Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Bonus Stories: Sage 1 & Sage 2

[facethestrange]

Hi, and welcome to this week's installment of the Guardian novel readalong! We're finished with the main text of the novel, but the readalong continues - it's time for the first bonus stories. ♡

Here are last week's chapters, and you can find all previous discussions in the schedule posts (part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5), or via the !readalong tag.

This week's chapters:

• Sage 1: Many SID team shenanigans happen, including but not limited to: They have acquired a Samoyed puppy named Xiaomi who plays with Daqing. They talk about the new office they're moving to, and have some theories why Zhao Yunlan is not at work. No one tells Guo Changcheng that he's the wick, they just confuse him with questions and occasionally pluck his hair to experiment on. Meanwhile, Zhao Yunlan talks to Shennong's mortar about the primordial past and Shen Wei's oath, and explains that some things are meant to be confusing. Shennong's mortar announces that he's leaving Zhao Yunlan's father's body. Shen Wei and Zhao Yunlan take a walk together and cause spring flowers to bloom.
  



• Sage 2: The SID moves to their new office, which includes a sunny attic and Zhao Yunlan's vegetable garden, among other things. Everyone loves Shen Wei because his arrival means that Zhao Yunlan finally goes home. Lin Jing invents an invisible listening device. Daqing bickers with people, including Shen Wei. Zhao Yunlan falls asleep trying to learn gardening from a boring book, and cuddles with Shen Wei (while also bickering). Guo Changcheng goes on an arranged date with a girl. Chu Shuzhi accompanies him and listens in on their awkward conversation, and then interrupts the date and drags Guo Changcheng away. They start dating, which is revealed to the rest of the SID by Lin Jing's listening device.
  

The corresponding chapters:
Sage 1 = fan translation Extra 2
Sage 2 = fan translation Extra 3


Excerpts:

1) The SID team speculating about Zhao Yunlan's activities

Guo Changcheng ran a hand through his hair. “Director Zhao isn’t here?”

Without looking up, Zhu Hong said, “Officially, he’s off picking up the keys for our new office today and has to do a final inspection. Plus he’s moving today—ugh, why does this always freeze up? I hope we have better internet in the new place.”

Daqing, who was chasing Xiaomi all over the room, screeched to a halt upon hearing this explanation. He looked over and asked, “And unofficially?”

Despite the trace of jealousy in Zhu Hong’s tone, she clearly savored the words as she said, “He got fucked so hard that he can’t get out of bed, duh.”

Shock made Guo Changcheng tremble and miss his chair when he tried to sit. He nearly fell on his ass as it rolled away.

Zhu Hong gave him a bombastic side-eye. “Our boss is that fucking gay. What’s there to be shocked about?”



2) Shennong's mortar leaves, and Shen Wei and Zhao Yunlan make flowers bloom

To Shennong’s mortar, he said, “Drive carefully on the way back. Don’t let my dad notice anything. Take care of his body.”

Shennong’s mortar stood up. With great respect, he said, “Thank you for your wisdom, Mountain God. In truth, I came to say goodbye today. Having carried out my mission, it would be inappropriate to continue occupying a mortal’s body.”

Zhao Yunlan was taken aback. “When are you leaving?”

“Today,” the mortar said. “After taking Mr. Zhao back now.”

“All right, then.” Zhao Yunlan thought about it, then gave him a casual wave. “Take care. If you ever need anything, come find me.”

Shen Wei and Zhao Yunlan went downstairs together, while Shennong’s mortar stood at the window. Together, they ambled through campus toward the neighborhood across the street, as if taking a leisurely afternoon stroll.

Even further in the distance, in the green areas of the neighborhood, flowers on the large condo terraces quietly burst into bloom wherever they passed by. It struck the mortar then that spring had already arrived.



3) The new SID office

The new office space was an appealing one. It had a little attic that got plenty of sunlight throughout the day, and there was a two-level basement. The lower basement housed the library while the upper basement had a mahjong table surrounded by a bunch of memorial tablets that gave the ghost employees somewhere to rest. They could even play a game of mahjong during bouts of insomnia.

With all the natural light the attic got, and thanks to a thick layer of sound-absorbing paint, one could go up there for a nice afternoon nap. Opening the window offered a lovely view of the front courtyard…or it would have, if a lovely view existed. Everyone had wildly different ideas about what to do with the space, so after it had been divided up for everyone to do their own thing, the result was the polar opposite of a cohesive whole.

As for the backyard, Zhao Yunlan claimed it entirely for himself. After a lifetime spent learning absolutely nothing about art, his taste was…rather unique. He vetoed the roses Zhu Hong liked, vetoed Chu Shuzhi’s suggestion of vines, and vetoed Lin Jing’s request for bodhi trees.

In the end, after careful consideration, he planted a garden full of vegetables, including bok choy, cherry tomatoes, pumpkin sprouts, pea shoots, xiangchun…a whole array of vegetables all next to each other. And in the center, like a bright moon shining among the stars, was one single slutty eggplant.



4) Daqing 'practices yoga'

Daqing was curled up on the stair railing. His black tail waved at Shen Wei. “He’s upstairs in the attic.”

“Mn, thank you.” Shen Wei nodded, glancing over as he passed by. The railing was only half as wide as the cat’s belly, making it seem like Daqing might roll right off at any moment. The words “Why don’t you go somewhere roomier?” slipped out of Shen Wei’s mouth. “Take care not to fall.”

Daqing froze for a moment, then realized Shen Wei was calling him fat. He gave a yowl, fur standing on end. “I’m! Practicing! Yoga! What’s wrong with practicing yoga? Is there a problem?”

Shen Wei gave his head a pat and then headed up the stairs, still smiling.

In a huff, Daqing lay back down on the railing. Further annoyance approached in the form of Lin Jing. “Daqing-gongzi, which yoga pose are you practicing right now?”

“…Cat Pose.”

Following the precept of “monks don’t lie,” Lin Jing responded appropriately. “Ha ha ha ha ha ha!”



5) Chu Shuzhi interrupts Guo Changcheng's date

Guo Changcheng froze. Before he could respond, a hand descended on his shoulder and he was hauled up out of his seat.

“C-Chu-ge?”

The girl looked at Chu Shuzhi, utterly perplexed. Chu Shuzhi glanced at her, his smile not reaching his eyes, and then his gaze landed on Guo Changcheng. In an incredibly ambiguous tone, he said, “Going on a date behind my back? You really think you’re hot shit now, huh?”

Guo Changcheng’s mind boggled. Wh-what?!

The girl’s eyes flew wide-open. She sat there in shock at the Corpse King’s aura and the dramatic turn of events. Chu Shuzhi grabbed a few bills from Guo Changcheng’s wallet, tucked them under a glass as payment, and stalked off with Guo Changcheng under his arm.

“What are you looking at? I did that for her own good. How dare she try to poach someone from Kunlun-jun? I’m astounded that the idea even crossed her mind.” Chu Shuzhi stuffed Guo Changcheng into the car, then he stretched out his long legs. “Drive,” he ordered. “Take me home first.”

Guo Changcheng didn’t say a word. Crimson-faced, he started the car.

On his crossbody bag, an invisible object shaped like a fish scale was sending signals.

The very next day, a rumor began to spread: “Chu-ge and xiao-Guo are dating! 9 University Road is full of gays!”

And what happened to whom? Lin Jing? The Lin Jing who just so happened to hear something he shouldn’t have and spread the rumor?

Heh heh.



Questions:

Favorite SID shenanigans moment? (Or several - there are so many!) Do you think Xiao-Guo should be told that he's the wick? Do you understand what Zhao Yunlan explained about the primordial gods, or are you also a few thousand years too young? Are Shen Wei and Zhao Yunlan consciously making flowers bloom, or is it just what happens when nature gods are happy? What is your favorite thing about the new office? Whose garden idea do you like the best, and why is it (not) the slutty eggplant? Any thoughts about the drama adaptation of these chapters, especially Xiao Guo's date?

You can answer as many or as few questions as you like, or just comment without answering any of them at all! And if you see this post and you're not actually reading the novel, I would love to know what you think about any of this with limited context. :D

And here is the schedule, where you can sign up to host a post. (There are only two weeks left!)

Comments

[china_shop]

Sage 2

I don't understand anything about the magazine editor's reaction to LJ's photos, but I love the idea of the photos themselves, awww. (I read a novel maybe last year where someone meticulously photographed a beloved place and then made a virtual 3D model of it, so they could still navigate their way through it. LJ should totally do that, too. Also, this reminds me of ZYL's childhood change resistance, being pissy because his father upgraded his car. *pets them both*)

Omg, sound-absorbing paint is an actual thing!! I need to investigate that further!! ;-p

Awwwww, ZYL planting veges. Does that mean he cooks now? Or does he give them to SW to cook, like a cat gifting a dead mouse?? I note that he says he wants a row of kimchi jars, not that he wants to make the kimchi. Maybe the SID team will have to do that for him. ;D :D :D (Maybe that's why no one goes into his garden? I don't understand that part otherwise.)

LOL that everyone loves Shen Wei because his presence means they can leave early. They're all so selfish in the small day-to-day stuff, and so selfless when it comes to putting themselves on the line for work. Why is that endearing?? Anyway, I'm glad Shen Wei is getting some love.

Lin Jing making stuff! \o/ Daqing curled up on the stair railing and yelling at SW! *dies*

Sometimes, relationships had the fragility of glass. Whatever kind it was, once it shattered, it could never be put back together—not even if one forgot…or even forgave.

It was best if a person stayed consistent, whether that meant being selfish to the end, even at the cost of hurting countless other people, or carefully cherishing someone else’s feelings, however foolish the feelings might seem.

I ~~think~~ it's saying that it would have been best if lao-Li had consistently kept his misdeeds to himself, to maintain their previous relationship, rather than confessing and upsetting the applecart. I also think it's deliberately placed as a transition to the SW/ZYL scene, and that it's an excuse for ZYL still being bratty in their relationship, lol. The brattiness is what SW fell in love with, after all.

(But I still think, "It was best if a person stayed consistent, whether that meant being selfish to the end, even at the cost of hurting countless other people" is wrong wrong wrong. ;-p)

And ahhh, this is so domestic. The lovely attic, and ZYL failing to read. (Sofa bed!!) SW nagging ZYL not to nap too much. ZYL sprawling all over him and complaining about his book. ZYL stubbornly refusing to take the easy route: "Science and technology are the primary forces of production."!! :D :D :D (Is that him being a good communist? And then a few paragraphs later: With a mischievous glint in his eye, Zhao Yunlan said, “The primary forces of production and I don’t get along. I fall asleep as soon as I start reading it.” LOL!)

I do love SW's point that seeds planted by a Mountain God are definitely not going to die, lol.

ZYL: But if I can’t keep reading, I won’t be able to stop thinking about it. My mood will plummet, and if those bad moods last long enough, I’ll get depressed!

I don't understand what it is he's distracting himself from? What is the "it" he won't be able to stop thinking about? Being apart from his mountain?

LOL, that ZYL just had to smile for SW to understand he wants to be read to. <3

*glosses over the whole "taking advantage" "committed the crime", ZYL complaining about bottoming part, la la la*

Changcheng is sooo nervous about his date. (Which means it's kind of mean for his uncle to set it up. I'm it's well-meaning, at least in the drama, but poor Changcheng -- not only for having to go on the date, but for his uncle and aunt not knowing him better, too.)

A tiny firework exploded out of Guo Changcheng’s pocket.

LOL! This is why they can't tell him about being the wick -- who knows what would happen?

Awww, CSZ offering to be GCC's emotional support zombie. <3 <3 <3

The girl on the date is pretty nice, though. She sticks with it, doesn't look down on him, and stays cheerful, even if she is a bit pushy at the end. It's not her fault GCC is incapable of talking to humans.

After some thought, Guo Changcheng gave her an honest description of exactly how he would capture a “bad guy.” He made a grabbing motion, then pretended to take out his “secret weapon.”

I... wonder if that looks suggestive. Is that why she laughs? /o\

In an incredibly ambiguous tone, he said, “Going on a date behind my back? You really think you’re hot shit now, huh?”

LOLOL! In the drama, CSZ just says, "He is sure," drags him out, and yells at him for not being more confident, and even then, it's flirty. No wonder Lin Jing gets confused here. :D

Lin Jing is such a punching bag. /o\

[trobadora]

I don't understand anything about the magazine editor's reaction to LJ's photos

Thank you! So glad we're all equally confused there, LOL.

I read a novel maybe last year where someone meticulously photographed a beloved place and then made a virtual 3D model of it, so they could still navigate their way through it.

Aw, that sounds lovely. Agreed, Lin Jing totally should!

Awwwww, ZYL planting veges. Does that mean he cooks now? Or does he give them to SW to cook, like a cat gifting a dead mouse??

LOL @ that comparison! I don't think gardening and cooking are connected? Pretty sure SW will be cooking.

I also think it's deliberately placed as a transition to the SW/ZYL scene, and that it's an excuse for ZYL still being bratty in their relationship, lol.

Oh, interesting thought, that hadn't occurred to me, but it would make sense!

But I still think, "It was best if a person stayed consistent, whether that meant being selfish to the end, even at the cost of hurting countless other people" is wrong wrong wrong. ;-p

*high five*

"Science and technology are the primary forces of production."!! :D :D :D (Is that him being a good communist? And then a few paragraphs later: With a mischievous glint in his eye, Zhao Yunlan said, “The primary forces of production and I don’t get along. I fall asleep as soon as I start reading it.” LOL!)

Haha, yeah, it's funny how he's all "Marxism!!!" and then "... but it doesn't agree with me", LOL. Makes sense, since he's an actual god. :D

(The very first thing that comes up on google when you plug in ZYL's first sentence is this, btw.)

I don't understand what it is he's distracting himself from? What is the "it" he won't be able to stop thinking about?

I thought he meant the book? That if he can't keep reading because it makes him fall asleep, he'll get frustrated about not reading it? It's all very facetious, or at least that's how I took it.)

Which means it's kind of mean for his uncle to set it up. I'm it's well-meaning, at least in the drama, but poor Changcheng -- not only for having to go on the date, but for his uncle and aunt not knowing him better, too.

Pretty sure it's just as well-meaning in the novel. They're trying to arrange a marriage for him, since he's clearly not putting himself out there, and the girl does seem to like him, so they didn't choose someone wildly unsuitable either. They don't understand the SID thing, but probably if they have any idea that she's not keen on a partner who's a cop, that would be a bonus from their perspective - they want him safe, after all. Totally agreed on them not knowing him better!

LOL! This is why they can't tell him about being the wick -- who knows what would happen?

I wish they said that explicitly in the scene, that would make more sense!

Awww, CSZ offering to be GCC's emotional support zombie. <3 <3 <3

LOLOLOL!

Lin Jing is such a punching bag. /o\

Yeah. Poor Lin Jing!

[china_shop]

I don't think gardening and cooking are connected? Pretty sure SW will be cooking.

Heh. (I think growing veges can be an inspiration for cooking, but yeah.) This made me wonder if any of the plants in the garden, front or back, are Yashou...

it's funny how he's all "Marxism!!!" and then "... but it doesn't agree with me", LOL. Makes sense, since he's an actual god. :D

Yes! I wonder if it's a sly dig by priest...

> > I don't understand what it is he's distracting himself from? What is the "it" he won't be able to stop thinking about?
> I thought he meant the book? That if he can't keep reading because it makes him fall asleep, he'll get frustrated about not reading it? It's all very facetious, or at least that's how I took it.)

I wondered if it was the mountain, and your quote on the other post about the burdens of godhood makes me wonder that again...