#all people want to touch xz

[lanwangjihouse]

[accio-victuuri]

CHILDREN’S DAY CANDIES. 🍭🍬

let’s call this part one of today’s cpns cause i’m waiting for xzs side to share stuff and knowing that LOZ just wrapped, we might get something on that too. but i can’t wait to scream about these! good turtles really got the sweets for today!

let the two cute babies invite you in… ⬇️⬇️⬇️

to those who have no idea what this holiday is about, then this might help you.

starting off the day with yibo’s audi ad. he really remains unbothered despite all the chaos, it’s business as usual on his side. and that is the reality of his life: it goes on. no matter what happens or who try to bring him down. he will continue to shine ✨ the story for the ad was so interesting, it was so nice to see him “cooking” and it’s giving me flashbacks to his other efforts. this is more of me as a cpf thinking about how yibo could also be making an effort on his own to cook, even if it’s not elaborate dishes. the fandom loves to paint xz as the “wife” who does the cooking but maybe yibo does too? and that grocery scene? AAHHHHHHH! domestic yizhan is my weakness. so while they walk into a store all dressed up like that, the thought makes me somft. considering there is a possibility too that they will be in the same city soon 🙏🏼

then xzs reposted menghai’s anniversary post which some are saying is unusual for them but who knows. WHAT GETS ME THO IS THE CAPTION. the fuck.

WHO FAMOUSLY SAID THIS? to the point that it became a tagline for the fandom. Yibo. Yibo during all the drama that happened during Hidden Blade’s showing:

WYB: like what the director & that audience said, a movie can create a lot of thoughts but u still need to continue with ur life. for Wuming, i hope we can exchange sincerity with sincerity. we made this movie with our heart, so we sincerely hope that people will like the movie.

I’m not sure if this is some usual line or saying in 🇨🇳 with some literary relevance but the fact that it is associated with WYB gets me! XZS is known to do really good captions but using this? after all that happened with magnolia noms? i think it is not a coincidence. this feels like an indirect message. i am positive that they really intend to wish menghai a happy anniversary but the hidden meaning is not lost on me.

not only that…. they seem to match yibo-official’s caption too.

The wind blowing in the wilderness // The wind galloping in the wilderness 🍃

the wind. in the mainland, WOF title is called Wind Chaser. i can understand it from YBO’s perspective and why that was included. but XZS? another coincidence????

and the caption for YBO had a paper plane which is a symbol that we associate with them 🫶🏼 ( i have a post for this but i cannot find it lol. if someone here does, please comment. )

and as for the drawing, it’s very common for cpf to think that xz made it. not saying that ybo has no team of his own that can do it for him, but more of this is xz’s love language. making art for the person he adores. the fact that the t-shirt chibi yibo was wearing is inspired by that video of him dancing in 2011 was a nice touch.

the cartoon was supposed to be based on the photo which was from the olympics performance rehearsal — but to make it fit the Children’s Day theme, that was added. it is made by someone who loves him!

not to mention some other details that stood out to us. i bet you can analyze each in every composition of it and make a cpf analysis but these are the interesting bits:

but i’m more partial to that pig nose on the shoes! hahahahaha! when fans tease yibo, he becomes a pig instead of a lion/panther and this cheeky addition i feel like can only be added by someone close to him. a person who can get away with it 😂😂😂

the photo used had him with the green/pink shoes! plus the video shared, THAT HAT! ( i linked part 3 of my cpn post in but parts 1&2 are there for those who are not familiar or want a refresher) ! he is showing off again! can’t blame him tho.

sources: one / two / three / four

-END.

[hellohibye1]

🦁: how was 4D? (Some cinemas showed born to fly with 4D effects, the chairs were moving)

🐰: it was so hot! Wls acting skills are amazing

🦁 bullshit, say truth

🐰 your shoulder still hurt?

🐰 I really miss you wyb

Once after filming, we went to dinner all together. 🐰 pulled 🦁 from the back and said gently: lz (lan zhan) I’m tired, can you go slower

🦁 waved him away and yelled: Xz!!! I’m not lwj now!

After that, 🐰 froze in place in fright

It was the first time I saw 🦁 so angry

🦁 can you not wear it?

🐰 it’s combination

🦁 then you change the combination!!!!

🧔‍♂️👱‍♀️: ….

🐰 wyb be obedient

🦁 no!!!

🐰 then whispered smth to 🦁 and he agreed to everything

And another rumor from being a hero filming:

When car flipped (as we remember it wasnt 100% planned and yb didn’t have a double + had high fever)

Staff complained to 🐰 again, 🐰 didn’t scold him, just came on set as soon as he could and said: wyb, you are person with two lives now, do you realize it?

When he was filming at Being a Hero he got sick

But didn’t tell 🐰

Staff told 🐰 anyways and he called 🦁 and asked: you heart doesn’t have a place for me anymore?

🐰 go have fun there! But be careful

🐰 it’s very tasty there~

🦁 I will buy it for you, what else do you want?

🐰 nothing else, don’t spend money for nothing

🦁 gifts for you is not spending money for nothing

🦁 I will take photo for you, you choose

🦁 loves noodle which 🐰 cooks for him. Once 🐰 came to visit 🦁 on set. And brought portion for 🦁 and lg (lele I guess)

Then 🦁 made very loud eating noises, was eating with big pleasure, didn’t say a word. Lg laughed and teased him: don’t wanna add more vinegar?

🐰 looked at 🦁 with admiration and his smile was so gentle

🧔‍♂️ wls your facial expression is terrible

🦁 (doesn’t answer)

🧔‍♂️ argued with xls?

🦁 I can’t argue with him

🦁 he doesn’t even play with his favorite switch now!

🧔‍♂️ ?

🦁 he is turning into Guo Jing….

The dialog that moved my heart during cql filming:

🦁 I don’t like my birthdays

🐰 if I will be with you, will you feel less lonely?

🦁 take it with you

🐰 no need~

🦁 even though it doesn’t work as good as me, but it will help you fall asleep

🐰 do you have any shame?! Wyb

One friend gave 🐰 a jar with nutritious water. With this jar you can grow some flowers and plants. 🐰 said once that he wants to grow smth but he can’t bcs he is always away and flowers and plants need water and fertilizers. But this jar you can just leave plants for half year without doing anything. 🐰 was very happy but didn’t plant flowers but coriander since 🦁 loves it

🐰 shared once that 🦁 got scared at night for some reason so he had to hug him for so long until he calm down

Xz 🐰 has long hair now, so he has a habit to touch them (fingering his hairs)

Once during video call 🐰 started to play with his little ponytail

🦁 said immediately: wow! Zg it’s so sexy

And whistled like neighborhood hooligan 🤣🤣

🦁: I’ll buy new for you

🐰: the old one is still working, no need to spend

🦁: it’s not spending, I will use old one

🐰: then you will have to say the same words, when you gifted that one

🦁: *blushed

“When you watch one and only you will understand why 🦁 always pretends to be pitiful with 🐰. It’s just a proven method. You’ll realize”

🦁 can I go?

🦁 say 😩

🐰 if you wanna go just go

🦁 I will not go if you say not to go🥺

🐰 so obedient?

🦁: en 🥰

🐰 let’s go together then~ 😘

Remember when Xz was going back to bj after sg

Many people were saying that he was a bit absent minded, he even took fans letter even though he don’t take anything from anyone for years

He really was a bit blanked

Found out that yb was sick again🥹🥹 and he got info from ybs staff that he has fever

🐰: wyb, I want milk tea

🦁: what milk tea? I will buy you on my way

🐰: the cup of milk BoBo taro tea, without taro, without milk tea

(Silence)

🦁: goose laugh

Okaaay~ wait me 🥰🥳

The staff: yb likes to skate in halls, but the air conditioning is too cold and once he was skating with very little clothes on. Lele came to him, gave phone. I thought he is filming himself, but then I’ve heard: wang Yibo, why you have so little clothes on! I’m not there, who you trying to seduce

🤣

They haven’t seen each other for some time, decided to see each other at home

But🦁 ✈️ got delayed. So they couldn’t see each other, 🐰 needed to go

Before leaving, 🐰 cooked gnocchi for 🦁 and left at home

[tonyglowheart]

sometimes I see takes and I’m like. your views read so incredibly Western-centric to me and that’s why you’re making this judgment you are, and like... this is getting all of my hackles up bc of my history with being PoC in the US and having ppl judge things based on their US-based views and deeming it “weird” or “dumb” or “exotic” or “crazy,” and like... sometimes even if I do respond I get accused of gatekeeping and being insensitive when I’m on my guard already because I feel like YOU’RE being insensitive

[pharrezychica]

On the third anniversary of CQL airing I felt the need to post something about it.

Because this drama means so much to me… I jumped on the wagon pretty late. I kept seeing posts here about it but didn’t want to fall for the hype, so I put off watching it for a long time. I finally gave in more or less a year later, I think it was late summer of 2020. And I’m so glad that I did. I fell in love with the story, the characters, the setting… It was my first Chinese drama and it blew me away. I started reading the novel soon after (and lots of fics!). 2 years later and I still love this drama so much, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wanji story changed me. It’s such a beautiful, meaningful story, with so many layers, touching not only on friendship and love but also family, politics, the weight public opinion has and what it can do… I’m not articulate enough to express all that this story is but it left such a big impact on me.

And of course Wangxian love story. Gave a new meaning to what soulmates really mean. At no point that romance turned cheesy, it’s so beautifully written in all of its moments. And Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo were truly the perfect Wei Wuxian and Lan Wanji. No one could have captured their essence and their feelings as well as those two did.

And now almost 2 years later, CQL has an even bigger meaning to me, now that I care about Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo as much as I do.

Another case of me not wanting to give in… When I first saw people “shipping them” I thought it was just another case of fans shipping the actors based on the story, reading too much into things. So I didn’t check on the actors and stayed away from what at the time thought was RPF.

Then a friend of mine (that I didn’t even know had seen CQL) mentioned GGDD, talked about their story and I started to look into things… And months later here I am. A full fledged bjxzsdz turtle.

And so CQL became even more meaningful to me. I’m so thankful to those who produced this drama. To those who fought to have it made. To those who cast all of the actors, each and every one perfect for their roles. For being the place where GGDD had the time and freedom to get close and be free with their feelings. That summer truly must have felt like a dream to them. It brought them so much, and in return gave us so much.

So thank you A-ling. For being an amazing piece of art. For giving us XZ and WY. For bringing them together. For… True Feelings 💛

[rainbowsky]

I know it's not bjyx news but I wish Pie would do an informative post on the whole GJ and ZZH issue that has been going on. Mostly because it seems like their current equation with each other appears to be what our dear solos /wish/ Yibo and XZ's equation was

This is a complicated topic, Anon, and one I doubt anyone would want to wade into who didn't have a dedicated attachment to that fandom. I don't know if @potteresque-ire will write anything about it, but of course I'm always excited to see any new posts from her. She always brings a tremendous amount of valuable insight and information to any topic. If you want to read her previous series of posts about this topic, you’ll find that list here.

As for my thoughts on the issue, I will not touch it with someone else's 20 foot pole because frankly, I don't want to deal with any more fan attacks than I already do, and there are some very toxic people involved in all of this.

Regarding what solos want for GGDD, well.... 😅 Solos continue to long for GG or DD to come out and speak against the CP, but instead we get GG randomly mentioning "blue sky, white clouds" - one of the biggest BXG rallying cries - twice in his recent endorsement event.

[knivescharade]

so i was on weibo laughing my head off today because:

(in case people are still not sure:

🦐 - AKA xfx 小飞侠, XZ’s solo fans

🏍️ - AKA mtjj 摩托姐姐, WYB’s solo fans

🐢 - AKA cpf/bxg 王八/龟龟, couple fans)

Usually, the 3 big factions are at war with one another. (well, xfx and mtjjs maybe. the 🐢 just observe from the side). but today something hilarious happened!

Wang Yibo’s new song Xiwei, which is part of the Legend of Fei soundtrack, came out today! (so what, you might ask)

On QQ music, people who purchase the song are able to join groups on the platform. you’re then able to see which group spent the most, how much they spend, how many copies they bought, etc.

but the point is

anyone can set up a group and name it something and

the group NAMES

Group name: WYB can you help me get XZ’s autograph

Group description: 🤣🤣🤣

Group name: XZ fans support XZ’s good friend WYB

Group description: thank you Mr WYB for reminding XZ to eat his meals

Group name: ok i’ve bought the song if you fight with XZ again imma hit you

Group description: pls be nice to XZ! stop posting weird douyins they scare me TT

Group name: here’s the cash now pls return XZ to me

Group description: hmph, if XZ is WYB’s gege, then i should be WYB’s sister-in-law 😋

Group name: thank you Yibo for buying two portions of horfun/rice noodles

Group description: basically this

Group caption: if XZ wants dumplings next time i’ll buy it

Group name: here’s the dumpling money back

Group description: i’m returning all the money for the dumplings for the horfun/rice noodles, next time if XZ wants to eat them i’ll buy it myself.

Group name: here’s the money for the dumplings i’m taking XZ away now

Group description: thank you for feeding XZ so well!

Group name: my dad likes your jacket where did you get it

Group description: that one in the douyin~

Group caption: can you pls stop saying that he’s old!

Group name: here’s some money to fix the brake pads now pls stop staring at him

Group description: a group of 🦐 sisters feeling bad for their son

Group name: XZ’s darlings giving some support to their rival in love

Group description: hmph still my rival

Group name: listening on behalf of XZ

Group description: the song sounds very orchestral. xiao wang, remember to pass the money you earn to that person at home

Group name: i’m giving Xiwei some support, so that XZ’s diamond ring has more diamonds

Group description: hmph

Group name: XZ’s wife. hmph 💢i’ll buy just one then

Group description: for’s XZ sake, i’ll buy one copy, if you see him pls tell him that we hope he is doing well, pls tell him that his loyal xfxs are still supporting him

Group caption: you’re very handsome

Group name: when is XZ going to divorce you and leave with me

Group description: let him go let me have him!

Group name: can that 🐢 in my dorm pls stop eating parsley

Group description: everyday, every meal, she can’t finish anything except parsley

Group caption: earn more money!!!!

Group name: 🦐 sister giving lil piggy (i.e. WYB) some pocket money

Group description: just a lil bit of support

Group caption: earn big bucks together

Group name: XZ earn big bucks

Group description: i trust XZ’s judgement

Group caption: 🦐 sisters supporting our little messenger brother, the bearer of good news

Group name: 🦐 sisters supporting our little brother

Group description: our bearer of good news. good luck!

(because WYB’s weibo and douyin posts have become alarmingly accurate in foreshadowing XZ’s new posts/selfies/performances, he’s gained an adorable nickname - 报喜鸟 - the good news messenger bird)

to top all this off, this is the group ranking:

number 1 is the bjyx group - aptly and coolly named “Stainless steel.”

number 4 is a group of XZ solo fans - 肖战的老婆, ‘XZ’s wife’. their group description is just one word - “hmph“.

i don’t really have a point, i’m just happy (and so touched 🥺) that xfxs are able to support WYB (despite their coquettish hmphs lol), who is someone XZ obviously cares about. and the same goes for the mtjjs that supported XZ’s song 光点 - Light Spot when it came out, too. it’s good to know that, fan wars or not, hateful antis are just a small minority, and there are logical, supportive fans out there.

[From: https://m.weibo.cn/5222652763/4579887422114381, https://m.weibo.cn/5778701042/4579890995660665, https://m.weibo.cn/7388241184/4579957525458906]

[twolonesomestars]

[BJYX] ||

A post about the ox-head necklace.

This is mostly a post compiling a bunch of theories about the ox-head necklace as well as my explanations for a few things (AKA most of the things on this post are pretty well known & theorized often).

Warning: This is all fake. Don’t take what I say to heart. These are just my random thoughts.

-

Firstly, @zhansww has a pretty detailed overview of the whole thing: here

-

So, we’ve established that this necklace is extremely important to WYB. To the point where he wears it everywhere—the airport, filming, races, and almost every time we see him in public. I don’t think he’s ever worn a piece of jewelry this consistently before the necklace. Honestly speaking, WYB wears the ox-head necklace far, far more often than his feather necklace, which was gifted to him by a person we can safely say is like a second father to him. (Wang Han also often refers to WYB as his son, unjokingly.) I don’t think I’ve ever seen WYB wear his feather necklace outside of filming DDU (same with the DDU brothers’ ring). That right there is already gives the basics about how much the necklace means to WYB.

-

Something significant to note: WYB was first seen wearing it at the airport in Chongqing (of all places) on June 19, 2019, exactly a year and a day after their “date” to a restaurant on Dragon Boat Festival day. So... anniversary vibes anyone?

-

Now, the actual pendant is an ox-head; WYB was born in the year of the ox. Out of the two, XZ has always been the more superstitious one (i.e. hesitance to cross out “wangxiao” & crosses out his own name first); he even has/ used(?) to have the god of fortune as his lock screen. With that info, I think it’s pretty safe to say that XZ would pay more attention to their Chinese zodiacs and horoscopes and choose to give WYB a piece of jewelry that represents the animal of his birth year. Also, I don’t think WYB has ever worn anything related to his Chinese zodiac until this necklace.

-

The whole brand thing is pretty fun to unpack. I mean WYB doesn’t even wear the brands he endorses like he does this necklace... why is he wearing a brand he doesn’t endorse this much? Since the necklace is way cheaper than what the brand would give XZ, it would make sense for it to be something he bought on his own. Also, the fact that it was limited edition and only sold in two physical stores in China? That right there screams YiZhan to me.

-

I want to focus specifically on the Happy Camp episode because what happened there gave me the last bit of proof I needed in order to say that XZ bought him the necklace.

There’s a well-known video explanation of what happened with the necklace during the show. Here’s the VIP version of the episode; it has several unaired clips including the whole WYB getting hurt moment.

To paraphrase: the necklace scratched WYB’s neck when he was playing the game and trying to get through the hoops. If you watch the entire episode, you’ll notice him touching his neck and rubbing it throughout the game, but he didn’t pay it much more attention than that. It was only until his neck got very red that another player saw and pointed it out. When XZ saw, his eyes literally almost popped out of their sockets and when he understood what happened he told WYB to take it off quite angrily.

I’ve mentioned this before: XZ’s public persona is different from his private self; he doesn’t really show his anger in public (amongst other things). Thus, it’s extremely obvious when his public persona breaks, which is what happened at Happy Camp.

He looked very concerned even as he scolded WYB and kept looking away and back, which makes me believe that most of his anger was at himself, because of his own guilt, more so than at WYB.

I also don’t think XZ’s the type of person to scold someone in public, no matter how close the person was to him. So, I doubt he would scold WYB like this in front of cameras and lose control of his emotions (even if it was only for minute or two) unless he had a really good reason to. We’ve seen XZ’s reaction to WYB’s injuries before—the iconic 9 minute flirting/arguing video when he told WYB to wear knee pads; he showed a lot of concern, but not much anger. (I suppose this could also be because the type of relationship they share changed later.) But, at the end of the day, I highly doubt XZ would show any type of anger, whether it be towards himself or someone else, in public.

I put myself in this scenario to see my own reaction: if your friend or lover got hurt because of a meaningful necklace that someone else gave them, you wouldn’t go and get angry at them because it’s not your place. You’d be very concerned and ask them to take it off immediately—what the rest of the people around WYB did—but you wouldn’t scold them... unless... the necklace was something you gave them. I’d personally feel ridiculously guilty and angry at myself that the person I love got hurt because of something I gave them. I don’t think its farfetched to imagine that XZ felt the same way. To me, his reaction at Happy Camp ONLY makes sense when I think about it this way.

-

A recent event that threw me off and re-emphasized just how important this necklace is to WYB was when he wore it while filming Let’s Sacalaca (the surfing show).

The fact that WYB doesn’t take it off, even when he’s in the ocean where he could easily lose it, renders me speechless. With surfing or swimming in the ocean in general, you get a lot of wipeouts and the strong ocean currents wouldn’t exactly help the situation. Imagine how much this necklace means to WYB that he would risk losing it in the ocean just so he could have it with him at all times... Imagine just how much he loves and misses the person that gave it to him that he wants it close to his heart at all times.

-

XZ’s actions in Happy Camp proved to me that he was the one who gave the necklace to WYB. The manner in which WYB uses the necklace proved to me what type of relationship they have.

[accio-victuuri]

cpn time: yibo’s new songs 🎧

here we are, two songs and a bunch of short video clips later, but this post will be more about the lyrics. if you haven’t listened to the tracks then please enjoy bystander and everything is lovely first before anything else. i’m so thankful that wyb has kept his promise to fans of bringing us a new song every year and also performing it during nye. he may not be the most obvious when it comes to appreciating his fans but this is the best example of his commitment to sharing himself to fans and treating us.

i will start with some minor clues before we get into the lyrics and all that clowning interpretation. 🙇‍♀️

1. The first 3 photos that yibo-official released as soon as it turned 12:00, one of them was color pink, or you can say, very light shade of red. His photos released before had a more solid red like that from a traffic light but this one leans more towards pink.

A very nice choice of color knowing how he relates pink to being the color of love and and all the other symbolism we attached to it.

& when yibo posted it, he placed the pink one in the middle vs yibo-official’s who placed it on the right.

2. Same choice of words between their studios, especially with reference to the gap of time. We are definitely looking closer than a normal fan would when it comes to their studio’s captions, edits, posting time etc and to a normal fan this would just fly over their head. but the amount of coincidence between the two is too much!

3. QQ released parts of the lyrics and this one, the chorus of everything is lovely ( up to the part talking about love of coming home ), the word love was mentioned 23 times. Love Zhan. I mean, we all know this boys loves 2 and 3 😂😂😂

4. The timing of release for their projects this day. Another example of how they don’t overlap with the day or time. XZ’s marie claire was between 10-12 and then WYB stuff of course started coming out at 12:00. this follows their pattern 👀

5. I really like what this bxg discovered, the way everything is lovely was written, if you turn in upside down it may read wyb loves xz. 🤯🤯🤯

for those of us who have been subjected to xz’s artwork and the little things he hides, this should be believable to you. he is known to do these things, even without the cpn intention.

==================

BYSTANDER

I gotta say, i’m leaning more towards this song, i didn’t expect it! I just love how it sounds and i’m with those who felt nostalgic while listening to it. it seems familiar and brand new at the same time. The melody of the first few lines got me thinking of words ( bee gees ) and the guitar/drums played are excellent too! I hope he sings this with a live band please! 🙏🏼

I often watch, listen and feel like reaching out to touch.

Holding a handful of seawater to see it’s dreamlike color.

this is more of a song ( atleast to me ) that speaks of who WYB is as a person. a bystander/spectator/onlooker. he is someone who observes people and keeps quiet first before engaging. but that doesn’t mean he is indifferent, in this song, he talks about admiring the things around him.

i’m also thinking of a wish to be a bystander. XZ/WYB repeatedly said that the super power they wish to have in invisibility so they just roam around without people noticing them. in a way, it’s wyb’s ( and by extension xz ) wish to be able to do this.

Embrace all the joys and sorrows of life. Listen to the plucked feathers speak, wings aiming for the vast sky.

Watch a fallen leaf repeating until the four seasons bring it back to the branch. I cannot see another galaxy but believe in me in a more distant place.

i see this as basically yibo and zz’s view in life, they are willing to go through the good and bad. their lives may seem ideal because they are celebrities but it’s far from that so they just have to focus on the good.

Don’t ask me what i’m looking for, let life pass through.

it’s him just wanting to be left alone, to allow him to go through his life without people watching his every move. or maybe there isn’t anything he is looking for or aiming for, he is just enjoying and going through his life. This line speaks to me so much! There’s really no need to be constantly trying to achieve things and be exhausted by the end of it. Sometimes, it’s okay to sit back and enjoy the simple things.

EVERYTHING IS LOVELY

I have discussed this song before, especially the chorus that covers a lot of the CPNs. I feel the same way about my interpretation of those lines even after learning the lyrics of the whole song.

My hands, accustomed to patting my head, opening up the memory of the river and pond. There are always a few good friends by the side.

Listening to the cicadas, watching the fishing boats.

WYB who likes to pat his head as an example 😂 so this is really from his POV and a more personal touch to start this song.

Listening to the cicadas and watching the fishing boat? This paints a picture of them during CQL shoot and hanging out.

I’m cackling tho at bxg interpretation of the lines that talk about river & ponds and then him having friends on the side. So who are the friends by that pod? Turtles? LOL. 😂😂😂😂

How to distinguish between people, whether post-00s are young or very mature.

This is so WYB. Reminding us of when he always made a point to say that GG looks so young or that they have no age gap 🥹🥹🥹

Under the mud, lotus roots finally grown. Please, lotus flowers do not look back.

Lotus roots/ Lotus flowers. What a peculiar choice to include in the song. Maybe there is some deeper explanation here that has something to do with culture or what but as a clown, our minds went to CQL.

It’s a part of the story and who can forget that behind the scenes of WYB pulling out those lotus seeds for XZ? 🙃

I tightly hold on to the people i once lost.

I like the way some people have interpreted this line. If what we think is true, that they lost each other at some point after the cql shoot then this line makes sense. They had some time apart after that shoot and XZ went to Japan to clear his head. The people around them also encouraged to take this time away from each other and get out of character. But they still found their way back as XZ/WYB. 🤍

The main thing in this song tho is— everything is lovely because you (xz) are in everything. 😭😭😭😭

-END.

[jcisthebestfightme]

5 times gg/dd show they love each other

This is completely my own analysis. Do not take this seriously. These are just my top 5 favorite “episodes.”

1. Pancake - DD is very proud of his ability to make Chinese pancake, although he does state that he needs to buy frozen, prepared pancakes. He bragged about this 4 separate times (mag interview, ttyxs, detergent commercial, and on the surfing show). Many interesting things about his recipe: 1) He said he uses cheese and butter. Most Chinese families don’t have these ingredients. Also, this very Western style of cooking means he didn’t learn this recipe from his parents. However, we know that gg likes to bake cookies, bread, cakes, etc. so he would have butter and he also loves cheese. 2) DD said that you need to add butter at the end when the pancake is almost done. If you know how to cook, you would know that it’s because butter has a low melting point so you add it quickly at the end to give the pancake flavor and color. I doubt a person that didn’t know you need to wait for water to boil to cook noodles will instinctively know this. And this is pretty high level knowledge and only people who bakes will know. 3) DD said that the pancake is easy but you need to add fried eggs and bacon to it. He said this part so casually that it sounds like someone prepared those for him and he just added it to the pancake. My conclusion is that he just heats up the frozen pancake and gg prepared all the other stuff for him. But dd thinks he “cooked” it so he loves bragging about it and I think that’s hilarious. Also, what makes someone who notoriously is known for not knowing how to cook suddenly so happy about being able to make 1 dish?

Easter egg: if you Google or Baidu “溫婉居家” (meaning homey, a phrase gg always use to describe his ideal partner), the picture of dd pops out as the first image result.

2. “Dead duck mouth hard” - This is the literal translation, an idiom meaning someone who is unwilling to admit they’re wrong. What is interesting here is that gg said that he says this phrase to JC a lot but he doesn’t want to say this to dd because it’s “not good” to say it to him. Why? It’s because of the word “dead.” Dd has very dangerous hobbies (motorcycle, skateboard, etc.) and gg is very superstitious. He thinks that saying any word with the connotations of “death” to dd is bad omen so he avoids it.

Easter egg: Dd is also very superstitious. He once got mad in a show because people were joking about putting motorcycle helmets on the floor, a very bad omen for cyclist. So I think he would be very touched about gg’s care for him.

3. Art museum - When dd went to London, he visited the London art museum. (He was caught on video by an international student.) Rumor has it that there was a car exhibit (with motorcycle) next door but he chose to go to the museum instead. Afterwards, he was caught talking on phone. Speculations is that he visited the museum for gg.

Easter egg: That museum has a painting “Venus and Mars.” Gg has use “Venus” to refer to dd during the BZ photoshoot and dd has use “Mars” to refer to gg (because Mars = “Zhan” shen).

4. Dance - When gg went to ttxs’s 11th anniversary, the two of them did a dance. We all know how much dd cares about dancing and he’s very meticulous about keeping to the beats. However, because of reasons (see Bombology), they have to learn this dance on the spot and perform it. Gg tries his best to learn the choreography (can see him practicing over and over again backstage, but during the performance, there was one instance where he wasn’t on tempo. What does dd do? He looked at him and just repeated the move to match up with him. During the whole performance, he watches gg and just dance to whatever speed he was on. 

Easter egg: Later on during this show’s filming, audience keep asking gg to dance freestyle, which he wasn’t comfortable with. Gg being super courteous didn’t know how to refuse. Dd first came out to dance by himself to diffuse the tension. When that didn’t work, he said “why don’t he sing instead?” Dd always speaks up to protect his gg.

5. Artwork - I personally believe that artists are very truthful to their work (song, painting, dance, etc.) so I love analyzing gg’s artwork. His painting of his ideal life was one of the most romantic and domestic thing (very fitting of his personality.) It showed himself with his cat. But at the far end, there’s another person approaching him (coming into his life?) This person is a tall, slander man (?) Next to him, is a bicycle, although the shadow looks more like a motorcycle. I find this interesting because we all know gg doesn’t really know how to ride a bike so for him to include it in his ideal world is strange. And then there’s a speculation that the waves spell out “WYB”.

Easter egg: I remember my art teacher from the past teaching us to put in our names secretly in our work as an easter egg. Some fans speculate that gg’s signature is a dot (can see it in the V-day and Dragonboat drawings). In another one of his painting, (boy holding lantern), you can see the letters “WYB” around a flower and “XZ” around another flower. The shadow in the lantern also overlays almost perfectly with a photo of them from xgds. This is all speculations though. 

Just thought I would share my favorite moments. 

[theopticalmouse]

Fic questionnaire

Tagged by my dear friend, @shreedle

[My AO3 account: https://archiveofourown.org/users/TheOpticalMouse/pseuds/TheOpticalMouse/works?fandom_id=42817852 ] How many works do you have on AO3? 10, but one of them is a poetry collection.

What's your total AO3 word count? 256,707 if we don’t count the poetry.

How many fandoms have you written for and what are they? Published on AO3? One: Genshin Impact. In my life? Three. Megaman[Classic, X, XZ] and Trauma Center.

What are your top 5 fics by kudos? 1: Darknight Hero Does Hostage Cases Now, Apparently: 1535 2: Family is More Than Blood and a Name: 1094 3: A Permanent Solution to a Temporary Problem: 502 4: Beyond the Border: 460 5: Frozen Balm: 361

Do you respond to comments, why or why not? I do! Not all readers interact with fics, so the ones who take the time to write a comment and say something nice! I want to thank them for it so I try to give everyone a reply that addresses what they said! I’m absolutely blessed with so many comments, but sometimes there’s a lot and my brain is like “Do the rest later” and then they set for a while and I feel bad. ;~;

What's the fic you've written with the angstiest ending? That’s a good question. I lean towards angst, hurt/comfort, and adventure stories, so none of them have a terribly angsty ending. I’m honestly unsure if any of mine can count.

Have you ever recieved hate on a fic? Teccchnicallly? I got an Anon partway through Family Is More who told me how they liked my fic but were going to stop reading because they didn’t like how an original character was getting some screentime. It wasn’t phrased in a hostile way, but it definitely struck a nerve. Many of my readers came out to assure me that everything was okay, which meant the world to me. I’m so fortunate to have very kind readers.

Do you write smut? If so what kind? Not actively, though I have nothing against reading or writing it. I am just hesitant to touch the shipping scene because people can get... Heated.

Have you ever had a fic stolen? Fortunately, not that I’m aware of.

Have you ever had a fic translated? I had someone ask if they could translate it into Russian, and I gave them permission! But their Tumblr account was hacked shortly thereafter and I have not been in contact with them since.

Have you ever co-written a fic before? I do a lot of original and fandom RP with friends in private, but I haven’t properly co-written a fic with anyone, no

What's your all time favorite ship? X and Zero from Megaman X, hands down. A close second is Phoenix and Miles from Phoenix Wright.

What's a WIP that you want to finish but don't think you ever will? Fortunately I don’t believe I have any WIPs that meet that criteria! I have a lot of ideas stewing that may not get written, but I’m trying to not have more than two WIPs exist at once.

What are your writing strengths? Dealing with subjects of trauma, emotional support, and platonic bonds are things I enjoy and excel at. Interpersonal relationships, motivations, and internal monologues are things I am good at.

What are your writing weaknesses? Personally I feel like my fight scenes could use more impact or action, but I could be wrong. I also feel like I would struggle to write an organic love story.

What are your thoughts on writing dialogue in other languages in a fic? I tend to write from the point of view of a single person, so if the person understands it, I’ll likely write it in italics or use some mark. Otherwise I’ll simply reference in prose that another language is being spoken. I’d rather not butcher a language I don’t know for my works, because someone fluent is going to read it and go ‘lol wat’.

What was the first fandom you ever wrote for? I believe that prize goes to Megaman X.

What's your favorite fic you've ever written? It used to be “Beyond The Border”, but more recently “Permanent Solution to a Temporary Problem” has taken that crown.

[nutty1005]

Xiao Zhan: Learning to Live with Different Opinions

Original Article: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/kFwWw70e6UvJ75egnRe7BA This article is published by Blogger World 博客天下 Weixin. This is also part of the article published in Blogger World 《博客天下》2020 8th Issue.

Giving others the space and freedom to voice different opinions is also a form of respect. Accepting criticisms during growth, displaying kindness in adversity.

Eye of the Storm

Acting is a profession, once you become famous, you will be labelled as “a celebrity” and you become a public figure, but in essence, you are still an average person. Just like everyone else during the pandemic period, they still need to stay quarantined at home and consider their daily meals.

“Celebrity” Xiao Zhan, who has a huge fan following, was also at home catching up on the movies on his to-watch list, watching dramas, reading, practicing his culinary skills – his work was no longer as tightly scheduled as before. This was supposed to be a rare relaxation period, but because of the sudden internet controversy, he found himself landed in the midst of public outcry, and this shattered his initial peace.

At first, he was quite confused, although he understood that any public figure would come with some sense of controversy, but when some of the controversy affected his friends and family, he felt that these were unfair to them. This point was something he could not quite understand.

After the passage of time, he slowly calmed down, and he attempted to learn to live with these different opinions. He feels that giving others the space and freedom to voice different opinions is also a form of respect, and he will accept criticisms during growth, and display kindness in adversity.

After a problem appears, the best method is to resolve the problem, and not to create another problem. This problem will obviously inspire fans (of any idol) to reflect on their actions, and consider how to reasonably handle themselves as a fan. At the same time, artists will also consider how to handle their relationships with their fans, and their teams will need to be more precise in their work. Whereas to the general public, when viewing the whole incident rationally, this can be also considered to be a part of creating a healthy internet environment.

Chance

When some people consider Xiao Zhan as one of the core members of the controversial “traffic” celebrities (TN: Traffic is a term that is used in China to describe idols with a lot of fan following), and lambast him for it, it is necessary to view his journey rationally – understand his chance entry into the entertainment business, and his unique qualities that set him apart from the rest.

Born in 1991, Xiao Zhan is almost 30, but he actually had not been famous for more than a year. Before this, like many other youngsters, he went through high school, university and work life, and never thought that he would become an artist. His university was Chongqing Technology and Business University; he majored in graphic design; while schooling he had received titles such was “Advanced Literary Individual” and “Excellent Team Member”, and also participated in the charity poster design competition organized by his university, winning awards “First Standard Award” and “Most Popular Award”; he even started his own studio with his friends. As such, it can be said that he went through a complete university education, and hence he has a certain amount of knowledge literacy.

After graduating in 2014, he worked for almost a year in a design firm. In June of the second year, because he loved singing, he joined a variety show “X-Fire”《燃烧吧少年》, in hopes of being seen by more people. This was not an easy part of his life – he had to learn dancing with zero foundation, stretching, memorizing movements, with great difficulty. Finally, he debuted as a member of the X-NINE X玖少年团 boyband.

That year, he was 25, and this fulfilled the lyrics of a song by Stefanie Sun – “The 25 year old me, there are differences now.” Then, he thought 25 years old was far away, but in the end it was really different.

However, at that point in time, China talent search variety shows did not have the popularity it would have later on, hence he was not popular upon debut – there was a period of dormancy. In the years following that, he switched paths to become an actor, and participated in web dramas, television dramas, as well as a minor role in the movie “Monster Hunt” 《捉妖记》, totaling a number of 7 to 8 shows. Because he did not come from an acting background, he felt inferior to his partners, who graduated from acting schools, during the shoots. During this period of time, he also doubted his decisions, and wondered if he had a future.

Later on, in the interview with Ren Min Wang 人民网 “Friendly Chat” 《友聊》 he said, “If initially I knew that I would later on go through so much things, I might retreat.” This is actually very similar with the encounters of many other actors, from low to high, from silent to outstanding, experience, works and reputation all have to go through an accumulation process.

At that time, he already had fans, although not too many. In his Weibo, he once had a post that was meant to communicate with his fans, named “Secret Garden”, to tell one another stories, encourage and comfort one another – it was a type of positive interaction.

Fame

The true fame came on the June of 2019. The web drama “The Untamed”, where he starred as the leading actor, aired. This drama came with a fan following from the novel it was based on, and with exquisite production quality, good acting portrayal and performance, this drama became the hottest drama of that year. It scored 7.7 in Douban (TN: Somewhat like China IMDB), which was considered above average in China, and it is worthy as a piece of “work” – although Xiao Zhan said in this interview, “Currently, I don’t think I have any piece of noteworthy work, hence I cherish every opportunity to participate in creative work.”

From this, he obtained a huge reputation, his fan size grew multi-fold, and this objectively created more difficulties for his team working behind him. From a commoner to an artist, and then to a celebrity, based on Xiao Zhan’s behavior, he is careful and cautious. When interviewed by China Youth Papers 《中国青年报》, he said “When I encounter difficulties, I will not give up easily, I will think of ways to resolve it”; “Respect everyone around me, I have to uphold the heart to honor and respect everyone around me.” When interviewed by Guang Ming Times《光明日报》, he hoped “the works that he participated in could transmit some positive values.”

At the end of last year, in CCTV Movie Channel, he also reviewed his legendary experience of 2019, “There are no adjectives to describe my 2019, hence I will say thank you, thank you to all the experiences, to all that I have.” He never talks about what role he is most satisfied with, but only that he could do better, “maybe it could be the next one”. At the same time, he expressed that he will put the focus of his career in 2020 on acting, “to an actor, works are my foundation.” This clearly shows that he is clear about his own acting career.

But evidently, the start of this year was not smooth sailing for him. This internet controversy, as a related party, he received numerous criticisms, whether with good or bad intentions, and how he viewed this whole incident, what psychological process he went through, how a public figure should bear the social responsibility, and what his next steps are…

For this, the aim of this Blogger World interview with Xiao Zhan is to “understand the problem, obtain a common understanding”.

Understood Some Things

(TN: R = Reporter, XZ = Xiao Zhan)

R: Earlier when the pandemic was at its peak, what were you busy with?

XZ: Quarantine, just like everyone else during the pandemic period. I remember it was during Chinese New Year period, following the news, seeing the medical personnel fighting at the forefront. It was especially touching when you see that they were relentlessly fighting even though they were facing a lack of medical supplies. At that time, I spoke with my staff, thought about wanting to do something, and do what I can. After the discussion to decide what to donate, we started contacting the relevant suitable organizations, communicate on what was needed, etc.

Besides this, I also received invitations to record ID videos to cheer on Wuhan and songs to beat back the pandemic. Because the songs required more professional equipment, hence I remember around the end of January, we went to the recording studio. At that time, the pandemic was at its critical period, to ensure safety, there were very limited staff on site, everyone were wearing masks, everything was strictly disinfected, every staff had to perform multiple roles, but we finished the recording with high efficiency. To me, this was a very special experience. Other then that, I was quarantined at home.

R: When you were at home, how was your daily life? How did you spend the time?

XZ: Actually just like everyone else, watch the news, watch dramas, watch movies, read books and rest. It is also quite inconvenient to order takeouts during quarantine period, hence I also trained my culinary skills. Just right at the time there were charity events to aid the farmers, hence I bought some fruits and farm products.

R: Were you concerned with the daily changes of the pandemic, what did you feel and think about?

XZ: Of course I did, I was following up on the pandemic news everyday, there were many moments that touched me. Previously there was this piece of news, a pair of husband and wife, there were both medical staff at the forefront, recognized each other despite wearing isolation robes and hugged together, that scene of reunion touched me very much. But at the same time, I saw that there were a lot more people who needed assistance, and I also felt personally that what one person can do is very limited, and I did too little.

R: When the internet controversy happened, what were you doing, what was your initial reaction, and what happened after?

XZ: I was quarantined at home at that time, when I first saw it I was extremely surprised, why there were suddenly so much topics, felt a bit confused, and understood it later like everyone else. Actually with regards to controversy, as a public figure, I was willing to bear these controversy, but some of them affected my friends and family, I felt that these were unfair to them. I could not quite understand (why they did this). And that point in time was the most critical period of the pandemic, I did not want my issues to take away too much attention, and bother everyone, hence I did not make much responses. Later on, my friends also gave me advice, and this period gave me more time to ponder over it, I also went out to do voice overs, in preparation for my future jobs, slowly I understood some things, so after a while, I started to slowly calm down.

R: You once said that in order to survive in society, one needs to learn to be complex, do you realize the complexity even more so now? Where there any changes to your life views?

XZ: There is definitely complexity, I do not think this is anything bad. Facing complex situations, we do not have the ability to force any changes, but I feel, as long as we maintain the most initial kindness and purity, work hard to do the best for the things we have decided. I have always upheld these principles, and these are also what I want to do.

R: Do you feel misunderstood? How do you adjust yourself?

XZ: It is still the same phrase from the previous interview, “When serious – work, when confused – read, when alone – think, when upset – sleep.” Actually I think this phrase can be used to aptly describe my condition for the past few months.

R: After a period of time, how do you feel about the controversy now?

XZ: We need to learn to live with different opinions, and also respect everyone’s rights to voice theirs. But this world is like this, there is a balance of energy, there are those who love you, who like you, at the the same time there will be people who hates you, who dislikes you. Giving others the space and freedom to voice different opinions is also a form of respect. Accepting criticisms during growth, displaying kindness in adversity.

No one likes you for no reason

R: We will talk about your experiences as an artist, when did you realize that you are famous? How did you feel?

XZ: Last summer, after seeing that there were more people who supported and liked me, very thankful and grateful. My father told me since young “no one likes you for no reason”, hence I hope I can live up to everyone’s like.

R: When you first entered the entertainment business, what goal did you hope to attain?

XZ: Actually my thoughts were very simple then, that is work hard to do the best in the competition, and hope to receive more recognition.

R: In being an artist, what did you feel is the most toilsome?

XZ: Every profession has its own toils, I treat my work very seriously, hardship is actually something you cannot avoid. If I really have to say something as toilsome, then it will be how I face the complex environment.

R: Many felt that you became famous overnight, but actually you already participated in several different dramas, how was your condition like then? What desires did you have for the future?

XZ: Actually there were not much difference, previously I just hoped that I always have jobs, have the opportunity to contact better roles, now is just work seriously, act properly, live everyday to the fullest. Continue on the path of an actor.

R: How did you learn performance? Where there any experience that was especially memorable?

XZ: At the start, I had no concept with regards to performance, later on I also took performance classes, with directions from performance teachers. The experience that was especially memorable was during the shooting of “The Wolf”, there was a crying scene on the highlands, a night scene, and it needed to rain, but that time, no matter what I did, I could not cry.

R: What do you think the relationship of front stage and back stage is?

XZ: I feel that front stage and back stage is not a type of relationship, but is the same job. Without the serious work and support of the backstage, the front stage will not be able to become better.

R: The character Wei Wuxian gave you a lot of glory as well as some controversy, how did you view the role?

XZ: I treat every role I have acted in seriously and with deep respect, because their story are all alternate lives that I would never experience. And portraying these characters, I really hoped that we can achieve success mutually, and win the recognition and love from the audience. I am lucky and thankful to have participated in a part of Wei Wuxian’s life, and this role also became an important part of my acting career. Also I am very grateful to the hard work from all the staff as part of this creative work, and gifted this character vitality. All these creative artists gave me the chance, and allowed me as an actor, using my own thoughts and performances, to bring forth the character Wei Wuxian, even more vividly in front of the general audiences.

R: With regards to “work”, how do you define it?

XZ: I feel that a piece of work is not just the result of a person’s hard work, behind it are also everyone’s sacrifices and creation. Currently, I don’t think I have any piece of noteworthy work, hence I cherish every opportunity to participate in creative work, and also treat every job seriously, in the future I will do my best in singing and acting.

R: The journey of fame, how did you establish your confidence, from inexperience to mature?

XZ: It is definitely a slow process. Actually it is just like that lyric in my new song “All traces passed by turned into light spots.” That is when you encounter difficulties, from it you learn and grow, the accumulation of every step, you are always on the path of growing.

R: In facing the exhaustion from work, the disturbances from the outside world, do you feel that fame is a double edged sword? How do you hope to be viewed by the outside world?

XZ: I feel that anything has its pros and cons, I have already learnt to handle it with common sense, I hope that I am still the same initial me, to be able to maintain humility and politeness.

R: Are you afraid of the uncertainty of life? Do you have insecurities?

XZ: Of course I am. Life is made up of a lot of uncertainties, many times I would also feel insecure, but isn’t the unknown life’s greatest challenge? The feeling of “singing as you walk” is great.

Be yourself, actions speak louder than words

R: You once said in an interview that you do not want to be a perfect person, can you explain what you meant?

XZ: I feel that no one can be perfect, neither can I.

R: Actor, artist and traffic celebrity, what do you think the difference are in these terms?

XZ: Actor is my career, artist and traffic celebrity, to me, are just a label, that is on every public figure. I will do the best for my job, in the future I will be even more serious in my singing, acting, and continue to bear whatever social responsibility I should bear.

R: You once said that communication is very important, now that you are too famous, will this bring about difficulties in communication?

XZ: The changes in my identity definitely brought along some inconveniences, but to my friends, my family and me, the communication has always remained the same. In facing those who like me and support me, I feel that I am communicating with them via my works, hence I will humbly accept all good intent criticisms and corrections on my profession.

R: You did not change your Weibo account after your debut, and also said that that you are very real, and you want to show everyone the real you. To the public who do not understand you, what do you have to say?

XZ: I always said, I am not a perfect person, but that does not prevent me from working hard towards becoming a better person. I am a more direct person, I also wanted to present the real me to everyone, hence I never considered changing my Weibo account, those were all my experiences and memories, the testament to my growth. I will not use youth or commoner as an excuse.

I started using Weibo when I was 19 or 20 years old, when I was still young and a commoner, and I said some very inappropriate words or opinions that are unacceptable now, and it probably did cause trouble or hurt to others. Hence I also wanted to say, after reflecting, to those who were hurt by these opinions, I express my most sincere apologies. If I could use my current experience and sensibleness back then, I would definitely respect everyone’s effort in their work, and will not comment rashly.

R: Your Weibo used to be very lively, full of witty words, you also liked to snatch the top comment on your own posts, and interacted with your fans, but later on, these posts were generally non existent, almost as if your image became flat, how do you feel?

XZ: Just representing myself only, I feel that the image on social media cannot encompass an entire person, that is only an outlet. I am always willing to communicate with everyone, but I am also afraid to bother others, if the effect of bother becomes greater than sharing, that would be something that I very much would not want to see.

[ouyangzizhensdad]

As a mdzs/novel canon reader, how do you feel about the roles of Wen Ning and Wen Qing in mdzs vs cql?

I think one of the most important thing (for me) when thinking about how wn and wq are explored in cql is to remember the following two factors:

1. While the actress denied it, it seems that wq was indeed supposed to be a love interest for wwx in cql before fans made a fuss about it on social media: this is supported by the fact she was introduced as a main character in early talks of the series, the actress got the biggest $$ contract after xz and wyb, we got some leaked photos from set showing scenes that were filmed or were intended to be filmed but didn’t end up in the final cut of the series, and the simple reality that wq’s presence in the story was increased significantly (while her impact on the plot remained the same). Tbh that they chose to cast meng ziyi and introduced (and kept) a frankly bizarre (on a thematic and plot level) romance subplot between jc and her is proof enough for me that she was supposed to be a love interest for wwx (albeit a tragic one).  

2. CQL fundamentally modified the role of the Wens within the narrative by changing the whole subplot about modao, which then altered the role of wq and wn to a degree, and with which characters they interacted and when.

For me, these had an impact on the overall quality of the storytelling, particularly in regards to wq and her character (under the cut because I don’t know how to be brief).

WEN QING:

1. Even if she had been instructed by the director to play wq as close to possible to the way she was portrayed in the novel, I don’t think Meng Ziyi could have done it; for me, she doesn’t have the right presence, physicality, etc. to achieve a good performance of wq. Novel wq has such strong boss energy; she is high-ranking officer even if she is removed from the fighting, the best doctor, and someone who was in charge of the yiling supervision office, and she’s constantly snapping at people (I love novel!wq.........). Meng Ziyi just does not manage to embody that powerful energy--she has that female lead type of presence, and it just doesn’t mesh with who wq is.

Wen Ning nodded, somewhat embarrassed, “My sister. She’s really powerful.”

She was indeed powerful.

Wen Qing could be considered a famous cultivator of the QishanWen Sect. She wasn’t a daughter of the QishanWen Sect’s leader, Wen Ruohan, but instead the daughter of one of Wen Ruohan’s cousins. Although they were far cousins, Wen Ruohan had always had a close relationship to this cousin of his. On top of that, Wen Qing was exceptional in the liberal arts and studied medicine as well. She was a talent, and thus she was rather favored by Wen Ruohan. She often followed Wen Ruohan to the banquets of the QishanWen Sect, which was why Wei Wuxian found her face familiar. She was a beauty, after all. He had also heard from somewhere that she had an elder or younger brother. But, perhaps because he wasn’t as talented as Wen Qing, not many people talked about him.

2. In my opinion, making the wq a more active agent in the wen plot also takes away part of what defines her arc and character in the novel, and what she represents as a figure within the conflict. Let’s remember, we are only introduced to wq in the novel after Lotus Pier was burned down and jc lost his core--she is absent until then, and that is the point: she is not involved in the conflict. While morally upright, she is someone who passively benefits from the ills committed by her sect and who only takes calculated risks to help reduce the suffering committed to others. She becomes guilty by association despite never actively hurting others or helping wrh’s cause. It feels more organic and complex than the throne-room!threats we see in cql, and having her carry on missions for wrh.

Wen Qing cut him off, “What the Wen Sect does doesn’t represent what we do. We don’t need to be responsible for the Wen Sect’s wrongdoing. Wei Ying, there’s no need to look at me like that. There’s a beginning to all debts. I’m the office leader of Yiling, but I was ordered to take the position. I’m a medic, an apothecary, I’ve never killed anyone, much less touched the blood of the Jiang Sect.”

It was true. Nobody had heard of any lives lost by Wen Qing’s hands. There were always many cases that people wanted her to take over. It was because Wen Qing was one of the Wen Sect’s people whose way of doing things was actually normal. At times she could even put in a few good words for people in front of Wen Ruohan. Her reputation had always been good.

/////

Lan Xichen responded a moment later. “I have heard of Wen Qing’s name a few of times. I do not remember her having participated in any of the Sunshot Campaign’s crimes.” 

“But she’s never stopped them either, “ Nie Mingjue countered.

“Wen Qing was one of Wen RuoHan’s most trusted people, “ said Lan Xichen. “How could she have stopped them?” 

Nie Mingjue spoke coldly. “If she responded with only silence and not opposition when the Wen Sect was causing mayhem, it’s the same as indifference. She shouldn’t have been so disillusioned as to hope that she could be treated with respect when the Wen Sect was doing evil and be unwilling to suffer the consequences and pay the price when the Wen Sect was wiped out.” 

[...] One of the sect leaders spoke up, “What Nie-zongzhu said is quite right. Besides, Wen Qing is one of Wen RuoHan’s most trusted people. You’re telling me she never participated? Well I don’t buy it. Is there any Wen-gao without a single drop of blood on their hands? Maybe it’s just that we haven’t found out about it yet!”

3. Making wq interact with other characters before the qiongqi path incident also makes their motivations harder to understand. For instance, jc having feelings for wq makes his motivations and actions during the aftermath of the sunshot campaign more muddled, imo? In the novel, instead, jc’s unwillingness to help the wen remnants is used to showcase a foil between jc’s and wwx’s understandings of duty/responsibility:

“You burn this corpse right now and return to them all these leftovers of the Wen Sect. That’s the only way to make the subject die!” As Jiang Cheng spoke, he raised his sword again, preparing to attack.

Wei Wuxian clenched his wrist.

“Are you joking?! If we return Wen Qing and the others to them, they’d meet nothing but a dead end!”

“I doubt you’ll even return all of them. Why do you care what kind of end they meet? A dead end it is, then—what does it have to do with you?!”

Wei Wuxian finally lost his temper. “Jiang Cheng! What- What do you think you’re talking about?! Take it back—don’t make me give you a thrashing! Don’t forget. Who was the one that helped us burn Jiang-shushu’s and Yu-furen’s corpses? Who returned to us the ashes that are in Lotus Pier right now? And who took us in when we were chased after by Wen Chao?!”

Jiang Cheng, “I’m the one who fucking wants to give you a thrashing! Yes, they helped us before, but why in the world don’t you understand that right now any remnant of the Wen Sect is a target of criticism! No matter who they are, with a surname of Wen they have committed a most heinous crime! And those who protect the Wen are at risk of being condemned by everyone! All the people loathe the Wen-dogs so badly that the worse they die the better. Whoever protects them is against the entire world. Nobody would speak for them, and nobody would speak for you either!”

4. Adding more screen time for wq and more interactions with other characters prior to/during the sunshot campaign ends up adding nothing in terms of her arc or her impact on the plot. While wq is a secondary character in the novel, she is crucial to the plot: her skills and her agency shape so many crucial moments and events in mdzs. Take away pretty much any scene with wq in the novel, and the events of the novel have to change. However, when it comes to what has been added in cql to make her more prominent in the series, it does not feel like it brings anything of significance to the plot. In the end, what is the point of the hair comb moment? it never sways jc to help or feel really conflicted over not helping the wen remnants? it never changes anything about the way wq acts? jc doesn’t come to wq’s defense at jinlintai the way lwj does. At best, it just adds to jc’s manpain. In the end, what’s the point of having a cute moment between wq and jyl, except to reassure viewers that wq is a good person and cares for her brother (all things we known in the novel in spite of the absence of this scene). In the end, what is the point of spending screentime with wq looking for the yin iron in the cloud recesses, and wwx being suspicious of her, if anyway lwj and him stumble upon it by chance? If wq were the love interest, it would make more sense to just pad up her screen time in the series, and these moments would probably pay off more. But as it is, it just feels very aimless and even at times confusing. 

5. i 100% headcanon novel wq as a lesbian and the fact that they even suggest she might have feelings for jc is an attack on my gay rights ): 

WEN NING:

1. Gosh I love wn. I think his role in the novel is so important and i have too much to say to end up saying anything remotely coherent. I also have to say that I love the actor they chose. Of all the casting choices, I’d even say it is the best of the entire series in my opinion. He really captures the essence of wn and he looks so adorable. So cute. 

2. Overall, i think cql did not change too much in terms of his arc and characterisation (the shy but fiercely protective person, coming to terms with what he lost, finding wen yuan and reconnecting with his history, finding a path of his own instead of following his sister/wwx). However I do find that some of the interactions are more meaningful in the novel. For example, making wwx and wn’s first interaction happen in the cloud recesses takes away the importance of wwx standing up against wn’s own sect members on their own turf. The fact that wwx and wn see each other more in the CQL verse also undermines the weight of wn’s choice and how significant wwx’s actions and words were to him, since he was ready to go against his sect for someone he’d met once. Once!!!! It says so much about wn and what his life was like--and how much impact wwx’s acts of kindness and care could have. If I let myself I would just end up quoting back most of Poison - part 4.Okay, I will just quote this part:

Red seeped through Wen Qionglin’s face to even the bottom of his ears. There was no need for others to beckon him away; he fled self-consciously. Wei Wuxian chased after him, “Hey, don’t run! Uh… Qionglin-xiong right? Why are you running?”

Hearing his name called from behind him, Wen Qionglin finally stopped. Head hanging low, he turned around. It seemed as though shame rippled from his head to his toes as he stammered, “… I’m sorry.”

“Why are you telling me you’re sorry?”

“You… You recommended me… but I made you lose face…”

“How did it make me lose face? You haven’t really shot in front other people, have you? You were nervous?”

Wen Qionglin nodded. Wei Wuxian continued, “Have some confidence. Let me tell you the truth—you shoot better than everyone in your sect. Out of all of the disciples whom I’ve seen, no more than three people are better in archery than you.”

3. I do wish wn as the ghost general was scarier and more violent in cql, but they tamed all of the horror/violent/gory aspects of the novel so it was to be expected. I just love contrasts.............

[rainbowsky]

Another delicate thing about fake ships. (I'm not talking about our YiZhan. They are real. For better or worse certain (dangerous) evidence have reached public eyes. We all know it, many have seen it). But certain ppl new to c dramas might not know that actor CP is just part of the show. I didn't know when I started. Then those people invest a lot of time $ and emotion into that CP believing it's real. And get the rug pulled from under. It's unfair to those naive ppl and it harms certain ppl. Like it or not some get really invested. To hurt them is cruel and triggering. It can feel like rejection and I really wish actors wouldn't partake in this. To profit off ppl's beliefs is cruel. Again. NOT yizhan, two men in a very real situation.

These are in reference to a previous post. More under cut.

Discussion of fake ships, fandom rivalries and insecurities around whether BJYXSZD.

Anonymous asked:

Semi agree that I don't follow other CP. but when others do fake cp and claim "evidence" even when it is flimsy. It makes me question myself and I hate that. There's so much hard evidence for xz and web. When others have "evidence" too and it seems so forced and fake, not to mention copied from yizhan, idk it makes me feel bad. Like maybe we're all crazy. I wish other dramas didn't do that. Be real. Don't fake it. The other men have gf's. It's just derivative and I think that's why ppl get offended. Web and xz seem serious about their life together and for others to profit of their realness... It just makes me question it. If we have evidence and those fans truly believe they do too... Either we are all right, or maybe we are all wrong. And I hate to deny web and xz. So it's hurtful. I hope someone can understand my feelings.

Sorry for the grouping of messages but I don't want to give this too much airtime because it can lead to hurt feelings from people who support other ships, and because this isn't what my blog is about. It's about GG and DD.

I try not to judge anyone harshly when it comes to fan service and CP marketing. It's a cutthroat industry and I think we can all see that. But I feel that making a CP seem real just to profit off of people for a while and then breaking their hearts... it's not something I personally feel comfortable with. It strikes me as unnecessarily cruel.

However, we don't know what's in people's contracts so we should be careful about judging anyone or being nasty. In the end people are just doing their jobs, whether we like it or not. And some fans enjoy it. Live and let live.

As for other actors being 'derivative' of GGDD, I completely disagree. It's not like GG and DD invented the CP. The whole concept was there long before them, and will likely be there long after. Even in cases where there were similarities to what GG and DD did, I don't think it's something to get worked up about. We don't own GG and DD's interactions as some sort of IP we need to protect.

I said this back when people were fan fighting over the BL CPs, that it's ridiculous and awful to fight over something like this. We should all be on the same side. BL stories are not easy to create or air in China - we all know that more now than we did back then - and the more BL stories that get aired, the better for everyone. The better for the market, the better for fans, the better for queer people too.

History has shown that cultural shifts can lead to legislative shifts. As queer stories become more mainstream, the demand for rights - and the public's appetite for seeing those rights observed - becomes stronger, and positive change happens. It is, in fact, likely a big part of why these types of stories are being cracked down on. Some people don't want that change.

If we care about these issues we would do well to support all BL projects and everyone who is willing to stick their neck out and make those projects happen, not just our particular biases.

Not only that, but fan wars are harmful to GG and DD, harmful to any celebrity whose fans are 'out of control'. I have been preaching this for a couple of years now, but here we are in 2021 and what have we seen? Artists being cracked down on for the behavior of their fans. Rules coming out to clearly state this, hinting at harsh penalties.

So please, people - take it to heart. There is no war that you don't CHOOSE to create. This isn't a competition. There is room for everyone to have fun, be happy and enjoy their fandoms in whatever way they choose.

Everyone has the right to their perspective. I said this the other day. No one is obligated to believe BJYXSZD, and similarly, no one is obligated to disagree or debunk. If people are enjoying their CP, that's their right. Let's not get smug and dickish about things. We aren't in competition.

One other thing I want to add: We should be willing to question ourselves, question our evidence and re-evaluate things from time to time. It's just part of being a rational human. Insecurity about what is 'real' and what isn't - all of this is pointless and IMNSHO, unhealthy.

Bad feelings should never make us into bad people. Bad feelings should never make us do or say bad things.

Insecurity is understandable at times. We're all human. But I urge fans to try not to take everything so personally, and to not get our identities as human beings wrapped up in whether BJYXSZD.

Whether GG or DD are real or not - this doesn't make me crazy or stupid or naive. I believe based on the evidence I have. If I turn out to be wrong about it - ME, who has this blog and spends an enormous amount of time on GGDD - if it turns out to all be wrong, my life won't shatter. I won't curl up in an embarrassed ball and die.

I get a hell of a lot of enjoyment out of this fandom. That enjoyment is real. My love for GGDD is real. I am a person in the world. I don't live and die over whether BJYXSZD. Neither should any of you.

My love for GGDD doesn't come from them, it comes from me. It's not about them, it's about me. It's about my heart and my appetite for sweetness and connection. It's about my politics and what I stand for and support. It's about everything inside me.

If their relationship was proved to be fake, or if it was to end, that wouldn't change a thing for me. I would still be the same person with the same heart. I would still have the same values and drives. I might be sad, of course, or even hurt a bit depending on the circumstances, but it wouldn't change who I am or what I'm about.

I will never be ashamed of loving someone. I will never be ashamed of sharing my heart or letting something touch my heart.

I won't be taking any more asks on this subject unless they bring a substantially fresh perspective that hasn't already been expressed. I apologize in advance if you send me something that I don't reply to/post. This is just a boundary I have with asks like this.

[candicewright]

Hello! My exposure to Wang Yibo is through The Untamed and your blog basically, and I don’t think I’ve heard of XZ until this 10cent liveblog. It all sounds very sweet and touching (Yibo hiding XZ’s performance slot, etc), but I feel slightly lost. What storm happened that would make XZ potentially doubt about being able to perform on that kind of stage again? If you wouldn’t mind filling me in slightly, I’d appreciate it!

Oh wow, it a lot tbh and I don't think I could do the topic justice since I know very little about it myself. I recommend reading this series of posts if you want an in-depth explanation, but basically a bunch of things led to xz being attacked by antis to the point that it looked like it could be the end of his career. Luckily, that wasn't the case, and the amount of support he has gotten on the other side has been overwhelming. However, he hadn't been to an event like this since before that, and people believed that we might not be seeing him until next year, myself included. So seeing him at this award show and with wyb has been a very very pleasant surprise.

[obsidian-aurora]

hello! i wanted to check up on you since you haven’t updated recently to make sure you’re okay!! I’m glad to see youre fine. I want you to know that despite all that’s going on right now, it’s not yours or xz’s fault! a Chinese law was enacted at the same time everything went down so I suspect the timing was merely coincidental.. Whatever you decide to do, I support you!

I’m not going to lie, I’m extremely upset by what’s been going on with XZ and AO3.  I know it’s no one’s fault but he still got hurt by this and it’s very distressing.  I was watching to see how this situation develops, and so far things are getting worse and worse - AO3 being banned, then retaliatory negative reviews making the ratings of The Untamed plummet, affecting other works of XZ’s like Joy of Life and The Wolf. Endorsement contracts with XZ getting cancelled as a result of this. My heart goes out to all the Chinese users of AO3 who can no longer access this website without VPN.  

My heart is in so much turmoil.  I’ve also been travelling, I spent 2 days on planes travelling from one side of the world clear over to the other.  I wrote a chapter on the plane, but I haven’t posted it.  I need to let my heart clear out a little bit before I can be objective about this.

There are a few good videos for those who want to get up to speed on what’s going on:

Xiaoyu’s Analysis

AvenueX Analysis (must watch)

The most sad thing about this whole situation is that everyone starts with good intentions.  For the original writer, who portrayed XZ as female - there are so many reasons why a fic like this can be interesting to explore.  Whether it was XZ or Yibo, it doesn’t really matter (and I could easily see it being written the other way) - it’s just that it would be a way for people to explore an idea, someone questioning their gender, and to frame that idea more clearly in their mind by using people they know well.  That’s what all fanfiction is, a way to explore ideas using familiar characters (in this case, people).  Every fandom I can think of has examples of people trying out changing the gender of people to explore how this would make the story different.

For XZ’s fans to take this as a case of “defamation”, clearly their goal is that they want to protect their idol.  I think it’s obviously very clear that the writer wasn’t trying to suggest that XZ had gender dysphoria in real life, so for them to claim defamation is a stretch.  In my mind, as a writer of this type of fiction, it’s very clear to me that there’s a big difference between the XZ in the story and the XZ in real life.  They aren’t meant to be the same.  But clearly for those outside of this fandom it appears as an attack on the real person.

AO3 was probably destined to be banned at some point or another in China, sadly.  This incident was a spark that ignited this but more than anything this is really just a debate about “creative freedom” vs. “morality.”  And it is a grey area.  Even though we want to always put our pin next to creative freedom, what if someone writes a rape fic about a real person?  And that real person reads it?  Is that okay?  Once we start to say, ok, no, that’s not okay, then we enter a realm where we are now trying to define the “line.”  What does it mean to cross the “line.”  And this is where morality comes in and what one person deems to be immoral can be incredibly different than what another thinks is immoral, based on upbringing, culture, and personal beliefs.

For people who use AO3 as an outlet, as a forum for creative expression and a community, it can be devastating to lose touch with that community.  I can relate to this, too.  I feel so buoyed when I receive a comment on a fic that I write.  I feel a connection between me and the readers (even though I’m pretty bad at responding to comments, I read and treasure them all).  I can understand how people would be upset about AO3 being banned, upset enough to want to lash out and try to find a way for them to put it back again.  But is attacking the idol in question the way to do that?  Is that going to help AO3 come back?

I can only hope that this incident can somehow result in a cultural awakening in China, where people can realize that their actions have consequences.  That there are real humans whose real lives are affected by online bullying. 

As for me, I am leaning towards believing that my creation is still something pure, loving, and beautiful, and deserves to continue.  But I need to give myself a little time for my heart to settle down.  😔😔😔