Memorable Sad Endings: Part II

Coincidentally or not so coincidentally, the second one I want to discuss about also involves Wallace Huo. Fans might still remember the tragic story of Gui Hai Yi Dao (歸海一刀) and Shang Guan Hai Tang (上官海棠). They went through so much together yet was not able to stay together because we all know that she died at the end – well near the end.

Although Hai Tang’s death was done beautifully but it was also too frustrating. It was just too much and heart-wrecking to see Yi Dao discovering her body and then confirming her death after checking for the last time. He’d done it slowly and calmly yet the pain in his eyes were unmistakable. Then he said, “Hai Tang, Yi Dao is here. No one could harm you anymore. Don’t be afraid.” (I started crying about then. The scene was just too much.) But then it was slightly ruined because someone had to speak up in a fake rant to score some points with the three guys.

Luckily, it was brought back to focus with Yi Dao carrying Hai Tang’s body on his back, walking out into the rain. He finally broke through at last and cried out her name – with much pain in his voice. Raindrops were falling down his face mixed in with his tears. (It sound dramatic but it was nicely done.)

Then the funeral was just sad although it seemed a tad subtle with everyone looking so calm, especially Yi Dao. But it said a lot with Yi Dao’s eyes looking so haunting.

The theme song sang by Wallace “Your Number One” was playing in the background the whole time since the part where Yi Dao discovered Hai Tang’s body. It was a big contribution to the scene played out. Though the song aimed at the majority of the characters in their valuing love over power but I thought it emphasized Yi Dao and Hai Tang’s story the most since he was the most caring toward Hai Tang and was the most hurt from lost love than anyone. In fact, the song fitted perfectly with the Tian Ya – Hai Tang – Yi Dao triangle, especially the phrase “What’s the difference between him and I?” The comparison between the two guys since Tian Ya and Yi Dao did not get along that well at the beginning, but it was only because of Yi Dao’s stubborn nature. Another phrase that was worth mentioning was, “It doesn’t matter who is the world’s number one, I only want to be number one in your heart.” Though Yi Dao seemed cold-blooded on the surface but he valued love more than anything. His caring toward Hai Tang showed a lot. He only wanted to protect her yet he no longer could.

I must admit it was my very first series of Wallace and I was really taken by his acting and also the story between him and Michelle as Yi Dao and Hai Tang in there. Both had great chemistry and did very well portraying their characters. It was too bad they did not have too many scenes together.

Even though I finally accepted that she died and that was that, but I – like some others – am still pissed off at the ending. There was no reason for her to die except that it led to others becoming more active in exposing the other parts of the plot. There were still other ways for it to work out. So they wanted a tragic ending or wanted to pave another dramatic event in Yi Dao’s life but that was too much. Hasn’t he gone through enough? Making it cheesy with everyone living happily ever after would be too much but killing off one of the main leads? Those things do happen but there were other alternatives around it. Enough about that.

After watching several serials of Wallace’s fate, I’m convinced that either one of the leads has to die or separate in his serials. (Wu Shi Lang is different since that’s basically a comedy. Those TW dramas do not count either.) I also have to come to the conclusion that Wong Jing (Wang Xing) is messed up in so many ways that he likes to kill the majority of the cast just for kicks. (Luckily he was only one of the ones writing the script or if he was the only one, everyone would end up dying in this series already.)

Anyway, still one of the most memorable couples of ancient serials.

*All images were captured by DTLCT

 

Tang Yu Xiao Bao!

Those who watched Chines Paladin I will know what this mean. I think that Tang Yu and Ah Nu deserve as much attention as the other couples in here. In fact, they’ve been overlooked by Xiao Yao and his two lovers. Honestly, if it wasn’t for Hu Ge and Ady An’s convincing portrayals, the main characters would not have attracted as much attention. I believe that among all the couples in there, only Tang Yu and Ah Nu managed to overcome all obstacles and found true love. They were the couple that actually survived through the test of times yet were not given as much acknowledgment to. As despicable as Bai Yue’s leader was, he was right in that he said Tang Yu and Ah Nu were the only ones who passed all the tests and proved that love still existed because Tang Yu would always forgive Ah Nu time after time and Ah Nu would always regretted of her actions – which directly or indirectly caused grief toward Tang Yu.

Many complained that Ah Nu was too cruel and hated her for keep teasing Tang Yu with the whole marriage promise. However, I think that was how she was – naive and has a simplistic mind. She loved food and loved to have fun. She was always so carefree and did not think of love at that age. However, she was very loyal to her princess and cherished friendship so much. She probably grew fond of Tang Yu unknowingly but did not know that it was love. (After all, people did not just slap the whole idea of love around so much back then like the world we live in today.)

If look at more closely, it was very obvious that Ah Nu relied on Tang Yu a lot and the fact that she trusted him to take care of her. She was not ungrateful of that since she always knew and told him that he was the best because he would always take care of her and make her happy. Why did she not call on anyone else to help her at times but just Tang Yu? It was not because she liked to use him or bully him, but he trusted him and knew that he would never harm her. She was comfortable with him because he always made her feel safe.

What made Tang Yu different from other characters in here was his determined nature. If he made up his mind about something, he would not change it for anyone. Though he seemed weak or not having a mind of his own – mostly because he followed and obeyed his godfather’s commands but he knew what he was doing. It was his kind heart and his determined nature that made him heroic. He loved Ah Nu dearly but he did not let that love blind him from other responsibilities or his loyalties to his friends.

Tang Yu never minded that Ah Nu was not appreciating him enough but he was happy that she was happy. He even went out of his way to make her happy by buying her food or even thinking of fun games for her. Perhaps the only time that he felt hopelessness was when they were trapped under the mud and were not able to free themselves. He told her to not promise anymore. But he did not regret in dying with her – if that was the case.

The unbreakable link between them represented itself through Ah Nu’s special red string that her mother had used to tie a bond with her and her godmother. She then used it on her princess and then her good friend, Tang Yu. Tang Yu was really special to her, therefore, receiving a spot on her hand too. (Those who watched would know that the last one was reserved for her father.)

What made their relationship even more special was that their actions showed more of their trust (as discussed above) and care for each other than other couples. Too much talks or promises would always fail. Yes, there were false promises from Ah Nu to marry Tang Yu at various times but it was because she was not able to grasp the true meaning of love yet. However, their willing to sacrifice for each other – regardless of the circumstances or consequences made it very admirable – and probably hard for some people. They were always sharing the hardships together with all the tests given. Coincidentally, it was always the hopelessness of not surviving each time or being separated but they never backed down if the obstacle would present itself once again.

They went through so much together and matured together as well. Though Tang Yu was more serious – mostly due to his godfather’s influence but there were things he did not understand yet. Ah Nu was innocent but she later knew the seriousness of matters. Tang Yu actually said it when the others were urging him to go along with them to save Ah Nu. Indeed it was true because Ah Nu finally learned to take care of Tang Yu at last when she proposed to him, convincing him of her sincerity and determination. She putted it innocently as, “I will learn how to cook.” It was a little joke on her only knowing how to eat. However, it showed that she was serious in caring and looking after others, not just knowing how to eat and play like the old days.

Because they were the only couple who were true to one another till the end, they were the ones actually meaning to receive the special pieces. (That little crush Ah Nu had on Xiao Yao did not count since it was just some innocent obsession at that time.) Once again, Ah Nu showed her maturity, repeating of her vow that she would look after Tang Yu after they turn into birds.

This was Eddie Peng and Esther Liu’s first collaboration and probably paved way for the two upcoming projects – although it took years later. Their chemistry proved convincing and cute.

*All images (except for the first one) were collected from around the Net and belong to their rightful owners.

 

Liu Pin Yan – On Screen, Real Life

Source: Dat Mui Cuoi Tuan (http://www.baoanhdatmui.vn)

Article Link: http://www.baoanhdatmui.vn/vcms/html/news_detail.php?nid=645

Written by: Nghi Tran

From the role of Ye You Li – a competitive girl from Mr. Fighting, to a mischievous Ah Nu – from Chinese Paladin, to the innocent, respectable Teacher Su Fei from Green Forest, My Home; all these roles that she’d taken were loved by the fans. Liu Pin Yan’s natural acting brings upon the audience a feeling like: she’s acting as her own self.

Liu Pin Yan on screen and in real life
Liu Pin Yan admitted that there was not much difference between her on-screen characters and her real life self: “Lively, outgoing, and comedic – those are my most known personalities; forgivable, uncalculating, and trustworthy – those are my good qualities; soft-hearted, a little laid back, and naïve – are my flaws. If I was a guy, I think that I could attract a lot of girls.”

At 18, she entered quite early into the complex and competitive world, but Liu Pin Yan was able to preserve her optimistic and honest personalities – this is very rare among her colleagues of the same age. Liu Pin Yan is very knowledgeable in culinary, favoring American delicacies. Her love for food has even influenced Zeng Zhi Qiao (a member of the band Sweety). When free, both girls would go watch movies together and discovering the finest culinary. In regard to foods and beverages, Zeng Zhi Qiao really admires Liu Pin Yan’s tea preparation and drinking techniques.

Hard-working today, harvesting tomorrow
2005 was Liu Pin Yan’s most successful year with both acting and singing careers. Two of the TV Series that she starred in – Chinese Paladin and Mr. Fighting – broadcasted in Taiwan, bringing high ratings, helping Liu Pin Yan becoming well-known within the entertainment industry. SETTV paired her off with the Royal Prince Li Wei Lian in Green Forest, My Home. Whenever she goes out and hears the audience calling her “Yan Yan” (her nickname), she could not help but be happy with the love fans bring for her, even shedding tears out of touch sometimes.

The Lucky Girl
Only 18 but already has an established career, driving the newest car, living in a luxurious house…However, her friends do not know, behind all that fame, there were all the hardships Liu Pin Yan had to face and all the hard work put in. When filming Chinese Paladin, she could only sleep about 5 hours; the same goes for Green Forest, My Home since she was only able to catch some winks in between breaks on set during the 8 days of filming. Liu Pin Yan said: “During the high school years, whenever exam time comes around, the task of waking up early to study is my most…detestable; I rather stay up late than wake up early. But when filming, there were a lot of ‘staying late, waking up early’.” When she first entered the entertainment industry, because she was not used to the schedules, Liu Pin Yan often fell ill, causing her mother’s apprehension. Her mother even suggested to her agent to not extend her working hours any longer. However, she was only ‘saved’ for several days with being let off early and then everything would return to its previous state.  It was then that she understood the phrase “sacrificing in the name of art” that other seniors often mentioned.

The age of dreaming
Like any other girls in the age of dreaming, Liu Pin Yan’s world of love consisted of the color red: “My mother is not an old-fashioned person; she does not stop me from falling in love at the age of 18.” Asked, “Of all the male cast from Green Forest, My Home, who would she choose?” After a little time of thinking, she replied: “I like a man who is strong, forgivable, must be older than me, and has to be considerate and caring towards me. Most importantly, my mother must be approvable of him. He must pass my mother’s surveillance in order to become my boyfriend.” Liu Pin Yan said that her mother does not prevent her from having a boyfriend, but her mother wants her to focus her attention on her studies (currently in college) and her career. After Green Forest, My Home her pay has risen seven digits. At the beginning of 2006, she was invited by a beauty products company to be their spokesperson, replacing Yang Cheng Lin, with the fees of over NT$1 million.

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Profile:
*English Name: Esther
*Nickname: Yan Yan
*Birthdate: August 8, 1988
*Height: 166 cm
*Weight: 46 kg
*Hobbies: Singing, swimming
*Talent: Piano
*Family: Father, mother, and older brother
*Languages: Mandarin, English, Japanese

Translations by: DTLCT

Translation Date: Friday, September 4^th, 2009

 

Chinese Paladin III: Episode 2

*WARNING*: MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD. If you DO NOT want to be spoiled, please DO NOT read. You have been warned.

So episode 1 ending with Chang Qing appearing just in time to save Jing Tian and Xue Jian, right? Of course episode 2 continued from that point on. Jing Tian and Xue Jian watched in awe as Chang Qing used his magical skills to fight off the demons.

After finishing his spell and freezing them in one place, he turned to Jing Tian and Xue Jian, asking for their well-being. Chang Qing also checked to make sure they did not get bitten. They were fine of course since he had arrived just on time.

Chang Qing wanted to leave after having collected all the demons and sealed them for the time being. However, Jing Tian, still scared of more demons coming to get them, asked if Chang Qing was going to protect them from harm and escort them home. Xue Jian, though amused by the idea of Jing Tian being such a chicken, was also scared of the possibility. Luckily, Jing Tian whipped out two small bottles and gave it to them. He departed after explaining of its use – and answered some of Jing Tian’s questions.

Jing Tian and Xue Jian – finding the time to be right – resumed their previous argument. Jing Tian even blamed it on Xue Jian for his luck of running into the demons. He was about to leave when he spotted an object from the ground – to which he picked it up and Xue Jian stepped closer to get a better look.

Jing Tian began to ponder about its value as Xue Jian walked away in annoyance. Jing Tian continued to ponder further if it was Heaven sending him a little gift.

On the other hand, Chang Qing returned to Mt. Shu to report to his elders. While the elders were taking turns to explain about the roots of the demons that Chang Qing just brought back, the demons have awoken, attempting to attack once again. Luckily, Chang Qing and his junior were there so they were able to take control of the situation in time. (Of course the master had to used his power to restrain them also.)

Chang Qing was then sent to the Tang Manor to help them. Chang Qing was able to cure Xue Jian’s grandfather when he arrived. Not only was Tang Kun filled with gratitude for the Mt. Shu Sect’s help but Xue Jian was also very happy that her grandfather had been saved. She even kneeled down to thank them and promised to aid them in any way in the future to the best of her abilities – if it was needed.

Chang Qing brushed it off as part of his duty while Tang Kun chatted away with Chang Qing’s companion. He also made a round of introductions. Afterward, he told Xue Jian to tend to Chang Qing while he and the other man discussed about matters.

While the two men were carrying on their conversation, Tang Kun finally disclosed of his worries for Xue Jian – to which Xue Jian overheard because she was bringing tea in for them.

It also caused her to worry. However, when listened in some more, she realized that Tang Kun was talking about Chang Qing. So…Xue Jian’s mind began to drift. And it continued to drift while Chang Qing, her grandfather, and the others began to talk about the investigation in the main hall.

It was until the next day when she saw Chang Qing in regular clothes and out to investigate on his own that she decided to approach him. She even offered to accompany him to his destinations. (All the while having an ulterior motive aside from just helping him around.) However, she was disappointed upon hearing who he wanted to find.

Xue Jian was once again annoyed by Jing Tian’s attitude as she listened in on his report to Chang Qing regarding his investigation. Jing Tian enjoyed his noodles while the other two looked at the item he just brought back. Anyway, their little investigation took them to an abandoned house, which was supposedly one of the victims’ house.

As Xue Jian followed Chang Qing inside to look around, Jing Tian hurried after them, bumping into Xue Jian by accident – causing another scolding marathon from both parties. While they were busy sorting it out, Chang Qing used his vision to see through what had happened in the house previously. Then Jing Tian shoved Xue Jian aside to ask about Chang Qing’s powers and received a knock over the head by Xue Jian to shut him up. (To which we see a light smile on Chang Qing’s face for the first time upon seeing the two’s interaction.)

Not caring to fight with Xue Jian anymore, Jing Tian scanned around the place to look for other clues. He immediately spotted something in the corner and marched over to pick up a coin from the ground while Chang Qing continued to inspect the place. Suddenly, Chang Qing sensed something and fled outside to check. Chang Qing’s special compass took them back to the market but Chang Qing was not totally sure it was correct, causing Jing Tian to be shocked – for just a moment.

Jing Tian’s fast spinning mind thought up of a plan – directing the benefit toward himself. Since Chang Qing wanted to enter Da San Yuan to investigate, Jing Tian was more than happy to accompany him while Xue Jian objected – to which she received a shove from Jing Tian. Jing Tian of course continued with his persuasion to get Chang Qing to enter, reassuring him of their purpose – or more like his own secret purpose.

Once inside, Jing Tian immediately steered Chang Qing toward one of the tables and asked for money – to which Chang Qing obeyed and handed him some. Jing Tian immediately placed it into one of the spots and waited to reap. (I suddenly feel sorry for Chang Qing for being so naive.)

While Jing Tian’s praying for his fortune, Chang Qing told him of the result. Jing Tian thought that Chang Qing was just lucky in his guess. However, he was right again, earning some trust from Jing Tian. Jing Tian immediately grabbed the opportunity to ask Chang Qing of the next one – to which he placed on after hearing the answer. As he was getting excited over his winning, Chang Qing heard a strange noise and left to investigate. It was until Jing Tian turned to ask of the next round that he realized Chang Qing was missing. As fate would have it, Jing Tian lost his new acquired fortune through some struggles with Chang Qing – since he was persuading Chang Qing to take some of their winnings. Jing Tian rushed after Chang Qing to demand justice but was greeted by Xue Jian’s words of tease instead, knowing that Jing Tian was not able to carry out his plans.

Xue Jian then asked about their findings but was told that their trip was unfruitful. Jing Tian immediately thought of returning to Da Sam Yuan so he could regain his fortune but of course he claimed to help Chang Qing find more clues. However, Chang Qing revealed that he wanted to return to Mt. Shu and consult with his master.

Upon hearing those words, both Jing Tian and Xue Jian rushed after Chang Qing and stopped him from leaving. For the first time, both parties agreed with each other, causing Chang Qing to be happy that the two were getting along again. But it did not stop Chang Qing from leaving hence leading to Jing Tian and Xue Jian’s continued battle between one another.

Since they were so busy arguing among themselves, they did not realize that there was someone watching them from a distance and waiting for them to make a move. That was also the source of evil that had spread itself slowly around town – unknown to others.

To return to our hero and heroine, they once again bumped into each other that night while Jing Tian was around and about looking for something while Xue Jian discovered him sneaking around at night. So what were their explanations and/or excuse for roaming around at night? Possibly a secret meet up? Impossible, right? They were sworn enemies.

So after having another face off and battle of words, they continued on their separate ways – with Jing Tian claiming his bravery against Xue Jian. It was only several steps later that he stumbled upon a demon and had to fight for his life. But he soon recognized the demon as one of his friends and tried to calm him down – though the poor lad did not recognize him at all since he had lost his senses. Nearby, Xue Jian heard of his outrcy but thought that it was nothing serious. Seconds later, she discovered a large amount of demon making their way toward her, causing her to run for her life as well.

Fate intervened again and she was back to where she argued with Jing Tian seconds ago. Jing Tian managed to shrug off Ah Fu and immediately spotted the demons behind Xue Jian. Both were force closer to each other and could only covered their heads to save themselves, leading us back to the familiar scene of episode 1. And of course, Chang Qing arrived in time once again to save them.

After creating the protective circle around them, Chang Qing was able to create an escape path for Jing Tian and Xue Jian. Jing Tian immediately blurted out that he would escort Xue Jian home – though he was actually very scared of the demons too.

While trying to fend off the oncoming demons, Chang Qing received a message from one of his juniors. He was fast thinking and thought of the secret message right away with how to stop the demons’ attacks altogether. However, he was only able to stop a small amount of demons since the town were now exploding with demons roaming it. Jing Tian and Xue Jian apparently did not make it back to the Tang Manor since they were once again attacked by another crowd of demons. Luckily, they found cover on a tower but that was only a temporary hiding place for them becuase the demons were making their way up to get them.

Something strange happened as they attempted to brush off the demons, which had to do with Xue Jian’s outfit. However, they were too busy to notice. While fending off the demons, Jing Tian went into his begging mode and made some pledge to Heaven for survival, listing a set of promises he would carry out in the future. Xue Jian, annoyed, hit him with her weapon. They were at it again but did not forget to watch out for the ascending demons. Then they were able to hear Chang Qing’s voice from somewhere, comforting them. So the object that Jing Tian picked up in the woods that one night was actually a communication device. Jing Tian immediately took it out to communicate to Chang Qing but the object was snatched up by Xue Jian instead. Jing Tian – of course – snatched it back and demanded that Chang Qing come and save them right away. While Chang Qing was searching for them through Jing Tian’s directions, he remembered that Xue Jian had wore red – to which Jing Tian and Xue Jian confirmed. Chang Qing quickly told both that the demons were afraid of red fabric and Jing Tian scolded Chang Qing for not saying it earlier. The next scene was very funny since Jing Tian had on red underpants and was able to fend off the demons while Xue Jian cheered on. As expected, the demons ran off so the two were back to arguing and leaving the scene together. Who would help Chang Qing now since he was getting tired? Luckily, his juniors came on time and helped him control the situation again. It was also at that time that Jing Tian and Xue Jian arrived to watch in awe of the scene unfolding. Not to mention arguing some more.

Things were back to normal the next day – at least temporarily. While Xue Jian was comforting and reasurring her grandfather, he continued to question her of events  – to which she replied that everything was fine. After leaving his room, Xue Jian asked about Chang Qing and was told that he had left. (Of course Jing Tian took him to his place to demonstrate some tricks to Mao Mao and the others.) And also to discredit Chang Qing since he was still fed up of Xue Jian’s words regarding his and Chang Qing’s abilities. However, Chang Qing was able to point out which cup had the red bean. Jing Tian did not give up and wanted to try again. Jing Tian took the opportunity to speed up his pace with moving the cups while Chang Qing was distracted with drinking tea, but did not realize the red bean already fell out – to which Chang Qing told him. Mao Mao was finally convinced of Chang Qing’s ability.

Xue Jian found them after some searching efforts but was able to keep quiet while Chang Qing was talking. It was only when she asked for permission to speak that she launched into an explanation effort to show off of her knowledge. It was only after they were alone again that Xue Jian discovered that Chang Qing would be leaving soon. She immediately suggested that they venture around some more since there was still time. Where did they go?

She took him to the woods where they had a conversation of various subjects – which also led to a humorous misunderstanding and a tint of hope extinguishing.

But that did not top it since while Jing Tian was carrying about with his nightwork, he was able to hear Xue Jian’s confession through the communication device on Chang Qing while Chang Qing was drifting off to La-La Land because of boredom from Xue Jian’s words. (And I thought he was one of those reaching enlightenment soon!)

As Xue Jian was pouting and ranting about her lost chance because Chang Qing had drifted off, Jing Tian let out a secretive smile of the newly learned information.

And that was the end of the second episode. Final thoughts? That was a lot more exciting than the first one since the three of the major characters were coming into contact with the demons once again – not to mention some scenes of magical powers at work.

*All images were captured by DTLCT

 

Memorable Sad Endings

Not everyone likes sad endings because it would defeat the purpose of them wanting to see their favorite on-screen couple to end up together. Not to mention no one dies in fairy tales, right? Everyone wants to see a happy ever after ending or if there are conflicts, they would be resolved in the end, allowing a satisfying ending, right? I was one of those people once upon a time but I’ve become accepting of those endings over the years, having been more in touch with reality. I don’t have to like it but I’ve become more understanding of the creators’ intention.

As I was listening to Van Fan’s Listen With Your Heart once again for the umpteenth time on my mp3 player, I once again recall of the final scenes from Sound of Colors when Wallace’s character, Yun Xiang, died in the hospital after seeing Ruby’s character, Jing Jing, for the last time. Being a Wallace fan, I must admit I did not want that kind of ending. Though I’ve known of it beforehand from various articles of it during the filming process, I was still hopeful of the ending. I wished for some incident like the script-writers changing the details of it to give us viewers a more favorable outcome. In the end, it was like the news had reported it as. I was disappointed for a while. However, I come to accept it more after several days. I also gave it a good thought of how the whole story was crafted and how the events had led to such an ending. In the end, it has become one of my favorite endings ever – even if it was really sad and tragic.

Perhaps a big clue of the ending was how Yun Xiang had tried to stop the doctors from taking his mother’s eyes for Jing Jing when his mother died. He was only a kid and knew only to protect his mother from being touched by others after her death. However, it was a big hint after they’ve met again and how he became aware of the incident that took place years ago. It was a twist of fate – as the writers crafted the story. It was also a whole new journey he was going on as he entered Jing Jing’s world. She was a blind girl yet she was still optimistic about life, learning to be independent and having a job to support herself – though unnecessary since she has an older protective sister, Ming Ming (Hao Lei), who was willing to take care of her no matter what. Jing Jing’s optimistic nature has affected Yun Xiang, making him see the better of life and to let go of his past, forgiving people who could possibly hurt him – accidentally or on purpose. Maybe Jing Jing was an angel sent to him to open his eyes up and see the better of this world – though she was the one who did not have a sight of her own.

To get back to the scenes leading to the ending, I must confess that I cried the whole time during the last few scenes of the drama. It was that sad. Jing Jing never knew about Yun Xiang’s disease – even through the time that he had to go into surgery. It was only to the very last minute that they knew Yun Xiang won’t make it that Ming Ming, Fan Yang (Huang Meng) – aka Ming Ming’s boyfriend and Yun Xiang’s step brother – and the others decided to tell Jing Jing. It was her last chance in seeing him. Jing Jing received the call while she was at the radio station. She was beyond shocked upon hearing the news from her Voicemail, dropped her cell phone and rushed outside – though she could not see or know of which direction she should have taken. She only knew that she must go to Yun Xiang’s side. Fan Yang arrived on time and drove her to the hospital. As soon as she stepped out of the car, she took a tumble since she was beyond herself at that point. Allowing herself to be led by Fan Yang, they finally made it to the waiting area where the others were waiting for news of Yun Xiang.

A touching scene unfolded as soon as Ming Ming rushed to Jing Jing’s side, trying to calm her down. Jing Jing lashed out and asked why the others did not tell her until Yun Xiang was almost dead. She was furious, hating the others for not telling her earlier. However, she did not meant that  but it was because she wished she knew before. Being the one in the dark (no pun intended) was not a good feeling. I think that part was one of Ruby’s most emotional scenes in portraying Jing Jing and this role had allowed her to act out various emotions, showing her capabilities and proving to others that she was not just a pretty face who was trying too hard to be cute.

Anyway, a doctor finally stepped and told them of the condition. After he left, Jing Jing rushed into Yun Xiang’s room (since she probably heard where he was stepping out from) and tripped on a chair since she did not know of its existence. Ming Ming helped Jing Jing up and guided her over to the bed where Yun Xiang was laying – with tubes in him. He was still unconscious but was soon awoken by her heart-breaking words, asking why he did not tell her, not allowing her to face the obstacles with him. Yun Xiang, who was quite weak by now, was only able to summon whatever was left of his energy to trace out his words on her hand, apologizing for his actions. She tearfully told him that she did not want his apologies and only wanted him to be well and be with her. The final words breaking through everyone’s heart who was present were, “Why is Heaven so unfair? I’m already blind and now I’m losing you as well.”

The fact that Van Fan’s ‘Listen With Your Heart’ was playing the whole time while the scenes were unfolding was not helping much either. It made it hard not to shed a few tears for what was happening.

The last request that Yun Xiang had was for Jing Jing to be able to see this world with her own eyes as how he’d seen it in the first place – maybe even more. Of course that meant that he was giving up his eyes to her, which made sense of his last words to her: “I will never leave you. I’ll always be by your side.” The others were not aware of his wish either until Fan Yang found out from their father (his step-father and Yun Xiang’s father) of Yan Xiang’s plan – having already prepared a signed paper saying that he will donate his eyes to Jing Jing if anything were to happen to him. Of course Jing Jing did not accept with the current state she was in, stating that there was no need to see this world anymore since she already lost Yun Xiang. Another set of touching words came out from Jing Jing – though it might be from her unwilling to let go of Yun Xiang: “Heaven could take away my light, my happiness, and even my future. But don’t tell me to take away Yun Xiang’s eyes. If you guys love me, please love my Yun Xiang as well. Don’t be so cruel to us.”

It was not until one of Yun Xiang’s good friend brought out a present from Yun Xiang, saying that Yun Xiang wanted Jing Jing to see its contents that she finally agreed because it would fulfill Yun Xiang’s last wish.

The scene skipped to the part where Jing Jing was watching the clip Yun Xiang had prepared while he was still alive for her. Her operation had been successful, allowing her to finally see the person she loved so much and also allowing her to see the world. There was also the painting that he had created for her with them standing next to each other, waiting for the sun to rise and watching the rainbow overhead. It was also a sign that he will always watch over her.

Jing Jing came back to work at the radio station after two months of recovering from the operation and having explored the world around her to which she had missed most of her life. She finally accepted what happened and encouraged her listeners to cherish what they have around them because what one has at the moment might not be there forever. An inspirational message sent through the airwave while we see the last scenes of the drama unfolding with everyone moving on with their life. Ming Ming and Fan Yang were preparing for their wedding while Yun Xiang’s two best friends got together. Chen Gao and Tan Li Na (Jing Jing’s colleagues) were seen happily together as well with Chen Gao’s daughter like one family. Perhaps the other person suffering the most – among them all – was Yun Xiang’s father since he was still seen as mourning after his son’s death. The song ‘In Your Eyes’ sang by Rebecca Hsu guided the final scenes of the drama and helped it closed on a memorable note.

Final thoughts? It was memorable without trying to be like some other dramas. It was a success though it was not perfect. Maybe that was what made it nice in the first place.

*The first three images were collected from various places around the net, therefore, belonging to their rightful owner. The rest were captured by DTLCT.