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sid_guardian2022-03-11 04:18 pm
awanderingcoyote) wrote in sid_guardian2022-03-11 04:18 pm
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Focus On: Episode 9: ZYL (and gang) help repair SW's (and gang) Car
AKA 'Dad' and 'Dad' fight but in that way of 'not in front of the children' politeness LOL
I wanted to do meta about the music, but RL work has crunched into my time, so here is some scene discussion! Yay!
Location of the scene: Episode 9, 10:07 through 12:25
Special Note: I’m using the translations from Viki :)
Context: Shen Wei and his group of ducklings (students) are stranded on the side of the road because their car broke down. Zhao Yunlan and the team arrive to save the day. The scene opens with Zhao Yunlan calling Lin Jing over to help repair the car. Zhao Yunlan and Shen Wei stand off to the side. Lin Jing does put up a little bit of a grump about repairing the car and Zhao Yunlan calls back to have his bonus deducted for the month, which (of course) spurs Lin Jing onward to help. Shen Wei thanks Lin Jing for the help.
Once Lin Jing is off helping, the camera focuses on Zhao Yunlan for several seconds while ZYL looks between SW and the repairs. Zhao Yunlan says: Professor Shen, sometimes I feel like you’ve put a bug on me. That’s why I bump into wherever you go. (I feel like ZYL has a very crafty but contemplative look here, like let’s see what happens when I try to push a button. Or perhaps testing the waters to see what sort of mood Shen Wei is in? But for myself, I read it as a very crafty sort of ‘gonna push that button!’)
At ZYL’s words SW turns and gives him a vaguely frowny-faced look. SW responds with: I believe I told you before that we would be having a field tour study soon. And no matter how you look at it, you’re the one who seems to be following me. (His initial expression gives me very vague HPS feels. Like he’s trying to be Professor SW, but HPS is peeking out!)
ZYL looks between SW and the repairs and gives one of those fake laughs of his. Shen Wei just gives him a very small smile. Very small! (Even though SW’s smile is very small here I can’t help but feel like he knows he has the slight upper hand here since it is typically ZYL who runs into SW)
THANKFULLY, before ZYL can offer up any excuses Jiajia saves the day! She approaches with a water bottle in hand and says: Professor Shen, the weather is hot. Do you want anything to drink? SW thanks Jiajia for the water. (I knew the actress who played Jiajia was short, but this camera angle really shows just how short she is! As a fellow short person I get this! :D)
Shen Wei introduces ZYL with: He is chief Zhao, my friend and we accidentally met here. ZYL easily says: Call me Brother Zhao. How come only your professor gets to have water? We, the ones doing the labor, also have it hard. Jiajia being the good student she is says: I will go get some for you now. ZYL continues to play up gregarious ZYL: It’s okay. I am just joking. We have a lot in our car. (I feel like when SW says they ‘accidentally’ met here there’s a sort of sardonic humor to his expression (which reminds me a little of Ye Zun's smile) because he knows that ZYL knows they did not accidentally meet here. I also feel like this causes ZYL to ham up his very gregarious nature to take some of that attention from SW off of him)
ZYL continues to talk as he asks: Where is your professor taking you all for a study tour? (Yup, keep pushing those buttons ZYL keep pushing! LOL)
To ZYL’s question, Jiajia answers: He said we’re going to the Northwest. The answer causes SW to look to the side and then over to Jiajia. (I really see this as an oh crap sort of expression. Like: No Jiajia don’t give all our sekrets away)
ZYL proceeds to say: Northwest!? Wow, Professor, what a coincidence. It must be fate. (Oh, ZYL is all: Got you, professor. Got you! On a side note, up until now, there’s been no background music, but finally, with this revelation, the music begins to play. It gives it a very ominous feel. Both in a sense of SW doesn’t want his sekrets known and the danger inherent with knowing those sekrets, or that’s how it felt to me.)
SW: Yeah, I never expected that. (Shen Wei looks like he’s contemplating all his life decisions at this point trying to understand where he’s gone wrong LOL)
ZYL continues to push his point home as he says: But the road condition to the Northwest seems to be a bit tough. I heard there was an earthquake recently. (Shen Wei at this point tries to reinforce his secret identity of mild-mannered Professor Shen as he pushes his glasses up. I also think this is a self-soothing gesture on SW’s part)
Jiajia just digs the hole so much deeper for SW: We are worrying about it as well. I heard that the place we’re going to is near the epicenter.
At this point, Shen Wei shoos Jiajia away with talk of the sun and to go back inside. Zhao Yunan waves goodbye to her as she dutifully goes back into the car. (*makes motions at size difference again* It’s just so darn cute!)
After a moment Shen Wei turns away from the students and the car and steps a few paces away, Zhao Yunan follows. Shen Wei says: Chief Zhao, you are really good at making people talk. (he hands him his water.) (I always liked how even though he’s mad he still offers ZYL water - gotta take care of him)
Zhao Yunlan does accept the water and says: Prof Shen, you must be thinking too much. There’s nothing bad in letting me know where you are going. Moreover, our destination is the same. And it would be better if we can look after each other. (Aw ZYL trying to protect SW they trying so hard for each other)
SW: I told you before, you should never leave the city no matter what.
ZYL: But I also said I can’t promise it. It depends on what information we get (ZYL laughs that carefree laugh of his)
SW tries once more to shake his persistent tail known as ZYL: Then let’s split up when the car is repaired.
ZYL is having none of it: Mmm! No way! You said it could be dangerous, then I have to stay by your side. What if your sixth sense is indeed very accurate?
The scene ends with the car being fixed and Zhao Yunlan bullying his way into driving Shen Wei’s car, because persistent. Before the scene transitions, we have this last glimpse of SW looking pensive.
Fave Parts/Pondering Points:
• I really enjoyed how they kept the music out of the scene until Zhao Yunlan spoke about fate. I think the music was in equal parts putting an emphasis on that ‘fate’ line, but also putting an emphasis on Shen Wei not wanting ZYL to come along because sekrets. SEKRETS.
• Shen Wei was doing a lot of expressing with his eyebrows. SO MUCH eyebrow expressions. Hopefully, that makes sense. Like his face was trying to do ‘Professor Shen Wei expressions but his eyebrows were definitely leaking HPS expressions. His eyes were also expressing some HPS moments too, they weren’t the wide-eyed doe eyes he typically gives, but the serious slightly narrowed eyes in most moments.
• Along with HPS eyebrows he had a few notes where his voice dipped towards HPS voice, though not quite there. When he was telling ZYL he shouldn’t have left the city that flirted heavily with HPS voice to my ears.
• I really love Jiajia. She is such a good apple. SUCH A GOOD APPLE
Thank you everyone for reading! :D I love this show forever and ever and ever.
I wanted to do meta about the music, but RL work has crunched into my time, so here is some scene discussion! Yay!
Location of the scene: Episode 9, 10:07 through 12:25
Special Note: I’m using the translations from Viki :)
Context: Shen Wei and his group of ducklings (students) are stranded on the side of the road because their car broke down. Zhao Yunlan and the team arrive to save the day. The scene opens with Zhao Yunlan calling Lin Jing over to help repair the car. Zhao Yunlan and Shen Wei stand off to the side. Lin Jing does put up a little bit of a grump about repairing the car and Zhao Yunlan calls back to have his bonus deducted for the month, which (of course) spurs Lin Jing onward to help. Shen Wei thanks Lin Jing for the help.
Once Lin Jing is off helping, the camera focuses on Zhao Yunlan for several seconds while ZYL looks between SW and the repairs. Zhao Yunlan says: Professor Shen, sometimes I feel like you’ve put a bug on me. That’s why I bump into wherever you go. (I feel like ZYL has a very crafty but contemplative look here, like let’s see what happens when I try to push a button. Or perhaps testing the waters to see what sort of mood Shen Wei is in? But for myself, I read it as a very crafty sort of ‘gonna push that button!’)
At ZYL’s words SW turns and gives him a vaguely frowny-faced look. SW responds with: I believe I told you before that we would be having a field tour study soon. And no matter how you look at it, you’re the one who seems to be following me. (His initial expression gives me very vague HPS feels. Like he’s trying to be Professor SW, but HPS is peeking out!)
ZYL looks between SW and the repairs and gives one of those fake laughs of his. Shen Wei just gives him a very small smile. Very small! (Even though SW’s smile is very small here I can’t help but feel like he knows he has the slight upper hand here since it is typically ZYL who runs into SW)
THANKFULLY, before ZYL can offer up any excuses Jiajia saves the day! She approaches with a water bottle in hand and says: Professor Shen, the weather is hot. Do you want anything to drink? SW thanks Jiajia for the water. (I knew the actress who played Jiajia was short, but this camera angle really shows just how short she is! As a fellow short person I get this! :D)
Shen Wei introduces ZYL with: He is chief Zhao, my friend and we accidentally met here. ZYL easily says: Call me Brother Zhao. How come only your professor gets to have water? We, the ones doing the labor, also have it hard. Jiajia being the good student she is says: I will go get some for you now. ZYL continues to play up gregarious ZYL: It’s okay. I am just joking. We have a lot in our car. (I feel like when SW says they ‘accidentally’ met here there’s a sort of sardonic humor to his expression (which reminds me a little of Ye Zun's smile) because he knows that ZYL knows they did not accidentally meet here. I also feel like this causes ZYL to ham up his very gregarious nature to take some of that attention from SW off of him)
ZYL continues to talk as he asks: Where is your professor taking you all for a study tour? (Yup, keep pushing those buttons ZYL keep pushing! LOL)
To ZYL’s question, Jiajia answers: He said we’re going to the Northwest. The answer causes SW to look to the side and then over to Jiajia. (I really see this as an oh crap sort of expression. Like: No Jiajia don’t give all our sekrets away)
ZYL proceeds to say: Northwest!? Wow, Professor, what a coincidence. It must be fate. (Oh, ZYL is all: Got you, professor. Got you! On a side note, up until now, there’s been no background music, but finally, with this revelation, the music begins to play. It gives it a very ominous feel. Both in a sense of SW doesn’t want his sekrets known and the danger inherent with knowing those sekrets, or that’s how it felt to me.)
SW: Yeah, I never expected that. (Shen Wei looks like he’s contemplating all his life decisions at this point trying to understand where he’s gone wrong LOL)
ZYL continues to push his point home as he says: But the road condition to the Northwest seems to be a bit tough. I heard there was an earthquake recently. (Shen Wei at this point tries to reinforce his secret identity of mild-mannered Professor Shen as he pushes his glasses up. I also think this is a self-soothing gesture on SW’s part)
Jiajia just digs the hole so much deeper for SW: We are worrying about it as well. I heard that the place we’re going to is near the epicenter.
At this point, Shen Wei shoos Jiajia away with talk of the sun and to go back inside. Zhao Yunan waves goodbye to her as she dutifully goes back into the car. (*makes motions at size difference again* It’s just so darn cute!)
After a moment Shen Wei turns away from the students and the car and steps a few paces away, Zhao Yunan follows. Shen Wei says: Chief Zhao, you are really good at making people talk. (he hands him his water.) (I always liked how even though he’s mad he still offers ZYL water - gotta take care of him)
Zhao Yunlan does accept the water and says: Prof Shen, you must be thinking too much. There’s nothing bad in letting me know where you are going. Moreover, our destination is the same. And it would be better if we can look after each other. (Aw ZYL trying to protect SW they trying so hard for each other)
SW: I told you before, you should never leave the city no matter what.
ZYL: But I also said I can’t promise it. It depends on what information we get (ZYL laughs that carefree laugh of his)
SW tries once more to shake his persistent tail known as ZYL: Then let’s split up when the car is repaired.
ZYL is having none of it: Mmm! No way! You said it could be dangerous, then I have to stay by your side. What if your sixth sense is indeed very accurate?
The scene ends with the car being fixed and Zhao Yunlan bullying his way into driving Shen Wei’s car, because persistent. Before the scene transitions, we have this last glimpse of SW looking pensive.
Fave Parts/Pondering Points:
• I really enjoyed how they kept the music out of the scene until Zhao Yunlan spoke about fate. I think the music was in equal parts putting an emphasis on that ‘fate’ line, but also putting an emphasis on Shen Wei not wanting ZYL to come along because sekrets. SEKRETS.
• Shen Wei was doing a lot of expressing with his eyebrows. SO MUCH eyebrow expressions. Hopefully, that makes sense. Like his face was trying to do ‘Professor Shen Wei expressions but his eyebrows were definitely leaking HPS expressions. His eyes were also expressing some HPS moments too, they weren’t the wide-eyed doe eyes he typically gives, but the serious slightly narrowed eyes in most moments.
• Along with HPS eyebrows he had a few notes where his voice dipped towards HPS voice, though not quite there. When he was telling ZYL he shouldn’t have left the city that flirted heavily with HPS voice to my ears.
• I really love Jiajia. She is such a good apple. SUCH A GOOD APPLE
Thank you everyone for reading! :D I love this show forever and ever and ever.
no subject
Absolutely agree with you that Shen Wei is really balanced on the edge between Professor Shen and Hei Pao Shi here, and you can see it happening in his face. how is Zhu Yilong such a good actor.
As another short person, I love Jiajia so much! So tiny and chirpy and tough, she doesn't let these two authoritative men twice her size intimidate her at all.
(Shen Wei at this point tries to reinforce his secret identity of mild-mannered Professor Shen as he pushes his glasses up. I also think this is a self-soothing gesture on SW’s part)
Yes, I think it's also a thing Shen Wei does when he wants to hide his expression for a moment.
no subject
how is Zhu Yilong such a good actor. OMG RIGH!! The skill he shows with SW personality, HPS personality, Ye Zun personality! Like OMG and the micro expressions. The microooo expressions :)
So tiny and chirpy and tough, she doesn't let these two authoritative men twice her size intimidate her at all. YES! I love how she is very much not cowed by ZYL or SW, respectful yes, but not afraid!
Yes, I think it's also a thing Shen Wei does when he wants to hide his expression for a moment. Yes!! Like: I must hide now let me fidget with my glasses XD
no subject
(I feel like ZYL has a very crafty but contemplative look here, like let’s see what happens when I try to push a button. Or perhaps testing the waters to see what sort of mood Shen Wei is in? But for myself, I read it as a very crafty sort of ‘gonna push that button!’)
I think it's that -- and also he's going on the offensive before Shen Wei can challenge him for doing the same. Which doesn't work at all, hee! Shen Wei totally wins that round. ZYL has no comeback at all. (I wonder if Shen Wei's answer might be a sly reference to the mugging, too, where Zhao Yunlan was tailing Shen Wei but never admitted it?)
(I also love that just before this scene, as Lin Jing, Chu Shuzhi & co are driving up, Lin Jing says, "This must be their destiny. They keep meeting each other wherever they go." Everyone knows!! <3 <3 <3)
I feel like when SW says they ‘accidentally’ met here there’s a sort of sardonic humor to his expression (which reminds me a little of Ye Zun's smile) because he knows that ZYL knows they did not accidentally meet here.
Hm, do you think ZYL knows it isn't a coincidence at that stage? ZYL isn't following Shen Wei this time, he's on a mission for Wang Zheng and the Hallows, and he has no reason to think Shen Wei is on anything but an academic field trip until the reveal that they're heading to exactly the same destination...
Teasing Jiajia about not giving him water to break the ice so he can covertly interrogate her is peak ZYL! *g* (I love him so much!)
After a moment Shen Wei turns away from the students and the car and steps a few paces away, Zhao Yunan follows.
I know it's just the angle of the shot, but it looks like Shen Wei's stepping right into ZYL's personal space. asdfkadflkajsdf
Chief Zhao, you are really good at making people talk.
AKA, stop interrogating my students!!
Zhao Yunlan does accept the water
And their fingers touch!! asdkfjas;dklfa
And it would be better if we can look after each other.
That's such a concession for ZYL! I feel like normally it would be "I will valiantly protect you," but given Shen Wei has seen behind the curtain to the total disaster that is the real ZYL, and helped him when he was in need, instead ZYL is asking for a chance to reciprocate, I think? Like, "I may be a domestic disaster, but I'm professionally competent, and I want you to take me seriously. Protecting people is my job!" And also, since Shen Wei is so obviously protective of ZYL, ZYL is maybe using that protectiveness as a lure to convince him to stick together. ("If it's dangerous, wouldn't you rather keep an eye on me?")
(It's interesting that Shen Wei looks taller than ZYL in the cap where he's offering him the bottle and in the conversation afterwards -- I didn't notice that before. I suspect it's deliberate, and ZYL is desperate to re-level the playing field between them.)
and Zhao Yunlan bullying his way into driving Shen Wei’s car
By totally dissing Xiao Quan's driving skills and taking away the position of responsibility Shen Wei had given him! So mean!! *pets Xiao Quan*
I really enjoyed how they kept the music out of the scene until Zhao Yunlan spoke about fate. I think the music was in equal parts putting an emphasis on that ‘fate’ line, but also putting an emphasis on Shen Wei not wanting ZYL to come along because sekrets. SEKRETS.
Ha, yes! And also, maybe, that's the point at which ZYL becomes convinced their meeting isn't at all coincidental? Like, ahhh, something really is up with your trip?
Ha, I tend to think of those eyebrows and tone of voice as Shen Wei, rather than HPS expressions. But his harmless and polite professor persona is definitely slipping, yess.
Jiajia is so great!!!
I think my favourite thing about this scene is Shen Wei being dressed down -- jeans!! And his top is so soft, you can actually see his pendant through it! <3 <3 <333333333333 And how ZYL's wanting/liking/feeling-on-the-back-foot/still-being-suspicious feelings are just bubbling away under the jovial, organising-everyone-to-his-own-satisfaction surface.
A couple of links: I wrote a little bit of flaily meta about this scene a couple of years ago. And I had a question in an old Guardian poll about what Shen Wei would have done about his car breakdown if ZYL hadn't come along.
Thanks again for such an awesome post!! <333
no subject
I almost did a focus on their particular scene when the three of them were in the car because it was just so great. Guo Changcheng just sitting in the back like a good egg, eating so many snacks LOL. But yes, I love how little lines tie the whole narrative together of destiny and fate, and it was all meant to be.
I don't think he knows knows knows (so many knows!) but I think there's a definite shade of too much coincidence to be normal, at this stage :D
I agree! It looks like he is stepping closer to ZYL. I always saw it as let me get closer/but pull him away from observant student eyes/ears XD
I shall happily keyboard smash in solidarity with you on this part: aljdalkjdfksjfkasjfkalsjfdlas!!!!! jdsajflsdk!
YEs! This!!! THis so much!!! ZYL is definitely trying to be protective/protector here (even though he is such a domestic disaster) and I could definitely see ZYL leaving little breadcrumbs out to lure SW into sticking together, for sure.
Oooh, I had not considered this! But yes that totally makes sense! ZYL is now suspicious. So suspicious XD
Ahhhh, I didn't realize you could see the pendant until you point it out! AHhhhhhh!!! And yes, I love how ZYL is all: look at me I am completely silly and happy and jovial and there's nothing to see here. Nothing to see here. I love how ZYL just inserts himself into the whole situation even though SW tries hard to put ZYL back into a safe box XD
Ahhhh! I love the meta and the quiz! That's awesome :D
Ahhh! I'm glad you enjoyed the post. I really do love taking snippets of episodes and doing a deep dive. It's so fun and also fun reading everyone's similar and differing points, which opens up more metaing as you look at episodes with different eyes :D :D :D
no subject
*nodnod* Which is situation normal when it comes to Shen Wei. *g*
Ahhhh, I didn't realize you could see the pendant until you point it out! AHhhhhhh!!!
It's such a great detail. Shen Wei will Not Be Parted from his keepsake!
It's so fun and also fun reading everyone's similar and differing points, which opens up more metaing as you look at episodes with different eyes :D :D :D
Yes, I love that about the scene discussions, too! It's so great to read everyone's various takes, and scour the scene for all the little details. <3 <3 <3
no subject
Thank you for linking this!
no subject
no subject
Shen Wei's long-suffering expressions throughout always make me grin - he's beset on all sides: students who immediately tell Zhao Yunlan everything, Zhao Yunlan who asks probing questions and doesn't stay in the safe city, car troubles...
Seconding the Jiajia love, I wish we'd got more of her. The way she just kept clutching at Shen Wei's sleeve later was too adorable.
(Shen Wei at this point tries to reinforce his secret identity of mild-mannered Professor Shen as he pushes his glasses up. I also think this is a self-soothing gesture on SW’s part)
I really like this tick, it's such a neat character detail.