liao Ran: I’m explaining science! Liking someone cannot be hidden (by the human body)! A person’s eyes, mouth, heart, and brain will all undergo changes. Says “this person”.Cheng Shu (holding back her smile): So what do you mean? (Dude, high time you said “I love you.” Like right now). Next time when I leave the house, should I bring a ruler to measure your blood vessels and a stethoscope to hear your heart rate?Liao Ran: No need. You only need to bring your ears. Zhao Ruo Ruo, I like you. I really like you.
Every time he took a picture of the clear blue skies, he was thinking about her, but he only sent her 1% of those pictures. This means that for most of the day, he was thinking of her. Oh dear, what if it’s at night or it’s cloudy. Does he stop thinking about her? :D. He wants to share everything beautiful with her. Loving her has become habitual and religious. Beautiful confession! Except everything was a daydream. LOL. From what point, though? I don’t think he even said the “I like you” part. Ahahaha. Cheng Man snaps him out of his reverie, questioning if he was thinking of anything dirty. I guess to Liao Ran, that confession might be pretty obscene, pft.
... and we snap to another Cheng sister. Could she be thinking of something dirty?
[Cheng Man] Cheng Man gasps as she wakes from her dream of Kong Ling Qi and his eight packs! LOL. I love how those abs are obviously not his. She calls it a nightmare. I say it’s a spring dream (春梦) in winter! 春梦 also means erotic dream. During breakfast, Cheng Man tells Kong Ling Qi, she has decided to go home, but it’ll be lonely without Dou Dou. Kong Ling Qi tells her that there’s bound to be a day she’ll be separated from Dou Dou. He’s like Look at me, I’ve been living independently from my parents ever since I was 12. She’s like This is exactly why I’m worried. She laughs and apologizes. She’s too used to insulting him. She’s trying to get out of that habit. Lol. He’s okay with it. His face is thick. He can accept any criticism. After all, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. As long as you’re not crippled in the process. She also apologizes for dragging his mood down with hers. She promises to treat him to food for it, but there aren’t many good restaurants in the area. To Kong Ling Qi, what matters isn’t the food but rather who he’s having food with. Cheng Man laughs at his tacky pick up lines. No matter how many times she rejects him, the moment he opens his mouth, honey starts leaking.
Kong Ling Qi is such a flirt, but what about his buddy?
[Cheng Shu] Liao Ran is really struggling and stuttering and almost weeping, haha. He’s agitated that he can’t say anything romantic. Cheng Shu makes it easier. She asks him the first time his heart raced for her. But he still can’t answer that. To him it was gradual. When he realized it he was already trapped in this big hole. Haha. Cheng Shu likes his answer, and shares hers. It was when she was sick but still had to do her livestream. Flashback: Liao Ran stays on the whole night while she sleeps in case she ever needs him. He also worries about her food intake and learns she’s surviving on instant food. After blowing her nose, Cheng Shu yells back, “It’s not like you’re marrying me! Why do you care how I live?” I swear the thought of marrying her crossed his mind, which means he was already in love (before she was). Currently, Liao Ran asks for time to warm up to their new relationship. But Cheng Shu is impatient.
Liao Ran: 兩情若是久長時，又豈在朝朝暮暮 ~ As long as two love each other long enough, why should they be greedy from dusk to dawn? This is part of a poem by Qin Guan (from Song Dynasty) called 鹊桥仙·纤云弄巧 (Fairy of the Magpie Bridge). It describes the love between a cowherder (牛郎) and a weaver maiden (织女). It was said that Magpies were so touched by their love that they formed a bridge for the Weaver Maiden to meet her Cowherder once every year. This happens on Chinese Valentine's Day which is on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month. Apparently, if you look at the stars that night, you can see the Milky Way connecting the Vega Star (Weaver Maiden) to the Altair Star (Cowherder).
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Cheng Shu pouts. Clearly, she wants her honeymoon phase and he wants to be like an old married couple, ha.
[Cheng Man] Cheng Man rolls her eyes at Kong Ling Qi who keeps sending electricity through his eyes (Chinese way of saying “flirting”) and the only reason it’s not working is because his eyes are too small. What happened to not insulting him? Haha. Kong Ling Qi is still so gentle with her and closes his eyes (because guy can still electrify her without opening them!). He asks about her plans. She’ll go home for a few days. She’s not worried about Dou Dou choosing Dad Tian. He’s rather incompetent and it’s only time he’ll realize he can’t take care of both the old (Grandma Tian) and the young (Dou Dou).
Cheng Man: 重耳生于外，申生亡于內 = Chong’er survived outside, while Shen Sheng died inside.
There’s a whole history attached to this line. (Correct me if I’m wrong.) 655 BC. Chong’er and Shen Sheng are brothers, princes. Chong’er knew there was danger (a concubine wanted to kill the brothers) and retreated appropriately. Shen Sheng was kind and filial, and stayed to serve his father, the Emperor. However, he was framed by the concubine for poisoning the Emperor and so he committed suicide without defending himself. Zhuge Liang (a famous military strategist) told this story to Liu Qi (173-210 AD) and he smartly retreated from all the drama, and survived.
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Kong Ling Qi (translates her line to Human): Distance gives birth to beauty (and happiness). The fact that Kong Ling Qi can simplify her line means he knew the history. Well learned. He’s not stupid! Surprising, lol.
Cheng Man suggests they go see the Ice Lanterns (冰燈). Kong Ling Qi freezes. He’s in bliss that she’s spoiling him. 冰燈 looks very pretty from Google Images. Seems like it’s a specialty art of the Northern provinces. Cheng Man laughs and shakes her head. She’ll have to give up being friendly with him. Kong Ling Qi disagrees. She should keep it up. She asks for how long. Kong Ling Qi recalls a line from A Chinese Odyssey (a drama). He forgets the first part but he remembers the last half.
Kong Ling Qi recites: If I had to add a deadline to this friendship – pause – then I hope it is 10 000 years.LOL. This cheeky guy modified the line and he lied. The original line: “If I had to add a deadline to this love, then I hope it is 10 000 years.” Where did he lie? He knows the first line. It’s “I love you.” xD
Cheng Man realizes he’s flirting again and tells him this is a disease. He needs to treat it. Nope, he can’t. He says it’s terminal. LOL. Save me from translating this, hahaha.
However the date to view the Ice Lanterns is postponed. Dou Dou suffers a burn from frying an egg. Dad Tian fumbles around not knowing what to do. I don’t know what he plans to do with a glass of water dripping at her burn. Dou Dou cries, but calmly gives him instructions to treat her wound. Cheng Man has taught her well. Cheng Man learns of it and orders Dad Tian to bring Dou Dou to the hospital immediately.
[Cheng Shu] Cheng Shu continues to motivate Liao Ran to flirt with her. However, they’re interrupted (too). It’s Wei Qi. He’s fed up that he doesn’t get a piece of the pie and reveals he is Xiao Yu Han (which apparently translates to Little John), her #1 fan (based on $$$). Dun dun dun! I was not expecting this! Wei Qi has a story too! She calls him psycho. He admits he is because if he wasn’t, he wouldn’t have hoped that she’d be in debt (so that he can pay them off for her). If he wasn’t psycho, he wouldn’t have given her so much money that she had enough to live on. Wei Qi admits that he lost to “Shinjuku Cat”, but only because he had no time. Wei Qi was busy setting up his business, but still, no matter how fatigued he was, he’d join her live broadcast to see her and to give her presents.
An excellent episode! From lines to scene transitions to content, everything was impressive, and packed with unpredictability.
*Note. Unrelated to drama. If you know Chinese, you may notice that I’m inconsistent between using traditional and simplified characters. The Chinese that I learned (rudimentary level) and am accustomed to is Traditional. However, Chinese dramas use Simplified. If I follow the subtitles, then I go with simplified. If I’m recalling things, then I’m using traditional. I should probably stick to simplified, but that’s not what I learned, you see. Anyway, just letting you know. Don’t rely on me too much for your Chinese knowledge o_o. Oh, and don’t subscribe cynlynn for physiology, folklore, or history.
[Ep22] [Cheng Miao] Cheng Miao declines Yu Wei Wei’s offer of 8000 RMB if she wins today. Yay! She also hasn’t decided on signing with her. Wei Wei thinks it’s because of Ma Bo Yuan, especially after last night. Cheng Miao squirms in her seat and explains that he was only teaching her. Yu Wei Wei scoffs that they looked more like a couple, particularly when he had his arms around her. Cheng Miao stutters as she reiterates that they only have a mentor-student relationship. Well, Yang Guo and Xiao Long Nu (from The Return of the Condor Heroes) were master-disciple relationship (who turned to lovers).
Ma Bo Yuan is also getting a romantic non-pep talk from Yin Qing. He wants to know if Ma Bo Yuan likes Cheng Miao or he wants to sign her. Ma Bo Yuan asks if there’s a difference. Is Ma Bo Yuan finally admitting he likes her? I see that it’s after she expressed her interest in FPV. Yin Qing is exasperated. It's risky turning career into romance. I think that’s sound advice. For Ma Bo Yuan, he doesn’t care even if she signs with Yu Wei Wei after all that training he gave her. But Alex swoops in and goads that he wants Cheng Miao and that he had dinner with her last night. Ma Bo Yuan, who's been yawning all morning, knows. He was with her all night xD
And there’s a backstory between Alex and Ma Bo Yuan! Ma Bo Yuan brought Alex into the sport. At one point Alex had admired Ma Bo Yuan but that admiration turned to hate and it all started when Ma Bo Yuan sold him to a second rate team for money. Clearly, there was a better team that wanted to sign him too. Alex did not understand that Ma Bo Yuan chose the “second rate” team because they would devote all their resources on Alex, whereas in the more established team, Alex would have to work his way up from the bottom. Alex thinks it’s all excuses.
[Cheng Shu; Liao Ran] Liao Ran’s business partners are heading to the snow resort to drag him back! I love this drama’s pacing. This looks fun. Meanwhile Liao Ran just had an aggravating conversation with Wei Qi. It went like this: To Liao Ran, it doesn’t matter who Cheng Shu chooses. He’s happy that he got to see her in real life. He’s different from Wei Qi who’s throwing wads of cash at her. Then Wei Qi provokes him, “Are you sure the person you love online and in reality are the same? How much of your love is based on your imagination of her? Don’t forget that all [her] cameras have filters.” Wei Qi hits a home-run when he reminds Liao Ran that Cheng Shu’s dream is to act. The resort is just a vacation for her. Wei Qi is the guy who can support her acting career.
Wei Qi thinks he won, but his Manager sets him straight, but guy wants to be crooked. He accuses her of betraying him when he gave her the job. She’s like, “I’m sorry, your stupidity destroyed the last bit of patience I had for you.” Go girl! Tell him! “They (Cheng Shu and Liao Ran) are already in love. Don’t you think what you’re doing right now is lamentable (appalling, pitiful, and shameful)?” Yes! Wei Qi admits it. He is laughable, but for the future of the woman he loves, it’s worth it. Manager is exasperated now. “But her future never reserved a spot for you!”
Manager: To her (Cheng Shu), you are a dog plaster, wrinkly in appearance, and foul in scent. The voice of reason!!
Once again, Wei Qi ain’t taking her advice.
As for Cheng Shu. She’s conflicted. Pang Ya tries to be her voice of reason. Liao Ran's face is so thin that if you don’t make a move, he won’t make a move. He’s different from Wei Qi whose face is so thick that a needle can’t even pierce through. LOL. Chinese language. So precise.
After Cheng Shu learns of Liao Ran’s self inflicted injuries, she confronts Wei Qi. He cries at the unfair treatment when he’s her #1 fan. Cheng Shu scoffs that Mr. #1 Fan lied to her when he unsubscribed. It was different from Liao Ran who had to quit because he wasn’t going to graduate. Wei Qi is seething. He says Liao Ran quit for himself but he quit for her. Come again? He didn’t want her to rely on him. It’s not healthy for a streamer. Uh. Alright. Moreover, she had said she missed him. He corners her that she had fallen in love with him (“John”) at that point. If he had continued to subscribe, she would have want to meet up. How could he after their breakup? Why not? Wasn’t that his chance to APOLOGIZE? Moreover, he didn’t want to hurt her a second time. So don’t hurt her a second time..! Cheng Shu snickers. Should she be grateful then? If he was going to hide his identity, he should have hid it forever. Wei Qi bellows that any man would want to give his all for the woman he loves even if it’s a loss. If he tried his all and he still lost, then he would accept his defeat. A man can try all he wants, but don’t impede on the girl’s life, man.
Cheng Shu: Don’t you know that your lines are incoherent (顛三倒四), filled with holes?! I agree with this so much. He makes a lot of sense in the beginning, and then the more he talks, the more it looks like he’s finding excuses. Every time I’m touched in the beginning, he just digs himself another hole. [TN: 顛三倒四 means jumping to three but falling on four. Whatever you’re saying isn’t lining up with logic, something like that].
Wei Qi tries another emotional appeal. He shows her the video message she recorded to thank him for all his support. In there she was loving and gentle. He even reminds her that she suggested to return all his money (so that he wouldn’t go bankrupt – his excuse for unsubscribing). He’s like, “Such a beautiful and kind woman, how could I have lost you?” Cheng Shu cries. Wei Qi hugs Cheng Shu. He’s not asking her to accept him as her lover again. He only wants her to stop hating him. But dude is clearly not doing that! He’s ruining her relationship with Liao Ran so that he could have a chance. His actions don’t match his words!
Xiao Xue and Pang Ya are eavesdropping again. Xiao Xue is like, “Is this the infamous 修羅場 (xiuluo chang).” It’s a Japanese loanword “Shuraba”, meaning bloodshed, a scene of carnage. Pang Ya asks Xiao Xue who’d she choose if she were Cheng Shu. Xiao Xue looks conflicted. Cheng Shu is a tad problematic. She has feelings for anyone who truly supported her. Eek. But maybe Wei Qi’s appearance will make her realize her love for Liao Ran is more than reliance.
[Cheng Man] On the way to the hospital, Kong Ling Qi reminds Cheng Man that she has to calm down. If she argues with Dad Tian, Dou Dou will think it’s her fault. Cheng Man is like Alright alright, and hurries him to follow. He doesn’t think it’s okay for him to go because Dou Dou will misunderstand. Cheng Man assures him that Dou Dou is well aware of her taste. Even if Cheng Man is blind, she won’t choose him. Kong Ling Qi silently suffers another blow to his ego (is it still there?), pauses a second to look up, and quickly follows his master. 祖宗. Haha.
Dou Dou’s burn is treated. She’s resting in the hospital corridor. The nurse tells Dou Dou to drink more water. Appropriate nutrient and hydration does help with wound healing. It’s not just Chinese people saying “drink more water.” for everything and anything. Dad Tian tells Dou Dou that if it hurts, she should cry. Girls shouldn’t be too strong or they won’t be doted on. HA. HA. HA. Oh, Dou Dou, I’m sorry you have a father like that. Dou Dou is reminded of her mother who doesn’t cry. Dad is like, “That’s why.” That’s why you were dumped, man! He recounts that it was love at first sight with Cheng Man. But that’s the only beautiful memory. She didn’t appreciate his form of romance. She’d rather receive a red pocket than a painting that he spent a month on. Dou Dou realizes that he’s calling her mother materialistic. Dou Dou lectures Dad Tian that Cheng Man would never insult him so he shouldn’t do that to her.
Cheng Man arrives. She makes an effort to control her anger, but she doesn’t understand how Dou Dou could be so clumsy frying an egg. Dad Tian explains that the handle of the pan was always loose. I say this is the point that Cheng Man can explode. Cheng Man restrains her anger and channels her energy to caring for Dou Dou. She wants a room for her daughter instead of the hallway where people can knock her leg. As the parents leave together, Kong Ling Qi walks up to Dou Dou. She brightly calls him Uncle Kong. He wants to be called “ge ge” (like oppa). She can’t. He looks too old. Like mother, like daughter. Ha. Still, he goes off to find her chocolate because Dou Dou wants some. 祖宗x2.
[Ep23] [Cheng Man] Kong Ling Qi asks Dou Dou what spurred her decision to run away from home. It was a text message where Cheng Man called her an idiot (白痴). Kong Ling Qi shares that his father is worse: he’d never apologize. But Cheng Man did. Dou Dou is convinced Kong Ling Qi is the man who can persuade her mother to cut down her workload – it’s too stressful for the body. However, Kong Ling Qi says Cheng Man is willing to change only because she values Dou Dou (not that she listens to him).
Even blind Dad Tian notices Cheng Man’s differences. The old her would never apologize, never reflect her shortcomings, and never change. Is Dad Tian at all self-aware...? He cites her changes to Kong Ling Qi, the only new variable in her life. Cheng Man scoffs that they’re enemies just turned lovers friends. Her eyes are wandering around, though, lol. Is that a sign of a lie?
Dou Dou asks Kong Ling if he likes her mother. Yes! He avoids answering with a warning that there can’t be rumours about their relationship. It’ll be a conflict of interest for Cheng Man. Dou Dou makes a second attempt to ask but Kong Ling Qi deflects with a question of his own: is she worried that Cheng Man can’t marry? He swears that as long as Cheng Man snaps her finger, men would buzz around her. Plus Cheng Man is the smartest woman he’s seen. Dou Dou counters that Mom is only work-smart. When it comes to love, she’s a 白痴 (idiot). Is 白痴 their term of affection? She has no life and is robotic. Kong Ling Qi condemns Dou Dou for criticizing Cheng Man. Lol. This parallel. Dou Dou was just lecturing her own father on this. If Cheng Man isn't robotic, she’d be eliminated from her company. If no one understands her, at least Dou Dou needs to be compassionate to her mother. Dou Dou smiles. Kong Ling Qi is indeed the man for her mother. Kong Ling Qi sighs. He can’t distract Dou Dou anymore. She has found his weakness. (He likes Cheng Man, duh).
It seems Kong Ling Qi will be replaced by another CEO. He asks for help (with Dou Dou’s little push), but Cheng Man only has criticisms. It’s his fault for signing such an idiotic contract (with the clause that he can be removed if his public image negatively impacts the company). Kong Ling Qi storms off. Dou Dou reprimands Cheng Man and provides the appropriate analogy (because Cheng Man always needs analogies to understand anything that requires emotions): Kong Ling Qi’s company is like his child. If Cheng Man gets a chance to amend her relationship with her daughter, then doesn’t Kong Ling Qi deserve the same for his son? Dou Dou, who do you take after for being so smart? :D
Cheng Man accelerates to catch Kong Ling Qi. She blocks his car with her body. If he reverses, she blocks that path too. He wants to be left alone. Cheng Man shamelessly says it’s unfair that he can annoy her but she can’t. She forcefully takes the passenger seat. Finally! Taking the seat beside him. She will be his analyst, differentiate his foes from his friends, and examine all his contracts. They need to be prepared for this war. Cheng Man, the smartest general.
[Cheng Miao] She returns to the skating rink that she first trained in. Hu Mei had asked Coach Qiu to reignite her passion that has vanished, so there’s really nothing to reignite. Coach understands Hu Mei’s perspective, no parent would want their child to give up halfway, but he adds, “Trust me, if she has to give up skating, she will be more upset than you.” Scene cuts to Cheng Man who looks solemn and contemplated. With much reservation, she takes the ice. The Coach smiles at her technique. but she falls. Cheng Miao has an old ankle injury. The doctors all said she was fine, but Coach knows Cheng Miao isn’t fine. The problem lies in her heart. Cheng Miao is afraid of falling. It’s a psychological problem that can be overcome, but the problem is Cheng Miao doesn’t want to.
[Cheng Shu] Cheng Shu ain’t any better. Still struggling between two men/fans.
[Cheng Miao] Cheng Qiao visits Ma Bo Yuan to learn about the profession, or more like the salary of the profession. If you’re the top 1%, then you earn a lot. If not, you probably earn pennies. It’s hard for Ma Bo Yuan to gauge Cheng Miao’s future, but he assures Cheng Qiao that he’ll negotiate to other teams in Cheng Miao’s best interest. This makes Cheng Qiao curious. Why not his (Ma Bo Yuan’s) team? Ma Bo Yuan isn’t quite making money (yet). FPV is his interest, his hobby. This upsets Cheng Qiao because it will be her daughter’s career. What happens when Ma Bo Yuan loses interest? What will become of her daughter’s future? Cheng Qiao stands up, ready to leave. But Ma Bo Yuan (reluctantly) reveals that he already thought of her backup plan.
Ma Bo Yuan: Uncle, I promise I will take responsibility for Miao Miao to the end. He called her Miao Miao ~
He’s reluctant to share the details because he doesn’t want Cheng Miao to know. He wants her to charge forward as if that’s her only path. He wants her to be devoted and not give up like she did for figure skating. Cheng Qiao seems persuaded.
Coach chats with Cheng Miao. He knows she loves the feeling of flying on the ice when she skates. When everyone was nervous during competitions, she never was. Ahh, this explains all her FPV scenes. However, the more she improved, the more she had to perfect the high level techniques. There was no more freedom. Everything felt so rigid. Skating was no longer fun. Coach offers to train her over the winter vacay. Before Cheng Miao can answer, Hu Mei is already forcing her to accept. Coach reprimands Hu Mei that this is Cheng Miao’s decision. Hu Mei relents, only to interrupt again, and again, and again, until Cheng Miao can finally speak. She accepts Coach’s help but she wishes the practice isn’t with the goal of competing. Hu Mei yaps again, but Coach controls her and accepts Cheng Miao’s terms. However, back at home without Coach’s babysitting, Hu Mei confiscates Cheng Miao's phone. She won’t let her join the FPV tournament and locks her in the room.
[Cheng Man; Kong Ling Qi] The board of directors sent out a message that Kong Ling Qi will be resting for months. Not a single employee is concerned. Disheartened, Kong Ling Qi sees no point in returning to Shanghai. He also doesn’t plan on using Cheng Man’s strategy. He’d rather sacrifice himself than pull down the company with him.
[Cheng Shu] Liao Ran's BBT fellas (x2) have arrived, but they look more like thugs.
[Ep25] [Cheng Shu] Cheng Shu leaves the room in one piece, but her mind is a mess. She’s convinced Liao Ran is involved with drug dealers and that he’s running away from them. I mean...BBT can be totally addicting.. and totally unhealthy.
[Cheng Man] Cheng Man is offered money from headquarters to rewrite her report. This was a request from Uncle Dong. She doesn’t promise just yet. Her colleague double checks his phone to make sure he dialled the right number. The old Cheng Man would never have even considered it. She hangs up to call Kong Ling Qi and learns he’s given up on going to Shanghai. She demands to know his location. He asks if she has business with him. Annoyed, she retorts, “If I don’t have business with you then I can’t see you?” She gives him two choices: if he wants to see her then drop a pin. If not then she’ll ask the driver for his location (she memorized the license plate). It’s one choice: see her. Lol. It’s just what method he prefers. He concedes.
[Cheng Shu] Wei Qi invites Cheng Shu for dinner with a well known food-taster to promote “their” restaurant. It’s so annoying how he calls the restaurant “ours”. How is Cheng Shu keeping her temper? Cheng Shu rejected it until Wei Qi mentionned the benefits for Liao Ran’s career as a chef. Dinner is set. The chef making dinner is Liao Ran. Oh, Wei Qi. You grandmaster. His Manager shakes her head at his manipulative ways, thoroughly disgusted.
Manager: I’m just wondering if the fruit that’s been stolen is still sweet.Wei Qi: I don’t care if it’s sweet, I just want it.
[Cheng Miao] Ma Bo Yuan gives Cheng Miao his best drone. Yin Qing is like “Did she PUA you?” Haha. I love the scene transitions. Wei Qi is totally applying PUA to Cheng Shu. As for Ma Bo Yuan, he’s giving himself to Cheng Miao all on his own. Yin Qing complains that Ma Bo Yuan should be the one flying his own drone. Ma Bo Yuan turns solemn. He thinks he’s not worthy of such an amazing “sword”.
But where is Cheng Miao? (Grounded.) Both Yu Wei Wei and Yin Qing believe Cheng Miao has no passion for their sport. However, Ma Bo Yuan believes in her. He can see her love (and his love for her, ya? Ya.).
Mom Cheng finds Cheng Miao locked in the room. She tells Cheng Miao how the entire family was involved in her figure skating. Dad Cheng even quit smoking to save money for her. That’s a good thing!! She teaches Cheng Miao about passion, and reminds her that for every decision she makes, she has to take responsibility for it. However, after that long conversation Mom Cheng doesn’t open the door. Instead, she leaves the keys right by the glass door. Well, well, well. Cheng Miao breaks the glass door with a hammer! She’s attending the FPV tournament. She will take responsibility for her decisions. Mom Cheng sighs and continues knitting like nothing happened. Ha, she waved the keys at Cheng Miao on purpose.
Yu Wei Wei mutters to Ma Bo Yuan that she hopes Cheng Miao loses to keep her ego in check. Ma Bo Yuan doesn’t even want to speak to her anymore, lol. Then during Cheng Miao’s race, she pulls a nifty technique. Alex asks Ma Bo Yuan if he taught her that. Ma Bo Yuan modestly replies he doesn’t even know it himself. Then Cheng Miao pulls an Alex technique, crashing her opponent. Ma Bo Yuan pats Alex’s chest to thank him for that technique, ha. Cheng Miao wins. Alex recruits her but Cheng Miao refuses. She promised her shifu to beat him. Shifu is proud!
Hu Mei is pissed off that her daughter ran away. As she’s sweeping the floor from the glass shard, she complains that the young and the old annoys her. Well, Mom Cheng is still knitting in her room. Awkward. She just offended her mother-in-law. Mom Cheng speaks from experience that it’s no use putting out the fire when the passion is from within. I love how crafty and wise Mom Cheng is but I think she could have at the very least swept the floor. Hu Mei can’t process the advice, reminding Mom Cheng that Cheng Miao is her daughter. She knows her daughter best. Mom Cheng smiles and gives the last advice, “If I offend one child, I still have two to take care of me. What about you?” LOL. Eerie threat from mother-in-law.
[Cheng Man] Kong Ling Qi feels betrayed by Uncle Dong, who’s like a second father to him (if he considers his father as father, that is). He’s also disheartened that none of the employees who started the business with him left a message for him to stay. He tells Cheng Man that he founded Dobi (home decor) with the dream of making homes for everyone, unlike his that was shattered. Aw. Cheng Man is touched and says she might have invested in him. Was it just empty flattery, or did she mean it? Then Cheng Man snaps a selfie with him, telling him to come closer and smile. Next, she posts it. She’s forcing the enemies to act with this ambiguous picture. For the record, Cheng Man has never uploaded such an “intimate” selfie. Why doesn’t she tell him about Uncle Dong’s request?
Despite the picture, the investors still want to remove Kong Ling Qi because he’s an obstacle to their Hong Kong advancement. Uncle Dong is against it (Team Kong Ling Qi!) and if they insist, they’ll have to deal with Dad Kong (who’s also threatening them).
[Cheng Shu] Wei Qi wanted to take advantage of the dinner, but ended up fouling the mood. Like always. Food-taster wants Wei Qi out of the room because his presence is upsetting the delicate senses required to taste such delicacies before him. Outside the room, Cheng Shu asks Wei Qi to not destroy the itty bit of patience she has for “John”. Towards him, Cheng Shu only has patience and nothing else, and even that is barely there. Wei Qi, get the message already.
[Cheng Man] Kong Ling Qi treats his General to dinner. He wants some alcohol but Cheng Man won’t let him. It affects one’s memory. It makes them addicted to sleep, annoyed, and dispirited. She hates all of that. Cheng Man, are you going to marry him or something? Lol. She follows up that he can’t drink because he’s her driver. He smiles that this dinner is more like a date. She warns him, “Don’t flirt (/stir) me. You won’t be able to move me.” Cheng Man, ah ~ He already did. With his sincerity.
[Ep27] [Cheng Man] She learns that Kong Ling Qi had various part time jobs too (just like her). Once he graduated, he didn’t spend a cent of his parents’ money. Cheng Man continues to be impressed. Dinner is interrupted when Lin Yuan joins. She wants to speak about Dou Dou. Kong Ling Qi excuses himself from the ladies. He takes the piano! Omg, this man! Who are you! And that’s pretty much it for the “romantic” dinner because Lin Yuan spoils it. She suggests a way for Cheng Man to take back Dou Dou again: pay back Dad Tian’s debt. Come again? Cheng Man seethes. She doesn’t need to buy back her daughter and if Lin Yuan truly understands Dad Tian, she should know his pride would never accept her help. Cheng Man orders her to scram. Cheng Man rues for Dou Dou who was depressed with her, and now she must feel like she’s a burden to her father.
Time for some Kong Ling Qi magic! He cheers up Cheng Man by hollering at her to snowboard with him. Cheng Man hates both snowboarding and how he’s ordering her around. He reminds her she did the same with him at dinner (when she ordered him to not flirt around in order to focus his all in work). Cheng Man is still terribly stubborn. In a stern tone, Kong Ling Qi begs her. Cheng Man laughs. (Notice that she’s sitting in the passenger seat now!)
Kong Ling Qi takes Cheng Man to the ski resort that he was kidnapped to in Ep4! xD Oh right, there’s this plot! He promised to bring an investor. A man of his words, hahaha. There’s only one room left. Well, one room it is!
[Cheng Shu] The food-taster recruits Liao Ran, but he refuses. He learned cooking for Cheng Shu. Omg. Cheng Shu's heart flutters, but whines that he’s telling everyone about his feelings, but her. Isn’t she worse? She doesn’t want to say I-love-you for her pride, but forces him to say it. Is his pride nothing? Then she feels guilty when she overhears Liao Ran’s friends questioning her love. For all the things Liao Ran has done for her, she never even returned a simple I-love-you. It’s like she’s using him. I like how the wiretapping is done with a phone + power bank.
[Cheng Man] Kong Ling Qi and Cheng Man share a room (separate bedding) and admire the starry night. They talk about retirement. He wants to live away from the city with the person he loves. Hint, hint. Nudge, nudge. As for Cheng Man, she thinks she’ll be alone because her daughter will be all grown up. He asks if it’ll be lonely. Still baiting her to retire together, haha. But Cheng Man likes being alone (and doesn’t find it lonely). It’s rather comforting. It’s a dead end, lol. Kong Ling Qi changes the conversation and learns she’s a Leo while he’s Cancer. Then he asks about her favourite food in Shanghai. She tries to be vegetarian. It’s healthier. He whines that eating with her is such a bore. She retaliates that she won’t be eating with him anyway. Ha. He probes further if she’s on diet, “See, elephants are vegetarian. Do they look skinny? So, want to have dinner with me in Shanghai?” LOL. This whole convo was to get to that last part. But does he remember his handsome face has a rolled up napkin in his nostrils from his nosebleed? So romantic! She tells him “Later.” He plops back on bed, moaning that she's boring. Don’t lose hope, Kong Ling Qi! The old Cheng Man would have rejected him on the spot :D.
[Ep28] [Cheng Miao] Ma Bo Yuan walks Cheng Shu home (and calls her Miao Miao). Before he leaves, she gives him a warm hand pack so that his hands (for flying) are protected. He thanks her for the warmth and many more; she reminds him of when he was young and reckless. ...He’s still young, isn’t he xD
[Cheng Shu] Elsewhere there’s another romantic couple. Cheng Shu has planned a dinner for Liao Ran. She’s confessing. About time! The things he’s done for her cannot be quantified by time or money (like Wei Qi). He’ll always be the first one to tell her to rest if she’s tired. He’ll protect her from those who harass her online, but also maintain a harmonious environment among her fans. She doesn’t understand, though, why it had to be her. He doesn’t know how to answer. Perhaps this is why it’s love. As for Cheng Shu, she realized his importance when he unsubscribed. Liao Ran kisses and embraces her.
In the morning, Drama turns into a musical (without the singing). Peng Ya and Xiao Xue gossip that Liao Ran and Cheng Shu spent the night together. Wei Qi overhears! He always does, lol.
[Cheng Man] There's another couple who spent the night together! It’s Cheng Man and Kong Ling Qi. She wakes up first and tries to snap a picture of him (paper still in nostril). A sign of a girl in love? xD. But then he gets a call that all the departments, except admin, finance, and legal, will quit if Kong Ling Qi is ousted. Our boss is smug, but Cheng Man asks him to reflect on the absence of the three main departments.
During breakfast, Cheng Man asks Kong Ling Qi when he’s leaving for Shanghai. I like how she commented on his loud slurping. She’s considering his habits. He’s postponing it because he wants her to go back with him. Smiling, Cheng Man wants to know what relationship he’ll tell everyone they are. He says he’ll pay her if she needs. Cheng Man doesn’t want money. She’s baiting him to ask her to be his girlfriend! She’s so flirting with him, but he’s not getting it! In that conversation, she gave him so many opportunities!!! What happened to the flirt! Why are you failing at the critical moment? xD. Kong Ling Qi thinks she’s not helping on purpose, not even as a “friend”. He gives her the silent treatment. Idiot, lol. Then out of spite, she suggests they cut contact after CNY. He bitterly agrees. Cheng Man doesn’t know whether to be angry at him or compliment him for his obedience. Kong Ling Qi doesn’t get why she would be angry in the first place. *Glares*
Breakfast is interrupted by the resort chief. Kong Ling Qi cheerfully introduces him to the famous investor – round of applause! – Cheng Man! Hahaha. Cheng Man’s hand is about to be shaken off by the Chief who has dreamed of meeting her.
[Cheng Miao] Cui Xue tells Cheng Qiao of an opportunity for Cheng Miao but Dad declines. He won’t force Cheng Man. He doesn’t want to be like his mother who forced him on a road that he hated. Ahhhhh. However, Hu Mei is different. She might even divorce him over it. What’s with Cui Xue’s expression when she hears of the divorce?
Hu Mei (and Cheng Miao) get a visitor (Hu Guai). He’s her university senior who likes Cheng Miao. He’s got CNY’s presents for her family.
Cheng Qiao gets a second visitor: Yu Wei Wei. (Ma Bo Yuan had told her to wait after the competition so that Cheng Miao gets the best offers. But Yu Wei Wei wants to earn a profit. Why would she wait? It’s not like she loves Cheng Miao, unlike someone). Cheng Qiao looks over the contract details and tells Yu Wei Wei that he’ll have to consult with Ma Bo Yuan (and Cheng Miao).
[Ep29] [Cheng Miao] Hu Guai introduces himself to Hu Mei. Cheng Miao isn’t pleased. At all. Hu Mei is! She likes him for being a lawyer, and she loves him for being smitten with Cheng Miao’s figure skating.
[Cheng Man] She hates being used the most and Kong Ling Qi just did that by scamming her to come to this village resort to meet the chief. If she says this place is worth investing, she’ll have to follow up with everything from approval to renovations. Kong Ling Qi apologizes. He didn’t know it would be such a hassle. He thought her expertise could help the villagers. Hearing this, Cheng Man is even more annoyed. “Do you know what I hate the most?” Kong Ling Qi slowly shakes his head. Those who can’t concentrate. She knows he’s kind and all, but he can’t even fix his own problems and now he’s trying to solve someone else’s. Of course, Cheng Man is annoyed. Kong Ling Qi isn’t quite listening because he’s confused. “Didn’t you just say that you hate it the most when people use you?” LMAO. HAHAHA. Cheng Man, breathe! Kong Ling Qi apologizes again. He’s wrong for being right, hahaha.
Cheng Man: I’m telling you now that before you make any decision, you have to consult with meKong Ling Qi (serious): From today forward, I give up my right to think independently. LOL. These two get the best lines. I will give the right to you.Cheng Man (smiles a bit): Remember then. If there’s a next time (a next time! What happened to cutting off contact!), you’re dead.
Cheng Man returns to tell the chief that she’ll take a few pictures of the mountains and then ask her colleagues, but she doesn’t have high hopes of turning this place into a ski resort. The Chief asks her what they can do to attract the young ones. She’ll research more to explore their options. Kong Ling Qi is very proud and impressed at Cheng Man. She playfully pulls down his ear to get back at him. Touching him now, eh. He says she doesn’t need to. He’ll pull his ear down himself to serve her. Omg, lol. He has a comeback for everything.
[Cheng Shu] CEO Xie Ke had wanted to splurge on Cheng Shu’s livestream to be her #1 fan, because what influencer wouldn’t obey their #1 fan? Lol. #1 Fan is listening and is hilariously offended. Wei Qi – the walking example that throwing cash at Cheg Shu doesn’t work – introduces himself to Xie Ke. He offers to collaborate since their goals align. Xie Ke wonders out loud that he’s kinda despicable. YES! Wei Qi doesn’t care. He just wants Liao Ran gone. He suggests to sue Liao Ran. The idea is rejected. Xie Ke and Liao Ran are childhood friends. The Assistant asks Wei Qi to lay out his logic on the lawsuit and what’s in it for him. Wei Qi wants Liao Ran’s bank accounts to be frozen so that Cheng Shu’s debt remains. This will force Cheng Shu into two options: 1) see Wei Qi everyday, or 2) sell this place. The Assistant is even more confused. Isn’t he pursuing her? Why is asking to be beaten? Wei Qi has more explanations for his plan that I just can’t understand. The Assistant and Xie Ke send eye signals to each other, which obviously means Wei Qi’s a psycho.
[Other] Mom and Dad Cheng fight over the house being mortgaged Dad Cheng accidentally flings her. As a result, Mom Cheng is hospitalized for an ankle sprain(?).
[Cheng Man] Cheng Man receives a call about Mom Cheng just when she was ’snowboarding’ with Kong Ling Qi (and they almost kissed!). They head to the hospital but she won’t reply the texts. If she replies, then no matter how much effort she tries to arrive early, he’ll whine that she’s so late. But if she doesn’t reply, then when she arrives, he’ll be grateful that she’s here. Aha. I see. Kong Ling Qi assures Cheng Man that she doesn’t have to use any tactics on him. She just has to tell him, and he’ll do it. These two. :D
Cheng Man offers to drive out of kindness. But she’s just saying it (she’s got no license). She jokes that she doesn’t want to seem too heartless. Kong Ling Qi laughs and teases her for being childish, which prompts a childish retort from Cheng Man: “I’m 100000 times more mature than you.” Kong Ling Qi coaxes the child, that yes, she is mature and beautiful, and everything nice. Cheng Man's laughter is bright and dazzling as she snickers, “Oily”. Aha! Kong Ling Qi has the best strategy to handle oil. Scrape it all off (his face) and use it to make fried rice for her late night snack. Cheng Man smacks him for being so disgusting. Kong Ling Qi is offering all his body for her to eat. He’s letting her 吃他 – consume him, control him, have him. Just everything. Enough with the jokes, though. Kong Ling Qi’s family has a tradition that if he’s serious about a girl, he brings her home to see his ancestor. He wants her to do that with her. Cheng Man is flustered. She can’t look him in the face as her chest rises and falls. She doesn’t accept, though. I mean, guy cannot just throw this question at her in the car when they don’t have a “relationship” to begin with. Cheng Man just upgraded from backseat girl to passenger girl. Too fast! Kong Ling Qi swiftly (and easily) changes the conversation, but he’s quite concerned about her reaction.
Still in the car, Kong Ling Qi asks about Cheng Man’s parents. Mom Cheng is the type who will never divorce because it’s utter humiliation. Mom Cheng would rather suffer her entire life with a man who doesn’t value her. When Cheng Man divorced, Mom would call all her colleagues to convince them to convince her not to divorce. Cheng Man was the laughing stock of the company. Cheng Man also remembers that when she was younger, she never needed her parents to care for her, and so she never had much of an existence in the family. Cheng Shu would have all the pretty clothes and hers would be filled with holes. Aw. But it’s a long in the past and Cheng Man is over it, but it’s still unfair that her parents dote on the kid who’s the least capable. Kong Ling Qi has a different perspective. Does she really need her parents’ love? He doesn’t. He wants his parents as far from his life as possible. Sigh. 家家有本难念的经. Every family has their hardships. You cannot use your own lens to judge another family. Cheng Man tears up as she stares at this sentimental Kong Ling Qi.
Cheng Man: Then don’t you yearn for close (familial) relationships?Kong Ling Qi: Yearn. (= Yes I do yearn for it). As he says “yearn”, he’s staring at Cheng Man.
[Ep30] [Cheng Family] At the hospital, Kong Ling Qi meets his future sister/brother-in-laws for the first time, which was all pretty chill until Cheng Man runs out to yell at Cheng Shu for scamming Dad into mortgaging their home. Cheng Shu had no idea. The sisters go ballistic at each other. Kong Ling Qi, this is your future family xD
Although the sisters are both fiery, they make up instantly. Cheng Shu’s the cute one, sending Cheng Man air kisses. Aw. The conversation changes to boyfriends. First it was about Kong Ling Qi, and then it changed to Liao Ran! And that’s how Cheng Man learns of him! Fortunately, Cheng Man won’t force Liao Ran for his sister’s happiness but asks Cheng Shu to consider that she may be blocking his path. He’s got to make big money elsewhere. What if Liao Ran regrets his choice to stay for her? Cheng Shu is conflicted. Cheng Man suggests that a long distance relationship is an option. But Cheng Shu has a trauma from it. That’s the reason she broke up with Wei Qi (and she doesn’t want to break up with Liao Ran). Ask the guy for his decision, will ya?
Cheng Qiao introduces Kong Ling Qi to Mom Cheng as Cheng Man’s boyfriend. Mom Cheng wants to know when they’ll marry, pft. Then when Cheng Man and Cheng Mom are alone, Mom is weeping. She’s just too happy there’s someone in this world who can stand Cheng Man's temper. Mom Cheng only ever pulls the pitiful crying card to Cheng Man, haha. I pity Cheng Man, xD.
[Cheng Miao] Cheng Miao tells Hu Guai that she already loves someone else: Ma Bo Yuan. Hu Guai searches him up. By now everyone has “googled” him, lol.
[Cheng Shu] Thanks to Kong Ling Qi, Cheng Shu learns Liao Ran dated a girl a year ago. Cheng Shu is angry. It’s sorta like cheating after how much he flirted with her online. Girl...you can’t expect faithfulness from a guy online when you aren’t even in a relationship...*blinkblink*.
[Cheng Family] Cheng Man speaks with Liao Ran as Cheng Shu’s sister (not as an investor). Cheng Man doesn’t want her sister to walk her path (of divorce). She wants Lian Ran to truly understand her sister before he makes any rash decision. His existence will only make Cheng Shu lazier. She’ll rely on him while he works hard, and then she'll get to earn money while sitting around. Liao Ran doesn’t mind. and will dote on her. He doesn’t think he’s giving up his future to enable her to be lazy. His future is to spoil her. Woah. Now he asks Cheng Man for advice on how to treat Cheng Shu better. Cheng Man gives him heartfelt ones that only a real sister who cares can. Aw.
[Ep31] [Cheng Shu; Liao Ran] Assistant has a plan for Xie Ke: freeze Liao Ran’s bank account by reporting suspicious activity, then he’ll have to return to Beijing to resolve it, and then his parents will learn that he quit for Cheng Shu, and finally he’ll have to stay in Beijing. Xie Ke ponders on the idea, skips the bank hassle (pft), and directly calls Liao Ran’s parents to tattle.
[Cheng Man] Speaking of parents, Kong Ling Qi’s father is buying Dobi’s stocks to become the biggest shareholder. This is the worst outcome for Kong Ling Qi. He needs to return to Shanghai ASAP. Parents, man. What to do with them? Cheng Man won’t let him leave until he tells her why. If he doesn’t, then that’s the end of their relationship. Kong Ling Qi, the man who gave up his right to independently think, shares that he had another startup company but his father colluded with all the directors, and threw him out of his own business, then gave it to his half brother. Woah. Kong Ling Qi knows his father wants him to fail because he cannot allow Kong Ling Qi, who hates him the most, to become a formidable opponent. But can a father really be like that?
Kong Ling Qi remembers about his childhood. One day he returned home to see his mother lying on the ground, wrist seeping with blood. His mother tried committing suicide. His father had cheated. Then they were sent to an old apartment complex, with no money to renovate the leaking roof. His mother had thought that if she was quiet and obedient, one of these days Dad Kong would look for her again. However Dad Kong never visited, not when she died of cancer, and not when her corpse was burnt to ashes. Never.
[Cheng Shu] Liao Ran wants to apologize (for nothing that he’s done wrong) with a bouquet of roses (because all girls love roses), but Cheng Shu won’t see him and there’s also Wei Qi who’s being an obnoxious jerk. As for Cheng Shu, she’s getting advice from Xiao Xue, who tells her there’s one sure way to kill love: rejecting communication. Cheng Shu doesn’t take the advice. This problem is blown out of proportion. Do these two not have enough problems already?
[Cheng Man] Cheng Man is being just a little nasty and challenges Kong Ling Qi to consider if she’s actually on his team. What if she’s not? Kong Ling Qi is already stressed out, but answers with conviction that he believes her. Cheng Man probes for an explanation. Kong Ling Qi cannot be more annoyed. He doesn’t know the answer and he doesn’t care anymore. If anything, he’ll just restart. What can he do? Cheng Man doesn’t like his defeated mentality. She drills it in him that no one can steal what’s his. “Do you have the determination to die with whoever takes down your company?”
Uncle Dong phones Dad Kong. The former thought the latter was saving Kong Ling Qi’s company but it turns out he’s the real wolf. Uncle Dong reminds Dad Kong that he already stole his company once and gave it to his second son. Dad Kong is proud of that. It’s flourishing thanks to the second son (because the foundation was strong!WTF.). If he didn’t nab it, Kong Ling Qi would certainly fail. Dad Kong also doesn’t like Kong Ling Qi’s glowing pride. What is wrong with this dad?!?!?! He continues to belittle Kong Ling Qi. If he never had Uncle Dong as a connection (thanks to Dad Kong), then Kong Ling Qi would be nothing. Uncle Dong is so furious his veins could pop. Helping Kong Ling Qi had nothing to do with the connections with Dad Kong. He admired Kong Ling Qi's intelligence and generosity. Dad Kong scoffs. His son needs to fail utterly so that he will be obedient (and then he’ll succeed). He means crippling his son so that he can never walk on his own two feet. Dad comments that if this defeat is too brutal and he cannot stand up again, then it’s better he’s not wasting everyone’s resources. Sordid piece of turd.
[Ep32] [Cheng Shu] Manager tells Wei Qi he doesn’t love Cheng Shu. It’s possession and manipulation. Wei Qi asks what’s the difference. Excuse me. Manager says there’s no need for communication at this point. Wei Qi just can’t take defeat.
[Cheng Miao] Hu Mei learns from Hu Guai that Cheng Miao likes Ma Bo Yuan. Gossipy boy. Mom is against Ma Bo Yuan. He’s young and successful. He won’t be loyal. She has the same concern as Mom Cheng about Kong Ling Qi. Moms. Dad, the coward, who said he could speak up to Hu Mei, is all bluff. He also accidentally reveals the FPV contract, and now Hu Mei is going yappity yap yap.
[Cheng Man] Cheng Man evaluates the current situation: conniving Dad Kong used the lowest price to buy Dobi's stocks. I think Show was very smart with this plot. In the very beginning, it looked like Dad Kong was helping his son, but little did we know.... It’s imminent that Kong Ling Qi will lose another company. Cheng Man’s criticisms are endless. If he was just a tiny bit careful in signing his contracts, he wouldn’t be in this situation. And this is already the second time. He admits that he’s dumb and silly. No. This is not about intelligence. She calls him “lazy, lazy, LAZY!” She's interrupted by a call from Dad Cheng who tells her to wait at the resort. He wants to see her. However, Cheng Man says she has to leave soon. Dad Cheng hangs up. There’s no room for discussion. Kong Ling Qi has a small smile and asks where she’s planning on going. Shanghai. With Kong Ling Qi!. If she doesn’t go with him, they’ll rip him apart. Kong Ling Qi pouts and turns all cute on her. She warns him to not pull that trick because she won’t spoil/dote him. She’s already spoiling him :D.
Huang Mao (Goldie; buddy) asks Kong Ling Qi to reconsider if Cheng Man is actually on their team. What if Cheng Man is doing this for money? Kong Ling Qi doesn’t care. This means she sees value in him (that he’s worth using). Love makes one blind, lol.
[Cheng Shu; Liao Ran] After Xie Ke finishes the call to Liao Ran’s mother, the parents now know Liao Ran is dating an influencer. They’re against it. All these parents...
...And now we have another guardian (↓)
[Cheng Shu; Wei Qi] Wei Qi’s boss/partner is here! Luo Li Sha is beautiful and young. She’s here to dissect Wei Qi for all of us. Wei Qi has depression. She had consulted with his psychiatrist that his medication doses have increased. At the privacy breach, Wei Qi is hysterical. Luo Li Sha knows more: he never revealed his dating history with Cheng Shu to the psychiatrist, which means he’s afraid the psychiatrist will make him forget Cheng Shu. In the past, no matter how he felt, he’d at least pretend to be normal, but now he won’t even pretend. Luo Li Sha believes he is really sick and the source of it all is his regret towards Cheng Shu. In actuality, he wants to help Cheng Shu to save himself. Hul~ Wei Qi is actually “sick”. Everyone said that. It’s also a very common Chinese expression (mild-moderate insult) to ask if your brain is okay. Turns out his brain/heart is really not okay... :/
Back inside, Cheng Miao is surprised that Hu Guai supported her dream. For him, that’s the most normal thing to do. Why would he force her to do something she doesn’t want to do? He also knows she doesn’t like him. For the past 3 years, 2 months, and 8 days (a counter!) since he’s known her, she only uploaded two selfies. He wanted to see her to remember her better. He has one request. He wants to see her in her sport that makes her happy. Aw. They sneak out through the windows to avoid the parents.
[Cheng Shu] A few problems. Yawn.
- Luo Li Sha wants Cheng Shu to accept(?) Wei Qi by tempting her with a contract to be an actress. Cheng Shu rejects. Yes, she is/was passionate about acting, but her happiness is more important and it lies with the people here.
- Xie Ke shows Liao Ran a picture of Cheng Shu sitting on a man’s lap and drinking. He swears it’s not PS. LMAO. The level of PS is so bad. Liao Ran is shocked, which surprises me how he doesn’t know when he’s such a big fan of her. (The picture is maliciously misleading. She had destroyed the table after being pulled onto the man’s lap).
- Since tempting Cheng Shu with acting isn’t working, Luo Li Sha tells her that Wei Qi has depression. He’s suicidal. And the reason for it all is Cheng Shu. Guilt-tripping. Is Luo Li Sha's character supposed to make me like Wei Qi better?
[Cheng Man] Cheng Man finds an interview clip of Kong Ling Qi. He said he would bring the woman he loves to snowboard. She’s interrupted when Dad Cheng visits. He tells her about his investment (that didn’t go very well). He wanted to make more money for Cheng Shu and Mom Cheng, the two who are the least independent. He confides in Cheng Man that he has a brain tumour, benign. But it’s in a spot where it can’t be surgically removed. He asks Cheng Man to help with the house mortgage. He also doesn’t want to see Mom Cheng because all his friends who passed away, their wives followed a few years later because of depression. He’s distancing himself for Mom Cheng's sake.
I feel bad for Cheng Man. I think it sucks being the most responsible one in the family. You don’t get the love and you get all the work. This is why Cheng Man learned all the skills to make her family appreciate her (e.g. not replying texts).
Cheng Man packs her belongings to leave for Shanghai. She receives a call from her colleague, advising her to back off. Dad Kong will likely sue her and whether or not she’s charged, her reputation will still be affected. Cheng Man is determined to help Kong Ling Qi. However, this reveals that someone leaked her itinerary. Who could have known she’s leaving for Shanghai? It's Goldie.
[Ep34] [Cheng Miao] Hu Guai meets Ma Bo Yuan and gives him a handshake, a hard one. Ma Bao Yuan returns the grip. The Grip of Masculinity! The first to loosen is the weaker man, but... Cheng Miao snaps at the immature boys. The competition is starting. Get to business! But Yu Wei Wei tampers with Cheng Miao’s drone (to keep her price low). Dirty. Is this what Ma Bo Yuan meant back in Ep12 when he warned her not to negatively influence Cheng Miao?
Ma Bo Yuan wins the quarterfinals, but he doesn’t celebrate. He examines Cheng Miao’s faulty drone and convinces the judge for a rematch. The other players agree. He even gives Cheng Miao a new drone. Hu Guai silently watches everything Ma Bo Yuan is doing for Cheng Miao. Ma Bo Yuan is so caring. Teary-eyed. Sniffle. The tournament restarts. Cheng Miao and Ma Bo Yuan’s drones fly together like they’re dancing. Cheng Miao remembers figure skating with his drone. Everyone is stunned at the beautiful flight.
Cheng Miao wins. Hu Guai is so happy for her, he almost calls her his girlfriend and corrects himself, “goddess”. Ma Bo Yuan is eliminated, but he’s happy for her too. Probably the happiest one. Her skills are above his. There’s nothing more he can teach her. She won't need him anymore. He distances himself from her. Cheng Miao, don’t let this man go! Whether or not he likes Cheng Miao, I think he would have the sportsmanship to initiate a rematch even if it wasn’t Cheng Miao. He values the spirit of the sport. And he doesn’t at all feel embarrassed he lost to her. He’s simply proud of her.
Alex smirks. He had a condition for Ma Bo Yuan. If Ma Bo Yuan distanced himself from Cheng Miao (so that Alex can sign her), then he’d get an investment deal. Alex is convinced Ma Bo Yuan chose money over Cheng Miao.
[Cheng Shu] Liao Ran explains to Cheng Shu that he broke up with his ex before he met Cheng Shu online. He hasn’t even seen the real person and he’s supposed to stay faithful........ To prove that his love is true? What a stretch. Two years later, his ex came back to find him. She had cancer, fourth stage. This was the reason he unsubscribed so that he could care for. Hul~. Cheng Shu is still upset. He should have shared his problems with her. This means he didn’t trust her. WTF. I can’t. Girl, are you delusional? It was an online relationship that wasn’t even considered an online relationship. At the very least, can she remember the good? He learned Michelin-level-cooking for her already. He’s here in the middle of nowhere just to be with her. What more does she want?
[Cheng Man] Dou Dou sees Dad Tian hugging Lin Yuan. Will she think she’s a burden to dad who’s in a new relationship?
A drunk Kong Ling Qi wants Cheng Man to leave so that he’s not her burden. The theme of the episode. He’s a traditional guy. He wants to make his girl happy, and not bring her trouble. Cheng Man remembers her father's words. A real man is exactly like Kong Ling Qi. Dependable. Her eyes turn red with tears. He has more to say though. He asks her not to be disdained when she sees him later because once he’s defeated, he’ll be very depressed. It will take him a while, a long while, to recover and until he’s back to normal, he asks for her patience. He wants her to wait. Awww
Cheng Man: Wait for what? – Cheng Man smirks – You’re not saying it, huh?
She suggests a game of truth or dare. They rattle and roll the dice. She wins. Her question: “Kong Ling Qi, do you like me?” He avoids answering but she shows him the interview clip. Until now he hasn’t brought another girl snowboarding except her. Then she shows him another clip that his type is someone considerate and with a personality (doesn’t just go along with whatever he says). He wants someone to accompany him and to grow with him. He clarifies that he didn’t know her back then.
Cheng Man challenges: Now you know, so do you like me?Kong Ling Qi: Like! I like you a lot. But is it love, I can’t be certain. But I think of you all the time.
Game resumes. She wins again. Her question: What’s his plan for the future? He wants to be at her side as long as she’s now annoyed with him. Cheng Man likes that answer a lot and shows it: she kisses him. I like her post-reaction. She’s flustered too but takes deep, controlled breaths to calm herself. Game resumes. She wins again! Now it’s a dare. Since she kissed him, it’s his turn now. Ever so slowly, he kisses her cheeks. But then comes the deeper kiss. He apologizes that kissing will take some breaking into. Cheng Man tells him to shutup. They make out. Clothes are coming off ~
Alex – the punching bag – is here to yap. Yin Qing beats him up because that’s what punching bags are for. Ma Bo Yuan calms down the guys, giving Alex a chance to be spiteful. He thinks Ma Bo Yuan delivered on his end of the deal (distancing from Cheng Miao) for money. He’s wrong. Ma Bo Yuan taught her everything that he could. He won’t be of any help to her. He thinks leaving her will let her fly higher and freer. Alex isn’t really listening and sums it up to love. Ma Bo Yuan takes a deep breath (lol, no one believes him when he’s really doing it for her career and not just love) and explains he doesn’t know if it’s love, but he wants her to fly to prove to the world that female pilots can reach the top too. This is similar to Kong Ling Qi's confession. Both prudent on admitting it’s love when their actions say it all. Alex backs off. Cheng Miao steps in. She heard everything. She takes Ma Bo Yuan's alcohol and pours each of them a cup until the bottle is done. After that booze, she finally has courage to speak.
Cheng Miao (accusatory tone): Do you know what I hate of you the most? Lol. deja vu from Cheng Man. You believe you’re right about everything. You think you understand everything. You think that this is good for that person, so you’ll do it. Have you considered the feelings of that person? Do you know what kind of burden you’re giving that person? (Please note how this line fits in with Cheng Shu in the next scene.) You brought me into this circle. I don’t even have a proper foundation and now you’re just leaving? Have you considered what it’d be like for me alone tomorrow? Do you have any idea how scared I’ll be?
Ma Bo Yuan only says one line: “I’m sorry.” Cheng Miao threatens him that if he doesn’t show up tomorrow, she’ll quit. She reminds him she has other options. She can fly in the air, and she can fly on the ice. She doesn’t care about FPV as much as him. She’s just aggravating him to force him to come. Ma Bo Yuan promises that he’ll attend tomorrow, to be with her the last time.
Hu Guai leaves, dejected. Yin Qing is like – what do you call that face? – Bro-so-proud-of-you-man-you-got-the-girl!. Methinks that’s the face he’s making. Yin Qing pats Hu Guai to comfort him, while he’s still in wonder.
[Cheng Shu] From Xie Ke, Cheng Shu learns Liao Ran would have been so amazing as this scientist in this amazing program and then his future would have been so extra amazing, but he gave up the amazingness for her. Xie Ke pities Liao Ran who’s settling for being an ordinary chef. Cheng Shu is ridden with guilt. She turns down Liao Ran’s present (a roman coin from 100 BCE which means to illuminate and to protect). Liao Ran thinks she’s rejecting his love. He doesn’t know she’s doing this for his own “good”. Remember Cheng Miao's line? It turns out Show meant it for Cheng Shu. The next morning, Liao Ran packs his bags to leave.
The “noble” theme is in all the storylines. Kong Ling Qi wanted Cheng Man to leave, but he at least asked her to wait. Ma Bo Yuan was going to leave Cheng Miao so that she could fly higher, but she reprimanded him for that. And Cheng Shu, the only girl and the only one successfully pulling off the annoying noble arc.
[Cheng Man] Dou Dou packs her bag to leave Dad Tian, but he catches her. Oh, another noble lady. She doesn’t want to be a burden to Dad Tian and his relationship with Lin Yuan.
Now onto Cheng Man’s morning: she’s alone and groggy, and Kong Ling Qi isn’t picking up. Flashback to last night: clothes were coming off, but he pushed off, and told her to wait. Then he ran off, and off he ran the whole night. Turns out he couldn’t find a condom. HAHA.
Cheng Man has breakfast alone without Kong Ling Qi. Goldie joins her. She gives him five minutes to speak. He tells her Dad Kong will be visiting her. He also believes Dad Kong is acting in the best interest of Kong Ling Qi. Goldie, so naive. Cheng Man sternly replies that as Kong Ling Qi’s friend, she won’t let others bully him, not even his father. Goldie sighs and begs her to leave Kong Ling Qi because, clearly, she’s playing around with him. Someone like Cheng Man would never be interested in a person like Kong Ling Qi. Although he’s nice, innocent, and loyal, at the bottom line, he’s a kid, not attractive to a grown woman at all. If Cheng Man betrays Kong Ling Qi, Goldie swears he would implode. Just at the mention of her name, Kong Ling Qi’s eyes would sparkle. He’d never upload (love) songs on WeChat but because of her, he did. He’s also never said “I like you” to any girls. Cheng Man’s eyes are wandering as she’s keeping her smile in check. Hehe.
However, the tiny smile disappears at the mention of Kong Ling Qi’s ex. She had given Goldie 5 minutes, but at the mention of the ex, she gives him 10 more minutes. Ha. They had marriage in mind, but Kong Ling Qi was rather poor and wanted to finish the race to earn more money. However, he got into a car accident. The girl worked multiple jobs and didn’t have time to visit Kong Ling Qi. Then at the lowest point of his life, the girl left him. Half a year later, Goldie found out that it was Dad Kong who paid the girl. Wow. He paid her to leave Kong Ling Qi at the lowest point of his life just to destroy him to tatters... If this was Goldie’s plan to scare her, it’s not working. She’s not afraid. Kong Ling Qi in everyone’s eyes may be childish, but in hers, he’s strong, tough, and responsible, he’s also cute, talented, and humorous. Cheng Man has chosen him already. She likes him. I love the confidence, but Liu Tao did too much facial expression here, haha.
[Cheng Shu] Liao Ran is really leaving. Go! Cheng Shu doesn’t deserve you! Leave this mess. I support you!
[Ep36] [Cheng Man] She confronts Kong Ling Qi about last night. If he’s not interested in her, she will let him go. He’s too ashamed about last night to explain, lol,. but assures her that liking her is a fact. Absolute. “I like you. I like you a lot. I really like you a lot.” Smiling, Cheng Man takes his hand and holds them behind her as she takes him upstairs. Aw, the way she's holding his hand is cute.
[Cheng Shu]
- Liu Zi beats the crap out of Wei Qi, thinking he’s the reason Liao Ran left. Wei Qi is innocent, hahaha, but good move. Wei Qi, who’s in physical pain, is in joy because he won.
- Interesting fact: Xie Ke divorced three times.
- Cheng Shu’s still sad.
- Liao Ran is in a car with Xie Ke, heading to Shanghai.
[Cheng Miao] Hu Mei is depressed because Cheng Qiao is divorcing her. She dug herself into this hole... Cheng Miao finds her father. She defends Hu Mei for trying to preserve her figure skating career. Even if it’s not her dream anymore, Cheng Miao doesn’t want her mother to be sad. Cheng Qiao is like “Oh, so you want me to be sad?” Cheng Qiao wants her to do what she loves. It’s already too late for him, but she’s just beginning. He doesn’t want her to regret. As long as it is her decision and even if it costs his marriage, dad will always support her. Cheng Miao is too indecisive. Although the marriage is dad’s, the family is Cheng Miao’s too.
Ma Bo Yuan knows Yu Wei Wei tampered with Cheng Miao’s drone.
Alex tries to snatch Yin Qing from Ma Bo Yuan’s team. He reminds Yin Qing that Ma Bo Yuan has a backup but Yin Qing only has FPV. Yin Qing is loyal, though. He will stay, but Alex offers another plan.
[Cheng Man] Dad Tian convinces Dou Dou to have a meeting with Cheng Man. Take it like she’s the client and both parties will make offers and she gets to choose the best one. Dad Tian wants Dou Dou to believe she is no one’s burden, she’s the shiniest treasure in this world. For her happiness, her parents will do anything at any cost.
Cheng Man shows Kong Ling Qi her plan to take down his father. She typed it up last night, you know, the night he left her hanging, pft
[Cheng Miao] Hu Guai tells Cheng Miao that Ma Bo Yuan isn’t as great as he seems. His company could have gone public, but he alone cashed it for quick change. Cheng Miao believes the man that she knows. All his actions have earned her trust. Very timely, she gets an incoming call: it’s Ma Bo Yuan. Hu Guai hangs up for her. On the other end, Ma Bo Yuan is anxious, wondering if she’s in trouble AGAIN. Lol. Hahaha. There’s not a single quiet day with her xD. Hu Guai has more gossip to share: Ma Bo Yuan and Yu Wei Wei may have dated. Hu Guai is worried they’re teaming up to scam her. Cheng Miao says she’s not planning on playing anymore. Her parents are going to divorce because of it. Even if she wins, she won’t be happy.
Hu Guai shares that he hates being a lawyer. He wanted to carve (arts program), but his mother said he had no talent, and so he chose the program he hated the most, which really sucks because now he has to be a lawyer for the rest of his life. He wants her to choose something she’s passionate about. Cheng Miao sighs. What use is passion when her parents are against it?
Hu Guai: Family’s opinion matters, but when their opinion is destroying your life, then it’s no longer necessary to listen. I am the perfect counterexample. Don’t be like me. Aw.
It seems Cheng Qiao is finally getting through to Hu Mei! If her dream is to see Cheng Miao fly like a butterfly, now there’s a chance to see at the FPV tournament. Hu Mei gives in tearfully. But she doesn’t want Cheng Miao to give up skating. At least keep it as a hobby. Hu Mei loves watching her skate on the ice. Seeing her skate makes her proud. Cheng Miao tears up and promises her mother she’d feel proud with her FPV too. Mom cries. “Really? Then invite me.” Cheng Miao hugs her mother. Both are in tears.
The big showdown! Dad Kong meets Cheng Man (and Kong Ling Qi). Dad Kong says it’s a fact that Kong Ling Qi is useless. Then Dad Kong offers Cheng Man the CEO position during the company’s restructuring. Cheng Man accepts! They’ll sign the contracts tonight. Kong Ling Qi exits, furious. Goldie, who had packed his suitcase, overhears the rest of the conversation. He’s under the impression that Cheng Man is Dad Kong’s other spy. He’s not leaving anymore. He’s furious for Kong Ling Qi.
Cheng Man was acting the whole time. She calls Kong Ling Qi a pig for being dumb enough to believe it. The fatter pig is Goldie. She was trying to find Dad Kong’s weakness. Just because people call him useless, it doesn’t mean he’s actually useless. Kong Ling Qi bellows, “Cheng Man, let me tell you I hate it the most when people call me useless!” And then he gives her a tight back-hug. Kong Ling Qi apologizes. He also gives her his most important possession: the key to his ancestral home. As long as the key is there (with her), he’ll know the way to restart. Aww. With her, even if he falls, he can stand up again.
As for Dad Kong, he doesn’t believe in Cheng Man at all. Dad Kong deliberately planted a seed of doubt in Goldie that Cheng Man is the other spy. Dad Kong also led him into retrieving a fake email where Cheng Man supposedly received incentives for writing the report.
[Cheng Shu] Liao Ran visits Dad Cheng (in his tent) before he leaves the city. Dad Cheng realizes he’s leaving and shares his love story with Mom Cheng to Liao Ran. Her family was against him because he was too poor. They grounded her, and so he drugged her family to visit her. He had asked her if she still wanted him and when he saw her cry, he knew she still cared for him. Dad Cheng remembers his friends telling him to give up because he can’t give her happiness. He swallowed the impossible, and made it possible. He can’t make her rich, but he promised to give her meat everyday and in those days, meat was hard to come by. There's nothing to regret as long as he spends his days with the person he loves. Says the guy who’s living alone in a tent while ignoring his wife who is/was in the hospital....
[Ep38] [Cheng Man] After the conversation with Goldie, Kong Ling Qi believes in Cheng Man...but he’s still uneasy. He asks Cheng Man how she crunched her numbers for her investment report. The lack of trust upsets Cheng Man.
[Cheng Siblings] The above discussion is interrupted by Cheng Shu. Dad Cheng sent a weird text that’s unlike dad. Cheng Shu is worried, and so Cheng Man organizes a meeting with Cheng Shu and Cheng Qiao to tell them of dad’s tumour. Cheng Man assures them not to worry. She’ll handle dad’s matter like always. What about Mom Cheng? Do they let her know? Cheng Man asks for a vote. For Cheng Man, she's worried about Mom Cheng’s health. They don’t need a tumour and a heart attack. Cheng Shu agrees. She’s considering it from a girl’s perspective. If Liao Ran has a tumour, she’ll be depressed for all his remaining days. Cheng Qiao considers it from a guy’s perspective.
Cheng Qiao: If I had a terminal disease and my wife isn’t by my side serving me, then I’ll die with my eyes open (= with an unresolved grievance).Cheng Man and Cheng Shu: Omg, you’re so (disgustingly) selfish. They didn’t say “disgustingly”, but the way they glared at Cheng Qiao said it all, hahaha.
Ultimately, the siblings decide to tell Mom Cheng, but Mom Cheng already knew. The doctor told her. She didn’t want the children to worry. Aw, everyone is thinking the same thing. Dad Cheng didn’t want to tell Mom Cheng. Cheng Man didn’t want to tell the siblings. Mom Cheng didn’t want to tell the children. The children didn’t want to tell their mother. Mom Cheng knows very well that Dad Cheng would reject surgery. Cheng Shu chirps in that it's dad’s decision to make; they can’t be deciding for him. Show, she's the last person I want to hear this line from. But Mom Cheng is certain he will never choose to lay in a hospital bed all helpless to await death. Mom grieves that there aren't many days left, and yet he still won’t stay at home with her. He must regret marrying her. Cheng Man explains to Mom Cheng. He’s distancing himself for her. A family of nobles. Mom Cheng stops weeping. She asks Cheng Shu for foundation, and Cheng Man for lipstick. Cheng Qiao eagerly asks for his task, LOL. Mom Cheng is like Go start the car. In the car, all the siblings compliment Mom Cheng on looking 16. Aw.
[Cheng Man] The big guy from the ski resort has presents for Kong Ling Qi because Cheng Man has delivered on her words. She researched everything with a detailed analysis and will also write a proposal for them. You hear dat Goldie?!? Goldie is like Does your village have a goldmine or something? Ha. Kong Ling Qi tells Goldie that if he still treats him like a brother, then bless his relationship with Cheng Man. Aw. Kong Ling Qi is accepting him as a friend again. But that confidentiality agreement... -_-".
[Parents] Mom Cheng arrives at Dad Cheng’s tent. She reminds him of his promise that when the children are all independent, they’d spent couple time together. Eventually, Mom Cheng convinces (with a lot of tears, lol) gruffy Dad Cheng to go home with her. The siblings are outside, running around in the cold to stay warm, and when they see their parents arm in arm, their hearts are warmed.
[Cheng Man] Kong Ling Qi has a romantic surprise for Cheng Man. The room is decorated with roses! He sings a traditional folk song (二人转) with improvised lyrics about Romeo and Juliet. Awww, he’s turning the song she hates (Ep6/7) into their love song! That’s how their relationship started. She absolutely hated him, but look at her now, so in love. Although she complains he should focus on their battle ahead, she smiles at the flowers. Then he asks her about her favourite city, favourite food, favourite author, all of which she answers easily, but when it comes to her favourite man, she keeps that a secret.
It’s interesting that Liao Ran and Kong Ling Qi used the same moves. Roses. A necklace. Singing. One succeeded! Yay! The other...let’s ignore that, lol. It’s also interesting that Liu Zi is the romantic strategist behind both men¹ xD.
[Cheng Miao] Ma Bo Yuan practices with Cheng Miao (for the first time she’s early enough to practice. She’s also in Ma Bo Yuan’s team jacket! She ditched Yu Wei Wei). Alex weasels in, annoying Cheng Miao.
Cheng Miao: Do you know what villains usually die from? Talking too much. LMAO. THIS.
Alex wants to bet AGAIN. If she loses, he wants her to sign with him. Cheng Man makes her condition that if she wins he is to apologize to Ma Bo Yuan and admit that he’s trash. Alex isn’t afraid of losing. Girl...why are you so confident...
Cheng Qiao and Hu Mei are in the audience! The match starts! Alex is making everyone crash. It’s only him and Cheng Miao left in the race. The big question though, did Yin Qing tamper with Cheng Miao’s drone?!
[Ep39] [Cheng Miao] Yin Qing didn’t betray! During the race, Cheng Miao makes Alex’s drone crash. She’s our champion! After winning, Cheng Miao flashes her brightest smile. Ma Bo Yuan spins her around in a hug. She pauses her celebration to take Ma Bo Yuan’s hand and leads him towards Alex. The bet! Alex mumbles an apology. Cheng Miao grills him, “Did you not eat? Louder!” Alex, louder now, spits “I’m sorry. Compared to you I am garbage.”
Yin Qing may be poor, but he would never betray his own people. Yin Qing, you didn't let me down! He told Ma Bo Yuan everything and had even recorded the conversation with Alex. If it's submitted to the committee, he could be permanently banned from the sport.
Alex finally learns the reason their previous company failed. Alex sold counterfeit shoes. Ma Bo Yuan was forced to sell the company at a low price (or face charges?). Alex looks a little shocked to hear this. Did he not know? When he’s the one who committed the crime?
Ma Bo Yuan (to Alex): “I hope you can 戒驕戒躁 (guard against arrogance). Only that is worthy of your talents. And only this way can you rise higher.” 戒驕 = guarding against pride (jiao); 戒躁 = guarding against impatience (zao).
Alex tearfully leaves. He was wrong about Ma Bo Yuan all along.
Yu Wei Wei congratulates Ma Bo Yuan. She’s got a new contract for Cheng Miao. It’s double the price. Ma Bo Yuan smirks. Not happening. Not after what she did.
Hu Mei watches the FPV replay (btw, she’s done crying). It’s very exciting for her. Meanwhile Cheng Qiao is puking, lol. The normal reaction. Cheng Qiao thanks Ma Bo Yuan, the mentor. He recalls an idiom: 一日為師 終身為父 = One day as a mentor, forever as a father. Ma Bo Yuan is “No...I don’t want to be her father.” LOL. Dad laughs and corrects himself that he wants to be his father. Father-in-law! xD. The parents learn he’s celebrating New Years alone and so Hu Mei (Mother-in-law!) asks Ma Bo Yuan (Son-in-law!) to join.
[Cheng Shu] Wei Qi’s back is still aching from Liu Zi’s kick, but he’s cheerful because he’s convinced that Cheng Shu chose him. Well, Cheng Shu breaks the truth. She never loved him. Dun dun dun! Really though? Show is set on making Cheng Shu and Liao Ran’s love the True kind. Whatever. She had good feelings, but it wasn’t love. She argues that it’s the same for Wei Qi. He only wanted to possess her. He didn’t care if he hurt her in the process. In fact, he never knew the real her. With him, she always had a filter on. She was always acting like someone dependable. When she’s with Liao Ran, she’s her true self – a spoiled brat, I guess. Also, it’s interesting how Wei Qi said Liao Ran was looking at Cheng Shu through a filter in Ep22 when it seems he never saw the real Cheng Shu. Cheng Shu gives him a friendly hug, and tells him she already forgave him a long time ago. She broke up with him to free herself so that she could be herself. Zing! *Shimmer Shimmer* Do you hear it? Wei Qi’s depression is healing...! Just like that.
As the staff panic on the big reservation tonight, Wei Qi swaggers in. He’s got a way to bring back Liao Ran: 1) steal Cheng Shu’s phone (right in front of her, lol. Because they need her face ID), 2) and send a message to Liao Ran (three crying emojis and three “come back”). Liao Ran is coming back.
[Cheng Man] Dad Tian and Dou Dou arrive at the resort unannounced. Cheng Man was so concentrated on the war, she forgot to acknowledge Dou Dou’s presence. It’s Kong Ling Qi who reminds her what’s important to her. Cheng Man thanks him and then apologizes to Dou Dou. She also asks for Dou Dou’s permission if she can leave just a bit to help Kong Ling Qi beat down a tyrant. Dou Dou smiles and tells her to win.
Cheng Man threatens Dad Kong that she can sue him over this petty business detail. It will make him pay a little fine, but the real threat is opening an investigation into all his transactions. Dad Kong is intimidated. Cheng Man tells him he messed with the wrong person – herself. He deliberately led her into writing the report (creating competition in her company), inconspicuously gave her the data, and bribed her secretary to leak the report. Woah. Dad Kong threatens he’ll make her lose everything if she antagonizes him. Cheng Man isn’t scared of risking her future because Kong Ling Qi is his future.
Cheng Man shares her experience as a mother. She wanted her daughter to live the life she planned for her. The intent is right, but the method was wrong. Dad Kong is the same. He did a lot for Kong Ling Qi, but each step he took was wrong. Dad Kong rejects her criticism. She’s a mere outsider. Kong Ling Qi doesn’t want to waste any more time here. He has one last thing to say: “Cheng Man isn’t an outsider.”
The assistant asks Dad Kong on their next steps. Dad Kong isn’t taking any. He plotted everything for his son. Wtf? Now that there’s someone more capable to care for him, Dad Kong’s job is done. He doesn’t have to worry. Huh.
We’re heading back to the resort! Kong Ling Qi sings 二人转 in the car. Cheng Man loves it (because the man she loves is singing it).
[Cheng Man] She asks Kong Ling Qi to not attend the high school reunion at the resort. It’s too much of a hassle to explain to her classmates when they don’t even know she’s divorced. As Kong Ling Qi quietly leaves, Dou Dou chases after him! Aw. She’s curious what stage he’s at with her mother. She’s also scared that Kong Ling Qi is using her mother. Awwwwwww. Kong Ling Qi swears Cheng Man is too smart for that. It’s his turn to ask if she’s afraid that once they have a child, she’ll be neglected. Dou Dou denies being petty like that. Well Kong Ling Qi was. But now he knows a parent's love doesn’t diminish. It only changes in form. His father is an example. He’d use the most despicable way to care for him, and although detestable, he cannot deny it is a form of twisted love.
Dou Dou who had refused to tell Cheng Man (and even Dad Tian) her problems, is open and frank with Kong Ling Qi. Aw! She admits she is worried, annoyed, and petty. What if she will be neglected? Kong Ling Qi doesn’t make empty promises. He can’t. He never married. He never had a child. It’s all hypothetical. Even in families with a lot of children, each child receives love differently. He tells her to close her eyes and imagine life with either parent (and their SO). Her heart will tell her who she wants. When she imagines Dad Tian, he’s arguing with Lin Yuan. When she imagines Cheng Man, they’re eating cotton candy with Kong Ling Qi. Cotton candy all the way.
Dou Dou drops the bomb at the reunion that dad has a girlfriend and mom has a boyfriend. Yay! Guys, we’re in 2022. Dou Dou thinks divorce isn't humiliating. It just means there’s no love anymore. Dou Dou is being considerate of Kong Ling Qi. She won’t let her mother bully him. AWW.
[Cheng Shu] Wei Qi gives Liao Ran the recording of his conversation with Cheng Shu (the one that she said she loved Liao Ran). Credit: it was Liu Zi who installed the surveillance cameras. But is it legal to record sound too? As for Cheng Shu, she gets motivation from her drunk sister, Cheng Man. Does their relationship bring out the best in each other? If it does, what’s stopping them?
[Cheng Man] Just as the reunion ended, Dou Dou asks for her parents to bid for her. Cheng Man is too drunk. She hasn’t planned a proposal yet. But Dou Dou just has one question for Cheng Man: Is she serious about Kong Ling Qi? She is. He has a lot of faults, but obvious merits. Most importantly, he lets her be herself. That’s all Dou Dou needed to hear. She makes her decision: Cheng Man. Dad Tian says he didn’t bid yet. Dou Dou doesn’t need it. She knows he was forcing himself. She appreciates his efforts, though. Cheng Man cries. She’s finally reunited with her daughter. I swear Dad Tian let out a sigh of relief too. Pft.
Later at night, Cheng Man celebrates with Kong Ling Qi. She knows he had something to do with Dou Dou’s decision. She thanks him. He’s thankful for her appearance in his life too. She’s his most fortunate thing. They clink their glasses.
Cheng Man: As for tonight, don’t think about running anyway. Haha.
[Cheng Shu] Liao Ran has a video he edited. It was for his parents to see Cheng Shu’s positive influence in his life. In every hardship, she was there for him. Because of her, he grew stronger and more confident. They kiss and make up.
Chinese New Years!
[Cheng Man] Dou Dou shakes Kong Ling Qi’s hands and asks him to take care of her from now on. Awww.
[Cheng Miao] Ma Bo Yuan spent New Year’s Eve at Cheng Miao’s place. In the norming, he drives Cheng Miao up the mountain. The parents will follow later. Hu Mei happily watches them drive away. Cheng Qiao is like How much dowry do you think we’re going to get. Hu Mei slits her eyes at her greedy husband.
[Cheng Parents] Mom Cheng and Dad Cheng are in couple outfits – traditional Chinese clothes. They talk about their future trip to Sanya once he’s better (aw). Mom Cheng gives him a present. It’s a pair of boots. Dad Cheng glows at the present. I think giving shoes also means to walk together in life. With Dad Cheng’s health, I think this is a really meaningful present.
[Cheng Miao] She records Ma Bo Yuan and complains this might as well be a documentary given how serious he is and so he gives her a double wink. Because he can’t properly wink? Lol. She sulks that tonight will be cloudy. They won’t be able to see stars.
Ma Bo Yuan: But I can see you. She’s his star.
Ou, is he flirting? Now he’s shy all over. But she already recorded everything. He wants her to delete it. She won’t. He playfully chases after her to grab the phone. She stops him to confirm if it was just a joke. If so, this means he was never serious. Fine. She’ll delete it. Acting all high and mighty, she heads inside, but Ma Bo Yuan grabs onto her hand to pull her back. They’re face to face. A kiss! Ah, but Cheng Qiao appears out of nowhere, asking the obvious, “What are you two doing?” LMAO. When Ma Bo Yuan is alone, he excitedly jumps in joy. They didn’t kiss, but he knows she likes him too.
[Family] Mom Cheng proudly boasts how perfect Dad Cheng rolled the dumpling skins. I’ve decided for everyone. You’re welcome. We all need an SO who compliments the way Mom Cheng does about Dad Cheng's perfectly rolled dumpling skin. As for Dad Cheng, he offhandedly praises Liao Ran. Hu Mei picks up the cue to praise Ma Bo Yuan. LOL. Cheng Qiao is no cheerleader. He huffs that he caught them almost kissing. Yes, I thank you for that -.- Later Dad Kong plans to drink with Liao Ran. Cheng Man picks up the cue and chirps that Kong Ling Qi is great at drinking too. Dad Kong then asks Ma Bo Yuan to join. AWWW. Big happy family right here!
At dinner, Dad Cheng makes a speech. He thanks everyone for being here. He acknowledges the girls in the family; there’s a lot and they come with a lot of problems (hahaha), BUT our Cheng ladies are all talented. Cheng Qiao tugs at Dad Cheng’s sleeves, reminding him he still has a son. LMAO. When it’s Mom Cheng’s turn to speak, she only has one request: for everyone to come back home to celebrate Chinese New Years. Everyone cheers. Then they’re interrupted by dancers – a surprise organized by Cheng Shu and Liao Ran. Our drama is now a musical! Everyone is dancing and singing. Happy Chinese New Years!
The end.
Remarks
[First Impression (Ep1-6)] I typed this up as fast as I could just because I really want people to notice the cute couple(s) in this one which takes form in Ep5. My favourite is Cheng Miao and Ma Bo Yuan. Cheng Xiao is the actress. I’m not a fan of her “acting” if you call it that, but her character fits her. It’s the guy (Zhou Lu La) I’m really loving! He’s the monk guy from One and Only.
Alright, now for the rest...
Our drama is set in Dongbei with the rich and thick accent. Our three main main characters are returning home from the cities to celebrate Chinese New Years. There’s Cheng Man, Cheng Shu, and Cheng Miao. This is also a very family family drama. In this big family, each of the ladies will have their own family unit. Cheng Man is a single mom with a rebellious daughter. Cheng Su is the rebellious daughter with a disapproving mother (Mom Cheng). Cheng Miao is an ex-figure skater with a mom who keeps nagging at her to be a figure skater. It’s only after typing this that I realize how mother oriented this drama looks like but it doesn’t feel like that. Storytelling is balanced and cohesive between all its characters (not just the girls). So far, I’m liking every storyline.
I like that this is a light family drama that isn’t stressful. It’s comedic with bouts of romance. The comedy can be exaggerated. I may not laugh at every intended joke, but I’m in a happy mood. Most of the actors (main and supporting) can ground their characters even in wacky scenarios. I was surprised I teared up in Ep5. I’m also surprised at the quality of some shots (e.g. food prep, the drone scenes, etc).
[Actors/Actresses] There’s a lot of seasoned actors here. Cheng Dad is a very well known dad actor (Ni Da Hong). Then there’s also Liu Tao, Chen He, and the list goes on. I have to say though, the supporting characters are excellent. There’s the Phone Guy from Reset (Song Jia Teng) as a sous chef, the front desk resort employee (Zhang Zhang), Ma Bo Yuan’s buddy (Wang Rong), Kong Ling Qi’s buddy (Huang Cheng Cheng), etc. Just a lot!
Cheng Xiao might be the weakest link but it doesn’t affect my drama experience. She fits the character really well – a twenty year old wandering the world without an ambition. She knows what she doesn’t want, but she doesn’t know what she wants. Relatable.
I don’t how Show decided on Zhou Lu La to be Ma Bo Yuan but I think it’s another apt decision. He’s not the best looking guy, but he leaves a really good impression.
[OSTs] Huang Xiao Yun (黄霄雲) – You Came Against The Light (你逆着光而来)
[Glossary]
[Ending] Happy! All three couples gather with the parents for a festive celebration.
[Footnote]
1. [Ep38] flash2351 reminded me Liu Zi was the romantic strategist.
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