Focus on Zhao Yunlan's failed book con, from ep 8

[china_shop]

8:54 to 10:04 - Zhao Yunlan and Da Qing discuss Zhao Yunlan's intentions with regard to Shen Wei
10:05 to 12:00 - Zhao Yunlan tries to give the books to Shen Wei, in the worst possible way

Note: I have no knowledge of Chinese language. I've chopped and changed between the original subs, Solo's revised subs, and the Viki subs, depending on what suits me, and have sometimes included multiple versions for comparison. I rely entirely on random internet sites for idioms/sayings/chengyu. (Here are the bilingual English & Chinese subs from Viki for episode 8, btw; I'm told Viki's Chinese subs are similar but not identical to the hard subs in the original episode files.)

Context

The book con comes early in episode 8. Zhao Yunlan is still waiting for the Dixing Archives to get back to him about the enquiry he sent in ep 6. He tried to recruit Shen Wei to the SID early in ep 7, after the attempted mugging, and Shen Wei politely but firmly declined. And their relationship has taken a turn towards intimacy with their conversation and accord in the late-night office scene after the Lai Su case wrapped up (discussed in Sakana17's post here).

The con technically starts at 6:40, when Zhao Yunlan arranges to buy some books from a student, then calls Shen Wei to say, "Didn't you post a notice on your school noticeboard about collecting old books? You're so lucky -- I have some in my home." Eavesdropping from across the room, Zhu Hong worries, "Shen Wei? Why is Lao Zhao hanging out with him recently?" and Da Qing explains, "He wants to add a new member to the SID."

Zhao Yunlan and Da Qing meet a student who sells him a suitcase full of old books. She says, "My grandpa can rest in peace now that these books are in the right hands," and walks off with a big fat cheque.

Part 1. Zhao Yunlan and Da Qing in the street

Da Qing: If you do not succeed, you’re throwing money out the window. You really want to buy this man?

Zhao Yunlan tells him off for the innuendo, and says:

(Solo's revised subs) Shen Wei is not an easy person. What else can I do? I can only try to soften him up then approach, and finally get information.
(Viki subs) Shen Wei's immune to both soft and hard tactics. What can I do? So, I decided to ingratiate him first, approach him, and then investigate him.

(I've included both because they're so different: the mention of "soft and hard tactics" sounds much more calculated, than the original/Solo's version. The expression Zhao Yunlan uses is 油盐不进, lit. "not absorbing any oil or salt", and it describes people who are extremely stubborn, not listening to others' suggestions (trainchinese.com).)


Zhao Yunlan and Da Qing sitting on a wooden seat built around a tree, in a city street. Zhao Yunlan has his feet up and head bent, and he's unwrapping a lollipop. Da Qing is leaning towards him, but with one arm slung over the metal suitcase full of old books.

Da Qing: So you know what you're doing? If your investigation turns up nothing, what then? I already got Lin Jing to check him with the energy detector -- Shen Wei got the all-clear.
Zhao Yunlan: I've thought about it. If he is truly harmless, we can invite him to be one of us.


Zhao Yunlan with a lollipop in his mouth, eyes closed, blissfully thinking about Shen Wei.

Zhao Yunlan (cont.): *big dreamy grin* Anyway, I feel happy every time we work together.


Some suggestive lollipop action.

Da Qing: Just remember Haixing Administration is monitoring us. We're responsible for anyone entering or exiting our section.
Zhao Yunlan: I can take responsibility.
Da Qing: *flops resignedly over the suitcase full of books*

Part 2. The book con

  
Standing outside the Bio Department, Shen Wei looks down at Zhao Yunlan and the books with a serious expression; the suitcase full of books; Zhao Yunlan staring down at them reverently as he name-checks his imaginary grandfather.

Zhao Yunlan opens the suitcase of books to present them to Shen Wei, and whispers, "These books are finally handed to the right person. My grandpa... can finally rest in peace." He's laying it on with a trowel from the start.


Shen Wei, Zhao Yunlan and Da Qing crouched around the suitcase; Shen Wei is holding one of the books, looking at Zhao Yunlan; Zhao Yunlan is taken offguard, and Da Qing is avoiding looking at either of them.

Zhao Yunlan says they'll help Shen Wei carry them to his office. Shen Wei says, "Wait!"

Shen Wei: You said these books are a family heirloom left by your grandfather? That's strange.
Zhao Yunlan: Why?
Shen Wei: I donated these books a few days ago.


Shen Wei's eyebrows are unimpressed; Zhao Yunlan's brain has screeched to a sickening halt.

Zhao Yunlan tries to salvage the con by saying Shen Wei may be mistaken. Shen Wei points out the books bear his mark. Zhao Yunlan has no answer for that.


Another shot of the three of them. Zhao Yunlan is ducking his head, desperately trying to regroup. Da Qing is eyeing Shen Wei warily.

Shen Wei: It's meaningless to keep them in my home, as books are meant to be studied, so I donated them to the library in the hope that students would benefit from them.

Shen Wei (cont): (Viki) I am wondering which student is your so-called grandfather?
(Solo's) Who would have thought, Chief Zhao, that your ancestor studied at DCU.

(I feel like the Viki translation is firm and drily unimpressed and, as well as reproaching Zhao Yunlan, perhaps also hints that Shen Wei might like to track down whoever sold the books and have a professorly word with them, whereas Solo's subs are more sarcastic here. The Chinese subs on Viki say, "不知道赵处长的先祖 是龙城大学的哪一位学子, which Google translate interprets as "I don’t know which student from Longcheng University was Chief Zhao’s ancestor.")

Zhao Yunlan starts stammering (but not an apology for his lie), and Shen Wei walks off without another word. Da Qing sniggers.


Zhao Yunlan holds up a hand, gesturing to Shen Wei as he leaves.


Zhao Yunlan looks crestfallen; Da Qing starts to smirk.


Zhao Yunlan looks physically pained; Da Qing is amused.

Zhao Yunlan is mortified. Da Qing says if you play with fire, you'll get burnt. (Proverb: 常在河边走 哪有不湿鞋啊, If you walk by the river, you get wet shoes.)


Zhao Yunlan glares at one of the books as if it betrayed him.

Zhao Yunlan seems as upset with the student who sold him the books as he is with himself, so perhaps didn't learn his lesson particularly well.

He stands, tells Da Qing to take the books back to the SID, and heads off to have tea with Minister Song to discuss their new premises, and to stew in his chagrin and give himself a stomach ache.


Still crouching, Da Qing accepts Zhao Yunlan's instructions. He looks like he knows exactly what kind of state Zhao Yunlan is about to get himself into.

Thoughts

There's some ambiguity in the first part of this scene.

Firstly, earlier at the SID, Da Qing told Zhu Hong that Zhao Yunlan wants to recruit Shen Wei, but here Zhao Yunlan appears to be broaching the subject with Da Qing for the first time, without admitting he's already tried once -- and without any reference to Shen Wei's being useful, just "I like working with him." Though perhaps Shen Wei's contribution can be taken as read, at this stage.

Secondly, although they know Shen Wei is suspicious -- the SID file in his flat, his unprecedented knowledge of Dixing, his resilience in the face of Dixingren attacks, etc -- and although Zhao Yunlan claims the gift will help further their investigation into Shen Wei, I think he's is deluding himself and Da Qing a) about his reasons for giving this extravagant gift, and b) about his degree of sincerity.

Re a), his motives, he's never needed to spend tons of money to get Shen Wei's attention or spend time with him, and unlike the banner with the hidden camera (ep 6), I don't think this ploy is in service to his investigation. He's too dreamily relaxed and goofily happy for Shen Wei's mysteries to be foremost in his mind. I think he's already made up his mind about Shen Wei, has transitioned from suspicion to curiosity, and when he tells Da Qing, "I can take responsibility [to Haixing Administration]," that's a vote of trust; he doesn't see any of the question marks hanging over Shen Wei's head as obstacles or dealbreakers. Instead, here is a man he likes, respects and is attracted to, who seems to like, respect and be attracted to him back. (And Da Qing doesn't give Zhao Yunlan any grief for his happy smitten attitude; he just warns Zhao Yunlan that the Department of Supervision is watching.)

Re b), his degree of sincerity, Zhao Yunlan's attitude doesn't say trickery to me at all. He's not trying to make a fool of Shen Wei, or even really to gain a false advantage. I refer to this as "the book con", but Zhao Yunlan and Da Qing don't talk as if it's a scam. IMO, the books are a real gift, wrapped up in what Zhao Yunlan probably thinks of as an embellishment.

Thirdly, Zhao Yunlan calls Shen Wei impervious, but Shen Wei has gone along with Zhao Yunlan's requests up till now, making himself available for consultations and cosy, late-night chats. He can't really be said to be holding Zhao Yunlan at arm's length or refusing his requests at all -- with one exception: Shen Wei won't join the SID. I think this is where the books come in.

Guanxi and renqing

Thinking about this scene sent me down a small internet rabbit hole on the subject of Chinese gift culture. Everything I know, I learnt from a couple of days of trawling the internet, so apologies if I'm mischaracterising or misinterpreting anything. By all means, please correct me!

In Reciprocity, Collectivism, & the Chinese Church (PDF), Jackson Wu talks about how gifts have different meanings depending on their contexts, for example, an expensive gift from a new acquaintance, vs one given in the context of an established, multi-faceted relationship. This is true the world over. Then he looks at the specific context of China:

A significant form of reciprocity in Chinese culture is called renqing. A wooden translation of renqing (人情) is “human feelings.” Renqing describes a voluntary reciprocal exchange between individuals based on emotional attachment. Sentiment perpetuates social exchange as people continue to foster mutual affection. Renqing is one way that people establish guanxi (or relationships). Guanxi could be defined as “those social connections that facilitate repeated favor exchange.” Guanxi subdivides into three types: “obligatory (family and kinship relations), reciprocal (friends and acquaintances), and utilitarian (seller-buyers or strangers).” Renqing only exists within non-familial relationships.

Zhao Yunlan and Shen Wei exist in this non-familial sphere. They're just starting to build their friendship through exchanges of favours and gifts. According to Jackson Wu, these exchanges serve two interconnected functions: "First, social exchange establishes relationship with others. I include the initiation, maintenance, and deepening of relationships. Second, gift-giving sows the seed of obligation, which will someday bear fruit in the form of returned favors."

He adds that, "Exchange rituals are so basic that not giving or receiving gifts and favors will eventually end friendships. [...] On the other hand, friendships thrive when people exchange favors and gifts."

Since Shen Wei stopped being a suspect, Zhao Yunlan has been imposing on him for help with cases, and particularly so during the Lai Su case, when he sent Zhu Hong over with the laptop. I think by the start of episode 8, Zhao Yunlan is feeling both at a disadvantage ("Professors are part of a highly respected echelon in Chinese society", this tumblr post), and indebted ("Every Chinese person maintains a kind of ongoing mental abacus that remembers all of the favors that they’ve provided... as well as all of the debts that they’ve accumulated", this site). Plus he wants them to get closer.

So with the books, Zhao Yunlan is trying to a) give Shen Wei a valuable and personal gift, custom-tailored to Shen Wei's tastes, to develop their friendship, and b) put Shen Wei in the position of owing him a favour. The favour Zhao Yunlan anticipates in return -- and, knowing him, would probably ask for outright -- is for Shen Wei to join the SID. Ironically, claiming the books are heirlooms that were just lying around the house makes this strategy seem less calculated and more fortuitous.

Note that one of the principles of renqing exchanges is not to directly ask someone to return favours. Apparently Zhao "I will need compensation" Yunlan never got this memo.

From Shen Wei's POV, I think the gift of the books has at least two dimensions: firstly, obviously, there's the ridiculous lie, and Shen Wei has zero time for that. He doesn't want insincerity or games from Zhao Yunlan, and he won't give him the slightest encouragement in that context. But secondly, there's the problem that (while maintaining the distance he believes he needs to keep Zhao Yunlan safe) Shen Wei does want to get closer to Zhao Yunlan, and turning down a gift is a clear signal of not wanting to pursue a relationship (according to the Jackson Wu paper cited above). The only other gift Zhao Yunlan has given him up till now is the ugly banner, delivered via Chu Shuzhi.

Thirdly, Shen Wei might have some complicated feelings about Zhao Yunlan's trying to give him such an extravagant gift: ot1h, Zhao Yunlan is trying to further their relationship (and I think Shen Wei understands that the recruitment is in service to that, too), and Shen Wei is blocking him; otoh, Zhao Yunlan is unintentionally revealing through the extent of the gift and the lies he wrapped it up in that he considers himself at a disadvantage with Shen Wei.

Later in ep 8 when Shen Wei cleans Zhao Yunlan's flat, Shen Wei says, "Treat it as payment for saving me from the muggers in the alley that time." That's obviously partly just an excuse because Shen Wei couldn't bear to leave the place such a pigsty, but I think, by framing the cleaning as repayment of a favour, it's also a way to indicate that they're friends. Zhao Yunlan doesn't have to buy Shen Wei expensive presents or bullshit him -- the things he does for Shen Wei, and the person he is, are already enough.

For more about reciprocity, see also: this Chinese Sayings podcast (9m26s) which has an illustrative, historical story about about 感恩图报, to repay a kindness; and everything on the internet about guanxi and renqing generally.

Things I love about this pair of scenes

• Zhao Yunlan and Da Qing talking openly about Zhao Yunlan's crush on Shen Wei. Da Qing is both supportive and, when Zhao Yunlan's con goes wrong, teasing but concerned.


• Zhao Yunlan and Da Qing lounging around in the street.


• There's some brief but suggestive lollipop action from Zhao Yunlan while he's contemplating the joys of "working" with Shen Wei.


• Zhao Yunlan's revered grandfather nonsense. (My previous fandom had a con artist, so I was primed to love this.) He misrepresents the nature of the gift from the start, telling Shen Wei "I have some [books] in my home" in the phone call, but then takes it to the next level by incorporating the student's line about her grandfather and acting so emotional about it.


• Shen Wei having zero time for Zhao Yunlan's nonsense. He probably has some "the love of my life is SUCH A DORK" feels, later on, but there in the moment he just leaves in a "this is unworthy of both of us" kind of way.


• Zhao Yunlan, who is normally so competent, falling flat on his face. *noogies him lovingly*


• Zhao Yunlan's chagrin at his failure. He has all these feelings about Shen Wei, deeper than provocative flirting can convey, and he's got no real way to express them (partly because of their relative social statuses; partly because of Shen Wei's mysteriousness; and partly because of Zhao Yunlan's lack-of-self-worth issues). This wildly misguided attempt has made everything so much worse. What if he's blown it for good? Screwing this up undoubtedly led to him not taking care of himself and getting sick later that day. *pets him*

Questions

1. How do you explain Da Qing's telling Zhu Hong that Zhao Yunlan wants to recruit Shen Wei, before Da Qing and Zhao Yunlan have talked about it?


2. Lin Jing says later in the ep that his dark energy detector has an upper power limit, which is why it doesn't react to the Black-Cloaked Envoy. But when did Lin Jing test Shen Wei?


3. What do you think Zhao Yunlan's motive is in giving the books? Do you think there's any sincerity there? Why does he lie to Shen Wei about the books' provenance?


4. If you think the con is primarily motivated by Zhao Yunlan's suspicions about Shen Wei, how does Zhao Yunlan think the gift of the books will further his investigation?


5. According to the Viki subs, the books titles include Gods and Ghosts, and The Living and the Dead. How much do the books reveal about Shen Wei? Are they in keeping with his Professor Shen persona?


6. I tend to view this scene largely from Zhao Yunlan's pov. What does Shen Wei think of Zhao Yunlan's terrible performance, and the gift itself? How would he have reacted if Zhao Yunlan had given him the books without the "my grandfather can finally rest in peace" spin? Would he have been touched by the gesture, or found a way to turn them down so as not to take on the obligation that comes with them?


7. Is this scene in the novel, too? If so, how does it play out?

So, come and have your say! Share links to meta, picspams, and related fanworks, new or old! Self-recs are wholeheartedly encouraged. Basically, this is the place for anything you want to say or link to about this scene.

Comments

[trobadora]

I'll come back with a proper comment later, but here's a thread with some more info on the book titles: https://sid-guardian.dreamwidth.org/89165.html?thread=932429#cmt932429

[imashoe]

Wow, that thread is an absolute treasure trove. Thank you for linking!

[trobadora]

There's so much great stuff buried in old comment threads! ♥

[china_shop]

Oh cool! Thanks so much for linking :-)

[imashoe]

I kinda like this scene, even though I have a very hard time watching it. I had to rewatch it hiding behind my fingers, anticipating Zhao Yunlan's lie about his grandfather, and basically going, "Zhao Yunlan, what are you doooooiing?" However, your write-up and analysis are excellent, and I enjoyed reading this.

I don't have a lot to add, but, since the scene is in the novel as well, I'll leave an excerpt. I feel like it's a very different scene in the book, but really interesting, especially in light of the questions you've raised regarding gift-giving, obligation, and friendship.

Shen Wei has been avoiding Zhao Yunlan; Zhao Yunlan finally corners him as he's leaving the university one evening. Zhao Yunlan is in his car. Shen Wei is on foot.

Zhao Yunlan rolls down the window, wearing a bright smile of sunshine and rainbows, and stuffs a big wooden box into the professor's arms. "This is for you."

Shen Wei lifts the lid, takes a glance, and returns the box. "No, this is too expensive, how could I possibly..."

"Hey, listen to me first." Zhao Yunlan blocks him with his hand and starts lying, "I have a friend, he's moving out of the country; he has a lot of antiques, and he doesn't want them to go to waste, and I immediately thought of you. You're the only person who knows how valuable this is, so please help my friend out."

This smooth-talking jerk, he doesn't even blink when he lies.

"I…" Shen Wei barely gets out a word before Zhao Yunlan starts firing away. "Stop being so formal, aren't we friends? Aren't friends supposed to help each other? I have somewhere to go, see you next time; help me keep these safe, I'll take you out for dinner this weekend."

He steps on the gas, not giving Shen Wei a chance to say a word, and speeds off.

This is from chapter 21, the edited translation that can be found here (translated by RainbowSe7en; edited by Fangirlishness, Solo, Koi, and fandoestrans).

[china_shop]

I had to rewatch it hiding behind my fingers, anticipating Zhao Yunlan's lie about his grandfather, and basically going, "Zhao Yunlan, what are you doooooiing?"

Haha, I know, he's such a dork. "Zhao Yunlan, whyyyyy are you lying to the man you like?!?"

Glad you liked the post, and ooh, thanks so much for the novel excerpt! That's fascinating (and also makes me wonder if Shen Wei ever gets to finish a sentence in the novel, heee!). I have to say, going by that, I much prefer the drama version where Shen Wei holds his own and Zhao Yunlan doesn't get away with his nonsense, even for a moment. :-)

[amedia]

imashoe: "I had to rewatch it hiding behind my fingers, anticipating Zhao Yunlan's lie about his grandfather, and basically going, "Zhao Yunlan, what are you doooooiing?"

Right??!! My thoughts exactly! You can just tell from the beginning that *something* is going to go wrong. I even hesitated to relive it by reading this post! I'm glad I did, because I looooved all the nuances (and lollipop action) that I didn't notice the first time.

And Da Qing is not wearing his overalls!!! I thought the only time he didn't was that plaid suit (the less said about the better) that he wears to go out with the lady cat.

The whole thing about gifts is SO helpful and informative; it really deepens my understanding of the scene. I can't wait to follow some of those links! (I have to wait until I have a little more time, because it will be *such* a rabbit hole, I can tell!) I'm currently watching Sleuth of the Ming Dynasty, where one of the main characters has this "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" attitude; honestly, his whole approach to politics centers around exchanges of favors. And in the most recent episode, the title character was just given a priceless manuscript as a gift by the very person he is (secretly) investigating, and you could just see how uncomfortable he really was about the whole thing. This helped make that scene even clearer!

I also appreciate seeing the multiple translations of the dialogue.

And this: Shen Wei having zero time for Zhao Yunlan's nonsense. LOL, not the most auspicious way to deepen a relationship! I'm wondering, after this scene, does ZYL ever try to fake SW out again, or has he learned his lesson? It's so interesting to look back on the early stages of their relationship, before they become so comfortable with each other.

[china_shop]

You can just tell from the beginning that *something* is going to go wrong.

Because ZYL has his dork setting dialled up to 11. *g* I'm glad you gave it a chance and enjoyed the post -- thanks! <3

And Da Qing is not wearing his overalls!!! I thought the only time he didn't was that plaid suit (the less said about the better) that he wears to go out with the lady cat.

I believe he has several changes of outfit. He wears a red jacket (similar to the blue one here) in ep 4 during the face stealer case, and he has a less eye-searing suit that he wears to the DoS to bail out Lin Jing and Cong Bo, after they get done for cutting the power to catch Zhu Jiu. There's a stripey long-sleeved tee after they search Shen Wei's apartment, and probably others. Oh, and there's this! :-)

The whole thing about gifts is SO helpful and informative; it really deepens my understanding of the scene.

Yeah, I find it a very useful lens. FWIW, there's a 40 min video by Jackson Wu, which is basically him giving a talk of the paper. I found that a good way to get a handle on it all.

I'm wondering, after this scene, does ZYL ever try to fake SW out again, or has he learned his lesson?

I think he's still calibrating his Idea of How to Treat Shen Wei for a while after this. The conversation after the Envoy reveal when he flirtily says, "I'm earnestly asking Professor Shen Wei of the bioengineering department of the University of Dragon City, and Black Robe Envoy of the Underworld, for my sake... please join Special Investigations." (Viki subs) and Shen Wei reacts angrily (covered in Thevetia's scene discussion post) is another miss, imo. He's teasing about something Shen Wei takes very seriously.

It's so interesting to look back on the early stages of their relationship, before they become so comfortable with each other.

Yes, I love the early stages so much -- how quickly they fall into friendship, despite the secrets and missteps and (like here) occasional moments of bad judgement. :-)

[imashoe]

I have to say, going by that, I much prefer the drama version where Shen Wei holds his own and Zhao Yunlan doesn't get away with his nonsense, even for a moment. :-)

Yeah, it's a different dynamic. I like both, but I think of them as different characters.

And I like the contrast between these scenes, as well. Novel!ZYL is using social convention to get people to do what he wants. He literally rolls on the scene, gives the books to Shen Wei, and leaves before anything can go wrong. There's some sincerity there, but mostly his behaviour is calculated. Drama!ZYL is much more sincere. You've put your finger on the reason for his lie about his grandfather. He's trying to make the gift less of a big deal, and it backfires, but it's not because he's really trying to con Shen Wei into anything. If anything, it's because he's too sincere.

[china_shop]

Ha, yeah, it's probably unfair to judge the novel characters just by that scene, when it's such a different context. I was mentally importing the scene into the drama, really.

He's trying to make the gift less of a big deal, and it backfires, but it's not because he's really trying to con Shen Wei into anything. If anything, it's because he's too sincere.

I think the lie is intended to make the gift both more and less of a big deal, if that makes sense? Less calculated, more meaningful? You don't go giving your grandfather's antique books to just anyone. :-)

[imashoe]

Less calculated, more meaningful? You don't go giving your grandfather's antique books to just anyone. :-)

Yes, definitely. Good point! Zhao Yunlan (politely) frames it as giving away the books to someone who can appreciate them, but they're his grandfather's. Too bad he's imaginary.

[china_shop]

*noogies ZYL forever* :D

[mumblemumble]

I didn't give the scene much thought at the time, other than "oh gosh he'll just take *any* excuse to interact with his crush, HIS LIFE IS SO HARD." Also, 🙈. But your write-up added several cool layers and I learned things, so thank you!

I guess the gift-giving as a way to put them on more equal footing makes sense, especially in the context of wanting more from Shen Wei (more time together, more closeness, more help in SID cases, more honesty, more more more) and working his way up to asking for it. The grandfather lie (good thing the seller brought it up! I'll use that!) then serves as a way to explain why he's just giving random books to Shen Wei seemingly out of nowhere. He just overdoes it, because he's so used to coming up with little ways to connect with people and just going all in, the poor lovesick darling.

Shen Wei having zero time for Zhao Yunlan's nonsense. He probably has some "the love of my life is SUCH A DORK" feels, later on, but there in the moment he just leaves in a "this is unworthy of both of us" kind of way.

Heee! I like that interpretation of things, yes.

[china_shop]

I didn't give the scene much thought at the time, other than "oh gosh he'll just take *any* excuse to interact with his crush, HIS LIFE IS SO HARD." Also, 🙈.

Haha, yeah, it's Zhao Yunlan at his most trainwreck-y, isn't it? /o\ Glad you enjoyed the write-up. :D

He just overdoes it, because he's so used to coming up with little ways to connect with people and just going all in, the poor lovesick darling.

He's so in the habit of little manipulations and being semi-disreputable and boundary-pushing with people, putting on that performance, I don't think he realises how fake it comes across to Shen Wei at times. Such a dork! :-)