An oasis from the city.
Notable Actors/Actresses
…which surprises me when he actually uses the umbrella for rain. It also happens to be raining in our FL’s heart. Will his umbrella shield her heart too? Perhaps. 
He also carries around hot water in a thermos. Don’t ask. Now they can cook their ramen outdoors, which is all that matters. As they wait to eat, she’s shivering from the cold. He’s so resourceful, he uses the toilet paper (that she didn’t want to buy but had to buy), and wraps her around like a zombie to keep her warm. She thanks him. He doesn’t need it. Here it comes: “[Because] Can thank-yous be eaten?” In his mystifying ways, he gave her warmth.
(By the way, I don’t agree with not saying thank you. From the ML’s perspective though, perhaps he meant thanking someone through action is better than empty words.)
Fang Wen Yu was planning to leave the village, but changes his mind when He Jia Jia alights the bus. He helps her carry one luggage (the smaller one ofc) and leads her back to the guest-house via water route. He asks if she’s running from the city to escape from her problems. He comforts her that it’s okay if she is. “Perhaps changing your environment...” She nods, expecting him to follow up with everything will be better. But this man swerves a twist: “[and realize] everything was better before.” She glares at him. And now she’s all relaxed! He was easing her tension. He smiles. “Welcome to Taohuayuan”. A land of peace, prosperity, and love! 
Fang Wen Yu glances at He Jia Jia through the rearview mirror. She catches him and then he's shy and looks away. He’s wondering why she’s looking at him. Aw. He doesn’t know he likes her yet. Cute. 
It’s He Jia Jia’s first time woodcut printmaking. She somehow turns a dog into a pig. It’s so embarrassing, she snaps her artwork. Only Fang Wen Yu knows of her embarrassment.
Then when Jin Yin Hua asks He Jia Jia about her thoughts on her performance...
He Jia Jia and Fang Wen Yu take care of a little rascal (Lao Da = Lao Big). He misses his parents who are working in the city. To keep him company, they sleep with him like they’re his mommy and daddy. Let's not date and jump straight to having a kid.
But Lao Dao really misses his parents. He doesn’t shower because his clothes are his father’s and if he showers, his father’s scent will disappear. He cries at his snacks being taken away because it’s from his parents. It’s the reason he never ate them for months. To cheer him up, Fang Wen Yu hides in a bear suit, lying that he’s his dad’s friend. 
Fang Wen Yu brings a canister to roast sweet potatoes with He Jia Jia. He confesses he read her journal and apologizes. She finds it embarrassing that he has seen the worst of her. Fang Wen Yu thinks those facets of her are cute, though. He leaves to bring more logs to feed the fire, but she has another way: she rips the pages to her journal.
Fang Wen Yu can’t write a loveline because he’s never been in love. He Jia Jia, as his assistant, will help him experience love! She drops to the ground, expecting him to catch her. He doesn’t. His reason: he might fall with her. That’s also the point! Or else, how do we get accidental kisses!! But Fang Wen Yu isn’t as clueless to love as she thought. He suddenly makes a confession.
He Jia Jia and Fang Wen Yu interview Auntie Wen who’s a widow. They want to learn more about love, but Auntie Wen makes them work like slaves. She’s also moving and so when He Jia Jia and Fang Wen Yu arrive, they’re shocked at the amount of items. Don’t worry! They’re at Taohuayuan. The whole village is here to help! Look at that line of people. A tin box drops from the wagon. Without hesitating, He Jia Jia jumps down to fetch it. Eventually they learn that Auntie Wen who never compliments her late husband and only ever complains is still very much in love with him. It’s all in her actions.
Before Fang Wen Yu leaves, he asks He Jia Jia if she believes in him. It takes her a second too long to reply. She swears it was just for 0.01 second and in that hundredth of a second she remembered how she was ostracized for being friends with a pretty girl who was bullied. But! In Fang Wen Yu’s perception, she hesitated. He rips their contract. She is free from him. However, at the bus stop, Fang Wen Yu is bullied, A burning book is lunged at him. He Jia Jia throws herself in front of him again. Fang Wen Yu swats the book away with his bare hands before it hits her head.
Notable Actors/Actresses
Huang Si Rui: He Jia Jia
He De Rui: Fang Wen Yu
Director
Network: iQIYI
Recap Grade: B/C
First Impression: 3.5/5
First Impression: 3.5/5
[Cyn-opsis (Ep1-2)] Our main leads meet in Taohuayuan (桃花源 = Peach Blossom Spring = a hidden land of peace and prosperity = utopia). He Jia Jia is on a business trip. Fang Wen Yu is a writer who is trapped there to finish his novel. She has a tendency to please others. He has no such tendency. In their first meeting, he mocks her taste in food. There’s too much sugar in her tomato fried eggs, which increases ALT levels, which increases sebaceous gland secretions, which means one turns uglier faster, ages faster, and dies faster. First impression goals. In their second meeting, she’s afraid of walking down the mountain alone and slips. He may not help her get up, but he does help her down the road (because she’s too slow).
Although Fang Wen Yu appears detached from reality, he is sensitive. He can detect our FL’s disparity. When He Jia Jia accidentally ruins someone else’s proposal cake, he pays the bill. For the various times he helps her, she thanks him, but his replies are always the same: “Can thank-yous be eaten?”
It seems his way of speech is contagious (only to her). When her ex-boyfriend – who broke up with her via text, ghosted her for six months, and is back to tell her he’s marrying someone else – thanks her for the two years they wasted together, she slaps him and replies. “Can thank-yous be eaten?”
Life only gets worse for He Jia Jia. She's fired from work. She escapes city life and embarks on her “Lovely Journey” to Taohuayuan (桃花源). By the way, 桃花 (taohua) itself means love interest, or luck with love.
Mini Recaps
[Ep1] Who is our ML?
He uses an umbrella indoors.
He uses an umbrella when the sun has set.
So what is the umbrella for, you ask?
To indirectly hold hands with our FL. Duh!
[Ep2] Who is our FL? Full of self doubt, and emptied of everything – no house, no job, and no love. She packs her bags and moves to the village!
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| Look at his bear backpack. He also has a bear phone case. |
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| Aw, why won’t he let her rest on his shoulders (: |
[Ep3] Theme: New Friends & Embarrassment
Fang Wen Yu (all high and mighty): If humankind can abandon that lamentable self-esteem, perhaps we can conquer the universe by now.
He said that to her, but protected her lamentable self-esteem by lying that he drew the pig. He kept her picture!
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| Our ML ↑ He really likes bears. He even says he’s raised by one. |
He Jia Jia’s new friend, Jin Yin Hua (18yo) performs on stage. It’s so embarrassing, everyone’s laughing at her. He Jia Jia bravely stands up to give her a standing ovation which earns Fang Wen Yu’s admiration. But later, she asks him for an extra mask to hide her from her shame.
Fang Wen Yu: Then why did you clap?He Jia Jia (serious): To save the universe, humankind must abandon that lamentable self-esteem. LOL.
He Jia Jia clapped for Jin Yin Hua so that she wouldn’t feel alone. Because that feeling sucks.
Fang Wen Yu: No avant-garde artwork is loved from the beginning. That is why an artist’s perseverance is brimming and precious.
He Jia Jia: No avant-garde artwork is liked from the beginning. That is why an artist’s perseverance is brimming and precious.Jin Yin Hua: Fang da ge, what do you think?Fang Wen Yu (via telepathy to HJJ): You sure copied pretty quick. Hehehe.He Jia Jia (via telepathy): Mr. Writer, please cooperate.Fang Wen Yu: Mm. What she said is right. Ha!
At night, Fang Wen Yu decides to include a love-line in his (suspense? murder?) novel. What could have inspired him! The next morning, he hires He Jia Jia to be his assistant.
As for He Jia Jia, she finally feels liberated from her heartbreak. She went through these five steps: (1) Denial, (2) Anger, (3), Self-blame, (4), Sadness, (5) Acceptance. Now her beautiful journey truly begins! And how does it start? Fang Wen Yu asks her to be his girlfriend!!
[Ep4] Theme: Child & Longing
He Jia Jia interprets Fang Wen Yu asking her out as a form of torture. “If I did anything wrong, just call the police and arrest me, okay? Nevermind, I’ll find a prison myself.” Rather than be in prison than date our ML? Haha. He explains he just wanted to see how humans would react to being asked out for his book. Humans I know of don’t react like that. FWY, you asked the wrong human xD.
Lao Da is smiling again! He also knows it’s Fang Wen Yu in the bear costume. He shares his precious snacks with Fang Wen Yu. Aww. He Jia Jia wipes Fang Wen Yu’s sweat too. Looking like a real family! FWY went through this much trouble to cheer up a kid. Is this the same guy as Ep1?
[Ep5] Theme: Ex-Boyfriend & Self-Esteem.
He Jia Jia is upset after the phone call with her ex. There was a small misunderstanding where she thought he wanted money and he yelled at her for extortion (thinking she wouldn’t return the ring that his mother gave her). Then He Jia Jia has a meltdown when Fang Wen Yu’s editor wants him to delete the extra scenes about the ex because exes don't matter. Fang Wen Yu is concerned about He Jia Jia and finds her journal. Hesitantly, he reads it. At first, he finds her cute for recording all the praises everyone gave her but then he realizes how low her self-esteem is. Her self-worth is dependent on praises from others. Fang Wen Yu is saddened by this.
Fang Wen Yu may be perceptive, but he's naive to love. He doesn’t know if he likes He Jia Jia. Boss Lin (Lin Qin Hui) is his consultant and has a way to verify: “Do you care if she likes you?” Fang Wen Yu ponders the question and replies that he doesn’t. Says the boy who is fanning her while she’s asleep. Watching her sleep, he’s reminded of the night they shared the bed with Lao Da. He was staring at her sleeping face (too). He’s so in love.
However, Fang Wen Yu tells Boss Lin that from now on she might hate him a little. And all of a sudden, Fang Wen Yu degrades He Jia Jia. He calls her disgusting. By forcing other people to accept her help, she’s extorting their gratitude. He Jia Jia actually apologizes (!!!). Now he calls her hypocritical. He Jia Jia erupts. She lobs any criticism she can at him. She even wishes death upon him. Fang Wen Yu smiles, especially at all her idioms. He wanted her to explode for once, and not yearn to please others.
Fang Wen Yu comforts He Jia Jia that when people leave for a journey it’s best to relinquish their heavy past and their hatred, and carry on with a full stomach so that each step is steady. She thanks him for comforting her, but he isn’t. It’s a line from his character who has a death sentence, reaching the end of his life. Still, she is inspired. She makes 滾蛋 soup. It’s boiled egg soup that sounds the same as “Beat it!” or “Get Lost.” He Jia Jia is motivated. Everything in the past, begone! Tomorrow she will send her ex the ring.
The next morning, He Jia Jia waits for Boss Lin to drive her to the postal office. But Fang Wen Yu shows up instead. He says there’s an answer to a question that he cares about. He wants to know if she likes him :D which means he acknowledges that he likes her. But he doesn’t know how to drive. Lol! It’s cute how he’s staring at the wheel. Why even sit there in the first place? xD
Fang Wen Yu asks He Jia Jia why she wants her ex to still have feelings for her. It’s because she doesn’t want to be the loser in the relationship. Losing means she’s a clown. In Chinese, clown = 小醜 (xiao chou)= Little Ugly.
Fang Wen Yu: Little Ugly is pretty too. [Do you know why their lips are extra red?] So that when they smile, it’s brighter and prettier. The Little Clown in He Jia Jia smiles.
When they’re at the postal office, Fang Wen Yu gives He Jia Jia a present. She thinks he’s messing with her again and asks him to stop.
Fang Wen Yu: I can’t. Because I can’t control my heart’s desire. Dummy. Love!
She opens the present. It’s a new journal with these words: 有不足點綴人才真的完美. People with 'insufficiencies’ sprinkled all over are truly “perfect”. (I really like the difference between the way Boss Lin and Fang Wen Yu cures her “clown”. Boss Lin has comforting words to cheer up He Jia Jia so that she can forget her Clown, whereas Fang Wen Yu allows her to embrace her Ugliness.) While He Jia Jia remains in the car, Fang Wen Yu sends the parcel to the ex.
The ex receives the ring. It turns out Fang Wen Yu made him pay for the shipping fee. Not only that, he sent him a recording of He Jia Jia hollering death threats. Nice.
[Ep6] Theme: Widow & True Love
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| There were three bears. During his confession, he knocked down one and so it’s a two. |
Fang Wen Yu: Of course I remember where I first met you. On that small road, I saw you just once, and your beautiful image (倩影) left a deep imprint in my heart. When I saw her I knew this person will change my entire life. But at that moment, I don’t know why I didn’t chase after her. In that small road, I saw you once and lost you. Heaven is generous to me, though, to let me meet you again. If endings are complete, if you need my life, then it naturally belongs to you.
But this is a quote from Konstantin Paustovsky (?). He Jia Jia runs away. Her heart is fluttering.
It’s He Jia Jia’s birthday. Not really. It is the birthday on her ID only because her mother changed it to her divorce date, which is now He Jia Jia’s rebirth. Interesting mom, lol.
[Ep7] Theme: (Anti-)Fans & Trust
Fang Wen Yu has anti-fans because his book inspired a teacher to abuse her students. Anti-fans (a kid) physically attack him. He Jia Jia uses her body to block the attack. Aw. He’s angry at her though. This time it was water, but what if it was acid? Fang Wen Yu packs his bags to leave in order to protect He Jia Jia, the girl who recklessly protects him.
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| Let me protect you! No, let me protect you! |
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| Let me protect you! No, let me protect you! |
Taohuanyuan villagers are here to protect Fang Wen Yu too!
He Jia Jia treats the burn on Fang Wen Yu’s hands. She calls him foolish for using his hands.
Fang Wen Yu: And you’re so smart for using the back of your head (=brain).He Jia Jia: Your hand earns you money, my brain [doesn’t]He snickers and she presses harder on his injured hand, making him flinch.He Jia Jia: You. Can you not leave immediately after you finish talking and I haven’ t even reacted? Do you think you’re co[ol]?Fang Wen Yu (interrupts): Sorry.
He Jia Jia apologizes too. She shouldn’t have hesitated. She should have told him she believed him immediately. “I believe you.” And she repeats it, “I, He Jia Jia, believe in you, Fang Wen Yu.” In the following scene, the show keeps bleeping their rumoured relationship. I can’t tell what it is. Girlfriend? Slave?
Not only will He Jia Jia believe in Fang Wen Yu, she will conquer over the 10 000 people cyberbullying him. Fang Wen Yu made an interesting comment. When one person torments another, it is bullying. But when ten thousand people bully one person, it is (fighting for) justice. This is cyberbullying. The online court. He Jia Jia plans to make a video to prove Fang Wen Yu’s character. Boss Lin makes the best comments about him.
Although he’s talented, he works just as hard. Although he seems indifferent about humankind and the universe, he has his peculiar ways of caring. He pays attention to details. He looks like he’s keeping a distance, but it’s his way of caring. When others need support, he will not hesitate. Not just towards humans, towards a broken pencil refill, he won’t abandon it, afraid it would be sad. He believes that as long as he eats well and sleeps well, everything will be well. He’s optimistic and hardworking. Well said!!
But He Jia Jia forgets to hit record. And where is He Jia Jia’s recording?
He Jia Jia interviews Fang Wen Yu too. A teacher testified that he was psychologically unstable because he would say he was raised by a teddy bear. Fang Wen Yu confirms. This is true. Story-time!
Fang Wen Yu’s father would pick him up in a teddybear suit, thinking he would be happier. His parents had divorced. His classmate (a little girl whose name he didn’t care about) asks if he misses his mother. He thinks missing her will make him weak. He avoided answering the question. He misses mom. The little girl shows him her red flower pin that will give him strength. It’s a reward from her teacher. The red flower makes her smile because it makes her mother smile. (She’s little He Jia Jia! Her obsession with being praised already began at that age.)
He doesn’t recall the little girl’s name or face (well he refused to know her name). To He Jia Jia, he admits he misses his mother. Aw. He shared his feelings with her twice.
He Jia Jia: I will be your mother –Fang Yu Wen: Get lost. Ha.He Jia Jia: – mother’s stand-in to give you a hug
They hug ~ The distance between their hearts diminish.
He Jia Jia uploads the video to fight against the ‘justice’ of 10 000 people! 72 hours later, there’s only 20 likes. Reality. Who cares about good news?
[Ep8] Theme: Granddaughter and Grandparent & Departure
He Jia Jia is angry at Fang Wen Yu who refuses to write. Boss Lin tells her that it’s not that he doesn’t want to write but that he’s afraid to write. The hate comments have hurt him. Our indifferent writer is vulnerable too. He only pretends he isn’t affected. He Jia Jia finally eases up and plays his phone game with him. It’s a simple hiking game. They each have a backpack to collect items. If it’s too heavy, it’s game over and they won’t reach the top. He Jia Jia loses quickly because she picks up everything. Fang Wen Yu is still in the game because he keeps his baggage light. To him, the view at the top is worth it.
Jin Yin Hua wants to join a girl group in the city. Her grandfather is against it. He Jia Jia convinces her not to resort to running away. “If you leave without explaining you won’t know how to return.” She's talking about herself. Auntie Wen also convinces Jin Hua. The last days you spend with your elders are only less. “Ask yourself if you spent those days well.” Later on Jin Yin Hua refunds her train ticket. It’s not because of what anyone else said to her. Her grandfather smiled at her for the first time, telling her to chase her dreams. He was always grumpy but today he told her not to worry. Jin Yin Hua doesn’t want to leave anymore.
He Jia Jia plays the game with Fang Wen Yu again. She’s sad to unpack all the items she collected, but with lighter baggage, they can both reach the top to see the beautiful scenery. Ah, this game is about letting go and dropping your baggage for a better scenery and for a better future. Fang Wen Yu kept one thing from her bag: the flower. Aw. She also has a present: peanuts. Because he likes them? They both kept something for the other.
Through the game, He Jia Jia has an epiphany. She motivates Jin Yin Hua to chase her dreams. If she misses her grandfather, then come back. But for now, go where her heart tells her to. “Don’t regret. You’re still young.” Don’t care about your baggage. Go see the scenery! Jin Yin Hua leaves with the whole village sending her off.
Jin Yin Hua boards the bus. But someone alights. It’s He Jia Jia’s mom! She’s looking ferocious as she roars at her daughter.
[Ep9] Theme: Mother & Motherly Love
He Jia Jia and her mother are like a mouse and a cat. Mom is always chasing. Daughter is always running. Mom He yells at He Jia Jia for everything and anything like escaping her problems, paying for her ex’s living expenses and cleaning his dishes like a servant. He Jia Jia’s lamentable self-esteem is traumatized. She calls the police on her mother! The boys pick up the mother and daughter at the station. Fang Wen Yu proudly declares the girl in the white sweater is his girlfriend. Obviously, he meant He Jia Jia, but she had given her mother her sweater to keep her warm (aw). And so the officers commend Fang Wen Yu on his mature taste.
At home, the fight escalates. Mom He picks up the rod, looking menacing. He Jia Jia (and Fang Wen Yu, lol) run and hide. Mom He is ready to beat up anyone who bullies her daughter. Aw! I like this mother daughter pair. Touched by her mother’s love, He Jia Jia hugs her. Fang Wen Yu wants some love too and asks to be hugged. Boss Lin head locks him. Tough love.
Mom He inquires about the rumoured relationship between He Jia Jia and Fang Wen Yu. He Jia Jia is caught off guard and spits her water at Fang Wen Yu. Then Mom He asks him about his career and notes that he must stay up a lot. It will affect his reproductive abilities. Surprised, Fang Wen Yu spits water at He Jia Jia. Mom asks if this is a water spitting contest.
Fang Wen Yu eagerly appeals to Mom He to be his potential son-in-law. He dashes to his room to put on his dashing suit, ready to be interviewed. He even gels his hair. Mom He laughs. She notices his nails are way too short. He tells her when he was younger, children loved by their mothers would have their nails kept. From then on he made sure he kept his short even though his mother was absent. He doesn’t hate his mother though. He loves both his parents. They divorced for his sake because he said he wanted them to stop fighting. Awww. ): He’s precious.
Mom He shares her story of motherhood too (that’s related to hands as well). She wanted He Jia Jia to learn piano because a pianist's hands look clean. Hers was dirty. Her mother died was she when younger, and to make extra money, she picked up coals. (He Jia Jia overhears this. She never knew.) Mom He assures Fang Wen Yu that although they didn’t grow up with a mother, they will be fine. He snuggles up to her. Fang Wen Yu has found a mother-in-law.
He Jia Jia had a sad memory from high school where her mother wouldn’t admit she was her daughter. Mom He remembers it differently. She didn’t admit she was her He Jia Jia's mother because she didn’t think she was a good mother. He Jia Jia hugs her. He Jia Jia wishes she could switch places and be her mother instead. “That way, I can protect you and raise you well.”
Then we get a dream sequence of He Jia Jia washing her mother’s “dirty” hand T_T I LOVE how this scene is between He Jia Jia and the child actress in place of Mom. Her hands aren't dirty. They’re beautiful. The young Mom He lets the stream take away He Jia Jia’s red flower that was pinned on her shirt. It’s a nod to Ep7 where He Jia Jia is happy to be rewarded with a red flower to please her mother. Mom He never needed that to be proud of He Jia Jia. :)
[Ep10] Theme: Mother & Aging and Death
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| Fang Wen Yu massaging Mom He and admiring He Jia Jia from below ^^ |
As cool as our ladies are, ageing is inevitable. The reason Mom He is resistant to art class is because she can’t see (presbyopia). The reason she refuses to dance is because of her mild incontinence. She can’t control when she jumps. Her mother was too embarrassed to tell He Jia Jia she peed her pants. :( He Jia Jia finally realizes her mother is ageing. Reminds me of Auntie Wen’s words. The days you spend with your parents are only less.
Mom He is leaving the village. She compliments He Jia Jia for being a better mother than her. The next day, the one hugging Mom He and refusing to let go is Fang Wen Yu. Ha. What a worrisome kid that Mom He is asking He Jia Jia to take care of him lol. Lastly, Mom He gives He Jia Jia a finger-heart. Awww. Mom is cool. Fang Wen Yu reciprocates the heart. Son, the heart wasn’t for you.
Mom He has left on the bus. Fang Wen Yu chases after the bus, shouting for ‘Mom’. He Jia Jia rolls her eyes, but Fang Wen Yu is seriously chasing, begging Mom He to visit often. I’m actually tearing up at this farewell scene when I was clearly laughing a minute ago. When he returns to the bus stop, panting from running, he realizes Mom He left living expenses for He Jia Jia. He asks if he received anything. Nothing. *Awkward Moo*
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| Mom He rocking the spectacles that Auntie Wen ‘extorted’ for her |
[Ep11] Theme: Children & Death
Boss Lin is divorced. His daughter (<5yo) died. She was like He Jia Jia who liked very sweet tomato fried eggs. His wife wanted to have another child but he didn’t want to. He was afraid of forgetting their daughter, but his wife didn’t want to grieve anymore and presumably that’s how they divorced. Boss Lin's father regretted raising him to be so considerate. He doesn’t even vent. It was his father who told him to find another place to live where he didn’t have to be a good brother or son. I guess he's everything but a good husband? Perhaps he never grieved properly and that’s why he’s not ready to let go?
The tree that Boss Lin planted (with the thoughts of his daughter) was struck by lightning. He Jia Jia is determined to cheer up Boss Lin by replacing the tree and helping him organize the Ghost Festival. Not only that, she will pull Fang Wen Yu with her. Fang Wen Yu refuses.
He Jia Jia: No! [You have to help.] I am the type “to attach great importance to friendship up until the point of being able to sacrifice myself”. It’s an idiom. 兩肋插刀. It literally means “inserting knives on both sides of the rib” usually for a friend.Fang Wen Yu: For your friendship, you are stabbing me with two knives. HahahaHe Jia Jia: [...] I’ll tattle on you to my mom.Fang Wen Yu (sighs): I’ll do it. Start the car. Go.
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| (Paper boats that are placed in the lake during Ghost Festival) |
[Ep12] Theme: Love and Separation
He Jia Jia (is flustered and stutters): Don’t hang up without a bye-bye is – is illegal!She changes the topic and asks why he's not going.Fang Yu Wen: I don’t want to leave you – guys. Aw.
He Jia Jia is flustered! She pretends she didn’t hear the gap in his words. A few minutes later, He Jia Jia is back to being clueless and thinks Fang Wen Yu is nervous to leave alone. Girl! His excuses for not going are outrageous like what if Taohuayuan disappears after he leaves or what if she’s abducted by aliens (Foretelling hints!). He Jia Jia shares a method that keeps her happy when she’s in the city. She has a counter. Every time there’s something happy, she clicks (*ka-da*) on her counter (e.g. when she gets her pay, when she sees a stall that sells sweet potato, and when she sees the sunset at her favourite spot). When she’s sad, she will look at the number on her counter and realize that life is worth it.
Fang Wen Yu is awed by He Jia Jia, but pretends to find her corny and wonders if chicken soup runs in her blood vessels. He Jia Jia teases him if his vessels are filled with social anxiety. Fang Yu Wen refuses to look weak in front of the girl he likes and takes her dare to venture into the city. He reminds her again and again that if she isn’t used to being alone, she can call him and he’ll pick up if he has time. “If you really miss me, I will give you the honour in letting me stay.” He Jia Jia responds by pushing him on the bus. It’s only until Fang Wen Yu is gone, she realizes she isn’t accustomed to his absence. I love how she prepared his rice and called him for dinner, completely forgetting that he’s gone.
In the city, Fang Wen Yu wants to ditch the press conference the moment he sees Yang Wei (the guy who spread malicious rumours about Fang Wen Yu during the teacher scandal). But for his editor’s sake (Mian Bao = Bread), he stays. Mian Bao is surprised that Fang Wen Yu is capable of kindness. It seems He Jia Jia’s nature in pleasing someone is contagious.
Fang Wen Yu has a full schedule, but all he cares about is how he can start a phone conversation. Mian Bao thinks it’s a call to his mother (Fang Wen Yu has no mother) and suggests to ask the usual and so when Fang Wen Yu calls He Jia Jia, he’s tripping on his words and at high speed, he asks “What did you eat. What are you doing. How is your body.” Cute. I’m going to do that too in my next call just to see the other person’s reaction. The phone call is interrupted by an angry Yang Wei. Fang Wen Yu shames him by ignoring him. He Jia Jia (on the phone) yells at him for Fang Wen Yu. As for Fang Wen Yu, who was pissed off at Yang Wei, is all cheered up because he loves being protected by He Jia Jia. FWY’s annoyance for Yang Wei is trivial compared to his love for HJJ.
He Jia Jia wants to hang up because Boss Lin is here to pick her up.
Fang Wen Yu: Don’t hang up! [...] I haven’t said bye byeHe Jia Jia: Then say it.Fang Wen Yu: I won’t say it.He Jia Jia: Then I will say it.Fang Wen Yu: It doesn’t count if you say it.He Jia Jia: Why?Fang Wen Yu: I don’t care. People who haven't heard bye bye and hang up are committing a crime. Ha. His turn to copy her words.
He Jia Jia smiles and doesn’t hang up. When she falls asleep, Fang Wen Yu doesn’t hang up either. He just mutes his side to let her sleep in peace. Aw. In the meantime, he learns from Mian Bao why he won the prize. It’s thanks to He Jia Jia’s video for clarifying his character otherwise the judges wouldn’t have even considered his book. Fang Wen Yu watches the video. And here’s He Jia Jia’s recording! Lovely timing. Her interview starts with a load of criticism. Then it’s followed by her genuine observation of him. He loves to cry more than her. He doesn’t cry outwardly, it’s his heart that cries first. His heart also smiles first too, which is why his face is cold. “In conclusion, you don’t have to like him but don’t hurt him. If you must hurt him then I – I can’t really do anything...then I just won’t like you! If you don’t like him then I won’t like you. Yes. That’s it.”
At the very end of the clip, He Jia Jia mutters if “he” would yell at her. Fang Wen Yu snickers No. He’s smiling from the heart. And from the face. His ears are blushing too! Who cares about the trivial 20 upvotes, when the video reached the one person who mattered? After watching the video, Fang Wen Yu ditches the ceremony. He gives a bow and apologizes. He knows sorrys cannot be eaten but he has something more important to do. He pats his chest twice and tightens his earphones. This something important is He Jia Jia. He apologizes to Mian Bao who's chill about it. He had a feeling Fang Wen Yu would do this.
[Ep13] Theme: Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder
Fang Wen Yu and He Jia Jia are still on the phone ~ ~ ~ ❤️
Fang Wen Yu doesn’t see He Jia Jia’s friend, but lies that he does to cheer her up. He uses a dog to describe her friend because the best lies contain within them some nuggets of truth. Then he buys a counter. He clicks twice. The clip of He Jia Jia from last episode is worth two *ka-da*. With his new counter, he visits her favourite sunset spot. It’s at Sunrise Road. The weather today isn’t good for sunsets. He Jia Jia promises the next time they’ll watch it together. Fang Wen Yu is happy and *ka-da, ka-da* twice. Everything from He Jia Jia is worth double the happiness. That must be why her name is He Jia Jia. Jia Jia (加加) means Add Add. xD.
Fang Wen Yu asks He Jia Jia (on the phone) if she permits him to meet with another female author Mei Mei (female version of him) to pick up his trophy. For some reason Mei Mei accepted it for him. Low-EQ-He-Jia-Jia misses the cue, and thinks he doesn’t want to go because he doesn’t like girls. Fang Wen Yu sighs. “Gotta prove I like girls.” LOL. Off he goes to meet Mei Mei to prove his sexual orientation. They still don’t hang up!!
While Mei Mei is introducing herself, Fang Wen Yu ignores her and complains to He Jia Jia to stop “Ga-Ga-Ga”. It’s not her. It’s geese quacking because He Jia Jia is tweezing feathers from live geese. O_O. She freezes when she hears Mei Mei asking Fang Wen Yu to date her. Mei Mei clarifies it’s a fake relationship, but of course, can advance to a real one. Mainly she wants to publish a couple book. She wants to promote their profession, make some noise so that books don’t die. He Jia Jia is listening and pouts that Fang Wen Yu is abducted by aliens. I love how show alluded to this in the previous episode. Fang Wen Yu heard that and finds her cute. He Jia Jia corrects herself (while sulking). He’s not abducted by aliens. He met his kind.
Fang Wen Yu prepares to shower. He won’t let He Jia Jia hang up. She’s flustered and makes excuses like her phone bills. He immediately sends her 1000 RMB. Smooth. As he showers, her imaginations are unlocked. After he finishes, he puts on his earphones, smiling that she’s still on the line. He’s smooth but all his actions stem from his purity .He just wants her on the phone. So cute.
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| What’s with his cute PJs |
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| She’s thinking of him (I notice his clothes appear later in the episode) |
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| He’s thinking of her. Notice how her clothes are from Ep1! |
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| They’re separated by why are they getting closer :) |
Fang Wen Yu: Buy the fastest, closest airplane ticket and as soon as possible within today to see you – pause – guys.He Jia Jia (quietly jumps for joy): That jiejie told you to go forward but you are turning back. For you. Everyone’s way ‘forward' is relative. Fang Wen Yu’s “forward’ is He Jia Jia.
Village. Jin Yin Hua is back but she lost her gleam. He Jia Jia says she reminds her of someone she disliked, someone who always wanted to please others and if anything goes wrong it was always her fault. This person He Jia Jia disliked was herself. Now she’s better. He Jia Jia had tried to fix Jin Yin Hua’s goose outfit (by plucking goose feathers), but it’s impossible. She tells He Jia Jia to give up. It’s okay. No one will be disappointed in her.
Jin Yin Hua is truly back. She’s our offbeat imperfect wild goose (not swan). He Jia Jia is in the broadcast room, in charge of sound control for Jin Yin Hua’s performance in the forest. She’s still on the phone and wishes nothing will change. Fang Wen Yu clicks twice for her. *Ka-da, Ka-da*. He’s her counter, recording her happiness.
He Jia Jia asks Fang Wen Yu when he will be back because that’s the happiness she’s waiting for. He’s already here! He went straight to her without dropping off his suitcase. “Jia Jia, I have something to say to you.” He called her “Jia Jia”! First, he gives her a present. It’s sweet potatoes. She calls him silly when there are sweet potatoes here, but he says it’s different because these ones made her happy in her memories. I find that Fang Wen Yu is really good at listening. He pays attention to everything she says and everything in her heart. She puts down the potato and asks how many words he wants to tell her.
He Jia Jia: If you say three words or four words, then I will run. (In Chinese, ‘I like you’ is four words, and ‘I love you’ is three words. Unlike English where love > like, in Chinese they’re equivalent. I love you (in Chinese) just sounds a touch more formal and awkward in everyday conversation)Fang Wen Yu: Ah! Then I will say a lot of words. Lol. He Jia Jia, you are a really ordinary person, not so smart, frequently emotionally moved by yourself, ordinary and even a bit tacky. [...] But it’s weird. It is the common and ordinary you who dissolved the knots in my life. It was my first time revealing my teddy bear story. It was my first time that in order to collect material that I went to understand the true meaning of love. It was my first time leaving for a long trip and longing for someone. – He takes her hands – He Jia Jia, in the future, I want to say it's not that I don’t want to leave you guys, I want to say I don’t want to leave you. It’s not that I want to see you guys sooner, I want to see you sooner. If you are standing behind me, then I don’t want to go forward, I will definitely turn around, run to see you. He Jia Jia, I like you.
He Jia Jia finds the confession too sudden and runs away. Neither of them realized the PA system was on (when He Jia Jia put down the potatoes) and the entire village heard of his declaration of love.
[Ep14] Theme: Learning to Love Yourself First
The reason Fang Wen Yu confessed. When the bus entered a tunnel, it was pitch dark and he lost connection with He Jia Jia on the phone. It was like the village disappeared. He was scared. He realized he hadn’t told He Jia Jia his feelings. If he’s given another chance, then before the village disappears, he wants to tell her he likes her. And then the bus exits the tunnel. Light entered. Her voice was audible. The feeling of overcoming a calamity felt amazing. A writer, indeed.
The reason He Jia Jia cannot accept. Her inner clown and tomato are fighting. Fang Wen Yu doesn’t understand humankind (He Jia Jia is giving us humankind a bad look), he just knows his mind is full of her. But she cannot accept his love even though she knows how important she is to him. When she’s in a relationship, she has no self control. She becomes obsessive and insecure. She’ll want to know why he likes her, why he’s staring at his phone, or why he doesn’t wish her goodnight anymore. It’s not him she’s not confident in. It’s herself. She’s the type to give in to everything. Her ex didn’t like tomato fried eggs so she didn’t eat it for two years when it’s her favourite. Fang Wen Yu argues that he likes tomato fried eggs too. They can share. But then she’s the type to give him everything. He says they can make two portions. It’s no use. If there’s more, she’ll just give him more.
Fang Wen Yu: Basically, you don’t like me.He Jia Jia: I think I do like you.
She’s happier and a better person with him around, but before she can accept his love, she wants to learn to love herself. She leaves him. Then He Jia Jia’s inner clown yells at her. “What is liking yourself first? Can’t you do/like both!” LOL. He Jia Jia whisks her clown away. She feels free now.
He Jia Jia plans to quit since it’s awkward to see him everyday. Fang Wen Yu suggests another plan. They can time travel! Go back to the beginning. He won’t be near her. This way, she won’t have to leave. He earnestly asks her what she thinks is the key to time-travelling. Is it the speaker? The bus? The phone? However, Boss Lin is certain that He Jia Jia will not quit. For freedom, she rejected love. She will not be defeated by the rascal (Fang Wen Yu). She’s no longer the old He Jia Jia who couldn’t even decide on what to eat. Now she can admit who she loves and reveal her feelings.
Currently, He Jia Jia is atop a mountain. Like the backpacking game, the scenery is worth it, the heavy baggage of the past isn’t. Fang Wen Yu runs to He Jia Jia. He finds her on the ground because she slipped. He pulls her up and tells her that he can sense it. “Time is reversing.” Lol. The mountain must be the key. This reminds her of how they first met and how he didn’t help her up when she slipped (in Ep1). She doesn’t want to time-travel to the past because she wouldn’t have met the people here.
Fang Wen Yu tugs her arms so that she’s closer. He doesn’t want her to leave. Stay. He doesn’t need her to accept his love, sacrifice nor change. Instead, he wants to sign a priority cooperation agreement (優先合作) with her so that in the future when she loves herself and is ready to accept him, then this contract will be active. (He got this idea from Mian Bao who wanted to sign the same contract with him whenever he decides to write again.) Smiling, she asks how to sign. It’s a pinky promise. She hesitates. He thinks she’s refusing. His hand drops, but she catches his wrist! She promises.
He Jia Jia: In the future, 優先合作Fang Wen Yu: In the future, I am delighted to work together with you.
They stamp on the contract (with only their thumbs).
[Ep15] Theme: Friendship & Resolution
The next day, Sang Wen jie is properly introduced to Fang Wen Yu. He Jia Jia says she used to be his assistant and now they’re friends. Fang Wen Yu cheerfully adds that in the near future they will be really good friends. :D Alluding to their agreement. He Jia Jia runs off to help a farmer. She trips. Fang Wen Yu laughs and calls her a “dummy”.
Sang Wen (offended): Why are you calling her dumb?Fang Wen Yu: I meant she’s cute.Sang Wen: If you meant cute then say it loudly that she’s cute. Don’t beat around the bush, using such weird terms to replace it. [So you] Like her?Fang Wen Yu: Like.Sang Wen: How much?Fang Wen Yu: Really like.Sang Wen: Did you tell her?Fang Wen Yu: Yes.Sang Wen: Together?Fang Wen Yu: I was rejected.Sang Wen (smirks): This jiahuo changed. And you haven’t given up?Fang Wen Yu: The two of us have a future to wait for.Sang Wen: Better be!
By the way, Sang Wen jie isn’t older than He Jia Jia. She’s actually a few months younger. With Sang Wen’s imposing nature, it’s hard not to attach a jie to her name. Even He Jia Jia’s mother calls her Sang Wen jie. xD
He Jia Jia releases Fang Wen Yu from the refrigerator-dong and then trips. He catches her and that body contact gives him butterflies. He lets her have first dibs for the chicken and leaves the kitchen with a heavy sigh. 
Sang Wen jie is yelled at by the villagers for the construction reform of Taohuayuan. He Jia Jia speaks up for her Sang Wen jie with her megaphone. Confidently. Not stuttering or hesitating. He Jia Jia has graduated from her past. Not even a 0.01 hesitation.
He Jia Jia bows and apologizes to the villagers. She also promises to stand with them and protect Taohuayuan. But right now, she needs to protect Sang Wen jie because it’s not her who’s working against them. He Jia Jia leads Sang Wen jie from the angry crowd. He Jia Jia is dazzling in Sang Wen jie’s eyes. I am loving this friendship.
In Ep7, that 0.01 second she hesitated in answering Fang Wen Yu whether she believed in him, she was reminded of testifying for and believing in Sang Wen jie.
[Ep16] Theme: Respecting the Past, Respecting Yourself
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| Enjoying ice cream like old days |
Three years ago. Sang Wen jie helped He Jia Jia carry the mattress up the stairs to her new place because the elevators were down. He Jia Jia struggled with everything with endless complaints. She kept asking, “What to do?”
Sang Wen jie: Is there a day you can leave me and still live properly? (There is!) For the whole day, the moment you open your mouth you ask, “What to do?” Do you now have your own problem solving skills? Once you meet a problem, then solve it. Look at me. Since when have I asked others what to do?”
Presently, Sang Wen jie irritatedly asks “What to do?” Lol. I like her.
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| Sang Wen jie grinning at the alcohol from Auntie Wen while our couple take cover behind a pole |
Returning to the city makes He Jia Jia anxious. She’s afraid of turning back into her old self. Fang Wen Yu assures her that he’ll accompany her.
He Jia Jia: Aren’t all your blood vessels filled with social anxiety?Fang Wen Yu: Perhaps it’s because of all your blood vessels that’s filled with chicken soup that cured me.He Jia Jia (laughs): Am I that amazing?Fang Wen Yu: The only time you’re not amazing is when you always look down on yourself.He Jia Jia: Not bad! Now when you talk, it smells of chicken soup. So stinky!Fang Wen Yu: Who should I blame? You. ♥
At night, He Jia Jia swats away the clown that’s always laughing at her. Yay! She’s ready to leave. I think the happiest person to see her returning to the city is Sang Wen jie. At the meeting He Jia Jia advocates for Taohuayuan. Although the future (development) is important, the past cannot be erased. The past and the future are equally important. CEO Li is impressed and asks for her future plans with the intent to hire her. He Jia Jia doesn’t know about her future yet. “I think fixing the past and respecting the past is more important right now” Before CEO Li leaves, He Jia Jia confidently adds, “My name is not Little Kid. My name is He Jia Jia.”
Sang Wen jie may not be here to help with the mattress (the heavy task has been delegated to boyfriend ^^), but she gave He Jia Jia a present: a refrigerator. Inside, it’s filled with icecream – her favourite chocolate flavour. Oh by the way, why is Sang Wen jie called jie? Because of her aura. She’s younger than He Jia Jia! Even Mom He calls her Sang Wen jie. xD
Boss Lin is back home. I wonder if Sang Wen and Boss Lin could be a pair??? In Ep15, she called him 萬人迷 (wan ren mi) = a person who attracts a great number of people. And this nickname is coming from Sang Wen jie.
While Fang Wen Yu is gone, He Jia Jia’s ex plops down next to her to avoid the rain. She gives him napkins. He feels apologetic. He brings up the USB that He Jia Jia is still unaware of. He asks how she’s been. She’s fine. She has no job, no savings, and no sunset, but she’s happy. He notes how the old her would complain about the smallest things but now she’s different.
He Jia Jia: The me now, even though I may not know what to do (when facing a problem), I will not be afraid anymore. If I don’t know, then I don’t know. I will not treat the unknown as if meeting a great enemy. We will not treat the unknown as if meeting a great enemy.
When Fang Wen Yu is back he asks who she was talking to. She replies, “Someone I should have bid farewell to a long time ago.”
Fang Wen Yu is sweaty from running. He’s sulking that he couldn’t find sweet potatoes. He Jia Jia calls him silly. They can eat something else. She doesn’t know what to eat either, but she asks him, “Do you want to be together?” What they’re eating doesn’t matter. Who she’s eating with does.
The end.
Remarks
[First Impression (Ep1-5)] I find the green in this so earthy, healing and soothing.
So far I think this is a low budget production with a high quality story. I love these. It’s like finding tiny gems where no one is looking.
In Ep1, the ML intrigued me. In Ep2, the scenery! In Ep3, he asks her to be his girlfriend~ In Ep4, a cute kid makes them play mom and dad for a day. And Ep5 is my favourite. He recognizes her problem and finds a way to help her embrace her imperfections.
In Ep1, the ML intrigued me. In Ep2, the scenery! In Ep3, he asks her to be his girlfriend~ In Ep4, a cute kid makes them play mom and dad for a day. And Ep5 is my favourite. He recognizes her problem and finds a way to help her embrace her imperfections.
Our FL is dependent and full of self-doubt, but slowly, she’ll become her own.
The ML is an oddball – a charming oddball. Under his bizarre demeanour, he’s a sensitive soul. He’s perceptive and yet has the innocence of a child. I love his look too – the shaggy hair and puppy eyes. He’s very so green to love and then when he confirms that he’s in love, he’s adorable, sort of like a puppy, following her around. Oh, and he has an affinity for teddy bears.
I am really liking the increasing trend of dramas set in the countryside, especially with FL’s packing their bags and dropping city life. See Nagi no Oitoma [J], Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha [K], Little Forest [K Movie].
The ML is an oddball – a charming oddball. Under his bizarre demeanour, he’s a sensitive soul. He’s perceptive and yet has the innocence of a child. I love his look too – the shaggy hair and puppy eyes. He’s very so green to love and then when he confirms that he’s in love, he’s adorable, sort of like a puppy, following her around. Oh, and he has an affinity for teddy bears.
I am really liking the increasing trend of dramas set in the countryside, especially with FL’s packing their bags and dropping city life. See Nagi no Oitoma [J], Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha [K], Little Forest [K Movie].
[Glossary]
[Ending] Happy!
[Review & Rating]
[Review & Rating]
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