[RECAP/ EN] 稍息立正我愛你 (Attention, Love!) Ep. 13

Bai Bai asked if Li Zheng treated her nicely because he needed to make Shao Xi jealous. She saw Shao Xi coming back home and staring at them, so she proceeded to kissing Li Zheng on the cheek, much to Li Zheng’s surprise. He pulled her off, noticed her wondering eyes and turned around to see what she was looking at. He then saw Shao Xi and Jin Li driving off on his motorcycle. He called out to Shao Xi but was ignored. Bai Bai taunted him by suggesting Shao Xi would not believe him even if he explained. She confessed that she lied to Shao Xi on the bus earlier saying that he kissed her at the hotel. So the combination of her lie on the bus and the kiss that she just witnessed, surely Shao Xi would readily believe her lies. Li Zheng asked for her intent. Bai Bai claimed it was so he knew how it felt to be used. Okay, when exactly did Li Zheng use her? From the study group invitation until now, Bai Bai initiated their relationship. Li Zheng had repeatedly rejected her advances. At best, one could say Li Zheng tolerated her. Using her?! Bai Bai was delusional. Hmmm… I smell trouble in future episodes to come.

Jin Li took Shao Xi out for a meal. Shao Xi kept ignoring Li Zheng’s calls and Jin Li noticed it. Ever heard of mode diam (silent mode)?! So dramatic. Lol! Shao Xi asked if Bai Bai was prettier and womanlier than her. Jin Li admitted that on the surface, she did. Shao Xi cried and concluded that it was then reasonable for Li Zheng to like her. Jin Li then scolded her for looking down on herself as she was his first love; saying she was lacking also meant stamping Jin Li’s taste in woman as below par. Shao Xi thanked him for comforting her. Jin Li argued that he was not only merely comforting her and dragged her off. Lol. This was assuming that they paid their bills and did not just dined and dashed, I hope.

Jin Li sat her down in front of a street artist. Jin Li asked if the artist could draw a person based on descriptions. After getting the artist’s agreement, Jin Li instructed Shao Xi to take out a mirror, look at herself with it, and describe her face to the artist. Shao Xi proceeded to give lackluster accounts of her face. Jin Li saw the artist’s drawing and shook his head. He then asked the artist to draw another one based on his accounts. Jin Li gave a more honest depiction and using endearing words such as “dumb hamster”, “round but sparkly”, “heroic justice”, “open and cheerful” and “prettier than she thinks”. Sigh… I am very torn here. I do not mind Shao Xi ending up with Jin Li but at the same time, what about the spunky and adorable Xiao Ciao?! Jin Li took both drawings from the artist and showed the vastly different images to Shao Xi. The one based on her description was sad and ugly but the one based on Jin Li’s words was bright and beautiful. Jin Li smiled gently and said that in his eyes, Shao Xi was better than Bai Bai.

Jin Li and Shao Xi were silently hanging out by the sea. Shao Xi admitted that last night, Li Zheng kissed her and confessed. She was happy. But now that she thought about it, he never said her name. It was just a wishful thinking. She felt stupid. Jin Li quietly listened and sat down next to her. Shao Xi confessed that her mind was still occupied by Li Zheng even after all these times. She felt tired and wondered why it was easy to fall in love but difficult to stop. Jin Li leaned in intending to kiss her but then, he stopped at the sight of her flowing tears. Instead, he wiped her cry. Jin Li told her to let him love her and it was okay if she did not reciprocate his feelings. He then took her head and propped it onto his shoulder. I really love the cinematography here as the camera moves away from the two characters: so pretty, so detached, and so fitting.

Jin Li dropped Shao Xi in her parents’ homes. He told her not to worry and not to think about it tonight. He then, bid her farewell. When she walked into her house, she caught her parents getting frisky. Lol. It is amazing how her parents could still provide her with future childhood trauma at her age. Again, another expected move from a drama that refuses to take itself too seriously. Shao Xi explained that she had no class tomorrow so she came home to rest. Her parents calmly welcomed her home but when she was away from their sights, Papa Zhong remarked that there seemed to be something wrong with her. Shao Xi went up to the second floor, stopped by Li Zheng’s room, and walked in. Shao Xi hoped that she would overcome her feelings in time so that she could accept Li Zheng’s attraction to another girl and at the same time, smile and be glad as she continued living in an area that was full of their memories together. Shao Xi flashbacked to the many memories she shared with Li Zheng. She worried that period of acceptance would never arrive. She laid down on his bed and continued crying. Sigh… Li Zheng, this is all your fault!

Li Zheng was waiting outside the house for Shao Xi. He kept looking at his many unanswered texts that, among other things, begged her to answer his calls, to not believe what she saw, and to listen to his explanation. Jin Li came home. Li Zheng immediately asked where was Shao Xi. Jin Li did not reply and instead, told him to follow him to the nearest park. Jin Li punched Li Zheng and the two boys started to fight. Jin Li scolded him for not considering his feelings and for leading on two girls. Li Zheng angrily asked was Jin Li not waiting for a change to squeeze between him and Shao Xi? Jin Li stressed that he wanted to protect Shao Xi. He even wanted to kiss her but she kept crying even though he had already done his best in comforting her. As Shao Xi tried to hide her cries, Jin Li realized that he could never replaced Li Zheng in her heart. Jin Li finally asked if Li Zheng liked her.

Li Zheng slowly sat down and admitted that he liked Shao Xi! Jin Li then exasperatedly ordered him to tell her. Li Zheng instead asked Jin Li if he ever regretted anything. He admitted that since the incident when Da Mao read aloud Shao Xi’s diary to the whole class, he had many regrets: for not saying anything or comforting her when she was sobbing and also for not quickly realizing his own feelings. Hearing this just made Jin Li even more fed up. He told him not to be so complicated and just confess. Lol. Yeah, I am on Jin Li’s side on this. Just make a move! Li Zheng again explained that he felt jealous over his interactions with Shao Xi. Shao Xi always smiled when she was around him. But Li Zheng was not willing to let her go to him. Jin Li corrected his ignorance: girls could smile to acquaintances but girls would only cry for her love. This truth finally enlightened him and he quietly pondered it.

Jin Li was sleeping in his room one morning when he heard noises coming from Shao Xi’s room. He walked out and asked if she was doing a major clean up? Shao Xi admitted that she was moving back home. Jin Li sarcastically complimented her for moving out when Li Zheng was not around. Shao Xi admitted that she was avoiding Li Zheng because she was not ready to give her blessings on Li Zheng and Bai Bai's relationship. At first, Jin Li wanted to blurt out that Li Zheng also reciprocated her affections but then, he changed his mind as he remembered Li Zheng refusing his offer to help last night. Instead, Jin Li offered to help her pack and carry her things home. Shao Xi handed him some medicines for his face and then, went down to get some garbage bags. As Jin Li sat down to apply some medicine, he picked up the Shao Xi’s doll that had a recording ability. Hmmm… Could it be? I wonder… Li Zheng also held this doll when he switched room with Shao Xi before.

The next scene was Jin Li meeting up with Bai Bai asking her to collaborate as he liked Shao Xi and she, Li Zheng. Now, I think our boy is setting a trap here. 

Shao Xi was lazing around on her bed when she heard Jin Li throwing stones on her window to ask her out. 

Li Zheng came home to his room and saw Shao Xi’s door slightly ajar. He came over and called out her name. He pushed the door lightly and upon seeing it empty, he dashed out. 

Jin Li and Shao Xi were at a game arcade. At first, Shao Xi was reluctant to participate but then Jin Li persuaded her to follow along. In a short while, she began to have fun. Jin Li also took her phone away as he wanted her full attention for the rest of the day. He noticed that her phone was turned off. He wondered aloud if it was because Shao Xi did not want Li Zheng to contact her to if she was afraid he was not contacting her. Right on! He hit the issue right on the nail. It is nice seeing the easy and simple dynamics between Shao Xi and Jin Li.

Li Zheng went to the Zhong residence and went inside Shao Xi’s room. He noticed all of her packed belongings. Mama Zhong came in and told him that Shao Xi was out with Jin Li. He asked if they fought because Shao Xi suddenly declared that she was moving back home. Li Zheng was silent and did not say anything in reply. Rude much?! Or maybe, it is just editing? Jin Li took Shao Xi to an outdoor cinema to fulfill his movie date promise. Sigh… This clearly was a closure scene for Jin Li. He put on the movie that played when they first met. They reminisced to their first meeting where Shao Xi cried and also to the convenience store meet up where he cried. Jin Li indirectly thanked her because he would be the same jerk if he had not met her. Shao Xi finally took back her words that accused him of not knowing how to like someone. Jin Li was satisfied that she finally recognized his feelings and found closure.

Jin Li then presented her with 2 gifts. The first was a recording of Bai Bai admitting that she lied about her kiss with Li Zheng. And another gift was Shao Xi’s recording doll that saved in its hand, a recording of Li Zheng’s confession. Realizing it was indeed Li Zheng’s voice, Shao Xi was stunned. In the next scene, Jin Li dropped Shao Xi home to her apartment. He declared that after this, he would not meddle in Shao Xi and Li Zheng’s affairs anymore. This was his last one. He then calmly, but sadly, left.

Shao Xi waited in her room. She searched for her phone inside her bag but realized that Jin Li still had it. She played with her recording doll and as she flashbacked to her confession scene by the river, she pressed on it and Li Zheng’s confession came on. She could not wait anymore and so she came down. Just then, she saw Li Zheng coming in. He walked purposely towards her. Shao Xi explained that she overreacted before and now knew that he was not dating Bai Bai. Suddenly, Li Zheng hugged her tight. He told her not to hide anymore, not to move away, not to worry him, not to leave his side, and finally, not to see him as a friend. Hmmm… So, how should she consider you? Shao Xi cried, tears of joy or relief, I reckon, and hugged him back. Finally!

Jin Li was in a KTV with his friends and Xiao Ciao. Ah Ke and Xiao Jian finally noticed that he was sulking alone in the middle of the room. Some friend!? A familiar tune came on and he started singing the song that reminded him of Shao Xi. He began flashbacking to memories of Shao Xi and without realizing it, his tears dropped. Xiao Ciao quietly listened and at the sign of Jin Li's tears, cut the song short. That woke Jin Li up and he left abruptly. Xiao Ciao followed suit. He rode his motorcycle and Xiao Ciao climbed up on the back. Jin Li told her to get off but she refused to. He told her not to regret it. He took her to a hotel room. He still asked if she would not regret it. Xiao Ciao confirmed that she would not. Jin Li was closing in when a tear suddenly drop to ruin the mood. He climbed off the bed and started describing his heartbreak. Xiao Ciao came onto his side and admitted that her heart too, was in pieces at the moment. Sigh… This scene is extra sad.

Jin Li came home but stayed outside the gate instead of going in. He imagined Li Zheng and Shao Xi acting all lovey dovey inside and dreaded the prospect. He even scolded himself for pushing them together. Lol. He finally came inside and in the living room, he saw Shao Xi eating breakfast alone. Jin Li was confused and asked where was Li Zheng. Shao Xi nonchalantly said he might be in his room. Jin Li was very surprised and loudly asked her to recount yesterday’s events. Shao Xi listed everything Li Zheng said but while she was still describing, Jin Li interrupted her and asked if Li Zheng confessed and if they were officially dating now. Shao Xi shook her head. I definitely understand Jin Li’s frustration; Li Zheng really does have an amazing self-control for his age. Li Zheng went upstairs to interrogate Li Zheng.

He rudely knocked on Li Zheng’s door while Shao Xi was putting her arms around him to hold him back. She let go when Li Zheng finally opened his door. Jin Li pushed in and locked the door behind him. Jin Li asked why he wasted his chance yesterday? Shao Xi went around her room and tried to get in from the balcony door. Jin Li pushed and prevented Li Zheng from opening the door. He offered some relationship advice to Li Zheng: how he needed to clarify his feelings and not hesitate. Li Zheng brushed him off as he felt it was only between him and Shao Xi only. Li Zheng escaped, guided Shao Xi back to her room, and closed the door behind him. Then, he gently approached Shao Xi and asked her out. Wow, I must admit; I like Li Zheng’s dramatic stares and thoughtful advances.

Li Zheng took Shao Xi back to their high school. They went inside Shao Xi’s classroom and Li Zheng wrote Einstein’s formula on Special Relativity on the board. He explained to Shao Xi that according to this theory, as long as one could surpass the speed of light, one could go back to the past. He then asked her if she were given a do-over, was there a particular day that she would revisit? Shao Xi could not come up with a particular time so she asked if Li Zheng had a day in mind. He confessed that he often entertained the idea of going back to the day Da Mao read her diary. Had he not run away and made a different decision, he wondered how differently would their relationship be now? For example, if he had also confessed then and there as he hugged and comforted her, if he had run to comfort her while she ripped pages off her diary, or finally, if he had agreed to date her when she asked him out that day by the river. Li Zheng said that had he done those things, he would not have so many regrets and Shao Xi too, would not shed so many tears because of him. But he realized that it was useless to regret since he could never defy the rules of physics and redo. So he decided to change the present him. He came closer to Shao Xi, wiped her tears, and kissed her gently. It is about time!

Comment

Flashbacks much?! I like how Li Zheng finally made a move but oh my, the flashbacks accounted to almost 10 minutes of the whole episode. This episode is draggy. Li Zheng’s confession scene is nothing extraordinary. Maybe it is because it dragged on for far too long so my excitement is just not as it was before. I felt that after everything the writer puts us through, that confession scene is below par. It lacks something... Note to write: maybe next time, faster romantic build-up please!

This episode raises few questions specifically on the topics of Bai Bai and Xiao Ciao – Jin Li loveline. It is clear that the writer’s intention is for Bai Bai to be the next antagonist; so let’s sit back and see if she will live up to her role. For one, I am looking forward to it. This is mainly because she is a fake cookie who plays dirty. Now, doesn’t that just already sound exciting? Please do not disappoint!

Taiwanese dramas are usually great with fan service. So I too, am hopeful that Xiao Ciao and Jin Li will get their happy ending too. I am really hoping for them. I would feel bad for them if they did not get together at the end.

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[RECAP/ IND] 稍息立正我愛你 (Attention, Love!) Ep. 12

Shao Xi keluar kamarnya satu pagi. Dia melihat kamar Jin Li dan teringat pengakuannya malam sebelumnya. Jin Li memberitahunya untuk perlahan-lahan memikirkan jawabannya dan dia rela menunggunya. Saat itu, Li Zheng keluar dari kamarnya untuk pergi ke sekolah. Dia bertanya apakah dia juga sedang menuju sekolah dan ketika dia menjawab ya, dia menyarankan agar mereka pergi bersama. Tarik napas panjang… Penulis yang terhormat, memang Li Zheng adalah pemeran utama tetapi tidak harus menekankannya sampai begitu. Setidaknya, beri Jin Li kesempatan dan biarkan Shao Xi dengan hati-hati merenungkan pernyatannya.

Dalam perjalanan, Shao Xi berhenti di sebuah pedagang jalanan yang menjual pernak-pernik kecil. Dia meminta untuk melihat satu kalung. Merasa menarik, Shao Xi tanya harganya. Penjual tersebut mengutip harga tinggi sebanyak NT $ 1200 (sekitar Rp.500,000) dan mengatakan bahwa dia akan memberi gantungan kunci gratis sebagai hadiah. Shao Xi memutuskan untuk tidak membelinya dan ingin mengembalikan ke tempatnya. Tapi Li Zheng menghentikannya dan meminta penjual untuk mengemasnya. Shao Xi membisikkan tidak perlu karena mahal dan dia tidak begitu menyukainya. Li Zheng mengatakan bahwa dia tidak pernah mengatakan akan menghadiahkan kalung itu kepadanya. Dia menginstruksikan penjual untuk mengemasnya dengan baik. Sesuai janji, penjual memberi gantungan kunci pada Li Zheng. Shao Xi tertegun. Dia bertanya untuk siapa kalungnya? Li Zheng merahasiakannya. Shao Xi mengeluh karena jelas itu adalah hadiah untuk seorang gadis. Li Zheng tersenyum nakal dan menawarkan gantungan kunci yang gratis. Shao Xi melihatnya dan menolaknya. Dia meninggalkan Li Zheng dan pergi terlebih dahulu. Li Zheng menunggu kalung itu dan berterima kasih pada si penjual. Dia terus tersenyum main-main di belakang Shao Xi.

Dalam perjalanan ke kelasnya, Shao Xi bertemu dengan Jin Li. Dia ingin berbalik tapi Jin Li menghentikannya. Jin Li bertanya mengapa dia menghindarinya. Jin Li menyuruhnya untuk tidak menghindar karena jika iya, dia akan merasa kalau pengakuan dirinya mengganggunya. Shao Xi mengaku kalau dia tidak yakin bagaimana berperilaku. Jin Li menyuruhnya untuk biasa saja memperlakukannya: sebagai senior yang ditugaskan. Sampai dia siap memberikan jawabannya, dia akan terus mengurus dan memperlakukannya dengan baik. Dia hanya meminta agar tidak dihindari. Mereka berdua bersepakat.

Shao Xi dan Jin Li berjalan bersama menuju kelas. Shao Xi bertanya mengapa dia berpura-pura menjadi seorang gadis di game. Jin Li mengaku sebenarnya punya identitas lain. Dia menyebutkan namanya dan Shao Xi sadar kalau Jin Li adalah pemain yang selalu menghinanya di game. Jin Li membela diri dan mengatakan kalau dia hanya memberi masukan yang membangun. Hahaha.... Dia penasaran betapa mahirnya dia bermain, sehingga dia menciptakan alias lain. Ketika mereka bertemu di kencan buta, barulah dia sadar siapa itu sasarannya. Shao Xi menggelengkan kepalanya dan mengatakan kalau hubungan naas mereka sebenarnya sudah mulai lama. Tarik napas panjang ... Lagi-lagi, penulis, mengapa tidak adil?

Shao Xi sedang memikirkan kejadian kalung tadi dan bertanya-tanya untuk siapa kalung itu. Menggoda dan bersenang-senang semua oke tapi jika itu menyebabkan gejolak salah paham yang panjang, hmmm... Tiba-tiba, Bai Bai memanggilnya. Duh... aku merasa akan ada kesalahpahaman lagi. Bai Bai mengatakan kepadanya kalau hari ini adalah hari ulang tahunnya dan dia bercanda meminta hadiah dari Li Zheng. Dia terkejut, tapi sangat senang, karena Li Zheng mempersiapkan hadiah untuknya. Dia bertanya pada Shao Xi apakah dia ingin melihat hadiahnya. Dia ingin mengeluarkannya tapi Shao Xi berkata tidak perlu karena dialah yang membantu memilih hadiah ini. Aduh… Lihat saja! Cape deh salah paham terus. Li Zheng sebenarnya memberinya gantungan kunci jelek tapi Shao Xi berasumsi bahwa dia memberinya kalung itu. Bai Bai berterimakasih karena dia sangat menyukai hadiahnya. Hahaha... Cinta itu memang buta. Gantungan kuncinya jelek sekali. Bai Bai balik berkata kalau dia ingin memberikan hadiah balasan.

Li Zheng sedang duduk di kamarnya sambil mengagumi kotak berisi kalung yang disukai Shao Xi. Dia mendengar ketukan di pintunya dan merasakan bahwa itu adalah Shao Xi. Dia membuka pintu dan siap mempersembahkan hadiah. Tapi dia berhenti saat melihat Bai Bai ada di sisi Shao Xi. Bai Bai menyambut Li Zheng dengan ceria dan memberinya hadiah. Li Zheng segera menyembunyikan kotak hadiah itu dan bertanya apa yang dihadiahkan Bai Bai. Bai Bai meminta bantuan Shao Xi untuk menjelaskannya. Aduh... Aku mulai membenci karakter Bai Bai ini. Dia kalkulatif dan licik. Shao Xi menjelaskan kalau itu adalah balasan hadiah ulang tahun yang diberikan Li Zheng untuknya. Li Zheng mengambil tas itu dan tampak bingung apa yang harus dilakukan selanjutnya. Tentu saja, seharusnya begitu. Sulit sekali menjadi Li Zheng saat ini karena dia harus melihat Shao Xi, gadis idamannya, berperan seperti mak comblang untuknya dan Bai Bai. Bai Bai mengundangnya untuk membuka bingkisan karena Shao Xi berkata kalau dia pasti menyukainya. Dia melakukan itu dan mengeluarkan sepasang headphone. Tarik napas panjang... Jelas, ini berdasarkan rekomendasi Shao Xi yang tahu persis berapa seringnya Li Zheng mendengarkan musik di waktu senggangnya. Li Zheng menatap Shao Xi dengan sangat tidak nyaman dan kemudian, dia mengucapkan terima kasih pada Bai Bai. Shao Xi permisi ke kamarnya dan Bai Bai berterima kasih pada Shao Xi. AKHIRNYA! Aku bahkan tidak akan menemani Bai Bai jika aku adalah Shao Xi. Li Zheng mengantar Bai Bai pulang dan keduanya pergi. Shao Xi masuk ke dalam kamarnya dengan putus asa.

Li Zheng berada di atap sambil melihat kotak kalung itu. Dia turun dan berpapasan dengan Jin Li yang sedang naik. Jin Li mengaku bahwa dia telah menyatakan perasaannya pada Shao Xi dan dalam dua minggu di perkemahan mahasiswa tingkat pertama, dia akan menanyakan tanggapannya. Li Zheng berkata kalau Jin Li tidak perlu mengumumkannya. Li Zheng menambahkan kalau Jin Li akan menyesal telah memberitahunya. Setuju sekali! Jin Li sama sekali tidak perlu berbagi dengan Li Zheng karena mereka bukan teman. Ini seperti memberitahu lawanmu untuk bersiap karena akan diserang. Tarik napas dalam...

Akhirnya hari perkemahan tiba, Jin Li, Ah Ke, dan Xiao Jian menangani masalah pendaftaran. Tiba-tiba mahasiswa dari Jurusan Bahasa Asing Terapan, departemen Li Zheng, datang menyiapkan meja tepat di samping mereka. Jin Li bertanya apakah Departemen Bahasa Terapan Terapan juga berkemah di hari yang sama. Teman-temannya menjawab ya dan itu semua kesalahan Jin Li karena tidak muncul di pertemuan sehingga dia tahu kejadian-kejadian di sekolah. Rupanya, perkemahan Bahasa Asing Terapan tertunda karena topan. Jadi junior dari departemen itu, maksudnya, Li Zheng, menyarankan dan mendapat persetujuan kedua departemen untuk berkemah bersama. Dia bahkan mengatur semua pemesanan perkemahan. Jin Li curiga bertanya-tanya siapa "junior" itu. Dan pas selagi dia berpikir, dia melihat Li Zheng tersenyum dengan licik. Nah, dia memang sudah memperingatkan kalau Jin Li pasti menyesal telah memberitahukan niatnya.

Xiao Ciao tiba dengan mobil sport kuningnya. Aku benar-benar terkejut mobil itu masih utuh. Dia melihat bis yang akan membawa semua ke tempat perkemahan dan memutuskan akan menyetir sendiri. Shao Xi mengingatkannya kalau lokasinya jauh dan dia akan menyesal menyetir sendiri. Tapi Xiao Ciao tidak mendengarkan dan langsung pergi. Shao Xi naik bis dan mulai mencari tempat duduk kosong. Dia melihat Li Zheng dan Jin Li duduk sendirian. Dia berpikir dan nampaknya hendak duduk di sisi Li Zheng. Tapi tengah jalan, Jin Li menangkap dan menyeretnya duduk di sampingnya. Bai Bai datang berikutnya. Dia melihat Li Zheng duduk sendirian dan segera menuju kursi kosong di sisinya. Dia bertanya apakah dia bisa duduk di sana dan Li Zheng dengan enggan memindahkan tasnya untuk memberi tempat. Shao Xi melirik Li Zheng tapi cepat-cepat memalingkan pandangannya saat ketahuan.

Di tempat berkemah, game pertama melepaskan label nama dimulai. Tim yang berhasil mengupas semua label nama-nama tim lawan dianggap sebagai pemenang. Permainan berlangsung seru dan yang berdiri terakhir adalah Jin Li dan Li Zheng. Keduanya berhasil mengambil label masing-masing pada saat bersamaan. Jin Li bersorak gembira tapi Li Zheng berdiri marah. Shao Xi terlihat khawatir menatap Li Zheng.

Xiao Ciao akhirnya tiba dan dia mencari Shao Xi yang sedang membersihkan beberapa sayuran. Shao Xi bertanya mengapa dia terlambat datang. Xiao Ciao mengakui bahwa tempat ini sangat sulit ditemukan. Dia juga mengatakan bahwa dia lapar dan apakah ada makanan untuknya. Shao Xi menawarkan sepotong paprika hijau namun Xiao Ciao tidak tertarik. Shao Xi menghiburnya bahwa akan ada makanan segera dan Xiao Ciao menawarkan bantuan. Tapi Shao Xi tidak menerima tawarannya karena dia bahkan tidak pernah mencuci sayuran sebelumnya. Hahaha... Memang seharusnya aku membenci Xiao Ciao yang manja tapi dia terlalu imut untuk dibenci.

Bai Bai juga mencuci sayuran dan bertanya apakah Li Zheng punya pacar. Shao Xi tertegun pada awalnya tapi kemudian, dia menjawab bahwa dia tidak tahu pasti. Shao Xi tidak merasa Li Zheng punya kekasih karena jika iya, pasti Li Zheng akan memberitahunya. Bai Bai kemudian memutuskan bahwa dia akan mengaku malam ini di api unggun. Xiao Ciao dengan acuh tak acuh menanyakan siapa dirinya dan apakah mereka cukup dekat untuk bisa berbagi informasi semacam itu. Bai Bai tidak memperdulikan dan terus menjelaskan bahwa itu adalah tradisi universitas untuk menyatakan perasaan pada malam api anggun. Xiao Ciao mendapat ide. Shao Xi hanya diam berdiri di sana dan tidak yakin apa yang harus dilakukannya saat Bai Bai terus menjelaskan kalau dia merasa dekat dengan Shao Xi dan ingin bantuannya karena dia adalah teman baiknya Li Zheng. Hmmm... Dasar ular!

Li Zheng sedang duduk di meja bersama teman-temannya. Bai Bai datang untuk menambahkan makanan ke meja. Salah satu teman mereka berkomentar kalau Li Zheng tidak makan. Dia hanya tersenyum lembut. Bai Bai mengambil semangkuk makanan dan menyajikannya ke Li Zheng. Li Zheng berterimakasih tapi mengatakan bahwa dia tidak makan makanan yang diambil oleh sumpit orang lain. Ya, beritahu dia Li Zheng! Gadis ini perlu diletakkan di tempatnya. Li Zheng kemudian meninggalkan meja makan. Shao Xi melihat Li Zheng berjalan pergi dan mulai khawatir. Shao Xi meraih sepotong roti dan mengikutinya. Shao Xi benar-benar mengenal Li Zheng dengan baik. Memang perlu diakui keunggulan keluarga. Xiao Ciao berteriak memanggil Shao Xi dan dengan secara tidak langsung, memberi tahu Jin Li. Ah, suka duka cinta lima persegi.

Shao Xi mendekati Li Zheng yang sedang duduk sendirian dan memberinya sepotong roti. Dia bertanya mengapa dia ikut berpartisipasi kalau sudah tahu tidak suka makan bersama orang lain. Li Zheng teringat akan Jin Li yang akan meminta jawaban Shao Xi atas pengakuannya. Dia sepertinya diam-diam mengkhawatirkan hal ini tetapi justru Shao Xi salah paham dan mengira dia ikut untuk Bai Bai. Cape dech… Li Zheng tidak menjawab apa-apa tapi dia terkejut menatap Shao Xi. Dia terus berkata tentang Li Zheng yang memberikan hadiah padanya, selalu membiarkannya berada di sisinya, dan baru-baru ini, bahkan menyimpan tempat untuknya di bis. Semakin banyak Shao Xi merincikan pemikirannya, semakin kaget Li Zheng terlihat. Shao Xi menyimpulkan kalau Li Zheng tidak pernah memperlakukan seorang gadis sebaik Bai Bai sebelumnya jadi dia pasti sangat menyukainya. Shao Xi menambahkan kalau Li Zheng tidak setia kawan karena sebagai teman baik, dia tidak pernah bercerita apa-apa. Dia bertanya apakah dia tidak bercerita karena khawatir menyinggung perasaan Shao Xi. Dia meyakinkannya kalau itu semua adalah masalah SMA. Shao Xi tidak menyukai Li Zheng lagi.

Li Zheng mulai terlihat marah. Dia berdiri dan bertanya apakah Shao Xi suka pada Jin Li sekarang. Sekarang giliran Li Zheng salah berkesimpulan: kalau Shao Xi suka pada Jin Li dan tidak berniat membagi perasaannya sampai dia sudah berkencan dengan Jin Li. Aku benci semua kesalahpahaman ini. Shao Xi bertanya mengapa dia bersikap galak. Shao Xi membenarkan kalau Jin Li mengajaknya berkencan tapi itu bukan urusannya. Li Zheng dengan tajam bertanya padanya apakah Shao Xi benar-benar tidak pernah goyah karena Jin Li. Li Zheng menyinggung saat Jin Li memeluknya di depan gedung. Dia berpendapat kalau dia tidak mengatakan apa-apa, pastinya Shao Xi akan terus membiarkan Jin Li memeluknya. Li Zheng bertanya padanya apa artinya itu.

Shao Xi bertanya atas dasar apa dia meminta penjelasan. Apakah sebagai teman, keluarga, atau... Li Zheng membuang muka dan hanya menyuruhnya untuk tidak jatuh cinta dengan Jin Li karena dia tidak cukup baik untuknya. Kenapa sih tidak langsung saja berkata kalau kau menginginkannya dan suka padanya?! Kau tidak berhak mengatakan apa-apa kalau belum meresmikan hubungan. Tunggu apa lagi? Sedikit aneh memang kalau dipikir kenapa semuanya tiba-tiba lupa kalau mereka itu sudah tunangan. Li Zheng kembali memasukkan dirinya di zona pertemanan: dia berkata sebagai teman, dia tidak ingin melihat Shao Xi terluka. Shao Xi akhirnya menegaskan perasaannya untuk Jin Li; apakah dia suka padanya atau tidak, itu bukan urusan Li Zheng. Rasakan! Akhirnya, Li Zheng sekarang bertanya-tanya apakah dirinya sudah terlambat. Teruslah menunda-nunda. Nantinya gadismu akan lari ke perlukan yang lain.

  

Api unggun yang ditunggu-tunggu akhirnya tiba. Atau juga bisa dikenal sebagai duka cinta lima persegi: Bai Bai mendekati Li Zheng, Li Zheng menuju ke Shao Xi, Xiao Ciao bergerak menuju Jin Li, dan Jin Li tentu saja, langsung menuju ke Shao Xi. Kedua anak laki-laki itu mengulurkan tangan mereka untuk mengundang Shao Xi menari bersama. Dan seperti biasa yang terjadi di perkara seperti ini, tidak ada yang lolos dari masalah ini bahagia. Shao Xi akhirnya tidak memilih dan langsung menuju pada Xiao Yu. Jin Li sebentar menari dengan Xiao Ciao namun berhenti mengikuti Shao Xi yang mengikuti Bai Bai mengikuti Li Zheng. Xiao Yu dan Xiao Ciao terdiam di lantai dansa.

  

Shao Xi mengikuti Li Zheng dan Bai Bai ke daerah kamar-kamar dan melihat pengakuan Bai Bai. Dia kabur setelah melihat Bai Bai memeluk Li Zheng. Bai Bai mulai bermain jahat di sini. Mengapa dia memeluk Li Zheng sebenarnya karena dia tahu jelas kalau Shao Xi sedang mengintip. Shao Xi pergi untuk menghibur dirinya sendiri. Dia terus mengingatkan dirinya untuk berbahagia bagi sahabatnya. Tapi dia sadar kalau dirinya belum siap menghadapi ini. Tarik napas dalam... Kapan sih ini akan berakhir? Kalau saja Shao Xi mengintip satu setengah menit lebih lama, dia akan melihat Li Zheng menolak pengakuan Bai Bai dan berjalan menjauh darinya.

Shao Xi berlari kembali ke daerah kamar-kamar untuk mencari Li Zheng tapi dia tidak melihatnya. Jin Li datang untuk menghiburnya. Awalnya, Shao Xi membuang muka tapi Jin Li memeluknya. Dia berkata kalau dia tidak akan membiarkannya menangis sendirian atau melarikan diri setiap kali dia ingin menghiburnya. Mereka pergi ke sudut perkemahan yang lain dan Jin Li mengaku kalau pada awalnya dia ingin menagih jawaban dari pernyatannya. Tapi sekarang, dia berubah pikiran dan memutuskan untuk berperan sebagai teman. Jin Li bertanya kalau Shao Xi masih menyukai Li Zheng, mengapa dia menolak ajakannya untuk menari? Kenapa dia tidak tahu kalau Li Zheng juga menyukainya? Memang benar-benar aneh mengapa sang penulis membuat Li Zheng dan Shao Xi begitu tidak sadar.

Xiao Yu melihat foto Ru Ping di ponselnya saat seorang gadis meminta untuk duduk di sampingnya. Dia bertanya apakah Xiao Yu tertarik untuk berkencan dengannya karena dia tertarik padanya. Xiao Yu menatapnya dengan tak percaya.

Ah Ke dan Xiao Jian berbelanja di toko terdekat untuk melangsungkan satu pesta rahasia di ruang dewan murid. Mereka mengundang Shao Xi untuk bergabung dengan mereka. Di pesta tersebut, empat dari lima karakter cinta lima persegi muncul: Jin Li, Shao Xi, Bai Bai, dan Li Zheng. Li Zheng mendengar rencana Ah Ke dan Xiao Jian yang ingin membuat Shao Xi mabuk supaya dirinya setuju berkencan dengan Jin Li. Ini sangat tidak oke! Untung Li Zheng mendengar ini jadi ketika rencananya mulai bergulir, dia mengacaukan rencana dan menjadi ksatria hitamnya (yaitu, orang yang menggantikan menerima hukuman dari satu permainan, biasanya hukumannya adalah minum minuman keras). Li Zheng memang tidak bisa minum, dan tentu saja, dia menjadi mabuk. Dan saat dia mabuk, Li Zheng gila muncul. Dia meraih kerah Ah Ke dan membantingnya ke pintu. Shao Xi datang menenangkan masalah dan adegan akrab antara Shao Xi dan Li Zheng berlangsung. Ini jelas membangkitkan kecemburuan Bai Bai dan Jin Li.

Ru Ping sedang bersantai di kamarnya saat menerima telepon dari Xiao Yu. Dia berkata kalau tempat berkemah mereka dekat sekolahnya jadi dia ingin datang berkunjung. Dia mempersembahkan sebuah karangan bunga dan mengaku kalau dia baru saja menerima satu pengakuan cinta tapi selama pengakuan itu berlangsung, yang dia pikirkan hanyalah Ru Ping. Dia berkata kalau dia sangat menyukainya, akan terus suka padanya, dan langsung berangkat pulang. Hahaha... Oke, dia pantas mendapat ciuman setelah pengakuan seperti itu. Xiao Yu berbalik dan berjalan dengan sengaja menuju Ru Ping; mendorongnya ke sebuah pilar. Tapi ini hanyalah komedi anticlimax! Dia terlihat mencondongkan tubuh untuk mencium, tapi akhirnya dia hanya bertanya apakah Ru Ping bisa meminjamkan uang karena dia lupa membawa dompet. Hahaha... Ru Ping tepat sekali mengusirnya.

Di satu ruangan, Shao Xi memasukkan Li Zheng ke tempat tidur. Dia berniat meninggalkannya tapi kemudian Li Zheng meraih tangannya. Yipeee... Dia menyuruhnya untuk tidak pergi, menyatakan perasaannya, dan menciumnya. Akhirnya! Aku hanya berharap mereka tidak menjadi clueless lagi keesokan harinya dan melupakan ciuman ini. Li Zheng terbangun dan melihat Bai Bai. Bai Bai bohong dan berkata kalau dialah yang menenangkan Li Zheng dan membawanya ke ranjang. Dia bahkan mengklaim kalau Li Zheng menyatakan perasaannya dan menciumnya. Bai Bai bertanya apakah pernyataan dia benar-benar tulus. Li Zheng menjadi bingung karena dia ingat dengan jelas kalau Shao Xi-lah yang melakukan itu  semua. Tapi anehnya, Li Zheng malah menarik leher Bai Bai dan mendekatinya. Shao Xi masuk pas saat Li Zheng sedang melakukan itu dan langsung bergegas keluar dengan kecewa. Jadi tentu saja, dia tidak melihat Li Zheng yang melepaskan Bai Bai dan tidak menciumnya. Dan kesalahpahaman terus berlanjut. Shao Xi berlari menuju kamarnya sambil menangis terisak-isak. Duh, kemana sih Zhong Ke yang keren itu?! Sebagai tunangannya, Shao Xi berhak dan seharusnya menegur Li Zheng!

  

Keesokan paginya, Shao Xi duduk untuk sarapan bersama Jin Li. Jin Li mengilas balik saat dia melihat Li Zheng dan Shao Xi ciuman. Jin Li melihat Shao Xi bermata bengkak dan bertanya apa yang terjadi. Xiao Ciao duduk di antara mereka dan menghentikan pembicaraan. Ketiga sekawan ini duduk terdiam. Li Zheng masuk ke ruang makan, Bai Bai melihatnya dan mengucapkan selamat pagi. Li Zheng mengabaikannya dan langsung pergi menuju Shao Xi. Dia memanggil Shao Xi tapi Bai Bai memotong sambil bertanya kemana Shao Xi pergi kemarin malam setelah berkata akan sama-sama mengurus Li Zheng. Shao Xi teringat lagi kejadian hampir ciumannya Li Zheng dan Bai Bai dan menjadi tertekan lagi. Shao Xi dengan ketus menjawab kalau dia rasa Bai Bai-lah yang lebih cocok untuk merawat Li Zheng jadi dia tidak ingin mengganggu. Baik Jin Li dan Li Zheng bingung dengan jawabannya.

  

Shao Xi duduk di bus dan Bai Bai masuk untuk menanyakan apakah dia bisa duduk di sampingnya. Shao Xi mempersilahkannya dan dia duduk. Dia berterima kasih pada Shao Xi karena telah menciptakan kesempatan baginya. Dia mengaku tadi malam, Li Zheng telah menyatakan perasaannya dan menciumnya. Dasar licik! Dia bahkan bertanya kepada Shao Xi, sebagai teman dekatnya, apakah Li Zheng benar-benar memiliki perasaan untuknya karena telah mengaku dan menciumnya. Hmmm... Datanglah Xiao Ciao, dia menunggu di samping sambil mendengar Shao Xi yang dengan pahit mengaku kalau dia tidak pernah melihat Li Zheng jatuh cinta atau berkencan sebelumnya, jadi jika dia benar menciumnya, berarti artinya dia menyukainya. Xiao Ciao lalu dengan kasar bertanya apakah Bai Bai sudah selesai berbicara, menjambak rambutnya dan menariknya keluar dari tempat duduk. Xiao Ciao memang keren! Dia berkata kalau kursi di samping Shao Xi adalah miliknya dan langsung duduk di kursi yang sekarang kosong. Bagus! Tapi tentu saja, Bai Bai masih pura-pura menjadi gadis yang baik dan berterima kasih pada Shao Xi yang telah memperjelas masalah. Xiao Ciao mengingatkan Shao Xi agar tidak menangis karena jelas Bai Bai sedang mempermainkannya. Nah, itulah teman sejati yang setia. Xiao Ciao benar-benar sudah menjadi salah satu karakter favorit di drama ini. Dia sangat keren.

Mereka akhirnya kembali ke sekolah. Li Zheng menunggu di luar bus untuk mencegat Shao Xi. Shao Xi melihatnya tapi langsung belok untuk menghindarnya. Li Zheng menangkap tangan Shao Xi dan berkata kalau dia ada sesuatu yang perlu dibicarakan. Xiao Ciao sadar kalau Shao Xi sedang enggan berbicara jadi dia langsung mengusir Li Zheng. Dia berkata kalau Shao Xi tidak ada kata-kata untuknya. Dia juga menasihatinya untuk memeriksa mata karena penglihatannya bermasalah. Hahaha... Aku cinta karakter ini. Dia kemudian langsung menarik Shao Xi pergi.

Bai Bai datang menghampiri dan berkata kalau dia ketinggalan anting di kamar Li Zheng. Dia beralasan kalau itu adalah hadiah berharga dari ibunya. Tarik napas dalam... Dia bertanya apakah dia bisa mampir untuk mencarinya. Shao Xi dan Xiao Ciao pulang bersama. Xiao Ciao marah padanya karena Shao Xi tidak pernah menceritakan perasaannya untuk Li Zheng. Masih murung, Shao Xi meminta agar mereka tidak membicarakan Li Zheng lagi. Kedua gadis itu lalu berpisah untuk pulang ke rumah masing-masing. Jin Li juga dalam perjalanan pulang dan dia melihat Shao Xi pulang sendirian.

Bai Bai dan Li Zheng jalan bersama dan Bai Bai mengumumkan meskipun dia ditolak kemarin, dia tidak ingin menyerah. Li Zheng menekankan kalau jawabannya tidak berubah. Bai Bai lalu bertanya mengapa saat dia berkata mereka berciuman kemarin, Li Zheng mendekat. Li Zheng menjelaskan bahwa dia hanya ingin memastikan perasaannya. Dia menegaskan kalau dia benci bersentuhan dengan orang lain. Satu-satunya orang yang bisa merawatnya dan tidak akan dia usir hanyalah Shao Xi. Dia juga membongkar kebohongannya dan berkata kalau dirinya sadar Shao Xi-lah yang dia cium. Bai Bai lalu bertanya mengapa dia membiarkannya berada di sisinya dan memberinya hadiah jika dia tidak menyukainya. Hmmm ... Dia tidak mengizinkanmu berada di sampingnya, kalian berdua berada di kelompok studi yang sama. Dan siapa yang menganggap gantungan kunci jelek itu hadiah?! Li Zheng bahkan tidak menjelaskan dan hanya membuang muka. Bai Bai dengan ketus menyimpulkan bahwa itu pasti untuk membuat Shao Xi cemburu. Bai Bai melihat Shao Xi dan Jin Li pulang bersama jadi langsung dia menarik Li Zheng dan mencium pipinya. Tarik napas dalam…

Komentar

Ada yang menarik tentang perkembangan romantis yang lambat. Beberapa drama favoritku menonjolkan alur cerita tarik ulur yang tidak mudah untuk karakter utama dan juga untuk para penonton. Niat romantis untuk pasangan utama itu terang-terangan ada tapi ada sesuatu yang halus yang menarik perhatian masokis dalam diriku sehingga aku rela menderita berminggu-minggu sambil bertanya kapan ya atau iya kah? Kebanyakan, aku melahap semua ini karena memang kecanduan akan perasaan tersipu dan deg deg-an yang didapat dari sentuhan sederhana, senggolan, atau pandangan sekilas. Persis seperti saat Li Zheng mengambil dan menahan tangan Shao Xi saat mabuk, sebelum dia menyatakan perasaannya dan mencium Shao Xi. Wah, kupu-kupu sekali! Lebih suka lagi saat bisa masuk ke jiwa karakter dan mulai mempertanyakan apakah dia suka padaku atau tidak. Salah menanggapi satu interaksi, bercumbu-cumbuan, dan bolak-balik dari teman ke kekasih. Wah... Kecanduanku! Tapi walaupun begitu, aku masih menuntut drama yang kutonton untuk mendorong alur ceritanya. Satu aspek yang drama satu ini terlalu remehkan.

Untungnya sepertinya sudah membaik di episode ini. Sepertinya episode ini sangat penting (aku harap ya!). Episode ini sebenarnya menampilkan satu perkembangan antara Li Zheng dan Shao Xi. Memang lebih seperti perpisahan daripada pendekatan. Tapi setidaknya ini adalah sebuah perkembangan. Seperti kata pepatah: "dua langkah maju satu langkah mundur".

Aku masih merawat luka hatiku karena pengembangan karakter Shao Xi. Aku kesal sekali melihat Zhong Ke yang keren sekarang jadi cengeng. Aku masih mendambakan seorang karakter drama wanita yang bisa kukagumi. Mungkin dia akan kembali membaik pada akhirnya. Tapi untuk saat ini, setidaknya aku masih punya Xiao Ciao. Dan oh, betapa cabe rawitnya dia!

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[RECAP/ EN] 稍息立正我愛你 (Attention, Love!) Ep. 12

Shao Xi was leaving her room one morning. She looked at Jin Li’s room and was reminded of his confession the night before. Jin Li told her to take her time figuring out her answer and he would wait for her. Just then, Li Zheng came out of his room to go to school. He asked if she too was heading to school and when she said yes, he suggested that they go together. Sigh… Dear writers, I know Li Zheng is the protagonist but you do not have to make it so obvious. At least, give Jin Li a chance and let Shao Xi carefully ponder his declaration.

On the way, Shao Xi stopped at a street vendor selling small trinkets. She asked to see a necklace. She found it cute and asked for its price. The seller quoted a high price of NT$1200 and said he would give a free keychain as a gift. Shao Xi decided not to buy it and wanted to put it back in its display case. But Li Zheng stopped her and ask the seller to pack it. Shao Xi whispered no need to buy it because it is expensive and she did not really like it. Li Zheng stated that he never said he was giving it to her and he instructed the seller to pack it nicely. The seller gifted a keychain to Li Zheng. Shao Xi was stunned. She asked who was the necklace for. Li Zheng said it was a secret. Shao Xi complained because it was obvious that it was for a girl. Li Zheng mischievously smiled and offered to give her the free keychain. Shao Xi looked at it and refused it. She left Li Zheng and went on first. Li Zheng waited for the necklace and thanked the seller. He kept smiling playfully behind Shao Xi.

On the way to her class, Shao Xi met Jin Li. She wanted to turn around but Jin Li stopped her. Jin Li asked why she was avoiding him. Jin Li told her not to avoid him because if she did, he would make him feel that his confession bothered her. Shao Xi admitted that she was just unsure on how to behave. Jin Li told her to just treat him as before: as her assigned senior. Until she was ready to give her answer, he would continue to look after her and treat her well. He just asked that she did not avoid him. They both agreed.

Shao Xi and Jin Li walked together to get to class. Shao Xi asked why he pretended to be a girl in the mobile game. Jin Li admitted that he actually had another ID. He mentioned his name and Shao Xi realized that Jin Li was the very player who always insulted her online. Jin Li defended himself and said he was merely giving her a constructive feedback. Lol. He was just curious on how good she was therefore, he created another alias. Only when they met at blind date, did he realize she was who she was. Shao Xi shook her head and mentioned that their ill-fated relationship had actually started such a long time ago. Sigh… Again, writer, why so unfair?

Shao Xi was thinking over the necklace incident earlier and wondered who was that necklace for. I am all for teasing and fun but if it leads to a long stretch of angst, hmmm… Suddenly, Bai Bai called her out. Sigh… I sense another misunderstanding. Bai Bai told her that it was her birthday and she had jokingly asked Li Zheng if he had prepared a gift for her. She was surprised, but very happy, that he did. She asked Shao Xi if she wanted to see the gift. She was ready to take it out but Shao Xi told her it was unnecessary since she helped pick the present. Sigh… Just look! Another annoying misunderstanding here. Li Zheng actually gave her the ugly keychain but Shao Xi assumed that he gave her the necklace. Bai Bai actually conveyed her gratitude because she liked it a lot. Lol. Love must be blind. That is one ugly keychain. Bai Bai continued that she wanted to return his present with another gift.

Li Zheng was sitting on his desk in his room admiring the box containing the necklace that Shao Xi liked. He heard a knock on his door and sensed it was Shao Xi. He opened the door and was ready to hand her the box. But he stopped when he saw Bai Bai by Shao Xi’s side. Bai Bai greeted Li Zheng cheerfully and handed him a present. Li Zheng quickly hid the box of present and asked what it was that Bai Bai was handing him. Bai Bai asked Shao Xi’s help to explain. Aargghhh… I am starting to hate this Bai Bai character. She is calculative and cunning. Shao Xi explained that it was a return gift for the birthday present that Li Zheng prepared for her. Li Zheng took the bag and looked confused on what to do next. Well of course, you should. It sucks being in a situation where you have to see your crush play wingman to another girl. Bai Bai encouraged him to open it as Shao Xi claimed he would definitely like it. He opened it and took out a pair of headphones. Sigh… Obviously, this was based on Shao Xi’s recommendation who knew how much Li Zheng liked listening to music in his private time. Li Zheng looked at Shao Xi in distress and then, he looked at Bai Bai to express his gratitude. Shao Xi excused herself to go to her room and Bai Bai thanked her. FINALLY! I would not even have accompanied Bai Bai in the first place if I were Shao Xi. Li Zheng offered to walk Bai Bai home and the two left. Shao Xi went inside her room in despair.

Li Zheng was on the rooftop looking at the box of necklace. He came down and passed Jin Li who was coming up to the rooftop. Jin Li admitted that he confessed to Shao Xi and in two week’ time during the Freshman camp, he would be asking for her response on whether she was interested to date him. Li Zheng told him that it was not necessary for him to alert him. Li Zheng said Jin Li would regret telling him. I actually agree. There is absolutely no need to share with Li Zheng since they were not friends to begin with. This is kind of like telling your opponent to suit up because you are about to attack. Sigh…

It was the day of the Freshman camp, Jin Li, Ah Ke, and Xiao Jian were handling registration matters. Suddenly students from Applied Foreign Language Department, Li Zheng’s department, came to set up table right next to them. Jin Li asked if Applied Foreign Language Department also had its camping on the same day. His friends replied yes and it was all Jin Li’s fault for not showing up at meetings so he was unaware of the happenings at school. Apparently, the Applied Foreign Language camp was postponed due to typhoon. So a junior from that department, i.e., Li Zheng, suggested and got approval for the two departments to camp together. He even arranged all the campsite bookings. Jin Li suspiciously wondered who that “junior” was. And just as he was thinking, he saw Li Zheng smirking sneakily. Well, he did warn you that you would regret telling him.

Xiao Ciao arrived in her yellow sports car. I am actually surprised that that car is still in one piece. She saw the buses that would be used to drive to the campsite and decided to drive herself there. Shao Xi warned her that it was far and that she would regret driving herself. But Xiao Ciao did not listen and drove off. Shao Xi came on the bus and started to find an empty seat to sit. She eyed both Li Zheng and Jin Li sitting by themselves. She weighed her options and seemingly appeared to be going to Li Zheng’s direction. But on her way, Jin Li caught her and dragged her to sit by his side. Bai Bai came on next. She saw Li Zheng sitting alone and immediately eyed the empty seat next to him. She asked if she could sit beside him and Li Zheng reluctantly removed his bag to make space. Shao Xi stole quick glances at Li Zheng but only to looked away when he caught her staring.

At the camping site, the first game of peel-off-the-name-game started. The team who managed to peel all of its opponent’s name tags was deemed the winner. Tags were removed and finally, it was down between Jin Li and Li Zheng. The two boys managed to peel each other’s tags at the same time. Jin Li cheered happily but Li Zheng just stood around angrily. Shao Xi looked worried over the angry Li Zheng.

Xiao Ciao finally arrived and she looked for Shao Xi who was cleaning some vegetables. Shao Xi asked why she arrived so late. Xiao Ciao admitted that this place was so hard to find. She also said that she was hungry and whether there was some food for her. Shao Xi offered some cut green bell pepper but Xiao Ciao was not interested. Shao Xi comforted her that there would be food soon and so Xiao Ciao offered to help. But Shao Xi did not take up her offer and she had not never washed vegetables before. Lol. I know that I should hate the whole spoiled princess act but Xiao Ciao is just too adorable.

Bai Bai came to wash vegetables too and asked if Li Zheng had a girlfriend. Shao Xi was stunned at first but then, she answered that she did not know for sure. She did not think he did because if he had, he would tell her. Bai Bai then decided that she would confess tonight at the bonfire. Xiao Ciao flippantly asked who she was and whether they were close enough to be sharing such information. Bai Bai was not deterred and explained that it was their university’s tradition to confess at the freshman fire. Xiao Ciao got an idea. Shao Xi was just standing there quietly and unsure of what to do as Bai Bai continued to explain that she felt close to Shao Xi and wanted her help since she was Li Zheng’s best friend. Hmmm… Snake!

Li Zheng was sitting on a table with his friends. Bai Bai came over to add more food to the table. One of their friends remarked that Li Zheng was not eating. He merely smiled softly. Bai Bai took a small plate of food and served it to Li Zheng. Li Zheng expressed his gratitude but said he did not eat food picked up by someone else’s chopsticks. Yeah! Right on Li Zheng. This girl needs to be put in her place. He then abruptly left the dining table. Shao Xi saw Li Zheng walking away and started to wonder. She then grabbed a piece of bread and followed suit. Shao Xi really does know him very well. There is definitely something to be said about family and familiarity. Xiao Ciao called out for Shao Xi and alerted Jin Li. Ah, the angst of love pentagon.

Shao Xi approached Li Zheng who was sitting alone and handed him a piece of bread. She asked why he participated when he did not like eating with people. Li Zheng was reminded of Jin Li’s statement that he was going to ask for Shao Xi’s answer to his confession. He seemed to be silently worrying about this when Shao Xi asked if he were here for Bai Bai. He did not say anything but he looked at her with a shocked expression on his face. She went on about how he gave her present, how he was always by her side, and recently, how he saved a seat for her on the bus. The more she detailed her reasoning, the more incredulously he stared. Shao Xi noticed that he never treated a girl so well before so he must really like her. Shao Xi stated that Li Zheng was not loyal because as a good friend, he never shared his growing attractions. She wondered if he was being considerate of her feelings and therefore, did not tell her. She told him not to worry about that anymore because it was all from high school. She did not like him anymore.

Li Zheng started to look angry. He stood up and asked if she liked Jin Li now. Now it was his turn to jump into a wrong conclusion: that she liked Jin Li and did not intend to share her feelings until after she started dating him. I hate this. Shao Xi asked why he was being fierce. Shao Xi confirmed that Jin Li confessed but it was not her doing. Li Zheng pointedly asked her if she ever wavered at all because of Jin Li. Li Zheng brought out the time when Jin Li back hugged her in front of the building and only let him go after Li Zheng called him out to let her go. He reasoned that if he had not done that, she would have let him continued hugging her. Li Zheng asked her what that meant.

Shao Xi then asked who he thought he was to ask for her explanation. Whether he was friend, family, or… Li Zheng looked away and just told her not to fall for Jin Li because he was not good enough for her. Just tell her that you want her and like her! You cannot tell her what to do if you have not formalized your relationship. What are you waiting for? I really feel everyone just conveniently forgot that they were engaged to be married. Li Zheng again friendzoned himself and explained that he just did not want her hurt. Shao Xi finally affirmed that whether she liked Jin Li or not, it was not his problem. Good for you, girl! Now, Li Zheng actually wondered if it was too late for him. Talk to the hand! Just tell her!

  

It was the confession bonfire also known as love pentagon angst at play. Bai Bai approached Li Zheng, Li Zheng headed to Shao Xi, Xiao Ciao moved towards Jin Li, and Jin Li of course, went straight to Shao Xi as well. The two boys faced Shao Xi and extended their hands in invitation. And as how these things go, no one emerged out of this happy. Shao Xi ended up choosing neither and went straight for Xiao Yu. Jin Li momentarily danced with Xiao Ciao but stopped to follow Shao Xi who was following Bai Bai following Li Zheng. Xiao Yu and Xiao Ciao was the only ones left on the dance floor.

  

Shao Xi followed Li Zheng and Bai Bai to the rooms and saw Bai Bai’s confession. She left when she saw Bai Bai came on to hug Li Zheng. Bai Bai was starting to play her wicked card here. Part of the reason she hugged Li Zheng was because she clearly knew that Shao Xi was staring. Shao Xi left to comfort herself. She kept reminding herself to be happy for her best friend. But she realized that she was not ready to face this moment. Sigh… When is this going to end? If only Shao Xi stayed at least a minute and a half later, she would have seen Li Zheng rejecting Bai Bai’s confession and walking away from her.

Shao Xi ran back to the rooms to look for Li Zheng but she did not see him. Jin Li came to comfort her. At first, Shao Xi looked away but then, he hugged her and told her that he would not let her cry secretly by herself anymore or run away whenever he wanted to comfort her. They went to another corner of the camp and Jin Li came clean that he originally wanted to ask for her answer. But now, he changed his mind and decided to just be her friend. Jin Li however asked if Shao Xi still liked Li Zheng so much why she refused his invitation to dance? Why could not she tell that Li Zheng also liked her? I really do not understand why the writer makes both Li Zheng and Shao Xi so oblivious.

Xiao Yu was looking at pictures of Ru Ping on his phone when a girl asked to sit by his side. She asked if Xiao Yu was interested to try dating her since she liked him. Xiao Yu stared at her in disbelief.

Ah Ke and Xiao Jian shopped at a nearby store for a secret party in the student council’s room. They invited Shao Xi to join them. At the party, four out of the five love pentagon characters showed up: Jin Li, Shao Xi, Bai Bai, and Li Zheng. Li Zheng overheard Ah Ke and Xiao Jian’s plan to make Shao Xi drunk to coax her to date Jin Li. This is so not okay. Good thing that Li Zheng overheard this so when the plan started to roll, he stepped up and became her black knight. Li Zheng was a lightweight so of course, he got very heavily drunk. And when he was drunk, psycho Li Zheng appeared. He grabbed Ah Ke’s collar and slammed him to a door. Shao Xi came to the rescue and an intimate scene where she calmed him down followed. This obviously roused Bai Bai and Jin Li’s jealousy.

Ru Ping was relaxing in her room when she received a call from Xiao Yu. He mentioned that their camping ground was nearby so he wanted to come over. He handed her a bouquet of flowers and mentioned that he had just received a confession earlier today but all he could think about was her. He declared that he liked her, that he would continue to like her forever, and then he left. Lol. Okay, he deserved a kiss after that confession. Xiao Yu turned around though and walked purposely towards Ru Ping; effectively backing her onto a pillar. It was another comedic anticlimax though! He appeared to be leaning in for a kiss but instead, he asked if she had some money since he did not have his wallet. Lol. Ru Ping correctly told him off and chased him away.

In a room, Shao Xi tucked Li Zheng on a bed. She was leaving but then Li Zheng grabbed her hand. Squeeee… He told her not to leave, declared his feelings, and kissed her. Finally! I just hope that they do not become clueless again in the morning after; like forgetting about the kiss. Li Zheng woke up and saw Bai Bai. Bai Bai took credit for calming him down and tucking him in. She even claimed that he confessed and kissed her. Bai Bai asked if he meant what he said. Li Zheng became confused as he clearly remembered it was with Shao Xi that did all of those things. Li Zheng grabbed Bai Bai’s neck and leaned in. Shao Xi walked in just as he did that and rushed out in disappointed. So, she did not see Li Zheng letting Bai Bai go. And the misunderstandings continued. Shao Xi ran all the way to her room and sobbed. Where did the cool Zhong Ke go?! As his fiance, Shao Xi had a right to scold Li Zheng!

  

The next morning, Shao Xi sat down for breakfast with Jin Li. Jin Li flashbacked to when he saw the two leads kiss. Jin Li noticed Shao Xi’s swollen eyes and asked what was the matter. Xiao Ciao sat down in between them and stopped the conversation. The three friends sat down silently as they enjoyed their breakfast. Li Zheng came into the dining hall, Bai Bai noticed him and said her greetings. Li Zheng ignored her and went straight to Shao Xi. He called out to Shao Xi but Bai Bai cut in and asked where she went last night after she said she was going to take care of Li Zheng together. Shao Xi was reminded of the supposed kiss and confession that Li Zheng shared with Bai Bai and become depressed again. Shao Xi carelessly answered that she thought Bai Bai would do a better job caring for Li Zheng so she did not want to be a bother. Both Jin Li and Li Zheng looked confused at the answer.

  

Shao Xi sat down on the bus and Bai Bai walked in to ask if she could sit by her side. Shao Xi nodded and she sat down. She began by thanking Shao Xi for creating an opportunity for her. She claimed that last night, Li Zheng confessed his feelings and kissed her. The deceitful snake! She even dared to ask Shao Xi, as his close friend, whether Li Zheng truly had feelings for her for confessing and kissing her. Hmmm… In came Xiao Ciao, she waited on the side just to hear Shao Xi bitterly admitted that she had never seen Li Zheng liked or dated anyone before so if he did kiss her, then it meant that he liked her. Xiao Ciao then rudely asked if Bai Bai was finished talking, grabbed her hair and pulled her out of her seat. Xiao Ciao is too cool! She said that the seat next to Shao Xi belonged to her only and sat down on the now emptied seat. Nice! But of course, Bai Bai still played the nice girl card and expressed her gratitude to Shao Xi for clarifying matters. Xiao Ciao warned Shao Xi not to cry because it was clear Bai Bai was toying with her. Now that is what I call a true and loyal friend. Xiao Ciao has really become one of the most liked characters in this drama. She is too cool.

They finally arrived back at the school. Li Zheng waited outside of Shao Xi’s bus to catch her. Shao Xi saw him but ignored him. Li Zheng grabbed her hand and said that he had something to say to her. Xiao Ciao was aware that Shao Xi was not in a mood to talk to him and so she shooed him away. She stated that Shao Xi had nothing to say to him and also advised him to have his eyes checked as there was something wrong with his eyesight. Lol. I love this girl. She then proceeded to take Shao Xi away.

Bai Bai came over and said that she left an earring at his place. She gave a nonsense excuse about it being a treasured gift from her mother. Sigh… She asked if she could go to his place to look around. Shao Xi and Xiao Ciao walked away together. Xiao Ciao told her off for never mentioning her crush but Shao Xi asked if they could just not talk about Li Zheng anymore. The two girls parted ways to go home. Jin Li was also on his way home and he saw Shao Xi walking alone.

Bai Bai and Li Zheng walked home together and she said that although he rejected her yesterday, she did not want to give up. Li Zheng stressed that his answer had not changed. Bai Bai then asked why when she said he kissed her yesterday, he leaned in close. Li Zheng explained that he was merely making sure of his feelings. He explained that he hated skin-to-skin contact with others. The only person that took care of him and he would not push away could only be Shao Xi. He also confronted her lie and said it was Shao Xi that he kissed. Bai Bai then asked him why he allowed her to be next to him and gave her a present if he did not like her. Hmmm… He does not allow you to be next to him, the two of you are in the same study group. And who calls that ugly keychain a present?! Li Zheng did not even explain and merely looked away. Bai Bai resentfully concluded that it must be to make Shao Xi jealous. She saw Shao Xi and Jin Li arriving together on motorcycle. Then, she grabbed Li Zheng and kissed him on his cheek. Sigh…

Comment

There is something to be said about slow romantic build up. Some of my favorites dramas feature push and pull storyline that is not easy for the main characters and the viewers. The romantic intent for the main couple pairing is blatantly obvious but there is something subtle that appeals to the masochist in me as I agonize over the when or the what ifs. Most of the time, I gobble all these up because I am addicted to the shivers and butterflies that I get from a simple touch, a nudge, or a glance. Just like Li Zheng’s hand grab, in his drunken stage, before he confesses and kisses Shao Xi. Wah, the butterflies. I especially love it when I can get into the character and start questioning if he is into me or not. Misconstruing an interaction, flirting, and going back and forward from friends to something something. Sigh… My addiction! But that said, I still require my drama du jour to propel its storyline. Something that this drama seems to take too lightly.

I do see some light at the end of the tunnel. I think this episode is pivotal (well, I hope). It actually features developments between Li Zheng and Shao Xi. Granted it is more of a break up than a coming together. But at least it is a development. As the saying goes: “two steps forward one step back”.

I am still nursing my wounds over Shao Xi’s character development. I despise how the uber-cool Zhong Ke has now been degraded into a crying mess. I am still out for a female lead that I can look up to. Maybe she will redeem herself at the end. But for now, I have Xiao Ciao. And what a treat that firecracker proves to be.

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