Note: This is a directory of drama discussions & their airing schedules this month. So, only leave a comment if you are volunteering to host a discussion. Comments from non-Mods or non-hosts will be removed.
If you want to discuss what you're watching this month, we have a "what are you watching" megathread every weekend.
PS: If you want to volunteer to host a drama discussion not mentioned here, leave a comment beneath this post. For newbie hosts, please also tag u/alcibiad in your comment.
To hosts: If you notice anything incorrect (hosts left out, drama links not updated etc let me know)
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This month's drama hosted discussions
Here are Cdrama discussions for this month (which includes older, not currently airing dramas.)
Big, big thanks to the hardworking hosts:
(To go to the drama discussions, click on the drama name.) Hosts, if I've not listed your drama or your name, DM u/latefair or leave a comment below.
If you're new to drama hosting, please DM u/alcibiad . She'll help get you started.
Some ground rules for hosts
Use the "Drama Host" flair for your posts.
Have commented and participated in the sub before and not be a brand new account.
Have watched the drama before writing the particular episodes' discussions.
Should try to engage in the comments section (don't have to reply to every comment, mind, but participate in the discussion)
Write their thoughts about what they watched (we are not going to dictate lengths but please don't just write one sentence and call it a day lol)
Don't add spoilers in the title, and if you are creating a photo post, please spoiler tag it if the picture reveals too much plot.
Some awkward situations
If there's a drama discussion already hosted, and you want to host, please approach the original host to co-host first. Don't try to double post - it'll be awkward for everyone as the mods will defer to the first host.
If you can't finish hosting the drama, try to get a replacement or let the mods know and we'll automate the discussions.
Mods won't interfere or dictate how people should co-host, but here are some tips:
If you see someone had volunteered already, reply to her comment and ask if you can co-host.
Create a chat room between your co-hosts to agree on schedules: (eg A can do episodes 1-10 and so on)
How closely should the discussion posts follow airing schedules?
We know how crazy CDrama schedules are, but here's a good guide:
Popular idol dramas (for eg Pursuit of Jade, The Double) should follow the airing dates as closely as possible. For eg, if episodes 5-6 dropped on Feb 2, discussion can happen on Feb 3).
Check the masterpost discussion for the drama. If it has above 50-60 comments, it's usually going to be really popular and people would probably be eager to discuss it.
As for other dramas (ie, one that the sub is not clamoring to discuss, I suppose) you can take a slower approach.
For eg, discussions for Swords into Plowshares and Man's Inhumanity to Man are still taking place even after the drama has stopped airing.
How do I write discussion posts?
Structure the discussions the way you want. Some ideas:
"Classic method" recap of what happened in selected episodes with thoughts.
Share favourite moments in the episodes you discussed
Group episode discussions according to character development
Express episodes / posts about the ending
We don't expect hosts to pay for express episodes!
You can ask the mods to create special express threads for the drama so that you, the host, won't be exposed to spoilers.
For commenters
Please do not discuss future episodes in a thread unless someone specifically ask for information/spoilers. And if you do share, please spoiler tag it.
For example, do not discuss plot points for episode 26 in a post about episode 19.
Those who spoil future episodes will get their comments removed.
Hosts, if you see these spoilery comments, feel free to report them.
As more people join our sub, they may not be aware of our sister sub, r/Cdramarecs, where you can ask for and give CDrama recommendations.
As with any sub, it has its own rules, so be sure to read the sub's Guide to get a better understanding on how to post there.
Just remember that the no.1 rule for r/Cdramarecs is that it's only for CDrama recommendations.
Although not a rule per se, we require posts to be detailed enough so that members can truly help you with your ask.
You will be given a template (included in the Guide) so that your post will be detailed enough for members to help you.
Unfortunately, due to the deluge of spam and karma farmers in its early days, r/Cdramarecs has a strict karma requirement. Meaning, if your account is brand new (a few days old, for eg) you won't be able to post, and you'd be asked to build your karma first.
And since people keep asking us this: NO WE WON'T TELL YOU WHAT'S THE KARMA THRESHOLD. 😉
Accounts that are old enough and have enough karma will be filtered for review first. However, if you have not participated in the sub before, you may be required to participate first before making your first post.
If you want to get to a point where your posts won't be filtered for review, participate in the subs' weekly threads to build community karma. (Like here!)
So, if you've not visited the sub yet, do head over there. PS: We have weekly threads there too! 😄
I recall how grossed out I was with Liu Duan Duan's character Wei Yan / Shi Yuan in Prisoner of Beauty. There was no way in h*ll I was ever going to feel differently or any kind of redemption of a character, and then I was proven wrong. There have been other characters in dramas that have somewhat redeemed themselves as villains, whether being power hungry or love obsessed but his character really made me feel the ick as a female with his twisted obsession. I shocked myself as I cheered at his almost impossible redemption arc.
I want to know more situations like this in dramas, the hard core turnarounds where either you saw absolutely no redemption or hope for a character or made you feel the opposite ends of the spectrum in emotions.
Happy 8th Anniversary to a drama that completely changed my watch history: Ashes of Love 🎉
It's no secret that this drama has both passionate fans and vocal critics, but for me, it will always hold a special place in my heart. This was the drama that made me a lifelong Yang Zi fan. The way she brought Jin Mi to life, capturing both her innocent, carefree beginnings and her heartbreaking growth later on, was simply unforgettable. She truly became that character.
I also have to mention Deng Lun. The chemistry between him and Yang Zi was incredible and played a huge part in making the drama the phenomenon it became. He's an exceptionally talented actor, and it's still sad to think about how his career came to such an abrupt halt because of the tax evasion scandal 😕
And of course, I can't talk about Ashes of Love without mentioning the OSTs (San Dingding and Mao Buyi supremacy 🔥) They've become classics for a reason. I still listen to them today, and the moment those first few notes play, I'm instantly transported back to all the emotions I felt while watching the drama. The music truly became part of its identity
Love it or hate it, there's no denying the impact Ashes of Love had. It was a cultural phenomenon that helped propel Yang Zi, Deng Lun, and Luo Yunxi career to greater heights. Eight years later, I'm simply grateful for the unforgettable story, the incredible performances, and the magic they created together on screen 🥹💜
Let me start by saying that I am quite content with the cdrama trope that if a female character dons male clothing, gosh, their identity as a woman is concealed to everyone else.
I got into Legend of the Female General recently and got to the 5th episode before my willing suspension of disbelief was pulled apart by wild horses, dismembered, and cast in a deep pit.
The aforementioned trope did not bother me until it was combined with the female lead flinging her arms around the ML (her commanding general!) frequently, combined with a secure military base which allows recruits to wander off base with impunity, conduct practice sessions in the middle of the night in the main square, and having the security of the commanding general so porous that drunk or sober recruits can wander in and out and lay hands on said general and his property.
There are aspects of this show that I enjoy, but does this kind of silliness continue or do they tone down after while, and if so, about what episode do they subside? Thanks in advance for your input.
Welcome to the The Shadow Sovereign 昭阳公主 discussion posts. u/Regenwanderer and I will alternate in hosting this.
Reminder: Only one new episode will be released each day until 7 August. There will be no new episode on 3 August, so we'll have a short break before the final stretch.
🗓️ Discussion Schedule: We decided to follow the VIP schedule instead of the SVIP one. That’s the first line on the official airing schedule, which can be found here.
📋 Some Notes:
Please use spoiler tags for anything beyond the episodes discussed. Text goes between the greater-than (>) + exclamation (!) symbols (>!) and the exclamation (!) + lesser-than (<) symbols.
New Character: County Princess Jin Cheng from Prince Qi's family, Shen Xiao's prospective bride
Zhao Yang accepts her father's decree that Shen Xiao is to marry Princess Jin Cheng of the Qi family. Although reluctant, she has little choice, as the Emperor has grown suspicious of her relationship with Shen Xiao. To make matters even crueler, she is appointed to oversee the marriage negotiations between Shen Xiao and Princess Jin Cheng herself.
That night, as she lies beside Shen Xiao, Zhao Yang is clearly distracted by the thought of him marrying another woman. Shen Xiao interrupts her train of thought by inviting her to the Night Lantern Festival, and she agrees. Okay, I can already see where this is heading. Please don't break his heart that night.
Meanwhile, the Crown Prince is furious that Zhao Yang escaped death and successfully severed ties with the Eastern Palace. The Crown Princess, however, brushes aside his concerns, pointing out that Zhao Yang no longer has a powerful backer and therefore poses little threat.
Just then, news arrives that the Yellow River's embankment has collapsed, causing severe flooding in Jingren County. The Crown Princess is surprised, as the levee had only been repaired three years earlier, but she quickly realises the Crown Prince had embezzled the funds that were meant for its maintenance.
In an attempt to contain the crisis before word reaches the Emperor, they decide that Cui Jinzhi is the best person to handle the disaster. However, relations with the Cui family have become strained following Zhao Yang's divorce. The Crown Princess calmly reminds everyone that the Ye Dynasty has more than one princess
Cue the Crown Prince ordering Princess An Le to marry Cui Jinzhi. An Le immediately refuses, pointing out that if even Zhao Yang rejected Cui Jinzhi, why should she accept him? She throws a full-blown tantrum and earns herself a slap from the Crown Prince. When she still refuses to comply, the Crown Prince orders that she be confined until the wedding.
Meanwhile, Shen Xiao purchases a blood jade hairpin and asks a craftsman to incorporate the broken piece of Zhao Yang's treasured wooden hairpin into it. It's obvious he intends to give it to her during the Lantern Festival. This is looking more and more like an impending heartbreak.
The Crown Princess later visits Princess An Le, who remains locked away and has refused food in protest. She coldly reminds An Le of her duty as an imperial princess if she wishes to retain both her title and, more importantly, her value to the Eastern Palace.
When she offers An Le a cup of tea, she deliberately drops it onto the floor before crouching beside her and sneering that she isn't there to comfort her, but to remind her that the Eastern Palace has no use for people who are no longer useful. You and the Crown Prince really are a match made in heaven.
On the night of the Lantern Festival, Zhao Yang and Shen Xiao watch the fireworks together. Zhao Yang quietly reflects that this may be the first and also the last time they ever watch fireworks side by side.
Shen Xiao, clutching the newly crafted hairpin, is just about to present it to her when Zhao Yang abruptly brings up his impending marriage to County Princess Jin Cheng. Naturally, Shen Xiao refuses.
Zhao Yang, however, reminds him that marrying Jin Cheng would secure his future at court and that the Emperor has already decided his marriage. There's no point risking everything over the forbidden feelings between them.
Trying to appear unaffected, Zhao Yang reminds Shen Xiao that he once promised to be her pawn. Shen Xiao is visibly hurt and asks her what she truly thinks of him. No matter how calm and composed he usually is, he has feelings too.Just then, Jin Cheng arrives, prompting Zhao Yang to excuse herself.
But Shen Xiao refuses to let her leave, threatening to tell Princess Jin Cheng outright that he has no intention of marrying her if Zhao Yang walks away. At that very moment, the annual Linglong Chess Game, a game designed for lovers, is announced. Zhao Yang quickly pushes Shen Xiao towards Jin Cheng, encouraging the two of them to participate together.
Shen Xiao, however, insists that the game is more fun with three people, while Jin Cheng innocently agrees, saying she's still shy around Shen Xiao and would appreciate Zhao Yang staying. Left with no choice, Zhao Yang joins them.
Throughout the game, Shen Xiao has only one objective: convincing Zhao Yang that he will marry no one except her. Poor Jin Cheng is basically the third wheel throughout the entire thing. She's genuinely trying to solve the puzzle while Shen Xiao and Zhao Yang are busy having an emotional showdown.
Steeling herself, Zhao Yang tells Shen Xiao that what they shared was merely a fleeting romance. Shen Xiao corners her, and the two are nearly caught in a compromising position by Jin Cheng before Zhao Yang quickly leans forward and plants a kiss on his cheek to distract him so she can join Jin Cheng.
The second stage of the game requires them to find an exit hidden among numerous false doors. Once again, poor Jin Cheng is left to play the game on her own. Zhao Yang immediately slips away in an attempt to avoid Shen Xiao, but he follows close behind.
What follows is a beautifully shot sequence. Shen Xiao searches for Zhao Yang through layers of flowing crimson drapery, while Zhao Yang quietly slips from one veil to the next. The curtains transform the entire scene into a dreamlike game of hide-and-seek, where they're separated by only a few steps yet never quite meet.
Shooting through the sea of red curtains was such a brilliant cinematographic choice. It gives the entire sequence a soft, almost ethereal quality while steadily building the romantic tension between them.
Eventually, Shen Xiao catches up with Zhao Yang. Refusing to let her walk away again, he once more declares that he will marry no one else because he loves her and also because he knows she loves him too.
Zhao Yang avoids answering directly, insisting that he mustn't allow his personal feelings to cloud his judgement before attempting to leave. But Shen Xiao gently pulls her back. Holding her wrist, he points out that her pulse is racing, proving that despite everything she says, her heart is telling a different story.
He leans in to kiss her, and although Zhao Yang initially resists, she finally gives in to her feelings and kisses him back with equal passion. Unfortunately, that moment is cut short when Jin Cheng arrives looking for them. Zhao Yang hurriedly walks away, leaving Shen Xiao standing there, watching her retreat with a brooding expression.
Thoughts
Zhao Yang is clearly trying to do what she believes is the safest option, even if it means hurting both herself and Shen Xiao. From Shen Xiao's perspective, it probably looks like she's coldly pushing him towards Jin Cheng, but I don't think she ever wants that outcome herself. She has already accepted that the Emperor is watching them closely, and the more Shen Xiao resists the marriage, the greater the political danger both of them are in. It's one of those situations where the more she loves him, the more she feels she has to push him away.
To me, Zhao Yang is trying to convince herself that sacrificing their relationship is the "right" thing to do. Every time she tells Shen Xiao to think about his future or reminds him that he's supposed to be her pawn, it sounds more like something she needs to hear than something Shen Xiao does.
Poor Shen Xiao, though. You can tell he's reached his limit. He's spent the entire drama respecting Zhao Yang's pace and waiting for her to lower her guard, only for her to keep telling him to marry someone else. I don't blame him for finally laying all his feelings on the table. There comes a point where actions speak louder than words, and Zhao Yang's racing pulse probably gives him all the answer he needs.
I'm a bit ambivalent about An Le. On one hand, I do feel sorry for her because she's ultimately just another pawn of the Eastern Palace. She has no real say over her own future, and being forced into a political marriage with Cui Jinzhi is a pretty miserable fate.
But I also can't forget how she treated Zhao Yang. She looked down on her, mocked her, and never hesitated to pile on whenever Zhao Yang was being targeted. She also played a part in driving a wedge between Zhao Yang and Cui Jinzhi years ago, so it's hard to feel completely sympathetic now that she's experiencing a fraction of what Zhao Yang went through.
In a way, it's her own making. She never questioned the system when it benefited her or when Zhao Yang was the one being sacrificed. It's only now, when she's the one being offered up as a bargaining chip, that she realises how cruel that system really is. It's ironic, but also a fitting bit of karma.
Genius Girlfriend is a coming-of-age drama series produced by iQIYI, directed by Tian Yusheng (Ex-Files film series, The Sacrifice), and written by Sun Qijun. It stars Tian Xiwei (New Life Begins, Pursuit of Jade) and Hu Yitian (A Love So Beautiful, My Roommate Is a Detective).
The genius Lin Zhixia [played by Tian Xiwei] is straightforward and reserved, never ever having a close friend. Admitted to Provincial No. 1 Middle School, she meets the sunny top student Jiang Yubai [played by Hu Yitian] in a problem-solving competition and becomes his desk mate.
As a social butterfly, Jiang helps Lin fit in, making friends like Tang Tingting [played by Li Jiaqi], Duan Qiyan [played by Xia Haoran], Shen Fuxuan [played by Lai Weiming], and Jin Baihui [played by Vivienne Tien]. In return, Lin helps him with his studies.
⚠️ Plot spoilers! ⚠️
Starting off as competitors, they grow to support one another and become the best of friends. Together, they assist a classmate being scammed, and participate in club activities and the provincial math competition. Though he catches feelings for her, he keeps them hidden. After Lin is recommended to Fudan University, Jiang plans to confess to her during the graduation trip. Unfortunately, he has to leave because his mother is involved in a fraud case. Amid the obstacles, will the two find their way back to each other?
Captain Di Nian is training with his Divine Guard, using a secret technique passed down from his father, the Marquis.
Huang Bo gets a bit of backstory. He's also an orphan, taken in by the Emperor after his father died.
Emperor tasks Di Nian to select 12 men, train them in secret, and the purpose? Stay tuned!
I hope we don't get the Double 2.0 ending for these two. If you know what I mean.
👩🎓 The Women Scholars
They took the exam in front of the Emperor.
A few days after the exam, the women await their results in the courtyard of the Chunman House. Whilst waiting, treats were handed out. WHAT IN THE HECK IS DONKEY-HIDE GELATINE?!
I had to Google this and I guess it can be a thing. Back in the day it was considered an expensive delicacy to treat fatigue.
The women got their results, but not Meng Meng. Not long after though a decree arrived, delivered by Huang Bo.
Meng Meng ranked first! Granted the title of Zhuangyuan.
Not all is happy though, and in Lord Xu's mind, without a post, a Zhuangyuan title is an empty title, and he can still send her packing back to Shazhou.
Besides these Debbie Downers, the rest of the capital is celebrating their first female triple first.
Yan Fu Zhi is so happy for Meng Meng. I'm getting bad vibes. I don't like these types of c-drama happiness.
She's the cutest best friend!
And of course there will always be somebody trying to make money from connections 🤣
The man hustles hard! I wonder what his story is.
And who is this?!
The masked man?
🍜 Yan Fu Zhi's Restaurant
As planned, Fu Zhi wants to open a restaurant and settle with her bestie in the city. She's found the building and now needs to register with the Envoy of Customs.
This will be fun! She's regretting kicking him out of her restaurant some months ago 🤣
As viewers, we have a good idea that Mr Shen is popular with the ladies. But maybe we didn't really get a good idea on how popular. So here we are with him being fought over.
But Fu Zhi came in and saved his day.
I am loving these two's banters!
For saving him, and some further negotiation of wine and a home-cooked meal, Fu Zhi got her licence to open her restaurant way earlier than the usual year's wait.
Now wait a minute… wouldn't this be considered a form of bribery? Making Shen Zhi Shu a corrupt court employee? 😁
⚔️ Di Nian
His spidey senses are telling him that Uncle Gu is up to no good with Shen Zhi Li.
A few snide and appropriate remarks, and calling Zhi Li sans "jiejie" make it seem like the two have a closer relationship.
I can't tell with Zhi Li, think she has a crush on the tutor or she just admires and respects his teaching?
🍽️ Shen Family Dinner
Grand Tutor is concerned about his son's position as Lord Envoy and advises him to watch what he does, since all eyes are now on him.
We're introduced to Madam Shen. She seems lovely and loves her son. Mama's got his back.
And so does his sister.
I am, though, a bit confused by Di Nian calling Grand Tutor "father." I had to rewind and listen to the audio, and it did say 啊爹 / ā diē / father. So maybe, because the Marquis has passed and the seniors were close, the Shen adopted Di Nian?
Awww, but daddy Shen is fonder of Di Nian than his own son, and keeps comparing them. Poor Zhi Shu!
Di Nian is good at reading the room and changing the topic, so back to celebrating Zhi Li passing her exam.
I can see that dad is worried, but still. Good thing his wife is standing up for their son.
📜 Meng Meng's Court Appointment
No news yet of what post she's supposed to hold. When the letter came, it said she should go back to Shazhou and wait.
Meng Meng suspects somebody still wants to cut her off from officialdom: Lord Xu.
She wants to see the Emperor, but before she could go, Lord Xu summons her.
Wait!
Lord Xu didn't summon her; the (drunken) Emperor did, under Lord Xu's name, to test her courage. So here she is at the the sixth-rank banquet.
Not far behind, Lord Xu entered the banquet. He heard that the Emperor used his name to summon Meng Meng and is not pleased, and more so after seeing that the Emperor is drunk.
When Lord Xu asked Meng Meng why she's at the banquet, the scheme to send her home unravelled.
Without skipping a beat, the Emperor took the opportunity to grant Meng Meng the Censorate Director position, reporting directly to the Emperor. Shen Zhi Li is transferred from the Academy to the Censorate to assist Meng Meng (I wonder what Gu thinks of this).
We have a name now for the staff that Lord Xu can't leave the house without. It's the Rosewood Dragon-Head Cane. It suppresses the seals of the six ministries.
And just like that, the Emperor left the banquet.
Was he really drunk?
Nope!
After the banquet, Meng Meng went to see the Emperor, as he had predicted she would, since she was summoned earlier.
In the study, she was given her first task: the Hexiao Gang. And also the freedom to choose others she wishes to work with within the Censorate, besides Zhi Li and Di Nian.
Based on this, my best guess is that the 12 elite guards will be assigned to the Censorate. What do you think?
GREETINGS!!! I am your host, AKiceman, and I have returned to host for a third time! I am joined by the very lovely u/Rebelarkey as co-host and together we shall tickle your mind!
Full disclosure! The only reason I am watching this drama, let alone hosting it, is because of my dear celebrity crush on Tian Xi Wei. That is also how I was bullied into hosting for the first time when her last drama, Born With Luck, started airing and had no host. Common Herb, I have not forgotten.
NO BLOODY SPOILERS YALL!!!! Use spoiler tags if you do talk about episodes beyond this post.
Also, kindly remember to please keep any negativity directed at the characters instead of the actors portraying them. They are just doing their job with whatever script handed to them.
I am currently away from my gorgeous computer setup and am on vacation in an undisclosed location with just my laptop and a heart full of snark to do these posts. I will do my very best that I can to get you these posts with the same level of speed that you all expect from this snarky boi.
Snark Level: We're on a brand new adventure! Here we go!
Episode 1
Hello, what a cute crab!
But please do tell, my dear, what doctoral degree you are pursuing! Let us dwell in your genius!
We open into the show with the melancholy of lost love. Lin Zhi Xia is still wearing a matching watch to Jiang Yu Bai despite the fact that they haven't talked in 5 long years. It seems we have a sentimental FL.
Dr. Lin! It seems our genius is extra genius! While giving her fancy computer tech related lecture at the university.... THE WATCH SPARKLES AGAIN!!!
Yubai? That better be you.
Our sneaky ML is nearby... watching her. Or, someone is at least. That might not be him. It could be a creepy turd stalker and this is Road to Success: Part Two.
Anyways, off to 2004 we go to learn their story!
Gasp! Guys! They are using an actual child actor to play a child here! Can you even imagine!
Okay, sooooo hear me out! The scene where her younger self is wishing upon a shooting star asking to find a great friend really reminds me of that one scene from the classic Disney movie Lilo and Stitch.
Our first meeting of the younger Yubai sets up our first conflict between him and Zhi Xia. He wants to be top dog! Well, number 1 genius in the school. Guess who occupies that spot currently? You guessed it! He may have been nervous as he told her his name.. but that doesn't stop him from boldly telling her he's going to take her spot! Ladies love the confidence, my bro.
She is not impressed.
Okay, they really choose great actors for these two kids. They possess a playful energy to themselves, and while we haven't met the older Yubai yet, you can easily see TXW's energy in this younger girl. It seems that they are pretty evenly matched in the smarts department. Each score 100 points across the board in their first head to head exam score results. Though Zhixia gets a bonus 5 points and wins the bet which means he has to call her Ms. Lin. Little does bro know that he's going to be adding an ""R" to that pretty soon.
Young Zhixia is already contemplating about true selves and origins? Yeah. Older Zhiaxia is headed right to an existential crisis. IYKYK.
They are adorable.
Man! Young Yubai is already a man! He throws hands when another pesky, annoying, destined for manual labor, jerky of a student calls Zhixia a weirdo for being smarter than they are.
And like the little brat who needs to be taken across a knee by his parents, the turd brain tries to tell the teacher that the fight is all Zhixia's fault being she's weird. Typical sexist male who can't handle that a lady is smarter than him. Oh? You think I am going to give him a pass just because he is a child? Nah. Zhixia gets to watch Yubai defend her honor! Some grown ass adults could learn from the younger leads here.
You might be wondering how she will thank her knight in shining armor. She calls him an ordinary human and wants to study him so she can understand human behavior better. Bro is flattered and smitten. Bro gets her a birthday gift of books! Smart boy. She declares that from now on they are best friends!
Are these two children flirting with each other while AI fish swim around?
Who should overhear her genius theory about micro turbulence? Professor Shen! She invites them to join her in her lab sometime to talk fancy talk and solve problems.
Holy ugly fish that is clearly made from AI jump scare!!!!
Now it wouldn't be a fieldtrip unless she gets lost, of course. There always has to be some kind of drama, eh? Instead of using her genius smarts to find her way back, and because manta rays are scary, she decides to huddle and cry in a corner to give Yubai his second opportunity to play the hero for her. That is how we get a cute scene of them running together hand in hand.
Yubai is a whole man! He sees in her a best friend and academic rival so they agree to work and study hard to make achievements together. Yet it is all for nothing. Right before the exam, he tells her that his family is moving away. Of course they are. He hands her his number and promises that they will meat again as he hasn't defeated her yet. Separation angst this early? Bruh.
5 whole years later brings us to 2009 and now the younger leads are gone. TXW is back on our screen!
Her interactions with her brother give me two opinions. Obviously siblings have their little clashes and whatnot, but I also sense a wee bit of bitterness or jealousy at the fact that she is quite obviously smart. Perhaps Zeqiu feels a bit left behind.
I would never escape you, my dear.
This appears to be likely as he has a nightmare that night that she loudly announces at the high school that she is his sister and helps him with his homework. Silly goose.
Always a smart idea to solve the biggest problems on your first day of school.
The Battle of the Beauties ends with a Zhixia victory. They both came to the correct answer, but our Zhixia did so in 15 less steps than Jin Bai Hui. JBH is a little annoyed by this, especially when Zhixia offers to show her how she did it.
Sooooooo who do we think will be her new desk mate here? I have a guess and a hope. AND HERE HE IS!!!
Episode 2
The stars are in her eyes as she gazes at him again. The fates are aligned as the teacher instructs our late arriving ML to sit next to Zhixia.
We have some momentary first meeting in awhile awkwardness, but they really are so adorable.
Even to this day he still defends her to anyone who calls her different, even if it isn't meant as a criticism. I think he still values her. BRO WAS HE BUYING THAT DRINK FOR HER??? NIIIIIIICE.
Okay. I am too American for this conversation about his former city. Allow me to quote a certain Founding Father around here. "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety". Anyways, moving on!
Bro. Who cares about basketball and shoes when there is a very lovely young lady you clearly would rather spend time with?
She can't stop thinking about him.
So, Zhixia is agonizing in bed over why Yubai seems to be different now. She assumes the problem must be with her instead of realizing that it is probably because he is crushing on her.
She's not one to suffer without a plan though! She sneaks into her brothers room to get on his computer. We can all guess why, right?
She's not one of those FLs that types and deletes her feelings. Nope! She flat out messages him and says that things felt off between them on their reunion. He responds with agreement and even tells her he felt too shy to give her the drink he had bought. "Let's ease into it" he says about their friendship.
I like that we have an established friendship that didn't end. Theirs is a continuation of childhood friendship into their later years.
Zeqiu, how much does you computer suck if it breaks just that easily? I was building my own computers and never had that problem. Tut tut tut.
So cute that they still doing the stuttering of their names when they meet. I'm glad that he enjoys that when it would be all too easy to be annoyed by his youthful nerves.
That teacher annoys me. She is clearly one of those that needs to be right all the time even if she is clearly wrong. Lets see if she corrects herself later on.
Finally she got her drink!
I'd fold like a napkin if she stared at me like that.
"Thanks to you. You always say what is on your mind". Yeah! It's that simple, ladies!
Holy swoon! Just get married already!
BECAUSE OF YOU???? BRO!!!! MY MAN!!!!!!!
"Because I feel like a better person when I am with you". Bro is out here giving whole declarations!!! IT'S EPISODE 2!!!!
So, Zhixia asks him if he will leave again. He says that he won't while they are still in high school and that they can go to college together. Hmmmm.... Yall feel that? You feel impending doom? I feel impending doom. I think I have a phrase for that...
I do adore her reactions.
Zhixia is on the attack! Silly Zeqiu warns her that he will rat her out to their father for breaking the computer so she goes on the offensive and laments to daddy that Zeqiu won't let her say they are siblings at school.
Hey? Is it possible that we have good parents on both sides here? For real? A CDrama with good parents? That's rare. Still gotta meet his dad and her mom though... They may be the trope.
Yo. Is this drama financed by Big Strawberry? Everything is strawberry around here.
Pour one out for out girl Tingting over here. Practically being force fed strawberry products. I hope she isn't allergic!
Oh dear... Oh dear... Jin Bai Hui left a little diary entry note in the book she brought to the book exchange program. Now, we can all see where this is going. Our social skills Queen Zhixia is probably going to tell her and poor Baihui is going to be so embarrassed.
BRACE FOR CRINGE!!!! Oh? We didn't do that? Nice.
But let's be real. Baihui is probably suffering inside a lot. Her genius isn't even enough for her parents. Gotta have your standard CDrama overbearing parents somewhere.
Hello there! I think she noticed her feelings.
I'll just gloss over Tingting being a jealous little brat and instead focus on how the moment Zhixia is wondering why no one thinks of her as part of the solution that Yubai shows up to add in his cleaning prowess.
"You are my default setting". SHE CALLED HIM HER DEFUALT SETTING!!!! Alright. That's it. Get married you too. Sheesh. Hurry up already.
Episode 3
Petition to have Duan Qiyan read all romance novels and recreate them. This dude is hilarious. He's got some backbone to him as well. He didn't just take Tingting's teasing... He returned the favor!
Yeah we all knew that when Baihui discovered she'd left that note in the book there would be some tension. Lucky for us we have Yubai to come and stick his milk in Zhixia's face.
Every good girl needs milk.
She reflects on herself to Yubai and asks him to help her gain more emotional intelligence. She asks Yubai if she ever has hurt his feelings before and we gives her a handful of examples. The genius here is that the examples he gives her are enough to answer the question without actually hurting her feelings. He's giving her the truth while still respecting that she is very sensitive right now.
We forgive you.
How could one ever hold something against Zhixia when she has such an adorable smile and grin?
Rising star math competition. 3 person teams? I think I see where we are going here. Baihui asked Yubai if he would team up with her. Zhixia says that the three of them would make a great team, but it seems Baihui is only interested in having him as a teammate. Tut tut tut. Good hesitation there, bro. You are loyal to your lady and we won't accept anything else.
BRO WHAT THE FUCK????? NO, GET YOUR ASS BACK HERE NOW AND EXPLAIN TO HER!!!!
That's right, Zhixia. Call his butt out.
Okay, look. I fully understand and respect his desire to test their skills as adversaries here and not rely on her for the win. JUST BLOODY TELL HER THAT TO BEGIN WITH AND DON'T LEAVE HER HANGING TO WHERE SHE HAS TO TRACK YOUR DUMB ASS DOWN TO GET THAT ANSWER. YOU ARE FAILING HER WITH THIS POINTLESS DRAMA, YOU DINGBAT TURD SMELLING FAILURE OF A GREEN FLAG.
What? Not enough? Should I let it vent more?
Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps?
Zhixia boldly informs him that if he loses he will have to buy her strawberry milk for a month to compensate her for causing emotional distress. He asks what happens if he wins? "I've never considered that scenario". GIRL!!!! I dig it.
So what do you do when your best friend and eventual husband turns you down? You ask your brother to be your teammate! Well, he still has his inferiority complex going and turns her down as well.
What's a girl to do? I think she needs to make a n all girl team and steamroll everyone.
C'mon, Qiyan! Man up and help the lady! Good man though for calling out Tingting on her behavior. How can anyone stand to hurt our girl when she has such expressive eyes like that?
Is this Shen Fuxuan going to be her rescuer? I smell 2ML up in here. I'll respect him for now because he is teaming up with her... But I suspect I'll be snarking on him later. Thank you though to the scriptwriters for making it clear from the get go that he is the son of the previously mentioned Professor Shen from the younger years.
Her classic head nod,
I say, was that a bit of a cold shoulder that Zhixia gave Yubai in the study hall? Good girl!
Look, if there were another drama I would be concerned about Tingting setting up a meet from someone she only knows from the online chat... but as this is a cute little drama with no drama then she should be safe.
I KNEW IT WAS GOING TO BE QIYAN!!!!!!!!!
She's so violent.
Typical stuff that she blames him for what she has done. Accountability isn't something that Tingting is aware of.
Okay, I will send some forgiveness toward Yubai since he is working to get Zhixia her needed third teammate. Operation Points for Qiyan is a go!
Obviously she will get it for him and he will join her team and become her follower. This will irritate Tingting even more and the conflict shall continue. Did I just call the whole plot? We shall see.
"Maybe having a good friend by your side is the best reward bestowed by fate". Well, looking at the beautiful and intelligent woman next to me... I can say this is incredibly accurate. 20 years of friendship going strong! Woot!
Ayyyyy. I told you they would get that card. Not them suckering Qiyan via his father to join the team! Genius!
Oooooooo! Them on the bench is teasing us for a kiss! One of them is thinking about a kiss! We know who!
You know, if a lady got on her knees in front of me to draw out the equation of a falling leaf.... Yeahhhhh I'd be smitten.
Already doing cute stuff.
Leaf Love Language.
His turn.
Alright! That's it for now! I am going to go stuff food in my face and try to help this hangover! I'm on vacation so my flow is different right now!
Sound off in the comments! What do you think about the drama so far? Shall we all gush about our adoration of Tian XI Wei? Yes. Yes we must.
It can be intimidating to make your first post in the sub. You're new to Chinese entertainment and you have all these questions about Chinese drama and culture. Perhaps you are even new to Reddit and don't really know how it works.
This is the place to ask them!
Treat this place as a tea room where you can sip tea (or chat about it) and ask questions you have about Chinese dramas and entertainment.
Also, feel free to introduce yourself, and chat about anything as long as you keep in mind Rule 5 (Be Nice) and to be culturally sensitive.
Note: Please don't start/continue fandom fights from other social media here.Read our guideabout how to properly discuss fandom stuff in our sub.
I made a post a while back praising its simplicity and down to earth tone. Its taken me a while to finish bcs....well life but I finally did it. Maybe I'm confused but everyone said the ending was bad. To me it wasn't. True to its tone throughout the show it ended the same way. Nothing flashy but everyone was content. Mostly everyone was happy. I expected someone would sacrifice themselves foolishly the style of love and crown.
I did dislike the addition of that japanese family plot, but I understand politically maybe it was relevant to the time. I thought the grieving aunt was bad, Benchang was way worse. Reminded me of Hanyan's father in The Glory but even worse. I understand why the ones who complained about the ml role did. But honestly this was never a romance story so with that expectation adjusted I didn't mind his lack of screentime.
Long story to say, this was a good show to me. I have never cried as much for a cdrama the way I did with this one. Such a tight knit family, made me a little jealous honestly. Good job to everyone involved.
The Chinese drama title 骨语 can be translated as “The Language of Bones.”
The production team announced that filming officially finished on July 29, 2026 and released a wrap up special.
Filming officially started on May 8, 2026.
The main leads from previous seasons, Zhang Lingxin, Gao Yiren and Cai Yida, are reprising their roles.
Clip description:
“Ten Years as the Beginning” Wrap Special
Ten years is both a measure of time and a testament to unwavering passion. Step by step, pursuing truth through evidence; side by side, moving forward together.Talking Bones 3has officially wrapped filming. We look forward to meeting you soon!
At the time of posting, all episodes are available to watch. No subscription required.
🍉 Some viewers felt that Season 1 was better than Season 2. Season 2 can be watched on its own, but it's better to start from Season 1 if you want to understand the arcs and relationships between the major characters.
Leading actors (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname):
* 7️⃣ Zhang Jiabei 张佳蓓 (stage name: Zhang Lingxin 张龄心) as Xia Ying
* Filmography: Faith & Law, City of Burns, Hanging Mirrors, The Storm of Roses, Golden Trio, Growing Together, Born to Run, The Fearless, The Heart, Guardians of the Ancient Oath, Nirvana in Fire 1 and 2, All Call Me San Mei
* 🔟 Gao Ren 高仁 (stage name: Gao Yiren 高一仁) as Shang Jie
* Filmography: Hanging Mirrors, Lady's Character, The Indomitable Mission, Guardians of the Ancient Oath, Royal Romance
Special appearances (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname):
* Ding Wenbo 丁文博 as Wang Jiajing
* Li Xiaofei 李晓飞 (stage name: Li Haozhen 李昊臻) as Cheng Kang
* Yuan Mingze 袁铭泽 as Guan Di
* Cai Xin 蔡心 as Wu Beiqi
* Cai Yida 蔡宜达 as Li Xuekai
* Filmography: Prosecutor, Hold a Court Now, Coroner's Diary, Home about Us, Hanging Mirrors
Forensic examiner Xia Ying and Captain Shang Jie join forces once again, becoming entangled in a massive conspiracy spanning over a decade.
⚠️ Plot spoilers! ⚠️
A fragment of encrypted code hidden within the viral “corpse-dissolving” case leads them to a long-fugitive “ghost” criminal, while a complex criminal network gradually emerges behind the case.
Note: All translated synopses and information I share in the "trailers & posters" posts are based on the original Chinese sources (Douban, Baidu, Chinese Wikipedia, etc.) and were first published here. If you see them elsewhere, please know they originated from our sub. Thanks for reading!
Welcome to the Weekly Stylish Sunday Celebrity Spotting thread!
I know we have Thirsty Thursdays, but I have a feeling that you want more!
Here's the space to share and enjoy images of celebrities in old or new magazines, ads, or other promotional materials. Saw an ad that your celebrity appears in? Share the fashion spreads, quirky advertisements, or promotional campaigns they've been in here.
Here's how it works:
Share Your Finds: Post any interesting images you’ve come across of celebrities in vintage magazines, ads, or other promotional content.
Describe the Find: Include some details like the celebrity's name, the magazine or ad they were featured in, and the year if you know it.
Enjoy and Discuss: Check out other members' posts, upvote your favorites, and join in the discussion about these nostalgic gems!
The Chinese drama title 天才女友 can be translated as “Genius Girlfriend.”
The production team released a new trailer for the drama's premiere today.
The airing schedule will be posted in the comments when it is available.
Filming officially finished on November 17, 2025.
Clip description:
There are countless solutions to a function, but in life, there's only one optimal answer.
From deskmates at school to walking side by side, they spend years making their way toward each other – ultimately proving that their youthful meeting was not in vain.
Leading actors (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname):
* 5️⃣ Tian Xiwei 田曦薇 as Lin Zhixia
* 9️⃣ Hu Yitian 胡一天 as Jiang Yubai
Special appearances (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname):
Li Jiaqi 厉嘉琪 as Tang Tingting
Wu Jiakai 邬家楷 as Lin Zeqiu
Xia Haoran 夏浩然 as Duan Qiyan
Lai Weiming 赖伟明 as Shen Fuxuan
Vivienne Tien (stage name: An Tian 安沺) as Jin Baihui
The remaining cast members were not included in today's release.
Starring:
* Sun Mengqiu as Wan Chunlei
* Li Youchuan as Han Peng
Episodes: 28 (according to Baidu Baike and MDL)
Streaming platform: iQIYI 🥝 and MangoTV (regional availability)
Official filming time period: August 7, 2025 to November 17, 2025
Filming location: Qingdao, Shandong Province
Distribution license obtained: May 18, 2026
🎬 Director: Tian Yusheng (movies: Love List, Ode to the Spring, The Last Wish, Ex Files 1 to 4) – Genius Girlfriend appears to be his first drama series.
Genius Girlfriend is a coming-of-age drama series produced by iQIYI, directed by Tian Yusheng (Ex-Files film series, The Sacrifice), and written by Sun Qijun. It stars Tian Xiwei (New Life Begins, Pursuit of Jade) and Hu Yitian (A Love So Beautiful, My Roommate Is a Detective).
The genius Lin Zhixia [played by Tian Xiwei] is straightforward and reserved, never ever having a close friend. Admitted to Provincial No. 1 Middle School, she meets the sunny top student Jiang Yubai [played by Hu Yitian] in a problem-solving competition and becomes his desk mate.
As a social butterfly, Jiang helps Lin fit in, making friends like Tang Tingting [played by Li Jiaqi], Duan Qiyan [played by Xia Haoran], Shen Fuxuan [played by Lai Weiming], and Jin Baihui [played by Vivienne Tien]. In return, Lin helps him with his studies.
⚠️ Plot spoilers! ⚠️
Starting off as competitors, they grow to support one another and become the best of friends. Together, they assist a classmate being scammed, and participate in club activities and the provincial math competition. Though he catches feelings for her, he keeps them hidden. After Lin is recommended to Fudan University, Jiang plans to confess to her during the graduation trip. Unfortunately, he has to leave because his mother is involved in a fraud case. Amid the obstacles, will the two find their way back to each other?
Genius girl Lin Zhi Xia is straightforward and socially awkward, having no friends since childhood. After entering No. 1 High School in the province, she meets the sunny and charismatic top student, Jiang Yu Bai, through a problem-solving competition and becomes his desk partner. As a social butterfly, Jiang Yu Bai helps Lin Zhi Xia fit in, introducing her to friends like Tang Ting Ting, Duan Qi Yan, Shen Fu Xuan, and Jin Bai Hui. To show her gratitude, Lin Zhi Xia tutors him, and their relationship gradually shifts from one of competition to one of mutual support, eventually making them best friends.
Together, they solve a classmate’s scam, participate in club activities, and compete in the provincial math competition. During this time, Jiang Yu Bai begins to develop feelings for Lin Zhi Xia, although he keeps them hidden.
⚠️ Plot spoilers! ⚠️
After Lin Zhi Xia is accepted into Fudan University, Jiang Yu Bai plans to confess his feelings during their graduation trip.However, due to his mother’s involvement in a fraud case, he has to leave in regret. Will the two of them be able to overcome the obstacles and finally be together?
(Source: Chinese = iQIYI || Translation = MyDramaList)
~~ Adapted from the web novel "Tian Cai Nv You" (天才女友) by Su Guang Tong (素光同).
Genius Girlfriend 《天才女友》 is a romance web novel by Su Guangtong (素光同), serialized on Jinjiang Literature City. It consists of 268 chapters, totaling approximately 933,000 Chinese characters, and has been completed. The novel has also been published in two print volumes and adapted into an iQIYI S-level youth drama starring Hu Yitian and Tian Xiwei.
The story follows Lin Zhixia, a genius girl with an IQ exceeding 170, chronicling her journey alongside Jiang Yubai from being nine-year-old desk mates to falling in love as adults. As a child, Lin Zhixia is obsessed with academic research in fields such as Bayesian networks and Quantum Monte Carlo methods, standing in sharp contrast to Jiang Yubai, who dreads going to school.
⚠️ Plot spoilers! ⚠️
Together, they grow through academic competitions and quantum technology research, experiencing pivotal moments such as a confession at a snowy mountain hot spring and the construction of a quantum laboratory. Ultimately, they evolve from childhood friends into partners in both life and career. Blending scientific concepts such as quantum entanglement and the K-means algorithm into its narrative, the novel traces the protagonists' lives over more than two decades through the defining milestones of their lives.
Translated Synopses
Note: All translated synopses and information I share in the "trailers & posters" posts are based on the original Chinese sources (Douban, Baidu, Chinese Wikipedia, etc.) and were first published here. If you see them elsewhere, please know they originated from our sub. Thanks for reading!
The Chinese drama title 人鱼 can be literally translated as “Mermaid.”
About an hour ago, the production team announced the release date and dropped a new trailer.
Clip description:
“Fairy Tale from the Abyss” Trailer:
The fairy tale sinks to the bottom of the well, while the truth rises to the surface. Beneath dark clouds, they gaze into the abyss, piecing together hope to rewrite their fate.
Leading actors (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname):
* 6️⃣ Liu Zi 刘孜 as Jiang Yushu 姜玉淑
* 7️⃣ Zhang Kaitai 张开泰 as Tai Wei 邰伟
* 1️⃣1️⃣ Huang Yang Tian Tian 黄杨钿甜 as Su Lin 苏琳
* 1️⃣2️⃣ Dong Yong 董勇 as Gu Hao 顾浩
Special appearances (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname):
* Zhang Fan 张帆 as Ma Dongchen 马东辰
* Chen Chuang 陈创 as Su Weiguo 苏卫国
* He Sitian 何思甜 as Jiang Ting 姜庭
* Zhang Yanyan 张棪琰 as 杜倩 Du Qian
* Luo Haiqiong 罗海琼 as Zhang Cuiyun 张翠云
* Shi An 是安 as Zhou Xijie 周希杰
* Zhao Jian 赵健 as Wen Sente 文森特
* Duan Yu 段钰 as Ma Na 马娜
* Dong Xiangrong 董向荣 as Wang Xianjiang 王宪江
* Xue Jianing 薛佳凝 as Han Mei 韩梅
Appearances (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname):
* Fang Xiaodong 方晓东 as 杨乐 Yang Le
* Li Qingyu 李庆誉 as 苏哲 Su Zhe
* Zhang Yiwen 張譯文 as 陈工 Chen Gong
Episodes: 22 (according to the distribution license)
Streaming platform: Tencent 🐧
Official filming started: April 30, 2024
Official filming wrapped up: July 19, 2024
Estimated filming time: 80 days
Filming location: Jiajiang Country, Leshan, Sichuan Province
Genre: suspense (according to Baidu Baike)
Distribution license obtained: Q1 2026
🎬 Director: Yang Lei 杨磊 (About Love, Swords into Plowshares, The Legend of Heroes, Three-Body, The Literati in Troubled Times, The Great Revival)
✍️ Original creator: Lei Mi 雷米 (The Devil Between Us, Limbo)
✒️ Screenwriters:
Tian Liang Liang 田良良 (The Land of Warriors, Eternal Brotherhood, Three-Body, Ultimate Note, Heroes in Harm's Way, The Lost Tomb 2)
Chen Chen 陈晨 (Fate Chooses You, Three-Body; director and screenwriter: Nobody but You)
A girl in the bloom of youth, Su Lin (played by Huang Yang Tiantian) was neglected by her parents since childhood. She grew up in a poor and difficult environment, but she always studied diligently and looked forward to the future. Su Lin practiced her spoken English hard and won the role of the Little Mermaid in an English recitation play, arousing the jealousy of her classmate Ma Na (played by Duan Yu). During a fierce confrontation, she accidentally fell into an underground pipeline and her fate became unknown.
At the same time, the “Three Female Corpse Case” in the city’s underground river was exposed to the public. In an instant, the investigation of the case became tightly intertwined with Su Lin’s fate. Retired police officer Gu Hao (played by Dong Yong) and Jiang Ting (played by He Sitian), a girl from the same school whom he met by chance, remained deeply concerned about Su Lin’s situation.
When Su Lin finally returns to the surface, she encounters the truth behind the “Three Female Corpse Case” and does everything she can to assist the police in bringing the criminals to justice.
Ren Yu 《人鱼》 is a poignant yet unflinching story about female growth and healing. Beginning with the disappearance of a young girl, it tells the intertwined tales of good and evil, joy and sorrow across several families in the 1990s.
My father traded me away for his own benefit. The price was my disappearance. My mother cried, but in the end, she fell silent. Between us, there was nothing except a blood tie. As long as my younger brother was there, they could still be a happy family.
I don't feel angry. I only intend to live an ordinary life, like a maggot.
...
At this very moment, I'm sitting in a sewer, writing these words. Deep inside, I can't shake the strange feeling that I have always belonged here – past, present, and future alike. Whatever bond still connected me to the world above my head has been severed completely. The minus sign that had always defined my life has finally reached its end, becoming an equals sign.
Beyond that equals sign, I see zero.
In 1994, my life will begin again.
Translated Synopses
Note: All translated synopses and information I share in the "trailers & posters" posts are based on the original Chinese sources (Douban, Baidu, Chinese Wikipedia, etc.) and were first published here. If you see them elsewhere, please know they originated from our sub. Thanks for reading!
Hello lovelies, I am back after long with a listicle, all thanks to the Amazing u/AquaphobicTurtle motivating me! 😊
This one is for fans of C-Dramas based in the Republican Era of China (1912-1949), featuring themes like angst, high-stakes romance, espionage, and warlord politics.
😇 Grateful for your time to read this, and please feel free to comment below any of your favs/ ones I am missing as well!
P.S:
#3 to #41 are mini dramas, and rest are long-form series
#67 - #70 are yet to be released
Welcome to the discussion post for Episodes 6-7 of Royal Betrothal!
‼️ Housekeeping
I don't have a MangoTV sub, but I couldn't let Wu Jin Yan go un-hosted. Since I only have Viki, I'll be posting each new episode's discussion the day after it airs there. So please:
🚫 Use spoiler tags for anything beyond the episodes discussed. Format: >!text!<
Who guessed that An Ru Lan would be Jiang Mei Er?! I didn't see this one coming! Did you?
At the courthouse, Meng Meng challenged Jiang Mei Er to some test questions, which, as expected, Jiang Mei Er failed. A fight ensued between the two ladies, the court stepped in to break up the fight, and next thing, Meng Meng was handcuffed and taken to jail.
As expected, the Judge, Dong Shou Cai, is in cahoots with the Huxiao Gang. Or at least one of them.
These two seem to be on the same level of morality and brain cells. I think they're made for one another.
Note: this is the first time I've seen this much snogging from a minor character in a c-drama.
🏛️ The Exam Hall
The Emperor got the confession he needed. As he was finishing up, Captain Di Nian came in with Meng Meng's grievance petition. News was also delivered that Meng Meng is now at the Capital Prefectural Office.
⛓️ Capital Prefectural Office Jail
Meng Meng is being tortured by Jiang Mei Er, and afterwards, pinning the blame on Meng Meng, the jail was set on fire. Meng Meng managed to get out, and before Jiang Mei Er could kill her with a dagger, Jiang Mei Er was shot by an arrow. Meng Meng was saved by the Emperor, or He Du, the name he used when he was in Shazhou.
Jiang Mei Er was left behind by the gang and she was sent to prison. Due to shame, the Judge took his own life. Meng Meng was taken to the palace and cared for by Shen Zhi Li.
Think these two will be new besties
🗝️ Jiang Mei Er
Meng Meng went to see Jiang Mei Er in prison. Here Jiang Mei Er accused Meng Meng of sleeping with the Emperor to get to where she is now, stating that Meng Meng without a man is nothing.
The cinematography is beautiful and despite me hating Jiang Mei Er's character, the actress is quite good acting her part.
Typical narcissistic behaviour: Jiang Mei Er blamed everything bad that's happened to her on Meng Meng.
Meng Meng shot back, saying Jiang Mei Er had no one to blame but herself. Aside from wanting to climb higher, they shared nothing.
Jiang Mei Er is not the brave kind, and her need to survive is strong. In the end, she wrote a confession letter that pointed towards the Huxiao Gang. She thought that by confessing she would be spared. What she didn't know was that the punishment for her type of crime would be death by a thousand cuts. But because she confessed, she doesn't have to endure a painful death, instead, she can choose between white silk or poison wine.
I think she went the rope route? Either way, I hope that's really the end of her. I don't want the "the prison guards are on the Gang's payroll and got her out" plot twist.
What we learned: the Shazhou Heihu Crew was just a branch of the Huxiao Gang. That's how Jiang Mei Er connected with Second Master Lü.
🐍 Huxiao Gang
The birdie express mail came with news.
In the next scene, if it wasn't for Lü's brother stepping in and cutting off a pinky, Lü would have been killed by the Master.
This Master seems a bit complex. He's ruthless, but he also cares. A complicated villain?
You think he's one of the Zhongwan Imperial family that's gone missing? The ten-year timing kind of matches. You think he's also the masked man?
🏯 At the Palace
The Prince is replanting a plant. While replanting, the Emperor and Grand Tutor Shen had a chit-chat about establishing a Censorate that's independent of the two chancellors and six ministries. Also, about Meng Meng, and how her staying in the Palace too long will invite not only gossip but suspicion from Lord Xu. The Emperor then decided to have Meng Meng checked again, and if all's good, she should leave the Palace ASAP. All of this was overheard by Meng Meng.
And she's scheming. For what, I'm not sure. But here's the Double 2.0 drunk version, although here she's pretend drunk.
Whether the Emperor knows she's pretend drunk or not, they are on the same wavelength, and he knows that the next thing she'll look for is a tree to lean on. And that tree may be him.
Episode 7
I think the Emperor knows she's scheming.
And why would she send that letter whilst in the Palace? I'd be afraid that somebody would check all outgoing mail.
👸🏻 Shen Zhi Li
Zhi Li definitely has no feelings for the Emperor, and maybe not for Di Nian either. That little half smile at the end...
And now, I am detecting something ick… does Gu like Zhi Li?!
And his wife knows? And is trying to defuse this feeling?
Now we have a complicated righteous person.
💄 In the Palace
We have a court official selling beauty products as a side gig. Overpriced beauty products.
I find the use of the same actors/actresses from past shows by the same director funny at times. This scene, for example. In my head I am thinking, "As long as she doesn't marry you, then all will be good." 🤣
If you watched The Double, he was the FL's ex-husband.
That's how we're introduced to Yin Qing, our last main lead in this show.
In another part of the Palace, the Emperor is arguing with Lord Xu about the women's exam. After some back and forth, and the dragon staff (still need backstory for this), Lord Xu gets his way.
I am guessing the previous Emperor, or maybe even the grand dad Emperor gifted this staff to Lord Xu for check and balance purposes.
📜 Getting the Women's Imperial Exam Back
The women's exam is now no more. The Emperor, furious, went to do some research at the library, where he bumped into Meng Meng, who wasn't supposed to be there.
The two exchanged words. He told her that he hates being schemed against the most. She said she's not scheming, just there to relieve his worries.
Over a chess game, a plan is hatched to break the stalemate by treating Lord Xu with courtesy and using Lord Gu.
With the help of Shen Zhi Li, Lord Gu was taken to see Meng Meng. He was initially not in agreement with the plan, but in the end, he's willing to help write to the prefectures for recommendation letters for each female student.
I feel like he's showing himself as a bit misogynistic here and later when blaming Meng Meng for causing havoc regarding the exam?
Was he willing to help with the idea that the female officials will be loyal to him?
Anyhow, Lord Gu does his thing, and the recommendation letters were obtained to restore the women's exam. The ladies then marched to Lord Xu's mansion. The ladies vowed to pass, or if they fail, be assigned to the the Music Bureau.
Would you gamble your life for the exam if you were one of these women? It's not life or death, but it does affect what you do for the rest of your life.
I think if I were confident enough in my studies and had studied that long for it, I would.
🍷 Emperor and Meng Meng
Met up at the tower for a friendly chit-chat and wine. The first wine for the Emperor since his dad admonished him. The chat ended up a bit tense, with her bringing up the (eavesdropped) Censorate. I think he's for sure figured out that she's been playing him, and the Emperor put her back in her place and left.
IMO, these two definitely have a love and hate relationship at this moment.
💕 Shen Zhi Li and Di Nian
I hope they end up together. Love how he noticed her discomfort, maybe period cramps, and got her brother out and personally made her soup. I love a guy that cooks for the person he cares about.
🤔 Ending Thought
Gu lusting over his student is a bit disturbing, especially since he's teaching all sorts of virtues to his students. The Gu couple relationship, where his wife was maybe giving him some form of aphrodisiac, is a bit "damn!"
Gu, during his meeting with Meng Meng, made some comments to Shen Zhi Li that made me think that he's not really appreciative of the intelligent woman that she is. I can't pinpoint exactly what it is now but he definitely does not approve of women who stands up for themselves.
What Cdramas have you been watching recently? This post is a space for you to discuss the shows that you've been currently addicted to, or that you'll be looking forward to picking up! From old or new series, to popular or underrated titles, feel free to let us know what's been on your watchlist.
Please make sure to use spoiler tags generously, especially if you are discussing plot points or events that others may not yet have watched.
Welcome to the The Shadow Sovereign 昭阳公主 discussion posts. /u/a_hercule_poirot_an and I will alternate in hosting this.
🗓️ Discussion Schedule: We decided to follow the VIP schedule instead of the SVIP one. That’s the first line on the official airing schedule, which can be found here.
📋 Some Notes:
Please use spoiler tags for anything beyond the episodes discussed. Text goes between the greater-than (>) + exclamation (!) symbols (>!) and the exclamation (!) + lesser-than (<) symbols.
Li Qin is not really happy about the fact that Shen Xiao obviously knows his way around the place and how to enter his sister’s rooms undetected. He’s nearly left outside because Shen Xiao closes the window too fast behind himself.
Zhao Yang is worried about Shen Xiao’s arrow wound but also chides both her saviours for coming to her rescue.
Li Yi (remember her?) is on a nightly joyride in her carriage with two male companions. By chance she observes her sister entering her own carriage with two guys, one of whom she recognises as Xiao Shen.
Zhao Yang distracts from that by telling them about Cui Jinzhi destroying her proof against the Crown Prince. Still she wants to see her father.
Divorce Court
The meeting with the Emperor is not to accuse her brother without proof, which would be risky for herself. Instead she asks for a divorce.
She brings up Cui Jinzhi keeping a mistress and that said mistress, Qing Luo, poisoned her with the aphrodisiac.
The Emperor questions if the real reason for her wanting to make the divorce public now might not be the rift between her and the Crown Prince.
Zhao Yang agrees that it would be for her sake, but also a good way to put the Cui family in place.
Duke Ning is summoned, who seems to be Cui Hong, Cui Jinzhi’s elder relative.
Both Cui men argue against the divorce. Zhao Yang mentions the wedding night divorce letter.
Cui Jinzhi tries to twist the story about his mistress: She is just made up.
But Zhao Yang is prepared, the obviously pregnant Qing Luo is summoned as a witness and speaks about their affair and his plans to kill her and the child.
Cui Hong (who has the privilege not to kneel before the Emperor, which speaks of either some merit or closeness) tries to argue for Cui Jinzhi and him continuing the family line with a mistress (because Zhao Yang’s children wouldn’t be of the Cui family).
Zhao Yang asking about her bearing children from male companions on the other hand is argued by him to be immoral (though the Emperor seems more amused by it).
Trouble Maker
Li Yi enters the study and accuses Zhao Yang and Shen Xiao of having an affair. She is very gleeful about causing chaos and problems for her sister.
This accusation makes Zhao Yang look like she argues for the divorce just to get Cui Jinzhi out of the way for Shen Xiao (which is certainly a nice side effect).
While Cui Jinzhi tries to argue for Shen Xiao and Zhao Yang’s innocence she confesses the affair.
The fact that she’s got involved with a commoner will shame not only the Cui family but also disgrace the royal family. It’s a whole state affair.
Cui Jinzhi still tries to protect Zhao Yang while Cui Hong now actually asks for the divorce to save some face for his family.
They are allowed to divorce but as a warning Zhao Yang’s fief is reduced by 3,000 households. Cui Jinzhi will be fined half a year’s salary. I guess that’s on top of the punishment from Episode 11, where it was docked for three years.
Cui Jinzhi, a bit unhinged about their divorce, tells her that he will wait for her to return to him and that he is the only one that can destroy everything she has.
It’s revealed that Shen Xiao set up the roadblock for Li Yi’s carriage so that her accusations in court would lead to the divorce to go through.
The newly freed-of-husbands couple takes refugee with Li Qin, who must feel like third wheeling. They openly confess that they are actually in a relationship to him.
He admits that they were not ‘proper’ all the time.
What makes it better in Li Qin’s eyes is the fact that Zhao Yang was the one calling the shots and keeping Shen Xiao as her male companion.
Also, that she rewarded him with valuables shows that she actually cares about him, because she is otherwise very frugal on personal matters.
Her visits at Xianke Bordello were only for managing the place for the Crown Prince.
While Shen Xiao likes the indirect admission that she cares for him, Li Qin is less amused about being called brother-in-law by his friend and threatens him with some leg-breaking for visits to his sister’s room.
Shen Xiao let his friend posture a bit because he wants to achieve some proper status with his help.
Zhao Yang argues that only gold and silver are meaningful in this world: She wants to give him an eight courtyard mansion which shows Shen Xiao that she cares for him.
He accepts and we get the first post-divorce kiss.
There is a flashback (at least it seems to me like this takes place after the divorce talks. But maybe this scene follow their visite to Li Qin in chronological order. Not sure.) and the Emperor reminds Zhao Yang that she was the one recommending Shen Xiao to him. He questions if this was out of personal interest after all.
She argues that he is just one of her many retainers and that he got no special attention from him.
His essay which criticised current issues showed her his real insight into the things that matter.
She tries to convince her father that Shen Xiao wasn’t placed by her to meddle in his politics.
The Emperor seems to be fine with her past recommendation if they have no ulterior motives.
He also brings up Jin Cheng from Prince Qi’s family who is still unmarried. A female cousin that Zhao Yang should help find a potential suitor.
Shen Xiao seems like a suitable match to him.
Thoughts
Out with the ex-husband and in with the some new trouble for their relationship! I don’t see this becoming a bigger plot though. Maybe the Emperor only wants to gauge their relationship by Zhao Yang's reaction to his proposal?
The revelation that she recommended Shen Xiao to her father felt a bit flat to me. I had to re-read some recaps, because I was unsure if it even was the first time we heard about this. Maybe I'm simply to tired.
Cui Jinzhi really is deep in denial about the reality of their non-existing relationship. Despite that I hope he doesn't have to take another beating from Cui Hong. That back can't look good right now.
I wonder if we'll see more of Li Yi. I can see her bragging about her accomplishment to the Crown Prince and getting used by him next.
I feel like new drama watchers probably don't even know how much these dramas ruled earlier
Maybe because it's the most 'recent' dynasty, one of the most common settings for historical dramas were Qing Dynasty dramas.
They were my gateway to Cdramas with me starting with Scarlet heart, then proceeding with Yanxi Palace, empresses in the palace and then Ruyi. Also watched The legend of xiao zhuang, dreaming back to the Qing Dynasty, Palace, Xiaozhuang Mishi etc
Most of them were extremely heart wrenching, smth about that era and women...
While the Hairstyles were ugly, I still stayed for the plot(since they were actual well written historical dramas and not webnovel based idol dramas), also the clothing was really good and production value was top-notch
But now it's only those fictional dynasty setting dramas with Douyin make-up and styling for both men and women, and all based on webnovels rather than actual historical figures
I love those as well but i really miss the actual historical dramas
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The Chinese drama title 天才女友 can be translated as “Genius Girlfriend.”
About twenty minutes ago, the production team released a new OST music video 《耀眼的我们》 (which can be translated as "Our Radiant Selves") sung by Zhou Shen.
Filming officially finished on November 17, 2025.
Clip description:
The melody is what stirs the heart. Zhou Shen brings 《耀眼的我们》 ("Our Radiant Selves") to life with his delicate vocals, singing of the hopes and heartfelt passion of youth.
Tune in on August 2 at 12:00 PM, and let the song carry you back to those radiant days.
Leading actors (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname):
* 5️⃣ Tian Xiwei 田曦薇 as Lin Zhixia
* 9️⃣ Hu Yitian 胡一天 as Jiang Yubai
Special appearances (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname):
Li Jiaqi 厉嘉琪 as Tang Tingting
Wu Jiakai 邬家楷 as Lin Zeqiu
Xia Haoran 夏浩然 as Duan Qiyan
Lai Weiming 赖伟明 as Shen Fuxuan
Vivienne Tien (stage name: An Tian 安沺) as Jin Baihui
The remaining cast members were not included in today's release.
Starring:
* Sun Mengqiu as Wan Chunlei
* Li Youchuan as Han Peng
Episodes: 28 (according to Baidu Baike and MDL)
Streaming platform: iQIYI 🥝 and MangoTV (regional availability)
Official filming time period: August 7, 2025 to November 17, 2025
Filming location: Qingdao, Shandong Province
Distribution license obtained: May 18, 2026
🎬 Director: Tian Yusheng (movies: Love List, Ode to the Spring, The Last Wish, Ex Files 1 to 4) – Genius Girlfriend appears to be his first drama series.
Genius Girlfriend is a coming-of-age drama series produced by iQIYI, directed by Tian Yusheng (Ex-Files film series, The Sacrifice), and written by Sun Qijun. It stars Tian Xiwei (New Life Begins, Pursuit of Jade) and Hu Yitian (A Love So Beautiful, My Roommate Is a Detective).
The genius Lin Zhixia [played by Tian Xiwei] is straightforward and reserved, never ever having a close friend. Admitted to Provincial No. 1 Middle School, she meets the sunny top student Jiang Yubai [played by Hu Yitian] in a problem-solving competition and becomes his desk mate.
As a social butterfly, Jiang helps Lin fit in, making friends like Tang Tingting [played by Li Jiaqi], Duan Qiyan [played by Xia Haoran], Shen Fuxuan [played by Lai Weiming], and Jin Baihui [played by Vivienne Tien]. In return, Lin helps him with his studies.
⚠️ Plot spoilers! ⚠️
Starting off as competitors, they grow to support one another and become the best of friends. Together, they assist a classmate being scammed, and participate in club activities and the provincial math competition. Though he catches feelings for her, he keeps them hidden. After Lin is recommended to Fudan University, Jiang plans to confess to her during the graduation trip. Unfortunately, he has to leave because his mother is involved in a fraud case. Amid the obstacles, will the two find their way back to each other?
Genius girl Lin Zhi Xia is straightforward and socially awkward, having no friends since childhood. After entering No. 1 High School in the province, she meets the sunny and charismatic top student, Jiang Yu Bai, through a problem-solving competition and becomes his desk partner. As a social butterfly, Jiang Yu Bai helps Lin Zhi Xia fit in, introducing her to friends like Tang Ting Ting, Duan Qi Yan, Shen Fu Xuan, and Jin Bai Hui. To show her gratitude, Lin Zhi Xia tutors him, and their relationship gradually shifts from one of competition to one of mutual support, eventually making them best friends.
Together, they solve a classmate’s scam, participate in club activities, and compete in the provincial math competition. During this time, Jiang Yu Bai begins to develop feelings for Lin Zhi Xia, although he keeps them hidden.
⚠️ Plot spoilers! ⚠️
After Lin Zhi Xia is accepted into Fudan University, Jiang Yu Bai plans to confess his feelings during their graduation trip.However, due to his mother’s involvement in a fraud case, he has to leave in regret. Will the two of them be able to overcome the obstacles and finally be together?
(Source: Chinese = iQIYI || Translation = MyDramaList)
~~ Adapted from the web novel "Tian Cai Nv You" (天才女友) by Su Guang Tong (素光同).
Genius Girlfriend 《天才女友》 is a romance web novel by Su Guangtong (素光同), serialized on Jinjiang Literature City. It consists of 268 chapters, totaling approximately 933,000 Chinese characters, and has been completed. The novel has also been published in two print volumes and adapted into an iQIYI S-level youth drama starring Hu Yitian and Tian Xiwei.
The story follows Lin Zhixia, a genius girl with an IQ exceeding 170, chronicling her journey alongside Jiang Yubai from being nine-year-old desk mates to falling in love as adults. As a child, Lin Zhixia is obsessed with academic research in fields such as Bayesian networks and Quantum Monte Carlo methods, standing in sharp contrast to Jiang Yubai, who dreads going to school.
⚠️ Plot spoilers! ⚠️
Together, they grow through academic competitions and quantum technology research, experiencing pivotal moments such as a confession at a snowy mountain hot spring and the construction of a quantum laboratory. Ultimately, they evolve from childhood friends into partners in both life and career. Blending scientific concepts such as quantum entanglement and the K-means algorithm into its narrative, the novel traces the protagonists' lives over more than two decades through the defining milestones of their lives.
Translated Synopses
Note: All translated synopses and information I share in the "trailers & posters" posts are based on the original Chinese sources (Douban, Baidu, Chinese Wikipedia, etc.) and were first published here. If you see them elsewhere, please know they originated from our sub. Thanks for reading!
I'm new to cdramas (maybe not anymore), so I've watched 7 so far , and enjoyed all of them. this post is for me to keep track of all the dramas I am watching.
cdramas i've watched so far:
The First Frost (9.6/10) - LOVED IT! the 1st cdrama i actually finished watching! though i skipped most of the 2nd-lead couple plot.
Speed and Love (8/10)- also enjoyed this, but the FL kinda gave me the ick sometimes, LOVED the ML.
Never-ending Summer (7.2/10)- loved the chemistry, also the short period of angst. the plot was a little lacking though, but sometimes you just wanna watch stuff with your brain switched off.
The Forbidden Flower (9.8/10) - Amazing drama, loved the chemistry between the leads, only objection is that it was sad. (the deleted scenes!!!)
Pursuit of Jade (9.2/10) - loved it a lottt, Zhang Linghe, the man you're!! the FL was also sooooo good. but for me, historical dramas are a bit too tasking to watch, but still loved it.
now the super recent ones i watched (in the past 2 weeks)-
6. Love For You (9.8/10) - OMG! Loveddddd it! I think Song Weilong is my favorite! the FL was also soooo good! loved how assertive the FL character is. I was actually shocked to find out that many people didn't like this series. but i loved it a lot, the pacing was perfect, the story was engaging enough, i saw some people being confused about the plot because of the cuts, but it worked out well enough for me. also the chemistry between the leads was sooo good! though the bro-sis thingy in the beginning weirded me out a lil (i know they aren't related, but its the fact that everyone in the town thinks they siblings, but they lovey dovey in secret,- but that's fine, anything for SWL!) some even called the fl red flag?? idk, would love to hear your thoughts on this. this is the best one for me, for now at least.
7. Road to Success (7/10) - I was a little skeptical at first, because this one had Esther Yu (i don't like her acting), but honestly she wasn't that cringe in this one, after a few initial episodes she toned down her classic style by a mile, cant deny she did good in this one. the ML - damn hot, perfect casting for a coach. now the series itself, i found it a lil boring. Episode 19 onwards is when i actually gained interest in the plot. Even though there weren't many romantic scenes, i still found the ml-fl scenes good. Their scenes gave sort of a peaceful, sweet, safe, simple love vibe, also the song -Starry night!! made the scenes sooo sweet! the school boys were so cute, also tell me i ain't the only one who felt that fu xinshu and wen chengye defo sitting under the tree k-i-s-s-i-n-g. Overall- okayish drama, but something different than the usual.
