Cooking Endeavors Update
I randomly had a huge craving for Singapore Rice Noodles. The ingredients list didn't look too bad, so I decided to take on the challenge. It's been at least 4 days, and I'm still trying to muster enough courage to finish eating this creation. You know how some foods taste better when you leave it overnight? Every morning, I keep opening the fridge door, full of hope and anticipation that this will happen...
Lost You Forever: Season 2, Episode 23
Finally got to watch the finale! Xiang Liu!! Ouchie. Ugh, the heart hurts! I got to see most of things I wanted to see come to life from the novel (mentioned before), so I'm mostly happy. I liked both seasons, and as a combination. Season 1 was hands down Xiang Liu. In Season 2, the story and motivations were way more fleshed out. Cang Xue, Grandpa, and Xiao Yao were so good to watch. When we get to Season 2, all the characters have experienced major growth and transitions, so to some extent, we shouldn't expect them to behave the same way.
However, you are left with the feeling that Xiao Yao's feelings for Xiang Liu is diminished in the series. She sees him headed towards this path, but talks about him like it's ok for him to die. Won't she fight for/save him a little? Argue in his favor? He dies and the show technically needs to go on. We quickly transition to her and Jing's marriage and preparations. Sure, she didn't know what happened behind the scenes, he's good at hiding his feelings, but in some ways, it felt like Xiang Liu wasn't too much better than that 4th random guy...also KBA'd (killed by arrow).
At the end, it was Ah Nian's buddy that made the final call too. The same hilarious guy that always reads the room too late to King Hao Ling, and then flails around backtracking.
If it's about characters initially carving out their own path, but end up falling in line with their fate, Cang Xue impresses at the beginning and lost points in the last two episodes. He thought he needed power to protect one person, but once he gained enough power, he looked around, and was like I belong to everyone. Woe is me. And then even proceeded to friend-zone Xiao Yao. Xiao Yao should have ripped the flower out of her hair, and be like "Por Hua!" ::stomp::
Speaking of Xiao Yao, how can she STILL not know that he likes her???!!!
Oh, you know how they do a bid farewell to your character? We should do one for Tushan Jing:
Tushan Jing, I know I do not always understand you, but you have been an unexpected outlet of amusement for me. Please take care of Xiao Yao. And jun sik sung ming ah. (And stay healthy.)
Super Trio
Oooo. Super Trio. I love that show. Can I put in a request? I love all the classic games. I'd just like to volunteer the guest entertainers to some new challenges. I think they are ready! For guests who are quick-thinking, I would love to see how they problem-solve and tackle new challenges or fail at them.
One directional translations
Sometimes when there's not an exact synonym for a word, you go up the hierarchy to find a more generic term. For example, someone might ask you, "What's a duvet?" You might answer, "An oddly specific blanket."
Along those lines, something sounds fine when translating in one direction, but when you roundtrip, and translate back, it can become something different. I've always known superhero characters by their English names. Recently, I found out the translation for Wolverine is Wolf Man. lol. It just reminds me of the Teenage Wolf movie. Wolverine --> Wolf Man --> Werewolf. You might laugh, Team Ryan, but how would you describe or translate Deadpool? :)
Lost You Forever content moving
Just to FYI. Will be moving the Lost You Forever content to it's own page here. While we're waiting for the last 3 episodes, Tan Jianci's first stop of his solo concert was on Aug 17. Zhang Wan Yi's new series, Are You the One, is out. No Room For Crime and Forensic Heroes 6.
Lost You Forever: Season 2, Episode 20
Potent tea. Good talk. I understand this is a major deviation from the novel. Am wondering how this will play out for the ending.
I thought this Evil Queen was an interesting take. Usually, you have this understood stereotype of the Queen. Wiser, older, separate from the pack. Here, you really get a sense of what it takes to get to that stage.
You see how someone who is young, selfish, and calculating, but also naively hopeful that she could have both love and power, and is so powerful, but at the same time, needs to put up with a lot and can't have the one thing that really matters - one basic thing that an ordinary commoner could have. In some ways, she and CX are the same, and should understand each other perfectly.
Xiang Liu going back to XY's bed. Buckets of tears!!!!! But, on the bright side, Mortal Fireworks mini MV.
My heart skipped a beat when Xiang Liu said "The opportunity has arrived...." Still 3 episodes left. Sunny skies, sunny skies. No snow, no snow!!
Lost You Forever: Season 2, Episode 19
Intense, emotional fight. Xiao Yao's eyes!! Super good acting between the two.
Red flowers scene. So poetic. There's a special bond and fundamental understanding between the two. No matter what they've done, the other will have no fear, will bear the consequences, and can forgive. Not forget, but forgive.
Speaking of special connections, it's been forever since we've seen Xiang Liu! 大哥, 快! 找 XY! SOS!
Update:
ROFL! The Highlights of Tushan Jing video made me laugh so hard! Poor TSJ. He must have been sneezing a lot. :)
Of course, since it's his video, they also immediately played his theme song,... Heal. ...I suppose it's karma. lol. Good song. But similar to the character, you might have to look past the surface.
New Luo Yunxi Song
New Luo Yunxi song is out! Looking forward to Ashes of Love performance! I forgot that Yang Zi from Lost You Forever and Luo Yunxi were both in Ashes of Love.
Lost You Forever: Season 2, Episode 18
Read my lips. The marriage is happening. Literally. With or without you.
The king is really putting his foot down. He sees no reason why XY should waste her life away and be a widow for this undeserving man. He tries to persuade, then pleads, objects, and then finally makes a declaration against the marriage. But all MeiMei has to do is ask, and GerGer will not refuse. Note though, that MeiMei made a full bow, a grand gesture in her request. Even had her forehead touch the floor in the bow.
How much does TSJ mean to her?
She's utterly devastated and in shock. She can't picture her life without him. Where did she make the mistake? If nobody made a mistake, why is it like this? Before, she could always fix her mistakes, but she can't fix this one.
In this episode, XY explains why TSJ means so much to her. I'm glad they did that. I wish they didn't build up his weaknesses first though. Really sorry to Team Jing. At episode 18 out of 23, (but really 42?), like Cang Xuan, I needed this talk. I am just...He's just... This TSJ!... is so helpless and flatline. Or rather, loyal and steadfast? But even his themesong is killing me...
Lost You Forever: Season 2, Episode 16-17
If only I knew, if only I knew.... Tu Shan Jing!!!!!!!!
What happened to her face?! Those are some crazy, dead ancestors... Nevermind the evil wrong-doer and what they deserve. If I were a girlfriend, who has this nice, clean-cut, well-demeanored boyfriend. Then, I see his ex-wife, who was worshipping his ancestors last time I recalled, see her face now, remember that I am about to marry into that family, I would have some serious reservations (but definitely some questions) after seeing that. Oh wait, but XY was still unconscious. eek.
I love how they played CSI: Magical Investigation.
Lost You Forever: Season 2, Episode 13-15
These XY parentage scenes!! Needed a tissue on this one.
If the subtitles were too fast, this is what happened with XY's parents. As we know by now, her parents were generals on opposites sides of the war. When the mom left XY for the battlefield, she knew she wasn't coming back. To end the battle, she utilized this special move that harnessed the sun's energy to burn everything around her. It worked, but she was also burned. Her father used the last of his powers to preserve a slither of her conciousness, so that it could one day see their daughter. He did this before disintegrating.
Cang Xue: I brought an entire garden home, but couldn't find a single flower I liked. Contrary to expectation, this is exactly what happened; not a single flower. It was not the garden I liked. It was just this one flower. This Cang Xue. Here he goes again. It was supposed to XY and XL's song! lol
Lost You Forever: Season 2, Episode 12
Wo zai wu hu ni de gan shou! Wo zai wu hu ni de gan shou!
Each time he says it! But I'm not sure why Haoling king is taking the brunt of the fault. He wouldn't have had to choose if others weren't fighting?
The female servant. Well, that was unexpected.
-----
Luo Yunxi sang Fish Leong's song, Courage! The song really fits his voice!
Must see Deadpool and Wolverine! It's been so long to have a highly anticipated movie with good marketing campaign. I love that Ryan Reynolds really believed and invested in this character from the beginning. Having Deadpool and Wolverine together again is amazing enough. Can't wait!
Lost You Forever: Season 2, Episode 11
Good XL/XY scenes are back!
XL: Someone once told me that regardless of whether it's happiness or sadness, humans like to compare their own experiences against others. So I am sharing my sad story. You should feel better about your situation.
I hatched out of an egg. From that moment on, I have no memories of who my parents are. As a child, I had little to eat. One time, one of my nine heads was starving so badly that it tried to eat the other.
XY: Really?
XL: Nah.
Wait, what was I saying? I forgot...
ROFL
XL: Whether deity or demon, you can not control your birth. So why worry about something that you had no control to begin with?
Is Jing lurking around the corner and eavesdropping? lol
The discussion about XY's new title. Because XY is an illegitimate child, she could no longer be Princess of Haoling. But Grandpa and CX can still give her a title under their line, as opposed to leaving her as a commoner. CX wants to marry XY, so he wants her to be a Princess under Grandpa. Meanwhile, Grandpa doesn't want them to get married, so he wants her to be Princess to be under CX's kingdom, essentially making her his sister. XY chose to be under Grandpa, giving up the more prestigious option, b/c she wants to marry Jing, and wants to have a more similar rank as him.
Lost You Forever: Season 2, Episode 10
Cang Xuan ger ger!! How could you?!
Even Jing was initially angered, yet manages to plead diplomatically.
Xiang Liu, bestie to the rescue.
Ah! Saw the 2-second, ending clips. Definitely not watching the last two episodes in alone. Blankets, tissues, teddy bears, ice cream, and a whole support group will need to be prepared.
Lost You Forever: Season 2, Episode 9
An eventful week. Trying to focus on LYF episodes.
A lot of sweet moments between XY and TJ. I loved how he "gave" her flowers without giving her the flowers. It was so considerate and thoughtful, but also without intentions at the same time.
TJ: yeah, all my trackers weren't able to follow them.
::XY looks down::
::audience facepalms::
TJ: Buutttt, I was able to use your mirror (that I temporarily traded you with the flowers for, btw).
Buuttt he says it in such a low-key way. Meanwhile, everyone else is like...YEAHHHHH!!! hahaha.
Because he borrowed the mirror, TJ most likely has seen the XY and XL memories inside.
lol. XL can never understand why everybody has to make life so complicated. But isn't that your sister? What happened to experiencing familial love? Oh, sorry. Must only be maternal love.
The older brother. So villainous.
CX: These Begonias!! Again?!
Through the games, Grandpa can see each suitor's personality. I wish XL could sit down and play a round with Grandpa, but we already know where they stand.
Lost You Forever: Season 2, Episode 8
I prefer handpicked flowers.
But....a man....so many people....his dignity...
::Jing whips around so fast, step step step, splash::
hahahah
Ok, ok. I'm starting to understand what Team Jing is talking about. He has a certain sense of security and doesn't care about what others think. Even planted some of the same flowers in his home.
However, it is Cang Xuan ger ger that put a stop to the words, and redirected the unwanted attention back to the ones who provoked.
Ugh, those Begonia flowers! lol
Lost You Forever: Season 2, Episode 5-7
The highly anticipated wedding episodes.
CX! Such good acting! Even as king, he still shows those boyish glances of reluctant obedience to Grandpa and the innocence and vulnerability to XY. But things are gradually building up, and he will not take no for an answer.
Each one of his scenes with Grandpa is so important to watch! On one hand, Grandpa is doing grandpa things: retired, farming, basket-weaving, providing a place of refuge for XY on the hillside, and trying to pass on knowledge and advice so that younger generations can learn from. On the other hand, he seemingly still has huge influence on CX: who to marry, who to stop seeing, and trying to pass on knowledge and advice so that younger generations can... CX initially obeys, although reluctantly, somewhat pouting in silent, childlike protest. But at end of this batch of episodes, Grandpa ends up giving such a look. The conversation was so casual, subtle and diplomatic. If you weren't paying attention, and if it were not for Grandpa's look, you'd probably miss it.
XY was missing Seventeen. But she is waiting for XL/FBB by the shore. I think I get it now. lol.
So, is it really a competition amongst 6, not 4?
So, for the record, FBB did leave everything behind, XY did leave behind her Princess duties, and they did run away together.
But like she said, he ample time to do this. Why did he choose THAT day and THAT way?
I forget how the love bug works. If she did follow through with the wedding, does it mean that XL and XY would both die?
Darn it, Tushan Jing. Normally I think any woman would have trouble believing any man that told that story. However, because it is you, I would believe it. lol
Lost You Forever: Season 2, Episode 4
I need some help.
We should see a voodoo master.
::when good friends give bad advice::
Love the uncle, but he was previously inebriated, currently jaded, and probably a little triggered. And he's a voodoo master! Literally had a magical, two-headed snake appear and bite the hand feeding it. Then, there was also the disclaimers. What good could possibly come from this? When we first met Jing, he was in poor shape. When XY was wounded, he ends up in poor shape. When he just wanted answers, he ends up in poor shape. At this rate, he will need the 9 heads more than XL. But despite it all, he gives the right answer at the perfect time. Unlike others..., my heart is small. It only has enough space for one person.
Xiang Liu. lol. "If you can't play, please stop playing." Internally, he's suffering her pain. Externally, he's tortured by her horrible music. So, when she eggs him on, he finds an outlet. What a song! Was not your roses are red, violets are blue. More like peach blossoms are bloody... Her look was like "Well, that was disturbing, but somehow maybe sweet and touching?...I think?" ROFL. (parody version) Take my eyes, gouge them out. Take my heart, cut it out. Just so your eyes might see me. Just so your heart might have a place for me. Witttthhhh you. LOL.
Lost You Forever: S2, Ep 2-3
Wait, Tushan Jing and Xiao Yao are wearing the same colors!
Xiang Liu/Fang Feng Bei! Whereas Cang Xuan asks Xiao Yao not to congratulate him, Xiang Liu doesn't hesitate to congratulate Xiao Yao on her engagement. Every time these two characters interact, so much happens in the dialog! He shows so much insight into her. Yet, the way he replied to his old friend. Left you with such a heavy feeling. When he chooses his path, how much of the decision was because he misunderstood what she meant? Because he thought he no chance? CX mentioned that the painful memories from his mother leaving won't just go away. However, he has learned that new and happy memories can ease the pain. If Xiang Liu had all the correct information, would he be able to replace his loyalty to his adopted father with his loyalty to XY?
Cang Xuan. Sure, he was quickly (but gently) rejected, but he definitely makes the journey worthwhile.
"Who do you want to be your queen?"
"Because I am getting married?"
"1 month?" "2 months?" "THREE months?" ... "1 year then." "13 months." "Then let's make it 13 months. I will send someone for you." "If I don't see you in 13 months, I will come pick you up myself."
I think she was touched by his gesture, and was willing to give things a chance. (Because she initially accepted the flower.) She gave back the flower after he successfully claimed (and essentially chose) the throne. XY is afraid of loneliness, but I don't think running and sharing with the royal harem would be too attractive.
Tushan Jing. Poor guy. He's so smart in chess and business, but sometimes he's so silly. Technically, the suddenly deceased maid is his sister-in-law. The child is no longer a baby, and is an immortal, so many years have passed. TJ also didn't want this marriage, so you'd think he would put more effort into getting out of it. However, it just dawned on him that the child might not be his. Or maybe his loyal maid could've said something sooner. It's funny that there's all these immortals and magic, but their DNA technology is not quite advanced enough yet. Maybe they need a mirror that can travel back in time.
Lost You Forever: S2, Ep 1
First episode! So satisfying! Made you feel the yearlong wait was worth it. Thought it was going to be all about Xiang Liu or Tushan Jing? Ha! Cang Xuan takes his seat both in the throne and with the audience. If you ever wondered why this character is the ML, this episode (and probably the next few) will give you justification. This episode does a really good job of recapping Season 1, building momentum for Cang Xuan and propelling the storyline, and still managed to fit in screen time for all four suitors. When Xiang Liu/Fang Feng Bei appeared on screen, you just felt like cheering. For Tushan Jing too. "You are wearing the wrong colors today." LOL. The songs! In some parts, it was just the music for 2 seconds. But you didn't even need the words. You know them by heart already. In Season 1, there's the Xiang Liu song or the Cang Xuan song. In Season 2, I loved how the script incorporated the theme of the songs, and that the lyrics could be talking about more than one character. Each and every step!
House of the Dragons
Dragon fights and major events in House of the Dragons. My heart!
P.S. I really appreciate the BTS and commentary afterwards. I haven't read the books, so it's helpful and interesting to catch up on the history of the houses and the true significance of certain scenes and events. I also have trouble with the names. Rhaenys and Rhaenera, Daemon and Aemond, Aeryk and Eryk, and Aegon, Aegon, and Aegon. Sometimes I'm like "Wait, who's Helana again?" So definitely, helpful.
Follow Your Heart: Wedding
The 2nd,"real" wedding scene!! The events leading up, the wedding itself, and a couple of days afterwards! His being bullied scenes are so convincing that your gut wrenches. If you have dubbing in other languages, you should switch to his natural voice for these episodes. It's so sweet between the characters and then super funny. hahah!
Lost You Forever S2, Ads, Inside Out 2
Tan Jianci has a new album out. I like watching people do his Heartbeat dance challenge. He will also be holding a concert this year. Lost You Forever should be releasing on July 8! Much anticipated!
Ads. Even with free content, but mandatory ads, the recent-ish viewing experience has been torturous. I used to hate having to press the 'Skip' button, but without it has been a different kind of purgatory. Any ad that needs to be measured in minutes instead of seconds is truly too long. (That's probably longer than the video content. Even traditional tv commercials are in seconds.) By the time we finish the ad, we've forgotten the plot. Then, some platforms want to chain potentially 10 ads together. Even with a skip button, it's hard to have the will to persevere through. Meanwhile, there's the sinking feeling that the next match is just around the corner. But ultimately, the TKO is when we encounter the REPEAT ad. Not against supporting ads and official platforms, but pleeease bring back the skip button and make the experience better.
Inside Out 2! I really liked this movie! Highly recommended! Some reviews said the first one was better, but I liked the sequel more. Each character has one color, except for Joy. Did you know that there is a reason why she has two colors? And that her hair color has a special meaning? Oooo. For drama fans, there is one scene was made with you in mind. You (and your friends) will know it right away when you see it. hahahah! Which one is your favorite character?
Follow Your Heart
Woah, Cantonese dubbed versions available too. That seems new. No lyrics for the opening theme song, only music. No spoilers! hahaha. But maybe that's because the ending theme song will make up for it, sung by Luo Yunxi. I think there's a one-word nod to one of the songs from Till the End of the Moon. He was practicing the song while in FYH's costume at one point. Admittedly, I rarely watch costume comedy dramas, but this one seems enjoyable. It doesn't feel too slapstick. I didn't think about it before, but now, can appreciate the physical stamina and control it must take to perform the fluid movements and choreography.
The Heir to the Throne: Finale
Sure, sequels were expected, but I can't believe it was still an open ending. Char+RayW already said "I do". Then she fumbles the ring b/c presumably RayL struts in the closed church door. Char+RayL has had months, years, but neither one of them is willing to take that one last step forward. They clearly care about each other, but they've long made the choice to keep their feelings where it is. Also, RayL only makes a move when he's about to lose Char. Maybe he only likes some idea of her and not the actual her. People not involved see things most clearly. So, it's only about how Char feels about RayW. If the relationship needs time, give it proper time. But at this stage, I'd say graciously welcome your wedding guest, and give it your best shot with Char+RayW.
Even the RayL's police friend. Suddenly, throws romantic interest vibes to Jeannie's character. Only to find out that nothing more came out of it for the past YEAR. But that he decided to pursue an MBA.
Benz Hui. For a rich businessman, why doesn't he use his resources to find his own wife? Why does he choose a fragile plate as their souvenir, a symbol of their love? Why does he keep putting said plate in random places that he keeps knocking over?! ....Is he REALLY travelling all over southeast asia? looking for his wife? Or are they setting him up for Wife #3? LOL. Nah, he seems serious. But the men in this show. Can be summarized as "Succession: The Mistakes that We Make". lol. But overall, I did enjoy this/this type of show. Loved seeing all the familiar faces again.
Ooo. Follow Your Heart is airing!
The Heir to the Throne: Episode 29
Wow, how did people still survive that? One more episode left!
lol. Back to the six degrees of separation with TTEOTM. They did a "wife can't cook" trope. Naturally, it reminds me of one of my favorite scenes with TTJ and LSS....until I realize TTJ became Benz Hui!!!
Luo Yunxi new performances
Performing at an event already. Love the hair and style!
Tan Jianci's New Song
I - N - U. The lyrics are a little cheesy, but the sound is catchy. The song is in English too. I think they discussed about doing it in a different language, and ultimately decided on English. Would love to hear this song in Cantonese and Mandarin too!
tHttT: Love you, love you!
"Ngoi nei, ngoi nei, ngoi do fat sai kong, fat sai kong!" lol. You wanted to cringe. You wanted to shiver from the mushiness. But it made you laugh, shake you head, and walk away. Just admit it. It was sweet. lol. Benz Hui.
Ooo...I really like Rio's mom's pen name.
Char+RayL - That couch scene! lol. Did you see what happened to the couch? hahah. RayL just tugged on the blanket, Charmaine rolled, but the entire couch is collapsed in the middle. Charmaine! If this was real life, how would she have slept? I can't believe they lived in the same living room for days and nothing was resolved or brought up. Did he even try to explain or fix things? He was like just give me some time.... I don't know, RayL. At this point, is time the problem? But I think his conversation with his father is the most telling.
Him Law and Charmaine's deal: I thought they would surprise him with the numbers, but he was able to calculate it himself. Yet he still made the deal.
Meanwhile, Team Rio (RayW) is looking stronger. Yet,
"I can only say that you have a chance. What you are missing is a little bit of time."
"As long as I am still in your waiting list."
The Heir to the Throne
Still working on The Heir to the Throne. Keep forgetting to check the list of sponsors. Those DNA reports keep appearing every corner. Toby!! Omg. That scene where she's crying and sick to her stomach at the same time. Hugs! Charmaine also plays a strong businesswoman, but this time, her character has a certain vulnerability and loyalty. Probably more emotional by nature, but at the end, her intelligence and clear-headedness tends to hold more weight, so most likely not looking good so far. Ugh, but we like the Char-RayL chemistry! It took them 10 years for them to collaborate again!
The Heir to the Throne, Partners Cooking
Watching The Heir to the Throne. Relatively early, but liking it so far. I'm waiting for Benz Hui to come in and claim his Laughing persona. hahah. Him Law. No more over kisses! Often, there are two stages for a good antagonist. First, you hate them. Then, you love to hate them. But I feel he only nails the first stage, and never reaches the second stage. Also, his characters are either hot-headed, really wishy-washy, or two-timing. So as a viewer, I find it hard to connect with his characters. With that in mind, they keep giving him kissing scenes! Maybe he's trying to address the dead fish kissing in dramas, but it just feels like he's going in for the kill every time. Sweep in. Attaquer!
Partners Cooking. Ooo. I want to try Lai Lok Yi's french toast dish. Usually, you would think it's the other way around, but Alex Fong is so much more natural, dynamic, and funny when he's unscripted. Is he supposed to be the voice of reason for Priscilla BB? hahah! This version seems more serious that the predecessor. They're actually trying to make edible creations. Before, it was mostly celebrity guest judges and maybe one chef judge. But now, it looks like the partner is a chef and the judges seem to give professional cooking feedback. The pressure! hahaha
Pat Sajak's last show! I'm gonna miss him and his random comments!
Variety Show
LOL. His Love is Sweet rival is on the same episode! And he refuses to leave LYX's group, kept trying to come back. kakak. Not Exceeding singer (Zhang Yuan) is there too! But, oh man, haha.
Luo Yunxi Concert!
Such a happy weekend! The much anticipated concert finally kicked off! Of course, the highlight for me was when he sang "Let's Stay Like This for Ten Thousand Years"....although I do like the Peach Blossom song a lot too. During "Let's Stay Like This for Ten Thousand Years", you could hear the cheering and the audience starting singing along and echoing the words. It must've been so pretty to see the seas of lights. I also loved his walk and stance towards the end. I like this version the best in terms of performance. Also Unwavering Dream and the encore song. His hair is ice blue (white with tints of blue) to coincide with the concert's colors. I thought there were three distinct subthemes/sections and costumes within the concert, but then he walked out with this fourth outfit at the end, a sash-like scarf with a white suit over a lace shirt.
Overall, the concert was very LYX, very thoughtful. (Did not know there was a Children's Day until his concert.) He expressed multiple times how excited and grateful he was. Through his fans, he finds motivation, encouragement, and strength for his works. Through his works, he hopes to repay his fans by encouraging them, spreading positivity, and shining a light. He hopes that through this cycle, both he and his fans can motivate each other, grow together, and shine a light for each other.
I can't believe he was filming, working on concert, livestreams, and traveling in such a short amount of time. Did he ever have time to sleep?! Looking forward to more post-concert news, Follow Your Heart, and the variety show.
Concert and Fox Spirit Matchmaker
LYX's concert is quickly approaching. So jealous of those who can go. haha. There will be around 20 songs and a special guest. Wondering who the special guest will be. Someone from a previous collaboration? Someone from a future collaboration? Will it be an OST singer? Also looking forward to his variety show.
Currently watching Fox Spirit Matchmaker. Yang Mi's name long preceded her presence for me. (I think this is actually my first Yang Mi drama. I like it.) The cgi reminds me of Shen Li's cgi. Gong Jun's look, demeanor, and character will remind you of Riley Wang's in Back from the Brink.
Heard about a film called The Lyricist Wannabe. Would love to see it, but not sure where. Haven't had a chance, but would also like to watch the modern version of Beautiful Cooking (The new twist is that they have partners. Saw Alex Fong, but wasn't sure if he was just a guest this time. Hope Ronald Cheng will make an appearance too at some point. lol) and the spinoff of Happily Ever After?. House of the Dragon is coming up.
5.20
For 5.20, See Young created limited edition LYX gift boxes. Inside the box, there's a second lid/insert inside, and there are two removable postcards inside. LYX's picture is on the right postcard. It turns out that this is a heart-shaped picture frame! hahahah. And you can put your picture on the left. LOL
Perfectly Peeled, Hard-boiled Eggs
Slightly off topic, but just sharing for any fellow culinary-challenged viewers.
For perfectly peeled, perfectly shaped, hard-boiled eggs:
1. Use an egg cooker. (In the past, I've simply used a pot to boil eggs. Probably still possible to do, but this small appliance makes everything virtually fail-proof. I bought mine many moons ago, when they were very inexpensive. It can cook up to 7 eggs.)
2. When you place the eggs in the egg cooker, make sure to put them bottom-side up (the same direction as they are in the carton). I don't know why, and for whatever reason, I never realized it, but I kept flipping them when I transfer the eggs from the carton to the egg cooker!!! I think I subconsciously feel they're upside down!! (But to be my defense, the advertisement picture even shows the eggs in this direction!)
3. After your eggs finish cooking, simply let them sit in the egg cooker until they cool off. Some people do ice bathes. Someone said something about vinegar? I'm not sure, but I'm not too picky about the yolk, so I just let them cool off in the appliance, after unplugging.
4. When you're ready to peel, flip the egg, and crack the bottom side. Gravity would have pushed any air bubbles to the bottom (flatter) side, allowing a nice gap for cracking. This keeps the shell from puncturing the egg white and the film not stick to the egg white. Should have some handsome eggs!
After typing this, I think my post should actually be: "How to Use an Egg Cooker". lol
Shui Long Yin Promos
Oooooo!! So many Shui Long Yin promo materials out! Thank you to the posters! I love his costume from the wrapping ceremony! A little Lord of the Rings elven + opera costume + MingYe/GoW vibes. Ethereal and fierce at the same time. Is that Thirteen from My Journey to Love? Is that BSX from Back from the Brink? That would be so awesome! Looking forward!
Thumb kisses
I'm really loving the formal greetings in the costume dramas, especially the hand formations that accompany the bows. In Legend of Shen Li, there's this the thumb kiss move. If I try to break things down as dance moves, I'd describe it as:
1.) hand wall,
2.) thumb kiss,
3.) hide (the bow)
LOL. Respect! Thumb kisses! Hide!
一眼
I'm thinking about the translation for "一眼". Is it really "one glance"? For example, in MingYe and Sangjiu's wedding procession scene where she shyly looks over at him. Or when Tantai Jin was doing a Michael Miu Kiu Wai's Condor Heroes iconic gaze. As I'm pondering, someone shows me a meme or clip of The Legend of Shen Li, the one where people were looking find/rescue Shen Li. LOL. I'm dying from laughing at the scene.
Happy 1-year Anniversary to Till the End of the Moon!
New Song, Concert, News
So eventful recently! Luo Yunxi's new song, Unwavering Dream (不渝梦), is out. His concert venue is officially announced for June 1st in Chengdu.
The Story of Kunning Palace is currently airing with Cantonese dubs. I personally tend to prefer original voices, but it's nice to have options and it's exciting to see more popular Cdramas air.
lol. You know how sometimes they have the same actor appear in two different shows that are airing simultaneously? Along similar lines, we will have seen the 3 manifestations of Bai Lu:
1.) Bai Lu in TTEOTM and SOKP speaking Mandarin in her natural voice,
2.) Bai Lu in TTEOTM speaking English in dubbed 'AI' voice,
3.) Bai Lu in SOKP speaking Cantonese in dubbed voice.
Updated Three Thousand Worlds Without You lyrics with English.
Till the End of the Moon's anniversary is coming up. Haven't quite forgotten enough of the show, but think I might try to rewatch some parts anyway. Now that more familiar with the full lyrics of some of the songs, might be fun to rewatch just to Easter egg hunt for the songs. It must have been hard, trying to not spoil the plot right away while still making the scene, song, and lyrics so effective. Probably were prickles of pain. :) Are there any superfans out there that tracked when their favorite songs were played? For instance, I really can't remember when First Time to Love Someone was played.
Speaking of TTEOTM. OMG. lol. Walking by and took a double-take again! Banhu and his talk about changing hearts!
婚後事 / Happily Ever After?
Currently watching: 婚後事 / Happily Ever After?
Starring: Him Law, Yoyo Chen, Chris Lai, Winki Lai, Venus Wong, Joey Law
Genre: Romance, Drama, Mature audience
Think their intro in the first episode is the best description. The following is the transcript from the English subtitles:
Him: Have you ever been deeply in love or broken-hearted?
Yoyo: What does it mean by "deeply in love" or broken-hearted? We all have different definitions.
Joey: Some think it takes going to bed to cheat in love while others find it unfaithful already to gaze at other girls.
Venus: Everyone has different perceptions, expressions, reception and memories of love.
Chris: It's never the same at any time or any moment.
Winky: If the same love story...
Him: is told by us, six different people, from six diffeent angles
Yoyo: those in it may get muddled, each with their versions of it.
:: cut to Him ::
Joey: In the world of love...
Venus: No one is good or bad...
Chris: In the name of love...
Winki: Everyone can be the one doing harm to others
:: cut to Chris::
Him: While getting harmed
:: cut to Winki ::
Yoyo: The kindest, or the most vicious
:: cut to Venus ::
Joey: The most selfish, the most selfless...
:: cut to Yoyo ::
Venus: The most beautiful, the ugliest
Chris: The cruelest, the most merciful
Winki: The most contradictory of human nature...
Him: Starts here.
Familiar with most of the cast, and like them individually, but for whatever reason, never imagined this group together. Hooked on the show so far!
The Oscars
Oscars!
Watched the Oscars. I liked it. Some fun moments, some touching speeches, I Am Ken performance.
The Al Pacino moment. Earlier in the show, Jimmy Kimmel had joked about not messing up the envelops for Best Picture this year. I didn't hear this part, but apparently the host introduced Al Pacino with a joke about him having a child in his 80s. I did see Pacino walk on stage, starting talking, and wanted to say something, but then was like "Nah, I'm not gonna say it." It's not clear whether he wanted to respond to the host's introduction, referring to the nominee list, or something else. When he read the winner, he said something like "My eyes see Oppenheimer." So I'm wondering if he literally was having trouble reading the card. Oppenheimer is a long title with a single word.
Sure, it would've been nice to announce the other nominees, but eh, we all have access to search engines.
I loved how the Godzilla movie group were so happy and excited when they won. Each person even brought their Godzilla figures up to the stage with them. They also prepared a speech in English and everything. I had a little trouble understanding what was said, but the enthusiasm and spirit is undeniable. You can feel it through the screen. It was great!
原來無明天 by JW
Currently in love with the song, 原來無明天, by JW (王珏儿). (I used to play her other song with Janice Vidal over and over.) Saw a snippet of her performing this song live at the TVB awards show. So good!
偶爾與你相遇 就像共度百年
ngau5 ji5 jyu5 nei5 soeng1 jyu6, zau6 zoeng6 gung6 dou6 baak3 nin4
When I met you for the first time, it was by chance; it was as if we had already spent a hundred years together
竟開始牽掛日月
ging2 hoi1 ci2 hin1 gwaa3 jat6 jyut6
To my surprise, I began to miss the sun and the moon
再次與你相遇 命運烙下故事
zoi3 ci3 jyu5 nei5 soeng1 jyu6 ming6 wan6 lok3 haa6 gu3 si6
When we met again, destiny locked in our story...
Dylan Wang on ESPN NBA All-Star Celebrity Game
Woah, someone from CDrama will be on ESPN! Friday, February 16! I think he'll be great since he's on the variety shows! Love Hello Saturday!
If I could go, I'd be like, "Wang He Di!! Can I have your autograph?! Can you do me a favor? The next time you see your work buddy, Tan Janci, can you tell him I like his voice, dancing, and acting? I like you too! And the next time you see your co-star Bai Lu, can you tell her and to tell Luo Yunxi that I made a whole website for Till The End of the Moon?!" I think he has a fun-loving, good natured personality. I think he'd laugh and make a funny comment. lol
#dylanwang #messengercrow #butiamdevilgod #luoyunxi #bailu #tanjianci
Ooo
Woke up to many exciting things. Happy day.
Love Luo Yun Xi in the the League of Legend commericals!
Love Me, Love My Voice: Episode 33
Last episode!!!!
lol. The cosplayers are sitting on the side and eating watermelon, watching the the lovebirds. lol
Mumu: "I'm so happy." ::frown::
This is my happy face. This is my sad face. This is my ambivalent face.
They are the all the same!!
Waaait!! Mumu SMILES!! hahahah! YEAH!!
FYS and DDJ: Most relationships start out a couples first and then become family. These two started as "family" first, and then became couple. She was also the one that looked after him, and their relationship is already so with comfortable with no pressure, they didn't even know when or where to begin. She doesn't require grand gestures or even need him to say anything that made him felt uncomfortable. She wouldn't mind being the one to hold his hand first. She's so used to taking care of everyone, but some things she couldn't just assume for another person.
JM and SSM's roommate: lol. This couple is hilarious, especially when she started showing up at his place. JM is pretty hilarious on his own. I think her haircut works with her shy, quirky, feeling slightly awkward personality. The way it swings when she shows those characteristics. His look matches his character's personality very well too. Yet when you see them together on screen, the first impression is that she looks really young for him. lol. But then you see how they interact with each other, how he feels about her (that swimming scene!! I'm like "what is he waiting for?" He was waiting for HER! to show off! hahaha), and how they talked about everything when he was "locked out" of his room. (Why didn't the guys just take the upstairs room instead?)
MQ and SS: So attentive, kind, gentle, thoughtful, and capable. He planned everything out and wanted to ensure that her day was special. Graduation pictures in the morning. Pre-wedding pictures in the afternoon. How does he find the time???? Granted he retired from dubbing, but still. He planned a wedding, bought a house, mixed hot water with bottled water, etc. ;) He even cooked the "wedding feast". TEN courses!!! By himself!!! heheh. In that scene where he had to catch her to prevent her from falling, he said some like "Be careful. You could fall." I thought it was ironic because he's always looking so closely at SSM. I always worried he would be the one to trip on the sidewalk first. I'm so bad. hahaha. No worries. Lest we forget, master of coordination.
"They were nobodies with unrealistic dreams. They tried hard to run without knowing where the endpoint was, for the pressure lives, for their everlasting enthusiasm."
A really good, fun, easy watch. In one of his interviews, Tan Jianci even mentioned that there no villains or antagonists in the entire series. Just experiencing the joys in life.
Good food, good music, good company.
Love Me, Love My Voice: Episode 30
Mumu's deadpan expressions and lack of interest in the worldly emotions is too funny.
All the lonely singletons in one assembly line please.
An archery scene! Half-waited in anticipation for someone to say 'Don't look at me; look at the ....' Awww. Didn't happen. But it's probably for the best. The arrows were very.... hahaha. Jumei is so funny trying to teach while not holding her hand.
"Duoduo sister has changed. She used to save all the good things for me. How different things are now." Lui yun sum, hoi dai jum. Jun seurng sum. A woman's heart. Like a needle at the bottom of the ocean. So sad, so sad. lol. Loved the duet scene!!
Love Me, Love My Voice: Episode 6-29
Are you sleepy? Do you want to sleep? You must be tired. Do you want to sleep....now?
grrrrrrrr
Wait, do FengYaSong and DuoDuo Je like each other? Not sure what's going on, but I kinda like it.
"Why does this song sound creepy right now?" lol
Poems as lyrics with music. :)
Tan Jianci's voice is so good! Did I mention how much I love the Ten Thousands Bones Push Sand song? (But to be honest, I don't think I understand the song name, in several languages. ::blush:: hahah. I know the general's people / their bones are overwhelmed by the sand. Why push? They are trying to push back the impossible? Their determination, dedication, honor, and bravery?)
Watching the drama with the songs perfomed definitely adds more layers and appeal. Some things only 大哥 can get away with and still have swagger. Never have I ever, thought riding on a crowded subway train couId be romantic. I think this was also the case with Lost You Forever. Thought the beginning was very interesting. The child actors were especially impressive, then not sure what happened, but ended up pausing with the intention of coming back. Then 大哥 single-handed roped everyone back in with XL.
Love Me, Love My Voice: Episode 1-5
Loving this show! The Ten Thousand Bones Push Sand song sounds so good! 大哥 / Tan JianCi's hey sai is unreal. I suppose singing in the show counts as the live performance, but secretly hope this song will be performed again. Food, songs, romance. I think I can handle this.
lol. I noticed that the FL will tell the ML how appreciative she is of his recipes and that she will need to try making them, but every time, she ends up eating chips or microwaves ramen. lol. Realistic. :) I'm glad I'm not the only one who gets hungry listening to him talk.
I think the director is quite a responsible director. He makes people hungry with all these food and snack scenes, but then he makes Tan Jianci cook, actually showing the abridged steps. I'm sure there are viewers who are like, "That's it?! That's so easy!" and be able to make all those dishes. Meanwhile, I'm wondering, "Is that salt?"
The FL and ML are too funny. They send voice texts to each other, but it's so frequent that it's almost a phone call away. I like DouDou Je and JiuMei + friends.
Till the End of the Moon won!
Heard that Till the End of the Moon won WB's drama of the year! Congratulations! thefansrejoice
Till the End of the Moon!
If I had to pick the best drama series for 2023, it would have to be Till the End of the Moon. I didn't know any of the back stories or background coming in, so I hadn't read the novel nor followed the anticipation that led up to the airing.
I remember when I watched the first episode, I was blown away by the visuals. The graphics and CGI was insane. Loved the eyeball. The costumes were great. The action sequences were great. I know the makeup artist took some heat, but when you compare Luo Yunxi in TTEOTM vs. Ashes of Love, I think he looked too plain in Ashes of Love, so I feel the makeup gave him more dimension. Then it was "Wow, these characters are interesting. Even the maid is pretty endearing. He can really act." And each episode after episode left you on the edge of your seat, waking up the next day at some unholy hour just to catch the show. The score in the themesong was also movie premiere-ish too, so you get hyped waiting for the show to start, and it wasn't even the full song. lol. All of the songs were amazing. It's rare to come across so many good songs in a single drama series. Then you look at the lyrics, and they are on a different level. And then everyone's trying to figure out what's going on in the arcs and piecing together the clues and easter eggs. So, just the overall experience and emotional journey was very memorable, and that's why I personally liked Till the End of the Moon, on a number of fronts, for 2023.
The Queen of News
The name of Hiu Mei's "Uber" driver is Slash! errrrrrrrm.... lol.
When she asks him about it, his response is even better. "It's a real name!"
If Charmaine's character were there, she would probably respond with, "Hai meh? / Oh, really? ::raises one eyebrow:: Duck ga la. Chin min yow lork." "You can pull up front there. It's just around the corner. We can walk. Gotta run!"
At one point, it crossed my mind that Hiu Mei would end up as one of the clowns from the Forensic Heroes franchise. She isn't, but the funny thing is that Bosco Wong makes a cameo at the end. lol. (Please don't turn Hiu Mei into a FH clown, btw.)
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I liked The Queen of News! Can't believe it was only 26 episodes! There was a lot of anticipation because of Charmaine Sheh. Hope we will see more of her. Pleasantly surprised to see Mimi Kung and Selena Lee! Missed Selena since 金宵大廈. (Joel Chan also makes a cameo.) I liked Venus Wong, Shaun Tam, and Kenneth Ma in their characters. The show has a fast pace, is interesting, and has some good stories.
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! Hope everyone had a good holiday! Did you still have all of the OST songs stuck in your head? lol
I definitely think I did. I'm watching all of these commercials and shows, and it was like, "Let's count the number of times that the word 'showdown' comes up in casual conversation". Survivor, Big Brother,...I think even Kitchen Nightmares... I thought they used to call them 'competitions'. Or at least, not 'showdown'... right?
Anyway, my ears REALLY perked up in the Golden Bachelor Wedding commercial. The bride-to-be said something about wanting to "seize the opportunity". ::jaw drops:: Sangjiu...?! ::whispers:: Is that you?!
This is getting too weird. lol Feels like Hiu Mei having a Hiu Mei moment.
Speaking of the Golden Bachelor, (I've only watched a total of 1 -2 hours in the entire season, so I'm not sure if my comments are truly representative, just for the parts I happened to see.) Yeah, I was curious, hearing aids and all. I think appreciated the more 'mature' perspectives. For example, usually the ladies are in tears when they go home, after the Bachelor has these 'heart-to-heart' conversations. Well, this one lady handled herself really well. I forget exactly what she said, but it felt like she was the one consoling or someone you would go to for good advice. She heard just enough of what he had to say to get her answer, but she wasn't going to stay for him to say anything excessive. lol
Towards the end of the season, in a different breakup, he said too much this time, and ended with "Ok. I'm going to let myself out now." lol.
Binging Queen of News. Feel like we didn't start off on the right foot with Love Me, Love My Voice, so now I should be better. lol.