Overview: The First Frost [China]

THE SHORT VERDICT:

To my eyes, what units this present other than different c-dramas, is that it truly is a therapeutic romance.

It’s not only a idea on this present; we actually do get to discover the nuances of emotional wounds, how they linger, and the way they heal. I really like that Present not solely focuses on this, it additionally weaves this therapeutic into the primary loveline.

I really feel that Bai Jing Ting and Zhang Ruo Nan are completely forged on this; I felt that they every introduced their characters to life, and had a really plausible, crackly chemistry with one another.

This one lingers with me, and I believe it’s effectively definitely worth the watch. 🥲

THE LONG VERDICT:

I’ll admit upfront, that my main motive for having this present on my radar, was as a result of I’d cherished Hidden Love (evaluate right here!), and this was recognized to be Hidden Love’s companion story, going down in the identical story world.

Now that I’ve watched this, I’ve to say that:

1, I’m glad that we obtained this companion story to Hidden Love, but additionally,

2, It is a pretty story that deserves love, all by itself. 🥲

Followers of Hidden Love would get a little bit of an additional kick from little Easter eggs sprinkled right here and there, however if you happen to haven’t seen Hidden Love, it will not take away out of your skill to correctly admire the story that this present is working to inform; you possibly can nonetheless completely get pleasure from this present.

OST ALBUM: FOR YOUR LISTENING PLEASURE

Right here’s the OST album, in case you’d wish to hearken to it whereas studying the evaluate.

I’ve to say, I actually loved the music on this present. 😍 The music was one of many first issues I observed myself actually wanting ahead to, as I sat down to observe an episode.

General, I discovered the music all very melodious and atmospheric, in that I discovered that every tune match the temper of our story very effectively, and was effectively utilized to amplify the watch expertise.

Coming away from this present, I’d thought that my favourite monitor was Observe 1, Willful, however now, after a bit extra time has handed, I discover myself gravitating in direction of Observe 4, Like a Sunny Day, Like a Wet Day.

There’s one thing in regards to the lyric-dense refrain and its barely clipped supply, the place it nearly appears like we’re listening to one thing squarely between a tune and a rap, that actually appeals to me. 🤩

On a extra nerdy be aware, I additionally just like the sprinkling of diminished chords in there, not simply coz I believe they sound fascinating and funky, but additionally, as a result of these diminished chords add a contact of wistfulness to the breeziness of the tune; a mixture that I discover myself having fun with lots, not less than when it comes to the way it’s utilized on this tune.

It appears like an apt reflection of our primary loveline for a lot of the present, which additionally helps to get me all up in my feels. 🥰🥲

Right here it’s by itself as effectively, in case you’d desire to hearken to it on repeat. Excellent-click on the video and choose “Loop.”

HOW I’M APPROACHING THIS REVIEW

First I’ll speak about tips on how to handle your expectations going into this one, and what viewing lens can be most useful. I additionally discuss a bit about how I reconcile the recasting of Sang Yan’s character.

After that, I speak about stuff I preferred on a extra macro stage, earlier than I give the highlight to chose characters and relationships, in a separate part. Lastly, I spend a while speaking about my ideas on the penultimate and finale episodes.

Should you’re keen on my blow-by-blow reactions, &/or all the varied Patreon members’ feedback throughout the course of our watch, you may like to take a look at my episode notes on Patreon right here.

MANAGING EXPECTATIONS / THE VIEWING LENS

Listed here are some issues that I believe can be useful to bear in mind, to maximise your enjoyment of your watch:

1. Tonally, this present may be very totally different from Hidden Love.

So sure, the 2 exhibits exist in the identical story world, and we even get appearances of characters from Hidden Love (evaluate right here!) on this present, however they really feel very, very totally different.

Whereas Hidden Love is sort of gentle and fairytale-like in its vibe, this story leans lots darker and extra melancholic.

2. Our story has some darker parts

So, slight spoiler, but additionally, set off warning, that there’s tried sexual assault in our story, and there are a number of cases of tried assaults in our first couple of episodes.

I really feel such as you sort of have to brace your self for these beats, as a result of they are often triggering, significantly you probably have personally encountered one thing comparable in your individual life.

That mentioned, these beats solely present up extra strongly at first of our story, and in direction of the tip.

A associated aspect be aware on the prevalence of rapey douchebags round Yi Fan

At this level, I assumed it will be applicable to speak in regards to the darkness in our story world, particularly the nook the place all of the rapey douchebags try and assault Yi Fan (Zhang Ruo Nan).

Thanks heaps to EstherP and Natalia for stating over on Patreon, that Yi Fan’s previous expertise would form the sort of vibe she provides off, and that predators are inclined to have the power to residence in on that precise sort of susceptible vibe.

EstherP shared additionally shared one thing tremendous fascinating, about how her self-defense teacher had continually been harassed on the streets, till she took up Wen-Do and have become an teacher, after which she by no means obtained harassed once more.

That basically drives residence the purpose, that predators are drawn to the aura that you just give off, and this actually helps me to course of the best way Yi Fan is proven to draw so many predators, in our early episodes.

Thanks! 🥰

3. It is a therapeutic story

Lest it seems like this can be a miserable story, I’m right here to guarantee you that this can be a story of therapeutic and hope.

4. It is a gradual burn

I do suppose it’s necessary to say that this can be a gradual burn, significantly in the case of the primary loveline.

Importantly, the gradual burn does land as not simply pure and plausible, but additionally because the wiser, extra enduring alternative. 🥲

THOUGHTS ON THE RE-CASTING OF SANG YAN’S CHARACTER

In Hidden Love (evaluate right here!), Sang Yan’s character is performed by Victor Ma, and lots of followers had expressed disappointment that Victor Ma doesn’t get to play Sang Yan on this present.

If that’s you, I completely really feel you, as a result of it will have felt much more pure to see the identical actors play the characters we’d come to know and love in Hidden Love, right here on this companion story.

On the identical time, Victor Ma himself has come out to say that he himself doesn’t consider that he’s a superb match for this function, as a result of this story showcases a aspect to Sang Yan’s character that wasn’t explored in Hidden Love.

If reminiscence serves (it’s been some time since I learn the article that talks about this and I can’t discover it now), it’s mentioned that in Hidden Love, the story is from Sang Zhi’s perspective, and to her, Sang Yan is simply that cheerful, humorous, jocular huge brother.

However in this story, we get to see the aspect of Sang Yan that he wouldn’t present to Sang Zhi, as her huge brother – and Victor Ma has expressed that he doesn’t see himself as a superb match for the function, due to this rather more melancholic aspect to Sang Yan.

From a purely sensible perspective, I can see how it will be tough to get the identical actors again to folks this drama world, regardless that it will have been superb to see the Jia Xu and Sang Zhi and oldsters whom we’d recognized from Hidden Love, present up right here.

The way in which I made a decision to course of all of this in my mind, is to make use of the concept that each particular person sees the world in another way, and so in Hidden Love, we’d seen the whole lot and everybody by Sang Zhi’s eyes, and that’s how she’d perceived herself, Jia Xu and Sang Yan.

However right here, we’re attending to see the whole lot and everybody by Sang Yan’s eyes, and that’s why everybody appears totally different.

Sure, it’s a little bit of a stretch, however it labored for me. 😅

STUFF I LIKED

Present’s general tone and dealing with

I discovered myself actually taking to this moderately restrained, considerably melancholic but considerably candy present.

It’s tonally the alternative of a fluffy romance, however whereas watching, I nonetheless felt like there have been glimmers of a candy romance peeking by.

Present’s tone does evolve to grow to be brighter and happier, however the evolution is gradual, regular and by no means rushed, which I appreciated tremendously, as a result of it made the whole lot really feel that rather more plausible.

Present’s concentrate on therapeutic

That is fairly probably my favourite factor on this present; I really like that Present doesn’t shrink back from tackling therapeutic in all of its minutia and subtleties.

The impact that trauma has on an individual’s emotional state; the impact that it has on their self-worth; the impact that it has on how they work together with the world round them at massive.

I assumed that every one of this was effectively achieved.

Right here’s a fast highlight on a snippet from episodes 9-12, which I really feel is a good showcase of Present’s method to its concentrate on therapeutic.

[SPOILER ALERT]

E9-12. These episodes, Present explores Yi Fan’s low vanity, and I admire that lots, as a result of that’s necessary.

I believe it says lots, that Yi Fan tends to sleepwalk, significantly with Sang Yan’s (Bai Jing Ting) analysis into the matter, which informs us that it may be a symptom of stress &/or PTSD.

We don’t but know what it means, when Yi Fan sleepwalks to the lounge and, whereas sitting on the sofa, retains rubbing her hand over different arm; I nearly need to suppose that it’s a washing movement, like she’s making an attempt to scrub herself?

I’m unsure, although.

After which there’s additionally how Yi Fan talks with Si Qiao (Zhang Miao Yi) about the truth that she finds it onerous to justify shopping for even little issues for herself.

I discover that very unhappy, as a result of, clearly, Yi Fan had absorbed that sentiment from residing with Aunt, the place Aunt had pronounced, very clearly, that Yi Fan didn’t deserve something good.

That beat, the place Yi Fan calls Mother (Feng Yun Zhi) in tears, begging Mother to take her residence to dwell along with her, is simply heartbreaking, as a result of why ought to a baby must beg her mom to take her residence – and why ought to that baby be turned down? 💔

This little element, the place Yi Fan doesn’t really feel like she deserves even small luxuries, feels so true to life; it’s precisely the sort of factor that I can consider somebody with vanity points would do.

I actually admire that Present contains this as a part of Yi Fan’s characterization; it feels considerate and relatable.

I like the concept that Yi Fan is cognizant of it as effectively, as a result of which means she’s that a lot nearer to therapeutic from this wound. 🥲

[END SPOILER]

The episode titles

One among my favourite little issues about this present, are the episode titles, and I notice that these aren’t translated on Netflix (although they’re translated on Youku).

Every episode title begins with a phrase initially of the episode, after which on the finish of the episode, the phrase is fleshed out with extra phrases, to make a special / fuller which means.

For instance:

Episode 1: “Goodbye, Sang Yan.” (morphs into) “Goodbye, Wen Yi Fan.”

Episode 2: “Your Identify.. is carved on the backside of my coronary heart”

Episode 3: “Everybody wants a white moonlight (somebody whom you’re keen on, however is unattainable).. You might be my white moonlight.”

Episode 4: “Rumors.. I’ll blow them away for you.”

I assumed it will be too unwieldy to incorporate all my translated episode titles on this evaluate, so I’ve made a separate Patreon submit to record all of them, which you’ll take a look at right here (sure, even if you happen to’re not but a Patreon member!).

I’ve tried to maintain as intently to the unique which means as attainable, and the place attainable, I’ve included explanations for nuances.

I hope the translations will assist so as to add to your enjoyment of the present. ❤️

The OTP relationship

I’ll discuss extra about our OTP in a deep dive part later on this evaluate, however for now, I needed to offer our OTP relationship a shout-out, as a result of this loveline was an enormous draw for me personally.

I discovered that I actually loved the slow-burn of our central loveline.

I really feel that it permits us to essentially get a way for our characters and their contexts, in addition to get to see the gradual teasing out of the varied strands of emotional baggage, such that all of it feels pure and plausible, as our would-be OTP inches nearer to one another.

I cherished much more, that Present was in a position to weave the central loveline round our central theme of therapeutic in such a patiently tender, gently loving method. 🥲

The common flashbacks

Via its complete run, Present provides us common flashbacks to our OTP’s highschool days, particularly (however not restricted to) the start of every episode.

Given the extra melancholic tone of the present-day scenes, I felt that the common flashbacks to their highschool years actually helped to stability issues out, to indicate us what our leads had been really like, at their purest and most unwounded. 🥲

For that motive, I discovered the flashbacks to be very poignant, and naturally, there was additionally the wistful sense of what may have been, as a result of we obtained to see them interacting so fortunately, again within the day.

As we obtained increasingly more of those flashbacks, I felt like my understanding of our would-be OTP’s previous relationship was repeatedly solidifying, and it offered a comforting, poignant kind of canvas towards which we had been constructing their present day story.

I preferred this lots. 🥲

The occasional colliding of drama worlds

Regardless that the actors taking part in our characters from Hidden Love had all been re-cast, I nonetheless obtained a kick out of each look that our Hidden Love characters made.

Like the varied appearances by Sang Zhi and Duan Jia Xu, who’re our lead characters in Hidden Love, and the varied references to the story in Hidden Love.

It was enjoyable and trippy for me, to see how our drama worlds and drama timelines intersected, and I preferred this lots. 😁

STUFF THAT WAS OK

Mu Cheng Yun as a personality

I’m decidedly detached about Mu Cheng Yun (Yuan Ye) as a personality.

In episodes 9-12, the introduction of Mu Cheng Yun as a personality truthfully feels fairly random, as a result of he retains popping up at unlikely junctures, and appears to exist purely for the sake of posing as a possible love rival for Sang Yan.

[MILD SPOILERS]

First, he’s the faux homeless dude who involves Yi Fan’s rescue, after which he pops up exterior the grocery store with an umbrella when it’s raining, after which he pops up at Yi Fan’s workplace as a brand new intern.

And, of course he has a crush on Yi Fan – however I’ll purchase that, as a result of she’s actually lovely and delicate, and that appears to be massively enticing to lots of the male characters in our story world, so why ought to Mu Cheng Yun be any in another way wired, proper?

[END MILD SPOILERS]

Nevertheless, it actually isn’t lengthy earlier than Present has Cheng Yun behaving in very questionable methods, and the extra he tries to get near Yi Fan and oversteps boundaries so as to take action, the extra I discovered myself disliking him.

That mentioned, I may perceive the perform that Cheng Yun fulfilled, as a plot system, the place he served to nudge Yi Fan’s improvement as a personality, in addition to to nudge the OTP relationship ahead, in order that helped to neutralize my dislike for him. 😁

Right here’s a superb instance of what I imply, in episode 12-13.

[SPOILER ALERT]

For instance, on the finish of episode 12, I actually gave Cheng Yun a tough side-eye, for inviting himself to Yi Fan’s house, by simply exhibiting up, after which pressuring her to let him see the place, as a result of he’s already there.

Ugh. I discovered that so invasive, truthfully. 🙄

Nevertheless, I do admire his perform, as a catalyst that nudges Yi Fan into talking up and saying that she rejects him as a potential roommate, and that she doesn’t wish to have male roommates – and that Sang Yan is an exception. 😁

With how reserved and restrained Yi Fan is, I perceive that plot gadgets like Cheng Yun are essential, as a result of that is how she will get galvanized into motion as an alternative of withdrawing into herself, the place she’s most snug.

And, I additionally take it that for this reason Present retains Cheng Yun hanging round Yi Fan, regardless that she’s made it fairly clear that she doesn’t truly care about him hanging round her, nor reciprocate his curiosity.

On the identical time, it’s occasions like this that make it essential for Sang Yan and Yi Fan to speak about what’s occurring, which necessary too, in any other case we wouldn’t ever get anyplace with this loveline, with Yi Fan content material to remain in her shell, and Sang Yan content material to observe over her from a distance.

I imply, sure, these conversations don’t at all times get us anyplace, however not less than they’re occurring, which, on the very least, forces each Yi Fan and Sang Yan to not less than take into consideration the difficulty at hand.

That is how we get to admitting to herself that she’s scared to get used to another person’s presence – for worry that she’ll finally get deserted once more.

[END SPOILER]

Varied aspect arcs

Apart from our central loveline (and secondary loveline, which I’ll get to in a bit), Present serves up quite a lot of aspect arcs.

I preferred some higher than others, and general, really feel fairly impartial about them, collectively.

Listed here are simply a few examples, from the identical group of episodes, 9-12.

[SPOILER ALERT]

E9-12. I used to be simply comfortable with the entire mini arc of Jia Xu (Wu Yu Heng) coming over to remain on the house, and he and Sang Yan sporting bathrobes on a regular basis, thus giving Yi Fan and Si Qiao the impression that he and Sang Yan had been possibly relationship; that was sort of bizarre. 😅

E9-12. I used to be wonderful with the mini arc the place Yi Fan goes to Yihe with Cheng Yun, after which finally ends up going to Hong Kong to interview the daughter who’d disappeared on her mom.

I assume it does assist to amplify Yi Fan’s personal scenario along with her mother, however I didn’t suppose that was essential, since I really feel like I’m a lot clear on how Yi Fan feels about her mother.

General, this felt related, but additionally, sort of overkill, if what I imply. 😅

[END SPOILER]

STUFF I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH

The secondary loveline

From pretty early in our story, Present teases a possible loveline between our OTP’s respective besties, Hao An (Edward Chen) and Si Qiao.

Apart from their mutual connection through Sang Yan and Yi Fan, Present additionally makes use of Hao An and his household as a manner of drawing Hao An and Si Qiao collectively, like how Hao An engages Si Qiao’s companies to behave as his girlfriend, with the intention to placate his grandmother (Nina Paw), in our early episodes.

I attempted to get on board with these secondary arcs as a lot as I may, however I’ve to admit that by Present’s midpoint, I’d concluded that I didn’t care in regards to the secondary loveline, nor the stuff with Grandpa (Paul Chun) and Grandma.

All of it felt very stilted and unnatural, to be sincere, and this complete chunk of story felt (to my eyes, anyway) like they’d been written by a completely totally different author, than our primary loveline. 😅😅

SPOTLIGHT ON CHARACTERS / RELATIONSHIPS

Bai Jing Ting as Sang Yan

Don’t let the brief size of this part idiot you; I actually, actually loved Bai Jing Ting as Sang Yan.

I’ve seen Bai Jing Ting in a number of different exhibits (Reset, You Are My Hero and New Life Begins) and loved him in all of them, however I’ve to say, I actually really feel that that is the swooniest that I’ve seen Bai Jing Ting, ever.

He undoubtedly, undoubtedly wears the smolder effectively, ahem. 🔥🤭

Importantly, Sang Yan additionally has different layers to his character, which I get pleasure from. He one way or the other manages to be believably charismatic-cool and self-conscious-petulant on the identical time, which is a mixture that I loved very effectively.

Maybe most necessary of all, I may consider that he nonetheless held a torch for Yi Fan, and cared about her, despite his damage emotions and wounded coronary heart.

I’ll discuss much more about Sang Yan, in our OTP part, arising shortly.

Zhang Ruo Nan as Yi Fan

I’ve solely ever seen Zhang Ruo Nan in 2021 film My Love (evaluate right here!), so I don’t have a really knowledgeable impression of what Zhang Ruo Nan is able to, as an actress.

What I can say, although, is that I believe she actually hits it out of the park, as Yi Fan.

I really feel that the function and styling brings out her pure magnificence, which helps the idea that Yi Fan may be very lovely and attracts a whole lot of male consideration.

What I discover extra spectacular, is how she brings out Yi Fan’s shy awkwardness, by her portrayal of Yi Fan’s micro-expressions and physique language.

With none want for dialogue, I may really feel a way of self-consciousness, wistfulness and fragility about Yi Fan, which I assumed labored very well, to floor this journey of therapeutic and self-love.

Actually, very well achieved. ❤️

[SPOILER ALERT]

E1-4. I consider Yi Fan’s quiet melancholy; it’s laced with disappointment and resignation, and I really feel like she’s usually fairly drained from combating her manner by life, however appears like there’s no different option to dwell, sadly.

We do see her working onerous and doing her greatest, and one way or the other, she doesn’t land as a Sweet, to my eyes.

I do really feel sorry for her, and need her to see happier days – so I’m already rooting for her.

I additionally just like the element that Yi Fan’s adopted a stray cat, and loves that cat dearly, to the purpose that she’d shakily demand for her cat again, from the trio of males who’ve let themselves into her shared house, with the intention to get revenge on her for reporting their rapey good friend.

In fact, I hate that Yi Fan would discover herself in such a scenario to start with, however I do love that she loves her cat a lot, even when it’s “simply” a stray.

In actual fact, the sort of vibe I’m getting, is that she finds solidarity along with her cat, as a result of just like the cat, she’s sort of a stray herself; alone on this planet, and undesirable by others. 🥲

Given all of the Yi Fan has gone by, and the way folks have largely blamed her for the incidents, regardless of her being the sufferer, I can see how she would have withdrawn into herself, and simply metal herself to simply get by life whereas preserving her head down, as a result of she simply can’t appear to win.

E5-8. Primarily based on what we’ve seen, Mother had left Yi Fan to be cared for by a random roster of rotating family, when Dad had died, with the intention to make a recent begin for herself, by no means thoughts that nobody actually needed to take care of Yi Fan after Gran had died.

As Yi Fan places it, Mother had chosen to pursue her personal happiness, however I can’t assist judging her, for abandoning her personal daughter, so as to take action – after which continuing to persistently put her new household over Yi Fan.

It simply makes the whole lot worse, to know that Yi Fan had been handled like a parasite by her family, and people hints that she’d been attacked, makes it a thousand occasions extra horrifying.

It’s no surprise Yi Fan retains such a cautious distance from Mother, regardless that she’s now again in Nanwu, and is so hesitant to just accept Mother’s earnest invitation to go to throughout the Lunar New Yr.

That scene, the place Terrible Aunt (Kong Lin) even tries to ask Yi Fan for cash for her son’s marriage residence actually was the final straw, and I absolutely assist Yi Fan’s determination to by no means see her household once more.

On that time, I do need to credit score Yi Fan for having the energy to even state that, and with conviction, regardless of her shaky demeanor; our lady has a sort of energy inside her, regardless that she is so typically quietly obliging. 🥲

E13-16. I additionally thought that Yi Fan’s phrases of consolation at Woodie’s funeral – that those who’ve gone earlier than us, are simply making ready a heat residence for us, and that they miss us similar to we miss them – had been very lovely.

And, I need to say, I really feel pleased with Yi Fan too, not only for with the ability to course of her personal grief, but additionally, for sharing it with others.

Once more, I really feel like that is proof of how she’s acquired sufficient heat whereas residing with Sang Yan, that she feels in a position to attain out to consolation others now, the place earlier than, she’d at all times simply been in survival mode. 🥲

E17-20. A second that I cherished, is how Yi Fan muses over all her happiness, whereas alone in her room afterwards; that she’s cherished by Sang Yan, and has so many associates who care about her.

I really like this grateful perspective, and discover it very endearing. 🥲

We nonetheless don’t know who it’s, that’s texting her out of the blue, however judging from Yi Fan’s response, I get the sensation that this particular person has had one thing to do along with her sad reminiscences about her previous.

Importantly, regardless that I’m curious to know extra, I like that Yi Fan is ready to decide on to shake off the thought, as an alternative of permitting the dangerous emotions to swallow her. She’s come thus far, hasn’t she? 🥲

[END SPOILER]

Feng Yun Zhi as as Yi Fan’s mom

I simply needed to say that, no matter Mother’s efforts to clarify her aspect of the story, I persistently felt like she was a horrible mom who cared extra about herself, than her personal daughter.

[SPOILER ALERT]

E13-16. These episodes, we get a glimpse of an precise flashback, and it seems that Yi Fan had been the sufferer of an tried sexual assault – and each Terrible Aunt AND MOM had not solely turned a blind eye, however had tried to gaslight Yi Fan into accepting that it was no huge deal.

UGH. No surprise Yi Fan had felt so betrayed, that she’d left the whole lot to run away to Yihe.

It’s infuriating, the best way Mother pouts and asks Yi Fan to not be mad at her anymore, like Yi Fan had gotten mad at Mother for denying her a cookie when she’d been 5. GRRR.

It is a HUGE DEAL, and I hate that Mother is making an attempt to clean it over as a small factor, and I fully assist Yi Fan in her determination to not let Mother into her life anymore.

[END SPOILER]

Sang Yan and Yi Fan

I actually, actually loved the therapy of the OTP relationship, in our story.

Like I discussed earlier, the slow-burn makes full sense, and the best way the theme of therapeutic is woven into the interactions between our OTP, was very effectively achieved, I assumed.

I genuinely felt like I’d adopted this couple on a complete journey, and I used to be very pleasantly shocked by the way it all managed to land as plausible, regardless of its aspirational, generally whimsical tone.

Importantly, I needed to root for this couple even throughout the gradual burn of all of it, after which got here away from this absolutely happy that these two folks really belong collectively. 🥲

Right here’s a sprawling take a look at my unfolding ideas round this OTP relationship, over the course of my watch.

[SPOILER ALERT]

E1-4. Given the best way Sang Yan feels wronged and betrayed by the best way Yi Fan is proven to interrupt his coronary heart, I can see why he would act so coldly in direction of her, within the current.

Yi Fan is awkward as a result of she feels responsible for a way she’d damage Sang Yan, and Sang Yan is awkward as a result of he’s nonetheless damage, and desires to current a gruff, distant, cool kind of persona, however is clearly nonetheless nursing emotions for her.

Whereas I do discover a few of Sang Yan’s phrases and actions to be, effectively, not so good, it undoubtedly helps that we are able to see the true state of his coronary heart peeking out regularly, from the best way he retains doing issues to assist or shield her, despite his chilly phrases.

E1-4. When Xiang Lang asks Sang Yan if he’d recognized that his roommate can be Yi Fan, I do love the matter-of-fact manner Sang Yan solutions that, Sure, he’d recognized; it was the entire motive he’d agreed to maneuver in.

Ooh! Not that I’m shocked he knew; I’m shocked that he would admit that he knew.

Might it’s that Sang Yan’s aloof act is already beginning to crumble??

E5-8. These episodes, it appears like Yi Fan is in a a lot safer place, the place normalcy is rather more inside attain.

Numerous that has to do with Sang Yan being in her life once more, and regardless that neither she nor Sang Yan may be cognizant of this simply but, I do suppose that it exhibits, significantly in that beat the place she goals that she’s hugging the nice and cozy solar, and in actuality, she’s sleepwalking and hugging a really startled Sang Yan.

In our earlier episodes, I’d thought that Sang Yan and Yi Fan had dated, and that she’d damaged up with him, however now, I notice that issues had been extra undefined and ambiguous between them.

Principally, their bond was a largely unstated one, the place they knew that they had been particular to one another, however they’d not formalized issues, and had kind of made plans to review collectively at Nanwu College, as an oblique promise to formalize their relationship whereas in college.

Within the meantime, I really like the poignant-sweetness of the flashbacks that we get, the place we see Sang Yan catching wind of Yi Fan’s difficulties, after which doing no matter he can, to make Yi Fan’s life a bit happier.

It’s sort of difficult, within the sense that Sang Yan clearly doesn’t need to overstep his boundaries, since he and Yi Fan are formally simply associates, however he at all times does his greatest to be there for her.

Like when she rushes out of faculty to the hospital, as a result of her dad’s in important situation; the best way he rushes after her and runnns to meet up with the bus, simply in order that he can sit along with her, and lend her his sweater, in order that she will be able to cry in non-public, is so candy.

Plus, there’s how he tells her that he’ll at all times be by her aspect, it doesn’t matter what occurs. 🥲

And when he overhears her dialog along with her mom, the place Mother tells Yi Fan that the household doesn’t have the means to assist Yi Fan’s dance goals, he takes her to observe dance at an deserted rooftop in a close-by elementary college.

It’s all very makeshift and never good, however the coronary heart behind it’s so pure, and Yi Fan is so quietly grateful, that I felt very touched by this.

And I additionally couldn’t assist noticing that the mirrors on the rooftop had been all lined up, like Sang Yan had stacked them this fashion, with the intention to greatest mimic the mirrored wall of an actual dance studio. How considerate, sure? 🥲

E5-8. We nonetheless don’t have the complete story of why Yi Fan had upped and left, whereas telling Sang Yan that she’d made plans with another person, however we do get a touch these episodes, on the emotion driving it; that Yi Fan had left the whole lot and everybody behind, and gone to Yihe, as an act of self-preservation.

Given how poisonous a few of her family have proven themselves to be, I can’t say I blame Yi Fan for leaving.

I do want, although, that she’d advised Sang Yan the reality, however my guess is that she’d felt ashamed to inform him the reality, and that’s why she’d made up that lie, about having made plans with another person; ie, she’d made the identical quasi-romantic pact that she’d made wit him, with one other boy, to go to the identical college.

Oof. There’s a whole lot of emotional baggage right here, on either side, and I’m rooting for Sang Yan and Yi Fan to return to a spot within the current, the place they’re in a position to work by this, as a result of they clearly nonetheless have particular emotions for one another.

Though they’re largely nonetheless awkward round one another, I’m glad to see glimpses of connection between them, once in a while.

Typically, it’s in how Sang Yan goes out of his manner to assist Yi Fan.

From the best way he helps her to keep away from dropping at consuming video games on the high of episode 5, to the best way he shares the kitchen with meals whereas asking her to “assist” him eat it up, to the best way he rushes by his family’s reunion dinner, in order that he can present up on the house “as a result of his own residence is overrun with family” simply in order that he can prepare dinner her a sizzling bowl of dumpling noodles, Sang Yan actually is doing the whole lot after which some, in the case of Yi Fan.

And, we see, from little moments right here and there, that he remembers the whole lot very clearly, from their highschool days.

Like the best way he tells Yi Fan the amount of cash she owes him is 20 yuan – not as a result of that’s how a lot she owes him for the meals he’s purchased for the kitchen, however due to that incident years in the past, when her 20 yuan to purchase meals had gotten stolen, and he’d run again residence to get 20 yuan for her.

Aw. I discover it very touching, actually, that Sang Yan remembers each little element with such readability. It exhibits that these occasions with Yi Fan had meant that a lot to him. 🥲

I can nearly see the gears in Yi Fan’s mind working additional time to rationalize why Sang Yan helps her, regardless of the official “simply roommates” tag they’ve placed on their relationship.

Additionally, I might consider that the guilt that she feels, for mendacity to Sang Yan, breaking his coronary heart, and abandoning him, would forestall her from entertaining the chance that he may nonetheless have emotions for her.

Via all of it, I do really feel for Sang Yan, as a result of to my eyes, there are lashings of damage and disappointment, within the midst of his studied smolder.

And, that damage is barely sharpened by the flashback that exhibits us how surprised and dejected Sang Yan is, when Yi Fan breaks it off with him.

Oof. Poor Sang Yan. 💔

It’s little surprise that when this specific wound is freshly poked at, he spends days on finish, away from their shared house; to my eyes, it simply hurts an excessive amount of, for him to go residence and face Yi Fan, with the reminiscence of her rejection so recent in his thoughts.

On the identical time, Yi Fan’s too busy being confronted along with her personal wounds, to pay an excessive amount of heed to Sang Yan.

E5-8. I admire that as time passes, with Sang Yan’s numerous acts of kindness and care, the tone of the conversations between them does begin to noticeably heat up and soften.

They’re rather less formal with one another, and Yi Fan’s much less guarded and cautious, in the case of speaking with Sang Yan.

I additionally preferred that Yi Fan will get clued in on the truth that a sure coincidence again in highschool, hadn’t been a coincidence in any respect, due to Sang Zhi chirpily spilling the beans, a lot to Sang Yan’s awkward discomfort, heh.

In some way, small discuss between them, whereas unremarkable on the floor, feels prefer it’s one thing extra vital. 🥲

And when Yi Fan feels down after visiting her mother, it’s Sang Yan’s gesture of inviting her downstairs to affix him in taking part in with sparklers and fireworks, that quietly cheers her up, whereas poignantly reminding her of happier occasions, along with her dad. 🥲

E5-8. On the high of episode 8, is when Yi Fan sleepwalks throughout her dream, and the whole incident is sort of poignant to me, as a result of it says lots about how deeply Yi Fan nonetheless suffers from her trauma.

In fact, I actually do like the importance of Sang Yan being the nice and cozy, comforting solar in her dream, which will need to have been such a aid, given how her dream had began with being ambushed by her terrible family.

On the identical time, Present sort of makes use of a comedic contact round Sang Yan’s bemusement and confusion following the incident, as a result of he has no concept that Yi Fan had been sleepwalking, and has no reminiscence of really strolling into his arms.

It’s low-key amusing in a manner, however I do really feel dangerous for Sang Yan, as a result of he’s so thrown by this complete factor, and doesn’t know what to make of it, and right here’s Yi Fan, simply nonchalantly saying issues that indicate that she remembers the incident, however thinks nothing a lot of it. 🫢

I actually hope that even when Yi Fan doesn’t keep in mind sleepwalking, that she is going to quickly grow to be cognizant of the truth that Sang Yan actually is the nice and cozy, comforting solar, within the midst of the rain. 🥲

E9-12. As I get higher located in our story, I really feel like sure issues have gotten clearer.

As an example, it solely actually clicked in my head, these episodes, that after Yi Fan had been pressured to maneuver away (as a consequence of that incident the place she’d been accused of seducing Sang Yan and having an early romance), Sang Yan actually traveled to Beiyu to go to her, each weekend, simply in order that they may spend time collectively.

Aw. That may be very devoted and candy, particularly contemplating that they weren’t truly relationship; this was all within the title of friendship. 🥲

And, it’s throughout these visits that Sang Yan will get glimpses of the best way Terrible Aunt and her household deal with Yi Fan, like when he goes to drop off the guide she unintentionally leaves behind, and overhears Aunt saying that Yi Fan doesn’t need to drink any rooster soup.

Yi Fan doesn’t say something about this, I believe as a result of it’s simply not one thing to be pleased with, and in addition, I believe, as a result of it’s her character, to maintain issues near her chest.

But it surely feels very telling, when she means that they watch a horror film, after which later, we hear her say that horror films are particularly efficient at letting you overlook a whole lot of issues.

Poor Yi Fan will need to have escaped into horror films so typically, that that’s why she’s proof against their scary qualities now – not like Sang Yan, who’s nonetheless very affected by it, heh.

That mentioned, I do love the little element that we get later in these episodes, that Sang Yan can’t truly keep in mind what film they’d watched – and we see that it’s as a result of he’d had his eyes on Yi Fan the entire time.

Awww. That’s very touching, isn’t it? 🥲

And, I do love that Sang Yan making an attempt to behave robust, saying that she doesn’t have to be scared coz he’s there, makes Yi Fan swallow amusing. It’s so uncommon to see Yi Fan giggle about something, so this felt fairly vital, I assumed.

E9-12. I’m mildly amused on the manner Sang Yan likes to delight in giving folks the impression that he and Yi Fan a pair, like the best way he makes positive that they solely share one cart on the grocery store, regardless that they begin with two.

And the best way he will get Yi Fan to style take a look at these cherries when the promoter asks him to purchase some for his spouse, after which smugly walks away.

And the best way he exhibits up with the umbrella, and mainly tells Cheng Yun to shove off, whereas appearing like he’s Yi Fan’s boyfriend or one thing.

And never forgetting how he pretends to pat Yi Fan’s hair, when he drives her to work – to offer Cheng Yun the concept that he and Yi Fan are relationship.

E9-12. I cherished that beat on the finish of episode 10, the place Sang Yan adjustments the best way he tells Yi Fan that he’s purchased meals for her.

Up so far, he’s at all times been nonchalant about it, passing it off as additional meals that he’s purchased, and might she assist to eat it up.

This time, although, he tells her that he’d purchased the rooster soup specifically for her.

It looks like a smallish factor, however to Yi Fan, that is big, as a result of rooster soup had been exactly the factor that Aunt had pronounced her undeserving of, even when it was leftovers from her cousin.

And but, right here’s Sang Yan telling her that he’s purchased a complete serving, specifically for her.

I really like that. It appears like an emotionally overwhelming second for Yi Fan, as she lifts her spoon to drink that soup, and I’d wish to suppose that this was a therapeutic second for her. 🥲

As for Sang Yan and his response to Yi Fan’s sleepwalking, Present largely performs it for a little bit of comedy, so I’m adjusting my lens for that, as a result of he does bend the reality a good bit, in speaking with Yi Fan about her sleepwalking.

And whereas he does make up stuff and inform her that she’d kissed him whereas sleepwalking, it does truly grow to be the reality by the tip of episode 10, when Yi Fan does simply that – which sort of evens it out, sure?

I do admire the beat, when Yi Fan broods about whether or not she must be extra rational and fewer empathetic throughout interviews, and Sang Yan tells her matter-of-factly, that she’s a human being, not an interviewing machine.

That was good. 🥲

E9-12. I did admire that as a result of Yi Fan’s tipsy, we get to see what she’d actually needed to do, that day when she’d damaged Sang Yan’s coronary heart – she’d truly needed to run into his arms. Aw. 🥲

I really feel that it says lots that, within the current, tipsy Yi Fan would permit herself to let free, simply as soon as, simply in order that she’d get to do the factor that she’d held herself again from doing, that day. 🥲

It exhibits me simply how necessary Sang Yan has at all times been, to her, and the way his heartbreak has been weighing on her coronary heart, all this time. 🥲

It actually does land as a second of candy launch for each Yi Fan and Sang Yan, and, in that second, I felt like my coronary heart was filling up, for them each. 🥹

The following morning, I used to be very amused at the truth that Yi Fan hadn’t bargained for a way she’d really feel embarrassed after her second of abandon, and I do love that this triggers Sang Yan’s suspicions.

He’s completely proper; she’s behaving very in another way than all the opposite occasions they’d talked about her sleepwalking, and he undoubtedly has motive to be suspicious. 😁

E13-16. Within the context of Yi Fan’s private expertise of getting to half with each one that’d mattered to her, I can actually perceive why she’s so hesitant and guarded round Sang Yan, regardless that she likes him, and might see that he’s good to her.

And so, I can perceive Yi Fan’s renewed efforts to maintain a distance from Sang Yan, regardless that I really feel wistful and unhappy in regards to the distance, similar to Sang Yan does. 🥲

E13-16. These episodes, we see Yi Fan begin to communicate up extra, for herself, and I’d wish to suppose that she’s ready to do that, as a result of she’s gained sufficient self-love, self-confidence and energy, from residing with Sang Yan.

I don’t know tips on how to clarify it, however.. with the best way he’s caring for her and being thoughtful in direction of her wants, I really feel like she’s absorbed that, and it’s now gone deep sufficient, to truly have an effect on that manner she carries herself.

Y’know, kinda like how a baby who’s grown up in a loving residence simply naturally has that additional confidence? One thing like that.

And so, I used to be undoubtedly (metaphorically) pumping my fist within the air, when Yi Fan speaks up for herself, and in such a relaxed, regular and grounded method, when the gossip cycle begins in her present workplace, dredging up outdated gossip from her earlier office in Yihe, that she’s a home-wrecker and all that.

YOU GO, GIRL. 🤩🤩🤩

Within the meantime, I admire how Present makes use of a multi-pronged method, when giving Yi Fan meals for thought to chew on, round Sang Yan.

Like the best way she realizes that she reacts in another way to Sang Yan’s bodily nearness, versus everybody else.

She instinctively swats Cheng Yu’s hand away, and fairly violently too, when he tries to achieve for one thing on her neck, however with Sang Yan, she even seeks out his embrace in her sleep.

After which there’s additionally the best way Yi Fan hears about how Sang Yan had been heartbroken when she’d left for Yihe, not simply from Sang Zhi when Sang Zhi visits, but additionally from Cheng Yu, who’d been there too, throughout the commencement dinner when Sang Yan had drunk lots.

In fact, there’s additionally the best way Sang Yan is being so considerate nonetheless, within the current, like how he places on nook guards and night time lights round the lounge, as a result of Yi Fan tends to sleepwalk to the lounge. 🥲

These episodes, I’m very a lot reminded of an earlier episode title, from episode 9, “You possibly can lie in regards to the state of your coronary heart, however the physique is sincere.”

I really feel like that is very a lot at play, as we see Yi Fan sleepwalking.

As she grapples increasingly more along with her emotions for Sang Yan, her sleepwalking is taking her nearer and nearer to him.

She may be very confused about what to do, and she or he may be feeling overwhelmed by ideas of the previous and the way she’d damage him, and never know what to do about it, however whereas she’s asleep, her physique’s taking her nearer and nearer to him, such that we’ve even obtained her climbing into his mattress, on the finish of episode 13.

I do moderately like the thought right here, that when the context of acutely aware guilt and overthinking is taken away, her sleeping physique simply is aware of that she’s secure subsequent to Sang Yan. 🥲

I did squee on the thought of them becoming collectively so naturally, that they might find yourself cuddling of their sleep. 🥲

After which I giggled at Yi Fan’s mortified and determined try to clarify the scenario, by telling Sang Yan that he’s simply dreaming. 😂

I really feel a bit dangerous for Yi Fan, however I can’t assist but additionally be amused at how Sang Yan retains leaning into the concept that he’s terrified that Yi Fan will steal his innocence at some point, with the best way that she’s sleepwalking. Ha! 🤭

After which how about the best way he comes out the bathe shirtless, after which when Yi Fan will get all jumpy and embarrassed about him not sporting garments, he merely says that he’s accepted his destiny; that since she’s kissed and touched him already, it doesn’t matter whether or not he’s sporting garments.

Hahaha! 🤭 Cheeky!

Present lets us know that he’s been consuming, which sort of makes it cuter, within the sense that every one these are his unguarded ideas?

Particularly when he lastly blurts out his request, that till she finds an answer to the issue, to please hold her distance from different males. 🤭

These episodes, Present’s actually leaning (albeit slowly) into getting Yi Fan’s and Sang Yan’s emotions for one another out into the open (not less than, between them), and I’m actually digging it.

I like all of the scenes of Yi Fan placing her analytical expertise to work on Sang Yan and making an attempt to know him, and the way he’s feeling.

Like the best way she concludes that if her sleepwalking actually bothered him, he wouldn’t simply endure it, however would truly do one thing to take away himself from the scenario.

And the extra Yi Fan thinks about Sang Yan, the extra she appears to just accept her regard for him, like when she muses that an individual as superb as Sang Yan, ought to get to have the whole lot that he needed, even when it meant plucking the celebrities from the sky for him.

At this level, she nonetheless doesn’t think about the potential of her being in a relationship with him, however I admire that very robust sentiment of appreciation, the place we get to see that she values him deeply. 🥲

I can perceive Yi Fan exploring the choice of transferring out, as a result of she doesn’t need to be a burden to Sang Yan, and since she’s additionally cautious of changing into too connected to him, however I’m glad that she doesn’t find yourself going by with it.

Yay for that physician saying that Yi Fan would profit from having the corporate of a roommate, who may assist look out for her, as a result of that undoubtedly takes away one huge motive, in her case for transferring out.

I did very a lot perk up, when Sang Yan hears this, and responds, wanting happy, that Yi Fan mainly wants him, heh. 😁

After which I felt dangerous when his expression falls, when Yi Fan re-states it in a way more impartial method, that she simply must be extra cautious when she doesn’t have a roommate. Aw. 🥲

I’m actually glad that Sang Yan properties in on crucial query of all, of whether or not Yi Fan herself needs to maneuver. Ahh, once more, so thoughtful!

YAY that Yi Fan feels snug sufficient to confess that she doesn’t actually need to transfer.

And YAY that when the actual property man calls, she tells him – with Sang Yan inside earshot! –  that she’s not transferring anymore. YESS. 🥲🥲🥲

And I do love-love-love Sang Yan’s happy little smile, as he hears her say this. 🥰🥰

As our would-be OTP will get into that house of testing one another’s emotions, I do discover the electrical sparks crackling to the fore, and I’m more than happy about this certainly. 😁

Like when Yi Fan takes an opportunity, and blurts out that she’s afraid that she’ll commit against the law if Sang Yan retains sporting revealing garments within the house’s widespread areas (ooh!), and Sang Yan grabs her hand, and asks what sort of crime she thinks she may commit.

After which how about the best way he will get as much as sit down subsequent to her – whereas telling her to return nearer to him, if she dares. Ooh. 🔥

When she turns to face him, they’re actually inside kissing distance, and I’m sort of already flailing, regardless that Yi Fan diffuses the scenario by asking why she ought to dare.

Aw. The deflated look on Sang Yan’s face, and the unhappy wistfulness in his eyes, is admittedly heart-pinching. 🥲

E13-16. I’m so, so thrilled, that Yi Fan involves the belief that she needs to be with Sang Yan – after which decides to court docket him.

Eeeeee!!!!! I used to be so blindsided by Yi Fan deciding that she was going to woo Sang Yan, as a result of WOW, that’s so proactive, and to date, Yi Fan’s proven that she’s not usually like that in any respect.

Our lady’s come such a lonnng manner, and I’m so pleased with her. 🥲

In fact, I do consider that a whole lot of it has to do with Sang Yan simply being the rock that he’s been, for her, regardless of his gruff phrases.

I really like that Sang Yan decides to rejoice Yi Fan’s birthday for her, and I very a lot love that he’s beginning to permit affection to leak by, as an alternative of being as gruff as earlier than.

Like, sure, he’s pretend-gruff when he tells her to get the cake field out of the fridge for him, however he’s light, when he pats her head, needs her blissful birthday, and leaves her to have a look at her present.

And the way considerate of him, to get her a fragrance that’s represents her pet title! 😍

It’s deeply significant for Yi Fan, as a result of, not solely does nobody in her household rejoice her birthday, he’s shopping for her cake, which she’d by no means felt in a position to purchase herself – as a result of she didn’t really feel worthy of it.

So, in making this birthday celebration for her, and even asking her what her birthday want was, in order that he may assist make it come true, he’s exhibiting her that she is worthy, in his eyes.

That’s so lovely, isn’t it? 🥹

And!! When Yi Fan demurs, saying that her want had been about work, the best way Sang Yan casually says, “Oh alright then; I’d thought you needed me to be your boyfriend” – is completely a touch that if that had been her want, he would have made it come true, sure??? 😍😍

He’s mainly telling her, in his roundabout however fairly unmistakable manner, that he can be blissful to be her boyfriend, isn’t he?? 🥲🥲🥲

It’s little surprise that Yi Fan arrives on the realization that she needs to be with Sang Yan – and promptly asks Si Qiao for recommendation on tips on how to woo him.

I discover this freaking lovely, that she’s so earnest on this, after which I discovered the eventual flirting much more lovely.

The 2 of them are mainly testing the waters with one another, with little flirty textual content messages, and speaking extra regularly, and in addition, permitting extra dialog scope than they’d beforehand had, and all of it provides as much as various squee, for me.

Yi Fan’s adorably awkward, in her light manner, and I LOVE that she refuses to permit that awkwardness to discourage her from truly participating with Sang Yan, and carrying on their gently flirty conversations. I LOVE. 😍

If it isn’t already blindingly clear, I’m sort of giddy at the place we presently are, when it comes to our OTP connection.

I really like how Sang Yan and Yi Fan are mainly courting one another, and I simply need to bask on this candy cuteness and soak within the lovey-flirty, for the remainder of the present; is that an excessive amount of to ask? 🤭

E17-20. I actually admire the look that we get, into Sang Yan’s craving for Yi Fan, throughout the time that they’d been aside.

Regardless of the best way she’d damaged his coronary heart by making use of to Yihe as an alternative of Nanwu, and regardless of the best way she’d advised him that she’d made a promise with another person, he’d continued to overlook her and yearn for her, and he’d taken journeys to Yihe, simply to have a look at her from afar.

Sure, that sounds a bit stalkery, however as a result of it’s Sang Yan, it’s not stalkery. 😅

It’s in these cases that he glimpses that her life isn’t truly all that blissful, and maybe this informs the best way he pertains to Yi Fan, within the current.

He doesn’t press her to inform him something, however the best way he treats her, signifies a sensitivity and consideration, that feels as if it’s rooted in a information of what she’s gone by.

At the least, it feels to me like that is the explanation Sang Yan’s taking it so gradual and simple, on the romance entrance, with Yi Fan.

The opposite a part of it, after all, is the truth that he’s been deeply damage earlier than, and he’s treading rigorously, in order that he received’t find yourself being damage once more. I can perceive that too. 🥲

I discover that I actually do benefit from the gradual burn of this romance, so I’ve no complaints. 🥰

Each time Sang Yan demonstrates endurance and understanding in direction of Yi Fan, like on the high of episode 17, when he comes residence to seek out that she’s sleepwalked into his mattress once more, I really feel a bit extra touched at his love. 🥲

After which when a second of hyper-proximity &/or broody smolder presents itself – like that second when Yi Fan places her arms round his neck, in an try and “assault” him – I really feel a bit extra thrilled, by the simmering electrical present between them. 🔥

What a breathless second that was, truthfully; Sang Yan, all raveled, pulling Yi Fan shut, and asking her if she dares to assault him now, whereas they’re inside kissing distance, after which Yi Fan scurrying away, like she’s been spooked by the crackle. 🔥

And the way cute, that she mutters breathlessly, “Subsequent time,” as she scurries away. 🤭

Importantly, I really like the element, that Yi Fan truly is low-key smiling to herself, as she rides the practice to work afterwards.

It’s little particulars like this, that make me really feel like I can see these two folks drawing nearer to one another. 🥰

After which there’s how Yi Fan asks Sang Yan out on a date, on the pretext of shopping for him dinner.

I really like how she will get prepared in a cheerful cloud, taking care to placed on make-up, and spritz a few of the fragrance that Sang Yan had given her; we are able to see that she’s anticipating the date, and I really like that.

It’s candy too, how Sang Yan comes residence in order that they will go collectively, regardless that the restaurant is close to his workplace.

It’s simply too dangerous that they run into Sang Yan’s colleagues on the restaurant, and that the group even contains Ke Jia, Yi Fan’s half sister. Dang.

I do love, although, that Sang Yan is so pointed in the best way he treats Yi Fan with care, gentleness and respect; it fully defies the informal, she’ll-drink-anything perspective that Ke Jia exhibits, and I actually like that.

And, as annoying as Ke Jia may be, she fulfills an important perform on this arc, and that’s, to inform Yi Fan that Sang Yan very clearly treats Yi Fan higher than everybody else.

With this coming from somebody like Ke Jia, who would by no means inform Yi Fan one thing good simply to make her really feel good, I really feel like Yi Fan has no motive to not consider her – particularly because it’s simple to see that Ke Jia has an curiosity in Sang Yan too.

When Yi Fan’s summoned for a piece journey to Beiyu hastily, to cowl a narrative, I’d been a bit disillusioned that our would-be OTP can be aside for a time period, however Present does a pleasant job of preserving them linked, even whereas Yi Fan’s in Beiyu.

The common voice and textual content messages work fairly properly to maintain them linked, and the little factor they’ve obtained going between them, with the countdown to Sang Yan’s birthday, is a pleasant little contact.

The way in which Yi Fan attracts that apple to ship to Sang Yan, when he asks her to deliver him apples is cute too (in China, giving apples, particularly round Christmas, symbolizes peace and security as a result of the Chinese language phrase for “apple” (píng guǒ, 苹果) sounds just like “peaceable” or “secure” (píng’ān, 平安). 

It’s good, the best way Present units it up, with Yi Fan posting in her Moments, the image of the store’s title, frosted on the glass, after which musing over her reminiscences of Sang Yan, whereas gazing on the rain, after which, Sang Yan exhibiting up, with an umbrella and the whole lot. 🥲

It’s good, the best way Sang Yan lastly articulates his emotions for Yi Fan, standing exterior their noodle store hang-out; that in spite of everything these years, he nonetheless solely likes her. 🥰🥰

Yi Fan’s response is so like her, too – that if he feels it’s pretentious to say these phrases, that she’ll say them sooner or later. It’s sort of awkward and oblique, however her which means is obvious; she’s mainly indicating the beginning of their relationship. 🤩

They’re each so shy, and awkward, and brimming with happiness, as Yi Fan states for the document, that they’re now formally mutually in love, and checks that from this present day ahead, Sang Yan is her boyfriend – to which Sang Yan provides an emphatic sure. 🤭

Awwww. ADORABLE. 😍😍🥲🥲

I additionally love-love-LOVE that second when Yi Fan tells Sang Yan to carry the umbrella over himself extra, and Sang Yan tells her, in that very same emphatic tone, that she deserves to be handled this fashion.

Soften. I don’t know if Sang Yan is aware of it, however that is actually essentially the most affecting, useful, significant factor that he may have mentioned to Yi Fan. 🥰🥰🥲🥲

After the minting of our OTP relationship, issues between our new couple proceed to be on the shy, awkward aspect of issues, and whereas I might discover this odd in nearly every other couple, I really feel that it really works for this couple.

Regardless that Sang Yan doesn’t find out about Yi Fan’s previous trauma from having been attacked by rapey douchebags, he’s delicate sufficient to choose up on her normal sense of awkward uncertainty, and I really feel like he’s being affected person and thoughtful, to satisfy her the place she is. 🥲

I do love although, that Sang Yan’s changing into extra forthcoming about indicating that he’d wish to spend extra time with Yi Fan, like how he asks if she will be able to eat that pizza extra slowly; I’m fairly charmed by this new habits from Sang Yan. 🥰

In actual fact, something that he does, in his new capability as Yi Fan’s boyfriend, I dig – like the best way he nonchalantly gives to drive Yi Fan and her workforce again to Nanwu, in order that Yi Fan received’t have to drive. 🥲

One other second I loved, was our OTP’s date on the Ferris Wheel.

Aren’t they cute, the best way they sneak proud appears at one another, like they will’t consider they’re relationship such a tremendous particular person? 🥲

After which, isn’t it fairly cute, the best way Sang Yan turns round and says they need to go once more, when he overhears one other couple speaking about the way it’s mentioned that {couples} that kiss on the high of the journey, will keep collectively endlessly? 😁

After all of the awkward restraint that we’ve seen, it’s fairly gratifying, truly, to see Sang Yan swoop in decisively for the kiss. 😍

It’s fascinating to me how this doesn’t truly change the tone of their bashful-awkward manner of relating, however I discover it endearing how they’re shy with one another, so I’m not complaining.

E17-20. It’s candy how Yi Fan decides to prepare dinner Sang Yan an enormous meal, and decorates the house for the Lunar New Yr; it makes me really feel like they’re a newly married couple, basking in home bliss. 🥰

After which I really like how, after they’re speaking about her sleepwalking, Yi Fan opens up and tells Sang Yan that she feels assured as a result of she is aware of that, it doesn’t matter what, he’ll at all times catch her – and I really like how Sang Yan reiterates the identical phrases, with light emphasis, to guarantee her that it’s true. 🥲

I discover it so necessary, that Yi Fan opens as much as Sang Yan additional, and talks about her tough household relationships, after receiving these messages from Ke Jia.

After which I really like that Sang Yan holds her, and tells her that the whole lot within the house had been chosen specifically along with her in thoughts; that she deserves the most effective of the whole lot.

Once more, it’s essentially the most useful, valuable factor that Sang Yan may have mentioned to Yi Fan, and I really like how she tearfully wraps her arms round him, in response.

That is essentially the most open and susceptible Yi Fan has been with Sang Yan thus far, and this feels a lot extra necessary and significant, than any kisses or different skinship. 🥲

It’s lovely, and I actually stay up for witnessing the continued deepening of their relationship. 🥲

E21-24. One of many huge issues that exhibits up, these episodes, is the truth that Yi Fan doesn’t inform Sang Yan about her uncle, even when he asks in regards to the identification of the person.

I’ve blended emotions about this.

On the one hand, I simply actually need Yi Fan to confide in Sang Yan; in spite of everything, she trusts him, and he’s assured her, greater than as soon as, that she will be able to inform him something, and that he’ll at all times be there for her.

Then again, I do perceive that Yi Fan finds it onerous to speak about it.

We aren’t advised particularly why she received’t discuss with Sang Yan about it, however my guess is that she feels a whole lot of disgrace across the incident?

Firstly, there’s the factor the place he’d tried to assault her – I really feel prefer it’s fairly pure for somebody to really feel disgrace about this, regardless that it’s not her fault that she was attacked.

I’m additionally pondering that Yi Fan feels that the much less Sang Yan is aware of about Uncle, the higher? For his personal security, maybe?

I’ve little doubt that if Yi Fan had advised Sang Yan about Terrible Uncle and what he’d achieved to her, and what he’s doing to her now, threatening her, Sang Yan would go all in, to assist her and shield her, and eliminate Uncle as effectively.

I might consider that Yi Fan can be involved that Sang Yan would get damage within the course of, particularly since we see, these episodes, that Uncle doesn’t hesitate to lash again out at Sang Yan, after their transient however disagreeable encounter at Time beyond regulation.

Since Uncle’s set-up has a direct and instant destructive affect on Sang Yan’s enterprise, I can consider that Yi Fan wouldn’t need Sang Yan to get additional damage or inconvenienced by crossing paths with Uncle – and I’m guessing that this can be a huge a part of the explanation why Yi Fan doesn’t inform Sang Yan about Uncle.

It’s irritating, after all, as a result of we are able to see that Sang Yan is greater than ready to listen to something that Yi Fan has to say, and is legitimately getting increasingly more fearful about Yi Fan by the day.

On this level, I really feel like I can perceive the place Sang Yan is coming from.

He can see that Yi Fan is unhappy and never okay like she says she is, however as a result of she retains insisting that she’s wonderful, Sang Yan doesn’t need to push her, and decides to offer her time and house – largely within the hope that with time and house, Yi Fan will grow to be prepared to speak about it.

And, within the meantime, I can see that Sang Yan’s efforts are in direction of exhibiting Yi Fan that he loves her, and is there for her, and in addition, in direction of making her smile and giggle as a lot as attainable.

Truthfully, if we didn’t have what appears like a tough deadline attributable to Uncle’s unsavory presence, I really feel like Sang Yan’s method can be fairly good, coz he’s being cautious and watchful over her, whereas being loving and supportive, and simply assembly her the place she is. 🥲

Due to the factor with Uncle taking some time to achieve a important stage with Yi Fan, we do get some candy OTP moments these episodes.

I assumed it was cute that Yi Fan would get them couple bracelets for Valentine’s Day, and I really like that his bracelet has a snowflake representing her, whereas hers has a mulberry leaf representing him. 🥰🥲

And I really like that within the recorder that he provides her, he data a message telling her she deserves the most effective; that is one thing she will be able to hearken to over and over, which, I do suppose, can be therapeutic for her. 🥲

After which there’s Tipsy Yi Fan, whom I discovered fairly entertaining, as a result of she’s so totally different from Sober Yi Fan. 😁

The way in which she will get all jealous at the truth that Sang Yan had added some phantom women on WeChat, to the best way she pouts and refuses to alter after they get residence, to the best way she clings to Sang Yan, saying that he’d promised to let her sleep with him, is all very cute.

In fact, there are moments of pathos and wistfulness too, when Tipsy Yi Fan talks about not liking Yihe, and in addition, when she talks in regards to the dream that she’d had, when Sang Yan and his spouse had taken a visit to Yihe.

I discover it touching that by all the unhappy tipsy discuss, Sang Yan’s paying shut consideration, and even hesitates to go away her alone in her room, in case she cries whereas she’s alone. 🥲

After which there’s how he follows her cue whereas she’s sleepwalking, and holds her hand by the night time, as a result of she wouldn’t let go. 🥲

I additionally discover it touching that Yi Fan would gravitate in direction of Sang Yan so naturally whereas she’s asleep; it’s like she instinctively is aware of that she’s secure with him. 🥲

It’s simply too dangerous that the whole lot involves a head for Yi Fan, the place she feels that her solely choice is to go away Sang Yan, and even Nanwu, with the intention to get away from Terrible Uncle.

I can’t determine the small print of how, however I’m holding onto hope that our OTP shall be reunited, one way or the other. 🥲

[END SPOILER]

Particular shout-out:

Zhang Miao Yi as Si Qiao

I simply needed to offer Zhang Miao Yi a shout-out, as a result of I actually loved her in After I Fly In direction of You (evaluate right here!), and I loved her cheery vitality as Si Qiao.

I could not have cared about Si Qiao’s romance with Hao An, however I did like her very effectively, as Yi Fan’s loyal bestie, who supported Yi Fan persistently, no questions requested. 🥲

Yi Fan’s kitty

I’m giving Yi Fan’s kitty a shout-out too, simply coz I can, as a result of is she not the prettiest kitty??? 😍😍😍

I do admire that Present retains Kitty round, even after Yi Fan strikes out of her preliminary dumpster of a residing association, which makes me really feel like Kitty’s not only a handy prop.

I simply cherished all the varied incidental sightings of Kitty across the house. She’s such a chill and laidback, but clearly curious magnificence. 😍😍😍

SPOTLIGHT ON THE PENULTIMATE EPISODES [SPOILERS]

E25-28. Some key stuff will get handled, these episodes, and whereas I’m on board with how this all helps to propel our OTP in direction of a cheerful ending, I’ve to admit that I didn’t love all of it. 😅

Earlier than we speak about any of that, listed below are the translations for these episodes’ titles.

Episode 25: The place are you?.. Irrespective of the place you might be, I’ll discover you.

Episode 26: The promise.. I promise that I received’t break our promise anymore.

Episode 27: I settle for.. the imperfect me.

Episode 28: The possibility to be reborn.. if there’s one.

On the high of episode 25, we lastly get a full view into what had occurred between Yi Fan and Uncle, and it’s 100% true that Uncle is human trash (the subs hold referring to him as a villain, which he actually is, however the extra correct translation right here, is human trash).

To suppose that he’d focused Yi Fan, his niece, and had intentions to sexually assault her, and had even deliberate for it, for after they’d be alone at residence, is simply sickening.

It’s horrifying that even after his first try and assault Yi Fan, all of the adults in Yi Fan’s world, had labored to gloss over issues, and had advised Yi Fan to simply overlook about it – together with her personal mom.

Mother may act all “poor me” about Yi Fan not desirous to be linked to her, however I 100% really feel that Yi Fan’s alternative is justified.

Mother had ignored Yi Fan’s ache and paralyzing worry, throughout Yi Fan’s darkest days, and now at all times simply needs Yi Fan to “cease being mad” at her?? The lady doesn’t actually have a clue. 🤦🏻‍♀️

I’m glad that Yi Fan fights again when Uncle tries to assault her a second time, and is fearless to the purpose of being unafraid to die, if it got here all the way down to it.

Nobody ought to must dwell like that, or be given motive to suppose like that, actually, however I’m simply glad that she stands as much as Uncle, even at her most susceptible. 🥲

With this full unveiling of the occasions that yr, I perceive Yi Fan’s want to maneuver away, greater than ever.

In fact she would need to depart the whole lot behind, and as shortly as attainable.

It’s unlucky that she damage Sang Yan within the course of, however given how all of the adults in her life had ingrained in her that it’s a shameful factor to have been attacked by Rapey Uncle, I can see why she wouldn’t need to inform Sang Yan the reality.

I can see that that is all very onerous on Sang Yan, which is why I don’t blame him an excessive amount of, for beating up Uncle, when Uncle exhibits up at Time beyond regulation.

I’ve barely totally different emotions in regards to the different encounter he has with Uncle on the finish of episode 28, however I’ll speak about that later.

I additionally felt for Sang Yan, as he makes his option to Hong Kong, the second he hears from Xiang Lang, that Yi Fan may be there.

He doesn’t discover Yi Fan, actually, however it doesn’t really feel like a wasted journey as a result of I really feel like Sang Yan learns extra about Yi Fan, as he goes on his seek for her.

Like the best way she’d solely have bread and water for her dinners, and the way she’d look unhappy on a regular basis.

And, there’s additionally the best way Yi Fan had registered herself on the hostel, as having Sang Yan’s surname as an alternative of her personal, which signifies that 1, she’d been making an attempt to cover herself, and a couple of, she nonetheless loves Sang Yan.

I assumed that was very properly achieved. 🥲

Within the midst of all this, Present manages to mint our secondary OTP relationship, and.. I discovered all of it very awkward, to be sincere.

I imply, the very minute Si Qiao tells Hao An that she would really like them to be collectively, he strikes in to sleep along with her..??

I dunno; am I the one one who didn’t discover this very romantic in any respect? 🙈

ANYWAY. I’m glad that we don’t spend an excessive amount of time with this couple, and I’m additionally glad that they discover Yi Fan, as a result of this marks the start of the reunion of our OTP – and that, I’m right here for.

I do admire that earlier than the precise reunion, we do get to see Yi Fan lacking Sang Yan, and even discovering sufficient braveness to ship Uncle that defiant voice message, in response to the threatening message that he sends her.

It helps that we see that Yi Fan’s already prepared to face as much as her oppressor, even earlier than reuniting with Sang Yan; it makes her journey to therapeutic really feel that rather more natural, I really feel.

I like that Sang Yan rushes over the Hong Kong, in time to observe the ballet efficiency by Yi Fan’s college students, and I additionally just like the element, that Yi Fan’s associates know instantly, that this should be Sang Yan, simply by the best way he can’t tear his eyes away from Yi Fan. 🥲

I actually do just like the reunion scene; though Yi Fan and Sang Yan begin with awkward small discuss, their more and more tearful gazes inform me that that is actually an emotionally overwhelming second for them each, as a result of they’ve missed one another a lot, and had thought that they could actually by no means see one another once more. 🥹🥹

I’m so glad that Sang Yan pulls Yi Fan into that hug; there’s a lot depth of unstated aid and pleasure, in that single embrace.

It appears like all of the necessary issues that they haven’t but mentioned, are first communicated to one another, on this embrace; that they nonetheless love one another, and nonetheless need to be collectively.

Afterwards, I like that Sang Yan chooses to be susceptible, and tells Yi Fan that her disappearance had actually destroyed his complete world. I do suppose it’s necessary that Yi Fan understands the importance of her presence, in Sang Yan’s world.

I’m additionally glad that Sang Yan tells Yi Fan that he actually loves her a terrific deal, and that the whole lot isn’t her fault. Our lady Yi Fan wants all the peace of mind that she will be able to get, in spite of everything that she’s been by.

Importantly, I’m glad that Yi Fan chooses to inform Sang Yan the whole lot, together with all of the issues that she’d needed to maintain hidden, out of disgrace.

This actually appears like an enormous step ahead for Yi Fan, who’s at all times been so used to preserving all her troubles and struggles to herself. 🥲

The truth that our OTP strikes to consummate their relationship after such an enormous dialog does really feel apt, although I did really feel some secondhand embarrassment on the awkwardness of the lead-up. 😅

However y’know, that’s very a lot in step with the marginally awkward tone of a lot of their interactions, so I’m shopping for it.

I like that Yi Fan is so prepared to return to Nanwu with Sang Yan to renew life the place she’d left off, and I’m glad that she manages to get her outdated job again, even.

It’s actually fairly pretty, that Sang Yan is so supportive of Yi Fan, and tells her that he’s blissful so long as she’s blissful, and can assist her, so long as it’s work that she needs to do. 🥲

In episode 28, we delve into the factor with Uncle, and it’s all a lot darker than I’d imagined, with him even being responsible of killing a younger lady – and Aunt being responsible of serving to him bury the physique. 😱

Truthfully, I believe the explanation Present makes Uncle a assassin, is to offer the police a motive to lock him away, and get him out of Yi Fan’s life.

It’s a bit narratively handy, sure, however I’d moderately have Uncle locked away than not, so I’m simply rolling with it.

I appreciated the poignance of the sufferer’s father regretting his final phrases to her, which had been harsh, and I additionally appreciated the beat the place Yi Fan realizes that she’s not in a superb psychological state, and will name it a day.

The factor I don’t admire a lot, is how stuff goes down, with Sang Yan actually attacking Uncle exterior Yi Fan’s workplace. 🤦🏻‍♀️

I can perceive that Sang Yan’s obtained a whole lot of pent-up feelings in direction of Uncle, for all of Uncle’s horrible habits in direction of Yi Fan, however going as much as him to assault him, and getting wounded within the course of, is just not a sensible factor to do.

He ought to’ve simply stayed put and watched over Uncle’s actions till the police arrived, AND he ought to have warned Yi Fan to simply keep in her workplace, within the meantime.

Provided that Uncle was clearly there for her, it’s very attainable that he would’ve simply stayed there till the police arrived.

However no. Sang Yan simply has to go as much as him and assault him, and I actually battle to get on board with the massive emotional second that Sang Yan later has with Yi Fan, the place he says that he’s sorry for under specializing in his personal ache all this time, and never as soon as making an attempt to save lots of her from her ache – and that in handing Uncle over to the police, he’s lastly doing it.

Sorry, however I’m actually extra perplexed at how this plot level was dealt with, than the rest.

I simply.. don’t like the concept that Sang Yan’s romanticizing his dangerous determination, if what I imply.

Nevertheless, I get the sentiment, that Sang Yan’s relieved that the shadow that had been haunting Yi Fan’s life, is now lastly gone, and now, Yi Fan’s life is barely left with brightness.

That’s fairly poignant, and now I’m wanting ahead to attending to see a few of that brightness, in our finale episodes. 🥲

THOUGHTS ON THE ENDING [SPOILERS]

E29-32. Present takes us to its end line, and I really feel suitably wistful at saying goodbye to our OTP, regardless that, like with our penultimate episodes, there have been issues that I wasn’t tremendous sizzling about.

First, although, as at all times, listed below are the translations for the episode titles of those closing episodes:

Episode 29: Love is.. being one another’s gentle.

Episode 30: Reliance is.. entrusting you with my weaknesses, and making a agency alternative.

Episode 31: Going again to the primary day we met..

(morphs into) Loving you, from the primary day we met, to day by day sooner or later.

Episode 32: I lengthy for somebody who would love me fiercely till dying.. It’s you.

To be frank, one huge chunk of the stuff I didn’t care about, is the whole lot that’s to do with Hao An, Si Qiao, Grandpa and Grandma.

That’s in step with how I’ve felt about all of them collection lengthy, although, in order that’s nothing new. 😅

By way of our central arc, my intestine says it’s narratively handy that Uncle and Terrible Aunt are each so completely remorseful of their wrongdoings on the court docket hearting, however I rationalize that this can wrap up the trial shortly, leaving us extra time to spend on extra nice issues.

Importantly, I like that the sentencing provides Yi Fan a way of closure and.. security, as a result of which means Uncle won’t ever be capable to damage or harass her once more.

I additionally like that beat the place, in response to Sang Yan’s query about whether or not she needs to bop once more, Yi Fan concludes that she now loves being a reporter.

I discover that necessary to ascertain, as a result of I like the concept that Yi Fan hasn’t settled for much less, due to what she’d been by with Uncle. 🥲

I’m glad that Sang Yan reinforces that, by telling her to do no matter makes her blissful, and to not settle. Aw. I really like how supportive he’s.

As for Yi Fan’s relationship with Mother, I’m truthfully fairly shocked that Present doesn’t power a reconciliation between them, since c-dramas typically strongly champion values like filial piety.

I admire that Mother lastly comes to know the error of her methods, as a result of that’s been a very long time coming.

On the identical time, I like that Present makes what appears like a courageous alternative, in permitting Yi Fan to chop ties with Mother; I really feel like on this manner, Yi Fan can really feel absolutely free. 🥲

Truthfully, I admire each little signal that we get, that Yi Fan’s now a stronger particular person, from making the choice to chop ties with Mother, to asking Sang Yan if he’d suggest to her the next summer season, if it’s so long as this one.

I really feel just like the outdated Yi Fan would have by no means been in a position to deliver herself to do both of these items, and y’know, I really feel pleased with her, for having come thus far. 🥲

And, I discover it very touching, that when she cries that nobody loves her now, other than Sang Yan, Sang Yan makes use of the want that she provides him, to want that there shall be many individuals who’ll love her, other than him.

Awww. When Sang Yan exhibits this steadfast, sacrificially loving a part of himself, I can’t assist melting right into a puddle. 🫠 There may be a lot love there. 🥲🥲

I’m happy that Yi Fan will get to carry out that dance merchandise, as a result of dance is one among her huge loves, and in addition as a result of Sang Yan lastly will get to see her carry out.

That mentioned, the entire thing round him taking her residence with out permitting her to alter out of her dancewear, landed as moderately awkward, to my eyes. 😅

I do know that Present is aiming to serve up smoldering intent adopted by sexytimes, with this beat, however I don’t know what it’s – secondhand embarrassment, possibly? – it simply didn’t sit so comfortably with me.

Additionally, there’s a tiny nook of my mind that protests that him not permitting her to alter, sort of smacks of fetishizing, in a manner..? Sorry. I believe this was meant to be romantic, however my mind couldn’t shake that thought. 🙈

I did like watching Yi Fan being so warmly welcomed by Sang Yan’s dad and mom; this appears like she’s getting a brand new household, rather than the one which she’s left behind. 🥲

One of many soundbites that sticks with me, these episodes, is when Yi Fan tearfully tells Sang Yan that she needs to dwell 6 years longer than him, in order that she will be able to love him for six extra years, to make up for on a regular basis when she’d left him behind.

You possibly can see simply how blindsided but touched and awed Sang Yan is, by the sentiment; that is her manner of wanting to like him sacrificially, the best way he’s cherished her sacrificially.

And, her want has fairly a haunting high quality to it, I really feel.

I’m glad that Sang Yan reframes it for her, and tells her to repay it within the subsequent life – which can be a really good option to place their love, as a endlessly, across-lifetimes sort of love. 🥲

The way in which they’ve this dialog, with such tears of their eyes, and such light, hopeful tones, is so poignant to me. I actually, actually like this scene. 🥲

As for the proposal in our closing episode, I preferred the idea of it, as a result of it’s a neat option to mix scenes from the previous, with all the emotions within the current.

I did discover the execution a bit awkward and cringey at factors, however I’m nonetheless touched by the tearful earnestness and quiet pleasure that we see in each Sang Yan and Yi Fan, as they comply with spend their lives loving one another.

As Yi Fan articulates our episode title in voiceover, “I lengthy for somebody who would love me fiercely till dying.. It’s you,” I can’t assist however really feel that there’s a be aware of confidence, assurance and contentment in her voice.

I really like that, as a result of it demonstrates so effectively, simply how far they’ve come as a pair, but additionally, how far she’s come, in her journey of therapeutic and self-love.

An ideal be aware, on which to go away Sang Yan and Yi Fan, as they stay up for the following chapter of their lives collectively. 🥲

THE FINAL VERDICT:

A worthwhile poignant gradual burn, of each private therapeutic and unconditional love.

FINAL GRADE: B++

TRAILER:

MV:

PATREON UPDATE!

The following drama I’m overlaying on Patreon, rather than  The First Frost, is Heavenly Ever After [Korea].

You possibly can take a look at my episode 1-2 notes on Heavenly Ever After on Patreon right here.

Right here’s an summary of what I’m overlaying on Patreon proper now (Tier advantages are cumulative)!

Basis Tier (US$1): Leisure Drop (Sundays) + the primary set notes of all exhibits lined on Patreon (that’s 2 episodes for kdramas and 4 episodes for cdramas)

Early Entry (US$5): +The Haunted Palace [Korea]

Early Entry Plus (US$10): +Doubt [Korea]

VIP (US$15): +Heavenly Ever After [Korea]

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