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sid_guardian2026-01-25 10:23 pm
china_shop) wrote in sid_guardian2026-01-25 10:23 pm
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Slo-Mo Rewatch: Guardian episode 10, part 1
Hi, and welcome back to the Guardian drama Slo-Mo Rewatch. Watch half an episode a week, at your leisure, and then come and chat about it here in comments. Or you can just jump into the comments without rewatching, of course!
Here are the previous weeks' rewatch posts.
Episode 10, up to 22:09
Summary
Zhu Hong wakes Zhao Yunlan with the news that everyone's been drugged. Shen Wei comes in, and they deduce Wang Zheng is the culprit. Meanwhile, Wang Zheng finds Sang Zan's glowy pillar in the caves. As well as the execution flashback, we see their happy past, dancing in a meadow, and talking together there too. In the present, they reunite through the pillar. Sang Zan's agitation (? or his attempt to free himself?) triggers an earthquake, and in the village, people run for safety. Zhao Yunlan charges Zhu Hong with keeping Shen Wei safely at base camp and goes into the mountains with Chu Shuzhi and Guo Changcheng to find Wang Zheng. Zhu Jiu arrives at the pillar and menaces the lovers. Shen Wei tries to leave the hotel (in Zhao Yunlan's jacket), but Zhu Hong hypnotises him into staying. Chu Shuzhi uses his dark-energy strings to open a door into the mountain, and Zhao Yunlan goes in alone. He's facing off with a Youchu, once more unable to fire his gun, when the Envoy finds him. The Envoy dispatches the Youchu, and together, he and Zhao Yunlan hurry through the cave system in search of Wang Zheng.
Quote
Zhao Yunlan: Everyone at 4 Guangming Rd is mine. We can't just ignore them.
(Unbeknownst to him, he's saying this to Shen Wei who he's repeatedly tried to recruit.)
Detail
I'd forgotten that even the ghost soldiers aren't on board with Zhu Jiu's treatment of Wang Zheng. One of them protests, "She deserves to die, but what you're doing is too cruel!"
Questions
Do you have a stand-out favourite scene or quote from the first half of episode 10? When Shen Wei asks, "What is your purpose in coming here?" does Zhao Yunlan answer? (There's a scene break there.) Is Shen Wei tempted to put an extra dark-energy whammy on Jiajia and Xiao-Quan to make sure they don't wake up during all the excitement? Was the heart of candles in the flashbacks Sang Zan's idea or Ge Lan's? How much stuff does Guo Changcheng have in his satchel? If Zhu Hong hadn't deployed her hypnotism eyes, how long would Shen Wei have continued to play along? Did Zhao Yunlan know in advance that Chu Shuzhi had researched the Hanga tribe, or was he just lucky? On a scale of 1 to 10, how happy is Zhao Yunlan to see the Envoy in the caves? On a scale of 1 to 10, how much is Zhu Jiu projecting when he tells Wang Zheng, "You were betrayed before. You are always fated to be abandoned!"
Did you see any parallels in these scenes with other parts of the drama? If you're familiar with the novel, any thoughts about how the drama adaptation compares, if at all?
(As usual, these are all just conversation starters - feel free to answer all, some, or none, and to say as much or as little as you like! You don't have to be keeping up with the rewatch to join in. We'd love to hear your thoughts!)
And here is our schedule -- if you can, please sign up to host a post!
no subject
* When Zhao Yunlan hears about the drugging, he doesn't seem to suspect Shen Wei for even a second, but a bit later in the scene, he just stares at him. Does he suspect him after all, or does he just not want to seem too friendly in front of Zhu Hong? (Zhao Yunlan, this is the guy you slept on top of and gave your coat to!)
* Shen Wei comes in speaking for Wang Zheng. He understands protectiveness and sacrifice. <3 Also, "I know that the Special Investigations has its own confidentiality measures" made me laugh, given that ZYL keeps going to Shen Wei's office and telling him the intimate details of cases.
* The flashback to Sang Zan tied up and screaming while Ge Lan is executed = Zhao Yunlan in ep 39. And then their reunion with Sang Zan in the pillar is like the very final Weilan scene.
* Aww, Jiajia brought a teddy bear. I think Shen Wei, looking at her, considers dark-energy sleeping her but then decides it isn't necessary.
* Flashbacks to dancing and Wang Zheng/Sang Zan hanging out in a heart-shape of candles. I got so distracted by the latter, this time around. For starters, that's a huge waste of candles, hee! But more saliently, the heart shape as a romantic symbol started in Europe and seems unlikely to have reached a remote, secluded tribe in 100-years-ago China. (I may be completely wrong about that! :-) Still, I love that they're talking, with her thoughtfully brandishing a long grass stem. And the dancing is so happy.
* The contrast between the romantic cave moment, while everyone outside is freaking out at the earthquake, lol! (I always notice how modern and colourful everyone's clothes are. There is even luggage. This may be a small quiet village, but I bet they have internet.)
* Q. Is the pillar more than a prison? Does it also have mind-healing properties, and Ye Zun's is broken (or not working because of his mind control)?
* Zhu Jiu showing up in the cave is chilling. So much threat.
* Love Zhao Yunlan and Zhu Hong weaponising Shen Wei's professor role against him.
* Zhu Jiu calls Sang Zan a monster for being trapped without dying, but Zhu Jiu knows (and idolises?) Ye Zun. Does he also think of him as a monster? Or is this a double standard?
* ZYL, CSZ and GCC head into the mountains with no prep and no provisions except whatever's in GCC's bag. (Luckily, he has jerky and the map.) I am so judging ZYL for this. Proper preparation saves lives!!
* Zhu Hong is so authoritative and capable, running interference on Shen Wei. <3 If it had been anyone else, she would have totally succeeded. And he's clearly worried for the others but still choosing to stay in character.
* I ♥♥♥ research master CSZ!!! Also chaos gremlin thumbs-up CSZ!! :D :D :D :D :D
* ZYL has gun flashbacks again (*hugs him*) -- I do love him grabbing GCC's wrist to direct his zap, hee! <3
* Argh, them splitting up here (ZYL going into the caves alone) makes so much more sense in the novel. Here, it's just stupid -- why go alone into the place where the Youchu are coming from??? (In the novel, iirc, ZYL gets the warning missive from the Envoy before they split up, so he sends the others back for their own safety.)
* Aww, it's Shen Wei's "You still have me" moment (or, at least, one of them)! <3 <3 <3
* The ghosts can cause the mountain to collapse? Yikes!! And ha, I love that even the Ge Lan haters think Zhu Jiu is too much of a jerk to her. <3
* Zhu Jiu says, "You were always fated to be abandoned." But no one's willingly abandoned her!! Ever!! (Except the villagers, I guess.) Is he projecting and really talking about himself? ;-p
Do you have a stand-out favourite scene or quote from the first half of episode 10?
I think my favourite scene is ZYL, CSZ and GCC's little picnic. I love the body language mirroring between ZYL and CSZ, and I like that they get a little respite to sort themselves out and make a plan. Though I do wish someone had thought to bring a water bottle!! /o\
When Shen Wei asks, "What is your purpose in coming here?" does Zhao Yunlan answer? (There's a scene break there.)
I think they're interrupted by the earthquake before he can answer?
Was the heart of candles in the flashbacks Sang Zan's idea or Ge Lan's?
Ignoring the anachronism, I think it was Sang Zan's idea, the big sap.
How much stuff does Guo Changcheng have in his satchel?
ALL THE THINGS, apparently. ;D
Did Zhao Yunlan know in advance that Chu Shuzhi had researched the Hanga tribe, or was he just lucky?
I'm telling myself he knew (and possibly requested it), but I'm only 80% convinced. ;-p
On a scale of 1 to 10, how happy is Zhao Yunlan to see the Envoy in the caves?
3000%. The Envoy isn't just a political ally here -- he's a saviour! *swoon* <3 <3 <3 Oh, this might even be the mirror to ZYL's arrival in YOHE turning the tide of the battle? <3
no subject
I do love Zhu Jiu's "I'm so crazy I scare myself" vibe.
Zhao Yunlan is VERY pleased to see the BCE!
no subject
Right?? (Hee!)
I do love Zhu Jiu's "I'm so crazy I scare myself" vibe.
He's enjoying tormenting Wang Zheng waaay too much. /o\ *g*
Zhao Yunlan is VERY pleased to see the BCE!
The BCE is a literal life-saver!!
no subject
Haha, he really is! :D
no subject
Yeah, I don't think he suspects him at all, but he does suspect he has another reason for coming to the mountains. Maybe when he's staring at Shen Wei, he's challenging him like, "you tell me why you're here first". *g*
* Shen Wei comes in speaking for Wang Zheng. He understands protectiveness and sacrifice. <3
Yes! I love that he just instantly understands her motivation. :D
The flashback to Sang Zan tied up and screaming while Ge Lan is executed = Zhao Yunlan in ep 39. And then their reunion with Sang Zan in the pillar is like the very final Weilan scene.
AHHHHH yes! *screams*
Aww, Jiajia brought a teddy bear.
Oh, I missed that! *goes back and checks" Hee!
the heart shape as a romantic symbol started in Europe and seems unlikely to have reached a remote, secluded tribe in 100-years-ago China
Oh, interesting, I didn't know that about the heart symbol!
And the dancing is so happy.
Yes! Their story overall is so tragic, but it's great to see them happy.
Q. Is the pillar more than a prison? Does it also have mind-healing properties, and Ye Zun's is broken (or not working because of his mind control)?
OHHHHH, that is a very cool thought! That would make the Hallows imprisoning Ye Zun considerably less cruel. And I could see him using his mind control powers to resist a healing influence and making everything worse that way, ouch ...
Zhu Jiu calls Sang Zan a monster for being trapped without dying, but Zhu Jiu knows (and idolises?) Ye Zun. Does he also think of him as a monster? Or is this a double standard?
Yeah, I can't figure out this part either.
And he's clearly worried for the others but still choosing to stay in character.
And not just that, choosing to go along with her. He wouldn't even have to tell her he's leaving - going by Xiao-Quan's scene last episode, there's no indoor plumbing, so he could just pretend he's going outside for that reason!
I ♥♥♥ research master CSZ!!! Also chaos gremlin thumbs-up CSZ!! :D :D :D :D :D
Yes! Delightful! :D
Argh, them splitting up here (ZYL going into the caves alone) makes so much more sense in the novel. Here, it's just stupid -- why go alone into the place where the Youchu are coming from??? (In the novel, iirc, ZYL gets the warning missive from the Envoy before they split up, so he sends the others back for their own safety.)
Oh yeah, you're right, that does make more sense in the novel! There's not really an in-universe reason here at all that I can see.
Aww, it's Shen Wei's "You still have me" moment (or, at least, one of them)! <3 <3 <3
What do you mean?
I think my favourite scene is ZYL, CSZ and GCC's little picnic.
*high fives*
I think they're interrupted by the earthquake before he can answer?
*high fives again*
Ignoring the anachronism, I think it was Sang Zan's idea, the big sap.
*high fives one more time* :D
3000%. The Envoy isn't just a political ally here -- he's a saviour! *swoon* <3 <3 <3 Oh, this might even be the mirror to ZYL's arrival in YOHE turning the tide of the battle? <3
Awwww! :D :D :D
no subject
Maybe. It's such a contrast to how they are in Shen Wei's office, though, or even how they were at the breakdown.
Oh, interesting, I didn't know that about the heart symbol!
I looked it up because I'm currently watching a Kdrama where they mentioned that the Korean word for a heart shape is a transliteration of "heart", and the same is true in Japanese.
> Q. Is the pillar more than a prison? Does it also have mind-healing properties, and Ye Zun's is broken (or not working because of his mind control)?
OHHHHH, that is a very cool thought! That would make the Hallows imprisoning Ye Zun considerably less cruel.
Exactly! It would be nice to think the pillars have a constructive purpose. (I have a WIP about this, btw. One day...!)
And I could see him using his mind control powers to resist a healing influence and making everything worse that way, ouch ...
Yeah. *pets him gingerly*
And not just that, choosing to go along with her. He wouldn't even have to tell her he's leaving - going by Xiao-Quan's scene last episode, there's no indoor plumbing, so he could just pretend he's going outside for that reason!
Yes, though then, when he didn't come back, she might go looking for him and wind up in trouble herself.
> Argh, them splitting up here (ZYL going into the caves alone) makes so much more sense in the novel. Here, it's just stupid -- why go alone into the place where the Youchu are coming from??? (In the novel, iirc, ZYL gets the warning missive from the Envoy before they split up, so he sends the others back for their own safety.)
Oh yeah, you're right, that does make more sense in the novel! There's not really an in-universe reason here at all that I can see.
Which makes me wonder if it's to parallel YOHE: ZYL not wanting his people to get hurt, and SW/the Envoy arriving, saving his life, and essentially saying, "You still have me [to fight at your side]."
> Aww, it's Shen Wei's "You still have me" moment (or, at least, one of them)! <3 <3 <3
What do you mean?
See above! :-)
*high fives one more time* :D
Hee! ALL the high fives! :D
no subject
True. But I think it may be the first time Shen Wei actually outright asked him about SID-related information? Zhao Yunlan has always volunteered it on his own so far.
I have a WIP about this, btw. One day...!
Cheeering you on!
ZYL not wanting his people to get hurt, and SW/the Envoy arriving, saving his life, and essentially saying, "You still have me [to fight at your side]."
Yes! ♥ ♥ ♥
no subject
True. And Shen Wei is asking with (quite reasonable) authority, here, rather than just being an information consultant expert on all things Dixingren. It's kind of funny that it was Shen Wei who spent the first half of the journey saying they should split up, and now it's ZYL who's trying to sideline Shen Wei.
Speaking of which, do you think he's sidelining SW for SW's own protection, or because he doesn't trust his involvement, or something else?
no subject
Haha, I hadn't thought of it that way, but you're totally right, that's hilarious!
Speaking of which, do you think he's sidelining SW for SW's own protection, or because he doesn't trust his involvement, or something else?
Honestly, I think it's a bit of "one thing at a time, dammit!" He's worried about Wang Zheng and is prioritising that.
no subject
Ha, that makes sense. He has no way of knowing whether Shen Wei would be a help or a hindrance in the mountains, and it's potentially dangerous. "Leave the detecting to the professionals" and all that.
no subject
I was wondering about that too! I think maybe it's his emotional reaction when he recognises Ge Lan, since he initially thought it was Zhu Jiu who'd come back.
Shen Wei tries to leave the hotel (in Zhao Yunlan's jacket)
I love that he puts it back on, for no reason! Just because he wants to!
Unbeknownst to him, he's saying this to Shen Wei who he's repeatedly tried to recruit.
Hee! :D
I'd forgotten that even the ghost soldiers aren't on board with Zhu Jiu's treatment of Wang Zheng. One of them protests, "She deserves to die, but what you're doing is too cruel!"
Yeah, I noticed that too. No one likes Zhu Jiu! *g*
Do you have a stand-out favourite scene or quote from the first half of episode 10?
The discussion on the road where Chu Shuzhi explains about his research! I really love that. The map! The explanations about places on the map! The deductions about the triangle and where the third site must be! So much fun. :D
When Shen Wei asks, "What is your purpose in coming here?" does Zhao Yunlan answer? (There's a scene break there.)
I think he doesn't - I think the Sang Zan-triggered earthquake interrupts them.
Is Shen Wei tempted to put an extra dark-energy whammy on Jiajia and Xiao-Quan to make sure they don't wake up during all the excitement?
Idk, if something happens that doesn't involve fighting (like another, bigger earthquake), being asleep would be the opposite of helpful. So I don't think he'd keep them knocked out for longer.
Was the heart of candles in the flashbacks Sang Zan's idea or Ge Lan's?
Going by the romantic scene-setting in the SID library later, it's totally Sang Zan. :D
If Zhu Hong hadn't deployed her hypnotism eyes, how long would Shen Wei have continued to play along?
Probably just long enough to figure out what angle she was using to try and keep him there, and then he'd have said something like in the SID interrogation room.
Did Zhao Yunlan know in advance that Chu Shuzhi had researched the Hanga tribe, or was he just lucky?
The scene gives me the impression that Chu Shuzhi did the research on his own, and Zhao Yunlan didn't know. The whole triangle business confirms where they're going, but IMO what he's aiming for is the same place the murdered guard pointed Zhu Jiu towards - I think he got his own info by questioning the village head.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how happy is Zhao Yunlan to see the Envoy in the caves?
:D :D :D
On a scale of 1 to 10, how much is Zhu Jiu projecting when he tells Wang Zheng, "You were betrayed before. You are always fated to be abandoned!"
It definitely sounds like it's an 11! He's so emphatic about it. And his flashback scenes in later episodes only partially clarify things ...
On to my notes:
Original: 不是，你面前站一个幽畜你能理会啊。是，你是会理会，可我不是担心那个死丫头吗，害怕她出事。
Original subs: Ummm, can you notice it when you are facing a YouChu? O Ok, you can, but I'm concerned about the damn girl.
Solo's subs: No, I... how would I spot that I'm facing Youchu? Okay, you could... but I'm worried about the damn girl.
Viki: If there's a Secluded Monster in front of you, would you be able to heed the warning? But I'm concerned about that damn girl. I'm afraid she'll be in trouble.
As literal as I can manage: No, when there's a youchu right in front of you, could you pay attention? Well, you could pay attention, but I'm worried about that girl, aren't I? I'm afraid something will happen to her.
So Zhao Yunlan says that he couldn't pay attention to the Envoy's warning because a) he was already faced with a youchu (not knowing that SW also means his earlier warning, LOL), and b) regardless he was too worried about Wang Zheng to retreat.
no subject
I was wondering about that too! I think maybe it's his emotional reaction when he recognises Ge Lan, since he initially thought it was Zhu Jiu who'd come back.
That would make sense -- though that's pretty alarming, too! /o\
> Shen Wei tries to leave the hotel (in Zhao Yunlan's jacket)
I love that he puts it back on, for no reason! Just because he wants to!
Yess! <3 <3 <3 (He adjusts the collar, like, three times. ;D)
The discussion on the road where Chu Shuzhi explains about his research! I really love that. The map! The explanations about places on the map! The deductions about the triangle and where the third site must be! So much fun. :D
Yes! People being smart and figuring stuff out, too. :D
> Is Shen Wei tempted to put an extra dark-energy whammy on Jiajia and Xiao-Quan to make sure they don't wake up during all the excitement?
Idk, if something happens that doesn't involve fighting (like another, bigger earthquake), being asleep would be the opposite of helpful. So I don't think he'd keep them knocked out for longer.
That's true. But he can't want them wandering off, either. I guess he has to put his trust in Zhu Hong to play gatekeeper.
Going by the romantic scene-setting in the SID library later, it's totally Sang Zan. :D
Yes, hee! (Unless Wang Zheng's idea for the candle heart was Sang Zan's inspiration for his own romantic display, because he knew she'd like it. But yeah, probably Sang Zan. :D)
Probably just long enough to figure out what angle she was using to try and keep him there, and then he'd have said something like in the SID interrogation room.
Heh. Would putting her in her place have helped, though? I suppose if he irritated her to the point where she stomped off...
The scene gives me the impression that Chu Shuzhi did the research on his own, and Zhao Yunlan didn't know.
Yeah, that's the impression I got, too.
The whole triangle business confirms where they're going, but IMO what he's aiming for is the same place the murdered guard pointed Zhu Jiu towards - I think he got his own info by questioning the village head.
Oh, good point. He already has a lead.
> On a scale of 1 to 10, how happy is Zhao Yunlan to see the Envoy in the caves?
:D :D :D
:D :D :D
And I still have no idea how the hell her possessing the doll actually works, LOL.
Right? It would make more sense if it was the doll lying in the bed, but I guess that would alarm/confuse/scandalise Jiajia if she woke. *g*
Romantic flashback montage! I always love that they're using the end credits song for the Ge Lan/Sang Zan romance, making the song explicitly romantic through the het pairing!
Yessss!
She doesn't name Guo Changcheng and Chu Shuzhi, and they appear right then, coming running - where were they?
I assumed they were on watch, or they patrolled super early in the morning or something? And when they came to check in, everyone was unwakeable.
Meanwhile Shen Wei also says he wants to go with them, but doesn't try very hard - he doesn't argue at all when when Zhu Hong pointedly tells him his students need him.
I mean, he can't really argue if he wants to stay in character. His students should be his first priority. And besides, I guess it's better for him to go separately so he can change roles on the way.
Solo's subs: "Don't worry. I prefer to keep my pants on." - What he actually says is just, "I won't do anything to her."
Ah, thanks for that. /o\
Zhao Yunlan says Wang Zheng left it behind for them - but she was trying to sacrifice herself; why would she be leaving them a trail to follow?
He might not have meant that she left it deliberately. I thought the assumption was that she'd snagged herself on something. But yeah, given that the doll is back at the hotel, it makes more sense that the trail was left by Zhu Jiu.
I love that the message from the Envoy is how we learn that Zhu Hong hypnotising Shen Wei didn't work, LOL!
Oh, true! I'm so used to the sequence of events now, I forget how revealing that is!
"You should not have ignored my warning," says the Envoy - referring, I assume, both to the "retreat" message just now and what he said as Professor Shen, warning Zhao Yunlan not to leave Dragon City.
Yes, bit of a slip there. ;-)
I had also forgotten that Shen Wei says that if the youchu escape, their roar can make the mountain collapse! Which I can imagine is probably a danger in Dixing - so is that why they need to be restricted to the "forbidden place"?
Oh, is that about the youchu? I thought it was the Hanga ghosts (because the VIKI subs say, "This is loud noise caused by ghosts stuck in the forbidden place of the cave. Once they get out, they can cause the mountain to collapse."). Huh.
no subject
Finally! :D
Yes! People being smart and figuring stuff out, too. :D
Yes! I always love that. :D
Would putting her in her place have helped, though? I suppose if he irritated her to the point where she stomped off...
I think he could have got under her skin enough to accomplish that. *g*
(I really like the hypnosis mini-arc. In the novel Shen Wei makes everyone forget about him when he leaves; I really appreciate that in the drama, it's directly connected to Zhu Hong's own arc!)
Right? It would make more sense if it was the doll lying in the bed
Yes, exaclty! *flails*
I assumed they were on watch, or they patrolled super early in the morning or something? And when they came to check in, everyone was unwakeable.
I guess? It's just weird to me that neither ZYL nor ZH mentioned them earlier. If they weren't asleep, then surely someone should have said something like, "we need to check on CSZ and GCC" or "where are they, have you seen them?" or, well, SOMETHING!
And besides, I guess it's better for him to go separately so he can change roles on the way.
Yeah, I think that's why he doesn't argue further - he doesn't actually urgently need to go with ZYL; he has other options.
He might not have meant that she left it deliberately.
He says, 汪徵特意给我们留下的, "Wang Zheng intentionally left this behind for us."
But yeah, given that the doll is back at the hotel, it makes more sense that the trail was left by Zhu Jiu.
Yes! Excellent point!
Oh, is that about the youchu? I thought it was the Hanga ghosts (because the VIKI subs say, "This is loud noise caused by ghosts stuck in the forbidden place of the cave. Once they get out, they can cause the mountain to collapse."). Huh.
Yep, it definitely says 幽畜 "youchu" in Chinese, not "ghosts".
no subject
I think he could have got under her skin enough to accomplish that. *g*
I'm not sure? She does take her responsibilities seriously, and this is quite a different situation from the interrogation scene.
(I really like the hypnosis mini-arc. In the novel Shen Wei makes everyone forget about him when he leaves; I really appreciate that in the drama, it's directly connected to Zhu Hong's own arc!)
Yes! That's very cool. :-)
I guess? It's just weird to me that neither ZYL nor ZH mentioned them earlier. If they weren't asleep, then surely someone should have said something like, "we need to check on CSZ and GCC" or "where are they, have you seen them?" or, well, SOMETHING!
Oh right, I see what you mean. Hm.
He says, 汪徵特意给我们留下的, "Wang Zheng intentionally left this behind for us."
Oh weird. (Thanks!)
Yep, it definitely says 幽畜 "youchu" in Chinese, not "ghosts".
Ahh, so many translation confusions!! /o\ (Thanks again!)
no subject
- I love the opening sunrise scene! ♡ So different from the usual Dragon City view. :)
- Zhao Yunlan not waking up at first must be terrifying to Zhu Hong. D:
Others not waking up? Oh well, shit happens. xD- Shen Wei knows all about how people who want to sacrifice themselves think, lol.
- Hah, Shen Wei actually didn't drink the water from Wang Zheng! It's shown that he didn't, so that's the actual reason why he's okay, not a lie for once. :P (And now I'm wondering if he would have been okay even if he drank it? If he can't drink alcohol, maybe getting drugged would be a very bad idea too.)
- Jiajia cuddling her plushie. :D
- The closing soooooong. :D :D There's all the Wang Zheng/Sang Zan feels, but I'm just listening to the song, lol, and enjoying how long it is. :D
- Aw, Shen Wei is worried if Zhao Yunlan is okay! ♡
While nearly everyone else is still totally knocked out. xD- Chuguo running back sound so much like they were ~doing things together~ and now they're immediately trying to be helpful so that no one pays attention to that. xD xD
- Zhao Yunlan plonking down and eating on a rock in the middle of nowhere is straight from the novel where he does that on Kunlun Mountain. :D Chu Shuzhi joining him is kinda funny in this context because in the novel everyone is just 'wtf are you doing'. :P
- Ahhh, I've never thought of that before, but is Shen Wei pretending to be hypnotized also a novel reference? It's not from the Hanga storyline, but it does happen much earlier when Zhao Yunlan tries to erase his memories, and Shen Wei even pretends to faint into his arms properly. :D
- Xiao Guo's stick getting Zhao Yunlan's ass, lmao, and CSZ being impressed - also straight from the novel, and somehow even funnier in the drama. xD :D Oh hey, and shooting Youchu by randomly pointing the stick at them is from a later scene in the resort, where they meet the human-shaped Youchu. (I kinda wish he got to melt a giant blade with his stick too, that was badass. :D)
- They can hear the Forbidden Place from the caves? They said earlier that the Envoy put the Youchu there, so I assumed it was in Dixing, not in Haixing? Or are the caves super deep and close to Dixing?
"Shen Wei tries to leave the hotel (in Zhao Yunlan's jacket)"
Ahh, thank you for saying that, I went to rewatch it and I've never noticed before that he's not wearing it from the beginning, he chooses to put it on for no reason other than 'yay, Zhao Yunlan's jacket'! :D ♡♡♡
"Unbeknownst to him, he's saying this to Shen Wei who he's repeatedly tried to recruit."
Awwwww! ♡♡♡
"I'd forgotten that even the ghost soldiers aren't on board with Zhu Jiu's treatment of Wang Zheng. One of them protests, "She deserves to die, but what you're doing is too cruel!""
Oh, good point! When you're more cruel than literal vengeful ghosts, something is very wrong. :P
"Do you have a stand-out favourite scene or quote from the first half of episode 10?"
Not one specific thing, but some highlights are Xiao Guo with his stick, and the closing song playing. :D (And I need to add this, now that I've discovered it: Shen Wei putting on Zhao Yunlan jacket on purpose! :D)
"When Shen Wei asks, "What is your purpose in coming here?" does Zhao Yunlan answer? (There's a scene break there.)"
I think he was definitely going to (it's not really much beyond what Shen Wei already knows about the SID), but it seems to be the same moment when the earthquake hits.
"Is Shen Wei tempted to put an extra dark-energy whammy on Jiajia and Xiao-Quan to make sure they don't wake up during all the excitement?"
Hah, now I'm wondering if he did - it's not like anyone would be able to tell why they're not waking up. :P
"Was the heart of candles in the flashbacks Sang Zan's idea or Ge Lan's?"
Aww, Sang Zan's probably, he likes sappy decorations. :D
"How much stuff does Guo Changcheng have in his satchel?"
Lol! My favorite thing about it is that he has food for Zhao Yunlan, which Zhao Yunlan apparently didn't bother to bring for himself but will happily eat when offered. xD
"If Zhu Hong hadn't deployed her hypnotism eyes, how long would Shen Wei have continued to play along?"
He says that he turned her hypnosis back around on her, but he could make her fall asleep/freeze her without it too, so I guess he would do that when he got really impatient to leave, which would be soon. :P
"Did Zhao Yunlan know in advance that Chu Shuzhi had researched the Hanga tribe, or was he just lucky?"
He probably didn't know, but I think they both know things about it, just not the same things?
"On a scale of 1 to 10, how happy is Zhao Yunlan to see the Envoy in the caves?"
Hee! :D It was an impressive rescue and he starts to flirt immediately, so 10 at least. :D
"On a scale of 1 to 10, how much is Zhu Jiu projecting when he tells Wang Zheng, "You were betrayed before. You are always fated to be abandoned!""
I didn't think about that, but damn right, it has to be projection - he has far too many feelings about it! (And I love that he says that while everyone is actually coming for Wang Zheng. :D)
"Did you see any parallels in these scenes with other parts of the drama? If you're familiar with the novel, any thoughts about how the drama adaptation compares, if at all?"
Somehow I never keep drama parallels in mind when I'm watching, which means I only see the obvious ones (people in pillars! which Zhu Jiu thinks makes you a monster, lol, I wonder how Ye Zun feels about that :P).
And I've flailed about the novel a lot already, but I need to add one more thing: The Envoy saving Zhao Yunlan in the caves! It's one of my favorite novel scenes - the aesthetic of the caves is SO COOL, and it's one of the scenes with the adorable skeleton puppet, and then there's all the passing out and near-kissing in front of a very confused Wang Zheng. xD
"From within a vast sleeve reminiscent of a black hole, a deathly pale hand emerged. The Emissary wiped the blood from the corner of Zhao Yunlan’s mouth almost tenderly. His fingertips lingered barely perceptibly where they grazed Zhao Yunlan’s lips. The air was charged with an indescribable tension, as if the Emissary would lean down and kiss him at any moment.
Wang Zheng didn’t dare make a sound, but her eyes widened in shock."
I'd pay to see this on screen, lmao, but they somehow still got to keep the gist of this scene AND they used the Youchu blood to tie it to the identity reveal SO WELL - it's so much smoother than in the novel imo (and that's not even counting the part where Shen Wei chooses to reveal himself which the novel doesn't even have at all!) :D
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♥ ♥ ♥
May we all be much less busy soon, and may the 60-billion comments club revive! *g*
SO MUCH GOOD STUFF is comingggg. :D :D ♡♡♡
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Shen Wei knows all about how people who want to sacrifice themselves think, lol.
Right? He just understands right away what's going on with her, and explains it to the others.
And now I'm wondering if he would have been okay even if he drank it? If he can't drink alcohol, maybe getting drugged would be a very bad idea too.
I don't think there's any hint in the drama that he's immune to drugs, but that's such a fascinating idea - who knows how it might affect him!
Chuguo running back sound so much like they were ~doing things together~ and now they're immediately trying to be helpful so that no one pays attention to that. xD xD
LOL! I noticed it too, it's so strange that we don't know why they weren't around or where they're suddenly coming from.
Zhao Yunlan plonking down and eating on a rock in the middle of nowhere is straight from the novel where he does that on Kunlun Mountain. :D
Ooh, great point!
Ahhh, I've never thought of that before, but is Shen Wei pretending to be hypnotized also a novel reference? It's not from the Hanga storyline, but it does happen much earlier when Zhao Yunlan tries to erase his memories, and Shen Wei even pretends to faint into his arms properly. :D
And another excellent point! I never thought about that before either, but you're right, it totally fits!
They can hear the Forbidden Place from the caves? They said earlier that the Envoy put the Youchu there, so I assumed it was in Dixing, not in Haixing? Or are the caves super deep and close to Dixing?
Yeah, it's very strange! We don't know what or where the Forbidden Place is, and this rewatch is the first time I noticed that it's apparently connected to the Hanga caves!
but he could make her fall asleep/freeze her without it too, so I guess he would do that when he got really impatient to leave, which would be soon. :P
Ooh, yes, you're totally right, that's what he'd have done, agreed!
And I love that he says that while everyone is actually coming for Wang Zheng. :D
Right???? :D
I'd pay to see this on screen, lmao
Damn, yes, that's a great scene! (And the illustration is fantastic too.)
AND they used the Youchu blood to tie it to the identity reveal SO WELL
RIGHT?????? It's fantastically well-constructed, I love it so!
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Yay, you're here!! *MASSIVE GROUP HUG*
for the entire 60 billion comments club, all busy irl. ♡♡♡♡♡
Haha, right? A perfect storm. Hope things are going well at your end!! <3 <3 <3
(I'm loving the new signup post btw - "the fantastic Envoy reveal, a hairstyle change, and Shen Wei and Zhao Yunlan moving their cosy late-night chats from Shen Wei’s office to Zhao Yunlan’s apartment", ahhhh, these are probably exactly the weeks I will be late for, but SO MUCH GOOD STUFF is comingggg. :D :D ♡♡♡)
SO MUCH!! :D :D :D :D :D
- Zhao Yunlan not waking up at first must be terrifying to Zhu Hong. D:
Others not waking up? Oh well, shit happens. xDOh, now I'm wondering what would've happened if she couldn't wake him. She'd be in charge (at least until CSZ and GCC got back) -- would she go after Wang Zheng herself?
(And now I'm wondering if he would have been okay even if he drank it? If he can't drink alcohol, maybe getting drugged would be a very bad idea too.)
Oh no! Things could have gone very very wrong! /o\ Or maybe, if SW and ZYL were both out of commission, CSZ and GCC would have gone and rescued Wang Zheng. They probably could have managed it reasonably well (since CSZ has more defensive-against-youchu moves than ZYL) until they came up against Zhu Jiu, and then all bets would be off. That would make a great ChuGuo AU. :D
- The closing soooooong. :D :D There's all the Wang Zheng/Sang Zan feels, but I'm just listening to the song, lol, and enjoying how long it is. :D
Yesssss! :D :D :D It's so romantic!!
-- Chuguo running back sound so much like they were ~doing things together~ and now they're immediately trying to be helpful so that no one pays attention to that. xD xD
LOLOL! *hearts*
I love all the novel references you've picked up on. *hearts* It's amazing, as always, how naturally it all fits together. :D
- They can hear the Forbidden Place from the caves? They said earlier that the Envoy put the Youchu there, so I assumed it was in Dixing, not in Haixing? Or are the caves super deep and close to Dixing?
I'm so curious about this. Maybe there's more than one Forbidden Place?
"Shen Wei tries to leave the hotel (in Zhao Yunlan's jacket)"
Ahh, thank you for saying that, I went to rewatch it and I've never noticed before that he's not wearing it from the beginning, he chooses to put it on for no reason other than 'yay, Zhao Yunlan's jacket'! :D ♡♡♡
Yes!! And then adjusts the collar, like, three times. Which just reminds me of him trying to fold his jacket at the start of the liniment scene. :D :D :D :D :D
When you're more cruel than literal vengeful ghosts, something is very wrong. :P
Riiiight?!?!
Not one specific thing, but some highlights are Xiao Guo with his stick, and the closing song playing. :D (And I need to add this, now that I've discovered it: Shen Wei putting on Zhao Yunlan jacket on purpose! :D)
All such great picks!! :D :D :D :D :D
> "When Shen Wei asks, "What is your purpose in coming here?" does Zhao Yunlan answer? (There's a scene break there.)"
I think he was definitely going to (it's not really much beyond what Shen Wei already knows about the SID), but it seems to be the same moment when the earthquake hits.
It would mean revealing that they're also seeking the second Hallow, which he doesn't know Shen Wei knows about. That might not be something he wants to let slip?
Aww, Sang Zan's probably, he likes sappy decorations. :D
:D :D :D :D :D
> "How much stuff does Guo Changcheng have in his satchel?"
Lol! My favorite thing about it is that he has food for Zhao Yunlan, which Zhao Yunlan apparently didn't bother to bring for himself but will happily eat when offered. xD
ZYL didn't bother to bring himself any DESPITE having just been laid low with gastritis caused by not eating properly. *headdesk* Thank goodness for GCC!!
He says that he turned her hypnosis back around on her, but he could make her fall asleep/freeze her without it too, so I guess he would do that when he got really impatient to leave, which would be soon. :P
Great point! I guess he wanted to give her enough memory of stopping him so that when she woke up, after he put her to sleep, she'd think she had. And then the hypnosis mentoring was just an added bonus.
I didn't think about that, but damn right, it has to be projection - he has far too many feelings about it! (And I love that he says that while everyone is actually coming for Wang Zheng. :D)
Yes, exactly!! And it's not like her family abandoned her, or Sang Zan, or the SID. The villagers turned on her, sure, but overall, ZJ is completely wrong about her.
Somehow I never keep drama parallels in mind when I'm watching, which means I only see the obvious ones (people in pillars! which Zhu Jiu thinks makes you a monster, lol, I wonder how Ye Zun feels about that :P).
Ha, I was wondering about that, too. *high fives*
And I've flailed about the novel a lot already, but I need to add one more thing: The Envoy saving Zhao Yunlan in the caves! [snip] I'd pay to see this on screen, lmao, but they somehow still got to keep the gist of this scene AND they used the Youchu blood to tie it to the identity reveal SO WELL - it's so much smoother than in the novel imo (and that's not even counting the part where Shen Wei chooses to reveal himself which the novel doesn't even have at all!) :D
Oh yes, the spirit of that scene is definitely here, too. Thanks for the reminder, ahhhhhh a;slkfdjas;ldfkjasdf! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3