T-Drama
Papa Zhong asked what did the doctor say after examining Shao Xi. Mama Zhong explained that her recovery was going well but she may not be well enough for the PE exam. Shao Xi asked for Li Zheng’s opinion and he too, echoed Papa Zhong’s concerns and reminded her that there are other ways to get into college; such as using results from her past competitions. He emphasized that forcing herself could lead to permanent injury. Suddenly, Jin Li raised his hand and encouraged Shao Xi to take on the exam. He remarked that Shao Xi would regret not joining the exam and would always wonder: what if? Regret was worse than failure. Jin Li had also researched that another athlete, similarly injured, managed to completely recover within 3 months with the help of physical therapy and proper nutrition. Shao Xi was happy hearing this and thanked Jin Li. Li Zheng seemed worried.
Shao Xi was putting on her running shoes when Li Zheng volunteered to accompany her exercise. A few days went by and Shao Xi finally noticed that she could walk as fast as a normal person. She felt encouraged. Li Zheng reminded her to always be careful.
Jin Li was researching on PE exams and thought that it would be hard for Shao Xi to recover in time. He hoped that she was not pushing herself too hard. He noticed a couple making out on the terrace and saw Xiao Ciao walking in to throw water on the couple. A fight between Xiao Ciao and the man revealed that they were together and were in a process of breaking up. The man raised his hand to hit Xiao Ciao but Jin Li came over to stop him. Jin Li reminded him that women were to be cherished and basically pulled a knight-in-a-shining-armor act that dazzled Xiao Ciao. Jin Li grabbed her hand forcefully and said he was going on a date with her. Who doesn’t love this kind of chivalrous white lie? I think I am starting to really ship this second lead couple. They are adorable together.
Jin Li took Xiao Ciao to a park and asked if she were hurt. Xiao Ciao reassured him that she was fine and immediately after that, nagged at her for her poor taste in men: men who hit women. Xiao Ciao defended herself as he was kind when he was pursuing her. He spoiled her and constantly declared his feelings for her. She only found out after they were together, that he did not like her much and was only pursuing her for fun. Jin Li was reminded of Shao Xi’s speech where she yelled at him for belittling girls’ feelings. He then declared that men who carelessly confess to girls did not have the right to relationships. Once someone fell for another, anything that the person did, would dictate his/her feelings. Someone who truly liked another, would not hurt anybody easily. Jin Li repeated everything that Shao Xi said to Xiao Ciao and concluded that her ex-boyfriend was a loser. Jin Li told Xiao Ciao to wait and open her eyes as there was someone out there who was worthy of her love. Jin Li left after that and Xiao Ciao looked at his back with the biggest smile on her face while contemplating, “A man worthy of my love…” They are sooo cute! They need to get together like now!
In a café, Jin Li was again reflecting on Shao Xi’s words while his two friends were discussing girls. His friends noticed his slow smile and asked if he had any good news to share. One of Jin Li’s girlfriends came over and wondered why he had not answered any of her messages. In the next scene, 5 pretty girls, who looked at each other suspiciously, surrounded Jin Li. He confirmed that they were all his girlfriends and he was playing with their hearts. He wanted to end these casual relationships and invited all the girls to hit him in fury. All the girls did and one of Jin Li’s sidekicks wondered if he needed rescuing while the other one said not to be heroic. His face bruised from the beating but Jin Li was riding on his motorcycle with an easy smile on his face. Again, he was reminded of Shao Xi, now crying alone in the cinema. Oh! He is so in love but I don’t like this pairing. I think they are better suited as friends.
Jin Li knocked on Shao Xi’s house and was greeted by Papa Zhong who rudely told him to go away. Mama Zhong came to greet him. Jin Li asked Mama Zhong where Shao Xi was and discovered that she was training around the lake. Jin Li thanked her and rushed to find Shao Xi. Papa Zhong asked why Mama Zhong helped Jin Li and she answered that she found Jin Li attractive because he was straightforward about his feelings, as Papa Zhong used to be. This confirms my theory from last episode’s recap: Mama Zhong seems to slightly favor the underdog. Hmmm… Li Zheng, you need to make your move.
Jin Li located Shao Xi who were training and rushed over to pick her up when she fell. Li Zheng came over at the same time and told Jin Li to let go as he was there to take care of Shao Xi. A staring cold war followed but Shao Xi broke it by asking why he was there. Jin Li declared that he wanted her to take responsibility for him because he had given up all of his casual relationships for her. He grabbed Shao Xi’s shoulders and declared that she was the first girl that he seriously liked and demanded that she too, considered him seriously. Jealous, Li Zheng pushed him away and told him to shut it. Well, what do you expect? You do not set your claims on her so she is still fair game to everyone. Jin Li asked Li Zheng if he was Shao Xi’s friend or boyfriend and whether his confession made Shao Xi or made him uneasy. A tense staring ensued until Shao Xi comforted Li Zheng and grabbed him to leave together. Jin Li insisted that she not belittle his feelings. He further confessed that he had been thinking about her a lot, about why he liked her and if his feelings were genuine. He claimed that she was affecting his actions and wondered if she noticed it too. She admitted that his confession felt real but she did not reciprocate. She asked him not to take it further. Jin Li was content that she was noticing him and glad that she was considering him seriously. This is Jin Li silently challenging Li Zheng for her affection. Li Zheng is still wordless! He is starting to frustrate me here. Why doesn’t he just blurt out that he was Shao Xi’s fiancé and future husband to put an end to all these? Although I am glad that Shao Xi is not dragging Jin Li.
Jin Li offered to carry Shao Xi on the way home. Li Zheng walked ahead in jealousy. Hmmm… If you are interested in her, the last thing you should be doing is distancing yourself. Xiao Ciao saw the threesome and wondered if Jin Li had feelings for Shao Xi.
In his room, Li Zheng was thinking about Jin Li’s question in the park: about his relationship with Shao Xi. He sighed and heard Shao Xi knocking on his door. She asked him if he disliked Jin Li and volunteered to speak up to him on his behalf. He answered that his feelings were irrelevant as hers were the issue here. Li Zheng asked that if Jin Li confessed, how would she respond? Shao Xi asked if Li Zheng wanted her to be together with Jin Li. Annoyed with his silent answer, Shao Xi got up to leave the room. Li Zheng belatedly admitted that he disliked Jin Li and did not want them to be in a relationship. But he had to also say that he was her best friend and whomever she chose in the future, their relationship as best friends would never change. Hmmm… Really?! He just friendzones himself yet again. Is this self-restrain? And if so, what is the purpose? I do not understand. Please enlighten me. Shao Xi returned to her room disappointed as she felt her feelings were one-sided. The misunderstanding continues…
In her class, Shao Xi’s home teacher reminded her that although it was New Year’s Eve, they were exam candidates and needed to study. Ru Ping approached Shao Xi who was in a bad mood. Ru Ping invited her to go to a countdown party but because of her injury, she declined. Shao Xi wanted to invite Ru Ping to countdown together at her house but she had plans.
At the teashop, Jin Li helped Mama Zhong bring in new tea inventory for display. She asked Papa Zhong to teach him how to display the items but he refused to. I have to give it to Papa Zhong. He does not waver easily. I think this is where Shao Xi inherits her focus. Jin Li gave 2 tickets to Mama Zhong to celebrate a romantic New Year’s Eve with Papa Zhong. He wanted them out of the house so he could date Shao Xi. This sly fox! Mama Zhong noted his motive and agreed to go on this getaway. She however made Jin Li promise that as the countdown ended, he would bring Shao Xi straight home. Jin Li agreed and called his brother to borrow his car. His facial expression changed when he was calling Jin Wen.
Shao Xi asked Li Zheng what his plans were for New Year’s Eve. Li Zheng had none and planned to study for the upcoming exam. Shao Xi could not believe this. Li Zheng noted that Shao Xi wanted to celebrate tonight. I think the scheming Li Zheng is back! Hehehe… I think I have to give it to the writer, these two complement each other: Li Zheng is a boring hermit without Shao Xi whereas Shao Xi is lazy without Li Zheng. They reached home and learned that Mama dan Papa Zhong were out celebrating and would not be home that night. Shao Xi was further disappointed.
Jin Wen was hospitalized due to fatigue. Jin Li came to tend to him. Jin Li asked why he worked so hard for father when he was not even there to take care of him. And right on cue: father arrived. He came with a work issue and immediately yelled at Jin Wen. Jin Li stood up for his brother and wanted to drive Father out as Jin Wen needed rest. They got into another loud argument and Jin Wen begged Jin Li to leave the room.
Li Zheng took Shao Xi out to the park to see fireworks. Shao Xi could not believe it because they were far from Taipei 101 and would not be able to see it. Li Zheng asked her to countdown as it was starting. And out of sight, as she was counting down, he readied some fireworks especially for Shao Xi. When she counted to zero, his fireworks exploded. Awwww… He is so in love with her. He wants her happy. But why does he keep pushing her away? They proceeded to play around the fireworks and again telepathically, held a conversation. Shao Xi made Li Zheng promise that he would tell her first if he falls for another girl. On another side of town, Jin Li was nursing his bad moods while sarcastically wishing himself a happy new year.
At home, Shao Xi was scooping a bowl of sesame chicken soup when Li Zheng remarked that it smelled very alcoholic. Shao Xi offered him but he declined. In his room, Li Zheng heard knocking on his door. He opened and was greeted with a drunk Shao Xi. Hahaha… They both fell onto his bed and Shao Xi started her a long drunk rant over her unrequited love for him. At the same, Li Zheng seemed to be undergoing an exercise in teenage self-restrain. They were on top of each other and their faces were merely inches apart and still, no kiss! Sigh… Well, Li Zheng almost kissed her but Shao Xi pushed him away in her drunken stupor for stealing a kiss. Hahaha… She even asked if he were Yan Li Zheng?! So true to Shao Xi’s one-man focus, she only allowed Li Zheng to kiss her. Anyway, Li Zheng was stunned over that push and got up. He wanted to leave the room but Shao Xi jumped on his back and bit his ear.
Li Zheng brought Shao Xi back to her room and laid her on her bed. He warned her not to drink alcohol again in the future and wished her a happy new year. Shao Xi held him back because he had not heard her new year’s wish yet. She whispered to his ears and Li Zheng responded, “Okay, I promise you.” What? What’s the promise? Aarggghhhh…. The secrecy!
Shao Xi was preparing for her competition and everyone, in worry, discouraged her from participating. She went to her starting position and started running. From the beginning, she struggled. Near the end, her knees gave up on her. Jin Li saw and wanted to go to her but was stopped by the attendant. Li Zheng however, pushed his way and came to her side. He lifted her hand onto his shoulder and they crossed the finish line together. Beautiful imagery here. The universe seemed to be on Li Zheng’s side. Defeated and dissapointed, Shao Xi cried in Li Zheng’s embrace. Shao Xi remarked that she went overboard and was now embarrassed that she lost. Li Zheng comforted her and said in his eyes, it was her best run.
Shao Xi was fixing her knee brace and Jin Li came to give her a bottle of water. Jin Li admitted that he regretted encouraging her to run. He apologized. Shao Xi lightened the mood by splashing water on him. She also said that had she not participated, it would be just like how he predicted: she would always wonder what would happen. So now, she had no regrets. Shao Xi thanked Jin Li for the water and went with Li Zheng.
Li Zheng and Shao Xi were going to school one morning and Shao Xi brought up university applications that would be collected today. Shao Xi asked what schools he was aiming for. Li Zheng asked if Shao Xi really was not using her running trophies and records to apply. Since she might not be able to run, Shao Xi refused to use them to apply for any college. Instead, she would undergo the harder road of preparing for the end of year exams. Li Zheng then also decided, he would not take the easy road and accompanied her on this harder road too.
Next scene, Li Zheng woke Shao Xi up early in the morning and started a strict regime of physical rehabilitation, supplements, nutritious diet, and schoolwork. He accompanied Shao Xi even though Shao Xi complained all the way. In her true procrastinate fashion, she slacked a few times only to be nudged back to the regime by the its keeper, Li Zheng. A bit of Iphone product placement here as Li Zheng coded in Shao Xi’s daily schedule for the next 2. Shao Xi complained over the strict study plan and begged Li Zheng to leave her all alone. Hahaha…
Li Zheng dragged and pushed Shao Xi at home and at school. Shao Xi did not get any rest time even at school breaks. Li Zheng came to teach Shao Xi as class ended to continue the plan. Shao Xi tried running away from home but just as she exited, she met Li Zheng and was caught. Hahaha… They were just leaving for the nearest café to study when they met Jin Li outside the house. Jin Li then invited himself as he too, had a midterm to prepare.
It was an uncomfortable silence as the two boys sat across each other. Both were on guard as if staking claims on the damsel in the middle. Shao Xi excused herself to the toilet and left the two boys alone. Li Zheng asked Jin Li to leave her alone if he were only playing around. Instead of deterring him, Jin Li thought that his words were encouraging. Jin Li baited Li Zheng if he would he accept their relationship since he was serious about Shao Xi. Li Zheng clarified that his approval was immaterial but people with bad intentions could not stay by Shao Xi’s side. Jin Li asked if he was so clueless that he did not realize how badly he could hurt Shao Xi. Jin Li was referring to Li Zheng as Shao Xi’s object of affection of course. Him being the one she loved, obviously was capable of hurting her more than him, who was at that moment, still considered nobody in Shao Xi’s eyes. Jin Li slyly said that if he was not interested in Shao Xi, Li Zheng should curb his attitude as it would repel Shao Xi’s suitors and that would hurt her in the long run. Jin Li was spot on! If you do not want the girl, let others have a go. It is selfish to hold on to Shao Xi and not make it official. Jin Li saw through his stoic facade and goaded Li Zheng even further by re-introducing himself as a serious suitor who was not Li Zheng’s competitor. I think Li Zheng sees red here! It is clearly displayed that Jin Li’s inherent role is to be a catalyst that pushes Li Zheng and Shao Xi’s relationship to another level. I feel sad for Jin Li. Shao Xi came back from the toilet and was again greeted with a tense stillness.
Shao Xi fell asleep on the table as she was studying and Li Zheng flashbacked to his many many memories where he took notice of her go about her days: napping in class, walking to school, and running on the field. As Shao Xi says, if you start thinking about your crush day and night, that was a sign that you were in love. I think Li Zheng needed another beating from Shao Xi. Jin Li came back with 2 drinks in hand and noticed Li Zheng gazing lovingly at the napping Shao Xi. He cleared his throat and snapped Li Zheng out of his daydream and Shao Xi, out of her nap. He gave one drink to Shao Xi and told Li Zheng to buy his own since he only had 2 hands. Shao Xi offered Li Zheng some of her drinks but at the same time, both boys stopped her. Hahaha… These two boys’ childish antics are too funny.
Xiao Ciao called Jin Li to come pick her up by giving him a bull excuse that her ex-boyfriend was bothering her. I think Xiao Ciao would regret these antics sooner or later. Jin Li excused himself. On the way home, Shao Xi noticed a group of runners practicing and stopped. Li Zheng noticed, turned around, and grabbed her wrist. As they walked on, his grab moved down to her hand. Smooth! Shao Xi noticed the hand holding and started smiling softly. This is a further proof that Jin Li is indeed a catalyst. Without his interference, Li Zheng would continue to walk ahead and never be by her side much less, holding her hands.
Comment
I really pity Jin Li in this episode. Both Jin Li and Li Zheng are written as characters that often resort to manipulations and scheming tactics to get their ways. But like most things, the end results largely depend on fate. Li Zheng has so far successfully manipulated circumstances around him to get his way. Jin Li on the other hand, is not so lucky. His Sunday date fails because his brother invited him for lunch. His new year’s date falls through as well, because his brother is hospitalized and he has an explosive argument with his father. He wants to help Shao Xi finish her competition but is barred by the running attendant. And of course, the worst blow is his unreciprocated feelings for Shao Xi. He changes his ways, rids all of his casual relationships, and still, does not manage to stir even a little bit of Shao Xi’s heart. Fate is very cruel indeed to Dimples.
Papa Zhong is written as a focused one-woman man who tends to quickly jump to conclusions. And I think this is why Mama Zhong seems to be a voice of reason in this drama. She is not so quick to dismiss Jin Li because he does have his strong points: namely, his frank determination. Although I think when Li Zheng helped Shao Xi cross the finish line, Mama Zhong starts seeing Li Zheng favorably.
I have no doubt that Li Zheng is falling for Shao Xi and I think he knows it too because going back to that the anti-climatic drunken scene, Li Zheng nearly confessed. But I have to continuously be reminded that these two are teenagers and still had plenty of time before making things official. Many have commented on the casting for this drama: specifically how Joanne Tseng is too mature to portray a high school student. I definitely understand this and to a certain extent, support this assessment. But I really wonder if a younger actress can carry this story as well as Joanne Tseng does. Both the writing and direction for this drama are great, the imageries, the color scheme, and the speeches are wonderful, but I think, the drama shines because Shao Xi is portrayed so brilliantly. She is very relatable to a lot of girls; almost like an homage to our high school selves.
I also like that many incidents in this drama have purpose: either for character or for relationship development. Everything that Li Zheng and Shao Xi experience together brings them closer to one another. After a great episode like this one, my only complaint is the one episode a week. The wait is torturous.
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