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sid_guardian2023-06-14 11:24 am
china_shop) wrote in sid_guardian2023-06-14 11:24 am
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GUARDIAN REWATCH – Episode 22
Beginning of episode: Professor Ouyang vouches for Dr Feng.
Ending of episode: Da Qing is barred from the Dixing archives at gunpoint.
Important scenes/developments:
- Professor Ouyang vouches for Dr Feng and talks to Shen Wei about dark energy and Dixingren.
- Dr Feng starts to treat Zhao Yunlan, but notices Da Qing at the window and bundles everyone out the door.
- Shen Wei apologises to Dr Feng and kneels in the rain.
- The sudden-ageing case starts.
- Dr Feng heals Zhao Yunlan, and Zhao Yunlan and Shen Wei smile at each other. ♥!
- Professor Ouyang runs tests on Li Qian, and she's so impressive he recruits her.
- Dark energy in Dragon City has changed, and Lin Jing's detector isn't working.
- The SID team triangulates the sudden-ageing victims, which leads them back to Dr Feng.
- Shen Wei and Zhao Yunlan tell Dr Feng that his miracles have a price; Dr Feng and Zhao Yunlan reverse the energy transfer together.
- Sha Ya raids the DoS lab but leaves empty-handed.
- Li Qian sends a "how to use the Longevity Dial to cure blindness" anon email.
- The SID receives a taunting letter from the Master of the Merit Brush.
- Da Qing receives hypnotherapy from Dr Cheng and remembers Ye Zun but thinks he's Shen Wei.
- The Dial Exchange!!
- Shen Wei and Zhao Yunlan have a home-cooked meal and plan a trip to Dixing.
- At the gate to Dixing, Da Qing runs up, distrusting Shen Wei's motives, and tags along.
- Zhao Yunlan and Da Qing land in the Dixing bar and ignore the bartender.
- Shen Wei finds them giving the bartender business advice.
- At the palace, the facilities are closed for the next Dijun's inauguration. Da Qing tries to sneak into the archives but is stopped at gunpoint.
Thoughts
Three overall observations.
A) There are three transfers in this episode:
- Dr Feng's treatment, in two parts: stolen energy, later returned.
- The Longevity Dial exchange: energy freely given.
- Travelling through the portal to Dixing: an unexpected addition (Da Qing, who is allied but currently a little antagonistic) throws things off, and the transfer goes awry, separating Zhao Yunlan and Shen Wei.
B) I really like how this episode focuses more on regular people -- the office workers in Haixing, the bartender in Dixing -- and less on politicians and bureaucrats. Now we've moved away from the university, we're not getting as much time with Shen Wei's students, and this helps fill that gap, reminding us of the ordinary people whose lives are at stake if Team Ye Zun have their way.
C) The episode starts and ends with Da Qing's failed snooping -- first at Dr Feng's clinic, and then at the Dixing archives. Theme: people are not prepared to give up their secrets!
Other notes:
- Professor Ouyang vouches for Dr Feng, saying, "I didn't see him use any advanced medical technology, but the effects were amazingly immediate. This kind of ability is perhaps beyond the scope of humans." 也没见到他用什么高科技的仪器但见效快得却惊人这种本事恐怕已经超过人类极限了 Shen Wei replies, "You mean Dixingren?" 您的意思是 地星人
So Shen Wei doesn't just talk theoretically about mutations with other scientists; he's explicitly discusses Dixingren, at least to Professor Ouyang. And Professor Ouyang responds, "That would be left for you to verify." 这个 就靠你们去证实了 Does he know Shen Wei is the Envoy, or Dixingren, or is he just referring to Professor Shen's research? I feel like he'd react harder if he knew? Anyway, Shen Wei bows as Professor Ouyang leaves, so respectful. - Dr Feng agrees to examine Zhao Yunlan and talks to him directly (which I appreciate). Shen Wei looms protectively and is clearly reluctant to leave. He pats Zhao Yunlan's shoulder on the way out. I love Dr Feng's bantering with Zhao Yunlan: "Well, a man of striking appearance for sure. I can't let you stay blind, right?" 长得倒是一表人才总不可能真的看着你眼瞎吧 LOL! They are birds of a feather. Also, Zhao Yunlan has his legs crossed even lying down, hee! And Dr Feng has a thank-you banner like the one Zhao Yunlan sent Shen Wei (there are a few more around his clinic, too).
Dr Feng is interrupted by Da Qing's snooping at the window (why doesn't Dr Feng just get curtains??? alternatively, why doesn't Da Qing snoop in cat form???). Da Qing reports to Shen Wei that he's using dark energy (though it's actually pale blue). Shen Wei says, "Regardless of what he is, if he can heal his eyes, I'll only thank him." 不管他是什么人只要能救人我必谢他 (I always love it when Shen Wei refers to Zhao Yunlan without using his name: it's so obvious who he's focused on.) Anyway, it's too late. Feng is incensed, bundles them out and shuts the door. He's really nervous about being caught. - At the SID, everyone is sombre except for Zhao Yunlan. Come on, people, making him cheer you up is so backwards! ;-p (I feel like a lot of his forced cheer is a natural defence mechanism and reaction to his own internal/suppressed worry, but everyone else being openly stressed and gloomy cannot be helping!) Zhao Yunlan tries, "Isn't it great there's no one monitoring your work now?" 这敢情多好啊 这都没人监督你们工作了 Ha.
- Shen Wei goes to Dr Feng to apologise. He says he'll do anything. (I wonder what Dr Feng makes of Shen Wei and Zhao Yunlan's relationship.) Dr Feng tells him to kneel. Shen Wei visibly struggles with his pride and dignity -- this is really hitting him where he lives! After a moment, he submits, but Dr Feng stops him and sends him outside. Shen Wei kneels as people pass by, and then -- very artistically -- in the rain. Finally Dr Feng calls him stubborn and relents. Shen Wei takes off his wet glasses and gives a small wet smile. I wonder if the glasses are a compartmentalisation strategy -- it was Professor Shen kneeling, not Shen Wei or the Envoy?
- A dude on a random blind date suddenly gets old.
- Dr Feng examines Zhao Yunlan again. Shen Wei paces outside like a 1950s expecting father. (I like his casualwear, though.) The procedure really takes it out of Dr Feng. Zhao Yunlan opens his eyes, and Dr Feng calls Shen Wei in. Shen Wei and Zhao Yunlan SMILE AT EACH OTHER LIKE THE SUN COMING OUT!!! as;ldfksjdf;lksajdf;adksjfa Their love is so palpable!!! a;ldkfjas;dlfkajs;dlfkjasdfasdfakj
- Zhao Yunlan gets a call about a case as if no one knows he's at the doctor's. (After the call, he tells Shen Wei there's a case, but when they're back at the SID, Wang Zheng gets off the phone and says, "Chief Zhao, Haixing Administration has transferred the case to us." 赵处 海星鉴已经把案子转到我们处了, so I'm a little confused about the timeline. Do they get the case twice?)
Also, no one ever seems to pay Dr Feng. Is he paid via the public health system (in which case, there should be more paperwork!) or is the payment just happening off-screen? - Suddenly-aged victim's place: his coworker shows up. This is the THIRD case! What the hell is happening at their company!! I am inappropriately amused. Meanwhile at the SID, everyone is sitting around lackadaisically working the case? Zhao Yunlan's reading about it in the paper. Zhu Hong recognises the victim's name. Zhao Yunlan sends Chu Shuzhi and Guo Changcheng to interview the victim. Zhao Yunlan: Those two are becoming a better and better team. 这两人啊 还真是越来越有默契了 -- aww! Maybe tell them that?
- The sudden-aged victim says, "Now, my life is ruined." 这一来把我的一生都毁了 and I'm all, eh, you've gained a few years; it happens. ;-p Then the victim's coworker ages before Chu Shuzhi and Guo Changcheng's eyes.
- Case rundown at the SID. Lin Jing's detector isn't working. (Lin Jing: "Boss, the detector is not working properly these days. It's not sensing any dark energy. I thought it was because the Dixingren went back to their families for the holidays and hadn't returned." 老大 最近我的仪器似乎失灵了什么黑能量的踪迹都探测不到我还以为地星人回家过节到现在还没回来呢 - ha.) Shen Wei says he didn't sense any dark energy while Dr Feng was healing Zhao Yunlan's eyes.
SW: (cont.) And something has been bothering me this whole time. In everything, yin and yang are complementary. One falls and another rises. This is the rule of nature. But those victims aged without any warning, as if their life energy was suddenly pulled out.
而且有一件事情我一直没想明白凡事都是阴阳互补 此消彼长 这是天地之常理可是那些患者的面容毫无征兆的一日苍老就像是被突然抽走了生命的能量
SW: (cont.) It's similar to the effect of one of the Hallows, the Longevity Dial, which shares the user's lifeforce.
就像是圣器之一的长生晷就是用来生命共享的
CSZ: One's life force cannot disappear into thin air. If someone else stole it for another use, then this life force must fall somewhere and rise somewhere else.
生命的能量是不会白白消失的如果被人挪作他用那此处消必定彼处长
Foreshadowing the use of the Longevity Dial here, but also, I looove that Chu Shuzhi gets in on the theorising. Has Professor Shen given him a reading list, lol? (Actually, given his research before the trip to the Hanga mountains, Chu Shuzhi is totally capable of motivating himself to study up on relevant phenomena, especially now he knows the Envoy is an academic. :D :D :D)
Anyway, connecting the dots leads them back to Dr Feng. - At the DoS Lab, Professor Ouyang has called Li Qian in to give a sample. (Yay, Li Qian! :D) He tells Professor Zhou, "As expected of a previous owner of a Hallow who came in contact with its magnetic field, her cells are indeed multiplying." 不愧是与圣器形成磁场链接的前任主人她的细胞确实有一定的增殖 Does he mean cancer? /o\ Do they ever tell her about her test results??
Li Qian comes in and pulls the classic "genius" move of correcting the complex equation on the whiteboard, which gets her a job offer. - Dr Feng greets Shen Wei and Zhao Yunlan with, "Who's the blind one this time?" 是不是谁的眼睛又瞎了 Zhao Yunlan and I both lol. Shen Wei and Zhao Yunlan pull their good cop/bad cop routine again, and I love this so much. Zhao Yunlan sits on the coffee table (which doesn't seem to bother anyone), and Dr Feng explains about the Master of the Merit Brush "activating [his] miracle doctor genes." Dr Feng is really upset, aw. I like him a lot, even if he was squirrelly on first meeting. Zhao Yunlan and Shen Wei realise someone is behind this (ie, Ye Zun has another front man?) but they don't know who.
Dr Feng says, "Let me make up for my previous mistakes." 让我弥补自己之前犯下的错吧 (Which makes me think of Zhao Yunlan telling Zhang Shi to do that later on, in the flashback in ep 40, but maybe it's a common expression?) And then, awwww, Shen Wei knows exactly what Zhao Yunlan's thinking before he even says it, knows that Zhao Yunlan's resolve will be forming alongside Dr Feng's. Grabs his arm. So much is unspoken between them, so much love and concern and understanding. Zhao Yunlan's shoulder pat says, "It will be all right" and "you know I have to." He waits until Shen Wei releases him before he sits down next to Dr Feng. aalkdjalkfjasdkfajsd;lfka
Zhao Yunlan to Dr Feng: My eyes recovered at someone else's expense, too. Let's do it together. 我的眼睛也是靠牺牲无辜者来治愈的咱俩一块啊
He's all determination wrapped up in bravado, and I love him so very much for it!!! He has to do this. It's who he is. as;dlkfjas;dlfkajsd;flkjsadf;lkjsdf;lkdsjf - Zhao Yunlan is so brave. The procedure hurts him. And there's nothing at all Shen Wei can do to help. And then ahhhhhh, Zhao Yunlan realising/adjusting to the fact he's blind again, then realising the doctor is sick. Shen Wei realising/adjusting to the reality of Zhao Yunlan's renewed blindness. SO MANY FEELS!!! And best of all, they totally make the moment not about them: Zhao Yunlan praises the doctor, and Shen Wei bows to him (not just a polite bow, either). *esplodes with love*
- Sha Ya breaks into the DoS Lab. Even her hair is disguised. Her safe-cracking skills leave a lot to be desired, though. She zaps Professor Zhou, and gets away clean but empty-handed. At the rooftop lair, Wang Xiangyang is melodramatic, and it's pretty clear that Ya Qing is the brains of the operation now.
- Aww, Professor Ouyang is actually decent to Professor Zhou on the phone, telling him to rest well. Li Qian's orientation is cut short by the urgency. Professor Ouyang tells her, "To the public's eye, our research topic is simply to understand Dixingren's genes. However, a crude genetic research—" 对外我们的实验内容是简单的对地星人的基因进行研究但是仅仅是枯燥的数据研究
Li Qian: Isn't worthy to be coveted by so many. 不至于引起这么多人的觊觎
She seems serious but unsurprised. I wonder what her political stance is on all this. Professor Ouyang retrieves a hard drive from the safe. (Does Li Qian spy on the safe PIN?) - SID couch: Zhao Yunlan is waving his cane like a conductor's baton. Shen Wei confiscates it. Zhao Yunlan sends Chu Shuzhi and Lin Jing to investigate the DoS lab break-in. Reiteration that something about dark energy in Haixing has changed. Cue Shen Wei's thinking face, but he doesn't say anything. He's very quiet overall, for that matter, worrying.
Changcheng brings in a letter from the Master of the Merit Brush. - Li Qian sees the research data.
LQ: With this kind of experiment, the Special Investigations will— 这样的实验特调处他们
Ouyang: Don't bring up those undisciplined Special Investigation people. Zhao Yunlan is blind now. 别跟我提特调处那些乌合之众 赵云澜已经瞎了
Ouyang: (cont.) If he can't recover, someone will replace him as the new leader. And when that time comes, your Professor Shen might get transferred to this facility. 如果治不好特调处迟早要换帅到时候也许你的沈教授就会调到这里
(Presumably Lin Jing told him about Zhao Yunlan's eyesight?) This spurs Li Qian to send an anon email re: how to fix blindness with the Longevity Dial.
But also, what was she going to say? How will the research affect the SID? - The Master of the Merit Brush's letter says: "Extreme aging was just the prologue. The curtains are now open. At any time, if your department can find out my true identity and seize me, then I will hand over the Merit Brush." 老化案只是序曲帷幕已经拉开任何时候只要贵处参透我的真面目并且把我抓到功德笔却拱手相让 - pretty confident, there!
- Lin Jing gets Li Qian's anon email. Shen Wei reads it and smiles. (Because he'd thought there was nothing he could do? Because an energy bond makes sense of his connection with Kunlun long ago? Because this is a chance to "return a life"? Some other reason?) (Who is Chu Shuzhi staring at so intently? Shen Wei?)
- Da Qing's hypnotherapy session with Cheng Xinyan. Cuteness re his automatic fish reflex, and then he remembers looking for Kunlun and finding Ye Zun. He wakes very worked up. Cheng Xinyan asks what he remembers, and he says, "Shen Wei!" (Twins shenanigans!! I think this must be a composite memory, though, because afaicr it doesn't fit into the ep 35 YOHE timeline.)
- The Dial Exchange! ♥ ♥ ♥
Zhao Yunlan is a dork afterwards. Chu Shuzhi doesn't laugh at the fakeout prank, but does grin and clap Zhao Yunlan on the shoulder afterwards, aww. It all seems too easy, but we know the Hallows by now -- there'll definitely be a cost (that's probably why they mentioned Li Qian's cells multiplying earlier this episode?), and then Shen Wei gets a hit of something from the Dial but hides it. Aww, his cute smile when Zhao Yunlan thanks him. Aww! - Zhao Yunlan's flat. Shen Wei cooked dinner. Ahhhhhh, this is so domestic!! *flails* They're so shacked up.
Note Da Qing's favourite serving platter.
Zhao Yunlan's line: I thought that after my vision came back, there wouldn't be any more happy days of "If I ask for food, then I get food." 本来想着呢 等我这复明之后像这种饭来张口的幸福生活是不是就不会 有了 (To quoteqikiqtarjuaq here: It's a super common saying that literally translates to: "When food is ready, I only need to open my mouth. When my clothes are ready, I just need to stick out my hands.") Shen Wei isn't wearing his glasses. This is so great!
They talk about the Merit Brush and dark energy. Shen Wei admits (to Zhao Yunlan, but not to the SID at large) that he can't sense dark energy in Dragon City anymore. Also, he's contacted the Regent(!!) who said there might be info at the palace. Zhao Yunlan jumps on this opportunity for a Dixing do-over. Shen Wei puts up some resistance, but not much. I love them. - The Old Locust Tree gate to Dixing. Shen Wei and Zhao Yunlan are all serious business. Then Da Qing rushes up and demands to know Shen Wei's agenda. Zhao Yunlan tries to calm him, says they'll be back that night, but Da Qing runs into the gate after them, upsetting the magnetic field.
- The Dixing bartender is frustrated that his higher prices (raised because the Envoy deigned to visit the bar) have driven away his customers. Da Qing and Zhao Yunlan fall through a portal and land smack on his floor. And then Zhao Yunlan proceeds to look around and ignore the bartender. I'm not sure why he's doing this -- is he being deliberately provocative? Da Qing finally confirms Zhao Yunlan's eyesight has been restored. The bartender gets increasingly (justifiably!) annoyed at being ignored.
Meanwhile, Shen Wei scours the streets in search of his other half, hears a rumour and goes to the bar, where he finds Zhao Yunlan giving business advice to the bartender in exchange for a shoulder rub(!!!), and referring to Da Qing as an auspicious cat. Shen Wei's relieved eyeroll is love. <333
I think my favourite thing about this (besides the entirely gratuitous shoulder rub) is that it's so ordinary. It's not dangerous!Dixing, or political!Dixing or angry drunk!Dixing. Just an ordinary guy trying to keep his business afloat -- and also Zhao Yunlan being a troll. ♥!!
The bartender offers Shen Wei a drink, but they all just leave while he's getting it. So rude! - Palace. The facilities are closed till after the inauguration, says the Deacon, who never passes up an opportunity to challenge Shen Wei. Shen Wei has feelings about the retirement of the old Dijun (or the Dijun system in general) and says, "The Dijun also suffers from old age and death. Perhaps, he ages even faster than other people." 地君也会老也会死也许比别人老得更快一些 (I have questions about all this, but I'll save them for next episode.) The Regent invites Shen Wei and Zhao Yunlan to the ceremony, and Zhao Yunlan agrees for both of them, then signals Da Qing to sneak into the archive, but Da Qing is met with an implacable armed guard. He can't cute his way past.
Some of this Dixing trip foreshadows the ending in a way: an inauguration (new leader), Da Qing representing the SID team, Shen Wei and Zhao Yunlan separated...
Discussion starters:
- Your favourite scene? There are so many good ones! Favourite line of dialogue?
- Which of Shen Wei's "you got your sight back" smiles do you love most -- the beam at Dr Feng's, or the soft happiness at Zhao Yunlan's thanks after the Dial exchange?
- In light of his own research, what do you think Professor Ouyang thinks about Doctor Feng? Does he know of other constructive (vs destructive) uses of dark energy? How many Dixingren has he knowingly met/seen before?
- Assuming Dr Feng isn't Dixingren, why is he so worried about being seen? Alternatively, do you think he's actually Dixingren?
- Do you think that was the first time Shen Wei had ever knelt to anyone (other than sex positions)? If not, please elaborate.
- Zhao Xinci and Professor Ouyang both know that Zhao Yunlan is blind. If the SID hadn't found a cure, how long till Minister Gao would have found out? What would have happened then?
- Why does Zhao Yunlan ignore the bartender at first?
Let’s talk about episode 22!
Come and talk about this episode – anything from favourite scenes or lines of dialogue to notes/questions about continuity or translation, most gorgeous (or angsty) smile, or anything else that strikes your fancy! And share links to your own and/or others’ episode-related meta, picspams, and fanworks, new or old!
Links to episode 22 fanworks and meta go here!
- any other episode reactions or related meta
- fanworks, picspams, squee, etc, relating to episode 22 generally or to specific scenes, characters, or events in this episode
Link to your own works and/or others'. Help us build as comprehensive a collection of links as possible!Re: Links to episode 22 fanworks and meta go here!
Zhao Yunlan and Shen Wei eating by
Comment thread about the home-cooked meal at the flat
And a couple of fics by me:
in a curtain of light - Zhao Yunlan and Shen Wei find themselves—and each other—in Hallowspace. 1,696 words, Teen
A Hallowed Bond - The Longevity Dial energy exchange affects the whole team. 2,587 words, General, drug use.
ETA: it starts in the heart like an avalanche - Zhu Hong is one of the targets of Wang Xiangyang's revenge, but Ya Qing finds herself undermining the reprisal. 10,942 words, T-rated, Ya Qing/Zhu Hong
Re: Links to episode 22 fanworks and meta go here!
So much love for the Ya Qing/Zhu Hong fic! :D
Re: Links to episode 22 fanworks and meta go here!
After the Rains
Re: Links to episode 22 fanworks and meta go here!
Re: Links to episode 22 fanworks and meta go here!
Re: Links to episode 22 fanworks and meta go here!
Re: Links to episode 22 fanworks and meta go here!
no subject
Shen Wei and Zhao Yunlan SMILE AT EACH OTHER LIKE THE SUN COMING OUT!!!
yes yes yes. 💕 This is such a heartstopper - they are both entirely unmasked and giving each other their naked hearts on full display. Which I honestly think is rarer for Zhao Yunlan, who wears his masks so lightly, than for Shen Wei.
Still though, Shen Wei's Clenched Fist deserves its own fandom, and I'm in it.
no subject
Riiiight? It's such an amazing episode -- a feast of wonderful!! :D :D :D
Which I honestly think is rarer for Zhao Yunlan, who wears his masks so lightly, than for Shen Wei.
Yeah, agreed, especially at this stage. He hasn't yet become Kunlun, who found it natural to be genuinely open and affectionate, you know? So this moment of pure pleasure in each other is that much more meaningful.
Still though, Shen Wei's Clenched Fist deserves its own fandom, and I'm in it.
Hee! Yes! I looooove how much ingrained ancient pride and resistance (and hauteur) he has to overcome.
(And ooh, now I'm wondering what Dr Feng would have asked of Zhao Yunlan if ZYL and Shen Wei's positions had been reversed. Because I don't think requiring him to kneel would have had the same impact...)
no subject
Yes, 100% agreed! It's such a lovely scene!
no subject
Yes, it is so strange Da Qing would slink around in his human form. That is what being a cat is for!
Shen Wei and Zhao Yunlan SMILE AT EACH OTHER LIKE THE SUN COMING OUT!!!
It's so good! 🖤
Also, no one ever seems to pay Dr Feng. Is he paid via the public health system (in which case, there should be more paperwork!) or is the payment just happening off-screen?
I assume it's the latter. He's a shrouded-in-mystery miracle healer, it's probably more of an inofficial business.
But also, what was she going to say? How will the research affect the SID?
I think she was going to say "the SID will shut down our whole facility when they find out about our illegal/unethical research" .
Which of Shen Wei's "you got your sight back" smiles do you love most -- the beam at Dr Feng's, or the soft happiness at Zhao Yunlan's thanks after the Dial exchange?
Ooh, it has to be the first one!
It's uninhibited, unburdened. No terrible price to pay, nothing that tarnishes his joy 🖤
Do you think that was the first time Shen Wei had ever knelt to anyone (other than sex positions)? If not, please elaborate.
I was absolutely going to make a sex joke, but you intercepted me XD
Shen Wei is obviously upset and angered by the concept; and there aren't many people who are both inclined to this sort of childish power play, and capable of making Heipaoshi kneel. I’m leaning towards assuming something like this hasn’t happened before.
That still leaves the possibility of kneeling willingly. I wish I knew more about the cultural context to speculate, but I’m afraid I don’t.
Your favourite scene?
I’m going to cheat a little here: My favourite scene is the behind-the-scenes footage of Zhu Yilong being covered in fluffy towels.
no subject
I'm the same in the archives at the end. Why not slink in as a kitty? Ah well. (Doylistically, I think it's because the human is a better actor than the cat. *g*)
I assume it's the latter. He's a shrouded-in-mystery miracle healer, it's probably more of an inofficial business.
*nodnod* Agreed. It does make me wonder, what's the price of a miracle? I assume he's not over-charging given his rooms are pretty modest. But he also doesn't have people lined up at the door...
I think she was going to say "the SID will shut down our whole facility when they find out about our illegal/unethical research" .
Haha! Do you think they have the authority to? They could kick up a stink, but given Zhao Xinci is pushing the research forward, I doubt they could do anything officially.
I was actually wondering whether, if everyone had dark energy powers, the SID would essentially become redundant and get folded into the regular police, or maybe take over the regular police?
Also, does Li Qian perceive the research as unequivocally unethical? If so...
(Sorry to pepper you with questions! No obligation to engage with them! :-)
Ooh, it has to be the first one!
It's uninhibited, unburdened. No terrible price to pay, nothing that tarnishes his joy 🖤
:D :D :D :D :D *deploys icon again*
I was absolutely going to make a sex joke, but you intercepted me XD
LOL! My bad! Clearly I should have left that open. *g*
Shen Wei is obviously upset and angered by the concept; and there aren't many people who are both inclined to this sort of childish power play, and capable of making Heipaoshi kneel. I’m leaning towards assuming something like this hasn’t happened before.
Yeah, agreed. I can't imagine him kneeling willingly, either.
There's a China Daily article about kneeling here. I'm just going to quote a chunk, since it's relevant to this ep:(I always notice in the show that people will go down on one knee, but not onto two knees, when they're, eg, checking on someone who's been knocked out or whatever. Going onto two knees is a big deal! Which makes me wonder about sex positions, too. ;-)
And hee, love your cheating! <3 I don't do behind-the-scenes stuff, but that does sound super adorable. :D
no subject
They probably can't shut them down, but still make trouble. From the researchers' perspective, it's better not to get them involved in the first place.
Really cute btw how Prof. Ouyang thinks Shen Wei will work for him once Zhao Yunlan is out of comission XD
I was actually wondering whether, if everyone had dark energy powers, the SID would essentially become redundant and get folded into the regular police, or maybe take over the regular police?
That's an interesting question. They would more or less have to train regular police to deal with these threats if they are no longer a rare occurrence. The SID as a division would be redundant, but the individual members are the most experienced at handling these powers. So, dissolve the SID and make them lead/train other police branches?
Also, does Li Qian perceive the research as unequivocally unethical? If so...
It's hard to tell what she's thinking. She looks skeptical and hesitant. But she still participates in the research. Maybe she’s on board in general but has doubts about the Professor’s risky methods?
I always notice in the show that people will go down on one knee, but not onto two knees
Ooh, I hadn't noticed this at all. Good observation!
Thank you for sharing that article as well. It seems it really is a big deal and last resort to kneel for another person.
That makes the episode even more delicious hehe.
no subject
Maybe? I can't help feeling any trouble the SID tried to make would just rebound onto them, you know? :-/
Really cute btw how Prof. Ouyang thinks Shen Wei will work for him once Zhao Yunlan is out of comission XD
He doesn't say Shen Wei will choose it, though, right? Just that he'll get reassigned. He might not think Shen Wei would have much say in the matter, and hasn't considered that Shen Wei could just quit that role.
The SID as a division would be redundant, but the individual members are the most experienced at handling these powers. So, dissolve the SID and make them lead/train other police branches?
Yeah, except that a lot of the SID team aren't human. Would they let non-humans lead human police teams, I wonder...
It's hard to tell what she's thinking. She looks skeptical and hesitant. But she still participates in the research. Maybe she’s on board in general but has doubts about the Professor’s risky methods?
*pets her* Maybe she's prepared to be a self-appointed inside woman for Professor Shen & the SID...
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It seems he has no idea Shen Wei only works for the SID because of Zhao Yunlan (and it took some relentless pestering even for him). How much does he know about the inner workings of the SID, anyway? Probably not too much.
Yeah, except that a lot of the SID team aren't human. Would they let non-humans lead human police teams, I wonder...
That’s true. I was foolishly assuming they would make decisions based on reason, but that was probably naïve of me XD
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Ha, yeah. I wonder if it stings that Professor Shen turned down the job offer at the lab and a few months later agreed to work for the SID (a much less worthy endeavour in Prof Ouyang's eyes). But never mind, now the DoS has its hooks in Shen Wei, it can deploy him as it sees fit. /maybe how Prof Ouyang sees it?
How much does he know about the inner workings of the SID, anyway? Probably not too much.
Oh, excellent question! Yes, I agree -- just whatever Lin Jing deigns to pass on, I guess.
I was foolishly assuming they would make decisions based on reason, but that was probably naïve of me XD
Hee! *hearts*
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Yeah, that's where I'm at too.
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There are three transfers in this episode: [...] I think the third is a kind of metaphor for Shen Wei's light energy corruption, with Da Qing in the role of the energy that unexpectedly infects Shen Wei and disrupts his and Zhao Yunlan's relationship.
That's a great point about the three transfers! Also, there's a great parallel in all three of them having something wrong with them in different ways. One is just plain stolen energy, as you say; one is disrupted energy - and for the third, we have only a hint that it exists, but the other two also going wrong builds additional suspense.
I really like how this episode focuses more on regular people -- the office workers in Haixing, the bartender in Dixing -- and less on politicians and bureaucrats.
Well, Professor Ouyang and the lab also get some focus, but yeah, it's great to see more of ordinary people and the various ways the plot impacts them.
The episode starts and ends with Da Qing's failed snooping
Ooh, yes, that's nicely circular! Awesome. :D
Your favourite scene? There are so many good ones! Favourite line of dialogue?
So many good scenes - and yet, none of them really get to me that much ... *feels weird about this* I think I'm the only person in the fandom who has that problem with this episode!
Which of Shen Wei's "you got your sight back" smiles do you love most -- the beam at Dr Feng's, or the soft happiness at Zhao Yunlan's thanks after the Dial exchange?
I can't divorce either one from what they're in response to, so it has to be first because it's the two of them beaming at each other, both so open and so genuine and so completely happy in this moment. ♥ ♥ ♥
The rest of my thoughts, with replies to your post spliced in where they fit:
He says 你们, plural you - he means the SID, I assume. It's the SID's job to verify if he's Dixingren. And arrest him if he is, theoretically - Professor Ouyang doesn't seem to care about that, apparently. He's fine with the guy's weird powers; he's fine with the potential of the SID arresting him; he has no scientific curiosity either and seems to draw no connections with his own research (???) - he's oddly complacent about it all. I don't understand him at all.
You'd think curtains would be obligatory if you feel like you have something to hide!
As for Da Qing: he did snoop (successfully) in cat form last episode, even! But I think he doesn't always even notice which form he happens to be in because it makes so little difference to him.
It looks like blue shot through with black to me. Not that it matters. *g*
In theory the tragedy of his black energy power - he wants to heal people, but can only do it by stealing life force from other people; he wants to live up to his family's history as healers, and he ultimately can't - should make him more sympathetic, but unfortunately he comes across as wanting to have power over others more than actually wanting to to do good with his powers, and his sacrifice in the end feels like a last-minute swerve, not as a reveal of his true self.
They're all being vastly more gracious and generous than Feng Qubing, despite the cost to Zhao Yunlan. They're all very good people.
Very true!
1) That smile!!!!
2) I think the glasses represent him playing a role for Feng Qubing (not necessarily the role of Professor Shen, just a conscious performance).
YES!!!!!!
You know, what really strikes me is the contrast between Zhao Yunlan's reaction to this vs. the second cure. Being cured the first time: genuine happy smile. Being cured the second time: stupid fake-out joke and cheeky grin. I wonder if he's not allowing himself that full-on genuine relief again ...
The way I read it, they've been notified about the new case; what Wang Zheng refers to is the official transfer. (Bureaucracy is slow!) Lao-Chu talks about the case right after Wang Zheng speaks; they've clearly already got the details.
Pretty sure he's not in the public health system. *g* So yeah, I assume it just happens offscreen.
I wonder if Chu Shuzhi looks so taken aback because he can't sense any black energy either.
1) Comparing the seemingly vanishing life energy to the use of the Sundial foreshadows both the cure and its potential cost! I always wonder what Shen Wei thought the cost of using the Sundial would be - presumably something he could handle, and Li Qian does seem to be okay after her own use of the Sundial, so ...
2) I love love love the way Chu Shuzhi picks up on Shen Wei's thread of argument and continues it, and then Shen Wei picks it up again - so great! (And Zhu Hong drawing the map. Really, they're all working together so well here. Only Zhao Yunlan is surprisingly silent during much of this. I wonder if he has a hunch ...)
And yeah, giving the Hanga scene I totally buy that Chu Shuzhi is just researching stuff on his own all the time - but it's so great to see him theorising back and forth with the Envoy!
I figure he's talking about cell regeneration, and what Professor Zhou is warning with the potential for it going too far if she keeps using the Hallow would be cancer/uncontrolled growth. It's very interesting to me that we see Professor Ouyang show blithe disregard of other people's health in the face of that warning, telling Professor Zhou that physical damage is nothing compared to the progress of science - and that Professor Zhou notes that Professor Ouyang is getting more extreme, right as we see him starting to lose his temper and talking about having no time. This is the start of him going off the rails - and it seems to be directly in response to the pressure put on him to produce quick results. (Zhao Xinci, I'm looking at you!)
As for telling Li Qian, after she starts working at the lab herself, I figure she'd know either way, but I don't think Professor Ouyang told her anything before then. Professor Zhou might have.
Yeah, I think he is. Wang Xiangyang says he's activating Feng Qubing's genes, so the black energy power is in his heritage. Actually, I think all the people with Merit Brush-activated powers are Dixingren. Whether Feng Qubing himself knows he's Dixingren, or whether he's more like Lai Su the webnovelist who didn't seem to know, I'm not certain, though I think his fear of being seen - despite being known to perform miracles, afraid of being found out about how he performs them - also speaks to him being Dixingren.
I love this so much! Shen Wei instinctively grabs Zhao Yunlan and says his name, knowing what he's going to do and knowing it's inevitable - he's not even trying to stop him, but he can't help reacting and taking this moment anyway.
Actually, she says afterwards that she wasn't able to get at the data (aka the hard drive in the safe that Professor Ouyang shows Li Qian later), but she got "that thing". (Is that the syringe of serum that's used on Kong Jing later, or am I mixing things up? I guess we'll have to wait and see.)
[...]But also, what was she going to say? How will the research affect the SID?
The "will" isn't in the original, FWIW, so there are even more options for what she might have said! I wonder if it was that the SID as Haixing's experts on Dixing powers might have useful input, or conversely that this research, if successful, could put the SID as it currently exists out of work by providing people better qualified to do their job?
Given how long it's been - see above; nearly two weeks - the information might have made its way to the Ministry grapevine in other ways, but yeah, Lin Jing is a good bet.
I wonder if he's already found out, and is dragging his feet about making a decision because he doesn't want to be disloyal to Zhao Xinci.
What really stood out to me was that it was a small smile, not a bright, hugely relieved one. I guess he does expect to pay a price, even if it's one he thinks he can afford to pay. I think he smiles because he sees a way forward now, when he didn't previously.
And that's a fascinating thought about an energy bond; that had never occurred to me. Do you think Shen Wei needs something external to make sense of his connection with Kunlun?
Yeah, I thought so - waiting for the Envoy's verdict.
To be continued ...
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I love his clawed hand when he jerks awake!
Yeah, agreed - it doesn't fit into the YOHE scene where Da Qing actually sees Ye Zun maskless, and while there might have been any number of other YOHE events that we didn't see onscreen, it would make no sense for this to be one of them, since Da Qing definitely saw Shen Wei without his mask before this, and would have remarked on them looking alike!
Also, I would like to point out that this flashback/memory is the first time the viewer gets to see Ye Zun's unmasked face!
He's a jerk, IMO. (I know we've talked about this before, but I have to mention it here! *g*) It's a very unfunny joke that plays with Shen Wei's feelings. I know that's not how he means it, but still. He's lucky Shen Wei likes him even when he's like that.
I love his grin!
Shen Wei's smiles in this scene are fascinating. He smiles at Zhao Yunlan after he realises he's cured after all, but the smile goes away as soon as Zhao Yunlan isn't looking at him. The next smile is put on, when Zhao Yunlan looks at him just after the Sundial stops glowing and roiling with black energy in his hand. But the genuine thanks elicit a real, genuinely happy smile, after all.
I had forgotten this - the Regent essentially got Shen Wei to Dixing on purpose, and I have no recollection of his motives. Did he want him present for the inauguration of the new Dijun? Why? I guess we'll see. We did such a good job unravelling his motives last time (well, you did), I have high hopes of figuring him out this time, too! *g*
And he actually slaps away Zhao Yunlan's hand, the first time he tries to touch him!
I'm not sure either. But given that the bartender basically comes up to him and goes "YOU AGAIN!!!!", and then keeps flinging accusations at him, perhaps Zhao Yunlan just doesn't want to engage with that/take it all seriously and risk it turning into a confrontation?
Hee! Also, I would lile to point out that this ordinary bartender is impressed by a lot of things Zhao Yunlan says, but not in the least by a black cat. I can only conclude cats are actually commonplace in Dixing. :D
He doesn't seem to consult Shen Wei about this, which, oops. I'm not sure how I feel about the way Zhao Yunlan behaves in Dixing ...
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Ohhh, true! The truth is out!
I think you read Shen Wei as a lot more more bothered/hurt by Zhao Yunlan's prank than I do. :-)
the Regent essentially got Shen Wei to Dixing on purpose, and I have no recollection of his motives. Did he want him present for the inauguration of the new Dijun? Why? I guess we'll see.
Oh, true! Yeah, I have no idea yet either. I too look forward to figuring it out. :D
I wonder, why does Da Qing jumping into the portal disrupt the magnetic field? Multiple people going in at the same time doesn't seem to have any negative effect otherwise. Does the passage need to be primed for a specific number of people?! (Very strange, if so!)
Near the end of the show, Zhao Yunlan goes to Dixing with just Xiao Guo, because that portal can only take two people, so yeah, I think there are limitations -- probably to prevent exactly this scenario: people piggybacking on a transfer? Maybe here it's related to the amount of dark energy Shen Wei pours into it?
But given that the bartender basically comes up to him and goes "YOU AGAIN!!!!", and then keeps flinging accusations at him, perhaps Zhao Yunlan just doesn't want to engage with that/take it all seriously and risk it turning into a confrontation?
I think there's trolling involved. *g*
(Btw, I wonder if Da Qing had portal visions. And whether Zhao Yunlan had more...)
Also, I would lile to point out that this ordinary bartender is impressed by a lot of things Zhao Yunlan says, but not in the least by a black cat. I can only conclude cats are actually commonplace in Dixing. :D
Hee! Maybe there are cat-like creatures?
It's fascinating that Shen Wei is now walking around the Dijun Palace in Haixing civvies! I wonder what made him choose that.
Oh, true! Good point!
He doesn't seem to consult Shen Wei about this, which, oops. I'm not sure how I feel about the way Zhao Yunlan behaves in Dixing ...
They do exchange speaking glances, and Zhao Yunlan nods slightly. I think he probably interprets any hesitation on Shen Wei's part as concern for Zhao Yunlan's health, and he's sure Shen Wei would want to be present for such an important Dixing occasion, which... well, he's not wrong, you know?
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I think Shen Wei is good at rolling with the punches, and isn't all that bothered/hurt, but I also don't think Zhao Yunlan could have known that, and this kind of prank is just too potentially hurtful for me to find it amusing at all.
Near the end of the show, Zhao Yunlan goes to Dixing with just Xiao Guo, because that portal can only take two people, so yeah, I think there are limitations -- probably to prevent exactly this scenario: people piggybacking on a transfer? Maybe here it's related to the amount of dark energy Shen Wei pours into it?
Oh, excellent point about that trip - I'd forgotten about that! It makes sense to prevent piggybacking, yeah, and it being related to the energy poured into it sounds logical. :)
They do exchange speaking glances, and Zhao Yunlan nods slightly. I think he probably interprets any hesitation on Shen Wei's part as concern for Zhao Yunlan's health, and he's sure Shen Wei would want to be present for such an important Dixing occasion, which... well, he's not wrong, you know?
No, I meant about sending Da Qing to snoop.
They look at each other when the Regent talks about them being there for the ceremony, Zhao Yunlan has that minuscule nod, and then he agrees to stay in Dixing over "night". Next, Zhao Yunlan looks at Shen Wei again whle saying they should return as soon as possible, but there's no hint that Shen Wei knows what Zhao Yunlan is about to do, which is signal Da Qing to go snooping. I mean, Shen Wei could have stopped it by calling out to Da Qing, but the snooping is 100% Zhao Yunlan's idea, and it doesn't seem to occur to him to make sure it's a good idea first. He still underestimates how dangerous Dixing can be.
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Oh right. Maybe he didn't want to implicate him? Or he's just grabbing an opportunity.
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Yes! I was thinking, too, that from a storytelling POV, Zhao Yunlan's little prank helps to add a touch of uncertainty/suspense. If it had gone super-smoothly and they'd just immediately beamed at each other again, it would have been repetitive and maybe a little anti-climactic? (Which doesn't excuse him from a Watsonian viewpoint, of course.)
it has to be first because it's the two of them beaming at each other, both so open and so genuine and so completely happy in this moment. ♥ ♥ ♥
SOOO GOOOD!! ♥!!
He says 你们, plural you - he means the SID
Ahh, thank you! And yeah, so very weird that he doesn't seem to contextualise it within his own research at all. Idek.
Here we also see Da Qing showing faith in Shen Wei ("Hei Pao-daren told us to come here; he must have his reasons") in stark contrast to his reaction after remembering Ye Zun.
Oh, yes, that's a lovely contrast. <3
But I think he doesn't always even notice which form he happens to be in because it makes so little difference to him.
Hahaha, that's a great interpretation. I love it!
I really loathe Feng Qubing.
and
Last episode, we saw him refusing to help because people asked innocuous questions.
Actually, I just rewatched, and he's surprised when Zhao Yunlan decides he's a quack and they all leave. I think his initial "I don't feel like opening my clinic today" wasn't intended as a refusal at all. (Would be super interested to hear what a Chinese person or someone from another high context culture makes of this.)
This may be one of those agree-to-disagree points, but here's how I see it:
If Dr Feng is Dixingren, then he could have very good reason to want to hide: not just the Envoy and possible deportation, but potentially rumours re the SID dating back to Zhao Xinci's days. When he was unpowered, he wouldn't have had to worry about any of that, and he's only had his powers a couple of weeks, so it's understandable that he's jumpy. He's eager to use his new ability, but he probably feels like he suddenly has a target on his back. And he's not used to being capable, so his excuses/explanations for his abilities are all over the place and unpolished. But we see him be good and good-humoured with both of his patients, Ouyang and Zhao Yunlan, and he has a lot of thank-you banners hanging in his clinic, so I think he genuinely means well. Where he falls down is with non-patient visitors. He doesn't trust them and he doesn't seem to know how to act around them. So yeah, he's really squirrelly and awkward, especially when Shen Wei starts asking questions.
So when they all go back, Dr Feng agrees to take a look at Zhao Yunlan, but Shen Wei's looming/protective hovering is obviously an issue. Dr Feng clearly reiterates his TOS: no one can come in, no snooping. The SID immediately violate the TOS. Dr Feng bans them. (From his POV, this isn't an urgent medical situation. Zhao Yunlan is blind; he's not dying. They left last time; they can't be that desperate.)
Shen Wei goes back alone and tries again, and Dr Feng doesn't say no outright (maybe because it's common for people to avoid saying no in China? or because he unsure what Shen Wei might do if he bluntly said no?). Instead he suggests something so extreme that it might as well be a refusal. It's also a challenge -- if you want this so much, show me you'll submit [to my TOS].
I guess I don't see Dr Feng as a bully because I don't think he's gloating or enjoying wielding this power over Shen Wei. I think he's actually pretty unhappy about it. He doesn't stand there and watch -- he closes the doors and disappears inside. But in the end, Shen Wei's stubbornness is so frustrating and convincing that Dr Feng does give in, he risks letting these
banned userspeople back into his clinic.I would like to point out that in contrast to Feng Qubing's behaviour, bullying him in return never once enters either Shen Wei's or the other SID members' minds.
Well, yeah, but I don't think holding someone at metaphorical gunpoint is the way to get good medical care... and also, does Dr Feng owe them anything? I mean, yes, it's great that they don't try to force him into anything, but even the idea that they might is a bit disturbing to me.
2) I think the glasses represent him playing a role for Feng Qubing (not necessarily the role of Professor Shen, just a conscious performance).
*nodnod* That makes sense!
Being cured the second time: stupid fake-out joke and cheeky grin. I wonder if he's not allowing himself that full-on genuine relief again ...
Oh, that's a good point! Another thing, which we've talked about before in email (which I know because I mentioned it in a post once) is the similarity between this fakeout and the bit later on where Da Qing gets his memories back and then briefly pretends not to forgive Lao Li. So maybe it's a bad habit one of them picked up off the other. ;-p
I love that Xiao-Guo apparently has a list of questions to ask of the co-worker. Yay for planning ahead! :D
Hee! Yes, I found that very pleasing, too. :D Maybe while Chu Shuzhi is reading up on energy stuff, Xiao Guo studies interviewing techniques. *g*
In the scene where they put together all the info on the rapid-ageing cases, we discover it's been almost two weeks since the Reunion Festival!
Oh wow! Zhao Yunlan is blind for much longer than I thought? Or is there a longer gap between his getting healed and and unhealed than I thought? Either way, that's a lot of nights Shen Wei is spending at Zhao Yunlan's place! :D :D :D Oh wait, during the case talk, Da Qing says, "When Feng Qubing cured Lao Zhao's eyes a few days ago..." So I guess it's the latter. That must make the decision to reverse the healing that much harder, in some ways. Ouch!
I figure he's talking about cell regeneration
But doesn't everyone have cell regeneration? And isn't it a good/necessary thing? /showing my ignorance
As for telling Li Qian, after she starts working at the lab herself, I figure she'd know either way
I'm not sure how, unless she stumbled across the results or ran more tests on herself... or do you think the results will be folded into the research?
Wang Xiangyang says he's activating Feng Qubing's genes, so the black energy power is in his heritage.
Oh, right. I thought that might be a foreshadowing of the DoS Lab research that activates abilities in humans. IOW, doesn't the premise of the serum rely on humans also having latent abilities? But I'm happy to read him as Dixingren.
I love this so much! Shen Wei instinctively grabs Zhao Yunlan and says his name, knowing what he's going to do and knowing it's inevitable - he's not even trying to stop him, but he can't help reacting and taking this moment anyway.
Right? They're both having so many feelings and doing the thing anyway!! *LOVES* (I don't think I'd noticed before this viewing how ZYL waits until Shen Wei lets him go, before proceeding. *HEARTS*)
but she got "that thing". (Is that the syringe of serum that's used on Kong Jing later, or am I mixing things up? I guess we'll have to wait and see.)
Ahh, thank you! I missed that bit. Yeah, that seems likely.
The "will" isn't in the original, FWIW, so there are even more options for what she might have said!
Haha, the possibilities are literally endless, then! *g* (Thanks!)
I wonder if he's already found out, and is dragging his feet about making a decision because he doesn't want to be disloyal to Zhao Xinci.
It's interesting that Zhao Xinci is letting it slide, for that matter.
And that's a fascinating thought about an energy bond; that had never occurred to me. Do you think Shen Wei needs something external to make sense of his connection with Kunlun?
No, not necessarily. But there's something in that smile that made me wonder -- it feels like an element of timeloopiness, somehow, and I was trying to come up with possible explanations.
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Oh, yes, excellent point!
And yeah, so very weird that he doesn't seem to contextualise it within his own research at all. Idek.
So baffling!
I just rewatched, and he's surprised when Zhao Yunlan decides he's a quack and they all leave. I think his initial "I don't feel like opening my clinic today" wasn't intended as a refusal at all.
Yeah, I agree on that. To me it looks like he's saying that specifically to bully them into submission, and he's taken aback when it doesn't work and they just throw up their hands and leave.
Dr Feng has plenty of reason to hide, but zero reason to bully people, and he really does read as a bully to me.
I mean, yes, it's great that they don't try to force him into anything, but even the idea that they might is a bit disturbing to me.
If the idea of Shen Wei and the SID abusing their power is disturbing, I don't see how Feng Qubing actually abusing his power isn't.
(Yeah, agree to disagree - I think our views on this really are incompatible. Has to happen sometimes! *g*)
Another thing, which we've talked about before in email (which I know because I mentioned it in a post once) is the similarity between this fakeout and the bit later on where Da Qing gets his memories back and then briefly pretends not to forgive Lao Li. So maybe it's a bad habit one of them picked up off the other. ;-p
Oh, I'd forgotten about that, excellent point! And of course the two of them would reinforce each other's bad habit that way! :D
Zhao Yunlan is blind for much longer than I thought? Or is there a longer gap between his getting healed and and unhealed than I thought? Either way, that's a lot of nights Shen Wei is spending at Zhao Yunlan's place! :D :D :D Oh wait, during the case talk, Da Qing says, "When Feng Qubing cured Lao Zhao's eyes a few days ago..." So I guess it's the latter. That must make the decision to reverse the healing that much harder, in some ways. Ouch!
I think both the first part of the blindness and the first time being cured last longer than it seems, and yeah, it makes everything harder! *hugs them* And yes, that's TWO WEEKS at least of them essentially cohabitating! :D :D :D
(I really want some fic set during those missing days, to see what they got up to in all that time!)
But doesn't everyone have cell regeneration? And isn't it a good/necessary thing?
I don't know much about this either, but what humans can regenerate is limited, isn't it? So perhaps the Sundial's effect means more than usual (and potentially-but-not-yet more than the body can handle)?
I'm not sure how, unless she stumbled across the results or ran more tests on herself... or do you think the results will be folded into the research?
Yeah, that's what I assumed! Though perhaps that's overly optimistic, given that Professor Ouyang doesn't even seem to fold his experience with Feng Qubing into his research! *g*
I thought that might be a foreshadowing of the DoS Lab research that activates abilities in humans. IOW, doesn't the premise of the serum rely on humans also having latent abilities? But I'm happy to read him as Dixingren.
Actually, I'm not sure if humans already have latent abilities, or if the serum induces them rather than activating them. Hopefully the rewatch will help clarify that ...
(I don't think I'd noticed before this viewing how ZYL waits until Shen Wei lets him go, before proceeding. *HEARTS*)
:D :D :D
(I mean, I have an icon of that scene for a reason. It's so good!)
It's interesting that Zhao Xinci is letting it slide, for that matter.
Yeah, very. I wonder how long he would have let it go on before he decided to step in.
But there's something in that smile that made me wonder -- it feels like an element of timeloopiness, somehow
That's interesting - can you put your finger on what makes it feel timeloopy to you?
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If the idea of Shen Wei and the SID abusing their power is disturbing, I don't see how Feng Qubing actually abusing his power isn't.
Shen Wei and the SID have enormous institutional power and are positioned as the heroes. Do you really not see a difference there?
(I really want some fic set during those missing days, to see what they got up to in all that time!)
I have written one outsider POV case fic! But yeah, there needs to be much more.
I don't know much about this either, but what humans can regenerate is limited, isn't it? So perhaps the Sundial's effect means more than usual (and potentially-but-not-yet more than the body can handle)?
I thought there was healthy regeneration ot1h, and cancer otoh. But we probably need someone with some knowledge to weigh in here. ;-p
If the serum was introducing rather than activating abilities, I feel like that doesn't explain the variety of its effects. But *handwave schmience* who knows! :-)
That's interesting - can you put your finger on what makes it feel timeloopy to you?
I think it's the way he looks at Zhao Yunlan like he's putting the pieces together, and then smiles. It reminds me a bit of in ep 26 where he's watching Zhao Yunlan sleep on the couch and takes out his pendant and gives a kind of similar smile.
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If they actually abused their power, of course it would be vastly worse than if a random individual did. But them actually doing that was never on the table. And that hypothetical being worse doesn't make someone else abusing their power not disturbing ...
(I'm going to shut up now. Agree to disagree. *g*)
It reminds me a bit of in ep 26 where he's watching Zhao Yunlan sleep on the couch and takes out his pendant and gives a kind of similar smile.
Oh! I see what you mean.
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Noooo... you raised the hypothetical?
I don't understand why it has to be a comparison. Them doing it would be objectively bad, whatever you think of Dr Feng.
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Sorry, I don't understand your point either. Abuse of power is bad, always.
Going to bow out here, because we're clearly going round in circles.
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Ha, maybe. I feel like that "completing/correcting an equation on sight" move should have its own TVtropes page, but I can't find one. (I think Shen Wei does it, too, later on when he and Zhao Yunlan are investigating the DoS lab.)
Why do you think Da Qing lied about his attempt to regain his memories through hypnosis, and told everyone he was taking time off to see an old friend? He doesn't even tell ZYL the truth.
Good question! Maybe he doesn't want to worry Zhao Yunlan in his blindness? Or it's just something he feels he has to deal with on his own? I'm not sure (but I'd love to read fic about it *g*).
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Yeah, I think Da Qing feels he needs to deal with this on his own, but I'm not sure why. Some subconscious timeloopy feelings, where part of him knows this should be a secret? Idk.
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Yeah, I think Da Qing feels he needs to deal with this on his own, but I'm not sure why.
Maybe it just feels private. Maybe he's not up for Zhao Yunlan's teasing right now. ;-p
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Yes, all of that would make sense! And it would also give additional weight to Professor Zhou's "oh if only Shen Wei were here" complaints. *g*
Maybe he's not up for Zhao Yunlan's teasing right now. ;-p
Hee! And he has to know Zhao Yunlan would never be able to just let it go. *g*
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Yeah, absolutely! But his first instinct wouldn't be to think it might upset him. He'd probably think it was comforting, actually - and in most situations it would be! And Da Qing knows that. It makes sense to me that he doesn't want to have to deal with that deviation from the normal state of affairs between them just now.
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And Shen Wei obviously has too much social capital to be safe: he dresses rich, he's sharp and curious, his scientific mind on display. He is clearly unwilling to trust to the extent that he'll comply with the "no questions, no looking" conditions.
I can't fully comprehend what it means for him to challenge Shen Wei to kneel, but I feel like he's coming from that place of feeling violated. Compare it to, say, Cong Bo's smug gloating about having video footage of Shen Wei, where he's lording it over Zhao Yunlan. In contrast, I think Dr Feng really wants to help Zhao Yunlan, but dealing with Shen Wei and the SID is a deal-breaker for him, and the only way through that is for Shen Wei to prove he'll comply.
(Please don't reply to this just to disagree or call him a bully. That point has already been made. Thanks!)
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