They Kiss Again Ep 3 Recap

OMGEEE IT'S EPISODE THREE!
I haven't watched Taiwanese Dramas in a month!
This episode starts out really well and ends alright.
Yu Shu plays a pretty big role in this episode (he's actually a great child actor!). His new lover, Hao Mei, is a terrible actress. However, Xiang Qin sort of covers up for her, so it's still easy to watch.

A few notes: You'll hate this drama if you're a feminist, a down-to-earth person, or someone who appreciates a good plot. This is a character-focused drama, as in, people watch it for the two main leads. To enjoy the drama, don't think. It's actually quite pleasant and one of the easier dramas to watch (lengthy to recap though, sorry about that).

Zhi Shu continues explaining about the mysteries of DNA and how it impacts everyone. Then, he walks over to where Xiang Qin is sitting and takes her hand.

He says that in the process of figuring out whether to give birth to the next unknown generation, he and his wife will be discussing the possibility of gene mutations and heredity (like Xiang Qin can understand that lol). He says that with her, everyday was filled with miracles (awww). He explains that growing up, he was in the superior class while she was in a low class in terms of academics. He said that they're lives would have never intersected if she hadn't put in so much effort. Because of her, he got to know her, love her, and understand her value (yay!). He says that sometimes that we regard the unknown with terror, but he's learned to respect the weak and minorities (as in low IQ people?) from Xiang Qin. He says that Xiang Qin also helped him discover many great qualities that he himself did not have.

It sounds so cold on paper, but Joe's voice is really smooth and soothing, so it turns into a really sweet momento <3

Later, Xiang Qin is sitting on a bench and Zhi Shu joins her. Zhi Shu says his tie is uncomfortable and asks her if she thought the presentation was boring. She said she didn't and was listening very carefully, but couldn't understand most of it. She asks Zhi Shu if the reason why he didn't come home for a long time was because of this presentation. He says it was and lists off many other duties he had to complete during that time. Zhi Shu says he was afraid that he wouldn't be able to do well. Xiang Qin claps for him, and this brings a smile to his face.

He says that in her mind, he can do no wrong. But he says being perfect all the time is very pressuring. Xiang Qin tells him not to think that way, but he says that he wants to prove his capability, because only capable people can help others. He said that he knows that she puts him first in her life, but she can take other roles as well. He says that they should be free to explore and do other things, and that he doesn't want marriage to restrict them ("set your sights further"-like episode 2!).

At home, Xiang Qin has just finished a shower and is lying in bed. Zhi Shu puts her arm around her and says that it's his fault for making her feel insecure. He apologizes for not making things clear, and says there's still a lot for him to learn about relationships. Xiang Qin starts saying that it's her fault and that she still has lots to learn (but Zhi Shu interrupts her with a kiss).

Zhi Shu says that she has to learn how to make eggs without shells in them (lol). Xiang Qin says that she'll steadily improve to become a perfect wife. Zhi Shu replies with:

Then, Zhi Shu falls asleep on Xiang Qin (lol).

 The next morning Yu Shu is studying English, and his dad praises him for being so hard-working to live up to the reputation of his brother. Xiang Qin has just woken up and she enters, saying that she'll make breakfast for everyone. Unfortunately, everyone has already eaten. She eagerly says that she'll make coffee for Zhi Shu, however, her efforts are futile. Zhi Shu comes into the kitchen to make the coffee for her while she changes, and says that they'll go to school together.

It turns out that Zhi Shu leads her to a marriage registration center instead. While sitting down, Xiang Qin has "the look" (she wants to smile really big, but she restrains herself). Zhi Shu has "the look" on his face all the time haha, like below!

Xiang Qin asks him whether she'll be Jiang Yuan Xiang Qin now, and he says that women normally don't take their husbands' names nowadays. The person in charge of their registration tells Mr. and Mrs. Jiang to sign the papers, and Xiang Qin is ecstatic that she called her Mrs. Jiang. She's so excited about legally being Zhi Shu's wife that she stops signing her name on "Qin." Zhi Shu interrupts her thoughts by telling her to hurry up. They are now officially husband and wife!

Zhi Shu says that he wasn't planning on registering their marriage until after college, but after seeing that it made her unhappy, he decided to do it early. He says goodbye and calls Xiang Qin "wife." Xiang Qin is ecstatic again.

Reflecting on Zhi Shu's words about taking on other roles, she tells her best buds that this semester, her schedule is packed. She says she doesn't want to bother Zhi Shu all the time, so she says she might become a teacher. Her best buds say that if she's teaching their children, then they might as well have no children. They tell her that she's only suitable at being Zhi Shu's wife and that she should seriously reconsider all this teacher business.

She then remembers that she forgot to give Zhi Shu his textbook and races into the medical department.  She bumps into Zhou Chuan Jin and keeps pronouncing his name incorrectly. Zhi Shu comes out and she hurriedly hands him the textbook, only to realize that she brought him "The Medical Science of House," which happens to be his home-making mom's book (lol).

Chuan Jin snickers at the scene and says that he thought Zhi Shu would be more particular about his choices in women. Zhi Shu responds by saying that he IS very particular in his taste, and if Chuan Jin doesn't understand his taste, then he'll never understand him and will always be second best (oooooo).

Chuan Jin threatens him and says he'll definitely beat him on the next presentation. He then leaves, fuming. Zhi Shu then kicks Xiang Qin out of the medical room and tells her not to disrupt.

And here is when the story goes off on another tangent...to be honest this whole series is like, well, a series of tangents. There's a lot of scenes that are amusing but not very helpful to the over all plot. This may annoy a lot of people (me included, however, this happens to be an exception), so if you aren't interested in ArJoe more than the plot, this ain't for you.

Okay well I just had a tangent talking about tangents...what am I doing with my life...

The scene cuts to Zhi Shu, Xiang Qin, and the rest of the tennis club. Zhi Shu is playing tennis with a rag of his head (why the heck does he do that?) while many female admirers fawn over him. Xiang Qin is jealous as always, but I believe Zhi Shu is looking over at her while all the girls are massaging him and flirting with him. Senior starts yelling at the newbies and goes cray-cray with his tennis skills. He then starts to advertise cars (that's his day job) in a very amiable tone (bipolar much?).

At home, Xiang Qin discusses her ambition to become a teacher with Zhi Shu (which spawned out of Zhi Shu telling her to take other roles if you forgot). Zhi Shu is horrified and tells her that she can't take this responsibility lightly. Xiang Qin says she won't and she's not an idiot. Zhi Shu says that's just what she is. XQ says that he's the idiot and cookie crumbs spill out of her mouth (teehee). Zhi Shu is the one who has to clean up her mess, and Xiang Qin continues rambling on about being a teacher. She says that she'll have a test soon and she might not even get in anyway, so Zhi Shu shouldn't worry. Zhi Shu still looks dissatisfied, so the parents (Jiang Mama/Baba and Ah Cai) tell him to be optimistic about it.

It's time for the second presentation of the year. This time, Zhi Shu discusses how a patient's emotional health is equally important as physical health. Xiang Qin is drooling all over herself in pride, while her best friend (wait...I think I remember her name! Ah Mei? Ah something? I'll get it eventually) sleeps. Zhi Shu tries to be all deep about putting ourselves in people's shoes and thinking how our hearts would feel when hurt. He concludes the presentation, and Xiang Qin jumps up in the middle of the applause and says, "You're amazing Zhi Shu! Number 1!"

Later, Xiang Qin runs up to him and exclaims about how touched she was by his presentation. Zhi Shu says, "Thanks. If you'd shouted a bit softer, I would've thanked you more." Chuan Jin comes by and says that he'll get number one this time.

It's time to announce the results, and this time the top student isssss...Jiang Zhi Shu. No surprise there. Chuan Jin is once again second place. The professor explains to him it was because he used too many medical terms, and he stands by himself dejectedly.

Xiang Qin is bringing Zhi Shu coffee when she runs into Chuan Jin. She pities him because of his suffering, so she offers her coffee to him. She tries to comfort him by saying it's not his fault, and Chuan Jin says that she's so nice to not hold a grudge against him after all he's said about her. She says it's alright, and then he stands up and starts approaching her. He asks her how Zhi Shu would react if he kissed her.

He says he knows Zhi Shu will be pissed, because he's never seen Zhi Shu look at someone the way he looks at Xiang Qin. Chuan Jin goes on saying that Zhi Shu never loses his cool, but if he knew that if he kissed Xiang Qin...

Xiang Qin is flipping out and telling him not to do it. Chuan Jin says he wants to see how Zhi Shu looks when he's furious. Zhi Shu comes in and pushes Chuan Jin to the ground.

He says "It looks like this!" He then goes on to ask why Chuan Jin always does these stupid things. Chuan Jin says that he doesn't understand, because until Zhi Shu came along, he had always been number #1. His goal is to defeat Zhi Shu, and he is set on doing it. Zhi Shu says that Chuan Jin shouldn't base his goals around him, and that he should use his talents for the good of society. He says that Chuan Jin could've easily gone to Taiwan University (for the newbies, Zhi Shu goes to the equivalent of a community college because he didn't see the point of going to some prestigious school. Zi Yu (Tiffany Hsu) and Chuan Jin also goes to that community college because they are obsessed with Zhi Shu, even though they are also super smart) and says that he could become a successful surgical doctor.

Chuan Jin agrees on this new goal set by Zhi Shu and says that they'll postpone their rivalry until he becomes a successful surgeon. Xiang Qin tells him "Jia You (keep dat spirit)!" Chuan Jin, not expecting Xiang Qin's kindness, says he finally understands why Zhi Shu likes her and asks for her forgiveness. After being all sensible and logical, Zhi Shu can't hold it anymore and says, "BUT I'll still be annoying AND I'll always be ahead of you!" Chuan Jin retorts, "I'll be the #1 surgeon I tell you, #1!" Zhi Shu says, "I don't even want to be a surgeon, so our rivalry can end now in university. Good luck with your surgical career." Then, Zhi Shu and Xiang Qin leave together.

At home, Xiang Qin says that her practical teacher exam will begin very soon. Zhi Shu asks her which unlucky high school she will be teaching, and she says she'll be teaching their old high school. Yu Shu happens to be in this high school now, and he flips out. Later on, Xiang Qin begins daydreaming about all the kids idolizing her and sending her flowers.

It just so happens that she's been doing all this day dreaming in front of a mirror, with Zhi Shu witnessing the whole scene. He smirks amusedly and says she shouldn't imagine things that only happen every 800 years (btw I really like Zhi Shu's outfit today!!!!! His hairstyle and fashion improved exponentially in this sequel!)

At breakfast, Yu Shu tells her that she's stupid and despicable, and if she dares talk to him, then she's dead. Xiang Qin starts looking at him dreamily and mutters, "...despicable...why do you use the same words to talk to me as your brother? He's said the same thing to me before."

Xiang Qin races to school and hurriedly writes her name on the chalkboard. Unfortunately, she adds one extra stroke to the last letter of her name, and one of the students is quick to point this out. She erases and rewrites it in that totally awkward way of hers (which reminds you how freaking awesome Ariel Lin is at acting) and awkwardly says sorry. She's teaching Class A, so they are delving into complex Chinese idioms. She asks them to say idioms related to birds, and she writes them down on the chalkboard. Yu Shu points out that she wrote a lot of the words incorrectly, and asks her hard questions. This stumps her, and her evaluator looks at her sternly. She spends the rest of the day rehearsing what to say the next day in class.

I really appreciate this side of Xiang Qin; it's so pitiful how she works so hard but achieves so little and yet still maintains a positive attitude. She comes home late at night, and Zhi Shu says, "So teaching isn't as easy as you think, is it?"

While she is taking a bath, Zhi Shu goes to Yu Shu's room and asks him how Xiang Qin did. Yu Shu says she stuttered and mixed up idioms, and Zhi Shu pinches him (jia you! what a good husband :D).

Late into the night, Xiang Qin studies assiduously while Zhi Shu feigns sleep. Jiang Mama brings her a large midnight snack and they begin chattering loudly. Zhi Shu asks them if there's a need to build up their relationship during the night, and Jiang Mama hurriedly leaves the room. However, despite Zhi Shu's I'm-tired-and-pissed attitude, he tells Xiang Qin to keep up the good work and not to stay up too late.

The next day, Xiang Qin is teaching the class another idiom. Unfortunately, a student asks her what makes something an idiom, and Xiang Qin is stumped, but tries to give an explanation. Yu Shu continues challenging her and asking her rhetorical questions, when Jiang Mama storms into the room and tells Yu Shu to treat her sister-in-law more properly. Everyone in the class then finds out that they're related, and teases Yu Shu about it.

Xiang Qin then moves on to her next class, teaching Class F. They go over the same material, but this time she feels much more at ease (the kids struggle along just like her). She calls on Lin Hao Mei to read a paragraph, but Hao Mei is too distracted by watching Yu Shu play basketball outside. The students tell Xiang Qin that she's been secretly in love with Yu Shu since elementary school and that she really doesn't have a chance. Xiang Qin tells Hao Mei to come to her office after class and tells her the story of her and Zhi Shu. Meanwhile, a fellow teacher gives her Class A's exams for tomorrow (this will be relevant in the fourth episode).

Hao Mei, encouraged by Xiang Qin's story, goes to Class A to confess to Yu Shu. She starts getting off topic and rambling about her family, so Yu Shu tells her to get to the point. She says she wants to be friends with him, and he says he won't unless she gets into the top 100. Xiang Qin confronts him and says that his behavior is horrible, and they start sissy fighting.

Later at night, Xiang Qin and Jiang Mama start asking him all these questions about the type of girl he likes. Xiang Qin also recounts the story to Zhi Shu, and finds out that she doesn't know where Class A's exam papers are. She searches all over the house, but figures that she might have left it in her office. She puts on a black ninja suit and tries sneaking out, but Zhi Shu catches her. She makes up some BS about learning Tai Chi at night, etc. (I heard that this whole scene was improv'd...hecka good!), and gets out of Zhi Shu's grasp and leaves.

The Road to the Great Perhaps Ch. 1: Unexpected Negativity, First Week Stress, Week's Book Haul

Here comes them minions with an important announcement!

Jesus will always love you very much!

Dave (the minion with two eyes) also will always love you very much!

Put a smile on your face!!

Lately I've been I've been losing sleep

dreaming about the things that we could be

Isn't "Counting Stars" a great song (that's not the point but still)...I guess this won't be like my regular blog posts. This will be a lot more personal and a lot less formal (aka I won't try to sound smart or anything and the grammar will probably be funky and everything out of wack. Don't judge! I usually write better...hopefully). I'll just talk about my first week of school and how I'm doing.

Today's Saturday, so I feel a lot better than I did during the week. I don't know, I tried to have a positive attitude coming into school (I mean honestly for me it isn't bad. I actually enjoy school). And usually I can maintain a positive attitude through everything and have resilience or whatever, but Monday was difficult for me (yes hear me whine about first world problems, I generally hate it when people do that, so I don't blame you if you get annoyed). I just felt rather sleepy throughout the day and then I came home and did homework for two hours? straight. And I still wasn't done, I was like half-way through (last year I only had two hours of homework per day, mostly math, but I wasn't going to complain because I should've expected this).

Then I went to piano class and I just felt like a failure. You know this summer I've really busted my butt to make sure that I don't disappoint my piano teacher and that I can perfect the art, but I still lack so much confidence and professionalism. It pisses me off and I just felt so small sitting on the bench making a ton of elementary errors and struggling to keep my wrists relaxed. I guess it really cut into my feeling of self-worth? I just felt really guilty because I had disappointed my teacher and I was tired and then I went home to finish the rest of my hw (another hour or so? I work pretty slowly). I wonder why honors classes give so much hw. The first day was exhausting itself, and I guess what really made me feel sad-ish was that this was only the beginning. It was bound to get more exhausting with my clubs kicking in and more expectations throughout the year. I dislike it when people say, "I am so done with school" so obviously I won't allow myself to think that way. I am not done with school so there is no use thinking that way. I guess I have a "dauntless" attitude when it comes to things I can't control (I'm reading Divergent and I'm actually really getting into it). At the same time, I felt like all the time that I spent with God during the summer on a day-to-day basis was slowly dwindling. Not only was I exhausted from homework, I was also shunning God out of my life. Ugh and life feels so dreary without God. It's like my own fault. Isn't Bon Iver's voice hecka weird? I'm sort of listening to his song right now.

And I guess it just continued like that, and with each extra expectation I just worked harder and harder and then yesterday was Friday. Which reminded me that the next day I would have to run three miles, had piano class on Monday, had to give a testimony about the Honduras trip next week, had voice lessons on Thursday, had to read the freaking 300 pg economics book for speech and debate, had to practice my knuckle pushups for taekwondo, etc. I dislike pressure, however I like to portray myself as someone who works efficiently and un-worriedly under pressure and stuff but I don't. And my bad mood just affected the way I interacted with my family and it was just not good. I snapped at my mom and brother. I guess around my friends I can put on a happy front better (but what can I say? sometimes they make me really happy anyway). So anyway on friday I just kept having all these expectations on replay in my head while trying to get my piano done and other responsibilities throughout the day. It was time to go to church. Some of Lana Del Rey's songs are super weird. To be honest I only think Young and Beautiful was super good.

sorry for being a stupid person with stupid first world problems.

well i was neutral about going to church because all the fridays are bible studies and im pretty neutral to that. and i was still pissed off because i dont know i just felt kind of sleepy and i needed to prepare for lots of stuff. so i entered the building and adeline waved to me with a big smile. when im in a crappy mood, i dislike it when everyone's smiling, so i waved back with a flat expression so she would get the hint. but then i entered youth group and anna-marie also said hi with a smile and she said, "what's wrong? it looks like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders." and then i went in and everyone i knew said hi with a smile. i guess i had always taken advantage of the community i have here in church, but you know that generally i'm a smiley person so it wasn't long before they started talking and made me smile and happy. it just felt so relaxing to touch a base of familiarity. anyway so yes that perked up my mood considerably so i feel better today (and there wasn't school too=more time at my leisure). i guess i really like church man. oh yes and also a counselor prayed after worship and i just felt that it was so freaking true. she said, "im so sad to see that we grew up with all these materials. im so sad to see that we don't find the need for You, God. im so sad to see that we compare our worth to our friends, our clothes, our grades. it just makes me so sad." gosh thats so true. i guess it really helped me see my week in perspective. ugh i shouldnt focus on these stupid world things, like missing the easiest problem in the world on fong's homework quiz and starting the year off with a B or worse. okay whatever it doesnt matter so yeah.

yes so i guess i feel better now :3 and church is tomorrow too! i guess people would look at me and say that im weird for looking forward to church but its actually really nice :)

okay lets see

random updates

this week or so ive come across three pretty good books. what a lucky catch. cuckoo's calling was pretty whimsical for a murder mystery (not nearly as much as harry potter though lol) but i never finished it because im slow and i was busy studying or something so i had to return it because its one of those new books that you can only renew once. well i read the summary on wiki and i guess im glad i didnt finish because the ending is shocking and i dont deal with shock/horror/whatever well. so yup im glad i wasnt creeped out or anything while reading the book.

and i started divergent! finally! its oddly very charming; sometimes tris' attitude of wanting to prove herself becomes sort of irksome (ugh pride, even though im being hypocritical) but otherwise she and four and the rest of the characters are super cool. its sort of a page-turner! i can definitely put it down, but ive been a lot more eager to read this book than all the other books ive read for the past....two months? i forgot the last time that i was this into a book! maybe looking for alaska and my sister's keeper. but anyway four is pretty attractive, character-wise. i dont even know why yet. yes horrible analysis but im feeling lazy today so...

oh yeah and so today i found this book in church called i kissed dating goodbye. well it discusses a lot about emotional/commitment proportions (as in, the proportion should be equal). well ive never been in a relationship before but its pretty interesting because when envisioning it (no, i am not a creeper who envisions it all the time) i pretty much focus on the emotional dependence and stuff. but this book stresses the importance of making sure that you can be committed to a relationship before venturing too deep (and potentially surfacing emotionally harmed). so yup it was pretty interesting.

oh listen to tiptoe love! from in time with you! its so relaxing and makes me feel better~~~

They Kiss Again Ep 2 Recap

It's Episode Twoo!

I remember when I first watched this ep I was all :( because it's pretty much Xiang Qin being sad the whole time.

But don't worry, the director loads all the goodies in ep 3!

Anyway...

Xiang Qin and Zhi Shu are continuing their eventful honeymoon in Guam...

The episode begins with Zhi Shu and Xiang Qin in a luxurious limousine. Xiang Qin asks Zhi Shu how he managed to get it, and Zhi Shu replies that it's because his English is good. She then asks him where they are going, and he says she'll see when they get there.

It turns out their destination is a private jet! Zhi Shu explains that no one will be able to bother them when they're up in the air (cough Mary cough Jiang Family cough).

In the jet/helicopter/plane/yeah, Zhi Shu tells Xiang Qin that people only realize how large the world is and how much there is left to accomplish when they are up in the air. He encourages her to set her sights further. Xiang Qin doesn't quite understand, but she says she'll try to be less narrow-minded like him. Then they fly high in the sky, finally having the opportunity to enjoy their marriage in this whole mess.

 The scene cuts straight into their airplane ride home, which is similar to their first flight (the nonchalant Zhi Shu, Xiang Qin lamenting their limited time together; even Mary and Ah Qiao are behaving all cuddly-cuddly in the seats next door. The Jiang family are a few rows behind). Xiang Qin tells Zhi Shu that they didn't even take that many pictures and Zhi Shu tells her not to worry about it. When Xiang Qin asks why, he says nevermind. XQ is still oblivious to the fact that her in-laws tagged along.
Meanwhile, Jiang Mama and Jiang Baba are avidly looking over the many pictures they took.

The Jiang family arrives back to the airport and hurriedly meets with Ah Cai to put up two large banners welcoming Zhi Shu and Xiang Qin home. When Zhi Shu and Xiang Qin arrives, Xiang Qin asks if the luggage behind them belongs to them. The Jiangs say yes it is and that they all went on vacation while ZS and XQ were gone. Xiang Qin asks where, and Mama and Baba say Japan and India at the same time (smooth coordination :P). They then explain by saying that Yu Shu went to India while Jiang Mama went to Japan. Xiang Qin buys this, while Zhi Shu looks all smug (lawls). They go on discussing where they got their I <3 Guam T-shirts, and Xiang Qin buys this excuse as well.

Ah Cai is driving Zhi Shu and Xiang Qin home and mentions that they all moved to a new home. Jiang Mama calls it ZS & XQ's little love nest (she even had the words on the outside of the house, lol).

She shows Xiang Qin a manga family portrait and encourages her to have kids.

They all go around admiring the various aspects of the house, and Zhi Shu finally enters his and Xiang Qin's room. Their bed is pink and decorated with lace and all the chairs are flowery. He expresses his unrelenting hate for it and storms out of the room. Meanwhile, Xiang Qin is gushing over how she loves it.

Zhi Shu discovers that his mom has already prepared a nursery room and goes ballistic (hahaha typical Jiang Mama).

Jiang Mama shows Xiang Qin that she's already made a blog to document ZS and her marriage. The website already has many pictures from their honeymoon, with Xiang Qin in them. This makes Xiang Qin confused, and Jiang Mama throws another excuse to cover her trip to Guam. Xiang Qin is then introduced to the nursery and goes all dreamy thinking about having Zhi Shu's kids.

Zhi Shu and Xiang Qin are on their lace bad the next morning and Xiang Qin's 10000 alarm clocks start ringing. She turns them off and spends time admiring "how cute her hubby looks while sleeping." She starts daydreaming about making delicious (hem hem) breakfast everyday for him and being the perfect wife. Her daydream Zhi Shu says the mushiest things (thank goodness real life Zhi Shu ain't like that) but hey it's Xiang Qin. What do you expect?

It turns out Xiang Qin fell back asleep and Zhi Shu is getting ready to leave the house! XQ has missed her golden opportunity, and Zhi Shu responds back to her with lots of sarcasm.

Xiang Qin goes back to school with her best buds, who playfully tease her about her worth in comparison to Zhi Shu's. Xiang Qin gets them very...exotic souvenirs, and some passerby-ers come by calling her Mrs. Jiang. This puts her in an extremely good mood and she happily walks away.

At home, Xiang Qin is beasting this wife role (in her mind at least) by taking off ZS's bag, massaging him, etc. Zhi Shu looks a bit weirded out, but he's used to all this after all!

At the kitchen table, the subject of registering ZS and XQ's marriage comes up. Xiang Qin is shocked to find out that she and Zhi Shu legally aren't married yet, and she tells Zhi Shu that they must register immediately. Zhi Shu nonchalantly replies by saying he has no time.

The Tennis club continues on, with Pei Zi Yu as the fierce new captain. Xiang Qin can't concentrate at all and mopes on the side benches about Zhi Shu not wanting to get registered. Senior pops in to visit (Zi Yu) and he starts talking to Xiang Qin, saying that he never thought her persistence would actually make her Zhi Shu's bride. Xiang Qin tells him that Zhi Shu doesn't want to register their marriage, and Senior is shocked. Xiang Qin asks him what Zhi Shu is thinking, and Zi Yu pops in. She says that Zhi Shu doesn't want to register the marriage because he's still testing things out. Once he realizes that Xiang Qin is not up to par, he'll divorce her. Xiang Qin is thoroughly offended and Zi Yu gleefully exclaims, "I STILL HAVE A CHANCE WITH HIM!"

At night, Xiang Qin starts doubting Zhi Shu's love for her. He calls her saying that he's still in the lab, but hangs up soon afterwards.

The next afternoon, Xiang Qin's best buds (forgot their names) tell her that since ZS is ignoring her, she should find something else to do with her time. She decides to take a teaching course because more vacation time=more time with Zhi Shu (facepalm).

She makes a lunch box of love for Zhi Shu and goes to deliver his lunch box, but she has to wait outside because no med students are allowed in the lab. She meets Chuan Jin, who says that Zhi Shu has a very interesting taste in women. Zhi Shu is too busy, so another doctor takes his lunch to him.

Meanwhile, Xiang Qin's best buds are looking at XQ and ZS's blog and comment on how Xiang Qin hasn't seen Zhi Shu in 30 hrs and he hasn't registered their marriage, which is super suspicious. Ah Jin overhears this and concludes that Zhi Shu is making Xiang Qin unhappy, so he goes to the med department to beat him up. He asks Zhi Shu why didn't he register their marriage, and Zhi Shu says he's busy and it's a family matter and has nothing to do with Ah Jin.

Xiang Qin arrives and spills her heart to Zhi Shu. She says she's been trying very hard to be a good wife but he's always gone and it really makes her sad. Zhi Shu says, "If that's what you really think, then don't even think about getting our marriage registered." Then, he turns away from the crying Xiang Qin and XQ runs away.

Zhi Shu opens up Xiang Qin's lunch box of love with a smile, noting the egg shells in the egg, the salty meat, and the soggy veggies. Idk I thought that was cute haha.

Xiang Qin is at home feeling depressed because of his ignoring her and his sharp words. She recalls their marriage day, when Zhi Shu promised her dad that he would take good care of her. She is very apprehensive about seeing him and is scared that he might ask her to divorce him.

In the university cafeteria, XQ hears everyone gossiping about her and ZS. XQ goes to Xing Fu Restaurant, but instead of finding comfort, Ah Cai tells her to be optimistic about Zhi Shu.

At the tennis courts, Xiang Qin mopes around again until SURPRISE SURPRISE! Zhi Shu comes strolling in the court in a suit, and tells Xiang Qin to come with him.

Zhi Shu leads Xiang Qin into a conference room full of official medical-looking people. He apologizes for being late and then starts making a speech about gene mutations. 

The End! Yeah, I know, barely anything happened and yet it took so much time. Well I guess the director wanted the audience to really feel Xiang Qin's angsty-ness about having to wait on Zhi Shu (because the audience certainly had to too). But wasn't it great when Zhi Shu came to the tennis courts? Awwww

I will recap ep 3...someday. Tomorrow school starts so idk if I will have as much time. This recap took me like 3 days (I was watching one part at a time to make sure everything was accurate).

Toodles! ArJoe for life (I feel like for this drama it's very hard to separate Xiang Qin and Zhi Shu from Ariel and Joe).

To Save a Life

To Save a Life is definitely a must-watch for all people of all nations! Although it's a Christian movie, it is not a preachy movie, and no, it doesn't force religion on you. Rather, I feel it does the exact opposite. It opens you up to endless possibilities and inspires you to take a stance in your community to love other people, no matter who they are! So Christian or non-Christian, it's still a great movie that you should watch!! It's even funny at times.

So often we sit in our comfort zones, waiting for something big to happen. Last week at our youth retreat, the speaker summed it up nicely-we are trapped in our Christian bubble. We are like football players huddling up, but never actually playing (another great analogy from another speaker lol). Obviously this doesn't apply to everyone (I know some really proactive people and what they are doing is great), but in a society where we have all are needs and more taken care of, it's hard to think of taking the time to help out people as something urgent. 

But this movie challenges us to do otherwise. Jake Taylor, a star athlete with his life all put-together, witnesses his best childhood friend (whom he has ignored for several years) commit suicide in front of his eyes. It throws Jake into a labyrinth of guilt and confusion, thinking what if he had reached out and is what the society values all there is to life? Then he meets a pastor after a basketball game, who invites him to church. Jake says he's not religious. The pastor says he isn't either (to explain: I think he's saying that Christianity isn't just about passively going to church on Sundays, it's a way of life; actively expressing the love of Jesus to others where ever you go). When Jake gets drunk that night and the pastor sends him home, it begins a series of changes in Jake's heart.

Jake starts to view everyone as important and hangs out with the "losers" of the school. He helps and loves everyone to the best of his ability, wanting to make sure that everyone feels like they have value. Well, the plot is actually a lot more intricate than that, but I'll let you watch it to find out >:) And even if you're not a fan of "cheese" (sorry if my mini-synopsis sounded cheesy) you still should watch it lol.

What I love about this movie is that it tests the importance of what we value in life. In comparison to Roger's suicide (that's his friend's name btw), does popularity, Jake's comfort zone, and reputation matter? Heck no. In fact, if Jake had taken the time to interact with Roger, it may have not turned out that way. It makes us realize that our pride, our social image, our whatever doesn't matter. This movie really reflects what Paul says in Philippians 3:7: "But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ."

Another thing is that I really enjoy is that this movie clears some misconceptions that people have about Christianity. It's not a stiff, narrow-minded religion, rather, it's a path of freedom (and LOOVVEE). Christianity isn't about a bunch of rules of having it all together, rather, it's about realizing that you'll never have it all together and that you need Jesus. Jake partied, got his girlfriend pregnant, swore in church, and the list goes on and on. He's definitely not a "model Christian," but that's totally irrelevant. He was still able to impact a lot of people, despite his own mistakes. 

For me personally, after reflecting back on last school year, I feel like I've been stagnant in my relationships with others. I didn't even take the time to care. And to think that there could be so many suffering people around me each day without me even knowing out of my ignorance...that really hits home. I feel that it's perfect timing that our youth group decided to show this movie the Friday before school starts, because it really sorts my priorities back in order :P Man, I am so excited for school to start. I can't wait to interact with everyone and hopefully support them, and fix whatever I didn't do last year.

If anyone ever reads this, stranger or friend, I want you to know that I will be here for you to the best of my ability. Email me anytime (I will love you overtime-Van Ness Wu's song!! But it's true). 

Just remember folks, Jesus loves you. It's so true.

Peace

Readin and Readin and Sleepin

I've been trying to start reading books again like a good girl (it has been difficult to be motivated due to the fact that I rarely go to the library) and here are my ratings for the books I've read this summer. 

The ratings go like this: How much I enjoyed it/the quality of it

The Great Gatsby: 9/9

You'll enjoy it more after watching the movie (the movie itself was sort of sucky, but Leonardo DiCaprio's emotional interpretation of Gatsby really transcends into the book). The symbolism, the timing, and the use of language was freaking perfect (thumbs up to Fitzgerald), but I would like it if he had added at least a teaspoon of emotion to the book. Emotionlessness sort of enhances the symbolism, but it takes away from Gatsby's longing and the desire of some readers to keep reading. You pretty much don't get attached to anyone or anything (unless you keep Leonardo in mind), but because of the other awesomeness it's definitely one of my favs.

The Help: 8/10

I enjoyed it, but I didn't get REALLY into it. It didn't make me think (Great Gatsby made me think...a lot), but the dialogue and the progression of the plot was very natural and the author nailed the mood of the book. It's super inspiring and all the characters were very well-fleshed out. A book that everyone should read (especially feminists. Lots of powerful females in here).

Perks of Being a Wallflower: 7/8

I love how the book is through Charlie's innocent lenses (ironic, since the events mostly deal with partying and drinking and yeah) and overall I just love Charlie's personality and character. However, I felt this book lacked focus; it covered a bunch of themes that teens go through, but it didn't take time to develop them. It had so much potential, but I felt like the plot ultimately fell flat (just like Farenheit 451). The ending had an interesting twist though.

Looking for Alaska: 10/10

Okay, I rated this next because it's so similar to Perks of Being a Wallflower, except it does everything that Perks messed up on right. OMG JOHN GREEN definitely deserves all the accolades and attention that people are literally showering on him right now. His language is exquisite (I never knew English was so beautiful until I read his stuff), his analogies really make you think, and the mood he set up was spot on. This book had a lot of focus (although, yes, it did deal with partying and drinking and yeah) and I really liked John Green's thoughts on the enigma of the labyrinth. Some of my friends don't like this book that much because they feel that the whole thing revolved around Alaska (a girl), however, I felt it's what Pudge (main character) learns from this whole experience that is the true center of the book. Anyhoo I really like Pudge and his dry sadistic view on life (especially in the first few pages haha he's funny). The only bothersome thing was that the characters' names were so funky! Like why Pudge out of all things D:

How to Save a Life: 6/7

Not to be associated with the song or the movie with the same title. Okay it was easy to grasp and heart warming, but there was nothing special about it. That's all. At some points it tried to be deep, but when the mood is already modernized and matter-of-fact, it don't work. The mood is the main problem with modern teenage books.

The Moon and More: 6/7

On the same caliber as How to Save a Life, except Sarah Dessen seems to be a lot more popular than the other author (who I forgot). This book didn't venture out into any creative directions. It was pretty much the same as all her other books except she switched up the location and the main characters' names. This book was a lot longer than her other books (420-ish pages, ugh why) because she tried to be deeper than usual. However, it didn't work with the mood she had already set up (I appreciate the effort though). It just doesn't fit, ya get what I mean? Don't put deep into a light-hearted summer novel unless it actually fits. A lot of tiny things annoyed me, but what annoyed me the most was how Dessen antagonizes her antagonists (yes, they are meant for antagonizing, but hear me out). Her antagonists have always been flat and predictable; always seeking the worst for the main character. It's so oversimplified to the point of unrealistic-ness, and that's what's so annoying. Obviously, the people labelled as "antagonists" change throughout her novels (for example, in this one, Emaline's dad, Ivy, Luke, and Theo all were antagonists at some point). While these people aren't being antagonists, their character is fleshed out well enough and they admit to having errors and are regular human beings. Then Dessen decides that they should be antagonists and these people become stubborn, narrow-minded, and become blind to their faults. Which gives the protagonist a clearly defined reason to shun these people out (which also annoys me! In this sense, the protagonist is equally narrow-minded, but since she's the protagonist, Dessen assumes that they should be pardoned). Okay yeah done me rant.

Up next...

The Cuckoo's Calling

The Host

Wuthering Heights

Persuasion

Stuff 

God Bless

We love because He first loved us-I think this is paraphrased from like Paul or someone

But it's true

These two posts took me two hours

See what I mean by writing slowly?

Good night

Updates on lyf

Hello Minions. I notice that I haven't been updating this blog recently, partially due to the facts that 1) Everything I do takes a loonngg time (except eating, which I'm quite adept at), so writing takes a lot of perseverance 2) My mom has been super nit picky about my SAT preparation lately 3) I'm good at distracting myself 4) I'm just too lazy okay

A few updates on stuff and hopefully tomorrow I'll be recapping again like a good? girl :)

-Internet Icon Season 2 came to a close on July 27th, 2013 hosted by Chris Riedell and judged by Ryan Higa, Christine Lakin, and Timothy DeLaGhetto. The original 10 contestants (well more since there were lots of groupies) were invited back for a Q & A session (awks but good). The Fu Bros and Lana McKissack (runner ups for last season) had a special performance of "Internet Icon Blues," one of The Fu's best songs in my opinion (super funny if you get the references). Out of the Kloons (clad in hippie wear), Bad Weather Films (clad in wanna-be-gangsta wear), and Matthias (clad in black), Matthias was declared the winner (my prediction was right yaaayy). However, I did agree with the judges on the fact that Bad Weather's final video was the best (it was funny, but I felt that's because they struck lucky). Will Pacarro was declared fan favorite, which means that he'll have the unique opportunity to stick around for next season as well. He's a Christian boi, so he pointed upwards with a shocked look on his face when his name was said. I'm glad he got fan fav (I thought he was super entertaining), however, I think if he wants a chance at winning next year, he's got to pull his act together. He needs some serious cleaning up to do in terms of his production quality and timing each of his jokes (and overall sharpening his strong suits). The kid's got a lot to work with, so I hope he continuously improves in...the six or so months he has left until next season. But congrats Matthias. You cool.

Watch the Finale here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5B7VEcIT8mM

-Joe Cheng has thoroughly impressed me with his acting chops in ISWAK and TKA (his attractiveness in TKA nearly rivals Ethan Ruan's, which is saying a LOT!). They Kiss Again is definitely the best sequel I've ever encountered (including both books and movies; just entertainment in general). Xiang Qin and Zhi Shu are just soo squishy-ly cute. I was apprehensive about it after watching the first two episodes (then again, I'm always skeptical when starting new dramas), but things just looked up from there. Obviously, this drama is not for everyone (for example, feminists may find it offensive), however, you cannot deny its captivating spark. Nevertheless, I've been turned into a committed ARJOE FAN. Watching their interviews are the best because it really acts as a crossover from reel life to real life. And they just balance each other out so perfectly; Joe loves talking and Ariel is reflective. Both are fans of literature and deep thoughts. I believe that Joe used to have feerings for Ariel (he has heavily hinted [look at that, 4 words that begin with h in a row!] this in many interviews), which is super cute. Check out iswakfansubs for many examples of these interviews as well as their real life stuff together.
As for their third collab, Love or Bread, it was funny, but that's pretty much it. It had no memorable moments to it and I really disliked how the director kept making Joe and Ariel do extremely exaggerated expressions and actions (I know it's part of the Taiwanese drama style, but it was wayy too overdone in my opinion). Check it out if you want, but it really ruins your image of the mysterious but chivalrous Zhi Shu.

-Van Ness Wu has officially applied for marriage with his long-time girlfriend Arissa Cheo on August 9th. He announced it online yesterday (which is Chinese Valentine's Day, so happy lovahs day!) with a "composite picture" of them as kids! I'm so excited for him; he's such a great example of a man after God's own heart and he's finally getting married to the woman of his dreams. They filed their application in Singapore (where the bride is from), so it'll take 21 days before their application is approved. Van Ness has stated that he wants kids, so I can't wait until Arissa gives him a bunch of Xiao Les (Autumn's Concerto!)! Ever since Van Ness released his single, "Marry Me," it's been pretty obvious that he's had intentions of puttin' a ring on Arissa's finger. So it's great that he's finally done it. God bless their marriage!

They Kiss Again Ep 1 Recap

Yay! Sequel Time!
First time doing a recap so no guarantees. Let's see how this goes.

We begin with Xiang Qin and Zhi Shu (or should I say Mrs. and Mr. Jiang) on an airplane, heading towards their honeymoon destination, Guam! Zhi Shu is sleeping and Xiang Qin is wishing for something fun to happen. She pulls out her videocamera and re-watches their photo shoot from their marriage (photo shoot must have been at a different time because Zhi Shu is wearing the tux and Xiang Qin the dress!). She reflects on those "happy" memories of Zhi Shu's refusal to smile for the camera, as well as his mother taking pictures of...them taking pictures (stalker mode to the max).

She decides to find a way to play their video on the airplane's projector, so she goes to the plane attendants to ask. Thinking that they will refuse, Xiang Qin quickly fabricates a story that her husband has a fatal disease and doesn't have much time left to live. Then their video gets played in front of their whole cabin :D! When Zhi Shu finds out, he's annoyed, but the couple behind them (Ah Qiao and Mary) thinks it's cute. Everyone lands, and Zhi Shu goes to the bathroom and tells Xiang Qin to get the luggage and wait for the shuttle bus to come. Xiang Qin thinks Zhi Shu is saying "xia tou" (which is prawn head is chinese lolll), so she goes with Ah Qiao and Mary to the first bus she sees. The driver can only speak English, and since he says "Yes" when Xiang Qin asks him if he's "xiao tou," they all get on. The bus starts to leave, and Ah Qiao, Mary, and Xiang Qin tell the bus driver to stop because Zhi Shu isn't back yet.

Zhi Shu runs into the bus and apologizes to the bus driver in English, saying that his wife accidentally got on the wrong vehicle. They get to their hotel room, and Xiang Qin excitedly lies down on the bed. When Zhi Shu and Xiang Qin go outside, they realize that Ah Qiao and Mary (who are engaged btw) are staying in the room next to them!

Later, Zhi Shu & Xiang Qin go play volleyball, and of course Mary and Ah Qiao have to tag along. Someone keeps hitting balls at Mary, and it turns out it's Zhi Shu's family! They've come to witness Zhi Shu's honeymoon!

Meanwhile, Ah Jin is acting mopey over the fact that Xiang Qin is on her honeymoon. Ah Cai tells him to take a vacation, and that he'll pay for the expenses. Ah Jin goes no other place but Guam, where he unexpectedly sees Xiang Qin.

Zhi Shu is acting indifferent as usual (marriage has obviously not changed his personality), and Xiang Qin asks him in the hotel room whether his water stopped boiling (aka whether he doesn't like her anymore). This is how Zhi Shu responds:

Their peace is soon interrupted by Mary and Ah Qiao, who come in to play cards until Xiang Qin falls asleep. Mary keeps hitting on Zhi Shu. Poor Xiang Qin. Mary, Ah Qiao, Zhi Shu, and Xiang Qin go to lover's cape, where it is said that if you put a lock on the rail, then your love will last forever. Xiang Qin is prepared with her mega-lock, but little does she know that Mary locked her lock on their lock (basically M&AQ lock is on ZS&XQ lock).

Mary throws the key far away before Xiang Qin can do anything about it.

Then they all go swimming. Mary insists that Zhi Shu teaches her how to swim, and playfully flirts with him in her bikini. Xiang Qin is sad and jealous, and asks Ah Qiao why would he let his fiancee chase after another guy. Ah Qiao says that he's been chasing Mary for seven years, which sparks Xiang Qin's interest, and this leads to Xiang Qin saying that Mary is frivolous and Ah Qiao begins comparing Mary's figure to Xiang Qin's. Xiang Qin is insulted and tells him to apologize, but he carries her and tells her to apologize. Zhi Shu and Mary look on from the water, Zhi Shu obviously affected and Mary obviously not.

All four eat together and dance, etc. Xiang Qin is still extremely jealous of Mary and thinks that Zhi Shu has fallen for her. At night, Ah Qiao tells Zhi Shu that Mary has a stomachache and since he's in med school, he should come take a look.

Zhi Shu touches Mary's stomach and asks her where it hurts. Xiang Qin tells him to not touch her, but Zhi Shu says that if she gets jealous so easily, then maybe they weren't meant to be. He then tells her to get some medicine (bad idea bro). She angrily leaves. Ah Qiao goes a little while after to help her. With them alone, Mary tells Zhi Shu that she doesn't really have a stomachache and if only they had met earlier and fallen in love, how nice that would've been. Zhi Shu retorts by saying he would never fall in love with her and Xiang Qin is 1000000000 times better ( Zhi Shu why don't you say that when Xiang Qin's around?). It turns out that Ah Qiao has already come back and has heard everything, and begins reprimanding Mary. After Ah Qiao says he couldn't find Xiang Qin, Zhi Shu sets off the find her. He gets his parents from their hotel room to help him (who didn't know that Zhi Shu knew that they were there).

A man follows Xiang Qin and tries to help her. She doesn't know what he's saying, so she thinks
he's a bad guy and starts freaking out.

At the same time, Ah Jin sees her across the street and tries to help her, but that's illegal and he gets sent to jail.

Xiang Qin is sent to the police station and a policeman asks her for her passport. The only thing Xiang Qin can comprehend is the word "Pa" (which is lie down in Chinese), and she freaks out again and starts to cry. Zhi Shu comes in and apologizes to the policemen. The policemen say that they thought that Xiang Qin was a lost elementary school kid, so that's why they brought her in. When Zhi Shu tells her this, she starts lecturing them in Chinese (pretty funny since they don't know what she's saying). Outside, Zhi Shu shows her the word "Police" and tells her that it's a police station. He makes her repeat the word several times.

At dawn, Xiang Qin and Zhi Shu go outside. Zhi Shu says he's so glad that she's okay. Then he starts kissing her.

I think you can fill in the blanks of what happened next. If you're not sure, just go watch the episode! But thank goodness Zhi Shu isn't acting all cranky and Zhi-Shu-like anymore.

Xiang Qin and Zhi Shu check out the church that Mary and Ah Qiao are going to get married at. Xiang Qin says that they should have another wedding since this church is so pretty. Zhi Shu is amused at this and Xiang Qin asks him if it's okay if they are still married when they're old. Zhi Shu tells her she needs to have confidence and that they'll be together. YAYY

Mary and Ah Qiao's wedding is in English so they don't know what the pastor is saying. It's actually quite funny. Anyway, Zhi Shu translates it to Xiang Qin and Xiang Qin regrets having them switch wedding attire and asks Zhi Shu if they can have another wedding. Zhi Shu cheekily replies, "If that's the case, I'm not sure if I want you to be the female lead." This causes Xiang Qin to exclaim really loudly, so the audience laughs at her. Zhi Shu then tells Xiang Qin he will take her somewhere special.

THE ENDDDD