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sid_guardian2021-05-09 12:00 am
trobadora) wrote in sid_guardian2021-05-09 12:00 am
Entry tags:
Focus on: Professor Ouyang attempts to recruit Shen Wei (episode 1)
Location of scene: episode 1, 5:04 - 6:59
Context
This is at the very start of the show, before we know anything about anyone: there's the opening narration ("Haixing ... an ancient planet ...") explaining the set-up; then there's Shen Wei holding a lecture ("Investigating Species Variation from a Genetic Standpoint"), and then comes this scene, with Professor Shen, Professor Ouyang and Li Qian after the lecture:
After that, we're introduced to Guo Changcheng and Zhao Yunlan and the SID, but this comes first.
The Scene
Professor Ouyang has unexpectedly come to listen to Professor Shen's lecture. ("I didn't know you were coming today," says Shen Wei.) They don't seem to know each other well, and engage in some mutual complimenting and deflecting of compliments while Li Qian stands there in the background, zoning out.
Ouyang: "I have a favourite pupil of my own. When there's a chance, maybe you can talk to each other."
(A rewatch easter egg: it's an irrelevant aside at first, but in retrospect you realise he's talking about Lin Jing. :D)
Shen Wei smiles and agrees. Professor Ouyang makes as if to leave, then prompts Shen Wei to send Li Qian away so they can talk in private. (Well, semi-private, because Ouyang's driver is standing only a few metres away. *g*) Shen Wei has to call Li Qian's name twice to get her attention - something is clearly going on with her.
Ouyang: "Shen Wei, you and I both have access to first-hand information. I won't beat around the bush. You should be clear, that your supposed genetic mutations have already appeared in reality. They've been here for a long time. If I told you that your teacher and I are in the middle of investigating this, would you be willing to join us?"
Professor Ouyang is, unknowingly, attempting to recruit the Black-Cloaked Envoy for an investigation into Dixingren. :D
Here's what I find really interesting: Professor Ouyang makes it clear he knows what's really going on, and that he knows Shen Wei knows it too - but more than that, he hints at how they know. They both have access to information that others apparently don't.
And Shen Wei, in the face of being told that a) Professor Ouyang knows these things, and b) there's a group of scientists actively looking into this subject, either has very little reaction, or else has a pretty good poker face going on. All he does is swallow visibly, once. And then he smiles and refuses Ouyang's offer.
Shen Wei: "Professor Ouyang, you jest. I am just an ordinary scholar," he says (his go-to phrase, apparently, not just for deflecting Dixing-related suspicion, aschina_shop recently discovered), "doing research as part of my job. This path you mention is not for me."
He's very blunt - he's essentially politely slamming the door in Professor Ouyang's face. Ouyang is clearly not expecting this response - he says Shen Wei is the first person to reject him like this.
Ouyang: "Lao-Zhou is right, no one knows what you're thinking."
Our Shen Wei clearly has a bit of a reputation as a mystery, and/or as an eccentric. :D
Ouyang makes no second attempt; he essentially shrugs and tells Shen Wei, "fine, just keep doing whatever the fuck you're doing, kthxbai" (except more politely), and gets into his car to drive away. Shen Wei looks after him with a serious expression.
Some random things
There is a lot going on in this scene! Some of it is immediately relevant for this episode - something's wrong with Li Qian; Shen Wei knows things and something's up with him - but other things won't be relevant for many episodes: the entire plotline with the Ministry lab, and Lin Jing's connection to Professor Ouyang. It's a great scene that works both as an introduction to Shen Wei (his professor persona, his deflection, the fact that there's clearly something else going on under the surface) and, on rewatch, offers additional rewards. I love these things. :D
What I also love is how smooth Shen Wei and self-possessed is in this scene - he must find what Ouyang tells him about research into Dixingren concerning, and he shows none of it. He also very firmly and calmly he rejects Professor Ouyang's offer, even though it must be unexpected. He's very good at being politely distant, and at firmly insisting on his own path - I wonder how much practice he's had at all of that. And of course it matters that we see him like this first, before he gets completely knocked sideways by encountering Zhao Yunlan. That scene wouldn't work nearly as well as it does without the contrast!
Also, trivia: The car Professor Ouyang drives off in has a red 特 tè in its number plate - it's an official car. The same 特 as in 特别调查处, aka the SID! However, Zhao Yunlan's jeep and the other car they're using in episode 18 both appear to have a red 调 in their number plates instead.
(Normal cars have blue number plates with a 龙 lóng at the start (for 龙城, Dragon City).
Questions
So, come and talk to me about this scene! Or share links to meta, picspams, and related fanworks, if you have them - I couldn't think of any that directly referenced this scene, but there must be some. ♥
Context
This is at the very start of the show, before we know anything about anyone: there's the opening narration ("Haixing ... an ancient planet ...") explaining the set-up; then there's Shen Wei holding a lecture ("Investigating Species Variation from a Genetic Standpoint"), and then comes this scene, with Professor Shen, Professor Ouyang and Li Qian after the lecture:
After that, we're introduced to Guo Changcheng and Zhao Yunlan and the SID, but this comes first.
The Scene
Professor Ouyang has unexpectedly come to listen to Professor Shen's lecture. ("I didn't know you were coming today," says Shen Wei.) They don't seem to know each other well, and engage in some mutual complimenting and deflecting of compliments while Li Qian stands there in the background, zoning out.
Ouyang: "I have a favourite pupil of my own. When there's a chance, maybe you can talk to each other."
(A rewatch easter egg: it's an irrelevant aside at first, but in retrospect you realise he's talking about Lin Jing. :D)
Shen Wei smiles and agrees. Professor Ouyang makes as if to leave, then prompts Shen Wei to send Li Qian away so they can talk in private. (Well, semi-private, because Ouyang's driver is standing only a few metres away. *g*) Shen Wei has to call Li Qian's name twice to get her attention - something is clearly going on with her.
Ouyang: "Shen Wei, you and I both have access to first-hand information. I won't beat around the bush. You should be clear, that your supposed genetic mutations have already appeared in reality. They've been here for a long time. If I told you that your teacher and I are in the middle of investigating this, would you be willing to join us?"
Professor Ouyang is, unknowingly, attempting to recruit the Black-Cloaked Envoy for an investigation into Dixingren. :D
Here's what I find really interesting: Professor Ouyang makes it clear he knows what's really going on, and that he knows Shen Wei knows it too - but more than that, he hints at how they know. They both have access to information that others apparently don't.
And Shen Wei, in the face of being told that a) Professor Ouyang knows these things, and b) there's a group of scientists actively looking into this subject, either has very little reaction, or else has a pretty good poker face going on. All he does is swallow visibly, once. And then he smiles and refuses Ouyang's offer.
Shen Wei: "Professor Ouyang, you jest. I am just an ordinary scholar," he says (his go-to phrase, apparently, not just for deflecting Dixing-related suspicion, as
china_shop recently discovered), "doing research as part of my job. This path you mention is not for me."He's very blunt - he's essentially politely slamming the door in Professor Ouyang's face. Ouyang is clearly not expecting this response - he says Shen Wei is the first person to reject him like this.
Ouyang: "Lao-Zhou is right, no one knows what you're thinking."
Our Shen Wei clearly has a bit of a reputation as a mystery, and/or as an eccentric. :D
Ouyang makes no second attempt; he essentially shrugs and tells Shen Wei, "fine, just keep doing whatever the fuck you're doing, kthxbai" (except more politely), and gets into his car to drive away. Shen Wei looks after him with a serious expression.
Some random things
There is a lot going on in this scene! Some of it is immediately relevant for this episode - something's wrong with Li Qian; Shen Wei knows things and something's up with him - but other things won't be relevant for many episodes: the entire plotline with the Ministry lab, and Lin Jing's connection to Professor Ouyang. It's a great scene that works both as an introduction to Shen Wei (his professor persona, his deflection, the fact that there's clearly something else going on under the surface) and, on rewatch, offers additional rewards. I love these things. :D
What I also love is how smooth Shen Wei and self-possessed is in this scene - he must find what Ouyang tells him about research into Dixingren concerning, and he shows none of it. He also very firmly and calmly he rejects Professor Ouyang's offer, even though it must be unexpected. He's very good at being politely distant, and at firmly insisting on his own path - I wonder how much practice he's had at all of that. And of course it matters that we see him like this first, before he gets completely knocked sideways by encountering Zhao Yunlan. That scene wouldn't work nearly as well as it does without the contrast!
Also, trivia: The car Professor Ouyang drives off in has a red 特 tè in its number plate - it's an official car. The same 特 as in 特别调查处, aka the SID! However, Zhao Yunlan's jeep and the other car they're using in episode 18 both appear to have a red 调 in their number plates instead.
(Normal cars have blue number plates with a 龙 lóng at the start (for 龙城, Dragon City).
Questions
- Does anyone remember watching this scene for the first time? I'm so curious about what people thought about Shen Wei, based on this. *g*
- Given that Professors Ouyang and Zhou are working together at the lab, why is it Ouyang and not Shen Wei's teacher himself who's trying to recruit him here? (Besides introducing a villain for later in the show, that is.)
- What "first-hand information" is Ouyang referring to that he has access to, that he knows Shen Wei has access to, and that would have given both of them the knowledge of what's really up with Shen Wei's supposedly-theoretical mutations?
The Viki subs translate this not as "first-hand information" but as "top secret information," but the phrase in question is 接触第一手资料, literally access to first-hand information. And even if we go with the "top secret" interpretation, that clarifies nothing. Indeed, it only throws up further questions regarding why a professor of bioengineering with no government affiliation should have, and be known to have, such access! - Also, at this point, do they both know they're talking about Dixingren (and Yashou), or does Ouyang at this point only know that people with mutant powers exist? I always thought that in this conversation they both know they're talking about Dixingren-related research, but now I'm not so sure.
- Building on this - do you think it's possible the existence of people with mutant powers, or even the existence of Yashou and Dixingren, is more widely known in scientific circles? Professor Ouyang doesn't mention it until Li Qian has left, and even with Shen Wei the way he talks suggests this is generally not spoken of, but is it spoken about behind closed doors? To what extent is that possible without leaking and eventually blowing up in public?
- More generally, who knows what, in Haixing, outside the Ministry? Clearly the university's chancellor has no idea, and it's not meant to be common knowledge - but at the same time, there are people like Tan Xiao and Cheng Xinyan who are close with Dixingren (Zheng Yi and Zu Ma respectively) and know they're unusual, and we don't get many people being genuinely shocked.
- Is Shen Wei's minimal reaction to Professor Ouyang's research group due to his well-practiced "ordinary professor" mask, or is it because he already knew there were people working on related research, even if he wasn't aware of this particular project?
- What do you think Professor Zhou means when he says no one knows what Shen Wei is thinking?
- Professor Ouyang seems to shrug off Shen Wei's refusal very quickly. Is that him saving face, or was he just not very invested in recruiting Shen Wei? Was it mostly mostly Professor Zhou behind this recruitment attempt? (After all, much later at the ministry lab we'll hear Professor Zhou bring up Shen Wei at every turn, wishing he were there with them. *g*)
Or was Professor Ouyang not planning to recruit him at first? Was he just checking him out based on Professor Zhou talking about him a lot? Was he genuinely about to leave and then changed his mind? - What is Shen Wei thinking at the end as he watches Professor Ouyang's car drive away? Is he worried? Does he sound out Professor Zhou when he goes out drinking with him a few episodes later? Why doesn't he investigate in more depth, since the serum the lab develops is clearly a surprise to him?
(I would love to read the AU where Shen Wei finds out about the lab and what it's up to much earlier ... I have no idea what domino effect could result from there, but it would be very cool to find out!)
So, come and talk to me about this scene! Or share links to meta, picspams, and related fanworks, if you have them - I couldn't think of any that directly referenced this scene, but there must be some. ♥
no subject
Right? It's done so well, I love it!
I always thought Professor Zhou knew Shen Wei would decline!
Oooh, that never occurred to me, but I love it! So Professor Zhou is just wistfully sighing to himself, "ah, if only Shen Wei were here ...", and Professor Ouyang is the one who takes the step towards attempted recruitment - that would make sense to me!
Also, I really like the idea of Professor Zhou being pushy with Shen Wei about inconsequential things like drinking alcohol (scolding him for not drinking!) but not pushing when it's something that actually matters. ♥
That's a very interesting question, and I'm not sure! I'd guess Professor Ouyang actually has "specimen" or readings of "specimen" to study, but that's the sort of access he's offering Shen Wei here, isn't he? My best theory is that Ouyang makes assumptions based on Shen Wei's clear, concise and *accurate* research. It's too on the nose to not be first-hand experience kind of deal?
Hmmm. Agreed about what Professor Ouyang has access to and is offering Shen Wei, but it sounds to me like the supposed "first-hand information" is not just something Professor Ouyang deduced from Shen Wei's research, but actively knows, probably from Professor Zhou. I wish the show had gone more into the research side of things, so we'd know more!
I think it's more likely that Professor Ouyang has special privileges due to his position as a well-renowned researcher into the right kind of areas - he very well might've been recruited for this knowledge by Xingdu Bureau's director(s) at some point.
Yeah, I think Professor Ouyang's lab is clearly government-sponsored at least, or (more likely IMO) outright government-run. He's the scientific head, but he answers to Xingdu Bureau.
(He can't know Shen Wei is Heipaoshi, which would be another high level secret and the only other idea I have... but maybe he overheard/gleaned something close enough that gave him the impression? Or did Zhang Shi tell him to recruit Shen Wei? but why??? Zhao Xinci is very determined to have this research finished, but I doubt he'd tolerate the Envoy working on it...)
Tbh I can't see any of those. I don't think anyone knows about Shen Wei being the Envoy outside of two or three people at Xingdu Bureau, and they want him far away from this.
Actually, I think the information Shen Wei is supposed to have access to is also information Professor Ouyang knows Professor Zhou has access to ... but what exactly it is or where it comes from, I don't have a good theory on (yet).
I assume we're meant to read them as a handful of people who are in close contact and keep Dixingren's secrets to protect them?
That definitely makes sense!
I want to say he didn't know but might've suspected... but he also really doesn't do anything with this knowledge, to investigate or have countermeasures in place or... idk. He doesn't know the extent of their research of course but it should ring some warning bells, right?
I think it does ring warning bells, but it's never anywhere near the top of his priority list, and he mainly thinks of it as research that may prove troublesome in the long term, not research that will lead to immediate danger for anyone. He's underestimating how far they'll go at the lab, but to be fair by the time the lab starts really pushing it Shen Wei is very busy with other threats. Like you say later in your comment, things escalate very quickly. Which makes me wonder what he might have done if things had moved more slowly and he'd had more time to look into things ...
That Shen Wei isn't easy to influence/bribe because he's not interested in the usual things (women, money, fame). Plus Shen Wei has an A+ poker face, he's very unreadable and faultlessly polite always, keeping people at arms' length, even people he's supposed to be closer to. So he's hard to predict.
I love that description of him. ♥ ♥ ♥
(Also he's happy staying in a teaching position because that's his passion, and I'm sticking with this headcanon xD)
My headcanon too! Tbh I think it's pretty strongly supported by canon. He loves teaching, and he loves his students, and he wants to do right by them.
Shen Wei plants himself and won't be moved. And while Professor Ouyang is looking to recruit more people, there's many talented, up-and-coming scientists who would throw themselves at his feet for the chance, he has no need to go begging.
Very true! ♥
(And you're so right about Professor Ouyang's self-image! Which makes me wonder a lot about his dynamic with Lin Jing, before all this. Because Lin Jing isn't generally the sort to (convincingly) flatter anyone's ego ...)
And yes to more Serum fics! Of all kinds :D I love playing with Haixing Labs as an Antagonistic Force
Yes! It's great, there's so much you can do with it!
no subject
Right? I think the vibe is different, too - Professor Zhou at most would've brought the project up in private as a nudge nudge-wink wink offer without forcing Shen Wei to outright refuse. But scolding him for not drinking is part of his mentorly duties, as drinking is a large part of social networking and Shen Wei is supposed to make those connections to help his career. Working for Haixing Labs on the other hand is a big career decision he leaves to Shen Wei, because it would change a lot for him and the direction he's going. Networking he'll always have to do <3
I wish the show had gone more into the research side of things, so we'd know more!
It really doesn't follow up on the details! Staying vague helps set up the vibes without contradicting itself later, but yes, what if we knew... :( xD
or (more likely IMO) outright government-run. He's the scientific head, but he answers to Xingdu Bureau.
Agreed! That's the reading I lean towards, too.
Actually, I think the information Shen Wei is supposed to have access to is also information Professor Ouyang knows Professor Zhou has access to ... but what exactly it is or where it comes from, I don't have a good theory on (yet).
Hm, good point! Maybe Professor Zhou is a bit secretive of how he got access to some information (which he has from Shen Wei, maybe? I can't see Shen Wei trusting Professor Zhou with his Dixingren status, it's too big a secret he keeps like you said, there's maybe 2-3 higher ups in government who know and to everyone else he's just 'normal'.) But where else would they get that info? Unless it's through the government, in which case, does Professor Ouyang insinuate Professor Zhou ilegally shared top secret research with his student!? He wouldn't work with Haixing Labs if he did! And Shen Wei apparently gets away with insinuating his knowledge (his prior presentation about "let's ignore the facts we think we know and assume there is something like this out there"...) Ngggh, I'm gonna keep nibbling at this until there's a good theory, too x'D
He's underestimating how far they'll go at the lab, but to be fair by the time the lab starts really pushing it Shen Wei is very busy with other threats.
Fair enough!
(And you're so right about Professor Ouyang's self-image! Which makes me wonder a lot about his dynamic with Lin Jing, before all this. Because Lin Jing isn't generally the sort to (convincingly) flatter anyone's ego ...)
His dynamic with Professor Ouyang is fascinating once he returns to Haixing Labs. He calls out Professor Ouyang once or twice iirc when Ouyang has his descent into mad scientist... So their relationship seems to be close enough to allow for that, but not for Lin Jing's concerns to carry weight. Maybe Prof Ouyang is so easy to flatter that Lin Jing's dramatic compliments are enough? XD
no subject
Hee! I love that distinction. :D
Hm, good point! Maybe Professor Zhou is a bit secretive of how he got access to some information (which he has from Shen Wei, maybe? I can't see Shen Wei trusting Professor Zhou with his Dixingren status, it's too big a secret he keeps like you said, there's maybe 2-3 higher ups in government who know and to everyone else he's just 'normal'.) But where else would they get that info?
I can't see Shen Wei sharing this kind of info lightly, so he'd need a very good reason. But perhaps the actual source isn't Shen Wei, but a case like Zu Ma's, a Dixing person who grew up in Haixing and whose weird symptoms were investigated by various doctors and eventually ended up with geneticists? A Dixing kid who perhaps was separated from their parents as a baby and didn't even know they weren't human, and so didn't know there was anything to keep secret? And depending on what was found when researching this, and which doctors/researchers were involved, something might well have ended up classified. That's my current theory, at least.
His dynamic with Professor Ouyang is fascinating once he returns to Haixing Labs. He calls out Professor Ouyang once or twice iirc when Ouyang has his descent into mad scientist... So their relationship seems to be close enough to allow for that, but not for Lin Jing's concerns to carry weight. Maybe Prof Ouyang is so easy to flatter that Lin Jing's dramatic compliments are enough? XD
Hee! Great observation about their dynamics, and yeah, maybe Professor Ouyang likes it when Lin Jing goes all OTT? *g*